Nourishment For Your Soul

"Take...the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

Ephesians 6:17

"We all know what it is to be at the end of everything, in deadly fear of defeat in the secret place of the soul. We know, too, what it is to have some word illumined, made vital, made spirit and life to us. As I read that note I saw it thus: Our Father is beside us, and turns over the pages as a father might for his child. He knows our inward need. He knows where to find the word that perfectly fits that need. As we read, He will direct us (whatever the reading be, in our daily sequence or otherwise), and taking some word in His hands will give it to us. Then if we receive it, holding out our hands for it with longing, it will turn to a sword--'the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God'--and suddenly we shall know that we have 'power...over all the power of the enemy', Luke 10:10.

He gives and we receive. And once the sword is in our hands, let us hold it fast. 'Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life', Proverbs 4:13."

Carmichael, Amy. Edges of His Ways. Fort Washington, Pennsylvania: CLC Publications. 1955. Print. 

Click HERE  for a copy of this amazing book. 

Holding out my hands,

L.

Mad About Muesli

One of the benefits of waking up at 5:30 each morning is eating not one but two breakfasts. I'm always looking for new ideas for healthy and simple morning meals. As one who can't eat eggs, dairy and soy, options narrow quickly. 

My taste buds peaked at the thought of a "European" breakfast I could actually eat.

Enter muesli.

This oatmeal-look-a-like was the creation of Maximillan Bircher-Benner, a Swiss physician. Around 1900, he came up with this dietary delight for his patients as an essential part of their treatment and recovery. The options are endless and this breakfast tastes far better than those over-sugared and over-priced packets in the box. 

Muesli

1 cup regular oats

1/2 cup quinoa flakes*

1/2 heaping cup of dried fruit**

1/2 heaping cup of nuts/seeds***

*feel free to use other grains such as barley and rye if gluten is not an issue.

**apricots, cranberries, blueberries, currants, raisins and the like.

***walnuts, pecans, almonds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds.

Mix and store in a really cool jar like mine in the refrigerator. 

 

Topping ideas: sea salt, cinnamon, maple syrup, non-dairy milk, chia seeds, flax meal, hemp seeds, fresh banana slices, and anything else your heart desires.

Serving options:

1. Measure 1/2 cup of muesli with 1/2 cup of liquid such as apple juice, non-dairy milk, watered-down yogurt, etc. Let it sit for 15 minutes. Add toppings and eat up! You can also do this the night before and let it sit in the refrigerator all night, a traditional method.
2. Measure 1/2 cup of muesli with 1/2 cup of liquid mentioned above and heat over medium to low heat for about 4 minutes.
3. Measure 1/2 cup of muesli with 1/2 cup of liquid and microwave for about 1.5 minutes. 

Let me know if you have any favorite muesli topping or ingredient ideas I didn't mention.

Like it? Double the recipe. Love it? Triple it. 

Thanks for reading,

L.

The Day I Met My Daughter

When my plane landed in Guangdong, China you could say I freaked out. 

What if something goes wrong? What if she doesn't like me? What idiot goes to China by herself? What if I'm not really in China? What if they give me the wrong child? 

These are all questions any self-respecting, adoptive mother would ask.

It was February 7, 2004 and I hadn't slept much in 48 hours. The flight felt like 172 hours. No problem, I can handle this. Or no? I started crying and could not stop. I didn't realize I was crying until I wondered why my face was all wet when I wasn't in the shower. It wasn't a gentle sobbing sort of cry, rather an uncontrollable river-like flow.

Crying and walking off the plane, it wasn't long until Kathy approached and asked if I was Leslie. Being the only Caucasian with a wet face surely gave me away. Kathy would help me bring my daughter home and help with all of the procedures, paperwork, rituals, transportation and translation. God bless Kathy.

Of all the thoughts swirling around in my mind at warped speeds, the overwhelming reality struck that God was making my dream come true after 29 years. Perhaps this revealed the real reason behind my tears. 

With no time to lose, we headed to my hotel to unpack and gather all of my paperwork. From there, we departed for the Chinese government office about two and a half hours away. This was really happening.  

