Winter Jam 2014!!!

Good morning daughters of grace!

It’s Robin here and I have so much to share with you.  First, I ask for prayers as I travel back to Europe next week to finish up working with the ski team.  Yes, there is skiing after the Olympics and I have to be there to cook for the athletes.  It’s truly an honor.  Pray for safe travels, the safety of my son as he travels by himself to join me the following week but most importantly pray for the salvation of those I work with on the team.

Next, I had the privilege of attending Winter Jam on Sunday and boy, DID GOD MOVE!  If you’ve never been to Winter Jam plan to attend next year.  This event is held each year at the Wolstein Center at Cleveland State University.  Ten Christian artists for only $10!  It’s such an amazing deal that I must admit I’ve never seen the place not packed.  13,000 people lifting up the name of Jesus.  

The night started off with Derek Minor, Love & The Outcome and Everfound for the pre jam session.  During this time youth leaders and pastors were invited to attend a private session of prayer and encouragement.  It was a pleasure hearing encouraging words from the various artists.  The overall theme that I took from the session was allowing God to do the work in the lives of the youth and continuing to love on them and pour into them but always realizing it’s God who changes their hearts.  Main Speaker Nick Hall prayed with us and we were sent back to the concert with a wonderful bag of free goodies and resources.  As a youth leader it was truly a time of refreshment for me.  During a time when the normal tenure of a youth leader is 17 months it truly was a blessing to be encouraged.  

The concert started off with American Idol’s Colton Dixon, followed by hosts NewSong, Plumb, Thousand Foot Krutch and my personal favorite, Tenth Avenue North!  The place was really rocking!!  Nick Hall gave an awesome and clear message presenting the gospel.  We then had the opportunity to support a child through Holt International.  Finally, lighting up the Wolstein Center and truly lifting up the name of Jesus, comes Lecrae!  The room was literally on fire!  Everyone was jumping and praising and I can honestly say it was breathtaking to be in the room with 13,000 people praising God!  The closing act is a favorite of many.  Newsboys brought another amazing show and closed out the night with one of my favorite songs, God’s Not Dead!!

Lastly, I know the weather is still cold and I know we are tired of it. To warm you up a bit I want to leave you with a breakfast recipe that is warming, healthy, easy and delicious.  Did you know that those who eat breakfast tend to weigh less than non breakfast eaters?  The next time you think about skipping breakfast prepare my delicious baked oatmeal.  It's packed with fiber, protein and all around tasty goodness.  Remember to read through the recipe as this dish needs to be prepped the night before. Once the recipe is made you can keep it for a few days for an easy breakfast.

Chef Robin’s Morning Glory Baked Oatmeal

6 Servings

Amount Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method

--------    ------------     --------------------------------

2              cups                Regular oats

1/2           cup              Light brown sugar or agave

1/2           cup                 1% low-fat milk, soy or almond milk

1/2           cup                 Unsweetened applesauce

2              whole              Apples -- Chopped

1             whole              Egg

2              whole              Egg whites

1 1/2        teaspoons      Baking powder

3/4          teaspoon        Salt

1               teaspoon        Vanilla extract

1               teaspoon     Cinnamon

1/2          teaspoon        Nutmeg

3/4          cup                 Dried Cranberries or raisins

Directions:

1)      Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

2)      In a large bowl combine the oatmeal, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg.

3)      In a separate bowl mix together milk, eggs, applesauce, brown sugar and vanilla    extract.  Mix with oat mixture.

4)     Fold in apples and cranberries

5)      Pour into a casserole dish, greased with butter flavored cooking spray.

6)     Refrigerate overnight if using regular oats.

7)      Bake at 325 for 25 - 30 minutes.

8)     Serve hot, topping each with vanilla yogurt if desired.  You may also add nuts if

        desired.

Per Serving: 255 Calories; 7.4g Fat (13.7% calories from fat); 12g Protein; 58g Carbohydrate; 4.7g Dietary Fiber; 15g Sugar; 27mg Cholesterol; 329mg Sodium.