The Zucchini Bread Rebellion

When this certain song comes on in the car, I sing loud, for this is one of my
greatest desires and I want it the anthem
of my life...

"As we grow old, may it be told, 

that we never lost our flame".  

Over the passed few months, I've noticed with much aching, that passion has grown cold in my heart.  Certain passions that I have desired for all of my "saved life", ones that at various times would make my heart burn with such intensity, wanting them to stick around forever.  A few of them are the intense fire of the Lord, a drive to be right in the center of his will, to see and do all that He is asking me to do in this life, and to witness the awesome fruit that they would produce.  Isn't this what He created me, or really all of us, to hunger for and do?  Isn't this the greatest thing we could possibly attain in this life, to be so completely absorbed by Him that we couldn't help but look and smell and act like the very essence of Him?  God I want that....but why oh why, does that desire rise and fall like the surety of each and every tide?  I need it to stay, and I need to know how to do that. I need that passion to come back, and never leave.

I've had it stuck in my head that just maybe, some great adventure to a far away land or the next big avenue that the Lord was going to hopefully take us down, would be the key to arousing and producing this passion, and that "thing", whatever it was, should be the center of His will.  Well, could it be, that where I'm at right now, truly be that place I've been so longing for...in the day-to-day living, in a rental community that I swore "I could never live in", in grocery shopping days, or helping family members in times of need, or the many other seemingly mundane things we do, be found to hold the satisfaction, passion, and the place of knowing I AM exactly in the center of His will?  

And now can't you just see how this all correlates to a delicious loaf of homemade zucchini bread?!??  Well, I'm beginning to see, ever so slowly, that maybe, just maybe, this joy will come in knowing that ALL aspects of life, can hold what my heart so desperately is longing for.  But, there's a BIG IF with that, IF we are obedient to do what the Holy Spirit calls us to do, no matter how small or insignificant or crazy it might look and sound.

Brave Love...this is easy!

Last November, I went to a conference with my daughter out in sunny California called Brave Love. It was incredible to say the least.  One of the exercises was to ask God what He wanted Brave Love to look like in each of our lives, you know, ask him what He wanted us to do, big or small, grand or not.  I got two things right away, to start a blog...hence this one, that I could be real and raw about life and God.  Bam, done.  The second, was to bake a loaf of zucchini bread for my neighbor.  Not a hard one!  I loved to bake and be nice to people. Another Bam...lol, or so I thought.  

Through some happenings, a very bad incident occurred which caused our neighbor to turn on us, very badly turn.  The kind where you feel you just got sucker punched, all in front of our grand kids, who in turn cried horribly due to fear. Shock, disbelief.  Ha!!...There goes the zucchini bread idea.  Well, let me just tell you, God doesn't ask you to do something just when things are all fluffy and nice. Sometimes He requires it when it's uncomfortable and really goes against your flesh. 

So did I bake that nice loaf of bread and rush it right over to her??  Heck no!!  Me in all my stubbornness and bit of fear, refused. I would reassure myself with, "I mean how could I now?? Things are now so bad between us!" So December came, then January, February...and now it's May.  

This passed week, I went to a Jesus Culture concert and a question was asked, "Is there anything standing between you and God...any walls?"  Well again, like the hundred others times, God said those two repetitive words, "Zucchini Bread".  I KNEW I had to do this. What this all really boiled down to, was disobedience.  This was the wall that was in the way, of me having that JOY and PASSION for the life that God was trying to give me, and have that life not in the "next big adventure", but in the here and now of life.  But is this simple idea really possible?   

Yesterday, as I sat outside in the lovely cool  morning sunshine to read a bit of God's Word,         2 John 5-6 spoke so loudly to me.  

Listen to this!!

"And now, DEAR LADY," (wow!!  I've never heard that before.  It's always about brethren and dudes) "I am not writing you a new commandment, but one we had from the beginning.  I ask that we love one another.  And this is love: that we walk in obedience to His commands.  As you have heard from the beginning, His command is that you walk in love." 

So, there was that obedience issue again.  I'm getting the feeling, that if I really want to be right where he wants me to be, the key to all of this is to just do what he wants me to do, with no hesitation.  Yes, how very simple!!  

