Etcetera Whatever

The Change of Seasons

2009-09-30T10:57:00.005-04:00

I want you to live this day abundantly, seeing all there is to see, doing all there is to do. Don’t be distracted by future concerns. Leave them to Me! Each day of life is a glorious gift, but so few people know how to live within the confines of today. Much of their energy for abundant living spills over the time line into tomorrow’s worries or past regrets. Their remaining energy is sufficient only for limping through the day, not for living it to the full. I am training you to keep your focus on My Presence in the present. This is how to receive abundant Life, which flows freely from My throne of grace.

Sarah Young, Jesus Calling

Sarah Young is a missionary who wrote a small daily devotional based on her own personal prayer journal. Basically, she spent a lot of time listening in prayer. Then, she wrote her thoughts down as if spoken to by Jesus Himself. The style may not be for everyone, but to me her words have a powerful impact. Thanks to Emily for telling me about her.

Somewhere else today, I read "Today, a thousand times again today, I will: preach the truth to this soul prone to wander. I will seek the affirming smile of Father."

Today, I feel heavy and hopeful with the change of the seasons. My daily in-and-out has been overwhelming. My mind whirls with what-if's. worries. things that drag me down. unproductive pondering.

Also today, God is showing me a glimpse....if only I am listening enough to hear the pieces tacked together. In the snippets of thoughts written by others' hearts.

I haven't been living my days abundantly. Which translates into possibly wasted weeks. Monotonous months. Strung along...August, September... For what?

Lord, help me to see Your Presence in the present. I can only do that with Your help. My meager attempts come up empty.

In this new, fresh season, I ask that you make it a new, fresh start in my everyday.

Pondering home...

2009-05-22T11:11:00.002-04:00

This is a commencement speech given by Laura from 10 Million Miles. Read this excerpt for yourself:

"Despite these trends, I bring you a message of hope: God intends for us to love, He intends for us to be in the mess of relationships, He intends for us to stay and to make peace when things get tough. He intends for us to build homes and to love our families. It is possible to sacrifice some achievements and some experiences in order to build a home. It is possible to look back on your losses without regret. It is possible...

As you build your home you, too, must surrender pride, whimsy, and selfishness.Perhaps the most significant thing you will sacrifice is the spirit of independence which is destroying women. There is no room for the independent spirit in a woman’s life: we simply cannot love a man, children, or others well if we are entangled in this popular mentality that we are the center of the universe and we should have everything our way and we should be able to accomplish everything we desire and we shouldn’t have to answer to anyone but ourselves.If you want to be great in God’s kingdom, learn to be the servant of all.In the world’s eyes, you will be sacrificing so much, but in God’s eyes, you will be the lifeblood of His next generation, a generation who will praise His name."

You can read the whole amazing commencement speech here.

I hope everyone has a wonderful, relaxing Memorial Day Weekend!

Lilac

2009-04-15T16:00:00.002-04:00

In the dooryard fronting an old farm-house near the white-wash'd palings,
Stands the lilac-bush tall-growing with heart-shaped leaves of rich green,
with many a pointed blossom rising delicate, with the perfume strong I love,
With every leaf a miracle - and from this bush in the dooryard,
With delicate-color'd blossoms and heart-shaped leaves of rich green,
A sprig with its flower I break.

~Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass, 1865

toward the cross....

2009-04-10T11:28:00.002-04:00

Jesus is on his way toward the Cross. His disciples have fled and he is alone, alone with our suffering and our pain. Alone to face the wrath of the Roman Empire and the fury of the crowd. Alone and feeling abandoned by God. Yet not alone for all of humanity walks with him. We stumble and fall as he did. We are abused and spat upon. We feel despised and rejected - by ourselves, by others, by our world. God have mercy. Free us from our prisons and bring us new life

God who created us suffers because of us

God who died upon the cross suffers for us

God who dwells with us suffers with us

And in God’s suffering we find hope

God, your suffering brings us salvation

Without you the horrors of human suffering would be unbearable

Your story of life, death and resurrection gives life meaning

Your suffering frees us from our prisons

Because of your suffering a new world is breaking into ours

May we live this day in the knowledge of your pain

May we live this day in the assurance of your love

May we live this day in the hope of the resurrection.

Today

by Christine Sine

He makes all things new

2009-04-08T16:09:00.002-04:00

Hello family and friends!

Thanks for your prayers as I was on our HC mission trip to Iowa last week. We did so much physical labor! The floods that swept through Cedar Rapids, Iowa, this past June really left their mark. Homes that are fortunate enough to not have their foundations crumbled away under the waters are JUST now starting to be reconstructed. Many homes are stripped down to studs…but only up to 5 feet high-the water line. Then they must sit, dry out, be treated with a Baking Soda Blast, dry out…etc. We got to know the owner of one of the homes...and his animals....as well as building some team-relationships that weren't there before.

Cedar Rapids struggling 9 months after flood - USA Today Article

We were under the direction of a Methodist church in Iowa that has been organizing teams of volunteers, has trailers parked around the city with donated construction supplies, and coordinates supply drop offs to the homes. This is a huge endeavor, and they are welcoming teams of any size to come and volunteer. (They think this effort will take years to get back to where they were…so keep it in mind if you’re considering a mission trip.)

While we were so busy with the physical labor…..we noticed too late that our spiritual labor had been lacking. I think that opened the door wide for spiritual warfare…which was definitely rampant on this trip. And effects are still reeling in our HC, which we are working through. (Prayers are appreciated!)

On a personal note, I feel this trip was freeing for me. Since coming back from the trip I've felt rejuvenated. More at peace with God. With more of a desire to know Him than I have had in a year. For the past 6 months I haven't spent much time in the Word. As a result, my countenance had slipped, my mindset had suffered, my outlook was not of the Lord. I am sure some of you had noticed that I wasn’t the same old Kristi…but weren’t sure if you could put your finger on it. It’s a snowballing effect, really. I apologize for anyone I may have affected. And want to thank my dear hubby and sister for putting up with me =o)

If you can pray that my countenance doesn't slip again. That this refreshed desire for Him...this new inner peace...doesn't give way to the enemy.
Thinking on Micah 6:8… ”He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your god.”

Barbie Bride back

2009-03-26T11:41:00.001-04:00

Barbie Bride Cake, originally uploaded by kristibrooke.

Barbie Bride Cake

2009-03-26T11:40:00.001-04:00

Barbie Bride Cake, originally uploaded by kristibrooke.

My first doll cake....and it turned out nothing like I had in mind when I started. But I absolutely LOVE the final result =o)

Soil

2009-03-19T15:29:00.003-04:00

This week ushers in spring. This week my hubby and I found ourselves out in the yard, trimming back remains of last season and exposing soil. We were reminded how much joy we get from joining forces and tackling the yard. We both love the beauty that results and are excited to enjoy it on our new patio this summer.

As I peruse many blogs, I was directed to Stephen Bartlett in Louisville Kentucky. He has a passion to help people discover not just the joy of gardening, but also the wonderful lessons that we have to learn about our awesome God in the midst of the garden.

"Soil is miraculous,” he says. “The amount of thriving life and myriad interactions between the life in just one handful of soil is beyond the human capacity to understand." Read the entire article here

Do you have a green thumb? Wish you did? What plans do you have for your yard this spring?

Deeper Conversations

2009-03-12T08:14:00.003-04:00

Thanks to ...in a whiz for helping me find this beautiful song....

href="">

the power

2009-03-09T12:27:00.007-04:00

I've been praying my whole life. When I was little, I'd fold my hands politely at the table (trying to squeeze my eyes shut) until I chimed in with a joyful 'Amen!'. I was led in prayer by my Dad when I realized I was a sinner, and needed a Saviour. I cried out in prayer when life as a high-schooler seemed so cruel. I asked for guidance in prayer as I decided to live with my other parent. I joyfully prayed every time I saw someone else accept their eternity with Christ, every time I saw a prayer answered, every time it was answered my way.

But what about those times when it wasn't? What about when I seemed to glimpse NO answer? Silence.

