yummy granola...

granola has become a favorite to make of late. i'm not sure if it's because i know it's healthy or what, but i sure enjoy it. it's very very tasty and easy to make. use what you have in your pantry. since i've been making granola, i always have a steady supply of ingredients. here's the latest recipe i've used

homemade chewy granola bars (revised from allrecipes.com)
1/2 cup packed brown sugar (omit)
1/3 cup peanut butter (I use Kirkland creamy organic PB)
1/4 cup corn syrup (I use honey)
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
1/4 cup sunflower kernels
1/4 cup raisins (or craisins, but raisins/craisins can be a bit sweet, so I cut down)
3 tablespoons toasted wheat germ
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (I more than double this with both white and black seaseme)
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips (omit since I want a really healthy breakfast)

1.In a small mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, peanut butter, corn syrup, butter and vanilla. Stir in the oats, sunflower kernels, raisins, wheat germ and sesame seeds. Fold in chocolate chips.
2.Press into an 8-in. square baking dish coated with nonstick cooking spray. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or until set and edges are browned. Cool completely on a wire rack. Cut into bars. (I bake it on a tray with a silicon sheet at the bottom, works well)

I also usually double the recipe. It's a great breakfast, snack, or friend magnet! =)

_________ is in control

so often it's easy to forget this. there's been many good and big things happening in my life. there are also many opportunities and memories. one of these big things is happening in seven weeks (49 days) i'll be going on an adventure with 3 other adults and 12 high school students to another island off taiwan-penghu. i've been swimming in a lot of details and lots of unknowns.

i wish i knew all the details, i wish i knew what was going to happen, but i don't. the past two days i've had the privilege of praying with different people and the prayer has been "God is in control." yes He is, and so often i think i am. i think i have to figure it all out. there's too many i's. as is the "isfj" in me...my prayer has often been "Lord, help me to be more laid back and help me to do it EXACTLY right." that has been my prayer. my hope though is that i really learn to trust God and not try to control everything.

i think it shall stop here. if you get a chance, will you pray for this upcoming trip? not just the logistics, but also that the trip will advance God's kingdom and glorify God.