My friend Shawn shared this story today and I just had to pass it along!
Just yesterday, I had an old woman, probably around 85 or so, grab my arm and said she wanted to tell me of an experience. I didn't know this woman at all and she didn't know me. But she told me about two years ago, she was living in Joplin, Missouri. She was woken up suddenly at 6:00 a.m. one morning and felt a strong impression that she should call each of her children and tell them to have a priesthood blessing on each of their homes. She said just a few days later a massive tornado came through and destroyed the entire town, but each of her children's homes were completely unharmed in the midst of all the destruction. Then she said that God speaks to people. That time it was very loud, but normally, it's very soft. She said He speaks to us everyday if we can listen. Then she asked me to share that story with someone else too because we all need to know He is there and He is speaking.
This experience couldn't have happened at a better time for me and I am so grateful for her willingness to share this experience, because it's what I needed to hear. So, I hope it also helps someone who reads this post, to know that God does speak. He hears and answers our prayers even when we feel all hope is lost. We only need to believe, listen, and obey. -Shawn Carl Watkins, 28 May 2014
Doesn't that just give you chills?? What's your opinion? -Julie L. Spencer
I recently lost 42 pounds on the Take Shape for Life program! Want to check out my weight loss transition? Click here! -Julie L. Spencer
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Medifast Recipe Using Chocolate Pudding and Chocolate Mint Crunch Bar: Mint Chip Frosty
For more information about Medifast and the Take Shape for Life program, click here.
1 Packet Medifast Chocolate Pudding
½ Cup Water
1 Cup of Ice
1 Medifast Chocolate Mint Crunch Bar
Blend all ingredients in blender. Pour into two cups. Makes two meals.
For more information about Medifast and the Take Shape for Life program, click here.
1 Packet Medifast Chocolate Pudding
½ Cup Water
1 Cup of Ice
1 Medifast Chocolate Mint Crunch Bar
Blend all ingredients in blender. Pour into two cups. Makes two meals.
For more information about Medifast and the Take Shape for Life program, click here.
Medifast Recipe Using Brownie Softbake and Chocolate Crunch Bar: Chocolate Crunch Cookies
For more information about Medifast and the Take Shape for Life program, click here.
1 Packet Medifast Brownie Softbake
3 Tbsp Cold Water
1 Chocolate Crunch Bar
Heat crunch bar in microwave for 30 seconds. Add cold water to brownie mix as directed on packet and add softened crunch bar into the batter. Stir until well mixed. Dollop onto plate and microwave for two minutes. Freeze until desired firmness (about 30 minutes).
Makes Two Meals
For more information about Medifast and the Take Shape for Life program, click here.
1 Packet Medifast Brownie Softbake
3 Tbsp Cold Water
1 Chocolate Crunch Bar
Heat crunch bar in microwave for 30 seconds. Add cold water to brownie mix as directed on packet and add softened crunch bar into the batter. Stir until well mixed. Dollop onto plate and microwave for two minutes. Freeze until desired firmness (about 30 minutes).
Makes Two Meals
For more information about Medifast and the Take Shape for Life program, click here.
Medifast Recipe Using Brownie Softbake and Chocolate Mint Crunch Bar: Chocolate Mint Cookies
For more information about Medifast and the Take Shape for Life program, click here.
1 Packet Medifast Brownie Softbake
3 Tbsp Cold Water
1 Chocolate Mint Crunch Bar
Heat crunch bar in microwave for 30 seconds. Add cold water to brownie mix as directed on packet and add softened crunch bar into the batter. Stir until well mixed. Dollop onto plate and microwave for two minutes. Freeze until desired firmness (about 30 minutes).
Makes Two Meals
For more information about Medifast and the Take Shape for Life program, click here.
1 Packet Medifast Brownie Softbake
3 Tbsp Cold Water
1 Chocolate Mint Crunch Bar
Heat crunch bar in microwave for 30 seconds. Add cold water to brownie mix as directed on packet and add softened crunch bar into the batter. Stir until well mixed. Dollop onto plate and microwave for two minutes. Freeze until desired firmness (about 30 minutes).
Makes Two Meals
For more information about Medifast and the Take Shape for Life program, click here.
