Ballard Business: Those simple thoughts....

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Those simple thoughts....

Today I am feeling so grateful for those "thoughts" that pop into our heads, so subtle and quiet; a quick idea, a note to remember something, an impression to act upon a thought we had, etc... So often they seem so simple that they aren't almost real. I have been trying lately to ACT on those impressions that I have, no matter how small. Sometimes they make a small difference in a person's day and sometimes they can change your life. Here are two examples:
A few days ago a friend called me needing an idea about something with her house. We chatted it over and I told her of a couple of friends who were better at that kind of thing than I was. Just as we were about to hang up a completely different buddy popped into my mind and I remembered that her sister was a professional on this exact subject. Quickly I shot her name out and my friend loved it. I made a few quick phone calls and that was that. Two days later I got a message on my cell phone from the sister of my friend, telling me how grateful she was for the referal and it came at a most needed moment. She new it was such a blessing for her. What if I had not acted? She would have survived I am sure, but the blessing of the referral would have been lost.

Secondly, and more closer to my heart, was something that happened with my little 3 year old a chunk of weeks ago. I was swimming at a buddy's house with my kids and my two littlest kidlets were in the small waiting pool with me. This connects to the big pool by a large step. As we played, I asked Joey to move his food away from the pool and then started to giggle with Karly. A few moments later a firm impression came to my mind, "WHERE'S JOEY." It wasn't loud or abrupt, just firm. I would have second guessed it because I knew he was right behind me putting his food away, but it came so out of the blue I immediately acted. I shot up to my feet to make a full scan of the pool - nothing. I looked all around me and then once again in the pool. To my absolute horror, I saw a little boy kicking his heart out at the bottom of the shallow end of the pool, only about 7 feet from where I was. His big brother heard my shout and reached over to grab him just as I jumped in to grab his body. I was completely in shock as I sat on the side and held my crying boy. My heart was so broken because how could I not see that?! I was facing the step the whole time, but he must have passed my glance as I laughed with Karly. Words can not express my gratitude to my Heavenly Father for knowing where my child was even when I didn't, and prompting my heart to move when I needed too.
So, those little thoughts, those soft impressions, they are something to listen too and lately I am learning that first hand. Now I only wonder how many of these promptings I have passed over, not knowing the outcome they could bring. Makes me want to get better at listening...

5 comments:

CJ Rush said...: Wow, Kel. Thanks for that post. We really are so blessed. I love this because this really is something I am focusing on as well, listening to the promptings I have. Lots of times we follow, then we wonder why we did that. At times we don't know why we were prompted to do things, but I think the important thing is that we followed! As we do that, we get better at picking up on those promptings and trusted with more inspiration. And we are so grateful especially when the promptings involve life and death like that! I'm so glad we have that gift! So glad your Joey is fine! I will think of you when I get those seemingly 'small, inconsequential' thoughts and I will follow through!; October 9, 2008 at 4:35 PM
Brittany said...: That's funny, I was going to say, "Wow, Kel."

I am very happy to hear that little Joey is ok. That made my heart race.

He is very lucky to have such a great mom who is striving to feel the Holy Ghost!

Your post was very inspiring!; October 9, 2008 at 8:08 PM
Twigs & Twine Designs said...: I think that is a great reminder for us all to be more aware and listen to all the promptings we receive. I am glad all is well and that Joey has a wonderful Mommy who listens to the spirit! We love you guys.; October 9, 2008 at 10:45 PM
Mugs said...: Thanks for writing this post, Kelly. What a good reminder about listening to even the simple and small impressions. I am soooooo glad you acted on the thought about Joey! That made me gasp. I believe in those impressions, and I believe that angels help us young moms with our little ones.; October 10, 2008 at 7:36 AM
Higley's said...: Kelly,

Thanks for posting about your experiences with listening. I too am trying to be a better listener to the Holy Ghost! You are an amazing person!; October 20, 2008 at 6:38 PM

From My Kitchen

I got this from my Aunt Steph and served it at my little brother's wedding. Since then I can't even count how many times people have asked me for the recipe. I could probably eat it for a week straight and still LOVE it! Combine: 1/2 c. red wine vinegar 1/2 tsp. fresh basil 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning 3 cloves of minced garlic 1/2 tsp. oregano 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper 1 T. sugar 1 T. parsley or chives Mix well then add 1/2 c. olive oil, 5 to 6 Roma tomatoes (diced) and 1/2 red onion sliced very thinly. Marinate for several hours or overnight. When ready to serve mix 3/4 c. mayonnaise & 3/4 c. Parmesan cheese in a bowl. Cut 1 loaf baguette bread into thin slices. Spread with mayo-cheese mix. Top with one tablespoon of tomato mixture then sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Broil about 5 minutes till crusted and serve promptly.

Frosted Cinnamon Rolls

Quick Cooking

Add into bread machine:
1 c. warm milk *
¼ c. water *
¼ c. butter *
1 egg *
1 tsp. salt *
4 c. flour *
¼ c. instant vanilla pudding mix *
1 T. sugar *
1 T. active dry yeast *

Cook on dough setting until finished. Turn dough onto lightly floured surface and roll out to 17 in. x 10 in. Spread with ¼ c. melted/softened butter. Sprinkle with 1-2 c. brown sugar and 2 tsp. cinnamon.

