WELCOME HEART: Living a Legacy Life

Ep 21 A Legacy of Mentoring: To Come Alongside

I love to describe MENTORING as to "come alongside" another which is found in The Message version of II Corinthians 1: 3 and 4--
 “God comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, He brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us.” 
I Corinthians 1:3,4 The Message
Mentorship is a two-way relationship: 
1. You and God   2. You and another
You want to relate intimately with God because He made us for Himself. And He never stops going after us. Of course, we need to respond. People don't RSVP much these days. You can change that right now when you respond to God's invitation to know and love Him better. He invited first. I love that about Him. And He invites us into the process: coming alongside another who needs to know and love Him, too. 
And then when God brings someone into our lives who needs to know that He's pursuing them, too, we get to come alongside and pass on the same comfort for them that He's given us. 
When you mentor, you will never be bored! And you'll live a life of legacy because people and the Word live forever. 
Who can you pray about mentoring today? Are you looking for a mentor? Pray about that too, and take someone to coffee and see how God's gone in front of you to make it happen.
Tonight Jenny is coming to dinner. She's smart, beautiful, loves Jesus and loves to come for dinner. Mark and I count it a privilege to come alongside Jenny and pour in what He's poured into us. I made chocolate chip cookie bars - always a crowd pleaser and so easy!
 
Chocolate Chip Bar Cookies
2/3 c. shortening
1 c. white sugar
1 t. salt
4 t. water
2 eggs
1 c. coconut
1 pkg chocolate chips
Nuts (opt.)
1 c. brown sugar
2 c. flour 
2 1/2 t. baking powder
2 t. vanilla
Melt shortening in a saucepan, remove from heat and add sugars and mix. Let cool 5-10 minutes. Add eggs. Add dry ingredients last with coconut, nuts, and chocolate chips. Bake in 9x13 at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes. Undercook rather than overcook.
Bonus! Jenny always offers to do the dishes!
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Ep 20 Legacy of a Surrendered Life: "I Want What You Want" Gretchen Fleming

Gretchen's passion is to follow hard after Jesus, knowing He is the treasure of a lifetime and worth every minute she commits to Him. God’s Word has been life-changing for her through the most trying times—a great source of strength, wisdom, and truth. Active in women’s ministry for over 25 years, she loves to see Jesus change lives as He’s changed hers.
As an international speaker, she has had the privilege of teaching women of an underground church in China and village women in Peru. She is an active national and local speaker for conferences, retreats and women’s events. As a Bible teacher, Gretchen has written/taught Bible studies for the past 20 years. As a writer, she actively blogs through the chronological Bible at GretchenFleming.com.
Her first book Press On! Encouragement to Keep You Moving When You Feel Overwhelmed is available on Amazon.
Gretchen teaches and mentors women locally through her church, The Church of Eleven22, which is the sixth fastest growing church in the U.S. She is the editor and a writer for their Disciple Group Curriculum. Currently, she is on the board of Women for Christ, a ministry that brings speakers to Jacksonville to share the Gospel and encourage women in their faith. This ministry will celebrate 35 years in 2020.
Gretchen is a wife of 31 years and mother of 3 young adult children. She lives in Jacksonville, Florida.
gretchenfleming.comInstagram - @gretchenfollowinghard Twitter- followinghardPinterest- followinghard Facebook - Gretchen Branstetter Fleming
 
 
Gretchen's Company Lasagna
 
1 pound beef
1 pound Italian sausage
1 large jar of Prego Traditional Sauce
1 small tub whole milk ricotta cheese
Sliced Mozzarella cheese to cover the pan twice
Shredded Parmesan cheese
Cooked lasagna noodles
 
 
Cook the beef and sausage together and drain. Stir in the sauce. Spread a little sauce in the bottom of a 9x11 dish. Layer the cooked noodles, the ricotta cheese, the mozzarella cheese, and the meat sauce. Sprinkle the parmesan cheese on top of the meat sauce. Do these layers twice. Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes and let stand 15 minutes before cutting.
 
I usually sprinkle some Italian seasoning or garlic salt over the ricotta cheese layer to add some flavor and a little on the top of the last layer to melt in the cheese as it cooks. 
 
