Category: Uncategorized

Authors, Faith, Joey Flynn's Extraordinary Tale, Uncategorized

Get My E-Book for Free!

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Free Kindle Book!  2/29 – 3/4

Joey Flynn’s Extraordinary Tale is my one, and only published book. It was a labor of love. I wrote this so the kids in your life can have a fun, adventurous book to read, that happens to have a deeper message. The theme is to trust God.

Joey Flynn is my beloved main character. Joey moves from California to Oregon the summer before sixth grade. He explores the woods of his new property in Oregon where he meets an extraordinary creature. Come along with Joey and his friends as he learns what it means to trust God.

It’s a great read for ages 8 and up. Both kids and adults have loved Joey Flynn’s Extraordinary Tale. 

Get it for your kids or grandkids.

Get it for your church.

Get it for your school.

Get it today!

Free promotion runs from Saturday, February 29, 2020 12:00AM PST through Wednesday, March 4, 2020 11:59 PM PST

Kindle Unlimited subscribers can read my book for free anytime.

Go to my “About” page to learn why I wrote a children’s book.

Listen to my interview with Kid’s Stuff Podcast here: http://kidsstuff.libsyn.com/interview-with-childrens-book-author-meghan-white

It’s my privilige to share Joey Flynn’s Extraordinary Tale with you. Enjoy the story and share it with others. If you want to leave a review on Amazon or GoodReads, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you so much! Happy reading!

Love you all,

Meghan

 

 

 

 

Faith, Food, Uncategorized

One Pot Lasagna

meghanewhite

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My mom made the best lasagna. As kids, we would request her famous lasagna for our birthday dinners. I attempted my mom’s lasagna once, when I was first married. She stayed on the phone, and talked me through each step. It turned out delicious. I made a second attempt on my own, and it wasn’t so great. I didn’t make it again.

Several years ago I came across one pot lasagna. It has everything I love. It’s Italian, simple, and my family will actually eat it. I cautiously gave it a try, and was surprised by the results. The lasagna turned out well. How could something so simple be so delicious? I didn’t stand at the stove cooking sauce for hours. There is no boiling of lasagna noodles, and then laying them out separately, before you even begin assembling your lasagna. Did I actually make a scrumptious, savory, edible lasagna? Yes! I did. And you can too. 

Just like the title says, it really only uses one pot. Honestly, this recipe holds up against traditional lasagna quite well. It may even be better. I can’t believe I just said that. I’ve had lasagna where the sauce cooked for twenty four hours, and it was very good. One pot lasagna is just as good, in my opinion, and way easier to make. 

Give your family a hearty satisfying meal with this fantastic lasagna.

 

Happy Eating!

 

Now these three remain:

faith, hope, and love.

But the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:13

 

One Pot Lasagna

 

1 to 2 Tbsp Olive Oil

½ medium yellow onion, chopped

1 lb. ground beef

1 lb. mild Italian sausage

8 Oven Ready lasagna noodles (broken into pieces)

1 (28oz.) can crushed tomatoes

1 (8oz.) can tomato sauce

3 to 5 cloves of crushed garlic

½ cup water

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. pepper

½ tsp. sugar

1 tsp. basil

1 tsp. oregano

1 tsp. Italian seasoning

1 (7.5oz.) ricotta cheese

6 oz. shredded Mozzarella

 

  1. In a large skillet (at least 12”), saute onions over medium-high heat in olive oil until translucent.
  2. Add in ground beef and Italian sausage. Once the meat is cooked, drain off fat.
  3. While the meat is cooking, add the crushed tomatoes in a large bowl with the tomato sauce and the ½ cup water. Season the tomato mixture with sugar, basil, oregano, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt and pepper.
  4. Add lasagna noodles that have been broken into large pieces on top of the drained meat mixture. Do not stir. Just make an even layer of the noodles.
  5. Pour sauce mixture over the broken up noodles. Do not stir. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover and cook for 10 minutes.
  6. After 10 minutes, remove the lid and gently stir. Separate any noodles that are stuck together.
  7. Replace the lid, and simmer an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. After the second 10 minutes. Turn off heat, remove the lid, stir well and separate any stuck noodles.
  9. Put spoonfuls of ricotta cheese evenly over the top. Cover and let it sit, off heat, for 5 minutes.
  10. Sprinkle mozzarella on top and place under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes until cheese is melted and browned.

 

Notes

* You can use plain ricotta cheese or you can add herbs for more flavor.

* Make sure to use a large oven safe pan.

* To save time, mix up your tomato sauce before you begin cooking.

* Adjust the spices to your taste.

* Break the dry lasagna noodles into approximately 2 inch sized pieces. 

