Memory Scripture 13

Proverbs 4:7
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.

James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
message: If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help and won't be condescended to when you ask for it.

Obeying and Praying

Last one for the week. This right here might hurt a lil bit. It made me say, "ouch". It's too long to retype, so I've attached the image.

Having trouble reading it? Just click on it and it will open up so you can read it better. Get your prayer on!

Trying to pray better,

Tee

Praying without Ceasing

OK. I got another one y'all. I claim 2008 to be a year that we experience breakthrough in our prayer lives. We've got to shake off every weight and press!!!! That's the only way that we'll have that "victory" in our Christian walk.

Pray Without Ceasing...
In Romans 15:30, Paul begs the saints in Rome to strive together with him in their prayers. The word translated strive means primarily to contend as in athletic games or in a fight. In other words, the prayer which prevails with God is the prayer into which we put our whole soul, stretching out toward God in intense and agonizing desire. Much of our modern prayer lacks power because it lacks heart. We rush into God's presence, run through a string of petitions, jump up, and go out. If someone asks us an hour later what we prayed for, often we cannot remember. If we put so little heart into our prayers, we cannot expect God to put much heart into answering them.

Well...
Tee

Great Point About Prayer

Hey sistahs!
I've been rereading a book titled "How to Pray" by R.A. Torrey. It is reminding me about the importance of prayer and approaching God the right way. This little passage blessed me Tuesday morning:

Praying Unto God (Chapter 2)(expounding on the verse "Prayer was made without ceasing of the church UNTO GOD for him" ~Acts 12:5)

NOTE: things in bold jumped out to me.

The prayer that has power is the prayer that is offered unto God. Some might say, "Is not all prayer offered unto God?" No. Very much of so-called prayer, both public and private, is not unto God. In order for a prayer to really be unto God, there must be a definite and conscious approach to God when we pray. We must have a definite and vivid realization that God is bending over us and listening as we pray. In very much of our prayer, there is really only little thought of God. Our mind is taken up with the thought of what we need and is not occupied with the thought of the mighty and loving Father of whom we are seeking it. Oftentimes, we are neither occupied with the need nor with the One to whom we are praying. Instead, our mind is wandering here and there throughout the world. There is no power in that sort of prayer. But, when we really come into God's presence, really meet Him face to face in the place of prayer, really seek the things that we desire from Him, then there is power.

I read this right after I spent time in "distracted" prayer. Needless to say, it was ON-TIME for me. Hope it blesses you too!

Tee
P.S. I have two more coming. Will rock your world if you're having trouble in your prayer life.

Fasting Recipe - Kale

Hello Ladies Living Life on Purpose,

For those who are engaged in the 21 day fast, I have a recipe for kale that I and others have found to be very good. I think it is good because you can enjoy a healthy, leafy green like kale without the bitter taste! I was sharing this recipe with Barbara and she encouraged me to put it on the blog and share it with everyone. ENJOY!

Ingredients:
Kale - fresh; not frozen; chopped like collard greens
Mushrooms - raw/fresh, slice or dice according to your preference
Onions - 1 raw onion diced
Garlic - (0ptional) 1-2 sliced garlic cloves or 1-2 teaspoons of minced garlic
Ground Ginger
McCormick Season Salt
Seasoning Blend - Mrs. Dash, McCormick - All Purpose Seasoning, or Trader Joes 21 Salute
1 can Coconut Milk
Olive Oil

Warning: I am not a cook that measures things. I just add, shake, and pour in seasonings to taste (except when baking). Barbara and Cree know what I am talking about :-) So be free...

Saute the onions, mushrooms, and garlic in olive oil on high heat. On medium heat in the same pan add the kale. Allow it to cook a little and then stir it. If you have alot of kale add a little at a time and stir. Add more as the kale cooks down. You will probably need to add some more olive oil depending on the amount of kale you have.

As you are cooking the kale, shake on the other seasonings to taste - ground ginger, season salt, and seasoning blend (I listed a few options in the ingredients list)

Finally, allow the kale to simmer in the coconut milk. Make sure you shake up the can before you open the can.

Let me know how you like it!

Taliah

Roll Call

If your name begins with either a T, S, L or K and you live in one of the cities and/or states, then we miss you and we would love to hear from you on this blog. Soon. Very soon. :-)

Arkansas
Michigan
Ellenwood
McDonough
Lithonia
Augusta/Grovetown

Sincerely,

~bdr

Memory Scripture 12

Psalm 23:6

"Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

Expect Good Things
What are you expecting today? Are you expecting goodness to follow you everywhere you go or are you expecting to get the short end of the stick? Remember that God will meet you at the level of your expectations. Pay attention to what you are thinking about. Everyday imagine there are blessings, favor, increase, and promotion in your path. It's just a matter of time before you come across them. Start confessing everyday "something good is going to happen to me today." Expect goodness and mercy to chase you down. If you'll learn to raise your level of expectancy, God will pour out His blessings and favor on you....Joel Osteen

Fasting Recipe

How are you all doing on your first fruit fast? I pray that all is going very well and that God is revealing things to you even as you read this. In speaking with a few of you I thought it was a good idea to begin putting recipe ideas and other food suggestions during this fast. If you are doing the Daniel fast, this means no meat, breads, sweets & alcohol. Here is a list of foods that I enjoy during the fast:

• Beans
• Grains (i.e. brown rice & oatmeal)
• Fruits
• Veggies
• Salads
• Potatoes (white & sweet)
• Mushrooms (delicious when they are sauteed in garlic, olive oil, and salt)

Here is a recipe compliments from Patti LaBelle. I haven't tried it but my girlfriend Shayla loves it.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium head green cabbage (about 2 1/4 lbs)
• 3 tbs butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, cut into 1/2-inch dice
• 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch dice
• 2 large russet or Idaho potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 cups water
• seasoned salt and crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, or parsley, optional

Cut off and discard the hard core from each wedge. Slice the cabbage into 1/2-inch wide strips. Set aside. In a deep 12-inch skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and bell pepper. Cook, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the cabbage and potatoes. Add the water and season with salt and red pepper flakes to taste. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover. Cook until the potatoes are tender and most of the liquid has evaporated, about 20 minutes. Transfer to a serving dish, and sprinkle with the cilantro, if desired. Serve hot. (if you are not doing dairy and therefore do not want to use butter, you can always substitute with olive oil).

Upcoming Presidential Election

I know this isn't a forum where we get political; however, I do think it is important that we are knowledgable about the candidates and vote wisely. Below is a pretty decent tool that may provide you with information about each candidate's stance on certain hot topics in this year's election. Click on "Find Your Match" below to begin.

***I would suggest completing it more than once. It took me 3 times to finally get 2 top candidates that I could feel okay with selecting. Each time you complete the questionnaire, read the answers for your top 2 candidates, then take it again.

~bdr

Memory Scripture 11

Philippians 1:6

Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.