It was never my intention to quit blogging on here for the past year. Honestly, my allergies got a lot worse for a time and we moved across the ocean to Scotland. Two huge things that rocked my world pretty hard, especially initially. I have been too weak in spirit many days to write about my allergies/health. My faith has been challenged more this past year, especially in regard to my allergies, than the previous 3 years in dealing with the life changes they brought. But despite all of this, God is GOOD! He has not left me and has continued to teach me in spite of my wavering faith that marathon-length illnesses can bring. It is my hope I can keep pressing on to the finish line--wherever that is, whenever it comes. It's also my hope that others with me might rejoice in the power and goodness of my God.
"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trails, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (James 1:2-4)
My faith has been tested. According to this verse that testing is developing endurance. I have to confess to you (as I just have to God) I have not been wanting to "let endurance have its perfect result, so that I may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." I feel I have endured enough. I've run a long and good race (or so it feels) and I'm ready for it to be over. I am much more complete and perfect in spirit than I was when this began so that's good enough for me! But oh how different God's plans are at times! He does not yet consider me "lacking in nothing." I am not yet "perfect and complete" as much as HE would like. It is here where faith really begins--I must trust, accept and endure. I must BELIEVE the truths of God found here in James. It's easy to say I believe, but not have it penetrate my emotions, thoughts, and actions. Oh, God, that you would allow me to endure to the end! And when that end comes, that I may resemble and reflect your Son perfectly and completely!
If you'd like to think more on these things, I'd encourage you to read this:"Why God Doesn't Fully Explain Pain." by John Piper. A friend sent it to me and it is well worth the read.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Thoughts From My Journal
I thought I'd do a different sort of post today. I try to make it my practice to read the Bible daily. I want to follow Christ and His teachings. I can only do that if I am reading the Word of God. I am always encouraged when I read something in the Scriptures that help me with my food allergies. A few days ago I was reading in Psalm 119 and was struck by these verses:
"Before I was afflicted I went astray,
But now I keep Your word.
You are good and do good...
It is good for me that I was afflicted,
That I may learn Your statutes."
(Psalm 119: 67, 68 & 71)
--I read these verses and thought of my food allergies. Wow. I feel like they accurately describe my feelings about getting/having allergies.
--I can't say I always "keep Your Word" but I am more often reminded of my need for You & Your Word.
--What a beautiful and refreshing Truth: "You are good and do good."
---> Food allergies haven't always seemed good, but You can only do good, therefore for me these allergies, allowed by You, are good.
--Again, the truth stated clearly in Scripture that serves as a testimony and reminder: "It is good for me that I was afflicted."
---> Not it was good, but it is good. The good is present and on-going.
---> "was afflicted" -- very interesting that this is past tense. Maybe the psalmist's affliction was temporary and in the past. Sometimes my affliction is in the past, sometimes it is present. The worst of my affliction with food allergies is in the past, though, usually.
--The affliction isn't for naught! There is purpose in the affliction -- the reason it can be declared "good" -- "That I may learn Your statutes."
---> I have learned much of God and His Word and ways from my affliction.
"I know, O Lord, that Your judgments are righteous,
And that in faithfulness You have afflicted me."
(Psalm 119:75)
--Again, one of God's character traits is seen in relation to affliction -- in His faithfulness.
--Some days, in the midst of affliction, God doesn't seem so faithful. It feels like He's abandoned me or left me alone. But this says quite the opposite: "in faithfulness." Someone being faithful is there with you. To only remember to cling to this truth when I feel afflicted again!
Praise God for food allergies! Thank you, Lord!
"Before I was afflicted I went astray,
But now I keep Your word.
You are good and do good...
It is good for me that I was afflicted,
That I may learn Your statutes."
(Psalm 119: 67, 68 & 71)
--I read these verses and thought of my food allergies. Wow. I feel like they accurately describe my feelings about getting/having allergies.
--I can't say I always "keep Your Word" but I am more often reminded of my need for You & Your Word.
--What a beautiful and refreshing Truth: "You are good and do good."
---> Food allergies haven't always seemed good, but You can only do good, therefore for me these allergies, allowed by You, are good.
--Again, the truth stated clearly in Scripture that serves as a testimony and reminder: "It is good for me that I was afflicted."
---> Not it was good, but it is good. The good is present and on-going.
---> "was afflicted" -- very interesting that this is past tense. Maybe the psalmist's affliction was temporary and in the past. Sometimes my affliction is in the past, sometimes it is present. The worst of my affliction with food allergies is in the past, though, usually.
