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Ocean Depths

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Ocean

“May you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is” (Ephesians 3:18 NLT).

I’m fascinated by the ocean. When I look out upon its mighty waters, I’m in awe of God’s marvelous creation. But if I stay on the sand collecting sea shells and never venture out into the waves, I miss out. For just below the ocean’s surface is an amazing display of colors and creatures that’s breathtaking. The first time I went snorkeling, I couldn’t believe my eyes! As I swam among various kinds of fish and sea life, I realized there’s  much more beauty to the ocean than what I can be seen from the shore.

That’s how the Christian life is. If we’re content to go to church once a week and read the Bible sporadically, we rob ourselves of the abundant life God wants us to experience. But when we choose to dive into spiritual waters through disciplines such as fasting, we discover a whole new level of joy and power. Our lives are enriched and strengthened in ways they wouldn’t be otherwise. We’re also more sensitive to what God is doing around us.

Have you set aside time to fast and pray this year? If not, don’t let fear of the unknown keep you stuck in the sand. Trust the Lord to give you the courage to step out into the water. When you do, you’ll have a greater understanding of how long, how high, and how deep God’s love is for you!

January 2015 Online Daniel Fast Testimonies

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"Spiritually Strong" - Jan 2015 Online Daniel FastFor the past four years, I’ve led an online Daniel Fast during the first three weeks of January.  I’m always so encouraged by the number of believers who join me in prayer and fasting.

Our theme for this year’s online Daniel Fast was, “Spiritually Strong,” because our desire for 2015 is to, “Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power” (Eph. 6:10). The fast ended Saturday, January 24th, and already I’ve received many testimonies about God’s faithfulness. The Lord has given victory over sin, strength during weakness, wisdom in job situations, and salvation of loved ones!

One fast participant emailed to share the miracle God did in the life of her Buddhist father. Her dad, who lives in Singapore, has never been interested in the things of God. But in the last two weeks he began attending a Chinese church with a friend. On day 20 of her fast, the woman received word that her dad gave his life to the Lord! She wrote, “I’m overjoyed! I have been praying for his salvation for 28 years.” This woman’s story is a perfect example why we must continue to pray fervently, not just in January but throughout the year.

Following are more testimonies from the January 2015 Online Daniel Fast. I pray you’re encouraged by them as you hear just some of the wonderful things God has done!

