So this morning I got up once again at 6:30 to take mom to work. And I must say, if you get up this early, you must be an alien... because I don't know how you do it. Anyways... to my morning.
It all started when I was getting ready, brushing my teeth, wetting my hair (I have to wet it every morning, because it's everywhere when I get up haha) Well, my cat, Snuggs goes in with my every morning. And while I was brushing my teeth, he was waiting by the door. He was staring at the corner where the hinges are. So when I was done, I told him he was standing at the wrong side of the door. He looked at me, and then walked over to the right side! It was so funny! It was like he knew what I had said!
Well, I dropped mom off at 7, and headed to Kroger to get some gas for the car. I'm sure I was a site to be hold. Wet hair, barely awake, zip-up hoddie unzipped, Colts t-shirt, Nike snap pants, and flip flops. As I was filling up, a Jehovah's Witness lady came over and started talking to me. hahaha I'm sure I looked like I had a hangover or something. She wanted to give me a booklet to read, and I told her I was a Christian. I'm sure she did not believe me, because I'm sure they get people saying that a lot to get them to shut up. Anyways, I took the booklet (I was not in the mood to talk) and as she was turning around, she started to talk about the earthquake yesterday. She asked me what I thought about it, and all I said was I thought it was interesting. haha She went on to tell me how she wasn't dressed when it happened, but later that night, when she felt the after shock, she was "dressed and ready". haha I knew exactly what she was getting at!
That concludes my interesting morning... for now. I've got 4 more hours.
On another note. When a Jehovah's Witness comes to talk to you, what do you say? What are things you can say that won't get you into an argument? Any tips?
August 24, 2011
August 23, 2011
A Snapshot from Life
08/22/2011 - Goodbye get-together at the White's for Kristen. I'm gonna miss you, girl! Good luck at JMU! Love you!
The outside "J"
Along with I Kissed Dating Goodbye, Crazy Love for small group and school, I am reading Game Day For the Glory of God by Stephen Altrogge. If you don't know who Stephen Altrogge is, he is one of many Sovereign Grace's songwriter and well known songwriter, Mark Altrogge's son. I follow Stephen on Twitter, and really enjoy reading his daily tweets. Anytime I want a good laugh, I can count on Stephen Altrogge! Such as today this is what he said: @stephenaltrogge - For a moment today I thought I was beholding the glory of an angel. Then I realized that it was the brilliance of my dad's white legs.
I could go on and on about the things he tweets... but I'm sure you are wondering what this has to do with the title of this post. So, if you have a Twitter, you should follow Stephen Altrogge, or if not... get one to follow him. He's the best!
Now, on to the book.
In chapter two he was talking about where we get our talent. He uses MJ a lot (which I am not to fond of) as an example. "Michael Jordan's astonishing abilities were given to him by the Maker of all things. He didn't earn them, nor did he do anything to deserve them. They were generous gifts from a generous God. Similarly, any athleticism that you possess has been given to you by God as a gift." And how true that is! Yet, we don't seem to think about it at all. At least I didn't when I played basketball or soccer. The fact that I was able to bend my knees, lock onto the goal, and use my arms to shoot and make the basket, was not me! Nor was running at a rapid speed, toward a goal and goalie, and kicking my feet to make a goal. It was God giving me the gift of talent! What a gift I wish I had been thankful for!
Later he says; "Consider the simple act of shooting a basketball. Have you ever considered all that occurs in that second it takes to shoot the ball? First, the body must be positioned so that it's facing the basketball hoop. Then the brain must make a split-second judgment to determine trajectory needed to get the ball into the hoop. The brain then determines how much arm strength and hand movement are needed to get the ball moving toward the basket. Things become increasingly complex as more variables, such as a leaping defender, are thrown into the mix. All this takes place in the blink of an eye. A fadeaway jump-shot is truly amazing." There is a form to the perfect shot, I learned it on one of the many DVD's I would watch during my non-practice times. And even now, I can pick up a ball, and know exactly how to "fix" my shot if I'm off. But the way he describes this... is amazing! I have never heard it put that way, and I think knowing already what goes into a jump-shot, on top of this, is amazing! This is not something that was formed by goo, or from monkeys, or from a big bang. It's to much detail, it can only be from God! And what a gift such as sports, he has given us!
