What My Marriage Really Looks Like

We like to take pictures on Easter of how pretty we look in our new clothes.  Sometimes not everything is so new.  Sometimes we don't look so pretty.  But, when things come together and we do take a good picture that we both like, we are happy.  Didn't happen this year.  Nope.  I did like ONE picture, but he didn't like it.  So, no new Facebook profile pics.  At least of us together.

BUT, what we did end up with were a couple of pictures that illustrate our life together.  Enjoy laughing at with us!

Easter Brunch Menu

We're having Easter Brunch this year instead of Easter dinner.  Same time, different food.  (Yes, that means we might be eating brunch in the middle of the afternoon, but it's the difference in the food itself we're thinking of here.)  Just to do something different.  And because brunch somehow seems more springy.  *shrug*  And because I love trying out new recipes.  Even for guests.  Even on holidays.  Maybe especially for guests and holidays. 

So, here's our menu:

Glorified Rice

 Baked Pear Vanilla French Toast, The Reluctant Entertainer cookbook, p. 153

Bacon, Ham and Lamb  (Sarah's bringing bacon and lamb; Grandma bought a ham...)  Lamb seems a logical choice for Easter.  Growing up, we always had ham.  I've never understood that.  How did ham get to be the meat of choice for Easter? 

Cinnamon Roll Bites

Candied Popcorn

Hot Cross Buns

Scrambled eggs in potato nests

Sherbet with Lemon Crisp Cookies

Cold beverage: Orange Pineapple Mint Punch with "Peep" straws

Vanilla/cocoa flavored chais

Five Minute Friday: The Hard Love

Gypsy Mama hosts Five Minute Friday.  This is my first time participating, but it sounds fun...and good for me.

The rules are simple.  You take her prompt and write for 5 minutes flat with no editing or tweaking.

So, here goes.

HARD LOVE


GO.

Hard love. Isn’t all love hard? Selfishness gets in the way of love all the time. We want to esteem others better than ourselves (as the Word says), but maybe later. Right now, I’m just tired. Right now, I just don’t feel like it.

Today’s Good Friday. I am so glad that Jesus didn’t feel the way I do so often. But, maybe He did. He just didn’t let it stop Him. Who knows? He was human. He did fall carrying that cross up the hill of Golgotha. He was tired. He felt the pain. The physical pain. The emotional pain. I’ve watched The Passion of the Christ. I know how much physical pain He bore. But, I think the emotional, spiritual pain must have been so much worse. Can you even imagine what carrying EVERYONE’s guilt must have felt like? I can barely bear my own. All of our guilt. All of our sorrow. All of our shame. All of our pain.

That’s hard love. How can I not love Him back?

STOP.

Have a Blessed St. Patrick's Day!

Tomorrow, March 17, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated all over the world. Does that seem odd when most of the world is not Irish and not everyone is Catholic. So, why do the rest of us non-Irish non-Catholics like celebrating this day?


St. Patrick was born in Britain in the 4th century. He was kidnapped as a teenager and made a slave by Irish raiders. He escaped after six years and returned to Britain and became a priest. Amazingly, he later chose to return to Ireland as a missionary. It is said that he used the shamrock to help explain the concept of the Trinity to the Irish pagans. Even through continuous opposition from the Irish, he continued to evangelize for thirty years and established monasteries, churches, and schools. He died on March 17.

Over the years, the holiday has grown to include many non-religious traditions mixed in with celebrating the Irish heritage. Though wearing green clothing and eating green food may not seem to have much to do with St. Patrick and the God he worshipped, it brings to mind that hanging icicle lights from our roofs and decorating with poinsettias don’t have much to do with celebrating Christ’s birth, either. Do we stop celebrating because of this? I think not. I think we can teach our children and pass the word along about a man who overcame great odds to be used by the Sovereign Lord to bring many to a saving knowledge of Him. I think we can teach our children about missionary work, the doctrine of the Trinity, and the awesome love of God by using this day as a tool. And if we use a little green food coloring along the way, eat a bit of Irish stew, and don our green attire, the better to celebrate, my dear!

