Lemonade Pie

1 pkg. (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened

1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

3/4 cup thawed lemonade concentrate

1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed

Yellow food coloring, optional

1 tsp. lemon zest (optional)

2 tsp. lemon juice (optional)

1 9-inch graham cracker crust

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and milk until smooth.  Beat in lemonade concentrate.  Fold in whipped topping and, if desired, food coloring, lemon zest,many lemon juice.  Pour into crust.  Cover and refrigerate until set.  (I always stick mine in the freezer to quicken the setting time)

Pecan Pie Squares

Crust:

3/4 cup all-purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled-off

1/4 cup corn starch

1/2 cup Confectioners' sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch pieces

Filling

12 tablespoons (1-1/2 sticks) unsalted butter

3/4 cup light brown sugar

3 tablespoons honey

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Generous pinch salt

2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

3 cups coarsely chopped pecans

Cover a 9-inch square baking pan with heavy duty aluminum foil. Push foil neatly into corners and up sides of the pan, using two pieces if necessary to ensure it overlaps all edges (the overhang will help removal from pan). Spray foiled pan with nonstick cooking spray. Place the flour, corn starch, confectioners sugar and salt in a bowl of a food processor fitted with the blade attachment. Pulse a few times to mix. Add the butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse meal with pea-size clumps of butter within. Also can be made with a pastry cutter or two forks. Dump mixture into prepared pan and press firmly with your fingers into an even layer over the bottom. Refrigerate for 15 minutes. While the crust is in the refrigerator, adjust an oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Bake the crust until crust is set but not browned, about 17 minutes. Set on rack to cool. Leave oven on. In a heavy medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine butter, brown sugar, honey, vanilla and salt. Stir with a wooden spoon until sugar dissolves. Turn up the heat and boil gently for 3 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and chopped pecans. Pour pecan mixture over crust (it's fine if crust is still warm). Bake until filling is bubbling and caramel in color, about 20 minutes. Cool completely on rack. To cut, use the foil overhang to lift baked square out of pan and onto cutting board. Loosen the foil from the edges, then cut with a sharp knife into 2-inch squares. Store finished pecan squares in air-tight container and serve at room temperature.

Psalm 146, Romans 8:32

What a journey it’s been going through these songs of David. And there’s no better way to end our study than with these final Psalms of praise. Many are the reasons to give God the glory. Creator and Ruler of all things, He champions the weak, fathers the orphans, heals the afflicted, and blesses all who put their hope in Him. Everyday there are reasons to give thanks to the Lord. And God covets the praise of His people. But not for His benefit. For ours.

Why does God tell us to give Him thanks in all things? (1 Thess. 5:18) In memory of Dr. Charles Stanley, I’d like to share some of his wisdom on the subject. “It’s because praise is the clearest and most direct means by which you declare your dependence on God. It repeats your trust in Him in the midst of darkness. It confesses your allegiance and devotion to the One who was crucified for you and to whom you are eternally joined.”

For me, no matter how low I feel or bad the circumstance, nothing soothes my soul like giving glory to God. It brings peace to my troubled mind. Joy to my hurting heart. And brings me close to my Abba, Father, who welcomes me with open arms of love. Most of all praising the Lord humbles me. For it reminds me of how much I fail God daily and still somehow, He wants me anyway. How could such an amazing and unmerited love not make my heart burst with songs of worship and thanksgiving!

There’s no quicker way to grow in our walk with God than to live a life of praise. Because it motivates us to live the way Jesus teaches, makes us desire to put Him first in our lives, and soothes even the deepest of hurts. David was considered a man after God’s own heart because of His devotion to God. In good times and bad, peace and turmoil, sorrow and joy, the first thing David did was seek God. When we too seek God first with everything we have and are, have absolute, unwavering faith, and follow Him joyfully, we will be counted as women after God’s own heart.

Pause and Reflect - 

Why do you praise God? How does praising God help us focus on Him instead of our circumstances? How can praising God help us in times of difficulty or suffering?

