Category: Resources (Page 4 of 5)

Soul Food When Comfort is Needed

September 27, 2019 /

Hey friends, it’s soooo hard when people around us are suffering and we can’t FIX it, right? This weekend I thought I’d share some resources and encouragement around the topic of “comfort”. You might want to check out two posts I wrote awhile ago titled, 3 Things We’re Learning from Loss, part 1 and 2.

Also…Two great ideas I heard about recently –

  1. For a new widow, giving her a small notebook is really good idea. All of my friends who have lost spouses (I unfortunately know a LOT of young widows!) say that it is just so hard to remember and take in information when you are reeling from loss. Writing things down in a notebook (and bringing along an extra set of ears) is good.
  2. I love this simple idea that makes me smile. The fun thing is that you can actually get Rae Dunn paper plates!

Some who have lost loved ones are helped by books. Others not so much. There’s no magic key, but sometimes it’s helpful to know there are others out there saying, “Me too.”

I feel like I’ve read just about every book out on grief, but I’m always open to more (You can add your recommendations in the comments!). A couple that have been the most helpful to me and my friends:

A Grace Disguised, by Jerry Sittser

Hope in the Dark, by Craig Groeschel

Holding onto Hope, by Nancy Guthrie

And if YOU’RE the one in need of some comfort…

Close your eyes and listen?

Some inspiration from Instagram…

We talk often of “comfort food”. Besides the warm, magical taste of certain food, there are also the memories that come to mind. I still remember the special salad (not usually considered comfort food!) that my friend Debbie brought when we first moved to Minnesota, and the “sticky rolls” my Grams and my mom (and now I) make for any special occasion. Share your favorite comfort food in the comments (if you get this by email, just click on the title first) and here’s our Sticky Roll recipe:

Can of Pillsbury refrigerated buttermilk biscuits (exactly – BISCUITS)

Melt some butter (start with a stick)

Mix together cinnamon and sugar til it’s a very light brown.

Dip each biscuit in butter and then in the cinnamon/sugar mixture.

Twist and put in pie plate.

Bake at 350 for about 15 minutes – better underdone than overdone! Serve immediately. (In addition, my mom mixes up powdered sugar, cream and vanilla to drizzle over the top!)

Ok, your turn! Recipes and resources you like for comfort??

Kingdom-Bringing Soul Food

September 6, 2019 /

“The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son, and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come… Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding feast is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.’ And those servants went out into the roads and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests.

matthew 22:2,3, 9-11 ESV

The news can be so discouraging. Walls and wars, division and desperation. To be a welcomer, a gatherer, a kingdom bringer is counter-cultural, but there are brave, creative people stepping out and making room for everyone. I thought I’d share some of their stories to encourage you this weekend.

Our friend and pastor, Jeff Cowmeadow, and his wife Randi opened The Prodigal Pub this spring. If you live in the Twin Cities, go!

Randi says, “We’ve chosen the story of the prodigal son returning home and being celebrated with food and drink as an inspiration to welcome and celebrate all. The Prodigal Pub is a Public-a place for all people-and a House-a home-for connections and reconnections. No matter where you’ve been or what you’ve done, you are welcome here.”

Jeff with our friends, Brad and Ann Herman.

Ironically, Brad is planting a church for those in recovery! Check out Recovering Love Church!

My friend, Vanessa recognizes that under-resourced people around the world step up and face their fears daily, so she is facing one of hers (sky-diving!) to raise money for World Vision! Check it out!

Some folks who have volunteered with World Relief, have a creative idea to help refugees! I love it!

Love Anyway is a book I want to read by Jeremy Courtney who runs Preemptive Love – an organization whose goal is to go where no one else will go, and love who no one else will love. Has anyone read this yet?

I listen to this and have to ask myself, “Who truly is the king of my heart?”

And just for fun…

Have a great weekend!

Back to School Soul Food

August 30, 2019 /

Fridays I try to share a cornucopia of resources that I pray will cheer, inspire, encourage, or just make you smile. Here you go…

It seems that from mid-August to mid-September, every week another batch of kids are starting back to school.

