Impact by Transparency :: Mentoring Moments

   Making an impact on the next generation sounds difficult, maybe even risky for those of us who don't have kids of our own. You might wonder, what do I have to offer that a kid who's 11 years younger than me might learn from or would someone that young really enjoy hanging out and living life with me? Sure, it might take some extra creativity on your part to look for extra fun things to do, but in the end just living life in a real way with those who are younger is enjoyable for both you and them. It gives them a chance to see how a person functions in the world, with a family, and as an individual. This is especially the case if your mentoring an at risk youth who maybe has never seen or known a functioning family, someone who can hold down a job, or even graduated high school.


  As a young single person, finding worthwhile things to invest in outside of yourself can always be a stretching...let's face it, most of our life people (parents, teachers, pastors, friends) are usually focused on investing in us with sometimes little to no return on our part. In preparation for your future, for most of us that means marriage, start the process now of learning self sacrifice.  Use your single years to advance the gospel in the lives of those around you.

   This is a path I have chosen, living a transparent life for the glory of God and the proclamation of His gospel. About a year ago I joined Ignite Youth Mentoring, a faith based organization who's purpose is "...providing youth in the Tri-Cities adult role models of Christian Character." I was matched with a sweet, fun, and vibrant 8th grade girl who has opened my eyes a whole new world. We've been able to share some special times together...everything from swimming lessons to bike rides, a trip to Spokane to painting nails together. It's forced me to get outside my perfect box of middle class, college graduate, and having no needs to see that others right in my back yard are living a life much different than mine. Though she and I may not always be the most talkative...I always come away wondering what more can I do to steer her in a good direction in life.

   Sure, there's been times when it's been difficult. I'm not going to lie, I've doubted whether or not I'm making an impact. I've wondered if maybe she's not enjoying our times together. I've wondered if there's more I should be saying about the Gospel, abstinence, drugs, and friends. Though I probably have room to grow in ALL these areas, realizing that God is going to use any measure of my time spent with her to it's fullest is where I have set my camp up at. Remembering it's not my work (see the self focus there??), but rather it's Christ. CHRIST will use my smallness for His GREATNESS...no matter the road taken. Now, does this give me an excuse to slack off? By no means... rather it encourages me to do more so that my smallness will grow larger resulting in His greatness being shown even greater. 

<3<3Finding humor in our time together<3<3

   Transparency will become your best friend. Being willing to share about your life, your failures and successes, your joys and sorrows will take you far in gaining trust in those you live life with. Likewise, with mentoring, even young people can sense when your being real with them. My goal as become to be an impact on the people in my life by being transparent. Not being ashamed of who I am, how God has made me, and that I am here on this earth for one purpose which is to glorify Christ.






~::~Solus Christus~::~

Crock Pot Paleo Pepperoncini Beef

  This has become my new favorite meal option, and it's TOTALLY paleo! I guarantee your mouth will be watering when you smell this cooking. It has a bit of a spice to it, but not overpowering at all (and I don't like spicy).

   I pared my beef with a large salad. Grilled asparagus, fresh tomato, and some apple with it would be delicious as well! Enjoy!

Crock Pot Paleo Pepperoncini Beef

1 medium/large beef roast
2-3 TBS. Olive Oil
Salt
Pepper
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 32oz. jar pepperoncinis (use all of it's liquid as well)

  1) Brown roast in skillet with the olive oil. Cover roast with pepper and salt.
  2) Place Roast in crock pot. Place minched garlic on roast and spread on top.
  3) De-seed pepperoncinis, chop and place in crock pot with roast. Pour liquid from pepperoncinis into crock pot.
  4) Cook on low for 8-10 hours 

My.Favorite.Things.From.This.Past.Year

 This continues to be one of my most favorite pictures I have ever taken. Captured in Egypt.

 Latte's are a new favorite this year....no sugar added!

I love God's grace!

 The Lord has shown me GREAT mercy this last year. I am so thankful He will never fail me even in my stupidity.

<3 Love Chevron Stripes <3

<-- Working out every day with a new sweet sista!


  My new car...I love it sooo much. God was faithful in providing it. -->

I'm SUPER excited to be 24...even numbered birthdays are my FAVORITE!

 

~Fudgy Bites~

If your looking for something to sooth your chocolate sweet tooth, but are trying to stay away from processed sugars, wheat, eggs, and anything non-paleo....this recipe is for you! My family has made this multiple times and we LOVE them!

Fudgy Bites

1/2 cup medjool dates, pits removed
1 cup walnuts
3 tablespoons cacao powder
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp sea salt

1) place dates, walnuts, cacao power, vanilla and salt in food processor
2) pulse on high speed until smooth
3) Remove mixture from food processor and roll into little balls
4) Serve!

