Glass Half Empty and Half Full

Another post from the drafts...

We are all made differently. Some of us look at the glass half empty while others look at it half full. Yet in both instances it's exactly the same. While I tend to look at the glass as half full, I also relate to both sides. To be honest looking at the glass half empty is very depressing for me and I rather not be depressed. There are so many things around us in this world that can and do bring us down. If given the option I would rather look at the positive side. The old saying there's always a silver lining goes a long way. Now add being a child of the King to that and you have a glass of GOLD!

Last of 2016

The last week of 2016 is upon us. It's been a great, yet fast paced year. It's been a very stressful and challenging year. It's been a year of major changes in our lives. It's been a year of miracle after miracle. I wouldn't change a thing! God has shown up in so many places and in so many different ways. Not in ways I expected or imagined, but in small things. As I look back over the year, I realize how smoothly it has actually gone. My thoughts, doubts and feelings rage inside of me, ready to explode. The anxiety level, the drama, the fear that threatens to take over my body overwhelms me. Yet, God, in His Greatness, Holiness, Patience, Peace, and Love is in Complete control over it all. He is teaching me to spend time with Him, to listen to Him, to TRUST HIM in all things. I'm learning that God speaks in whispers, in little things, and I have to listen, to be still and listen.

Psalm 46:10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God".

1 Kings 11 The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake.12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 

California

Releasing November's post...
Well, lets see. What does California make me think of?
*Finger printing. I've been finger printed 4 times already this year.
*"U" turns! Yes people make them all over! Including us! Signs encouraging them here!
*Short merge lanes! Better be quick! And better watch the mergers!!
*The flatness and dirt and vast emptiness.
*The FOG-Today November 7,2016 God  showed up once again! He watches over us without us even knowing! This morning I went to work 45 minutes earlier than normal. I'm  at work at 5:45 am! This is a very unusual event for me, the timing was God inspired. As I drove into the parking lot of my place of employment, I could not see my hand in front of me. I took the wrong entrance into the parking lot and, I don't use this word loosely, BLINDLY drove to my parking spot. The fog was just rolling in, and if I would've drove in at my scheduled time, I would've been on the highway. One of my co-workers, who is "use" to the fog here, told me this fog made her nervous!
*People everywhere! I'm talking, when shopping at Walmart, its a drive by shopping experience. You have your list in one hand, know your store, and grab your item as you push your cart by. IF you stop you'll get trampled! I'm totally serious here! While at Costco waiting for a yummy sample with two four years-olds in the cart trying to be patient, I had to wait for the sample cart to be refilled three times! And we were first in line! In order to get a sample I had to literally push in front of the other people and grab the samples!

Don't get me wrong, I do love it here in California. It's beautiful, and the people are actually nice. It's culture shock from a mid-westerner. Just need to learn the ropes!

Life Changes

I'm releasing my October post...
It's October of 2016 and we are still in transition. We are desperately trying to sell our home in IN And living in an apartment in CA. It's been a miraculous journey, though to the human eye you wouldn't know it. Moving is hard, moving to another state is even harder. Yet, people do it all the time. Moving to another state without a job or a home is absolutely crazy. This is actually the second time we've moved out of state, cold turkey! Yet we're ok, we have a home, food on the table, clothes on our back, transportation, each other. But most importantly, God, our Heavenly Father.

The first time we moved from MO to IN with three children under 4, no job, no place to live, yet directed by God we obeyed, took the steps of faith. Then, 29 years later we move from IN to CA, again, no jobs. Again directed by God, out of obedience. The house has been on the market for a year now, God says to wait, it will sell. 

God is Awesome!

