Maybe you home-school and need lunch ideas or maybe you don't want your kids to eat the school lunches...I am the latter.....Here are some ideas for you and if you have any of your own ideas please leave a comment with your idea.
I also have a list of side serving ideas to go with the lunches but I won't post those today....stay tuned for that blog.
I use a rotation of 24 different lunches so that my kids don't get bored. Darren says, tongue in cheek, that I spoil them....Maybe! But I want them to enjoy what they are eating. I won't post all 24 recipes on here but I will tell you what they all are. Keep in my mind that these are all gluten free and only a couple of them have corn in them.
1. Hot Dog Pasta Salad
1 Package gluten free uncured Hot dogs
6 oz. of uncooked pasta (prepare according to package directions)
1/4 c. mayonaisse
2tsp Italian seasoning
A dash of rice vinegar
1 cup cold or frozen peas
1/2 tsp of salt
Mix all ingredients and refrigerate. Serve cold in a Thermos.
2. Chicken Salad w/ crackers
Use Canned chicken. My kids like celery, mayo and apples cut into their chicken salad. I serve it in little plastic containers and let them dish it out with their crackers.
3. Tuna or Chicken Casserole
I am sure you all have a recipe for this one. Don't cook your pasta all the way as it will continue to cook in their thermos. Add a veggie near end of cook time. Serve with potato chips to crumble on top.
4. Ham Sandwiches with lettuce and tomato
5. Meatloaf Sandwiches
This is a delicacy in my family. My grandmother has passed down her steamed meatloaf recipe. After it has been chilled I slice it thin and separate the slices with wax paper and then freeze it for sandwiches. As for the recipe: basic meatloaf that it is steamed in a pot of water instead of the oven...this way you don't have a the crunchy top which is a bit more conducive to sandwiches.
6. Salmon Pasta Salad
Same as the hot dog pasta salad except that I use a can or two of deboned salmon and an appropriate fish seasoning.
7. BLT Sandwiches on foccacia
It is what it is....and it is good!!
If you are interested in my gluten free foccacia recipe let me know and I will get it to you.
8. Creamy Chicken Rice Soup
Sounds like a lot of work but it really isn't. Buy the skinless de-boned chicken thighs or breast fillets that are flash frozen and put into a bag.
1 cup of brown rice
4 cups water or broth
1-2 stalks celery diced
3-4 of your chicken fillets put whole into soup (you'll fix the size in a bit)
1-2 carrots cut up
Salt to taste
Onion powder to taste
1 cup milk of your choice ( I use rice milk) Add after rice is cooked and heat soup again till hot.
Pull chicken out after they are cooked with a pair of tongs Allow to cool for a couple of minutes...cut up and add back into soup.
9. Pizza Sandwiches
I think everyone has their own version of these....get creative.
10. Tuna Salad with crackers
Very similar to chicken salad except I put green peppers, tomatoes, and hard boiled eggs in with the mayo.
11. Mexican Salad
1 can of black beans drained and rinsed
1 head of Romaine lettuce coarsely cut
1 Tomato
Cheese
Blue Organic Corn Chips
1/2 lb ground beef (not necessary as the corn chips and beans make a complete protein and so does the cheese)
Serve the corn chips in a sandwich baggie and let them add them to the salad so that they don't get soggy.
12. Green Bean Sausage Casserole (so easy it is almost embarrassing)
4 Sausages of your choice ( I like the Chicken Red pepper sausage from Costco) sliced to about 1/2 thick
2 Cans of french cut green beans
2 TBSP Italian Dressing or 1/2 TBSP of vinegar, 1 1/2 TBSP of oil and Italian Seasoning
Place all into a bowl with a lid and heat in microwave until it is hot.
13. Can of Kippers or Sardines served with Crackers
Only one of my kids likes this the other eats the school lunch that day....nuff said.
14. Ground Beef gravy on Mashed Pots.
Brown 1/2 lb of ground beef with 1/2 chopped onion.
Add 2 TBSP flour to beef and mix well.
Add 1/2- 1 cup chicken broth, beef broth or milk and stir till thick
Add a frozen veggie toward end and serve over instant mashed potatoes in thermos.
15. Left over Fried Chicken
This is great with a quick version of potato salad. Cook 2-3 whole potatoes the night before. Place into fridge whole with skin on. Next morning peel potatoes and coarsely chop. Add mayo, a little mustard, salt and pepper....my kids love it.
16. Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
For the sake of time and space I am omitting this recipe...you can buy the box quick mix at the store if you don't want to cook from scratch which is amazingly easy. Dice ham lunch meat into the mix after adding fluid and before cooking.
17. Deviled Left over roast with Crackers
Grind up your left over cold roast in a blender and add mayo....serve with crackers.
18. Canned Chili
Gotta love the really easy ones for those really hectic mornings!
19. Ham and Pineapple Pizza on foccacia.
I bake the foccacia the night before. I use a whole tomato ground up with a little tomato paste, lunch meat ham diced up and canned pineapple.
20. Mediterranean Rice with or with out canned chicken
2 Cups Cooked brown rice
1/2 chopped cashews, peanuts or almonds
1/2 tsp turmeric
Frozen peas that are already warmed.
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 tsp of salt
1/2 chopped cooked chicken or canned chicken (opt)
21. Spit Pea Soup with Ham
Cook half to a whole bag of split peas with appropriate amount of broth or water (follow package instructions) the night before or place into a crock pot that has a timer and have it turn on in the night right before morning.
