"Very often what God first helps us toward is not the virtue itself but just this power of always trying again. For however important any virtue may be, this process trains us in habits of the soul which are more important still. It cures our illusions about ourselves and teaches us to depend on God. We learn, on the one hand, that we cannot trust ourselves even in our best moments, and, on the other, that we need not despair even in our worst, for our failures are forgiven. The only fatal thing is to sit down content with anything less than perfection."
"Virtue - even attempted virtue - brings light; indulgence brings fog."
Both quotes are CS Lewis... my daily devotional is CS Lewis ( I adore him), so you will just have to put up with all my Lewis quotes.
I am hard on myself, we all are!! But thinking about God just simply helping me learn to try again, and try harder - is such a rockin' way to think about this! He is training my soul to trust him and try harder next time. Training me for what? To be in God's army... fighting for the kingdom of God.
So yes, I am hard on myself... but I know it is because He trained me to always strive for more. Lions... bring on the light (you can never have enough), lets keep striving for more virtue and less indulgence.
Roarrrrr
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Friday, August 26, 2011
Transparent Friendship
If you have a few moments this article on friendship by Jenny Schroedel is wonderful (link at bottom of post - she is a lion for sure!!). Schroedel talks about being flexible in our friendships, not expecting to much. She says that the quickest way to kill a friendship is to demand to much. But this goes for any relationship, you have to check your expectations at the door. "Sometimes our own expectations blind us to the grace before us. We become so fixated on what we want — or what we imagine we need — that we miss the gift that is being offered."
Schroedel also talks about rejoicing in one another, enjoying each others gifts and not being envious or jealous. For me this goes back to learning each others hearts, weather it's your spouse, friend or family. She talks about transparency, and that the more transparent you are the more people will know your heart. "The more deeply we know another person's secret hopes and anguishes — and the more we can identify with their struggles — the less inclined we are to envy them, the more eager we are to see them succeed." This goes back to what I have said about marriage, being transparent and knowing each others hearts will leave less room for questioning and judgement. If you know where it's coming from, why someone is doing something and what their goals are - you are less likely to judge and more likely to cheer them on.
She also speaks of growing and changing, we grow and so do our friendships. Some friendships are temporary and some are more permanent, but all equally important. We all want our friendships to grow with us, and we all know that is not always the way it works. But just as we are told to rejoice in God always, we need to rejoice in our friendships too - what they did for us, are doing for us, or will do for us. Two are more powerful than one and it is always nice to have someone that knows you on your side... sometimes more than you know yourself.
For the lions... female lions raise their children together, live together and hunt together.
Article Link: http://www.boundless.org/2005/articles/a0001554.cfm
Schroedel also talks about rejoicing in one another, enjoying each others gifts and not being envious or jealous. For me this goes back to learning each others hearts, weather it's your spouse, friend or family. She talks about transparency, and that the more transparent you are the more people will know your heart. "The more deeply we know another person's secret hopes and anguishes — and the more we can identify with their struggles — the less inclined we are to envy them, the more eager we are to see them succeed." This goes back to what I have said about marriage, being transparent and knowing each others hearts will leave less room for questioning and judgement. If you know where it's coming from, why someone is doing something and what their goals are - you are less likely to judge and more likely to cheer them on.
She also speaks of growing and changing, we grow and so do our friendships. Some friendships are temporary and some are more permanent, but all equally important. We all want our friendships to grow with us, and we all know that is not always the way it works. But just as we are told to rejoice in God always, we need to rejoice in our friendships too - what they did for us, are doing for us, or will do for us. Two are more powerful than one and it is always nice to have someone that knows you on your side... sometimes more than you know yourself.
For the lions... female lions raise their children together, live together and hunt together.
Article Link: http://www.boundless.org/2005/articles/a0001554.cfm
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Storm Chaser
As Hurricane Irene turns into a Category 3, I put my husband on a plane headed for Wilmington, NC this morning. He heads right into where he thinks he will get the most work, rides out the storm and then hits the ground running as soon as the rain stops. We own a restoration company you see, and hurricanes are where the money is.
There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.
- 1 Corinthians 12:5-6
Thinking of all the hard working people tonight, making tough decisions, I respect you all so much.
Sending Lion Love...
There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.
- 1 Corinthians 12:5-6
Thinking of all the hard working people tonight, making tough decisions, I respect you all so much.
