Is 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.
It may feel like you are just treading water. You may feel like, your efforts are in vain. Just 3 short months ago, I was ready to give up on all of it. My weight - life period, everything...I just felt like I had done all I could do and nothing was working. It was time to throw in the towel, accept my failures and resolve myself to accept, maybe I was just meant to be 'fat' or at least 'fatter' than most.
It was devastating to me. I don't like to fail. I turned to God, this time filled with my desperation, and I asked Him, to do something. I had prayed before and always go to God, but the weight...I kind of asked Him 'along' for the ride. I didn't surrender it all to Him. It didn't seem serious enough. I mean, people had 'real' problems He needed to deal with. But it got REAL to me so I CASTED it - to Him and actually, let go.
The 'wait' started. That didn't mean doing nothing, it meant doing 'everything' I could and 'expecting' God to do 'everything' He could.
Wait on the Lord - with an EXPECTANT spirit and be found doing all YOU can and He will answer prayers.
Congratulations Time!!
SAN T. - wait for it...wait for it............6 INCHES and 2lbs in 2 WEEKS!!! That must have been you on page 43 of Jet magazine!! You better WORK!!!
Cossandra S. - Out shopping? Running errands? Can I stay on plan...YES I CAN!! You go girl. Way to stay committed to your goals. AWESOME!
Priscilla W. - YOU GO GIRL!! down 1 more lb!! Every bit counts. You get it slim. Stay on track - you got this!
Recipe:
Roasted Butternut Squash (thanks for requesting this one Jennifer)
1lb squash - peeled and cubed (big chunks - Harris Teeter sells them ready to cook)
Butter flavored Pam cooking spray
3pkts Sweetner (Stevia/Splenda - your preferred brand)
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Butter Bud - sprinkles (to taste) - I don't use this on mine personally. It tastes good without it to me.
On a cooking tray or sheet, spray with Pam and arrange squash on sheet. Spray squash w/Pam and sprinkle sweetner, nutmeg and cinnamon on top. Bake at 400 degrees for 40-45 mins (until golden brown and fork tender).
Serve 1/2 c serving as a carb A. I found that I love it anywhere I'd normally have a sweet potato, just to break up the monotony. I've eaten it with breakfast, dropping it cold in my peach smoothie for a creamy texture. Get creative. I'll send the peach squash smoothie recipe out tomorrow. Enjoy!!
Prayer: Lord, let me be an instrument of your peace. Help me to bring love and encouragment and support to those connected to me. Bless and cover each one of these people and strengthen them with your power. Raise up the holy spirit in each of us and use it to encourage and support us in our goals and efforts to be whole, healthy and productive vessels for your kingdom's work. In Jesus name. Amen!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Friday, April 1, 2011
Lost it? Find it!
How did you manage to lose it?
In the process of spring cleaning the temple of the Lord, the priest Hilkiah, 'found' the book of the law (2 Kings 22:8. I found that statement very odd. My first thoughts were, 'where they do that at?' LOL. I mean, we are talking about the 'temple of the Lord' right? Surely, if they don't know where ANYTHING is at, they know where the 'Book of the Law' is kept right? Notsomuch. So of course my second thought was, how irresponsible is that priest. I mean, he is a priest right? His job, among other things was to meditate and read the 'Book of the Law'. I got real upset with Hilkiah. What a lazy, irresponsible priest he was. He had one job. And here he is, acting all brand new, talking about 'I found the book of the law'. I thought, 'shoot, I would have kept that information to myself'. I would not have put my irresponsibility on blast like that. ssshhhhhhhh.....our little secret Lord. But not Hilkiah. He ran out and got Shaman, the scribe and told him. I thought equally odd that Shaman didn't know where the 'Book of the Law' was either. I thought it was his job to 'scribe' it. He oughta know where it was too, shouldn't he?
