It is time for another recipe. I know it has been a long time since I shared one and to be honest I am really lacking in the recipe/cooking area. I am feeling pretty 'blah' lately. I desperately need some new recipes that are fast, healthy and easy!
This is a new "go to" that I love because it is soooo easy and super yummy. Even my kids like it, the pickiest little Miss included.
Coconut Chicken
4 chicken breasts
Salt & Pepper
Canola Oil
1/3 cup fine dry plain breadcrumbs
1/3 cup flaked coconut
1/4 cup butter, melted
Sprinkle the chicken with salt & pepper. Rub oil on the chicken.
Mix the breadcrumbs and coconut together. Roll the chicken in the coconut mixture.
Place your chicken in a lightly sprayed baking plan and drizzle it with the butter.
Bake at 350 for 40 - 50 minutes...until your chicken is done.
I often place a sheet of foil over my pan for the first half of the baking so the coconut doesn't get too brown. Just watch it and do what you want. You might like brown coconut.
* Use the foil as it does get brown quite quickly
* I usually use chicken thighs and found that I needed more of the mixture.
* I also don't drizzle as much butter as they say on it--especially with the thighs as they are fattier and have a lot more grease. The chicken breasts are generally drier, so you may need the full 1/4 cup of butter.
I would love to hear if you tried it and what you thought! :o)
There are certain moments that you never want to forget in life, moments that shape who you are and perhaps who you will become. Those 'aha' moments that leave you breathless, leave you speechless, that really hits the core of who you are, where you are going and of course who God wants you to be.
I have started running again, very sporadically due to the delicate balance of being a wife, mother and woman of God. I don't want to put tonnes of pressure on myself, but just really enjoy it and enjoy the times that I do get a chance to get out. As I have mentioned before it has always been a release for me and now as a Christian it is a spiritual release, awakening, oh so much more than it has ever been before. I LOVE IT! It is during these runs lately where I have really heard from the Lord, that I have surrendered everything to the Lord, that I have just left it all up to Him. Why, because I wouldn't make it home unless I did. I am pretty out of shape! :o)
I was out tonight running, after a difficult day. A difficult day in the fact that I was feeling really down and pessimistic about everything. I did what I normally do, read the Bible, laced up and headed out. Normally I am a babbling fool, talking, or should I say pouring my heart and soul out to the Lord. I am usually tear ridden, but one would never know because I sweat a lot! It is quite the scene.
Tonight I was silent, and just wanted to push through. However, I was getting down to the last 10 minutes and I wanted desperately to stop. Everything was burning, I was sore, tired and so out of breath. I wanted to just give up, walk home, pack it in and say well at least I got out and tried. I didn't though, instead I called out to the Lord and asked Him to help me, I surrendered it all up to Him, I let Him carry me home. It is usually during these last 10 minutes that I have those 'aha' moments, that I hear and feel the Lord working in me. Tonight I didn't want to, I was upset and angry, but I desperately needed Him.
You see I am not a quitter! I am stubborn, competitive and I do not give up easily. However I am not always like this with my walk with the Lord. Tonight, I felt the Lord telling me that I need to surrender, to hand it all over to Him, to trust Him and have Faith in Him that He will get me through every part of my life, every part of this journey I am on with Him and not JUST WHEN I AM RUNNING. I felt the Lord asking me 'why is it that you can surrender everything to me while you are out of breath, physically stretched and ready to die on the trail, but not in your life, not in the most important battles, those battles that leave you bruised, battered, torn and worn out. That's a tough question, it hit me hard and it is something that I need to really work on.
I know these moments that I have running will shape me, are shaping me and will hopefully help me be more obedient and willing to just 'roll my burdens' over to HIM.
How about you, is it easy for you to surrender, roll your burdens over to HIM?
"Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light and your justice as the noonday." Psalm 37:5-6
A bit ago Meaghan tagged me for a Versatile Blogger award (thanks Meaghan) and unfortunately I haven't had the time to sit down and write, post, and I also am lacking a bit in the inspiration/creative area, so here it goes.....7 things about moi that you may have or may not have known! :o)
1. I love to cook, like really love to cook, but I lack the inspiration lately. It was once a sort of stress relief for me, and I love trying new recipes out, but since having kids it seems more like a chore! I did try a new bison barley stew recipe tonight and everyone but the pickiest eater in our house (the little miss) liked it! I would love to take some cooking classes, oh and have a bigger kitchen!! ;o)
2. I am a total morning person. I can't stay up late. Anything past ten and I am a wreck! I also prefer to run and work out in the mornings, but that is a bit more difficult with kids.
