One Thing

Adios

2009-07-31T14:11:00.002-04:00

I've been converted. To Wordpress. I feel guilty saying it. But blogger, it's been nice knowin' ya!

Come on over to katesacra.wordpress.com because that's where I'll be.

Adios, friend.

:-)

P as in... Pneumonia?

2009-07-29T11:02:00.001-04:00

Just Do SOMETHING

2009-07-24T21:07:00.003-04:00

How to make a decision without dreams, visions, fleeces, impressions, open doors, random Bible verses, casting lots, liver shivers, writing in the sky, etc.

Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, "Do not think to yourself that in the king’s palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, "Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish." -Esther 4:13-16

Kevin DeYoung writes:

Esther didn't wait for weeks or months trying to discern God's will for her life before she acted. She simply did what was right and forged ahead without any special word from God. If the king extended to her the golden scepter, praise the Lord. If he did not, she died.
Esther was more man than most men I know, myself included. Many of us -- men and women -- are extremely passive and cowardly. We don't take risks for God because we are obsessed with safety, security, and most of all with the future. That's why most of our prayers fall into one of two categories. Either we ask that everything would be fine or we ask to know that everything will be fine. We pray for health, travel, jobs -- and we should pray for these things. But a lot of prayers boil down to, "God, don't let anything unpleasant happen to anyone. Make everything in the world nice for everyone." And when we aren't praying this kind of prayer, we are praying for God to tell us that everything will turn out fine.

When it comes to our future, we should take some responsibility, make a decision, and
just do something.

Just Do Something, By Kevin DeYoung

You really need to read this book. Everyone needs to read this book. Seriously.

I just watched One Night With the King yesterday. Then today I read about Esther and how she took a chance for God. When I want to know God's will I tend to pray about it for a long time, recruit others to pray for me for a long time, weigh my options, go back and forth, basically it tends to be a long, drawn out process. Esther didn't wait. She didn't pray for a sign from Heaven. She didn't wait for God's will to be revealed. She didn't look for writing on the wall. Neither did she do nothing.

No. She prayed and fasted for three days and then she stepped out in faith.

She took a risk.

Made her move.

Why can't I be more like Esther? This girl was facing life or death, yet she knew what she had to do. She didn't question.

I'm tired of being passive. Of making bigger issues out of things that should be simple.

She JUST DID SOMETHING.

I want to do something.

...more thoughts to come...

this actually came out of my mouth

2009-07-24T20:56:00.001-04:00

"You going to make like a tree and bark?"

*sigh* I'm such a blond...

2009-07-23T14:44:00.002-04:00

Nothing can separate
Even if I ran away
Your love never fails

I know I still make mistakes, but
You have new mercy for me everyday
Your love never fails

You stay the same through the ages
Your love never changes
There may be pain in the night
But joy comes in the morning
And when the oceans rage
I don’t have to be afraid
Because I know that you love me
And your love never fails

The wind is strong and the water’s deep, but
I’m not alone here in these open seas
Cause your love never fails

The chasm was far too wide
I never thought I’d reach the other side
But your love never fails

You make all things, work together for my good

Running Together

2009-07-16T15:52:00.001-04:00

By Suzanne Hadley

I spent that evening the way I did most Sunday nights — doing laundry, changing the sheets, mopping the kitchen floor.

The evening I met my now-fiancé was truly mundane. But how God brought us together was far from ordinary. In "A Year to Love," I recount the last year of my life and how God introduced me to my soon-to-be husband, Kevin.

Though 30 was not the age I anticipated meeting the man I would marry (I expected that day to come much sooner), I have no regrets about my past decade as a single woman. Just as I have watched God faithfully lead me in many areas of my life during those years, this year I have seen Him do the same in my romantic life.

I used to wonder why I couldn't seem to meet someone great (when many of my friends could and did), and my mind couldn't even comprehend how God would bring a godly man into my life. More than once I tried to force it; I tried to settle for a relationship that just wasn't quite there, or I became attached to a person who didn't demonstrate the spiritual quality I knew God desired for my future spouse.

But my relationship with Kevin, though a fantastic story, had a very natural quality. I simply couldn't get away from him:

In his sermon series on Song of Solomon, Tommy Nelson talks about courtship and marriage in terms of a race. Nelson says that as Christian singles "run the race" God has set before them, they should be looking to see who is to their right and left as they run. Who is keeping pace, running nearby, heading the same direction?

I had been running that race alone throughout my 20s. Sometimes I would look over and catch a glimpse of someone, but inevitably they would veer off another direction or pass me by. Even a few godly relationships just did not click. In those moments, I would cry out to the Lord and try to understand His love and His purpose for me.

From the day I met Kevin, he kept popping up next to me — church, children's ministry, improv.

I would never want to use my own story to oversimplify the journey from singleness to marriage. However, if I could, I would give back some of the worries I experienced before meeting Kevin. Ultimately, I did not have to do much (other than be myself) to attract the right guy's attention. I'm not saying our relationship has been without challenges or that we don't have to put forth effort to make it work (we do). I am saying that my relationship with Kevin didn't require forcing. Our lives naturally fit together, our community approved of our relationship and we both have absolute peace.

I used to say that God had so faithfully led me in other areas of my life that I expected Him to do the same if and when a godly guy entered the scene. That has been the case. Whether I'm single or married does not change God's character. Regardless of my circumstances, He is worthy and He is good.

The only insight I have come up with is that God knows and He loves. There is no formula to how He brought Kevin and me together. I do know that we were each faithfully serving the Lord where He had placed us. We were running the race. And God chose to intervene in some significant ways so that we would run it together.

Run faithfully today. You never know who may be running nearby.

Running Together

2009-07-16T15:52:00.000-04:00

By Suzanne Hadley

I spent that evening the way I did most Sunday nights — doing laundry, changing the sheets, mopping the kitchen floor.

But my relationship with Kevin, though a fantastic story, had a very natural quality. I simply couldn't get away from him:

In his sermon series on Song of Solomon, Tommy Nelson talks about courtship and marriage in terms of a race. Nelson says that as Christian singles "run the race" God has set before them, they should be looking to see who is to their right and left as they run. Who is keeping pace, running nearby, heading the same direction?

I had been running that race alone throughout my 20s. Sometimes I would look over and catch a glimpse of someone, but inevitably they would veer off another direction or pass me by. Even a few godly relationships just did not click. In those moments, I would cry out to the Lord and try to understand His love and His purpose for me.

From the day I met Kevin, he kept popping up next to me — church, children's ministry, improv.

The only insight I have come up with is that God knows and He loves. There is no formula to how He brought Kevin and me together. I do know that we were each faithfully serving the Lord where He had placed us. We were running the race. And God chose to intervene in some significant ways so that we would run it together.

Run faithfully today. You never know who may be running nearby.

5 Minute Chocolate Cake

2009-07-01T16:05:00.002-04:00

I had to pass this on. This cake takes (no lie) 5 minutes. Heaven help me....

4 T flour
4 T sugar
1 1/2 T cocoa
1/4 t baking powder
1/8 t salt
1 egg
3 T milk
2 T oil
1/4 t vanilla
2 T chocolate chips (optional...but who wouldn't use them???)

Mix all the dry ingredients in a coffee mug that holds about 1 3/4 C liquid. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in milk, oil, and vanilla and mix until blended. Add chocolate chips. Microwave for 3-3 1/2 minutes. The cake rises up out of the mug and looks like it's going to fall out, but it shouldn't. :-) Let cool a little and tip out onto a plate or bowl. Add whipped topping or ice cream and you're all set. And it only took 5 minutes. Yikes.

after about the fourth attempt: no title.

2009-06-25T21:45:00.004-04:00

I don't think I've ever had so many prayers answered so fast.

I don't think I've ever felt this much direction so fast.

I don't think I've ever felt this at peace about something happening so fast.

Then again, we're talking God here.

Have I mentioned He ROCKS?!?!

I really can't stop smiling. I am so excited for the epicness that is to come.

Headed back to Norfolk Sunday with two amazing girls.

I really am too excited to sleep.

As Byrd would say: Ha-chi-nana! :-)

Do work!

2009-06-25T10:50:00.002-04:00

God is doin' work all across the East Coast.

Aletheia Harrisonburg, Aletheia Tampa, Aletheia Richmond, and Aletheia Norfolk.

I'm so stoked.

Here's My Life

2009-06-24T17:45:00.001-04:00

once again i said my goodbyes
to those i love most
my heart feels that familiar pain
as i long for hope
cause this road is hard
when i feel so far

and God i'm crying out tonight
cause i've given you my life
but i'm tired and i'm missing what's behind
so once more here's my life

on the day that you called my name
all that i knew changed
i found when i said yes
that i would never be the same
though the call is hard
you are worth it all

and God i'm crying out tonight
cause i've given you my life
but i'm tired and i'm missing what's behind
so once more....

even when the tears are falling
when i find i fear the calling you
remind me, (yeah)
words you've spoken over my life
promises i've yet to see
you comfort me. (yeah yeah)

you comfort me...yeah...you comfort me...

The Bond of Perfection

2009-06-24T10:02:00.004-04:00

This weekend rocked.

Sunday started of with an amazing time of worship including one of my favorite songs Cannons by Phil Wickham.

And Groove nailed Psalm 3. It was awesome.

After church Helen and I headed to VA Beach for a couple of days. A bunch of Aletheia people went too and we stayed with the Gwaltneys. We hit up the beach and had an wonderful time. I only wish I could have stayed longer. :-)

This is really kind of a cover-all post and I'm switching gears here, but how many times have I wanted a word for word, step by step guide book for decisions I face in my life? I've often thought how much easier things would be if I simply knew what I was supposed to do, but then we lose the wonder and mystery of God revealing His plans through people, circumstances, and of course His Word. I was studying this morning, searching and I just wanted to pull out a few verses that I thought were kind of my own word for word, step by step guide from my Father.

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.
Romans 13:14

I love that idea of "putting on the Lord." Covering yourself in Him. It's comforting.

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit...
Philippians 2:3a

Is this what I want or what God wants? Or could it possibly be both? Am I looking to build myself up or serve others? Are my motives pure?

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus as Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.
Colossians 2:6,7

I think this is my favorite. Walk in Him. Rooted. Built up in Him. Established. This goes back to last Sunday when Groove took us through Psalm 1:

"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, not sits in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is only in the law of the Lord!"

We're on a path that's accountable to God. The decisions we make can bind us for weeks, months, years, decades, even life. What direction do I want my life to go? How's my walk? Am I rooted?

And if some o the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree, do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you.
Romans 11:17,18

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Colossians 3:12-17

-----

Beauty

2009-06-17T20:20:00.001-04:00

Revelation Song

2009-06-01T16:39:00.000-04:00

Someday Soon

2009-05-27T20:40:00.002-04:00

I wanna be the one who knows everything about you
I wanna be the one who’s always on your mind
I wanna be the one to get all of your affection and attention
You’re the one that I’ve been waiting for, for all this time
And I can’t imagine anything, anything better than

Someday falling in love with you
Holding your hand
Making our plans all come true
Someday under a sky so blue
I’ll give you my heart
Our story will start someday soon

I wanna be the one who does everything with you
Watching stars, washing cars, taking walks, going to the store
I wanna be the one who gets to change her last name someday
To something that sounds something more like yours

Someday falling in love with you
Holding your hand
Making our plans all come true
Someday under a sky so blue
I’ll give you my heart
Our story will start someday soon

Yeah I’ll be telling you I love you
On a picture perfect day
And those words inside my head
They sound like angels singing praise
It’s what I was made to say

Someday soon...

No, Mr. President

2009-05-27T11:58:00.003-04:00

"Reproductive freedom"???

Why do we get freedom and the millions of unborn babies do not?

"Private family matter"???

THEY. ARE. DEAD.

Dead.

I don't understand.

I don't understand how so many people can say "It's not a baby."

It IS a baby.

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you..." Jeremiah 1:5

"For You formed my inward parts: You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marveous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well." Psalm 139:16

This makes me sick.

We're killing innocent babies and our President is legalizing this while cats in Miami are being killed and people like Dee Chess are calling it "very frustrating and it is heart wrenching."

''Doing this to an animal is as serious as doing it to a person. Everyone is at risk -- animals and their families alike,'' said Cindy Hewitt.

"As serious as doing it to a person"????? Hello! WE ARE DOING THIS TO PEOPLE! Every day!

There's a reward set for the arrest of this "serial cat killer" but why isn't there a reward for the arrest of abortion doctors?

Last week, the Humane Society of the United States announced a $2,500 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in what it called ``serial cat killings.'' The reward was increased to $3,500 via Crime Stoppers. Tax-deductible donations are also being accepted to increase the reward amount.

In the United States alone approximately 3,700 abortions occur every day.

I'm so tired of having people tell me abortion should be legal because "what if the woman was pregnant as a result of rape or incest?"

1% of abortions occur because of rape or incest. ONE PERCENT!

6% occur because of potential health problems.

93% occur because of social reasons. The baby simply isn't wanted or it isn't convient.

That's sick.

That's murder and we're letting the killers go.

But we're offering a reward for the arrest of a cat killer.

Forgive us, Lord, for our times of faithlessness.
As we confess, send Your gift of cleansing rest.
Forgive us, Lord, for going our own way.
Lord, we confess, that we need Your holiness to be a people who will pray, a people who will say we have no other god, no other god but You.
Jesus, come and have Your way.
Come and have Your way with us.
Until we see Your face.
Jesus, come and have Your way.
Come and break our hearts with Yours, until we know Your grace. Until we see Your face.

Forgive Us Lord Steve Mitchinson

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/miami-dade/communities/south/story/1066911.html
http://www.abortionno.org/Resources/fastfacts.html

Mother's Day

2009-05-23T13:35:00.008-04:00

Better late than never. On Mother's Day we went for a drive out in the country. After a while Josie got antsy so we stopped at a church's playground. Who knew a set of swings and a basketball court could be so entertaining! :-) I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

After I got down there I realized that probably wasn't such a good idea!!!!

Show Me a Crockoduck

2009-05-21T17:07:00.002-04:00

Take a few minutes and watch these. They are from Tony Miano's website The Lawman Chronicles.

My Newest Hobby

2009-05-20T22:28:00.005-04:00

As if I needed another one.

Michael's is dangerous I tell you. I was minding my own business, innocently meandering down the aisles when all of a sudden these beads jumped off the racks, wrapped their beautifully beaded arms around me, drug me to the checkout counter and made me buy them.

That's exactly how it happened.

Really.

So this is my newest creation. The pendant was the inspiration. It's a beautiful white shell with a painted flower.

I love beads.

At this point I was just having fun taking pictures.

I already had the blue bracelets and decided to make a few green ones with the same beads from the necklace.

At least this isn't as expensive as my scrapbooking hobby. Yet. Ya know, I think this set needs some earrings....

One Sick Puppy

2009-05-19T09:01:00.003-04:00

Joelle just came up to me in her footy-pajamas cradling her stuffed dog wrapped up in her pink blanket and said,

"He has the swine flu."

Oh dear. :-)

Creative Commercial

2009-05-18T19:56:00.002-04:00

I saw this on Shattered Paradigm. This is definitely one of the best and cutest commercials I've ever seen. :-)

See the Wind

2009-05-18T18:43:00.002-04:00

I can hear a gentle rustle as the curtains move about
But the strain and daily hustle tend to drown You out
I cannot see Your presence but I know where You have been
And I long to be a feather at the mercy of the wind

I cannot really hold You but I feel You in my life
Oh how I long to see you but You’re somewhere out of sight
Oh I know that I am blind but where I’m going in the end
You’ll open up my eyes so I can see the wind

And when I hear the thunder I know that You draw near
And then I’ll watch in wonder as the evidence appears
Waves grown mighty at Your bidding trees bow their branches low
Only truth remains undaunted in the power You can show

It scatters seeds where the farmers have not sown
And it utters prayers in a language yet unknown
No one knows quite where You’re going but we see where You have been
And when I get where I’m going that’s when I’ll see the wind

Josie's Haircut

2009-05-16T19:56:00.011-04:00

She did it! Joelle got her hair allllll chopped off!!!! The only reason she didn't cut it sooner is because I was the only one in the family who still really didn't want her to cut it!

But I have to admit, I do really like her hair short; it's super cute. Plus, she wanted to look like me! :-) (And Rose Jantzi, apparently! :-)

She's donating her hair to Locks of Love.

