Don't Settle For Less Just Because It's Available

Let's face it. We all get lonely sometimes. It doesn't mean that life isn't good or that we're not generally happy. It just means that we crave connection. This doesn't have to come just from romantic relationships though. And maybe for some, it hits particularly hard around the holidays.
It's okay to feel lonely sometimes. But don't settle for less than God's best just because it's available. There will be a lot of people who cross your path that will be a temptation. They might be attractive and they smile at just the right time. Or maybe it's not even someone you would normally give your attention to but they are there, and hey are available. Stop! Have you prayed about it? The disappointment and heartache that come from getting into relationships or even falling for someone that is not for us really isn't worth it. It is better to meet someone and become friends with no expectations of anything more. This way you will know if this person is for you. If you want to be happy in a relationship, you first have to be happy with yourself and by yourself. Don't rely on another person for your happiness and peace. You are in charge of that. While the people in our lives are definitely blessings, true contentment must come from God. He is the only One who can give you true peace. Embrace your singleness because believe it or not God is using this time to bless you and help you to grow. It is in this alone time that you will learn who you are, what you want, what you deserve and how amazing God truly is. If you want true happiness, build your life on Christ. Your future spouse should have to look for God to find you. When the time is just right, God will let you know. Don't settle for someone because them happen to be there and you don't want to be alone. We are never truly alone. God is always there. He is always faithful and ready to listen and move on your behalf. Wait for the one that will bless you. The one you connect with. The one God knows is right for you. Focus on the good things already in your life and work on the things that could be better. Work on yourself. God is always on time!

Jade


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Are You Still Thankful When Things Are Going Wrong?

Are you thankful? I don't mean are you feeling thankful, but are you truly thankful in your heart? It's easy to give thanks and be grateful when things are going well, but what about when everything it's not? Can you say, " I am blessed" when everything is falling apart? While it's really hard to understand why things happen, we need to understand that it doesn't change God's goodness. If anything, be thankful for that. Be thankful that you woke up this morning because every breath is truly a blessing, ( even when it hurts to just breathe) and has a purpose. When we stop and focus on what is right in our lives, it makes the wrong a little less daunting. We tend to focus on all of our problems and miss wonderful memories in the making, chances to laugh, blessings in disguise and we miss those around us who are hurting as well. Be thankful that you have something someone else needs right now. It may be a shoulder to cry on, the ability to help pay a bill, a listening ear, good advice or just a smile that has the power to save someone. So this Thanksgiving, what are you thankful for? Look around you and don't forget to look up. Don't miss out on helping another hurting soul because you are too busy worrying and stressing out. I know it's easy. I know our human tendencies lean toward the negative sometimes. We worry over things that we can't change and things that God is already taking care of. It's what we do. Thank God He doesn't do that and He doesn't love us any less because we do. When nothing seems good in life, remember He is good! He loves you more than you know or understand and He is there with you through it all. If you ever need someone to talk to or just have a question, please feel free to contact me! Happy Thanksgiving y'all!

Maple-Glazed Turkey

I'm trying out a new recipe this year for the turkey. I always like to do something different with the main dish to make it as yummy as possible until I find the perfect recipe. 

I'm going for a maple glazed turkey and it sounds so good! This recipe comes with it's own cranberry sauce but I will also be making a different version for a side. Gotta have cranberry sauce! Let's get to it so we can get our grub on! This recipe is for a 15 lb. turkey.

Ingredients 

1 turkey

5 Tbs. butter, at room temp, and divided

1 packet concentrated chicken broth

1 Tbs. chopped fresh parsley

1 Tbs. minced shallots

1 Tbs. minced garlic

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 bag frozen cranberries

1/2 cup maple syrup

3/4 cup cranberry juice

3/4 apple cider

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

In a small bowl, mix 4 Tbs. of butter with the next 5 ingredients.

Season with salt and pepper; spread under skin and over turkey skin.

Place turkey on rack set in roasting pan; tie legs together. Roast 4 1/2 hours or until 175 degrees F.

Cover loosely with foil; let sit 10 minutes before slicing and gobbling up.

In a pan over medium-high heat, bring last 4 ingredients, 1 Tbs. butter, 1 tsp. salt and 1 tsp. pepper to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer until cranberries burst, around 8 minutes or so. You can strain it if you want to. Serve this up with that delicious turkey and enjoy with all your other fixin's until you can't move! 

Marshmallow Surprise Sweet Potato Puffs

I posted a recipe the other day for healthy sweet potato casserole and now I can't decide between that dish or this one! I will probably end up making both tomorrow. You can't have too many sweet potatoes! Give them both a try!

