tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34538687552166382412024-03-13T13:49:09.453-07:00Treasures UntoldKristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600451441518554080noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3453868755216638241.post-5699184560355027012013-07-25T07:21:00.000-07:002013-07-25T17:28:05.137-07:00Being of the same mind<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Philippians 2: 1-5 "So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, <b><i>complete my joy by being of the same mind</i></b>, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Rom-15-5" id="en-NIV-28309" style="background-color: white;">Romans 15:5-6 "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28309A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span> toward each other that Christ Jesus had,</span><span class="text Rom-15-6" id="en-NIV-28310" style="background-color: white;"><span class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> </span>so that with <i style="font-weight: bold;">one mind and one voice you may glorify<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28310B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span> the God and Father<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28310C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></span> of our Lord Jesus Christ.</i>"</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">July 13th, 2013 my friend/college roommate/teammate was joined in marriage. Marriage a pretty stellar thing that God created. I doubt that while on earth I will ever fully understand the mystery of this covenant between God and two people. Over the past two years plus God continues to refine Tyler and I in this process of being fully united, <i>being of the same mind. </i>We were once two people with two sets of passions, two lists of priorities, two personalities, etc. But God wants us to be one?! God has given me comfort in knowing this is all a process. His grace is sufficient. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Anna and I once played basketball daily together. We focused on the same goal and we fought to be working for the better of our team. We joined our hands in huddles as a symbol of our unity on the basketball floor to ultimately bring glory to God in our victory. On our best nights, everything seemed to flow on the court. We moved as if we were <i>of the same mind. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The beauty of Christ is never full when we try to do it on our own. The beauty of Christ is the church, the body. We lift our hands to Him in praise and surrender. We lay our hands on one another in prayer. We serve with our hands and they are cleansed by Christ whose hands were pierced for our sins.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Heavenly Father, </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">We pray that your Spirit would revive a deep unity in the body of Christ. Unite us as one mind and voice to glorify You. Unite our marriages. Let the truth of Your gospel humble us to consider others greater than ourselves. Give us grace when we are selfish and when we serve for our own recognition or to win the approval of men. Purify us daily that Your name be made great. We love you Lord and praise You for the work that You have done and are doing. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Amen</span></i>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600451441518554080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3453868755216638241.post-88438272971517188062013-01-06T19:14:00.003-08:002013-01-06T19:15:05.049-08:00A Year in ReviewThe past couple months have flown by and here we are in 2013! Last year, Tyler and I decided to set goals (I guess they could be called resolutions?) for our year. This has been a very unifying process through our first couple years of marriage. We shared intentionality, focus, and accountability as we checked in on where we were at different times during 2012.<br />
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On New Years Day of 2013 God gave me this verse. Proverbs 19:21 "Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails."<span style="background-color: white;"> This past year we made "plans", many of which came to pass, but God had plans for us too. Many of you know I love surprises... And God blessed us with surprises through this past year. Often these "surprises" at the time did not seem fun but looking back you can see God's hand in it all.</span><br />
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We originally planned on sending out a Christmas letter to testify to what God had done in 2012, but this blog will have to do instead of the letter. Here are a few of the big things we are praising God for this past year:<br />
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<li>We originally planned on living in Sioux Falls for a short time and then heading out to explore other areas of the country/world before babies. God had other plans and this last year ended with a deep peace and clear purpose of our calling in Sioux Falls.</li>
<li>Since college we have desired deep community and with college relationships in transition we had a refining season but are ending the year with God bringing deep fellowship through Young Life, the Crossing, and our jobs.</li>
<li>In January/February of 2012 God moved big mountains to unify our marriage, especially in the area of how we care for our bodies (previously this had been a source of tension and disunity).</li>
<li>We became debt free! One of Tyler's passions is to find freedom financially (and help others do this as well). God again gave us unity in a budget and we have loved to pray together about who we can give to.</li>
<li>Personally, God has refined my heart in huge ways in how I view and care for my body. He has redeemed a lot of unhealthy beliefs about what beauty and health really are. I praise Him for Maximized Living that has been the vehicle He used to blessed me with these truths. </li>
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Join Tyler and I in celebrating God's faithfulness. He is soo good!</div>
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<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"></span>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600451441518554080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3453868755216638241.post-70926373270932357962012-10-23T09:57:00.000-07:002012-10-23T09:59:01.250-07:00Everything Chili<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I am currently still on my soup creating spree. We are chili lovers and our regular chili is often a go-to recipe. The recipe below was recommended by a friend and is now a new favorite of mine. I adapted it from Better Homes and Garden. Don't let the random assortment of ingredients stop you from trying it. So good on a "chili" fall day!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Everything Chili</b> - <a href="http://www.recipe.com/new-world-chili/">Adapted from Better Homes and Garden</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 lb chicken breast, cooked and cut into bite sized pieces</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 1/2 cups of black beans or kidney beans (I used a mixture)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 (8 oz) can of tomato sauce</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup peeled, seeded, and cubed butternut squash</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 onion, diced</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup vegetable broth</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 cup mushrooms, diced</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 cup dried cranberries</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 Tbsp chili powder</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 clove of garlic, minced</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2-3 handfuls of spinach (I did not chop it up but you can)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Fresh Cilantro to taste</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Add chicken, tomatoes, beans, tomato sauce, squash, onion, chicken broth, mushrooms, cranberries, jalapeno pepper, chili powder, and garlic to your crock pot. Cover and cook on low for 10-12 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Add spinach and cilantro before serving. </span></div>
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<span class="instructions" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></span>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600451441518554080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3453868755216638241.post-49530562548808398512012-10-07T20:12:00.000-07:002012-10-15T18:02:50.704-07:00One Thing You Lack<div style="text-align: center;">
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I grew up with a very generous mother. She has always loved to cook and bake for others to enjoy. Often times, I view something as trash while she is ingenious with finding a second use for just about anything and proceeds to find the perfect person in need for what I thought was simple trash.</div>
