pocket testimony

I was challenged by a book I just read to write my testimony down in 3 sentences. I recently wrote my testimony down on paper, so I thought this challenge would be relatively easy - but seriously, 3 sentences? I had a hard time condensing the full size version down to 3 minutes - but, I love a challenge...so it began.

It is important to be able to, at any given moment, be ready to defend our faith. We must be able to give a reason for the hope we hold so dear, and we must share our faith without fear. Taking the time to think about it now, condense it, and memorize it will make you a prepared vessel to share the good news that is knowing Jesus Christ.

Your testimony should include three parts:

1. Your life before you came to know Jesus
2. How you came to know Jesus
3. Your life since knowing Jesus
   

As an example, I have included my "pocket" testimony. Three sentences isn't very many, so forgive me if they are run-ons.

I grew up in a "good" home and I thought about God, but I did not have a personal relationship with Him and I never really thought about life after death. I do not know the exact date, but sometime in my late teens, I made the choice to believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins so I could live forever in Heaven. Now, through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, I know that God exists, I know He holds my future, and I know where I will spend eternity.

Now it's your turn. If you are a Christian, share your "pocket" testimony.

thesaurus.com

Have you ever used thesaurus.com? It is an awesome tool that I use almost every time I write. And, not just for my blogs - but also for resumes, cover letters, biographies, notes...all kinds of things.

I don't like to use the same words over and again. Synonyms are my friend. Many times I want to say the same thing, but don't want to use the identical word (see how I just did it right there? same/identical) - so I hit thesaurus.com and check out my options. It not only animates my communications, but it also strengthens my vocabulary. Many times I have been interested/fascinated/delighted to discover a new word and it's meaning.

It is also great for antonyms...you know, opposite, reverse, antithesis...

Anyhoo, I use it a lot, and I love it. And now you know.

my friend des

This is my friend Des. She got baptized in the ocean. She hates water, seaweed, being cold...

This is us at women's retreat trying to stay warm.


This is our teeny tiny cabin. It actually looks bigger in this picture than it was.

This is what happens when you let me hold your camera.

I met Des about a year and a half ago at a women's bible study. I thought she was adorable and was especially impressed with her hair. In fact, I had just gotten my cut that day and wasn't loving it much - that's why hers was of particular interest to me...seriously, maybe she would let me take a picture of it so I could show my stylist...anyhoo, later on after meeting her, I caught a glance of myself in a mirror...hmmmm - my hair was cut just like hers...all of a sudden, I didn't hate my hair that day so much! Come to find out months later, we actually have the same hair stylist and have been using her for years.

While I don't think Des and I look very much alike in the details of our appearance, apparently our overall appearance is similar enough to confuse the young, the elderly, and the nearsighted. More than once a small child has called me "Miss Des;" I had a long conversation with an elderly lady at bible study about my kids, Gracie and Micah (those are Des' kids if you aren't quite keeping up); and one day at the park we showed up wearing the exact same thing, and when Des' husband arrived he thought he was seeing double.

I guess I see where the confusion lies. How many red heads, with short hair, pasty white skin, similar build, same height, wearing brown shorts, a white tee, and brown flip flops do you expect to see in a day? I think it is funny, and I truly don't mind - I think Des is great and I consider it a compliment to be mistaken for her.

morning joah vs. 2am joah

I don't "do" mornings well. I am grumpy, it takes me a while to wake up, and I don't like to talk. In fact, I sound a lot like a caveman until I have had my morning cup of coffee...grunting, pointing at things, scowling. I bring this unlovely point up because somehow, this is not who I am when woke in the middle of the night.

This curious fact dawned on me the other night as I was startled awake at 2am by a crying baby. I jumped out of bed, eyes fully open, went to Rachel and consoled her...with words. She had fallen out of her bed and just needed a minute to calm down. As I tucked her back in , I said a prayer with fully audible, intelligible words. As I climbed back in bed after comforting the baby, I realized how amazing the difference between grumpy-caveman-morning Joah and alert-coherent-2am Joah is.

This isn't an isolated incident either. I am often woke mid slumber by a child's cry, question, sickness, late night stuffed animal search...all with the same unexplainable alertness and cognizance. Weird. What makes the difference, I wonder?

home of the free, because of the brave

With the weekend fast approaching and all the preparations for a our camping vacation - I decided to spend a little time focusing on Memorial Day and its true meaning. Because many people use it as the unofficial start of summer, an excuse to picnic and barbecue with friends, or as a three day weekend trip out of town - it's heritage and significance is diminishing with time and generations.

What we now know as "Memorial Day" was once called "Decoration Day" as it was a time set aside to honor the Civil War's dead by decorating their graves. Now it is a day intended to commemorate and honor men and women who have died while serving in the American Military. This is a point I found interesting - while remembering all soldiers who are now passed is not inappropriate by any means - this day, Memorial Day, is designed to commemorate soldiers specifically killed in action or missing in action. I did not know that.

So, now as the day is almost here and I find myself and my family using Memorial Day for all of its unintended benefits - start of summer, get together with friends, vacation - I am convicted to make a change so that my kids will know the significance of this holiday. I mean really, if I, a person who LOVES America and the soldiers who protect us and our freedoms, didn't totally understand the purpose of Memorial Day just 24 hours ago, how can I expect my children or their children to know and to reflect. If I don't make a point to celebrate this holiday with deliberate intention, then I will be contributing to the decline of awareness about it, and lackadaisical celebrating of it. Not cool.

Remember soldiers. Have fun. Honor God.


Here are some traditional ways to celebrate Memorial Day (Monday)

• by visiting cemeteries and placing flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes.
• by visiting memorials.
• by flying the U.S. Flag at half-staff until noon.
• by flying the 'POW/MIA Flag' as well (Section 1082 of the 1998 Defense Authorization Act).
• by participating in a "National Moment of Remembrance": at 3 p.m. to pause and think upon the true meaning of the day, and for Taps to be played.
• by renewing a pledge to aid the widows, widowers, and orphans of our falled dead, and to aid the disabled veterans

Here is a high quality sound clip of a bugler playing taps in MP3 format.

http://www.armystudyguide.com/downloads/Taps.mp3

And here are the words...in case you didn't know there were lyrics.

Taps Lyrics:
Day is done,
gone the sun,
from the lakes
from the hills
from the sky,
all is well,
safely, rest,
God is near.
Fading light,
Dims the sight,
And a star gems the sky
Gleaming bright,
From afar,
Drawing, near,
Falls the night.
Thanks and praise,
For our days,
Neath the sun
Neath the stars
Neath the sky,
As we go,
This, we, know,
God is near.



"...gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with choicest flowers of springtime....let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us as sacred charges upon the Nation's gratitude,--the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan." --General John Logan, General Order No. 11, 5 May 1868

blending debacle

Yesterday, I learned - the hard way - that not all Vita Mix's are created equal. Just because they look similar and have the same buttons does not mean they blend the same...