Let’s Pray Together,

Our dearest Father in heaven above, Ruler and Creator of all things, hallowed be Thy name. Father, we come before You with humble hearts, recognizing Your greatness and majesty. We thank You for Your faithfulness and goodness, and are grateful for all that You have done for us. Father we praise You for Your infinite wisdom and power, and for Your unfailing love and grace. You are the Creator of the universe, and yet You care for each one of us with a tender and compassionate heart. Finally Father may our hearts overflow with gratitude as we reflect on all that You bless us with, and may our lives be a reflection of Your love and grace. In Jesus precious name we pray, Amen. 

Don't' forget to head over to our Facebook group at, https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenintheword2 to join in on the discussion. Also check out our public Facebook page at, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083156569388 and give us a like!

I can’t wait to hear your thoughts, and I pray your day overflows with love and blessings.

💖 Lisa

Psalm 141, John 17:17-19

One of the things I love most about the Psalms is the beautiful imagery David uses to express his feelings about God. And there isn’t a more glorious picture he paints then our arms raised to the sky in worship. And our prayers ascending to heaven in the cool of the evening, rising like a sweet-smelling fragrance to our Heavenly Father. David knew that prayer is a powerful tool to connect us to God. To bring about change in our lives, and to receive God’s blessings, love, grace, and guidance. But more than just the beauty and power of prayer, this Psalm also has wisdom we can apply to our daily lives.

1. Our dependence on God - Not a single second of a single day goes by where we don’t need God in our lives. We are weak and vulnerable, and apart from Him, we can do nothing. (John 15:5) And so humbly and thankfully, we need to acknowledge the Lord as Sovereign in our lives and turn to Him in times of trouble.

2. The danger of temptation - Even the strongest Christian can fall to the lure of sin. That’s why we need to be vigilant about recognizing and resisting temptation in our own lives. And when we feel the pull of sin taking hold, ask God to help us. For He will provide all we need to endure, overcome, and escape. (1 Cor. 10:13)

3. Trust in God's justice - It’s frustrating to see the wicked prosper. But we serve a just God. (2 Thess. 1:6) And we can trust that in His perfect timing He will bring about perfect justice to punish the wicked. And one day very soon, God will ultimately set all things right and bring about a world of peace and righteousness.

The days are growing darker. And as the time hastens until the soon return of the Lord, we need now more than ever to draw near to God. To lead dedicated prayer lives, have eyes open to the evil around us, and to trust the Lord completely in times of trouble.

Pause and Reflect - 

How can I deepen my prayer life and connect more deeply with God? What are the areas of my life where I am most vulnerable to temptation, and how can I seek God's help in resisting these temptations?

Lets pray together, 

Our dearest Father in heaven above, Ruler and Creator of all things, hallowed be Thy name. Father we come before you in humility, recognizing our need for Your help and protection. We ask that You would hear our prayers and guide us in our journey of faith. Father help us to resist temptation and to stay on the path of righteousness. Protect us from the lure of sin and help us to remain vigilant in our walk with You. Above all, Father we ask that You would draw us closer to You. And may we always turn to You in times of trouble, trusting  in Your perfect justice and mercy. In Jesus precious name we pray, Amen.

Don't' forget to head over to our Facebook group at, https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenintheword2 to join in on the discussion. Also check out our public Facebook page at, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083156569388 and give us a like!

I can’t wait to hear your thoughts, and I pray your day overflows with love and blessings.

💖 Lisa

Psalm 136, Matthew 5:44-45

Psalm 136 is one of my favorites, because it’s a summary of the entire book of Psalms. And its message, repeated 26 times, is this. God’s lovingkindness is everlasting. What a beautiful promise we can carry in our hearts! And what a beautiful song to sing no matter the circumstances we face. Because it’s a powerful reminder that God’s goodness and love aren’t limited by time or circumstance, but are boundless and unending. And most wonderful of all, offered freely to all who call on Jesus as Lord. So in response to the God’s faithfulness, how should we be living our lives as Christians? 

