Sunday Chat: Living Your Purpose

And instead of worshiping the glorious, 

ever-living God, 

they worshiped idols made to look 

like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles. 

Romans 1:23 

Have nothing to do with godless myths 

and old wives’ tales; 

rather, train yourself to be godly. 

1 Timothy 4:7 

Your heart is a factory of idols, 

and "gradually" we start focusing 

on something else..it isn't intentional. 

We have to focus on Christ. 

Where Do I Spend My Time? 

Where Do I Spend My Money?  

Where Do I Get My Joy?  

Where Are My Thoughts?

 Dear friends, I warn you as 

“temporary residents and foreigners” 

to keep away from worldly desires 

that wage war against your very souls. 

1 Peter 2:11 

 

“No one can serve two masters. 

For you will hate one and love the other; 

you will be devoted to one and despise the other. 

You cannot serve God 

and be enslaved to money. 

Matthew 6:24 

I have given them your word. 

And the world hates them because 

they do not belong to the world, 

just as I do not belong to the world. 

I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, 

but to keep them safe from the evil one. 

They do not belong to this world any more than I do.  

John 17:14-16 

Their loyalty is divided between 

God and the world, 

and they are unstable in everything they do. 

James 1:8 

Seek and set your affections on things above 

Colossians 3:2 

Rejoice always, 

pray without ceasing, 

give thanks in all circumstances; 

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 

Guard your heart above all else, 

for it determines the course of your life. 

Proverbs 4:23 

For to me, 

living means living for Christ, 

and dying is even better. 

Philippians 1:21 

Yes, we are fully confident, 

and we would rather be 

away from these earthly bodies, 

for then we will be at home with the Lord. 

2 Corinthians 5:8 

If we live, we live for the Lord; 

and if we die, we die for the Lord. 

So, whether we live or die, 

we belong to the Lord. 

Romans 14:8 

 

I have been crucified with Christ 

and I no longer live, 

but Christ lives in me. 

The life I now live in the body, 

I live by faith in the Son of God, 

who loved me and gave himself for me. 

Galatians 2:20 

 

 Whoever finds their life will lose it, 

and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it. 

Matthew 10:39 

 

Throw off your old sinful nature 

and your former way of life, 

which is corrupted by lust and deception. 

Instead, let the Spirit renew 

your thoughts and attitudes.

Put on your new nature, 

created to be like God -- truly righteous and holy. 

Ephesians 4:22-24 

Since you have been raised to 

new life with Christ, 

set your sights on the realities of heaven, 

where Christ sits in the place of honor 

at God’s right hand. 

Think about the things of heaven, 

not the things of earth. 

For you died to this life, 

and your real life is hidden 

with Christ in God. 

And when Christ, 

who is your life, 

is revealed to the whole world, 

you will share in all his glory. 

Put to death, therefore, 

whatever belongs to your earthly nature 

Colossians 3 :1-5 

 Put on your new nature, 

and be renewed 

as you learn to know your Creator 

and become like him 

Colossians 3:10 

Let the message about Christ, 

in all its richness, fill your lives. 

Teach and counsel each other 

with all the wisdom he gives. 

Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs 

to God with thankful hearts. 

And whatever you do or say, 

do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, 

giving thanks through him to God the Father. 

Colossians 3:16-17 

Elle's Easy Caesar Salad Recipe

 This is such a quick easy caesar salad dressing. Not only is it great on romaine but, love it on chicken..

Ingredients

1 egg1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dijon mustard1 tsp dijon mustard
1/4 C parmesan cheese¼ C parmesan cheese
1 1/2 tsp anchovy paste1 ½ tsp anchovy paste
3/4 C olive oil¾ C olive oil

Steps

Combine all except olive oil till smooth (in food processor or I just do it with a fork by hand). Slowly drizzle in olive oil while continuing to combine till smooth and thick.Combine all except olive oil till smooth (in food processor or I just do it with a fork by hand). Slowly drizzle in olive oil while continuing to combine till smooth and thick.
Serve over romaine lettuce, parmesan, croutons (see keto crouton recipe if you want keto version) and bacon if desired. Dressing keeps in the fridge for a few days.