Those are sometimes the hardest. When you are left wondering if you were heard. If you had the wrong 'agenda' in the first place. If you and God were even on the same page.

But lately....I've noticed something. Prayer isn't about the answer. Hardly!It's about so much more! It's act of communication with the Almighty...knowing He is just a word away. Acknowledging my need to include Him in my every breath. Every moment. It's the concept of total trust...despite seeing a positive (or not-positive) result.

It's about the peace.

That is what I am learning. Recently, a few friends have been/are going through some trying situations. And I've noticed them tell me how much peace they have....despite the way things are going. ...without knowing how things will turn out. ....this peace, it passes all understanding. And what do they attribute it to? Prayer. That they can feel people praying. That they know people are, because it's not natural to have this sort of peace in this type of circumstance.

The power of prayer is not necessarily power to change the outcome. But it's definitely power to change the hearts of those involved.

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. - Colossians 4:2

One Twig At A Time....

2009-03-09T12:22:00.003-04:00

Inspiration. Challenge. Sometimes comes from completely unexpected places. From scenarios that have nothing to do with MY little world, but somehow parallel perfectly. Today, I found inspiration here:

Sometimes life throws us surprises. For us, March has certainly come in like a lion, and not a friendly one either. We have had every kind of problem you can imagine, horse problems, cow problems, weather problems, heating problems, truck problems, scheduling problems, Internet problems, and so on and so on. And that was just last week. But I learned a sweet lesson from God using a little bird.

There is a small bird building a nest in the bird feeder that hangs on my front porch. Right after this massive snowstorm that completely blanketed us, I saw little bird food prints on my front porch.

It didn't phase her at all. She wasn't whining or complaining. She wasn't fretting or worrying. She simply just did the next thing. She had to peck and dig a little to find her twigs, and there didn't seem to be hay sitting around for her to use, but she seemed to find it anyway without any bother. What a lesson. She is so focused on her God given purpose that she didn't even notice that the flowers were blooming and the calendar says it is March, and that this storm was a little un-nerving. She knows her job and even though she is a very small creature she wasn't at all bothered by a blizzard. I love the way God uses birds in His illustrations in His Word.

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
Matthew 6:26-27

I encourage you sisters to take a look at the tasks in front of you as building a nest. Continue with a twig here and a twig there. Make your home a nice cozy nest for your family. Don't let the pressures of this world weigh you down. Don't really give them any notice. Pray and know that He knows what is going on and trust that He will care for us. We may face troubles ahead, in fact we most likely will experience some storms, but just keep on, one twig at a time.

Do I really believe my life is as valuable as my Saviour says it is?

How much smoother would my life go, if I just kept on...one.twig.at.a.time?

no fretting..

no worry....

...not even a blizzard could throw me off track....

asking God to help me on to the next twig

"Unfortunately, Kristi..."

2009-03-02T10:43:00.002-05:00

Let's start our day off with a smile today. I hope this does the trick!

I had seen this on quite a few blogs and got such a kick out of it, I had to try it. I was cracking up at what I found. First, do a Google search for "unfortunately (Your name here)". You will be surprised at all the lines you get with your name in it. Some of these are hilarious.

Here a just a few of the ones that came up for my name. My wise cracks are in (___) behind the quotes.

1. Unfortunately Kristi Yamaguchi won instead of Jason Taylor!(I've always liked her)
2. Unfortunately, Kristi recently passed away on october 29, 2007. (so sad!)
3. Unfortunately, Kristi was not able to join him in Germany until almost the middle of March, 2006. (I've been to Germany??)
4. Unfortunately, Kristi has been injured and will no longer be able to finish the hike. (bummer, I love to hike...)
5. Unfortunately, Kristi, you’re further away than just zipping through the Eurotunnel. (Yes, yes I am...)
6. Unfortunately, Kristi had to leave, so the rest of us blew up this boat that Scott brought. (Sorry, Scott...would have loved to partake...)
7. Unfortunately, Kristi sustained a severe hamstring injury. (Ouch!)
8. Unfortunately Kristi, that is easier said than done, but I will give it a shot. (good for you!)
9. Unfortunately, Kristi also performed the dance dressed like a chicken, which may have been distracting to the viewers/judges. (a chicken? Distracting for me, as well!)
10. Unfortunately, Kristi has not been too successful with her own site as she is ranked with a 0 out of 10. (Aww...I know I need to post more, but really?!?)

Aren't those funny? Did it make you smile? If you feel like playing along just type your name after the word unfortunately in quotations and see what you come up with. Oh and let me know that you did so I can some check it out!

I've become a follower...

2009-02-19T12:26:00.005-05:00

Lately, I have stumbled upon many blogs that I find encouraging...so my online time has been spent reading, instead of writing. One of the blogs I follow is starting a series over the next several days (or however long it takes) we are going to journey together, if you're willing, on a path toward breaking free from our core lies.

Would you like to join me?

S.W.A.K

2009-02-01T14:47:00.000-05:00

The human heart...

2009-01-29T09:48:00.001-05:00

Referring to Bible reading and prayer, John Piper says:
“I earnestly recommend that it be in the early morning, unless there are some extenuating circumstances. Entering the day without a serious meeting with God, over his Word and in prayer, is like entering the battle without tending to your weapons. The human heart does not replenish itself with sleep. The body does, but not the heart. We replenish our hearts not with sleep, but with the Word of God and prayer.”

Yep. This is something my mind, and my heart have been mulling over lately. I think I've been winning the battle, but I pray that God helps me to continue. And boy, what a difference it does make.

MORE than conquerers...

2009-01-09T10:43:00.002-05:00

Do you ever just read something and it hits you? Hear lyrics that make your eyes misty? All of these things hit a chord, something the Lord wanted you to hear, to touch your heart. It may not be an exact situation, it may not be in the way the writer meant, but somehow God is using the words and speaking them to your heart.

Today, I read this from Amber’s blog:

I can feel my eyes mist up even now as I recall a conversation with one friend... Her husband left when her youngest was barely five. She has six kids. And over the past seven years he's come back in and out of their lives - raising hopes, only to dash them again. I asked her how she kept going. How she kept forgiving. And I can see her calm, peaceful expression as she looked me straight in the eyes and said, "Amber, I learned long ago it's not flesh and blood we're fighting against...."

And I must admit as I stood on the other side of the kitchen from my husband Tuesday morning. Thinking of how inconsiderate he had been. How misunderstood I felt. How right I knew I was :) I heard Robin's words breeze through among all those selfish. self pitying. prideful thoughts.

If we haven't realized it by now, it's time we do. We HAVE an enemy!!! And it's not the man in the white house. Or the terrorist. Or the people in our church. Or our extended family. And for crying out loud it's most certainly not our husband!! It is Satan. And he is a master at what he does - Trying to distract us from the truth found in Jesus Christ. Trying to make us feel defeated and destroyed. I read this recently, "Listen carefully: if you belong to God, Satan cannot destroy you. The best he can do is to convince you that you're destroyed." How many of us are walking around convinced we have lives. homes. marriages relationships. already destroyed and beyond repair, so why bother? Why fight?

But we are being blinded by the lies of Satan. We read Scriptures that tell us, "we are MORE than conquerers..." yet somehow don't/can't believe they are meant for us. For our problems. For our situation.

BUT THEY ARE.

I don't always feel like a conquerer. But it does not change the truth. My Christianity is not based upon my feelings, but the facts of God's Word!! And even when I don't feel like a conquerer, or have the will to want to fight so that I can be ~ it's how I felt standing in my kitchen the other day. Defeated before I even began. Wondering what the point was.... yet knowing all at the same time exactly what the point was - Marriage, like no other relationship, cannot afford to lose it's tenacity to fight!

Even when I don't want to and don't feel like it, and think there is not an ounce of desire to muster up within me to be a conquerer... HERE'S where the truth of God's Word kicks in, and my feelings get kicked out. Because that verse goes on to tell me the only way I can fight and win - in whatever it is I'm facing - is through Him who loved me and gave Himself for me. Through Jesus Christ my Lord!

