My Poetry Journal: Illuminated By Truth

June 14, 2014June 14, 20141 Comment

My body is sand. It’s illuminated by truth.

Shining in the darkness – kindling in my youth.

Crumbling on the outside, but renewed from within,

This burning body – is more than just skin.

A ruddy, fragile pot – placed upon this earth.

Granted life, by grace, temporal form re-birthed.

Once a vagabond, stinging with blood stains.

The Maker of all things has alleviated my pain.

I no longer walk on the sand banks of my sorrow.

Clinging to his hope, he brings promise for tomorrow.

Like a horse galloping through the pasture, my life is refreshed.

I can dance in blissful moments – truly catch my joyous breath.

Sights, smells and sounds around me are powerful, they’re pronounced.

My God has fought the war for me. All iniquity he’s denounced.

I’m an earthen vessel. I’ll fearlessly shine my light for Him.

Building a fireplace in every human chamber, my life will not grow dim.

With his hands he places to my mouth – a piece fiery of coal.

My Father will forever be – the candle scorching in my soul.

The God of all the heavens reinforces this vessel – weak.

He pours blessings on my life and anoints my lips to speak.

-Kimberly Willingham

Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand alive coal which he had taken with the tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth with it, and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; Your iniquity is taken away, And your sin purged.” Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”

– Isaiah 6:6-8

Pesto Spaghetti Squash Boat {Gluten Free}

June 8, 20141 Comment

Let’s just talk about all the pluses of this simple little dish. It’s cheap (my squash cost a total of $1.50 at the grocery store). Its vegetarian and gluten free. And, you don’t have to dirty up any dishes with this meal- simply eat out of the squash itself.

You will love making this really easy dinner. One squash = dinner for two. How perfect! Or if it’s just you, eat one side for the dinner and take the other to work. Perfecto.

With spaghetti squash you get all the yummy tasty benefits of eating pasta without the wheat, heaviness and fatigue afterward.

You will need: 1 medium sized spaghetti squash, pesto sauce (store bought or homemade), parmesan cheese, garlic powder.

This is how it should look when you scrape the sides! Photo: Roasted Root

This recipe is as simple as 1, 2, 3. Put your spaghetti squash in the microwave for 1 minute. This softens it up for the cutting you are about to do! After the minute slice your squash half in two long ways.

Gut your squash. So take a spoon and get rid of all the seeds and extra junk inside that resembles a pumpkin. You are going to be eating the fleshy walls of the squash, not the soft gooey insides.

Once the insides are out, sprinkle some garlic powder over the fleshy sides. And lay the two parts of the squash face down on a baking sheet. Set the oven to 375 and cook your squash bowls for around 25 minutes.

After 25 minutes, pull them out of the oven. Use a fork to scrap the inside walls toward the direction of the center. You will see that the flesh looks very much like noodles.

Once you have scarped and filled the squash bowl with its natural ‘noodles’, add some pesto sauce and parmesan cheese.

Serve and enjoy this filling, gluten free dinner.

If you are looking for another awesome recipe for spaghetti squash, I made this yummy meal in the fall – Garlic Spaghetti Squash. It’s awesome.

Walk It Off: 10,000 Steps A Day with Fitbit

June 5, 2014Leave a comment

Great chart. 10 minutes of walking = 1,200 steps.

It’s depressing that working a 9-5 job (sometimes a lot more) can really deteriorate your health. I am not joking with this one. Just purchased a Fitbit* (little band that tracks your mobility all day) and, I am loving it so far.

However, I do not love the steps that I walk each day.

Fitbit’s goal for you is to walk 10,000 steps a day and increase from there. Upon reading that, I was like – I bet I do that, no problem. Yikes. Nope. Not even close.

When you travel from car garage to car garage and sit at a desk all day in front of the computer, the steps are really lacking. So, time to step it up (no pun intended, ok – maybe a little bit!)

I’ve always wanted to be a runner. Doesn’t it just look cool? You see men and women jogging in their cute clothes, headphones blasting and that motivation in their face! Not to mention, their legs are killer.

Yet, one thing I’m realizing is– you don’t just wake up one day and become a runner. It takes hard work, dedication and self-discipline. You build up to it.

And what better way to build up to this goal then by walking 10,000 steps a day! It’s so simple and somehow brilliant. And, remember don’t compare your fitness goals to anyone else’s goals! Say to yourself, right now, I need to concentrate on those thousands of steps and the rest will follow.

