COME AS A CHILD LESSON 102 GOD'S PEOPLE MOVE TO GOSHEN

(Written by Sheila Gail Landgraf)

As he had promised, Joseph told Pharaoh his father and brothers had arrived in the land with their flocks and herds and all that they owned.  He informed  Pharaoh that they were now residing in Goshen.  Joseph then arranged for  five of his brothers to be presented before Pharaoh.

Pharaoh asked the question they were expecting and anticipating:  “What is your occupation?”  They answered as Joseph had requested:  “Your servants are shepherds just as our father’s were.”

They explained to Pharaoh that they had come to live in Egypt for a while because the famine was severe in Canaan and their flocks had no pastures from which to graze.  They humbly requested to keep residing in Goshen.

Pharaoh said to Joseph; “Your father and your brothers have come to you, and the land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and your brothers in the best part of the land.  Let them live in Goshen and if you know of any among them with special abilities, put them in charge of my own livestock.

Then Joseph brought his father, Jacob, and presented him before Pharaoh.  Jacob blessed Pharaoh and Pharaoh asked  Jocob's age.  Jacob told Pharaoh he was 130 years old.  He explained that his years had been difficult and they were not as long as that of many of his ancestors.  After their conversation Jacob blessed Pharaoh again and went out from him. 

The part of this story where Jacob blesses Pharaoh is interesting.  Pharaoh was the ruler of the land and he was being blessed by a foreigner that was also a despised shepherd.  The Egyptians hated shepherds, yet Pharaoh respectfully allowed Jacob's blessing and treated him with the honor and respect an elderly person deserves.  Was it because of his respect for Joseph?  One cannot help but wonder why this occurred in the way that it did.

So it was that Joseph’s family came to have property in the best parts of the land of Egypt.  They had food provided for them.  Their children and wives had food and their flocks had land to graze in.

All was well again as Joseph and Jacob rekindled their relationship as father and son and the relationships between Joseph and his brothers were restored.

COME AS A CHILD LESSON 101 MOVING TO EGYPT

(Written by Sheila Gail Landgraf)

Israel set out with all of his sons, wives, grandchildren, livestock and personal possessions to go to live in the land of Egypt where Joseph now lived.  When they reached Beersheba, Israel offered sacrifices to the God of his father, Isaac.  It was there that God spoke to him in a night vision. 

“Jacob, Jacob!”

“Here I am.”

“I am God, the God of your father.  Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there.  I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will surely bring you back again.  And Joseph’s own hand will close your eyes.”

The journey was easier for Israel after this vision in the night.  He knew he was not going against God’s will by leaving the land of Canaan.  They traveled on in the carts that Pharaoh had sent them to travel in. 

The names of the sons of Israel and those who were with them are recorded in the book of Genesis.  They are mentioned specifically by name.  I have learned whenever this happens to listen up.  The names are recorded and proclaimed for some reason.   In a later lesson we will explore some of the possible reasons, as well as examine the prophetic significance of the story of Joseph.

The list was like this:

Reuben, the firstborn of Jacob.  The sons of Reuben:  Hanok, Pallu, Hezron and Karmi.  

The sons of Simeon:  Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jakin, Zohar and Shaul, the son of a Canaanite woman.

The sons of Levi:  Gershon, Kohath and Merari.

The sons of Judah:  Er, Orian, Shelah, Perez and Zerah (but Er and Onan had died in the land of Canaan, as we discussed in an earlier lesson.)

The sons of Perez:  Hezron and Hamul.

The sons of Issachar:  Tola, Puah, Jashub and Shimron.

The sons of Zebulun:  Sered, Elon and Jahleel

It is mentioned that these were the sons that Leah had born to Jacob in Paddan-Aram, besides his daughter Dinah.  These sons and daughters of his were thirty three in all.

The sons of Gad:  Ephon, Haggi, Shuni, Exbon, Eri , Arodi and Areli. 

The sons of Asher:  Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi and Beriah.  Their sister was Serah.

 

The sons of Beriah:  Heber and Malkiel.

These were the children of Jacob by Zilpah whom Laban had given to his daughter Leah.  Sixteen in all.

The sons of Jacob’s wife Rachel:  Joseph and Benjamin.  In Egypt, Manasseh and Ephraim were born to Joseph by Asenath, daughter of Potiphera, priest of On.

The sons of Benjamin:  Bela, Beker, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim and Ard.

These were the sons of Rachel who were born to Jacob – fourteen in all.

The son of Dan:

Hushbim.

The sons of Naphtali:  Jahziel, Guni, Jezer and Shillem.