3. Running is my stress relief, my sanity and always has been since junior high. I am slowly getting back into it and it has been AWESOME! My hubby and I have some big plans for next year, which I am super excited about! He has even agreed to run with me (he hates running--it's to hard on his knees) and of course I had to make a compromise and agree to do something that he loves. Let's put it this way, I will be one tough mama, don't mess with me or I'll take you down! hee, hee!! :o)
4. I have never liked gardening--ever (my sister is the green thumb), but lately I have been really praying that we can one day have a large yard with a garden. In fact my little man prays for it every night! (too cute) He wants to grow blueberries, strawberries, peas, beans, gummies and ice-cream in his garden! ;o)
5. My faith is the most important part of my life and it has not always been this way. I am so happy that I have a personal relationship with Jesus. It has also been the hardest, most challenging journey of my life. Sometimes God calls upon you to do things that you really don't want too and that is a real struggle for me. However, it is during these times that I have learned so much and God has truly blessed me for being obedient.
6. I would be happy spending my life traveling the world with my family! While I do want to establish some roots, I don't think I can ever cure my travel bug!
7. There was a time in my life (when I was quite young) that I wanted to be a nurse when I grew up. That is the funniest thing ever as I faint anytime I get a needle, I faint due to the 'smell' of a hospital, I even faint when I see people hooked up to IV's, oxygen, whatever. Luckily I have come to recognize this and now know how to most times prevent my fainting (ie--ask to lie down when getting a needle). The worst fainting episode was shortly after we were married, John was hit while on his Motorbike. He was taken to the University hospital to get his back checked out. He was just lying on the table with absolutely nothing hooked up, nothing and all of a sudden I fainted, passed out cold. John thought it was because I was so deeply concerned for him and thus thought I was the sweetest wife ever. I was concerned for him, but it was more my phobia of hospitals! After having two c-sections I think I have improved a little! :o)
I am supposed to now tag 15 people, but I don't know that many bloggers. So if you read this and you blog, feel free to play along! :o)
I am stressed beyond, but thought that I should take a moment to reflect on what I am grateful for. Also I could really use some prayer for a big interview I have tomorrow. It's for a term position with the Government in Regina. It is at my current level, which is awesome, but the drive to Regina would be long--but only for a term (4 to 7 months, depending on which position I could get). The interview is two hours long--yup 2 hours! I have to prepare a Powerpoint presentation and then go into a 'normal' government interview. AHHH!
This week's grateful list will be dedicated to the Lord! Even in the toughest, most stressful times, I know that I can take peace, comfort and joy in knowing that He will provide, He will vindicate, He loves unconditionally, He forgives me, He speaks to me when I really need to hear from Him most and He listens to me and my heart! He also provides us with miracles (more on that to come). I am in awe at how extremely awesome HE is and the way that he works and moves in our lives!
1. That He sent his only son to die on the cross for our sins! The ultimate price, something unfathomable!
2. The BIBLE. The inerrant, living, Word of God. Yes He is alive and speaks to us all the time through the Bible. Anyone who thinks it's old or outdated, they really need to spend some time and read it! ;o)
3. Grace, enough said.
4. That the Lord knows exactly what we need and when we need it. (although I wish that I would know His timing--sometimes)
5. For providing us with so much!
"if you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep, you're richer than 75% of the world"
6. The fact that I am forgiven and that he does not keep record of my mistakes nor hold them against me.
7. For providing me with the most amazing husband (he certainly picked the best partner for me) and two incredible, beautiful gifts--my two children! I am soooo blessed!
8. Knowing that He has a plan for our lives and that if we submit to His will rather than our own, we will have an amazing journey and an incredible eternity! So, so excited to see what our Journey ahead will be like. God is doing some pretty amazing things in the midst of the storm we are going through!