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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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Ep 19 Marriage is a Marathon, Part II

I had a blast interviewing my darling nieces who married into Mark's family. They are young and wise and committed to their marriage. Maybe that's the key to staying in the race: commitment to God and marriage. The word perseverance isn't my favorite word, but a good marriage takes perseverance as well as trust that God is doing a good work - in you and in your spouse.
I love Paul's take on that in Philippians 1:6 - "And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." Sounds like God is in the business of completing a marathon. 
 
Two books worth reading:
Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerichs
How to Improve Your Marriage Without Talking About It by Love and Stonsy
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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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Ep 18 A Legacy of Noticing and Boldness with Helena Davies

Helena Davies writes at helenadavies.com - Inspiring Women to Live Radiant in Christ
Helena's desire is to encourage women everywhere to look to Jesus for hope and love, and step out in boldness for Him.
In her own words:
Somewhere during the years when my now-adult children were toddlers through teenagers, I lost that childlike awe of God, and in doing so I lost who I was as His daughter. I had become buried under the many hats and labels I wore.
I had to get to know God again. I hadn’t realized how far away I felt from Him. It was in getting to know Him through praying, reading the Bible and spending time with other believers the awe of God I had lost slowly resurfaced.
My favorite Scripture verse is Psalm 34:5 “Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.”
It’s only as we focus on Jesus will we lose the baggage of our past. When we exchange shame for His grace we will live for something beyond ourselves.
Choose not to get caught up running after popularity instead do what you do for an audience of One. If you love to host, don’t spend all your time hiding in the kitchen. Get out there with your guests. People remember how you made them feel and they will forgive you for your burnt offerings.
 
Helena's Favorite Go-To Meal or "Recipe":
I usually have a store-bought pizza in the freezer. Add a salad (if I have enough notice to run to the store) and there you have a simple yet tasty meal.
 
Love it, Helena! And you and your burnt offerings! 
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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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Ep 17 Marriage is a Marathon, Part I

A wise friend told me at my wedding shower, "Marriage is a marathon, not a 50-yard dash!" I may have smiled indulgently at her words and immediately forgot! I was aglow with love and felt like our love could and would conquer all!
I remembered it later and she was right.
These tips continue to help me and bless our marriage.
If you'd like to print this out, here's the link.
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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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Ep 16 Do You (Really) Believe You Matter? with Brittany Couch

Brittany Couch believes you matter.
What's more important, God believes you matter.
Thoughts on Legacy living from Brittany Couch:
 
* You matter. We need you here. I want every person I meet to know this. 
 
* Your legacy is not something you achieve, it’s someone you are. In other words, it’s not about checking the boxes and getting a gold star in achievement. It is who you are, not what you did. There is a big difference. 
 
* In a healthy community, you are heard, you are needed, you are missed, you are equipped, you are empowered. Those in healthy community receive all these, and at the same time give all these as well. 
 
* Characteristics of a healthy community:  
Listen and ask good questions, with the intention of really getting to know someone. (They will instantly feel they matter, which leads to trust). 
Trust. Creating a safe environment. 
Collaboration. Unity and working together with a common goal.
Surrendering my expectations and judgments of a circumstance or person, and trusting God to work His perfect plan and perfect timing. 
 
* I would say my biggest obstacle is me.
  -What I mean by that, is my stubbornness, my lack of patience, my expectations, all get in the way of really seeing people. Man, I’ve come along way. I can kinda of laugh in embarrassment, but I hid expectations and disappointment in so-called love. You know, that’s not even possible. Think about it, if you judge someone or their circumstance, you miss out on loving them, listening to them, understanding them, being with them. 
  -This past Fall some unhealed ugliness reared its head in my life. I shuddered at my actions, but when I owned those ugly actions, sought forgiveness, a deeper aspect of the abundant life we get to live was revealed. It’s kind of like an aha moment, a revelation, or a gift. 
 
* If you don’t believe you matter or that you are needed, do the work: hire a professional life coach, a therapist, ask a trusted friend, and take steps to explore what you believe about yourself, God, and what I think you’ll discover is a legacy life. A legacy life, as I said above, doesn’t start when you reach come older magical age, it starts today.
 
brittanycouch.com
 
Hello, Locals!
Brittany and Jenni, a dynamic duo, are offer coaching seminars. The first one was last week, but they will do it again. Just contact them at me@brittanycouch.com  or hello@jennilanier.com
1/29 Visioning and goals • 2/26 Boundaries • 3/26 Creating a life you love
 A community of inspiring women. Motivation for the future. $39 per event or $100 for all threeReserve your spot at http://venmo.com/coaching_youLight appetizers and drinks • 5:30–8 pm • 777 Mission Street, SLO Questions: me@brittanycouch.com or hello@jennilanier.com
 
 I love Brittany's go-to recipe which starts with gluten-free, dairy-free frozen meatballs and makes the house smell like her mom's! 
 