Honestly, the week after Labor Day is the hardest of the year for me. I’m deeply sad that summer is ending, rhythms are changing, people will be “hibernating” soon, and I miss doing this season with our girls who are on opposite coasts.

I miss the back-to-school shopping and the exciting beginning of all of the THINGS for the new year.  I miss “bouquets of newly-sharpened pencils”, the season of hands-on parenting with all the family traditions, and night time prayers, and snuggled up in jammies story reading.  I miss our first day of school chicken pot pie dinner, and I miss the annual measuring of our girls.

ps. are these the cutest girls ever, or what?

Can I make 2 suggestions as a mom whose kids are grown?

First, hug your kids and pray (out loud) over your them before they head out the door. It can be a very simple “Lord please help _____ to be brave and kind today. May _________ know he/she is always loved by us and You, and You are always with him/her.”

Second, sometime today when the kids are out the door to pre-school or high school or college, (or their job because the empty nest may be a myth, dontchaknow), take a minute in the stillness after the “get ’em out the door storm” and look around you.  Even walk through your quiet house. Look for signs of growth in your kids and in your family.  And thank God.  

If you’re a parent sending a child off to school for the first time, or dropping them off at college, or getting them settled in their first apartment, this blessing is for you:

Today, may you hold tightly to the hand of your heavenly Father, just as your children have held yours. May you know deep in your soul that even when you aren’t with them, there is a Parent who is. He is all-knowing, eternally loving, and has good plans for your kids. May your children see glimpses of God’s love, His grace, and His care for them wherever they are today. May He equip them to be brave, kind, and celebrated as fully themselves – wonderfully made.

Whether it’s changing seasons, a move you’ve chosen, or loss of a relationship, transition is hard. You might find some helpful thoughts here.

In spite of grieving the end of summer, we lean into autumn, and there’s lots to look forward to. What are you excited to celebrate? Journal a list?

He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord.

Psalm 40:3 nlt
Isaiah 43:19

One of the perks of parenting – embarrassing your kids.

For those of us Downton Fans, here’s a 12 minute clip to help us get excited for the movie coming in September!

Can you even BELIEVE this is a thing???! Raise your hand if you’re adventurous enough to try.

I LOVE Half Baked Harvest, and can’t wait to try this (instead of pumpkin spice spam)!

Lastly, when dogs go to school 🙂

I’d love to have you join me over on Instagram! Come say “Hey!” and have a great weekend!

Soul Food For Singles and Friends of Singles

August 22, 2019 /

Fridays are for sharing some of the resources I’ve come across that I think might encourage you. Happy weekending!

I have so many amazing friends who are single. Never married, divorced, widowed… Some have full, meaningful lives and vibrant community. Others feel stuck in waiting mode, longing for something different.

The two things I hear the most often from my friends who are single are:

  1. Sermons major too much on illustrations using couples or families, and not enough on singles.
  2. People who are single long to be included in groups and social gatherings with couples and families. They don’t like to be put in a box with all other singles.

A few years ago, my lovely and talented friend Claire Wyatt answered 5 Questions about Singleness for me on a blog post. You can check it out here.

North Point Community Church recently started a sermon series called, Love, Dates, and Heartbreaks. You can check it out here.

I passed this, from Bianca Althoff, along to some of my single friends:

Loneliness is not just a phenomena for singles. Maybe you need this reminder today.

Some favorites from Instagram:

Never doubt that single or married, divorced or widowed, you are fearfully and wonderfully made. You have unique gifts and are called not to find someone, but to be becoming someone who looks more like Jesus.

Soul Food for the Dog Days of Summer

August 15, 2019 /

As I read back over this post before hitting “publish”, it seemed decidedly “ordinary” and “unspiritual”. But I was reminded of a good insight I heard, reflecting on the life of David who watched sheep, and ran errands for his brothers before killing Goliath and ruling as king. Opportunity is often disguised in the ordinary. May we be faithful in all the little things, and look for the invitations of God every day!

I’ve been astounded to hear that some kids in the south of the U.S. are already heading back to school this week!

via GIPHY

That is just. so. wrong. Let me say that if you lived in Minnesota (as you should), it would be illegal to go inside for more than 15 minutes until after Labor Day.