Today, I bake.

So yesterday morning, I lovingly and excitedly(and I'll admit it, kind of nervously) baked that loaf of bread.  I walked it over, rang the bell, and was hit with no smile, but a stern "I don't want to talk to you", and a door slam.  I can tell you that I was sad, because of a life so bound up by bitterness and hate. But another part of me felt free, joyful and satisfied!  And as I walked back to my house, bread in hand, I felt the pleasure of the Lord toward me because I partnered with him in showing His love to my fellow man, no matter the outcome.   

I hope and pray this revelation is anchored way down in my being...To simply do what He asks, whatever it looks like, for I'm beginning to see that this is where all the longing for that 'fire to never die'   will come. 

Bread...My Old Friend

I have an addiction, there I said it. That's the first step in recovery right? Well, mine was bread, and pasta, and pizza, AND PIZZA well, anything that contains flour.  Oh gosh, just mentioning those things sends a craving though my body and makes my mouth water.  I mean, a crusty bread with some delectable cheeses and a good glass of wine??  Heaven right there!!   But, for years now, I have been feeling terrible, wanting to blame all my achey joints on nearing....yeah, 50.  And of course I had a nice "out" again, to say my weight gain was all because of getting older.

Well, for a little over a month, my home has gone through a "Degraining". (I like to make up words)  My daughter is very gluten intolerant, and a lot of the issues she was experiencing, I had but just didn't want to think that maybe I should cut out gluten also. There was NO WAY I was going to give up my pizza and beer nights!! So on with my hobbling and on with hating my aching elbows and other joints, and on with my bloated gut. (Sorry so blatant, I'm just honest)   Then.... my daughter-in-law, who for various reasons, started a "grain-free" and "refined sugar free" diet, immediately seeing results!  Well gosh, if she could do this, (and my son who joined her to cheer her on) I thought maybe I should give it a try.

Our first official grain-free meal~

Cobb Salad.  

I never thought I could. Or maybe, it was because I didn't want to deprive myself.  

I deserve to be happy! 

That was my battle, and really the only battle, believing "I could".  But starting this new lifestyle, wasn't so bad, and I actually was excited about the thoughts of putting only healthy, whole foods in my body.  I too, along with my husband, did see improvements within a short time!  To date, I've lost 15 pounds, and honestly, my joints don't hurt like they used to.  I have more energy as well as not feeling like I'm in a fog most of the day! And my husband is enjoying eating this way...so there's no excuse men!!!

My cart from our favorite store, Trader Joe's!!

It brings us together, and this makes me happy.

My son and his family live close by us (one street over close).  So on many days, I get a text from my daughter-in-law, "Hey, are you home?" and visa versa.  I can expect a little sampling of one of the delicious new recipes showing up on my door step.  This has brought us closer, something that makes my heart so happy!   

I did purchase the book "Against All Grain" which has become my kitchen bible.  (God, yours still takes first place, so no worries)  I got my copy on Amazon.  The author also has a website which is really helpful.  www.againstallgrain.com  A food processor is a must.  Other than that, your normal stocked kitchen should work just fine.  

My loaf of "World Famous Bread" 

from Against All Grain

There are a few negatives, well, just adjustments really.   Meals aren't always quick, and when you're hungry, really hungry, this sucks!  So planning ahead is a good tip.   Also, snacks need to be made by hand.  There doesn't seem to many "prepared foods" available to purchase.  But honestly, I have been loving making grain-free crackers, muffins, scones and even bread!  One more thing, is the cost. Buying healthy, and then also grain-free ingredients are pricey.  BUT,  we don't buy prefab food filled with preservatives or GMO's, chips, soda, and all the other crap that is a KILLER for your body and mind!!!  Whoa, got a little bit preachy there...but hey, it's truth!

We do go out and eat, which we love doing, although not as much anymore.  But if we do, we have found more and more restaurants are amping up their menus with gluten-free items.  Grain-free is a bit more challenging, but most places are very accommodating and even help create that meal you desire!

Happy me after eating Fish Tacos 

(just the filling) 

at a local restaurant. 

