heaven is for real

Hey there, beautifuls!

I have officially finished my 2nd book of 2013, and I have to say --- I haven't had a book impact me in this way in a while! I read Heaven is For Real by Todd Burpo.


Heaven is For Real chronicles the experiences of the Burpo family in 2003. Todd Burpo is a Protestant Pastor in Nebraska, and had known since he was 13 years old that he wanted to be a pastor. In the Spring of 2003, Colton got very sick with an acute case of appendicitis that went undiagnosed for 6 days before he eventually underwent emergency surgical removal of his ruptured appendix. The Burpo family was relieved and grateful that Colton survived the ordeal, and everyone was ready to put the incident behind them. 

However, over the next few months, Colton started mentioning things that puzzled his parents. He had a real concern about whether people had Jesus in their heart when they passed away. Why would a 4-year-old boy be frantic over whether a deceased stranger knew Jesus? The more Colton's parents began to probe and ask questions, the more they realized something incredible had happened to Colton. Colton nonchalantly told his father that while the surgeon was removing his appendix, he was watching everything outside of his body, while sitting in Jesus's lap. Colton was able to describe what his parents were doing during his surgery, information that the parents had not told Colton. Colton was able to describe Heaven in terms that are consistent with the Bible, disclosing details that are not taught in 3-year-old Sunday School. Colton told stories of meeting other children, and of meeting his Great Grandfather (whom had passed away long before Colton was born).

For me, the most jaw-dropping moment of the book was when Colton described meeting his sister in Heaven. Colton's mother had miscarried a child when she was 8 weeks pregnant, and grieved that loss deeply. They never knew the sex of the baby, but experienced a void where that little life would have been. Colton's parents had certainly never told him about this miscarriage, not exactly a conversation you have with a then-3-year-old. Colton told his parents that he met his sister, who has no name, and that his sister told him she died in his mommy's tummy. How would Colton know all of this? 

The story of Colton meeting his deceased sister in Heaven was poignant for me. I have always been pro-choice. I believe that in every incident of rape or incest that results in pregnancy, the woman should have the right to decide how to proceed with the pregnancy. Though I have been confident in my pro-choice beliefs, I have always been unsure about when exactly "life" starts. Is it at conception? Is it at birth? Is it at the 3rd trimester? This segment of the book changed how I look at abortion. Pursuing a career in medicine, it is fairly easy for me to depersonalize abortion and think of it as a few cells that have been multiplying...not yet a child. But the fact that Colton met his sister in Heaven, and that he proclaimed, "She's okay. God adopted her" --- really has got me second-guessing my previous feelings on the topic.

The cynical and scientific side of me immediately jumps to questioning the validity of the story. How do we know what Colton really revealed to his parents? Was Todd Burpo looking for a payout by writing a book about his son's experience? Was he looking for a slice of fame or to increase the numbers within his congregation? But all of these questions I found myself asking go against the very purpose of the book - and that purpose is the strengthening of faith - faith in God, faith in Jesus, and faith that Heaven is real. 

It made me smile to read Colton's accounts of what God is like, what Jesus is like, what angels are like, and what Heaven is like. It bolsters my hope in a wonderful after-life, and uplifts me. His description of beauty, rainbows, light, and peace are exactly what I hope for Heaven to be. I also smiled when I read that Colton told his dad there are lots of animals in Heaven - it's comforting to know that our on-Earth companions will be at our side once again in Heaven. 

I HIGHLY recommend this book to you! It is only 150 pages, and reads super super quickly. Even if you aren't a religious person, I think you'll enjoy it. At least your curiosity might be piqued enough to investigate the notions of religion and Heaven further. It can't hurt to take a look at this one!

Have you read this book?
What did you think?
Cheers to this beautiful read :)

francesca's kitchen

Howdy! I hope you are all enjoying the new year! I have really cleaned up my eating habits, and I feel wonderful! The sunshine is shining bright in the sky here in Colorado, giving me lots of opportunities to get outside and be active with my puppy dogs without freezing my butt off!

I finished my first book of 2013 --- and of course I had to share my read with you :)

Francesca's Kitchen by Peter Pezzelli


This lovely story follows Francesca Campanile, an elderly Italian woman with a great love for good food and big families. With her husband having passed away years ago, and her children grown and now living all across the United States, she has a persistent loneliness and lack of purpose. She decides to answer a local advertisement for a nanny position. Loretta is a single mother to Penny and Will, the loves of her life. But she can't seem to catch a break. She feels like she is drowning and can't find the piece of her life puzzle that brings calm and happiness. Francesca's presence in her home brings a new love for cooking and re-instills the value of "togetherness" in the little family. Francesca needs the family, and the family needs her.

This book is happy and warm, a little gem. Not necessarily the best book I have ever read, but it is encouraging to read stories where hope leads to happiness in a world where much sadness is experienced. 