And when I call out for His power, He gives it. The channels of grace run down and fill me and before I even realize what is happening I find that I'm (through Him) conquering....

I hope that this also encouraged you today. Encouraged you to FIGHT whatever battle/struggle you are facing today.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T08:12:00.005-05:00

There has been only one Christmas - the rest are anniversaries. ~W.J. Cameron

Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childish days; that can recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth; that can transport the sailor and the traveller, thousands of miles away, back to his own fire-side and his quiet home! ~Charles Dickens, The Pickwick Papers, 1836

Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time. ~Laura Ingalls Wilder

The earth has grown old with its burden of care, But at Christmas it always is young.
~Phillips Brooks

One of my all-time favorites....

2008-12-24T08:56:00.003-05:00

O, Holy Night

O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of our dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
'Til He appear'd and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! O, hear the angels' voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born;
O night divine, O night, O night Divine.

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here come the wise men from Orient land.

The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friend.
He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King, Behold your King.

Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;
And in His name all oppression shall cease.

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,
His power and glory evermore proclaim.
His power and glory evermore proclaim.

Children of Christmas

2008-12-22T11:26:00.000-05:00

Children of Christmas
by Erma Bombeck

There is nothing sadder in this world than to awake Christmas morning and not be a child.

Not to feel the cold on your bare feet as you rush to the Christmas tree in the living room. Not to have your eyes sparkle at the wonderment of discovery. Not to rip the ribbons off the shiny boxes with such abandon.

What happened?

When did the cold, bare feet give way to reason and a pair of sensible bedroom slippers? When did the sparkle and the wonderment give way to depression of a long day? When did a box with a shiny ribbon mean an item on the "charge?" A child of Christmas doesn't have to be a toddler or a teen. A child of Christmas is anyone who believes that Kings have birthdays.

The Christmases you loved so well are gone. What happened? Maybe they diminished the year you decided to have your Christmas cards printed to send to 1,500 of your "closest friends and dearest obligations." You got too busy to sign your own name. Maybe it was the year you discovered the traditional Christmas tree was a fire hazard and the needles had to be vacuumed every three hours and you traded its holiday aroma for a silver one that revolved, changed colors, played "Silent Night" and snowed on itself.

Or the year it got to be too much trouble to sit around the table and put popcorn and cranberries on a string. Possibly you lost your childhood the year you solved your gift problems neatly and coldly with a checkbook.

Think about it. It might have been the year you were too rushed to bake and resorted to slice-and-bake with no nonsense. Who needs a bowl to clean -- or lick?

Most likely it was the year you were so efficient in paying back all your party obligations. A wonderful little caterer did it for you for $3 per person.

Children of Christmas are givers. That's what the day is for. They give thanks, love, gratitude, joy and themselves to one another. It doesn't necessarily mean you have to have children around a tree. It's rather like lighting a candle you've been saving, caroling when your feet are cold, building a fire in a clean grate, grinding tinsel deep into the rug, licking frosting off a beater, giving something you made yourself. It's laughter, being with people you like, and at some time falling to your knees and saying, "Thank You for coming to my birthday party."

How sad indeed to awake on Christmas and not be a child. Time, self-pity, apathy, bitterness and exhaustion can take the Christmas out of the child, but you cannot take the child out of Christmas.

Little Arwen...

2008-12-01T16:50:00.001-05:00

Congrats to the Helms on the birth of their first daughter! Such a precious name...Arwen Nicole Helm. And this quote came to mind...which I quickly sent to the new parents...

"Young she was and yet not so.The braids of her dark hair were touched by no frost; her white arms and clear face were flawless and smooth, and the light of stars was in her bright eyes, grey as a cloudless night; yet queenly she looked, and thought and knowledge were in her glance, as of one who has known many things that the years bring." LOTR

Oh my...

2008-11-04T09:05:00.000-05:00

Honestly, I want to be like Christ

2008-11-01T09:07:00.002-04:00

But honestly I want to be like the Christ who turned water into wine, not the Christ who thirsted on a cross. I want to be the clothed Christ, not the one whose garment was stripped and gambled away. I want to be the Christ who fed the five thousand, not the one who hungered for forty days in the wilderness. . . This is the dark side of Christianity, the side we don't see when we sign up. That if we want to be like Christ, we have to embrace both sides of His life. What else could it mean when the Bible talks about "the fellowship of His suffering"? How could we enter that fellowship apart from suffering? How could we truly know the Man of Sorrows acquainted with grief if we had not ourselves known grief and sorrow?

The Reflective Life by Ken Gire

I've been pondering the Sermon on the Mount, as we've been going through it in house church. Do i see my deep need and call out to the only one who can ultimately help me? or am I content being 'happy' with safe circumstances where I can just idly do life? Happiness depends on external circumstances. But blessing depends on being rightly related to God despite external circumstances.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them." Matthew 5:3

Am I rich or needy?

A dream...

2008-10-08T15:50:00.001-04:00

Wolfgang Simson describes his vision of what the church, unhindered, is becoming:

[I dream of a] church, which does not need huge amounts of money, or rhetoric, control and manipulation, which can do without powerful and charismatic heroes, which is non-religious at heart, which can thrill people to the core, make them lose their tongues out of sheer joy and astonishment, and simply teach us The Way to live. A church which not only has a message, but is the message. Something which spreads like an unstoppable virus, infects whatever it touches, and ultimately covers the earth with the glory and knowledge of God.

A much-needed break...

2008-09-26T11:15:00.003-04:00

We've taken a few days off of work. Finally. Some down time.

Made the drive to DuBois, PA on Weds after work and arrived shortly after 1am....boy, I-80 is jam packed with semi's at night. It's been a nice few days of relaxing, doing nothing, and for me specifically- my mind can sorta stop racing...because it's not MY house there are not the ubiquitous distractions of what I should be accomplishing that normally stare me in the face until I concede.

Yesterday we wandered around this small town after getting our teeth cleaned (yep, my step dad is a still MY dentist, so every time I make it home...I also make an appointment). Wandered to the mall, found the local cake decorating supply store for a few things I needed, and got a good start on Kelly's Halloween costume (yay! now Phil and I just need to figure out what to be!) Then we had a nice dinner on the enclosed porch with the fam last night...drinking it in before all the guests arrive on Saturday.

Guests? Oh yeah! The REASON for this mid-week trip is to celebrate my Mom and Step-dad's 25th wedding anniversary. As I type, I've got the first of the cakes I'm doing for the big Saturday celebration in the oven. So I decided to take some time while the timer is ticking to capture this weekend. Sitting in the 'good' dining room under their amazing crystal chandelier. Distracted by the view of swaying treetops out the deck window....what a fabulous view of the whole town of DuBois we have from our perch on top of Coke Hill (used to be a Coca-Cola bottling factory at the bottom of the hill)....I really do think I've needed this break. Things have been a bit busy at home, to say the least.

Soon...family will descend on Randall Ct...siblings, in-laws, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. And there will be much commotion, laughter, decorating, and celebrating. smiles will abound. For now, it's about time to take the cakes out of the oven...as the timer reaches :03.

Pictures to come...

In summary....

2008-09-08T14:53:00.002-04:00

planning
baking
icing
packing
sleeping
loading
cramming
driving
family
setting up
fishing
cattails
hiking
swimming
pickup by Wally
tearing down (partially)
re-setting up
building a fire
guitar serenade
making s'ghetti
basking in campfire glow
mountain pies
singing
smores
laughing
pictures
sweatshirts
chilly
sleepingbags
cozying in
crows at daybreak
dew
firewood
fire
heat
campfire coffee
drizzling
breakfast over the fire
(and the coleman stove)
smoke
cinnamon rolls on a stick
scripture
singing
sunshine
blue skies
football
hot dog roasting
diet coke with lime
teardown
load up
smile!
hugs
driving
unloading
mowing
laundry
sleepy
cuddling back in our own bed
after a good weekend
a full weekend
family.

Stuck in my head lately....

