God has plans.
Big plans.
Did you know that?
Do you believe it?
I say I do, but sometimes I forget. And then God reminds me in ways that pretty much blow my mind, and I am stunned and thankful and humbled.
Let me back up, oh, 17 years. My first year of college was almost over, and everyone at Lincoln Christian College (now University) went on one of the many missions trips that was scheduled. For some reason, I ended up with almost all seniors on a trip to Jamaica.
It was a trip that affected me for many reasons. It was my first airplane ride. My first experience with cross-cultural ministry. My first time seeing true poverty. I left a changed person.
Another way the trip affected me is that I made some friends who are still my friends all of these years later. They live all over the map, and it has been so cool, thanks to Facebook, to reconnect with several of them.
Two of these people are Hank and Julie. They were engaged at the time of our trip, and I didn't really know them very well before the trip. Just in the short time I spent with them, I saw their love for God and also their incredible love for children. I still remember one little Jamaican boy from the church we were working with completely in love with them. I don't think he let go of them the entire time we were there. I also remember thinking, "These two are going to be great parents."
Fast forward to 2010. I went with a group from our church to Haiti. I've written lots and lots about Haiti, but the important point here is that I made yet another friend: Ginny. She still lives and works in Haiti, although now it's in Port-au-Prince and with a different mission. But we still keep in touch and have tried to help her on different occasions (Like with Nadine). About a month ago, she sent out an email about a little boy named Noah who needs to come to the U.S. to have a corneal transplant. It is all set up to take place in Boston, but they need a host family to take care of him while he is recovering.
Through the wonders of the internet, I knew that Hank and Julie, along with their daughters, lead a church in Boston. I sent them an email, hoping that they would know someone in the area who could help Noah.
Long story short (too late): Noah is going to be staying with Hank and Julie. Julie just sent me an e-mail explaining all of the cool ways God has worked to put this all together, including lots of people from their church.
So, to re-cap, two different missions trips, two sets of friends, two decades apart, all came together to help bring about sight for a little boy in Haiti. You can't tell me that God didn't have a plan.
Does God need me? Nope.
Does God love to let me be a part of His plans? Absolutely.
I know this post is long. If you've read it all, I applaud you. I just couldn't help sharing that God works in ways we might not ever understand, and it's amazing when we get to see just a glimpse of it.
Keep looking. . .
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
Plan B
My Valentine's gift was supposed to be a night out to Indy with David.
Yeah, that didn't happen.
We had two sick kids from Thursday night until Saturday morning. And while they were feeling tons better on Saturday, I didn't want to risk having someone else watch them and leave town.
Enter Plan B.
I decided since we couldn't go out, I would try and make something special for us to eat. These are Soba noodles, which are made from buckwheat. I found them on clearance at Meijer and did some research on Pinterest. You cook them just like any other noodle, and then rinse under cold water. You can eat them hot or cold, and they are usually used in Chinese/Asian cooking.
Once I cooked the noodles up, I mixed a little sauce for them of rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil (forgot to add to the picture), and green onions. I also stirred in some rotisserie chicken to add a little bulk to the meal.
Mix it all up and add some toasted sesame seeds.
The result?
Really good. This was one of the best "new food" tries we have had so far. David went to the local chinese take-out place nearby and bought some eggrolls to go along with the noodles, and I steamed some asparagus as well.
And while it wasn't the same as going out on the town with the hubby for Valentine's, it was a welcome relief from sick kids and working late.
Who knew Soba noodles could be so romantic?
Yeah, that didn't happen.
We had two sick kids from Thursday night until Saturday morning. And while they were feeling tons better on Saturday, I didn't want to risk having someone else watch them and leave town.
Enter Plan B.
I decided since we couldn't go out, I would try and make something special for us to eat. These are Soba noodles, which are made from buckwheat. I found them on clearance at Meijer and did some research on Pinterest. You cook them just like any other noodle, and then rinse under cold water. You can eat them hot or cold, and they are usually used in Chinese/Asian cooking.
Once I cooked the noodles up, I mixed a little sauce for them of rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil (forgot to add to the picture), and green onions. I also stirred in some rotisserie chicken to add a little bulk to the meal.
The result?
Really good. This was one of the best "new food" tries we have had so far. David went to the local chinese take-out place nearby and bought some eggrolls to go along with the noodles, and I steamed some asparagus as well.
And while it wasn't the same as going out on the town with the hubby for Valentine's, it was a welcome relief from sick kids and working late.
Who knew Soba noodles could be so romantic?
Friday, February 17, 2012
I spoke too soon. . .
I had a post planned about this guy who sits in his wheelchair by the side of the road with a sign that says "Will Work for Food". I have a dilemna about him, but I will have to save that post for another day. We had quite an eventful night in the Wittenbach house last night. Both kids were throwing up all night. It was surreal. I can't believe how much laundry we did in the middle of the night. Nobody slept, and everyone is kind of cranky this morning. But I am so thankful that we survived the night without a trip to the ER (which Noel has been known to do when he gets a stomach bug) and it reminds me again of how healthy we all are most of the time. Health is one of those things you don't think about until you don't have it.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Thursday Thank You's
This week I am thankful for. . .
481. my sous chef, Noel.
482. watching Elise dance all day. I wish I had that kind of spirit.
483. borrowing exercise DVD's from the library. It's been a fun change of pace.
484. Valentine's party at Noel's preschool. Double thankful that we weren't there on the day a little girl barfed all over!
485. a great fundraiser banquet at church Friday to help raise money for the youth trip to Haiti this summer.
486. not having to change a single poopy diaper anymore!!
487. having the discipline to do memory verses with the kids. This was something we started with the new year, and has been going really well. Wish we started this 2 years ago!
488. date night and plans for a getaway without kids!!!!
489. a funny text conversation with an old friend. Made me laugh all night. There is something about a friend was your friend even when you wore flannel shirts and pegged jeans.
490. the end is in sight for my online class! Let the re-certification begin!
What are you thankful for?
481. my sous chef, Noel.
482. watching Elise dance all day. I wish I had that kind of spirit.
483. borrowing exercise DVD's from the library. It's been a fun change of pace.
484. Valentine's party at Noel's preschool. Double thankful that we weren't there on the day a little girl barfed all over!
485. a great fundraiser banquet at church Friday to help raise money for the youth trip to Haiti this summer.
486. not having to change a single poopy diaper anymore!!
487. having the discipline to do memory verses with the kids. This was something we started with the new year, and has been going really well. Wish we started this 2 years ago!
488. date night and plans for a getaway without kids!!!!
489. a funny text conversation with an old friend. Made me laugh all night. There is something about a friend was your friend even when you wore flannel shirts and pegged jeans.
490. the end is in sight for my online class! Let the re-certification begin!
What are you thankful for?
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
New Foods Continue!
Lest you think I have forgotten about my "new food" resolution this year, I have not. I have just forgotten to take very many pictures or post what I have made. This past week the new food was. . .
The Opo Squash!
Isn't it crazy that there is a squash out there that I've never heard of?
You're on the edge of your seat; I can tell.
The little sign on the Opo Squash said you can use it any way you use a summer squash or zucchini. So that's exactly what I did.
I diced it up (no peeling necessary)
And threw it in with my vegetable soup. It tasted just like zucchini. I kept some out to steam on its own so I could see what it tasted like, but it got left out.
So, it's on to more food adventures. Any suggestions? I'm thinking a new grain is on the horizon--maybe cous cous or quinoa?
Monday, February 13, 2012
Thursday Thank You's. . .on a Tuesday!
Sometimes giving thanks is easy. Sometimes I can rattle off 20 things I am thankful for.
But sometimes it's hard.
Sometimes expectations lead to disappointment. I'll be honest on this blog (for all 4 of you who read this) and admit that I am going through kind of a rough spell. Life is kind of a struggle right now, and I am lonely. In a life filled with questions from a 5 year-old and chatter from an almost 3 year-old you would think what I want is some peace and quiet. And believe me, I do. But more often than not, what I want is conversation. Good conversation. The kind where there might be laughter and tears in the same few moments. The kind where you haven't looked at the clock because the time doesn't matter right now. I'm missing that right now.
I say all of this not so you feel sorry for me. Not in the least. I live a very blessed life, and I try every day not to take what I have been given for granted. But I say all of that to confess that sometimes it is difficult to give thanks. Last Thursday I didn't want to give thanks. I was busy and a little ragged and, if I'm being honest with myself, full of self-pity. So I didn't post what I was thankful for. And that nasty attitude has continued through tonight. I was reminded tonight that giving thanks doesn't mean everything is wonderful. Giving thanks is seeking God's blessings and finding it in the midst of hard time.
And so this list of thanksgivings is going to be a little different, because it's going to be truths from the Bible. I hope these truths speak to you like they continue to speak to me.
Today, I am thankful. . .
