Humble and Happy

Today I got a little antsy about how my house looked. We all know what happens next. Time to rearrange! I took a couple of shelving units that I have in a nook in my kitchen and arranged them different...added some new sites and took some old away. After doing this, I got to thinking.

There are so many people in this world who have all that money can buy. They have gorgeous homes, beautiful decor, and absolutely no peace. When one walks into their home, it is often cold and unwelcoming. They work from dawn 'til dusk, even though they really have no need of overtime. Their family never eats together, and when they have friends over it's nothing but a stressful affair.

Then there are those who live week to week, they have to cut corners just to get their bills paid. They don't live in the largest house on the block, nor the fanciest. Rather than running out and buying their newest fancy, they take what they have and arrange it to suit what they need. They often get things free or from yard sales, and they utilize even the smallest things, just to make what they have into a beautiful home. Yet, with all of their struggles, friends and family instantly recognize their home as a haven where they can escape worldly cares. They come over just to sit and sip coffee when they need an oasis to recharge in. The family is happy, they eat meals together and look forward to inviting company over.

If a person went off of the first sentence in each paragraph, it would be easy to choose to be the first family. Yet thinking about it closely, if I had to pick, I would much rather be the humble homemaker. The one who maybe doesn't have much. But she has peace and love and a happy family surrounding her.

I know this is chopping, having quite the time expressing myself.:) But, think about it. And never forget to be glad for what you have. <3

Blessings,
Kristin:)

Reaching Out:)

In today's world, it is so easy to get focused on one's self and forget all about the people around you. The people who may be hurting, and a simple phone call would put a smile back on their face. A family that is struggling, and a simple prayer sent up that may ease the tension. A widow who just needs a little help keeping her garden in shape, and a simple hour would have it weed free. As Christians, is it not our duty to serve? To reach out to the hurting? To be hospitable to those who have no place to go? To shine our light so that others may see Christ in us?

I know it is so easy to get busy and think, "I just don't have any free time." But really, is it a lack of free time that causes this apathy, or the lack of time management? How many times do we sit at our computers looking at what someone else is eating for dinner, or searching the newest DIY projects on pinterest? How often do we get caught up in a fiction book and are not able to put it down when someone needs us? I once saw something on pinterest (I know, I just admitted that I'm guilty of pinning away) that talked about things to do BEFORE you got on the internet. It was a simple little list. I cannot recall all that was on it, but I'm sure we could all come up with a list of our own.:) It might go something like this:

1) Call a friend
2) Bake cookies for an elder in the church
3) Send a card to someone who has been going through a tough time
4) Invite someone who doesn't get much fellowship over for brunch
5) Make a prayer list and pray for each person

Now, those are just ideas of things we can do to reach out to others in our churches or communities. I could continue the list with things that would help us, spiritually and physically. But that's another subject for another post.:)

I know having someone over for brunch may not fit into everyone's schedule all of the time, but it doesn't take too much time to pick up a card at our local Hallmark and send it out, or even to bake a double batch of cookies. And I KNOW it wouldn't take much time to pray for others, talking to God about how someone needs His help is ALWAYS better than talking it to other people about what so and so is going through.:) If we figured out how much time we spend on the computer, reading fiction books or doing countless other time-draining activities, how much extra time would we have to be a servant for others?

As I write this, it has me thinking. What things ought I to do different? How should I reach out to those around me? I know it's not always easy, but in the end, wouldn't finding out how much we've helped someone be worth a few minutes of our facebook time? Just a little something to think about.:)

Blessings,
Kristin:)

Be a Lady:)

So, maybe this is just me and I'm the only one who feels as though I really need to make a change. To become the lady God created me to be. I won't deny that it's possible, considering all of the wonderful lady friends I have who are so accomplished and who I look up to so much. If so, this post will simply help me to say the things that are on my heart and will be a reflecting point for me in the future. If not, I pray this encourages other ladies out there to reach their full potential. To not sit silently on the sidelines, but to be willing to take the challenge to become the lady God always intended them to be.

