2/28/14 OK, I'm going to be transparent here. If you're not up for it, don't read any further.....
I have a situation with my mom that has been a big challenge the past two months. I have an opinion about how she should be living her life and she disagreed. I love my mom and she has been a regular part of my life for 47 years. Sometimes more regular than others, but nevertheless my mom, my kid's grandma, my friend.
My first confession is that I talked to others about it before going to her. At the same time I was praying about it but not waiting real well. I felt the Lord telling me that I was wrong to talk to others without first talking to her. So I did. Nothing in the situation changed.
My second confession is that I didn't like this. When talking to myself I could think of dozens of reasons why the situation should be different, why she should be following my advice and why I was justified in being upset about the whole thing.
Truth is, I was miserable and I was making her life miserable as well. About ten days ago or so, I asked several to pray for me; asked my husband to give me his wise counsel and I went determined to apologize and to release control. God is so faithful!!! Since we talked that day I still have my same opinions but they don't have any mastery over me or my relationship with her. Since then, I can have conversation with her and not be critical. (I suppose she's the final judge on that one but I think I've kept my mouth shut and my daughter is keeping me accountable.) My mom and I can have a discussion about people and things we both love and it's real.
Thank you Lord for seeing me through this. I know I'll need you again. Your unending grace and mercy are such a blessing to me! Isn't it so humbling to know that God loves and forgives us? I can't imagine living without that truth active in my life.
12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. From Colossians 3
Disclaimer: I'm the first to acknowledge that there are "relationships" that this doesn't work. Those where mutual respect is absent. Don't keep trying with someone who won't meet you halfway.
However, 20-30 minutes of confrontation can change forever how you relate to someone you love. Be the first to say you're sorry, apologize and commit to seeking the Spirit of God for help and mercy. Remember, He is God and He is able. This is so much better than jabbing, beating around the bush, teasing with a bite or talking behind their back.
Friday, February 28, 2014
Household tips with Hydrogen Peroxide
The teeth whitening is intriguing to me. I checked with Snopes and share their summary "As to what to make of the numerous claims asserted of the hydrogen peroxide, in the main, most external uses of household-strength hydrogen peroxide are relatively harmless (if not necessarily helpful), but internal use should be shunned. Gargle with it, wipe wounds with it, foam the wax out of your ears with it, bleach your hair and your clothes with it, but don't drink it or let someone shoot it into your veins." Caution: Only use the 3% solution and remember its a bleach
Oh, Hydrogen Peroxide. You do so many things. You deserve more attention.
Here’s a list of the many benefits of Hydrogen Peroxide!
1. Take one capful (the little white cap that comes with the bottle) and hold in your mouth for 10 minutes... daily, then spit it out. No more canker sores and your teeth will be whiter without expensive pastes. Use it instead of mouthwash. (Small print says mouth wash and gargle right on the bottle). (10 minutes is a long time!!)
2. Let your toothbrushes soak in a cup of “Peroxide” to keep them free of germs.
3. Clean your counters with peroxide to kill germs and leave a fresh smell. Simply put a little on your dishrag when you wipe, or spray it on the counters.
4. After rinsing off your wooden cutting board, pour peroxide on it to kill salmonella and other bacteria.
5. One man reports, “I had a fungus on my feet for years - until I sprayed a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water on them (especially the toes) every night and let dry. All gone.”
6. Soak any infections or cuts in 3% peroxide for five to ten minutes several times a day. A nurse reports that she has seen gangrene that would not heal with any medicine, but was healed by soaking in peroxide.
7. Fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water and keep it in every bathroom to disinfect without harming your septic system like bleach or most other disinfectants will.
9. If you have a terrible toothache and cannot get to a dentist right away, put a capful of 3% peroxide into your mouth and hold it for ten minutes several times a day. The pain will lessen greatly.
10. If you like a natural look to your hair, spray the 50/50 solution on your wet hair after a shower and comb it through. You will not have the peroxide burnt blonde hair like the hair dye packages, but more natural highlights if your hair is a light brown, reddish, or dirty blonde. It also lightens gradually so it’s not a drastic change.