I won't say I'm perfect.  Anyone who knows me, knows I love beer, so occasionally I'll have one, (gluten-free beer just tastes like swamp water)  and from time-to-time I might slip a Chick-Fil-A nugget in my mouth.  But all that is just once in a while.

 For my husbands birthday, (yup 53, ouch), I made some yummy 

Snicker doodle cupcakes!

 And YES...I STILL EAT PIZZA, 

(GLORY TO GOD!! lol) 

with a grain-free crust of course.

It's Friday!! So what's better than welcoming spring with grilled burgers in the backyard? The buns were great, having that nutty flavor, but did fall apart a bit, as was stated in the recipe book. 

Everything I've made so far, especially my currant scones, were very, very delish!! We are enjoying creating healthy and good for ya food!

TGIF lovely people!!

 

I    

33 Years & Dreams of Mine

Yesterday, January 31st, my husband and I celebrated our 33rd anniversary! 

This year of 2014 sure has dealt us a crazy hand of challenges, emotional and physical,  

to most of our large family.  But by God's grace, we are starting to come though and 

get to the other side.  So celebrating our anniversary yesterday, which consisted of 

going out to dinner, was a much needed break to just relax, eat some delicious food, 

drink a bit of good wine, and just enjoy each others company.  

We are truly blessed and take pride in the fact that we can say we've been 

married this long.  These days, it really is an accomplishment!  So hooray!!!

Happy 33rd Anniversary to us!!

Now on to some artsy stuff...

Some people paint lovely portraits or beautiful, tranquil scenes of hills and mountains. 

Then there's me.  I paint messes,

 and I love it.  

It may look like kindergarten art class, but to me, this form of art lets me 

color outside the lines, is freeing.  There is no right or wrong, and I need that right now.

Just paint.  But although there is no planned out trees, no ships or birds, 

there still is thought, placement, a bit planning. 

Dreams of Mine 

12 x 12 mixed media on canvas 

Little peaks of bright colors come though the muted foreground.

Glimpses of buried dreams, emerging through the dullness that masks a life. 

These are dreams of mine,

ones that will come.

For a more in-depth tutorial on the creation of this piece, you can visit:

www.bordersbegoneart.blogspot.com 

  

Happy Saturday lovely people!!

Those Blue Eyes

This week has proven to be one of the most challenging ones that our family has had to face in a long time.  Our oldest son was in a head-on collision Sunday night.  It's something, that when you hear the news, you go numb.  That happened.  

We had just gotten done celebrating my mom's 73rd birthday at a restaurant about 30 minutes away from the hospital where they had taken him.  The drive, crazy.  My mind, crazy as well.  We didn't know what to expect, as we weren't told much, only that "it was bad".   

The room was filled, cries, clutching, bad smells, people waiting and then some more.  Finally, I went back, I had to be strong, on the way and as I looked down.  Those words faintly spoken, "I'm sorry, I love you mom."  He was alive!  Those words gave me strength, hope, and yet too, I feared and felt lost, broken.   

There is so much I could say about those hours and days that have followed that night. What I do want to write is how faithful God is, in everyway.  He cares.  Some tiny, some big ways, some seen, most not.

That couple who happen to live where the accident was, come out and pray with our son immediately, stayed until the paramedics came.  Bless them!!  

His truck.  Demolished.  That space where he sat, too small.  How could anyone possibly NOT have been immediately taken to the other side?  He is ALIVE!!

Faithfulness again, as families that were somewhat fragmented, stitched back together with God-strong cord.  

And again, when pheumonia was "inevitable".  Well, not this time, not with our God. 

Really, the least of our worries, funds, we say "paid in full", because "He owns cattle on a thousand hills." 

Sitting in a chair? with a broken hip? all bones in his leg too?  It's coming...that fast healing is coming!

A new lease on life, in every way.  Clean, bright, hope-filled.

...and those eyes, blue and beautiful, that we can look into, safe still. 


Has it been hard?  A big an understatement.  The not knowing, the stress fueled by lack of sleep can cut deep.  It's all hard.  But really, how blessed we are!  We have life!  We have each other, family, good friends who have gone the extra mile and more & more, warm hospital nurses, time, love. We get laughing moments in the room, he still cracks jokes. Smiles from the kids seen for the first time, hugs, and love, handmade cards.  It's hard and joy-filled, and tiring and satisfying, knowing that we are there, we help, we extend grace and love in ways we can.   

