Amelia's Corner

Fish Tacos & Mango Salsa

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia's Corner) — Wed, 09 May 2012 00:54:00 +0000

My favorite time of year is not only filled with warm weather and sunshine, but also all the fresh veggies and dishes to make with them. I love mango salsa. It is super refreshing and my recipe is super easy. I use the following: 1/2 red onion (chopped), 1/2 red pepper (chopped), jalapeno (chopped and seeded), 1 or 2 mangos (chopped), juice from one lemon and lime and some cilantro chopped (to your tasting) 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, little apple cider vinegar (1tsp), 1 tsb of brown sugar and 1/2 tsp of black pepper. Mix and store in refrigerator overnight.

Every salsa needs something to go with it. I could eat it by the spoonful, but wanted to make fish tacos with it. SO.....I used a fresh Cod fillet and just used 3 tsp of butter and topped with Old Bay Seasoning. Then bake for 12 minutes at 350. YUM ! I love Old Bay is is awesome, I have not used in awhile and forgot just how much I like it.

Then just slice the fish into strips or however you like, put into a tortilla shell and top with some shredded cheese, lettuce and mango salsa. I can't even describe how good this recipe is, but it is very tasty and will leave you feeling refreshed.

Getting Out and Enjoying Nature

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia's Corner) — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 22:58:00 +0000

It was a spectacular weekend. The weather was great yesterday and time was all I had. I enjoyed taking pictures of this beautiful tree, the field and of course my little "Mya". We live in a world where people don't get out and enjoy the free gifts God gave us. We are so worried about getting things done ! When it comes down to it, its the little things that matter the most. I would rather have a messy house instead of miss out on a beautiful day.

I think this is a magnolia tree, but I am not sure. If I am wrong and you know exactly what tree this is, please tell me. All I know, it came from God and when in bloom it is beautiful.

I love fields. I like to think about how many people have taken this same picture, because they see the same beauty. My guess is not enough, but we all take things like this for granted.

Most of all, I enjoy being able to take Mya outside because she truly loves it. She likes to explore and smell EVERYTHING !! These were two cute pictures I captured of her. I really like the one of her on the old wagon and then walking on the trail was just to precious.

Anyway, I hope you had nice weather and got out to enjoy it. God Bless.

Easter Wreath

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia's Corner) — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 18:30:00 +0000

I had been feeling crafty and wanted to make a new wreath for the door and wanted to do something Easter themed. I started to look on Pinterest for some ideas and was a little bummed when I searched for Easter wreaths - all I found was Easter Eggs, etc. but nothing with a cross. Isn't that what Easter is all about, duh? Anyway, I wanted to paint so this is what I came up with and it turned out pretty nice. First, Michaels had paint on sale 3 for $1. AWESOME. Then, with my 40% off coupons, I got the wreath (which was a wired, green wreath $2.99), burlap roll ($4.99) and cross $2 - for a total of $7. The garland was bought last year on sale, but I am sure you can find something like this in a craft store.

I wrapped the wired wreath with the burlap, only twice. Then I just wrapped the garland around the burlap and fluffed the strands the way I wanted them :) The hardest part with painting - that was only because I had to wait on the paint to dry ! This paint dries quickly. I painted the cross purple and the letters in white / green. Turned out really pretty !

HE IS RISEN, reminds me that Christ died for my sins, but death isn't eternal. He is a gracious God and Easter is a time of celebration !!

This weeks Michaels Coupon: 40% off - http://weeklyad.michaels.com/coupons/print

You Love Me Anyway

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia's Corner) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 03:20:00 +0000

I am currently doing a Bible Study titled "Bad Girls of the Bible" by Liz Curtis Higgs. I must say, it is pretty awesome. Lets face it, we are all Bad Girls and Bad Boys. BUT the good news is God Loves US anyway. If we believe in him, confess and repent to him, we have HOPE. We are saved by his GRACE alone.