11. Put half of a bottle of peroxide in your bath to help rid boils, fungus, or other skin infections.
12. You can also add a cup of peroxide instead of bleach to a load of whites in your laundry to whiten them. If there are protein stains on clothing, pour it directly on the spot, let it sit for a minute, then rub it and rinse with water. Repeat if necessary.
13. I use peroxide to clean my mirrors with, and there is no smearing which is why I love it so much for this.
14. Use 3% Hydrogen peroxide for removing blood stains – especially if they are fairly fresh. Pour directly on the soiled spot, let it sit for a minute, then rub it and rinse with cold water. Repeat if necessary. It is a great bleaching agent for stubborn stains on white clothes. Combine ½ c. hydrogen peroxide and 1 t. ammonia for a great stain removal combination.
15. Use hydrogen peroxide to bleach delicate items such as wool or wool blends. Soak them overnight in a solution of one part 3% hydrogen peroxide to eight parts cold water. Launder according to care instructions.
Here’s a list of the many benefits of Hydrogen Peroxide!
1. Take one capful (the little white cap that comes with the bottle) and hold in your mouth for 10 minutes... daily, then spit it out. No more canker sores and your teeth will be whiter without expensive pastes. Use it instead of mouthwash. (Small print says mouth wash and gargle right on the bottle). (10 minutes is a long time!!)
2. Let your toothbrushes soak in a cup of “Peroxide” to keep them free of germs.
3. Clean your counters with peroxide to kill germs and leave a fresh smell. Simply put a little on your dishrag when you wipe, or spray it on the counters.
4. After rinsing off your wooden cutting board, pour peroxide on it to kill salmonella and other bacteria.
5. One man reports, “I had a fungus on my feet for years - until I sprayed a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water on them (especially the toes) every night and let dry. All gone.”
6. Soak any infections or cuts in 3% peroxide for five to ten minutes several times a day. A nurse reports that she has seen gangrene that would not heal with any medicine, but was healed by soaking in peroxide.
7. Fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water and keep it in every bathroom to disinfect without harming your septic system like bleach or most other disinfectants will.
9. If you have a terrible toothache and cannot get to a dentist right away, put a capful of 3% peroxide into your mouth and hold it for ten minutes several times a day. The pain will lessen greatly.
10. If you like a natural look to your hair, spray the 50/50 solution on your wet hair after a shower and comb it through. You will not have the peroxide burnt blonde hair like the hair dye packages, but more natural highlights if your hair is a light brown, reddish, or dirty blonde. It also lightens gradually so it’s not a drastic change.
11. Put half of a bottle of peroxide in your bath to help rid boils, fungus, or other skin infections.
12. You can also add a cup of peroxide instead of bleach to a load of whites in your laundry to whiten them. If there are protein stains on clothing, pour it directly on the spot, let it sit for a minute, then rub it and rinse with water. Repeat if necessary.
13. I use peroxide to clean my mirrors with, and there is no smearing which is why I love it so much for this.
14. Use 3% Hydrogen peroxide for removing blood stains – especially if they are fairly fresh. Pour directly on the soiled spot, let it sit for a minute, then rub it and rinse with cold water. Repeat if necessary. It is a great bleaching agent for stubborn stains on white clothes. Combine ½ c. hydrogen peroxide and 1 t. ammonia for a great stain removal combination.
15. Use hydrogen peroxide to bleach delicate items such as wool or wool blends. Soak them overnight in a solution of one part 3% hydrogen peroxide to eight parts cold water. Launder according to care instructions.
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Touching Base with The Lord and His Word
The following is a blog that I get in my inbox daily. The author, Carla Sunberg (great name!), is relevant, Biblical and current. If you're looking for a daily breath of biblical fresh air and instruction, this would be my suggestion!
Reflecting the Image http://reflectingtheimage.blogspot.com/ |
| Begging Jesus to Leave!
