Favorite DF/GF Meals (Fall 2012)

So, I decided since I'm always looking for an easier way to make good meals that we all can eat in this house I thought I would share my favorites from this fall with all of you.  None of these are my own recipes, just fabulous finds.  If you want the recipe, click on the link to the website. 

1. Indian in the Slow Cooker 

(Skinny Mommy)

This is a delicious mixture of potatoes, cauliflower and garbanzo beans!  Serve it over brown rice with plain yogurt (I skip this) or green salsa and cilantro.  It is so delicious!

(source)

2. Millionaire Rotisserie Chicken Salad 

(Rachel Ray)

In the words of Rachel Ray... YUM-O!  Cabbage and rotisserie chicken in a delish sauce!  We rolled it up in tortillas and everyone gobbled them up.

(source)

3. Crockpot Falafel and Dairy Free Tzatziki 

(A Year of Slow Cooking and A Gluten and Dairy Free JT)

I LOVE falafel and I had no idea how easy it could be!  You can use the plain yogurt tzatziki recipe on A Year of Slow Cooking (it's really good) or if you need to go DF like me the one from A Gluten and Dairy Free JT is awesome!  We roll these up in tortillas and add lettuce and tomatoes.  So yummy and healthy!

(source)

(source)

4. White Beans and Cabbage and BBQ Salmon

(Steamy Kitchen and Skinny Mommy)

Yep, another cabbage recipe.  We love it around here and this one is probably my favorite!  I always make BBQ Salmon with it.  Such an awesome meal and everyone is always asking for seconds.

(source)

(source)

5. Slow Cooked Ruby Chicken

(Moms Who Think)

This is SO good.  It's an awesome easy meal and it's SO good.  Did I already say that?  Well, it's true.  

(source)

There you have it.  My favorites from this fall.  I hope you enjoy them as much as we do.  

Happy Cooking!

A Change In Plans

I am sad as I write this post, but have a lot of peace with the decision.  I am not going to the Holy Yoga retreat this week.  It was not an easy decision to come to, but feels like it was the best one for me and my family.  

It's sad because this means that I won't be able to start teaching Holy Yoga until I finish my training at retreat; a retreat in June.  This pushes back "the plan" by seven months.  It's ok.  Sometimes on God's timing you have to adjust and trust that His timing is so much better than yours. 

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord,  "plans to prosper you and not to harm you plans to give you hope and a future.  Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your hear." 

(Jeremiah 29:11-13 NIV)

Blessings,

Megan

Home Today

I was supposed to be in Virginia right now at my Holy Yoga retreat.  So, why am I not there?  Hurricane Sandy shut down Reagan airport when I was sitting on my plane this morning.  It's ok though, I don't have any control.  It's in God's hands.  I came back home and slept for a couple of hours.  I'm booked on the flight for tomorrow morning (if Reagan airport is open) and I will be joining my class a day late.  I'm just hoping to get my bag back today.  What?!?!  Yep, my bag went to Lansing, MI this morning.  They didn't get it off the plane in time.  I just smiled and filled out the report.  I'm glad a little part of me was able to head to DC this morning :).

When I sat down this morning to do my devotion from Jesus Calling this is what it said:

"LINGER IN MY PRESENCE A WHILE.  Rein in your impulses to plunge into the day's activites.  Beginning your day alone with Me is essential preparation for success.  A great athlete takes time to prepare himslef mentally for the feat ahead of him before he moves a muscle.  Similarly, your time of being still in My Presence equips you for the day ahead of you.  Only I know what will happen to you this day.  I have arranged the events you will encounter as you go along your way.  If you are not adequately equipped for the journey, you will grow weary and lose heart.  Relax with Me while I ready you for action."

Ephesians 2:10 For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Hebrews 12:3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

What now?  I wait, I pray, I listen to what's in His will.  It might not be what I want it to be, but I know that whatever he has planned for me is better than I can imagine.

Today I'm praying for the storm to calm, for a good nights sleep tonight (I haven't slept well the past two nights because I'm so excited), that I get my bag back (they said I should be able to pick it up in the morning before I fly out), and that my cold and headache go away.

Blessings,

Megan

I know. . . or do I?

This morning at Myles' ECFE (Early Childhood and Family Education, for those non-Minnesotans) class we were talking about mirroring our kids emotions back to them.  I asked a question about Barrett always telling Myles what to do.  Our wonderful facilitator gave a good response.  She told me to say to Barrett "You feel you know what Myles needs to do and you want to tell him."  I've said it a couple of times to him today and he just agrees.