 Life can be uncertain, yet we hold onto The One who is as certain and sure as the sun rising each day.  

It's only been a week, seems like longer, but progress is made each day, and our son will walk again, build again like he loves, and be stronger in so many ways than we could ever imagine.  We all will be.  

A Flurry of Goodness

With the holidays here, my blogging has been pretty non-existent.  With just starting this new blog, 

I didn't want that to happen.  BUT, that's life and now I carry on!!!  

That's one thing this year I'm going to try to work on... 

B e   E a s y   O n   M y s e l f!

  

This year was especially wonderful.  Our daughter came home from Hawaii, as well as her boyfriend Shea, to stay for one week this Christmas.  I am so grateful for the time we do get together now that she is living so far away.  This photo shows just how much love is shared between our family.  The grand kids love being together, and love holidays, especially all the goodies!!   

I just had to post a picture of the most wonderful & delicious thing I make at Christmas...

Rosemary Shortbread Cookies.

These little gems are so delicate yet are full of rosemary flavor.  

My daughter is eating Gluten Free, so unlike the usual shortbread recipe I use, I found

the best mix ever, Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free Shortbread Cookie Mix.   The cookies were perfect!!  

    What could be more perfect than all of our 

F I V E children being together for Christmas!! 

With our daughter living so far away, and all of our son's & daughter-in-law's lives so busy and full, we are grateful for this holiday that is made so special by all of them able to be here for Christmas.  

This make all our hearts so very full!

Pictured from left to right:

David, Chris, Lizzie, Andrew and Daniel 

"Five months...hello, five months!!"

(If you've seen Father of the Bride, you know that line!)

WELL...Lizzie and Shea got engaged while here!

This was the most delightful 

happening of the season.

We are now diving into wedding planning as they are looking at a  spring wedding here in North Carolina!! 

  Now that the holidays are over, and we can put our feet up and breathe a bit.

Dean had the most meaningful idea of writing out what we are thankful for that happened in 2013.  

Sometimes life hands you situations and experiences that are not what you had hoped for.  Bottom line, some things just really suck.  BUT, listing those things that 

WERE GOOD and BLESSINGS, written down with a thankful heart, 

is an avenue that then the Lord can use to send that miracle that you are looking for and make you aware of all those things in your life that are so very great.   

This Grateful List is hand written & a bit sloppy,  but hangs on our refrigerator to remind us of ALL that the Lord HAS blessed us with...bottom line, it is much.  

My hope, is that 2014 will be one that draws us closer to Jesus, in those small ways,

and the ones that are extravagant, and that HIS purposes will be fulfilled in ALL of our lives!!

Thanksgiving, making a profit and hard cider!!

Thanksgiving in our home is such a wonderful time for family, being mindful of that which we have and are thankful for, and glorious food!!  Over time, our family has evolved and it takes on a new flare every year, this one no different, as some that have always been around our table were celebrating with other loved ones.  This is a bit hard for our hearts, but life does change and we are grateful for those who can come and celebrate at our home!!  

This year, I decided to make decorations I found on Pinterest, you know, those things you pin then they stay in that neat little folder....well, I started with come cute turkey pops.  Very time consuming, but soooo cute and the kids LOVED them!!

I love setting a pretty table.  

Because we sold our dining room furniture before we moved, I was down to using two folding tables and some random chairs.  But, even with that, it was fun creating a nice place to sit.  Thanks again to a few Pinterest ideas, I think it came out pretty nice, and the little kids loved their coloring mats!

Because we didn't have as many here this year, our food table was a bit smaller, 

but OH SO GOOD!

I love the all the food that each one of the families prepare and bring.  

I need to explain about the title!! 
1. When I opened the turkey to get it ready to stuff, I thought I was going to vomit.  IT HAD GONE BAD, REAL BAD!
So off to the store my husband went, returned the turkey, found another one at another store,
 and netted a $35 profit!
This is what you get when Hanakkuah falls on Thanksgiving, a real blessing!!
2. After about half way through the meal, someone asked why the apple cider tasted so weird.  Yup, it was hard,
 and all the kids had that for their drink.  Oh boy!!  

