Our "triad" bible study is reading through Philemon and Hebrews 1-6 this last week. This week we are unable to meet and the last couple days I haven't read my readings because we had a few extra days in between our meetings. Poor excuse, I know. One of the girls in our group canceled this week so we are meeting on Monday. I decided to open up my bible study booklet on the apostle Paul, and low and behold the last place I left off, is on the book of Philemon. It is not a coincidence. It is fun to see the puzzle pieces of life work together- I had to quit this bible study from Beth Moore because I wasn't able to comit fully every week because of babysitting issues, but now I know why. It is sooo encouraging and exciting to me to see God move in this way. I have experienced this week God moving in big ways and just stretching of my faith, just as I had prayerfully asked. God is so good. As for Haiti, I am always praying that people are being rescued.. that they get the help they need before it's too late. Although they are totally bombarded with patients.... those patients are getting rescued and the funds have come in to support that service. Now I am praying for space, strength, and healing.
Back to the bible study. I love how Beth takes a one page book of Philemon and just shoots me with tons more information that i normally would have never gotten. In a nutshell, Paul basically is telling Philemon that he should welcome in Onesimus. Beth gives background info that Philemon must have been rich enough to own a large house to have Onesimus as a slave. Onesimus must have run away and possibly stolen something : (verse 18) He also indicates that he might have led Philemon to Christ (verse 19) -- I would have never picked up on those things... also - Beth pointed out the significance of Mark in this passage. (Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ, sends you greetings, and so do MARK, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers) As I re-read Acts 15: 37-38, I remembered that John Mark was the reason Paul & Barnabas as separated... Paul was just not sure that Mark should be traveling with them because Mark had deserted them previously. Two things came about this, in my opinion. Barnabas and Paul separated to reach more people, instead of sticking together. #2, because of this argument between Paul & Barnabas, Paul speaks from experience in now letting Mark be apart of his fellow workers, even though he had a previous 'grudge' against Mark. Now they are both serving together for Christ.
So that's the furthest I've gotten , and I am so excited to come back to read more. It has been refreshing to me today to read and it reminds me of how much fun learning is. I am thinking about doing another bible study book myself this summer, along with my triad just because I just love being fed like this. I am still praying that I can really balance my time better and allow enough time to do the things God wants me to do- such as my readings, and pick and prioritize my exercising, cleaning and fun things like finishing kate's quilt or maybe even just resting. I am really hoping that I can discern the best things for me and the things that matter most. I hope this post makes sense... some times I am just so excited to share that I don't think about the words I am putting onto the page, I just write!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
our god saves
I am absolutely, 100% tired. Physically AND mentally. Today has been a really good day. I didn't wake up early or work out, or do my readings (plan to do that tonight) but I took advantage of nap time and got a lot done. Last night when we got back from grocery shopping, I rushed to get our turkey and potato ready for supper. (We left the Turkey cooking in the oven for 4 hours). Peter kindly did up the dishes and I gave the kids a bath. I can't even tell you how helpful that was. That saved me a lot of time!
When the kids went to bed, I organized three cupboards, our baking center, cleaned up our messy table, put away dishes, and swept the floor. I got rid of things that didn't belong in the kitchen and it just felt so good to get some of that stuff done. I sprayed the oven last night, too, so that when I woke up, I could clean it. I cleaned the top oven first while the kids were finishing up breakfast and waited to do the bottom oven when they went down for a nap. it is CLEAN now and I put aluminum foil to catch any further spills. I also made some black bean brownies, prepared for supper tonight, sewed two border strips onto my quilt, and messed around with some of kate's projects for her birthday. I also prepared some homemade Turkey stock in the crock-pot. That will cook for about 20 or so hours. Peter played with the girls so I could finish up the dishes again from supper and then the girls and I made some strawberry - rhubarb gluten free muffins. They fought a little but Kate really loves to pour and mix.... she had lots of fun. I am really looking forward to baking with her in the future, Lord willing.
Tonight I plan to sit with the heating pad if you know what I mean, and read Philemon and part of Hebrews. Tomorrow we have a fun play date planned with a family from church.
