No credit card debt. No more school loans. No car payments. No mortgage.
Debt free.
Does that sound good to you? I can’t wait for that day.
Or did you read that first line and say, “Yeah right…that’s not possible in the world in which we live. That’s just a good idea, but not something that can actually be a reality?”
Until recently, I not only thought it was merely a good idea, but not something that I imagined could really be my reality.
My DH and I have been going through Financial Peace University. Prior to listening to Dave Ramsey, I was quite skeptical…someone might tell me to just eat beans and rice…we already do that (by choice – yum!). But Dave Ramsey is not only a great speaker and easy to listen to, what he has to say is radical (in a wonderful way) and biblical. His teachings have helped light a fire under my rear end and I am determined to do what I can to help us get out of debt.
We still owe on grad school and some business expenses – no, it’s not the newest TV or car or computer (yes, I would love to buy an Apple and Stephan would like to get a flat screen TV before they’re completely out of date), just boring school loans and some living expenses.
So, my DH and I sat down and evaluated our resources – what are all of the gifts God has given us that we aren’t currently using?
It just so happens that I’m great at generating ideas – creative ones, out of the box ideas – like house sitting. We rent right now, and aside from my eldest daughter’s cool bed and our piano, I’d be okay with selling everything else we own (okay NOT the Vitamix! But appliances don’t count…I’m thinking big items: couches, desks, dressers, etc).
DH got online and started looking for opportunities. We’re looking and praying for a house that we can sit long term - a year or so. There’s only one in this area (Kissimmee) right now and they don’t want kids or pets – bummer! This would allow us to live rent free and put that money towards paying off our debts. Dave Ramsey said that if your friends think you’ve lost it, you’re heading in the right direction :) Sell most everything we own and live in someone else’s house. Sounds good to me. We’re at a place in life that we could actually do that. We’ve tried to come up with other ways to live rent free, but outside of living in my folks’ camper (which is still an idea, but we’re not there yet) , house sitting is our best bet.
Would you pray with us that God would open a door to house sit long term for someone in the Central Florida area. It would have to be just the right place since we have kids and dogs. But our God is big enough; nothing is impossible for Him.
In the meantime, we’ll try to employ the other skills and abilities we have to offer and chip away at our “debt snowball.”
So, I’m looking for babysitting jobs. I’m selling things on Ebay. Apparently this can be a full-time job when you buy the right things at garage sales and then resell them on Ebay. I’m giving it a little go. So far so good. Finding the right things to sell is the trick. I’m going to finally sign up as a distributor for Juice Plus (I’ll write another blog on that…I could write loads on nutrition and the need for preventative healthcare through proper nutrition and healthy living).
In addition to the jobs that Stephan already works, he’s been developing his talent for taking awesome photos, particularly candid shots. Check out http://truenorthjourney.shutterfly.com/ to see his work.
In all this, we need the guidance of our Loving Father.
Sometimes it’s hard to know in which direction to walk. These are good options before us – none are evil – so it’s not an obvious decision. We don't want to labor in vain.
So it all comes back to trust. Ah, yes, that word. TRUST. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” Thank You Lord Jesus that you taught me that verse so long ago in an old camp song. It was planted deep in my heart before I even knew You. And thank You that as we’re working to be financially debt free, we can rejoice that we are debt free from the biggest debt we owed.
Debt free.
Because of Jesus, we are.
That often sounds too good to be true.
But that isn’t just a good idea, it is reality.
My reality. Your reality. Our forever reality.
Does that sound good to you? Oh, I long for that day.
No more sorrows. No more tears. No more creditors. No more debtors.
Amen. Come Lord Jesus!
Friday, May 20, 2011
Friday, May 13, 2011
Broccoli and Pasta with Almonds
This is a no brainer recipe that my DH and eldest daughter love. They could both eat pasta everyday if they didn’t live with this naysayer!
We use GF pasta, although I’m not a huge fan. I prefer a whole grain noodle. We’ve found that Mrs. Leper’s pasta has the best texture and reheatability factor. We buy it on Amazon through the Subscribe and save program. It’s the best deal we’ve found on that brand of GF noodles. http://www.amazon.com/Mrs-Leepers-Organic-Vegetable-Twists/dp/B000LKTZ96/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1305314181&sr=8-3-fkmr0
I would encourage you to stay away from white flour pasta since it has been stripped of all of its nutrients and the body sees it as little more than table sugar. If you’re not eating GF, go for the whole grain pasta. Beware: marketing people are sneaky (that’s the nicest thing I have to say about some of the deceitful work done by marketing companies). It might say “has whole grains,” (like Lucky Charms with whole grains…that’s hilarious!) but if you look closer at the label, it will be enriched and not the actual whole grain that makes for a nutritious product. To be sure, look for the Whole Grains Council label. http://www.wholegrainscouncil.org/
Use a big stock pot and boil enough water for the pasta. Once water is boiling add the pasta. 3 minutes before it’s done, add the broccoli. Cook until the broccoli is bright green.
While the pasta’s cooking, chop up some almonds.
