Monday, September 20, 2010

I love food.

A lot. And I will probably write about food. A lot. For instance, tonight, we are having steak and something yet to be determined and copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits. And I will share the recipe because these biscuits are so good. I've only been to Red Lobster twice in my life, and the best part of the experience was the biscuits. I really can't remember what else I ate, but I know that it was not nearly as good as the biscuits. So without further ado, the recipe.

2 1/2 c Bisquick
4 T cold butter
1 c cheddar cheese
3/4 c milk
3/4 t garlic powder, divided
2 T melted butter
1/4 t parsley flakes
1 pinch salt

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine Bisquick and cold butter. Don't combine too thoroughly. There should be small chunks of butter about the size of peas. Add cheddar, milk and 1/4 tsp garlic. Mix by hand until combined, but don't over mix. Drop 9 equal portions onto greased cookie sheet. Bake for 15-17 minutes or until tops are light brown. Melt 2 tbsp butter in a bowl. Stir in 1/2 tsp garlic powder and parsley flakes. Use a pastry brush to spread garlic butter over tops of biscuits.

And now I must go make them so they are ready approximately when Isaac gets home.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Expecting the Unexpected

Unexpected events do occur. Expect them! Those who have been through the first lesson of Financial Peace University have heard this line before. Of course, Dave Ramsey is talking about financial events. But, what about the physical, emotional, spiritual, etc. events?

We found out a week ago today that we would be having a miscarriage. We never thought we'd ever have to face to a miscarriage. It's just one of those things that you don't plan on. We had talked about it before and decided how each of us would react and we decided that we hoped we'd never have to go through that. Isaac is a very easy-going person. He is not good with showing compassion. He is not good about knowing what to do or what to say or being sympathetic. I probably don't help him any, though. My temperament changes in about half a second and then changes again, so it is impossible read me. So, we weren't really sure what would happen in a hypothetical miscarriage, but we did both agree that in a miscarriage, it is most likely God saving you from more heartache later on, like if the child was going to be unhealthy.

And then the unexpected does happen and we are doing just fine. We know that Jesus is holding our angel in His arms now. And, that is what keeps my spirits high despite it all. I have stayed strong and kept my trust in God, that He knows best. On Saturday and Sunday, I was repeating to myself Romans 8.28: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Monday, Psalm 118.24: This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Tuesday, Psalm 121.1-2: I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. Wednesday, I did not wake up with a verse in my head and it was the worst day I have had through this whole ordeal. I lost my focus and it was obvious. Yes, I didn't have the greatest appointment with a substitute doctor the day before, but I think the disappointment was magnified when I was worrying about earthly things instead of keeping my mind on things above. That would be a good verse for today! Colossians 3.2: Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

We think (and pray) that the physical aspect of the miscarriage is mostly over, too. We praise God that we have so far avoided medical intervention and that we have a fabulous regular doctor who is no longer out of the office!

So, expecting the unexpected, like Dave says. We are thankful that we shouldn't have any financial expense for this, but I think our lives need to be preparing us for the unexpected, and the only thing I know to do for that is walking with God daily, which is something that I struggle with, too.