I wrote this on some post-it notes and placed them around the house because I won't remember the wording.  I was passing a note this afternoon looked at it and changed the words around a little bit.  I changed it to what I seem to be saying to God lately.

I feel I know what I need to do in life and I want to tell Him exactly what that is.

That stopped me in my tracks.  Deep down I know I don't know what I need in life, except Jesus.  I know I need Him.  So, if I know this why do I continue to try and control my life and everything around me?  

What if I change that wording again?  What would God say to me?

You feel you know what you need in life, but put your trust in Me and you will truly live.

Lord, please help me to hand my life over to You.  Today and every day.  I can't even imagine in my wildest dreams what You have in store for me if I would just let go and trust in You fully.  Thank you for everything You have granted me in this life.  You truly are an amazing and wonderful God.  Amen.

A Living Sacrifice

When I sat down this morning to read my Bible I was interrupted by my kids more times than I can count.  I know all the other moms out there can totally relate.  I was attempting to have some time with the Lord this morning (which I should have gotten up early to do) and my kids come in.  It always happens this way and it's ok.  It happens (life, that is) and I need to be able to roll with what's thrown my way and continue to keep my eyes on what's important... Jesus.

This is why I think the following verses are so amazing.  How is it that I read exactly what I needed to hear this morning.  It's a God thing, I couldn't do it if I tried :)

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God - this is your true and proper worship.  Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:1-2 NIV)

Why don't we give our lives (yes, I'm talking crazy busy lives full of interruptions) over to God and let Him transform them to what is in His will?  Offer up everything you do today as praise and worship to Him.  Yep, in my world I'm talking about worshiping Christ through changing poopy diapers, wiping snotty noses, keeping a calm voice, and letting my kids be kids who make messes.  I will worship Him by showing my kids His love by serving them today.  Some days are easier than others to do this.  

This isn't even half of the mess they've made this morning.

How are you going to praise and worship Him today?  

I think I'm going to go sit on the floor and play with Batman, tractors and lincoln logs :)

Blessings,

Megan

Sermon on the Mount

Recently, I (well, Beau and I) just finished reading a chapter of John every day (almost) for 21 days with our church.  It was a fun way to spend some time together and get in the Word.  So, when I came across this challenge from The Year of Less blog I was excited for the chance to do it again.

What's the challenge?

For the month of October you read Matthew 5-7 every day.  Yep, every day. As the notes in my bible say "The Sermon on the Mount is in effect Jesus' inaugural address; explaining what he expect of members of his kingdom."  Don't you want to dig deeper into that? 

(source)

This morning I listened to it on my phone with my bible app.  The app is free which is ALWAYS in my price range :).  I am able to look up so many different versions of the bible and it's always right at my fingertips.  I love it!  

So, are you going to take the challenge with me?  Let me know and maybe we can chat about it through the month of October.

Blessings,

Megan 

Leaving on a Jet Plane

It's midnight.  I've been sitting here typing up the schedule/instructions/emergency contacts, etc for when I'm gone next month.  I leave for a week so I can finish my Holy Yoga Instructor training.  I can't believe that my Holy Yoga retreat is only four and a half weeks away.  

This makes me think back to nine months ago when I first felt I was being called to become an instructor.  I thought I was supposed to start my training in January.  That didn't happen.  It was just moving too fast.  Plus, it turns out if you wait and do things on God's timing everything works out better than you could ever imagine (i.e. scholarships, grants, peace, calm, spiritual growth).  I would have been done with training in May and teaching already, but that wasn't in His plan.  Looking back, I wouldn't have been ready either.  God still had a lot of work to do to prepare me.  I didn't start my training until July and I will be done in November.  So, it will be about 10 months from start (first thoughts) to finish (certification).  

I can't believe how much my life has changed in less than a year and it's all because of Him.  

So, what exactly have I learned in the last nine months?

Life is better when I completely rely on Him.

The Bible has the answer to any (yes, any) problem I may have.

Prayer is POWERFUL!

Listen for the whisper of God's voice.

I am never done, I will always have something new to learn.

Reading multiple versions of the Bible is an amazing way to understand God's word.

Accountability partners are awesome.

Prayer is life changing!

Sometimes you have to read out loud to get it.

If you're too comfortable, you're probably following your own plan... not His.