Upon entering the building, official looking people escorted Kathy and I to an empty room with only a desk and a few chairs. Kathy instructed me to wait and not ten minutes later, she returned and announced, "She's here".

I thought I was going to throw up. 

Not sure how normal that is, but that's what I felt. Add to this a racing heart and sweat everywhere. And then it all halted the second beautiful Olivia toddled through the door.

Her almost three year old gaze fixed on mine. Her look, which I will never forget, said to me, 

"Is it really you?"

Olivia had the small photo album I mailed her five months earlier tucked securely under her arm. It was tattered and dirty. The nanny from the orphanage spoke in her native tongue and Kathy translated, "She carries it around with her everywhere. She looks at it all day. She shows everyone her new family."  

My first word to my daughter was, "Hi". Now at this point every single person asks me if I bawled. It would probably make a better story if I did. But this was our story and, alas, I did not. I smiled, holy gravy, did I smile. Besides, my tear reservoir was all dried up from the previous episode which I now believe was a very good thing. 

What transpired next is a bit of a blur. Paperwork, lots of Mandarin, more paperwork. I gave Olivia a doll and she looked at it and threw it and more paperwork. Olivia started crying, more Mandarin, and then the nanny said, "Mama" and placed her into my arms. 

Screaming so loud she could have set a world record, (honestly, you probably heard her), Olivia grabbed the photo album from beneath her arm and began to repeatedly smack me on top of the head with it. I thought it was precious as only a mother could. She screamed another three hours straight while I reassured her over and over, "Just let it out baby" until it ceased. She was done. And she didn't cry again for rest of our two week stay in China. 

Back at the hotel she found a banana and proceeded to eat it whole. Oops! So much to learn. After the banana, and eating some noodles (her favorite food to this day) she passed out on the bed. I tried to take at least one of her four layers of clothes off as she was burning up, (quite typical of how they dress children there), but she wouldn't have it. The orphanage informed me they wanted all the clothes back. Oh yes, they did. Olivia couldn't even keep the clothes on her back. Don't tell the Chinese government, but I kept her socks and a little jacket.

I sat on my bed staring at Olivia for hours in amazement at how much love I had in my heart for really, a stranger. How I longed to count her toes and peek at her belly button, was it an innie? An outie? Didn't matter, I loved her so much, I would have died for her. Crazy, right? Certainly up to that point she did nothing to earn my love. And that is when the words of God filled my hotel room, truly, there was room for nothing else..."Now you get it. You finally understand how much I love you." 

It was a moment and a day to eternally behold, one indelibly etched on my heart.

Three days later, Olivia was in her stroller and we went for a walk. About 15 minutes into our outing she tilted her head all the way back, looked up at me and said, "Mama". 

Yes baby, forever and ever. 

Thanks for reading,
L.

BEST Breakfast I've Ever Had

Some people dream about tropical vacations. Me? I dream about food. And Africa. Those close to me know I rarely dream, at least at night. When I am bestowed a nightly dream, I pay attention. Really glad I did with this one!

I can honestly say this is best breakfast I have ever had. It's gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free and also free of soy. It kept me full all morning long and is quite simple and versatile which always captures my food fancy.

Incredible Turkey and Veggie Hash

1 bag of frozen hash browns

4-8 slices of turkey bacon (no nitrates, uncured)*

1-2 teaspoons of olive oil*

1/4 - 1/2 chopped red onion*

about 1/2 pound of mushrooms*

1/2 chopped red bell pepper*

2-3 giant handfuls of spinach*

1 avocado

salt and pepper to taste

*all flexible depending on how much you like it

Cook the turkey bacon according to your preference and then set aside and cover with foil to keep it warm. In the same pan, add the olive oil and saute the veggies except the spinach and avocado. Once the veggies are done, add the spinach and the heat will naturally steam it. Empty the pan of veggies in a bowl and cover with foil to keep warm. In the same pan, cook the hash browns according to the directions on the package. When ready to serve, layer the hash browns first, then veggies, then top with chopped turkey bacon and avocado. 

