I'm up at a good hour this morning. Today I'm looking forward to having lunch with my youngest sister. She wants to try my chalupa soup and we're also doing a Bible study together. The Bible study is Beth Moore's "Stepping Up" on the Psalms of Ascent, a great Bible study. This afternoon I have an appointment. It's 31 degrees and very windy today so I'm going to try to walk on the indoor track at the gym. I missed taking a walk yesterday afternoon because I was so sleepy I had to take a nap. I'm hoping to thoroughly clean my kitchen this morning, including mopping the floor.
I really had an appetite yesterday and overshot my calorie allowance. My goal is to eat about 1,600 calories most days, but yesterday I had about 2,200. Atleast it was no junk food. Often it is so easy to stay within 1,600 calories that, on days when I want to eat more, I don't manage as well as I could. I think I need to eat more vegetables and drink more water. These are good for controlling hunger, as well as staying busy. I want to try to stay at eating at about 1,600 calories for a year and then I should see some good and welcome changes in my health and appearance.
I want to start painting again. I used to love painting T-shirts and sweatshirts. I like the Tulip fabric paints because they don't have fumes. I think if I stretch my own canvas, prewashing it first, I'll be able to use fabric paints to paint pictures. I hope I can find all I need in this paint line. I've got to check at another store because the store I went to this weekend didn't have a full line of Tulip paints. I love art and working with colors. I keep thinking about all the cute coloring pictures the elementary school teachers provide for their students. I was a substitute teacher in elementary schools a few years ago. I remember how much fun these were to me when I was a child. Often the coloring pictures have a holiday celebration theme. I think every day, even in the rather mundane things, offers something worth celebrating.
Psalms 118:24 This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. (KJV)
Monday, February 15, 2010
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Chalupa Soup
I made this soup today and I really love it! It has a great zesty Mexican flavor and is mild.
Chalupa Soup
1 lb. dried pinto beans
1/2 lb. eye of round steak, cut in bite sized pieces
vegetable oil spray
1 medium onion, chopped
2-3 cloves garlic, pressed
1 jalapeno, seeded & chopped
1/2 tsp. cumin
1 cup grated Mexican style 4 cheese
1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes
corn tortillas, torn into bite sized pieces
salt & pepper to taste
Wash beans and soak for 8-12 hours. Discard soaking water. Coat skillet with vegetable oil spray. Lightly brown steak over high heat. Cover beans with water, add steak, onion, garlic, jalapeno and cumin. Simmer till beans are tender. Add cheese, stirring till melted. Add drained tomatoes and bring to a simmer for 1-2 minutes. Place tortillas in serving bowl and add soup to bowl and serve. Enjoy!
calories: 310 for 1 cup of soup with 1 5 1/2-inch tortilla
NOTE: This soup wasn't as zesty tasting the next day. It might help to add the cheese whenever it is served and/or to spice up leftover servings with Tabasco.
Chalupa Soup
1 lb. dried pinto beans
1/2 lb. eye of round steak, cut in bite sized pieces
vegetable oil spray
1 medium onion, chopped
2-3 cloves garlic, pressed
1 jalapeno, seeded & chopped
1/2 tsp. cumin
1 cup grated Mexican style 4 cheese
1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes
corn tortillas, torn into bite sized pieces
salt & pepper to taste
Wash beans and soak for 8-12 hours. Discard soaking water. Coat skillet with vegetable oil spray. Lightly brown steak over high heat. Cover beans with water, add steak, onion, garlic, jalapeno and cumin. Simmer till beans are tender. Add cheese, stirring till melted. Add drained tomatoes and bring to a simmer for 1-2 minutes. Place tortillas in serving bowl and add soup to bowl and serve. Enjoy!
calories: 310 for 1 cup of soup with 1 5 1/2-inch tortilla
NOTE: This soup wasn't as zesty tasting the next day. It might help to add the cheese whenever it is served and/or to spice up leftover servings with Tabasco.
An Early Start to the Morning
I woke up at about 1am this morning. I went to bed at 7pm because I was tired. Six hours of sleep is a decent amout of sleep for me. One thing nice about to waking up really early like this is that it helps you get a nice early start to the day. I woke up thinking about Philippians 4:8, which is one of my current memory verses.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-- think about such things. (NIV)
It struck me that I should really start doing this. I did this while I lied in the bed until about 3am and it was great.
When I got up I got some pinto beans on to soaking. Beans cook so much faster when they're soaked and I'm going to try to make chalupa soup. I want the beans to cook up nice and tender. I've eaten my aunt's chalupas before and they're really good. I started thinking about this yesterday and called her to get the recipe, but I thought chalupa soup would be really good. I don't know if anyone has ever made chalupa soup before! If it turns out good I'll post the recipe.