Holy Yoga is so not about the Yoga.  It's so all about JESUS!

That last one I already knew from the first time I set foot into a Holy Yoga class, but it's still so true and I continue to be reminded of it.  

Holy Yoga will be coming to Messiah UMC in November. I will keep you all posted and hope to see you in a class.  Just you, your mat and Jesus Christ!

I'm so excited to share Him with you!

Blessings,

Megan 

Skinny Jeans

I've been reading the blog posts (sent via email) from Lysa Terkeurst for the last 3 weeks about her book Made to Crave.  I'm an emotional eater and I've struggled with it for as long as I can remember.  Yesterday's email was titled The curse of the skinny jeans.  It was talking about how even if you get smaller you still can't be happy unless you stop defining yourself by circumstances (ie I'll be happy when...).  Let's stop letting our circumstances define us and let God define us.

Here's the list of bible verses that she provided that describe who God says I am.  I wanted to share them with you.  

I am (you are)...

The forgiven child of God.

Romans 3:24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

The set-free child of God.

Romans 8:1-2 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.

The accepted child of God.

1 Corinthians 1:2 To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ - their Lord and ours

The holy child of God.

1 Corinthians 1:20 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God - that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.

The made-new child of God.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

The loved child of God.

Ephesians 1:4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.

The close child of God.

Ephesians 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

The confident child of God.

Ephesians 3:12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

The victorious child of God.

Romans 8:37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

Can you imagine the freedom we would feel if we actually clung on to this and fully believed it.  Maybe the "little stuff" wouldn't get to me so much (you know like being asked if I'm pregnant).

Hoping you find your worth in Him today!

Megan

When is it okay to ask. . .

In the past two weeks I've been asked if I'm pregnant two times!  Two times.  In the last 18 months I've been asked this a total of 4 times!  Does this happen to you?  I realize that I am about 15 pounds overweight and it tends to reside in my tummy.  I'm trying to lose the weight and then some, but it's not easy to do with two little kids and not a lot of extra time.  Excuses, excuses... I know.  

I'm sure I'm not the only one that this has happened to.  

So, when is it ok to ask a woman if she is pregnant?

(source)

NEVER!

If she is pregnant, she will tell you when she wants to tell you.  And, if she's not pregnant than you've saved yourself a lot of embarrassment.  Oh, and if you're the one who's being asked and you're not preggers (or if you are) just respond with a quick "ARE YOU?!?!"

Hope this brought you a good laugh!

Megan

Hearing Loss- Barrett's Story

Barrett was born on June 10, 2007.  He came three days after his due date.  He was a beautiful baby boy and I was in love instantly.  He spent a few extra days in the hospital due to Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn (TTNB).  It wasn't a big deal.  When they did his hearing test at the hospital, he didn't pass.  They told us that it happens all the time and is usually due to fluid in the ears.  Still not a big deal.  So, we retested many times and he only passed two times in the right ear.  We were referred to an ENT and Audiologist (I don't remember where in Kansas this was).  They found the same results and sent us to the Children's Hospital in Kansas City for an un-sedated ABR (Auditory Brainstem Response) hearing test.  Because we refused to have him sedated they were only able to test his left side (which was the side he never passed his hearing test on).  We met with a new pediatric ENT in Lawrence, KS and he told us that Barrett had mild hearing loss in his left ear.  It was so mild that he didn't recommend doing anything.  We were just fine with this and went on.


We moved from Kansas to Minnesota in the spring of 2008 and went in for his 12 month well-child exam that summer.  The pediatrician wanted us to meet with a Pediatric ENT (Dr. Soumekh... whom I LOVE) and check his hearing loss with an audiologist.  I was fine with that.  No harm in double checking on my kids hearing.  So, we went to the appointment and had a hearing test.  He had mild/moderate hearing loss in his left ear and his right ear was still fine.  Dr. Soumekh said we really should get him a hearing aid, do a ct scan and some other tests.  I'm not going to lie... I was very freaked out by this entire appointment.  We agreed to get him a hearing aid (on loan) and go from there.

The hearing aid was AWFUL!  He refused to keep it in.  I was spending all day every day putting it in, then he'd pull it out.  Over and over again.  So, we decided to stop trying.  It was too hard and he could hear out of his right ear and the loss was only mild in his left ear.  He started getting speech from the school district at this time (18 months) and continued with that until age 3.  At age 3 we had to do another hearing test to see what services he'd qualify for his preschool years.  We decided to to have District 287 do this test.  She couldn't get a good read and sent us to Children's.