* if extra liquid is needed to make balls stick, dribble water and pulse mixture until balls form.

Something {Old} and Something {New}

   Change....a word that can be both frightening and exciting at the same time. This word encapsulates my life this week. Many changes are taking place in my life, and though I'm not a person who deals well with change and the unknowns, and let me tell you, this week definitely has it's unknowns, I have also been looking forward to the changes happening and am excited to share with you what the Lord has been doing. Change is something I have been praying about since October.God finally moved in a visible way this last week, and I am overjoyed!

    Change...my buzz word for the week. One of the biggest changes that I am happy to announce is the change of my job. I've not shared much, but for the last 6-7 months my current job, tutoring higher level disabled students and doing brain stimulating exercises with those who have lower cognitive ability, has taken a toll on me emotionally and physically. One of my students in particular who I was working with on behavior related issues was stretching me farther in learning to trust the Lord with my safety than I have ever needed to before. Some days I was never sure if walking away from this specific job would be done so on my own two feet or wheeled out on a gurney. I praise the Lord for His continued protection and shielding hand. Though I saw and experienced a lot, I also grew in my knowledge of the crippling effects mental disabilities can have not only on the person if affects, but also on the family members. With as stressful as this job was, I began praying that the Lord would open another job opportunity up for me, one in which I would be placed in a safer environment and working with others around me. Just last week I was called by the school district I work for offering me another position, and I was excited to accept! Praise God! My new job will be full time (30 hrs a week) with everything that comes with a full time position and it will also allow me to continue my own tutoring in the afternoons. I will be working one-on-one with a 4th grade non-verbal autistic child, and though I know this job wont be without its difficulties, God will be there beside me every step of the way for He has provided this new opportunity.

 
 Change...sometime we all go through during our life, most likely multiple times. This week I turn 24. For some reason I feel like I should be turning 25, BUT that's just me getting ahead of myself like usual. I am excited for this new year of my life...excited to see what God is going to do...excited for the changes I know will happen....excited for my trip to Europe (more on that later)...overall, excited for LIFE!

   Change...the week right before Spring break. Probably one of the first times I'm not sure of what I'll be doing other than sleeping in, reading, working out and drinking a cup of java! I am thoroughly excited for my spring break!

   Change...I'm desiring to become a person not ashamed of sharing the gospel and being a light to whomever I meet. I want to share about the saving power of Christ and why He is so precious to me.

   Change...This week is Resurrection week (Easter) and probably for the first time in my life, I am noticing all the vibrant changes that happen in nature. The bright hues of yellow, pink, and greens. Spring and Resurrection Sunday no longer signify bunnies and candy but a risen Lord and beautiful world. Maybe I'm slow in figuring this stuff out!


   Take time with me this week to praise the Lord for the changes in your life, both the good and the bad, for isn't He over all things? Nothing is above the help of God and nothing happens out of God's plan!

  ~Blessings~
 

 

Moistest Paleo Coconut Flour Cookies Ever

    Usually when I bake with coconut* flour it's in small amounts mixed with a greater amount of almond flour. This time though, in hopes of making a higher fiber cookie, I made chocolate chip cookies with coconut flour mixed with a smaller amount of almond flour and a tad bit of my most favorite GF flour ever, Bavarian Mills. If I would have had enough almond flour, I would have used just coconut and almond combined, but I didn't. Thus the reason for using my GF mixture instead. Also, instead of 1 banana like the recipe called for, I put in 1 3/4 banana....definitely helps with the **moisture content.


  * Coconut flour soaks up liquid like a sponge which is why it's a bit harder to bake with.

   ** When cooking with gluten free flours or even nut flours, I've found that the more moisture you add, the moister the cookie or baked product. This is especially so with coconut flour. 

Coconut Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies

1/2 cup coconut flour (1/8 cup more if needed)

1/4 cup almond flour

(I used about an 1/8 cup almond and an 1/8 GF flour)

1/4 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1 1/2 mashed banana

 3 TBS honey

 1/2 TBS coconut oil

1/4 tsp vanilla

1/2 cup rice milk (more if needed)

3/4 cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine dry ingredients. Combine wet ingredients in separate bowl. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and combine. Dough should be very wet, this is good, coconut flour soaks up a lof of moisture! Mix in chocolate chips. Form 2 TBS. of dough into ball and place on parchment paper lined cookie sheet - flatten slightly with back of spoon. Bake 18-25 minutes or until golden brown. Immediately transfer to cooling rack.

 

//Sin: the Dictator of Our Lives// Hope: Through God//

As it is written:

“There is no one righteous, not even one;

there is no one who understands,

no one who seeks God.

All have turned away,

they have together become worthless;

there is no one who does good,

not even one.”

