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The Attack

Have you ever noticed the pattern of attack that comes your way at certain times? Our enemy is not creative.  However, he is relentless.  His whole plan is to use people, things, and circumstances as tools to do his dirty work.  We must constantly remind ourselves that we are wrestling against spiritual forces.  They are the root of the problem.  It is not people and things.  

Photo by Sarah Pflug

Think about it.  You have just finished up attending a conference at church, listening to a spirit-filled sermon or podcast, and in the mode of feeling really hopeful and joyous about your future.  Right after allowing the joy to come in, you begin to meditate on how different your reality is in comparison to the miracle that you are believing in. 

If the enemy can get us to feel depressed and down-trodden right after allowing the spirit of joy come in, then he knows that he has us.  We begin to think thoughts like, “Well, you know what happened last time.  So, don’t even feel happy about it.”  Satan knows that if he remains relentless in stealing our joy, then he knows we will choose to squash it when it comes up.  We decide to forego the feeling of having joy altogether.

When we are feeling under the weather, it also becomes the perfect time for the enemy to attack. 

The following is a story that I shared as a guest blogger on another site a little over a year ago:

A couple of weeks ago, the air pressure had changed.  I was having problems forming thoughts in my head.  My nose had started running, and I could feel pressure in my head and nose. 

I started to think to myself, ” My sinuses and allergies are in full swing.”  I didn’t manage my time well that morning, and thus, I ended up rushing out of the house while my daughter was waiting outside in the car.  As we were pulling off, I could hear a voice inside my head stating that it was my daughter’s fault that we were rushing.  Right away, I rebuked it.  I noticed that there was a spiritual force trying to blind me from seeing and speaking the truth. 

It took a few minutes.  However, I had narrowed it down to a spiritual attack involved the spirit of blame.  It left.  When I arrived at my writer’s group, I was fighting against it again.

Ephesians 6:10-18 King James Version (KJV)

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

It was at this time, that I knew I needed an extra set of armor for the day.  I had to pray scripture over myself, and fight to keep myself grounded in the truth.  Praise God for his deliverance from this attack!  I also thank him for making me aware of what the real source of the problem was.  Satan always wants you to believe that you haven’t made any progress.  That you will always be the same.  We must fight his words with the words of truth that God tells us about ourselves.

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Whole Faith

What is whole faith?  Whole faith is the faith that you hold on to when you don’t have details of when, why, how, or where that the “what” you need to happen is going to happen.  When we having been praying for something so long, it is very tempting to throw in the towel.  It is easy to want to go according to what our feelings are telling us; that this thing that you want so badly is not going to happen.

Whole Faith says , “Lord, help my unbelief!” like the Father who cried out so very desperately for his son to be healed.  He had been demon possessed since childhood.  He didn’t know what else to do, nor what to say.  The disciples had proven his point of dealing with an impossible situation when they couldn’t cast it out.

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Whole Faith says, “Lord, here you go. You are in control.”  We release the situation to God.  We know that we have prayed enough, and we need to sit this thing at his precious feet.  And lastly, whole faith says as Jesus did as he hung on the cross, “Thy will be done.”

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What are some ways that you have had to exhibit whole faith in your life?

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Holiday Stuffing

Background on Holiday Stuffing: It’s that time of year again. Time for cooking and baking to the max. Time for comfort food, movies, books, and cuddling up with a throw on the couch. And even with all the grief and sadness that this week has held for me, God’s daily blessings of grace and mercy have come out on top.

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I was blessed to have four Thanksgiving celebrations this year: one with friends, one at work, and two with family. The number of celebrations was a surprise, as well as the fact that my son made it home to visit. This served as a constant reminder of the goodness of God.

Except for the Thanksgiving celebration at work, fore each celebration, I decided to make Holiday stuffing and cookies as my contribution to the meal. The concoction that I had in my head and put into action didn’t disappointment. Sometimes my mind starts going, and after cooking and tasting the end result, I am left with thinking, “Oh, this didn’t turn out the way that I thought.” However, that wasn’t the case this time.

What I realized is that the spicy kick of the seasonings helped to make this stuffing a hit. I hope that you’re feeling adventurous enough to try it for yourself.