Posted: 26 Feb 2014 05:29 AM PST
Scripture: Mark 5:17 Then they began to beg Jesus to leave their neighborhood. Observation: Jesus had just healed the man who had been demon possessed and it was a very impressive miracle. The man was filled with numerous demons who declared their own name as “Legion” for they were many. They begged to be sent into the pigs and Jesus responded to their request. Overcome by the demons the pigs ran into the sea and were drown. The people of the area were more angry than they were impressed. Jesus might have brought healing to one man but the result messed with their business practices. They were going to lose money because of what he had done. They were much more interested in their financial enterprises than they were in their own spiritual lives or those of their community. They begged Jesus to leave their neighborhood. Better to make money than to be set free spiritually! And it wasn’t just a few who were begging him to leave. Luke tells us that the entire community prayed that he would go. Jesus doesn’t hang around where he is not wanted. He leaves and there is no record to indicate that ever returned to this region ever again. Their prayer was answered and Jesus was gone. Application: I have heard many people lament the fact that many of our churches seem empty and without the presence of the Lord these days. Is it possible that we have actually asked him to leave the neighborhood? Maybe we didn’t realize that we were doing it and it didn’t seem intentional at the time, but possibly, through our reactions and priorities we have made the message loud and clear. Jesus was disrupting the economy of the community. Being a follower of Jesus Christ does disrupt the economy! My personal economy is changed when I put Christ first. I must give my tithe into the Church and then I must continue to give offerings sacrificially to his work. When I begin to think that my finances and resources are “all mine” then I am, in very subtle ways, asking Jesus to leave the neighborhood. When Paul arrived in Ephesus he preached about Jesus and the result was a marked decrease in the worship of Artemis the great goddess of the city. His preaching was having a direct impact on the tourism trade and it made the souvenir salesmen mad. They were so angry that they rioted. When Christians begin to live in a way that is counter-cultural it will have a direct result on the world around them. What does happen when a group of Christians take back their neighborhood and no longer allow the drug king-pins to rule? The economy is changed and it angers those who have been in charge. They want Jesus to leave the neighborhood! Let’s not allow Jesus to be kicked out of the neighborhood — either by us, or by the thugs around us. Jesus comes where he is invited. May we be willing to be counter-cultural and invite him into every nook and cranny of our lives, sometimes making us and our neighbors a big uncomfortable. But we need to be made uncomfortable for we should be eternally on a journey of transformation into the reflection of Christ living in the midst of a world that needs his healing touch. Prayer: Lord, you are welcome here. Amen. |
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Do we have it upside down and inside out?
February 20, 2014
Am I (are you) following Christ to please myself? to please Christ? or to find Christ as the ultimate pleasure? If I don't live until Christmas, is "to die" gain for me? Do I look forward to eternal life with Christ, is He my primary please? In what is my happiness based? Do I understand that Christ didn't come to help me deny myself of earthly pleasure; rather, to find my ultimate pleasure in Him?
Willpower or is there a better answer?
Josh McPherson at Grace City Church in Wenatchee, WA, a pastor that we know and love and whose teaching we regularly follow presents The Duty of Man: Pursuing Joy in Christ in his normal passionate, Scripture -filled, challenging, convicting, inspiring manner.
Whenever you get a chance to listen to this I believe you'll be enlightened, challenged and encouraged. Christ is enough.
The links to this sermon are available at You Tube and gracecitychurch.com (download MP3).
Scriptures used:
Philippians 1:20-21
Psalm 100:1
Philippians 4:4
Psalm 34:8
Deuteronomy 28:47-48
Jeremiah 2:12-13
Matthew 13:44
Luke 9:23-27
I Peter 3:15
Acts 20:34
2 Corinthians 12:9
Am I (are you) following Christ to please myself? to please Christ? or to find Christ as the ultimate pleasure? If I don't live until Christmas, is "to die" gain for me? Do I look forward to eternal life with Christ, is He my primary please? In what is my happiness based? Do I understand that Christ didn't come to help me deny myself of earthly pleasure; rather, to find my ultimate pleasure in Him?
Willpower or is there a better answer?
Josh McPherson at Grace City Church in Wenatchee, WA, a pastor that we know and love and whose teaching we regularly follow presents The Duty of Man: Pursuing Joy in Christ in his normal passionate, Scripture -filled, challenging, convicting, inspiring manner.
