WELCOME HEART: Living a Legacy Life

Ep 41 God's Inclusivity and Four Aspects of His Hospitality

John 4 tells the familiar story of Jesus meeting the woman at the well and how He offered her what she really wanted even though she didn't know what that was!
God's welcoming heart is revealed to the woman at the well, someone who was an outcast in so many ways, and we learn 4 things about showing hospitality, and they all have to do with trusting God. 
On the surface, this looks like it’s the woman’s hospitality to Jesus, but it quickly switches to God’s hospitality to her.
 
     “This is your invitation, and it’s the invitation of a lifetime.”
 
In this familiar story, we find lovely interchangeability of hospitality:  God welcomes us and we welcome Him into our lives. 
 
God's welcome is abundant, as we read in Psalm 36. He initiated the relationship by creating us. He welcomed us back by sending His Son.  And at the same time we play host to Him—He knocks on our door, and we welcome Him into every corner of our lives.  We say, “Lord, make Yourself at home in us.  We are at your service.”
We all know how it feels to be the new person on the block. How can you feel at home quickly in this time of social isolation? And how can you help a new family feel welcomed on your street or in your town? Subscribe and receive THREE printables:
"Introduce Yourself to Your Neighbors"
"Welcome a New Neighbor"
"Best Welcome Muffin Recipe Ever: Tollhouse Muffins"
Subscribe Here
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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity.
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For further thoughts on faith, food, and legacy--follow Sue at WelcomeHeart.com
 
 

Ep 40 Three Girls Out to Change the World: A Legacy of Kindness, with The Ruth Experience

Julie, Kendra, and Kristin—creators of the growing online community The Ruth Experience—are three friends whose lives are intertwined as writers, speakers, wives, moms, and world-changers. They are the authors of five books, including their most recent The One Year Daily Acts of Kindness Devotional and 100 Days of Kindness. They believe that when we walk together as women, we can unleash new possibilities for ourselves—and others.
Why a legacy of kindness? It all began with moms talking about the length of their kids' Christmas Wish Lists. How could pass on a legacy of giving vs receiving at the most wonderful time of the year? Advent Acts of Kindness was launched and the rest is history. 
When we look for ways to show kindness, we live more intentionally. We put it on the calendar. We follow through with actions instead of only thinking something is a good idea. And the best part? 
Our kids soak it up and become leaders in kindness without our having to tell them to be kind. 
One Hundred Days of Kindness Devotional
New book coming October:
The One Year Daily Acts of Friendship: 365 Days to Finding, Keeping, and Loving Your Friends
And in Spring:
100 Daily Acts of Friendship for Girls: A Devotional
This trio is busy spreading kindness.Connect with The Ruth Experience on www.theruthexperience.com and follow on Instagram @theruthexperience 
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Bacon Spaghetti Sauce (need I say more? Bacon is a food group)
by Kristin Demery
5-6 strips of bacon
½ onion, diced
2 t. garlic, chopped (about 2 cloves)
1 lb. ground beef
2 - 28 oz. cans diced tomatoes
4 t. dried basil
2 t. dried oregano
2 t. dried parsley
½ cup red wine
Salt, to taste
Tomato paste (*optional, although I don’t use it)
 
Directions:
Cook bacon according to package directions. Once fully cooked, remove from pan and set aside.
Leaving bacon fat in pan, add ground beef, onions, and garlic and cook on medium.
Once ground beef is no longer pink and onions are soft and somewhat translucent, add tomatoes.
Stir in spices and red wine, turn heat down to medium-low and let simmer for a while.
Chop bacon and add back into the spaghetti sauce. Taste-test to see if additional salt or spices are needed.
 
*If the sauce isn’t thick enough, you can also add a small can of tomato paste but will need to add additional spices.
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Speaking of kindness. Jesus says to love our neighbor as ourselves. Do you have a new neighbor? Or are you the newbie and you need to make some friends? Here's my New Neighbor Packet - enjoy!
We all know how it feels to be the new person on the block. How can you feel at home quickly in this time of social isolation? And how can you help a new family feel welcomed on your street or in your town?
Subscribe and receive THREE printables:
"Introduce Yourself to Your Neighbors"
"Welcome a New Neighbor"
"Best Welcome Muffin Recipe Ever: Tollhouse Muffins"
Subscribe Here
 
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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity.
Subscribe:
Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:
    
 

Ep 39 Got the Mommy Blues? Nothing is Wasted When Walking Close to Jesus

There's nothing worse than knowing you have the greatest job in the world and feeling like a failure in that job. How can we parent with joy, confidence and purpose?
Parenting is difficult (ask God, the Perfect Parent!) yet there is joy in the journey. And God, our Shepherd, is our comfort. 
 