471. that I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)
472. for the comfort of the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5)
473. for God's forgiveness (Matthew 26:28)
474. for God's promises that I can hang onto (2 Peter 1:4)
475. for music to praise Him (Psalm 69:30)
476. for God's unending love. (Psalm 107)
477. that I am not a slave to sin anymore! (Romans 6:17)
478. for examples of faithfulness I see in others. (Ephesians 1:15)
479. for answered prayers (Philippians 4:6-7)
480. that no matter what, I am God's child, and I can place my value in that (Colossians 1:12)
What are you thankful for?
But sometimes it's hard.
Sometimes expectations lead to disappointment. I'll be honest on this blog (for all 4 of you who read this) and admit that I am going through kind of a rough spell. Life is kind of a struggle right now, and I am lonely. In a life filled with questions from a 5 year-old and chatter from an almost 3 year-old you would think what I want is some peace and quiet. And believe me, I do. But more often than not, what I want is conversation. Good conversation. The kind where there might be laughter and tears in the same few moments. The kind where you haven't looked at the clock because the time doesn't matter right now. I'm missing that right now.
I say all of this not so you feel sorry for me. Not in the least. I live a very blessed life, and I try every day not to take what I have been given for granted. But I say all of that to confess that sometimes it is difficult to give thanks. Last Thursday I didn't want to give thanks. I was busy and a little ragged and, if I'm being honest with myself, full of self-pity. So I didn't post what I was thankful for. And that nasty attitude has continued through tonight. I was reminded tonight that giving thanks doesn't mean everything is wonderful. Giving thanks is seeking God's blessings and finding it in the midst of hard time.
And so this list of thanksgivings is going to be a little different, because it's going to be truths from the Bible. I hope these truths speak to you like they continue to speak to me.
Today, I am thankful. . .
471. that I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)
472. for the comfort of the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5)
473. for God's forgiveness (Matthew 26:28)
474. for God's promises that I can hang onto (2 Peter 1:4)
475. for music to praise Him (Psalm 69:30)
476. for God's unending love. (Psalm 107)
477. that I am not a slave to sin anymore! (Romans 6:17)
478. for examples of faithfulness I see in others. (Ephesians 1:15)
479. for answered prayers (Philippians 4:6-7)
480. that no matter what, I am God's child, and I can place my value in that (Colossians 1:12)
What are you thankful for?
Tuesday, February 07, 2012
Some pictures for your enjoyment. Oh, and a little soup
Okay, so this has been a rarity around here. My kids are actually pretty disappointed because they like playing in the back yard. I'm disappointed, too, because we had to cancel this year's ski trip :(
Sigh.
In other news. . .
My brain is still completely fried from my class, and I'm dealing with some moral dilemmas in the class, but that's not what I want to share on here.
In "new food" news. . .
This is escarole. It's similar to lettuce, but with a little more cabbage-y flavor. I found a recipe on Pinterest (of course) called Chicken Escarole soup. It was super easy: canned tomatoes, broth, noodles, chicken, and escarole.
Success!! This was by far the best "new food" try we have had.
This kid loved it.
Noel even ate it.
We are on a new food roll!!!!!
Oh, wait. No we're not. Enter the prickly pear.
I thought they looked kind of fun, and the label said they had a berry flavor.
I had to wear a glove to hold them. They do live up to their name. But as for the berry flavor. . .bleh. The prickly pear was a total let down. I think I either didn't do it right, or this fruit is just not for me. But that's part of this experiment. Now, if I ever see a prickly pear on chopped, I'll know what they are messing with.
A bunch of yuck.
Sorry.
Have a great day!
Thursday, February 02, 2012
Thankful
I AM thankful.
Thankful that right now there are three kids (2 of which are mine) playing loudly in my living room.
Thankful that David is on his way home from a business trip.
Thankful that I had an awesome day at Bridges.
Thankful for a life spared in a car accident this week.
Thankful for a huge group of kids at church who have committed to going to Haiti this summer.
Thankful for french toast and bacon and all things syruppy.
I just can't make a list all numbered nice and neat. Not tonight. I'm too busy soaking it all in. So quit reading my blog and go be thankful.
Thankful that right now there are three kids (2 of which are mine) playing loudly in my living room.
Thankful that David is on his way home from a business trip.
Thankful that I had an awesome day at Bridges.
Thankful for a life spared in a car accident this week.
Thankful for a huge group of kids at church who have committed to going to Haiti this summer.
Thankful for french toast and bacon and all things syruppy.
I just can't make a list all numbered nice and neat. Not tonight. I'm too busy soaking it all in. So quit reading my blog and go be thankful.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Let me bore you with some more food pictures
I am 3 weeks into an online class to keep my teaching certificate. I am up to my ears in reading articles and writing responses. My brain is kind of fried. In my mind I have 3 or 4 blog post ideas in which I am really witty and/or inspiring. I want to write about the shootings in Kokomo last week. I want to write about what I'm learning in my class. I want to write about a movie we watched the other night that was fascinating ("The Greatest Movie Ever Sold". But all of the words are kind of muddled, and I am sick of staring at the computer screen.
So, instead I will share this picture from a few months ago.
Someone likes the markers.
David was trying to give her this very serious speech about how we don't draw on ourselves with marker. He kept saying, "Do you think this is funny?" And I am in the hallway whispering, "Yes. Yes it is funny."
She is my little girl.
In other news, our new food this week is polenta:
I totally chickened out and bought the already made polenta. This is what it looks like when you take it out of the tube. All I did was slice it up and fry it in a little oil with some salt and pepper.
After 3 or 4 minutes I flipped them.
And then I put some chicken on top of it.
Overall, it was pretty good. I wish I had put a little more sauce on the polenta, but it was good. I have a little more in the fridge, and I'm trying to figure out what to do with it. Any suggestions from polenta lovers out there?
So, instead I will share this picture from a few months ago.
David was trying to give her this very serious speech about how we don't draw on ourselves with marker. He kept saying, "Do you think this is funny?" And I am in the hallway whispering, "Yes. Yes it is funny."
She is my little girl.
In other news, our new food this week is polenta:
I totally chickened out and bought the already made polenta. This is what it looks like when you take it out of the tube. All I did was slice it up and fry it in a little oil with some salt and pepper.
After 3 or 4 minutes I flipped them.
And then I put some chicken on top of it.
Overall, it was pretty good. I wish I had put a little more sauce on the polenta, but it was good. I have a little more in the fridge, and I'm trying to figure out what to do with it. Any suggestions from polenta lovers out there?
Thursday, January 26, 2012
You've been hit by. . .a smooth(ie) criminal
I'm going to admit first off that this blog post would be much more interesting if I had actual pictures of these smoothies, but I'm going to tell you something:
Taking pictures of food is hard when you have 2 young 'uns right in front of a blender and loads of messy stuff. I do not recommend.
All of that to say: we are a little smoothie crazy around here.
It all started out with the beet smoothie. I was trying to find different ways to use the beet. I discovered that my kids will drink almost anything if you call it a smoothie and add a bendie straw.
Side note: EVERY restaurant should have bendie straws. My kids end up with their drink all over them because they are too short to drink out of the big straw in the little cup. Okay, back to the smoothies.
For the past 3 weeks or so we have been having smoothies about every other day. They are a great way to get some fruits and veggies into our diets, and the kids love hitting the buttons on the blender. I don't really have any recipe to share, but I will tell you what we do.
Get lots of different frozen fruits from the grocery store.
Put a little yogurt in the bottom of the blender (maybe half of a single-serving container)
Add a banana or an orange or some other kind of fresh fruit (today we did a clementine)
Add the frozen fruit
Add any other goodies you want. Today we added some instant oatmeal. The other day we added fresh baby spinach. I've added flax seed and wheat germ before, too.
Blend. We start on low and gradually add speed. If the mix is too thick add a little fruit juice. The beauty is that the frozen fruit makes it almost slushy-esque, so we don't even have to add ice.
And there you have it!
Anybody have any other smoothie ideas out there?
Taking pictures of food is hard when you have 2 young 'uns right in front of a blender and loads of messy stuff. I do not recommend.
All of that to say: we are a little smoothie crazy around here.
It all started out with the beet smoothie. I was trying to find different ways to use the beet. I discovered that my kids will drink almost anything if you call it a smoothie and add a bendie straw.
Side note: EVERY restaurant should have bendie straws. My kids end up with their drink all over them because they are too short to drink out of the big straw in the little cup. Okay, back to the smoothies.
For the past 3 weeks or so we have been having smoothies about every other day. They are a great way to get some fruits and veggies into our diets, and the kids love hitting the buttons on the blender. I don't really have any recipe to share, but I will tell you what we do.
Get lots of different frozen fruits from the grocery store.
Put a little yogurt in the bottom of the blender (maybe half of a single-serving container)
Add a banana or an orange or some other kind of fresh fruit (today we did a clementine)
Add the frozen fruit
Add any other goodies you want. Today we added some instant oatmeal. The other day we added fresh baby spinach. I've added flax seed and wheat germ before, too.
Blend. We start on low and gradually add speed. If the mix is too thick add a little fruit juice. The beauty is that the frozen fruit makes it almost slushy-esque, so we don't even have to add ice.
And there you have it!
Anybody have any other smoothie ideas out there?
