Mission | Method | Mary and Martha | Sources | Conscious Thought Essay
Kitchen Stewardship is the idea that working in our kitchens, like everything we do, is an opportunity to love God and serve our families.
Foundation
The foundation of Kitchen Stewardship is simple: God gave us everything we have and asks only that we take good care of it. God gave us our health, our earth, our time and our money. For those of us who spend a lot of time in the kitchen, we are met with challenges in all four areas a daily basis. It can be daunting to try to do our best to be good stewards of them all, especially as science finds out more about how we harm our bodies and environment with chemicals and the world tempts us to live beyond our means in many ways. Kitchen Stewardship is about finding the balance, doing the right thing to give glory and honor to God, becoming more prayerful in the kitchen, and rejoicing in the accomplishment of baby steps on the road to perfect stewardship.
Are you intrigued yet? Take a second to sign up for a FREE email subscription or grab my reader feed. You won’t regret it! You can also follow me on Twitter.
Lifestyle
Kitchen Stewardship is a lifestyle, a commitment to doing your absolute best in the kitchen to be a good steward. The Bible tells us that a good steward cares for his gifts from God. The servants in the parable of the talents are honored when they (1) take some risk with God’s gifts and (2) USE God’s gifts and avoid burying/ignoring them. Our gifts are many and varied:
Physical Health
We all have a certain genetic makeup that makes our bodies healthy, and we are endowed with the ability to choose and eat foods that can help or hinder that process.
Environment
We all have been given the great gift of our earth and all its resources. Genesis 1:28 says that we should “fill the earth and subdue it,” and those first humans were also given the responsibility to care for the earth. They pass that on to us.
Money
We all have financial resources at our disposal, whether they be generous or simple. It is a vast challenge to decide how and where to put that money, especially when we try to balance our budget on top of our health and the environment.
Time
We all have time. We may not feel like we have any (!), but that’s just because we already use an awful lot of it! We have 24 hours in each day and must make account for our use of each one. When we’re in the kitchen, let us use our time wisely so we can have more hours for prayer, for being with family, and for our other worthwhile pursuits. On the other hand, let us not sacrifice our other gifts simply for the sake of having more time to spare.
Balance
Kitchen Stewardship seeks to balance our care of these four gifts from God.
The lifestyle of Kitchen Stewardship requires the following:
- Prayer…walking the KS blogwalk will offer many ideas and opportunities for praying IN the kitchen
- Trust in God…He will give you the time and resources you need to take care of your family
- Flexibility…you may be asked to make changes that seem difficult at first. Change is often difficult…
- Organization…believe me, you don’t have to be very organized, but in order to avoid fast food fixes, you’ll need the ability to plan ahead
- Dedication…I’ll be working under the assumption that my readers are dedicated to the ideals of conserving our earth’s resources and keeping our families physically healthy. Any good work takes a commitment.
The lifestyle of Kitchen Stewardship allows for the following:
- Baby Steps!...KS is first and foremost a process, not an ideal you can obtain in a few days. We must allow ourselves time to grow!
- Celebrating small accomplishments (see above)
- Failure…it will happen. Don’t worry about it!
- Balance and acceptance of less than perfect…sometimes we can’t do it all. We shoot for the best we can in each category and allow some wiggle room for God to bless our emptiness.
Please join me on this wild ride, whether you are a fast food junkie or a health nut. I promise you’ll find something new to challenge you in the kitchen, here at Kitchen Stewardship!
About the Author
I’m a Catholic wife and mother who wants the best of nutrition and living for her family. I believe that God calls us to be good stewards of all His gifts as we work to feed our families: time, finances, the good green earth, and of course, our healthy bodies. This blog seeks to share with others ways to balance all four and be prayerful in the call to vocation in the kitchen.
I am also hoping to obtain a readership base so I can publish a book someday (I am a lover of words on paper that I can touch, highlight, bookmark, and carry into my kitchen. I want my words to be a BOOK!). In that light, any comment, whether to share information or give helpful critique, is very welcome. You may see your idea on a printed page someday!
