Homemade Taco Seasoning

I told my friend Amy that I aspire to adopt a healthier diet...and she asked about my plan. I don't think she was expecting me to say something about veggies...not about making my own brownie mix and taco seasoning!

I'm not the clean eating type who sits and studies everything about pre-packaged foods and all the hidden preservatives and how those things will kill you. Frankly, I can't think about it without working myself into a tizzy. No one has time for a Bekah tizzy.

So why did I have this desire to make my own homemade taco seasoning? Mostly because it felt all homemakerish. I love feeling homemakerish. It's the thing I grasp for in my crazy commuting life. I found the recipe idea here...and I've made a couple of tweaks to it to suit my tastes. {AKA take out a bit of the fire.}

WE. LOVE. IT. We really do. I've made it several times and have finally landed upon the perfect combo for us, and we love the flavor of it so much. And I do feel better that I've done something {minute though it may be} to make our eating a bit less processed. 

Homemade Taco Seasoning

* 1 Tablespoon chili powder
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
* smallest possible pinch of red pepper powder
* 1/4 teaspoon oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika
* 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
* 1 teaspoon black pepper

Mix everything together in a bowl. Use 2 Tablespoons and add 1/3 cup of water per one pound of ground meat for tacos. Store additional seasoning in an airtight container. This makes about enough for 2 pounds of meat.

A Few Tips:

* I realize it's much easier to rip open an envelope and dump in the contents, but you would be surprised at how LITTLE time it takes to whip up this concoction. And if you make it in bulk, you can have a bunch on hand whenever you need it!

* If you do want to make a huge batch of it, I found the big batch recipe here - and I've tweaked it to allow for my adjustments...so for us, a big batch would be * 1/2 cup plus 2 Tablespoons chili powder * 2 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder * 2 1/2 teaspoons onion powder * still the tiniest smidge of red pepper powder * 2 1/2 teaspoons oregano * 5 teaspoons paprika * 1/4 cup plus 1 Tablespoon ground cumin * 1 1/2 Tablespoons sea salt * 3 Tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon black pepper

* We use ground chicken or ground turkey {depending on what is available and/or on sale} instead of ground beef - just to try to help with the health factor. I truly cannot taste the difference with all this seasoning on it.

* I added about 1/4 of a chopped onion to the meat as it browned just to add to the flavor. 

* We eat our "tacos" as nachos. We get low fat tortilla chips and put the meat on top, along with cheese, green onions, salsa, guacamole if we have it, and fat free Greek yogurt in place of sour cream.

* This is one of our faves - hope you like it too!

Great is His Faithfulness

Yesterday was an exceptional day at church. One of those days when God just overwhelmed me with His presence...and I sat back a few times, soaking it in.

There was one part in particular that wrapped my soul in comfort, and I wanted to share it with you today in case you need to hear it too. At the end of the service, the worship team sang Great is Thy Faithfulness, and I stopped singing, just so I could listen. Just so I could bathe my heart in the significance of that song.

I began planning my wedding in my twenties...and I tried to find the delicate balance between being a girl unafraid to dream and being a future wife able to leave enough room for her someday husband to have an opinion.

One song I so ached to use and so hoped Mr. Missing would understand was Great is Thy Faithfulness. I'd seen it used in a wedding once...in the wedding of a friend who had waited many years to find a husband. It struck me so profoundly, because I watched her stand at the front of a very full sanctuary and the pews behind her were filled with people who had filled her life in those years of waiting. Friends, mentors, co-workers, family members...all these people were examples of tangible ways God had been faithful in the waiting.

And so I wanted that in my wedding as well. And the older I got, and the longer I waited, the more I wanted that song.

It wasn't just a piece of music, it was a testimony.

I was thrilled when Ryan captured my vision for that song, and on that day in December in Siesta Key, Florida, I hid in some beach weeds and heard the strains of the music playing down by the water's edge.

 His faithfulness...present in the lives of those who had invested in me since the day I was born. Present in those who taught me in words and example how to live for Him.