Whenever you get a chance to listen to this I believe you'll be enlightened, challenged and encouraged. Christ is enough.
The links to this sermon are available at You Tube and gracecitychurch.com (download MP3).
Scriptures used:
Philippians 1:20-21
Psalm 100:1
Philippians 4:4
Psalm 34:8
Deuteronomy 28:47-48
Jeremiah 2:12-13
Matthew 13:44
Luke 9:23-27
I Peter 3:15
Acts 20:34
2 Corinthians 12:9
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Whole Grains - why and how
February 18, 2014
Last week I attended a free class sponsored by the University of Idaho extension office (Go Vandals, right Josh?). Through the years I've taken advantage of gardening, budgeting and cooking classes offered by major university extensions. This is a professional, researched, versatile service offered with our state education dollars.
Class intent - Find Whole Grains you like and begin eating them!
Why: 3 whole grain servings a day can reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes by 25% and a stroke by 30%.
How: A serving is 16 grams/1 oz. or practically: 1 slice whole grain bread, 1/2 cooked whole grain cereal, 1/2 c. whole grain pasta, 5 whole grain crackers
If you're young you might say "big deal." "What difference does that make to me?" I recently heard my daughter Jaclyn, a Registered Dietician say, "Compared to the clients I regularly see in my office, the way we ate at my house growing up has naturally given me healthy habits as an adult." We are what we eat and making a few changes now can make a huge difference in the health of several people you influence.
Sidelight of class: We were given a loaf of bread to bring home and bake and we were given the ingredients to make more dough. Below is the recipe. This dough requires no kneading, can be stored in frig for 14 days and can be doubled or divided in half. It can be used for bread, rolls or pizza dough.
I received lots of handouts to supplement this info so feel free to ask a question. I'll share the info I have do some research. Handouts include recipes for buckwheat, olive spelt, emmer and toasted millet and fruit breads; info about ancient grains and yeast.
5 1/2 c. whole wheat flour (if using whole wheat pastry flour you may not need as much water as it is low-protein)
2 c. all purpose flour, unbleached is healthiest
1 1/2 T granulated yeast - active dry yeast is fine, there is no need to mix with water first, stir into dry ingredients
1 T. coarse kosher salt (or 2 t. table salt) you can decrease for sodium reasons but not eliminate
1/4 c. vital wheat gluten - found in bulk food section or sold by Bob's Red Mill, store in frig
4 c. lukewarm water
cornmeal
parchment paper
Mixing and storing the dough Dough can be frozen for a month. Shape first and then wrap in plastic and foil.
1. Measure the dry ingredients: Use dry-ingredient measuring cups to gently scoop flour into measuring cup. Whisk together the flours, yeast, salt and vital wheat gluten in a 5-qt bowl or in a resealable, lidded plastic food container or food grade bucket (available at URM/Cash & Carry)
2. Mix dry ingredients with water - kneading is unnecessary: Warm the water until it feels slightly warmer than body temperature (about 100 degrees F). Add all at once to the dry ingredients and mix without kneading, using a spoon, a 14 c. food processor (with dough attachment), or a heavy-duty stand mixer (with paddle). You might need to use wet hands to get the last bit of flour to incorporate if you're not using a machine. Using warm water will allow the dough to rise fully in about 2 hours. Don't knead! It isn't necessary. Your finished when everything is uniformly moist, without dry patches. This step is done in a matter of minutes, and will yield a dough that is wet and remains loose enough to conform to the shape of its container.
3. Allow to rise: Cover the dough with a lid (not air tight) that fits well to the container. If you are using a bowl, cover it loosely with plastic wrap. Allow the mixture to rise at room temperature until it begins to collapse (or at least flattens on the top), approx. 2 hours. Longer rising times, even overnight will not harm the result. After rising, refrigerate in the lidded container and use over the next 14 days. Fully refrigerated wet dough is less sticky and easier to work with than dough at room temperature. Once refrigerated, the dough will seem to have shrunk back upon itself. It will never rise again in the bucket, which is normal for this dough. Do not punch down this dough! You are trying to retain as much gas in the dough as possible and punching it down knocks gas out and will make your loaves denser.
