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Leave and Let be Chicken

Posted by Delightfully Doable on 13 February, 2014 No comment

Friends! Friends! Friends! This is by far the EASIEST meal yet! I must say one day when you don’t quite have the time to step into the kitchen, you can throw chicken breasts into the crockpot along with cream of chicken soup. Now I know these cans of cream of chicken and cream of mushroom are not the healthiest for you, but every now and again it’s wont hurt you. My motto: EVERYTHING in moderation! Don’t forget this and you won’t feel guilty on nights when you use the unhealthy options. :)

It is almost impossible to eat Paleo, Atkins, gluten free and all the other diets out there on a continual basis without cheating. The same days you cheat on your “diet” are probably the same days you eat many chemicals that are saturating our food products. So with this said, the sweets you crave, the carbs you run to, and so on and so forth are no better than a can of cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup, in fact they may even be worse for you. So again, moderation is key. If you live by this rule you wont go astray. And lets be honest, you are consuming very little of this product when eaten by an entire family.

Okay enough of my rant, you all know I try and be as healthy as possible but reality is when you simply don’t have the time, cooking will always be better for you than eating out or grabbing fast food. So here is a great meal for those busy days.

Ingredients:

4 chicken breasts
1 can cream of chicken soup
Parsley
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Garlic salt
½ cup sour cream
Rice

In a crockpot place chicken and cream of chicken soup. You may use frozen chicken (I did tonight) as the crockpot is our miracle worker.

Sprinkle with parsley, garlic salt, cayenne pepper or any other seasonings that you prefer. No need to stir. Cover and let cook for 3 hours on high.

Yup that’s right, I didn’t stir it!

Get out the rice maker, yes I told you this was an easy meal. Everything is done for you. No standing over the oven cooking, chopping, and pealing other ingredients. Begin cooking your rice.

5 minutes before serving add 1/2 cup sour cream and stir well.

Serve over rice or stuffing and VIOLA this meal is complete! Serve with salad to get your fresh greens in for the day or fresh green beans! :)

Devastation

Posted by Delightfully Doable on 13 February, 2014 No comment

The fear pierced my heart to the core when I received a message “can we call you and Michael at 6:30 tonight?” I knew instantly that something was horribly wrong. Never receiving that type of message with out a preface that everything is okay, not to worry. I immediately flushed with fear as I was trying to gather my bearings while Cooper joyously played in his highchair with finger paint. Immediately he gathered something wasn’t right with his mama and he became more aware of his surroundings. Finally I calmed myself down making a mental note that I couldn’t change the circumstances; what I was going to hear 4 hours from now was absolutely out of my control.

My husband came home late as he usually does these days. I had dinner ready and waiting and my little man scurried around the room with a playful tone running from his mouth. The call came and instantly mommy and daddy hit the floor, gasping for air. What we had previously known had changed history forever. This was not a change for the good. The aftermath is now currently rippling down to the many people who would drastically become affected by this one choice. Life forever was changing as we knew it.

Cooper glanced up now and again with a gigantic smile upon his face while moments of confusion began to set in. He would take long breaks to be held by his mama to feel security that even while the tears were flowing everything would still be okay. He longed for comfort and peace. Normality is what embraced our little child while he knew nothing more than simply wanting normalcy. Desiring to place this precious child into bed, we couldn’t take a break at that present moment. Hind sight it always 20/20, he should have been in bed before the call.

Going to bed was not an easy task for me as everything I knew was going to change dramatically and would never be the same again. Fear seeped in. I rebuked it the best I could under the utter shock that has filled my body. Cool sweats woke me from a restless sleep an hour later, “was this a bad dream” I would plead with the Lord? “How do we begin to heal and move forward?” The questions pierced my heart to the inner most being. I woke my husband up in utter fear longing to be comforted while his irritation of his deep sleep had just been shaken. We held one another close as we hoped and prayed for the best. The hours drug on while I laid awake, bleeding from the pain I couldn’t control.

My heart aches as life continually battles around us, the war is raging and we seem to have a massive mountain ahead waiting to be climbed. I guess we must choose to climb this mountain no matter how steep, how cold, how dangerous it becomes; this mountain was in our cards we call life even though we pleaded against it. No way around, we must climb and keep climbing.

