Something fun to do with the kids!

AGCC FAMILY SKATE NIGHT

 

SKATE AMERICA 4357 BR0ADWAY GROVE CITY, OHIO 43123

Sunday, March 4th 7:00p.m.-9:00p.m. ALL CHRISTIAN MUSIC Invite your friends and family, bring your skates, and come out for a great time. Admission is FREE!!! Bring your own skates or skate rental is $3.50 for regular skates or $5.50 for speed in-line. Concessions will be available for purchase. For more info… contact Kelly Messina at 614-429-8880 or kellmessina@yahoo.com

Strawberry Vinaigrette

I had gotten lucky with some incredible strawberries on sale and the smell of them got my brain to working. I looked through my pantry and thought a nice strawberry vinaigrette would go wonderful with Tilapia we were having for dinner. I looked around and didn't find a recipe that I was totally thrilled with, so I went ahead and used several to make up my own. Hope you like it. :-)

Ingredients:

          1/3 cup red wine vinegar

          2 T. honey

          2 T. Dijon mustard

          2/3 cup olive oil

          1 full cup fresh strawberries

 

 

Directions: 

All the directions I found for recipes wanted you to whisk this then add that, do this. I am all about it being easy, so I pulled out my handy dandy Ninja blender.

I put in the strawberries first then added the vinegar and all the other ingredients then pulsed until I got the consistency I was looking for.
I didn't use any special salad, just an old fashioned lettuce, tomato and cucumber salad. I am sure it would be great on a spinach salad as well. Even the kids loved this one :-)

God's Fingers

 "When I consider your heavens,
   the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
   which you have set in place,
 what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
   human beings that you care for them"?          Psalm 8: 3 - 4

Today has been one of those days that I think about God's gifts and what he is able to do for each of us. I was told by my doctor that I probably have arthritis in my fingers and hands and other joints. As an almost 38 year old, I am saddened by this news but am not so surprised since the pain has put me into tears so many times in the past few weeks. I did get the greatest reminder this afternoon that it is going to be okay. I snapped this picture in front of my house just a short time ago. On the same day that the doctor told me that my use of my fingers was going to be limited by arthritis, God gave me His. He showed me that His fingers will always be reaching from Heaven to lift me up and to give me the strength that I need to move on each day no matter how bad I am hurting.

My Dearest Father, Thank you so much for the reminder that you are always here. Despite the pain in my fingers and the difficulties I might face due to that pain, I know that your fingers are here to hold me up and to do my work. You are the reason for it all, and I am so very grateful that no matter what is going on in a day, I can look to you for anything and everything. In your Son's most precious Name! Amen.

For Better or For Worse

com·mit·ment   [kuh-mit-muhnt]

noun

1. the act of committing.

2. the state of being committed.

3. the act of committing, pledging, or engaging oneself.

4. a pledge or promise; obligation: We have made a commitment to pay our bills on time.

5. engagement; involvement: They have a sincere commitment to religion.

I am thinking about the meaning of the words we use in our wedding vows. For better or for worse, no matter what happens. Whether he forgets to put the cap on the toothpaste or she leaves hair in the drain. Whether he promises you something and breaks your heart when he changes his mind or she says she loves you only to never show you an ounce of affection. We make this promise with "God and these witnesses." But is it for real or is it just empty words we say because of tradition?

Commitment as defined above (courtesy of dictionary.com) is clearly a mindset - a way of thinking that will allow both you and your spouse to weed through this insane jungle that has become a "stronger" relationship. That C word (commitment if you aren't reading closely) is quite important when we face those conflicts that come with any marriage. The number one reason for divorce right now is "irreconcilable differences," but God calls us to a higher kind of love that will resolve those differences. Love is defined as a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection. but I can say that I love food... I love my children... I love reading..... I love my husband.... I love chocolate.... I love the smell of the air after the rain. These are not listed in any particular order, but you see my point here? It's a word that is used as flippantly as our vows. The level of love is so very different for each of them. Love can be friendship and companionship, natural affection, physical attraction. No matter what it is, if circumstances change, love might change. 
Maybe today you look at your husband, realizing this is not the man you married. You pause and wonder what happened to that man. Is this guy living in your house anywhere close to the incredible man you once stood at the alter (or the copier- my friends will get that one) with and professed your true love "for better or for worse." Maybe he has put on some weight? Maybe he has developed a grouchy nature? Maybe he doesn't fight with you with the spirit he once had? While you are thinking of that, I want you to also think, maybe you aren't the wife he married! Are you doing everything you can to show him in a way he understands how much you love him? Are you communicating with him on a level that is suitable for him (NOT YOU)? 

