Happiness

Arroz Con Leche (Rice Pudding) Vegetarian, but not Vegan, dessert

1 and 1/2 cups water

1/2 cup uncooked long grain rice

1 cinnamon stick

1 can sweetened condensed milk

3 TBSP raisins

Combine water, rice, and cinnamon stick and boil. Lower to a simmer and add milk and raisins. Bring to a boil, stirring continuously, then simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. Discard the cinnamon and indulge.

Research has showed that people are happiest when they are focused on a task at hand, such as exercise, intimacy, talking with a friend, eating, or praying. People are least happy when their minds are wandering; computer time, TV time, personal free time, etc.

Happy is the man who finds wisdom and understanding for the

gain from it is better than gain from silver and profit better than gold.

-Proverbs 3:13,14

"When people are free to do as they please, they usually imitate each other."

-Eric Hoffer

Being Wise

Stewed Collard Greens and White Beans

12 oz. dry cannellini beans

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 onion, finely chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

1 bunch collard greens, stems removed and leaves cut in 3-inch strips

1- 3 inch piece of parmesan rind

7 cups water

Course salt

2 TBSP red wine vinegar

Cover the beans with 3 inches of water in a medium pot. Boil. Remove from heat and cover for one hour, drain. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Saute onions, garlic, and red pepper flakes until tender. Add collard greens in batches, stirring until wilted. Add beans, parmesan rind, and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until the beans and greens are tender, about one hour and 20 minutes. Season with salt and vinegar.

When I make dishes like this for my family, I love to imagine the healthy ingredients pulsing through their bodies, nourishing and strengthening them. Don't worry, I also have to urge my children to put this strange, new food into their mouth, chew, and swallow. But this particular dish ended up being a hit, even with the six year old. I am thankful that I have the opportunity to use fresh food that is so easily accessible.

"The act of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook."

-William James

Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul: if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.

-Proverbs 24:14

Renew your routine this spring

Asparagus with Creamy Orange Sauce

Whisk: 1/2 cup soy mayo (or regular mayo)

1/2 cup fresh orange juice

2 tsp grated orange zest

2 tsp dijon mustard

2 pounds of asparagus, trimmed

After washing thoroughly, cook the asparagus on a square of tin foil, with the foil folded over the tips in a 350 degree oven for 20 minutes. The grill is an additional way to cook asparagus just right! Pour the sauce over the asparagus and enjoy. Sometimes I serve this with plain pasta and mix the sauce in with everything.

Make it a goal to visit a new place each week. It can be anywhere to fit your budget: a specialty foods store, a new restaurant, a museum, a sporting event, or a new walking trail. Try to include at least 20-30 minutes of aerobic activity. Refreshing your routine can add some spark to your spring!

For behold, the winter is past,

The rain is over and gone

The flowers have already appeared in the land;

time has arrived for pruning the vines,

And the voice of the turtledove has been heard in our land.

The fig tree has ripened its figs,

And the vines in blossom have given forth their fragrance.

Arise, my darling, my beautiful one,

And come along!

Song of Solomon 2:11-13

Thai Curried Noodles and nice, neat lines

Thai-Curried Noodles with broccoli

2 tsp veg. oil

2 large shallots, chopped

1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro stems and 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, chopped

2 TBSP yellow or red curry paste (red is hotter)

1 tsp curry powder

1 tsp ground tumeric

1 can coconut milk

3/4 cup vegetable broth

2 tsp light brown sugar

1 package of tofu (or shrimp or chicken)

5 oz dry fettucine

5 cups broccoli florets

6 lime wedges, for garnish

Saute the shallots in oil. Add cilantro stems, curry paste and powder, and tumeric. Cook for one minute. Stir in the coconut milk, broth, and brown sugar. Simmer 5 minutes, then stir in tofu or meat for 10-15 minutes more. Cook the fettucine in a large pot of water, as directed. Add broccoli the last two minutes. Add the curry mixture. Serve with the lime wedges and cilantro leaves. SOOOOOOO yummy!

Can you fathom the mysteries of God?

Can you probe the limits of the Almighty?

They are higher than the heavens-what can you do?

-Job 11:7-8

The moment God is figured out with nice neat lines and definitions we are no longer dealing with God.

