This is part of a great sermon by our pastor about being Jesus-followers, not "Christians," which is a meaningless term today.
(Be sure to turn off Playlist at the bottom of the blog)
Showing posts with label Musings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Musings. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Prayers for 2009
Wow. I can't believe another year is gone.
I can't believe another year is gone.
I can't believe another year is gone and we're still in IBESR.
I pray that Islande and Katiana are home with us in 2009 (hopefully before the end). (We were told that IBESR would release all documents by the end of December. Well, here we are, Dec. 31 and at the cusp of 15 months, as others have flown by us. Please pray for favor with the IBESR director and that we hear some good news today!!!)
I pray that my friends get their kids home, too.
I pray that Mark's printing business takes off like wildfire (yes, it would be nice to pay off some bills, but mostly to ease his mind).
I pray for Mark, Lord, that you would keep him godly, honorable, full of integrity.
I pray that I become a better disciple of You, wife and mother (Lord, You know I need help!).
I pray that Charis continues to grow in God's grace and wisdom to become a girl who wholeheartedly serves Him.
I pray for continued good health, for us and others.
I pray that my family and friends who don't know Christ will embrace salvation through Him.
I pray for the precious people of Haiti, who break their backs to earn enough to barely feed their children. I pray for Islande's and Katiana's birth moms, that their lives would be easier this year.
I pray for the staff of IBESR, Parquet, MOI and all the steps in between. I pray that God would bless them.
I pray for jobs, homes, assistance, restoration of health, where needed.
I pray for revival.
I pray for President-elect Obama. Lord, surround him with godly people who will speak TRUTH into his life. I pray he will look to You before making any decision. Guide him as he leads our nation.
I pray for Pastor Steve as he shepherds MSC. Keep him humble and reliant on You.
I pray for you, my precious friends. Thank you for your prayers and support! I love you!
I can't believe another year is gone.
I can't believe another year is gone and we're still in IBESR.
I pray that Islande and Katiana are home with us in 2009 (hopefully before the end). (We were told that IBESR would release all documents by the end of December. Well, here we are, Dec. 31 and at the cusp of 15 months, as others have flown by us. Please pray for favor with the IBESR director and that we hear some good news today!!!)
I pray that my friends get their kids home, too.
I pray that Mark's printing business takes off like wildfire (yes, it would be nice to pay off some bills, but mostly to ease his mind).
I pray for Mark, Lord, that you would keep him godly, honorable, full of integrity.
I pray that I become a better disciple of You, wife and mother (Lord, You know I need help!).
I pray that Charis continues to grow in God's grace and wisdom to become a girl who wholeheartedly serves Him.
I pray for continued good health, for us and others.
I pray that my family and friends who don't know Christ will embrace salvation through Him.
I pray for the precious people of Haiti, who break their backs to earn enough to barely feed their children. I pray for Islande's and Katiana's birth moms, that their lives would be easier this year.
I pray for the staff of IBESR, Parquet, MOI and all the steps in between. I pray that God would bless them.
I pray for jobs, homes, assistance, restoration of health, where needed.
I pray for revival.
I pray for President-elect Obama. Lord, surround him with godly people who will speak TRUTH into his life. I pray he will look to You before making any decision. Guide him as he leads our nation.
I pray for Pastor Steve as he shepherds MSC. Keep him humble and reliant on You.
I pray for you, my precious friends. Thank you for your prayers and support! I love you!
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Tagged With the 8s
I was tagged by Lisa. Here are my subjects and answers:
8 Favorite TV Shows:
NCIS
Ugly Betty
The Next Food Network Star
Naked Archaeologist
What Not to Wear (Is there a non-clothing theme here?)
Mythbusters
Dirty Jobs
Whatever intrigues me on Discovery, TLC, NatGeo, Bio, etc.)
(sorry, that's my list ... I don't watch anything on a regular basis, and catch up on some shows via DVD)
8 Things I Did Yesterday:
Waited in line
Shopped
Ate
Visited with Mark's family
Waited in more lines
Ate
Napped
Laundered flannel bought earlier to make pajamas today
8 Things I Look Forward To:
Hearing "Well done, my good and faithful servant" from my Savior!
The day we get out of IBESR
The day we get out of Parquet
The day we get out of MOI
The day there are five of us in our Christmas picture.
