Go Away

I mean it. I am not going to be here anymore.

I've escaped. I even almost wordpressed (GASP)

Where have I gone???

I ain't gonna let out a peep

well, maybe a little one ;)

I am here now - www.hofpeeps.blogspot.com

Hang Tight . . .

I am working out some kinks -

Sorry Carrie, I liked that other layout too!

Construction Zone

Yeah, I am changing - - - AGAIN :)

I love to decorate - myself, my house, my BLOG -

Rain

Its been raining lightly here, all morning long. The dog is eagerly staring out the sliding glass door, watching the birds peck at the wet grass. I'd let him out, but then he'd want to come right back in again. The 'walk' sort of got lost in the midst of this sleepy starting day.

There's a stillness that creeps up to me right now, inviting me to feel its void with creativity, a skill that seems somewhat long lost to me right now. I am slowly trying to recapture this butterfly though. Time has made time for me to do so.

Maybe, this quest will just start simply - (really, why do I always think that creativity = writing poetry and painting in watercolor?)

Let's start with the basics, and then I will feel like I am making a little more progress in this department. Basics, eh? Like making the front porch more agreeable. We worked a lot on both the front and back yards these past weeks - if I can dig up the camera, I'll get a picture of that work's results.

I'm getting there

Groach!

I guess that you could call that a combination of 'gross' and 'roach'. . .

As I was on my bed writing down some prayer requests this morning, I noticed something small & dark MOVING slowly across my nightstand. Horror of horrors, it was a roach, crawling on top of my Bible and making his evil way to my cup of cranberry juice.

I ran to the guest bathroom to grab the best bug-killin' concoction that man has ever created : RAID Kills on Contact

Once he spotted me with his googly antennaed head, he fled under the bed. I managed to squirt a couple sprays on his gangly legs, paralyzing his escape.

It was a fight, but I am happy to say that I WON.

This is so weird . . .

Its 8 am, and I am not standing in my closet, wondering what in the world I am going to wear to work today. I am not trying to flurry through this post so that I can get out the door.

I am sitting here, breathing and relaxing - I don't have to go into work until noon.

I am feeling comforted and blessed in the provisions that God has made for us. Two great big prayers have been answered and I can't stop thanking Him. . .

#1 - my husband is home - he has been home for the past 3 weeks. No, he didn't lose his job ;)
He is still a project manager, but he is sort of 'in-between' projects right now, so he is working out of the main office, 25 minutes away. So, if you see a handsome 6 ft blond-haired guy hanging around, don't worry, that's my husband ;)

And #2 actually came to fruition this past week. Over a year ago this week, I began working more like 'full time' hours at my job. This was not really something I wanted to do, but it was something that I was called to do, and the Lord never asks too much of us. I admit that its been a challenging year, juggling work, BSF, trips back and forth, etc. - and I have had my share of complaining, fists up to God and all. But God has really blessed this path with His faithfulness. Sometimes, you just have to wait on Him. We were able to hire another administrative & marketing person who is able to fill in for me on this new part-time 1/2 day schedule my boss has given me. The timing is so perfect - I so appreciate having mornings at home to get the day going, and the company also is trying to make some cut-backs, so it feels good to be a part of those efforts.

So, here I am - and its so good to be here.

Yikes

I had to peel my jaw up off the cement as I was filling up my gas tank yesterday - $3.19 per gall. is a lot for Texas. I closed my eyes when I swiped my card. . . ignorance is certainly bliss in this case.


I know that you CA folks are suffering even more, and you do have my pity . . .

Refreshed

This past weekend, I was privileged to go to a wonderful BSF Retreat in Dallas. Early Friday morning, about 16 women in our class boarded a spacious bus and we took a 5 hour drive north to our destination, the Adams Mark Hotel (WOW, what a treat!)

Though the trip was a bit rainy and muggy, we arrived excited, and amazed at all the people there. . . 3,000 of us BSF leaders for the conference! Jane (my co-leader) and I shared a room which faced the city and all those glorious skyscrapers, with the DART below.

Jean Nystrand, the executive director of BSF, taught through the book of Isaiah - very enriching and insightful! In between lectures, we enjoyed delicious meals, coffee breaks (sigh, I DID HAVE TO HAVE CAFFIENE, MY LIFE DEPENDED ON IT!), and lots of fellowshipping with other Christians - praise the Lord for three 'thousand tongues to sing, Thy great Redeemer's praise. . . '!!!

Perhaps many of you may not know, but my involvement with BSF came at a time when I was feeling a need for connection to other women. I really yearned to be deeper in the Word. Haven and I had just moved to San Antonio at the time, and I was eager to join after my mom had encouraged me to go to BSF. I actually started going in the middle of the Genesis study, and it has blessed me ever since. Last year, at the beginning of the Romans study, I was asked to be a part of the leadership - what an honor. This is my first year of being a Children's Leader, something that seemed so overwhelming at first, but I am amazed at God's equipping! I feel so blessed that I can share the opportunity to teach 11 jr. high students with my co-leader!

The most precious thing to me about being in BSF is that I am the third generation in my family to be involved in BSF. A. Wetherell Johnson, the originator of BSF, began to lead a tiny class of women in Oakland, Ca., more than 50 years ago . . . my grandmother came to be a part of that class! At the retreat, they had prepared a special slide presentation of the history of BSF - I think I saw my grandmother in one of the photos they flashed!

My mother was a part of BSF for a while when she was younger - I think that my brother, sister and I were in the children's program at some point. . .

The Headquarters are actually located here, in San Antonio - on a gorgeous piece of land on the northside. . .