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Here is the recipe for Holiday Stuffing:

Ingredients

  • 2 bags of Whole Foods 365 Multigrain vegan stuffing
  • small bag of petite rainbow or orange carrots or 1 large bunch of orange or rainbow carrots
  • 1 bunch of celery
  • large onion
  • 2 bunches of purple or red kale
  • a container of broth
  • 4 tablespoons of each of the following: onion powder, cumin powder, curry powder, turmeric, thyme, sage, parsley, and chili powder
vegan stuffing, healthy living, healthy eating, holiday stuffing, katina horton, food photography, purple kale, red kale, organic, simple functional grace-filled living

Directions for Holiday Stuffing

  • Prepare the vegan stuffing in a large saucepan as directed on the package.
  • Saute the onions, kale, celery, and carrots in a separate large saucepan, adding 2 tablespoons of the above seasonings into the pan.
  • When both are done, add 2 tablespoons of all of the above seasonings into the stuffing, and then dump the vegetable mix into the vegan stuffing mix.
  • Mix the ingredients with a wooden spoon, adding 2 cups of broth and stir.
  • Place the Holiday stuffing into a casserole pan or two, and then into the oven.
  • Bake at 425 degrees for 30 minutes.
  • Enjoy!

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Barbecue Vegetarian Meatballs

Background on Vegetarian Meatballs

As our kids are in the process of becoming young adults, it gets more and more challenging to carve out connection time. They have their lives. You have yours. And to top it off, if both of you are working, then you are presented with even more of a challenge.

About a week and a half ago, my son was home to visit. We were both working and extremely busy. However, we were able to carve out some connection time together a little bit before he left, and we decided to explore listening to French music, catch up on each other’s lives, and make vegetarian meatballs.

katina horton, lifestyle, vegetarian meatballs, healthy eating, barbecue, simple functional grace-filled living, lifestyle, blogger, blog, food, food photography, family time, grace, intentionality
Photo by Katina Horton

I hope that you enjoy them as much as we did.

Here’s the recipe:

katina horton, lifestyle, vegetarian meatballs, healthy eating, barbecue, simple functional grace-filled living, lifestyle, blogger, blog, food, food photography, family time, grace, intentionality
Photo by Katina Horton

Ingredients

  • 1 pack of Lightlife Smart Ground Mexican crumble (little bit of a spicy kick to it) per bowl
  • 4 teaspoons of chili powder, garlic powder, parsley, cumin, curry, onion powder, and garlic powder per bowl
  • 1 pack of shredded cheese
  • bread crumbs
  • 1/3 cup of oatmeal
  • 2 tablespoons of flaxseed meal
  • 4 eggs (2 per bowl)
katina horton, lifestyle, vegetarian meatballs, healthy eating, barbecue, simple functional grace-filled living, lifestyle, blogger, blog, food, food photography, family time, grace, intentionality
Photo by Katina Horton

Directions

  • Place one pack of vegan meat in two medium sized bowls.
  • Add 2 eggs, 2 tablespoons of flaxseed meal, oatmeal, seasonings, and desired cheese amount per bowl.
  • Mix the ingredients in each bowl.
  • Grab two cookie sheets and line with parchment paper.
  • Use one cookie sheet per bowl.
  • Use a cookie scoop the size of your choice to scoop the meatball mixture, carefully leveling off and pressing the scoop against the side of the bowl to solidify the mixture.
  • Place the cookie scoop as close to the parchment paper as possible and then release the ball onto the sheet to reduce crumbling.
  • Heat on 325 degrees for about 25 minutes and drizzle with barbecue sauce when done.
  • Enjoy!

What are some of the things that you like to do for fun with your young adult children?

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Episode 46: We Are All Qualified

The Valley of Grace Podcast
The Valley of Grace Podcast
Episode 46: We Are All Qualified
/
interview, job interview, prayer qualifications, qualifications, emotional health, spiritual health, mental health, self-worth, katina horton, simple functional grace-filled living, valley of grace, hope, Our Father
Photo by Matthew Henry

We Are All Qualified Podcast Outline

  • Job Interviews
  • Qualifications for Job Positions
  • Qualifications for Prayer Warriors

Show Notes:

Scripture Reading James 5:13-18   We Are All Qualified
Being a prayer warrior is one job that doesn’t require a special set of qualifications. We
don’t have to worry about God looking at our application, and going, “No, I am sorry, but your resume doesn’t meet the qualifications for our idea candidate.  I will keep your resume on file
for a year just in case something else comes along.”  We are all broken. And because of this
brokenness, we are in the perfect position for God to use us. The bible gives us one example
after the other of how God used a bunch of mixed up, messed up Christians to do his work.
What does the scripture say about the combination of prayer and broken people?   

