The Dancing Baptist: a journey of claiming God's promises

Donna's Garden: circumventing child labor laws

2010-04-20T11:48:00.001-05:00

Okay, so I started a garden. For the first time ever. I have beyond a brown thumb. I have a black thumb. I have the Thumb of Horticultural Death. I'm in the process of getting it patented as an herbicide. But I'm covering that thumb up with gardening gloves and giving it a go. My first step was to attend a Vegetables 101 class at Northaven Gardens. I learned about soil-building, raised

Sunny Side Up

2010-04-13T14:13:00.001-05:00

I took the family to Edens Organic Garden Center - which is a farm in Balch Springs - the day before Easter. It was a beautiful way to celebrate new life. Marie is the go-to woman there, and she gives tours of the farm. We didn't stay for the tour this time, but we will on our next trip. While there I picked up some farm fresh eggs from JuHa Cattle Ranch. Oh, my. If you've never had farm

Returning soon, and soon is now!

2010-03-10T18:49:00.001-06:00

Hi, everyone! Yes, it's been about a month since my last post. I was simultaneously sick, very busy, and trying not to compromise my new yoga workout regimen. There were days I wanted to put up a blog post, but time was such an issue that I had to choose between working out and writing a blog entry. So I chose the former, and rightly so, I think. The brief update on me is that the pounds are

Teacher Arms

2010-02-08T09:51:00.000-06:00

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. (Galatians 6:9 NKJV) I have teacher arms. You know what I'm talking about. You remember that teacher who's arms would flap like a sail in the breeze while she wrote on the chalkboard? I've been able to ignore them for the most part, but during yoga classes we'll do poses which require us to

Yoga Odyssey: Uptown Yoga

2010-01-31T18:52:00.000-06:00

About 10 days ago I decided that living room sun salutations were not enough. So my fingers did a little keyboard asana practice as I searched the internet for good deals on nearby yoga classes. I came across Uptown Yoga and knew that's where I needed to start. In my first class there, a vinyasa flow class, I discovered that I didn't know my right from my left nearly as well as I thought.

Creamy cauliflower and leek soup

2010-01-31T17:57:00.002-06:00

UPDATED WITH PICS! My good friend - and sister in the quest for beautiful, authentic food - Melody passed along this recipe to me recently, and suggested that instead of using heavy cream, she might try coconut milk. I don't know if she ever did, but I embraced her suggestion myself, and the result was divine! My children both gave it the big thumbs up, and my six year old even stopped whining

Winter Greens with Carrots, Feta Cheese, and Quinoa

2010-01-26T11:54:00.001-06:00

I found this lovely recipe in the most recent Whole Foods in-store coupon book. It's similar to a swiss chard recipe I've posted previously, but different enough to merit its own post. The original recipe calls for brown rice, but since brown rice takes an hour to cook and I wanted dinner on the table ASAP, I used quinoa instead. Click on the quinoa link for its health benefits and my tips on

Can We Quinoa?

2010-01-25T19:56:00.003-06:00

Ah, quinoa (pronounced keen-wah). My favorite grain. It cooks quickly. It's healthy. It goes great with vegetables. Quinoa is higher in iron than other grains. It is also high in potassium and riboflavin, as well as other B vitamins: B6, niacin, and thiamin. It is also a good source of magnesium, zinc, copper, and manganese, and has some folate (folic acid). I like to cook it thusly: 1.

Chickpea, Leek, and Potato soup

2010-01-21T13:23:00.002-06:00

I just made this. And wow. Yummy. It is a pureed soup. I found by not pureeing it quite all the way, it left some chunks that improved the texture and enjoyability (is that a word?) of the soup. I also increased the recipe, using 3 leeks, 6 medium red potatoes (red potatoes have less sugar content than russet potatoes), and 2 cans of chickpeas. I got it from Dr. Ben Kim's website, via my

On Pins and Needles: my latest acupuncture experience

2010-01-21T12:03:00.002-06:00

It's pretty gratifying to see the effects of clean eating and daily exercise right there in black and white. Or rather, green, red, blue, and purple. As I mentioned here, for several months I've been going to Steven Homoky at ACM Health Solutions in Plano for allergy/sensitivity treatments and acupuncture. Yesterday was one of those days where I knew I was at the right place. In each session,

Chicken Breasts with Steam-Roasted Parsnips, Leeks, and Thyme

2010-01-20T18:54:00.003-06:00

My wonderful friend, and fellow traveler on the clean-eating journey, Kandi (check out her photography blog here) turned me on to www.deliciousliving.com. There I found the recipe that follows. We had it last night. It took me longer to prepare than I planned for, since I had never even "cored" a parsnip. I didn't even know what that meant. I had to google it. I'll save you the trouble. How

Saying Grace: the beauty of stillness

2010-01-20T16:19:00.003-06:00

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it . . . Matthew 26:26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it . . . Mark 14:22 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it . . . Luke 22:19 Typical evening routine: Stressed by inundations of "I'm HUNGRY!", "When are we eating?!?!" and "What's for dinner?" I rush to get a meal on the table before Ace

Catching ZZZZZ's

2010-01-15T16:18:00.003-06:00

Fear not, for I am with you, Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 Ladies and gentlemen, having a Masters Degree doesn't necessarily make you smarter. I'm living proof. This week has been more challenging. I have been stuck at the computer AAAALLLL WEEEEEK doing work for the yoga studio.

