For every problem...every anxiety...

This morning I woke up to things just not going right. There has been an overarching theme as of late that seems to tempt my natural propensity to lose heart and freak out in times like this. I like to fix problems and get to the bottom of things and sometimes, that causes me to rely on my own strength and not on the strength of our Heavenly Father. He is the one who is in control. When we as believers consistently talk about God's Sovereignty but find it hard to believe what we know in our heads, say with our mouths, this is an exercise in faith. The truth is, the news that I've been receiving lately has been very demoralizing and when you continue to get news about things that should be in place that aren't...repeatedly, it hurts, it's confusing, it's discouraging. That is why I wanted to share this prayer for today. I opened the devotional for today and this simple prayer reminded me of whom I could go to for strength, whom I could go for encouragement, whom I could extend my arms to and know that I can be carried out of this season, intact and unscathed. So today I am choosing to place my complete trust in Jesus. I am relinquishing my frustrations and worries over to the Creater of All things, the Sustainer. If you're reading this and find yourself in a similar place, I hope I can encourage you with this simple reminder. We are now our own, we don't have dominion over our lives. We belong to Jesus. To me, that is such a relief. I find comfort and rest in that. Hope you can too. I am reminded by the rich promises in Romans 5:1-5
"1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we[a]have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we[b] rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but we[c] also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."

Lord, I give thanks for this day, I give thanks for another opportunity to live out my faith and live out what it means to trust in you. Thank you for reminding me of your Greatness and your provisions through this loving reminder through scripture and through prayer.

Today's Prayer

For every problem, every anxiety, every temptation, every sin in my life, there is a deliverer--Jesus Christ! Thank you, God, for your sacrifice, your love, your way to reach down and pull me up. Please forgive me and help me to stand sure-footed and steady on the Rock of my salvation and not to slip and fall into the mire of the world. Please, be in control of my life...and I know everything will be all right. In Jesus' name, amen.

Have a blessed day everyone,
MEL

How to make your Anger productive...excerpt from Dr. Gary Chapman

How do we approach the very powerful emotion of anger in such a way that helps us respond in a biblical and productive way? It is easy for us to accept the consequences of our anger when we justify it from a place of entitlement. How can we contribute to the success in the outcome of a situation that has provoked anger within us and most of all...How do we respond in such a way that honors God? I think Dr. Chapman's approach is spot on. Next time you find yourself angry, stop and ask how you can turn the situation around for the good of everyone involved.

MEL

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"I'm Feeling Angry"

When you are angry, the first positive step is to admit to yourself that you are angry. Say aloud, "I'm feeling angry." The second step is to ask God to help you handle your anger in a positive way. "Lord, help me to do what is right and good with my anger." The third step is to ask, "Did someone sin against me?" If so, the biblical answer is to lovingly confront the person and seek reconciliation.

On the other hand, if you are angry simply because something happened that irritates you, ask "What can I learn from this experience?" If the other person habitually arrives late for your appointment, perhaps you can talk with them and negotiate change. Thus the anger has served a positive purpose. God wants to teach you how to handle your anger in a godly way.

When you are angry, be sure to get the facts before you take action. You hear your spouse tell someone on the phone, "I'll be there tomorrow night." You know that tomorrow night is your date night, so you get angry. Before you storm in and say something harsh, take time to ask, "Did I hear you promise someone to do something tomorrow night?" Your spouse says, "Yes, I told mom I'd bring her blanket by. I thought we could do it either before or after we go out to eat."

Your anger subsides because you took time to get the facts. Often we jump to conclusions about what someone said or did, and we accuse them in anger. We ruin a perfectly good evening because we failed to ask questions.



Adapted from Anger: Handling a Powerful Emotion in a Healthy Way by Dr. Gary Chapman. To find out more about Dr. Chapman's resources, visit www.fivelovelanguages.com.

Devotional thoughts on Responding Biblically to Adversity

Today's Prayer

God, When I remember the story of Joseph's life, I realize how you want so much more for me than I could ever dream of. I also see how you can turn what man means for evil into what you mean for good. Please bring this to my mind whenever I'm feeling doubt and confusion; whenever I'm feeling oppressed and alone; whenever I'm feeling unjustly treated; whenever I think that I don't have something I need. I know that you are in control. I pray that I will always allow you to do your work and that I will not interfere in your plans for me. Please give me strength and fill me with your desires for me. Thank you, loving Father. In Jesus' name, amen.


Responses to Adversity
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman
06-08-2009

"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior" (Hab. 3:17-18).