 There are some very strong barriers in relationships that work against us building a strong commitment with our husbands. This isn't by chance, it is challenging by design. We are human and we do things that step in front of that love.
Toby Keith sings the song, "I wanna talk about me." That comes to my head right now because of the verse. 
I wanna talk about me
Wanna talk about I
Wanna talk about number one
Oh my me my
What I think, what I like, what I know, what I want, what I see
I like talking about you you you you, usually, but occasionally
I wanna talk about meeeeee
I wanna talk about me


We are self-centered people. Because we are sinners we centralize our sin into self-gratification. Guess what, Princess, it's not about you!! It's about both of you (all of you if you are a family).

We all have baggage, both emotional and spiritual. Dara Maclean sings "Suitcases."  which gives us a great perspective on this. Past experiences, especially those sins and habits that are unresolved, haunt relationships- marriages. We must deal with these before God. Sometimes it takes help, but we can all find that freedom we seek as long as we commit to making changes and actually LET GO!

"Busy doing nothing" ? Is this you? Do you do so much that you don't have enough meaningful time to spend together nurturing your commitment? I feel like this sometimes, but you have to push through and schedule time in, no matter what is going on.

"Love is not a fight."  We don't always know the true meaning of marriage, but I can tell you that it's not fighting all the time. If you have never seen an example of a healthy marriage, it's going to be hard. But know there are others around you that want you succeed! It's not about who can yell the loudest or gets in the last word. Love is not a fight, which brings us to our last point.

Commitment includes speaking with your spouse. Not just a "Hello" when you walk in the door, but REAL communication. How you do that or fail to do that is crucial in a healthy marriage. Don't let words end what you worked so hard to build.

I'm not a professional, although my friends will say I play one at the local coffee place when they need a shoulder ;-) You know who you are and that I love you no matter what is going on. One thing from talking to those friends and others around me that is obvious... If a couple is committed to one another, then no matter what obstacles or barriers are in place, they will somehow manage to make it work. Love never fails! God is capable of bringing healing to any crisis, but you have to trust Him and let your heart trust Him. You must also be willing. Remember, our God is a God of love. He does not destroy and He doesn't fail for better or for worse.

Jesus: A dog person or a cat person?

Oftentimes, we hear people talk about how they are a dog person or a cat person. I'm a dog person by default because I have a severe cat allergy. Would I prefer cats if I could, probably not. They just kinda annoy me, if I'm being honest. (Please do not send me hate email if you are a cat person! We all just have different tastes). Beyond that, I just had an off the wall thought and was wondering if Jesus would have been a dog person or a cat person. I am not talking negative about religion. This is just a positive discussion about dogs and cats (again, please no hate email since this is all in fun).
After careful inspection of the Bible, I found something very interesting. It is my opinion that Jesus was a dog person. There is no mention of the domesticated cat in the Bible. It's actually the only domestic animal that isn't in there. I searched high and low. It's not in there. The cat is not in there. My allergies say THANK YOU. :-) Another point to make is that cats tend to be connected with Satanic things. Definitely not something you would associate with Jesus. Does this question matter one way or another, no, probably not, but it's fun to think about something that seems minor. Do your own investigating. Get in the Word and find out what you think the preference is and let me know.
In the meantime, I'm thankful that God gives us pets that we can love and that love us unconditionally.

God, thank you for the such an amazing world and the gift of letting us share our lives with our pets. You made animals and love them dearly. Even heaven will have animals – the Bible tells us this. The way we treat our animals and care for them can be a great bridge for us to understand how you care for us. And the way the our animals respond to our love should be a great example to us – a picture of how we can respond to your love. Bless our animals and our friendship with them. Help us to honor them as you honor us. Help us to trust you as they trust us. In Jesus' Name.        Amen.