 

 

Check out my monthly column at Mustard Seed Sentinel. You can get this recipe and more. Go to the “More” tab and scroll down to Meghan’s Corner.

https://www.mustardseedsentinel.com/post/meghan-s-corner-one-pot-lasagna

Faith, Jesus, Uncategorized

Get Some Rest

meghanewhite

symmetrical photography of clouds covered blue sky

Achieve. Produce. Work. Don’t stop.

We are an achievement driven culture. At least in America. The message is consistently sent that our worth is based on our contribution to society. If we’re not doing, then we’re not living.

We’ve got jobs, and responsibilities. In order to thrive, work is required. It’s all part of the “being human” gig. Work can be good and rewarding.

Hard work and achievements do matter. As Christians, we have the important responsibility to serve the Lord. We give, labor, and strive, all for the Kingdom. We each have a “calling” to do good works for Christ.

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10, NIV)

Super important, and quite exciting to be a part of what God is doing. What about rest? What about just being? God is our maker and knows we need rest. He made us with the need for rest.

We are not designed to go nonstop. We are meant to rest in Christ. This beautiful act is not always easy.

In Mark 6 we read about the disciples needing rest. Actually, I don’t think they knew they needed rest, but Jesus knew exactly what they needed.

Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”(Mark 6:31, NIV)

Three things are required for rest.

Jesus, solitude, and quiet.

Sounds easy, right?

It’s definitely simple, but not always easy. We are so busy doing, that stopping to rest sounds like we’re doing nothing. Like, we’re wasting time.

Rest is a verb. When we choose to get alone, and quiet ourselves it’s an action. When we invite Jesus into that time and space it’s life changing. Only Jesus can give us real rest. Jesus will fill us up, if we let him.

The world takes from us, Jesus constantly gives to us.

Rest in Jesus is like breathing in the purest air. It’s like feeling the warm sun on your face.

Real rest comes from Jesus. He gives rest to our weary souls.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30, NIV)

Is your soul weary? Are you tired? Maybe burned out?

You might be thinking Where am I going to squeeze in one more thing? It’s not to burden you. It’s to encourage and help you. I strongly encourage you to pick a time to step away. Even if it’s just five minutes. Find a quiet spot. It doesn’t have to be pretty. Closets work.

No phone. No noise. Just you and Jesus. Talk with Him. Listen to Him. Grab your Bible. Ask Him to speak to you. You can also do nothing and just sit with Jesus.

Jesus is waiting for you. He will give you the rest you so desperately need.

Love you all,

Meghan

Heavenly Father,

We are tired. Our souls can get so tired and weary. You know our limits and how much we need to rest in Jesus. Help us all to make rest in Christ a priority. Show us how to rest in you. Show us where and when to spend time alone with Jesus. We need you. We love you and praise you Father!

Amen

 

Photo by James Wheeler on Pexels.com
Faith, God, Uncategorized

God Loves You

meghanewhite

frozen wave against sunlight

I will never forget the day I finally understood that God really loved me. I was 18, and always knew in my head that I was loved by God. Deep down though, I questioned that love. There was no way God loved me. It couldn’t be that simple. I was not worthy of such love. That perfect love was for the perfect people, the perfect Christians, not me.

The truth is, God’s perfect unconditional love is for all of us.

The moment I fully accepted the love my Heavenly Father had for me, I was changed. It’s a personal love, for He calls me by name. My name is written on the palms of His mighty hands.

“See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands.” (Isaiah 49:16a, NLT)

God calls us sons and daughters. That means He is my Father.

“I will be a Father to you,
And you shall be My sons and daughters,
Says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:18, NKJV)

God calls us His children.

“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.” (1 John 3:1, NKJV) 

God loves us with an everlasting love.

“I have loved you with an everlasting love;
therefore, I have continued to extend faithful love to you.” (Jeremiah 31:3b, HCSB)

God’s love is faithful and true.

“But You, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God,
slow to anger and rich in faithful love and truth.” (Psalm 86:15, HCSB)

God’s love will not end.

“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.’ (Deuteronomy 7:9, NIV)

God loved us first.

“We love because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19, ESV)

God loves us so much that He gave us Jesus.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, ESV)

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8, NKJV)

God rejoices over you with singing.

The Lord your God in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17, NKJV)

Nothing can seperate us from God’s love

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:37-39, ESV)

Do you know how much God loves you? Maybe you’re like I was. You think it in your head, but it’s not in your heart. I pray today that changes for you. May you experience the love of God like never before. Let Him fill up your heart with the knowledge of His amazing love.

It is mind boggling to think about, and accept the love of a perfect God. Bask in it. Recieve this beautiful love from God, and praise Him for it. God loves you!