**Romans 3:10-12**




 ~~~**~~~

   Hitler, Stalin, Castro, Chavez, Pol Pot...all men who are viewed as dictators of their countries; men who ruled with iron thumbs, not looking out for the best interest of their fellow country men. Many of these men's time in leadership are marked by the drastic extermination of people groups or innocent civilians. Ruled by greed, wealth, status, and power. Driven by the sin in their lives. 

   Like these morally corrupt rulers,we to would have the same heart and motives if not for Christ. For the unregenerate, God gives common grace. "The Bible consistently teaches what theologians have come to call “common grace,” a non-saving grace that is at work in the broader reaches of human cultural interaction. This gift of God’s grace to humanity in general demonstrates a desire on God’s part to bestow certain blessings on all human beings, believer and non-believer alike." (Tim Keller, What is Common Grace PDF) For those who have been called by name to be His, God shows us our corrupt and selfish hearts, brings us to repentance, covers us with His righteousness and places within us a heart that desires to live a moral life not for morality's sake but in order to Glorify Him, magnify His name, spread His gospel and one day live eternally in Heaven with Him.

"The doctrine of common grace helps us to acknowledge God’s goodness in all of creation and enables us to pursue mission with love in a fallen world." ~ Tim Keller

   Meditating on Romans 3:10-12 today, my life before Christ, I became so very thankful for God choosing to place me in a home that taught me His truths and raised me with a Christian world view. Am I saying that those who aren't raised in a Christian home aren't as privileged? By no means! Both have been equally shown the mercy of God in a fallen world, both have been changed in radical way. No matter whether if God called you out of a life of drugs, abuse, prostitution, gang life,  a non-religious morally good life or the opposite, a conservative, christian home where His gospel was taught and shown through example by your parents...God has called you out of darkness. It was Him who placed you in whatever life situation you grew up in; neither are far from His grasp of control or closer to it based on outward appearance. 

   As Romans 3:10-12 reminds us, no one, not the druggy or the innocent church goer are free from sin. It is the dictator of everyone's life, killing all good that we could produce on our own and hardening us to God's work. Apart from Christ, all are equally doomed to a terrible ending, Hell. My friend, do not take this lightly, Hell is a real place that is for all those who do not claim Christ as their savior and Lord. 

   But God....God shows mercy and forgiveness to the sin in our lives. He alone is able to wipe out the dictator, sin, that had taken residency in our hearts and sets up a new kingdom...one filled with hope, peace, security, and a desire to give Him unashamed glory for what He has done in our life.

  "But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us,  even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—  and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.  For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,  not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:4-10)

~Grace and Peace~

  

//Declared Right Before God//

“I wish I could say that everything I do is for God’s glory but I can’t. And neither can you. What I can say is Jesus’ blood covers all my efforts to glorify myself.”

— Tullian Tchividjian 

 

“I'm afraid that in the United States of America today the prevailing doctrine of justification is not justification by faith alone. It is not even justification by good works or by a combination of faith and works. The prevailing notion of justification in our culture today is justification by death. All one has to do to be received into the everlasting arms of God is to die.”
― R.C. Sproul, Saved from What? 

//Paleo// Cherry Walnut Almond Flour Cookies

   Having extra time on my hands this week, I decided to pull out some new paleo recipes and try experimenting. The cookies I am going to share with you today are a unique cross between a cookie and a biscuit in texture. I over baked mine just a tad, but they still came out delicious. Also, I made quite a few substitutions as well as decreased the amount of sweetener I used in them (it called for white sugar, BOO, and as that's all we had on hand, I used it. Ergo the reason for decreasing the amount.) As far as substitutions go, because I didn't have any dried cherries on hand, I rehydrated some dehydrated coconut instead and used that as well as  I used almond extract instead of vanilla extract (made them soooo yummy and nutty flavored). I would definitely make them again....just hopefully next time I have some kind of dried fruit (cherry, apricot, raisin) to put in them.

Recipe

1 1/2 cups almond flour

1/4 cup butter softened

1/4 cup sugar (for a less sweet cookie, only fill the quarter cup measurer 3/4 of the way full. Also, a good sugar substitute would be coconut sugar)

1 egg

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp almond extract

1/4 tsp baking powder

1/3 cup shredded coconut(rehydrated) or dried fruit of choice

1/3 cup chopped walnuts 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all ingredients together in a medium bowl. Spoon onto greased cookie sheet making medium sized balls. Bake for 8-10 minutes.

~Blessings~

    Laura

Sovereignty of God {{Exposed}}

Some weeks we see the need for God's sovereignty more than others. We might catch ourselves joyfully living life one day with little thought to God's divine ordination of circumstances while the next day, in the difficult moments, we are constantly reminding ourselves that God has a plan and a purpose for everything; nothing is untouched by the sovereign will of God. We must realize that, in both the good and the bad, God's sovereignty never changes and isn't dependent on whether or not a thought crosses our mind concerning our dependency on Him.

