Sunday Worship Song

As I was listening to some older worship CD's this afternoon, this song by Phil Wickham came on, and it was as if God met me right I where I was and said, "Ashley, I'm still pursuing you. I haven't left you, I will never forsake you, and my love for you has most certainly not grown cold. I'm here with you, and I love you love more than you could ever imagine. I have wonderful plans for you. Please just let go and trust me." I cannot even begin to tell you how refreshing and comforting those words were to me. And, as a result all I could do was lift my hands in worship to Him. I feel like I am currently in a season of complete trust and dependence on God, and I don't know about you, but I am so thankful for a God who richly and relentlessly pursues us with a divine romance. Give Him the praise He deserves today, friends.

Tasty Tuesday

So, if you're anything like me, you love a good pasta every now and then, right? Well, honestly, I could probably eat pasta everyday, but that wouldn't be the healthiest choice in the world, would it? Anyways, I was so glad when I came across this recipe, and I would like to think that it is somewhat healthy, considering the whole-wheat pasta and spinach. Jeff and I really enjoyed this dish, and hopefully you will, too :)

                                                                   Pesto Chicken


Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into strips

2 cups fresh spinach leaves

1 (4.5 ounce) package dry Alfredo sauce mix

2 tablespoons Pesto

1 (8 ounce) package Penne pasta (I used whole wheat)

1 tablespoon grated Romano cheese (I just used an Italian blend)

Directions:

1.) Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add garlic, saute for 1 minute; then add chicken and cook for 7 to 8 minutes on each side. When chicken is close to being cooked through, add spinach and saute all together for 3 to 4 minutes.

2.) Meanwhile, prepare Alfredo sauce according to package directions. When finished, stir in 2 tablespoons pesto; set aside.

3.) Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.

4.) Add chicken/spinach mixture to pasta, then stir in pesto/Alfredo sauce. Mix well, top with cheese and serve.

Enjoy!

Sunday Worship Song

My Valentine's Playlist for My Husband

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!!! I wanted to do a little something special for Jeff, so I decided to put together a Valentine's playlist for him. Yes, you could call me one of those sappy romantic types, but I just call it being in love. He is more than I could have ever asked for, and I feel so blessed to be on this life journey with him. Jeff,  I love you, and thank you so much for all that you do for me. You're the best!

Tasty Tuesday

Hey, everyone! Welcome to another edition of Tasty Tuesday. Today's recipe comes from Clare at Peak 313 Fitness. Jeff and I both love tilapia, so I was really excited when I found this. It kind of changes up the same ol' tilapia fillets with herbs and spices that we usually have; and, the end result was actually really good. I loved the bread crumbs and cheese. If you are a fan of fish, I would highly recommend this. I served mine with a spinach and strawberry salad, topped with raspberry vinaigrette. Yum!

Ingredients:

4 whole Tilapia Fillets

½ cups Plain Yogurt

½ cups Parmesan Cheese, Shredded

¼ cups Bread Crumbs

1 Tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice

⅛ teaspoons Onion Powder

⅛ teaspoons Garlic Powder

⅛ teaspoons Dried Oregano

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400ºF. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil then spray with cooking spray.

Place tilapia fillets onto baking sheet.

In medium bowl, combine remaining ingredients then divide evenly on top of tilapia. Bake in preheated oven for 12 minutes, then turn on broiler and cook until top is bubbly and golden, about 2-3 minutes.

Enjoy!

Sunday Worship Song

We sang this song at church today, and I have to say that it is probably my new favorite worship song. We are beginning a series on Heaven, and this song is so powerful when you put it in context with what Heaven is going to be like. It is going to be such a beautiful place, friends-more than words could ever say. I love the chorus in this song and the truth that it proclaims. In Heaven, there will be no more pain, no more sadness, no more sickness. There will only be everlasting peace, unending love, and eternal joy. Oh, how I long for this place. I can't wait to look upon His beautiful face, touch the nail pierced hands of our wonderful Savior, and walk upon the streets of gold. It is going to be amazing. As you listen to this song, I would encourage you to listen to it with a Heavenly mind-set, and rejoice in the fact that one glorious day, we will be with Him in His presence. Only then will we truly be home, friends. And with that I say, "Come quickly, Lord. Come quickly."




Everlasting
While earthly ages fade
In mercy
Our God Your kingdom reigns

Lord over everything
You are near
All of the universe at Your feet

In the Savior
Injustice brought to right
For Your glory
That Your name be lifted high

Lord over everything
You are near
All of the universe at Your feet
Lord over everything
You are near
All of the universe at Your feet

The lost are found
The blind will see
The lame will walk
The dead will live
And You are God
Forever You will reign

Lord over everything
You are near
All of the universe at Your feet
Lord over everything
You are near
All of the universe at Your feet

The lost are found
The blind will see
The lame will walk
The dead will live
And You are God
Forever You will reign

Tasty Tuesday

Hello, friends! Whew...it's been too long. To be honest I've just had a lot on my mind lately, and haven't really been in the mood to write. I'm trying to get back into the swing of things-so just please bare with me. In the meantime, I wanted to begin a new weekly series called Tasty Tuesday. As I mentioned a few weeks ago, Jeff and I are being very purposeful about eating healthy, and I wanted to share some very tasty recipes with you. First up...

 

 

 

Cheesy Italian-Style Stuffed Bell Peppers

 

 

And, the best part- you can make them in your crock pot :) The recipe comes from Fitness Magazine, and let me tell you, they are delicious. I served mine with Italian bread drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and spices. (Olive oil, garlic powder, crushed red pepper, and Italian seasoning.) Here's the recipe...

 

Ingredients:

 

1/4 instant brown rice

1/2 pound lean ground turkey

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 cup chopped onion

1/2 cup grated Parmesan

1 15 oz. can diced tomatoes

2 cups reduced-sodium shredded mozzarella

4 red bell peppers, tops removed, cored and seeded

Nonstick cooking spray

 

Directions:

 

1.) Cook rice according to package directions, omitting any fat or salt.

 

2.) In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, turkey, Italian seasoning, onion, Parmesan, 1/4 cup tomatoes and 1 cup mozzarella. Fill peppers with rice mixture.

 

3.) Coat the inside of a slow cooker with cooking spray and place filled peppers upright in cooker. Spoon remaining tomatoes over and between peppers; top each pepper with 1/4 cup mozzarella. Cook on low for 8 hours. (I cooked mine on high for 4 hours.)

 

And that's it! It's that easy :) Try them for yourself, and I promise you won't be disappointed. Happy eating!