So, I am trying something new. I don’t know if you’re like me, but sometimes I get in a rut making the same dishes over and over again. (disclaimer: tonight, it will be hamburger helper because I need to get that out of my cupboard!)
However, that all aside, I am claiming, for now, Monday’s to be one pot wonders! So, I have started scanning through recipes for those that appeal to me for Mondays. Something I can put together in one pan for easy cleaning.
Mondays can be very busy when you have to get back in the groove for the workweek. Here are some of the menu options I have come up with.
One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta
Ground beef stroganoff
Chicken and Dirty Rice
Dutch Oven Pork chops
Dutch Oven Chicken Noodle Soup
I’m only going to choose 5 menu’s to try for now. This will give me 5 Monday’s of menu options! Let’s do this.
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this I will be confident. One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy: I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD. Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me. When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek. Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help: leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation. When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up. Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty. I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait I say, on the LORD.
This is my scripture when I am going through trouble. We will in a sinful world, and sin is around us everywhere. Our world seems more wicked, but we know we have a savior! Praise God, that hears us in our times of need.
We will all go through tough times because of sin. It could be our own sin, or the sins of others. Sin doesn’t leave anyone untouched. There is only one cure for sin. That cure is Jesus. Saved and unsaved both will suffer threw hard times. However, for the saved, you have someone you can turn to. I love when the psalmist says, “Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.” You can be confident as a saved child of God, he will hear your voice.
If you are struggling with something in your life today, please take it to the one who created you and loves you like nobody else. If you aren’t saved, You can reach out to me, and I’ll happily show you the Roman’s Road.
So, I just finished an audiobook called The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk M.D. A teacher I know told me she was reading this book and recommended it to me. Before I get into my review of this book, I do want to make sure if you intend to read this book you know it is not written by a Christian author. There is cussing and talks of what could be considered inappropriate material and/or circumstances involving trauma someone may go through. Some of it can be more detailed than I would have wanted to know.
Also… PLEASE NOTE… if you are a victim or have suffered trauma, look at all the reviews you can and educate yourself before you read. I read one review that stated this book upset them, and I would not want anyone to read this if it were to bring on more trauma.
Ok… my review. I am not a psychologist or a psychiatrist. One opinion I have is that there is a ton of good information in here. The author talks about all sorts of trauma and the reasons for trauma. He goes into talking about studies and therapies he had done with his patients. He will admit some of the studies and therapies he talks about are controversial, even in his field of study. I have a family member who has a degree in psychology but have not talked to him about this book yet. It will be on my list of things to talk to him though.
This book contains more information than I can write about in this review. It has given me some things to consider when I am interacting with people who may seem like they have some trauma. This is a one and done book for me. I probably will not refer to it or read it again. For my part, I am a believer in Jesus, and I believe Jesus needs to be at the center of anything and everything we do.
If you aren’t in field of psychology or psychiatry, I would only recommend this book to give you an understanding of trauma and how it affects our brains. Personally, I would be more interested in reading Dr. James Dobson books. Dr. Dobson is a psychologist and founder of Focus on the Family. He now has Dr. James Dobson Family Institute.
So, with that said, I would definitely recommend Bringing Up Boys by Dr. James Dobson. I have read this book, and it gives you great advice on raising God fearing young men in today’s society.
I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
In the world we live in today, people are more concerned about their selves than others. It brought to memory a recent trip I have taken with a BFF. We went to Nashville, TN for a few days. We had a hotel room downtown. Most of the time, we left the car at the hotel and walked around Nashville. This would be the first time I have been around a big homeless population since I was in the US Navy. There were several times we stopped and talked to some of them. Some asked for food. Once, my friend offered her leftovers from a restaurant. It would be a healthy meal with healthy veggies, but they didn’t want it. Another asked for something to eat, and I had a package of trail mix that wasn’t setting well on my stomach. I gave it to my friend for her to snack on and she passed it to him. He took it and ate it. Once, a lady dropped all her belongings and we stopped to help her pick up her stuff. My friend started witnessing to her, and I witnessed to the man who was with her. I pray they have accepted Jesus as their savior.
I think of this often. We should open our hearts to those who are suffering and need Jesus. Where we live now, there isn’t a big homeless population. However, if you do live in a city where you can be of help in those in need, I pray you go and introduce them to Jesus. Look at ways you may help. I’m currently praying for some way to help our local homeless here. Please pray the Lord will open a door for me also.
Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the LORD Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
When I first read this scripture in my Bible, it stuck with me. My thoughts automatically thought, man, y’all should had made sure you knew Jesus before you attempted this. Throughout the Bible, it is plain to see that the devil and his demons know who Jesus is. They know He is God’s son, and they recognize His deity.