Sibling Rivalry Gone Right

Sometimes having both a 7 year old and 10 year old is tough, especially when you note they are both boys.. strong willed boys. Boy do they ever fight!! Oh my Heavens, do they fight!!
But today, I got to see their competitive sides in a positive light. You see, we are members at our local Y. We love going there, and my boys really love going  on Wednesdays because Wednesdays are swim days for them. Their age group goes swimming, and they completely enjoy it. This afternoon when they got out of school I gave them a challenge, the dirtiest challenge in our house.
Daddy said they could go to the Y for swimming tonight if, and ONLY if they helped scoop up the Winter poop. Yes, we have a dog and yes, we are that kind of family. We don't clean up poop when it is freezing, unless we find we have no choice. It has been a few months, but not terribly bad out there since we have had such a mild Winter. But it was still bad. So, my boys took on the challenge and made it their goal to get done in record time with the scooping process.
I looked on so proud from the comfort of my warm office (hee hee. In my defense, I have frozen most of the day away in this frigid 50 degree weather. ;-). I watched my boys taking turns and then to top it off, as they wrapped up, they decided to play baseball to start warming up for the season. So they got along for not one, but two things!!!
As amazed as those moments left me, right now as I type this, I am watching my sweet boys playing a game on the iPad TOGETHER. There are no shouting or arguments. There are no fights happening. Just amazing joy as I hear them play. As a Mom, I can't help but wonder if there is some sort of ulterior motive, but for now, I'm just going to enjoy the happiness. :-)

What is your greatest achievement in life?

Sometimes, we have questions that are asked that we can answer quickly without hesitation. Sometimes, we have those questions that give us pause and make us wonder exactly which answer is most appropriate.
This, to me is one of those questions in the latter. I think about things I consider achievements and wonder if that was my greatest, but then I think of yet another and wonder about it.
It's hard to determine what truly is my greatest achievement, if you ask me. There are so many to select from when you get as old as me, but I have to say that my greatest achievement would have to be difficult to just say as being only one. My greatest achievement would have to be the incredible blessing of having my three beautiful children. But, now is that really my achievement? hmmm, so what would my achievement be?
I think it is yet to be determined what my greatest achievement in life is, but what I hope one day is for my children, my truest blessings, will remember to as being a good Christian Mom. If I ever get to that moment, then I will definitely have a greatest achievement of which I can be proud.

Speak amongst yourselves. :-)

Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Cookies (Allergen Friendly)

I like to make these cookies in a regular batch than freeze it and cook them up as "needed." :-)  We make adjustments to our recipe as needed for our allergies and have put recommendations for those that we do not substitute on our own.
** Please be sure to check all of your products to make sure you are using allergen-friendly ingredients.

Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Cookies

Ingredients:
1 cup softened butter (We use I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!, but be sure to check the label as the company covers themselves by stating that each batch could be formulated differently.)
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs (We use Ener-G Egg Replacer. My hint with baking with this is to be sure to mix it up properly and whisk rather vigorously)
2 1/4 cups all purpose flour (again, if there is a wheat allergy or celiac in the family, select an appropriate flour for your cookies).
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
2 cups chocolate chips (I DO NOT use the named brand because they are often made on shared equipment with peanuts/tree nuts. Our Kroger brand are friendly for our allergies. But your allergies are unique to you. There are dairy-free and gluten-free alternatives out there that are widely available.)
2 cups mini marshmallows (These are optional. We like to add them for a different taste.)


Directions:
Preheat oven to 375.
Cream butter, sugar, brown sugar and vanilla in large mixer bowl until light and fluffy. While that is mixing, make up the egg replacer. Add "eggs" and beat well. Combine flour, baking soda and salt in a separate bowl and gradually add to creamed mixture. Beat this well, then turn off the mixer. Using your favorite utensil, add chocolate chips and marshmallows by hand.
Freeze or Bake.
Baking Instructions -- Drop by teaspoon onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned. Watch these close right around the 7-8 minute mark as the marshmallows will completely melt and make the cookies stick to the pan if you are not careful. Cool slightly, remove from cookie sheet, cool completely on wire rack. (If they make it that long ;-)

 

This recipe makes about 6 dozen cookies. It tends to last us for a good month in the freezer only making a few at a time. Enjoy!

***Disclaimer: I caution you not to eat raw cookie dough, especially one made with eggs. I do not recommend this, nor do I condemn it. You eat it at your own risk though, so please keep that in mind with those late night trips to the freezer.

This post was shared at Allergy-Free Wednesdays. 

Is it Legos?

