Kamis, 31 Mei 2012

A Godly Response to Criticism





A Godly Response to Criticism
Dr. Charles Stanley


Proverbs 15:31-33


No one likes criticism, but encountering some is inevitable, so we need to learn how to respond in a godly way. Although you might be tempted to become defensive or angry, remain calm and listen. The words may hurt, but great benefits come to those who carefully consider what is said.

If we refuse to accept reproof, we'll limit our potential for Christlike character development and spiritual growth. Some of life's best lessons come through difficult experiences. If God allowed the situation, you can be sure that He wants to use it in transforming you into His Son's image. Whether the criticism is valid or not, whether it's delivered with kindness or harshness, your goal should always be to respond in a way that glorifies the Lord. Remember that you are responsible only for how you handle yourself, not for how the other person is acting.

When a criticism comes your way, be quiet and listen until the other person has finished. Make direct eye contact to show attentiveness and respect. When your critic finishes, thank him for bringing his concerns to your attention, and tell him that you will consider what he's said. Ask the Lord if the accusation is valid. Let Him search your heart and either affirm your innocence or convict you.

Every rebuke is an opportunity from God. It's a chance to let your Christian character shine by showing love to your critic. If he is angrily attacking you, your respect and kindness become a powerful testimony. Criticism is also an occasion to humble yourself and accept the Lord's correction.

For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit www.intouch.org.


Prophecy In The News
Petrus Romanus with Tom Horn


How To Dress Like A Cover Girl Is The Ultimate Revenge!




On the hit ABC show Revenge, Emily VanCamp smolders and schemes and brings back the high-stakes drama of prime-time 80's soaps like Knots Landing and Dallas.  In real life, she's just a nice Canadian girl who doesn't always know what to wear.








Bonkers is the only word ridiculous enough to describe how crazy we are about Revenge. Shop looks inspired by the irresistibly soapy show.





While the rest of the players on our favorite guilty-pleasure hit, Revenge, spend their time scheming and social-climbing in the kind of posh yet predictable ensembles one would expect of ritzy Hamptonites, Ashley Madekwe’s party-planner character (Ashley Davenport) brings a welcome bit of high-fashion eye candy to the show’s soapy proceeding.





Get a behind-the-scenes peek at Emily VanCamp's 
Lucky cover shoot, only at Who What Wear!




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Stack your bracelets and pile on the rings! Loading up on accessories makes a fresh statement.







Rabu, 30 Mei 2012

The Treasure of Friendship





The Treasure of Friendship
Mary Southerland

Today’s Truth
Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NIV) “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”


Friend to Friend
Friendship is the springboard to every other love and the foundation for every healthy relationship. It is a proven fact that lonely people live shorter lives than those who have healthy friendships. Even Jesus needed friends when He walked this earth as a man. In fact, He placed great value on relationships. The Bible tells us Jesus spent much of His time deepening the relationships with a few – not the crowd.

I love the story of an ingenious teenager who was tired of reading bedtime stories to his little sister. He decided to record several of her favorite stories on tape. When he presented the tape player and tape to his sister, he explained, “Now you can hear your stories any time you want.  Isn't that great?” The little girl took one look at the machine, frowned and then replied, “No! It is not great! That thing does not have a lap!”
God created us to need each other. That truth is never more evident than when we are in pain or struggling with some crisis in life. One of the main factors leading to a two-year battle with clinical depression in my life was the absence of replenishing friendships.  As I think back to that time, I am sure many women would have counted themselves as my friend when, in reality, they were simply acquaintances because that was all I would allow them to be. My pride kept me from admitting I wasn’t Superwoman and that I did need the help of others. My insecurity held me back from reaching out to new friends and cultivating old ones.

To admit my need of a friend seemed like a weakness instead of the precious gift God created it to be. I refused to take the risk of being hurt, rejected or misunderstood.  I did not have time to invest in building intimate friendships and was too busy doing the work of God to be a friend.  As a result, when the darkness hit, I felt isolated and alone. Friendship took on an entirely different meaning in my life from that point on. In fact, friends are a great source of strength and encouragement in my life today. Friends fast and pray for me, holding me accountable and confronting me when they see my priorities lining up in the wrong way. Friends make me stop and take time for fun. Friends have taught me to be transparent.

