March 28, 2013

Bible study thoughts...

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:9-12 NIV)

Last night at church we talked about persecution. At some point when a person chooses to give their life to Christ there will be people in their life who say "what?" And they may say other {hurtful} things or treat them differently. Or just stop interacting with them all together. It's just a given. Christ never said the life we have will be easy. He did say that He will give us peace if we are willing to accept it.

Ok back to my point about last night...
Persecution will come your way most likely because the enemy likes to strike us down. What better way than in the form of friends or family or other Christians? Say what? Other Christians? Yup. That's right. I have heard the gossip that some spew and took part of it before i knew better. You know what though? Not every person is in the same season. So that means we are all in different areas of our walk with Christ. So we are called to lift each other up in love!
Not tear others down. If you find yourself a part of being persecuted by other Christians I would say this: 1. find a friend in whom you can confide. A friend makes all the difference in the world. 2. Pray and seek him daily with reading your bible. 3. Keep moving forward. Don't let the enemy get to you. That is what he's trying to do. Don't allow satan to work thru others and steal your joy! Hold tight to Jesus! Keep going to bible study and church!
MOST importantly! It's none of your business what others think of you! ;) and don't be a victim! Finish the race strong!
I was really blessed by the study we did last night! I hope that if your in a place of persecution that this blesses you as well!
Happy Thursday, Love & Blessings friends!

March 12, 2013

French Onion Soup

I have always loved French onion soup but never knew how to make it. It's really so easy!

You need:
5-6 big sweet onions
8 cups beef broth (or half beef and half veggie)
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar or cooking wine. Any will do-red or white.
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3tbsp butter
1/4 cup Cornstarch

Take you onions and slice them thinly and set aside. Take a pan that can soften and caramelize your onions and can also hold your soup. Start in med heat and add your olive oil and butter. When its warm (not hot so you don't burn your butter!) add your onions. Let them cook for just a few minutes at this temp and salt lightly and turn down to med-low heat. Cook for about 30 to 45 minutes. The key here is low and slow till they are soft,sweet and looking good!! It's all about presentation right!? Taste your onions to make sure they good!! Then add your vinegar/cooking wine now and let it reduce a little. There is no rule here so if you think it needs a little more you can add it. If not then let it go. Then after about 5-7 min add your broth. I prefer the loose bouillon that you make with water. It's easier to make it weaker or stronger than pre-made broth. If you have some homemade broth on hand that would work too. At this point being it to a boil and I like to make mine a bit thicker with non-GMO cornstarch. There is one brand I love and its Hodgson Mills. I use about 1/4 cup in 1/2 cold water and add while boiling to slightly thicken.
I also take a baguette and slice it and make mini cheese toasts. Slice bread and place on a cookie sheet and top with your fav kind of cheese. Bake in oven till cheesed is melted and bread is crispy.350 for 5 or 10 minutes. When you put the soup in the bowl place a slice of baguette on top and voila! French Onion Soup. So simple and since its not smothered in globs of cheese, pretty good for you! Onions are good for fighting of colds and flus. :) plus they taste so good! ;) I hope you try the classic at home sometime!