Thirty Years of Love

It wasn't until the middle of my devotions this morning when I remembered. I was studying 1 John 4, a chapter that speaks of God's sacrificial love and how we can reflect that same love to others when I recalled that today, thirty years ago, my Dad and Mom were married.

I felt like we should have had some great party for them. Mom and Dad should have gone out for fillet mignon, creme brulee and candlelight. They wasn't. Mom didn't really feel like dining out and Dad was perfectly satisfied to stay home. So the whole family ate noodles with meatballs in a mushroom-green pea sauce. It was simple and sweet, much like my parents love for each other. After Mom finished reading the card Dad had given her Dad reached for her hand and said, "Look for me, I'll be there." That is true love isn't it? A sacrifce and a heart celebration... every single day.

Dad, Mom, God has been so gracious and faithful to you both. Thanks for looking at each other the past 30 years and "being there!"

The Crowds of Christmas Past

Here is a little something I wrote on the 21st of this month, three years ago! This is a narration of a real event. I thought it was appropriate for Christmas Eve (and those crazy enough to brave the crowds)!

I can see why many people don't enjoy the holidays. I normally do not feel any animosity towards this season; however, this particular Christmas seems alot crazier than previous ones. Picture this: All of the baking has to be done which means the cookies will need to be plated and the caramel corn put into tins. As you are packaging up these goodies you find that you are out of cookie platters and you are 3 tins short for the caramel corn. Down at the store the tins are more expensive than what you want to pay and there isn't one decent dessert patter around. You consider buying the plastic trays the are intended to go underneath house plants to catch water. This would be far more economical and easy, yet on second thought a little cheap. After all, the goodies are for Dad's co-workers who he happens to manage. Hmmm, yeah bad idea. While continuing the search for platters, you come across the gift wrapping isle and you remember that you will need ribbons to tie around the celo-wrap the you will wrap the cookie platters in. This means that you will need to get celo-wrap too. Unfortunately, the store is out of celo-wrap so you grab some snowflake bedecked foil along with a four-pack of ribbon. By this time it is 9:30 PM and the caramel corn tins are looking pretty cheap as are the Styrofoam pates that you stuffed in the cart. (You couldn't find decent cookie platters so Styrofoam would just have to do. At least they have Christmas trees on them).

You stand in the 20 foot long procession of last minute shoppers/bakers when unexpectedly you find that your spot in line is in the middle of the main isle way. A young woman tries to slide past you so you graciously move your cart out of her way only to find that she has she suddenly become stationary. She has cut in front of you! You look at the family member who graciously agreed to come with you and who has had mare then their share of crowds and decision making for the evening. They shrug. You smile (or is the a grimace?). Neither one of you says anything other than "Oh well, we'll get there sooner or later." And it is true. You slowly creep your way to the cashier and you leave with.... the basic idea of what you came for.!

More on Editing...

Ok, a little more on editing! Check out the differences in these two pictures. The first is the original, the second after some editing.

Isn't the difference in the quality incredible? Hmm... maybe if Reader's Digest does an issue on rice cakes I could submit this pic!

A Whole New World

Over my college break, I promised myself I would take some time to figure out some of the features on the family camera as well as our editing software. I started "dinking around" the editing program after coming home from church, and in a few short minutes I was sliding the contrast bar to the left and the saturation bar to the right.... (gee I almost make myself sound like I know what I am talking about!)! Watch out world, no picture is safe from my mouse! Check out two of my favs!






Now all I need is to figure out how to compile some of these into a collage! Ahem, photagraphy friend, any tips? :)

The Simple kindness of the Semester

You guys know those weeks. Some seven day intervals seem riddled with strange unkindnesses. Take the "dude" at school who cussed me out because I was trying to be nice and not run over him (go figure)! By contrast, there are other days that simple kindnesses seem to blossom from under the cracks in the side walk right beneath our feet. Take several Tuesdays ago. My art instructor told us students to plunk ourselves somewhere on campus and do a charcoal drawing (our 2nd ever). I chose the same out-of-the-way spot that I worked at a month prior--on the sidewalk on front of a gnarled tree. The minutes passed by as I became in engrossed in the work of my ebony dusted hands.

"Oh honey your bum must hurt!" I looked up. A elderly cafeteria worker, her lunch in hand, looked down on me with concern.

"Oh, I 'm ok. It really isn't so bad."

"Well, you should be careful honey. You really could get sore from sitting on the hard cement like this!"