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Thursday Thanks
In case you don't read my blog on a regular basis, I started counting the things I am thankful for. Every Thursday I add some more. We have so much to be thankful for. If you haven't read "A Thousand Gifts" by Ann VosKamp, leave this blog immediately and go get it here.
This week I am thankful for . . .
461. one week of my online class under my belt. 7 more to go! I'd like to blog a little about what we are studying once I get some extra time.
462. the lack of diapers around this house!!! Yee haw!
463. the season pass to the Children's Museum that my mom bought us for Christmas. We took advantage of it for the first time this week and had a wonderful time.
464. good parent-teacher conference with Noel's teacher.
465. good medical news for a dear friend.
466. Vicks Vapor Rub. Goodness in a jar.
467. strong, healthy bodies.
468. discovering we can have the Food Network with no additional charges!
469. hearing my kids pray.
470. NADINE!!!!! Nadine is about 99% sure to get to come to the states, and we probably get to go see her when she's here!!!
What are you thankful for?
This week I am thankful for . . .
461. one week of my online class under my belt. 7 more to go! I'd like to blog a little about what we are studying once I get some extra time.
462. the lack of diapers around this house!!! Yee haw!
463. the season pass to the Children's Museum that my mom bought us for Christmas. We took advantage of it for the first time this week and had a wonderful time.
464. good parent-teacher conference with Noel's teacher.
465. good medical news for a dear friend.
466. Vicks Vapor Rub. Goodness in a jar.
467. strong, healthy bodies.
468. discovering we can have the Food Network with no additional charges!
469. hearing my kids pray.
470. NADINE!!!!! Nadine is about 99% sure to get to come to the states, and we probably get to go see her when she's here!!!
What are you thankful for?
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
A Parsnip or Two
This week our new food was parsnips. I had never in my life tried a parsnip, so when I saw them at the grocery store and they looked like white carrots, I grabbed them up. I also had a recipe book from the library with a recipe for parsnip fries, so I tried it.
They certainly looked good, but how did they taste?
Actually, kind of bland. I made a dip of sour cream and chili powder to dip them in, and that was pretty good, but the parsnips kind of tasted like sweet potatoes that weren't sweet (which isn't the same thing as a potato, strangely enough).
The verdict? I probably won't be making more parsnips any time soon, but if a recipe calls for them, I know what I'm getting myself into.
Stay tuned for more food investigations
I gathered up my ingredients: parsnips, olive oil, salt, and pepper
I washed and peeled the parsnips
And cut them into sticks
I tossed them with with the oil and salt and pepper and cooked them at 450 degrees for about 35 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
And this is our finished product.
They certainly looked good, but how did they taste?
Actually, kind of bland. I made a dip of sour cream and chili powder to dip them in, and that was pretty good, but the parsnips kind of tasted like sweet potatoes that weren't sweet (which isn't the same thing as a potato, strangely enough).
The verdict? I probably won't be making more parsnips any time soon, but if a recipe calls for them, I know what I'm getting myself into.
Stay tuned for more food investigations
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Prayer for Nadine
This is Nadine:
She is a young Haitian girl who lives in the village of Peredo. I had the chance to meet Nadine when I went to Haiti a year and a half ago. She has had this growth almost her whole life. In fact, her mother didn't put her in school because she figured she was going to "die anyway".
My friend Ginny has been working incredibly hard to get medical care for Nadine. After some tests in Port-au-Prince, we found out that Nadine has a series of tumors that can be removed, but it's a pretty serious surgery.
So we prayed.
And God answered that prayer in the form of a doctor (and a hospital) in Columbus who is willing to do the surgery for free. So Ginny has been working even more incredibly hard to get the paperwork done so Nadine can come to the states to get the medical care she needs. The longer she has these tumors, the more difficult her health situation becomes. We almost lost her a few months ago to a bout with cholera.
So we keep praying.
Every night.
Praying.
Noel and Elise talk about Nadine like she's a girl who lives down the street.
"When is Nadine coming to get her surgery?"
"I don't know yet."
"Can we hang out with her?"
"I sure hope so, Noel."
Tomorrow is a crucial meeting with the embassy for Nadine to be cleared to come to the states. Will you please pray for her today and tomorrow? Please pray that they will allow her to come. I believe that God has a plan for every person, including Nadine. And I believe that part of that plan is allowing so many of us to be a part of her life.
Please join me.
Pray.
My friend Ginny has been working incredibly hard to get medical care for Nadine. After some tests in Port-au-Prince, we found out that Nadine has a series of tumors that can be removed, but it's a pretty serious surgery.
So we prayed.
And God answered that prayer in the form of a doctor (and a hospital) in Columbus who is willing to do the surgery for free. So Ginny has been working even more incredibly hard to get the paperwork done so Nadine can come to the states to get the medical care she needs. The longer she has these tumors, the more difficult her health situation becomes. We almost lost her a few months ago to a bout with cholera.
So we keep praying.
Every night.
Praying.
Noel and Elise talk about Nadine like she's a girl who lives down the street.
"When is Nadine coming to get her surgery?"
"I don't know yet."
"Can we hang out with her?"
"I sure hope so, Noel."
Tomorrow is a crucial meeting with the embassy for Nadine to be cleared to come to the states. Will you please pray for her today and tomorrow? Please pray that they will allow her to come. I believe that God has a plan for every person, including Nadine. And I believe that part of that plan is allowing so many of us to be a part of her life.
Please join me.
Pray.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Fry it up
My friend Ginny suggested that I put plantains on my list of new foods, so this week is plantain week!
A plantain looks similar to a banana. You can cook them green, yellow, or with brown spots.
If you're looking for plantains, they are with the bananas in the produce section.
Although they look like a banana, their texture is more like an avocado on the inside, and the peel has to be cut off, not peeled off.
I looked up a couple of different plantain recipes, but most of them just said to pan fry them in some butter, so that's what I did.
Make sure you have some paper towels/newspaper to drain them on afterwards.
Place plantain slices in the pan and let them cook for 2-3 minutes.
Flip them and let them cook another 2-3 minutes. One recipe I read called for squishing them a little with a glass at this point. I think I will try that with my next plantain, to get them a little thinner.
And this is your finished product. The plantains got 2 thumbs up here at our house. When I ate plantains in Haiti, they were served wish fish and this amazing spicy coleslaw. I wish I had made some of that to go with the plantains, but they were very good.
Any more suggestions for foods to try here at Wittenbach Test Kitchens?
Happy Eating!
Here I Go
I am starting an online class tomorrow for 8 weeks. It's called "Cultural Competence" and the book we are reading is "We Can't Teach What We Don't Know, White Teachers, Multiracial Schools". I am really interested to see how this class goes. As I have been working with Bridges, I have learned that there is a big difference between where I taught in Noblesville and working with students at Central Middle School in Kokomo. I hope to be able to share some of the things I learn on this blog, but please forgive me if I don't get around to it for a while. I'm still trying to figure out how I'm going to sneak 6-8 hours out of every week to complete this class. But I know it will all get done.
In other not very important news, we took the kids sledding this weekend, and they were so good. Before this year, this is how sledding has gone for them.
Elise: never touched a sled until Saturday
Noel: 1st year out--wouldn't get out of the van
2nd year out--went down, but wouldn't walk back up the hill
So, it was a great surprise to find them both having so much fun going up and down. Noel loved going down on his belly, and Elise liked riding double with Noel (until they crashed and he knocked her face right into the snow--minor detail). I want my kids to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible, and we had such a good time as a family sledding. Of course, we didn't bring a camera, so you'll have to just imagine us all bundled up and hurdling down a hill, but you get the idea.
Happy Monday, and Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. May we all live with passion and conviction like he did.
In other not very important news, we took the kids sledding this weekend, and they were so good. Before this year, this is how sledding has gone for them.
Elise: never touched a sled until Saturday
Noel: 1st year out--wouldn't get out of the van
2nd year out--went down, but wouldn't walk back up the hill
So, it was a great surprise to find them both having so much fun going up and down. Noel loved going down on his belly, and Elise liked riding double with Noel (until they crashed and he knocked her face right into the snow--minor detail). I want my kids to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible, and we had such a good time as a family sledding. Of course, we didn't bring a camera, so you'll have to just imagine us all bundled up and hurdling down a hill, but you get the idea.
Happy Monday, and Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. May we all live with passion and conviction like he did.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Violence in the Bible and other things I'm unsure of
This month I am teaching the high school students at my church on Sunday mornings. We are working our way through 1 & 2 Samuel, slowly but surely. But I also just finished "Jesus for President" by Shane Claiborne, so the idea of Jesus not wanting violence is at the forefront of my mind.
So when we read in 2 Samuel that David's men were off raiding and plundering another town, I have to ask myself, "Was this really part of God's plan?" I know that there were times in the Bible when God called for war. I know there was bloodshed. But, was ALL of it God-ordained? I'm not so sure. And I'm definitely not sure how to explain something I don't understand to the students. But I think there is something to being honest and upfront with students in your own struggles with studying the Bible, so that's what I'll be sharing on Sunday.