On Baking Day
4. Shape a loaf in 20 to 40 seconds. Prepare the rising surface, a piece of parchment paper or paper sheet by sprinkling it liberally with cornmeal. Dust the surface of your refrigerated dough with flour. Pull up and cut off a 1-pound (grapefruit size) piece of dough, using a serrated knife, kitchen shears or hard plastic scraper. Hold the mass of dough in your hands and add a little more flour as needed so it won't stick to your hands. Gently stretch the surface of the dough around to the bottom on all four sides, rotating a quarter-turn as you go to form a ball. Most of the dusting flour will fall off; it's not intended to be incorporated into the dough. The bottom of the ball may appear to be a collection of bunched ends, but it will flatten out and adhere during resting and baking. The correctly shaped final product will be smooth and cohesive. The entire process should take not more than 20 to 40 seconds. If you work the dough longer than this, it might make your loaf dense.
5. Form a narrow oval-shaped loaf and let it rest: Stretch the ball gently to elongate it, and taper the ends by rolling them between your palms and pinching them.
6. Allow the loaf to rest, loosely covered with plastic wrap, on the prepared surface for 90 minutes (40 minutes if you're using fresh, unrefrigerated dough). Depending on the age of the dough, you might not see much rise during this period; instead, it will spread sideways. More rising will occur during baking.
7. Thirty minutes before baking, preheat the oven to 450 degrees F, place an empty metal broiler tray or pan for holding water on any other rack in the oven.
8. Paint and slash: Just before baking, use a pastry brush to paint the top with water, milk or egg white. Sprinkle with a seed mixture if desired. Slash the loaf with 1/4 " deep parallel cuts across the top. Use a serrated bread knife help perpendicularly to the bread.
9. Baking with steam: After a 30 minute preheat, place your loaf onto a preheated baking stone or place the loaf and baking sheet in the oven. Quickly but carefully pour about 1 c. of hot water from the tap into the broiler tray and close the oven to trap the steam. Bake for about 30 minutes. Crust should be richly brown and firm to the touch. Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire cooking rack; for best flavor, texture and slicing.
10. Store the remaining dough in the refrigerator in your lidded container and use it over the next 14 days. Within 24 hours the dough begins to ferment and take on sourdough characteristics. Continuing to mix dough in the same container, unwashed, yields a heartier, rustic bread.
If dough is frozen, thaw in refrigerator and proceed with step 4. You may also bake loaves, freeze and crisp crust in hot oven before you serve.
Variation: Herb bread
herb-scented breads are great favorites for appetizers and snacks. Follow the directions for mixing the dough and add 1 t. dried thyme leaves (2 t. fresh) and 1/2 t dried rosemary leaves (1 t. fresh) to the water mixture. This also works with sliced olives, chopped garlic, onions, seeds, nuts or any other favorite ingredients.
Recipe from: Healthy Bread in Five Minutes a Day, J.& Z. Francois Hertzberg
Shared by: Barbara Abo, Extension Educator
Last week I attended a free class sponsored by the University of Idaho extension office (Go Vandals, right Josh?). Through the years I've taken advantage of gardening, budgeting and cooking classes offered by major university extensions. This is a professional, researched, versatile service offered with our state education dollars.
Class intent - Find Whole Grains you like and begin eating them!
Why: 3 whole grain servings a day can reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes by 25% and a stroke by 30%.
How: A serving is 16 grams/1 oz. or practically: 1 slice whole grain bread, 1/2 cooked whole grain cereal, 1/2 c. whole grain pasta, 5 whole grain crackers
If you're young you might say "big deal." "What difference does that make to me?" I recently heard my daughter Jaclyn, a Registered Dietician say, "Compared to the clients I regularly see in my office, the way we ate at my house growing up has naturally given me healthy habits as an adult." We are what we eat and making a few changes now can make a huge difference in the health of several people you influence.
