Recipe Zone: Delicious & Easy Honey Mustard Chicken

Honey Mustard Chicken & Steamed Veggies

Last night I decided to experiment with honey mustard chicken. It's simple, quick and delicious.

First, you need to either cut chicken breasts into strips or use the chicken tenderloin strips (I used the frozen ones). I only made it for 2 people, so you decide how much chicken you need based on how many people you're feeding.

Then, you will need:
-Uncooked chicken strips
-1 onion, sliced/chopped
-Hint of garlic powder
-Hint of seasoned pepper
-Honey mustard dressing/sauce (will probably need close to 1/2 the bottle .... so get the low fat kind:)

Combine all ingredients, sprinkle honey mustard sauce over the chicken then add garlic powder/pepper on top, tightly cover with saran wrap and let marinate in fridge for 2-3 hours (makes it better this way, you can cook right away, if needed).

Preheat oven to 350 and cook all ingredients for 1 hour. Check the center of the chicken to confirm it's completely cooked.

Serve with steamed veggies!

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!

Go back a few years and try to recall the anticipation and explosion of pure excitement as you anxiously awaited the ice cream truck. I remember watching all of the neighborhood kids peek out the windows every summer afternoon looking for the white truck that played hokey, loud music, always seeming to hook children as soon as they heard the first note. I was never one to chase the ice cream truck and scream "I want ice cream" in a loud voice, making it seem like the world was at end if I didn't get any. But it got me thinking. Imagine if we set an example for the children of our homes, church, community, and schools to get anxious and overwhelmingly excited about serving a mighty God. What IF we taught them to put their sheer joy and desire to trust, love, and serve God like they desire ice cream? Imagine how different our world would be!? Let's put that desire, passion and endless longing into our own love for our Savior. Man, how our lives would and CAN change. Never miss an opportunity to share His love, aka- chase after the truck screaming, "I want ice cream!"

Praise Him for His powerful acts; praise Him for His abundant greatness. (Psalm 150:2 HCSB)

Sing praise to God, sing praise; sing praise to our King, sing praise! (Psalm 47:6 HCSB)

fulfill my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, sharing the same feelings, focusing on one goal. (Philippians 2:2 HCSB)

Grace be with all who have undying love for our Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 6:24 HCSB)

Fabulous Friday Deals!

Are you busy gearing up for an exciting weekend? We have a few new goodies just for you!

Check out a few products that have been added to our "Valentine's Day Storefront"
http://www.lizzychristian.com/store.html

You can sign up to receive our weekly "True Beauty" devo for Middle/High School girls by filling out the "contact" form on our website. Simply put "join mailing list" in the message!
http://www.lizzychristian.com/contact.html

Here was yesterday's True Beauty mailout:
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Second--True-Beauty--Lesson-Now-Available----Mirror--Mirror-on-the-wall-.html?soid=1106634227953&aid=QGN97hEfIW0

Help change a life - by picking up a pen!

There are millions around the world who are currently trapped in the human trafficking community . . . but there are organizations like Abolition International and the A21 Campaign who are not only trying to end human trafficking, they are working toward helping the victims heal and begin a new life.
You can make a difference . . . by picking up a pen!



Consider writing a letter to one of the girls in the A21 Shelter . . .

Click here for instructions on how to write your letter: http://www.thea21campaign.org/write-a-letter.php

"Do all you good you can, be all the means you can, in all the places you can, as long as you ever can."

Lord, You Steady My Heart!

Let Him mend the wounds and heal the scars . . . Let Him STEADY YOUR HEART

Kari Jobe released her brand new album yesterday. If you haven't already heard it, her song "I Am" has played numerous times daily on Klove and other Christian radion stations. It's a piece of melodic heaven. I didn't think a better song COULD exist. Her album released yesterday and another one of her new songs, "Steady My Heart" is already one of the top songs on Itunes, and I know why! Let me tell you something ... the first time I heard this song the tears began to fill my eyes and slowly streamed down my face. The Lord definitely spoke through her and I hope it can inspire, encourage and revive your spirit today.

These are the lyrics to the song, "Steady My Heart"

Wish it could be easy
Why is life so messy
Why is pain a part of us
There are days I feel like
Nothing ever goes right
Sometimes it just hurts so much


But You're here
You're real
I know I can trust You

Even when it hurts
Even when it's hard
Even when it all just falls apart
I will run to You
Cause I know that You are
Lover of my soul
Healer of my scars
You steady my heart
I'm not gonna worry
I know that You got me
Right inside the palm of your hand
Each and every moment
What's good and what gets broken
Happens just the way that You plan

And I will run to You
You're my refuge in Your arms
And I will sing to You
Cause of everything You are

We serve a God who is very real, mighty and trustworthy.
 He never wants to see us broken, but we can fall into His arms and never let go.

