THE ultimate party

Parties are great. I have been amazed at the participation in the Ultimate Blog Party (800+ participants). I've party-hopped to around 200 sites, leaving messages on 90% of them. I've been awe-struck at the celebrations some people set up. I've smiled at the simplicity of others. I'm humbled by those who have visited me. And everyone seems to be having a good time. It shows how much people enjoy parties.

Birthday parties are fun. Spontaneous get-togethers can be exciting. But the type of party I often find the most poignant is a wedding party. The symbolism and the commitment mirrored at the wedding ceremony is awesome. Yes, I'm one who cries at weddings. But earthly wedding feasts only foreshadow THE ULTIMATE PARTY that will ever take place. Scripture tells us that we are the Bride of Christ and we are preparing for our wedding.

Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: "Hallelujah!
For our Lord God Almighty reigns.
Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!
For the wedding of the Lamb has come,
and his bride has made herself ready.
Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear." (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.) Revelation 19:6-8

All glorious is the princess within her chamber ;
her gown is interwoven with gold.
In embroidered garments she is led to the king;
her virgin companions follow her
and are brought to you. Psalm 45:13-14

I delight greatly in the LORD;
my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation
and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. Isaiah 61:10

We, as the bride, wait for the return of Jesus, the bridegroom. The time will come when He takes His church to be with Him. Then the true party will begin. I cannot pretend to know, or even begin to imagine, what the party will be like--but I know the Host and I know He plans to lavish His beloved with all good things. I know that in turn we take that blessing lavished out on us and return it to Him--for the Glory and Honor are all His. I know that He has been preparing this moment from the beginning of time. And I know that this party will be everlasting in a city of beauty beyond measure (see Revelation 21 and let your imagination go wild). I know that everyone will have a good time for Revelation 21:4 says there are no tears and no pain in heaven.

Then the angel said to me, "Write: 'Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!' " And he added, "These are the true words of God." Revelation 19:9

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. John 14:1-3

But there is something more important than what is served, how the place looks, or how many jewels are in the city. I know that I am invited. I know that I am covered by the blood of the Lamb and I am among those invited to come. That makes me excited. I get to live my life in preparation for attending THE wedding feast. And you can be certain that you are invited as well. If you aren't sure that you are invited, please follow the link below. It will tell you how you can be sure. Or email me through my profile. I'd love to help you procure your invitation.

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6

Thank you for attending my little slice of the Ultimate Blog Party. I so dream that someday we will all meet at the Wedding Feast! Until that day, be Blessed by the One who is preparing a place for you.

IOW--Breathing and Praying

I once kept an aroma diffuser in my office that had Eucalyptus oil in it. My co-workers hated it. Finally one day, I asked one what she didn't like about it. She told me it was because it forced her to breathe deeply, something she apparently didn't do very often. Conversely, that is why I loved it. I tended to hold my breath when talking about *delicate* issues like spending down of assets, living wills and dying (I was a social worker in a geriatric setting). The oil diffuser ensured that I did not hold my breath very long. I felt healthier and more awake--and I probably was because more oxygen was getting into my system. We take it for granted that breathing is a natural reflex. But even something as natural as breathing can be done shallowly and without total health effect.

Our prayer lives can be much the same. They need to be a natural reflex--something that we do naturally and constantly.

"Rejoice always; pray without ceasing;
in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
Ephesians 5:16-18 (NAS)

I remember as a college student the first time I read Brother Lawrence's Practice the Presence. It changed my perspective. I began to realize for the first time that it was possible to "pray without ceasing." I put a little PTP reminder on my mirror that I would see often to remind me to practice. And with practice, for a while, prayer was like breathing--I'd pray without even really thinking about it. It infused my day and balanced me. I found myself more thankful, more alert to what God was doing, and more able to make decisions. Praying had brought life to my spiritual being just as breathing brings life to my physical being.

"To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing"
~ Martin Luther ~

But just as I sometimes find that I am breathing shallowly and my physical being, although working, is not at it's optimum, the same is true of my prayer life. Sometimes, often times, my prayer life becomes shallow. It's there. And it is giving life to sustain. But it is not bringing life in abundance. I should not depend on a "non-ceasing", reflexive prayer life--I need to also have a deliberate prayer life. I need time that is totally devoted to prayer. Consciously choosing to pray is what brings the abundance.

"This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting." Mark 9:29

"Even now," declares the LORD, "return to me with all your heart,
with fasting and weeping and mourning."Joel 2:12

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14

I was praying with a friend Sunday. She is having a very difficult time of attack. We spoke of how a few weeks ago, because of some of the ministry she with which she is involved, another friend suggested she "stay protected." My friend said she was almost flippant in believing she was protected. The ministry was covered with prayer, but those of us praying had not covered the minister as well. We prayed shallowly. We prayed for results. We prayed for a person's peace and salvation. We did not pray for spiritual protection. We did not acknowledge a real enemy. We didn't spend the deliberate, consistent pleading time in prayer because we didn't see the need. We are now--deliberately meeting in person and by phone daily in twos and threes to pray. We are in our prayer closets on our faces begging for deliverance. I'm asking God to forgive me for holding my prayer breath and praying shallowly. With the deep prayers will come, and is coming, the cleansing.

Praying "without ceasing" comes from training our hearts and our minds to see God and thank God in everything. Praying "with fasting" comes with a deliberate decision that right now I am choosing to pray. We need both. Both bring life. Every moment sustaining breath life and deep cleansing abundant life. I want it all--and by God's grace we can have both.

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians 6:18 (emphasis mine)


Take a deep breath and feel the physical cleansing. I hope you have a time of cleansing prayer time today as well. God Bless You.

Iris is our hostess today for In Others' Words. Join us at Sting My Heart to read others' interpretation and reflections on Luther's quote.

Menu Plans and Party Food

This week's menu plan is:
Monday: BBQ pork ribs, steamed carrots, green salad
Tuesday: crab and avacado salad
Wednesday: Greek-style chicken with feta, sesame green beans, salad
Thursday: Grilled salmon, steamed sugar peas, salad
Friday: DATE NIGHT (girls will have pasta or pizza)
Saturday: Party with Friends: subway sandwiches, spinach dip, veggie tray, lemon meringue cake and whatever the other guests bring
Sunday: Split Pea and Ham Soup

I promised some of my favorite party food recipes. So here are a few:

Ham rollups

Take thin sliced ham (sandwich slices). Spread with Cream Cheese & Herb or Cream Cheese & Garlic spread. Gently roll. Place tooth pick through each end. Cut in half. Keep chilled until ready to serve.

Spinach Dip

1 package frozen spinach (thawed, drained and squeezed with kitchen towels to remove the liquid)
1 large tub creme fresche or sour cream
1 cup mayonaise
1 package vegetable soup mix (I use Knorr Golden vegetable)

Mix all ingredients thoroughly. Chill for at least 1 hour to blend flavors. Serve with bread cubes or bread sticks. I like to take a large round loaf of bread. Hollow out center (saving to make cubes) and place dip in bread bowl center.

Cheese Dip

1 package cream cheese
1 jar of your favorite salsa
1 packet taco seasoning
1 small can Mexi-corn

Place all ingredients in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave 1-2 minutes at a time, stirring thoroughly in between until melted. Serve with chips or tortillas. To make this a meal, add 1/2 pound ground hamburger or turkey that you have browned.


***If the party includes dinner, I almost always use my slow cooker, here are my two standards.***

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Cook a large pork roast on low for 8-10 hours (I usually do this all night, the night before the party). Remove the roast and shred it into bit size pieces. Put meat back into crock pot and cover with your favorite bottled BBQ sauce. Cook on low another 5-6 hours. Serve over buns with cheese, onion, and pickles. Also good served over baked potatoes or wrapped in flour tortillas.