I'm going to speak from my own experience, because I can't say what others are feeling or what they want to accomplish. But for the last few years, I feel like I haven't gone many places with my life. That's not to say that I haven't had many blessings and that there aren't areas where I have changed tremendously. I've been blessed with an incredible boyfriend who encourages me, lifts me up and helps me to become a stronger person, just by being with him. I have grown in the Lord in ways that I never thought possible. I've travelled, I've attended some college classes and I can truly say I am not who I used to be. But that doesn't stop the thought from coming...am I really happy with who I am now? Have I really accomplished all that the Lord would have me to do? I would encourage all young and older ladies alike to take a look, to see where their heart lies. Because where the heart is, there will the treasures be also. 

Is it time to make a move? Have you been looking in the mirror every morning and thinking, I don't like what I see? I want to address this first because I know it is a common feeling amongst girls in general. Now, I'm not saying that it's wrong to want to be healthy, to be fit, to be pretty. That is in a woman for a reason, a God-given desire that we should honor. I do think it's wrong though, to look in the mirror every morning and say, "I am so ugly." You are a creation of the almighty God. Created in His image, made in His likeness. When He made you, He made a beautiful you and He loved you so much that he was willing to die on the cross for you. To raise for you. To pull you into His arms, wipe away your tears and say, "Everything's okay now, my Love." 

And here we stand, looking in the mirror and saying, "But, I'm not  as pretty as those girls." Or, "My personality isn't as happy, isn't as witty, isn't as fun as hers." Any time we do that, we are accepting the lie of the devil. We're allowing ourselves to be pulled down and manipulated into changing from who we really are into someone else, who we really are not. This is not to say that a girl ought to eat pure junk, refuse to exercise and sit around on the internet all day. Remember, this is coming from MY heart,  I'm only speaking to myself.:) Our bodies are a temple of the Lord. I believe we ought to take care of them and treat them right. I think it is a GOOD thing when a girl is willing to exercise, to eat healthy. I didn't say to eat nothing, I said to eat a healthy diet. I think it's great when a girl wants to be pretty. To be perfectly honest, when I dress up I feel good about myself. It puts a smile on my face and a spring in my step. I am just saying it is time to stop putting ourselves down and realize who we are in the Lord. <3

I also think it's time to take a deep look at my character. I never want to be found as the girl who's beauty is only skin deep. To be honest, a girl can have all the perfect looks; but if she has no character, her beauty seems to fade. When we spend time cultivating our walk with the Lord our whole attitude changes. A smile seems to creep up from nowhere. There's an atmosphere around a person who is prayed up that no one can duplicate. People want to be around them because there is a peace there that wordly entertainment cannot bring. Which leads me to my next subject.

I know that I spend way to much time with technology. What, with social media (which is how some of you may find this), games, pinterest and a variety of other things, it can be hard to draw back and enter into time with your family and friends who are present. When we moved into our new house, we didn't have internet for the first few days because we had to wait for it to be set up. I did have internet on my phone, but it's not the same. It didn't have the same pull. You know what? It was great! I felt like I had a life. I could pick up a book and just read. I could go outside whenever I wanted because I had nothing pulling me.  I spent more time with my dad and we grew closer. Family life became more important as the worldy entertainment faded from view. I believe that the internet truly can hold a person back from going where they could in life. There are ambitions I have that I simply have not done. Am I hiding a talent? Possibly. But I can't discover it if I don't take them time to find it. 

I think it's time to step back, to see where the strongholds are in our lives, and break them. I think it's time to pursue our dreams and ambitions, to pick up a book instead of a dvd, to go places and do things. I think it's time to become a true friend. To just drop by with a basket of goodies and a good chat. I think it's time to let go of all of the things that are holding us back and start living a full life. Time to start trying new things, going new places and reaching for our goals. Some dreams will take time, but the time will pass whether you're pursuing being a true lady of God, or still serving idols of this world. Which is more rewarding? Will you take the challenge?

Lord Bless,

Kristin:)

P.S. This didn't come out how I intended it to, but I hope it can encourage others just like it has me.:)

Double-Take Pasta

Looking for a white-red pasta that is great for the kiddos AND the adults?? Here you go! In this picture, this pasta is super kid friendly. In fact, it almost resembles (in looks only) mac and cheese. I used a white rice, gluten free pasta that was simply delicious!

