Plant-based cuisine

I’ve been trying some plant-based recipes (3 times per week). As much as I enjoy meat, this food makes me feel healthier.

Fulfillment can make us feel like we’re really living. It brings joy and helps us meet our goals.

This shows the power of the mind. A dream can fuel and encourage our ambitions.

When hope is deferred the heart is sick. Think of how the disciples felt when Jesus was crucified. They believed he was the Messiah, coming to deliver Israel (instead of from sin, they thought it was from Roman oppression).

Their hope was deferred when the stone was still in place on Saturday. Their hearts were sick. What joy awaited them on Easter Sunday when the tomb was found empty. Over 500 of his followers witnessed his appearance afterwards. It was a hope deferred but a dream fulfilled all at once. They were not yet delivered from Rome but fulfillment was attained on a greater level.

Our new nature is provided for through the Savior. The old things pass away and all things become new.

We can find resurrection life even in a sin sick world through Christ Jesus the LORD.

Of course, our earthly bodies won’t live forever but our inheritance which is kept in heaven for us will never perish.

Has your dream reached fulfillment? If not, maybe a heavenly perspective will help as we rejoice in His forgiveness of our sins. -Teresa #livinghope

Proverbs 13:12-14 (NLT)

¹² Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
    but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.

¹³ People who despise advice are asking for trouble;
    those who respect a command will succeed.

¹⁴ The instruction of the wise is like a life-giving fountain;
    those who accept it avoid the snares of death.Read full chapter

1 Peter 1:3-5 (ESV)

Born Again to a Living Hope

[3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, [4] to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, [5] who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

With the price of eggs rising again, some are thinking of alternative Easter activities for their kids (like dinosaur eggs). I prefer the real thing, like these beautiful eggs our neighbor brought over from her chicken coop.

There are certain things not meant for us. As believers in Christ Jesus we have a new way of navigating our earthly existence- namely faith. When fear or just plain boredom causes us to cling to earthly “goods” as a means of satisfying our deeper needs, then we can miss out on the valuable truth love holds for us.

This truth is that our life matters. Whether we are young, old, rich, poor, part of a big family or all alone, the truth is we are created in God’s image. By not rejecting that gift but embracing all He has for us, we can walk in His great love and purpose (aka the Kingdom of God).

Too often, the greed of worldly possessions or simply appetites that flare up from lacking purpose shipwrecks our inner peace.

Our enemies may not be actual giants in the land, instead they may be giants of pain in our lives. #Hedelivers

Being “set apart” for destruction was the way that God chose to deal with the invasive-like mildew that greed had over Achan’s heart. Set apart today those things not meant for you.

Choose that which is truly valuable- a trusting relationship with the Savior. His love was displayed during His life on the earth. His power was displayed when God raised him from the dead.

Life eternal starts today for all who accept Him as Savior and Lord. There is no greater purpose than to live for him. There is no greater love than to be accepted by God the Father on the basis of our faith in His Son. -Teresa #Godsproperty #ourdeliverance

Joshua 7:12b-15 (NLT) (bold added for emphasis)

For now Israel itself has been set apart for destruction. I will not remain with you any longer unless you destroy the things among you that were set apart for destruction.

¹³ “Get up! Command the people to purify themselves in preparation for tomorrow. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: Hidden among you, O Israel, are things set apart for the Lord. You will never defeat your enemies until you remove these things from among you.

¹⁴ “In the morning you must present yourselves by tribes, and the Lord will point out the tribe to which the guilty man belongs. That tribe must come forward with its clans, and the Lord will point out the guilty clan. That clan will then come forward, and the Lord will point out the guilty family. Finally, each member of the guilty family must come forward one by one. ¹⁵ The one who has stolen what was set apart for destruction will himself be burned with fire, along with everything he has, for he has broken the covenant of the Lord and has done a horrible thing in Israel.”

This picture was taken a few years ago on the week of my birthday. For some reason, I usually equate a nature get-away with a great way to celebrate. It serves as a way to break up and scatter my responsibilities or a way to lighten some of the burdens of life.

This year, I felt inspired to gather my family around. We didn’t go anywhere for our “get-away” but gathered near to those loved ones whom God has blessed us with.