--The affliction isn't for naught! There is purpose in the affliction -- the reason it can be declared "good" -- "That I may learn Your statutes."
---> I have learned much of God and His Word and ways from my affliction.
"I know, O Lord, that Your judgments are righteous,
And that in faithfulness You have afflicted me."
(Psalm 119:75)
--Again, one of God's character traits is seen in relation to affliction -- in His faithfulness.
--Some days, in the midst of affliction, God doesn't seem so faithful. It feels like He's abandoned me or left me alone. But this says quite the opposite: "in faithfulness." Someone being faithful is there with you. To only remember to cling to this truth when I feel afflicted again!
Praise God for food allergies! Thank you, Lord!
Friday, June 29, 2007
Gluten-Free Websites
I have added a sidebar with "Gluten-Free Goodness" to help you find great Gluten-Free blogs with lots of recipes, as well as other websites with great wheat/gluten-free information. Hopefully I'll have time to add to these as time goes on.
Celiac.com: For all the information you need about eating gluten-free, check out this website. It is specifically designed for those with Celiac's Disease, but those of us avoiding gluten can use it too!
Gluten-Free Mall: Don't forget to check out pre-made foods and mixes at the Gluten-Free Mall. This is where I get my chocolate chips!
Gluten-Free Girl: This has tons of other gluten-free blogs/websites. There is also a part called "Essential Posts" that looks helpful. The posts can be long, but still interesting.
Gluten-Free By the Bay: A blog full of all sorts of yummy recipes! There are also links (near the bottom left) to other Gluten-Free blogs/websites. The blog also offers gluten-free kosher and Jewish foods. Surely you can find something delicious to try on this blog!
Gluten-Free Goddess: This blog has recently been changed to Karina's Kitchen: Recipes from a Gluten-Free Goddess. There are tons of recipes on here...and they are delicious with great photography! If you go one place, go here :)
Celiac.com: For all the information you need about eating gluten-free, check out this website. It is specifically designed for those with Celiac's Disease, but those of us avoiding gluten can use it too!
Gluten-Free Mall: Don't forget to check out pre-made foods and mixes at the Gluten-Free Mall. This is where I get my chocolate chips!
Gluten-Free Girl: This has tons of other gluten-free blogs/websites. There is also a part called "Essential Posts" that looks helpful. The posts can be long, but still interesting.
Gluten-Free By the Bay: A blog full of all sorts of yummy recipes! There are also links (near the bottom left) to other Gluten-Free blogs/websites. The blog also offers gluten-free kosher and Jewish foods. Surely you can find something delicious to try on this blog!
Gluten-Free Goddess: This blog has recently been changed to Karina's Kitchen: Recipes from a Gluten-Free Goddess. There are tons of recipes on here...and they are delicious with great photography! If you go one place, go here :)
Thursday, June 21, 2007
This is for YOU, Grandma!
Growing up I think that my Grandma Mina always had the fear that I would starve to death (when I moved out of my parents home) because I really didn't know how to cook. I never liked cooking. Any time my brother or I had to help in the kitchen I offered to set the table or clean up. I rarely wanted to be a part of the actual food prep part (except for making gravy on Sunday's--I would usually take that job because I love gravy!). My brother was the baker in the family and while I'd partake in his goodies, I can only remember one time I attempted to make chocolate chip cookies--and that was a near disaster (who knew you couldn't put all the ingredients, wet and dry, together and just stir....well, I think they came out decent, but not quite the same! [By the way, this was attempted when my mom was out of town.] What was I thinking? Guess I didn't read directions too well! My brother, younger, mind you, knew better and got quite the kick out of my mistake! I was around 11 years old then and it must have scarred me good because I rarely baked after that!).
Then there was the time I tried to make Easy Mac in my college dorm room microwave. I mean, who can mess up Easy Mac!? It's not named that for no reason! Well, I managed to learn that freshman year that it's not a good idea to attempt to make Easy Mac without milk or butter--water just didn't cut it! This time it was new roommate who got the kick out of my cooking disgraces. (I must add, though, that after this I made Easy Mac multiple times for late night snacks, so I finally did get the hang of it!)
So, all that to say that the irony that I would be the one with multiple food allergies--to the point that I have to do all my baking and cooking from scratch--is really quite great. Ha! I get a kick out of God's humor at times. I don't always enjoy being in the kitchen, but at least I am not afraid of substituting ingredients any more. That's a normal way of life and I am pleased that I am finally getting the hang of it!