My Vita Mix works like this:

• Switch on right turns the power on, but does not spin blades.
• Switch on left starts blending action, slow at first, then kicking in to high after 30 seconds. (It's good to note here that slow initial blending keeps liquid and ice from exploding out the top of blender.
• Lid doesn't have to be on tight because aqueous material is mixing at a steady and controlled pace.

Jeanne's Vita Mix works like this:

• Switch on right turns power on and spins the blades at a highly explosive, alarmingly fast pace...

...really, that difference alone is all you need to know to get the picture that these two machines, with the same name, did not work the same. With blender fully loaded, lid not fully engaged, and expecting to be merely turning on the power (this would be equivalent to simply plugging the machine in), I flipped the right switch and rrrwwaaaaarrrrrr! Milk, coffee, chocolate, and ice exploded out of the blender - all over me, the counter, the floor, the cupboards, the dog...just kidding about the dog - but it would have been true if he were standing in the kitchen.

Embarrassing really - since I claim to be a blender snob and coffee aficionado. In my defense, I only ever said I owned a coffee shop with a commercial blender, not that I worked there much. In fact, when I would work, I could tell from the way Chelsey and Carey hovered around me, that I was not as skilled or proficient in the actual act of barista work as I trained them to be.

In addition to the major equipment malfunction debacle, I made sub-par granitas. The mix I have been using at home was not the same mix I had instructed Jeanne to get...I used the ratios from my at-home blending recipe...needless to say, the blended coffee drinks were a little weak in taste...another amateur mistake.

So, that's how I learned that all Vita Mix's are not created equal. I'm guessing there are many practical life lessons that this little episode can teach me...things don't always work the way you think they should; instruction manuals aren't just good for fire kindling; just because you know how to do something well, doesn't make you an expert...but, the biggest lesson I have learned - the one that will stay with me forever - is don't judge a blender by it's buttons.

Blend well. Have fun. Honor God.

belknap, here we come

So, we are getting ready for our annual trip to Belknap Hotsprings. This will be our fifth year going - I cannot even believe it has been that long. Our dear backyard neighbor invited us the first year - and we have just kept going, even though it is kinda their family reunion.

It is so much fun! Even though we have been rained on 2 of the 4 times we have been - and it looks to be rainy weather this year too - we always have a great time. We spend the days just hanging out, hiking around, playing games, exploring, going on walks, eating, taking naps. There are a couple of "excursions" that highlight the weekend events. The men, and one brave woman, go on an 18 mile mountain bike ride that I have heard is pretty brutal. My dear husband went the first two years with little to no training on the bike - it about killed him - both times. Then he had to miss a couple of years due to surgery and broken equipment. This year though, he is very excited - he has a new bike, and has been training for this ride. He should do pretty good this year - I expect him not to die.

We also have an all families hike to Blue Pool. It is about a 3 mile hike round trip and it is very fun - well except for having to pack kids in and out. This year most of my kids should be able to make the trek with little difficulty, and I have been training for incline walking, so I should fare well too.

I have most of my shopping done - I will finish that up on Thursday morning. Also, I have begun packing the kids clothes...so I am feeling on top of things. We are also staying in an upgraded cabin this year which will be so nice. We have been cramming our 6 person family into a 2 person cabin for the past 4 years - that's one bed for 6 people. Not comfortable. Not quaint. Not gonna miss it. This year we will only be moving into a 4 person cabin for the weekend, but the extra bed will make a HUGE difference in the logistics of the weekend.

I love this annual trip that our family takes. Even though the kids do not remember all the details of each year, the annual trip is forming an overall memory that they will hopefully remember forever!

Camp out. Have fun. Honor God.

16.09344 k

It seems to me, that running 10 miles would afford me the luxury of looser fitting jeans...not so much. Yet, with the defeat of too tight jeans, I can with enthusiasm proclaim victory over a 10 mile run! (Well, jog.)

So basically, I was suppose to run with my friend, Amy next weekend at Belknap. As we started discussing the logistics of when, where, and how we would run, she suggested that maybe she get her 10 mile run in before the trip (since she is training for a real half marathon and all). That sounded AWESOME to me since I never had any ambition to EVER run that far, EVER.

Well, as I thought about it, I started to feel a little convicted. After all, I did tell everyone that I was going to be running a 16.09344 K this month...my friend Scott told me to talk about it in kilometers because it sounded further and more impressive. AND, I have been "training" for this event for a couple months...and by "training" I mean jogging a couple laps at the grade school once a week. So I decided, what the heck! I'm gonna run 10 miles on my treadmill, by myself - just to see if I can do it, and to say that I did it!

This was Saturday morning. I had eaten a huge burrito from La Burrita the night before and it was still trying to digest out of my stomach when I woke. Also, I had already drank 2 cups of coffee before I decided to undertake this race challenge. I can't run too close to eating since I get severe side cramps, but not wanting to run out of energy, I ate a string cheese. Yup, I'm ready. (Insert eye roll and big sigh here.)

I started out unhurried on the treadmill. I didn't bother warming up first, since I was planning on using the first 2 miles or so to slowly prepare my body for the endurance test it was about to undertake. At about mile 3, I wanted to quit. What was I thinking? I never wanted to run this far - even when I was committed to the 10 mile run I didn't want to do it. And all of a sudden, this morning, I had a brief break in sanity and decided this was a good idea? Well, at mile 3 my common sense returned and it was convinced quitting was the best option...

Luckily, during the time I lacked sound judgment (miles 1 and 2), I found a movie on tv to keep my attention and offer a diversion to the agony and boredom that was to ensue. Don't laugh...it was the only thing on that wasn't a food show or news...it was Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen in A New York Minute. It was actually a pretty cute movie, and at mile 3 when I wanted to get off the treadmill, the plot was just thickening for the blond sister duo.

I made it to mile 5 with little trouble...well, except for the wanting to quit part. I was feeling okay in the lung and breathing department, but my knees and hips were aching and my feet were on fire. At this point it got serious. I called upon the power of the Lord to carry me through the second half of this run. I prayed for God's strength to fill me. If I was going to finish these last 5 miles, it would have to be under His authority and power. I told Him that if I finished, that I would give Him all praise, honor, and glory - so if you think it's pretty great that I ran 10 miles, all I can say is my God is pretty great and I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil 4:13).

