A Sweet Life Rocks

Sweet Summer Time

We have approximately fifteen days of summer break remaining.  The time goes by so quickly, and this year was no different.  It seems like just yesterday we were celebrating the end of another school year.  Then, I blinked, and summer is almost over.  The stores have had Back to School supplies displayed since the beginning of July.   

This has been a wonderful summer for our family.  We made so many memories, visited with family, and enjoyed an easy, relaxed atmosphere this year.  The girls have tapped into some of their artistic talents by taking art classes, as well as, learning to cook, and create art in the kitchen.  

It's been so much fun.

Creativity is a lifestyle around here, and we plan on using our last days artfully.  

I've been blogging more, and I am also taking a photography class.  The girls have a couple more at-home cooking lessons to accomplish, and afternoons at the pool or bowling (a new favorite).

I am not rushing to the end of summer, because it will be over soon enough.  However, I am looking forward to the seasons changing.  

Fall always brings so many new beginnings........ and scrumptious pumpkin lattes.

 

Loving and Living Life............ Amanda

Dairy Free Basil Pesto

Homemade pesto is one of my favorite summer time treats.  I even make it in the winter, but I end up paying the big bucks for fresh basil out of season.   Right now is the perfect time to whip up a batch for dinner.  Summer basil is at it's peak, and will continue to grow for a little while longer.

Yes, I know, traditional pesto basil calls for yummy parmesan cheese, but as a dairy-free family I choose to omit it.  The result is vibrant and scrumptious.  I do believe the addition of cheese would help cut the sharp raw garlic tang, so feel free to add it.  I will list it in the recipe as an option.
Personally, I like the bite of the garlic and am happy with the results of this recipe.

This gorgeous bunch of basil was given to me by a friend this past weekend.  Our family enjoyed a wonderful evening in their home.  Then, as we were leaving, she handed me some scissors, and invited me to take some of her luscious crop of herbs.   I was giddy, to say the least.

2 Cups Fresh Basil

1/4 Cup Pine Nuts

3 Garlic Cloves

1/2 Cup Olive Oil

Salt & Pepper to taste.

1/2 Cup Parmesan (Optional)

This is my standard, and very simple, Basil Pesto Recipe.  All of these scrumptious ingredients get thrown in the food processor and combined.  Add more olive oil, if needed to get the proper consistency.  Combine with cooked pasta, or use it as a spread on a summer sandwich.

I chose to marinate and grill some chicken to finish my pasta dish.

Voila!!
Such an easy summer supper.

 

Loving and Living Life.......... Amanda

 

5 Steps to Christian Living

My daily devotional time is especially important to me.  Time in God's presence is my source of strength, joy and focus for each day.  I feel calmer throughout the day after spending time in God's word and prayer.  Today's reading was quite powerful and I wanted to share it with you.  It was taken from Galatians chapter 6.  These 5 points came alive to me as I read and meditated on this chapter.

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Here is a brief outline of what I studied today:

1. Carry the burdens of others.  Galatians 6:1-3    

"Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed.  Share their burdens, and so complete Christ's law."
Galatians 6:2 (MSG)

2. Complete your own work carefully and humbly.  Galatians 6:4-5

"Don't compare yourself to others.  Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life."
Galatians 6:5 (MSG)

3. Connect and communicate with your instructor/mentor.  Galatians 6:6

"Be very sure now, you who have been trained to a self sufficient maturity, that you enter into a generous common life with those who have trained you, sharing all the good things that you have and experience."
Galatians 6:6 (MSG)

4. Continue to sow and don't give up.  Galatians 6:7-9

"So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good.  At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit."
Galatians 6:9 (MSG)

5. Conclusion.

Right  now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith."

Galatians 6:10 (MSG)

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Loving and Living Life.......... Amanda

 

 

 

One Day at a Time

I was sharing with Amanda the other day that one of the most important lessons that the Lord has shown me over the last two years is to take one day at a time.

I am a planner. I am a very detailed and organized person. I’m sure that I drive people crazy sometimes because of my desire for excellence and perfection. I like all of my ducks lined up in a row….a perfectly straight row!

But for me, that all changed 2 years ago. Some drastic life events left me completely out of control of so much that I was used to controlling. I couldn’t plan ahead and see my way out of some very important issues in my life.

That’s when Matthew 6: 25-34 became real to me. It wasn’t worth it for me to stress and worry about the future. I am only responsible for the present, because I really don’t know what the future holds……but I know WHO holds the future. And because He holds my future, I will be fine.

One of my favorite lines in Star Wars Episode I comes from a scene in which Qui-Gon Jinn has his ship stranded on the desert planet of Tatooine. With no idea of what to do, he makes the simple declaration that another solution will present itself.