Have I been hurt along the way? Yes.

Have I been misunderstood? Yes.

Have the friendships been worth the price? Absolutely!

Roses are beautiful flowers. People who know me are aware of the fact that I can kill any plant known to mankind.  I once had a neighbor who grew roses in every shade of pink, yellow and red. I often watched Joan work in her garden and eventually realized she never handled the roses without wearing long sleeves and thick gloves. The roses were beautiful, but their thorns were not and could certainly inflict a lot of pain. In fact, my neighbor always seemed to have cuts and scrapes on her hands and arms even with the long sleeves and gloves she wore. I once asked Joan why she continued to grow roses and jokingly suggested she might want to consider raising a less dangerous kind of flower. I will never forget her answer and the profound truth it held, “The beauty of the rose is worth the occasional wound it gives. I have learned to handle the roses with respect and in such a way that my wounds are few.” The same truth can be said of friendships.

The words of Jesus found in John 13:34-35, portray the perfect backdrop for God’s love.  "And so I am giving a new commandment to you now--love each other just as much as I love you. Your strong love for each other will prove to the world that you are my disciples." Does the world know we are His disciples by the way we love and relate to each other?  

Chad was a shy, quiet little boy. One day he came home and told his mother he'd like to make a valentine for everyone in his class. Her heart sank. "I wish he wouldn't do that!" she thought. She had watched the children when they walked home from school. Her Chad was always behind them. They laughed and hung on to each other and talked to each other, but Chad was never included. Still, she decided to go along with her son’s plan. She purchased the paper, glue and crayons, and for three whole weeks, night after night, Chad painstakingly made thirty-five valentines. Valentine's Day dawned, and Chad was frantic with excitement! He carefully placed the valentines in a bag, and bolted out the door.

His mom decided to bake his favorite cookies because she knew he would be disappointed when he came home from school. It hurt her to think he wouldn't get many valentines -- maybe none at all. That afternoon she had the cookies and milk on the table. Finally, when she heard their voices, she looked out the window to see the children laughing and having the best time. As usual, there was Chad in the rear but walking a little faster than usual.

She fully expected him to burst into tears as soon as he got inside. His arms were empty and when the door opened, she choked back tears as she said, "Honey, I have some warm cookies and milk for you” but he hardly heard her words. He just marched right on by, his face glowing, and all he could say was: "Not a one -- not a one." The mother’s heart sank. Then he added, "I didn't forget a one, not a single one!" When God is in control of our friendships and when we trust Him with those friendships, we will be a better friend, and we will have more true friends.

Let’s Pray
Lord, I praise You for the gift of friendship. Today I commit to investing more time in deepening the friendships You have given me. I want others to see You in the way I relate to my friends. I am willing to risk being hurt in order to be a better friend. I will look for needs that I can meet in the lives of my friends and be transparent in sharing my needs with them. Today, I choose to honor You in every friendship and trust You with each one.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Now it’s Your Turn
1 Peter 4:8 (NLT)Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.”
"A friend is one who strengthens you with prayers, blesses you with love and encourages you with hope." Anonymous

More from the Girlfriends
Check out Mary’s E-Bible Study: I Need a Friend for ways to be a better friend and learn how to develop healthy friendships.

Need help learning how to live a life of power and purpose? Check out Mary’s weekly online Bible Study, How to Dress for Success and learn how to live a life of victory. Connect with Mary on Facebook or through email.
Seeking God?
Click here to find out more about
how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Girlfriends in God
P.O. Box 725
Matthews, NC 28106
info@girlfriendsingod.com
www.girlfriendsingod.com



Prayer for a Friend

 

Selasa, 29 Mei 2012

Modern Backyard Oasis



House and Home Video: Modern Backyard Oasis

In this video you will gather outdoor design tips as landscape architect Mark Hartley shows off a serene urban backyard perfect for entertaining, lounging and swimming.





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Incorporate recycled materials and resource-minded practices for a stylish, earth-friendly retreat.




Southern Living: 5 Ways to Maximize Your Outdoor Space


Marquette Clay’s Oklahoma City home is tiny, but what he did to the garden is huge. With a keen eye for design and color, this landscape contractor proves that sometimes less is much more.

Will You Receive the Blessing God Sets Before You?