"You are kind but I am alright" Trust me, I thought, I have enough padding! NO harm has been done!

The minutes silently slipped by as my arm moved in large strokes, first with the kneaded eraser then with the stick of soft charcoal. Trusting my untrained instincts, I cut out the fingers of light and put in dark shadows.


"Here ya go baby!"

Turning, my eyes met the same cafeteria worker holding a pair of folded fleece pants.

"Now it won't be so bad. Just throw them away when you are through with them!"




By the time she had finished talking, she had placed the soft fleece pants beneath my rump! I was just able to ask her name and say "thank you!" before she rushed back to the cafeteria.

Maybe you haven't been given a pair of sweat pants to "cush your tush," yet I would guess that you personally, have received a kindness of some sort lately. It is a good reminder, is it not, in this Christmas hustle and bustle to think of others more than we think of ourselves.

Once again, thanks Camile.

Ok, sorry for the funky blog background. I was experimenting with cute backgrounds at oh, past 10 pm the other night. Hmm, yeah...bad idea.

And yes, I know I have already broken my resolution but hang tight, I think I can make it up. I have some neat things ahead. Finals are right around the corner which means you all get to read and see some of the things I have been doing this semester. From art to Psychology, you'll get it all!

Ready..Get set... Thanksgiving!

Look at the link HERE to find to tasty look'n recipes for this Thanksgiving! This was taken from Pam Smith's e-newsletter. Mrs. Smith is a Christian dietitian who has a wonderful, realistic perspective on food and health . Enjoy browsing through this. There are quite a few succulent selections to choose from.

Hills of fire and a Blood-red sky

Needless to say tonight's post is not the original one I was intending to post! In short, there is a fire in the sage brush hills behind my home. Here are some pictures. I am going to try and get the film clip to work too. (Kristin...I wish I was a bit more artistic in my pyro-photography!)

Note that the house isn't on fire! It is the hill behind the house that is aflame! The perspective is all off!

This last picture unfortunately doesn't show the detail, but the the little "swishy" in the sky is a helicopter dropping retardant/water at night. I have never seen a fire 'copter' do this except when they drill in the summer.

We got a false call to evacuate around 7:00pm. It ended up being a miscommunication. It turns out we heard the Police's bullhorn from several streets up. Whew (though it still is a bit close!)! I have to say that I dread the very idea of putting ALL of my quick-packing back into my room tomorrow. Then again, it doesn't seem so nasty of a job considering that I still have a house to put them in! God is kind.

Here's a mid-November resolution...

Ready for it? Here it is: for the next month I am going to attempt to post on my blog once a week. Honestly, posting creative and inspiring thoughts is difficult for me to do in midst of a busy college semester; however, I feel like a robot if I don't create something (especially with words!)!

Steam powered, baked fish

As some of you know, my current job has changed from caring for a 17 month-old to adult com- ompanionship care. I have truly been enjoying the job.

About a month ago I helped prepare a lovely salmon lucheon. It was a regualr fall-ish feast including salmon en papillote, french bread, ceaser salad, and fruit. Did I mention that there was gingerbread with sauteed apples in a sweet sauce? I think I am forgeting something....oh yeah, there was Cool Whip too!

Salmon en paplillot (en pap- e`- yote) by the way, is a f French word for cooking salomon in a parchment paper envelope. (Truth be known you can cook anything en papillote). The whole power behind of the parchment paper package is steam. Once you put a dalop of butter in the package, steam is garenteed. Here is the recipe. If it looks too camplicated for you, at least try the marinade! Mm...mm...good!

Salmon Special (or en papillote style)

Ingredients:
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup sherry
1 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoons fresh ginger root, grated
¼ cup butter, softened
1 Tablespoons minced shallot (about 1 medium)
1 teaspoons fresh chopped parsley
4 4-ounce Alaska salmon steaks or fillets (4 to 6 ounces each)
Pparchment paper (for en papillote stylel-

1. Combine soy sauce, sherry, garlic and ginger in flat dish or gallon size zip-lock plastic bag. Place salmon in marinade; turn several times to coat. Cover, if needed, and refrigerate for 1 hour, turning salmon over after 30 minutes.

2. Cream butter with shallot and parsley; cover and set aside. Grill salmon on oiled hot grill, turning once during cooking, about 6 to 12 minutes per inch of thickness. Do not overcook. Serve each salmon portion with dollop of seasoned butter.

