Archives for March 2012

Getting Cultured: Sour Cream/Creme Fraiche

March 29, 2012 By

Don’t miss a single exciting post in my Women’s Wellness Series - subscribe today! We’re talking about all aspects of women’s health. Follow my Women’s Wellness board on Pinterest for even more great articles and product recommendations.

Earlier this week, I mentioned how adding cultured foods to your diet helps reduce PMS symptoms. That’s not the only benefit of cultured foods - those cultures help keep a balance of good vs. bad bacteria in your gut, which affects the health of your entire body.

As I mentioned earlier this year, one of my new year’s goals was to learn how to make my own dairy products. Sour Cream and Creme Fraiche were on the list and I was eager to try them both.

I will admit, though: I have no idea what the difference is between them. Frankly? I think they are the same thing just in different languages and slightly different terminology. I have read countless definitions explaining both of them, and to me they sound the same, even when the definitions are trying to explain the differences between them. So if you can help me out here, please do!

Several sites I read actually said that creme fraiche is better for cooking than sour cream because sour cream will break down under direct heat, which confuses me because…. like I said, they sound like the same thing to me! I am thinking that store-bought sour cream will break down because of the additives in it, but that creme fraiche doesn’t have the same additives. I’m not 100% positive, though, because I’ve never bought creme fraiche or even looked at the ingredients.

But I can tell you this: sour cream/creme fraiche is easy to make. SO easy you will wonder why you ever bought it. And it is so delicious, too. I hadn’t bought sour cream in a couple years because it was just one more unnecessary thing on my grocery list, but since I’ve started making it, oh my! I’ve sort of become addicted to it, and find myself craving strawberries and {sour} cream. Yum yum!

Seriously. Do yourself a favor and stop buying those overpriced tubs of additive-filled sour cream, and try making it just once. You will be changed forever. I promise.

Some people use buttermilk to make their sour cream, and some people use yogurt. I think buttermilk is probably more traditional and authentic, but I tried both methods, and they both worked well. The yogurt-based sour cream was considerably thicker than the buttermilk-based sour cream, and didn’t have quite the same tangy flavor. But both were delicious and I would use either one (depending on the ingredients I had available) interchangeably. Just be sure that if you use buttermilk, that it’s cultured buttermilk. I’ve only ever seen cultured buttermilk in the stores, so I don’t know if un-cultured buttermilk is even available in stores. But if you make your own butter, you can’t use the resulting buttermilk to make sour cream, because it doesn’t have the necessary cultures.

Recipe: Homemade Sour Cream/Creme Fraiche

Ingredients

  • 1-2 TBSP cultured buttermilk
  • 1 cup cream

Instructions

  1. Place the buttermilk in the bottom of a small jar. Pour in the cream, and screw the lid on tight. Shake the jar, and set it in a warm place for 24-36 hours. It should thicken and develop a slightly tangy smell and taste. Refrigerate.

As I mentioned, one of my favorite things to do with this new delectable treat is strawberries and cream: I just mix a little raw honey with the cultured cream and dip strawberries in it (Hush! I know strawberries aren’t in season yet. Whatever. They’re cheap right now and I love ’em!). Delish!

You can use it as a topping for soups or casseroles, or you can use it in your baking and cooking. I made an amazingly delicious ranch dressing with it the other day… yummmm!

It’s not QUICK in the sense that it’s not ready instantly. You do have to let it culture for a couple days. But the hands on time is literally 30 seconds or less.

It is so EASY even a child could do it. Seriously, making a weekly supply of sour cream could be a child’s chore!

I haven’t compared the cost of sour cream vs cream and buttermilk, but since I regularly buy cream and never use it all before it goes bad, it’s definitely CHEAPer for me!

Most brands of sour cream have additives of one kind or another, so it’s definitely HEALTHY-er to make your own. Just buttermilk and cream!

Have you ever tried making your own sour cream? Or creme fraiche? Or whatever it is?