-Rob Bell, taken from Velvet Elvis

Love

'Despicable Me' is a movie about a grouchy, mean, litterbug of a villain who is transformed into a loving, responsible dad because of a bunch of sweet orphans. The cartoon story is quite remarkable, and made me think of where I would be without my kids, my husband, my church. My character, my being has been transformed by these entities that have so touched my life. When thinking of the movie, we all really are despicable. I am redeemed by grace, and I am so thankful for those who love me and encourage me on my journey. Remember, when God thinks of you, love swells in his heart and a smile comes to his face!

French Onion Soup Tartars

2 TBSP olive oil, divided

1 medium sweet onion and 1 medium red onion quartered and sliced

3 small yellow onions, peeled and cut into 1/8 inch slices

2 TBSP dry white wine

2 cups vegetable broth

1/2 tsp honey

1 sprig fresh thyme

4 large slices country bread

2 oz grated comte or gruyere cheese (optional vegans)

Heat 1 TBSP oil and brown the sweet and red onions for 20 min. Heat the remaining oil and add yellow onions. Cook for 5 minutes each side. Save 12 of the prettiest slices, and chop the rest of the yellow onions. Add the chopped yellow onions to the other onions and add the wine. Cook 1-2 minutes, until the alcohol evaporates. Stir in the broth, honey, thyme, season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes, until most of the liquid evaporates. Place the bread slices on a baking sheet. Spread 1/4 cup of onion mixture on each bread, top with grated cheese, and 2 yellow onion slices. Broil for 2-3 minutes.

This is a yummy appetizer, and looks and tastes fancy for dinners.

Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.

-Psalm 63:3

Joy

Mushroom Risotto

1 quart vegetable broth

2 oz. dried mushrooms

1 TBSP olive oil

4 TBSP unsalted butter

1 garlic clove, chopped

1 onion, finely chopped

1 and 1/2 cups risotto rice (arborio)

1/2 cup dry white wine

1 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese

sea salt and freshly ground pepper

Soak the mushrooms in the broth for 10 min. Simmer the broth slowly and remove the mushrooms. Melt the oil and half the butter in a large saucepan. Add the garlic and onion and cook until soft. Add the rice and stir until coated.

Cook the rice, adding one ladle of broth at a time until the rice soaks up the liquid each time, then add another ladle. Do this for 20+ minutes. Chop the mushrooms into smaller pieces.

Add the mushrooms, white wine, remaining butter, and parmesan cheese to the risotto. Season to taste with salt and pepper, cooking 1-2 minutes more.

This is a decadent dish reserved for when you are in the mood to have rich, flavorful food.

" Joy is the serious business of heaven"

- C.S. Lewis

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 tress of the field will clap their hands.

- Isaiah 55:12

Never forget...

So much for spring, northern michigan! Snow day, freezing temperatures, and winds that knock you over. But in the midst of the cold, my kids and I have managed to make the most of it. We skied, wrote letters, played the piano, sang, cuddled, and read books! Today, I had time to look them right in the eye and listen to them as they explained a funny story for the third time in a row. I even read a painfully repetitive book that Ella LOVES.... five times!! These are the moments, my friends, that you and your children will never forget.

"What really counts in life is that at some time you have seen something, felt something which is so great, so matchless, that everything else is nothing by comparison, that even if you forgot everything, you would never forget this."

-Soren Kierkegaard

Meyer Lemon Radicchio Salad (for Catie)

Chop 1 Meyer lemon into 1/2-inch pieces and remove seeds. In a medium bowl toss with 1 cup chopped vidalia onion, 1 cup fresh chopped parsley, 1 can of chick peas, 2 cups sliced radicchio, 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, 2 TBSP fresh meyer lemon juice, 3 TBSP extra-virgin olive oil. Season with kosher salt and ground pepper. Toss to coat.

Celebrate Spring!

Celebrate spring: clean up, clear out, and open the windows. Unless, of course, you are in northern Michigan and have several more months of cold weather. We can pretend, right?

Basil Baked Tomatoes

I make a whole 13x9 pyrex dish of these because they are well loved.

Halve 4 large tomatoes

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 TBSP olive oil

1/2 cup soft bread crumbs (homemade are best)

2 TBSP fresh, sliced basil

grated parmesan cheese

Saute the minced garlic in the olive oil, then add the bread crumbs and mix well.

