Easy Eggs Over Avocado

Cooking – A beautifully familiar movement at the end of a trying day.

This post has no step-by-step photos because it’s that easy! When you get home overwhelmed and exhausted….but don’t exactly feel like adding an extra dose of guilt to your day by indulging in junk food, this is an option to feel good about. The portions are only for one serving, so increase according to your serving size.

Ingredients

2 eggs
1 avocado
1 slice sharp cheddar cheese
1 tbsp butter
Thinly sliced red onion for serving
Pink Himalayan salt, cracked black pepper and dried dill to taste
Red Wine Vinegar to taste

The ingredients to top this meal with are very open to creativity. I did the cheese, red onion and red wine vinegar because I had them and it sounded tasty. Here’s some examples of ways you could change it up!

Mozzarella cheese, fresh tomato, balsamic vinegar, basil.

Leftover and shredded fish, Rice vinegar, soy sauce.

Black beans, cumin, paprika, a dollop of plain yogurt.

Instructions

Cut the avocado in half and peel. It must be ripe for this. Slice the red onion and cheese.

Melt the butter over medium low heat in a pan. Fry the eggs until done over-easy. Just before the eggs are done, put the cheese on top of them so it melts a little.

Place an egg on each half of the avocado. Top with the red onion, salt, pepper and dill. Drizzle over with red wine vinegar.

Now, pat yourself on the back and say, “Yep, I just made a healthy, low-cost, filling and delicious meal in less than 10 minutes.”. Woo hoo!!

A Beautiful Will And Perfect Way

Patience, daughter, patience. I will show you in My perfect time. Worry is not of Me. Anger is not of Me. Lust is not of Me. Do not let the world overcome you.“…be holy, because I am holy.”   (Lev 11:44)

Many times it seems life would be immensely easier if God would allow us to know His full plan for our lives. In prayer, God’s children ask questions such as, “Is this the person I should marry? Am I ready to start a family? Should I take this job? Should we sell our home and move? “. These important inquiries would be nice to have an answer of “yes” or “no” formed from clouds in the sky. But I’ve never had that happen….

Knowing and obeying God’s will requires wisdom, discernment, patience, faith and courage. It’s not to be taken lightly.

This time of year, without fail, I begin planning a move elsewhere. To give you a little background, I first fell in love with the mountains as a young girl. My parents took me along on a trip to Idaho. We stayed in a secluded inn outside of Salmon, surrounded by beauty. My parents could NOT keep me out of the mountains. Climbing up, feeling the air get cool and clean, seeing wildlife and beauty I had previously not known existed…the temptation was too much for me to resist. At that point a love was struck in my heart.

Later on when I was seventeen, I went to a camp called Summit in Colorado Springs. I not only learned incredible foundations for my faith, but once again, that I truly loved everything about the mountains.

Then, I had to go and marry someone from California. Throughout the years we’ve taken numerous trips to the Sierra Nevada mountains. We hike, camp, gold pan and create precious memories. It’s an amazing experience I pray we continue on in our family for many years.

All that background is meant to give you the full understanding of why, during this cold and stuck-inside time of year, I begin planning a move. But this year, God showed me something. He made known to me a very convicting truth about my heart during these difficult times. I’m no different than a married man lusting after a different woman. It doesn’t matter whether it’s after scenery, a person, possession or career. There’s a vicious cycle that begins when we start down the road of lust.

We waste time obsessing over something we don’t have.

This leads to complaining about what we do have.

Then, the justification process begins.

Now, our hearts are left vulnerable to making the wrong decision when opportunities arise.

We cannot force God’s will into meshing together with our desires. Instead, we need to pray as Jesus did, “Yet not as I will, but as You will.” (Matt 26:39). This action of taking every emotion and decision to our heavenly Father keeps us on the straight and narrow path.

Going back to the example from my life, it’s clearly not always outside of God’s will for someone to relocate. But when I finally took my desire to God, He made me aware that I need to be patient and wait on His timing. It’s not where He desired my focus to be pointed.

I don’t need to know the whole plan for my life…and neither do you! When that truth is actually placed in our hearts, it’s extremely freeing. Matthew 6:34 says, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own”. And Matthew 10:39 tells us, ” Whoever finds his life will loose it, and whoever looses his life for My sake will find it”. I may not be living in a mountain cabin. But God has reminded me that He took time to create specific roles for me to fulfill.

Strive to be a respectful, supportive and joyful wife who clearly communicates.

Work at being a patient, loving mother who teaches by example.

Be a hard worker in whatever areas God directs me. (Currently cooking, writing and reflexology – among others.)

He took time to create specific roles for you to beautifully fulfill too! He knows where we will find the most joy and meaning even better than we do ourselves. He lovingly opens and closes doors. That’s not to say we can’t choose to walk away from the open door or break down the closed one.