We got lots of snow Friday and it stayed on the ground for over 24 hours, which is so rare in the deep south. Yesterday I went to look at the park and a lively snowball fight was going on. I didn't get to see much of the action because most of the commotion stopped when they saw me. I heard the action begin again when I was walking back to my apartment.
When I lived on the Gulf coast, I could count on spring to make it's glorious arrival by the end of February. All the azaleas would be beautifully in bloom. Now I live a little farther north, but it's still the deep south. I keep looking at the ten day weather forcasts hoping to see a warming trend. Instead the opposite has been occurring, so I'm quite curious as to when we'll see some spring. I love the four seasons though. Winter used to be my favorite season because I loved walking in the bracing cold air. I'm a little more careful about exposing myself to the elements now. Really wind and dampness are more what I have to be careful of to try to avoid getting sick.
I'm about to do my morning Bible reading--now in the book of Exodus and 1st Samuel. I read chapters from 10 different books of the Bible. It's great.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-- think about such things. (NIV)
It struck me that I should really start doing this. I did this while I lied in the bed until about 3am and it was great.
When I got up I got some pinto beans on to soaking. Beans cook so much faster when they're soaked and I'm going to try to make chalupa soup. I want the beans to cook up nice and tender. I've eaten my aunt's chalupas before and they're really good. I started thinking about this yesterday and called her to get the recipe, but I thought chalupa soup would be really good. I don't know if anyone has ever made chalupa soup before! If it turns out good I'll post the recipe.
We got lots of snow Friday and it stayed on the ground for over 24 hours, which is so rare in the deep south. Yesterday I went to look at the park and a lively snowball fight was going on. I didn't get to see much of the action because most of the commotion stopped when they saw me. I heard the action begin again when I was walking back to my apartment.
When I lived on the Gulf coast, I could count on spring to make it's glorious arrival by the end of February. All the azaleas would be beautifully in bloom. Now I live a little farther north, but it's still the deep south. I keep looking at the ten day weather forcasts hoping to see a warming trend. Instead the opposite has been occurring, so I'm quite curious as to when we'll see some spring. I love the four seasons though. Winter used to be my favorite season because I loved walking in the bracing cold air. I'm a little more careful about exposing myself to the elements now. Really wind and dampness are more what I have to be careful of to try to avoid getting sick.
I'm about to do my morning Bible reading--now in the book of Exodus and 1st Samuel. I read chapters from 10 different books of the Bible. It's great.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
It's Sleeting
I'm having a pretty productive day for not having slept last night. I had caffeine last night and I tried to get a little sleep in the wee hours of this morning but my back was just too uncomfortable. My back, hip, and shoulders have been giving me some problems. I'll be glad when the weather warms up. Right now it's too cool at the indoor pool for me, since I have to take rest breaks between swimming laps, and get chilled. I've taken a couple of short walks this week which I enjoyed. I've got to get out in the elements today--cold and light rain, to pay a bill.
I'm glad about what I've gotten done so far today. I'd gotten off track on my daily Bible reading. I try to read ten chapters from different books of the Bible each day, (Dr. Horner's Bible Reading System). Reading the ten chapters is no problem once I just start reading. I like to copy a few Bible verses, that really make me think, into my journal. I think it's great to take in so much of the Bible like this everyday if I can. I always seem to be reading things that really make an impact on me. Once I'd read all of the Bible, I never found a reading plan I was happy with-- until this one!
I balanced my checkbook and cooked a nice lunch and cleaned up the kitchen already. My mom just called and said I need to go pay my bill now even though I need to shower because I've been taking garlic. She said it's sleeting and the roads are going to start freezing over. Buh bye!
I'm glad about what I've gotten done so far today. I'd gotten off track on my daily Bible reading. I try to read ten chapters from different books of the Bible each day, (Dr. Horner's Bible Reading System). Reading the ten chapters is no problem once I just start reading. I like to copy a few Bible verses, that really make me think, into my journal. I think it's great to take in so much of the Bible like this everyday if I can. I always seem to be reading things that really make an impact on me. Once I'd read all of the Bible, I never found a reading plan I was happy with-- until this one!
I balanced my checkbook and cooked a nice lunch and cleaned up the kitchen already. My mom just called and said I need to go pay my bill now even though I need to shower because I've been taking garlic. She said it's sleeting and the roads are going to start freezing over. Buh bye!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
New Scripture Acrostic
I was trying to think of scriptures to encourage me to only eat healthily and God brought scriptures about following to my mind. I've got these memorized now. Today I wanted to go get something fattening to eat, but when I recited these scriptures it was totally nipped in the bud. Hence I don't have to worry about any of those calories or any ill effects of the junk food. Hallelujah! God's Word is wonderful and full of power! Praise the Lord!