Cola Chicken

Place skinned, boneless chicken breasts in slow cooker. Salt and pepper. Cover with equal amounts of Coca-Cola and tomato ketchup. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve with roasted potatoes and steamed vegetables.

"Roasted" Potatoes

Peel and dice potatoes into small bite-size pieces. Mix together 1/2 cup olive oil and 1 packet french onion soup mix. Pour over the potatoes. Cook at 180 degrees Celsius for 30-40 minutes until tender. Stir occassionally.

***No party is complete without something sweet.***

Cheesecake

4 8-ounce packages cream cheese
1.5 cups sugar
1 stick (8Tablespoons) butter, melted
4 eggs
1 pint sour cream or creme fresche
3 Tablespoons Flour
3 Tablespoons Corn Starch
2 teaspoons vanilla or almond extract

Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add other ingredients and mix until thoroughly incorporated. Pour into a 9 inch spring form pan that has been lined with parchment paper. Smooth top. Bake at 325F/180C for 1 hour 20 minutes. Turn oven off and leave cake in the oven for at least 1 more hour. (I usually bake just before going to bed, turn oven off, leave door slightly ajar and leave it in the oven overnight).

Turn cake out onto cake plate. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve with whatever berries are in season or topped with canned fruit pie filling.

Variation: For chocolate cheesecake, add 1 cup chocolate chips to the butter and melt together. Follow recipe as above.

A Cross-Stitch or Quilt Party

Actually, this kind of party is among my favorites. I love for a group (or a couple) of friends to gather and we gab and drink tea and quilt or stitch. Usually there is more gabbing and laughing than stitching, but that's okay. That's what makes it a party and not a chore. So in that light, here is some crafty updates.

First my huge cross-stitch finish of the month:

America, Land That We Love
c. Jean Farish Designs
Started December 27, 2004
Finished February 22, 2007
81.5 hours stitching
This is my biggest *happy dance* in a while.

Secondly, here is a little bag I stitched up this week. I'll soon have pics of the second one I stitched (and maybe a third and fourth if I sew this week).

This is a great little bag that I first saw on Katrina's site. Then Lisa made one for me for a Christmas exchange, and I love it! Then Pauline started stitching them. I finally got my hands on the instructions last week. They are a breeze to make, and so versatile.

March will hopefully be a big stitching month for me. Here are my goals:
1. Finish stitching Texas by Hinzeit
2. Start and finish Alabama by Hinzeit
3. Complete 2 blocks for baby quilts
4. Prep my Stained Glass piece for Blackwork Round Robin
5. Complete the blue background section of Rosewood Manor's Flag Sampler
6. Make at least one more tote bag.

I participate in a weekly meme with Stitching Bloggers. Here is this week's question:

Today's SBQ was suggested by Danielle (http://scopist.blogspot.com/)
and is:
Do you find yourself stitching faster when you are getting to the end of a design?

I don't think I stitch faster as I near the end, but I do stitch more determined to finished--I take fewer breaks, etc. I stitch pretty fast to begin with, so speed is not really an issue; commitment to one piece is the issue.

Thanks for indulging my craft habits. Do you craft? Do you get together with a group? I'd love to hear what you do.

Have a blessed Sunday!

Special Request of Party Attenders

I am searching for a blog written by a Christian, Indian heritage (from India, not Native American) woman. I have a friend who is searching to read a voice of "someone like herself." Anyone know any such bloggers out there? I'd be incredibly grateful and so would my friend, if you would point me in the right direction. Thanks all! I'll be back later in the weekend with a "bringing crafts to the party" post of what I've been doing.

Visions of Tea Parties Dance in My Head

It started several months ago. One of the little ladies that went to my church had lost her husband about six weeks before. That Sunday morning she got out of her car, quite flustered. When I asked her what was wrong, she said she had locked herself out of the house. She went on to explain that her doors were self-locking, and anytime she would leave the house her husband would call after her, "Don't forget your keys." She looked so lost when she said, "I miss him." I made certain that she had a way to get back into the house (neighbour has key and she spoke to him to be certain he would be home after church). But her words haunted me. I wanted to do something for her in her lonliness.

The idea of the tea party came to mind. A tea party for the ladies in the church who were older and alone. The dreams and the plans took root, but every time I tried to plan it, something got in the way. Finally, I chose Valentine's Day. Then I learned that there was a ladies meeting that day at the church. So I moved it to the Tuesday after and called it a Post-Valentine Tea Party.

Twenty-eight ladies were invited, and thirteen came. Those who rang to decline the invitation gave me as much joy as those who accepted. I heard stories from them, I heard how they tried to change their plans, and I heard how just an invitation was a blessing to them--how they missed being invited to things. God certainly confirmed the need for the party.

The weekend before the party I made shortbread and pumpkin bread and snickerdoodles. The night before I made a King Cake (it was Fat Tuesday afterall) and gluten-free chocolate muffins. The morning of the party I made finger sandwiches (cream cheese with cucumber and ham with butter). Another lady from the church brought salmon sandwiches to serve. Flowers were delivered from the florist--an arrangement for the table and individual roses as well. The table was set. The girls were dressed in their frills. The china was set out. Another friend arrived to help me serve. Then the guests came--dressed in their finest bringing flowers from their gardens and sweets for my children.

We served tea and sandwiches and biscuits and cake. We laughed. We talked about traditions and how things are different in the US versus UK. We laughed. We heard stories about life during the war. We heard stories of travels made. We laughed some more. I thanked them for being the grandmothers and great-aunts and role models my girls need since we live so far from home. And then we laughed even more. I was so blessed by the time--and the time flew by.

I wrapped sandwiches and biscuits for each person to take home. Each lady received a pink rose for Valentine's. They left with thanks on their lips. But I cherish the time in my heart. The family of God is big. It was wonderful to celebrate with a small part of the family.

Here is the recipe for the pumpkin bread. It was my grandmother's recipe, and I do love baking it. Enjoy!

Pumpkin Bread

2 sticks oleo or butter (do not soften)
2.75 cups sugar
1 Tablespoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon cloves
3.5 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1.5 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 eggs
2 cups pumpkin
walnuts (optional)

Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and spices. Stir in dry ingredients alternately with pumpkin. Add vanilla and nuts. Pour in bundt pan or 2 loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees F for 1.5 hours (slightly less in loaf pans). To dress up for a dessert drizzle cream cheese icing over top, or serve warm with butter. Enjoy!

photo credits: morguefile.com teacup by nacu and rose by chamomile

It's Ultimate Party Time

I love to throw a party. Pretty surprising, considering that I am a total introvert. But I do love the planning, preparing and hosting of a party. So the opportunity to throw a virtual party cannot be passed up. What a great opportunity to meet some new-to-me bloggers, maybe make a few new friends and talk about parties.

So without further adieu....WELCOME! Thank you for coming to visit my blog during the party. I hope you find it warm and occassionally witty. You wondering what to expect with this new friend? Don't worry--all I hope is that you have a good time and will come back again. Later today (Friday) I'll post on the most recent party I hosted--a Post-Valentine Tea Party for the older ladies in my church. Monday, along with my weekly menu plan, you will find some of my favorite/easy party foods. Tuesday I'll be participating in CWO's In Others' Words (don't know the quote yet, so I can't give you a hint). Wednesday and Thursday of next week will have some hints for entertaining, but may also have a few surprises. Friday the 9th I'll be posting about THE ULTIMATE Party we will ever attend--and it will be bigger and greater than anything we can host in blogville. So come along and enjoy the fun!