  • “I have a testimony to share from my Daniel Fast in 2010.  I prayed for a job and got the job while doing the fast. I’m still working at that same job four years later. Praise be to our faithful and loving God who gives us the desires of our heart.” – Pam
  • “This was my first Daniel fast in many years, and God has truly worked wonders in my life. Two days into the fast I was praying about my relationship, and the Spirit began revealing to me that I had been battling a spirit of perversion. But my submission to God during the fast loosened the enemy’s grip on me. Deliverance is mine! I also prayed that God would lend professional guidance to my business partner. Three days later, he received word that a new company was taking them over, and his new bosses would be people he used to work for that he LOVES and respects. I began the fast giving my living arrangement to God. I was renting way above my price range, and now 21 days later I’m working with a Realtor on the purchase of my first home! I cannot believe how my life has changed. I give God all the glory and the honor.” – Jerome
  • “I used your book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast, for my New Year’s Daniel Fast in 2014, but this year it has been a WHOLE NEW level since I received the daily newsletters with the videos, focused prayers, and other information. Thanks for all of your support and encouragement. ” – Seary
  • “Thank you for all the good recipes and encouraging pieces every day.  My thinking is renewed, and I know God is at work in me. ” – Henriette
  • “I wasn’t sure I could do this fast, and I have to say at times it wasn’t easy being such a huge coffee drinker and meat eater. I prayed every day that God help get me through the next day. I’ve always been a huge food addict. I weigh more than 300 lbs, and food has always been my go-to. Each day was a little easier as I looked forward to reading more of my Bible and your emails. I lost about 20 lbs in the 21 days, but the weight loss was just a plus. Thank you for helping with your encouraging words every day. I can’t wait to continue on this journey and learn more! God is good!” – Keri
  • “The fast was inspiring, and we believe many of our group members here in Saudi Arabia have entered into a closer relationship with our Savior.” – Marcel
  • “I found the Daniel fast to be fun and easy compared to two years ago when I did it the first time. This year I lost 11 pounds and had a substantial decrease in heartburn and gastric reflux. Now I’m looking forward to eating this way the rest of my life at least 75-90% of the time.  Spiritually, I have been blessed in many other ways. Thank you for your website and encouragement.” – Deb
  • “I’m so grateful I was looking up recipes on Pinterest and saw an invite to join for the daily fast emails! My church does a fast at the beginning of every year so this was perfect! This fast was so much needed for me to get a handle on the sweets I overdid during the holidays, and I’ve been so excited to see what God has for me this year! Thank you so much, Kristen. Your encouragement was much needed and appreciated!” – Ann
  • “Thank you, Kristen, for the Ultimate Daniel Fast and your videos. They’ve been so encouraging and have helped me make it through the whole fast. The Lord has done so much for me, just in more freedom in my walk with Him (a weight loss of 10 lbs and getting those cravings back into control again). I love fasting and what it does so much that I plan on implementing it in my life in smaller time frames.” – DeDe
  • “I’m learning how to focus on the positive even in negative situations. God is showing me how to do that.  Thank you for your website. It has been a blessing to me.” – Wray
  • “The past 21 days have been cleansing both spiritually and physically. The daily videos, recipe ideas, and your encouraging words, Kristen, were God-anointed. I praise God I stumbled across your website. Thank you so much for being obedient. You have helped other soldiers in the fight. I will continue to do this fast annually as it’s a perfect way to start out the New Year!” – Debbie
  • “You did a great job with the devotions, suggested meals, and videos.  The videos made it feel like you were cheering me on. The fast has helped me reach a new level of a relationship with my Lord and Savior.” – Lynette
  • “My husband and I did the fast, and it was a great adventure in so many ways. Your book is a fantastic resource, and we experimented with recipes that we would never have tried before. While it’s true we’ve denied ourselves some food items, we’ve gained much more than what we didn’t have. Thank you!” – Kathy
  • “This was my second year on the Daniel Fast, and it was the most difficult. And I thought last year was rough. But the two times I was about to throw in the towel, give up and quit, I cried out to the Lord. I actually felt His strength and grace overwhelm me. ” – Barbara

And, then, one final testimony from Chase. It’s a bit long, but well worth your time in reading through it. I like how Chase sat down to list what God showed him on his fast. It’s a great way to reflect on God’s many blessings and lessons. If you participated in the online fast this year, I encourage you to do the same!

What I Learned:

  1. Food is not my master!
  2. Fleshly desires are not my master!
  3. God is so much greater than we can even think or imagine!
  4. Never give up on friends no matter what they did in the past!
  5. Always trust in God. If you believe in Him, He will show you everything!
  6. The flesh will always be weak! (Don’t give into it!)
  7. There is so much power in the blood of Jesus! It covers all and heals all!

What Has Happened:

  1. I got a new job on the second day of the fast! I am so excited for the future!
  2. I rekindled an old friendship and have forgiven this person for what happened!
  3. I’ve learned how to take control of my mind, spirit, and body to focus as one unit!
  4. I’ve had more Spirit-filled goodness than I can account for!
  5. I’ve grown not only closer to God but also closer to my accountability partner through this fast!
  6. I realized very quickly that what I was doing in life was wrong. Life is not about money and possessions. It’s about what we can do to serve others.
  7. I completely and totally changed my thinking and thought process to what God wants, and I play the background!

“There’s a whole lot more that has happened on this journey.  I can’t believe it’s already finished. I gave up sugar, salt, preservatives, and meat for 21 days straight, and you know what? I feel better than I ever have! I feel renewed! I feel like I am once again reborn to a new creation!  I encourage any believers to take the time to do this fast as well. It has been amazing!” – Chase

 Praise the Lord! All glory to His holy name!

If you weren’t able to participate in the January 2015 Online Fast, don’t be discouraged. You can do the Daniel Fast any time of the year! My book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast, will be a huge help on your journey. It walks you through every aspect of the fast with 21 daily devotions, 100+ recipes, meal plans, grocery shopping lists, and tips on fasting. Also, you can get a list of the 21 videos I sent out during the online fast. Finally, be sure to subscribe to my monthly newsletter to stay informed about future online fasts!

One Word for 2015: FIGHT!