Medifast Recipe Using Pancake Mix and Brownie Mix Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Filling
For more information about Medifast and the Take Shape for Life program, click here.
1 Packet Medifast Original Pancake Mix
1 Packet Brownie Softbake Mix
1/3 cup water
Mix ingredients together and put ¼ of the batter in the bottom of each of two Softbake trays.
For Peanut Butter Filling:
2 Tbsp All Natural Peanut Butter
1 Packet Stevia
Mix together and put ½ of the peanut butter mixture in the middle of each tray. Divide remaining brownie/pancake batter on top of the peanut butter in each tray. Bake in microwave for 1 minute 50 seconds.
Each Softbake tray = One Meal
For more information about Medifast and the Take Shape for Life program, click here.
1 Packet Medifast Original Pancake Mix
1 Packet Brownie Softbake Mix
1/3 cup water
Mix ingredients together and put ¼ of the batter in the bottom of each of two Softbake trays.
For Peanut Butter Filling:
2 Tbsp All Natural Peanut Butter
1 Packet Stevia
Mix together and put ½ of the peanut butter mixture in the middle of each tray. Divide remaining brownie/pancake batter on top of the peanut butter in each tray. Bake in microwave for 1 minute 50 seconds.
Each Softbake tray = One Meal
For more information about Medifast and the Take Shape for Life program, click here.
Medifast Recipe Using Hot Cocoa: Peanut Butter Cup
For more information about Medifast and the Take Shape for Life program, click here.
Chocolate Layer:
1 packet Medifast Hot Cocoa
1 tsp Hersey’s Unsweetened Cocoa
1 packet Stevia
3 Tbsp cold water
Mix ingredients together and pour ½ of the mixture into bottom of small bowl. Set aside.
Peanut Butter Layer:
2 Tbsp natural peanut butter
3 packets Stevia
Mix peanut butter & Stevia well and dollop onto prepared chocolate later. Pour remaining chocolate on top and freeze until set (approximately 2 hours)
P.S. This recipe does not taste all that good when the ingredients are warm. It is only after it is frozen that it tastes like a peanut butter cup. It is also very rich and I can usually only eat about half of it at a time.
For more information about Medifast and the Take Shape for Life program, click here.
Chocolate Layer:
1 packet Medifast Hot Cocoa
1 tsp Hersey’s Unsweetened Cocoa
1 packet Stevia
3 Tbsp cold water
Mix ingredients together and pour ½ of the mixture into bottom of small bowl. Set aside.
Peanut Butter Layer:
2 Tbsp natural peanut butter
3 packets Stevia
Mix peanut butter & Stevia well and dollop onto prepared chocolate later. Pour remaining chocolate on top and freeze until set (approximately 2 hours)
P.S. This recipe does not taste all that good when the ingredients are warm. It is only after it is frozen that it tastes like a peanut butter cup. It is also very rich and I can usually only eat about half of it at a time.
For more information about Medifast and the Take Shape for Life program, click here.
Medifast Recipe Using Pudding: Peanut Butter Chocolate Ice Cream
For more information about Medifast and the Take Shape for Life program, click here.
1 package Medifast Chocolate Pudding
½ cup water
1 Tbsp peanut butter
Whisk Medifast Chocolate Pudding with water then gently whisk in the peanut butter. Freeze for one hour.
P.S. the longer you are able to leave it in the freezer, the more it will resemble ice cream and the less it will resemble pudding, but good luck! It’s hard not to eat sooner rather than later!
For more information about Medifast and the Take Shape for Life program, click here.
1 package Medifast Chocolate Pudding
½ cup water
1 Tbsp peanut butter
Whisk Medifast Chocolate Pudding with water then gently whisk in the peanut butter. Freeze for one hour.
P.S. the longer you are able to leave it in the freezer, the more it will resemble ice cream and the less it will resemble pudding, but good luck! It’s hard not to eat sooner rather than later!
For more information about Medifast and the Take Shape for Life program, click here.
Medifast Recipe Using Pancake Mix: Cinnamon Roll
For more information about Medifast and the Take Shape for Life program, click here.
1 Medifast Pancake Mix
2 Tbsp Water
1/8 tsp Cinnamon
1 Packet Stevia
1 Tbsp Melted Butter
Combine all ingredients and put in small microwaveable bowl for 30 seconds. Do not over-bake or it will get dry.