Climbing Saint Helens

This “God” we say we believe in sometimes seems to be silent. When life rages around us we tend to think God will be there immediately reaching down to save us from the pit. Unfortunately, I continue to learn that simply because life is messy and ugly, God is still with us no matter the circumstance but we still have to fight our way out. Choices were made, consequences follow. Sometimes it takes climbing that mountain to learn the grace of God. I must tell you, I have struggled myself in wondering why God seems to be silent when I feel I need him the most. The reality is He is there waiting to pick me up and strengthen me when I feel I can’t take another breath. He truly gives me the strength to battle the continual news that is never ending.

I long for the chapter to end to only find that the sequel is waiting to begin. This book is one of the longest books I’ve yet to read or shall I say live. Just when you think it’s over, the pages keep on writing. This story we call life is a never ending book. I believe we all could write an extraordinary series on life that would reach an extensive audience but what’s at the end of the chapter? Are lessons learned, does it end in tragedy, heartache, heartbreak or is this a book that everyone can learn from and say with confidence that this life was well lived and well received no matter the heartache that came?

It seems lately tragedy has hit and hit hard, but I must say there is hope. There are positive and exciting times in life as well. Unfortunately, you are all on this journey with me and this is right where I am…..in the midst of climbing the mountain, looking up at the finish line keeping my eyes on the prize.

Moment of truth: We must experience trial for our souls to be refined and become more like Christ. Keep fighting the fight; persevere.

Life in the fast lane

Posted by Delightfully Doable on 12 February, 2014 No comment

My cruise control is set. I sit in the passing lane choosing to pass all the cars that I quickly approach getting over now and again to allow the faster cars to zip by. Not sure where I am headed, with whom I am headed, and how long it will take to reach my destination.

This is my life as I know it. I’ve decided with all the fighting I’ve done with God about my circumstances we call ‘trials of life,’ it’s time to stop fighting. Although, I hadn’t known I was previously fighting, my blinders were on and I was clouded in my perspective. I had allowed daily activities and life decisions within my marriage and family to become the primary focus. Although at the time, I thought I had it figured out; I would pray continually, read my bible and ask those around me for wisdom and advice. Sounds great right? Well, what I didn’t know than, as I do now is simply this: my eyes were on my circumstances rather then Christ. The immediate, urgent situation was my primary focus; too many daily activities that needed to be accomplished. My focus was not on the powerful, almighty God who was and is and is to come. My eyes were on ME! My desire to grow and become more like Christ became the distraction when my activities became the primary focus. The “doing” became all too consuming.

Life’s “circumstances” do not have to be something entirely heart wrenching but simply a distraction for our main purpose and goal in life; serving God. Although for some of us, those heart wrenching scenarios are our present reality.

Thanks to soundcloud.com

As I relearned this morning with what felt like a cold glass of water to the face was a clear reminder that God is here to accomplish the impossible in our lives. Am I living as if I believe that truth? Paul from the Bible sat in prison for two years and mind you this was no modern day prison with heat, electricity, buffets of food and drink and television to help pass the time; this was a cold, dirt room. Even while he was in prison he wrote the book of Ephesians and through his own experience gave us the knowledge we have today; to now consider the ability of God. Taking our focus off the immediate and fixing our eyes on what is unseen rather then seen (Heb 12:2).

I’ve decided to stop living in the pit and letting my pit consume every ounce of me. I’ve become a slave to sin which is ultimately addictive within itself. Sin is addictive as Kay Arthur so blatantly put it. So instead, I chose to put my circumstances on cruise control accepting where I am currently. I cannot change it so I might as well go with the flow and learn every step along the way.

Each season in our life, wherever it may be is our current urgency. Time passes and we’ve got things to accomplish day in and day out. Now, the time has come to open our eyes, not blink the season away but endure our trivial circumstances and fix our eyes on Christ within th present moment. Deliberate action to pull our attention from our “urgent” scenarios and looking to the one who holds all the power, God. In Ephesians 3:20-21 it states this: “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.” He has given us that power that goes beyond our imagination and thoughts we can’t even comprehend. What other god can do such a thing?

I’ve heard this verse prayed as the benediction all growing up in church. I never knew the power behind this verse until today- years later. No one has ever pointed out the truth in this verse and the power we as believers hold from God in us working His glory out for His purposes. Now I will say it again, in the midst of the impossible situation, it’s time to consider the possibility of God.

Every single one of you my friends, are going through some monumental circumstance in your life. Whether that is a rocky marriage, death, illness, addictions, heartache, rebellious children, rebellion of self, complacency, time management, finances so on and so forth, something is currently pulling and tugging at your subconscious asking to regain your focus. Is your focus embedded deep within the problem or is it on Christ showing His power through your immediate trivial situation? What seems to trivial to us, is nothing for God! Let our monumental experiences be replaced by God’s monumental power working out in our life.

