Friday, November 30, 2012

quieting the soul

hi friends! hope everyone had a wonderful week!

just thought I would share something I have been struggling with recently. at the start of this journey, I shared with y'all my goals for my quiet time in order to grow in my faith. well, lately I have been having quiet time...almost every day, BUT it hasn't been what it should be. It has been hurried and quick. and although I actually read the daily devotional and the scripture that goes along with it, it hasn't always sunk in. (because I don't give it time to) ...and I certainly have not been having that time just being "quiet" and "still" and listening to God. most days after quickly reading the devotional I am immediately distracted by my phone/life, (I would add TV here but we don't have cable, ha), etc.

and so, I have been having these "rushed quiet times" for a couple days until I read one particular devotional entitled: "quieting your soul" by Dr. Charles Stanley. (It is excellent and such a great reminder that God ALWAYS knows. ) He knows exactly what our weaknesses are and what we are struggling with day to day. I always find comfort in scripture and devotionals but this one was especially comforting and convicting for me. God wasn't going to let me go too long with these "half-tail" quiet times...it is just too important.

I am sharing the devotional below: ...please take a few minutes to read it! so good! ...and maybe I'm not the only one struggling with this!

http://www.intouch.org/magazine/daily-devotional


happy weekend!!!

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

deck the halls!

happy hump day! hope everyone had a blessed thanksgiving! ...well, it's that time again!  now, I am definitely NOT the day after thanksgiving, time to fully decorate the house for Christmas, type of gal.  I like to take my time and gradually decorate... and I usually TRY to go for the "simple and subtle...yet beautiful" look. here are a few decorating looks that I am loving this season!
  
















happy decorating, friends!!
 
Scripture of the day:
 'All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.' Matthew 11:27-28

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

thankfulness

happy thanksgiving week!!

“Life without thankfulness is devoid of love and passion. Hope without thankfulness is lacking in fine perception. Faith without thankfulness lacks strength and fortitude. Every virtue divorced from thankfulness is maimed and limps along the spiritual road.”  -John Henry Jowet

so it has been the trend (on facebook, blogs, twitter, etc) to start on Nov. 1st and say something you are thankful for everyday of the month until thanksgiving day. I have obviously been a little behind with this. so I thought I would do a post on all the hundreds (they are indeed hundreds, but don't worry I won't be able to list nearly all) of things I am thankful/grateful for.

here's a shortened list: I'm very thankful for...

1. my parents...I realize I might be a little bias, but I truly believe that my parents are the BEST parents anyone could have. they have raised me in a Christian home and have shaped and formed me into the woman I am today. And despite what most of you may think (ha) I was NOT the perfect child. I gave them much grief throughout my years and yet they were/are incredibly patient. they say as you grow older and become an adult yourself, you realize how imperative all the things your parents did were (even though you may not have understood at the time)...well, I don't recall there ever being a specific time when they actually said: "one day YOU will THANK me for this"...but I can now say with certainty that I CAN thank them, for a million things that I never thought I would. their unconditional love, encouragement, and support has gotten me through many hard times and I don't know where I would be without them. they both have true hearts for God and live their lives accordingly. I only hope one day I can be half as great as they are. I am forever grateful for them. They are my rocks.

2. my husband- they say choosing a spouse is the single most important decision you will make in your life. I would probably say that the decision to ask Christ into your heart would be the most important. but a husband is a close second. and in my case, I believe the two were closely intertwined. what girl doesn't like reminiscing about when they met the love of their life? well, don't mind if I do. on my hubby and I's first date...on a cold night in January, he took me to this incredible restaurant in Saluda, NC. it was snowy and beautiful and we got to talk in the car on the way there. when we arrived, we sat and ate in the cozy warm restaurant. and...I clearly remember the moment that night when I looked across the table at him and KNEW he was the one. (and although maybe he didn't quite know it yet).. I knew I would spend the rest of my life with him. it was an indescribable feeling. and I am sure some of you don't believe me...that people just say that, blah, blah. well. you don't have to believe me but its true. there was something so completely different about him ( a good different). ...and the rest is history.  he is the PERFECT combination of everything I have ever needed or will need. and I thank God for him everyday.