Pure
2 Timothy 2:22
Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (KJV)
Love
1 Corinthians 13:13 &14:1
And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
Follow after charity... (KJV)
Eternal life
1 Timothy 6:11-12
...follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. (KJV)
Acceptable
Romans 14:17-19
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. (KJV)
Spirit
1Thessalonians 5:15-19
...but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. (KJV)
In Christ Jesus
Philippians 3:12 &14
Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. ...I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (KJV)
Noble
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-- think about such things. (NIV)
Good
3 John 1:11
Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God. (KJV)
P L E A S I N G God
Pure
2 Timothy 2:22
Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (KJV)
Love
1 Corinthians 13:13 &14:1
And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
Follow after charity... (KJV)
Eternal life
1 Timothy 6:11-12
...follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. (KJV)
Acceptable
Romans 14:17-19
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. (KJV)
Spirit
1Thessalonians 5:15-19
...but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. (KJV)
In Christ Jesus
Philippians 3:12 &14
Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. ...I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (KJV)
Noble
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-- think about such things. (NIV)
Good
3 John 1:11
Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God. (KJV)
Saturday, January 30, 2010
So Cold!
It's so cold today. I just about froze going to the gym today. I was planning on going grocery shopping but decided not to when the temperature dropped. The wind chill was 28 degrees! This is good sleeping weather. I took a long nap this afternoon, after a wonderful lunch with my mom and sister. My mom fixed beef stew, corn bread and sweet potatoes.
I walked on the indoor track at the gym for about a mile this morning. I took a walk a few days ago I had to stop every block or two to catch my breath; I have a lung condition that causes flare ups like this sometimes. Today I'm really proud to say I walked about a mile without stopping! It was a great work out! I love making progress in physical fitness. When I was swimming this week I thought it was great when I could tell my lungs were working better. I love it when I can surge though the water as fast as I want to-- so exhilarating. I still took a rest break after each half lap (only when swimming the crawl) but hopefully my fitness will keep improving. I'm excited thinking about all the calories I can burn walking and swimming now that I'm getting fitter.
I walked on the indoor track at the gym for about a mile this morning. I took a walk a few days ago I had to stop every block or two to catch my breath; I have a lung condition that causes flare ups like this sometimes. Today I'm really proud to say I walked about a mile without stopping! It was a great work out! I love making progress in physical fitness. When I was swimming this week I thought it was great when I could tell my lungs were working better. I love it when I can surge though the water as fast as I want to-- so exhilarating. I still took a rest break after each half lap (only when swimming the crawl) but hopefully my fitness will keep improving. I'm excited thinking about all the calories I can burn walking and swimming now that I'm getting fitter.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Snow
It snowed yesterday! This morning my mom called me at eight a.m. to tell me to go look at the park across the street. I went to look and the park looked so pretty covered in snow! I was bringing groceries to my car yesterday when I first noticed snow flakes falling. Last night I made some minestrone to help celebrate the snowy weather. It turned out pretty good but I just added a can of tomato paste to it because I wanted it more tomatoey. I wonder if I have some Italian blood in me as much as I love tomatoes.
I just read my ten chapters of the Bible according to Dr. Horner's Bible reading system. I'm on my thirty-first day of reading but I notice I keep missing days. Now I'm trying to give myself incentive to read my ten chapters everyday by keeping track of it on my wall calendar. Here is a link to Prof. Horner's Bible-Reading Sysem.
It seems that I'm more inspired to achieve good use of my time. It occured to me that I really like self discipline. When I'm being careful to not waste time, to work toward doing something important to me, it reminds me of when I'm happily and busily getting ready for a family or social event. Practicing good self discipline is an important achievement and rewarding whether or not it's related to events.
Sometimes to help me get going I think about smaller goals I'd like to attain, which gives me enthusiasm. I've always been enthusiastic about beauty products, and I want to be as enthusiastic about cleaning something in my apartment as I am about reading beauty product reviews!
I just read my ten chapters of the Bible according to Dr. Horner's Bible reading system. I'm on my thirty-first day of reading but I notice I keep missing days. Now I'm trying to give myself incentive to read my ten chapters everyday by keeping track of it on my wall calendar. Here is a link to Prof. Horner's Bible-Reading Sysem.
It seems that I'm more inspired to achieve good use of my time. It occured to me that I really like self discipline. When I'm being careful to not waste time, to work toward doing something important to me, it reminds me of when I'm happily and busily getting ready for a family or social event. Practicing good self discipline is an important achievement and rewarding whether or not it's related to events.
Sometimes to help me get going I think about smaller goals I'd like to attain, which gives me enthusiasm. I've always been enthusiastic about beauty products, and I want to be as enthusiastic about cleaning something in my apartment as I am about reading beauty product reviews!
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