 

Sharing at Homestead Barn Hop, and…

9 Comments Filed Under: Basics, Home, Knowledge Tagged With: , ,

Savory Oven Pancake to Keep You Happy

March 28, 2012 By

Don’t miss a single exciting post in my Women’s Wellness Series - subscribe today! We’re talking about all aspects of women’s health. Follow my Women’s Wellness board on Pinterest for even more great articles and product recommendations.

So ladies, I’ve already reminded you of your need to eat your breakfast, and that a healthy, well-balanced diet can help reduce your PMS symptoms. Both things significantly affect your mood, and you know what they say about when Mama ain’t happy. Yeah. Ain’t nobody happy.

So let’s remember to eat breakfast and to eat well. I’ve got a great recipe for you that will help you out with both things. It’s a twist on a traditional breakfast recipe that makes it suitable for any meal, and it’s jam-packed with proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains. I will admit it’s low on the greens and veggies side of things, so strongly consider serving it with a leafy green salad or some sauteed greens (if you happen to enjoy eating those disgusting slimy things).

savory oven pancake

I’m sure you’ve heard of “oven pancakes“, also called Dutch pancakes. They’re usually just a little bit sweet, and served with syrup, jam, powdered sugar, or fried apples. There’s nothing wrong with a touch of sweetness on occasion; I just wanted to get creative and see if I could turn this traditional breakfast food into something different that would make it even more appropriate for dinner as well as breakfast.

savory pancake slice

Recipe: Savory Oven Pancake

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup butter
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 scant cup (4 oz) white whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 TBSP green onion
  • 1-2 slices bacon, crumbled
  • shaved parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Put the butter in a 12″ cast iron (or other oven safe) skillet. Set the oven to 425F degrees and place the pan in the oven.
  2. While the butter is melting, mix together the remaining ingredients in a large bow. When the butter is melted, remove the pan from the oven, and pour in the batter.
  3. Bake the oven pancake for 15-20 minutes or until the pancake is high and puffy and a golden brown color.
  4. Top with shaved parmesan before serving.

You can do a lot more with this recipe, of course: add some cheese, spinach or other greens, or other herbs and spices.

 

savory pancake bite

It’s a great QUICK dinner (or weekend breakfast or brunch), ready in half an hour or less.

It’s so EASY, too.

It’s a great CHEAP meal, too, cheaper than a meat-based meal at any rate.

As long as it’s accompanied by some fruits and veggies (greens like I recommended, especially), it makes a great HEALTHY meal.

What’s your favorite breakfast-for-dinner?

Sharing at Tastetastic Thursday, Katherine Martinelli, and…

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5 Habits that Ease PMS Symptoms

March 26, 2012 By

Don’t miss a single exciting post in my Women’s Wellness Series - subscribe today! We’re talking about all aspects of women’s health. Follow my Women’s Wellness board on Pinterest for even more great articles and product recommendations.

OK, so the boys can go away now because I have a funny story that involves girly stuff, and you definitely don’t want to read it. This is girlfriend-to-girlfriend talk here. So buh-bye, boys!

Ok. Are they gone? **peering into all the hiding places**

All righty, coast is clear (I hope.) Here we go…

Caution! P.M.S. Zone

I have a funny story to tell you girls. Recently, my DH and I had this conversation:

DH: “I think Aunt Flo is going to arrive either tomorrow or the next day.”

Me: “Nah. Too soon.”

Fast forward to the next day.

Me: “You were right.”

DH: *beams with pride*

Yes, I had to say those dreaded words: “you were right, and I was wrong.” You know how he knew? My mood! It was apparently a total give-away, having that PMS-y edge to it that (thankfully) appears only during certain times of the month.

So now I’m on a mission to see if I can reduce those tell-tale signs of Aunt Flo’s imminent visit by making a few changes. I’ve done a little research (not extensive, mind you! I’m not a scientist by any means) online and identified 5 different habits that should make a significant improvement in PMS symptoms. (Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor and this is not medical advice. Just friendly suggestions from a fellow sufferer.)

Just in case I’m not the only one with the problem (ahem), I’m sharing those 5 habits with you.