We meet Kate at Children's and haven't looked back.  Kate was exactly what I needed in an audiologist.  She's amazing with Barrett (and Myles), patient and knows what to do in every situation that presents itself.  So, we went in on June 17, 2010 to have Barrett's hearing test.  I remember this because it was one week after his birthday.  My mom came with because I was a ball of nerves and had a nursing baby (Myles) to take care of.  My mom went in the audiology booth with Barrett and I sat right outside with Myles watching and listening.  I knew before Kate said anything that there was something wrong. They finished the test (which Barrett did beautifully) and she gave us the results.  My little boy had moderate to severe hearing loss in BOTH EARS!  I burst into tears!  I couldn't hold it in.  I said "he understands what we're saying!"  Kate's response, "He reads lips."  I never noticed it before, but he didn't look in my eyes when I was talking.  He was watching my lips..  He can still read lips.  It really is an amazing skill to have.  I guess that's one positive thing that's come from this.  I pulled myself together and said "Well, let's get him some hearing aids."  He was fitted for hearing aids that day and three weeks later we got them.  He has never once pulled them out!  It's been two years!

Last week, we went for one of his routine appointments with Kate.  Barrett has been telling us lately that he can't hear, but with a smirk on his face and usually when we're asking him to pick up his room or brush his teeth.  So, we didn't think anything of it.  During his appointment Kate tested his hearing with his hearing aids and without.  For the first time in two years Barrett tested with a mild loss with his hearing aids in.  Ok, this could be due to him growing.  Maybe they just need to be reprogrammed. Then, we did the un-aided test.  He's lost 20dB in his low frequency (which was his best ) and is showing a loss of 5dB in all other frequencies.  If what I just told you makes no sense... see the nice descriptions and charts below.

Barrett has progressive (has gotten worse over time) bilateral (both ears) sensorineural (dysfunction of inner ear) hearing loss in the moderate to severe range.  Which means that without his hearing aids he can't hear you until the sound is 60-85dB depending on the frequency.  Conversational speech ranges in  45-60dB.

This is just showing you the varying degrees of hearing loss.

Degree of hearing loss	Hearing loss range (dB HL)
Normal	–10 to 15
Slight	16 to 25
Mild	26 to 40
Moderate	41 to 55
Moderately severe	56 to 70
Severe	71 to 90
Profound	91+
Source: Clark, J. G. (1981). Uses and abuses of hearing loss classification.Asha, 23, 493–500.

(source)

Sound Intensity (Loudness) source

Sound intensity, or loudness, is measured in decibels (dB).

• A person with hearing within the normal range can hear sounds ranging from 0 to 140 dB. 
  
• A whisper is around 30 dB. 
  
• Conversations are usually 45 to 60 dB. 
  
• Sounds that are louder than 90 dB can be uncomfortable to hear. 
  
• A loud rock concert might be as loud as 110 dB. 
  
• Sounds that are 120 dB or louder can be painful and can result in temporary or permanent hearing loss.

(Source CDC)

Sound Frequency (Pitch) source

Frequency is measured in hertz (Hz). A person who has hearing within the normal range can hear sounds that have frequencies between 20 and 20,000 Hz. The most important sounds we hear every day are in the 250 to 6,000 Hz range.

Speech includes a mix of low and high frequency sounds:

• Vowel sounds like a short “o” as in the word “hot,” have low frequencies (250 to 1,000 Hz) and are usually easier to hear. 
  
• Consonants like “s,” “h,” and “f,” have higher frequencies (1,500 to 6,000 Hz) and are harder to hear. Consonants convey most of the meaning of what we say. Someone who cannot hear high-frequency sounds will have a hard time understanding speech and language.

(Source CDC)

Wow!  I just gave you a lesson.... sorry if that got really technical.  I find it fascinating, but that's because it effects our daily lives around here.  

So, where do we go from here?  Right now, I don't know.  I feel like I'm mourning his hearing loss all over again.  And just when I was starting to be ok with it.  I guess they (whoever they is) don't consider a 5dB loss significant, but I do.  We meet with Dr. Soumekh (our ENT) on Friday (this is Myles' post-op  appointment for his tubes) but I'll be asking some questions about Barrett while we're there.

Prayers please!  I feel like I'm at a loss.  He's not in "normal range" for all frequencies with his hearing aids in and I don't like that.  He's reading lips more again and I don't like that.  I know that God is going to use him for wonderful things, but this really sucks!