His faithfulness...present in the lives of those I didn't even know for most of my life...but who were doing something to invest in my future by investing in the one I would live with in that future.

 His faithfulness...present in the prayers of those who sustained the one God allowed me to love...who walked the darkest of roads with him and could smile with him on this day.

His faithfulness...found in the lives of those whose presence shaped my faith...both those here with me and those gone to Heaven.

His faithfulness...found in those who walked with Ryan before I even arrived. Those who prayed him through difficult days and celebrated with him on the good ones. And these two who stood beside him represent many more who weren't able to make the trip that day.

His faithfulness...found in those who spent years dreaming with and praying alongside me. And these who stood beside me represent a host of others who did the same throughout the years.

His faithfulness...shown in the answers to prayers I was almost afraid to pray...but oh how I celebrated them when God gifted me with a blessing!

His faithfulness...shown in the representation of these who gathered to witness our day...and the grains of sand under our feet represent the hundreds and thousands more who, in many ways across the years, were the embodiment of Christ's faithfulness in our lives.

That God who was faithful for 34 years of waiting for this girl...Whose faithfulness was shown on this day in these ways..is still faithful today. As we wait for answers to so many more prayers...He is still faithful. On days {like today} when I struggle to see proof as tangibly as I did on our wedding day, I choose to call to mind His faithfulness and therefore I will have hope...

...that all we need, His Hand will provide...that His pardon for sin and His peace remain...that strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow still abound...and that when the day is done, there are blessings all mine with ten thousand beside.

Great is HIS faithfulness.

The Shafferland Shuffle

* Last Sunday we had the joy of waking up AT THE LAKE!!!! Even though the day had its struggles weather-wise, we enjoyed some time out on the boat...and watching the hummingbirds that were outside the cottage! Loved spending time with Ryan's family - from sharing donuts for breakfast to hanging out together while a huge storm cell passed through to eating dinner together at Hacienda that night - it was a wonderful, relaxing day!

* Monday morning we woke up to a gorgeous view of the lake...and the promise of a vacation day. Can't beat that for a way to start a week! We enjoyed the day - and helped pack up the cottage to leave - but not before sneaking in one last boat ride for prayer time and Bible study. When we got back, Ryan and Allen had to get the boat out of the water. I just took pictures. It's safer that way. :) On our way home, we stopped in a nearby town to visit our friends Amy and Andy. They got married 6 months ago during the Polar Vortex, and we had to miss the wedding...but still had the gift! We enjoyed ice cream and coffee with them and then came home to mowing lawns, grocery shopping, laundry and real life.

* Tuesday morning, we heard that awful ALARM again...so sad after the lovely weekend at the lake. Against our will, we resumed the real world. That night was our very last Beth Moore Children of the Day study...what a blessing that has been to me! I'm thankful for the things I've learned in it! One of the last exercises was to write in Sharpie on our hands that the Lord is faithful. Lavender Sharpie doesn't show up very well, but thankful for that firm reminder of His faithfulness!

 * Wednesday was a hard day for me. I had a dentist appointment that afternoon and the mere waiting for it nearly proved to be my undoing. Nearly. I did a lot of crying and praying at work - and before I went for the appointment, Lynne gave me a Fear Not bracelet...which really helped me keep my focus. The folks at the dental office were DELIGHTFUL - truly the best experience I've ever had - despite the fact that they diagnosed me with periodontal disease, and I'll have to have some work done next month that will be rather unpleasant.

* Thursday morning I drove to work in this delightful blend of mild fog and sun...it was so pretty! The work day was good, and that night, Ryan and I showed our Marion house to a couple...so it was all nice and sparkly. I love a sparkly house. What I did NOT love was reaching to pull a weed out of a planter prior to the showing...to discover it was a stinging nettle. Never heard of this plant before, but it immediately burned, stung, and my fingers developed welts. Ryan came to my rescue and ended up in the same boat. Stupid nettles.