“What defines us as Christians is not most profoundly that we have come to know him but that he took note of us and made us his own.”
― John Piper, Think: The Life of the Mind and the Love of God 

I am thankful that God saved me. I am thankful that out of the billions of people in the world, He called me His own and sealed me a place with Him forever. I am thankful that every moment of my life has been pre-planned. I am thankful that God is not dependent upon my frail humanity for anything. I am thankful that God is king. I am thankful that He holds the whole world within the palm of His hand. 

"Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand or marked off the heavens with the span of his hand? Who has gathered the dust of the earth in a measure or weighed the mountains in a balance and the hills in the scales?"

- Isaiah 40:12

Because God's sovereignty touches every aspect of our lives, this means we are free to live a fear free life."Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” - Deuteronomy 31:6. God's plan for your life can not me thwarted. He will not withhold any perfect thing from you that He has already planned to put in your path, nor will any difficulty you face be unmanageable for His mighty power. ALL things work according to His perfect plan. 

"But who are you, a mere man, to talk back to God? Will what is formed say to the one who formed it, "Why did you make me like this?" Romans 9:20

Who are we to decide when and if we God can be in control of our life? Let me guarantee this, even in the moments when you think you have gained the upper hand, God is still God and is greater and mightier than ever. We are but dust, miniscule and powerless in comparison to Him. Find rest in the knowledge that you aren't in control of your life...your main objective should be to live a life that Glorifies the Lord and leave all the rest to Him. 

“If there is one single molecule in this universe running around loose, totally free of God’s sovereignty, then we have no guarantee that a single promise of God will ever be fulfilled.”
― R.C. Sproul, Chosen by God

e strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6) - See more at: http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Christianity/2008/09/How-to-Face-Fear-10-Bible-Verses-To-Inspire-Courage.aspx?p=5#sthash.sopygeFa.dpuf

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4) - See more at: http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Christianity/2008/09/How-to-Face-Fear-10-Bible-Verses-To-Inspire-Courage.aspx?p=2#sthash.1iSugjfP.dpuf

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4) - See more at: http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Christianity/2008/09/How-to-Face-Fear-10-Bible-Verses-To-Inspire-Courage.aspx?p=2#sthash.1iSugjfP.dpuf

P.F. Changs //Paleo// Chicken Lettuce Wraps

   Crispy lettuce, savory chicken (or turkey), and healthy to boot! These lettuce wraps are by far one of my most favorite meals....and I think their flavor alone rivals the original from P.F. Changs. Once eaten, you'll crave more! 

Recipe*

16 Butter lettuce leaves
1 lb. ground chicken (I've used ground turkey and it works great!)
5 oz. shiitake mushrooms, finely diced (Regular mushrooms work fine)
1/3 cup scallions, chopped
4-5 cloves of garlic, minced
1T fresh ginger, minced
1T sesame oil
1/4 cup slivered almonds
3T Tamari
1T white wine vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard (More to taste if needed. I think I've used up to 1 1/2 TBS. before. It adds a wonderful flavor)
1T Sriracha (or any hot sauce works)
1T raw honey
1/4 tsp sea salt


In a skillet, heat sesame oil on medium heat.  Add ground chicken.  Cook until almost done.
Add mushrooms, scallions, ginger and Tamari.  Cook until onions and mushrooms are limp.  Stir in garlic, almonds, white wine vinegar, mustard, Sriracha, honey and salt.
Serve the chicken mixture in a bowl with the lettuce cups on the plate.  Let your guests spoon the mixture in the center of the leaves and then hold like a soft taco to eat.
Enjoy!


*P.F. Changs Paleo Chicken Lettuce Wraps (original recipe found here)

:: Two Things I Love :: Disability and Trekking ::

    In just one week, a group of adventurous souls will set out for the Mt. Everest Base Camp...one of the teams members has Downs Syndrome. The name of their trek is Trek4TEF. Though I'm not going to be on the trip, but wish that I could be, I will for sure be praying for their protection and safety.I first learned about this trip through a post on Facebook by the Director of Global Outreach from The Master's College (my college) who will be going on the trek. I was immediately intrigued and excited! Be in prayer for this team that 1) they would reach 100% of their financial goal 2) for safety as they Trek and 3) That the Lord's name would be proclaimed through this.


  I thought I'd share with you a video about their upcoming adventure.

~**Glorying in the Gospel**~

  
The gospel of Jesus Christ is so wonderful and awe inspiring. Sunday's sermon was on the gospel...yesterday I was greatly encouraged by a video I watched on distinguishing law from gospel...and today I meditated on what the gospel is and how it has impacted my life during devotions. May the below prayer encourage you to focus on the person and work of Jesus Christ who is the gospel itself.


Gospel Prayer

