It has almost been a year since we began planning and trying new, heart-healthy dinner recipes! Hard to believe! Starting in 2013, I will continue to update the "Dinner Recipes" tab with new recipes we've tried and loved, but I won't be doinag a monthly post anymore.
Here is the list of recipes we tried in November and will try this month. Enjoy!
Mexican Chicken Lime Soup - Add 1 can of no-salt added corn and chopped zucchini
Spicy Black Bean Burgers
Pork Tenderloin with Pan Sauce
Zesty BBQ Chicken (crockpot)
Italian Chicken
Spicy Avocado Chicken Enchiladas
Sweet Potato Veggie Burger
Skinny Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Intentional in the Unexpected
In January 2012, I chose "intentional" as my word to focus on this year. I knew being intentional would be important as I transitioned to a mother of two from a mother of one in July. I also wanted to be intentional about finding healthy dinner recipes to support My Hero as he overcame his high cholesterol. I planned to learn more about photography, create weekly learning experiences for my daughter, and schedule monthly date nights. I have been intentional in all of these areas throughout the year and I have grown and learned so much. Yet, I was not prepared for the change in my husband's job and how that forced me to learn how to be even more intentional with our finances. I wasn't anticipating a friend going through a very difficult time and again, learning how to be intentional with my love and support for her. At the beginning of the year I never imagined my sister and brother-in-law would be moving halfway around the globe for two years and that our communication would have to become intentional rather than just as natural as breathing. It never once crossed my mind that I'd have to be intentional about gently and boldly leading my daughter to heal and trust dogs again after an incident that could potentially scar her emotionally and physically for the rest of her life.
I wasn't prepared, but God was preparing me. These verses have been a comfort to me this week....
"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." -Proverbs 16:9
"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." -Proverbs 19:21
Despite the unexpected pain (and opportunities for growth) I am experiencing, God was not surprised. Not only was he not surprised, He was preparing me (without me even knowing it) for the struggles ahead. He taught me to be intentional in areas I hadn't expected. God's purposes always prevail and His plans are good and perfect. Jeremiah 29:11 describes His plans as ones that will "prosper you and not harm you.....give you hope and a future." I've struggled with that a good deal this year...how can His plan be prosperous, perfect, and full of hope when so much hurt and pain are involved? In those moments, I have leaned into the truths from the Bible presented in One Thousand Gifts, and I have continued to count my gifts, even especially amidst the confusion and pain. The hard eucharisteo. And I remember that God sees the big picture. I only see a few small pieces of the puzzle. But now I'm seeing how a few of those pieces fit together snuggly, securely, and perfectly.
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. ...You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the Lord's renown..." -Isaiah 55:8-9, 12-13
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Letting go....and letting God
Letting go of my plans.....letting God reveal His perfect plan (much different than what I had envisioned), trusting His ways, and following step by step after Him.
Letting go of a sparkling, clean house.....letting God create beauty from the mess for the clutter is made from two creative, happy children.
Letting go of the desire to look like someone else.....letting God wrap His arms around me and whisper in my ear, "I made you perfectly the way you are. You are the works of My hands and I am pleased with what I have made. Love Me by embracing all that you are because of My creativity and grace."
Letting go of the fact that, as a Mama of two, it just isn't possible for me to always have quiet, uninterrupted time first thing in the morning anymore.....letting God teach me how to seek after Him each and every moment of the day, starting with a prayer of praise and dependence before I step out of bed.
Letting go of feeling joyful based purely upon emotions.....letting God, because of His gift of Jesus and his covenant promises, become my unending, never-faltering source of joy.
Letting go of measuring my success as a mother based upon the obedience of my children.....letting God lead and teach my mothering to place the highest value on the condition of my children's hearts.
Letting go of feeling entitled to financial abundance.....letting God gently remind me of my sin and that I only deserve death. However, in His grace, He freely gives so much to me and monetary gains are not that important in light of eternity. But oh, how blessed we are!
Letting go of feeling productive simply because I checked off a long list on my to-do list.....letting God remind me that my greatest accomplishments in a 24-hour period are spending time with Him, investing in my marriage, loving and spending time with my two blessings, and serving my friends and the community.
Letting go of me.....letting God be my everything.
Letting go of a sparkling, clean house.....letting God create beauty from the mess for the clutter is made from two creative, happy children.
Letting go of the desire to look like someone else.....letting God wrap His arms around me and whisper in my ear, "I made you perfectly the way you are. You are the works of My hands and I am pleased with what I have made. Love Me by embracing all that you are because of My creativity and grace."
Letting go of the fact that, as a Mama of two, it just isn't possible for me to always have quiet, uninterrupted time first thing in the morning anymore.....letting God teach me how to seek after Him each and every moment of the day, starting with a prayer of praise and dependence before I step out of bed.
Letting go of feeling joyful based purely upon emotions.....letting God, because of His gift of Jesus and his covenant promises, become my unending, never-faltering source of joy.