Drain pasta and broccoli.
Pour a little bit of olive oil over the pasta and broccoli. Add a little salt and garlic powder. Sprinkle with the chopped almonds and enjoy! Research shows that just ¼ almonds a day is enough to help fight off heart disease – wow!
Instead of broccoli, try brocolette. It’s just like it sounds…a petite version of broccoli with tall, thin stalks and a little less up top. If broccoli is Marilyn Monroe, brocolette is Kate Moss!
We also use zucchini, yellow squash and red peppers as a different combo of veggies. They have a great flavor together and the colors are beautiful to the sight before being enjoyed by your stomach. Back before I broke up with dairy, this was super tasty with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
We use GF pasta, although I’m not a huge fan. I prefer a whole grain noodle. We’ve found that Mrs. Leper’s pasta has the best texture and reheatability factor. We buy it on Amazon through the Subscribe and save program. It’s the best deal we’ve found on that brand of GF noodles. http://www.amazon.com/Mrs-Leepers-Organic-Vegetable-Twists/dp/B000LKTZ96/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1305314181&sr=8-3-fkmr0
I would encourage you to stay away from white flour pasta since it has been stripped of all of its nutrients and the body sees it as little more than table sugar. If you’re not eating GF, go for the whole grain pasta. Beware: marketing people are sneaky (that’s the nicest thing I have to say about some of the deceitful work done by marketing companies). It might say “has whole grains,” (like Lucky Charms with whole grains…that’s hilarious!) but if you look closer at the label, it will be enriched and not the actual whole grain that makes for a nutritious product. To be sure, look for the Whole Grains Council label. http://www.wholegrainscouncil.org/
Use a big stock pot and boil enough water for the pasta. Once water is boiling add the pasta. 3 minutes before it’s done, add the broccoli. Cook until the broccoli is bright green.
While the pasta’s cooking, chop up some almonds.
Drain pasta and broccoli.
Pour a little bit of olive oil over the pasta and broccoli. Add a little salt and garlic powder. Sprinkle with the chopped almonds and enjoy! Research shows that just ¼ almonds a day is enough to help fight off heart disease – wow!
Instead of broccoli, try brocolette. It’s just like it sounds…a petite version of broccoli with tall, thin stalks and a little less up top. If broccoli is Marilyn Monroe, brocolette is Kate Moss!
We also use zucchini, yellow squash and red peppers as a different combo of veggies. They have a great flavor together and the colors are beautiful to the sight before being enjoyed by your stomach. Back before I broke up with dairy, this was super tasty with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Brown Lentil Soup
Brown Lentil Soup
Brown lentils – again 1-2 cups. I make more and freeze some. It’s really nice to pull a yummy meal out of the freezer after a tiring day in Mommyville!
Sort through the lentils looking for pebbles. Rinse if you desire.
Sautee some onions and garlic in a little water until translucent.
Add lentils and cover with water. Simmer for 30-40 minutes. These lentils will not get as mushy as the red lentils do in the taco/burrito recipe.
Cut up some baby carrots into small pieces and add to soup. If you like kale, chop up a few leaves and add them as well.
Add the following spices to taste:
Rapunzel veggie broth cubes…add 1 or 2…they rock! (I buy them at Whole, but for a picture check out this link - http://www.amazon.com/Rapunzel-Vegetable-Bouillon-3-1-Ounce-Packages/dp/B001E5DZJ8)
Salt
Oregano
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Pepper
Stir the spices into the lentils and make sure the lentils are covered with water. This is a soup recipe, so there should always be more water than lentils, however, you can make it as thick or brothy as you like.
We like to eat this with a yummy salad and some fresh baked bread. Stephan bakes the bread…he likes to bake…he’s much more exact than I am and his bread turns out great!
Brown lentils – again 1-2 cups. I make more and freeze some. It’s really nice to pull a yummy meal out of the freezer after a tiring day in Mommyville!
Sort through the lentils looking for pebbles. Rinse if you desire.
Sautee some onions and garlic in a little water until translucent.
Add lentils and cover with water. Simmer for 30-40 minutes. These lentils will not get as mushy as the red lentils do in the taco/burrito recipe.
Cut up some baby carrots into small pieces and add to soup. If you like kale, chop up a few leaves and add them as well.
Add the following spices to taste:
Rapunzel veggie broth cubes…add 1 or 2…they rock! (I buy them at Whole, but for a picture check out this link - http://www.amazon.com/Rapunzel-Vegetable-Bouillon-3-1-Ounce-Packages/dp/B001E5DZJ8)
Salt
Oregano
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Pepper
Stir the spices into the lentils and make sure the lentils are covered with water. This is a soup recipe, so there should always be more water than lentils, however, you can make it as thick or brothy as you like.
We like to eat this with a yummy salad and some fresh baked bread. Stephan bakes the bread…he likes to bake…he’s much more exact than I am and his bread turns out great!
Recipes for the strong of heart…or those who wanna be :)
Here's my disclaimer when it comes to my recipes and cooking:
I don't measure very often...only in baking or when I need to be exact for some other strange reason ;) Mostly, I cook like I live...with an open plan!