Sidelight of class: We were given a loaf of bread to bring home and bake and we were given the ingredients to make more dough. Below is the recipe. This dough requires no kneading, can be stored in frig for 14 days and can be doubled or divided in half. It can be used for bread, rolls or pizza dough.
I received lots of handouts to supplement this info so feel free to ask a question. I'll share the info I have do some research. Handouts include recipes for buckwheat, olive spelt, emmer and toasted millet and fruit breads; info about ancient grains and yeast.
A Whole Grain Artisan Free-Form Loaf
Makes enough dough for at least four 1-pound loaves
5 1/2 c. whole wheat flour (if using whole wheat pastry flour you may not need as much water as it is low-protein)
2 c. all purpose flour, unbleached is healthiest
1 1/2 T granulated yeast - active dry yeast is fine, there is no need to mix with water first, stir into dry ingredients
1 T. coarse kosher salt (or 2 t. table salt) you can decrease for sodium reasons but not eliminate
1/4 c. vital wheat gluten - found in bulk food section or sold by Bob's Red Mill, store in frig
4 c. lukewarm water
cornmeal
parchment paper
Mixing and storing the dough Dough can be frozen for a month. Shape first and then wrap in plastic and foil.
1. Measure the dry ingredients: Use dry-ingredient measuring cups to gently scoop flour into measuring cup. Whisk together the flours, yeast, salt and vital wheat gluten in a 5-qt bowl or in a resealable, lidded plastic food container or food grade bucket (available at URM/Cash & Carry)
2. Mix dry ingredients with water - kneading is unnecessary: Warm the water until it feels slightly warmer than body temperature (about 100 degrees F). Add all at once to the dry ingredients and mix without kneading, using a spoon, a 14 c. food processor (with dough attachment), or a heavy-duty stand mixer (with paddle). You might need to use wet hands to get the last bit of flour to incorporate if you're not using a machine. Using warm water will allow the dough to rise fully in about 2 hours. Don't knead! It isn't necessary. Your finished when everything is uniformly moist, without dry patches. This step is done in a matter of minutes, and will yield a dough that is wet and remains loose enough to conform to the shape of its container.
3. Allow to rise: Cover the dough with a lid (not air tight) that fits well to the container. If you are using a bowl, cover it loosely with plastic wrap. Allow the mixture to rise at room temperature until it begins to collapse (or at least flattens on the top), approx. 2 hours. Longer rising times, even overnight will not harm the result. After rising, refrigerate in the lidded container and use over the next 14 days. Fully refrigerated wet dough is less sticky and easier to work with than dough at room temperature. Once refrigerated, the dough will seem to have shrunk back upon itself. It will never rise again in the bucket, which is normal for this dough. Do not punch down this dough! You are trying to retain as much gas in the dough as possible and punching it down knocks gas out and will make your loaves denser.
On Baking Day
4. Shape a loaf in 20 to 40 seconds. Prepare the rising surface, a piece of parchment paper or paper sheet by sprinkling it liberally with cornmeal. Dust the surface of your refrigerated dough with flour. Pull up and cut off a 1-pound (grapefruit size) piece of dough, using a serrated knife, kitchen shears or hard plastic scraper. Hold the mass of dough in your hands and add a little more flour as needed so it won't stick to your hands. Gently stretch the surface of the dough around to the bottom on all four sides, rotating a quarter-turn as you go to form a ball. Most of the dusting flour will fall off; it's not intended to be incorporated into the dough. The bottom of the ball may appear to be a collection of bunched ends, but it will flatten out and adhere during resting and baking. The correctly shaped final product will be smooth and cohesive. The entire process should take not more than 20 to 40 seconds. If you work the dough longer than this, it might make your loaf dense.
5. Form a narrow oval-shaped loaf and let it rest: Stretch the ball gently to elongate it, and taper the ends by rolling them between your palms and pinching them.
6. Allow the loaf to rest, loosely covered with plastic wrap, on the prepared surface for 90 minutes (40 minutes if you're using fresh, unrefrigerated dough). Depending on the age of the dough, you might not see much rise during this period; instead, it will spread sideways. More rising will occur during baking.