If you’re curious to hear my voice, check out a few Blog Talk Radio spots, from January, June 2010 and August 2010.
Find out more about how the site works and what you can expect as we work through the steps Kitchen Stewardship by clicking Method. The cliff notes version of KS:
- Weekly themes and Monday Missions
- Suggested changes in the kitchen
- Practical tips and ideas to implement changes
- Reflections on the vocation of the kitchen
- Recommendation for prayer in the kitchen
- Information and research
- Resources and recipes
- Encouragement to make broader change
- And a great place to start: Top 10 High Impact Changes
More about how blogging works and how you can stay involved here.
Mary and Martha (faith moments)
My Story:
- I’m a Born Conservationist
- What I Learned From my Mother
- Things I Learned Because of Children
- When Friends Visit my Home
- My Time of Insanity (or, The Origins of a Book)
- My Confession: I Have an Addiction
- The Final List: A Year of Changes
- Don’t read this until you already love me: 30 Random Things About Katie
- My Many Jobs as a Blogger
A pivotal reading: Conscious Thought
![a natural deodorizer made of bamboo [sustainable + reusable + recycable]](http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/everbamboo125.png)
Cool idea Katie! I’m loving every minute of making Ellis’s baby food and look forward to the opportunity to plan and cook meals for the fam! I’d love to swap info.
[Reply to this comment]
Great idea Katie! I definately think your blog has some potential becoming a book! I will pass this on too others.
Good luck and God bless.
your friend,
Casey
[Reply to this comment]
Wow, Katie! This blog is impressive. I am very excited to talk to you on Friday. I have totally been into nutrition for years now and have fantasized about writing a book. Kudos to you to starting. Can’t wait to hear ALL that you know.
Missy
[Reply to this comment]
Hi Katie, I just found you through my site and can’t wait to read more here. I look forward to your book one of these days, too.
Kelly
[Reply to this comment]
Katie: GOOD LUCK with your blog.
Fran
[Reply to this comment]
Katie,
Looks like you have some great things in store for your blog. Welcome to the blogosphere.
I will be sure to check back in!
[Reply to this comment]
Awesome – I’m looking forward to reading more! I’m stuck in one place working at the computer with Thomas on my lap (he’ll wake up if I move), but I’ll try to get you my current favorite meatless recipe asap – I’m having fun working out vegan stuff for our Eastern Lent. We’re going to be back home visiting with Thomas soon – I hope we’ll get to see you to introduce and re-introduce the little ones.
[Reply to this comment]
Katie,
You’re in inspiration! This is amazing!
[Reply to this comment]
This is a terrific site — I’ll be telling my friends about it. Well done!
[Reply to this comment]
Just found your blog. Very nice! I’ll be back!
[Reply to this comment]
Katie,
Very thoughtfully organized site. I’m planning to check it out regularly.
[Reply to this comment]
I wanted to let you know that I enjoy reading your blog. The information you have is wonderful and you have a nice, breezy writing style. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
[Reply to this comment]
This is amazing, Katie! I am going to pass this on to all the mothers at my church. Everything has simplistic, but tasteful approach. I can’t wait to try some of your recipes, and share some of our southern recipes. I have actually had time to plant my own garden this year…already eating squash, zucchini, cucumbers, cabbage, tomatoes, and green beans (both green and burgundy). And, waiting on the bell peppers, jalapenos and cantaloupe. We are able to plant a summer and fall garden here.
Keep up the wonderful work. Have a blessed day!
Amanda
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
May 29th, 2009 at 9:55 pm
Yay, I’m salivating thinking about your garden. Looking forward to the Southern touch! Welcome, old friend!
[Reply to this comment]
I am a new reader as of today (I stumbled across this site from a zillion other clicks). I can’t wait to see what you have to offer here. I am VERY excited about what I have seen already (I can’t wait to try making my own yogurt!), and I’m lookign forward to your new ideas as they come.