Today I tried to reflect and pray for the Haiti Rescue Center. You can read what is happening there.... can't imagine. This is their latest update:
When the kids went to bed, I organized three cupboards, our baking center, cleaned up our messy table, put away dishes, and swept the floor. I got rid of things that didn't belong in the kitchen and it just felt so good to get some of that stuff done. I sprayed the oven last night, too, so that when I woke up, I could clean it. I cleaned the top oven first while the kids were finishing up breakfast and waited to do the bottom oven when they went down for a nap. it is CLEAN now and I put aluminum foil to catch any further spills. I also made some black bean brownies, prepared for supper tonight, sewed two border strips onto my quilt, and messed around with some of kate's projects for her birthday. I also prepared some homemade Turkey stock in the crock-pot. That will cook for about 20 or so hours. Peter played with the girls so I could finish up the dishes again from supper and then the girls and I made some strawberry - rhubarb gluten free muffins. They fought a little but Kate really loves to pour and mix.... she had lots of fun. I am really looking forward to baking with her in the future, Lord willing.
Tonight I plan to sit with the heating pad if you know what I mean, and read Philemon and part of Hebrews. Tomorrow we have a fun play date planned with a family from church.
Today I tried to reflect and pray for the Haiti Rescue Center. You can read what is happening there.... can't imagine. This is their latest update:
Sunday, May 29, 2011
new meals--leaky gut diet
It's been about 4 or so weeks since Peter first began the detox diet. I gave reference to the "leaky gut syndrome" awhile ago.. I remember searching for meal ideas and really not coming up with anything. At that time, I was terrified. But now, I can say that I've got it, for the most part, under control. I don't always have a willing husband to try my recipes, but I am full of ideas. I wonder how life would be without the internet. I suppose I would have to buy lots of cookbooks.... and do less baking.
The first two weeks were strictly gluten, dairy, and sugar free... no potatoes, rice, honey, eggs, really- nothing. He could have beef, some pork, chicken, and turkey. We thought that was bad. The third week we thought maybe he'd be done with the diet soon... but he added oats, beans and honey into the diet. Hey, that's pretty good!! Peter was definitely happy and that's when I could use more of the recipes I had bookmarked. His meals included:
Hamburger, no bun, sauted onions. Steak. Grilled chicken with this rub: 1 T lime juice, 1 T olive oil, spices: garlic salt, onion powder, chili powder, salt, pepper (to your liking) Grilled Tilapia in a pouch with lemon juice, salt and pepper, onions; Roasted Turkey-- my trick, by chance, was roasting it upside down so that the dark meat's juices would drip onto the white meat. I would pat dry, rub down with olive oil, rub under the skin and pour olive oil in, also stuff with garlic cloves, lemon peel, and sprinkle with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and tarragon. Other variations: Steak and chicken kebabs, tacos with homemade seasonings, and really, lots of other things. Once the brown rice, beans and oatmeal were included, we had so much more to work with: black bean brownies (sorry, don't have the link, easy to find though!) we put gluten free oats in his shake that he was having daily (4 ice cubes, 2-3 frozen chunks of banana, his hemp protein mix, handful of blueberries, 1-2 whole strawberries, enough coconut milk / watered down pineapple juice to cover and mix to your liking) I like mine to be a little bit thick, and he likes his more watery. He could have oatmeal for breakfast instead of just his huge bowl of coconut yogurt and fruit. He also was eating turkey sausage and bacon from the health-food store for breakfast, for added protein. Once we made turkey and one ham, he would take those along too for a snack, for added protein.