For starters, you'll need:

1 package (5 links) of mild Italian Sausage

1 lb of pasta (use an angel hair pasta for a lighter, more adult feel or long tubes for those picky little ones.:)

1 jar of marinara sauce (Classico, anyone?)

1 jar of Alfredo sauce

A few fresh basil leaves, chopped

Chopped green onions, for garnish

Yep. That's it. Cook the Italian Sausage (I did it in a pan with about 1 inch of water in it, covered, on probably medium heat.) I simply cut them open to check them, they'll be cut up anyways before it's time to eat.:) 

Once the sausages are done, get some water for your pasta on the stove (use a large pot, you'll be adding your sauce to it later.) While that is coming to a boil, cut your sausages into small rounds, place in a pot and add the Alfredo and marinara sauce. Stir until the sauce is the same pretty color all of the way through, and heat, covered, on medium heat.

Drop your pasta in and drain it once it's cooked. The next step is optional. If you're looking for a prettier, more adult looking pasta, I would simply add the basil leaves to the pot of warmed sauce and stir, place your beautiful angel hair on a plate and cover it lightly with sauce. Otherwise,  put the pasta back into your pot, add your now warmed sauce and basil leaves and mix until all of the pasta is well coated.:)

Serve with green onions on top, a gorgeous leafy green salad and some fresh garlic bread!

Enjoy! :)

I KNOW I have pasta in here...somewhere!!

This picture was taken AFTER I had already started clearing out my pantry. I forgot how truly bad it was! However, I am going to hold you in suspense for a few minutes..no scrolling down to see the finished product before you read! Cheater.:) I actually pulled everything out...and I mean everything. (At least, I think I do...I don' recall leaving anything in.) Then time for the wipe down...yes...cupboard shelves get messy with all of that food. Time to fill it back up. Rather than simply putting boxes back in in an organized fashion, I bought a few little baskets from the dollar store (this is an inexpensive project...unless you realize how much $$ in food you had to throw away because it was bad, etc.), as well as a few tupperware containers that I could put cereal in. I also reused jars that I had kept from things such as spaghetti sauce. Time to pull all of the granola bars, popcorn bags and instant oatmeal bags out of their boxes and put them in my cute, labeled baskets! Wa la! Next, pour the cereal into the tupperware...so much easier to keep track of how much is left! The cans were 'fun' (aka, a pain) to organize, but I finally decided to stack the ones I wouldn't really use towards the back and move forward. Yes, I really do need to invest in those nifty sliders for your cans! I also created a bulk pantry cupboard. This is for all of the things that I will use to refill my cereal tupperware, my pasta jars, my cute little baskets...without cluttering up my main cupboard and making it look like a disaster! Ready to see the finished result? (I figure, based on the picture, each family can decide how to best accomplish their needs in organizing a cupboard and do it the way that will fit them best.:)

Note: This picture was taken at least a month or so after I redid my cupboard. Yes, it still looks good.:) And yes, I do realize that I have a couple of boxes of cereal, as well as my tupperware ones...but look at the overall appearance...and by all means, outdo me!:)

Jalapeno Spinach dip!

Why buy it, when you can make it?? It's a crowd pleaser! For the record, when I make up recipes I don't use measurements, so you can always add or use less of any ingredient because my measurements on here are guestimations!:)

How do I do this?!

• 1/2 cup of cream cheese
• 1/3 cup of frozen spinach, thawed and moisture squeezed out
• 2 tablespoons diced, pickled jalapenos
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced (more or less to taste)
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, minced
• Fresh bread or crackers to serve it with!:)

Just mix all of your ingredients together and top off your favorite bread or cracker!:)

Enjoy!(:

Kristin:)

Owl throw you a party!:)

I made this for my VERY dear friends birthday! She has a fascination with owls, so when I saw an idea similar to this I just HAD to do it!:) Pre-warning, this was hard to explain how to make. I just followed a picture and went with it, and it's what I would recommend doing to anyone who was interested in making it!:) But here are the directions, in case you want them.:))