It might be hard to put on workout clothes when you get home from work. But switch from heels to tennis shoes fast (and that can motivate you right there). Turn on some fast, cardio music and get yourself out that door.

Let that number – 10,000 drive and inspire you.

Or for you early risers, just get out the door. Lay out your clothes the night before. You can walk slow at first – almost strolling. Get your heart pumping and you can walk 10 minutes, then 10 more minutes. You can achieve your goal in no time.

I recently read that we should aspire to exercise 30 minutes a day or do 3 miles. That is not much. And just think the rule of 3’s! We just have to get motivated and get our tails moving. Don’t think about the stress in your life, let the laundry wait and take care of yourself. 30 minutes is like an episode of House Hunters (for those that watch HGTV).

Get to it and see your body change.

Making the Switch from Coffee to Tea

June 4, 2014June 4, 20142 Comments

Hold your breath. I know a lot of people are going to gasp at this statement: I made the switch from coffee to tea, and I am loving it.

I am a coffee girl. I’ve been drinking the rich stuff since high school. So, believe me when I say, I love, love coffee. It holds a special place in my heart.

Yum – that half and half creamer and cinnamon sprinkle on top of the lovely foam. Delish. Even just plain black coffee, I am one of those unique people that loves drinking that!

As you can imagine it was hard to part from such a tasty, soothing treat. it is like a comfort thing for me. However, my body is really thanking me for the switch.

Here’s why – my hormones are more balanced during the day (I don’t have highs and lows), my anxious feelings have disappeared, unwanted sweating has ceased, my skin looks ten times better, no more dairy in my drink (less fattening) and that vice/addiction is gone completely.

No longer do I wake up and crave a Cup of Joe. Now, I crave a hot cup of tea. But, if I somehow do not have time to drink up in the morning, I am not helpless and can go throughout the day without a pick-me-up or a headache.

Don’t get me wrong, I still drink a little caffeine. I am not one of those who preach that herbal tea is the only kind that is good for you. So, occasionally I will have a cup of black tea or earl grey with almond milk. Yet, these teas, though they have caffeine in them, have so much less than a cup of coffee.

Hopefully, I will make the full switch to just herbal, decaf tea. But right now, in this phase in my life, this change seems needed and just good for me. And, you can still enjoy Starbucks. Order a skim or soy chai tea latte!

If you are having a few health issues like unwanted sweating, anxiousness or just feel unbalanced, try giving up the coffee. I did and my body is really thanking me. I don’t think I will look back from here. It’s hard to give up something that is so good; but, your health is worth far more than just a stimulant to the brain.

I Love Every Moment With You

June 3, 2014June 3, 2014Leave a comment

Dear One, you are never alone with Christ. He loves every single moment with you. He is not a fair weather friend who only loves and celebrates the exciting times –the times we document on Facebook and Instagram (you know what I am talking about). He loves being in your presence every minute of every hour.

When you brush your teeth, he enjoys seeing you take care of yourself. He delights in you pouring that bowl of healthy cereal or cutting that ripe green apple – for you are his! He smiles at you lacing up your tennis shoes to jog those 3 miles after work. How can he not enjoy watching you, someone he created in his image, live life to the fullest!?

It warms his heart to see you worship him –to sing his praises in the car, church or quietly at home. It moves him to hear you claim his rich promises.

He whispers to you all day, ‘I love every moment with you.’ And, he means it.

You do not have to fear being alone – ever. For you have a Savior that is omnipresent and stands watch at the bedroom door of your house. He holds a flame of protection and the ruddy aroma of his provision. He is there, while you sleep, cry, pray, praise or lament. He is present.

Take a moment today to celebrate that you are never alone. You always have an advocate in your midst and someone who rejoices in the milestones of your life and also the mundane.

O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit or stand. When far away you know my every thought. You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment you know where I am. You know what I am going to say before I even say it. You both precede and follow me and place your hand of blessing on my head.This is too glorious, too wonderful to believe! – Psalm 139: 1-6

2 Minute Chocolate Cake Cup {Paleo, Gluten Free}

June 2, 2014Leave a comment

So, if you are on the paleo diet and are in need of a little chocolate treat, if you are gluten free (like me) and need a little cake taste or if you are looking to make a quick dessert for family and friends, this is an awesome choice.

No joke – it literally takes 2 minutes (maybe a little more) to put together. You just add all the ingredients in to a mug, stir and microwave. That’s all.