The next week, though, with thinking he'd be able to open up another range of foods, to our surprise I received a phone call from Peter saying that they took a step BACK. His doctor took away beef, which pretty much was his main source of food during those two weeks (every other day was a hamburger or steak). So, one week without beef, the second week he cannot have ANY meat, and the third week he can have the turkey, chicken, and fish again.... although he should mostly have fish. Yikes! This was a huge blow to us, because we had such high hopes of opening more food. Like, maybe eggs. This was when I seriously began to shop around for bread mixes, different flours, and look for recipes including rice and beans. It was hard to find ideas at first but once I got introduced to the really good sites, I got more and more ideas. So, the first week on a beef-less diet included: another turkey. He really did eat turkey leftovers for a few days because he had to... he was busy in the field. I bought him some Italian chicken-type brats at Target that he thought was good. We had Turkey tacos, I also bought a gluten free rice tortilla at Hugos in the freezer section. We made homemade fruit roll-ups, dehydrated fruit, a young chicken roasted, Brazilian beans and rice , chicken-broccoli stir-fry (olive oil and lemon juice, tarragon marinade) and I really can't remember what else. It wasn't too bad...though we really did have it good when he could have his beef.
So, we are almost finished with week #2 in the no meats, and I can really say it's gone by well.. but only because I know people were praying for us! Strength is what we had. I came up with some good recipes to help get through this weird time and he actually liked them. For a moment, we thought he couldn't have oats again because his doctor told him he couldn't... but after a few days of cooked Quinoa and Buckwheat, he was craving oatmeal so he asked if he could buy the gluten free oatmeal, which was a YES, so that indeed, made him crazy-happy. The Quinoa wasn't that bad, really. Just cook 1 cup with 2 cups of water with some raisins, sliced thin chunks of apple, and in about 10 or so minutes it's ready. First soak in cold water for 5 minutes, drain, and then boil for 5 minutes and simmer for the rest, until the liquid is gone. I added blueberries because i love them.
So, the first dinner we had included veggie skewers on dirty rice. I got the recipe here . This is one of my fav. sites to look for recipes.
I made fried potatoes (originally baked and cut up when cooled, and cooked in olive oil with salt and pepper. The Quinoa recipe is here . I thought it was good, but i added too much spice so it was a little hard to eat. I bet these would be good on the rice tortillas. We put his on some salad.
Here is a photo of a really good blueberry breakfast 'cake' that i just made in my banana loaf pan. http://happyherbivore.com/recipe/blueberry-coffee-cake/
I made a successful bread loaf , but used Pamelas bread mix. I realized the trick is to not let it rise too high, because it will keep rising as it bakes, and while the oven is preheating! By the time my loaf got into the oven it was oozing out of the pan. Also, what worked was to put parchment paper on the sides so I could lift the bread out of the pan.
My pasta bake turned out pretty good. Peter really actually hates all pasta bakes, or usually prefers to eat them once a month... so for him to eat this and think it was okay... is good. :) I used asparagus vs. the zucchini that it called for and i obviously just made one single serving vs. a whole casserole. Nutritional yeast is quite cheap and it is supposed to be a vegan's 'Parmesan' cheese. I also used the yeast in the millet cakes, down below.
Other things I've tried, so far (worth writing about):
Bean Burgers
Blueberry Scones (Just a note, i used an egg replacer (you can buy this at the health food store) and used coconut milk with 1 T lemon juice) and then added 1 tsp guar gum. I added fresh blueberries, not chocolate or cherries. Because I didn't use an actual egg, these turned out more like a fluffy cookie... which is fine by me! It didn't rise as high as the picture even though I still used 2 tsp. of baking powder.
Best ever banana bread
Awesome pancakes
No Bake Glo Cakes
That's it, for now! tonight i spent at least a half hour making meal plans for the girls and I, and Peter... at least 2 weeks for the girls and i almost got through one week with peter. Its hard to know how to plan when some days he might be in the field.... one day at a time I guess!
