Tag: trust God

Food, mustard seed sentinel

Key Lime Pie

meghanewhite

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There is something so delightful about a key lime pie. Maybe because it has the perfect amount of tart and sweet. I love all things citrus and key lime pie takes the cake. I mean it takes the pie. What I’m trying to say is that key lime pie is fantastic and this recipe is easy and amazingly good. 

I have been making this mouth-watering dessert for years and it always brings smiles. That makes me happy, which makes me smile too. It fills me up to know that I brought a little joy to someone in the form of a delicious piece of pie. You can’t be angry when you are enjoying a yummy treat. We all just need to eat more desserts.

No key limes are required to make this key lime pie. I have used key limes before and they are not the easiest fruit to work with since they are very small. Also, key limes are not always available at the grocery store. Regular limes work great. 

Make this delectable pie and bring some happiness to your world.

 

Happy Eating!

 

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:11dsc00538

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Key Lime Pie

Ingredients

8 egg yolks 

2 cans sweetened condensed milk

The juice of 5 limes (approximately ½ cup) 

Zest of 5 limes (about 1 tablespoon)

For the crust

2 sleeves of graham crackers

14 tablespoons of melted butter

 

    1. Preheat oven to 325°
    2. Place graham crackers in a food processor and process until finely ground. You can also place graham crackers in a zip lock bag and pound them with a rolling pin until you get fine crumbs. Put the graham cracker crumbs in a large mixing bowl.
    3. Add melted butter to the graham cracker crumbs. Mix until combined. 
    4. Press the graham cracker/butter mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan. Use the back of a measuring cup to firmly press the crust in place. 
    5. Bake the crust for 20 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely.
    6. Reduce oven temperature to 300°
    7. Add egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, and lime zest to a large mixing bowl or stand mixer. Use the whisk attachment and mix on medium to medium high until everything is thoroughly combined. 
    8. Pour the pie filling into the pie crust. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
    9. The pie is done when the filling is firm but slightly soft. It won’t be wiggly and it won’t be brown. 
    10. Let the pie cool completely. Wait at least 4 to 6 hours before serving. Refrigerate overnight for the best flavor.

 

Notes

*If you can find key limes, use a few more than what the recipe calls for since they are small.

*Make this pie a day ahead for the best flavor.

* Buy extra limes to use for garnish. 

* Top with whipped cream.

 

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For this recipe and more go to the link. I write a monthly article for Mustard Seed Sentinel,  Meghan’s Corner. 

https://www.mustardseedsentinel.com/post/meghan-s-corner-key-lime-pie

Trials

Never Forget 9/11

meghanewhite

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It was a typical Tuesday morning. Dylan was playing with his toy trains. At 2 1/2 years old, life was uncomplicated for my little boy. Our peaceful morning was interrupted by a phone call, then another, and another. Call after call alerting me to turn on the news. America had been attacked.

I went into my bedroom and turned on the t.v. The shocking images of the World Trade Center on fire with smoke pouring out did not seem real. The grim reality set in at the horrific sight of the towers rapidly collapsing. Chaos, people covered in dust running, and crying. I was in complete shock like everyone else. Safe America was no more.

Our church filled up that night with people praying. Crying out to God. Looking for answers. Trying to make sense of what happened. Our false sense of security had been breeched. It was the first time I had experienced real fear living in a free and presumably safe country.

Almost 3000 people were killed in the 9/11 terror attacks on America. It’s the largest terrorist attack in world history. Four planes in total were hijacked. Two planes struck the World Trade Center towers, one plane struck the Pentagon, and flight 93 crashed into a Pennsylvania field.

Mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, husbands, wives, children, aunts, uncles, and grandparents were gone. Real people who were dearly loved. Those who lost their precious loved ones on that awful day never forget. They can’t.

There are countless miraculous stories from that tragic day. So many first responders ran into the danger to save people, to help. Many gave their lives. Ordinary citizens became heroes as well. Like those who helped bring flight 93 down. Sacrifice, honor, humanity, service, and love are what I think of when all these heroic people come to mind.

