We go through life and we grow from all of our experiences, whether good or bad. Sometimes, we think we have everything figured out, we have our emotions in check, and life is good. Suddenly, that strong foundation seems to crumble into tiny pieces and we have a hard time figuring out how they all go back together without being weaker than it was before. Instead, you want to build that foundation back up, but reinforce it and make it stronger than ever. The hard part, finding out how to get to that point.
Last night, my husband and I were watching an old episode of Happy Days where The Fonz finds his mom who left him when he was four. I have no clue if watching this episode is what sparked all of these emotions, but my husband brought it to my attention, and in hindsight, it might have something to do with it. Watching my daughter grow and feeling my love for her increase by the second, carries the most weight for what I am feeling. My question, HOW does a "mother" walk out on her children? HOW does that woman think it is okay? HOW does she think moving thousands of miles away would help the situation? HOW does this stranger feel about NOT raising the children she gave birth to?
Those questions lead to more questions. Did she want me? Did she run away from responsibility? Did she think for a moment how her actions would play a role in her daughters' lives? Did she know she was being selfish? Did she care? Did she want a child to raise and to love, or did she want a child to give herself attention, and then bail when the novelty had dissipated?
As I write this, the answer becomes so clear. This is a reminder from God of His unconditional and everlasting love. He will not forsake me. He will not leave me feeling alone and abandoned. His love is more than enough!
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Vegan Pot Pie
Hey, Strangers! I apologize for being away from the blog. Being a photographer, my busy season is from September-December. I hardly had time to breathe, let alone blog! I do have a exciting recipe to share with you! My husband and I made Vegan Pot Pies from scratch the other night and they were soooo tasty! We used a corn gravy with lots of veggies stuffed into the pies. I think next time, we will roll the dough out a little thinner due to feeling stuffed from the bread!
Here is what they looked like out of the oven:
Filling:
Mix together the corn starch and veggie broth in a measuring cup or bowl. Over medium to high heat, place onions and corn in 2 tbsp of water and saute for approximately 3 minutes. Add in the sage, garlic, and nutritional yeast. Mix well. Add the veggie broth and corn starch mixture with the non-dairy milk. Cook for about 3 minutes. Add in the 1.5 tbsp of unbleached flour in 3 parts, mixing well each time to avoid clumps. If you want a chunky gravy, you can add in the remaining ingredients now. If you want more of a creamy gravy, place the contents of the saucepan into a blender and blend until smooth, then pour back into the sauce pan and add the remaining ingredients. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, allowing the carrots to soften.
Parts of these recipes were derived from Veganomicon and Vegan Eats World, and then tweaked to meet our vision for this dish.
Yields 2 large Pot Pies, but could probably make 3-4 smaller ones (liked the boxed Marie Calendar's you would find in the frozen section. You just may need to adjust the cook time.)
Here is what they looked like out of the oven:
What you need:
Dough:
1 1.2 ounce packet instant dry yeast
1 cup warm water
3 cups unbleached flour
1 tbsp. sugar (optional)
1.5 tsp baking powder
1 tbsp non-dairy butter
1 tbsp non dairy milk for wash
Filling:
1 Cup Vegetable Broth (low or no sodium)
1 tbsp Corn Starch
1.5 tbsp unbleached flour
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried sage
2 cups organic corn (fresh or frozen, thaw if frozen)
1/4 cup non dairy milk
1 potato, cubed (cooked on skillet in water bath until soft)
1 cup carrots, chopped
1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped
2 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional)
The Steps:
Preheat the oven to 350.
