HASH BROWN CASSEROLE by Mary Eddins

Here is a hash brown casserole Mary Eddins brought to our summer Bible Study. We all loved it and asked for the recipe. All she would tell us was that we didn't want to know what was in it. I guess she was referring to all the fat and calories in it! As in everything, moderation is the key.

1 lb. package of shredded potatoes (I typically use the whole package which I think is 30 oz.)
1 can of cream of mushroom soup
1 can of cream of chicken soup
1 8 oz. container of french onion dip (I only used 4 oz of this; for some reason the mixture started to get a little too soupy on me)
1 8 oz. container of sour cream
1 8 oz. package of cheddar cheese (I used 8 oz. mozarella and 4 oz. cheddar)
1 stick of butter, melted (I used only 3/4 of a stick, again, because the mixture was getting soupy)

To take it up a notch, cut up two or three slices of bacon and fry it up. Then pour all the bacon and the drippings into the casserole (and leave the butter in the fridge). This recipe easily doubles if you have a big crowd.

Combine all the ingredients and put in a 9 x 13 in. casserole dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees for one hour. 

WORD FOR THE WEEK

Do not fret because of evil men

or be envious because of those who do wrong;

for like the grass they will soon wither,

like green plants they will soon die away.

Trust in the Lord and do good;

dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

Delight yourself in the Lord

and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord;

trust in him and he will do this:

He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,

the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently before him;

do not fret when men succeed in their ways,

when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;

do not fret - it leads only to evil.

For evil men will be cut off,

but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.

A little while and the wicked will be no more;

though you look for them, they will not be found.

But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace. 

Psalm 37:1-11

"When evil seems to be winning, submit to God.

Put off irritation...envy...and anger.

Let's give God the sovereign right to deal with evildoers in His time and His ways."

                                    ~Pastor Tim Lampley

Upcoming Retreat

 

Be sure to sign up for the Overnight Retreat and pay your $25.00 deposit this Sunday

 

August 23-24

Refresh Overnight Retreat

at the Olford Center in Memphis

Speaker: Shari Ray

Cost: $75.00

$25.00 non-refundable deposit due July 28

Balance due Aug. 18

Sign-up sheets on Ministry Table

 

 

Upcoming Bible Studies

Signup sheets are on the ministry table in the Welcome Center.

 

Precept's Covenant, Knowing God's Covenant

Tues. mornings 9:00-11:15

Aug. 27-Nov. 12

Priscilla Shirer's Gideon

Mon. nights 6:30-8:00

Tues. mornings 9:30-11:15

Sept. 9/10-Oct. 28/29

Registered childcare available for Tues. mornings only

 

 

 

WHERE IS MY FOCUS by Lynda Leeson

I cut my spiritual worship teeth on Keith Green back in the 70s. Often the Lord will play the words to some hymn that he wrote over and over in my brain to start my thinking in a new direction and most often to bring correction needed in a timely way.  

Satan uses "tacky cancer" to make sure I'm focused on myself and my feelings. In fairness to the old devil, I should say I allow him to direct my focus to ME. I've developed a mental check list to gauge how it's going. Can you breathe well, do you have enough energy, etc...you get the picture.

Yesterday while driving home from church this song started playing again on that mental player and the thought came, "I never feel better than when I am in church." And then the lyrics came, "It's so hard to see when my eyes are on me, guess I'll have to trust and just believe what You say," and that Holy Spirit lightbulb came on. In church I'm focused on Jesus, taught His Word, and entered into His worship with abandon. Oh that I could stay there!  

Philippians 4:8 sums it all up, Friends. I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies. 

Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace...EVEN TACKY OLD CANCER!!!

Be sure to listen to "Make My Life a Prayer to You" from the album No Compromise and let God speak to your heart through Keith. Check out this video on YouTube: http://youtu.be/GC2vvncga4U

PRACTICE HOSPITALITY by Tony Manley

Romans 12:13b – Practice Hospitality

Two words, big meaning! Recently, David and I had a conversation about how, over time, we had stopped hosting people in our home as often as we once had done. We both agreed it can be hard to go the extra mile when you feel as if you have already added several extra miles during the day. We spoke about all the give and take of daily life out in the places beyond our house and how home is a refuge – our safe place to be quiet, tired, zoned-out or whatever the word to describe “done” for the day! But God...