Sending Lion Love...
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Peace and Thanksgiving
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. - Philippians 4:6-8
God's peace transcends all understanding? How amazing is this, really think about it!
Through Jesus we are all promised this kind of unthinkable peace. But like anything it takes focus and practice... this is not just for some of us, it is for all of us. In the verse above we are reminded to not worry, but to ask God in prayer for the desires of our heart. We are also reminded to keep our focus on joyful things (pure, lovely, admirable, right, noble, excellent, praiseworthy things), why do you think? God knows our hearts, he knows human instinct, he created us :) He knows we need to be reminded that to focus on anything but the good is a waste of time!! We all have battles to fight, but staying focused on the joy of the day, small victories and the happiness in your life will only help you win your battles.
A few months ago I started thanking God at the end of the day for all he had done for me that day, and saying a prayer of thankful anticipation in the morning for what the day held for me. Such a small thing, it takes a minute or two, but it changed so much for me. I have been filled with much more joy and so much less anxiety and stress. It is so easy to forget how to rest in the shadow of God, but thanking him is such an easy way to stay connected. Through thanksgiving we can find that place of complete peace; peace with ourselves, with our situations, with others and mostly with God.
Thankful Lions!!
God's peace transcends all understanding? How amazing is this, really think about it!
Through Jesus we are all promised this kind of unthinkable peace. But like anything it takes focus and practice... this is not just for some of us, it is for all of us. In the verse above we are reminded to not worry, but to ask God in prayer for the desires of our heart. We are also reminded to keep our focus on joyful things (pure, lovely, admirable, right, noble, excellent, praiseworthy things), why do you think? God knows our hearts, he knows human instinct, he created us :) He knows we need to be reminded that to focus on anything but the good is a waste of time!! We all have battles to fight, but staying focused on the joy of the day, small victories and the happiness in your life will only help you win your battles.
A few months ago I started thanking God at the end of the day for all he had done for me that day, and saying a prayer of thankful anticipation in the morning for what the day held for me. Such a small thing, it takes a minute or two, but it changed so much for me. I have been filled with much more joy and so much less anxiety and stress. It is so easy to forget how to rest in the shadow of God, but thanking him is such an easy way to stay connected. Through thanksgiving we can find that place of complete peace; peace with ourselves, with our situations, with others and mostly with God.
Thankful Lions!!
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Fear of Fear
I have some (humanly) irrational and (spiritually) ungodly fears, the strangest of these being the fear of not having fear. Last night I was given some clarity on this... without my fears I will have more to do, even more will be expected of me. The devil uses our fears to keep us from fulfilling God's plans for our life, I can see this in my own life. There are fears I have that will, at some point, get in the way of me serving the Kingdom of God. Because God tapped me on the shoulder last night regarding this issue of mine, I now have no excuse. I must press forward... roaring like a lion, growling at my fears, snapping at my enemies and loving my neighbors as myself.
At church last night our pastor asked us to replace John's name (in John 1:6, below) with our own name. This made me feel so important! God gave life to Christ who was the light of all mankind, the light that will never go out. And I have been personally sent by God to this time and place to testify for this light. I can only hope that through me some might believe, or maybe just stop and look at the light?
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. John 1:1-8
At church last night our pastor asked us to replace John's name (in John 1:6, below) with our own name. This made me feel so important! God gave life to Christ who was the light of all mankind, the light that will never go out. And I have been personally sent by God to this time and place to testify for this light. I can only hope that through me some might believe, or maybe just stop and look at the light?
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. John 1:1-8
Praying For...
Libya.
African drought.
The friends, families and communities of the four NJ high school
football players that died in a car crash Saturday.
President Obama
US Soldiers.
Please feel free to post your prayer requests below...
African drought.
The friends, families and communities of the four NJ high school
football players that died in a car crash Saturday.
President Obama
US Soldiers.
Please feel free to post your prayer requests below...
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Somalia Famine
The people of Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia need our prayers and love. I have been following this heart breaking story and it still needs more attention. Please Google it, read what s going on and add these nations to your prayer list.
In our house we have decided to sponsor a child in Kenya through www.compassion.com... this is a wonderful organization with a great reputation. You can also donate a dollar amount to the drought relief in Africa on this website.
