Gratitude

This is my mother. 

If you already knew that, you also probably know that we are close. VERY close. 

I think our closeness is a product of a few things; We spend a lot of time together; We tell each other everything, and the Lord has just given us personalities that allow us to be unusually close knit. But undoubtedly the biggest reason we are so close is because over the past few years we have had to walk through the same trials together. By the Lords grace, He has used it to strengthen our love for Him and our friendship.

The past few months have been heavy laden with stormy seas. One of which has been with my grandparents rapidly declining health. For the past 5 days my mom has been up in Pismo Beach, taking care of my grandparents, until arrangements for full time care-givers can be made. Trust me when I say, it has not been an easy task to take care of them.

However, this has been quite an eye opening experience for me. I've stayed home and had to be responsible for cleaning, laundry, cooking, our animals, and other tasks around the house.

Today I spent the whole day cleaning, and getting things ready for her to come home. The thought that kept going through my head was about how thankful I am to my mother for sacrificing her time to be a faithful steward of our home, with far too little recognition.

I am so thankful to have been taught by her, how to keep a home, schedule, and priorities. 

Praise the Lord for my dear mother whom I love so much! She is truly a blessing.

"She looks well to the ways of her household 

   and does not eat the bread of idleness. 

Her children rise up and call her blessed; 

   her husband also, and he praises her: 

 “Many women have done excellently, 

   but you surpass them all.”

PROVERBS31:27-29

Gourmet Spinach and Burger Salad (+seasoning)

The past few weeks, its been pretty warm here in LA., and I've found myself eating more salads. This salad is one of my all time favorite meals. Its so easy to make, yet interestingly gourmet, and a great alternative to just a plain 'burger and bun.' For the record, I think I also enjoy it so much because it includes three of my favorite ingredients. ;) This recipe makes a single serving.

Gourmet Spinach&Burger Salad

------------------------

INGREDIENTS::

+ 2 C spinach

+ 1 turkey burger patty, seasoned (recipe for seasoning is below)

+  1 T slices Jalapenos

+ 2 T crumbled feta or blue cheese

+ 6  rings yellow onion

+ 2 T balsamic salad dressing

DIRECTIONS:

1. Cook burger patty in an iron skillet for about 4 minutes each side, over medium high heat. Set on a plate to rest when done.

2. In pan used to cook burger, melt 1 T butter. When butter is heated place onion slices in pan and allow them to get soft. They are done when the onion is transparent and starts to brown on the edges

3. Bed the spinach in a large bowl. Cut the burger into cubes and place meat on salad.

4. Top with jalapenos, cheese, and salad dressing.

[I also like to add alfalfa sprouts if I have them, for a yummy treat]

enjoy!!

[[ BURGER SEASONING]]

I use this every time I make burgers. It makes a frozen patty taste great, and adds a yummy smokiness to fresh turkey or beef burger.

INGREDIENTS::

+ 2 1/2 T paprika

+ 2 T table salt

+ 2 T garlic powder

+ 1 T porterhouse seasoning

+ 2 t black pepper

+ 1 T white pepper

+ 2 t ground mustard

+ 1 t cayenne pepper

Just rub a bit onto each side of the patty before cooking.

Hello/Goodbye: Looking Forward to 2012

Time truly does fly when you're having fun. This past year has come and gone by so quickly. Looking back at 2011 I see growth, grace, and fruit. I was such a young Christian at the beginning of last year, and it is amazing to look back and see how the Lord, has molded and shaped me, a sinful wretch, for His glory.  He is my first love, and He is so faithful, even when I fail.

2011 brings me so much joy, as I look at how full it was. I started meeting with a prayer group with 5 other women, finished my first year of college, started a small group with 3 other women, and cultivated friendships that will last forever. 

Gods grace has been evidenced to me each day that I have had to live this past year, and I am nothing but thankful.

But as much joy and fruit this year has brought, I look back and see my continued need for a Savior. Each and every day I HAVE to rely on Him to be my strength and portion, or else I will fail.......miserably. I see my own sinful heart and how many times I listen to it, and wander.

 My prayer for this year is the same prayer David prays in Psalm 139

"Search me, O God, and know my heart! 

   Try me and know my thoughts!

And see if there be any grievous way in me, 

 and lead me in the way everlasting!"

Its important for me to always have a spiritual game plan and be prepared -- or else I will be easily distracted or lose sight of the true destination or purpose.

Some of my goals for 2012::

+ Cultivate a greater discipline with Scripture Memory

+ grow in evangelism

+ quick to hear and slow to speak

+ cultivate a more gentle and quiet spirit

+ be more discerning 

[and on the practical side...]

+ re-do my room

+ read 100 books

 + travel

+ finish my AA degree//start culinary school

But ultimately my only goal is to be more saturated with Christ each day

"To live is Christ and die is gain."