     Thank you Lord for coming as a sinless baby, living a life of perfection unmatched and a billion times greater than even the most heroic figure we can think of. Help me to grasp how much pain and hardship you went through as you prepared yourself to humbly be taken and tried in a court of law that condemned You, a perfect sinless man, to the worst death, a death saved for the scum of the earth. God, thank You for separating Yourself from your most beloved so that I could might come to know you. Thank you for raising Your Son from death and fulfilling the prophecies of old that said He would rise three days after death. I am in awe that you sent the Holy Spirit to be Your earthly presence that would convict me of my sins and draw me to You. May I daily be reminded that without You, I am nothing...I would be enslaved to sin. Because of Your great love, I can now call you Abba Father! May Your praise be continually on my lips.

-Amen-

 ~**~

   ~Gospel proclamations proclaim Jesus as Lord and Savior

   ~ The Gospel allows us to be free from the weight of having to be perfect. Christ cvers us with His perfection!

   ~ "In the gospel, God comes after us because we need him not because he needs us. Only the gospel can free us to revel in our insignificance." - Tullian Tchividjian

   ~"For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh..." - Romans 8:3

//God is Always Near//Christ in the Single Life//

      Sunrise to sunset to sunrise again, God's faithfulness is evident in every moment of our lives. We may not feel his presence, but scripture is clear that He is always near. We are given glimpses of His nearness during the Children of Israel's dessert wanderings when he lead them by pillar of cloud by day and pillar of fire by night.

"And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people." Exodus 13:21-22

We see Him walking in the garden with Adam and Eve. Again when the Holy Spirit came upon the believers at Pentecost in Acts 2 we see Christ's nearness to His children. The most physical time we ever see God's nearness to us is when He sent His pure unblemished son, Jesus, into our sinful impure world. He walked, taught, ate, slept and lived amongst His created beings and bridged the separation between God and man....forever. Oh how thankful I am for His desire to see those whom He's chosen come into His presence and be eternally near under His protective arm. 

    As I was driving to the gym today, thinking over the past few weeks of my life, I realized that without God as my savior, none of the crazy messes I make as a human would ever make sense. Relationships with people would be pointless (other than for self gratification, which would soon become unfulfilling), I would be unable to find contentment in my job, and the ability to look beyond what is happening in our government would no longer be present. His presence in my life is the most satisfying thing and I am happy to be able to run to Him 24/7 365.

   The last month as been one of the most unique times in my life when I've come face to face with my singleness. God placed me in some unique situations where I would be tested on how strong I would stand for His truth and what scripture says concerning guy-girl relationships. During this month, I would be asked what my opinion was on dating a non-believer. When asked by a non-believer if I'd dated much, I would be given a blank stare when I replied unashamedly "No, I haven't." (Many non-believers don't get why you'd save yourself for marriage thus it's okay to date around and play around). I was approached by an older gentleman from my church who without even knowing what my month had looked like, encouraged me to wait patiently on the Lord for God to bring the right man (if your a single girl in a church, I'm sure you've had this happen to you before, if not...it will come :P ). I  made//mistakes// and lived through them. I showed brashness in certain situations when patience and time would have been better. It was a month of learning. A time to grow in my ability to relate to others in my God given situation in life. Overall, it was a unique month full of growth in learning about my single life and how strong my most important relationship that I do have (with Christ) is. 

   Of course, hind sight is always 20/20, but I know God had/has a plan in it all. I have felt God's presence more in my life during the past couple months than I have ever before. I have become more grateful for Christ's work on the cross that wipes out all our mistakes, covers our blemishes, and leads us through relationship qualms. Christ is the father to the fatherless, the ultimate comforter, and the shoulder to lean on. I am truly grateful for my Main Man, Jesus. <3  May you find comfort in His tenderness as well, seek His face, daily commune with Him....blessings will abound.

   Because I have felt God's closeness more so the past few months, I can also say that I have grown by leaps and bounds in contentment. Though I look forward to the day when God calls me to stand side by side a man as his helpmate, I am also glad for this time in my life as a single person to pursue God, my ultimate groom, and learn more about His character and desire for my life. He is always there, standing by me, pursuing me, and ever forgiving me when mistakes are made. He is there for you as well, and will not let you fall out of His grasp. Praise Him!

  

  
  

{Paleo} Almond Flour Biscuits

       This has quickly become a favorite recipe of mine. These biscuits are good for breakfast, lunch and dinner! They are guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds and are great paired with honey, butter, or jam. It is definitely a recipe worth a try and you will love them! Unlike normal white wheat biscuits, these are much more dense and packed with flavor. Don't expect a fluffy biscuit that flakes apart, these definitely won't fit into that category. I do believe though that these are a spot on substitute for the read deal. Enjoy!

//Almond//Flour//Biscuits*//

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups blanched almond flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/8 tsp baking powder
• 3 tbsp melted coconut oil (or butter)
• 1 tbsp pure honey (I also have used real maple syrup)
• 3 tbsp milk
• 2 large eggs