Note: If cooking en papillote style: Follow instructions through 1. Then cream butter with shallot and parsley. Place fillets in the parchment paper heart and smear the butter spread onto top of salmon. Roll the edges of the parchment together (think fluted edges of a pie crust) and set of a baking sheet. Bake ate 375 F for 12-15 min.

Servings: 4

You Know You Need to Give Up Your Tanning Lotion When...

...the guy next to you in class asks if you have been carving alot of pumpkins!!

Sniff! Good-bye summer glow. I'll stop pretending.

What am I up to...?

Here it is in all of its glory. My desk (and life) as of 10 minutes ago:

So now, ask me again how I stay out of trouble?

Simple things...

Yes it is the simple things in life that spread the smile onto our faces. It is like the mom I saw at the bus stop today. As I zipped by in my car, she ran back and forth on the sidewalk in an insane pattern. She held something tightly--a young child. The little boy she clasped, extended his arms out from his sides as if he was an airplane. Back and forth they went, both smiling and laughing. Who knows how long they flew in their bizarre flight pattern. While the other waiting bus riders sat slumped on the hard hot benches, this woman was taking the opportunity to enjoy her child and the often overlooked simple joy of being alive. Thank you little boy's mom, you put a smile on my face!

My last official day of summer was yesterday. That of course, means that today is the official first day of the fall semester.

Many are the feelings and thoughts with which my mind is occupying itself. One of the thoughts happens to be a quote I came across last spring. It is is a very true saying from the dedication portion of my chemistry book. A certain Mr. William Feather is the author of it.

"An Education isn't how much you have committed to memory, or even how much you know. It's being able to differentiate between what you do know and what you don't. It's knowing where to find out what you need to know; and it's knowing how to use the information once you get it."

Well said, no? I don't know about you, but it helps with that often forgotten aid called perspective.

Today is the birthday of the most wonderful man I know. Happy Birthday Dad!!

A Web of Words to Catch a Smile

It is true. I can myself confirm the old saying regarding the inspiration to write ignited in those who avidly read. I myself have been bit with the very bug, been rushed along in the mighty gale, been burned by the fire of a good book. More on that later of course, but now for the flood of words that have recently originated in my mind, run down my arm, and hurried from my fingers. Yes, here is, yet again, a very random web of words intended to catch a smile. This time, it was Monday's laundry that was the source of inspiration.

A Poem of the Sole: A grave reflection upon the continual occurrence of retrieving one sock from the dryer instead of two

~*~*~*~

Of all the queries from ages past,
The answer I’d most like to know,
Regards the mystery of two halves;
The mystery concerning the two soles


By soles I mean the socks I wear.
Those fabricated tubes of cloth,
Whose loss leads often to despair
And stirs within me hopeless wroth.


Respecting the allusive pair
Universal understanding is abreast.
And brilliant minds from here and there
Have pondered questions such as this:

In what part of traversing do,
The pair of one, split into two?


Conspiracy. Can that be it?
The washer and dryer would be to blame.
But why only socks so they bandit
And never treat other articles in manners of the same?


If not conspiracy, then what?
Do quarrels break out between the two?
Do jealousies and harsh words cut
And severe the friendship once like glue.


Or can it be, like all bosom friends,
Their natural paths do part.
Such farewells do not ensure the end
of the bond ‘tween kindred hearts.

Some solutions I will never find,
Of this I am convinced.
Some golden threads ne’er will unwind
The way through the labyrinth.


Alas, the answer yet evades my mind.
The mystery lingers on.
And though it may be solved in time,
I thus must end my song.

~*~
Copyright August 9th 2008

The Melodramatic Plea of a Pizza (after being sorely abused by me)

Following, is the most recent of my literary inspirations. To understand and appreciate it fully, I must give you the context. The shapeless blob over to my left is, contrary to what the first glance may surmise, pizza dough. I made dinner a few nights ago and after wrestling with this herbal ball of elasticity, I was able to produce this sorry shape. Had my recently wedded sister LK., been in the kitchen, I know this would not have happened. Despite claiming to "prefer baking over regular cooking," L.K is a wiz with pizza dough. I truly cannot explain her talent (neither can she since she certainly does not practice!), I can only say that it is a gift. After considering this fact and after staring at my pitiful doughy disk, a random rhyme popped into my cranium.

The following poem is dedicated to L.K and her mastery of pizza dough. This sad and melodramatic testimony of my pizza has one fault in that it does not have a proper title. After reading this tale with the passion and drama due it, I would ask for suggestions for the proper title. At the conclusion of writing such a piece I am, shall I say, at loss for words?