 Sarah Young wrote in her book, Jesus Calling:
"Nothing is wasted when you are walking close to Me." (April 10)
Nothing, Lord? That means whether I'm parenting, cooking, cleaning, resting - living! -- it doesn't matter what, what matters most is that I walk close to Jesus. 
This is my To-Do List to ensure I do just that:
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A crockpot or instant pot is a mom's best friend. If I can prep dinner at 9 am, I can rest easy at 6 pm when everyone's hungry, tired, and downright snappish. This simple and robust recipe is from the Flores family and we love it. 
 
Tri-Tip Tacos
Place trimmed tri-tip in the crockpot
Pour over two cups of salsa of your choice
Check two hours before dinner if it's getting tender. If not, I put it on High
Shred with two forks
Saute sliced sweet peppers and onions.
Serve in warmed tortillas with extra salsa, cheddar cheese, and sour cream. (Side dish not necessary - brownies, more necessary.)
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We all know how it feels to be the new person on the block. How can you feel at home quickly in this time of social isolation? And how can you help a new family feel welcomed on your street or in your town? Subscribe and receive THREE printables: "Introduce Yourself to Your Neighbors" "Welcome a New Neighbor" "Best Welcome Muffin Recipe Ever: Tollhouse Muffins"
Subscribe Here
 
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Ep 38 God's Called You to a Wonderful Story—Don't Settle! with Doris Cush

Doris Cush says she's not a patient person but she is a waiter - she knows to wait on God to bring something beautiful from ashes, strength from weakness, faith from pain. The moment you meet her, you know you are loved as she invites you to make Jesus your best friend, no matter what you are going through.
In her own words:
People know me as Doris Cush. but my narrative is encapsulated in a tagline. I’m an “Honest Survivor Embracing a Savior Honestly.”
As I tackle the tough and tender issues we often face, God allows me to turn obstacles into opportunities and trials into trust-filled moments by sharing P.E.P. Talks. It's His gift of providing Perspective, Encouragement, and Peace to life.This year, I published my latest book, "Word Twist: God's Word Imagined In New Ways" and rolled out a weekly podcast I've aptly entitled "Spur-1-On." If I'm not encouraging someone on Instagram, I'm working alongside my "right name/wrong guy" church planting, worship songwriting husband, Daniel, of 23-1/2 years.
Follow Doris for more encouragement follow at any of the following places:
Blog/Web: www.doriscush.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/dmcushiteFacebook: www.facebook.com/DorisMCush YouTube: www.youtube.com/dmcushite 
This coming Saturday, Doris and two ministry friends will be leading a virtual event entitled: WHAT LIES BEYOND and I can't wait. Register here for FREE.
ABOUT WHAT LIES BEYOND VIRTUAL EVENT:
During these troubling times, have you asked WHY? Have you wondered WHEN will life get back to "normal"? And are you ready for WHAT lies beyond social distancing and racial unrest?
Join us as we take a Biblical approach to...
How to process hardships, troubles, and setbacks
Adopting a transition plan as we move forward
Supporting one another on the other side
WHAT LIES BEYOND: A VIRTUAL EVENT will feature:
Delphine Kirkland, Blogger/Vlogger & Author of the book, "Just Jesus & Me." Instagram @fromthemasterstable
Camille McIntyre, Oasis Church NYC Co-Pastor and Vlogger. Instagram @camille_mcintyre
Doris M. Cush (Host), Writer / Speaker / Encourager & Author of the book, "Word Twist: God's Word Imagined in New Ways." Instagram @dmcushite
EVENT DETAILS...
Saturday, July 11, 2020 (11am - 3 pm EST / 10 am - 2 pm CST)
VIRTUAL doors open @ 10:30 am EST / 9:30 am CST to settle in (code: let's get situated with water, snacks and operating your device before the event begins!)
Lunch break factored into event (Since I'm in the Pacific Time Zone, I'll be in PJ's and not worried about the lunch break!)
Here's a favorite recipe from Doris - Let me know if you try it!
 