Drink Water

Bloating is always an issue for me, and I know it is for many other women as well. The solution is counter-intuitive: drink more water! This is something I really stink at, so I’m making a concerted effort recently to drink more than I usually do. I also don’t believe it’s essential to drink a specific amount every day; I believe my body will tell me when it’s thirsty, I just need to heed the signs.

Reduce Stress

Stress just deteriorates your health all together: it affects mind, body and spirit. Women are particularly prone to allowing life to stress them out, which is why I asked my friend Leigh Ann to contribute her amazing article about emotional and spiritual health to this series.

Stress is particularly bad for PMS symptoms, because it depletes the “feel-good” hormones (serotonin and dopamine) that help prevent PMS in the first place. So if you’re on an endless cycle of stress, you’re going to be on an endless cycle of PMS moodiness. Reducing stress is easier said than done, though, isn’t it?! Here are some ideas for restoring balance to your mood on a regular basis:

  • Pray and Meditate on Scripture
  • Be Grateful (Get specific! List in a journal specific people and things that you are grateful for.)
  • Sleep (8-10 hrs at night if you can)
  • Relaxation Exercises (deep breathing, Pilates, yoga, etc.)

Exercise

Get pro-active about reducing stress - exercising on a regular basis will help your body keep up production of those afore-mentioned “feel-good” hormones. Hate exercise? Don’t think you can squeeze it into your already jam-packed day? Check out my list of ideas for sneaking in exercise.

Probiotics

Controlling PMS is mostly about hormone regulation. Too much estrogen and not enough progesterone are a primary cause of the majority of PMS symptoms. This excellent article about PMS suggests that too little beneficial bacteria in the gut reduces the body’s ability to eliminate excess estrogen. The best way to solve this problem is to take probiotic supplements and eat a diet rich in probiotics.

Probiotics in the diet come cultured foods, like:

*Note: Cultures for Health is a great source for all kinds of starters to make your own cultured probiotic-rich foods at home. They always have a great sale going, so sign up for their emails to keep abreast of the good deals.

Eat Right

Of course, you know I would say that, right? What you put into your body directly affects how it behaves, so make sure you’re filling it with the good stuff. Naturally, not only will eating right help ease your PMS symptoms, it will improve your over-all health.

What does “eating right” really mean, anyway? Seems like everybody has a different idea of that these days. When it comes to PMS health, here are some basic guidelines.

Avoid or Reduce:

  • Caffeine
  • Sugar (in any form!)
  • Alcohol
  • Bad Fats (read this post about good fats you should eat)
Make Sure You Get Enough:
  • Protein
  • Healthy Fats (here’s that article again)
  • Complex Carbohydrates
  • Vegetables & Fruits
  • Leafy Greens
Read Nancy’s post for a great recipe that will kick-start your hormonal health.
So that’s it! Five ways you can reduce your PMS symptoms so your loved ones can stop walking around eggshells every four weeks.
Come back later this week for easy recipes that will help you eat right and effortlessly add more probiotics to your diet.
Do you get irritable at the start of your cycle? Any other symptoms you struggle with? How do you relieve them?

PS. If you’re a boy and you’re still reading… do you regret it yet?

This post contains affiliate links.

H2W Mommy Monday

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Menu Plan Monday: Inspired by my Bookmarks

March 25, 2012 By

menu plan monday

This month’s focus in “Eating Intentionally“* is on “Making Peace with Food“; or in my words, just enjoying it. Food is made for both our nourishment and enjoyment, and we often lose sight of that.

Are you enjoying your food? I’m still working on the aspect of recognizing and appreciating the healthy foods that I love, and not feeling “cheated” when I choose them over lesser things. Right now, I actually have almost no junk food in the house, making it pretty easy to gravitate towards the good stuff. And I do mean the good stuff. Apples, bananas, cantaloupe, cheese, yogurt, all the yumminess that’s good for me.

This week my recipes are inspired by my Bookmark folder, which has been neglected ever since Pinterest appeared over the horizon. I really have some great recipes there, though, and don’t want to forget them. Probably I should just add them to my Pinterest boards!