* Friday morning we woke up to a power outage...happened right when the alarm went off. My first thought?? MY HAIR!! Ryan's first thought?? COFFEE!!! We stumbled around in the dark for a while and then the power came back on - but a bit too late. Ryan saved the day with a trip to Starbucks! That night - we had a good old fashioned pizza/Coke/movies stay-at-home date. It was SO WONDERFUL. We have seriously craved being home for weeks...months...and finally had a chance to do it. Best night ever.

 * Yesterday was our 20 month anniversary! Ryan said his final goodbye to his beloved Old Trusty {aka the Asphyxiator}, and we enjoyed a great date together down by Indianapolis! We recreated the end of our first date by having dinner at Red Robin, and then we walked around some shops for a while and finished off the evening with dessert at Coldstone Creamery! Perfect date.

The Saturday Six

One.

First and foremost...the happiest of 20 month anniversaries to the love of my life. Twenty months ago we stood on a beach and said a forever yes. And the last 20 months have been the craziest, loveliest, most exhausting, most exhilarating months of my life. Always grateful for this man's contagious laugh, handsome smile, and unending love.

Two.

Source

While on vacation with Ryan's family last week, our sister-in-law mentioned that she always cleans the house before she leaves for a trip...so she knows it will be clean when she comes home. I thought of that when I read this post by Carmella.

Three.

Source

LOVED LOVED LOVED this post about the importance of praying for a marriage over planning for a wedding. While I thoroughly enjoyed the fun of planning a wedding, I am thankful I spent that much MORE time praying for my marriage.

Four.

Source

The day of my dentist appointment this week...was a day of stroke-level blood pressure, crying, heart palpitations, sweating, and the most increased prayer life one can imagine. In the middle of all that mess, I read this post by Courtney Walsh. So timely. Regardless of what brings you stress...timely.

Five.

I cannot tell you how much I love this song by Kristian Stanfill. One of my current faves.

 


Six.

Found this on my friend Jodi Otto's Instagram account. I LOVE THIS IDEA. A post-it note scavenger hunt to lead to an encouraging word. What fun!!!

Fear and Such

I told you a bit about this yesterday, but thought I'd elaborate a bit today.

I don't suppose that most people ever really enjoy going to the dentist. I know - a few of you out there dig that squeaky clean teeth feeling, but most people dread the old DDS visit.

My rather irrational fear of dentists began back in college when I switched dentists for the third time in my life. In the span of my first visit to the new dentist, I was told that all four wisdom teeth had to come out - and I had cavities. Lots of cavities.

In the span of six months, I had all four wisdom teeth removed, all my mercury fillings replaced with porcelain fillings, and the new cavities filled.

That translated to a lot of time in the dentist chair and a lot...I mean lot of time with my mouth wide open. I was just a few weeks into my senior year of college when I nestled in my bunk with a Twinkie in hand...and I could not open my mouth wide enough to eat the Twinkie.

Don't tell this girl she can't have her Twinkie.

Back to the dentist I went...and a diagnosis of TMJ was handed to me. Too much dental work in a short amount of time, they said. {And no one could have figured that out BEFORE???} They gave me a mouth guard {and by gave, I mean we mortgaged the house for one} and off I went.

In reality, the TMJ doesn't bother me on a daily basis. I can talk and eat and really experience no problem. Chewing gum kills me. But that's okay because I hate gum. And the other thing that kills me? Going to the dentist. Even a cleaning is torture when it's over. Pain for a long time.

And so it was that the combo of some hereditary blessings and some lack of attention to the old moutharoo landed me in a position of worrying that something was wrong and I needed to go to a dentist.

No way was I going back to the old one - too much trauma and drama. I set out for a new dentist and found one whose website promised deep compassion to the fear-filled like me.

I was far too scared to call for an appointment, so I emailed, instead. My hands shook and tears rolled down my face while I typed about my fears. I explained that they should recall the worst 2 year old they'd ever met, multiply that by four and then we would be getting CLOSE to me.

They emailed back and asked me to call for an appointment. It took me four days to gather the courage, but I did. I cried on the phone while I made the appointment.

