4 Lessons on Christ-centered Friendship

We have been learning a lot about the Kingdom era in the bible this week at the Kanakuk Institute. I am loving going deeper and diving into the Old Testament. Wait, did that really just come out of my mouth?? To be honest, studying the Old Testament in scripture has always seemed like a daunting task and it was really hard for me to get excited about studying it. I knew a lot of the stories and have read most of the O.T. books at different points and just thought it was about genealogies, history, weird laws, wars, kings and prophets. I thought it was dry and boring and could not apply to my life, so why study it? 

Little did I know, I would soon have my mind blown by the rich and deeper meaning, people, history and the "golden thread" that connects all the stories in the bible. It is so amazing to see the connections all throughout the Old Testament stories and prophecies that point to the coming of a messiah- Jesus Christ.

A little information on how the bible is broken down: The word "Bible" means 'Books' and the Holy Bible that we have today is broken into 66 unique books. The first 39 books are called the "Old Testament" that was written before Christ came and tells us the story of creation, the fall of man being led into sin by satan, many stories of how God interacted with his people, gives them the Law to live by, and points us to a coming messiah that would come and redeem us from our sin. The New testament is made up of 27 books and they reveal the son of God, the miraculous works of Jesus, his death on the cross, taking our place and paying the penalty for our sins, his resurrection and life, paving the way for us to believe in Him and live in a relationship with him. The books show the perseverance of the early christians and proclaims to us how to live a new life surrendered to Jesus!

The New Testament is the fulfillment of all of the prophecies of the Old Testament and our anticipation in the O.T. is here- Jesus is the golden thread! The O.T. anticipates the coming of the one true God that was to come and fulfill all of the promises and prophecies. The New Testament is the manifestation of the messiah, the one they had been anticipating! God sent his son Jesus to fulfill the law and the prophets.  Jesus said "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." Matthew 5:17 The books lay out how we are to live in grace by FAITH, trust in the Lord and walk in the good works he has laid out for us.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:8-10

Jesus is the great REDEEMER! Jesus came so that we could have a relationship with the Father, and he fills us with peace and joy as we rest in the peace and hope only HE can bring. He gives us the promises of eternal life with Him and fills us with hope as we wait on his return.

One of my favorite stories I have learned so from the Old Testament comes from the book of 1 Samuel in the Kingdom era. It is a story of true and lasting friendship and it has really made an impression on me.

It is the story of the friendship between Jonathon and David and much can be learned from their friendship! They were both princes of Israel, one by birth (Jonathon), the other by marriage (David).They were both in line to assume the throne of Israel. But one of them, David, had been given a promise from God when he was 15 years old that he would be the heir to the throne one day. Both were mighty men of valor and were respected and trusted by the men they led in battle. Each had accomplished great feats, relying on God for victory. They were loyal to one another and to their king. David and Jonathon could have been enemies and rivals, yet they set aside jealousy, resentment, bitterness, competition and lust for power, choosing instead to become the closest of friends. It is said that Jonathon loved David as his own soul. God had given them this gift of friendship as it says he "knitted their souls together." This is a great example of true friendship- that when Jonathan, who, in spite of his father King Saul's jealousy, pursuit of David, and attempts to kill him, stood by his friend. You will find that story in 1 Samuel chapter 18 through chapter 20. Some pertinent passages are1 Samuel 18:1-4;19: 4-7;20:11-17,41-42. 

One example of their friendship and need to be strengthened in the Lord is from 1 Samuel 23:15-18. This passage stood out to me in particular because of the many practical implications. It is a simple and profound illustration of what needs to happen in the ongoing fight of faith.

Observation:

            Read: 1 Samuel 23:15-18 says "And David was afraid because Saul had come out to seek his life. David was in the Wilderness of Ziph at Horesh. And Jonathan, Saul's son, rose, and went to David at Horesh, and strengthened his hand in God. And he said to him, "Fear not; for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you; you shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you; Saul my father also knows this." And the two of them made a covenant before the LORD; David remained at Horesh, and Jonathan went home.

            Context: David is going from place to place in the Wilderness of Ziph (about 30 miles south of Jerusalem), trying to stay out of King Saul's path, who is trying desperately to kill David because he believes he is a threat to the throne. But Jonathan, Saul's son, loves David as he does his own self and hears that he is in the Wilderness of Ziph, and travels down to strengthen his hand in God.

