Stuff, stuff, and more stuff

A few weeks ago, I stumbled onto this website:

http://wearethatfamily.com

Anyway, the author has a bunch of different types of posts, sometimes funny, sometimes advice about keeping organized, ways to help in our world, etc. But today's post really struck me. It was all about how we have too much stuff. She recently went on a trip to Africa and realized how much the material items in our lives clutter not only our houses but who we are.

This topic has been a struggle with me for a long time. I look at our world, especially the United States, and see so many of us who are trying to fill our lives with things. We each have our vices: clothes, toys for the kids, decorating the house, scrapbooking, music, going out to eat, make-up, etc. The list could go on and on. And none of those things are bad on their own, except that we tend to turn those into happiness-makers. If I'm feeling bad about something, a new pair of shoes perks me right up. But is that really what God wants from me? Expects from me? Desires from me?

I want to look back at my life and instead of having a house full of stuff that someone will have to sort through, having lives around me with hearts full of memories of us together. Things I did with them or said to them that made an impression (hopefully a good one).

I want my children to realize as early on as they can that happiness doesn't come in what you get, but what you give.

And it starts today.

Don't Miss It!

Tonight on the 11:00 news on WISH tv (channel 8) there will be a segment about Pierre Garcon going to Haiti. Garcon plays for the Indianapolis Colts, and is originally from Haiti (Port-au-Prince, I believe). Anyway, part of his trip was spent with people from Haitian Christian Outreach, and they will be a part of the segment today. So don't miss it tonight! And please continue to pray for the people of Haiti. Just because it's not in the news all the time anymore doesn't mean they aren't still struggling.

My not-so-little man

These are some things that Noel has been up to as of recently:
*Riding his bike. He's really getting the hang of it, and loves to go around the block. It's so much fun to see him learn and develop a skill
*Playing with Elise. First he loved her, then he wasn't so sure. Then he was just plain annoyed with her. But in the last month or so Noel has really fallen in love with Elise, and it melts my heart. He wants to get her in the morning, and they literally spend a half-hour in her crib together giggling and playing before I come in. I have no idea what they do, but I love the bond they are creating with each other.
*Reading. Noel is very interested in letters, sounds, meanings, etc. and it is so much fun teaching him to read. He already knows quite a few words and lots of letter sounds. You can bet his mom, the old English teacher, is jumping on this wagon!
*Pushing boundaries. As most three year-olds, Noel is learning that he can stall before bedtime, negotiate, throw temper tantrums, and bend the rules. Some days are wonderful, and some are frustrating beyond belief. But I just keep praying for Noel and asking God to help me mold him into the man God wants him to be.
I'm blessed to have Noel in my life, and I hope when he remembers his childhood he recalls a mom who raised him with love, laughter, discipline, and wisdom. It's weird to think that Noel is almost to the age where he will remember some things we do now for a lifetime. I still remember things from when I was four, and I hope the memories we create with Noel will be great ones.

The Best and The Worst

Here are my picks for the best and the worst of television:

(Disclaimer: I do not have a lot of cable channels--ie. Lifetime, Food Network, Comedy Channel, etc. so some of my choices are limited!)

Morning Shows:

Best--I don't mind a little Good Morning Amerca to get my day started, but to be honest, there is nothing on in the morning that I care too much about. Not even the talk shows like Ellen, Bonnie, etc. They are okay, but nothing spectacular

Worst--Live with Regis and Kelly. Who in the world watches this show? I think the demographic must be 75 year-old ladies. Seriously, it's awful.

Comedies:

Best--I used to love love love The Office, and I still do like it, but it's just not as funny as it used to be. Don't get me wrong, it still has its moments, but they are not as side-splitting as in the early days. I've watched Modern Family a few times, and it is hilarious, but pretty inappropriate at times. I also really like Parks and Recreation and The Big Bang Theory. But I'm not sold on anything 100%. I'll go with Psych, even though each season of Psych is about 4 episodes. I lov every one of them.