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One of my main love languages has always been gifts. The well-thought gifts by people who know me best always leave me feeling known and loved. However, God knows me best. He gives the best gifts. </div>
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Recently, He challenged my heart through a close friend who has one of the most generous hearts I've seen. Each time I've visited her home she sends me with something, usually a spontaneous gift. However, it always catches me off guard..she always gives more than I expect she will. It's extremely humbling and a clear reminder to me that I need to not hold things/food/money/clothes ("my" things) so tightly.</div>
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After one of my recent encounters with my open-handed friend, our sermon at church included the scripture below:</div>
Luke 18:18-23</div>
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And a ruler asked him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: "Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother."" And he said, "All these I have kept from my youth." When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "<b>One thing you still lack.</b> Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich.<br />
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Jesus' wording seems slightly ironic. "One thing you still lack." This man had everything: wealth, fame, power... everything. Yet Jesus tells him he is lacks one thing. When this particular wording was pointed out, I thought back to my open-handed friend, who does not cling to possessions like the rich young ruler. There's always a freedom and joy when you are giving. At first, it seems so hard but then you let go and feel freedom. You see someone being blessed and immediately lose any desire you had to keep the gift in the first place. I never want to lack an open hand.</div>
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All in all, I need to remind myself that God is the giver. Nothing really was or is mine. </div>
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God, I praise you for the many gifts you shower us with each day. I praise you for the greatest of all, your grace. Help me to open my hands to those in need and seek my security in you alone as my provider. </div>
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Amen</div>
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<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600451441518554080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3453868755216638241.post-88909896238211629402012-09-30T12:37:00.001-07:002012-10-15T18:02:25.208-07:00The Fall of Soups<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This fall, Tyler and I decided we will try a new soup each week. About every other week since last fall I have made chili soup, a big time favorite of Tyler's. We are finally starting to branch out! :-) This week a friend from church recommended the soup below after I shared how much squash I have and how my husband despises it. I altered the spices and a few of the other ingredients and voila! Guess what?? Tyler took a bite and said, "Wow!" </div>
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Butternut Squash Soup</div>
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6 Tbsp chopped onions</div>
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4 Tbsp organic butter</div>
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1 medium to large, peeled and cubed butternut squash</div>
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4 cups vegetable broth</div>
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1/4 tsp basil</div>
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1/4 tsp oregano</div>
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1/4 tsp thyme</div>
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1/4 tsp black pepper</div>
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1/8 tsp cayenne pepper</div>
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4 to 8 oz of organic cream cheese</div>
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Saute the onion in butter until tender. Add everything but the cream cheese. Note: If you don't have all these spices make it anyways!Use more of one or try marjoram instead. When the squash is tender add everything to blender or food processor and puree until smooth with cream cheese. I left some of the smaller chunks out of the blender and mixed it with the pureed mix. We liked this consistency best. </div>
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Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600451441518554080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3453868755216638241.post-46578893053158611802012-09-27T05:35:00.000-07:002012-10-15T18:02:14.316-07:00WHOOPIE!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Is anyone else as excited as I am for fall?! Here are a few of my favorite things about fall: cool weather runs, cardigans without a coat, warm cups of tea, soup, snuggles, chilly mornings, and PUMPKIN. This year I made my own pumpkin puree for the first time. We have been a part of a community garden and picked up a few pumpkins the other day. It was easier than I expected to make the puree and I got lots of other Saturday tasks done while they were baking. Tyler and I made two AMAZING pumpkin recipes this weekend. <a href="http://www.healingcuisinebyelise.com/2010/11/pumpkin-chili.html">Pumpkin Chili</a> from Elise's blog (my husband even liked this folks!) and Pumpkin Whoopie Pies....</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doesn't the picture say enough??? Yummmyyy</td></tr>
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The best part? There were many to share. Not to mention, they have no sugar and can be a guilt free treat. Enjoy!<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Grain Free Pumpkin Whoopie Pies adapted from Deliciously Organic</span></h1>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For the Cookies:<br />8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 Tbsp coconut oil<br />1/4 cup xylitol<br />2 large eggs, room temperature<br />3/4 cup pure pumpkin puree<br />1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />1 3/4 cups almond flour<br />3 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon coconut flour<br />1 teaspoon baking powder<br />1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda<br />3 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (I made this spice blend with the help of google)<br />3/4 teaspoon Celtic sea salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For the Filling:<br />1/2 stick unsalted butter, softened<br />8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature<br />1/4 tsp liquid stevia<br />1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Instructions:<br />Preheat oven to 350°F and adjust rack to middle position. Whisk together melted butter, coconut oil, eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla. In a separate bowl whisk together the flours, xylitol, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and sea salt. Pour flour mixture into wet mixture and whisk until just mixed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Using a 2-inch ice cream scoop, drop 18 mounds this will only make 9 pies, since you need 2 mounds per pie batter onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake 12 minutes, until springy to the touch. Cool completely. Repeat with remaining batter.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Whisk together the butter, cream cheese, liquid stevia and vanilla until fluffy (if it’s not sweet enough for your taste, add more liquid stevia). Spread the flat side of 8 cakes with the cream cheese frosting and top with another cake.</span>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600451441518554080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3453868755216638241.post-59163593743092829122012-09-25T07:15:00.001-07:002012-10-15T18:01:57.701-07:00...for such a time as thisWow! Summer flew by and now I'm sitting here in front of the computer thinking, "It's been forever since I've blogged." There are a lot of things I'm looking forward to sharing with you all like my favorite natural cosmetics, thoughts on skin, fun adventures from our summer, and lots of recipes. Is anyone loving that it's fall? I sure am.<br />
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Today I wanted to share what God has been challenging my heart with the last few weeks. As I drive my normal trek to work, God keeps saying in a whisper, "Kristin, life isn't meant to be about you." Then in my head I say, "I know but what about _________ and ____________ and __________." Am I the only one that can get into this merry-go-round of thoughts all related to me??<br />
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I wouldn't say that I'm a worrier. However, I really like to be in control. Hence, I think about what <b>I</b> can do to make <b>my </b>life be what <b>I </b>want it to be. See the problem??<br />
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My second heart check comes when I realize I mostly want to help someone so I feel good about my impact in the world. Funny how Satan tries to deceive and twist motivation... I then take a minute to put myself in the other person's shoes and God gives me a heart of understanding and compassion.