Christ is longing to hold our hands and hug us tightly as we hold on, riding the roller coaster of life through the ups and downs. He never once promised it would be easy, but he did promise it would lead us to perfection one day if we choose to believe.

Moment of Truth: If it seems we are taking the steps to grow properly and receiving enough nutrients but can’t seem to grow beautiful flowers, than we must go to the root of the problem and consider our foundation. “If the foundations of our life is incorrect, nothing can or will flourish.” (Pricilla Shirer)

Hickory Smoked Mahi

Posted by Delightfully Doable on 11 February, 2014 No comment

This meal has become one of my favorite meals to date. The delicious flavors wrapped in the sweet crunch of bacon- awe Yes bacon completes this meal. The homemade smoked hickory rub gave the mahi the greatest flavor. Beyond healthy in an unexpected way. Most the time I feel “healthy” meals are not satisfying to my soul, well this my friend accomplishes those feelings.

I buy my fish from Costco as they have very good products with no added hormones and so on and so forth. I had two pieces remaining for last nights dinner and sought out to make it the last best meal. Mission accomplished… this meal was fabulous and the best part of all was it was so simply!

Ingredients:

Mahi
Bacon, uncooked
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp coriander
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp Caribbean jerk
Salt and pepper
Cauliflower
¼ cup shredded cheese, for topping

Cut Mahi into serving size if not already done. Pat dry.

In a small bowl combine cinnamon, coriander, paprika, garlic salt, Caribbean jerk and salt and pepper.

Dip Mahi into seasoning- coating every side.

Take bacon and wrap around the fish, I used 4 pieces per serving as we are bacon lovers.

Place on a broiling pan. This helps to catch the bacon grease.

Bake at 400 degree for 20-25 minutes or until flaky.

Serve with fresh garden salad and steamed cauliflower topped with cheese.

Life on display

Posted by Delightfully Doable on 10 February, 2014 No comment

As I wrote previously on a documentary about drugs I was struck by the fact that what if my life became a documentary? If someone asked to film your life would you feel confident about your life and displaying it for the world to see? Or would you be embarrassed or ashamed? Would you choose to live differently?

Honestly those are some tough questions for me. I know to some degree we would all want to change certain aspects of our life or simply hide them from the world but I also know that I am living my life to the best that I know how and the best that I can at this current moment… Now would I want to relive my past, absolutely not. So, when I ask that question, what comes to mind is every decision I make from here on out should be to glorify Christ and Christ alone. If you feel you can’t be honest with your decisions and wouldn’t tell your friends, acquaintances or your children than you should probably rethink your decisions.

Now I’m not suggesting that all our decisions should be laid our for the world to see, but what small decisions would you change if you knew you were living a life that would one day become a documentary!

My husband and I definitely live our life more on display more than most people- this isn’t always a good thing. :) Between my husband and I, we have some very tough, challenging stories that would make for a good book. Some really sad situations and some really happy and exciting ones. But within those heartaches and memories we are longing to “figure” things out to a point where we could one day help others who suffer through tragedy, feel hopeless and want help finding direction in life. We both feel confident that one day we will pursue this dream of ours and hopefully raise our children to learn what helping others truly means and giving a helping hand to those you want to turn away from; feeling slightly uncomfortable.

When we look back on our life I know we all have moments of guilt and shame, but when you are living your life for Christ, going deeper still, are your decisions being made in accordance to Christ’s will or for purpose of self gain?

Sausage Bean Burritos

Posted by Delightfully Doable on 9 February, 2014 No comment

What’s for dinner tonight? This 30 minute meal is pretty healthy and brings Mexican food to a whole new level. Okay maybe not, but this meal is simple, easy and very tasty and satisfying.

Ingredients:

1 lb spicy sausage
1/3 cup onion, chopped
1 can black beans, drained
1 ½ cup chopped tomatoes
½ cup green pepper, chopped
1 can olives, chopped
1 cup salsa
1 ¾ cup cooked rice (I use Spanish rice)
6 whole wheat tortillas

Toppings:

Cheese
Salsa
Sour cream

Cook sausage and onion together. Once the meat is almost cooked add green peppers. Add black beans, tomatoes, and olives. Heat through. Stir in rice and 1 cup salsa. Spread on tortillas and sprinkle with cheese and sour cream.

Freezes well if you have too many leftovers to try and tackle.

Goes good with nachos for an alternative leftover meal.