Add diced lunch meat ham and heat until warm.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
22. Salmon Chowder
Follow any Chowder recipe using canned deboned salmon instead.
23. Clam Chowder
Same as above
24. Sweet and Sour Chicken
This recipe requires a crock pot that has a programmed timer.
1-2 oranges peeled and sliced
1/4 cup soy sauce
3-4 of those bagged flash frozen chicken thighs
Place all in a crock pot right before you go to bed and program to come on when it is able to cook on high for 3-4 hours.
Cut up chicken and oranges and serve over warmed pre-cooked rice in a thermos.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
The Top Ten!!
I have been a parent for 21 years now. I have parented 10 children: 3 of my own and 7 foster kids. This experience certainly doesn't make me an expert but I may have a bit more insight than the parent of a few years. So take my opinion for what it is worth. Today, I would like to talk about what I have seen to be the top 10 most important things you can do for your kids. The order I put them isn't important. Sometimes many of them would rank as #1 all at the same time. Kids go through stages and therefore so does are parenting. So here it is:
1. Pray for your kids. Yes!! This should always be a priority. I guarantee that as a parent you will make mistakes, but this is one mistake you don't want to make because many of the mistakes you make can be overcome by praying for them.
2. Don't be afraid to tell your kids "no". Be prepared to tell them "no" a lot! Children naturally want to push and test boundaries. They need to know that those boundaries are firmly established and that no matter how much they push against them they will, steadfastly, be in place.
3. Do devotions with your kids. Read the Bible to them everyday and/or teach them concepts from the scriptures and talk about it. Make sure to include prayer time in this. If your kids are old enough to do their own devotions, follow up with them to be sure they are understanding what they are reading and taking in. This is a great time to field spiritual questions that will arise.
4. Have your kids pick up after themselves. This is incredibly challenging and requires large amounts of patience but if you do not teach them how to pick up after themselves they will never learn unless they have a personality naturally disposed to this. Hahaha--good luck with that! If you have a rule for your kids to clear their dishes before they leave the table....follow up on that. Maybe they are already in the living room and you are right there next to the table....it would be so easy to just take their plate to the sink or dishwasher for them. But!....if you do this you are not teaching them. Call them back to the kitchen and have them do it themselves. You will be happy you did in the long run...trust me...I have done it both ways.
5. Pick a form of discipline and stick to it. Spanking is Biblical. Won't go into that right now but if you want to look it up....look it up with the word "rod". No matter what way you have chosen you must be consistent with that method and do not relent! When they break the rule follow up 100% of the time with the chosen mode of discipline.
6. Talk to your kids. Ask them questions. Find out where their hearts are....and what is going on in their heads. Give them counsel and direction. Though they may balk at your counsel...it is forever in their head and they will hear it even when you are not around.
7. Watch what they are taking in very carefully. I am talking TV, movies and MUSIC!!! Can you tell that I feel strongly about the music thing....Do you know that Satan/Lucifer was the angel of music before he fell from his angelic position. In my opinion it is the number #1 way he uses to pull our kids away from Christ. I don't allow secular music in my home or car. So far my 21 year old only listens to Christian music....he can't stand secular music. TV and movies are a little less important but only a little. Philosophies of the world are rampant and are being pushed on children in a very strategic fashion....pay attention!
8. Watch their friendships carefully. Friends have as much impact on them as we do as parents... if not more. You can't choose their friends but if you have a good working relationship with your kids you can guide their friendships. Teach them discernment and wisdom so that they will learn when a friendship is unhealthy.
9. Watch what your kids eat. The Bible says that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. We should take care of those temples to a certain extent and teach our children how to do so. If you pay attention you may see a relationship between what they eat and how they behave. This is setting your kids up to succeed.
10. Last but definitely not least.....LOVE (Agape) your kids. The toughest thing to do. This goes way beyond the emotional attachment we have with our kids to the self sacrificial call of Christ. I think that the above nine are examples of this kind of love.
1. Pray for your kids. Yes!! This should always be a priority. I guarantee that as a parent you will make mistakes, but this is one mistake you don't want to make because many of the mistakes you make can be overcome by praying for them.
2. Don't be afraid to tell your kids "no". Be prepared to tell them "no" a lot! Children naturally want to push and test boundaries. They need to know that those boundaries are firmly established and that no matter how much they push against them they will, steadfastly, be in place.
3. Do devotions with your kids. Read the Bible to them everyday and/or teach them concepts from the scriptures and talk about it. Make sure to include prayer time in this. If your kids are old enough to do their own devotions, follow up with them to be sure they are understanding what they are reading and taking in. This is a great time to field spiritual questions that will arise.
4. Have your kids pick up after themselves. This is incredibly challenging and requires large amounts of patience but if you do not teach them how to pick up after themselves they will never learn unless they have a personality naturally disposed to this. Hahaha--good luck with that! If you have a rule for your kids to clear their dishes before they leave the table....follow up on that. Maybe they are already in the living room and you are right there next to the table....it would be so easy to just take their plate to the sink or dishwasher for them. But!....if you do this you are not teaching them. Call them back to the kitchen and have them do it themselves. You will be happy you did in the long run...trust me...I have done it both ways.
5. Pick a form of discipline and stick to it. Spanking is Biblical. Won't go into that right now but if you want to look it up....look it up with the word "rod". No matter what way you have chosen you must be consistent with that method and do not relent! When they break the rule follow up 100% of the time with the chosen mode of discipline.