Icing:
2 Tbs Low Fat Cream Cheese (softened)
1 Packet Stevia
In the same bowl you used to create the pancake batter, mix the cream cheese and the Stevia. Spread on warm Cinnamon Roll.
For more information about Medifast and the Take Shape for Life program, click here.
1 Medifast Pancake Mix
2 Tbsp Water
1/8 tsp Cinnamon
1 Packet Stevia
1 Tbsp Melted Butter
Combine all ingredients and put in small microwaveable bowl for 30 seconds. Do not over-bake or it will get dry.
Icing:
2 Tbs Low Fat Cream Cheese (softened)
1 Packet Stevia
In the same bowl you used to create the pancake batter, mix the cream cheese and the Stevia. Spread on warm Cinnamon Roll.
For more information about Medifast and the Take Shape for Life program, click here.
Medifast Recipe Using Shake Mix: Shake Cake
For more information about Medifast and the Take Shape for Life program, click here.
Mix together:
1 Medifast Shake mix
2 Tbsp Egg Beaters (or one egg white)
1/2 tsp Baking Powder
Vanilla Extract (a few drops)
A tablespoon or two of water (just enough to make a batter)
Microwave for one & a half minutes (start short and you can always add time)
For Frosting:
Mix one packet of Stevia and one tablespoon of fat free cream cheese.
Spread on warm cake.
Enjoy!
For more information about Medifast and the Take Shape for Life program, click here.
Mix together:
1 Medifast Shake mix
2 Tbsp Egg Beaters (or one egg white)
1/2 tsp Baking Powder
Vanilla Extract (a few drops)
A tablespoon or two of water (just enough to make a batter)
Microwave for one & a half minutes (start short and you can always add time)
For Frosting:
Mix one packet of Stevia and one tablespoon of fat free cream cheese.
Spread on warm cake.
Enjoy!
For more information about Medifast and the Take Shape for Life program, click here.
Medifast Recipe Using Blueberry Oatmeal and Pancake Mix: Blueberry Muffins
For more information about Medifast and the Take Shape for Life program, click here.
Preheat oven to 400º
Brush four muffin cups with melted butter. Do not use muffin papers. The batter will stick to them!
Mix together:
1 package Blueberry Oatmeal
1 package Pancake Mix
2 packets of Stevia
½ tsp baking powder
4 Tbsp Egg Beaters
½ Tbsp melted butter
2 Tbsp water
Divide evenly between four buttered muffin cups and bake at 400º for 9 minutes. Let stand in muffin cup for one minute, then remove to cooling rack.
Enjoy!
Two muffins = One Medifast meal
For more information about Medifast and the Take Shape for Life program, click here.
Preheat oven to 400º
Brush four muffin cups with melted butter. Do not use muffin papers. The batter will stick to them!
Mix together:
1 package Blueberry Oatmeal
1 package Pancake Mix
2 packets of Stevia
½ tsp baking powder
4 Tbsp Egg Beaters
½ Tbsp melted butter
2 Tbsp water
Divide evenly between four buttered muffin cups and bake at 400º for 9 minutes. Let stand in muffin cup for one minute, then remove to cooling rack.
Enjoy!
Two muffins = One Medifast meal
For more information about Medifast and the Take Shape for Life program, click here.
Medifast Recipe Using Blueberry Oatmeal: Blueberry Muffins
For more information about Medifast and the Take Shape for Life program, click here.
Preheat oven to 350º
Brush two muffin cups with melted butter. Do not use muffin papers. The batter will stick to them!
Mix together:
1 package Blueberry Oatmeal
1 packet of Stevia
¼ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp baking powder
2 Tbsp Egg Beaters
½ tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup water
Divide evenly between two buttered muffin cups and bake at 350º for 12-15 minutes. Let stand in muffin cup for one minute, then remove to cooling rack.
Enjoy!
Two muffins = One Medifast meal
For more information about Medifast and the Take Shape for Life program, click here.
Preheat oven to 350º
Brush two muffin cups with melted butter. Do not use muffin papers. The batter will stick to them!
Mix together:
1 package Blueberry Oatmeal
1 packet of Stevia
¼ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp baking powder
2 Tbsp Egg Beaters
½ tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup water
Divide evenly between two buttered muffin cups and bake at 350º for 12-15 minutes. Let stand in muffin cup for one minute, then remove to cooling rack.