As far has who am I? I'm a nearing 40, homeschooling SAHM to two gorgeous, if not precocious, little girls. They get a lot of "blogtime" in my writing. I've been married to an awesome guy and my dearest friend for almost 12 years. I often write about what it takes to keep a marriage great. I'm a cross-stitcher and quilter who loves to share what I'm working on. I'm an American living overseas who is blessed to travel a lot--so I share where I've been and what I've seen. But most of all, I'm a Child of God who absolutely LOVES talking about her Savior and what He does in my life. Hopefully you can relate to one of those levels, and will want to learn more. Even if you don't relate to those things we already have this in common: we choose to blog and that gives us a starting place for friendship. I look forward to getting to know you.

You will want to visit our hostesses with the mostest: 5minutesformom. Be sure and register as a guest on the Mr. Linky on that site with a link to your own party post to be included in draws for some great prizes. I really wanted to donate a prize, but being non-US/non-Canada based that was not possible at first. I was perusing the prize list earlier this week and noticed that some prizes had been made for international readers, but they had to be in digital or electronic downloadable form. It was too late, and what I have to share is not electronic. So, here is my prize offering: If you do not live in the US or Canada--and live in a place where you can receive Christian books via mail, and would like to be considered in a drawing for the book The Colors of His Love by Dee Brestin and Kathy Troccoli please leave a comment that includes where you live and "please enter me." I would love to share this awesome book with one of you.

I'm looking forward to making new friends and having fun with old friends. Please leave me a comment when you come by. Guests in my home would be asked to sign my guest book--and I'm asking you to do the same here.

Welcome!


photo credit: from morguefile.com, anitapatterson

I love a Party--Please come back tomorrow!

edited to say: That should say ULTIMATE blog party. I really do know how to spell, but I didn't catch it until after I saved the creation, and I'm lazy. Please come anyway.

In Others' Words--Chic Religiosity or Real Relationship?

"If I’d abandon all that seeks to make my faith informed and chic, could You, would You, show Yourself to me?”
~ Nichole Nordeman ~

I remember back in my seminary days we would often jokingly call them "cemetery days." My explanation for that feeling was that we spent so much time talking about God that often we forgot to talk to God.

Sometimes I still feel that way. There are days that I seem to know too much about Him, and yet know Him so shallowly (a former pastor would say many church goers are 20 miles wide and an inch deep) . I get caught up in the "chic" and miss the "real." I do the right studies. I read the right books. I frequent the right blogs that talk about the right spiritual things. I say the right words. So I appear to be "informed and chic" but instead I am "shallow and pathetic."

Don't get me wrong, those things in and of themselves are not bad. Studies should point us to God. Books should deepen our desire to know God. Blogs can and do teach me so much. But if my relationship with Jesus is based on other people's studies, books or blogs, I am missing the reality of a life of intimacy with Jesus. I want Him to show Himself to me, and to make my relationship real. I cannot rely on Him showing Himself to others. I need first-hand knowledge. So I need to put aside the tools and get back to basics--me with my Bible in prayer in tune with the Holy Spirit. That is where He shows Himself. That is where I grow. That is what I need the most: to talk to God not just to talk about Him.

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6--emphasis mine

Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the LORD your God. 1 Chronicles 22:19a

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you...Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him John 14:16-18; 23

This week's In Other Words is hosted by Christine at Fruit in Season. Be sure and visit the other blogs writing on today's quote. Blessings to each of you!

Out of the Mouths of Babes

Fun things heard in our household the last few days. ;)

Mommy: You are noisy
Flower: I no noisy
Mommy: Yes you are
Flower: I no noisy, I funny
Mommy: You are that too.
(how can you fault that logic?)

While watching NASCAR last night:
Jewel: (amazed at spinning car) Someone needs to tell them to slow down.

And my personal favourite...
This morning while cleaning their room:
Jewel: (singing) My God is so big, so strong and so mighty there's nothing He cannot do.
Flower: God big! God big! God big!
Mommy (to herself): Yes He is!

Smile! God is big enough to handle whatever comes your way today!

Monday Menu Planning

Monday: Chicken Tahini Salad and Cauliflower Soup
Tuesday: (German away) Crab and Avacado Salad for me; Grilled Sausages and Salads for girls
Wednesday: Pork Roast slow cooked in Crock Pot, Chinese Style Broccoli
Thursday: Chicken Breasts stuffed with Spinach and Goat Cheese, Steamed Carrots, Green Salads
Friday: Date night with German:)
Girls: Pasta and Tomato Sauce, Green Beans
Saturday: Turkey Swedish Meatballs, Green Peas, Salads
Sunday: Tomato Soup

To find other great menu ideas visit Laura at Org Junkie.

In Others' Words--Reading Habits

"Those who read fast reap no more advantage than a bee would by only skimming over the surface of the flower, instead of waiting to penetrate into it, and extract its sweets."
~ Madame Jeanne Guyon ~

I am a quick reader. I always have been. I have been blessed with an ability to comprehend and remember what I read, even when I am reading it at a pace that most people call skimming. One of my earliest memories about reading was in 4th grade. I came home and told my Mom I had a "free hour" so I read Eight Cousins by Louisa Mae Alcott. All 300+ pages. In an hour. My Mom didn't believe me, but upon quizzing me on the book decided I had indeed read it, not skimmed it.

This ability has served me well. It made university reading a breeze. It got me through my graduate school reading with little effort (my social work program required 500 pages of reading per hour of credit--not an easy feat when carrying a 15-18 hour load). And it allows me the luxury of reading for pleasure as an adult when most of my daily reading consists of the "Good Night Moon" level.

But there is some reading that I must slow down as I read. I must take my time reading God's Word, daily. I don't slow down because it is difficult to read (although sometimes that may be true). I slow down because I don't want to miss a detail. I want to relish it, to savor it, to let it totally digest into my being. I want it to change me, and that takes time.

I love the image in this week's quote. Last summer I watched the honey bees in my front garden. They flitted from plant to plant, testing and tasting the surface but not dwelling. Until they got to the lavender plant. The lavender would be covered at any one time by dozens of bees, drinking in the nectar. Taking the sweetness back to their hive to infuse the honey they would make. And lavender honey is some of the loveliest honey I've ever discovered for putting in my tea, so their efforts were worth it. It is the perfect picture of my reading habits. I flit from book to book tasting the surface. But at the Bible I need to dwell and drink it in. The more of the sweetness I drink in, the more of God's building blocks I will have for building my life. And just as the lavender infuses what the bees produce, so the Word of God will infuse my life--but only if I drink it in quantities to change me. I could read the Bible quickly and be able to retell the stories, but it won't change me. Steeping in the stories changes me. Knowing the word of God (Bible) helps me reflect the Word of God (Jesus). And that is the change I pray is made in my life.

I have not departed from your laws,
for you yourself have taught me.

How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!

I gain understanding from your precepts;
therefore I hate every wrong path.

Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light for my path.
I have taken an oath and confirmed it,
that I will follow your righteous laws.
Psalm 119:102-105

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. John 1:1-2

Follow this link to Laurel Wreath to read more.

photo credit: from www.morguefile.com author="ladyheart"

Prayer Request

When you have friends and family serving our country in the military in times like these, there are certain phone calls you hope to never receive. My friend S received one of those calls yesterday. Her brother-in-law was killed in a helicopter accident this weekend. Please pray for S, her sister H and her nephew as they cope with this news. H was a newly-wed, had found the love of her life who loved her son as well. I cannot imagine what they are dealing with, so I don't know how to ask for prayer except for peace and comfort.

Also, please remember to pray for all of our brave men and women who are sacrificing time with their families to protect ours. Pray they will be safe and come home soon.

Thank you!