When I prayed for God to give me clear signs as to where my family should be, He did just that. My husband was voted in as fire chief for our town’s volunteer fire department. During this time, he was also going through some struggles with his health. Friends and family lovingly came through to help support and care for us during a difficult season. And then as a bonus, our area experienced some amazing weather! This allowed me to play outside with my daughter and remind myself of the beautiful scenery here, too.

God’s will is for us to live our lives in a holy manner; to offer our bodies as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). This means holding onto our positions and possessions loosely, but holding onto the truths of God with clenched fists. We know that the road to eternal life is narrow. If the goal of our life is to fulfill selfish desires, I highly doubt we’re on that narrow road.

To be holy means set apart for God and pure. That, my friends, is God’s will for us! When we discover who we are in Christ, we can live out our calling no matter what life situation we’re put in.

I’ll leave you with this beautiful quote to let your mind dwell on.

“Let it be done to me according to Your word. Mary had no master plan… Only her Master’s plan.”
Source

Veggie Pizza Pockets

Need a fiber boost?? In the United States, adults average about 15 grams of dietary fiber a day. Our daily fiber intake should be 25 to 30 grams. So, we consume close to half the recommended amount. A high fiber diet is critical for a healthy digestive system. With a correctly functioning digestive system, we lower our risk for many diseases and possibly cancer. Source

The whole wheat flour I used in this recipe has 6 grams of fiber in just 1/4 cup. The tomatoes, mushrooms, onions and garlic also add fiber content. I absolutely LOVE delicious meals that are healthy as well! This recipe can be used for a main dish, or set aside as a yummy snack.

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Ingredients (* See Notes)

For Crust:
1 cup warm water
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp sugar
2 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
* 1 tbsp vital wheat gluten
2 1/4 tsp yeast

* You may not know what vital wheat gluten is. If not, you’re going to thank me after reading this excerpt from Arrowhead Mills website!

“Your home baked recipes will rise above the rest with Arrowhead Mills Vital Wheat Gluten. Gluten is the natural protein portion of the grain and is separated from whole wheat with pure water. It is responsible for the stretchiness of dough and for the shapes that baked goods hold. That is why it is the secret ingredient of professional bakers who use it for producing doughs, breads, rolls, and pastries.
Benefits: Adds Protein; Increases Volume; Wheat Gluten provides: Higher Rising baked goods / Improved Shape / Enhanced Flavor / Additional protein / Extended Freshness; Dairy Free; A Sodium Free Food; A Cholesterol Free Food; A Fat Free Food; Vegetarian. Vital Wheat Gluten is all natural.” Source

For Sauce:
5 medium tomatoes, frozen
OR 8 oz can tomato sauce
1/2 tbsp garlic, minced
1 tsp honey, raw
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste

For Filling:
8 oz mushrooms, diced
6 oz black olives, sliced
1 medium yellow onion, diced
8 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced

Olive oil to brush on top.

Instructions

Put all the ingredients for the crust into a bread machine. I listed them in the order that my machine calls for, but look at your machine’s specific instructions for the order to add the ingredients. Place on dough cycle and let it do the work for you!

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Once there’s about 45 minutes left on the dough, begin heating the tomatoes in a pan over medium heat. I used frozen ones from my garden, so the peels came right off with some hot water. Once the tomatoes are thawed, mix them with a hand mixer. I have a small, non-electric one that worked really well for this… Mainly because I didn’t feel like digging out and plugging in my big electric mixer for such a small amount.

Add the rest of the sauce ingredients and let simmer, stirring occasionally. This should take 30-45 minutes to get to the right thickness. If you’re using a can of sauce, simply mix all of the ingredients for the sauce together and simmer for about 20 minutes. Set aside.

Preheat the oven to 450°. While the
sauce simmers, slice and dice the fillings.

Remove the dough and cut into 4 equal chunks. On a floured surface, roll them out into 6-8″ circles.

Spread on the sauce and put in the cheese slices and veggies. (You will have sauce and veggies left that don’t fit.) Fold circles in half and press the edges closed with a fork.

Place on a baking sheet. Brush the tops with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and Italian seasoning. Bake for 12-15 minutes.

Saute the leftover veggies in butter over medium heat for about 5 minutes.

Once the pockets are done baking, spread some of the leftover sauce on top and scoop on some of the sauteed veggies. Mmm mmmm!