(I always wished I could do that)

Here are before and afters:

such long, beautiful hair....adios.

Pam's holding at 10 inches. That's how LONG her hair was; she'd still have lots left!

Putting it in a pony-tail. She doesn't look too sure here, but she really was excited!

See?

Ready?

Snip snip!

Way to go, girl!

Look at that hair. Goodness.

And now the styling!

Hair in the mouth.

She's such a big girl.....*sniff*

shorter....shorter....

so happy :-)

hairy toes

how cute is that???

I love her face!

Adorable.

Hehe.

<3

That used to be on her head. That's 4 years of hair, give or take a little.

Josie and her new bucket and "cultivator"....or rake as most people call it.

I can't remember what she was worried about here, but I wish I could. Oh! She was sad that I told her we couldn't go to the other Wal-Mart right now to get a matching shovel. Ha.

Story telling.

Dad's face as soon as he got home and saw Joelle's hair! :-)

She likes playing with it. And now she can brush it herself! (yes.)

Cutie.

Kate, please stop taking pictures of me. Please. Really.

Right now, she's sound asleep tucked in bed. And we didn't even need to braid her hair to keep it out of her face. Yes, I'm gonna miss her hair, but I'm getting used to her with short hair. She's cute no matter what. I love her. Lots and lots. :-)

My Birthday

2009-05-14T11:51:00.006-04:00

See how long it takes me to get pictures up? My birthday was May 9. Today is May 23. Could be worse I guess!

I had a wonderful birthday! Mom made my favorite quiches for breakfast and I got to open presents from the fam.

Post-it's. Oh yes.

If your last name is Sacra you'll get this. If not, you won't. :-D
"Joelle, put your finger on the box!" Haha.

The best part of the day was going to Olive Garden! Yes. The best, most amazing restaurant ever! My mouth is watering now.

On the way we saw these awesome cars all from Quebec! <--You really should click on that link and check them out...they're pretty sweet. I would definitely drive one.

Every time they'd get close enough they'd speed past us so I didn't get a really good picture.

I think we counted like 12 or 13 of these cars.

This is the face Joelle makes when she eats a lemon. :-)

You'd think she'd learn after the first one....

Yummy soup. And breadsticks. And salad.

My chicken alfredo pizza.

Jenny's something-or-other.

Emily's ravioli.

Look at that chocolate.

And of course the waiters and waitresses all came out and sang to me. I even had a candle in my gelato. :-)

Yard Sales and Thrift Shopping

2009-05-14T11:33:00.004-04:00

Here are my most recent yardsale and thrift store finds!

I doubt I'll be able to remember exactly how much I paid for everything, especially since I did a lot of bartering. :-) I think the one on the left I paid $2 for and the one on the right I think was $.50.

I got this skirt (as well as the next one) for $2.50! I love the green; it's so spring-y!

Funny story with this one. Mom stopped the car so I could get out and see if there was anything good at one yard sale and she saw me pick up this wine rack. She looked at Emily and said, "I wonder what creative thing she's going to use a wine rack for!?!" :-) Guess she figured I wasn't going to be using it for, well wine. She was right.... now it's my magazine rack! Beautiful.

Love it.

I was so happy to find some of these glass apothecary jars! They're so expensive to buy anywhere else! The big jar was $.50 and I'm going to say the little one was probably $1. They're perfect in our bathroom. Of which the occupancy just increased from 3 girls to 4. :-/ Welcome to the big girls world, Joelle.

These I found at Gift & Thrift a while ago. I paid $6 for the set including the candles!

To be honest, I can't remember if I already blogged about these or not! :-) Anyway, they're sconces I got at Ross. Two for $5!

Don't worry; knowing me, there will be more to come.

Happy Birthday, Dad!

2009-05-14T11:18:00.005-04:00

In typical Kate fashion I am just now getting around to posting about Daddy's birthday....a week and a half ago. Better late than never! I love his facial expressions...haha!

Happy 40th Birthday, Dad!

If...Then

2009-05-14T10:48:00.002-04:00

If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

2 Chronicles 7:14

Over My Head

2009-05-13T12:13:00.002-04:00

I tried to figure it out
Time and time again and time again
I guess there's just some things I'll never understand
'Cause Your ways aren't our ways
But deep down in my soul, down in my soul
There is one thing I know that I know

I'm in over my head
Right where I wanna be
I'm so lost within Your love
The love that always covers me
So high, so deep, so wide
A strong and cleansing tide
My soul has found a place to rest
I'm in over my head

I've been holding on
Now I'm letting go, just letting go
Gonna let Your love carry me away
I don't know where I'm going
But I'm surrounded by the truth
And I can feel the current pulling me
Deeper into You

I'm in over my head
Right where I wanna be
I'm so lost within Your love
The love that always covers me
So high, so deep, so wide
A strong and cleansing tide
My soul has found a place to rest
I'm in over my head

You see me for who I am
You did reach out Your hand
You made me understand
That Your love has always covered me

Small Things

2009-05-12T22:10:00.002-04:00

I love putting Joelle to bed.

Banquet

2009-05-11T21:59:00.007-04:00

Every year the Junior class puts on an elaborate banquet for the Seniors as a way to honor them. I've had my fair share of banquet decorating (that's a whoooole other story... :-) ) and now it's my sisters turn! As a junior, she was a part of transforming the dining hall into a lovely cruise ship for a cruise on... some French river. Huh, it doesn't sound nearly as romantic that way. Go figure. I thought I'd share a few pictures from the evening.

Joelle wanted her hair like Jenny's.

The traditional picture with Old Blue. Yes, she's still running....

And of course, mom made her dress. :-)

The beautiful ladies!

James and Rose. Love 'em.

Me and my twin, Helen. :-)

The Joelle's. Best Friends.

Classic.

Even more classic.

Mom and Jenny.

Artem, Helen, Meg, Allen, and Mamma Furry!!! :-) I love her.

There are so many things about this picture that I love....hehe.

Rose and I. She's so beautiful; inside and out!

Yup.

I guess that's more than a few pictures, but I was having fun!

19

2009-05-09T01:20:00.001-04:00

19 years ago today ... May 9, 1990 ... 1.20am

I was born. :-)

LORELAI: Happy birthday. little girl.

RORY: Hey.

LORELAI: I can't believe how fast you're growing up.

RORY: Really? Feels slow.

LORELAI: Trust me, it's fast. What do you think of your life so far?

RORY: I think it's pretty good.

LORELAI: Any complaints?

RORY: I'd like that whole humidity thing to go away.

LORELAI: All right. I'll work on that.

RORY: So do I look older?

LORELA: Oh, yeah. You walk into Denny's before 5, you've got yourself a discount.

RORY: Good deal.

LORELAI: So you know what I think?

RORY: What?

LORELAI: I think you're a great, cool kid, and the best friend a girl could have.

RORY: Right back at ya.

LORELAI: And it's so hard to believe that at exactly this time many moons ago, I was lying in exactly the same position --

RORY: Oh, boy. Here we go.

LORELAI: Only I had a huge, fat stomach and big fat ankles and I was swearing like a sailor --

RORY: On leave.

LORELAI: On leave -- right! And there I was --

RORY: In labor.

LORELAI: And while some have called it the most meaningful experience of your life, to me it was something more akin to doing the splits on a crate of dynamite.

RORY: I wonder if the Waltons ever did this.

LORELAI: And I was screaming and swearing and being surrounded as I was by a hundred prominent doctors, I just assumed there was an actual use for the cup of ice chips they gave me.

RORY: There wasn't.

LORELAI: But pelting the nurses sure was fun.

RORY: I love you, Mom.

LORELAI: Shh. I'm getting to the part where he sees your head. So there I was...

This is My Act of Surrender

2009-05-07T18:18:00.003-04:00

Knees to the ground
Hands in the air, this is my act of surrender
It's more than a song or the words on a prayer
This is my act of surrender

And starting now, I will bow down, I will bow down,
I will bow down before You

And starting now I will bow

Knees to the grown
Hands in the air, this is my act of surrender
It's more than a song or the words on a prayer
This is my act of surrender

And starting now, I will bow down, I will bow down,
I will bow down before You
I will bow down, I will bow down,
I will bow down before You

And starting now I will bow

All that I am
All that I've been
I'll lay it all down at the feet of my King

All that I am
All that I've been
I'll lay it all down at the feet of my King

I will bow down, I will bow down,
I will bow down before You
I will bow down, I will bow down,
I will bow down before You

And starting now I will bow...

