Recently a friend of mine has been talking a lot about savoring the small things in life and just what that means exactly. And I’m always struck by how often we just don’t. We don’t notice the birds singing outside our windows when we wake up to a brand new day, full of possibilities. We don’t notice the small things our husbands do for us to show us that they love us. We don’t remember the vibrancy of a clear spring day.
I woke up this morning with a different attitude. The last 2 weeks, I’ve been rushing. With a new job, volunteering, bible studies, meeting with mentors and mentees, multiple social get-togethers with food obligations, and cleaning my entire house before my parents’ arrival, I was beat. But I loved it. I loved it because I actually like being busy… not necessarily to that degree, but I like checking off things on my to-do list. It gives me a purpose, so to speak.
But is this really a purpose? Was I made to fulfill a certain amount of obligations so that what is felt is some smug satisfaction of self-worth?
Last Sunday in my small group at church, we watched a video by Ed Dobson (Grand Rapids people – he was the pastor of Calvary for years) who has ALS. He made a documentary series on what he has been learning through dying. And the segment we watched was entitled “Garden”. It was about purpose. Real purpose. And what environment you grow in and foster growth in others. Here is this man who has obviously devoted his life to the service of God, and who openly admits that he didn’t find his purpose until God allowed his life to go from 100 to 0. If you’ve experienced 100 to 0, you know what I’m talking about. My lesser example was from going from about 30 different hats that I wore in GR to about 2 in Cincinnati. From all my different ventures to simply just Ross’s wife was really hard for me.
In Ed’s experience, he learned that by connecting with others one on one, he was fulfilling his purpose more pointedly than preaching to hundreds each Sunday. His garden was meeting with others individually and helping them with their lives.
So what’s my garden? What’s the point? We decided it had a lot to do with being faithful to what is right in front of you. Noticing things that we tend not to notice, but certainly would if we thought we were dying any day. I’m struck by how little beauty I acknowledge in my world when it so evident before me. How my God screams to be noticed in every waking moment and how I rush past him in order to get my stack of responsibilities finished. I don’t tend my garden nearly as well I should.
So this morning, I woke up a little differently. I lay in bed for the first 10 minutes just listening to the birds singing outside, even before the first light of day emerged. I got up, made a mug of steaming hot tea, took my latest good read (Cutting for Stone) out to the porch, and sat in the sun and read. And got immersed in the story. And felt the warmth on my skin. And noticed my tree in the front, just beginning to bloom. And thanked the Lord for the small things in my life, which I just take for granted so often.
Because it’s true, isn’t it? That your garden is right in front of you. And you aren’t necessarily suppose to pack your bags and head to the mission field or say yes to everything opportunity at church, you’re just suppose to bloom where you’re planted. Right now, in the present. And make all your life something beautiful for God (Mother Teresa).
Monday, March 19, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
Belated V-Day Post
(This post is about 2 weeks late... of course, not my intention, but a lingering flu will postpone the things you meant to do.)
I have always loved Valentines Day. Even when I boycotted the holiday in college in favor of ‘Singles’ Awareness Day,” I still down deep, loved the holiday. I think it was because my parents made it a really fun day growing up. I remember a couple of memorial Valentines’ days from my childhood. One revolved around a scavenger hunt of hearts with clues on them, leading the way to our gifts. The other, I think mainly because the day fell on a Saturday, we went roller-skating and then made a really fancy dinner where my father insisted we dress in our Sunday Best. They’ve always been fun.
And it’s probably why I push Valentines’ Day so heavily upon Ross. I figure we’re not ‘dress up and go to adult costume parties’ people for Halloween, so it only makes sense that we should compensate by going all out for Valentines. Besides, the message of love and cherishment has sentimental value, and I’m a sap for that.
It’s taken awhile to get Ross up to speed with what a decent Valentines’ Day should be. He’s not romantic by nature so it’s a stretch for him to buy into a Hallmark Holiday. Every year though, we seem to have better and better Valentines’ Days together. I’ve probably lower my expectations a bit too, which doesn’t hurt.
This year, I decided to go ahead and orchestrate the day. I started with hiding sticky notes around the house with different reasons that I loved him. It was fun when he got up at 5:30, and I could hear him peeling the notes off of their various locations. I also hid a container of homemade chocolate chip cookies in his briefcase for work. Never underestimate the old adage, “the way into a man’s heart is through his stomach!”
When he got home, we had dinner. Ina recipes of course. I used her vegetable pot pie for the main course and her double chocolate pudding for dessert. I pushed all the table and chairs to one side of the dining room to create a small space that was both cozy and romantic. I wanted it to feel like a French bistro… Ina would have also been proud of me. Complete with a French Pandora station, it was a lovely meal.
To finish, we went to the movies. Tuesday nights are the best, because for 1.75, you can see a film on the big screen. The selection for this evening? Twilight: Breaking Dawn. Ross is a good sport.
So nothing ultra special or different, but it’s just fun to do something out of the ordinary to make your spouse feel special. I hope this man did, because I love him to pieces!
I have always loved Valentines Day. Even when I boycotted the holiday in college in favor of ‘Singles’ Awareness Day,” I still down deep, loved the holiday. I think it was because my parents made it a really fun day growing up. I remember a couple of memorial Valentines’ days from my childhood. One revolved around a scavenger hunt of hearts with clues on them, leading the way to our gifts. The other, I think mainly because the day fell on a Saturday, we went roller-skating and then made a really fancy dinner where my father insisted we dress in our Sunday Best. They’ve always been fun.
And it’s probably why I push Valentines’ Day so heavily upon Ross. I figure we’re not ‘dress up and go to adult costume parties’ people for Halloween, so it only makes sense that we should compensate by going all out for Valentines. Besides, the message of love and cherishment has sentimental value, and I’m a sap for that.
It’s taken awhile to get Ross up to speed with what a decent Valentines’ Day should be. He’s not romantic by nature so it’s a stretch for him to buy into a Hallmark Holiday. Every year though, we seem to have better and better Valentines’ Days together. I’ve probably lower my expectations a bit too, which doesn’t hurt.
This year, I decided to go ahead and orchestrate the day. I started with hiding sticky notes around the house with different reasons that I loved him. It was fun when he got up at 5:30, and I could hear him peeling the notes off of their various locations. I also hid a container of homemade chocolate chip cookies in his briefcase for work. Never underestimate the old adage, “the way into a man’s heart is through his stomach!”
When he got home, we had dinner. Ina recipes of course. I used her vegetable pot pie for the main course and her double chocolate pudding for dessert. I pushed all the table and chairs to one side of the dining room to create a small space that was both cozy and romantic. I wanted it to feel like a French bistro… Ina would have also been proud of me. Complete with a French Pandora station, it was a lovely meal.
To finish, we went to the movies. Tuesday nights are the best, because for 1.75, you can see a film on the big screen. The selection for this evening? Twilight: Breaking Dawn. Ross is a good sport.
So nothing ultra special or different, but it’s just fun to do something out of the ordinary to make your spouse feel special. I hope this man did, because I love him to pieces!
And no, I didn't get him this guitar for Valentines' Day. I'm not that nice.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
An Ode to the Chipotle
I am obsessed right now with this ingredient, especially chipotle in abode sauce.
It all started with the recipe that I will share on enchiladas that I discovered and adapted about a year ago, but since then, I’ve added chopped up chipotles in chili and sprinkled abode sauce in soups. Lots of soups. Right now I’m a little hooked on Butternut Squash soup with adobe sauce swirled in and a great dollop of plain yogurt in the center. Oh. My. Goodness.
But what I think I love about this ingredient the most is the type of heat it gives to a dish. It’s not a burn your lips, smack you in the face kind of hot, like Sriracha, but more of a slow, warm heat in the back of your throat. It lingers too, but in a good way. I just love it.