Disecting each of these beautiful lyrics, I'm in awe of how mighty our God is and how He loves us through everything we've done, no matter how many times we turned our backs on Him. He knows we're a mess ... He knows we're sinful, yet He still loves us and wants nothing more than to shelter us with His unconditional love and protection.

"Even when it hurts, Even when it's hard, Even when it all falls apart, I RUN TO YOU"

Life can be tough! We all face an abundance of trials and obstacles that we need to overcome, but we can lean on our Savior no matter how difficult things may be. We can call to Him no matter how broken we are. Sometimes we have trouble admitting we need help . . .it's a "pride" issue. Leviticus 26:19 says, "I will break down your stubborn pride." Praise the Lord - there is hope for us! Christ can heal our pride and continues to be ready, willing, and available to help us, comfort us, guide us, and lead us through life's smallest and biggest trials and obstacles. We need to realize what an incredible Savior He truly us and open our arms to Him and let Him in. Let His love consume us.

"Wish it could be easy, Why is life so messy, Why is pain a part of us?"

I think we all ask these questions from time to time. Life is life ... things are doing to be difficult, money doesn't grow on trees, people die - these are all "facts of life" that we need to face. Life isn't always roses and chocolate, we have to wake up and face the things we try to shove to the backburner and hope will disapear. Want to know why we CAN face these things? Christ is right beside us, holding our hand.

I envision the first day a 5 year old girl starts school. She is the firstborn, her daddy's "princess," and he wants nothing more than to accompany her through the wide range of emotions she faces as she eagerly and anxiously opens the door to her classroom - a world full of new possibilities. Christ is our "daddy." He knows that some tasks are going to bring laughter, sadness, anger, frustration, and He promises to always be there with us as we face them. Psalm 46:1-3 says, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult."

"And I will run to You, You're my refuge in Your arms, I will sing to You, Cause of everything You are."

I'm thankful for our King. I'm thankful for a God I can run to. I'm thankful for the refuge in His arms - I'm thankful for the love and protection of being there. Everytime I stray away or take a back road from the path he so obviously put before me, He always bring me back, making it so obvious how much He loves and cherishes us.

He loves you and wants nothing more than to heal your scars and be the arms wide open for you to cling to during the up's and down's of life. Will you let Him in? Will you make Him your first love?

Let our prayer today be, "Lord, Steady My Heart!"

Purposeful Christianity: Live with passion!

I don't know about you...but it's time for me to start living with passion and purpose; letting Jesus be my guide. Stress, anxiety, busyness, cramming for an exam, working multiple jobs, and running a household are all excuses we use to stay in our comfortable lifestyle - which for many people often lacks passion and purpose for Jesus Christ. We all get so caught up in "life" that we don't take time to smell the roses, get motivated, and become purposeful and passionate beings for Christ. At the end of my life, whenever that may be, I want to know that I listened to the Lord telling me to step out of my comfort zone and do things for Him that I would NEVER do on my own. If we say "YES" to stepping out of our comfort zone, then we are fully relying on Jesus Christ and not giving in to our sinful, prideful tendencies and saying "no" to that little voice in our head that tries to list off excuses of all the things we need to get done before we can serve Jesus Christ and take opportunities to spread His love with a world in need.

Here are some practical ways to sharpen our focus on others but ultimately on Christ (out of service to Him and to tell about Him):

• Say "YES" to the friend who's been asking you for hang out/quality time all week. Life may be crazy, but you'll never regret investing in the life of another person in Jesus' name.
• Volunteer at a local food bank. Take the time to thank those faithful volunteers who serve there every single day. What self-less people!
• Sign up to deliver "Meals on Wheels" once a month! Visit: mowaa.org
• Pay it forward by purchasing a cup of Starbucks coffee for the person in line behind you at a local coffee shop - someone's done this for me and it really made my day!
• Get a group together to assemble packets for the local homeless shelter!

Matthew 25:40
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."

Superbowl Menu Planning

The countdown has begun! The Superbowl will be here before you know it. Everyone looks forward to a great football game, great company, hilarious tv commercials, and of course, the FOOD.

Here are some menu planning resources, recipes and ideas to get your "SUPERBOWL" menu planning juices flowing . . .



Delicious 7-Layer Taco Dip

 Delicious 7-layer Taco Dip:
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Seven-Layer-Taco-Dip/Detail.aspx

Bacon Wrapped Dates stuffed with Blue Cheese:
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Bacon-Wrapped-Dates-Stuffed-with-Blue-Cheese/Detail.aspx

Buttery Soft Pretzels:
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Buttery-Soft-Pretzels/Detail.aspx

Buffalo Chicken Wings:
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Buffalo-Chicken-Wings-I/Detail.aspx

Best Ever Party Appetizer:
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Best-Ever-Party-Appetizer/Detail.aspx




Try this Fabulous Football Dip!

