sustained | daniel fast week 3.

Our fast ends in less than three hours.

21 days. 504 hours. No meat. No dairy. No processed foods. No flavored drinks. No coffee. No tea.

Just water and plant-based foods for 21 days.

But it's been much more. It's been a journey, an experiment, and a challenge. And while we followed the restrictions and kept it up for three weeks, it's God that truly sustained me.

First, my hangry (hungry = angry) moments were pretty minimal. For those who have experienced my regular hangriness, this is a miracle. Second, the intentionality of the fast encouraged me to be intentional in other areas, like pouring into God's word and spending time in prayer. Things that have at times seemed like a chore now feel crucial to my every day. And finally, He gave me exactly what I needed. There were times that I cried out to Him, hungry or tired or frustrated, and through His word, through His Spirit and through His people, He sustained me, and He renewed me. So while we fasted, I have to give all credit to my Father for His sustenance.

Here's a passage that I read last week that was just the reminder I needed of how God always provides, how He's always got it covered...

The instruction of the Lord is perfect, renewing one’s life; the testimony of the Lord is trustworthy, making the inexperienced wise. The precepts of the  Lord are right, making the heart glad;  the command of the  Lord  is radiant, making the eyes light up.  The fear of the  Lord  is pure, enduring forever;  the ordinances of the  Lord  are reliable and altogether righteous.  They are more desirable than gold — than an abundance of pure gold;  and sweeter than honey, which comes from the honeycomb.  In addition, Your servant is warned by them; there is great reward in keeping them.  Who perceives his unintentional sins? Cleanse me from my hidden faults.  Moreover, keep Your servant from willful sins;  do not let them rule over me.  Then I will be innocent and cleansed from blatant rebellion.  May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to You,  Lord , my rock and my Redeemer. 
Psalm 19:7-14

Thank you for praying for us, thinking of us, and talking with us about the fast.

xoxo.

fed | daniel fast week 2.

We're now on day 15 of the Daniel Fast, and into our third and final week. Last week marked a turning point for me in this process. Nothing major, nothing dramatic, just the beginnings of a real and raw change in my heart. I committed to pouring into God's Word every morning before work last week, and I did. And the days were lighter, and my mind was stronger and God was with me. He truly provided the nourishment the I needed, as He always does. I'm learning that His nourishment is always there and His Word is always relevant, but He gives me the choice to glorify Him with my days, with my actions, with my thoughts, and with my heart. He is faithful.

And yet I know that I have so far to go. That God wants to take the ounce of faith that I have now and turn it into tons and tons of faith. And He will do exactly as He desires to accomplish His work in me, that I might be an ambassador for Him alone. 

There is much uncertainty in the future for Landon and I, but my prayer is that I would be open, willing, and ready to follow God's call for us, carrying with me what little faith I have, and trusting in God to provide the rest. I've been repeating a little phrase to myself as a reminder of this: My hands are open, my heart is willing, and my feet are ready. My hands are open, my heart is willing, and my feet are ready. Open, willing, and ready.

As we walk through these last six days of the fast, would you pray for us? Would you ask that we would be open, willing and ready to do God's work, and to let Him do a work in us?

xoxo.

And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom. Daniel 1:20

P.S. This talk really spoke to me this week: Ruth / Once Upon a Time via He Speaks in the Silence

weight | daniel fast week 1.

We're on day 7 of our 21-day Daniel Fast, so I thought I'd give an update. We started off the week with dedication and preparation, having all of our meals planned and discussing what we'd be praying for specifically during this time. We've also been reading scripture together each morning, so we planned to continue that discipline during the fast.

But by the end of the week, we were drained. We felt negative, tired, and impatient. Our conversations seemed gloomy, the small details of our work and life suddenly became most important, and the things we can't control weighed on us heavily. The truth is, we had started out the week with energy and consistency, but we hadn't kept up with the spiritual part of our fast, and it was evident. The physical portion of the fast wasn't too difficult of an adjustment this week, but the spiritual portion was. It seemed as though there was a battle for my heart, and I couldn't think of anything but myself. I could feel the weight of my sin, and I could feel so clearly my need for God's provision.