“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elijah was a
man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain;
and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months.  And he prayed 
again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.”
(James 5:17-18, KJV)  

These verses hone us in on knowing what the requirements are to getting our prayers
answered: 1) willing hearts, 2) consistency, and 3) fervency (intense passion). Let us all be
mindful of this as we prepare our resume for review.    

Dear God,  
We thank you for giving us examples in your Word of how you used broken
people like us to pray and do your will. Please help us to be consistent and
committed when it comes to getting our prayers answered. You tell us in your
word that if we delight ourselves in you, that you will give us the desires of our heart.  

In your name we pray,  
Amen
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Episode 38: Grace and Truth

The Valley of Grace Podcast
The Valley of Grace Podcast
Episode 38: Grace and Truth
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Would you consider yourself a person of grace and truth, or a person of just truth? What is the difference? Find out by listening to today’s podcast to see what happens when we have one without the other. Remember to catch up on last week’s episode here first.

Grace and Truth Podcast Outline

katina horton, psychology, emotional health, mental health, physical health, healing our brokenness, boundaries, legalism, wanting to be right, valley of grace, simple functional grace-filled living
Photo by Pegleess Barrios
  • Dissection on Relationships
  • Applying Grace
  • Applying Truth
  • The Marriage of Grace and Truth

Scripture Focus:

Ephesians 4: 14-15

John 8: 32

Relationships are hard.  It doesn’t matter whether it’s family, friends, or coworkers, it can be challenging.  One thing about relationships is that they require time, energy, grace, and love.  When disagreements arise, and they will, we can be so intent on wanting to be right, that we can damage the relationship even more. 

God tells us in his word:  “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32, NLT) We shouldn’t be foolish, and pretend that the truth doesn’t matter. When we ignore the truth, we train our minds and bodies to slowly downplay the cues they tell us that signify something is wrong.  Only applying the truth can also bring in legalism.  Because God gives us grace, we are able to extend grace to others.  Only applying grace without truth and boundaries leads to being taken advantage of, an out of control situation, and the other person constantly pressing the envelope to see how far they can go.  “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming.  Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head.” (Ephesians 4:14-15, BSB)

There are individuals in my own life who have hurt me dearly.  I cannot ignore the revelation of truth that healing has brought me.  At the same time, if I focused only on the truth of these situations, it would make my heart bitter.  The truth is, we are all broken individuals, and since we are all broken individuals, we all have sin in our lives.  If it weren’t for God’s mercy in eliminating certain people and things from my life, I could very well have gone down that path.  Offering grace and truth to people doesn’t mean restoration of the relationship.  It could mean grieving what is no longer there, acceptance, and the ability to move on.

Dear God,

We thank you for the relationships that you have blessed us with.  We pray that you would give us discernment when it comes to applying grace and truth in difficult situations.  Please help us to understand that we are all broken individuals in need of a Savior.

In Your name we pray,

Amen

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Reunion

Do you have family members that you have been estranged or separated from? Never underestimate the power of God to allow a reunion as God did with Joseph and his brothers. We can let God do the work as we pray for willing and open hearts. “Reunion” is the story of the reunion of Joseph and his brothers. God bless!

Katina Horton, Valley of Grace, Simple functional grace-filled living, healing, reunion, estrangement, Joseph, Potiphar, grace, prison, dreams, dreamer, blog, blogger, blogging
Photo by Samantha Hurley

They left me for dead,

But sold me instead.

Endured being in chains,

As favor surely reigned.

Became second in command,

Till the wife wanted my hand.

In charge of the prison.

NO Release.

Just indecision.

Till the king had his dream.

God revealed all the means.

Gave God all the credit.

My life story took an edit.

Then my brothers showed up in hunger.

Couldn’t take it any longer.