Letting go of measuring my success as a mother based upon the obedience of my children.....letting God lead and teach my mothering to place the highest value on the condition of my children's hearts.
Letting go of feeling entitled to financial abundance.....letting God gently remind me of my sin and that I only deserve death. However, in His grace, He freely gives so much to me and monetary gains are not that important in light of eternity. But oh, how blessed we are!
Letting go of feeling productive simply because I checked off a long list on my to-do list.....letting God remind me that my greatest accomplishments in a 24-hour period are spending time with Him, investing in my marriage, loving and spending time with my two blessings, and serving my friends and the community.
Letting go of me.....letting God be my everything.
Monday, October 8, 2012
October meals (and a few pictures!)
Before I share a few new dinner recipes we are going to try this month, here are some recent pictures of my little loves!
--------------------------------------------------------
Now onto the recipes!
We are welcoming October and fall with some cozy, warm recipes! Enjoy!
White Chipotle Chicken Chili
Crockpot Hearty Turkey Chili
recipe courtesy of a Weight Watchers email
1 large onion
2 cloves garlic
1/2 lb ground turkey
2 Tbs. chili powder
1 Tbs. paprika
1 Tbs. ground cumin
2 Tbs. crushed cherry peppers
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 cup fat free chicken broth
1 1/2 Tbs. cider vinegar
2 cups kidney beans
1 green bell pepper
Combine all ingredients in a crock-pot and cook for 2 hours on high or 4 hours on low. Serve with cheese, chips, and fat-free sour cream.
--------------------------------------------------------
Crockpot Chicken Fajitas
recipe courtesy of a Weight Watchers email
7 boned and skinned chicken breast halves, cut in strips
2 onions, sliced
2 green bell peppers, cut in strips
2 red bell peppers, cut in strips
2 jalapeno chili peppers, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp. chili powder
2 tsp. ground cumin
2 tsp. ground coriander
28 ounces tomatoes, canned
1/4 cup water
8 flour tortillas
Combine all ingredients except tortillas in a crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours. Serve wrapped in tortillas with salsa.
--------------------------------------------------------
Crockpot Chicken Taco Chili
recipe courtesy of Gina's Weight Watchers Recipes
1 onion, chopped
1 16-oz can black beans
1 8-oz can kidney beans
10-oz package frozen corn kernels
2 14.5-oz cans diced tomatoes with chilies
1 packet taco seasoning (use homemade taco seasoning)
1 Tbs. cumin
24-ozs (3) boneless skinless chicken breasts
chili peppers, chopped (optional)
chopped fresh cilantro
Combine beans, onion, chili peppers, corn, tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder, and taco seasoning in a slow cooker. Place chicken on top and cover. Cook on low for 10 hours or on high for 6 hours. Half hour before serving, remove chicken and shred. Return chicken to slow cooker and stir in sauce. Top with fresh cilantro.
--------------------------------------------------------
Pesto Tortellini Soup
recipe courtesy of food blogger Jane Maynard
1/2 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbs butter
6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 pkg (9-oz) frozen tortellini
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
1/4 cup prepared pesto
Parmesan cheese, for topping
In a 4-quart sauce pan, saute onion, garlic, and butter until onions are translucent. Add broth and bring to a boil. Add tortellini and cook 1-2 minutes less than the package directions. Add the frozen vegetables and simmer soup until vegetables are heated through. Stir in pesto and serve. Garnish with Parmesan cheese.
Okay, just one more!!!
--------------------------------------------------------
Now onto the recipes!
We are welcoming October and fall with some cozy, warm recipes! Enjoy!
White Chipotle Chicken Chili
Crockpot Hearty Turkey Chili
recipe courtesy of a Weight Watchers email
1 large onion
2 cloves garlic
1/2 lb ground turkey
2 Tbs. chili powder
1 Tbs. paprika
1 Tbs. ground cumin
2 Tbs. crushed cherry peppers
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 cup fat free chicken broth
1 1/2 Tbs. cider vinegar
2 cups kidney beans
1 green bell pepper
Combine all ingredients in a crock-pot and cook for 2 hours on high or 4 hours on low. Serve with cheese, chips, and fat-free sour cream.
--------------------------------------------------------
Crockpot Chicken Fajitas
recipe courtesy of a Weight Watchers email
7 boned and skinned chicken breast halves, cut in strips
2 onions, sliced
2 green bell peppers, cut in strips
2 red bell peppers, cut in strips
2 jalapeno chili peppers, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp. chili powder
2 tsp. ground cumin
2 tsp. ground coriander
28 ounces tomatoes, canned
1/4 cup water
8 flour tortillas
Combine all ingredients except tortillas in a crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours. Serve wrapped in tortillas with salsa.