Lay the halved tomatoes, insides up, on a pyrex baking dish. Sprinkle with basil and parmesan cheese. Top with the bread crumb mixture. Bake at 325 degrees for 15 minutes.

What we do comes out of who we believe we are.

- Rob Bell

Welcome

Have you noticed the falling apart WELCOME mat at the entrance of your front door? The "welcome" letters on mine are not even legible! I love to remember that the wear is from all the little feet, new feet, mail persons, neighbors, and weather that comes to our home. I spent eight dollars yesterday to buy a new WELCOME mat for the front door. I swept the porch and laid down the mat, wondering who will grace our presence in the year to come? Even if there are days when no one comes to the front door, when they do come, they are welcome!

Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.

-Hebrews 13:2

Ginger Quinoa Salad

1/2 cup sliced almonds (toasted)

Saute 1/2 cup chopped white onion in 2 tsp vegetable oil

Stir in and simmer 20 minutes:

2 TBSP fresh, minced ginger

1 cup quinoa

1 and 1/2 cup beet and/or carrot juice

Add for 10 minutes and cover:

1 cup frozen peas

salt and pepper to taste

Stir in when cooled:

1 medium apple, diced

1/3 cup unsweetened, shredded coconut

I saw butterflies and birds this morning! Spring must be around the corner. Enjoy the last bit of snow, because it will be gone soon.

I lift up my eyes to the hills- from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

- Psalm 121:1-2

Eggplant Parmesean

2 medium eggplants

2 cups fine bread crumbs (toast old bread and food process)

2 eggs, 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup flour (each in different bowls)

fresh grated parmesan cheese

italian tomato sauce (marinara)

2 TBSP fresh, sliced basil

One hour before cooking, slice the eggplant and lay out on a tray, with one side salted. Before cooking, blot off the excess water. Heat 1/2 cup oil in a large saute pan. Starting with the flour, coat each piece of eggplant thoroughly. Make sure to coat with flour, then egg, then fresh bread crumbs. Brown in the hot oil for a few minutes each side. Serve on a plate with the sliced basil, marinara, and salt and pepper. A side of veggies or pasta is perfect with this dish.

TOFU Phenomenal Women!

I know that many of you do not want to eat tofu. But there are recipes that make tofu crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and incredibly delectable! This recipe converts even the tofu-haters. Enjoy it, knowing you are healthier, and be proud to be a woman!

Crisp Tofu with Vegetables and Sesame Dipping Sauce

Sauce: In a food processor, combine:

5 tsp coarsely chopped peeled fresh ginger

1/2 cup tihini

5 tsp low sodium soy sauce

1 1/2 tsp honey

1 tsp toasted sesame oil

1 tsp rice vinegar

3 TBSP cold water

Tofu: 1 package firm tofu, cut into 2 dozen pieces and pressed (to remove water)

Mix with tofu:

1 TBSP toasted sesame seeds

1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil

1/4 tsp coarse salt

Arrange on the a rimmed cookie sheet. Back at 400 degrees for 15 min. Flip and bake 10 min more. Serve with the dipping sauce, pieces of cabbage, green beans, and bell pepper slices.

Phenomenal Woman

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It's the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can't see.
I say,
It's in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman

Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It's in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Maya Angelou

In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.

- 1 Timothy 3:11

Left-Over Hummus Ideas

So, I know you all have left over hummus in the fridge. Here is an idea about what to do with it, after you have used it as dip.

California Wraps

1/3 cup hummus

whole wheat tortillas

1/4 cup roasted sweet red peppers

1/4 cup crumbled goat or feta cheese

thinly sliced basil leaves

thinly sliced avocados

sliced tomatoes

Dry fry the wheat tortillas for a few seconds each side on a hot stove. Add the rest of the ingredients and roll up! I like to put the ingredients out in cute bowls and arrange them on the table so the kids can choose what goes in their wrap. They love making choices!

"The monk should always live as if he were to die on the morrow but at the same time he should treat his body as if he were to live on with it for many years to come."

- Abba Macarius the Great

I have told you these things, so that in me, you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

-John 16:33

Hummus and Love

Hummus

Hummus is chick pea puree originating from the Middle East. It is perfect as a dip or sandwich spread. My kids will actually eat this!

