I Did Nothing

Posted on November 14, 2015 by Jennifer Grace

You were loving and kind,

I did nothing.

You were merciful and saved me,

I did nothing.

You washed away my sins,

I did nothing.

You renewed me with Your Holy Spirit,

I did nothing.

You justified me by Your grace,

I did nothing.

You made me Your heir,

I did nothing.

You gave me the hope of eternal life,

I did nothing.

I only had to believe in You.

Dear Jesus, I believe!

Today’s TEA CUPP: Dear Friend, what is your story? This verse below from Titus reminds me how I did nothing. Jesus did it all, I only had to believe. I pray that you also believe in Jesus and share in His forgiveness and eternal promises.

The song “Glorious Day” by Casting Crowns says it beautifully: “Living He loved me, dying He saved me, buried He carried my sins far away. Rising He justified freely forever. One day He’s coming, Oh, Glorious Day!” Use this song to worship Jesus today.

But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:4-7 (NKJV)

New King James Version (NKJV)

Hot Cocoa Cookies (GF & DF)

Posted on November 12, 2015 by Jennifer Grace

My boys picked out these Chips Ahoy Hot Cocoa cookies from the grocery store the other day. Oh, the torture of having these delicious-looking cookies on my counter and not being able to eat them!

So, I set about making my own version of gluten-free, dairy-free Hot Cocoa Cookies. Gluten Free Mama Flour is my favorite for cookie recipes. Coconut oil and applesauce replace the butter, making these soft and dairy-free. Instant pudding and baking cocoa add the hot cocoa goodness.

As soon as these were out of the oven, my family was eating them instead of the store bought ones! A day later, only half the batch is left. Next we will have to find a padlock for the cookie tin! I hope you enjoy these cookies as much as we do.

God’s blessings,
Jennifer Grace

Ingredients:
2 cups Gluten Free Mama Flour
(Almond blend or coconut blend, or your favorite GF flour mix)
3 T. dry instant chocolate pudding (half a 3.9 oz. box)
1/3 cup baking cocoa
1 teaspoon guar gum
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup applesauce
1/2 cup coconut oil
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 eggs

1 cup Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips
Mini marshmallows

Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients: Flour, dry pudding, baking cocoa, guar gum, salt, and baking soda. Set aside.

In a stand mixer, beat together the apple sauce and coconut oil. Add the brown sugar and white sugar and continue to mix well. Next, pour in the vanilla and eggs, beat until creamy.

Add half the dry ingredients to the stand mixer, blending 15 seconds. Repeat with the remainder of the dry ingredients, blending until all is incorporated. Sprinkle the chocolate chips into the mixer and blend for just a few seconds.

Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a small scoop, scoop the batter onto the parchment paper, 12 to a pan. Poke one or more mini marshmallows into the center of the cookies. Bake at 350 degrees for 12-13 minutes.

Let cookies cool on pan for 2 minutes and then place on cooling racks. Makes 36-40 cookies. Cookies will be moist and chewy, may be re-warmed in the microwave for 5 seconds to experience that authentic “hot cocoa” flavor.

Our little baker was quite eager to clean the mixing bowl for me.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. Ephesians 1:3 (NKJV)

New King James Version (NKJV)

When God says, “No”

Posted on October 22, 2015 by Jennifer Grace

For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. Isaiah 55:8 (NKJV)

When God says, “No,” it hurts. I know, because He has said, “No” to me. Perhaps you’ve had a similar experience, whether it was losing a baby to miscarriage, losing a loved one to cancer, losing a job or home or family member. All these parts of life hurt, especially if you’ve prayed about them and trusted these situations to God. Every corner of our souls cry in pain when God says, “No.”

But, my friend, there is hope. Did you know God also said, “No” to David, Paul, and Jesus? David was the man after God’s own heart from whose seed our Savior came. When his first baby with Bathsheba was sick, David prayed and fasted and wept (2 Samuel 12:16). But God took that baby. Bathsheba’s next baby, Solomon, became the heir to David’s throne and the wisest king of Israel.