Monday Menu Planning

Monday: Pork in Marscapone sauce, steamed cauliflower, green salads
Tuesday: Special Treats: shortbread, King Cake and Pumpkin Bread at tea party
Dinner: Lemon Pepper Chicken, Snap Peas, Salad
Wednesday: Lamb Steaks, Green Beans, Salad
Thursday: (church meeting) Ham Rollups and raw veggies
Friday: Salmon, Steamed Carrots, Salad
Saturday: tbd
Sunday: Lentil Soup

Back to the Land of Blogging

Thank you for your concern and your encouragement last week. The week did get markedly better, but I could not find any computer time. Here's the recap:

Wednesday--I decided we would have a better day. Period. I was not going to allow spiritual and emotional attacks in our home. Jewel was still sick, but not coughing as much. We managed to do two full days of school work in one to make up for Tuesday. I got the main rooms of the house ready for company this week (just keep it decluttered and vacuum on the day). Then dear husband asked Wednesday night if we could have a dinner guest on Thursday evening. Uhmmm....ok. He did offer to make it Monday (today) instead at which point I paniced. He wasn't supposed to be home tonight (oops...I forgot to tell you the late meeting causing me to stay overnight was canceled). I was counting on not having to cook a big dinner since I have the quilting Valentine meeting here today and the BIG teaparty here tomorrow. So, no, Monday is not good for dinner guests. (Men don't get it--"you're just making tea, how hard can it be?" uhmmm tea/coffee, sweets and sandwiches for 20!) But I digress.

Thursday: Jewel was feeling worse. Spent most of the day curled up reading books to her. But we were able to have German's friend over for dinner and had a great time.

Friday: Jewel was much better! Hallelujah! German had taken the day off for us to have an all day date, so I was very glad she was well enough to leave with the sitter. The sitter is a teen from church who our girls adore. Her mother is a nurse, so I knew if Jewel got worse she had help 5 minutes away. And she was sure it was no problem to keep them. (And they did great). So German and I spent the afternoon wandering around the War Museum in Manchester, doing some shopping, going to see Footloose, the Musical, and a fancy dinner out. We had a blast! I highly recommend dates with your husband.

Saturday: Jewel didn't cough all day! German and I did our taxes. Then we all went to a "Beetle Drive" at church to raise funds for the youth group. Great fun! (well, not the taxes part)

Sunday: Church then an afternoon of baking for the tea party.

So, thank you for your prayers. I know God's hand was with us. Although the busyness and illness didn't just go away, I was much more capable of coping. I do knkow that it won't always be this hard, and I know that someday I'll miss them being so dependent on Mom, so I'm trying to cherish the time. Your encouragement made that easier. Thank you!

Now, I'm off to set up for the Quilting party. Have a blessed day everyone!

IOW--Defining our Needs

It's been a bad day.

It started early this morning as I drifted off to sleep and realized I hadn't even read today's quote, much less started writing.

It comes after a week of a croupy, clingy two year old needing more than Mommy has to give her.

It continued at 7 this morning with a croupy four year old waking up crying because the coughing hurt her ribs. *sigh* Another week of not enough Mommy to fix the yucky feeling to look forward to. I *hate* not being able to make them better with the wave of a hand.

The day continued. I have the aftermath blahness of a migraine yesterday. I have that moodiness that says "everyone really needs to stay clear for a few hours." I have two major things happening in my home next week, so I'm trying to get the house really clean for them. This is difficult with little ones who don't feel well. They made themselves feel better by dumping a large paper box full of styrofoam peanuts on the floor in the only room I've finished. I'm feeling pushed to my limit. And I wonder, "Why God does it all have to happen at once?" But refining comes under pressure, doesn't it?

Mercy Me is singing in the background. "Sometimes I feel disappointed, By the way I spend my time, How can I further Your Kingdom, When I'm so wrapped up in mine?"

Lord, Help me not be so wrapped up in my kingdom that I miss how you are refining me for Your Kingdom. Forgive my impatience and my pity for myself. I trust that you have my best at the heart of what you allow to come into my life. Forgive me when I doubt. Amen.

"We are urgent about the body; He is about the soul. We call for present comforts; He considers our everlasting rest. And therefore when He sends not the very things we ask, He hears us by sending greater than we can ask or think."
~ Richard Cecil ~

Please visit Loni at Finding Joy in the Morning for links to others participating in this week's In Others' Words.

On Being Happily Married

I'll just warn you that this is a long post as I work out what God is refining in my thoughts of marriage. So you may want to go get a cup of tea. You may be here a while, lol.

German and I have been happily married for 11 years. We have our ups and our downs, but we are absolutely certain that God brought us together to be each other's complement and that apart we are not whole. We are happy, but we are not content to stay exactly where we are in our marriage. We believe that, as with every other aspect of our walk with Christ, He wants to give us more. That is where my meditation to be a more respectful wife came from at the beginning of the year. I knew in my heart and in my head that I respected German, but I knew that it could be more. And if the more came the marriage was going to be greater as well. When we are faithful to seek God with our hearts, He is faithful to refine us. And He has been blessing in incredible ways.

At the same time, I believe that if a theme becomes recurring in my study and my time with others, God is usually speaking. As I've stated before, I'm reading Dr. Eggerichs Love and Respect, which has been revolutionary for me in how I listen to German and how I expect for him to respond. This week I have been absolutely challenged by his statement that "ultimately my relationship with my spouse is not about my spouse at all but about my relationship with Jesus Christ." Wow. Ugh. Yeah. And I am reaping the benefits of that. God has honored my efforts over the last 6 weeks to prayerfully read this book and try to engage some of it into my marriage. The theme of marriage recurred in my time with two friends a couple of weeks ago. One of them asked if it was true that the wife was not allowed to say no to a husband's advances (alluding to 1 Corinthians 7:4-6). This led to a healthy, if not lively, discussion of the differences between a husband's needs and a wife's needs and how to find a balance in everything. These ladies were not newlyweds (one married 7 years and the other nearly 20) but still found it difficult to cope with differences in needs. Again, I was reminded of how different we really are and marveled at why God made us so different.

Then, this week I came upon this post at She Lives. This is one of my favorite sites because it is well-written and honest and incredibly funny. And I found myself "amening" through much of the post. Yes, it is over the top in places. But sometimes hyperbole catches attention to teach the lesson. (Read some of the parables looking for Jesus' use of hyperbole, great fun.) Yes it is more stark than I would have said it, but that is difference in personality. But in general my reactions were that the heart of the message was so right. We, as wives do need to make our husbands feel special, dress nicely for them, meet their physical needs, and respect them. Actually I believe that we are respecting them when we do those other things. I loved the post. I printed it to share with others (maybe even with my daughters 40 years from now when we finally allow them to look at boys). And I was mulling over it when I went to Restoring the Years site yesterday and found this post. And I nodded in agreement throughout it as well. But more in terms of "yes that is how it should be" and "gee I'd love to be that in synch with my husband" but not really in a "that describes my marriage" sort of way. And since I am so often in synch with GB at Restoring the Years I began praying about what was I missing.

I took both of the posts to my Bible Study today. The ladies present represented being married from 7 to 23 years. There was me (an American transplant), a born and raised Brit, a British Indian and a transplanted Scot in the group. We represented the Baptist, Anglican and Catholic faiths. Lots of diversity. First I read "She Lives" and everyone agreed that it was witty, had some good advice and was over-the-top. There was issue taken with "treating our husband as if he were Jesus." So a large part of our discussion was how do we serve our husbands? Why do we take them for granted or treat them with familiarity? What happens in the relationship when we truly serve? And when we got past the notion that "serving like Jesus" was treating them as a god (i.e. idolotry) and was really serving as Jesus commanded us, there were some good ideas come out of the discussion. Then I read "Restoring the Years." Without exception the comments were: I would like to have that but I don't. And we discussed why a marriage where we don't have to ask for our needs to be met they just are met is so difficult to grasp at.

