May22

Zesty Tomato Veggie Pasta Salad

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Memorial Day is coming up, and that means family barbecues and gatherings. So what do you take or prepare this year? This is usually a quandary for me so I spend hours looking through cooking magazines and recipes, hoping to find just the right dish. I’ve always been a big fan of pasta salad, but don’t like rich, creamy dressings, and haven’t found a vinaigrette based pasta salad dressing that I like. So I was delighted when I came across this recipe.

The combination of tomato sauce and salsa is unusual and really makes the dish. Full of wonderful, fresh veggies and herbs; this colorful salad can easily become a full meal salad with the addition of chicken, meat or cheese. It’s healthy, quick and easy to prepare, and absolutely delicious. What else could you ask for? So, take this salad to your next outdoor gathering, graduation or party, and be prepared for compliments and recipe requests!

Diff: Easy     Prep:  20 min + Chilling     Cook: 11 min     Serves: 12

 

Ingredients:

4 cups. uncooked spiral pasta (tricolor or reg)

1 jar (16 oz.) salsa (mild or medium)

1 can (15.5 oz) corn, drained or

2 cups frozen corn, thawed

1 ½ cups halved cherry tomatoes

1 medium red onion, chopped

1 can (8 oz.) no-salt-added tomato sauce

4 T. minced fresh parsley

1 T. red wine vinegar

Directions:

  1. Fill large pot with water, add salt and oil. Bring to boil.DSC02639

  2. Cook pasta according to directions. Rinse in cold water and drain.DSC02647

  3. In large serving bowl, combine pasta and veggies. Stir to combine.DSC02654

  4. Add liquid ingredients, combine well to blend with pasta mixture.DSC02657

  5. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving as this will allow the flavors to meld.  You can sprinkle additional parsley on top just before serving.DSC02658

  6. Enjoy! Happy Memorial Day!

I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful Memorial Day. Until next week, wishing you all of God’s blessings, good health and good eating!

Smiles, Maria

May21

Break Out Your Light Sword!

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Break Out Your Light Sword!

Good morning my dear blogging friends!

I am going to be taking a blogging break for the month of June. I have a son graduating this year and with the looming open house plus work, yard, house, conferences….not to mention that I am trying to write a book, I am feeling a bit overwhelmed and I don’t want my messages to turn sour!  So in the interest of my sanity….  J I am taking a break.  Since I didn’t post yesterday I have a two-fold post today….a new gourd that will be available in our etsy store (see picture below) and the next installment of our memorization of the sermon on the mount.  First the memory verse:

Review: Matthew 5:1-14

Learn: Matthew 5:15-16

“Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Last week we talked about how salty we are….or are not. And the verse went on to say that we are to be the light of the world.  Today we continue that thought as Jesus describes how to go about that. He says that we are not to hide it but put it where everyone can see it so that people will see the Father reflected in you.

The sermon that I listened to this past Sunday was exactly about that remarkably enough! It was called Break out your Light Sword. A story was told of a little boy who explored all of the dark places of his house with absolute bravery.  What made this boy so brave?  He was carrying a big, bright flashlight; his light sword. As he traveled through those dark places he shined that light around so that he could see his path and have total assurance of where he was.

As long as he had his light sword he felt safe!

In this same way we can travel into dark places, shining out light with the assurance that we are safe in the arms of our Savior. Without the light there is much to fear for the truth is:

  • Darkness has been trying to snuff out the darkness since the beginning.

  • Darkness has a voice…it will entice you with empty promises.

  • Darkness has a color….it is black like the soul of who it represents; Satan

  • When it is dark, men commit evil deeds. Just watch the news for evidence of this.

  • Darkness is always trying to hide. It does not want to be discovered for what it really is and what it really does.

  • Darkness blinds people so they cannot see. This particular point is very deceptive. Darkness can present itself as something desirable, something that you want. It can be hard to see the truth when the desire is in your heart.

We live in a fallen and decaying world, evil exists all around us in the things we see, the things we do and the people we meet. Discovering truth can be difficult as the enemy tries to steal your soul. He carries with him demonic hosts to do his bidding, our days are full of satanic warfare! But we are not to crawl under a basket to hide our light, although we may want to at times so that evil will not find us, we are to face it head on and conquer it with our light swords! We can command darkness to flee in the mighty name of Jesus, and it MUST flee! 

So have no fear. Pick up your light sword, march out into the darkness and fight!