On another church note, our church is getting ready to do a 6-week study on the book of Nehemiah. They are asking everyone to come to both services so they can meet in small groups to discuss the book and study it further. (insert sarcastic gasp!) They have seriously been almost-begging people to make it a priority to come for 2 WHOLE HOURS on a Sunday. You would think this is the biggest sacrifice we will ever have to make! This is one of those moments when it's clear to me why I am not in a paid ministry position, because I would not be able to control my mouth. I'd get up front and say, "I know it's Sunday and we are all over-committed to other stuff, but seriously, get your butt here for 2 hours for this study. Is it too much to ask for 6 weeks?! Come on, people! Are we the church or not? We'll drive our kids all over the county every day for games, band, clubs, etc. but. . .
Deep breath.
Maybe I WILL have to resort to violence afterall. Ha!
Have a great weekend, everyone! Do something this weekend to show love to someone else.
I
So when we read in 2 Samuel that David's men were off raiding and plundering another town, I have to ask myself, "Was this really part of God's plan?" I know that there were times in the Bible when God called for war. I know there was bloodshed. But, was ALL of it God-ordained? I'm not so sure. And I'm definitely not sure how to explain something I don't understand to the students. But I think there is something to being honest and upfront with students in your own struggles with studying the Bible, so that's what I'll be sharing on Sunday.
On another church note, our church is getting ready to do a 6-week study on the book of Nehemiah. They are asking everyone to come to both services so they can meet in small groups to discuss the book and study it further. (insert sarcastic gasp!) They have seriously been almost-begging people to make it a priority to come for 2 WHOLE HOURS on a Sunday. You would think this is the biggest sacrifice we will ever have to make! This is one of those moments when it's clear to me why I am not in a paid ministry position, because I would not be able to control my mouth. I'd get up front and say, "I know it's Sunday and we are all over-committed to other stuff, but seriously, get your butt here for 2 hours for this study. Is it too much to ask for 6 weeks?! Come on, people! Are we the church or not? We'll drive our kids all over the county every day for games, band, clubs, etc. but. . .
Deep breath.
Maybe I WILL have to resort to violence afterall. Ha!
Have a great weekend, everyone! Do something this weekend to show love to someone else.
I
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Thursday Thank You's
I am thankful for. . .
451. a warm, dry house to sleep in.
452. cooking with Noel.
453. shopping with Elise.
454. sharing good books with good friends.
455. healthy bodies.
456. prayer.
457. forgiveness.
458. downtime with the kids.
459. people who are honest and transparent.
460. getting to travel through this life with David. There's nobody else I'd rather laugh with, cry with, serve with, fight with, raise children with, and love.
What are you thankful for?
451. a warm, dry house to sleep in.
452. cooking with Noel.
453. shopping with Elise.
454. sharing good books with good friends.
455. healthy bodies.
456. prayer.
457. forgiveness.
458. downtime with the kids.
459. people who are honest and transparent.
460. getting to travel through this life with David. There's nobody else I'd rather laugh with, cry with, serve with, fight with, raise children with, and love.
What are you thankful for?
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
This is what you get when I forget your birthday
I've been crocheting quite a bit this fall/winter, and I was kind of tired of hats and dishrags, so I found a pattern to make a little monster stuffed animal. I made it for my niece, whose birthday always gets looked over because it's the 26th of December. Before I added the face and arms it looked like a giant tooth. Maybe I could sell them at the dentist's office. Anyway, now my kids want ones, so I'm onto an orange monster for Noel (with no flower, of course!)
Also, just in case I totally fall off the blog wagon for a few weeks, I am getting ready to take an online class. I'm actually very excited about it, and I hope to write about it once we get started, but we'll see how much extra time I have.
What kinds of creations are you making these days?
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
I'm always late to the party
So, if you see me this week and I am climbing a tree or trying to camouflage my backpack, just know that I have finally started reading The Hunger Games.
And I can't put it down.
I think part of it is that those darn Harry Potter books, although I love them, were so stinkin' long that a 300 page book seems like a pamphlet now. The story goes so quickly. I am usually not a science fiction reader, but this book really makes some statements about the American culture, and it's fascinating to me. If you haven't read this book, give it a try. And if you have, I'd love to hear what you thought about it.
Sorry this post is so short, I have a hive of tracker jackers behind me and I have to run.
And I can't put it down.
I think part of it is that those darn Harry Potter books, although I love them, were so stinkin' long that a 300 page book seems like a pamphlet now. The story goes so quickly. I am usually not a science fiction reader, but this book really makes some statements about the American culture, and it's fascinating to me. If you haven't read this book, give it a try. And if you have, I'd love to hear what you thought about it.
Sorry this post is so short, I have a hive of tracker jackers behind me and I have to run.
Monday, January 09, 2012
Just Beet It
Is that the worst pun ever? Probably.
Anyway, this week's new food is the beet.
I have eaten beets before, I've just never cooked them myself. I actually have pretty fond memories of eating pickled beets when I was growing up. I can't believe I like them when I was a little kid--it seems like an old person food to me--but I did.
I started looking at different ways to cook/eat beets. Most recipes called for roasting the beets before you do anything else, so that's the first thing I did. I just cut the stems off, washed them, wrapped them in foil, and baked them at 400 for 45 minutes. Once they cooled, they were super easy to peel. (I DO recommend using a paper towel to peel them, because beets stain something awful!
This is what they look like after roasting and peeling.
So, then the big question was what to do with these beets? David told me that he really doesn't like beets (he didn't have the fond childhood memories I did), so I tried to come up with something else. And, thanks to Pinterest, we made beet smoothies.
Yes, you read that correctly, beet smoothies.
We put a couple of beets in the blender with ice and frozen fruit (mangoes and raspberries were what we had in the freezer), and pureed the heck out of it.
Now, for the record, the kids didn't have too much beet in their smoothie. I didn't know what it was going to taste like, and I didn't want to turn them off to smoothies, so they just had a little bit of beet in theirs.
So, the verdict? Not bad. Not great, but not bad. I think if I had added a little bit of sweetener, it would have been pretty good. However, the good news is that smoothie made me feel great all morning. I didn't even have a cup of coffee, I felt full and had lots of energy. So, I think I'll be making some more beet smoothies in the future. But I probably won't have anyone in this house begging me to share.
Any suggestions for the next new food?
Anyway, this week's new food is the beet.
I have eaten beets before, I've just never cooked them myself. I actually have pretty fond memories of eating pickled beets when I was growing up. I can't believe I like them when I was a little kid--it seems like an old person food to me--but I did.
I started looking at different ways to cook/eat beets. Most recipes called for roasting the beets before you do anything else, so that's the first thing I did. I just cut the stems off, washed them, wrapped them in foil, and baked them at 400 for 45 minutes. Once they cooled, they were super easy to peel. (I DO recommend using a paper towel to peel them, because beets stain something awful!
This is what they look like after roasting and peeling.
So, then the big question was what to do with these beets? David told me that he really doesn't like beets (he didn't have the fond childhood memories I did), so I tried to come up with something else. And, thanks to Pinterest, we made beet smoothies.
We put a couple of beets in the blender with ice and frozen fruit (mangoes and raspberries were what we had in the freezer), and pureed the heck out of it.
Now, for the record, the kids didn't have too much beet in their smoothie. I didn't know what it was going to taste like, and I didn't want to turn them off to smoothies, so they just had a little bit of beet in theirs.
So, the verdict? Not bad. Not great, but not bad. I think if I had added a little bit of sweetener, it would have been pretty good. However, the good news is that smoothie made me feel great all morning. I didn't even have a cup of coffee, I felt full and had lots of energy. So, I think I'll be making some more beet smoothies in the future. But I probably won't have anyone in this house begging me to share.
Any suggestions for the next new food?
Friday, January 06, 2012
Just go ahead and slap that "hypocrite" sticker right on my forehead
Okay, so we go to Meijer a lot. Like, every few days a lot. And for the past few years, we have developed a friendship with Donna, one of the greeters at Meijer. Both kids love her. We know the days she doesn't work, her grandkids, her vacations. And I like to pride myself that we have become a kind of witness to her, sharing about Haiti, church, our Christmas traditions, etc.
And then today it all went down the drain.
Not with Donna. No, she's still our pal.
Another cashier.
She is in there every time we are in there as well. She's not as friendly as Donna. Not as easy to talk to. In fact, I'll just say she's kind of odd. And the whole time we were doing the self check-out today, she is over at our aisle, just waiting. I couldn't figure it out, and then as I start making small talk with her, I realize that all this time she wanted us to befriend her the way we have befriended Donna. She is lonely. She needs Jesus. And I should be showing her God's love. But all of this time we've been having fun and laughing with Donna we could have been showing her just as much love and attention. I don't even know her name.
I feel sick just thinking about how much of a hypocrite I am.
It's soooo easy to love the loveable. To hang out with people who are like you, who are good at conversation, who aren't awkward. But Jesus didn't say, "Love those who are easy to love." He said to go out and find the outcasts, the lonely, those in need, and love them. And it's not going to be easy.