Preparing for Lent

"It is not repentance that saves me;

repentance is the sign that I realise

what God has done in Christ Jesus."

~Oswald Chambers

Over breakfast this morning, Daja's family was discussing Fat Tuesday tomorrow, Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent.  Belgee, her soon-to-be 4 year old says, "I'm fasting Puttanesca."

Definitely a child of a foodie.  I had to go look it up.  I had no idea what Puttanesca was.

But, I have been thinking of Lent.  I am preparing.  Last night I made a folder for the blogs that I will be reading during the season.  See, I’m giving up my Google Reader. Sounds strange, right?  Google Reader is supposed to be a simplifying tool!  And it is, but I just have so many blogs that I want to read each day.   So, I made a folder for the blogs that I will be reading during Lent – my family’s, a FEW good friends, and some devotional types.  I’m giving up most of my craft, decorating, cooking, thrift, health, and organizational blogs -- and the folder labeled “People I Know”. Yep, lots of blogs I just can't seem to live without. We’ll see what happens after Easter. Maybe I’ll go back to them; maybe just some of them; maybe none.


Last year I gave up Facebook. It was a bit difficult to pull away, but it was SO good for me. It put my even being on Facebook in perspective and gave me freedom. I think that’s one of the reasons for any discipline. Discipline really does give you freedom. I’m going to say that again. Discipline gives you freedom! Amazing how that works. Just like dying to live and giving to receive.


I read a good post this morning by Edie from life{in}grace regarding Lent for those of us who are not Catholic, or even from a liturgical church. No, Lent is not a scriptural command. But, fasting, repentance, prayer, and discipline are. Following the church calendar just helps us not forget those harder things when we are celebrating the “fun” things like Easter and the Resurrection.

"In many cultures there is an ancient custom

of giving a tenth of each year's income to some holy use.

For Christians, to observe the forty days of Lent

is to do the same thing with roughly a tenth of each year's days.

After being baptized by John in the River Jordan,

Jesus went off alone into the wilderness

where he spent forty days asking himself

the question of what it meant to be Jesus.

During Lent, Christians are supposed to ask

one way or another what it means to be themselves...

to answer questions like this is to begin to hear something

not only of who you are but of both what you are becoming

and what you are failing to become.

It can be pretty depressing business all in all,

but if sackcloth and ashes are at the start of it,

something like Easter may be at the end."

~Frederick Buechner

So, even though I am from a non-denominational, evangelical church, I will be observing Lent. Even though I may not be giving up Puttanesca.

We weren't supposed to be exchanging "real" gifts...

But, after all the presents in the stockings were opened on Christmas morning (there were 16 opened one at a time), I was handed a letter.  It was addressed, "To our dearest Mom, Mommy, Nana, our best friend."

I was in tears before I even read past that.  And I cried through the whole letter.  The kind of letter that I can't post because then I would seem really egotistical.  But, it went straight to my heart and will stay there forever.

When I finished reading, this beautiful antique chandelier was brought in.  I couldn't believe it!  I had admired it in a local shop, thought it would look wonderful in our entry, but knew I couldn't buy it, so didn't think about it anymore.  And here it is in its perfect chippy state sitting in my living room!

Of course, when the girls came over to hug me, I started the ugly cry.

Thank you, Daja, Sarah-Kate, and Serena!  You are the absolute best daughters! 

And BFF's!

(I miss you, Serena.)

Hopefully, it will be put up real soon.  (Now looking for a ceiling medallion.)  I'll post before and after photos.

I don't have a Christmas tree...

I have a forest of them!

