Modern Day Housewife: Newness...

Happy 2011! I love January 1. While, yesterday it consisted of lazing in my pajamas [literally] all day trying to recover from our wild and crazy celebration the night before... (and struggling with guilt for such laziness) I still really cherish the chance to reevaluate, take stock, and set goals.

So, let's be honest. Here is one thing (among thousands) I just plain fail in: Spending consistent time studying Scripture.

There are probably 10 million reasons why. (Laziness, lack of discipline, love of comfort, the list could go on and on.) But it is difficult for me to put down the novel, computer, to-do list, or get up out of my very comfortable bed to pursue Christ with my mind and think on His great truths. I'm almost positive this isn't easy for anyone, but I seem to always think that if I wasn't in "X" situation, I'd be able to spend more time in Scripture. But, this is my own deceitful heart (see Jeremiah 17:9) convincing my easily swayed mind that "It's FINE that I lack discipline in studying God's Word. It's FINE that I spend more time on facebook and blog reading than filling my mind and heart with Him."

False. It's not fine. Not because I'm caught in a tangle of unspeakable sins and craziness. But because when I'm not thinking upon truth, I'm thinking upon lies and deception and slowly they are creeping into my heart and choking me. Because it is what gives me life, God's Spoken Word is what transforms me. And Lord knows I need to be transformed in big ways. I'm a mess.

So, a goal that I have set for myself in 2011 is to pursue reading the Bible in one year. I've run enough 1/2 Marathons (ok, 2) to know that it is a slow, painful build up to running 13.1 miles. However, I also know that reaping righteousness comes from sowing in the Spirit.

"For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life."

Galatians 6:8

So, that may mean catching up on Saturdays some weeks, but it also means that the power to say no to my self-indulgent nature comes from Jesus, who spent every waking minute living by His Father's power, will, design and never giving into the desires of His flesh. He's completely trustworthy, completely powerful, completely wise. I will struggle, I will surely fail, I will beg for strength to turn away from myself and look upon Him.

I'll let you know how it goes.

In other news, I have a few things for you!

#1: Delicious Fish Tacos

I've made these for dinner parties before and everyone (including myself) always gushes about delicious they are. They're kind of summer-y, but I don't even care. I found them at allrecipes.com and they've become a regular in our dinner party repertoire. Super easy, feeds lots of people, and my fish-eating vegan friends are allowed to enjoy it as well, as long as you substitute the sour cream sauce for Tofutti sour cream. (Which sounds questionable, but my sour-cream-loving husband loved it.) Enjoy!

Feeds 6

1 T. Olive Oil

Salt and Pepper to taste

6 (3 oz.) Mahi Mahi (or another white fish) fillets

1/3 c. sour cream (or Tofutti Sour Supreme if that matters to you)

1 T. lime juice

1 tsp. minced fresh ginger root

1 dash cayenne pepper

1/4 tsp. ground cumin

1 large mango- peeled, seeded and diced

1 c. diced fresh pineapple

1 avocado- peeled, pitted and diced

1 jalapeno pepper, minced

corn tortillas, warmed (the recipe calls for flour, but I think I like corn better with these tacos)

1 c. chopped fresh cilantro

Directions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the fillets with salt and pepper. Cook the fillets in the hot oil until the fish is golden brown on each side and no longer translucent in the center, about 3 minutes on each side.

2. Meanwhile, whisk together the sour cream, lime juice, ginger, cumin, cayenne, salt and pepper to taste; set aside. Gently combine the mango, jalapeno, avocado, and pineapple in a bowl.

3. To assemble, place c ooked mahi-mahi fillet onto the center of a warmed tortilla, place a scoop of mago salsa onto the fish, drizzle with sour cream sauce, top with cilantro (if you want, I think it tastes like soap, so I always omit this step) and enjoy!

#2: My first posted belly picture. It's getting to the point where it's actually something to see now, so I figured I'd show you what I'm working with. I'm 25 weeks today and I actually had a dream last night that I could see her little hand print on my belly where she's been trying to give me high-fives from the inside. It was weird. Here she is: