Nicaragua: Three Weeks Away

 

Three weeks ago, it seemed like the time would never arrive. Today, it seems there isn't enough time to accomplish all the necessary tasks before leaving. A few weeks ago, I was talking with a friend about all the major items to complete before I could engage my mind in "mission mode":

1. Have wisdom tooth removal surgery
2. Move
3. Visit my family in Pittsburgh

Two of three have been complete, and I'm currently enjoying the time in Pittsburgh seeing family members.

I'm learning that there is always a lot to accomplish in life--tasks, plans, work. But becoming overwhelmed is not the solution. I'm encouraged by this article and its admonition to fix our eyes on Christ, and not the momentary struggles or worries.


This life we live is both exciting and surprising at times. Especially during this season of my life, with many components in work, school, missions, friends, and family, some days feel overwhelming. Life changes--with both the good and the unexpected. But Jesus is constant, and for that reason may we always fix our eyes upon His faithfulness.

Simplicity

In moments, life can seem like a tangled and complicated arrangement of situations, challenges, and exhaustion. We're reminded as we seek to walk in the Spirit of God that His insurmountable power and will is bigger than the overwhelming feelings we often encounter. As we seek to reconcile the faithfulness of God with the challenges of life, it seems as if we entangle ourselves in arduous attempts at understanding this life we are living.
But if there's one thing God has been gradually revealing to me in recent times, it's that His will and His plans are far less complicated than my finite mind tries to make them. This morning, I came across a quote, printed on a page of my prayer journal:

"Let this be thy whole endeavor, this thy prayer, this thy desire -- that thou mayest be stripped of all selfishness, and with entire simplicity follow Jesus only." -Thomas á Kempis

There's the clarity, the simplicity, of what our lives are about. Following Jesus. It's such a basic and obvious explanation that most of us know and could say, but do we actually comprehend that our daily callings are just to surrender our selfish hearts to Jesus Christ and desire to follow Him alone.

He's faithful. He's gracious. He is a good God. He knows the short-sightedness of our human hearts, our tendency to become overwhelmed, and our fleeting minds that become entangled with the daily cares of life. So He fills His Word with the simple commandment and admonition to follow Him.

 "Abide in me, and I in you." John 15:4

I love big words, thick books, and learning new things. So often I'm tempted to over-anaylze God's Word and become confused and overwhelmed with how to live to please Him. But He's made it so simple: wake up every morning with a willing and surrendered heart, asking how to bring Him praise that day. If there's one thing God has brought back to my mind over and over, it's the simple words from the 10,000 Reasons "Bless the Lord, O My Soul" song:

 

Jesus, refresh my heart with the simplicity of following you every day. 

Recipe: Flavored Stevia Latte

My family gifted me with a basic espresso machine a few months ago, and I've been enjoying tasty espresso drinks nearly every day (sometimes twice a day!) as well as experimenting with my favorite recipes.

I really love using honey as a sweetener, both in plain drip coffee and espresso drinks, but have been trying to incorporate more stevia (and thus, less sugar) into my diet. Well, I tried sweetening my coffee with stevia and it was less than tasty. Stevia has gotten a bad rap for having a bitter aftertaste, and let me tell ya, coffee brings out the worst of it.

However, I persevered, and made a couple of adjustments. First, I changed brands of stevia to the Trim Healthy Mama stevia. It's less bitter and the best tasting stevia I've ever had. I've even managed to convince a few stevia-haters that it's alright. Second, I used less. The more stevia you use, the more bitter aftertaste you get. A little goes a long way, so using less helps get that sweet taste without the bitter aftertaste. Third, I tried a "sweet blend" recipe with the Trim Healthy Mama brand stevia and erithrytol (a natural, GMO-free sugar substitute). This hit the spot! I don't even taste the stevia aftertaste with the sweet blend I made and can use it both plain coffee and espresso drinks.

Here's the recipe I now make often! 

Flavored Sugarless Latte: 
2 shots espresso (or 6 oz. very strong brewed coffee)
1/4 tsp flavored extract of choice (I usually use vanilla but have done almond and caramel as well)
1/2-3/4 tsp stevia/erithrytol sweet blend, depending on how sweet you like it (Recipe here)
1/3 c milk of choice (coconut is my favorite)

Steam milk with extract and sweet blend. (If you don't have a milk steamer, warm it on the stove and then pour into a mason jar and shake vigorously.) Pour espresso into warm milk. Enjoy!