(Note: when I refer to "your" I am referring to L.K. herself)

The floured hands and dusted board
Kindled in my doughy soul unbridled fear.
No words describe that terrors sword,
Except the moan, “ Wish you’d been here!”


At first, with docile hands, seeming soft,
She plied me in a mound.
Then without warning, tossed aloft,
Then calloused knuckles pounded down.

My herbal epidermis broke.
My misshapen form, friendless and alone.
With one last and heartless stroke,
She me slapped down upon the stone.

Your tender hands would not have pulled
My delicate frame asunder.
No! All your faculties you would’st have culled
And not have made such blunders.

And though by now it is too late.
Lift not thy culinary nose and sneer.
Tis true, I cannot change my fate,
Yet I say again, “Wish you’d been here!”

Copyright July 2008

Move 'em on, head 'em up

That is right, tomorrow we "move 'em out" to deliver my sisters "stuff" to her new home in another state. Dad was unable to secure the smallest size truck from Penkse, however, that turned out to be a blessing in disguise. We ended up filling the size we got-- a 16 foot truck!! It is amazing the large quantity of items one little lady can possess! Loading took 2 1/2 hours for 3 1/2 adults (Mom was on the phone for half of the time). It was 2 1/2 hours of problem-solving, weight lifting, and laughter. After loading, the four of us celebrated with sparkling cider (we didn't have Coke and the bottles had been taking up shelf space since 2006) and a delicious, homemade tri-tip salad.

Hopefully, when I get back, I will have some pictures to share. Wagons ho!

Tidy Tips

Here are some simple tips to help you maintain your room/s so that you can fully enjoy that your summer. After all, we all work, think, and serve more effectively when we are unencumbered by clutter:

1. Close the closet door/s. This is such a simple act that makes a HUGE difference in the appearance of even the messiest of rooms.

2. Make you bed BEFORE you leave the room. This is one of the best things I have ever done when it comes to tidying up. The temptation to never make the bed is so much stronger after re-entering after breakfast. Plus a bed that is made does wonders psychologically as you go and start your day.

3. Put your laundry away. Seriously, it takes a wopp'n minute or two (perhaps 5 if you have a sizable stack of procrastination). No one likes wrinkly clothes anyway. Do everyone a favor.

4. Put things in your room/ space that you love. If you have an item that you just love (a picture, trinket, or collection) you are more likely to spend some time caring for it. Sometimes putting a flowering plant in your room is incentive to pay attention and and to give it some TLC. If a wilted and dried-up poise doesn't make a body feel guilty I don't know what will.

5. Do the 5 (or 10) minute pick up...once a day. I normally do this at night so that I can begin the next day without the confrontation of clutter. I actually don't time myself because it has become such a habit, however, if this is not a habit of yours, the timer is your best friend!!

I love my room. There is is just no getting around it. My little green room is my oasis and I love keeping it clean because it signifies that it is very own special space. Check out how many different items I have with my name on it!

Here Comes the Bride

Although I am biased, I have to say that my sister is by far the most radiant bride I have ever seen!! Our photographer, Kristen Rogers, did an incredible job! Check out her blog!

A Wedding Blessing

As I think about my sister's wedding tomorrow (Saturday), I can't help but feel the need to send a blessing along with her and her soon-to-be-husband as they begin a new life together one state away. I have been reading in Colossians for my devotions and I honestly cannot think of a better blessing than what is written in verses 9- 13 of chapter one. Just as Paul prayed these words earnestly for the church of Colosse, so I too lift them up again to our Father ...

So L and L, my prayer for you is that you may be filled with the knowledge of [God's] will, with all wisdom and spiritual understanding. That as you live the rest of you lives as one, you may walk worthy of the Lord in a manner fully pleasing to Him. May you be fruitful in every good work and increase in the knowledge of God. May the source of your strength come form [God's] glorious power in order that you may be patient, [and] longsuffering. May all that you do be done out of joy and thanksgiving to God as you remember the truth of your inheritance and His eternal deliverance into the kingdom of the Son of His love. Amen.

I love you.

Guess Who...or What

I had some fun with the camera the other day (the other month, rather). Perhaps you can tell me precisely what I was pointing my camera at? Anyone?

or this

Happy 4th of July!!!

