Angela Breidenbach is Mrs. Montana International 2009, a multi-award winning inspirational speaker and the author of the Gems of Wisdom: For a Treasure-filled Life and the new release of Cooking for Simple Elegance. Other works by Angela include compilation books and devotionals from Guidepost, Group, and articles in magazines, ezines, and newspapers. She connects missions to her work with Hope’s Promise Orphan Ministries and the Jadyn Fred Foundation. Angela serves as an assisting minister for her congregation in Missoula, MT. She served as the American Christian Fiction Writer's past Publicity Officer. Angela Breidenbach on the web: http://www.AngelaBreidenbach.com, http://www.GodUsesBrokenVessels.com, http://TheFaithGirls.com on Wednesdays each week. Visit her new Christian Speakers Service http://www.christianspeakersservices.com/angela-breidenbach-christian-speaker-author.html

Is there such a thing as a self-made man? Yes, it takes personal effort and intense focus to achieve a dream. Never does one achieve a goal on his own. I challenge you to prove otherwise. Consider Charles Lindbergh, Howard Hughes, your favorite author, or anyone you think is super successful. Who taught them the skills they needed? Who built their planes, ran the tool business, or offered genuine emotional or educational support?

As I think of my own rise to becoming a published author and professional speaker, the list of people who loved, counseled, mentored, and cheered me to my dream is so long I can only say that any achievement cannot be called mine. Even now I have friends who continue to ensure “my” success. There will never be a day that I will be able to say I did anything on my own. My book, excuse me, their book is a testament of gratitude to those who shared the journey with me. Every time I see the cover or receive a compliment for Gems of Wisdom: For a Treasure-filled Life, I feel as if the many people who poured into me are really being complimented. Do you ever feel like that? Like you’re standing on the shoulders of others?

Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisors they succeed. (Prov. 15:22 NIV)

Pique Point: Have you met someone who models an understanding that they are where they are because of the love and faithful care of others? Have you met someone who models the opposite? What do you see? Who would you rather be like?

Polishing Point: It’s all about teamwork. The tourmaline, an interesting gemstone, comes in every color. It has an electrical charge that when heated or pressurized, causes the law of attraction. The tourmaline signifies long and lasting friendship, perfect for a friendship ring. For me, this gemstone represents all the connections of many friends who have supported me. Having great friends and counselors to bounce ideas off avoids pitfalls and helps create solutions.

I felt it would be crucial to my goals and dreams to have a spiritual advisor as well as good friends surrounding me in order to stay on that train. It’s so easy to jump track as we see in the news all too often from our leaders. I give these friends and advisors the right to ask me the hard questions and share their observations with me. Recently three different friends noted my need for a rest. The first two I brushed off. Wow, who did I think I was? It took the third time before I heard it. I realized I hadn’t been listening. I then paid attention and took a weekend off to recuperate. Without those people in my life, I would run myself ragged because I’m high energy. But by surrounding myself with people who care about me, and with those whose ministries I care about, we offer a check and balance system to one another. That accountability is crucial to those who really want to succeed in their calls.

Putting It Together: So let me ask you: Who do you think you are? Are you a person who surrounds yourself with many counselors, or someone who thinks you can make it all on your own? Which do you think is actually beneficial? Not just permissible, but really beneficial to the mission Christ has called you to?

What are you going to do about it?

Gems of Wisdom: For a Treasure-filled Life releases May 2nd! It’s available online or from any bookstore and is a great small group resource too. Angie is available to lead women’s retreats, speak at events, or even Skype to your book club. Visit http://www.AngelaBreidenbach.com

Simple Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas Here’s one of our family favorites to share in honor of Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day, and Memorial Day. It feeds a large group and works well as leftovers, even better the next day. I also have a few tips for you on how to lower the calorie count.

1 pkg. High fiber/low carb tortillas (I love La Tortilla Factory’s brand)
2 large cans green enchilada sauce (my favorite brand is Las Palmas, 28 ounce)
Filling: Divide between all tortillas
3 cups cooked chicken, cut or shredded (boiling 3 chicken breasts works great for this recipe)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or to preference, nonfat or low-fat works great too)
1 can of black beans
1 can non-fat refried beans
1 can chopped olives

Toppings: Sour cream (I use nonfat) for topping after casserole is baked.
Lettuce and tomato to top after the enchiladas come out of the oven.

Pour one can of the enchilada sauce into a large 13x9 inch cake pan.
Individually coat each tortilla and fill:
Fill each tortilla with 1/12 (usually 1–2 tablespoons) of each filling ingredient. Reserve enough cheese (about 1 cup) to sprinkle over the top of the entire casserole. Then roll into a tight enchilada. Put on a plate until all are filled and rolled.

Place all enchiladas into large pan on top of the remaining sauce. The sauce in the bottom of the pan keeps the enchiladas from sticking. Pour second can of green chili enchilada sauce over the entire casserole. Be sure to cover all tortillas to avoid dryness. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.

Bake in 350 degree oven for 30–45 minutes until bubbly and hot through. Serve with sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, and tortilla chips on the side. Seriously, one enchilada with toppings will stuff you!