11.29.10: Menu Plan Monday

***Lunch is usually leftovers, or if there are none, a quick easy dish made at home.

Monday

• Breakfast ~ Cereal
• Dinner ~ Leftovers 

Tuesday

• Breakfast ~ Oatmeal
• Dinner ~ Chicken and Rice Soup

Wednesday

• Breakfast ~ Yogurt Parfaits
• Dinner ~ Taco Salad
• Desert ~ Fresh Fruit

Thursday

• Breakfast ~ Cereal
• Dinner ~ Seth's BNI Christmas Dinner :)

Friday

• Breakfast ~ Yogurt Parfaits
• Dinner ~ Dinner out- again!

Saturday

• Dinner ~ Quinoa and Black Beans with side salad

Sunday

• Breakfast ~ Bacon, Eggs and Fruit
• After-Church Dinner ~ Turkey and mashed potatoes (We're craving it again!)

Quinoa and Black Beans

Quinoa and Black Beans

	Prep Time: 15 Minutes	Ready In: 50 Minutes
	Cook Time: 35 Minutes	Servings: 10

"Whether you're trying quinoa for the first time or just trying a new recipe for quinoa, this mixture of quinoa, black beans, corn, and spices will make this dish a new favorite."

INGREDIENTS:

1 teaspoon vegetable oil 1 onion, chopped 3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped 3/4 cup uncooked quinoa 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth 1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper salt and pepper to taste 1 cup frozen corn kernels 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

DIRECTIONS:

1.	Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the onion and garlic, and saute until lightly browned.
2.	Mix quinoa into the saucepan and cover with vegetable broth. Season with cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes,
3.	Stir frozen corn into the saucepan, and continue to simmer about 5 minutes until heated through. Mix in the black beans and cilantro.

Recipe Via All Recipes

Verses to Inspire Thanks!

Count your blessings and be thankful! 

Below are a few verses (in no particular order) to inspire thanks in your heart! 

Blessings to you all! Happy Thanksgiving!

His love, Andrea

• Isaiah 12:1-6 

  In that day you will sing:

      “I will praise you, O Lord!

   You were angry with me, but not any more.

      Now you comfort me.

 See, God has come to save me.

      I will trust in him and not be afraid.

   The Lord God is my strength and my song;

      he has given me victory.”

 With joy you will drink deeply
      from the fountain of salvation!
 In that wonderful day you will sing:
      “Thank the Lord! Praise his name!
   Tell the nations what he has done.
      Let them know how mighty he is!
 Sing to the Lord, for he has done wonderful things.
      Make known his praise around the world.
 Let all the people of Jerusalem shout his praise with joy!
      For great is the Holy One of Israel who lives among you.”

• Psalm 69:30 

 Then I will praise God’s name with singing,
      and I will honor him with thanksgiving.

• Psalm 75:1 

 We thank you, O God!

      We give thanks because you are near.

      People everywhere tell of your wonderful deeds.

• Psalm 100:1-5 

 Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth!

    Worship the Lord with gladness.

      Come before him, singing with joy.

 Acknowledge that the Lord is God!

      He made us, and we are his.

      We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

 Enter his gates with thanksgiving;

      go into his courts with praise.

      Give thanks to him and praise his name.

 For the Lord is good.

      His unfailing love continues forever,

      and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

• Psalm 136:1-26 

 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
         His faithful love endures forever.
 Give thanks to the God of gods.
         His faithful love endures forever.
 Give thanks to the Lord of lords.
         His faithful love endures forever.

 Give thanks to him who alone does mighty miracles.
         His faithful love endures forever.
 Give thanks to him who made the heavens so skillfully.
         His faithful love endures forever.
 Give thanks to him who placed the earth among the waters.
         His faithful love endures forever.
 Give thanks to him who made the heavenly lights—
         His faithful love endures forever.
 the sun to rule the day,
         His faithful love endures forever.
 and the moon and stars to rule the night.
         His faithful love endures forever.

 Give thanks to him who killed the firstborn of Egypt.
         His faithful love endures forever.
 He brought Israel out of Egypt.
         His faithful love endures forever.
 He acted with a strong hand and powerful arm.
         His faithful love endures forever.
 Give thanks to him who parted the Red Sea.^[a^]
         His faithful love endures forever.
 He led Israel safely through,
         His faithful love endures forever.
 but he hurled Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea.
         His faithful love endures forever.
 Give thanks to him who led his people through the wilderness.
         His faithful love endures forever.