This encounter between Jonathan and David illustrates at least four lessons about helping each other fight the fight of faith.

1. David was afraid and in trouble and needed a friend.

2. Jonathon saw this need and intentionally rose and went to him.

3. Jonathon strengthened David’s hand in GOD.

4. Jonathon reminded him of the promises of God.

Interpretation:

God uses us to help each other fight the fight of faith successfully day in and day out until the end. He uses us to strengthen each other in the Lord. God has appointed a means by which he will enable us to hold our confidence firm to the end as stated in Hebrews 3:12–14, read: "Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end."

Four things we can learn from Jonathan's meeting with David

1. Everyone's need for deep Christian friendships

A.     Christian fellowship and companionship is not just for new believers. It is for every believer! We NEVER grow out of our need for the ministry of other Christians. No one is beyond the need for daily exhortation in the fight of faith.

B.     Even the strongest leaders need Christian friendship to strengthen their hands in God. David was a good man. David was deep. David was an outstanding leader. David was a strong warrior. David was a man after God’s own heart. Yet, even still, David NEEDED Jonathan. Every believer needs help to persevere in the faith.

C.     Never think that someone is so far above you that you can't be God's instrument to give strength. We must never think someone is so strong that they do not need our encouragement in the Lord. David was no doubt superior to Jonathan in strength and intelligence and depth of theological understanding, but verse 16 says that Jonathan went and strengthened his hand in God.

Point 1 conclusion: We never outgrow our need for daily exhortation. WE ALL NEED friends to strengthen our hands in God and we need to BE THAT FRIEND that points others to God. Even the greatest Christians, the most courageous fighters of the faith, are not above the need to have their hands strengthened in God. In fact, the enemy may be attacking them in a greater way and their need for strengthening in God becomes even more imperative!

2. A Conscious and Intentional Effort

The second lesson we learn from Jonathon is that strengthening a person's hand in God involves conscious and intentional effort. The mark of Christian maturity is that you build into your life the intention and the occasions to strengthen someone's hand in God.

A.     It is intentional and on purpose! You don’t just do it on a whim, you rise and go down to help your friend! Read verse 16: "And Jonathan, Saul's son, rose, and went to David at Horesh, and strengthened his hand in God."

B.     Jonathan did not accidentally meet David in Horesh (though that happens at times!). He PLANNED to go and strengthen him. What a difference it would make if we woke up in the morning and made a PLAN to purposefully and intentionally strengthen someone’s hand in God!

Point 2 Conclusion: Emphasis is on the importance of having a cluster of friends in the faith with the mutual agreement that you will continually point each other to Jesus Christ for hope and strength.

3. Strengthening Each Other in God

The third lesson is that we are to strengthen others in God.

A.     The scripture says he rose and went to David at Horesh, and strengthened his hand in God. The whole point of Christian friendship is to point each other to Christ, not man, for help and strength. We must develop Christ centered friendships.

B.     When we give others strength, we are to give them strength in GOD, NOT in OURSELVES. Verse 16 does not say that Jonathan came all that way to Horesh to strengthen David's self-esteem, self-confidence or pet his ego. He went to strengthen his hand in God.

Point 3 Conclusion: Every Christian group of friends should exist to strengthen each other's hands in God and not in man. "Jonathan rose and went to David at Horesh, and strengthened his hand in God."

4. Remind Each Other of the Promises of God

So how does Jonathon strengthen Davids hand in God?

A.     Read: (verse 17): "Fear not; for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you; you shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you; Saul my father also knows this."

B.     In chapter 16, the prophet Samuel had anointed David as a boy to be king over Israel. So the way Jonathan strengthened David's hand in God was to remind him of a promise that God had made (1 Samuel 16:12). Saul could not succeed against David because God was for him. So Jonathan strengthened David's hand in God by reminding him of his calling in the purposes of God.

Point 4 Conclusion: It is the same with us as believers, we strengthen each other's hands in God by reminding each other about the promises of God that are especially suited for each other's needs. 

We must KNOW the promises of God to be able to remind others what they are in order to strengthen them in the Lord!

Application:

·      How can we know the promises of God?  *Renew your mind and saturate yourself in the Word of God! Psalm 1 says, meditate on the word day and night and then you will be a fountain of living water and will strengthen the hands of many in God.  

·      How can we develop the kind of Christian relationships in which you help each other hold fast to the promises of God and escape the deceitfulness of sin?