Paul was God’s chosen vessel to bring the Gospel to the Gentiles, authoring many books of the New Testament. Yet at one point Paul had a thorn in his flesh. Three times he asked God to remove the thorn, but God said, “No.” God proclaimed, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness,“ (2 Corinthians 12:9). Paul had to be content with God’s grace to endure.

Jesus, God’s only Son, was on His way to the cross to pay the penalty for all our sins. He knew the pain before Him and the grief it would bring to His followers, yet He also https://www.wnymedical.com/cialis/ understood it was the only path to save us. Jesus prayed, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will,” (Mark 14:36). And God in His silence said, “No,” for Jesus was then led to the cross.

One day when reading these verses from my Bible, I was grieving over a recent “No” from God. I realized that if God said, “No” to David, Paul and Jesus (some of the greatest men in history), I certainly shouldn’t feel so awful when He says, “No” to me. I need to follow their example and say, “Thy will be done,” claiming God’s grace to see me through each day.

I can’t promise that God’s “No’s” will get any easier, but perhaps with this outlook we can all make it through another day. Remember, when God said, “No” to Jesus, He said “Yes” to all humanity, providing the perfect sacrifice for our sins. God’s “No” was a gift of love.

Today’s TEA CUPP: God knows what’s best, so I’ll accept God’s “No’s,” and keep on praying.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 (NKJV)

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2 (NKJV)

For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9 (NKJV)

New King James Version (NKJV)

Tofu Salad

Posted on August 4, 2015 by Jennifer Grace

This refreshing summer salad is packed full of protein and sweet fruit. You can eat it as a salad, serve on toast, put it in wrap…so many ways to enjoy it!

Ingredients:
12-14 oz. package organic firm tofu, drained and diced
1-2 cups grapes, halved (or blueberries)
1/2 cup celery, sliced (optional)
1/2 cup pecans or almonds, (toasted 10 min. at 350 degrees, then chopped)
1/2 cup raisins
1 cup Organic Avocado mayo
1 tsp. curry powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ginger

In a large bowl, combine the tofu, grapes, celery, nuts, and raisins. In a separate container, mix together the dressing: Mayo, curry powder, salt, and ginger. Pour the dressing over the tofu mixture and toss to coat. Cover and chill the tofu salad until serving time. Garnish with lettuce leaves, serve alone or on gluten-free toast or wraps. Delicious!

As for God, His way is perfect;
The word of the Lord is proven;
He is a shield to all who trust in Him. Psalm 18:30 (NKJV)

Yummy Breakfast Quinoa

Posted on July 10, 2015 by Jennifer Grace

Then he said to them, “This is what the Lord has said: ‘Tomorrow is a Sabbath rest, a holy Sabbath to the Lord. Bake what you will bake today, and boil what you will boil; and lay up for yourselves all that remains, to be kept until morning.’ ” Exodus 16:23. (NKJV)

Ingredients:
4 cups leftover cooked quinoa
2 cups coconut milk
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup chopped apricots

Lightly grease a casserole dish with coconut oil. In a mixing bowl, stir together the quinoa, pecans and apricots. Transfer to prepared casserole dish. Pour coconut milk over quinoa mixture, and cover the dish with glass lid or foil. At this point you may put it in the fridge overnight, or bake it. Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Warm quinoa for about an hour. Serve topped with additional coconut milk, cinnamon, maple syrup or honey. What a yummy, high-protein breakfast treat!

The Empty Plate

Posted on June 25, 2015 by Jennifer Grace

“But the days will come when the Bridegroom will be taken away from them; then they will fast in those days.” Luke 5:35 (NKJV)

An empty plate. An empty tea cupp. What is happening here? It must be time for fasting, giving up food and beverages while praying.