These were the sons born to Jacob by Bilhah, whom Laban had given to his daughter Rachel – seven in all.   

 I only thought I had a large family!  

Can you imagine all of these people gathering all of their belongings together and traveling to a land they were not accustomed to?  Not one decided not to go!  That within itself is a miracle.  Do you think if God told you to move unexpectedly that ALL of your relatives would just drop their lives and say "so be it" and pack their bags and move with you?  What are the chances? 

Sometimes families have to go places that they never dreamed they would have to go.  They must live among people who do not think, worship or live as they do.  They must learn to get along with everyone all the time, for the sake of the greater thing that God is working out.  When God says “go” it should not be questioned, only done.  It is a rare thing that a family will be this bound to one another, that they ALL would accept the consequences of obeying their father who has been listening to God’s will for them.   Perhaps they were all there as Jacob made the sacrifice in Beersheba and their hearts were moved by God to make the change.  They were all in one accord on this strange journey.   

The way this all came together was yet another miracle in the history of Israel’s life story. 

All those who went to Egypt with Jacob; his direct descendants, not counting his sons’ wives were numbered as sixty-six persons.  With the two sons who had been born to Joseph in Egypt, the members of Jacob’s family, which went to Egypt, were seventy in all.  I'm still having trouble understanding this math....but that is what the scriptures says and I know the scriptures are accurate.  Yet another thing to sort out at the end of our story!

Perhaps they were rounding off whole numbers?  At any rate, how interesting to note that the scriptures record the number 70 and we know from reading more later that 70 nations came from the nation of Israel, a nation for each of the families that went up to Egypt following God’s will. 

So, Jacob sent Judah ahead of him to get directions to Goshen from Joseph.  When they all arrived in Goshen Joseph was there with his chariot.  He had been waiting for them.  As soon as Joseph appeared he threw his arms around his father and wept for a long time.  No doubt this was one of the greatest reunions ever experienced on earth.  Joseph was just the opposite of the prodigal's son.  Jacob had no reason to question Joseph's loyalty, honesty and integrity.  That had made the absence of Joseph unbearable for him.  The love between this father and son was very special and rare.

Finally, with much emotion in his voice, Israel spoke to his son:  “Now I am ready to die, since I have seen for myself that you are still alive.”

Joseph told everyone that he would go up and speak to Pharaoh and say to him that his father and brothers have actually arrived and come to live with him!  He would tell Pharaoh that they were shepherds and tended to livestock, and they have brought all that they owned with them.  

Joseph explained to everyone that when Pharaoh called them in and asked:  ‘What is your occupation?’ they were to answer ‘Your servants have tended livestock from our boyhood on, just as our fathers did.’  Then they would be allowed to settle in the region of Goshen; for all shepherds are detestable to the Egyptians.   It seems that Goshen is set aside for less than desirable people of the nation.  This showed Joseph's humility and willingness to have the heart of a servant.  He would honor his employer and try not to disturb the Pharaoh with the happenings of his family.  He was just glad to have them with him.  Any place would do as long as Joseph could come to them in a short time and they had food and shelter.

FOOD ART - A MEXICAN FIESTA

(Written by Sheila Gail Landgraf)

The "Food Art" part of this blog is all about creating imaginative menus to enjoy with your family and friends.  I always hope to post some easy-to-pull-together meals that are festive enough for entertaining, but simple enough to be a regular weeknight meal for the family.  You can add your own personal flare to these ideas, but the basic organization here will get you started down your own path.    I just like to have a bunch of "go-to" tried and true menus for impromptu occasions.  This is one of the menus I've used a lot over the years that is simple, easy, inexpensive, but very festive.   

A GREAT MEXICAN MENU

Ahead are four great Mexican dishes that combine to make a perfect menu to serve on a day when you are bored with the same old American cuisine!  Put out the chips.  Melt some cheese.  Mix up a large picture of cold margaritas to go with these.  Soon you will have a feast!

 MENU:

MEXICAN FRUIT SALAD WITH HONEY LIME DRESSING
TACO PIE
BLACK BEAN AND RICE CASSEROLE

SALSA AND CHIPS
FAKE FRIED ICE CREAM

A simple and elegant meal that invites fun and casual conversations to happen.

MEXICAN FRUIT SALAD WITH HONEY LIME DRESSING
1 cup cantaloupe chunks
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 cup kiwifruit
Red or Green Grapes
1 cup pineapple chunks
1 tablespoon orange zest
½ cup fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup honey
¼ cup fresh lime juice
In a large clear bowl, combine 1 cup each: cantaloupe chunks, blueberries, kiwifruit slices, pineapple chunks and red or green grapes. Stir in 1 tablespoon orange zest, ½ cup fresh orange juice and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Whisk together with 1/3 cup honey and ¼ cup fresh lime juice; pour over salad and toss to blend. Serve in pretty stemmed dessert glasses, or side bowls. 