Fish Tacos with Slaw

“Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then He gave them to his disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all.”
Mark 6:41

This year I want to start eating more fish. It’s delicious AND healthy! Check out this list of some of the ways our bodies benefit from regular fish consumption:

• Improved heart health
• Reduced Alzheimer’s risk
• Reduced stroke risk
• Nourished skin and hair
• Lowered risk for depression (For more info on this, check out my post Winning The Depression Battle 🙂 )
• Enhanced brain development
• Prevention from certain cancers
• Prevention from eye disease
Source 1
Source 2

Yay for fish! However, it can be kind of expensive. I’m blessed with a husband who fishes a lot in the summer months. Therefore, we don’t have to purchase fish as often.

But here in Minnesota, summer is unfortunately not a very big portion of the year. Ice fishing is obviously an option for the winter time, but my hubby is a born and raised California boy. Neither one of us jump up with excitement at an opportunity to ice fish. So, this first seafood recipe I’m posting is made with fish we had stocked up in our freezer. Yummy!!

Ingredients (* See notes)

6 cups coleslaw (cabbage and carrot)
3/4 cup mayo
1/2 of a lime, juiced
1 tbsp agave
2 tbsp white vinegar
Salt, pepper and cumin to taste

* 3 good sized fish filets, cut into about whatever size chunks you want.
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 cup flour, divided
2 eggs
Salt, lemon pepper, cayenne pepper and garlic powder to taste
About 1/3 cup lard

Top with fresh tomatoes, red onion and hot sauce.

* Use whatever type of fish you prefer. Soak it in milk and salt for about an hour before cooking. This takes away any fishy flavor.

Instructions

Whisk together all the ingredients for the slaw together except for the cabbage. Pour over the cabbage mixture and stir well. Set aside.

Put 1/2 cup of flour in one bowl. Put the eggs in another bowl and whisk well. Mix together the other 1/2 cup flour, panko and seasonings in a third bowl.

Begin heating the lard in a large fry pan over medium-low heat. Coat the fish fillets in the flour, then eggs and lastly the panko mixture.

Fry the fish in the lard until golden brown, flipping once.

Place on a paper towel lined plate to absorb excess grease.

Put the fish in tortillas and scoop on the slaw. Top with fresh tomatoes, sliced red onion, shredded cheddar cheese and hot sauce.

Enjoy! 🙂

Bloglovin!!

A Heart Like His

She saw Him walking through the large crowd of pursuers. “If I just touch His clothes, I will be healed,” she thought to herself. Mustering courage from a desperateness deep within, she navigated her way through the crowd. Sneaking up behind Him, she gently touched the edge of Jesus’ cloak.

Immediate relief from pain overcame her body. Her bleeding stopped for the first time in twelve years. A rush of memories flooded her head; endless doctor visits and countless attempts to make her suffering come to an end. Finally, she knew it was all over. This miracle worker had given her a peace no one else had been able to. And He had no idea.

Suddenly, Jesus turned around and scanned the crowd. “Who touched my clothes?”, asked Jesus. Fear overtook her and she began to tremble with it. Throwing herself at her Savior’s feet, she told Him the entire truth of her story. Little did she know she has no reason to be afraid. Jesus gently assured her, ” Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering. ” (Matthew 9:20-22 and Mark 5:24-34)

A man I knew spent his life in a state hospital. Born in the early 1900s, he was placed in an institution due to blindness. I met him as a young girl and saw an old man with a heart of gold. Even though his life seemed like it should have been sad and full of disappointment, he didn’t see it that way. He fully appreciated everyone and everything. He may have been physically blind, but it seemed to me that God had given him the ability to view the world in a much more genuine way than most.

These are two beautiful and true stories. The quality that draws us into them is purity of heart. It’s what we need. The condition of our hearts effects everything we say and do. Understanding and living out this truth is more important than anything we will ever accomplish or possess.

From what we can read recorded in the Gospels of the sick woman, it seems she lived her days coping with ongoing bleeding accompanied by pain. She most likely wasn’t making a good income or accomplishing a million tasks everyday. And guess what? Her house probably wasn’t spotless. But none of that mattered one ounce to Jesus. He saw a pure, beautiful heart. He saw a woman filled with faith in Him alone. That’s what pleases our Father.

Being healed, the woman could now choose from endless paths for the remainder of her life. I don’t know the rest of her story, but what path do you think would have brought more joy to Jesus’ heart? She could have spent her days striving towards endless expectations she created for herself. Or she could have realized her life was no longer her own and began taking every decision in her life to God.

Jesus said to her, “your faith has healed you”. When our hearts are pure, we can direct our faith towards God alone. All people, positions and materials in this world will fail us. Faith in Jesus places a constant and solid foundation in our lives that can be found nowhere else.

By the world’s standards, the old man I knew accomplished nothing of great worth. He didn’t receive much of an education, was never married, had no children and never owned a vehicle or home. But I know without a doubt, in Jesus’ eyes, he was magnificent. He saw beauty in everything around him and possessed a pure joy one can only have when they know Jesus. He truly allowed the world to move him; he laughed until his face was red at the smallest jokes and cried when he held a baby.

It’s such a shame when we allow the world and past experiences to harden our hearts or deplete them of joy. It makes me think of a line from a Jimi Hendrix song, “…a broom is drearily sweeping, up the broken prices of yesterday’s life…”. Isn’t that true? Focusing on our troubles makes us dreary, dull, lifeless and depressing. Psalm 100:2 says, ” Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into His presence with singing!”. We’re only able to do this out of a joy not dependent upon our circumstances, but from hope in a glorious future with our Father.

There are many paths we can choose to take throughout the course of our lives. But God has shown me that what I accomplish along my journey is not what’s most important: achieving great success in a career, my musical ability or even my knowledge of the Bible. My life will bring the most joy to Him when I seek to have a heart like His. Full of “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control”. (Galatians 5:22-23)

Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Soup

Butter makes everything taste better! But for some reason it’s been labeled as a “bad” food. In reality, butter is rich in Vitamins K, E and K2. Vitamin K2 is not found in many foods. It aids in calcium metabolism, which is very important for our bodies. Butter is also full of saturated fats. Studies now show no link between saturated fats and heart disease. It’s much healthier than the alternative, margarine. That replacement for butter is filled with highly processed trans fats. These ARE linked to an increased risk for heart disease.

Lastly, butter is not correlated with obesity. This is a vicious myth. In fact, consumption of high-fat dairy products is associated with a lowered obesity rate. Obviously everything must be consumed in moderation, but high-fat dairy products are a better option than their low-fat or no fat relatives.
Source

So, now that we’re ready to confidently use butter, let’s cook up a delicious, comfort food! This soup is very easy. And by using precooked chicken, it’s extremely quick to whip up as well. I LOVE buying the whole, roasted chicken from Sam’s Club – only $4.98! Ideally, I would buy all my chicken from someone local so I know it’s organic. But sometimes a good price wins the battle. You can also buy the mushrooms already sliced, which makes this meal even quicker. They’re no more expensive, but you have to make sure they’re fresh!

This recipe is a delicious alternative to cracking open a can of soup on those I-need-to-cook-something-quick days 🙂

Ingredients

16 oz mushrooms, sliced
2-3 cup chicken, cooked and shredded
2 tbsp garlic, minced
6 tbsp butter
2/3 cup flour (whatever type you prefer)
4 cup chicken stock or broth
1 1/2 cup milk
Parmesan or asiago cheese for serving

Instructions

Melt butter in a pot or dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and garlic. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently.

Add the flour. Coat the mushrooms and cook for about 1 minute while stirring.

Add the liquids and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer.

Add the remaining ingredients. Simmer for about 15 minutes, or until it reaches your desired consistency. Stir occasionally.

Dish into bowls and top with shredded parmesan or asiago cheese. Enjoy!

Garlic Bacon Burgers

Oh, how I long for summer….and most of all my walks outside. I can close my eyes and imagine it; my daughter in front of me in her stroller, feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin, hearing lawn mowers from multiple directions and seeing kids out riding bikes. And then the glorious smell of a neighbor grilling makes me want to rush home and cook, too!!
Sorry I put you through that time of longing. This is also an exciting time of year! New beginnings, goals and clean slates. But I don’t think any of us up north are going to be grilling out anytime soon.  Maybe biting into one of these juicy burgers can at least bring the taste of summer back into our lives!

Ingredients

2 lbs burger, beef or venison
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 small eggs
4 tbsp brown mustard
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tsp dried dill
Salt and pepper to taste

Makes a dozen patties.
Use 12 strips of bacon if you want one for each patty. If your planning on freezing some of the patties, just use the amount of bacon that you will need for your meal.

Instructions

In a large bowl, thoroughly mix together all of the ingredients (except the bacon). I use my hands for this and it works great :). You have to get them icky to shape the patties anyways, so you might as well have some fun with it!

Form the mixture into balls and shape them into patties. Set aside for now.

Heat a large pan over medium-low heat. Fry the bacon until done to your desired preference. Place on paper towels in a covered container and set aside.

Mmmm sizzle, sizzle…

Place the patties into the bacon grease and fry over medium-low heat until done to your desired preference. Try your best to flip them just one time. If you want cheese burgers, place the cheese on top of the patties until melted.

Put the patties onto buns along with whatever fixings your heart desires! I used my Whole Wheat Hamburger Bun recipe and put on tomato slices, red onion and mayo. Yum!!! It may not be the smell of a neighbor grilling outside in the summer, but it’s equally as enjoyable to eat 🙂