 Fabulous Football Dip:
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Fabulous-Football-Dip/Detail.aspx

Great dip recipes:
http://americanfood.about.com/od/resourcesadditionalinfo/tp/Dip_Recipes.htm

Delicious chili recipes:
http://americanfood.about.com/od/resourcesadditionalinfo/tp/Chili_Recipes.htm?once=true&

Homemade pizza recipes:
http://americanfood.about.com/od/resourcesadditionalinfo/tp/Homemade-Pizza-Recipes.htm

Go HERE for the best Superbowl Desserts:
http://www.cooksrecipes.com/holiday-recipes/super-bowl-party-recipes_treats.html

Great Article by Kosiarz - please read!

It’s the beginning of January. The gym is packed. You drive around the parking lot three times to find a spot. There’s an annoying waiting list for childcare and the treadmill. Toes will be trampled on in Zumba class and there are not enough personal trainers to go around.

I put up with the overcrowding because I know in a few weeks things will ease up. New Year’s resolutions will quickly fade as life, stress, people and circumstances take over the ambitious goals we set.

For each of us resolutioners, failure will be an option.

Maybe this is why more and more people say they are not setting goals for 2012 ... the risk of failure just isn’t worth it. I get that and I’ve avoided goals because of the F-factor.

But the truth is, when I am not willing to risk failure, what I really have are just … wishes.

Iwish I could be a better writer and leader.
I wish I knew how to be a great photographer.
I wish that scale would drop some digits.

Wishes will get us nowhere.

Pray. Plan. Pursue. Praise.

These four words?

They have the potential to change our lives in 2012.

Here’s why:

Pray. "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, "This is the way; walk in it" (Isaiah 30:21). ... As we pray, we draw closer to God’s presence. May 2012 be the year we hear His voice louder than ever in our lives.

Plan. "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11). ... God is a winner and therefore only produces winners. As we tap into His plans we see they include victory, not defeat.

Pursue. “ You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). ... God’s Word works. Refusing to compromise the pursuit of Truth in our lives is where we will find our unshakable confidence for the year of 2012.

Praise. “ Celebrate what God has done as you look ahead as to what God is going to do.” Taking breaths of thanks for all He does each day in 2012 will be powerful.

Faith convinces me it's worth it to believe again, risk again and yes, possibly … fail again.
But in 2012 I would rather try and fail than to be disobedient to God and pass my purpose onto someone else. So, I’m putting my wishes away and focusing in on these four words.

N. Kosiarz. (2012, January 5). Failure will not be an option. Retrived from

 http://www.crosswalk.com/blogs/nicki-koziarz/

Delicious Hot Cocoa for Frigid Winter Months

We all need a little pick-me-up on those cold winter mornings when we get to stay in our cozy houses, under our warm, fuzzy blankets, or perhaps, vedging by the fire? Here is a delicious recipe for Creamy Hot Cocoa . . .

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1 pinch salt
• 1/3 cup boiling water
• 3 1/2 cups milk
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup half-and-half cream

Directions

1. Combine the cocoa, sugar and pinch of salt in a saucepan. Blend in the boiling water. Bring this mixture to an easy boil while you stir. Simmer and stir for about 2 minutes. Watch that it doesn't scorch. Stir in 3 1/2 cups of milk and heat until very hot, but do not boil! Remove from heat and add vanilla. Divide between 4 mugs. Add the cream to the mugs of cocoa to cool it to drinking temperature.

(recipe from All Recipes.com)

Fruit Smooth Recipe

Here's a delicious fruit smoothie recipe ... you must try it! Experiment .. add in different fruits of choice, as desired.

Ingredients

• 1 quart strawberries, hulled
• 1 banana, broken into chunks
• 2 peaches
• 1 cup orange-peach-mango juice
• 2 cups ice

Directions

1. In a blender, combine strawberries, banana and peaches. Blend until fruit is pureed. Blend in the juice. Add ice and blend to desired consistency. Pour into glasses and serve.

Daily Survival Kit

Here's just a little "survival kit" to make you smile and encourage you today (perhaps so you can encourage someone else)! Of course, our #1 need for "daily survival" is Jesus Christ! Enjoy:)

Toothpick... to remind you to pick the good qualities in everyone, including yourself.

Rubber band... to remind you to be flexible. Things might not always go the way you want, but it can be worked out.