First and foremost, we are to lead lives that are thankful for God’s lovingkindness. Because every good and perfect gift comes from Him alone. (James 1:17) And even if we aren’t in the best place in our lives, there is always something to be grateful for. So from the moment we awaken until we close our eyes at night, our lips should be giving thanks to God for all that He does, and all that His is. 

Next we are to lead lives that trust in God’s lovingkindness. Even when the world tells us otherwise, we know that nothing is impossible with God. (Luke 1:37) He is always in complete control, working all things for our good. (Rom. 8:28) And nothing happens to us without His say so. We can trust in Him to guide and protect us. And because of His great love, we can rely on the Lord to provide for all our needs. 

We are also to lead lives that are telling the history of God’s lovingkindness. One of my favorite quotes says that we may be the only Bible someone reads. And since our hope comes from God’s Word, (Rom. 15:4) part of sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ includes sharing the rich history of the Bible. Because there is no greater story of love than how God chose and redeemed His people. And how that redemption is available to all. 

And finally we are to lead lives that are sharing God’s lovingkindness. God’s love isn’t to be kept hidden away in a secret place in our hearts, reserved for us alone. Instead it is to be on full display for all to see. For we are commanded to love others as God loves us. (John 15:12) And nowhere is God’s love greater exampled than when what we what say, how we live, and how we care for others lines up with the way the Lord does. 

David was quite the poet. And this Psalm is no exception. It’s full of hope and comfort to a lost and hurting world. For it contains the blessed promise that God's love and mercy remain steadfast. Demonstrated most of all through His Son, Jesus Christ, who shed His precious blood to provide eternal life to all who believe in Him.

Pause and Reflect - 

In what areas of my life do I struggle to trust God? How can I work on developing a deeper sense of trust and reliance on him? How does remembering the history of God's faithfulness in the Bible strengthen my faith and encourage me in my walk with God?

Lets Pray Together -

Our dearest Father in heaven above, hallowed be Thy name. Father we come to you with hearts full of gratitude and praise. We thank you for your steadfast love that endures forever, and for all the ways in which you have blessed us throughout our lives. Father help us to trust in you, even in times of trouble or uncertainty. Strengthen our faith and help us to rely on your guidance and protection. And Father we also pray for unity and community among your people. Help us to recognize that we all share in your love and grace, and to work towards building relationships that reflect your goodness and love. In Jesus precious name we pray, Amen.

Don't' forget to head over to our Facebook group at, https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenintheword2 to join in on the discussion. Also check out our public Facebook page at, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083156569388 and give us a like!

I can’t wait to hear your thoughts, and I pray your day overflows with love and blessings.

💖 Lisa

Psalm 131, Hebrews 5:7-10, Revelation 21:1-4 

Psalm 131 is a little Psalm that packs a big punch. For in its few lines lies the secret to happiness, success and victory. A victory that I myself so desperately yearn for. Because like David, I too want to have a humble heart before the Lord. I too want to be content, happy, and thankful in all things, placing my complete trust in Him alone. For as Charles Spurgeon says, “It's not how much we have, but how much we enjoy that makes happiness.” 

God loves humility because it is a fundamental quality that reflects His own character. Humility is the opposite of pride, which is often the root of many sins and causes us to rely on ourselves rather than on God. Humility is also a key element of our relationship with the Lord. Because it’s only when we acknowledge our own weakness and limitations can we can truly trust in and rely completely on Him for strength and guidance. 

Walking hand in hand with humility is contentment. I love the picture David paints comparing Himself to a weaned child. Once demanding and constantly seeking nourishment from His mother, David learned to be calm and quiet in God's presence. To rest in the peace of knowing God will meet our every need. Contentment is a powerful state of mind. Because it allows us to appreciate and enjoy what God has blessed us with in life, rather than constantly striving for more. It keeps us grounded, focused, happy, and fulfilled.

David’s message of humility and contentment is a big contradiction to a world that says more is better, and to value ourselves above all others. But as Christians we don’t live like the world. We live like our Lord. And no one exampled humility greater than Jesus. For as it says in Philippians 2:8, "And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!" If our Lord could let go of any pride, be content in all things, and trust God completely, so can we.

