Trust

My words are few and far between. I rarely get to the point. Lets just say that writing really isn't my favorite thing in the world. But I come here today to encourage everyone to follow what God's plan is for your life.

About my 9th grade year I started thinking about colleges, majors, and future careers. I had (semi)decided that I wanted to do something in the nutrition field. This decision only made sense because my favorite things to read were nutrition books, I loved to cook, and I wanted to help others become healthy. You could say that I was created (by an omniscient God) this way. When I was little, my mom would call me the "water police" because I wanted to make sure that she was drinking enough during her 4th pregnancy. As I got older, I would tell other kids that they were going to get sick drinking sodas on hot days and would suggest water.

God designed me this way. I eventually picked a college and began classes last fall. After a week of school, I helped with a Chrysalis weekend on the kitchen team. Yet while I was serving the girls, I asked God why I was really there. Yes, I had a very selfish moment. I wanted to go home, or go back to school or something else for the rest of the weekend. Then God reminded me of His plan. The kitchen leader put me in charge of the special diets (gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.) because no one else knew what to do. I had regained my purpose and finished off the weekend with joy.

As the weeks went on I began struggling with Chemistry and it was looking bleak, or at least it seemed that way. I had yet again lost sight of my purpose. And again God said that this was just a little road bump in my path. I have since finished Chem 1 and 2. I haven't finished my schooling, and I am far from done but I am telling part of my story to show others that we all have our own struggles.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Persevering must finish its work that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."  James 1:2-4

James isn't telling us that we might face some troubles. He is saying that we will face troubles; it is just part of the most perfect plan: God's plan.  God wants to see us grow, develop, and blossom into His children.

Enough rambling. Trust God and persevere!

 

Fly with Christ!
Rachel : )

School just won't close...

We've all had those days. Rainy-snowy-sleety-cold-general yuckyness. Today is one of those days. Well, really this whole month, apart from a few sunny days. And we still have to trudge all over campus in this horrid weather. Yes, all doom and gloom.


But there is a bright side! : )  It is Wednesday afternoon. The week is more than half-way over. I am not sick. I don't have any papers or tests for the rest of the week. On top of that, it is almost Valentines Day! I love Valentines Day mainly because of CHOCOLATE! ; ) 


Girls, even if you don't have a date for V-Day, don't fret. You aren't the only one! {Just take me for an example} You don't have to sit around feeling sorry for yourself. Go and have some fun! Hang with your family, sing, dance, read a book, bake, eat CHOCOLATE... The possibilities are just about endless. You don't have to feel sorry for yourself because you don't have a boyfriend. Above all else, Jesus Christ loves you!


"So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know that this love surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."  Ephesians 3:17-19


Fly with Christ!
Rachel : )

Starting Your Day

Not everyone gets up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed in the mornings. Not everyone is a "morning" person. I get that, I really do! Although I am a morning person, I live with people who aren't. {like my sister} Not everyone can roll out of bed with a smile on their face and be ready to face the day. But there a few things that may help start your days better.

1. Have a quiet time with God. If you start your day talking with Him, it could help put your thoughts in the right frame of mind. Along with your Bible, The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren is a good book to read, but their are countless others.
2. Exercise! 30 minutes of exercise a day can get your blood pumping and your brain working better. {Speaking from personal experience here}
3. And lastly, eat a good breakfast. The say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Your breakfast should not be too heavy because you are trying to "break a fast" after having not eaten for over 8 hours. But it shouldn't be too light, or else your brain won't have enough energy to start the day.

A good breakfast, like other meals, should consist of many food groups, not just one:
Fruit ~ Fresh fruit has a lot of natural sugars that are needed to help start your day. You can eat them whole, in smoothies, and juiced in a juicer.
Vegetable ~ Veggies can be for breakfast, too! You can eat them raw, or put them in something like a frittata. They can also be juiced.
Meat ~ Bacon and sausage aren't the only sources of animal protein that you can eat for breakfast. Turkey meats are much leaner and healthier than pork. Eggs are also a good option for breakfast. They can be prepared in many healthy ways. Some of my favorite are boiled, poached, and scrambled.
Grains ~ This is probably the most common breakfast item of the modern world. With many types of cereals, hot and cold, and baked goods, it easy to overload on this group in the morning, but they are a good addition to breakfast. REAL grits, oats, rice, and wheat are good choices.
Dairy ~ Dairy can be eaten for breakfast. Milk in your cereal and cheese in your grits (my favorite!) are good for breakfast.