Watching my girls grow into godly women.
Spring.
The day I can fit into my pre-pregnancy pants :) -- like that will ever happen
8 Favorite Restaurants:
PF Chang's
In-N-Out (which I get only when I visit CA)
Islands (ditto)
On the Border
Red Robin
Qdoba
Amanda's Fonda
NYPD
8 Things on My Wish List:
Charis, Islande and Katiana would grow into a girls/women who love and serve God wholeheartedly.
Healing for my nieces.
Islande and Katiana would join our family before summer.
All my friends who are adopting would get their children home soon and transitions would go smoothly.
That I would become a better wife, mother, disciple of Christ.
That Mark's business would take off financially.
Our country would return to God and Christian values.
We would endure until Christ returns.
I tag Emily, Sue, Vonnie, and Tana if you haven't been tagged already.
8 Favorite TV Shows:
NCIS
Ugly Betty
The Next Food Network Star
Naked Archaeologist
What Not to Wear (Is there a non-clothing theme here?)
Mythbusters
Dirty Jobs
Whatever intrigues me on Discovery, TLC, NatGeo, Bio, etc.)
(sorry, that's my list ... I don't watch anything on a regular basis, and catch up on some shows via DVD)
8 Things I Did Yesterday:
Waited in line
Shopped
Ate
Visited with Mark's family
Waited in more lines
Ate
Napped
Laundered flannel bought earlier to make pajamas today
8 Things I Look Forward To:
Hearing "Well done, my good and faithful servant" from my Savior!
The day we get out of IBESR
The day we get out of Parquet
The day we get out of MOI
The day there are five of us in our Christmas picture.
Watching my girls grow into godly women.
Spring.
The day I can fit into my pre-pregnancy pants :) -- like that will ever happen
8 Favorite Restaurants:
PF Chang's
In-N-Out (which I get only when I visit CA)
Islands (ditto)
On the Border
Red Robin
Qdoba
Amanda's Fonda
NYPD
8 Things on My Wish List:
Charis, Islande and Katiana would grow into a girls/women who love and serve God wholeheartedly.
Healing for my nieces.
Islande and Katiana would join our family before summer.
All my friends who are adopting would get their children home soon and transitions would go smoothly.
That I would become a better wife, mother, disciple of Christ.
That Mark's business would take off financially.
Our country would return to God and Christian values.
We would endure until Christ returns.
I tag Emily, Sue, Vonnie, and Tana if you haven't been tagged already.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thankful Thursday!
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
Here are a few things for which I'm thankful:
Here are a few things for which I'm thankful:
- A loving God who became man through His Son Jesus, who died for me so that I may have fellowship and life eternal.
- I live in a country where I am allowed to worship openly.
- I live in a country where people are free to disagree.
- I have a Godly husband.
- I have a beautiful daughter and someday will have two more.
- I have wonderful parents and wonderful parents-in-love.
- I have a wonderful sister, her family, and sister-in-love.
- I have a house.
- I have a car.
- I have more than one pair of shoes.
- I have my health.
- I have food in my cupboard.
- And I am thankful for you!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Sunday, November 16, 2008
While I'm Waiting
Mark and I had a rare date Friday night. We went to the movies and saw "Fireproof." It's a great script, but it still had that "Christian movie" feel. But overall it was a good movie, definitely worth seeing.
During a portion of the movie, this song was playing in the background. It really struck me that I need to continue worshiping as I wait.
(Make sure to pause my player at the bottom of the page before playing the YouTube clip).
While I’m Waiting
Psalm 5:3, 27:14, 33:20, 37:7, 38:15, 40:1, Isaiah 30:18, Lamentations 3:24
John Waller
I’m waiting
I’m waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I’m waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait
I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I’m waiting
I will serve You
While I’m waiting
I will worship
While I’m waiting
I will not faint
I’ll be running the race
Even while I wait
I’m waiting
I’m waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I’m waiting on You, Lord
Though it’s not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting
I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting
I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting on You, Lord
© 2007 Travelin’ Zoo Music (ASCAP) (admin. by EMI CMG Publishing)
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
You are a Coloradoan if ...
A friend forwarded this to me ... it's too funny.
You are a Coloradoan if ............