We must be on our guard all of the time to not allow darkness to seep into our lives, and it can be deceptive. Here are some attributes of evil:

  • It’s sneaky (Gen. 3)

  • It destroys (John 10:10)

  • It doesn’t care (Luke 22)

Evil seeks to control you, to own you, and to lead you away from the light. Don’t let it! Keep your light shining!

  1. Pray

  2. Speak to the darkness in your life in Jesus’ name

  3. Read the Word of God for strength

  4. Be Prepared!

My Prayer: Lord I pray that you bring to light all of the dark places in my life that I need to fight.  I want to be a light for you, a light to the world which is so very dark. Help me to refine those places in my life so that when people look at me they see you in my reflection.  In Jesus’ Mighty Name!!

Reflect His Light!

Lisa

~ Thank you so much for allowing me this break!  This would be a great time to practice for the whole month the verses that we have learned up to now. By the time July comes you will be ready for the next set!  Hiding God’s word in your heart is a great way to repel the darkness too! This break will only be for me on Monday’s and Tuesday’s. Wed-Friday will continue with the rest of the beautiful life contributors as always and I pray that they will fill you up with beauty!  God bless you all!

Fruits of the Spirit birdhouse

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This is a birdhouse made from a gourd. It is woodburned and some light colors have been added with ink dyes for accent. It is about 12” in height, 8” wide and the hole is approximately 1 1/2 “ in diameter. The roof has been fashioned with metal pieces that have a verdigris finish. An outdoor poly coating has been applied so that it can be used inside and out.  A beautiful addition to any garden!  For more pictures and info, go to our etsy store here:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/151793859/fruits-of-the-spirit-birdhouse

May17

Getting a Head start

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Hello All,

Well I have a special event for you next week. Yep it’s a secret until the end of this article in which I will reveal my master plan.

For this article it will be short and sweet. Actually I should have been teaching this about 4 weeks ago. Long story short I had a mix up in my order and I am now just getting my seeds but I am sticking with the plan regardless.

I wanted to show you that you can start your own seeds and grow your own plants instead of buying them from a nursery. That is if you enjoy and have the time to do this. I love my little babies and find it a blessing that I can start them by seed and transplant them afte the danger of frost.

Most people put seeds right in the garden memorial day weekend. That the old golden rule and it works but I like to give mine a bit of a head start. Usually 6-8 weeks.

I have invested in the these containers that I use year after year, they only cost approx. 3 dollars at Kmart and plants 72 plants!

You can gift some of the little guys to your friends! How fun is that?!

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First you want to partially fill them with this media. It is Miracle grow and it expands to be about twice of what it looks like. It is a bit pricier but it has a lot of benefits.

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It holds up to 50 % more moisture than regular dirt and it also feeds the plant up to 6 months. It special media also provides more air for the roots to grow quickly and establish a good foundation.

Add water to get the media to expand! 1 to 1 ratio.

Start putting in the seeds of choice. Usually I will put 2-3 seeds in a container because not all of them will grow and if they all do grow you can split them a part very easily. If they are larger seed like pumpkin or zucchini then I just put one seed in each compartment.

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Once you have them all in place then I go to work and spread them over with potting soil, pack them down. Or as I say “Tuck them into bed”.

 Water them again to get them started. Then I put the cover over. Perfect for holding moisture in while they germinate. I use a grow light when it is still too cold to put them out doors. You can purchase them pretty inexpensively but if you have a good window that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight that is efficient enough.

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 Voila! After a few weeks you will have this to plant in the next project! Garden boxes! I live in Clay. CLAY I tell ya…makes for a great foundation for the house but to grow anything in; it is near impossible!

So I have decided to make a Raised Garden this year. I plan to plant a wonderful vegetable garden. Our next project will be how to build a Raised garden bed! Hopefully in video form for the very first time. So everyone say a prayer for me; I am going to need it because I am just not the best with this fancy Media stuff. I am so excited to try this!

Who knows, maybe canning in the fall with Maria our expert in the kitchen. The sky is the limit with God’s Girls!

Have fun and Praise Him while you are planting.

 Have a wonderful weekend and blessings to all.

Girl Firday- Mischele Makhlouf

May16

Dear Vanessa ~ Getting caught up in gossip

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Dear Vanessa,

I am struggling recently with coffee-room gossip. I want so badly to be an example to my coworkers by not “joining in” on talking about others but I find it so hard. My question for you is what is the right way to deal with personality frustrations without gossiping and remaining a good Christian example in the work place?

