The majority of us struggle with living a healthy life-style. We attempt weight loss and right living only to find us back to our old ways, particularly when it comes to food. We admit to ourselves, but rarely to others, that food has a hold on us. It tastes good. It meets our emotional needs. It becomes our idol. The day food becomes more important than our relationship with God and others, and we crave it more than the desire to be healthy, then we have a real problem.

There’s nothing wrong with food. We need it to sustain life, but what we eat (and when) is important. It comes down to choices! And, it’s simpler than we think.

Visit our EMBRACE LIFE section in the left column to learn more. Then, be encouraged and feel our support!

Despite its incredible diversity, the Bible still possesses a singular theme threaded throughout its entirety that extols the Lord Jesus Christ. The Old Testament prophecies His arrival on earth and the New Testament fulfills this prophecy of Old. The Old prepares us for Him through figures, symbols, and predictions, and the New portrays and explains Him as the complete fulfillment. The Old glimpses His shadow, the New reveals His substance.

Jesus affirmed this as He conversed with the two men on the road to Emmaus after His resurrection in Luke 24:26-27. Not long afterward, Jesus appeared to His disciples in Jerusalem and again reminded them of how the Scriptures point to Him in Luke 24:44-46 and John 5:39.

J.B. Fowler, Jr. said…
“Christ is the crimson thread that holds all the Scriptures together.”

In Genesis, He is the Seed of the woman.
In Exodus, He’s the Passover Lamb.
In Leviticus, He is the atoning Sacrifice.
In Numbers, He is the bronze Serpent.
In Deuteronomy, He’s the promised Prophet.
In Joshua, He is the unseen Captain.
In Judges, He is my Deliverer.
In Ruth, He’s my heavenly Kinsman.
In Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles, He is the promised King.
In Ezra and Nehemiah, He’s the Restorer of the nation.
In Esther, He is my Advocate.
In Job, my Redeemer.
In Psalms, He is my Shepherd and my All in All.
In Proverbs, my Pattern.
In Ecclesiastes, my Goal.
In Song of Solomon, my Beloved.
In the prophets, He is the coming Prince of Peace.
In Matthew, He is the King.
In Mark, the Servant.
In Luke, the Son of Man.
In John, the Son of God.
In Acts, He is risen, seated, and sending.
In the letters, He is indwelling and filling.
And in Revelation, He is returning and reigning.

HE IS THE KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. HISTORY CAN BE SUMMED UP IN HIS-STORY! THE ALPHA AND THE OMEGA. THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE! THE ONLY WAY TO ETERNAL LIFE!

original source unknown
Note: Occasionally, we will quote other authors or adapt their works to meet the needs of our CCF “audience”… for the benefit of spiritual growth and understanding.

You don’t have to tell how you live each day;
You don’t have to say if you work or play.
A tried, true barometer serves in the place;
However you live, it will show in your face.

The false witness, the deceit that you bear in your heart,
Will not stay inside where it first got its start.
For sinew and blood are a thin veil of lace -
What you wear in your heart, you wear in your face.

If your life is unselfish, if for others you live;
For not what you get but how much you can give;
If you live close to God in His infinite grace,
You don’t have to tell it, it shows in your face.

We will be updating with a new recipe OFTEN so don’t miss a single one.
They’re delicious and super easy for this busy time of year! Also, try this delicious recipe:

EASY OVEN FRIED CHICKEN
1/4 cup seasoned fine bread crumbs
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
4 skinless boneless chicken breasts, sliced in 1/2 lengthwise
1 cup egg substitute
Non-stick cooking spray

Preheat oven 450 degrees F.
Combine bread crumbs, paprika, and garlic powder in a shallow dish. Dip chicken in egg substitute and then dredge in bread crumb mixture. Arrange chicken on a sheet pan coated with cooking spray. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until cooked through. Serve immediately with your favorite salad, soup, or veggie.

“Father, I ask You to bless my friend reading this right now. Lord, show her a new revelation of Your love and power. Holy Spirit, I ask You to minister to her spirit at this very moment. Where there is pain, give her Your peace and mercy. Where there is self-doubting, release a renewed confidence in Your ability to work through her.

Where there is tiredness, or exhaustion, I ask You to give her understanding, patience, and strength as she learns submission to Your leading. Where there is spiritual stagnation, I ask You to renew her by revealing Your nearness, and by drawing her into greater intimacy with You.