I have been so floored by the stories of people walking for weeks to find food and water. We have so much it's so hard to imagine not having a grocery store, a debit card, and money in the bank. I have committed myself to think more globally, we are all called to spread the good news to the ends of the earth. I have never been to Somalia, and I have certainly never known what it is like to be with out food or water, but I can love them, pray for them and support them to the best of my ability.
Jesus, break our hearts for what breaks yours.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Morning Meditation
“If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” Romans 14:8
Live today for Him!
Live today for Him!
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Explosion of Love
This is one of the BEST descriptions of marriage I have ever read:
"Love in the second sense - love as distinct from 'being in love' - is not merely a feeling. It is a deep unity, maintained by the will and deliberately strengthened by habit; reinforced by (in Christian marriages) the grace which both partners ask, and receive, from God ... 'Being in love' first moved them to promise fidelity: this quieter love enables them to keep the promise. It is on this love that the engine of marriage is run: being in love was the explosion that started it." CS Lewis, Mere Christianity
My husband and I used to always say that we made it work because we would wake up everyday and decide to remain in love. And I still believe reaffirming your decision on a daily basis is good, but as we have grown so has our view on this. Now when someone asks me how we stay so in love, my answer is that we know each others hearts. We have been through a lot, good, bad and just plain ugly. In the beginning we just needed to communicate properly, make God center of our marriage and number one in our house. After we got all that straightened out we had to spend time learning and exploring our hearts. The more I learned about his heart, the less I questioned; why did you say that or what do you mean? The more intimately I know his heart the less I have to question, I already know where he is coming from, I know his motives for all his actions and all his words.
Take the time to learn each others hearts, find out where it's all coming from. We all have different motivators, passions, talents and dreams... the more you know the less you will question.
LOVE TO THE LIONS
"Love in the second sense - love as distinct from 'being in love' - is not merely a feeling. It is a deep unity, maintained by the will and deliberately strengthened by habit; reinforced by (in Christian marriages) the grace which both partners ask, and receive, from God ... 'Being in love' first moved them to promise fidelity: this quieter love enables them to keep the promise. It is on this love that the engine of marriage is run: being in love was the explosion that started it." CS Lewis, Mere Christianity
My husband and I used to always say that we made it work because we would wake up everyday and decide to remain in love. And I still believe reaffirming your decision on a daily basis is good, but as we have grown so has our view on this. Now when someone asks me how we stay so in love, my answer is that we know each others hearts. We have been through a lot, good, bad and just plain ugly. In the beginning we just needed to communicate properly, make God center of our marriage and number one in our house. After we got all that straightened out we had to spend time learning and exploring our hearts. The more I learned about his heart, the less I questioned; why did you say that or what do you mean? The more intimately I know his heart the less I have to question, I already know where he is coming from, I know his motives for all his actions and all his words.
Take the time to learn each others hearts, find out where it's all coming from. We all have different motivators, passions, talents and dreams... the more you know the less you will question.
LOVE TO THE LIONS
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Today
We all have choices... sinner or saint, good or evil, happy or sad, thankful or ungrateful? What will you decide to be today?
Christ was the light of the world, let him light your path today! Come to him in thanks and with an open heart, cast all your cares upon him.
Christ was the light of the world, let him light your path today! Come to him in thanks and with an open heart, cast all your cares upon him.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Global Leadership Summit - Day 2
Last night while my husband and I were talking over who would watch Sully today, he turned to me and said that he was going to stay home with Sully. He looked me in the eye and said that he can see my calling taking shape, and he felt like I needed to be at the Summit more than he did. I almost melted, I am backed by such an amazing man, he is my biggest fan. Blood of my blood and bone of my bone, I love you!
That being said, I woke up energized and excited to hear more! I dropped off Jax at school and arrived with enough time to push a muffin down my throat. Bill Hybels kicked us off again and said we were about to hear three stories of three leaders...
