Saturday, September 25, 2010

Seasons of Change...Fall is here.


Fall is here.....seasons change. 

Seasons change all the time.  How do you handle change?  Sometimes we handle change well and well, other times....maybe we fight it.

At our home we have what we call a "new normal".  Our new normal includes having only part of our family home. Our son is away at college.  My husband is surrounded by women.  He feels a bit outnumbered sometimes, but enjoys it nonetheless!  There are less dishes, less laundry....but also less Nick.  While that may seem sad, it isn't.  We are so excited for all the changes we see around us from Nick being away and Katie learning to drive to Aimee being part of an outstanding triple threat discipleship program numerous hours a week.  I am enjoying every single minute of this new normal. And yes...I am overjoyed with my job!  I hate to even call it a job...because I love it so much. 

God has been leading us through this season of change well.  In fact, on Friday, our family Bible time was this very timely verse:

Joshua 1:9
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

What an awesome reminder!  God wants us to be strong and courageous and then promises to be with us - our protector.  I don't know about you...but I can rest easy knowing I have a GOD who is with me!

So as I am still striking a balance between work, family, home and life, I find my creative moments being inspiring and a recharge to my spirit. I enjoy decorating our home for the seasons that are limited here in Florida. In the picture above, I filled a few apothecary jars with artificial pumpkins, squash and various fall foliage.  This way I can enjoy the season, without having to dust at the decorations!  And it saves all these wonderful goodies from the cats! 

(The apothecary jars I purchased at Old Time Pottery and Home Goods.  The decorative items are from Old Time Pottery as well.)


Sunday, September 12, 2010

Finding Your Joy in Strengths!

A little more than a year ago, I had the joy of listening to Linda Werner speak about strengths in a leadership workshop.  I was mesmerized....and God used this workshop....this yearning for finding my passion and strengths to lead me to His perfect plan in His perfect timing.

You have read here many times about strengths and I talk about my strengths often. It completely changed the way I viewed myself and others.  It has transformed the way I relate to those around me.  Living a strengths based life has led me to a joyful life in Him.

At that same workshop with Linda, my good friend Mary Arnold sat with me.  We learned so much together.  We learned how to be passionate about the strenghts God gave each of us.  I have had the joy of watching Mary begin a journey that has come to fruition this week....she has created an organization to support women seeking a strengths based lifestyle. 

I want to take today and this week to stand along with Mary as she launches this organization with a team of women that want the very best for you and your family. 

Strong Women Surrendered Hearts





The Place To GO When You’re Ready To GROW!
 

Monday, September 6, 2010

The Joy of Cooking Something Yummy....

Today, being a holiday, I spent just a few more minutes preparing lunch.  I love to cook with my husband...we enjoy cooking and trying new recipes.

Today was Fish Tacos......I have never eaten fish tacos.

Paul has enjoyed them the couple of times he has tried them.

Today's fish tacos were unbelieveable!

Sorry no picture....but here is the recipe.  (It comes from Cook This, Not That!)

Grilled Fish Tacos

Ingredients


1 mango, peeled, pitted, and cubed

1 avocado, pitted, peeled, and cubed

1/2 red onion, finely chopped

Juice of 1 lime, plus wedges for garnish

Chopped fresh cilantro

Salt and black pepper

Canola oil

2 large mahimahi fillets (1 1/2 lb total)

1 Tbsp blackening spice

8 corn tortillas (I used flour tortillas)
2 cups red cabbage, finely shredded




Preparation



Mix the mango, avocado, onion, and the juice of 1 lime in a bowl. Season with cilantro, salt, and pepper.


Heat a grill or stovetop grill pan until hot. Drizzle a light coating of oil over the fish and rub on the blackening spice. Cook the fish, undisturbed, for 4 minutes. Carefully flip with a spatula and cook for another 4 minutes. Remove.
Warm the tortillas on the grill for 1 to 2 minutes, or wrap in damp paper towels and microwave for 1 minute until warm and pliable.
Break the fish into chunks and divide among the warm tortillas. Top with the cabbage and mango salsa. Serve with the lime wedges.
Makes 4 servings

Saturday, September 4, 2010

A long break....

So why the long break?

The past two months have been a whirlwind of change....

A child graduated.....

Getting ready for two in high school.....planning...choosing curriculum.....

Speaking.....traveling...and working.....a new season.....




Today I take a break...from everything..... being creative....and reflecting.


Sharing some creativity.......


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