In the past 24 hours, I have had three conversations and been led to numerous Bible verses about our words and building up your family members. I even felt led to speak to my boys about it this morning at breakfast. It's everywhere for me right now. I am working to try to be positive and to think positive thoughts to have better outcomes in my life and the lives of those around me.
Wake up achy and stiff. not get enough sleep. someone else is grouchy. just get up on the wrong side of the bed... These are all things we face on a daily basis. Things that could make or break out day. I have been getting up lately (late more often than not) asking myself, how are you going to be today. Sometimes I didn't win the battle, but today, I come at it with a different attitude. (It's a good day despite the pain and frustrations of being busy). Do my joints ache yet again? Yup. Did my children act a  little rowdier than they should have this morning? Yup. Do I have to get my entire house clean before the friends I invited show up tonight? Yup. Do I need to do baseball sign ups, swim lessons, workout, work in general? Yup, Yup, Yup, and Yup. Am I gonna let the crazy of the day overwhelm me? NO WAY!!!
This morning, God led me to this Bible verse (because no matter how crazy life is, there is always time to be in His Word).
"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers." Eph. 4:29 

So I think about it. Am I building my family up like Legos or am I the one waiting and knocking them over? My focus today is going to be on the obvious, positive words. Words to build up, not knock down.  But it's more than just building for me, I want the world to know what an incredible husband and wonderful children I have. This isn't a secret to keep to myself! Everyone should know that my husband treats me like a princess. I am so very well cared for and feel like nothing can stop me as long as he is with me. My children, Oh my word, I treasure every sweet moment with them, and while they work hard to drive me crazy, I STILL love them and want everyone to know they truly are great kids! So, today, I'm building some Lego buildings, how about you?

Brown or White

Hi, My name is Kim and I'm all about the color.

Have I lost my mind you ask? No, I love brown!!!  And I'm not talking about UPS. Brown eggs. That glorious outer shell of the egg that tells me it has a delicious and delectable egg that I want to eat inside. There is something about a brown egg that just tastes better.

But when preparing for this post, I came upon a shocking revelation! Brown eggs are no different than white eggs. GASP!

Where on earth, Kim, you ask. Seriously, I was just as surprised. I hope you were sitting when you read it yourself. I was in such shock, but it was an expert in the field.  Amy Batal, PhD, assistant professor of poultry nutrition at the University of Georgia is the one who has declared that fact. When I read it, I just stared at her picture on the page as my bottom lip hit the floor. Batal said the only difference between the eggs are the breed of the hen. WHAT????? All these years.... So Long, I have loved  the brown only to find out there is no reason for it? Sigh.

According to Batal, "Breeds with white earlobes lay white eggs, while breeds with red earlobes lay brown eggs."

Again, shocked! I couldn't believe her, so I went to the experts at Eggland's Best. Imagine how appalled I was to find out she was telling the truth!!! NO JOKE! The TRUTH. And the quote from them, "Shell color has little relationship to egg quality, flavor, nutritive value, cooking characteristics or shell strength" My hopes at redemption were crushed. My thoughts all along have been wrong. There is no difference other than the color.

Unlike my American counterparts, I prefer the brown despite the fact that freshness in an egg is the most important factor. Despite the fact that I cannot justify my preference, it's still that.... a preference. I will not allow the experts to sway me, instead I will continue to enjoy my brown eggs and wish I wasn't any wiser. :-)

Happy Valentine's Day

Today is Valentine's Day and rather than have any drawn out blog post, I thought it would be nice to have a simple post for our Talk to Me Tuesday.
I would love for my readers to share their favorite Valentine Memory.

How to Boil Water (without burning it)

When Wade and I got married I was worried. I wasn't worried about being married or getting used to living with another person or any of those things you would consider "normal." I was worried that I would kill the man with my cooking. I would seriously have nightmares over it.
Then, it happened. No, I didn't give him food poisoning. I burnt the water that I had on to boil for the hot dogs. How do you mess up water you ask? Well, you just do. Take it from me and don't laugh. ;-)
So in an effort to save you from messing up what seems like an easy task, I have dedicated my Mealtime Monday to  the art of boiling water. This post is meant to be informative for the beginning cook as well as a more seasoned cook (pun intended).

• As tempted as you might be to use warm or hot water from the tap to get it to boil faster, don't! This water is sitting in your pipes or hot water heater. It is getting stale. You wouldn't drink flat soda, so don't cook with stale water. It's better to cook with and drink cold water.
• Water bubbles. Did you know those small bubbles at the bottom or sides of the pot are not actually boiling water? They are air bubbles that are already in the water. They don't mean it is getting ready to boil. Wait for those bubbles to go to the top of the pot.
• When water starts boiling, it stays the same temperature for the entire time it is boiling. Remember your science lessons (I really did learn something from my high school science teachers). Water boils at 100°C or 212° F. Don't worry, you don't need a thermometer for this because it's all in the bubbles. They will let you know when it is boiling. I am starting to feel a little bit like Alton Brown. hee hee.
• Make sure you use a pot that is large enough to hold the amount of water you want to boil as well as any food you are putting in for cooking. And check to ensure you have a lid that fits should you need to use that.
• The MOST IMPORTANT thing to remember is do not ever ever ever let your pot boil dry, you will not only ruin the pot but will also possibly catch something on fire. Take it from someone who has been there. 

