Mmm mmm, Apple Pie

With (finally) a chill in the air, Christmas music playing on Pandora, Starbucks workplace decked out for the holidays, I've found a recent fascination with experimenting in making pies. Apple pies, to be exact. And let me tell you what, it's been a delicious experiment!

So I thought I would share with you all. Don't try to drool too much on your keyboard, probably not so good for technology.

I found a basic recipe for apple pie online, because the only time I've ever made pie (which was probably one or two, I can't even remember), has involved taking a pie out of a frozen box and placing it in an oven. I found a recipe that sounded pretty good, and then added my own zing to it.

Have a look, and try the recipe out! It's super easy, and incredibly delicious. A perfect touch to the end of that scrumptious fall dinner.

What you need:

-2 pie crusts (9'' recipe pastry dough)
(Note, I have not experimented yet in making my own crust, so what I did was buy a pre-made crust that was already in the pie pan, and also bought a package of Pillsbury pie crust. It comes in a small box, and there are two pieces in there as well, you just roll it out. This is what I used to make the lattice work on top of the pie)

(Image from Google)

-7 or 8 Granny Smith apples (the nice green ones, they taste delicious in pie!)

- 1/2 cup unsalted butter

- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

- 1/2 cup white sugar

- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

- 1/4 cup water

- 1 teaspoon vanilla

- 2 teaspoons cinnamon powder

- A dash of salt

- A few dashes of each: allspice, nutmeg, cloves (I have a horrible habit of never measuring seasoning, because I hate bland food, so to me, the more seasoning the better. Play around with how much of each you want to put in, but in general, just a few quick dashes of each should do.)


Okay, now you're ready to put your pie together!

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

3. Make sure that you have your pie crust ready in the pie pan.

2. Get to coring and peeling your apples! AKA, cut out all of the seeds, and get the skin off those suckers, then slice them up. As for size of the slices, I wouldn't slice them super thin, and I would also avoid leaving them in huge chunks. Go for a nice size in between.

3. As you slice your apples, begin layering them in your pie pan. Now, the first time I did this, I just threw them into the pan, and it worked out fine. The second time, I made a sort of circle pattern and layered up with the apples. As long as you fit your apples inside, and there aren't huge gaping holes in between, you should be okay.

4. Your apples should be finished, and as you layer, you will make a nice mound on top of your pie crust. Don't worry, it will settle down after it is baked.

5. Now, in a medium sauce pan, heat up your butter, and melt it.

6. After the butter has melted, mix in your 3 tablespoons of flour to make a paste.

7. Next, put in your white and brown sugar, and the 1/4 cup of water. Bring to a boil. This is going to start looking and smelling delicious.

8. As you are bringing it to a boil, add in your vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and cloves. Continue stirring.

9. After mixture has come to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

10. Roll out your second pie crust dough, and cut into long strips for the lattice top of the pie (the criss-cross pattern)

11. Do the lattice top by weaving one over the other, all the way across the pie. It's very easy to do, and looks fabulous! Be sure to leave room in between strips, you will need that to pour the mixture into/over.

(Image from Google)

12. Gently, and slowly pour your sauce over the top of the pie and lattice crust on top. Let it sink into the holes and down the sides. (Tip, put a baking sheet beneath your pie, it's bound to bubble over or drip down while preparing or baking...this makes a much easier clean up). Pour the entire mixture down over the pie. It seems silly at first, pouring it over the pie, but trust me, it's delicious, and cooks the crust into a scrumptious top, and gets all of the apples spiced, too.

Ready to go in the oven!

13. Put that baby in the oven to cook! Cook for only 15 minutes at 425 degrees F, then lower the temperature to 350 degrees F, and cook for 35 to 45 minutes more.

14. Take out, let cool. (Or burn your mouth on the freshly baked goodness, I did...and I don't really regret it, it was just so tasty!)

15. Feast on your delicious masterpiece!

And there you have it, delicious apple pie!!

For the Moments I Feel Faint

(Image from Google)

More than just some catchy Relient K lyrics, these words capture a deep current in life. There are always moments when we feel faint. When we feel discouraged. When we feel as if we have failed. Moments when we aren't sure just which was is up, or where we're supposed to go.

For whatever reason, today I realized that this week has been one of those weeks for me. Moments where I feel faint. Where I feel dried up, and like I'm wandering through a desert, searching for the oasis to quench my thirsty soul. But it somehow eludes my grasp.

A week packed with a busy work schedule has probably lent a helping hand to that, sprinkled with a cold, and topped with the heaviness of missing teammates, and people that I spent a lot of quality time with over the past year.

Today as I sat driving in my car, the weight of it all just seemed to rest on my shoulders. There are always days like this. When my own strength is not enough. When I'm just not feeling it. When I feel like I'm wandering in a desert.

But you know what?

God is still good. He is enough.

While I was driving, a song by Kutless came on the radio that reminded me of one of my favorite passages in Daniel about Shadrack, Meshack, and Abednego. The song says over and over "even if..." and it reminded me of how when confronted by an irate king, "Rack, Shack and Benny" (the beloved Veggie Tales names that have forever stuck with me) refused to bow before the king, even with their lives on the line. They boldly declared to the king that God was mighty enough to save them from the fire, and EVEN IF He did not, He was still God, and that they would still not bow before the king.

(Image from Google)

Even if.

Those words ring so loud and clear to my heart today. Even if. Even when I don't feel it. Even when I feel alone. Even when I don't feel well physically. Even when things don't go right.

God is still God, He is enough, and He is good.

I am resting in that truth tonight, and letting God revive my soul in the way that only He can.

What are you facing in your life that just seems too big? That makes you feel like you're alone and wandering through the desert? I know I'm not the only one facing tough things. A lot of times, we search to see if other people struggle too, and Satan wants us to feel isolated and alone, and that we are the only ones struggling. Not true.

(Image from Google)

So I want to boldly declare that even as I struggle, God is good, He is faithful, and He is mightily at work. In my life, and in yours.

Through the hurt, the pain, the disapointment, He is at work in your life, you are His beloved.

Even if...He is still God.

(Image from Google)

Wedding Bells are Ringing!

Or are they Christmas bells? I mean after all, Christmas music is already playing in stores (and work).

No, to be clear, they are wedding bells! I had the joy of being able to attend a friend's wedding this past weekend. It was a glorious day, perfect weather, incredible people, the works. Splashes of a country theme, twinkling lights, cool weather, I was hooked.

Granted, there are always those pangs of loneliness that accompany going to a wedding by yourself. You see all the couple "awwing" and remembering their special vows, and everyone seems to have someone. Oh the joys of being single at times. Thank goodness for amazing friends that were there that I was able to spend time with, talk to, and laugh with.

All in all, it was such a joy to see them walk down the aisle, say their vows to each other and watch them step into a new season of life together!

I also had the great joy and honor of creating their "guest book," which was actually a pencil portrait of one of their engagement pictures. It was a fun project, and being able to see it fill up as people filed in for the ceremony was special.

Check out the progress of the piece, and the beautiful wedding!

The beginning stages.

And the final stages!

The finished product, and a picture of it after it was signed by the guests!

Some snapshots of the special day!

His Words to YOU

All Scripture is God breathed. It is for you, it is for me. It is for today, tomorrow and every day.

 I love that God has brought Scripture to life for me in a different way through hand lettering. Being able to compose the words on a piece of paper and have them spring up off the page to me, reminding me of what this life is really about.

In between a few other artistic projects that I am working on (to be revealed later!), I have had several Scriptures laid on my heart for myself, and for others. And so, I put them down on paper!

These are the three most recent ones.

I pray that they breath new life into your heart today!

 Psalm 48:8...It is God who makes us secure, forever. 

Joshua 1:9...Always a good reminder for us, to be strong and courageous, because He is with you. 

Psalm 37:3-4...Trust in the Lord. A personal message to me, reminding me that my trust needs to be in God alone. 

Little Big Gifts from God

I'm sure we can all recall the beloved childhood Disney movie "Aladdin." Complete with magic genie, three grand wishes, bad guys, and of course, Aladdin gets the girl. It all works out, everyone is happy, I mean who doesn't like three wishes of whatever they want granted to them?

Sometimes, I think we (myself included) think of God like a magic genie. When we're "good enough" we sneak in there with our "Oh hey, God, this would be super great if I could just have this thing....you know, because I've been good and all." We probably don't say it in so many words. But I know that I have been caught in my heart posture looking for satisfaction in things, even asking God for it, instead of just going to Him for HIM to fill me up.

But.

God also does give good gifts. He is our Father, and He delights in us.

He DELIGHTS in you. 

Let that sink in a minute. Delight is such a heart warming word. God, the creator of the universe, finds delight in each and every one of us. He dances and sings over us, He fills our hearts with His love, and, with His blessings.

I think that there is definitely a balance to be had, and that we have to be mindful of what we are asking God for, and the meaning behind it. Are we seeking HIM first, or things first? "Seek first the kingdom of heaven..."

But, God does bless us. He surrounds us with His love, His favor, and His gifts. And lately, He has blown me away by surprising my heart with little big gifts. Just putting a smile on my face, and delighting my heart. Things as simple as a good cup of hot coffee on a chilly morning, to time driving up to Mount Lemmon and being able to have quiet time with Him in the cool, fresh mountain air. 

My Abba has just left me speechless and in awe with His heart for me. I've been stressing out and worrying about things, and when I finally lay them down at His feet (multiple times), He has completely blown me away.

Case in point...when I was back in the states, I had no idea what to do about a job, where it would come from, if I was going to be able to make enough money. God has provided not one, not two, but three amazing jobs for me to work at. These jobs are providing community and a way to reach out to people that I would not have otherwise been able to reach out to. 

I was reminded of just how blessed I am to have three jobs when people remark about how difficult it is to find just one job at times. It is a crazy schedule working three jobs at times, I won't lie. But I am beyond blessed to be employed, and employed in three jobs that I truly enjoy.

Another gift, last Saturday my church had it's first annual "Jubilee" celebration, thanking God for how He has blessed us. It was a sweet time of fellowship, amazing food, and a fun time square dancing. I am blessed by the people that surround me in my church body. 

And another huge gift that God gave me this week, He provided an amazing deal on a reliable car. He truly has the perfect timing. He even threw in there that it is a manual car, which I love driving manual. He knew exactly what I needed, and showed up. 

I am completely overwhelmed by His love. By His goodness. How He delights in me. 

And it's not just in those big things, or in material things, it's everywhere. The sunrise, sunset, a cool breeze on a warm day, twinkling stars, conversations, birds chirping. He sings His love to me, to you in all these places.

What are the gifts that He has given you today? How does He delight your heart?

I'm Overseas...

...in Tucson.

Possible? Yes.

Case in point, visiting an Iraqi refugee family today. It brought so much joy to my heart. Literally even walking around the apartment complex to get to their house, I smelled Africa- which is hard to describe, but if you've smelled Africa, and you smell it somewhere else, you know it...somewhat of a burning trash/cooking food/earthy smell...if you had to put a name on it. I also saw someone carrying a trash can on their head to a dumpster, which is also a flashback to Africa (not so much the trash can as someone carrying something on their head).

But really, it was being welcomed into a home of a family I had never met before. Sitting on a couch in their living room, visiting with them, laughing, asking questions. They always offer you a drink and or food, really, it's not an option, it's them offering their heart to you in hospitality. That's something that I saw worldwide, and wanted to bring back to America with me.

(I can't even count how many sodas we had in Africa...but I do enjoy Fanta!)

(Flashbacks to beautiful Africa)

(Also, I think the number of cups of tea that I consumed overseas far outweighs my consumption of soda. Any time you went into anyone's house, you were given tea, and multiple cups. Oh, you're full? Have some more tea!)

(Smiling faces of beautiful kids around the world. Tonight brought me this joy once more.)

That sense of open generosity. Open hands. Treating every person that walks through your door with respect and love, offering your heart to them.

So for about an hour and a half today after work, I got to "go overseas" right here in Tucson. I was able to sit in a living room with a family, hear another language being spoken, pick up on hand gestures like a grand charades player, see Al Jazeera on the TV, and be honored with great generosity and hospitality by people that I didn't even know.

It was such a blessing to my heart. I absolutely love moments like those, and it makes my heart excited to step across cultural boundaries within my own town.

I heard from an apartment manager today the difficulties she faces in looking after all of her tenants, and the things that she wishes she could do for the families there. I saw her express deep appreciation for all the help that she receives from people coming in to play with the refugee kids, who build relationships with the families.

There is such a great need, right on our doorstep. Our own neighbors are looking for love. It's right there, but how often do we step across that divide?

I know that I want to do it more often. If you haven't ever met a refugee family, or kid, I would highly encourage you to try and do so. See if your community has a refugee program. You would probably be surprised at what you find.

But it's meaningful connections like that that mean so much. Not only to the people that receive it, but to us as well.

We are blessed to be a blessing.

Swingin' in a Hammock

Remember the other day when I was talking about how God gives me little gifts sometimes that just light up my heart? This morning He gave me a few more. As I gathered with a handful of other women from church this morning for a breakfast, prayer and fellowship time, I felt God just leading me by the hand into a cozy morning with Him.

One gift from Him, sitting around a wooden table, cool morning breeze blowing in, eating a yummy breakfast with women that I care deeply about, just talking about life.



Another gift, drinking a warm cup of coffee on this gorgeous, crisp morning.

(picture from Pinterest)

Another gift, being able to sit out on this lovely hammock and have my quiet time surrounded by my beautiful sisters in Christ. It took me back to time in Cambodia, where there truly were hammocks everywhere. Everyone had a hammock, and they used them a lot. You just sit back, and let life sink in. You let the beauty sink in.

This was my view this morning. Absolutely gorgeous morning!

This is what the view took me back to...

Darling, beautiful Cambodia.

It took me back to a month on the World Race where life was very simple, and it was beautiful. And as I sat there, swinging in that hammock, praying to my Abba, God swept me off my feet.

He told me, "Be still, and know that I am God. Be still, Sarah, and know that I am YOUR God."

God truly captures my heart in the beautiful simplicities of life, and I wish that every moment of my life I slowed down to just be with Him in the midst of it. I know that it is possible, but very seldom do I let myself do it. After traveling for a year and experiencing life with a fast, yet slow pace, I've found the American lifestyle of "go go go" and being busy just to be busy and not actually doing something to be overwhelming. And yet I still find myself getting caught up in it. 

The distractions surround us constantly, beckon us with shiny mechanisms that promise instant gratification. Technology, media, TV, books, networking. None of these is inherently bad, but it can be dangerous to be consumed by them, especially when we get so caught up that we forget who we really are, and more importantly, WHOSE we are.

So this morning was just a beautiful gift from my Abba, letting me breath in and remember His steady love as I sat swinging in a hammock on this cool morning. 

Be still, and know that He is your God, and He loves you.