Then the Shaman went to the King and read the book to King Josiah. The young king was MOVED into action. That changed my thought around. Nothing would have ever happened if Hilkaiah had not exposed his irresponsibility. So as I read, I said - ouch Lord. How can I move forward if I don't admit - even to myself - my own mistakes. So funny, I had managed to put Hilkiah and Shaman in all kinds of irresponsible, untrustworthy, inconsistent categories but I was overlooking my own short comings. Hiding and pretending not to know or that no one would notice. I needed to own my own mistakes. These 8lbs didn't come back because they missed me. They came back because I put down the instructions that I had been walking in that made me successful in the first place. Just like the children of Israel (in this case - Judah as the kingdom's had split). I had gone off to do my own thing. Thinking (or not thinking at all) that I would be able to maintain the same results WITHOUT putting forth the same efforts.
IT DOESN'T WORK LIKE THAT.
Joshua told the people what God told them to do. (Joshua 1:8). Meditate, day and night and DO all that is written therein. THEN you would have good success. (paraphrased). Josiah returned to those directions and began with a vengence. FIRST, to humble himself to God. Then to propel himself into action. Getting rid of everything that was a detriment to his success. Not just putting it out but COMPLETELY destroying anything that was contrary to God. We have a program that has worked for us. We have seen the success. We can get back on track. Go, look for your back to eden 'book', put it into action. Clean house and remove anything that may hinder you. Put the temple in order.
April 9th is our next 'Pray in Weigh in'. I'd like to add a brisk walk/jog Downtown to that.
We can meet at 9am @ RCM to weigh and then make our way to Morehead and back for some exercise and fellowship. If anyone needs to get a new copy of their materials, just send me an email - thatchl@yahoo.com and include your body type and I'll send it back to you. If anyone needs some one on one time, give me a call, email or text. We can do this. We can be the Josiah generation.
Congratulations time:
Cheryl R. - DOWN 10 LBS!! I'm proud of you. That exercise has definitely helped to get that weight moving in the right direction.
Lisa T. - Down 3lbs (since yesterday!!!) Jogged 10k today in 1.5 hrs!
Reminder: Get that water in! It will work WONDERS to jump start your results.
Prayer requests:
Lane Family - pray for the covenant of marriage. Marriages are under attack and God alone is able to preserve them. Ms. Wilhelmina - pray that God continue to increase her stregth. She is already an overcomer!! Porsha - pray that God give her special, special blessings as she celebrates her birthday and continues to grow into the woman of God that He has created her to be. Kisha - Pray that God gives the angels charge concerning her as she takes her trip to the Holy Land. That He keep her family in perfect peace and health until she return. Barbara - Pray for traveling mercies. Judy - Healing, complete and total!
Prayer:
Lord, continue to strengthen us to recognize the tricks of the adversary. Help us to be able to twart him at his own game by calling him out and asserting the dominion you have given us over him. Encourage us to seek your face daily for strength, direction, peace, help and refuge. Remind us to lean not to our own understanding but to acknowledge you and let you direct our path. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
In the process of spring cleaning the temple of the Lord, the priest Hilkiah, 'found' the book of the law (2 Kings 22:8. I found that statement very odd. My first thoughts were, 'where they do that at?' LOL. I mean, we are talking about the 'temple of the Lord' right? Surely, if they don't know where ANYTHING is at, they know where the 'Book of the Law' is kept right? Notsomuch. So of course my second thought was, how irresponsible is that priest. I mean, he is a priest right? His job, among other things was to meditate and read the 'Book of the Law'. I got real upset with Hilkiah. What a lazy, irresponsible priest he was. He had one job. And here he is, acting all brand new, talking about 'I found the book of the law'. I thought, 'shoot, I would have kept that information to myself'. I would not have put my irresponsibility on blast like that. ssshhhhhhhh.....our little secret Lord. But not Hilkiah. He ran out and got Shaman, the scribe and told him. I thought equally odd that Shaman didn't know where the 'Book of the Law' was either. I thought it was his job to 'scribe' it. He oughta know where it was too, shouldn't he?
Then the Shaman went to the King and read the book to King Josiah. The young king was MOVED into action. That changed my thought around. Nothing would have ever happened if Hilkaiah had not exposed his irresponsibility. So as I read, I said - ouch Lord. How can I move forward if I don't admit - even to myself - my own mistakes. So funny, I had managed to put Hilkiah and Shaman in all kinds of irresponsible, untrustworthy, inconsistent categories but I was overlooking my own short comings. Hiding and pretending not to know or that no one would notice. I needed to own my own mistakes. These 8lbs didn't come back because they missed me. They came back because I put down the instructions that I had been walking in that made me successful in the first place. Just like the children of Israel (in this case - Judah as the kingdom's had split). I had gone off to do my own thing. Thinking (or not thinking at all) that I would be able to maintain the same results WITHOUT putting forth the same efforts.
