This past weekend we celebrated all of the wonderful people on the Ministry Team for ILA. We spent a fantastic night with some wonderful food in a beautiful home of a City Impact co-worker. I love to cook so anytime I can show off my talents in the kitchen I try to meet the challenge. The hit of the night was was Fresh Mango Salsa.... here is how! (Another veggie lovers dream)
3 - Ripe Mangoes
1 - Small-Medium white onion
2 - limes
1 - Tablespoon Cider vinegar
3 - Tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro
2 - teaspoons sugar
salt, pepper
(Cooking is an art...I did not use a recipe and these are approximations...be sure to taste and season accordingly)
Cut limes in half and juice into medium size bowl. Add vinegar and sugar whisk together. Peel and chop mango into ship size chunks then add to bowl. Finley chop onion and cilantro, add to bowl and mix. Chop tomatoes to about the same size as the mango, lightly salt and pepper, then add to the bowl. Mix and chill before serving with your favorite tortilla chips (I especially like yellow corn tortilla chip with this salsa)
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Breaking Bread!
One of the important elements of fellowship-koinonia is the practice of sharing a meal with friends, family, fellow believers, and others who may need a meal. We were blessed to have my boss and his family over for some koinonia recently. It was a really fun night. I cooked which for those of you who know me well should not come as a surprise. I made pasta, which of course would not be at all unusual either. The fun part came in the fact that my boss's wife is a herbivore! Vegetarian...Vegan even! This caused me a challenge I had not faced before but was glad to try! I wanted to share the menu with everyone.
Menu:
Appitizers:
Nonnie's Tomato Salad
Fresh Lettuce Salad
Main Dish:
Veggie Pasta with Oil and Garlic Sauce
Side Dish:
Garlic Bread
Dessert:
Fruit Salad
This is a great menu for any family that wants a "healthy" night to try something new. All food was delicious and easy to prepare!
Fresh Lettuce Salad: - Prep time 5 min. Very easy!
A blend of Romaine, Iceberg, and Radicchio. Topped with craisins, mushrooms, sliced red onion, croutons, and choice of dressing, we used a balsamic vinaigrette to stay in the vegan theme.
Nonnie's Tomato Salad - Prep. time 60 min. Easy!
I learned how to make this dish from my Nonnie (Grandma) and nothing says summer quite like it! One of our family favorites!
1 - medium to large white onion.
2 - Fresh Roma Tomatoes
1 - Medium Cucumber (pealed)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
5-7 fresh sweet basil leaves (fine chopped)
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 tablespoon of sugar
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup of water
Cut onion in half. Then cut each half into 8 wedges (similar to cutting a pizza). Put into a medium size mixing bowl and add salt. You will "cook" the onion by squeezing it with you hands for about a minute. The onion should become softer and translucent as it reacts with your hands and the salt, it will also become "juicy". Add sugar and mix well by hand. Dice the tomatoes into bite size pieces and add to bowl with onions. Thinly slice cucumber and add. Add all other spices and mix by hand. Add oil, vinegar, and water, stir with a spoon. Cover and regenerate for at least 45 min. before serving.
Garlic Bread - Prep time - 15 min. Very Easy!
This one was tricky at first...love love garlic bread but it usually covered in butter and cheese. I came up with this great alternative.
1- Loaf of Italian bread ( You can get from bakery at local store)
3/4 Stick of Fleischmann's OLIVE OIL spread (sold by the butter) leave out on the counter to soften!
2 cloves of garlic
Garlic powder
Dried crushed parsley flakes
Pre-heat oven to 350. Cut loaf of bread in half to form a top and bottom. Cut olive oil spread in two equal parts and place in the center of each half of the bread. Press a clove of garlic onto each half of the bread. Spread the olive oil spread and garlic evenly over bread. Sprinkle each half generously with garlic powder and parsley. Bake for 8-12 minutes ( I usually put in the bread just before the pasta hits the water and take out as the pasta is draining) Slice and serve!
Veggie Pasta with Oil and Garlic sauce Prep time - 35 min. Moderate!
