Your Personal History With God

This is one INCREDIBLE teaching! I could listen to it a dozen times and still get something new.  I hope you have 11 minutes to watch. It will impact your life greatly!

Let he who is without sin...

You can always identify a religious spirit by how a person responds when they are agitated.  Usually, religious spirits pick up some kind of mask that they can hide behind. Some put on masks of "truth," some put on masks of "grace," and others even hide behind "love, tolerance & acceptance." No matter what mask they hide behind, they reveal their true identity the moment their opinion is challenged, or their influence threatened. How do they respond? It's usually done in a quick and methodically destructive manner in which the person with the religious spirit picks up stones of accusation to try to destroy someone else's image or identity. If the person doesn't cave to the accusation, the accuser usually moves on to condemnation. They have no desire to reconcile their differences with whomever they perceive as a threat. They sometimes unintentionally destroy their "agitator" through gossip, judging the heart, and dividing friends. Be careful with people like this, as they tend to carry a track record with them everywhere they go. Love them, be kind, then say goodbye.

Look past whatever mask people are wearing to see their heart. That's what matters the most!

John 8:7-8
But Yeshua bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.

Speak Life

The Big Secret

The big secret to maintaining JOY is thankfulness. :) Joy is not limited to perfect circumstances, simply, it is limited to the grateful in heart.

Life is never perfect. At least mine never is. There are always difficult waters to tread through, fires to put out and demands that need to be met. Yet, when we fix our gaze on Yeshua, and give Him thanks- our joy stays full.

Just like there is a secret to being  joyful, there is also secret to being miserable. The big secret of the miserable heart is to be ungrateful. The focus of their thoughts and attention is securely fastened on that which they don't have. When we fix our gaze on that which we lack, we only set ourselves up for having a perpetually sick heart. Proverbs says, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life." (Proverbs 13:12)

Those who have their greatest hope set on God's Presence, live in a continual state of having their  longings fulfilled.  Yet, those who seek His hand over His face, can miss the greatest blessing that is right in front of them- HIM.  Unfortunately, when we look to the hand of God, over the face of God, our faith is often limited or boxed in by our needs. We have a certain expectation of what we feel God should do for us, and if He doesn't meet that need within the box we've created, we can feel overlooked, or ignored. This simply isn't true! God doesn't overlook anyone. Perhaps He has chosen to answer your prayer in an unexpected manner. If we stay so focused on our needs being met, we limit ourselves by putting on the "tunnel vision glasses" of the ungrateful and miss the big picture. There is no material possession, no prophecy fulfilled, no closer friendship and no sweeter promise than the Presence of Yeshua. Those who know the sweetness of His presence, are often the most open and grateful individuals.

No matter we're needing in the moment, our constant need can only be found in His Presence.

We enter the gates of His Presence with thanksgiving.
In His Presence there is fulness of joy. 
In His joy, we have strength.
And in His strength, we can do all things!

 Even if you don't "feel" thankful. Thank Him! Just pause for a moment to recognize and appreciate what you do have. Chances are, if you are reading this, you probably have a roof over your head, clothes on your back, food in your tummy, and wifi. Congratulations, you are one of the richest people in the world. :)

I know these may initially seem trite, but just think of the despair we would have, should these elements be removed. So just begin to thank Him for everything. Your emotions will eventually line up with your spirit, but you must be focused on making headway through gratitude and faith.

Imagine yourself at Costco standing in line to get gas. If you were empty, there would be nothing that could persuade you to leave the line. Why? Because you can't go anywhere without gas in your car. Likewise, the joy of the LORD is our strength. It's like the gas in our tank that keeps us on the road He has destined for us. When there is no joy, there's no gas. When there's no gas, we can't go anywhere, we're just stuck on the side of the road, focused on our own misery.  Without a refill, our only options are to be "pushed along," or "drug along" by someone else.  You and I both know this only adds to the misery.  

The great news is that no matter how full, or how empty our tanks our, they can always be topped off. Your gratitude is like the gas cap you need opened to fill your tank.  Without it, there's no inlet to receive the blessings that come from His Presence.  As you thank God, you will find your anxiety dispelled, and your heart filled. Thank Him, and bless Him until your tank is completely filled up and your joy is full. This is God's heart for you in Messiah Yeshua.

Then, begin to thank people. Yes, people. Whether you realize it or not, you are blessed by so many people every day. Thank your spouse, your family, your children, your parents, your teachers, your Rabbi, your Rebbetzin, your Pastor, your youth leader, your elders, and your friends. But they're not perfect, they've let me down and even really annoy me at times! Okay, thank them anyway! There must be something good you can express gratitude for. ;)  This doesn't necessarily need to be dramatic thank you cards, it can just be a heartfelt verbal expression, Facebook post or text.  These little "thank you's" you express to the LORD and to those He has put in your circle of influence helps to keep your tank "leveled off." If your leery of this practice, it might be a good idea to experiment with it. I would love to hear what happens to your emotional well being. :)

He has not destined us to be full of despair, anxiety, anger, or sickness. He paid a heavy price for us to live an abundant life- one full of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit! Thank Him for the blessings from His hand, but let your longing be for His Presence. For it is only in this secret place, that we are made whole. 

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Messiah Yeshua. (1 Thess 5:16-18)

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

Recipe by Candyce Hyslip

First, before you even read this post I must warn you. If you like hot chocolate, then this may become a dangerous addiction. Really, it's THAT good! This is a simple and delicious recipe that is a wonderful for family get togethers or parties.