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FIGHT!
“Don’t be afraid….Remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and daughters, your wives and your homes.” – Neh. 4:14

Every December I ask God to give me a word. Not just any word, but one that describes what He wants to accomplish through me in the coming year.

In 2011 my word was SATISFIED. I needed to realize only the Lord can fill me.

In 2012 it was PEACE. God wanted me to let go of my fears and rest in Him.

2013’s word was REJOICE. I wanted to increase my level of joy by spending more time in praise and thanksgiving.

Last year it was RENEW. God faithfully revealed areas of my life that needed a fresh touch from Him.

As I begin 2015, I’m ready to live out my new word for this year. God is calling me from complacency and laziness in prayer to a place of fervent, frequent intercession for my family and friends. He’s challenging me to FIGHT!

My goal is to pray like never before  –  to be a “warrior woman” who fights on her knees!. I desperately want to see God do miracles in the lives of the people I love.

If you’re not familiar with the “one word” concept, let me clear up any confusion. Following is a list of practical steps to help you discover your word for this year.

How to “Get” Your One Word

1. Prepare your heart to receive your word.
Fast and pray (which you’re doing). God will speak when you put yourself into a posture to hear from Him.

2. Ask God to reveal your word.
The word can be anything – a fruit of the Spirit (kindness), attribute of God (mercy), or character trait (perseverance).

3. Do not seek counsel from others.
Godly counsel regarding issues or problems is essential, but you shouldn’t get advice on your word from family or friends. Let God show you what it is.

4. Look for confirmation of your word.
God will often bring your word to your attention through various ways – sermons, a song, conversations, etc. Expect God to make your one word undeniably clear.

4. Share your word.
Once you have your word, you can talk about it and share it with others. Ask them to pray for you and to hold you accountable so that God can do His work in you.

5. Live out your word.
Trust God to help grow in this area of your life. Keep a journal, and write down insights and lessons throughout the year. Keep praying about your word.

I challenge you to seek God for your one word for 2015. Use the steps above as a guideline, but don’t rush the process. Be patient as you wait on the Lord. Keep your eyes and ears open. God has something powerful to show you through your word!

If you already know your one word for 2015, please share it below!

 

Plantain Chips

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Plantain Chips

Plantain Chips

I tried my first plantain a few years ago in El Salvador. I really liked the taste, along with the creamy custard that was drizzled on top.A plantain looks like a banana, but it's usually longer and has thicker skin. Although plantains are a fruit, they're generally prepared like a vegetable and are stewed, fried, boiled, mashed, or grilled.
Green plantains are yellow or pink inside and are often used in side dishes.Yellow plantains have brown or black spots and have a sweet taste and firm texture.Black plantains are soft and fully ripened.Plantains are high in vitamin A, potassium and fiber, and are low in sodium. They're also a good source of the B-complex vitamins.
If you've never had plantains, you definitely should try this simple recipe. Already a fan of this unique fruit? Now you have another way to enjoy it!
3.90 from 10 votes
Print Recipe
Course Snack
Servings 4
Calories 104 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 green plantains
  • 2 teaspoons extra-virgin coconut oil, melted
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions
 

  • Yield: 4-5 servings (serving size: about 1/2 cup)
  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line an 11 x 17-inch baking sheet with parchment paper (or use a silicone mat).
  • Trim ends of plantains. Score the plantains vertically in three places without cutting through to the fruit. Remove the peel and discard, along with the trimmed ends. Cut plantains in ¼” slices (should make about 3 cups).
  • In a large bowl, add plantain chips, coconut oil, salt, and cinnamon. Stir well to coat. Place plantain chips on the baking sheet in rows. Cook 15 minutes. Flip, and then bake another 10-15 minutes. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • If the plantains are fully ripened (peel is black), they’ll be too soft to make good chips. Plantain chips do not get as crispy as potato chips.
  • You may need to remove some chips before the others are done cooking if they start to brown faster.
  • Store uneaten chips in the refrigerator in a sealed container. To reheat, place in an oven or toaster oven at 400 degrees for about 5-7 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition

Calories: 104kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 1gFat: 2gFiber: 2gSugar: 11g

 

January 2014 Online Daniel Fast

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Press On.

Do you know the Lord?

I’m not asking, “Do you go to church?” Or, “Do you believe in God?” Or even, “Have you been saved?” What I mean is, “Do you know the Lord personally?” Are you familiar with His character – his love, his mercy, and his grace?