Often referred to as "Poor-man's Pasta", pasta with oil and garlic packs a ton of flavor in a simple dish that I learned from my Grandfather. Basically pasta with oil, garlic, and fresh herb "pesto"-ish dish is the basic building block. I have modified the recipe to make "Seafood Pasta" and pasta carbonara. But this was the first completely veggie pasta I have made.
2-3- Roasted Red Peppers (you can use canned or jarred if you don't want to roast them on your own)
1 - small to medium yellow squash
1 - lemon
1- small - medium white onion
6-8 cloves of garlic
2 Tablespoons of Extra virgin olive oil (plus more if needed)
2 Lbs of pasta ( I used Barillia Rigatoni noodles, farfalle or mostacholi would work well too)
1 dash of balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon of sugar
oregano, basil, salt, and pepper
1 can of vegetable stock
In a large stock pot begin heating water for pasta, add 2 tablespoons salt to water. Take garlic (except one clove) out of husks thinly slice and set off to the side. Begin making sauce by starting with lemon; zest the entire lemon, set he zest off to the side for later. Cut in half and squeeze juice in a large skillet. Add 2 tablespoons of EVOO to skillet. Add one clove of garlic pressed. Chop onion, not a fine chop but not big pieces either. Add to skillet over medium heat, begin to cook until they become translucent. Add sugar and turn heat to medium low, continue to cook until onions are caramelized. Add dash of balsamic vinegar to deglaze pan. Saute chopped yellow squash for about 2 minutes. Add vegetable broth and roasted red peppers (chopped) and spices/herbs. Cook until reduced over medium low heat. Add pasta to water per directions on packaging. About a minute before draining pasta add lemon zest and sliced garlic to sauce. After pasta is drained put into a large serving dish, add sauce over the top and toss together. If needed add extra EVOO to pasta. (Veggie pasta so no cheese, however, grated Romano is excellent with this dish)
The other fun news is this is a highly customizable dish, you can use capers instead of lemon zest, sun dried tomatoes, broccoli, whatever you like...just put it in at the right time so it doesn't over/under cook!
I had a blast cooking for a Vegan, I hope you enjoy the menu and some great fellowship with friends!
Menu:
Appitizers:
Nonnie's Tomato Salad
Fresh Lettuce Salad
Main Dish:
Veggie Pasta with Oil and Garlic Sauce
Side Dish:
Garlic Bread
Dessert:
Fruit Salad
This is a great menu for any family that wants a "healthy" night to try something new. All food was delicious and easy to prepare!
Fresh Lettuce Salad: - Prep time 5 min. Very easy!
A blend of Romaine, Iceberg, and Radicchio. Topped with craisins, mushrooms, sliced red onion, croutons, and choice of dressing, we used a balsamic vinaigrette to stay in the vegan theme.
Nonnie's Tomato Salad - Prep. time 60 min. Easy!
I learned how to make this dish from my Nonnie (Grandma) and nothing says summer quite like it! One of our family favorites!
1 - medium to large white onion.
2 - Fresh Roma Tomatoes
1 - Medium Cucumber (pealed)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
5-7 fresh sweet basil leaves (fine chopped)
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 tablespoon of sugar
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup of water
Cut onion in half. Then cut each half into 8 wedges (similar to cutting a pizza). Put into a medium size mixing bowl and add salt. You will "cook" the onion by squeezing it with you hands for about a minute. The onion should become softer and translucent as it reacts with your hands and the salt, it will also become "juicy". Add sugar and mix well by hand. Dice the tomatoes into bite size pieces and add to bowl with onions. Thinly slice cucumber and add. Add all other spices and mix by hand. Add oil, vinegar, and water, stir with a spoon. Cover and regenerate for at least 45 min. before serving.
Garlic Bread - Prep time - 15 min. Very Easy!
This one was tricky at first...love love garlic bread but it usually covered in butter and cheese. I came up with this great alternative.
1- Loaf of Italian bread ( You can get from bakery at local store)
3/4 Stick of Fleischmann's OLIVE OIL spread (sold by the butter) leave out on the counter to soften!