If you are planning to serve to a dinner group, add some ice cream to the cup – to spice up the sweet treat. Or add sprinkles or fresh fruit to the top.

You will need: 1 mug, 3 tbsp. coconut flour, 3 tbsp. cocoa powder, 2 tbsp. honey, 1 cap full of vanilla extract, 3 tbsp. almond or coconut milk, 2 tbsp. butter and 1 egg.

Simple ingredients. Looks like cake batter. Cook in microwave for only 2 minutes!!!

Simply add the dry ingredients to the mug. So pour in your coconut flour and cocoa powder.

Next pour in the almond milk, honey, vanilla, and egg. Stir.

Lastly, melt your butter and then pour into the cup. Make sure all the powder is dissolved or mixed in. You don’t want a grainy sweet treat.

Pop in the microwave for 2 minutes (yes, that’s all). Take out your sweet cake – paleo, gluten free and perfect portion size. You are done. Your taste buds, body and friends will love you. Seriously.

Yummy Shrimp Salad {Gluten Free}

June 1, 2014June 1, 2014Leave a comment

Hello taste bud explosion!

Looking for a yummy, cool shrimp salad?

This one is fantastic and it really fits the bill for a little summer salad. You can have it out on the open porch, take it to a party or a potluck or bring it to a beach and break it out watching the open waves.

It’s low calorie and gluten free. Score. And perfect for seafood lovers of any age! Eat it as is – or add some green lettuce underneath for a garden salad.

You will need: 1 bag of shrimp (1 lbs.), 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp. dill, ½ cup sliced tomatoes, ½ leek, lemon juice, garlic powder, 1 tbsp. butter, salt and pepper to taste.

Make sure your shrimp is thawed out and the tails are off. First, sauté your frozen shrimp (fresh is better, but alas – just had frozen in the freezer). Dab the tablespoon of light butter in the frying pan and sprinkle garlic in there too. This is to flavor your shrimp.

Serve on a bed of lettuce, piece of bread or in a bowl!

After the shrimp is sautéed, place your yummy little butterballs into a big bowl. Let cool for about 5 minutes.

Next, dump your 1/3 cup of mayo into the bowl. I always use the light Hellman’s with olive oil. Also sprinkle some dill in there too and stir.

Chop up some tomatoes (you can use whole or grape). For my little mixture, I used grape tomatoes and just sliced them half in two.

Also, chop up a fresh leek. I only used half of it for this salad. Gives it more of a zing of flavor.

Lastly, squeeze some lemon juice over your salad. If you need salt and pepper, use this spice to fit your taste buds. Yum. Serve on some greens, in a bowl or on a toasty piece of gluten free bread!

Homemade Body Scrub Recipe

May 30, 2014May 30, 2014Leave a comment

Want to make some awesome homemade bath scrub? Well, you are in luck. I have just the recipe for you. Who wants to pay almost $20 for a little tub of wonderful smelling scrub? I would rather make my own little scrub (that works just the same) and save on the money.

Now, you don’t have to use the scents that I used or the oil I used. You can make your own unique blend of shower scrub. I use this daily on my arms and legs. It not only makes your skin glow, it evens out all those lumps and bumps (for those over18). How great!

You will need: 1 cup sea salt, ½ cup raw sugar, 1 tbsp. baking soda, 5-6 drops of essential oils, 2 shakes of dried rosemary (optional), 4 heaping tbsp. coconut oil (melted in the microwave or over the stove). You can also use olive oil, if you prefer!

First, dump your salt and sugar into a bowl and mix these together. You do not have to use both salt and sugar. You can pick just one or the other, but I like the combination of the mixture.

Add in the baking soda and mix thoroughly. Next drop in the essential oil of your choice (for this I used a geranium oil). This oil is excellent for the skin, and its aromatic influence helps release negative memories. Used traditionally to support the circulatory and nervous systems, a great deal of its strength lies in its ability to revitalize body tissues.

Shake in your rosemary and make a nice little dry blend. It should smell fantastic!

Put the coconut oil in a separate bowl and melt in the microwave. When melted, pour this wet mixture into your dry salts/sugar. And mix together with a large fork or spoon.

The texture is yours to decide. If you think it is a little too dry, add some more oil. If you think it’s too wet, pour in some more salts.

For the jar, I just recycled one of my old containers from Bath and Body Works. And rub-a-dub-dub! You just made your very own bath scrub for a fraction of the price. These are great for gifts too!

