Shadow Girl

I have recently started the Beth Moore study of Esther. Boy, I really  love the story of Esther. I am not really sure I like the study yet, though. You see Mrs. Moore and I tend to think really differently so I generally stay away from doing her studies, but I really love the women of my church and wanted to do a study with them. So I am doing this one. Mrs. Moore's first weeks theme was basically about how tough it is to follow in another woman's shadow. I use to think that standing in the shadow of someone else was a bad thing. First I was Carole's daughter, Cherie's sister (my older sister) , then I was Monica's sister (my younger sister), then I was Dave's wife and then Zach, Brandon and Emily's mom. I use to think, when can I just be me Michelle with nothing else attached. If you took out all of those people, sure, I would be Michelle but without much substance. These are the people God has placed in my life to mold me, love me, teach me and help make me the woman I am today, which really isn't all that bad. I am quite content living in the shadow of the people God has put in my life. The best thing is knowing that being a child of God I live in the shadow of the Most High God, Creator of the heavens and the earth. How awesome is that?!!!!!  One of the beautiful glories of studying the Bible is that God is always showing me more and more of Himself and teaching me more and more of who I am in Christ. My eldest use to have a saying when he was little." God don't make junk, Mama" so true. 2 Corinthians 5:17  says: Therefore if anyone is in Christ , he is a new creature; the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come. So if you are in Christ, you are a new creature. Can I get an Amen?! So no matter whose shadow you might feel like you are living in, remember if you are in Christ, you are a child of God and He don't make junk!!!! Psalm 36:7 says: How precious is your loving kindness, O God! and the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings. The shadow of God's wings is a place of refuge. May my life always  be lived out in the shadow of Your wings, O gracious, merciful God!! Being a Shadow Girl, isn't half bad!!!



This is one of my family's favorite sandwiches. It takes a little extra time and effort but they are worth it.
Baked Turkey and Spicy Mayo Sandwich
pkg. of turkey tenderloin
salt, pepper and poultry seasoning (enough to season tenderloins)
cooking oil spray
crusty bread
red onion (sliced thin)
spring mix baby lettuce
heirloom tomato( sliced for sandwiches)
spicy mayo (recipe below)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray baking pan and both sides of turkey tenderloins with cooking spray. Then season both sides of tenderloins with salt, pepper and poultry seasoning.

Put in oven and bake for 20 minutes. Take out and turn tenderloins over. Place back in the oven and cook 10 minutes or until turkey is cooked through.

While turkey is baking make the spicy mayo.
Stir together 1/4 cup may0,1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard, pinch of salt, pinch of pepper and 4 to 6 dashes of hot sauce. Set aside or put in fridge for later.

When turkey is done let rest for a few minutes before slicing, so juices can soak back up into the turkey.
Assemble Sandwich.

You can use Chicken Breast as well, but the Turkey Tenderloins came out more economical. Only around $4 for 2 big tenderloins.
I cooked 4 tenderloins. I used 2 for the sandwiches and used 2 the next day for Turkey Tortilla soup.