I spent much of my morning yesterday pouring into God's Word again, refreshing myself with His truths, rather than my own desires. And as we enter our second week of fasting, I am reminded that only He provides true nourishment, and only He loves me enough to have sent His son to bear the weight of my sin and sorrow.

xoxo.

God gave these four young men knowledge and skill in both books and life. In addition, Daniel was gifted in understanding all sorts of visions and dreams. At the end of the time set by the king for their training, the head of the royal staff brought them in to Nebuchadnezzar. When the king interviewed them, he found them far superior to all the other young men. None were a match for Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Daniel 1:17-19

daniel fast 2013.

We're doing something a little different in this new year. Together with our church family, we'll be fasting for the next three weeks, following the Daniel Fast plan, which combines prayer with a diet of only plant-based foods and water, as a way to focus on spiritual nourishment. While it will be challenging, I'm looking forward to this time, and focusing on the discipline of more dedicated times of prayer in 2013.

We spent much of the weekend preparing for the fast, so our kitchen is stocked and ready with fruits, veggies, nuts, beans, and some whole wheat pasta.

I typically plan my meals each weekend, so I've included a list of our meals for this first week of the fast below. I'll be posting more updates throughout the fast with our weekly meal plans, and what we're learning during this time.

Monday
Baked Oatmeal (I'm subbing unsweetened dried cranberries for dates) // Creamy Avocado & White Bean Wraps (omitting the cheddar and subbing olive oil for the canola oil) // Vegetable Pad Thai (from this book)

Tuesday
Baked Oatmeal // Balsamic Pasta Salad with Roasted Vegetables (omitting goat cheese) // Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Beans & Greens

Wednesday
Applesauce & Hazelnuts (using homemade unsweetened applesauce) // Creamy Avocado & White Bean Wraps // Avocado-Lime Black Bean Salad & Cranberry Wild Rice Pilaf (a variation of this)

Thursday
Banana, Berry, Peanut Butter Smoothie // Balsamic Pasta Salad with Roasted Vegetables // Mexican Haystacks (subbing beans for meat) & Green Salad

Friday
Applesauce & Hazelnuts // Butternut Squash, Carrot, & Ginger Soup // Cauliflower Crust Pizza (using vegan flax eggs...yikes!)

Saturday (happy birthday to me!)
Oatmeal & Dried Cranberries // Butternut Squash, Carrot, & Ginger Soup // Quinoa with Roasted Vegetables and Sweet Potatoes

xoxo

P.S. I'll be pinning Daniel Fast recipes here over the next three weeks.

our mini-thanksgiving.

Landon and I are celebrating Thanksgiving a little early this year--and since it's just the two of us, I'm keeping the menu pretty simple (just our favorites!). The turkey and trifle recipes are both new (to me), and I'm really excited to try them. I made the twice baked sweet potatoes last year (to die for), and the creamed corn is my all time favorite dish. Really. It's that good. That's why I've deemed it "world's best."

And, on another note, I'm so very grateful for the things I've been learning this year, and the things God continues to reveal to me through His word, the people I meet, the books I read, and the conversations I have. He is so good, and His goodness takes on new meaning for me everyday. It's strangely beautiful how we can be changed in something so constant--His love.

xoxo.

_____________________________________

Thanksgiving Menu

Cranberry Apple Roasted Turkey Breast | World's Best Creamed Corn | Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes | Pumpkin Cheesecake Trifles

three of my favorite things.

this recipe. 

this book.

and this photo.

xoxo.

fall come quickly.

We finally had some cooler temperatures this weekend. And by cooler, I mean a high of 84. But, we saw some rain and had to wear jackets in the morning, so I'm thinking fall might just be rolling in soon. And with fall, comes adorable fox coats, pie, fires, and butternut squash. My favorites.

xoxo.

sometimes i take photos.

 Ah, the desolation that is West Texas.

 Dinnertime!

 You know how we feel about sour cream...

 Us.

Never fear, my brow wax is scheduled for this weekend.

xoxo.

i want to go to there.