When we experience adversity, we generally respond in one of three ways: (1) we become angry; (2) we try to gut it out; or (3) we accept it with joy.
Anger
When adversity comes our way, we say, "Why me, Lord?" We become bitter and resentful and blame God and others for our problems. We view ourselves as victims and demand that God answer our accusing questions: "Why don't You love me, Lord? We feel entitled to life, health, wealth, and happiness.
Gutting It Out
Another way we respond to adversity is by adopting a stoic attitude, repressing our emotions. We lie to ourselves and say, "I'm gutting it out. I'm demonstrating endurance." In reality, we are merely isolating ourselves with a shell of false bravado. We don't meditate on God's love, we don't pray, we don't believe God really has anything good planned for us. We simply tell ourselves, "This will soon be over. I'm a survivor." We never receive what God has planned for us if we stay here.
Acceptance with Joy
This is the response God seeks from us. When adversity comes, we rest in His love and trust that He knows best. We realize that nothing can happen to us without His permission. If there is pain in our lives, we know it's because God deems it necessary for our growth or wishes to use our pain to minister to others.
God revealed to the prophet Habakkuk that Israel was soon to be invaded by the Babylonians. Habakkuk knew that Israel was about to suffer intense adversity as part of God's loving discipline of His people. Habakkuk faced the looming national tragedy with an attitude of acceptance with joy.
If Habakkuk could be joyful in the face of a national calamity, then we can rejoice in the Lord no matter what comes our way.

Healthy Summer Eats!

Summer time really lends itself to promoting healthy eating. Inherently our bodies crave fruits, vegetables especially now and since we look for reasons to be outdoors, grilling instantaneously becomes our prefered method of cooking. It is for me anyway! Grilling just makes food taste better and let's face it, there is nothing tastier or friendlier for your waistline than a salad with tons of freshly chopped veggies, fruits and lean protein! Here are a couple of great meals under 200calories: Bon Appetit!

Marinated Flank Steak
Serves: 8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition Score per serving:
Nutrition score per serving: 179 calories, 11 g fat (55% of calories), 3 g saturated fat, 1 g carbs, 19 g protein, 0 g fiber, 287 mg sodium

Ingredients1 1 1/2- to 2-pound beef flank steak
1/4 cup chopped fresh rosemary or 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
1 tablespoon chopped fresh marjoram or 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried oregano
3 cloves garlic, minced (1 1/2 teaspoons)
1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Directions
1. Trim fat from meat. Score both sides of steak in a diamond pattern by making shallow cuts at 1-inch intervals; set aside. In a small bowl, stir together rosemary, marjoram, oregano, garlic, paprika, kosher salt, crushed red pepper, and black pepper. Stir in the oil until combined.

2. Spoon herb mixture evenly over both sides of steak; rub in with your fingers. Place steak in a shallow dish. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour, or overnight.

3. If you're using a charcoal grill, place meat on the rack of an uncovered grill directly over medium coals. Grill for 17 to 21 minutes or until medium doneness (160°F), turning once halfway through grilling. (If you're using a gas grill, preheat grill. Reduce heat to medium. Place meat on grill rack over heat. Cover and cook as above.)

4. Transfer grilled meat to a cutting board. Cover and let stand for 10 minutes. To serve, slice very thinly across the grain.

~~~~~

Wild Mushroom and Tomato Ragout with Polenta
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition Score per serving:
(2/3 cup polenta, 2/3 cup ragout): 164 calories, 5 g fat (26% of calories), 1 g saturated fat, 26 g carbs, 4 g protein, 2 g fiber, 55 mg calcium, 2 mg iron, 177 mg sodium

Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 shallot, peeled and thinly sliced
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon tomato paste
2 cups sliced assorted mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, and oyster)
3 ½ cups low-sodium vegetable broth, divided
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary (or ½ teaspoon dried)
1 teaspoon chopped fresh sage (or ¼ teaspoon dried)
2/3 cup quick-cooking polenta
2 tablespoons shaved Parmesan

Directions
•Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add shallot and vinegar and cook for 2 minutes. Add tomato paste and mushrooms; cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
•Pour in ½ cup broth, bring to a boil, and reduce to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes. Add grape tomatoes and cook 5 more minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
•Bring 3 cups of broth, rosemary, and sage to a boil in a medium saucepan. Slowly pour in polenta. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for 4 to 5 minutes until mixture thickens.
•Spoon polenta into four bowls and top each with a portion of ragout and a sprinkling of Parmesan.

~~~
Smoked Salmon Salad With Grapefruit and Avocado
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 7 minutes
Cook Time: n/a
Nutrition Score per serving:
Nutrition score per serving (14 of salad): 169 calories, 28% fat (5.5 g; 1g saturated), 55% carbs (24 g), 17% protein (7.5 g), 4 g fiber, 61 mg calcium, 1mg iron, 582 mg sodium.