6. Talk to your kids. Ask them questions. Find out where their hearts are....and what is going on in their heads. Give them counsel and direction. Though they may balk at your counsel...it is forever in their head and they will hear it even when you are not around.
7. Watch what they are taking in very carefully. I am talking TV, movies and MUSIC!!! Can you tell that I feel strongly about the music thing....Do you know that Satan/Lucifer was the angel of music before he fell from his angelic position. In my opinion it is the number #1 way he uses to pull our kids away from Christ. I don't allow secular music in my home or car. So far my 21 year old only listens to Christian music....he can't stand secular music. TV and movies are a little less important but only a little. Philosophies of the world are rampant and are being pushed on children in a very strategic fashion....pay attention!
8. Watch their friendships carefully. Friends have as much impact on them as we do as parents... if not more. You can't choose their friends but if you have a good working relationship with your kids you can guide their friendships. Teach them discernment and wisdom so that they will learn when a friendship is unhealthy.
9. Watch what your kids eat. The Bible says that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. We should take care of those temples to a certain extent and teach our children how to do so. If you pay attention you may see a relationship between what they eat and how they behave. This is setting your kids up to succeed.
10. Last but definitely not least.....LOVE (Agape) your kids. The toughest thing to do. This goes way beyond the emotional attachment we have with our kids to the self sacrificial call of Christ. I think that the above nine are examples of this kind of love.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
The job of being a parent.
So I ask myself: What is my job as a parent? Well, huge question. In today's American culture it appears to me that parenting has been diminished to a few responsibilities: to feed (not necessarily to nourish), to watch (does not include establishing boundaries), to entertain, to enjoy, to provide clothing (not to be confused with clothing them) and to take them places they want to go. Of course, I generalize for the sake of making a point. As I watch parents around me in this society I am shocked and saddened. Of course as believers in Christ Jesus we are held to a different standard than the general public. Right? I know for myself that I fall into the deep chasm of the world's definition of parenting far too often. I don't want to do this so I want to define for my sake and others what one Biblical perspective may look like for us as parents. That perspective is to love them! I am going to use Gal 5:16-26 as my platform.
Did you get that? Those that live outside of Christ are under the law and are subject to the fruits of living according to the flesh: immorality.... impurity....strife....outbursts of anger....drunkenness...factions...disputes. I don't know about you but this is what I am seeing in this upcoming generation. We as believers, on other hand, should look different: good, loving, kind, peaceful, gentle, patient, faithful, self-controlled and joyful. Hmmm. I can safely say that I don't always see these things in myself, let alone in my kids....but....we are working towards these things and it is always looking hopeful for us and our children.
So this is one of my jobs as a parent: to teach my children the fruit of the Spirit. This is done first of all by living them. Ok...far more than I cover for the sake of this blog; suffice it to say, "John 13:34-35 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." And this includes our children. Our children will know and experience Christ through us first.
Living out the fruit of the Spirit, as parents, takes on a different face then it may while dealing with our friends, co-workers, or even our spouses. For example: let's take the definition of kindness. Kindness means being good, moral, kind, useful. I cannot define kindness according to our current culture....examples of kindness in this context is not parallel to the teaching of the scripture as the worldly definition includes giving into the anothers wishes in order to make them happy. This is one thing that is wrong in our society with the way we are raising our kids. In general we give them what they want to make them happy. So how do we act out kindness as parents? How about this: Is it "useful" or "good" to let them do, listen to, read, watch, or play things that are contrary to the teachings of Christ? Yes, I let my kids watch TV and movies.....but I am feeling more and more convicted on what they are watching. I don't let them listen to secular music (they don't want to as the christian music they listen to is exciting and uplifting). As a matter of fact, as a family we are unplugging the TV sets for 1 month and committing not to watch movies or shows on the computer. It may last much longer than one month as I expect that we will see changes in our own lives and in the lives of our children. Whether we like it or not, the philosophies of the world are being taught in books, music, TV shows and movies. We need to wake up and realize that satan is active in these areas and he is working hard to steal the minds of our children!!
I believe that we are not showing kindness by allowing them to partake in worldly things that may be harmful to them. They may pick up ideas and concepts that later in life they have to work hard to be free from. Though, I am not negating that God is amazing and will work all things out to His Glory for those that love Him and are called according to His purposes however this is a blessing on their lives later despite my parental actions. Right now my "head is on the chopping block" so to speak. I have been given the responsibility to watch over them and to keep them until such a time as they are no longer under my direct responsibility and I have to answer to God for what I am doing with them while they are young. Sobering thought! Do we want to raise our children the easy way which may lead to our regret later when we see how they are living their adult lives or do we want to do the very best for them which may be difficult and challenging and painful? They may make contrary choices in their lives despite our best efforts but at least we can rest in the Lord knowing that we did our job. It is never easy to watch our children make bad choices and while they are in our care we can help them through these choices by displaying and teaching the fruit of the Spirit. Some people have relented by saying that no matter what, my children will make mistakes and there is nothing I can do about it. To a certain degree this is true as it is inevitable that we will make mistakes and they will make mistakes. But I want to do the kind thing for them by making it as easy as possible by giving my children a strong moral compass and minds which are uncluttered by worldly philosophies. Hereby they have this foundation from which to work and not sandy soil.
I would love to start a discussion on this subject. Please respond with your thoughts whether they be agreement, disagreement or indifferent...you won't offend me.