It was a healthy discussion. And in it, I think God whispered to me that I was not missing anything. He whispered that He makes each marriage as distinctive as each person. What works for one of my blogging inspirations will not feel right for another (as GB put it "one size does not fit all") He drew me to ask, what does "oneness" look like in my marriage--not in others' marriages. Therein lies my answer. I believe that I am one with German--knit that way in God's perfect will. The crux of it comes in one of "She Lives" opening remarks. She says, "He's [her husband] one of the ones who didn't just marry a woman he can live with, he married a woman he can't live without." That is how I feel about German. I absolutely cannot picture my life without him. It would be as if I lost a part of my physical self if he were gone. But Oneness does not come at the expense of our own personalities. As I said at the beginning, we complement one another.

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) -
com·ple·ment –noun 1. something that completes or makes perfect: A good wine is a complement to a good meal.
2. the quantity or amount that completes anything: We now have a full complement of packers.
3. either of two parts or things needed to complete the whole; counterpart.

We take two disctinctly different personalities (an ESTJ and an INFP if you know Myers-Briggs terminology) and form a whole. We need each other. And the more I allow God to knit us into one, the more thankful I am that German and I are separate personalities, and that our needs, our perspectives and our dreams are different. If we did not have our differences we would not serve the kingdom of God together as effectively. I need his analytical insight. He needs my emotional empathy. Together we serve. And that makes us a better team. Although the thought of German knowing when I needed togetherness and when I needed space (and vice versa) sounds nice, I am content with the fact that our differences may mean that sometimes we have to voice our needs. I am thankful that German shares so many interests with me (more thoughts on this here), but I am also totally happy for him to go play with the boys and he is happy for me to play with the girls. We understand that we can be each other's "best friend" and still have a need for other friends. We have learned to let each other be who we are, because we know that the two of us together is so much more than each of us separate.


And, ultimately, it does come down to my relationship with God. If I am serving German out of a love relationship with German I will get tired, and frustrated, and disillusioned at times. He will as well if he is serving me only out of love for me. But when we serve each other out of a love relationship with God and out of obedience to God, He takes care of the frustrations and gives us a clearer love for one another. And that is what it is all about--a God-given unity and love for one another.

always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. Ephesians 5:20-22

However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. Ephesians 5:33

Thank you Carol and GB for sharing challenging posts that help me see better where my marriage fits into God's plan for my husband and me.

photos from www.morguefile.com author=taliesin

Worship and Ceidhls

We have a new youth pastor at our church. He started in August. It is such a blessing and the culmination of a two year journey of preparing the church for a change in role and finding the right person to fill that role. It is a process that is near to our family's heart, because German was on the search committee. The last weekend in January, the church set aside a time for a formal induction for the youth pastor.

I don't know that I have ever attended an induction ceremony before. I know that I have never experienced anything like this. The afternoon started with praise. And praise was dotted throughout the service. The band sounded awesome as they led the congregation in "Blessed Be The Name", "There is a New Song in My Heart", "These are the Days of Elijah" and many more. It was a delight for me to watch Flower and Jewel clap and sway and even lift their hands occassionally--caught up in the worship.

After praise, German gave a short spiel of how the church had come to this moment. Then the new youth pastor spoke of how God had led him to this point. Then the promises were made. The youth pastor was asked to make promises regarding keeping his relationship with God fresh, allowing God to lead him, and being a solid example for our young people to grow them in Christ. Then the pastor was asked to join them for what, for me, was the most poignant part of the service. The pastor and the youth pastor were asked to make promises before God to work together, to pray together and for each other and to lead the church as a team. It was awesome to see these men of God formally join their ministries together. After that the church membership was asked to stand and to pledge our support to the youth pastor's leading. Finally the entire congregation of church members, families and friends were asked to stand and pledge their/our prayer support for him as he seeks to serve. It was an incredibly touching time of joining together and vowing together to serve. This was followed by praying for him and anyone who wished could voice prayer and lay hands on him setting him aside for this ministry. The formal service ended with an awesome sermon on the equipping of the saints. It was brought by the youth pastor's former pastor who had travelled from North Carolina to England to be a part of the day. And it was amazing.

After the induction service, the congregation joined downstairs for a fellowship dinner. We are a little church of approximately 150. The catering team catered for 200+. The meal was wonderful. The fellowship was great. Then it was back home for a couple hours rest.

That evening we were back at the church for a ceidhl celebration. This was only fitting since the youth pastor and the pastor are both Scottish. The Scots all came in their kilts. Everyone wore tartan--if only a ribbon. And we danced and laughed and had an awesome time. Over 100 people were on the floor dancing most of the night--so it was crowded but joyful. Being raised Southern Baptist, I still wonder at the fact that we can dance in the church. But dance I did. Couldn't miss out on the fun. Here are a few pics from the ceidhl including one of Jewel dancing with German.


Through the whole weekend I was amazed at how much fun the people of God can have together: in worship, in solemn promises, in message, in eating together and in celebration. It was a marvelous time. So why do we portray to the world that Christianity isn't fun? Where did that notion come from? Even in the solemness of pledges my heart was soaring. I pray that I will learn to show that side of my Christianity to the world. I pray that those around will see God as a God of celebration who loves the joy that His people bring. I pray that all of my celebrating is a sweet song in the ear of my Lord and a welcoming embrace to those who need to know Him. Blessings to you today!

In Other Words--Adoring the Father

Flower, age two, has always been "mine." If she needs something she came to Mommy, if she woke up in the night she called for Mommy, if she fell down Mommy could fix it. It wasn't as if she didn't love her Daddy, she did. She delighted in running to greet him when he came home from work, she played tickle games with him before bedtime, she snuggled beside him for bedtime stories (briefly before coming to find me to actually put her to bed). But a couple of weeks ago, something changed.



I became invisible if Daddy was in the house. Her world started to revolve around Daddy. It started with saying "Daddy watch" as she danced. Then she stayed for an entire bedtime story--and asked for more. Then she said "Daddy put me bed tonight." And this week, even before I took her out of the car to walk up to church she said "I want Daddy's hand." She has fallen head over heels into a love relationship with her daddy--and I love watching it. Because, as He so often does, my heavenly Father teaches me through my children.

I want to be head-over-heels in love with my Father. I want to dance for Him. I want to know He is watching my actions, and not be afraid. I want to snuggle in His arms and hear His stories and the plans He has for my life. I want to start each moment by saying "I want My Father's hand." I want to trust that much. I want to adore that easily. I want to not be distracted and just revel in His love.

"I long to worship Jesus with the heart of a child, in a state of pure and true adoration. Yet so many things of the world cloud my thoughts and pull on my heart until it's no longer just a girl in the arms of the Father"
~ Darlene Schacht ~
"The Mom Complex"

Dear Jesus, Hold my hand today. Help me cope with the distractions life throws at me. Let me revel in being Your child. Let me celebrate You with abandon. May I glorify You in my life and my worship. And may the result be a Father's smile. I love You....Your Daughter, Mipa.

To learn what other Christian Women Bloggers are saying about this awesome quote, visit Iris at Sting my Heart. And Bless you for Visiting.

Monday Menu Planning

Monday: Chicken Piri Piri (from Quick and Easy South Beach), Salad, Steamed Carrots
Tuesday: (German away) Girls: Spaghetti Me: Salad with leftover chicken & avacado
Wednesday: Shrimp Stir-Fry, Salad
Thursday: Lamb Stew
Friday: Grilled Pork Chops, Green Beans, Steamed Broccoli with Cheese Sauce
Saturday: Indian cooking lessons with a friend (eat the results)
Sunday: Bean Soup, Corn Bread or Crackers

More great menu ideas can be found here.