First Story was told by Wess Stafford about a Pastor in Ethiopia (current day). He was beaten, stoned and thrown in jail during the 17 year communist reign. After escaping death by electrocution, TWICE (both times the breaker blew when they pulled the switch - ya think God was involved in this?), he ran into Stafford on the road. Stafford told him that many Americans knew of their hardships as Christians and that they were all praying for them. The Pastor looked at Stafford and said that he has been praying for Americans too. Stafford asked why he felt compelled to pray for us when they were living in a time of such unrest? The Pastor said that we have more Bibles than we know what to do with, and we do not even make the time read them. The Ethiopian Christian Church had ONE Bible and they tore it up and distributed it among them so collectively they would have it memorized (they were not allowed to own, have or carry a Bible). He also said that we had big churches that we were free to worship in, but we seemed to have better things to do. They were not allowed to meet at all, let alone in a church, so they met in the cover of darkness. High in the mountains in the middle of the darkest nights of the month. It now starts to make sense... we do need prayer! After the communist reign was over, on their first Sunday back in the church building, the church walls could not contain the number of people that came to worship Jesus Christ. In the 17 year communist reign, the Ethiopian Christian Church grew five times in size!!! He ended with the question; Are we worthy to stand among Christians like this? (I am not)
Second leader was Maggie Gobran, aka. Mama Maggie. Mama Maggie runs Stephen's Children, a ministry for the poor in Cairo, Egypt. Mama Maggie challenged us to recognise the call on our lives, then do what ever you need to do to follow the call, and have a pure heart in order to get closer to God the Almighty. Mama Maggie spoke to me about silence, that it is the key to growth, the first step, a taste of eternity... then she gave us the secrets to silence:
Then she closed with: "In silence you leave many to be with THE ONE." This was the most impactful speaker of the day!! Please look her up, add her to your prayer lists, and watch God move in what she does, it will change you.
The third leader was Jeremiah from the Bible, Bill Hybels recounted his life to us. Hybels spoke about how Jeremiah was called to preach the message of God, but that it was never successful. He got angry about it, fought with God over it. But at the end of the day he did what he was called to do and said he would have done it all over again if he was asked. Answering a call that will make you successful is easy, answering the tough call that will never lead to success or notoriety is what hard. Working your butt off day-in and day-out simply because God asks you to, when you know you will never gain worldly success. Hybels spoke to my heart when he said that in times like this, these are the kind of leaders God is looking for. "We need to get over the narcotic addiction we all have to success", and follow our call.
And this was just the morning session (whew!), I will let all the lions process this, take it in and spend time with God if you feel moved by anything in particular. And I will write on one more speaker tomorrow, regarding humility.
I am always told that I am to hard on myself, but I feel like a lot is expected of me, and I take that seriously. I want to be useful in God's kingdom, go where I am called and reach as far as can. There is nothing standing in my way if my desires are God given. Love to all the Lions!!!! ROARRRR!!!!
That being said, I woke up energized and excited to hear more! I dropped off Jax at school and arrived with enough time to push a muffin down my throat. Bill Hybels kicked us off again and said we were about to hear three stories of three leaders...
First Story was told by Wess Stafford about a Pastor in Ethiopia (current day). He was beaten, stoned and thrown in jail during the 17 year communist reign. After escaping death by electrocution, TWICE (both times the breaker blew when they pulled the switch - ya think God was involved in this?), he ran into Stafford on the road. Stafford told him that many Americans knew of their hardships as Christians and that they were all praying for them. The Pastor looked at Stafford and said that he has been praying for Americans too. Stafford asked why he felt compelled to pray for us when they were living in a time of such unrest? The Pastor said that we have more Bibles than we know what to do with, and we do not even make the time read them. The Ethiopian Christian Church had ONE Bible and they tore it up and distributed it among them so collectively they would have it memorized (they were not allowed to own, have or carry a Bible). He also said that we had big churches that we were free to worship in, but we seemed to have better things to do. They were not allowed to meet at all, let alone in a church, so they met in the cover of darkness. High in the mountains in the middle of the darkest nights of the month. It now starts to make sense... we do need prayer! After the communist reign was over, on their first Sunday back in the church building, the church walls could not contain the number of people that came to worship Jesus Christ. In the 17 year communist reign, the Ethiopian Christian Church grew five times in size!!! He ended with the question; Are we worthy to stand among Christians like this? (I am not)
Second leader was Maggie Gobran, aka. Mama Maggie. Mama Maggie runs Stephen's Children, a ministry for the poor in Cairo, Egypt. Mama Maggie challenged us to recognise the call on our lives, then do what ever you need to do to follow the call, and have a pure heart in order to get closer to God the Almighty. Mama Maggie spoke to me about silence, that it is the key to growth, the first step, a taste of eternity... then she gave us the secrets to silence:
"Silence your body to listen to your words.