Told all servants to leave the room.

As I cried out deep in gloom.

Hugged them deep and cried out long.

Filled our souls and showed up strong.

The reunion wasn’t expected.

But God’s grace had it protected.

Related Poetry: Coat of Favor

Genesis 39: The Story of Joseph

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Episode 37: One Bad Apple

The Valley of Grace Podcast
The Valley of Grace Podcast
Episode 37: One Bad Apple
/

In case you missed my last podcast episode, you can grab it here.

One Bad Apple Podcast Outline

Samuel, bad apple, one bad apple, apples, fruit, internalization, psychology, emotional health, mental health, spiritual health, choosing friends, healing our brokenness, valley of grace, simple functional grace-filled living, katina horton
Photo by Matthew Henry
  • Influence of Others
  • Godly Influence
  • Internalizing Things
  • Samuel’s Experience
  • Scripture Focus:

Galatians 6

1 Samuel 16

Researchers state that it takes one “bad” person to ruin five good people. Remember the figure of speech that you were lectured on as a kid when it came time to picking your friends: “One bad apple ruins the whole bunch.” We got tired of hearing our parents and other adults say it, but what they were saying was basically synonymous with Galatians 5:9: “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.” (KJV) Whether we are kids or adults, we must be careful of the company that we keep.

When we hang out with our friends, coworkers, family members, etc, it just becomes natural to start saying some of the things that they say. This is what happens when we are in relationship with anyone. Just as when we are reading God’s Word, and in relationship with him, our thoughts and behaviors will reflect that relationship.

However, if you are like me, where everything that is heard on tv, radio, and by mouth is internalized and leaks into your emotional, mental, and spiritual space, then you’ll find that you must be extra careful. Why? When we least expect it, words that are not our own start entering our mind.

And if we’re not careful, they are coming out of our mouths. I have found myself rebuking Satan many a day when this happens. I will never forget when one of my friends said that

she told her son to be careful with what he allows to come in from other people, because 1) it will go into our minds, 2) it will go into our hearts, and 3) it will come out of our mouths.

Dear God,

Thank you for giving us the gift of relationship. Please help us in using discernment in these relationships, as well as being self-aware of how we operate, so that we don’t fall prey to the devil.

In your name we pray,

Amen

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Episode 36: Sharing in Need

The Valley of Grace Podcast
The Valley of Grace Podcast
Episode 36: Sharing in Need
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Sharing in Need Podcast Outline

  • Hunger
  • Value of Food
  • Christian Call
  • Transcript

Sharing in Need

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Photo by Sarah Pflug

Good evening! Welcome to Healing Our Brokenness Episode 36. Last week’s episode, Value of Prayer, can be found here.

Transcript:

There is hunger and lack of clean water in several countries all over the world.  The problem of hunger is so bad that people have lost hope for themselves and their children.  It has been said that the amount of food that we throw away as waste is enough food to stop world hunger.  The thing about being good stewards, when it comes to God, is that stewardship is not just about money, it is for everything that God owns:  “The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him.” (Psalms 24:1, NLT) This means our time, talents, our bodies, everything!

When I grew up as a child, we placed value on food, and how we used it.  It wasn’t just because we were poor, but it was also because we realized just how many people were going without food, and in such a desperate need.  In this day and age, we think nothing of having our kids throw whole plates of food in the garbage without blinking an eye. 

As Christians, sometimes we get so cozy in our homes, and the immediate needs of our families, that we forget about our responsibility to take care of the poor:  “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” (James 1:27, ESV) It makes some of us uncomfortable to think about giving away some of what we have.  A lot of times, when it comes to clothing, we have the same few pieces of clothing that we like to wear over and over again anyway.  Having a closet full of clothes gives the illusion of false self-worth.

After the day of Pentecost, the Christians were on such a spiritual high from the workings of the Holy Spirit, that no one was in need: “All the believers were of one heart and mind, and no one felt that what he owned was his own; everyone was sharing.  And the apostles preached powerful sermons about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and there was warm fellowship among all the believers,and no poverty—for all who owned land or houses sold them and brought the money to the apostles to give to others in need.” (Acts 4:32-37, TLB)

What would be required in order for us to have this kind of situation going on now?  It would require a change of heart and a change of mind.  Then our behavior will follow:  “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14, KJV)   God blesses repentance and good stewardship.