Our Christmas theme this year was "Winter Lodge." So, we needed a forest.  :-)  I hope to take some pictures of our decor and post them here, but as busy as this season is, it may be after Christmas.  I wanted to make sure I wished you all a Merry Christmas, though, so I'm taking the opportunity now.  Even if I don't get around to taking pictures.

Merry Christmas!

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Many people enjoy collecting angels. They have figurines of angels, jewelry with angels, and pictures of angels. Year ‘round. But, angels really abound during the Christmas season. They are everywhere. On tops of Christmas trees, angel-decorated ornaments, knick-knacks of angels, and angels on Christmas cards.

That’s because angels abound in the Christmas story. There was a great deal of angelic activity throughout the story of the birth of Christ. First, an angel brought Mary the news that she would be the mother of the Messiah. Then an angel came and comforted Joseph about the whole predicament. An angel proclaimed Jesus’ birth to the shepherds, and then a great multitude of angels joined in, singing “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Angels were definitely an integral part of the Christmas story.

I am sure that the angels were following their God’s commandment in everything they did, but I think they were so very glad to be a part of this whole history-making event! They were familiar with all the prophecies telling of the coming Messiah. They understood the grand plan of God. They knew the implications this story would have on the world. With all of this, can you imagine the excitement the angels themselves were feeling? I’m sure they were singing with gusto. It truly was JOY TO THE WORLD…and to the angels, too!

This is one of my little "angels" in her church's Christmas presentation. 

She's the one in the blue that the camera is centered on.

Beautiful, isn't she?

Third Sunday of Advent

It interests me that God used such a variety of characters in what we call the Christmas Story.  Rich, kingly wise men, glorious angels, a young innocent girl, a godly young man, wicked rulers, and lowly shepherds.

I can think of lots of reasons why God would pick the shepherds to announce the birth of our Savior. There are so many analogies that could be made regarding sheep and shepherds. And each one has a lesson for us to learn.



We often hear that term I used above – lowly shepherds. It wasn’t just that they were humble. It was because they were despised. In first-century Palestine, shepherds were of the lowest class possible. They were not allowed to observe ceremonial law because they were unclean. They weren’t allowed in the temple or synagogues. Shepherds were considered unreliable and not even allowed to give testimony in court! Why would God pick them?


Have you ever wondered why God picked you?


When the shepherds heard about Jesus, they ran to go see Him. After seeing Him, they told everyone they could find all about Him. Then they returned to their sheep, still praising God for all the things that had happened that night. They did not complain that they had work to do, that they weren’t good enough, or that someone else would be better equipped.


When God picks you – whether it is to give birth (like Mary), be faithful (like Joseph), sing praise (like the angels), give gifts (like the wise men), spread the good news of Jesus (like the shepherds), or just worship Him (like they all did) – remember, it’s because you fit God’s criteria. Even if you feel unclean, don’t have a good reputation, don’t feel you have the skills, or just plain don’t fit in, the fact that Jesus came changes all that. He came to be your Savior, which is good news of great joy. He came to make you clean and to bring you into his family, where you will always fit in.


And the angels made sure to announce that this good news is for all people – even me. Even you.

Second Sunday of Advent

The Israelites had just returned from exile to Jerusalem, only to find their city in ruins and the temple destroyed.  Under their governor, Zerubbabel, they excitedly started to rebuild it.  However, they barely got started before opposition set in.  So much so, that nothing happened for years.  Zerubbabel felt like a failure.  His dream had failed. 


But then one day the prophet Zechariah brought a message from God.  Zechariah 4:6-7 says, "This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel.  Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty.  What are you, O mighty mountain?  Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground.  Then he will bring out the capstone to shouts of 'God bless it!  God bless it!'  The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple, his hands will also complete it."


Zerubbabel knew now that with God's help, he would finish the temple.  The time had come.  God will complete the work He has started in us, too.  But, let us remember that He was also there in the beginning.  Verse 10 continues, "Do not despise the day of small things.  Men will rejoice when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel." 

