Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Experiencing Undeniable Satisfaction with God!

Sisters in Christ, today I want to encourage you to bathe yourself in Psalm 90:14 ...

We, as women, are in constant need of the feeling of "satisfaction" ... and try to find this satisfaction through worldly accomplishments, our husbands, children, jobs, church activities, and so forth. If we depend on these things for satisfaction, our cups will always be empty. We have to cling to Christ for the ultimate satisfaction and newfound sense of hope, restoration and joy.

Today, I challenge you to experience that satisfaction with God as said in Psalm 90:14. How, you may ask? In my current Women's Counseling Class, a lot of our material is by Beth Moore and she gives a phenomenal checklist on finding this satisfaction with Christ:

  • It's a daily process. Go to God first in prayer.
  • Pour out your cup to God daily.
  • Confess sin daily.
  • Pour out your hurts and concerns.
  • Allow God to fill up your empty cup.
  • Remember that God's unfailing love for you is unconditional.
  • Ask God to satisfy you in Him.
  • Ask God to delight you in Him.
  • Other relationships provide overflow.
  • Realize and remind yourself that you are SIGNIFICANT to God!
  • Loving you was better to Jesus Christ than His life!
Sisters, take time today to pray for God to fill your cup ... maybe you're running on empty right now and need that overflowing unconditional love to cover you. It's not too late ... only God can bring you the satisfaction that you are searching everywhere for. Call to Him, cling to Him and let Him love you like no one have EVER loved you before. He's that amazing. Let that satisfaction that only God can give pour out into YOUR relationship with your husband, children, friends, and in everything you do.

Look at this piece by Richard Blanchard ... very inspiring and refreshing ...

Friday, October 21, 2011

UPDATED: Chicken Corn Chowder Crockpot Recipe

Chicken Corn Chowder has been one of the few of my experiments with slow-cooker soups. It's easy, delicious and creates a mouth-watering aroma in your house.


Here it is: Lizzy's Chicken Corn Chower Recipe

 Chicken Corn Chowder
  • 1 can (10 3/4 ounces) cream of chicken soup
  • 4-6 diced potatoes
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 can cream of potatoe soup
  • 2-3 cups diced chicken, cooked
  • 1 can (12 to 15 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained
  • 1 can cream of corn
  • 1 can chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic & minced onion (I like to add garlic and minced onion to everything - add as much or as little as YOU like :)!)
Preparation:
Prepare as directed above and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours. Add ½ cup milk and cook for about 30 minutes longer, or until hot.

Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese!


Optional: Add diced red-peppers or chile peppers (or other spices) as desired (for those who can handle the spicy stuff like my husband…not me!)


Add some wheat crackers or french bread to go with it.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

How to Live Life the Chick-fil-A Way

How to Live Life the Chick-fil-A Way
October 18, 2011


          I, along with millions of other people thoroughly enjoy the customer service and the entire experience at Chick-fil-A. Why, you may ask? I partially enjoy the experience because I’m never greeted by rude teenagers who seem to hate their jobs and employees who are “secretly” texting behind the counter. You’re never greeted with, “What do you want?” or “Hi, how are you?” as they sigh and roll their eyes. The people of Chick-fil-A seem to genuinely enjoy their jobs, know the task at hand and seem to get the job done in a timely manner. Of course, you can’t forget the best part of the Chick-fil-A experience, “My pleasure!”
          The employees of Chick-fil-A have challenged me as a Christian and made me think about my “service” to other people – Christians and those who have not yet accepted the gift of salvation. When people see me walk through the door, am I ready and willing to serve them in any way I can, or am I hiding, hoping they won’t ask me to do anything? Am I reaching out to the unbelievers or am I hiding in my “Christian” cave, hoping I won’t run into anyone? What are we doing to reach this world who’s in utter and desperate need of a Savior – a life of hope, joy and peace. We, as Christians, know that a life with Jesus Christ is one like no other. We should want to SHOUT THIS NEWS FROM THE ROOFTOPS. It’s time to stop hiding behind the counters and get out there – we already know our task at hand – to share the love and saving grace of our merciful Savior.

Here is a reminder of our task at hand – something we should all be reminded of from time to time … Matthew 28:16-20 - http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+28%3A16-20&version=HCSB



 
Reflection: Is this the kind of Christian you want to be portrayed as? What are you doing to be seen as a RARE person, much like the customer service at Chick-fil-A? How are you making your service to others stand out?

         

Friday, October 14, 2011

Modest is Hottest: Letting Go of Worldly Self-Image



To all you teenage girls ... you probably all struggle with something - whether it's self-esteem, friendships, staying "Christian" when you are around your non-Christian friends, obeying your parents, being nice to your siblings or perhaps even doing your chores like you're supposed to. We all have something. Today, I want to focus on modesty and self-image. When you like in the mirror - what do you see? Are you fine with the way you look, thankful for the way God created you or are you constantly looking at magazines, wishing you looked more like the models and actresses? Let me just say one thing if that is the case - STOP. I want you to go look in the mirror and see how beautiful you are. The creator of the Universe MADE YOU in His image! Doesn't that make you all giggly and joyful inside? It sure re-assures me on a daily basis! Genesis 1:27, "God created man in His image." Psalm 139:14, "For I am fearfully and wonderfully made." Every single piece of hair, every freckle, every birthmark - BEAUTIFUL!