Dough:
Pour yeast into warm water and allow to foam (about 3-5 minutes). In a medium sized bowl, mix together flour, sugar, and baking powder. Soften butter and add to yeast mixture. Pour into the dry ingredients and use your hands, wooden spoon, or a spatula (no metal!) to mix. Once mixed, knead with your hands for a few minutes. Cover and allow dough to rest for at least 15 minutes (now would be a good time to start the filling). Separate the dough into 4 equal parts and roll it out or use your hands to flatten. Place 2 of the flatten pieces of dough into 2 separate ramekins and form to the sides. Add in the filling until it reaches the brim. Take the 2 remaining pieces of dough and cover the ramekins. Using a fork, poke holes into the top for ventilation. Take a brush and brush the non-dairy milk onto the top of the dough. Bake for 18-20 minutes (depending on your oven). Allow 10 minutes to cool and enjoy!
Mix together the corn starch and veggie broth in a measuring cup or bowl. Over medium to high heat, place onions and corn in 2 tbsp of water and saute for approximately 3 minutes. Add in the sage, garlic, and nutritional yeast. Mix well. Add the veggie broth and corn starch mixture with the non-dairy milk. Cook for about 3 minutes. Add in the 1.5 tbsp of unbleached flour in 3 parts, mixing well each time to avoid clumps. If you want a chunky gravy, you can add in the remaining ingredients now. If you want more of a creamy gravy, place the contents of the saucepan into a blender and blend until smooth, then pour back into the sauce pan and add the remaining ingredients. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, allowing the carrots to soften.
Parts of these recipes were derived from Veganomicon and Vegan Eats World, and then tweaked to meet our vision for this dish.
Yields 2 large Pot Pies, but could probably make 3-4 smaller ones (liked the boxed Marie Calendar's you would find in the frozen section. You just may need to adjust the cook time.)
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Vegan Thanksgiving Ideas
Thanksgiving dinner for a Vegan can be rough. I mean, really rough, especially if you are just starting out. I have compiled a short list of some options that are available to you and your family.
Mashed Potatoes
Baked Potatoes
Roasted Red Potatoes with Asparagus
Apple Sauce
Winter Squash and White Bean Soup (I will be making this for my family this year)
Baked Potato Soup
Apple Celery Stuffing
Dinner Rolls
Wellington from Native Foods Cafe (order online or do Store Pick-Up)
Homemade Roasted Veggie Wellington
Baked Beans
Vegan Green Bean Casserole
Green Salad
Poached Pears
Apple or Pumpkin Pie
If you want to go the fake meat route, there are a few options available to you. I have never had it, but know there is such a thing as Tofurkey if you really want to have something that resembles a turkey dinner on Thanksgiving.
Many of these dishes, meat eaters will enjoy as well. If you are having dinner at someone's home, bring a dish or two you know you can eat, but make enough to share.
I hope you all have a heart healthy Thanksgiving...remember, no one told you not to eat too many veggies...so enjoy!
Mashed Potatoes
Baked Potatoes
Roasted Red Potatoes with Asparagus
Apple Sauce
Winter Squash and White Bean Soup (I will be making this for my family this year)
Baked Potato Soup
Apple Celery Stuffing
Dinner Rolls
Wellington from Native Foods Cafe (order online or do Store Pick-Up)
Homemade Roasted Veggie Wellington
Baked Beans
Vegan Green Bean Casserole
Green Salad
Poached Pears
Apple or Pumpkin Pie
If you want to go the fake meat route, there are a few options available to you. I have never had it, but know there is such a thing as Tofurkey if you really want to have something that resembles a turkey dinner on Thanksgiving.
Many of these dishes, meat eaters will enjoy as well. If you are having dinner at someone's home, bring a dish or two you know you can eat, but make enough to share.
I hope you all have a heart healthy Thanksgiving...remember, no one told you not to eat too many veggies...so enjoy!
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Beware of Christians
Get your attention? It got mine. I watched the documentary, Beware of Christians, and had that moment when suddenly, life began to make sense, and Jesus began to make sense...and non-believers began to make sense. My heart had compassion for others before, but now it understands that compassion.