From the retreat - I just feel so refreshed and have a new perspective. Sometimes, I get so discouraged about the seemingly impactless efforts we make - but God really is at work through His people, and it is such a blessing to be able to serve Him through this outlet.

No . . . please, not yet . . .

Did someone mention the dreaded S word? Texas must've heard you - we are going to be creeping into the warm SUMMER-like 80's this week. But its not just that. . . something was waiting for me when I stepped outside this morning to get the paper. . . a familiar enemy, ah yes, humidity. And, on top of that, with everything blooming, the pollen count is off the charts . . . icky

I am trying to focus on the good things this week - like the Spurs winning by ten over the Orlando Magic last night, or more importantly, the wonderful BSF retreat this weekend in Dallas :)
But > > >
I just can't seem to shake my disappointment with the weather.

I really would rather be here right now. . .

Sigh ;)

Tea Time

For St. Patrick's Day, along with a sweet card, my dear grandmother sent me a couple of these Irish Breakfast tea bags - Delicious, and not quite as strong as English Breakfast tea - I think I have found a new favorite!

Sabotaged

Sometimes, you just CAN'T win . . .

I worked out this morning - an hour and 15 min. of good, slow burn; aerobics, pilates, and plenty of sweat.

Man, I felt strong - with a good heart-healthy breakfast, 2 tall glasses of water and 2 vitamins, I was off to work (felt like I was off to the races).

And then, today of all days, my dear co-worker decided to bring in a pan of fresh-baked, soft and cakey brownies . . .

Sigh . . .

Dirt Bomb

Yesterday was a strange weather day. We had a forecast of thunderstorms, strong winds and lots of rain.

Well, where I was at, I heard thunder maybe once, and it only rained about a 1/2 inch during the day - the weather man is a joke. . .

There were reports of tornadoes to the west of us, we thankfully got skipped. And then, a dust storm from the south decided to do the tango with the rain and covered the world in a dirty splash. . .filth covers my car; car washes will be chaotic today.

You know, I am thankful that these crazy storms are staying northwest of us so far - it'd be nice to see a little more rain here, to lift our burn bans, but oh well.

Milk & Toast

Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. . .

Why?

Maybe because its so simple - a little something to start your morning that can give you energy to lunch.
It doesn't have to be elaborate - like pancakes, muffins, or eggs (although, I am a fan of these choices, on special occasions). You can just pop an english muffin in your toaster and in a minute or so you are spreading soft cream cheese on the tops and grabbing your mug of coffee (or, in my case, tea or milk).

Mmmm - so good.

I used to skip breakfast for coffee when I was younger, only to end up spent by noon. . . the kick of caffeine would last for a couple of hours, but then would wear off, leaving me cranky. I slowly weaned myself back into the thought of eating breakfast with a banana on the way out the door. It felt like a lump was in my throat, and all morning long, I could feel it slowly sinking into my tummy. Ughh. I tried oatmeal - apples - lowfat poptarts - cold cereal - bagels . . . I found my favorite to be boring old toast of all things. Toast is like a peanut butter staple (oooh, and it tastes sooo good with smooth and creamy peanut butter)- there is just something so wholesome about it, something so classic, so delicious.

MMMMmmmmm . . . . breakfast - and, can you guess what I am having this morning ;)

St. Patrick's Breastplate

I bind unto myself today . . .

The strong Name of the Trinity,
By invocation of the same
The Three in One and One in Three.

I bind this today to me forever
By power of faith, Christ’s incarnation;
His baptism in Jordan river,
His death on Cross for my salvation;
His bursting from the spiced tomb,
His riding up the heavenly way,
His coming at the day of doom
I bind unto myself today.

I bind unto myself the power
Of the great love of cherubim;
The sweet ‘Well done’ in judgment hour,
The service of the seraphim,
Confessors’ faith, Apostles’ word,
The Patriarchs’ prayers, the prophets’ scrolls,
All good deeds done unto the Lord
And purity of virgin souls.

I bind unto myself today
The virtues of the star lit heaven,
The glorious sun’s life giving ray,
The whiteness of the moon at even,
The flashing of the lightning free,
The whirling wind’s tempestuous shocks,
The stable earth, the deep salt sea
Around the old eternal rocks.

I bind unto myself today
The power of God to hold and lead,
His eye to watch, His might to stay,
His ear to hearken to my need.
The wisdom of my God to teach,
His hand to guide, His shield to ward;
The word of God to give me speech,
His heavenly host to be my guard.

Against the demon snares of sin,
The vice that gives temptation force,
The natural lusts that war within,
The hostile men that mar my course;
Or few or many, far or nigh,
In every place and in all hours,
Against their fierce hostility
I bind to me these holy powers.

Against all Satan’s spells and wiles,
Against false words of heresy,
Against the knowledge that defiles,
Against the heart’s idolatry,
Against the wizard’s evil craft,
Against the death wound and the burning,
The choking wave, the poisoned shaft,
Protect me, Christ, till Thy returning.

Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me.
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

I bind unto myself the Name,
The strong Name of the Trinity,
By invocation of the same,
The Three in One and One in Three.
By Whom all nature hath creation,
Eternal Father, Spirit, Word:
Praise to the Lord of my salvation,
Salvation is of Christ the Lord.

Marred and Dented

So, here's a little update on my traffic citation -

My fine was $192 smackeroos (EEEKK), so H and I both did some research on the thing, and found out that contesting the thing would hardly be worth it, as I would still end up paying miscellaneous fees. What a headache.

