Sometimes a food will bring up nostalgic feelings, this salad always takes me back to a golden time in my life. A time of discovery, growing up, and lingering in the what could be. I loved sitting around Aunt Linda’s island chatting about school, she would check on our hearts, and together we wondered and dreamt about the future. Does food do that to you? I’d love it if you shared!
Today, I give you a snack that could also be used for lunch! Serve it over a bed of greens or on a veggie board along with humus and crackers. I hope you try it and then tuck it in to your go to recipes. You are going to love how it comes together quick and easy!
Ingredients:
12 oz shredded chicken (1 can) 2 green apples diced 1cup of raw almonds 1/4 cup mayo 1/2 tbsp of dry dill salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Begin by gathering all the ingredients to your work space
2. mix all ingredients in a large bowl
3. Serve and enjoy!
4. Can be refrigerated for a day or so, may dry out but just add a bit of mayo to moisten!
La Ensalada de Pollo de Tia Linda
Ingredientes:
12 oz de carne pollo desebrada (una lata) 2 manzanas verde cortadas en cubitos 1 taza de almendras crudas 1/4 taza de mayonesa 1/2 tbsp de eneldo seco (dry dill) sal y pimiento al sabor preferid
Instruciones
1. Comienza recogiendo todos los ingredientes
2. agrega los ingredientes a un tazón y mezcla
3. listo! sirve y disfruta!
4. puedes guardar la ensalada en la refrigeradora por un día, si se seca le puedes añadir un poco de mayonesa!
Buen provecho,
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Oh Covid-19,
Spring is here in its usual SPRING LIKE JASMINE way.
You may feel like you are still blooming
But know that we are PRAYING TOGETHER for your eradication.
I am happy to practice THE ART OF GATHERING again
Especially gathering for the good of others with Noonday
Although, you have caused so much disruption
There is beauty emerging out of the chaos
In these last few years I have been able to GIVE MY CHILD THE WORLD
Through homeschooling and exploring books together
I have also spent more time examining our propensity to live BUSY LIVES that lead to RESTLESS SOULS.
And so I am re-reading ESSENTIALISM as I continue to focus on what truly matters as we long to live a purposeful life.
I am now more than ever convinced that creating is an act of resistance
And so we create and continue ADORNING THE DARK left in your wake.
Although it may seem like I AM ALL OVER THE PLACE
The COMFORT BOOK reminded me that “cooking is the best kind of active meditation” so weekly I practice meditation when I Prep and Pray
This is my active stand in THE RUTHLESS ELIMINATION OF HURRY
With your arrival so much of our normal activities ceased
But we continue the sacred struggle in slowing down
And I long to live free and light WHEN STRIVINGS CEASE.
We learned to live and work from home
We have also learned to live at home with our whole self
Giving thanks for this good body is a new rhythm for me
And I can feel that I am slowly BREAKING FREE FROM BODY SHAME
Even though you meant to ravish our bodies
You don’t get the last word
These bodies are meant for greater purposes
And Black women have beautifully embodied faith
Like they are CARVED IN EBONY showing us all
That “there is a justice in joy” so, CALL US WHAT WE CARRY
Because we are healing through our collective poetry of love
Here I stand to BLESS THE SPACE BETWEEN US
Covid 19 your presence desired to steal our peace
And fill us with anxiety but IN THE NAME OF JESUS
We choose RHYTHMS OF RENEWAL
THIS BEAUTIFUL TRUTH will prevail
We are stepping into Holy Ground
Every small unseen moment is exactly
Where heaven abounds.
Shalom.
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“Now, my little pilgrims, suppose you begin again, not in play, but in earnest, and see how far on you can get before Father comes home.”
Marmee March
I love reading, I have loved reading from the minute I learned to string words together. I am not sure why I had never read Little Women, but I am so glad I discovered it along side my kiddos! I will forever treasure reading this book together. We reread it this winter and I am so glad that I had Rachel’s new Little Women Devotional. This chapter by chapter companion truly spurred me to begin again as Marmee invites her girls to do. To begin again in a more gentle and slow way for all things. In parenting, to extend grace more earnestly when I just want compliance. In life, to wait with patience when I just want things to get done. In relationships, to wade deeper into uncertain pools as we love each other when I just want comfort and ease.