I think if you are struggling with your identity, this is a great film to watch. Christianity is not shoved down your throat, but the life of a Christian is brought to life. We are not perfect. We sin. Some sin more than others. The life we live is a struggle. Temptation is everywhere we turn. The Internet, T.V., movies, the radio, and our peers all lead us into temptation, and most of the time, we give in. In my short time as really identifying with being a Christian, I have begun to see this world we live in differently. I have begun to see myself differently and my struggles are more visible. This film made me realize the true sacrifice of being Christian. In the Old Testament, God's people were asked to sacrifice burnt offerings to the Lord as a way of showing faithfulness and also as a way of asking for forgiveness. I get it now. The ultimate sacrifice God made for us was the death of His only Son. In return, in present day, God still asks us to make sacrifices. We give our lives to Him. We give all that we are and all of our trust to Jesus, and in return, we will have everlasting life.
Another point that struck me with clarity from the film discussed the way Christians carry themselves and how they turn non-believers away with their approach in sharing their faith with others. I have experienced this first hand. Only recently (in the last 3 years) have I truly become a Christian. I have always believed in God, but I never knew Him nor wanted to please Him. Something I have struggled with is having my fellow Christian friends disagree with something I say and tell me why Jesus would say I am wrong. With all my heart has sacrificed, that hurts. It is almost as if they are saying I am not doing a good enough job. Given my personal experience, I get why non-believers would be turned off. The film says we need to approach non-believers not with telling them how they are wrongfully living their lives, but instead, show them how amazing Jesus is in a loving way and tell them about this great life we live because of accepting Him into our lives. You do catch more flies with honey...or however the saying goes. Too often, I do believe we get caught up in the image we give off and forget to get back to the root of Christianity. FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE. THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE. -1 Corinthians 13:13.
Yet, another point the film made, which is the reason I am up at midnight writing this blog, centers around love. We are in need. Jesus helps us. And what do we do after Jesus helps us? We thank Him, but we are really missing the point. Our hearts should want to bring that same satisfaction and trust that Jesus brings to us, to others, and not because it makes us look good on the outside, but because we love thy neighbor. We should want to sacrifice a part of us, for them, for Jesus. The group of guys in the film fasted for one day and with the money they saved, they hung out with the homeless and took them shopping for clothes and shoes. Personal. They made their fast for God personal and shared that personal connection with these strangers who were in need. How simple is that? At the same time, why is that concept difficult to grasp?
My walk with God has been a hike. I felt like God let me down so many times; I was ready to give up. My grandma was very sick. Every time I prayed for her, deterioration set in at a quicker pace. I prayed for her appetite and the next day she needed emergency surgery. I prayed for healing of her body and she was admitted to a care facility. I prayed she would get to go home and she passed away. My whole world felt like it was rushing away out of my control. My faith was restored about 3 years ago when my husband and I were trying to have a baby. After being told I suffered from infertility, there was only one place for me to turn, God. A year and a half later, and lots of praying, we were on our way to being parents and now have the best blessing God could have given us. Reflecting on my battle with my faith, only a month ago did I experience another moment of clarity. When I was praying for my grandma, He was listening, I just did not know it. Praying for an appetite resulted in emergency surgery...well, she had a twisted intestine where a portion of the intestine wasn't getting blood. Her organs were not functioning correctly, and she needed surgery to not only correct the problem, but to actually allow food to properly pass through her body. When I prayed for healing of her body and for her to go home, Jesus brought her home, to Heaven, where her body was fully restored and she was without pain. God has been faithful to me. Now, I need to be more like Him and restore faith in others through acts of kindness. Being a Christian isn't just about following a set of rules, it is about being at peace with your life because you know God is in control and He has a plan for each of us. Christianity is about having that PERSONAL relationship with Christ and sharing it with others in a personal way. It is about being touched by God and having love for Him and others. It is about learning and making mistakes, but wanting to be a better person. I am not perfect. I don't have all the answers. I just started reading my Bible and have so much to learn. I do know being a Christian is hard. The hardest part for me is not following all the "rules" (which I do break from time to time) or setting that example, but sharing the word of God and getting a positive response is my largest obstacle. Don't Beware of Christians because they are different, Be Aware of them because we are.
