Stuffed Pepper Soup

New Recipe that I thought I'd share.  Was delicious and the kids loved it...and when the kids love it it's worth posting.  This soup taste somewhat like what you would taste if you were having stuffed peppers so thus the reason for calling it stuffed pepper soup.  I found a recipe on allrecipes.com but I deviated from it so much I think I can call this my own recipe now. 

Stuffed Pepper Soup
4 coloured bell peppers, diced
1 Tbsp. olive oil
2 onions, diced
2 ribs of celery, sliced
2 cloves of garlic, pressed
1 pound of ground turkey or beef
1 can of tomato soup
1 litre of vegetable or beef broth
1 large can of diced tomatoes
1 can tomato sauce
1 cup of brown rice (cooked according to directions, not sure how much it makes once it's cooked)
salt and pepper to taste
oregano and basil to taste

Brown turkey with onions and add salt and pepper to taste.  Drain if needed.
Meanwhile, saute veggies and garlic in olive oil for about 3 minutes, just to soften.  Add turkey and onions, tomato soup, diced tomatoes, broth, sauce and simmer for 30-40 minutes.  Add rice, spices to taste and enjoy! 

My son does NOT like peppers and there were pretty big chunks of peppers in there and so I just asked him to try one bite - one bite and big smiles and a refill on his bowl too.  The girls loved it as well so it is worth trying!!

I've got some leftovers so I'm going to add one more can of tomato soup and some more broth to thin it out, then freeze and have it for lunch next Sunday!

I can eat like a normal person!!!

Just got back from the naturopath where he did a full testing of all my food sensitivities.  I had been really praying that I would get chicken back, tomatoes, lettuce, peanuts and soy. 
...and I got all that and more!
I am getting tired of fish or turkey every day and knew that if I could only get chicken it would make a huge difference in my meals... so got to celebrate that plus getting pork!

Then came the veggies and fruits - got tomatoes and lettuce back - plus blueberries, oranges and peppers!  The only veggie I didn't get back was potatoes which I am totally fine with.  I'm loving my sweet potatoes and yams anyhow and they're better for me.

Then came nuts and seeds - hemp hearts and peanuts are back in the diet baby!  Oh, how I have missed you peanut butter!

I still have to stay away from a few things - alcohol, beef, bison, all dairy products, spicy foods and margarine.  But for the amount that I got back I feel like I will be able to eat like a normal person! 

I can't wait to start integrating these delicious foods back into my diet.  Definitely having pasta with tomato sauce first!!

September 21, 2011, a 9 year Happy Anniversary Treat

I awoke this morning early and was sweetly surprised to find roses and gerber daisies and a hand-made card on the table.  It is our anniversary today.  We already celebrated with dinner out in Vancouver on Sunday, but it's so nice to have a little something to show each other our love. 

I, in turn, made him breakfast in bed....which I realize isn't the best choice for Michael.  For those of you who know him know that he rarely eats breakfast and when he does it's not till he's wide awake.  So waking him from a dead sleep to feast on pancakes with a peach glaze, though thoughtful, may not be the best gift. 

We planned to spend a little time together in the afternoon as he had to head back to work for the evening.  I decided to make a treat ...and not a sugar-free, gluten-free one that I would enjoy, but rather something full of sugar and preservatives and sugar-you know, something that he would love! 

And so here's a quick and easy and special treat for the man you love.

Butterscotch Rum Pudding

Ingredients:
1 pkg. butterscotch pudding
14 oz. milk
2 oz. Rum or liquor
1 skor bar

Grab a package of butterscotch pudding.  Add 14oz. milk with 2oz. Rum (or your favourite liquour).  Rum is what I had on hand, but we have also done this with Kahlua or Bailey's and they are equally delicious.  Mix as usual with a whisk or beat for 2 minutes with a mixer.

Pour into parfait glasses and let set in the fridge.  I made three full glasses with this. 

Then you smash up a skor bar and sprinkle on top.  If you want to be really special, you can melt some chocolate and milk into a little ganache, pour over the set pudding and then add your skor pieces.  This is divine but I didn't have too much time so I omitted this step. 

Then I set two of the cups on the table with my hand-made card on the 9 reasons I love my husband.
He got home and we toasted to our marriage and delighted in our treat.  Yes, I ate it, well half of it, and gave the rest to him.  And the third one is for tonight when he gets home from work - Bonus Points!

Happy Anniversary to us!  Lots of people don't make it this far especially with some of the hardships we have faced but GOD is faithful and He will continue to be.  Marriage is worth fighting for, working on, living in!

Alternative 'Peanut' Butter for those who have kids in a Peanut Free School!

So, last year was definitely devastating when I realized that I wasn't allowed to serve Peanut Butter and Jam sandwiches to Caleb for his lunch everday at school.  It soon became a morning ritual instead but there were still days that I wanted the simplicity of making that kind of sandwich for him.  And so I bought (for $6.50!) a small jar of sesame seed butter.  I didn't enjoy the taste of toasted sesame seeds so much but Caleb loved it.  So for a special treat I would make him that for school.   This year, I decided that I didn't want to go that route but would try making some sort of alternative on my own.

I looked online and found a great recipe for Sunflower Seed Butter.  Simple, can be done in your blender and is literally made in less than 3 minutes.  I can't wait to have Caleb try it!

Check the actual recipe out here at Peas and Thank You. Props to you, Mama Pea!

I ended up using way more than 1 or 2 tbsp. of oil in order to make it smooth, more like 6!  But I also have a blender that was making really scary noises and telling me he wasn't happy to be blending these seeds so I was generous with the oil to make him happy. 

It tastes great!  If you like sunflower seeds, you'll love this!

I am thrilled to have an alternative for Caleb and for me too!  Because peanuts are one of those things that I can't have right now, it's nice to have an alternative to my almond butter as well. 

This is so great to have an awesome, simple and quick recipe at my fingertips at the fraction of the cost of buying the only 'nut-free' spread advertised on the market.  Try it out and let me know what you think!!

How to Marinate a Leg of Lamb

I haven't been blogging much these days because, honestly, I just haven't been inspired to.  But this morning as I was setting to work marinating our boneless leg of lamb for dinner tonight, the inspiration hit....Maybe not everyone knows how to marinate such lovely morsels of meat!  And so I present to you a 101 on marinating a lamb.

This is super easy and these ingredients can be used to marinate chunks of meat, a whole chicken, pork, potatoes, or tonight's deliciousness, lamb!  So if you're not into lamb, don't stop reading, just use the ingredient mix on whatever meat you so desire.

First off, I throw the lamb into a good ol' ziploc bag, you might need an extra large one if you are marinating one with the leg in it.  Or you might have one of those handy tupperware marinating thingamajiggys; those are great too, but I don't have one, so ziploc bags it is. 

Drizzle a good amount of extra virgin olive oil over the meat.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper throughout the bag.  Then throw in a few teaspoons of oregano.  Cut a lemon in half and squeeze the contents in, then throw in the rind as well for good measure.  Press 2 cloves of garlic, I am a garlic addict and so I used 4!  Then my favourite part...  Go into your garden and cut a nice long sprig of fresh rosemary (or 2).  You can cut it into pieces and place in the bag or just use one or two sprigs whole to do the trick. (dried rosemary is alright too but I find it quite sharp and not so tasty to eat.  You can buy fresh rosemary at most grocery stores)

Now if you have the organizational skills do this the night before your feast, you're ahead of me!  The morning of is just fine and as long as it sits for 4-6 hours, it should taste delicious.  The longer it marinates the better- of course.  Now, just set it in your fridge and flip over every couple of hours. 

