"I see you"

Do you feel alone?

Maybe you have a whole gaggle of friends. Maybe you're involved in ministry. Maybe you have a wonderful husband and adorable kids. Maybe you work in the marketplace or work at home...are constantly surrounded by people, events and noise - but still feel lonelier than if isolated on a forsaken mountain top.

Maybe you go to a woman's group and learn about this great God, share prayer requests and answer questions, read books and catch up on gossip, but leave with soul still hunched in its corner, aching and wounded, wondering if it was really seen. Really heard.

The longer I live, the more and more I am realizing that while life has its beauties and glories and wonderful moments, there is also pain, ache and chronic struggle. And the thing about these struggles is they are so often internal. These battles occur not out on a field in broad daylight with the flash of muzzle and cannon, but in the dark, secret padded rooms of the mind where no one can hear you scream.

And this world - this "American Dream" leaves us grasping and hoping and groping for perfection, the glossy joy that should emboss the pages of our Martha Stewart magazine modeled life. We wonder what is wrong with us that we should still struggle with that sin, feel the slightest rejection so deeply, or at the very least not be completely Brady-Bunched out over our lovely homes, working cars, food, clothing and 2.1 children. We wonder why oh why we still feel so alone?

My friends - may I submit to you that the American Dream is in fact, just that - a dream. This world is a smoke screen for the deeper things. Things the Great Deceiver would have you never see, never experience...

Like the awesome power of a Holy Spirit moment blazing through your soul.

Like the liberation of exposing long locked-away secrets to the cleansing truth of His purifying light.

Like the deeper issue than your struggle with weight, or lust, or anger, or willful child, or disinterested husband.

There is a struggle y'all. But it is much more than just a "struggle". What you may see as pithy is actually an epic battle being fought on the bloody soil of your soul and it is Lord-of-the-Rings-meets-Star-Wars-and-Hunger-Games huge.

And that "great" Deceiver - you know what his ultimate weapon is? Subversion. Secrecy. That darn wolf will separate you from the herd and make you feel like you are the only one. THE ONLY ONE dealing with your struggle. Then he'll convince you the epic battle in the heavenlies is only in your head, that its your fault you struggle. That no one will care and no one will see.

And that, dear heart, is bull hockey at its finest.

Because you are not alone.
Never have been.
Never will be.

The One who made the galaxies and gentle breathing of the little one resting in your arms is the gallant knight who became a little one so you could rest in His arms. He is mighty to save, brighter than the deepest darkness yet ever ever so gentle. And He is pleading for you to remove the God-cancelling headphones from your ears to hear Him screaming: "I. SEE. YOU!!"

And as He is holding and healing He asks you to open your eyes to the hurting around you. Every person on this planet has a story. Every person on this planet has a pain. We've just gotten so good at hiding them that it seems "normal" and "attainable" to have a happy care-free life. That is not the goal dear ones. Perfection in this world is a pipe dream. And while that may seem drab and kind of a buzz-kill, it is the truth. But if you love the Lord and have His Spirit, then perfection is already in you. You have Healing Balm, Elixir of Life that could save the soul of the person next to you. Your Word could be encouragement that gives a girl hope, helps that man take the next step. Your hand could gently lead someone from darkness into light.

Maybe that's all true, Carie - you say. But will anyone even care about me and what I'm facing? Everyone else seems to have it together! 

That right there is exactly what the devil would have you believe - that your story doesn't matter...

What if we all took a leap of faith and tore down our soul-walls? What if we opened the doors and let others in and by letting others in, let in LIGHT? God sees and cares - and wants us to be a people who SEE and CARE. 

Let's acknowledge the difficulty and raw grittiness of our struggles and then hand them over to God to deal with! When we are not looking so intently at ourselves we have the time and ability to see the struggle and battles happening in those around us. What if by sharing our stories with each other it led to our healing?

I am praying for you to have eyes to see that
All is Grace...and that you're not in this alone.

Your battles matter - they could very well be the key to winning The War.

Carie

Paleo Puffy Pancakes

I stumbled upon a recipe for puffy pancakes in one of Martha Stewart's magazines years ago. I love the idea of whipping up one batch of pancakes and being done with it instead of slaving over a griddle making batch after batch.