Isn’t that the way it goes – “but God”- comes into the heart through His word. “Practice hospitality” (Romans 12:13b) is in the Bible just as “You shall not murder” (Deut. 5:17).  Then, Monday night at Bible study, “Practice hospitality” was brought up! God is faithful to enter into conversations, excuses, justifications, or rationalizations when He hears/sees a truth being mishandled.

At Bible study, we were reminded of the joys of the table/ a meal shared. Deuteronomy 12 uses the word eat or a form of the word seventeen times. One of the truths taught - “a meal is more than eating” - stuck with me. Meals create memories. Children and guests can form memories of and at my table. But, I must be intentional about having children and guests at my table; they don’t just wander there alone accidentally! Jesus spent much time at tables with others. Sharing a meal with others was important to His ministry, so much so that He had a meal with His closest followers in His final hours. 

Meals are not as much about the food, although food is the draw, but about the experience – the conversation, the relationships, the heart. Hospitality in all its forms comes down to the treatment and care of others. God feels strongly enough to say “practice hospitality” directly behind the words in Romans 12:13a “Share with God’s people who are in need.”  (Notice the word hospital in the word hospitality.) Meeting the needs of/caring for others is priority to God whether it is a meal, time, attention, or offering an evening and chair in my home as an extension of God’s heart. It is a true honor to be invited into one’s home and seated at their table! 

Father, thank You for practicing hospitality towards me. It is humbling to know what all You did to prepare my seat at Your table. Jesus, You fulfilled the preparations for me to have a placecard with my name and a placesetting set for me to enjoy all the benefits of Your table. My prayer is that I will be faithful to give others a seat of honor, refreshment, and view of You at my table. May the Bread of Life and Living Water be served daily from my home and heart. Amen

BREAKFAST CASSEROLES

Our last Bible Study for the summer ended. This Bible Study reminded me of why I didn't like "survey" classes in college. We couldn't study every verse, but only hit the high points. So much was left out! But what we studied was fabulous. We started out with the theme "He brought us out that He might bring us in" (Deuteronomy 6:23), and we ended with that same theme, only with an additional thought - "There is no other god like our God and no other people like His people." (Deuteronomy 33:26, 29) Just as true on this side of the cross!

Our last Bible Study meal was Breakfast for Dinner. We had breakfast casseroles, muffins, fruit salad, cinnamon rolls, and milk and coffee. 

Cheese Pie by Ann Tapp
Pam spray
1 can whole green chiles
1 lb. Monterrey Jack cheese, shredded
3 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup Mexican salsa, optional

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
2. Spray pie dish with Pam.
3. Line bottom of dish with whole green chiles.
4. Add shredded cheese to the beaten eggs; pour in pie dish.
5. Bake at 300 degrees for 30 minutes.
6. Serve with the salsa, if desired.


Breakfast Pizza by Paula Roten (from allrecipes.com)

I layered this recipe in a casserole dish, not in a pizza pan. Click on the title above to see how to make it pizza-shaped.

1 lb. Jimmy Dean hot sausage
1 (8 oz.) pkg. refrigerated crescent rolls
1 cup frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
5 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. ground black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Brown breakfast sausage in a skillet until no longer pink, about 10 minutes. Drain excess grease. Set aside.
3. Separate crescent rolls in two sections. Place side by side in a 7 x 11 casserole dish. Pat out dough to cover bottom and ends of dish. 
4. Spoon cooked sausage into dish on top of crescent dough. 
5. Spread hash browns over sausage.
6. Sprinkle cheddar cheese over hash browns.
7. Whisk eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and pour over the cheese layer. 
8. Sprinkle evenly with the Parmesan cheese. 
9. Bake in the preheated oven until eggs are set and crust is lightly browned, approximately 20-25 minutes. 

WORD FOR THE WEEK

Too much talk leads to sin.

Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.

Proverbs 10:19

'Nuff said!

WOMEN'S RETREAT

Ladies, I want to remind you about our Overnight Retreat coming up soon. We will be staying at the Olford Center on Riverdale, in very nearby Memphis. It is in a beautiful setting with hotel-like accommodations. 