At about mile 7.5, my movie ended. As I was channel surfing, Marissa was keeping me company in song and dance. She was singing a song about Zacchaeus while sitting in her rocking chair. As she swiveled around to see if I was watching her, she tipped over backwards, scrapping her arm and hitting her head. She instantly started screaming, and with no one else in the room with us, I stopped the treadmill and jumped off to get her. As I was scooping her up, Allen appeared to investigate the ruckus. He took Mia to tend to her, and to allow me to finish my run. I had only been off the treadmill about 1 minute - but it might as well have been 10 or 20. I was surprised how tight my muscles had become. I guess they thought we were done, so they seized up, trying to protect themselves from further agony. I finally got them loosened up again when in came Rachel. Now, about mile 8, Rachel is rocking away in the very chair that just victimized my sweet Mia. "Rachel be careful. Rock softly." I'm sure you can guess what happened next...bang! Over she went, hitting the back of her head off the floor. Again, with no other adult in sight, I hit the stop button and jump off the treadmill to comfort my baby. With eyes full of tears (mine not hers) I hand her off to Allen and return to the punishment of the treadmill, and the final 2 miles that await me.

At this point my muscles were very confused, they thought for sure I was done at the last unexpected break...but I put them back to work and after a couple minutes they were cooperating surprisingly well. I got a second wind and felt so good that I actually considered running the extra 3.1 miles needed to make it a half marathon distance. That way, I thought, I would never, ever, ever have to run this far ever again, because I would have already accomplished the half marathon distance pursuit. Apparently this was another one of those temporary insanity moments, because at mile 9, the aches and pains rejoined my body as did my perspective. Ten miles will be plenty today, thank you very much.

There are a lot of things this run wasn't - It wasn't fast. It wasn't pretty. It wasn't well trained for. It wasn't well prepared for. But I can tell you what is was - It was 10 miles! Except for 2 brief rescue missions, I jogged the entire 10 miles, without walking, and more importantly, without passing out. I finished the daunting 16.09344 kilometers in 126 minutes. I guess it feels good to be able to say I did it...especially since I have such a fervent hate for the sport (is running considered a sport?...an activity?...a pastime?).

What is most exciting is being able to give God all the credit and glory for the accomplishment. Hebrews 12:1b says, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. I know that this passage is not referring to an earthly foot race, but I also know that the moment I prayed for God's intervention, that this race became His, and I had to persevere for Him. So, I suffered...and persevered...and now something about building character...blah, blah...

...will character make my jeans looser?


Run well. Have fun. Honor God.

fish camp lemonade

Sometimes things don't go as planned. When life gives you lemons, do you make lemonade? Do you throw in some vodka and have a party? (Got that off of a facebook status - funny.) Or do you complain about citrus fruit and make excuses for why you can't have a positive attitude and why you can't just make the best of it?

This weekend was Fish Camp. Gage has been looking forward to it for months now. He also likes to call it "Boy Camp" since it is for Grandpas, Dads, and boys - no girls, moms, or sisters. Last year, Gage and Allen had a great time. They ate junk food, roasted marshmallows, canoed, rode bikes, hiked, shot "bones" and arrows - lots of fun guy stuff. This year as I was packing them up, I had to include snow hats, mittens, and boots because the weather forecast called for COLD.

Well, COLD also meant snow. There was a foot of snow on the ground when they arrived at the campsite, it was COLD and SNOWING. (It's the end of May - just so you know. It should be spring weather, rolling into summer weather.) After a few hours of standing around the campfire, Allen had to make the executive decision to come home. The cabins had no heaters and Gage's sleeping bag is more for show than actually keeping warm. At first Gage was disappointed. He tried to convince Allen that he would be fine - that he would go right to sleep and stay warm all night.

But, with their lemons, my boys made lemonade (had to go with that concoction since Gage is only 6). I am so proud of Gage for putting on his good attitude and making the most of a disappointing situation. Allen and Gage set their tent up in our living area and they slept there all night. Gage even recognized the obvious advantages of camping in the house, with electricity, and a television...he made sure his dad faced the tent so he could see Phineas and Ferb out the window of the tent while laying down.




Make lemonade. Have fun. Honor God.

get your chocoalte chip on

I have never been able to make chocolate chip cookies. Seriously - never, ever, ever! They always turn out runny around the outside, kind of wrinkly-ish at the edges, dark brown, just plain weird. Edible...not delicious...but seriously weird. I think I am most perplexed about it because I am a fairly decent baker. Not to brag on myself or anything, but I can follow a recipe. Directions do not phase me and I can clearly act in accordance with a written formula. So why have chocolate chip cookies - the most influential and noble of the cookies - eluded me for my entire baking career? I do not know. I have tried at least a half a dozen different recipes, from the ones off the back of the chocolate chip bags, ones in cookbooks, ones from friends, even my grandmother's famous "Never Fail, Can't Mess These up if You Try, Chocolate Chip Cookies." Well, that last part, about my grandma, isn't really true, but it might as well be. No baking luck - they all turn out the same - weird.

A while back, I bought a Bisquick book. I have cooked many, many things out of this book. The very first day I used it, I spilled a can of olive juice on it and now all the pages are wrinkly and stained a light shade of gray. Well, as I was cooking dinner tonight - Lemon Apricot Chicken - I discovered a page that I had not seen before in my pocket sized cookbook. It was stuck...to the page before it...with olive juice. Anyhoo, much to my delight AND dismay, it was a recipe for Chocolate Chip Cookies! I am delighted because I LOVE chocolate chip cookies and EVERYTHING I have made thus far out of my handy Bisquick cookbook has been a smashing success. To understand my dismay, see paragraph one.

I decided to take the challenge (well, it felt like a challenge - that page, flipping in the breeze, mocking me) and conquer this defiant confection. I followed the directions to a tee so that the failure that was certain to be could not be traced back to my inaccurate measurements...

On a side note, what is the deal with using butter that is softened? I mean really, if you keep it in the refrigerator, when you go to bake it is rock solid. And who has the foresight to take it out an hour before they are going to bake? Not me. When I decide to bake it is usually a spur of the moment decision, when I am having a major sugar craving. This baking adventure was the same ole story. Hard butter. At this point, I feel I have a couple of options. Set the butter on the counter, walk away and wait. My other tried and not-so-true method is to try to microwave the butter the perfect amount of time, so that softens it without turning in to a liquid-y, melted mess (why does it melt from the inside out?). Neither of these options seemed feasible this encounter since I was in a hurry, and I could not risk melting the butter as that would disqualify my accurate ingredient use. In a stroke of what can only be described as pure genius, I thought of a grand way to soften the butter. The dishwasher had just finished washing and was in the drying phase....wait for it...hot steam was pouring out the top of the washer, it was hot...can you see where this is going?...in a instant I opened the dishwasher door, pulled out the top shelf, set the two butter cubes on top of some glasses...oh yes, I did...and closed the door to let the butter soften in the warm confines of the clean, warm, steamy dishwasher....I told you - genius!