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Our God is full of grace and continues to remind me of the freedom that comes in a life with Him. He created life to be a joy-filled daily worship to Him and the times I see this most in my life is when I trust Him with the details of life and go full bore into loving Him and being Christ to those around me.<br />
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The picture below is from the movie <b>One Night with the King</b>. It is a movie about the story of Esther, one of my favorite characters in the bible. If you haven't read Esther lately, I highly recommend it. Esther is a common Jewish girl swept into a life of luxury with the King because of her beauty. The best part of her story comes when she casts aside her own wants/security to go before the king for her people. Her life is one that reflects TRUE beauty and purpose. It inspires me everyday through a post-it in my car that says, "Prepared for such a time as this - live a life not about me."<br />
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<i>God we praise You for Your design of our lives and Your book of truth and Spirit that teaches us daily how to live a life of joy and purpose. Thank You for the story of Esther that reminds us that You can use anyone, yet You desire to use us. I pray that You give us the courage to speak, to act, to love... Help us to live a life not about ourselves and to have confidence that You will use us as we walk in obedience. Help us to hear Your voice. We love You. Amen</i><br />
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Esther 4:14 "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position <b>for such a time as this.</b>"Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600451441518554080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3453868755216638241.post-44126733291939394352012-06-20T05:42:00.000-07:002012-08-14T08:01:37.891-07:00Watering Camels<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This last year of my life has flown by! From graduating college and getting married, to going to Israel and settling in Sioux Falls with a new job, new apartment, new church, etc...Life has been full of surprises to say the least.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_CrlLBI9oK8/T-CWfjVVRoI/AAAAAAAAAZc/2YOVOm3aqlk/s1600/IMG_2244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_CrlLBI9oK8/T-CWfjVVRoI/AAAAAAAAAZc/2YOVOm3aqlk/s320/IMG_2244.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PlvsiLacIeg/T-CW79BCTAI/AAAAAAAAAZk/EcXptaeQT6I/s1600/IMG_7265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PlvsiLacIeg/T-CW79BCTAI/AAAAAAAAAZk/EcXptaeQT6I/s320/IMG_7265.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Have you ever had a certain picture of exactly the way your life is to be? And then it seems as though God is not holding up His end of the "bargain?" I've been wrestling through this very thing in the last month or so, but God continues to remind me that He is faithful. Through this struggle, I need to choose daily to live in God's promise of faithfulness. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Part of this choice, is to seek Him no matter what circumstance I find myself in. Similar to when I disagree with my earthly dad, I try not to "fake it" with God. I need to continue talking with God about my issues and seek Him in my frustration. For awhile, I let my frustration with current circumstances pull me away from Him, until one day a friend reminded me it's okay to tell God I'm frustrated. So, I turned back to God and began asking, "Why? Where are you working in this? What does the next step look like? What is the Big Picture?" It was then that God took a huge weight off my shoulders and suddenly I saw a billion blessings all around me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">What does this have to do with watering camels you ask? Well....As I have been reading in Genesis, I came to the story of Isaac and Rebekah. The beginning of this story just boggles my mind.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Genesis 24:15-27</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Gen-24-15" id="en-NIV-607">"Before he (Abraham's servant) had finished praying, <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-607AO" title="See cross-reference AO">AO</a>)"></sup>Rebekah <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-607AP" title="See cross-reference AP">AP</a>)"></sup>came out with her jar on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-607AQ" title="See cross-reference AQ">AQ</a>)"></sup>son of Milkah, <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-607AR" title="See cross-reference AR">AR</a>)"></sup>who was the wife of Abraham’s brother Nahor. </span><span class="text Gen-24-16" id="en-NIV-608">The woman was very beautiful, <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-608AT" title="See cross-reference AT">AT</a>)"></sup>a virgin; <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-608AU" title="See cross-reference AU">AU</a>)"></sup>no man had ever slept with her. She went down to the spring, filled her jar and came up again.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Gen-24-17" id="en-NIV-609" style="font-family: inherit;">The servant hurried to meet her and said, “Please give me a little water from your jar.”<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-609AV" title="See cross-reference AV">AV</a>)"></sup></span><br />
<span class="text Gen-24-18" id="en-NIV-610" style="font-family: inherit;">“Drink, <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-610AW" title="See cross-reference AW">AW</a>)"></sup>my lord,” she said, and quickly lowered the jar to her hands and gave him a drink.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Gen-24-19" id="en-NIV-611">After she had given him a drink, she said, “I’ll draw water for your camels <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-611AX" title="See cross-reference AX">AX</a>)"></sup>too, <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-611AY" title="See cross-reference AY">AY</a>)"></sup>until they have had enough to drink.”</span> <span class="text Gen-24-20" id="en-NIV-612">So she quickly emptied her jar into the trough, ran back to the well to draw more water, and drew enough for all his camels. </span><span class="text Gen-24-21" id="en-NIV-613">Without saying a word, the man watched her closely to learn whether or not the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> had made his journey successful.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-613BA" title="See cross-reference BA">BA</a>)"></sup></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Gen-24-22" id="en-NIV-614">When the camels had finished drinking, the man took out a gold nose ring <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-614BB" title="See cross-reference BB">BB</a>)"></sup>weighing a beka and two gold bracelets <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-614BC" title="See cross-reference BC">BC</a>)"></sup>weighing ten shekels.<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b> </b></span></span><span class="text Gen-24-23" id="en-NIV-615">Then he asked, “Whose daughter are you? <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-615BD" title="See cross-reference BD">BD</a>)"></sup>Please tell me, is there room in your father’s house for us to spend the night? <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-615BE" title="See cross-reference BE">BE</a>)"></sup>”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Gen-24-24" id="en-NIV-616">She answered him, “I am the daughter of Bethuel, the son that Milkah bore to Nahor. ”</span><span class="text Gen-24-25" id="en-NIV-617">And she added, “We have plenty of straw and fodder, <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-617BG" title="See cross-reference BG">BG</a>)"></sup>as well as room for you to spend the night.”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Gen-24-26" id="en-NIV-618">Then the man bowed down and worshiped the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, </span><span class="text Gen-24-27" id="en-NIV-619">saying, “Praise be to the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-619BI" title="See cross-reference BI">BI</a>)"></sup>the God of my master Abraham, <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-619BJ" title="See cross-reference BJ">BJ</a>)"></sup>who has not abandoned his kindness and faithfulness <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-619BK" title="See cross-reference BK">BK</a>)"></sup>to my master. As for me, the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> has led me on the journey <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-619BL" title="See cross-reference BL">BL</a>)"></sup>to the house of my master’s relatives.”"</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">While Tyler and I were in Israel, we learned that a camel can drink up to 40-45 gallons in one sitting!! And Abraham's servant had 10 camels with him! Can you imagine getting water for 10 camels that had just finished a long journey (until they have had enough to drink)?! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Rebecca didn't know what was about to happen in her life. She didn't know God was bringing her a husband. She didn't know that this husband was in the line that Jesus would come from. She didn't know of the covenant God had made to bless her soon to be husband. But because she was okay serving in the little ways, she became an answer to Abraham's servant's prayer. As I place myself in the story, I can easily see myself grabbing my own water and giving Abraham's servant the minimum of water he asked for. But Rebekah's heart was ready to give and give and give in any way she could. And God is faithful - He's always faithful.</span><br />
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Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600451441518554080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3453868755216638241.post-37953992367736018632012-06-07T06:51:00.001-07:002012-08-14T08:02:04.895-07:00CinnaTwist Protein Bars<span style="font-family: inherit;">I love to have an on-the-go snack ready for those crazy days when there's no time to prepare food. I have made Loaded Chocolate Protein bars from Elise's blog MANY times as a sweet treat for breakfast, lunch, or supper. You can find that recipe <a href="http://www.healingcuisinebyelise.com/2010/10/loaded-chocolate-protein-bars.html">here</a>. The best part is that they have no sugar and are filled with lots of good protein and fat that keeps you full. Unlike most protein bars in the store, they have natural ingredients and no artificial sweeteners that are toxic to the body. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The other day I decided to experiment with one of my favorite spices: CINNAMON. :-) The bars turned out better than I thought. Enjoy!</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-puIHyzoyyXM/T9CvuQwpv7I/AAAAAAAAAZI/H1vrwoeYqLQ/s1600/cinnamon+protein+bars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-puIHyzoyyXM/T9CvuQwpv7I/AAAAAAAAAZI/H1vrwoeYqLQ/s320/cinnamon+protein+bars.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><b>CinnaTwist Protein B</b><b>ars</b><br />
Makes 24 Bars</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br />¾ cup coconut oil</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">
2 Tbsp organic butter<br />
1 cup raw cashew butter<br />
2 cups raw almond flour<br />
1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes<br />
1/2 cup raw nuts of your choice<br />
3 scoops vanilla protein powder (chocolate
Nature Pro or Vega both taste great!)<br />
1 Tbsp vanilla extract<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">½ tsp cinnamon<br />
1 Tbsp spoonable stevia<br />
1/4 tsp sea salt</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br />Melt
the coconut oil, butter, and cashew butter over low heat, stirring until smooth. Meanwhile, pulse all of the remaining ingredients in a food processor. Next, mix in the melted sauce. If the mixture is too runny or oily, add in more almond flour and
coconut flakes until proper consistency is achieved (Taste test for sweetness required at this point, add more stevia if you like). Spread mixture into a 9 x 13 inch baking
dish lined with natural waxed paper. Freeze
for 20 minutes until set. Remove from freezer. Holding the ends of
the bottom sheet of waxed paper, pull straight up and the bars will come out of
the pan. Cut into uniform strips or squares using a pizza cutter.
