I struggle a lot with fear. On any given day, if I try a couple of times and can't reach someone on their phone- like Nate or my parents or my brother, I go simply. ballistic. -to the point of tears. I automatically think the worst- start figuring out how I'll work through the details of "the accident" or whatever I assume happened to them. I curl a box of kleenex under my arm and wait. wait. wait. to hear from them (or the police or another family member notifying me of the details). I know this is completely ridiculous and a waste of my time. My blood pressure undoubtedly goes through the roof and the amount of stress I put myself through could probably be measured in metric tons.
I'm working on this. I know we have a God who loves us and has MY best interest in mind. He knows the plans. I don't. I'm not proud to admit that I do this, but it's something I'm trying to overcome through prayer and staying in the word. Today I found these verses very comforting.
"I sought the LORD, and He answered me,
and delivered me from all my fears.
They looked to Him and were radiant,
And their faces will never be ashamed.
This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him
And saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear HIM,
And rescues them." Psalm 34:4-7
It goes on to explain how beautifully he listens to and hears our cries. He delivers us from troubles, hears us, sees us.....
"The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous
And HIS ears are open to their cry.
The face of the LORD is against evildoers,
To cut off the memory of them from the earth.
The righteous cry, and the LORD hears
and delivers them out of all their troubles.
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted
And saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:15-17
What a beautiful reminder of his promise.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
I have no title for this post
I ran across this on the K-love website today. Get your Kleenex ready.
USC Draws Inspiration From No. 1 Fan - ESPN Video
USC Draws Inspiration From No. 1 Fan - ESPN Video
Monday, January 4, 2010
Monday
This is me avoiding grading any of the papers I brought home from school today.
Last night I made this meatloaf and this Curried Squash soup- which don't go together in any sense....but they were both good in and of themselves. Around 9:00 I decided I wanted to make these Carrot Cupcakes. YUM! I'm not kidding- they were the bomb-diggitty. The squash soup tasted like India and I've made the meatloaf before. Because of the turkey, it's got a different flavor than you're used to- and the "sauce" isn't loaded with ketchup and brown sugar like everyone's mom makes (which is super-yummy). But, it's a good alternative.
School was good today. It brings great joy to see my little peanuts waiting for me before school in the hallways every morning. I really do love my job. I could do without standards and benchmarks, or at least the pressure of them.....but I suppose if I were to simply hang out with children all day I would be in the day-care business- which I absolutely WILL NEVER do. Kudos to those of you who take care of our little sweetie pies while mom and dad are at work- but I wouldn't know what to do with them all day.
All this to say, I enjoy my job. :)
And with that, I must correct papers.
And I leave you with another great song: "Let the Waters Rise" by Mikeschair
Last night I made this meatloaf and this Curried Squash soup- which don't go together in any sense....but they were both good in and of themselves. Around 9:00 I decided I wanted to make these Carrot Cupcakes. YUM! I'm not kidding- they were the bomb-diggitty. The squash soup tasted like India and I've made the meatloaf before. Because of the turkey, it's got a different flavor than you're used to- and the "sauce" isn't loaded with ketchup and brown sugar like everyone's mom makes (which is super-yummy). But, it's a good alternative.
School was good today. It brings great joy to see my little peanuts waiting for me before school in the hallways every morning. I really do love my job. I could do without standards and benchmarks, or at least the pressure of them.....but I suppose if I were to simply hang out with children all day I would be in the day-care business- which I absolutely WILL NEVER do. Kudos to those of you who take care of our little sweetie pies while mom and dad are at work- but I wouldn't know what to do with them all day.
All this to say, I enjoy my job. :)
And with that, I must correct papers.