Silence your tongue to listen to your thoughts.
Silence your thoughts to hear your heart.
Silence your heart to hear your spirit.
Silence your spirit to listen to HIS spirit."
Then she closed with: "In silence you leave many to be with THE ONE." This was the most impactful speaker of the day!! Please look her up, add her to your prayer lists, and watch God move in what she does, it will change you.
The third leader was Jeremiah from the Bible, Bill Hybels recounted his life to us. Hybels spoke about how Jeremiah was called to preach the message of God, but that it was never successful. He got angry about it, fought with God over it. But at the end of the day he did what he was called to do and said he would have done it all over again if he was asked. Answering a call that will make you successful is easy, answering the tough call that will never lead to success or notoriety is what hard. Working your butt off day-in and day-out simply because God asks you to, when you know you will never gain worldly success. Hybels spoke to my heart when he said that in times like this, these are the kind of leaders God is looking for. "We need to get over the narcotic addiction we all have to success", and follow our call.
And this was just the morning session (whew!), I will let all the lions process this, take it in and spend time with God if you feel moved by anything in particular. And I will write on one more speaker tomorrow, regarding humility.
I am always told that I am to hard on myself, but I feel like a lot is expected of me, and I take that seriously. I want to be useful in God's kingdom, go where I am called and reach as far as can. There is nothing standing in my way if my desires are God given. Love to all the Lions!!!! ROARRRR!!!!
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Global Leadership Summit - Day 1
As I walked into the conference, I felt a little anxious. I grabbed my name badge and took a seat, as I started to see some familiar faces I took a deep breath and relaxed a bit, then my husband sat down next to me, and I was perfect :) This wasn't 'real' anxiety, this was excited anxiety... knowing I was walking into a game changing event for this little lion...
Bill Hybels opened and asked me what my challenge level was (a little low)? Where I do my best work (when I'm just challenged enough)? How I deal with challenging people (I don't know)? Am I naming, facing and resolving my problems ( I think so)? Have I examined the core of what I am/believe lately (not enough)? And has my world been rocked recently, in a good way (today it was!!)?
Len Schlesinger told me that I have to "believe in the future by creating it first." He spoke about how we have to start breaking down why status quo isn't good enough, then create and idea of how it could/should be... then take action. Schlesinger was all about action, and we know lions love action, I was all over this. He told me to just take small steps with the skills and tools I already have, not to get caught up in what I am trying to do, just worry about what to do next. And that failure doesn't mean game over it just means I get to try again with more experience (I am working on this skill).
Cory Booker opened with a video of his life as the Mayor of Newark, NJ. His personality is so bright, his character seems to emanate from him at all times. Booker asked me what it means to stand up for something? What I will do with what I have been given? I have wrote about this before... letting our light shine, being grateful for what God has given us (much is expected to whom much has been given) and using our blessings to make our light shine even brighter. He told me that how I see the outside world is a reflection of what is inside me. If you see goodness then you have joy and hope within your heart, if you see evil then you have doubt and pessimism in your heart. So before you preach or teach, change yourself and show how you live before you expect anyone else to change.
Rev. Brenda Salter McNeil challenged me to resist the temptation to back-off when things get tough and to move forward (I knew this would come up, I'm a work in progress). She challenged me to break through sound barriers, how? First by praying for a divine mandate (I'm still waiting on this one), then by naming your catalytic events and then to mobilize people to move. She warned us not to be the type of leader that looks at catastrophe as a negative, look at it as an opportunity.
Over all everyone seemed, to me, to be telling me to TAKE ACTION and to MOVE FORWARD. I didn't really think I had been standing still, but I guess I am. I will be continuing to pray for a divine mandate, for God to allow me to see what He is calling me to be. But while I'm waiting, oh so patiently, I will be continuing to take steps forward... they might be small, but they will be steps. Action requires movement....
I'm looking forward to Day 2!!!!
Bill Hybels opened and asked me what my challenge level was (a little low)? Where I do my best work (when I'm just challenged enough)? How I deal with challenging people (I don't know)? Am I naming, facing and resolving my problems ( I think so)? Have I examined the core of what I am/believe lately (not enough)? And has my world been rocked recently, in a good way (today it was!!)?