But as my friend Ginny always says, "God never promised anything would be easy. He just promises we never have to do it alone."
Some of you may think this story sounds trivial, but I'm a stay-at-home mom. I don't have co-workers anymore. No students. Not even a boss. So the people I talk to at the store, at the gas station, across the street, those are the people God has put in my path to show His love. And today I was reminded of that in a big way.
May we never lose sight of His love and those who need it.
And then today it all went down the drain.
Not with Donna. No, she's still our pal.
Another cashier.
She is in there every time we are in there as well. She's not as friendly as Donna. Not as easy to talk to. In fact, I'll just say she's kind of odd. And the whole time we were doing the self check-out today, she is over at our aisle, just waiting. I couldn't figure it out, and then as I start making small talk with her, I realize that all this time she wanted us to befriend her the way we have befriended Donna. She is lonely. She needs Jesus. And I should be showing her God's love. But all of this time we've been having fun and laughing with Donna we could have been showing her just as much love and attention. I don't even know her name.
I feel sick just thinking about how much of a hypocrite I am.
It's soooo easy to love the loveable. To hang out with people who are like you, who are good at conversation, who aren't awkward. But Jesus didn't say, "Love those who are easy to love." He said to go out and find the outcasts, the lonely, those in need, and love them. And it's not going to be easy.
But as my friend Ginny always says, "God never promised anything would be easy. He just promises we never have to do it alone."
Some of you may think this story sounds trivial, but I'm a stay-at-home mom. I don't have co-workers anymore. No students. Not even a boss. So the people I talk to at the store, at the gas station, across the street, those are the people God has put in my path to show His love. And today I was reminded of that in a big way.
May we never lose sight of His love and those who need it.
Thursday, January 05, 2012
Thursday Thank You's
This week I am thankful for. . .
441. getting to sleep in my own bed!
442. our portable DVD player. Makes long car rides much more enjoyable.
443. my nieces and nephews.
444. coats, hats, gloves, and shoes for my children.
445. a good book. Just finishing up Jesus for President by Shane Claiborne, and although I don't agree with every single thing he writes, I think it's a book everyone should read.
446. sunshine. For me, it doesn't matter what the temperature is, it's all about the sun.
447. hearing Elise talk about Jesus. (Sidenote: Sometimes she adds her own little flair to Bible stories. The other day she told Noel, "And the next day, Jesus got up and made homemade sausages." What? Just roll with it.)
448. helping Noel ski down a hill for the first time.
449. time off for David. He works so hard, and he was in definite need of a break!
450. second chances.
What are you thankful for?
441. getting to sleep in my own bed!
442. our portable DVD player. Makes long car rides much more enjoyable.
443. my nieces and nephews.
444. coats, hats, gloves, and shoes for my children.
445. a good book. Just finishing up Jesus for President by Shane Claiborne, and although I don't agree with every single thing he writes, I think it's a book everyone should read.
446. sunshine. For me, it doesn't matter what the temperature is, it's all about the sun.
447. hearing Elise talk about Jesus. (Sidenote: Sometimes she adds her own little flair to Bible stories. The other day she told Noel, "And the next day, Jesus got up and made homemade sausages." What? Just roll with it.)
448. helping Noel ski down a hill for the first time.
449. time off for David. He works so hard, and he was in definite need of a break!
450. second chances.
What are you thankful for?
Wednesday, January 04, 2012
Cleaning House: What works for me
Two cleaning/cooking posts back to back? How domestic of me!
I will be the first to say that my house is not sparkling clean every day. I have a 5 year-old and a 2 year-old. We are constantly in "pick up" mode around here. But I have found one way to reduce the amount of time I stress about cleaning: a cleaning schedule.
When I first left work to stay home with Noel, I felt like all I did was clean. I wanted to go to bed every night with a clean house, and so I was disappointed every night when the house didn't get clean. I would say in my mind, "This is my job now. Why can't I get it right?" And then David (and others) reminded me that my job is not to clean the house. My job right now is to raise my children as best as I can. Does that mean the house can be a pigsty? Absolutely not. But it isn't my first priority.
And so I created my cleaning schedule. Here's what works for me:
Monday: clean one bathroom and one bedroom
Tuesday: clean one bathroom and one bedroom
Wednesday: clean one bedroom and dining room
Thursday: clean kitchen
Friday: clean living room
Every day: one load of laundry, dishes, pick up
Every 2 weeks: mop hallway and foyer,
I don't ALWAYS stick to this schedule. Sometimes I mix it up, sometimes I get behind, heck, sometimes I skip the mopping all together. But it keeps me from getting overwhelmed and from spending all day stressing about the need to keep the house clean.
I'm linking this up to one of my favorite blogs: We Are That Family. Check out more "What Works for Me" ideas over there.
I will be the first to say that my house is not sparkling clean every day. I have a 5 year-old and a 2 year-old. We are constantly in "pick up" mode around here. But I have found one way to reduce the amount of time I stress about cleaning: a cleaning schedule.
When I first left work to stay home with Noel, I felt like all I did was clean. I wanted to go to bed every night with a clean house, and so I was disappointed every night when the house didn't get clean. I would say in my mind, "This is my job now. Why can't I get it right?" And then David (and others) reminded me that my job is not to clean the house. My job right now is to raise my children as best as I can. Does that mean the house can be a pigsty? Absolutely not. But it isn't my first priority.
And so I created my cleaning schedule. Here's what works for me:
Monday: clean one bathroom and one bedroom
Tuesday: clean one bathroom and one bedroom
Wednesday: clean one bedroom and dining room
Thursday: clean kitchen
Friday: clean living room
Every day: one load of laundry, dishes, pick up
Every 2 weeks: mop hallway and foyer,
I don't ALWAYS stick to this schedule. Sometimes I mix it up, sometimes I get behind, heck, sometimes I skip the mopping all together. But it keeps me from getting overwhelmed and from spending all day stressing about the need to keep the house clean.
I'm linking this up to one of my favorite blogs: We Are That Family. Check out more "What Works for Me" ideas over there.
Monday, January 02, 2012
It's all chard to me!
Okay, so I haven't really done a good job with New Year's resolutions for several years. In fact, a few years back, we decided to scrap the idea and come up with New Year's predictions. We still do that, but I have decided to actually make a resolution:
Every week I resolve to cook with a food I've never cooked with before.
Are you as excited as I am?
So, to start things off, tonight I cooked my first new food: Swiss Chard.
Swiss chard is a dark leafy vegetable, and the flavor kind of reminds me of spinach, but not quite as strong. I looked up a bunch of recipes on Pinterest, but opted instead for a recipe from a Cook's Country book I found at the library. It's just simple sauteed chard.
First, you wash and cut it all up. Take the stems off, chop them up, and put them in a separate bowl. They take a little longer to cook. I actually bought Rainbow Swiss Chard, and the stems were hot pink and bright yellow. Very pretty!
Next, cook up a little garlic, one minced onion, and the stems of the chard for about 5 minutes in a little oil. I cooked the garlic a little first before adding the rest to make sure it got cooked through.
Then you throw in the chard leaves and cook until it's wilted, about 5 minutes more. Then, after you take it off the heat, add a little bit of lemon juice and salt and pepper.
Finished product!
And the verdict? Not bad. I know chard is really good for you, and it tastes better thank spinach (according to David). Now that I know what it tastes like, I can see using it in a quiche or something with eggs.
Next week's new food? To be determined at my next Meijer visit.
Happy cooking!
Every week I resolve to cook with a food I've never cooked with before.
Are you as excited as I am?
So, to start things off, tonight I cooked my first new food: Swiss Chard.
Swiss chard is a dark leafy vegetable, and the flavor kind of reminds me of spinach, but not quite as strong. I looked up a bunch of recipes on Pinterest, but opted instead for a recipe from a Cook's Country book I found at the library. It's just simple sauteed chard.
First, you wash and cut it all up. Take the stems off, chop them up, and put them in a separate bowl. They take a little longer to cook. I actually bought Rainbow Swiss Chard, and the stems were hot pink and bright yellow. Very pretty!
Then you throw in the chard leaves and cook until it's wilted, about 5 minutes more. Then, after you take it off the heat, add a little bit of lemon juice and salt and pepper.
Finished product!
And the verdict? Not bad. I know chard is really good for you, and it tastes better thank spinach (according to David). Now that I know what it tastes like, I can see using it in a quiche or something with eggs.
Next week's new food? To be determined at my next Meijer visit.
Happy cooking!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Goodbye, 2011.
Okay, so one of my favorite things about this time of year is reading all of the "Best of. . ." and "Worst of. . ." columns. It doesn't even matter if I'm not interested in the topic at all, if those words are mentioned, I feel compelled to read. Best professional wrestler of the year? Tell me more!! Worst sock commercial? Give it to me!
And so you would think that I could come up with my own "Best of" list. So, here is my feeble attempt to give you some highlights.
2011 Lessons Learned:
Make the most of every opportunity. It's better to look back and say,
"At least I tried," than, "I wish I had done something."