Watch this video: http://www.bluefishtv.com/Store/Downloadable_Video_Illustrations/2718/Struggling_With_Modesty_and_Self-Image

This young girl struggles with trying to fit in - through clothes, friends and not having a boyfriend - her self-image and what people see when they look at her. I want to encourage you today - don't think that you need to wear tight clothes, be with the most popular group of girls or have a boyfriend just to be "COOL". What seems cool to our society may not be the standard that God has set for us, as Christians to act/do/wear. When you decide to hang with a certain group of friends or buy a particular top, I want to ask yourself WHY you want it. This may seem silly, but ask yourself is it because it defines who God created you to be as an individual, or is it to please someone else? Think about that. We are ALL tempted by trying to please people and want to fit in, but we weren't put on this earth for that reason - we were put here to make a difference for Jesus and tell others about Him. Sometimes we will stick out like a soar thumb and be labeled "different," but that's ok....

We all have different definitions of what Modesty is and I've had a few questions submitted asking how to know what is MODEST and what is NOT. Let me answer it this way ... does the outfit show more than it should? Does it draw attention to you in a negative way? If so, then it may not be the best option. Let your clothes show your individuality...you don't need to wear jumpers and turtlenecks .... clothes can be a lot of fun; it's just a challenge to shop modestly sometimes...especially in the junior section, trust me, I know! I believe in you! God created you for a very special purpose. Keep your eyes open and don't miss opportunities He puts in front of you to reach out to someone and make a difference! You're not too young to be used by God. Look up 1 Timothy 4:12. Live by that verse today and every day.

Listen to this song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATNHf-Iqggw

This song is so true ... be careful what you listen to, wear and who you hang out with. Once you make it a habit, it may be hard to get away from it.

I love these lyrics in the song:

"I fill my mind with bad things.
So horrible, I feel ashamed they show.
I've taken sin so lightly.
That lately, oh, the darkness is all I know.
The time is now,
Oh, to leave the junk behind.
The moment has arrived,
Where I no longer am blind.
It's garbage in.

Garbage in, Garbage out.
What goes in is found out.
All can see what goes in me.
I pay the price.

Jesus.
Forgive me for leaving you to please myself.
Jesus.
I see the mistake in loving this world's wealth.
Oh lord, grab hold of this sin-filled child.
For now, 'cause the darkness is all around."


To sum it up - let Jesus Christ be the ruler of your heart, your life, your choices. We are here on this earth to please Him and only Him. We all make mistakes; but it's what we do with those mistakes. Give them to Christ. Call to Him. Live for HIM and Him alone.

What do you see when you look in the mirror? What defines you? Even if you haven't let Jesus Christ define you lately; it's not too late. Let Him be your first love today.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Make a difference Monday: Donating goods for a greater purpose!


Are you doing Fall cleaning? Going through old clothes, cleaning out closets, getting rid of old appliances or items you never use? Think about donating items to a great organization who can use these items for people in need!

Check out the Salavation Army and donate your goods to help people in need! "One person's trash is another person's treasure." You can even schedule a pick-up instead of traveling to drop items off, if needed.

http://www.satruck.org/donate-goods

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Jehovah Jireh: My Provider!



We serve a wonderful, caring, mighty and powerful God who cares for us and meets our needs on a daily basis, often without us realizing it (or acknowledging it, for that matter).
Today, our challenge is to acknowledge all Christ has done for us, is doing for us and HAS done and provided for us.

Read Genesis 22:1-14 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+22&version=NIV) it's is a perfect example of how God provides for His people ... particularly, verse 14 stands out to me, "So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.”

"Jehovah Jireh"

"He is Jehovah Jireh
God who is my provider
The One who meets my needs
Whose Son for me intercedes

Provider of food and shelter,
A cool breeze in summer swelter
But much more, My God provides
To those in whom the Spirit resides

Strength for when I am weak
A light for the path I seek
Courage to face all my trials
Shelter against the devil’s wiles

Peace within the raging storm
Comfort when my heart is torn
Love for all, even ones I call enemy
And faith to follow His call for me

This and much more receive
My All and All does not deceive
Gifts to set your soul afire
To serve Him, Jehovah Jireh"



There are so many times God has provided for me ... my jaw has dropped countless times because God's timing is like no other...it's truly miraculous. Today, think about how God has provided for you and your family. Isn't His timing perfect and like nothing else you've ever experienced? Who is Jehovah Jireh to YOU? Reflect on that today, because we serve a great God - the one AND only, Jehovah Jireh.


End this reflection on a high note - listen to this song and get your praise on to, "Jehovah Jireh"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYlac9kB37k

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Free Mary Kay Samples!



Request Mary Kay color card samples from this link and I will include timewise samples, lipstick samples, satin hands samples & the brand new "Look Book" ... ALL FREE! ♥

https://www.marykay.com/lizzychristian/freesample/freesample.aspx

Monday, October 3, 2011

Making the most of Monday!




It's Monday morning .... I bet coffee is in hand and you are back to work, routines, to do lists, after school activities, sports practices and so forth. I know most people dread getting back into their routines, but this week I challenge all of us to go beyond our normal routine and list of activities and things to do.

I recently came across this quote by James Mann, "Each day when I awake I know I have one more day to make a difference in someone's life"

Today - I'm thankful for a new day, a new opportunity, another chance to make the most of the life the Lord has blessed me with - another day to reach out to someone and show them the love and saving grace of Jesus Christ.

Be a REBEL today and everyday this week - break out of your normal routine and seek new opportunities. Show the love of Jesus in the Starbucks line or in the Walmart checkout line.

Please listen to and ponder this song "Legacy" by Nicole Nordeman. "I want to leave a legacy, how will they remember me, did I choose to love, DID I POINT TO YOU ENOUGH? ..."
Legacy by Nicole Nordeman: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3GxmLaaAwg