When I don’t know how things will turn out, I know that because of my trust and faith in the Lord, He will always present another solution that will be the best and all that I need…..maybe not for what I can see of the future, but for today and right now.

That’s ok with me.

The Fiddler

Easy Dairy Free Hot Cocoa

Our family loves a yummy cup of hot cocoa.  I have several different recipes, and even a large crock pot recipe that will satisfy a crowd.  However, one of us needs a dairy free option, and I've found this recipe to be a perfect fit.  This single cup serving size recipe is quick, easy, and sweetly satisfying.

Just whisk all of the ingredients in a small pot on the stove.  
Heat through and serve with toppings.

1 Cup dairy free milk (rice, almond, cashew, etc.)

1 tbsp cocoa powder, unsweetened.

1/4 tsp Vanilla 

Sweetener to taste - I use Stevia, approximately 2 tsp.

Serving Size: Single Cup.

Enjoy!

Loving and Living Life......... Amanda

 

Reflecting on 2015

In John 17:4, Jesus prayed to God and said, "I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do."  

I read the 17th chapter of John early this morning in my quite time.  How sweet it is to start the day in peace. Verse 4 gripped my heart and deeply encouraged me.

How do we glorify God?  How do we show Him our faith?  How do we have a fulfilling life?  
So many questions....

This verse holds the answer.  We overthink life sometimes, and we miss the obvious.  Sometimes simplicity is offensive to us.  We think of ourselves more highly than we ought to, and we want more.  We want a tough assignment, or a complex set of instructions in order to feel accomplished or significant.  We crave a position of status, and an obscenely busy schedule only to end up feeling a false sense of  worthiness.

So true, right?

Jesus said, "I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do."

I am a simple girl.  Give it to me straight.  I like clean lines.  So here it is - Our instruction on how to bring glory to God is by completing the work He gives us to do.

What job has God given you to do?

Maybe it is being the Maker of your Home, or a job outside of the home.  Remember, jobs change, and seasons change, but whatever your job is today - do it as unto God, and complete it.

Faithfully doing our best each step of the way, and completing the work He has given us to do, will bring glory to God.

Reflecting on this as 2015 ends.  Receiving this as 2016 begins.

 

Loving and Living Life......... Amanda

My Health Journey Continues With Plexus

On January 1, 2015, I initiated a new health journey for our family.  We Quit Sugar.
Read about it in this post.  
It has been a season of cleansing and recreating a healthy lifestyle for each of us.  The Fiddler and I sleep better, eat better, and feel better all around, as a result.  The children still fidget during dinner when a new food is introduced, but they have discovered an enjoyment of food they would not have known otherwise.

Our two oldest daughters are becoming increasingly more interested in cooking and preparing meals.  They also enjoy learning about how healthy foods influence beautiful hair, nails and skin.  It's a girl thing!

Now, as my health journey continues, I have added Plexus.  

I watched online as many friends began using Plexus, and their results were fantastic.  I was intrigued, but skeptical.  The skepticism faded, though, because I know these people personally, and I trust them.  I chose to try it for myself.

I chose to begin with the Plexus Slim (the pink drink), as well as Accelerator.  There are three main benefits of Plexus, and those are the exact issues I needed to address in my own body:

1. Regulates blood sugar.
2. Decreases Inflammation.
3. Cleanses the gut.

One of the most obvious results of these three benefits is weight loss. Another benefit is increased energy.

I am so happy to share with you that after only one week my energy has increased significantly.  As a homeschool mom of three daughters, a business owner and a wife, having more energy is truly a gift.

I need simplicity in order to succeed at a new committment like this.  I can't maintain a complicated schedule of taking supplements, nor do I enjoy the chaos of creating a menu with food I am not familiar with.

 Plexus was added to my regular daily routine with ease.  My energy has increased.  In just one week I am a very happy lady!

Here's a very important note to consider - I began Plexus as an additional tool to my healthy lifestyle.  There are no magic pink drinks or supplements.  

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Loving and Living Life.......... Amanda

 

 

Overwhelmed

Overwhelmed (definition)
- to affect strongly.
- to overthrow.
- to cover over completely; submerge.
- overcome by superior thought or feeling.

I've been overwhelmed in my life many times.  Life is a journey with both gloriously blissful paths, as well as some dark rocky roads - the two sides of this intimidating word.

To be overwhelmed is to be affected strongly by something, or someone.  We can be overwhelmed, or affected strongly, by God's presence.  The awe of His peace and power overthrows other thoughts of chaos and doubt.

For lack of a better word, I am stunned, at times, peacefully, gently, safely stunned by how He can take a hot mess of a situation, and change the atmosphere, or settle a storm.  He opens the heavens and rains down blessing after blessing...... a flood of blessings, and I am overwhelmed by His goodness; completely covered by His love, and submerged in His grace.