It's not rocket science, but there is science involved. Be sure to select the right pot and the right lid, but the rest is just basic attention to what you are doing. Make sure you you slow down and pay attention to what you have to do with your recipe. If you don't read it in advance, you could make a mistake that is monumental, like burning the water. :-)
Enjoy, my friends!

The Secrets of your Heart

"He knows the secrets of your heart." Psalm 44:21


I've said it and heard it what seems like a million times, God knows EVERYTHING. He always knows what you are thinking and what you are going to do before you even decide. He knows us better than anyone, even ourselves. He knows when we are telling the truth. He knows when we are lying and being false.

Think about yourself like you would a house. When I was a child, I hated going into our basement (I'm sure it stemmed from some sort of horror movie). It scared me. There was the cellar down there that I swear, I heard noises and could have sworn there were evil spirits in there. I think of that cellar as my most inner heart. What is in there? Is there fear in the cellar? Shame? Anger? Self-doubt? Pride? There could be a number of things.

We live in a secular world, one that we are accepted by other people's perceptions of us. We are accepted when we are thin enough, pretty enough, talented or rich enough. Unfortunately, being judged by the world standards leaves us feeling inadequate.. Alone. We are isolated from relationships that are meaningful. Those that could impact us the most with other people and the truth of God's Word.

But God doesn't have those rose colored glasses. HE KNOWS US!! We are his works of art, designed for something special. We are made to be loved by God and share those meaningful and loving relationships with Him and other people.

 

He wants the places of your heart to be filled with Him! Ever sit in a park and watch a Daddy with his child. He waits for the little one and holds his hands out for him to reach up. God is doing that. He's waiting for you to reach for His hand, allowing Him to lead you through each of those secret places you hold in your heart. He is waiting to help you proclaim His Name and His power as ruler over the things you are hiding. He wants you to know that He is your protector. He is keeping watch over you as you take this journey. He is lighting your life and your way. He wants you to feel free, without the burden of your fears.

He's waiting for YOU! Reach for him; it's okay. You can do it.


My precious Daddy, I need you. I thank you for being patient enough for me to come to you to clean out the cellar of my heart. I proclaim the Name of Jesus Christ, that you are the one and only ruler of my heart. Lord, free me from those areas of my life that I try to hide and open my eyes to the knowledge of those that I am yet aware of. give. Free me from my feelings of inadequacies and help me feel your power in my every day. I know you are with me, Lord. I know you will never leave me nor forsake me. I am so very forever grateful for that and praise you forevermore. In Your most Heavenly Name, Amen.

Snapshots of Love

So when I was thinking about Valentine's day coming up, I thought about what we could do as a family to celebrate the love we have. So starting next Tuesday and running through Thanksgiving, our family is starting a new tradition. 

We are going to create "snapshots" of each of us celebrating who they are. We will have a container that we will put these "snapshots" in. They will be simple papers that just say what they have done that make them who they are and over the course of the year everyone can add a snapshot to the container.

So when Alec cleans his room without complaining, I will pass out, then pick myself up off the floor and write a "snapshot" to add to the jar. These small papers could even include things like "dad helped me reach the next level in Mario" or "mom let me help make dinner." Read these little snapshots of honorable things and thank one another for giving care. On Thanksgiving, we will empty the jar and show thanksgiving for all we have done throughout the year. We can then start our collection of "snapshots" again for the following year.

Valentine Craft Project

With Valentine's coming up next week and the children all needing some kind of container that could hold their cards, I thought it was time to get creative. Now, I have three children who need these and have no shoe boxes around. Bags don't always hold up, but I knew that we could do a special craft with plates. I decided Styrofoam plates would hold up better than paper.

Gather all Supplies before getting started.

Supplies: (per project)
Two 10" Paper, Plastic or Styrofoam Plates
4' Ribbon or Yarn
Hole punch
paper, stickers and glitter for decorations
Scissors
Tacky Glue

Cut slit large enough to fit your valentines inside.