"If we receive such intense pleasure from sports, what must the One who invented all sports be like? If we receive such joy from watching Michael Jordan play basketball, what must the God who gave Michael his incredible talents be like?" I'm not a MJ fan (at all!!!), but I think about watching Peyton Manning, Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, Cam Newton, Blake Griffin, Dwight Freeney, Tim Tebow... those guys that my heart starts to pound every time they do something amazing, what must God be like? He gave Peyton Manning the arm to throw a ball across 100 years, what must He be like? He gave Blake Griffin the strength to dunk over three defenders and make the basket, what must He be like? He gave Cam Newton the ability to run and break through 11 guys and make a touchdown time and time again, what must He be like? He gave Lebron James the power to pull a fadeaway feet behind the 3 point and get the ball into a whole that is no bigger than 2 feet wide, what must He be like? I can only imagine! How great is our God!!!
I could go on and on about the things he tweets... but I'm sure you are wondering what this has to do with the title of this post. So, if you have a Twitter, you should follow Stephen Altrogge, or if not... get one to follow him. He's the best!
Now, on to the book.
In chapter two he was talking about where we get our talent. He uses MJ a lot (which I am not to fond of) as an example. "Michael Jordan's astonishing abilities were given to him by the Maker of all things. He didn't earn them, nor did he do anything to deserve them. They were generous gifts from a generous God. Similarly, any athleticism that you possess has been given to you by God as a gift." And how true that is! Yet, we don't seem to think about it at all. At least I didn't when I played basketball or soccer. The fact that I was able to bend my knees, lock onto the goal, and use my arms to shoot and make the basket, was not me! Nor was running at a rapid speed, toward a goal and goalie, and kicking my feet to make a goal. It was God giving me the gift of talent! What a gift I wish I had been thankful for!
Later he says; "Consider the simple act of shooting a basketball. Have you ever considered all that occurs in that second it takes to shoot the ball? First, the body must be positioned so that it's facing the basketball hoop. Then the brain must make a split-second judgment to determine trajectory needed to get the ball into the hoop. The brain then determines how much arm strength and hand movement are needed to get the ball moving toward the basket. Things become increasingly complex as more variables, such as a leaping defender, are thrown into the mix. All this takes place in the blink of an eye. A fadeaway jump-shot is truly amazing." There is a form to the perfect shot, I learned it on one of the many DVD's I would watch during my non-practice times. And even now, I can pick up a ball, and know exactly how to "fix" my shot if I'm off. But the way he describes this... is amazing! I have never heard it put that way, and I think knowing already what goes into a jump-shot, on top of this, is amazing! This is not something that was formed by goo, or from monkeys, or from a big bang. It's to much detail, it can only be from God! And what a gift such as sports, he has given us!
"If we receive such intense pleasure from sports, what must the One who invented all sports be like? If we receive such joy from watching Michael Jordan play basketball, what must the God who gave Michael his incredible talents be like?" I'm not a MJ fan (at all!!!), but I think about watching Peyton Manning, Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, Cam Newton, Blake Griffin, Dwight Freeney, Tim Tebow... those guys that my heart starts to pound every time they do something amazing, what must God be like? He gave Peyton Manning the arm to throw a ball across 100 years, what must He be like? He gave Blake Griffin the strength to dunk over three defenders and make the basket, what must He be like? He gave Cam Newton the ability to run and break through 11 guys and make a touchdown time and time again, what must He be like? He gave Lebron James the power to pull a fadeaway feet behind the 3 point and get the ball into a whole that is no bigger than 2 feet wide, what must He be like? I can only imagine! How great is our God!!!