Breakfasts

Lunches

  • Leftovers
  • Freezer Stash of Non-Allergenic Foods (for Certain Little Someone)
  • Vegan Bean Burgers

Dinners

Snacks

  • Nuts, Raisins, Cranberries
  • Popcorn
  • Mudballs

In My Kitchen Today

*My concept of “Eating Intentionally”, and the 10 principles we are working through this year, come from the book “Intuitive Eating” by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch. I highly recommend it - I don’t agree with everything in it, but it is a great read for anybody who has ever been on a diet and/or is considering going on a diet.
This post contains affiliate links.

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Girl, Eat Your Breakfast!

March 22, 2012 By

Don’t miss a single exciting post in my Women’s Wellness Series - subscribe today! We’re talking about all aspects of women’s health. Follow my Women’s Wellness board on Pinterest for even more great articles and product recommendations.

I don’t know how many times I’ve heard people say, “I’m just not a big breakfast eater.”

Um, hello. Didn’t your mama ever tell you it’s the most important meal of the day? Not that you should skip any meals, but you definitely shouldn’t skip breakfast.

Do you really expect to be able to function on an acceptable level when your body hasn’t been fed since the night before? The reason (at least one reason) we eat is to provide energy and nutrition to our body. If you haven’t done that, your body’s just not going to work the way it’s supposed to. Your mind isn’t going to think straight, your body’s going to lack energy and be sluggish… and worst of all, you’re more than likely going to gain some weight.

Yep, it’s true. Studies have proven that women who skip breakfast gain weight.

I know, I know. It’s hard enough to wake up and get dressed and get the kids out the door in time for school, let alone fix a decent breakfast for everybody.

I’ve got ya covered. The answer to your dilemma is simple: smoothies! I don’t know anybody who doesn’t love a good smoothie (OK, well, except my DH, but he’s weird. Whatever.), and they are SO fast, SO delicious, and SO packed full of amazing goodness to nourish your body all morning long. (Because, you know, breakfast only lasts so long. You’re going to have to eat lunch, too!)

I’ve already posted 2 smoothies during the course of this Women’s Wellness series ( maybe it should have just been the smoothie series!): try the Shamrock Shake (mint gives it a delicious flavor and pretty green color), or Nancy’s Maca Mocha Smoothie.

A smoothie can be a well-rounded breakfast in a cup, complete with protein, fat and carbs to get you going and keep you going. And you can even put it in a to-go cup if you’re really in a hurry!

Choco-Cado smoothie

Ingredients

  • 1 banana
  • 1/2 avocado
  • 1/4 cup plain yogurt *
  • 1 cup whole milk *
  • 1 tsp raw honey
  • 1 tsp cocoa powder

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and pulse until smooth and thick. Top with whipped cream, if desired.

*Simply substitute non-dairy equivalents for a vegan and allergen-friendly version.


See how QUICK that was?

And so EASY, too - only one little line of instructions. I’m sure you can handle that even before your morning coffee!

It’s CHEAP enough, I guess. I estimate probably between $1 and $1.50 for this one, depending on how much you pay for the components. Not too shabby!

And wow, is it HEALTHY! You’ve got healthy fats and protein from the milk and yogurt, more healthy fat in the avocado, plenty of fiber between the banana and the avocado, plus antioxidants and vitamins to boot! Drink it up!

Hearth & Soul Hop realfoodallergyfree

24 Comments Filed Under: Beverages, On The Table Tagged With: , ,

Soak Up the Sun!

March 21, 2012 By

Don’t miss a single exciting post in my Women’s Wellness Series - subscribe today! We’re talking about all aspects of women’s health. Follow my Women’s Wellness board on Pinterest for even more great articles and product recommendations.