The first two weeks were strictly gluten, dairy, and sugar free... no potatoes, rice, honey, eggs, really- nothing. He could have beef, some pork, chicken, and turkey. We thought that was bad. The third week we thought maybe he'd be done with the diet soon... but he added oats, beans and honey into the diet. Hey, that's pretty good!! Peter was definitely happy and that's when I could use more of the recipes I had bookmarked. His meals included:
Hamburger, no bun, sauted onions. Steak. Grilled chicken with this rub: 1 T lime juice, 1 T olive oil, spices: garlic salt, onion powder, chili powder, salt, pepper (to your liking) Grilled Tilapia in a pouch with lemon juice, salt and pepper, onions; Roasted Turkey-- my trick, by chance, was roasting it upside down so that the dark meat's juices would drip onto the white meat. I would pat dry, rub down with olive oil, rub under the skin and pour olive oil in, also stuff with garlic cloves, lemon peel, and sprinkle with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and tarragon. Other variations: Steak and chicken kebabs, tacos with homemade seasonings, and really, lots of other things. Once the brown rice, beans and oatmeal were included, we had so much more to work with: black bean brownies (sorry, don't have the link, easy to find though!) we put gluten free oats in his shake that he was having daily (4 ice cubes, 2-3 frozen chunks of banana, his hemp protein mix, handful of blueberries, 1-2 whole strawberries, enough coconut milk / watered down pineapple juice to cover and mix to your liking) I like mine to be a little bit thick, and he likes his more watery. He could have oatmeal for breakfast instead of just his huge bowl of coconut yogurt and fruit. He also was eating turkey sausage and bacon from the health-food store for breakfast, for added protein. Once we made turkey and one ham, he would take those along too for a snack, for added protein.
The next week, though, with thinking he'd be able to open up another range of foods, to our surprise I received a phone call from Peter saying that they took a step BACK. His doctor took away beef, which pretty much was his main source of food during those two weeks (every other day was a hamburger or steak). So, one week without beef, the second week he cannot have ANY meat, and the third week he can have the turkey, chicken, and fish again.... although he should mostly have fish. Yikes! This was a huge blow to us, because we had such high hopes of opening more food. Like, maybe eggs. This was when I seriously began to shop around for bread mixes, different flours, and look for recipes including rice and beans. It was hard to find ideas at first but once I got introduced to the really good sites, I got more and more ideas. So, the first week on a beef-less diet included: another turkey. He really did eat turkey leftovers for a few days because he had to... he was busy in the field. I bought him some Italian chicken-type brats at Target that he thought was good. We had Turkey tacos, I also bought a gluten free rice tortilla at Hugos in the freezer section. We made homemade fruit roll-ups, dehydrated fruit, a young chicken roasted, Brazilian beans and rice , chicken-broccoli stir-fry (olive oil and lemon juice, tarragon marinade) and I really can't remember what else. It wasn't too bad...though we really did have it good when he could have his beef.
So, we are almost finished with week #2 in the no meats, and I can really say it's gone by well.. but only because I know people were praying for us! Strength is what we had. I came up with some good recipes to help get through this weird time and he actually liked them. For a moment, we thought he couldn't have oats again because his doctor told him he couldn't... but after a few days of cooked Quinoa and Buckwheat, he was craving oatmeal so he asked if he could buy the gluten free oatmeal, which was a YES, so that indeed, made him crazy-happy. The Quinoa wasn't that bad, really. Just cook 1 cup with 2 cups of water with some raisins, sliced thin chunks of apple, and in about 10 or so minutes it's ready. First soak in cold water for 5 minutes, drain, and then boil for 5 minutes and simmer for the rest, until the liquid is gone. I added blueberries because i love them.
Other things I've tried, so far (worth writing about):
Bean Burgers
Blueberry Scones (Just a note, i used an egg replacer (you can buy this at the health food store) and used coconut milk with 1 T lemon juice) and then added 1 tsp guar gum. I added fresh blueberries, not chocolate or cherries. Because I didn't use an actual egg, these turned out more like a fluffy cookie... which is fine by me! It didn't rise as high as the picture even though I still used 2 tsp. of baking powder.
