Right around this time each year, I get a yearning for nightly grilling. Summer nights sound so appealing already. Do you get this way too? The Preacher’s dad, my dear father-in-law, gifted us his specially formulated blackening spice mix at Christmastime. A dusting of this fragrant mixture transforms fish and meats alike. A ubiquitous, modest chicken breast starts tasting a bit like something served up at the neighborhood bistro when “blackened” on the grill, and served over a crisp cobb salad. And because he’s a generous kind of guy, Dad is sharing his recipe with all you lovelies today…enjoy! Cajun Dust Blackening Spice Mix 4 tablespoons paprika 3 tablespoons black pepper, coarsely ground 3 tablespoons basil, dried (flakes) 3 tablespoons garlic powder 2 tablespoons onion powder 2 tablespoons oregano, dried (flakes) 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper 2 tablespoons white pepper 2 tablespoons thyme, dried (flakes) 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 teaspoon […]
We are in the fifth chapter of Feminine Appeal this month: The Pleasure of Purity. I hope you’ve joined in by reading with us month by month as we study this encouraging book on the seven virtues of a godly wife and mother found in Titus 2. The topic of purity in sexual intimacy can evoke feelings of restraint or that of freedom. Clearly, we live in a culture that regards biblical purity as the former, but we as God’s beloved know better….Or do we? “Purity’s pleasure is receiving sex as a wonderful gift from our Creator and enjoying it for His glory.” (p. 82) Intimacy in marriage was intended for our enjoyment. But, let’s be honest…how often do we echo, in the way we act, the world’s perception that the most fun to be had is before marriage rather than in the God-honoring union of marriage. It’s everywhere in our […]
Welcome to Grace Laced Mondays! Grace is found in the everyday when you are intentional about taking note of it. It is found in the sink full of dishes awaiting you after a family meal, it shines in the faces of your imperfect children, it soothes from the pages of God’s Word, and it is tucked into the enjoyment of a fresh batch of cookies. Grace is in a beautiful moment and a heartbreaking one alike. Grace is blessing beyond what you and I deserve. ********************************* Michelle, of The Willing Cook, shared honestly about mom guilt last week–specifically in the area of food allergies…and pointed us toward grace for embracing the life we’ve been given: “How do I forgive myself from things that I want to control, but have not? I don’t know that I can, not fully, at least. I have to get hold of this thing called forgiveness […]
Sponsors make it possible for me to have this little piece of cyber-space. I am so grateful for these local and web-based businesses to choose to advertise with this blog, and to support GraceLaced. If you are a blog, an etsy shop, a web-based business, or a local business and would like exposure to the GraceLaced readership, please contact me for more information about sponsorships. I am so pleased to introduce the sponsors of GraceLaced for the month of February. Please take advantage of the discounts that some sponsors have offered to GraceLaced readers for this month. ******************************************** Visit their website here. ******************************************** Please visit their website here. Mention this post, and enjoy 10% your total purchase in the month of February! ******************************************** Please visit their website here. For in-store purchases, please save and print above image for $10 off purchase of $50 or more in the month of February. ********************************************* Please visit the […]
There has been some sickness at our house this past week, ending with the littlest succumbing to antibiotics for an ear infection. Poor little mancub…he’s been miserable! There’s also been heart issues around our household: broken hearts, weary hearts, angry hearts, impatient hearts, fearful hearts, mending hearts. I dare say, heart issues are more trying than physical issues. These are the weeks that I’m on the computer less, I hold the kids more, and the house stays a bit messier. These are the weeks I crave time alone, but I have to fight for the desire for time alone with the Lord. Surely you know what I’m talking about. These are the weeks I am reminded that my roots cannot be shallow; they must go deep… That’s what I’m writing about today at Beautifully Rooted. (my first post as a contributor!) …It seems that we oftentimes display luscious foliage and fruit […]
Indulge me one more post about my latest culinary craze, won’t you? After serving numerous breakfast versions of Dutch Baby–dusted with powdered sugar, smothered with mixed berries, engulfed in whipped cream, or dripping with bacon maple syrup–I found myself in need of a quick lunch option one day last week. Turns out that Dutch Baby is just as delightful savory as it is sweet. Place your skillet or baking dish in cold oven, and bring to 475F. 3 eggs 3/4 cup flour 3/4 cup milk 4 Tbs. butter In a blender, combine eggs, flour, and milk. Blend on high for 30 seconds or until frothy. When oven is to temperature, put your butter in the skillet with some diced onions. Return skillet to the oven until butter melts and is brown (2-3 minutes.) Sprinkle a cup of shredded cheddar to melted butter in pan. (I’m sure feta, swiss, and any other […]
I’ve always seen blogging as a creative outlet, a ministry, and an opportunity to impact the lives of people I may never have met otherwise. I really feel blessed to have a voice in this small corner of the world wide web, and am continually encouraged by the community here, the ideas exchanged, and the ways I’m growing, myself, just by writing regularly. As ministry and community is currently in the midst of transition in my life, I’ve been praying about what the Lord would have me invest in, who to invest in, and how to use my time most wisely. A blog is just another whitewashed tomb if there is not real living behind the words and pretty pictures. Like I’ve said before, blogging is not that important; living in the reality of grace is. I pray my blog will always reflect that kind of living. While praying through these […]
Welcome to Grace Laced Mondays! Grace is found in the everyday when you are intentional about taking note of it. It is found in the sink full of dishes awaiting you after a family meal, it shines in the faces of your imperfect children, it soothes from the pages of God’s Word, and it is tucked into the enjoyment of a fresh batch of cookies. Grace is in a beautiful moment and a heartbreaking one alike. Grace is blessing beyond what you and I deserve. ********************************* I was so blessed by the honest confession of Alyssa, of Our Sydney Grace, last week in sharing what the Lord taught her about making idols of relationships and people in her life: “You’ve let people become idols to you. you have let them be your saviors, your healers, your comforters and your refuge. MORE than me. INSTEAD of me. they will let you down, […]