IT DOESN'T WORK LIKE THAT.
Joshua told the people what God told them to do. (Joshua 1:8). Meditate, day and night and DO all that is written therein. THEN you would have good success. (paraphrased). Josiah returned to those directions and began with a vengence. FIRST, to humble himself to God. Then to propel himself into action. Getting rid of everything that was a detriment to his success. Not just putting it out but COMPLETELY destroying anything that was contrary to God. We have a program that has worked for us. We have seen the success. We can get back on track. Go, look for your back to eden 'book', put it into action. Clean house and remove anything that may hinder you. Put the temple in order.
April 9th is our next 'Pray in Weigh in'. I'd like to add a brisk walk/jog Downtown to that.
We can meet at 9am @ RCM to weigh and then make our way to Morehead and back for some exercise and fellowship. If anyone needs to get a new copy of their materials, just send me an email - thatchl@yahoo.com and include your body type and I'll send it back to you. If anyone needs some one on one time, give me a call, email or text. We can do this. We can be the Josiah generation.
Congratulations time:
Cheryl R. - DOWN 10 LBS!! I'm proud of you. That exercise has definitely helped to get that weight moving in the right direction.
Lisa T. - Down 3lbs (since yesterday!!!) Jogged 10k today in 1.5 hrs!
Reminder: Get that water in! It will work WONDERS to jump start your results.
Prayer requests:
Lane Family - pray for the covenant of marriage. Marriages are under attack and God alone is able to preserve them. Ms. Wilhelmina - pray that God continue to increase her stregth. She is already an overcomer!! Porsha - pray that God give her special, special blessings as she celebrates her birthday and continues to grow into the woman of God that He has created her to be. Kisha - Pray that God gives the angels charge concerning her as she takes her trip to the Holy Land. That He keep her family in perfect peace and health until she return. Barbara - Pray for traveling mercies. Judy - Healing, complete and total!
Prayer:
Lord, continue to strengthen us to recognize the tricks of the adversary. Help us to be able to twart him at his own game by calling him out and asserting the dominion you have given us over him. Encourage us to seek your face daily for strength, direction, peace, help and refuge. Remind us to lean not to our own understanding but to acknowledge you and let you direct our path. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Keep on, Walk on...
You know you can do this, you've done it before. Somehow, things are getting away from you. Things are moving in the wrong direction. The wind is blowing. The waves are crashing all around you. The water is creeping up around you and your feet begin to sink. How on earth can this be happening to you? You were just walking on water!
It happens, to the best of us. Just like Peter. We lose our focus, we get off track. Something else comes along to distract us. We get distracted then when we finally notice that we've started moving in the wrong direction, the devil will try to get in our heads. He'll try to tell us we never really did it. We surely can't do it again. Well which is it? Did I do it or didn't I? He's so tricky. WE WERE WALKING on water. We were walking in the midst of the water with a single focus. Get your focus back. ONE STEP AT A TIME. We don't have to walk across the whole ocean in one day. ONE DAY AT A TIME. WE CAN DO THIS!! (Reference Matt 14:22-33)
Congratulations Time:
Cassandra J. - DOWN 5LBS!! With God all things are possible!! So proud of you.
Recipe:
Carribean chicken and rice
Pre-cooked Grilled chicken strips (feel free to cook 'em yourself. I don't have time this week)
1/2 cup Smuckers sugar free orange marmalade
1/2 cup chopped onions and green peppers
1 tropical fruit cup
1/2 cup field peas
2-3 teaspoons of water (as needed)
Onion powder, garlic powder, lite salt and pepper to taste (curry powder if desired)
2 cups saffron rice (pre-cooked)
On the stove in a large non-stick skillet coated with Pam, medium heat, brown the onions and peppers. Add the marmalade and the fruit cup and allow it to reduce most of the liquid out. Add the seasonings and the chicken. Toss and allow the flavors to marry. Throw in the field peas. Serve over saffron rice.