The forgotten snowpeas

2010-01-11T18:10:00.003-06:00

I'm calling this recipe "The Forgotten Snow Peas" because I found some snow peas in the bottom of my veggie drawer that I had forgotten about, and I threw this together (no, the snowpeas weren't moldy and gross; I had just bought them last week; my memory is just that bad). This is so simple. Many of the recipes I post on here are so simple. I post them because maybe they will inspire you.

Flavors of the week

2010-01-11T13:36:00.001-06:00

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived,

Turkey meatballs

2010-01-11T12:41:00.002-06:00

These have been great to keep on hand for a quick protein boost! 1 lb. ground turkey 1 slice Ezekiel bread, shredded into small pieces or crumbled in a food processor (or 1/2 cup regular bread crumbs; Ezekiel bread is better, though) 1/4 cup milk (I used rice milk) 1/2 tsp sea salt or Herbamare 1/2 tsp worcestershire sauce (make sure it's HFCS-free!) 1/4 tsp. pepper 1 small onion, chopped 1 egg

Alton Brown's Baked Brown Rice, with Donna's variation

2010-01-11T12:33:00.003-06:00

1 1/2 cups brown rice, medium or short grain 2 1/2 cups water 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 1 teaspoon kosher salt Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Place the rice into an 8-inch square glass baking dish. Bring the water, butter, and salt just to a boil in a kettle or covered saucepan. Once the water boils, pour it over the rice, stir to combine, and cover the dish tightly with heavy-duty

Cooked swiss chard

2010-01-11T12:29:00.002-06:00

2 tbsp olive oil or coconut oil 1 bunch swiss chard, any variety 1 small onion, diced 2 tsp cumin seed 2 cloves garlic, minced Sea salt or Herbamare Wash chard well. Cut off bottom inch or so of the stalk. Slice crosswise into one inch slices. Heat oil in skillet. Add onion and cumin, and cook until onion is translucent. Add garlic, then chard. Cook on medium heat approx. 4 minutes until

Fast granola

2010-01-11T12:20:00.002-06:00

I got a fantastic granola recipe from a friend which includes these basic ingredients, and involves cooking them in an oven for 20 minutes or so. I noticed, curiously, when I make it that way, it causes ulcer pain. But when I make it this way, I don't have any pain. The measurements here are approximate. This is enough for one small snack serving. 1 1/2 tbsp melted coconut oil 2 tbsp

Balsamic glazed chicken thighs with caramelized onions

2010-01-11T12:14:00.002-06:00

8 boneless skinless chicken thighs 1 medium yellow onion, sliced into thin strips 2 tbsp olive oil 6-8 tbsp balsamic vinegar 1/2 cup sweet peas 1 carrot, diced 1 tsp. corn starch Sea salt or Herbamare Optional: Cooked wide egg noodles Heat olive oil in skillet. Add sliced onions and cook until soft. Add chicken thighs and cook 2-3 minutes on each side. Add balsamic vinegar. Add peas and

Boiled cabbage

2010-01-11T12:06:00.002-06:00

1 head green or red cabbage butter (optional) In large stockpot or dutch oven, bring 2 inches of water to a boil. Cut cabbage in half, then quarters then into wedges. Place in water and boil about 6 minutes. Using tongs, turn each piece of cabbage over and cook another 6 minutes or until tender. Remove from water and top with butter if desired. Remember to say grace.

Braised leeks and carrots

2010-01-11T12:03:00.002-06:00

2-3 stalks leeks, coarse ends cut off and removed 4 large carrots, thinly sliced or julienned 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 2 tbsp olive oil Slice leeks in half lengthwise and soak in a bowl of water to remove the dirt between the layers. Heat oil in skillet and add garlic and carrots. After leeks have been soaked and thoroughly washed, slice into 1/2 inch pieces and add to the skillet. Add

Steamed broccoli

2010-01-11T11:58:00.001-06:00

1-2 crowns or full stalks of broccoli 1-2 tbsp olive oil handful finely diced onion 1 tsp garlic powder Sea salt or Herbamare Place one inch of water in a 2-3 qt. sauce pan and heat water on medium heat. Place broccoli in pan either whole or cut into smaller sections. Drizzle with olive oil. Top with diced onion, garlic powder, and salt. Steam 6-10 minutes or until broccoli is bright green

Donna vs. The Nap

2010-01-09T13:58:00.001-06:00

I love naps. I scoff at my children when they resist naps. I wonder if I passed up so many opportunities to nap when I was young. Foolish, foolish. Alas, since I actually have to be productive all day long, naps are often beyond my reach. Because of this, yesterday was particularly tough. My day started well. I did sun salutations in the morning and had a delicious breakfast of a sliced

By faith Donna

2010-01-08T09:49:00.002-06:00

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 Have you ever wondered what kind of Bible character you would be? I have. I often wonder if there were a Book of Donna what it would say. "And Donna became complacent and hid from the Lord and did as she pleased. And she became ill in body and spirit. And after much rebellion and trial, Donna