So here is my favorite way to use chipotle pepper and adobe sauce: homemade enchiladas. I’ve made it for company – success! I’ve made it as a frozen meal to give to someone at our church – success! I’ve made it the night before to quick pop into the oven for 30 minutes at the end of a long day – it’s good for everything. And although it takes a little longer to prepare than say, Tina’s Burritos… it’s so, so worth it.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First, you will be making essentially 2 different blends and a pound of meat source (or just forget the meat source if you’re so inclined).
1. Enchilada sauce: Process a 15 oz can of diced tomatoes with 1 small onion and 1 fat garlic clove. Add 1-2 chipotle peppers and a splash of the adobe sauce. Process until it’s fairly smooth. ** If you’re a fair weather fan when it comes to spice, don’t be a hero here – go with 1 pepper.
2. Bean Puree: Process 1 can of beans (I’ve used black and Northern…) with a tad of the enchilada sauce (I just don’t rinse the processor beforehand. There’s plenty of leftover sauce still in there). Add about 1 tsp of chili powder and 1 tsp of cumin (or estimate… I don’t really love any of those spices). Add salt and pepper and process until chunky but combined.
3. Brown your meat or cook and shred.
And then it’s time to assemble. Spread ¼ of the enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9 x 13. Using corn or flour tortillas (if you use corn like I do, microwave them, 4 at a time, for about 30 seconds so they are limber), plop some bean mixture and meat into the center and roll up. Place into dish. I usually fit about 12-14 corn tortillas into a pan this size.
Then just spread the remaining sauce over all your rolled enchiladas.
To finish, cook at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.
Want to make it even better? Take out after 25 minutes, add cheese, and bake for 5 more minutes.
Serve with cilantro, sour cream (or plain yogurt!) and avocado.
Let me know what you think. I promise it’ll be a hit!
FYI: This brand was the hottest of the 3 I've tried. I love heat, but this was extreme....
It all started with the recipe that I will share on enchiladas that I discovered and adapted about a year ago, but since then, I’ve added chopped up chipotles in chili and sprinkled abode sauce in soups. Lots of soups. Right now I’m a little hooked on Butternut Squash soup with adobe sauce swirled in and a great dollop of plain yogurt in the center. Oh. My. Goodness.
But what I think I love about this ingredient the most is the type of heat it gives to a dish. It’s not a burn your lips, smack you in the face kind of hot, like Sriracha, but more of a slow, warm heat in the back of your throat. It lingers too, but in a good way. I just love it.
So here is my favorite way to use chipotle pepper and adobe sauce: homemade enchiladas. I’ve made it for company – success! I’ve made it as a frozen meal to give to someone at our church – success! I’ve made it the night before to quick pop into the oven for 30 minutes at the end of a long day – it’s good for everything. And although it takes a little longer to prepare than say, Tina’s Burritos… it’s so, so worth it.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First, you will be making essentially 2 different blends and a pound of meat source (or just forget the meat source if you’re so inclined).
1. Enchilada sauce: Process a 15 oz can of diced tomatoes with 1 small onion and 1 fat garlic clove. Add 1-2 chipotle peppers and a splash of the adobe sauce. Process until it’s fairly smooth. ** If you’re a fair weather fan when it comes to spice, don’t be a hero here – go with 1 pepper.
2. Bean Puree: Process 1 can of beans (I’ve used black and Northern…) with a tad of the enchilada sauce (I just don’t rinse the processor beforehand. There’s plenty of leftover sauce still in there). Add about 1 tsp of chili powder and 1 tsp of cumin (or estimate… I don’t really love any of those spices). Add salt and pepper and process until chunky but combined.
3. Brown your meat or cook and shred.
And then it’s time to assemble. Spread ¼ of the enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9 x 13. Using corn or flour tortillas (if you use corn like I do, microwave them, 4 at a time, for about 30 seconds so they are limber), plop some bean mixture and meat into the center and roll up. Place into dish. I usually fit about 12-14 corn tortillas into a pan this size.
