Stillness

Be still, and know that I am God....~~ Psalm 46:10 KJV ~~ 

 Are you so busy that you rush through the day with scarcely a single moment for quiet contemplation and prayer? If so, it's time to reorder your priorities. 

 If we are to maintain righteous minds and compassionate hearts, we must take time each day for prayer and for meditation. 

We must make ourselves still in the presence of our Creator. 

We must quiet our minds and our hearts so that we might sense God's will, God's love, and God's Son. 

Has the busy pace of life robbed you of the peace that might otherwise be yours through Jesus Christ? Nothing is more important than the time you spend with your Savior. 

So be still and claim the inner peace that is your spiritual birthright: the peace of Jesus Christ.

 A Woman of Prayer - 365 daily devotions, Freeman-Smith LLC, Publisher

Lemon Bar Trifle

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup butter, melted

LEMON LAYER:

1-1/2 cups sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1-3/4 cups cold water
3 egg yolks, beaten
2/3 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons butter
4 teaspoons grated lemon peel



CREAM CHEESE LAYER:

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
3 cups confectioners' sugar
1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed

Directions: In a small bowl, combine flour and pecans; stir in butter. Press into an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Bake at 350° for 18-20 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.

In a small heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch and flour. Stir in water until smooth. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat. Stir a small amount of hot mixture into egg yolks; return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat. Gently stir in the lemon juice, butter and lemon peel. Transfer to a bowl. Cool to room temperature without stirring. Cover surface with waxed paper; refrigerate until chilled.

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and confectioners' sugar until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Crumble the baked pecan mixture; set aside 1/2 cup for topping. Just before serving, in a 3-qt. trifle bowl, layer 1 cup each pecan mixture, lemon mixture and cream cheese mixture. Repeat layers twice. Sprinkle with reserved pecan mixture. Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: 9 servings.

BBQ Chicken and Strawberry Salad

Ingredients
4 small boneless skinless chicken breast halves
(1 lb.) 1/2 cup KRAFT Original Barbecue Sauce
1 pkg. (10 oz.) mixed salad greens
2 cups fresh strawberries, cut in half
1/2 cup sliced red onions
1/2 cup KRAFT Light Ranch Dressing

Directions

HEAT greased grill to medium-high heat.

GRILL chicken 10 min. on each side or until done (170F), turning and brushing occasionally with barbecue sauce. Cut into strips.

COVER plate with greens; top with berries, onions and chicken.

TOP with dressing.

NotesKraft Kitchens Tips:

Substitute - Substitute blueberries or blackberries for the halved strawberries.

Special Extra - Brush French bread slices with KRAFT Tuscan House Italian Dressing and Marinade. Add to grill for the last few minutes of the chicken grilling time. Grill until toasted on both sides. Serve with the salad.

A New Sense of Joy

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. ~~ Matthew 11:29-30 ~~  

Even the most inspired Christian women can, from time to time, find themselves running on empty. 

The demands of daily life can drain us of our strength and rob us of the joy that is rightfully ours in Christ. 

Are you tired or troubled? Turn your heart toward God in prayer. Are you weak or worried? Take the time -- or, more accurately, make the time -- to delve deeply into God's Holy Word. 

 Are you spiritually depleted? Call upon fellow believers to support you, and call upon Christ to renew your spirit and your life. When you do, you'll discover that the Creator of the universe stands always ready and always able to create a new sense of wonderment and joy in you. 

But while relaxation is one thing, refreshment is another.We need to drink frequently and at length from God's fresh springs, to spend time in the Scripture, time in fellowship with Him, time worshiping Him. ~~ Ruth Bell Graham ~~