If it's lamb your cooking, then simply bake at 400F for 20 minutes per pound.  Anything else, cook as usual and enjoy!

Adventures in Camping sans husband

Mike went to speak at a camp last week and so instead of spending the week home alone with the kids with no help around, I decided to be daring and take a trip.  Our first stop was the Shuswap Provincial Campground where me and my friend Kate and my three children piled into the overpacked van to set up camp for two nights.  The first afteroon it took us a few hours to set-up, figure out exactly how this tent contraption worked and by the time we were done, we were hot and ready for an ice cream.  The kids easily agreed to that and we headed off to cool off with our favourite treat.  Yes, I had ice cream and yes, my stomach hurt after.

Came back to camp to make a fantastic meal of greek skewered chicken and turkey, brown rice and raw veggies with homemade goat yogurt tzatziki.  We even managed to make a fire that first night which proved to be quite delightful as we succeeded without the help of the opposite sex or an axe!

Our first night we were exhausted so Kate and I headed off to bed early.  Had a hard time sleeping that first night.  Caleb kept wanting to sneak into the double air mattress that I was already sharing with Abbi.  I finally let him in as I felt bad for the kid - being a sibling of twins he often 'misses out' on sharing things, including beds, rooms, toys.  Most kids would be thrilled they get their own beds, but to him it's tragic.  And so I settled in for a long night's sleep squished between two children who, by the way, are awesome at moving and kicking in their sleep.  

Anyhow, I woke up every hour, it felt like, sometimes to the pitter-pattering of rain.  Then I would lay awake and pray until it stopped because we were too tired to put up a tarp the night before.  When I finally fully awoke, it was coming down hard and we need to jump out of bed to get the tarp secured and all our belongings under it.  When I jumped out of bed I realized I was wet before even heading outside. Not just wet....soaked actually.  Turns out one of my children must have drank a LOT of liquid the night before and decided to let it go in the night all over themselves and me.  And so stinking of pee, the child in question and I headed to the showers and then to a trip to the laundromat - $10 later we had fresh clean sheets, jammies and a comforter and were ready to take on the day.  

Unfortunately, the day was raining and dreary.  We decided to be pioneer women one more time and attempt another fire at lunch as the kids really wanted to roast something.  So we roasted our hotdogs over the fire which was the best part of the day.  Caleb said it was 'Awesome!' and so fun to cook our own food.  

The remainder of the day ticked on as though there were 36 waking hours instead of 12.  We did crafts, read books, played games, had a scavenger hunt, went for bike rides, went for car rides, went window shopping, book shopping, for ice cream again....and then it finally stopped raining in time to eat dinner out on the picnic table.  

A family 'moved in' across the way and had a 6 year old Caleb as well, so they all spent the rest of the night playing and enjoying new friends.  Which they continued on the next morning as well as Kate and I tore down the campsite and with the sun shining, decided it was best to head to the beach before heading back to Kamloops.  

We enjoyed a few hours at the beach and then headed to my friend Sonia's for two days of quiet and rest.  Despite having 5 kids in the house, we had a relatively easy time chatting and catching up in the midst of it all.  The kids loved just playing and staying around the house which gave us time to chat, have naps, plan the next meal.

All in all, it gave me good perspective to go camping without Mike.  I realized that with the help of a friend, I could do it.  Sometimes it's good to remind ourselves of the things we are capable of!  Of course, I did miss Mike and I know that having him around would have made the trip much easier.

So here's to the husbands of the world who pack the vans, unpack the vans, set up camp, make fires and so much more.  And here's to the women of the world, who on occasion get to do all that and more....and survive!

The Help - A book review

First off, I'd like to say I am not a book critic nor do I try to be.  In fact, The Help, by Kathryn Stockett is the first book I have read in a really long time.  Being a mother of three young children, time doesn't always lend itself to me for personal pleasure.  But when we were away at Camp Likely with only one child in tow, I had the time to read the book...devour it is more like it.  I can see why I shouldn't read on a regular basis because I get so addicted that I can't put it down.  Not a great quality with three kids running around.

Anyhow, here it goes.  Both my mother and mother-in-law recommended this book to me and because I knew there was a movie coming out and I would have some time, I decided to purchase it.  It takes us back to a time in Jackson, Mississippi, where coloureds and whites do not have equal rights.  Privileged white communites hire African Americans, of course you won't see that term in the book, to raise their children, clean their homes and work their fields.  This is a standard; there is no thought that life should be any other way. 

Miss Skeeter, a young, unmarried college graduate, is not quite as exuberant as her best friend, Miss Hilly Holbrook, who has started a Bathroom Sanitation Initiative to ensure that all white homes have a separate bathroom for hired help so as to not get any communicable diseases.  She is actually apalled as Hilly's ignorance (though she keeps those thoughts inside as no one wants to mess with Miss Hilly) As time goes on, Skeeter, an aspiring writer, decides to persue an idea of writing a book from the point of view of the Help. 

This task isn't as easy as it seems because what black woman is going to share secrets about their white employers with another white woman?  As fate would have it, circumstances align to allow Miss Skeeter, not one, not two, but a dozen women who are willing to help her with her book. 

Through the process Skeeter learns much about her own outlook on life and grows into a woman who walks against the grain even at the cost of friendship and status. 

This is a wonderfully written book and is definitely a 'must-read' in my opinion.  It made me wonder what I would behave like if I lived in the same town and era.  Would I have been blinded by the ignorance around me or would I be stirred to do something about it? 

I've fallen in love with these characters and can't wait to see the movie, though I know, movies are generally not as good as the book.  Even so, their courage to stand up for truth in the midst of hardship is inspiring and even if you can't read the book, go see the movie.  I'm sure it will inspire as well. 

PS - My favourite part is The Terrible Awful...made me smile, made me laugh!

Why is a Vacation so MUCH Work?

We are planning on leaving town tomorrow - Mike is speaking at a teen camp in a little place called, Likely, BC.  We are heading into a week of retreat - there are no phones, no internet connections, literally NO way to get a hold of anybody on the outside world except through radio phone.  It's lovely.  Caleb comes with us each year (for three years now) as well as our good friends Becky and Travis and their daughter Tehillah.  We have great times playing cards, enjoying the beach, being quiet, watching the odd movie, night game or event.  We don't have to cook or clean, it really is wonderful.

From there we head into Williams Lake so that Mike can preach at Caribou Bethel before we head out to the Shuswap for a family, extended family vacation.  All Mike's fam is coming out for camping trip.  They're coming from Baltimore, Quebec and Williams Lake so we can hang out (hopefully) around a campfire, beautiful beaches and, again, play games and enjoy good food and conversations.

But in order to go away for two weeks, one must plan and pack and pack some more.  We leave tomorrow and I have yet to pack my bags, Caleb's bags, the trailer, the food - in fact the only thing I've really done is pack for the girls, made a craft bag, and clean the trailer.  The amount of stuff still to be done is a little overwhelming which is why I am taking a moment to sit down and reflect....and get a little overwhelmed again!

Not only am I not packed, but I won't get packed because Mike has a huge Youth/Young Adults parking lot party tonight!  We know how to plan them.  There is always something going on here! 

I guess I just need to remember that once all this work is done, it will be all worth it.  We will be away, we will have time to relax, reflect, do crafts, play games, have quality time with our family and friends and retreat...as much as a mother can who has three children aged 4-6 years old. 

So I guess I should get that butt of mine back in gear and get packing, so I can start my vacation!