Ingredients

4 large sweet potatoes, baked, peeled and mashed
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 tsp. orange zest
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 cup shredded coconut 
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
12 mini marshmallows


Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a bowl, mix together the first 4 ingredients.
In a small bowl, toss the coconut with the cinnamon.

Now shape the potato mixture into 2" balls. Press 2 marshmallows into the center of each ball. Gently roll balls in coconut mixture.

Place on greased foil-lines baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes or until coconut is golden brown. Let sit for 10 minutes before gobbling up.

Here are some variations to try:

Nutty: Mix 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts with the coconut.

Spicy: Stir 1/4 tsp into the potato mixture.

Sweet & Tangy: Replace 1 mini marshmallow in each ball with 1/4 tsp chopped fresh cranberries.

Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole

Since it's almost Thanksgiving I thought I would share some recipes that I'll be making this week. This one I found on eatingwell.com. It's a healthier variation of the more traditional rich sweet potato side dishes that normally grace the table. This recipe makes 10  half cup servings if you only use the 3 cups of sweet potatoes as suggested.


Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole


2 1/2 lbs. sweet potatoes
2 large eggs
1 tbsp. oil
1 tbsp. honey
1/2 cup milk
2 tsp. orange zest
1 tsp. vanilla 
1/2 tsp. salt

Topping:

1/2 cup whole wheat flour  
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
4 tsp. orange juice concentrate
1 tbsp. oil
1 tbsp. butter, melted
1/2 cup chopped pecans


Directions:

Place sweet potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Cook for about 10-15 minutes or until tender. Drain well and measure out 3 cups then put them back in the pan to mash. You can use all of them though if you'd like, otherwise you can use the rest for something else.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.

In a medium bowl, whisk eggs, oil, and honey. Add  sweet potatoes and mix well. Stir in milk, vanilla, salt and orange zest. Spread the mixture into the baking pan.

To make the topping, mix flour, brown sugar, orange juice concentrate, oil and butter in a small bowl. Blend with a fork until crumbly. Stir in the pecans. Sprinkle over the casserole. Bake the casserole until heated through and the top is lightly browned, about 35 to 45 minutes.

You can mix this up and cover it for up to 2 days if you want to make it ahead of time.


Here are some nutrition stats:

238 calories; 9g fat ( 2g sat); 4g fiber; 36g carbs; 5g protein;17g sugar; 9g added sugar

Life is Hard but Jesus Gives Us Rest

Life is hard. Sometimes it seems like when you get hit with one thing three more things are right behind it. It's hard not to worry and to not be stressed when your life is in chaos. I struggle with this. But I also remember that the Bible tells us not to worry 365 times. I have to remember that while the world offers no rest and no peace, God does. He promises it. True peace is in resting in Him. There are no promises that life will be easy. However, He promises to walk along side of us and carry us when we are too weary to walk. He promises rest. Take a breath and take your eyes off the world. Put them on Him. You'll get your strength from Him and be able to start again. Don't give up. Give it all to Jesus.


I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. - John 16:33


The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace. - Psalm 29:11


"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." - Matthew 11:28-30

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You Are Not Alone

Hi. You don't know me. I don't know you. But I want you to know that no matter where you are today, you are not alone. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. If you are feeling hopeless, helpless, sad, angry, confused God knows and He is there reaching out His hand to you. You are not alone. Maybe you go through the motions every day. Smiling, laughing, working, living but inside there is pain, chaos, dark thoughts threatening to take over every day. You are not alone. You are loved. You are unique. You are amazing. Don't let anyone ever tell you different because they are wrong. God doesn't make mistakes and He made YOU. There is no one in this world exactly like you, never was and never will be. You are not alone. I don't know you but I am here. You wouldn't believe how many people want to help, want to listen, want to walk with you through this. It's hard and exhausting when you feel like no one understands, no one truly cares. But reach out your hand. Look up. DON'T GIVE UP!! There is hope! There is support! When we allow our feelings to take control, they can destroy us. The devil will do everything he can to make you believe the lies that you are not good enough. That your life, your dreams, your hopes and your purpose doesn't matter. It is a lie. It matters. You matter! You are not alone. You are needed and you are loved!
If you need someone to talk to please feel free to message me! I am here. I care.

Jade 💖

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Welcome!

Welcome to my blog Reflections in the Moment! This is my little place to share and hopefully encourage others. I'm always looking for new ways to do things smarter and better than before. I have a lot of interests which will probably show up here. I am always learning new things and hopefully ya'll will join me in the journey!