Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Asparagus is one of the most nutritionally well-balanced vegetables in existence.

The title is a quote from a great web site about Asparagus. I love asparagus but never knew how healthy it is. Here is some more information copied from the web site.

http://www.asparagus.org/maab/nutrition.html

Asparagus is:
Low in calories, only 20 per 5.3 oz. serving, less than 4 calories per spear.
Contains no fat or cholesterol.
Very low in sodium.
A good source of potassium.(1)
A source of fiber (3 grams per 5.3 oz. serving). (2)
An excellent source of folacin. (3)
A significant source of thiamin. (4)
A significant source of vitamin B6. (4)
One of the richest sources of rutin, a compound which strengthens capillary walls.
Contains glutathione (GSH). (5)

Chicken Burger and Grilled Asparagus




Tonight I tried a new recipe lemon Chili chicken burgers. Instead of french fries we had grilled asparagus. I also tried homemade mayonaise. The meal got a thumbs up from the family. This is a great twist on hamburgers and fries.

Chili and Lemon Chicken Burgers
Serves 4

1 tsp. dried chili flakes
1 c. lemon juice (fresh)
4 cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 c. olive oil
sea salt and cracked black pepper
4 burger buns, halved
4 chicken breast fillets,
4 iceburg lettuce leaves
mayonnaise, to serve

1. Place the chili flakes, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper in a bowl and stir to combine. Place the chicken in a separate bowl and pour over half the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

2. Heat a char-grill pan or barbecue over high heat. (I used a saute pan) Brush the burger bun halves with some of the reserved marinade and char-grill or barbecue for 1-2 minutes or until toasted. Set aside. (I used regular butter as I had forgotten to set aside half of the marinade) Char-grill or barbecue the chicken for 4 minutes each side, or until cooked through. Top the buns with the lettuce, mayonnaise and chicken and spoon over remaining marinade to serve.

Recipe from Donna Hay magazine, Issue 37.

Friday, July 25, 2008

"Better Is One Day"

"Better Is One Day"

How lovely is
Your dwelling place
Oh Lord Almighty,
For my soul doth long
And even faint
For You
Oh, here my heart
Is satisfied (is satisfied)
Within Your presence
I see beneath
The shadow of
Your wings

Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere
Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere
(Than thousands elsewhere)

One thing I ask,
And I would seek,
To see Your beauty
To find You in
The place Your glory dwells
(One thing I ask)
One thing I ask
And I would seek,
To see Your beauty
To find You in
The place Your glory dwells

Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere
Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere
(Better is one day)
Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere
Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere

(My heart and flesh cry out)
My heart and flesh cry out
For You, the Living God
Your Spirit's water to my soul
I've tasted, and I've seen
Come once again to me
I will draw near to You
I will draw near to You
To You

Better is one day
Better is one day
Better is one day
Than thousands elsewhere
Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere

Better is One day in thy courts



Psalm 84
10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.

11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

12 O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Whole Wheat Tortillia's



3 cups wheat flour

1 cup warm water

1/4 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1/4 cup oil
If you would like to take advantage of the benefits of soaking, start with step 1, otherwise start with step 2.
1. Combine all flour, water, oil 2. Measure liquid ingredients into a mixing bowl.
2. Add baking powder. salt, kneading in the flour until the dough is workable but not too stiff. Let stand 10 minutes.
4. Shape into 8 - 10 balls and let stand 10 more minutes. Roll to form a 10 inch circle or use a tortilla press.
5. Heat in skillet on both sides until slightly browned.

This was my first try at homemade tortilla's. The children gave them a big thumb's up. The shape is not exactly correct. This was an easy recipe I would definitely make them again.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

One Hundred Push Ups


Another email from my husband. This article walks you through doing push ups. The article explains if you follow their plan you can work up the amount of push ups you can do. I have a friend who can do 10 push ups I hope to at least equal that!!! You know who you are buddy.

http://hundredpushups.com/

The 20 Healthiest Foods for Under $1

http://www.divinecaroline.com/article/22145/52070-20-healthiest-foods--1

My husband sent me a link to this great article. I think you all will enjoy reading it.

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Birthday Party Food








Today we had a Birthday party with the relatives. This year for food we decided on a variety of home grown vegetables and fruits and fresh meats, cheese's and bread (from the local menonite bakery). The party was a sucess and the food was delicious.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Trying to live more Healthy

3 Weeks ago I started a diet that my brother is on. I have been counting calories and walking. As of today I have lost 5 lbs. It may not be much but its a start. Here are some web sites that I use.

The Health Calculator
http://html.ketv.com/sh/idi/health/calcs/bmrcalc.html

Your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) shows the number of calories your body
needs to operate. This doesn't account for any activity, it's simply the energy needed to sustain a heartbeat, breathing and normal body temperature. It measures the body at rest, not sleep, at room temperature.

This BMR calculator was originally developed by Paul Brady at the University of Minnesota Department of Rhetoric and is used with permission. It uses the formula from Harris, James Arthur & Benedict, Francis Gano (1919) "A biometric study of basal metabolism in man," Carnegie Institution of Washington, Washington D.C. pp. 266.