I store them in the freezer in baggies to grab on the go.</span></div>
Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600451441518554080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3453868755216638241.post-18032449709922386622012-06-05T20:17:00.000-07:002012-08-14T08:02:16.072-07:00The Greatest of These<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lfUuOiEVsV0/T848NQmMNAI/AAAAAAAAAYY/1OLDOC9b0_Q/s1600/IMG_4443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lfUuOiEVsV0/T848NQmMNAI/AAAAAAAAAYY/1OLDOC9b0_Q/s400/IMG_4443.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">John 13:35 "Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples - when they see the love you have for each other."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Have you ever been in a relationship where God's call to love them became very difficult? I can practically hear you all saying, "YES!" Every relationship that's worth it becomes difficult at times. Through this past year of marriage, I have been experiencing this tension in a whole new way....Funny thing though, it's not because my husband is so extremely hard to love but because for the first time in my life I can't simply "just run away" from a conflict...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Interesting, because as I try and fail over and over again to love fully when it's hard, I now have new eyes for the God who loves me when time and time again I fail Him. I run from Him, fake it with Him, twist His truth. But God continuously brings me back saying, "Kristin, I love you. I will always love you."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I made the painting above thinking about the simplicity of God's Word. The background is full of hymns and responsive readings representing God's truth expressed in the world. These things are good, but not the most important thing. According to John's Gospel, LOVE is the most important thing. You can't miss Jesus' command to love one another in John's Gospel nor in this painting. Our lives should be the same. No matter the words or actions of our day, the most important thing our lives speak to the world is our love for one another, made possible only because He first loved us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Praise the Lord for tough relationships and imperfect people to remind us of the only perfect Man and His deep love for us!</span>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600451441518554080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3453868755216638241.post-38368207809131147972012-03-18T20:27:00.000-07:002012-03-18T20:27:17.406-07:00Staples of Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lately, taking life back to the basics has been a source of refreshment in life. Salads for supper, jeans and a t-shirt, a walk on the trail....you get the picture. God keeps reminding me of how good He made life to be. I've always been the person that wants to fix just one more thing to make the project complete or to get one more thing done in my day...But you know what? Life goes on when I don't get that one thing done or I don't have that one last ingredient to make my stir fry amazing. There's beauty in contentment. </div>
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Striving, working, persevering, progress....these are all good things but are only glorifying to God when we don't forget to live in the moment and enjoy Him in the midst of it all. For example, a single crunchy apple is more enjoyable when each bite is savored compared to an elaborate meal gobbled down while rushing to the next thing. The conversation with the cashier is much more meaningful when you intentionally engage in conversation rather than a carelessly tossed "how are you" to your closest friend. </div>
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On the practical side of things, I want to share some of the basic staples found in our kitchen. The picture below was a house warming gift we recently gave to a friend. Coconut oil for cooking, almond butter for apples and stir fry sauce, nuts for on the go, salt and pepper for seasoning, Vietnamese cinnamon for anything you can think of (cause its so good), Stevia for natural sweetening, and dark chocolate (cause every girl needs some chocolate) were all included in this box of fun. Add a grocery bag of veggies, some fruits, and a little chicken and you're set! It's simple to get back to the basics by choosing food that is as close to the original form God made it!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TSmYjS5_nxo/T2USeoF7AtI/AAAAAAAAAYI/sZj2Tb8qopA/s1600/DSCN4878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TSmYjS5_nxo/T2USeoF7AtI/AAAAAAAAAYI/sZj2Tb8qopA/s400/DSCN4878.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This week slow down to enjoy Jesus in the moment...Enjoy what He's teaching you right now instead of constantly looking to the next thing that you're striving for. Take time to enjoy His blessings and thank Him for it. You'll be surprised how much you get done and the joy you'll find in it. </div>
<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600451441518554080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3453868755216638241.post-75787933438234084342012-03-02T19:35:00.000-08:002012-10-15T18:05:48.139-07:00Forever Friends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bu6uk7Lw7J8/T1GI8w9Eb4I/AAAAAAAAAX8/93maHd7aMTE/s1600/DSCN4880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bu6uk7Lw7J8/T1GI8w9Eb4I/AAAAAAAAAX8/93maHd7aMTE/s320/DSCN4880.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Someday, I will take a photography class and take better pictures. But for now the above picture will have to do. This is our <b><i>Friend Wall.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every morning while reading and eating breakfast Tyler and I see some of the people that have and continue to bless our lives in so many ways. I would call the two of us "intentional" decorators. :-) Most things on our walls are there to remind us of something God has done, and this wall reminds us of a handful of His blessings through relationships. And it only required a $4 investment! (Free frames from Tyler's mom, crafty paper I already had, and pictures printed through Shutterfly made it complete.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">James 2:22-23 says, "You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness"-and he was called a <b>friend</b> of God."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Friendship is an awesome part of life on earth. People can be used by the Lord to spur us on. But today, I praise Him even more for the relationship I have with Him! The greatest friend I'll ever have!</span></div>
<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600451441518554080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3453868755216638241.post-69594523586419510142012-02-21T19:20:00.003-08:002012-02-21T19:20:44.595-08:00Adventure's Out There!<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Life's too short to not:<br />-be real with people<br />-eat amazing food<br />-live with a purpose<br />-share with those who have a need</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-take time for yourself<br />-live out your dreams<br />-learn something new everyday</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-find your full identity in Christ</span> <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><br />Saturday, I went apartment shopping. This was not an apartment for Tyler and I, but instead for a great friend of mine. Her conclusion of the day was that life's too short to not live in the studio apartment that seemed a tad to small for her optimum desires. Sounds weird huh? However, it's affordable, a fun challenge, and in a great location. Something new and exciting!<br /><br />This week I've been reflecting on what my life is too short not to do. I don't ever want to be the person that gets to the end of life and wishes I would have taken advantage of ______, or worked harder at ______, or been crazy and done ______. I want to live life without regrets. This week my life is too short to not slow down and take time to sit still and listen, to read, go on a walk with a friend, or do my favorite work out video. <br /><br />I've found that I've been neglecting these blessings for far too long. It's left me empty and not able to pour into others. Enough has become enough. God is renewing me and drawing me closer to Him. During my reading time the other day, this quote hit me hard. "Prayer connects the entire person - mind, body, spirit - to God (Jordan Reubin)." This is nothing new, but am I embracing it in my daily life?<br /><br />James 5:13-20<br /> "Is anyone among you in trouble? <b>Let them</b> pray. Is anyone happy? <b>Let them</b> sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? <b>Let them</b> call the elders of the church to pray over them and<br />anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.<br /><b> Elijah was a human being, even as we are.</b> He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.jimhillmedia.com/mb/images/upload/Up-Carl-Ellie-web.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.jimhillmedia.com/mb/images/upload/Up-Carl-Ellie-web.