New Site!

Hey everyone!


Just wanted to let you all know I am moved to a new blog site:http://ktupton14.wix.com/graceupongrace

Yay!!! I've been wanting to update my look and set-up, and now I have. There's a tab on that site with all my posts from this blog, so you can come back and read my past posts. I probably won't post too much until I can get some of my own, good quality photos to go with each one, but I will give it a shot.

I hope you all will come with me as I make this transition :)
See you there!

Alternative Protein Sources

So, I'm taking a stab at being vegetarian. About a month into it, and it's going great!

 I've considered it for a while, but was really concerned about getting enough protein, especially with my weight-lifting. Thankfully, Hy-vee has a large selection of products that have great amounts of protein that have reasonable calories, and are plant-based.

If you can't read the label, this black bean pasta has 25 grams of protein (12 grams of fiber and 185 calories) in 2 ounces of pasta.  There's four servings in each bag, but it really made more than I expected! Honestly, there's really no distinct taste with this pasta, so I make it like usual with red sauce. Yummy!

Beyond Meat plant-based "chicken strips" are yummy, too. A serving is 3 oz (about 6 strips), with 20 grams of protein, and 120 calories. I like to add some of this to my ^pasta, and wraps that I'll make for lunch (mentioned below). 

Seitan has 27 grams of protein and 170 calories in 4 ounces. Seitan is wheat gluten, which is the main protein source of wheat. This flavor and the pre-cut strips are pretty good- better mixed with other things, but fine on its own once you get used to the texture (in the package it looks like canned dog food). I'm not sure how a plain flavor would taste. 

A few weeks ago I decided that wraps would be easier to bring for my lunch than anything in a container (that I can't microwave). I was looking at regular tortillas, but for the usual Mission tortillas, one tortilla has at least 200 calories and only 4 or 5 grams of protein. These tortillas have only 100 calories and 8 grams of protein (and 13 grams of fiber), in addition to short and simple ingredients. I like to put some "chicken" strips or Seitan in these with some black beans, corn, and avocado if we have any. Very filling:)

 I am in love with Quest bars and Quest protein powder- I have the vanilla flavor, and for 100 calories you get 22 grams of protein. When I make protein drinks, I use 8 ounces of vanilla soy milk (100 calories, 6 grams of protein) and add 8 ounces of water, which keeps a good amount of flavor while making more liquid to fill you up, and then one scoop of Vanilla Protein Powder (totaling 200 calories and 28 grams of protein). 

Dannon Light&Fit Greek Yogurt is super yummy. With 12 grams of protein, 80 calories, and only 7g of sugar (most other yogurts have way more.

Overall, I'm trying to eat more veggies while also getting good amounts of protein. Really what I'm looking for in high protein foods is at least an equal protein to calorie ratio (1g of protein = 10 calories, and all of these products have that. You also have your eggs, nuts, peanut butter, etc. 

Sniffle, Tear

Sometimes, the tears just come in waves. And you don't know why exactly, but there's no use fighting it because that, honestly, just makes the headache worse.

Tonight I've got a case of something. Not sure what. But it's making me cry. No joke, my eyes are all swollen and my head hurts, and my nose is all stuffed up.

My mama is so good to me, just rubbing my head until I calm down. But then I start crying again, and I hate when she doesn't know I'm still crying so I try to stop.

I don't really know why I'm crying. That's okay. It's been a while since I just let it come.

I learned something important today, that I think a lot of people never quite understand: missing someone and grieving them/their absence is not the same thing.

Maybe I'm crying because I miss some people. Maybe I'm crying because I'm afraid they'll never know it, and because I feel that it's somehow not okay for me to tell them. Maybe I'm crying because I can only hope they miss me too. I don't know.
Maybe I'm crying because I'm overwhelmed by the love of my Jesus, and can't comprehend the entire extravagant meaning of this Easter holiday, and feel so unworthy.
Or I may just be hormonal and tired. You never know. ;)

I feel the need to share this small segment of my night, because I think a lot of people won't ever physically see this part of me. People just don't see me crying- I'm a happy person. I've cried a lot of tears in my life though, and I feel like people think it's wrong to cry, that it's wrong to feel sad. But I believe it's so important to be honest about how we're feeling because so many people cover it up and then wonder why nobody understands them or sees their hurt.