Clarification

2009-05-07T07:56:00.002-04:00

I'm wondering if in titling the two previous posts "Dreamy" and "Realistic" that was somewhat misleading. See, it's not that I really wish the Dreamy version would happen but because I think it's not as likely I'm settling for the Realistic version. Not at all! The Dreamy version is more like what I've always grown up thinking would happen. Especially since my parents were married at such a young age (18 and 19). Maybe a more "realistic" "dreamy" (haha, that's confusing) would be that I would meet someone in the next couple of months and then we'd both go down to Tampa, but I'm not entirely sure that's really what I would want either...

"Dreamy" is not my first choice -- it's simply what I assumed would always happen, but God has different plans and I'm okay with that! (And extremely excited about it too :-) )

My hopes: The Realistic Version

2009-05-06T18:50:00.002-04:00

This doesn't mean I'm not planning on getting married someday! It just means I don't know when and that could be next year, 5 years from now or maybe 20! My primary purpose in life is to glorify and honor my Creator, not snag the first man I run into. :-)

And so this is the Realistic Version planning accordingly:

In one year from now my life will be totally different than ever before.

Lord willing, this is where I'll be:

Yup. Tampa Florida! I am so excited for so many reasons!

- I'm excited that Aletheia Tampa is actually happening!
- I'm excited for all the people that have already accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior!
- I'm excited for all the people here at Aletheia Harrisonburg that have stepped up and taken on leadership roles and responsibilities!
- I'm super excited that I will get to be a part of this movement!
- I'm excited to see God work and move in the lives of so many people and students on the campus of USF!
- I'm excited to see how God will use me!

I am hoping to make the move this fall and eventually attend the University of South Florida to get my nursing degree. To be honest I could possibly, maybe, sort-of-kind-of "plan out" the next year, but I really have no idea what I'll be doing after that! Obviously I want to be very involved with the church (duh!) and someday I hope to lead a girls Bible Study.

So in 5 years... wow, there's so much happening in the next couple of months it's really strange to think about 5 years! I hope to have graduated and have a job somewhere in Tampa working in L&D, the Nursery, or maybe even NICU.

In 10-15 years...even in my "Realistic Version" I hope to be married by this time! I would love to have kids by then too, but I don't want to work while my kids are little. Once they're in school I wouldn't mind working night shifts and sleeping while they're in school this way I'd be home to see them in the morning and tell them goodnight before bed. I don't think I'd want to work full time, especially since I'm hoping my husband would be able to support his family, but having a nursing degree would also be helpful in getting into other countries for mission work someday.

I wonder what the next year, 5 years, 10 years, even 20 holds for me?

Only God knows.

For now, it's up to me to trust Him and follow where He leads which right now is to Tampa Florida. Absolutely none of this will be possible on my own! I've tried to make it on my own and it doesn't work. (Go figure. :-) )I have full confidence that God is going to provide a job and a place to live and I'm trusting that He will be with me every step of the way!

My hopes: The Dreamy Version

2009-05-06T10:06:00.003-04:00

Recently a fellow blogger wrote about her plans for her life. I think we're very similar her and I.

So this will be part 1 of 2.

What does my future look like in 5, 10, 20 years?

I picture my life like a road that I've been on for so long (19 years this Saturday!); this straight, sometimes bumpy, yet safe and comforting road with only a few potholes here and there. But now in the distance I see something I'm not used to seeing. The road goes two ways and my life could go either way. (Maybe they meet up again farther down the road...?)

One way is "The Dreamy Version."

I would love to meet the wonderful man I've been praying for and be married within a year/a year and a half. I want to be a helper to my husband and follow him wherever the Lord calls him; whether that be to another country to do mission work or somewhere here in the states. I'm involved with a wonderful church and I can't imagine going to another church so I would hope my husband would love Aletheia as much as I do!

Any of you that read this and know me at all know that I want lots of kids. :-) I've always wanted lots of kids. Jon and Kate Plus 8 is my favorite show and I watch it thinking, "huh, if she can do it I can do it!" I would love at least 2 kids in the first 5 years. However, once I get a new vehicle and don't drive the van anymore (like this one, but navy blue) I never want to drive a mini-van again. :-) Don't get me wrong, I am very thankful that I have a vehicle to drive, but I'd definitely prefer something else. ...like this.... :-) All that to say if I end up having more than 8 or 9 kids I guess I will be driving a van again...

I would love to stay at home with my kids while they're growing up. I can't imagine missing out on those little moments that make growing up so special. I'd love to own a home with a big yard for the kids to run and play in and enough room for a big garden. I love planting things and watching them grow! I will never understand how someone can watch a plant go from a seed to a plant producing fruit and say there is not a God...

So that's the "Dreamy Version" of my life!

The "Realistic Version" is soon to come.

Stay tuned.

It Never Fails...

2009-04-29T11:56:00.000-04:00

...I always sneeze when I eat chocolate.

Should I Stay Here....or Do I Need to Move?

2009-04-28T22:23:00.002-04:00

My life,
Has led me down the road that’s so uncertain
And now I am left alone and I am broken,
Trying to find my way,
Trying to find the faith that’s gone
This time,
I know that you are holding all the answers
I’m tired of losing hope and taking chances,
On roads that never seem,
To be the ones that bring me home

Give me a revelation,
Show me what to do
Cause I’ve been trying to find my way,
I haven’t got a clue
Tell me should I stay here,
Or do I need to move
Give me a revelation
I’ve got nothing without You
I’ve got nothing without You

My life,
Has led me down this path that’s ever winding
Through every twist and turn I’m always finding,
That I am lost again (I am lost again)
Tell me when this road will ever end
[Revelation Lyrics On http://www.elyricsworld.com/ ]
Give me a revelation,
Show me what to do
Cause I’ve been trying to find my way,
I haven’t got a clue
Tell me should I stay here,
Or do I need to move
Give me a revelation
I’ve got nothing without You
I’ve got nothing without…

I don’t know where I can turn
Tell me when will I learn
Won’t You show me where I need to go
Oh oh
Let me follow Your lead,
I know that it’s the only way that I can get back home

Give me a revelation,
Show me what to do
Cause I’ve been trying to find my way,
I haven’t got a clue
Tell me should I stay here,
Or do I need to move
Give me a revelation
I’ve got nothing without You
I’ve got nothing without You

Oh, give me a revelation…

I’ve got nothing without You
I’ve got nothing without You

Revelation, Third Day

Baklava!

2009-04-26T14:01:00.009-04:00

I've become a huge fan of this fabulous dessert!!! It's really not as hard as I thought it was going to be, just time consuming!

Here's what you'll need: Fillo dough, nuts, butter, cinnamon, water, sugar, honey and vanilla.

butter the pan really well!

ta-da!

chop the nuts (I used walnuts)

add the cinnamon

mix together

spread out the fillo dough and cover with a damp towel to keep it from drying out

place the first layer of dough in the pan. (always use 2 sheets at a time)

butter thoroughly...if you didn't know by now this is not the healthiest dessert.... :-)
repeat until you have 8 layers (of 2 sheets each)

sprinkle about 3 Tbsp (more or less) over the dough.

top with another 2 sheets of dough, butter and nuts until all the nuts are used or however many layers you want. the top layer should be about 7-8 layers deep.

cut into squares or diamonds.

while that is baking, bring sugar and water to a boil.

add honey and vanilla

simmer for about 20 minutes.

as soon as the baklava comes out of the oven pour the syrup over it.

you can smell it can't you.... mhmmm..

yum.

and there you have it! not hard...

just time consuming.

Well that was fun, but next time ya'll are just getting the final product...no more step-by-step; that's time consuming as well! :-)

Cousins

2009-04-19T20:46:00.006-04:00

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength.

--Proverbs 17:22

I don't have a title.

2009-04-19T20:39:00.004-04:00

I love flowers. I love taking pictures of flowers. Hence the following pictures. :-)

I think this is my favorite. :-)

Sorry mom... I had to do it...