Tips on Incorporating Coconut Oil in Your Daily Life

May 29, 2014May 29, 2014Leave a comment

If you are a heath fanatic, probably don’t have to tell you twice about the benefits of coconut oil. However, it’s neat to see a little chart and bullet points of just how wonderful this gift from God is! Daily consumption (in moderation, let’s not eat the whole jar) of this sweet oil will keep you in tiptop shape.

According to Dr. Oz, coconut oil can fight off the aging process, keep your weight balanced, fend off diseases, conditions hair and skin and much, much more. You can read the full article from his website, here.

If you are like me, you are rushing out the door in the morning to beat the heavy morning traffic. And sometimes getting your daily dose of coconut oil is not really on the forefront of your mind. Well, here are some great tips on how to incorporate coconut oil in your daily life:

Add ½ a tbsp. to your morning coffee: seriously, along with your creamer or almond milk just stir in a sweet spoonful of this disease fighting oil. It will melt pretty quickly and flavor your coffee just enough.

Apply to hair for an overnight conditioner: no need to buy those overpriced deep conditioners anymore at a beauty store. Just use coconut oil. Use about 2 handfuls of this oil. Let it melt in your hands before apply to the roots and ends of your hair. Pin up your wet locks for overnight conditioning.

Use for the crinkles in your neck: ladies, we all know about those neck wrinkles. You can actually use coconut oil to lessen the effects of the lines. Just rub some on in the morning or night. You will notice a difference in a week.

Use in homemade body scrubs: most of the homemade body scrubs call for some type of oil at the base. Why not use coconut oil? You can have a little tropical body shower scrub that moistens skin and awakens your senses. Recipe for scrubs here.

Rub on cuticles for nail growth: yes, you can make your fingernails thicker and stronger with coconut oil. Just apply the oil to your cuticles and watch your nails grow long and healthy.

In yummy stir-fry’s: when your recipe calls for some type of oil or butter, just replace it with coconut oil. Trust me, it will give your dish a nice, little refreshing taste.

Good for soothing sunburn: yep, if you got a little burned on your long weekend vaca, you can use coconut oil to soothe that burn. Chuck the aloe vera from the store and use this oil instead.

Can heal and ease bug bites: summer is here and so are mosquitos! Yikes, so good thing you know that coconut oil can ease the itching of these pesky bug bites.

Put on dry skin areas like elbows, knees and heels: you know these areas are a little bit rougher than others, coconut oil can help those little elbows or heels. Just use it like a lotion and watch your skin glow!

Add a gob to your morning shake: if you make green shakes like me, just add in a spoonful of this miracle oil. You won’t taste it. It will just make your little breakfast a bit creamier and healthier. Yum and score!

Mama T’s Texas Jalapeño Poppers {Gluten Free}

May 28, 2014May 28, 2014Leave a comment

Today, I have a little Texas fire within me! So, I will let you in on a yummy, yummy treat that you can make as an appetizer or a main dish. However, I will warn you, these are a bit spicy. So have a tall glass of water with lemon ready.

When I was young, my mom would make these all the time. So, they are not only comfort food for me, they are a normal little filling southern snack and they are gluten free. Also, spicy foods are good for the metabolism, so you should not feel too guilty indulging in this little creamy popper.

The yummy filling!

Hot peppers (such as jalapeno and cayenne peppers) increase the body’s release of certain hormones (adrenaline), which stimulates the metabolism and increases calorie burn (Self Magazine).

You will need: 10 medium size jalapenos, 1 package of light cream cheese, ½ cup shredded cheese, 2 tbsp. cumin, 1 bundle fresh cilantro, 1 tbsp. chili powder and ½ tbsp. onion powder.

First, carefully cut the jalapenos in half (included a little picture of what they should look like). You want to remove any inking of seeds inside the flesh. These are really hot and will be really hot in your mouth if you leave even one inside. So trash those.

About to go in the oven!

Set your little poppers on a cookie tray and then mix up your filling. In a bowl, add in the cream cheese, shredded cheese, spices and fresh cilantro. You can add in dried cilantro; but, I think fresh tastes so much better.

Use a fork to mash all these ingredients together. Taste it before you fill your jalapenos. You may want to add a little more cumin or chili powder – to create that perfect bite!

Preheat to 400. Use a spoon to fill each little popper boat. And then place them in the oven for 25 minutes or until lightly golden brown and enjoy!