Yogurt Recipe

Homemade Yogurt

I was really into making yogurt last year, and then I got out of it for some reason.

This yogurt is so yummy and not too tangy. If you've never liked to eat plain yogurt, you should try this recipe. There's nothing like fresh yogurt with fruit. :)

2 C Skim milk (or whatever you prefer to use)
1/4 C Dry skim milk powder (completely optional - this just helps make the yogurt a little creamier and thicker)
1 TB Plain yogurt
Cooking thermometer
Pot or camper cooler for incubating

Scald the milk:
Combine milk with milk powder and bring to 185-190 degrees. I use the microwave and check it every minute or so with my cooking thermometer.





Mix with yogurt:
Let hot milk come down to 110-115 degrees. Blend 1 tablespoon of yogurt with warm milk really well. I use my blender to do this, ensuring that the yogurt cultures go all through the milk. It is VERY important you cool the milk before mixing it with the yogurt as the live cultures will die if mixed with the HOT milk above 115 degrees; therefore failing your final product.


Incubate:
I do not have a yogurt maker so I incubate my yogurt by placing the canning jar in a small camping cooler. Then I pour warm-hot water around the jars and keep the lid closed. Basically, you want to maintain a temperature of about 105-110 degrees for about 4 hours, or once the milk starts to firm up like yogurt. You can also use a crock pot and wrap it with heavy towels. ***It may take as little as 3 hours for your milk to thicken, or up to 12 hours.***

TIP: Try not to disturb your yogurt while it's incubating. Don't bump or shake the container or jars. Leave it covered, and only check it when you have to.

Refrigerate:
Once your yogurt has started to firm, place in the refrigerator to completely set. I usually let it cool until the next day, or about 6-8 hours.

Tartness:
You can adjust your tartness by incubating your yogurt shorter or longer. The shorter it incubates, the less tart it will end up being.

Psalm 9:10

"Those who know your name will trust in you,
for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you."

Satan is the father of Lies

As Christians we have much to praise God for! Approaching the celebration of Christ's death and resurrection is yet another reminder of all he has accomplished for us. He has accomplished just that: ALL. Because of his sacrifice on the cross, he conquered eternal death and sting of its punishment, the punishment we rightly deserve because of our sinfulness.

Does Satan ever use your past to accuse and condemn you? As a child of God, have you been deceived into thinking you are not fully clothed in garments of righteousness (Is. 61:10)? I enourage you to meditate on Christ's complete sacrifice and the saving grace he offers us. Because of what he accomplished on the cross, God sees us as worthy vessels to do His work on earth, and He has completely washed our sins away--never to condemn us again.

Therefore, "walk in my ways and keep my requirements," (Zech. 3:7). Because God is working in us, the results of this transformation should be us desiring to be obedient--to do His will--to be blameless and pure in a crooked and depraved generation. We are God's representatives on earth. (Phil. 2:12-15)

This Easter weekend, ask God to keep His complete sacrifice in the forefront of your mind, and to remember that you need not be discouraged by past sinfulness. "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Phil 3:13b-14)

The Betrayal!

Being Palm Sunday, I thought I would blog about my Bible study last week. I was studying Mark, and the events leading up to Christ's death and resurrection. It never ceases to surprise me that I am struck with awe and a new sense of love for my Savior when I ponder these events and consider the life-changing impact on my life on earth and my spiritual destiny!

The portion of the Bible study that really struck me last week was in Mark 14 and the whole betrayal. I would assume Judas Iscariot comes to your minds immediately, but this time consider this: all of Christ's disciples betrayed him! Their fear and anxiety surrounding the events of that day were enough to drive them away from Christ. And for Peter, even claim he knew the Christ personally!

The question I was left pondering after I read this scripture was, How have I betrayed the Lord in word or deed lately? Ouch. Somehow it's much easier to judge those disciples and think, "What a bunch of unfaithful cowards Jesus' closest friends were!" Let's examine ourselves this time and consider ways we've been unfaithful to our Lord.

Zechariah 1:3 "[...] 'Return to me,' declares the Lord Almighty, 'and I will return to you,' [...]"

Sow in Tears (Ps. 126)

"Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him." Psalm 126:5-6

John Piper comments that he is reminded that we are to continue to do the tasks in front of us even in the midst of sorrow or grief. We may have difficulties or disappointments, but we should continue to do what we know must be done! God will bless that and we will still reap a harvest.

Working on our marriage, child-training, and mundane household duties cannot stop! Sometimes we may not see our harvest for many years, but it is coming. I must trust God to give me the strength I need to complete the tasks before me. Without first trusting in him, I will fail and become even more discouraged.

I was reminded of the passage the Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians. Considering his situation, it is only by God's strength he would have been able to write these words!
"I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Phil. 4:12b-13)