Health and Homemaking

This week I've begun exercising consistently again, which has such a remarkable positive effect on how I feel. I was in some kind of a mood yesterday though. When I was talking to my sister on the phone, she prayed for me without me even having to ask her to, and I really appreciated it. The mood comes and goes and I do struggle because of it, but I seem to be happier when I'm deliberately taking positive action that brings me closer to achieving goals. Right now I especially want to get my small apartment nice and clean and to be good at upkeep of apartment cleanliness.

There is Sunshine in My Soul

I've been singing some hymns this morning, including "Sunshine in My Soul"-- which has given me a blessed frame of mind to begin my day with. Click on the link for lyrics:

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/s/u/sunshine.htm

I've been thinking about my cooking. We have a local restaurant which serves BBQ stuffed baked potatoes that are really good. I decided to try to prepare these at home. I usually just eat sweet potatoes at home because they are less fattening, according to my Sugar Buster's book. I absolutely loved sweet potatoes stuffed with chicken, topped with BBQ sauce, and plain yogurt (like sour cream without all the calories). The other day I invited my sister for a lunch of BBQ Stuffed Sweet Potatoes; she was busy-- but she and her husband came over for supper. My sister loves trying new things and I love it that she and her family have liked my creative recipes. At the dinner table she told my brother-in-law "put your chicken in your sweet potato with the BBQ sauce and sour cream; it's real good like that". To me this is a cute quote. : )

Spiritual Alertness & Committment

I was studying my Bible, while at the doctor's office yesterday for a check up. Something really clicked regarding how to avoid repeatedly stepping into ruts of one kind or another.

God is teaching me a lot about this. While taking a break from housecleaning today I tried to put what God has been impressing on me into writing...

How do you react to manufacturer’s instructions regarding something you’re in need of understanding? How important is it for instructions to be based on facts? How connected to the outcome is alert carefulness in the following of an important set of instructions?

God’s Word is truth, and it is so vitally needed in our lives. Woven all throughout our lives are opportunities, in which drawing from the wisdom of God’s Word is so needed.

God wants us to have righteousness, peace and joy. Neglecting to follow his instructions, while at the wheel navigating things in our lives, diminishes our righteousness, peace and joy. Alertness is vitally important in driving; this is a good analogy for illustrating how important it is to have a vigilant alertness, to choose to revere God and His Word, through our actions-- in every instance of our lives.

• It's important to stay immersed in God's Word and seek answers from His Word.
• Remember how you respond to God's Word will determine "IF":

"I'm Free" or "I'm Fettered by sin".

• Persistently pray.

John 8:31b-32 If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.(KJV)

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (KJV)

Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (KJV)

James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. (KJV)

I hope you'll feel free to comment. We can help to build each other up in the admonition and teaching of God's Word!

Paintings

I've had such a nice day today. My sister asked me to help her finish some picture painting after church. She had already gotten two canvases about 2 x 4 feet in size and one about 3 x 4 feet in size and painted three crosses. I'm happy my sister said she liked how my suggestions for the paintings turned out. I think the paintings are beautiful.

The sky was a beautiful rich blue color today with just a few hazy clouds. It made the lake near my sister's house even more beautiful. My sister has a miniature white poodle. He's so cute, and incredibly cute when he's running around in the yard.

Memory Scripture 2!!!

I've been working on my scripture memory this afternoon. I'm so happy and thankful to be participating in Living Proof Ministries' "memorize 24 scriptures in 12 months". I used to help kiddoes and youth learn their scriptures in AWANA. The youth inspired me so much with all the scripture they recited and got checked off on, working their way through their AWANA books. I'd always wished there was a program to help get grown ups just as enthused about memorizing scripture! So I'll say it again-- I'm happy!

I was reading Ephesians 4 a few weeks ago and it really inspired me. I'm just memorizing a lot of the key verses in this passage.

Ephesians 4:1-3, 7, 12, 14-15, 21-24, 30
I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace… But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ… For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:… That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:… If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness… And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. (KJV)

Creative Frugal Recipes

I like making up my own recipes. Here are some of my favorite frugal recipes. They're mostly dishes of beans or lentils deliciously combined with tastey vegetables. I've gotten compliments from family members on these recipes, except for the "Very Veggie Lentils" which they haven't sampled yet.

Frugal creative cooking is fun!

Creamy Pumpkin Kale Soup

I give this recipe five stars! It was requested for Thanksgiving too.

1 C beans (15 beans mix)
1 large bunch of kale
1 can of pumpkin
1 onion
1 can evaporated milk
vegetable oil spray
salt and pepper to taste

Wash beans and soak for 8 hours. Discard soaking water. Cover beans with water and boil until tender (about 1 hour). Set aside beans, reserving bean broth.
Wash and de-stem kale. Spray a large pot with vegetable oil spray. Add kale and 1/2 inch of water. Cover and cook over medium high heat just until tender, stirring often and adding more water as needed. Set aside kale to cool, reserving the vegetable broth.
Peel onion and leave whole. Spray a small microwave safe cooking dish with vegetable oil. Add onion, cover loosely and microwave on high for 5 - 10 minutes. Allow to cool some then cut onion in half.

