Angela Breidenbach is a multi-award-winning inspirational speaker, popular conference presenter, and author of the Gems of Wisdom: For a Treasure-filled Life and the new Kindle release of Creative Cooking for Colitis. Other works by Angela include compilation books and devotionals from Guideposts, Group, and articles in magazines, ezines, and newspapers. She connects missions to her work with Hope’s Promise Orphan Ministries and the Jadyn Fred Foundation. Angela serves as an assisting minister for her congregation in Missoula, Montana. Angela Breidenbach on the web: http://www.AngelaBreidenbach.com, http://www.GodUsesBrokenVessels.com, and http://TheFaithGirls.com on Wednesdays each week. 

Visit her Christian Speakers Service page for speaker bookings.

Is life too complicated? Big life events cause a reordering of priorities. Big life events help us whittle down our long lists and over-stuffed homes. Big life events remind us of who is important, what our goals are, and why we do what we do. Doubt me? New babies, major surgery, and major life changes all make us take stock.

Why do we allow the big life events to be the catalyst? Productivity soars with clean desks and uncluttered surroundings. We know this, right? Yet the to-be-done and to-be-read piles climb higher like vines across the windows. (I know. I’m looking at the verdant climbing vine in my office as I write.)

Start with prayer then follow these ten tips for taming the big life:

1. Get filing cabinets
2. Use filing cabinets
3. Follow a daily schedule
4. Have an accountability partner
5. Take time off to rest and refresh
6. Exercise—it’s proven to create higher productivity and critical thinking
7. Set personal goals
8. Reward yourself for reaching small goals as a stepping-stone to big life goals
9. Invite a friend to help prune the climbing vines
10. Add enjoyable touches through color, music, and favorite items to your office area

Remember to take your big life situations to the Lord. Then immediately ask: What’s the next most important thing?

Do that one thing, whatever it is, then ask the question again.

The stunning result is an incredibly productive day led by the Lord. String a few of these days together for an incredibly productive week. String a few of these weeks together and watch miracles happen.

Dear Lord, what is it You would have me to do today? What’s the most important thing? Help me to see it, commit it to You, and do it. Guide me into the big life You have planned for me instead of this crazy cluttered life I’ve created. In Jesus name, Amen.

Simple Quesadillas

The perfect meal to make for Mom on Mother’s Day. But it’s also a great party food for Memorial Day weekend. Low fat, high fiber, high protein that tastes great any time. With minimal supervision, children can assemble these quesadillas in simple steps. Use a food processor to chop the foods if the children are young. Use it anyway because it’s faster!

Spread ¼ cup fat-free refried beans on half of each tortilla. Sprinkle each of the rest of the ingredients onto the beans in layers. Fold over the tortilla to make a half circle. Heat a skillet to medium on the stove. Spray one side of the quesadilla with butter pan spray, place in skillet and spray the other side. Cook until light golden, a few minutes each side. The lower heat allows the quesadilla to be heated all the way through. Too high and the outside cooks too quickly while the inside is still cold.

Serve with a garnish of salsa, Greek plain, nonfat yogurt, and your favorite fresh salad.

Tip: when making for a crowd, these can be toasted on a cookie sheet under the broiler for 3 or 4 minutes per side. For a fast lunch, microwave 2 minutes instead of grilling or toasting.