Pause and Reflect -

What does it mean to be humble before God, and why is it important? How can we cultivate a spirit of humility in our own lives, and what benefits can we expect to see as a result?

Let’s Pray Together,

Our dearest Father in heaven above, Creator of all things, hallowed be Thy name. Father we ask that You help us to cultivate a spirit of humility in our hearts, so that we may truly rely on You for guidance and strength. Help us to quiet our minds and hearts before You, so that we may find contentment and peace in Your presence. Father may we let go of our pride and concerns about things beyond our understanding, and instead trust in You to provide for our needs. May our lives reflect Your love and grace, and may we be a shining example of Your goodness to those around us. Father we thank You for the gift of Your Word, and for the wisdom and guidance it provides. May we continue to learn and grow in our relationship with You each day, and may we always seek to honor and glorify You in all that we do. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Don't' forget to head over to our Facebook group at, https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenintheword2 to join in on the discussion. Also check out our public Facebook page at, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083156569388 and give us a like!

I can’t wait to hear your thoughts, and I pray your day overflows with love and blessings.

💖 Lisa

Psalm 126, 2 Samuel 5:17-25

Easter is one of my favorite times of year. Because it’s a season of reflection, renewal, and rebirth. Christians around the world celebrate the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. While equally joyous Jews, celebrate the wonderful feast of Passover, thanking God for their freedom from Egypt. Both celebrations are rooted in joy and gratitude. Psalm 126 is also rooted in joy and gratitude. And contains some lessons we can reflect on as we commemorate this most holy holiday.

Gratitude for deliverance - “The Lord has done great things for us.” Even though the Israelites remembered the pain and sorrow of their captivity, they could now laugh and sing. Because they knew it was the Lord who brought them out of slavery and restored their fortunes. We too should be filled with gratitude for the good things in our lives and the ways God has delivered us from past troubles.

Perseverance in difficult times - “Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting.” Because of all they endured, Israel went through a period of weeping and sowing in tears. But their perseverance ultimately led to a period of joyful harvest. Difficult times will come for us all. But if we remain steadfast and persevere, God will take the seeds of our tears and make them blossom into enormous joy. 

Trust in God's promises - “He who goes to and fro weeping shall indeed come again with a shout of joy.” Even as they were forced into captivity, the Israelites never gave up hope that God would fulfill His promise to one day restore them to their land. And had faith in His ability to continue to bless them in the future. We too can trust and have faith that as our heavenly Father, God will always provide for the needs of His children.

As we head into Holy Week, and follow the footsteps of Jesus to the Cross, Psalm 126 encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness and provision, even in difficult times. Our present struggles are not the end of the story, and God can bring beauty and joy out of even the darkest situations. All we need to do is sow seeds of faithfulness, even when it involves hardship, and trust in God's promises of restoration and redemption.

Pause and Reflect - 

In the midst of troubles do you live in fear and worry, or do you find comfort remembering the times God has delivered you in the past? What are some situations in which we might find ourselves "sowing in tears" and hoping for a “bountiful harvest?”

Lets Pray Together -

Our dearest Father in heaven above, Ruler and Creator of all things, hallowed be Thy name. Father we come before You with grateful hearts. We thank You for Your faithfulness and the joy that comes with the restoration of what was once lost. Father we ask that You bring that same joy and restoration to our lives. Whether we are in a season of captivity or simply feeling lost and discouraged, we know that You are a God of redemption.  Help us to trust in Your plan for our lives, knowing that you work all things for good. May we be a people who sow seeds of faith and obedience, even in difficult times. And as we wait for the harvest, may we continue to trust in Your unfailing love and provision. In Jesus precious name we pray, Amen. 

Don't' forget to head over to our Facebook group at, https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenintheword2 to join in on the discussion. Also check out our public Facebook page at, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083156569388 and give us a like!

I can’t wait to hear your thoughts, and I pray your day overflows with love and blessings.