Worst-- Oh, my, there are so many terrible shows out there. Rules of Engagement?? Three and a Half Men? What's that show where Dharma is pregnant? Gary Unmarried? I can't even bring myself to try these shows after I watch the previews. Maybe I'm missing out on the funniest show of the year. But I don't think so.

Reality Shows:

Best--Of course, if you know me at all you know that Top Chef is my all-time favorite reality show. I love it. I could watch it every day. I love watching the creativity, the different kinds of chefs there are, and the drama that ensues. Another show that David and I really like watching together is The Amazing Race. I think what I love about it is that we learn stuff about different countries and get to see all kinds of different cultures. Plus we always end up deciding how we would do in certain challenges and how the two of us should never actually be on The Amazing Race.

Worst--Oh, there are so many. Anything where people vote people off bothers me, even American Idol to a point, because it ends up not being the best contestant who wins. (And as a sidenote, Dear American Idol contestants: if you think I need you to hold up the number I'm supposed to call to pick you, you've lost my vote already). But I think most TLC shows would qualify as the worst reality shows--anything with Kate Gosselin or a brood of kids or people who have some sort of weird quality like tree stumps for legs or an extra eye or something. I can do without any of those. I will say that the Hoarders show on TLC is better than the original on A&E, although I still think they totally stole that idea. Do we really need 2 shows about hoarders? And what do people from other countries think when they see shows like Hoarders. Is this an issue in any other country than America, where excess is praised?

But I digress. . .

Dramas:

Best--The Mentalist is awesome. Love it. And Castle is good. Those are really the only dramas I watch. Nothing compares to Homicide: Life on the Streets. But I can't even get the reruns of that.

Worst--CSI: Miami. Are there really people out there who watch this? Also, although I've never seen it, I can't imagine The Ghost Whisperer is high quality, but I could be dead wrong (HA!)

Late Night Shows:

Best--Jimmy Fallon is the best. The bomb. He makes me laugh all of the time.

Worst--Jay Leno is not funny. I don't get his appeal, but apparently others do, so I must be missing out.

So there you have it. Now that you think I'm a tv junkie and have no life, I've shared my faves and least faves in the bunch.

Happy watching!

The Daniel Diet

Okay, before you get the wrong idea, I'm not on the newest weight loss plan. I'm preparing to teach the book of Daniel to high school students. I just finished going through chapter one, and find that it is such a relevant book. Here's some thoughts I had about Daniel 1 that I wanted to share.

*This book took place around 600 BC. So 2600 years later we are still struggling with the same issues. In chapter one we find that Judah had continued to disregard God's warnings that if they didn't follow Him there would be trouble.

Enter the Babylonians, who capture everyone and trash the temple.

How many times have I known in my head that something, some action, some attitude of mine was going to lead to trouble, and I choose to ignore it? How many times do I end up in trouble and then ask, "Why, God?"

Solomon was right. There is nothing new under the sun.

*Babylon was known for its indulgence, excess, and focus on money, youth, and appearance. Hmmmm. . .that sounds just a tad familiar with our culture today. And when Daniel was told to eat from the king's table (basically eating from his table would signify agreement with his land and their beliefs), he found himself at a crossroads.

Would it have been a sin for Daniel to eat the king's food? I don't know, but I don't think that was Daniel's question. I think Daniel's question was: What is the best choice I can make in this situation?

*And that is what I find most convicting about Daniel chapter one. Most days I am not being "attacked" with choices between terrible acts and angelic behavior. Instead, most of my choices are between 'okay' things and 'better' things. It is really tempting to just do what I want and rationalize with the thought, "I'm not 'sinning' or hurting anyone. I could be doing much worse." But what if each of my daily decisions was motivated by the question "What is the best choice in this situation?" How different would my day be?

May I look at each decision and realize that little choices for better instead of good are just as important as big choices between good and evil.

Thanks, Daniel.

Soup on a Rainy Day

In the past week I have come across two DELICIOUS soup recipes, and although soup is more of a winter meal, these were great on rainy, spring days. I wanted to share the love. Enjoy!