Ingredients:
3 cans of sweetened condensed milk
water
milk
cocoa powder
1 tspn good vanilla (optional)
1/2 tspn kosher salt

Directions:
In a large pot, add 3 cans of sweetened condensed milk. Then fill each can with hot water, twice. Add this to your pot. The hot water will help to loosen the what's left on the edges and dilute the sweetened condensed milk.  
Next, fill each can with milk, and add it to your pot.

Turn the heat up to medium and begin to whisk away until everything is smooth and incorporated.  When the sweetened milk is nice and warm,  you'll add the cocoa.  :)  I would suggest anywhere from 1/2 a cup for the normal chocolate "enjoyer" up to 1 cup  for the chocolate "lover!" You know how much you like, so add accordingly. Whisk away until all of the cocoa powder is incorporated.
Add the vanilla (optional) and kosher salt. Whisk together, and you're done!



 You can fill some glasses or containers with hot chocolate flavor additions. These candies turn the already delicious salted caramel hot chocolate into an over the top experience.

Top with whipped cream and ENJOY!

For those foodies out there who like to add spice to everything I have a special suggestion for you. I took an empty salt shaker and filled it with 2 tbspns of good chili powder, 1 tspn of cayenne, and 1 tspn of kosher salt. You can shake it on top of your hot chocolate for a gourmet Mayan experience. The result is something like a gourmet truffle that includes heat and salt. This was my favorite flavor combination, by far! :)

BONUS! Put the left overs in a mason jar in the fridge and use it as coffee creamer. It is wonderful!!!

Happy Holidays!

Chanukah Chic made Cheap!

If you're like me, you like really nice things for a really low price. Basically, I blame it on my mother. She was by far the classiest and most resourceful woman I've known! Chanukah is one of those holidays that I think should just be "done right." When I go shopping for Chanukah decorations, it is almost impossible to find anything that doesn't look like it fell out of a "mitzvah truck." I am not interested in dancing dreidels or rabbis, I just want something classy! And, cheap, don't forget that part!

So, after searching all over Pinterest I came up with this idea in my head. I wanted silver chargers, my white everyday IKEA plates,  cobalt blue salad plates and bowls, and blue wine goblets as a Chanukah table setting. I had searched high and low to look for the elements I had in my head.

Finally, it all came together! My sweet friend found blue wine goblets at the Dollar Tree or Dollar General. Then, I went in there myself and was pleasantly surprised by the silver studded chargers that were being displayed on an end cap.  Then, while I was out on a date with my ten year old son, we came across an inexpensive cobalt blue 12 piece dinnerware set at Walmart for just $14.97.
The result... a classy and elegant Chanukah tablescape.  

 I had some dear friends over for a Shabbat dinner the night before Chanukah, and decided to give it a whirl, even though at the time, I hadn't found the cobalt blue plates yet. The lovely blue and silver napkins were embroidered by my dear Mom in law. They helped to bring and ever so Jewish feel to an already obvious Chanukah color scheme. ;)

Here's a snapshot from tonight's dinner. That's my two year old snatching broccoli and cheese with her fingers. I know, I know, I am working on those manners! And just because I know someone will ask me what the main course was (which is not featured in the pics), it was salmon! Very, very good salmon!

Here's a look at an individual place setting. I served warm cinnamon pear cider with dinner. It gave the blue glasses a brownish color in the pictures, but in real life you could still tell that the wine goblet was very blue. :)

Here's one more shot. See? Simple, easy, elegant, and super duper inexpensive! If you don't have plain white plates, you can also purchase some at the Dollar Tree. The whole Chanukah place setting will only cost you $4 per person.

A total CAN DO! Happy decorating and chag sameach. :)

4,3,2,1 LATKES!

Recipe by: Candyce Hyslip

Latkes are quite possibly the most famous Chanukah food, but can be enjoyed throughout the year as well. These are my fool proof 4,3,2,1 Latkes! I call them that because it helps me remember the amounts I need to put in my recipe.

Ingredients:
4 large russet potatoes, peeled
3 eggs
2 tbspns kosher salt, 2 tspns freshly ground pepper, 2 tspns garlic powder
1 onion, 1 cup of flour, 1 cup peanut oil

Yep, that's it!

Directions:
1) Preheat the peanut oil in your skillet on medium high. I have an electric stove, and set mine at a 6.

2) Put the potatoes and the onion through the food processor grater.
3) Put the shredded potatoes and shredded onion in a bowl. Drain out any excess liquid.
4) Add the 3 eggs, 2 tbspns of kosher salt, 2 tspns of pepper, 2 tspns of garlic powder and 1 cup of flour.
5) Mix well. Your hands are your best kitchen tools!
6) Form into patties, and fry them on each side until they are golden brown.
7) Place a dollop of sour cream, applesauce, or cranberry sauce on the latke. Enjoy!

Makes approximately 30 delicious latkes!

* If you want to make it sweet, you can substitute the 4 large russet potatoes for 4 large sweet potatoes, and 1 granny smith apple.

Makes approximately 30 delicious latkes!







It's very important to have your oil preheated so they can start frying right away!





 

Chanukah cookie recipe

2 cups flour
¼ tsp salt
 pinch ground nutmeg
1 cup butter
1 cup packed brown sugar, or regular sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 tspn orange zest

Directions:

1. Combine first three ingredients in a bowl.
2. Cream together butter and sugar. Beat in egg and vanilla, & orange zest.
3. Mix in half the dry ingredients, then add what is remaining.
4. Divide dough in half and wrap with plastic wrap until ready to use.
5. Roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick.
6. Cut out your desired shapes.
7. Bake at 350 F for 13 minutes.
8. Enjoy!

You can also frost them after they are completely cooled. :)

Hanukkah begins December 8, 2012!

Love one another!

It's time to forgive!