have it all

I just finished reading The New Eve by Robert Lewis. It was an incredible book that validated everything that has been going on in my life the last few months. He talked about seasons of a woman's life and what they were and what they meant. I am in the "newlywed" season, even though we have been married for 3 years now. Basically he means married with no children. He talks about being content with the season you are in and not living in past seasons or being too anxious to move on to the next season. I can tell you the latter is what is so hard for me! I like to run ahead of God.

This book was super reassuring though. It taught me a lot about being in God's will for my current season and furthering his kingdom NOW. You know by now that I quit my job as a teacher, and since school just started this has been a bittersweet decision. However I am tutoring at All Things Bright and Beautiful, taking care of sweet Ms. Alice on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and privately tutoring some pretty awesome kids from church. Not to mention I am still coaching the Emerald High swim team. I am a busy girl for sure! I am so thankful for all the opportunities God gave me after we made THE decision. There are still people that don't understand our decision, but maybe reading The New Eve would give them a better perspective. When Eric and I have children we have discussed that I want to stay home with them. I believe it is biblical. I also believe that you should not have children just to pawn them off on daycare or babysitters or school. Now with that being said I am not anti-working mom. There are definitely cases where it's not an option for mom to stay home, but when it is I am an advocate. I have so many friends who stayed home with there kids and they never once say "I wish I worked." However, I have heard the opposite statement come out of my own mothers mouth.

Basically the book boiled down to this. Eve took the apple, the forbidden fruit. She wanted to "have it all." I am redefining what it means to have it all.

I am done ranting for now...but if you get a chance I highly recommend that book. (And I don't recommend them often!)

great grub 9

This is a first for me folks...this next recipe is 100% mine. I made it up. All by my lonesome! I love this dish for 2 reasons: 1. it is super yummy and 2. it is super easy! One of my favorite kitchen toys (I inherited my mother's love of kitchen gadgets) is my crock pot. Throw the food in, turn it on, do WHATEVER, eat! My favorite kind of prep. Hope you like my

Greek Crock Pot Chicken
(sorry, no image yet!)

Ingredients:
1 can artichokes, cut into strips
1 can fire roasted tomatoes
1 can mushrooms
1/2 large onion, cut into strips
3 cloves garlic, smashed
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. basil (dry or fresh)
1/2 tsp. oregano (dry or fresh)
1 tsp. thyme
orzo pasta
1/2 cup gorgonzola cheese, crumbled

Directions:
Coat chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder and put into crock pot. Dump all the remaining ingredients over the chicken, including all the liquid from the cans. Place on high for 4-6 hours or low for 6- 8 hours. Serve over orzo pasta and sprinkle with cheese. Enjoy!

inexpensive etsy 6

I have to be honest, I haven't been an etsy junkie like normal lately. The more I look the more I want to buy, and the husband and I are conserving money these days! Here is my newest find though. I am a sucker for anything nature-related and I also have a soft spot for all things jewelry. This adorable tree pendant from charmingladies3 makes my heart go pitter patter! Especially for that price!!! Gentlemen, a great bargain for the lady in your life. ;)

three

Like I said earlier, my hiatus was due to a number of factors, but none so important and life changing as going to Costa Rica for 12 days. When we got home home I think I was depressed for at least a week, and I didn't even really want to talk about the trip for about 2 weeks. It wasn't because I didn't have a great time or it wasn't what I thought it would be, it was because the experience was so overwhelming. In an awesome way. In a God way.

I won't go through and recount my trip detail for detail (even though I would LOVE to) but I will tell you the top three things God taught me up on that mountain in Grano de Oro.

1. "I am BIG."
He is not kidding. There is nothing that could make me feel smaller (and I am pretty small to begin with!) than standing on that mountain and looking at everything He made. HE MADE THE WORLD! He made the world and everything in it for you and for me. Just think about that for a second. Francis Chan describes it the best I have ever heard it in Crazy Love. Read it!

2. "My son died for you."
I gave my life to Christ when I was 12 at a VBS at Hyde Park Baptist Church, and I knew what it meant and what I was doing. However one of the things I love about my God is that he is constantly giving me deeper understanding. I know why Jesus lived and I know why he died and I know how my life ties in to all of that! But there is nothing more humbling than when you talk to God and he personally tells you that he loved you enough to send his child in your place.

3. "Less is more."
We always say Americans don't know how good we have it. It is the honest truth. Never in my life have I seen people live in what can only be described as huts with dirt floors and 1 pot to cook in. That is the kind of stuff you read about and see on tv. But they are SO happy! They have nothing, literally nothing, but Jesus and they don't seem to mind at all. They totally and completely rely on Him for their every need. I want what they have!

great grub 8

This may be the easiest thing to bake on earth! I like to believe that I am on my way to being a pretty good cook, but in no way do I think I will ever be a good baker. This is because baking takes two things I lack: patience and measurements. I never measure. Ever. I eyeball EVERYTHING! Usually this works for me, but about 7 Boston Cream Pies later I learned it does not work for baking. I have found a loophole though. I can bake something delicious using only 1 bowl, 1 spoon, and 1 measuring cup! It is none other than...

Peach Cobbler

Ingredients:
- 5 to 7 ripe peaches (or two cans drained)
- 1 cup self rising flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup milk
- 1 stick butter
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350.
Slice and skin peaches into wedges. Melt butter in the 8x8 glass pan in the oven. Remove from over and add the peaches. GENTLY mix flour, sugar and milk. Pour mixture over the peaches and butter and do not stir! Bake in the oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Serve with vanilla bean ice cream!

i'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaack


Ok, I know. You don't have to yell. I have been gone a while. I am SORRY! I could come up with a list of excuses such as a 2 week mission trip, a new kids ministry, tutoring, and vacation, but what good would that do? So I will stick with a simple "I am sorry and it will never (cough) happen again."

Forgive me???

More to come!!!