Remember your portions.
1/2 cup rice - 1 Carb A, 1/2 cup of the Chicken/Sauce mixture - Protein A and Fruit A
Spring has sprung. The days are getting longer and warmer. Get outside and enjoy the sunlight. Be kinder than usual. Make an effort to make someone smile. Its infectious.
Prayer: THANK YOU LORD! Thank you for each day and each opportunity to do it again. You have renewed mercies and renewed grace for us DAILY. Help us to forgive one another our tresspasses as you forgive ours. Remind us that compassion and empathy are never out of style or out of season. Help us to walk in your love. Thank you for a new season where things are blooming and growing. Let us use it to inspire us and revive our goals. In Jesus precious holy name. Amen.
Special Prayer: Your continued healings upon Sis. Wilhelmina. She's getting stronger and stronger. The devil is defeated and its already alright. Strengthen her family, her friends and her church family. Remind them that you are an ever present help in time of trouble. In Jesus name. Amen.
It happens, to the best of us. Just like Peter. We lose our focus, we get off track. Something else comes along to distract us. We get distracted then when we finally notice that we've started moving in the wrong direction, the devil will try to get in our heads. He'll try to tell us we never really did it. We surely can't do it again. Well which is it? Did I do it or didn't I? He's so tricky. WE WERE WALKING on water. We were walking in the midst of the water with a single focus. Get your focus back. ONE STEP AT A TIME. We don't have to walk across the whole ocean in one day. ONE DAY AT A TIME. WE CAN DO THIS!! (Reference Matt 14:22-33)
Congratulations Time:
Cassandra J. - DOWN 5LBS!! With God all things are possible!! So proud of you.
Recipe:
Carribean chicken and rice
Pre-cooked Grilled chicken strips (feel free to cook 'em yourself. I don't have time this week)
1/2 cup Smuckers sugar free orange marmalade
1/2 cup chopped onions and green peppers
1 tropical fruit cup
1/2 cup field peas
2-3 teaspoons of water (as needed)
Onion powder, garlic powder, lite salt and pepper to taste (curry powder if desired)
2 cups saffron rice (pre-cooked)
On the stove in a large non-stick skillet coated with Pam, medium heat, brown the onions and peppers. Add the marmalade and the fruit cup and allow it to reduce most of the liquid out. Add the seasonings and the chicken. Toss and allow the flavors to marry. Throw in the field peas. Serve over saffron rice.
Remember your portions.
1/2 cup rice - 1 Carb A, 1/2 cup of the Chicken/Sauce mixture - Protein A and Fruit A
Spring has sprung. The days are getting longer and warmer. Get outside and enjoy the sunlight. Be kinder than usual. Make an effort to make someone smile. Its infectious.
Prayer: THANK YOU LORD! Thank you for each day and each opportunity to do it again. You have renewed mercies and renewed grace for us DAILY. Help us to forgive one another our tresspasses as you forgive ours. Remind us that compassion and empathy are never out of style or out of season. Help us to walk in your love. Thank you for a new season where things are blooming and growing. Let us use it to inspire us and revive our goals. In Jesus precious holy name. Amen.
Special Prayer: Your continued healings upon Sis. Wilhelmina. She's getting stronger and stronger. The devil is defeated and its already alright. Strengthen her family, her friends and her church family. Remind them that you are an ever present help in time of trouble. In Jesus name. Amen.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Where u at?
So, for those of you that have not seen or heard from me in about a week, I've been heads down, preparing for a really big step in my life. A leap of faith if you will. I hope that those of you who have entered into this journey 'Back to Eden' with me will continue to do so and together we will reach and accomplish our dreams.
On Sunday March 6th at 3pm I will be doing my initial sermon at 301 W. 24th Street in Charlotte, NC at Redemption Christian Ministries. I have heard the calling for some time and thought that I could answer it 'how I wanted to answer it'. I figured that as long as I was in 'work-ship' or 'fellow ship' or 'sister ship' or 'leader ship' I was not being disobedient (or so I kept telling myself). You know, I was being what they call 'hard headed':) Anyway, I surrender myself to Lord and hope that He will use me to deliver a word on this day.