Not to rub it in, but most this is a picture of most Minnesotans this week.

via GIPHY

I feel like it’s taken me awhile to get into the swing of summer entertaining, but this past week I’ve upped my game, reaching out to some neighbors we want to get to know better, and friends we haven’t seen in awhile. I’ve worked for years trying to figure out the easiest go-to meals for when we gather people around our table so I can be truly present.

One of my easiest summer menus for guests is this:

  • Polly’s mother’s Crab dip
  • Flank Steak on the grill marinaded in Lowery’s Teryaki marinade
  • Corn spoon Bread
  • Suzie’s salad with peppers
  • Penny’s Ice cream dessert

The crab dip can be made ahead and heated in microwave. Ice cream dessert is made day before. Most of Corn spoon bread can be mixed ahead (just add Jiffy at last minute and pop in the oven)

Corn Spoon Bread

  • 1 stick butter melted
  • 2 eggs hand beaten in
  • 1 small can whole kernel corn
  • 1 small can creamed corn
  • 1 box Jiffy corn muffin mix (must be Jiffy to work)
  • 1 cup sour cream

Mix together in casserole and bake at 350 for about 45 min – hour. This recipe serves 6, but you can easily double it and put in 9×13 pan.

Here is Suzie’s Salad recipe:

  • Lettuce
  • Red and yellow peppers chopped
  • Green onions chopped
  • Craisins
  • Sugar snap pea cut in 1/2″ pieces

Cook 1 cup of almonds and 1/3 cup sugar in frying pan over medium heat til sugar melts and covers almonds. Cool on wax paper and break apart.

Dressing: 1/4 cup tarragon vinegar, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup oil

And Penny’s Oreo Ice Cream Dessert

Crust: 1 Pkg (35) oreos crushed (I put in Cuisenart) mixed with 4 TB melted butter. * Reserve 1 cup of crumbs for topping  

Filling: 1/2 gallon ice cream – whatever you want! I did a layer – 2 pints – of coffee ice cream and a layer of 2 pints of chocolate chip ice cream. Spread softened ice cream over crust. Freeze.  

Topping: Melt 3/4 cup butter and 3 squares unsweetened chocolate in a pan on the stove. Gradually stir in 4 well-beaten egg yolks, and 2 1/4 cups powdered sugar, and 2 ts. vanilla. Cook thoroughly and cool. Beat til smooth.   Beat 4 egg whites til stiff peaks form and fold into cooled mixture.

Spread over ice cream and sprinkle with remaining oreo crumbs. Pop back in the freezer.

In past posts, I’ve written about the spiritual practice of the Examen which I really like. This week I found an app created by Fuller Seminary . They offer guided a Examen for different focuses that uses video. You can close your eyes and just listen to the prompts if you don’t want to watch the video. You might want to check it out, or take 9 minutes and just let the audio below lead you through the practice.

Some favorites from Instagram this week:

@biancaolthoff

That’s it for now. Happy weekending!

Soul Food for Hard Times

August 8, 2019 /

I’m a 7 on the Enneagram. That means I love all the parties and do what I can to avoid anything close to pain, but we all have to deal with it, right?

I really prefer to put fun and beautiful stuff here for Soul Food, but the past two weeks I have felt like we need to see links like these and hear lyrics like those from Lauren Daigle’s “Rescue”.

I hear you whisper underneath your breath
I hear your SOS
Your SOS

I will send out an army
To find you in the middle of the darkest night
It’s true, I will rescue you

God will rescue you.

And for an awesome interview with Lauren Daigle that has such inspiring stories of practicing the presence of God in the everyday stuff, check her out on the That Sounds Fun Podcast.

If you’re asking, “How will I ever get over this?” , this Proverbs 31 podcast series on the intersection of Theology and Therapy is excellent. Episodes in the series deal with stages of forgiveness, reconciliation, and redemption in all relationships, and restoration of broken marriages.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_8818.png
Writer Lysa Terkeurst, counselor Jim Cress, and theologian Joel Muddamalle speak in round table fashion on each episode of this series.

If you ever deal with anxiety or depression or are walking alongside someone with mental illness, or if you’re a parent who feels out of control, me too. You’re not alone. You have companions in the darkness.