Enjoy!
Two muffins = One Medifast meal
For more information about Medifast and the Take Shape for Life program, click here.
Medifast Recipe Using Softbakes: Cookie Shake/Brownie Shake
For more information about Medifast and the Take Shape for Life program, click here.
Mix together:
1 package Medifast Softbake Mix (either use Brownie mix or Chocolate Chip Cookie mix
1 Tbsp low-fat cream cheese
1 cup of water
½ cup of ice
Blend in blender. Really yummy recipe!
Enjoy!
For more information about Medifast and the Take Shape for Life program, click here.
Mix together:
1 package Medifast Softbake Mix (either use Brownie mix or Chocolate Chip Cookie mix
1 Tbsp low-fat cream cheese
1 cup of water
½ cup of ice
Blend in blender. Really yummy recipe!
Enjoy!
For more information about Medifast and the Take Shape for Life program, click here.
Medifast Recipe Using Softbakes and Pancake Mix: Chocolate Chip Cakes
For more information about Medifast and the Take Shape for Life program, click here.
Preheat oven to 350º
Mix together:
1 packet Medifast Chocolate Chip Softbake or Brownie Softbake
1 packet Medifast Pancake Mix
¼ tsp baking powder
¼ cup water
Divide batter into two Softbake trays or muffin cups brushed with oil and bake for 10-12 minutes.
Each cake = 1 meal
Enjoy!
For more information about Medifast and the Take Shape for Life program, click here.
Preheat oven to 350º
Mix together:
1 packet Medifast Chocolate Chip Softbake or Brownie Softbake
1 packet Medifast Pancake Mix
¼ tsp baking powder
¼ cup water
Divide batter into two Softbake trays or muffin cups brushed with oil and bake for 10-12 minutes.
Each cake = 1 meal
Enjoy!
For more information about Medifast and the Take Shape for Life program, click here.
Medifast Recipe Using Pancake Mix: Sausage Biscuit with Egg Whites
For more information about Medifast and the Take Shape for Life program, click here.
To make muffin:
Mix together:
1 Medifast Pancake Mix
¼ tsp baking powder
¼ cup water
Pour biscuit mixture into a microwavable bowl brushed with 1 Tbsp of olive oil and microwave for 1.5 minutes. Remove from bowl onto plate and slice in half lengthwise.
To make egg:
Wipe microwave bowl out with paper towel and brush with a little more olive oil if desired then pour ¼ cup of egg whites into it and microwave for 1 minute. Turn cooked egg out onto biscuit and top with Colby jack or Cheddar cheese.
Serve with one Morning Star Farms Veggie Sausage Patties cooked in microwave for 45 seconds.
Enjoy!
For more information about Medifast and the Take Shape for Life program, click here.
To make muffin:
Mix together:
1 Medifast Pancake Mix
¼ tsp baking powder
¼ cup water
Pour biscuit mixture into a microwavable bowl brushed with 1 Tbsp of olive oil and microwave for 1.5 minutes. Remove from bowl onto plate and slice in half lengthwise.
To make egg:
Wipe microwave bowl out with paper towel and brush with a little more olive oil if desired then pour ¼ cup of egg whites into it and microwave for 1 minute. Turn cooked egg out onto biscuit and top with Colby jack or Cheddar cheese.
Serve with one Morning Star Farms Veggie Sausage Patties cooked in microwave for 45 seconds.
Enjoy!
For more information about Medifast and the Take Shape for Life program, click here.
Medifast Recipe Using Shake Mix: Butter Fudge
For more information about Medifast and the Take Shape for Life program, click here.
Mix together:
1 package Medifast Chocolate Shake Mix
1 packet of Stevia
¼ tsp vanilla
2 Tbsp melted butter
1 Tbsp cold water
Spread on a plate or bottom of a bowl and refrigerate or freeze for at least one hour.
Enjoy!
For more information about Medifast and the Take Shape for Life program, click here.
Mix together:
1 package Medifast Chocolate Shake Mix
1 packet of Stevia
¼ tsp vanilla
2 Tbsp melted butter
1 Tbsp cold water
Spread on a plate or bottom of a bowl and refrigerate or freeze for at least one hour.