[Reply to this comment]
Hi! A good friend of mine sent this blog my way and I just wanted to tell you how much I’ve enjoyed it the past few days. You do a great job with it. It’s nicely laid out and organized — oh boy, is it organized!!
Your title pretty much sums it up for me: nutrition, environment, faith, money and time. What a juggle. I look forward to reading your blog! Keep up the good work!
Corrie
[Reply to this comment]
Changelings « Ramblings of the Girl // Jun 26, 2009 at 4:18 pm
[...] I received my email update from Katie over at Kitchen Stewardship, and while her post focused on nutrition, in her ‘How?’ [...]
Hi!
I was feeling burdened today by my resistance to cooking and kitchen work and not serving my husband and children because my cooking and cleaning are lacking… I long to turn my kitchen time into prayer time and release the negative thoughts and feelings that come up there. I searched for “kitchen work as prayer” and up came your site! And all of your other website elements are in line with my my ideas. Thanks for putting this site up. I’ll be a regular visitor.
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
August 11th, 2009 at 9:43 pm
It’s such a blessing to hear that my thoughts are connecting with other people. I DO know how you feel! I’m happy to have you along for the ride, Melissa!
[Reply to this comment]
Katie,
I’m just reading your blog for the first time- but I loved looking at this! You have really put a lot of work into this! I hope you are able to eventually write your book!
[Reply to this comment]
I just came across your blog through a link in Tropical Traditions. Glad to be here and I am subscribing to your Kitchen Stewardship. I too am Catholic and am happy to find the many interesting posts and links.
Kind regards,
Martha G.
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
December 8th, 2009 at 12:26 am
Martha,
Katie
Welcome!! Glad to have you on board; thank you for introducing yourself!
[Reply to this comment]
hi Katie
Greetings from India!
i read your guest post on problogger and that’s how i got to know about your blog…and my…am I impressed? This is damn neat work…congratulations! I am RSSing it right away!
I too started a food blog site few months ago…www.akshayapatram.com
am looking fwd to associating with your blog…when are you coming up with your next carnival?
good luck for your book
cheers
priya
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
December 24th, 2009 at 9:40 am
Thanks Priya! Best of luck with your own blog!
Katie
[Reply to this comment]
Real Food Face Off: Me vs. Kimberly Hartke « Local Nourishment // Jan 21, 2010 at 10:31 am
[...] I’m not here today, but you’ll see me at Kitchen Stewardship. Katie has put together a really cool festival in which more than two dozen real food bloggers answer [...]
Hi Katie- I’m so excited that I found your blog. I am desperate to connect with Christians who care about healthy, nutrient-dense food and non-toxic, environmentally-friendly living and parenting. I feel really isolated because most people I have met at my church are not remotely interested in these issues and most of my friends who are interested in them are not Christians. I wish I lived near you, but at least I can read your blog! Thanks for the inspiration!
Pamela
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
January 30th, 2010 at 2:44 pm
Pamela,
Glad to have you with us! Katie
You will surely find a community of like-minded women here – feel free to comment and check out what other people say, and in no time you’ll feel like you’re chatting with friends.
[Reply to this comment]
I love the concept of this blog and am so glad I “met” you today on the conference call. I’m a former health writer and a big believer in fueling our bodies with whole foods. I’m definitely adding you blog to my reader. God bless!
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
January 30th, 2010 at 2:43 pm
Kate,
Katie
Right back at ya! I love your style as well – looking forward to working more together.
[Reply to this comment]
I’ve been hearing about your blog and your journey to real food. I’m just starting to catch up on your post. And Thanks for your very helpful posts.
[Reply to this comment]
An answer to prayer!!!
I am so excited to find so many like-minded folks.I plan to start reading (and doing) everything I can find on your site!!
Thank you..Thank you..Thank you…
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
March 12th, 2010 at 11:06 pm
Ellen,
Katie
Welcome! It is good to be among folks who understand motivations and intentions….enjoy!
