House clean, laundry done, (oh wait not in the basket on the floor but folded and put away??) grocery shopping done, (wait meal plan and make a list plus cut all those coupons???) Showered, dressed, hair and make-up done, kids dressed and looking good, school work done for the day, hot meal with organic ingredients made from scratch on the dinner table by 5pm (What do you mean you didn't grow your own vegetables and you don't own your own cow??!!!) Be hospitable, do your bible study, teach Sunday school, volunteer in the community, make sure you are the perfect friend to ALL your friends, spend plenty of time with your husband, car maintenance...
Whew! I guess you can tell where the enemy has been at work in my life these past few weeks! I have totally succumbed to the allure of trying like heck to be the "perfect" wife and mother. Boy let me tell you how much I have bombed that lately! I am squeaking by with the homeschooling, my kids have had more processed food in the past couple of weeks than in their entire lives, my house is a wreck, the laundry is well...in the basket, and coupons???? HA! Forget it.
I read blogs occasionally. It seems to me that these women have it all together. Their children are well mannered, their houses are clean, their husbands are well kept and happy. I guess I got side tracked by comparing myself to other women. Not good, not good at all. It has left me feeling less than fabulous, and it shows in my general lack of joy.
My Savior is so good to gently remind me in different ways that we are all created to serve different purposes; to fulfill different roles. We all have unique talents and gifts that make us who we are. So this season I am venturing to be thankful for what I can accomplish, to not get so down on myself when I can't manage it all!
Do you ever get bogged down in the "perfect" syndrome?
Friday, November 26, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
God's Hand
Ah man! I am like, sooooooo delinquent on keeping up with this blog! I thought I would have plenty of time to write and manage a blog. DUH! Who do I think I am???!!!LOL!
I wanted to share a little glimpse of God moving. I hope it encourages your heart as it did mine. As many of you know, I coordinated our church's holiday bazaar this year. I had many opportunities to talk with the vendors, many who are not believers which is so awesome for me. I have a heart for those who don't know the Lord, as I have only been a Christian for about 5 years. Anyhow, I was taking some time to write a note to each vendor one night and saying a quick word of prayer over each one of them. I came to a vendor, I will call her Jan, and the Lord brought to mind the word pain. The word repeated in my mind over and over, reminding me of a throbbing headache. I said a prayer for her and moved on. The next morning I told Jan that I had prayed over her the previous night and told her about the Lord bringing the word pain to mind. She looked as though someone had kicked her as I told her the story.She really did look shocked. She told me that she had MS and that she was in a really bad pain spell and a difficult season of her life. We were able to chat a bit and I prayed over her many more times all weekend.
The Lord amazes me in times like this. Sometimes all we need is a little encouragement, a hug, or to know that someone cares and is praying for us to make life's circumstances a little brighter. He knew that and gave me a simple word, but it was enough for me to take the time to ask how she was doing. God is good, all the time. He has our best interests at heart. He knows our pains, our fears, our frustrations and he cares. That in itself is amazing to me! Amen?
I wanted to share a little glimpse of God moving. I hope it encourages your heart as it did mine. As many of you know, I coordinated our church's holiday bazaar this year. I had many opportunities to talk with the vendors, many who are not believers which is so awesome for me. I have a heart for those who don't know the Lord, as I have only been a Christian for about 5 years. Anyhow, I was taking some time to write a note to each vendor one night and saying a quick word of prayer over each one of them. I came to a vendor, I will call her Jan, and the Lord brought to mind the word pain. The word repeated in my mind over and over, reminding me of a throbbing headache. I said a prayer for her and moved on. The next morning I told Jan that I had prayed over her the previous night and told her about the Lord bringing the word pain to mind. She looked as though someone had kicked her as I told her the story.She really did look shocked. She told me that she had MS and that she was in a really bad pain spell and a difficult season of her life. We were able to chat a bit and I prayed over her many more times all weekend.
The Lord amazes me in times like this. Sometimes all we need is a little encouragement, a hug, or to know that someone cares and is praying for us to make life's circumstances a little brighter. He knew that and gave me a simple word, but it was enough for me to take the time to ask how she was doing. God is good, all the time. He has our best interests at heart. He knows our pains, our fears, our frustrations and he cares. That in itself is amazing to me! Amen?
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Contentment
MAN! The Lord has really been speaking to my heart about being content lately. The topic of contentment has come up in various different conversations, bible studies and devotions,so I better pay attention right?!
