Posted by: Michael | March 24, 2013

A Taste of Vacation

This is a wonderful recipe that came across my Facebook acct.  It is for the world famous “Dole whip” from Walt Disney World.  I wish I could give credit to whoever originated this one.  However, their name appears lost in the world of social media.  If you have never had the opportunity to enjoy one of these from the parks….you really need to give it a try.  It comes along right at the start of summer/spring.  For those familure with these wonderful frozen treats…enjoy.  I tried it and while it is not just like the original…it does bring back some fond memories.

Dole Whip

2 cans (20 oz. each) DOLE crushed pineapple

2 Tbsp. lemon juice

2 Tbsp. lime juice

1/3 cup sugar

1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream

Directions:

Drain pineapple; reserve 2 Tbsp. juice.   set aside

Place pineapple, lemon juice, lime juice, sugar and reserved pineapple juice in blender.

Cover and blend until smooth.

Pour into two 1 – quart freezer zipped bags.

Store bags flat in freezer

Freeze 1 1/2 hours or until slushy

Stir pineapple slush gently into whipped cream until slightly blended in large bowl.  Return to freezer until completely frozen, about 1 hour and serve. 

 

Enjoy!

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Posted by: Michael | March 21, 2013

Encouragement

Every day we are bombarded with the news of this world.  It comes at us from all sides – radio, TV, news and even conversations with friends.  We hear of wars and acts of terror.  We are constantly faced with the fears driven by the problems of our fallen world.   Add onto this the daily struggle and issues of our lives.  It is so easy to lose heart and hope as you are impacted by all of this on a daily basis.

However, there is one constant in all of this. That is our loving God.  His  promise and love  is eternal and he knows of the trials we face in this world.  His word is there to remind us that He is always with us and to have hope and encouragement.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. (Psalms 46 : 1-3)

We are never alone. It is difficult to hold onto this truth sometimes. To remember that we are not on this journey by ourselves. When in doubt turn to His word and take comfort. Take comfort in the truth that God is in control. We may toil during our time on this earth. However, there will come a time of peace when we are called home and our Lord returns. Until that time, lean on your heavenly Father and trust in his word.

Be still, and know that I am God.

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth.

The Lord of hosts is with us;

The God of Jacob is our fortress (Psalm 46: 10-11)

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Posted by: Michael | March 18, 2013

Contentment

“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.  I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound.  In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance, and need.  I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”  (Philippians 4:11-13)

 

There are so many times during the day where I struggle with being “content” with where I am.  It could be as benign as the weather or as complex as dealing with the issues of a medically fragile child.  It is so easy to complain and whine about our situation and the difficulty of the moment.  It takes the wisdom and insight that God gave to Paul to point me in the right direction.  I want to have relief from the pain as fast as possible.  I want God to take all of it away.  However, we have an amazing God.  He uses our circumstances to reveal His glory.  To show his love for us and that we never walk alone.  In these times we are strengthened and learn to be content with where we are.

 

It is equally amazing that Paul speaks of being content during times of abundance and plenty.  It is in our nature to desire more when we have all we need.  To let the green-eyed monster known as envy and greed raise it’s ugly head in our lives.  Sometimes I think the hardest time for me to be content is during the times of plenty.  We get a taste of comfort and the good life and start to crave more.  During the times of hunger and need, I turn my eyes to God and seek His providence.  However, during the good times it becomes a challenge to be content.   It is a challenge indeed to seek God’s help to deal with that which we have an abundance of.      I pray for the contentment that Paul describes.  A contentment during the times of plenty and hunger. A peace during the times of abundance and need.

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Posted by: Michael | March 15, 2013

Another Day!

Sunrise

“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save;  He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by his love; He will exult over you with loud singing”  (Zephaniah 3:17)

 

Today was setting up to be one of those days that the world tells us to dread.  I had some issues waiting at work that we are told should make you quell and shake with apprehension.  In all honesty, that is exactly what I was doing when I dragged myself from my bed this morning.  I forced myself along through my morning routine – shave, coffee, stare at the wall.   The whole time laying out for myself the ugliness that I just knew was lying in wait.  My usual pleasant drive in to work was punctuated by irration at other drivers, the temperature, the radio and even the sunrise.  All of this a direct result of the dread I had built up in myself.

As I parked my car in the parking garage I set back in my seat and sighed and pulled out my phone to check the for the upcoming pain points.  Instead, the first thing I saw was my “Verse of the Day” – Zephaniah 3:17.   Wow, God is amazing.  Just the verse I needed to see at just the right time and brought straight to my phone!    Reading the verse turned my mindset around for the remainder of the day…and the result was a day that was not as bad as I imagined it would be.