I added spinach instead of meat in this particular installment... it worked.
Then just spread the remaining sauce over all your rolled enchiladas.
To finish, cook at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.
Want to make it even better? Take out after 25 minutes, add cheese, and bake for 5 more minutes.
Serve with cilantro, sour cream (or plain yogurt!) and avocado.
This is the first time I made this recipe - so I splurged with the cheese and cilantro. I used black beans and ground turkey for this one.
Let me know what you think. I promise it’ll be a hit!
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Response to Article
I read this article in THE BANNER the other day, which is a CRC publication that for some strange reason, Ross and I still receive though we are technically not CRC anymore (don’t tell our grandparents!) The article was about communication, which is something I struggle with. I am not a good communicator. I really struggle with what to say at appropriate times. And sometimes, I am totally fine and everything is fine and the whole world seems fine, and some days, I feel like I just babble or give off the wrong vibe with my tone or just say the wrong thing to the wrong person. Regardless, it’s just really frustrating to walk away from an interaction with someone and feel like you totally blew it. For me, this usually happens like I’m overly nervous (like in a place I’m trying to impress people at) or overly at ease (with people I know well where I forget that certain things should still be censored – you know, like joking at the expense of others or sarcasm).
So the article was about the 5 different ways you can respond to others. You can:
1) Evaluate
2) Instruct
3) Support
4) Probe
5) Understand
For example, the article mentioned that if someone were to say to you, “I’m really tired today”, you could respond in any of the 5 different ways.
1) “Well, if you didn’t stay out so late at night…” (Evaluate)
2) “You should take better care of yourself.” (Instruct)
3) “It’s tough to get going when your energy level is down, isn’t it?” (Support)
4) “Oh? What’s going on? Have you had trouble sleeping?” (Probe)
5) “Hmm… You do look like you are dragging a bit today.” (Understand)
After reading this article, I realize that when I’m nervous or annoyed, I revert almost exclusively to Evaluation and Instruction, which are complete conservation killers and not to mention, plain rude. Argh! Why had I not realized this before? I don’t know why I go there, but I do! I absolutely love articles like this that even if the information being presented isn’t all that difficult to comprehend, it knocks you on the head and you realize something about yourself. I need to be way more into asking questions and understanding. I don’t know if the whole support line is really going to come off genuine for me (the example above? I would have said that, only it would have come off completely sarcastic), but I can manage the other two.
One quote that I read awhile back that stuck with me something along the lines of: To be interesting, you have to be interested. Or in other words, people will find you interesting when you are interested in them. And I think that’s true, and something I need to keep in mind to better my conversational skills!
Article from THE BANNER February 2012, 41.
So the article was about the 5 different ways you can respond to others. You can:
1) Evaluate
2) Instruct
3) Support
4) Probe
5) Understand
For example, the article mentioned that if someone were to say to you, “I’m really tired today”, you could respond in any of the 5 different ways.
1) “Well, if you didn’t stay out so late at night…” (Evaluate)
2) “You should take better care of yourself.” (Instruct)
3) “It’s tough to get going when your energy level is down, isn’t it?” (Support)
4) “Oh? What’s going on? Have you had trouble sleeping?” (Probe)
5) “Hmm… You do look like you are dragging a bit today.” (Understand)
After reading this article, I realize that when I’m nervous or annoyed, I revert almost exclusively to Evaluation and Instruction, which are complete conservation killers and not to mention, plain rude. Argh! Why had I not realized this before? I don’t know why I go there, but I do! I absolutely love articles like this that even if the information being presented isn’t all that difficult to comprehend, it knocks you on the head and you realize something about yourself. I need to be way more into asking questions and understanding. I don’t know if the whole support line is really going to come off genuine for me (the example above? I would have said that, only it would have come off completely sarcastic), but I can manage the other two.
One quote that I read awhile back that stuck with me something along the lines of: To be interesting, you have to be interested. Or in other words, people will find you interesting when you are interested in them. And I think that’s true, and something I need to keep in mind to better my conversational skills!