My Mama's Modified Sweet Potato Pie
Bruce's canned yams- a large can equals 2-3 pies
Brown sugar (your choice)
Butter, 1 stick
½ Tbsp. Baking powder  1/8 t. salt
3 eggs
2 cups sugar
l cup flour
1-2 cans Carnation milk
Pet Ritz deep-dish pie shells 
Spices galore: Nutmeg / Allspice / Cinnamon /Ginger/ Clove/ Pure Vanilla / Butter Flavor or Vanilla Butter Nut Flavor/ Molasses/ Syrup {add to your taste!)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Drain juice from yams. Place in large quart pot with a little water, butter, and brown sugar to sweeten. Cook yams to tender. Let cool. Sift dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and salt) and set aside. Beat eggs and sugar in yams. Mix in milk and add spices. Add dry ingredients and more spices to taste. Keep mixing until you reach a thick, creamy consistency that has a medium-dark coloring. I use a soup ladle to pour mixture into pie shell (roughly 3 scoops per pie). Bake until a toothpick comes out clean in the middle (approximately 1-½ hours @ 350 degrees. (Doris M. Cush -I modified my mama's recipe in 1988. ENJOY!)
 
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We all know how it feels to be the new person on the block. How can you feel at home quickly in this time of social isolation? And how can you help a new family feel welcomed on your street or in your town? Subscribe and receive THREE printables:
"Introduce Yourself to Your Neighbors"
"Welcome a New Neighbor"
"Best Welcome Muffin Recipe Ever: Tollhouse Muffins"
Subscribe Here
:::::::::::
How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity.
Subscribe:
Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:
    
For further thoughts on faith, food, and legacy--follow Sue at WelcomeHeart.co
 

Ep 37 A Long Life Well-Lived, Wisdom from Annadale White

My friend and mentor, Annadale White, just turned 95. Don't you love that? In her own words, "For some reason, God wanted me to live a long life." She didn't want to be interviewed but I didn't want you to miss out on knowing some of her exuberance in Jesus and her godly wisdom.
Annadale, a PhD in Education, former college professor, Bible teacher, wife, mother, and grandmother is first and foremost, a woman of the Word. She trusts God instinctively, yet she took a while to succumb to the wooing of her Savior. Why? She knew God would want all of her and she didn't want to give in too readily. A smart woman, even from a very young age.
Everyone needs an Annadale in their lives. I called her the other day to see how she was faring in COVID-19. She asked, "How are you, Sue?" I replied, "I'm mad at Mark, if you want to to know!" She said, "Oh, I'll pray for Mark!" Ha. She was supposed to say, "Oh, I'll pray for you!" Whichever, the prayers worked, I'm happy to report. I called to encourage her. As usual, it went the other direction.
A legacy of joy for now and to come. Isn't she beautiful?
 
Some Annadale truisms:
"God doesn't want us to plan ahead, but He wants us to wait on Him every day."
"I want to have my first cup of coffee of the day with my Father."
"It's interesting how fast we can get our minds away from God so fast!"
"You're never going to get it if you don't read the whole Bible from beginning to end!"
 
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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity.
Subscribe:
Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:
 

Ep 36 You Already Count! with Molly ZagRodny

I love my friend, Molly ZagRodny. She's real, loves Jesus, and me! She's the first to say there are no easy answers to our struggles of life on this side of heaven. Yet she trusts God, continues to learn, and serves others humbly.
Molly's Legacy:
For others to know the extent of God's love for them
To offer hope and continue in faith in light of hard questions, suffering and embracing the truth of Scripture
To help others know that we don't earn His favor--we already count in His eyes.
"Your life already counts! I want to live from that freedom that our being loved by God brings. If God already loves me, then I can do scary things because my relationship with God is not at risk." - Molly ZagRodny
Originally from Seattle, WA, Molly ZagRodny has served with Cru (the US ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ) for almost 30 years. She's been married to David for 22 years, and has two basically adult children who make her smile and pray every day. When the nest gets really empty, Molly hopes to be on the road with her husband, inspiring Christian faculty to embrace their roles as the hands and feet of Jesus in America's universities. She also hopes she'll be brave enough to cancel Netflix and read more books.
www.thezagrodnys.com
 
