Dog-eared Wednesday

Unashamed

by Francine Rivers

Have you ever felt like the decisions you've made put a wall up between you and God? Did that wall seem to get bigger over time, leaving you further and further away from Him? Did it seem like nothing could break down that impenetrable wall? That's exactly how Rahab felt until her open heart and two strangers taught her that nothing can keep you from His sight.

Rahab was sold into prostitution at an early age and then made a profitable career from it. Such a lifestyle was not looked down upon behind the walls of ancient Jericho and she was favored by the king as a spy. Although she had everything she could desire, she knew her life was missing something, and although she'd only heard stories, she felt the god of the Hebrews was what was missing. He was so unlike the hand-made gods of her people that neither gave them advice or protection. Rahab knew that Moses' people were camped near and the rumor was that their god had given them her city. She wondered if there was a way to meet them, learn more about this all-powerful god, and save her family.

Soon, foreign spies entered the walls and Rahab spotted them for who they were. She acted quickly and hid them until it was safe for them to leave. The one man was leary of her, but the other, falling first for her beauty, trusted her. However, it was her declaration in the Lord that led him to agree to save her and her family when the time came for Jericho's walls to be destroyed and all who lived within them. If she could only keep her faith in this unknown god and in two of his followers, her family stood a chance at survival and perhaps a new life.

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Hump-day Crock Pot Recipe

Ropa Vieja

Ingredients:
2 lbs beef chuck pot roast
3 cloves garlic
2 red bell peppers, cut into wedges
2 green bell peppers, cut into wedges
1 yellow onion, cut into wedges
1 sweet onion, cut into wedges
1/2 (6 oz) can tomato paste
1/4 c red wine vinegar
1/8 tsp garlic powder
1/8 tsp seasoned salt
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
1. Pierce the roast to tenderize it and allow flavors in and place it in slow cooker with garlic, peppers, and onions. Stir in tomato paste and red wine vinegar. Sprinkle with garlic powder, seasoned salt, salt, and pepper.

2. Cover and cook on low for 8 - 9 hours. Remove beef and shred with a fork and return to slow cooker. Cook for another 30 minutes.

Serve with rice. Makes 6 servings.

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Ropa-Vieja-in-a-Slow-Cooker/Detail.aspx

What's Really Important

A few years ago at the Seattle Special Olympics, nine contestants, all physically or mentally disabled, assembled at the starting line for the 100-yard dash. At the gun, they all started out, not exactly in a dash, but with the relish to run the race to the finish and win.

All, that is, except one boy, who stumbled on the asphalt, tumbled over a couple of times, and began to cry. The other eight heard the boy cry. They slowed down and paused. Then they all turned around and went back. Every one of them! One girl with Down's syndrome bent down and kissed him and said, "This will make it better." Then all nine linked arms and walked together to the finish line. Everyone in the stadium stood, and the cheering went on for ten minutes.

Submitted by Bob French, A 3rd Serving of Chicken Soup for the Soul

Eating Light and Eating Right on Monday

Brocolli Cheese Soup

Ingredients:
3 (10 oz) packages of frozen chopped brocolli
3 (14.5 oz) cans of chicken broth
6 T butter or margarine
1 onion, chopped
1/2 c all-purpose flour
2 c milk
1 lb processed cheese (ie Velveeta), cubed
1/2 lb cheddar cheese, cubed
1 pinch ground white pepper

Directions:

1. In a large pot, over medium heat, simmer the brocolli in the broth for 15 minutes. In a separate skillet, saute the onion in the butter or margarine for 5 minutes or until desired tenderness.