Meditations from Psalm 23

Today I was a little confused as to what day it was, so instead of reading Psalm 24 for my devotional warm up, I opened to the well-known Psalm 23. At times, this passage is easy to skip over since I "know it already." But do I? Today I found myself challenged and comforted afresh by this Psalm. Here are some of the thoughts I wrote down as I was meditating on verse 4. First, to quote it:

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil; for You are with me...."

It is a given that I will experience situations/circumstances that feel like and appear to be the very worst that could ever happen to me (or one I love). The Psalmist doesn't qualify the statement "though I walk" with but for some of you reading, this is not applicable. The "though" here carries an idea of certainty. (There are also other passages of Scripture that clearly state that the beliver will encounter trials)

This trial, this "valley of the shadow of death," though it may appear to be the worst thing that could ever happen, it is only a shadow. Shadows are very real, but in no way so they have all of the strength and functions of the thing they represent. They are limited. My body may be engulfed in a shadow cast by a storefront, but the total effect on my being is much less severe than if the actual store lay on top of me. In the same way God has put limits on every single trial that we encounter.

Notice that there is a promise, "I walk through." This means that each trial has a definite end and as Christians, we have the assurance that we will see the other side. We will "walk through."

It is critical to recognize the manner in which we are to experience each and every of the “valley one of the shadow of death(s).” It is just two simple words: “without fear.” Contrary to what we might think, fear is a gift from God that prompts us to either do or not do something. There are both righteous as well as sinful categories of fear. The fear spoken of in this passage is clearly referring to the latter. You see, if you fear evil in the way David is speaking of, you are being controlled by it. You are letting it direct your attitudes, emotions, and actions. This sinful fear is like opening the door to the cockpit of our souls to a someone with no flying experience. Actually, it is more like opening it up to a terrorist. Sinful fear is destructive.

How do we begin to “fear no evil?” The answer comes in the next line, “for You are with me.” It is our saving relationship with Jesus Christ that gives us the promise and reality of His presence. The knowledge of His omnipresence (His sovereign presence in the world) and particular presence in the believers’ life quenches the flames of fear. Such confidence and faith in God’s character secures our souls cockpit door behind the only Pilot fit for the job.

These thoughts spoke to me heart this morning. Shamefacedly, I must admit that I am a fearful person. Oh, I may not look it, but I have lived in a sinful pattern of fear. This fear has grown out of the high few I have of myself and the low and frightfully inadequate view I have of God. But praise Him, He is growing me in this area of my life. Right now I don't feel fearful (in the sinful sense) . Nothing seems to be blatantly challenging my trust in God. However, I know that in the future I will walk through a very real valley, one that "threatens" to crush my whole being. Hopefully, by keeping the truth of this Psalm before me, I will walk through the valley with a spirit controlled, not by the natural fear of the evil circumstances, but with the faith that rests in the character of God.

If you don't read anything else read this: We should never view anything (especially trials and life circumstances) outside of the Sovereignty of God. We can have a real peace this morning, because we believe in a real saving God!

The 20 Blesings Game...part 2

Here is part 2 of the blessings game. Hopefully you are somewhat inspired sooo... why doesn't everybody put up the first 5 that come to mind.... looking forward to seeing how God is working in all ya'lls lives!

My 20 Blessing (installment 2)

11. Homeschooling. Some people think homeschooling will teach their kids how to be smart. Homeschooling didn't do that for me, it taught me how to live Biblically.

12. Having NO TV! I truly believe this was one of the best things my parents did for me!!Because it wasn't available I wasn't addicted or enslaved to it. Be being TV-less I wasn not only gifted with more time, my mind was protected from the growing wickedness TV allows into many homes and hearts.


13.College. This a big one for me because God's blessings have been multi-faceted:
a)Academically I have blossomed. I mean this in the best of senses (no pride here). What I mean is that each class was (and still is) a puzzle of how to problem solve. Each class was a lesson in truly learn, and understand, and apply. Of all places, my chemistry book gave the best definition of education I have heard of yet. (I need to go dig it up and post)
b)Perseverance. This is another characteristic that accompanies learning. It is a skill needed in all of life and one that is stated in the Bible noteworthy.

c) Organization. It's just that plain and simple: organization keeps the sanity

d) Spiritually. Yes college has challenged me to lean hard on my precious Savior. Certain thought patterns stemming from the fear of failure and the fear of man were exposed. It took the constant slew of assignments, deadlines, and difficult teachers to bring me to a place where I could not depend on my own strength, resources, and capacity.