Roll up into jelly roll and pinch sides to seal. Cut into 21 slices and place in 9 x 13 pan and 9 x 9 pan greased pan. Let rise in warm place for 45 minutes or until doubled. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Cool on racks for 5 minutes and frost with the following:

4 oz. softened cream cheese *
¼ c. softened butter *
1 ½ c. confectioners sugar *
1 ½ tsp. milk *
½ tsp. vanilla extract *

Beat together and frost warm rolls.

Homemade Orea Cookies

Our Favorite Sausage Gravy

1 lb. pork sausage

1 onion, finely chopped

1 green bell pepper, finely chopped

1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

2 T garlic, minced

4 T unsalted butter

salt and pepper to taste

4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon minced fresh sage

1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme

2 cups milk, divided

2 cubes chicken bouillon

1/4 cup minced fresh parsley

In a skillet on medium heat cook pork, onion, green pepper, red pepper flakes, and garlic until pork is crumbly. Drain off excess fat, but leave a small amount.

Combine butter, salt and pepper with the meat mixture and stir until butter melts. Slowly sift flour over the top. Mix gently and allow mixture to cook for 5 minutes. It will burn, so do not let it sit unguarded. Don't forget to scrape the bottom of the pan. Add the sage and thyme (if you used Italian seasoned sausage, omit sage and thyme)

Slowly stir in milk, about a half a cup at a time, and incorporate it well. When the mixture thickens, add more milk. Do not let it boil vigorously, or it will burn. Add chicken bullion and let cook for five minutes. Again, if it thickens too much, add more milk. Adjust taste with more salt and pepper if needed.

Just before serving, add the parsley, and about a 1/4 cup more milk; the gravy will thicken quickly as it cools.

Chicken Rolls

Nola's Pizza Sauce

I have looked for a great homemade pizza sauce and this one has past the test so far....

Combine in sauce pan:

15 oz. can tomato sauce or blended diced tomatoes

¼ tsp. oregano

¼ tsp. dried thyme

¼ tsp. salt

½ tsp. lemon juice

1 ½ tsp. sugar

¼ tsp. dried basil

¼ tsp. garlic powder

1/8 tsp. pepper

dash of onion powder

Heat until bubbly, then turn down to low and simmer for 30-60 minutes. When cooled store in fridge in tightly sealed container. Double the recipe and freeze some too. Use for pizza or dipping sauce for bread sticks.

Croissant French Toast

Great Cooking Magazine

Vanilla Sauce:

1 T. Flour 4 egg yolks

1 T. Vanilla extract ½ c. sugar

2 c. whipping cream

2 scoops vanilla ice cream

Combine flour, yolks, vanilla- set aside. In saucepan over medium heat, bring cream and sugar to boil. Remove from heat and add small amount of cream to egg mixture. Return all to pan, stirring constantly. Bring to gentle boil and stir for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in ice cream until melted. Set aside.

Berry Sauce:

2 c. raspberries 2 T. Sugar

Combine in saucepan and simmer for 3 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Beat 3 eggs and dip 8 slices of croissants in mixture. Brown both sides on griddle in butter. Serve with vanilla and berry sauces on the side.

Homemade Pretzels

Dissolve: 1 T. yeast

1 ½ c. warm water

Combine: 4 c. flour

1 ½ tsp. sugar

¾ tsp. salt

Add yeast water to flour mixture and mix well until blended. Knead until smooth and elastic. Shape (they grow twice the size, so make the pretzels thin- about ½ inch wide) and place on greased pan. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes or on convection speed for 10-12 minutes.

After baking brush with butter, then sprinkle with kosher salt (this can be done before baking as well) OR cinnamon sugar. Great activity for groups of kids.

Apricot Chicken

My dear buddy Liza brought me lunch one day during a tough time in my life (Law School, 2 toddlers, & RS President among other things...) It was SO yummy and each time I eat it I remember her thoughtfullness that touched me that day.

1 pkg. Onion Seasoning Mix
1 jar Apricot Jam
1 bottle Russian Salad Dressing

Mix and pour over 4 chicken breasts in sauce pan. Simmer for 20 minutes until chicken cooked through (works great in crock pot too). Serve over rice and veggies or mashed potatoes. Such a great food storage recipe. Love you Liza!

ps-other weeks recipes are found below

Green Beans with warm Bacon Dressing

I love this with FRESH green beans from our local market!

3 slices bacon, chopped

1 large shallot, minced

½ c. chicken broth

1 Tbs. cider or red-wine vinegar

1 lb. green beans, trimmed

In skillet, cook chopped bacon till crisp. Remove and set aside. Add shallot and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in chicken broth and vinegar, and bring to boil over high heat; cook for 2 minutes. Reduce to low and keep warm. Boil 4 quarts of salted water. Add beans and cook for 5 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender. Drain well. Whisk warm dressing and spoon evenly over green beans, then sprinkle with bacon. Makes 6 servings.

Kelly's Favorite Bruchetta

Combine:

1/2 c. red wine vinegar

1/2 tsp. fresh basil

1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning

3 cloves of minced garlic

1/2 tsp. oregano

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

1 T. sugar

1 T. parsley or chives

Mix well then add 1/2 c. olive oil, 5 to 6 Roma tomatoes (diced) and 1/2 red onion sliced very thinly. Marinate for several hours or overnight.

When ready to serve mix 3/4 c. mayonnaise & 3/4 c. Parmesan cheese in a bowl.

Cut 1 loaf baguette bread into thin slices. Spread with mayo-cheese mix. Top with one tablespoon of tomato mixture then sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Broil about 5 minutes till crusted and serve promptly.