GAIL’S TACO PIE

Pillsbury Crescent Dinner Rolls

Taco seasoning mix
Salsa

Corn chips
1 lb. ground beef 
½ cup chopped onion
Shredded lettuce
Tomato, chopped
Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (4oz.)
sour cream, optional

1.      Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a pie shell with the triangles from 8 Pillsbury

Crescent Dinner Rolls.

2.    Brown the onions in a skillet.  Brown the hamburger in the onion.  Mix onions and hamburger together and add taco mix to them in the skillet. 

3.  Crumble corn chips and put in the bottom of the pie shell.

4.  Pour hamburger and onion mix over corn chips. 

5. Pour salsa over this mixture.

6.  Sprinkle the top generously with shredded cheese, any flavor you prefer.

7.  Bake uncovered for 30 – 35 minutes.  Let cool for 5 minutes.

8. Top with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sour cream and a little unmelted cheese.  

9.  Cut into slices and serve with sour cream on the side.

Black Bean and Rice Casserole

1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed
1  small jar of salsa

1 teaspoon chili powder

½ teaspoon pepper

½ teaspoon salt

½  teaspoon cumin

½  teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 zucchini, chopped
1 can white shoe peg corn kernels
1 cup green or red peppers, chopped

1 cup chopped onion

1 cup chopped mushrooms

1 small can green chilies
2 cups brown rice, cooked
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1.   Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large pan over medium heat, cook beans and salsa for 5 minutes  Stir in spices..

2.   Add all of the vegetables to the mixture and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until veggies soften slightly.

3.   Mix in the cooked brown rice.

4.  Place mixture in a large casserole dish, sprinkle with cheese. Bake for about 20 minutes.

5. Crunch up some tortilla chips in the bottom of a clear or decorative bowl and pour the casserole mixture over the chips while hot.  Line the sides of bowl with whole chips and garnish the top with slices of avocado and olives.  Serve sour cream on the side.

 

    

 FAKE FRIED ICE CREAM

“Fried” ice cream with no frying involved. Just like what they serve in some Mexican restaurants.

Ingredients

1 (18oz.) box corn flake cereal

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

½ cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons cinnamon

 vanilla ice cream 

Any Favorite Toppings

Instructions
1.  Shape ice cream into 3 inch balls and place in a muffin tin to freeze very hard.

2. Place cereal in a food processor and process

until finely crushed (or place cereal in batches in sealable plastic bags and crush with rolling pin). Place crushed cereal in a large mixing bowl and mix in melted butter. Stir in sugar and cinnamon until well blended.
3.  Roll frozen ice cream balls in the crunchy mixture, pressing down to make it all stick and stay on the ice cream.
4.  Place in a pretty serving dish, drizzle with caramel or chocolate, add a dollop of whipped cream if desired, place a cherry on top and serve immediately.

 

SEASONS - TURNIP GREEN SOUP FOR NEW YEARS

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION - EAT RIGHT/LIVE RIGHT
(Written by Sheila Gail Landgraf)

Here we are already on the very first day of 2017.  I have to admit I was ready for 2016 to turn the page. I am anxious for a better year to come to us all in 2017.  

That being said, I do not overlook the fact that even though the whole country had a pretty bad year last year; we all were blessed in unexpected ways in the midst of it.  I am most thankful to know that we have survived the very hard political, economic and socially changing culture battles in America for one more year.  I remain hopeful in spite of the odds and stand ready to take on the battles of another year.

Speaking of another year; some people are so superstitious about what to eat on New Year's Day.  

I find that very amusing, as I've had the same foods every year and had both good and bad years afterward.  So, I just laugh at the superstitions of our culture, but play along, mostly because I want to start the new year out healthy and what could be healthier than a good steaming hot bowl of turnip green soup?

It has become a tradition at our house.  

You get your greens and you get your black-eyed peas.  Throw in some broccoli corn bread and a salad and you have perfectly filling healthy meal.  

I think my recipe for turnip green soup is one of the best.  

We've experimented and changed it over the years until I think it may have evolved into a final perfection.

I share it with all of my readers here as a New Year's present, and am sending wishes for the happiest, most joyful and blessed 2017 that you can every imagine!