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Life in the spirit is an adventure of taking time to listen to the LORD. Something that's hard to do in our world...Elijah had a spirit-filled, purposeful life. He listened to the LORD. In 1 Kings 9, he becomes overwhelmed and discouraged and even then God comes to reignite his passion for redeeming God's </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">p</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">eople. Elijah listens and follows God's leading.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So in the words of Ellie from the movie <i>Up</i>, "Adventure's out there!" Life in the Spirit is better than all else! Praying for you all. Today ask God what He wants you doing and <b>let yourself</b> do them! What are the things Satan tried to stop you from doing or not doing through guilt, shame, fear, or distractions? Stop him in his tracks! Adventure in the Spirit is out there!</span>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600451441518554080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3453868755216638241.post-52728935447593003462012-01-21T14:08:00.000-08:002012-01-21T14:08:03.711-08:00Saturday Morning Muffins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">I love muffins. Who doesn't? And even more than muffins, I love healthy muffins. Never did I think there could be a muffin this healthy and this good. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">This muffin has no sugar folks. And plenty of protein and great fats. It's perfect for Saturday morning breakfast and a little snack on the road. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">My first recipe success worth sharing. Enjoy!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><b>Makeover Muffins</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;">Adapted from </span><a href="http://www.elanaspantry.com/cinnamon-bun-muffins/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;">Elana's Pantry</a></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Muffin Mixture:</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 cup blanched almond flour</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">2 Tbsp coconut flour</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;">1/4 cup xylitol</span>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">1/2 tsp baking soda</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">1/2 tsp baking powder</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">1/4 tsp xanthan gum</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">1/4 tsp sea salt</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/4 tsp cardamon (opt.)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20px;">1/4 cup grapeseed oil</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">3 eggs</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">1 Tbsp vanilla extract</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Topping: </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">1 Tbsp cinnamon</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">2 Tbsp grapeseed oil</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Stevia to taste</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Mix all the dry and wet ingredients in separate bowls. Then, gradually add the dry to the wet ingredients. Spoon slightly less than 1/4 cup of the mixture into muffin liners and pour a little of the oil mixture on each. Bake at 350 for about 14 minutes.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">PS If you're wondering about the name, check out <a href="http://www.drneilrohesiouxfalls.com/Event/Webinars/Maximized-Living-Makeover---January-19,-2012.aspx">Inspired Chiropractic, Sioux Falls</a>! We just had over 250 people join us Thursday for an event focused on Nutrition and Exercise!</span></span></div>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600451441518554080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3453868755216638241.post-52820837943886909242012-01-19T21:42:00.000-08:002012-01-20T05:29:47.921-08:00I've been made over!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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You've all seen the reality tv shows based on making over a person. Or heard of the makeovers they do at the mall makeup counter. Well this is not what I'm talking about. I'm not talking about getting made over on the outside but never changing stuff on the inside.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NWC Woman's Bball Christmas Break 2010-Mashed Banana Facials</td></tr>
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On the outside I'm a 5"10', brown haired, green eyed, 155 lb woman that lives in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. I'm married to an even taller man and work in a Maximized Living Office as a chiropractic assistant. On the inside, there's much more. And today God gave me a makeover. Today God made part of me new.<br />
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Revelation 21:5 "And he who was seated on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new.""<br />
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God is making us all new every day! Did you know that every second 25 million new cells are made in our bodies?! God came and spoke life into existence and the very best part of it all was us. We are made new on the outside and the inside every SECOND. Yep, God just made you new. Yep, there He goes again. Yep, again. You get it right?<br />
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God made all things new in Genesis and in Revelation the Word says that He who is seated on the throne is still making all things new. The physical part of our lives is obviously something that most people easily understand and I know from the bottom of my heart that it teaches us so much about Him. The physical needs to be redeemed to His plan just like other areas of our lives. This is the passion He placed in my heart.....And today God made me new by helping me realize how amazing I am. I know this sounds boastful. However, I boast in Him. He created me, Kristin Marie Tigges, amazing. He says the same about you. Don't ever forget it. We are here on earth for a reason. God is doing things. This was my makeover lesson today. I'm praising Him for how He made me...the passions he gave me, the color of my hair, my story and testimony, on and on...All those things that I've half-liked before and spent far too much time criticizing.<br />
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Do you know that you're amazing? I hope so. See today how amazing God created you. Let yourself love the imperfections that Satan wants you to hate. Love God's timing and each growth opportunity you have. Love your thighs and your laugh and the way you say the word "like" all the time when you're trying to explain something. Trust Him to make you over from the inside and out and find joy in each moment of life. Love Him in every moment by being YOU and striving to be more and more of a reflection of Him.<br />
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Praising God for you all today... Go rock the world for Him<br />
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<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600451441518554080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3453868755216638241.post-54562266864027185052012-01-07T09:15:00.002-08:002012-01-07T09:18:00.913-08:00I dare you!Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day by far. For the past 3 months, I would say 75% of the time I have some sort of smoothie. I usually am a person that gets sick of one thing over and over, but never this smoothie!<br />
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Green Chocado Smoothie<br />
1/2 ripe avocado 1/2 tsp stevia<br />
Handful of greens (spinach, rainbow chard, kale) 3 Cubes of Ice<br />
1 Tbsp organic unsweetened chocolate powder 1/4 cup water or coconut milk<br />
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Add to a blender and mix until smooth.<br />
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I often use Maximized Living chocolate protein powder instead of the chocolate powder and stevia. Optional add ins are a few frozen raspberries, 4 organic coffee beans, or a few drips of organic mint extract.<br />
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I dare you to try this. It's really like eating dessert for breakfast, only you get tons of good healthy fats, and nutrients from the greens. In the words of my husband, "you sneeeaky wife!" I like to sneak healthy things in where they won't necessarily be noticed as such.<br />
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Let me know if you have any questions on where to get ingredients and what you think of the smoothie!<br />
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<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600451441518554080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3453868755216638241.post-75062841388084626962011-12-04T17:31:00.001-08:002011-12-08T19:57:02.961-08:00Peeling an orange<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Back in high school, I remember riding to an away basketball game in a van with some teammates and my coach, who was also our science teacher. My cousin (and teammate) asked loudly from the back of the van, "What do you think about when you eat an orange?" I'm sure you can already tell my coach was very pleased with this question. Not! I mean this was game prep time, right? :-) However, everyone in the van could not help but burst out laughing.<br />