[Reply to this comment]
Hello!
I have Crohn’s Disease, so I know how important it is to eat healthy. Currently I am on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, which does not allow any wheat, gluten, sugars, or starches. I have never felt better, Praise the Lord! He has given me the strength to remain on this diet for over three years now and has blessed me with amazing health.
My blog is about my experiences with the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, and I also plan to share recipes and encouragements to fellow sufferers of gastrointestinal disorders. And, like you, I plan on writing a book someday (hopefully this year), a cookbook.
I will definitely subscribe to your site. Would it be too much to ask if you would link me to your site so I can spread the word about my blog? It’s brand new, and I would like to try and build a following. Thanks!
God bless you!
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 9:47 pm
Denise,
Katie
Thank you for writing! Your comment caught my eye because my husband has Crohn’s Disease too, although he’s been in remission/symptom-free since surgery almost 7 years ago. Your experiences are just heart-wrenching (I read your whole blog). I will definitely link to you in tomorrow’s Monday Mission. See your email for more…
[Reply to this comment]
Denise Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 9:55 pm
Thank you so much!
I am so glad to hear that your husband is doing so well. My doctors advised against surgery because of the severity of my case. I sometimes wish I had just decided to do it, but then I might have missed out on all the lessons God has taught me in the meantime.
[Reply to this comment]
Thank you for all the info you’ve provided here. God is truly working through you.
[Reply to this comment]
This is amazing, Katie! I am going to pass this on to all the mothers at my church. Everything has simplistic, but tasteful approach. I can’t wait to try some of your recipes, and share some of our southern recipes. I have actually had time to plant my own garden this year;already eating squash, zucchini, cucumbers, cabbage, tomatoes, and green beans (both green and burgundy). And, waiting on the bell peppers, jalapenos and cantaloupe. We are able to plant a summer and fall garden here.
[Reply to this comment]
Thanks for this awesome site! I love how you come from a common-sense perspective with the goal of serving God with our bodies, our health, and all our resources, which is what matters most to me concerning healthy living! So refreshing.
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
May 13th, 2010 at 4:09 pm
Thanks, LeAna! It’s nice to hear from other balanced, like-minded individuals.
Katie
[Reply to this comment]
Hi Katie,
I’m impressed with all that you’re doing on/thru your website!
And in response to your ” why you want to win Healthy Snacks to Go”…first, it’s d/t our very tight budget, & sometimes lack of it…but, I love health & nutrition, plus I love the kitchen (cooking & baking). I need new ideas to bring nourishment to my kids; I home-school my kids and it seems as if my brain has gone on vacation, & coming up w/new ideas seems impossible most of the time, lol.
Thanks for your consideration, and keep up the good work in encouraging people to eat healthy and the how to’s!
Sincerely,
Cindra
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
May 13th, 2010 at 4:19 pm
Cindra,
Thanks for visiting! Did you mean to leave this comment at Stephanie/Keeper of the Home? I don’t have a giveaway going for my ebook at the moment here.
Thanks!
Katie
[Reply to this comment]
I love your tag line! I am taking some baby steps of my own.. for my daughter, 17 months old with food allergies to milk and soy and for my family’s overall health…
we began our journey about 11 months ago when I went on an elimination diet for nursing her and we have just continued from there….
JoLynn (eat local philly andmusings of a housewife) sent me your way!
Looking forward to learning from your successes!
I have been eyeing dehydrators for WEEKS, wondering if I could fit one in the budget…
I would love to win one- off to go read how to enter!
Thanks-
Kristi
[Reply to this comment]
Katie Reply:
June 28th, 2010 at 12:09 am
Kristi,
Katie
Welcome aboard! I love Jo-Lynne;glad she sent you my way. It’s all about the baby steps, for sure…
[Reply to this comment]
Thank you! I’m humbled and honored!
[Reply to this comment]