The beautiful devotions drew out of the chapter a still small voice that invited me to reflect and learn instead of only being entertained. The sweet illustrations added a whimsical feel and helped me imagine myself in the scene. I loved showing the pictures to the kiddos and they made sure I didn’t forget. The prayer that Rachel offers at the end of each devotional without fail touched on a need or a struggle we were facing that day.
I may or may not have cried as I read the devotionals. The last one was so sweet and encouraged me so much in motherhood. The kiddos all came around and hugged me when my voice cracked reading about the fruit of Marmee’s investment in her children. I believe reading this devotional together with my children not only strengthened our bond but also gave us more insight into how we can love each other better.
I hope you pick up this beautiful devotional and share one with a friend or daughter it will bless you immensely. This devotional will strengthen your faith and will also help you navigate suffering, and even discontentment with a right view of yourself and God.
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These ham and egg cups have a way of making me feel prepared. Don’t you need that on Monday mornings, to just feel prepared? I sure do, so I wanted to share this little recipe with you. These ham and egg cups are simple and yet full of possibilities. Just try them and see for yourself! (p.s. let me know if you do!)
So, here goes a super easy one.
Ingredients
12 pieces of Ham (I love Applegate slow cooked Ham) 12 eggs Salt and pepper to taste Herbs de Provence about a teaspoon Oil spray bottle
Supplies
a muffin tin
Instructions
1. Begin by gathering all the ingredients to your work space
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
3. Prep the muffin tin by spraying it with the oil
4. Place the ham in each muffin tin space forming a pocket
5. Fill the ham pocket with the egg
6. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste
7. Sprinkle with Herbs de Provence
8. Spray the eggs with oil and place it in the oven
9. Cook for about 20 minutes
10. Serve warm and enjoy
Notas
They can also be stored in an air tight container for a week they reheat beautifully!
Take care to start with less salt if you are not using Applegate ham, I have found other brands of ham are more salty.
1. Begin by gathering all the ingredients to your work space
2. Dice onion and tomatoes and add it to the bowl
3. Halve avocados lengthwise removing the pits and set them aside for later. You can remove the pits easily by squeezing the avocado half gingerly until the seed pops out.
4. With a spoon scoop out the flesh of the avocado and place into bowl with a fork mash the avocados to chunky consistency. Add the lime juice directly on the mashed avocados then add it to the bowl with the other veggies.
5. Chop the cilantro and add it to the bowl
6. Add the spices and stir until well combined
7. Add 1/2 tsp of salt and taste. Then decide if you want to add more salt until you it is to your liking. Stir again adding the pits to help it stay fresh-then serve!
Quiet is how my soul felt after my sister’s visit ended. It was a whirlwind of a weekend. The buzz of excitement and proximity came to a crescendo of togetherness.
There were many things I wanted to do and say but time slipped away as quickly as water through fingers. We left each place and experience already hoping for a next time…
As we sat together eating, remembering, and revisiting places familiar shortened the distance of so many years apart.
The day after their departure I found left overs in the fridge from our time together. I began to prepare them as I do my home made meals, realizing they were a special gift. They were a cord connecting me to a fulfilled longing. I loved that because of these leftovers I was able to linger in their gift of presence. It was their presence that stilled and quieted my soul in peace.
Maybe you are also navigating the murky waters of unfulfilled longings. maybe the waves overpower and you flail breathless and can’t catch a glimpse of the goodness available for you.
I want to remind you today, that you are not alone. I pray for you today. I pray that His gift of presence will supernaturally quiet and still your soul. Let those spaces tender, heal in the presence of Jesus.
As you emerge you will find your heart is ready to be available, present, and to serve wholeheartedly. With out expecting it you will begin to catch glimpses of the goodness specifically placed for you all around.