I think am slowly becoming a cook and baker in my own right. I have been tweaking a recipe that I adapted from the New Joy of Cooking cookbook. I think it is titled "Drop Biscuits" in the book. At our house we call them "Stone Biscuits." My husband named them after the first time I made them. The only way I could get them to stay together was to squeeze them in my hand and put them on the pan. Thankfully the recipe has been improved slightly so they will somewhat "drop" and sometimes I will still squash them slightly so they'll stay together better.
So here is my famous Stone Biscuit recipe. For those of you who are used to buttery, flaky, light biscuits, these aren't for you! But if you are deprived and wanting something like a biscuit, this may be your new favorite. I suggest eating them with peanut butter and honey -- delicious!
STONE BISCUITS
½ cup white rice flour
½ cup brown rice flour
1 cup tapioca starch
¾ tsp
2/3 – ¾ cup water or milk
1/4 cup canola oil
Mix dry ingredients together in a medium sized bowl. Stir water/milk and oil together and add to dry mixture. Stir well with a fork until all or most of the flour is absorbed. Gather small amounts of dough on fork and drop on pan, pressing lightly with your hand if they aren't staying together. Place on an un-greased cookie sheet and bake at 425 for 10 minutes.
I always told my Grandma (well, if I didn't tell her, I thought it!) that I'd learn to cook when 1. I got married and had someone to cook for or 2. I was starving and in need of food. Reason #1 taught me some things, but #2 has truly begun to forge me into a cook/baker. And Lord willing, I'll have many more years to learn even more!
Then there was the time I tried to make Easy Mac in my college dorm room microwave. I mean, who can mess up Easy Mac!? It's not named that for no reason! Well, I managed to learn that freshman year that it's not a good idea to attempt to make Easy Mac without milk or butter--water just didn't cut it! This time it was new roommate who got the kick out of my cooking disgraces. (I must add, though, that after this I made Easy Mac multiple times for late night snacks, so I finally did get the hang of it!)
So, all that to say that the irony that I would be the one with multiple food allergies--to the point that I have to do all my baking and cooking from scratch--is really quite great. Ha! I get a kick out of God's humor at times. I don't always enjoy being in the kitchen, but at least I am not afraid of substituting ingredients any more. That's a normal way of life and I am pleased that I am finally getting the hang of it!
I think am slowly becoming a cook and baker in my own right. I have been tweaking a recipe that I adapted from the New Joy of Cooking cookbook. I think it is titled "Drop Biscuits" in the book. At our house we call them "Stone Biscuits." My husband named them after the first time I made them. The only way I could get them to stay together was to squeeze them in my hand and put them on the pan. Thankfully the recipe has been improved slightly so they will somewhat "drop" and sometimes I will still squash them slightly so they'll stay together better.
So here is my famous Stone Biscuit recipe. For those of you who are used to buttery, flaky, light biscuits, these aren't for you! But if you are deprived and wanting something like a biscuit, this may be your new favorite. I suggest eating them with peanut butter and honey -- delicious!
STONE BISCUITS
½ cup white rice flour
½ cup brown rice flour
1 cup tapioca starch
¾ tsp
2/3 – ¾ cup water or milk
1/4 cup canola oil
Mix dry ingredients together in a medium sized bowl. Stir water/milk and oil together and add to dry mixture. Stir well with a fork until all or most of the flour is absorbed. Gather small amounts of dough on fork and drop on pan, pressing lightly with your hand if they aren't staying together. Place on an un-greased cookie sheet and bake at 425 for 10 minutes.
I always told my Grandma (well, if I didn't tell her, I thought it!) that I'd learn to cook when 1. I got married and had someone to cook for or 2. I was starving and in need of food. Reason #1 taught me some things, but #2 has truly begun to forge me into a cook/baker. And Lord willing, I'll have many more years to learn even more!
Monday, June 18, 2007
Oh, Happy Day! Chocolate Chip Goodness!
Finally, a chance to sit and write a bit! We have been so busy with preparations for our big move that I have barely had time to sit still. One more month here in Raleigh. Anyways, I have so many things I want to be blogging about and I'm just not taking the time to do it. Let's hope I can be more consistent here on out...but I'm sure that won't always happen!So this is a happy day because I successfully tried another delicious recipe tonight! One of my new favorite blogs is Gluten-Free Goddess. I discovered this blog a month or so ago and have been reading it every now and then. I have been waiting to try her Chocolate Chip Cookie Squares since I found the website. I finally tried them tonight. Very yummy! I left out the vanilla to keep it corn free, used unsweetened coconut flakes from Whole Foods to cut down on the sugar, used I also made my own self-rising flour per her blog's instructions. The bars were pretty tasty! I had a hard time stopping at two bars :) Hope you can enjoy these some day soon too!