2 cloves of garlic
Garlic powder
Dried crushed parsley flakes
Pre-heat oven to 350. Cut loaf of bread in half to form a top and bottom. Cut olive oil spread in two equal parts and place in the center of each half of the bread. Press a clove of garlic onto each half of the bread. Spread the olive oil spread and garlic evenly over bread. Sprinkle each half generously with garlic powder and parsley. Bake for 8-12 minutes ( I usually put in the bread just before the pasta hits the water and take out as the pasta is draining) Slice and serve!
Veggie Pasta with Oil and Garlic sauce Prep time - 35 min. Moderate!
Often referred to as "Poor-man's Pasta", pasta with oil and garlic packs a ton of flavor in a simple dish that I learned from my Grandfather. Basically pasta with oil, garlic, and fresh herb "pesto"-ish dish is the basic building block. I have modified the recipe to make "Seafood Pasta" and pasta carbonara. But this was the first completely veggie pasta I have made.
2-3- Roasted Red Peppers (you can use canned or jarred if you don't want to roast them on your own)
1 - small to medium yellow squash
1 - lemon
1- small - medium white onion
6-8 cloves of garlic
2 Tablespoons of Extra virgin olive oil (plus more if needed)
2 Lbs of pasta ( I used Barillia Rigatoni noodles, farfalle or mostacholi would work well too)
1 dash of balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon of sugar
oregano, basil, salt, and pepper
1 can of vegetable stock
In a large stock pot begin heating water for pasta, add 2 tablespoons salt to water. Take garlic (except one clove) out of husks thinly slice and set off to the side. Begin making sauce by starting with lemon; zest the entire lemon, set he zest off to the side for later. Cut in half and squeeze juice in a large skillet. Add 2 tablespoons of EVOO to skillet. Add one clove of garlic pressed. Chop onion, not a fine chop but not big pieces either. Add to skillet over medium heat, begin to cook until they become translucent. Add sugar and turn heat to medium low, continue to cook until onions are caramelized. Add dash of balsamic vinegar to deglaze pan. Saute chopped yellow squash for about 2 minutes. Add vegetable broth and roasted red peppers (chopped) and spices/herbs. Cook until reduced over medium low heat. Add pasta to water per directions on packaging. About a minute before draining pasta add lemon zest and sliced garlic to sauce. After pasta is drained put into a large serving dish, add sauce over the top and toss together. If needed add extra EVOO to pasta. (Veggie pasta so no cheese, however, grated Romano is excellent with this dish)
The other fun news is this is a highly customizable dish, you can use capers instead of lemon zest, sun dried tomatoes, broccoli, whatever you like...just put it in at the right time so it doesn't over/under cook!
I had a blast cooking for a Vegan, I hope you enjoy the menu and some great fellowship with friends!
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Do what you do!
I am really enjoying this season of my life. I feel like for the first time, either in a really long time or ever, I am doing exactly what I have been made to do. I truly love my job at City Impact and working with teens! Helping them discover who they are, helping them discover what it means to be a follower of Him, teaching them to grow in their faith, I am so humbled that God would use me for this ministry. The staff City Impact has put together is astounding and the dedication to transforming students from the inside out is a wonderful vision.
I am also super blessed to be working with the students of Lincoln Christian School on the upcoming performances of the musical "HONK!" God gave me a great passion for drama and I am so thankful He has given me an outlet to use that creative side of myself. Not to mention the wonderfully talented students, teachers, and parents who I have the joy of working beside. If you have a chance to come see us this weekend I can not encourage you enough to come see the show. Everyone has worked so hard, I am sure that you will be entertained.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with HONK! it is a modern, musical retelling of the classic The Ugly Duckling. Do not miss the importance of this story, just because it is a children's tale, there are many strong principles that can be learned from the journey of this young duckling called "Ugly". Love, Inner-beauty, refinement through hardships are themes that followers of Christ should be familiar with and they resound throughout this musical! They certainly resound with my journey to where I am today!
