Grace and Good Coffee

Finding grace and good coffee to survive every day.

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Emily

mexican quinoa salad

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A tasty lunch recipe! Prep the night before in a mason jar for easy transport/eating at work. Keep refrigerated until you’re ready to eat. It is DELISH and oh so healthy!

[I was so hungry that I forgot to take a photo of the jar before emptying it.]

The jar layers (from the bottom up) were:
– 1/2 cup quinoa
– 1/4 cup black beans
– 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes (Use pico de gallo if you have it. I was out!)
– a dash of sea salt (optional if you use pico)
– freshly chopped cilantro & basil (optional if you use pico)
– 2 cups baby spinach


YUM! 🙂

Blessings,
Emily

joy in waiting

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For the past few weekends, I have taken joy in waiting for my morning coffee.

I add the aromatic scoops of goodness to my french press, boil some water, stir it all together with a wooden spoon, and set my timer for 10 minutes of waiting – anticipating the best coffee I’ve had all week. It has quickly become a treasured tradition in my Saturday and Sunday morning routine.

In the background, my daughter is playing and running around our living room with joyful abandon, oftentimes needing Mama’s attention or help… and although I’m not quite “awake” yet, I still wait with joy, knowing the promise of what is to come. After just a few minutes of brewing, the rich smell wafts into the room where we’re playing together, and it brings a smile to my face.

In a world overrun by impatience and the longing for instant gratification, my french press reminds me that the best things in life can’t be rushed. We must wait for many things, and it’s not always as easy as Saturday morning coffee.

We work hard, we stress, we need some things to be easy, and we struggle when they aren’t. Waiting for the fasting window to end, waiting to lose weight, waiting in traffic when we’re already late, waiting for someone to text us back, waiting for test results, waiting for a paycheck when we’ve got bills to pay, etc. It’s not hard to see why “waiting” has a bad rep. Sometimes we find ourselves waiting for really big things like love, children, forgiveness, reconciliation, or healing.

Unfortunately, waiting is rarely joyful.

But what if we could lean on God’s promises in the waiting? What if we thought of Him as the ultimate barista in charge of the french press that’s brewing our coffee, trusting Him to know when it’s ready? If we could do that, could we take JOY in the waiting?

We live in a world full of uncertainties and naysayers who try to suck the joy out of our lives, but here’s what they don’t want you to know: we don’t have to subscribe to the negativity.

We can CHOOSE JOY – even in the waiting.

The feeling you get when you hug a close friend. The sound of the birds singing in the morning. Someone holding a door for a stranger. The stories you hear of hope and healing. The comfort you find in talking with a fellow believer about His promises. The Truth in His Word. Think on these things; look for and focus on the joy that’s all around us.

No matter where you are in your journey right now, you can choose to take joy in the waiting.

Take comfort in His Word, and carry it with you like a light unto your path:

Matthew 5: 1-16, from The Message (MSG) Bible

You’re Blessed:
1-2 When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:
3 “You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
4 “You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
5 “You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.
6 “You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.
7 “You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.
8 “You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
9 “You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.
10 “You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.
11-12 “Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.

Salt and Light:
13 “Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.
14-16 “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

Blessings,
Emily

skinny chicken enchiladas

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I discovered this recipe on a Facebook page called Skinnytaste. And boy is it ever a HIT! I had to share it with y’all! 😍

PREP TIME:
10 mins

COOK TIME:
35 mins

TOTAL TIME:
45 mins

These are the BEST Chicken enchiladas, my dish of choice anytime I go out for Mexican! If you’re an enchilada lover like me, you will love these!