Moment of Truth

Posted by Delightfully Doable on 9 February, 2014 No comment

Don’t let your focus distract you from the real purpose!

White as Snow

Posted by Delightfully Doable on 8 February, 2014 No comment

Oh the cozy feeling of my electric blanket wrapped tightly around me as I look out the window seeing the gorgeous skies filled with a soft blanket of snow. Beautiful trees, snow capped houses filling my view is beyond describable. Last night I felt this peace wrap around me as we shut the lights off outside allowing the soft white blanket of snow to radiate enough light keeping the dark far away. We kept starring outside shocked by the amount of light this blanket had provided.

The more the snow falls the more I realize it’s pure, perfect and without blemish. Isn’t this the exact picture of Christ as he is pure, perfect and without blemish? He has washed our sins white as snow. Do you realize how quickly the snowy roads become trampled and dirty, slushy, and watered down? Is that how your faith in Christ is? Are you believing you are washed white as snow? Or, are you live in the streets slowly losing the temperature of faith and grace, washing you to the gutters and falling through the cracks? Rocks pierce your soul rubbing dirt into our insecurity taking away your white innocence. This is the routine of life that I hope to not fully succumb to.

We all have some amount of dirt in our snow as that is part of our imperfect world but when Christ looks down upon us, we are that soft, untouched blanket of snow. Lets choose to become the path that’s narrow, untouched, and hidden from the main roadways. Lets not throw ourselves to the street allowing the dirt to come near us. It’s impossible to avoid unless you choose the narrow path; the road less traveled. That road is never near the main roadways, it’s usually tucked far away under a tree or off in the distance. Never to be comingled with the wide common path. There is no mistaking which path is the untouched, narrow road.

The amount of light the snow brings is also a perfect picture of Christ. White snow reflects the moon eliciting a sweet glow forcing the darkness to flee; in darkness the enemy stalks. Last night I had an incredible peace as Christ wrapped me in His white blanket clearly showing me a physical form that He has His protection wrapped tightly around me and my family. In Psalms 91 it’s states that “darkness will not come near your tent…” this was a very clear picture to me last night and all day today that Christ brings about light even when our lives seem to be filled with darkness from the trials of this world. I feel blessed with the precious snow bringing about perspective while forcing me to place my busy life on hold and spend time with my family.

Moment of Truth: Christ is the light and in the midst of darkness He shines His light refocusing your perspective back on Him; the pure, untouched light. Stay off the dark black slushy roadways and take the path less traveled bringing about light and life; keeping you white as snow!

Motivation or Lack there of

Posted by Delightfully Doable on 7 February, 2014 No comment

My problem the last couple of days has been an utter lack of motivation. My motivation the last couple weeks has been everything but eventful, downright awful. My lack of energy has been extremely discouraging. My poor son seems to be beyond bored as mommy is in a rut with the same toys and activities and the family is eating unexciting meals as I haven’t planned my menu for a couple weeks. I have avoided the grocery store at all costs as I haven’t wanted to plan my meals in advance which in turn keeps me from stepping into the store.

Watching the snow fall from the inside…

Watching the neighbor girls play and sled in the freezing cold

Simply not old enough to know what he is missing when the snow falls…sweet baby!

I’ve also been meaning to workout this entire week simply finding other things to do. I have convinced my husband to workout with my tonight as that will force me to follow through. He is a workout maniac. :) I’ve also convinced him to take us on ‘date night’ tonight to the grocery store; Cooper included. The amount of snow we have incurred is insurmountable for Portland especially with how dry the snow is. We have literally been dumped on. The problem with Portland is we don’t know how to clear roadways of snow and unfortunately Oregonians believe in “saving the planet” which means no deicing trucks until the weather has already accumulated an immense amount of snow or freezing rain. ;) I grew up in a small town where getting 2-3 feet in a day or two wasn’t unheard of but the roadways were ALWAYS clear; snow plows, sanders, deicers and people knowing how to drive in such circumstances.

It’s been years since I’ve had to really worry about driving in snow and as I headed out today the anxiety welled up inside of me. My son in the back seat of our new car, unclear roads and a couple hills to conquer. The anxiety in my gut felt horrible that I felt myself become that ‘Oregonian’ I hadn’t believed I was. ;) I must say they need snow plows for each town not simply for the freeway. It is beautiful outside but the cabin fever I fear will begin to kick in partially through the weekend if we do receive freezing rain forcing us to remain inside.