1. You switch from "Heat" to "A/C" in one day. (I did, in fact, do this a couple days ago in the car.)
2. You know what the "Peoples Republic of Boulder" means. (I haven't been up to Boulder yet, but it's its own thing).
3. Your sense of direction is: towards the mountains and away from the mountains. (It took me a while to get used to "direction" here. The mountains were north of us in the city from where I came, now they are west -- but they're east when we go visit Mark's family!)
4. You're a meat-eating vegetarian.
5. The bike on your car is worth more than your car and you have your own special bike lane.
6. You're able to drive 65 miles per hour through 13 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without even flinching. (Getting there.)
7. You take your out-of-town guests to Casa Bonita even though you would never go there otherwise. (Trust me, I won't take you there -- we went there once while in Denver -- won't go back.)
8 . You think your major food groups are granola bars, tofu and Fat Tire beer. (That goes with the Republic of Boulder thing).
9. You design your kid's Halloween costumes to fit over a snowsuit. (You betcha!)
10. You think that sexy lingerie is wool socks and flannel PJs. (You betcha, part 2)
11. You know all 4 seasons "almost winter, winter, still winter and spring blizzards (unfortunately ... well, we do have a couple weeks of "unbearably hot")
12. You've been tear gassed in a riot to celebrate a CU/CSU victory.
13. You can never figure out why your out-of-town guests faint from altitude sickness on a picnic to the mountains. (and then you raid their pockets).
14. You can drive over a 12,000-foot pass in 4 feet of snow, but can't get to work if there are 4 inches of snow.
15. You know the "correct" pronunciation of Buena Vista. (I don't know how they say it here -- I think it's "boo-na" -- I'm going there for our women's retreat in a couple weeks.)
16. When you visit friends at sea level, you can drink a case of beer and not get a buzz.
17. Your car insurance costs more than your car.
18. You have surge protectors on every outlet. (see #26 for explanation)
19. April showers bring May blizzards. (You don't plant anything you want to keep until after Mother's Day.)
20. "Timberline" is someplace you have actually been.
21. You know what a "Chinook" is.
22. You know what a "Rocky Mountain Oyster" is. (Only by reputation -- NEVER going there.)
23. You know what a "fourteener" is. (I will climb Pike's Peak before I die).
24. You don't know what a "turn signal" is. (That may be a Boulder thing, too.)
25. A bear on your front porch doesn't bother you nearly as much as a Democrat in Congress does. (That's NOT a Boulder thing.)
26. Your golf bag has a 9-iron, a 3-wood and a lightning rod. (Lightning is a fact of life around here in the summer. Colorado is in the top three states for lightning, and El Paso County is #1 in Colorado -- Tesla built his lab here, if that drives the point home.)
27. You know who Alferd Packer was and what he did.
28. You know who Baby Doe Tabor was.
29. SPF 90 is not out of the question. (Seriously.)
30. People from out of state breathe 5 times as often as you do.
31. Having a Senator named Nighthorse doesn't seem strange.
32. Thunder has set off your car alarm.
33. A full moon has never kept you awake at night.
34. You have an $800 stereo in your $300 truck.
35. A sudden loss of cabin pressure is not a big deal.
36. You think a red light means 3 more cars can go. (I'm from Los Angeles area, so I'm used to it!)
37. Where we're going, we don't need roads!! (Yee-haw!)
38. You know where Doc Holliday's grave is. (Haven't been to that part of the state yet)
39. You know where Buffalo Bill's grave is. (Driven past, but haven't stopped yet)
40. You know where the real " South Park " is. (Went through it last weekend.)
41. You can recognize the license plates of all 50 states on sight. (Or the state's 50 different plates!)
42. Driving directions usually include "Go over _________ Pass." (Did that last weekend, too! -- and will this weekend, as well)
43. You've "checked for ticks." (A friend had Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever last year ... I don't recommend it.)
44. You've dressed in shorts, sandals, and a parka with a hood.
45. You've gone snow skiing in July and.....
46. You've played golf in January and.....
47. They were in the same year!
48. You've urinated on the Continental Divide just so it could "run into both oceans." (That's disgusting.)
49. You know what a downslope and an upslope weather pattern is .
50. And the most important: You get a certain feeling of satisfaction from knowing that California and Texas are both downstream.