Article from THE BANNER February 2012, 41.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Thoughts about Bosch.
One of my biggest frustrations right now is my dog. And it seems kind of weird to say that because aren’t pets suppose to be enjoyable? But I have to say that there are a lot of times, especially during this puppy stage, that I have wondered if we made the right choice to adopt this mutt. Oh, you know, like the time he initiated a new friend to our house by peeing on his jacket or the time when he ran away - on purpose - just to piss us off. Who can forget the time when he chewed my favorite black high heels to shreds? Or the time he puked up black rubber, and I stepped in it? And then there are times that we expected, like finding out our dog had fleas and round worms. Even now, I’m listening to Ross trying to coax Bosh into submission so that his nails can be trimmed. Dogs are just a pain in the ass.
That being said. I really do love him. Sometimes when I’m feeling down, Bosch just nozzles right up and it’s just so cute, I can’t help but smile. And all those stupid dog commands that Bosch can’t seem to learn? Last Tuesday, he magically understood the word ‘come’, and I can’t tell you how proud I was of him. So he sheds a lot, but that’s okay. I can afford to clean my house more often. He cries at the door at 6:30 when Ross leaves for work, but that’s okay, I don’t need to sleep in until 8.
I think what I’m learning, and yes, from a dog, is just what it means to be a little less selfish. I go on 3 mile walks almost everyday, not because I love it, but because I know Bosch needs them. I let him drive around with me on errands not because it’s enjoyable to me, but because I know he likes it. I even make hard boiled eggs, and they’re not even for me. I just know Bosch likes them. It seems weird to me that even though some days I cannot stand the dog, that more days than not, I can’t imagine not having him anymore.
And this is a good training ground for the future. Bosch has already taught me how parenting will go for Ross and I. I will be the mean one (sigh… I probably already knew this, but the dog has emphasized the obvious) and Ross will be the fun one. Ross gets to throw the ball, rub his belly, and be cried for when he leaves for work. I get to pick up poop, do feedings, and punish when he’s bad. But – guess who the dog listens to more?
So, it’s been a great 3 months with Bosch. I’ve learned a ton about what it means to be a pet owner, what it will mean to be a parent, and how Ross and I interact with a living object under our protection. It’s amazing the many emotions Bosch can elicit and how much I can love and be annoyed with him at the same time.
PS: This has nothing to do with the post, but Bosch wrestled with the cutest husky pup last Saturday at the dog park. I cannot resist sharing it! :)
This is called 'I snuck a stick into the house without mom knowing...'
This is what I wake up to each morning. So cute.
I think what I’m learning, and yes, from a dog, is just what it means to be a little less selfish. I go on 3 mile walks almost everyday, not because I love it, but because I know Bosch needs them. I let him drive around with me on errands not because it’s enjoyable to me, but because I know he likes it. I even make hard boiled eggs, and they’re not even for me. I just know Bosch likes them. It seems weird to me that even though some days I cannot stand the dog, that more days than not, I can’t imagine not having him anymore.
And this is a good training ground for the future. Bosch has already taught me how parenting will go for Ross and I. I will be the mean one (sigh… I probably already knew this, but the dog has emphasized the obvious) and Ross will be the fun one. Ross gets to throw the ball, rub his belly, and be cried for when he leaves for work. I get to pick up poop, do feedings, and punish when he’s bad. But – guess who the dog listens to more?
So, it’s been a great 3 months with Bosch. I’ve learned a ton about what it means to be a pet owner, what it will mean to be a parent, and how Ross and I interact with a living object under our protection. It’s amazing the many emotions Bosch can elicit and how much I can love and be annoyed with him at the same time.