 Sincerely, 

Lexi

Dearest Lexi,

This is something many struggle with, you are not alone.   Most of us have either been a victim or participant at some point in our lives.

Also, you need to give yourself some credit as you have identified you want to be part of the solution rather the problem – this is one step ahead!

The bible speaks clearly to gossip, lies, and whispering:

Proverbs 16:28 A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.

A whisperer separates close friends.   Talking about others when they are not around or cannot hear will cause strife in a relationship.

Proverbs 11:13 Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.

He who is trustworthy in the spirit keeps a thing covered; meaning one does not reveal secrets.

Proverbs 26:20-22 For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases. As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife. The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.

Adding wood to a fire; the more one gossips the bigger the problem gets.

Psalms 41:7 All who hate me whisper together about me; they imagine the worst for me.

When gossiping about an individual, assumptions are made.  One should never assume.

You obviously have guilt about being part of this, and are frustrated with the way people are behaving.  It is important that we do not judge, but in all things try our best to lead by example.   This is key in curbing this kind of behavior.   Jesus lead by example and we are to follow that example in all that we do.  This can be difficult at times, we stumble, but God forgives – He loves us and wants to pick us up.

Philippians 4:9  What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 3:17  Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.

I have struggled with this myself at times, especially when beginning a new job or joining a new group of people.   But integrity is core to my value system, and honesty….   In these circumstances, I have assessed the group and if the individuals are open to my opinion, I will be honest with them about the behavior.  I have also tried to provide a different perspective – opposite to theirs.

For instance, let me give you an example, one of my friends says, “Look at Sally, the clothes she wears are so dated, and her hair….”  I would then respond and say, “What if Sally doesn’t have the money to adjust her wardrobe or hair?  What if her money goes to charity instead of the clothing she wears?  We do not know her circumstance so should not judge.”

God does not want us to conform to this behavior; He wants us to rise above.  Rise above and lead by example.

While this works for me, it may not work for you or others that are uncomfortable with challenging the perception.  I have a few other suggestions that may help:

  • Remove yourself from the group that is gossiping. 
  • Adjust the topic to something else.
  • If you have been a victim of this behavior in the past, provide your perspective to the group that is gossiping on how you felt about the situation.
  • Finally, and most importantly, if you have fallen into this habit or are finding difficulty with the situation, pray and ask God for guidance.  He will direct your paths.

Jeremiah 29:11  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.

Lexi, we lead through our actions.  It is so amazing when we take a leap of faith and step out of our comfort zone.  It has ripple effects, like a drop in the water.  

Dear Lord God,

I ask that Your voice is what others hear when engaging in conversation.  I ask that You lead individuals down the right path when interacting with others.  I pray that you give individuals like Lexi the strength to rise above.  We know that through our actions others will follow, I pray that our actions exemplify You in all things.  I pray for this in Jesus’ Name Amen.

Blessings to you beautiful lady,

Vanessa

If you have a question for Vanessa please email her at nesschesters@gmail.com

You can also visit her personal blog page at www.nesschesters.wordpress.com

May15

Healthy Hiker’s Energy Bars

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Now that the weather is getting warmer and we’re looking forward to summer and spending more time outside, here’s a easy and healthy snack you can take with you on your next hike. The beauty of this recipe is that you can substitute any dried fruit you like, and can also add various ingredients such as flax seed or additional nuts or seeds if desired. If you’re allergic to peanut butter, you can substitute almond or sunflower seed butter instead. The protein hit from the peanut butter, oats and eggs should help keep you going for hours! Not only are these good while you’re on the trail, but they’re also a nice reward after a good hike!

Diff: Easy Prep: 15 min. Cook: 20-23 min.

Ingredients:

½ c. whole wheat flour

1-2 T. flax seed if desired (can be ground)

1 t. ground cinnamon

½ t. baking soda

1/8 t. kosher or sea salt

2 t. pure vanilla extract

½ c. packed brown sugar

1 large egg

2 large egg whites or equivalent

1 c. dried cranberries or sweet dried cherries

½ c. coarsely chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds, etc.)

1/4 c. sunflower seeds

½ – ¾ c. chocolate chips

½ c. smooth or chuncky peanut butter

2 T. extra virgin olive oil

½ c. organic honey

2 c. old fashioned rolled oats

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Coat a 9 X 13 pan with olive oil.

  1. Whisk flour, cinnamon, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl.

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  1. Beat peanut butter, brown sugar, and honey in a large bowl until blended.