14. My job watching "Pooky" 10 hours a week! ("Pooky" is a 16 month old little girl I sit every week) I adore my job!


15.Direction in school plans


16.Roadtrip Vacations. Nothing can replace the sanctification a stationwagon, 5 people, and an open road bring. So many memories were made too: the 9 hour wait in Barstow, the climb up Horn Peak, food poisoning in the car, books on tape....sigh.


17. A childhood full of chores, dress up, and the great outdoors! What bliss....The red skirt with the rip, the harness swing, the stroll around the street in the green trash can ...need I say more?!


18. The ability to read and imagine. As bizarre as it might sound I once thought I would never read. "Never in a hundred years," I cried until I was about nine. I am a wretched prophet. I learned both how to reed and spele.


19.Laughter. I am so thankful to have been raised in a family that values laughter. I absolutely love to laugh! Belly laughs are the best, especially when they are accompanied with tears.


20. Health. I am certainly not without my issues, but I have nothing whatsoever to complain about. I work, what more can I say?

The 20 Blessings Game... Part 1

Actually, I guess it should be called the “however old you are” blessings game. It is not a regular game. In fact, it might not be considered a game at all. I however, found it an wonderful exercise. I acquired the idea for this game from Nancy Leigh DeMoss after hearing how she made a list of 30 blessings on her 30th birthday*. The only rule of the game (simplistic folks like me prefer this sort of game. The fewer amount of rules the better) is that your list of blessings must be the same number as your age. At first I found myself thinking about the most recent blessings; blessings experienced within the last month or two. However, after deeper consideration I began to un-pile the numerous blessings that covered the span of my entire life. It was difficult to stop at 20! If played correctly, this game is a definite win. In the end, I found myself truly thankful and full of praise to the Lord. I found myself saying, I am rich indeed!!

*small disclaimer…. It might not have been her 30th birthday exactly. I am almost certain it was but don’t hold me to the exact number.

My 20 Blessings list (installment 1)

1 God has taken care of my greatest problem….my sin. Through the blood of His Son, God saved me from the path of destruction and put my of the path of life.

2. God’s patience. The older I get the more I see His unfailing patience. Praise God that He is not as quick to act, judged, and punish as I am.

3. Dad. What a blessing to have a father such as God set over me. Dad makes it easy to summit to him. My heart can gladly respect a man who daily comes before His Savior to be taught, seek counsel, and confess sin. My heart is blessed every morning when Dad and Mom pray together, when he takes me on donut dates, and at the remembrance that he never traveled so that he could be a better husband to his wife and a better father to his children.

4. Mom. What a mother I have! I wish all young women could have a mother like mine. I thank God for her sacrifices (seen and unseen), her continuous and fervent attitude of prayer, her eternal perspective, and her whole-hearted training and rearing of her daughters. Many young women are bankrupt when it comes down to the important areas of life because their mothers have not invested in them. Not so with my mom.

5. L.K. Her organization, responsibility, and kindness have modeled how to be mature (something I thinkj she was born with!). Her example has taught me soooo much!

6. Anne. In particular it is her staunch persistence that is such an example to me. Her fearlessness and companionship have been exemplary and they have equipped my with courage to so the same.

7. L and L’s relationship. The way both of then endeavoured to honor God above all and then each other (and their parents) has been a much needed example.

8. Land L's wedding in July!!! What a celebration it will be!

9. A tender heart towards God's workings

10. The body of belivers. What an incredible blessing the people of God are! I never cease to be amazed at how and where I find God's people.

Happy Memorial Day!

Let Freedom Ring!!

Spring is here!

The sun beams it, the birds sing it, and now my blog photo further hails it...Spring is here! I have been very busy with school and as I am sure 100% of you have noticed, I have quite neglected my blog. However, the pleas of my dear mother were growing rather persistent regarding the very cold, very dark, and terribly "wintery" picture blog picture that I simply had to change it. No more, I told myself. No more deep mysterious shadows and muddy tire tracks biting through the frosty ground. Let the sunshine and tender buds piercing through the warm soil be allowed to advertise themselves with all the pomp and circumstance they can muster. Hopefully- sooner than later- I will share some of the latest and greatest pictures I have of my revamped garden. Until then, happy Spring!

Take me out to the antique shops...