--------------------------------------------------------
Crockpot Chicken Taco Chili
recipe courtesy of Gina's Weight Watchers Recipes
1 onion, chopped
1 16-oz can black beans
1 8-oz can kidney beans
10-oz package frozen corn kernels
2 14.5-oz cans diced tomatoes with chilies
1 packet taco seasoning (use homemade taco seasoning)
1 Tbs. cumin
24-ozs (3) boneless skinless chicken breasts
chili peppers, chopped (optional)
chopped fresh cilantro
Combine beans, onion, chili peppers, corn, tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder, and taco seasoning in a slow cooker. Place chicken on top and cover. Cook on low for 10 hours or on high for 6 hours. Half hour before serving, remove chicken and shred. Return chicken to slow cooker and stir in sauce. Top with fresh cilantro.
--------------------------------------------------------
Pesto Tortellini Soup
recipe courtesy of food blogger Jane Maynard
1/2 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbs butter
6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 pkg (9-oz) frozen tortellini
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
1/4 cup prepared pesto
Parmesan cheese, for topping
In a 4-quart sauce pan, saute onion, garlic, and butter until onions are translucent. Add broth and bring to a boil. Add tortellini and cook 1-2 minutes less than the package directions. Add the frozen vegetables and simmer soup until vegetables are heated through. Stir in pesto and serve. Garnish with Parmesan cheese.
Okay, just one more!!!
Monday, September 24, 2012
The good days, the not-so-good-days
The easy days,
the stressful, I-only-have-two-hands-but-need-ten days
The days full of smiles and laughter,
and those of whining and tears
The good nap days,
The sleepless days
The cheerfully obedient days,
The strong-willed, defiant days
The fun days,
The boring days
The sunny outdoor days,
The rainy, indoor days
The clean house moments,
The crumbs, overflowing laundry baskets, and my-house-looks-like-Toys-R-Us-days
The "yes" days,
The "NO!" days
The days we leave the house minutes before scheduled,
The days we leave the house minutes after scheduled
The days of adventure while exploring something new,
The quiet days spent learning within the walls of our home
The forgiving days,
The asking for forgiveness days
And every day in between....
Allowing God to teach me how to extend grace and love because He IS Grace and Love.
----------------------------------------------------------------
833. Overflowing with thankfulness for our two blessings, the privilege of being home with them each day, and for God's example of grace and love.
the stressful, I-only-have-two-hands-but-need-ten days
The days full of smiles and laughter,
and those of whining and tears
The good nap days,
The sleepless days
The cheerfully obedient days,
The strong-willed, defiant days
The fun days,
The boring days
The sunny outdoor days,
The rainy, indoor days
The clean house moments,
The crumbs, overflowing laundry baskets, and my-house-looks-like-Toys-R-Us-days
The "yes" days,
The "NO!" days
The days we leave the house minutes before scheduled,
The days we leave the house minutes after scheduled
The days of adventure while exploring something new,
The quiet days spent learning within the walls of our home
The forgiving days,
The asking for forgiveness days
And every day in between....
Allowing God to teach me how to extend grace and love because He IS Grace and Love.
----------------------------------------------------------------
833. Overflowing with thankfulness for our two blessings, the privilege of being home with them each day, and for God's example of grace and love.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Satisfied
The house is dark except for the soft yellow glow of the "5:17" displayed on the oven clock. The house is still. The house is quiet. My jammied 10 week old son is cuddled as close as a mother and infant can be as he fills his rounded belly with warmth and life. Listening to his gentle, content rhythm casts the perfect backdrop for me to be still. Be still. Pray. Be still.
Do I feel the hunger, emptiness, and desire for my Savior like a babe's entire body yearning for nourishment?
Do I rest in Him as a satisfied, just-fed little one - calm, quiet, fulfilled?
Father,
May I only find my satisfaction and fulfillment in You. In the rare quiet moments and the constant busy ones, I pray that You would remind and teach me how to be still. Even though I am always on-the- go meeting everyone's needs, I pray that the posture of my heart would be one that invites You in, listens to Your voice, responds accordingly, and rests in You.
Do I feel the hunger, emptiness, and desire for my Savior like a babe's entire body yearning for nourishment?
Do I rest in Him as a satisfied, just-fed little one - calm, quiet, fulfilled?
Father,
May I only find my satisfaction and fulfillment in You. In the rare quiet moments and the constant busy ones, I pray that You would remind and teach me how to be still. Even though I am always on-the- go meeting everyone's needs, I pray that the posture of my heart would be one that invites You in, listens to Your voice, responds accordingly, and rests in You.
Friday, September 7, 2012
September Meals
We are trying a few new recipes this month! I realized after I planned our menu that most of the recipes call for avocado. Oh well! We love a good avocado! Also, I've update the "Dinner Recipes" tab. Enjoy!
Chicken Pitas with Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette
Baked Ranch Chicken Strips
Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Avocado and Tomato
Avocado Chicken Parmigiana
Avocado Spinach Grilled Cheese
Chicken Pitas with Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette
Baked Ranch Chicken Strips
Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Avocado and Tomato
Avocado Chicken Parmigiana
Avocado Spinach Grilled Cheese
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)