August 21, 2011
August 17, 2011
Lemon-Herm Chicken
Last night, I had the privilege of making dinner two nights in a row! From my NFL Cookbook, I made Lemon-Herb Chicken by former Cleaveland Browns' linebacker, Willie McGinest's. Along with a side dish from my Real Simple cookbook, Parsleyed Corn On the Cob. It was sooooooo good! And the plus side, it's not that expensive!
The Lemon-Herb Chicken;
- 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2/3 cup olive oil
- 3 Tbs fresh lemon juice
- 1 Tbs grated lemon zest
- 1 Tbs minced fresh thyme
- 2 tsp minced fresh sage
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper
- 1 tsp sugar
- 4 garlic cloves, pressed through a garlic press
- 1 lb thin asparagus spears, ends trimmed
- 1 Tbs unsalted butter, plus more if needed
- lemon wedges
Trim chicken of any excess fat. Cut chicken in half horizontally to make 2 cutlets. In large bowl, whisk together the oil, lemon juice and zest, thyme, sage, salt, pepper, sugar, and garlic. Put chicken in bowl and mix with all but on Tbs of the marinade. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour.
Meanwhile, bring large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus and cook for 1 minute. Drain and rinse with cold water. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove chicken from bowl, allowing most of the marinade to drip off. Add half of the chicken to skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, turning once, until lightly brown nad no longer pink inside. Repeat with the remaining chicken, adding more butter if needed.
Wipe skillet with a paper towel and add the reserved Tbs of marinade. Add the asparagus and cook until tender, about 2 minutes.
Divide the chicken and asparagus among serving plates and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
The Parsleyed Corn on the Cob;
- 6 ears cor, shucked and halved
- 4 Tbs butter, melted
- 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
- kosher salt and black pepper
Bring a large pot water to a boil. Add the corn and simmer just until tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Drain and transfer to a serving dish.
Pour the butter over the corn and sprinkle with the parsley, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper.
*1 lemon is approximately 1 Tbs of zest and 3 Tbs of juice.
*We forgot to get parsley for the corn, so we used cilantro. It was just as good!
Family loved this! I would say it's a favorite!
The Lemon-Herb Chicken;
- 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2/3 cup olive oil
- 3 Tbs fresh lemon juice
- 1 Tbs grated lemon zest
- 1 Tbs minced fresh thyme
- 2 tsp minced fresh sage
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper
- 1 tsp sugar
- 4 garlic cloves, pressed through a garlic press
- 1 lb thin asparagus spears, ends trimmed
- 1 Tbs unsalted butter, plus more if needed
- lemon wedges
Trim chicken of any excess fat. Cut chicken in half horizontally to make 2 cutlets. In large bowl, whisk together the oil, lemon juice and zest, thyme, sage, salt, pepper, sugar, and garlic. Put chicken in bowl and mix with all but on Tbs of the marinade. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour.
Meanwhile, bring large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus and cook for 1 minute. Drain and rinse with cold water. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove chicken from bowl, allowing most of the marinade to drip off. Add half of the chicken to skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, turning once, until lightly brown nad no longer pink inside. Repeat with the remaining chicken, adding more butter if needed.
Wipe skillet with a paper towel and add the reserved Tbs of marinade. Add the asparagus and cook until tender, about 2 minutes.
Divide the chicken and asparagus among serving plates and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
The Parsleyed Corn on the Cob;
- 6 ears cor, shucked and halved
- 4 Tbs butter, melted
- 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
- kosher salt and black pepper
Bring a large pot water to a boil. Add the corn and simmer just until tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Drain and transfer to a serving dish.
Pour the butter over the corn and sprinkle with the parsley, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper.
*1 lemon is approximately 1 Tbs of zest and 3 Tbs of juice.
*We forgot to get parsley for the corn, so we used cilantro. It was just as good!
Family loved this! I would say it's a favorite!
Bon appétit!
August 16, 2011
History, History, History
Last week I signed up for my classes. And because Liberty has something wrong with their website for you to sign up for classes, you have to call. Well, I didn't have a very nice lady to talk to, and long story short I am taking history and humanities in the same term. I love history! Math and history are my to strong subjects. But I'm not to thrilled with taking two history's for my first term. So prayer would be much appreciated!