The current chapter we are studying discusses the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. If you don't know the story it can be found in John 4:1-38. It is the longest conversation in Scripture between Jesus and anyone. She doesn't even have a name, just referred to as the Samaritan woman. God knew her name and she knew the Messiah. All she did was BELIEVE.

The woman came to the well looking for water, but found Jesus (what better gift is that?). She found a stream of water, that would last longer than a drink, yet it would last her forever ! This meeting at the well was Gods plan, he knew she would be there and there was a purpose for it and a lesson for all of us to learn. The lesson, in my opinion, is even though we don't know her name, she had five husbands and was known to society as "dirty" she was loved anyway by Jesus. At the end of the day, that is the only one and only thing that matters.

Sidewalk Prophets song " You Love Me Anyway" pretty much sums it up nicely. This songs, gets to me everytime. I scream out the lyrics in my car - the cars next to me probably think I am crazy, but I don't really care. This is one of my favorite songs and the lyrics are so deep, yet have such a simple meaning. My favorite part is towards the last part of the song, so POWERFUL. We as sinners put Jesus on the cross (we are the thorns, sweat, blood and nails). We try to push GOD away at times, but he no matter what he still loves us. So quit judging others, reconcile differences and treat others the way you want God to treat you.

I am the thorn in your crown

But you love me anyway

I am the sweat from your brow

But you love me anyway

I am the nail in your wrist

But you love me anyway

I am Judas's kiss

But you love my anyway

See now I am the man who yelled out from the crowd, For your blood to be spilled on this earth shaken ground

Yes than I turned away with a smile on my face - with this sin in my heart, tried to bury your GRACE

And then alone in the night, I still called out for you, So ashamed of my life, my life, MY LIFE, BUT YOU LOVE ME ANYWAY

Cranberry Pork Roast

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia's Corner) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:48:00 +0000

Well, its Sunday Crock Pot Day ! I must say, I love the crock pot and my tummy loves it too :)
I have been doing some rearranging in the kitchen and cabinets today and most of us always have canned goods sitting in the cabinet taking up space and not sure what to do with them, well at least I do. I had a can of cranberries and wanted to use them. SO.....I searched online for a recipe. I found a recipe from allrecipes.com, but gave it my own twist. I had also bought a bone in pork roast. So I searched for cranberry and pork roast. This recipe is super easy and super delicious. It would be great on chicken or turkey breast too (Oh, yeah, I need to try that SOON) !

Ingredients:
Bone in Pork Roast
Salt-n-Pepper
14.5 oz Cranberries
3/4 Cup of French Dressing (I made this homemade, recipe below)

French Dressing:
2/3 cup Ketchup
1 cup white sugar
1/3 white vinegar
3/4 cup EVOO
1/2 cup lemon juice
Pinch of salt
3/4 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon garlic, minced

First, I put the bone in pork roast into my crock pot. I rubbed some salt and pepper on roast. I emptied can of cranberries and poured the dressing over roast.

Then, I mixed the cranberries and dressing together and soaked the roast with mixture. Cover and cook in a crock pot for 5 hours on high or 8 hours on low.

This was the final product. It had a fantastic taste!! The cranberries cooked down just enough and blended with the dressing to give this pork roast a unique, juicy flavor. I can't wait to have leftovers and a pork sandwich for lunch with this meal. This is a must try recipe. I hope you enjoy, I did......

Buffalo Chicken Casserole

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia's Corner) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 00:10:00 +0000

Being a girl who started cooking chicken wings when she was only 5 years old.......I love spicy, red hot FOOD ! I love anything buffalo and I just discovered this Frank's Red Hot Buffalo sauce. I must say, it is pretty darn good. I was in the middle of preparing a meal for a family in need and had some leftover noodles. I didn't want to waste them and cooked way to many, but had already decided on making buffalo chicken for our dinner. Anywho, long story short. I decided I would be creative and make a buffalo chicken casserole :) WOW, it was delicious. Check out the yummy recipe and photos to go with it.