The truths in the verse are so amazing.

 “The Lord your God is in your midst…” -  He lives among us.  He is not elevated to some place far removed from the world of man.  He walks with us and knows our pains and joys.  He stands beside us.  Our God is not a stone statue or idol…Our God Lives!

 

“a mighty one who will save…”  -  This He has done.  He gave His Son that we may live.  That we may have life eternal.   A King among Kings who loves us even when we did not love Him!

 

“He will rejoice over you with gladness…”  -  He celebrates our victories and triumphs.   He rejoices over our lives!

 

“He will quiet you by his love…” – He is always there.  He is with us during our periods of trial and suffering…we are never alone.  Even when we doubt and turn our backs…all we have to do is turn around and He will be there with arms outstretched.

 

“He will exult over you with loud singing…” -  He loves his children with all the majesty that He is.   Our God takes great delight in His creation and all the events of our lives!

 

What an amazing God!    Take heart and rejoice in Him…..

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Posted by: Michael | March 12, 2013

The Island

There once was a man who had been stranded on a deserted island for years. Every day of his life was essentially the same. He would arise with the sun and walk down to the beach. Stacked neatly on the sand was wood, tools, nails and plans to build a strong ship to sail to the mainland. The man would run his hand along the material and sigh.  His heart longed to build that craft and sail back to his home. However, everyday was the same.  He would then turn and climb back to his shack. Along the way he would count the palms and complain about the heat. The remainder of the day would be spent in his shack looking out across the sea and wondering what it would be like to go home.

I have been that man.

Many of you have noticed that I have been absent from my blog and tweets. I have been absent from a great many things.  I have for some time looked at all the tools that God has given me to make a difference. To break out from the mediocre life that the enemy wants us to become ensnared in. Along the way I have not picked up those tools and started my task. Daily I have looked at them with longing and dreamed of a better life. However, I keep going back to the shack and sitting in the sand.  I have been content to count the palm trees and watch the surf roll in. The reality is that this is not the life I want to live. This is not the life that God wants us to live. The time is now to pick up the tools and get to work on getting off of my island. To return to the mainland and rejoin the life God intended for me.

The time is now for me to wake up and answer the call.  God has given us all the tools and materials to live the life he desires us to have.  It is in God’s word that we find the plans to build that ship.  The choice for me is clear.  I am ready to pick up that hammer and get to work.  Who will join me?

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all tha I have commanded you.  And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age”  (Matthew 28:19-20)

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Posted by: Michael | August 21, 2012

The Journey (an allegory)

 

There once was an idyllic village nestled  in the most beautiful land.  Everyday the sun rose with a brilliant sunrise and the flowers and trees were always in bloom.  There was no death, sorrow, or blight  and winter had not touched the land for years on end.   Within the village was to be found only peace and contentment.  Everyone greeted each other with a smile and a wave.  Each villager  was content that their neighbor was proper and neat.  There were no surprises and life was most pleasant.

In this village there lived a most pleasant young man.  He was happy and settled and loved his neat life.  Each day was greeted the same as before and there was never a surprise to shatter that pace.  His friends were many and his enemies were few.  He was well-respected within the town and his ways were acceptable and safe.

One day this young man felt a call to do more.  He proudly announced to his family and friends that he was ready to explore.  He wanted to go on a quest to impact the world.  To do more than to just stand in his safe little world.  Some of the village arose in alarm. They proclaimed “Why would you leave such a prefect little place?”.   Some he had called friends would speak with him no more.  However, there were many who proclaimed that this was a wonderful thing.  That they would be there for him along the way.  They patted him on the back and wished him good luck and waved from their windows has he started to walk.  There were some who came with.  Those friends that he held dear.  They promised to walk and help carry the pack.

At first the journey was swift.  The time passed quick and their fellowship was great.  However, as the road wondered on the way became dark.   There were things on the trail that made the heart faint.  Many who came longed for their old ways.  The comfort and safety and predictable life.  His companions became scarce and his heart became weak.   He at last looked beside him and his friends, they were few.  Their clothes were all tattered and their pace it had slowed.  However, the spark in their eyes gave him the power to push on.  To dig in his heels and hike the next mile.

As the road became steeper there were others who joined him on his quest.   Those who shared in this journey and would walk on the trail beside him.  There were times that were dark and times that were bright.  There were visions that made the heart quake from sheer fright.   Things that the young man prayed that he would never have to speak.  After several long weeks, they saw in the distance a mighty mountain.   This mountain was steeper and taller than any they had seen.  They knew that if they made the climb they would see the end of the trail.   Therefore, the young man pushed on and at last gained the peak.