Add evaporated milk to blender. Add onion and blend till smooth.
Set aside half of onion/evaporated milk mixture (leaving the other half in the blender). Add half of kale to blender. Blend until finely chopped. Repeat with remaining kale and onion/evaporated milk mixture.

Add kale mixture to a large pot. Add bean broth and vegetable broth from the kale. Add pumpkin, stirring well. Add salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for about 3 minutes over medium heat, stirring often. Add beans and simmer for 2 minutes.
For the best flavor prepare a day ahead.


Hearty Pottage

2 qt. homemade chicken or turkey broth
1/2 lb. dried black-eyed peas (no presoaking needed)
1 medium sweet potato, microwaved till done
1 large onion, microwaved till done
5-6 green onions, cut in 2-inch slices
3 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
6 oz. tomato paste
1 small head of cabbage, cut in 1/2-inch slices
1/2 green bell pepper, in small 1-inch long strips, sauteed
3 large mushrooms, in 1/2-inch cubes, sauteed
4 drops of Tabasco
coarsely ground black pepper
Cavender's All Purpose Greek Seasoning (to lightly season)
3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
vegetable oil spray

Wash and drain black-eyed peas. Add 1 qt. homemade broth to a sauce pan. Add peas and partially cook (for about 15-20 minutes). Add 2 cups of homemade broth to blender. Slice microwaved sweet potato in eighths and puree with the broth. Add to black-eyed peas. Add another 2 cups of homemade broth to blender. Coarsely chop microwaved onion and puree with the broth. Add to black-eyed peas. Add tomato paste and mix thoroughly.
Spray a large pot with vegetable oil spray. Add cabbage and 1/2 cup of water. Partially cook cabbage over medium heat, being careful to add additional water, a little at a time, as needed.
Add black-eyed pea mixture, green onions, garlic, black pepper and about 4-6 shakes of Cavender's Greek seasoning. Simmer until cabbage and black-eyed peas are done. Stir in green bell pepper, mushrooms and Tabasco and cook about one more minute. Stir in olive oil.


Very Veggie Lentils

1 lb. lentils
2 large cloves of garlic, pressed
2 plum tomatoes, cut in chunks
10 green onions, sliced
8 handfuls of fresh spinach
2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar (add more if needed)
2 small carrots very thinly sliced
salt
coarsely ground black pepper

Wash and sort lentils. Add water to about 1/2-1 inch above lentils and add garlic. Bring to a boil and simmer about 7-10 minutes. When the lentils begin to get tender, add tomato and alternately add about half of the green onions, carrots, and spinach gradually. Turn off heat and gradually add remaining green onions, carrots, and spinach. Stir till spinach wilted. Most of the water will have absorbed into the lentils. Add olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Salt lightly and add a small amount of coarsely ground black pepper.
The lentils have a great nutlike taste and all the veggies in it really taste terrific.


Italian Lentils a la Bleu

This is a very hearty dish with lively Italian flavor!

1 lb. lentils
5.5 oz. package green onions, in 1/2 to 1-inch slices (about 1 1/2 - 2 bunches)
about 1 C frozen cut leaf spinach
1 1/2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1/2 Tbsp. Balsamic vinegar
Tomato paste with garlic, basil, and oregano
coarsely ground pepper
Bleu Cheese, crumbled
Wash and sort lentils. Add just enough water to cover lentils. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 5 minutes. Add 2/3rds of green onions. Add frozen spinach and olive oil. Simmer, stirring frequently, until lentils are al dente, adding reserved green onions during the last minute or two of cooking time. Add Balsamic vinegar and add pepper to taste
Serve with tomato paste and bleu cheese.


Bean and Bowtie Casserole

This is kind of a dressy spin on beans.

1 lb. dried beans (15 kinds of beans)(reserve 2 3/4 C of bean broth)
1/2 lb. bow tie pasta, cooked and drained
8 oz. can tomato sauce
1 1/2 Tbsp. all purpose flour
3/4 - 1 C shredded colby jack cheese (or your favorite)
1 medium onion, minced
1/2 green bell pepper, minced
4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
1 clove of garlic, pressed
salt and pepper to taste
2 drops of Tabasco, or to taste
plain yogurt or sour cream

Soak beans 8 hrs. Drain and boil until the navy beans (the small white beans) are al dente. Drain beans reserving bean broth. Cool beans and pasta. Salt and pepper beans, to taste. Add pasta and beans to a large bowl, mix well.
Cool and strain bean broth. Add 2 3/4 C of broth to blender. Turn blender on low and gradually add flour, then add tomato sauce. Pour broth-tomato mixture into a greased sauce pan. Add garlic and Tobasco.
Cook broth mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously, until bubbly. Add bacon and cheese. Stir until cheese is melted. Remove from heat. Add onion and green pepper. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Pour sauce over bean and pasta mixture. Mix well.
Pour into a greased casserole dish and bake in 350 F preheated oven for 30 minutes or until bubbly, and serve.
Makes 6 large servings or 8 or more medium servings.
This is great with a with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream.