Sometimes God calls us to fast. I’m reminded of this every year when I read the book of Esther. In this great history, we see how God allowed Esther to become queen to save her people, the Jews, from annihilation. When Esther realized this was her duty, she asked her maids and others to pray and fast with her (Esther 4:16). For three days and nights they had no food or water. The end result was God saved the Jews.

One might wonder what to do during a three day fast. Should we pour out our hearts to Jesus on day one? What about days two and three? While there is no right way to pray and fast, we can find a good plan in 2 Chronicles 20. In this this history, King Jehoshaphat learns of an impending battle with his enemies. He declares a fast for all Judah. During the fast, there are three parts to his prayers:

1) Exalt: “O Lord God of our fathers, are You not God in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations, and in Your hand is there not power and might, so that no one is able to withstand You? 2 Chronicles 20:6 (NKJV)

2) Claim God’s Promises: …You will hear and save….the battle is not yours, but God’s. 2 Chronicles 20:9,15 (NKJV)

3) Petition: O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You. 2 Chronicles 20:12 (NKJV)

What if we use this formula for a three-day fast? The first day we exalt Jesus, praising Him for being our Savior. The second day, we claim God’s promises, underlining and repeating them from our Bibles. And the third day, we pour out our hearts to Jesus, asking for help with whatever trouble we are facing. Even Queen Esther went to see the king on the third day of fasting. She found favor in his sight as he asked, “What is your petition?” (Esther 5:1-7)

On the evening of the third day, we must open our ears and listen, for God will give us our call: ... Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord… 2 Chronicles 20:17 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: Is God calling you to fast for a time? Is there something big in your life that needs more than a little prayer? I encourage you to try this three day fast and let God do His amazing miracles. Then you can go forth singing.

So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayers. Ezra 8:23 (NKJV)

Amazing Banana Coconut Bars

Posted on June 17, 2015 by Jennifer Grace

This is the recipe you’ve been waiting for! Gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, vegan, delicious, amazing banana coconut bars! I had to take this picture right away as they were disappearing. The goodness of a muffin, the simplicity of bars, no extra sweeteners, and 100% yummy!

Ingredients:

1-3/4 cup Gluten-Free Mama coconut blend flour (or your favorite gluten-free flour mix)
1 teaspoon xanthan gum
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup unsweetened coconut

3 bananas, mashed (just over 1 cup)
1/3 cup coconut oil or apple sauce
2 Tablespoons flax seed, mixed with 6 Tablespoons water
1/2 cup coconut milk (or soy or almond milk)

1 cup Enjoy Life mini chocolate chips
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut, moistened with 2 t. coconut oil and 2 t. water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Use a dab of coconut oil to grease a 13×9 inch pan.

In a large bowl, mix together the dry ingredients: flour, xanthan gum, baking soda, baking powder, and coconut. In a 4 cup measuring cup, mash the bananas. Then, add the other wet ingredients to the bananas: coconut oil (softened in microwave) or apple sauce, flax seed and water, and coconut milk. Mix well. Pour the wet banana mixture over the dry ingredients bowl and stir together. Fold in the chocolate chips. Spread the batter into the prepared baking pan. Top with moistened coconut. Bake 23 minutes or until it seems just right. Place pan on cooling rack. Cut and enjoy!

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good;
Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Psalm 34:8 (NKJV)

New King James Version (NKJV)

The Runner’s Stance

Posted on May 29, 2015 by Jennifer Grace

…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith… Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV)

Way back in junior high, my P.E. coaches were Ms. Newby and Mrs. Knutson. They led us in many exercises and drills to prepare us for track season. Most memorable to me, out of all their wisdom, is the runner’s stance.

The runner needs to look relaxed while running around the track, even at full speed or while exhausted. Arms are to be at greater than 90 degree angles, shoulders down, and hands open loosely. Ms. Newby described it as holding a tea cup! She told us to lightly pinch our thumbs and first fingers together and poke out our pinky fingers, just as if we were having tea with the queen. By holding our hands just so, we didn’t clench our fists and were, therefore, more relaxed.