Cut a slit into one plate to allow for valentines to be put inside.

After adding your holes, bling it out!

Punch holes around plate approximately every inch. We put ours every three scalloped mark. You may find you have to do the plates separately if they are too thick as mine was. I also found that my 7 year old wanted to decorate to the edge. Keep that in mind before doing the holes.

Use Ribbon or yarn to weave the two plates together.

Using ribbon or yarn, weave the plates together, leaving an 8 " tail for hanging at the top. I recommend using a double strand of yarn if you choose to use it so that the plate is held together firmly. Be sure to have your child decorate the plate including their name if these are going to school.

Let your children be as creative as they want when making their Valentine's boxes. I didn't even realize there was a person here when he first got started. Loved the headphones he added to him when it was all said and done.

We even got one with Mohawks on the side. :-) Please note that he is the one that decorated the edges. Don't forget this is a two sided project. 

Have fun and enjoy the great craft time!

My Favorite Things

"Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes. Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes. Silver white winters that melt into spring. .... These are a few of my favorite things."
SING WITH ME. "When the dog bites. When the bee stings. When I'm feeling sadddddd. I simply remember my favorite things and then I don't feeeeeeellllll sooooo baaaaaaad."
Yeah, I didn't look up the words and yeah, I sing that one all the time.

Full Moons are a favorite of mine.

For Talk to me Tuesday, this week, I would like to know some of my reader's favorite things. I notice that a lot of you enjoy recipes and cooking quite a bit, but what else? Do you like to do some particular hobby? How about exercise?
I have a few crazy friends who absolutely love to run. I tell them the same thing as I have always said, if it isn't big, mean, scary and chasing after me, I'm not gonna run. ;-) But I am starting to enjoy making my fat sweat on a daily basis.
I also enjoy doing crafts, like crochet and home decor projects and LOVE to sew. I have made many quilts in my time and was all taught by my grandmother, which means my stitches are far from perfect, but my heart is always in the right place. That is what Grandma Perkins would always say.
I do enjoy cooking for my family. Lately we are working on some healthier options and love doing those. I love to include the kids. They all like to wear their aprons and do the odd jobs I give them to keep them busy while I'm doing the real work. Any of you that know me know that I struggle with giving over control of my tiny kitchen to anyone, so it's a stretch to get me to do that with my babies.
To go along with this discussion, I want to know what kind of Spring projects you are preparing to work on. Even the ones your significant other doesn't know about yet. :-) We all know you have something cooking in your mind, so share with us so that we might light that Spring Spark on this dreary Winter day.
Talk amongst yourselves, but be sure to share with us all.

Chicken Marsala with Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower

Chicken Marsala
Ingredients:
*Please note that all ingredients have alternatives listed next to them for allergy friendly cooking options.
1.5-2.25 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
(2 Tablespoons olive oil- I don't always use this as cooking spray is a good alternative)
Salt & pepper to taste
8 oz sliced mushrooms
3 t all-purpose flour- get creative with your flour. Gluten free is always an option, but there are many alternatives out there that you can use.
¼ c Marsala cooking wine- this cooks off, so don't worry about it. I use whatever white wine I have around so I'm not making an extra trip to the store.
¼ c chicken broth - I make my own, but check your labeling if you don't have a normal brand you use.
2 T chopped parsley

Directions:
Heat oil in large skillet over med-hi heat. Cut chicken into thin slices. Season with salt
& pepper. Cook chicken 3 min per side or until fully cooked. Place chicken on serving
platter; keep warm. Sauté mushrooms 3 min. Mix in flour, wine & broth. Bring to boil.
Cook, stirring often, 3 min or until mixture is thick. Stir in parsley. Serve sauce over
chicken. Get your Cauliflower started first as it will take much longer to cook than the chicken dish.


Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
Ingredients:
1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
2 T olive oil
1 t marjoram
Salt & pepper to taste
2 T balsamic vinegar - watch this as I have found some to have gluten in them. Just be sure to check before you purchase. This is a great vinegar to have on hand, even if you are not used to using it. Great with chicken dishes and other meats.
½ c finely shredded Parmesan cheese - there are some great cheese alternatives out there. I like the Veggies ones you can get in your regular grocery store.

Directions:
Preheat oven to 450°. Toss cauliflower, oil, marjoram, salt & pepper in large bowl.
Spread on rimmed baking sheet; roast until cauliflower starts to soften & brown on
bottom, 15-20 min. Toss cauliflower with vinegar & cheese. Return to oven; roast an
additional 5-10 min.

