A Little Backwards

I do feel a little backwards today ...

today I am thankful that summer in NC does not last forever.

The heat and humidity we have experienced the last 4 weeks has been crippling.

It is very hard to get motivated to do anything.

So today I am thankful for the promise of fall and winter - 

cooler temperatures,

pleasant evenings on the porch,

warm drinks in the morning and evening,

...

I Still Do!

There is nothing like an anniversary to remind me of God's goodness and favor to me.

Today we celebrate 14 years of marriage.

From a little church in upstate NY ...

to rural NC.

I am so grateful for the man God chose for me.

It is hard to have a big celebration on a Wednesday with church,

but last week, we took a little trip to celebrate the wedding of some of our college kids.

We enjoyed the festivities and the time away from the regular schedule.

Yesterday, hubby's work took him to training nearer to the city,

so I joined him and we had a nice Asian dinner and a little shopping trip on the way home.

Tonight,

grilled turkey burgers, side salads, and steak fries.

Meal topped with Plum Cobblers.

Reboot

I have been a little scarce here recently.

Hubby and I have had a month or two of tough paths.

It has been one of those paths where you question where you are.

Are you where you need to be?

Are you doing what you need to do?

Are you distracted from what really needs to be done?

Are you helping or hindering?

While the path has been hard,

it has taken us to some good answers,

some changes,

some refocusing ...

a reboot.

More later ...

Quick, Easy, and YUMMY!

Since our meal plan does not change a whole lot,

I guess I am sharing a lot of desserts.

This one can be a protein snack, breakfast, or a dessert.

When I first tried them, I though - "Wow - a no bake cookie without chocolate."

Then I let hubby try - "It tastes like a no bake without chocolate."

So if you are looking for a no bake, no cook, not affected by the humidity recipe ...

Try this one.

No Bake Energy Bakes

• 1 cup (dry) oatmeal (I used gluten free rolled oats)
• 2/3 cup toasted coconut flakes (unsweetened)
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup ground flax seeds
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips (or vegan chocolate chips) - I used raisins for chocolate free option
• 1/3 cup honey 
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

DIRECTIONS:

Stir all ingredients together in a medium bowl until thoroughly mixed. 

Cover and let chill in the refrigerator for half an hour.*

Once chilled, roll into balls of whatever size you would like.

Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.

Makes about 20-25 balls.

Update

Some of you have contacted me and let me know that you were praying for Nathan - 

our Pastor's son who had brain surgery on Thursday.

We are praising the Lord that the surgery went well.

He had nominal nausea and vomiting which was one of his major concerns.

He was able to leave the hospital yesterday and will be recovering at the Ronald McDonald House
 until his flight home on Saturday.

Thank you for your prayers.

Prayer works!

Peace and Prayer

Today our church is having a day of prayer.

Perhaps you noticed the link on the side.

Our pastor's son is having a surgery today - 

5-6 hours.

It is comforting to have the peace that prayer brings.

I am thankful to know the Prince of Peace and the Great Physician.

I am thankful that nothing escapes the hand of the LORD.

He is in control and orders all of our steps.

If you think of it,

would you pray for Nathan today.

His surgery starts at 7:45 am and will end between 1 and 2 pm.

Looking Forward

I just finished reading the book of Isaiah this morning.

You can't help but rejoice in thinking about a future reign of a perfect, righteous leader.

I can't help but be comforted to think about a time when good will be rewarded and evil dealt with justly.

"And when ye see this, your heart shall rejoice,
and your bones shall flourish like an herb:

and the hand of the LORD shall be known toward his servants,
and his indignation toward his enemies."

Isaiah 66:14

God is the just and righteous King.

He is in control of every event and circumstance.

Since it hit me so hard this morning,

I must have really needed this reminder.

Another Fish Recipe

Well, another week got away from me.
Last week we were in Raleigh while hubby had training.
I always enjoy being near a large city and out of the "sticks" for awhile.
I never get quite as much accomplished as I mean to,
I think that the change of schedule doesn't sit well with me.

We did enjoy our time together with a concerted effort to walk together each day.
We celebrated hubby's birthday with a few uncharacteristic treats -
a DQ, Gigi's cupcakes, and a Frosty -
not all on the same day :)

Now we are back on plan after enjoying the break.
Here is another fish recipe for the faint of heart.
It requires no frying which is a positive in my book
and the sweet potato keeps it moist.
It would also be good with some tartar sauce.

Salmon Sweet Potato Cakes

Ingredients (Makes 6 medium cakes)

10 ounces canned wild, skinless, boneless salmon (drained of any liquid)
1/2 cup sweet potato, mashed
1/3 cup almond flour 
1/4 cup celery, finely chopped (can sub bell peppers, carrots, green onions)
1 egg
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. pepper

Instructions

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Combine all ingredients and mix well.
Place mixture in the fridge for 15 minutes to allow to come together.
Pre-heat oven to 425.
Drop 1/3 cup measures onto baking sheet – forming 6 medium-sized cakes.
Lightly press down in center to flatten.
Bake for 20 minutes.
Remove from oven, flip cakes and bake for another 10 minutes.

Tilapia Tots

We eat fish once or twice a week,

but we were getting burned out on the "usual."

Typically, I put some white fish in a pyrex with coconut oil

and seasoned with pepper, salt and parmesan and cooked.

It's a good recipe, I was just getting tired of it.

So, I went to my friend "google."

We tried Tilapia Tots.

They were a nice change with some homemade tartar sauce.

Little protein bites and low in carbs (if that is important to your diet.)

Not super fishy for those who are a little squeamish.

Tilapia Tots

1 lb tilapia fillets or other white fish
2 eggs 
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup almond meal
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp lemon pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder 
1/4 tsp salt

Bake the fish fillets until they flake with a fork at the thickest point. 
Place fillets in a medium bowl and flake.
Let cool 5 minutes before stirring in the eggs.
Add the cheese to this mixture.
In a small bowl, combine almond meal, baking powder, lemon pepper, garlic powder and salt.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir.
Use a scoop to place the fish mixture in mini muffin tin.
Bake for 20 minutes at 375*. 

Makes about 18 tots. 

How Will I Age?

I have forever been a people watcher. 

I love to be in crowds or in cities so that I can just watch people.

Actions, reactions, expressions, interactions.

One of the reasons that I practice Thankful Thursday

is that I want to make thanksgiving a habit.

I have watched people age in 2 ways:

Some become grumbling and complaining and are not a joy to be around.

They practice an entitlement mindset.

Some are thankful and focused on others and are an encouragement at every turn.

They practice the mind of a servant.

I would like to be the second.

I want to be thankful for each thing God has given.

I want to be thankful for each food on the table - even if it is not my favorite.

I want to be thankful for the efforts of those who are carrying the load that I no longer can carry.

I want to be grateful for each day of health and strength - even if it includes aches and pains.

So I practice Thankful Thursday.

Today I am thankful for the ability to walk, to move freely.

I am thankful for the small town I frequent most mornings on my walk.

I am thankful for the strength that I have increased over the years.

I am thankful for the ability to keep learning about the mechanics of my body so as to keep it working well.

How will you age?

Will you practice thanksgiving with me?

Will you remind me when I forget?