My 6th grade daughter inhaled it and David Manning looked on with envy as he wished he ate my breakfast instead of the one at Biscuits. No worries David Manning, you will see this again. And again. 

Thanks for reading,

L.

7 Cool Things I Can't Live Without

Oprah has her list and I have mine. Sadly, you won't find a bag with all of my favorite things under your chair, but you can check if you want. Fortunately, these are all super easy to find and affordable. 

In no particular order, here are my coolest, most beautiful things of 2012:

Preserve Toothbrush

I have David Manning to thank for this introduction. This toothbrush is made out of recycled yogurt cups. How cool is that? AND...after three months, put the toothbrush back in the self-addressed, postage-paid packaging, mail it, and they will recycle it. Shut up, right? I love the angle. It did take a few times to bond with the curve but now I'm crazy about it. The toothbrush is also BPA-free. You'll find it for under $3 at Trader Joes. 

NeilMed Sinus Rinse

Better than a neti pot, this nasal gem has kept me off antibiotics as well as kept me from becoming infected with colds countless times. Think of it as a system to wash your nose like you wash your hands. It's unbelievably easy to use, promise. (Gross alert: We inhale an unthinkable amount of germs through our nose every day. Eww!) Find this miracle worker at Walgreens for under $13.

OXO Good Grips Twisting Tea Ball

What can I say? It was love at first sight. It's cool, fun, serves a critical function in my life and delivers extreme bliss. SOLD! Find this prize for about $10 at Bed, Bath & Beyond (Hello coupon!) or throw it in with your Amazon order for FREE shipping. Tell them "Leslie sent me" or not.

The Body Shop's Vitamin C Moisturizer

One would think I put as much time into picking a facial moisturizer as I did my husband. For the money, this facial moisturizer is unrivaled. Period. I feel as though I've tried ALL the similar products out there, and I keep running back, through the fields, to this one. It has 30 SPF, is smooth and easily spreadible without feeling greasy. It's not too strong for my sensitive skin, has no known-to-me bad stuff in it and you only need a wee bit. Lastly, it has vitamin C rich Amazonian camu camu (whatever that is) in it and the package is recycable. Hooray! It will set you back about $20, but I always seem to have a Groupon around and have never paid more than $10. 

Clic-Tite Bento Box

Green brag moment if I may, my daughter Olivia uses one of these and we have never used a plastic sandwich bag, thus far, all school year. And, are you sitting down? It doesn't leak. Yes, that's right. I use mine on adventures and it hasn't leaked yet. Plus, how fun is it to place food in these organized sections? Oh yes my friends, it is the little things. I found this at Marshalls for under $5. 

Vapur Water Pouches

Shout out to Andrea of Amazing Adventures With Andrea for this one. Oh the water bottle envy I had, it was big. Until I picked up these friends of my own. I used to carry a heavy water bottle on adventures. Never again. They are obviously reusable, and clip on to just about anything. You can even fold them up when not in use for smaller storage. Please only buy Vapur, it's okay to be a Vapur snob. The green size is under $10, the blue size is under $14. I see them everywhere such as Target, Bed, Bath and Beyond, Powells, Eddie Bauer, etc. 

How to Act Right When Your Spouse Acts Wrong

by Leslie Vernick

No, David Manning, my aforementioned boyfriend/husband, is not acting wrong. Well, sometimes he does, but so do I. The fact is every now and then a book comes along which profoundly changes our lives. This is one of those books. Trust me. I had the privilege of meeting Leslie Vernick and hearing her speak on happiness and then again on marriage. She is spot on. You can interchange "spouse" in the title with daughter, son, friend, co-worker, mother, sister, boss, etc. I behave differently because of this book. Buy a copy here for as little as about $3 and as much as $8. (Sorry, yours won't come with a cool zebra bookmark.)

I hope you benefit as much as I have with these cool and beautiful things.

Thanks for reading,

L.