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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity.
Subscribe:
Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:
    
For further thoughts on faith, food, and legacy--follow Sue at WelcomeHeart.com

Ep 35 When Is OK to Boast? Pride, Sand, and Seeds

I need to beware of anything that begins with: "I pride myself in..." I'm sure to fail. I hope to fail. That way I'll remember God is the author of anything worth boasting in. Our gifts and talents are from Him to serve (or in my case, sometimes entertain) others.
Listen today for 3 steps on how to keep pride at bay, totally out of your mind and heart so that God "frees you up" to glory in Him and serve others with abandon.
As Glyn Evans wrote:
"The only way my gifts can live, thrive, and prosper is by using them for others. Kept for myself, they and I will die. The deadness that we find so stifling in the world is not the deadness of inactivity, but the deadness of accumulation." 
Jesus explained the pride and dying conundrum in John 12: "I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives." John 12:24
There you go: die to self and fruit appears. 
I've been working my mind and heart through Paul's clarion call of passion in Philippians 3:7-10 - want to join me?
Further passages for meditation:
"Therefore, as the Scriptures say, 'If you want to boast, boast only about the LORD.'” I Corinthians 1:31
"This is what the LORD says: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice, and righteousness on the earth--for I delight in these things,' declares the LORD." Jeremiah 9:23,24
"Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow." James 1:17 
"I want to know Christ--yes! To know the power of His resurrection and participation in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death." Philippians 3:10
Daily With the King by Glyn Evans (still in print - worth your purchase!)
 
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French Honey Bread
(for Bread Machine but I bet it would work by hand or in your mixer)
1 1/8 c. water1 T. oil1 T. honey1 t. sugar1 t. salt3 c. flour2 1/2 t. yeast
Put all ingredients in this order into your bread machineHit Dough cycleMy machine takes 2 hours in dough cycle but it depends on the machineWhen it beeps, put Pam or flour on your hands and scoop out the doughPlace, divided on your sprayed pan to make two loaves - any shapeCover lightly with a clean tea towelSet in oven for 30 minutes while they riseRemove towelPreheat oven to 350 and bake til brown and crusty - about 25 to 30 min. Voila! You're a star!
Printable version here.
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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity.
Subscribe:
Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:
    
 
 

Ep 34 Start With What's In Front of You with Aly Chase

I first found Aly when I read the lessons she learned when her husband made a dining table from pallets (donated from Whole Foods) and an old door in the garage. I loved everything about those lessons - especially this one: 
"(The fact that their table is a door) is not lost on us as we open our doors and our lives to those who come and leave with full bellies and fuller hearts." 
 
Hear how Aly is learning to turn struggles into assignments, and her assignments all have to do with loving people and her Creator.  She's an avid outdoors-woman, loves Compassion International, healthy cooking, and Revelation Wellness. Connect with Aly below:
 
 
Instagram: @heyalychase
Facebook: Aly Chase 
 
Revelation Wellness and RevWild:
revelationwellness.org
 
Also, find them on Facebook at Revelation Wellness-Healthy and Whole. There is a large community there.
 
Mold sickness education and support:
Email Aly: alydchase@gmail.com
Or call our office at RCS: (615) 504-0156
 
Recipe for the soup she makes and freezes for quick extras:
https://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/chipotle-chicken-chili/
 
Aly includes her mom's Apple Crisp recipe on the blog here. 
 
 
 
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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity.
Subscribe:
Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:
    
 

Ep 33 Who I Am Determines My Behavior (So I Better Know the Truth of Who I Am)