Meatball Sliders from Brittany
 
I keep the big bag of frozen Italian meatballs from Costco (GF dairy-free, but you could use any other frozen meatball) in my freezer and jars of Rao’s spaghetti sauce in my pantry ready to put in a big pot on the stove (I add a cup or 2 of chicken stock because it simmers better)… and if guests are coming over it makes the house smell like my mom’s. 
I usually do meatball sliders, using the big bag of Costco dinner rolls, or Hawaiian rolls. Put a piece of mozzarella on top and sprinkle with parsley or basil. Add a salad on the side. Bon appetite! 
 
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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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Ep 15 Exchanging Angry Triggers for Gentle Biblical Responses with Amber Lia

Amber reminds us that our legacy can change with different seasons, as well as the surprising twists and turns of life, but one thing remains constant: the more we act like Jesus, the better our legacy will be. We can ask ourselves each morning: "What does the Lord want from me today?" How we treat just one person, in kindness and love, not surrendering to the normal "triggers" that are our natural bent, is how we show the love and grace of Christ on a daily basis.
Get this book for yourself and for a friend: Marriage Triggers: Exchanging Spouses' Angry Reactions for Gentle Biblical Responses
Release date 1/28/20http://bit.ly/MarriageTriggersBookPreorder
A former high school English teacher, Amber is a work-at-home mom of four little boys ranging from 3 to 13. She is the best-selling co-author of Triggers: Exchanging Parents’ Angry Reactions for Gentle Biblical Responses and Parenting Scripts: When What You’re Saying Isn’t Working, say Something New. She and her husband Guy own Storehouse Media Group, a faith-friendly and family-friendly TV and Film production company in Los Angeles, CA. Their book, Marriage Triggers, will be available in February 2020. When she’s not building sandcastles with her boys on the beach, or searching for Nerf darts all over her house, you can find Amber writing to encourage families on her blog at Mother of Knights (www.motherofknights.com).
You can find Amber in all these places--
Blog:
http://www.motherofknights.com/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/MotherOfKnights/
Video Resources for Triggers and Parenting Scripts:
https://amberandwendy.com/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/motherofknights/
 
Crockpot French Dip
Crockpot Beef Dips!1 eye of round roast
1 can of cream of chicken and mushroom soup
1 cup of beef brothPlace roast in crockpot and season with salt and pepper as desired.
Mix together the soup and broth. 
Pour over the top.
Cook on high in crockpot for 6 hours or low for 8.
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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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Ep 14 Are You in a Mentoring Relationship?

To mentor and be mentored is a sure-fire way to live a legacy life. God is all about people and He loves us to draw alongside a sister in the faith, and share what He's been teaching us in His Word and showing us about His character. There is no more exciting way to live.
As a mentor, we need to direct others to Christ, but we can’t do that well unless people feel safe with us. So that they know they won’t get hammered with a sermon or hit over the head with your headful of Bible knowledge. When Mark and I were first married we both knew a lot of Scripture and we could throw it at each other rather than let it us change us instead. That’s one reason Paul wrote: Knowledge puffs up. (I Corinthians 8:1) Yes, it does, and causes damage when used as a form of making us feel like we’re better than the person who knows less than we do.
The whole concept of mentoring is that someone knows less than the mentor – they need you and your knowledge, but they need your love all at the same time.
Oswald Chambers said: "All of God's people are ordinary people who have been made extraordinary by the purpose he has given them.”
The role of a mentor is to be an introduction to God and help usher another into His presence. Sounds like a purposeful way to live our lives. 
To learn more about how to mentor, check out my book: Table Mentoring: A Simple Guide to Coming Alongside
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To hear Mama Mabel on my Legacy podcast, listen here.
More on her "Two sheets" metaphor here. 
 
Mabel's Triple Fudge Brownies (can be made with one arm!)
 
