I was born and raised in NM.
So was my dear sweet hubby.
Fact: we love chile.
Fact: Panza llena, Corazon contenta.
Here are a couple of things that you can do right to have a long happy marriage (that may include needing buy bigger pants eventually.)
Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas
you need:
Chicken (of any sort, but I prefer boneless, skinless breasts, I assume 1 per person.)
Corn Tortillas (15-20)
Shredded Cheddar (1lb)
Cream of Mushroom (1 large can, or 3 small)
Green Chile
You can up your game (like I did last night) and dice half an onion to throw in with the chicken.
You could also throw in some Bell Peppers to add some color and sweetness. I LOVE Bell Peppers!
Start by cooking the chicken. I like to do it on the stove, toss with some olive oil, put a lid on it, throw in some veggies.
While that's going, get your chile ready. I prefer fresh roasted, in which case I have to peel and rinse and chop OR you could just buy some frozen chopped green chile. If that's the case, just defrost.
In a large pot, begin warming the cream of mushroom. Add water. I prefer to add a bit so the soup doesn't get pasty. Add green chile and continue on low heat.
When chicken is done, cut it up, you can dice it tear it or cut it up into larger pieces. I like the larger lengthwise pieces, personally. As you cut it up, dump it in the soup. Now would be the time to throw in your sauteed veggies if you have them.
Now, it's assembly time!
grab a casserole dish and a large spoon.
FIRST (very important) coat the bottom on the dish wish some soup.
layer corn tortillas (I do a mickey mouse shape, and then fill in the spaces with 3 halves, you could keep it simple and just use 6.)
Then pour some soup, be generous, but remember you need enough for 2 more layers.
Then sprinkle the cheddar. This is a judgment call, but there's is never anything wrong with gooey cheesy goodness.
Start again with the tortillas and continue twice more, ending with a thick layer of cheese.
Pop in the oven at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes. I gauge it more by how the cheese looks. If it's nice and crusty, it's done. Let cool. Serve. Remember to say "you're welcome."
Now for something sweet.
Biscochitos.
You'll need:
6 Cups of Flour
3 Tsp Baking Powder
1 Tsp Salt
1 Cup of Sugar
2 Cups Lard
2 Eggs
2 Tsp Anise Seed (you could add more if you like, but I'm personally not too crazy about anise. I like just enough to taste.)
6-7 Tbsp of water (to hold dough)
Additional sugar and cinnamon for dipping.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Begin by sifting flour, baking soda and salt. I usually don't sift, but in this case it really does make a difference. Biscochitos should crumble easily and melt in your mouth. Sifting helps it do that.
In a large bowl cream together lard and sugar. Add eggs and the anise and cream again until fluffy.
Combine flour mixture with the lard mixture.
At this point you will have a pretty dry, crumbly dough. Begin to spoon in water to hold dough. Be careful not to add too much, though, because then it will become sticky. It will be hard to roll out and hard to cut shapes out of. If you do add too much, add a little more flour to stiffen it up a bit.
Roll out onto a floured surface. You want your dough no more than 1/4" thick.
Cut into shapes or form small balls in your hands and then smash them down. Dip the tops of the cookies into a cinnamon/ sugar mix or sprinkle on to before baking.
Pop them in for about 10 minute or until the bottoms become slightly browned.
Let them rest a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. They do crumble easily, and more so when warm.
Have a wonderful Christmas,
Lindsay
Monday, December 19, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Halloween- do or don't for the Christian Parent?
Growing up, sometimes we were aloud to dress up and go trick-or-treating, sometimes we went to a party and some years halloween was totally taboo. I would get so upset at this inconsistency, but now I can totally relate to my parents and their utter confusion regarding this topic.
So.. with this controversial holiday just around the corner, I've been doing a lot of thinking about how I personally feel about it and I thought I might offer some insight to parents in the same boat.
I will start by saying that I have heard a number of things regarding how the holiday started, the intentions behind it and the significance of the day itself. It 's complicated, at best, to really get down to the bottom of it.
I do know that October 31st has been speculated by some to be a night with significantly more demonic activity (read up on Perry Stone's website/ youtube if you are interested in the breakdown and other dates throughout the year with the same reputation. If I recall correctly, it was a teaching entitled "10 things the devil doesn't want you to know." I do believe he is a well studied man, and I find his teaching to be quite insightful.)