To share your space with your people is truly a generous gift from above.
Be strengthened with grace and love,
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This salad reminds me of laughter and cool breezes while dining al fresco in Greece. My family and I traveled there during my college years and the texture and unbelievable flavor of the food has never left me. Another thing I remember is how the table was central to everyday life; people gathered, they shared good food, and lingered over heart connections.
I invite you to gather your community, set the table, and enjoy deep Christ centered conversation together. This salad will help you do it easily and without much fuss. You can grill some chicken and use this salad as a side dish and Listo! you have a healthy meal to share!
Ingredients
1 medium sized glass jar or food storage container 1 small red onion (or a half of a large red onion) 1/2 cup red wine vinegar 1/4 tsp oregano 1/2 tsp coarse sea salt 1/4 tsp cumin
1 cup of pearl couscous /(I used a tri-color Israeli toasted one)/
2 cups of cherry tomatoes /cut in half/
1 English cucumber /cubed into medium sized cubes/
1 can of garbanzo beans /drained and rinsed/
1/2 red onion /thinly sliced/
1 cup feta cheese
1/4 cup of fresh parsley /chopped/
1/4 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 tsp sea salt
For the vinaigrette
1/4 cup of olive oil + one tablespoon to cut the tartness after you mix the ingredients
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 lemon /juiced/
2 cloves of garlic /minced/
1stp dried oregano
salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Begin by gathering all the ingredients to your work space
2. Thinly slice the red onion and put them aside
3. Take a quart sized pan and fill it with water, add salt and a splash of olive oil. (This step is flexible. Cook the couscous like you would cook pasta or follow the instructions on the package.)
4. Bring the water to a boil and then add the couscous simmer on medium until the couscous is “al dente,” not hard but not too soft. about 8-10 minutes. Then drain the couscous, rinse under cold water, and set in the refrigerator to chill.
5. While the couscous is cooking, finish chopping the rest of the vegetables. (Keep your eye on the stove, anytime I cook pasta inevitably the water boils over.)
6. While the couscous chills, mix the vinaigrette ingredients in a jar and shake vigorously until well blended. Taste to check the tartness and flavor. You may need to add the leftover olive oil or more salt and pepper.
7. In a salad bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, garbanzo beans, feta, cucumbers, red onions, and parsley. Then add the chilled couscous.
8. Serve immediately or place in the refrigerator for a few hours for the flavors to meld.
Deliciosa ensalada de cuscús
Ingredientes:
1 taza de cuscús de perla (yo use un cuscús de tres-colores)
2 tazas de tomates cherry cortados por mitad
1 un pepino cortado en cubitos medianos
1 una lata de garbanzo escurridos y enjuagados
1/2 una cebolla roja picada bien delgadita
1 taza de queso feta
1/4 taza de perejil picado
1/4 cucharadita de comino
1/4 cucharadita pimienta molida
1/2 cucharadita de sal
Para la vinagreta
1/4 taza de aceite de oliva + una cucharada para cortar la acidez después de mezclar los ingredientes
1/4 taza de vinagre de vino tinto
El zumo de un limón
2 dientes de ajo picados
1 cucharadita de orégano seco
sal y pimienta a sabor
Instruciones
1. Comienza recogiendo todos los ingredientes
2. Toma la cebolla y córtalas en rebanadas finas
3. Cocina el cuscús siguiendo las instrucciones del paquete, cuando el cuscús esté al dente, escurrirlo, enjuagarlo en agua helada, y ponerlo en la refri para que se enfríe.
4. Mientras el cuscús se cocina termina de cortar el resto de los vegetales.
6. Mientras el cuscús se enfría, mezcla la vinagreta en un frasco y agítalo vigorosamente hasta que esté bien mezclado. Pruébala para ver cómo está de ácido, podría ser que tengas que añadir más aceite de oliva o sal y pimienta.
7. En una ensaladera, combina los tomates, garbanzos,queso feta, pepinos,cebollas rojas, y perejil. Después agrega el cuscús frío.