If you are wondering about the schedule so you can make arrangements, we will be meeting Fri., Aug. 23 around 5:00 pm (or whenever you can get there) until Sat., Aug. 24 at noon. The $75.00 cost includes your room and two meals.

Our speaker is Shari Ray. Oh, Ladies, you will not want to miss her! She is a vivacious and energetic little thing who will challenge us to hear from the Lord and do what He tells us. Our very own Ramona Callahan will also introduce us to a new ministry our women's ministry will be involved in. It will be exciting to see how the Lord is going to use our church (our women, specifically) to meet some very practical needs.

Please sign up this Sunday at the ministry table after the service and pay your $25.00 deposit (due by July 28). The $50.00 balance will be due by Aug. 18. 

SMELLS AND STICKINESS by Tony Manley

I am a complete pain in the neck about smells and sticky places –jelly and spilled soft drinks on counters and floors - are great revealers of my heart. Let me explain.

When I walk into a place, I pick up the scent immediately. Lovely, unlovely, fruity, baking, grilling, fresh, stale…you understand. This past Friday night I came into my house after being gone on vacation for a few days, and I was hit with the closed up smell. Not bad or good, but not lived in smell. I went straight to every candle in the strategic places of creating lovely environment and lit them.  I had to do away with that closed up, not lived in smell.

Stickiness - that place of foot catching or elbow stopping that has been wiped up over and over and still doesn’t “feel” right. In my domain, inevitably it is jellies and drinks (tea doesn’t tend to be a stickiness drink). Again, this is irritating when you have gone over it many times with a wet rag convinced the stickiness is gone.

“Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” (John 12:3)

Between this scripture and Nancy Demoss encouraging me to embrace Psalm 139:23-24, the Teacher clearly showed me how important smells and spills can be in the importance of broken containers and why I need to be poured out or emptied (thus an empty thing can reveal some sticky, need to be wiped up over and over again heart issues).

I love Mary and Martha - the doer-too much talker/Martha and the learner-lover/Mary. Mary’s breaking and spilling released a smell that filled the room. Not everyone loved the fragrant smell. That in itself reveals hearts. Some are just not drawn to the Truth in the room. Her willingness to spill and wipe with her hair shows me the value of letting go of anything so valuable that I don’t want to share. When I spill those people and things into the care of Jesus, I have never wasted a thing! He is so worthy of whatever I deem my valuables – husband, children, health, finances.  

Jesus responded to the verbal criticism of Mary’s action by saying, “Leave her alone. It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial.”  (John 12:7)

Father, may I see breaks and spills as refining opportunities to smell like You and to share You to receivers and resisters in my world. Only You can change a room with Your Presence. Amen

*candles and tile floors are great helps in dispelling unwanted smells and spills ☺

VEGETABLES UPDATE

This morning I posted the recipe for Coconut Cake. I'm certain that recipe would work (I've made one before like that). I thought that was what Martha told me, but I later received her written instructions and they are different (I'm a visual person, not auditory). So I am posting what she actually made plus a wonderful veggie salad that Stacy McSpadden brought as well. 

COCONUT CAKE by Martha Stephenson


(1) Duncan Hines White cake mix
(1) Box of instant vanilla pudding
3 eggs
1 cup of milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Bake at 350 for 32-34 minutes. Beat together. It will be thick. Put in greased and floured 9x13.
Mix (1) can of Cream of Coconut and (1) can of Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk.

Poke holes in hot cake and pour in holes.

Allow to cool completely.

Top with 8 oz. of extra creamy Cool Whip and sprinkle with 12 oz of flaked coconut.



SUMMER SALAD by Stacy McSpadden

(1) Fresh Zucchini-peeled
(1) Fresh Squash-peeled
(1) Cucumber-peeled
(1) Red Bell Pepper
(1) Yellow Bell Pepper
(1) Red Onion
(1) pint of Grape Tomatoes
(4) sticks of low fat string cheese-sliced in circles
(1) bottle of Fat Free Italian Dressing
6 oz. diced black olives

Dice all the veggies and cut the grape tomatoes in half. Add the olives. Marinate in Italian Dressing over night. Before serving, drain as much of the dressing off as possible and add string cheese.
I put this in My Fitness Pal and came up with 35 calories per 1/2 cup serving!