*Breathe* I guess I'll sleep good now! I'm worn out. But you have to cry sometimes or you'll just explode. Don't really have a point here, but what the heck, I needed a blog post anyway.

Goodnight,  everyone.

Question

I've always been a supporter of modesty.
Look in my closet and you will find a sufficient number of stylish shirts, sweaters, or jackets to cover up the not-always-appropriate spaghetti strap tank top.
I don't even own a crop top (but I'm considering buying one to go with my new maxi skirt because I have nothing else to finish the outfit).

I have not always understood everyone's extreme adherence to modesty, because let's be honest: it's pretty subjective, especially when it comes to swimwear.

During high school, I was part of a church where the friends I spent time with were held to a pretty high standard, over and above the 'please no bikinis'  when we would do anything with our youth group involving water games/activities. There were always extra clothes thrown on top of the existing one-piece or tankini.

Now before I state my question, know that I do own two bikinis as well as a tankini and a very cute one-piece, thank you very much. Because I only get invited to go swimming about two times each summer, these are rarely used. But, I can and will wear each one of them if I so choose.
Does that mean I'm not modest? You may think so. I'd argue with you about it if it was 100 degrees outside and there was no one else at the pool to bother looking at me.


Now, here's my question: why is it that guys are not encouraged to wear more modest swimwear, when we girls are expected to dress so that no one may struggle the problem of lust?

Isn't it entirely possible that when a hot guy walks around without his shirt on, a girl could find herself lusting too?

*I personally have no problem with guys not wearing shirts at the pool. I am definitely not complaining when Bradley Cooper's doppelganger walks past me in only swim trunks. But I also have good control over my thoughts, and can keep them from straying.

But really, why are guys held to a different standard?
I totally respect you and whatever you feel the need to wear at the pool or beach. But I don't think we have any reason to be judging each other. When we judge other people based on what they're wearing, that reveals a lot more about our heart and attitude than it will about theirs.

My Main Squeeze

Hello everyone:)

Today is my mommy's birthday.

This lady is my very best friend. I honestly don't know what I would do without her. She knows me better than anyone else in this world, and that is partly because I'm just like her. She and I have always be inseparable, and I hope that doesn't ever change.

This is my very favorite picture of us. 

Every since I was a little girl, I've loved my mom the most. I used to have bad separation anxiety whenever she'd try to do something on her own, because I wanted to be with her- I didn't like the thought of her doing things without me. In all my life, she's never talked to me like I was a kid, but always as an equal; I've always felt respected and important because of this attitude I was raised by. While my mom has always been my favorite person, it's only been in the last few years that I really considered her to be my best friend. She always was my best friend, but I didn't always recognize it. Now I do, and I want everyone to know (this is partly thanks to Gilmore Girls). I'm so thankful for her. I want everyone to know that my mom and I love each other, and I want everyone else to love their mom like I love mine.

If you've spent any amount of time with us, you know we're like the same person. And yet, there are certain things we just don't agree on (can't think of many). Even though I've always been like my mom, I still want to be like her as she changes.

My mom is a great example to me. Most importantly, she loves Jesus, and she's raised her babies to know about Him. I remember when I was young, during worship at church, mama's hands were always raised high, and I wanted to be just like that when I was praising Jesus.  I've recently gotten to the point where I'm comfortable with my hands up high too, and I'm glad that that image was never a foreign one to me.

My mama is also one tough cookie. Life has thrown her a lot of crap, and she never let it overcome her. While we all struggle with grief and healing sometimes, and while some seasons of life are longer and drier than others, my mom has always gotten through it with the help of our loving God. I've seen it work for her, and I strive to have that same trust and hope in my own heart.