Please be in prayer for me.
Upcoming activities:
Boot Camp - in Charlotte, NC weekly on Saturday Mornings at 8am. ($5)Meet at Freedom Park by the steps.
Pray in Weigh in - March 12th @ 9:30 am (I'll be there at 9am for praise team members) (301 w. 24th Street, Charlotte, NC)
Retreat - stay tuned. I was trying to get the Great Wolf Lodge but the cost was really excessive. I don't want anyone to be left out due to cost. Let me get my thinking cap on and feel free to send me suggestions. I'm down for some more light camping.
Satellite Back to Eden folks!! Send me some status!! The weather is getting warm. Need to hear some outside activities, some weight loss...make some noise!!
Daily Prayer - Join us at 6am, Monday through Friday via conference call 712-432-0232 passcode 813766#. Women from all over link up together to start their day with simple prayer. Tomorrow marks 120th day of our morning worship and God has truly been blessing us!! Yokes destroyed, burdens lifted, healing, deliverance, restored marriages, the ANOINTING is effective.
SMOOTHIE TIME OF YEAR!!
When things warm up I always look forward to swapping out one of my meals with a refreshing smoothie. Remember, if your meal calls for protein add some 'egg beaters' to your smoothie (it has no taste). If your meal calls for a carb drop some (pre-cooked)oatmeal in it (it thickens it up nicely). Choose fresh in season fruits or frozen. Try it without any added sweetner. You may find that you actually like the taste of it! Also - sneak some iron into your day by putting a handful of spinach in the blender. It also has no impact on the taste. If you can't stand the look of 'green' juice put it in an opaque cup with a top on it and sip it through a straw. Its really really good and good for you!!
Welcome to Back to Eden journey!!
Monique H. all the way from Vegas!! Get your groove on girl. You can do it!
Aletha G. holding it down from ATL! (Atlanta's in the house) You know you got this!!
Remember, its a lot easier to do anything with someone to cheer you on and be accountable to. Buddy up with a friend where ever you are and send us your praise reports so we can be encouraged and encourage one another.
Prayer: Lord, keep us in your will. Show us ourselves through your eyes. Help us to see the things you have in store for us and give us the courage to put forth what it takes to achieve them. Help us to put behind us all our short comings and failures so that they don't hinder us from future successes. Remind us that we can do ALL THINGS through Christ who strengthens us!!
Amen.
Special prayer: Lord - send a healing to sister Wilhelmina. We believe you for complete and total restoration. Release your anointing on her and in her. Encourage her soul and lengthen her days. In Jesus name. Amen.
Meanwhile...Keep walking on water!
Rev. Lisa Thatch - A Caring Professional
704-493-2035
On Sunday March 6th at 3pm I will be doing my initial sermon at 301 W. 24th Street in Charlotte, NC at Redemption Christian Ministries. I have heard the calling for some time and thought that I could answer it 'how I wanted to answer it'. I figured that as long as I was in 'work-ship' or 'fellow ship' or 'sister ship' or 'leader ship' I was not being disobedient (or so I kept telling myself). You know, I was being what they call 'hard headed':) Anyway, I surrender myself to Lord and hope that He will use me to deliver a word on this day.
Please be in prayer for me.
Upcoming activities:
Boot Camp - in Charlotte, NC weekly on Saturday Mornings at 8am. ($5)Meet at Freedom Park by the steps.
Pray in Weigh in - March 12th @ 9:30 am (I'll be there at 9am for praise team members) (301 w. 24th Street, Charlotte, NC)
Retreat - stay tuned. I was trying to get the Great Wolf Lodge but the cost was really excessive. I don't want anyone to be left out due to cost. Let me get my thinking cap on and feel free to send me suggestions. I'm down for some more light camping.
Satellite Back to Eden folks!! Send me some status!! The weather is getting warm. Need to hear some outside activities, some weight loss...make some noise!!
Daily Prayer - Join us at 6am, Monday through Friday via conference call 712-432-0232 passcode 813766#. Women from all over link up together to start their day with simple prayer. Tomorrow marks 120th day of our morning worship and God has truly been blessing us!! Yokes destroyed, burdens lifted, healing, deliverance, restored marriages, the ANOINTING is effective.