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  1. Blend egg and egg whites with fork in a small bowl, then add to peanut butter mixture along with oil and vanilla. Beat until smooth.

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  1. Add flour mixture and mix with spatula. Mix in oats, cranberries/cherries, choice of nuts and chocolate chips.

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  1. Scrape batter into prepared baking dish. Use spatula to even out.

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  1. Bake until lightly brown and firm to touch, 2-23 minutes. Let cool completely before cutting.

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Enjoy! This is wonderful served with fruit and a glass of cold milk. 

Hope all of you will be able to enjoy some time in the great outdoors this week. Wishing all of you God’s blessings, happy hiking, good health and good eating!

Smiles, Maria

 

May14

I don’t want to be Paprika!

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I don’t want to be Paprika!

 

Review: Matthew 5:1-12

This week’s memory verses: Matthew 5:13-14 –

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.

“You are the light of the world.  A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”

Every Easter, our family makes deviled eggs from the morning hunt fodder. Cut andpaprika scoop, mash and mix….then the final stuffing of the egg carcass. The eggs are ready for the table…..but are they?  Some believe that to truly be a deviled egg, they need a light sprinkling of paprika on top.  Not me….does paprika even have a taste? I’ve never found that it made a difference one way or another. My mom thinks it looks pretty….and it does.  But personally, I think that paprika is a waste of money.  For me it has absolutely no value and I choose to leave it off all together.

I try to approach my relationship with God the same way. We are called to be the salt of the earth.  What does that mean exactly? I think it means our flavor should not blend in with that of the rest of the egg…I mean the world.  There are those who try to be like everyone else,  a chameleon in social situations so that they aren’t singled out or viewed as “different”. Personally I don’t think “different” is a bad thing. I’ve have spent much of my adult life running from the types of groups that encourage conformity, contrary to what I desired as a child.  When I was young, it was important to me to be like everyone else, now I see the wisdom in the inverse.

So, we are to give flavor to our world, to the little corner of our existence that we have been given by God to affect. Flavor to the relationships that we are privy to, flavor to the work day that we share with others, and flavor to our families who rely on our guidance. Just as salt brings out the flavor of food, so should we bring out the best in others, affect them positively by not conforming to the patterns of the world.

  • be compassionate
  • show love
  • listen instead of talk
  • put others before yourself
  • place value in the eternal, not the temporary

For if we are not salt and light….will we be thrown out to be trampled underfoot? Will we be considered of little value to God? I shudder to think!

Let’s not be paprika, instead be the salt that we are called to be!

Lord God, make me salty!  Help me to not conform to worldly values.  I don’t want to be of this world, I want to be of the next, and my desire is to point others to you and be your salt and light. Give me flavor so that I may accomplish your purpose. In Jesus’ name

Reflect His Light!

Lisa

May13

Born of the Spirit

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Yesterday we all celebrated the Mother’s who gave us life, whom we were born of in the flesh. But what does it mean to be “born again”?

A Pharisee named Nicodemus had a difficult time understanding this concept when Jesus spoke of it in John 3:3.  Jesus said,

 “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

“How can this be?” was Nicodemus’ reply. Many today have the same opinion. They don’t understand that they need a spiritual rebirth in order to realize the life they were intended to live.  This is not accomplished by deeds or even a water baptism. 

“Birth gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to the Spirit.”

It is the work of the Holy Spirit to control your spiritual rebirth and He works in ways that we cannot predict or understand.  It is a gift from God through the Holy Spirit. 

 

marketplace 020As the sentiment says: He knew you before you were born, God knew us before we were born in the physical sense by our Mother’s, and he also knows us before we are born in the spiritual sense by the Holy Spirit.  He knows who we are, what we will do, and what we are capable of.  I don’t know about you but I find that comforting.  Even when I fail, I know that the Holy Spirit is there guiding me to where I should be.  I pray that I hear Him.

Today’s Marketplace addition is a pocketbook.  It is made from reclaimed leather and is etched with Pyrograpy (wood burner) It can be used as a wallet or a small clutch. It’s lined with a brightly colored cotton lining and has a  beaded dangle that weights the opening flap. 

 To see more pictures, more information and the cost, please visit a beautiful life marketplace here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/151062992/he-knew-you-leather-clutch

For the rest of the Month of May, all sales proceeds will go to benefit a dear friend with breast cancer, to help with her medical expenses.  Thank you for all that you have done in her name! 

Lisa