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, combine almond flour, salt, baking soda and baking powder.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter and honey, until smooth. Add the buttermilk and eggs, whisking together until well combined. Using a spoon, stir the wet mixture into the dry mixture until thoroughly combined.
3. For quick and easy drop biscuits: Drop biscuit dough by large spoonfuls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, placing the biscuits approximately two-inches apart.
4. For classic-style rolled-looking biscuits: Scoop a large spoonful of batter into your hands and roll into a ball about the size of an apricot. Then place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and gently flatten using the palm of your hand.
5. Bake about 15 minutes, until golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean. Serve warm with butter, raw honey or homemade jam.

    * I found this recipe at The Nourishing Home.

Bought with a Price - A Story of Redemption: Lecrae

   

   Glorifying God through our actions...

   Glorifying God through our speech...

   Glorifying God in the Morning, Noon, and Night...

   Glorifying God in our career...

   Glorifying God in pain and suffering...

   Glorifying God when all we want to do is take glory for ourselves...

   Glorifying God because He gave us the ultimate gift, salvation from sin...

   Glorifying God is what we are called to, yet do we fully realize what that looks like? As I was browsing through my Facebook home screen I ran across a video post by Lecrae, a Christian Rap artist who writes theologically solid lyrics and has a passion for the Lord, in which he shared his testimony. I was encouraged. Coming from a life of abuse, drugs, rebellion in school, a broken family, and gangs he shares how he came to know God and eventually use his talents as a rapper to point others to Christ. He came to see God as the father he never knew; his ultimate roll model. He is quick to point out that those who are into rapping and listening to rap are definitely a culture of their own...and this is true. Though I am not a huge fan of rap music, I do occasionally enjoy listening to some Lecrae and Shai Linne...but that's not very often! With his music, Lecrae is able to reach into a whole different culture than what most white American Christians can. It is definitely a gift from God!

   I'd like to share with you today the video of Lecrae sharing his testimony. It reminds me to be thankful for all Christ has done for me, calling me out of darkness into light, making me His child, securing a place for me in Heaven, and ultimately giving me the ability to Glorify Him! 

   Today I'd like to encourage you to be taking active steps towards glorifying God with your life. Yes, you and I may not be a public figure, but we can still pursue Christ in a manner that others will see what He has done for us...He has given us Salvation from sin and separation from Him! Here or a few verses to encourage you in your walk with the Lord. 

    1 Corinthians 6:20 ~ "...for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."

    Deuteronomy 31 7b-8 ~ “Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land that the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall put them in possession of it. It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

  Romans 8:28 ~  "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,^[a] for those who are called according to his purpose."  

    Romans 5:8 ~ "...but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." 

   Acts 2:38 ~  "And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

    Also, if you have time, jump on over to the I Am Second website. Many amazing and neat testimonies are shared there. I know I will be taking a look at that site quite often!

{{Day of Love}} ~ A Godly Example of Love

 

 

 

   Dearest Friend,

 No matter your relationship statues, remember that you are {{LoVeD}} by the best Valentine, Christ <3 <3 Happy Valentine's Day <3 <3

 

 

**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~

     <3 Today as I was making breakfast, my {{sweet}} dad came over and set a card on the counter next to me and told me Happy Valentine's Day. It was to most precious act of thoughtfullness I recieved all day, and it almost brought me to tears. I will forever be thankful for this man in my life who raised me to love my Lord, respect my mom, and listen to what other's have to say before responding. Even in my signleness, God has provided me with a great blessing, my dad. May the man who I someday marry have the same desires as my own father to follow after God, be an example of biblical masculinity and have the ability to admit when he is wrong. <3

Intentionality - The Way We Should Live Life

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  Living an intentional life, what does that exactly mean? Do we live our lives looking for ways to be intentionally sharing the gospel, eating right, working hard, making wise decisions with our money, and the relationships with others we have? Over the last few months, I've had to learn a lot about intentionality - starting work at 9:30 means I have more time in the morning to do my own thing, so instead of wasting the precious hours, I've decided to use them for working out, eating a healthy breakfast, and spending time in the bible. This is the first year where I finally feel like I have a winning morning routine, and let me tell you, it feels wonderful! These things didn't just fall into place though - especially my time in the word - they were all intentional decisions that I knew would benefit my physical and spiritual health in the long run.