SMOOTHIE TIME OF YEAR!!
When things warm up I always look forward to swapping out one of my meals with a refreshing smoothie. Remember, if your meal calls for protein add some 'egg beaters' to your smoothie (it has no taste). If your meal calls for a carb drop some (pre-cooked)oatmeal in it (it thickens it up nicely). Choose fresh in season fruits or frozen. Try it without any added sweetner. You may find that you actually like the taste of it! Also - sneak some iron into your day by putting a handful of spinach in the blender. It also has no impact on the taste. If you can't stand the look of 'green' juice put it in an opaque cup with a top on it and sip it through a straw. Its really really good and good for you!!
Welcome to Back to Eden journey!!
Monique H. all the way from Vegas!! Get your groove on girl. You can do it!
Aletha G. holding it down from ATL! (Atlanta's in the house) You know you got this!!
Remember, its a lot easier to do anything with someone to cheer you on and be accountable to. Buddy up with a friend where ever you are and send us your praise reports so we can be encouraged and encourage one another.
Prayer: Lord, keep us in your will. Show us ourselves through your eyes. Help us to see the things you have in store for us and give us the courage to put forth what it takes to achieve them. Help us to put behind us all our short comings and failures so that they don't hinder us from future successes. Remind us that we can do ALL THINGS through Christ who strengthens us!!
Amen.
Special prayer: Lord - send a healing to sister Wilhelmina. We believe you for complete and total restoration. Release your anointing on her and in her. Encourage her soul and lengthen her days. In Jesus name. Amen.
Meanwhile...Keep walking on water!
Rev. Lisa Thatch - A Caring Professional
704-493-2035
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sent
Hiding from my destiny? I don't know. Maybe. Sometimes what I'm supposed to be doing is right in my reach but I can't believe that its supposed to be 'me' doing it. Surely you meant to get someone else. I'm not big enough, I'm not strong enough, I'm not smart enough. The only thing I am 'enough' of is 'NOT' enough. What? Yeah, uh no. I can't do that. I can you say? Well, can you give me a sign? I can't believe that you really are talking to me...I don't even measure up in my own family. I'm not even the biggest of this family and we are a family of small fries. O...K...ummm...could I get another sign? How could you...why would you put so much faith in me? I don't even have that faith in myself. Well, ok - I believe you. 'We'll go.'
What? Too many? How can you want me to take 'less' help with me? Don't you want me to win?
What? Too many? How can you want me to take 'less' help with me? Don't you want me to win?
Friday, February 18, 2011
Mahogany Chicken & Vegetables with Jasmine rice
Mahogany Chicken & Vegetables
¼ cup strong black tea
¼ cup unsweetened pineapple or orange juice
2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon black pepper
Morton’s Lite salt to taste
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 small red bell pepper, diced
2 scallions, sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
Directions
1. Combine wet ingredients (tea, juice, soy sauce and honey) in a 2-cup glass measure; set aside.
2. Combine cinnamon, ginger, pepper and salt in a small bowl. Rub the spice mixture evenly on both sides of chicken breasts.
3. Heat 1 1/2 teaspoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, reduce heat to medium and cook until golden outside and no longer pink inside, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
4. Add the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons oil to the pan. Add bell pepper, scallions and garlic; sauté for 30 seconds. Add the reserved rice wine-tea mixture. Bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits. Cook until the liquid is reduced by half, 2 to 4 minutes.
5. Reduce heat to low and return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the pan. Simmer gently, spooning the sauce over the chicken, until heated through, about 1 minute.
6. Slice the chicken into thin diagonal slices and fan on plates. Spoon the sauce and vegetables over jasmine rice.
¼ cup strong black tea
¼ cup unsweetened pineapple or orange juice
2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon black pepper
Morton’s Lite salt to taste
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 small red bell pepper, diced
2 scallions, sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
Directions
1. Combine wet ingredients (tea, juice, soy sauce and honey) in a 2-cup glass measure; set aside.
2. Combine cinnamon, ginger, pepper and salt in a small bowl. Rub the spice mixture evenly on both sides of chicken breasts.