7. Thirty minutes before baking, preheat the oven to 450 degrees F, place an empty metal broiler tray or pan for holding water on any other rack in the oven.
8. Paint and slash: Just before baking, use a pastry brush to paint the top with water, milk or egg white. Sprinkle with a seed mixture if desired. Slash the loaf with 1/4 " deep parallel cuts across the top. Use a serrated bread knife help perpendicularly to the bread.
9. Baking with steam: After a 30 minute preheat, place your loaf onto a preheated baking stone or place the loaf and baking sheet in the oven. Quickly but carefully pour about 1 c. of hot water from the tap into the broiler tray and close the oven to trap the steam. Bake for about 30 minutes. Crust should be richly brown and firm to the touch. Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire cooking rack; for best flavor, texture and slicing.
10. Store the remaining dough in the refrigerator in your lidded container and use it over the next 14 days. Within 24 hours the dough begins to ferment and take on sourdough characteristics. Continuing to mix dough in the same container, unwashed, yields a heartier, rustic bread.
If dough is frozen, thaw in refrigerator and proceed with step 4. You may also bake loaves, freeze and crisp crust in hot oven before you serve.
Variation: Herb bread
herb-scented breads are great favorites for appetizers and snacks. Follow the directions for mixing the dough and add 1 t. dried thyme leaves (2 t. fresh) and 1/2 t dried rosemary leaves (1 t. fresh) to the water mixture. This also works with sliced olives, chopped garlic, onions, seeds, nuts or any other favorite ingredients.
Recipe from: Healthy Bread in Five Minutes a Day, J.& Z. Francois Hertzberg
Shared by: Barbara Abo, Extension Educator
Friday, February 14, 2014
Single or Married?
February 14, 2014
I recently read that 50% of all American adults are single. Surprised? I think those who are single often think that EVERYONE else is married!! My thoughts on this:
Are you Single? Be Thankful!! Marriage isn't the answer to every human need; in fact, it shines light on several selfish characteristics you may not realize you have! As a single person you have the freedom to live the life God has for you. If you're seeking His will for your life, relax, He is in control. God knows your single and has everything you need in your relationship with Him. I understand, I haven't lived single; however, there are several examples of single men (and women) in the Bible and the responsibilities and sacrifices of home did not hinder their ability to contribute to the Kingdom of God.
Are you Married? Be Thankful!! God has given you the opportunity to be the primary example of His relationship with the Church. Did you know that's the supreme goal of marriage? For the husband to love his wife as Christ loves the Church and live an example before the world of what Christ's love looks like. This is from Ephesians 6. You are also to reproduce more Christ followers and modelers. Those of you who are married know that marriage is a job. It requires lots of selflessness and for me; mouth shut!!
Below is a link from Words of William, a blog my daughter Michelle shared with me. If you're raising children, hang tight! Do what you need to, make the tough choices, lighten your load in these challenging days. Work for thriving, not just surviving. There is so much more life to live after this phase and so much to enjoy from the family in which you're daily investing.
We will come back to this article again, I'm sure.....
http://www.happify.com/public/articles/the-science-behind-a-happy-relationship/
I recently read that 50% of all American adults are single. Surprised? I think those who are single often think that EVERYONE else is married!! My thoughts on this:
Are you Single? Be Thankful!! Marriage isn't the answer to every human need; in fact, it shines light on several selfish characteristics you may not realize you have! As a single person you have the freedom to live the life God has for you. If you're seeking His will for your life, relax, He is in control. God knows your single and has everything you need in your relationship with Him. I understand, I haven't lived single; however, there are several examples of single men (and women) in the Bible and the responsibilities and sacrifices of home did not hinder their ability to contribute to the Kingdom of God.
Are you Married? Be Thankful!! God has given you the opportunity to be the primary example of His relationship with the Church. Did you know that's the supreme goal of marriage? For the husband to love his wife as Christ loves the Church and live an example before the world of what Christ's love looks like. This is from Ephesians 6. You are also to reproduce more Christ followers and modelers. Those of you who are married know that marriage is a job. It requires lots of selflessness and for me; mouth shut!!