Birthday Blog

Abigail and Sadie turned four today!  My precious little babies are now little girls.  We had a tough time trying to decide what kind of birthday party to have.  With the weather being very difficult to count on, we decided to scrap the waterpark birthday (very thankful that we did seeing how it poured all day!) and have a tea party instead.  I told the girls that they could invite some of their friends and dress up in pretty dresses.  They loved the idea and we got to work!  The first thing we did was pick out crafts: butterfly clips and shell necklaces... 

     

After crafts came games...

I learned from Caleb's party that having only one gift to win as a prize at the end is not much fun or very 'fair' to the kids and so with each unwrapping, the kids got a candy necklace.  Everyone had lots of fun unwrapping the paper and finding their treat....and everyone got something!

Then it was teatime and cake time.

We served little triangle peanut butter and jam sandwiches as well as cream cheese and cucumber sandwiches which were a hit.  Then there were watermelon kabobs and, of course, tea - iced tea or water was their 'tea' choices for the day.  Everyone had a great time drinking tea from their dainty cups provided my Mike's grandma Anne.  They were the perfect sized cup for the little ones.

We decided to make cupcakes that looked like tea cups complete with whipping cream and sprinkles on top as per the girls' request.  Mom and I worked all morning yesterday to create and decorate our works of art.

The best part was their faces.  Look how excited Abbi is.  They each got a personalized tea pot with a chocolate inital on top.

Sadie's tea pot.

And so I sit here, totally exhausted but definitely gratified.  The girls are happy, their friends are happy and so am I.  We celebrate their life and all that represents today.  Michael is four years free of cancer, we continue to walk in the amazement of God's faithfulness in our lives - whether that be through housing, children, jobs, or an assortment or other circumstances.  He has brought us Joy through Sadie Joy and brought us life and the promises that He has plans to prosper us and not hurt us through Abigail Promise.  Happy Birthday to my beautiful girls, my princesses.  

Changing the World

So I have decided that I want to change the world.  I don't exactly know how I'm going to do this yet, but I do know that I want to do it.  As a teenager, Delirious had a song that was really popular, you might remember it too...'I wanna be a historymaker in this world, I wanna be a speaker of truth to all mankind, I wanna stand, I wanna run, into your arms again, into your arms again.'  Conferences were made about that song.  I felt at the time that being a historymaker was just something that was unattainable for me.  How in the world was I gonna change anything?  I was just a kid.

And yet, after the last few weeks' interaction with the world, I realized that I wanted it more than ever.  How can I not make a change for the better in this world when there are children being sold into the sex trade, abused and their innocence stolen.  Why was it that my children were born into privilege and not into a brothel?  Or poverty? Why were we chosen to have a life of freedom and peace and not the children living in the red light district in Calcutta?  They didn't choose that life.

And so how can I sit here on my comfortable couch in a large house where I do not share a room with anyone except my husband, where I enjoy running water, electricity, a fridge, washing machine and dishwasher, not to mention a husband who loves me deeply and works hard so that I don't have to?  How is it that I can have all these things and simply be grateful?  I can't simply be grateful, I need give gratefully.

There is a wrestle in my heart.  Where do I go from here?  Who knows really, but I know that Jesus does.  He has put this wrestle in my heart.

I recently went to a dance production by a friend of mine, Heather Clark, called Love 146.  It's a true story about a girl with no name, a girl with only a number, who was sold into the sex trade in Asia.  There has been an orginzation formed in her honor, the girl who still had fight in her eyes...go to www.love146.org to get the details of the amazing work these men and women are doing.  The production my friend is doing raises finances to directly support this organization and I jumped at the chance to give to it.

So for those who have support my Haiti Baking, I hope you are alright with a portion of those sales going to that organization. It is all for the kingdom anyway and when there is a need, we need to rise up and fill it in whatever way we can.

So after watching that show, a few days later a documentary called 'Born into Brothels' was on TV.  Go to www.kidswithcameras.com to get more info on this powerful story.  It follows the lives of children born into brothels in Calcutta and a woman photographer who lives with them for a few years teaching the children about photography.  She also spends that time agonizingly trying to get these children a better life by getting them into a boarding school.  Most schools would not take them as their parents are criminals - prostitutes, drug dealers, etc.  Through no fault of their own, these children were despised and yet you grow to love and admire them, their abilities, and pray for hope and for a future for them.

This documentary is actually about ten years old so I was thrilled to find the story didn't end there and that some of the children have grown to be excellent students and will continue to study in University and not repeat the lifetsyle given to them by their parents.  It is amazing what Zana Briski did - she changed their world with something as simple as a camera.

All this to say, I am not settling for the norm.  Again, I have no idea what this looks like, but I want more.   I want more for myself, more for my kids, I want to give more, love more, live more.

So who knows what God wants to do.  What do you want me to dream Jesus?

Lamb and Chocolate - two things that can put a smile on this girl's face

I have seen my naturopath and have improved again in a lot of areas and got two things back - Lamb and Chocolate!!  I was hoping to get some sort of meat back in my diet so am thrilled to have something to change it up with the turkey and fish.  Had some for lunch today and even made my own goat yogurt tzatziki.  May sound gross but it was fantastic.  Goat yogurt is very similar to cow's milk yogurt; it just has a slight aftertaste, but when you add in cucumber, garlic, lemon, dill and salt, you don't taste that aftertaste at all!  I've got my new favourite dip for veggies!

Chocolate, oh how I love thee!  Of course, it's not milk chocolate, because I'm still off dairy but I am free to have cocoa powder, unsweetened chocolate (and then sweeten it myself) and the day I found that out, it definitely put a smile on my face.  I went straight to my local healthfood store and bought coconut ice crema fudgsicles and chocolate almond covered coconut ice cream.  I've been enjoying those almost daily...it's time to slow down on those!

I have another three months to go until I am going to get most of my foods back but with the end in sight I do feel like I can do it.  It's been hard the last two months with lots of cheats but I just need to hang on for a few more months and then my body should be back to an almost normal state.  Yay!

My first preach is ready to listen to!

I know some of you have been asking when the preach I did would be ready to listen to and it's finally been found and is on the website.  Just go here and then scroll down to June 5th to download it.  I think I might just go for a listen myself.  Let me know your thoughts and feedback.  I know it was my first time so there is a huge learning curve to go on, but I was really happy with all that I have already learned in the process.

Mike and I preaching together

Hey all, for some reason we can't find the preach that I did at the Vineyard but they have put up the Mother's Day story that Mike and I shared together.  Go here to download and hear a little bit of our prayer journey with the twins and Mike's cancer.  God is good all the time!

I'll let you know if we find mine soon!

Cowgirl Cookies

I love checking out food blogs these days especially trying to find something that I can alternate so that I can eat it.  I came across these cowgirl cookies and because they had only 1/2 cup of flour I thought I'd give them a try. 
http://www.foodbuzz.com/blogs/3765520-cowgirl-oatmeal-cookies-

They were awesome!  I did use sugar which I haven't done in awhile but when you are changing so much of the recipe, something's gotta give!  I used egg white instead of an egg and a mixture of brown rice and gluten free flour instead of white flour.  Then I added carob chips instead of chocolate, and of course grapeseed oil instead of butter.  They turned out fabulously for me!  So nice to have a treat....and I realized why I should not make these often because I ate almost all of them!  The kids ate them and we offered them to guests and I ate the rest.  But they were so tasty!

Anyhow, try her version...I'm sure it will be just as tasty as mine : )

Idols of the heart

Our ladies group this past week shared about idols of the heart.  We talked about the idols of this culture and about the personal idols that we have that we put before God.  This is not always a comfortable conversation, especially when we have to face the ugliness of our own hearts.  As we talked and shared and prayed it reminded me of last fall.