You make a funny face while I'm taking a picture= fair game. :-D

My Green Thumb!

2009-04-19T19:09:00.005-04:00

I love growing things! This is the first year I've really been interested in having a garden. I started butternut squash (yum!), pepper, rosemary, and lavender.

I made little pots out of newspaper, filled them with potting soil especially for seedlings, and they actually grew! (I really didn't think they would...)

Since this picture they've grown quite a bit; here's what they look like now:

Now I want to get wood and make some raised beds for in the garden outside. I love watching things grow and I'm especially excited to be able to taste the fruit of my labor later on!

And out of the ground the LORD God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life [was] also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. --Genesis 2:9--

He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, And vegetation for the service of man, That he may bring forth food from the earth, --Psalm 104:14--

My First Cheesecake!

2009-04-19T16:45:00.007-04:00

To make, not eat...!

A couple months ago I realized Iactually had a springform pan! So of course I had to make cheesecake! This was a first for me. Trust me, it turned out pretty good. Here's the recipe I used.

Graham Cracker crumbs, white sugar and margarine for the crust.

Cream cheese, white sugar, eggs and vanilla for the filling.

crush the graham crackers

melt the margarine

mix all that together and press in the bottom of a springform pan. (sorry, forgot to take a picture of that!) bake for 10 minutes.

mix cream cheese, white sugar, eggs and vanilla for the filling.

pour over baked crust.

bake for 10 minutes, reduce heat and bake for 25-30 minutes more.

chill before serving.

top with whatever your heart desires! here are some great ideas:

(The numbers start at the top and go clockwise)
1- The Berries Blackberries, raspberries, honey, sage leaves
2- Caramel Apple Crisp apple slices, warm caramel
3- Zesty Blues Lemon curd, blueberries, lemon zest
4- Sweet Ginger Port-poached pears, candid ginger
5- Peppermint Twist White chocolate sauce, crushed peppermint candies, fresh mint
6- Tart & Sweet Orange marmalade, mandarin orange segments, cranberry relish
7- Nightcap Irish cream, gingersnaps, hazelnuts
8- Sugar Plum Delight Sliced sugared plums
9- Sundae Hot fudge, mixed nuts
10- Tropical Dried apricots, toffee, toasted coconut

Enjoy!

Easter at Aletheia

2009-04-17T10:04:00.004-04:00

Easter Sunday was amazing! Here's a taste of what the service was like.

A Sweet Reminder

2009-04-05T18:13:00.005-04:00

I got this idea from a beautiful friend of mine, Sarah! She has a Bible verse on her bathroom mirror and I thought it was a great idea!

*I couldn't remember what verse she had so I just picked one about beauty, but now that I think about it, I think I used the same verse she did! :-) *

Your royal husband delights in your beauty; honor Him! ~Psalm 45:11

Excuse the strange hand.

Breakfast in Bed

2009-04-05T18:09:00.003-04:00

Memory Lane

2009-03-30T17:30:00.003-04:00

This weekend I was privileged to work with Ted Swartz, Trent Wagler, Jay Lapp, and Jeff Raught at the release of the final name of Ted's company: Ted & Company TheaterWorks. All these guys have meant a lot to me and I absolutely love working with them!

...I shot the tambourine.... :-)

You all really should check out Jeff's CD In the Midst. I only got it Saturday night but as soon as I got home (already after 11) I started playing it and it's been playing ever since. I think I'm on at least my sixth or seventh time through the whole CD. It's wonderful. So go check it out. :-)

And while I'm at it, here's a plug for Trent and Jay's CD Adrienna Valentine. It's amazing as well. You know how you have to be in the mood for some music? Well I'm always in an Adrienna Valentine mood.

(sorry the picture is small....my computer crashed and I lost all my pictures a few months ago so this is one that's in my scrapbook from Senior Play. "Our fabulous Pre-Show music...Trent Wagler!" :-)

I'm going to do something I don't do very often....no, let me rephrase that. I'm going to do something I never do. I want to share part of a journal entry because I think it sums up this weekend.

...So it was a great weekend. It was a walk down Memory Lane. And Memory Lane is filled with good times and bad...happy and sad. But walking through it is always healing. And that's what this weekend was for me. A time of healing, a new step, walking forward.

Always forward.

Never back.

We move forward, but always remember.

Hello-Kitty Pops

2009-03-29T17:02:00.001-04:00

I forgot to post a picture of how the Kitty pops turned out. They were a LOT of work, but they were so very cute. (wish my edible pen worked better....)

Heaven's Rain

2009-03-29T09:34:00.001-04:00

And now you've looked into the Savior's Eyes

He's held you in His arms, freed you from your pain.

Washed your soul in Heaven's Rain.

And now you are complete.

God has made you complete.

Now you are complete....Lee.....whole.

You are missed, L.E.E.

Facebook or Stalkerbook?

2009-03-26T17:36:00.004-04:00

Today I came across several great articles that I thought summed up very well why I decided to take a long break from Facebook.

Facebook Faceoff
by Tim Sweetman
I couldn't help but wonder what he was thinking as he pulled out his iPhone and took advantage of a new Facebook application — right in the middle of the sermon.

It was then that I realized the narcissistic machine that is Facebook.

Shifting uncomfortably in my chair, I found myself desiring to do the same. I shuddered. Have I really come to this place where I'm more concerned about what's taking place on Facebook than what's going on in this church service? More concerned about a self-serving social networking site than this Bible on my lap?

Later on that evening, I thought more about my internal battle between Facebook and my Bible. I understand that one of my desires as a Christian should be to know God more deeply; the reality is that I spend very little time actually getting to know Him. Too often, my hours are spent pursuing other human beings through convenient electronic means like Facebook. My life can quickly become all about striving to know my buddies better than my Lord.

I struggled with this very battle just yesterday. I woke up early to prepare for an 8:30 a.m. class. The two weeks prior I had spent each morning reading and studying my Bible. But on this day, the first places I went were my blog, Facebook and my e-mail. As the day progressed, I found myself talking to people more through technology than face-to-face. After a few weeks I was losing focus on my goals in life, and focusing on things like my status updates and friends online.

I sit down to finish my paper for class. But instead of opening Word, I open up Firefox, type in the Web address, and check Facebook. Then refresh the page. Then open Word. Then switch back to Gmail. Honestly, my technology can be exhausting.

The signs are everywhere. And I'm growing utterly disgusted with myself. What is wrong with me?

It's not my intention to write a 1,200-word article encouraging others to give up Facebook, social networking, or the Internet. I plan to continue updating my status with random trivialities such as "Tim is attempting to write ... Tim just ate bread with mold ... Tim is heading to the basketball game" and the like. I'm still going to post notes, write on walls, and chat with friends.

But if all of this continues at the expense of getting to know God better, I want to throw it all out. All of it. Drastic, yes, but I've got to be willing to do whatever it takes.

Control and Human Interest

I see two issues at play in the realm of social networking and technology. One is lack of self-control. I should be writing a paper, but I'm online; I should be reading God's Word, but I'm online. The other is a little harder to perceive. It's a notion that holds the words of mere humans as much more interesting to follow than God's Word; the lives of mere humans as much more fun to get to know than God Himself.

Essentially Facebook is just one more thing that has shown me how easily I can lose interest in God's Word, the Bible. The words of J.I Packer come to mind:

How long is it since you read right through the Bible? Do you spend as much time with the Bible each day as you do even with the newspaper? What fools some of us are! — and we remain fools all our lives, simply because we will not take the trouble to do what has to be done to receive the wisdom which is God's free gift. (Knowing God, pp. 101-102)

If I take the newspaper out and insert Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, e-mail and IM ... I likewise "remain a fool." Perhaps even a bigger fool who wastes not just 30 minutes, but hours upon hours a day pouring himself into an often self-serving and ultimately temporary tool.

What puts this whole issue into perspective for me is something I read by Donald Whitney:

Surely we only have to be realistic and honest with ourselves to know how regularly we need to turn to the Bible. How often do we face problems, temptations, and pressure? Every day! Then how often do we need instruction, guidance and greater encouragement? Every day! To catch all these felt needs up into an even greater issue, how often do we need to see God's face, hear his voice, feel his touch, know his power? The answer to all these questions is the same: every day! (Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, p. 33)

I check things like Facebook every day. But do I read my Bible every day? I have to respond with embarrassment and a sinking heart that too often I do not.