With softened butter in hand, I completed the cookie dough. It looked great and tasted even better. I scooped the cookies onto cookie sheets, placed them in the preheated oven, and said a small prayer, "God, please bless these cookies." As the minutes clicked by, I became nervous at the prospect of another baking failure...it's disheartening really. At the sound of the timer, I opened the oven and found the most amazing, fully plumped, golden brown cookies staring back at me. (Insert hard swallow and tear here.)

As Abby bit into the chocolate chip cookie, she said, "Mom, I am so glad you can finally make my favorite cookie ever. I have been waiting a looooong time for this."

These are the best chocolate chip cookies I have ever made (not necessarily the best ever I have eaten...Des makes one mean chocolate chip cookie). I cannot believe how beautiful they are. They are perfect and look just like the picture in the cookbook - I would have taken a picture, but they were gone before I could get my camera in hand. I have no idea what made the difference. I don't know why they are not flat and wrinkly like all of my past creations of this sort. Perhaps it was the butter softening technique I used, maybe God had mercy on me this time...I just don't know. But, I am so thankful that I was able to finally give my daughter the gift she has been waiting for for so long!

Bake cookies. Have fun. Honor God.


Chocolate Chip Cookies - Bisquick Style

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 egg
2 3/4 cups Bisquick
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (6oz)
1/2 cup chopped nuts, if desired (oh, I desired)

1.Heat oven to 375 degrees. In large bowl, mix butter, brown sugar, vanilla, and egg. Stir in Bisquick mix, chocolate chips, and nuts.
2. Onto ungreased cookie sheet, drop dough by rounded teaspoons (I used tablespoons), flatten slightly.
3. Bake about 10 minutes (I had to cook mine a little longer because they were bigger) or until golden brown. remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack.

what's your truth

A friend and I were discussing my blog work. As part of the conversation I said, "God made me funny." She looked at me with that really, are you kidding me? kinda look. And so I rephrased my comment, "Well, God made me think I'm funny!"

A few days later, the same friend who questioned my hilarity, tried to make a joke...I didn't get it, and so she had to explain it to me...still not getting it...a few more attempts to explain her "joke" to me...nothin'...I told her, "It's okay - God just didn't make you as funny as me."


Do you know how God made you? Is what you think about yourself the truth?

I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; ~Psalms 139:14a

Did you know that God created you on purpose, for a purpose?

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. ~Ephesians 2:10


Know truth. Have fun. Honor God.

cbs wrap up

Today was the last day of CBS, and it was bittersweet. (I totally stole that from Karen, but it is so true. She also compared the bi-polar weather yesterday to a preteen - she is so smart and clever.) So, it is bitter because I will miss seeing all the women (like the before-mentioned Karen) on a weekly basis. But, it is sweet to get a little rest. This was my first year as a CORE leader and I could not have asked for a better group. I have had some struggles, though, so I am happy to take the summer to refresh.

I am going to take this blog to remind myself of some of the blessings (there are many I am NOT covering) serving in Community Bible Study has afforded me...

Sherril - Blessed me with her experience as a CORE leader. Kept an eye on me to make sure I followed the rules.
Jeanette - Was a familiar face from last year. Loved to help with the babies. Was very compassionate and sent out cards to others.
Rain-uh - Always had a praise with her prayer requests. I am blessed that I will get to serve with her, as she will be working with the children next year.
Sharron - Has a very humble spirit and an obedient heart. Blessed me by obeying God's calling to serve in CBS next year.
Amy - Has the sweetest family and is a caring and faithful mom. Blessed me by sharing her life and life's struggles.
Doris - Allowed me to share in her life and pray for her mother, sisters, and son. Blessed me with her smile and poetic words.
Jean - Was a great example of a Godly wife and sister in Christ. Inspired me with her faithfulness and joy.
Betsy - Blessed me with her smile and grace. I enjoyed her practical prayer requests and wise thoughts.
Sarah - Is the mom of the lead singer for Kutless! She blessed me with her insightful sharing and thoughtfulness toward my family.
Jo - Blessed me with her wise sharing. I loved when she came to class with a roller still in her hair.
Debi - Was a great example of prioritizing. She had a lot on her plate, but made a deliberate effort to make bible study a priority.
Marcie - Was an enthusiastic CORE member. She blessed me by her eager sharing and blessed the whole CBS group by her servant heart.
Meegan - Blessed me by allowing me to pray for her and her family. Was very honest, even when it made her vulnerable.
Rachel - Though she had to leave us early, was a joy while we had her company. She was a great servant and had a wonderful smile.
Gina - I was blessed to get to know her in CORE group, and am benefiting from her serving now as a children's leader. She is kind and has a great love for the kids.

As a CORE group leader, I was charged to shepherd these women...how inadequate I felt at this task. But, God is so faithful - and those He calls, He equips. I failed miserably at following the rules. But, I was able to see my inadequacies and point them out to my women, so they would know not to commit the same mistakes. I wasn't always as prepared as I should have been - sometimes timing and highlighting my lesson in the parking lot - but somehow we always stayed on task and finished on time. I struggled to pick up the phone every week to call my ladies - so much, that I often resorted to email - but faithfully I obeyed God and my duty, and dialed the phone (still not as much as the rules required).

Over and over, I saw God's faithfulness - to me. He carried me this year - in His great sovereignty and righteousness - He used me to facilitate this study. I could not, of my own will, stay on task and keep on topic - often times I went far, far off topic - but God gently corrected me and nudged me back to target. I could not, in my weak flesh, will myself to make phone calls - but God told me "Yes you can - and I will help you." And, except for a brief bout with the swine flu, God allowed my kids and I to stay healthy through the whole year, to be able to serve rested and strong.

I am so blessed to be a part of Community Bible Study, and especially the CBS leadership team. God knew I needed lots of help, so He commissioned me for leadership so that I would study the lesson twice a week! And, even though I am looking forward to the summer and rest from the structure and rules of CBS - I am already looking forward to next year and the new blessings it will bring.

Serve well. Have fun. Honor God.

blend well

I put walnuts in my smoothie this morning - this has got to be one of the BEST ideas I have had all week! It's delicious!!!


Walnut Fruit Smoothie

2 cups frozen peaches
1 1/4 cups Crystal Light fruit punch
1 light orange creme yogurt
1 handful walnuts


Blend and enjoy! Just 250 guilt free calories!
(I say guilt free because there are very few calories in this delicious concoction...clearly if you have an aversion to artificial sweeteners or dairy, there would be much guilt involved while consuming this drink. Just a little FYI.)