In Other Words--Satan's lies

I have a two year old. And like most two year olds, she believes that she is the master of her universe. Her vocabulary is littered with "Flower do it" and "no me" and "mine." As she asserts her independence she is certain that her decisions are the best and everyone else's, especially Mommy's, need to be discarded. And although she is absolutely adorable in declaring herself the center of the universe, she is wrong. My job as her parent is to guide her to an understanding of her proper place and lead her to follow authority in her life--both from her earthly parents and from her heavenly God. It would be easier to let her do her own thing, but her future would look pretty bleak.

"Satan's ultimate lie is that you are capable of being the god of your own life, and his ultimate bondage is getting you to live as though his lie is truth."
~ Neil Anderson ~

So often I am like a two year old. I begin to believe that I am the center of the universe. I take my own advice, buy my own publicity, go my own path. I act as if my decisions are best, and all other decisions, especially God's, can be discarded. But Satan is not a good parent. He has no interest in curbing that selifishness that makes me my god. (god=who I place as the centering point of my life to worship and follow (Mipa's definition)) In fact, his goal is just the opposite. He cheers me on. He fuels the flames. He tells me that, indeed, my decisions are best and God's are not for my interest. Satan lies to me until I buy the whole deal: I'm god/center of my world and God is not. Then he backs away, leaving me to live the bleak future that I have created in my own power. Because once my eyes are totally on me and not on God, I have no future and I am no threat. And that is living in bondage.

Instead of believing Satan's lies, may we trust God's faithfulness:

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

Today's In Other Words is being hosted by Christine at Fruit in Season. Please join us!

Monday Menu Planning

Another week where German is traveling a lot, so I'm keeping it simple.

Monday: Ginger Chicken with Snowpeas, Green Salads, Steamed Carrots
Tuesday: Lamb Stew
Wednesday: me--meal at Bible Study (last session)
girls--spaghetti and salad
Thursday: Chinese Style Steamed Chicken
Friday: Pinto Beans and Sausage
Saturday: Lamb Kebabs, Tzatziki, Salads, Whole Wheat Pitas
Sunday: Lasagne with our Small Group Fellowship (I'll be taking dessert, tbd)

More great menu ideas can be found here.

Upcoming Events

There are some really cool things coming in blogsphere. Check these out!

go here for details


go here for details

Stitching Finish

Here are the bunnies I stitched for Chris' Peter Rabbit Round Robin. The three little bunnies come from a counting sampler that was featured in Cross Stitch Gold Magazine (I have lost the issue information). Peter Rabbit is from Storybook Favourites in Cross-Stitch by Gillian Souter c. 1995.

Another Catch up Post--Flower's Birthday

My baby turned 2 on the 20th. I can't believe how quickly time flies. She is the most delightful child when she is not being an absolutely stubborn reflection of myself. In the past 3 weeks she has finally decided to talk--and she never stops. We discovered she sleepwalks when we were in Dublin over Christmas. So we are in no hurry to take her out of the crib now, lol. She has almost toilet-trained herself. Is successful about 75% of the time. I'm sure with a little effort that will be conquered in the next month. She is my delight. Here she is enjoying birthday cake. (For her birthday we just had one family of friends over for dinner and cake. At two she won't remember a party so why have a big to-do. Jewel helped bake the cake and was so proud of herself.)


And since I mentioned Dublin...here is a pic of the girls at the Dublin Zoo. They had a blast that day!

Catching Up with Stitching Bloggers Question

I have been great neglect in keeping up with the weekly questions. I'm not going to bore you by catching up the myriad that I've missed, I'll only do last week's.

Today's SBQ was suggested by Danielle and is:

What company produces your favorite hand-dyed fabric? Are there any companies whose hand-dyed fabric you do not like? If so, why?

My hands-down favorite for hand-dyed fabric is CountryStitch It was great when it was Deb's business, and Linda has continued with the awesome customer service and quality of fabrics. Which reminds me, I'm needing to restock my faves....

As far as not liking any, I can't really think of one. There are some that are more "splotchy" than I like for the type of work I stitch, but I actually like that look on some pieces.

In Other Words--Who am I Impressing?

It is so easy to be the Pharisee, isn't it? Oh I know that we don't intend to be the Pharisee, we intend to be "spiritual," but we end up being Pharisees. But that is what makes us Pharisees--being spiritual at the expense of others and the expense of the gospel.

The Pharisees wanted to keep the law as God commanded. So they made all kinds of rules to help them keep it. And they made it near impossible for anyone to want to come to God, because they made it so hard. I, too, want to obey God. And so the tendency is to become legalistic. Other Pharisees around me may be impressed and will cheer me on, but the lost--they will think that my brand of religion is just too "hard" and walk away. Am I impressing the self-righteous or gently impressing the need for obedience in the hearts of those who are being drawn to obey?

"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel." Matthew 23:23-24

Then there is prayer. The Pharisee wanted his prayer to be heard as important, impressive, and to show others how to pray. But all God heard was self-inflated words. It wasn't a prayer from the heart. And I do the same thing. I use the "church words" when I pray (especially aloud in a group) and sometimes forget the heart words that God so wants to hear. And if the lost were listening to my prayer, would they hear a deep cry of concern for them from my heart or theological dribble that means nothing to them. Am I impressing the haughty or impressing God's desires onto the hearts of the lost?

"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." Matthew 6:5-8

And service. The Pharisees would never get their hands dirty to help someone in need. It would make them "unclean" and besides, what would their friends think? But the lost need us to get dirty and to meet them in the filth of sin that is their world (and was once ours). I need to not be afraid of reaching out, of touching, of helping those who need help. But like the Pharisee I sometimes wonder if anyone is watching and let the fear of what others would think hold me back. So I impress my Pharisaic friends with my clean hands and miss the opportunity to impress the lost heart with service.

When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?"
On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
Matthew 9:11-13

ugh. Yes it is easy to be a Pharisee. But when we impress the Pharisee we do little to further the kingdom of God.

"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces." Matthew 23:13

"You act more like a Christian by your influence on the lost, then the saved people you impress.” - Dr. Alvin Reid

Lord, help me act like a Christian today...amen.

Laurel Wreath is hosting In Other Words today. Pay her a visit and read what God is teaching others through Dr. Reid's quote.

Quiet

I'm sorry I've gone quiet for the last little bit. I'm still here. I'm reading blogs everyday, and I'm trying to get better about commenting again. There is nothing wrong. I'm just quiet. I'm writing. God is speaking about goals and wishes, about gifts, about the Bible Study I'm in and the Bible Study I'm teaching. In fact, in the next few days you may wish I was quiet again. But I haven't been released to post a lot of the thoughts. I think I just needed a week or so to just be with God and myself without the distraction of saying it in a certain way. So more is coming. But I wanted you to know that all is well here.

Monday Menu

Great week last week starting South Beach Diet, so a few more recipes from the Quick and Easy South Beach Diet cookbook!

Monday: BBQ pork (from Friday's tenderloin), steamed carrots, Indian lentils (QESBD p 287)

Tuesday: Turkey Parmesan (p. 172), Steamed Broccoli with cheese, green salad

Wednesday: The girls: Spaghetti and Sausage
German and I: Chef Salads before we leave for Bible Study

Thursday: (German away on business) Garden Chili (Fix it and Forget it Lightly, p. 180), crackers

Friday: Crab and Avacado Salad, Lettuce leaves, Carrot and Celery Sticks

Saturday: Dinner at church followed by a Ceidhl!

Sunday: Dorthea's Split Pea Soup (Fix It and Forget It), whole wheat crackers

For other great menu ideas check in here.

oops...forgot about the ceidhl on Saturday, so had to revise!

Happy Birthday Flower!

Then:

Now:

Happy Second Birthday Sweetheart!