VEGETABLES

Last week we had vegetables for dinner, along with cornbread, at Monday night Bible Study. Here are two of the vegetable recipes we had and a coconut cake that was out of this world!


YELLOW SQUASH CASSEROLE by Nellita Young

4 cups yellow squash, thinly sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
1 sleeve Ritz Crackers (about 35 crackers), mashed into crumbs
1 cup cheddar cheese
2 eggs
3/4 cups milk
1/2 cup butter, melted
Salt & pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Lightly steam squash & onion for approximately 10 minutes.  Drain and set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, combine cracker crumbs and cheese.
4. In a large bowl, put drained squash & onion. Gently fold in 1/2 the crackers & cheese mixture.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together eggs and milk; then add this to the squash mixture.
6. Melt butter. Add half the melted butter to the squash mixture. Season with salt & pepper.
7. Spread squash mixture into a lightly greased 9 x 13 baking dish. Top with remaining crackers/cheese mixture.
8. Drizzle remaining butter over dish.
9. Bake at 400 degrees for approximately 25 minutes or until lightly browned.


CORN PUDDING by Leann King

1 can whole kernel corn, drained
1 can cream-style corn
1 egg
8 oz. sour cream
1 box Jiffy Cornbread/cornmuffin mix
salt, to taste
1 stick butter

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Place stick of butter in a 9 x 13 dish and put it in the oven to melt.
3. While butter is melting, mix together the cans of corn, the egg, sour cream, cornbread mix, and just a little sprinkle of salt.
4. Pour the corn mixture over the melted butter but do not stir. 
5. Bake for 40 minutes or until just barely brown on top. 


COCONUT CAKE by Martha Stephenson

1 white cake mix
1 small box instant vanilla pudding
1 can Cream of Coconut
1 can sweetened condensed milk
Cool Whip
Coconut flakes

1. Sprinkle the white cake mix and vanilla pudding in a large bowl; mix according to cake box instructions (adding water and eggs/egg whites); pour into a greased and floured 9 x 13 pan.
2. Bake in a preheated oven according to box instructions.
3. When you take the cake out of the oven, while it is still hot, poke holes in the cake and pour the cream of coconut and sweetened condensed milk over top into the holes; cool cake.
4. Spread Cool Whip over the top of the cake.
5. Sprinkle top with flaked coconut.  

WORD FOR THE WEEK

Have mercy on me, my God, 

have mercy on me, 

for in you I take refuge. 

I will take refuge 

in the shadow of your wings 

until the disaster has passed. 

Psalm 57:1

Is there a better place to weather out the storm? 

In our worries? 

In depression? 

In fear?

With sympathizing but powerless friends? 

No, our God 

• sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24)
• is able (Jude 3:24)
• can do more than we can even imagine (Ephesians 3:20)
• can make even a horrible situation work for our good (Romans 8:28)
• is working in us, completing what He began (Philippians 1:6)
• gives us peace as we turn to Him in prayer and thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6-7)

GIRLS NIGHT OUT

Ladies, we're getting together for a Girls Night Out this Thursday night at 7:30 at Buon Cibo. Buon Cibo is a "hometown restaurant offering pizzas, sandwiches, soups, and salads - all uniquely homemade with locally-grown fresh ingredients." Thursday nights are also Burger Nights, and I'm told they have the best burgers in town. 

Since we're hoping for a large group, we need to let them know how many of us are coming. Sign up at the Ministry Table Sunday or on our Facebook page or call Lisa by Monday at the church office 662 349 2914.

IS IT JUST ME? by Tony Manley

Is it just me, or does everyone else hear that loud screaming?!! Repetition is an excellent teacher. I live by it as a person and as a teacher. I have a repetitive habit pattern in the morning. I tend to park in the same area at the same places. I go over and over (repetition) the plan of whatever I do. I even believe when the same subject keeps bumping in to me, there is a nugget of value to be grasped! Thus, the loud screaming Voice in my heart this weekend!!!