Enjoy!

This post was shared at Allergy-Free Wednesdays.

Are you eating God's words every day?

Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" Matthew 4:4 (NIV)

My husband and I are working on losing weight. We went to a restaurant a few weeks ago and decided to eat a big meal. We knew if we ate it, we would feel miserable. It was something we were willing to deal with afterwards. Do you know that we are told as Christians we should eat god's Word and that it will be joy and strength to us? Not something that will only bloat us and make us feel gross, but something meaningful for our lives. (Jeremiah 15:16, Matthew 7:24-29, John 15: 7,11)    

Ezekiel was a prophet who was told by God to eat his Words which were written on a scroll. While the command seems odd, it was a visual lesson to show Ezekiel and others what God wants us to do with His Word. God desired for Ezekiel and the rest of us to allow His words to saturate our hearts and minds so that we can speak and live them. They are there for our nourishment, for our hearts. (Psalm 119:97-105, 1 Peter 2:2)
    
The voice (God) said to me, “Son of man, eat what I am giving you—eat this scroll! Then go and give its message to the people of Israel.” So I opened my mouth, and he fed me the scroll. “Fill your stomach with this,” he said. And when I ate it, it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth. Then he said, “Son of man, go to the people of Israel and give them my messages...So don’t be afraid of them or fear their angry looks, even though they are rebels.” Then he added, “Son of man, let all my words sink deep into your own heart first. Listen to them carefully for yourself...Ezekiel 3:1-11 (NLT)

The picture of Ezekiel eating a scroll, often made of leather or parchment sheets is actually pretty gross. I don't see myself eating a book anytime soon, but as you can see in the scripture above, it ended up being sweet. God's words are life to our soul. God's words are better than cookies and cakes to Christians, even those words of judgement. As Christians, His words bring us salvation and teach us to be more like Jesus.

We should read, study and memorize God's words daily so that we know them enough to alter our thoughts and actions. There will be times when we are out and unable to have our Bible right in front of us. It is our reference book in which we should study and become familiar with. So many times in life we are faced with days and decisions that we cannot make without God. Knowing His word, helps to ease those decisions.

There are many ways to start your journey into The Word. I am not an all knowing individual. I am human and while I do completely enjoy my time of devotions I am unable to know it all. I hope I grow each day through my readings, but I know there are days when I am just going through the steps with no real thoughts to what I am reading or what I am praying. I am challenging myself to do my best to focus on what I am studying. I challenge you to do the same.

In Christ,
Kim :-)

Praises to the King!

The world lost a great man yesterday. I can say that I never had the privilege to know "Big Dave" Bompart, but he reached through the tv and computer and touched the lives of so many of us. I first saw the story of his shooting in Haiti on tv. All I could think about were my dear Christian family members serving in Haiti and how they had just heard gunshots in their area just days before Dave's shooting. It made me start to think about the safety in the area and what God has in store for my friends and all those serving.
But as we all went through the week on Facebook and through the tv, we heard updates on Dave from his dear wife Nicolle. She poured her heart out and showed a faith so strong that it was contagious. Many of us watched videos of those worshiping in the waiting room as Dave clung to life and gave us a week to learn of his story and seek God's grace. Throughout this entire week, all of my prayers not only included Dave and his family, but also those non-believers who were hearing his story and were seeking answers themselves.
So, today, I wanted to be sure to send Praises up to the King and thanks for the extra week that Dave had on this Earth to touch other's lives in ways they never imagined. I was thinking about it last night and as I prayed and thought about sending condolences to the family, I also know that while it helps sometimes to hear we are sorry for your loss, sometimes all you really want to hear is Praise the Lord for your loss. I know that sounds strange to some of you, but as a Christian, I truly believe that it is a joyous moment to have a death of a believer. Mercy Me sings the song, "I Can Only Imagine" that talks about how we can't really know what that day will be like when we meet our Lord and Savior. We don't know what Heaven is like, but we can imagine how incredible it will be to be in the presence of our Maker. Big Dave is in Heaven now and He is so happy to be Praising his King and sending down Heavenly hugs to his sweet family and all those who have played a role in his life.
My thoughts are with  Nicolle today. I pray that God give her peace as he did Dave and that He shows her His will in her life from this point.
Rest in Peace, Big Dave.