He was there at the beginning and He will be there at the end.  There will be a time of rejoicing if we stick it out to the end.


What small thing have you despised in your life?  Are you going through a time of discouragement?  Does it seem like the opposition will never end?  Does it seem like you or your project will always be small?  That it will never be finished?

On this, the Second Sunday of advent, remember it was in the little town of Bethlehem that Christ was born.  Christ doesn't need all your accomplishments, all your smarts, all your talents, all your successess, all your "bigness".  He's asking you to be faithful in what He called you to do.  He was there in the small beginning; He will be there in the end.  There will be rejoicing and the blessings of God will be evident.

By My Spirit

Lyrics by Alameda Herrick

1957

Is there a mountain in your way?

Do doubts and fears abound?

Press on, oh, hear the Spirit say,

This mountain shall come down.

Is there a river in your path,

A river deep and wide?

Step in, the waters will roll back,

You'll reach the other side.

Is there a fiery furnace trial

Far more than you can bear?

Behold the blessed Son of God,

Is walking with you there.

Then trust alone the mighty God,

He speaks the winds obey.

Take courage, then, oh fainting heart

For you He'll make a way.

Not by might; Not by power;

By my Spirit saith the Lord of Hosts

Not by might; Not by power;

By my Spirit saith the Lord;

This mountain shall be removed;

This mountain shall be removed.

This mountain shall be removed,

By my Spirit saith the Lord.

First Sunday of Advent

"Look!  The virgin will conceive a child! 

She will give birth to a son,

and he will be called Immanuel (meaning, God is with us)." 

Matthew 1:23

Emmanuel, Emmanuel

His Name is called Emmanuel

God with us

Revealed in us

His Name is called Emmanuel

(lyrics by Bob McGee)

How glorious this is! 

Because He is with us, we do not have to be afraid.
Because He is with us, He will aways protect us.

Because He is with us, we can rest securely.

Because He is with us, we are never alone.

Because He is with us, His help is always available.

Because He is with us, we always have Someone Who will listen.

Downtown Lighting

Tonight as darkness fell, the community gathered to light up our city park and acknowledge the beginning of the Christmas season.

I love living in small town America where we don't have a problem gathering together and singing the whole songbook of Christmas carols and songs.  Seriously, we sang 14 (!) of them by candlelight.

  

By the end I felt a bit frozen, but happy.

Giving Thanks, Day Eleven

I would be amiss today if I did not thank and honor our United States Veterans for their service to our country. 

My father.  Army.

My brother, Rick.  Marine Corps.

My brother, Dean.  Air Force.

As is the custom around the country, today our town honored our Veterans at a special Veterans Day ceremony at our town's cemetery.  It is always held at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month. 

My husband was honored to offer the invocation and benediction.  These were his prayers.

Invocation

On this Veterans Day 2010, we come together in the Name of Jesus to this place of remembrance for our Veterans both alive and deceased.

O God, may we not confuse Memorial Day with Veterans Day for we have amongst us some tremendous Veterans that we commend for their faithful and courageous service.

I pray for those men and women of the Armed Forces past, present, and future.

I ask God to protect them as they have protected us, to defend them as they have defended us, to encourage and strengthen them.  I pray that You, Almighty God, would keep them mentally and physically strong.  O God, enrich them spiritually to be able to handle and cope with both life and death.

These great people have fought in distant conflicts and wars, pursued peace; they have protected borders or served here at home -- all to safeguard and defend the democracy forged in these United States 234 years ago.

On this Veterans Day and every other day, we salute them and extend our thanks.  We ask our God to smile upon each of you and your families.  I ask the Sovereign Lord to heal your body, mind, soul, and spirit.  May He remind you that your service has not been in vain.

It is with deep gratitude and thanks that we recognize this day as Veterans Day 2010.  We, the people of Paso Robles, California salute, honor, and respect each of you.

In the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  Amen.