2 cups sugar   1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour1/2 cup baking cocoa (I use Hershey’s special dark)1 tsp salt 5 eggs1 cup vegetable oil1 tsp vanilla extract1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
** Assemble all ingredients ** Spray 13x9x2” baking pan** preheat oven to 350 degrees(You May add a cup of  your favorite chopped       nuts, if you desire)**Pour into greased pan**Sprinkle with one cup chocolate chips** Bake at  350 degrees for 26-30 minutes From Mama Mabel: I always set my timer for 27 minutes to make sure they are not over baked......but I’m at a high altitude** Cool on a wire rack before cutting(Actually, you can cut the entire pan of brownies into four segments and freeze in freezer bags to thaw and cut later......like just baked brownies!)
 
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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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"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all for the glory of God." I Corinthians 10:31 
 

Ep 13 Intimacy with God in a Time of Transition with Pat Fenner

Today we get to hear from Pat Fenner's legacy of blessing:
Embrace your worth in Christ--"He loved you enough to die for you!"
Listening as an act of love
Called to deeper intimacy with God in a time of transition
"There's nothing that you can experience that God is not aware of, drop in His lap and He will hold you and meet your every need." -Pat
Pat's blog this week brings our attention to the plight of human sex trafficking and offers a practical list of things we can do as individuals or ways to include our families to fight this war. Check out her Action Guide to Fight Human Trafficking here.
Thank you, Pat, for helping us help others.
 Author and veteran homeschooler Pat Fenner feeds her passion for encouraging and inspiring homeschooling moms by writing at her blog Breakthrough Homeschooling. Catch her excitement about parenting and homeschooling middle and high-school-aged young people and get practical help when you subscribe to the site.
 
Amazon author page: amazon.com/author/patfenner
Personal website: patfenner.me
Homeschool blog: https://breakthroughhomeschooling.com
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/c57109
These are just two of Pat's books:
Blessing the Next Generation: Releasing God's Best in your Child's Life
The Empty Homeschool Nest: Next Steps for Mom After Homeschooling is Over
 
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Recipe from Pat:
 
I got an Instant Pot for Christmas one year, and I just love it! Whether I prepare something in advance to have on hand or whip something up for last minutes guests, it's such a "hospitality help"!
 
This recipe comes from the book "Instant Loss Cookbook", by Brittany Williams. I prepare a pound of chickpeas (recipe also inside) at a time and freeze them. When I want or need to make some homemade hummus, I measure out a cup and add some pantry staples. Plate flavorful crackers with cut-up sweet peppers, carrots, cukes, and whatever, and voila! A healthy snack to share with friends.
 
Chipotle Hummus
 
1 cup cooked chickpeas, homemade or canned, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup avocado oil
1 or 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (I omit this because my family is not a fan of spicy)
1 T tahini (optional, but oh-so wonderful!)
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp minced garlic (or a bit more, if you're a fan of it like I am)
4 tsp fresh lemon juice (I squeeze fresh and freeze it in ice cube trays for easy access)
 
Put all the ingredients in a blender (or NutriBullet, which is what I use) and mix till smooth. Keeps about a week in the fridge, if it lasts that long!
 
 
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For more thoughts on faith, legacy, and food--follow Sue at WelcomeHeart.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.
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"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all for the glory of God." I Corinthians 10:31 
 
 
 

Ep 12 A Legacy of Goals and Strategies, for Heaven's Sake

Listen to what one young pastor wrote:
Resolve
 I’m part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have the Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made—I’m a disciple of His. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I’m finished and done with low living, sight walking, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, worldly walking, cheap giving and dwarfed goals.
 I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean in His presence, walk by patience, am uplifted by prayer, and I labor with power.
 
I'm inspired by his faith and commitment. God expects an unrivaled commitment to Him. And in return, He gives us all that we need and will ever want. I can live with that kind of exchange.
 
What goals will you make this year to make it your best yet? Each goal needs strategies. And I always like rewards. Chocolate is its own reward. Here's the recipe from Dora that I promised:
Dora's Brownies
1 box of Fudge Brownie mix, Family size
Follow directions except use 2 eggs instead of 3
Add nuts, if desired
Spread half of batter in a 9x13 sprayed pan
Layer 6 regular-sized Hershey bars on top of batter (SEE WHAT I MEAN?? Surprise treat!)
Spread remaining batter over the top to cover candy bars
Bake as directed
Celebrate your goal-setting, strategy-creating, and the next right thing with these luscious and simple brownies. 
 
Larry Crabb, a Christian psychologist, writes that our anger can be mitigated if we separate our goals from our desires. 
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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 more thoughts on faith, food, and legacy, follow Sue at WelcomeHeart.com