3. my siblings- ...my sis...now most sisters have what we call a "love/hate" relationship. and I'm not saying my sister and I were always perfect. (especially the days when we both lived at home and were "sharing" clothes--we had some serious temper tantrums when it came to clothes) and there are also some old home videos with mild abuse that would suggest otherwise (haha) ....but despite that, we have a pretty amazing relationship. especially as we have grown up. we are pretty (ok REALLY) different but can "agree to disagree" when things get sticky sometimes. we are very close and know each other almost better than anyone. there are so many things I love about her. but the thing I love the most is her heart. she sometimes comes across as carefree, with a somewhat tough attitude. but she is always the FIRST to help a stranger or anyone for that matter. and she never, ever expects a thing in return. she is what I think of as the ultimate "anonymous giver" and I don't mean literally or money necessarily. just with her life, her time, actions, etc. she is always looking for ways to help someone and never looking for the credit. she makes such a difference in many people's lives and doesn't even know it. she is strong-willed and has always had an amazing sense to "protect me" even though she is my little sister. another thing I love about her is what an amazing big sister she is to our youngest brother.  he came a little later on but his presence has been such a blessing to our family. she has managed to create the perfect relationship with him (even with the age difference) and she has always put her family first, with no hesitations. ...and although I didn't think it was possible, she becomes more amazing every day.
 my little bro-we often joke that my "parents finally got it right with him"..."third time's a charm", etc. but its actually not really a joke. he is SOMETHING else. he is 15 going on 30. although he gave us quite a scare when he was born a little earlier than expected, he didn't take long to catch up and has been ahead of the game ever since. I LOVE being around him, he is such a joy. and yes, he is my baby brother, but I look up to him in alot of ways. he has a strong faith (at age 15) that I believe will only grow stronger with time. he is a fine man already and he continues to amaze me and my family with the man he is growing into. . He will do something truly great in this world, and that is a fact.  (girls, watch out!!!- he deserves the best.:)

4. my second family- I find it hard to even call my "in-laws" in-laws. because they mean so much more to me than that. they are my second "mom and dad"...and I could not be more blessed when it comes to them. they welcomed me into their family without a seconds hesitation, and have treated me like a child of their own. more than just generally loving them and being around them...I have an enormous respect for both of them and how they raised their sons. they created my husband, this man that I cannot imagine life without. and ...when asked to describe my husband when we first started dating for those who had not yet met him, I most often described him as "solid." He is a solid man of God. and I have to give his parents majority of the credit for this. ...not everyone can say they LOVE their mother and father in law...well, I honestly can. They are two of the most selfless, wonderful, warm, people I know. I am SO thankful for them. I am also incredibly thankful for my two brother-in-laws (and new sister-in-law!!) who I love to pieces. they are all so fun to be around and the more time I spend with them, the more I love them. bound to be lots of fun memories ahead :) God has graciously blessed me with a loving, wonderful "second" family.

5. friends-I have been told many, many times throughout high school and college that not everyone has a group of girl-friends like I do. it is SO true. God has given me an amazing group of girls. girls which I could (and do) tell everything and anything. girls that I have been through alot with. girls I have been half-way across the world with. and now,  girls that I have or will be standing beside on the day they get married. these days, I do not get to see them nearly often enough BUT when I do things always pick up right where they left off. what a blessing. I cherish them so much and look forward to the years to come :)

6. grandparents- my sweet grandmother, "Nana" has always held a special place in my heart. she is wonderful and has some amazing qualities that I can hopefully acquire one day. she is a beautiful painter. I used to follow her around when I was little and would sit in her studio for hours watching her. I love her dearly. I am also thankful for my husband's grandparents and the endless love they have shown me. It has been so comforting to me.