2. Add the flour to the onions and stir well, forming a pasty substance. Gradually add the milk and stir until thick. Add this mixture to the brocolli mixture in the pot and stir well. Then add the cheese, stirring until melted. Finally add the pepper. (Do not let the soup boil or the cheese will break down.)
.,
Makes 6 servings

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Brocolli-Cheese-Soup-V/Detail.aspx

Share the Knowledge

Cooking Ingredient Substitutions

1 tsp baking powder = 1/4 tsp baking soda and 1/2 tsp cream of tartar

1 c buttermilk = 1 c plain yogurt or 1 T vinegar plus milk to equal 1 cup or 1 T lemon juice plus milk to equal 1 cup

1 c cake flour = 1 c minus 2 T all-purpose flour

1 oz chocolate = 3 T unsweetened cocoa plus 1 T butter or margarine

1 T cornstarch = 2 T all-purpose flour

2 c corn syrup = 1 c granulated sugar

1 c light cream = 1 1/2 T butter plus whole milk to equal 1 c

1 c heavy or whipping cream = 1/2 butter plus whole milk to equal 1 c

2 egg yolks = 1 whole egg (used for baking, not piecrust or sauce)

1 egg = 2 egg yolks (for baking, 2 egg yolks plus 1 T water or if you're short an egg in a recipe add 1 tsp cornstarch)

1 clove garlic = 1 tsp chopped garlic, 1/2 tsp minced garlic, 1/8 tsp garlic powder or 1/2 tsp garlic flakes

1 T fresh herbs = 1 tsp dried herbs

1 T lemon juice = 1 T distilled vinegar

1 c skim milk = 1/3 c nonfat dry milk plus 3/4 c water

1 c whole milk = 1/2 c evaporated milk plus 1/2 c water

1 c molasses = 3/4 c granulated sugar or 1 c light corn syrup

1 lb fresh mushrooms = 12 oz canned mushrooms, drained

1 tsp dried mustard = 1 T prepared mustard

1 c sour cream = 3 T butter plus buttermilk or yogurt to equal 1 c

1 c brown sugar = 1 c granulated sugar

1 c granulated sugar = 1 3/4 c confectioners sugar ( do not substitute for baking)

3 c tomato juice = 1 1/2 c tomato sauce plus 1 1/2 c water

1 c tomato sauce = 3 oz tomato paste plus 1/2 c water

1 c yogurt = 1 c buttermilk

www.professionalrecipes.com/substitutions.html

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TGIF Recipe

Delicious Pumpkin Bread

Ingredients:

3 1/4 c all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp ground nutmeg

2 c solid packed pumpkin puree

1 c vegetable oil

1/2 c chopped walnuts (optional)

1 1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp ground cinnamon

3 c white sugar

2/3 c water

4 eggs

Directions:

1. Grease and flour three 7x3" pans. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Mix flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and spices into a large bowl. Add pumpkin, water, vegetable oil, eggs, and nuts. Beat until well combined.

3. Bake for one hour.

www.allrecipes.com/Recipe/Delicious-Pumpkin-Bread/Detail.aspx

Awesome Mom: Kate Adcock

Kate is firstly a wife to husband Chris and a mother to adorable two-year old Avery and is also a social worker. "I love working with individuals with developmental disabilities and find joy in their accomplishments." Kate also sews on the side and sells at The Adorable Child in Knoxville, TN, and Queen's in Salisbury, NC. "I enjoy doing custom made items and thrive on taking someone's idea and creating it. Some favorite items include: the classic pacifier bib, baby gift baskets (paci bib, bib, burp cloth and onesie in coordinating fabrics), appliqued shirts, and knot dresses."

"The woman I look up to most is my mother. Honestly, let's all admit it - we never knew 'what it was like until we had our own.' I wish I would have ate more of her homemade meals instead of saying 'eghhh gross, I want cereal for dinner.'"

"My current goals in life are to continue raising our daughter to be confident, polite, and kind to others. I want her to know it's okay to make mistakes and that it's fabulous to be eccentric and herself. In addition, I want to pursue design on several levels; both creating on my own and possibly as a "real" career for an apparel company."

Kate can be contacted at: http://lifeisgreatwithkate.blogspot.com/ or kate.adcock@mac.com.

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Hump-day Crockpot Recipe

Slow Cooker Jambalaya

Ingredients:

1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cubed

1 lb andouille sausage, sliced

1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes with juice

1 onion, chopped

1 green pepper, chopped

1 c celery, chopped

1 c chicken broth

2 tsp dried oregano

2 tsp dried parsley

2 tsp Cajun seasoning

1 tsp cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp dried thyme

1 lb frozen cooked shrimp without tails

Directions:

1. In a slow cooker, mix the chicken, sausage, tomatoes with juice, onion, green pepper, celery, and broth. Season with oregano, parsley, Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, and thyme.