2008-09-04T13:29:00.002-04:00

Colors
by Kira Willey

I am green today
I chirp with joy like a cricket song.

I am gray today
Gloomy and down like a morning fog.

I am orange today
Loud and messy like finger paint on the wall.

I am red today
Hopping mad like a playground ball.

I am black today
Strong and tall a great big bear.

I am purple today
Bright and happy like a butterfly in the air.

I'm a rainbow today
All the colors of the world.
I'm a rainbow today
All the colors of the world.
I'm a rainbow today
All the colors of the world are in me.

I am yellow today
I shine my light out like the sun.

I am white today
Soft and quite like new snow.

I am blue today
Calm as glass and cool like the sea.

I'm a rainbow today
All the colors of the world.
I'm a rainbow today
All the colors of the world.
I'm a rainbow today
All the colors of the world are in me.

Cake!

2008-08-21T09:53:00.006-04:00

What an appropriate subject for me, right? Well, today's post comes with a bit of humor. My friend Joel, knowing how I bake and all, sent me a link to a blog called "Cake Wrecks". It has brought me lots of chuckles as I see new posts about cakes-gone-wrong. Check it out!

Well, today that blog posted this video....and I want to share it with you. Enjoy!

Did we miss our calling?

2008-08-14T08:17:00.001-04:00

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Quilting?

2008-07-21T12:29:00.001-04:00

I'd love to learn, and try my hand at it. But even better...I'd like to win THIS quilt! It's down-right-goregous!

Do any of you quilt?

Lately.....

2008-06-30T12:38:00.002-04:00

I've been an awful blogger...and my apologies...but sometimes there is just nothing to write. But I have been taking pictures =o)

Fathers' Day

My first 18 Holes

A Luau...and cake I made

Lyrics can be a good and timely reminder...

2008-06-17T12:35:00.005-04:00

All I Have
by John Reuben

Are you disappointed?
Is this world a let down
With your head in the clouds it’s time to get down
Head on collision crushed by dreams
So we leave our hearts at the accident scene
Shattered pieces scattered
Who told us it was okay to allow our thoughts to be flattered
And entertained with ideas that can’t sustain
And our future once so confidently proclaimed
So where do you go from here when it all disappears
Apathy dries your tears until you don’t care if you live and die
Occupied with disclaimers and reasons as to why
Realize life isn’t lived in fantasies
No matter how much planning or strategy
Joy comes along with tragedy, I own them all gladly

(CHORUS)
I’m alright I’m okay
I kind of like doing things this way
All I have is what God gives
And that’s all the life that I was meant to live

We’re not taught trial and error
We’re not taught nor are we prepared
So we fail against everyday opponents
All the while we’re still living for glorious moments
And the media feeds the youth a false reality
Of what it takes to make yourself happy
And since they’ve got about a one in a billion shot
Why try and make them think it’s something that it’s not
No this ain’t a movie, this is real life
The spot light don’t shine quite as bright as some might like
But that’s alright cuz the starlight at night
Is more of a highlight than the highlife
The air I consume from the breath of creation
Renews my soul everyday I awake
Ah, man, tell me who knew that simply being content was the dream come true

I'll love you 'till Niagara Falls...

2008-06-06T15:08:00.002-04:00

While in PA for my youngest sister's high school graduation....be took a detour to hit Niagara Falls (a few hours drive). My hubby had NEVER seen the falls, which makes me ghasp at the thought, since we went there at least once a year growing up. Here are a few pics of that amazing work of God....

We even stayed through to watch the fireworks....it was Memorial Day Weekend, afterall!

We rolled home around 1am, exhausted and all pretty groggy. It was an excursion well worth it. But only fueld the fire we have to go BACK so I can take him on the Maid of the Mist and through the Cave of the Winds! (and get our passports rolling so we can camp on the Canadian side, over the Rainbow Bridge.)

Of beaches and cakes and MarioKart....

2008-05-19T13:58:00.007-04:00

My dear friends Dan and Cat said their wedding vows on a beach in California on May 9.

By God's grace, we were able to be there to share it with them. But for those who weren't, they had an Ohio reception yeseterday. And I got to make the cake =o)

Afterwards, we cleaned up the place to 'leave it better than we found it'...and loaded up their loot. We ejoyed watching them open their gifts, wrote down all the necessary info for Thank-Yous....and roudned up the evening with some AWESOME rounds of MarioKart (a new addiction?)

Praising the Lord for friends =o)

Perspective...

2008-05-14T10:03:00.000-04:00

Janie's Garden
by Erin O'Donnell

Janie's got a hidden garden
she's been tending it for years
and when the world gets too oppresive
she hides away in there

Janie's got a sanctuary
where she can speak her every need
and when she's longing for reflection she falls
down to her knees

Chorus
no one can know
no one can see
the place she meets her God in secret
but everyone knows
everyone sees her life
and Janie's garden looks like paradise

Janie walks outside the garden
she can still see clearly in
and when she loses her perspective she talks to God again

Would you donate to save a life?

2008-05-06T11:02:00.002-04:00

Beyond organ and tissue donation, another huge need is bone marrow donors. Fortunately, you don't have to be dead to donate bone marrow, but you do need to be registered and tested. Over 6000 people are currently searching for a bone marrow match.

Over the next two weeks, the normal fees for registering (typically $52) are being waved by the National Marrow Donor Program in honor of Mother's Day.

After following the journeys of numerous friends and acquaintances who have needed these, it's becoming something that I'm becoming very passionate about. Please, consider Registering Today!

Thanks!
Kristi

All in a weeks work...

2008-04-27T08:47:00.003-04:00

It's been a busy week of baking around here! My family loves it when I make cakes, because they get the unused cake-tops (sorta like muffin tops). And in the event of leftover batter...they get CUPCAKES.

2008-04-18T10:07:00.001-04:00

Crazy
by Stars Go Dim

Isn't it crazy
How life slips right into your life
Forces everything else to the side
Fall in love at a glance, and that's alright

Isn't it crazy
How we never felt so alive
Until your world collided with mine
Trade love for a chance, that's alright

I knew I wanted you the first time that I saw you walk by
That I need you forever when your eyes met mine
I loved you the first time I heard you speak my name
You'd be the beauty in my life, always

I never knew I could love someone
Never knew I could feel so complete
After all is said and done, our love will still be holding up strong
I'd give all I have for love, that's alright

I knew I wanted you the first time that I saw you walk by
That I need you forever when your eyes met mine
I loved you the first time I heard you speak my name
You'd be the beauty in my life, always

After all we have each other
Nothing can hold us back from all
that this life has put in our path
We will survive

I knew I wanted you the first time that I saw you walk by
That I need you forever when your eyes met mine
I loved you the first time I heard you speak my name
You'd be the beauty in my life, always

Boring...

2008-04-16T12:33:00.000-04:00

Needs to download pics off her camera so she has something new to post!

Classic.

2008-03-28T13:07:00.001-04:00

Unexpected...

2008-03-19T19:12:00.002-04:00

...and sometimes, God answers our prayers in ways we never imagined. Through people who were the last we'd ever expect Him to use in the situation.

And we weep....because we do not deserve His goodness.

Amen.

...

2008-03-19T17:20:00.000-04:00

I think we delight to praise what we enjoy because the praise not merely expresses but completes the enjoyment; it is its appointed consummation. -C.S. Lewis

HELP!

2008-03-17T16:16:00.000-04:00

My parents are asking for your help. Let me explain. My stepdad is a dentist. One of his patients is the drummer from Tommy James and the Shondells. They are hoping to be inducted into the Hit Parade Hall of Fame. Would you be so kind as to vote for them? Here is the link. Under "J" is where you will find them. If you are unsure of what kind of music they played, click on their name and visit their homepage.

My parents will be grateful.

March Blizzard 2008

2008-03-10T09:38:00.002-04:00

Now...please melt quickly! We are ready for SPRING!!!

A bit of spring....