No IOW from me this week

"Let us learn to discern whether the words spoken against us or against God or against the truth are merely for the wind--spoken not from the soul, but from the sore. If they are for the wind, let us wait in silence and not reprove. Restoring the soul, not reproving the sore, is the aim of our love"

~ John Piper from "A Godward Life"~

This week's quote for In Other Words is above. I'm taking a break from writing on the quote this week. Call it blogger's block, or lack of inspiration. I've written several things related to the quote, but keep coming back to the fact that this week my writing is "for the wind." For other Christian women's take on the quote please visit Loni who is hosting this week.

Monday Menu Planning

Here is my menu plan for the week. Trying some new recipes from The Quick and Easy South Beach Cookbook this week.

Monday: Spanish Monkfish, steamed carrots, green salads
Tuesday: Lamb Kebabs, Feta, Cucumber & Radish Salad
Wednesday: Cold cuts, cheese and salads (Bible Study night)
Thursday: Pork Roast, Stir-fried veggies
Friday: Baked Chicken Pesto, Green Beans & Mushrooms
Saturday: Grilled Salmon, Steamed Cauliflower and Broccoli or Steamed Carrots (must check with dinner guests as to what their children like), Green Salad, birthday cake
Sunday: leftovers or chef salads

For other menu ideas head over to Lara's site.

Making the New Year's Meditations Real

I find in my life that I absolutely have to have accountability or nothing changes. I can look like I have it all together. I know the right things to say. I am a master at looking spiritual. I have a fairly good grasp of the Scriptures and am able to teach and speak well. So, unless I am vigilant about having accountability, most people around me would not venture to guess the gunk (nice description for sin) that lurks in my heart. And, even if they would venture to guess, I can come across way too self-assured and they would not pursue it. But the gunk is there. And I am giving that gunk to God this year. I don't want to live with it anymore. God is calling me to be honest about it and to share my heart, so that others can either a)help me grow or b)grow with me. And as much as I would like to keep this between me and one or two friends, I feel like I need to write about it. Here. So you can read it. *ugh*



We need to be careful what we pray because God will always honor prayers that are to make us more like Him. One of my meditations was that I want to respect German as my husband and the head of this household. It isn't that I don't respect him, I do. He is an absolutely great guy who loves me when no one else would. He is a Godly influence, a man of faith, a loving husband, a jubilant father, a great provider... He is everything I could have ever dreamed of and more. But there is that one issue--he's male and I'm female and often we just don't speak the same language. And it can cause us problems. But I want to work on this. God is calling me to work on this. And I am (or I thought I was). First task: get Emerson Eggerichs book Love and Respect and read it. I started it Christmas Eve. What an amazing book. I even joked that he had been listening in on our arguments. I definitely see the potential in this book. Then, Saturday happened. (disclaimer--please read to the end if you read past this point, this is NOT about German, it's about me. thank you.) German was leaving on Sunday for a five day business trip. I was not feeling well. I asked him what he wanted to do and he said either get together with the young man he mentors or do some work before the trip. I was disappointed because he was leaving, but said ok. I did not say "but I wanted you to want to spend time with me." (mistake number one) He tells me to rest. (yeah, right) But he doesn't leave. He packs his bag. Then he turns on the television. At this point I'm confused. He was going, but now he's not. I'm not interested in watching telly, but I know that he doesn't like it when I leave him in the bedroom to watch t.v. alone. It stems from him being an extravert and needing lots of human interaction. I'm beginning to suspect that my leaving him to be alone is perceived as disrespecting his needs so I stay. He watches a car show and then another show, neither of which interest me. So, I get out my cross stitch and stitch while we watch t.v. and talk about the programs. (mistake number two)


This is where it gets crazy. He is teasing me and poking me in the ribs. Flower had been doing this earlier, and I thought he was mimicing her. So I say, "It's really maddening to be the only introvert in a house full of extraverts. Sometimes I don't want to be touched." I thought I said it light-heartedly and joking. I must not have. (mistake number three) He lost it and said "You've had space all afternoon." What??! I totally hear in my head, "You aren't communicating." But I ignored that voice and reacted. Badly. Very, very, badly. WWIII badly. And we were right in the middle of an out of control crazy cycle. And when we finally spun down I said "I don't understand; I stayed with you all afternoon and you say I had space?" (or something near to that) And he pointed to my stitching which he hates for me to do when I am with him. In my head, he was watching t.v., why should he care that I stitch? And maybe he shouldn't. But he does. And I know it. And I did it anyway. And now I get it: stitching=disrespect when we are supposed to be together. Even if he is doing something else. Even if I don't understand why. It doesn't matter. I need to respect his wishes on this.

So, God is teaching me about respecting my husband. And I'm asking for your help. Please pray that I see things through his eyes and will act on it. And pray that when the voice in my head is talking to me, I'll honor it instead of pursuing my own hurt feelings. And pray that I'll remember to put up my stitching before he gets home every evening--where it goes in the sewing room-- so that it is not a deterrent to our time together.

And, if this sounds familiar to you...go get the book. It is amazing!

photo credits: both from morguefile.com; merry-go-round author is annika and heart author is sullivan

In Other Words--God's Amazing Embrace

It constantly amazes me how much God loves me! When I think of the garbage that I have experienced in my life, some of my making some by inheritance, and compare that to the knowledge of where He will take me (and it is certainly not a garbage dump) I cannot comprehend it. When I think of the sins I commit everyday, that He knew I would commit, and realize He still died for me, it leaves me speechless. And then I ponder that there are still failures to come, probably lots of failures to come, and yet He still plans to hold me in His arms, it drives me to tears. How can it be?
It can be, because that is Who He is. Holy and merciful. Demanding and providing. Judging and full of grace. He has every right to judge, and so He does. But then in His compassion He provides the sacrifice. He pays the price. And He calls me His daughter, His heir, His beloved, His bride. WOW! Wretch that I am, He holds me in His arms.

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 1 John 3:1

"Wherever you are spiritually whatever you have been through emotionally, you
are already wrapped in the Lord's embrace. Held close by nail-scarred hands."

~ Liz Curtis Higgs~

How could I say no to such grace? How can anyone? Why would you say no when the embrace is already there?

To read other impressions on Liz Curtis Higgs' quote, please join In Other Words with Iris at Sting My Heart

about the blogroll

You may notice that my blogroll has been cut way down. Since blogrolling is not working much of the time, I've decided to go with google reader to help me keep up with the blogs. So, I have shortened my links list considerably. Please do not be offended if your blog has come off of the roll. I took all of my stitching and homeschooling links off. I've kept a few for easy access (especially a couple that don't have feeds). Rest assured, even if you are not listed in my sidebar, I am still reading your blog. Blessings all....

Monday Menu Planning

Monday: chicken quesadillas
Tuesday: spaghetti and salad
Wednesday: homemade pepperoni pizza, carrot sticks
Thursday: Indian take-away (in honor of Daddy being in India)
Friday: chef salads
Saturday: Grilled chicken with Feta, steamed carrots, salads
Sunday: Dorthea's Split Pea Soup and homemade bread in the bread machine

For more menu ideas visit Lara at Org Junkie.

In Memory

German's dad had a falling out with his sister a long time ago. He cut off all contact with her. His expectation was that his sons would do the same. But, when German was an adult contact was established with his aunt. She and her husband were always gracious and knew that my FIL would come first and they would step out if he learned of the relationship that was being established. But my FIL withdrew from his sons' lives long ago as well, so it was not an issue.

A few weeks before our wedding, we received a phone call asking if FIL was coming to the wedding. When we said no, she said "then we will." She and her husband flew from Tucson to Spokane the morning of our wedding, met me for the first time, attended the wedding in the afternoon, and flew home to Tucson that evening. That, my friends, is a sign of love.


They made four trips to see us in Alabama, including coming to German's graduation when he received his MBA. There was a rumour that my FIL might "surprise us" that weekend. Aunt Jo said she would just fade into the crowd if there was a sighting of her brother, to not worry about them if that happened. It, of course, didn't happen.