Waves of Mercy

There are many missionaries in Haiti doing God's work, but there are a few that hold a special place in my heart. Madame Diana and Papa Larry. They are family. The two have been part of my family for over a decade now, and I had the privilege of interviewing them for a newspaper article updating our community on the conditions in Haiti as they stood last summer. Papa Larry had heart surgery just before our interview and was looking forward to getting back "home" to Haiti. I want to share that story with  you now.

Missionaries bring Haitian experiences to local children

(by Kim Lunsford, staff writer - July 05, 2011)

Messenger photo by Kim Lunsford

Broken and shattered, a people stand amidst chaos with disparity and uncertainty.

The land that is Haiti in the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake remains a landscape of debris and broken lives. The already depressed country was struck down by the 7.0 earthquake which took the lives of as many as 316,000 people and shook the entire nation.

“Homes are shattered. Lives are shattered and broken,” Waves of Mercy missionary and co-founder Larry Owen said. “It takes years to get back to where it ought to be.”

Larry and Diana Owen run Waves of Mercy mission in Port de Paix and have been in the country for more than 30 years taking care of Haitian orphans, street boys and widows in need.

After starting their original mission, Northwest Haiti Christian Mission (NWHCM), the Owen family began raising their children to know the work of a missionary. Today, while home base is in Versailles, Ky., there are two of their children, as well as their spouses and their children, who live and work in Haiti alongside them running the NWHCM. For their retirement gift to themselves, The Owens’ created Waves of Mercy.

“There are people in Haiti who are starving to death just because they are starving to death. Then there are those who are starving to death because they were affected by the earthquake,” Larry said. “This is the kind of thing we face. Haiti is still very much in the healing process. Spiritually, and I have to be guarded how I say this, this is the best thing that has ever happened to Haiti. It was such a traumatic experience that really shook the whole world. What that did is put Haiti on a lot of people’s prayer lists that never even thought of them.”

Larry understands the pain and burden on the heart of the Haitians.

“Our business as a mission is to restore and release people,” said Larry. “It is to set them free from this burden that they have and just give them hope.”

“Madame Diana” and “Papa Larry,” as the Haitians lovingly call them, have been out of the field for a few months dealing with health needs. Larry was extra tired this past year after the earthquake. The work is tiring, difficult and labor intensive. A return stateside and a visit to the doctor uncovered a new challenge for the Waves of Mercy team. Larry had blockage in his heart and needed immediate bypass surgery.

“I have gone through the most difficult time in my life. It was so overwhelmingly shocking. The Lord literally carried me,” Larry said. “I know the Lord was preparing me for this challenge. I long to be with my people. They are family to me. As I struggle with wanting to be back in Haiti, I know there will be a time when I am ready.”

Larry said his surgery is similar to what the people are going through with the aftermath of the earthquake.

“Like the earthquake at first, it just seemed so terrible. It just seemed so unfair,” said Larry. “But what I have learned is compassion more than I ever have before and understanding. Through this struggle you can say one day, I have been restored. I have been released and I am at peace with my body. That is the same thing we are trying to do on the mission field.”

The wounds are still too fresh for many Haitians to see events through Larry’s eyes, but he believes one day they will say  it is a blessing.

“For them, those large number of people who died, I say, oh what a tremendous waste for them,” said Larry. “But for those who died, they caused a change in the country, they are patriots. When we fight our wars and we have victory and we set countries free, they are heroes. They didn’t die in vain. All these people who sacrificed for the country. For that we can take comfort. That is how I try to comfort our people in Haiti. They could have lived their whole life and not make a difference, but instead they did and what a blessing that is.”

Diana said, even though they are out of the field right now, the mission continues to function effectively at the hands of the oldest orphan boy who they raised and who is their minister. The programs set in place work with the Haitians to educate them and feed them among other things.

“There is still so much tragedy in Haiti,” said Diana. “God isn’t finished with Larry yet, and He’s not finished in Haiti.”

The Owens spent the past week with host church, Amazing Grace Christian Church in Grove City, celebrating with the children and teaching them about their work in Haiti during the week-long vacation Bible school. The children raised more than $1,000 to help support the mission of  Waves of Mercy.

Churches and individuals interested in getting involved in the work Waves of Mercy and earthquake aid can do so by contacting Lori Conley at (614) 506-3694 or at trousdalelori@yahoo.com. Donations of peanut butter, rice, beans, other non-perishable items as well as Clorox to clean water, white sheets for burial, sleeping bags and basic hygiene items are being accepted. Monetary donations will also be accepted through the website http://mercysaves.org.