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She later explained her thought process. We had come straight from our science class and she was thinking about all the complexities and bewildering processes that go into the creation of an orange. My cousin apparently thought our science teacher/coach would think about this every time he ate an orange? ;-)<br />
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I have come to love this question. I mean, think about it.... God created the world! He created oranges, apples, tomatoes, cucumbers, trees, dogs, stars, water and us!....It's so complex but yet so simple. It took Him just a few sentences.<br />
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This Christmas is Tyler and my first married Christmas together. I kept thinking, "It'll be so fun to start all of our own traditions." But now we are in December and Tyler and I haven't put up any decorations or done any of the "normal" preparations for the special day. I have to admit, part of it has been that we save time and money by not doing all the extras. But it has also been freeing to not have to think about those things and instead just focus on the reason for the day.<br />
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While in Israel, we sat in this sheep cave (with poop all around us, I might add) and read the Christmas story. Our leader told us that this is a stable. This is the type of place Mary and Joseph went to give birth to Jesus. You can even see the black soot on the top of the cave from the shepherds' fires lit during the night. The picture below shows a manger. This is where they put water for the sheep to drink and similar to where Jesus (the living water) was laid that night. Not a complex setting at all, however, quite the opposite.<br />
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Christmas decorations, gifts, and parties are not bad. However, when life seems crazy and complicated remember how simple it all really is. God created you and I. We are blessed. He gave us His only Son, Jesus. Jesus told us and showed us that we are to love. Love God and others today and always. It's not complex, it's simple. </div>
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Take time to be amazed at how complex yet simple our God really is. Maybe go eat an orange? :-)</div>
<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600451441518554080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3453868755216638241.post-2791338658748510812011-11-22T19:28:00.001-08:002011-11-22T19:48:42.480-08:00Treasures Untold<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Matthew 6:19-21 "Do not store up for yourselves treasure on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I memorized this verse my sophomore year of college and it always seems to just give me a little zinger reminder when I need it. In our culture today, everything seems to say the opposite right? I NEED more clothes, I NEED a better car, I NEED.....Blah Blah Blah... You understand what I'm saying. But how does this relate to earrings that I make? </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Shortly after making the jewelry for a couple of weddings, I had someone ask me to make her twelve pairs of earrings for Christmas gifts. It was fun to make her a large variety and just let loose with my creativity. My hope is that whoever receives these perishable earrings is challenged to remember to look for the more fulfilling treasures we receive in a relationship with Christ. As I make each pair, I also remember the same is true for my own life. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As the Christmas season draws near, let's all remember to keep our treasure (hearts) in the right place. Seek first God's Kingdom! Be blessed! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shout out to Liza DeYounge, who designed my earring labels. :-) She's pretty talented, huh?</td></tr>
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Life update: I'm currently working at Inspired Chiropractic. Our office is a part of a bigger movement called Maximized Living who are working to place God at the head of healthcare again. I love what I get to do. Each day we focus on teaching people more about how God created their body. We talk about what you can do to work with the way God (in His amazing design) and experience health and healing His way.<br />
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Lately, I've been thinking a lot about what I spend my time doing and how it can be purposeful for kingdom goals. I love the Lord and people and I want my life to show that..... I want that to be what people say Kristin was about.<br />
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If you are a follower of Jesus, you've probably often heard or even talked about the kingdom of heaven. I actually learned a few years ago that the kingdom of heaven and kingdom of God are synonymous. Matthew is the only book that uses "kingdom of heaven" and this was due to his audience, who were all most likely Jews. Jews often did not say God's name out of reverence to Him.<br />
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Have you ever really thought about what the kingdom of God/heaven is?? It's been something on my heart for the last couple weeks. At first you could claim the kingdom of heaven is exactly that: heaven. I would define heaven as God's complete rule over our lives, when all is perfected by Him and there is no longer any sin, suffering, or schemes of Satan at work. When I think about the kingdom of heaven advancing, I think of God's authority being more and more visible in this earth.<br />
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When Jesus came, He spent time proclaiming the kingdom, illustrating the kingdom (through parables), and demonstrating it through His actions. God put you on this earth for a purpose. Are you living in that right now? I'm praying that God may reveal to you how you can redeem more and more of your life and other's lives to the authority of the Holy Spirit, who is in you.<br />
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Each day I love getting to serve the Lord through revealing God's authority and powerful work in a person's body. Currently our country (including Christians), often see there body as something that doesn't need to be taken care of. As Christians, we often focus our minds and hearts on growing in the truth of our King. We are called to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. How can we love the Lord fully when the way we treat our body looks the same as the rest of the world? How much strength will we have to give to him when we're seventy if we treat our bodies like the world? God has permeated truth into all areas of our lives and our body is an amazing creation that deserves to be treated as such. It is a temple of the Holy Spirit! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f9cb9c;">The Hebrew word for Holy Spirit is <span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic;">ruach</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> (in Genesis God breathed the <i>breath</i> of life into Adam),</span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic;"> </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">which is also the same word for breath and also can mean life. God's plan is not death but life (spiritually and physically). Jesus calls us to redeem creation to God's plan of relationship with him. </span></span></span><br />
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God is good. God alone gives purpose. He doesn't need us but He wants us. God loves you and I!! Remember to take time to reflect on your day and dash. Love you all!Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600451441518554080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3453868755216638241.post-61463895700347112772011-10-30T20:38:00.001-07:002011-10-30T20:39:44.135-07:00Healing in God's Hands<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nu2sVFzdqGk/Tq4VkcqIYOI/AAAAAAAAAV0/mWJmkDjdUcs/s1600/DSCN3984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nu2sVFzdqGk/Tq4VkcqIYOI/AAAAAAAAAV0/mWJmkDjdUcs/s200/DSCN3984.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tyler and I standing in what used to be a pool. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p8B9jF6rZkc/Tq4VW2pp8qI/AAAAAAAAAVs/61HIE8zw39o/s1600/DSCN3981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p8B9jF6rZkc/Tq4VW2pp8qI/AAAAAAAAAVs/61HIE8zw39o/s320/DSCN3981.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pool of Bethesda</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">John 5:1-10</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">"</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 15px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish festivals. Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. Here a great number of disabled people used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, <span class="woj">“Do you want to get well?” </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">“Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.” </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Then Jesus said to him, <span class="woj">“Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.”</span> At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">The day on which this took place was a Sabbath, and so the Jewish leaders said to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath; the law forbids you to carry your mat.”