2008-03-04T14:55:00.000-05:00

My friend, Cat, sent me this link to brighten up my day. Hope it makes yours brighter!

http://www.procreo.jp/labo/flower_garden.swf

Bodies

2008-02-29T13:42:00.001-05:00

This past Tuesday, my sister and I embarked to the Cincinnati Museum. We went to see a special traveling exhibit. This exhibit revealed to us the amazing intricacies of ths body...as can only be crafted by our Creator's hands (not by evolution). From skin, to muscles, to bones....and every separate system that works within....we got to see first hand. My two favorite rooms were the one where they showed the lungs...one normal and one of a smoker. I don't see how anyone can inhale nicotine after seeing that. The other was a display of the stages of human life from 4weeks to full-term. To many others that were also viewing- this was the first time they had realzed that it is actually a recognizable human at that young stage. May God use that to show many, many others the same thing.

Not only was it an eye-opening time, but it was a great sister-bonding time. Kel and I had a blast singing to the radio (even though we mumbled thru the lyrics), wandering thru the crowds, sharing BBQ beef, and trekking thru the blustery parking lot.

If you hear the BODIES exhibit is coming anywhere near you, I would suggest going to see it.

The Way I Am...

2008-02-14T10:06:00.003-05:00

Happy Valenitnes day....to everyone! A day to show others how much you care for them, what you appreciate about them, and just be plain thoughtful.

My husband was this morning. It's his year to plan how we spend this day...and he was just so sweet. I love how he is thoughtful. How he makes coffee for me each morning and puts it in our caraf that keeps it warm FOREVER. How he encourages me to be me...and how he loves me as I am.

The Way I Am
by Ingrid Michaelson

If you were falling, then I would catch you.
You need a light, I'd find a match.

Cuz I love the way you say good morning.
And you take me the way I am.

If you are chilly, here take my sweater.
Your head is aching, I'll make it better.

Cuz I love the way you call me baby.
And you take me the way I am.

I'd buy you Rogaine if you start losing all your hair.
Sew on patches to all you tear.

Cuz I love you more than I could ever promise.
And you take me the way I am.
You take me the way I am.
You take me the way I am.

It's beginning to look a lot like....

2008-02-12T14:27:00.001-05:00

Lyrics that accompany me in my car...

2008-01-15T15:44:00.000-05:00

Trials Turned To Gold
by Keith Green

He's brought me here, where things are clear, and trials turn to gold.
He shared with me, His victory, He won in days of old.
Oh Lord, I don't deserve, the riches of your word,
But You've changed my filthy rags to linen white as snow.

The view from here is nothing near to what it is for You.
I tried to see Your plan for me, but I only acted like I knew.
Oh Lord forgive the times, I tried to read your mind.
Cause you said if I'd be still, then I would hear your voice.

My Lord, my King, my urge to sing and praise the things above.
No words can say the glorious way you changed me with your love.

He's brought me low, so I could know the way to reach the heights.
To forsake my dreams, my self esteem and give up all my rights.
With each one that I lay down, a jewel's placed in my crown.
Cause His love, the things above, is all we'll ever need.

He's brought me here, where things are clear, and trials turn to gold.

Wow...

2008-01-08T08:07:00.001-05:00

Joy

2007-12-29T13:46:00.000-05:00

"The more things thou learnest to know and enjoy,

the more complete and full will be for thee

the delight of living."

Phalen

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-24T13:10:00.001-05:00

Don't send a lame Holiday eCard. Try JibJab Sendables!

Surprise visit

2007-12-22T08:53:00.000-05:00

Yes.....my brother is here! Shane randomly came to visit in his new car, a Honda Fit... bright blue! It's so fun to have him here. The last time he was around was before the wedding when our new [then] home was a wreck. He said now, it looks completely different (in a good way!) Last night we made soup and bread...yum...and played games and watched So I Married An Axe Murder. This morning, it's to Tank's for their neighborhood-famous breakfasts. Ahhh...family =o)

Also, yesterday Aspen got her Christmas grooming at PetsMart. Hre she is after we brought her home.

And Shane couldn't refuse asking for a little dance....

The faith of a child....

2007-12-20T09:19:00.001-05:00

OTR Christmas Show

2007-12-19T10:23:00.000-05:00

Here are some pics...(© bill ivester)....from the OTR MySpace. For those of you that didn't get to join us this year, enjoy!

Lately....

2007-12-17T21:10:00.000-05:00

Anticipation.....

2007-12-13T10:45:00.000-05:00

I've always been hugely into seasons, hoidays, etc. Dressing in the colors, going all-out with wrapping and bows, the perfect touches on gifts. But for the past few years, the thing that makes December 'feel' Christmasey.....is a show.

I've been an Over the Rhine fan since college. After attending Apex for awhile, I found other OTR lovers, followers, junkies. We decided to start a tradition of going to their homecoming show at the Taft theatre (such a historic and beautiful venue) every December. Since then....THAT is the beginning of the feeling of Christmas to me.

The first year I was dating Phil, I talked it up, and convinced him to go with me. Now, it's one of our favorite traditions. We watch for the release date and order tickets asap. This year, we are so close to the front....close enough to see the sweet glances between Karin and Linford....to see the awesome facial expressions of the drummer, Mickey. And as is also tradition, resrvations have been made for dinner at Campanello's (a hole-in-the-wall, family run, Italian restaurant a few blocks from the Taft). They have the best tirimisu.

To top things off this year, we knew the date of the show early enough to make reservations to spend the night at our favorite B&B after the show. Gaslight Bed & Breakfast is run by a fun Christian couple who whip up the best gourmet breakfasts.

And that is anticipation.....

New Favorite!

2007-12-10T12:02:00.000-05:00

I am a huge fan of trying new recipes. On people =o) Yep, I'll pull something from a magazine or a website and take it to a get-together, or make it when we have people over. It's never failed me yet!

Lila loves pomegranates, and is exstatic whenever she sees we bought one. Such is the case this weekend, so Phil cut it up for her and got out all the seeds (the part you eat). After we took her home, we still had a good sized bowl of seeds leftover, and I wasn't about to pitch them (if you've ever dug into one, you know it's not the easiest of tasks!) So....off to the world wide web I go to find yet another NEW recipe. This one to take to a couples Christmas party that night.

What I landed on, and baked, were Pomegranate brownies. MMMmmm.....is all I have to say! Chocolate chunks, walnuts, and pomegrante syrup....then topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of pom seeds. Not only did they get rave reviews, but my house church and office mates got to reap the benefits of leftovers =o)

'tis the season....

2007-12-07T07:10:00.001-05:00

On my route home I pass a dry cleaner. As I stopped at the light across the street, I could see into their racks and on those racks....about 4 red suits with black belts and white trim. Humor. Just hope no children's hopes of Santa are dashed because they saw the same thing.

Bummer....

2007-12-05T11:47:00.002-05:00

Yay for new templates, snow and wintery...

but bummer, that when I did that, I lost all of my links that I read to get my daily fix.

Huge favor, if you read my blog PLEASE leave a comment so I can find your page again. I miss you!

We got our first snow storm last night....PRETTY =o)

I'm tagged!

2007-11-15T09:03:00.000-05:00

Caley has tagged me, so here goes…

What I was doing 10 years ago:
It was 1997, and I was a Junior at Cedarville University (then it was still College). I was also an RA in a unit full of awesome ladies, most of whom I keep in touch with today. I was debating changing my major from El Ed/Special Ed to something else, not sure what that could be. I was not dating anyone (struggling with why), looking forward to heading back to PA for Thanksgiving, and studying for finals. Looking back....man, I do not wish I was back there. Glad I am where I am =o)

What I was doing 5 years ago:
In 2002 I was living in a house with 2 other roomies. One, I'd been living with since college, and she was about to get married in a year. It was a hard transition, since we had lived together so long, but I was soooo happy for her. I had just joined the YMCA and was getting into Pilates (fun!) and water aerobics (the class was nothing but older people...and us 2, hahah).

One year ago:
A year ago, married for just 6 months....my husbands Mom had passed away, and we were dealing with the first Thanksgiving without her. We were also in the process of fixing up our house (badly dated circa. 1976) and having a blast doing it. We were also transitioning into a 'family' with Phil's then 5 year old, Lila. God is so good. I cannot believe all that was a year ago.