51. You actually understand these jokes and send them to your Colorado friends
You are a Coloradoan if ............
1. You switch from "Heat" to "A/C" in one day. (I did, in fact, do this a couple days ago in the car.)
2. You know what the "Peoples Republic of Boulder" means. (I haven't been up to Boulder yet, but it's its own thing).
3. Your sense of direction is: towards the mountains and away from the mountains. (It took me a while to get used to "direction" here. The mountains were north of us in the city from where I came, now they are west -- but they're east when we go visit Mark's family!)
4. You're a meat-eating vegetarian.
5. The bike on your car is worth more than your car and you have your own special bike lane.
6. You're able to drive 65 miles per hour through 13 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without even flinching. (Getting there.)
7. You take your out-of-town guests to Casa Bonita even though you would never go there otherwise. (Trust me, I won't take you there -- we went there once while in Denver -- won't go back.)
8 . You think your major food groups are granola bars, tofu and Fat Tire beer. (That goes with the Republic of Boulder thing).
9. You design your kid's Halloween costumes to fit over a snowsuit. (You betcha!)
10. You think that sexy lingerie is wool socks and flannel PJs. (You betcha, part 2)
11. You know all 4 seasons "almost winter, winter, still winter and spring blizzards (unfortunately ... well, we do have a couple weeks of "unbearably hot")
12. You've been tear gassed in a riot to celebrate a CU/CSU victory.
13. You can never figure out why your out-of-town guests faint from altitude sickness on a picnic to the mountains. (and then you raid their pockets).
14. You can drive over a 12,000-foot pass in 4 feet of snow, but can't get to work if there are 4 inches of snow.
15. You know the "correct" pronunciation of Buena Vista. (I don't know how they say it here -- I think it's "boo-na" -- I'm going there for our women's retreat in a couple weeks.)
16. When you visit friends at sea level, you can drink a case of beer and not get a buzz.
17. Your car insurance costs more than your car.
18. You have surge protectors on every outlet. (see #26 for explanation)
19. April showers bring May blizzards. (You don't plant anything you want to keep until after Mother's Day.)
20. "Timberline" is someplace you have actually been.
21. You know what a "Chinook" is.
22. You know what a "Rocky Mountain Oyster" is. (Only by reputation -- NEVER going there.)
23. You know what a "fourteener" is. (I will climb Pike's Peak before I die).
24. You don't know what a "turn signal" is. (That may be a Boulder thing, too.)
25. A bear on your front porch doesn't bother you nearly as much as a Democrat in Congress does. (That's NOT a Boulder thing.)
26. Your golf bag has a 9-iron, a 3-wood and a lightning rod. (Lightning is a fact of life around here in the summer. Colorado is in the top three states for lightning, and El Paso County is #1 in Colorado -- Tesla built his lab here, if that drives the point home.)
27. You know who Alferd Packer was and what he did.
28. You know who Baby Doe Tabor was.
29. SPF 90 is not out of the question. (Seriously.)
30. People from out of state breathe 5 times as often as you do.
31. Having a Senator named Nighthorse doesn't seem strange.
32. Thunder has set off your car alarm.
33. A full moon has never kept you awake at night.
34. You have an $800 stereo in your $300 truck.
35. A sudden loss of cabin pressure is not a big deal.
36. You think a red light means 3 more cars can go. (I'm from Los Angeles area, so I'm used to it!)
37. Where we're going, we don't need roads!! (Yee-haw!)
38. You know where Doc Holliday's grave is. (Haven't been to that part of the state yet)
39. You know where Buffalo Bill's grave is. (Driven past, but haven't stopped yet)
40. You know where the real " South Park " is. (Went through it last weekend.)
41. You can recognize the license plates of all 50 states on sight. (Or the state's 50 different plates!)
42. Driving directions usually include "Go over _________ Pass." (Did that last weekend, too! -- and will this weekend, as well)
43. You've "checked for ticks." (A friend had Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever last year ... I don't recommend it.)
44. You've dressed in shorts, sandals, and a parka with a hood.
45. You've gone snow skiing in July and.....
46. You've played golf in January and.....
47. They were in the same year!
48. You've urinated on the Continental Divide just so it could "run into both oceans." (That's disgusting.)
49. You know what a downslope and an upslope weather pattern is .
50. And the most important: You get a certain feeling of satisfaction from knowing that California and Texas are both downstream.