After losing our jobs, Mike and I went to a pastor's retreat together.  It was a fabulous week of rest and quiet and healing.  We were able to slow down enough to hear God speak and to make a plan for the future.  I had already been through some counselling prior to that week and had just been back from Haiti where God had done such amazing things in my heart.  So I was feeling pretty good.

We both had done this super LONG personality test before arriving and were going to be given the results of it.  I was ready to go first thinking that I was doing well in the changes I'd made and so didn't think I'd find too much to be surprised about.  Little did I know that I was going to be exposed again to my flaws.  I knew I was hard on myself, but didn't realize how hard until it was revealed to me through my counsellors.  We finished our session and I went upstairs and bawled my eyes out.  Not again!!!  I thought I was getting myself together here and I have so far to go still.

I now realize that I will always have far to go until I meet Jesus face to face.... Anyhow, I decided to go out into the sunshine and spend some time with Jesus.  There he revealed to me his grace and his love for me.  You see in his mercy, he revealed to me the lies that I had been believing about myself.  It wasn't so that he could poke at me and show me how terrible I was.  It was because he came to give me life, and life abundant.  He revealed the lies so I didn't have to keep believing them, so I didn't have to keep living in a box.  He showed me so that I could walk into freedom.

So as I see again some yucky parts of myself coming out, I again look to Jesus who is so faithful to continue the work that he began in me.  He has revealed my heart so that I don't have to continue to live in a way that compromises myself or Him.  What a good God I have.

So as an encouragement to you, if Jesus reveals something that needs work in your life remember that it is only because he loves you.  He wants to see you live a life that is whole and full and completely for Him.  Be encouraged.

"But for you who revere my name, the sun of rightesouness will rise with healing in its wings.  And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall."  Malachi 4:2

Stretching into who I'm meant to be

So about a week and a half ago my pastor, Gary, phoned me and asked if I'd be interested in preaching the following Sunday.  I wanted to say 'yes' right away but was also a little overwhelmed at the thought.  I asked if I could call back and after some thinking and praying, decided that my initial answer was a good one. 

My preaching experience is quite small.  I preached for the first time in Haiti and only had prepared a very short word.  It was a time of great grace for me and a time where God was showing me how much he loved and accepted me so even though it was a bit of a shaky first preach, I felt at peace and good about it. 

Then Mike and I shared a bit of our story about a month ago in church.  I began to get nervous when I saw all the people pouring into the church, but kept reminding myself that this was just a story.  I can tell my story.  Surprisingly when I got up to speak, I felt very 'at home.'  I wasn't nervous, I had no problem sharing the testimony of what God had done for us and through us when I got pregnant with the twins and Mike was diagnosed with cancer.  Of course, sharing a story and preaching are two different things...

And so I knew this would be a challenge.  But at the same time I felt like it was the next step.  I have taught in lots of small group settings before.  I love to share with young moms and with other women but prior to the two experiences I shared, I just didn't have any experience.  It was such thrill and an encouragement to know that my pastor could see the potential in me and was willing to give me the opportunity to 'try' on his congregation when he was away.  Wow!  And so goes the next week and a half.

I decided on Friday (the whole week before) that I was going to preach on the Discipline of Prayer and the Practical Applications of it.  Sunday confirmed my feelings when Gary spoke on warfare and the power of the word.  And on Monday at my ladies group, there was more confirmation.  But as the days went on and I began to study more and more, I went down a few rabbit trails.  I wrote so much and, all of a sudden, wasn't sure what God wanted to speak through me.  What direction should I go?  What area of my prayer life should I share about??  There is so much I could talk about and I needed to focus it back in. 

My parents took the kids a couple of hours here and a couple more there and then again, and again, to try and give me some undistracted time to study and pray and get it together.  By Saturday I was falling apart at the seams.  I was so confused and Mike was gone away on a Men's Retreat.  I called in re-inforcements and asked a friend to come and help me make some sense of all my information. 

As soon as I started sharing the points that I had initially prepared, she was like, 'Yep, that's it!'  I felt as though I could have preached that preach without it written down so I realized again, that that was the area I needed to speak on. 

I did a lot of praying, studying, reading the bible, and praying some more this past week and a half and the experience was so stretching.  I am so thankful for the opportunity to grow and stretch and learn.  I know that my husband always talks about how long the preaches to take to prepare but I got a first-hand experience on the reality of it!  It was actually fun - other than Saturday! - after my little break-down and when I finally 'saw the light', the Saturday turned out alright!  I knew that that was part of the process; something that I just had to go through in order to re-affirm that this is about Jesus and about what he wants to say. 

Anyhow, Sunday morning came and thanks (again) to my gracious parents, I had an empty house to get ready in.  I had peace all morning and went through my sermon before heading early to the church.  I felt excited and any nervousness, I just let go of and decided to see it as joy and excitement instead. 

The actually morning went smoothly.  It was a beautiful day!  Again, when I got up to preach, I felt 'at home' and comfortable.  I feel so thankful for where God has taken me.  I don't think I would have every dreamed of being able to preach in a church setting but there I was. 

Last year at this time I really don't think I could have done it and if I had I would have had major anxiety and worry about whether people would accept me, the word, etc.  But God has healed me so much in that area, I am amazed at the freedom I had.  I know that I am still a work in progress but, really, what a good God I have. 

I will put the link up when the sermon goes online for any of you who are far away (or close by) who would like to listen. 

Strength in Numbers

Isn't it wonderful when you have a dear friend?  Someone who is willing to roll up their sleeves, (quite literally in fact), and help out in the everyday of your life.  Those types of friends are hard to come by.  Those friends that care enough about you that they will challenge you when you start slacking off, encourage you when you are doing well, and rejoice with you when they see God moving in you.

I have a friend just like that.  My friend Meg and I have been committed to calling one another Monday through Friday for at least a month or two now every morning.  Sometimes it's a quick call, sometimes longer, sometimes we pray for one another, other times we share what God has been speaking to us.  Each morning this call is an accountability call.  We both desire to have the discipline of prayer established in our lives.  We've realized quite frankly, that through the years that we've tried to establish this alone, it has not stuck.  I have gone weeks, maybe sometimes months where my daily devotion time is steadfast....and then I will completely forget, turn my heart in another direction and have to start again.

Now I'm not saying this won't happen again.  And I'm not saying that Meg and I will still be calling each other every morning when we're grannies but what I am saying is that as we establish this discipline in our lives, we have found strength in numbers.  There is something about not going it alone, feeling encouraged, supported and challenged as we engage our spirits in this most precious journey.

Today Meg came over to help me do some spring cleaning.  We cleaned, purged and organized nearly every cupboard in my kitchen.  Again, I found strength in numbers.  This is a job that I would love to forget about.  But as spices come flying at me when I start to make dinner....it's hard to forget the mess!  And so, with her help, I was able to tackle one of life's many mundane chores and feel accomplished in what we did together.  It was wonderful to have my husband come home and 'ooh' and 'awe' and 'wow' over every cupboard he opened.

So, it is not at all a sign of weakness to ask for help.  It is a sign of great courage.  It is with others that we are called to live this life, and it is with others, we receive strength to keep moving.

Quite the Morning

So what did you do this morning?  I had quite the morning.  I arose early to pray and try and hear what I am going to preach on next Sunday...I know, I am, it's true.  More on that at another time.

