Daily Archives: February 4, 2012

Philodendron

  By Rachel | February 4, 2012 - 5:09 pm | Plants
2 Comments

My aunt gave me this plant when I went to visit my family at Christmas.  She grew it from a cutting of her philodendron that she has had for years.  This is a great plant for a novice.  I enjoy wrapping the vines around pictures and other plants and  watching the new growth on this fast growing plant.

There are many different cultivators as well as different shaped leaves and I have heard there is one that has deep red foliage-haven’t come across that yet.   This plant is in a generic potting soil and I let it dry out between waterings.  I have not fertilized it yet, but I may start fertilizing once a month with a generic indoor plant fertilizer.

This plant is a favorite with my kids and I plan on taking a cutting and letting my daughter have one of these plants in her room when she is a little older.  Very easy to care for and disease resistant.  I have my plant in an east window, but I have read that they do well with bright to medium light- so make sure they are relatively close to a window unless it is a very bright room.

Slow Cooker Lasagna

  By Rachel | February 4, 2012 - 4:08 pm | Recipes
Leave a comment

Another favorite from Crockin’ Girls.

Whenever I am having a large group of people over, this is one of my favorite recipes.  Very simple and usually appeals to most of the picky eaters out there.  Heat up some green beans or cooked spinach  on the side- we also usually have french bread- sometimes I put it in the oven with garlic salt and butter on top for a special treat.

Watch out burning the pasta, this recipe says 6-8 hours, but I think you should check at 5 hours- esp. the noodles and meat at the bottom of the crock pot.  You might just want to stir it a bit or put it on warm until you are ready to eat.

1 lb. ground beef

1 jar (26 oz.) spaghetti sauce

1 c. water (I don’t usually add water)

1 (15 oz.) container of ricotta cheese

1 (8oz) pkg. of shredded mozzarella, divided

1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese, divided

1 egg

2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley

6 lasagna noodles, uncooked

Directions:

  1. Brown ground beef; drain. Stir in spaghetti sauce and water.
  2. Mix ricotta, 1 1/2 c. mozzarella, 2 Tbsp. parmesan, egg and parsley.
  3. Spoon 1 cup meat sauce into slow cooker; top with layers of half each of the noodles, broken to fit, and then cheese mixture.
  4. Cover with 2 cups of the remaining meat sauce.
  5. Top with remaining noodles, broken to fit, cheese mixture and meat sauce.
  6. Cover and cook on low 6-8 hours.

 

My Vampire Obsession

  By Rachel | February 4, 2012 - 4:03 pm | Random
Leave a comment

English: Cover of the book Interview With the ...

I admit it.  I love reading books about vampires.  Recently I confessed to my parents that I used to hide books about vampires from them and read them at night because I was afraid they wouldn’t let me read the books.

Why the fascination with vampires?  I have pondered that question of late.  The books I enjoy about vampires are ones where there are “good vampires” and “evil vampires.”  The good vampires don’t kill humans and they fight against their evil nature whereas the evil vampires do not value human life and take it with no qualms. (Many times they are also not vampires who chose to be turned but were forced into it or on their death bed when turned.)

Really, it is just a different spin on the classic good vs. evil plot line- but there is a twist.  Vampires are considered evil- regardless of whether they are able to control their urge to drink human blood- they are creatures of darkness, with powers to control the minds of humans and superhuman strength.  They can live forever.

In some ways, I feel like I can relate to vampires.  I see the potential for evil within myself.  My own selfish motives and desires urge me to do what “feels good” and not worry about how that may hurt those around me.  To live in the moment and not think about the consequences that will come later.  I imagine when a vampire is gorging itself on human blood it feels pretty good.  However, the aftermath that they are left with leaves no doubt of the negative consequences of their selfish actions.  They are murderers.

So in some ways, I feel like these books tackle morality and in a poignant way, and (sometimes) address the problem of evil.  How do we deal with that ugly side of ourselves?  Do we deny its existence until it rears its ugly head?  What do we do to keep our own selfish desires in check?

And no, I don’t believe that vampires are real.  But I think they are interesting characters to write about-they have two parts of themselves that are constantly at war with each other.  Their self-control constantly challenged.  They live surrounded by temptation.  Isn’t that similar to our own struggles?

To close, I want to share some of my favorite vampire series/novels.  Please feel free to share your thoughts and/or series that you have enjoyed.