Will You Receive the Blessing God Sets Before You?
Pastor Adrian Rogers


“Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you this day.” - Deuteronomy 11:26-28


God is setting before you this day a blessing and a curse. What determines whether you receive the blessing? If you obey. What determines whether or not you are going to receive the curse? If you disobey.


There are six blessings God wants to give you today in exchange for your obedience: plenty (Isaiah 1:19-20), peace (Jeremiah 26:13), protection (Exodus 23:22), power (Acts 5:32), purity (1 Peter 1:22), and perception (Psalm 119:100).


Do you want Jesus to be real to you so that He’s not just someone that you know or read about? Maybe you want to do more than just “pray” to Him; perhaps you want to talk to Him, and you want to relate to Him. Then read John 14:23 and obey Him.  




For more from Love Worth Finding and Pastor Adrian Rogers, please visit www.lwf.org.







Pastor Robert Morris - Words of Life or Death
The Value of Words Part 2


Minggu, 27 Mei 2012

Loving Truth



Loving Truth

by Mary E. DeMuth

Words of LIFE Weekly Devotional

"The perpetual delusion of humanity is thinking we are better off hiding than confessing, avoiding rather than facing, clinging to our sickness instead of taking the remedy that's freely given and readily available." -Mark Buchanan

I love that Jesus said "I tell you the truth" 78 times in Scripture. Everywhere He went, He spoke truth, and as He did so, He set people free. Satan is the antithesis of truth. He delights when we live a lie, speak a lie, or live in a family of lies. Lying is the native language of Satan's kingdom, so telling the truth is a subversive act. It deals a decisive blow to the enemy of our souls. Honesty is spiritual warfare. It advances the Kingdom of God because it sets people free. "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free...So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:32,36 NIV).

I've listened to lies. Have you? I've taken them into my soul, nursed them, cemented them into my heart until they became like truth to me. But those words were not true. Words like:
  • God is constantly disappointed in me and therefore can't really love me.
  • I am not worthy to take up space on this earth.
  • I deserve abandonment and harsh treatment from myself and others.
  • My protection and safety are solely up to me.
See how destructive these four sentences are? By believing them, I can conclude that God doesn't love me; I am worthless; I deserve what I get; I have to be vigilant to protect myself. Thankfully, I have a dear friend, D'Ann, who saw the power of these lies in my life. She took me out to lunch one week and told me her story of believing lies and how she learned to overcome those lies. "I did it through Scripture," she said. Then she handed me a bound notebook of 3x5 cards. "I want you to identify the lies in your life, then dig through Scripture to find the truth."

The journey toward truth has been life-changing for me. I've come to taste freedom for the first time in many years, all through the power of truth and Scripture.

To combat the lie that God can't really love me, I read, "Don't be afraid...for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!" (Daniel 10:19). I remember the words of Romans 8 where I realize nothing can separate me from His love. To counteract the unworthiness I feel, I run to Psalm 139 where I remember God created me, is thinking of me, and walks before and behind me. When I feel I deserve harsh treatment, I remember "You can be sure of this: The Lord set apart to God before himself. The Lord will answer when I call to him" (Psalm 4:3) and "Even if my father and mother abandoned me, the Lord will hold me close" (Psalm 27:10). When I believe I'm the only one who can protect me, I reread "But You, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head. I was crying to the Lord with my voice, and He answered me from His holy mountain. I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustains me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me round about" (Psalm 3:3-6 NASB). Or "The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord hold them by the hand" (Psalm 37:23-24).

Combating lies with the truth of God's word has changed me. It has empowered me to live a more victorious, confident life-- something I'm sure makes the enemy angry. I've learned the joy of sharing my heart with others, experiencing the beauty of God's grace through the comforting words of friends. In that, I've been on a journey of freedom toward a heart no longer condemns.

But this is not merely my journey to cultivate the holy habit of authenticity. You can experience this joy too. You can be freed from whatever it is you're keeping secret. You can be freed from a heart that constantly condemns you. Consider this verse: "This then is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in His presence: If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and He knows everything. Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God" (1 John 3:19-21 NIV).

What would it look like if you had a confident heart like that? And how would that confidence help you in your daily battles against the enemy and sin? It's something to consider, to weigh. The freedom that comes from an authentic faith will revolutionize a warrior woman's life.


