...And I Don't even have kids.

That’s all I keep telling myself the past few weeks…. "And I don’t even have kids". It’s kind of like the times you step on the scale and see the number “xxx” and think man and I didn’t even put my second leg on. Or the time your at the grocery store and the cash register already says $90.27 and you look at the rest of the items to the left on the belt and realize, she didn’t even add the milk (which is now more expensive per gallon than gasoline). Or of course the days you wake up late, spill your coffee, answer 5 emails, do a  load of laundry, make food, clean up the food, and do some dish’s while your at it, and realize you didn’t even make it out the door yet.  Why… just why? Why does it feel like you think you’ve had enough, but then you look just a little beyond and realize the things you thought would fill up your life, your time, your money, the “extra” is STILL not added. Can you take any more?

            To be honest I have said this before and will say it over and over again. Life is crazy, it is hectic, it is non-stop and constant. And we my ladies are always at the forefront trying our best to stay in step. I am pretty sure it is our nature to try and do it all. We want to be wonder woman, but we just can’t seem to figure out why we can’t fit into our spandex suit and tackle the world. Just because the desire is there doesn’t mean we are capable of doing it. Trust me it is a hard fact for me to face- that I am incapable of conquering the world, though sometimes I may wake up thinking I can- of course after the third snooze on the two alarm clocks. The desire of many women is to be strong, and sensitive, to be joyful and persistent. She wants to care for her family, to nurture her children, to have a clean home and to knock off those last five pounds. And as one of my wonderful mother friends has said it recently “Something has got to give...and soon its going to be your sanity”.

            It’s so easy for me to see the other women in the church, and think man she has it all together.  She some how can manage to work forty plus hours a week, make a home cooked meal daily for her family of four, work out three times a week, and have the most perfect manicured nail. Does she go by the same calendar as me? Are there more than 24 hours in her day? I barely struggle to keep the dish’s and laundry up to date…and I DON’T EVEN HAVE KIDS!

The truth is none of us have it together, and none of us are capable of getting it all under control. We desperately need the help of others and most importantly the help of our Savior to bring us back to sanity. We need to reevaluate our standards, our busy schedules and our goals and truly surrender them to Him. God will give you the strength to do what is in His plan. And quite frankly if it isn’t to finish that last load of laundry the world will not end. Because no matter how much you get done today- you will still have a to-do list tomorrow.

Take some time today to think about your priorities. Remind yourself that you may not be able to get it all done, but ask what is most important? Try to take a deep breathe whenever you turn around and realize the table you just cleaned now has orange juice spilled all over, or the load of laundry you put in isn’t finished because you forgot to press start. All you can do is breathe, pray and ask God for strength and sanity to do the things you humanly can today.

Here is a yummy, healthy, quick snack! (to help you on the go, and for those extra 5 pounds!)

Kale Chips

Ingredients:

·      Bushel of kale (green leafy vegetable)

·      Extra virgin Olive Oil

·      Garlic

·      Salt

·      Pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Wash and dry kale. Cut leaves from stems and break into small pieces. Put on cookie sheet. Drizzle with EVOO and sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic. (feel free to  try out any other seasonings!) and then bake for about 10 minutes, until the leaves are crispy and browned. Take out and enjoy!

(I don’t recommend storing this because the leaves wilt and don’t taste the greatest. So make how much you plan to eat fresh out of the oven!)

Eat, Drink and Be transformed by His plan!

Sarah

Click to Check out this other blogger's post about realizing we don't all have it "together"

Step out in Faith

When I was 15 years old my father passed away. And one of my most vivid “lesson” memories of him was a time we were at the mall together. We were attempting to go downstairs on the escalator, after a long day of shopping and eating we were ready for home. So my dad is getting on the escalator in front of me, and I am right behind with my hands full, waiting for the right step to come to hop on. And I was petrified, and I couldn’t hold on and get a grip for safety. I freaked out and started to cry, and my dad said “just step Sarah”…but it wasn’t that easy I had no balance and I didn’t think I would be ready for the next one... While my father came back up to help me, I decided to just go for it and step out, I wobbled and was frightened but eventually made it to the bottom…The humorous thing about this situation is that every single time I come to an escalator I recall this instance and tell myself I can do it even when I don’t have balance at first.

Recently a friend of mine was explaining how she just didn’t know which path to take next in life. In fact she was planning on going back to school but didn’t know if she should leave her home state and step way out of comfort to try it out or not. And honestly the only advice I could give her, was to just step out. Honestly there are times we do step and loose our balance and fall, but how else would we have known if we were going to fall if we didn’t just step out. You don’t know what you won’t be able to achieve unless you try to achieve it- so go for it!

Now I want all of you to realize, I am not just blindly saying to go out and do or try anything. As you all should know I am an advocate for consulting your creator before anything else. And under all circumstances I strongly advise you to just pray and ask God for guidance. He is willing to provide it, but sometimes his plan isn’t obvious. And in times like that I encourage you to not fear and know that even though you may have little to hold on at first- there is hope!

God may be asking you to step out of what is comfortable and into something uncomfortable. But trying something new or being in an unfamiliar place may be the only way that He can grab your attention and tell you to fully rely on him and his provision.

What are you not stepping out in faith to do? Are you not trusting in the Lord’s sovereignty and strength to take care of your needs?

Since I haven’t been cooking much, I will give you a recipe from that great friend of mine I know is a good cook, and I trust! Try out this yummy icing for your brownies, add it to a boxed batch and it’ll taste delicious! (recipe credit: Kristen Hadley)

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons milk
• 6 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 dash vanilla extract

Directions

Combine the milk, butter, and sugar together in a saucepan and bring to a boil; allow to cook at a rolling boil for 30 seconds and immediately remove from heat. Add the chocolate chips and vanilla to the milk mixture and stir until the chips are completely melted. Pour immediately over warm brownies.

Eat Drink and Be transformed by Faith!

Sarah



Don't believe those lies!

Sometimes my thoughts decide to just run wild. Recently I have allowed my thoughts and feelings to take the steering wheel of my life and greatly affect if not decide my daily choices. Now I know a lot of you may want to check out here because you got this message… “take captive your thoughts”… “don’t listen to the lies”… “ allow the spirit to change your actions”… but really have we gotten the message? Or better yet, do we get it, but actually need to hear it over and over and over... I mean that advice is TRUTH! We as humans especially women are thinkers. We have the ability to express our emotions through a process that is sometimes a very scary one. But sometimes we must stop it in its tracks, when that process begins to suck life from our hearts. Did you get that, our thoughts have the ability to suck out the life from our precious hearts.


Right now I am at a point in my life where the thoughts won’t stop. Well to be honest it’s that monthly time, and it gets me good. I am miserable, in pain and emotional and all I want is chocolate. And everyday I am faced with multiple circumstances that push me to the edge. But the hardest part of it all is the fact that my mental state is not normal. I know I am not me and I can’t stand it. I think negatively of myself, of my relationships and of my life... And ladies, I know I am not alone! Wheather you experience this once a month or everyday, know it is a scheme of the devil.

I know that we as women often think that it’s inevitable to feel that your body isn’t good enough, you aren’t talented, or your husband doesn’t love you how he should. But that isn’t true; you can help fight these lies and inaccurate thoughts.

Since I am always struggling with the things I write about I want to share with you what I have learned and am trying to practice myself. We can fight it together!

So next time one of these thoughts seep into the cracks first acknowledge it. Don’t ignore it because wheather or not people tell you it’s a lie, doesn’t matter. It’s in your head and you need to admit that, in order to change it. THEN you can tell yourself, this isn’t true… and you will know its not true because you will continue to grow in truth the more you spend time knowing God and His character. So knowing scripture that combats you’re repeating lies (which I highly suggest), is a number one solution!
If your lies pertain to others, remembering scripture such as Galatians 1:10 really helps to put into perspective why you’re allowing this thought to threaten you. “Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

But in addition to God’s truth you need to know the truth of your relationships: your mother in law does think you are good enough, and your best friend does care about your life, you can trust your husband because he does love you. Know where you stand, and who you are and you will be able to acknowledge lies when they come up.

Affirm yourself that these thoughts are lies, and instantly pray about it.

Don’t continue to let the thought bring forth more negativity, don’t sit there and analyze situations, and make up fake scenarios when you know the truth.

My dear friends we can’t do this alone. But with prayer and continued attention to our hearts the Lord will continue to transform us. Trust that He has the ability to overcome your thoughts. Continue to Seek His word and His character!

Some verses to look up:
Romans 12:2
2 Corinthians 10:5
Psalm 139
Psalm 45:11

Well I never thought that people would actually enjoy one of my recipes, but here is one I am making this weekend, try it out!

Yummy Potato salad

• 2 pounds of Red potatoes
• 2 celery stalk
• 1 onion
• 5 hard boiled eggs
• 2 cups of mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon of vinegar
• 1 pound of cooked bacon
• Salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste

Scrub potatoes and boil. Allow them to cool completely for a few hours. Finely chop the celery and onion and combine in a bowl with vinegar salt and pepper and garlic, allow mixture time to sit to marinade. Chop the hardboiled eggs and cooled potatoes into chunks. Then combine vegetable mixture, egg, mayonnaise, potatoes, and bacon crumbled. Add additional salt and pepper to taste. And enjoy!

Eat, drink and be transformed by truth!

Sarah

When Seasons Change.

Fall is so soon! And I am so excited for everything that is to come in this next season. I absolutely love everything about fall. The leaves changing colors of orange and red, the pumpkin and cinnamon spices that fill our drinks, food and homes, and the warmth of heavier clothes on a breezy afternoon. It’s all so wonderful! Something about fall signifies change to me. Perhaps it’s the starting of a new school year, or maybe it’s the changes in nature. But either way it’s a new start, a fresh and exciting change- one that most of us anticipate with great joy.

However, there is a different perspective to the change of fall. School, for many, especially you college students, is not always a “joyful” change. And for many, the shortening of days only makes life seem to go by too quickly. There are negative aspects that can seep to turn a fun change rotten…
I’m beginning to see that change and times of transitions will always have their ups and downs. As a recent college grad, I am finding myself feeling purposeless and alone. A friend of mine recently pointed out how much sense that makes because when you put it into perspective, we spent four sometimes five years devoted to our sole purpose of studying and getting good grades, and now what do we do? My life has drastically changed. I moved into a new house with no roommates. I work a 9 to 5 job. I am not active in a sorority, campus ministry, or any extracurricular clubs. My nights end around the same time as my 82 year old grandmother…. Wow my life has done a complete 180. But within this change there has got to be a beautiful changing leaf, or a comforting cozy feel about something.

Change is often a good thing. Change signifies maturity and growth. We must change in order to become the women we are allowing God to make us into. Though it may seem scary it is a part of life that we can be excited. There is a reason why the leaves change in this season, and a reason why you may be experiencing discomfort in the new “season” of your life. Hang in there sister! Something good can come from all of this changing.

Sometimes when writing, I am reminded that often, when you are sharing/ teaching something, God just continues to make you go through it yourself. Well, I started this entry because I felt like God had been helping me to see how much he is changing me, and who I am and where I am in life for a great purpose.. But today He has continued to tell me this lesson is not over…

I came across a few definitions that we as women of God should be aware of. First is Salvation- it is a done thing. You accept that Christ is your savior, and the decision is final.

But the second key definition is Sanctification- which is a life long process of changing from one end of glory to another. We will be molded and changed constantly. If our hearts are ready, God will continue to change them- and it is a GOOD thing!

Sometimes it takes a move, a different job, a week of solitude, or a new obstacle for us to see our lives in a different perspective. How are you seeing the changes in your life as a growth opportunity? They are out there..and sometimes it may not be until after the next season that you realize how much you learned and now appreciate the changes from the one before.

For a Change… Try treating yourself to something sweet and delicious!

My suggestions are:

• A Cinnamon Dolce Latte @ Starbucks (and smell the aroma’s of fall)
• A piece of Dove chocolate (the “promises” are only an extra added bonus)
• The red velvet cheesecake @ The Cheesecake Factory (my favorite)
• A night with good friends and great conversation! (my choice)

Eat, Drink and Be transformed by Change!

Sarah

Not my stregnth.

Ever have to open a jar of something that is ridiculously tight? You try and try, but just can’t seem to snap it open. You run it under water, and grab a piece of cloth or something to try and get a grip on it, convinced you can do it. You even risk having the contents splatter every where just to prove we can get it open. Eventually some one else offers to help, or even worse you have to humble yourself to go out and hand over the jar and say “can you try and open this, I just can’t.” and with one try, pop and that baby is opened. Instead of refusing to admit that person could have been stronger, we claim we loosened it up or some how validate our incompetency. But actually wouldn’t it have been easier if from the beginning we acknowledged we weren’t capable and asked for help.
Sometimes humbling yourself to admit you just can’t do it is harder than continuing to try, or even picking up the mess when we make trying to do it on our own efforts.

Frankly I have begun to realize one of the hardest things in following a life pleasing to the Lord is humility. I mean honestly who wants to admit they can’t do it on their own strength. But the truth is that none of us can. And either we face the fact or continue to fight it and hide our weakness.

We are designed by God to be incomplete, and incapable. We all need him. We need His power and strength to do it all. You can’t stop sinning with out His strength and guidance. You can’t pay your bills, or get out of debt without His provision. You can’t move on from the past with out His grace and love. You can’t change who you are with out His refining process.

Philippians 4:13 is a pretty popular encourager, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength” But contextually this verse means so much more. Paul is talking about his struggles, and flat out says he has experienced being in need and having more than enough. But he goes on to say that he has realized how to be content in all circumstances. And that contentment comes from realizing he must rely on Christ, for through him he does have strength.

God has sent His son, and has provided a way for us to have a counselor with at all times, His sprit. Because of this we have the ability to lean on Christ’s strength, and we can do it.

But it is not until we realize, we can’t do it alone that we are able to turn to God’s power.

In the mean time you may choose to continue and try and do it bye yourself, and to be honest I can’t say that it will all end up bad (at least looking from the outside) but I can tell you your heart may be worn, and your muscles may ache.

Luckily God is willing to provide, all you have to do is ask.

Get some one to open those jars, and try this slightly adjusted take on Chicken Bellagio from the Cheesecake Factory. (Adjust amount of pasta, chicken and sauce to your needs)

Chicken Bellagio

• Thin chicken breast cutlets
• Angel hair pasta
• Bread crumbs
• 1 Egg
• Olive oil
• Rago light parmesan alfredo
• Jar of pesto
• Garlic (minced, or chopped)

Pour olive oil into frying pan, enough to coat. Dip chicken breast in egg then bread crumbs and put in the pan on low heat. Cook until no longer pink in the center.

Boil pasta. In small pot heat alfredo, and slowly mix pesto. Add the garlic to the sauce mixture. Combine the sauce with the pasta. Serve with the chicken cutlets.

If desired add spinach or arugula greens and prosciutto on top (to make more like the Cheesecake factory dish)

Eat, drink and be transformed by His strength!

Patience, please.

The other day I had the great opportunity of being around my sweet little friend, who is three years old. In fact it was for a Birthday celebration for some one else, but she still received many presents, (mainly because she is absolutely adorable, and no on can help but give her anything to see her smile).But anyway…Her grandmother sat her down on the couch with a large toy store bag next to her, and gave her each present one by one. The three year old sat next to her grandmother trying so hard to peer over her lap and see in the bag, asking “what is it?” “What is it?” She first folded her hands and smiled a bright smile trying so hard to be patient. As soon as she got her first gift, a doll, she screamed with joy. This is exactly what she wanted! As soon as the doll was in her hands, she looked right over at the bag, and we all laughed. “What else is in there nana?” After a moment she got her next gift, a Barbie car, and practically threw the “old” doll out of her hands to embrace her new shiny pink convertible. After another scream of excitement she was filled with joy and a huge smile, which seemed to have lasted until the next gift, and next gift, all with anticipation of what else was to come. Until the bag was empty, and even the backup bag (that was expected to last through the week). Granted no one expects a three year old to practice good waiting skills, but God used this to remind me of my own life, and how I am asked to wait on Him, and wait on Him well.

This experiance was immediately followed by the past weekend where God continued to make it obvious how much I am in need of patience while waiting on His plan, and His timing. And in the midst of the waiting, He is asking me to not only be patient and content but joyful while embracing exactly where He has me.