Hearty Potato Soup

6 med. potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 med. onion, chopped
1 1/2 carrots, chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
3 1/2 c. water
6 chicken bouillon cubes
6 T. butter
6 T. flour
4 c. whole/2% milk
1/4 t. cilantro
3/4 t. salt
1/2 t. pepper
1 c. shredded cheese(any you desire)

In a large pot, add water & bouillon cubes. Over medium/high heat, heat water and dissolve cubes. Once bouillon cubes are dissolved add potatoes, onion, carrot, and celery. Bring to a boil, boil for 2-3 minutes. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until veggies are tender.

Meanwhile, in a saucepan, over med/high heat, melt butter; stir in flour until smooth. Gradually stir in milk. Stirring constantly, bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir into potato mix. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Add cilantro, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat; stir in cheese until melted. Yields 7-8 servings.

Pasta Fagioli

1 T. olive oil
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
3 cups chicken broth
2 cans (8 oz. each) tomato sauce
1 t. Italian seasoning
1/4 lb. ditalini pasta
4 carrots, peeled and sliced into coins
2 cans (15 oz. each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 lb. Capicola (spicy Italian ham)
1/2 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
Grated Parmesan cheese

Heat oil in saucepan over med. heat. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Stir in broth, 2 cups water, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil. Add pasta and carrots; simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Stir in beans, Capicola, salt, and pepper. Heat through. Serve warm with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Week in Review, April 23

Things I am thankful for from this week:

*of course my sweet little girl's 1st birthday

*getting to be outside so much this week

*watching my kids play together

*the blessing (and curse) of a sandbox in the back yard

*getting to lead worship on Sunday

*new potato soup recipe that was UH-MAZING!

*words of encouragement from an old friend

*a new Office last night--hilarious

*that the NCAA is not turning the basketball tournament into a 96-team bracket

*the comic strip "Pickles". It rarely disappoints.

Funny quotes from the week:

*I tutor a couple of students at a local school, and I was helping one girl write a paragraph about how she was going to 'save the earth', when I asked her about using too much water when washing the dishes. Her response: "Oh, we just use paper plates instead of real plates--should I write that down?" Ummm. . .I don't think that counts

*I'm helping Noel get his underwear on. . .

Me: "Noel, you need to figure out how to do this on your own."

Noel: "Why?"

Me: "Because do you want to be 10 and still needing my help to pull your pants up?"

Noel: "Mom, I'm three, remember?"

*"C is for Suspension" Kevin Malone, The Office

Have a blessed weekend, everyone! Hopefully the rain holds off so we can raise some money at the garage sale tomorrow for the Haiti mission trip!

In My Dreams

Okay, so most Wednesday nights at 10:00 you can find me on my couch watching either Top Chef or Top Chef Masters. Right now it's Top Chef Masters, and although David doesn't care for it as much as the original Top Chef, I'm starting to dig it. I really like the host and the judges (but I do miss me some Tom). I thought it was a little unfair last night that Rick Moonen, an acclaimed seafood chef, got to make fish and chips, while poor Ludo, a French chef who speaks with such a strong accent they add subtitles, had to make Irish stew. Irish stew?? Come on! But I loved the challenge, and I would love to visit the pub where they served the food. Looks like a fun place.

Here's the funny thing: every time I watch an episode of Top Chef I go to bed that night trying to figure out how I would complete the challenge if I were a contestant. Believe me, I have come up with some wierd ideas! It helps me unwind and keep my mind off other pressing things that might actually keep me awake.

Anyway, it might be rubbing off, because in the middle of the night we hear, "NO! MOMMY!" I go into Noel's room, and he tells me that Elise stole his cracker. He was dreaming about food, too! Ha!!! I told him I'd get him a cracker in the morning, and he promptly went back to sleep.

Maybe he is more like me than I think.