51. You actually understand these jokes and send them to your Colorado friends
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Have You Ever ...
My life is way too serious right now and I need an attitude adjustment.
A friend tagged me via e-mail, so now you're all tagged with another "getting to know you" questionnaire. Answer the questions with an X or an answer and either add it to your blog or send it to your friends (including me).
Gone on a blind date: X
Skipped school: X
Watched someone die: (I was there soon before and after, but not exactly at that moment)
Been to Canada: X
Been to Mexico: X
Been to Florida: X
Been on a plane: X
Been lost: X
Been on the opposite side of the country: X
Gone to Washington, DC: X
Swam in the ocean: X
Cried yourself to sleep: XXXXXXXXXX
Played cops and robbers: X
Recently colored with crayons: X
Sang Karaoke: (not Karaoke, but did do one of those "sing along and we'll tape you" things ... ack!)
Paid for a meal with coins only: X (fast food, not sit down)
Done something you told yourself you wouldn't: X
Made prank phone calls: X
Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose: X
Caught a snowflake on your tongue: X
Danced in the rain: X
Written a letter to Santa Claus: X
Been kissed under the mistletoe: X
Watched the sunrise with someone you care about: (not on purpose ... probably leaving early to drive somewhere)
Blown bubbles: X
Gone ice-skating: X
Been skinny dipping outdoors: X
Gone to the movies: X
1. Any nickname? Jo, JodieMalodie (my Granny's nickname for me)
2. Mother's name: Cathy
3. Favorite drink? Let's Do Tea's Treasures of the Inca or Peach Blossom Ginger freshly brewed iced tea
4. Any Tattoos? Not yet.
5. Body piercings? Just ears ... three in each, but let tops ones close up (wouldn't heal)
6. How much do you love your job? Lots -- best job in the world to be a mom
8. Favorite vacation? Australia
9. Ever been to Africa? Not yet -- hope to some day!!!
10. Ever eaten cookies for dinner? No; ice cream? yes.
11. Ever been on TV? Yes, I was an extra in a couple "made for Showtime" movies
12. Ever steal any traffic sign? No.
13. Ever been in a car accident? Yes.
14. Drive a 2-door or 4-door vehicle? 4-door
15. Favorite salad dressing? Balsamic Vinaigrette
16. Favorite pie ? Dutch Apple
17. Favorite number? 4
18. Favorite movie? I don't have a favorite.
19. Favorite holiday? Christmas
20. Favorite dessert? Dutch apple pie ala mode
21. Favorite food? Authentic Mexican
22. Favorite day of the week? Don’t have one (I'd say Saturday, but my husband works then, too)
23. Favorite brand of body wash? Don't have a favorite, right now I'm using SoftSoap Nutra-Oil; probably will switch back to Olay Extremely Dry in the winter
24. Favorite toothpaste? Colgate Total
25. Favorite smell? Lavender
26. What do you do to relax? I don’t know how to relax
27. How do you see yourself in 10 years? Being mom to at least three children: an 18 year old, a 14 year old and a 13 year old ... maybe more, we'll have to see what the LORD has in store
28. How many siblings do you have? 1, a sister who is 3 years younger
29. Furthest place you will send this message? It's on my blog, so who knows
30. Who will respond to this the fastest? Lisa
A friend tagged me via e-mail, so now you're all tagged with another "getting to know you" questionnaire. Answer the questions with an X or an answer and either add it to your blog or send it to your friends (including me).
Gone on a blind date: X
Skipped school: X
Watched someone die: (I was there soon before and after, but not exactly at that moment)
Been to Canada: X
Been to Mexico: X
Been to Florida: X
Been on a plane: X
Been lost: X
Been on the opposite side of the country: X
Gone to Washington, DC: X
Swam in the ocean: X
Cried yourself to sleep: XXXXXXXXXX
Played cops and robbers: X
Recently colored with crayons: X
Sang Karaoke: (not Karaoke, but did do one of those "sing along and we'll tape you" things ... ack!)