Thanksgiving is my husbands favorite holiday.  He loves the time spent with his most cherished gifts, his family.  

 Our youngest child who still lives at home always makes us laugh and is such a fun person to be around. We are grateful for him!

My List of Gratitudes 

and some of the ones that make us smile!!  

Happy Hanukkah

We ended the night with the lighting of the second Hanukkah candle.  Our grandkids love hearing the story and being able to partake in lighting a candle.  

Peppers and Sonic Eggs

Every so often, my husband goes out of town.  Well, that's the time for me to whip out all my recipes that have any form of peppers in them.  He detests them sooo badly, that "that wonder of a veggie" can't even step foot in our house.  I know, I'm deprived, but honestly that small challenge is hugely outweighed by the wonderful person that he is, so I live with it.  BUT, when the chance arises...I go for it. 

Glorious Peppers 

Well, I found this recipe on Pinterest and wanted to share it with you.  It's easy to whip up and is full of wonderful coconut and red curry flavor, plus it abounds with colorful veggies!!!  Excuse the few chips in my favorite bowl and the picture a bit fuzzy. It certainly did the trick though and held that bowl of yumminess perfectly!!  

Laska Soup 

Here's the link if you want to dazzle your family with it!!

http://www.zenfamilyhabits.net/2010/01/5-ingredients-5-minutes-5-meals-simple-noodles/

Part B for the day.....
Barking Dogs and Sonic Eggs

Oh Boy!! Little did I know that a device so seemingly wonderful would cause such a stir!!  

We live in a neighborhood where the backyards are pretty much non-private and extremely close.  Well, that's fine if you have a dog like ours who does not bark, she has probably 10 times since we got her 9 years ago.  And we love it that way.

Well, the neighbor to the left has 3 dogs, and takes in dogs.  Now this seriously is a wonderful thing to do for those poor creatures that have been neglected and/or abused.  Good for her!  BUT, when they bark, waking us up every morning, or anytime we step out our back door, or when another pooch is being walked by by his master, and there is no consideration for those around... NOT COOL!  

Yay for Husband's Great Ideas!!

My husband had a brilliant thought.  Get one of those gadgets that omits a noise that stops dogs from barking!!  So off to PetSmart we go and the nice lady helped us pick out one that was "Pet Friendly and harmless" for dogs because we didn't want to in anyway hurt them, just get their attention anytime they barked by our fence that said in dogs terms, "Stop"!!  Well, let me tell you, it worked like a charm. Our meals with barking dogs, our noisy evenings on the deck, and our early morning wake up calls were done!!  Sing Hallelujah!!

    

So, next day, I'm enjoying a nice afternoon with one of my daughter-in-laws and 4 of our grandchildren, here to watch "Planes", which I've wanted to see so badly with them. Just when the movie starts, I get a knock at the door from that certain neighbor.  Little did I know that when I opened the door I would be hit by a barrage of ugliness, told she would call the cops, being called "Sick Ba@*+#rds", and so on, all because her dogs were nervous after coming in, due to the Sonic Egg doing it's thing. I kept my cool, talked calmly, but closed the door after she yelled those last nasty words in earshot of my grandchildren.

The reason I'm  telling you this seemingly insignificant story, is we are faced with people in this world who are just not very nice and it's sometimes very hard not to "engage" in a crazy situation, and also, to not take offense.  But to go even further, how do I show this person love, especially after making one of my grandchildren cry because of the situation?  I just have to bring to my mind the person who showed the greatest compassion, that being Jesus, who when beaten, stripped of his life, who chose love over hate.  He chose to not be offended, but asked The Father to forgive them.  This is my greatest example, this is who I'll try to emulate.  It's hard, but so was what He went through.  

So, the egg will stay "on" if they continue to bark, not because I'm trying to get back at her, but we like our peaceful home and surroundings now. My dilemma is how I get her to actually see God's love for her through us, after this situation?? 
This I need to know how to do.

Blessings and Love....


PS  The police did come, but at our request. He talked to her about her confronting us like she did, and to let her know that "the egg" is perfectly safe and OK for us to have. 


Now on to make some taquitos filled with, yup, salsa with peppers.:)