Anyhow.. The recent trend has been churches hosting large "harvest festivals" in place of "Halloween." I put it in quotations because I feel it's the same thing with a different name. Kids dress up, get candy, have fun. On one occasion a friend of mine with school-aged children seemed somewhat irritated that her mother took her kids to one of these festivals. Her complaint was "why not just celebrate Halloween?" And I kind of agreed with her. But still, I didn't come to a conclusion in my mind about how God feels about it or how I should, until a few weeks ago.
Fear. I have heard that God tells us "do not fear" 365 times in his word (no, I have not counted for myself). I also know He tells us that He has not given us a spirit of fear. With this in mind, why in the world would I want to let myself or my children participate in anything that makes fear acceptable and even desirable? I will not watch horror movies, go to haunted houses or do the monster mash (ok.. jk!) But honestly, the harvest festival thing is a great alternative.
I think, for the most part, people have enough decency to not show up with their 4-year-old dressed like a grim reaper. I say if it's about having fun and celebrating the good things in life (like candy) go for it!
And as for demonic activity..
1. I know who my protector is no matter what day of the year, and
2. The whole point here is not to be fearful. Fear itself is not of or from God and opening yourself to it is absolutely paralyzing.
In hopes of not being a fun-sucker,
Lindsay
So.. with this controversial holiday just around the corner, I've been doing a lot of thinking about how I personally feel about it and I thought I might offer some insight to parents in the same boat.
I will start by saying that I have heard a number of things regarding how the holiday started, the intentions behind it and the significance of the day itself. It 's complicated, at best, to really get down to the bottom of it.
I do know that October 31st has been speculated by some to be a night with significantly more demonic activity (read up on Perry Stone's website/ youtube if you are interested in the breakdown and other dates throughout the year with the same reputation. If I recall correctly, it was a teaching entitled "10 things the devil doesn't want you to know." I do believe he is a well studied man, and I find his teaching to be quite insightful.)
Anyhow.. The recent trend has been churches hosting large "harvest festivals" in place of "Halloween." I put it in quotations because I feel it's the same thing with a different name. Kids dress up, get candy, have fun. On one occasion a friend of mine with school-aged children seemed somewhat irritated that her mother took her kids to one of these festivals. Her complaint was "why not just celebrate Halloween?" And I kind of agreed with her. But still, I didn't come to a conclusion in my mind about how God feels about it or how I should, until a few weeks ago.
Fear. I have heard that God tells us "do not fear" 365 times in his word (no, I have not counted for myself). I also know He tells us that He has not given us a spirit of fear. With this in mind, why in the world would I want to let myself or my children participate in anything that makes fear acceptable and even desirable? I will not watch horror movies, go to haunted houses or do the monster mash (ok.. jk!) But honestly, the harvest festival thing is a great alternative.
I think, for the most part, people have enough decency to not show up with their 4-year-old dressed like a grim reaper. I say if it's about having fun and celebrating the good things in life (like candy) go for it!
And as for demonic activity..
1. I know who my protector is no matter what day of the year, and
2. The whole point here is not to be fearful. Fear itself is not of or from God and opening yourself to it is absolutely paralyzing.
In hopes of not being a fun-sucker,
Lindsay
Friday, October 14, 2011
It's in the Differences
It's been a while!
Since I last wrote Allen and I have settled into a new living space (still at home with my parents), given birth to a beautiful baby boy, taken a trip to see the other side of the family and moved Ira into his own room. Maybe that explains why I haven't been able to sit down long enough to write. If it doesn't, imagine housework for 6 people, breast feedings at least every 3 hours, diaper changes for 2 and OH YEAH! a kitchen remodel underway. Life is non-stop and I'm loving every minute.
What I really have to say today is not an original idea. As I said jokingly (or not so jokingly) to my family, the Lord told it to me twice so He must have wanted me to get it into my head.
It all started with pearls. If you know anything about them, you know that they are formed in a oyster as a reaction to an irritation. Pearls are such a precious and beautiful gem. The ones formed organically (rather than cultured pearls) are even more rare and special. The reflection here is that, in our own lives, it is the irritations in life that God produces something beautiful in us.