Adapted from Beautiful Battle: A Woman's Guide To Spiritual Warfare. Copyright © 2012 by Mary E. DeMuth by Mary E. DeMuth. Published by Harvest House Publishers. Used by permission.




Beth Moore: Seeing Danger


Sabtu, 26 Mei 2012

When a Nation Turns Its Back on God






When a Nation Turns Its Back on God
Dr. Charles Stanley



Hezekiah was a god-fearing king who brought about reformation among the Israelites. His son Manasseh, however, was an evil ruler. He had watched his father walk with God and live according to Scripture. Yet he chose to ignore the Lord.


Manasseh worshipped false gods, even to the point of sacrificing his sons by fire in order to praise Molech. He practiced much evil—including witchcraft and sorcery— and led Israel astray, thereby provoking God to anger. The king, along with the people, paid a high price for his rebellion.


This story illustrates the Lord’s intolerance of a nation’s disregard toward Him. Now consider our country. We, too, are a nation that pushes God aside—one that has turned away from the only true God and embraced idols. Perhaps these aren’t statues of stone, but we worship money, sports ability, fame, and reputation, to name a few.


The United States of America was founded on biblical principles with the intent to guarantee freedom of worship. But over time, we have removed the Lord from many aspects of public life. Prayer in schools, for instance, was deemed unconstitutional. What was once a “nation under God” has turned into a country that tolerates a growing number of sins and yet belittles absolute truth.


If a nation turns its back on the Lord, His judgment is inevitable unless the people repent and make Him Lord once again. As believers, our responsibility is to pray that God would draw the heart of our country back to Himself—and to help the gospel and truth spread through our land.


For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit www.intouch.org.




Today's Prayer

Heavenly Father,


 Today I am burdened for my country and every nation. I pray for the installation of spiritual leaders to carry out Your will. I pray for the leaders in power now, that You would move in their hearts and minds to lead in the right direction to accomplish Your purpose. Please forgive us for our indifference and our sin. I pray that Christians will turn from their wicked ways and rededicate their lives to You and Your service; and that other people living in sin will turn from that sin in repentance and belief in You. Have mercy on us, Lord. Thank you. In Jesus' name, Amen.



Hearing the Father Speak
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1, by Os Hillman

05-26-2012



"My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me." - John 10:27


An Englishman tells a true story of his encounter with a Muslim man while walking in the country. The Englishman wanted to share the gospel with this man but knew little of Muslim beliefs. The two men talked as they walked and agreed they would each share their beliefs with one another. The Muslim went first and dominated the time of sharing. The Englishman asked the Holy Spirit how to share his faith with the Muslim man. "Do you consider your god your father who speaks?" asked the Englishman.


"Certainly not," replied the Muslim man.


"That is one of the big differences between your god and my God. I consider my God as my Father who speaks to me personally."


"You cannot prove that," stated the Muslim man.


The Englishman again prayed to himself, "Lord, how do I prove this to this man?" A few moments later the two men began walking toward two young ladies on the other side of the road coming toward them. As they approached, the Englishman spoke to the ladies and made small conversation. He then said to one woman, "I believe you are a nurse, is that correct?"


The woman was startled that a man whom she had never met had just informed her of her occupation. "How would you know that? I have never met you before," she questioned.


He replied, "I asked my Father and He told me." The Muslim had his proof.


Many of us do not hear God's voice because we do not believe He speaks or desires to speak to us. In order to hear, we must listen. In order to listen, we must believe that He speaks. Ask the Lord today for a listening ear so that others might know that you have a heavenly Father who speaks. 


Today God Is First (TGIF) devotional message, Copyright by Os Hillman, Marketplace Leaders.




Prophecy In The News: Strange Sounds



Jumat, 25 Mei 2012

Counting The Ways of Love





Counting the Ways of Love



Today’s Truth
I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.  Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.”  Psalm 63:2-3

Friend to Friend
Several years ago I experienced a memorable God-moment when a flight had been delayed. On that particular warm June morning, I had gotten to the Philadelphia airport crazy-early and was eager to get home to my young family after a beautiful weekend of ministry. No lie - when I saw that my flight was delayed, I was bummed. My initial disappointment, however, quickly dissolved into gratefulness, as the extra airport time became an opportunity for me to have extended personal worship.