TURNIP GREEN SOUP

Ingredients:
1 pound cooked and diced ham
1 tablespoon extra pure virgin olive oil
1 package dry Knorr Vegetable Soup Mix
2 cans great northern beans
Three shakes of tobasco sauce
1 can pinto beans
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 cups chopped potatoes
3 cups chopped onions
1-1/2 cups sliced carrots
1-32 ounce package of freshly cut and washed turnip greens
2-48 ounce cartons chicken broth (may use beef if preferred)
2-15 ounce cans black-eyed peas (drained and rinsed)
1 (14.5 ounce) can Rotel tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Directions:
In a large stock pot with a tablespoon of extra pure virgin olive oil combine ham, onions, potatoes and carrots.  Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently for 7 to 8 minutes, or until ham is browned and onion and carrots are slightly soft.  Add turnip greens, and cook, stirring constantly for 3 minutes, or until wilted.  Add chicken broth, black-eyes peas, Knorr Vegetable Soup Mix, northern beans, pinto beans, tobasco sauce, garlic powder, Rotel tomatoes, crushed red pepper, and black pepper.  Bring all to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 35 minutes or until greens are tender.  Serve steaming hot.

(If you use the fresh frozen veggies instead of the canned this soup usually taste better - or you can go all out and use totally fresh veggies - your choice - always good no matter how you do it.  After Christmas I always freeze the left over ham slices and save it for this dish on New Year's Day.  We love it!)

COME AS A CHILD LESSON 100 JOSEPH REVEALS HIS IDENTITY

(Written by Sheila Gail Landgraf)

Judah was deeply troubled that Joseph thought Benjamin had taken his silver cup.  He had offered himself as a substitute for Benjamin’s punishment, knowing that if he did not return with Benjamin his father would never forgive him.  He had also told his father that his own sons would be the one’s punished if anything happened to Benjamin.  This must have been a terrible time for Judah, who had done no wrong and was caught in the middle of Joseph’s scheme.

But, as Judah was pleading with Joseph, Joseph could no longer control himself and he cried out in a loud voice.  “Have everyone leave my presence!” 

When there was no one left in the room with Joseph, except his brothers, Joseph made himself known to them.  He wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him.  Even Pharaoh’s household became aware of Joseph’s state. 

Finally, Joseph said to his brothers; “I am Joseph!  Is my father still living?”

Upon hearing his words his brothers became terrified!  They could not speak or answer.

Joseph beconed for them to come closer to him.  He said; “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt!  And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.  For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing and reaping.  But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.  So then it was not you who sent me here, but God.  He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt.  Now hurry back to my father and say to him, ‘This is what your son Joseph says:  God has made me lord of all Egypt.  Come down to me; don’t delay.  You shall live in the region of Goshen and be near me – you, your children and grandchildren, your flocks and herds, and all you have.  I will provide for you there, because five years of famine are still to come.  Otherwise you and your household and all who belong to you will become destitute.”

Joseph turned to his brothers who were still in amazement and continued:  “You can see for yourselves, and so can my brother Benjamin, that it is really I who am speaking to you.  Tell my father about all the honor accorded me in Egypt and about everything you have seen.  And bring my father down here quickly.”

At that point, Joseph threw his arms around Benjamin and wept.  Benjamin embraced Joseph, weeping too.  Joseph kissed all of his brothers and wept over them.  Afterward they talked and talked.  They had a lot of catching up to do!

With all the commotion and the confusion of Joseph’s assistants, the news soon reached Pharaoh and all of his officials were pleased.  Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Tell your brothers, ‘Do this:  Load your animals and return to the land of Canaan, and bring your father and your families back to me.  I will give you the best of the land of Egypt and you can enjoy the fat of the land.”

Pharaoh also told them:  “Take some carts from Egypt for your children and your wives, and get your father and come.  Never mind about your belongings, because the best of all Egypt will be yours.”

So the sons of Israel did as they were instructed.  Joseph gave them carts as Pharaoh had commanded and he also gave them provisions for their journey.  He gave them all new clothes, and to Benjamin he gave three hundred shekels of silver and five sets of clothes.  He sent ten donkeys loaded with the best things of Egypt and ten female donkeys loaded wit grain and bread and other provisions to his father for his journey back. 

He said goodbye to his brothers and sent them on their way admonishing them not to quarrel on the way.

They left Egypt in a daze.  When they reached their father Jacob in the land of Canaan they told him that Joseph was still alive!  Then they told him he was ruler of Egypt!

Jacob was stunned. 

At first he did not believe them.  The carts full of provisions that Joseph had sent finally convinced him.