I received an advance copy of this book and the discussion guide that comes out August 20th. Shades of Light (which you can preorder now) is engrossing fiction about a young woman struggling with anxiety and depression and the people who walk with her through it. The book is also an invitation to spiritual transformation in the company of others. I highly recommend it, but understand it may contain triggers for some.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_8809.jpg

Ok, that’s it for this week! Hope you can get outside and drink deeply of the beauty and goodness of God! Come say hi over on Instagram, and I’d love to hear if you have resources to share that have been helpful to you!

Soul Food that Seeks to Make Space for Everyone

August 1, 2019 /
Romans 15:7 ESV from She Reads Truth

With presidential election debates starting, and tweets flying, I’m even more aware of how polarized we have become.

Add to that the isolation that can come with technology and social media and we can drift into loneliness and despair if we don’t fix our eyes on Jesus who made room for all of us.

Here are some resources that help us make space and understand others who are different from us…

If you are a Mama with kids still at home,

if you’re prone to comparison,

if you want to be an advocate for the unique way God created your kids,

if you want your kids or grandkids to understand and value others who are different from them, this is a book for you.

“If we make space in our lives for certain kinds of people, but not others, we will never know the fullness of God, or understand the depth of God’s love for humanity.”

I read Heather Avis’ first book (a memoir), called The Lucky Few about her journey with infertility and adoption of two kids with Down’s Syndrome and one from Haiti. Even if I hadn’t liked that book (I did), and even if I hadn’t heard her talk on this podcast, I think I still would have bought this book just for the title – Scoot Over and Make Some Room!

Another book I loved was this one.

What to Say Next is a fictional story by Julie Buxbaum is about a teenage boy with Aspergers and the friendship that develops between him and a girl who has lost her father in a car accident. This is not written from a Christian worldview, but is a beautiful story about community and understanding.

Also, check out “Tea with Strangers.” Fascinating article on what one man is doing to combat loneliness! https://nyti.ms/2Lo9QvL

And…One of the organizations I love that is working for peace and understanding among Palestinians and Israelis, is The Parents Circle. It was started by Israeli and Palestinian parents who have lost children in the conflict. They are unified by their losses. They work to promote understanding, reconciliation and peace. One of the fascinating ways they do that is through “Embroidering for Peace.”

Palestinian women to teach Israeli women Palestinian embroidery.  Through art and culture, we found a bridge to engage some who would normally shy away from  dialogue activities. 

the parents circle

Also, you might want to go back and look at the “Neighboring Challenge” series of posts I did a couple of years ago.

A couple of Instagram feeds I like that go with this theme…

This is so convicting! Let’s change this statistic! You can hold me accountable!

Lastly, some comfort food! How about inviting someone over for dessert this week? 🙂

Gail’s Peach “Pie” (it’s kind of like a creamy cheesecake with peaches on top – so yummy!)

“Crust”:

  • 3/4 cup flour
  • 1 ts. baking powder
  • 1/2 ts. salt
  • 3 oz. NON-INSTANT vanilla pudding
  • 3 TB soft butter
  • 1/2 cup milk

Beat for 2 minutes. Pour into buttered 10″ glass pie plate. Place a large can of sliced, drained peaches on batter (but RESERVE 3 TB of juice).

Filling:

  • 8 oz. cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 3 TB reserved peach juice

Spoon over peaches leaving 1 inch around edges.

Topping:

  • 1 TB sugar
  • 1/2 ts. cinnamon

Mix and sprinkle over filling. Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes.

What have you been reading, or learning about making space for everyone? I’d love to hear from you!

If you get this in email, just click on the title and it will take you to the site where you can post a comment. If it’s your first time, don’t worry if it doesn’t show up right away!

And if you’re interested in some smaller doses of inspiration, join me over on Instagram. (You can turn on “notifications” in the upper right-hand corner if you want to know when there is a post.)

Summertime Soul Food

July 25, 2019 /

On Fridays I share what I call “soul food” – stories and resources that I pray will help you connect to Jesus and others. May they be uplifting, and bring a smile to your face.

On repeat…

Is He worthy?
Is He worthy?
Of all blessing and honor and glory?
Is He worthy?
Is He worthy?
Is He worthy of this?
He is.