Homemade Dog Food for ~$20/month

This is the recipe that I make for our Golden Retriever Maggie who is 60 lbs. I watch the sales for meats and usually find whole chicken for $0.88/lb and then add any other meats I have gotten on sale from my freezer.

Ingredients

4 lbs ground beef4 lbs ground beef
1 whole roasted chicken 1 whole roasted chicken or 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
turkey, lamb, pork or other meat ground or cubed (optional)turkey, lamb, pork or other meat ground or cubed (optional)
1 C rice1 C rice
carrotscarrots
broccolibroccoli
spinach, optionalspinach, optional
celery, optionalcelery, optional
Shredded cabbageShredded cabbage
6 hard boiled eggs, chopped6 hard boiled eggs, chopped

Steps

Dice up all the fresh veggiesDice up all the fresh veggies
Brown the beef and drain off most of the fat in a colanderBrown the beef and drain off most of the fat in a colander
WHOLE CHICKEN: Pull out the organs (neck, gizzard and liver) from the cavity. Throw away the neck. Put the organs and the whole chicken in a large pot and 3/4 cover with water (to make a broth with 6-8 cups of water). Bring to boil then turn down to a simmer.WHOLE CHICKEN: Pull out the organs (neck, gizzard and liver) from the cavity. Throw away the neck. Put the organs and the whole chicken in a large pot and ¾ cover with water (to make a broth with 6 to 8 cups of water). Bring to boil then turn down to a simmer.
CHICKEN BREASTS: Put in a pot with about 6 C water (to slightly cover) and bring to a boil and then turn down to a simmerCHICKEN BREASTS: Put in a pot with about 6 C water (to slightly cover) and bring to a boil and then turn down to a simmer
When cooked (about 1 hour for the whole chicken and 35 minutes for chicken breasts), remove chicken and let cool enough to handle. Remove all the bones, skin, etcWhen cooked (about 1 hour for the whole chicken and 35 minutes for chicken breasts), remove chicken and let cool enough to handle. Remove all the bones, skin, etc
Add 1 cups of long grain brown rice to the broth and let simmer for 25 minutes, then add all the veggies and cook another 20 minutes.Add 1 cups of long grain brown rice to the broth and let simmer for 25 minutes, then add all the veggies and cook another 20 minutes.
When veggies are cooked, only then divide veg/rice mixture between two large pots. Mix in meat and eggs evenly between the two pots. If needed, simmer to get any remaining liquid to absorbWhen veggies are cooked, only then divide veg/rice mixture between two large pots. Mix in meat and eggs evenly between the two pots. If needed, simmer to get any remaining liquid to absorb
Let cool and put in individual quart baggies and freeze.Let cool and put in individual quart baggies and freeze.
We still feed about 3/4 to 1 cup of kibble with about 3/4 cup of the homemade x twice a day (feel the ribs to know if their weight is good and adjust the quantity accordingly). I think dogs need the crunch of the kibble to keep their teeth clean. It also makes it easier to transition to just kibble if we can't give her the homemade food (due to traveling or she has to stay at the vets, etc.) I also think variety is good.We still feed about ¾ to 1 cup of kibble with about ¾ cup of the homemade x twice a day (feel the ribs to know if their weight is good and adjust the quantity accordingly). I think dogs need the crunch of the kibble to keep their teeth clean. It also makes it easier to transition to just kibble if we can't give her the homemade food (due to traveling or she has to stay at the vets, etc.) I also think variety is good.

Notes

Quantities are estimates but you want to shoot for the mix of 70% meat, 20% veg, 10% rice  

How To Make Eggshell Calcium Supplement For Your Dog - Fast & Easy

 If you feed your pet homemade food, you need to be sure to supplement calcium. You can buy a supplement like this one or you can make your own. This is a very simple recipe and unlike most supplements, doesn't flavor the dogs food.