Smoothie tips, tricks, and ideas -

• Frozen fruit can be hard to blend in a home blender. Try thawing your fruit in the microwave for a few seconds to make them a little softer and easier to blend. This is, of course, not necessary if you have a commercial blender, such as the VitaMix Monster Ice Crusher -rrraawwwr! (Did I mention I love my husband for springing my VitaMix from storage!?!?)
• The amount of juice is approximate. If your blender doesn't seem to be blending (you will know it's not working because it makes that high pitch squealing sound), you will need to add a little more juice. If you find your smoothie is too runny - just throw in a couple ice cubes to thicken it up.
• Try using different fruits, juices, and yogurts to get different flavors. Another combo I really like is strawberries, cranberry/pomegranate juice, and vanilla yogurt. And heck, get crazy and add whatever you are inspired to. Who knew walnuts would be such a tasty addition?
  

Do you have a tasty creation you'd like to share? I'd love to hear about it, so please leave your smoothie idea in the comment section of this post. Thanks!

Blend well. Have fun. Honor God.

summer prayer request revealed

So here it is - my summer prayer request...

...Lord, this summer, I pray for a breakthrough!

I am not exactly sure what this will look like. It might be a job, or a move, or a revelation that will cause an attitude change. I have a plan in my head of what I would like for this "breakthrough" to look like, but I am not willing to put God in a box and confine Him to my desires. I know what He has planned for me is far greater than anything I could plan for myself.

With that in mind, I will rest in the knowledge that God is sovereign and I am right where He wants me. I will wait in patient expectation that He will deliver a righteous "breakthrough" that will bring honor and glory and praise to Him.

My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him. ~Psalm 62:5

summer prayer request

For CBS sharing day tomorrow I am suppose to come prepared with a prayer request for myself that the leadership will pray for me all summer. I do not know what that prayer request should be. Last year I asked for prayer for my dad - that he would take responsibility for his health and that he would live a fruit-filled life. Talk about the power of prayer and petition! While he is still not "well," he has made some significant improvements to his health and well being.

There are lots of things I'd like to pray into being. Like, I want to move out of my parent's house, I want Allen to have a stable job, I want security in our financial future, I want to be near my friends...the list goes on and on. But, I won't pray for those things, nor will I ask someone else to either. That's because what I really want, is to be smack dab in the middle of God's will for my life - even if it means my life is uncomfortable, embarrassing, or in limbo.

So, the question still remains, what shall I have a whole host of willing prayers pray for my life? I am truly vexed by this issue and have been in prayer regarding this prayer request - that's kinda funny - praying about prayer.

Anyhoo, that's what's on my mind today. Oh, and the fact that I have to bring something delicious to brunch in the morning, and I have not even begun to think about that!

for the love/hate of bend

"I miss Bend."
"You miss days like this in Bend...days of sunshine with no wind, blue skies...perfect."
"Yeah. I guess you're right. But I still miss it."
"You hated it here. Remember, the sage brush, tumbleweed, juniper trees...hated it."

This was my conversation with my husband in the car today, after spending a near perfect weekend in Bend. Allen is right...I hated Bend when we lived there. The high desert isn't my favorite thing - I don't like snow, I hate being cold, the wind hurts my ears, the juniper trees incite allergy flares ups that never existed before, there is no mall, tumbleweed is not a rarity...

Yet, as we were driving around the city we called home for nearly 4 years, I was saddened and longed to live there again. But, why? And then it all came to a head, and made sense after a visit to Journey. I love when you can use a principle from a sermon and apply it to a very real circumstance in your life. Pastor Keith delivered a great message that was full of truth and love. In part of the message, he pointed to the fact that "church" was never meant to be about a building or location. "Church," as referred to in the bible, is about people coming together and living in community and love. "Church" isn't somewhere you go, is something you do.

And there it was - knowing the meaning of the word you are using.

To me, "Bend" isn't the city's location, scenery, or average temperature...to me, "Bend" is the people. So, when I say I miss Bend and want to move back, what I mean is - I miss my friends, I am saddened because I crave those relationships, and I want to live there again to be close to the people I have chosen to forever be a part of my life and my family.

Suffice to say, I would not let my intense disdain for the climate and scenery deter me from relocating back to Bend. If I felt called to live in Bend with my family, I would move in a heartbeat - not just because I willingly follow Jesus wherever He leads - but because I love "Bend!"

family motto

(Insert activity and adverb). Have fun. Honor God.

This is our family motto. We adopted it as such about a month ago after hearing it in a movie. It accurately reflects how we want to live our lives, and what we want to instill into our children as important.

The first point is meant to address whatever activity or situation we are currently facing. This keeps our minds focused on the task at hand and how we want to tackle it. For instance when I drop Abby off at gymnastics, I tell her, "Tumble well. Have fun. Honor God." Or, when Allen leaves for work in the morning, I say, "Work hard. Have fun. Honor God."

The second point describes the Whitts in a nutshell. We like to have fun. We like things that are funny. I feel like some people go through life like they are purposely avoiding fun. Why would you do that? Lighten up, enjoy this life God has given you. Sometimes having fun is a choice. Did you get that? A choice. But it is a choice worth making, and we like to remind ourselves to chose fun.

And the final point is the most important. In everything we do, with everything that we are, we want to honor God. We want to do what is right in His eyes, we want to give Him all praise and glory. We want our lives to reflect the gifts He has given us - grace, mercy, love, joy, hope... We are a family that serves God first - and even if that is not always who we are - that is who we want to be.

This motto has been a good checklist and moral compass for our family. It reminds us of our immediate task, our earthly objective, and our eternal purpose.

blog chaos

So, I finally got us all packed for our trip to Bend...for the most part. Up until this hour, I was undecided on what I was going to do with regard to my blogging commitment to myself. But, since I was able to finish up my pre-trip chores early, I decided I would hop on the computer real quick and post a blog for today. Yeah, real quick...not so much.

I have my homepage set up so I just have to click the "Blogger" button and I am all signed into my account. Today however, when I clicked the magic button, it wanted me to sign in. What? Sign in? I tried what I thought was my email and password - didn't work. I searched my notebook for a note that might clue me into my password - no luck. So, I started the daunting process of password recovery offered by Blogger. Attempting this process requires more memory and recall than just remembering my password in the first place!

Obviously, I was able to retrieve the information needed to post this blog, but not after 20 minutes of typing, guessing, recalling, guessing, searching, guessing...I guess that's what happens when I start to get creative with my security questions and passwords!

Well, it's not a work of art - really not even worth reading - but it's here. My post for the day. I didn't have to do it...I mean, really, who is going to call me on it? (Hmmmm...except maybe Des.) But, I wanted to do it - for myself. And for tomorrow, I am using a trick stored up my sleeve for that one...post dating my blog post. Nice.

walk with God

I went on a walk today. I purposely left my ipod at home because I wanted to spend some time with God - not in prayer, but in silence.

It is hard to have quiet time with God. I was fully distracted by the beauty of the day. It was a perfectly sunny day, no wind, perfect temperature...there were kids playing, sprinklers spraying, birds chirping...I saw the mail man, a cable guy, and dogs in all sizes...it was fabulous and I was completely caught up in the day. When I was able to focus on God and my intended purpose for my outing, I was distracted by my own thoughts...what should I make for dinner?...be quiet...whoa, they need to mow their lawn...quiet time with God, quiet time with God...I wonder what the weather will be like this weekend...ugh! focus Joah, be quiet so you can hear God...and on and on it goes.