Below is a link from Words of William, a blog my daughter Michelle shared with me. If you're raising children, hang tight! Do what you need to, make the tough choices, lighten your load in these challenging days. Work for thriving, not just surviving. There is so much more life to live after this phase and so much to enjoy from the family in which you're daily investing.
We will come back to this article again, I'm sure.....
http://www.happify.com/public/articles/the-science-behind-a-happy-relationship/
Thursday, February 13, 2014
For Men
February 13, 2014
For Men: (by my favorite guest writer)
Fred is attending a 4 week Men's Study called "Authentic Manhood." The volume introduces God’s clear design for Authentic Manhood. Each man will discover a Biblical definition of manhood, learn the four “faces” of manhood and also learn how to anticipate and transition through the specific seasons of life.
The goal of the study is to 1) reject passivity, 2) accept responsibility, 3) lead courageously, 4) invest eternally.
The four faces of manhood are:
KING: leading with integrity, righteous energy, love truth and what is right
WARRIOR: fighting for what matters most
LOVER: tender care for others, engage emotionally, share his heart
FRIEND: loyalty, accountability, connection, pursue character building relationships
All the men at my table (8) said they do not currently have a friend relationship for the development and support of the FRIEND characteristics. For 14 years of my life while raising our family, I had a weekly meeting with a genuine friend. I could be real with him and we held each other accountable to God and our families. We supported each other in prayer. This was life-giving for me and I highly recommend you prioritize finding someone like this as well.
For Men: (by my favorite guest writer)
Fred is attending a 4 week Men's Study called "Authentic Manhood." The volume introduces God’s clear design for Authentic Manhood. Each man will discover a Biblical definition of manhood, learn the four “faces” of manhood and also learn how to anticipate and transition through the specific seasons of life.
The goal of the study is to 1) reject passivity, 2) accept responsibility, 3) lead courageously, 4) invest eternally.
The four faces of manhood are:
KING: leading with integrity, righteous energy, love truth and what is right
WARRIOR: fighting for what matters most
LOVER: tender care for others, engage emotionally, share his heart
FRIEND: loyalty, accountability, connection, pursue character building relationships
All the men at my table (8) said they do not currently have a friend relationship for the development and support of the FRIEND characteristics. For 14 years of my life while raising our family, I had a weekly meeting with a genuine friend. I could be real with him and we held each other accountable to God and our families. We supported each other in prayer. This was life-giving for me and I highly recommend you prioritize finding someone like this as well.
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Living Love - a blog, why?
For some time now I've thought about starting a blog about marriage and the lessons, tips we've learned along the way. I have an earnest desire to turn around and invest in those who come behind me (us). I enjoy daily life in the home so this blog will have some posts about that. It will also have some brutal honesty about marriage and it's two biggest challenges - sex and money. My greatest desire is to honor the reputation of Christ in my life so faith will also be addressed and the Bible's nurture and conviction of my soul.
February 12, 2014
I John 4:10-11 is my current conviction. "This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another."
I'll admit, I'm a bit nervous about putting myself "out" there so will probably tread carefully in who I share this with. I can be too honest, opinionated and forthright at times so will attempt to keep it tempered. However, I appreciate honest dialogue so will attempt to not be over sensitive. May the Lord bless you and keep you, may the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you, the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace!
February 12, 2014
I John 4:10-11 is my current conviction. "This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another."
This cuts me to the core!! God loved and gave! I say I love but give criticism or condemnation vs life and encouragement. Could it be that those who don't love God in my world are most influenced by my "love" for those closest to me? Do they hear my words and say, "how can the love of God be in you"? Oh Lord, show me my heart as you see it. Help me to meditate more and more on your love that the words of my mouth might reflect the meditation of my heart and please you AND draw those around me to know of your unconditional sacrificial love.
I'll admit, I'm a bit nervous about putting myself "out" there so will probably tread carefully in who I share this with. I can be too honest, opinionated and forthright at times so will attempt to keep it tempered. However, I appreciate honest dialogue so will attempt to not be over sensitive. May the Lord bless you and keep you, may the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you, the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace!
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