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another. NASB
Did you get that? Those that live outside of Christ are under the law and are subject to the fruits of living according to the flesh: immorality.... impurity....strife....outbursts of anger....drunkenness...factions...disputes. I don't know about you but this is what I am seeing in this upcoming generation. We as believers, on other hand, should look different: good, loving, kind, peaceful, gentle, patient, faithful, self-controlled and joyful. Hmmm. I can safely say that I don't always see these things in myself, let alone in my kids....but....we are working towards these things and it is always looking hopeful for us and our children.
So this is one of my jobs as a parent: to teach my children the fruit of the Spirit. This is done first of all by living them. Ok...far more than I cover for the sake of this blog; suffice it to say, "John 13:34-35 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." And this includes our children. Our children will know and experience Christ through us first.
Living out the fruit of the Spirit, as parents, takes on a different face then it may while dealing with our friends, co-workers, or even our spouses. For example: let's take the definition of kindness. Kindness means being good, moral, kind, useful. I cannot define kindness according to our current culture....examples of kindness in this context is not parallel to the teaching of the scripture as the worldly definition includes giving into the anothers wishes in order to make them happy. This is one thing that is wrong in our society with the way we are raising our kids. In general we give them what they want to make them happy. So how do we act out kindness as parents? How about this: Is it "useful" or "good" to let them do, listen to, read, watch, or play things that are contrary to the teachings of Christ? Yes, I let my kids watch TV and movies.....but I am feeling more and more convicted on what they are watching. I don't let them listen to secular music (they don't want to as the christian music they listen to is exciting and uplifting). As a matter of fact, as a family we are unplugging the TV sets for 1 month and committing not to watch movies or shows on the computer. It may last much longer than one month as I expect that we will see changes in our own lives and in the lives of our children. Whether we like it or not, the philosophies of the world are being taught in books, music, TV shows and movies. We need to wake up and realize that satan is active in these areas and he is working hard to steal the minds of our children!!
I believe that we are not showing kindness by allowing them to partake in worldly things that may be harmful to them. They may pick up ideas and concepts that later in life they have to work hard to be free from. Though, I am not negating that God is amazing and will work all things out to His Glory for those that love Him and are called according to His purposes however this is a blessing on their lives later despite my parental actions. Right now my "head is on the chopping block" so to speak. I have been given the responsibility to watch over them and to keep them until such a time as they are no longer under my direct responsibility and I have to answer to God for what I am doing with them while they are young. Sobering thought! Do we want to raise our children the easy way which may lead to our regret later when we see how they are living their adult lives or do we want to do the very best for them which may be difficult and challenging and painful? They may make contrary choices in their lives despite our best efforts but at least we can rest in the Lord knowing that we did our job. It is never easy to watch our children make bad choices and while they are in our care we can help them through these choices by displaying and teaching the fruit of the Spirit. Some people have relented by saying that no matter what, my children will make mistakes and there is nothing I can do about it. To a certain degree this is true as it is inevitable that we will make mistakes and they will make mistakes. But I want to do the kind thing for them by making it as easy as possible by giving my children a strong moral compass and minds which are uncluttered by worldly philosophies. Hereby they have this foundation from which to work and not sandy soil.
I would love to start a discussion on this subject. Please respond with your thoughts whether they be agreement, disagreement or indifferent...you won't offend me.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Tips for Gluten Free and Corn Free eating
If you are planning on going gluten free or just want to eat this way now and then, here a few things that I have learned along the way.
* If you are planning on going completely gluten free, do it slowly...not all at once. The "cold turkey" approach, believe it or not, could cause some discomfort.
*Pre-made flour mixes are available in almost ever grocery store. Buyer beware: it is much more cost effective to mix your own. A little more work but easier on the wallet.
*No one GF flour works well by itself. They need to be mixed and there are as many mixes as there are people who use them. Everybody has their own flour favorites. Here's mine: Sorghum, Brown Rice, Potato Starch, Tapioca Starch, Almond Meal, Ground Flax Seed. I like this one because, to me, it tastes the closest to wheat. It also works well in about anything I want to bake.
*Xanthan Gum is an absolute necessity....and, yes, it is expensive. Remember you only need 1tsp- 1 TBSP per recipe.
*Ground Flax Seed works well as an emulsifier.
*Pre-Baked GF bread is very pricey. Consider making it yourself. It is as simple as making a Quick Bread except you have to let it raise just 1 time right before baking.....no kneading, punching, raising and raising and raising...you get the picture. I make several loaves all at once and then freeze them.
*Many canned veggies and juice have corn in them...surprised? It's true. If you are serious about cutting out corn and gluten consider buying a high powered blender (Vita-Mix or Blend TEC). They make life so much easier. Many whole GF grains can be pulverized in these as well.
*Baking Powder contains corn.....1/2 tsp crm of tartar and 1/4 tsp baking soda makes baking powder. It works just as good if not better than baking powder.
*Just cause it says Gluten free pasta doesn't mean it tastes good. There are many brands with the exact same ingredients and there is a huge difference in them. Tinkyada is my favorite (no corn) and has passed many peoples tastes tester at my table....."this is gluten free pasta? NO WAY!"
*Baking GF is not much different than regular baking....most of the time...if it doesn't look right it probably isn't.
* If you are planning on going completely gluten free, do it slowly...not all at once. The "cold turkey" approach, believe it or not, could cause some discomfort.