I have intentionally lived the month of June as my “restful” time. July is going to be a whirlwind in my life…at least the part I know about. Only God knows the “rest of the story.” I have said to myself, “I want to be so prepared for whatever comes, that I ‘can laugh at the days to come’”(the virtuous woman dreamer speaks :). But for whatever reason, Friday morning I allowed the natural mind to begin this nudging of “whatabouts,” “how,” ”how much will it be,” “am I capable,” “are you sure this is going to work out” questions to answer the door and invite my old running buddy, Fear, to come in, unpack, and stay awhile. Can I say I despise this friend! She is one toxic and mean girl. I had no idea she was coming to this heart. She came very unannounced and uninvited. Add rude to the list of who she is.

By Saturday morning, Fear and I had turned nudging into an irritable, worried, dreading, and just down right “everybody leave me alone” heart. Thankfully, my “Who” I know was louder and is more trustworthy than my heart guest, Fear. God in His unfailing, everlasting, patient, forgiving, present, and perfectly confronting heart began the work of repetition of His truth to my heart. And yes, He had to go to the level of screaming…I am not so good with a soft whisper, I am one of those that needs to be taken by the shoulders and shaken while being screamed at “hush up”!  I can be quite hysterical and dramatic.

Peace, peaceful heart, rest, abide, dwell. Words of truth and comfort. God is my Shepherd. Psalm 23 is a place of rest. Saturday morning while Fear and I were mapping out our plans, the Friend who sticks closer than a brother broke in with “He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.” (Psalm 23). A one sentence verse that spoke all I needed for that moment, day, and future. Sunday, the sermon was Psalm 23. The Shepherd again spoke. This morning, words of encouragement to concentrate on the Shepherd who is able to care perfectly for his sheep. I DO NOT HAVE OR KNOW ALL THE ANSWERS! I DO NOT HAVE TO BE IN A MESS BECAUSE I DO NOT HAVE OR KNOW ALL THE ANSWERS! 

So yesterday, I began to pack my uninvited guest’s (Fear) bag and once again sent her packing. I was so angry with myself for letting her come and stay this weekend. I immediately invited my Shepherd to move in and overtake the place – the heart of this sheep. I need to rest, truly rest – lie down - and let Him care for me…all the “whatabouts”  “what ifs”  “can we affords”  “how will it come together.” The Shepherd knows each sheep and is trustworthy.

Father, wash this sheep in the truths of Psalm 23 and John 10.  May I follow, rest, and listen only to You, my Shepherd.  Amen

Appetizers

Our ladies brought appetizers to Bible Study Monday night. We had convenient and delicious KFC chicken wings, pimiento cheese, fruit, and hot spreads. Another night with great variation!

Rotel Cups by Lynda Leeson
1 can Rotel tomatoes, drained
1 bag bacon pieces
1 cup shredded swiss cheese
1 cup mayonnaise
3 pkg. mini phyllo pastry cups, thawed

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix the first 4 ingredients and scoop evenly into the cups.
Place on baking sheet and cook for 15 minutes. 

**can add cooked cut up shrimp, scallops, pepperoni, ham, chicken, or sausage.


Healthier Annie's Fruit Salsa and Cinnamon Chips 
     by Paula Roten
2 kiwis, peeled and diced
2 Golden Delicious apples, peeled, cored, and diced
8 oz. raspberries, cut into fourths (my container had 6 oz.)
1 pound strawberries, diced
3 T. Polaner All Fruit Spread (I used raspberry, but strawberry would be good too)
1-2 bags Stacy's Cinnamon and Sugar Pita Chips

1. Mix kiwis, apples, raspberries, and strawberries in a bowl. 
2. Add in fruit spread and stir well. 
3. Serve with the cinnamon and sugar pita chips. 

The original, slightly different recipe can be found here at allrecipes.com.


Artichoke Spread by Becky Holt
1 can quartered artichokes, drained well
1 can chopped green chiles, drained well
3/4 cup mayonnaise
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2-3 dashes Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. red cayenne pepper

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Mix all ingredients well.
3. Place in an 8 x 8 square baking dish. 
4. Bake until golden brown, approximately 30-35 minutes.
5. Serve with Wheat Thins or toasted bread rounds. 