As I sat facing the flat runway, a fiery orange ball began to rise over the horizon that was simply breathtaking. I couldn’t help but to reflect on God’s goodness as He bragged on Himself with the glorious sunrise. I remember sensing His presence and His pleasure deep inside as I considered a few of the reasons that I loved and was amazed by our LORD. In the chaos of the terminal, I felt a peace and serenity that was profound. Have you ever had one of those sweet, personal God-moments?

Then, as I sipped fresh-brewed coffee, my mind wandered to that classic poem “How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count The Ways,” written by the talented poet of the Victorian era, Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Her poem seemed the perfect backdrop for my worship. Out of that sweet moment of personal worship was birthed the lyric for a song titled Because that I recorded later that year:

Because
by Gwen Smith and Randy Rothwell

Another flight delayed, sitting here I think of You
Sipping on a dark “Seattle’s Best”
As the sun is rising, I pause to give You praise
A solitary moment in a blur of busy days
Where should I begin? 
There’s so much I could say
Why do I love you? 
Let me count the ways…


Because You chased me
And then You caught me
Because You cherish me
Because You bought me
You change me deeply
You set my heart free


Because I’m never satisfied
Without Your presence right here by my side
People all around rushing by, just passing through
Carrying the baggage we all own
Desperate for true love, richer life and perfect peace
A chance for satisfaction with a prayer of belief
In Your presence there is serenity
Father of mercy, I love you endlessly…


Because You chased me
And then You caught me
Because You cherish me
Because You bought me
You change me deeply
You set my heart free
Because I’m never satisfied
Without Your presence right here by my side


Hear my heart in this noisy sanctuary as I sit here all alone
You are worthy of a song that’s never ending
I will sing until I’m safely home, safely home
Lord I love You, Oh I love You


Have you really savored our Savior lately?  Have you paused to adore Him today?  What about yesterday?  This week?  In the midst of marriage, mothering and ministry, I constantly struggle with freeing up time to ‘just sit’ with God and worship… to behold Him in His sanctuary… yet this is what God desires most! Our affection. Our adoration. Our love.

So today, I praise Him for missed flights that lead to worship. I praise Him for sunrises that demand a prayerful response. I praise Him for the peace He brings to my frazzled. For the calm His presence brings to my chaos. What do you praise Him for today?  Think on that. Make a list. Give Him thanks. Worship!
Before we pray together and tell God some of the endless reasons we love Him, I’d love to lead you to His heart with music. Click here to hear the song “Because” that’s featured on my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/GwenSmithMusic.

Let’s Pray
Heavenly Father, There are so many reasons why I love you!  You chased me and caught me. You cherish me and bought me with the blood of your Son, Jesus. Please forgive me for the times when the busyness of life crowds out my time to adore You. Hear my heart today as it tenderly and sincerely whispers, “I love You!”
I praise you and pray this in the powerful, saving name of Jesus, Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
  • Write a love note to God. List at least 10 reasons why you love Him.
  • Read Psalm 63 and then pray for God’s presence, provision and protection in your life.
  • Write a “love note” to someone special in your life whom you feel led to bless.  Pray that God would lead you in this.
More from the Girlfriends
Hey GiGs!  Just wanted to let each of you know that Sharon, Mary and I really love pouring into your lives from the Word of God. I am blessed and honored to be doing life with you! Thanks for inviting us into your inbox each day!! With sincere love, Gwen.







Girlfriends in God
P.O. Box 725
Matthews, NC 28106
info@girlfriendsingod.com
www.girlfriendsingod.com

Strawberries and Rhubard










Strawberries and Rhubard




Annabel Langbein - Rhubarb and Yogurt Cake










TASTE OF HOME

Coconut Macaroon Fruit Dip

Ingredients

2 cups (16 ounces) sour cream

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1-1/2 cups crumbled soft coconut macaroons

Assorted fresh fruit



Directions

In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, brown sugar and crumbled cookies. Cover and refrigerate for 12 hours or overnight. Serve with fruit and macaroons. 

Yield: 3 cups.














Kamis, 24 Mei 2012

Praying With Impact





The Impact of Prayer
Dr. Charles Stanley


Prayer is the lifeblood of an intimate relationship with the Father. But believers often have questions about its power and effectiveness. Don’t hesitate to take your queries to the Lord, dig into Scripture for answers, and seek the counsel of a trusted spiritual mentor. Prayer is too important to neglect.