So, gritting my teeth and swallowing my pride - I gathered myself and paid the &*%# thing - even though I think it was completely UNCALLED for - and, right now, I am hating on small-town cops.

God is trying to teach me humility - which I am fine with - but can it not involve my wallet next time - please???

Bon Matin

Each new morning, we wake up to the sound of doves cooing. They roost in the oak tree outside our bedroom window. (That same tree shades Haven's truck and so he is not too happy that they roost there.) They make such a peaceful sounding call, it never seems to irritate me.

Its funny how plain the 'symbol of peace' is. Doves are incredibly humble - have you ever watched their interactions with other birds at a feeder? Little finches and mean jays shove their way to get to the seed. They toss the bird feeder about and scatter seeds everywhere. In the midst of this chaos, the doves sort of sit back and wait for everyone to finish. They end up picking up the seeds scattered all over after everyone leaves.


Our jasmine plants, which are vining around our front pillars have finally been slowly blooming this week. This has been a long time coming - for 4 months or so, we have watched how leafy and bushy each plant has grown, and we have eagerly anticipated the blooms. H got a little worried a couple of times that they weren't blooming yet. They just needed time. Then they started to bud - this budding lay still for about a week, and we keep waiting and watching for a bloom to pop - and then, spring came to our front door.

What is it about the shape and smell of jasmine flowers - how they enthrall us to the point that we have to stop and consume them with our noses. Their elegance, their simple beauty and class - right up there with the rose.

And they wait to inspire me, right outside my front door -

Sheesh Peesh

This afternoon, I made a stop to the ladies room. It is only normal to go after lunching, beveraging, and walking around in the park. I am not really one to want to chat it up with the other women I meet in the bathroom - after all, we go there for usually ONE purpose, and that purpose is to be privately done behind a stall door. But I will exchange polite smiles and hellos to people I see coming in and going out.

But then, its down to business.

Except when, which seems to be a greater frequency these days, that business concentration gets completely thrown when in walks some woman, jabbering on her cellphone.

She goes into the stall next door. You peek under the stall just enough to do the shoe check- yep, just one person, not two . . . one person with an ear extension.

So, she's talking - and your, well, peeing. . . its awkward. You don't want to be loud, you don't really want to flush. But its the place where this is done, not talking on your phone. She doesn't seem to mind doing her business and talking. . . but does that person on the other line know? Who cares, concentrate, hurry up.

You just keep concentrating, going, and then, take a deep breath, and FLUSH!!!

Done.

Wash your hands and try not to stare down the woman when she emerges from the stall, phone still intact. (Shouldn't she disinfect her phone too? Eww, Gross!)


Courtesy people. Courtesy. Talk OUTSIDE the bathroom.

Braggy ;)

Naturally, I am proud to my tippiest tip-toes of my hubby. Not only is he extremely goodlooking, God-fearing, and hardworking, but he's also incredibly intelligent.

We saw 10,000 BC the other night, a very captivating and interesting film. With a movie as creative as this one was, usually it takes me a good day or two to process. I wonder internally about things, but then I have to muse on them for a while before I spit them out.
But then there's my hubby. He has good brains, working overtime before, during and after a movie, a book, an article, a conversation, whatever it may be. . . He is able to articulate and bring to light things I never would get close to finding - you know, like a new set of eyes that finds all the missing items that you are looking for, except, in this case, you didn't even know that you were missing them) Well anyway, this movie was no exception.

I love how he thinks.

Here's his review:
http://www.thewaterspout.com/blog/?p=486

And Honey, do you know how much I love you? Well, now everybody knows ;)

Sicky

I am pretty sure that the flu-bug has been sapping my energy this week - I feel so sluggish, so tired, and have almost lost all of my appetite. Monday morning met me with a slap - vomiting, fever, and nausea kept me home from work. . . Tuesday I managed to go back, and eat a little (good ol' saltine crackers!). It was the day to feel better - something I was so thankful for, because it was my week to teach. Wednesday was pretty good as well.

And then today, I woke up so exhausted, but got myself to work for a couple of hours and then decided to throw in the towel. Me no workey this week.

On the plus side - I think I've lost about 6 lbs this week. . . nice but I am not really into this weight-loss method.

So, sleeping and drinking mass quantities of water have been the way of the land in this dominion.

Idols Update

It's so appropriate that this stupid show is named, "American Idol'. . . and ahem, after this admission, I will make no other comment ;)

But, since I am hooked I have decided that these are tops - - -

I would have to say that one of my favorites for the girls tonight was Syesha :) Asia'h was close second, Carly, and Ramiele. I am beginning to get tired of Amanda'a hoarse voice, although, it is original. I like Brooke but she didn't seem to bring it out tonight. The rest were, as Simon so bluntly puts it, 'forgettable'.

For the boys. . . I just love that David A - he is just so good. Michael really impressed me, as did Jason. David Cook was okay and Chikezie was alright. The jury is still out on David H. since I heard of a questionable vocation he was in (ahem) though, I cannot deny his vocals still yield great applause.

Wait a minute . . . what am I becoming, some tv-movie review blog or something????

Crank

(this is from last friday night - tid bit late in posting)

Last night began with a cheery start, as weazled my way through heavy traffic, home to my dear Hubby. We were raring to watch our Spurs take on the Mavs and so I fixed some super yummy burritos, beans and rice and we settled in for the exhilarating game that kept us on the edge the entire way through. Halftime came around, Spurs were up by one in this extremely close game and we both agreed that a trip to HEB for icecream was in order. What's a game without icecream? ;)

I was in the car in seconds. H stayed behind to play with the dog and clean the kitchen. A short drive down the road and as i was turning into the HEB parking lot a cop flashed his lights on me and pulled me over - for what??? I was NOT speeding. I had my lights on. I put my blinker on to get into the turn lane. What in the world???