The apostle Paul certainly was, and yet his greatest passion in life was to grow in his knowledge of the Lord and His ways. Paul said, “I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead” (Philippians 3:10 NLT).

Is that your desire as well? It definitely is mine. That’s why every January I begin the New Year with prayer and fasting.

Will you join me next month? Will you partner with thousands of believers around the world by participating in the Daniel Fast January 5-25, 2014? If so, I challenge you to make two commitments:

1) Sign up for the “Press On” January 2014 Online Daniel Fast through my website. You’ll receive a daily email from me, which will include recipe ideas and fasting tips. Registration for the fast has ended.

2) Invite people to participate. Post about the Daniel Fast on Twitter or Facebook. Share the “Press On” promotional video. If you have a blog, write about the fast. Get other people in your life excited about seeking God!

2014 is going to be a spectacular year. God offers a multitude of blessings to those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Don’t stay where you are with Jesus. Press on to know Him!

(Be sure to get your copy of The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast to help you on your journey!)

My One Word for 2013

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rejoice mugEach January since 2011, I’ve asked God to give me one word for the year, a word that describes a special work He wants to do in and through me. The first year, my word was SATISFIED. Last year, it was PEACE.

For the past few days, I’ve been praying for my 2013 word. I want to share how the Lord revealed and confirmed it, all in one day:

1) When I woke up Thursday morning, I had the word “REJOICE” on my mind. I distinctly remember seeing the word in my dream, although I can’t tell you anything about the context.

2) Thursday afternoon, I sat in the sauna for about 30 minutes after exercising. I had my headphones on, listening to our local Christian music station. One of the commercials was for a clothing store. I wasn’t really paying too much attention to it until the last sentence of the ad. The final word was REJOICE. I laughed, thinking it was odd, but still not really sure that was my word.

3) Later that night, I was scrolling through the hundreds of photos on my iPhone, and I came across this photo of my REJOICE mug. My friend, Bonnie, gave me the mug in September, after I spoke at the women’s retreat she organized. Little did she know that her present would hold much more significance than a simple “thank you.”

After having these three experiences in one day, I am convinced. My one word for 2013 is REJOICE, which means:

  • to feel or show great joy or delight.
  • to be glad.
  • to fill with joy.

I believe God gave me this word because He wants me to experience and express greater joy this year. Following are ways in which I can grow in this area:

1) To choose joy daily, recognizing that each day is a gift from God.

  • “This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24

2) To be filled with joy at all times, even in difficult circumstances.

  • “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again–rejoice!”  – Philippians 4:4, NLT

3) To have a glad heart that encourages joy in others, which brings glory to God.

  • “Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!” – Revelation 19:7a

I encourage you to spend time seeking out a word for 2013 (for more information on the process, see the links above). Ask God to reveal it to you, and then wait patiently on Him. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get your word right away, either! The first year, I waited for more than a month. Remember, God is never late. His timing is always perfect.

2013 is going to be full of miracles and answers to prayer. I’m already rejoicing at the great things God is going to do!

Syd’s Story: The Sweet Taste of Freedom

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The following article first appeared in the July 15, 2012, issue of Pentecostal Evangel and is a true testimony of the power of the Lord Jesus Christ to bring healing to the deepest wounds of our hearts. No matter how painful your past, God can restore your joy and bring hope to your life once again.

I’m extremely humbled and thankful to have been given the opportunity to write this story. It is my prayer (and Syd’s as well) that the Lord receives all glory, honor, and praise from what you are about to read. May you be strengthened and encouraged to trust God with every part of your heart so you, too, can know the sweet taste of freedom.

Syd’s Story: The Sweet Taste of Freedom
by Kristen Feola

When Associate Pastor Syd Osenbaugh stood to address her congregation at Nashville (Ill.) Assembly of God, she knew her message would be difficult to deliver. The subject matter was extremely sensitive, not one you’d expect to hear in a typical Sunday morning sermon.

She began with the story of a 9-year-old girl whose closest playmates were three brothers. Since their mothers were friends, the children were together often, sometimes every day during the summer. At first, the girl enjoyed spending time with the boys, but soon she became uncomfortable with the games they wanted to play.