I did a word study on contentment, and of course the LORD has so much to say on this topic. The Apostle Paul, speaks of this in Philippians Chapter 4:
11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. 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. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength. (Emphasis added)
It doesn't matter what we struggle to be content with; whether it's our finances, material items, circumstances, family situations, church families or friendships. The LORD gives us the key here at the end. I can do ALL
things through him who gives me strength. He doesn't promise us riches, beautiful home furnishings, a nice car, easy relationships, and a smooth and simple life. He doesn't say that he won't give us more then we can handle. He does promise in John 16:33 that we WILL have trouble in this world. But he also says, Take Heart! I have overcome the world.
If we choose to seek our purpose and joy in Him and not the world, or other people, or material items, we will find contentment, and won't be so disappointed when things don't go our way!
I don't have this down perfectly. Far from it actually! I stress and worry and get anxious and get mad when things don't work out the way I think it should go. I envy other people's stuff from time to time. But I also endeavor to stop and think about all the amazing things he HAS blessed me with; my salvation, my beautiful family, health, a home, great friends, and an amazing church family. This helps me to remember all the things he has already done.
Whenever we're feeling discontent, let's take the time to remember what he has already done in our lives, and praise Him for it. We might find that it will turn our frowns upside down!
I did a word study on contentment, and of course the LORD has so much to say on this topic. The Apostle Paul, speaks of this in Philippians Chapter 4:
11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. 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. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength. (Emphasis added)
It doesn't matter what we struggle to be content with; whether it's our finances, material items, circumstances, family situations, church families or friendships. The LORD gives us the key here at the end. I can do ALL
things through him who gives me strength. He doesn't promise us riches, beautiful home furnishings, a nice car, easy relationships, and a smooth and simple life. He doesn't say that he won't give us more then we can handle. He does promise in John 16:33 that we WILL have trouble in this world. But he also says, Take Heart! I have overcome the world.
If we choose to seek our purpose and joy in Him and not the world, or other people, or material items, we will find contentment, and won't be so disappointed when things don't go our way!
I don't have this down perfectly. Far from it actually! I stress and worry and get anxious and get mad when things don't work out the way I think it should go. I envy other people's stuff from time to time. But I also endeavor to stop and think about all the amazing things he HAS blessed me with; my salvation, my beautiful family, health, a home, great friends, and an amazing church family. This helps me to remember all the things he has already done.
Whenever we're feeling discontent, let's take the time to remember what he has already done in our lives, and praise Him for it. We might find that it will turn our frowns upside down!
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Plan my Meals for the week!
I am sooooooo lacking in inspiration this week folks! Help me out here! Give me some suggestions for what to make this week. You don't have to submit a recipe, just an idea, and I will find a recipe!
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday-Needs to be a quick meal
Wednesday
Thursday-Needs to be a quick meal
Friday
Saturday
We are trying to maintain a little healthier eating plan, so I would love some healthful suggestions, but other than that I am open to whatever!!
Thanks Friends!
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday-Needs to be a quick meal
Wednesday
Thursday-Needs to be a quick meal
Friday
Saturday
We are trying to maintain a little healthier eating plan, so I would love some healthful suggestions, but other than that I am open to whatever!!
Thanks Friends!
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Menu plan for the week
Hey Ya'll! I feel like I am starting to get into a good groove with this meal planning thing. I am working on developing a list of our favorite recipes that I can just pull from to save a little time. I admit it has been rather time consuming pouring over all these recipe books, but I feel like it is finally coming together. My new goal is to draw on our "regular" recipes, and add a new one in once a week for variety. If anyone wants a recipe, please let me know!
Saturday
Homemade Veggie burgers
Sunday
Pulled Pork Sandwiches with homemade coleslaw
Monday
Grilled Salmon and vegies
Tuesday
Spinach Lasagna
Wednesday
Slow cooker whole chicken (Thanks Sarah!)
Thursday
Grilled Steak, Fingerling Potatoes and roasted vegies
Friday
Whole wheat spaghetti with home made turkey meatballs
Blessings!
Saturday
Homemade Veggie burgers
Sunday
Pulled Pork Sandwiches with homemade coleslaw
Monday
Grilled Salmon and vegies
Tuesday
Spinach Lasagna
Wednesday
Slow cooker whole chicken (Thanks Sarah!)