He is.

Feel good story

Be inspired!

Enjoy a laugh at all the cuteness!

“Real” food = soul food? You may not think so, but connection, encouragement, prayer, and inspiration often happens around our tables so I include it!

I put this on my Instagram stories, and had so many responses, I thought I’d share it here too for those of you not on Instagram! Among the many comments, were suggestions to use this on eggs or salmon too, and someone said you can get a bigger, cheaper version at Costco! Anyone else want to weigh in? Post in comments.

Avocado toast ftw!

I also posted on Instagram about this magical Polly’s mother’s crab dip that may help you solve the problems of the world.

Ingredients:

2  8 oz. packages cream cheese
1/3 cup mayo
1.5 t prepared mustard (Coleman’s)
3 t sherry
1/2 t salt
1/2 t onion juice (opt.)
4 t confectioner’s sugar
1/4 t garlic salt
2 6oz. cans of crab meat or fresh (I tried canned, but didn’t think it was as good) Crackers

Directions: Mix in double boiler, adding crab last. Thin with milk if necessary.
Serve in pie plate with crackers

I’d love to hear from you! If you get this in email, just click on the title and it will take you to the site where you can post a comment. If it’s your first time, don’t worry if it doesn’t show up right away!


Soul Food for Many Occasions

July 18, 2019 /

My goal is always to help women connect to Jesus and each other! We may bond over laughter or around dining room tables, or playing with our kids, or as we share new insights from God’s Word. On Fridays I try to provide a cornucopia of resources. So…here you go!

For a laugh:

For a gasp:

For a new recipe to try:

Quinoa Salad (6-8 side servings)

  • 1 cup cooked quinoa (1 box – I used garlic flavored)
  • 4 ears fresh corn cut off cob
  • 1/2 red onion finely diced
  • 1 green pepper finely diced
  • 2 tomatoes, diced
  • 1 15 oz. can black beans
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro and chives, chopped


Dressing (mix and pour over salad, toss):

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 ts. salt
  • 1/2 ts. pepper
  • 1/2 ts. garlic powder
  • 1/2 ts. ground coriander
  • 1/2 ts. ground cumin1 ts. honey

“Compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not to who someone else is today.”

JOrdan peterson

For biblical insights on how to say “no” to emotions that compete for control of you:

If you’ve been reading this blog for very long, you know my favorite place for encouragement is Instagram.

My passion is to connect us to Jesus and each other.

My goal on Instagram is to always post what is authentic, joyful, inspiring, funny, helpful, or beautiful.

I’d love for you to join me there, BUT if there is any account (including mine) that makes you compare and feel less-than, or discouraged, or resentful, UNFOLLOW/UNSUBSCRIBE!

I’m jealous of my friends who do “Camp Cousins” or “Grammie Camp” for their grandkids! For a link to fun summer ideas for preschool kids or grandkids:

My Favorite Summer Activities For Preschoolers

Soul Food Books and a Recipe

June 28, 2019 /

Happy Friday! Hope you are savoring summer – getting outside, grilling good stuff, biking, swimming, doing chalk drawings with your kids…whatever! I am just so content and grateful to be back at home in Minnesota for this season. It’s my favorite!

Here’s the pile of books I’ve been reading (or re-reading). As you can see, there’s quite a variety. The last time I read The Hiding Place I was in college! It, and Kisses from Katie (not pictured) are wonderfully uplifting reads. We need more redemptive stories like them!

I hesitate to endorse books, because everyone’s taste is so different, but the book I read that was probably the most engaging is not on this pile because I got it on kindle. I thought Maybe You Should Talk to Someone was fascinating and well-written!*

I posted this with some thoughts about community on Instagram today, but I thought I’d share the recipe here.

Quay’s Mexican Appetizer

Layer:

  • 8 oz. cream cheese softened and spread in pie plate
  • Pineapple salsa
  • Shredded Mexican cheese mix (Cheddar/Monterey Jack)
  • Chopped green onions
  • Can add chopped black olives if you want.

Microwave for 1 minute (or so) and serve immediately with Tostitos bite-sized tortilla chips.

Happy 4th of July!

*Contains some language that may be offensive.

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