The touching began innocently enough — a casual brush across her arm or a slight bump against her body. At first, the girl didn’t think anything of it. After all, the boys were her friends. She trusted them. Over time, though, their physical contact grew more intense. Even though the girl knew what was happening was wrong, she felt powerless to stop it. When she protested, they insisted no one would like her if she didn’t participate. She dreaded the days when her mom took her to the boys’ house. Several times she even lied about needing to finish homework just so she wouldn’t have to go.

One day, when the children were left alone while their mothers went out, the “games” escalated into a horrific experience. All three boys raped her. As she cried, they laughed at her tears, saying she must be a lesbian if she didn’t like what they were doing.

Once the girl got home, she took a series of showers, trying desperately to scrub away the disgust. All the water in the world couldn’t have washed away the devastation she felt in her body and soul.

When Pastor Syd came to this point in her message, she looked up from her notes. Despite the nervous churning in her stomach, she took a deep breath and said with surprising strength, “What you have just heard is my story. I was that scared little girl.”

Seeking Comfort

Syd was a slender child who loved to dance. However, after the abuse began, her appearance gradually changed as she turned to food for comfort. Food became her escape, her hiding place. Syd also purposely gained weight to make herself unattractive.

“I thought if I was ugly enough, boys would stop hurting me,” she says.

No one else knew about the ongoing molestation, not even her parents. By the time Syd was 14 years old, her secret shame became almost unbearable.

“I just wanted it to be all over,” she says. “I stood in my backyard one night, crying my heart out. I looked up at the sky and wondered if God was really up there, and if He was, why didn’t He stop what was happening to me?”

Although Syd was familiar with John 3:16, and she knew God loved the whole world, she didn’t believe His affection extended to someone like her. After all, she saw herself as damaged and dirty. Broken and beyond repair. Hopeless and all used up. Instead of resting in the arms of the Lord, she raced to the refrigerator, thinking if she ate enough, her shame would eventually go away.

Letting Go

“I always knew I had a problem with food, but I blamed it on hormone imbalance,” Syd jokes. Humor was a mask she wore over the years to deflect attention from her increasing size. “I thought if people were laughing with me, they wouldn’t laugh at me,” she says.

Syd pretended her weight didn’t bother her, but it did, especially when the number on the scale hovered near 400 pounds.

“My pain was buried inside mounds of flesh. I was trapped inside a 385-pound prison,” she says.

Sharing her story with her church family proved to be the catalyst that propelled Syd to take action. Even though she was terrified to revisit the traumatic memories of her childhood, she knew it was time to trust the Lord for help. Her life depended on it.

At first, Syd held onto her past tightly, like a closed fist. As the Lord gently tried to loosen her firm grip, Syd pulled back in panic. “No, God. It hurts too much!” she cried.

God waited patiently for her to gain strength and courage to proceed. As the Lord spoke to Syd through His Word, she began to believe His promises and receive His unconditional love. Finally, she surrendered everything to the Lord.

“Holding onto that dark past was worse than the pain and fear of letting it go,” she says. Finally, Syd was free from the burdens she’d carried and buried for more than 40 years.

One experience was instrumental in Syd’s healing process. “I had a vision that settled the ‘why’ issue for me once and for all. I was a little girl again, and I saw the boys who were such a painful part of those years. Jesus was there, too. He was watching with tears in His eyes. His arms were outstretched, wanting to pick up the pieces and heal my hurts.”

Syd knew God never wanted her to suffer. Those boys had made evil choices, making her an unwilling participant in their sin. Once she understood this concept of free will, she was able to forgive her perpetrators.

“Nothing in my circumstances was different,” she says. “The facts of those ugly years of my life were unchanged. However, the difference was in me. I made a choice to release that offense, and with that release was a freedom I had never known before.”

Walking in Victory

Syd’s first step toward breaking her food addiction was to establish a plan. She knew long-term success wouldn’t be possible without a system of accountability.

“I gave myself an allowance of $100 per week for food,” she says, “and each penny represented one calorie. When I reached my daily limit, which was around $15, or 1,500 calories, I wouldn’t eat anymore,” she explains.

Instead of being overwhelmed by the amount she needed to lose, Syd was energized by the challenge of meeting her short-term goals each week.

After faithfully adhering to her program for the past four years, Syd Osenbaugh is a new woman — a 145-pound woman. She gives all glory to the Lord.