Last year on her birthday:)

At Designed for Life 

Post-gym selfie ;)

We'd rather be watching Gilmore Girls. 

I always look forward to spending time doing nothing at home with my mom. Many of you know that it takes some convincing to get me to change my mental plans for the day if it requires leaving the house- because that's where I'm comfortable.  

I hope you all realize how big an impact my mom has in my life. I hope she knows that. Words can't express how much I love her, and will always need her (no matter how "grown-up" I become). 

Happy Birthday, mama. Don't ever forget how needed and loved you are. You're my favorite. <3

Prayers in Progress

"How gracious He will be when you cry for help! As soon as He hears, He will answer you." 

~Isaiah 30:19

When we pray, God hears us. 

And as long as what we're praying is aligned with God's Will, as soon as He hears, He answers our prayers! The answer may be dramatic or sudden, or He may begin something that we won't see as an answer until sometime in the future. Sometimes answered prayers are not what we expected.

God doesn't hesitate to answer our prayers: "As soon as He hears". We have to come to Him though and ask; we have to present our requests to God. Luke 11:9-10 says that if we ask, it will be given to us. God can't answer the prayers that we don't bother praying- that's why we are told to present our requests to God for everything (Philippians 4:6) and to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). 

"He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" (Romans 8:32) 

Why wouldn't God want to answer our prayers? He's already given us everything else! God wants to answer your prayers- He is answering your prayers. You just have to pray them. 

The Same Power

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." ~ Ephesians 3: 20-21 

I was reading this verse the other day, and it jumped out at me in a new way. Let's go through what this verse is saying:

• God is able. He can do all things. Nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37). God. Is. Able. 
• He provides abundantly. Immeasurably more- more than our wildest dreams. God can do more than you expect. 
• God provides for us and gives through His power. It's because of His power that He is able to do more and give to us so abundantly. He can do "immeasurably more" because His power is immeasurable. 
• God's power is at work. He is working in us and through us. We are filled with the power of the Lord! God is, right now, working in you. "His power that is at work within us". You are filled with the power of God. God didn't stop working on you in the past, and He isn't waiting to work on you in the future- His power is driving, and working, and moving, and transforming you right now! And He's doing in a way that you can't imagine. Don't become discouraged in the waiting or the slow progress or the trials, for God is working. His power isn't simply working around us, or near us, or in your perfect friend, or in your pastor, but within you. <3

What an encouragement! The power of God is in you- is, meaning currently, meaning now. The same power the conquered death and sin is in you. You can do all things through Christ who gives you strength (Philippians 4:13). Wow. 

I Want Ears to Hear

As I've grown up, I have learned a lot about prayer: how to pray, when to pray (always), what to pray etc. And as I've grown up, I have also gotten better about praying more and giving things (or trying to) to God, and expecting great things from the power of our prayer. I see God all the time, and see many answers to prayer.

I'm struggling when it comes to listening though.

Prayer is a conversation with God, and I always have a lot to say. I know He has answers and responses for me, but honestly, I don't know if I know how to hear Him. Aside from having or not having peace regarding my prayers, I'm not sure how to determine God speaking to me. I want so badly to have ears to hear God's voice, and to be able to know when He is guiding and instructing me to do something, but it seems like I don't know how to listen.

I feel like a lot of the time I pray for something, and then it either happens or doesn't, and that's my answer, and everything happened without my acting on it. Or, I feel that I may confuse what could be the Holy Spirit with my own thoughts and desires...?  Like, am I getting in my own way when it comes to conversing with God?

I know God speaks to us in many many ways, and I'm not expecting to hear the audible voice of God, but I'm discouraged because I feel like I need to listen better, but I don't really know how. I ask God to make things clear to me, to open and close doors so that I can't mistake false opportunities, and to give me peace or not regarding a situation, but I feel like that's where it stops.

How do you listen to God? How does He speak to you? I don't know how to approach this when I'm already seeking help from Him- how will I find the answer when I can't hear?