·      Do you have a cluster of friends committed (intentionally) to helping each other fight the fight of faith in this way?

·      Whose hand are you going to strengthen in God today? This week?

·      How can we exhort one another day in and day out to stand fast and continue firm in the faith?

Pray: Let us strengthen each other's hands in God!

More great truths and insights about friendship from the examples of Jonathon and David can be found here.

Thanks for reading! I hope you have gained some marvelous insights into God's word. I am so glad God has opened my eyes to how rich and deep are the promises of God in the Old Testament! May we always cling to his promises and build one another up in the Lord!  

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up..." -1 Thessalonians 5:11

Love,

D Pro

Discover the truth of the Bible for yourself!

 Hey guys!! I am in my third full week of the Kanakuk Institute and I am loving it and learning a ton! To see more information about the K- Institute and what I am doing- click here. We are living in a cute little 'cabana' at K-Kauai campus for 8-months while I attend this discipleship program. We live on campus where all the students of the institute live and have adjusted quite well into the institute life. It has been so fun getting to know the 70 other students here, creating new friendships, learning about God together and extensively studying the bible. It has been refreshing and challenging all at once. I would love to share with you one thing I have learned thus far and something that I think, if used correctly, can greatly impact your life!

If you desire to know God and long to come into a personal and abiding relationship with Him, learn how to live a Christ-centered life and come to an understand what God requires of you, then this is for YOU! 

The Inductive bible study method is a great way to bring you directly to the word of God, to help you interact with the text yourself, absorb its truth, and allow God to engrave His truth on your heart, mind and life. This method allows you to see truth for yourself, discern what it means, and apply that truth to your life. 

Always start bible study in prayer so that you may be sensitive to His leading and allow Him to speak to you through His word. God uses his scriptures to give us insight, wisdom, and guidance in our life. I often keep a journal to write down my prayers or to record what the Lord is teaching me through the scriptures I read. The rest of this post I will walk you through the three parts of inductive bible study.

Observation: What does it say?

Observation is prayerfully reading and discovering what the text says! This is where we zoom out and look at the scripture as part of bigger picture and theme. As you read the text, ask: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How? This will help you uncover the deeper meaning of the passage and keep the passage in context.  Accurate answers to these questions will allow the correct interpretation of scripture in its intended meaning without being colored by our own presuppositions- our own thoughts, feelings or other’s opinions.

To get started, choose a small portion of scripture to observe so that you do not get overwhelmed and can read the text several times to see what it says. Some good questions to ask while observing the text are: Who is speaking? Who are the main characters? Who is this about? To Whom is he speaking? What is the author trying to explain? What is the main subject of the passage? When do or will the events occur? Where did or will the happen? Why is this being mentioned? 

As you go, make notes, and meditate on the truths God reveals to you and how it will apply to your life. While observing the texts look for key words, repetitions, comparisons, contrasting ideas and themes. Recording these things will help bring the book to life and serve as a good reminder of what God has spoken to your heart when you come across it later. Once you have understood what the text says, you can move on to interpretation to discern what the text means

Interpretation: What does it mean?

This is where we zoom in and look at a specific verse and discover what the text means. While observation leads to an accurate understanding of what the word of God says, interpretation goes a step further to help you understand what it means. While interpreting the scriptures it is very important to keep the verse in context by looking at the verse in light of the surrounding verses, the book in which it is found and lastly, the entire word of God. Take the word at face value, in its natural, and normal sense. Look first for the clear teaching of the scripture, not the hidden meaning. Always try to understand what the author had in mind when you interpret a portion of the bible. Never take scripture out of context to make it say what you want it to say. Discover what the author was trying to say and do not add to his meaning or change it in any way. As you read the bible regularly and saturate yourself in the Word of God, it will help you to discern whether a teaching or opinion you hear outside of the bible is biblical or if it is false doctrine. Let the passage speak for itself. Your interpretation of a specific passage should be consistent with what the word of God says in its entirety. 

Application: How does this apply to my life?

This is where we apply what we learn. No matter how much knowledge you have about God’s word, if it is not put into practice, scripture will never benefit your life. James 1:22 Says that if we are a hearer of the Word and not a doer, we deceive ourselves. This is why applying scripture to your life is so vital! When you know what God says, what He means, and how to put His truths into practice you will be prepared for any situation in your life!  When you have adjusted any false concepts or teaching you may have believed, and embrace the truth revealed in Gods word, then you have applied what you have learned.