*Pre-made flour mixes are available in almost ever grocery store. Buyer beware: it is much more cost effective to mix your own. A little more work but easier on the wallet.
*No one GF flour works well by itself. They need to be mixed and there are as many mixes as there are people who use them. Everybody has their own flour favorites. Here's mine: Sorghum, Brown Rice, Potato Starch, Tapioca Starch, Almond Meal, Ground Flax Seed. I like this one because, to me, it tastes the closest to wheat. It also works well in about anything I want to bake.
*Xanthan Gum is an absolute necessity....and, yes, it is expensive. Remember you only need 1tsp- 1 TBSP per recipe.
*Ground Flax Seed works well as an emulsifier.
*Pre-Baked GF bread is very pricey. Consider making it yourself. It is as simple as making a Quick Bread except you have to let it raise just 1 time right before baking.....no kneading, punching, raising and raising and raising...you get the picture. I make several loaves all at once and then freeze them.
*Many canned veggies and juice have corn in them...surprised? It's true. If you are serious about cutting out corn and gluten consider buying a high powered blender (Vita-Mix or Blend TEC). They make life so much easier. Many whole GF grains can be pulverized in these as well.
*Baking Powder contains corn.....1/2 tsp crm of tartar and 1/4 tsp baking soda makes baking powder. It works just as good if not better than baking powder.
*Just cause it says Gluten free pasta doesn't mean it tastes good. There are many brands with the exact same ingredients and there is a huge difference in them. Tinkyada is my favorite (no corn) and has passed many peoples tastes tester at my table....."this is gluten free pasta? NO WAY!"
*Baking GF is not much different than regular baking....most of the time...if it doesn't look right it probably isn't.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Really Clean?
Did you ever wonder if the chemicals you use to clean with are worse than the dirt and the bacteria? It is my humble opinion that this could be true....but then, I am not a chemist. However, I can choose to use the natural stuff, just in case, and this is what I do. Since then, I have found some of the best natural cleansers out there and some of them work better than anything I could have bought at the store. Here are my favorites:
Dishwashing detergent that works better than anything I have ever used in 25 years:
Mix:
1 Cup Borax
1 Cup Baking Soda
1 Cup Cascade
Place 1/8 cup into soap dispenser
Pour 1/2 cup of vinegar into bottom of dishwasher just before turning on.
Cleaning Disinfectant for kitchen:
1 spray bottle of hydrogen peroxide (they sell it in the spray bottle special for this reason...don't put into a clear or transluscent spray bottle)
1 spray bottle of 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 water
Spray both solutions onto the surface of where you had raw meat or other infectious food until the surface is good and wet. Leave for 5- 10 min. Wipe up.
This works for toilets too!
I personally prefer using vinegar (same mixture as above: 1/2 water and 1/2 vinegar in spray bottle) in the bathroom. This solution works on the sink, mirror and the toilet too cause last time I checked no one was eating off of the toilet :) ('cept maybe the dog)
Cleaning the inside of toilet.....pumice stone!
Bathtub or shower stall: Borax used like Comet removes soap scum like nothing I have ever seen. It is wonderful!! If you don't have Borax a "nearly as good" of a solution is baking soda and salt (Pour generous amount of baking soda and then sprinkle with salt...add more salt if soap scum is not budging) Use vinegar on hard water deposits...be careful though cause straight vinegar will remove the finish on metal if left on there long enough.
Another disinfectant that works well on bathrooms, if you don't like the vinegar idea: Mix your vinegar solution as above and then add 20 drops of Thyme essential oil.(natural anti- viral and anti- bacterial) If you don't like the smell add lavendar essential oil or lemon essential oil with the thyme oil.
Laundry: Borax (1/4 c) and Baking Soda (1/4c) (one or the other or both) added along side of detergent work great for softening and deodorizing clothes without the chemicals. Washing Soda (not to be confused with Baking Soda) works well for whitening (according to my mom as I havn't tried this myself). Lemon Juice also works well for whitening and adds a wonderful fresh scent. Vinegar added to dark and bright loads helps them to keep their color from fading.
A note about cleaning a house: I have asked myself over the years as I have toiled to keep my house really clean why I work so hard....I have never come up with a good answer other than the obvious kitchen food born bacteria and the obvious bathroom grossness, of course. My doctor told me some years ago that he thought the reason for the increased use of antibiotics was because we were keeping our houses cleaner than we used to years ago. He said that our bodies immune systems were being dumbed down. I think their might be something to that. I keep my house looking presentable but don't stress if it's a little dirty. I really like cleaning this way!
Dishwashing detergent that works better than anything I have ever used in 25 years:
Mix:
1 Cup Borax
1 Cup Baking Soda
1 Cup Cascade
Place 1/8 cup into soap dispenser
Pour 1/2 cup of vinegar into bottom of dishwasher just before turning on.
Cleaning Disinfectant for kitchen:
1 spray bottle of hydrogen peroxide (they sell it in the spray bottle special for this reason...don't put into a clear or transluscent spray bottle)
1 spray bottle of 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 water
Spray both solutions onto the surface of where you had raw meat or other infectious food until the surface is good and wet. Leave for 5- 10 min. Wipe up.
This works for toilets too!
I personally prefer using vinegar (same mixture as above: 1/2 water and 1/2 vinegar in spray bottle) in the bathroom. This solution works on the sink, mirror and the toilet too cause last time I checked no one was eating off of the toilet :) ('cept maybe the dog)
Cleaning the inside of toilet.....pumice stone!