3. Heat 1 1/2 teaspoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, reduce heat to medium and cook until golden outside and no longer pink inside, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
4. Add the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons oil to the pan. Add bell pepper, scallions and garlic; sauté for 30 seconds. Add the reserved rice wine-tea mixture. Bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits. Cook until the liquid is reduced by half, 2 to 4 minutes.
5. Reduce heat to low and return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the pan. Simmer gently, spooning the sauce over the chicken, until heated through, about 1 minute.
6. Slice the chicken into thin diagonal slices and fan on plates. Spoon the sauce and vegetables over jasmine rice.
free
She makes her way in darkness. Hiding in the shadows, lurking in the night. In her mirror, her own image is distorted. She doesn't see the strength and the power and the beauty that God has created in her. All she can see right now, are the mistakes from her past, the failures of her present and the bleakness of her future. But deep inside, there is a flicker, a small light. She begins to press past all the surface issues of who she is and all she's done...and she reaches him. The water streams down her face as she cowers, kneelling at his feet, letting go of all the pain, hurt, emptiness, lonliness and despair that she has, allowing it to flow freely from her eyes so much so that it washes over his feet. Gingerly, she lets down her hair and begins to wipe away the rain of her tears and in the midst of it realizes that she has experienced a great release.
She suddenly feels lighter and tomorrow looks brighter. Yesterday still was and today still is but there is a bigger flame, an increase in hope for the future. (Luke 7:37-38 reference)
We have realized together that weight is merely a result of so much more. For me, the issues surrounding it are much more than an affinity for food. I do like food, but that's not it. I so often substitute food for strength (emotional - not physical). No matter how I feed and feed and stuff and stuff it does not strengthen me for to give me strength it would encourage me to move forward, allow me to lift up and get up. But what it does is the exact opposite. Used improperly food imposes a sedentary lifestyle upon us that is almost paralyzing. Putting food in its proper place and seeking God for the strength that I need is much more logical. Casting my cares at the feet of Christ is a lot more promising then placing them in a bag of oreos.
Upcoming events:
Pray in Weigh in - March 12th, 2011 @ 9:30 am (I will be there at 9am for those of you who have a 9:30 appt.)
Recipe of the Day
Mahogany Chicken and Vegetables over Jasmine Rice
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for accepting us for who we are. Help us to see in ourselves what you see in us. Give us the strength to overcome even our own thoughts and cast down every negative thought that attempts to attach itself to us. Lord with open hearts we give you ourselves. Exactly as we are. Not trying to clean it up or make it perfect on our own, but presented to you in all honesty so that you can bring about a real transformation in us. Help us Lord to be honest with you, to come to you with our earnest prayers, knowing that you hear us and believing that you will answer us. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
She suddenly feels lighter and tomorrow looks brighter. Yesterday still was and today still is but there is a bigger flame, an increase in hope for the future. (Luke 7:37-38 reference)
We have realized together that weight is merely a result of so much more. For me, the issues surrounding it are much more than an affinity for food. I do like food, but that's not it. I so often substitute food for strength (emotional - not physical). No matter how I feed and feed and stuff and stuff it does not strengthen me for to give me strength it would encourage me to move forward, allow me to lift up and get up. But what it does is the exact opposite. Used improperly food imposes a sedentary lifestyle upon us that is almost paralyzing. Putting food in its proper place and seeking God for the strength that I need is much more logical. Casting my cares at the feet of Christ is a lot more promising then placing them in a bag of oreos.
Upcoming events:
Pray in Weigh in - March 12th, 2011 @ 9:30 am (I will be there at 9am for those of you who have a 9:30 appt.)
Recipe of the Day
Mahogany Chicken and Vegetables over Jasmine Rice
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for accepting us for who we are. Help us to see in ourselves what you see in us. Give us the strength to overcome even our own thoughts and cast down every negative thought that attempts to attach itself to us. Lord with open hearts we give you ourselves. Exactly as we are. Not trying to clean it up or make it perfect on our own, but presented to you in all honesty so that you can bring about a real transformation in us. Help us Lord to be honest with you, to come to you with our earnest prayers, knowing that you hear us and believing that you will answer us. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
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