2-3 medium cloves garlic, sliced

a TBSP of parsley

3 cups chick peas (canned, or dry ones soaked and cooked)

6 TBSP tahini (found in any store, ethnic section)

6 TBSP fresh lemon juice

3/4 tsp salt

OPTIONAL: roasted red peppers, extra garlic, cumin, or cayenne

Place everything in a food processor, or blender, and blend until creamy, adding water as needed. More recipes to come for ways to use hummus.

In the last few days, I have spent time thinking about what I need to be teaching my daughters as they grow older in this fallen world. I recently took my oldest daughter to "Secret Keepers", a wonderful tour created to teach little girls to feel respected and secure by knowing they are accepted and loved by their Father in heaven. The truths applied to little and "big" girls alike. Our insecurities keep us from an intimate relationship with God, and sometimes keep us from more fulfilling and loving marriages and friendships. We were taught to replace the insecure "lies" with knowledge that we are all princesses of the King!

...and the king will desire your beauty. - Psalm 45:11

Hang in there! Just a few more days of winter.

Washed by the water

Dihydrogen oxide. H2O. Water. We are made of water (60%), we are surrounded by it, we utilize it, we play on it and in it, we are even injured by it. But we need it. Without water, our bodies do not function properly. If you experience headaches or fatigue, the cure may be as simple as rehydration. This is a friendly reminder to replenish your water daily. Eight glasses a day are sufficient, with more or less being appropriate for activity level. And if you drink soda, try substituting with water.

Springs of living water are offered by our Creator. As much as we need water, we need a relationship with our God. Be encouraged today as you fill your body with water!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOjpkqrCEOU "Washed by the Water" -Needtobreathe

For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.

-Revelation 7:17

Wheat Berry Salad

1 1/2 cups hard wheat berries

3/4 cup chopped walnuts

2 stalks celery, finely chopped

1 scallion, white and green parts, chopped

1/2 cup finely chopped parsley leaves

3 TBSP olive oil

2 TBSP lemon juice

salt and pepper to taste

In a large pot combine the wheat berries and enough water to cover 2 inches. Boil and cook one hour, or until tender. Drain and cool. Toast the walnuts on a skillet for 2-3 min. In a large bowl combine all.

This is a great source of fiber, Vitamin K, protein, Vitamin A and C, Copper, Iron and Manganese

Veggie Burgers

Veggie Burgers with Cucumber Sauce

Here is a way to make veggie burgers delicious! Make sure to use "Boca Burgers". Their flavor is outstanding.

Place the frozen burgers on a baking sheet. Brush the tops with hot pepper sauce. Bake at 350 degrees for 18 min.

Combine: 1/2 cup finely chopped cucumber

1/4 cup plain greek or regular yogurt

1/4 cup finely chopped red onion

1/4 tsp ground cumin

1/8 tsp salt

1/8 tsp garlic powder

Spoon the cucumber sauce on top of the cooked burgers. I always serve with cole slaw and fresh fruit. I use whole wheat buns.

Quote and verse of the day:

Don't think of decluttering as emptying your home, you're filling it with possibilities.

-Terri Trespicio

"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."

-John 15:12-13

Have a wonderful, healthy, joy-filled day my friends!

Simple and Yummy!

Roasted chickpeas with herbs

Pour a can of garbanzo beans (otherwise known as chickpeas) into a skillet with a few tablespoons of oil, minced garlic (1 clove), 1/2 tsp minced ginger, fresh spices to taste (I like thyme and parsley) and cook until garbanzo beans are lightly golden on the outside. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve as a side dish, or place on top of salad. YUMMY! Oh, and my kids love it.

Natural cleaning tip:

Instead of laundry detergent, try using 1 cup of white vinegar in your sheet and towel loads. Dry

them with 3 balls of aluminum foil instead of dryer sheets. You will notice lighter, fluffier towels and sheets that smell clean!

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit.

-1 Peter 3:3-4

Mornings with your kids

I am not claiming to have the key to a smooth transition out the door in the mornings for families, but this works for us. Believe me, there are still the urgent demands that the kids quickly grab their coats, shoes, schoolwork and lunches as we all run out to the car. The kids bicker and fight in the same way they did the day before. But the time we spend reading to them, praying, and preparing emotionally for the day ahead, gives all of us a mind-set that is focused on how we can love others.

