Healthy Eating: Kale, Quinoa, and Avocado Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

Salad 2/3 cup quinoa 1 1/3 cups water 1 bunch kale, torn into bite-sized pieces 1/2 avocado - peeled, pitted, and diced 1/2 cup chopped cucumber 1/3 cup chopped red bell pepper 2 tablespoons chopped red onion

1 tablespoon crumbled feta cheese Dressing 1/4 cup olive oil 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 3/4 teaspoon sea salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions:

1.	Bring the quinoa and 1 1/3 cup water to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the quinoa is tender, and the water has been absorbed, about 15 to 20 minutes. Set aside to cool.
2.	Place kale in a steamer basket over 1 inch of boiling water in a saucepan. Cover saucepan with a lid and steam kale until hot, about 45 seconds; transfer to a large plate. Top kale with quinoa, avocado, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and feta cheese.
3.	Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, sea salt, and black pepper together in a bowl until the oil emulsifies into the dressing; pour over the salad.

Verse of the Day: Exodus 16:4

Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions.

God tests us every day, He puts trials throughout the day to see how we handle them.  He wants us to follow his plan.  There are things in life that we are pushing to get accomplished but if God says no or wait we should follow what He says.  Let us not think that we can do it because we feel it is right to do. Let us wait on the Lord to see if He thinks it's right.  Let us always remember to listen to God and let him lead, whether it be a relationship, school, or job decisions we should always remember the best person to listen to is God. Today we pray for faith, faith enough to trust God and to follow His instructions.

Let us Pray

Dear Jesus

We thank you for the trials and tribulations you send our way so that our faith can grow stronger!  We are grateful that you set aside instructions for us to keep us from the enemy. Help us to have enough faith in you to trust your instructions.  Help us not to doubt you because you know what's best for us.  Keep us strong in you.  In Jesus name, Amen

Verse of the day: 1 Corinthians 15:33

Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”

Let us remember that although not everyone is perfect.  We should always surround ourselves with those at least aiming to be positive and to live right.  In this day and age we need to rid ourselves of those who carry negative thoughts, have negative actions and who overall leave no room for improvement in their lives.  Let us pray today for strength to rid ourselves of bad company so that our character may stay intact.


Let us pray:

Dear Jesus we thank you for your strength and for the knowledge you give to us.  Please Lord help us to rid our lives of negativity which would include the bad company we may be keeping.   Give us a pure heart and a clear head so that we may not be blinded by the wolves in sheeps clothing.  Lord we trust you know what's best for us, so we ask you to lead the way in our lives.  In Jesus Name, Amen

Verse of the day: Jeremiah 1:16

"I will pronounce my judgments on my people because of their wickedness in forsaking me,
in burning incense to other gods and in worshiping what their hands have made."

Although the Lord was speaking to Jeremiah about the Northern Kingdom in this chapter.  It shows us that God's wrath is at hand to the wicked.  Let us remember in this day and age.  That the word of the Lord still stands, when God says "Thous shalt not put other God's before me" He has not taken back his commandment.  We as a children of God should follow His word.  Whether it be idols or an addiction, they are considered gods.   Let us pray for an understanding and enlightenment of his scriptures and for obedience to His words.


Let us pray:

Dear Jesus

We thank you for your word.  There are so many messages that we ought to follow, help us to understand your word and to take it seriously.  Help us to realize that we need to serve You only.  Give us a heart for you and help us to release the addictions we have in our lives that are blocking us from serving you.  Thank you for your laws that keep us in order.  In Jesus Name, Amen

Verse of the Day: Romans 12:3

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.


Today, Let's ask God for humility and a dose of humbleness..

Let us pray:

Dear Jesus

We thank You for giving us the opportunity to live.  Thank You for the strength to work, provide for ourselves and loved ones and for the many blessings You have so graciously given to us.  We ask today, that You work within us, show us Lord how to be humble in all things, show us how we can exercise good judgement and give us the faith we need to trust in the plans You have for us.  Thank You for Your Grace.  In Jesus Name, Amen

Verse of the Day: Proverbs 6:23

For this command is a lamp,  this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction are the way to life,

Following God's way and his word, is the pathway to life eternal, it's as simple as that.  Let us pray for God to help us in our efforts in following his instructions and his teachings, that they may be just as simple.