Poached eggs on a bed of cheese grits

Waldorf Salad

Fresh orange juice

Fresh strawberries

Fly with Christ!
Rachel : )

Fish in a Pouch

First spring was here...then it wasn't...then it was...then it wasn't... Now the temperature is 84 degrees with air so thick you can almost swim in it! Oh, yeah! And the pollen is piling up on everyone and everything.

Enough about the weather. On to today's post...

Today I have decided to bring a new recipe along with some tips about healthy eating. Since spring is now here, officially, I have jumped back on the health bandwagon. Healthy eating doesn't have to be difficult or bland. Just follow a few tips and you'll be fine! (These are just a few guidelines that I try to follow)

• Eat whole foods. Think of the foods that God intended for us to eat! This would include any minimally processed fruits, vegetables, meats, and whole grains. Like eating baked chicken instead of a frozen chicken casserole, or sliced strawberries instead of strawberry jam.
• Eat lean meats. This would include chicken, turkey, fish, and some beef. Avoid pork if possible. It is not the healthiest meat, and it is usually processed with a lot of salt like bacon. And only eat beef if you can find lean, organic, and healthy meat. We are fortunate to get our beef from my uncle's farm. This stuff is the real deal!
• Try and eat at least 1 to 2 servings of vegetables at mealtimes. This will reduce the need for more meat. Try to make your plate colorful! Hamburgers, french fries, and sodas are all one color: BROWN.
• Eat locally as much as possible. If you live in the middle of Oklahoma, then you probably won't be able to find local Atlantic salmon. Just by what you can locally. Local foods can be healthier because they are picked when they are ripe, and don't have to travel thousands of miles to get to the dinner table. Eating locally also benefits you local economy.
• Watch your portions! Visualize the proper serving size. Meat should be about the size of a deck of cards. Vegetables and fruits should be about the size of a tennis ball. 

Now to demonstrate some of the tips above, I will give you a new recipe to try. This recipe came from a children's cookbook by Emril Lagasse. I love recipes from children's cookbooks because they are so simple, easy, and tasty! This recipe is called "Fish in a Pouch."

Ingredients:
1 stick of butter, softened (although 1/2 of a stick is plenty)
2 t Worcestershire sauce
1 T chopped fresh parsley
1 t minced garlic (about 1 large clove)
1/8 t salt
1/8 t white pepper
4 fish fillets such as flounder, sole, cod, scrod, or whitefish (we used salmon)
2 t Baby Bam (or other seasoning mix)

 Mix the butter with the next 5 ingredients. 

 Sprinkle about 1/2 t of the Baby Bam onto each fillet.

Smear the butter mixture over each fillet.

 Seal the fish pieces and bake at 375 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes.

And voila! Wonderful, healthy fish that looks great and tastes awesome!

We served this up on a bed of brown rice with green beans on the side. Yummy and colorful! Enjoy eating healthy and feeling great!  : )

Fly with Christ!
Rachel : )

Pi(e) Day

Happy March, y'all!

Today was so beautiful and warm! I sat outside in the sunshine for over half an hour getting my vitamin D! Enough about today, though...

Yesterday (March 14th) was Pi(e) Day. Get it? Pi = 3.14. (I am such a homeschooler!) So Mom and I made a caramel pie for my dad (his favorite). I can't share the recipe for the pie, but I can share the pie crust recipe with y'all.

Easy Pie Crust Recipe:
1 1/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 cup shortening
1 tsp Karo, optional
 3 to 4 tsp cold water

Stir the flour and salt together.

Mix in the shortening until it looks like little pebbles.

The key to good pie crust is COLD water.