 When something goes the way we want it to, when God provides, when God produces one of His countless miracles, when God Shows up, we say Praise God! Thank you God! God is awesome! And we should!! But I want to be careful to Praise God even in midst of the ordinary. I want to Thank God even when things are rough. I want to say God is Awesome even when I'm in the midst of a disaster. I want to give God the Glory in ALL things even when I don't feel like it. Because God is Holy! God is all these things even if I don't feel it or even think it. So when something good happens and I say Praise God! Thank you God!! I'm so excited and am giving Him the Glory!! But remember, I'm saying these things daily, even on the hardest days! Because God is God! God is Holy! Praise His Name!! And guess what??? He blessed me with a job! Yes!! Keep posted and you'll learn more about the mystery!

God is Good! God is Holy! In ALL things God is God!

Walking in Faith

Walking in Faith...What does that look like? What does that feel like? The Bible has stories of people walking in Faith and those who don't. I have a tendency to question how Gods people could question Gods provisions after they witnessed so many miracles first hand. Yet here I sit, in my own life, after experiencing miracles and definite confirmations from God, questioning if we did the right thing. Fearful that the walls of the sea will come crashing down on me at any time. I see the huge walls of the sea on either side of me, so tall and frightening. I see the deep waters ahead of me parting as I carefully and slowly take each step forward. I hesitate and try to release the anxiety within me to our Heavenly Father. I know He has me and our family in His hands! Praise His Holy Name! 

Roller Coaster of Life

Yes it's July and definitely a new day for the Hymer Family. What a ride it's been, and it's not over! Most of you know most of what's going on, but no details yet. Let's just say I'm learning a lot, physically, mentally, and mostly spiritually. Faith is not as easy as the phrase 'just have faith!' Yes simple for a child but not so much for an adult. 

All I can say at this point is that God is in control and I am walking blindly definitely not in my understanding. As soon as I know what is going on I will share it. 

God is Holy!!!

Time

WOW! I can't believe it's already May 28! The last time I posted back on April 14 it was all about the vegan meals I was creating. That was loads of fun, really it was. But we left on vacation to see our grand-babies, and yes our children as well. :) That was the last of the vegan diet and the meal creating. But all is well. So many things have happened since then, including my diet. As I said, I've gone back to a non-vegan diet. Closely watching my carbs and the junk. So far so good. 

What's happened you ask? Our life has come to a complete change! That's what! We are planning a huge life changing move within the next month. I wont say what it is in this post, but keep checking back. I will say one thing though, God is REALLY testing us on this! In more ways than one.

Do we believe HIM? Do we TRUST HIM? What is our FAITH in? Are we hearing HIS voice? Yes, it's pretty intense. But, He is comforting us and encouraging us along the way. Why just today during my devotion He gave me this scripture. Who dares say that scripture is not alive? I've read this many times and today, it gave a more in-depth, deep in my soul meaning.

Psalms 143:1-12

“Hear my prayer, O Jehovah; give ear to my supplications: In thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness. And enter not into judgment with thy servant; For in thy sight no man living is righteous. For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; He hath smitten my life down to the ground: He hath made me to dwell in dark places, as those that have been long dead. Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; My heart within me is desolate. I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy doings; I muse on the work of thy hands. I spread forth my hands unto thee: My soul thirsteth after thee, as a weary land. Make haste to answer me, O Jehovah; my spirit faileth: Hide not thy face from me, Lest I become like them that go down into the pit. Cause me to hear thy loving kindness in the morning; For in thee do I trust: Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; For I lift up my soul unto thee. Deliver me, O Jehovah, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me. Teach me to do thy will; For thou art my God: Thy Spirit is good; Lead me in the land of uprightness. Quicken me, O Jehovah, for thy name’s sake: In thy righteousness bring my soul out of trouble. And in thy loving kindness cut off mine enemies, And destroy all them that afflict my soul; For I am thy servant.”

All I will say right now, we better hold on because the ride of our life is coming!! 

One clue..July 1, 2016 will be a new day! 

Food pics

So I've really lacked in keeping the vegan food blog going. Found these pics on my phone. Most of them were yummy, with a few not so much. I've been off the vegan diet a month now, life happened, and I can really feel it. Looking forward to getting back on board. 

