VERSE OF THE DAY!

He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
—Isaiah 53:5-6

Thoughts on Today's Verse...
I don't know how Jesus could stand up under its weight. He had my sin, your sin, our sin. He allowed it to be placed upon him so that we would not have to bear the consequences of it all. But in that sacrifice, as horrible as it was, we find ourselves healed — cured of the most awful disease a person can have, a sin-sick soul. He was pierced, crushed, and punished for our sins. In their place, he has left us his transforming peace and a place to belong.

My Prayer...
God of peace, fill my soul with the wonder of your grace. Let me not forget the cost of your love. Stir in me the constant and abiding memory of your redemptive grace. Thank you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Easy Beef Taco Recipe

Ingredients
~1 pound lean (at least 80%) ground beef
~1 cup Old El Paso® Thick 'n Chunky salsa
~10 Old El Paso® taco shells
~1/2 head lettuce, shredded
~1 medium tomato, chopped (3/4 cup)
~1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (4 ounces)

Directions
1- Cook beef in 10-inch skillet over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until brown; drain.

2- Stir salsa into beef. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly; reduce heat to medium-low. Cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour beef mixture into large serving bowl.

3- Heat taco shells as directed on package. Serve taco shells with beef mixture, lettuce, tomato and cheese.

Some bonus ideas...

Want a veggie version? Open a 16-ounce can of Old El Paso® refried beans, and place in a microwavable bowl. Cover and microwave on High, stirring a few times with a wooden spoon, until hot. Spoon beans into a serving bowl, and serve with the salsa and other taco toppings. 

Craving salad? Place lettuce in a large bowl or on a large serving platter. Top with the chopped tomato, cheese, cooked beef and salsa. Sprinkle with 2 cups crushed tortilla chips.

Tacos anyone?

Shrimp Taco Recipe

Serves 4 | Hands-On Time: 35mins | Total Time: 35mins

Ingredients

1/2 cup sour cream

3 tablespoons mayonnaise

3 tablespoons milk

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled

3 tablespoons butter, melted

2 large garlic cloves, minced

4 limes, cut into quarters

kosher salt

8 6-inch corn tortillas

2 to 3 cups finely shredded green cabbage

bottled green tomatillo salsa

Directions

~Heat grill to medium-high. In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, and cumin. Set aside.

~Skewer the shrimp. (If using wood skewers, soak them in water for 10 minutes beforehand.) In a small bowl, combine the butter and garlic. Brush the shrimp with the garlic butter.

~Place the shrimp on grill with the limes. Cook for about 4 minutes on each side or until the shrimp are opaque and the limes are browned.

~Remove from grill. Lightly salt the shrimp.

Grill the tortillas for 30 seconds on each side, then place inside a paper bag to keep warm.

~Pull the shrimp off the skewers; divide evenly among the tortillas. Top with the cabbage, sour cream sauce, tomatillo salsa, and a squeeze of grilled lime.

Random Sweets :)

VERSE OF THE DAY!

He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he took up our infirmities and he carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted.
—Isaiah 53:3-4

Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Jesus was everything and became nothing for us. Yet most of the people who were on earth that he came to save didn't know him or accept him. The crowds just assumed he deserved what he got. Most did not repent. But there was something about that sacrificial story that has grabbed hearts over the years and called God's lost children home. In our journey home, we find him to not only be a Savior, but a servant for our salvation as well.

My Prayer...
God Almighty, your plan to redeem me takes my breath away. Why you chose to take your precious son and expose him to such public disgrace while he was on earth I will never comprehend. But this I do know: you love me with an everlasting love and I will serve you with all of my strength in thanks for his great sacrifice. Thank you for your love. In the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, I pray. Amen.

Hey guys.. Just a quick update

Today was my 1st official day with Disney

and I honestly can say that I can't wait to see where this journey will take me!

VERSE OF THE DAY!

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
—2 Corinthians 5:21

Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Righteousness! That's what we are. We are not righteous. No, it is much bigger than that. We are God's righteousness. We are the testimony of how holy, just and gracious he truly is because, in Jesus, we are his righteousness!

My Prayer...
Thank You, Almighty God, for making me righteous in the blood of your son's death. May people see in me, a reflection of your holiness, justice, and mercy as I try to share with them your grace. Through Jesus, your sacrifice for my sins I pray. Amen.

HENNA!

VERSE OF THE DAY!

For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men — the testimony given in its proper time.
—1 Timothy 2:5-6

Thoughts on Today's Verse...
We do not need to have another human, no matter how mighty, pious, or special, to intercede for us before God. As his children, we can go freely, knowing that God himself has provided the perfect mediator between himself and us. That mediator, alone, is head of the Church and Chief Priest before God on our behalf. His name is Christ Jesus, and he is our Lord, Savior and brother.

My Prayer...
O God, you are my God, and I praise you for making access to you so freely available. I know that if left to my own power, I would have no strength or righteousness with which to approach you. Yet in your grace, you not only provided a ransom for my sin, but you also provided a mediator for my approach to you. Jesus, I thank you as well, for paying the price and staying at the Father's side to intercede and speak for me! Thank you, Jesus, for making this prayer known to the Father as I pray in your name. Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY!

My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.

—Psalm 62:7

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Who we are, what becomes of us in life, and what we accomplish of significance are all in God's hands. We cannot achieve lasting honor for ourselves without his blessing. We cannot secure our future or our safety without his protection and blessing. The basis of all achievement and glory is dependent upon our willingly placing our lives in his care.

My Prayer...

O Rock, Fortress of my life, I place myself in your care. Take charge of my future and use me for your glory. In you I take refuge and on your strength I rely to make my days worthwhile. In the precious name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

COTTON CANDY!

VERSE OF THE DAY!

For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him.
—Philippians 1:29

Thoughts on Today's Verse...
When we read the book of Acts, we find the disciples overjoyed at suffering "for the sake of the name." Since Jesus has already victoriously passed through that kind of ordeal, we should consider it a privilege to share in his sufferings, not just a hardship. The truth of our commitment is often best shown to the skeptical when we are "under fire." So let's keep our character when under attack and rejoice, because we've seen in Jesus what happens when God's children are faithful even at the cost of their lives.

My Prayer...
What a precious name you have given to your son, O Lord. May it be exalted in all the earth and throughout all the heavens, until every heart knows that he is truly Lord. In Jesus name, and for his glory, I pray. Amen.

VROOM! VROOM!

Chris Brown - Loyal (Explicit) ft. Lil Wayne, Tyga

VERSE OF THE DAY!

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
—1 John 1:9

Thoughts on Today's Verse...
We can be forgiven of our sins! That's great, but there's even better news. We can be purified of any stain from sin!! That's incredible: not only am I forgiven, I'm made clean and new again! But only because of God's grace and perfect sacrifice for our sins.

My Prayer...
Forgiving Father, please forgive me today for my lack of passion to love and forgive others in the way you have so graciously forgiven me. Create in me a heart like your own: faithful, forgiving, and gracious. In the precious name of Jesus I pray. Amen.