Anyhow, then I had a quick breakie and went off to the gym for an early morning Zumba class.  Me and the other 2 ladies enjoyed ourselves, ha ha!  Didn't realize that it would be such a small class but it was fun anyway.

Next, off to breakfast with Don and Linda, my in-laws and most of our aunties and uncles to celebrate Don's 60th Birthday.  I headed home to get ready to take the girls to dance at the seniors centre and as I turned onto my street, I saw someone laying facedown in the grass.

I pulled over my vehicle to see if he needed help.  Turns out it was a young teenager who had been encouraged by some friends to do some before-school drinking.  He had begged me to take him to school, which I didn't even know where it was.  I didn't have a phone with me to call for help so I decided to help him up and put him in my vehicle.  Of course as soon as he got in, he need to throw up!  Glad I could act fast and push him halfway out of the car and at the same time hang out to his jacket so he wouldn't fall out and onto his own puke.  Seriously!  Realizing I did not want to travel far with this kid in the car just in case he wanted to puke some more...I decided to take him home, which was only 5 houses away.  I helped him to my bathroom to 'rest' on the floor just in case.  He asked to sleep on the couch but there was no way I wanted to clean up puke in my living room so off he stumbled with lots of arm help from me to the bathroom.  I went to check on him after calling Mike for help and he said, 'I can't believe your bathroom floor is comfortable.'  He made me chuckle a few times, poor kid. 

Mike decided to call 9-1-1 and we had the whole kit and kaboodle show up at our door.  Fire trucks and then the ambulance came with sirens ablazing.  What excitement!  I felt bad for the kid, first time drinking and he has to take an ambulance ride.  But I'm hoping that he learns his lesson and is able to move on.  At one point I said, 'Good thing Jesus loves us even when we're down in the dumps, hey?'  He said, 'Do you think Jesus could take this splitting headache away?'  I said, 'I knew he could but I don't think he will.  You know, there is a consequence to your actions and that's one of them.'  He made me laugh.  He kept telling me what a nice lady I was to help him. 

Anyhow, help arrived and walked him out and off he went to the hospital. 

Later, Don and Mike told me how to do it the next time.  So for any of you who come across a drunk on the ground in the future this is what you do.  Don't move him!  Call 9-1-1 and let the experts do their thing.  I guess once you move them you are liable if they get hurt in the interim.  I don't own a cell phone and I just couldn't leave the guy lying on the side of the road so I did what I had to do.  It would have been totally different if it was a man, but this was a 14 year old who had just made an awful decision.  I know if I was his mom, I would have been thankful that he wasn't left on the ground alone.

But in the future, I know the best way to walk it out!  So, who can top that morning? 

Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.

Abigail has taken this verse seriously.  Yesterday she sang 'This is the day that the Lord has made' as she sat beside me.  'Mom, is that a good song?'  Of course I replied, 'Yes it's a very good song.'  And so she sang it again.

Later in the evening when it was time for Caleb to get his cut finger cleaned out and bandaged, I said to him, 'Be brave Caleb.'  She belted out, 'Be brave, ch-ch, be strong, ch-ch, for the Lord thy God is with thee.'  She had us all singing to Caleb before he worked up the nerve to be brave. 

It's a good reminder for me to keep filling my children's hearts and minds with music and scripture.  It is easy to remember and it can pop out at anytime, even when you least expect it!

Sunny Days

Don't you love sunny days?  The feeling like summer really IS coming.  Our BC weather has often tricked us - hot one day, cold and rainy the next.  But when the sun shines, we know that we need to take advantage of it.  That is what we did!



The most sunny day last week, I packed up the kids and met Dawna and her kids at Albert Dyck Park.  It was relatively quiet most of the day and the kids had a bawl playing in the sand and got along so well.  Here are some highlights!



Sadie, my strong girl is pulling the bike trailer full of stuff for the beach!



Playing in the sand, need I say more?  What kid doesn't like digging and making rivers of muddy, sandy water for hours at a time!?  And then there are the sand fights, which believe it or not, ended not in tears or screaming.  They mostly just had a great time with one another.

Sadie was the scooper and the boys graciously allowed her to run and throw sand at them for a really really long time!  Great day despite a burn on Abbi's shoulders!

Next was Jumping on the Tramp in the backyard.  We finally got our tramp up and going after a year and a half hiatus and so it is a whole new thrill all over again.

And on my next post I'll share about a great field trip with Caleb because even though he misses out on our daytime fun, he has some of his own.  Plus a hike to Cascade Falls.  Enjoy the sun while it shines!

My name is Jocelyn and I am addicted to computer games

My name is Jocelyn and I am addicted to computer games.  As a child I was given a gameboy one Christmas.  Tetris soon became my favourite thing to do.  I spent hours on that thing.  I can remember as a teenager when the internet was just becoming popular and accessible, I found Boggle.  I began to spend any spare moment I had playing it - I love word games.  Little did I know that the little seed I planted back then would continue to grow in me.  When we were first married I didn't have much work so I turned to that lovely computer again for entertainment and purpose.

I go through long periodst in my life where I play no games at all and then when I do, I make up for it in a hurry.  The thing is, when I am playing games it distracts me from real life.  I find myself ignoring things and people that I normally would engage with.  My prayer life suffers and my overall attitude for life changes.

This little seed grows into one big messy garden of death.  It is an idol in my life.  I know we all have them; some of us have more than others.  Some are longtime 'friends' and are hard to let go of and others sneak in the back door and creep up on us when we least expect it.

I love my current game selections and it took some convincing for me to do what I did today.  You know, you reason, 'It's just a game.  It's relaxing.  I don't have to play that much.'  The enemy loves to help me downplay my actions.  But the reality is it is an IDOL.  I know my bible, don't you?  The Lord is a Jealous God and he wants no other idols before him.  That includes this game.  Now, for some people computer games may be an innocent outlet and not what it is to me.  It may not have the hold on their lives as it does with me.  But if we are honest with ourselves we will see the things that have dug a groove into our hearts.

I don't want this idol in my heart anymore and so I blocked all my game applications on my computer.  Even if I want to play, I won't be able to play.  It feels good; it feels freeing.  Jesus is so much more important that any game I could ever play and I need him to know that and I need me to show it.

Now, I know that I will stumble, maybe even fall, but for today, for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

It is better to give than to receive

We had an assignment in our ladies group last week to pray about who God would like us to bless (in the group) and what we should do for that person.  It was beautiful to see the gifts of God poured out on Monday night.  Everything from flowers to hand-painting to notes and words of encouragement. 

I felt like Jesus wanted me to bless my friend with cleaning, windows actually.  When I told her she said that she hadn't washed her windows sinced she moved in; that was my confirmation that God was speaking to me!  So yesterday I rolled up my sleeves and got to work.  Now this woman does not just have a few windows - she has MANY windows.  She has windows in her kitchen cupboards, windows in two sets of double doors, and many, many more! 

Surpringly, I found joy and life in offering this service to her.  I actually went home thinking about what a fun day I had.  Fun?  Washing windows?  I know, crazy, but when we do it for Jesus, He somehow turns it into fun.  It was so cool to be in step with what he wanted me to do and be a part of blessing someone with His love.  And what a sense of accomplishment it is to see the finished product, clean and clear.  

I didn't receive anything the night we exchanged blessings and gifts, but I did receive God's joy and life as I gave of myself on His behalf.  It really is better to give than to receive.

PS - Have you ever tried doing something like this?  It's a great way to stretch your faith and think beyond yourself.  I encourage you to pray and see who Jesus has for you to bless this week...and then email me and tell me what you did.  Be a blessing; you will be blessed!

