Gifted

When I think of my journey as a Christian, I always look back on one event, which to me was the catalyst for God showing me what He called me to do, which is to teach. I was around 23, I had just started going to this small church in New Hampshire, a little battered and bruised from my time in Florida, and really needing to figure this life (Christian life) for myself. 


Our church had just decided to start community small groups, which was still a relatively new concept at the time, but they needed people to step up and lead these groups. I'm shy now, BUT I was really, really, really shy then. I remember sitting in our little group of friends, discussing this new thing we were going to do, and my friend Correne looked at me and said "You should lead a group". I don't know what I said to her after, probably as much as I could to try to get out of it. But somehow she convinced me to do it. She helped me discover my gift of teaching, because she was using her gift of encouragement.

So, my Christian friends, do you know what your gift is? Are you using it?

Pumpkin Pizza

I know I'm a little behind on my pumpkin recipes... Here's one that I really enjoyed:

1 whole wheat pizza crust (store bought or homemade)
1-1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
3/4 tsp curry powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 Tbsp low sodium organic vegetable or chicken broth
2 cups baby kale
1 ½ cooked boneless skinless chicken breast cut
1 cup shredded mozzarella

Place crust on circular pizza pan
In a bowl mix puree, curry, Italian seasoning, and broth
Spread pumpkin mix on crust, add kale, add chicken, add cheese
Bake at 425 degrees for 15-20 min

Jars of Clay

I've been thinking about this verse a lot lately. I doubt myself a lot, if I can actually do what God has called me to do. The truth is I shouldn't have any faith in my ability, but realize that I am weak and inadequate for the task....It's the opposite of what you would expect to hear, right?
The thing is, God often uses the weak, because it points people to put their trust in Him, not in a person. It's always about Him, it's not about us.

Beauty From Ashes

What an incredible year it has been! This time last year, I felt like I was dying inside. Like a black hole had swallowed me up and I would never find my way out. I was angry. I couldn't understand why God would allow us to go through that (miscarriage). I mean, hadn't we been through enough?

But God's purpose is so much greater, and his ways are so much higher. I know that I've only seen a small part of what he is accomplishing from such a painful experience. My pain is never wasted, none of it has been.

Next month, I celebrate many important anniversaries: my birthday, my daughter's birthday, my first year as a Canadian citizen, and the day I decided that I would make a change with my health. The day I decided to sign up for a discount for a shake, that has turned into something that became my calling and transformed my health, my physique, my confidence. It's helped me develop leadership skills and face my fears. It's helped me to practice discipline and commitment, not only for my body and my business, but also for my faith.

Don't ever underestimate what God can do with your hurt! He's in the business of making beauty from ashes. 

My Girl's New Room

I started the process of decorating my daughter's room. I love doing kids spaces because they are so much fun and I can be as creative as I want to be. 
I chose this amazing paint color by Benjamin Moore called Iced Mauve. It's warm and soft and not too overpowering.
The curtains by Lala + Bash were a steal at HomeSense. I love them! The soft grey color is perfect. 
I also got these great canvases at HomeSense (are you getting the idea that I love this store?). It's a great place to get affordable and unique home furnishings.

Be Content

I think if we keep in mind that life is short, and we can't bring anything with us, our priorities will become more clear. 

Pumpkin Pizza

I know I'm a little behind on posting my pumpkin recipes...but I plan on posting my best ones this month! I really enjoyed trying out different pumpkin recipes. I was pleasantly surprised by some of the savory ones, like this pumpkin pizza. It was so good! I love that it's a healthy alternative to regular pizza. 

1 whole wheat pizza crust (store bought or homemade)
1-1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
3/4 tsp curry powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 Tbsp low sodium organic vegetable or chicken broth
2 cups baby kale
1 ½ cooked boneless skinless chicken breast cut
1 cup shredded mozzarella

Place crust on circular pizza pan
In a bowl mix puree, curry, Italian seasoning, and broth
Spread pumpkin mix on crust, add kale, add chicken, add cheese
Bake at 425 degrees for 15-20 min