Today wasn't an enigma...this is how my quiet time with God usually goes. I attempt be quiet, but it seems like the harder I try to be silent, the louder my own thoughts become. Still, while I am not able achieve the stillness of my spirit I would like, my ultimate goal is accomplished - time with God. Even though I get in my own way, God always meets me right where I am.

So my walk today took about a half an hour. For 30 minutes I wrestled with myself to quiet my thoughts and listen for God. It never really happened - not in the way I would expect, at least. Though, 2 blocks from home, the floodgates opened and tears filled my eyes. I am still not sure what that was all about.

going to bend

We are going to Bend this weekend - yay! It just dawned on me that I have not started packing for our weekend getaway. That's probably no big deal to most people, but I always pack about a week in advance. This way I am not stressed out, it allows me time to remember forgotten items, and I can make sure there are enough clean clothes washed for all my kids. Perhaps my mind is waiting to see if this trip really happens before it commits to the daunting task of packing a family of 6 for an overnight excursion. Our last 3 trips (maybe 4?) to Bend have been canceled for a number of reasons...broken toe, job test, new job, kids school activities...

I am keeping my fingers crossed though, that this trip will indeed happen. In fact, the mere thought of it has prompted me to think about my blog commitment. Ya know, the one I made to myself that I would blog 50 blogs in 50 days. Hmmm...I wonder if I can keep this self inflicted writing engagement...I better not think about it too much - otherwise I might spiral into self guilt and be forced to cancel my trip...

my testimony

Don’t ask me the exact date, because I can’t tell you - not that it’s a secret - it’s just that I don’t really know. But, just because I can’t put my finger on the exact date (or even week, month, or year) doesn’t make it any less real, or any less true…

I did not grow up in a Christian home, but it was a “good” home. We had our issues like everyone else, but I learned good values, right from wrong, and compassion for others. I was happy, I never really got into trouble, I did good in school, played sports, and worked at Mervyn’s during high school (man, I miss Mervyn’s) - in fact, that is where I met my husband, Allen. I did go to a private Catholic school when I was small, and I attended church with friends off and on, so I knew about God, but I didn’t really give Him much thought until high school. I remember having questions and calling up a friend to ask her why she believed in God and how to get “faith.”

It was some time in the two years between the end of high school and my wedding that I became a Christian. In that time, Allen and I had made some new friends that were fun, excited about life, adored their spouses, cherished their kids, and seemed genuinely happy. They also talked about God - a lot. They didn’t “preach” to us, but it seemed like every story they shared, every event in their day, involved God in some way. They were just sharing their life with us, and well, God was in it. Eventually, the stories about my day and the events of my life had God in them too. I never went forward at an alter call, I never stood and raised my hand during church to proclaim my new life, it wasn’t even someone else leading me in a personal prayer. It was a transaction between me and God, and I do not even know exactly when it happened.

But I do know that it happened. One weekend, at a church service, an alter call was given and Allen went forward - I wondered if I should go forward too - but at that moment I realized that I had already accepted Jesus into my heart. God had been working on me and sometime during that period between high school and marriage, I had made the choice to believe that Jesus died for my sins so that I could live forever. I know that Jesus Christ is my personal Lord and Savior, not because I can tell you the exact date that I declared it so, but because I have no doubt that He lives in me and that I am different now than I was before.

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” ~Hebrews 11:1

Soon after that weekend, Allen and I were baptized and we started going to church. On paper, my life is pretty much the same since becoming a Christian as it was before. I try to do what is right; I am happy and stay out of trouble; and I drink, swear, and watch rated R movies. I guess what is different now is what I know. I know God exists because I see His hand in everything around me. I have peace because I know God is in control. I have joy because I am sure of the promises of God. I love life because I know I have a specific purpose in it.

I made a choice to believe that God sent Jesus, fully human and fully God, to die on the cross for my sins. I believe that he was buried in a tomb and arose three days later. I believe that He ascended into Heaven where he sits at the right hand of God. And, I believe that He will return to earth for a final judgment day. I believe EVERYTHING the bible says. I believe all the promises and prophesies and all the “crazy” stories.

Some people wonder, some people hope, some people never think about it at all...but I know - I know who holds my future. I know that when I die I will spend eternity in Heaven. Today it's not too late to ask Jesus into your heart and life - tomorrow it might be - but as long as you have a today, it's not too late. It is a choice though - you do have to choose. You aren’t just born that way, and you can’t just fall into it. Just because I don’t know the date I chose to believe, doesn’t mean I didn’t make a choice. Have you made the choice to believe that Jesus died on a cross for your sins? Do you know where you will spend eternity?

the sleep suit

Life with Rachel, also known as kid 4, is never dull. She is full of life and has a spirited personality that demands both attention and respect. She is a near duplication of her eldest sister - in both looks and attitude - and she challenges me and grows me in much the same ways as Abby. For this though, I thank God everyday, because while the awareness required to raise her is exhausting, it keeps me in the moment and does not allow me to lackadaisically let her days go by.

There is a day, however, I wish I would have missed. March 5, 2010. Yes, while ignoring this day would mean foregoing her birthday, it would also mean omitting one of the most personally damaging moments as my life as a mom...let's just say her birthday present this year was that I let her live...

As I opened the door to Rachel's room, after she had been "down for a nap" (yeah right) for about an hour, I was met with a sobering smell that was all too recognizable and equally unwelcome. With the door fully opened, I stood in the hall staring at a fully naked baby. No clothes, no undershirt, no diaper. She was covered from head to toe in poop. There was poop rubbed into the carpet, all over toys, covering her bed, walls, and dresser. I just stood there staring at her, as she starred back at me, neither of us knowing quite what to do. Finally, after what seemed like minutes, I scooped her up and headed to the bath with her.

After and initial scrub and rinse, I left her to soak in the tub while I took on the task of cleaning her room. Remember how I said she had been down for a nap for about an hour? Yeah, she didn't sleep even one minute of that. The carnage left in her room was evidence of a baby who got right down to "business," right away. Scrub, spray, scrape, rinse, repeat. Scrub, spray, scrape, rinse, repeat. I washed all the linens and stuffed animals, and even had to throw away some toys beyond saving. Finally, I resurrected the carpet cleaner that had been stored away for years in the shed outside. It was literally with prayers and divine intervention that all the pieces were found and assembled properly to allow me to deep clean the carpet. It was a huge mess and so detrimental, that I continued to shake in grief and unbelief into the evening.