Gardens are a beautiful thing.
We can make a difference in our every day lives.
Harry Potter is a really good book series. I love Mrs. Weasley the most.
It is a beautiful thing to see your child make their first friend all on their own.
If you set your mind on something (say, running a long distance), you can do it. Don't give up.
Being the first one to say "I'm sorry" can work wonders.
Making memories is hard work, but well worth it.
Phineas and Ferb is a pretty funny show.
Being a mother means dealing with poop on a daily basis.
Children (big and small) are watching and listening to you, whether they let you know or not.
Think globally, and live accordingly.
God wants us to take care of the poor, the lonely, the hurt, and the unlovable.
If we don't seem different to everyone around us because of our faith, something is wrong.
In all things, give thanks.
What did you learn this year?
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Christmas Thoughts
It's almost Christmas, and my mind is kind of mushy. I blame it on the fudge and cookies.
The longer I am a mom, the more Christmas changes for me.
When I was a kid, it was all about the presents, the food, the fun.
When I was a single adult, it was all about reuniting with old friends when I would come back home for Christmas.
When I was a newlywed, it was all about doing everything for the "first" time (first tree together, first stockings, etc.)
None of those things are wrong. And don't get me wrong, I still love food, family, fun, and presents. But now I see Christmas through a mother's eyes. I think more about Mary and how she must have been so afraid and so confused and so blessed all at once, just how new mothers feel. I think about what advent means: waiting. The whole world was waiting for a savior, but they had no idea how He was going to arrive. I think about how much we have messed up Christmas. How it has become so full of activities and presents that we don't sit still and wait. Wait for Jesus to show up. And I'm just as guilty as everyone else.
When I sit and really wait, really wait, for Jesus, I am filled with awe that the God gave Him to us. That He let His Son be born in a barn to teenagers. To be misunderstood His whole life and then crucified, all because of us.
Do you feel it? God's love? His love that encompasses everything and is so much bigger than a date on a calendar? I pray that we all do.
These are the lyrics to John Mark McMillan's song "Murdered Son". May we all be reminded this Christmas of why we are here and who deserves the glory.
The longer I am a mom, the more Christmas changes for me.
When I was a kid, it was all about the presents, the food, the fun.
When I was a single adult, it was all about reuniting with old friends when I would come back home for Christmas.
When I was a newlywed, it was all about doing everything for the "first" time (first tree together, first stockings, etc.)
None of those things are wrong. And don't get me wrong, I still love food, family, fun, and presents. But now I see Christmas through a mother's eyes. I think more about Mary and how she must have been so afraid and so confused and so blessed all at once, just how new mothers feel. I think about what advent means: waiting. The whole world was waiting for a savior, but they had no idea how He was going to arrive. I think about how much we have messed up Christmas. How it has become so full of activities and presents that we don't sit still and wait. Wait for Jesus to show up. And I'm just as guilty as everyone else.
When I sit and really wait, really wait, for Jesus, I am filled with awe that the God gave Him to us. That He let His Son be born in a barn to teenagers. To be misunderstood His whole life and then crucified, all because of us.
Do you feel it? God's love? His love that encompasses everything and is so much bigger than a date on a calendar? I pray that we all do.
These are the lyrics to John Mark McMillan's song "Murdered Son". May we all be reminded this Christmas of why we are here and who deserves the glory.
You set us up above all the stars
You set us on a high place by where you are
While we were dead you made us your friends
And scattered our debt upon the wind
Glory to One
God’s murdered son
Who paid for my resurrection
Once from the dust, once from the grave
Daughters and sons from the ashes you’ve raised
And hidden our faults even from your own face
And scattered our debt upon the waves
Glory to one
God’s murdered son
Who paid for my resurrection
Glory to One
God’s murdered son
Who paid for my resurrection
Glory to the one who
Who overcame in death
Glory to the one
Who paid for my offenses
Glory to the one
Once from the dust
Once from the grave
Daughters and sons
From the ashes you’ve raised
And hidden our faults
Even from your own face
And scattered our debt upon the waves
And scattered our debt upon the waves
Friday, December 16, 2011
So thankful. . .even on Friday!
The busy-ness of the Christmas season is in full swing. This week we've gone to an orchestra concert, cheered on some swimmers at a swim meet, helped sort gifts at Urban Outreach, made some goodies, finished Christmas presents, and sent out cards. Oh, and also that whole raising 2 children/loving my husband thing.
But we are never too busy to give thanks. So, this week I am thankful for. . .
431. receiving Christmas cards in the mail. Especially the ones with photos and letters!! (Have I mentioned how much I love getting mail? Because I do. A lot.)
432. lunch with my mom and sister, which is a rare treat.
433. seeing my high school students step up and buy gifts for a needy family.
434. healthy babies born to friends and loved ones.
435. getting to speak at our friend Gordon's ordination. So honored to talk about this wonderful guy.
436. making plans to see my dearest friend in the whole wide world.
437. Christmas stations on Pandora.
438. soup on rainy days.
439. our sweet old dog. Tee Dog is getting up there, but she is still a sweet old dog (even if she does make me crazy sometimes).
440. a washer and a dryer, especially during potty training!
What are you thankful for?
What are you thankful for?
But we are never too busy to give thanks. So, this week I am thankful for. . .
431. receiving Christmas cards in the mail. Especially the ones with photos and letters!! (Have I mentioned how much I love getting mail? Because I do. A lot.)
432. lunch with my mom and sister, which is a rare treat.
433. seeing my high school students step up and buy gifts for a needy family.
434. healthy babies born to friends and loved ones.
435. getting to speak at our friend Gordon's ordination. So honored to talk about this wonderful guy.
436. making plans to see my dearest friend in the whole wide world.
437. Christmas stations on Pandora.
438. soup on rainy days.
439. our sweet old dog. Tee Dog is getting up there, but she is still a sweet old dog (even if she does make me crazy sometimes).
440. a washer and a dryer, especially during potty training!
What are you thankful for?
What are you thankful for?
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Christmas Traditions
Most people have Christmas traditions. Some are started on purpose, some just kind of create themselves. I'd love to read about everyone else's Christmas traditions, so here are some of ours:
*We do the Jesse Tree on the days leading up to Christmas.
*On Christmas Eve, we go to our church's Christmas Eve service, and then we visit We Care Park. For those of you who have not been there, it is a group of houses on the north end of Kokomo who decorate like crazy and create a little Christmas park that you can drive through or walk through. Plus there is a little garage where they serve hot chocolate and cookies. All of the proceeds go to a local charity, and it's entertaining on many levels (lots of people watching, too), so we try to never miss it.
*Watching Christmas movies. Our favorites: Elf, Christmas Vacation, The Grinch (old version), and A Christmas Story. Of course I love Smokey Mountain Christmas, starring Dolly Parton, but David doesn't share my love of all things Dolly. Go figure.
*Each year we buy a Christmas ornament that has a picture frame in it. That way, every time we decorate the tree we can relive each year through the photos (insert little emotional sigh for Christmases gone by).
*We drive all over tarnation to see other Christmas lights. Who doesn't love the ones synced to music?? Come on!
*Eating my dad's rocky road fudge. And lots of other snacks/cookies/treats/etc.
*Adopting a family to help.
*Wittenbach Christmas (a subject for a whole other post)
*Reading the Christmas story on Christmas morning.
What are your traditions??
*We do the Jesse Tree on the days leading up to Christmas.
*On Christmas Eve, we go to our church's Christmas Eve service, and then we visit We Care Park. For those of you who have not been there, it is a group of houses on the north end of Kokomo who decorate like crazy and create a little Christmas park that you can drive through or walk through. Plus there is a little garage where they serve hot chocolate and cookies. All of the proceeds go to a local charity, and it's entertaining on many levels (lots of people watching, too), so we try to never miss it.
*Watching Christmas movies. Our favorites: Elf, Christmas Vacation, The Grinch (old version), and A Christmas Story. Of course I love Smokey Mountain Christmas, starring Dolly Parton, but David doesn't share my love of all things Dolly. Go figure.
*Each year we buy a Christmas ornament that has a picture frame in it. That way, every time we decorate the tree we can relive each year through the photos (insert little emotional sigh for Christmases gone by).
*We drive all over tarnation to see other Christmas lights. Who doesn't love the ones synced to music?? Come on!
*Eating my dad's rocky road fudge. And lots of other snacks/cookies/treats/etc.
*Adopting a family to help.
*Wittenbach Christmas (a subject for a whole other post)
*Reading the Christmas story on Christmas morning.
What are your traditions??
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Faith
24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. 25 He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. 27 By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and the application of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel.
David and I finished reading Hebrews 11 yesterday (you can read my thoughts on the first half of Hebrews 11 here). We talked about Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and Joshua. And we talked about Moses. I know that I am guilty of just glancing over verses in the Bible if I've "heard it before", but this time we really looked at what Moses was being given a shout out for in this Faith Hall of Fame chapter. Moses could have taken the easy road and lived, literally, like a Pharoah. He could have had any material thing he wanted. He could have been a head honcho and slave driver.