So here is the point, you were created for a specific reason...with a purpose...a reason for being...a unique calling only you can fill! Mine is to minster to kids through drama and City Impact; Ugly's was to be a swan; find out who God made you to be, then DO WHAT YOU DO!
I am also super blessed to be working with the students of Lincoln Christian School on the upcoming performances of the musical "HONK!" God gave me a great passion for drama and I am so thankful He has given me an outlet to use that creative side of myself. Not to mention the wonderfully talented students, teachers, and parents who I have the joy of working beside. If you have a chance to come see us this weekend I can not encourage you enough to come see the show. Everyone has worked so hard, I am sure that you will be entertained.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with HONK! it is a modern, musical retelling of the classic The Ugly Duckling. Do not miss the importance of this story, just because it is a children's tale, there are many strong principles that can be learned from the journey of this young duckling called "Ugly". Love, Inner-beauty, refinement through hardships are themes that followers of Christ should be familiar with and they resound throughout this musical! They certainly resound with my journey to where I am today!
So here is the point, you were created for a specific reason...with a purpose...a reason for being...a unique calling only you can fill! Mine is to minster to kids through drama and City Impact; Ugly's was to be a swan; find out who God made you to be, then DO WHAT YOU DO!
Monday, April 16, 2012
Music Monday
At ILA last night we had a special visitor - Gospel Hip-Hop Artist Michael Fugitt! HE was awesome and did a fantastic job of getting the kids hyped!
He will be performing on Saturday April 28 at Peter Pan Park in Lincoln if you want to check it out... and here is a sample!
He will be performing on Saturday April 28 at Peter Pan Park in Lincoln if you want to check it out... and here is a sample!
Friday, April 6, 2012
Good Friday!
This past weekend at ILA we had a great Easter Celebration. Our students went through the events Holy Week in a shortened version, we shared communion (with wine, not juice which was a surprise to the students), we had several students share a monologues that corresponded with the events of that day, and had an awesome dinner as a family.
I stated in my last blog that Holy Week is very dear to me as a believer and has been a big part of my ministry. It being Good Friday I was reading the words of Jesus today, as He spoke out from the cross. His words (or statements) that would change the course of humankind's relationship with the God of the Universe. Jesus died once for all and His proclamations from the cross are astounding.
"Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing," Luke 23:34. Jesus told His disciples that His life would be forfeit for the forgiveness of sins. His death was the penalty of our Sin and all who believed in Him would have forgiveness. Being God, knowing that He would die for our sins, why did Christ call out for His Father to forgive? He already had stated that His sacrifice would be sufficient. It is the Nature of Christ reveled to us while still in His Earthly form; Jesus is, has been, and will always be our intercessory. He stands before God and serves as our advocate. In doing so on the cross He revels His nature to us.
"Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise," Luke 23:41. Jesus shows that His redemption is for all who believe. Faith in Christ is our assurance that we are adopted into His family and it is not limited to people based on their past deeds. The person Jesus told these words to was sentenced to death! God could reach a person who was in the process of being executed! If God can reach him, God can accept anyone into His family.
"Woman, behold your son, John behold your mother," John 19:26-27. This gives us insight to the humanity of Christ. He was concerned about His mother and asked His best friend to take care of her for Him. It is like the guy dying on the battlefield asking his friend to deliver a note to his wife for him. A tender moment among awful brutality.
"I thirst," John 19:28-29. John referred to Christ as the Word of God, made into flesh; God with us, Emmanuel. Jesus knew that all scripture and prophesy concerning His life and death must be fulfilled.
"Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani - My God, My God, why have you forsaken me," Mark 15:34. This one is interesting, is Christ in despair? Does He truly believe that God has left Him? That would be impossible as He, Himself is God! The hymns say "The Father turned His face away," but a true separation cannot happen. In fact, Jesus is quoting scripture! He is the Word of God and He is remembering the words of David as he penned Psalm 22. As He feels the weight of the sins of the world cast upon Him. Holding on to scriptures, He feels our pain at the thought of separation from God. This is not a cry of despair, but rather an encouraging word to Himself to keep going...to finish the task He was sent to do...God does not desire for us to be forsaken, forgotten, or separated from Him, through Christ we never have to experience that!
