Hearty Kale and Bean Soup

1 C. Chopped Onions
2 Medium Cloves of Garlic, minced
1 Tb. Olive oil, optional
5 C. Water
2 C. Cubed Potatoes
2 Cans Navy Bean, Cannolini, or Red Kidney Beans
3 C. Chopped Kale (packed)
1 1/4 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Cumin
2 Tb. Nutritional Yeast Flakes (health food store carries this, can be optional)
1/4 tsp. Cayenne Pepper (optional)

In a large soup pot, saute onions and garlic in olive oil OR just add them directly to 5 C. water with potatoes and beans and bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Cover and lightly boil 10 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and cook covered an additional 10-15 minutes until potatoes are soft.

I think it’s obvious what the bad and the ugly are but you’re probably wondering what good this has done me. To make it short, I know that God allowed it for many reasons. For one, I was never able to call the blazing event of last year a trial but this broken foot has been one of my biggest trials ever– strange how the smaller events in our lives can have the biggest impact. I hope that in the end I will have learned to rely less on my own strength which is pride, more compassion for others who are indisposed, and more patient in all aspects of my life. Not gonna lie, this has not been fun, but I know and trust that God has a plan and it is ALL good.

I am slowly trying to get back to work. Although my foot seems to get better daily, the boot is still a close companion. I’m thankful to the Lord that this happened after my wedding season was over, see, that’s another good thing!

Consider yourself updated. Thanks for your patience as I’m trying to take things slowly, one step at a time (pun is intended) :))) Blessings!

SLIDESHOW

Most of the burden in dealing with the fire Matt has shouldered and thank the good Lord for His strength for he could not have done it without Him.  As for me, He has continually kept my perspective straight and gently reminds me that compared to what could have been, this is nothing. The girls have been nothing but superb troopers.  This whole ordeal has not been lacking in frustration but I am truly amazed how God has held all of us up– His provision has been incredible.  From the minute details to the large, HE has taken care of it all.

Sincere thanks to all who’ve prayed and continue to pray for us. God Bless You and Happy Fall!

"A Room With A View"

The patio has to be rebuilt as well because apparently it was not to code when it was built.

It's as if a tornado had hit instead of a fire.

View from the entrance.

White doors led into my office that I had just closed off about a month prior to the inferno :)

View through the sunroof.

My poor kitchen that we rebuilt in 2003.

Hallway towards the girl's rooms– See the white box... they are going to try to save the tub. Yeah, right.

Our Bedroom. I sure hope rains don't come any time soon.

Geez, where is this? Oh a toilet, must be near the bathroom, lol.

Girl's bedrooms. Note what's left of the wall, charred remains.

I joke in my comments but fires are really no laughing matter.  Lives are lost, homes devastated, and people are displaced.  You can’t really know what it’s like to go through a disaster such as a fire unless you experience it first hand and I hope you never will– As I’m posting this there is a fire right now in the town next to ours, I’m praying.