Thursday
Grilled Steak, Fingerling Potatoes and roasted vegies
Friday
Whole wheat spaghetti with home made turkey meatballs
Blessings!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Orange Chicken Recipe
Sauce:
1 1/2 cups water
2 tablespoons orange juice
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/3 cup rice vinegar
2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon minced fresh ginger root
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons chopped green onion
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
Directions
Pour 1 1/2 cups water, orange juice, lemon juice, rice vinegar, and soy sauce into a saucepan and set over medium-high heat. Stir in the orange zest, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, chopped onion, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat, and cool 10 to 15 minutes.
Place the chicken pieces into a resealable plastic bag. When contents of saucepan have cooled, pour 1 cup of sauce into bag. Reserve the remaining sauce. Seal the bag, and refrigerate at least 2 hours.
In another resealable plastic bag, mix the flour, salt, and pepper. Add the marinated chicken pieces, seal the bag, and shake to coat.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place chicken into the skillet, and brown on both sides. Drain on a plate lined with paper towels, and cover with aluminum foil.
Wipe out the skillet, and add the sauce. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Mix together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water; stir into the sauce. Reduce heat to medium low, add the chicken pieces, and simmer, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
1 1/2 cups water
2 tablespoons orange juice
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/3 cup rice vinegar
2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon minced fresh ginger root
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons chopped green onion
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
Directions
Pour 1 1/2 cups water, orange juice, lemon juice, rice vinegar, and soy sauce into a saucepan and set over medium-high heat. Stir in the orange zest, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, chopped onion, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat, and cool 10 to 15 minutes.
Place the chicken pieces into a resealable plastic bag. When contents of saucepan have cooled, pour 1 cup of sauce into bag. Reserve the remaining sauce. Seal the bag, and refrigerate at least 2 hours.
In another resealable plastic bag, mix the flour, salt, and pepper. Add the marinated chicken pieces, seal the bag, and shake to coat.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place chicken into the skillet, and brown on both sides. Drain on a plate lined with paper towels, and cover with aluminum foil.
Wipe out the skillet, and add the sauce. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Mix together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water; stir into the sauce. Reduce heat to medium low, add the chicken pieces, and simmer, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Homeschooling
It's true. We have actually talked about homeschooling around here. I have prayed and God is so funny...how many people do you think I have met recently that either home school, or are in the same investigation process that I am in right now. One poor unsuspecting mama that I talked to on the phone related to church items, mentioned she was in the middle of homeschooling her kids and I laughed out loud at her. She probably thought I was nuts.
But SERIOUSLY. Ever since I started to pray about what the Lord would have me do about schooling for Emily, it seems like it's one person after another talking to me about homeschooling. And you're probably thinking to yourself, that's a pretty clear sign from the Lord about what your supposed to do, don't ya think??!!! Except I still don't have that feeling of peace.
Which leaves me in the process of waiting on the Lord...which I confess I am not good at. I am impatient, and I want an answer NOW! I want him to hurry up, so I can get on with it, because I am a planner, and I have things to PLAN! There are lists to make Lord! Decisions to be made RIGHT NOW!
Oh Heavenly Father, how do you ever put up with me?!
I seriously am one big pain in the rear.
God has been so good to me, teaching me and gently leading me in his direction. I SO want his will for our lives. I have walked the path of my own will, asking the Lord to bail me out when I make a mess of things, and have learned that it is FAR better to walk in his will, rather than my own.
So, I am waiting. Which is actually kinda fun. I know he has the perfect plan, and things are so sweet when he works it out for our benefit.
A wise girlfriend told me to BREATHE!
I think I will do that :+)
But SERIOUSLY. Ever since I started to pray about what the Lord would have me do about schooling for Emily, it seems like it's one person after another talking to me about homeschooling. And you're probably thinking to yourself, that's a pretty clear sign from the Lord about what your supposed to do, don't ya think??!!! Except I still don't have that feeling of peace.
Which leaves me in the process of waiting on the Lord...which I confess I am not good at. I am impatient, and I want an answer NOW! I want him to hurry up, so I can get on with it, because I am a planner, and I have things to PLAN! There are lists to make Lord! Decisions to be made RIGHT NOW!
Oh Heavenly Father, how do you ever put up with me?!
I seriously am one big pain in the rear.