</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> But he replied, “The man who made me well said to me, <span class="woj">‘Pick up your mat and walk.’</span> ”</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> So they asked him, “Who is this fellow who told you to pick it up and walk?”</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> The man who was healed had no idea who it was, for Jesus had slipped away into the crowd that was there.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, <span class="woj">“See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.”</span> The man went away and told the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus who had made him well."</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While in Israel, we visited the pool of Bethesda on the edge of Jerusalem. We first talked about the context. This pool was located next to a pagan temple and was said to have healing powers when the waters were stirred by the Roman god of medicine, Aesculapius. The waters were actually stirred when stores of water were released from Herod's palace. Due to the belief that you could be healed if you were the first in the water when the water was stirred, many diseased and disabled people stayed day and night around the pool. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bethesda means "house of mercy." Jesus came and showed the paralyzed man mercy. He asked him, "Do you <b>want</b> to be well?" Have you ever thought about that question? I have thought about it a lot lately. I want to live in the truth of what God says each day. Jesus said, "</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10)." Jesus came to make us well, but we have to want it. We have to pick up our mat and walk. We have to act out our Faith by following what Jesus says - this requires personal responsibility. How often have I settled for less than what Jesus wants for me? How often have I followed along with everyone else to seek healing from another god?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus came and left us with the Holy Spirit to give us life to the full - spiritually, mentally, physically, emotionally. LIFE TO THE FULL. Live in God's truth, instead of the world's. How does it look different to live in God's truth? The man at the pool told Jesus he <b>wanted</b> to be well but didn't know how. Jesus told him, <b>I</b> will make you well, not Aesculapius, not the god of medicine. We must take responsibility and seek </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus' truth in ALL areas of our life - spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally. He will make us well, but we have to want it.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I pray that God's gives us all a desire to be well in every area of our life. Much love!</span><br />
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</h3>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600451441518554080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3453868755216638241.post-11751727988345302122011-09-25T08:38:00.000-07:002011-09-25T08:38:54.015-07:00Jar Wonders<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YuHlQ-IQLl4/Tn9JvQu_CyI/AAAAAAAAATQ/_4IESQT9LR0/s1600/DSCN4685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YuHlQ-IQLl4/Tn9JvQu_CyI/AAAAAAAAATQ/_4IESQT9LR0/s320/DSCN4685.JPG" width="240" /></a>Partially eaten :-)</div><br />
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This is a must try!! Take any glass jar and fill it part way with your favorite chili soup. Then add a cornbread mixture on top (I have to admit I used a boxed version for simplicity's sake...any good recipes out there?). Make sure to leave about an inch on the top so it doesn't overflow. Set the jars on a cookie sheet and bake for about 25 minutes at 350 degrees or until a toothpick comes out clean. Enjoy!Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600451441518554080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3453868755216638241.post-31136736025361803122011-09-22T08:14:00.003-07:002011-09-25T08:52:01.041-07:00Truly, Madly, DeeplyAnybody remember this Savage Garden hit? Great junior high memories :-)<br />
I love you TOO much....<br />
<div>Is that really possible? To love someone too much? To love God too much? I would say not. However... I love God too much to curse His name. I love God too much to go a day without talking to Him. The same goes for my husband, my family, my closest friends... and even random strangers...</div><div><br />
</div><div>I love people too much to not tell them the truth. This is something that God has been growing in me for a couple weeks now. For most of you that know me, I'm not the girl that usually calls people out on stuff. I'm the really sweet, nice, encouraging girl. I've realized that part of this is actually a fear of mine that I won't be accepted or loved by whoever I'm talking to. Don't get me wrong, I will always look to encourage others but I'm learning that sometimes encouragement has to push people in a more difficult direction. Loving God is not always easy. Encouragement must be rooted in truth and when you believe truth deeply it results in BOLDNESS. </div><div><br />
</div><div>My assistant basketball coach used to always compare the communication of a screen while on defense to a friend walking unknowingly in front of a car. You wouldn't just say "stop" softly or "live your life by example" and step out of the way of the car. You would scream "STOP!!!!" You believe deeply in the truth that if they step in front of that car they will get hurt so the resulting action is bold. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Lately, God has been revealing a deep truth to me about His creation in us. We are triune beings created in His image. Our heart, soul, and strength are to love Him above all (Deut. 6). Yes, that includes our BODY. Our bodies are temples for the Holy Spirit to reside in. As I grow to become more and more set apart through relationship with Him, I pray that the way I treat what He gave me (my body) becomes a set apart act as well. This is a passion God has given me and I pray the church starts to address this more as well. Our culture does not choose to live this way. God created our bodies amazing to function and live to do Kingdom work for Him. </div><div><br />
</div><div>So to all of you reading this, I apologize for when I softened up the truth and didn't love you fully. I'm sorry that I backed down and listened to Satan's lies telling me that I need to be loved and accepted by others besides my King. I pray that I will do this less and less.</div><div><br />
</div><div>What is your passion? What is the truth you believe so deeply you can't not share??? Be empowered! God has plans for you. He has truth to be spoken through you and a purpose for every moment of your day. Love you all</div>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600451441518554080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3453868755216638241.post-47008938797736711532011-09-20T06:13:00.000-07:002011-09-20T06:13:22.638-07:00Love: Part 2<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">Love is not a place</span><br />
To come and go as we please</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: center;">It's a house we enter in</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: center;">Then commit to never leave<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">-Lyrics from "Love is not a fight"</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-apQK0n9_9NY/TkvXn3X7AcI/AAAAAAAAAQI/bgTR43UOOnw/s1600/DSCN4467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-apQK0n9_9NY/TkvXn3X7AcI/AAAAAAAAAQI/bgTR43UOOnw/s200/DSCN4467.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7B11jc69k9I/TkvWYT36KAI/AAAAAAAAAQE/9SXh9WrpvP4/s1600/DSCN4465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7B11jc69k9I/TkvWYT36KAI/AAAAAAAAAQE/9SXh9WrpvP4/s200/DSCN4465.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-32WKA-BcqB8/TkvUgYznT0I/AAAAAAAAAOg/YQ_mmfWcTQg/s1600/DSCN4463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-32WKA-BcqB8/TkvUgYznT0I/AAAAAAAAAOg/YQ_mmfWcTQg/s200/DSCN4463.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Km_e9NJZV0/TkvWDdSHX6I/AAAAAAAAAPw/FPIgm1gUW4g/s1600/DSCN4464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Km_e9NJZV0/TkvWDdSHX6I/AAAAAAAAAPw/FPIgm1gUW4g/s200/DSCN4464.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pej5pKL_vkY/TkvSPE07XrI/AAAAAAAAANI/6k7i2wRVDPc/s1600/DSCN4448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pej5pKL_vkY/TkvSPE07XrI/AAAAAAAAANI/6k7i2wRVDPc/s200/DSCN4448.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-znypOTcecqo/TkvSZHNb4LI/AAAAAAAAANM/k3ojRN3W-kM/s1600/DSCN4450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-znypOTcecqo/TkvSZHNb4LI/AAAAAAAAANM/k3ojRN3W-kM/s200/DSCN4450.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ug5Adk3Jeik/TkvTCUQd8OI/AAAAAAAAANk/M-Od6-u44WA/s1600/DSCN4455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ug5Adk3Jeik/TkvTCUQd8OI/AAAAAAAAANk/M-Od6-u44WA/s200/DSCN4455.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KXvHzQ1lZ3o/TkvSmuO5aBI/AAAAAAAAANg/CMTnBCla4Lc/s1600/DSCN4454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KXvHzQ1lZ3o/TkvSmuO5aBI/AAAAAAAAANg/CMTnBCla4Lc/s200/DSCN4454.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-clr89PKSNVo/TkvV8t7BzPI/AAAAAAAAAPo/-HeNUKckqDU/s1600/DSCN4459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-clr89PKSNVo/TkvV8t7BzPI/AAAAAAAAAPo/-HeNUKckqDU/s200/DSCN4459.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><a name='more'></a> I've been wanting to post about our new home for a while now. It's still a gradual work in progress, but we love it. The above pictures are hard to get perspective from but I'll try to explain a bit. When you first come in, the kitchen is to your left and the bedroom door is straight in front of you. The doorway to the bathroom is on the right a few feet from where your standing and the living room is diagonal in front of you to the left. The kitchen table is actually in the living room, but it's on the side closest to the kitchen.<br />