Elise

One year ago, I hadn't even met you.
Didn't know your smile
your mischievous ways
your sweet eyes
your voice

One year ago, I didn't know what life would be like with 2 kids.
the chaos
the volume
the love between two siblings that has started to grow

One year ago, I prayed for your safe arrival.
Now I pray that you will be challenged and guided by God all of your days
that you will show His beauty through your life

I can't imagine this year without you, my Elise, and I look forward to the many adventures we will have together.

Thank you for the honor of being your mom.

Happy Birthday.

Start the Countdown

Okay, so two months from tomorrow I am going with about 18 other people (high school students and adults) to Peredo, Haiti to work with Haitian Christian Outreach for a week. When I signed up for this, I was really excited. I haven't been on a missions trip in about six years, and I really love them, especially getting to take students who have never been. It is such a life-changing experience in so many ways. You can't explain it unless you've been on one. To see how God works in all different cultures, languages, countries, etc. is mind-blowing.

But now that the time is getting closer, I am starting to get anxious.

How will my kids handle being without me for 10 days?
Can I manage the heat?
How will I deal with seeing the devastation of Haiti and knowing about my excess of material items at home?
Is my trip going to make a difference?

I believe these are all valid questions, HOWEVER, I also think that Satan is trying to tempt me to be consumed with these thoughts instead of focusing on praying for our group and the encounters we are going to have with the people in Peredo, Haiti.

Faith without works is dead.

It's time to step out in faith and prepare for this trip in complete faith that God knows what He is doing. It's time to live these next few months with excitement and anticipation for this adventure. It's time to stop thinking I'm the only person who can take care of my children.

It's time.

Let My Words Be Few

Yesterday I woke up, and I had no voice. No pain or anything, just no voice. I had a cold, and it must have settled in my throat. I didn't think it was a big deal, but through the course of the day, I realized how much I rely on my voice. It was really hard taking care of my kids without talking to them, and being at church was difficult because I couldn't really talk to anyone and I couldn't even sing.

I take so many things, like a voice, for granted every day. It's like anything else, you don't appreciate it until it's gone.

May I live today thankful for all of the gifts in my life that I don't normally notice:
*health
*shelter
*income
*family
*safety
*freedom
*forgiveness
*peace

I hope that I don't have to lose any of these to appreciate them.

What I learn from being a parent

Tonight was one of those nights when Noel was being so irrational that we couldn't even talk to him. He was mad about something silly that we had no control over, and he would not get over it. After a half an hour of crying and screaming, he calmed down and we put him to bed. I just kept thinking over in my head, "He's not listening. If he would just listen and obey, it would be so much easier."

I think about how much God has taught me through the experience of being a parent about seeing life from His point of view. How many times in my life is God looking at me and thinking, "If you'd just listen and obey it could be so much better!" But I insist on doing things my way and then insist on being upset when the outcome isn't good. I bet it looks about as silly as a three-year-old throwing a tantrum over a balloon that floated away.

God, forgive my selfish ways. Speak, for I am listening. Help me to obey.

Week In Review

Okay, this is a totally stolen idea, but I love it.

Highlights of this week include: (in no particular order)

*homemade fried rice tonight
*David bringing me home a fountain soda
*the BEAUTIFUL weather--lots of time being outside
*I lead songs with my guitar at a nursing home on Tuesdays. This week during "The Old Rugged Cross" one resident was talking on the phone and I heard him say, "I'm just sitting here listening to some beautiful music." Made me smile
*Celebrating Elise's birthday with family tomorrow--I can't believe we've made it through her first year
*Finished 2 books this week. "Have a Little Faith" (Mitch Albom) and "Irristible Revolution" by Shane Claiborne.
*Favorite show of the week: a dvr'd episode of 30 Rock. That show makes me laugh
*Night out with my favorite girl, Elise, for some groceries and whatnot. She melts my heart.
*Being reminded this spring that God is in the process of renewing, changing, and growing us in ways that we don't even understand. We just jump on and enjoy the ride.

Blessings,
Beth

Blank

I haven't written a great deal since our last project at church. Gave myself a break from it. But I think now I really need to get my brain back into writing gear. So get ready. More to come (I hope) . . .