I Heart Almonds

In honor of American Heart Month 2014 and, of course, Valentines Day, here's one of my favorite quick snacks. Almonds are a tasty, healthy snack.

This is a fast way to roast almonds. The amounts for all of the ingredients is completely adjustable. The time required for roasting depends on the amount of almonds.

Microwave Smoked Paprika Almonds

1/2 cup raw almonds
(I get the big bags at Costco)

olive oil in a spritzer
smoked paprika
salt

Place the almonds in a plastic container with a tight lid or a ziploc bag. Spritz with olive oil to cover. Sprinkle with a good bit of paprika and some salt. Cover and shake to cover the almonds evenly.

Spread almonds on a microwave safe tray or plate. Microwave about 2 minutes, until almonds are hot and fragrant. Let cool and enjoy.

On a side note, but also heart related, I'm teaching my daughter to drive. Emma is my sweet 25 year old. She has Aspergers and tried learning to drive in her teens, but it didn't take. Now she seems more motivated. As a college graduate, she sees the advantages all to well, the independence it provides and the edge it might give in her ongoing job hunt. She's really doing quite well, but the heart of every parent teaching their child to drive(no matter the age or circumstances) gets a workout. 

Have a happy Valentines Day and take care of your heart every day. Eat right, exercise, pray and love well. 

Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. ~ Psalms 37:4

Linda <><

I'm In

I admit it, I'm a football fan! Born in Lincoln, Nebraska and graduated for the University of Nebraska my blood runs Husker red. But after 15 years in the Pacific Northwest the Seahawks also have my heart. I can't begin to tell you how much fun the last few weeks have been here, especially Sunday!

Hubby & me snowshoeing Saturday
(Mount Olympus in the background)

This Seahawk team is a neat bunch of young men, each with their own story. They came together to create such a cohesive team that a relatively unknown teammate was the MVP of the super bowl. Most were late draft choices or even passed over. Russell Wilson was told he was too small,  Derrick Coleman told you can't play deaf. They were too loud, too quiet, too young. But Russell Wilson's dad gave him a bit of advice he passed on the this team, "Why not you?"

Great advice for each and every one of us. I've let self doubt and fear hold me back far to often. With my Heavenly Father behind me, beside me and before me, I don't have any excuses! Why can't we be as joyous about our own faith walk and cheer each other on in our wins and losses like those crazy Seahawk fans do?

Football fan or not, there is something to learn from these young men. Several members of the team are open about their personal faith. I can't help but consider this verse, "If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14). I'm also currently reading Exodus. Moses was a reluctant leader, but with God....

Are you in?

Linda <><