Where do we go from here?

When the dust settles, the vacation ends, the guests go home and the door closes, we might ask, Where do we go from here? This can leave us with a feeling of relief, depression or anything in between. When we face the situations of life that arise we often see a chapter in our lives concluding. Hope comes when we begin to look out not in. To the future not the past. God always encourages us to move forward, to not look back, to pursue not retreat, to be active not passive. So how do we begin the next chapter? If you feel like you are at the end of one journey or a fork in the road - this is a good time to ask the Lord, "Where do we go from here"? God is our cheerleader, a personal encourager, as well as, the all knowing God! He knows exactly what you need, He knows exactly where you are, He knows exactly what you can handle, and He knows exactly how to get it to you!

Last week in a Bible study I attend, we discussed Elijah being led to the Valley of Kerith. God told him he would be fed by Ravens. Birds actually came and gave Him all He needed. The hand of God directed them to act contrary to their nature and instead of being greedy they gave the food from their mouth to God's own. Daniel was thrown into a den with hungry lions for an entire night and yet they overcame their nature and didn't respond to their hunger pains. Over an over again we see God taking care of His people in situations they'd probably rather not be in! God knows us by name, He knows every head on our head, and His thoughts toward us are MORE than the sands on the seashore!

IF you find yourself at the end of a chapter in your life, the completion of a goal, or a place where dreams have ended (for good or bad) - you are at a beautiful place. The Lord says, if we will ask, the door will be opened. He encourages us to dialogue with him, to choose to be guided by him every step of the way. We are in relationship with the God of the universe. And He knows what you need. Let Him meet you here and aswer your question..."Where do we go from here?"

Need a new recipe...(send in a recipe to share too)

Mushroom Chicken: Lisa
Boneless/skinless chickenbreast
1 can tomato soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup

Just put all of the above in a sauce pan and simmer until the chicken is tender.
I serve it over some egg noodles and prepare some veggie on the side.

If anyone tries this – let me know if you like it. I could use all the cooking confidence I can get – HAHA

Basil Pesto Pasta: Naomi
10 - 12 ounces Whole Wheat spaghetti pasta, cooked until tender, drained
1 jar basil pesto
1 small jar artichoke hearts, drained (save juice for seasoning)
1 small jar roasted red peppers (save juice)
A handful of sun-dried tomatoes, cut into julienne strips
2 garlic cloves, chopped fine
A handful of black olives
4 - 5 fresh mushrooms, sliced thin
1/2 red onion, chopped fine
A handful of spinach leaves, cut up
1 cup Feta cheese
Optional: Grilled, cubed chicken breast

In pan, saute' onion in a little olive oil until almost tender, then add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes and garlic. Saute' for about 2 minutes, then add artichokes, peppers, and olives. Cook over medium heat until heated through. Lastly, add pasta, basil pesto, feta cheese and spinach leaves and stir thoroughly to coat pasta with the sauce. Season according to taste. I usually add fresh ground pepper, salt, some of the reserved artichoke and/or pepper juice. Garnish with pine nuts or almonds, and several freshly chopped basil leaves.

Crock Pot Chicken: kameren
One can Cocunut Milk
One can Tomato Sauce
Chicken (I used the thin already trimmed meat)
Curry, Paprika, Garlic, Onion, Salt and Pepper to taste
I set the crockpot on low all day 10am - dinner time
The chicken was so tender! You can probably flavor
this dish any way you like! I loved it! Serve over rice

End the Monotony!

Many of us can say we have ruts we have been stuck in along the journey of life, right! It's not just me is it? We see it often in our walk with God, our husbands, school, and how we get to certain familiar locations (auto pilot) We start living life in a routine or comfort zone! Well isn't it time to break out...the economy should be doing lots to shake us up so why not jump in and embrace some change! We can stop the monotony today...hang out with God in a new way. Maybe go out for coffee or take a walk just with Him. Maybe call a phone number you make up in your head and share a word of encouragement with the person who answers. What about paying for the gasoline of someone at another pump? Worship the Lord with the doors of your house wide open and the music cranked! Just say no to the same ol' same ol' of life! Spice it up! Married women - change the way you do things at home - create an atmosphere of surprise for your husband and family! Single ladies - call up some friends and have them over for a celebration of life!!! Yesterday me and the boys cranked up the music early in the morning and danced around...it changed the whole atmosphere of our day. We were filled with laughter, got our blood pumping and we were just down right silly! It's good for the soul! Break out of your routine! Drive home from work a different way, see different people, get a new attitude! Whatever it takes!

Here's a place to practice...Thanks to Naomi and Lisa for sparking this idea - Send an email to bdtermined2@aol.com with a new dinner recipe. I will post all the recipes and we can break out of our usual dinner routines! Send them in and I will get them posted ASAP!

Have Fun and please, email any great ways you break out of monotony this week - I will post those too!

Go with God!