Len Schlesinger told me that I have to "believe in the future by creating it first." He spoke about how we have to start breaking down why status quo isn't good enough, then create and idea of how it could/should be... then take action. Schlesinger was all about action, and we know lions love action, I was all over this. He told me to just take small steps with the skills and tools I already have, not to get caught up in what I am trying to do, just worry about what to do next. And that failure doesn't mean game over it just means I get to try again with more experience (I am working on this skill).
Cory Booker opened with a video of his life as the Mayor of Newark, NJ. His personality is so bright, his character seems to emanate from him at all times. Booker asked me what it means to stand up for something? What I will do with what I have been given? I have wrote about this before... letting our light shine, being grateful for what God has given us (much is expected to whom much has been given) and using our blessings to make our light shine even brighter. He told me that how I see the outside world is a reflection of what is inside me. If you see goodness then you have joy and hope within your heart, if you see evil then you have doubt and pessimism in your heart. So before you preach or teach, change yourself and show how you live before you expect anyone else to change.
Rev. Brenda Salter McNeil challenged me to resist the temptation to back-off when things get tough and to move forward (I knew this would come up, I'm a work in progress). She challenged me to break through sound barriers, how? First by praying for a divine mandate (I'm still waiting on this one), then by naming your catalytic events and then to mobilize people to move. She warned us not to be the type of leader that looks at catastrophe as a negative, look at it as an opportunity.
Over all everyone seemed, to me, to be telling me to TAKE ACTION and to MOVE FORWARD. I didn't really think I had been standing still, but I guess I am. I will be continuing to pray for a divine mandate, for God to allow me to see what He is calling me to be. But while I'm waiting, oh so patiently, I will be continuing to take steps forward... they might be small, but they will be steps. Action requires movement....
I'm looking forward to Day 2!!!!
Empty Vessel
God gives His gifts where He finds the vessel empty enough to receive them. - CS Lewis
I had the privilege of attending the Global Leadership Summit today... and I found myself having to empty parts of myself so I could fully receive the message being given. If I remain full of myself and what I think I know, or what I think is right, then I will never grow. I grew a lot today!!
I will write more on the conference tonight.
I had the privilege of attending the Global Leadership Summit today... and I found myself having to empty parts of myself so I could fully receive the message being given. If I remain full of myself and what I think I know, or what I think is right, then I will never grow. I grew a lot today!!
I will write more on the conference tonight.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Monday, August 8, 2011
What's For Dinner
This is a Jamie Oliver recipe, and it has become a staple in our house, enjoy.....
This is a simple pan-baked chicken dish - the sort of food I absolutely love to eat. As everything cooks together in 1 dish, all the beautiful flavors get mixed up. This is what it's all about! With a green salad, it's an easy dinner.
While the potatoes are cooking, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Cut each chicken thigh into 3 strips and place in a bowl. Rub the meat all over with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper, then toss.
Heat a large frying pan, big enough to hold all the chicken pieces snugly in 1 layer, and put the chicken into the pan, skin side down. If you don't have a pan that's big enough, feel free to cook the chicken in 2 batches. Toss and fry over a high heat for 10 minutes or so, until almost cooked, then remove with a slotted spoon to an ovenproof pan or dish.
Prick the tomatoes with a sharp knife. Place them in a bowl, cover with boiling water and leave for a minute or so. Drain and, when cool enough to handle, pinch off their skins. You don't have to, but by doing this they will become lovely and sweet when cooked, and their intense flavor will infuse the potatoes. By now the potatoes will be cooked. Drain them in a colander and lightly crush them by pushing down on them with your thumb.
Bash up most of the oregano leaves with a pinch of salt in a pestle and mortar, or a Flavor Shaker if you have one. Add 4 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, a good splash of red wine vinegar and some pepper and give everything another bash. Add to the chicken with the potatoes, the tomatoes and the rest of the oregano leaves. Toss everything together carefully. Spread out in a single layer in an appropriately sized roasting pan, and bake for 40 minutes in the preheated oven until golden.
Lovely served with an arugula salad dressed with some lemon juice and extra-virgin olive oil, and a nice glass of white wine.
LOVE!!!