First, we wake the kids one hour before departure time. Everyone has 15 minutes to dress and get to the table for breakfast. Next, we eat together, and read a story from this children's bible story book. The old-time pictures remind me of sunday school when I was little. My kids love it! We then read a psalm or proverb from "The Message." Finally, all hands in the middle for a prayer, then we are off and ready for the day!

Yummy EASY snack- Goat cheese stuffed dates

Heat the oven to 375. Slit the dates on one side and remove the pits.

Stuff them with 1/4 tsp goat cheese and then press this side down in bread crumbs.

Bake for 15 minutes.

So, friends, every day do something that won't compute. Love the Lord. Love the the world. Work for nothing. Take all that you have and be poor. Love someone who does not deserve it.

-Wendell Berry

Italian Veggie Medley

Italian Veggie Medley

1 tomato

1 small zucchini

4 oz asparagus spears

4 oz oil-packed artichoke hearts, drained and halved (reserve 1 tsp oil)

1/2 small onion

1 roasted red pepper cut in strips

1/2 tsp italian seasoning or 1 TBSP fresh italian spices

Mix all ingredients together, serve over pasta or cooked wheat berries. This is delicious!

I know that it is still frigid outside, but did you know that just a few minutes outdoors can undo hours of pent-up stress? Bundle up and go for a ski, a hike, or walk today!

In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.

- 1 Timothy 3:11

How we do anything is how we do everything.

-J. Dobson

A poem by Mary Mackey, "The Kama Sutra of Kindness: Position Number 3"

It's easy to love

through a cold spring

when the poles of the willows

turn green

pollen falls like a yellow curtain

and the scent of

Paper Whites

clots the air

but to love for a lifetime

takes talent

you have to mix yourself

with the strange

beauty of someone

else

wake each morning

for 72,000

mornings in

a row so

breathed and

bound and

tangled

that you can hardly

sort out

your arms

and

legs

you have to

find forgiveness

in everything

even ink stains

and broken cups

you have to be willing to move through

life

together

the way the long

grasses move

in a field

when you careen

blindly toward

the other

side

there's never going to be anything

straight or predictable

about your path

except the

flattening and the springing back

you just go walking for years

hand in hand

waist deep in the weeds

bent slightly forward

like two question

marks

and all the while it

burns

my dear

it burns beautifully above

you

and goes on

burning

like a relentless

sun

Mango-Lime Sorbet -I think we all need a little something sweet.

4 cup frozen mango chunks

1/2 cup agave nectar (find in any grocery store by the sugar)

1/4 cup fresh lime juice

Thaw the mango for 15 minutes. Blend in a blender with the nectar and the juice. Freeze in a glass bowl for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes until the proper consistency.

What to do with those black bean soup leftovers: Tex-Mex Quinoa!

Tex-Mex Quinoa with black beans and corn:

1 Tablespoon Olive Oil

1.5 tsp whole cumin seeds

1 cup black bean soup

1 cup salsa

1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained (buy in bulk at health food stores, or bagged at grocery store)

1.5 cups cooked black beans

1 cup frozen corn, thawed

4 green onions, sliced

1-2 chopped pickled sweet peppers

Heat oil in a saute pan, add cumin. Add the soup, 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup salsa, and quinoa. Stir until the mixture boils, then simmer for 12 minutes, covered. Stir in the beans and corn and cook for 10 more minutes. Remove from the heat, add 1/2 cup of salsa, green onions, and peppers. Salt and pepper to taste. I eat this mixture cold as a salad or hot as a tortilla filling. Make sure to slice avocado on top!

A book that I recommend for all women, of all ages is Surrender to Love by David Benner. Allow me to read a small excerpt from the first two pages of the first chapter and be encouraged by how loved you are.

"Imagine God thinking about you. What do you assume God feels when you come to mind? When I ask people to do this, a surprising number of people say that the first thing they assume God feels is disappointment.... Regardless of what you have come to believe about God based on your life experience, the truth is that when God thinks of you, love swells in his heart and a smile comes to his face."