Ingredients
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons grated orange peel
2 teaspoons honey
2 teaspoons olive oil
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
6 cups mixed baby greens
23 cup thinly sliced red onion
4 ounces sliced smoked salmon (lox)
16 peeled ruby grapefruit segments (available prepared in produce department, or use 1 1/2 grapefruits)
14 avocado, peeled, pitted and cut into thin wedges

Directions
Whisk vinegar, orange peel and honey in a large bowl to blend. Gradually whisk in oil, then add salt and pepper. Add baby greens and onion and toss to coat with dressing.

Arrange salmon on one half of a platter and mound greens on other half. Arrange grapefruit segments and avocado wedges around edges of platter.


~RECIPES FOUND ON SELF MAGAZINE.COM~

To Blog or Not to Blog...That is the Question.

Do you follow blogs? Do you blog yourself or are you thinking about starting one up? Read this article I came across in the Boundless Webzine. It tackles a lot of the heart issues pertaining to the cost vs. benefit of reading or writing blogs. Ultimately we should ask ourselves who our blogs benefit and most of all...who does it honor? This was a balanced approach to an issue that is very relevant and an overall helpful article. I hope you walk away with as much as I did. Blessings! ~MEL

P.S. I had some issues with embedding the link (this is not the first time this has happened) so here is the the Url: http://www.boundless.org/2005/articles/a0001340.cfm

For the Tape Your Eyelids Open Kind of Mondays...

Mondays are hard. Let's be real about this fact. It's a jolt back into the work week and the inevitable start to activities that comprise our overbooked calendars. I don't think I need coffee more than I find myself needing it on Monday mornings in order to hit the ground running. This Monday I decided to pick up coffee for my coworkers. My friend and coworker L.S. was up all night with her child and despite this fact, managed to drag herself into work. Mom's like L.S. are heroes...but this Monday I was hers!!!! L.S. referenced the Tom and Gerry clip above to describe how tired she was. Enjoy!!! For all you hard working peops out there, don't forget to stop and take moments to enjoy life. Simple pleasures like coffee on a Monday morning (as necessary as it may be), a clip from you tube that makes you pee your pants from laughter, time in God's word and time in prayer. Whatever it may be...stop to enjoy it and relish it and above all, give thanks for those moments. Trust me, you won't remember the excessively busy moments, but the ones that brought you a little joy and a moment of serenity are the ones that will get you through life.

~ MEL

Meditations on Good Friday

The moment I opened my eyes today, I asked God to keep me fixed on HIM. I knew that the day would bring about a lot of activity and I did not want to lose sight of nor did I want to neglect the significance of Good Friday. As I hunkered into the Word of God today, I found myself wanting to know what was going on in the mind of Jesus, what his priorities were leading up to His arrest which ultimately led to His death on the cross. Of course my heart was heavy laden with thoughts of what our Savior endured on our behalf, but I was also incredibly encouraged and grateful for His prayer interceding for himself, his disciples and all who believe in the Good News of Jesus Christ. I read John 17 in it's entirety and I was so moved by the strength and compassion of our Lord in the very face of what was to come. I see Jesus pleading on our behalf and I can't even comprehend how complete His love for us is. I'll leave you with this "Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them" ~John17:25-26. That was the desire of our Mighty Savior, our Great Redeemer. So as you mourn his death, I pray that you would be encouraged by the words of Jesus as we move into what we know is to come. We anticipate celebration! It was finished this Good day, this Very Good Friday. May the Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ dwell in your hearts this day and always.

~Mel

JOHN Chapter 17

Jesus Prays for Himself
1After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. 2For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. 3Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. 4I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. 5And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.

Jesus Prays for His Disciples
6"I have revealed you[a] to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. 7Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. 8For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. 9I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. 10All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. 11I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one. 12While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled. 13"I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. 14I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17Sanctify[b] them by the truth; your word is truth. 18As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.

Jesus Prays for All Believers
20"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: 23I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 24"Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. 25"Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. 26I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them."

Prayer for Healing

I pray for the lonely, the disillusioned, the broken hearted and the lost. Father may you mend the wounds that gape, leaving them exposed to the ensnarement...the entanglement of discouragement, sin and the lies from the enemy. Would you take them into your grip and draw them ever nearer to you? Surround them with words of encouragement and healing from your Holy Spirit through loved ones and friends or even a kind word from a stranger, an agent of your mercy. Have compassion and pour your tender mercies upon them. I ask that your healing salve be ministered upon them and the sweetness of your presence bring comfort and peace. Would you please bring them out of darkness and replace their discontentment and brokeness with a joy that surpasses all understanding.

I pray this in the Precious name of Jesus, AMEN.

~With All My Love,
MEL

By Who's Might?