Let's be honest, most of our irritations in life are caused by people.
The problem is they're just not like us, right? I mean, why can't everyone see things the way I do, or react like I would in every situation?
Because 1. That would be really boring and 2. We would never grow.
Instead of applying these facts, because we all know them already, we assume we were put here on Earth to educate everyone we come in contact with into our way of thinking. HA! I'm going to help you skip a few chapters (because I have read them over and over). Usually the people who make you want to throw something heavy at them are the ones you need in your life the most. They are there to make you uncomfortable (not in a creepy way) and to open your mind a little.
The Bible talks about iron sharpening iron (proverbs 17:27), and we would be wise to realize that's not always a fun process.
Examine your life today, who are you trying to fix? Thank God for them, shut your mouth for a moment and take in what they have to say. Think of it as speeding up the process and getting your pearl a little sooner.
Sincerely Irritated-
Lindsay
Since I last wrote Allen and I have settled into a new living space (still at home with my parents), given birth to a beautiful baby boy, taken a trip to see the other side of the family and moved Ira into his own room. Maybe that explains why I haven't been able to sit down long enough to write. If it doesn't, imagine housework for 6 people, breast feedings at least every 3 hours, diaper changes for 2 and OH YEAH! a kitchen remodel underway. Life is non-stop and I'm loving every minute.
What I really have to say today is not an original idea. As I said jokingly (or not so jokingly) to my family, the Lord told it to me twice so He must have wanted me to get it into my head.
It all started with pearls. If you know anything about them, you know that they are formed in a oyster as a reaction to an irritation. Pearls are such a precious and beautiful gem. The ones formed organically (rather than cultured pearls) are even more rare and special. The reflection here is that, in our own lives, it is the irritations in life that God produces something beautiful in us.
Let's be honest, most of our irritations in life are caused by people.
The problem is they're just not like us, right? I mean, why can't everyone see things the way I do, or react like I would in every situation?
Because 1. That would be really boring and 2. We would never grow.
Instead of applying these facts, because we all know them already, we assume we were put here on Earth to educate everyone we come in contact with into our way of thinking. HA! I'm going to help you skip a few chapters (because I have read them over and over). Usually the people who make you want to throw something heavy at them are the ones you need in your life the most. They are there to make you uncomfortable (not in a creepy way) and to open your mind a little.
The Bible talks about iron sharpening iron (proverbs 17:27), and we would be wise to realize that's not always a fun process.
Examine your life today, who are you trying to fix? Thank God for them, shut your mouth for a moment and take in what they have to say. Think of it as speeding up the process and getting your pearl a little sooner.
Sincerely Irritated-
Lindsay
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Losing Control
Approaching the end of a pregnancy is not always an easy time. It's when labor and delivery really become reality, and that leaves room for a lot of fear and doubt. It's also a time when you feel physically and emotionally out of whack! It seems like as soon as you adjust to another change in your body, something else changes. It's hot. I'm exhausted. I'm not complaining, I love pregnancy and I am already so absolutely in love with this baby. It's just a venerable time for me. I think every woman feels this way near the end.
What I guess is the hardest part for me is knowing what is emotion and perception vs. what is reality. Still, I know a few things for certain.
1. Having this VBAC is extremely important to me. It's a milestone, I guess. I think somewhere deep down I feel like it might even give me some validation.
2. I believe that my body was made to birth.
3. I want to feel supported, because I know I may have moments of weakness.
I don't really feel like I'm getting that support right now from my care providers. This has sent me on a chase to seek out different care. It's a little late in the game, but I feel like it's worth fighting for. And maybe I'll end up staying with what I have now and voicing my opinions a little louder and demanding what I want and refusing what I don't. I just don't know. But what I think God is telling me is to stop worrying, stop trying to be in control because He's got this. He gave me this scripture last night, in the midst of my frustration. The version I initially read "do not put your trust in powerful people.." I really needed that.
What I guess is the hardest part for me is knowing what is emotion and perception vs. what is reality. Still, I know a few things for certain.
1. Having this VBAC is extremely important to me. It's a milestone, I guess. I think somewhere deep down I feel like it might even give me some validation.