First, start with your favorite hot sauce, but I do recommend Frank's Buffalo.

Then about 1/2 box of noodles (I used rotini and penne, that is what I had in pantry) That is the beauty of noodles, you can normally mix noodles like this. Then pour some ranch dressing (I use Hidden Valley) over the noodles, about 1/3 cup.

Mix the noodles, ranch and some cooked chicken (cut into pieces). Then add about 1/3 cup of buffalo hot sauce and shake in a bowl to get good coating.

Pour into 9x13 inch pan, sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesean cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 20min and then cook for 5 minutes longer on 425 to brown the top !!!!

I drizzled some additional sauce when I took out of the oven :)

Serve and Voila you have Buffalo Chicken Casserole. Super easy and Super Tasty !!

I will make this again for sure.

Chicken Teriyaki With Pineapple Slaw

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia's Corner) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 01:07:00 +0000

So, this recipe was not only fun to make it tastes yummy too. I love anything with pineapple, fresh especially. This recipe was super easy and delicious. Mixing veggies and fruit may seem weird to some, but when using the right veggies and the right fruit together, you can make a creative dish that leaves your tastes buds wanting more......I found this recipe in the Better Homes Cookbook, but I switched it up a little and gave my spin to it.

Ingredients:
3-4 chicken breasts, skinless
1/3 cup Kikkoman Teriyaki Marinade and Sauce
1 tsp of brown sugar
1/2 tsp of minced garlic
fresh chopped pineapple - I used about 1/2 cup

* Mix all the above ingredients and pour over chicken. I put chicken in a ziploc bag and poured the mixture over it. Marinate for a couple hours (longer the better) and then pour all contents into a baking dish. Bake at 350 for 45min.

Slaw:
2 cups a cabbage, shredded
1/2 red pepper, thinly sliced
1/2 green pepper, thinly sliced
1 cup of pineapple chopped
4 tablespoons of Kikkoman Teriyaki Marinade and Sauce
dash of pepper, salt and red pepper flakes
1 tsp of butter

Heat a skillet with some EVOO and 1 tsp of butter. Once butter starts to melt, add all slaw ingredients and cook for about 10 minutes. The cabbage will become tender, as well as the peppers.

Viola, the final product was Oh so yummy for my tummy. It looked so pretty too !! This would be good in the summer, but grill the chicken. I hope you try and enjoy :) I served with a side of rice.

Amy's Chicken Cacciatore

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia's Corner) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 01:12:00 +0000

Well, just had another yummy dish the other night. I love to cook, but pretty sure I have mentioned that once or twice on this blog. This was a recipe I found, but added a few seasonings and veggies to the recipe. It turned out delicious.....A Must Try Recipe

Ingredients:
4 Chicken Thighs
1/4 cup Celery, Carrots and Onion (sliced)
1 tsp minced garlic (fresh or in jar)
dash of salt and pepper
14.5 oz Diced Tomatoes (I used the one with basil and oregano)
6 oz Tomato Paste
2/3 cup of Merlot, wine (or another dry red)
1 1/2 tsp of sugar, white
dash of red pepper
1 tsp Italian Seasoning

I diced my celery and carrots, but sliced the onion.

Pour about tablespoon of EVOO in skillet. Heat skillet. Cook chicken on both sides, with skin. Let it get nice and brown. I did about 15 minutes total, flip half way through. Add a dash of salt and pepper to chicken on both sides.

Remove chicken, set aside. Add your onion, carrots, celery and minced garlic. Stir and cook for 5minutes.

Add chicken back to skillet. Remove skin before adding.

Mix the tomatoes, paste, wine, sugar, red pepper and italian seasoning in a separate bowl. Then pour over chicken. Bring to a boil for five minutes, then turn to simmer for 45-50 minutes. Chicken should be 175 to 180 degrees.