Bathtub or shower stall: Borax used like Comet removes soap scum like nothing I have ever seen. It is wonderful!! If you don't have Borax a "nearly as good" of a solution is baking soda and salt (Pour generous amount of baking soda and then sprinkle with salt...add more salt if soap scum is not budging) Use vinegar on hard water deposits...be careful though cause straight vinegar will remove the finish on metal if left on there long enough.
Another disinfectant that works well on bathrooms, if you don't like the vinegar idea: Mix your vinegar solution as above and then add 20 drops of Thyme essential oil.(natural anti- viral and anti- bacterial) If you don't like the smell add lavendar essential oil or lemon essential oil with the thyme oil.
Laundry: Borax (1/4 c) and Baking Soda (1/4c) (one or the other or both) added along side of detergent work great for softening and deodorizing clothes without the chemicals. Washing Soda (not to be confused with Baking Soda) works well for whitening (according to my mom as I havn't tried this myself). Lemon Juice also works well for whitening and adds a wonderful fresh scent. Vinegar added to dark and bright loads helps them to keep their color from fading.
A note about cleaning a house: I have asked myself over the years as I have toiled to keep my house really clean why I work so hard....I have never come up with a good answer other than the obvious kitchen food born bacteria and the obvious bathroom grossness, of course. My doctor told me some years ago that he thought the reason for the increased use of antibiotics was because we were keeping our houses cleaner than we used to years ago. He said that our bodies immune systems were being dumbed down. I think their might be something to that. I keep my house looking presentable but don't stress if it's a little dirty. I really like cleaning this way!
Thursday, April 28, 2011
10 Things
10 Things the enemy of your soul would love for you to be:
1. Forgetful
2. Thankless
3. Discontent
4. Unforgiving
5. Tunnel Visioned
6. Anxious
7. Undisciplined
8. Pain free
9. Joy-less
10. Self lover
1. Forgetful
2. Thankless
3. Discontent
4. Unforgiving
5. Tunnel Visioned
6. Anxious
7. Undisciplined
8. Pain free
9. Joy-less
10. Self lover
Monday, April 18, 2011
Yummy Travel Food
1. Gluten Free Homemade Trail Mix
1/2 c. Slivered Almonds
1/2 c. Rough Chopped Pecans
1 c. Rice Puffs
1/3c. Dried Goji Berries
1/2 c. Raisins
3/4 c. Sunflower Seeds
1/2 c. Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
1/2 c. Chocolate Chips
Mix all ingredients into a gallon zipper bag. Shake to mix up. Place paper cups with family members names into zipper bag, if there is room. Serve portions in cups and “drink” trail mix….less mess by avoiding hands in chocolate!
2. Easy Beef Jerky
1 lb. Lean Ground Beef
1 TBSP Ketchup
2 TBSP Soy Sauce
1TBSP Worchestershire Sauce
1 TBSP Chili Sauce
1 tsp Red Pepper sauce
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
Mix all ingredients with hands or mixer. Press into 1/4 inch thick patties or desired shape. Place into dehydrator for 4-5 hours (155 degrees) or until jerky cracks when bent.
3. Banana Chips
12 ripe bananas (soft when squeezed through peeling...the riper the banana the sweeter the chips)
Line dehydrator with parchment paper. Slice bananas using the slicer attachment for a food processor. Don’t worry about making mush…it won’t matter in the end. Spread processed bananas onto the lined trays with a spatula; keeping thickness to between 1/4”- 1/2" thickness. Dehydrate for 12 hours (135 degrees) or until bananas no longer retain spots that are soft and sticky. Peel parchment paper off of bananas. Cut into desired sizes with sterile scissors.
4. Lunch Meat and Crackers
1 package of lunch meat cut into 2 inch square pieces
1 package of crackers
Place desired portions into sandwich bags and serve on the road.
5. Miscellaneous food ideas for the car:
Popcorn without the butter and salt as these make it messier
Snack bars
Fruit
Gum with Xylitol and no sugar, aspartame or other artificial sweeteners (this will actually help to keep the teeth clean in between brushing)
No Corn Syrup Suckers (Yes indeed they do make those and they taste better than regular suckers)
100% Fruit Leather
Any vegetable cut up and served in sandwich bags
Pecans, Walnuts or shelled Pistachios mixed with raisins served in sandwich bags
6. Enjoy!!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Being a Christian
As a mom, I really want to do the best I can do for my kids and be there for them as much as I can. I want to be a good wife and keep my house clean and laundry done. On the other hand, I have these callings that God has placed on my life plus not to mention that I have to help earn an income for our household. Because of my Celiac Disease, food allergies, and my families miscellaneous food issues, I cook three meals a day from scratch on most days. Does this sound familiar to your life with your own unique challenges? Some weeks, I admit, that I get stressed out with the pressure of everything that I have to do. I have experienced long periods of time where my attitude is way less than desired. When life gets this way, I have cried out to the Lord for help. I ask Him how I should juggle and what I should do. Should I quit my volunteer ministry work at the Women's Correctional Facility? Should I just let my house go and let it get dirty? I know that I can't quit my job and I won't quit my family. Where does that leave me?