2. I believe that my body was made to birth.
3. I want to feel supported, because I know I may have moments of weakness.
I don't really feel like I'm getting that support right now from my care providers. This has sent me on a chase to seek out different care. It's a little late in the game, but I feel like it's worth fighting for. And maybe I'll end up staying with what I have now and voicing my opinions a little louder and demanding what I want and refusing what I don't. I just don't know. But what I think God is telling me is to stop worrying, stop trying to be in control because He's got this. He gave me this scripture last night, in the midst of my frustration. The version I initially read "do not put your trust in powerful people.." I really needed that.
I will praise the LORD all my life;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
Do not put your trust in princes,
in human beings, who cannot save.
When their spirit departs, they return to the ground;
on that very day their plans come to nothing.
Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the LORD their God.
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
Do not put your trust in princes,
in human beings, who cannot save.
When their spirit departs, they return to the ground;
on that very day their plans come to nothing.
Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the LORD their God.
He is the Maker of heaven and earth,
the sea, and everything in them—
he remains faithful forever.
the sea, and everything in them—
he remains faithful forever.
Monday, July 11, 2011
We're Here!
More accurately, we've been here for a little over a week. I am still not sure how this happened, but the simple answer is God. For those of you who don't know, we recently decided to leave Las Cruces and move (back) to my hometown of Rio Rancho. We are currently living with my parents, which was pretty much the last thing I ever expected. But I'm grateful. Grateful for family, for rest and most of all for God's provision. He is SO good.
We had been hoping to move for months. Actually, about a year. We were pretty certain we wanted to go to Phoenix, and then after really searching our desires and looking at our situation, we decided a move to a cooler climate was a good idea (especially if it involved some live-in baby sitters). Being close to family with this second little one on the way suddenly became really important to us. And that's for more than just convenience.
All this to say, we had been trying to sell our house (actively) for about 4 months. We had a lot of hits, with no real bites. And then we decided to just go. It wasn't until we made a step forward that the LORD made a way! I'm so happy to report that it will soon be off our hands. The most exciting part about it is that I know that house will be a blessing to the family who's moving in. He always has everyone's best interest in mind.
Now we are working hard on remodeling a room that will act as our own little studio while we stay here, and later on can be used as additional living space. We're anxiously awaiting the arrival of Baby Asher. I can't wait to hold another precious newborn and learn all about this little person God is forming. We're enjoying time with family and we're pursuing our business here in the Rio Rancho area.
It's an exciting time, and I stumbled across this passage today. When I read it, it was undeniably a timely word for us:
We had been hoping to move for months. Actually, about a year. We were pretty certain we wanted to go to Phoenix, and then after really searching our desires and looking at our situation, we decided a move to a cooler climate was a good idea (especially if it involved some live-in baby sitters). Being close to family with this second little one on the way suddenly became really important to us. And that's for more than just convenience.
All this to say, we had been trying to sell our house (actively) for about 4 months. We had a lot of hits, with no real bites. And then we decided to just go. It wasn't until we made a step forward that the LORD made a way! I'm so happy to report that it will soon be off our hands. The most exciting part about it is that I know that house will be a blessing to the family who's moving in. He always has everyone's best interest in mind.
Now we are working hard on remodeling a room that will act as our own little studio while we stay here, and later on can be used as additional living space. We're anxiously awaiting the arrival of Baby Asher. I can't wait to hold another precious newborn and learn all about this little person God is forming. We're enjoying time with family and we're pursuing our business here in the Rio Rancho area.
It's an exciting time, and I stumbled across this passage today. When I read it, it was undeniably a timely word for us:
He led them by a straight way
to a city where they could settle.
Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind,
for he satisfies the thirsty
and fills the hungry with good things.
to a city where they could settle.
Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind,
for he satisfies the thirsty
and fills the hungry with good things.
Psalm 107:7-9
Hoping you're on the way to everything you've ever dreamed :)
Lindsay
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Joy Restored
I'm back!
I am so glad that the most exhausting part of pregnancy is over! Well, at least for a while. I'm actually really thankful for the last season in my life. I've learned a lot about myself, a lot more about God's grace and made some life-changing decisions along the way.
Today I just want to take a moment to celebrate God's goodness!