Spiced Citrus Lentils with Rainbow Chard and Cranberries

Yep, I know what you're thinking. This one really doesn't look too great! But trust me it's delicious and smells wonderful as well. Now I'm not a fan of the clementines, but picking those out was an easy job. Two new ingredients, rainbow chard and oat groats? I still don't know what oat groats are, but they make a very tasty dish.

@purplecarrotxo #carrottalk

Creamy Polenta with Awesome Bolognese

Not bad at all. Made with Seitan and Polenta, I questioned the dish while I was making it. But taste, pretty good. Pretty simple to make as well.

@purplecarrotxo #carrottalk

Crisp Rutabaga Rosti with Garlicky Balsamic Spinach

Who would've thought I'd be eating wilted spinach with vinegar? Not to mention Rutabaga? If somebody else would've set this dish in front of me, I would not have eaten it. Yet, mmmmmm, so good! I even loved the spinach. This spinach is made with balsamic vinegar and fresh garlic slices. Makes all the difference in the world. The Rutabaga with quinoa also has a very fresh and pleasing taste.

@purplecarrotxo #carrottalk

Lunch on my own

A fresh tortilla, black beans, humus, and avocados. A fast a tasty vegan lunch to go.

Vietnamese Soup with Yuba, Fresh Pinapple, and Crisp Shallots

To be completely honest my first response to this week's menu selection, was 'YUCK'. But I will confess that while preparing this dish and working with the ingredients, I was very impressed. Never would I have even tried this recipe if not for the Purple Carrot. But it was delicious! I am having so much fun learning to cook and eat new things. The best part are the smells. The aroma coming from these meals are more wonderful than I could ever imagine.

@purplecarrotxo #carrottalk

Kabocha-Apple Shawarma with Cilantro-Parsley Zhoug

That's right, I can't pronounce it. In fact most of the meals I've been preparing has been so unique, both in pronunciation and taste. Awe, but don't let these menu's fool you! this was just the best tasting and smelling dish ever. And very easy to prepare. Never had or even hear of Kabocha Squash before. And the tortillas, what a wonderful way to make these. They have such a crisp toasted fresh taste. All it is is brushing one side with a mixture of baking soda and lemon juice. Folding the tortilla over, let set and then baking in the oven to crisp and puff them up.

@purplecarrotxo #carrottalk

Roasted Japanese Sweet Potatoes with Sunflower-Miso Slaw

Now, this one. Well...I'll never eat sweet potatoes the same again. Japanese sweet potatoes are the bomb! So far this is my favorite meal from Purple Carrot. 6 out of 6 winners!

The only complaint I  have is that there just wasn't enough!

#carrottalk @purplecarrotxo

Broccoli Frittata with Mesclun Salad

What an adventure this is. Who would've thought introducing new foods could be an adventure. Pretty tasty. The dressing was very light and fresh. The Frittata could've been made of eggs if I didn't know better. So far, five out of five. Can't do better than that.

#carrottalk @purplecarrotxo

Garlicky Greens Curry

I was amazed at the great taste of this meal. Whole garlic cloves, mustard greens, curry, curry leaves, dates and coconut milk. The smell of this delicious dish made my mouth water. I do have to admit, I'm not crazy about the mustard greens. It was very good, but I guess I'll have to get use to the flavor of the mustard greens.

All in all, very good. #carrottalk @purplecarrotxo

New and different

Shakshuka with Tofu Dumplings over Kasha #tpcpics @PurpleCarrotxo #CARROTTALK

This meal was so delicious! The Kashu had such a satisfying aroma as it browned in the pan. If you didn't know the dumplings were tofu, you would've never guessed by taste. This meal is the winner of this weeks Menu! But don't ask me to pronounce the names. Looking forward to next week menu. I'll keep you posted. 