Some time ago the Lord began to speak to my heart about the way He wants me to live my life. He began to give me an image of my life as a blank canvas. Because of my attitude at the time, I was seeing myself painting big black ugly streaks across the expanse before me. The next day, I would receive another white canvas cause I'd messed up the one from the day before; I would again grab for the ugly black marker and angrily scar up the sheet. This process repeated. One day, a few months ago, the Lord gave me a vision for what I could do instead. Everyday is new and fresh "with no mistakes in it" (a quote from "Anne of Green Gables"...by the way is an awesome movie). The Lord tells us in His word:
Lamentations 3:22-23--"The LORD'S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions (or mercies) never fail. They are new every morning ; Great is Your faithfulness."
Well, I gathered that the Lord wanted me to purpose newly everyday with this blank canvas to make it as beautiful as I could. Though being no artist, the best I envisioned was a canvas with streaks of bright and beautiful colors. With every opportunity that He gave me, I needed to make the most of those opportunities. This realization really stirred up joy in me and gave me a bounce to my step and I would do well and keep this mentality for several days....then something would happen and my attitude would crash again. The enemy is so good at realizing when we are making right choices. They do everything in their power to try and screw that up for us. Though, I must say too, that sometimes the enemy doesn't have to do anything at all and they just stand by and applaud as I do their willing all by myself. But God....(don't you love "But God" statements?) in His great mercy, would remind me and add a little bit too of what His desire was for me. I would repent and start over again. This cycle repeated itself for many months. Each cycle I would go a little longer with the right mindset and less time with the black marker. I had almost gained victory, I could feel myself inching closer.
A few weeks ago, my husband made a declaration for us as a family. There would be no more complaining....himself included. He had strongly sensed from the Lord that we had grown to be a family of complainers. He was convicted that we had become like the Israelites in the dessert. Their complaining had become synonymous with idolatry....ewww...when he spoke these truths to us....I knew he was right and I knew that this was what was holding me back from complete victory in this area of my life. I spent the whole next day grieved by my horrible complaining. I prayed all day, at my jobs and at home, asking for God to give me the supernatural ability to stop groaning and complaining. I knew that in and of myself I was incapable of stopping this behavior. All I knew to do was to take each moment a step at a time and trust that the Lord would give me the guidance and help I needed to have mini-victories.
Since then, I have discovered a freshness to my life. Although I get physically tired, I no longer seem to struggle with "all that I have to do". I still have my moments that I fail....I quickly repent and get back on track (isn't that what being a Christian is all about?). I gotta do what God has called me to do! I am learning to give myself to the Lord and to paint that canvas with beautiful colors at that moment; whether it be in selling a pizza to the pre-teen at school, to calm a crying child, to drive according to the limits of the law, to bake waffles and fix dinner for the 10,000th time or to listen to a woman who has lost everything for the third or fourth time. It is in this that "I can do all things through Him that strengthens me" (Phil. 4:13).
Some time ago the Lord began to speak to my heart about the way He wants me to live my life. He began to give me an image of my life as a blank canvas. Because of my attitude at the time, I was seeing myself painting big black ugly streaks across the expanse before me. The next day, I would receive another white canvas cause I'd messed up the one from the day before; I would again grab for the ugly black marker and angrily scar up the sheet. This process repeated. One day, a few months ago, the Lord gave me a vision for what I could do instead. Everyday is new and fresh "with no mistakes in it" (a quote from "Anne of Green Gables"...by the way is an awesome movie). The Lord tells us in His word:
Lamentations 3:22-23--"The LORD'S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions (or mercies) never fail. They are new every morning ; Great is Your faithfulness."
Well, I gathered that the Lord wanted me to purpose newly everyday with this blank canvas to make it as beautiful as I could. Though being no artist, the best I envisioned was a canvas with streaks of bright and beautiful colors. With every opportunity that He gave me, I needed to make the most of those opportunities. This realization really stirred up joy in me and gave me a bounce to my step and I would do well and keep this mentality for several days....then something would happen and my attitude would crash again. The enemy is so good at realizing when we are making right choices. They do everything in their power to try and screw that up for us. Though, I must say too, that sometimes the enemy doesn't have to do anything at all and they just stand by and applaud as I do their willing all by myself. But God....(don't you love "But God" statements?) in His great mercy, would remind me and add a little bit too of what His desire was for me. I would repent and start over again. This cycle repeated itself for many months. Each cycle I would go a little longer with the right mindset and less time with the black marker. I had almost gained victory, I could feel myself inching closer.
A few weeks ago, my husband made a declaration for us as a family. There would be no more complaining....himself included. He had strongly sensed from the Lord that we had grown to be a family of complainers. He was convicted that we had become like the Israelites in the dessert. Their complaining had become synonymous with idolatry....ewww...when he spoke these truths to us....I knew he was right and I knew that this was what was holding me back from complete victory in this area of my life. I spent the whole next day grieved by my horrible complaining. I prayed all day, at my jobs and at home, asking for God to give me the supernatural ability to stop groaning and complaining. I knew that in and of myself I was incapable of stopping this behavior. All I knew to do was to take each moment a step at a time and trust that the Lord would give me the guidance and help I needed to have mini-victories.
Since then, I have discovered a freshness to my life. Although I get physically tired, I no longer seem to struggle with "all that I have to do". I still have my moments that I fail....I quickly repent and get back on track (isn't that what being a Christian is all about?). I gotta do what God has called me to do! I am learning to give myself to the Lord and to paint that canvas with beautiful colors at that moment; whether it be in selling a pizza to the pre-teen at school, to calm a crying child, to drive according to the limits of the law, to bake waffles and fix dinner for the 10,000th time or to listen to a woman who has lost everything for the third or fourth time. It is in this that "I can do all things through Him that strengthens me" (Phil. 4:13).