We would be wise to remember who Jesus is. 1. Jesus is the only begotten son of God the Father. 2. Jesus was born of a virgin Mary to become the sacrificial lamb for our sins. 3. Jesus died for us. Not that He sinned, but He took our sins upon Him. 4. Jesus was raised on the third day fulfilling prophecy. 5. Jesus will be coming back, and will you be ready.
When Jesus comes back, is He going to know you? Jesus says in Matthew 25: 1-13 is the parable about the ten virgins. The foolish virgins weren’t ready for Jesus. I pray today, you are ready.
Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship; him declare I unto you.
I love this scripture. How bold Paul is to stand and declare God. May I say, I am not as bold as Paul. But we must take a stand and declare God to this unbelieving world. To not declare God, is to not do as God commanded us. In Matthew 28: 19-20, Jesus commands us to go and teach all nations!
He didn’t promise us it would be easy. I have several family members that are in need of salvation. I’m sure some of you know loved ones that need salvation also. We must be bold like Paul and declare God unto them.
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour
Today’s devotional is given a little later than usual. To be honest, I have struggled with reading Acts. There are some things going on in my personal life that caused me to reflect on different scripture today.
We should humble ourselves before an almighty God. He does care for us even when it feels like our ship is going down. We can always go to Him for all our needs. Satan is looking for ways to trip us up on our daily walks.
If you have a heavy heart today, please know that God is there, and He is with you. You aren’t alone! And, the best part, He is in control. It may not seem like it, and there may be things happening you don’t understand. God does understand, and all you need to do is 1. Humble yourself 2. Cast that care on him. 3. Be sober (we should be serious about God and our walk with Him) 4. Be vigilant (we shouldn’t be sleeping on God. We should be awake and alert.)
Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
vs. 14-17
And when she knew Peter’s voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate. And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel. But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished. But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.
As you may be able to tell, I am currently reading through the book of Acts. And, I love reading in the scriptures about answered prayers. We learn from the early church how important it is to pray for each other. God is listening and hears our prayers. I’m so thankful for a God that hears us. Thinking of this reminds me also of Elijah and the prophets of Baal. (Another one of my favorite scriptures-you’ll see I have lots of favorites.) The prophets of Baal cry and do other things trying to get the attention of their god (notice the little g in god). However, when Elijah cries out to our Heavenly Father, God answers him. Just as God answered the church as they prayed for Peter, and he answered Elijah when he prayed. God answers us also. The answer may not be what we expected, but we know He created us. He knows what we need. I want to encourage you to remember to pray today. He listening!
Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. And, Peter fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God.
I can’t help but sing the children’s song about Peter and John went to pray when I read this. This scripture has many beautiful lessons.
First, we should prioritize prayer in our daily lives. I personally have had so many prayers answered, and watch numerous friends receive answers to their prayers. How many times have we neglected our prayer life? I admit I have before, and I will probably at some time do it again. Do I want to neglect my prayer life? No, I don’t. But I pray God will help me stay close to Him. Staying close to God will help me in all areas of my life, including my prayer life.
Second, Peter and John found someone in need. God used Peter and John in a marvelous way! They didn’t give him money, but they showed the lame man Christ. God healed the lame man. And, when he was healed, he praised God. He didn’t praise Him privately. Everyone saw this lame man walking, leaping, and praising God.
God has been so good to us also! He has saved me from a devil’s Hell. So, let this be my walking, leaping, and praising God for saving me and taking care of me. I pray today you will spend time with God, and walk in His ways, leaping in His grace, and praising Him as you do.
Lake Frierson State Park is located at 7904 Hwy 141, Jonesboro, AR, 72401. The trail we went on was called the boundary trail.
The trail is 1.5 miles in and back. It is a loop trail that is easy to follow. There were some areas since it was muddy, we had to be careful with. You will hike alongside the lake. Of course, this being a first day hike event, we had an Arkansas Park Ranger as our guide. She was very knowledgeable about the park and how it was created. Even though the trail isn’t very long, you can still hours there looking around and enjoying the views.
January 1st wasn’t a day I would be prepared to go fishing. But, after hiking, taking your fishing gear! There were several areas to fish off the bank. If you have a boat, they also have a boat ramp. They also have camp sites and a playground area for kids to get outdoors and get some of that vitamin D!
Lake Frierson State Park is a smaller park, but one with trails, camping, and fishing. It will get you out of the hustle and bustle of your daily life. Give yourself a break and take time to refresh yourself.