Do you realize that tape-recorded readings of the Bible have proven that you can read through the entire Book in seventy-one hours? The average person in the United States watches that much television in less than two weeks. In no more than fifteen minutes a day you can read through the Bible in less than a year's time. (Knowing God, p. 33)

Honestly, I don't think I understand the gravity of my distain of daily time with God. It's not an issue of salvation, of course, but I do think that it's essential to my spiritual health and growth. The thing is, I can spend hours upon hours on the internet browsing Facebook or messing with my electronic devices; I find it absolutely disgusting when this takes the place of God.

What is my true priority in life? I need a serious wake-up call.

How Essential Is It?

I've wondered how important reading the Bible daily really is. Is it just some capricious rule that the Church made up? Or does Scripture convey that we need to cherish God's Word by reading it daily?

The essence of impiety is the proud willfulness of "these wicked people, who refuse to listen to my words" (Jer 13:10). The mark of true humility and godliness, on the other hand, is that a person "trembles at my word" (Is 66:2). (Knowing God, p. 113)

Many times I'll fall into a rut of not taking the Word of God seriously. What does it take to pound it into my thick skull that, if I want to get to know God better (which I claim), I need to head straight to the words He's given me (which I often don't do).

Paul instructs Timothy:

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16)

Scripture is not only profitable for me, but it's absolutely essential in order to be competent and to live my life well. Within those sacred pages I find everything that God has deemed necessary to tell me. There is so much depth and wisdom within those pages. Yet I somehow buy into the lie that the Bible is just boring and not worth my time. How would my life look if I poured myself into the pages of my Bible instead of pouring myself into the pages of Facebook? Radically different, I think.

I struggle with what to write for my status update; how often do I struggle with the great depths of God?

And I'm reminded of my friend checking up on Facebook during the sermon. I don't want to just single him out. I know I've been in the place where I've allowed the things of this world — and online community is too often a mere "thing of this world" — to form habits in my life that push all other things aside, including the attention that should be focused on God and His Word.

You know what? I think I'm finally ready to change that. Today. I think I'm finally ready to take some time away from the ultimately unsatisfying sterility of the Web, to examine the real needs of my heart, and to dive into the invigorating depths of the Word of God.

I Quit Facebook
by Ashlee Harris

I know Suzanne has already blogged about today’s article, but I’m going to add my $.02. (I hope it's not overkill.)

I recently deactivated my Facebook account. It was freeing. Freeing because I didn’t have to respond to the 20 something wall posts that had accumulated on my page. Freeing because I’m no longer tempted to sneak a peek at my page during work time. But it also freed me to pursue real relationships. Maybe you have energy to maintain all your Facebook friendships and have an active social life, but I don’t.

Unlike Tim and Suzanne, my relationship with Facebook wasn’t so much a detriment to my relationship with God as it was to my relationships with other people. You know, real people not their profiles.

I moved to Colorado Springs in January and it’s been a bit of an adjustment. For someone who grew up in a small agricultural community the transition to a large mega-church metropolis is a little overwhelming. When I went to the grocery store at home, I seriously knew every person on every aisle. Our community was just that small. I think there are more grocery stores in the Springs than there are people in my hometown. And since I can’t buy a loaf of bread to meet my familiarity needs these days, I run to Facebook.

Over the past couple months I have slowly identified my Facebook motives: loneliness and laziness. When I’m checking out people’s pages and writing on their walls I have a false sense of connectedness. (I’m not trying to discredit all electronic communication. I think emails and sometimes Facebook messages are genuine ways of connecting.)

But for me, it had created a false feeling of community. I needed to shut my Macbook and call a friend for coffee.

Tim Sweetman admits, “As the day progressed, I found myself talking to people more through technology than face-to-face.” Like Tim, I had more essay length emails with long-distance friends than I had conversations with face-to-face friends. That’s changing. And it’s draining at times since most of my face-to-face friends are relatively new and new friendships require work. But the reward of real relationships is worth the work.

What about you? Does Facebook enhance your friendships or weaken them?

The Face(book) in the Mirror

by Suzanne Hadley

Uh oh. Two convicting articles in a row. First, one on media discernment, and then today, Tim Sweetman's excellent article about Stalkerbook...er, Facebook. Here's the part that really got to me:

It's not my intention to write a 1,200-word article encouraging others to give up Facebook, social networking, or the Internet. I plan to continue updating my status with random trivialities such as "Tim is attempting to write ... Tim just ate bread with mold ... Tim is heading to the basketball game" and the like. I'm still going to post notes, write on walls, and chat with friends.
But if all of this continues at the expense of getting to know God better, I want to throw it all out. All of it. Drastic, yes, but I've got to be willing to do whatever it takes.

I'll admit it. I'm a little addicted to Facebook. I love to see what my friends are saying (i.e. saying about me). It's a reflection of sorts; a way to measure my place among people. Each day I receive feedback on myself. It's addictive.

I'm reminded of the verse about reflection in James 1:22-25:

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.

While Facebook may not be the healthiest addiction, social networking is not the true issue. The real question is: What am I looking into? How am I measuring success or gaining identity? Is it by the number of comments on a photo or is it by greater desire for God in my life?

I see two issues at play in the realm of social networking and technology. One is lack of self-control. I should be writing a paper, but I'm online; I should be reading God's Word, but I'm online. The other is a little harder to perceive. It's a notion that holds the words of mere humans as much more interesting to follow than God's Word; the lives of mere humans as much more fun to get to know than God Himself.

How would my life be different if I pursued God's Word with the same intensity and interest as I check my Facebook page? Tim considers:

Scripture is not only profitable for me, but it's absolutely essential in order to be competent and to live my life well. Within those sacred pages I find everything that God has deemed necessary to tell me. There is so much depth and wisdom within those pages. Yet I somehow buy into the lie that the Bible is just boring and not worth my time. How would my life look if I poured myself into the pages of my Bible instead of pouring myself into the pages of Facebook? Radically different, I think.

So perhaps Facebook points us to something greater. I desire to look at something to feel significant, gain perspective on myself and find community. I believe if that thing were God's Word "we would all soon see a blessed change" (to quote Rachel Lynde). Face it: it's something worth thinking about.

--------

I think facebook, like so many other things can be good and bad. It can be used for good and as I've seen lately it can also be used for evil. (Notice I didn't say facebook WAS evil, but that it can be used FOR evil.) I think the key here is moderation.

Where are your priorities?

Five minutes is a LONG time....

2009-03-25T20:40:00.003-04:00

When you're icing.

And not the yummy cake kind of icing.

Icing as in ICE.

COLD ice.

(not to be confused with "hot" ice.... ?)

Supposedly this should help tendinitis. Who knew it took so long to get rid of it? It's in my left wrist and I don't even know that I did anything to it in the first place. At first it's just cold....then comes the pain. And after a couple of minutes my wrist goes numb. I really hope this helps because I really really really DO NOT want a corti-something-or-other shot in my wrist. Ouch.

So here I go...

Back to my ice...

Brr....

Huh?

2009-03-23T22:05:00.002-04:00

I'm still here.

This past week has been crazy! Really crazy.

I had something good I was gonna blog about....but now I can't remember.

I'm so tired.

Goodnight.

Do It.

2009-03-20T15:46:00.002-04:00

It is 3.45 and I've been baking since noon. Whew. But I'm interrupting the "Hello Kitty Pops" to tell you all that you should check out this website courtesy of my church's Media and Design team which I am blessed to be a part of!

Do It.

You know you want to check it out. And with a name like that... :-)

Easter Sunday is gonna be sweet.

Sores and Boils Alley

2009-03-15T19:43:00.003-04:00

You know that episode of Gilmore Girls where Taylor gets this bright idea to change all the street names back to their original, historic names? And the Dragonfly Inn gets Sores and Boils Alley? And all Lorelai can say is, "Oh no...no, no, no...."

That's about how I feel right now.

No, no, no.....

Stay Tuned....

2009-03-13T19:31:00.002-04:00

...for the adventures of Kate and the cakepops!

A Wild Olive

2009-03-13T07:50:00.002-04:00

Everyone needs to check out this site! These t-shirts are amazing and they have a message!