Ingredients

One dozen or more eggshellsOne dozen eggshells

Steps

Collect washed eggshells in the refrigeratorCollect washed eggshells in the refrigerator
until you have a dozen or enough to fill a cookie sheet.until you have a dozen or enough to fill a cookie sheet.
Eggshells will begin to dry while in the refrigerator.Eggshells will begin to dry while in the refrigerator.
Preheat oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.Preheat oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Spread the eggshells on a cookie sheet and bakeSpread the eggshells on a cookie sheet and bake
10-15 minutes.10 to 15 minutes.
If you washed the eggshells shortly before baking, allow extra baking time. Eggshells must be completely dry before grinding.If you washed the eggshells shortly before baking, allow extra baking time. Eggshells must be completely dry before grinding.
Grind the eggshells in a clean coffee grinder or a blender until all large pieces are ground to a powder. A mortar and pestle is also a great way to grind to a powder.Grind the eggshells in a clean coffee grinder or a blender until all large pieces are ground to a powder. A mortar and pestle is also a great way to grind to a powder.
Store in a lidded jar in the fridge.Store in a lidded jar.
Give 1/8 tsp per 10 lb weightGive ⅛ tsp per 10 lb weight
Since we also give dry kibble food, we only give 1/4 tsp in each meal for our 60 lb Golden Retriever (as the dry kibble is also supplemented and you don't want to give too much and cause hypercalcemia).

Sunday Chat: The Devil

But for twenty-one days the spirit prince 

of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. 

Then Michael, one of the archangels,

came to help me, and I left him there 

with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia.

Daniel 10:13

 But if you are bitterly jealous 

and there is selfish ambition 

in your heart, 

don’t cover up the truth with 

boasting and lying.

For jealousy and selfishness 

are not God’s kind of wisdom. 

Such things are earthly, 

unspiritual, and demonic.

James 3:14-15

He has always hated the truth, 

because there is no truth in him. 

When he lies, it is consistent 

with his character; 

for he is a liar and the father of lies.

John 8:44

Put on the whole armor of God, 

that you may be able to stand 

against the schemes of the devil. 

Ephesians 6:11 

Be sober-minded; be watchful. 

Your adversary the devil prowls 

around like a roaring lion, 

seeking someone to devour. 

1 Peter 5:8 

The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; 

    the godly run to him and are safe. 

Proverbs 18:10 

When the seventy-two disciples returned, 

they joyfully reported to him, 

“Lord, even the demons obey us 

when we use your name!”

Luke 10:17

Then the devil said to him, 

“If you are the Son of God, 

tell this stone to become a loaf of bread.”

But Jesus told him, 

“No! The Scriptures say, 

‘People do not live by bread alone.’[b]”

Then the devil took him up 

and revealed to him all the kingdoms 

of the world in a moment of time. 

"I will give you the glory of these 

kingdoms and authority over them,” 

the devil said, “because they are mine 

to give to anyone I please. 

I will give it all to you if you will worship me.”

Jesus replied, “The Scriptures say,

‘You must worship the Lord your God

    and serve only him.”

Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, 

to the highest point of the Temple, 

and said, “If you are the Son of God, 

jump off! 

For the Scriptures say,

‘He will order his angels to protect and guard you.

And they will hold you up with their hands

    so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.”

Jesus responded, 

“The Scriptures also say, 

‘You must not test the Lord your God.”

When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, 

he left him until the next opportunity came.

Psalm 91 is AMAZING!

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High 

    will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 

This I declare about the Lord: 

He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; 

    he is my God, and I trust him. 

For he will rescue you from every trap 

    and protect you from deadly disease. 

He will cover you with his feathers. 

    He will shelter you with his wings. 

    His faithful promises are your armor and protection. 

Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, 

    nor the arrow that flies in the day. 

Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, 

    nor the disaster that strikes at midday. 

Though a thousand fall at your side, 

    though ten thousand are dying around you, 

    these evils will not touch you. 

Just open your eyes, 

    and see how the wicked are punished. 

If you make the Lord your refuge, 

    if you make the Most High your shelter, 

no evil will conquer you; 

    no plague will come near your home. 

For he will order his angels 

    to protect you wherever you go. 

They will hold you up with their hands 

    so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone. 

You will trample upon lions and cobras; 

    you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet! 

The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. 

    I will protect those who trust in my name. 

When they call on me, I will answer; 

    I will be with them in trouble. 

    I will rescue and honor them. 

I will reward them with a long life 

    and give them my salvation.” 

Submit yourselves therefore to God. 

Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 

James 4:7 

 For we are not fighting against 

flesh-and-blood enemies, 

but against evil rulers and authorities 

of the unseen world, 

against mighty powers in this dark world, 

and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor 

so you will be able to resist the enemy 

in the time of evil. 

Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 

Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth 

and the body armor of God’s righteousness.

For shoes, put on the peace that comes from 

the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.

In addition to all of these, hold up the 

shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.

Put on salvation as your helmet, 

and take the sword of the Spirit, 

which is the word of God. 

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. 

Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers 

for all believers everywhere.

Afterward the disciples asked Jesus privately, 

“Why couldn’t we cast out that demon?”

“You don’t have enough faith,” 

Jesus told them. 

“I tell you the truth, if you had faith 

even as small as a mustard seed, 

you could say to this mountain, 

‘Move from here to there,’ 

and it would move. 

Nothing would be impossible.

Matthew 17:19-20

 in 

God I trust and am not afraid. 

What can man do to me?” 

Psalm 56:10-11 

No one serving as a soldier 

gets entangled in civilian affairs, 

but rather tries to please 

his commanding officer. 

2 Timothy 2:4

Do not be misled: 

“Bad company corrupts good character.

1 Corinthians 15:33

Decadent Chocolate Zucchini Loaf

I have made this several times and Mark requests it so you know it is good. This is so rich and delicious! A super dense loaf that is a cross between a cake, fudge and a brownie. YUM!!!

Ingredients

3 cups grated zucchini (2 large or 3 small), squeeze out excess moisture3 cups grated zucchini (2 large or 3 small), squeeze out excess moisture

1 3/4 cups flour1 3/4 cups flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1.5 tsp baking soda1.5 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla essence2 tsp vanilla essence
1 1/4 cup white sugar1 1/4 cup white sugar
2 eggs2 eggs
7 tbsp unsalted butter , melted7 tbsp unsalted butter , melted
1 ¼ C semi-sweet chocolate chips1 ¼ C semi-sweet chocolate chips

Steps

Preheat oven to 350F
Grease and line a large loaf pan
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt.
In another separate bowl, whisk together eggs and sugar. Then add melted butter and vanilla, and whisk until fully incorporated.
Pour egg mixture into flour bowl and stir with wooden spoon until flour is just incorporated - batter will be thick!
Add zucchini and chocolate and stir to mix through - it will be very thick at first but it will loosen into a thick, spreadable batter
Scrape into loaf pan, bake 45 minutes. Cover with foil and bake a further 20 minutes
Cool in loaf pan for 15 minutes before removing. Cool on rack for a further 10 minutes before slicing.

Served warm - you get melty chocolate bits and it's extra fudgy in the middle!

Served refrigerated - you get a fudgy cake with chocolate bits in the middle! Amazing both ways.

Rich Cheesy Potato Bake

These are like a scalloped potato except but with hashbrown/square potatoes - and a much richer cheese flavor. You can get creative with the cheese (gruyere etc) but I usually just use colby/jack and it is delicious

Ingredients

1.25 lb Russet potatoes
2/3 c half & half OR (1/3 cup milk & 1/3 cup thickened cream (heavy cream) )
2 Tbsp mayonnaise
3/4 tsp fresh thyme leaves or 1 tsp dried
1 large garlic cloves , minced
1/3 tsp salt
Black pepper

3/4 cups shredded cheese , for mixing
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps

Preheat oven to 180C/350F (all types).
Peel and cut the potatoes into 1 3/4 cm / 2/3" cubes. Place in a large bowl.
Add all remaining ingredients except mozzarella. Mix.
Pour into a 3 litre / quart baking dish (mine is 22cm / 9" square x 6 cm / 2.3" high).
Cover with foil. Bake 60 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
Remove foil, sprinkle over mozzarella cheese. Bake for 25 minutes or until cheese is golden.
Rest for 5 - 10 minutes before serving, garnished with extra thyme leaves if desired.
These freeze beautifully and have an even richer cheese flavor as leftovers. Yum!

Amazing Potato Salad

I know you are thinking "cooking potatoes for 4 minutes - UGH! They are going to be hard". Trust me when I tell you that it makes them the perfect texture of being cooked but holding together. Putting on the French Dressing over the warm potatoes makes them absorb in the delicious dressing. In future, I may add green onion and chopped dill pickles to this.