Benediction

Almighty God, Creator of heaven and earth,

As we bring this ceremony to a close, cause each of us to not forget these awesome Veterans.  Again I ask for supernatural peace to rest upon each of them.  As long as we have faithful and courageous citizens like these, America will remain free.

We ask that You bless our Veterans today who have served in World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Bosnia, Somalia, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, and other conflicts and places around the world.

These Veterans have laid down and invested their lives for our freedom.  O God, bring America back to gratitude and giving these men and women a hero's welcome and the respect they deserve.

I pray for the upstanding, well-balanced Vet as well as the ones struggling on the streets and living under the bridge.

Lord, we pray for the Veteran located in the highest point in North America, Mt. McKinley, to the lowest in North America, Death Valley.  We pray for Your presence too be real in their lives.

Thank You, Lord, for the two greatest Veterans who brought America to freedom -- the U.S. Military and Your Son, Jesus.  One fought for our freedom here and the other paid for our eternity.

So, we say "thank you" to our Veterans and we bless them in Jesus' Name.  Amen.

Easter 2010......Finally

It comes as no surprise here that I have been totally remiss at journaling my days.  So, without making any promises to myself or you about how I'm going to do such a better job, I am going to try to do better.  How's that for not committing to anything? 

And I figured I'd start with Easter.  Before April ended.

Easter was a wonderful day.  I just love spending time with my family!  But, even though the day was spent having a great time, we did not forget that the whole purpose of the day is celebrating the resurrection of our Lord and Savior.  How amazing are all the ramifications of that simple statement!  Without the resurrection, the birth and death of Jesus would mean nothing.  Our Redeemer lives! 

And, as is our normal tradition, we try to wear something new on Easter Sunday.  Sadly, I can't post pictures of our entire family as the two newest members still haven't had their adoption court dates.  So, just imagine how cute they are!  And they are really, really cute!

Have you noticed how hard it is to buy a dress without black being a predominate color?  I know we don't have an abundance of clothing stores in our little town, but this is the ONLY dress I found that didn't have black in its color scheme!  I'm glad I liked it.

Mr. Good-looking Himself.

The Josh Abdelaziz family all dressed in orange.  I thought they all looked great, but thought it was amazing that they could all coordinate like this as orange didn't seem to be a widespread spring wardrobe color.  I guess I thought wrong.  Several families in church were all dressed in orange!  Who knew?

Shallah with her orange-suited friend, Mardell.

I just love our little church! 

I love it so much that I want it to grow bigger! 

I love every last person in this picture! 

(And the ones who didn't make it into the picture, too.)

Our main table only had six adults.  Odd for us. 

But, Grandpa, Grandma, and Aunt Janice all ate in Grandpa's room to keep him company.

I bought our little chocolate bunnies last year at the after-Easter sales.  They've been chillin' in our freezer for a year.  All wrapped in their atrociously colored foil.  But, disrobed and beribboned, I think they are just darling.

These little fake-moss-covered flying bunnies came from Pier 1.  I think they are just too cute when planted in a little rye grass.  (The basket and grass was a thank-you gift from Sarah-Kate.  I just love decorating with grass!  And she knows it.  I planted some grass in eggshells like Darcy over at fly through our window, but apparently I didn't take any pictures of them.  But, they were sweet.)

Lambchops on the grill.

Food is starting to gather.

Table is getting full.

Two little children's tables and one highchair.

The children thought it was great fun to eat a chocolate bunny with dinner.  Diego decided to roll the bunny in his hands as it started to melt.  Interesting thing to do.

Lots of eggs to hide.  The men in the family did such a good job hiding them, we almost didn't find them all!  Can you see the egg hiding in there?

Shallah "found" an egg, too.  But, she really wasn't interested in it, as you can see.

Besides the chocolate, dessert was Matzo Brittle from Tea Time magazine and Pioneer Woman's carrot cake.  Great ending to a great day.