If you find yourself striving, if you find yourself weary,if you are tarrying in hope, may this prayer bring you comfort. May it make haste in reminding you that we needn't rely on our own strength to sustain us. We will tire...we will lose steam and eventually our efforts will leave us devoid of the life that was well intentioned to glorify HIM at that rate. May your faith and the source of your strength be that of an Oak...firmly planted and rooted in HIM. ~MEL

"Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit," says the Lord Almighty.
~ Zechariah 4:6~

Lord, empower me by Your Spirit today. I do not want to do anything out of vanity or just trying to "climb every mountain" on my own. I long to be led by Your Spirit, not by human initiative and man-inspired positive thinking. Please help me to be a positive, joyful person, full of Your Spirit, inspired by Your Word, and busy about Your work as I go through daily life. I pray that all I do will glorify You and be evidence of Your power and Your might and Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Food for Thought followed by: Wild Fried Rice Recipe

So I know that this may be a cop out as far as posts go...such is my life right now. It was kindly pointed out to me that it's been a LONG time since my last post. Oh for shame! ;) I'm coming off of an insanely busy season...yet again. It feels good to take a moment and complete a thought, capture it even. Around the time I turned 30, I decided it was necessary to re-gauge my life canisters for mind, body, soul and spirit. I realized that some areas were full to the brim and others...depleted virtually dry. In an effort to steward my temple better, I got back on my work out routine and eating plan. If you eat a clean diet, it leaves you some wiggle room for days where nothing short of a burger will cut it. I realize that as someone who enjoys cooking, this may come easier to me than for some. However, stepping outside of the box and committing yourself to rolling up your sleeves and preparing a good meal for yourself doesn't just keep extra lb.'s at bay. I've found that intrinsically when there is a concerted effort put in to achieve balance in one area...one cannot help but to find that it postures itself into all areas!

It can be easy to chalk up our bodies as just a temporary and fleeting shell, but consider this, we are made in God's image. I'll say it again, we are made in God's image. Therefore it does matter very much how you treat your temple because HE intentioned us to do much with our bodies for his Kingdom work. By effect, we honor HIM by honoring the temple with which HE has blessed us.

Eating well does not mean you have to sacrifice taste and flavor. Eating well means that you are being intentional about what you are putting into your body. It means you care. Sometimes it's just a matter of cutting out certain ingredients in your favorite recipes and substituting healthier ones in. I love fried rice for example. I'm Korean...us Asians have to use up rice that is beyond a day old. That's essentially where Fried Rice came from. You don't get good Fried Rice by using freshly prepared rice. That would be disastrous! You may be nodding your heads in agreement if you've ever made that mistake. :) Anyway, I digress! Below you will find a wonderfully healthy take on Fried Rice. You can take liberties on this recipe. Feel free to add any lean meat of your choice like Chicken Breast, Pork tenderloin, Shrimp or beef tenderloin. You can also add in spinach, chinese brocoli or bok choy for some greens rich in iron, vitamins and a good source of added fiber. The recipe as it stands is vegetarian, but so good. I'm a fan of meat...but sometimes it's good to give your liver a break! :) Wild rice will give this recipe a nutty, crunchy/chewy texture that will dance in your mouth, but you can certainly use brown rice as well! Have some chili garlic sambali sauce on the side or throw it in while you wok toss your dish for a major KICK! ENJOY and remember...honor thy temple for it is the dwelling place of the Lord.

~Mel
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Wild Fried Rice Recipe

Use your widest skillet here to get the eggs as thin as possible. Sometimes I brown the tofu first, sometimes I use it raw, and just toss it in the skillet toward the end to heat it up.
1 scant tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1 scant tablespoon olive oil
3 - 4 good quality eggs, well beaten with a big pinch of salt
1 small red onion, finely chopped
1 1/2 cups cooked wild rice
6 ounces extra-firm nigari tofu, cut into 1/2-inch cubes, raw or browned in a skillet ahead of time
2 big handfuls of pea sprouts, chopped green beans or peas
1+ tablespoon tamari or soy sauce
In a large, clean skillet, heat the toasted sesame and olive oil. When they are nice and hot (but not too hot!), pour the eggs into the pan, count to ten, then gently swirl the pan to create a thin layer of egg evenly distribute across the pan. Cook this thin omelette for about 45 seconds or until it sets up. Fold the eggs over on themselves and cook for another 30 seconds or so (but avoid scorching) before transferring to a cutting board. Let it cool a bit, then slice into strips. Set aside.
Don't bother cleaning the skillet outright, just scrape or wipe out any remaining egg. There should still be enough residual oil to cook the onions over medium high heat for a minute or so. Stir in the wild rice and tofu and cook until heated. Now stir in the pea sprouts, and cook for 20 seconds. Gently add the eggs back into the skillet and finish by adding the tamari. Use a spatula to stir until the tamari works its way around the pan. Taste, and adjust - more salt (or tamari), or maybe a pinch of red pepper flakes...
Serves 2-3 as a main.