Yesterday:
Yesterday was a beautiful autumn day in the 60's. I was at work all day, dying to get outside and take a wander thru the crunch leaves. I got home, started a dinner of steamed broccoli and ham-and-cheese loafe (sorta like stromboli). Then Kelly got home (my sis is living with us) and we ate...somewhat peacefully, untiil Lila decided to pick things apart cuz she didn't like the cheese melted. Kids. After dinner I embarked on making a Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake (took about 4 hours) and watched my Wednesday night TV shows: Pushing Daisies and Bionic Woman.Phil left to take Lila to shop for our family's Operation Christmas Child shoebox. Kelly and I finished our shows, then it was time for bed....but I had to set my alarm for 1:00 so I could do the next step on the cheesecake. (and YES, I did wake up to do it!)

5 snacks I enjoy:
Raw Almonds
Gardetto's Mix
Fruit (of the season)
Trail Mixes
Graham Crackers & Peanut Butter

5 things I would do if I had $100 Million:
Pay off my school loans
Pay off our mortgage
Pray about what mission-opportunity God would have us give to
Actually go on vacation with my husband (and not worry about a budget)
Renovate our kitchen =o)

5 places I would run away to:
Erie, PA (family...that says a lot)
New England (always wanted to visit Maine, CT, etc....)
Ireland (Green! Castles!)
The perfect campsite (which means there are trees around, and our tent is NOT right next to the other site, and we are on the bank of a lake or near a mountain)
Wherever my husband would surprise me and plan....

5 TV shows I like:
LOST (ugh.....seriously, not until February)
Pushing Daisies (very witty and entertaining)
Bionic Woman
Gray's Anatomy
Cannot think of another...

5 things I hate doing:
Change
Not getting answers
Reminding people to do things
Following people who don't use their turn signal
Miscommmunicating (or misunderstanding)

5 biggest joys of the moment:
Heading home for Thanksgiving
Family
Aspen
Cooking/baking for people
Spending time with my Savior

And now I’m tagging Pointless Chatter, Melissa, Jody, Ambrosia, and Stacie.....You're IT!

Veterans Day? Thanksgiving? Christmas?

2007-11-11T15:12:00.000-05:00

So, yesterday we picked up a new TV Armoire from a Craigs List deal (if you haven't heard of it, it's a great place for DEALS! We have snagged many items this way). It seemed like Christmas as we were setting it up, re-plugging wires, you know all that jazz. We even had a dinner at Mimi's cafe for one of Phil's coworkers who is retiring after 42 years at ONE company. That is unheard of these days.

Then today, we woke up and on the way to Apex, we drove to the clinking of hail-ish rain on our car...it was a breezy chilly day...almost like December, or maybe even Thanksgiving? Either way, it was a change from the fall weather we've had! After breakfast at a new diner in the area (not too high reviews..) we went home and Kelly and I started on the pumpkin pies. Yep, tonight at House Church our dinner theme is Thanksgiving~ and we are on pie duty. So the house is having a wonderful aroma as I type..mmmm....

...and...Phil has put Christmas music in the disk changer. Now I'm really starting to get confused. What time of year IS it? I've been a staunch advocate for NO Christmas tunes until at LEAST after Thanksgiving. Does the fact that we are making pumpkin pies atone for that? I'm not so sure...but on it plays...

Tomorrow, I do not have work, because it is Veteran's day. Oh, what will I do during my day off? Probably laundry, cleaning, meal planning, groceries, and other such household things I do during my 'free time'. So goes the year, flying by as it never has before.

And here I am....trying to enjoy every cozy minute of it =o)

Yay for Crock Pots...

2007-11-07T12:06:00.000-05:00

I just want to say how excited I am that crock pot season is here!
These blustry chilly days are definately it...and we've got CHILI in the pot at home, yay for easy meals and cozy dinners =o)

Anyone else LOVE their crock pot, and have favorite dishes?

Beggars Night 2007

2007-10-30T20:07:00.000-04:00

And we ended the evening with a tired Ninja and a worn out husky =o)

There's a crispcrunchychill in the air....

2007-10-25T10:01:00.000-04:00

Busy weekend baking...

2007-10-21T21:50:00.000-04:00

88 degree 'fall' day.....

2007-10-17T10:18:00.000-04:00

Hard things....

2007-10-12T15:35:00.001-04:00

My sisters 12yo sheltie, Chandler, has been living with us since she moved in. He had a reaction to a med for his joints, and was in bad shape. So we took him back in to the vet....and they gave him a muscle relaxer for his stomach/instestines....and antibiotics. Poor Chan never did perk up after that, and it's been 9 days since he has eaten, but has drank a bit of water. Today, Kelly called the vet and they took him in at 2:00.

Results...he is dehydrated. That made them worry about kidney problems. They ran some tests, and as of now, Chandler is in severe kidney failure. They gave two options. #1: fluid therapy. Long story short, 20-30% chance he will feel better, only 5-10% of those that do last about 2-3 weeks. Option #2: put to sleep. If he came home, he would pass away on his own in the next 3-7 days.

The two tests they run were both kidney related. The first is the BUN. It should only go up to 25, Chandler's is over 180. The second is Creatine and it is usually 1.4, Chandler is 12.6

Chandler is 12 years old. He is miserable. The decision....he's being put to sleep this afternoon.

We'll miss you little guy.

Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn. ~Elizabeth Lawrence

2007-10-11T15:24:00.000-04:00

Bittersweet October. The mellow, messy, leaf-kicking, perfect pause between the opposing miseries of summer and winter. ~Carol Bishop Hipps

And it is here. Autumn.....in the air. The crunch under my feet. The cozy-curled-up'ness that makes the alarm sound to soon. I have waited for you....

Last weekend we went to a pumpkin farm and now various gourds and pumpkins decorate our doorstep, as well as inside. Soup is on the stove. Tea is in the making....

Time to take a fresh breath. Slow down. Try hard to pick up journaling again.

2007-09-12T16:17:00.000-04:00

I'm fighting an annoying cold.

Our elderly neighbor passed away, recently diagnosed leukemia, left his wife. [praying for opportunities]

Dad had surgery to remove his appendix today, thankful it was caught early.

But the weather is beautiful-fall is coming. It's exhilerating....ready to crunch the leaves =o)

Today

2007-09-05T09:16:00.000-04:00

"Pure"

This is my brand new day starting now
I let go the things that weigh me down
And rob me of the beauty that's to be found
And life all around
And this is my prayer without ceasing, the negative releasing
And as i rise above, my burden is easing

I bring the pure flow like water around
The rocks of life won't pull me down
I bring the pure flow, drink so deep
The river of life, my soul at ease
I bring the pure flow like water around
The rocks of life won't pull me down
I bring the pure flow, rising above
The storms of life to live and love

This is my brand new day in the light
Troubles rising up on the left and the right
I keep my eyes fixed on where i want to go, the rest will follow
And this is my prayer without ceasing, the negative releasing
And as i rise above my burden is easing

I bring the pure flow like water around
The rocks of life won't pull me down
I bring the pure flow, drink so deep
The river of life, my soul at ease
I bring the pure flow like water around
The rocks of life won't pull me down
I bring the pure flow, rising above
The storms of life to live and love

This is my brand new day starting now
Letting go of the ways that i fall down
The old can be made new, the lost can be found, the lost will be found
And this is my prayer without ceasing, the negative releasing
And as i rise above my burden is easing

I bring the pure flow like water around
The rocks of life won't pull me down
I bring the pure flow, drink so deep
The river of life, my soul at ease
I bring the pure flow like water around
The rocks of life won't pull me down
I bring the pure flow, rising above
The storms of life to live and love

My soul is at ease and i am free
My soul is at ease and i am free
This is my day, my soul is at ease and i am free
(and i am free, and i am free)

~Superchic[k], "Beauty from Pain"

Don't Wait for Tom...

2007-08-31T15:34:00.000-04:00

And tonight....

