Pumpkin Cheesecake With Gingersnap Crust

12 ounces gingersnaps

1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped

6 tablespoons salted butter, melted

2 tablespoons packed brown sugar 

Dash of kosher salt 

Three 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened

One 15-ounce can pumpkin puree

3 large eggs, at room temperature 

1/4 cup sour cream, at room temperature 

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Caramel sauce, or Hot fudge sauce, optional

Whipped Cream, optional

Chopped pecans, optional

For the pumpkin gingersnap cheesecake: In a food processor or blender, grind the gingersnaps until fine. Pour into a bowl and stir in the pecans, melted butter, brown sugar and salt. Press into the bottom and sides of a 10-inch springform pan and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. To make the filling, beat the cream cheese in a stand mixer until soft, scraping the sides once. Mix in the pumpkin, scraping the sides once or twice. Add the eggs 1 at a time, allowing them to mix in, then add the sour cream and mix. With the mixer on low, add the granulated sugar, cinnamon, vanilla and nutmeg. Thoroughly scrape the bowl and mix to ensure everything is smooth and mixed in. Pour the filling into the pan, smoothing the top. Set the pan on a baking sheet and bake until the filling is no longer soupy but still slightly jiggly, about 50 - 65 minutes. Turn off the oven, open the door just a hair and let the cheesecake sit in the oven for 15 more minutes. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for 30 minutes, then cover it with plastic wrap and put it in the fridge to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight. Serve with drizzle of sauce, a dollop of whipped cream, and a sprinkle of chopped pecans. 

Heavenly Father:

As I recall those first days when I made the commitment to surrender my life to You, I realized there were many things I had to change in me. Then, as I came across this virtuous woman in Proverbs 31, I knew I wanted to become such a woman because I wanted to be worthy of your calling- a calling for each woman-

Yes Heavenly Father, with all my heart I want to become a woman:: ““… who fears the Lord [reverently worshiping, obeying, serving, and trusting Him with awe-filled respect], …”!  (Proverbs 31:30)

I was not a wife yet, nor a mother, but Your Holy Spirit gave me such a hunger and thirst for your Word and little by little I became aware that it was You who would make this change in my life… the change would have to start in my heart. And that the virtues of this Proverbs 31 woman was something I had to practice daily, and I prayed and rested on Your Promises (Jeremiah 29:11-13), trusting You would kindly take me by the hand in my walk with You!

For some reason, when I think about the woman described in Proverbs 31, I think about my grandmother. Now, she differs greatly from this woman who was described as a wife, attending to her household full of people. By the time I came into my grandmother’s life, her husband had passed away and her children were grown and she lived alone with a very meager income. And yet, to me she embodied a passion for life, for people and for God that enriched my heart and established a deep sense of awe and wonder. She was always busy and yet she balanced that with engaging time spent with her grandchildren and the many children she taught in kindergarten and Sunday School. Her love and passion for God was known by all who met her. Even as her body wasted away from cancer in her early 60s,she flourished in His love, peace, and wisdom. Even at her weakest, she was strong. 

In Proverbs 31, King Lemuel is passing on words of wisdom from his mother. She desired for him to be careful about choosing the right woman to marry because she knew that he needed a woman who would be a home builder and not a home breaker. Yes, the woman is described by her feats and accomplishments but that is not the emphasis. The emphasis is the source of her strength and accomplishments. As we look through the Scriptures we can catch glimpses of this type of woman who draws her strength from God and flourishes like a tree.

“But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever.”  Psalm‬ ‭52:8‬ ‭

Just like the Proverbs 31 woman, women like my grandmother are a blessing to their husbands and those they graciously serve. “An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.”  Proverbs‬ ‭31:10-12‬ . 

These women nourish the souls entrusted to them and their spiritual growth is like a living, breathing pulse that energizes and encourages those around them. “Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways! You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you. Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord.”  Psalm‬ ‭128:1-4 

Even as they age, there is a distinctive strength of character and steadfastness because they are rooted in Christ.  “The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.”  Psalm‬ ‭92:12-15

‭‭My grandmother was a woman I admired and I longed to emulate her as I established my own family, but when she passed away, I was 18 and I foolishly abandoned my trust in God. I busied myself with trying to be successful in my own efforts. It was no wonder that my household began to fall apart. I was trying to build it on my own efforts. But, God reminded me that my grandmother’s life was rich and  purposeful in spite of her circumstances because she was rooted in Him. When I sincerely surrendered to letting God be the source of my strength, knowledge, and love, He began to build and establish my household. I had to learn that all of my busyness and people pleasing pursuits of perfection were in vain. The Proverbs 31 woman trusted in the promises of God and let Him establish the success of her home and the security of her household. “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.”  Psalm‬ ‭127:1-2‬ ‭

None of us can be like the woman described in Proverbs 31 by our own efforts. It’s not what we do or don’t do but who we are rooted in that makes the difference. God promises to help us, teach us, mold and shape us. He promises to be the source of our strength no matter our circumstances. 