I am just reminded that this is one more thing God is using to help me to learn to trust Him. I'm not stressed, just kinda bummed. I'm also reminded of Ecclesiastes 3:1; "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven." He's got me doing two history subjects at once for a reason... maybe I'm going to love it. But please pray that when I start them next week, I will continue to trust God, and also, they would go smoothly since this is my first term heading back to school.
I am just reminded that this is one more thing God is using to help me to learn to trust Him. I'm not stressed, just kinda bummed. I'm also reminded of Ecclesiastes 3:1; "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven." He's got me doing two history subjects at once for a reason... maybe I'm going to love it. But please pray that when I start them next week, I will continue to trust God, and also, they would go smoothly since this is my first term heading back to school.
Banana Bread with Pecans
For a while I have had this recipe, Banana Bread with Pecans, that I found on my Food Network app on my iPhone. Last week we finally had enough "bad" bananas to make it, but then I didn't have enough butter. What are the odds? So this morning, before I went to work, I made it! And all I have to say is, I make a mean banana bread!!!! haha
It has in it;
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 overripe bananas
- 1 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sicks) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped
- confectioners' sugar, for dusting (optional)
Preheat over to 350, and lightly grease a 9 by 5 inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
Mash 2 of the bananas with a fork in a small bowl so they still have a bit of texture. Set aside. In a large bowl, blend with mixer remaining bananas and sugar for about 3 minutes, until smooth. Mix in dry ingredients. Don't over blend. Fold in the nuts and the mashed bananas with a rubber spatula. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
Let cool in pan for about 10 minutes or so.
*If you know me well, you know I love chocolate. And I grew up with my Memo making banana bread with chocolate chips. So I put some in the batter along with the nuts. Either way is up to you!
Thanks to mom for taking it out of the oven for me when I was at work! And also sending me a picture. Now I can use it for my blog!
It has in it;
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 overripe bananas
- 1 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sicks) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped
- confectioners' sugar, for dusting (optional)
Preheat over to 350, and lightly grease a 9 by 5 inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
Mash 2 of the bananas with a fork in a small bowl so they still have a bit of texture. Set aside. In a large bowl, blend with mixer remaining bananas and sugar for about 3 minutes, until smooth. Mix in dry ingredients. Don't over blend. Fold in the nuts and the mashed bananas with a rubber spatula. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
Let cool in pan for about 10 minutes or so.
*If you know me well, you know I love chocolate. And I grew up with my Memo making banana bread with chocolate chips. So I put some in the batter along with the nuts. Either way is up to you!
Thanks to mom for taking it out of the oven for me when I was at work! And also sending me a picture. Now I can use it for my blog!
Bon appétit!
August 15, 2011
Lime and Chili Rubbed Chicken
Last Wednesday I made Lime and Chili Rubbed Chicken. This recipe was sent by email from my mom, and it sounded very delish! You are supposed to grill, but since we were out of gas, I was forced to bake it. (Which it said you can do if you would rather not grill.)
It calls for;
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp packed brown sugar
- 2 tsp grated lime peel
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/8 tsp ground red pepper (cayenne)
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/4 lb)
- 2 tsp olive or canola oil
Heat grill or preheat oven to 375. If baking, line shallow baking sheet with foil. In small bowl, mix chili powder, brown sugar, lime peel, salt, garlic powder and ground red pepper. Rub both sides of chicken with oil, then with spice mixture.
Refrigerating the "rubbed" chicken 20 to 30 minutes before grilling or baking really enhances the flavor. But this is optional.
Place chicken on grill over medium heat. Cover grill; cook 10 to 15 minutes, turning once or twice, until juice of chicken is clear when center of thickest part is cut.
Or, back for 25-30 minutes.
*I kept the lime after I grated it, and squeezed some juice onto the chicken when it was ready to eat on the plate.
*We made baked beans, corn, and a salad to go with it, but any bbq side would go well.