 Give thanks to him who struck down mighty kings.
         His faithful love endures forever.
 He killed powerful kings—
         His faithful love endures forever.
 Sihon king of the Amorites,
         His faithful love endures forever.
 and Og king of Bashan.
         His faithful love endures forever.
 God gave the land of these kings as an inheritance—
         His faithful love endures forever.
 a special possession to his servant Israel.
         His faithful love endures forever.

 He remembered us in our weakness.
         His faithful love endures forever.
 He saved us from our enemies.
         His faithful love endures forever.
 He gives food to every living thing.
         His faithful love endures forever.
 Give thanks to the God of heaven.
         His faithful love endures forever.

• 1 Chronicles 16:8 

 Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness.
      Let the whole world know what he has done.

• 1 Thessalonians 5:18 

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

• Colossians 2:6-7

 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.

Keeping the Peace at Family Gatherings

*I came across this article today and thought it had some great advice worth sharing!

10 Things to Say to Keep the Peace

From family mediator Laurie Puhn, simple phrases that will help you avoid arguments.

by Laurie Puhn

Michael Kelly/Stone/Getty Images

So many big arguments begin with small comments. How many times have you started a conversation on friendly terms, then wound up in some kind of dispute that you didn’t anticipate? 

In my work as a family, divorce, and small-claims mediator, I’ve seen countless offhand remarks start a fight or add fuel to an existing fire. And I have found myself in plenty of situations where I’ve wanted to give someone (my husband, a colleague) what I thought was helpful advice only to inadvertently offend him or her.

The holidays, with all their extended-family gatherings, can be a verbal minefield. You’re either dodging nosy questions from some tactless relative over dinner (“Still dieting then?”) or taking out the stress of all that extra cooking and shopping on those dearest to you (“Do I have to do everything around here?”).

It doesn’t have to be that bad. Use these 10 go-to phrases to defuse potentially volatile conversations and help you get through the coming weeks―and the months and years to follow―in harmony.

1. “Thank you for your opinion. I’ll think about it.” When you receive unsolicited advice at a family gathering, such as Aunt Sylvia’s suggestion that you change your hairstyle, just smile and respond with this casual conversation terminator. If you’re rudely asked a question like “Are you still single?” don’t reply with a lengthy excuse. Say, “Yes, and I’ll let you know if anything changes.” The goal is to be polite and end the conversation. There is no need to be defensive or rude.

2. “Is this a good time for you?” Whenever I want my husband’s full attention for a conversation and I don’t want to compete with a football game on TV, I ask this simple question. If he gives me a green light by saying yes (and turning off the game), I proceed. If he says no, I ask, “When would be a better time?” We then agree on another time and a fight is avoided. Consider using this line at work, too. Your boss and coworkers will appreciate it.

3. “Would you like my thoughts?” One of the biggest complaints kids have about parents is that they constantly issue orders and judgments. Sometimes this is a parent’s job. But if you are often confronted with an angry response (“Who made you the authority?” or “It’s none of your business”), you might benefit from dialing back. Ask your child if she wants to hear what you have to say. If she says yes, it means she is ready to listen. If she says no, then button your lip. This works for adult family members, too. 

4. “Why don’t we get the facts?” Some people who come to mediation tend to argue about anything and everything, including things that can be easily resolved. If you find yourself in a dispute with your brother about the price of a car or the name of the restaurant you went to over the holidays last year, state this one-liner, then look up prices online, call a store, or drive by the restaurant―not so one of you can say, “I told you so,” but so you can move on from the discussion before it spirals into a fight.

5. “I need your help. Can you please…?” People often ask me what they can say to family members or coworkers who don’t assume their share of responsibility. Here’s my simple tip: Rather than accusing the person of being lazy or inconsiderate, ask her for what you want and be specific. “Since we both drink coffee, how about if I make the pot and you clean it, or vice versa?” People are not mind readers.