Paid for a meal with coins only: X (fast food, not sit down)
Done something you told yourself you wouldn't: X
Made prank phone calls: X
Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose: X
Caught a snowflake on your tongue: X
Danced in the rain: X
Written a letter to Santa Claus: X
Been kissed under the mistletoe: X
Watched the sunrise with someone you care about: (not on purpose ... probably leaving early to drive somewhere)
Blown bubbles: X
Gone ice-skating: X
Been skinny dipping outdoors: X
Gone to the movies: X
1. Any nickname? Jo, JodieMalodie (my Granny's nickname for me)
2. Mother's name: Cathy
3. Favorite drink? Let's Do Tea's Treasures of the Inca or Peach Blossom Ginger freshly brewed iced tea
4. Any Tattoos? Not yet.
5. Body piercings? Just ears ... three in each, but let tops ones close up (wouldn't heal)
6. How much do you love your job? Lots -- best job in the world to be a mom
8. Favorite vacation? Australia
9. Ever been to Africa? Not yet -- hope to some day!!!
10. Ever eaten cookies for dinner? No; ice cream? yes.
11. Ever been on TV? Yes, I was an extra in a couple "made for Showtime" movies
12. Ever steal any traffic sign? No.
13. Ever been in a car accident? Yes.
14. Drive a 2-door or 4-door vehicle? 4-door
15. Favorite salad dressing? Balsamic Vinaigrette
16. Favorite pie ? Dutch Apple
17. Favorite number? 4
18. Favorite movie? I don't have a favorite.
19. Favorite holiday? Christmas
20. Favorite dessert? Dutch apple pie ala mode
21. Favorite food? Authentic Mexican
22. Favorite day of the week? Don’t have one (I'd say Saturday, but my husband works then, too)
23. Favorite brand of body wash? Don't have a favorite, right now I'm using SoftSoap Nutra-Oil; probably will switch back to Olay Extremely Dry in the winter
24. Favorite toothpaste? Colgate Total
25. Favorite smell? Lavender
26. What do you do to relax? I don’t know how to relax
27. How do you see yourself in 10 years? Being mom to at least three children: an 18 year old, a 14 year old and a 13 year old ... maybe more, we'll have to see what the LORD has in store
28. How many siblings do you have? 1, a sister who is 3 years younger
29. Furthest place you will send this message? It's on my blog, so who knows
30. Who will respond to this the fastest? Lisa
Friday, August 01, 2008
Fountain, Fun, Frosting and No Fillings
This has been a fun week. Here are some of the highlights:
There is a fountain outside an area movie theater. Kids are allowed to play in the fountain, which is awesome. It's been SO HOT here this week. Not putting air conditioning in our house was the dumbest decision we made (the second was to not put in a full basement). So I thought Charis would love playing in the fountain. She loved running around the fountain -- even avoiding the area of the ground moistened by the spray. She refused to get wet.
After the dentist, I took Charis to a local amusement center. A smaller version of a massive facility on the other side of town opened recently a couple miles away. I had coupons for free admission, free kids meal, free ice cream, and $5 in tokens with purchase of $5 in food (my lunch).
Charis in the bounce house
Fountain
There is a fountain outside an area movie theater. Kids are allowed to play in the fountain, which is awesome. It's been SO HOT here this week. Not putting air conditioning in our house was the dumbest decision we made (the second was to not put in a full basement). So I thought Charis would love playing in the fountain. She loved running around the fountain -- even avoiding the area of the ground moistened by the spray. She refused to get wet.
Random musing: How often can a 4 year old ask "why?"
No Fillings
Charis had her first dental cleaning this morning. It actually was supposed to be yesterday, but I thought it was at a different time and we missed the appointment. But we went this morning, and after three "Happy Visits" (getting her used to the office, etc.), she allowed the hygienist to clean her teeth. Check out the cool sunglasses she got to wear. The office is great, but I couldn't believe how much they charged for cleaning her teeth -- no fluoride, no x-rays.
Random Musing: What is up with Exxon making the biggest profit in history this quarter?!?!
Fun
Playing house in the music room
After the dentist, I took Charis to a local amusement center. A smaller version of a massive facility on the other side of town opened recently a couple miles away. I had coupons for free admission, free kids meal, free ice cream, and $5 in tokens with purchase of $5 in food (my lunch).