This chicken tastes delicious served over fettuccini. I added a little fresh parmesan

and Viola !!!!!

Happy Valentine's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia's Corner) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:34:00 +0000

I love to make cake balls. I love to cook and bake. These two things are my true passion. I just recently opened a shop on Etsy. If you are interested, please check out my shop. You can also leave a comment if you are interested in ordering. This would be a great treat to send your love one or that special someone from Valentine's Day !! Thanks and God Bless........

http://www.etsy.com/listing/90049168/valentine-dessert-valentine-gift

Fish Parmesan

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia's Corner) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:26:00 +0000

Fish Parmesan?

I like to take recipes and make them my own. I mean who doesn't? So I was in the mood for fish and pasta, so I thought chicken parmesan, but with fish. So I came up with fish parmesan. I used two tilapia filets (not frozen, fresh is best). They were very inexpensive ($6 for two). I didn't want to top fish with sauce and cheese, but I did serve with a side of pasta. I forgot to take a picture, but I just did ziti noodles and used my favorite jar of spaghetti sauce with some mozzarella melted. It was a nice meal.....

Ingredients:

2 Tilapia Filets

1 Egg

Salt-n-Pepper, dash of each

Water (about 1/4cup)

I slice of a bread (I used the hill)

10 Ritz Crackers

2 Tablespoons of fresh gradted Parmesan

1 teaspoon Garlic, minced

1 tablespoon of EVOO

1 teaspoon of Lemon juice ( fresh is best)

Directions:

Beat Egg, pour in water. I grinded bread and crackers in processor (Or my Ninja, which I love). Mix that with salt, pepper and parmesan. Dip Filets into egg mix, then into bread/cracker mixture - coat both sides. Place into an 8X8 (greased baking dish). Then, mix Garlic, EVOO and Lemon. Pour over filets and bake in the oven for 30min at 350 degrees.

Yams Gone Mashed

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia's Corner) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 23:45:00 +0000

I am always looking for new recipes, so I created my own. I love sweet potatoes or some call them yams !! I had one left and needed to use it, plus I get sick of mashed potatoes all the time. So my yams went smashed tonight. It was super easy, but oh so yummy. Just in time for Christmas too. Great new Christmas treat to make for Christmas dinner. A twist on same old yams. This recipe is for one.

One Yam............

I boiled for 30 minutes and they turned our perfect.

Drain potatoes, beat potatoes with the following: 3teaspoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 3 teaspoons of butter, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of milk.

I hope you enjoy just as much as we did. It serves two. Totally delicious. I could have eaten all by myself.

Tis the Season......

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia's Corner) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 23:22:00 +0000

We tend to forget the true meaning of CHRISTmas. I capitalize CHRIST because he is and should be the center of Christmas. I was given a special book a couple of years ago and decided I would read it again this year. I plan to start a tradition and read it every year, so I too don't forget the real reason we celebrate Christmas. It is called "The Purpose of Christmas" by Rick Warren.

First, let me start by sharing the original Christmas story:

There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." (Luke 2:8-14)

Christmas isn't just stringing lights, putting up trees and spending hours wrapping gifts. We rush around trying to find the perfect gift for that special someone, parent, friend, child, spouse, etc. We fight lines, traffic and some fight each other to get that PErfeCT gift. WHOO, it all adds up after awhile and actually causes a lot of anxiety for some. I assure you that was not Gods intent. Christmas is a time to CELEBRATE Christ's birth and everything he did while on earth. His gift of dying on the cross is priceless and lasts forever. It is a one size fits all who believe. That is the most awesome gift anyone could receive. So I encourage everyone to take a few minutes and reflect on why we celebrate what has become a "commercialized" holiday. I know it is hard sometimes to look beyond the lights, presents and tree.........but try and focus on the CENTER !