Since before Ira was born, I have been a SAHM (Stay-At-Home-Mom) and it's a lot harder than I ever thought. It wasn't until I felt somewhat isolated from the world that I realized how important fellowship and relationships are. I began to battle depression. I believe that most of the time depression is brought on by circumstances and mindsets, not so much a "chemical" thing that doctors like to write prescriptions for. I began to fill up my days with lots of entertainment and ways to feel community, like social networking and spending a lot of time on the phone. And while my intention was to keep myself from going crazy, it began to mask the fact that I was simply unfulfilled. I wasn't really enjoying my son. I wasn't really enjoying anything.
Let's keep in mind we've been living far away from my family, all of our close friends had recently moved away and we left a church we had been a part of since before we got married. All of these things were good for us, but when combined it really took a toll on me and I felt lonely.
Then last weekend came around. I had signed up to attend a ladies retreat at our church (that we haven't gotten very involved in). I almost talked myself out of going because I didn't know anyone. My experience with church growing up was pretty much like high school.. only a little worse. But I forced myself to go. And I met God there. Really. I opened up about the way I've been feeling, the struggles I've had, even the hurts I've had with God for allowing things to happen in my life. I asked Him to restore my Joy.
It wasn't until then that I realized, Joy is not an emotion. Happiness and sadness are emotions, but a spirit of Joy is constant. It dictates how we handle the highs and the lows. It enables us to feel peace when circumstances are not perfect. And when it's gone we become emotionally disabled. We lose the ability to empathize with others, and to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Lack of joy can rapidly become a downward spiral into selfish behaviour.
If you can identify with any of this, I urge you to ask God to heal the broken pieces of your heart. I've never felt so much freedom and peace as I have the last week. You don't need an altar or a pastor to meet God. He's been there with you in the darkest places, and He really does want you to experience an abundance of Joy.
This change marks a new season on my life. We will be moving soon, back to my hometown (Actually back home altogether). I wouldn't want to begin this new journey any other way.
Here's a simply scripture you can pray:
"Bring Joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you." Psalm 86:4
Starting Anew-
Lindsay
I am so glad that the most exhausting part of pregnancy is over! Well, at least for a while. I'm actually really thankful for the last season in my life. I've learned a lot about myself, a lot more about God's grace and made some life-changing decisions along the way.
Today I just want to take a moment to celebrate God's goodness!
Since before Ira was born, I have been a SAHM (Stay-At-Home-Mom) and it's a lot harder than I ever thought. It wasn't until I felt somewhat isolated from the world that I realized how important fellowship and relationships are. I began to battle depression. I believe that most of the time depression is brought on by circumstances and mindsets, not so much a "chemical" thing that doctors like to write prescriptions for. I began to fill up my days with lots of entertainment and ways to feel community, like social networking and spending a lot of time on the phone. And while my intention was to keep myself from going crazy, it began to mask the fact that I was simply unfulfilled. I wasn't really enjoying my son. I wasn't really enjoying anything.
Let's keep in mind we've been living far away from my family, all of our close friends had recently moved away and we left a church we had been a part of since before we got married. All of these things were good for us, but when combined it really took a toll on me and I felt lonely.
Then last weekend came around. I had signed up to attend a ladies retreat at our church (that we haven't gotten very involved in). I almost talked myself out of going because I didn't know anyone. My experience with church growing up was pretty much like high school.. only a little worse. But I forced myself to go. And I met God there. Really. I opened up about the way I've been feeling, the struggles I've had, even the hurts I've had with God for allowing things to happen in my life. I asked Him to restore my Joy.
It wasn't until then that I realized, Joy is not an emotion. Happiness and sadness are emotions, but a spirit of Joy is constant. It dictates how we handle the highs and the lows. It enables us to feel peace when circumstances are not perfect. And when it's gone we become emotionally disabled. We lose the ability to empathize with others, and to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Lack of joy can rapidly become a downward spiral into selfish behaviour.
If you can identify with any of this, I urge you to ask God to heal the broken pieces of your heart. I've never felt so much freedom and peace as I have the last week. You don't need an altar or a pastor to meet God. He's been there with you in the darkest places, and He really does want you to experience an abundance of Joy.
This change marks a new season on my life. We will be moving soon, back to my hometown (Actually back home altogether). I wouldn't want to begin this new journey any other way.
Here's a simply scripture you can pray:
"Bring Joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you." Psalm 86:4
Starting Anew-
Lindsay
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