Charlaine Harris- Sookie Stackhouse series- 1st book -Dead Until Dark

Anne Rice- The Vampire Chronicles

Stephenie Meyer- The Twilight Series

L.J. Smith- The Vampire Diaries (the first vampire books I read as a teenager)

Insanity is…Insane!!!

  By Rachel | February 4, 2012 - 3:58 pm | Random
Leave a comment

My husband started the Insanity workout DVDs a few weeks ago.  After watching some of them and seeing him lose 10 pounds…well it could also be a morbid desire to torture myself…I have decided to join him starting today.  We just got done with the workout and let me tell you- the name is not an exaggeration.

Sometimes they are just looking for a clever name for a work out tape, so I’m thinking- ha ha- insanity- very clever.  No, that’s what you say when you are doing the workout for the first time and your legs feel like jelly about 15 minutes in- and then you have to do all the stuff you just did again, but even faster.

According to my definition, that IS Insane!!

I love the workout though, it is awesome.   If you like challenging yourself by adding something new into the mix or you are just bored, this is really a fun workout- and I guarantee whether you are in pretty good shape or just starting out, this will kick your butt.

Will be writing more updates as I experience more (of) Insanity.

Croton

  By Rachel | February 4, 2012 - 3:54 pm | Plants
Leave a comment

I love this plant.  The colors of the leaves are so unusual- yellows, reds, and purples.  I bought a very small plant and have been pleasantly surprised by how fast it has grown.

Place this plant in direct sun.  They will soak it up, I don’t know if you can give it too much sun, just make sure it has enough water- the hot sun can sometimes dry it out fast.

I have read that they like humidity so it is best if you can place them by a window and at least one more plant, but I have my plant on its own and so far its doing great.  I have had it for about 6 months now and have just started to fertilize it once a month.

I used a generic soil mix and I usually let the soil dry out somewhat between waterings.  I tend to do this with most of my house plants- because I fear overwatering.  In my first few months caring for indoor plants I killed at least three, maybe more, because I was a little too attentive with the watering can.

I have my plant in an east window right now, but most of the info I have read seems to suggest they do better in a West or South window where they receive more intense sun (this makes the leaves even more colorful).

While writing this article, I have been considering the possibility of moving mine again.  I always get nervous about that- maybe once I get another sun loving plant like this one and I can put them together.  :)

Against You and You Alone Have I Sinned

  By Rachel | February 4, 2012 - 3:47 pm | Thoughts for the Day
Leave a comment

I still remember the first time I read Psalm 51 and empathized with the writer.  I felt so alone in my pain and anguish- the consequences of my poor decisions were weighing heavily upon me, and the guilt I felt was agonizing.  I didn’t know how to express what I felt, my counselor encouraged me to look at Psalms- so I did.  Wow.  If you are going through something, whether it be the highest of highs or the lowest of lows, or somewhere in between- there is a Psalm for you.

I had lived a good portion of my life thinking I was a good person.  I didn’t do any of the “really bad sins” anyway, so I think I felt pretty prideful about that at times.  This was a turning point for me, a time when I was brought low in humility before the Lord.  I recognized that I had consciously sinned- I had chosen to do what I wanted to do, directly opposing God and what His Word told me to do.

Psalm 51 helped me find words to express all the turmoil going on inside me.  It helped me to pray and find the courage to ask forgiveness and change my life- to stop continuing in what I knew was wrong and walk away.  Here are the words:

Psalm 51

1 Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin!

3 For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you may be justified in your words
and blameless in your judgment.
5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
and in sin did my mother conceive me.
6 Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being,
and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.

7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8 Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones that you have broken rejoice.
9 Hide your face from my sins,
and blot out all my iniquities.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
11 Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit.

13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will return to you.
14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God,
O God of my salvation,
and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness.
15 O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.
16 For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it;
you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

I recognized on a whole new level my need for God- for His forgiveness and the sacrifice of His Son.  I was guilty, but He showed me mercy.  And I will never doubt my need for Him again- I realized in this season that life with God was much better than life without- I wanted His peace, His guidance, His strength- and I needed His perspective- because I was not satisfied with what the world had to offer.  The world left me feeling empty and alone- He is the only thing that fills the need that I have- whose love truly satisfies and frees me.  Great is Thy Faithfulness.