One of the most tragic days in American history brought us together. There were U.S. flags everywhere. A new sense of patriotism. Not because we were better than any other country, but because we were better together. What was meant to destroy us, made us stronger.

Churches were filled to the brim. Those of us with faith clung to Jesus, our only hope. Some who had ignored God, started seeking and searching Him out. We were a little kinder to each other, gave a little more grace, and hugged our loved ones a little tighter. Our human frailty confronted us all on that dark day.

May we never forget those cherished lives that were lost on 9/11.

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
    my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
    my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Psalm 18:2

Father God,

Thank you for your grace and mercy. We lift up all the families and those hurting today as they remember their loved ones who’s lives were lost on 9/11. Comfort them, Father. Give them peace and surround them with Your love. Remind them of the good memories they have of their loved ones. Bring love, support, and encouragement to these special people. May they experience your deep abiding love.

We lift up all those who suffered injuries and trauma from those evil attacks. Give them peace, healing, and comfort. Draw each of them to you Lord. May they experience the life changing love from the Prince of Peace, Jesus.

Heal our land, Lord. As we remember 9/11 today, remind us of who we can be in Christ. We cry out to You, Abba, for mercy, grace and forgiveness. Turn our hard hearts back to You.

In Jesus Mighty name,

Amen

God

Known by God

meghanewhite

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There are 17,000 Union soldiers buried in Vicksburg National Cemetery. The vast majority of tombstones say “Unknown”. Thousands of grave markers with no name. Were these men really unknown? Of course not. They had mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, wives and children who knew them. Unfortunately the makeshift grave sites during the Civil War identifying these soldiers were gone by the time a national cemetery was created.

I looked at row after row of these unknown soldiers thinking of their families who knew them well. The generals and high ranking officials have grand memorials with statues of bronze, yet the enlisted guys have simple markers with a number. God knew each and every one of them. They were known by a loving God.

Who knows you? Does your husband or wife know you? Maybe your friends know you. Your siblings might know you or your parents. Sure we all have people in our lives who know us better than anyone else, but who knows you the best? God knows us better than anyone, even better than we know ourselves.

You have searched me, Lord,
    and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
    you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
    you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
    you, Lord, know it completely.

Psalm 139:1-4, NIV

Our creator, God, knows every single thing about us. He knows when we sit, and when we rise. He is familiar with all our ways. Before we say a word, He knows it completely.

God knows our struggles, our heartache, our deep pain. God knows our sins, and bad choices. God knows our ugly thoughts and our deepest needs. God knows every single thing about us, and still loves us like no one else can. God’s love for us is perfect.

Every person has the desire to be known. There is only one who knows us deeply, perfectly, lovingly. God knows you and He knows me. Do you know God?

There is only one way to the Father, that’s Jesus.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6, NIV

The God of the universe knows you. He made you, and loves you so very much. No one knows you like God. If you are feeling invisible or unknown, please be assured that you are known and you are loved by God.

God is always there, watching over you. Even when you think no one sees or cares, God does. He loves you passionately and will pursue you all the days of your life. God knows you, really knows you, like no other. You can trust Him fully. Do you know Him?

May you feel the deep abiding love of God, who made you and knows you. You are known.

Love you all,

Meghan

Food, mustard seed sentinel

Oven Roasted Tomatoes

meghanewhite

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I love tomatoes in any and every way possible. Sliced on a sandwich, chopped in salsa, cooked in sauce and fresh from the garden are all scrumptious. Tomatoes are versatile and delicious. One of my favorite ways to prepare the all-purpose tomato is roasted.

Roasted tomatoes have the most amazing flavor and are very easy to make. I love to use Romas when roasting tomatoes but any tomato will do. You can slice them thin or just halve them depending on how you will use your roasted tomatoes.