Eraser... to remind you everyone makes mistakes. That's okay, we learn by our errors.

Candy Kiss... to remind you everyone needs a hug or a compliment everyday. 

Mint ... to remind you that you are worth a mint to your family & friends.

Bubble Gum... to remind you to stick with it and you can accomplish anything.

Pencil... to remind you to list your blessings every day.

Tea Bag... to remind you to take time to relax daily and go over that list of blessings.

Band-Aid... to remind you to heal hurt feelings, either yours or someone else's.

Ending Pity Parties: Negativity Eats Away at the Soul . . .

Do you feel like you're all alone in this world? Do you feel like no one is there for you? Guess what? Someone is - His name is Jesus Christ and He is always right there with you, ready to hold your hand and comfort you through the good and bad. He's that AMAZING.

We've all struggled with negativity at some point in our lives. Maybe you're stuck in the pit right now ... perhaps you're surrounded by people who only have negative things to say ... "Woe is me," "Nothing in my life ever seems to go right," and so forth. It's easy to fall into a pit of negativity when things don't seem to be going the way we plan. Perhaps, things fall through, money is tight, college is overwhelming, learning to balance all of your commitments seems unbearable and non-existant, or the kids just don't seem to listen. It's so easy to see the negative side of things in life and throw ourselves a pity party, and that's exactly what Satans wants us to do. Satan probably gags or vomits every times he hears us say such comments as, "I'm sure God has something much better in store," "This trial is only going to bring me closer to God and become a stronger person," or perhaps, "I will praise you in this storm, Jesus!" We all have mountains to climb that may be steep, and extremely hard to climb. Our stamina to climb that mountain may be very weak or even seem nonexistant. That's why it's so important for us to constantly surround ourselves with positive people, try to see the bright side of things, try to see God's plan for situations, stay in God's word and pray, pray, pray. For people who are always negative, your spirit will become very weak and it only gets harder to get out of that pit if you constantly dig deeper and deeper into negative patterns of thinking. I know, I know ... easier said than done. I hear ya! It's so difficult to put on a smile and pretend everything's going to be ok. There's no pretending needed - just a deep, strong desire to draw closer to our Savior and to strive to live for Him in all areas of life. Find a prayer partner. Find an accountability partner who you can talk to and can help you see the positive instead of only the negative.

Time to start a new lifestyle ...

Today's challenge is to start ridding the patterns and lifestyle of non-stop negativity. It's eating away at your soul - it's eating away at all of the blessings in your life. Just think about our amazing Savior ... see what He's brought you through ... see how much He loves you ... read His promises of never leaving you and always being there for you. That, in itself is something to sing praises and shout with joy from the rooftops.

Here are some verses of praise and encouragement to dwell on/sing about today - try to read them all; print them out and keep them with you - sing them, pray them, praise HIM!

Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” (KJV)

Psalm 119:89 For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.

Psalm 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

1 Corinthians 13:13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. (ESV)

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (NIV)

Jeremiah 32:27 “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh; is anything too difficult for Me?” (NASB)

Isaiah 50:10 “Who is among you that fears the LORD, That obeys the voice of His servant, That walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God.” (NASB)

Philippians 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (KJV)

Matthew 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Psalm 16:8 I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

Isaiah 55:12 For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Psalms 89:1 I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.

Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Romans 8:38 – 39 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

1 Corinthians 15:57-58 “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (NIV)

Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Psalm 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Psalm 119:9-11 “How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (NIV)

Habakkuk 3:19 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.

Matthew 25:40 “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” (NIV)

Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (NIV)

Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Isaiah 12:2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.

Proverbs 28:1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Micah 6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

Psalm 37:1 Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.

Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

John 14:19 “Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.” (ESV)

Psalm 34:18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (NIV)

Isaiah 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

1 Corintians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Matthew 6:9-13 Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. (The Lord’s Prayer)

Isaiah 43:1-3 Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God.

Isaiah 30:21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

For the Girls . . . Q & A's

Girls, during this True Beauty series, you may have questions about your own friendships, relationships, God, or choice of music, clothes, and so forth. Please feel free to submit your question HERE: http://www.lizzychristian.com/contact.html. You can say anonymous if you don't want your name known . . . or we can submit it as anonymous. We will post replies ASAP. We will do the best we can to answer your questions or give advice, god-centered.

Have you registered for February 13th's TRUE BEAUTY giveaway? Do it now!
http://www.lizzychristian.com/freebies.html

Valentine's Day Desserts

If you're looking for Valentine's Day dessert ideas, then look no further! "The Joy of Baking" has definitely done their homework . . . Check out all these delicious recipes - there's bound to be something for your sweetheart.

http://www.joyofbaking.com/other/ValentinesDayDesserts.html