7. sweet memories- I am thankful for sweet memories with special grandfathers. I lost both of my grandfathers this past year and it was tough. although I miss both of them often, I thank God for the times we were able to spend together and the fond memories that resulted from those times. I will hold those memories in my heart always. 

8.  I am eternally thankful for the Lord ('Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.' Lamentations 3: 22-23) ...whose mercies are new every day and how He continues to forgive me when I constantly make mistakes. ...and that He, not I, is in control. how comforting.

...and I could go on and on and on...but i'll stop there. I hope everyone takes the time to count their blessings this week and always...you might have many more than you realize! :)


Gobble Gobble, folks!

“Perhaps it takes a purer faith to praise God for unrealized blessings than for those we once enjoyed or those we enjoy now.” -A.W Tozer

Friday, November 16, 2012

joy

 what is Joy, exactly?!

...according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary Joy is defined as:
'the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires.'

hmmm....I might have to disagree. Success is simply success. Good fortune, simply good fortune....happiness is just happiness. you get the drift. but JOY, Joy is different. I personally believe Joy to have a biblical connotation behind it. how is Joy defined in the Bible?? Joy is one of the fruits of the spirit as written in Galatians 5:22. There is a biblical "fullness of joy" that only occurs in God's presence.  Another (much better) definition of Joy I found was: 'the happy state that results from knowing and serving God.' perfect. So, when someone says they have experienced true Joy, I believe it to be much different than success or good fortune (sorry Mr. Webster ).

I have to admit, I am quite blessed. My job as a nurse, something that I am able to do every day (well, only 3 days/nights a week to be exact :) ) brings me so much joy in my life. AND I get paid for it! pretty amazing set-up.

something else that brings me much joy on a regular basis is relationships. relationships with my family, friends, co-workers, etc. ...some wise person once told me "life is ALL about relationships"...I have come to truly experience this the older I get. I have also come to realize that life is LESS about how clean, organized, decorated, your house is, and MORE about the people you host within it :) forming and growing relationships is one of the most fulfilling elements of life.

so having said that, one of the additions to my daily prayers has been that God help me realize what is REALLY important in life from day to day and not get stuck on the shallow, unimportant ones.  To focus on things that bring myself, AND others, JOY.

what brings you JOY?!

...happy friday everyone!
 
 
Scripture of the day:
'These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.' John 15:11.'

Thursday, November 15, 2012

under the sea


just a little random post...
lately, my "jogging/walking" ...(you can be assured it is much more walking) route includes down by the water next to the Charleston aquarium. I have always been intrigued in fish and marine life, etc. so I decided to do a little research on the best aquariums. It is so interesting! that God created so many VAST oceans/seas truly amazes me!! I especially love all the fishies and funny sea creatures that dwell within :) I am such a dork...oh well!

I am fascinated by all these " holders" of marine life that I have shared below! check them out!

Oceanário de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal:

this is the biggest aquarium in Europe. opened in 1998. has over 8 thousand sea creatures and 500 species of plants! incredible. 



AQWA, Perth, Australia:

famous for its collection of Australian sea creatures from all over the western Australian coast. also has a 98-meter underwater tunnel that is fully transparent!! how cool!


The AquaDom, Berlin, Germany:

located in the Radisson Hotel Berlin, can be called the most impressive aquarium in the world. its in the atrium of the hotel the giant cylinder has a height of more than 25 meters and the outer diameter of 11 meters. The volume of the aquarium is nearly one million liters of water and it dwells more than 2600 species of fish with the variety of 56. Inside the cylinder a transparent two-story elevator works, slowly delivers visitors and tourists from the hall on the ground floor through the entire aquarium to the upper observation platform below the large glass dome of the hotel.




Dubai Aquarium & Discovery Centre, Dubai, UAE:

dubai aquarium is inhabited with 33,000 fish and marine animals of 85 different species. Its gigantic viewing window is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s largest acrylic panel. it is part of a huge shopping and entertainment center that opened in November 2008.



