The Gospel!

We watched this video in youth a few weeks ago. It is worth another watch. Such a beautiful message.

"...My blood was shed for MORE than just forgiveness. Forgiveness was the avenue through which He could make the escape. He has dealt with the problem of sin- test the door, it's unlocked, walk out!!"

"Not just the penalty-not just the problem-not just the invitation- not just the adoption-not just the commission..."

God bless you!

"Best Brownies" from Scratch

Notice I wrote "best brownies" in quotations. I am not sure if they are the best because I did not get to try them myself! I threw this together last night before our youth choir party. The official recipe that is online includes a recipe for the frosting. I had some chocolate frosting at home that I used and drizzled with warm caramel. It looked good :)

 

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter

1 cup white sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour an 8 inch square pan.
2. In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter. Remove from heat, and stir in sugar, eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat in 1/3 cup cocoa, 1/2 cup flour, salt, and baking powder. Spread batter into prepared pan.
3. Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Do not overcook.
4. To Make Frosting: Combine 3 tablespoons butter, 3 tablespoons cocoa, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1 cup confectioners' sugar. Frost brownies while they are still warm.

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Best-Brownies/Detail.aspx 

There is even a video for those of you who are visual learners!
http://allrecipes.com/video/617/best-brownies/detail.aspx

Thousands of Voices

   As a young adult, she was responsible, helpful, caring, and softhearted. She was always in thought, open minded and understanding. The definition of a blessed young lady. Some knew her as a hard worker with great ambition. Some saw her as fun, friendly and energetic. Always very serious, but with a sense of humor. Many did not see her as a shy person, but if only they knew that downhearted, quiet, lonely teenager.

   Loving actions did not always work their power, but negative words from a harsh tongue never missed a chance in prevailing in her thoughts. These words began to consume her. Even though she acted as if everything was okay, she never complained, she never raised her voice, she took everything really close to heart. There in her soul she hid the hurt. It was locked inside. Almost a year had passed and nobody noticed the difference in her. And then one night a voice spoke, "You're not worth it. No one cares." And to think of it if no one cares... then what's the point. Right?

   Days passed and a plan arose.

   Scared but determined that this would solve everything she took whatever pills she saw in front of her and went to bed. Each night she took a larger and more lethal dose. She did not want to do it, but that voice was so convincing. She finally decided to just be done with it. The darkness of life was so miserable and hopeless.

  One evening as she crouched with a handful of pills and a glass of water, tears ran down her face. The truth of her disgusting actions seemed to mock her, pulling her deeper into depression. She looked up. Around the corner saw a face. It was human but scary with a nasty, evil grin on his shadowed face. It hit her... What is she doing? It does not have to end like this, it all ended years ago on the cross. She threw out the pills in a moments of broken victory and fled the room, sobbing.

   We face many struggles in life. But with prayer and faith God molds us into the people He wants us to be. It only takes time, courage and willingness to let go of yourself and welcome God to live in your heart, and let Him lead. The devil will keep trying to tell you lies, but He who died on the cross brings us truth, love and eternal life. Let the Lord teach us, amongst thousands of voices to only hear His.

By Alla Denisyuk

Spinach Strawberry Salad

A few people have asked me about this salad recipe ever since trying in on New Years. Sorry for the delay, better late than never :)

http://natashaskitchen.com/2011/07/10/spinach-strawberry-salad/

This recipe is by Natasha from Natashaskitchen.com Click the link above to visit her amazing website.

Holy (Wedding Day)

Don't just go to church- BE the church. Prepare yourself, for our Bridegroom Jesus Christ is coming!

Revelation 19:7 "For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and the bride has prepared herself."

You Speak

*

Hold my breaking heart close
Hold on tight, keep it safe
Wrap me my Lord, in your precious embrace.

Hold on to me tight, Lord
My thoughts are so scattered
My heart is so weak, soon it will shatter.

I wait for an answer
Though none seems to be
But I know that you’re always holding on to me.

For what do I wait?
Is it worth it, my Lord?
Teach me to trust in your faithful Word.

I remember your promises
You have for me, a plan
I remember Abraham, the stars, and the sand.

I kneel in your presence
You tell me, “come sooner than late.”
So I come. I come and I wait.

I surrender my all
Though it hurts, and its hard
I lay down my life; my cares and the scars.

I know that you love me
And You know that I’m weak
I will be silent. Jesus- You speak.

Poem by Dasha Zhemkova.
I had to share this, it seems that I am having these exact thoughts and she beat me to writing them down. God bless you honey.

Cooking for 500

November 2012: I had a big decision to make. This decision kept me tossing and turning at night, it gave me nightmares, fear would run through me when thinking about saying "yes". I learned a lot about fear at that time. The fear of taking a risk, being responsible. The fear of failure... I was asked to be the head of the kitchen for a church new years celebration. For 400 people.

Let me tell you. I prayed about it, talked to Lesya and finally said yes. 500 people came. And I couldn't have done it without God and Lesya. Check out her blog here (*this is not an advertisement) lol.

 We started with planning, then shopping. Shopping. Shopping. Shopping. Wegman's. Sam's Club. Tops. BJ's... repeat. And I can't forget the appalled glances we received from fellow shoppers. They must have been confused as to why two (young, beautiful, accomplished..) women would buy in such extreme bulk. 

Multi-tasking- a very important thing women do. It is a learned skill that Irina here seems to have mastered!

 A lesson for all: Satisfaction in food is 100% taste and 100% presentation.

 One of my favorites we made. Berry pretzel dessert shooters. Using this recipe: click here

After running around like crazy we finally had time to just chill. I am disappointed that Lesya and I did not take any pictures together with our matching aprons!

What a unique experience. All credit and praise goes to God for giving us wisdom and strength! 

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."

Colossians 3:23. 24

I am not posting to brag about an accomplishment. I want this message to be clear... Don't let fear stop you. Pray. And then do it as if working for the Lord.