Let us pray

Dear Jesus

We thank you for your grace and for the promise of life eternal.  Your word has given us life and hope and we are grateful.  Help us to follow your teachings and your instructions for we know that they are the way to life eternal.  In Jesus name, Amen

Verse of the day: 2 Corinthians 4:4

Our Guest blogger Janel S shared with us this scripture, Thank you Janel:

"The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God."

Let us pray for those who are blinded by the truth, and if you are blinded then there is hope if you are reading this post!  Trust in God and his unfailing love & power He can get past the gods of this age to unblock your heart and clear your mind and eyes, so that you may see Christ in all His Glory.  Let us pray today for a clear vision of Christ.

Let us pray:

Dear Jesus
We thank you for your mercy and your everlasting love, we ask Lord today that you will help us to see Christ as He is.  Help us to see clearly, your vision for us and the path you have cleared for us.  Help us to help those who are blinded by the gods of this age, to see You clearly so that they may believe in the truth.  In Jesus Name, Amen

Verse of the Day: 1 Chronicles 16:34

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. "

Did you remember to say thank you?  With all the happiness your experiencing because of the great things happening in your life, Don't forget to take a few moments on your knees giving God praise and thanksgiving, for you could have only gotten this far because of His blessings. Let us pray for a grateful heart.

Let us pray

Dear Jesus
We give You praise and thanks for the wondrous things You have done in our lives.  We are not worthy of anything but yet You have blessed us with the things we desire.  Lord help us to be grateful and humbled by Your blessings for You can take them away at any moment. Thank You again for Your love and mercy.  In Jesus name, Amen

Verse of the Day: Romans 8:28

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who^[a] have been called according to his purpose."

We all know that if you study hard for your test throughout the weeks you'll get a good grade in your exam.  The same theory should be applied to your relationship with God. Study his word, be genuine in prayer & keep close to Him, the results? God will have your back in all things..including an A+ on your finals!  Let's pray for strength and the courage to fully seek out and love God unconditionally.

Let us pray

Dear Jesus

Thank you for your unconditional love in us, Help us to have the strength and courage to leave the world behind and to follow you.  Help us to no longer ignore your call but to say: "Hear I am Lord".  Help us to realize Lord, that all we need to do is to stick close to You and all our troubles will seem insignificant. You are our strength Oh Lord and we are grateful for Your love.  In Jesus name, Amen

Verse of the Day: Deutoronomy 8:3

But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”

The reality is that we must listen to God.  When that still small voice is speaking to us we should know that God wants us to listen.  We must always live by His word, so let us pray that when God speaks we should listen.

Let us Pray

Thank you Lord for your word and for the gift of salvation, help us to realize that we cannot live alone by bread, but that we should know that life is given to us through you and we must live by your instructions.  Give us Love, Joy, Peace and Happiness and help us to always make you the center of our lives.  In Jesus name, Amen

Healthy Eating: Coconut Oatmeal

Ingredients:

3 1/2 cups plain or vanilla soy milk 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 cups rolled oats 1/4 cup pure maple syrup 1/3 cup raisins

1/3 cup dried cranberries 1/3 cup sweetened flaked coconut 1/3 cup chopped walnuts 1 (8 ounce) container plain yogurt (optional) 3 tablespoons honey (optional)

Directions:

1.

Pour the milk and salt into a saucepan, and bring to a boil. Stir in the oats, maple syrup, raisins, and cranberries. Return to a boil, then reduce heat to medium. Cook for 5 minutes. Stir in walnuts and coconut, and let stand until it reaches your desired thickness. Spoon into serving bowls, and top with yogurt and honey, if desired.  Source

Verse of the Day: Galatians 6:7-8

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”

Remember in all that you do and say that it be done unto God.  We work hard from day to day,  let us work diligently unto the Lord and not unto man.  Let us remember that we must also put in spiritual work.. praying, reading and studying God's word so that we can be saved in God's kingdom.  Let us pray for guidance, a diligent mind, and a heart full of love for God.