💖 Lisa

Of the seven annual Jewish Feasts, three included festivals requiring the people to make a trek to the temple. And as Jerusalem sat upon a high hill, Jewish pilgrims sang beautiful songs of praise and worship as they climbed the road to the city. Psalm 121 is such a song. One the people sang with joy as they remembered all the times they cried out in despair, and how every time their help came from the Lord. For our God is always awake and watching over His people with infinite care.

Although we aren’t required to travel to Jerusalem, we too are on a trek. For until we are called home to heaven, we are to walk this earth on the path chosen for us by God. And whatever path that is we can have confidence that as His beloved children, our Father will never let our feet be moved. He is the mighty Keeper of our souls. Protector and Sustainer of His people. And as such, night and day, coming and going, God will keep us secure and steadfast. Always helping, guiding, and providing. 

Each of us has a calling. One unique to us alone. And with threats coming at us from all sides, following that calling can be difficult and dangerous. But God never asks us to go it alone. Minute by minute the Lord is watching and protecting us from all evil. And as our source of strength and security, we can look to Him for help from each adversity. This isn’t to say that life will be easier. But it is to say that no matter what we face, we won’t face it alone. For God promises to sustain us through every challenge.

We can’t protect ourselves from all of life’s dangers. And often we needlessly suffer from fear because we’re looking everywhere for help, except to the One who can. God loves us beyond measure. He offers us eternal care and protection. All we need to do is trust in Him and accept His help. And when our dependence is completely on God, we can experience a sense of peace and security even in the midst of difficult circumstances. Resting secure knowing our Father will never let us falter. 

Pause and Reflect -

Are you trusting in God's care and protection, or do you rely on your own strength? How can you cultivate a deeper sense of trust in the Lord, even in the face of uncertainty and danger?

Let’s pray together, 

Our dearest Father in heaven above, Ruler and Creator of all things, hallowed be Thy name. Oh Father we stand in awe over Your great power and protection of Your people. And we thank You for always watching over us. Lord we confess that at times we feel overwhelmed and uncertain, but are comforted by the help that You alone provide. For Father we trust that You will keep our feet from slipping. And that You will be our ever-present help in times of trouble. Father give us the courage to face the challenges before us, knowing that You are with us every step of the way. And may we always look to You as our source of strength and security. In Jesus' precious name we pray, Amen. 

Don't' forget to head over to our Facebook group at, https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenintheword2 to join in on the discussion. Also check out our public Facebook page at, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083156569388 and give us a like!

I can’t wait to hear your thoughts, and I pray your day overflows with love and blessings.

💖 Lisa

Lemon Raspberry Loaf

2 cups all purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

1 lemon, zested

1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

3 eggs, at room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

1/2 cup sour cream

1/4 cup lemon juice (about 1 lemon)

1 cup raspberries

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Glaze -

1/2 cup raspberries

1 to 2 tablespoons water

1 teaspoon corn syrup, optional

1 to 1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

Preheat oven to 375 degrees and grease and flour an 8-by-4-inch loaf pan. In a large bowl mix together sugar and lemon zest. Add the butter and beat on high until light and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then beat in the vanilla and almond extracts. Stir in the sour cream and lemon juice. In a small bowl add the raspberries. Sprinkle one 1/2 tablespoon of flour over the raspberries and toss gently to coat. Set aside. In a medium bowl combine flour, baking powder and salt, whisking to combine. Add the dry ingredients into the wet, stirring just until combined. Add about a third of the batter into the prepared pan and spread into an even layer. Scatter over half of the flour coated raspberries and continue layering in the batter and raspberries, ending with a layer of batter. Bake the loaf until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes. Set aside to cool completely. When cool, prepare the glaze. Mash the raspberries with 1 tablespoon of water and the corn syrup, if using, into a puree, then pass through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the seeds. Add the raspberry puree to the confectioners’ sugar in a medium bowl along with the lemon juice and almond extract and stir into a smooth glaze, adding more water or confectioners’ sugar if needed to reach a thick but pourable consistency. Pour the glaze over the loaf and allow it to set up before slicing and serving.