Best ever banana bread
Awesome pancakes
No Bake Glo Cakes
That's it, for now! tonight i spent at least a half hour making meal plans for the girls and I, and Peter... at least 2 weeks for the girls and i almost got through one week with peter. Its hard to know how to plan when some days he might be in the field.... one day at a time I guess!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
meal plan
Right now my kids are inhaling Peters gluten, dairy, and egg free bread/toast with peanut butter and honey. I am glad someone is eating it! This morning has been a really good day so far. Today was the prayer summit at church and my time slot was 5:15. A train went through at about 4am. and I remember looking at the clock thinking... oh no!! I have to wake up soon. It really wasn't hard at all. The minute my alarm went off, i was basically up. It went really well. I got my tea, I brought some banana bread (regular, not gluten free) and headed out the door. The prayer summit is a really neat experience if your church ever offers it. We started with 12, one -hour increments, and now its a full 24 hours! I am sure you're thinking..... how can you pray for a whole hour!? I would say 20-30 minutes is preparing your heart for prayer, praising God, cleansing and forgiving of sins, and then prayer. We get these prayer request sheets with 3 requests submitted by those in the church with things they want prayer for... and then we pray for them. We don't know who they are, we just know their requests. Also, it is a time to be fully silent, rebuking satans attempts to distract us, and we listen to God fill us with things we should be praying about. A really neat experience.
Today i am having a play date and making peter a protein salad... I'll let you know how it goes...along with the other meals i've made. and perhaps pictures. not anticipating that he will love it, or even like it for that matter, but hoping he can and will eat it. I have partially made a meal plan but dont have many lunch ideas. I asked him at least 3 times what I could make for him and he didn't offer any ideas, so I hope he is okay with this. Better go... busy day!
Today i am having a play date and making peter a protein salad... I'll let you know how it goes...along with the other meals i've made. and perhaps pictures. not anticipating that he will love it, or even like it for that matter, but hoping he can and will eat it. I have partially made a meal plan but dont have many lunch ideas. I asked him at least 3 times what I could make for him and he didn't offer any ideas, so I hope he is okay with this. Better go... busy day!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
random
Today starts the beginning of my husbands 'No meat' diet. So far I have made a pretty good bread (that he will eat) and I ended up using a premixed assortment of flours and then added extra ingredients. It turned out pretty good. The last couple days it has been rainy and cold so we really haven't at all spent much time outside, which has been hard for the kids (and me) but hoping it will warm up soon, especially so that the guys can finish seeding.
I have been researching recipes like crazy and coming up with some new ones to try- but the cost of food is sooo expensive and so I am hoping I can get through all the flour I bought and also hope that I don't have to buy anymore! We tried hot Quino cereal the last couple days, and it's pretty good. It fills me up and it's easy to make. I had that this morning with the gluten free bread with some jam purchased from the health food store. So far on my list this week, I have written down : Black Bean Burgers with homemade gluten free buns (wish me luck on those!!) pancakes, mashed potato bake, veggie skewers on dirty rice, Quino dish with veggies, and a few more. I think he also plans to have cold and hot cereals as meals at times too... lots of fruits and veggies. He still is not able to eat dairy, gluten and sugar along with oats and tomatoes, etc., but he IS able to have potatoes and rice, which is a huge huge praise because i'm not sure how he could get through it without it. It has definitely been a learning process and I guess I am grateful for the learning opportunity but I am hoping it ends soon. I feel so bad for anyone who has to do this long-term. Hopefully just a couple more weeks of this and we're done... though that is doubtful. I have enjoyed the banana & blueberry bread because it's tons more healthier and easier to digest -- and i'm sure if i have flour left i will continue to make those things. I have also enjoyed drinking tea, which i am totally not a tea drinker, but I found a really good tea that has been fun to drink.
This week we hope to till the garden and plant that, and just to be with the kids. I am still not working out regularly but waiting for the go-ahead from God. Today I read Philemon and Hebrews 1-5. I have been really hit with how much encouragment is needed daily and so I am trying to do more of that with my friends or just anyone I feel led to. My challenge to you is to go out of your way to encourage someone - do you ever feel nudged to do something nice for someone and then it fizzles away? Don't let it. Do it right away!! I have two things i'm doing today to be an encouragement to someone.
At church we are doing a prayer summit and I signed up for the 5:15 a.m. slot... I am sort of dreading it but I know it will feel so good once i'm done. A lot of random thoughts, I know, but that's who I am. Today I am thankful for friends who really do encourage me and who are not always against me. My friends who are constantly building me up. Thank you!