As I went running one day recently, the Lord reminded me of that junior high tea cup. I wondered how the runner’s stance compares with the Christian’s stance. As the runner leans forward, pressing on to the finish line, the Christian looks up to Jesus, pressing on to eternal life (Philippians 3:13-14). While the runner wears out her shoes in the race, the Christian wears out his knees in prayer. Yet both raise their arms in victory to the Lord.

There are all kinds of stances for prayer, but my favorite is curled up in the corner of our sofa. There, wrapped in a blanket and hugging a mug of hot water, I share my TEA CUPP time with Jesus. First I read His Word, the Bible, letting Him speak to me. I underline special verses as I read. Then I choose a favorite verse to pray back to Jesus, beginning my conversation with the Lord. From thanks to petitions, I pour out my heart to Him. Instead of having tea with the queen, I’m sharing TEA with the King of kings.

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 1 Corinthians 9:24 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: Dear friend and athlete, I invite you to hold the TEA CUPP. Along with “holding a tea cup” while running, meet each day with Jesus for a CUPP of TEA. Let His Word encourage you, giving you all you need for today.

For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. 1 Timothy 4:8 (NKJV)

Holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. Philippians 2:16 (NKJV)

Holding Up My Heart

Posted on April 23, 2015 by Jennifer Grace

Sometimes I do not pray in words-
I take my heart in my two hands
And hold it up before the Lord-
I am so glad He understands.
– by Nicholson, Our Daily Bread, September 23, 2014

Do you ever find yourself too busy or overwhelmed for prayer? The prayer list is too long, the time is too short, your heart is sorrowful, you don’t have the words? My friend, this is the time when you will truly find Jesus, when He will meet you right where you are.

My dear friend Jill in Ohio shared with me so long ago how she handles a busy morning. Some days she just holds up her prayer list to the Lord and says, “Take this Jesus, You know what’s on it.” I thought, “Really, can we do that? Is that okay?”

Then came the days that I ran out of time for my prayers…sick kids, sick me, new baby…so I tried Jill’s advice. I lifted up my prayer list to Jesus, asking Him to take it, and He did! Now occasionally in my prayer journal, instead of writing out sentences of prayers, I’ll draw a picture of me lifting all these people up to God. It is so good to put them all in His hands and leave them there!

Today’s TEA CUPP: My friend, won’t you lift your heart to Jesus today? You may call out names and concerns one by one, or just give it all to the Lord at once. God promises to hear all our prayers.

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Romans 8:26 (NKJV)

Cast your burden on the Lord,
And He shall sustain you;
He shall never permit the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22 (NKJV)

Packed with Promises

Posted on April 10, 2015 by Jennifer Grace

Are there times when making yourself a cup of tea, that you add a heaping spoonful of sugar or an extra dab of honey? Or, perhaps you have cookies with your tea? It seems there are moments when we truly need a little extra sweetness to carry us through the day.

God gives us extra sweetness in His Word. He must know we need a big dose of His promises to carry us through the ups and downs. Romans 8 is one of those passages that is simply packed with promises! So, if you need a big serving of God’s sweet promises, I recommend Romans 8 for you today. Let’s take a look:

We are not condemned:

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:1 (NKJV)

God’s Spirit is in us:

But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. Romans 8:11 (NKJV)

The Holy Spirit helps us pray:

God works all things for good:

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 (NKJV)

God is for us:

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31 (NKJV)

Jesus is praying for us:

It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Romans 8:34 (NKJV)

We are more than conquerors:

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37 (NKJV)

Nothing can separate us from Jesus!

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: I like to underline favorite verses in my Bible as I read. If the verse is one of God’s promises, I put a “P” in the margin next to it. Underline these promises in your Bible today, along with any others you find. Hide these promises in your heart and claim them as your own.

New King James Version (NKJV)