Thursday, February 06, 2014

Shrugs, Candy, Books, Sweats and Ice Cream

We have been BUSY - and I think we are going to get another two full weeks of our core curriculum done before tomorrow is over. 

I ordered three shrugs in various colors and had them sent to Krista's. I still cannot find nude shoes around here....maybe tomorrow. We still need to go find a barber or something too. 

Today is gloriously rainy. 

I began the tedious job of bagging and tying all the wedding candies...and Arielle came down and RESCUED me. It's much more fun with a partner. 

Sometime in the midst of school and such I realized we have TWO birthdays coming up - SOON. As in Saturday and Tuesday. YIKES.

It only took six months for me to adapt to America. I headed to walmart in my SWEATS with my tie dyed Sweat Shirt, no make up, hair up in a clip and crocs. ::snort:: Arielle said I would fit in and not to worry about it. I didn't find the birthday gifts I wanted - but I did get the ingredients for an ice cream cake, I also got more ribbon and plastic bags.

Arielle took over making the ice cream cake! I got busy making dinner. Now? Since Michael won't be home until late, and we're all tired from studying so hard.....we're going to go relax in the backyard onsen. The perfect way to enjoy a rainy night.

Choosing Joy!
©2013 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Hearty Potato Soup (Instant Pot/Vegan)

Another one I found on  the Instant Pot site. Forgot to take a photo.....

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 t minced garlic - (used WAY more)
  • 1/2 teaspoon olive oil
  • 4 cup low sodium chicken broth
  • 2 1/2 lbs potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1 inch cubes
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 1 celery stalk, diced
  • 1 Tablespoon dried parsley
  • a dash of dried red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian Seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 T flax or chia seed (opt - adds nutrition)
  • 2 C non dairy milk - or 12 ounce can of evaporated milk
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
  • black pepper to taste
Garnish with cheese, green onions, "unparmesan cheese"

DIRECTIONS
  1. Press Saute on Instant Pot. Add onion, garlic and olive oil. Stir while sauteing for 3-4 minutes. Do not walk away or this will burn.
  2. Add chicken broth, vegetables and spices/seasonings. Stir. Place lid on pot, press soup button and set minutes to 10. (It takes about 10 to come to pressure and then cooks for 10 minutes.)
  3. When beeps, do a quick pressure release.  Add 2 cups of chicken broth and milk. Insert an immersion blender and run on short bursts until a creamy consistency that you like, but make sure to leave chunks of potatoes. Add salt and pepper to taste, stirring gently to incorporate.
  4. Makes 8 cups of creamy, comforting potato soup. 
Choosing Joy!
©2013 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Steel Cut Oats (Instant Pot)

Tracy helped me adapt this recipe from the Instant Pot booklet. I make a pot and then portion the leftovers and use them throughout the week. Works well. 
can't get a good photo
INGREDIENTS
3 C water
1 C non-dairy milk
pinch of salt
1 C steel cut oats
1 T vanilla 
2 tsp cinnamon
2 T ground flax seed
1/4 C craisins or dried fruit
1-2 T of Agave Nectar or Honey

*The recipe says non dairy milk works better than dairy milk as dairy milk tends to scorch. You could skip all milk. 

DIRECTIONS
I dump it all in the pot. 

Put pot on manual and cook 3 minutes. 

When time is up, let the pressure come down and open the pot. 

Add extra fruit (banana, apple, blueberries, peaches) and pecans. Yummo 

Some add the seasonings after it cooks...I'm lazy and I'm the ONLY one in the house who eats Oats so I tend to go heavy on the cinnamon. LOL 

Choosing Joy!
©2013 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Sweet Potato Chips (Vegan)

So simple it's really not a recipe...but yummy nonetheless. I found the basic directions in Happy Herbivore Light and Lean. 

INGREDIENTS
Sweet Potato - sliced thinly

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 375*. 

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper (or grease).

Slice Potato - I like to spray with olive oil spray and sprinkle with onion powder and garlic powder or minced garlic.

Place chips on pan and bake for 5 min.

Flip over and bake another 5 min.

Check and bake up to another 5 more minutes until the side are curly and lifting.

If your chips are stubborn try broiling for 30 seconds or so. Allow chips to cool; they crisp slightly as they cool.

Serves 2 - about 50 calories per serving.....but I also eat the whole thing.

Choosing Joy!
©2013 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

In a Minute God....

Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. Mark 1:18, 20


"In a minute, Mom!" 


Via Google Images
Delayed obedience is disobedience. 

We teach our children to begin to obey immediately and respectfully appeal as needed, as they obey. Too simply ignore a call is disobedience. 

Mark likes the word immediately. He uses it ten times in this chapter - that I see. I note that things begin to HAPPEN when Jesus shows up.  The relationship between Jesus' call to Simon, Andrew, James and John and their reaction is what speaks loudest to me this morning. 

Jesus called. 

They left their nets IMMEDIATELY and FOLLOWED. 

When we hear Jesus calling the proper response is to IMMEDIATELY follow. Sometimes we need to respectfully clarify...but we clarify from a position of obedience. 

To be a disciple is to be a follower. In this context it is to follow a teacher. It meant to live, work and sleep with the teacher.  The word involves*:

  • Abiding fellowship
  • Clinging in trust and obedience
  • Cleaving to Jesus means acting according to His example
  • Fellowship of faith as well as life
  • Inner moral and spiritual fellowship is essential to outward fellowship
  • Self denial 

If I am struggling to follow a clear call of Jesus I need to evaluate my heart....I need  God to "search my heart" Psalm 139:23.  Personally, the times I struggle most with a call from Jesus involve a lack of trust or an unwillingness to deny my self and my plans. 

There are many things He has called me to - things He may call you too as well.....

  • Relationship with Jesus
  • Die to a habit
  • Practice a spiritual discipline
  • Rest
  • Change a career
  • Step into a new activity
My goal is to  FOLLOW IMMEDIATELY when Jesus calls...not tomorrow or "in a minute." 


*Strongs 190 - sources Strongs, Vines, Dr. Zodhiates Complete Dictionary of  NT Words 

Choosing Joy!
©2014 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...