Iced Coffee by Paula Roten

I love coffee...all things coffee! But my husband doesn't :(

So when I find a one-person serving of a coffee flavored food or drink, I am really happy :)

This particular iced coffee is designed to be a healthy version, but you can certainly use regular milk and sugar if you're not into that healthy stuff.

Iced Coffee
1 cup strong coffee
stevia to taste, optional
1 cup unsweetened plain or vanilla flavored almond milk
1/2 scoop Whey Protein powder (I use Jay Robb's vanilla flavor)
10-12 ice cubes

Add the sweetener to the hot coffee and then let it cool just a bit. (I put mine in the freezer for about 15 minutes) 

Whisk together the almond milk and the protein powder. 

Put the ice cubes in a large glass. Add the coffee and the milk mixture and stir well. 

I Surrender All by Kim Wright

God has allowed some hard things into my life lately. Difficult parenting issues, worrisome health issues, and weighty decisions to make…the load has been heavy. I tend to be a worrier, and my mind has been busy, especially at night, trying to fix and manipulate and work out all of these “bumps” in my road. I have to believe I am not alone. Behind the cheery greetings and cute outfits on Sunday mornings, I know there are others in my church family who are carrying heavy burdens as well. Last night, as I was trying to calm my restless spirit, God allowed this verse to leap off of the page and land in my heart. Perhaps it will encourage other “restless souls” as well. 

“So those who suffer according to God’s will should, while doing what is good, entrust themselves to a faithful Creator.”  I Peter 4:19

He created us…and He cares about us. He is faithful. I have experienced His faithfulness over and over again throughout my life. He can be trusted! I must entrust each of these things to His care!

…And then even more encouragement this morning:

“…casting all your care on Him, because He cares about you.”  I Peter 5:7

He can be trusted with these things and people who are precious to me because He cares about me and those that I care about!

“Now the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus will personally restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little. The dominion belongs to Him forever. Amen.” I Peter 5:10-11

God Most High…our faithful Creator… will reach down and personally restore, establish, strengthen, and support me when I suffer. He will not send someone else. He will personally attend to my needs. What a humbling thought!

The trials are temporary. He is trustworthy. He holds the future in His hands.

“All to Jesus, I surrender, all to Him I freely give; I will ever love and trust Him, in His presence daily live. I surrender all! I surrender all! All to Thee my blessed Savior, I surrender all!”

Mixing Metals by Stacy McSpadden

Mixing Metals....YES!  It is ok!

All of my life I have either been in my silver phase or gold phase. Mainly concerning jewelry. Mostly silver. I have never been one to wear silver earrings with a gold necklace. In design, I never mixed a silver mirror with gold lamps.  Until recently...

In Spring 2013, the High Point Market highlighted the use of mixed metals in design. This carried over to fashion as well. My co-worker Lana and I loved the trend and look so much that we made the mixing of metals a priority in the Vesta Show House in 2013.  

This living room was a classic way to incorporate lots of color, texture, and use of metal. We placed a silver lamp on the bronze iron table base and popped it with a bright gold accessory on the hearth. We also used a gold cocktail table with antiqued glass in front of the emerald sofa.  

I love this mix of color and texture as well. The sunburst mirror really sets off the mercury glass lamp. And nothing looks better than mixing in traditional blue and white porcelain.

And mixing metals doesn't even mean mixing color. It is really fun to use different textures and finishes of the same metallic. As you can see here, the designer used different shades of silver. I love the use of the "disco" balls for accents.

Ladies, don't be afraid to pull out those brass candlesticks and use them on your dining centerpiece with your fine silver. Mix it up. It's fun!

Stacy McSpadden

Interior Designer and Store Manager

Chestnut Hall Fine Furniture and Interiors

3075 Forest Hill Irene Road

Germantown, Tennessee 38138

901.753.8515 phone

901.756.1966 fax

stacy@chestnuthall.com

Word for the Week

My people come to you, as they usually do, 

and sit before you to listen to your words, 

but they do not put them into practice. 

With their mouths they express devotion, 

but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain. 

Indeed, to them you are nothing more 

than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice 

and plays an instrument well, 

for they hear your words 

but do not put them into practice. 

Ezekiel 33: 32-32

Perhaps today might be a good day to examine our heart. Let's ask God to search us, know our heart, and see if there's any offensive way in us (Psalm 139:23-24). 

Blueberry Lemon Oatmeal Smoothie by Paula Roten

It's blueberry season here in the South. And this smoothie is perfect for a high protein, easy, on-the-go breakfast that will keep you full till lunch.

Blueberry Lemon Oatmeal Smoothie

1 cup almond milk
1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder
1/2 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
3/4 cup frozen blueberries
1/4 cup dry old fashioned oats
1 lemon, juiced
a dash of vanilla extract
2-3 pkgs. Truvia, or sweetener of choice
1-2 cups ice

Put dry oats in a heavy duty blender and blend until a fine flour dust. Then put the rest of the ingredients in and blend until desired consistency. 

I Believe by Paula Roten

I happened to see this in my Facebook newsfeed this morning. It went along with our last Bible Study video last night when Beth Moore said that we must cling to Romans 8:28, especially when life is dark and hard. I just love how God reminds me through different sources that He is sufficient, that He is for me, that He will work everything for my good. 

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Word for the Week

You were running a good race. 

Who cut in on you and 

kept you from obeying the truth? 

That kind of persuasion 

does not come from the one 

who calls you. 

Galatians 5:7-8

Every now and then, it's a good thing to take a personal survey of our Christian life. Are we running the race with the same enthusiasm with which we started it? Have we slowed down? Have we become side-tracked? Have we let people and problems put us on the sidelines? Or have we let prosperity and the lack of problems take our focus away from what is important?

Take a look today and get back in the race.