In applying scripture to our lives, these questions may be helpful:

A.             What does the passage teach?
B.             Does this section of Scripture expose any error in my beliefs of in my behavior?
C.             What is God’s instruction to me as His child?

Jesus can transform our lives by revealing himself in the scriptures, letting us learn from his life and his teaching and then being obedient to him. Observation, interpretation, application leads to transformation. Ultimately, the goal of personal bible study is to help you live in a deep abiding relationship with Jesus Christ and allow him to transform your life.

One of the apostle Paul’s concerns for Timothy (his son in the faith) was that he would learn to handle God’s word in a way that would please the Lord. In 2 Timothy 2:15 he says “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”

Someday we will also give an account for how we stewarded what the Lord has given us in His word. I pray that we will handle it accurately and allow God’s living and active word to transform and make an impact on our lives. Go to www.precepts.org for more details and guidance on this method of bible study. 

What are your favorite ways to go deeper in the study of scripture?

What have you found to be helpful?

I would love to hear about how you go about interacting with the word of God!

Life Update

Just want to take a second to post about our summer this past year before I forget all of the craziness that ensued and give you an update on what is going on in our lives this year.

Summer update: What an absolutely crazy and fun filled summer we had!! Our first stop was Checotah and Justins wedding in Willow, MO where Tyler and I were both in the wedding party. It was so fun getting them married and sending them off as newlyweds. Next we went to Florida for about 10 days to see family and celebrate July 4th together! We ate lots of seafood, watched my relatives in sailboat races, played lots of cards and bathed in the sun. It was the first time all of my siblings have gotten together since Toler and Amy's wedding last August!! It was about time the Shepherds all got together! Next we went home for a few days then it was off to Hawaii for what was one of the best weeks of my life! Tyler and I planned for this trip since the year before and we got to experience Oahu with some of our great friends Mark and Laura! Maybe I will do a post just from Hawaii pictures sometime. It seriously was one of the most beautiful places I have ever been! With the mountains on one side, and shore line on the other, every where you looked was gorgeous. After Hawaii, we flew straight into Dallas and stayed with my brother and his wife for a few days & then was a part of Alexis' wedding party. What a gorgeous wedding it was! After the wedding, we drove back to Branson and as soon as I got home I was off to volunteer for a week at Camp Barnabus (a christian camp for children with special needs). I was so tired but super excited to be working at the camp and seeing my little brother there as well! After camp we went to Nebraska to see Tylers parents and hang out with them for a few days. WOW. I can't believe we did all of that in one summer. It truly was a fantastic summer.


Now, to catch you up to speed with what we are doing now... This whole past year Tyler and I had been trying to figure out what the next year would hold for us. I liked working at the school, my co-workers were great and I loved the students that I had the privilege of working with, but for some reason God started changing my desires and my focus shifted towards the end of the school year. I kept thinking that God might have a different plan for me, but I wasn't quite sure.

I have had the desire to know more about the bible, to be challenged in my faith, trained in ministry and to learn more about the God I serve.  Ever since college, I have thought about attending a discipleship program called Downline. As I became more interested, I looked into it and it would require us to move to Memphis for a year.  We were open to moving, but also realized that there was a similar program right in our back yard that would teach pretty much the same things and we wouldn't have to move! When the opportunity came up to attend the Kanakuk Institute in Branson, we prayed and prayed about it and felt like that was where I was supposed to be. So mid-summer, I left my job at the school and set out for a new adventure! And let me tell you, I am SO glad I chose to come here! I know I am in the right place and I am being challenged in my faith like never before. I have loved meeting the 70 other post-graduate students from all over the U.S. and creating an awesome community of friends. It has been a season of new friendships, new challenges, new opportunities, and even a new living situation. We have had to make a few sacrifices in order to be here, but it has definitely been worth it! It's so amazing getting to come to a place like this and invest a year of my life to learning about God and what he has done for us and to engage the Word like never before. We are learning a TON and I can't wait to share it with you all.

While at the institute, I am also interning with The Fort which is a young adults ministry here in Branson that brings in great worship and teaching from around this area. It's on thursday night at 8pm at Woodland Hills church. I am in charge of putting together small groups, leading some of them and discipling students. It really is an amazing opportunity to do what I LOVE to do by helping others grow in their relationship with the Lord and putting to use all that I am learning at the institute. What a difference the Lord has made in my own life, and I love having this opportunity to point people to Christ and see the the transforming work of the Lord in their lives.