OtR CD release concert
Moonlight Gardens
Coney Island

sweet, sweet sounds under the open sky. goregous weather. friends.

I don’t wanna waste your time
With music you don’t need
Why should I autograph the book
That you won’t even read
I’ve got a different scar for every song
And blood left still to bleed
But I don’t wanna waste your time
With music you don’t need

Summer Rain...

2007-08-30T10:12:00.000-04:00

Let the rain kiss you. Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops. Let the rain sing you a lullaby. ~Langston Hughes

Last night we had some storms....crazy big drops of rain in sideways sheets made by the wind. But before the sky started to thunder....we decided to go out and PLAY! My sister, Kelly....my stepdaughter, Lila...and I.....puddle jumping =o)

Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain. ~Author Unknown

Lila had about enough as her hands were hovering over her ears, ready to clamp down at the slightest sky-rumble. And she decided to stand on the covered porch, with her umbrella, and watch US play. Hahaa...now is that the way it's supposed to go? No matter, Kelly and I jumped in puddles of rain for a few more minutes before the lightnging brightened our path....then we ran inside sopping wet. This is summer.

I am sure it is a great mistake always to know enough to go in when it rains. One may keep snug and dry by such knowledge, but one misses a world of loveliness. ~Adeline Knapp

Rain by Shel Silverstein
I opened my eyes
And looked up at the rain,
And it dripped in my head
And flowed into my brain,
And all that I hear as I lie in my bed
Is the slishity-slosh of the rain in my head.

I step very softly,
I walk very slow,
I can't do a handstand--
I might overflow,
So pardon the wild crazy thing I just said--
I'm just not the same since there's rain in my head.

Lately…

2007-08-23T10:48:00.000-04:00

My 4 sisters and I had an awesome weekend camping trip

Lila started first grade
My sister, Kelly, moved in with us
I got some much-needed hangout time with my best friend and sister
My dear husband is turning handyman.
Distracted a car dealer while the purchaser was on the phone with her husband (so she didn’t feel pressured)
Adopted another dog into our home (came along with my sister)
Longing for the days when we can once again open the windows and shut off the AC
Staring in disbelief as school buses pick-up and drop-off…where did summer go?
Anticipating needing a sweater and crunching leaves under my feet as we walk the dogs.

With His Grace

2007-07-03T10:37:00.000-04:00

C.S. Lewis once said:
"Christ died for men precisely because they are not worth dying for; to make them worth it."

With all the weddigns this summer, all the weddings to come....Michaela gives a good reminder to - not the enamored couple - but to those witnesses. [read her entry entitled All Things New]

Take heart. This is community.

...

2007-06-21T07:59:00.000-04:00

When laughter fades
the tendency toward self-absorption
squeezes the light to a pinpoint.
Morning only intimidates you into another day
and creativity no longer has the energy to care.
~Tim Hansell, 1973

So what happens when what you spent your day doing is slowly taken away, bit by bit. You start to wonder if it was you that brought on the change or if it was circumstances beyond your control. Expecting that gap will be filled with something else, enjoyed, capable of, etc.

Overexpecting.

In the moments of quietness and being still...when busyness is preferred...motivation is sapped. And where else is there to look but self. What is deserved. What is wanted. But where is the beyond-self perspective? Yep, lost along with the creativity that has no more energy. Life without challenge is about as exciting as watching shadows change on a sundial. And produces mediocrity.

Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
Psalm 25:5

Pirates territory...

2007-06-08T09:40:00.000-04:00

And today, we are Pittsburgh bound! We've been wanting to take this trip for so long to visit my brother, Shane, who is a Pitt student. He's in for the long-haul, going for anesthesiology. GO SHANE! An opportunity to see life through his eyes...his territory...where he calls home [for now] and the places he likes to go. You become closer to a person when you know their surroundings.Also leavin today from New York is my sister Kelly (with whose surroundings I am very familiar already)...she had planned to meet us there from the beginning.

Little did we know what a great weekend we chose. Because this same weekend, my stepdad and mom will be in Pittsburgh as well! He is attending a dental conference and Mom is along for the ride, so she gets to hang out with us. But the other thing we are very excited about is the LeMont. My stepdad and his family went here a lot for dinners when they were growing up. In fact, my Grandma's cousin used to own it. I don't know if i've ever eaten in a 5-star restaurant before, but it should be an experience. He was excited to make reservations for us all to have dinner together, and we can't wait either =o)

The weekend holds much catching up, wandering around the city, eating yummy food, and sibling bonding. Yay!

Pictures to come....

Lately....

2007-05-31T09:02:00.000-04:00

...after 2 attempts, my new car stereo is successfully filling my Cavalier with tunes! (after it was stolen over a year ago)

...dinner with good friends, and free Cold Stone ice cream creations

...said good friends moving into the neighborhood

...hosting house church at our place for the next month

...planted hydragea, holly, and hibiscus in the front bed....looks happy

...figuring out finances, pretty tight as of late due to Lila's ER bill, saving for our last camp deposit, and the Vibe needing 4 new tires

...KNOWING God is good and will meet our NEEDS

...at the final steps of our bathroom remodel (bye bye Brady Bunch bathroom)

...trying to clean all the dust around the house from remodel

...anticipating the trip to Pittsburgh to visit my brother who is a student at Pitt

...spending time with my hubby

...eating ice cream...it's summer!

Her own money...

2007-05-05T19:43:00.000-04:00

Since Lila bought this Bella Dancerella DVD set with a birthday gift card, she has been BEGGING for a tutu. Phil and I, not wanting to spend $20some on accessories for a thing she's realistically used only once.....had a brainstorm today! You can buy it with your own money! (She has quite a stash accumulating...I'll have you know) Coming up this summer, we have family camp, where we reminded her she was going to want to have some spending money. Her crumpeled up bills totaled $30, and she came out of her room telling us, "I decided I want to use my own money to buy a tutu."

There you have it. As Lila and I hopped into the car on a tutu hunt, a lightbulb came on! Let's try the thrift store!!! She thought it was a grand idea. As we searched through the racks and aisles...we found many cute capris for this summer. Then...JACKPOT!!! 3 tutu's!! Hmm....praying one of them was her size. And the cute black one was. Lila took it up to the register and handed the sweet cashier two crisp dollar bills. A tutu for $1.61. Money saved for camp. A happy 6 year old.

Kayaks and Tulips

2007-04-28T14:35:00.000-04:00

So after a long time of making cake layers, coloring fondant, cutting out trees and making rocks.....we woke up to deliver and set up this grooms cake for Andy and Chelsea (i couldn't have done it all without the help of my sidekick husband ;o)

Then we took advantage of the beautiful day and went to relax at Cox Arboretum in the sunshine, and pose by the tulips. Funny thing is, we ran into the bride and groom getting their pictures taken. Told them to rest assured, the cake is set up and ready to slice =o)

Hope you enjoyed YOUR Saturday!!!!!

Sun.....

2007-04-27T10:47:00.001-04:00

The leaves are green and new like a baby
Tulips are red and I don't miss the snow
It's the first day I don't wear my big boots
You hold my hand, I've got burgundy shoes
Burgundy shoes, burgundy shoes

Patty Griffin, Burgundy Shoes

Deception?

2007-04-18T11:34:00.000-04:00

I have deceived my husband. For the past two months I have been telling him something that wasn't really the truth. But it's for his own good. Really.

This past Saturday, Phil has thought I was throwing a girls spa night at our house. I had been planning a menu, went grocery shopping for these '20 ladies' that were coming over, and began my whirlwind in the kitchen. The whole day on Saturday, Phil was the sweetest husband ever. He voluntarily cleaned the house. I've never quite seen him clean so thoroughly! Top to bottom, corners that had never seen the light before, everything smelled splendid...he even arranged cute little pillows and books on the bed! (good training for the B&B we want to open once we retire...) Every dirty dish that hit the sink in my flurry was cleaned immediately by him...so I can get my stuff done. As the cooking and preparing was nearing an end and I was setting out serving bowls, we noticed that our punch bowl had no ladle. No biggie to me, I would make do. But to Phil...it was a tragedy that would wreck the perfect spa night! He quickly volunteered to go out and find me a ladle.