 Jacob’s spirit revived!  Can you imagine his amazement?  He was full of joy knowing that Joseph was still alive and he would see him again!  

God was granting Jacob unexpected happiness in his old age!  It was a glorious impossible that only God could have brought about.  

COME AS A CHILD LESSON 99 ANOTHER PROBLEM ANOTHER PLEA

As Joesph’s brothers finished their feast with him, Joseph gave instructions to the steward of his house to fill each man’s sack with as much food as he could carry and then put each man’s silver inside their sack.  Then he told the steward to put his own personal silver cup in the mouth of Benjamin’s sack along with his silver.  The steward did as he was instructed. 

When the morning came, the men were sent back home, riding on their donkeys.  When they had gone only a short distance, Joseph said to his steward “Go after those men at once, and when you catch up with them, say to them, ‘Why have you repaid good with evil?  Isn’t this the cup my master drinks from and also uses for divination?  This is a wicked thing you have done.  

So the steward rode out and found them and spoke to them as Joseph had commanded.

Of course the brother’s were stunned to think this could be happening.  They answered Joseph’s steward with surprise and astonishment.

“Why does my lord say such things?  Far be it from your servants to do anything like that!  We even returned from the land of Canaan, the silver we found inside the mouths of our sacks.  So why would we steal silver or gold from your master’s house?  If any of your servants is found to have it, he will die, and the rest of us will become my lord’s slaves!”

Did you cringe when you heard them speak those words to Joseph’s steward?  I surely did.  Never waste words in an important situation, the less said the better; like Jesus always admonished his servants later, let your “yes” be “yes” and your “no” be “no.”  The outcry of this brother surely brought them even more trouble!

“Very well!” said the steward.  “Let it be as you say.  Whoever is found to have it will become my slave; the rest of you will be free from blame.”

All of their sacks were lowered to the ground and opened.  The steward mysteriously started with the oldest and ended with the youngest.  Of course the cup was found in Benjamin’s sack!

When the brothers saw this they tore their clothes.  This was their way of publicly stating to the world they were in mourning.  Surely they were in anguish!  The precious son that they had promised their father they would look after was wrongly sentenced to death!  They loaded their donkeys and returned to the city of Joseph. 

Joseph was still at his house when they arrived.  Judah and his brothers went straight to him and threw themselves at his feet. 

Joseph said “What have you done?  Don’t you know that a man like me can find things out by divination?”

“What can we say?” they answered.  “What can we say?  How can we prove that we are innocent?  God has uncovered your servant’s guilt.  We are now my lord’s slaves, we, ourselves; and the one who was found to have the cup.”

Joseph answered them; “Far be it from me to do such a thing!  Only the man who was found to have the cup will become my slave.  The rest of you go back to your father in peace.”

To their father in peace?  Are you kidding!!!

Judah, remembering his promise to their father pleaded with Joseph.  “Pardon your servant, my lord, let me speak a word to you.  Do not be angry with your servant, though you are equal to Pharaoh himself.  My lord asked his servants, ‘Do you have a father or a brother?’ and we answered ‘We have an aged father, and there is a young son born to him in his old age.  His brother is dead, and he is the only one of his mother’s sons left, and his father loves him.’  Then you said to your servants, ‘Bring him down to me so I can see him for myself. And we said to my lord, ‘the boy cannot leave his father; if he leaves him, his father will die.’  But you told your servants, ‘Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you will not see my face again.’  When we went back to your servant my father, we told him what my lord had said.  Then our father said, ‘Go back and buy a little more food.’  But we said, “We cannot go down.  Only if our youngest brother is with us will we go.  We cannot see the man’s face unless our youngest brother is with us.’

Your servant, our father, said to us, ‘You know that my wife bore me two sons.  One of them went away from me, and I said, “He has surely been torn to pieces.  And I have not seen him since.  If you take this one from me too and harm comes to him, you will bring my gray head down to the grave in misery.’

So now if the boy is not with us when I go back to your servant, my father, and if my father whose life is closely bound up with the boy’s life, sees that the boy isn’t there, he will die.  Your servant guaranteed the boy’safety to my father.  I said, ‘If I do not bring him back to you, I will bear the blame before you, my father, all of my life.

Now then, please let your servant remain here as my lord’s slave in place of the boy, and let the boy return with his brothers.  How can I go back to my father if the boy is not with me?  No!  Do not let me see the misery that would come on my father!”

And so the brothers all waited patiently and hopefully for Joseph’s reply.  They knew whatever happened they would have trouble when they returned.  Either way, their father would have lost a son, whether it was Judah or Benjamin.