We women have been on quite the roller-coaster relationship with the sun, haven’t we? Way back when (I’m talking turn of the twentieth century), the well-bred woman was supposed to have a demure look, which was as pale as could be. Contrast that with the hard-working lower classes who spent a lot of time in the sun and sported a hearty tan. Fast forward a few decades, and it became popular to get as dark as possible, so women learned all kinds of tricks to attract the sun’s rays to their skin, and spent hours burning in the sun. Then we realized how terrible that was for us when the incidence of skin cancer started to rise, so we went to the opposite extreme and started wearing sunscreen every time we stepped out the door.

Like most things in life, I think the true answer lies somewhere in the middle between either extreme. Too much sun is bad for you. So is too little.

Case in point: the current “epidemic” of Vitamin D deficiency. I don’t think it’s any coincidence that the occurrence of vitamin D deficiency increased along with the increased use of sunscreens and higher SPFs. What does vitamin D have to do with the sun and sunscreen?

Everything.

Our main source of vitamin D is from the sun! The above referenced article states that 50-90% of usable vitamin D comes from exposure to the sun, and the remaining amount is procured from the diet. (Very few foods have any amount of vitamin D at all, and those that do, don’t have a lot of it.)

Sun and clouds 3

Why is vitamin D so important? It seems like every new scientific study reveals a new purpose that vitamin D fills in the body, preventing all kinds of diseases and conditions. Many of these are of particular interest to women. For example:

  • Vitamin D helps the body make use of calcium, which strengthens the bones and helps prevent breaks and falls.
  • It reduces the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis in women.
  • It has been linked to maintaining a healthy body weight.
  • People with higher levels of vitamin D have a lower risk of developing cancer (including breast cancer).
There are a lot more benefits to having sufficient vitamin D, but those are the ones that concern women in particular.
Let’s put these two thoughts together, then: we need vitamin D for good health, and our main source of vitamin D is from the sun. One might conclude from those two facts alone that the answer is to go sit outside all day in the sun and soak up as much vitamin D as you can!
Unfortunately, it’s not quite that simple. First of all, as far as I can understand, any excess vitamin D garnered after 15-20 minutes in the sun is degraded. Furthermore, too much exposure to the sun has definitely been linked to an increase in skin cancers. The sun is powerful and shouldn’t be underestimated!
So what’s the conclusion? This:
Enjoy 15-20 minutes in the sun several times a week, making sure to expose as much of your face, arms, and hands as you can. After that, go back inside or cover your skin with clothing and wear a hat.
One article I read suggested that the UV index of 3 or higher was optimal for the highest levels of vitamin D. Weather.com usually indicates the UV index in each day’s forecast.
Personally, if I’m going outside before or after the sun is at its peak (before 11 or after 3), I don’t worry about any exposure I may get. But if I go outside when the sun is really strong and hot, I try to stay in the shade or cover up somehow to limit my exposure.
For more information, read:
Vitamin D across the lifecycle
What is your own personal relationship with the sun? Love? Hate?

 

9 Comments Filed Under: At Home, Health Tagged With: ,

Clean Your Oven Safely and Naturally

March 20, 2012 By

Oven After When you cook a lot… you clean a lot. It’s one of those unfortunate facts of life.

And speaking of life… you certainly don’t want to endanger it simply by doing housework. At least I don’t. If I want to endanger my life, I’d prefer it to be under heroic or brave circumstances. And getting the grease off my oven does not count as either brave or heroic.

So I’ve learned how to clean my oven without endangering my life, saving up all my heroism and bravery for a day when I might really need it. Read about how to clean your oven safely and naturally over at Homemaker’s Challenge today!


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Maca Mocha Smoothie

March 19, 2012 By

Regular guest contributor Nancy, from Real Food Allergy Free, brings us today’s post,

with a delicious-looking smoothie recipe… plus information about how maca increases a women’s wellness!

Maca is a tuber root (similar to potato) grown high in the mountains of Peru. Though it’s been used medicinally in Peru for thousands of years, it’s just recently gaining popularity in the US. Since its Women’s Wellness Month here at Quick and Easy, Cheap and Healthy, we will focus on how maca root benefits women.