Aim for the MOON

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia's Corner) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:43:00 +0000

Life isn't about just being......it is about being what God wants you to be. We may fall and stumble and make mistakes, but as Christians we trust that God is always with us. I just read the story of Peter and Jesus when Jesus walked on the lake. The people thought Jesus was a ghost and couldn't believe their eyes. Jesus said "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid" (Matthew 14:27) Peter knew it was him and wanted to go to him, so Jesus told him to come and Peter walked to him. When the wind came Peter became frightened and began to sink. Peter called out to Jesus to save him, Jesus caught and saved him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" (Matthew 14:31). This story is important for us going through life. No matter what we are going through or where we are headed, Christ is always with us. We are going to fall and we are going to stumble, but Christ is always there to pick us up and put us back on our feet. We don't need to be afraid. We can choose to live an average life or we can choose to aim for the moon and live a life full of God's blessings. Don't let other people influence you or keep you from your dreams. Do God's will for you and be the best you can be, he won't let you sink.

Don't Take Me For Granted

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia's Corner) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:50:00 +0000

I hope everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving. I hope you didn't take the moments you shared with family and friends for grated. I know I didn't. It's that moment when you get a phone call, none of us want to get, that your heart drops. Wednesday morning one of my best friends called me at work and said her cousin (who is another best friend) is in the hospital, in critical condition. WOW. My husband and I had went back home hoping to see all our friends & family and all would be great. Well, you never should assume. In that moment when I got the call, I was thankful to be able to go to the hospital and see him. He was in bad shape and all we could do was PRAY. My husband said a prayer with him and his parents by his bed. It was touching. He is still in critical condition. He is on a ventilator and improving (little at a time). However, it will be a long road ahead. This whole experience reminds me that Life is Short. Never take God for granted. He is the ultimate power. He gives us so much, everyday. Instead of worrying about what is to come, thank him for the present.

During this terrible time, friends and family have immediately started coming together. It is powerful to witness situations like this and be apart of it. God hears our prayers and loves us. When they weren't sure he would make it, prayers from all over started pouring out for him. He has been in the hospital for almost a week, but I have FAITH (along with everyone else) that God will heal and use him as a testament. When someone touches your life, you need to let them know. Don't take one day or one second for granted. We don't know Gods plan, but rest assure he has one and it is a perfect one. Trust in him.

What do you SEE?

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia's Corner) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 19:02:00 +0000

If you are reading this, let me ask you a simple question. What do you see? A dead tree? A green tree? Fallen Leaves? Blue Sky? Well, these are all relative answers, but the real answer is Gods Beauty. As I was outside enjoying a cup of coffee and Thanking God for a beautiful day, I thanked him for all his beauty. I really do appreciate it. God is so simple. What I mean, the simple beauty he created is magnificent. Its like the saying, sometimes you have to look beyond the forest to see the trees. We are so caught up in "earthly" issues we don't take time out and reflect on how simple life can truly be. When I looked at this picture I see trees that God created. Now, I understand someone had to plant them, but God and his marvelous powers made it grow. I see how each are different and they change at different times of the year. Sometimes their leaves fall, but they always come back. I see a sky with no clouds......

Just like life, God plants a seed for you, but how you chose to grow is up to you. Sometimes we fall, but by the Grace of God and his faithfulness, he always helps us back on our feet. We all change at different times in life. I mean how boring would it be to see trees that looked the same. Its the same with people, if we were all the same, it would be a pretty dreary journey in life. And, sometimes there are clouds and we won't be able to see, but there is always a clear sky behind it. So, if you are still reading this, let me ask you again. What do you see?

Grace & Mercy for All

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia's Corner) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:36:00 +0000

Sometimes it's hard to grasp the love God has for us. It isn't just for Christians. It is for all of us. Do you ever feel like you are to bad of a person to accept God's Grace or Love? Do you think your sins are to awful to be worthy of his Love? Well, I have news for you. No matter your sin, Jesus forgives. He forgives us all. You don't have to serve a time sentence, do community service, or even understand the whole Bible. All you have to do is accept him as your Lord and Savior and then repent your sins. Paul who did many horrible things and sinned probably more than anyone in the Bible, was shown Mercy and Grace from God so that he may lead others to Christ. "I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief." 1 Timothy 12-13 Christ came into this world to save us from our sins. It isn't easy living in this world, it's even harder as a Christian. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.

