“From Milk to Meat” was created not only to give you recipe ideas to chew on, but some spiritual things to chew on as well. We would be imbalanced if we had a healthy body, but an unhealthy mind and heart, and vice versa. One of the ways that I keep my mind nourished is to feed on God’s word daily. The Bible steers me in the right direction and it’s full of hope and wisdom. God’s words encourage me, strengthen me and even correct me when I need it. When we take it seriously, and when we take God at His word, it can be more than just “inspirational” words and stories that make us feel good inside, but can be literally life changing.

 Romans 12:2 tells us to be “transformed, by the renewing of our minds”. Renewing implies that we must make something fresh and new again. My boys continually ask me to renew the books and movies we borrow from the library so they can have them again. In order to do so, we must check in with our library – the source of all the material we want. In the same way, we must continually “check in” with the “source” of everything we need if we want the benefits. I believe my source for all that I need is God.

I am always looking for a good “devotional” book. Devotionals help explain scripture, bring it to life and make it personal. Some of my favorites throughout the years have been Beth Moore, Jennie Allen and Joyce Meyer. Recently, there’s been another name added to that list – Sherry Stahl. You might want to add this name to your list too.

I’m so excited to have Sherry as my first contributor (and to try her fav recipe below)! Sherry is an accomplished writer who has a blog (here) and has published two encouraging and challenging devotionals written specifically for women. Her first devo, “Water in the Desert” is an in depth look into the Israelites as they journeyed through the desert, which will give you hope and insight as you journey through dry and seemingly hopeless seasons of your own. Knowing Sherry’s background, it is undeniable that she would be able to offer insights for those who are walking through a difficult time. It is evident that God has blessed her with both a writing and speaking gift to share with others the insights and the hope she has found.

I love connecting with Sherry each summer at our favorite spot on earth – Braeside Camp (we both met our hubbies there). Whenever we catch up, we go right to the deep – no small talk for us! Every time I am with her, I am refreshed and encouraged. She lives what she writes. Last summer, when Sherry excitedly pulled out a gorgeous new devotional from her purse, I knew that I MUST have it! “Soul H2O” was designed for the busy woman to be able to toss into their bag and take with them to feed on… or shall I say “drink back” when need be. As a busy mom of two, I was on board with the idea of having a spiritual spring of life handy when I’m feeling absolutely parched inside (my kids have a way of completely draining me – anyone else?)

Just because Sherry’s new devo fits perfectly inside your pretty little hand bag, doesn’t mean that it isn’t jam packed full of entertaining stories, truth from God’s Word and practical applications for our life. Better yet, Sherry completes every devotion with a prayer designed to help us personalize her thoughts and present our own requests to God.

I love Sherry because she is a positive force. One thing that I must be conscious of in my life is negative thinking. Sometimes my default is to think the worst and resort to fear and worry. It doesn’t do any good. I have learned the power of my own thoughts, words and actions. I understand the truth of Proverbs 23:7  – “For as she thinks in her heart, so is she.” If I want my life to change at all, it always begins with what I think, say and then do. One of God’s laws is that we will reap what we sow, and that means I should sow positivity! If I want to reap victory in my life, I should sow victorious thoughts, words and actions. I’d rather live by God’s laws than “Murphy’s law” any day of the week!

The following is an excerpt from one of my favorite devo entries in “Soul H2O”, where Sherry tells the story of someone who used positive thinking, speaking and action to change a nation’s destiny. At the bottom of this post is a link to Sherry’s website, where you can find a video of her telling the story as well- it gave me chills! Better yet, her application for me gave me hope and breathed new life into me. I pray that it does the same for you, on this early 2017 day. May you be confident this year, believing that victory is on it’s way!

VICTORY

“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.  You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”
 – Hebrews 10:35-36 NIV

Today we will begin with a quote from Winston Churchill:

“To keep your promise, you need to live out the words
of Winston Churchill and
“Never, never, never give up!”

Reading the quote by Churchill led me to research his life. He was such an inspiring man in a potentially depressing time.

In 1941, while World War II was raging and Europe was being held captive by a murderous madman, “Victor de Laveleye, former Belgian Minister of Justice and director of the Belgian French-speaking broadcasts on the BBC” encouraged Belgians to form their hands into the V shape to represent victory. Months later, Winston Churchill began using the V sign in a speech.

For four more years, through great tribulation and much defeat, Churchill continued to use this hand sign to address the people of England. This was a visual sign of his confidence in their victory. To their enemy, it was also a visual defiance and a clear message of their perseverance as a nation. The character trait that most impressed me about Churchill was his optimism.

Churchill impacted a nation to not throw away their confidence and persevere on their way to victory.
Let this same mindset be yours. Signal to your enemy that you will endure until victory is achieved and you receive all that God has promised!

PRAYER:
Father,
May a spirit of confidence in Your promises sweep over my spirit so I can persevere through anything the enemy throws my way. Help me to signal confidence and victory that will inspire others around me to great faith! In Jesus’ name, amen.

DRAWING FROM THE WELL
• Hebrews 10:35–36
• Genesis 17:5
• Romans 4:17-18
• Ephesians 3:12

 Watch Sherry’s “Victory” video here: Victory Video

Sherry’s Roasted Asparagus & Red Peppers

This is our family’s favorite veggie side dish. In the process of remaking it for the blog we’ve just found out that it actually tastes better made the healthier way with avacado oil instead of butter! Who would have ever imagined that??? This side dish can be made with either butter, olive oil or avocado oil. There are no exact measurements, but it’s really easy to tailor the recipe to match your family’s taste pallet.

2 pieces of tin foil

1 bunch of asparagus
1 red pepper
Butter, avocado oil or olive oil

Spices:
My kitchen’s flavor secret: Windsor Grinder Roasted Garlic with Sea Salt (I use it on almost everything I cook)
Ground Black Pepper
Roasted Red Pepper and/or Montreal Vegetable Spice
Club House Roasted Garlic & Peppers
Mrs. Dash Table Blend

Preheat oven to 350°
Put bottom piece of tin foil on the cookie sheet
Put oil or butter on the bottom piece of tin foil
Sprinkle spices on top of the oil or butter
Cut off the bottom of the asparagus
Cut red pepper into slender slices
Put asparagus on top of spiced up oil or butter
Put Red Pepper on top of asparagus
Sprinkle spices on top of veggies
Place 2nd piece of tin foil on top of the veggies. Fold up edges to keep juices in.
Cook in oven at 350° for 20 minutes