Zumba and The Spirit

I took my first Zumba class today at Great West Fitness.  I had a blast!  The instructor's name was Michelle and she was incredible.  If she is not a Christian, His Spirit is sure on her!  She is friendly and warm and full of energy.  She introduced herself to the 'newbies' in the class and hugged everyone else as if they were old friends. 

The class was high-energy and lots of fun.  There was no one showing off; everyone was free to be who they were in whatever size or age they are.  At the end of the class she played this song while we stretched.  Now this might sound a little cheesy but she starts lip singing it to each person in the class; like going up to each person's face and telling them that 'You are amazing just the way you.'  'You are beautiful.'  She made a point to say it to every person in the class.  It was actually quite powerful.  I was looking around at these women and thinking this might be the only time in the week that they hear that they are beauitful and amazing just as they are. 

I know for me when I'm all sweaty and looking in the mirror and know that I'm not the exact figure that I want to be, it's quite encouraging to hear that I am OK right now, just the way I am.  That's the truth; that's the kingdom come right there. 

So Zumba and the Spirit; yep, they go together.

Doing Life Together

So our ladies small group has just grown to a dozen women and I am so excited about it.  We started out as five women doing a book study and keeping one another accountable to make both phsyical, spiritual and soul changes in our lives.  We finished our book and decided to open the group up to more diverse women - different ages, stages of life, and all with something to bring to the table.  Our first meeting was Monday and it was great!  I'm so excited about what God is going to do together as we get to know one another and grow together. 

This isn't no group for the faint of heart - we are calling women into growth and life in Jesus.  We memorize scripture weekly, have a prayer partner for support and get to do homework each week.  Our heart is to grow closer to Jesus in a community setting.  We all know how tough it is to commit to prayer and reading the Word.  I mean even if that's our heart's desire, it still seems like such a battle to do it.  It's always easier in numbers.  So we've decided to get involved in one another's lives to help us all move closer to Him.  It feels like life is flowing through the Body when we walk this journey together. 

We have ladies that are past the childrearing stage who will have wisdom to pass along, young moms, newly marrieds, and a few in between, but all are women who love Jesus and are ready to love Him more. 

It's so great that we can get together and encourage one another, even when it's hard, even when it's uncomfortable; it's a safe place to risk. 

I'm so glad I don't belong to a group like this. This one made me laugh as it's probably the opposite of all that I talked about on Monday.  As much as we all sometimes want to avoid growth and depth in our relationships, the real deal is so much better.

Remind me not to do that again!

OK, so with all this baking for Mother's Day my flesh took control and I started sampling a little something here and a little something there.  Yesterday we still had six gluten free truffles sitting in my freezer.  It was just too much temptation for me to resist and so throughout the day....I....ate...them...ALL!!

My tummy didn't feel toooo bad but I still wasn't sure what the repercussions would be in the morning.  And boy was I sick!!  Oh my, this was definitely a reminder that I don't want to do that again.  My stomach is in pain and... I think that's all the detail I'm going to go into.  So I am back on my restrictions and am writing it down so you all know! 

I'm halfway through so it's time to be strong and stick with it.  I know that if I can do this, in the long run my body will thank me for it.  So as much as I love chocolate, that was the last chocolate I'm going to eat for the next three months.  Bye bye my dear sweet chocolate; it was so nice to see you again.  I just wish you weren't so violent with my body so I could enjoy you more often!

As terrible as it is to be sick when I eat things that aren't agreeing with me, it's also a blessing and a reminder NOT to eat them.  I'm thankful for that.  It's what keeps me disciplined to walk this road out.

So bring on the carrots and beans and rice and fish and turkey.  Today is a new day.

Having a Morning Off

It's amazing how nice it is to have a morning off.  I can't actually remember the last time I had a complete morning all to myself without having to take Caleb to school or run errands or clean the house.  This morning I got up and got to go to the gym, pick up photos from our photographer and have lunch and a shower without my children around!  How nice.  Don't get me wrong; I love my kids.  But it is so nice to have some quiet time for the soul.  After a relaxed (yet sweaty) time at the gym, I arrived home to an empty house thanks to my in-laws taking the girls to the park and was able to just sit and relax with my food instead of running back and forth to the fridge to get milk and clean up spills and refill plates.  Then because they were still not home I hopped in the shower to enjoy a long and relaxing one without the screams of children and knocking on the door.   

Its the little things that re-charge the soul.  I need to remember to figure out a way to do this more often.  It does a mommy good.

Psalm 103

Mike and I have been preparing to share on Sunday and we've been looking back at how God spoke to us. Last summer Mike lost his job and it took a couple of weeks to be able to spend time with God again.  I just couldn't focus and when I did I was just crying or complaining or angry.

Finally, we were away at Camp Likely - in the middle of nowhere with no cell or internet reception, a place where we had to slow down - and so I went down to the dock one more and spent some time reading.  And this is what I read:

Praise the Lord O my soul; all my inmost being praise His holy name.  Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits- who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.  Psalm 103:1-5

At that point in my life I was taking a hard hit with depression and was definitely 'in the pit'.  It was hard to believe the Lord was going to renew me and satisfy my desires but I felt like that was a scripture to hang on to...and so I did.  That Sunday we went to church at my in-laws' church in Williams Lake and what scripture were they speaking on????  None other than Psalm 103.  The Lord was confirming this word in me.

With no job, no opportunity, no joy in sight, I wasn't sure how He was going to accomplish this but I put it my backpocket and waited to see what would happen.  We had a busy summer and it included a friend from my precious friend Sarah Gilman, a missionary from Haiti.  We talked about the possibility of me coming out and visiting her, something I had longed to do since she moved down there a year prior.

Looking at the place in life we were, I knew that this might be the perfect timing - Mike could take care of the kids, we were still on severance and I could go to Haiti.  I struggled with the thought for another month and then took the huge risk of going to a third world country for the first time and booked my ticket.  Two weeks later I was on a plane and on my way to St.Marc, Haiti.

The trip was a gift, a big kiss, from the Lord.  The minute I got on the plane, my heart was giddy and excited like a little girl, there was joy bubbling.  That was something I hadn't felt in a long time.  And it didn't stop there.  I beamed the entire bumpy ride to St.Marc, reveling in this new experience.  I took every moment in as a gift from the Lord.  I went with no expectations as to what I would do and ended up having many opportunities - to go to the jail, visit tent cities, do food distribution, even preach at the church.  And what scripture did I preach?  Psalm 103, because it was there that the Lord satisfied my desires with Good Things!  It was there that he RENEWED me like the eagle's.  It was there that he crowned me with LOVE and COMPASSION.  It was there that he reminded me how much He loved me and that this whole trip was orchestrated just for me, just to bless me.  I left the shadows of my life in Haiti and came home a changed person.  There was a lightness to my step, a new joy and excitement for what was to come.

I don't think God allowed Mike to lose his job just so I could go to Haiti, but I do know that He works all things together for the Good of those who love Him and are called according to His purposes.  I thought that scripture included Mike as he was the one 'in the thick of it' and yet, the Lord cares so deeply for me that He intended to make every Good He possibly could as I walked through this dark time. He is such a good God!  Praise the Lord O my Soul and all that is within me, Praise His holy name!

Big Cheat

This afternoon I did a big cheat from my diet.  I was making oat fudge bars and one of the batches looked a little underdone so I thought I should try a little to check.  Instead of cutting a sliver, I took a big piece and ate the whole thing....and then another one.  What in the world was I thinking?  My draw to chocolate gets exceptionally strong when I am PMSing and well, I am PMSing and so I just couldn't stop myself.  I'm a little nervous to see how my body reacts to all that sugar, butter, flour, eggs, and chocolate that I haven't let myself have for two and a half months!