Ingredients

For the enchilada sauce:

* 2 garlic cloves (minced)

* 1-2 tbsp chipotle chilis in adobo sauce

* 1-1/2 cups tomato sauce

* 1/2 tsp chipotle chili powder

* 1/2 tsp ground cumin

* 3/4 cup reduced sodium chicken broth

* kosher salt and fresh pepper to taste

For the chicken:

* 1 tsp vegetable oil

* 8.5 oz 2 breast halves cooked shredded chicken breast

* 1 cup diced onion

* 2 large clove garlic (minced)

* 1/4 cup cilantro

* kosher salt

* 1 tsp cumin

* 1/2 tsp dried oregano

* 1 tsp chipotle chili powder

* 1/3 cup chicken broth

* 1/2 cup tomato sauce

For the enchilada:

* 8 7-inch low-carb whole wheat flour tortillas (la tortilla factory)

* 1 cup shredded low fat Mexican cheese

* non-stick cooking spray

* 2 tbsp chopped scallions or cilantro for topping

Instructions

* In a medium saucepan, spray oil and sauté garlic. Add chipotle chiles, chili powder, cumin, chicken broth, tomato sauce, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Set aside until ready to use.

* Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

* Heat the vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté onions and garlic on low until soft, about 2 minutes. Add chicken, salt, cilantro, cumin, oregano, chili powder, tomato sauce, chicken broth, and cook 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

* Spray a 13 by 9-inch glass baking dish with non-stick spray. Put 1/3 cup chicken mixture into each tortilla and roll it.

* Place on baking dish seam side down, top with sauce. Then top with cheese.

* Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the oven on the middle rack for 20-25 minutes. Top with low fat sour cream or scallions if you wish. (Extra points) Makes 8 enchiladas.

Serving: 1 enchilada. Calories: 168kcal, Carbohydrates: 17.5g, Protein: 17.5g, Fat: 6.5g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 29.5mg, Sodium: 441mg, Potassium: 0mg, Fiber: 8.5g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 0%, Vitamin C: 0%, Calcium: 0%, Iron: 0%.

Freestyle Points: 6   Points +: 6

YUM! 😃

Blessings,
Emily

Photo and recipe courtesy of Skinnytaste.

weeds

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They get into every yard, invading a perfectly beautiful lawn atwill. They’re resilient, appearing to survive droughts much better than most grass. You can spend hours upon hours trying to get rid of them; it’s nearly a fulltime job. And HOAs don’t like them.

I know this because we’ve received letters (yes, plural) telling us that we’re in violation of an “article” within the bylaws, because of weeds in our yard. The last letter I opened from the HOA threatened us with a “board hearing and fines”. I remember it very well because we received it just after returning home from visiting my mother, who has been battling cancer for 2 years now and the cancer is still just as arrogant and unrelenting as ever – much like the weeds in my yard.

After temporarily losing my put-togetherness over a letter addressing the most trivial mess I’ve ever read (especially while still reeling over the sight of my frail mother), I consulted a few of my level-headed friends to get some unbiased perspective. They all said the same thing: “You have more important things to worry about than a few weeds, or letters about weeds.” After seeing the letter, one friend in particular asked me if my weeds were 3-feet tall — HAHA! I assured her that they aren’t, and they never have been. To which she replied, “Then that letter is CRAZY.”

And I agree.

The “weeds” in my life are much bigger and scarier than the weeds in my lawn, or any threats an HOA could throw at me.

But when did the world become so incredibly petty? When did our biggest concern (and point of harassment) become weeds in our lawns?

I once heard a pastor say that our souls expand and shrink to size of our concerns.

Read that again, and let it simmer for a minute.

If we are constantly fixated on “small” things, our souls shrink and become small. If our souls’ burdens are big, they expand to the size of those concerns – we grow. So if we are more concerned with things that affect more than just ourselves and our own lives, our souls have grown. (Keeping in mind that our souls can grow and yet shrink again, if we get all wrapped up in ourselves and don’t have any regard for others or things that are happening outside of our circles.)

My mama is hurting, so I am hurting. It’s hard for me to see past what she is going through, long enough to focus on anything smaller than cancer. I wish and pray for many things, but mostly for her healing. She has so much life left to live, and I will do everything I can to help her live it. That’s about as much as my soul can carry right now.

What I won’t do, is worry about some dang weeds.

If any of you are looking for a place to expand your soul and give, consider St. Jude. They are my absolute favorite charity. Did you know that families who receive care from St. Jude don’t pay for a single thing while they are there?

I have my Amazon account set up to give a small portion of each purchase to St. Jude’s, via https://smile.amazon.com. It’s free and easy to do. If you haven’t already, give it a try! 😊

You can also donate to the #ChipInChallenge for St Jude, which is currently taking place via https://magnolia.com/chipinchallenge.