But he didn't. He chose to be on God's side, because "he was looking ahead to his reward."
Hebrews was written to Jews-turned-Believers who were being tempted to go back to their old ways.
So, what a perfect example to give to these people! Moses (the key Jewish figure) who was in the same position they were in: keep going down the difficult road or head back. Moses chose to stay with God's people! What an encouragement that must have been to them.
Another thing that really hit me was the last few verses of the chapter.
Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were put to death by stoning;[e] they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated—
This is a description of faithful believers. And I wonder why the church today isn't very effective. Am I putting myself out there? Am I living proof that God is alive and active, even if it means harsh punishment? Sometimes I don't even speak up if I'm afraid someone will make fun of me.
And, the icing on the cake is this:
the world was not worthy of them.
Oh, that that could be said of each of us! We look to the world for affirmation, support, guidance, everything. But what if our actions were so far out of this world that the world wasn't even worthy of it? That's a powerful challenge right there.
Lastly, I have to mention Rahab. Why do they have to always mention the fact that she was a prostitute? Because she was an example of someone. . .
whose weakness was turned to strength; (verse 34).
I can look at each person in this chapter and see the work of God in their lives, turning their weakness into a strength, whether is was Moses' fear of public speaking or Abraham's lack of children. But what sticks out the most is Rahab. I had never thought about the fact that if Rahab had not been in that exact spot in her life she would not have been used by God in such a powerful way. There is no way the spies would have knocked on a door of a family where people where coming and going openly. Because of Rahab's "status" in life, she was able to hide the spies and eventually save her family. Did God want her to be a prostitute? Of course not. But He definitely used her weakness and turned it to strength.
So I am challenged today to think about my weaknesses and ask God to turn them to strengths. To seek out ways to live faithfully for Him. To stand out as one whom the world is not worthy of.
David and I finished reading Hebrews 11 yesterday (you can read my thoughts on the first half of Hebrews 11 here). We talked about Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and Joshua. And we talked about Moses. I know that I am guilty of just glancing over verses in the Bible if I've "heard it before", but this time we really looked at what Moses was being given a shout out for in this Faith Hall of Fame chapter. Moses could have taken the easy road and lived, literally, like a Pharoah. He could have had any material thing he wanted. He could have been a head honcho and slave driver.
But he didn't. He chose to be on God's side, because "he was looking ahead to his reward."
Hebrews was written to Jews-turned-Believers who were being tempted to go back to their old ways.
So, what a perfect example to give to these people! Moses (the key Jewish figure) who was in the same position they were in: keep going down the difficult road or head back. Moses chose to stay with God's people! What an encouragement that must have been to them.
Another thing that really hit me was the last few verses of the chapter.
Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were put to death by stoning;[e] they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated—
This is a description of faithful believers. And I wonder why the church today isn't very effective. Am I putting myself out there? Am I living proof that God is alive and active, even if it means harsh punishment? Sometimes I don't even speak up if I'm afraid someone will make fun of me.
And, the icing on the cake is this:
the world was not worthy of them.
Oh, that that could be said of each of us! We look to the world for affirmation, support, guidance, everything. But what if our actions were so far out of this world that the world wasn't even worthy of it? That's a powerful challenge right there.
Lastly, I have to mention Rahab. Why do they have to always mention the fact that she was a prostitute? Because she was an example of someone. . .
whose weakness was turned to strength; (verse 34).
I can look at each person in this chapter and see the work of God in their lives, turning their weakness into a strength, whether is was Moses' fear of public speaking or Abraham's lack of children. But what sticks out the most is Rahab. I had never thought about the fact that if Rahab had not been in that exact spot in her life she would not have been used by God in such a powerful way. There is no way the spies would have knocked on a door of a family where people where coming and going openly. Because of Rahab's "status" in life, she was able to hide the spies and eventually save her family. Did God want her to be a prostitute? Of course not. But He definitely used her weakness and turned it to strength.
So I am challenged today to think about my weaknesses and ask God to turn them to strengths. To seek out ways to live faithfully for Him. To stand out as one whom the world is not worthy of.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Mean Mom
Well, my parenthood level reached a new status yesterday, when Noel declared that I was mean.
Why?
Because after he tried to eat a candy cane, he was covered in stickiness and goo, and I (gasp) made him wash his face and hands with soap and water.
I know, I know, call social services.
I always thought I would be able to laugh it off when my children called me mean, but to be honest it really stung. It hurts that sometimes my children look at me and think that I'm "the mean one". I know it's not true, but sometimes I feel like my husband gets to be the fun dad who shows up at the end of the day and gets to play with them while I've spent the whole day getting on them about what they can't do. What they shouldn't do. What they are doing wrong.
And I know that a 5 year-old's perspective isn't always the best one to listen to.
But I also am reminded of what my attitude is with my children. Do I need to correct them and guide them to become responsible, respectful adults? Absolutely. Do I need to be grumpy about it. Absolutely not.
And so I walk the tightrope today, trying to balance being a good mother, but also one who can laugh at herself and be joyful in the midst of chaos.
Why?
Because after he tried to eat a candy cane, he was covered in stickiness and goo, and I (gasp) made him wash his face and hands with soap and water.
I know, I know, call social services.
I always thought I would be able to laugh it off when my children called me mean, but to be honest it really stung. It hurts that sometimes my children look at me and think that I'm "the mean one". I know it's not true, but sometimes I feel like my husband gets to be the fun dad who shows up at the end of the day and gets to play with them while I've spent the whole day getting on them about what they can't do. What they shouldn't do. What they are doing wrong.
And I know that a 5 year-old's perspective isn't always the best one to listen to.
But I also am reminded of what my attitude is with my children. Do I need to correct them and guide them to become responsible, respectful adults? Absolutely. Do I need to be grumpy about it. Absolutely not.
And so I walk the tightrope today, trying to balance being a good mother, but also one who can laugh at herself and be joyful in the midst of chaos.
Friday, December 09, 2011
Disclaimer
I promised a picture of our Griswold Family Christmas Tree:
I never promised that everyone in the picture would
a)be wearing pants.
b)be smiling.
c)have their hair brushed.
Have a wonderful weekend!
a)be wearing pants.
b)be smiling.
c)have their hair brushed.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Thursday, December 08, 2011
Thursday Thank You's
This week I am thankful for. . .
421. siblings who play together (that is not always the case with my two). They actually want to have a "sleepover" in Noel's room this weekend. Am I crazy if I say yes?
422. our washing machine and dryer.
423. my mom taking the kids and me to see The Muppets. So fun to share a childhood favorite with my children.
424. chocolate fudge. (Although my scale is not so thankful!)
425. fun Christmas activities. Concerts, lights, old Christmas movies, decorating, wrapping, singing.
426. a turn for the better for a dear friend's husband.
427. the sunshine we had yesterday!! This cloudy weather gets me down.
428. two special friends who are there when I need them.
429. clementines. Seriously, aren't they the best fruit?
430. my Bridges students. Sometimes they frustrate and annoy me, but they have also challenged and convicted me, so it is worth it all.
What are you thankful for?
421. siblings who play together (that is not always the case with my two). They actually want to have a "sleepover" in Noel's room this weekend. Am I crazy if I say yes?
422. our washing machine and dryer.
423. my mom taking the kids and me to see The Muppets. So fun to share a childhood favorite with my children.
424. chocolate fudge. (Although my scale is not so thankful!)
425. fun Christmas activities. Concerts, lights, old Christmas movies, decorating, wrapping, singing.
426. a turn for the better for a dear friend's husband.
427. the sunshine we had yesterday!! This cloudy weather gets me down.
428. two special friends who are there when I need them.
429. clementines. Seriously, aren't they the best fruit?
430. my Bridges students. Sometimes they frustrate and annoy me, but they have also challenged and convicted me, so it is worth it all.
What are you thankful for?
Wednesday, December 07, 2011
What does faith look like?
Over the past few months, David and I have been going through the book of Hebrews together. And this week we started reading chapter 11. We had so much to talk about that we had to stop halfway through. I know that I've read this passage at least a dozen times, but every time I read it something else jumps out.
This time, as we were going through the different people mentioned in Hebrews 11 "Hall of Fame of Faith", we looked at how each person's faith can be relevant to us in this day and age. (P.S. When I say, "this day and age" I feel like an old person). So far, this is what we have come up with:
Abel: He gave an offering to God. But not just any offering--his finest. His heart was right in the sacrifice.
When I give/serve/offer what are my motives? God, give me a clean heart and a desire to serve You above all.
Enoch: He walked so closely with God that he was known as "one who pleased God". He didn't even experience death; God just took him straight to Heaven.
Is my relationship with God so intimate that I know what pleases Him? Father, pull me closer to You, and let everything else fall into place.
Noah: He followed God's commands, even when everyone thought he was crazy. Even Noah didn't understand what was going to happen, but he obeyed.
When following God makes me stand out, am I willing to trust and obey? Lord, help me to care more about pleasing you than anyone else.