6. “Let’s wait on this until we have more information.” Know when to table a discussion. One couple came to me with a dispute that had turned into a huge problem for them: They were constantly arguing over whether they should stay in their city apartment or move to a house in the suburbs. The issue wasn’t which choice they should make (they had already agreed they wouldn’t move for three years, or until their oldest child reached school age); it was that they were having a premature argument. At times like these, it’s important to remind yourself and your conversation partner that it’s too early to discuss the issue. Preferences will change over time, as will facts, such as home prices. 

7. “What did you mean by that?” Sometimes asking the right question is all it takes to avoid an argument. We all make assumptions about other people’s intentions. Asked in a genuinely interested (and not passive-aggressive) way, this question allows your conversation partner to explain himself before you jump to conclusions. Only then should you offer your response. 

8. “I don’t like that, so why don’t we do this instead?” This is how to complain with impact. Rather than nagging your mate about a problem, focus on finding a solution for the future. For example, instead of moaning about buying all the holiday gifts, suggest that he shop for the men in the family and you buy for the women―or split some other duties.

9. “I’m sorry you’re upset.” When you find yourself frustrated with a friend or a close family member who didn’t take your advice, you desperately want to say something like “I told you so” or “That was a dumb thing to do.” Don’t. Dishing out criticism won’t change a thing. A compassionate response will help you both move forward.

10. “Let me get back to you.” Everyone needs a prepared comment to delay a response when he or she is put on the spot. For example, a cousin suggests you prepare a main course for her potluck Christmas party for 20 people or the president of the PTA picks you to head a committee for a year. Keep this line handy at all times, especially during the holiday season. If you don’t want the person to feel as if she is being dismissed, give her a time when she can expect a response: “Let me get back to you by tomorrow afternoon.” And then make sure that you do. 

Girlfriends in God: The Sandpaper People are Coming!

Mary Southerland is our church's Lead Teaching Pastor's wife. I've been blessed to hear her speak in person numerous times. She is an amazing woman of God and an encouragement to all! She has a couple great websites: http://www.girlfriendsingod.com/  and http://www.marysoutherland.com/

The Sandpaper People are Coming! 

Mary Southerland 

Today's Truth Luke 6:27-28 "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you."

Friend to Friend
I sometimes think that the holiday season should somehow come with a warning label that reads, "The Sandpaper People are coming!" The holidays usher in many things - one of which is the opportunity to deal with the difficult people in our life. That relative that irritated you last Thanksgiving may very well do the same thing this year. Get ready to deal with your sandpaper people - the people who rub you the wrong way.  

God created us with the capacity for strong emotions and like any gift from God our emotions can be used for good or misused for bad. Sandpaper people not only have an uncanny knack for knowing where emotional buttons are located, they honestly think it is their purpose in life to push every single one of them. Our first reaction to the incessant and calculated button pushing of a sandpaper person is usually angry retaliation while God calls us to a peaceful resolution. When it comes to difficult relationships, God does not want or expect us to declare war. We are to control our emotions instead of allowing them to control us. The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 12:18, "As much as is possible, live peaceably with all men." In other words, we need to set our mind on peace - not winning.     

God's wants us to wage peace in every relationship - including the roughest, most abrasive, anger producing sandpaper people who come our way. A formidable task, since every sandpaper person I have ever known comes complete with a set agenda that targets emotional eruptions and creates constant relationships upheavals. They love a good fight, live to evoke angry reactions and are fierce warriors determined to win every battle initiated by their downright irritating personalities. However, combat is impossible when the enemy has laid down his weapons and chosen peace. 

As I headed to the grocery store for my dreaded weekly shopping trip, I wrestled with my attitude. You have to understand that I absolutely hate grocery shopping but on this particular morning, I vowed to choose joy and turned my focus to the balmy Florida day before me. I had it all under control - until I pulled into the grocery store parking lot. 

It seemed like every South Florida resident was in that parking lot frantically searching for a parking space - and they were not happy. After circling several times, I spotted an empty spot right by the entrance. God does answer prayer. I made a beeline for "my" parking space. Just as I turned to pull in, an older lady boldly stepped into that prized space and with great ceremony, held up her left hand, signaling me to stop right where I was. With her right hand, this self-imposed traffic director began motioning to a man I assumed was her husband as he circled the parking lot in his very large car. I suddenly realized that she was saving "my" spot for him. Of all the nerve! What incredible gall!