In this passage, some wanted to test Jesus, looking for a sign from heaven for their own “profit”. In turn, Jesus taught them to examine their motives. Rather than play into their human logic, He was able to teach them a heavenly truth.

Those who gather with Him are for His coming kingdom (stronger than the mightiest status quo). Wow! If we could comprehend what the Kingdom of God will do, then no longer would we be playing “chess” with our Creator and Redeemer.

It is by grace you have been saved through faith… (Ephesians 2:8.9). How can we not be amazed at God’s great power through His gift to the world through His Son.

I was startled to see a post about a Netflix series called “Adolescence”. It was shocking to examine the use of emojis to change cultural word meanings in order to convey debased thinking. What a trick of Satan to snag the minds of our nation’s bright future.

Those who gather their loved ones are less at risk. The only sure outcome for navigating a life path full of proverbial traps is choosing the narrow way. This starts by trusting Jesus as Savior and LORD.

Gathering with Him, is a gift that keeps on giving. He rescues us daily, hourly, minute by minute as we turn to Him. Being in a right relationship means we are no longer alone. – Teresa #mercy #love #acceptance

Luke11:14-24 (ESV)

Jesus and Beelzebul

¹⁴ Now he was casting out a demon that was mute. When the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke, and the people marveled. ¹⁵ But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons,” ¹⁶ while others, to test him, kept seeking from him a sign from heaven. ¹⁷ But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls.¹⁸ And if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul. ¹⁹ And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. ²⁰ But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. ²¹ When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are safe; ²² but when one stronger than he attacks him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his spoil.²³ Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.

Just as these beautiful birds were all lined up, plumped under their feathers and soaking up the sun, even so we can be an authentic voice but not everyone may see us as that or even hear the true message spoken.

Jesus not only spoke the message of God’s deliverance but gave a visual aid when the man was delivered from a legion of demons. Those from the surrounding country came out and witnessed the miracle.

Instead of accepting Jesus for who He was (Son of the Most High God), the people cast him away by asking Him to leave. Why? Because they were filled with great fear.

Are we more fearful of a legion of demons or of the power of God to deliver us?

Truly, God is able to deliver us from the curse of sin through His Son, Christ Jesus the Lord.

The man who was delivered yearned to stay close to Jesus but Jesus sent him away, for a greater purpose. He was the messenger that the people could listen to and understand. For this powerful display was from a good God. The delivered man declared how much Jesus had done for him, throughout the city.

When we are sent away, it may not be easy. In fact, it may be downright lonely. However, the messenger sent to this hometown city may be you. Are you willing to declare how much God has done for you? -Teresa

Luke 8:33-39 (ESV)

³³ Then the demons came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and drowned.

³⁴ When the herdsmen saw what had happened, they fled and told it in the city and in the country.³⁵ Then people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. ³⁶ And those who had seen it told them how the demon-possessed^[c] man had been healed. ³⁷ Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gerasenes asked him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. So he got into the boat and returned. ³⁸ The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying,³⁹ “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.Read full chapter

Footnotes

1. Luke 8:26 Some manuscripts Gadarenes; others Gergesenes; also verse 37
2. Luke 8:27 Greek he; also verses 38, 42
3. Luke 8:36 Greek daimonizomai (demonized); elsewhere rendered oppressed by demons

P.S. it’s my 13th year anniversary on WordPress!!

Dear Lord, please help me to speak the message of your goodness for many more years. -Teresa

By taking care of the earth and watering it, God abounds in goodness for mankind.

This collage of pictures includes several points of beauty that I witnessed this past week.

Whether it’s my potted orchid plant, my grandson next to the creek or my husband and I enjoying our hike- everything seems to radiate with this joy of provision and bountiful harvest.

Rich provision comes when the soil is softened by the rain. The rain melts the clods, levels the ridges and allows the bounty of growth.

With my heart (when it becomes hardened), I recognize not wanting endless rain melting me. It may involve messy tears, uncomfortable anxiety, endless time alone in the wilderness with God.

Afterwards, however, I’m always grateful for the Father’s rich provision. #Hiswayisbest

The reality of abundant crops multiplying for His kingdom makes me want to shout and sing for joy.