When he stood at the top and looked out over the land, he saw nothing but road and miles of dust.  The man dropped to his knees, tired at last.  His face  streaked with blood, strain, and sweat.  At last his limbs were exhausted and could go on no more.   The toil had been terrible and he longed for his home, the safety and the comfort that was so far behind.  When he was ready to give in he felt a light touch and then several more, those who were with him lifted him up.  They wiped down his face and picked up his pack.  Then they pointed out beyond the mist and the dust.  He shielded his eyes and squinted a bit.  There on the horizon was a wonderful light.  He knew at that point that the path did have an end.  The journey was long but the  reward was indeed great.  He hugged all his friends and grabbed all their hands.   Together they set out to find the journey’s end.

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Posted by: Michael | July 28, 2012

Good Eats!

Steaks on a grill

Hey everyone, I am sorry for being off her for so long.  However, we have been finalizing the adoption of our three little ones.  This has truly been the focus of our family for the past several weeks (there is a blog post in there somewhere).   Recently I had a good friend ask me to post a couple of my new favorite recipes.  The following two are ones that have moved to the top of our favorite list.  I hope you enjoy as much as we do.  Please let me know what you think!

Bacon Wrapped Sirloin

This one is pretty simple but we really love it.

2 sirloin steaks

2 Fresh Garlic Cloves

4 Slices of Hickory Smoked bacon

Cut your sirloin steaks into 8 square pieces.  Slice Garlic cloves into 4 pieces each (lengthwise).  Make a 1/2 inch incision in each piece of steak completely through each section.  Insert a slice of garlic into each incision.  Cut Bacon in half lengthwise (You will have 8 pieces). Wrap a piece of bacon around each steak piece (covering the incision) and secure with a toothpick.  Grill over low heat until desired temperature.  Serve and enjoy!

Fish Tacos

1/2 cup sour cream

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1/2 package taco seasoning

1 lb (total 4 pieces) cod or white fish fillets – cut into 1-inch pieces

1 Tbsp olive oil

2 Tbsp lemon juice

2 cups shredded red and green cabbage

2 cups diced tomatoes

12 – 6 inch warmed corn tortillas

Lime wedges for serving

In a small bowl combine sour cream, mayonnaise, cilantro, and 2 Tbsp seasoning. In medium bowl, combine cod, lemon juice, olive oil, and remaining seasoning mix.  Pour into large skillet.  Cook stirring constantly, over medium high heat for 4-5 minutes our until cod flakes easily with a fork.  Fill tortilla shells with fish mixture.  Top with cabbage, tomatoes, sour cream mixture, lime wedges, and taco sauce.

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Posted by: Michael | July 24, 2012

wicked strutting about

Reblogged from processingtheword:

"The wicked freely strut about when what is vile is honored among men."  Psalm 12:8  (NIV)

This verse came to mind last night. Then, it was in my daily reading this morning. When that happens, I know the Lord is speaking to me. Everywhere I turn it seems that vileness (morally despicable behavior) is being accepted, honored, showcased and exalted. The enemy is cunning and crafty.

Read more… 623 more words

So well said and so true. I had to reblog

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Posted by: Michael | July 6, 2012

Hard Places

I have often been asked why we made the decision to foster and adopt.  When we started the journey our oldest was sixteen and our youngest was seven.   As a result people will often ask why would you want to start over with three little’s under the age of three?  For our family it has always been a calling that God laid on our hearts some time ago.  The longer we stay in this world the more we see the need and the pain the world is inflicting on the innocent.  The need just keeps on getting bigger and bigger.

Is the foster/adoption world for everyone?  I would say no.  However there are a large number of children out their hurting and lost.  The shelters sit at capacity with children waiting for a safe place to sleep and start to call home. I think the following lines from Dorothy Nolte paint a good picture of the impact we can have on the innocent. 

Children Learn What They Live

If Children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.

If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.

If children live with ridicule, they learn to be shy.

If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.

If children live with tolerance, they learn to be patient.

If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.

If children live with praise, they learn to appreciate.

If children live with fairness, they learn justice.

If children live with security, they learn to  have faith.

If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.

If children live with acceptance and friendship, they learn to find love in the world.

                -Dorothy Law Nolte

These are children that have had their innocence stolen from them for only the simple reason that they were born into hard places.  Often our lives are impacted (for better or worse) by the choices we make.  However, the key lines are “the choices WE make”.  These children out there did not ask to be abandoned, abused, or neglected.  They only ask for the opportunity to love and be loved.  To live a life free from fear and shame.   I hope it shows that my family and I have a passion for these children.  I believe it is a passion that God calls us to do in obedience to Him as well:

“Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”  (Matthew 19:14)

“Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”  (Mark 9:37)

We as believers are also orphans that were abused, neglected, and abandoned by the world.    Yet, our heavenly Father opened His heart to us when we were at our worst.  He gave us a future filled with love and hope when we had nothing but darkness.    He adopted us into His heavenly family apart from the “hard places” we once called home.  What better model of the Fathers love than to welcome these little ones into our families.  There was a time when the chruch was bore the responsibility of caring for the orphans.  During the great depression the number of orphans became more than they could carry and the goverment became involved.  The problem is that the chruch left that role and never came back.  Now is the time for God’s people to get back involved and fulfill the plan that God has laid out.