But, if you are looking for a real chocolate chip cookie recipe, look no further than the recipe found in 125 Best Gluten Free Recipes. I discovered this treasure at my local library and have since purchased it. I couldn't get over how real these chocolate chip cookies tasted (and looked (see picture above)--they stayed together despite being gluten free!)! Of course, maybe it's because I've been deprived for over two years...then again, maybe they really are that good since my husband who won't usually eat "my food" even ate them and enjoyed them! I also left out the vanilla extract in these cookies, changed the 1 cup sorghum flour to 1/2 cup almond meal (find at Whole Foods in the bulk bins or bagged at Trader Joe's) and 1/2 cup white rice flour, and substituted 1 tsp. guar gum for xantham gum. I used Spectrum's Palm Oil Shortening for the cup of shortening. Think I used pecans for walnuts and garfava bean flour (from Bob's Red Mill found at Whole Foods...but they may have discontinued making this because I can't find it on Bob's Red Mill website now!) for the bean flour.
The chocolate chips I use are supposed to be gluten, dairy, corn and soy free. I say supposed to be because it seems I still get a slight reaction from these (congestion) when I eat them by themselves. Maybe it's the chocolate itself that bothers me...but regardless, it is not enough to warrant me to stop eating them. Besides, when we are overseas soon I'm not sure I will be able to indulge in chocolate, so I'm getting my fill now!
So may ya'll also have a happy day soon brought on by chocolate chip goodness!
Friday, June 1, 2007
Help for the Corn Allergic
I want to have a place to refer friends to when talking to them about various aspects of food allergies. As part of that plan, I have gathered my favorite resources on corn allergies. They are also linked on the right of the blog, but here I will give some information about each website. I hope to do this with all of my allergies one day!
Name for Corn & Its Derivatives -- List of hidden corn and its derivatives. This list is quite extensive--very daunting! For those who are very severely allergic to corn in all of its forms, it may be necessary to hold to this list faithfully. For others, like myself, who are less allergic to corn, you may find you can cut out the major sources of corn, but still tolerate the minute amount found (or possibly found) in other items. For example, "Honey" is on the list. I wondered why this was there. One reason is honey is sometimes mixed with corn syrup. It's necessary that it says "Pure" or 100% and does not contain other ingredients. Another reason is that the bees may pollenate corn fields or near them and the corn particles could contaminate the honey.
Forum for those Avoiding Corn -- This has been a life saver to me--mainly because corn allergies do not get nearly as much (or enough!) publicity like the other "Top 8" allergens. I am so glad someone told me about this forum! There are a lot of very knowledgeable individuals who all have corn allergies (or live with someone who does). Many members also have other food allergies and environmental allergies.
Corn-Free Foods (and Products) List -- This is a list of "safe" products for those with corn allergies as managed by several individuals from the Avoiding Corn Forum. The list is constantly changing and being updated. It has food items, medical needs, and personal care items. Some products on the list have also been approved for those with Celiac's Disease.
General Corn Information -- This website has general information about corn allergies, lots of links and helpful comments.
Name for Corn & Its Derivatives -- List of hidden corn and its derivatives. This list is quite extensive--very daunting! For those who are very severely allergic to corn in all of its forms, it may be necessary to hold to this list faithfully. For others, like myself, who are less allergic to corn, you may find you can cut out the major sources of corn, but still tolerate the minute amount found (or possibly found) in other items. For example, "Honey" is on the list. I wondered why this was there. One reason is honey is sometimes mixed with corn syrup. It's necessary that it says "Pure" or 100% and does not contain other ingredients. Another reason is that the bees may pollenate corn fields or near them and the corn particles could contaminate the honey.
Forum for those Avoiding Corn -- This has been a life saver to me--mainly because corn allergies do not get nearly as much (or enough!) publicity like the other "Top 8" allergens. I am so glad someone told me about this forum! There are a lot of very knowledgeable individuals who all have corn allergies (or live with someone who does). Many members also have other food allergies and environmental allergies.
Corn-Free Foods (and Products) List -- This is a list of "safe" products for those with corn allergies as managed by several individuals from the Avoiding Corn Forum. The list is constantly changing and being updated. It has food items, medical needs, and personal care items. Some products on the list have also been approved for those with Celiac's Disease.
General Corn Information -- This website has general information about corn allergies, lots of links and helpful comments.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Fears, Food Allergies and a Different Perspective
Today, well, really, the past couple days, has been a reality check of life with food allergies. Praise the Lord I had a great weekend away with my friend. I felt great (other than lack of sleep!) and I did get to talk extensively with my friend about what life is like with them. I even helped her figure out something she was eating that had made her sick because of a food allergy!