Dear God,

Thank you for what we have.  We pray that you would move in our hearts to do more to help others in need.  We know that we cannot outdo you when it comes to giving.  Please help us to be mindful and sensitive to others who are in dire circumstances, and that if we don’t have anything to give, our hearts will be stirred to pray for those individuals.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

Thank you for listening to Healing Our Brokenness. If the show is making a difference in your life, please refer a friend.

God bless!!!

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Episode 35: The Value of Prayer

The Valley of Grace Podcast
The Valley of Grace Podcast
Episode 35: The Value of Prayer
/

In case you missed our last episode on surrendering, you can find it here. Today’s episode is Episode 35: The Value of Prayer. What are some of the things that you value in life? Why do you value them? Have you ever thought about prayer having value? Tune in to our latest episode to find out why prayer should be at the top of our list.

The Value of Prayer Podcast Outline

  • Necessity of Prayer
  • Examples of Prayer
  • Praying for Our Children
  • The Act of Praying Over Food
  • We Can Pray Alone
  • Podcast Transcript

Welcome to Healing Our Brokenness. Today’s episode is entitled, “The Value of Prayer”.

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Photo by Brodie Vissers

Value of Prayer Breakdown

Prayer is necessary in developing our relationship with God.  Sometimes the hardest part about doing anything, including prayer is getting started.  Satan fills our hearts with so many excuses as to why we aren’t doing something, when the bottom line is that once we are willing to start, God can give us the desire, strength, and perseverance to finish: “For I am confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.   (Philippians 1:6, BSB)  Jesus’ prayer life was a perfect example of the who, what, when, where and how’s of praying. 

Luke’s Account

Luke gives us an account of the impact placed on one of Jesus’ disciples from watching him pray, and witnessing John teaching his disciples.  He wanted in on this action:  “Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.  And he said to them, “When you pray, say: “Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. “(Luke 11:1-2, ESV) When we pray with earnest hearts and conviction, it rubs off on other people, and they want what we have.

Jesus’ Example

Jesus showed us how to pray for our children:  “Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them.  Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.” (Matthew 19:13-15, NIV)

When our children are little, there are so many ways that we can pray for and with them.  We can place them on our laps and pray for them, and as they get older, we can pray for them even as they are sleeping.  Sometimes I have found myself praying with my kids before they leave out the door on the way to school, or as we are literally pulling out of the driveway to begin our day. 

There is no better example of showing that there are no restrictions when telling our children about God, his goodness, and his Word than in Deuteronomy 11: 19-21:  “You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, that your days and the days of your children may be multiplied in the land of which the Lord swore to your fathers to give them, like the days of the heavens above the earth.”(NKJV)

How to Pray

Jesus showed us how to pray over and give thanks for our food.  He showed us that even though he was the one distributing the food, the fact that he had it to give himself was God’s grace:  “After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat.” (Acts 27:35, NIV) 

The two fish and five loaves of bread multiplied after he said the blessing.  This was a pure reenactment of the story of Elijah and the widow at Zarephath.  Jesus showed us the results of what the power of praying and trusting in God with the little we have can do:   “And he directed the people to sit down on the grass.

Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.  (Matthew 14: 19-21, NIV)

Jesus showed us the importance and power of praying with others.  Luke 9:28 tells us, “About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray.”(NIV)  There is something about experiencing the presence of the Holy Spirt as we pray with others.

Jesus also showed us the importance of praying alone: “After dismissing the crowds, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone.”  (Matthew 14: 23, Holman)  In order to avoid suffering burnout and spiritual emptiness, there is a need for us to pour into ourselves before we can pour into others.  Once we are filled up, we are ready to go out and serve.

Dear Father,

We thank you for your grace and power of prayer.  Please help us to remember that prayer reaches the doors of heaven, and changes things.  We also ask that you would help us to get into the habit of developing a routine for prayer, whether it is by ourselves or with others. 

In your name we pray,

Amen

Thank you for visiting Healing Our Brokenness, and if this episode has blessed you in any way, please tag a friend on Social Media, share it, review it on Itunes, and pray for the show as well.

Until next time,

Blessings!