Of course, soul-stretching isn’t just about giving from your wallet. You can also give of your time, your skills, your blood, your sweat, etc., to help others in any way that you are able.

For goodness’ sake, whatever you do – stay out of the weeds. 😉

Blessings,
Emily

Image by Bruno /Germany

green beans and black olives

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My husband and I both agree that our daughter Grace is the best thing that’s ever happened to us. She’s our rainbow baby.

A lot of folks know what that means, but for those who don’t, it means she’s the blessing that followed a miscarriage. The rainbow that followed the rain. 🌈❤️

As our Gracie gets closer to her second birthday, she is quickly becoming a legit toddler. She’s inquisitive, empathetic, opinionated, and her preferences seem to change from one day to the next! 

There are days when she’ll eat 2 whole bananas, and others where she can’t stand the sight of one. Some days she’ll eat anything we put in front of her, and other days where it seems she refuses everything. Sigh. 

Recently, on one of her more “unusual” days , after attempting to feed her everything in the cabinet and fridge, she decided that green beans and black olives were the best things on the planet. She began devouring them the same way you’d eat an ice cream cone on a hot summer day; as quickly as possible! 

In that moment, after worrying we had somehow failed her as parents, fearing she would surely go to bed hungry and grumpy and never recover… while watching her eat with a purpose, my poor mama-heart let out a huge sigh of relief, shed a few tears, and then I began laughing hysterically. 

I realized right then that we hadn’t failed her, and we couldn’t fail her; God prepared our hearts for her, long before she was born. He gave us everything we needed to take wonderful care of her, and love her with every ounce of our souls. 

So as we step into full-blown toddler-hood, I am renewed in the faith that my Father provides for me, and therefore will provide for her – both through us and in spite of us, as time goes on. 

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? ~Matthew 6: 25-27 

Mama friends, don’t let your hearts be troubled; He has given you everything you need to care for your little ones, and so much more. Rejoice and rest in His loving arms!

Blessings,
Emily

intermittent fasting and autophagy

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It has been a whirlwind couple of weeks. I’ve been hit with wave upon wave of sickness (courtesy of my daughter), and I am SO ready for a break from the preschool plagues!

However, I’m still devoted to this intermittent fasting (IF) journey. And it is working! I stick to my fasting window of 15-16 hours six days a week, taking one day off a week when I’m allowed to eat or enjoy an adult beverage outside of my designated fasting window (for date nights, Mama’s sanity, etc).

I am rarely hungry, I get fuller faster when I eat, I’m sleeping better, and the pounds are melting away with very little effort. So far, I have lost 8 pounds. I haven’t counted anything or denied myself anything; if I feel like I need a piece of chocolate, I eat the dang chocolate. But I will say that I’m more mindful now about what I choose to eat and how much of it I really need to feel satisfied. And it was a natural evolution of thought, stemming from the two new routines in my life: meditation and IF.

Others have joined me on this journey, and I’ve gotten some AMAZING feedback! A friend recently shared her success with me, and I was completely blown away. Here is the message I received from her after less than a week of IF:

Now I will admit, I had no idea what autophagy was when she mentioned it. But since she’s in the medical field, I knew it was worth looking into! So I set off on a google search and found a 4-minute video on Youtube that talks about what autophagy is, and how IF triggers it. Rather than me trying to summarize (or butcher) the information in the video, I’ll post the link here so you can see for yourself: Autophagy & Intermittent Fasting: Activate Garbage Recycling and Cellular Remodeling

After watching that video, there’s really nothing more or better I can say about the benefits of IF and why everyone should be doing it. The craziest thing about all of this is that I never thought I would join the meditating or fasting bandwagons. If someone had told me a few months ago that I’d be doing these things, I would have laughed them out of the room.

But I did pray, asking for God’s help with my health goals. Then I talked to a friend (a fellow believer) about my struggles, and that led me to IF. So I’m going to take these blessings and run with them.

If you haven’t already, I would love for you to join me and share your feedback! 🙂

Blessings,
Emily