Let us Pray

Thank you Dear Lord for your greatness.  We realize there is NONE like you! So Lord help us to serve only You, to love only You, and to work hard to please only You.  You are our strength so please give us the guidance & strength we need, to fight the battle in this human race and to come out victorious.  In Jesus Name, Amen

Verse of the day: Psalms 32:5

Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin.

Let's start off our morning confessing our sins to Jesus.  Really kneeling before him and asking for forgiveness. Let's ask for a clean slate in our lives starting from today.   Isn't it a blessing that we can even do that?  We get another chance to start brand new!

Let us Pray

Dear Jesus
We thank you for allowing us to see a new day when others were not so fortunate.  Lord you are almighty and we ask today for your forgiveness of any wrong doing we have committed in the past.  Renew our strength and help us to start fresh in You. You are omnipotent Lord and we acknowledge your good works.  In Jesus name, Amen

Verse of the Day: 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.

Let us not forget the one who died for our sins.  Let us pray for God's blessings on us and overwhelming amounts of belief in Him and his plan for us.

Let us pray

Thank you Lord for sending your Son to die on the cross to save us from our sins.   Help us to believe in you 100%.  Help us to have no doubts about you.  Give us peace of mind, a pure heart and belief beyond measure. Thank you for your love & your blessings on us.  In Jesus name, Amen

Verse of the Day: Phillipians 4:6-7

⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Let us take comfort in knowing that God is right here with us through our good times and our bad times.  He will hear our cry if we just call on Him.  Let us pray for peace of mind, just in knowing that if we present our requests to Him He will hear and answer.


Let us pray

Dear Jesus thank you for hearing our cries and delivering us from our troubles.  Continue to keep us under your wings and help us to realize that we have the ability to call on You, wherever, whenever.  Help us not to worry about the unseen things, but to pray continuously for the faith that we need to carry us through.. You are awesome and almighty and we give you praise!  In Jesus name, Amen

Verse of the day: Romans 12:2

 ^"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."


Are you battling with the strongholds of this earth? Let us pray to God to renew our hearts our minds and our faith. We will then be able to rid ourselves of these strongholds.

Let us pray

Dear Jesus

Thank you for your strength! You are the mighty One that is able to set us free from the strongholds of this earth. Please renew our minds so that we may think clearly and see that many things in this world are holding us back from fully committing to you. We praise You and lift You up! In Jesus name, Amen

Verse of the Day: Matthew 6:19-21

“[Treasures in Heaven] “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21 NIV

We must remember that all the planning, purchasing & putting away are temporary, and that Jesus' coming is soon.  So let us pray that our hearts and our minds are prepared for His coming.

Let us pray

Dear Jesus

Thank you for your Grace and Love.  Lord we know you have created this world so that we can live and prepare for our future.  Help us to realize that as good as preparations and planning is, that we should also invest in preparing our hearts for your coming.   Keep us focused on you Lord.  In Jesus name Amen.

Healthy Eating: Roasted Vegetable Pizza

Try this for lunch today!

• 1 medium eggplant, peeled and cubed
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 medium zucchini, sliced
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes $
• 1 onion, peeled and cut into eighths $
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup olive oil $
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 (16-oz.) package whole wheat prebaked pizza crusts
• 1 teaspoon olive oil $
• 1/3 cup shaved Asiago cheese

Preparation

1. 1. Sprinkle eggplant with salt, and let stand 30 minutes. Pat dry.
2. 2. Preheat oven to 400°. Toss together eggplant, zucchini, and next 6 ingredients, and arrange in a single layer in 2 aluminum foil-lined 15- x 10-inch jelly-roll pans.
3. 3. Bake at 400° for 45 minutes or until vegetables are tender and golden brown. Season with salt to taste.
4. 4. Place crust on a baking sheet. Brush crust with 1 tsp. olive oil. Top with 2 cups roasted vegetables; reserve remaining vegetables for another use. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 400° for 15 minutes or until crust is crisp and cheese is melted.    Source

Verse of the Day: James 1:12

"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him."

