peace like a river...journal #2-1/9/2011

Henri Matisse, Woman Reading

 On My Mind...missing sunny weather but definitely not the cold, cold snow and ice of Southern Utah...

Celebration...a budding relationship with Princess Grace...

Praying For...Those that serve the Son of the Living God all over the world. The leaders of nations that their hearts will be softened and will desire to do right. Our King Cole...a delightful little gentleman, grandchild #1 and 1st child of daughter #1. As expected he is doing very well in school. I pray for his protection, safety, joy, and health and the same for all children around the world. Our son, Spencer, is son #2 and child #7. He is a friendly, hard working missionary and scholar with a very off the wall sense of humor. We pray for his health, joy, inspiration, success, security, and happiness. Praying for charity to inhabit the hearts of mankind.

Commitment to Health...Deliciousness...I love soup especially during winter. However, since I grew up in AZ without air conditioning, I learned to eat hot food even in the heat. I like soup all year around. 

Creamy Kale and Mushroom Soup

1 large onion, diced
8 oz. crimini mushrooms, sliced
4 large garlic cloves, pressed
4-8 c. water
1-2 bunches kale, ribbon sliced
2-3 tomatoes, diced
1-2 stalks celery, chopped
2-4 c. cooked white beans of whatever variety you have ready (lima, navy, great northern, cannellini, butter, or any other)
1/2 c. grated carrots, great way to utilize pulp from juice making
2 t. Mrs. Dash or other no-salt seasoning
1/4 c. nutritional yeast
1/4 c. minced fresh parsley
1 T. minced fresh thyme

On opposite sides of a large saucepan, steam fry onion, celery, and mushrooms until they are soft and beginning to brown. Remove mushrooms and set aside. Add garlic and cook 2 minutes longer. Add water, carrots, tomatoes, and beans. Cover and cook 5 minutes. Blend in high speed blender. Add kale and heat until kale wilts. Stir in nutritional yeast. Mix fresh herbs together. Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with mushrooms, herbs, and a twirl of freshly ground pepper. For a totally different taste experience use thinly sliced carrots, omit the blending step, and stir in mushrooms and fresh herbs with the kale. Garnish with veggie/flax cracker crumbles. I always serve soup with a huge crunchy green salad.

Commitment to Health...Movement...while caring for my inlaws, I strained my back lifting my FIL. I worked on it for several weeks until I felt much better. Then I started taking care of my toddler granddaughter and the pain came back. I heard about Stretching Anatomy and purchased it. I have been using the stretches for a few days and already notice a difference. The head ache and stiffness are leaving me. We are also using Home Chiropractic Handbook with great success. I need to get a little umbrella stroller so I can walk with the Princess.

Commitment to Modesty...Appearance...my wardrobe is even more limited here, since we were limited to what we could bring in the our tiny Toyota Corolla along with my books and Joseph's client files.....for church this winter, I'm wearing my charcoal and grey striped, wool skirt, pink or white blouse, charcoal cashmere cardigan, black blazer, and black mary-jane burkies...

Scripture Meditations..."They were in captivity, and again the Lord did deliver them out of bondage by the power of his word." Alma 5:5 God delivered me out of my own prison of spiritual bondage to live a life of joy and vibrant health.

Towards a Real Education...it was fantastic to study this week...starting a new class this week, Herbal Chemical Constituents with Christopher Hobbs...thankfully all the materials are included in the class this time.

What's Coming...peace like a river...

Simple Pleasure...love making my special blend, Fountain of Youth, chia with our own honey and almond milk. It's almost as tasty and creamy as my old favorite hot cocoa...just as warming on a cold morning....much more relaxing in the evening without the caffine...first make a quart of decoction (simmer 20 min) in a covered pan with ginger root, cinnamon stick, whole cloves and cardemom, angelica root, licorice root, hawthorn berry, orange peel, and Saw Palmetto...pour the decoction over ginkgo leaf, red-clover, comfrey, and hibiscus to make an infusion (steep 20 min) in a covered tea pot additionally covered with a cozy....strain and add 1/2 t. honey and 1/4-1/2 c. almond milk...drink warm (not hot) or cold and be happy....not a chore if you work on it, when you're already in the kitchen.

Natural World...still haven't gotten to Bastyr University's Herb Garden or Redondo Board Walk yet...need to accomplish this goal soon...my country journal has had no new entries for weeks...

Garden Gate...enjoying learning botany in-depth, which is helping me understand some of my successes and failures in gardening...

Bee News...really miss seeing the girls come out from time to time in the winter and wondering how they are faring...

From the Apothecary...started on a blend of adrenal supportive herbs. Caring for my in-laws was terrible for my health...perfected my Fountain of Youth formula

Commitment to Loveliness...I've asked each of the children to send me an updated snap shot or portrait (5X7 or so) of their families for a wall grouping on the dark green wall above the fireplace in the tree house....it will include a clock, a framed copy of each The Living Christ and The Family: A Proclamation to the World, a small picture of each of the children with their family and one of Joseph and I, and a couple small pictures of Jesus...if it's too busy, I'll put some part of it on another wall.