And I leave you with another great song: "Let the Waters Rise" by Mikeschair
Sunday, January 3, 2010
So far so good
I've been leafing through my Ellie cookbooks this week and so far have tried some pretty great recipes. Last night we had these:
Sloppy Joes
Ellie Krieger
Ingredients
* 1 pound extra-lean ground beef
* 1 onion, diced
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 jalapeno, minced
* 1 red pepper, diced
* 1 can small red beans or pinto beans, preferably low sodium drained and rinsed
* 1 1/2 cups no-salt-added tomato sauce
* 2 tablespoons tomato paste
* 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
* 1 tablespoon molasses
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon mustard powder
* 3/4 teaspoon salt
* Freshly ground black pepper
* 8 whole-wheat burger buns
Directions
Brown the meat and the onion in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat for 5 minutes, breaking up the meat into crumbles as it cooks. Pour the drippings out of the pan and discard. Add the garlic, jalapeno, and red pepper and cook 5 minutes more, stirring occasionally. Stir in the rest of the ingredients, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 5 minutes more. Place a half-cup scoop of the mixture onto each bun and serve.
I loved them. Nate wasn't sure about the beans, but they could be mashed next time for a smoother texture. Very good- healthy, worth a try.
Soup has been sounding oh-so-good with these oh-so-chilly temperatures this week. I went for this soup New Year's day- my only problem was that I didn't leave it in the blender long enough to take care of ALL the veggie chunks. Next time: blend longer. :)
Green Pea Soup
2005, Ellie Krieger
Ingredients
* 1 teaspoon olive oil
* 1 large onion, sliced (about 1 1/2 cups)
* 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
* 3/4 teaspoon dried tarragon
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* Freshly ground black pepper
* 1 (10-oz) bag frozen peas
* 4 teaspoons plain nonfat yogurt, optional
Directions
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over moderately-low heat. Add the onion, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the broth, tarragon, salt and a few turns of freshly ground black pepper and bring to a boil. Add the peas and cook just until defrosted.
In a blender, puree the soup in 2 batches until very smooth. If serving hot, return the soup to the pot and bring just to a simmer. If serving cold, transfer to the refrigerator to chill. Ladle into bowls. Stir the yogurt so that it is smooth and top each serving with a swirl of yogurt.
Nate's parents bought me a bread machine for Christmas. I love baking and I've been making bread for years. But the ease of throwing all the ingredients into the machine, letting it mix and rise without my assistance....this is a new luxury! My first two loaves have been a "winter bread" and an "apple walnut". More often than not, I will probably mix and rise in the bread maker and then take out to bake in the oven. I'm excited. So is my stomach.
Coffee refill- coming right up. Followed closely by reading of some sort. :)
Sloppy Joes
Ellie Krieger
Ingredients
* 1 pound extra-lean ground beef
* 1 onion, diced
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 jalapeno, minced
* 1 red pepper, diced
* 1 can small red beans or pinto beans, preferably low sodium drained and rinsed
* 1 1/2 cups no-salt-added tomato sauce
* 2 tablespoons tomato paste
* 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
* 1 tablespoon molasses
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon mustard powder
* 3/4 teaspoon salt
* Freshly ground black pepper
* 8 whole-wheat burger buns
Directions
Brown the meat and the onion in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat for 5 minutes, breaking up the meat into crumbles as it cooks. Pour the drippings out of the pan and discard. Add the garlic, jalapeno, and red pepper and cook 5 minutes more, stirring occasionally. Stir in the rest of the ingredients, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 5 minutes more. Place a half-cup scoop of the mixture onto each bun and serve.
I loved them. Nate wasn't sure about the beans, but they could be mashed next time for a smoother texture. Very good- healthy, worth a try.
Soup has been sounding oh-so-good with these oh-so-chilly temperatures this week. I went for this soup New Year's day- my only problem was that I didn't leave it in the blender long enough to take care of ALL the veggie chunks. Next time: blend longer. :)
Green Pea Soup
2005, Ellie Krieger
Ingredients
* 1 teaspoon olive oil
* 1 large onion, sliced (about 1 1/2 cups)
* 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
* 3/4 teaspoon dried tarragon
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* Freshly ground black pepper
* 1 (10-oz) bag frozen peas
* 4 teaspoons plain nonfat yogurt, optional
Directions
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over moderately-low heat. Add the onion, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the broth, tarragon, salt and a few turns of freshly ground black pepper and bring to a boil. Add the peas and cook just until defrosted.