As he left the house on this quick errand, I frantically began another last baking endeavor. A cake. Not just any cake...but my husband's favorite...German Chocolate...from scratch, icing and all. As I was measuring and mixing, I kept an ear out for the car and front door to open...concocting a believable story as to why I was making such a confection. An hour goes by. The phone rings...Phil has been to two stores and nothing 'fits' our punch bowl. He says he is on a mission and will try a few more.

I go back to baking; now the 3 layers are baked and cooling in the basement. My tracks are covered except the scent of cocoa lingering in the air! By the time Phil comes home...Matt and Jody (my accomplices) are already here, and Phil and Matt leave to 'hang out while the girls pamper themselves.' The perfect decoy!

The moment the door closes; Jody and I transform my house into a Caribbean paradise! I make the icing for Phil's BIRTHDAY CAKE. Amy comes early with a bag of ice and a hand to lend...and we successfully finish everything by the time the first guest to Phil's Surprise 30th Birthday Party arrive =o)

Jody calls Matt to bring the guys back home, but we find out they are about to swing into Second Time Around (a used CD store) and realize it could be quite awhile before they are back. Hmm... Back to mingling. The door opens as another guest enters...wait...no...it's PHIL! SURPRISE! The look of surprise and confusion on his face was perfect.

I wanted his 30th to be something special. He had NO idea this whole time...I guess having it a week after his actual birthday helps, but still. SUCCESS! Showering the one I love with appreciation and friends. Worth the deception ;)

What Muppet Are You?

2007-04-12T20:20:00.000-04:00

You Are Kermit

Hi, ho! Lovable and friendly, you get along well with everyone you know.
You're a big thinker, and sometimes you over think life's problems.
Don't worry - everyone know's it's not easy being green.
Just remember, time's fun when you're having flies!

The Muppet Personality Test

Happy Birthday, Baby...

2007-04-05T11:18:00.000-04:00

PONDER THIS

2007-04-04T10:55:00.000-04:00

God whispers in your soul and speaks to your mind.
Sometimes when you don't have time to listen, He has to throw a brick at you.
It's your choice: Listen to the whisper, or wait for the brick.

Inspired by justabeachkat

High in the low 70's......for today

2007-04-02T11:01:00.000-04:00

Today is low 70's and sunny, with a slight breeze. Perfect day for my husband to have taken off work to head to the Cincinnati Reds opening day game and festivities. May he not get sunburned because he remembered to take the suncreen....(fingers crossed).

Thursday and Friday, low 40's and snow? What? Welcome to our Ohio spring weather. Never a dull moment, just always keep the sheets handy to cover up the flowers you planted in your burst of spring engergy when the temp rose above 50 =o) I'll never learn my lesson. Hands digging in soil is just something that calls to me this time of year...

What are things YOU like to do when the sun peeks out more frequently and bare toes are emerging in flip flops....?

Help me believe....

2007-03-27T20:39:00.000-04:00

In the midst of many things going awry, or my unmet expectations [read: unrealistic standards] raising their ugly heads, and my lingering 'offness' lately.....there are things that still make me smile =o)

After well-behaved dog starts randomly 'going' inside......my sweet husband calls on his way home and asks if I want him to stop [wherever I choose] for a cool coffee drink.

After sweet step-daughter pulls up the 'weed' [which is possibly the re-start of my purple cone flower] and exitedly calls me out to see the huge weed she pulled....she then goes on to encourage me in a way only she can.

After going thru a spell of MASSIVE sister deprivation...one of them informs me of the plans lining up for her to possibly come to visit the week my husband is out of town for business.

Smiles.

Bike rides.

Pansies velvet faces.

Planting seeds in the soil.

God is good, beyond my wildest imagination.

Take me back to the time when I was maybe eight or nine- and I believed.
When Jesus walked on waters blue and If he helped me I could too- If I believed.

Help me believe 'cause I don't want to miss any miracles.
Maybe I'd see much better by closing my eyes.
And I would shed this grown up skin I'm in to touch an Angels wing.
And I would be free.
Help me believe.

-Nichole Nordeman

Endure

2007-02-23T14:42:00.000-05:00

Questions drip from my umbrella
Shadows hang over me
Stand here, waiting
I know the sky will break
And bleed its light
And kiss my face with mercy

Chorus:
I'll endure the rain
I will wait an hour more
Not sure if I'll see anything
Can I wait here anymore
I'll endure the rain
I will wait an hour more
Not sure if I'll see anything
Can I wait here any longer

Teardrops vanish in a moment
Rainbows hang over me
Darkness, fading
I know the sky will break
And bleed its light
And kiss my face with mercy

I wait here any longer
Wait here any longer

by Plumb

Sorry for being Mrs. Grumpypants.
You know who you are....

On Desire...

2007-02-21T08:47:00.000-05:00

There have been times when I think we do not desire heaven; but more often I find myself wondering whether, in our heart of hearts, we have ever desired anything else....It is the secret signature of each soul, the incommunicable and unappeasable want, the thing we desired before we met our wives or made our friends or chose our work, and which we shall still desire on our deathbeds, when the mind no longer knows wife or friend or work....All your life an unattainable ecstasy has hovered just beyond the grasp of your consciousness. The day is coming when you will wake to find, beyond all hope, that you have attained it.

C. S. Lewis
The Problem of Pain

What time of day are YOU?

2007-02-18T08:29:00.000-05:00

Something I got from my newly engaged friend, Amanda's blog.....

You Are Sunrise

You enjoy living a slow, fulfilling life. You enjoy living every moment, no matter how ordinary.
You are a person of reflection and meditation. You start and end every day by looking inward.
Caring and giving, you enjoy making people happy. You're often cooking for friends or buying them gifts.
All in all, you know how to love life for what it is - not for how it should be.

What Time Of Day Are You?

Snow Day!

2007-02-13T15:53:00.001-05:00

Snow Day!, originally uploaded by kristibrooke.

Work was closed for both of us today....naasty snow, then ice (which is still coming down). We took the day to walk to UDF to buy eggs, home to make french toast and sausage. Worked around the house, surfed the net, and cheesy brat stew is in the crock pot.

Yay snow day!!!!

Taking a walk a husky would love...

2007-02-13T15:52:00.001-05:00

Taking a walk a husky would love..., originally uploaded by kristibrooke.

Hard day of bowling

2007-02-13T15:51:00.003-05:00

Hard day of bowling, originally uploaded by kristibrooke.

Some are more worn out than others =o)

Christopher and Gabe

2007-02-13T15:51:00.001-05:00

Christopher and Gabe, originally uploaded by kristibrooke.

Which ball to choose?

Lila and Rachel

2007-02-13T15:50:00.001-05:00

Lila and Rachel, originally uploaded by kristibrooke.

After a fun afternoon of bowling....

She's blowing them all out...

2007-02-13T15:49:00.001-05:00

She's blowing them all out!, originally uploaded by kristibrooke.

SNAP!

2007-02-13T15:48:00.001-05:00

SNAP!, originally uploaded by kristibrooke.

Lila's Cake

2007-02-13T15:46:00.001-05:00

Lila's Cake, originally uploaded by kristibrooke.

Qualities

2007-02-07T13:46:00.000-05:00

Patience wears my grandmother's filigree earrings. She bakes marvelous dark bread. She has beautiful hands. She carries great sacks of peace and purses filled with small treasures. You don't notice Patience right away in a crowd, but suddenly you see her all at once, and then she is so beautiful you wonder why you never saw her before.

excerpt from The Book of Qualities by J. Ruth Gendler

Gladys Hardy on The Ellen DeGeneres Show

2007-01-30T14:59:00.001-05:00

This made me laugh, and laugh, and laugh......

Hope it does the same for you!

holy

2007-01-10T08:10:00.000-05:00

1 Peter 1:16 (The Message)

"As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God's life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, "I am holy; you be holy."