WORD FOR THE WEEK

"Everything is permissible for me" - 

but not everything is beneficial. 

"Everything is permissible for me" - 

but I will not be mastered by anything.

I Corinthians 6:12

Is there something in your life that is allowed by God, but is not benefitting you right now? In fact, it's down-right destructive because it seems to control you...your thoughts, your actions, your attitudes? What is it in your life (not your husband's or friend's)?

Let's repent (turn away) from whatever it is and ask God for help over this area in our life. Then let's ask for the filling of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22 tells us a fruit of the Spirit is self-control. I love how God doesn't just leave us hanging with our own "gumption" to do better. He equips us. 

So, whenever we're confronted with this "permissible" thing but know it's not good for us, let's talk to God about it every single time and get his strength and power to just say no to it.

THE BEGATS OF THE BIBLE by Cathy Westmoreland

Recently, I was asked the question, "Do you read all the begats in the Bible?" You know what I mean, Adam begat Seth and Seth begat Enosh and so on. I replied honestly, "I love the begats!" I was told that I was weird. Now, I know I can't be the only weird one. Where I love the begats, I struggle at times reading through Job. We are all different.

I began to ponder the question, "Why do I love the begats?" Names in general are fascinating to me. I have found valuable truths in reading the begats in the Bible. One of my favorites is Methuselah.  Remember, he was the son of Enoch and granddaddy of Noah. Don't you know he could tell Noah so many stories! Methuselah's name meant "when he is dead, it shall be sent." He died the year of the great flood at the old age of 969. That tells me that our LORD was and is long suffering to allow mankind a unique opportunity to repent for their sins. When Methusalah died, the flood was sent. Names were and are important to GOD. He knows my name...He knows your name. Our names are so important to HIM, that we know Him as our Lord and Savior.....HE has written our name in the Book of Life.

God ordained the family. The begats show us the continuation of the family throughout history. A succession of God's people. Hebrews had a strong emphasis on family relationships. They carefully maintained accurate genealogical records. Status in their communities depended on a person's family and tribe. God promised that the Messiah would descend from Abraham through Isaac and Jacob, that He would be from the tribe of Judah and family of Jesse and the house of David. The begats substantiate that Jesus' lineage fulfilled the prophesies.

We also find in reading the begats that there isn't a perfect family. So many examples are given of fathers and sons that followed GOD and others that were evil in the sight of our LORD. The begats show us that we are accountable for ourselves before GOD.

I love the begats because those are the names of real people that GOD used to continue the family tree. He put their names in His word to teach us. He is still using ordinary people and adding to His family everyday.

I love the begats because I love family....my family, my church family, but most importantly I love being a child of the KING.

2 Timothy 3:16 says, "All of God's word is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness." That includes the begats!!

HE BROUGHT US OUT THAT HE MIGHT BRING US IN by Tony Manley

Bible study on Monday nights this summer has truly been a treat! Each week we are reminded repetitively about the theme we were given from Deuteronomy  -“He brought us out that He might bring us in.” Simple, to the point, and even a little catchy! But another aspect I have enjoyed is the question we get asked pretty quickly each week. Recently we were asked, “How do you know when you are in?”  Well, I thought to myself, I haven’t thought about that before, but I am sure you are going to tell me tonight!  (I assure you that if the ladies in the room knew how hard it is for me to not talk to the screen, they would be so proud of me for keeping it in my head! ☺)

How  do I know when I am in – the place God wants for me to dwell, stay, plant roots, etc…?  The night led into a wonderful blending of Old and New Testament truth about “God is bringing you into a good land…in which you will lack nothing…” (Deut. 8:7-10) and “the grace of God that was given to you in Christ Jesus. For you were made rich in every way in Him…so that you do not lack…” (1 Cor. 1:4-7) Both scriptures use the word “in” and “into” and the teaching “you will lack nothing” and “you do not lack.”

So, where is in? In the Old Testament Deuteronomy, it would be the Promised Land - a land full of fruit/produce and productivity, a good land. For me, as one who has been brought out of darkness, in is Christ. In Christ, there is fruit and productivity rich in grace. In Christ, I do not lack! I am in!!!  I am a simple-minded girl, and I love seeing in this combining of Deuteronomy and 1 Corinthians that the Promised Land for me is Christ. How wonderful to be in and not out…I no longer have to wander. The out and wandering days are “positionally” over! 