Side note: As if the institute isn't keeping me busy enough, I am also getting certified as a group fitness instructor! I can't wait to teach group fitness this year and be able to help others to achieve their health and fitness goals in a fun and welcoming environment! Stay tuned for when and where I will be teaching group fitness classes and hopefully you can come try one out! :)

I will be updating periodically to let you in on some of the things I am learning and what we are doing here this year.  I hope my writing can be a source of encouragement for you! Thanks for stopping by!

Have a blessed day!

Love,

Dorothy

12 Fun and RANDOM Date Night ideas!

Tyler and I have been married for just over two years now (SO crazy to think about) and some of our favorite nights have definitely been the time we take away from the grind and routine of daily life to just be together. It's so great to make time to enjoy each other and be intentional with growing our relationship. One line Tyler even included in our marriage vows was that he would continue to "date" me the rest of his life. While sometimes its difficult to make time specifically to go on a date to talk and spend quality time together its worth it every time. When I say "date" I'm obviously not talking about sitting together watching football/tv or sitting next to each other while on the phone scrolling through Facebook... which definitely happens sometimes… Rather, its the times we take specifically to celebrate one another and to be a "student" to one another- because there is always something to learn!

Last November, as Christmas time approached, my mother-in-law kept asking us for what we wanted for Christmas. We had a hard time coming up with things we really wanted. When we couldn't come up with a list of things we wanted, Mrs. Robyn then came up with the fantastic idea to get us 12 dates that we could use throughout the year whenever we wanted! What a great gift- and a gift that keeps on giving! This made coming up with date nights so easy!

A HUGE thanks goes out to my wonderful and THOUGHTFUL mother-in-law Robyn for coming up with these ideas and giving us lots of experiences and memories together!

If you are struggling for an idea for a gift of a married couple, give the gift of experiences! Here is the list of the AWESOME dates she gave to us!!!

She had 12 envelopes with slips of paper in them that had a descriptive poem to go with it telling us what the date entailed. She had it all planned out to a tee.

 It's a great way to make memories together and we enjoy deciding which date we will go on & when we will do it! We spread them out over the course of this year, so we still have some left!! :)

*The 12 Dates of Christmas*

Amusement Park Date

"Silver Dollar City
All year round
Tickets for you
The fun will abound."

It just makes sense to get the season tickets to SDC since we live so close and there is ALOT to do there. With so many festivals, the parades and lights during Christmas, yummy food, and rides, there is no lacking of fun at this amazing theme park. We are able to go for free whenever we want to by ourselves or with a group of friends!

Coffee and 20 Questions.

"Coffee and questions
To communicate well
Find a quiet little spot
to share and to tell."

This was a fun date that included money to get coffee and a box that had 20 questions to ask eachother while on the date. It was fun to get to know each other even more and talk about life, dreams, & funny things. You think you know someone so well when you are married to them, but some of the answers can surprise you. Ultimately this date is fabulous to help you continue to be intimate and hear from each other.

Dinner and Shopping Date.

"The love that you share needs special care
And we know you need time alone as a pair.
Off on a date night you are welcome to go
To be close together so your love will grow.
Famous Dave's gift card and shopping too,
The rest, they say, is all up to you!"

Enclosed was a gift card to a local restaurant called Famous Daves and gave us each money to shop for one another. [We actually split this date into two separate ones because we got a late start on dinner and all the shops closed once we were finished… whoops.] We each got a certain amount to spend on something we really wanted! It was a fun date and it secretly forced tyler to enjoy going shopping with me! :) It usually is a huge stretch to get him to come shopping with me. But not this time! :)

Couple's Massage

"The two of you
will enjoy this day
A couple's massage
is on the way."

We were so excited to receive this gift certificate to Body Works Day Spa for a couples massage. We saved this date until after Tyler graduated from grad school and work let out for summer! Definitely a treat!

Baby Each Other Date

"A quiet at home date
Is special for you
Take turns with massages
Only the best will do."

This envelope came with a box filled with fragrant lotions and oils, back massager, and tea light candles. Definitely makes for a romantic evening. ;)

Stargazing Date

"Find a perfect plea to enjoy the stars,
Search for different constellations and even Mars,
Take a blanket, book, goblets and wine,
Enjoy the night and together time."