The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, Okinawa, Japan:

is designed so as to best display the marine life of the Japanese islands, and is divided into three zones. the visitors first examine the world of shallow waters and coral reefs, then descend deeper into the aquarium to the inhabitants of waters of warm current of Kuroshio and then to the residents of the mysterious depths, usually hidden from common eyes. 


L’Oceanogràfic, Valencia, Spain:

the aquarium Valencia's main building in the form of water lily was designed by the renowned Spanish architect Felix Candela. 45000 fish and marine animals, which constitute the ecosystem of the Mediterranean Sea, the Arctic and Antarctic and tropical seas, live in L’Oceanogràfic. pretty awesome.



and saved the BEST for last...

The Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta, USA:

largest aquarium in the world (woo hoo!!) with capacity of more than 31 thousand cubic meter contains more than 100 thousand inhabitants of water depths. the shape of the building resembles a huge aquarium cruise liner, divided into 60 separate aquariums. the largest one contains two whale sharks, which are among the largest fish in the ocean. 


happy thursday!

Scripture of the day:
'Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble.' 1 John 2:9-10


Monday, November 12, 2012

a chicken rut

I am most certainly in what one would call "a chicken rut"...and I can't seem to get out of it. ...meaning, I cook some sort of "chicken meal" every night for supper. ..and it's getting pretty old. Now, I LOVE chicken, don't get me wrong but sometimes enough is enough. and it's nice to try something new :)

my mother has graciously suggested MANY yummy sounding non-chicken recipes for us to try (because she knows that is all I cook) but I have yet to try them. I have been complaining about being "stuck in this rut" but haven't done anything about it!! so...here I go with some of these non-chicken recipes. It's time to start getting creative!!! here are a few I am thinking of trying out...

creamy tomato tortellini soup

2 whole Large Cloves Of Garlic Minced
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
2 cans 10 3/4 Oz Cans Of Condensed Tomato Soup
½ cups Sun Dried Tomatoes, Chopped Or Two Tablespoons Of Sun Dried Tomato Paste
1-½ cup Milk
2 cups Half-and-half
2 cups Chicken Stock
1 teaspoon Onion Powder
½ teaspoons Salt
½ teaspoons Pepper
2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
1 whole 9 Oz Package Of Cheese Filled Tortellini
½ cups Shredded Parmesan Cheese

saute garlic with the olive oil in a large stock pot over medium heat until golden brown. Be sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t get too brown or burnt.
When the garlic is done, add tomato soup, tomatoes, milk, half and half, chicken stock and spices. Bring to a simmer. Once simmering, drop noodles into the soup. Cook according to the package directions. Mine takes about 8 minutes.
After noodles are cooked, ladle soup into bowls and top with parmesan cheese and serve with crusty bread.
  

now this next one is not exactly a meal, but would make a great appetizer (maybe for a upcoming holiday party!) AND it contains NO chicken!

                                                   mushroom and brie brushcetta
1 baguette, sliced diagonally
1 pound white mushrooms, sliced
3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for brushing
2 cloves garlic, chopped, plus 1 whole clove, peeled
4–5 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves removed (or 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme)
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1 wedge of your favorite brie

fresh thyme is a key component to this dish, but if you're in a bind, dry thyme can work as well.
Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
In a large sauté pan, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms, chopped garlic, and thyme to the pan and let cook until mushrooms are brown, approximately 15–20 minutes. Remove from heat, add salt, and stir.
Organize baguette slices in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Brush the top side of each slice with olive oil. Place in the oven for about 15 minutes until slices are crunchy. Remove from the oven (but keep the oven on) and let cool. Once bread slices are cool enough to handle, lightly rub the top of each slice with the garlic clove for extra flavor.
Assemble by topping each slice of bread with 3–4 mushroom slices and a slice of brie. Place back in the oven for 5–8 minutes, or until brie is slightly melted. Serve warm.
Serves 8–10.