2. Cover and cook 7 - 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high. Stir in the shrimp during the last 40 minutes of cook time.

Serve with red beans and rice.

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Colleens-Slow-Cooker-Jambalaya/Detail.aspx

Kids' Views on Love and Romance - prepare to smile 8 )

"Falling in love is like an avalanche where you have to run for your life." (Roger, 9)
"If falling in love is anything like learning how to spell, I don't want to do it. It takes too long." (Leo, 7)

On the origins of love:
"Cupid kissed God, and that got the ball rollin'." (Julio, 9)
"One of the Greek lady gods got a crush on one of the Greek man gods. He tried to hit her with lightning and thunderbolts, but he just couldn't get her away from him. After a while they became the first married gods." (Robbie, 8)


"Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good, too." (Greg, 8)
"People in love act mooshy... like puppy dogs...except that puppy dogs don't wag their tails nearly as much." (Arnold, 10)
"When a person gets kissed for the first time, they fall down and don't get up for at least an hour." (Wendy, 8)

What do most people do on a date?
"On the first date, they just tell each other lies, and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date." (Mike, 10)

"You should never kiss a girl unless you have enough bucks to buy her a big ring and her own VCR, 'cause she'll want to have videos of the wedding." (Jim, 10)
"Never kiss in front of other people. It's a big embarrassing thing if anybody sees you. But if nobody sees you, I might be willing to try it with a handsome boy, but just for a few hours." (Kally, 9)
"If you want to be loved by somebody who isn't already in your family, it doesn't hurt to be beautiful." (Jeanne, 8)
"Beauty is skin deep. But how rich you are can last a long time." (Christine, 9)
"It isn't always just how you look. Look at me. I'm handsome like anything and I haven't got anybody to marry me yet." (Gary, 7)


http://www.gagirl.com/misc/kids.html




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Eating Light and Eating Right on Monday

Baked Tilapia

Ingredients:
3/4 c extra virgin olive oil
4 T tomato paste
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp ground black pepper
4 (4 oz) fillets tilapia
1 large onion, sliced
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 T butter

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and coat bottom of medium baking pan with 1/4 c olive oil.
2. In a small bowl, combine remaining olive oil, tomato paste, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Arrange fillets in prepared dish, skin side up. Spread mixture over the tops of the fillets and arrange onions and green peppers on and around them.
4. Bake in oven for 15 minutes, until fish is easily flaked with a fork. Remove from heat and top each fillet with 1/4 T butter. Change oven setting to broil and broil for 5 - 7 minutes until lightly browned.

Serve with brown rice and steamed vegetables. Makes 4 servings.

IF YOU'RE IN A PINCH ON TIME, SIMPLY POUR A JAR OF PACE PICANTE SAUCE OVER FILLETS, COVER DISH WITH TINFOIL, AND BAKE FOR 20 - 25 MINUTES. DELISH!

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Baked-Tilapia/Detail.aspx

Share the Knowledge

The many uses of lemon juice:

Cleaning
1. Use to dissolve soap scum and hard water deposits

2. Use to clean and shine brass and copper
3. Mix with vinegar and/or baking soda to make a cleaning paste. Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle baking soda on the cut section, then use the lemon to scrub dishes, surfaces, and stains.
4. Mix 1 c of olive oil with 1/2 c of lemon juice and use for furniture polish on hardwood

Health

1. Cough syrup: mix 1 part lemon juice with 2 parts honey (Do NOT give to children under the age of 1 and test for food allergies)

2. Sore throat: drink tea with lemon and honey to relax and soothe the throat. If you don't like tea, you can use hot water instead.
3. Digestion: drink lemon juice mixed with water.
4. Dab a little lemon juice on an insect bite to help heal and reduce swelling.

