Transition

As I sit here in my half empty apartment, I'm reminded that this life is so temporary. I'm in one of those fabulous life transitions that at this precise moment seems a bit scary. I'm starting to doubt my decision to quit my perfectly good stable job, pack up my stuff, and move to a place where I really have no definite plans. I'm doubting whether I really want to risk the unknown, whether I'm really as brave as I think I am or whether I'm just a crazy person for taking that step that is so very counter-cultural. I'm confident that eventually I will discover that next step that I am supposed to take. I am confident that this move will result in great growth in my own personal faith, but it doesn't make this unknown transition moment any easier. I continue to remind myself that Jesus doesn't call us to live comfortable confident lives. I actually really like he was probably considered the crazy dude, his actions didn't make sense to others, and every place that he stayed was only temporary. 

So tonight I'm packing up my possessions. I'm trying to remind myself that if transition and change were easy everybody would be doing it. I do know that I am about to embark on another great traveling adventure and I'm pumped about that. Sunday I fly out to Denver to join my friend Barrett on the great walk across America. Check out www.gowalkamerica.org for a few more details if you're unfamiliar with that journey. He's crazy. I'm crazy. We get along well! I'll be with him for about another month and then I'll move my life on to the next temporary place. So while this moment of packing up and leaving my home in Abilene, KS is so bittersweet I am thankful for my time here while remaining excited for the future to come.

On another note, I've been cleaning out the freezer and cupboards and came up with this fabulous concoction. Super easy and delicious!

Real Food Island Popsicle

• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 can crushed pineapple in juice, not syrup
• Liquid stevia extract, (I used about 2 syringe squirts)
• Strawberries (handful?)

Blend it up. Put it into molds. Freeze. Enjoy your tasty treat!

Veggie Creations

Roasted Squash & Sausage Soup

• Butternut squash
• Acorn squash
• Onion
• Garlic
• Broth
• Sausage
• Salt & Pepper
• Olive Oil

For this delightful soup creation I decided to roast all my veggies prior to blending. I peeled and chopped my squash along with the onion and garlic and roasted them with olive oil in a 400 degree oven for approximately 30 minutes. I then put them into a blender and blended with some homemade beef stock. Alternately, if you prefer to keep them chunky, just add the stock or broth and do not blend up. I added some cooked sausage, salt & pepper for a super simple delightful soup. This soup is lovely just as is or grate a bit of Parmesan cheese on top.

 

Baked Kale Chips

• Fresh Kale
• Balsamic Vinegar
• Olive Oil
• Sea Salt

Strip your kale leaves from the stalks and chop or tear into pieces. Sprinkle with vinegar, oil, and salt and allow to sit for about 30 minutes. Put onto a sheet pan and bake in a 350 degree oven for about 12-15 minutes. Watch closely until they are crispy. Enjoy a most delightful snack.

Beauty in a Bowl

Today's garden produce found its shape in a lovely gazpacho inspired salad. I was about to make gazpacho but decided that a blended soup is not always as visually appealing. Therefore, I kept the veggies in their chopped form and simply kept it as a salad. All of the veggies featured in my dish today were straight from my garden. I'm so thankful for freshness, nutrition, color, beauty, and tastiness found in my home-grown veggies.

• 2 large heirloom tomatoes
• 1 large red sweet bell pepper
• 1 large cucumber, peeled
• 1 extra small yellow onion
• handful of purple basil
• sprinkle of sea salt and black pepper
• generous spoonful of sheep's milk feta cheese
• several nice splashes of balsamic vinegar
• several nice splashes of olive oil

Isn't it beautiful?

I also added some garbanzo beans for a little added protein.