What you'll need:
14 cuppycakes (I cheated, I used boxed cake mix to make them...but it was Funfetti! Surely that counts for something!)
2 containers of icing (I had white icing, and just died some of it blue)
7 Oreo cookies, BUT I would allow for a few extras, they tend to break when you try to cut them!
6 pretzel rods
2 life savers
2 skittles
1 cashew
6 almonds

I know, I know. Some of those you need a tiny amount of! But that's how you make it! Feel free to substitute anything to make it your style...that's what this cake is all about...personalize it for the one you love!:)

First, line up your cupcakes. Four in the center, three on each side of those four, and two on each side of the three. Next, start icing! I iced the bottom two cupcakes and the eye cupcakes white, and the other ten cupcakes blue.:) I then piped white icing onto the blue cupcakes and formed the birds breast feathers.:) Next, pull apart five Oreos and wipe (preferably DON'T lick (x ) the cream off.:) Cut the cookies in half...this is where patience comes in. They don't have to be perfect, part of them will be sticking in the icing! Arrange your cookies staggered on the sides of the row of four and top row of three cupcakes (see picture.) Pull apart two more Oreos, leaving all of the cream in tact on one side of the cookie!:) Place these Oreos on your eye cupcakes, next put a little dot of icing and stick the lifesaver to it, then put a little dot of icing on your skittle and stick that to the top of the lifesaver!(: Cut one of the Oreo halves that didn't have the cream on it and put them on the eye cupcakes. (See picture.) I promise, I'll take more pictures from now on.:) I didn't plan on explaining this on my blog.(: Give your little owl it's cashew nose, right in the bottom middle of the eye cupcakes.:) Arrange your pretzel sticks so it looks like your owl is standing on a nest. Finally! Add your owls toes, three on each side.:) Congrats! You've accomplished a cute cake! Now, go show it off!(:

Until Next  Time!

Kristin:)

Bacon Wrapped Pork Loin...this should get an ooooooh!(:

 Unfortunately, I had to dash out of the house to go for a run before this was ready to be pulled out of the oven, so I got a picture of it after it was already cut and then one on the plate....hoping it would make up for it.:)

This is a crazy simple recipe, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth experience.:) As people were trying it, I heard words such as Mediterranean coming out. That was a shock, I don't know how to cook Mediterranean style...or maybe I do!(: 

Here goes!:)

You'll need:

• 1 pork loin (You can cut it in half and save half for later, just half the rest of this recipe!)
• 1 cup of butter
• 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, pulled off of the stem (yes. fresh.:)
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (more or less to taste)
• 1 pound of bacon 

 Preheat your oven to 350* F. Place your pork loin on a baking sheet and admire the before! (: Next, mix your butter, rosemary, parsley and garlic into a delightful spread.:) Rub this on top of your pork loin, if you have extra you could also rub it underneath, if you're short, rub it out thin!:) It WILL work!:) Next, take your bacon and wrap your buttered pork loin in bacony goodness, making sure you wrap it width wise, not length wise so that the bacon fits all the way around!:) MMM:) Bake your creation for around 90 minutes, or until 160*-165* F.:) Please make sure it's cooked all of the way! (: Wow your family, and enjoy your amazingly easy, stand-out dinner!

Toodles!:)

Sunshine(:

New Recipes!!

As I expand my recipe book...I will also be expanding the amount of posts on here!:) New recipes and ideas will be added frequently...Feel free to check back or leave a comment requesting a specific recipe and I'll see if I can help you out!:)

Thanks!
Sunshine:)

Fruit Tray (:

My goodness...do I ever love having the time to make a pretty fruit tray! :)

A Song in my Heart :)

Well...here's to a new day! (: A day started with devotions and prayer....playing a message while accomplishing some things around the house. What a way to start a morning! A fresh outlook...a peace that passes all understanding. :) It's a simply beautiful day...so cool and refreshing outside...and so peaceful inside with a  nice clean kitchen...that dreadfully needs to be and will be mopped when I'm done with breakfast. :o) Speaking of which...the bacon is crispy and the oatmeal's almost done...oh boy! :D Now that I'm working on filling my hollow leg...that's not really all that hollow ;)...there is a point to this blog...sorta...maybe? Well..at least everyone will know how peaceful I am and how excited I am about dinner tonight! It's time...drum roll please x)...to try another new recipe without a recipe! I sure hope it tastes good. :S Anyways...for our Valentine's day party I want to make a hash brown casserole so I'm going to try it tonight. I'll grate the potatoes and use a sauce made out of sour cream, milk and seasonings...add in a lotta cheese and some green onions...maaayybe some real onions and maaayybe some garlic...bake it at 350 for...20-25 mins?? I don't really know. Cross your fingers! Or not since you're not the one who's going to eat it...x) Anyways...I'm wishing you all a brilliant day filled with joy!