Where there is fear, reveal Your love and release to her Your courage. Where there is sin, reveal it and break its hold over my friend’s life. Bless her with friends to support and encourage her. And, let it begin with me.”

2 cups powdered coffee creamer (can be non-fat)
1/4 cup Splenda brown sugar blend
(or 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar)
1 tsp. each: ginger, allspice, nutmeg, cloves
1 1/4 tsp. cinnamon

BLEND WELL. Place in a jar or container with a lid.
DIRECTIONS: Add 1 well rounded teaspoon to hot coffee or tea.

Every year, we vow to get in shape, exercise, eat right, stop doing this, start doing that! We do well for a while and then start sliding off until we’ve returned to our old ways and old patterns.

The first step needed for successful life-changes is to have a personal, growing relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ. Then, set your priorities based on your relationship with Him. When you make a commitment to change, always start with prayer and God’s Word, for…

The Bible contains the mind of God and the state of man. The way of salvation, the doom of sinner, and the happiness of believers. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. We must feed on the Bread of Life ourselves before we can serve it to others.

So, this year, instead of making “resolutions” (which can so easily be broken) make a “commitment” toward change in 2009, allowing God to be God in your life - according to His good and perfect will; in His perfect timing. (He does so much better than we ever could!) A great question to ask yourself when making any kind of resolve toward something is: Will this glorify God and does it work for my edification? How about losing weight and living a healthier lifestyle? It most certainly could if my motives are in line with God’s will and not just out of vanity. 3 John 1:2 How about finding order in my home and in my life? Proverbs 31:10-31 The list could go on and on but it’s ultimately God and the work of the Holy Spirit that transforms us into the women God wants us to be. Ponder this thought taken from Philippians 4:13: The measure of your strength and power is in direct measure of your surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ!  This is exciting! Together, let’s journey in HIS strength, for it’s only there that we’ll find supernatural power for day-to-day, moment-by-moment living!

What if Christmas had never happened? No wise men. No shepherds. No angels singing. What if the manger were empty? What difference would it make in our lives and in this world if Christ had never been born?

As you celetrate this holiday season, discover why Christmas brings hope and salvation to mankind. Discover the fullness of God’s love that began long before the King of Kings came to earth as a newborn baby, went to Calvary, arose from the grave and now sits at the right hand of the Father, and offers eternal life to all who believe in Him. John 14:6

‘Tis the season to wish all a Merry Christmas!

www.coffeecupfriends.com
As we celebrate the birth of Jesus and prepare our hearts and homes for “His special day”, we hope our CCF articles and practical tips will help make your holiday season more enjoyable.

Visit our CHRISTMAS CORNER now!

WHEN UNEXPECTED GUESTS DROP BY…

1. Whip up a batch of MUFFINS now to keep on hand for unexpected guests later. Microwave for 30-40 seconds (depending on number), spread with butter and sprinkle cinnamon on top when warm. Set on a small plate and serve with a Christmas napkin and cup of hot tea. Visit “Our Kitchen” for “Muffins for Those on the Go”. From this one simple mix, you can make numerous batches of different flavors of muffins.

2. Always keep some COCOA PACKETS and miniature marshmallows on hand for the kids.

3. Turn on a CHRISTMAS CD to create a festive atmosphere, and light a few candles for a warm glow. It’ll look like you’ve been expecting your company all along.

SHORTCUTS THAT SAVE TIME…

1. Whoever thought of the GIFTBAG was a genius! Top with crinkled tissue paper and a card tucked inside or a festive tag on the front.

2. “Hire” a teenager to do your GIFT WRAPPING. Provide the materials and give a few simple instructions.

3. Want some quick ideas of what to serve when you entertain without the added expense of already-prepared DELI TRAYS? Most grocery stores have holiday brochures that show what food combinations they offer. Pick one up for meat, cheese, fruit, or veggie tray ideas. Most start with a bed of lettuce and then top with a variety of condiments or other foods.

4. Don’t forget the CROCKPOT for hot Wassail, a special pot roast, veggies, or a big batch of Calico Beans, a favorite at our house.  Click here for recipe 

5. Many teenagers are looking for a little extra cash around the holidays, so hire one to WATCH YOUR LITTLE ONES at the house while you work on final preparations. Set up a special play area and provide snacks. If you have time, prepare a special craft box full of art materials to make Christmas projects - where their imaginations have no limit.

6. DELEGATE! DELEGATE! DELEGATE!

For more LAST MINUTE TIPS click here.