The name Wild Olive comes from this verse:

And you Gentiles, who were branches from a wild olive tree, have been grafted in. So now you also receive the blessing God has promised Abraham and his children, sharing in the rich nourishment from the root of God's special olive tree. -- Romans 11:17

How cool is that?

I think this one's my favorite.

Go order your Wild Olive t-shirts!

Happiness Is...

2009-03-12T21:28:00.003-04:00

... a pair of black high-heels

... the smell of clean laundry

... playing/hearing the guitar

... the first signs of spring

... dressing up

... friends

... color coordinated Sharpies

... photography

... faith

... sand between my toes

...the sun shining on my face

... falling asleep after a wonderful day

... a four year old's jokes

... music

... getting flowers

... chocolate

... a child's arms

... a closet full of clothes

... books

... a cup of coffee

... flip flops

... post-it notes

... nail polish

... candles

... getting a letter

... jewelry

... a hand to hold

... organization

... acting

... that post-workout high

... photoshop

... an unexpected phone call

... baking

... a tube of brown/black mascara

... a baby's laugh

... Sunday mornings at Aletheia

... Bible Study

... the Word of God

and most of all...

Happiness is knowing the One who died for me and where I'll spend eternity.

Nothing else matters.

I have not been called to the wisdom of this world, but to a God who's calling out to me.
And even though the world may think I'm losing touch with reality;
It would be crazy to choose this world over eternity.

The Mystery Package....

2009-03-10T19:51:00.004-04:00

Curious yet?

So the mystery package came in the mail all the way from California! My friend, Jon, is working with MDS (Mennonite Disaster Service) in Dulzura, Cali. He knows how much I love the beach and warm weather and I once made the off-hand comment that he should just "send me the ocean."

Well he did!

He sent me a bottle of the ocean and a bottle of sand! Now I have the east coast and the west coast in my room! I've been to California but never to the Pacific Ocean, and now it's come to me! :-)

I absolutely loved my surprise, thank you Jon. :-)

Surprise Surprise!

2009-03-09T21:36:00.001-04:00

I got a package in the mail today.

All the way from....

Well, come back tomorrow to find out!

:-)

Playing Catch-Up

2009-03-08T19:08:00.013-04:00

My peach cobbler is overflowing. Like majorly. See for yourself. oops.

Here in the 'burg we're having the most beautiful weather! Today it was in the 70's and it's supposed to be the same tomorrow. :-) Joelle and I went in to Park View and walked around there ( I put her in her stroller; I didn't think she'd last the 3+ miles! ). We stopped at a playground where she wore herself out and when we got home.... this is what happened:

She was exhausted and fell asleep in my bed. She's such a good sport and oh so kissable! :-)

Am I the only one that can't keep her room clean more than 24 hours? I finally got around to cleaning off my craft/sewing table....check it:

Before:

After:

MUCH better. *disclaimer... it does not still look like that....go figure...now i'm in the middle of another project, but it is just ONE project and still looks....fairly organized! more on that later...*

I don't think this next picture needs any words.

So I am still convinced that I have the best job in the world. I am supernanny! :-)
I can't believe Effie is getting ready to turn 1 year old already! She's excited though; can ya tell?...

I. Love. Her.
(by the way... this is her "what a bunny says" face. :-) )

The other day I decided to buy myself flowers. I was desperately in need of signs of life in my room especially with the snow and cold weather (which I hope is disappearing until next winter!). I was also in the mood for peanut butter and chocolate. ahem.

I think I'm done playing catch-up. For now at least. Have a marvelous week!

Music, Music, and MORE Music!

2009-03-06T19:47:00.004-05:00

As I'm sitting here waiting for my peach cobbler to come out of the oven ... :-) ... I thought I'd share with you all some great artists you might not have heard of but that you should check out! I'm always looking for something/someone new to add to my collection! Have fun listening to a couple; come back every now and then and try out another one and enjoy!

Phil Wickham

Meredith Andrews

Kari Jobi

Brooke Barrettsmith

Matt Maher

Josh Wilson

Jason Allen Rich

Kristian Stanfill

Nevertheless

Whitney Engle

Sonflowerz

Legacy

2009-03-06T08:29:00.001-05:00

Whoops

2009-03-05T13:02:00.001-05:00

Don't Forget

2009-03-02T09:42:00.003-05:00

I was reading Mark 8 this morning and I wanted to share some thoughts with you all.

The chapter starts out with a multitude who have been listening to Jesus teach for three days. Most of these people haven't eaten very much throughout the past three days and they're getting hungry. Jesus had compassion for them.

Previously, in Matthew 15:32 where He feeds the 5,000, He has compassion for their lost spiritual condition. Here, He has compassion for their physical needs knowing they have been listening to Him teach for three days straight. Imagine, if you can, going to church for three days straight. Now, this is not like you are probably picturing it. The people were not indoors, with air conditioning, bathrooms, comfy benches or chairs, a table of food to snack on in the back, worship times, etc. No, these people went out into the wilderness.

Why?

Because every time Jesus enters a city, He is mobbed by people who want Him to heal them or someone they know, want Him to answer their question, or are trying to accuse Him and make Him trip up.

So Jesus goes out into the wilderness and still a multitude follows Him, but they do so because they really want to hear Jesus speak. How often do I "go out to the wilderness" no matter how uncomfortable because I want to hear Jesus speak?

So they're out in the wilderness and the disciples wonder where in the world they're going to get food to feed this many people. This is what really struck me.

They've already forgotten what Jesus did only months ago. (Matthew 15:32)
They don't remember! A miracle like that and you'd think they'd remember it!

He used five loaves and two fish and fed 5,000 men (not including women and children). Now the disciples say they have seven loaves. That's more than what they had last time! How quickly we forget what God has done for us! He saved us from hell and gave us eternal life! That's a miracle! Yet when things go wrong or we're in the midst of trials how easy it is to lose faith, to think God's forgotten about us.

Don't forget what God has done for you!

Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's?
Psalm 103 1-5

God has been so good to us!

Verse 7 says, "they also had a few small fish..." It's almost like an afterthought. As if the disciples were trying to hold back what little they had left for themselves. Didn't they remember they had 12 baskets of leftovers from the last time Jesus fed the multitude???

How often do I hold back? How often do I think, "I only have a little bit, I'll wait till I have more to actually amount to something before I give it up" or "it's really not much, I'll just keep it"?

Everyone ate and was filled.

Of course. You saw it coming. We know the stories, we're taught about Jesus feeding the 5,000 from the time we're little children in Sunday School.

But how about in your own life? Suddenly the storms come and we've forgotten all about the other times He's calmed the storms. The trials and storms in our life refine us. We're like gold in God's pot. He watches us bubble (all the while crying out for God to save us and to get us out) and He patiently scrapes all the bad stuff that floats to the top. Constantly watching until He can clearly see His reflection.

Verse 9: 4,000 men were fed (not including women and children). Now we've seen Him do it twice. Give God a little, whatever you have, and He'll do the rest.

Trust Him. Don't hold back. He knows what He's doing.

Shalala La La La La!

2009-03-01T18:57:00.002-05:00

I've been singing this song all day. :-)

My Little Eskimo

2009-03-01T18:07:00.003-05:00

Quite the fashion statement, eh?

I Will Serve You....

2009-02-27T22:33:00.004-05:00

This is what I want the theme song of my life to be.

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

Huh?

2009-02-26T20:18:00.002-05:00

All day it felt like Saturday, I thought it was Friday, and it's actually Thursday.

The Gift of Sight

2009-02-25T20:56:00.003-05:00

I think we all take our sight for granted. While this may seem strange to put a picture of my glasses and contacts on my blog, there is a reason. :-)

Normally, when I buy contacts, I get 6 months worth at a time which is 6 pairs of contacts. So last year I had my regular eye appointment, got my contacts and 5 months rolls around.... I kept pushing off ordering more and keep pushing it off until finally my eyes were killing me. At this point I remember I only had 6 pairs of contacts and my next eye appointment is in a couple weeks. In other words, I'd been wearing the SAME pair of 1-month contacts for almost 6 months. Not good.

So I go back for my yearly eye appointment, I order more contacts, and I'm at Costco this morning and think, why not check and see if they're in? Wouldn't you know the shipment had JUST arrived and they were processing my sisters when I walked up! Mine were soon to follow and I brought home those beautiful green and blue boxes that contain wonderful little circles that allow me to see. (thank you, whoever invented contacts!)