God has been so good to me, teaching me and gently leading me in his direction. I SO want his will for our lives. I have walked the path of my own will, asking the Lord to bail me out when I make a mess of things, and have learned that it is FAR better to walk in his will, rather than my own.
So, I am waiting. Which is actually kinda fun. I know he has the perfect plan, and things are so sweet when he works it out for our benefit.
A wise girlfriend told me to BREATHE!
I think I will do that :+)
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Meal Planning Week 3
So this week was thrown off a little by my being gone for the weekend. But now I am getting back on track, and thought I would post my menu for this week. I must admit that I am running out of ideas for meals, so if anyone has any good ideas, please let me know!
Monday
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Tuesday
Soft Tacos with ground turkey
Wednesday
Glazed Salmon with Sesame Green Beans
Thursday
Vegetable Lasagna with Green Salad
( I ended up making baked ziti last week instead of the lasagna)
Friday
Orange Chicken with/Brown Rice
If anyone wants a recipe, please let me know!
Monday
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Tuesday
Soft Tacos with ground turkey
Wednesday
Glazed Salmon with Sesame Green Beans
Thursday
Vegetable Lasagna with Green Salad
( I ended up making baked ziti last week instead of the lasagna)
Friday
Orange Chicken with/Brown Rice
If anyone wants a recipe, please let me know!
Monday, February 22, 2010
I'm thinking, I'm thinking, I'm thinking
God is so good, so funny sometimes! I am learning new lessons all the time, but this one is about my battle with fear and worry. This weekend, our Pastor asked for some transparency. He asked for anyone that battles worry and anxiety to raise their hand. I felt like the only one in the room! Ever have one of those moments where you feel like God is speaking right to you, in a room full of hundreds of people??? (Yeah, we go to a big church!)
I have been brought to my knees so many times recently, rejoicing in all that HE has provided for me, a husband that provides well for us, two great kids that are fairly healthy, lots of amazing friends, an awesome church family. What do I have to worry about??!! Not a thing! THANK YOU JESUS!
The bible reminds us over and over about all that God has already done for us. He tells us not to worry in Matthew 6:25-34. In Romans 8:28 he assures us that all things will work for our benefit if we love him and are called according to his purpose. In Jeremiah 29:11 He says this " for I know the plans I have for you declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
But for some reason, I listen to the enemy trying to tempt me with fear. What if your husband dies? What if something happens to you, your kids? What if your husband loses his job? What if you make the wrong choice about schooling your kids? What if, what if, what if? And guess what? I listen to him and his lies. Because I do that, I take my focus off of JESUS! That is what the enemy wants us to do!
I am really working on becoming more intentional about ignoring those nagging thoughts, and instead turning to Jesus EVERY time I have a care or worry. I know that the LORD already has it all worked out. Why not just sit back and enjoy the ride a little?!
I will leave you with this little morsel that I am working on memorizing...
Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Good stuff huh??!!!
Do any of you struggle with fear or anxiety? What do you do when you feel those nagging thoughts of worry?
I have been brought to my knees so many times recently, rejoicing in all that HE has provided for me, a husband that provides well for us, two great kids that are fairly healthy, lots of amazing friends, an awesome church family. What do I have to worry about??!! Not a thing! THANK YOU JESUS!
The bible reminds us over and over about all that God has already done for us. He tells us not to worry in Matthew 6:25-34. In Romans 8:28 he assures us that all things will work for our benefit if we love him and are called according to his purpose. In Jeremiah 29:11 He says this " for I know the plans I have for you declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
But for some reason, I listen to the enemy trying to tempt me with fear. What if your husband dies? What if something happens to you, your kids? What if your husband loses his job? What if you make the wrong choice about schooling your kids? What if, what if, what if? And guess what? I listen to him and his lies. Because I do that, I take my focus off of JESUS! That is what the enemy wants us to do!
I am really working on becoming more intentional about ignoring those nagging thoughts, and instead turning to Jesus EVERY time I have a care or worry. I know that the LORD already has it all worked out. Why not just sit back and enjoy the ride a little?!
I will leave you with this little morsel that I am working on memorizing...
Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Good stuff huh??!!!
Do any of you struggle with fear or anxiety? What do you do when you feel those nagging thoughts of worry?
Sweet Potato Burritos
Here is the recipe for the burritos Kelly!