“I couldn’t have done it on my own,” she insists. “I often quoted Philippians 4:13 — ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’ (NKJV). God helped me every step of the way.”

One way the Lord has redeemed Syd’s past is by providing her with opportunities to help other victims of sexual abuse. She considers it a privilege to point women to the only One who can heal their broken hearts and restore their joy.

“It always astounds me to see the number of girls who come up to me after I’ve shared my experiences to say, ‘That’s my story too.’ Even though I’m a member of a club that no one wants to belong to, I’m thankful the Lord has used my painful past to help set others free. And believe me, freedom tastes better than any food I’ve ever enjoyed.”

Syd – Before trusting God with the traumatic events of her childhood.
Syd – After letting go and letting God bring hope and healing to her heart.
Photos used with permission.

Green Bean Recipes

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Green beans can stand alone as a side dish. Add a little salt and pepper, and you’re set. However, if you want to add a little flair to your beans, here are recipes from my blog that feature this classic vegetable:

Green Beans with Rays of Sunshine
Green Beans with Toasted Walnuts
Chinese Long Beans and Wild Rice with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce (can substitute green beans)
Black Bean Minestrone
White Bean, Kale, and Vegetable Soup

How to prepare fresh green beans (or string beans):
Rinse beans under cold water to remove any residue. Using your hands, snap off the ends of each bean. Discard the ends. Use whole, or cut beans to desired shape and length: crosswise, diagonally, or French-cut (i.e., cut along the length of the bean). Cook green beans according to recipe directions.

Her Name is Georgia, Part 10

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“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” – John 14:6
 
When Georgia called me from a pay phone, I knew she wanted company. I told her I’d meet her at her house in a few minutes.
 
Georgia began our conversation by stating, “It won’t be much longer.” She’s spoken to me about dying many times, but I usually don’t make a big deal of it. Once I commented, “Georgia, you’ll probably live to be 100!” No matter what I say, though, she’s convinced the end is near.

Although I’ve had spiritual conversations with Georgia in the past, tonight I was much bolder. I sensed the Spirit leading me to question her about eternity.

“Georgia, do you ever think about what will happen to you when you die?” I asked.

“I’ll be up there,” she said, pointing toward the ceiling.

“Why do you think you’ll go to Heaven?” I asked.

“I’ve been good all my life,” she said.

“Georgia, many people think that if you’re good, you go to Heaven, and if you’re bad, you go to Hell. That’s not true. The Bible says that Jesus is the only way to Heaven. You must tell God that you need Him and ask Him to forgive you of your sins.”

“I’ve never sinned,” she replied.

Wow, I thought. I couldn’t believe she actually said that. I was shocked.

“Georgia, everyone has sinned. Only Jesus was perfect. I make mistakes every day. When I do, I tell the Lord I’m sorry. I admit that I need His forgiveness. That’s what Easter is all about – Jesus dying on the cross to pay for our sins so we don’t have to.”

She thought for a moment and then said, “But I started going to church when I was in kindergarten and went all the time.”

“You can read your Bible every day and go to church every Sunday, but that won’t get you into Heaven,” I explained. “You have to know Jesus and have a relationship with Him. Not just know about Him, but really know Him.”

At this point, she changed the conversation. She began talking about her family and her past. After listening for a few minutes, I noticed most of her memories didn’t seem too pleasant.

“Georgia, when was the happiest time in your life?” I asked.

“I’ve never had that,” she said quietly.

I didn’t know what to say at first. I hurt for her.

“You were happy when you were teaching, right?” I asked.

“Oh, yes. I enjoyed the children very much,” she replied.

We talked some more, and soon it was time for me to leave. As I backed out of the driveway, Georgia smiled and waved. My heart was heavy as I drove home.

Miss Georgia is such a mystery to me. I’m fascinated by her, and yet I feel as if I only get bits and pieces of who she is and who she has been. I see a woman racked with years of pain, although I don’t know exactly what caused her suffering, nor do I understand the depth of it. Tonight, however, I caught a glimpse of intense sadness in her eyes.

Georgia may be right. She might only have two or three months left to live. Or she could be around for another 10 years. Either way, I must always be prayed up and ready for every opportunity to share truth with her. She needs Jesus. There’s no time to waste.

Her Name is Georgia, Part 8

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Many of you are on the Daniel Fast or are getting ready to start it. I’m gearing up to begin on January 9th myself! My plan is to post daily with devotions, recipes, and whatever else might be helpful for your journey with the Lord.