"It is finished," John 19:30. Done...OVER... FINISHED! His sacrifice is paid and being God, He claims it to be acceptable! Finished means just that! No more will will have to slaves to sin, our freedom has been paid for!
"Father, into your hands, I commit my Spirit," Luke 23:46. Jesus has shown His obedience to give up His life for us. With His dying words He offers up His spirit to His Father's Will!
I stated in my last blog that Holy Week is very dear to me as a believer and has been a big part of my ministry. It being Good Friday I was reading the words of Jesus today, as He spoke out from the cross. His words (or statements) that would change the course of humankind's relationship with the God of the Universe. Jesus died once for all and His proclamations from the cross are astounding.
"Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing," Luke 23:34. Jesus told His disciples that His life would be forfeit for the forgiveness of sins. His death was the penalty of our Sin and all who believed in Him would have forgiveness. Being God, knowing that He would die for our sins, why did Christ call out for His Father to forgive? He already had stated that His sacrifice would be sufficient. It is the Nature of Christ reveled to us while still in His Earthly form; Jesus is, has been, and will always be our intercessory. He stands before God and serves as our advocate. In doing so on the cross He revels His nature to us."Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise," Luke 23:41. Jesus shows that His redemption is for all who believe. Faith in Christ is our assurance that we are adopted into His family and it is not limited to people based on their past deeds. The person Jesus told these words to was sentenced to death! God could reach a person who was in the process of being executed! If God can reach him, God can accept anyone into His family.
"Woman, behold your son, John behold your mother," John 19:26-27. This gives us insight to the humanity of Christ. He was concerned about His mother and asked His best friend to take care of her for Him. It is like the guy dying on the battlefield asking his friend to deliver a note to his wife for him. A tender moment among awful brutality.
"I thirst," John 19:28-29. John referred to Christ as the Word of God, made into flesh; God with us, Emmanuel. Jesus knew that all scripture and prophesy concerning His life and death must be fulfilled.
"Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani - My God, My God, why have you forsaken me," Mark 15:34. This one is interesting, is Christ in despair? Does He truly believe that God has left Him? That would be impossible as He, Himself is God! The hymns say "The Father turned His face away," but a true separation cannot happen. In fact, Jesus is quoting scripture! He is the Word of God and He is remembering the words of David as he penned Psalm 22. As He feels the weight of the sins of the world cast upon Him. Holding on to scriptures, He feels our pain at the thought of separation from God. This is not a cry of despair, but rather an encouraging word to Himself to keep going...to finish the task He was sent to do...God does not desire for us to be forsaken, forgotten, or separated from Him, through Christ we never have to experience that!
"It is finished," John 19:30. Done...OVER... FINISHED! His sacrifice is paid and being God, He claims it to be acceptable! Finished means just that! No more will will have to slaves to sin, our freedom has been paid for!"Father, into your hands, I commit my Spirit," Luke 23:46. Jesus has shown His obedience to give up His life for us. With His dying words He offers up His spirit to His Father's Will!
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Week before Holy Week.
I love Holy Week! I am always amazed at what God is walking me through as I prepare for this time. For 14 years Holy Week meant me be part of a drama, showing the events of that week 2000 years ago. I gained a deeper understanding of the events each time I took part. For a number of years I even had the blessing to portray Jesus (picture is me in Good Friday make-up).
But this year is completely different. There is no play, no performance to get ready for, no recreation to create. I am just telling the story. I loved hearing one of the many pastors I know deftly progressing throughout the week. The anticipation and frenzy of Palm Sunday....the beautiful uncertainty of Thursday ... the sobering despair of Good Friday ... the elation of Easter!
This year it is my turn to preach, to tell the story to a group of students...no make-up. I have been working hard to prepare power points, teachings, and relevant illustrations. I am looking forward to Palm Sunday when our ILA students will celebrate Easter as a group. Praying for God to be honored and for His story to be told well!
Monday, March 19, 2012
Words of encouragement!