Maca root is a super-food that is packed full of nutritious goodness. It’s loaded with over 60 micronutrients, 18 amino acids and 20 fatty acids. Maca is 40% potassium, 10% calcium and contains vitamins A, B, C, D, E, B12, B1, 2, 3, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, silica and zinc.

It is believed that maca is most beneficial because of its effect on the endocrine system. Maca is an endocrine modulator and the

endocrine system includes all of the body’s glands and the hormones they secrete. Hormones regulate many, many things including tissue function, mood, growth and sexual development.

Here are some of the ways maca can help women:

  • Sometimes called Peruvian ginseng, maca increases energy and provides mental clarity.
  • Maca helps to regulates hormones which can alleviate PMS and perimenopause symptoms.
  • Leveled hormones lead to less mood swings and better emotional health.
  • Also called nature’s Viagara, maca is known as an aphrodisiac, increasing libido.

Maca has a very strong smell and taste. It is somewhat malt like, so I find a chocolate based smoothie is the best way to get it down. This Maca Mocha Smoothie is my favorite.

Maca Malt

Maca Mocha Smoothie

Ingredients:

  • 1 Banana, frozen
  • 2 tsp Cocoa Powder
  • 3 tsp Maca Root Powder (buy it here)
  • ¾ cup Vanilla Coconut Milk Beverage or Dairy Milk

 

Directions:

  1. Add all ingredients to blender and blend until smooth. Add sweetener if necessary.

*********************************

Nancy is a God fearing, family loving, and homeschooling mom to four. You can find her at www.RealFoodAllergyFree.com where she shares her family’s favorite recipes and money saving deals for foods that are free of the top 8 common food allergens (egg, dairy, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, peanut, tree nut).

Hearth & Soul Hop

6 Comments Filed Under: At Home, Beverages, Health, On The Table Tagged With: , , ,

Menu Plan Monday: Inspired by the Binder

March 19, 2012 By

menu plan monday

This month’s focus in “Eating Intentionally“* is on “Making Peace with Food“; or in my words, just enjoying it. Food is made for both our nourishment and enjoyment, and we often lose sight of that.

So have you made peace with food? Or is it still your enemy? Thinking of food as my ally and not my enemy takes a little concentration - not that I have any problem eating the junky stuff I love (like Lindt truffles… yum!), but I find myself not choosing the food I really do like (fruits and vegetables, for example, or salads) because it seems like I’m depriving myself of really yummy stuff. Which isn’t true at all, of course! I actually do love a yummy salad; it’s not like I endure eating them. And I love crunchy apples, too! So why do I feel like choosing to eat a crunchy apple over chocolate or chips is a deprivation? I’m working on focusing on the enjoyment I find from whole, healthy foods. Not that I never choose to eat the junky stuff that I love; just that I’m focusing on the pleasure to be found in the really good food.

My inspiration for this week’s menu comes from my binder full of recipe clippings from magazines and newspapers. I don’t go through it often enough, and it’s always fun to find those recipes that caught my eye and actually make them. Where did your recipe inspiration come from?

Breakfasts

  • Overnight Oatmeal
  • Granola
  • Muffins
  • Chocolate Banana Smoothies

Lunches

  • Leftovers
  • Freezer Stash of Non-Allergenic Foods (for Certain Little Someone)
  • Slow Cooker Tuscan Beans

Dinners

  • Harvest Pork Roast & Vegetables (in the crock pot), Fried Rice, Sliced Melon
  • Lemony Herb Pasta (w/ leftover pork), Fruit
  • Scrambled Egg & Cheese Melts, Bananas
  • Tuna Salmon & Couscous Salad, Fruit
  • New Potatoes with yogurt Mustard Filling, Chunky Apple Delight

Snacks

In My Kitchen Today

  • Slow Cooker Tuscan Beans
  • Coconut Milk
  • Coconut Milk Yogurt
  • Cook squash
*My concept of “Eating Intentionally”, and the 10 principles we are working through this year, come from the book “Intuitive Eating” by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch. I highly recommend it - I don’t agree with everything in it, but it is a great read for anybody who has ever been on a diet and/or is considering going on a diet.
This post contains affiliate links.