I was talking with my mother-in-law the other day, and she told me about these two great spots in Portland, which has me wanting to pack up and fly out there yesterday. Seriously though, pizza and ice cream straight from PDX? Yes, please. First up, Oven and Shaker, where every pizza sounds amazing.

And second, Salt & Straw, the new hip thing in Oregon dairy. I'd kill to try some of their Rocky Road with Honey Marshmallows and Candied Walnuts.

Now, who wants to fly me back?

xoxo.

my bookshelf.

The other day, I let out a cheer as I told Landon I had already finished three books so far this year. He slowly raised his eyebrows, brought his hand to his mouth and busted up laughing. Apparently three books is no match for Mr. Abilene Public Library, but it's pretty good for me. And then, when I went to take this photo, I realized that I have actually finished four books, and I'm partially through two more. Regardless, these six books have easily been six of the best I've ever read, which is the real reason I'm sharing them with you, not to one-up Landon (because I never could). 

1. Start With Why by Simon Sinek

If you're involved in any kind of business, promotion, blogging, or simply sharing an idea you're passionate about, READ THIS BOOK. Simon's ideas are so simple it's a wonder it took a book to explain it, but I'm glad it did. From beginning to end, his thoughts on marketing, business growth and relationships are profoundly logical and based on real world examples. I'm planning to read it again. 

2. The Help by Kathryn Stockett

This one needs no explanation. Read it, watch the movie, and enjoy every second. I sure did.

3. The Lost Art of Real Cooking by Ken Albala and Rosanna Nafziger Henderson

I'm just a few chapters in to this one, but the preface mentioned a recipe for roasting a bear's behind, which sounds promising. Already, I've learned how to pickle (the real, eight-month-involves-mold way), how to can my own olives and how to crack open the olives before I can them. #winning

4. Why We Love the Church by Kevin DeYoung and Ted Kluck

I'm about halfway into this one, and it's pretty spot on. I think anyone who calls themselves a Christ follower but questions the purpose of organized church should read it. Maryn sent it to me after some frustration I was having over the "I love Jesus but not religion" video that came out a few months ago. My summary of the book in one sentence? Christ says the church is his bride, and you can't have a bride-less marriage.

5. Generation iY by Tim Elmore

This one was also recommended by a friend, and it articulates the unique challenges, strengths and potential problems for the Generation iY (those born after 1990). It's a great read if you work or interact with Generation iY-ers regularly.

6. Dinner: A Love Story by Jenny Rosenstrach

If you read only one of these books, choose this one. It might just be my favorite of these six. Jenny's honest and approachable voice is so fun to read, and she perfectly articulates the importance of families sitting down to a real meal together on a regular basis. On top of that, her recipes all sound not only delicious, but doable. She recounts her experiences from the perspective of a real mom with a real (busy) job and a real family. Amid life's craziness, it's good to sit down and enjoy some bolognese or salmon salad or black bean burritos together. Bravo, Jenny.

This book report of a blog post is brought to you by no one. I'm sure if any of these authors knew who I was, they'd have paid to me to write this, but alas, these thoughts are entirely my own.

xoxo.

summer essentials.

Ice cream,

bike rides,

backyard swinging,

...and more ice cream.

Happy Monday.

xoxo.

hello weekend.

Hello, weekend. Won't you stay a while?

Fun colored planters from A Beautiful Mess

An amazing photo shoot by Jose Villa, full of peaches, cupcakes and an airstream trailer

These lemon almond coconut ice cream sandwiches look like just the thing for a June weekend

Happy weekend!

xoxo.

P.S. This is my first ever animated gif. Who knew they were such a cinch?

current loves (in no particular order).

1. this song.

2. little sweet things.

3. beets.

xoxo.

CTK FTW (conquer the kitchen for the win).

Check out this killer program my mom is starting at CookingThyme. SERIOUSLY wishing I lived in Portland, or had the cold hard cash for a few trips back there this summer. This program is going to be AMAZING.

Happy week!

xoxo.

the weekend.