Calorie Calculator

http://www.stevenscreek.com/goodies/calories.shtml

Calorie Count
http://www.calorie-count.com/calories/item/19035.html

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

The Anointing

I desire to be anointed by God. My heart is open and I humbly ask for God's anointing.

My pastor did a wonderful sermon on this topic Sunday. If you get the chance take time to listen to it.

7/6/2008 Broadband (386 kbps)

The Annointing
Terry Black
Sunday Worship Service
http://www.tpcmemphis.org/

"And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing" (Isaiah 10:27).



ANOINTING

Definition from Webster's American Dictionary of the English Language, 1828.

ANOINT'ING, ppr. Smearing with oil; pouring on oil, or other oleaginous substance; consecrating.

ANOINT'ING, n. The act of smearing with oil; a consecrating.



Exod.29
[7] Then shalt thou take the anointing oil, and pour it upon his head, and anoint him.

Having the anointing

Lev.10
[7] And ye shall not go out from the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: for the anointing oil of the LORD is upon you. And they did according to the word of Moses.

1John.2
[27] But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

Pss.20
[6] Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.

Power in the anointing
Pss.28
[8] The LORD is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed.

Jas.5
[14] Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the
name of the Lord:

God anoints

2Cor.1
[21] Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;

How to make a cheese omelette


How To Make A Cheese Omelette

http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-make-a-cheese-omelette

Whole Wheat Pancakes

1 cup flour
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg, beaten
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Mix the flour, sugar, salt and baking powder in a bowl. If you have a whisk, use it, and make sure the ingredients are well mixed otherwise you can use a fork.
In another bowl, beat the egg, then add the milk and oil. Mix until it is thoroughly combined.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and whisk them together for about a minute. The mixture should be a bit lumpy.


These were very quick and easy and tasted wonderful.

Monday, July 7, 2008

Whole Wheat Soft Pretzels




This is an easy and fun recipe to make with children. One lesson learned from the process LESS SALT is better. The pretzel are soft and tasty. This recipe does not take much time so we may make them again and use little if any salt. It was still great fun.

ingredients:
3 cups whole wheat flour (more if needed)
1 package fast rise yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/3 cup very warm water (125º to 130º)
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon honey
1 egg white, slightly beaten
Coarse salt or sesame seed

Directions:

Mix 2 cups flour, the yeast (dry) and salt in large bowl. Stir in water, oil and honey. Beat until smooth. Mix in enough remaining flour to make dough easy to handle.

Turn dough onto lightly floured surface; knead about 5 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rest 10 minutes.

Heat oven to 400º. Grease cookie sheet. Punch down dough; divide into 12 equal parts. Roll each part into rope, about 18 inches long. Twist each rope into pretzel shape on cookie sheet. Brush pretzels with egg white; sprinkle with coarse salt or sesame seeds.

Bake about 15 minutes or until pretzels are golden brown and crust is crisp. Immediately remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Serve warm and, if desired, with prepared mustard.

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Good sources for Women

http://www.reviveourhearts.com/topics/index.php

Topical Help for Women
Are you hitting the snooze button, only to find yourself with no time left for God? Are relationships causing you stress and frustration? Are you overwhelmed by too many responsibilities and commitments? We want to help. Click on one of the following topics to receive wise, biblical teaching from Nancy and Revive Our Hearts.




Biblical Womanhood
The feminist revolution was supposed to fulfill us, but true fulfillment and freedom come only as we embrace God’s design.


Church
The Church is too precious to neglect. Learn why you need to worship and fellowship with other believers.


Devotions
Intimacy with God is what we were created for. Receive motivation and tools to seek Christ daily.


Forgiveness
Break free from bitterness and unforgiveness.


General Christian Living
The mundane can become a blessing when we apply God’s wisdom to everyday life.


God
"What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us." -- A.W. Tozer


Gratitude
Cultivate a grateful heart that will be content in any circumstance.


Holidays
Enjoy a Christ-centered, peaceful holiday season, rather than a life-draining blur of activity.


Marriage
Discover God’s design for your marriage, and find joy in serving your husband.


Mentoring
It's never too late to leave a godly legacy, and God wants to use you to impact the next generation.


Modesty/Sexual Purity
Does God really care what you wear? Discover what He had in mind when He made you a woman.


Parenting
What do laundry, bandaged knees, and meals mean to God? Learn how to serve Him and leave a legacy as you care for your family.


Prayer
Connect with the Master of the Universe.


Priorities
There are enough hours in the day for you to accomplish everything on God’s “to do” list for you.


Relationships
You crave them, but they’re a lot of work. Learn how to glorify God in your relationships.


Revival
If your relationship with God is less than it could be, it’s time for revival.


Singleness
Singleness isn't a misfortune, but a wonderful gift from God.


Suffering
Learn how to grow stronger and closer to God as a result of hardships.


Women in Ministry
The pressure is real; learn how to stay faithful all the way to the finish line.