A very large cop approached my car and I immediately asked, "um, hi, why did you pull me over?" "Well, you passed a car on the left in a turn lane."
Rewind here. Okay. There was a slow moving truck before me, but I stuck it out until about ten feet before the turn lane began for HEB. I did pass him, but I was just cruising up to the light in the turn lane, and not trying to get in front of him. I was going the speed limit, again, I must make that clear and known (to those of you who doubt my driving).
He asked for my insurance. Boy, did I tear that car apart trying to find our newest insurance card. I explained that this was a new car and I needed a little bit to open up the manual book and the glove compartment. He was fine to wait. I called my hubby in frustrated tears, asking where the insurance card was. I finally found it - right where it should be - in the glove compartment.

The cop was still not budging. . . so I got a traffic citation for this stupid 'offense' which I am baffled by. I am still wondering if I should contest it. It seemed like a completely ridiculous thing for me to get a citation for.


I was in a pretty irate mood in the store as I grabbed our ice cream essentials. I drove VERY carefully home and couldn't bring myself to watch our team struggle against the Mavs in the state I was in. I had to clean the kitchen first, and settle down. H informed me that we were winning, and so we got our icecream and finished off the cranky night with a Spurs win. WOHOO.

Life goes on. I admit, my attitude was not stellar, but I still feel like this was not fair. :( Kay, done with my pity party.

Of things lovely

I love scarves. I have many of them, in colors bright, soft, pale and patterned, bold and striking.
I wore them more in my college days, they worked well with pea coats and in my hair. . .

Unfortunately, these days they rarely have the opportunity to make an appearance outside of my closet.

There they hang, lifeless on plastic hangers. This tragedy struck me this morning when I was standing in my closet, scrounging for some clothes to wear to work. I wondered about how one might look, wrapped loosely around my neck with the black long sleeved tailor shirt I had picked out.

Hmmm.

But, for some reason, I didn't feel confident enough. Somehow, I needed to think this accessory option through more and I just didn't have the time.

But then again, spontaneity in accessorizing can sometimes be a lovely thing. So many options with these lovely things like broaches, scarves, headbands and bangles - we are blessed to have such things in our drawers and closets.

Now to have the confidence to wear them? Now that is a lovely thing.

News of the Weird

PHEW . . .

At least it was a terrier-chihuahua cross-breed

Python Eats Australian Family Dog

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

(02-27) 19:16 PST BRISBANE, Australia (AP) --

A 16-foot python stalked a family dog for days before swallowing the pet whole in front of horrified children in the Australian tropics, animal experts said Wednesday.

The boy and girl, ages 5 and 7, watched as the scrub python devoured their silky terrier-Chihuahua crossbreed Monday at their home near Kuranda in Queensland state.

Stuart Douglas, owner of the Australian Venom Zoo in Kuranda, said scrub pythons typically eat wild animals such as wallabies, a smaller relative of the kangaroo, but sometimes turn to pets in urban areas.

"It actively stalked the dog for a number of days," Douglas said.

"The family that owned the dog had actually seen it in the dog's bed, which was a sign it was out to get it," he added.

"They should have called me then, but (the snake) got away and three or four days later, I was called and went around and removed it" after the dog had been killed, Douglas said.

By the time Douglas arrived, all that could be seen of the dog was its hind legs and tail.

The zoo manager, Todd Rose, said pythons squeeze their prey to death before swallowing it whole. The 5-year-old dog would have been suffocated within minutes.

"The lady who was there threw some plastic chairs at the snake, but you've got to remember that this is about 50 kilograms (110 pounds) of aggressive muscle," Rose said.

Removing the half-swallowed dog could have harmed or even killed the python, Rose said, because dogs have sharp teeth and claws that could do the snake internal damage if it were wrenched out.

The snake was still digesting the dog at the zoo Wednesday. It will soon be relocated to the bush, Douglas said.

American Idols

Though I have yet to watch the girls compete tonight, I have narrowed it to six - the top being my favorite :)

Manners, please . . .

Sheesh - I have a rude dog.

Not only does he tip over his food bowl, scattering kibbles EVERYWHERE, but after breakfasting this morning, he proceeded to move upstairs in full barrel force only to plop at my slippered feet and emit a great "BURRP" in my presence. . .

And he didn't say 'excuse me' . . .

Wind-sweeping

Its about that time when I would (once upon a time, in a dedicated and disciplined moment) rise, and go sweat bullets at the gym. Then, greater wisdom called me back to bed; bodies need sleep too.

So I sleep. I woke this morning on the early side to find my dog snuggled on the bed at my feet (?!) and the sound of the wind was hollow and exciting outside. . . I couldn't let the moment escape me. After picking up my windswept garbage outside and re-stacking the cans for trash pick-up, I made some tea and here I sit - at 4:30 am.

A magical thing happened last night, and I am not talking about the Spur's win over the Hawks ;)

While the night lay in a quiet slumber, a bold front of cold air pushed away the 90 degree heatwave we were having. The early morning sky is streaked in wispy trails of clouds, and the strong winds did some earth-scattering around my neighborhood. The air turned crisp, cool and inviting. I might go back to bed and snuggle for a little longer, but this was certainly worth waking up for. . .