I started Heaven is For Real by Todd Burpo last night, and of course I'll report back to you with what I think of it when I'm finished :)

Happy reading!
Cheers!

welcome to twenty thirteen

Hey all! I know it has been a month since I have posted! I am surprised at myself, because I finished finals for my 4th semester of PA school on December 14th, so I figured I would be on here before this! I had an intense and amazing fall semester, and I can't believe I only have 1 semester of classes left before I hit my clinical year! SO EXCITING!!!

First things first --- just want to inform you all that I did meet my goal of 12 books read in 2012. Kind of had to cram books in on break time (summer, Thanksgiving), since after studying 8 hours a day every day, the last thing my eyeballs usually feel like doing is reading a book, even if it is for leisure! My last book of 2012 is something special to me, it is a little book called 

God's Minute: 365 Daily Affirmations for Positive Prayer
 

Each night before bed, my husband and I would read the quote and the accompanying Bible Verse. It took no more than 30 seconds, and it was always a great note to end the day on. Reminded, right before bed, that God is looking out for me, holding my hand through trying times, and supporting me to be the best version of myself I can possibly be. It was a great habit to get into, and I'm glad we saw the entire book through! 

I recommend this little gem for sure!

I am currently reading Francesca's Kitchen --- and I hope to be able to finish that + at least one more book before I get back to school! I would like to say my goal is to read 13 books in 2013, but I think I'll stick to my one book/month goal --- let's not get too lofty, here :)

Any recent book recommendations? I think next on my list is Fifty Shades Darker and Heaven is For Real {I realize I sound like an insane person, listing those two vastly different books int he same sentence}. Whatever, I like variety :)

Cheers to a good read!
Cheers to 2012 --- the experiences it brought and the lessions I learned!
Cheers to 2013 --- may I become an improved version of myself!   

crock pot --- healthy potato soup

Potato soup is a huge staple in this household - my husband and I make at least once a month during the chilly months of the year! I am so happy to report that I have found a healthy potato soup recipe! Yes, another crock pot recipe out of The Everything Healthy Slow Cooker Cookbook :) You'll have to excuse my obsession with this cookbook, it's just that it's the first time I have been able to make delicious and healthy favorites in the crock-pot!

Enjoy!!!

Baked Potato Soup



Ingredients (serves 6):
1 onion, sliced
4 russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
5 cups of water
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp white pepper
1/4 cup shredded  sharp Cheddar
3 tbsp reduced fat sour cream
2 strips of turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/3 cup diced green onions

Instructions:
1. Place the onions, potatoes, water, salt, and pepper into a 4-quart slow cooker. Cook on low for 7 hours. 

2. Puree using an immersion blender or puree in a blender. Stir in the cheese, sour cream, bacon crumbles, and green onion. 

* My husband and I really like our food spicy, so we added extra white pepper and lots of hot sauce. We also used 3 strips of turkey bacon instead of 2, because, well...we like bacon :)

Per serving: 170 calories, 3.5g fat, 220mg sodium, 28g carbs, 3g fiber, 6g protein

Happy soup eats to you and your family! 
Cheers!

crock pot --- healthy black bean soup

Happy December to you all :) 

I have another FABULOUS crock-pot soup recipe to share with you! Coming to you again from The Everything Healthy Slow Cooker Cookbook (my new favorite!). This recipe is full of protein, and surprisingly savory/flavorful! Give it a tray :)

Black Bean Soup --- serve with corn bread on the side!




Ingredients (serves 8)
3 slices turkey bacon
1 tsp canola oil
1 medium onion, diced
1 habanero pepper, seeded and minced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 stalk celery, diced
1 carrot, diced (I passed on the celery and doubled the carrots, yum!)
30 ounces canned black beans, drained and rinsed
3 cups of chicken stock
(Ingredients for cornbread or a cornbread mix from the grocery store)

Instructions: 
1. Cook the turkey bacon in a nonstick skillet until crisp. Drain on paper towel-lined plates. Crumble the bacon into small pieces. 

2. Heat the oil in a nonstick skillet. Add the onions, habanero, garlic, celery, and carrot. Saute until the onions are soft, about 2-4 minutes. 

3. Put the beans, onion mixture, and bacon crumbles into a 4-quart slow cooker. Add the broth and stir. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4 hours. 

* This soup is wonderful served with cornbread! I totally recommend it :)

Per Serving: 120 calories, 3.5g fat, 730mg sodium, 24g carbohydrates, 7g fiber, 8g protein

Cheers to good and healthy eats!

crock pot --- healthy tortilla soup

Hey blogland! It's been a while - but I thought I would take a second to share this delicious crock pot recipe with you! It comes from The Everything Healthy Slow Cooker Cookbook, and we tried it out last night. So delicious, hearty, spicy, and perfect for a chilly December 1st evening! Enjoy!


Tortilla Soup

Ingredients (serves 8)
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/8 tsp salt
25 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
14 ounces canned fire-roasted diced tomatoes
3 cups Chicken Stock
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 medium onion, diced
4 ounces canned diced green chiles, drained
2 habanero peppers, diced
1 cup fresh corn kernels (we used frozen corn that we thawed in the microwave)
2 cups cubed cooked chicken or turkey breast
Tortilla strips on top 

• To make the tortilla strips: slice 4 corn tortillas in half, then into 1/4" strips. Heat 1/2 tsp canola oil in a shallow skillet. Add the tortilla strips and cook, turning once, until they are crisp and golden. Drain on paper towel-lined plates. Blot dry.

Directions
1. Place the spices, tomatoes, stock, garlic, onions, chiles, and peppers in a 4-quart slow cooker. Cover, and cook on low for 6 hours. 

2. After 6 hours, add the corn and turkey or chicken. Cover and cook for an additional 45-60 minutes. Serve with tortilla strips.

Per serving: 170 calories, 3g fat, 250mg sodium, 21g carbs, 4g fiber, 17g protein

*This is a super healthy/low calorie recipe! If you want to add to it, add sliced avocados, cheese, or sour cream to it once you have dished it up. The sour cream also helps cool it down if it is too spicy for you!

Enjoy and Cheers!

fifty shades of emotions

Hey friends! I know I've been a stranger...back to school will do that! I just wanted to stop by for a little book review! If you can't guess from the title, I finally read Fifty Shades of Grey. Book #11 out of my goal of 12 books in 2012! Yay :) I wanted to read this book, just to know what all the hype and fuss was about, so I read it. 

My first reaction:

• Why are people calling it "housewife porn" like that's a bad thing? If wives everywhere are reading this sexy book, it's probably increasing married sex rates everywhere, and thus saving marriages everywhere! {Like my logic?} Kudos, E. L. James, you have probably done what therapy couldn't for some couples. 

My second reaction:

• Whoa. That was INTENSE. 

I went through just about every emotion under the sun with this book. The book follows Anastasia Steele as she is finishing up her undergraduate experience. She fills in for her roommate {Kate}, and interviews the young, strikingly handsome, self-made billionaire Christian Grey for the school newspaper. The effect that Christian has on Ana is immediate, undeniable, and a first for her. As they keep finding reasons to meet again, it becomes clear that the electrical energy dancing between the two of them will quickly lead to something. When it does, it is hot. It is kind of a fantasy novel then, because Christian Grey is just incredibly alluring, even on paper. 

However, as things progress, and Christian's kinky preferences become more apparent, I was a little put off. Not unlike our lead character Ana. I found myself amazed at the way with which the author successfully got me to mirror Ana's emotions throughout the story. My "Fifty Shades of Emotions" response goes as follows:

• Attraction to Mr. Grey
• Jaw dropped at his erotic nature
• Unease about his intensity
• Creeped out by his possessive/stalkerish tendencies
• Vehement feeling that Ana should say "no" to Christian's indecent proposals
• Sadness when Ana is subjected to her first "spanking" by Christian. I can't tell you how strange this whole scene was for me. Christian "punishes" Ana for rolling her eyes at him. And this punishment involves a spanking session that is meant to be erotic, yet stinging. The aftermath is that Ana feels diminished, and as small and valueless as a person can. Then Christian tries to make it okay. And I cried. I cried because I feel like this is what any victim of abuse may go through. The assailant trying to justify his/her actions, and the victim learning to trust the assailant and letting him/her do as he/she pleases out of love for the assailant. It was a very confusing emotional response. And I kind of wrote Mr. Grey off at that point. 
• Pity for Mr. Grey when you find out more about the childhood that gave him such a tormented soul with an aversion for typical expressions of love
• Wary intrigue as he opens up his mind and sexual sides to Ana
• Turned on by the loving side of him that is capable
• Disgusted by the dominant side of him that is also capable. 

Mr. Grey is like a double-sided coin. The shiniest, most irresistible coin you've ever seen. This book made me think a lot about S&M and the psychology behind it all. Which, I have never done before. And it turns out the psychology of that kind of sexuality is extremely complex. There are 2 consenting adults, right? Well, what if the dominant adult has captivated the submissive adult with his charm and wit and dazzling looks, then is she influenced to do things she doesn't want to do? Does that make it still 100% consenting and okay? She literally goes through the emotions that an abuse victim does, which is anguishing to read.

This novel certainly was interesting. Interesting in content, style, storyline, and themes. It is thought-provoking in ways I never thought possible, and left me with a lot of questions. 

Questions that just may be answered in the sequels...

 

Yes, I am planning on reading the sequels. Such an relationship develops between Ana and Christian, and I need to know what happens. Turned out to be much deeper of a story than I anticipated. 

Also --- Christian Grey is just a fantasy character. I like looking at who the public would like cast as Christian if a movie adaptation were ever made {how would they pull that off??? I mean, it is very pornographic...}

I was picturing Matt Bomer the ENTIRE TIME. A stunning man (also gay I heard).

Intriguing and fantastical. Not the best book I've ever read, but not as shallow as I thought it was going to be. Unique and unexpected --- Cheers to reading :)