 How was your weekend? Landon was in San Antonio for a track meet on Friday and Saturday, so it was just me and Snook. Most weekends when Landon is gone I sustain myself with cereal, toasted bagels and pasta. This weekend was no different as you can see from the photo! Also, did you know that pasta is approximately 20,000 times better with a dollop of sour cream on top? I thought everyone put sour cream on their pasta until I went to college and noticed that our cafeteria didn't set out sour cream with the marinara sauce. Anyways, it's golden. But then, I put sour cream on a lot of things. So much that Landon has started asking at most meals, "Do we put sour cream on this?" Charming. 

 Aside from carbohydrates, my weekend was also filled with getting some work done, planning for CookingThyme (check out the latest email here! so many fun classes!) and watching Snook try to open the window...

This is 100% unposed. I'm worried that he'll get too smart for us. 

Have a great week!

xoxo.

the [relaxing] weekend.

Oh Monday, are you here already? We had a great weekend that included (1) Mac and Cheese with Roasted Chicken and Goat Cheese; (2) A little snoozin'; (3) Fresh produce sent from Grandma Heath (can you say guacamole?!?); (4) Covering a Volleyball Banquet for work (hence the photos taken with a slightly nicer camera than mine...and by that I mean waaaay nicer); (5) A little portrait photography practice (taken by Landon); (6) A de-lish pad thai, thanks to this book (a birthday gift from Ry + Ash).

We also had some sweet little snowflakes last night, but I don't think they'll stick around for long.

How was your weekend? Have a fabulous Monday...

xoxo.

a birthday celebration + a pretty cake.

Today is my 24th birthday, and I was able to celebrate with family last week while we were home. My mom made the most gorgeous (and delicious) chocolate raspberry forest cake (recipe here, but we added a fourth layer of cake to ours!)

 I could have eaten that cake for days, and I don't usually don't even like cake! (that's why we had strawberry shortcakes at our wedding)

 We also had an amazing dinner with panko crusted salmon, risotto cakes and spinach salad, with raspberry royales to drink! Yum, yum, yum!

I also gave my brother his overdue birthday present at our dinner: a marshmallow roasting tree from Terrain!

My niece and I at the birthday dinner! It was a wonderful night, filled with family and good food! Landon's family joined us, as well as my dear friend, former co-worker and cousin Jolleen, who drove all the way up from Corvallis for the evening! The best part of the night was my Dad's toast, wishing us more growth this year. And because growth comes through trials, he wished us more trials. As backwards as that may sound, he's right, and I welcome growth, wherever it comes from. Landon followed him with some of the sweetest, most heartfelt words I've ever heard...brought me straight to tears! It was a great night, and a reminder of how blessed I am. 

Here's to another year!

xoxo.

christmas eve cinnamon rolls [the best in the world]

 I'm making cinnamon rolls today with my mom, sisters, cousins, and aunts. We started this tradition last year, and it's becoming one of my favorites. Here are some photos from last year:

 My mom said to punch the dough, and I took it too literally...and cracked all of the knuckles in my hand...

It's gonna be a good day.

xoxo.

happy (bright) friday.

 I hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving! Landon's family was in town, and we enjoyed lots of yummy food yesterday. Today, we're relaxing and gobbling up the leftovers (poached eggs over dressing with potato cakes, and pumpkin pie of course!). No black Friday shopping for us today, we'd rather cozy up at home! Have a good one!

xoxo.

the anthology: fall colors collected

May I present...the colors I'm 100% loving this fall. I know they're also 100% conventional, but can you blame me? Camel, deep orange and mustard will always have my heart!

Without further ado, the colors:

Woodsy (and Papery) Camel + Chocolate...

Heart Wood Board | Kraft Paper Wedding Programs

Rich Mustard...

Knitted Cardigan | Wrinkled Mustard Bag 

Pumpkin Spice...

Modern Living Room | Butternut Squash and Crispy Sage Pizza

And a hint of GOLD...

Gold & Wood Platter | Sweet Bow Gold Necklace | Leather Mouse Pad

What colors are you loving this fall?

xoxo.

P.S. Full disclosure: While I am loving fall, I have to admit that I compiled this post while listening to Michael Allen Harrison's Christmas Albums, which are really hard to keep stashed away once November comes (I promise his music is much better than his hair).

P.S.S. I'm also over here today.