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups canned black beans, drained
2 cups water
3 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
4 teaspoons prepared mustard
1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
3 tablespoons soy sauce
4 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes
12 (10 inch) whole wheat tortillas, warmed
8 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Heat oil in a medium skillet, and saute onion and garlic until soft. Stir in beans, and mash. Gradually stir in water, and heat until warm. Remove from heat, and stir in the chili powder, cumin, mustard, cayenne pepper and soy sauce.
Divide bean mixture and mashed sweet potatoes evenly between the warm tortillas. Top with cheese. Fold up tortillas burrito style, and place on a baking sheet.
Bake for 12 minutes in the preheated oven, and serve.
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups canned black beans, drained
2 cups water
3 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
4 teaspoons prepared mustard
1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
3 tablespoons soy sauce
4 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes
12 (10 inch) whole wheat tortillas, warmed
8 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Heat oil in a medium skillet, and saute onion and garlic until soft. Stir in beans, and mash. Gradually stir in water, and heat until warm. Remove from heat, and stir in the chili powder, cumin, mustard, cayenne pepper and soy sauce.
Divide bean mixture and mashed sweet potatoes evenly between the warm tortillas. Top with cheese. Fold up tortillas burrito style, and place on a baking sheet.
Bake for 12 minutes in the preheated oven, and serve.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Meal Planning Week # 2
So I thought I would post my week number 2 meal plan. The first week was quite successful, and I am very pleased with how little I stressed about dinner this week!
Saturday
Salmon Burgers
Sunday
Pulled Pork Sandwiches with home made coleslaw
Monday
Calzones with home made whole wheat dough
Tuesday
Grilled Steaks with fingerling potatoes and steamed green beans
Wednesday
Sweet Potato Burritos
Thursday
Turkey Chili with cornbread
Friday
Vegetable Lasagna with green salad
Friday I will be gone on my Women's Retreat, so I will have the vegi lasagna ready for daddy to stick in the oven that evening! As for last week's menu, the 13 bean soup was not a big hit around here. I thought it was delicious, but it was a little spicy for the girls. I don't know if that one will make it back into the rotation!
If anyone wants a recipe from me, please let me know in the comments, and I will post it!
Saturday
Salmon Burgers
Sunday
Pulled Pork Sandwiches with home made coleslaw
Monday
Calzones with home made whole wheat dough
Tuesday
Grilled Steaks with fingerling potatoes and steamed green beans
Wednesday
Sweet Potato Burritos
Thursday
Turkey Chili with cornbread
Friday
Vegetable Lasagna with green salad
Friday I will be gone on my Women's Retreat, so I will have the vegi lasagna ready for daddy to stick in the oven that evening! As for last week's menu, the 13 bean soup was not a big hit around here. I thought it was delicious, but it was a little spicy for the girls. I don't know if that one will make it back into the rotation!
If anyone wants a recipe from me, please let me know in the comments, and I will post it!
Friday, February 19, 2010
RECIPES
So on my facebook page,I had talked about meal planning and recipes a bit. I am really on fire right now to change up my family's diet. I have been learning a great deal about whole foods and nutrition and we are making some small but significant changes. I am really working to eliminate processed refined foods from our diet. This is huge! It takes a lot of preparation on my part, but it is so worth it.
I wanted to share a couple of recipes that I discovered that were just so good for you, and actually tasted good too!
Apple Oat Muffins
2 cups oats, rolled, quick cooking
2 cups white flour, unbleached-(would like to try with whole wheat flour)
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup wheat bran
1/3 cup 7 grain cereal-(from Bob's Red Mill)
2 TBSP baking powder
1 1/2 TSP. Ground Cinnamon
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup canola oil-(could sub applesauce)
1/3 cup honey
2 cups peeled,chopped apples
In a large mixing bowl, stir together oats,flour,brown sugar,wheat bran, 7 grain cereal, baking powder, and cinnamon.
In another bowl, mix together the 2 eggs, milk, oil, and honey. Add chopped apples and mix well. Pour Egg mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir just until moistened. Line muffin pans with paper cups. Fill each cup about 2/3rd full and bake in 400 degree oven for 15 minutes or until done.
Each muffin is about 100 calories; would be less if you subbed applesauce for the oil! Yumm-o!
Sante Fe chicken salad
Spicy Ranch Dressing
Make one packet of Hidden Valley Ranch dressing according to directions on package. We usually use light mayo in our dressing and 1% milk.