1 Timothy 1:16

So next time you feel like you are not worthy, think of these verses. You are worthy and you are loved by Christ, the only one who matters. It's just like the word in his hands, all you have to do is reach out and grab it.

Trying to Find a Purpose in Life.....?

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia's Corner) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 01:33:00 +0000

You ever wonder what your purpose is in life? I know I do all the time. I know we all have God-given talents, but sometimes it is hard to find those talents within us. The first step in finding your purpose is to accept Christ in your life. Submit your WHOLE life to him. God has a plan, so before we were even formed he knew our purpose. I sometimes wonder, since I love to bake, cook and create, what does God want me to do with these talents? It's like it says in the Bible I am just clay and God is the potter. Isaiah 64:8; Yet you, Lord, are our Father, We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. The best way to figure our your purpose is to form a close relationship with God. No one else can help you with that relationship. You have to make the initiative and commit to that relationship. No one said it would be easy, is any relationship ever easy? However, God is our life GPS. He will always get you to where you belong and will never lead you astray. So when you are feeling like you can't find your purpose, build a relationship with God and he will lead you in the right direction.

Where Does Your Deep Gladness Meet ?

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia's Corner) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:28:00 +0000

One of the best books I have read recently is One.Life: Jesus Calls, We Follow by Scot McKnight. It is a phenomenal book about life in general. I don't know about you, but I struggle with what God wants me to do. While reading the book and trying to find some inspiration, this quote jumped out at me, "The place where God calls you is where your deep gladness meets the world's deep hunger." This beautifully combines the kingdom dream of Jesus and your own personal dream-find that place and do that. This teaches us that no matter what we do in life, God is always there. Maybe where God wants you isn't where you are, but where you will be. Who are we to question Gods will? What we do does matter to God. He loves us. We should all live our life for him and do works for his kingdom. You have a purpose we all do. You have to believe that. I believe I am really good at making others smile. I love to talk and meet new people. I was at Wal-Mart the other day and ran into a little, old lady in a wheelchair. She noticed I had coupons so we started talking. She also noticed that I had wreaths and other Christmas decorations in my buggy. She was all alone in the store and picked me to talk to. She said you know who has the best decorations, Big Lots and they just opened a new store. Then, she started talking to me about her coupons. She just wanted someone to talk to, that's it. I was that person. I smiled at her and listened and thanked her for the decoration tip ! I may have been the only person she talked to that day. Who knows. Now, that matters to God. So, don't ever think your life, job, relationships, etc. don't matter because they do. You never know when words you speak or smiles you crack will touch someones life !

Love at Any Age

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia's Corner) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 23:32:00 +0000

Well, it happened. My Dad got married. He is 71 and recently fell in love again. I must say, after he rededicated his life to Christ, he started to see things differently and found love. I am very happy for the both of them. There is just something about two people in love. He found a lovely women and I couldn't be happier for him. It goes to show when you have anger, hatred and darkness in your heart, nothing will prosper. However, if you have Christ and love one another, anything is possible. These are two of my favorite Bible verses.

1 John 4:8

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

1 Corinthians 13:13

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love

By the way I did bake the wedding cake. However, I had some help from my brother in law decorating. I started and he finished. I never knew he took art in school. I love to cook and bake, but this was the first time I ever did anything like this, so I am thinking, not to bad !!

How do you Cope?