I think if you are struggling with your identity, this is a great film to watch. Christianity is not shoved down your throat, but the life of a Christian is brought to life. We are not perfect. We sin. Some sin more than others. The life we live is a struggle. Temptation is everywhere we turn. The Internet, T.V., movies, the radio, and our peers all lead us into temptation, and most of the time, we give in. In my short time as really identifying with being a Christian, I have begun to see this world we live in differently. I have begun to see myself differently and my struggles are more visible. This film made me realize the true sacrifice of being Christian. In the Old Testament, God's people were asked to sacrifice burnt offerings to the Lord as a way of showing faithfulness and also as a way of asking for forgiveness. I get it now. The ultimate sacrifice God made for us was the death of His only Son. In return, in present day, God still asks us to make sacrifices. We give our lives to Him. We give all that we are and all of our trust to Jesus, and in return, we will have everlasting life.
Another point that struck me with clarity from the film discussed the way Christians carry themselves and how they turn non-believers away with their approach in sharing their faith with others. I have experienced this first hand. Only recently (in the last 3 years) have I truly become a Christian. I have always believed in God, but I never knew Him nor wanted to please Him. Something I have struggled with is having my fellow Christian friends disagree with something I say and tell me why Jesus would say I am wrong. With all my heart has sacrificed, that hurts. It is almost as if they are saying I am not doing a good enough job. Given my personal experience, I get why non-believers would be turned off. The film says we need to approach non-believers not with telling them how they are wrongfully living their lives, but instead, show them how amazing Jesus is in a loving way and tell them about this great life we live because of accepting Him into our lives. You do catch more flies with honey...or however the saying goes. Too often, I do believe we get caught up in the image we give off and forget to get back to the root of Christianity. FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE. THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE. -1 Corinthians 13:13.
Yet, another point the film made, which is the reason I am up at midnight writing this blog, centers around love. We are in need. Jesus helps us. And what do we do after Jesus helps us? We thank Him, but we are really missing the point. Our hearts should want to bring that same satisfaction and trust that Jesus brings to us, to others, and not because it makes us look good on the outside, but because we love thy neighbor. We should want to sacrifice a part of us, for them, for Jesus. The group of guys in the film fasted for one day and with the money they saved, they hung out with the homeless and took them shopping for clothes and shoes. Personal. They made their fast for God personal and shared that personal connection with these strangers who were in need. How simple is that? At the same time, why is that concept difficult to grasp?
My walk with God has been a hike. I felt like God let me down so many times; I was ready to give up. My grandma was very sick. Every time I prayed for her, deterioration set in at a quicker pace. I prayed for her appetite and the next day she needed emergency surgery. I prayed for healing of her body and she was admitted to a care facility. I prayed she would get to go home and she passed away. My whole world felt like it was rushing away out of my control. My faith was restored about 3 years ago when my husband and I were trying to have a baby. After being told I suffered from infertility, there was only one place for me to turn, God. A year and a half later, and lots of praying, we were on our way to being parents and now have the best blessing God could have given us. Reflecting on my battle with my faith, only a month ago did I experience another moment of clarity. When I was praying for my grandma, He was listening, I just did not know it. Praying for an appetite resulted in emergency surgery...well, she had a twisted intestine where a portion of the intestine wasn't getting blood. Her organs were not functioning correctly, and she needed surgery to not only correct the problem, but to actually allow food to properly pass through her body. When I prayed for healing of her body and for her to go home, Jesus brought her home, to Heaven, where her body was fully restored and she was without pain. God has been faithful to me. Now, I need to be more like Him and restore faith in others through acts of kindness. Being a Christian isn't just about following a set of rules, it is about being at peace with your life