All of the following recipes can be made gluten free (GF), dairy free (DF), soy free (SF)…(that is how we eat them around here...we're a really free family ;) Feel free to adapt them to your nutritional and lifestyle needs. After all, that’s what these recipes are…adaptations to fit what we like and choose to eat. I’ll write more later about specific diseases and the prevention of many of them through diet, but for now, suffice it to say, that these recipes are good for your heart…and the rest of your image bearing body!
So as to not make this blog horribly long, I’ve listed the names of the recipes here and you can click on them for the full recipe.
Red Lentil tacos/burritos
French/Brown Lentil soup
Curry Coconut stir fry (with or without organic, free roaming chicken)
Broccoli, pasta and almonds
Stir fry and long or short grain brown rice
Tex-Mex lasagna with “cashew cheese”
Refried bean soup
Butternut/acorn/delicata squash soup with cashew cream
Grilled veggies
Beet smoothie
Kale chips
Stephan’s fresh salsa
Black or pinto beans and rice
Black bean and sweet potato burritos
Homemade GF ravioli
Fajitas
Enchiladas
I don't measure very often...only in baking or when I need to be exact for some other strange reason ;) Mostly, I cook like I live...with an open plan!
All of the following recipes can be made gluten free (GF), dairy free (DF), soy free (SF)…(that is how we eat them around here...we're a really free family ;) Feel free to adapt them to your nutritional and lifestyle needs. After all, that’s what these recipes are…adaptations to fit what we like and choose to eat. I’ll write more later about specific diseases and the prevention of many of them through diet, but for now, suffice it to say, that these recipes are good for your heart…and the rest of your image bearing body!
So as to not make this blog horribly long, I’ve listed the names of the recipes here and you can click on them for the full recipe.
Red Lentil tacos/burritos
French/Brown Lentil soup
Curry Coconut stir fry (with or without organic, free roaming chicken)
Broccoli, pasta and almonds
Stir fry and long or short grain brown rice
Tex-Mex lasagna with “cashew cheese”
Refried bean soup
Butternut/acorn/delicata squash soup with cashew cream
Grilled veggies
Beet smoothie
Kale chips
Stephan’s fresh salsa
Black or pinto beans and rice
Black bean and sweet potato burritos
Homemade GF ravioli
Fajitas
Enchiladas
Lentil Tacos or Burritos
I made the confession on the main recipe blog that I don’t measure very often unless I’m baking or for some other reason I need to be exact. I cook like I live…with an open plan ;)
Red Lentils (probably 1-2 cups…I like to have leftover so that I’m in the kitchen less!)
If you like onions – sauté some onions in the pan before adding the lentils
Cook lentils in enough water to cover them (make sure to first do a cursory look through the lentils for little pebbles). You can rinse them…some people say rinse, some don’t. I find that it doesn’t make a whole lot of difference.
Stir the lentils to cover all of them with water. You will likely need to add more water as they are cooking. Cover and stir occasionally.
Add any or all of the following spices in the amounts that suit your taste buds:
Cumin
Chili powder (ours isn’t spicy, it just adds a great flavor)
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt
They’ll cook for 20-40 minutes depending on the amount you’re making.
While they’re cooking, chop lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, onions, or the other toppings you’d like.
Remove the lid cook the lentils until the remaining water is gone. You want them to become firm and not runny.
Heat the taco shells or burrito shells and assemble. Yum! Since we don’t do dairy, we eat these with daiya cheese (http://www.daiyafoods.com/). We think it’s the best cheese alternative out there, since honestly, there is no real alternative to cheese. Oh, I do love cheese, I just wish it was better for my bod!
If I’ve forgotten something…or so it seems, let me know. Like I said, I cook like I live...and my food usually tastes pretty good :)
Red Lentils (probably 1-2 cups…I like to have leftover so that I’m in the kitchen less!)
If you like onions – sauté some onions in the pan before adding the lentils
Cook lentils in enough water to cover them (make sure to first do a cursory look through the lentils for little pebbles). You can rinse them…some people say rinse, some don’t. I find that it doesn’t make a whole lot of difference.
Stir the lentils to cover all of them with water. You will likely need to add more water as they are cooking. Cover and stir occasionally.
Add any or all of the following spices in the amounts that suit your taste buds:
Cumin
Chili powder (ours isn’t spicy, it just adds a great flavor)
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt
They’ll cook for 20-40 minutes depending on the amount you’re making.
While they’re cooking, chop lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, onions, or the other toppings you’d like.
Remove the lid cook the lentils until the remaining water is gone. You want them to become firm and not runny.
Heat the taco shells or burrito shells and assemble. Yum! Since we don’t do dairy, we eat these with daiya cheese (http://www.daiyafoods.com/). We think it’s the best cheese alternative out there, since honestly, there is no real alternative to cheese. Oh, I do love cheese, I just wish it was better for my bod!
If I’ve forgotten something…or so it seems, let me know. Like I said, I cook like I live...and my food usually tastes pretty good :)
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