I have been researching recipes like crazy and coming up with some new ones to try- but the cost of food is sooo expensive and so I am hoping I can get through all the flour I bought and also hope that I don't have to buy anymore! We tried hot Quino cereal the last couple days, and it's pretty good. It fills me up and it's easy to make. I had that this morning with the gluten free bread with some jam purchased from the health food store. So far on my list this week, I have written down : Black Bean Burgers with homemade gluten free buns (wish me luck on those!!) pancakes, mashed potato bake, veggie skewers on dirty rice, Quino dish with veggies, and a few more. I think he also plans to have cold and hot cereals as meals at times too... lots of fruits and veggies. He still is not able to eat dairy, gluten and sugar along with oats and tomatoes, etc., but he IS able to have potatoes and rice, which is a huge huge praise because i'm not sure how he could get through it without it. It has definitely been a learning process and I guess I am grateful for the learning opportunity but I am hoping it ends soon. I feel so bad for anyone who has to do this long-term. Hopefully just a couple more weeks of this and we're done... though that is doubtful. I have enjoyed the banana & blueberry bread because it's tons more healthier and easier to digest -- and i'm sure if i have flour left i will continue to make those things. I have also enjoyed drinking tea, which i am totally not a tea drinker, but I found a really good tea that has been fun to drink.
This week we hope to till the garden and plant that, and just to be with the kids. I am still not working out regularly but waiting for the go-ahead from God. Today I read Philemon and Hebrews 1-5. I have been really hit with how much encouragment is needed daily and so I am trying to do more of that with my friends or just anyone I feel led to. My challenge to you is to go out of your way to encourage someone - do you ever feel nudged to do something nice for someone and then it fizzles away? Don't let it. Do it right away!! I have two things i'm doing today to be an encouragement to someone.
At church we are doing a prayer summit and I signed up for the 5:15 a.m. slot... I am sort of dreading it but I know it will feel so good once i'm done. A lot of random thoughts, I know, but that's who I am. Today I am thankful for friends who really do encourage me and who are not always against me. My friends who are constantly building me up. Thank you!
Friday, May 20, 2011
Thursday, May 19, 2011
rushed
if i could explain the last few days in one word, I would say: rush. I am rushing to get breakfast ready, rush to get everyone dressed, rushed to go to the park, rushed to come home and make lunch, rush to clean as much as I can before they get up... etc. It is FARMING season! and almost summer. I can't even believe it. Lately I have been exercising, well, okay, the last 4 or so months. The last month, though, I haven't lost but one pound. And it's been a huge struggle because when I wake up in the morning, I get through my bible readings and then someone wakes up. Also every time I tried to exercise, even during naps, it would get interrupted. I finally noticed that maybe God was telling me something. Take a week off. That's really what I thought I heard. I have been so stressed as to 'when am I going to get exercising in' or 'i can't keep the house clean b/c i have to exercise' or bitter because someone woke up early and i couldn't exercise. Today I was a much happier momma and I am so glad I listened. I hope that God will honor my efforts to be obedient in that even though it is really hard.
I honestly don't have much time to write because I am supposed to be in bed (but couldn't sleep) because my mind and body has been racing all day. It is hard for me to shut down sometimes. Tonight I prepared for a 4 layer carrot cake I was asked to make for a bridal shower on Saturday. I sure hope it turns out. So, I am supposed to wake up early tomorrow and start that... we'll see what happens. I am really glad that I prepared for it tonight though. i got all my dry ingredients out and measured, and I peeled all my carrots and set up the food processor so i'm all ready to go. I hope to be up by 6 or so... we'll see how that goes. I really should go though... just really wanted to write. More later!
I honestly don't have much time to write because I am supposed to be in bed (but couldn't sleep) because my mind and body has been racing all day. It is hard for me to shut down sometimes. Tonight I prepared for a 4 layer carrot cake I was asked to make for a bridal shower on Saturday. I sure hope it turns out. So, I am supposed to wake up early tomorrow and start that... we'll see what happens. I am really glad that I prepared for it tonight though. i got all my dry ingredients out and measured, and I peeled all my carrots and set up the food processor so i'm all ready to go. I hope to be up by 6 or so... we'll see how that goes. I really should go though... just really wanted to write. More later!
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