It's so easy to take something like our sight for granted. Only when we lose something or are forced to do without it for a while do we truly learn to appreciate the "simple" things. I have so much to be thankful for, yet I find myself always wanting more, the next best thing, what everyone else has. I need to be truly thankful for everything, and most importantly for God sending His Son.

Jesus Christ, I think upon Your sacrifice
You became nothing, poured out to death
Many times I've wondered at this gift of life
And I'm in that place once again
I'm in that place once again

Once again I look upon the cross where You died
I'm humbled by Your mercy and I'm broken inside
Once again I thank You; Once again I pour out my life
Thank You for the cross, my Friend!
~Matt Redman

So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight and they followed Him.
Matthew 20:34

Something to Think About

2009-02-20T07:36:00.002-05:00

In Mark 1 a leper comes to Jesus and says,

"If You are willing, You can make me clean."

Jesus IS willing and heals the man and what does He tell him?

"See that you say nothing to anyone; but go your way..."

What does he do? He tells everyone.

In Matthew 28 Jesus leaves us with this final command:

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

So....

Jesus says don't tell anyone and he tells everyone.
Jesus says tell everyone and we don't tell anyone.

Makes you think, doesn't it?

The Final Shot

2009-02-19T18:15:00.001-05:00

Check this out; it's amazing!

The Wonders of Thrift Shopping

2009-02-15T13:54:00.017-05:00

I finally have some free time to blog again! I've been wanting to blog about the amazing things you can find at thrift store for a while now and here they are!

I found this at the local Thrift Store. I paid $3 for this stone; I was excited to find this because I'm already starting to collect things for my own house someday.

I was especially excited to find these beautiful glass tea plates and glasses. My mom has a set of four from my grandma that I've been admiring and now I have my own. I paid $3 for each set of four; $6 total!

I love mugs and these fall mugs caught my eye. I don't remember how much I paid for each of them, but for some reason I think each one was only $.35.

I love these dishes! There wasn't a complete set; I have 5 dinner plates, I think 4 salad plates, 1 big bowl, and 3 or so little dipping bowls. The good news is I looked online and found a place where I can order filler pieces if I want! Maybe someday. :-) I think the dishes ranged from $.35 to $1 for different pieces.

I love baskets, especially dark brown ones so I was very excited to find this cute basket for only $1!

I am quite the coffee connoisseur and had been looking for a little coffee pot for quite a while. I almost gave in and bought one from Wal-Mart, but I'm glad I held out because I found this one a couple weeks ago for only $5. It looks almost new! My favorite feature is being able to program it to come on automatically in the morning! :-)

My final thrift store wonder (although this is certainly NOT the extent of purchases I've made at a thrift store...just look at my bookshelves filled with books I've bought there......

I'm slowly filling them up! :-) )

I found these glasses a while ago. A complete set of 10 for $6.

And there you have it! Just a few of the many reasons I love thrift shopping! All these treasures much cheaper than if I had bought them any other place.

Since I'm just getting started here on Blogger, feel free to leave a comment even if I don't know you (yet!). I'd love to hear from you!

For anyone that was wondering....

2009-02-09T10:03:00.002-05:00

Don't worry, this is not the final layout! :-) (lovely colors together, huh? and I'd say I have quite the patterns going on too....)

A New Start

2009-02-07T19:55:00.002-05:00

I must say this was the easiest move I've ever made....no packing and unpacking boxes....no cleaning to be done...no heavy furniture to lift...however I did leave most of my old posts behind.

I'm not entirely sure how Blogger works so I might have to enlist the help of my sister, Emily! She's the Blogger pro in our house. Hopefully it won't be long until I'm up and running on a (somewhat) regular basis!

If anyone has any helpful tips or ideas for my blog I'd definitely welcome them!

Kate

Resting in the Music of Life

2009-02-07T19:47:00.000-05:00

Not without design does God write the music of our lives. Be it ours to learn the tune, and not be dismayed at the "rests." They are not to be slurred over, not to be ommitted, not to destroy the melody, not to change the keynote. If we look up, God Himself will beat the time for us. With the eye on Him, we shall strike the next note full and clear.

If we sadly say to ourselves, "There is no music in a 'rest,'" let us not forget "there is the making of music in it." The making of music is often a slow and painful process in this life. How patiently God works to teach us! How long He waits for us to learn the lesson.

Ruskin

Cardboard Testimonies

2009-02-07T19:46:00.000-05:00

THIS is the world we live in...

2009-02-07T19:44:00.000-05:00

Note: At 4:48pm central, a call was made to the Clarion Hotel in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. The clerk was asked to confirm whether a discount was offered to patients at the Cherry Hill Women’s Center (abortion clinic). The female clerk answered, “Yes. The rate would be $59 dollars a night instead of $109.” The caller than said: “Let me get this straight, if I KILL my baby, I get a discount from your hotel. If I KEEP my baby, I don’t.”

The clerk answered, “Yes.”

Wow. Just wow.

NJ Hotels Offer Abortion Discounts

CHERRY HILL, NJ, October 17 /Christian Newswire/ — An abortion clinic that performs abortions up to the sixth month of pregnancy has worked out an arrangement with two area hotels to provide substantially discounted room rates for women seeking abortions.

Based on reports from local citizens participating in the 40 Days for Life prayer vigil outside the Cherry Hill Women’s Center, New Jersey Right to Life has confirmed that the Clarion Hotel in Cherry Hill offers a reduced rate of $59 for a room originally priced at $109 to those women who provide a receipt from the clinic that says they have to stay overnight. In addition, the Quality Inn in Maple Shade offers a discounted rate of $74.95 for a room originally priced at $99.99 and a free breakfast of eggs and pancakes for women who present a stamped pamphlet from the clinic.

Good Counsel Homes, a Catholic agency that assists homeless pregnant women, recently cancelled its banquet at the Clarion upon learning of the hotel’s arrangement with the abortion clinic.

Marie Tasy, Executive Director of New Jersey Right to Life said, “This experience shows us that the Legislature needs to act immediately to place a parental notification constitutional amendment on the ballot without delay.” Many of the girls going to Cherry Hill Women’s Center are minors from both New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Often minor girls become pregnant from adult men who prey on the inexperience of teenage girls. “The Cherry Hill Women’s Center has a track record of aggressive advertisement in the Pennsylvania market to intentionally lure pregnant minor girls to the NJ abortion clinic in order to evade Pennsylvania’s parental consent laws,” said Tasy, who also urged Congress to pass a pending bill prohibiting such interstate abortion schemes.

“We now learn that area hotels may actually be complicit in circumventing a neighboring state’s law, usurping parental rights, and consequently aiding and abetting the sexual predators of minors by offering these discounts.” The State of NJ needs to take immediate action to stop these abuses from occurring by enacting legislation to place a parental notification constitutional amendment on the ballot as soon as possible. All legislators who oppose these measures should be held accountable by the parents of the minor girls who have endured harm at the hands of the unregulated and unscrupulous abortion industry. With each passing day, more young lives are being placed at risk,” said Tasy.

Cherry Hill Women’s Center performs many methods of abortion which result in the violent killing of innocent unborn babies. One of the methods, used at 20 or more weeks, is injection of the dangerous drug digoxin directly into the baby’s heart to kill the baby. If digoxin is accidentally injected into the bloodstream of a woman or young girl, it can cause infection and death. Local pro-lifers who have spoken to women exiting the clinic report that many women and minor girls are alone, crying and in extreme pain, but are nonetheless discharged from the clinic after the digoxin injection. They are instructed to return the next day so the abortionist can deliver the dead baby. The clinic refers these women to the area hotels which provide discounted rates.

In 2007, two NJ abortion clinics were shut down for infection control violations and filthy conditions. Metropolitan Medical Center in Englewood, NJ was temporarily shut down for a month after a five year inspection lapse by the NJ Department of Health. Alternatives Abortion Clinic in Atlantic City permanently closed its doors after a six year inspection which uncovered multiple infection control and health violations. NJ Public Advocate Ronald Chen refused New Jersey Right to Life’s request to protect women in NJ from the no-show health inspections.

-Christian Newswire-

Slice of Laodicea