The next few days of naps and bedtimes were accompanied by duct-taped diapers and constant monitoring with an alert ear to the door. Overtime, I became more relaxed and was convinced this was a one time deal. A week later, upon getting her up from "nap" (I don't know why I keep referring to them as such, she never sleeps), I was once again greeted by a naked baby. This time she was covered head to toe with an entire bottle of baby lotion. It was also rubbed into the carpet, bed linens, walls, toys. There was a whole bag of diaper disposal bags (100) scattered over the floor, along with 3 packs of wipes and about 25 diapers. After the initial shock, I was so thankful this episode did not include feces, the need for nose plugs, or the use of industrial strength cleaners and equipment.

A life lesson was learned that day, as deja vu became an all too close reality - I cannot let my guard down when it comes to raising Rachel. Also, Allen and I can be pretty creative as parents when extreme circumstances necessitate it. That night the "sleep suit" was born, and it has been a staple in Rachel's wardrobe ever since.




















It is a pair of feet pajamas, with the feet cut out, a little v notched into the neck for comfort, and worn backwards. It's a virtual baby straight jacket, if you will. She cannot stand to wear it. In the morning she demands it off right away, and when she catches a glimpse of herself in the mirror while wearing it, she breaks into tears. It cramps her style, I think. But, I don't really care much how she feels about it. We have been "incident free" for 2 months now (when it comes to diaper drama at least), and I am able to relax a little while she is alone in her room.

I know though - that with this child, with kid 4 - that this will not be the last of her escapades. Crazy as it sounds, I like it. Not the poop part, but the fact that she challenges me, keeps me on my toes, and does not allow me to become complacent in motherhood.

mother's day, yay

"Wow honey, your legs are really white," my husband says to me today.
"Really, you think so?" I reply. "Because I have been putting tanning lotion on them for the past week...they are normally a few shades lighter than this!"

It's sad, but it's true. But, I didn't care much about the extreme whiteness of my extremities this afternoon, because we were headed to Baskin Robbins to collect a free scoop of ice cream being offered to all mom's on this most sacred of days!
Yay Mother's Day 2010!!

My day started out with gifts form my darling children and husband. My crazy grandma gave each of my children a dollar to spend on me for Mother's Day. So, Allen took them to the dollar store to purchase their gifts and they each chose a special souvenir to commemorate this day. Rachel picked out a Winnie the Pooh puzzle, Marissa chose a checker set, Abby picked up some playing cards, and Gage surprised me with a juice pop mold. I love it all!

My dear husband worked this morning as my yard slave. He moved some sheep troughs, pressure washed the back patio, and cleaned up all the outdoor furniture. The back yard looks amazing now and is ready for me to layout and tan my near see through legs.

Yesterday was a special treat as well. Our church hosted a mother/daughter hike to celebrate Mother's Day. I took just Abby with me, as she is the only one of my daughters who could hike up Table Rock with no assistance. We made it to the top of "The Rock" and enjoyed a picnic with other moms and their daughters. Abby and I were a little curious, so we decided to hike to a weird "bowling pin" looking thing at the other end of the mountain. If any of you know what I am talking about - and have had the same desire - you should suppress that feeling and save yourself the time and disappointment of such an adventure. I am not really sure what it was once we got there (took about 45 minutes) but it was a little "Twighlight Zone-y" if you ask me...traps, surveillance, barbed wire, clicking noises...


It has been a great Mother's Day weekend and I am so blessed to have four amazing children and one fabulous husband. I was holding Rachel this afternoon and I said to her, "Thanks for being my great baby."
To which she replied, "Thanks you for the nana (banana)."

blessed are the merciful (guess i'm not blessed this week)

Yet another night of failure at church...as we are studying the Beatitudes, I am fully convicted with each one that I am lacking in most every way. Tonight, strike 5...

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. ~Matthew 5:7

Pastor Tom boiled the meaning of mercy down into a simple statement; mercy is compassion in action. Ugh! Seriously, compassion? That is one of my biggest deficiencies, not only as a Christian, but as a person in general. This is one of the areas of my life that I continually struggle with and am constantly trying to improve. I have always said, compassion - not my spiritual gift. But, I also acknowledge that just because God didn't bless me with this gift does not excuse me from exercising it.

In the practical application of showing mercy to others, God has blessed me with great role models that epitomize mercy and compassion.

• If I am merciful I will be patient with people. My old backyard neighbor (as in not my neighbor anymore, not age), is the most patient person I know. Cori will always listen to your story and goes out of her way to learn more. She is calm, accommodating, and willing to endure. She is everything I am not, and I am so drawn to her and her patient spirit.
• If I am merciful I will forgive others. My middle daughter, Marissa, is the most forgiving person I know. She accepts apologies in a heart beat, and not only forgives, but forgets as well. She resembles God so much in this regard, and I am so thankful that I have her to model such righteous behavior before our family.
• If I am merciful I will help others. I probably have many people in my life that feature this characteristic - but none more than my friend Kristi. She spends all of her time, resources, and energy helping people - sometimes to a fault - but not quite. She does everything in her power to help others...you need a job, Kristi will find you one. You need a house, Kristi shops for, and buys you one. She does not withhold from people when it is in her power to help them. What a great example she is of selfless giving.
• If I am merciful I will love my enemies. Eeewwwww. Who does that? I mean really, that is so unnatural, nearly impossible, but God calls us to do it. And lucky me, I have a friend who tries to live this important principle daily. Muna is a great example of someone who tries to look past her own hurt to see the circumstances of the very person who wounded her. She is selfless and does not let her own pain affect her calling to love all people, including those who antagonize her. I always accuse Muna of taking "the high road," when "the low road" is what most of us would choose.

I know the motivation and promise for being merciful. God has shown me mercy - the very mercy I withhold from others - and if I am merciful I will be shown mercy. I want that. I want mercy. So, why is it so hard to show it? I don't really know for certain. Just human nature, I suppose. But, just because it's natural for me, doesn't make it right, or even okay. I have many people in my life that are impeccable models of mercy - neighbors, family, friends - but I also have Jesus Christ; the flawless and perfect example of mercy and compassion. If I truly want to grow and be more like Jesus - which I do - I will continue to work on this area of my life, no matter how uncomfortable or unnatural.

seeing isn't believing

My eye is twitching. It won't stop. It is very distracting and it is keeping me from concentrating on much of anything else. So, I guess I'll blog about my eyes today...if I can focus my attention long enough...

It just dawned on me the other day that I hadn't had to put eye drops in my eyes lately. It has been almost a year since my laser eye surgery, and what a blessing that has been. I do not have to worry about contacts or glasses, and my eyes are not irritated anymore. My sight is near perfect, and even my night time vision has improved.

