Grace and Peace

Last week I started working my way through Colossians and I've been struck by the phrase in verse 2: "Grace to you and peace from God the Father".

The word, grace (karis in Greek) has several nuances.
GRACE:
that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness, like grace of speech
GOOD-WILL, LOVING KINDNESS, FAVOR:
of the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues
WHAT IS DUE TO GRACE:
the token or proof of grace, benefit
THANKS:
(for benefits, services, favours), recompense, reward

Although all of these befit God's grace towards sinful mankind, I truly see Paul's desire of the "good-will, loving-kindness and favor" to rest on the saints and fellow brothers in Christ at Colossae.. and through the generations, to all believers.

May I walk with a glimpse of such favor upon me. Surely this will change me today... How can I complain? How can I despair? How can I but help to praise my God and my Redeemer!!

Thank you, God, for giving your grace for today. Please help us walk in grace and be ministers of grace to every soul you bring our way.

Coffee Cup Verse

Psalm 77:13-14

Your way, O God, is holy.

What god is great like our God?

You are the God who works wonders;

you have made known your might among the peoples.

Heart-smart Carrot Muffins

Tried a new muffin recipe this morning (trying to use up my frozen carrots before the garden provides us with a whole new orange mountain :). It's a heart-healthy option in many ways - let me know what you think.

1-1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup brown sugar (I substituted honey... for my honey... who's on a honey health plan:)
1 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup fresh, plain yogurt
1/8 teaspoon each of cinnamon and ginger
1/4 cup walnuts
1/4 cup raisins
My method:
1. Preheat the oven to 175 C (350 F).
2. Mix the oil, sugar, carrots, and yogurt in a mixing bowl.
3. Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices in a separate bowl and mix them .
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and combine them well.
5. Mix in the raisins and walnuts, then later add a few more if you like, after you scoop the batter.
6. Scoop out the batter, one ice cream scoop at a time, into a lined muffin pan.
7. Bake for 25 minutes or until the muffins puff up and their tops look golden brown. 8. Let them cool until they reach room temperature, then store in a cool, dry place.
Eat them up in 4 to 5 days, and refrigerate them in warm weather, as they contain yogurt. Enjoy!