The Kingdom that lasts

This is my thought in the midst of American patriotism. (only worded much more eloquently by Mark Driscoll in "Doctrine")

"Our hope isn't in self, nation, culture, people, leaders, or politics. It is in God and his love, the only possible source for true and unending justice, kindness, love, unity, compassion and health. His kingdom is our only hope."

Amen!

I could elaborate on my thoughts of American patriotism vs. being on God's mission in loving all nations, tribes and tongues as HE does, but I don't want to offend anyone. :-)

Yummy Meatloaf!

I have been following a gal's blog who I met in Kona. Her name is Rosie Rogers. I don't know her well personally, but I love her blog and she has incredible very, very, healthy recipes that are delicious. I have been itching to try her meatloaf recipe, so I finally did last night. I didn't have carrots, onions or breadcrumbs, but made a special trip to a fruit/ vegetable market in the HEAT just for them. Well, not breadcrumbs, but I processed oats instead of the crumbs. Anyway, it turned out AMAZING. I'm giving her credit for this recipe, if you want to check it out, here is the direct link to that post: http://foodthoughtsfun.blogspot.com/2010/09/amazing-meatloaf.html
Hope you can try it and LOVE it! I would recommend breadcrumbs instead of oats like I use - I think oats don't soak up as much liquid as the breadcrumbs do, so it's not super firm when I make it. Yum!!

Banana Dream Smoothie!

I've been on a smoothie kick this week. I ran out of eggs earlier in the week, so I made smoothies for breakfast instead. Currently I am off ALL sugar, with the exception of one serving of fruit per day. Yep, that means rice, pasta, bread, sweets, EVERYTHING! It's been a little rough, but it's only for a week at the advice of my midwife. Anyway, for my morning smoothies I've made them with plain yogurt, raspberries, blueberries, spinach & milk. I've been day dreaming about a sweeter smoothie though, so I experimented today. I am proud of my creation! Here's what I put in it:

*1/2 banana (makes smoothies super sweet without using sugar!)
*1 heaping spoonful of Adam's all-natural peanut butter
*2-3 scoops of Zoi Greek yogurt - plain!
*1 dash of milk
*3 ice cubes
**the kicker: 1 sugar-free fudgesicle

....YUMMY!!! I'm enjoying it now! I would recommend more ice, but my blender freaks out when I put too much ice in it. :( Therefore, my smoothie is- well - very smooth. Maybe next time I'll crush ice before putting it in so it's thicker. Anyway, I love my creation, perfect 3:00 p.m. treat on a hot day. Enjoy!

6 Months Today! Feeling Blessed.

Today marks 24 weeks of pregnancy - 6 months. WOW! How incredible. It's gone pretty quickly, and I'm assuming these next 3-4ish months will fly even faster. I am loving this season of life. I am so excited to meet our adorable little Ruby Joy and hold her and kiss her, and watch her daddy play with her! But for now, I am pacing myself. I am enjoying being able to do that. I haven't worked since June, which was tough at first. I didn't know how to spent my time and felt lazy. Not the case anymore! I love my schedule as it is right now, and only for now. It'll change in a few months completely, but for now it's so perfect.

*Wake up
*Make breakfast for Brian and I
*Get some cleaning done
*Sit down to coffee and read the Word and whatever other (parenting) book I'm currently in
*Shower, get dressed
*Run some type of errand(s)
*Come home, work on something fun for the baby
*Squeeze in a walk at Bush Park with the dog
*Coffee date with a friend or mentor
*Come home, clean more, make dinner
*Eat dinner with Brian
*Watch a movie, go for a walk, or talk together
*If nothing else is planned, we call it a night

I really enjoy it!!!

I haven't gotten that antsy feeling yet, like I'm not productive. I've made a point to do something productive each day, that helps me keep going. I am feeling blessed right now, while excited for the next season of life too - mommyhood!