New adventures

This second meal, Mu Shu Seitan with Homemade Hot Mustard was the most unusual meal of all. #CAROTTALK #tpcpics @PurpleCarrotxo

I still haven't figured out what #seitan is. Though this dish included something I thought I'd never eat, prunes, it was very tasty. The name of this recipe includes the words, "Hot Mustard". You would've thought that would've clued me in. No, but after dobbing this yummy looking mustard over the meal, WOW! Our sinuses were cleared out that night.

Purple Carrot

Who would've thought that this girl was brought up on canned vegetables, box macaroni and cheese, box corn bread, pop tarts, and cold cereal? Yum! Over 34 years ago I started out my married life by cooking spaghetti, tuna noodle casserole, canned Chinese, and hamburger helper. Not even exaggerating here, this was our menu for three years of our marriage. Now, I'm open to a whole new world of foods. 

This past week was week three of my #vegandiet. So far, so good. Although I must confess the ONE iced oatmeal cookie I ate was not a true VEGAN food. 

We started @PurpleCarrotsxo this week with No. 12. #CARROTTALK. Haha! I'm sure you've noticed I'm throwing strange words in the blog like #tpcpics. And I'm sure you've guessed that I have no idea what I'm doing. Call it practice, experimenting. 

At any rate, below is my first picture of this new #vegan meal I've created, Catalan Vegetable Stew with Crispy Fideos. Amazing enough, though it had unknown foods such as #Swisschard, #favabeans, and #caperberries, It was very delicious. My husband and I both enjoyed this dish and ate every bite.

Vegan Stir Fry

Left overs make a wonderful and easy stir fry. Using a supermarket frozen stir fry starter, I added the left over sauce and tofu steaks from yesterday to make this delish one pan meal. My husband loved it. Me? Well, not so much. It was okay, but I think the sauce was too strong.

I've added a life change by standing at my desk all day for office work, I'm on week three of this. Adding Zumba/Strengthening/Yoga class twice a week has helped my energy level as well. I received my first compliment today. I was told that I looked like I was slimming down. YES! Step by step.

New recipe

This recipe for tofu steaks is so good. My daughter-in-law shared it with me. I added broccoli and baked sweet potatoes with it for a balanced meal.

My youngest son, the counter part of this daughter-in-law gave me such a hard time with the vegan diet. We must have texted back and forth for at least two hours. He's worried I'm not getting the balanced nutrients and protein I need.

This morning my fasting blood sugar of 160 is better than it has been in months. My weight is down, and I have more energy.

Vegan Blog

Well, HAPPY NEW YEAR! Yes I'm aware that its January 24, and the first month of 2016 is almost over. However, this is my first blog of 2016. Last year I started with 50 by 50. Well you see how that went. Zilch! This year I start off my blog on the Vegan diet. Yes I'm at it again.

Let me start at the beginning. As anybody can tell, I do love to write. But I have so much to learn. I've written two novels yet neither are published. One of my prayers have been answered. Not once, not twice, but three times. God has blessed me within this past week three new editors for my novels. I've not written much lately. I'm afraid to. Afraid to make a fool of myself with my grammar and sentence structure. I've been reading the basics, thanks to my son and daughter-in-law. (Heidi, the Princess.) My family is so supportive of my writing, especially my husband. I'm taking online courses for grammar and sentence structuring. So, I am trying.

Tonight as I was cooking and taking pictures of the food I've prepared, the movie Julia came to mind. I thought, why not blog about my vegan diet? So here I am, giving it  a try.

I've been on a strict Vegan diet for two weeks now. Below is a Vegan Pizza I made. Spinach, Kale, peppers, onions, black olives, zucchini, banana peppers and of course tomatoes. Home made vegan Parmesan cheese made out of ground cashews and nutritional yeast. Turned out very yummy!

I posted this pic on Facebook. My mother says it looks pretty bad. My mother is not very happy about my vegan diet.