All that to say wanna come visit?!! :-D<br />
The first couple months after we returned from Israel I stressed and stressed about getting everything to look like a home. I wanted to have people over and function like normal without boxes everywhere. After all this was our home right?<br />
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<i>Psalm 23:6</i><br />
<i>"Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever."</i><br />
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<i> </i>One morning during our breakfast together, Tyler and I read from our book <u>Listening to the Language of the Bible</u>. <i>Bayit</i>, is the Hebrew word for house<i> </i>and has lots of meanings (like most Hebrew words). It can be translated as house, temple, or even a family or lineage. Often times in the bible God's temple is simply referred to as "the house." God and David talk about two concepts of a house. David wants to build one for the LORD and God says no I will build one for you. God builds a family lineage leading to Jesus through David.<br />
About a month ago, Tyler and I were visiting a church and heard a message on "Dwelling Place." The pastor talked on and on about the church and the importance of it. He the ended by coming back to the point that the church building is not the church. We are the church, God's dwelling place.<br />
Psalm 23:6 says that we will "dwell in the house of the LORD forever." We are both a part of God's family AND the home of the Holy Spirit. We are the body of Christ and God's dwelling place. This world (including my apartment) is not my home. Each day I want to wake to the beautiful realization of Christ in me.<br />
Therefore, go in peace and understanding of God in you. Commit to never leave this place of unapologetic security in Him and His unconditional love for you. Rest in truth today (and maybe come take a stay at our pretend home :-).Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600451441518554080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3453868755216638241.post-8040924650562920212011-09-08T06:23:00.002-07:002011-09-14T05:28:45.064-07:0023<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></span></div><div style="font-size: 16px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Psalm 90:12</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Teach us to number our days</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> that we may gain a heart of wisdom."</span></div></div><div style="font-size: 16px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Another birthday has come and gone. During my birthday weekend, a wise friend shared this verse with me. It's kind of a sobering thing to think about. I am 23 and who knows how many days the Lord has for me. </span></div><div style="font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> The last two weeks I have started my real-life "job." However, it's hard to call it a job. I have learned so much and am loving everything about it. I have been challenged and pushed more than I had been in a long time. This is my prayer as I reflect on the urgency in which I hope to live my life for Christ. </span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Psalm 90:17</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>"</b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">establish the work of our hands for us—</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">yes, establish the work of our hands."</span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> I pray that I may bring God's truth alive to the people I see everyday. I pray that God establishes this work and I don't try to take the on the burden of sharing the Lord and His truth with them. Most of all I pray for a boldness that comes from truly knowing the Lord. </span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Now to share some of the ways God blessed me over my birthday.</span><br />
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</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Saturday</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Homemade granola! The perfect adventure. Matching FL friend+hubby</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Anna knows me too well. We made homemade sushi. To hear Francis Chan!</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Monday</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Beautiful flowers from my honey. Supper with the whole fam at Grille 26.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Tuesday</span></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aBOzgENopbQ/Tmg39o9vA7I/AAAAAAAAARY/AoidXvrTyko/s1600/DSCN4672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aBOzgENopbQ/Tmg39o9vA7I/AAAAAAAAARY/AoidXvrTyko/s200/DSCN4672.JPG" width="200" /></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Birthday lunch with Liza, complete with another awesome gift. Jar mugs I've been wishing for. :-). She's wonderful.</span>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600451441518554080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3453868755216638241.post-7695848465150198522011-08-21T06:03:00.001-07:002011-09-14T05:29:22.493-07:00Making Zucchini Pancakes...Pretend like its the Weekend now!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bqVRdhL5q60/TlD0WnIeX-I/AAAAAAAAAQw/zIvB3bRHvEQ/s1600/DSCN4597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bqVRdhL5q60/TlD0WnIeX-I/AAAAAAAAAQw/zIvB3bRHvEQ/s320/DSCN4597.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I have never been much of a pancake girl. Don't get me wrong, breakfast is by far the best meal of the day. But, I tend to go for a smoothie, oatmeal, peanut butter toast, or cereal. However, these pancakes are one of my top five breakfasts. They taste like home. Any recipe taken from Momma Neth's cookbook, <i>Family Favorites</i>, will never lead you astray. If you haven't ever experienced Robin's cooking, trust me when I say that she is a rockstar in the kitchen (and at many other things).<br />
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This past Thursday and Friday night Tyler and I had a visitor, my "little" brother Kellyn (I will always call him my little brother, even though he has definitely outgrown me). So to fit the special occasion, Saturday morning we didn't "pretend like it's the weekend" because it was the weekend! I was "making zucchini pancakes, because it is the weekend now." If you don't recognize that it's from Jack Johnson's song <i>Banana Pancakes</i>.<br />
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Anyways, I have never seen anyone not like these savory, delicious pancakes. I dare you to try them! :-)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HSCRQZW7PUE/TlD8WVr7SmI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/lHZtVZMr8zA/s1600/DSCN4585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HSCRQZW7PUE/TlD8WVr7SmI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/lHZtVZMr8zA/s200/DSCN4585.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Zucchini Patty's</span></u></b> (adapted from <i>Family Favorites</i>)<br />
2 eggs, beaten 1/4 c. Parmesan cheese<br />
1/2 tsp salt 6 tbsp whole wheat flour <br />
1/2 tsp pepper 2 cups shredded zucchini<br />
1 tsp baking powder<br />
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Beat the eggs and add all of the dry ingredients (add zucchini last). Then cook just like normal pancakes on a skillet (medium high) until cooked through. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also took the same recipe but instead of pepper and Parmesan, I added 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, and about 1/2 cup of blueberries (if you want them sweeter added about 1 tbsp of honey or sugar). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-03tCMCiXtVE/TlD7hLs9IkI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/QTmwBUc7RLM/s1600/DSCN4602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-03tCMCiXtVE/TlD7hLs9IkI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/QTmwBUc7RLM/s200/DSCN4602.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Either way, I recommend topping with Madison's Peanut Butter Spread (<a href="http://www.espressoandcream.com/2011/08/peanut-butter-spread.html">http://www.espressoandcream.com/2011/08/peanut-butter-spread.html</a>). You could also trickle maple syrup or my brother even goes with Ketchup for the Parmesan recipe! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Don't you all just love garden veggies? I'm always amazed at God's design in it all.</div>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09600451441518554080noreply@blogger.com0