God is in the business of blessing the world with abundance. But, are we willing to be part of His plan? -Teresa #losingmyselftogainHim #treasure

Psalm 65:9-13 (NLT)

⁹ You take care of the earth and water it,
    making it rich and fertile.
The river of God has plenty of water;
    it provides a bountiful harvest of grain,
    for you have ordered it so.
¹⁰ You drench the plowed ground with rain,
    melting the clods and leveling the ridges.
You soften the earth with showers
    and bless its abundant crops.
¹¹ You crown the year with a bountiful harvest;
    even the hard pathways overflow with abundance.
¹² The grasslands of the wilderness become a lush pasture,
    and the hillsides blossom with joy.
¹³ The meadows are clothed with flocks of sheep,
    and the valleys are carpeted with grain.
    They all shout and sing for joy!

John the Baptizer was brought into the world as a miracle to his parents, an encouragement to Mary (pregnant with Jesus), and a promise of deliverance for this Jewish nation under Roman oppression.

Darkness and the shadow of death may have kept the world then (and now) from recognizing the path of peace provided through our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus.

If we, like John the Baptist, remember our spiritual strengthening, we may even recognize that it includes a bit of seclusion (like living in the wilderness).

Strong in Spirit means sustenance for that which God has prepared as our own ministry. We gain strength by living without distraction. We gain strength through time alone with God and in His word.

The light of His presence and the breaking up of shadows provides clarity. Not only do the wrong motives of those seeking fame or fortune become obvious but those hiding in the shadow lands cannot skulk around anymore.

God has certainly shown His tender mercies on Israel and the entire world, through His Son.

No longer am I waiting for the approval of those who appear powerful but am resting in the certainty of Him who is all powerful.

As I offer my body a living sacrifice, Lord, holy and acceptable to You, which is my reasonable service of worship…I will no longer be conformed to this world but I receive your transformation by the renewing of my mind, proving that which is Your good, perfect and acceptable will, oh God. (My prayer based on..Romans 12:1,2)

How great the joy of Elizabeth and Zechariah as they welcomed their son. How great our joy as we recognize the Savior, God’s Son. -Teresa #ministryaccomplished

Luke 1:67-80 (NLT)

⁶⁷ Then his father, Zechariah, was filled with the Holy Spirit and gave this prophecy:

⁶⁸ “Praise the Lord, the God of Israel,
    because he has visited and redeemed his people.
⁶⁹ He has sent us a mighty Savior^[a]
    from the royal line of his servant David,
⁷⁰ just as he promised
    through his holy prophets long ago.
⁷¹ Now we will be saved from our enemies
    and from all who hate us.
⁷² He has been merciful to our ancestors
    by remembering his sacred covenant—
⁷³ the covenant he swore with an oath
    to our ancestor Abraham.
⁷⁴ We have been rescued from our enemies
    so we can serve God without fear,
⁷⁵ in holiness and righteousness
    for as long as we live.

⁷⁶ “And you, my little son,
    will be called the prophet of the Most High,
    because you will prepare the way for the Lord.
⁷⁷ You will tell his people how to find salvation
    through forgiveness of their sins.
⁷⁸ Because of God’s tender mercy,
    the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us,^[b]
79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
    and to guide us to the path of peace.”

⁸⁰ John grew up and became strong in spirit. And he lived in the wilderness until he began his public ministry to Israel.

Shoveling snow (the garage kept our tractor, used for snow plowing, potato field plowing and cutting summer grass for the hay barn where we housed the hunting dogs). I first learned to drive on the tractor!

We may not see the artwork that God is indelibly printing on our lives. During the process it seems painful and messy.

The end result, of course, is that those God chooses will smell the scent of God’s aroma over our actions. It will be undeniable that His will was done, although the suffering of the moment is not easy to endure. #love

For the joy set before Him, Christ endured the cross. Should we do any less-even when it feels hard, bad, or painfully disrespectful? #gutsobs

Grief will attempt to crush us but the hope of “God’s will be done” buoys our resolve to trust Him (our Heavenly Father) and obey his plan for salvation (trusting His Son’s finished work at Calvary).