PS: This has nothing to do with the post, but Bosch wrestled with the cutest husky pup last Saturday at the dog park. I cannot resist sharing it! :)
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Blog Resurrection
So I'm not a great blogger. Besides this being painfully obvious from the date that I last posted, I just really struggle with what to say. Sometimes I start to worry about whether other people will find the post interesting and if not, what's the point? Or, if I have an opinion that for some reason I think I need to post about, I worry that I will offend someone and than they'll think less of me. But if those are the thoughts running in my mind, than what is really the point of a personal blog?
So it is with a glad heart that I've decided that 2012 is my year. A year that I will stop worrying so much about what other people think of me and a year that I will stop struggling with my worth. God has taught me so much in 2011, mostly through some hard times and a lot of closed doors. And yes, doors are beginning to open, and it's now that I'm so thankful for His gentle guidance of my life...even when I go kicking and screaming through it.
I know that's cryptic and don't go reading too hard into things - I'm just trying to express my gratitude. And my excitement for the year to come.
I also want to keep my family and friends updated better on things that are happening and thoughts that go through my head, even if you think less of me because of it. But somehow, if you love me, I doubt you will.
So yes, the Mulder blog is up and running again, sweet resurrection.
So it is with a glad heart that I've decided that 2012 is my year. A year that I will stop worrying so much about what other people think of me and a year that I will stop struggling with my worth. God has taught me so much in 2011, mostly through some hard times and a lot of closed doors. And yes, doors are beginning to open, and it's now that I'm so thankful for His gentle guidance of my life...even when I go kicking and screaming through it.
I know that's cryptic and don't go reading too hard into things - I'm just trying to express my gratitude. And my excitement for the year to come.
I also want to keep my family and friends updated better on things that are happening and thoughts that go through my head, even if you think less of me because of it. But somehow, if you love me, I doubt you will.
So yes, the Mulder blog is up and running again, sweet resurrection.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Risotto on a Budget
I went on a women's retreat with my church last weekend and it was amazing. I met some really neat ladies and loved hearing their stories and gleaning wisdom from them - such a blessing to get to know others. On this trip, I met Tricia and we got to talking about cooking (one of my favorite conversations) and I said that I loved making risotto because it's so cost efficient, easy, and delicious... thus this blog.
I'm so excited to share this recipe. I used a basic recipe from weight watchers, but I made it Megan-cheap. I also love this recipe because you can mix up the ingredients and have a different dish each time. Bonus!
So first you will need ingredients. I use just plain white rice, parm. cheese, peas, salt, pepper, chicken bouillon and this time, curry. I also almost always onions, but didn't go shopping this week yet and was out.
Okay, so first heat up a pan of water. The amount really doesn't matter because you can always add more... When the water gets hot, dissolve some bouillon in it. (By the way, sometimes I make my own stock and this is even better!)
In another pan, heat up oil. When it's hot, add onions and cook for a bit. Then add rice. I tend to make a lot of it at a time because I love it for leftovers, but you do what you want. Cook the oil and rice together for about 3-5 minutes. This process gets the glutton in the rice to start working so your dish gets creamy. So don't skip it even though it seems weird.
Add your hot broth. I have a shallow ladle, so I put 2 scoops in at a time, but if you have a big one, just 1 ladle full is fine. By the way, the hot broth will just lower your cooking time, it really isn't necessary, but I like to make this in about 20 minutes, so it works for me.
Okay - so you have your rice and 2 scoops of broth. I give it a good stir and then do other things. It doesn't have to be constantly watched.
It's time to add another scoop or two of broth when you pull your spoon through the rice and the liquid is adsorbed. Like below. At this point, you do the same process over and over again until your rice is cooked and creamy. The process of browning that rice and adding liquid gradually is what makes the risotto what it is...
For this recipe, I added about 1/2 a tsp of curry to my last batch of broth for just a little kick.
Then add your veggies. I like peas (because they're easy and you can add them frozen), but I've done sauteed zucchini, roasted butternut squash... you could do anything here.
Add your cheese. I used parm (again, out of the can... easy!) but have done gouda and bleu... basically, whatever you have and lots of it makes this dish.
Stir it up, season with salt and pepper, and it's done. LOVE it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)