And then came the day of the appointment. I'm sure you all heard my heartbeat pounding through my chest and into the atmosphere. I sweat profusely. I was hot. I was cold. I clenched that poor, sore jaw tightly. I cried. I did Lamaze.

And when the time came to go...I got in the car and forced myself to the office. I forced myself in the front door and into a chair. And then I schemed for ways to slip out without being noticed. But I stayed.

The office ladies were sweet and talked to me about my job while I waited. The hygienist called for me and sat patiently to listen {aka watch me cry} as I shared my story of days of yore. She handed me Kleenex and looked at me compassionatley and didn't judge.

She took x rays and scans and gently poked in my mouth...and came back with the bad news. Periodontal disease. And not a minor case of it either. I'd have to come back in, she said, and be sedated while they got under the gum line and cleaned me out well. And they'd do some fillings while they were there.

And then she handed me another Kleenex.

No one likes to hear the word disease.

The kind dentist came in, shook my hand, and reiterated what she said. I asked how long such a procedure would take and he said to plan on 4-5 hours.

HOURS.

I just went ahead and grabbed the next Kleenex.

So that's that, my friends. I go in Monday to get all the final details, but it looks like about 3 weeks from now, I'll be having this sedated procedure that will be the first step in a long process of working my way back to health.

Thankful for this gift Lynne gave me right before I left.

The hygienist told me the bravest thing I did was pick up the phone to call in the first place, and I agree. That was the worst. She said I was brave because I came inside and sat until my name was called. She said some people walk to the door and then bolt, and they have to chase them down the sidewalk to retrieve them.

I'll wear the bracelet again next time. And if you are so inclined to pray for me {or perhaps more so...for the people stuck working on me} I'll take it. I'm not afraid of being sedated. I'm only afraid of the extreme jaw pain I know I will have when it's over. Being open multiple HOURS at one time is going to really tax my jaw limits.

The good news? Ryan will get a break from my talking and I should get a bit of a diet out of it, since I'll hurt too much to eat.

So that's my dentist saga. Proud of myself for being brave. On round one. We'll see about round two.

Some Fun Stuff

Yesterday your Bits girl had a dentist appointment. I hate dental appointments. Long story...I've had a lot of dental drama and trauma, and the mere thought of a dentist absolutely petrifies me. I went in a bit worried that something would be wrong {history lends itself to this}. Everyone around me told me I was overreacting and everything would be fine...and in some ways, it was. But I was diagnosed with periodontal disease, which means I'll have to go in next month for some extensive work under sedation.

God bless sedation. :)

Anyway. Because of this news and all the mental stamina it took to get through that appointment...today's blog is less of the eternal significance and more of just pointless fluff. But I hope you enjoy it anyway.

And if you want to start praying now about that appointment for later...please do! :)

I am stealing these questions from a blog post Natasha did earlier this week. Thought they were fun ones! And jut for funsies...I'll have Ryan answer as well!

What movie have you watched three or more times?
Ryan: {And I quote} Oh EASY! Dumb and Dumber!
Bekah: Where the Heart Is
...and therein you see the difference between us. HA!!

What was the first blog {if you can remember} that you read?
Ryan: {To me} Actually, probably yours. The only blogs I read are yours and the Colts blog.
Bekah: Hmmmm...I think the first one I read was Deb Wuertley's blog, called "Wuertly, Overtly." She doesn't blog anymore and I miss her.

Do you listen to the radio? If so, which station?
Ryan: I listen to you anytime I can catch you.  {Isn't he a good husband?}
Bekah: Do I listen to the radio? Um YES! Which station? Better be WBCL!!!

What is your favorite summer time activity?
Ryan: Anything on a lake. Except fishing. I would probably even do that if it involved coffee. And sandwiches. And cookies.
Bekah: Obviously anything on a lake goes without saying. But in the realm of my real world, I'd say anything in the pirogi: hammock, eating outside, fire pit - any of that outdoor living.