Enjoy!
For more information about Medifast and the Take Shape for Life program, click here.
Medifast Recipe Using Pancake Mix and Oatmeal: Crumb Cake
For more information about Medifast and the Take Shape for Life program, click here.
Preheat oven to 350º
For Cake:
1 Medifast Pancake Mix
¼ teaspoon Baking Powder
¼ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1 Tablespoon Liquid Egg Whites
¼ cup Water
Add pancake mix and baking powder to shaker jar, add egg whites, vanilla and water, cover and shake five times (do not stir or over-shake). Pour into an oven-proof, non-stick pan that has been lightly oiled with a bit of olive oil or non-stick spray.
For Crumb Mix:
1 Medifast Maple & Brown Sugar Oatmeal Mix
¼ teaspoon Cinnamon
1 packet Stevia
2 Tablespoons Real Butter, softened
Cut in dry ingredients into the butter until it resembles crumbs. Sprinkle the crumb mixture on top of the cake batter and bake at 350 degrees for 11-12 minutes. Crumbs will fall down slightly into the cake batter and will probably not ‘brown up’ like a usual crumb cake. This recipe makes two Medifast meals.
For more information about Medifast and the Take Shape for Life program, click here.
Preheat oven to 350º
For Cake:
1 Medifast Pancake Mix
¼ teaspoon Baking Powder
¼ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1 Tablespoon Liquid Egg Whites
¼ cup Water
Add pancake mix and baking powder to shaker jar, add egg whites, vanilla and water, cover and shake five times (do not stir or over-shake). Pour into an oven-proof, non-stick pan that has been lightly oiled with a bit of olive oil or non-stick spray.
For Crumb Mix:
1 Medifast Maple & Brown Sugar Oatmeal Mix
¼ teaspoon Cinnamon
1 packet Stevia
2 Tablespoons Real Butter, softened
Cut in dry ingredients into the butter until it resembles crumbs. Sprinkle the crumb mixture on top of the cake batter and bake at 350 degrees for 11-12 minutes. Crumbs will fall down slightly into the cake batter and will probably not ‘brown up’ like a usual crumb cake. This recipe makes two Medifast meals.
For more information about Medifast and the Take Shape for Life program, click here.
Sunday, May 11, 2014
The Sixth Love Language: How We Share Love by Sharing Food
I would love your input, insight, stories, thoughts! I'm compiling a collection of stories and recipes that may eventually become a little book. I'm still messing around with the title. Something like: The Sixth Love Language: How We Share Love by Sharing Food (or something like that!). I'd like stories & recipes of comforting times where food has positively affected your life and/or the lives of the ones you love. For example: when someone has a baby, we show up with food. If someone passes away, we show up with food. If we're getting together for a celebration (holiday, wedding, graduation, etc.) it always involves food! In so many ways, we speak love with food! I've been tossing this idea around for years after I heard a story about a woman who's grandmother had moved here from 'the old country' and couldn't speak a word of English. She couldn't communicate with words with her grand kids, but she would always make them something special to eat. She communicated (and showed love) through the food she shared. I'm sure we could come up with hundreds of similar examples. Special events in your lives, something that happened that made a difference in some positive way. The stories will be compiled in a similar fashion as one of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books (no pun intended, it's just that type of book). It will be positive and uplifting, maybe a few tears here and there but in a good way. Does anyone have any stories they'd be willing to share? You could email them to me if you don't want to share them on this message thread (or if they're too long!) I'd also love to have any recipes that go along with the stories. Thanks, Julie L. Spencer
I can be reached by email at juliespencer1998@gmail.com
If you're not familiar with The Five Love Languages by Gary D. Chapman, check out this amazing book!
Also, check out Chicken Soup of the Soul by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen
I recently lost 42 pounds on the Take Shape for Life program! Want to check out my weight loss transition? Click here! -Julie L. Spencer
I can be reached by email at juliespencer1998@gmail.com
If you're not familiar with The Five Love Languages by Gary D. Chapman, check out this amazing book!
Also, check out Chicken Soup of the Soul by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen
I recently lost 42 pounds on the Take Shape for Life program! Want to check out my weight loss transition? Click here! -Julie L. Spencer
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