As I was reflecting on the worldly benefits of healthy eyes and vision, I couldn't help but uncover some spiritual applications related to eyes as well. There are over 500 references to eyes in the Bible. Adam's eyes, Eve's eyes, God's eyes, Abram's eyes, Isaac's eyes...and that's just in the first few chapters of Genesis... There are also references to where we should look, the wiping of tears from eyes, stuff in your eyes, sins caused by the eyes, as well as things the eyes cannot see.

It's sort of ironic that I would begin this blog focused on my eyesight, and end it with some of my favorite bible verses that negate the very use of my eyes. My God is pretty cool like that...always refocusing me.

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. ~Hebrews 11:1

We live by faith, not by sight. ~2Corinthians 5:7

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. ~2Corinthians 4:18

national day of prayer

Prayer is conversation with God. Prayer may be oral or mental, occasional or constant, relaxed or formal. Acceptable prayer must be sincere, offered with reverence and godly fear, with a humble sense of our own insignificance and unworthiness as sinners, and with submission to divine will. Prayer must also be offered in the faith that God is, and is the hearer and answerer of prayer. (Easton's Bible Dictionary)

How do you come to God in prayer? Do you pray out loud or in silence? Do you pray by yourself or with others? Do you pray when you are angry or when you are happy? Do you pray without ceasing or only when you need something? Do you pray off the cuff or more formal prayers?

These are just some thoughts and questions to get you thinking about prayer - more specifically prayer in your own life. The good news is that is does not matter how you pray to God - He can take it. Just pray. He takes you just where you are and receives your prayers and answers them too...though not always as we hope or expect.

Today is the National Day of Prayer. It is a day dedicated to - you guessed it - prayer. Whether this holiday serves as a reminder of the importance of prayer, unites believers through prayer, or sparks a debate over the merits of prayer - we can be sure this day is bringing much attention to prayer. By bringing focus and consideration to this act, perhaps throughout this day, many will bear witness to the power of prayer.

Today, I made a declaration and issued a challenge to my school aged children. I told them that today is the National Day of Prayer, and that they should take many moments today to pray. Then I expressed, that on recess, they should tell their friends about it and ask them if there is anything they might need praying about. I pray that my kids accept the challenge and have the courage to share their faith without fear. I pray that they are able to plant little seeds in the hearts of their friends that will grow and develop into personal relationships with Jesus Christ.

I pray this for ALL Christians - that we will pray - and that we will faithfully, and without fear, share our faith. That we will share the truth of our lives and proclaim the anointing power of prayer. It is also my hope that we don't get hung up on saying the right words, or using the right formula, because a prayer that is not prayed will not be heard. Pray out loud, or in your head, it doesn't matter - just pray - and keep praying.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1Thessalonians 5:16-18)


Dearest Heavenly Father,

Thank You that we can come to You anytime. You are always available and You always hear our prayers. Thank You that our prayers don't have to be perfect, they just have to be prayed. Today, with this National Day of Prayer, I pray Lord that many people grow closer to you. I also pray for Christians to speak of You without fear so that others may come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. You are Lord and the author of salvation, You are mighty to save. Dearest Lord, hear our prayers today, and everyday, and rejoice with gladness and singing. And, above all else, may Your good and perfect will be done.

Amen.

mmmmm, coffee

Totally savoring and enjoying my morning cuppa joe, I say, "Mmmmmm....coffee. How did I live so long without you?"
To which my husband replies, "Grumpy."

Man, that was a good one honey...better go write that down...

I like coffee - but it hasn't always been that way. I used to get an occasional Snicker's mocha here and there, and never drank coffee from home. When we moved to Bend and opened up our own coffee shops, I started experimenting with different flavors of syrups and coffee beans. Still, I didn't drink much of the caffeinated goodness, opting instead for the sweet taste of chai or blended green tea smoothies...I know, I know - what was I thinking?

So, it's just been about the last two years that coffee has become a staple on my grocery list and a necessary step of my day. Even the baby recognizes the importance of java to my morning. When she asks me a question in the a.m., she quickly tags on to the end, "...in a bit, after coffee?" What a smart little girl.

Today looks like a two pot kind of day. Yup, I think it will take two pots of coffee to get me through this day...it's raining. I drink more coffee when it rains, and I do not even know how that is possible - since on a "normal" day I am not often found without a cuppa joe in hand. But, for some reason, the rain incites a need to brew just one more pot.

Just a few other thoughts on coffee...

Now that I have owned my own coffee shop and know how to pull a perfect shot, as well as know my personal preferences for steaming milk and adding syrups, I will probably never again buy an espresso drink from a coffee shop. Just not the same. I'll stick with drip.

For any of you who are concerned about my caffeine intake, I usually brew decaf as my second pot. I cannot taste a difference - though my husband and dad swear I am crazy to brew such an "inferior" product. Though, I know they can't really tell the difference either, because when I don't tell them it's unleaded, they don't say a word. Silly boys.

And last, once you've used a commercial blender, you will never want to go back. This fact isn't related so much to the consumption of coffee, as much as it is to working in a coffee shop. After closing our shops and selling off our equipment, I made sure to keep one of those pieces of mechanical wizardry for my personal use. And to my dismay, it has been lost in storage for the past two years. Sadly, I have forgone making delicious mocha granitas and green tea smoothies during its absence to avoid the frustrations that are inevitable when trying to crush ice with a home blender....

...until now!!! My husband fought off black widows and cardboard cuts to expose the hiding place of my long lost, motorized, ice crushing, friend. And now, even though the weather is clearing up and the sun is starting to shine - my second pot of coffee will not go unused. Because now I have a new reason to brew that second pot...to blend deliciously smooth mocha granitas! Yay me!

whose kid is that, anyway?

This is Rachel.

She is crazy.

I don't know where she gets it.

It's a day - the day you realize your kids are just like you. For me, it's been a few years. I am constantly facing the fact that my kids are near carbon copies of Allen and myself. Sometimes that is painful when they are reflecting our negative qualities - stubbornness, lack of compassion, impatience, discontent, sarcasm, fear...

On the other hand, it is a joy and privilege when they reflect our more admirable qualities - sense of humor, outgoingness (I know that's not a word), common sense, love for God...

I have found though, that what is even more enjoyable than seeing our kids reflect our good qualities, is watching them showcase their character that is all their own. When they do something that is so great, and I can say wow, where did they learn that? For instance, Gage is great at making friends. He loves to include everyone and has no issues with talking to people he doesn't know. Marissa is very compassionate. She is quick to say she's is sorry, and even quicker to offer forgiveness. Rachel is very brave and trusting. She loves a challenge and is very sure of herself. And Abby is so, so many things. She is smart, a born leader, very creative, and extremely confident.

My kids both amaze me and challenge me. I am filled with joy and awe when they are showcasing their inherited attributes and God given character. Yet, when they are displaying the adverse features learned from being raised by imperfect parents, I am challenged to look in the mirror and work to be a better version of myself.