I know it takes a lifetime to become like Jesus, but one thing--perhaps the main thing--that helps is remembering who I am. I'm a new creation, and new creations act and speak a certain way. My identity in Christ - chosen and forgiven - informs how I live. I speak differently. I act differently. All because of my identity. This list helps me.
My pastor reminded me of our identity when speaking from Ephesians 5--
I am a beloved child -"Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children." verse 1
I am a saint (I'll remind my kids!)- "..as is proper among saints." verse 3
I am light - "..but now you are light in the Lord." verse 8
Recalling who I am, makes a difference in how I behave. 
God made me a foodie, too, and I love any recipe from my friend and blogger, Stephanie from ReadCookDevour. I made this yesterday and plan to make much more, box it up in Tupperware and pass it around like cigars! (Healthier than cigars) YUM!
THE BEST GRANOLA
Recipe ingredients/wording barely adapted from Buttered Side Up
INGREDIENTS
2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup of coconut flakes (you could use shredded coconut, but the flaked coconut gets all toasty and pretty)
1/2 cup of your favorite nut, coarsely chopped (I used sliced almonds)
A couples dashes of salt
1/2 stick of unsalted butter or half coconut oil
1/8 cup honey
1/8 cup pure maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extractPreheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper (or don't if you are out of parchment paper, like me, and you'll probably be just fine)
In a large bowl, mix together the oats, coconut, nuts, and salt.
In a small pan set over low-medium heat, melt the butter. Remove from heat and stir in the honey, maple syrup, and vanilla. Pour this mixture over the dry ingredients and stir well, making sure all of the dry ingredients are evenly coated.Spread onto the baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Stir the granola every 10 minutes and rotate the pan halfway through baking.
Remove granola from oven and allow to cool in the pan. Once the granola is completely cool, store in an airtight container at room temperature, or in the refrigerator or freezer for longer storage.
 Read more about why beauty matters from my friend, Stephanie at ReadCookDevour.com
Printable
 
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Loneliness is a silent disease that kills the spirit without anyone knowing.  As believers, we aren’t alone because Jesus said He will never leave us. But not everyone believes that. We need to be the hands and feet of His presence. To show God’s welcoming heart, to assure others they are seen, loved, and not forgotten is our mission as followers of Christ.
Subscribe Here to Receive "10 WAYS TO HELP OTHERS FIND & FOLLOW JESUS DURING COVID-19"
 
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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity.
Subscribe:
Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there:
  
 

Ep 32 From Abandoned to Anchored, with Micah Maddox

Micah's story from abandonment into healing encourages us to look to Jesus and His Word to fill our souls and hearts. No matter what wounds and disappointments we experience, we can find our hope by hiding under the shadow of His wings.
Her legacy includes living with an eternal perspective which is easy to say but takes working out on a consistent basis. Micah mentions these three contrasts that are "red flags" and remind her to go to God for her daily bread:
Worrying vs Praying
Barking at the kids vs Training the kids
Griping at my husband vs Serving my husband.
I think we can all relate with these three contrasts, Micah. Thanks again for sharing your story. 
 
Micah Maddox is a women’s conference speaker, Bible teacher, blogger, and author of Anchored In: Experience a Power-Full Life in a Problem-Filled World. She is passionate about helping women find purpose, peace, and calm in our chaotic world. As a pastor’s wife, mother of three, and foster mom, she contributes her time to her family and local church serving as a women’s ministry leader.
You can contact Micah at micah@micahmaddox.com
 
Speaking topics include:
 
Living Anchored in Jesus
Anchored in the Word
Anchored in Hope
Hope in Hard Times
Finding Purpose in Every Season
 
http://www.micahmaddox.com/speaking/
Website: http://micahmaddox.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/micahmaddoxencouragement/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrsmicah/
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Anchored-Experience-Power-Full-Problem-Filled-World/dp/1501848674/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=anchored+in&qid=1574257858&sr=8-2
 
 
 
 
Micah's Go-To Recipe: 
Quick & Easy Potato Soup
 
3 lbs. potatoes peeled & chopped into small chunks
1 small onion diced
8 oz. sour cream
1 stick butter
1/4 cup milk
Salt and pepper
8 oz. shredded sharp cheddar cheese
 
1. Place potatoes & onion in a large pot
2. Fill the pot with water just enough to cover potatoes & onions (salt and pepper generously)
3. Cook on med-high until potatoes are soft
4. Add butter, milk, and sour cream
5. Turn down the heat and cook until all is combined and creamy
6. Salt & pepper to taste.
7. Top individual servings with cheese
8. Serve with saltine crackers or garlic bread
 
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How to invest in what matters beyond ourselves. We have one life - let’s make the most of it for God, others, and eternity.
Subscribe:
Choose one of these popular free listening services, and subscribe there: