Monday, April 11, 2011

"Streams in the Desert"

Streams in the Desert: 366 Daily Devotional Readings
Here is a book that I wish I could personally give to each of you who are hurting right now. 

The book was given to me last summer when I experienced an unexpected miscarriage.  Actually the whole pregnancy was unexpected but we became very excited that God had given our family another child…"a gift" to us.  We are still waiting to learn what "the gift" is that He has given.  

It's times like these that I remember some advice a good friend shared with me years ago.  She would say "Carma…don't forget in the darkness what God has told you in the light"  Such wise words.  

These daily readings from "Streams in the Desert" are rooted in scripture and amaze me with the way they weave together the heartbreak of this life and the triumph of God.  Encouraging us not only to survive through life's trials and dark moments but to LIVE there in them so that the "sense of God's presence can become the unwavering possession of our souls, enabling us to continually say as the psalmist wrote. "You are near oh, LORD" (Psalm 119:51)

Maybe you, like me, have had a physical illness that has sidelined you.  Maybe you have lost a baby or feel the pain of not having one.  Or maybe cancer is a daily discussion in your family. (my step dad is still pressing on, Amy is engaged the battle and doing well..thank you for your prayers) I have a friend who is walking through the pain of being abused as a child…feeling alone and helpless.  I have a friend who just lost both of her parents in an accident this weekend.  I have another friend who turns another year older this year and so wants God to provide someone to share this life with.  

I can't fully imagine what your pain is today.  I just pray that you will reach for the truths of the Bible.  That you will hold tight to the truths that God gave you in the light…when all was beautiful and felt good.  He hasn't changed…He is still here...it may be dark in your world for a time but you are not alone.  

Oh how I wish we could sit, have some coffee and read together...   

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Lentil Soup!

Lentil Soup!
This recipe is one of my regulars.  I really got into it when I first started eating gluten free and needed the fiber and protein.  I also love that it is warm and spicy and goes with everything!  We eat this as a soup or throw in chicken or hamburger.  Some times if the lentils have soaked up a lot of the broth we will use it on toritllas in place of beans.  


Wish you could smell my house right now....mmmm!


Ingredients: 
1 large onion, diced
4 cloves of garlic, pressed
2 quarts gluten free low sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 can Italian-style diced tomatoes.  
1 lb. lentils 

Directions:
Soak lentils in water for 3-4 hours ahead of time for best results.  (You can surely make the lentils without soaking but you will have to add more broth so they won't be as tastey.)


Saute onions and garlic in olive oil for 2-3 minutes in a large soup pot.  


Add all other ingredients and simmer for 2-3 hours. IT"S THAT EASY!


My young lady wanted to eat this for breakfast... I told her only if she let me take a picture first!  Love her!!! 


Last but not least...divide the leftovers into individual sized glass containers and freeze for another day!


Special Hints:  
**Go for organic if you can here - Garlic, onion and lentils are sooo much better tasting organic and they aren't expensive.  Open Harvest often has cheap organic lentils in their bins. 


**You don't have to use Italian style tomatoes, you can use Rotel if you want it spicy but regular diced tomatoes are great too.  I usually use the small can but this time I used a large can because that is what I had...whatever you have is great.


**I like this spicy but my family does not.  So I make it mild and then add spicy salsa or green chile when I heat mine up. 


This recipe makes my home smell good and makes me feel a little bit like Rachel Ray...I'm so not an excellent chef...but I will take the "feeling" for a day!  Hope you can too...

Friday, April 1, 2011

Happy Friday! - I haven't fallen off the face of the earth!

I just wanted to drop in and let you know I have not fallen off of the face of the earth!  (the picture is old but made us laugh yesterday...and resembles my week in so many ways!)  


Maybe your week has been like mine...catching up from having children home for Spring Break, being ill and now trying to get life back on track!  Needless to say, I've been away from my computer!  


I pray you have a blessed Friday and an AWESOME weekend!  


I Hope to be back next week with: 
A Great Lentil Recipe, Protein Snack Ideas, and a P90X Hybrid Workout Schedule for those who love Insanity & P90X!  


Happy Friday!!!