The Beauty of "Downton Abbey"

You have undoubtedly seen or at least heard about the PBS sensation "Downton Abbey". I can assure you, the cult following is warranted. Season three premiered last Sunday, January 6th on OPB. Watch it here. (Disclaimer: While I rate the show PG, a couple of scenes earn PG13/R ratings.)

Here are three reasons I'm hooked:

The Writing 

Wouldn't it be fantastic to have every word out of your mouth be brilliant? Where every response effortlessly waltzes off your tongue was clever and befitting? 

From Lord Grantham:

"No one wants every chapter of their life published."  

"Are you afraid someone will think you're American if you speak openly?" 

From the one who steals countless scenes, Violet, Dowager Countess:

"No guests should be admitted without the date of departure settled." 

"I'm not a romantic...But even I concede that the heart does not exist solely for the purpose of pumping blood." 

"What is a weekend?"

"Sir Richard, life is a game in which the player must appear ridiculous." 

"Don't be a defeatist dear. It's very middle class."  

From the faithful servants:

"Better to pay money to a doctor than an undertaker." -Mrs. Padmore

"I'd rather have the right man than the right wedding." -Anna 

The Cast 

While Matthew Crawley remains no match for my Lord Manning, his ocean blue eyes ordain him as the perfect love interest for Lady Mary. Who doesn't need consolation in the fatherly arms of Mr. Carson? I envy the passion for social justice in Isobel Crawley and the meekness of Lady Grantham. No story is agreeable without characters we confess we love to hate such as Thomas, O'Brien and Sir Richard Carlisle. Boo! 

The Messages

Everyone has a story which will break your heart. 

We must never put anyone on a pedestal, ahem, Lord Grantham and his foolish, lamentable choice. 

No one is above forgiveness, think Lady Mary and Mr. Pamuk. 

What money can't fix, tea certainly can. (You know how I feel about tea.) 

Do not abandon your family, everyone makes big mistakes. 

Unconditional love is the best kind. We love you Anna and Mr. Bates. 

Share and do hard things. How beautiful to see Downton Abbey turned into a place of healing and recovery. Mr. Bates willingness to protect the honor of Lord Grantham at a colossal cost is more than admirable and self-less. 

I believe "Downton Abbey" also provides the perfect escape for a brief history lesson, for beautiful scenery, and for lovely accents. 

Thanks for reading,

L.

 

 

 

The Queen of Purge

Some people have named me "The Queen of Purge".  

My coronation originated over a decade ago after I helped sort through my mother's home encompassing 40 years of marriage. Her home felt like something was hung, stored or displayed in every square inch. Let's just say there was a voluminous amount of crap stuff.

I knew without question I never wanted to subject my kids to the overwhelming, tedious and unpleasant responsibility of having to one day sort through my excess stuff crap. 

Upon my arrival home from my mother's home, I could not purge excess fast enough. The experience proved exhilarating on every level. I learned quickly, less belongings equals less things to dust and worry about. Less belongings equals more free, creative space to enjoy your favorite things.

Later on, I held a "free" party.

You: "What's a 'free' party?"

Me: "A 'free' party is what you have after you've collected your 'excess'. Invite your friends over and offer them free stuff." 

Talk about FUN! Leftover excess after the "free party" is donated. 

Every day I try to donate or give at least one thing away. 

After reading a hilarious, thought-provoking and inspiring book "7" by Jen Hatmaker", I am in the process of implementing my own deeper mutiny on excess. 

Every item in my home must do at least one of three things:

1. It must bring me total bliss. Like this teacup:

After the hubs and kids, I just may grab this in the unfortunate event of a fire. I adore this teacup. It never fails to make my tea experience a thousand times better. And, I'm pretty sure I can bring this to heaven. 

2. It must bring me closer to Jesus. For example, I think of my fave books which have helped shape me.

3. It must perform a needed function. Think a toaster, a lamp, or a hat. 

Take control of your stuff. 

I promise, you won't regret it. Your friends, neighbors and family members will ooze with jealousy over your giddiness. 

Trust me, you will inspire them with your new, svelte home. 

Thanks for reading,

Queen L.