The family and Caleb all said it was wonderful, and worth doing again! But the next time I do this meal, I hope to grill. And when I do, I'll be sure to blog about it.
Thanks to mom for the extra hands in the kitchen for this meal!
It calls for;
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp packed brown sugar
- 2 tsp grated lime peel
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/8 tsp ground red pepper (cayenne)
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/4 lb)
- 2 tsp olive or canola oil
Heat grill or preheat oven to 375. If baking, line shallow baking sheet with foil. In small bowl, mix chili powder, brown sugar, lime peel, salt, garlic powder and ground red pepper. Rub both sides of chicken with oil, then with spice mixture.
Refrigerating the "rubbed" chicken 20 to 30 minutes before grilling or baking really enhances the flavor. But this is optional.
Place chicken on grill over medium heat. Cover grill; cook 10 to 15 minutes, turning once or twice, until juice of chicken is clear when center of thickest part is cut.
Or, back for 25-30 minutes.
*I kept the lime after I grated it, and squeezed some juice onto the chicken when it was ready to eat on the plate.
*We made baked beans, corn, and a salad to go with it, but any bbq side would go well.
The family and Caleb all said it was wonderful, and worth doing again! But the next time I do this meal, I hope to grill. And when I do, I'll be sure to blog about it.
Thanks to mom for the extra hands in the kitchen for this meal!
Bon appetit!
August 13, 2011
August 09, 2011
He Never Slips
"He is always and only good, no matter how strange and painful His ways with us.... But, as painful as His providence can be, we should trust that He is good, not get angry with Him. That would be like getting angry at the surgeon who cuts us. It might be right if the surgeon slips and makes a mistake. But God never slips." -John Piper
"Yes, Lord God, the Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments" -Revelation 16:7
"Yes, Lord God, the Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments" -Revelation 16:7
August 08, 2011
The Gift of Singleness
The other morning I read the chapter in I Kissed Dating Goodbye about having patience while you are single. This is something I need to work on. Because my time is going to come, when the right guy is going to come into my life. "He wants us to learn the patience and trust necessary to wait for His perfect timing in all things. including our love lives." The part in Lord of the Rings comes to mind when Gandalf says "A wizard is never late, nor is he early, but he arrives precisely when he means to." Isn't that so true with God? He's never early, nor late, but He does things precisely when he means to. It's perfect!
Josh Harris says, "Just as spring's role is different from that of fall, so each of the seasons of our lives has a different emphasis, focus, and beauty. One is not better than another; each season yields its own unique treasures. We cannot skip ahead to experience the riches of another life season any more than a farmer can rush the spring. Each season builds on the one before. God has many wonderful experiences He wants to give to us, but He also assigns these experiences to particular seasons of our lives." As I look back on my life, I can see that He does. My life in the last 3 years has not been a pretty one, heck, it's been far from pretty. But He has used those seasons to bring me closer to Him. It wasn't easy, but I am so thankful for it!
How do we have patience? He says "Waiting for God's timing requires trusting in His goodness and wisdom. We develop patience as we trust that God denies us what we think is good only because He has something better for us--both now and in the future." Later he gives a quote from Elisabeth Elliot that I love; "We were being asked to leave the planning to God. God's ultimate plan was as far beyond our imaginings as the oak tree is from the acorn's imaginings. The acorn does what it was made to do, without pestering it's Maker with questions about when and how and why. We who have been given an intelligence and a will and a whole range of wants that can be set against the divine Pattern for Good are asked to believe Him. We are given the chance to trust Him when He says to us, '...if any man will let himself be lost for my sake, he will find his true self.'" I know for me, it's easier to trust on some days that He's got a plan than others, but I've found reading scripture helps. Reminding myself, He is in control. (Jeremiah 29:11) He even tells us not to fear, that He is our helper (Isaiah 41:13). (I bet you can tell what my favorite verses are? haha)
There is so much more from this chapter that I want to blog about but I don't want to bore you, or frighten you with a longer post than it already is. So I would encourage you to read this book, but if you don't have time, atleast read this chapter (#6), and let me know what you think. It's very helpful if you find yourself struggling with this as I do.