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia's Corner) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 03:37:00 +0000

So, I met a wonderful group of women tonight. They really touched me. Starbucks, what a great place. I use to just go there for coffee. Not only is it a place to find a great cup of coffee or my favorite, cinnamon dolce latte (skinny version, of course), but also a place where people create new ideas, have meetings, study for a test, discuss life or meet to discuss hard life struggles. Hard life struggles is why I went there tonight. A group of women, who are going through either the same thing I have gone through recently or dealing with so much more. We never know what is going on in someone else's life. When it seems like you are the only one having a problem because all the others around you have something you want, God puts special people in our lives. Thank you God. Some of us have struggled with losing a child, but others are trying so hard to just have that feeling of being pregnant. Either way you look at it, it is hard. Life is hard. However, there is HOPE. For me, meeting others and listening to their story, is inspiration. Here are some ways to cope.

Write down your feelings:
After my first miscarriage, inside is where I kept my feelings. However, recently I found that God wants you to share your story. There are others out there that may need to hear it. If I can help just one person, it is worth it. So, I write in my journal and blog. It helps me, but hopefully someone out there will read the blog and it will help them too.

Just have Faith:
Faith really can move mountains. It can help you in the lowest of times. I have always had strong faith. Just remember there is no problem, hurt, anger or discouragement that God can't help you overcome, if you just have Faith. I love the saying, "Don't tell God how big your mountain is, tell the mountain how big your God is."

Cry:
It is ok to cry. I cry a lot. I think healing comes through tears. You have to let it out !! It doesn't matter where you are or who you are with, sometimes a good cry is what you need.

Talking:
It is good to talk to someone. Maybe find a group of people you can relate with instead of people who just tell you it will work out fine. Maybe it will, maybe it won't. I think surrounding yourself with people who care and understand during a difficult time is just what the doctor ordered. So don't be afraid to branch out and meet new people.

Perfect Timing from God and a Prayer

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia's Corner) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:08:00 +0000

We all face rough times. We all want more than God has already given us. Why is it so hard to be content with our life? We have to trust God will give us all we desire in his time. God has perfect timing. He always shows up when you need him. I have had a pretty tough couple weeks. I just had another miscarriage. This makes the second one in a year. However, my Faith it strong. I have had a rough couple of days and have not felt like blogging. BUT.....I want to blog and spread the word of Jesus. I want to share my story to maybe help or touch someone else's life. So, I have sat here for the past hour thinking what to write about and I found this letter, tucked in my Bible, from my brother in law. He wrote it to us over a year ago.

A Prayer for The Conception of a Child:

Lord, help me to know that You are enough.

Take my eyes off of myself.

Take my eyes off of the child I desire.

Help me to delight myself in You.

Mold the desires of my heart to be in line with Your will.

I don't want to need to be a mother or father more than I need to be your humble, obedient child.

I don't want wanting to have a baby to be a stumbling block between You and me.

Lord, I want to give this desire, this drive, this ache up to YOU.

Help me not to snatch it back as I so often do with the burdens I place in Your hands.

Help me to be truly content with Your will and Your timing.

Lord, You know that I still desire a baby-someone to mold, teach, train, shape, guide, and help to grow in You. But until the day You give me that joyous blessing, help me to grow in You.

Let me reach out to those around me.

Let me witness and minister to the children You place in my path.

Lord, if adoption is the path You would have us take, prepare our hearts, and prepare the child who will share our home. If adoption if not Your will for our lives, keep me from pushing ahead of Your plan.

Help me to stay submitted to my husband's will, and to Your will.

If we are headed in the wrong direction, change our hearts.

Thank you for lifting my burden. Help me to keep You first !! Let me seek Your face daily, and let me know that You are enough.

God is always in control and we must not forget that. He can give and he can take away. I think the heartache we go through is to remind us he is in control and we have to rely on him. We should not push away from his plan. He always has a plan. AMEN !!

Leftover Chicken Roll Ups, Oh My !

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia's Corner) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:11:00 +0000

I don't know about you, but I love to use leftovers. I get excited when I find new recipes, but then I always add to them and make them my own. This was our Halloween dinner and I promise it was no trick, but a definite TrEaT !! They are chicken roll ups, super easy and delicious. We had chicken breasts the other night, but you always get three in a pack. So this is what I do with the lonely, third chicken breast. Trust me, I can stretch a buck when it comes to cooking. So scroll down and take notes to this delicious dish.

2 cups of Ricotta Cheese, 1/4 cup of shredded parmesan, 1/4 cup of "fresh" mozzarella, dash of pepper, 1 tsp. of fresh grated garlic

Same above mixture, but I threw about 1/2 cup of shredded (leftover chicken) into my mixture.

I add the rest of the chicken to a jar of spaghetti sauce and heat on the stove (just to warm up).
I used Preggo (Garlic & Herb)

I boiled 4 lasagna noodles (al dente). Then you spread 1/4 of the cheese mixture, 2Tbs of sauce mixture - Then Roll them up and put in a dish.

I always put a little bit of the sauce on the bottom so noodles don't stick. You will have 4 roll ups. If I have any cheese mixture leftover, I put a dab on top of the roll ups.

Top the roll ups with sauce and a sliver of fresh mozzarella. Bake on 350 for 30 minutes.

Yummy!!! I almost forgot to take a picture of the final dish before we ate them all. These little guys are so good, it is hard to wait. I hope you try them out and enjoy :)

Hear This ?! Hope So

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia's Corner) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 19:52:00 +0000

It is a cold, rainy day. Days like this, I am grateful for the sunshine days. I am honestly grateful for any day God gives me. However, do you ever feel down? Feel like God is sometimes far away? Why other people and not you? God gets questions like this everyday, 24/7. I am sharing a video of a fabulous song. I love this song and relate so well. I watched an interview that Meredith Andrews did regarding the meaning of this song. It was pretty incredible. I think I relate to this song because even though we go through hardships in life, nothing can separate us from Gods love. He loves us no matter what, even when we don't love ourselves. He is truly the most faithful. My favorite part of this song is, "But I am certain of love, Strong enough to hold me when I'm doubting, You'll never let go of my hand"

This is so true. God will never let go of us. Remember this verse: "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38)

Keep your head up, Faith strong and know that no matter what, Gods love is ALWAYS right there with you.

Tribute to Logan Shane Goodall.......

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia's Corner) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 14:54:00 +0000

We need not take any day for granted. At any second we could be taken from this life. While we are here, let's do our best to live each and every moment to the fullest. Logan Shane Goodall, was not given very long on this earth. He died before his 3rd birthday. Logan was my cousin. Life is strange. He was only two and couldn't tell us how he had been treated. It rips my heart out to think about what he went through during that short period. God never promised us a bowl full of cherries everyday. He said there would be troubles, but he does promise everlasting life if we believe. I do believe and can't wait to see this little face again in heaven. I have many great memories with this little guy, but will never forget his pain.

Do me a favor today. Keep this little one in your thoughts. If you are having a bad day, be thankful to have another day on this earth with your family and friends. If you are a Christian share with someone what God has done for you. If your not a Christian, maybe today is your day to put your faith and trust in him. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).

Animals, Notes and Goodies

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia's Corner) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 21:23:00 +0000

Today I am grateful for many things. I figured I would share a couple pictures. I am very grateful for this little ladybug. Mya is her name and rotten is her game ! She is so loving and always makes me smile. She obeys, well most of the time and comes a waggin' when I come home from being gone. I feel blessed to have such a sweet doggie and she has helped lift my spirits a lot lately.

I am also grateful for these little notes my husband leaves me. Life isn't easy, but it is the little things that make it worth it. This was a list of comforting Bible verses he left me this morning. I will share my favorite. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Also, I am grateful for the LORD giving me several talents. I thank him for my work talents and personal talents, cooking being the best one. Here is a picture of some of the cake balls I have made. Yummylicious..........