This last Monday was Presidents Day which meant there were no college classes to attend!! Of course, being the faithful student I am (ahem, ahem) I studied chemistry for a few hours before heading off with my entire family to go antiquing. We never buy much, if anything, however it is always such a joy to hang out with the people I enjoy and love the most. I did toss a few pennies towards a quaint plate that I am going to convert into a chalk board, as well as a book entitled Three minute Readings for College Girls. I couldn't help snapping a few shots of fun, "old things." If you can't tell, I love close ups!

(Note to the concerned photo junkie: All the photos shown on this blog where taken without flash. No antiques were harmed in the process.)

Dear L.K....

You are only a couple days away from your B day. I figured since this was a particularly important occasion I should say something extra celebratory. You know, something like, "I have always looked up to you." I might want to include examples to prove it. How about that phase I went through when I would only drink the identical flavor of soda that you did, even if I didn't really like it. Or what about the time we had that all-sibling argument in the side yard about that movie. I sided with you even though gut deep I thought Curly-Q had a point. Yeah, that's when Grandma said "You always side with L.K don't you?" Man, was she right. I guess I was acting upon the awarenss that you got me into trouble the least. Additionally, you were older than me so...well, I think that was supposed to account for something.

If I wanted to be sentimental I guess I would say that the truth is, I have always looked up to you and that as we grow older I see more and more why I should. Your submissive heart. Your gentleness. Your perseverance. These are a few evidences of God's gracious and faithful fingerprints.

I have much to learn from you...in this season and the next. I am privileged to be your sister.

These were things I was going to say, however, I decided to mention that you are half way to 50! Enjoy your age cuz ya can't go back....Happy Birthday!!!

All my love,
Turkey

Exercising my civic muscle...

Today, for only the second time in my life, I took my place with my forefathers. As I watched the poll attendant slip my ballot into the large box, I had to stop and remind myself that this was more than a Chemistry quiz or Pilates move. The inked-in squares marked more than my opinon--they were the marks of an American. God bless America!

Sails to the Wind

"I am seeing more and more that we begin to learn what it is to walk by faith when we learn to spread out all that is against us: all our physical weakness, loss of mental power, spiritual inability--all that is against us inwardly and outwardly--as sails to the wind and expect them to be vehicles for the power of Christ to rest upon us. It is so simple and self-evident--but so long in the learning!"
~*~ Lilias Trotter

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness"

2 Corinthians 12:9

The Ten Questions...continued

If you were utterly enthused by the first ten reflective questions by Donald Whitney and just couldn't get enough of them , here are twenty-one more to help you "Consider your ways." Use them now or save them for later.

11. What's the most important decision you need to make this year?

12. What area of your life most needs simplifying, and what's one way you could simplify in that area?

13. What's the most important need you feel burdened to meet this year?

14. What habit would you most like to establish this year?

15. Who do you most want to encourage this year?

16. What is your most important financial goal this year, and what is the most important step you can take toward achieving it?

17. What's the single most important thing you could do to improve the quality of your work life this year?

18. What's one new way you could be a blessing to your pastor (or to another who ministers to you) this year?

19. What's one thing you could do this year to enrich the spiritual legacy you will leave to your children and grandchildren?

20. What book, in addition to the Bible, do you most want to read this year?

21. What one thing do you most regret about last year, and what will you do about it this year?

22. What single blessing from God do you want to seek most earnestly this year?

23. In what area of your life do you most need growth, and what will you do about it this year?

24. What's the most important trip you want to take this year?

25. What skill do you most want to learn or improve this year?

26. To what need or ministry will you try to give an unprecedented amount this year?

27. What's the single most important thing you could do to improve the quality of your commute this year?

28. What one biblical doctrine do you most want to understand better this year, and what will you do about it?

29. If those who know you best gave you one piece of advice, what would they say? Would they be right? What will you do about it?

30. What's the most important new item you want to buy this year?

31. In what area of your life do you most need change, and what will you do about it this year? The value of many of these questions is not in their profundity, but in the simple fact that they bring an issue or commitment into focus. For example, just by articulating which person you most want to encourage this year is more likely to help you remember to encourage that person than if you hadn't considered the question.

If you've found these questions helpful, you might want to put them someplace—in a day planner, PDA, calendar, bulletin board, etc.—where you can review them more frequently than once a year. So let's evaluate our lives, make plans and goals, and live this new year with biblical diligence, remembering that, "The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage" (Proverbs 21:5). But in all things let's also remember our dependence on our King who said, "Apart from Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5).

Copyright © 2003 Donald S. Whitney.