"Little BiggTown" has a sandbox, bounce house, carousel, and town -- police/fire station, beauty boutique, music room, toy shop, grocery store and more. We easily spent three hours there (in the air conditioned goodness). Lunch was pretty good, too (you know how nasty those kids' places can be!). We'll be back, for sure!
Charis in the bounce house
Paging Dr. Charis
Random Musing: Whoopi Goldberg?!?! Xanadu?!?! Does anyone else think this is hilarious?
Frosting
I just finished my first course in cake decorating (four weeks). I am fairly pleased with how my cake turned out. Tonight I learned how to make roses. Once I got the base of it right, the rest of it came pretty easily.
Before, I never could figure out how people could make flowers out of frosting on a piece of wax paper and then lift them with "scissors." Well, you use really stiff frosting and it hardens after a while. Go figure. The instructor said she rarely has new students who can use all their own roses on their cakes (most have to use some of hers). All mine. I even was able to donate a few to other students. I was really surprised, because I was really struggling last week trying to catch up (I missed class 2 while in Haiti).
Then I came home and sliced it up for my family. I tried to get my husband to do the surgery, but he refused. It's hard to cut up something you just spent hours working on, but hey, I'm not going to let it sit there and rot.
In the next class, which starts next week, I will learn how to use royal icing, make a variety of flowers, and do basket-weave techniques.
As an aside ... I am SICK of the smell of buttercream. I have been practicing my roses throughout the week, in addition to decorating cakes. I am not a fan of frosting anyway, and after learning what exactly buttercream icing is made of, I am even less of a fan.
Anyone want cake?
Monday, July 14, 2008
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
I've Been at it Again
Writing, that is ...
Here's a little thing I just whipped out in the midst of trying to get my paperwork off to Haiti.
Just kidding. Actually, I wrote it a few months ago and it just published in Ungrind, the e-zine founded by my friend Ashleigh.
If you haven't checked out Ungrind yet, I urge you to do so. I draw a lot of encouragement from the articles.
Here's a little thing I just whipped out in the midst of trying to get my paperwork off to Haiti.
Just kidding. Actually, I wrote it a few months ago and it just published in Ungrind, the e-zine founded by my friend Ashleigh.
If you haven't checked out Ungrind yet, I urge you to do so. I draw a lot of encouragement from the articles.
Friday, May 09, 2008
Mother's Day poem by Tommy Nelson
I subscribe to the Tommy Nelson Song of Solomon devotional, and this was today's email:
Woman
To you thou fair spirits, we honor this day
We, the hairy, the gaseous, and coarse
To you as our mothers did labor in pain
Our life and our nurse and our source
And later in life to our eyes were so fair
We boys in our shorts and our hats
Did spy thee one day and one glance of your eyes
Made our hearts do their pitters and pats
We pledged you our hearts. We gave you our socks.
As lovers excelled on our knees
But struggled as soon as the altar we left
To give more than our soiled BVDs
But you’ve loved us these years
Even liked us at times! Ah forgiving one! Who could berate her?
To love those whose scalps have now fled to the south
And whose girths doth resemble equators!
We gave you our seed for your nurture within
While we swelled and said, “Ah what a man!”
Until labor began and a head did emerge
And we fled like a shot to the can!
And as birds they soon grew up to struggle and fly.
While you faithfully stood by to serve.
To love, teach, and nourish, and chasten, and help
Those who like us could hurt and unnerve
And when we are old and our pledges have dimmed
Or have tarnished or vanished as dew
Through the length of the years Through their joys and their tears
The face that stayed steadfast—was you.
Tho sadly enough we were not quite that smart
To perceive what was clear about you,
And it took us a life to see obviously
That which boldly was displayed as true
In this world which too often our sex had destroyed
One where war, hate, and pain we gave place—it was you—
God’s last touch to our world we have found
that brought beauty and sweetness and grace.
“Happy Mother’s day!”
Woman
To you thou fair spirits, we honor this day
We, the hairy, the gaseous, and coarse
To you as our mothers did labor in pain
Our life and our nurse and our source
And later in life to our eyes were so fair
We boys in our shorts and our hats
Did spy thee one day and one glance of your eyes
Made our hearts do their pitters and pats
We pledged you our hearts. We gave you our socks.