Blessings!

Megan

Oh, I would love to hear your thoughts on this!  Anyone else go through anything like this?

10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)

First, I'll start with a little Holy Yoga update.  I received my Training Manual on Monday, May 14th.  What a great birthday present!  Today they withdrew my deposit.  It's official (according to my bank account... hahaha).  I start  training on July 12th... it's only six weeks away.  I'm sure it will be here before I know it!  Right now I'm trying to get to 2-3 classes a week.  If you want to join me, let me know.  I typically go on Tuesday evenings, Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings.  I'm hoping to get some Friday mornings in this summer.  I applied for a grant through my church to help cover some of the other costs for training and then costs of childcare and yoga equipment.  I ask for prayers as they review my application.  I find out at the end of June/beginning of July if I get the grant.

Now, onto the title of the post...
10,000 Reasons by Matt Redman is one of my new favorite songs lately.  Every time it comes on the radio, I turn it up and belt it out!  I'm sure it's quite the sight for people when I'm sitting at a stoplight.  Since it's such a great song (in my opinion) I wanted to share the lyrics with you.  Here they are...

10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)

The sun comes up

It's a new day dawning

It's time to sing your song again

Whatever may pass

And whatever lies before me

Let me be singing 

When the evening comes

Bless the Lord O my soul

O my soul

Worship His Holy name

Sing like never before

O my soul

I'll worship Your Holy name

You're rich in love

And You're slow to anger

your name is great

And Your heart is kind

For all Your goodness

I will keep on singing

Ten thousand reasons

For my heart to find

Bless the Lord O my soul

O my soul

Worship His Holy name

Sing like never before

O my soul

I'll worship Your Holy name

And on that day

When my strength is failing

The end draws near

And my time has come

Still my soul will 

Sing Your praise unending

Ten thousand reasons

And then forevermore

Bless the Lord O my soul

O my soul

Worship His Holy name

Sing like never before

O my soul

I'll worship Your Holy name


Want to hear the song?  Click here and you can watch a video.

Blessings,
Megan

Excitement

It's 12:15am and I just finished working for the day.  We've been really busy around here and I should head to bed, but I felt called to sit and write for a minute.  I need to write about my excitement!  I am so excited I can hardly contain myself.  Do you ever feel like this?

My excitement comes from Jesus!  Specifically about Holy Yoga.  More fell into place in the last few days.  I found out that I got a $500 scholarship from Holy Yoga to help cover the cost of training.  My training manual shipped today... I will have it on Monday!  I didn't think this would ship until July :).  I ordered the rest of my books (three of them, I already have one) for training this afternoon and one of them already shipped.  My plan is to ready these four books in May and June so I can focus on reading my training manual come July 12th (when I start Holy Yoga training).

I'm so excited for this next chapter in life.  I can't wait to see what it brings and where it's going to take me!  I hope to share my journey with you along the way.  

I know this was a bit of a ramble, so thanks for reading it.

Blessings,

Megan

Need a Chocolate Fix?

I've been making this for several months now and thought it was time to share it with all of you.  I found this amazing microwave brownie recipe on Pinterest.  It is sooooo good!  

Two-Minute Mug Brownie
(recipe from Babble)

1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
Pinch salt
2 Tbsp canola or other mild vegetable oil
2 Tbsp milk, coffee of water

In a heatproof mug or ramekin, stir together the dry ingredients until no lumps remain.  Stir in the oil and milk until you have a thick paste.

Microwave on high for a minute, checking it after 30 seconds (microwaves vary)- it will be done with it's springy on top but still gooey- like the very best brownie.  Eat warm.

So, I've tried adapting the recipe by doing several things, but it's never as good as the original.  I've used whole wheat flour, but it gets a little grainy (which I don't mind).  I've tried applesauce in place of oil, but it's dries out (the same thing happens with half oil/half applesauce).  So, I'm just going to stick with the original (sometimes with ice cream) because it's FANTASTIC!

So, here's to finding the cure to my late night chocolate cravings (though it's not very diet friendly).  Also, sorry there isn't a picture.  It's so good that it never lasts long enough for me to take a picture!

Megan

It's Official

I officially registered to become a Holy Yoga instructor today!  I can't believe it!  I feel like it's been such a long journey to get here.  I know it's only been since January, but there have been so many bumps in the road it feels like much longer.  I've overcome most of those bumps and handed the rest of them over to God.  He can deal with them, I'm going to be still.  