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. ” (James 1:27)

There may be some who feel the call.  There are those who want to choose to be radical for Christ and step out of their comfort zone into the unknown.    I say to you “go for it”.  It is not an easy journey.   It is one filled with stories of pain and tragedy.  It will truly take you out of your safe and sterile places.  Just as a good friend once said “If they can survive it, I can hear it”.  

 Some of you may not yet be called to leave the comfort of where you are.  Can you spare some of your heart and time to rock a lonely infant at the shelter?  You may not be yet called to open your home to the least of these, but can you walk alongside those who do?  Offer support and respite to those who stand and face down the evil and darkness that threatens to engulf these innocent souls. 

The wonderful people at Faithlinks in Oklahoma put together this great list: 

Top 10 Things You Can Do For A Foster Child

10. Pray for the children in foster care and their families.

9. Collect birthday gifts for the foster children in your community.

8. Have a baby shower to collect baby essentials.

7. Donate luggage for foster children in transition.  (Many are forced to use plastic bags for the few things they hold dear and treasure.)

6. Collect school supplies

5. Volunteer for a foster care organization.

4. Contact your local OKDHS foster care specialist about specific needs in your community.

3. Provide occasional respite for foster children.

2. Mentor a foster child.

1. Become a foster parent.

If you want to be involved or just have questions, please feel free to message me.   For those in my area I have included some links as well. 

111project.org

Faithlinksok.org

Annashousefoundation.org

casaforchildren.org

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Posted by: Michael | June 25, 2012

Brothers in Christ

“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness.  Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.  Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.  For is anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.  But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast  will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor.  For each will have to bear his own load. ” (Galatians 6:1-5)

There is a wonderful blessing that comes from having a brother in Christ who is willing to keep you on track and gently tell you when you have gone astray.  It can also be one of the most difficult conversations that you can have…on both the giving and receiving side.   The reality is that if you do not receive these re-directions from your Brothers and Sisters in Christ who else will have the courage and fortitude to speak such truths?  You can be certain that those in the world will have little care that you are on the wrong path.  Take these opportunities to rejoice that someone loves you enough to be obedient to Christ and put you back on the path.

The other side of this scripture is less obvious and often forgotten.  We all know the scripture to watch and assist our brothers, that we draw strength from one another:

“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17)

We often take this to heart and are oh so eager to watch out for others and keep an eye on the world.  Do we think on the rest of this piece of scripture?

“Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1)

Be wary that as you pursue this task that you are not drawn into the world as well, that you do not allow yourself to be drawn into that which is pulling others off the path.  It rings back to that old buzz word “peer pressure”.  How easy it is to be tempted when everyone around you is doing these things.  The world will be quick to tell you to step off to the side lines and give it a try.  Everyone is doing it.  Your brother may even speak the same words.  “It’s ok to try only once.  Everyone is doing it and it’s such a small thing”.  Be on your guard.  Keep your eyes not only tuned on your brothers but on your self as well.

“But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast  will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor.  For each will have to bear his own load.”

Galatians 6:4-5

It is so easy to look at the world (and our brothers/sisters) and find fault.  Scripture is clear that we are all sinners and fall short of the glory of God.  You can spend all day looking at the world and you will find something wrong, take a moment and realize this applies to us as well.  If you look at yourself you will find sin as well.  Don’t forget to find some time to test your own fruit of the spirit.  To look inwardly, as well as outwardly, for that which needs refining.

There is power in the final line.  “For each will have to bear his own load.”  When it is all said and done we are accountable for our own actions and how we live our lives.  When we stand before the judgement seat of Christ we will not get a pass because others did not steer us from sin.  We will be accountable for our own lives and actions.  God gave us the incredible gift of free will.  He could have created us to worship Him in without choice or question.  However, He created us with the ability to choose our path.  To walk with Him or away from Him.  What will you choose?

I am so thankful for the brothers in Christ that God has placed in my path.  There are those that walked with me for a time and are now on a different path, those that walk with me now and support me through all the difficult times, and those that are still out there along the way.  I am truly grateful for you all and your willingness to speak and share with me in love.

Thank you brothers!

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