It has been difficult at times to stick to this diet but I have felt a definite divine grace as I've walked through the last few months.  I know I cannot make it through the summer without the help of my God.  He is the only thing stopping me from digging in the freezer and grabbing another oat fudge bar right now.  And really was it worth it?  Why is it we do want we don't want to do?

My life is a little like that these days.  I know I need to continue working out and getting up for my devotions but somehow I find a way to stay up till midnight so I'm less than coherent when my alarm rings in the morning.  And working out....well there's that excuse that there is no ink in the printer to print out my groupon for Great West Fitness.  I guess that excuse is done now that Mike brought home ink this evening.

So what am I saying?  I'm just saying I'm weak.  Just want you to know.  I can't keep it together on my own, and I fail when I try....point already shown above.  I continually need Jesus and I continually try to do it without him.  Thankfully he is ever-patient and ever-kind and ever-loving and will let me start again in the morning.

I guess it's not the falling that matters so much, it's whether we choose to get back up or not.

Breaking the Funk

Enough already.  I've sat down to blog numerous times over the last few days and have never posted what I wrote or didn't finish enough to post it.  It's time to break this funk I've been in!!  I've been without a computer in the day so that hasn't helped but I now have a power cord and am ready to begin again!

And so for a recap of last night's dessert.  I made Almond Butter Ice Cream with Carob Chips. 

Slice two bananas and freeze for at least two hours.  Once frozen, throw them in a blender with 3 tbsp. Almond Butter and blend and blend and blend until smooth.  I added about a tsp or so of agave to sweeten a little as well.  If you neeed to, use a spatula to clean the edges and push down; this process took a little while because the bananas are hard and you want them to get to a smooth texture.  Once smooth, spoon into a bowl and add a few carob chips or chocolate chips if you are so privileged to be able to eat them right now!!  Mix and eat.  So yummy and smooth and a great treat with way less calories than the real thing.  Enjoy!

I Love to Bake

It's true, I love to be in the kitchen.  It's exciting to try new things and put them together.  It's so satisfying to make something that looks and tastes amazing that you know others will enjoy.  That has been my past two days.  I have been baking, not too busy, but busy enough!

I've definitely had to become more creative with all my dietary restrictions especially if I want to eat a meal that tastes good but it's always nice to do some baking with some tried and true recipes and some new ones as well.  For me it is a creative outlet; maybe because I'm not dancing as much and don't have that outlet, I am finding more joy in this.  Maybe I am living vicariously through the people that can enjoy my sugary treats.  Either way, I get to be in the kitchen and love it!

I made my Easter Carrot Cupcakes first.  The girls tried to help me put the eggs on top but the little sneakers put one on and then started feeding their bellies instead of decorating.  These cute mini cupcakes turned out to have a great Easter feel thanks the Mini Eggs!

Then onto a much bigger task of making a Cheesecake Supreme topped with blueberries picked by none other than myself.  Thank the Lord for freezing in large quantities!!  This one I stayed up late to make and decorated in the morning.  I was quite proud of how it turned out too and wished I could have a slice.  I have heard that it was de-lish though and will definitely keep that recipe in my back pocket.  Thanks mom!

Lastly I worked on a gluten-free dairy-free cupcake order.  (sorry, forgot to take a pic!)  The cupcakes themselves turned out pretty well seeing how it was the first time I had used gluten-free flour mix.  Then for an icing that would be tasty and dairy-free; I opted for a coconut frosting made with coconut milk, coconut, margarine and, of course, icing sugar.  Had to have a taste of it.... to make sure it tasted good enough for my customer...and it was amazing.  Got rave reviews for that one as well!!

Triple bonus = Made money for Jhonny, made people happy, got to bake!

Easter Baking

So I wanted to give you all a heads up that I will be away for the next few days and won't be near internet so you won't be getting a post from me until probably Thursday.

But before I go, I wanted to leave you with these delicious pictures.  For those of you who haven't heard about Jhonny and Jerry Omeas, here we go!  I went to Haiti in September 2010 and while I was visiting a tent city I met Jhonny; a kind haitian young adult who shared a tent with his brother and another family.  Both of his parents were deceased and his caregiver went missing during the earthquake and they don't know what happened to her.  So here they are, re-located from Port-au-Prince and living a simple life.  Jhonny talked about wanting to go to YWAM and do a DTS(Discipleship Training School).  High hopes for someone who only can make money when missionaries come to town to build homes.  He then would work alongside them or act as an interpreter and get paid for the week.  This money does not get saved but is used to buy a meager amount of food or other necessities to keep him and his brother until the next time he works.

Someone else at the base had talked about sponsorship and I felt my Spirit quicken within.  This felt like something I could do!  Little did I know how much this journey would 'cost' me.  I begin raising funds in November 2010 and started small. I sold the kids clothes and toys and then started baking - $10 here, $5 there.  At Christmas, my baking boomed and I was able to make over $400 over two weeks!  I poured a lot of hard work into my baking, both in time and prayers.  I would mash the oats for my oat fudge bars using a mortar and pestle bought in Haiti and pray that God would prepare them for the next chapter of their lives, providing for all their needs and removing the things holding them back from Him.

My total is close to $1600 now.  The only problem is that DTS is 11 months for Haitians in St.Marc and that costs a total of $4000 per person.  So I have a long way to go!

Egg Shaped Carrot Cakes 5 for $10 - these will be decorated in colour and much nicer than this!!

I am getting on the baking bandwagon again, so if you are in the Abbotsford Area or know people who are, please pass my information around.  I'll be taking orders until the morning of Good Friday and then orders will be ready for pick-up and delivery the following morning (Saturday) as well as Easter Sunday.

Here's a rundown of what I have to offer:

First off, for Easter, we are offering Carrot Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Icing.  This is a fantastic recipe and so delicious and you can have them however you'd like

Mini size $10 for 15 minis.  There will be a mini egg topping each one.

A close-up of the minis

The always lovely regular sized Carrot Cupcake, again topped with mini egg,
6 for $10

We will also be offering a great Easter Dessert for those of you who'd rather not bake but still want that hope baked taste!  Ooh, that was a typo but I like it!  Choose from Chocolate Mousse Cake (divine!), Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake or Vanilla with Blueberry or Strawberry Topping.  These will sell for $30 each and will feed about 12 people, approximately a 9" or 10" Cake.  If you'd like to make the cheesecakes sugar or wheat free, add $8 and I'll customize!  I can also do the carrot cakes without icing and make them sugar and wheat free as well (add $4).  One last offering is Caramel Dipped and Mini-egg covered Pretzels 4 for $10 or $3 each.  So get your orders in and let's work together to get some young guys to Bible School.  If we all do a little, we can accomplish a lot.  

Comment and post your orders that way or email me jmcjannet-at-hotmail-dot-com (writing it this way to avoid spam)

PS - If you have enjoyed my baking before and would prefer one of your personal favourites, I'm open to making those as well - Oat Fudge Bars, Pumpkin Scones, Banana or Pumpkin Bread, etc.  

Free Bread=Jesus Loves Me

Don't you love when you get a gift from God right out of the blue?  It takes you so by surprise that you are buzzing from His love for awhile afterwards.  Well, that was part of my day yesterday.  We were heading to White Rock with the kids to spend some time (in the freezing cold) digging in the sand and looking for shells.  We stopped to pick up some water and then we were so close to Silver Hills Bakery that I asked if Mike could stop so I could have bread for our trip away on Monday.