    Much of life is this way, without intentionality, many things would never get done. Good example is the state of my bedroom - 95% of the time I never get in there to clean so it's a disaster zone - if I were to intentionally put aside time each day to work on it, it could be a dream to live in rather than a disaster! Below are some areas I've seen in my life I've had to work on and need to work on being intentional in. Let me tell you, for a person who flies by the seat of her pants half the time, intentionality doesn't come naturally...so as much as this is an encouragement to me, may it also encourage you!

Walk With the Lord

   A person's walk with the Lord is very personal, but we all know that getting into the Word each and every day takes perseverance and intentionality. We have to intentionally carve out time, pull ourselves away from the world around us, and take to heart what we read. When I was younger, I really thought that my time with the Lord had to be long and drawn out - I was leaning towards legalism - and that if it wasn't, I had failed in some way. As I've grown and matured in my walk with the Lord, I've come to realize that even if all I have is 10-15 minutes in a day, that is better than putting no time at all into my walk with the Lord.

   Something that really helped me in this area was a sermon series my pastor did back in the beginning of Fall last year. In the sermons series he talked about being a committed follower of Christ and that one of the signs of someone passionately pursuing Christ was their love for being in His word. Needless to say, at that time I was struggling just to get into scripture a couple of times a week. As I thought over his sermon though, Christ placed a desire on my heart to daily spend time with Him, my best friend. Oh how sweet it is to commune with my Lord. I can now say it has become one of my favorite times of day.

   I say all this - not out of pride, for it is not in my own power I am able to do this - rather, it is Christ who gave me the desire and the job (that gave me more time in the morning) to put into spending time with Him. Let me encourage you, intentionally follow Christ each and every day. Put in a CD with scripture being read while driving, use even moments in the bathroom (seriously) to read if needed, take time on your lunch break to delve into the Word....if you look, you'll find moments in your day you didn't know you had. You will find immense blessing in your walk with the Lord if you do so and your whole outlook on life will slowly start to change for the better. Sin will be revealed, the desire to confess the sin, and the ability to walk in God's grace will give you a peace that passes all understanding.

Health/Exercise/Eating      Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all things through him who strengthens me."

   Sour gummy worms, french fries, frosting, chips, crackers, brownies, cupcakes.....I could go on and on about the junk food I like - seriously, my good friend Jessie and I will even talk about junk foods while working out! It's pathetic! With all that said though, as much as I love the taste of sour gummy worms (my most favorite candy), eating healthy has been a work in progress - produced mainly from some health issues I've faced and the realization that without them, I feel much better. Just because I know said foods aren't good for me doesn't mean I can automatically say no to eating them. I've had to intentionally, with the help of the Lord, put my mind to it and learn to walk away from foods I so strongly desire to eat. Being okay with eating vegetables for breakfast, salads at lunch and dinner, and few carbs gets easier over time - a long time - but realizing that struggle is a part of life and the pay off is worth it helps. You WILL see results once you start eating healthy within a matter of days - guaranteed.

   Eating healthy goes hand-in-hand with exercise. A quote from a friend of mine's brother that we've laughed at time and again is this, "Ab's aren't made in the gym, they're made in the kitchen!" - Laugh now, but it's true. You can work your abs - crunches, rowing, swimming, cardio - and if your not eating healthy you will won't see great results. I know this from personal experience! So, if your not into exercise and don't have a gym membership, remember, even getting out and walking a few times a week is better than nothing at all - do some push-ups, crunches, and lunges in your own home even! You can do it!!!! If you are into working out, good for you! Your heart and body will thank you now AND later in life! Combine your exercise with healthy eating habits and not only with the weight come off more quickly, you'll have better stamina and feel better overall.

    So, whether your a dreamer of exercising, a part time gym goer, or a committed endorphin junky, remember that where you want to be or where you are takes/took intentionality. Focus on scripture and the truths of His word while doing those things that are hard, and you will find a strength you didn't know you had.

Relationships   Philippians 2:3-4 "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."

   As a single person, your probably wondering what could I possibly have to say about relationships. I probably have quite a bit, not that any of it would make sense, but come on people - I'm a social person who thinks about relationships quite often! Now, we all know that relationships are more than just romantic...in fact, we are all in relationship with multiple people at all times in our life, maybe not lovey dovey ones, but the friendships with co-workers, church people,family, and whoever else we may let in to the more carefree side of ourselves all fall into the category of "relationships". Relationships must be intentional as well or else they will fall away, be superficial, and ultimately, the gospel will not be shown - both to believers and non-believers. All relationships need to be pursued with the gospel centrally focused in. As a believer, I know from scripture that my job is to proclaim the gospel, live in unity with my fellow bro's and sis's in the Lord, and take every opportunity to exhort and encourage those around me. Can all this be accomplished if we are lazily sitting at home, watching tv by ourselves? Let me spell the answer out for you - N-O ...it's just not possible. So, let me encourage you today to pursue someone today who you've maybe not talked to in a while, or that person you wish you could just know a little bit better. You will never regret it, especially if you do so in the name of the Lord and for His glory!