The Lord with fight for you; you need only to be still.  Exodus 14:14

As excited as I am I know that this now means that come July 12th, life will get very busy (as if it's not busy enough already).  This is probably when I'm going to wonder what I was thinking.  How am I going to work 15-18 hours of school per week into my life?  I know it will happen, with much prayer, patience, listening to God's will and scheduling.  

You might be missing me on Facebook during that time :).   

Want to check out what Holy Yoga is all about?  Come with me to a class!  I'll be at Colonial Church in Edina at 7:00pm tomorrow.  Can't make it tomorrow, click here to see a schedule for all the classes in the Twin Cities.  

Blessings,

Megan

Fried Pickles

Back in December I stumbled across the blog Schilling Times by way of a fried pickles pin on pinterest.  Little did I know that it would become a blog that I love following.  

I finally made the fried pickles.  You can find the recipe here.  They were delicious! 

This is how I made the pickles (due to what was in the pantry)...

Ingredients
1 jar pickle slices ( I just used enough to fill one cookie sheet)
2 eggs
1/3 cup flour
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp hot sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp pepper
1 1/2 cups plain bread crumbs
Creamy Spinach Dip for dipping (recipe found here, I made it differently and will tell you about that sometime too)


Directions
-Turn oven broiler on high.
-In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs and flour. 
-Add Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder and pepper and mix well.
-Place bread crumbs in a shallow dish. 
-Dunk each pickle slice into the egg mixture, than dredge it in the bread crumbs.
-Spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.  
-Arrange pickles on baking sheet and place in the middle rack of the oven. 
-Broil for about 3 minutes on each side.  Watch them closely... it goes fast!
-Serve with Creamy Spinach Dip or Ranch Dressing.

I almost forgot to take a picture of them, so this is the few that were left.  Sorry about the bad lighting.

Happy Cooking Everyone!

Megan

Fruit

Day seven of the photo a day challenge from Maternal Lens....

March 7

Fruit

Bananas and kiwis.  LOVE!

Megan

Something You Love & Chores

It was bound to happen... I forgot to take and post a picture yesterday.
I'm sure it will happen again too!
Days five and six of the photo a day challenge from Maternal Lens....

March 5

Something You Love

I love my new Bible.  Opened to Mark 12:30 "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength."

March 6

Chores

Dishes... what else can I say.  My sink always looks like this.  They are never-ending!

Megan

Tree

Day four of the photo a day challenge from Maternal Lens....

March 4

Tree

This picture was taken yesterday, but the snow was too pretty with the trees and snowman to not share this. 

Megan

Black & White

Day three of the photo a day challenge from Maternal Lens....

March 3

Black & White

My necklaces :)

Are you doing the challenge too?  

Megan

Water

Day two of the photo a day challenge from Maternal Lens....

March 2

Water

Lord, as I enter the water to bathe, 

I remember my baptism. 

Wash me by your grace. 

Fill me with your Spirit. 

Renew my soul. 

I pray that I might live as your child today, 

and honor you in all that I do.

Amen

Megan

Something that makes you SMILE

So, this popped up my friend Gina's facebook wall today and I thought I would do it!  Why not take a picture every day for a month and share them with all of you?

Here's the challenge from Maternal Lens.  Join me in this challenge if you'd like or you can just see my pictures when I post them.

(source)

March 1

something that makes me SMILE

These are the flowers my wonderful husband brought home for me on Tuesday.  No reason... just because.  I'm lucky to have him in my life, it makes me smile.

Megan

Today Was the Day . . .

Today would have been my due date if I hadn't miscarried in June.  It still makes me sad.  It's sad to know that we could have been a family of 5 instead of 4 today.  I know that I will someday get to meet that sweet baby in heaven, but until then I will just think about him or her and smile knowing that he or she is wrapped in God's loving arms waiting for me to come.  

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)


This is a beautiful song by Selah about the love and sadness of losing a baby.

For now, I will just wait to see what God has in his plans for me, for us.

Megan

Many Buttons Necklace

I am so excited!  I actually won the giveaway that I entered at Mine for the Making.  I won a $25 credit at the Johnny in a Dress shop.  She has some really cute stuff over there and you have to check it out!  Also, check out her blog.  She has an amazing story and it so much fun to follow.  Plus, she's one of the cutest pregnant ladies I've ever seen!