This is a simple pan-baked chicken dish - the sort of food I absolutely love to eat. As everything cooks together in 1 dish, all the beautiful flavors get mixed up. This is what it's all about! With a green salad, it's an easy dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 pounds new potatoes, scrubbed
- 12 boned chicken thighs, skin on, preferably free-range or organic
- Olive oil
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1/4 pounds cherry tomatoes, different shapes and colors if you can find them
- 1 bunch fresh oregano, leaves picked
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
Put the potatoes into a large saucepan of salted boiling water and boil until cooked.
While the potatoes are cooking, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Cut each chicken thigh into 3 strips and place in a bowl. Rub the meat all over with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper, then toss.
Heat a large frying pan, big enough to hold all the chicken pieces snugly in 1 layer, and put the chicken into the pan, skin side down. If you don't have a pan that's big enough, feel free to cook the chicken in 2 batches. Toss and fry over a high heat for 10 minutes or so, until almost cooked, then remove with a slotted spoon to an ovenproof pan or dish.
Prick the tomatoes with a sharp knife. Place them in a bowl, cover with boiling water and leave for a minute or so. Drain and, when cool enough to handle, pinch off their skins. You don't have to, but by doing this they will become lovely and sweet when cooked, and their intense flavor will infuse the potatoes. By now the potatoes will be cooked. Drain them in a colander and lightly crush them by pushing down on them with your thumb.
Bash up most of the oregano leaves with a pinch of salt in a pestle and mortar, or a Flavor Shaker if you have one. Add 4 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, a good splash of red wine vinegar and some pepper and give everything another bash. Add to the chicken with the potatoes, the tomatoes and the rest of the oregano leaves. Toss everything together carefully. Spread out in a single layer in an appropriately sized roasting pan, and bake for 40 minutes in the preheated oven until golden.
Lovely served with an arugula salad dressed with some lemon juice and extra-virgin olive oil, and a nice glass of white wine.
LOVE!!!
Fashion - Dreaming of Colder Weather
As always I believe fashion is personal, go with what you like and what fits your body. But here are a few things I am dreaming about....
Silk Kimono at FreePeople.com
Tunic on SundanceCatalog.com
Silk Kimono at FreePeople.com
Tunic on SundanceCatalog.com
Trading Post Poncho on Madewell.com
Leather Fringe Jacket on Madewell.com
Boots on SundanceCatalog.com
Clog Botties on SundanceCatalog.com
Love these yellow Mocs SundanceCatalog.com
J Brand Mid Rise Skinny in Red!!! LOVE!!!
True Religion Bells... 70's fashion will always be cool.
I Am Yours
I own this CD by Jesus Culture, and I have always liked this song, but my beautiful friend sang this song at church this weekend http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLIKjKRU0YY&ob=av2e and it moved me. I love the message it delivers and I just wanted to share this with all the lions.
Even after hearing the song countless times this weekend, watching the YouTube video was still emotional... such powerful words, "I am yours." This blog, in a way, is me shouting from the rooftops. I love to "shout out your name", and proclaim that "I am yours... all that I am I place into your loving hands." The song opens with, "Here I am before you, falling in love and seeking your truth... because of you I freely live, my life to you I give." Just awesome.
I have discovered something about myself... I judge a song by the lyrical content while my husband judges by musical content. We make it work...ha. But really, I need the lyrics, not always to be powerful and moving (mostly) but relevant and relative.
Love you guys!
Even after hearing the song countless times this weekend, watching the YouTube video was still emotional... such powerful words, "I am yours." This blog, in a way, is me shouting from the rooftops. I love to "shout out your name", and proclaim that "I am yours... all that I am I place into your loving hands." The song opens with, "Here I am before you, falling in love and seeking your truth... because of you I freely live, my life to you I give." Just awesome.
I have discovered something about myself... I judge a song by the lyrical content while my husband judges by musical content. We make it work...ha. But really, I need the lyrics, not always to be powerful and moving (mostly) but relevant and relative.
Love you guys!
Friday, August 5, 2011
Grateful Friday
Today I am grateful for my hardworking husband, my happy boys, a full refrigerator, running water, Motrin, my friends, my family, selling the old car and receiving my new one!!! Amen.
Questions?
I would love to start hearing more feedback from all the lions out there... I am new at this, I love it and I want to keep it interesting, exciting, challenging and fun to read. Please post your comments below...