I’d Rather Have Jesus

  By Rachel | February 4, 2012 - 3:36 pm | Hymns I Love
Leave a comment

I love singing this song.  It has been a favorite since I was young- it is a good reminder to me of what is truly important in this life.  When my priorities get out of whack or I am just in a complaining, glass half empty kind of mood- I find it helpful to sing some of my favorite songs- and this one frequently comes to mind.

I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold;

I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands;
I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand

Refrain:
Than to be the king of a vast domain
And be held in sin’s dread sway;
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.

I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause;
I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I’d rather have Jesus than worldwide fame;
I’d rather be true to His holy name

Why I Love to Run

  By Rachel | February 4, 2012 - 2:45 pm | Random
Leave a comment

The alarm goes off, and part of me just wants to crawl back into bed.  The kids lay down for a nap, and I look at the treadmill knowing that I need to get on there.  There may be some slight hesitation initially, but my body knows, it remembers, and that urges me on.

The first moment I hit my stride I feel it to the core of my soul, a peace descends as the adrenaline starts to course through my veins, my body eases into the comfortable rhythm it has memorized over the years, and I feel the stress pouring out of my body, mingled with sweat.

My steady breathing and the sound of my feet hitting the treadmill are a song to me, and they provide the background music as I replay events of the day, think through what’s coming.  For some reason, this process has always been soothing to me.  Meditating on how I am spending my time, the friendships in my life, the events planned for the week.  Saying a prayer for a friend or family member as they come to mind, and maybe humming a praise song or meditating on the words.

Some days I need a challenge, and I need to be completely consumed with running.  I don’t want to think, I just want to feel my body working, being pushed to the limit.  I usually do speed intervals on those days, and challenge myself by increasing the speed and time of the intervals, seeing how long I can go, and then taking a break before pushing myself again.

I love the feeling after a run, being in touch with my body in a special way, noticing what an amazing thing it is- noticing all my muscles and how they work together, appreciating the design and the Creator of this flesh that houses my soul.

I believe that running adds a critical balance to my life, and as I get older I find comfort in returning to this ritual again and again.  While so many things in our lives change, it is good to have some things that stay the same.

That’s why I love to run.

Blueberry Muffins

  By Rachel | February 4, 2012 - 2:40 pm | Recipes
Leave a comment

These muffins have been a big hit with everyone in our family, and they are a healthy and low calorie breakfast.  I usually make these muffins one week, apple pumpkin muffins the next week, and then apple cinnamon muffins and then start over again.  I love having muffins around for those mornings when you have to get started early or you realize you forgot to eat breakfast moments from walking out the door and can quickly grab one and go.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 3/4 cup white sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 egg
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 pint fresh blueberries
  • 1 tsp. all-spice (I found this recipe to be a little bland, so I made this slight alteration)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease 12 muffin cups, or line with paper liners. Whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder in a large bowl.
  2. Whisk vegetable oil, egg, milk, and applesauce together in a separate bowl until smooth, and stir the liquid ingredients into the flour mixture until moistened. Lightly stir in the blueberries. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling them 2/3 full.
  3. Bake muffins in the preheated oven until they rise and the tops are golden brown, about 20 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin should come out clean.

**For link to original recipe on allrecipes, click here.

Waiting on God

  By Rachel | February 4, 2012 - 2:17 pm | What I'm Reading
Leave a comment

I have been slowing chewing my way through Andrew Murray’s book called Waiting on God for about 6 months now.  I believe it is a 30 day devotional- I am on day 19 presently.  I chose the word chewing rather than reading since I find myself reading a sentence or two, and then reading it again- and many times I will read his entry for one day two or three times and share portions with my husband.

Reading Murray’s thoughts and reflections have been a lifeline to me, during a time of upheaval and struggle- I have found his voice to be encouraging and convicting-just what I needed at this time.  The entry for today was particularly appropriate, so I will share a bit here.

“If we are honest in our longing for holiness-in our prayers to be wholly the Lord’s- His holy presence will stir up and discover hidden sin. It will bring us very low in the bitter conviction of the evil of our nature, its opposition to God’s law, and its inability to fill that law. The words will come true: “Who may abide the day of his coming?…For he is like a refiner’s fire” (Mal. 3:2)”

And one other quote for today.

“Many try to flee from these judgments.  The soul that longs for God, and for deliverance from sin, bows under them in humility and in hope.”

Looking forward to sharing more from future entries.