Rock Water

As I was perusing some liturgy readings this morning, one struck me as so appropriately perfect for my struggling attitude toward life right now. Exodus 17:1-7 - I am one to often compare myself to a rebellious Israelite, not compliant and willing to follow the leader who was chosen by God to guide them out of wilderness and into the Promiseland.
What a daunting task, to lead a grumbling nation who doubted you . . . Moses was doing what God had called him to do. He had no special wisdom, no super power in and of himself to even know where the next step would take them.

He didn't feel equipped to do it, but God was equipping him as he went. The people cursed him and balked his leadership. And yet, he trusted. He trusted the God of his fathers, and he believed that God would get them there.

I may not be a grumbling nation, but I can be a grumbling wife to my own Moses. When I complain and test my husband, I make his road harder. His is a road full of great responsibility and roadblocks that he has to overcome, and the desire of my life is to encourage him and strengthen him through this journey by serving him. But I am a poor example of this. I only fall on my knees once again and ask for his forgiveness and God's forgiveness.

And then I remember how faithful God is, to a grumbling nation -

All the congregation of the people of Israel moved on from the wilderness of Sin
by stages, according to the commandment of the LORD, and camped at Rephidim, but
there was no water for the people to drink. 2Therefore the people quarreled with
Moses and said, "Give us water to drink." And Moses said to them, "Why do you
quarrel with me? Why do you test the LORD?" 3But the people thirsted there for
water, and the people grumbled against Moses and said, "Why did you bring us up
out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?" 4So
Moses cried to the LORD, "What shall I do with this people? They are almost
ready to stone me."

5And the LORD said to Moses, "Pass on before the people,
taking with you some of the elders of Israel, and take in your hand the staff
with which you struck the Nile, and go. 6 Behold, I will stand before you there
on the rock at Horeb, and you shall strike the rock, and water shall come out of
it, and the people will drink." And Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of
Israel. 7And he called the name of the place Massah and Meribah, because of the
quarreling of the people of Israel, and because they tested the LORD by saying,
"Is the LORD among us or not?"

**He, the faithful God who gave the Israelites water from the rock, is our Rock who sent his Son to be struck so that His saving blood would flow over us, cleansing and purifying our sinfulness and lack of faith.**

Cornbread

I love cornbread.

I could eat mounds and mounds of it, daily if I had a chance. (Good thing I don't! ;)

This recipe from allrecipes.com was so good, so sweet and yummy that it could even stand on its own two feet without butter and honey. But then again, I guess that's just my opinion ;)


Grandmother's (not mine, somebody's) Buttermilk Cornbread

Ingredients:

• 1/4 pound butter
• 2/3 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
  

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8 inch square pan.
2. Melt butter in large skillet. Remove from heat and stir in sugar. Quickly add eggs and beat until well blended. Combine buttermilk with baking soda and stir into mixture in pan. Stir in cornmeal, flour, and salt until well blended and few lumps remain. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Wrapped around my finger

Beloved

This is the meaning of my name - Amy - and what a precious reminder to me.

Sometimes I manage to forget that I am chosen, called, and beloved of God. How could I ever doubt any of these is beyond me, but there it is. I forget, or rather, I disbelieve.

Remembering a moment of tearful doubt, I once confessed to my husband that I was having a really hard time believing in the love he had/has for me. This was a painful admission, and a weak moment that Satan delighted in, took opportunity in, and pounced upon.

My warrior fought for me when he told me to look at the set of rings on my finger. The shape of round. Circles that endlessly turn, continuous until breaking for a beautiful diamond tightly clenched in the middle. The diamond is the love that the Lord perfects as we grow more united in marriage, and the band is the commitment that we have made to each other, and that God has made to us.

And this is how the Lord loves His children.

Amy, I am never letting you go. I love you, you are My beloved.

Coming up slow

like the sun on a muggy day, I am I am . . .

I am not liking this one bit - this humidity, this mugginess, this lethargic start to the morning. One might attribute this to the fact that I sipped some caffeinated soda last night (shock! To get me through BSF class night) I was still awake at 11 - which went on to 12:30.

I watched guys' finals for American Idol and believe that I have narrowed it to a few favorites. There is some pretty darn good talent this season. I am going to wait till the girls compete to make my final pics.

I hear we are supposed to have an eclipse tonight. Do I have to get out of the state of cloudy Texas to see it?

Middle Name Game

*Every answer must begin with 1st letter of your middle name ;)

1. Middle name: CHRISTINE
2. Famous artist/band/musician: COLDPLAY
3. 4-letter word: CRAM
4. U.S state: CALIFORNIA
5. Boy name: COLTON
6. Girl name: CECILIA
7. Animal: CRAB
8. Something in the kitchen: CHEDDAR CHEESE
9. Reason for being late: CRUSHED MY FINGERS IN THE CAR DOOR, CAR CRASH
10. Body Part: CURVES ;)
11. Drink: COKE
12. Something you shout: CRUD!
13. Something you eat: CHOCOLATE ;)

Strawberries and Sunsets

I made chocolate-dipped strawberries this past weekend. Accompanied by brownies, we had some sweet post-Valentine's treats. . .

But the sweetest thing was this stunning sunset we saw on our walk :)

My Valentino

On Love Day, I received a lovely surprise at work. . . a special delivery from Pro Flowers - from my very sweet Valentine ;) Though we were apart that day, he made me beam from ear to ear.

They were lovely - thank you Lovey :)

Creative Splurts

Just so you know - I am doing some 'blogscaping' right now - we'll be a little bit under construction for awhile, while I get these links back up ;)

Happy Valentine's Day!