What do you like (or dislike) about 'Life As A Lion'? And what else would you like to see on this blog?
What do you like (or dislike) about 'Life As A Lion'? And what else would you like to see on this blog?
Live for Today
Live for Today but hold your hands open
to tomorrow. Anticipate the future
and it's changes with joy.
to tomorrow. Anticipate the future
and it's changes with joy.
There is a seed of God's love in every event,
every circumstance,
every circumstance,
every situation in which you may find yourself.
Barbara Johnson
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
What's For Dinner
Pork Chop Salad
chop 2 heads of romaine
slice 4 oz of Provolone Cheese
slice a handful of grapes (optional)
slice pan fried breaded boneless pork chops
top with your favorite vinaigrette and enjoy!!
Monday, August 1, 2011
Lion's Light II
"If with heart and soul you're doing good, do you think you can be stopped? Even if you suffer for it, you're still better off. Don't give the opposition a second thought. Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy. Keep a clear conscience before God so that when people throw mud at you, none of it will stick. They'll end up realizing that they're the ones who need a bath. It's better to suffer for doing good, if that's what God wants, than to be punished for doing bad. That's what Christ did definitively: suffered because of others' sins, the Righteous One for the unrighteous ones. He went through it all—was put to death and then made alive—to bring us to God." 1 Peter 3:13-18 (Message)
I was led to this verse today, and man is it good!! All things in my life are so obviously leading me to this place of BOLD Christianity. So lets start by answering the question in this verse, "If with heart and soul (I) am doing good, do (I) think (I) can be stopped?" My heart screams 'NO' and my mind says 'Yes'... I'm gonna stick with my heart on this one. And reading on, the question is answered for us, "It's better to suffer for doing good, if that's what God wants, than to be punished for doing bad." So answering with my heart was the right way to go, my head will bring all the worldly fears and obstacles into my decision. If Christ is living inside me, and he longs to make my heart like his, than I should always trust my heart. We are also told, "Don't give the opposition a second thought. Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master." It is so easy to loose focus, setting Christ aside. If our hearts loose their attention on Christ, then how can we be bold like lions? But if we stay focused on our love for Christ, then no, we can not be stopped!!
Part of Christianity is sharing the good news, easy for some and REALLY hard for others. I have had so much sucess with this and I think it is because I bring it up with gentleness and respect. No one will ever gain an audience with hatred, judgement or anger. In our verse Peter says, "Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy." But we have to live a certain way in order for people to start asking. The more brightly we shine our light the more we will get people to notice. Once they notice they will then stop and start asking questions.
The end of this verse affirms what Christ did for us, in order for us to know God. Now we can do this for others... doing good with a heart and soul focused on Christ will lead to an upstanding life, living an upstanding life will give you the platform, but using the platform appropriatly will determine who will stay and listen.
I hope your listening little lions....
I was led to this verse today, and man is it good!! All things in my life are so obviously leading me to this place of BOLD Christianity. So lets start by answering the question in this verse, "If with heart and soul (I) am doing good, do (I) think (I) can be stopped?" My heart screams 'NO' and my mind says 'Yes'... I'm gonna stick with my heart on this one. And reading on, the question is answered for us, "It's better to suffer for doing good, if that's what God wants, than to be punished for doing bad." So answering with my heart was the right way to go, my head will bring all the worldly fears and obstacles into my decision. If Christ is living inside me, and he longs to make my heart like his, than I should always trust my heart. We are also told, "Don't give the opposition a second thought. Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master." It is so easy to loose focus, setting Christ aside. If our hearts loose their attention on Christ, then how can we be bold like lions? But if we stay focused on our love for Christ, then no, we can not be stopped!!
Part of Christianity is sharing the good news, easy for some and REALLY hard for others. I have had so much sucess with this and I think it is because I bring it up with gentleness and respect. No one will ever gain an audience with hatred, judgement or anger. In our verse Peter says, "Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy." But we have to live a certain way in order for people to start asking. The more brightly we shine our light the more we will get people to notice. Once they notice they will then stop and start asking questions.
The end of this verse affirms what Christ did for us, in order for us to know God. Now we can do this for others... doing good with a heart and soul focused on Christ will lead to an upstanding life, living an upstanding life will give you the platform, but using the platform appropriatly will determine who will stay and listen.
I hope your listening little lions....
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)