Now I leave you with this email that I got! I thought that it was pretty cute! :o)
RECALL NOTICE:
The Maker of all human beings (GOD) is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart. This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units, code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. This defect has been technically termed "Sub- sequential Internal Non-Morality," more commonly known as S.I.N., as it is primarily expressed. Some of the symptoms include:
1. Loss of direction 2. Foul vocal emissions 3. Amnesia of origin 4. Lack of peace and joy 5. Selfish or violent behavior 6. Depression or confusion in the mental component 7. Fearfulness 8. Idolatry 9. Rebellion
The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this defect. The Repair Technician, JESUS, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required. The number to call for repair in all areas is: P-R-A-Y-E-R. Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure.
Next, downloadATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component. No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with: 1. Love 2. Joy 3. Peace 4. Patience 5. Kindness 6. Goodness 7. Faithfulness 8. Gentleness 9. Self control
Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of these fixes.
WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded. For free emergency service, call on Jesus.
DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility. Thank you for your attention! - GOD
P.S. Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice, and you may contact the Father any time by 'Knee mail'! Because He Lives!
Haven't done one of these for a while, so I thought I would do one. It has been a crappy day, a crappy week! We are stressed beyond, so perhaps this would give me something else to dwell on. My biggest complaint is WHY CAN'T PEOPLE EVER TELL YOU THE TRUTH, just be honest is it really that hard! I know what is wrong with this society and that is a very simple, straightforward answer.....
There it's out of my system!
For Today . . . August 12, 2010
Outside my window... The sky is clearing after a storm.
I am thankful...for revelation and the incredible ways God has spoken to me.
I am praying...for a lot, a real lot, but most importantly a JOB!!!!!
I am also praying...for peace, contentment, and a deeper relationship with the Lord.
I am thinking...about all the things we have to do, tomorrow will be a busy day!
I am also thinking....the things that God has been laying on my heart!
I am celebrating...that I finished a couple of exercises that I needed to complete for another job competition I am trying to apply on.
From the kitchen...not much tonight. We bought a chicken and had some salad and corn.
I am wearing...some JOE shorts, and a new hoodie that I love!
I am reading...the Bible, The Key to Your Child's Heart by Gary Smalley, Wild at Heart by John Eldredge and How to Keep Your Kids on Your Team by Charles Stanley! A lot on the go and all of them AWESOME!
I am hoping...that I will hear about a job SOON!!
I am hearing...my hubby talking on the phone to his best bud. They have the funniest conversations, but I am so glad that they have one another! Two men who have amazing testimonies and an amazing desire for God.
I am creating...I started on a traditional scrap booking page of moi when I was prego with Zech! It is almost completed, I will have to share soon! Can't believe I did a traditional page in 20 min. without little hands getting into everything (Gigi was sleeping, but Zech wasn't).
Around the house... it's looking a lot more organized and put together. We even put up pictures!
One of my favorite things...spending time with my incredible husband and amazing, beautiful gifts from God--Zech and Gigi!
A few plans for the rest of the week...a busy day tomorrow with lots of decisions to be made and things to sort out, please pray for us. Not much for the weekend going on here.
Here is a picture thought I'm sharing with you....
Wascana Park Regina, the legislature is in the background
We left for Alberta on Canada Day for a mini vacation and of course to meet my new nephew! We had figured that it was about a 7 hour trip, max. 8 hours. Yeah----10 hours later we finally pulled into Beaumont to stay with my Sister and her family! It was a long drive. Yes we did stop along the way and had a picnic at a lake, Zech had to throw-up a few times and finally some ice-cream in Vegreville to make everything feel better!
This trip was a multi-purposed trip. We had not been on a holiday in a long time and desperately needed one. We had been invited to a Christian camp a while ago by some pretty good friends. We wrestled with it, we really wanted to go, but didn't know if we could afford it or if we could get time off. We also knew that it would be around the time that my sister was due and then we found out that it would most likely be around the time that my cousin was to be married. So we were hoping that maybe we could fit everything in. Well, we made it to see the baby and went to camp, but couldn't stay for the wedding. I guess we just couldn't do it all.
We spent the first few days trying to help out my Sister and her family. I am not sure how much help we were, but we did try. My kids were obsessed with baby Emmett and were constantly wanting to hold him. Zech and Jonas fought a lot, and Gigi was grumpy and teething.