Who/what was your first concert?
Ryan: I think it may have been John Michael Montgomery. I was a country fan back then.
Bekah: Truthfully don't remember, but I think it may have been a Gaither Vocal Band concert. That would shock everyone.

Do you camp? If so, do you tent, trailer, cabin, RV?
Ryan: I've camped in a tent. I've stayed in a cabin.
Bekah: I've camped in a hotel.




Where are you in your family? (First, Middle, Youngest, Only?)
Ryan:  First in the birth order, and you can tell by my oldest child quirks. You know, organized, good looking, athletic...ha ha.
Bekah: Youngest in the birth order but raised as an only child, since there was a 16 year age gap between me and the closest sister. You can tell by my quirks. You know, organized in theory, weird, non-athletic...ha ha.

What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
Ryan: mint chocolate chip
Bekah: moose tracks

Do you have an entire CD collection of one particular singer?
Ryan: Oh no. Maybe Weird Al. But that's it. Just kidding. Maybe.
Bekah: I used to...and then I sort of gave up! Maybe it was from working in radio all day? I used to have EVERYTHING by Point of Grace and the Gaither Vocal Band and David Phelps. {Obviously.}

Do or did you have pets?
Ryan: Yes, we have Braeya Jo. We had several dogs when I was growing up. I was traumatized by their deaths on the farm.
Bekah: Obviously Braeya Jo now...and some of you long time Bits readers will remember her older brother, Kaegan, who died in 2011. I had tons of cats growing up and a few dogs too.

Pie or cake?
Ryan: Pie. Pie every day. All day. With coffee please.
Bekah: What is this OR word? Why not pie AND cake?

Thanks for hanging out with us for our random words of fun...hope you enjoyed!! Feel free to tell me any of these about you if you'd like!!

Wednesdays in the Word: Verse Y

I've told you before that the verses I picked out for this list were ones that I hoped captured some of the main lessons I would want to impart to someone else if I were in a position to impart something. Important truths. Critical challenges.

I'm excited about this one, because it was one of the most important things I ever absorbed into my own heart...coupled with one of the things I'm still working to learn.

Ever take a look at a picture of yourself and find your eyes immediately drawn to the things you dislike the most? You know what popped into your mind when you just read that. For me it's usually my white roots {if it happens to be at the worst point between colorings}, my nose, random rolls of fat, and my feet.

I thought I would never get over the nose, in particular, until I heard Beth Moore recount the time someone told her she'd be pretty if it weren't for that nose. I happen to think Beth Moore is lovely inside and out and until that point had never even noticed her nose. Now I consider it a privilege to have a Beth Moore-esque nose and if she can be confident in who the Lord made her to be...I can do the same.

Over the years, God has worked in my heart profoundly, instilling the truth that HE made me...on purpose...when He did and where He did and how He did...for a specific reason.

When I wondered why I had to be born so late in life to my parents...He gently taught me {over the course of time} that He had a very distinct purpose in planting me in THAT family in THAT year. When I wondered why I had to be the one who stood in the appetite line twice and entirely missed the love-of-exercise line...He began to teach me that He made me the way I look on purpose and it's okay. The flaws, the imperfections, the things that jump off the picture first...are okay. He made me and I'm worth something.

When I wondered why I can't sing or draw...why all those talents my friends seemed to ooze eluded me entirely...He taught me that the gifts He gave me are the gifts I need.

It's been a series of lesson 36 years in the making and not done yet by a long shot.

And the part I'm still working to learn? To ask for wisdom and understanding. When I could be asking for doses of the talent I feel I missed...or for my nose to shrink or something else of a similar fashion, I need to be asking for wisdom. Wisdom to know who I am in Him and to love who I am in Him.

It's true for you too, you bloggy friend on the other side of this screen. Know that He made you on purpose to be YOU...and if you ask Him for wisdom to understand His commands, He will be faithful to show you each step as you need it.

Let's absorb it together...how much we're loved by the Creator who dreamed us into being!

Sunday on the Lake

Ryan and I stayed at the lake Saturday night and were able to be there all day Sunday as well. Oh the joy of a Sabbath on the lake. It somehow becomes a TRUE Sabbath.

