You are My Rest- Release Video from Karyn Williams

I had the honor of taking pictures for Karyn Williams this Summer for her new album.

Karyn is a dear friend of mine and I was thrilled to have this opportunity.

Here are some of my favorites from our shoot....

Karyn sent me this song to Preview and release here on the blog and when I heard the words, tears filled my eyes.  This song could have been written just for me.  

Some of my favorite lines, I've cried out to Jesus myself. 

"i'm tired, i've tried my best, i've given all i have"

"feels like there is nothing left to give"

"my faith is wearing thin"

"you never said that the rain it wouldn't fall"

"you never said that the nights wouldn't feel so long"

BUT- GLORY!

"you only promised to be there through it all"

"but God you promised the sun with each new dawn"

"you are my shelter in every storm"

"you are my REST"

Friends, I pray you can find rest tonight.  

I know for me, as a mom, home with little ones every day, the days get long and they feel never ending at times.  The to-do list is long.  The chores piled up like the laundry pile that needs to be folded.  The demands that comes from precious little ones.  But friends, we are right where we are supposed to be.  HE made us for THIS MOMENT.  And He can give us REST.  The ONLY Rest that lasts.  I long for that Soul Rest.  Not just rest as in sleep (which, who'm I kidding???...I like some sleep rest too!...) but Soul Rest is so much better!  Rest as you listen to this song.  Soak it in.  Let the words work on your heart.  

It's been on repeat in my kitchen all afternoon as I remind myself that HE IS MY REST.  I hope you'll enjoy this song as much as I do.  Thanks Karyn for letting me be one of the first to share this song!

This song is available for download now at KarynWilliams.com and Karyn's entire record "Letting Go of Perfect" will be available on iTunes as of October 20th!

Quinoa Salad + Tangerine Vinaigrette Dressing

So, if my family didn't have to eat, I would eat this every single lunch & dinner.  It is THAT good!  I made Lance try a bite (GASP:: HE ATE SPINACH!!) and he said "this has really good flavor!"

I thought I'd pass along the recipe to you.  Last month with my Essential Rewards order with Young Living, I got a free Tangerine Oil so I decided to try it out in this salad.  It did not disappoint! Also, diffuse this oil.  It smells so fresh and clean!

For the Salad:
1/2 cup cooked and cooled quinoa
1/2 cup (or more) spinach, chopped
Pomegranate Seeds- I used half the pom for this.  Emerson ate the other half.  WIN!
And a few mandarins

I have also added fresh peaches, blueberries, strawberries to this.  Whatever is in season- USE IT!  You can't go wrong.


Now, here's the kicker.  THE DRESSING!
This dressing is, lick your plate, good!
2 TBSP Fractionated Coconut Oil (or oil of choice---but this is loaded with MCT so it's good for Emerson too)
1 TSP of Vinaigrette (or more---I like it with a little kick)
1 TSP of brown sugar
1 Drop of Tangerine Oil (not for use in children under 6)

Stir together and pour on top of the salad.

I hope you enjoy this yummy, fresh salad!  Try it and let me know what you think!