Looking back

If I had a penny for every time I looked back. . .

I'd be filthy stinking rich right now.

So what? Looking back is normal, right?

I guess it depends on how you are looking back. I really wish that I could focus on the warm memories. There are lots of shadows that cloud the sunshine though. But the grace of God is evident through the cloud-cover. The blessings are endless, all the way around.

Sometimes I wonder how things might have been if this or that didn't change. . . life would be so completely different, so completely not what God has set out for this life. And that brings me to these things called memories. Memories are like photos. Still life. Time, frozen.

Some of these photos strike the core of me, making me feel everything in that moment all over again. And then I have a lot of pictures that baffle me, what was so important to me then is now so trivial now.

But at some point, you have to put those pictures away, slipping them back into an album, or a box, tucking them in an envelope or putting the frame back on the wall. You walk away and you thank the Lord for yesterday, but you embrace today and you look longingly toward the future.

A time for everything

There is a time to sleep . . . and a time to wake up . . .

Unfortunately, as I sip DECAF coffee it is the time to wake up.

Even Hector isn't a Monday kind of dog

Bleh - okay, here we go. Off to a new week

Whole

Oh the goodness of tea -

Though, I am still a 'coffee-adorer", the black bean has now become that rich, chocolate truffle that is a special treat.
Hot water is now humming in my tea kettle, ready to squeal at any given moment.
I love the process of how we have to heat the water to make tea, the steeping of the tea bag in the scalding water, and that first sip, which burns just the tip of your tongue. The infusions of flavor, the sweet smell, the soothing feel down your throat . . .

Yes, I am loving tea. It is some kind of wonderful wholesome goodness.

And this is my beloved

Words cannot express how much I love you Haven. You are my warrior and my hero.

Rest well - I really miss you

So sleepy

I dunno how I am gonna make it today . . . all that is running through my head is a strong, black, caffeinated cup of coffee. . .

Good thing I am committed. I am going to make it. Don't worry.

To set you at ease, here's a random quote for the day -

"futility is two bald men fighting over a comb"

Cheers :)

Aqua

We painted the 2nd bedroom this past weekend. We covered the tiara, flowers, swirls, yellow, pink and magenta . . .

with a cool and crisp CRYSTAL AQUA!

(This room has yet to be occupied by a baby, so, in the meantime, we are going to make it an office and workout room :)

Oops

The other day, I acted without thinking. Well, this is not really a rare thing I guess, but this particular thing was completely mindless of me. . .

Sigh

Well, here goes. . .

I was sitting at my desk at work, when a young teenage girl walked in the door with a box full of something. While normally I would shue her away like any other vendor, her youth and sweet smile kept me from pushing her out the door.

She was friendly and conversational, and said that she was part of a group that was selling these stained-glass-like designs made from shells from the Philippines to raise money for character leadership training.

pretty ain't it?

Now, if I was not so absorbed in leafing through the wares, I would have been more attentive to what the organization actually was.

But no

I had to be hasty and impulsive, and buy the sun catcher above for a rip-off of $25, only to realize later, as I glanced at the bookmark she had left with me, what I had just supported. . .

Which read:

Our activities are motivated by the Five Universal Principles for Peace:

1. There is one God who is the Creator of all and the Parent of humankind (check - agreed)
2. Human beings are essentially spiritual in nature (okay)
3. The family is the "School of Love" and Cornerstone for World Peace (m'kay . . . ?)
4. The Highest Standard for relationships is to "live for the sake of others" (alright)
5. Inter-religious and international cooperation are essential to world peace. (???)

I feel like I just read something off a starbucks cup. . .

Oh dear. Think girl, THINK!

The Need

21Jesus went away from there, and withdrew into the district of Tyre and Sidon. 22And a Canaanite woman from that region came out and began to cry out, saying, "Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is cruelly demon-possessed." 23But He did not answer her a word. And His disciples came and implored Him, saying, "Send her away, because she keeps shouting at us." 24But He answered and said, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." 25But she came and began to bow down before Him, saying, "Lord, help me!" 26And He answered and said, "It is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs."27But she said, "Yes, Lord; but even the dogs feed on the crumbs which fall from their masters' table." 28Then Jesus said to her, "O woman, your faith is great; it shall be done for you as you wish." And her daughter was healed at once.

Looking at this passage for this week's lesson for bsf seemed like perfect timing. My soul is weary.
This past month has been incredibly difficult, with many reasons I cannot convey to you. All that I can convey is that God took us through a storm and we are now in a calm again. Through this time of testing, I was tempted to turn away from God with my lack of faith. But His hold is secure on His chosen, and He bolted me firmly.

Going back to this passage, it emotionally overwhelms me that God acknowledged the faith of a Canaanite, one not of His chosen, and yet she believed. She had persistent faith- she had quick wit to say that 'even the master's dogs feed on the crumbs . . . ' She was so eager for anything, anything that the Lord would give to her. And what she desired was not for herself, but her daughter.

"O woman, your faith is great"

Oh to be like that - to tug at the robe of Jesus, daily in prayer. I have needs, I have anxieties and concerns, and I hunger for righteousness. I have doubts, and I have sin but He collects that garbage and folds me in His embrace.

Goodmorning Wednesday

We are not quite at the week's end, but getting there, slowly, surely, in a turtle-like manner.
Wednesday draws even closer to Thursday. Do you know what Thursday is? LOST returns!!!

You would think, as I have been snagged with American Idol, that I should demonstrate a little restraint and limit my shows. I would like to call attention to tv networking for making these stupid shows so addictive!