Servings: 6 – 8

Ingredients

POTATO SALAD:
2 lb russet potatoes peeled and cut into 3/4" cubes
2 tsp salt
1/2 cup French Dressing – homemade (below)
3/4 cup cucumber, finely diced (cut lengthwise and remove watery seeds first)
1 1/2 cups celery, finely sliced diagonally
1/2 cup white onion, finely minced (use the juices too)
 
POTATO SALAD DRESSING:
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup sour cream
1 tbsp horseradish cream
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
 
FRENCH DRESSING
1 tbsp dijon mustard
2 tbsp white wine vinegar OR apple cider vinegar)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp water
1/2 tsp white sugar
1/2 garlic clove , finely grated or minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Steps

French Dressing – Shake ingredients in a jar until well combined.
Put potatoes and 2 teaspoon salt in a large pot of cold water. Turn the stove on. Once the water is simmering, cook for 4 minutes or until the potatoes are JUST cooked (still bit firm in the middle) – they will keep cooking with residual heat. Drain immediately (gently!).
Carefully transfer potatoes into a large bowl and pour over French Dressing. Gently toss to coat then set aside for 2 hours so potatoes absorb the dressing and cool (less fragile).
Creamy Dressing – Mix ingredients in a bowl until combined.
Add creamy dressing, celery, cucumber, onion and toss gently to combine.
Feel free to add hard boiled eggs, green onions, lawry's seasoning, celery salt, chopped pickles, pickle juide, red onion or other ingredients as desired.

This is best if you make at least a few hours ahead or even better, overnight, to give the flavors a chance to meld but still amazing if served straight away! Always serve at room temperature, not fridge cold.

 

Easy, Moist, Perfect Poached Chicken

This is the BEST poached chicken. It is easy and moist with perfect results every time - what more can you ask for! I have done this with more than 2 breasts but ensure they are not stacked.

Servings: 2 breasts

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts , boneless skinless, 250g/8.5 oz each (Note 1)
OPTIONAL FLAVORINGS:
1 lemon , quartered
1 bay leaf , dried or fresh
2 garlic cloves , minced
NO SALT (affects boiling point of water)

Steps

Take chicken out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking.
Fill a saucepan with water so the chicken breast will be well submerged with at least 2" of water above it in a single layer (can be snug but do not stack).
If using, add flavorings
Bring water to boil.
Place chicken breast in water, place lid on, bring back up to the boil. IMMEDIATELY remove saucepan from stove and set aside for 20 minutes (it's fine up to 45 min to 1 hr as it won't overcook).
Remove chicken from water. Slice and be amazed how perfectly juicy and tender the breast is!! Or chop/shred and use as desired.
If reserving for later use, cover loosely to cool then refrigerate whole up to 4 days
Freeze: wrap tightly and freeze till needed. Thaw and use as desired

Cute & Easy Cluster Dishcloth / Washcloth / Facecloth - Free Pattern

I love crocheting dish / wash cloths. Not only are they mindless and keep my hands busy but they make great gifts if I am not in need of a facecloth for myself.

Cluster Stitch:

Cluster: Insert hook into the ch 1 space, pull up a loop. Yarn over, insert hook into same ch 1 space, pull up a loop. There will be four loops on your hook. Pull through all 4 loops on your hook.


Pattern:
Chain 31.
Row 1: cluster in the 3rd ch from hook. *ch 1, skip a stitch, cluster in the next


stitch* across ending with a cluster in the last chain. Ch 2, turn.
Row 2: *cluster, ch 1* in each ch 1 space across. Work your final cluster around the ch 2 at the end of the row (insert your hook under the ch 2). Ch 2, turn.
Repeat row 2 till as long as you wish.
Final row: *cluster, ch 1* in each ch 1 space across. Work your final cluster around the ch 2 at the end of the row (insert your hook under the ch 2). Ch 1, turn.
Continue to the border.
Border Pattern:
Round 1: sc in each stitch around the blanket. Work sc, ch 2, sc in each corner stitch.
Cut yarn and weave ends.