As I began my weekend “retreat” with good food, and GREAT friends, I realized how much the Lord is asking for my love and devotion to be committed to Him and trust in His timing. The Bible says to “seek first the Kingdom..” and God is calling us all to first seek His purpose and will for our lives, which is to bring Him glory and further His kingdom. Period. I think we often loose sight of the “eternal perspective” just because we are so caught up in what’s next, what else does God have to offer in His bag of gifts for us. Instead we should realize today is the gift we are given, and we should be joyful about where we are, and when He desires He may pull out the next gift in the bag to bless us, but only in His perfect timing.

The fact of the mater is, we need to wait on everything. The waiting periods in life will never leave or change. But weather you wait in joy and contentment, or in anxiety and unhealthy anticipation is up to you.

After all, a lovely friend of mine pointed out, waiting seems to be an obvious trend in the Bible. Abraham and Sarah had to wait for a baby, the entire Old Testament people were waiting for the Savior to come. Jesus even had to wait until he was in his thirties to start His ministry, and now we all wait for his return.
We will forever be waiting……to fall in love
...to find a church
…to get engaged
…to buy a house
… to get the right job
… to have a baby
…to see our savior face to face

But with healthy anticipation and joy, we can wait for these things to be released and given, in His perfect timing, because in the end living in His will, will be worth it!

Try waiting on this delicious cake, that takes patience but is worth it in the end!

Devils Food Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose unbleached flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cups of sugar
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (splash a little extra!)
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 1/4 cup milk

Directions: Measure out dry ingredients into a bowl, flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

In a mixer beat the butter until smooth and gradually add sugar on a higher setting. Add cocoa powder and vanilla and continue to beat. Gradually add one egg at a time.

Bring the water and milk to a boil.

Combine the dry ingredients to the batter, and slowly pour in the liquid mixture.

Divide the batter between two round 9 inch pans.

Bake at 350 degrees about thirty minuets. Enjoy!

Eat, Drink and Be transformed by patience!

Sarah

Add some spice to your life

I’ve always dreamed of being the kind of person, who gets to travel and see the world. To just pick up and leave- ready for an adventure, hiking up mountains and surfing the coast. Tasting the cultures across the globe and always doing something spontaneous…. That would be the life…

Except there is something about having a nine to five job that makes this dream inconceivable. Instead my life consists of a repeated daily routine. It’s hard to imagine ways you can spice up your life, when it appears to be monotonous and just average…

While sitting at my desk hearing the clicking of what has to be the loudest clock possible, I often think the only way to experience life is by living vicariously through others, but now reality has set in…The “abundant life” that we often think of does not have to be full of outdoor adventures, elaborate events, or expensive outings. I have been struggling with understanding how my life is more than adequate and over sufficient. And God couldn’t help but remind me, it’s not about what I do that classifies my life as worthy or having purpose. However once I come to accept and realize regardless my life does have purpose and I can still find ways to enjoy and savor every moment of it adventurously!

Even though my job does not entail me traveling and changing the world, I still have a purpose. And purpose exists outside of adventure. Mine is to love and serve God in whatever job, house, and relationship he puts me in. And my serving Him in that consists of understanding and trusting that I am here for a reason...and that my joy should not be circumstantial.

Though adventure and excitement is something that can come from any life. We can all experience adventure even in the confines of our budget, location and resources. Perhaps experiencing a life of excitement is more about perspective and mentality. In order to see how I can spice up my life, I must better understand my purpose.

I challenge you all to think about your purpose today-and realize you have one! Once you do, go ahead and find a way to spice up your life. Try something new, talk to a stranger, aquire a hobby. But no matter what enjoy the life you have!

And try this spicy recipe.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

• 1 Package of Cream cheese
• 1 bottle of Ranch or Blue cheese dressing
• 1 small bottle of Frank’s hot sauce
• 4 boneless chicken breasts
• ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Boil the chicken until cooked. Shred with two forks by pulling apart. Mix cream cheese, ranch, hot sauce and chicken in a bowl. Pour mixture into a small casserole dish, sprinkle cheese on top. Bake at 350 degrees until cheese is melted. Serve with slices of hard Italian loaf, crackers, or tortilla chips. enjoy!

Eat, drink, and be transformed by His purpose!

Sarah