The Virtuous Woman (Proverbs 31: 10-31)

There is no individual story to write, for the Proverbs 31 woman is us all. Or at least the woman God wants to develop in us all. She is everything admirable in both a woman and a wife. And as someone once said, rather than being the yardstick by which all woman are measured, the virtuous woman is the goal we as women should be moving toward. 

When asked to describe true beauty, author Mandy Hale wrote, “There is nothing more beautiful than someone who goes out of their way to make life beautiful for others.” That’s who the Proverbs 31 woman is. Clothed in strength and dignity, her heart is surrendered to thankfulness for all God blesses her with. And out of that thankfulness, comes a character worthy of her family’s praise. For the beauty she exhibits within, shines through in her care for others, sparkling brighter than the largest diamond. And with hearts overflowing with praise her family cries out, “her worth is far above jewels.”

Now that’s not to say we are to be shrinking violets, or are to hide our beauty. After all we are made in the image of God. Each of us is a masterpiece formed by the hands of the Creator of beauty Himself. But as Peter teaches, “Your adornment must not be merely external- braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God” (1 Peter 3:3-4)

These are the qualities that glorify God and honor those around us. Qualities such as humility, caring, wisdom, and goodness. And after all, what could be more beautiful than having the glory of the Lord shining through us for all to see? For as Proverbs 31:30 says,” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” 

Ask yourself whose praise is it that you want. Worldly praise for a beautiful shell, or the praise of God and those around you for a heart surrendered to God? Timothy tells us, better to be adorned “by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim of godliness.” (1 Tim. 2:10), then to be just a pretty face. I love how Wayne Barber says, “There is no makeup that will make you look better than godliness. There is no hairstyle that can hold a candle to holiness. And there is no etiquette that earns respect and honor like righteousness.”

If you’re like me, you have work to do in becoming a virtuous woman. And it’s going take a lot of grace in getting there. But we serve the God of grace. One who knows our struggles, fear, and downfalls. And if we will let Him, in time, God will develop the character traits, found in a Proverbs 31 woman. A woman who is a blessing to all who know her, and one worthy of praise whether it is given or not. 

Chicken Stroganoff

4 bacon strips, diced

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/4-inch strips

1 medium onion, chopped

2 jars (4-1/2 ounces each) sliced mushrooms, drained

2 garlic cloves, minced

1-1/2 cups chicken broth

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon paprika

Pepper to taste

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 cup sour cream

Hot cooked noodles

Welcome to Scripture Saturday! 

As we finish our Women of the Old Testament study, I hope you have seen how, through each woman's circumstances, they have experienced God's love. God's love!

Our verse for this week is Luke 10:27..."'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and 'Love your neighbor as yourself'"

What I notice most about the Proverbs 31 Woman, of course after reading all that she gets done in a day...is the backdrop for all that she does get done. Her love for God. 

A woman who is worthy of praise is not necessarily the woman that gets all the laundry done, keeps her house spotless, makes all her bread by hand and, of course, her clothing. The woman that gets praise is the woman who loves the Lord with her whole heart, soul, strength, and mind. Her love for Him is the backdrop for her everyday living. 

So, in response to the Proverbs 31 woman, and to what we have learned from all the women in our study, let's set a goal for ourselves. Let's live each day with God as our backdrop. Let's all have an all consuming love for God. Then we will be women worthy of praise!

Have a blessed week everyone!

Sandra

Lord, I have loved you since I was a child.  My parents died when I was a young age and my uncle Mordecai has raised me to love You, Lord with all my heart, soul, mind and strength.  I never thought that someday I would be queen and much loved by the king.  You, Lord had a special purpose for my life and that was to save Your chosen people.  You orchestrated all the details of deliverance to Your people. 

Lord my soul waits for You and quietly submits to You.  For my hope comes from You.  You only are my Rock and my salvation, my fortress I will not be shaken or discouraged.  On You Lord my salvation and my glory rest.  You are my Rock of strength and refuge.  I trust in You at all times and I pour out my heart to You, for You God are a refuge for us.  Amen

Do you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior?  He has a plan for your life, just as He had for Esther.  I encourage you to read the whole book of Esther and see God at work.  Even though He is not mentioned in the entire book, you can know that He is in control. 

Every Friday we meet for prayer and would love to have you join us.  We meet at 9:00am EST.  over at women in the word

bulletin board on our facebook page.   https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenintheword2/

Although God is not specifically mentioned in the book of Esther, the story is a beautiful testimony to His sovereign reign and His ability to alter the chain of events so that good triumphs over evil. Even a dark day of foreboding doom is not impossible for God to overturn.  The Jewish nation faced such a day of foreboding doom. 