Food

1. Freeze juice into ice cube trays and store in a plastic bag. Use in water.
2. Put lemon wedges inside the cavity of a whole chicken for flavor.
3. Marinate meat with lemons to tendorize it.
4. Squeeze lemons onto vegetables while steaming to keep the colors bright.
5. Substitute lemon juice for vinegar when cooking for a different taste.
6. Add a few drops of lemon juice to sliced fruit to cut down the browning affect they have over time.

http://thriftyskinflint.wordpress.com/100-uses-for/

TGIF Recipes

Black 'n' White Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients:
2 c (12 oz) semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 c butter or margarine
2 c graham cracker crumbs
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:
In a double boiler or microwave, melt chocolate chips and butter, stirring occasionally. Set aside 1/4 c graham cracker crumbs for topping and stir the rest into mixture. Press mixture into an ungreased 13x9 baking pan. Beat cream cheese until smooth, then beat in milk, egg, and vanilla and pour over crust. Sprinkle with reserved graham cracker crumbs. Bake at 325 degrees for 25 - 30 minutes until lightly browned. Let cool and refrigerate for 3 hours or until completely chilled.

Cut into bars and store in refrigerator. Makes approximately 4 dozen bars.

Submitted by mom, Kristin Lawson

Awesome Mom: Kristin Lawson

Kristin has an adorable four-year-old son named Connor, whom she loves spending time with along with her friends and family. She's energetic and spontaneous and loves to try new things - like sky-diving! She loves the summer, traveling, and going to concerts.

"I admire and look up to my grandma! She's always there for me, no matter what....happy times, sad times, hard times - she's there. I love her!"

Kristin's current goals are to become a professional photographer and to do better in this year's mini-marathon. She specializes in portraits and also takes beautiful landscapes. She lives in Winchester, Indiana and can be reached at: kristindl81@yahoo.com.

Hump-day Crockpot Recipe

Slow Cooker Italian Beef (for sandwiches)

Ingredients:

3 c water
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp onion salt
1 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp garlic powder
1 bay leaf
2 (0.7 oz) packages dry Italian-style salad dressing mix
1 (5 lb) rump roast

Directions:

1. Combine water, pepper, oregano, basil, onion salt, parsley, garlic powder, bay leaf, and salad dressing mix in a saucepan. Stir well and bring to a boil.

2. Place roast in slow cooker and pour mixture over the meat.

3. Cover and cook on low for 10 - 12 hours or on high for 5 - 6 hours. When done, remove bay leaf and shred the meat with a fork.

This recipe is great for a big gathering and makes anywhere from 10 - 15 sandwiches. You can top it off with hot peppers and juice for a yummy meal.

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Why?

"On the street I saw a small girl cold and shivering in a thin dress, with little hope of a decent meal. I became angry and said to God: 'Why did you permit this? Why don't you do something about it?'

For a while God said nothing. That night He replied, quite suddenly: 'I certainly did do something about it. I MADE YOU.'"

Submission by Sister Mary Rose McGeady, Chicken Soup for the Christian Soul

Eating Light and Eating Right on Monday

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Ingredients:

1 onion, chopped

3 cloves of garlic, minced

1 T olive oil

2 tsp chili powder

1 tsp dried oregano

28 oz. crushed tomatoes

10.5 oz condensed chicken broth

1 1/4 c water

1 c corn

4 oz chopped green chili peppers

15 oz black beans

2 cooked chicken breasts, diced

Saute onion and garlic in olive oil until soft. Stir in chili powder, oregano, tomatoes, broth, and water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in corn, chilis, beans, and chicken. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Soup can be topped with tortilla chips and cheese.

Recipe makes 5 - 6 servings

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her house for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Proverbs 31: 9b-31


The role of woman has changed much over the years and yet this verse still encompasses who she should strive to be. Today a woman may be a wife, a mother, a caretaker, and a manager of the home. She may also add to this list of responsibilities an outside workplace. Our faith and our society has taught us from an early age that this is our future. We have accepted these roles and take pride in them. We commit ourselves to do the best we can and expect no compensation or praise in return. However, sometimes those are just what we need - a little help and a pat on the back. This is what I hope to accomplish with this blog in some small way.

I would like to see this blog take on a regular life, several times a week, offering tips, advice, and encouragement. Who else could better understand what we go through and what difficulties we might face than other women? I would love for this to not just be a blog from my perspective, but to include profiles, helpful information, projects, etc. from all of you willing to share. My knowledge is limited, but together I feel we can create a support system aimed at our primary needs.