Puffy pancakes go by several names: dutch babies, oven pancakes... I prefer puffy pancakes cuz it's cuter. (And doesn't dutch babies sounds slightly cannibalistic? Just me?...*awkward silence*)

However, since our family has been slowly switching to a more paleo-based diet, I wanted to find a way to make the pancakes less "puffy" to our waistlines and something we could indulge in on a more regular basis, so I experimented until I came up with this recipe.

I love how satisfying this recipe is - my kids will easily ask for seconds and thirds. Leftovers last well in the fridge and can simply be reheated in the oven. Since this batter is made in a blender - pancakes have never been so easy to whip up! My favorite way to eat these is with drizzled raw honey, a sprinkle of cinnamon and sliced bananas. (My mouth is drooling just thinking about it!)

 I hope you enjoy them as much as we do! (And if you don't have some of the ingredients, no worries...this recipe is very forgiving. Just substitute the same amount of whatever traditional baking ingredients you have around)

Bon Apetit!

Paleo Puffy Pancakes

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 tbs clarified butter (also known as ghee), or coconut oil
• 1 cup almond flour
• 2 tbs coconut flour
• 1 tbs grass-fed gelatin
• 1 cup almond milk
• 6 eggs
• pinch of salt

TOPPING IDEAS:

• Fresh fruit - bananas, peaches, berries, sautéed apples
• Cinnamon
• Powdered sugar
• Maple syrup or honey
• Fresh whipped cream
• Lemon/lime juice
• Jam

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Melt the butter in a 9x13 pan in the oven while mixing the ingredients.
3. Crack eggs into blender.
4. Add flours, gelatin, milk and salt
5. Pulse until well incorporated.
6. When butter is melted, remove from oven and pour batter into the pan. 
7. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until set in middle and golden brown around the edges.
8. Let cool several minutes before cutting. Top with desired ingredients and enjoy!

* If you've made traditional puffy pancakes before, you'll notice these do not get as "puffy". This is due to the heavier texture of the flours, and is to be expected.

Serves: 3-4
(If I'm making this for my family of five, I will make a 1 1/2 batch recipe...using 1.5 cups flour, 1.5 cups milk, 9 eggs...etc.)

Let me know what you think!

All is Grace,
Carie

Hubby's Salsa

In case you haven't figured it out yet, I love food. All kinds really, but Mexican is very close to the top of my list. Something magical happens when you combine limes, cilantro and sea salt...It's pure bliss. One of may favorite ways to use said magical elixir is in a basic pico de gallo. 

I remember the first time I had this salsa like it was yesterday...

I was visiting my soon-to-be in-laws with soon-to-be Mr. Steady. My MIL is an amazing cook and has taught me a lot over the years. Anyhoo, they were cooking fajitas and served this salsa on the side. It was love at first bite...and the rest is history. The salsa is pretty excellent too. (wink, wink)

We have been going through a batch a week since we got back from the holidays. I don't know if it's because we overdosed on sugary goodness while we were gone, but we've been craving this stuff. It's perfect for late night snacking, a colorful addition to eggs, topping for grilled steaks and chicken or eaten straight out of the bowl.   

Now everyone knows that fruits and veggies provide optimal energy and nutrients for our bodies, but my insatiable (<-- ha, I'm so punny) need to know things prompted me to research all the benefits eating salsa was giving me...and what I found was pretty interesting - and totally explains why we've been craving it. Here's what I learned about some of the ingredients (keep in mind I'm not a licensed nutritionist, so if I misuse a term, please don't hold it against me):

• Tomatoes - contain Lycopene, a powerful anti-oxident, as well as vitamins and minerals
• Onion - high in Vitamin C, minerals, sulfur (which is good for your liver) and flavonoids (a type of anti-oxidant
• Jalapeño - Capsaicin, which gives the pepper it's spice, helps to burn calories (cha-ching!), is anti-inflammatory, and can block neuropeptide Substance P that can cause headaches.
• Lime - High in Vitamin C, aids in digestion by breaking down food, also contains anti-oxidant flavonoids and is naturally detoxing
• Cilantro - contains anti-oxidant and detoxifying compounds, has been shown to help bind and remove toxic metals

No wonder we're craving this stuff! After all the high-sugar high-calorie carb loading, our bodies were ready for a little cleansing. 