And then there's Abraham: He left everything (okay, he took his wife and some other stuff) and left all of the comforts of home to follow God's leading. Where was he going? No idea. How long would the travel be? Unsure. Did that stop Abraham? Not in the slightest. I like to think of Abraham and Sarah as the first missionaries. And then, as if that wasn't enough, God asked Abraham to sacrifice his own son. The son he had been waiting 100 years for. The son whom God said would be a blessing to many nations. Isaac. And Abraham obeyed. He had such faith, he knew God would work out a plan even better than one he could comprehend.
When obedience involves sacrifice, how do I react? Will I go where God leads, whatever the cost? Jesus, I want to have faith like these people (and so many others). Let my life reflect that desire in my day to day actions.
This time, as we were going through the different people mentioned in Hebrews 11 "Hall of Fame of Faith", we looked at how each person's faith can be relevant to us in this day and age. (P.S. When I say, "this day and age" I feel like an old person). So far, this is what we have come up with:
Abel: He gave an offering to God. But not just any offering--his finest. His heart was right in the sacrifice.
When I give/serve/offer what are my motives? God, give me a clean heart and a desire to serve You above all.
Enoch: He walked so closely with God that he was known as "one who pleased God". He didn't even experience death; God just took him straight to Heaven.
Is my relationship with God so intimate that I know what pleases Him? Father, pull me closer to You, and let everything else fall into place.
Noah: He followed God's commands, even when everyone thought he was crazy. Even Noah didn't understand what was going to happen, but he obeyed.
When following God makes me stand out, am I willing to trust and obey? Lord, help me to care more about pleasing you than anyone else.
And then there's Abraham: He left everything (okay, he took his wife and some other stuff) and left all of the comforts of home to follow God's leading. Where was he going? No idea. How long would the travel be? Unsure. Did that stop Abraham? Not in the slightest. I like to think of Abraham and Sarah as the first missionaries. And then, as if that wasn't enough, God asked Abraham to sacrifice his own son. The son he had been waiting 100 years for. The son whom God said would be a blessing to many nations. Isaac. And Abraham obeyed. He had such faith, he knew God would work out a plan even better than one he could comprehend.
When obedience involves sacrifice, how do I react? Will I go where God leads, whatever the cost? Jesus, I want to have faith like these people (and so many others). Let my life reflect that desire in my day to day actions.
Tuesday, December 06, 2011
Oh, yeah, we are the Griswolds
One thing I love about Christmas is creating traditions with our little family. And one of those traditions is getting a Christmas tree. David and I have always had a real tree for Christmas, but we used to get our tree at Lowe's. But once we had Noel, we decided to "do it right" and go out and cut down our very own Christmas tree. I wish I had pictures of us going out to pick our Christmas trees over the years, but this was the first year I actually remembered my camera, so just be impressed with that.
On Saturday we headed out to a Cottrells, which is a tree farm about 30 minutes from here. You ride on a hayride out to the farm, so that was a highlight for the kids. Then we marched around looking for the perfect tree.
Not sure why I look a little drunk in this picture. Maybe I was avoiding mud. Maybe I'm just that clumsy.
Success!! If you didn't notice, the kids are flexing to show you how excited they are about their new tree!
Hayride back to the parking lot.
What we didn't get captured in pictures:
*Noel totally hitchhiking a ride on a golf cart out by the trees.
*The kids being totally fascinated with the tree shaker (it gets rid of all of the dead needles).
*Eating out at the only restaurant in the town where the tree farm was. I'm pretty sure the decor had not changed since it opened. Now, it's vintage, right?
And of course I don't have a picture of the tree fully decorated, right? Because that would ruin the excitement of coming back tomorrow!!
In other news. . .
Is my son the cutest little pilgrim you ever did see?
In more news than other news. . .
Dressing up is the new favorite pastime around here. I wish you could see Noel's entire body, because that Care Bear costume comes to his knees. It's pretty comical.
What are your family traditions?
On Saturday we headed out to a Cottrells, which is a tree farm about 30 minutes from here. You ride on a hayride out to the farm, so that was a highlight for the kids. Then we marched around looking for the perfect tree.
Not sure why I look a little drunk in this picture. Maybe I was avoiding mud. Maybe I'm just that clumsy.
Success!! If you didn't notice, the kids are flexing to show you how excited they are about their new tree!
Hayride back to the parking lot.
What we didn't get captured in pictures:
*Noel totally hitchhiking a ride on a golf cart out by the trees.
*The kids being totally fascinated with the tree shaker (it gets rid of all of the dead needles).
*Eating out at the only restaurant in the town where the tree farm was. I'm pretty sure the decor had not changed since it opened. Now, it's vintage, right?
And of course I don't have a picture of the tree fully decorated, right? Because that would ruin the excitement of coming back tomorrow!!
In other news. . .
Is my son the cutest little pilgrim you ever did see?
In more news than other news. . .
Dressing up is the new favorite pastime around here. I wish you could see Noel's entire body, because that Care Bear costume comes to his knees. It's pretty comical.
What are your family traditions?
Monday, December 05, 2011
Kickin' it in Heaven
About a year and a half ago we started visiting with residents at a local nursing home. We sing a few hymns with them, eat some treats, play some games, and visit. And since we've started going we've met some really neat people. And one of those people is Levi.
Every time we would see Levi and ask how he was, Levi would say, "I'm still kickin. . .not very high, but I'm still kickin."
And every time we would say goodbye, Levi would say, "If I'm still here, I'll see you next time."
This weekend, Levi passed away. And while I am sad, I am joyful that Levi is kickin' as high as he wants now in Heaven. Being 97, he outlived his entire family by decades. He was a great card player, and he loved to sing. He loved camping and being outside, and I will miss him.
And so my heart is a little heavy today. I knew when we started visiting the nursing home that the reality of death was much more present. But I am thankful for that, because it has reminded me of the importance of living life to the fullest. I am also reminded that this life is not all there is. This is just a blink of an eye in comparison to eternity.
So, thank you, Levi. We will miss you. Now you can sing as loudly as you want .
Every time we would see Levi and ask how he was, Levi would say, "I'm still kickin. . .not very high, but I'm still kickin."
And every time we would say goodbye, Levi would say, "If I'm still here, I'll see you next time."
This weekend, Levi passed away. And while I am sad, I am joyful that Levi is kickin' as high as he wants now in Heaven. Being 97, he outlived his entire family by decades. He was a great card player, and he loved to sing. He loved camping and being outside, and I will miss him.
And so my heart is a little heavy today. I knew when we started visiting the nursing home that the reality of death was much more present. But I am thankful for that, because it has reminded me of the importance of living life to the fullest. I am also reminded that this life is not all there is. This is just a blink of an eye in comparison to eternity.
So, thank you, Levi. We will miss you. Now you can sing as loudly as you want .
Thursday, December 01, 2011
Thursday Thank You's
This week I am thankful for. . .
411. electricity. Thousands of people in the county we live in lost power due to our first snow. Believe me, we've had our fair share of power outages.
412. clean water. Thousands of people die EVERY DAY because they do not access to clean water.
413. our Jesse Tree. It's an advent experience that walks you through the Bible, leading up to Christ's birth. You can read about Jesse Tree here and even download and print out the devotions and ornaments. Ann Voskamp wrote the devotionals, and if you haven't read anything by Ann, you are missing out. Her words touch my heart.
414. opportunities to show God's love. We've been praying every day for God to show us people we can love, and He has been doing just that. Sometimes the love looks strange. Sometimes the love is uncomfortable, but it's always worth it.
415. playing in the snow with the kids.
416. reading a newspaper article about a Bridges student.
417. laughing with the other Wittenbach "in-laws" (those married to Wittenbach children. We definitely have a bond.
418. forgiveness. Extending it and receiving it.
419. a borrowed work vehicle with a built-in DVD player for our trip to Michigan!
420. sunshine! Everything seems better with sunshine. I'll take sunshine and snow on the ground any day over cloudy and 50.
What are you thankful for?
411. electricity. Thousands of people in the county we live in lost power due to our first snow. Believe me, we've had our fair share of power outages.
412. clean water. Thousands of people die EVERY DAY because they do not access to clean water.
413. our Jesse Tree. It's an advent experience that walks you through the Bible, leading up to Christ's birth. You can read about Jesse Tree here and even download and print out the devotions and ornaments. Ann Voskamp wrote the devotionals, and if you haven't read anything by Ann, you are missing out. Her words touch my heart.
414. opportunities to show God's love. We've been praying every day for God to show us people we can love, and He has been doing just that. Sometimes the love looks strange. Sometimes the love is uncomfortable, but it's always worth it.
415. playing in the snow with the kids.
416. reading a newspaper article about a Bridges student.
417. laughing with the other Wittenbach "in-laws" (those married to Wittenbach children. We definitely have a bond.
418. forgiveness. Extending it and receiving it.
419. a borrowed work vehicle with a built-in DVD player for our trip to Michigan!
420. sunshine! Everything seems better with sunshine. I'll take sunshine and snow on the ground any day over cloudy and 50.
What are you thankful for?
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