As lovers excelled on our knees
But struggled as soon as the altar we left
To give more than our soiled BVDs
But you’ve loved us these years
Even liked us at times! Ah forgiving one! Who could berate her?
To love those whose scalps have now fled to the south
And whose girths doth resemble equators!
We gave you our seed for your nurture within
While we swelled and said, “Ah what a man!”
Until labor began and a head did emerge
And we fled like a shot to the can!
And as birds they soon grew up to struggle and fly.
While you faithfully stood by to serve.
To love, teach, and nourish, and chasten, and help
Those who like us could hurt and unnerve
And when we are old and our pledges have dimmed
Or have tarnished or vanished as dew
Through the length of the years Through their joys and their tears
The face that stayed steadfast—was you.
Tho sadly enough we were not quite that smart
To perceive what was clear about you,
And it took us a life to see obviously
That which boldly was displayed as true
In this world which too often our sex had destroyed
One where war, hate, and pain we gave place—it was you—
God’s last touch to our world we have found
that brought beauty and sweetness and grace.
“Happy Mother’s day!”
Friday, May 02, 2008
I Owe My Mother ...
How many of these did we hear growing up? ...
1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE.
"If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning."
2. My mother taught me RELIGION.
"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."
3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL.
"If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!"
4. My mother taught me LOGIC.
"Because I said so, that's why."
5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC.
"If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the store with me."
6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT.
"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."
7. My mother taught me IRONY.
"Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about."
8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS.
"Shut your mouth and eat your supper."
9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM.
"Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!"
10. My mother taught me about STAMINA.
"You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone."
11. My mother taught me about WEATHER.
"This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it."
12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY.
"If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!"
13. My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE.
"I brought you into this world, and I can take you out."
14. My mother taught me about ENVY.
"There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do."
15. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.
"Just wait until we get home."
16. My mother taught me about RECEIVING.
"You are going to get it when you get home!"
17. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE.
''If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to get stuck that way."
18. My mother taught me ESP.
"Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?"
19. My mother taught me HUMOR.
''When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."
20. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT.
"If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."
21. My mother taught me about my ROOTS.
"Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?"
22. My mother taught me WISDOM.
"When you get to be my age, you'll understand."
23. My mother taught me about JUSTICE.
"One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you."
1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE.
"If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning."
2. My mother taught me RELIGION.
"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."
3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL.
"If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!"
4. My mother taught me LOGIC.
"Because I said so, that's why."
5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC.
"If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the store with me."
6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT.
"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."
7. My mother taught me IRONY.
"Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about."
8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS.
"Shut your mouth and eat your supper."
9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM.
"Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!"
10. My mother taught me about STAMINA.
"You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone."
11. My mother taught me about WEATHER.
"This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it."
12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY.
"If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!"
13. My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE.
"I brought you into this world, and I can take you out."
14. My mother taught me about ENVY.
"There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do."
15. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.
"Just wait until we get home."
16. My mother taught me about RECEIVING.
"You are going to get it when you get home!"
17. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE.
''If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to get stuck that way."
18. My mother taught me ESP.
"Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?"
19. My mother taught me HUMOR.
''When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."
20. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT.
"If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."
21. My mother taught me about my ROOTS.
"Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?"
22. My mother taught me WISDOM.
"When you get to be my age, you'll understand."
23. My mother taught me about JUSTICE.
"One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you."
Friday, April 18, 2008
37 Seconds
While in California, I had the opportunity to watch "Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium" (you can read PluggedIn's review here).
There's a scene in which Mahoney (Natalie Portman) takes Magorium (Dustin Hoffman) to a clock store so they can listen to all the clocks strike 12. She breathlessly whispers they only have 37 seconds—all they have to do is wait.
Magorium corrects her, saying that it's 37 seconds to breathe, reflect, enjoy, regenerate, dream.
"Thirty-seven seconds well used is a lifetime," he says.
What are we doing with our 37 seconds?
There's a scene in which Mahoney (Natalie Portman) takes Magorium (Dustin Hoffman) to a clock store so they can listen to all the clocks strike 12. She breathlessly whispers they only have 37 seconds—all they have to do is wait.
Magorium corrects her, saying that it's 37 seconds to breathe, reflect, enjoy, regenerate, dream.
"Thirty-seven seconds well used is a lifetime," he says.
What are we doing with our 37 seconds?
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