In a blender, puree the soup in 2 batches until very smooth. If serving hot, return the soup to the pot and bring just to a simmer. If serving cold, transfer to the refrigerator to chill. Ladle into bowls. Stir the yogurt so that it is smooth and top each serving with a swirl of yogurt.
Nate's parents bought me a bread machine for Christmas. I love baking and I've been making bread for years. But the ease of throwing all the ingredients into the machine, letting it mix and rise without my assistance....this is a new luxury! My first two loaves have been a "winter bread" and an "apple walnut". More often than not, I will probably mix and rise in the bread maker and then take out to bake in the oven. I'm excited. So is my stomach.
Coffee refill- coming right up. Followed closely by reading of some sort. :)
Saturday, January 2, 2010
2010
Welcome 2010! I'm looking forward to the new year- I have a feeling it's going to be a great one. :)
I generally welcome a new year with much anticipation and hope. I look forward to new goals, challenges, and find little pings of joy thinking about what might happen in the upcoming months.
Today I've had a song playing in my head over and over. Two, actually. The first is this:
The other is the song, "Be still my soul". I'm finding the lyrics especially intriguing today. Read at least the first verse- and the rest if you have time.
1. Be still, my soul: the Lord is on your side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
leave to your God to order and provide;
in every change God faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: your best, your heavenly friend
through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
2. Be still, my soul: your God will undertake
to guide the future, as in ages past.
Your hope, your confidence let nothing shake;
all now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
the Christ who ruled them while he dwelt below.
3. Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on
when we shall be forever with the Lord,
when disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
sorrow for forgot, love's purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past,
all safe and blessed we shall meet at last.
And as long as I'm sharing music, here's another one of my favorites right now:
I don't like the cliche "New Years Resolution" deal. And I suppose "setting goals" is no different- but I do like to set some goals for a new year.
This year, I'd like to spend more time in the word; more time in quiet; more time being still- and consequently, more time journaling.
I'd like to get back into running- my heart needs it and I like feeling strong and healthy.
I would like to continue cooking lots of new foods- Nate and I really enjoy cooking and we've got mad skills in the kitchen- if I do say so. I'm crediting this ability to my mother, who is the cook of all cooks, in my opinion. Plus, we find great satisfaction in creating healthy alternatives to run-of-the-mill recipes. So...if you're hungry and in the area- come over to eat!
OK, must go. Hopefully you'll hear more from me this year!
I generally welcome a new year with much anticipation and hope. I look forward to new goals, challenges, and find little pings of joy thinking about what might happen in the upcoming months.
Today I've had a song playing in my head over and over. Two, actually. The first is this:
The other is the song, "Be still my soul". I'm finding the lyrics especially intriguing today. Read at least the first verse- and the rest if you have time.
1. Be still, my soul: the Lord is on your side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
leave to your God to order and provide;
in every change God faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: your best, your heavenly friend
through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
2. Be still, my soul: your God will undertake
to guide the future, as in ages past.
Your hope, your confidence let nothing shake;
all now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
the Christ who ruled them while he dwelt below.
3. Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on
when we shall be forever with the Lord,
when disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
sorrow for forgot, love's purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past,
all safe and blessed we shall meet at last.
And as long as I'm sharing music, here's another one of my favorites right now:
I don't like the cliche "New Years Resolution" deal. And I suppose "setting goals" is no different- but I do like to set some goals for a new year.
This year, I'd like to spend more time in the word; more time in quiet; more time being still- and consequently, more time journaling.
I'd like to get back into running- my heart needs it and I like feeling strong and healthy.
I would like to continue cooking lots of new foods- Nate and I really enjoy cooking and we've got mad skills in the kitchen- if I do say so. I'm crediting this ability to my mother, who is the cook of all cooks, in my opinion. Plus, we find great satisfaction in creating healthy alternatives to run-of-the-mill recipes. So...if you're hungry and in the area- come over to eat!