Do you feel tempted to do things you know you shouldn't?  It could be lying to your friends and family or cheating on your school work.. Let us ask God to help us to resist temptation so that we may be receive the crown of life..


Let us Pray

Dear Jesus

You are worthy to be praised  & we are so grateful for all you have done for us.  Please help us to overcome the temptation to do wrong and to replace that feeling with the will to do what is right!  Block the enemy from us so that he has no way of getting through to us.   We praise you and we lift you up!  In Jesus name, Amen

Verse of the Day: Proverbs 15:7

"The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so. "

Let's start our lives today by living wisely.  Let us ask God for guidance and a pure heart that we may not speak without knowledge.

Let us Pray

Dear Jesus we thank You for Your truth and for your daily reminders that You are here.  Help us not to ignore Your word but to realize that those words hold a wealth of knowledge for every situation.  Help us Lord to have that pure heart, a wise heart reflecting you.  In Jesus name Amen.

Verse of the Day: Matthew 7:3-14

¹³ “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. ¹⁴ But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Let us remember that our time on earth is temporary and that we must live for Christ the best way we can.  Let us pray that we will always follow in God's footsteps so that we can enter into the narrow gate. 

Let us Pray

Dear Jesus

Thank you so much for your love and grace.  Help us to be faithful to you,  and to follow the path that you have set out for us.  Help us to remember that the way of the devil is sneaky and the gate he has set for us is wide, help us to avoid that at all costs and to listen to your voice when You call us.  In Jesus name Amen  

Music Meditation: Tremaine Hawkins "Holy One"

Verse of the day: 2 Samuel 24:25

2 Samuel 24:25
David built an altar to the LORD there and sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings. Then the LORD answered his prayer in behalf of the land, and the plague on Israel was stopped

The Lord hears our cry & gives so much to us.  Let us always remember to put Him first, not with just a quick repetitive prayer, but a heartfelt, earnest cry to Him with praise and thanksgiving.  Let us pray for the kind of worship for Christ as David had.


LET US PRAY

Dear Lord
Thank you for your love and strength.  We know you are all mighty and omnipotent, yet we do not worship you as we should.  We see in the days of old, burnt offerings and sacrifices were offered unto you, and even though that is not our custom today, help us to use this as an example, to realize that it shows how sacred worshiping you is.  Help us to pray often, to sing your praises, to read your word, and to spend time worshiping you as we should.  In Jesus name we pray, Amen

Verse of the Day: Proverbs 15:1

15 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.


Let us ask God for help so that we may speak kindly, think before we speak and know when not to speak at all.

Let us pray

Dear Jesus, thank you for giving us a mouth to speak.  Help us to know what to say to others when their words to us aren't exactly what we would like to hear.  Help us to know that in having a soft answer, we are allowing others to see the goodness in us.  Please help us to always focus on you and to realize that once we do this we have won the battle.  In Jesus name we pray Amen

Happy New Year | Verse of the Day: Philippians 4:4-7

First off Happy New Year!  I pray that this day will be the beginning of an even closer walk with Christ!  May you be blessed by God's spirit and may your faith be stronger in Him.

Philippians 4:4-7
[ Final Exhortations ] Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.


Let us ask God to let our minds be made peaceful and to help us remember we should always go to him in prayer.

Let us pray.

Dear Jesus You are so awesome and we just want to rejoice in You! You have brought us safely out of 2012 into this new year and we are grateful.  Help us not to be anxious because of the unknown future, but help us to remember that all we need to do is go on our knees and ask you to calm our nerves and to help us to praise and lift you up more.  

Give us a peaceful heart and a pure mind so that we can bravely go into the New Year knowing it will be alright because we have you on our side.  In Jesus Name, Amen