Will God’s plans fail if I don’t pray? God is not subservient to believers or dependent upon their prayers. The time we invest in speaking with Him involves us in the work that He is doing in our lives and in the world, but He will carry on without us.Laboring alongside the Lord is our privilege.

Does my prayer (or lack thereof) impact God’s work? I believe that Scripture indicates the answer to this question is both yes and no, depending upon the situation. There are times when God’s purpose is set. He is in control and has determined the best course. In the Old Testament, the Lord often prophesied what He would do and then brought those events to pass.

In other cases, “you do not have because you do not ask” (James 4:2). There are some good things that He holds back until we put out prayerful hands to receive them. But because God is a loving Father, He also pours our blessings that we wouldn’t even think to request.

Believer’s prayers have tremendous impact, particularly on their own faith and life. Do you understand what an awesome privilege it is to kneel before the all-powerful Father and know that He listens and will respond? God loves to be good to His children and answer their prayers.

For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit www.intouch.org.


Praying With Impact




Colossians 1:9-14

New International Version (NIV)
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you.We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,[a] 10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, 12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you[b] to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Cookouts That Dazzle







1 of  34

Every dish here cooks up with 8 ingredients or less. From juicy steak with fresh corn relish to chili-rubbed drumsticks, these easy and delicious recipes for the grill are impossible to resist. 







Burgers and grilling go together like lemonade and a sunny day. Fulfill your every burger craving, from basic beef to spicy pork to smoky mushroom and herbed seafood, with this go-to collection of juicy burger recipes for your next barbecue.






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From classic barbecued ribs to Asian-inspired orange and ginger ribs, these recipes are sure to dazzle at your next barbecue.



(Photograph by Con Poulos)

Bon Appetit

Sick of the ole marinated steak or chicken kabobs? Here are 20 things you can slap on the grill that come from the sea or from the ground.




Super Smooth Berry Ripple Ice Cream



Summer is finally here, so it's time to dust off the garden furniture and head outside to enjoy some al fresco entertainment. Nothing says summer more than deliciously creamy ice cream, a perfect sweet ending to any meal. 

In the following video, domestic goddess Kirstie Allsopp whips up a delicious treat for "real ice cream" lovers, super smooth berry ripple ice cream. Lusciously creamy yet fruity too -- it's guaranteed get the taste buds tingling.

The hero ingredient in this recipe is the Nestlé Carnation Condensed Milk. Not only does it sweeten the ice cream, it takes the fuss out of the method. There is no need for an ice-cream maker and you don't even need to stir the ice-cream whilst freezing - all you do is make the mixture and leave it to set in the freezer.

It's a great treat for the kids to scoop into cones to eat in the garden or alternatively, serve for friends and family with some succulent fresh berries. Just remember to make enough as they'll definitely be back for more!


Recipe
Serves 12
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 5-10 minutes
Freezing time: 3-4 hours or overnight

Ingredients
400g (14oz) fresh or frozen berries 
Juice 1 lemon 
55g (2oz) caster sugar
1pt carton whipping cream 
405g can Carnation Condensed Milk Light 
1tbsp vanilla extract 

To serve:  
Waffle ice cream cones

Method

1. Place the berries in a pan with the lemon juice and sugar and cook until syrupy (about 5-10 minutes). Cool then strain the berry sauce through a sieve to remove the pips. 

2. Beat the cream to soft peaks then add the condensed milk and vanilla and beat again to soft peaks. 

3. Pour the ice cream into a freezable container and swirl through the berry sauce. 

4. Freeze until solid (about 3-4 hours or overnight).

5. To serve leave out for 5-10 minutes before serving in ice cream cones!

Cooks tips
Using Carnation Condensed Milk to make ice cream means that you don't need to stir the mixture every hour over a four hour period. The reason you would stir is to make the small ice crystals for a really smooth finish, however, the condensed milk will do this for you. What a time saving!

You can use any berries for this -- try blackcurrants, blueberries or raspberries. Adjust the sugar with the fruit according to taste. Or just make a plain base ice cream with the cream, condensed and vanilla and swirl through Carnation Caramel or chocolate sauce.