Parking spaces are a serious matter to me. Evidently, I was not the only one who felt that way. In the midst of my simmering, soon-to-explode anger, this still small voice reminded me that I had a choice to make. I really hated surrendering my anger to God, but the thought of apologizing to that woman for running over her with my car was more than my mind could conceive and my stomach could handle. I quickly decided that if she was willing to risk her life for a grocery store parking space, she deserved to have it.

Unfortunately, the driver behind me did not agree and whipped her car into the sought after space just in front of the man in his large car, barely missing the traffic controlling woman as she frantically jumped up on the sidewalk, out of the car's path. I decided to watch the scene unfold - or explode. Crude gestures and loud, repulsive words filled the air. Some I understood. Some I had never heard and did not care to define. Threats were exchanged along with promises of retribution.

The whole experience was an ugly reminder that we live in a world filled with angry people who are constantly rubbing each other the wrong way. Sandpaper people.  And while it is true that everyone gets angry from time to time, it is just as true that everyone can learn to effectively control and manage his or her anger. When dealing with a sandpaper person, we must not allow ourselves to become the enemy. As you get ready for Thanksgiving Day, remember to prepare your heart as well to love the hard-to-love people that come your way.

Let's Pray

Father, I am so thankful that You love me - rough edges and all. Please help me to love others in the same way.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

Now it's Your Turn

Who are the difficult people in your life?

In what way(s) do they irritate you?

What can you do to avoid a difficult situation with the sandpaper people in your life?

Ask God to let you see those difficult people as He sees them - through eyes of love.

Pray for each person and ask God to bless them.

More from the Girlfriends

I can almost hear you saying "What? I'm supposed to ask God to bless this person who is so hard to love?" Yes. Luke 6:28 tells us that we are to bless those who curse us and pray for those who mistreat us. God always honors obedience.

Check out these two new resources now available in Mary's online store:

NEW E-Bible Study:  Take this Job and Love It!

NEW CD:  Divine Surprises

Join women from across the world in Mary's Online Bible Study, Light for the Journey. Don't miss her new study beginning November 29, The Secret of a Merry Christmas. If you enroll now, you will also have access to all of the 2010 studies. But hurry! This offer ends December 1. 

Need a friend? Connect with me on Facebook or through email. 

Seeking God? Click here to find out more about how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

My Utmost for His Highest: The Distraction of Contempt: Nov. 23, 2010

The Distraction of Contempt

Nov

23

2010

Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us! For we are exceedingly filled with contempt —Psalm 123:3

What we must beware of is not damage to our belief in God but damage to our Christian disposition or state of mind. “Take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously” (Malachi 2:16). Our state of mind is powerful in its effects. It can be the enemy that penetrates right into our soul and distracts our mind from God. There are certain attitudes we should never dare to indulge. If we do, we will find they have distracted us from faith in God. Until we get back into a quiet mood before Him, our faith is of no value, and our confidence in the flesh and in human ingenuity is what rules our lives.

Beware of “the cares of this world . . .” (Mark 4:19). They are the very things that produce the wrong attitudes in our soul. It is incredible what enormous power there is in simple things to distract our attention away from God. Refuse to be swamped by “the cares of this world.”

Another thing that distracts us is our passion for vindication. St. Augustine prayed, “O Lord, deliver me from this lust of always vindicating myself.” Such a need for constant vindication destroys our soul’s faith in God. Don’t say, “I must explain myself,” or, “I must get people to understand.” Our Lord never explained anything— He left the misunderstandings or misconceptions of others to correct themselves.

When we discern that other people are not growing spiritually and allow that discernment to turn to criticism, we block our fellowship with God. God never gives us discernment so that we may criticize, but that we may intercede.

Bible in One Year: Ezekiel 20-21; James 5

11.22.2010: Menu Plan Monday

***Lunch is usually leftovers, or if there are none, sandwiches or some quick easy dish made at home.

Monday

• Breakfast ~ Cereal
• Dinner ~ Leftovers 

Tuesday

• Breakfast ~ Oatmeal
• Dinner ~ Grandma Van's Tuna Pizza
• Desert~ Cottage Cheese and Mandarin Oranges

Wednesday

• Breakfast ~ Yogurt Parfaits
• Dinner ~ Cheeseburger Soup
• Desert ~ Fresh Fruit

Thursday

• Breakfast ~ Cereal
• Dinner ~ Thanksgiving Meal! (Click here to see tips for a perfect turkey!)