Mix 1 TBSP. Cumin and 1 TBSP. Chili powder to the ranch dressing and let sit for at least 20 minutes so the flavors will incorporate. (We usually set aside some ranch for the girls, before we add the spices)
4 cups washed, ripped romaine lettuce
1 cup fresh corn kernels
1 cup black beans
1 cup chopped fresh tomatoes
1 cup roasted red pepper, chopped
1 cup shredded skim milk mozzerella cheese
1 cup chopped red onion
1 avocado diced
Toss all ingredients together; set aside.
4 Blackened Chicken Breasts
Lightly brush each chicken breast with olive oil, coat with blackened seasoning spices. (For our family, I only do 2 chicken breasts with the spices. The girls prefer their chicken with a little less heat!)
Grill chicken until no longer pink, and juices run clear, or until meat thermometer reaches 180 degrees.
Slice chicken thinly and layer on top of salad. Use dressing in moderation.Enjoy!
I will be posting some other new recipes soon. I would love to hear from any of you that have some healthy recipes, or gluten free,
I wanted to share a couple of recipes that I discovered that were just so good for you, and actually tasted good too!
Apple Oat Muffins
2 cups oats, rolled, quick cooking
2 cups white flour, unbleached-(would like to try with whole wheat flour)
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup wheat bran
1/3 cup 7 grain cereal-(from Bob's Red Mill)
2 TBSP baking powder
1 1/2 TSP. Ground Cinnamon
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup canola oil-(could sub applesauce)
1/3 cup honey
2 cups peeled,chopped apples
In a large mixing bowl, stir together oats,flour,brown sugar,wheat bran, 7 grain cereal, baking powder, and cinnamon.
In another bowl, mix together the 2 eggs, milk, oil, and honey. Add chopped apples and mix well. Pour Egg mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir just until moistened. Line muffin pans with paper cups. Fill each cup about 2/3rd full and bake in 400 degree oven for 15 minutes or until done.
Each muffin is about 100 calories; would be less if you subbed applesauce for the oil! Yumm-o!
Sante Fe chicken salad
Spicy Ranch Dressing
Make one packet of Hidden Valley Ranch dressing according to directions on package. We usually use light mayo in our dressing and 1% milk.
Mix 1 TBSP. Cumin and 1 TBSP. Chili powder to the ranch dressing and let sit for at least 20 minutes so the flavors will incorporate. (We usually set aside some ranch for the girls, before we add the spices)
4 cups washed, ripped romaine lettuce
1 cup fresh corn kernels
1 cup black beans
1 cup chopped fresh tomatoes
1 cup roasted red pepper, chopped
1 cup shredded skim milk mozzerella cheese
1 cup chopped red onion
1 avocado diced
Toss all ingredients together; set aside.
4 Blackened Chicken Breasts
Lightly brush each chicken breast with olive oil, coat with blackened seasoning spices. (For our family, I only do 2 chicken breasts with the spices. The girls prefer their chicken with a little less heat!)
Grill chicken until no longer pink, and juices run clear, or until meat thermometer reaches 180 degrees.
Slice chicken thinly and layer on top of salad. Use dressing in moderation.Enjoy!
I will be posting some other new recipes soon. I would love to hear from any of you that have some healthy recipes, or gluten free,
Thursday, February 18, 2010
First Time
So, lately I have been completely sucked into the world of blogging. I really enjoy getting these little updates from folks. Facebook status updates are fine, but I am a girl, and I like a little more detail!
I am inspired to have a blog where I can share what the Lord is teaching me about biblical womanhood, nutrition, herbal remedies, ADHD, marriage, raising children, relationships, and bible study. God has been so faithful this last year,as He always is, and I am learning new things like never before. I have a new craving to fully develop my role, and I couldn't be more excited! And, if no one ever reads it, well hey, at least I have a place where I can process the things I am learning! Those of you that know me, know how much I love to verbally process. (Talk a lot!)
Just a hint at things to come:
*I will be posting some of those recipes I have been talking about so much; I hope you will post yours too!
* I will be sharing about the alternative methods of dealing with ADHD, in other words opting out of stimulant medication.
*Some of the journeys that God is taking me through right now.
*Some of the interesting things I have learned in bible study.
*My personal testimony.
*I hope to have an exchange of "mommy tips"
*Herbal remedies
*Hints on organization
*Homeschooling
Hope you will feel free to comment back on some of the things I will be posting! I want to hear from you all too!
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