I'd appreciate any wisdom and insight, as well as prayers, because I really really don't want to follow my own desires before I follow God's, and I feel like I can't hear what He has to say.

xoxo,
Katie

We are God's Workmen

"Moses said to the Lord, 'O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.' The Lord said to him, 'Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.' But Moses said, 'O Lord, please send someone else to do it.' Then the Lord's anger burned against Moses and He said, 'What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you..."

I can hear God's sass now: "Who gives man the ability to speak?? ME. I can help you! But if you won't do it, I've already got someone else who can. Your brother can do a great job- don't worry."

Lol. But seriously guys, if we feel the need to question and avoid God's instructions, He will find an alternative way to fulfill His plans.

Moses practically argues with God about his ability to work as God's mouthpiece- he doubts God's place to use himself as the leader of this mission. Moses doesn't feel capable or qualified, and he asks God for someone else to do what God has asked. SO GOD USES HIS BROTHER instead.

When we avoid and question and refuse God's instruction and path for our lives- when we don't obey what He has called us to- He will find another way to make it happen. God doesn't need us! But He wants us!! He chooses us (!) to work on His behalf and to display His love and power. But if we refuse, He will find another way to make that happen. He is willing to help us and equip us (4:12) to handle the hard, intimidating, and scary things that He may ask us to do! But He can't force us- that is our free will and choice.

When God gives you opportunities to serve and lead for His glory, don't refuse! If He is instructing and leading you, don't doubt His plan and dismiss your ability. God chooses us, and HE equips us and grows us to meet needs and build His kingdom- why would we ever want to miss that chance?! That is not to say another opportunity won't be given to us- our God is a god of second chances- but I know I'd hate to miss any chance I had to reveal God's power , and shine His love and glory, to everyone around me.

We Need Only to Obey

"'So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.' But Moses said to God, 'Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?' And God said, 'I will be with you'...Moses said to God, 'Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is His name?' Then what shall I tell them?' God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.'" (Exodus 3:10-14^) 

As I was reading this the other day, through chapter 3 (and really the whole story with Moses), I realized that this was a great reminder of another way God works in our lives: If/when we take the time to talk with and listen to God, He will give us very clear instructions for what we are supposed to do in any situation, whether for the long-term or just temporarily.

In this passage, God told Moses exactly what he needed to say and do for the Israelites to believe God had sent him; God gave Moses specific instructions to get the job done. 

Through the passage, there's very little hint as to how the people will respond to what God is telling Moses to do. There's few ideas about what they'll think or say or do as a reaction toward God's instruction. 

If you think about it, God may only tell you what you need to be concerned with regarding any plan, so that you're not tempted or inclined to stray from His instruction. If you're worried about how people will argue or put you down when going through God's instructions, you're likely to back-down and talk yourself out of following-through; we as people don't like to be opposed or made to look foolish or silly, but that can often happen when people who don't see or understand your motives and 

reasoning are more than ready to mock you. A great example of this is the story of Noah (Genesis 6). God told Noah to build the ark; He gave dimensions and specific details that Noah simply obeyed, but Noah's obedience didn't come without lots of questioning and joking and ridicule. I mean, think about it: your neighbor Noah decides to build a massive boat, because God told him the earth would be flooded someday?? Talk about an eye-sore, sitting in the yard- how weird is that guy. 

But we don't need to worry about what other people will think or do in response to our God-directed actions, we only need to obey what God had told us to do. You may face a lot of opposition and questioning, but that is for God to handle. He will follow through and fulfill every promise: "The elders of Israel will listen to you...After that, he [Pharaoh] will let you go" (vs. 18a, 20b).  And what do you know, Pharaoh did (Exodus 12:31). 

God may not reveal to us the reactions of our peers as He tells us how to handle anything, and He may not even reveal to us the ultimate outcome of our obedience in the beginning. We often go into many things unsure of the result to come. But we can be sure that if we come to God, and seek Him and ask for guidance and instruction, for anything, He will tell us everything we need to know. 

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find..." Matthew  7:7