8. Sirve inmediatamente o ponlo en la refri un par de horas para que los sabores se mezclen.
So many goals swirling in my brain. So many dreams wanting to take root. I see them. They give me hope that new things are wanting to break through. This year I want to take time to hone the craft of writing. Five Minute Friday is a great place for me practice and be encouraged by other writers as I write. I will set the timer for five minutes and then write. Here we go! I am excited to invite you in, welcome.
Desperate
How long Will the crush Of violence suffocate?
How long Will children’s eyes Fill with terror?
How long Will a mother’s tears Fall desperate?
How long Will death seem to Have the last word?
Oh my soul I know you are troubled I know you’re desperate for an answer
Remember then: His faithfulness His new morning mercies His steadfast love His own suffering His desire to come close His sure step in the darkest valley
Then my soul cry out: How long-O Lord Will your justice delay? Have mercy Lord, have mercy
Hear our cries and save Our desperate prayers Though feeble fall Straight in your heart And your Word sustains
You’re near and I will see your goodness still.
~DFD
Psalm 6:3
My soul also is greatly troubled. But you, O LORD—how long?
Gracefully,
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High up in the sky the sun
the heat rising from the ground
tears close to spill
yet our hearts were tender still
Miracles right from the start
prayer a constant spark
Connecting and strengthening
In the waiting the Lord was growing tiny seeds in the dark
now before me an expanse
that spoke of the glory of God
A smile of miracles seen
blooms into a sparkle in eyes -a deeper knowing of God
High up in the sky the sun
the heat rising from the ground
we enter pastures dresses in beauty all around
beauty of beasts given by the creator
beauty in places that astound
watching, touching, loving,
knowing all this is gift a prayer and a dream
the shade is comfortable we huddle close seeking shade
yet, there’s more
this was beautiful and healing
and yet more He has in store
an Elijah moment before me
in the stillness of the day
the heat rising and oppressive
we see the winds pick up
the branches sway and dance to rhythm the powerful breezes relay
stronger and stronger lifting dust and leaves
Lifting and twisting in powerful air
the openness now seems dangerous
But surprisingly it comforts us
just as our hearts began to quake
And we looked around for shelter and escape
a cold breeze on our skin the wind becomes breeze
ushering a new coolness
ushering peace that surpasses understanding
the evening turns into a sweet haven
a whisper of promises from heaven.
a gentle breeze cool
a heart poised to hear
a tender caress from father God whispers,
“ I see you, I hear you I am yours and you are my delight”
High up in the sky the sun
below the daughters of the Son
a Lord who comes close
heaven caresses wind blown hair sweet
now praises rise from the ground
It’s been a year since my grandmother went to heaven. I still as if just yesterday I stood beside her bed and read Psalm 91 over her. Loving her my whole life has been one of my greatest blessings. From the moment she first held my hand to walk to town in Honduras to the moment she last held my hand at her table I knew I was loved. I’m so glad that my children also got to hold her hand because I know they felt the true and peaceful love only she could give. I will continue to remember her in the flowers, in the quiet afternoon coffee time, and in prayer. This year when I see new life grow in the garden I remember that she is whole, new, and full of life too. Te amo, Abuela.
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Consider the flowers…will he not also care for you.
So many goals swirling in my brain. So many dreams wanting to take root. I see them. They give me hope that new things are wanting to break through. This year I want to take time to hone the craft of writing. Five Minute Friday is a great place for me practice and be encouraged by other writers as I write. I will set the timer for five minutes and then write. Here we go! I am excited to invite you in, welcome.
Recover
A word spoken in truth
A desire to love with our family
good words, assumptions, anomaly
Grace covered wounds
moving aside, pushed away
reminded though that He stays
A sense of loss lingers
a blessing taken
yet my faith remains unshaken
I believe I will see His goodness
I hear my friends voice
tears spill as I rejoice
Stay there
I will come for you
the ones who would come are few
His grace invades my day
my soul buoys in grace
his love my safe space
He carries me
His love recovers me from despair
He is my recovery.
~DFD
Gracefully,
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