Love you all,

Meghan

 

 

Photo by Hernan Pauccara on Pexels.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Faith, Spiritual Warfare, Trials, Uncategorized

For the Hurting, You Are Loved

meghanewhite

cloud-1867317_1920

Are you hurting? In deep pain? Someone I love is hurting deeply. They are struggling with suicidal thoughts. It breaks my heart. They’ve lost hope. When we lose hope, all we see is darkness. We think there is no way out. That’s a lie.

There is always hope. Jesus Christ is our hope. He can pierce the darkness with His glorious light. Cry out to Him. He hears you. He sees you. He will make a way for you.

Thus says the Lord,
    who makes a way in the sea,
    a path in the mighty waters,
 who brings forth chariot and horse,
    army and warrior;
they lie down, they cannot rise,
    they are extinguished, quenched like a wick:
 “Remember not the former things,
    nor consider the things of old.
 Behold, I am doing a new thing;
    now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
    and rivers in the desert.

(Isaiah 43:16-19, ESV) 

 

If you don’t know Jesus, today would be a great day to change that. Jesus knows you and loves you beyond comprehension. Jesus died for sinners, which is all of us. Our sin debt is paid in full.

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8, NIV) 

Call on Jesus. Ask Him to save you and He will!

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13, NIV)

I wrote a letter to my young friend who is in deep pain. The Lord gave me the words. The names have been changed. If you, or someone you know, is depressed or struggling with suicidal thoughts, feel free to use my letter and personalize it. I pray it can help others. May God be glorified.

Please ask for help if you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or depression. I know it’s not easy, but your loved ones care so deeply about you and want to help. You are not alone.

Love you all,

Meghan

 

 

 

Dear Elizabeth,

I’m very sorry that you are hurting. When you hurt, I hurt too. You are dearly loved by so many. Your mom and dad love you more than you will ever know. Your brothers and sisters, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and so many other family members love you so very much. 

There is one who loves you more than even your mom and dad. God loves you, dear sweet Elizabeth. Your Heavenly Father knew you before time began. He looked at you and said, “This one is going to have a voice like an angel, and a pure, compassionate heart.” 

Elizabeth, there is one YOU in this whole wide world. God has a purpose and a plan for you, but you’ve got to trust Him. Give Him your pain, and heartache, and questions. God can take it, and He wants you to give it all to Him. You are not designed to carry such pain. 

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

(In the Greek, cast means to throw, hurl, or toss) 

You have the freedom in Jesus to throw your anxiety on Him. This is not a suggestion. We are told to do so. Elizabeth, throw it on Him! If you have to throw it a hundred times in a day, then do it!! You have freedom and Holy Spirit power in you!! That means you’ve got the power of God in you. The moment you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior you received the Holy Spirit. This is not spooky stuff, it’s the amazing truth. 

When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, Ephesians 1:13 

Those bad, evil, lying thoughts that come in your mind are not the truth. A thought or idea does not mean it’s the truth. You will have many thoughts all day long, some are good and some are not. If the thought does not line up with the word of God, it’s garbage. 

God will NEVER:

Call you names

Tell you to hurt yourself.

Tell you to hurt another person.

Tell you anything that goes against His word.

 

God says:

I love you.

You are my precious daughter.

I made you with an everlasting love.

I will carry you when you can’t walk.

I am a way maker.

Give me your pain.

Give me your doubts.

Give me your fears.

Trust me.

I will never leave you.

 

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 

When you get a bad thought in your mind, picture Jesus holding a stop sign. Give the bad thought to Jesus. Those bad thoughts have to come under the authority of Jesus. Tell the stupid thought “No!”

Praise and worship is another powerful tool to fight back against the battles that go on in our mind. You invite God in when you worship. So sing out praises to the King of Kings! Even if you don’t feel like it. 

But you are holy,

you who inhabit the praises of Israel. Psalm 22:3 

Elizabeth is God’s chosen one. 

Elizabeth is God’s special possession.

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9

He knows everything about you. Every pain, every sorrow, every sadness, every bad thought. All of it. He loves you and will never walk away from you. He can handle your disappointments, doubts, fears, anxiety, and questions. If you let Him, Jesus can turn your deepest pain into something so beautiful. Trust God. He’s bigger than you can imagine. Bigger than your hurt. Nothing is impossible with Him.

For with God nothing will be impossible. Luke 1:37

I’m here for you if you need to talk. 

 

With Love,

Meghan 

 

Heavenly father,

I lift up precious Elizabeth to you. Give her hope, peace, and comfort. Set her free from these tormenting thoughts. Your word says she has the mind of Christ. Let Elizabeth hear your voice above all the noise, above the lies. Let her hear your truth that she is loved, she belongs to you. Let her hear your powerful still, small voice. Give Elizabeth wisdom and discernment. Help her take every thought captive, and make them obedient to Christ.

In Jesus name,

Amen 

 

 

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