because you know God is in control and He has a plan for each of us. Christianity is about having that PERSONAL relationship with Christ and sharing it with others in a personal way. It is about being touched by God and having love for Him and others. It is about learning and making mistakes, but wanting to be a better person. I am not perfect. I don't have all the answers. I just started reading my Bible and have so much to learn. I do know being a Christian is hard. The hardest part for me is not following all the "rules" (which I do break from time to time) or setting that example, but sharing the word of God and getting a positive response is my largest obstacle. Don't Beware of Christians because they are different, Be Aware of them because we are.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Pumpkin Part 3
We finally got around to carving our pumpkin over the weekend! Our schedules have been on the crazy side lately. Anyways, my husband had a great idea to make our pumpkin wear glasses just like our little girl. I traced out the pattern I wanted to use with a pencil and got to carving. I don't have the best carving skills, nor do I even have the proper tools, but I think it turned out cute. I kinda think it looks like a monkey in glasses, but my husband will tell you it looks nothing like a monkey. Bellow are the carved pumpkin and our daughter with the painted mini pumpkin :)
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Pumpkin Part 2
Last fall, my friend, Ashley, posted a recipe on Facebook for Pumpkin Oatmeal. She sparked my interest at Pumpkin, and then had me with all vegan ingredients! I ate this for about a week straight! If you love pumpkin as much as I do, then this healthy oatmeal is for you. It is so tasty and filling, plus, you get to eat it guilt free. I had her send me to recipe to share with all of you.
Ashley is a Certified Personal Trainer and is very conscious about the foods she consumes to fuel her body. With her husband, they recently purchased a gym. I can only see bright things for their future.
As for the recipe, here it is:
What you need:
1 cup of old fashioned oats
3/4 cup of milk (non-dairy) or water (Ashley and I both use water)
1/2 cup of canned pumpkin
1/4 teaspoon of pumpkin spice
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
The steps:
Put oats and water or milk (non-dairy) in a bowl and microwave for 1 minute. Stir and check consistency. If needed, microwave for another minute. Stir in pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, and cinnamon. Enjoy!
Ashley is a Certified Personal Trainer and is very conscious about the foods she consumes to fuel her body. With her husband, they recently purchased a gym. I can only see bright things for their future.
As for the recipe, here it is:
What you need:
1 cup of old fashioned oats
3/4 cup of milk (non-dairy) or water (Ashley and I both use water)
1/2 cup of canned pumpkin
1/4 teaspoon of pumpkin spice
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
The steps:
Put oats and water or milk (non-dairy) in a bowl and microwave for 1 minute. Stir and check consistency. If needed, microwave for another minute. Stir in pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, and cinnamon. Enjoy!
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Pumpkin Part 1
Pumpkin is amazing! I LOVE the seeds, I LOVE pumpkin in my oatmeal, I LOVE pumpkin pie...what is there not to love about pumpkin?...okay, the juice is kinda nasty and bitter, but other than that, I LOVE IT!
We took our daughter to the pumpkin patch today and she had a blast looking at all the pumpkins scattered on the ground. I love watching her little innocent face light up. Who knew that being a parent would simplify life to a point where you enjoy every second of it?
We let Ivy pick out her pumpkin. Smart girl, she picked out a nice big round one. This post will be part of a 3 part series on pumpkin. I will go in depth on seed roasting, carving, and maybe throw in a few of my favorite recipes that use pumpkin.
Until Pumpkin Part 2, I leave you with the excitement on my daughter's face.
...and here is her reaction when she saw the pumpkins!
We took our daughter to the pumpkin patch today and she had a blast looking at all the pumpkins scattered on the ground. I love watching her little innocent face light up. Who knew that being a parent would simplify life to a point where you enjoy every second of it?
We let Ivy pick out her pumpkin. Smart girl, she picked out a nice big round one. This post will be part of a 3 part series on pumpkin. I will go in depth on seed roasting, carving, and maybe throw in a few of my favorite recipes that use pumpkin.
Until Pumpkin Part 2, I leave you with the excitement on my daughter's face.
...and here is her reaction when she saw the pumpkins!
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