It's tough when we go away because you never know how people will accommodate such a bizarre and strict diet.  I thought if I had some bread, almond butter and almond milk and some other essentials, I could easily make it through the few days we're gone even if there wasn't a lot of food for me.  I had recently tried Silver Hills' Gramma's Kamut.  It's almost entirely made of ground kamut which I can have.  It does have a tiny bit of vital wheat gluten so I guess it's a little cheat but it is so wonderful to actually eat bread that tastes like bread that I don't mind the cheat.

Anyhow, I ran in to the store to find that there was no Gramma's Kamut for sale!!  I asked a worker if he happened to have any in the back.  He said he didn't have any to sell but he would give me some for free!  He said some of the slices had big holes in them so they weren't sellable.  What?  Free?  Delicious healthy bread that I can eat?  I took four loaves and thanked him profusely.  But then I thanked God profusely.

What a blessing!  Four loaves of bread and I don't have to pay a thing!  I got in the car and told the family and Caleb said, 'Like you didn't have to pay any money?'  'No, it was free!'  'Woah.'

So, this kind gesture from this elderly man defnitely symbolized to me His love for me, His genuine concern for me, and His grace to me.  It brightened up my day and gave me hope to get through another day of this crazy diet! Thank you Jesus, thank you for loving me.  I love it when you surprise me!

A Link to the Past

Last weekend my parents, the kids and I made the trek to Kelowna for a 24 hour whirlwind to visit my Auntie Joyce.  Auntie Joyce is 88 years old and is the last living sibling on my grandmother's side.  There were 13 children and she was number 8.  I have recently been stirred to find more about my past especially after our Wiebe Family gathering not too long ago.

So, we made the trip out for the kids to meet her and to try and jog her memory about her parents, my great grandparents.

Of course, being the unprepared parent that I am, I completely forgot to bring in the kids' toys (and my dad left with the vehicle).  So spending hours in an apartment with no toys proved to be a bit difficult.  Overall the kids were great, just kids being kids... but kids being kids in an elderly woman's apartment isn't always easy : )  Caleb found this green skeleton which Auntie said he could have, so that kept them busy for awhile.  Anyhow, my mom took them out after lunch to the playground outside to burn off some energy and I got a half and hour to chat with Auntie Joyce about her past.  Caleb loved the rope swing!

It's always bittersweet seeing her as I remember my own grandmother.  She passed away while I was pregnant with Caleb and so there are times when I ache for her to meet my children.  She was such a special part of my life and when I look at Auntie Joyce, I can see some her mannerisms and it makes me miss my Baba.

But it was so wonderful to have some quality time asking questions about my great grandparents and hearing bits and pieces of their lives, their lifestyle, their family.  I hope to hear more soon.  She is the only link left to my past and it's so important to know where you came from.  It makes us who we are and shapes who we will become.

Recipe - Roasted Yams and Sweet Potatoes

OK, time for a recipe!  Since starting on my restrictions I've been finding joy in making Sweet Potatoes and Yams.  I sometimes add some acorn squash or onions to mix just to change things up.  The reality is, you can make a delicious side dish that is super easy and tastes fantastic.  I've had a few people raving about these potatoes, even my sister-in-law who does not like them normally, so here you are!

Greek/Italian Style Roasted Yams and Sweet Potatoes

Cut yams and potatoes into about one inch cubes and place in baking dish.  I do about one medium size potato per person.  Drizzle the oil of your choice - olive oil, grapeseed, canola.  Add about 1 tsp. each dried basil, oregano and rosemary.  Crush 2 cloves of garlic and salt and pepper to taste.  Then I just shake the potaotes until coated well.  Place in 400F oven for one hour.  You can stir halfway through but not too often as you don't want to smush them up.  They get nice, sweet and caramelized as they brown and are sooo delicious.

Mexican Style Roasted Yams and Sweet Potatoes

Start off just as above with cubing and oiling and then instead of adding above spices, add about a heaping tablespoon of cumin.  It could be more like 2tbsp. but just keep going until it looks and smells good. I don't really measure, just pour until really coated.  Add 2 cloves crushed garlic and salt and pepper to taste.  Bake the same amount of time and you're good to go!

Enjoy!!

It's better to give than to receive

My friend Meg and I were praying for an acquaintance of ours last night.  She has long-term health problems and we didn't know how best we could help her.  We have both have made meals in the past, offered to pick up things, but wanted to do something else.  After praying, Meg asked if I got a word from God as to what we should do 'because you and Him are like this' (crossing her fingers).  I smiled and said that I didn't and asked her the same question 'because you and Him are like this too'.  She did have an idea come to mind while praying and she shared it.  Well, I thought it was the Lord speaking so we both agreed to go and visit our friend the next day and spend the day serving her and loving her.

What a great day!!!  I sit here absolutely exhausted but on a high knowing that we were accomplishing His will for us and for her today.  We went in the morning with our children and got to work sweeping floors, cleaning out the fridge, cleaning toilets and sinks and bathtubs.  We brought lunch to feed all the kids and a delicious lunch for the ladies as well : ) Carrot Mango Salad and Sweet potato and zucchini pancakes, Yum!

Before we left we were able to pray and encourage our new friend and through our actions and our words, love her.  What a privilege to bless and, in turn, be blessed.  It felt so good to be able to just give the day to Jesus and to His work.  I know that as I go through my tasks at home I am going about His work as well, but today was very special.  I prayed for their home to be filled with hope and comfort and peace as I scrubbed their bathtub.  I felt as though I was fulfilling God's heart for her, in a small way, showing her that he will take care of her needs.  If she can trust Him with the small issues of life like housework and meals, I pray that she will be able to trust Him with the big stuff too.

It was also very special to have my girls with me.  On the way I prayed with them and asked them to be a good friend to the little girl who lived their because her mommy is sick and she needs to feel God's love.  I had hoped they would be a blessing as well and not a distraction!  God so answered my prayers.  Dear sweet Juliana was in all her glory with little girl friends to play with.  They had such a great time, we set up a play date for next week.  We were able to not only fill up a cup of love in one woman, but also in a little girl too!

What a great day and a wonderful reminder that it is truly better to give than to receive.

Startin' 'em Young

My mother has joined a seniors group called SWAP - Seniors With A Purpose.  This wonderful group of women travel from seniors home to seniors home throughout the lower mainland bringing smiles and joy to the seniors who live there.  They have extravagant costumes and they dance, sing, and one lady plays the steel guitar.  They bank on the fact that they are 'amateur' so they never practice, just go out there and have fun.

The girls with the team

Recently gramma invited Sadie to join them.  Sadie was thrilled with the opportunity to dress up and dance with these ladies.  She was starting to ask constantly, 'When can I dance with the beautiful dancers again?'  She then convinced Abbi to join her too.  So they now are their special guests!  I recently went to their last 'performance' and grabbed some photos and videos of the girls and the ladies dancing.

Sadie and Abbi with the Polynesian version of my mom!

I was so happy that I went because it re-inforced in me the importance of giving back.  The girls are young, only 3 years old, and yet they are already learning how to give back.  Sure, it's fun to dress up and get out there and dance, but they also are learning how to say 'Hello' to the lonely and elderly people of our culture.  They are smiling and waving at them and filling their 'cups' with their youth.

50's style dancing

The girls have become the stars of the show and everyone's faces light up when they come around to say 'Hi' or to dance.  They are so sweet but much more, they are sharing the love of Jesus.  In such a small way, they are learning to give of themselves and bless others.  And in turn, they will be blessed, I know I was that day.