crispy shrimp pasta

4 oz fettuccine pasta
3/4 lb raw shrimp, peeled, deveined and tails removed
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp freshly ground pepper
2 tbsp flour
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
1 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup whipping cream
1/2 tsp cajun seasoning

cook pasta according to package directions. Sprinkle shrimp with salt, pepper, and toss to combine. Sprinkle 1 tbsp flour over the shrimp, and toss to coat the shrimp. Sprinkle 1 more tbsp flour and toss to evenly coat the shrimp. Melt butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. When hot, add the shrimp in a single layer and cook on each side, flipping once, until golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Remove to plate. Pour in the chicken broth. Cook for about 5 minutes, whisking the bottom of the pan to deglaze. Reduce heat to medium and pour in cream, whisking constantly. Cook sauce over medium heat until bubbly and the cream starts to thicken the mixture, about 5 minutes. Taste the sauce and add seasonings as desired (salt, pepper, cajun seasonings, etc.) Add the drained pasta and shrimp to the sauce, and stir to combine.

mexican stuffed peppers

4 bell peppers (any color), sliced in half stem-to-tip, seeds removed
1c quinoa, uncooked
½ medium onion, diced
1 (15oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 roma tomato, seeded and diced
1 (4oz) can diced green chiles (don’t drain)
¼c cilantro, minced
¼tsp salt
¼tsp pepper
olive oil, if desired
½c Monterrey Jack, grated
½c cheddar cheese, grated
1 recipe red enchilada sauce (or 1 (28oz) can)

add quinoa and onion to a large saucepan with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Boil 5 minutes, cover, turn off heat and let steam 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
In the meantime, microwave pepper halves 2-3 minutes to soften slightly. (Prepared this way, the peppers should come out crisp-tender. If you want them crisper, you can omit this step.)
Pour quinoa/onion mixture into a mixing bowl. Stir in black beans, tomato, green chiles and their juices, cilantro, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper. If the mixture seems to dry, drizzle in a bit of olive oil (I didn’t need any).
Pour enchilada sauce into a 9×13″ baking dish. Divide filling among peppers. Nestle stuffed peppers into the enchilada sauce. Sprinkle with cheeses.
Cover the pan with foil and bake at 375 degrees 25-30 minutes. Remove foil and cook about 5 minutes longer. Serve peppers drizzled with enchilada sauce.


now, I can assure you that my husband will NOT like this one, but it looks delicious to me :) maybe I will make a batch of it and take it to eat at work!

feta and chick pea salad


2 cans chick peas, or garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
2 roma tomatoes, chopped
1 cucumber, chopped
1/2 red onion, chopped
2 tablespoons freshly chopped flat leaf Italian parsley
the juice of 1 lemon
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
6 oz crumbled feta cheese
salt and pepper to taste

paula deen's cheeseburger pizza

one 16-ounce package refrigerated pizza crust dough
1 green bell pepper, cut into rings
1 red bell pepper, cut into rings
1/2 onion, thinly sliced
1 pound extra-lean ground beef
2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard
8 slices provolone
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
1 teaspoon Montreal steak seasoning

preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Let the pizza dough rest according to package directions.
Press the dough into a 16-inch pizza pan or a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes.
In a large skillet, combine the bell peppers and onions. Cook over medium heat until the vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes. Remove from the heat. Next, add the ground beef and cook until crumbly and brown. Remove from the heat and drain well.
Spread the mustard over the pizza crust. Top with the provolone, beef mixture and mozzarella. Sprinkle with the Montreal steak seasoning. Bake until the crust is browned and the cheese melts, about 10 minutes. Cut into wedges to serve.