In September 2004 she buried her husband after a long battle with lung cancer. The next week she was diagnosed with breast cancer followed quickly by an additional diagnosis of lung cancer (different cancer, not metastasized). She fought valiently and with humour through three rounds of chemotherapy.
Just before Christmas she made the decision not to struggle through a fourth round. The doctors' did not feel that they could enhance quality of life and felt they could add only a few months of quantity of life. German spent the week before Christmas with her in Arizona. They had a wonderful visit and he was able to say his good-byes while she was in good spirits and feeling fairly well.

On December 28 Aunt Jo entered into hospice care. At 0115 MST on December 31, she entered heaven. Her memorial service is this weekend. She will be missed by a daughter and son-in-law, a son and daughter-in-law, a granddaughter, a grandson, and a nephew and his family who are so very grateful that she took the risk and allowed herself to be family when the odds were against us.


Rest in Peace
Aunt JoAnn
We Love You!

God is moving

Tonight was a great night at my Life in the Spirit Bible Study. Some of you will be shocked to read that, since that is not normally my assessment of the study. And, honestly, I did not go anticipating anything different than the last few weeks. But, tonight, God showed up in a mighty and real way that is hard to even describe. It all started innocently enough. We are studying being filled with the Spirit and the fruit of the Spirit. The pastor asked us to share stories of people we knew where we had seen the Spirit at work. I immediately thought of several people at different times in my life where the Spirit had moved in dramatic and not so dramatic ways. I thought of Jason who a friend and I had discussed was going to be a preacher two full years before he heard/accepted/acted on the call (you choose what works in your way of thinking). I thought of another friend who I had seen change from deathly afraid of international travel to working in full-time mission work. I thought of how God has led us to each job change and locality change that we have made in our marriage. I thought of the ladies who have been posting their New Year’s meditations on Laurel’s site and the way God is moving in blogsphere. Others thought of and shared their stories as well. It was encouraging.

Then the pastor asked what would it look like if revival really came into our church family and how we would react. Could we anticipate revival? How do we do that? We had a great discussion about watching for God at work and being active in seeking His leading and His moving in our church. And we talked about that part of anticipating God moving is to be willing to do things differently--to be open to change--because God rarely does what we expect; He does so much more! That really got me to thinking about what the “more” might look like. Would I like it? Would I want it? Would I be a part of it? I would hope that I could answer “yes” to all of those questions because I should want to be a part of anything God is doing. But moving outside my comfort zone always takes my breath away. So I realize that I need to pray to be ready to change. I need to honestly and earnestly seek a flexible heart if I am going to experience God in a "more" way.

Before I left for the study tonight, I grabbed a copy of this that Ellen wrote over at Laced by Grace. I had copied it because I‘ll be sharing part of it with my Ladies Bible Study next week to jumpstart a discussion of where we see God taking the group this year. I had not given any thought to taking it tonight. But something (or Someone) prompted me to get it. And then I really felt I needed to share questions one, two and six. So I did. I guess we‘ll see what God does with that. (side note--I‘ll be sharing some of my answers to those questions in the coming days, because I am being seriously challenged by them. Watch this space.)

Then it was prayer time. It was a time of open prayer, which is usually 3-4 people praying out of the group of 10. Tonight it was silent. Really silent. For a good 10 minutes. I can hardly describe it. It was “heavy“ with the presence of God. I kept hearing a repeated refrain in my head of “Don’t talk” so I didn’t. I was literally bouncing with giddiness as I prayed about what God could do in our church if He truly filled us. (I may need to remind you all that I am in a conservative traditional evangelical church that shies away from charismatic anything for the most part--so this is not our normal prayer time expression). All of a sudden I could not help smiling at the thought of what God was going to do. I almost laughed aloud, but thought better of it, since the time was not really right. The pastor closed the time with a prayer that he thanked God for a time of “overwhelming presence that keeps us in silence.” Afterwards one of the ladies in the group came over to me and said, “That was the greatest feeling--kind of heavy with God’s Spirit and then I couldn’t help but smile as He washed over.” HOW COOL IS THAT? I don’t know what it means, but I know that God is at work and I am EXCITED to see what He does. I wish I could say that is always the case, but too often I am comfortable in the normal and even leery of change. So this is a great feeling. I’m sure I’ll be posting more as this unfolds. But for now, I feel like my waterfall is coming. COOL!

New Year Meditations

Dreams for 2007

Wow. I’ve been thinking about this a lot since it was announced. As I look back over 2006, so much has happened that I could never have dreamed. (German leaving a job after 18 years without a firm offer but trusting that God said ‘leave now’ and the tremendous blessings that the new job, and the new house, have been; beginning to home educate with Jewel and how much God is teaching me through that; new people in the Bible Study I’m leading; the blessing of blogsphere, etc.) It almost seems impertinent to state dreams. But I believe that God loves hearing the desires of our heart. So, here it goes:

In 2007 I want to grow more Christ-like in my speech with my children. I want to break the stronghold that my mother taught me that a raised voice brings calm. It doesn’t. It adds to the chaos. I want to not be the cause of chaos in my home. I want to embody Proverbs 15:1 and Ephesians 4:29 and Ephesians 6:4. I pray that our time of school is teaching Jewel and Flower, not only basic education but basics of living in a family and getting along with one another. I pray that our play time is making memories and setting an example of loving life and loving God.

In 2007 I want to display the gentle quiet spirit that German needs me to be in our home. I want to show him the respect that he deserves as my husband and the head of this home. I pray that God will mold me more and more into that wife that He knew German needed and that if asked to describe his wife, adjectives like “Godly” “supportive” “loving” and “giving” would be the first things that came to German's mind.

In 2007, I pray that the Ladies Bible Study will grow in numbers and in depth. I pray that those dear ladies who are coming each week, believing that being churched is the same as being saved, will see Jesus for Who He is and submit their lives to Him. I pray that I can be an instrument of truth. I pray that I will be careful in my speech and my answers. I want to grow in knowledge and impart that with honesty, sincerity and integrity. As we study the Patriarchs (study by Beth Moore) may I grow in an understanding of what blessing and covenant and being a chosen people is all about.

In 2007 I pray that my quiet time will be rich, deep and taking me to new levels. I pray that I will be more consistent and not allow the struggles of the day to intervene. I pray that I will have successfully memorized at least one verse a month that is directly applicable to what God is teaching me. I pray that my accountability and prayer time with a friend is consistent and honest and that she and I will enter into 2008 changed women because of how God has sharpened us with one another.

In 2007 I pray that this blog touches someone’s life. I pray that it is not just useless words put out there, but that I am cautious and responsible with my words. I pray that it never become a source of pride of what I can do, but that it remains a means for me to relay what God is doing. I pray that I will be a Biblical friend to those I meet in blogsphere, pointing them to Jesus in every word and action.

I do not believe in making resolutions on New Year’s Day because I believe that resolutions are made in our own strength depending upon ourselves to break the habits that we are resolving to break. I cannot break the habits in my life on my own. But I pray that 2007 is the year that I allow God to have victory in my life in my diet and physical well-being. I would like to look back on 2007 at a healthier weight and an even greater relationship with God as I allow Him to be my comfort instead of food.

Books I want to read in 2007 to help me on the journey:
1. Prayer by Philip Yancy
2. Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerichs
3. Forever in Love with Jesus by Dee Brestin and Kathy Troccoli
4. Shepherding A Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp
5. The Joy of Eating Right by Dee Brestin and Peggy Johnston
6. Believing God by Beth Moore
7. Disciplines of a Godly Woman by Barbara Hughes
8. What Happens When Women Walk in Faith by Lysa Terkewst