~Krit  (: 

 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Matthew 12:34-37 :)

60 lbs for $10? Uhm...ya!

So...my brilliant dad found an ad about 60 lbs of produce for $10. (I had seen something by a church about it...but I can't claim the glory for this one...oh shucks :) ) We went and checked it out, and since we got there later they were trying to get rid of everything (granted, we missed out on some things that they had earlier) so we actually ended up with more than 60 lbs. Anyways...excitement reigns as this is happening every Saturday until May. (I think...my dad wants to know how I found that out and I can't quite remember...gasp...sure hope I'm wrong and it goes all year:) ) But...'tis a good investment...just sayin' :)

Sunshine :)

Peace in the eye of the storm...(:

Well, it's been a little while since I've read any of my poetry, but I started looking through my poem book last night and ran across something I wrote that I really like...so I thought I'd share. : )

Home

Sometimes the past comes back like a mighty wind,

Sometimes I feel as though I've lost my only friend,

Sometimes the trials seem more than I can bear,

Sometimes I only wish for someone to care.

But then I feel the gentle touch of my Savior's embrace,

He calms the storm and tells me to let Him keep the pace.

If only I would always trust Him; knowing how much He cares,

If only I would realize that His burden is easy to bear.

He never told me that pain wouldn't come,

He just promised to safely lead me home. :)

-Sunshine :)

Beauty's in the eye of the beholder (:

Well...it's a well known fact that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. (: Yours truly found beauty in a shoe box. x) I was wanting a cute box to put my letters in...but I didn't want to spend money on one. x) This is made out of a shoe box and scrap booking supplies that I had on hand. : D

Send me mailllll! <3 (:

How come everybody's always pickin' on meeee?

Crazy days, fun times, maturity <cough> at it's finest. (: I spent an ahhhmazing evening in a itty bitty town with tons of friends! Sweet sixteens are meant for being a little goofy...and a little goofy we were. (: As in...formal dresses for the girls and outfits for the guys with a wacky touch...yours truly wore a duct tape bolero...others included a superwoman cape and a zebra hat. (: And, of course, the best dressed funky girl and guy...who won those? That's my little secret. (: Competition aside, the night was spent in games, laughter, food...good times. (: And don't forget the dunkin donuts! (:

Then...comes the fair the very next day. Walking around...eating hand-dipped corn dogs and a stack of curly fries that's bigger than this side of the Mississippi. (Ok...so it wasn't QUIIITE that big (: ) And the games...what we wouldn't do to win that cuuuute <3 liiiidddllllee stuffed animal. And win it, I did. Note the blue thing in the picture next to the chicken (rooster if you are so inclined.) His name is bluga...er the blue things name is, anyways. (x And the chicken...I know you're dying to hear the story behind the thing that makes me look so teeny. Yes...there was a basket ball game...oval hoop and all. Yes, my dad won before and he brought home a big, blue, stuffed dog. (Think I got rid of it a few years later....what was I thinking?!:( ) And...he claimed that he could NEVER do it again. Mhmm. So...ten tickets left...and I got him to try. :D First shot...not even in the ball park..but the second shot...swish! Handshake. Which stuffed animal do you want? I want the chicken! (Yes...I would call the rooster the chicken.) Big hug. So excited. Walking around the fair with people going look at the chicken! It was a lovely day. (: <3 <3