It was an awkward transition to make. Most of the people who were supporting my family and I as missionaries know us well and love us dearly. They know our hearts and our desire to follow the Lord's leading. They understand God, His will, and how sometimes we have our course adjusted by Him. They love us and they are supportive of my new ministry with City Impact.
BUT......
There is still a creeping feeling that pops its head up from time to time. That voice that says "YOU FAILED", "YOU DIDN'T SEE IT THROUGH", "YOU QUIT"......judgment, condemnation, and guilt. This does not come from the people that supported us, the organization we were with, friends, family, or loved ones...it come from the enemy! I don't like letting people down!Sometimes I feel like I have...
Then I get a blessing that reminds me: The Lord is GOOD and I am exactly where He wants me!
The students at ILA have really started to connect to us! Caleb and Faith enjoy going to Sunday Nights. Renee is fitting in well with the HS girls class. I have herd that some of the students refer to me as "preacher". I had the opportunity to cook for all of our kids and staff last weekend, pasta of course! I am knee deep in planning an Easter service for our students and working on the curriculum for our next Bible Study. Awesome ministry, perfectly fits....but still sometimes that voice.
Renee ran into a pastor and theologian we know last week... She shared some of those feelings we have sometimes had....He simply replied "That's NONSENSE, you are right where God wants you to be! Michael and you were made for a job with City Impact."
That message also came through in sharing my story with the staff of Tuesday Night Bible Club. Everyone was so supportive and there is evidence of God's leading us to this ministry.
Finally I was listening to the Christian Radio and they were talking about how we are to be faithful to God's calling! We don't look at Abraham as a failure for not going through with sacrificing his son, but rather we celebrate him for the fact he was willing to give up everything for God. God simply changed his direction after Abraham stepped out in faith. Abraham was willing to follow God, even while looking at a deep personal loss. Why? Because he had faith; that God knew what He was doing; that God had Abraham's best interests in mind; that God had a bigger plan that Abraham didn't understand! Abraham knew all of these things, he must have, otherwise how could he have been faithful to what God asked him to do? How could he have looked at his son and said "God will provide the ram". He was not a quitter, God changed his direction!
Just like He has changed mine! Thank you all for the kind words of encouragement!
BUT......
There is still a creeping feeling that pops its head up from time to time. That voice that says "YOU FAILED", "YOU DIDN'T SEE IT THROUGH", "YOU QUIT"......judgment, condemnation, and guilt. This does not come from the people that supported us, the organization we were with, friends, family, or loved ones...it come from the enemy! I don't like letting people down!Sometimes I feel like I have...
Then I get a blessing that reminds me: The Lord is GOOD and I am exactly where He wants me!
The students at ILA have really started to connect to us! Caleb and Faith enjoy going to Sunday Nights. Renee is fitting in well with the HS girls class. I have herd that some of the students refer to me as "preacher". I had the opportunity to cook for all of our kids and staff last weekend, pasta of course! I am knee deep in planning an Easter service for our students and working on the curriculum for our next Bible Study. Awesome ministry, perfectly fits....but still sometimes that voice.
Renee ran into a pastor and theologian we know last week... She shared some of those feelings we have sometimes had....He simply replied "That's NONSENSE, you are right where God wants you to be! Michael and you were made for a job with City Impact."
That message also came through in sharing my story with the staff of Tuesday Night Bible Club. Everyone was so supportive and there is evidence of God's leading us to this ministry.
Finally I was listening to the Christian Radio and they were talking about how we are to be faithful to God's calling! We don't look at Abraham as a failure for not going through with sacrificing his son, but rather we celebrate him for the fact he was willing to give up everything for God. God simply changed his direction after Abraham stepped out in faith. Abraham was willing to follow God, even while looking at a deep personal loss. Why? Because he had faith; that God knew what He was doing; that God had Abraham's best interests in mind; that God had a bigger plan that Abraham didn't understand! Abraham knew all of these things, he must have, otherwise how could he have been faithful to what God asked him to do? How could he have looked at his son and said "God will provide the ram". He was not a quitter, God changed his direction!
Just like He has changed mine! Thank you all for the kind words of encouragement!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)