This date came with a box filled with all of those things mentioned! Moscato, cheese, two glasses and a blanket! Recipes for a great date for just the two of you.

Dollar Tree & Ice Cream Date

"With $5 to spend
A time limit in mind,
An unusual or interesting gift
for your mate, you will find.
Then off to ice cream
at Jimmys store
Enjoy your visit and so much more!"

I'll keep you updated on what we find each other for $5 when we go on this date! Should be fun! She also but money in there to go to Cold Stone's afterwards (Jimmy is a friend of ours that owns the local cold-stone.) Can't wait.

Adventure Date

"Rock Climbing or zip lining
the choice is up to you
Money is provided
for something fun to do."

Enclosed was money to go to the Big Rock Climbing Gym at Southwest Missouri's largest indoor rock climbing facility. We can't wait to go on our "adventure date."

Movie Date

Pick out a movie
You've wanted to see,
Get a soda and snacks,
time together is the key.

Included were several "Imax Bucks" to use at the Imax or Branson Meadows theatre. We have enjoyed using these tickets to some great movies this year!

Game Night

"Pull out the chairs
Get out the snacks
Play some games
Have fun & Relax!"

This came with some great games to play together.

Baking Date

"Sugar Cookies are fun
to prepare and to bake
Cut them each out
And together, decorate!"

This envelope included a yummy sugar cookie recipe card and a box filled with cookie cutters of all shapes and figures. This will be a fun and SWEET date. :)

Sport Date

"Put on your running and/or walking gear,
Drink your water,
Take the dog,
It's the perfect date for this time of year."

This included a present with two water bottles and Nike t-shirts and shorts for both of us! Fun and active date with my little family are always fun!


There you have it, some FaNtAsTiC ideas for gifting that new (or not so new) couple in your life. Give them the best gift ever! They will be thanking you all year. :)


xoxo

Dorothy

Egg and Cheese Casserole with Feta, Spinach, Mushrooms, Peppers, andTomatoes

So the other night, Tyler and I wanted "breakfast for dinner." I found this AMAZING recipe that I wanted to try and we went to the store right away to get the ingredients. Turns out this is one of the best breakfast casseroles I have ever tasted. It instantly became one of our FAVORITES. My husband even commented "It's so good, I could eat the whole pan tonight!" Of course that made me feel good. :) Its such a healthy, clean meal but so flavorful and filling. I HAVE to share it for you guys. Its considered a  breakfast casserole, but we broke the rules and ate it for dinner… so do as you wish! It definitely takes some time to chop up all the ingredients, but it is way WORTH the wait. Try this recipe if you want to make this for a morning brunch with friends or for a yummy dinner for two (with lots of leftovers)! You will definitely cook an impressive meal that ALL will love!

Adapted from Cooking Light Way to Cook Vegetarian.

Makes 10 servings.

Equipment

large nonstick skillet with lid
3-quart casserole dish, lightly coated with cooking spray
large mixing bowl

Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 small red onion, cut in half vertically and thinly sliced
6 ounces (170 g) fresh baby spinach leaves
2 medium zucchini or yellow summer squash, thinly sliced
2 cups diced red potatoes or sweet potatoes, about 3 to 4 medium
1 medium bell pepper, finely chopped
8 ounces (226 g) sliced mushrooms
9 large eggs, whisked
1-1/2 (228 g) cups crumbled Feta cheese
1/2 cup (120 ml) low-fat milk
16 ounces (454 g) carton low-fat cottage cheese
1/2 cup (20 g) chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
3/4 cup (85 g) grated sharp cheddar cheese
2 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 400° F/200° C.

2. Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in the nonstick skillet, then sauté the red onion over medium heat. Add all the spinach and cover with the lid. Allow to sweat until the spinach starts to shrink, about 5 minutes, then uncover and stir. Continue stirring until the spinach is all softened and limp, about 3 more minutes. Drain off any liquid and transfer the spinach mixture to the prepared casserole dish.

3. Heat the remaining olive oil in the skillet, and add the potatoes, zucchini, mushrooms, and bell pepper. Sauté over medium heat until all the vegetables have softened, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off any excess liquid.

4. In the large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, Feta cheese, milk, cottage cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir in the potato and zucchini mixture. Pour over the spinach in the casserole dish. Sprinkle sharp cheddar cheese all over the top, then lay the tomato slices on top of the cheese.

5. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Reduce the heat to 350° F/175° C and continue baking until the casserole is lightly browned and just set, about 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool about 5 minutes or so, then serve.

I know your tummy will thank you! :)

Enjoy! 

Dorothy Pro

Southwestern Quinoa Bake/ Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

Welcome to my first recipe post! 

So being married has been a game changer in the way I eat and prepare meals. :) If you knew the former me,  you would know that I used to run to the cabinet and grab the quickest and most convenient meal (ramen noodles, canned soups, cereals, lean cuisines, etc.) and call it good. Sometimes I still do… But over the past year and a half I have actually come to enjoy cooking a good meal for me and my man. Plus- it helps that when I cook, he usually does the dishes. And if he cooks, I do the dishes. Just something we agreed on early in marriage. It just works for us. The former me hardly knew how to boil an egg. I think I had three meals in my repertoire- hash brown casserole, french toast, and an egg salad sandwich. All things I still love but I am so thankful that my horizons have been expanded and I've learned that if you can READ, you can COOK! It's literally as easy at that! Following a recipe, step by step!

At the beginning of this year we decided we wanted to take better care of our "temple." We were challenged by these verses.

"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore HONOR God with you BODIES." 1 Cor. 6:19-20

"Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates BODY and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God." 2 Corinthians 7:1.

 We have always been somewhat healthy and moderately active but we decided we want to get more in shape! We have been doing P90X together and have been so much more aware of the ingredients in the food we feed our bodies. We have started trying to eat real ingredients, whole, healthy foods that are not processed. A new food we have enjoyed trying is Quinoa. Its a plant-based superfood high in protein, similar texture to rice. It's really great for you! You can do so many things with it. You can eat it for breakfast with cinnamon, vanilla extract, & brown sugar, or you can have it as a side with your meat with just salt & pepper. It's so versatile and it's become more of a staple in our diet. You should definitely try it! 

I originally made this recipe with the ingredients stuffed in the green peppers, which was delicious... But my husband and I decided we want the green peppers to be mixed into the recipe. So, I will post both ways of making it!

Quinoa Stuffed Peppers/ Southwestern Quinoa Bake

Loaded with protein, veggies and healthy grains, these delicious meals will provide the nutrition that you need for a healthy, balanced diet!

INGREDIENTS

• 6 bell peppers, tops cut, stemmed and seeded (OR 4 diced bell peppers if making the quinoa bake)
• 1 cup uncooked quinoa
• 1 (4-ounce) can green chiles
• 1 cup corn 
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 3/4 cup shredded pepper jack cheese (colby jack, mild cheddar, white cheddar would all be great)
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2-3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 teaspoon cumin
• 1 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
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SOUTHWESTERN QUINOA BAKE

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  9×13 baking dish.

First cook the quinoa & green peppers: place 1 cup quinoa, 4 diced and seeded green peppers and 2 cups water in saucepan and bring to boil. Reduce to simmer, cover and cook until all water is absorbed (10-15 minutes).

Once the quinoa and green peppers are cooked, combine with green chiles, corn, beans, tomatoes, cheeses, cilantro, cumin, garlic, onion and chili powder, salt and pepper, to taste.

Put the mixture into a baking dish and bake for 15 min.

Serve Immediately.

Here is the result with the green peppers diced and cooked with the quinoa then mixed with the other ingredients and put in the oven to bake for 15 min. You could shred some more cheese on top of the bake and let it melt to add even more flavor! 

• It's incredibly filling and hearty making it the perfect vegetarian option. It is SO delicious and the protein and fiber leave you feeling full and satisfied. 

STUFFED BELL PEPPER INSTRUCTIONS

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Non-stick spray the baking sheet. 
• First cook the quinoa: place 1 cup quinoa and 2 cups water in saucepan and bring to boil. Reduce to simmer, cover and cook until all water is absorbed (10-15 minutes).
• In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, green chiles, corn, beans, tomatoes, cheeses, cilantro, cumin, garlic, onion and chili powder, salt and pepper, to taste.

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• Stem, seed and cut the tops off the green peppers. Spoon the filling each each bell pepper cavity. Place on prepared baking dish, cavity side up, and bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through, about 25-30 minutes.
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• Serve immediately.

HAPPY AND HEALTHY EATING! :) 

ENJOY! 

With dignity from my Designer,

Dorothy Pro

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