So, its not my fault . . . entirely.


And while we are on this 'watching' thing - go see Juno - it is such a refreshing film. Haven and I really enjoyed Ellen Page's work of playing a pregnant teen. It was a witty movie - heartwarming too. :)

Random

Okay - Em tagged me. . .
I am lazy about these things - they are fun and mindless, and sometimes annoying. I am not putting anyone up to doing it. Do as you will.


My 6 things are.....


1) I can't blow my gum into a bubble. I've tried. I just can't do it. :(

2) I used to pretend I was a unicorn when I was little (this strange fascination with unicorns stopped at 8, I think) ;)

3) I have never gotten a massage because I don't liked to be touched by other people (except for my hubster)

4) Someday, I want to get another horse.

5) My toes are crooked :(

6) I can't believe this was my sister's answer to this question:

6)If I weren't a Christian, I'd be a hippy in Santa Cruz california--dreadlocks, grass skirts, hand-painted VW van, a pet ferret, and a beat up guitar.

Splat

H and I decided to do somethin' kinda fun. Somethin' we've been wanting to do for a while. Somethin' all True San Antonians must do at some point or another - go see a Spurs game.

So to online to ticketmaster, we went . . .

Tickets for two - much money was spent . . .

We hopped in the car and went to the little basketball kingdom downtown. Our seats were great (despite the man drenched in cologne next to me who liked to spread himself out).

Its been sometime since I'd gone to a game - and it was Haven's first. We were optimistic as the Spurs had won the last two games, and the first two quarters were going pretty well, with the men in white keeping the Hornets at bay.
And just when we were getting settled into our seats with some soft serve ice cream and peanuts, New Orleans stung. Hard.

Third quarter was really painful. Our little team began swelling.

We thought the Spurs would make their usual comeback - it was their court after all. We were going to show them' Hornets whose territory they were on. . .
But the swelling got worse. And the fourth quarter came with no relief.

It was horrible.

We left 6 minutes early, shocked and disappointed. They were supposed to win this game. This was OUR game.

We opened the paper this morning to see that it was the worst home game loss for them in history. And we were there.

At least we were part of the history.

102 - Hornets
78 - Spurs

No SPURS, NO!!! :(

Buh-Bye Energy Bean

Well, I've given it up . . .
The energy bean, I mean . . . caffeine.

What? Huh? Cold Turkey???

Yep

I realized how much I consumed each day, and I know that it hasn't helped me. I already survived the day one (the worst!) and day 2 has been so much better. I feel so good. I have been drinking juice and ice water, and enough tea to make me have to use the facilities at least 15 times a day.

What I wanted to know when I first started this was, were there any exceptions?

Yes - Sunday morning - coffee with caffeine. And chocolate has NOT been eliminated. My body would go into too much shock if I did that. I am severely cutting back though.

We'll see how this goes -
in the meantime, my coffee cup is empty and my teacup is full :)

Pearl

This week, our study of Matthew weaves through the parables of the mustard seed, yeast, man who finds the treasure in the field, merchant who finds the rare pearls, and the fish net.

Many stories convey the unchanging and compelling purpose of Christ's message, to proclaim the Truth. Of the many things to look at , this one is so dear: the worth of salvation is priceless, to deny it is misery, but to embrace it . . .

And this is what I love especially. . .

How Jesus Christ gave up His life for His Bride, His Pearl.

How He sought her and bought her, as the man who found the treasure in the field.

How He gave up everything, so that we might be saved.
What a Redeemer, who becomes our Precious Treasure, Our Priceless Pearl.

Soul Soak

This week, I have found myself slipping into my tub more than usual. Like a tea bag, I gladly dunk myself into a tub of hot water and bubbles, close my eyes and forget problems of the day.

Its a wonderful soul retreat.

I surround myself with bubble baths, candles, soaps, and scrubbies, and only wish that I could stay in longer without getting pruney.

I have found the same solace and peace (if not even more - you know what, MORE) in soaking my soul in the Word in the morning, complete with a delicious cup of tea. Its a great waker-upper, a pleasant start to any tough morning too.

I have re-arranged my crazy morning schedule to meet with the Lord first, rather than midday. He has given me such joyful mornings since I have changed, I am convicted that I have not done this sooner.
Sometimes it takes a new year to realize the routines that you have fallen into may not be the best things for your Christian growth. I am thankful for His hand on me, steering my thirsty soul to a deep well to soak in.

Dunk me in.

Up & at'em

Its COLD COLD COLD!!!

High today is supposed to be around 45 and it ain't going up much past that. Brrrrr!

Good thing I have a furry little feet-warmer curled up below me - ;)

this was today's reading in Streams -

Trust in His Promises

"God...calleth those things which be not as though they were" (Rom. 4:17).

What does that mean? Why Abraham did this thing: he dared to believe God. It seemed an impossibility at his age that Abraham should become the father of a child; it looked incredible; and yet God called him a "father of many nations" before there was a sign of a child; and so Abraham called himself "father" because God called him so. That is faith; it is to believe and assert what God says. "Faith steps on seeming void, and finds the rock beneath."