Add 3 to 4 tbsp of cold water to the flour mixture until it forms a ball. Try not to knead or overwork the dough. Roll to 1/4 in.

Place in the pie pan and trim. If you aren't going to use it right away, place it in the fridge to keep it cold.

Fly with Christ!
Rachel : )

How to Attach a Zipper

O.K. y'all! I didn't explain how I attach a zipper in my skirt tutorial, hence the reason for this post. So here goes!
WARNING: These instructions were created by a self taught seamstress. They are not perfect by any means.

Supplies: Zipper (in correct size), pins, contrasting thread, and an item longing to have a zipper. : )

Pin your zipper into place. This may take a few tries, but an even zipper is worth it. I like to line up my material to the edge of the zipper.

Baste the zipper into place by stitching where the pins were with a straight seem. THIS DOES NOT NEED TO BE PERFECT! The stitches don't need to be too small or they will be hard to pull out later. They also don't need to be too big or your zipper will slide around.

If you have a zipper presser foot, attach it to your machine now.

Start at the top of the zipper, it is best to have it unzipped, backstitch, and continue on down the edge.

When you get to the bottom, lower the needle into the material, lift up the presser foot, and make a 90 degree turn, keeping the zipper to the right of the presser foot. Lower the presser foot and stitch along the bottom of the zipper.

Again, lower the needle, raise the presser foot and make another 90 degree angle. Stitch along the edge until the end, backstitch and trim the strings.

Now we need to remove the basting thread.

Simply pull the basting thread out.

This is what it should look like.

And then you're done! Don't forget to iron it when you are done. Just remember to take your time and practice makes perfect!

Fly with Christ!
Rachel : )

Exercise Second and Third

Exercise Second

is for gaining agility, suppleness, quickness of eye, hand, and foot. Standing as far from the wall as possible, take a common rubber hand-ball and toss it against the wall, catching it as it rebounds, and again toss it against the wall. Vary this by allowing the ball to strike the floor, catching it on the rebound; then try keeping the ball in constant motion by first using one hand and then the other as a bat for returning the ball to the wall. This exercise can also be changed by striking the ball against the floor, and on its return bound again striking it,thus keeping it in motion. You will find that activity is necessary, and the work so quick that it will keep you on the jump all through the exercises.

Exercise Third

is with a broom-handle. Saw or cut off the broom and smooth down the sharp ends of the handle, and it will be ready for use. Stand erect, heels together, toes out, chin well back and straight, so as to throw out and expand the chest. Now grasp firmly each end of the broom stick and bring it up over the head;repeat this motion six or seven times; then change by carrying the broomstick over back of the head down across the back of the shoulders; then up above the head again, repeating this, and all other motions in your calisthenics, half a dozen times. Another exercise is holding the stick down in front of you with both hands and bringing it up over the head and down back of the shoulders without stopping.

The side motion is made by grasping the broomstick at each end, holding it down in front of you, and swinging it sideways thus bringing the right hand up when the left hand is down, and vice versa. Another way is to hold the stick by both ends above your head and swing it from one side to the other, which will cause the right arm to come in contact with the right side of the head, while the left arm is extended horizontally to the left. Next carry the stick back of and against the shoulders; then swing it from right to left, which gives another side movement. Vary all the movements in as many different ways as you can think of.

Fly with Christ!

Rachel  : )

Home Gymnasium

This was taken from The American Girls Handy Book (1887), Chapter XXXII. This post includes the introduction of this chapter plus the first exercise. I will also post the other nine exercise.

"Everyone must exercise to keep healthy and strong, for life is motion and activity. It is natural to be well and healthy, and to keep so we must exercise all our muscles, as well as our moral and intellectual faculties, or they will dwindle and wither. The arm of the Hindoo devotee, not being used, at length becomes completely paralyzed, and the fish in the Mammoth Cave having no use for eyes pass their life without them; so we find that use is the foundation of all things, otherwise they would cease to exist; then, girls, it lies within your power to become stronger and more graceful each day by regular and graduated bodily exercise, which will bring life and energy to every part of the system by causing the blood to circulate freely through all the body.

There are some simple methods of carrying this into effect in the most agreeable and salutary manner, but the exercises must be very light at first, and as you advance they must be increased a little each time, but always stop before you feel fatigued, for when the calisthenics cease to give pleasure it is doubtful if they are beneficial.

The best time for exercising is in the morning after having partaken of some light refreshments, though any time will do except directly after hearty meals. Try and have a regular time set apart each day for your physical culture. Commence by exercising five or ten minutes, then for a little longer period next time, and so on until you can exercise with ease for half an hour or longer. You will feel refreshed, invigorated, and better prepared for the duties and pleasures which await you. Your clothing must not in commode the free action of the body, and it is essential that it be comfortable. What is suitable for lawn tennis is also well adapted for the gymnasium.An ordinary bathing-dress answers the purpose very well, as it is made for exercise.

The Egyptian water-carrier, with the jug of water poised so prettily on her head, and her figure so straight and beautiful, has always challenged admiration; her carriage is dignified, erect, and graceful, something worth striving for, especially when we have the certainty of success if we will only be faithful and preserving. The peasantry of foreign countries who carry all their burdens balanced on their heads have have their reward in healthy, strong, and straight figures, even in old age they do not stoop. Witness the emigrants landing at Castle Garden who carry their possessions done up in huge bundles on their heads with the utmost ease; of this class, three generations-a grandmother, mother, and grown daughter-with baggage of the same weight on their heads, were lately seen at a New York ferry, each equally upright, strong, and vigorous.

A good straight back is an excellent thing; and when the head is properly carried and all the movements are buoyant and elastic, then we may walk as it was intended we should, every step bringing a glow to the cheek and a sparkle to the eye. It requires only a few minutes' regular daily exercise for any girl to attain a carriage equal to that of the Egyptian water-carrier, and the only apparatus needed for

Exercise First

is a roll of paper. Now stand with your heels together, toes out, and shoulders well back; then place on your head the roll of paper; if your position is not perfectly erect the roll will fall off; keep your chin straight and back against your neck, for it is the chin which determines the poise of the body. You cannot stand straight unless your chin is straight; Throw out your chin and your chin will stoop forward, have your chin straight and your back will be straight; bear this in mind in all your exercises. Now walk, keeping the roll balanced on your head. Practice this walking back and forth until you can do so without the paper rolling off; then try a tin cup full to the brim with water. Walk erect or the water will wash over, down on your head, and it will feel cold as it trickles through your hair; soon, however, you will be able to carry the cup of water with ease and no danger of spilling. But do not discontinue the practice on that account; try something else in its place, until you are able to carry anything you wish on your head with no fear of it falling. The exercise affords amusement, and at the same time you will be acquiring a beautiful, dignified, and graceful carriage."

Fly with Christ!

Rachel : )

Healthy Food Tip

Welcome to my blog!

My name is Rachel and I want to share a tip for healthy eating with you. :)

      Have you tried to eat healthy, but found it difficult to find tasty meals.  Start with the fruits and vegetables that you like. Simple right? You can search the internet for "healthy recipes" and find weird ingredients like goji berries or beef livers, but ingredients like these may not be available or within your budget. So start simple and eat the foods that you like.

       Lets say you like squash. You can always slice them up, put them in a pot with onions and a little butter, cover them with water, boil until tender, and serve as a side dish. Or you can bake them in a squash casserole, put them in a soup, brush with olive oil and grill, or saute with other veggies and serve with rice.

      Or if you like tomatoes, you can put them on just about everything. You can put them on salads, sandwiches, and wraps. Make them into soups, stews, and sauces, like spaghetti sauce. You can even dice them up to put on tacos and homemade pizza.

 

      You may even like blueberries. I love putting blueberries in a smoothie for breakfast. Just take frozen blueberries, frozen bananas, frozen strawberries, and milk (I use rice milk, but you can use almond or cows milk). You can also put in protein powder, kale, spinach, peaches, mangoes, or any other in-season fruit.

So as you can see, eating healthy doesn't have to be difficult. Take the foods that you like. Start simple and enjoy the foods that you eat.

God bless!

Rachel :)