Although my motivation is nonexistent my house is extremely clean. I spent most the morning sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, cleaning toilets, kitchen sinks, laundry, dusting baseboards, and the trim around the doors as well as making no bake cookies. Even though my motivation has been lacking a great deal, a dirty house does not suite my fancy and chocolate is always an encourager. I have felt well accomplished today as I choose to partake in these activities; probably because they aren’t hanging over my head anymore and the snow has kept us indoors.

Another part of my lack of motivation is my tummy has been incredibly hurting and I’m unsure why. Could it be the cleaning this morning, shocking my system back to reality or maybe it was all the no bake cookes I had this afternoon filling my tummy so full that I couldn’t eat lunch. I could keep the list going but unfortunately I feel I could be fighting a bug…I really hope not but it’s definitely a high possibility. This also helps encourage me to remain unmotivated as I do not want to make myself sicker; I must force myself to relax. ;) HA! Oh the excuses run deep today, so deep I felt they needed to be shared.

Moment of Truth: Take time to relax, eat chocolate and know the house is clean! :)

Meatball Subs

Posted by Delightfully Doable on 6 February, 2014 No comment

For some reason I have been CRAVING meatball subs and not just your typical meatball sub but the unhealthy version. For some reason I have really wanted Subways meatball sub and I honestly can’t tell you why. But…..since I try to avoid eating out as homemade meals are healthier for you and all around simply taste better, I chose to make my own for tonight.

Now what I mean by unhealthy meatball subs is that I want everything on them as subway provides; mayo, cheese, pickles, lettuce and onions. Mmmmm makes me salivate just thinking about it. I have the bread baking as we speak and the crockpot simmering while I simply wait for dinner time to approach. The snow is falling in the back ground as it is an extremely cold day and our snow storm has finally hit. :)

There are two ways you can make meatball subs and honestly both are great. The first exciting way is the way I prepared them tonight, already prepared meatballs and homemade sauce (you can use prepared sauce but frankly I don’t like the taste). Sounds easy right? Well it is! :) The second way they can be served up is with homemade meatballs and homemade sauce. I’ve done both but for a quick dinner in the crockpot I make my own spaghetti sauce and added the meatballs. Let them simmer all day on low and served over my homemade English muffin bread (click here for recipe). Kind of like an open face sandwich.

This versatile meal helps in a pinch when you are not sure what to make but know everyone will enjoy.

If making your own meatballs and sauce follow the directions below beginning with the meatballs as they take longer.

Ingredients:

Sauce:

1 16oz can olives, chopped
1 pint cherry tomatoes
8oz fresh mushrooms
1 small onion, chopped
1 6oz can tomato paste
2 cups water
1 tbsp. Parsley
1 tbsp. Italian seasoning
2 tsp Oregano
3 tsp garlic salt
Salt and pepper to taste
Dash of Paprika
3/4 tsp sugar (to taste, but add a little at a time as you can’t undo the sweetness)

In a fry pan add a little EVOO and cherry tomatoes and begin to cook on medium heat. Meanwhile chop onions and add them to the tomatoes.

When the tomatoes begin to burst add the mushrooms.

Add a small palm full of sugar to help caramelize the onions a bit.

Once tomatoes fully burst add olives and transfer to crockpot.

Add tomato paste and water. Mix well and add parsley, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, pepper, garlic salt and a 1/2 tsp sugar. Mix well, taste and decide if the remaining 1/4 tsp of sugar needs to be added.

Let simmer for 4-6 hours in crockpot on low heat.

Meatballs (if making your own):

1 lb ground turkey or beef
1 yellow onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup soda crackers, finely crumbled
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1/4 cup milk
2 tsp garlic salt
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper

Begin chopping the onions and crumbled the crackers. Set aside.

In a large bowl or kitchen aid mixture combine raw meat, with remaining ingredients. Mix thoroughly.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Meanwhile use a cookie scoop to form your meatballs and place on a rimmed, foil-lined baking sheet OR if you don’t have a cookie scoop you can lay foil on your cookie sheet and spread out the meat until fully flattened; about 1 inch thick. Take a butter knife and lightly cut 1 inch squares and form into balls. My mom taught me this trick as it’s easier to do rather than dig into the bowl and get extremely messy trying to make all your balls uniform.

Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes or until no longer pink. Place in the crockpot and cover with the sauce from above and let simmer on low for a couple hours to help soak up all the flavors.

When serving, butter your bread and/or rolls and broil until lightly crispy. Place meatballs and sauce on top and sprinkle with cheese and broil for another 1-2 minutes until cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

Enjoy!