Lord Jesus, thank you for making all things new. Your obedience unto death, even death on the cross means life for me. -Teresa #resurrection

P.S. So many were moved by Nicole C. Mullen’s song last week, I’m including another today. My Redeemer Lives

Mark 14:32-36 (NLT)

Jesus Prays in Gethsemane

³² They went to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and Jesus said, “Sit here while I go and pray.” ³³ He took Peter, James, and John with him, and he became deeply troubled and distressed. ³⁴ He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

³⁵ He went on a little farther and fell to the ground. He prayed that, if it were possible, the awful hour awaiting him might pass him by.³⁶ “Abba, Father,”^[c] he cried out, “everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”

Who are we to hold back those who need God? Please touch our lives, Lord, with your blessing. Through your sacrifice bring us peace with God.

Seeking God’s blessing means we will find his gift. Knocking results in an open door. Asking is the first step in being offered the gift of eternal life.

The most important step is receiving Jesus as Savior and Lord of your life. He is not annoyed, no matter how insignificant your life may “feel”. Even the children were considered important to Him.

Having faith like a child is vital. Without this ability to “see” things the way God does, we are incapable of trust.

Lord, give us eyes to see as you do. May we not ever stand in the way or hinder those who need your blessing. -Teresa

Nicole C. Mullen Please take 5 minutes to worship the “glory” of our Savior. I was touched by such an incredibly amazing performance… (especially the soliloquy on David’s despair). Many of the You Tube comments speak to this God who “sees” us in our need, and meets us…miraculously.

Mark 10:13-16 (ESV)

Let the Children Come to Me

¹³ And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. ¹⁴ But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. ¹⁵ Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” ¹⁶ And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.

Jesus started his public ministry at 30 years old. Although the people recognized who he was and where he was from, they did not “see” Him or the significance of His appearing.

Certainly, we all change throughout the decades. Not only in our looks but we also change in our purpose or ministry. We could be secluded in private ministry, out in the open with public ministry or semi-retired, meaning open to what God has for us but valuing rest.

Whether or not lives are changed can be attributed to the presence (or lack of) faith. It’s not always the time or season for activity but God is always in the business of significant metamorphosis. We can only truly be renewed when we understand with spiritual eyes…eyes that are wide open.

This was illustrated on the way home from the coffee shop today. Not only did I recount the paradoxes of my personality but felt assured that God created me that way for a purpose. I was seeing my current ministry in a new light applying “faith” to the equation.

Am I a compilation of my past?…or at least what I felt/heard/believed:

“You are not beautiful”

Or am I what God has declared, or at least what I saw in His Word (with eyes of faith wide open at 15 years old)?

“ Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father’s house; 11 So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him.” (Psalm 45:10,11 KJV)

You may not understand how God is helping to write your story as you trust in Him, but with faith you will be amazed at His significance throughout the years. -Teresa #loved

Mark 6:1-6 (ESV)

He went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. ² And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands?³ Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. ⁴ And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” ⁵ And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. ⁶ And he marveled because of their unbelief.

The cloud was on it by day and fire was in it by night. What is it? …the Old Testament tabernacle. It was constructed with so much attention to detail, that the glory of the LORD entered it.

Likewise, the nomadic nature of the people of Israel was purposeful, led by God’s presence. #witnesstoallnations

Even today, we have the opportunity to be part of God’s people (the church). His presence may not appear as the cloud or pillar of fire but it is as purposeful.

We are indwelt by the Holy Spirit of God when we believe in His way of salvation. Through Christ Jesus the LORD, a precious gift was given to mankind. However, this gift must be received through faith.

How comforting to know that our lives are not willy-nilly chance occurrences. The documentary, Is Genesis History? makes excellent arguments for creation and the accuracy of the Bible.

When you read about how much detail was put into the tabernacle construction and ponder Christ “tabernacling” with mankind, this was not by chance.

Only God alone can create such intricate designs to sustain our universe. He is able to sustain our lives (no matter how crazy the circumstances).

Even the nation of Israel will be restored by accepting the Messiah (according to Romans 11:22-24). How beautiful for all of mankind when that happens.

Let’s allow the Holy Spirit to guide, comfort and remind us of Jesus’ life and words as we navigate this life. He alone can bring us to the purposeful destination of His will. -Teresa #faith #security #comfort

Exodus 40:34-38 (ESV)

³⁴ Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.³⁵ And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.³⁶ Throughout all their journeys, whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out. ³⁷ But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out till the day that it was taken up. ³⁸ For the cloud of the Lord was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys.