Under the Steps

When I was young, probably fifth or sixth grade, I decided I wanted to wear eye shadow. My mom was old enough to be my grandma and didn't talk much about makeup, besides saying she had to 'put her face on' before leaving the house. So I put on my tween-age thinking cap and found my first eye shadow in the form of an aqua highlighter. I thought it looked pretty cool on my eyelids. Once my dad noticed,  he did not. He was furious and yelled (and yelled) at me. I was crushed. I didn't take time to find out if it was makeup in general or the fact that I had used highlighter on my eyelids. I retreated to my own private hiding place to cry. I remember, like it was yesterday, crouching among the boxes in the dark under the steps. Since then I have withdrawn there often.

That urge to flee, to hide has been a life long battle. How about you? If so, you're not alone. This is my nature in most difficult or uncomfortable situations. Though it is my nature, I know, with all my heart, I can call on a higher power and I can be at peace! When I want to flee to my hiding place rather than face circumstances head on I thank God for I know...

Philippians 4:13 by SoulSisterPalletShop on etsy

and...

Nehemiah 8:10 by Prims 'n Posies on etsy 

As I look back I can tell you for certain, in all the most difficult times of my life, God has been my strength! 

God blessed my husband and I with a child who started her formal education in Special Education pre-school. In time she was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome. She is now a college graduate and job hunting. I'm challenged every day, by this Asperger's, to keep from hiding under the stairs. Thank God, hiding is not in my sweet daughter's nature. She has been a blessing to me and I ask my Abba Father every day to cover her with His grace and build her up to be her best for Him.

We all face turmoil on life's journey. We chose how we react. I firmly believe Romans 8:28...

Romans 8:28 by Simply Zofia on etsy

Last weekend the three of us went kayaking on Lake Washington in Seattle. This was our first big adventure in urban kayaking. We paddled under highways, by lily pads, houseboats and, out of my comfort zone. We rowed through the Montlake Cut along with motor boats and sail boats of all shapes and sizes. The waves tossed and turned us and splashed into our boats, but we never capsized. Our boats were built for stability. 

Highway 520's bridge to nowhere

This is my hope for you and me. To journey through this life never in fear of the waves. Instead, knowing God's strength will always provide in every circumstance.

Lake Washington Arboretum trail

And we will always be brought safely to shore to rest in Him!

Linda <><

Hatch Casserole

Vintage Cookout Invitation from NeatoKeen on etsy

It's that time of year! Neighborhood cookouts and for a few short weeks fresh Hatch chile peppers are available. When I pointed this out to my better half his creative juices began to flow and the recipe that follows is the result. 

Hatch Chile Peppers

Ingredients:

8 - 10 Hatch Peppers

8 - 10 Jalapeno Peppers

4 Crisp Corn Tostada Shells

4 Corn Tortillas

1 Pound Chorizo, Ground Beef or Ground Turkey

1 Medium Container of Crumbled Feta Cheese

2 Cups of cooked Quinoa

1 Large Can Enchilada Sauce

1 Large Container Pico De Gallo Salsa

1 Large Can Refried Beans

1 Pkg Shredded Mexican or Pepper Jack Cheese

sour cream or Greek yogurt

Grill Roast Peppers, let cool and peel the skins, half lengthwise and clean out seeds. You may want to wear kitchen gloves while handling the peppers.

Brown the Chorizo, Ground Beef or Ground Turkey,  season to taste with cumin and/or taco seasoning if using just Ground Beef or Turkey. Cool and mix with Feta Cheese and Quinoa.

Spread Layer of Refried Beans on 4 Crisp Corn Tostada Shells

Place each shell in bottom of 9 inch baking pan forming 1st layer(Bean side down).

Place Layer of Roasted Hatch Peppers on top of Shells

Layer Half of Chorizo, Beef or Turkey mixture

Layer Half of Enchilada Sauce

Layer Half of Pico De Gallo Salsa

Spread all evenly in the pan.

Spread Layer of Refried Beans on 4 Corn Tortillas,  

Place Tortillas on top of last Pico De Gallo Salsa layer.(Bean side down)

Repeat with layer of mixed Hatch Peppers and Jalapeno Peppers

Repeat layer of Chorizo, Beef or Turkey Mixture

Repeat layer of Enchilada Sauce

Repeat layer of Pico De Gallo Salsa

Spread all evenly in the pan

Bake in oven for 30 Minutes at 350 degrees. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top and bake for another 10 minutes. Let set and cool for 5 minutes and serve with a dollop of Sour Cream or Greek yogurt. 

Warms up great in the microwave

It was delectable and everyone at the cookout loved it! Other great seasonal dishes at the cookout included fried green tomatoes, blackberry cobbler and blackberry mojitos. All of the goodies, grilled chicken, a candlelit game of LRC and great company made for an unforgettable evening!

Oh, and, I gotta let the hubby in the kitchen more often!

Kiss the Cook Wall Decal by Stephen Edward Graphics on etsy

Linda <><