OK, must go. Hopefully you'll hear more from me this year!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Christmas Eve
Happy Holidays!
This year we're snowed into our first home. I suppose that's not all bad- although there is something about mom's food, the ambiance of "home" with grandparents, siblings, relatives, mom and dad.....I wish we were there.
The weather is downright crummy for driving. Winds, ice, snow....it's just not good. So we're staying put. Nate and I bought "Rummikub" and "Yahtzee" for our holiday at home. This is Charlie's first Christmas, so we'll celebrate with more dog gifts than he'll ever care about. My brother might brave the roads to come across town tonight or tomorrow. My cousin Clint and his family, and Emily & Brian are also really close, so they might come too. We'll just have a "kids Christmas" here since we can't be home with mom and dad.
I haven't blogged for quite some time. Things have been going fine. Busy, as usual. Today I'm drinking lots of coffee and reading "Bel Canto" by Ann Patchett. So far, so good.
And, as my brother says, "There's a storm 'a brewin'".
Games, food and family tonight. Should be pretty great considering the circumstances.
Merry Christmas, everyone!
This year we're snowed into our first home. I suppose that's not all bad- although there is something about mom's food, the ambiance of "home" with grandparents, siblings, relatives, mom and dad.....I wish we were there.
The weather is downright crummy for driving. Winds, ice, snow....it's just not good. So we're staying put. Nate and I bought "Rummikub" and "Yahtzee" for our holiday at home. This is Charlie's first Christmas, so we'll celebrate with more dog gifts than he'll ever care about. My brother might brave the roads to come across town tonight or tomorrow. My cousin Clint and his family, and Emily & Brian are also really close, so they might come too. We'll just have a "kids Christmas" here since we can't be home with mom and dad.
I haven't blogged for quite some time. Things have been going fine. Busy, as usual. Today I'm drinking lots of coffee and reading "Bel Canto" by Ann Patchett. So far, so good.
And, as my brother says, "There's a storm 'a brewin'".
Games, food and family tonight. Should be pretty great considering the circumstances.
Merry Christmas, everyone!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Dad's Zucchini soup
We had a few friends over for dinner tonight. It was a cold, blustery October evening and we thought soup sounded delish. So, we made two different kinds. The first was my dad's zucchini soup. I typed up the recipe for our friend, Mike, and I thought I might as well post it for everyone else too! I know zucchini season is ending, but if you've got any leftover, this would be a great way to use it!
Mike Mullen's Zucchini Soup
1 pound Italian Sausage (I used the Johnsonville mild ground sausage)
1/2 pound ground turkey (I used 1.2 pounds from a ground turkey package)
2 c. diced celery
2 pounds sliced zucchini
1 1/2 c. chopped onion
2- 28 oz. cans diced tomatoes (don't drain)
1- 14. oz can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 green pepper chopped
shredded mozzarella cheese
grated Parmesan cheese
Brown sausage and turkey with onion and celery.
Add remaining ingredients except for green pepper, zucchini and cheese.
Cover and simmer 20 minutes.
Add green pepper and zucchini.
Cover and simmer 10 more minutes.
Garnish with cheese.
Mike Mullen's Zucchini Soup
1 pound Italian Sausage (I used the Johnsonville mild ground sausage)
1/2 pound ground turkey (I used 1.2 pounds from a ground turkey package)
2 c. diced celery
2 pounds sliced zucchini
1 1/2 c. chopped onion
2- 28 oz. cans diced tomatoes (don't drain)
1- 14. oz can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 green pepper chopped
shredded mozzarella cheese
grated Parmesan cheese
Brown sausage and turkey with onion and celery.
Add remaining ingredients except for green pepper, zucchini and cheese.
Cover and simmer 20 minutes.
Add green pepper and zucchini.
Cover and simmer 10 more minutes.
Garnish with cheese.
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