Last but not least...snow. (: Fine...hail. Have it your way. (: I was driving home with one of my best friends and we're looking at these crazy dark clouds. We just knew we wanted to get a piece of them...boy were we ever hoping they were moving towards my house. Alas...as we got to the exit I realized how wet it was...we missed it. :( But wait! Is that...snoooow I see on that person's window?! No...they musta came from...well my exact thoughts are unimportant....aka I'm not gonna say the city...but they must have came from somewhere snowy. And then...we pull up to our house...and..it's snow!! Wait! On closer inspection...it's hail!! Well...whatever....there's not much...but it's still that funny white stuff! It makes me happy. (: And on that note....I'm going to skadoodle...what I'm going to do I know not....but I'm going to do it...or not...(x

Until my next adventure,

Sunshine (:

P.S. Did you notice this blog had nothing to do with anybody picking on me? Or did it? (x

The Promise ( :

There are some, dear Lord, that You have chosen,

Called out from this world of sin

To be ready to go or ready to stay,

As the Master has called to him.

You only choose the pure in heart

And those that will follow You.

Then, dear Lord, You'll give to them

A priceless gift as no one else can do.

O heavenly Father, we love You so

As you sent an Angel down.

He came with a message, O how sweet

And promised, "On one a crown."

The angel said, "I will give to you

The gift of healing Divine.

Will you go and tell them to believe?

This promise, then, is thine."

"Yes, Lord. I'll do my very best,"d

As he knelt at the throne of grace.

"I know, dear Lord, all is possible.

I'll do it at Thy request.

I'll go, dear Lord, where You want me to go;

I'll be what You want me to be.

I'll pray for the dumb and they shall speak.

I'll pray for the blind and they'll see."

William Marrion Branham 'Experiences' 1947. (:

I cut this off part way through because there were too many blank spots on the tape...but this just really spoke to me this morning as I was searching on promises. (: (: No matter what...I'll serve Him...He made His promise to me and I'm giving my life to Him. :) :) :)

Time well spent. ( :

We all have our time machines. Some take us back, they're called memories. Some take us forward, they're called dreams. ~Jeremy Iron. 

Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, and the things you never want to lose. ~Kevin Arnold

I have learned, throughout the course of my loooooong <cough> life, that you are always spending time doing something, no matter what you're doing. So, ya might as well do something that's worth while and make every moment count. Yes, I know that sounds cliche, but I'm simply stating the truth. : ) 

Anyways, my weekend is what I would consider 'time well spent,' and not a weekend that I'm longing to forget any time soon. I went up to my 'cousin's' surprise...boy was she surprised, birthday party. Food, fun, laughter...oh and don't forget the presents, presents are important. : ) And the window markers....can I claim that I'm innocent? Pretend I had NOTHING to do with that? :) 

Amidst the shock, the laughter, the inside jokes and everything in between, time spent with friends and 'family' can give you memories that will last a lifetime, memories that will help you through the struggles in life, memories that will be shared around the dinner table in years to come, precious memories that cannot be replaced. So, here's to making every moment count, whether you're sharing a secret with your best friend or in a group of people joking around, or sitting around the coffee table with just a few people talking about what kind of person suits what kind of person. (Yeah, I'm pretty sure I'm innocent as far as who started THAT conversation.) But, point being made, don't take anything for granted. You never know when your last chance will be, you never know what memories you'll make in a day or what they'll mean to you in years to come. So, take life and live it to it's fullest, be all you can be and never settle for less than the best. :) This makes me happy. ;) (Just another precious memory.)

Cheers!!

Sunshine :)

Blue Shoes!!

Well...I originally had the cliche...hi this is my blog! type of post for my first posting on here...and then I went...waaaaait! C'mon...this is a blog that III'M writing...suuuurely the first post must be about shoes! Duh! ( : So...here goes. (: I'm at school...patiently <cough> waiting for the shuttle....when lo and behold...this guy comes up with BRIGHT BLUE SHOES! Ahh! I didn't know what to do with myself! Do I ask him if I could take a picture?? No...that's just weird...instead...I'll cleverly aim my phone at his shoes and snap a picture...walaa! He never knew I did it...at least I hope he didn't. -.- Not only did I get a great photo to add to my ever growing collection...I realized just how often there is an opportunity for a picture...whether you're expecting it or not! ( : Lesson learned? Always have a camera with you...even if it consists of the camera on your phone...never know what you'll miss out on if you don't! Happy shooting! ( :