Toni was born and raised in a small town in Oklahoma.She graduated from East Central University with a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Economics.After college, she returned to her hometown to marry her best friend, Charles.Toni is a stay at home mom to their three teens, two boys and a girl, whom God led them to homeschool.Her goal is to raise her children to love and serve the Lord.They live on a farm where they grow produce to sell at several farmers markets.She also plays the piano at church and teaches piano.
Well, it’s late at night and I’m up against my deadline to submit my blog post. This summer has been crazy and hectic. Just today I spent the day at the doctor’s office and emergency room with my husband. I had ideas for writing and I actually have one that is almost finished. But, it’s hot out and I’m too tired! I don’t have anything left in me…nothing inspirational, nothing profound, nothing!
I’m not the only one who feels this way from time to time (please tell me I’m not). As moms, we can get overwhelmed by all of our responsibilities. We care for our children, work (I’m self-employed), and have numerous outside responsibilities.
God is there!
He is always there. No matter how tired and overwhelmed we feel. He tells us in Matthew 11:28, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” KJV
Healthy Tip #8
Rest! I know that is easier said than done, but if we do not take care of ourselves, then how can we take care of others? Remember, God rested on the seventh day, the Sabbath, as an example to us. So REST!
Now, if your family is like mine, they like hot meals. But who wants to cook a hot meal during the heat of summer? As I said earlier, “It’s hot, and I’m tired.” Here is a great, easy recipe that is hot but takes only a few minutes to prepare. It’s perfect for using so many of the fresh veggies that are available this time of year.
Recipe
Summer Frittata
I took this frittata to church one night. Everyone loved it!
6 eggs
1/4 c. milk
Salt and pepper to taste
10 okra pods, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1/4 onions, diced
1 small potato, diced
1/2 c. shredded cheese (I use cheddar but you can use your favorite.)
Mix eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Set aside. Heat a broiler-safe skillet (I prefer cast iron). Add a small amount of oil and and the veggies. Cook about 5-7 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Add the egg mixture. Stir just enough to incorporate the veggies but not enough to scramble the eggs. Top with cheese, and then place in the broiler until the egg is set. Serve in wedges with a salad and some fresh cantaloupe or watermelon.
Looking for more Real Food Recipes and Health Tips?
Toni was born and raised in a small town in Oklahoma.She graduated from East Central University with a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Economics.After college, she returned to her hometown to marry her best friend, Charles.Toni is a stay at home mom to their three teens, two boys and a girl, whom God led them to homeschool.Her goal is to raise her children to love and serve the Lord.They live on a farm where they grow produce to sell at several farmers markets.She also plays the piano at church and teaches piano.
Last summer one of my beautiful, angelic children thought it would be funny to get my phone and post on my Facebook page, “I love Twinkies.” No one commented on it until I did. You see, most people that know me know that I do not eat Twinkies. I try to eat REAL food.
Real food is food that is as close to it occurs in nature. These are whole, unadulterated foods. These are foods like fresh fruits and vegetables and meats. I do not like prepared foods like canned soups and frozen chicken nuggets.
Don’t get me wrong. There are times that I do reach for prepared because I am not SuperMom, but when I do, I read the labels and try to buy things with the fewest ingredients and with only ingredients that I can read or know what they are.
I have prepared real food for a long time but when my husband developed a food allergy a few years ago, it became a must. I have to do this or it is a trip to the hospital. This forced me to really watch what we eat because of the chance of cross contamination. This has even affected the way we eat out, though I have a tendency to indulge when I go out with friends because there are just some things a girl just has to have (real chocolate cake).
Eating real food is healthier. So many prepared foods have preservatives and chemical compounds in them to “enhance the flavor.” These things are not natural and can cause digestive problems. Real foods do not unless you have an allergy or intolerance.
Devo Thought
Like the food we eat, are we REAL? Are we real Christians or are we fake? Do we do and say the things that we are supposed to because of what others might think? We all do it. We put on a facade and let people think we are the “perfect” Christian. Well, there are none of us that are perfect. We all have issues and can only make it through with God.
God does not want us to be “perfect.” He wants us to share not just our triumphs but our trials with others. If others do not see our struggles, they cannot see how God is working in our lives. God wants us to be REAL.
Healthy Tip #6
Eat REAL food. Cook whole foods. It’s not that hard. Just start with a couple of meals a week and go from there.
2 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into bite size pieces
1 Onion, slivered
1 bunch Chard (or other greens like kale or collards) cut into 1 inch ribbons.
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 C chicken broth
3 T. Sour Cream
Salt and Pepper to taste
Saute chicken and onions. When cooked, add greens. When greens start to wilt, add garlic, then broth. Stir well, remove from heat and add sour cream and salt and pepper. Serve on tortillas and add toppings of your choice: tomatoes, avocados, jalapeños, etc.
Do you eat REAL food?
Do you show your real self?
Looking for more Real Food Recipes and Health Tips?
I am an Oklahoman by birth, a Texan by current living situation, but claim the world as my playground.I love to travel and hope to someday soon take our family on adventures to far off lands, where we can share God with others and experience all the wonders He has created.
I am a mother of 5 crazy, homeschooling children ages 10 & under, wife to an amazing man, and daughter of the King of the Universe!I enjoy reading, making my kids laugh, cooking, all things natural, learning to play guitar and dusting off my piano skills.One day I hope to run again, but until then I’m learning patience.
Have you ever thought that you just don’t have the time, patience, or money to cook delicious, homemade meals? If so, get ready to have your mind completely changed.
As part of the Encouragement Challenge, we want to help strengthen our bodies by feeding it nutritious and delicious foods so we can serve God and others to the fullest.
Two of our contributors, Julie and Toni, are teaming up to show you that cooking with real food is easy, affordable, and delicious!
Julie and Toni will be cooking up some of their favorite easy, delicious, real food meals and teaching you how to do it all too!
Whether your a beginner or seasoned in the kitchen, you will learn a little something new.
Not only will you get a chance to learn how to prepare these delicious meals but you will also get to:
Learn that it is economical to eat real food.
Taste-test the dishes prepared that day.
Return home with a recipe book of menu ideas to add a little extra fun and ease to your dinner time schedule.
Be encouraged physically & spiritually.
When:
Saturday, January 30, 2016
Time:
9:30am – 12:00pm
Where:
Natural Grocers in Edmond, OK
3325 South Boulevard St
Suite 169
Cost:
Free
(Thank you to Julie of Fit Fare 5 and Toni of Healthy Living for volunteering their time and skills and to Natural Grocers for supplying the groceries.)
Allergies?
All meals prepared that day will be gluten free.
Space is Limited
Space is limited to the first 50 people who show up.
Let Us Know You are Coming!
Come laugh, learn, and eat with us. This event is completely FREE. Signing up here simply gives us an idea of how much food and how many recipe books to have prepared. Let us know you would love to come by clicking on the image below and “registering” for the class. IF you forget to sign up, just come on over that morning. Again, this is just to help us get a ball park count of how many to expect.
Click the Image Below to “Register”
Share & Follow the Fun!
by using #CaGDRealFoodCookingClass
See you January 30!
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