Wanna peek into our day on the lake?

Sunrise on the lake. Minus the sun. That part made me sad...because I really do love morning sun on the lake. {And it's kind of a big deal for me to love morning ANYWHERE.} The fishermen were out...and it was calm and lovely even if it WAS overcast. We were thankful it was at least warm...since last year our Sunday on the lake was FREEZING. {Like sweatshirts, hats and blankets freezing. IN JULY.}

 Before most of the family got up, we went down by the water and just sat, drinking coffee and soaking in the beauty of the less-than-sunny morning.

{I was fully into my no-makeup-at-the-lake face. Sorry.}

We made our way into town to pick up donuts for the family. I will not lie. They were every bit as good as they look.

 By that time, everyone was up and about, so we went back outside to our swing. Right by the water. {Ryan was rocking our nephew in this picture.} We played with our nephew and niece for a while - to give their parents a break. A fun playtime...but MAN does Jenna ever have an imagination! It was such fun to see what her little mind devised! She reminded me so much of myself at her age!}

 Our Sunday Coke treat!!! Pretty appropriate, eh?

 And then we went back out on the boat...and Ryan went tubing. Yours truly is FAR too much of a chicken to go tubing. FAR too much. And yes. The four year old went tubing and I did not. And yes. I was ribbed for it. And no. I did not care.

 And then he got fancy and stood up on the tube. Yeah that was a wipe-out.

 Annnnnnnnnd then there was the afternoon. And the vicious storms. That wall of water out there just came right across the lake and pummeled us until we couldn't even see out to the pier!

The storm was complete with hail. Sorry the picture is so blurry...it was raining too.My camera had NO idea what to focus on...so it just didn't.

You might be proud of me...I sat on the sun porch {rain porch?} and watched the whole storm. Storms on a lake are both scary and wonderful.

 We made the best of the storm - drank coffee and ate leftover birthday cake and played games with the kiddos...but it's Indiana, so never fear. The sun will be right back!!!

Ryan's brother and his family left after the storm, so then we sat around with Allen and Nita and chatted the afternoon away and...they have a hummingbird feeder, so Ryan's mom and I became the hummingbird paparazzi!

 They were so cute!!!

We all went to dinner together that night...and then went to bed for a good night of rest. But before I leave you...a couple more pictures from our day out!

 Man he's a handsome guy!!

 And this is the perfect view.

Lake Livin' is the Life for Us!

On our first anniversary, we made a specific list of goals for year two. Among them? Spend more time at the lake.

Annnnnnnnd here it is the end of July and we'd not even been once.

Boo.

Ryan's family spent the week at the lake, so Saturday, after he got off work, we packed up Ole Bandy {that's the new red truck} and headed north for some quality time on the water.

And of course, it rained as we drove up. Because it wouldn't be a lake trip for us if it didn't include RAIN!! :)

It was clearer by the time we arrived, and Ryan took me out on a boat ride right away, which made me SO happy. I love boat rides!! My handsome boat driver:

 And my view....

 I love this place. A million memories from this lake - and I love sharing these new ones with Ryan.

 We spent the evening fixing dinner and playing with Ryan's brother's kids...who are ridiculously cute, but blognonymous, so I can't show you the cuteness. But they kept us busy!!! We played balloon games with Jenna and chased Evan around while he played with collection of toys.

We sat on the swing for a while - another of our favorite activities. I wanted a picture, and here's what I got:

 So he said he'd be nice this time. That's fine...but I won't be!!!

 Ribs on the grill. And OH MY GOODNESS were they ever good. This was Ryan's portion. {Kidding.} {Kind of.}

 After dinner - and cake and ice cream for Ryan's brother's birthday - we went out for a sunset boat ride. Minus the sunset, of course.

A perfect day, despite the rain. This is one of those times when I look at what I always dreamed about before I got married, and I find myself thankful to be living yet another piece of that dream. Thankful for a man who loves lake living and can share that with me!