Women of the Bible
Learn from women who understand--who've faced similiar life circumstances and have finished well.

Saturday, July 5, 2008

No Pork Anniversary




One year ago after eating several meals of pork (BBQ, ribs, peperoni pizza) I noticed a pattern. Each time that I ate pork I got very ill. Several friends of mine have strong convictions that we should not eat pork because they interpret scriptures and they consider it an unclean food. Based on their convictions and my sick stomach I started a journey. I made a decision to see if I could not eat pork. Being a southern girl that was like saying no more sweet tea. Well I can say that it has been a year of no pork and my stomach wants to say Thank You. I will admit that the hardest craving was pulled pork sandwich's and maybe bacon. With much creativity and help from friends that struggle is gone. Pulled pork has been replaced with pulled chicken slow cooked with a wonderful BBQ sauce and pork bacon was replaced with turkey bacon. Holiday Hams have been replaced with the most delicious organic Turkey thanks to Fresh Market. The journey was not as hard as expected. One of my children joined me on part of the journey and enjoys the changes. The rest of the family occasionally has sliced ham when offered or a slice of peperoni pizza when given the chance. For this southern girl no ham is a health choice not a conviction. I do plan to try another year of No Pork!!!!

Friday, July 4, 2008

Teaching Purity



I think it is a responsibility to teach our children about purity. We have started this process with our daughters. One tool we use is a book titled The Princess and the Kiss. The company also sells a book for boys. This is a wonderful book on the importance of God's gift of purity.

Enjoying Summer


Li'l cheddar meat loaves

I have never liked meat loaf until now. My friend shared this recipe with me and its delicious. I make the loaves into small palm sized logs. Each log is one serving. My children will eat this very well and we usually end up with very little left overs.

1 egg
3/4 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup quick cooking oatmeal
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 tsp salt
1 pound lean ground beef ( i used a little more)(I make this out of ground turkey)
2/3 cup ketchup
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon mustard

In a bowl, beat the egg and milk, Stir in cheese, oats, onion and salt. Add Beef and mix well. Shape into mini loaves; place in a greased 13 x 9 x 2 baking dish. combine ketchup, brown sugar and mustard; spoon over loaves. Bake, uncovered, at 350 for 45 min or until the meat is no longer pink.

Daddy's Plate




Supper included

Baked Chicken
Craw der Peas
Squash
Potatoes with onion

Daddy's, plate included some extra seasoning!!!!

The 11 Best Foods You Aren’t Eating

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/30/the-11-best-foods-you-arent-eating/index.html?hp

Here is a copy of a good article

Maybe you should be eating more beets, left, or chopped cabbage. (Credit: Evan Sung for The New York Times, left
Nutritionist and author Jonny Bowden has created several lists of healthful foods people should be eating but aren’t. But some of his favorites, like purslane, guava and goji berries, aren’t always available at regular grocery stores. I asked Dr. Bowden, author of “The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth,” to update his list with some favorite foods that are easy to find but don’t always find their way into our shopping carts. Here’s his advice.

Beets: Think of beets as red spinach, Dr. Bowden said, because they are a rich source of folate as well as natural red pigments that may be cancer fighters.
How to eat: Fresh, raw and grated to make a salad. Heating decreases the antioxidant power.
Cabbage: Loaded with nutrients like sulforaphane, a chemical said to boost cancer-fighting enzymes.
How to eat: Asian-style slaw or as a crunchy topping on burgers and sandwiches.
Swiss chard: A leafy green vegetable packed with carotenoids that protect aging eyes.
How to eat it: Chop and saute in olive oil.
Cinnamon: May help control blood sugar and cholesterol.
How to eat it: Sprinkle on coffee or oatmeal.
Pomegranate juice: Appears to lower blood pressure and loaded with antioxidants.
How to eat: Just drink it.
Dried plums: Okay, so they are really prunes, but they are packed with antioxidants.
How to eat: Wrapped in prosciutto and baked.
Pumpkin seeds: The most nutritious part of the pumpkin and packed with magnesium; high levels of the mineral are associated with lower risk for early death.
How to eat: Roasted as a snack, or sprinkled on salad.
Sardines: Dr. Bowden calls them “health food in a can.'’ They are high in omega-3’s, contain virtually no mercury and are loaded with calcium. They also contain iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper and manganese as well as a full complement of B vitamins.
How to eat: Choose sardines packed in olive or sardine oil. Eat plain, mixed with salad, on toast, or mashed with dijon mustard and onions as a spread.
Turmeric: The “superstar of spices,'’ it may have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
How to eat: Mix with scrambled eggs or in any vegetable dish.
Frozen blueberries: Even though freezing can degrade some of the nutrients in fruits and vegetables, frozen blueberries are available year-round and don’t spoil; associated with better memory in animal studies.
How to eat: Blended with yogurt or chocolate soy milk and sprinkled with crushed almonds.
Canned pumpkin: A low-calorie vegetable that is high in fiber and immune-stimulating vitamin A; fills you up on very few calories.
How to eat: Mix with a little butter, cinnamon and nutmeg.