Only say you have what God says you have, and He will make good to you all you believe. Only it must be real faith, all there is in you must go over in that act of faith to God. --Crumbs

Be willing to live by believing and neither think nor desire to live in any other way. Be willing to see every outward light extinguished, to see the eclipse of every star in the blue heavens, leaving nothing but darkness and perils around, if God will only leave in thy soul the inner radiance, the pure bright lamp which faith has kindled. --Thomas C. Upham

The moment has come when you must get off the perch of distrust, out of the nest of seeming safety, and onto the wings of faith; just such a time as comes to the bird when it must begin to try the air. It may seem as though you must drop to the earth; so it may seem to the fledgling. It, too, may feel very like falling; but it does not fall--it's pinions give it support, or, if they fail, the parent birds sweeps under and bears it upon its wings. Even so will God bear you. Only trust Him; "thou shalt be holden up." "Well, but," you say, "am I to cast myself upon nothing?" That is what the bird seems to have to do; but we know the air is there, and the air is not so unsubstantial as it seems. And you know the promises of God are there, and they are not unsubstantial at all. "But it seems an unlikely thing to come about that my poor weak soul should be girded with such strength." Has God said it shall? "That my tempted, yielding nature shall be victor in the strife." Has God said it shall? "That my timorous, trembling heart shall find peace?" Has God said it shall? for, if He has, you surely do not mean to give Him the lie! Hath he spoken, and shall He not do it? If you have gotten a word --"a sure word" of promise--take it implicitly, trust it absolutely. And this sure word you have; nay, you have more--you have Him who speaks the word confidently. "Yea, I say unto you," trust Him. --J. B. Figgis, M. A.

Aliens love Texas

Apparently

At least Stephenville-ites seem to think so . . .

Why I should NOT casually browse into Williams-Sonoma on my lunch break . . .

Mom got one of these to crush her pain meds - It was so fun that I think I want one too ;)



This color scheme delighted me - the pattern is a little busy - dunno if the husband would like ;)

This cooker looks positively splendid - and it'd better be, given the price ;)

Icy Predica-moose

Didn't this big guy know its not swimming season?

Crybaby

There have been many tears this past weekend.

The loss of a sweet loved one (my stepfather's mother& my adopted Grandmother) has been the biggest grief-giver. And yet, we are grateful to know that she lives eternally with our Saviour. I am so thankful that God provided a flight right away for my parents to be there before her passing.
Haven and I took their two little boston terriers for a while, and while they were here, there was much romping around with our Hector.

We had a quiet weekend, well, minus our night at the Alamodome for Monster Jam ;)

(Yes, we like Monster Truck rallies - they're a blast ;)

We rented another set of 24 (we are working our way through season six.

We had snacky dinners, happy puppies and lots of vegging out.

We just needed it.

Haven dropped by my work tonight, at the end of the day to say goodbye for the week.
I can't remember the last time I cried so much. I contained it until after I left work, and like a ticking time bomb, I sort of exploded in the car driving home. Its not like he's going away for a month - he'll be back on Friday. Its not like we haven't spent any time together at all this past month either.

Its just that I love him.

The God who is Love gives us love that gets richer, deeper, better, and sweeter with time. The hard things we've gone through with this crazy job of his has made the reward of being together all the greater. I am just one big ball of drippy black mascara and snot and streaky tears.

One big happy crybaby.

Fit Zone

I had to toot the horn for the best site ever for getting toning exercises & instruction. Kudos for MSN for coming up with such an ingenious way to get your butt movin' ;)

Enter the FIT ZONE

Cute Kitchen Ware

While browsing around Target today on my lunch break, I saw the cutest kitchen gadgets, sure to put some fun in your potato-peeling, butter-spreading and ice-cream scoopin' ;)

I just love the designs and creativity - and their prices aren't horrible - just don't ask me if they actually work ;)

The full line is at this link HERE

FRIDAY

WOHOO!!!

We made it . . . FINALLY!

Key Keeper

This reading warmed my soul this morning - I hope it warms yours as well :)

Is there some problem in your life to solve,
Some passage seeming full of mystery?
God knows, who brings the hidden things to light.
He keeps the key.

Is there some door closed by the Father's hand
Which widely opened you had hoped to see?
Trust God and wait - for when He shuts the door
He keeps the key.

Is there some earnest prayer unanswered yet,
Or answered NOT as you had thought 'twould be?
God will make clear His purpose by and by.
He keeps the key.

Have patience with God, your patient God,
All wise, all knowing, no long lingerer He,
And of the door of all your future life
He keeps the key.

Unfailing comfort, sweet and blessed rest,
To know of EVERY door He keeps the key.
That He at last when just He sees is best
Will give it to THEE.

~ Anonymous ~

It makes me smile

Driving home from work this evening, I noticed a little white Subaru legacy wagon in the lane next to me. . .

I had to smile.
The familiarity was somewhat bittersweet.
Haven just sold his a month or so ago. That car got him from Seattle to Texas, and back and forth faithfully as a commuter car.

I reminisced.

And then I sped past him in my dark blue wheels.

He's got the whole world in His hands

Last night, my co-leader and I taught our jr. highers through Matthew 12. Being our first class back from a 3 week break, we both felt so indebted to the Lord for sustaining us through all the little hiccups!
The lesson covered Jesus' replies to the Pharisee's accusations of working & healing on the sabbath, and then their blasphemies against Him by daring to align His work with Satan.

In a rather shaky lesson, I tried to illustrate how God's control over Satan and evil through a visual example, a giant hand. Although it didn't work into the lesson the way that I would have liked, I am thankful that I was able to reach all the other points of the lesson that needed to be taught.

Anyway, today I was thinking of God's Hand of control over our lives. I was especially thinking about all the areas that Haven and I pray for, think about, and worry of often. I mentally placed them in God's open hand
and then thanked Him for closing His palm around them, sealing them off from me. He has taken care of all these things.

I am so thankful for His control.
There is no better place to be than in the hands of our Potentate.