Add them to salads, soups, or sandwiches. Toss roasted tomatoes with some pasta, garlic, olive oil, and parmesan for a delicious simple meal. Compliment your main dish of chicken, fish or pork with some roasted tomatoes. Put some roasted tomatoes on a charcuterie board or the top of crostini.

There are numerous ways to use roasted tomatoes to add wonderful flavor and texture to just about any dish. It’s also a great way to preserve tomatoes since they can be kept in the freezer for up to six months. I hope you are inspired to give roasted tomatoes a try.

Happy Eating!

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

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Oven Roasted Tomatoes

Ingredients

2 pounds plum tomatoes

olive oil

Salt and pepper

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400℉
  2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment.
  3. Slice tomatoes in half. Gently remove the seeds and stems.
  4. Place the sliced tomatoes on prepared baking sheet.
  5. Drizzle with olive oil and salt and pepper.
  6. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until tomatoes begin to carmelize.
  7. Cool and add them to your favorite dish.

Notes:

Store roasted tomatoes in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 6 months.

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Crostini

Ingredients

Baguette

Olive oil

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350℉
  2. Slice baguette into ¼ inch rounds.
  3. Brush each side with olive oil and place on a baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 15 minutes until crisp and golden brown.

Notes:

Add whatever toppings you like to the crostini.

I topped mine with ricotta cheese, roasted tomatoes, and fresh oregano.

For this recipe and more go to Mustard Seed Sentinel.

https://www.mustardseedsentinel.com

Persecution

How to Pray for Afghanistan

meghanewhite

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My heart sank as I watched the tarmac filled with Afghan people wanting to leave. Some were desperate enough to cling to the massive C-17 in hopes of rescue. Like many of you, I wanted to do something but felt so helpless being so far away. One of the best things we can do is pray.

According to Open Doors, Afghanistan is the second most persecuted country for Christians. Open Doors is a non-denominational Christian ministry that supports the persecuted church around the world. They keep vital statistics on persecution.

“Open Doors USA is dedicated to the radical idea that every Christian belongs to one Church and one Family“

Another incredible ministry to the persecuted church is The Voice of the Martyrs. I love both of these amazing ministries because they are passionate about prayer, and helping the suffering church all over the world.

Every province in Afghanistan has Christians, according to The Voice of the Martyrs. These are our brothers and sisters in Christ. How can we help? We can pray.

The Voice of the Martyrs has put together a list of ways we can pray.

How to Pray for Afghanistan Today

  1. PRAY FOR GOD’S PROTECTION. The situation on the ground is fluid right now. Pray for God’s protection over His people.
  2. PRAY FOR WISDOM. Ask God to bless our brothers and sisters with discernment as they decide whether to stay or go and even with whom they should talk.
  3. PRAY FOR FELLOWSHIP. Believers in Afghanistan often must keep their faith a secret — even from family members. Pray that God will help each Afghan believer to connect and fellowship with at least one other believer in person, by phone or through some other technology. Pray that God will remind them that they are not alone, but are part of the global body of Christ.
  4. PRAY FOR SAFE PASSAGE. Pray that God will provide safe passage to those who feel led by God to leave Afghanistan and provide for their immediate needs in their new location.
  5. PRAY THAT MUSLIMS WILL MEET CHRIST. The Taliban claim to be “true Muslims,” strictly adhering to Sharia (Islamic law). As Muslims in Afghanistan see this cruel face of Islam, pray that they will be drawn to Jesus Christ, the shepherd Savior who doesn’t oppress but instead chose to lay down His life for His sheep.
  6. PRAY FOR CHRISTIANS TRYING TO HELP. For decades, VOM has provided help and encouragement to Christians in Afghanistan. Pray for the wisdom of front-line workers, and pray that God will open new pathways for them to continue their work under Taliban control. 

THANK YOU for standing with our Afghan brothers and sisters during this volatile time.

Love you all,

Meghan

Home
Click on the above link that says “Home” to access Open Doors.

https://www.persecution.com

Click on the above link to access The Voice of the Martyrs.