We were able to see my Grandma, but it was a real short visit. We took Jonas with us, so 3 little kids (who seemed to be a little cranky) meant that it would be short and sweet. She looked good and she remembered who I was! She loved seeing Gigi, but Gigi was so grumpy and got very upset every time Grandma tried to touch her!
I celebrated my 31st birthday with my family. My sister and brother-in-law are BBQing experts! We had a yummy supper and Mom and Bill brought a strawberry shortcake over--yummy!
On Monday we headed to the camp. We had to make a pit stop in the mall at first (which was a bit of a gong show--as the kids were too tired) and then we picked up some groceries for the week and headed out to the camp. I was pretty excited as it was the fist Bible Camp I had ever been too!
Our little cabin was tiny (ok very tiny) and well, antique. We knew that we did not have a bathroom, but were a little shocked that we didn't have running water in the kitchen. I guess it was camping in the true sense! :o)
Chruch service ran every morning at 10:00 and every evening at 6:00. Zech had a great little 'Sunday' school program during these times. There was no nursery for Gigi, so that made things a little difficult at times. We would try to alternate. John would go to a service while I watched Genesis and vice versa. We both went there with expectations, pretty big expectations. There were a few things that I had been struggling with and really seeking answers on and John wanted a break, plus some spiritual rejuvenation. Plus we were pretty excited to hang out with our good friends and met some really great people too.
However, sometimes 'our' expectations don't always pan out the way that we envisioned them. Our picture perfect beach times, never came to fruition. In fact halfway through they completely closed the lake off to swimmers and pets due to the blue/green algae that was present. Kids were coming out of the water with massive hives and the lake stunk! So no beach time for us. Close to the end of the week, Zech had had enough of Sunday school. He was tired and all 'churched' out! ;o) Genesis was beyond grumpy with her poor little teeth and we were getting some pretty horrible sleeps and then the second last day it rained and what were we to do with the kids. So we decided to pack up and leave a day early.
WE packed up and went to the mall. It was great this time! The kids slept on the way in, we had a nice Vietnamese meal (some of our favourite food) and we did a lot of sightseeing and just hanging out and having fun. I even bought some new shoes (I can't remember the last time I bought new shoes). We spent the night with Mel and Cory again. Sunday we had a lunch BBQ with some friends and then that evening we had another fabulous meal from the BBQ from Mel and Cory (still drooling). Monday morning we left and made the long trip back.
Road trips are long, but really fun. I love travelling on the road as it is such a great time for my Hubby and I to really connect and just talk. We prayed for our trip like we always do and then we just started sharing with one another and reminiscing and opening our hearts up to one another about what we learned, what we felt that God was speaking to us on and just life in general.
While this sort of vacation did not turn out as we had planned, it turned out exactly the way God had planned. Even though we could not make it to every church service, the ones that we did make it too, were exactly what we needed. I was amazed that at every service I was able to attend, it all had to do with the struggles, the questions, that I was seeking God on. I found myself moved to do things that I NEVER do and I know that it was the work of God and what He was stirring in me. John felt the same and even though we didn't see these things in the midst of the week as everything was going on, we were able to look back and reflect on what God really wanted us to see and know.
We also felt that we didn't get a chance to see everyone that we wished we could have--sorry! It was rushed and we felt kind of sad as we were leaving. Plus I didn't get to hit IKEA! ;o(
Thanks to my sis and bro-in-law for putting up with us and letting us sleep there! Thanks to the Buhlers for inviting us and for putting up with us at camp. ;o)
Gigi wondering how on earth she can get this baby home! Gigi obsessed with babies, is naturally obsessed with her real life baby cousin! Proud Uncle John! Another nephew to rough house with!! Zech smothering his new baby cousin! He absolutely adored him and prays and ask about him all of the time! He is convinced that we can just hop in the car and head over to play with Jonas and see his new baby cousin! Our attempt at a picture of Grandma and all the grankids! These kinds of pictures are so hard to get! I love the boys matching shirts though! Mommy and her precious little one! There is something so incredibly special about witnessing a mommy with her newborn child, especially when it is my baby sister!