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Finding Emotional & Spiritual Health amid the Chaos {Guest Post}

March 16, 2012 By

Don’t miss a single exciting post in my Women’s Wellness Series - subscribe today! We’re talking about all aspects of women’s health, plus I’ve got a great giveaway and some guest posts lined up for you! Follow my Women’s Wellness board on Pinterest for even more great articles and product recommendations.

One cannot speak of wellness without consider emotional and spiritual health. After all, we are not just a body - we are a spirit and a soul, too! And the three work together, inseparable. I am so honored that Leigh Ann of Intentional By Grace is sharing with us about spiritual and emotional wellness today. You will definitely enjoy her post!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The beds lay unmade for the fifth day in a row. Laundry piles atop the kitchen table waiting to be folded. Men’s work shirts call from the corner chair begging to be ironed. The work sits by the computer waiting to be finished. The checkbook lies open on the counter with the rent check still in place. It should have been mailed yesterday. A lot of things should have been finished yesterday, and yet today is almost gone.

Sometimes, things are just hard.
Sometimes, everything around me just feels out of place and chaotic.
Sometimes, I just wish I could crawl into a closet, plug my ears, and sing Jesus Loves Me until the cows come home.

Hide and Seek 112/365

Recently, the hard days have far outweighed the easy days. The days filled with tears take first place in my mind while the days filled with laughter feel like a distant memory.

Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. Psalm 30:5b

In my own strength, I am failing. In my own strength, I fail to believe God’s promises, and I fail to rest beneath His wings.

Sure, I am in His eternal rest, Heaven, because of the blood of Christ, but I am not able to experience His earthly, spiritual rest that He has offered me because I’m working out of my own strength.

For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10


Canaan was the earthly rest that was offered to the people of God in the Old Testament. Unfortunately, an entire generation did not get to experience it because they hardened their hearts, even after going through Egypt, the Red Sea, and Sinai! They rebelled against God. They tested God. They failed to believe Him, and as a result, they perished in the wilderness and were prohibited from entering God’s rest.

What’s sadder than this Old Testament story is how many of us come right up to the edge of entering into freedom and fullness and fruitfulness in Christ, and then our hearts are hardened. We look at giants. We look at our circumstances. We quiver in fear, and we say, “We’re not going forward. We’re not believing God.”

Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. Hebrews 3:12

As a wife and a mom, I have found the days are hard sometimes, and more often than not, I fail to believe that God is capable of providing me with the much needed rest that I long for. But, I must put off unbelief. Instead, I need the shield of faith, faith that holds firm to Jesus Christ all the way to the finish line. I cannot accomplish my goals on my own accord, with my own plans, with my own ideas of success. I must instead say that Jesus Christ is enough. My greatest need has been met, and because of this, God has promised me a present rest, a life of freedom and fullness and fruitfulness in Christ.

The life of rest is a life of faith, faith in Christ and Christ alone. We will not experience rest here in this life - the peace, the abundance, the freedom, the fullness, the fruitfulness –as long as we are striving in our own effort to be who God wants us to be. It has to be Him at work in us for us to experience peace that surpasses all understanding.

So I must ask you. Are you resting in the peace that God has offered you today, or are you striving to accomplish all of your work in your own strength? My friends, Christ longs to carry the burden for you. It’s hard enough being you without carrying that which was never meant for you to carry.

For who is God, but the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God? Psalm 18:30

Leigh Ann’s life goal is to create a home where it is impossible to not think about God. At Intentional By Grace, she blogs about her journey of intentional living in order to make this goal a reality.

She is the wife of three years to the man of her prayers, Mark, and mama to a loveable little boy, Samuel. She takes joy in spending her days creating memorable moments with her husband, conducting kitchen experiments, researching every natural alternative known to man, and making her little boy laugh. She does it all by the grace of God.

You can follow her on twitter @n10tionalgrace or by liking Intentional By Grace on Facebook

 

 

 

 

 

 

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