Chemistry...See It Through

As unplanned as it may have been, chemistry is in my future. Oh, not just general chemistry, there is biochemistry and the organic kind as well. Did I mention that there is also a dash of microbiology and a hint of physiology too? Changing my major from culinary arts to dietetics has twisted the steering wheel of my academic plan drastically. I thought I could get away with only general biology, yet now I am faced with almost years of sciences such as chemistry. This might be nothing to a science, biology, or chemistry major, but to gal who never considered herself a "a science person” this took me back a little.


However, God surprised me this last semester by showing me how much I enjoyed general biology. Not only did I enjoy it, I was good at it too. Needless to say, this has given me tremendous courage in my future of chemistry. I still can't say that I am completely fearless when approaching science, but at least it no longer has the "off limits" sign on it.

Here is a poem by the ever clever, Edgar A. Guest. For me, these 23 lines have chemistry written all over them....

See it Through

When you're up against a trouble,

Meet it squarely, face to face;

Lift your chin and set your shoulders,

Plant your feet and take a brace.

When it's vain to try to dodge it,

Do the best that you can do;

You may fail, but you may conquer,

See it through!


Black may be the clouds about you

And your future may seem grim,

But don't let your nerve desert you;

Keep yourself in fighting trim.

If the worst is bound to happen,

Spite of all that you can do,

Running from it will not save you,

See it through!



Even hope may seem but futile,

When with troubles you're beset,

But remember you are facing

Just what other men have met.

You may fail, but fall still fighting;

Don't give up, whate'er you do;

Eyes front, head high to the finish.

See it through!

Edgar Albert Guest

Resolved!

As I promised in an earlier post, I am giving some purposeful questions to ask yourself as you enter into the fresh calendar year. These are not "resolutions" per say, though they certainly could lead to the making of them. As pastor Y reminded us at college group last week, despite how jinxed the phrase "New Year's resolutions" may be, we as Christians are to be a "resolved" people. However, the why, how, and what of those resolutions should be in accordance with Romans 12: 1-2. In essesence, the why for our resolutins should be God's glory. The how, is only by being transformed by the renewing of your mind (through God's word). And lastly, the what (what we actually resolve to do) must fulfill the criteria of what is the "perfect, acceptable, will of God."

So with that in mind and without further ado, here are the "Ten Questions to Ask Yourself on the New Year (or your birthday)" taken from Donald S. Whitney's website, "
The Center for Biblical Spirituality." Here is Mr. Whitney's introduction (don't skip it!):

Once, when the people of God had become careless in their relationship with Him, the Lord rebuked them through the prophet Haggai. "Consider your ways!" (Haggai 1:5) he declared, urging them to reflect on some of the things happening to them, and to evaluate their slipshod spirituality in light of what God had told them. Even those most faithful to God occasionally need to pause and think about the direction of their lives. It's so easy to bump along from one busy week to another without ever stopping to ponder where we're going and where we should be going. The beginning of a new year is an ideal time to stop, look up, and get our bearings. To that end, here are some questions to ask prayerfully in the presence of God.

1. What's one thing you could do this year to increase your enjoyment of God?

2. What's the most humanly impossible thing you will ask God to do this year?

3. What's the single most important thing you could do to improve the quality of your family life this year? (An aside from Cathryn: singles you don't get out of this one! If you still live at home, you can use this question to assess whether your contribution to the family resembles something of a leech or something of a sevant. Lastly, no matter what particular living situation you are in, establish habits and standards that will work towards the quality of your future home- even if there is no one in sight...yet.)

4. In which spiritual discipline do you most want to make progress this year, and what will you do about it?

5. What is the single biggest time-waster in your life, and what will you do about it this year?

6. What is the most helpful new way you could strengthen your church?

7. For whose salvation will you pray most fervently this year?

8. What's the most important way you will, by God's grace, try to make this year different from last year?

9. What one thing could you do to improve your prayer life this year?

10. What single thing that you plan to do this year will matter most in ten years? In eternity?

Copyright © 2003 Donald S. Whitney.


It's important to remember that change happens in centemeters not miles. Maybe the entirety of this list is not for you right now, but I would encourage you to take one or two and prayerfully consider how God would have you live steadfastly and with single-mindedness.

Well, we are back from vacation and have lots of pictures and fun stories to share. Yet before I do any of that, I think I had best pass on the best bit of news... but to find it you will need to hop over to my sister's blog. She says everthing much better than I could. Here's a hint.....: )