                                              fish tacos


1 pound white flaky fish, such as mahi mahi or orata
1/4 cup canola oil
1 lime, juiced
1 tablespoons ancho chili powder
1 jalapeno, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
8 flour tortillas
Shredded white cabbage
Hot sauce
Crema or sour cream
Thinly sliced red onion
Thinly sliced green onion
Chopped cilantro leaves
Pureed Tomato Salsa, recipe follows

preheat grill to medium-high heat. Place fish in a medium size dish. Whisk together the oil, lime juice, ancho, jalapeno, and cilantro and pour over the fish. Let marinate for 15 to 20 minutes.
Remove the fish from the marinade place onto a hot grill, flesh side down. Grill the fish for 4 minutes on the first side and then flip for 30 seconds and remove. Let rest for 5 minutes then flake the fish with a fork.
Place the tortillas on the grill and grill for 20 seconds. Divide the fish among the tortillas and garnish with any or all of the garnishes.


hope these yummy recipes will keep YOU from getting in a "chicken rut" :)

happy monday!


Scripture of the day:
'Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.' Hebrews 11:1

Monday, November 5, 2012

what the world needs now

What the world needs now is love, sweet love
It's the only thing that there's just too little of
What the world needs now is love, sweet love,
No not just for some but for everyone.

Lord, we don't need another mountain,
There are mountains and hillsides enough to climb
There are oceans and rivers enough to cross,
Enough to last till the end of time.

What the world needs now is love, sweet love
It's the only thing that there's just too little of
What the world needs now is love, sweet love,
No, not just for some but for everyone.

"what the world needs now" by Jackie DeShannon

such a beautiful song..and it is a particularly fond memory for me. in my middle school days, I often participated in musicals, plays, and all things "drama".  for many of these musicals we had to "audition" for certain roles. I choose "what the world needs now" to audition with. I had a tape that I practiced with and sang it over, and over, and over in my room at home (I am sure my parents were ready to pull their hair out, but they never let on:) ) ... I, however, never got sick of it. and it still remains one of my favorites. 

now-a-day's when I hear the song, I actually think about the lyrics and how true they are. I find that the world today is so busy, people are just trying to get from point A to B (including myself a lot of times) ...they are focused on themselves and what they want, need, to get things done.... if we all just took a minute or two to acknowledge and even help the people around us, this world would be a kinder, more loving place. 

everyone is suffering in some way...so let's take some time and love on them. enable them, not bring them down. I encourage you TODAY to do this and see how much joy it brings to your life. You, yourself could give someone hope by simply smiling or offering a hand. what a concept. and if that isn't motivation enough, God has commanded us to do this:

 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35


...happy monday!






Scripture of the day:
'The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing.' Proverbs 10:28
  

Friday, November 2, 2012

daily dose of design

hope everyone had a great halloween! ...as promised, "your daily dose of design"...

showing some darling designs that are tucked safely away in my "dream book" for one day...hopefully:)

below are cool designs/architectural ditties that I am currently lovvvving, enjoy!!

love the pictures! and the green.
the yellow settee...:) 
really like the exposed brick. rustic beauty. 
do I see monogrammed, to the floor curtains?! LOVE.
I would love "getting ready" in here!!
simple elegance. 
very cool, loving the long table!
speechless. 
looks very "live-able"
obsessed...with every part of this.... esp. the "church pew benches"
just lovely. 
fabulous!!
"distressed" look-my favorite!
love this look.
just a little "tea nook" everyone needs one of those, right?
most amazing wine cellar...under the stairs!
love the layout!
bookcases lining the stairs!
reading nook in closet. why have I not thought of this?!
beautiful outdoor table setting :)

inside/outside office area!!!
really nice bathroom touch
"bed" swing! and also loving the Christmas decorations :)
wonderful, right outside the bedroom. 

LOVE the wood floors, white curtains to the floor, and how light and bright it is!



a "country house"

 headboard. wow.

 love the double french doors going outside. 


 love the fancy furniture on a outside porch ...and also the pink rain boots :)


and we'll end on this gorgeous note :) ...stunning. 



happy weekend! be sure to check back in next week!

Scripture of the day:
'Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.'  Psalm 37:4