“Letters were sent by couriers to all the king's provinces with instruction to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all Jews, young and old, women and children, in one day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, and to plunder their goods.”Esther‬ ‭3:13‬ ‭

But Mordecai, the uncle of Queen Esther trusted God’s Word and God’s Promises. It was because he wouldn’t pay homage to Haman , the King’s second in command that Haman had plotted to destroy him and also the entire Jewish nation. The reason Mordecai would not worship Haman is because Haman was a descendent of King Agag and the Amalekites were the enemies of God. Mordecai honored God vs man. Mordecai trusted that God could save him and his family and so he asked Esther to also take a stand of faith even though it could mean her very life. It’s also important to note that Mordecai believed in God’s promises to save the nation of Israel so much that he was convinced even if that day of doom prevailed, God would still find a way to save Israel. 

“Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, "Do not think to yourself that in the king's palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"”  Esther‬ ‭4:13-14‬ ‭

And yes, Esther had indeed come to the kingdom “ for such a time as this”. God , in full control of all of the events of the future used Esther in a pivotal role of perfectly orchestrated providence. Because Esther risked her life to approach the King, she was able to gain the King’s promise of protection for her people, the Jews and Haman’s evil intentions were exposed. Esther had also been the one to warn the king when Mordecai discovered a plot against his life. That account was one of many recorded in the King’s book of Chronicles but it was the very night before Haman planned to ask for Mordecai to be hanged that the King read that account and because of this, the stage was set to foil every plot of Satan against God’s people. God turned the tide and reversed all of the chain of events that had been in motion. Esther was able to see how her faith and love for her people was used for God’s glory! 

Haman thought he was devising his own ceremonial procession but instead had to honor Mordecai by leading him through the streets of the kingdom.

Haman built a prominent gallows for Mordecai but was hanged there himself. 

Mordecai who was targeted by Haman  for annihilation became the King’s replacement for Haman and was 2nd in power. 

The King overturned the day of doom and allowed the Israelites to defend themselves and be protected. The day of doom became a day of praise and celebration.

Esther’s story should encourage each of us to remember that even in the darkest of times, God is still in control and will honor those who trust Him instead of man. God promises to never forsake us.

“Let those who fear the Lord say, "His steadfast love endures forever." Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? The Lord is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.” Psalm‬ ‭118:4-9‬ 

“The Lord's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous. Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he gives favor. The wise will inherit honor, but fools get disgrace.”  Proverbs‬ ‭3:33-35‬ 

“You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book? Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call. This I know, that God is for me. In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me? I must perform my vows to you, O God; I will render thank offerings to you. For you have delivered my soul from death, yes, my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭56:8-13‬ ‭

Esther is why the Jewish nation celebrate the Jewish holiday, Purim, which actually means “to cast lots” and refers to how Haman decided what day he would have the Jewish nation slaughtered (Esther 9:23-26).

God’s name is never mentioned in The Book of Esther, but His sovereignty is evident throughout the book and I hope you’ll take the time this week to study Esther’s story for yourself, but for now, I wanted to mention a few  reasons why I feel her story is an important one. 

  1.) God tends to uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things!

I've mentioned this before because it continues to ring true, yet many of us often feel we aren't qualified when called and even fail to answer the call! 

Esther lived in a time when the nation of Israel was living in captivity as a consequence to their disobedience to God. She was an orphan who had been adopted by her Uncle Mordecai. Other than her beauty, she was not unique in any way. In fact, they were Jewish- minority race that was frowned upon, so her uncle advised Esther to conceal her race when she is taken into the palace.  

But God uses her to fulfill His plans and save the entire nation of Israel. The key here was that she was willing to submit to His will and go when and where He called her and so should we. 

Two verses I like to remind myself of often when called to take a step of faith are:

"Faithful is he that calls you, who also will do it." - 1Thes.5:24

"For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure." - Philippians 2:13 AMP

(These two verse are ones I often remind myself and others of.)

2.)  With God’s help, we can step out in faith and fight our fears!

Esther was a Jewish woman who became the wife to a powerful king. No one, not even the queen, was to approach the king without being asked. And, remember, that King Xerxes had an evil member of his cabinet, Haman, who had already convinced the king to kill all of the Jews. Can you imagine the fear she would be feeling?

Her first reaction was hesitation. She did not want to approach the king, but she placed her fate in God's hands by requesting the people to fast and pray for three days and then bravely approached the king. We too would be wise to remember the Lord reigns and place all our doubts, fears, anxiety- our lives in His hands. 

3.) Loving others is the most beautiful testimony of our love for Jesus.

Jesus reminded us when He paraphrased the Torah and said that love is the greatest commandment. Loving God and loving others. (Matthew 22:36-40).

 Esther knew this to be true when she said “ I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” (Esther 4:16).

 She willing risked her own life to save the lives of many.

While there may not be many of us who would be faced with this type of situation, I pray that, if a situation arises, that I would call on God and be willing to risk my own life to save others, for “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13)

(And it doesn't necessarily have to be our life, but our time, our desires, our own interests, etc. for others.)

4.) Our lives and actions in God's hands can impact future generations.