Friday

• Breakfast ~ Oatmeal
• Dinner ~ Quinoa Salad with Turkey 

Saturday

• Eating at the in-laws!

Sunday

• Breakfast ~ Waffles
• After-Church Dinner ~ Turkey Taco Soup

Tips for a Terrific Turkey

TIPS FOR A TERRIFIC TURKEY!!

www.butterball.com

• If turkey is frozen, thaw in the refrigerator or cold water. When ready to cook, remove the wrapper. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Remove the neck from the body cavity and the giblets from the neck cavity. Drain the juices and blot the cavities with paper towels.

• Just before roasting, stuff the neck and body cavities lightly, if desired. Turn the wings back to hold the neck skin in place. Return legs to tucked position, if untucked. No trussing is necessary.

• Place the turkey, breast side up, on a flat rack in an open roasting pan about 2 inches deep. A handy, “turkey lifter” comes with each Butterball turkey. Place this special string cradle on a rack, then place the turkey on top and bring the loops up around the turkey. Do this before putting the turkey in the oven and when lifting the cooked turkey from the pan, use the loops as handles.

• Insert an oven-safe meat thermometer deep into the lower part of the thigh next to the body, not touching the bone.

• Brush the skin with vegetable oil to prevent the skin from drying. Further basting is unnecessary.

• Wash preparation utensils, work surfaces and hands in hot, soapy water following contact with uncooked turkey and juices. Roast at 325 degrees Fahrenheit. For approximate cooking times, see roasting time schedule. When the skin is light golden, about 2/3 done, shield the breast loosely with lightweight foil to prevent overcooking.

• Check for doneness 1⁄2 hour before turkey is expected to be done. Turkey is fully cooked when the thigh’s internal temperature is 180 degrees Fahrenheit. The thickest part of the breast should read 170 degrees Fahrenheit and the center of the stuffing should be 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

• When done let the turkey stand for 15 to 20 minutes before carving.

•    ENJOY!!

Grandma Van's Tuna Pizza

GRANDMA VAN’S TUNA PIZZA

1 can (8oz) crescent rolls

2 cans (7oz each) tuna, drained and flaked

1/2 C mayonnaise

1/4 C chopped parsley

1/4 C sliced green onion

2 T chopped, sweet red pepper

1 T lemon juice

1/2 lb sliced swiss chz

tomato slices, halved

Press rols into 12" pizza pan; seal perforations and form crust with a 1/2" rim. Bake at 375 for 15 minutes.  Remove from oven.  Mix next 6 ingredients, place chz on top of crust; spread with tuna mixture.  Arrange tomato slices around edge of tuna--Bake 10-12 mins longer.  Enjoy! :) 

***Disclaimer for all the recipes I post: Unless otherwise stated, I am not calling any of these recipes "my own" as I have derived them from multiple unknown sources over the years.

Cheeseburger Soup

Cheeseburger Soup

- A hearty delicious soup.

Ingredients

• 3/4 lb ground beef 
• 1 cup minced onions 
• 1 teaspoon basil 
• 4 cups beef broth 
• 3 cups diced potatoes 
• 1/4 cup chopped green peppers 
• 4 teaspoons butter 
• 4 teaspoons flour 
• 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed 
• 2 cups light cream 
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper 

Directions

1. In soup pot, cook and break up ground beef.
2. Add onion,basil and beef broth.
3. Bring to a boil.
4. Add potatoes and green pepper.
5. Cover and simmer 12 minutes.
6. Bring back to a boil.
7. In saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour.
8. Cook 2 minutes.
9. Add to soup, stirring.
10. Reduce heat to low again and add cheese, cream and pepper.
11. Stir until cheese melts.
12. Enjoy!

***Disclaimer for all the recipes I post: Unless otherwise stated, I am not calling any of these recipes "my own" as I have derived them from multiple unknown sources over the years.