Hubby's Salsa  (a.k.a. Pico de Gallo)

INGREDIENTS:
5 large tomatoes
1 medium onion
1 jalapeño
Juice of 1 lime
Small bunch cilantro
3 scallions
Approximately 1 Tbs coarse sea salt
1 tsp mexican seasoning (salt and msg free please)
Optional:  2 small celery sticks, finely chopped
                 1/4 cup finely chopped pineapple or mango

• Cut the tomatoes into large chunks, pulse in food processor until desired consistency, then pour into a glass bowl. (Metal will interact with the acids in the tomatoes, leaving a metallic taste)
• Quarter the onion, and remove stems from the cilantro. Run through the processor and add to the tomatoes.
• Stem, seed and finely dice the jalapeño and scallions. Add to bowl.
• Add salt, Mexican seasoning, lime juice and optional ingredients if using.
• Mix well, store in an airtight container. (I recommend a large glass jar so you don't stink up your tupperware)

YIELD - Approximately 8 cups

This salsa would make a great gift for new homeowners, new parents or just that special someone on your list who is tackling their New Year's "get fit" resolution. Enjoy!

All is Grace,
Carie

My New Year's resolution - To lay it down

Photo by Bea Hufman Photography

Lay it down

Every year as December winds to a close and a new calendar gets hung on the wall, my thoughts generally turn inward and contemplative. I think of all that has happened and has yet to come. I start making lists of changes I would like to see in myself, my home and my family.

And come January 1st (or sometimes 3rd or 4th) I try my darnedest to implement them:
- Exfoliate more
- Drink more water
- Read the Bible every day 
- Talk less, listen more
- Hit the gym five days a week
- Take a break from sugar
- Drink fewer calories
- Respect Mr. Steady more
- Remember to send monthly birthday cards
- Tithe more regularly
- Call a friend a day...

And the list goes on and on until I'm already burned out just making it. Is this what God would have of us each year? To be burnt out and feeling guilty before we even begin? Yes, our health is important. Yes, relationships are important. And YES, reading the Word regularly is important. 

But I have a theory. Maybe the solution for the "best-new-year-ever" isn't to make an even bigger list or stronger promise to do or be better... but to LAY. IT. DOWN.

Lay it down.

All of it. The lists, the demands, the quotas and guilt-trips and calendars and rules and fasts and restrictions. Maybe, just maybe - by laying down our resolutions and letting them die a peaceful death - we can rise again and TRULY live. 

Everything I am, everything I long to be
I lay it down at Your feet
Everything I am, everything I long to be
I lay it down at Your feet

I lay it down, I lay it down
I lay it down at Your feet
I lay it down, I lay it down
I lay it down at Your feet

Oh, Pearl of greatest price
No act of sacrifice
Can match the gift of life
I find within Your gaze

Oh, what a sweet exchange
I die to rise again
Lifted up from the grave
Into Your hands of grace

I lay it down, I lay it down
I lay it down at Your feet
I lay it down, lay it down
Lay it down at Your feet

Songwriters
GIBBS, FREDDIE / BROWN, WILLIAM T.

Published by
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.

Read more:  Matt Maher - Lay It Down Lyrics | MetroLyrics 


Happy 2015 dear friends... May this be our most alive yet.

All is grace (and not striving, promising and list-making),
Carie

Advent Day 25 - Birth of Christ - Luke 2:11-20

Luke 2:11-20

The Message (MSG)

An Event for Everyone

8-12 There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.”

13-14 At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises:

Glory to God in the heavenly heights,
Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.

15-18 As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. “Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.” They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed.

19-20 Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The sheepherders returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they’d been told!

Advent Day 24 - The Manger - Luke 2:1-7

Luke 2:1-7

The Message (MSG)

The Birth of Jesus

2 1-5 About that time Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Empire. This was the first census when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone had to travel to his own ancestral hometown to be accounted for. So Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David’s town, for the census. As a descendant of David, he had to go there. He went with Mary, his fiancée, who was pregnant.

6-7 While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the hostel.

Advent Day 23 - God with Us - Matthew 1:20-23

Matthew 1:20-23

The Message (MSG)

20-23 While he was trying to figure a way out, he had a dream. God’s angel spoke in the dream: “Joseph, son of David, don’t hesitate to get married. Mary’s pregnancy is Spirit-conceived. God’s Holy Spirit has made her pregnant. She will bring a son to birth, and when she does, you, Joseph, will name him Jesus—‘God saves’—because he will save his people from their sins.” This would bring the prophet’s embryonic sermon to full term:

Watch for this—a virgin will get pregnant and bear a son;
They will name him Immanuel (Hebrew for “God is with us”).