You know those days when things are just flying around in your mind and you don't realize they are there until one big moment, and then things come crashing in you on? That happens in normal life without food allergies, but for me, it seems, dealing with food allergies causes this to happen more often! Tuesday night through Wednesday morning I was having problems with tightness in my upper chest/lower throat area. I still don't know if I ate something that gave me this reaction or if something else was going on, but regardless it was a scary experience at various parts. Thankfully, I avoided the emergency room and the compounded liquid Benadryl helped calm the reactions some. But any time after a big reaction my mind always works in over-drive: "Was it this food? No, maybe this one? What about this? But I ate that another time and I was fine, etc, etc, etc." It makes me scared to eat some days since I don't want to repeat that experience!
This time around I was thinking of even more things than I realized -- that's because we have a move looming ahead. And not just any move, a move overseas! We are working on packing up the rest of what we won't want between now and mid-July when we move out of our apartment. We'll spend 6 or so weeks with family and then head to Scotland for my husband to do his PhD. While we are so excited about this change, for me it has brought a lot of uncertainties too.
So today it all hit me -- I had been thinking since my "episode" on Tues/Wed, "How am I going to cut out foods I've been eating and eat new ones all while trying to focus my energy on moving? How am I going to travel while trying to figure out new allergies or dealing with allergies that aren't in control? Whatever will I find to eat once we move? How will these new allergies play in to what I can find?" Whew. It's a lot for a mind to think about!
That's when I sat down to ask God to calm my heart and mind. I cannot live in this state of fear and anxiety. I have been forgetting that He's my source of strength and my help in these days of uncertainties and trials. I was grateful He brought to mind the verses I memorized earlier this year for days like this:
"I will bless the Lord at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My sould will makes it boast in the Lord;
The humble will hear it and rejoice.
O magnify the Lord with me,
And let us exalt His name together.
I sought the Lord, and He answered me,
And delivered me from all my fears."
Psalm 34:1-4
So, again I praise God for these experiences, for the chance to stop and rejoice in the life He's given me. I have sought Him, and He has answered me and delivered me from all my fears....until I forget again and we go through the process again. Let us exalt His name together that He is a God who takes away my fears and gives me chance after chance to trust Him anew.
You know those days when things are just flying around in your mind and you don't realize they are there until one big moment, and then things come crashing in you on? That happens in normal life without food allergies, but for me, it seems, dealing with food allergies causes this to happen more often! Tuesday night through Wednesday morning I was having problems with tightness in my upper chest/lower throat area. I still don't know if I ate something that gave me this reaction or if something else was going on, but regardless it was a scary experience at various parts. Thankfully, I avoided the emergency room and the compounded liquid Benadryl helped calm the reactions some. But any time after a big reaction my mind always works in over-drive: "Was it this food? No, maybe this one? What about this? But I ate that another time and I was fine, etc, etc, etc." It makes me scared to eat some days since I don't want to repeat that experience!
This time around I was thinking of even more things than I realized -- that's because we have a move looming ahead. And not just any move, a move overseas! We are working on packing up the rest of what we won't want between now and mid-July when we move out of our apartment. We'll spend 6 or so weeks with family and then head to Scotland for my husband to do his PhD. While we are so excited about this change, for me it has brought a lot of uncertainties too.
So today it all hit me -- I had been thinking since my "episode" on Tues/Wed, "How am I going to cut out foods I've been eating and eat new ones all while trying to focus my energy on moving? How am I going to travel while trying to figure out new allergies or dealing with allergies that aren't in control? Whatever will I find to eat once we move? How will these new allergies play in to what I can find?" Whew. It's a lot for a mind to think about!
That's when I sat down to ask God to calm my heart and mind. I cannot live in this state of fear and anxiety. I have been forgetting that He's my source of strength and my help in these days of uncertainties and trials. I was grateful He brought to mind the verses I memorized earlier this year for days like this:
"I will bless the Lord at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My sould will makes it boast in the Lord;
The humble will hear it and rejoice.
O magnify the Lord with me,
And let us exalt His name together.
I sought the Lord, and He answered me,
And delivered me from all my fears."
Psalm 34:1-4
So, again I praise God for these experiences, for the chance to stop and rejoice in the life He's given me. I have sought Him, and He has answered me and delivered me from all my fears....until I forget again and we go through the process again. Let us exalt His name together that He is a God who takes away my fears and gives me chance after chance to trust Him anew.
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