"God doesn't use our singleness to punish us. He has created this season as an unparalleled opportunity for undistracted devotion to God. And as a time for growth and service that we shouldn't take for granted or allow to slip by. One person rightly stated, "Don't do something about your singlehood--do something with it!".... Singleness is a gift. Let's rejoice in it and enjoy its opportunities today. Let's practice trusting God by pursuing His kingdom and His righteousness with all our hearts and by leaving the planning to Him."
"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:" - Ecclesiastes 3:1
Josh Harris says, "Just as spring's role is different from that of fall, so each of the seasons of our lives has a different emphasis, focus, and beauty. One is not better than another; each season yields its own unique treasures. We cannot skip ahead to experience the riches of another life season any more than a farmer can rush the spring. Each season builds on the one before. God has many wonderful experiences He wants to give to us, but He also assigns these experiences to particular seasons of our lives." As I look back on my life, I can see that He does. My life in the last 3 years has not been a pretty one, heck, it's been far from pretty. But He has used those seasons to bring me closer to Him. It wasn't easy, but I am so thankful for it!
How do we have patience? He says "Waiting for God's timing requires trusting in His goodness and wisdom. We develop patience as we trust that God denies us what we think is good only because He has something better for us--both now and in the future." Later he gives a quote from Elisabeth Elliot that I love; "We were being asked to leave the planning to God. God's ultimate plan was as far beyond our imaginings as the oak tree is from the acorn's imaginings. The acorn does what it was made to do, without pestering it's Maker with questions about when and how and why. We who have been given an intelligence and a will and a whole range of wants that can be set against the divine Pattern for Good are asked to believe Him. We are given the chance to trust Him when He says to us, '...if any man will let himself be lost for my sake, he will find his true self.'" I know for me, it's easier to trust on some days that He's got a plan than others, but I've found reading scripture helps. Reminding myself, He is in control. (Jeremiah 29:11) He even tells us not to fear, that He is our helper (Isaiah 41:13). (I bet you can tell what my favorite verses are? haha)
There is so much more from this chapter that I want to blog about but I don't want to bore you, or frighten you with a longer post than it already is. So I would encourage you to read this book, but if you don't have time, atleast read this chapter (#6), and let me know what you think. It's very helpful if you find yourself struggling with this as I do.
"God doesn't use our singleness to punish us. He has created this season as an unparalleled opportunity for undistracted devotion to God. And as a time for growth and service that we shouldn't take for granted or allow to slip by. One person rightly stated, "Don't do something about your singlehood--do something with it!".... Singleness is a gift. Let's rejoice in it and enjoy its opportunities today. Let's practice trusting God by pursuing His kingdom and His righteousness with all our hearts and by leaving the planning to Him."
"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:" - Ecclesiastes 3:1
John 15:4-5
"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
Isn't that so true? We can do nothing apart from him! He allows us to breathe, He allows us to swallow, He allows us to walk and sit and stand. The little things we don't think about during out daily lives, He allows to happen. Isn't He amazing?
Isn't that so true? We can do nothing apart from him! He allows us to breathe, He allows us to swallow, He allows us to walk and sit and stand. The little things we don't think about during out daily lives, He allows to happen. Isn't He amazing?
A Snapshot from Life
08/06/2011 - Claire Bear, Reese Pieces, Pieces, Rees, Reesa... whatever I call her, I love my Claire Reese!
August 06, 2011
Lasagna-Style Baked Ziti
Last night, rushing before community group, I made Lasagna-Style Baked Ziti from my Real Simple cookbook. It was amazing! I like lasagna, but I hate the ricotta cheese you put in it. It's just nasty. One of the very few foods I HATE. But I liked this cuz it was made with ricotta cheese, but it's all mixed in, and not a layer by itself.
- 12oz Ziti (about 4 cups)
- 1 Tbs olive oil
- 1 large onion
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- Kosher salt and pepper
- 1 26oz jar marinara sauce
- 1 bunch of spinach, thick stems removed
- 1/2 cup ricitta
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (2oz)
- 1 cup grated mozzarella (4oz)
Heat over to 400 degrees. Cook pasta according to box. When done, return it back to pot.
Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook till sofen, about 4 to 5 minutes. Then add the beef, 3/4 tsp of salt, and 1/4 pepper. Breaking up with a spoon, cook till no longer pink, 5 to 6 minutes.
Once cooked all the way, toss the pasta with the meat mixture, marinara sauce, spinach, ricotta, and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan. Transfer to a 9x13 pan, and sprinkle with the mozzarella and the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan and bake till cheese melts, 12 to 15 minutes.
*I'm not to big on spinach in my lasagna, so I didn't put as much as they call for, but either way is up to you.
Everyone said this is a keeper! And gave it 5 stars. And it's a very easy meal! Which is a plus.
- 12oz Ziti (about 4 cups)
- 1 Tbs olive oil
- 1 large onion
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- Kosher salt and pepper
- 1 26oz jar marinara sauce
- 1 bunch of spinach, thick stems removed
- 1/2 cup ricitta
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (2oz)
- 1 cup grated mozzarella (4oz)
Heat over to 400 degrees. Cook pasta according to box. When done, return it back to pot.
Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook till sofen, about 4 to 5 minutes. Then add the beef, 3/4 tsp of salt, and 1/4 pepper. Breaking up with a spoon, cook till no longer pink, 5 to 6 minutes.
Once cooked all the way, toss the pasta with the meat mixture, marinara sauce, spinach, ricotta, and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan. Transfer to a 9x13 pan, and sprinkle with the mozzarella and the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan and bake till cheese melts, 12 to 15 minutes.
*I'm not to big on spinach in my lasagna, so I didn't put as much as they call for, but either way is up to you.
Everyone said this is a keeper! And gave it 5 stars. And it's a very easy meal! Which is a plus.
Bon appetit!
August 03, 2011
A Snapshot from Life
08/01/2011 - I got my acceptance letter to Liberty!!! (Yes, I blocked my address. haha)
"We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks, for your name is near. We Recount your wondrous deeds." -Psalms 75:1
Everything, He Holds In His Hands
Once again, God has been showing me He is in control and has a plan. Last week I started my job working at KingsWay as the KingsKids administrator. This was an answer to prayer! I am so excited to have this opportunity to serve my church.
Then, last month, I applied for Liberty University Online program. And on the 28th I found out I was accepted! I'm not sure what to expect with this, but I am so excited! He has given me a clear plath to take... for now. It could change at any moment, but I'll be doing Liberty Online to get an associates degree in Elementary Education. Then, if it's the Lord's will, I'll continue my education with Auburn Online. Like I said, this is the path I am taking, but it could change if it's what God wants.
Since we have moved down here, I've been discouraged (as I blogged about before), and God is just showing me that He has a plan... that His timing is perfect!
As Chris Tomlin would say in his song Unfailing Love, "And everything, You hold in Your hand. Still You make time for me. I can't understand." If God cars for the sparrows, why would He not care for me? (Luke 12:6-7)
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope" -Jeremiah 29:11
Then, last month, I applied for Liberty University Online program. And on the 28th I found out I was accepted! I'm not sure what to expect with this, but I am so excited! He has given me a clear plath to take... for now. It could change at any moment, but I'll be doing Liberty Online to get an associates degree in Elementary Education. Then, if it's the Lord's will, I'll continue my education with Auburn Online. Like I said, this is the path I am taking, but it could change if it's what God wants.
Since we have moved down here, I've been discouraged (as I blogged about before), and God is just showing me that He has a plan... that His timing is perfect!
As Chris Tomlin would say in his song Unfailing Love, "And everything, You hold in Your hand. Still You make time for me. I can't understand." If God cars for the sparrows, why would He not care for me? (Luke 12:6-7)
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope" -Jeremiah 29:11
A Snapshot from Life
07/31/2011 -Bought my second orchid. They remind me of my Granddaddy! Who I miss so much!
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