This is not a fairytale!

Next time you feel overwhelmed with something negative, choose to remember that God is greater than your circumstance.
Next time you are overwhelmed with sadness, purposely ponder the truth that God will never leave you, nor will He forsake you.
When fear and anxiety assault your soul, bravely fight back knowing the Power within you is more than sufficient to conquer.

 

Vulnerable with God is a CD of 10 original praise and worship songs written by Brent and Amanda Beesley.  
The CD is devotional in style - vocals, violin and keyboard.
The lyrics are passionate and intimate. The music will definitely stir the listener to a deeper relationship with God.
It can be purchased through iTunes, GooglePlay, Amazon, or in our Shop (free shipping).

Allow God, and only Him, to overwhelm you.

 

Loving and Living Life.............. Amanda 

 

 

Monday Is Not Sacred

How many times have we spoken the phrase, "I'll start on Monday"?

The simple idea for this blog post is to suggest that Monday Is Not Sacred.  Indeed, it is the first day of a new week, and at times that offers us the surge of hopeful emotion we need to make new plans, and set fresh goals.
However, Monday can become so overloaded with good intentions, that burnout happens before we even get a running start to the day.

I recently heard The Fiddler talking to someone about their next best choice.  That phrase sparked a new and refreshing way of thinking for me.

What is your next best choice?

Forget Monday, and think about it today.  If healthy eating is your goal, or maybe it is a daily devotional time you desire, whatever it is, ask yourself, "What is my next best choice?"  Then, answer yourself.  

The next best choice might be to prepare a healthy meal instead of eating out.  Or, maybe the next best choice is to set out your Bible and journal before going to bed, for early morning devotions.
Making the next best choice quickly becomes a habit, and has the potential to jump start successful new behaviors.  Change can be difficult, but it doesn't have to be, if we take it one step at a time.  One next best choice at a time.

Monday does not have super hero powers.  Monday cannot offer us extraordinary success.  In any situation, we can ask ourself, "What is my next best choice?" and begin to make powerful decisions today.

 

Loving and Living Life........... Amanda

How To Do Daily Devotions

This is a common question.  Whether you are brand new to the idea of having a daily time of Bible reading, or you've been practicing this spiritual discipline for years, the question remains, "What is the correct way to do devotions?"

The quick answer is that there isn't a wrong way.

However, having a general guideline allows us to be productive and progressive in the spiritual discipline of daily devotions.

Read. Write. Pray.
(In any order)

Read
Read the Holy Bible.  It is a great idea to also use a devotional book, but don't neglect the Word of God.
It is easy to get comfortable reading a devotional book, and only glancing over the scripture verse listed on the page.
That might be alright for beginners, as knowledge and familiarity is being formed, but literally opening the Bible, and reading beyond one scripture a day, will prove to be beneficial.
Read the Bible verses before and after the 'verse for the day'.  Read the entire chapter if you want.  Just make sure you read enough so that you have an understanding of the message for each day.

Write
    The practice of writing in a journal is a positive way to solidify the message in our minds. It also allows our minds to process the message beyond simply learning a truth, to accepting it in a personal way.
    Personally, I will tell you that my daily journal entries are very short.  Many days I will simply write out a Bible verse just for the sake of maintaining the practice of Read Write Pray.  Other days I will add a portion of the devotion that was interesting to me.
    Many people I know have progressed from writing a Bible verse to writing out a personal prayer to God.  After awhile they discover a love for writing, and it becomes more than just a journal entry.

Pray
Prayer is anything that involves us talking to God.  Many people say, "I don't know how to pray."  The truth is there is no "how" involved.  Just talk.  Just come as you are.
Here are a few tips to help.

Start with praise and thanksgiving.  
    This practice properly sets our focus on God.  Praise Him for who He is.  Thank Him for what He's done.

Let your requests be known.
    God already knows what we need before we ask, but we must still be humble and vulnerable enough to interact with Him.
    Communication is a foundational necessity in any relationship.

Finish with adoration.
    To adore something is so much more than just being thankful for it.  
For example, personally I am thankful for my children, but there is a love and dedication to them that runs much deeper than gratitude allows.

Allow your words to go beyond thanksgiving and speak from your heart.  Simple words from deep within, in the privacy of your own devotional time.
It might seem uncomfortable, and that is normal, but this part of prayer is powerful and must not be ignored.

Read. Write. Pray.
(In any order)

This outline has proven to be a positive guideline for daily devotions in my life, and today I wanted to share it with you.  I hope it is a blessing to many.

 

Loving and Living Life......... Amanda