Work

   At the beginning of the school year I was blessed with a job at the local school district working with the disabled community. If you know anything about me and my love for those God has blessed a little differently in life than the average person, I was exhilarated. I felt like God had finally opened a door into a new path that would be exactly what I wanted (little did I know!). After 3 weeks of working at my new job, things got extremely difficult with one of my students who has sever autism. I felt threatened on a daily bases, my emotions were a roller coaster every day with the highest point never feeling very high and the lowest point being a constant flow of tears and I had no clue what I was doing or what I should be doing to help the situation.
   
   After struggling through the situation for a few months, never knowing if I would finish working with this student and come out physically unharmed, I began to realize that if I wanted to have a changed heart - I was feeling a strong dislike for my situation and student - I needed to be intentionally taking it to the Lord in prayer. At first I didn't even know what to pray for other than my safety, but eventually I began to realize that my main goal needed to be working with him in a way that the light of Christ would shine through my actions. I then began to pray for him specifically, and things began to change. I am praising God right now that though we still have rough times - okay, several of them - and though I still find it hard to make myself show up and work with him, there has been improvement and a new excitement in his eyes to work hard at his behavior. I have seen God answer un-prayed for prayers as well as prayed for ones...and let me tell you, we serve a faithful God.

   So, let me encourage you today, if your struggling to find fulfillment in your job, find it difficult to work with some of your co-workers, you wish you could be on a higher pay scale, or your a stay-at home mom who is struggling to raise your child(ren)- whatever it may be - intentionally seek the face of your King in prayer and He will be faithful to answer!

Real {Raw} Food ~ Recipes for Inspiration

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     Inspired by questions about where I find my paleo recipes and ideas, I thought I'd take some time and make a resource list of blogs and recipes that have great paleo recipes and information. Realizing that this way of eating may seem a bit over the top because of the expense of it (nuts, meat, and veggies aren't necessarily the cheapest things to buy), I do believe that if your a careful shopper and only eat the amount needed to satisfy yourself, your pocket book won't be overly strained, if strained at all. You see, if your eating quality over quantity, the less food you will need to consume (buy) to get the "full" feeling and the more nutrients you'll get in a smaller portion of food, the less you'll have to eat, eventually leading to a healthy more energy filled body.

   $$$ Budget tip $$$

   Cut out desserts ~ I know, I know....the desserts look extremely yummy and when you already feel like your only eating meat and veggies, a nut based dessert made with {RAW} sugars looks amazingly, mouth wateringly, over the top yummy! I get that...BUT if your trying to be budget conscious, cutting the ingredients out of your shopping list required to make many of these desserts will help you save. If getting our weekly dose of sugar in is a must, and yes, I do like my sugar as well, then maybe pick one recipe out and splurge. Pick a night when you can enjoy it most, either by yourself in your closet hiding from everyone else so you don't have to share (did I REALLY just say that! :P), or get together with some close friends who maybe share your food habits and have a social night all in the name of loving {Raw} desserts.  BONUS - eating less desserts and  processed sugar over the long run will help you achieve a more healthy you.

Foods I've Found to be My Best Friends

~Eggs

~Spinach - yes, I even eat it for breakfast and actually enjoy it

~Canned chicken

~Tea after breakfast

~Goat Cheese (my paleo weakness, cause it doesn't really count for paleo!)

~a hand full of nuts

~balsamic vinegar (for salads)

~sausage links (pre-cook them, then freeze ...when needed defrost in microwave for a quick meal)

~celery with nut butter

~Salads with meat on top for lunch

Awesome Websites with Great Resources

Whole9 - Great Resource

Paleomg - Great resource

Thanksgiving Paleo - really good recipes -

Pinterest - Paleo Recipes (search for almond flour recipes, coconut flour recipes or any nut flour recipes and they usually fit.)

Primal Palate

100 Top recipes - I think most of this food looks amazing

Real Food Freaks

Paleo Meal Plan Sample - Paleo Diet Lifestyle

Recipes I've Tried and Loved

Paleo Coconut Cream Pie

Great Breakfast Granola

Paleo Pecan Pie

 P.F. Changs Paleo Lettuce Wraps {{probably one of my most favorite things to eat, it

so good}}

Paleo Pumpkin Spice Doughnut Holes

Stuffed Dates - Amazing!

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       The great thing about making a lifestyle change is the fact that we can accept our humanness and mistakes are guaranteed to happen. I will be the first to admit that eating this way isn't always easy....I've accepted the fact that I will not follow this 100% perfectly. Yes, that's my goal, but I'm not going to stress over it! So, be free to experiment, search the web for fun recipes, and make this fit into your lifestyle!