Today, though, I’m continuing the story of Georgia, which is a story I started writing a few weeks ago. If you haven’t read Parts 1-7, take a few minutes to do so before reading today’s post.

Be encouraged today. The Lord is at work all around you. Perhaps there is a Georgia in your life He wants you to touch.

“As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” – Galatians 6:10

One morning after I dropped Isabelle off at school, Jocelyn and I stopped by Georgia’s house to surprise her with two Pineapple Citrus Muffins that I’d made. Georgia greeted us at the door.

“Good morning!” I said. “Have you had breakfast yet?”

Georgia nodded, and showed me the opened can of green beans in her hand. The other hand held a fork. This will not do, I thought.

Even though Georgia had assured me that she gets food and snacks while she’s out walking, I seriously doubted that she was eating enough. Also, I’d suspected that her food choices weren’t well balanced or healthy. Therefore, that day I decided that I would deliver meals to her as often as possible. Since I love to cook, it would be a joy for me to serve her in that way.

Jocelyn headed straight for the stuffed animals, as usual, and I went into the kitchen to prepare Georgia’s breakfast. Along with the muffins, I’d brought butter, honey, strawberry jelly, and peanut butter, trying to cover all the bases of what Georgia might like. She chose peanut butter. I poured her a glass of orange juice to go with it.

This particular visit was about a week before Christmas, so most of our conversation that day centered around what presents Isabelle and Jocelyn were hoping to find under the tree. Curious, I asked Georgia, “What do you want for Christmas?” Fully expecting her to say, “Nothing,” I was taken aback by her reply. “A nice family,” she said.

I was speechless. In her reply, I heard much more. Georgia had shared the deepest longing of her heart to me in those three words. What she was really saying was, “I’m lonely for close relationships. I need people in my life who accept me want to spend time with me. That’s the only thing I want.”

Our family isn’t merely doing a good deed by reaching out to Georgia. Nor are we simply demonstrating kindness in practical ways to an elderly woman. We are literally and figuratively wrapping our arms around this precious lady, embracing her with the love of Christ. By opening our hearts to Georgia and meeting her practical needs, we’re inviting her into our home, into our lives, and into our family.

My Story

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Our church held a corporate Daniel Fast in September 2009 in preparation for the launch of our second campus. I started a blog on day one of the fast, thinking it would just be fun to write about what God showed me. I never planned for it to be anything more than a journal. While cooking Marinated Zucchini for dinner that night, I thought, “This would be a great recipe for people at James River who are doing the Daniel Fast.”I began posting recipes and devotions daily. Before I knew it, not only people from our church were benefitting from the blog but also people all across the United States and around the world. It was an amazing, humbling realization of Ephesians 3:20, which says:

“God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.” – The Message

The Lord definitely showed me that He can do anything. This blog, the book…both are indeed far more than my mind could ever have even conceived. Throughout this whole journey, God has led me every step of the way.

Well, that’s the short and sweet version of how the blog began. I’m still in awe that God has allowed me to be a part of something so creative and unique. He has taken two things that I love to do – cook and write – and combined them into one unbelievable blessing! Of course, there is much more to the story, but you’ll have to buy my book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast, to find out the rest! 🙂

 

Marinated Zucchini

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Marinated Zucchini
This recipe was the first recipe I posted when I began my blog in 2009. So it’s special. I hope you like this dish as much as I do!

Marinated Zucchini

2 pounds zucchini, unpeeled
1 ½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 475 degrees. Trim ends of zucchini, and cut in half lengthwise. Feed zucchini halves through the tube of a food processor with the slicing disc attached. You may also use a mandoline to cut the zucchini into thin slices or cut them by hand. Place slices in a large bowl. Add olive oil, and stir to coat. Mix in garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir again.

Place zucchini on two large 11 x 17-inch baking sheets, trying to separate the pieces as much as possible so they are in a single layer. Roast 10 minutes, flip, and then roast another 5 minutes. Edges of zucchini should be slightly browned and crispy.

Remove zucchini from oven, and put in a large dish. Stir in lemon juice. Cover, and let sit at least 1-2 hours. Serve at room temperature.

Yield: 8 servings (serving size: about ½ cup)

Recipe Notes