The follow-up article, For Our Good Always, addresses how gracious God is by giving me the law, commandments, to live well and freely in the Promised Land of Christ. Unfortunately, sometimes, the word law has become a negative word in the body of Christ. The law is not to be burdensome, but liberating! The protective and loving heart of the Lawgiver is good; therefore, the law is good. Through Christ, the law becomes a delight to live - it is a fruitful and productive life.
  
Can you tell I want to talk and talk about how God weaves Himself perfectly all through the Word? Believe it or not, this is a very condensed version of all I wanted to say. Thank goodness, someone thought about the Reader’s Digest way of presenting novels!!!  I love when my heart is enlightened about an old truth in a new or fresh way!

Basically, I can know when I am living the “in” life – my life will be a place of produce and productivity, my life will be in step with the teachings of Christ, and the way of Christ will be a delight to live.  

SALADS

This past week we had salads at Monday night Bible Study. Don't think we just had a bunch of wilty, green lettuce. We had delicious salads that included fresh lettuce, but also fruit, chicken, pasta, and even Cool Whip! Variety occurred without even planning for it!

Fresh Chicken Pasta Salad by Ann Tapp
8 oz. uncooked spiral-shaped whole wheat pasta
1 (5 oz.) can chicken breast, drained and shredded (Ann used fresh chicken and cooked it herself)
1/4 cup diced red onion
1 cup fresh quartered strawberries
1/2 cup fresh blueberries
1 cup fresh cubed pineapple
1 cup low-fat creamy poppy seed salad dressing
toasted pecans, for garnish

1) Prepare pasta as package directs; rinse under cold water and drain well.
2) Toss pasta with next 6 ingredients.
3) Serve salad over a bed of fresh spinach and garnish with toasted pecans.

Serves 6

Chicken Salad by Leann King
Can you believe Leann doesn't have a written recipe for this...and so many people were commenting about how good it was! Look at this link to see what she puts in her chicken salad. 


Five Cup Salad by Mary Jo Sowell
1 cup sour cream
1 cup marshmallows 
1 cup coconut
1 cup pecans 
1 cup mandarin oranges 

Mix all together and refrigerate until serving time. 
Very simple recipe but very good. 


Fruit Salad by Tony Manley and Nellita Young

Nellita froze hers, but Tony didn't.

Mix well together the following:
1 can pie filling (Nellita used cherry and Tony used strawberry)
1 medium can crushed pineapple, juice included
1 can Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk
1 8 oz. carton Cool Whip

Pour into two 9.25 x 5.25 x 2.75 pans (or 3 smaller pans). Cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for several hours or overnight. Pour out onto a plate; slice & serve.

*Note:  To make it "special," you can sprinkle chopped pecans into the bottom of the pans before pouring the mixture on top.  After the salad is frozen, when you turn it out onto a plate, the pecans will be on top. Another idea is to make small "rosettes" on the bottom of the pans by quartering Maraschino cherries or strawberry halves; then pouring the mixture on top and freezing.


Layered Vegetable Salad by Becky Holt
1 lg. head iceberg lettuce, chopped and drained well
1 c. chopped celery
1/2 c. chopped red bell pepper
1/4 c. chopped green onions
1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen English peas, thawed
1 c. grated cheddar cheese
8-10 slices fried, crisp bacon, crumbled
3 hard-boiled eggs
12 oz. sour cream
12 oz. mayonnaise
1 1/2 (1 oz.) pkgs. Ranch Style dry dressing mix

Layer lettuce, celery, pepper, onions, peas, cheddar cheese, bacon, and eggs in a 9 x 13 casserole dish. 

Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, and dry dressing mix and spread over top of salad, covering completely.

WORD FOR THE WEEK

If you think you are standing strong, 

be careful not to fall. 

The temptations in your life 

are no different from what others experience. 

And God is faithful. 

He will not allow the temptation 

to be more than you can stand. 

When you are tempted, 

he will show you a way out 

so that you can endure. 

I Corinthians 10:12-13 NLT

Let's look for the way out this week and run there!