So, this is what I picked....

(source)

So super cute, right?  I can't wait to get it (and then you won't ever see me take it off)!

Thanks again to Mine for the Making and Johnny in a Dress!

Megan

Super Easy Peanut Butter Cookies

I first found the Cooking Mom when I was watching Twin Cities Live one afternoon.  I love her website... it has lots of great recipes.  Here's one that I came across when searching and have been dying to try.  This has to be the easiest peanut butter cookie recipe on the planet!  

Super Easy Peanut Butter Cookies

(recipe from Cooking Mom)

Ingredients:

1 cup peanut butter

1 cup sugar

1 egg

Directions:

Beat all ingredients together.  Drop onto baking sheets.  Press down a bit with a fork.  Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 10-15 minutes (I did 12 minutes).  Cool about 10 minutes before eating.

Here's a picture of my cookies.  I know, my photography skills are AMAZING!  Can you sense my sarcasm?!?!

My family was thrilled to have some new cookies in the house and I was thrilled they were so easy!

Megan

Love is. . .

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 

(1 Corinthians 13:4)

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!  I hope you are able to spend the day today with those you love most!  We are going to have a nice quiet evening at home with the boys.  We're going to make homemade heart shaped pizza's for dinner!  

Because this song means so much to me right now, I wanted to share it with you.  Not always does God answer our prayers the way we want Him to.  

Laura Story - Blessings

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Megan

I did it. . .

I took a leap of faith on Wednesday and sent my questionnaire into Holy Yoga and set up my phone interview for Thursday, February 16th at 2:40pm (prayers please).  I still don't have everything figured out, but after all of the things that have happened in the last week God was definitely telling me it was time to get moving and continue to trust in Him.  

What happened this past week?  

I've had offers from people to help with my kids during immersion and retreat (a total of 10 weeks combined),  my pastor supports this ministry in my church (this is HUGE), my family and friends are supporting me through prayer and some financial support has been received.  

(source)

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight"  (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV)

I look forward to sharing Jesus through Holy Yoga with you all! 

Megan

Fire Station Tour

The other day the boys and I got to go to the Minnetonka Fire Station for a tour.  My childhood friend Kevin is a fireman there and we had so much fun exploring the station with him.  Here are a few pictures of our adventure!

Barrett driving the firetruck. 

Kevin making sure my kids don't fall out.

Testing out the headset.

Myles too!

Thanks Kev!  We will have to do that again!  We had so much fun!

Megan

Dreams

I originally went to Holy Yoga to get some yoga for cheap and get some me time.  I didn't expect to find Jesus there.  I know that sounds crazy... it is called HOLY Yoga!  It truly has sparked something in me and I want more.  More Holy Yoga, more worship time, more Jesus!

My last post was about me feeling called to become a Holy Yoga instructor.  I thought I would share a little update with you.  In the Holy Yoga class I went to on Saturday morning I had a vision of myself teaching holy yoga at my church in the lakeside room overlooking the lake.  My mom asked me if I was 31 or 32 in my vision (trying to figure out when I'm supposed to go through the Holy Yoga immersion and retreat).  Ha ha!  I told her my vision wasn't that specific :).  I very strongly feel that this is what God is calling me to do, to be able to share Jesus and my faith thru Holy Yoga.  If it's right God will provide me with everything I need!

(source)

I am doing the Love Dare as a study right now and this was in my reading this morning... 

"As you walk with God, He will put dreams in your heart that He wants to fulfill in your life.  He will also put skills and abilities in your heart that He wants to develop for His glory (Exodus 35:30-35).  He will give you the desire to give (2 Corinthians 9:7) and to worship (Ephesians 5:19).  As you put God first, He will step in and fulfill the good desires of your heart." (page 211 in The Love Dare)

I find it amazing that the studies I'm doing (that have nothing to do with Holy Yoga) always seem to touch my heart and tell me this is right, to keep praying about it and to move forward.  

At my study on Wednesday night we talked about Mark 12:30...  

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind 

and with all your strength. (Mark 12:30)

That is the verse I talked about in this post.  It keeps weaving it's way into my life.  

It's a God thing!  There is no other way to explain it!

I thought I would share the verses from the Love Dare study with you too... 

Exodus 35:31 (NIV) 

 and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills

2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Ephesians 5:19 (NIV)

speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord

My prayer for you today is that you allow God to put dreams in your heart!

Megan