Monday, April 4, 2011
Being a parent
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Being Married
Darren is a devoted dad and a doting husband. He is one of the kindest people I know and has always been an example of Christ-likeness to me. We met at at the Aspen Evangelism Project (Colorado) in 1987. He and I were very like minded in our Christian beliefs that summer and became fast friends and eventual life long partners. Our marriage hasn't been perfect and we have been through some trying times. I think that one small determination that we both made right after marriage was to never allow the word, "divorce" enter into our language or to entertain thoughts of divorce. When we married we married for life. Because of this I have never once been in fear that Darren will leave me or divorce me.
In the last 23 years of marriage I have learned that being married isn't about having that picture perfect relationship but rather about representing Christ in our marriage. Well, when you join two people together at a young age who have two sets of expectations, two sets of values, two sets of beliefs, two sets of whatever, you will have conflict and not necessarily a picture of Christ! The path towards a Christ centered marriage doesn't come from never having conflict but rather how that conflict is worked through. Christ is found in the process of being broken and contrite. Two acts which are not well approved of in the worlds eyes but two acts which will make a marriage not only work but look like Christ. Are we there yet? I can safely say that we are closer now then we were. I can also say that we have farther to go.
All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.
Heb 12:11
Monday, March 21, 2011
Gluten free is good!
Looking back to four and half years ago, I wonder how I fed my family gluten free without starving anyone...though my son may disagree with that statement. At the time I led a Ladies Bible Study in my home. Rather excitedly I would whip up something sweet (gluten free of course) for them to eat after study was over. What great sports they were as they partook of my new recipes. They were very gracious but it was rather clear that my food left quite a bit to be desired....lol. I liked it simply because it offered some hope to me that I would/could eat yummy food again. As time went on my taste buds became a bit more discriminating and those early recipes were long gone. I spent much time in the library reading through recipes and browsing through internet sites. I tested hundreds of recipes....some of those I still have and use, but most were dumped. I have learned that there are as many tastes as there are gluten free flours and combinations thereof. Personally, I find that the mixture of sorghum, brown rice flour, tapioca flour, and potato starch is the real winner for us. I really like quinoa for thickening sauces and soup. Cooked quinoa in salads is wonderful. Quinoa is, in my opinion, not great for baking with. This last Christmas I made Spritz cookies. I was going to stick with my normal mixture but instead of grabbing the sorghum, I grabbed the quinoa. I did not realize my mistake until my son said, 'Ewww! These have quinoa in them!" I tasted them again and did pick up on that very distinctive flavor...but I thought it was good. My guests (only the female ones) thought they were good too. Well, what I learned was that my son can pick up the flavor of quinoa in everything!
My latest experiment was with Beef Wellington. I have never eaten Beef Wellington but for some strange reason it was one of the first foods I mourned after my diagnosis....crazy, I know. A few months ago I finally hit upon a recipe for bread that could be molded into a shape, which is quite a find for gluten free bread. Most bread recipes are rather liquid before baking. So I was enthused. Now, I understand that true Beef Wellington is made with a pastry but I was going to stick with what I knew. I cut the roast into small loaf sizes and wrapped them with ham, pureed mushrooms and my dough. I baked them for 30 minutes at 350. They were pretty good. And, I must add, a big hit with my biggest critic, my son.
Monday, March 14, 2011
You just never know what wonderful things can come from stuff that happens in life. Esther was basically kidnapped by the King to see if she would make a fitting Queen. Ripped from her life with her cousin, who was much older and raising her, and set into a completely foreign scenario. Low and behold she did become Queen. This is where we see how God's power used her painful circumstances to save her entire race of people from complete destruction. An amazing story that can be found in the Bible...the book of Esther.
Four and half years ago I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease and a bit later learned that I was allergic to seven other foods... In a nutshell, I don't eat like a normal person. (If you would like to know more about Celiac Disease please visit www.celiac.com). Because of my diagnosis, God has taught me how to "think outside the box". I have a desire to share the things that God has taught me both spiritually and practically....and of course I want to learn from others so as to help others even more....what a great cycle that can be. Here is a peek at some of the things I want to touch on in my blog:
--Food!!...Gluten free of course
--Woman stuff
--What does the Bible say about...
--Kid stuff...I have 1 grown child, a 12 year old and a 5 year old + 8 other kids I helped raise through foster care
--Gardening....not much experience here but I am really excited!
--Emergency preparedness...Eph 4:28-29 He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need.
--and last but not least ...compassion! 2 Cor 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
Be blessed,
DeeDee
Four and half years ago I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease and a bit later learned that I was allergic to seven other foods... In a nutshell, I don't eat like a normal person. (If you would like to know more about Celiac Disease please visit www.celiac.com). Because of my diagnosis, God has taught me how to "think outside the box". I have a desire to share the things that God has taught me both spiritually and practically....and of course I want to learn from others so as to help others even more....what a great cycle that can be. Here is a peek at some of the things I want to touch on in my blog:
--Food!!...Gluten free of course
--Woman stuff
--What does the Bible say about...
--Kid stuff...I have 1 grown child, a 12 year old and a 5 year old + 8 other kids I helped raise through foster care
--Gardening....not much experience here but I am really excited!
--Emergency preparedness...Eph 4:28-29 He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need.
--and last but not least ...compassion! 2 Cor 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
Be blessed,
DeeDee
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