Mexican Black Beans

I love the black beans at Cuco's Mexican restaurant. I found ideas for my recipe at Epicurious.com, which has recipes from Gourmet, and Bon Appetit! magazines. The beans will cook down a lot.

3 lbs. black beans
1 quart Organic Swanson's chicken broth
1 1/2 heads of garlic, pressed
juice of 2 limes
1 Tablespoon or more ground cumin
2 to 3 teaspoons or more cayenne
1 or more jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped
salt to taste
3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
shredded Monterey Jack cheese
plain non-fat yogurt or sour cream

Soak beans 8 hrs. or overnight. Discard soaking water. Add chicken broth. Add enough water to cover beans well. Bring to a boil and simmer for 2 hrs, adding more water as needed. Add olive oil, lime juice, cumin, cayenne, garlic, jalapeno, and salt while cooking over medium heat. Simmer, stirring often until too thick to simmer--about 1-2 hrs, adjusting seasonings as needed (this splatters-- so to get it to thicken more, you may prefer to bake it in the oven during the final cooking stage). To each serving add shredded Monterey Jack cheese and top with about 1 tablespoon of yogurt or sour cream, and slightly swirl it into the beans.

Three Bean Salad
This salad is unique because it has three different kinds of dried beans.
1/2 lb. small red beans
1/2 lb. navy beans
1/2 lb. garbanzo beans
light mayo
apple cider vinegar
spicey brown mustard
salt to taste
coarsely ground black pepper, to taste

Wash beans. In separate pots, cover beans with several inches of water and soak for about 8 hrs. Discard soaking water. Then add more water and simmer beans until al dente. Drain and cool on plates. Salt lightly.When beans are cooled, add 1/4 cup of each type of bean to each serving bowl, add bean salad dressing and blend. Add plenty of coarsely ground black pepper and salt to taste.

Bean Salad Dressing
3 - 4 parts light mayo
1 part apple cider vinegar
scant amount of spicey brown mustard
(Shur-Fine and Kroger's are good brands of brown mustard)


Spinach Dip Stuffed Pitas

These sandwiches are really tasty and super healthy-- a great way for sandwich lovers to eat more veggies. They are quick and easy to prepare too.
Fat free yogurt cheese (with several layers of cheesecloth, strain yogurt for an hour or so to make cheese)
frozen chopped spinach
onion, chopped
mushrooms, chopped coarsely
onion powder
McCormicks Season-All OR Greek seasoning
sliced avocado
whole wheat pitas
extra virgin olive oil
OPTIONAL Tabasco

Microwave frozen spinach just until hot. Squeeze out moisture well. Let cool. Add spinach to yogurt cheese. Add a little onion powder and Season All or Greek seasoning, and a few drops of Tabasco, if desired. Stir in onion, mushrooms and any of the optional ingredients you choose. Halve pitas, toast (if preferred) and drizzle insides of pitas with olive oil. Stuff pitas with spinach mixture and avocados. Enjoy!

New Year Scripture Acrostic

This is one of my scripture acrostics for the new year. Often I wish would make more godly choices and actions. There are so many small and large decisions to make each day, and keeping to good paths is important. I'm so grateful I have the powerful resource of God's Word to help me overcome anything! This acrostic is to help me in avoiding making unspiritual decisions. Luke 22:15 inspired me and helps me remember that Jesus desired to do good things.

Cast off
Romans 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. (KJV)

Escape the corruption
2 Petet 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (KJV)

Sacrifices Acceptable to God
1 Peter 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. (KJV)

Spirit of your mind
Ephesians 4:21-23 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; (KJV)

Integrity
Luke 22:15 And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: (KJV)

Now
Ephesians 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: (KJV)

Godliness
1 Peter 4:2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God

Me too!

I'm going to memorize scripture in 2009 with Living Proof Ministries.

http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com/

I created this blog to share. I'm memorizing Psalms 119:1-8, which is Aleph-- the first letter of of this Psalm, which is an acrostic. I'll be memorizing it in the NIV. I make scripture acrostics which I sometime memorize too.

Psalms 119:1-8
1 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. 2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. 3 They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways. 4 Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently. 5 O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes! 6 Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments. 7 I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments. 8 I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.(KJV)