Philippians 1:21

a [warm] touch of fall:: Creamy Pumpkin Pasta (&&a playlist for rainy days)

Fall is without a doubt my favorite time of year. I love the weather, the food, the music, the clothing, the movies, and the fellowships that goes along with it. I love that we already have had a dose of rain here in Los Angeles, and i hope that it stays crisp and cool.
Below the recipe I listed my [rainyday] playlist. I love driving in the rain listening to good music :)

There was no better way to welcome in the first day of fall than by making a dish with pumpkin.
I love pumpkin in desserts, but this is the first time I ever cooked it in a main course dish, and it was fantastic. All the flavors melded together perfectly, and it looks and tastes like fall. I don't have a picture of the completed dish, because I was too hungry to stop and snap a photo of the final product. You'll just have to make it an see for yourself ;)

CREAMY PUMPKIN PASTA:: 

Recipe amended from www.momadvice,com

+ 3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced

+ 2 T olive oil

+ 1 pound chicken breasts; cut into long, thin strips

+ 2/3 C pumpkin

+ 2 C organic, no sodium chicken broth

+ 1/4 C half and half

+ 1/2 C sour cream

+ 1/4 t nutmeg

+ 1 t kosher salt

+ 1/4 t white pepper 

+1 t ground sage

+ 2 t fresh, flat-leaf Italian parsley

+ 1/4 C shredded Romano cheese
+ 1 Pound Penne Pasta 

I.Saute the garlic and olive oil in a large iron skillet over medium heat. Add in the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through; about 6 minutes. Remove garlic and chicken from the skillet, place in a bowl, and set aside.
II. Pour the chicken broth into the pan and deglaze the pan, using the wire whisk, until all the flavors have been brought up.
III. Whisk in the half and half, sour cream, pumpkin, and seasonings until all the elements are blended. Simmer for 10 minutes. 

IV. While the pumpkin mixture is simmering, cook the penne pasta until it is the texture you prefer. Drain the pasta and stir it into the skillet with the pumpkin mixture. After the pasta is evenly coated, stir in chicken and garlic. Allow the pasta to continue to cook until the sauce has thickened. Stir in the parsley.

V. Plate the pasta and grate the cheese over the pasta.

tips&&tricks:

     :: don't even think for a second about substituting black pepper for white pepper. They may have the same name, however they are not related. The white pepper adds a great hotness, that adds to the flavor, but doesn't overwhelm the dish. perfection.

       :: you don't have to use chicken, you can completely leave it out, making it a vegetarian dish, or use any sort of meat of your choice. I wouldn't recommend using a red meat or any type of seafood, however. Stick with white meats like chicken, turkey or even pork, or a type of sausage.

P.S.

[rainy+day] playlist::

Artist | song [s]
Jamestown Story | Ashamed
Barcelona | Pease Don't Go

Owl City | Plant Life / How I Became the Sea

The Band Perry | If I Die Young
John Mayer | Dreaming With A Broken Heart / Half of My Heart / No Such Thing / My Stupid Mouth / Heartbreak Warfare
Mark Ballas | Light On (HurtLoveBox version)

Maroon 5 | Just A Feeling / Won't Go Home Without You / Sunday Morning 

Keane | Somewhere Only We Know

Katy Perry | Not Like the Movies
Kill Paradise | Beautiful Color

Lady Antebellum | Just a Kiss / American Honey
Lifehouse | Beautiful
Lykke Li | Possibility
Bobby Darin | Beyond The Sea
Michael Buble | Save the Last Dance For Me / Feeling Good / Home / L O V E / Everything
Mumford and Sons | Awake My Soul / The Cave / Little Lion Man
Nat King Cole | L-O-V-E

OneRepublic | Apologize
Panic! At The Disco | Sarah Smiles
The Pussycat Dolls | I Hate This Part
Rob Thomas | Ever The Same
The Rocket Summer | Save
The Script | Talk You Down / Before The Worst
Taylor Swift | Enchanted
Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross | Hand Covers Bruise / In Motion
Adele | Set Fire To The Rain
Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zero | Home
Greg Laswell | Girls Just Want To Have Fun
Goo Goo Dolls | Better Days / Iris
Ellie Goulding | Lights
Frank Sinatra | Fly Me To The Moon
The Lion King | Can You Feel The Love Tonight? / The Circle of Life
Death Cab For Cutie | Summer Skin
Muse | Guiding Light

oops!

As I logged in to blogger today a sudden epiphany came to me:: I haven't blogged in a while. Almost 2 months to be exact. oops! I really intended to, however, things have just been so busy I haven't had time to put things down onto a blog post.

BUT

I have been cooking, a lot actually, and have lots of yum recipes to post:: as soon as I find time!
hope you all are doing well!
XO

B

:: One Year ::

I really don't know where to being writing this post. There is so much I could say, but really one sentence sums it all up; "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God"
[[Ephesians 2:8]].

365 days ago I was dead.
I loved being dead, spending time with people who were dead, and I was running as fast as I could to eternal death. 

One year ago, when I stepped onto the bus headed to Glorietta, New Mexico, for what I knew to be my final time going there as a student in Oneighty, I anticipated a few things; getting to spend the week with my friends and boyfriend, playing games, and just the overall 'fun' that is summer camp. Unaware as to what that week would truly bring, and how it would change my life forever. Eighteen hours later, we arrived and thus began the check in routine that was oh-so-familiar. The normal camp routine began; unpacking, eating meals, teaching, small groups, games, rain, injuries, laughing and minimal amounts of sleep.

On the morning of July 28th, halfway through the week, Rick Holland preached a message entitled "Uneclipsing the Son" (which has now blossomed into a book, you can buy that here; I highly recommend it.) His point was to challenge us by asking the questions "What is blocking you from the full splendor and glory of Jesus Christ?" and "What sins are you holding on to that are inhibiting you from either growth, or true salvation?". I knew the answer immediately. As soon as it popped into my head I began to rationalize; groping around in the dark to try to find an excuse to keep my sin, and appease my conscience. I didn't find one satisfactory, so i simply put the thought out of my mind. 

That night, the staff surprised us by announcing that Christian rapper 'Lecrae' was there to preform. I went into the performance, and after finishing the first song, he started talking to us. Explaining how we hold on so tightly to the things of the world, thinking they will give us happiness and worth; some sort of meaning and satisfaction. Urging those in the crowd to repent who had not found their identity in Christ. I knew he was talking to me and about me. Finally, after seventeen years of living for self, my eyes were opened to see that I wasn't truly a follower of Christ. I loved stuff, and people, and myself; but most of all I loved my sin.
I ran to find my small group leader, who wisely questioned me and laid the truth on me. As much as it hurt, it was the Lord showing me my sin, in a light I had never seen it in before - in light of his holiness. I always knew in my head that the Lord was perfect, but that night my heart knew it. Frightening as it was, I cried out to the Lord and begged Him to save me from myself, and asking to be redeemed in Christ, that I may submit my life totally under his control. 

" If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

1 John 1:9

The only reason I can sit here, typing these words today, is because the Lord is faithful and just, and has cleansed me from MY unrighteousness. The Lord is the one who has enabled me to forsake my sin for His sake; to hate sin and love Him. Naturally I am a lover of self and a enemy of God. Only He can reconcile me to Himself. 

He is the one who has made me alive.

Looking back over the past year and seeing how the Lord has transformed my life, is amazing. I could not have done it on my own. Enough knowledge or behavior modification couldn't have saved me, let alone changed my heart. I really have no words for it. I fail often, struggle daily, and often need rebuke. But through it all the Lord has been faithful and loving to me, illuminating my eyes to see truth, and has set a beat in my heart to love Him.

I have no idea why He would choose to save me, but He has, and His work continues daily, in ways I can't comprehend.

I just really love my Savior; He is the perfect redeemer, and ever faithful to Himself. 
I can not look back to July 28th and the events that took place that day in order to have confidence in my salvation. I look to the cross firstly, and to the Resurrection of Christ, which have secured redemption for those who believe. Secondly I look at the new heart the Lord has given me. I myself am a reminder that it is not of myself, but an unmerited, undeserved gift from the Lord. By Him I am a new creature. 

"The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love,
He will rejoice over you with singing."

Zephaniah 3:17

Stepping off that bus three days later, back in Los Angeles, was a whole different story. I looked forward to having the Lord work in me, and seeing which path He would direct me to, and how the rest of my life would play out.
Life, for me, began 365 days ago, and will continue for eternity. On this Earth for a short time, but with my Savior forever.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

"I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD;
Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD."
||Psalm 27:13-14||

| Cilantro Jalapeno Hummus |

A few months ago we were at Costco and they had some "Sabra" hummus that you could try. I've always loved hummus, so i decided to try to make it. It could not have been more simple; or inexpensive.
Its such a refreshing summer snack that i love - and healthy too!

[Unfortunately I have no pictures of my hummus; sad day]

INGREDIENTS:

\\ 1 can garbanzo beans or chick peas 

\\ 1/4 C of the juice from the can of beans

\\ 2 T olive oil

\\ 3 to 5 T fresh lemon juice

\\ 2 cloves of garlic; crushed

\\ 1 1/2 T tahini

\\ 1/2 t salt

\\ 1 jalapeno; sliced

\\ 3/4 C fresh cilantro

DIRECTIONS:

I. Combine all ingredients in a blender. Blend on high for 3 minutes, or until hummus is completely smooth.

II. place in glass bowl and refrigerate until chilled

tips&&tricks; 

     \\ tahini is a paste made from sesame seeds; don't leave it out, or your hummus will not be the same.

     \\ i usually eat this with pita chips from trader joe's. its the perfect afternoon snack!