Do good for others often!
Do good to others often... you never know if your gift changes their life. (Giving > Getting)
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Waiting
Tomorrow I am 39 weeks pregnant. Our home will soon be filled with the cries and cuddles of JRP. My phone is continually a-buzz with people asking if I’ve had any progress. As a first time mom, every little change seems indicative of labor. My theory is that I’ll know when it’s real, and until then I need to relax and rest.
Easier said than done.
My personality prevents me from fully relaxing. I sit here thinking about what I can organize and donate. My hope is that Jonah will be welcomed into a clean and tidy home. Tidy, but not perfect.
While I’m waiting, I’m praying that they Lord will have his way in our lives. We’re hoping that this time will draw us closer to each other, and remind us of our full dependence upon Christ. As I contemplate labor and delivery, I can’t help but think of how much I need strength to get through. I’m confident that I won’t survive on my own, but that I will draw strength through prayer and faith.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Poetry!
Friday, August 5, 2011
From Her
From Her
I peek up over the harsh wooden pew with the cross
Suits, ties, and dresses convey respect.
I feel serious and straighten up.
This event demands reverence.
I slowly turn my head to look at her.
With that lovely dark hair and little child smile.
Her eyes sparkle and she sings Blessed Assurance.
I’m sure she means every word.
My jelly shoes slip off, unnoticed.
No one sees my bare feet because I’m tiny tiny
Peeking out at everyone.
She takes notes and doodles.
Suddenly I feel a little tickle.
She giggles and points to my big toe.
A smiley face stares up at me.
Her take on the cross;
Loving others,
Communing with joy.
The starched suits remain serious on the wooden pew with the cross.
I learned to love Jesus from her, not them.
_________________________________________________________________
In poetry week they asked us to write a poem about an event in our life which conveys a lesson or meaning. We went through a quick list process and the person I most wanted to write a poem to was my mom.
She has been the inspiration in my walk with the Lord & has encouraged my faith in numerous ways. Beautiful, silly, and caring, she conveys the heart of God through her smile and caring!
Friday, July 15, 2011
Portland/1
“…Portland is funky not in a self-conscious effort, but as a reflection of how the locals choose to live.” – London Times, (A quote in the local grocery store, New Seasons.)
We’re currently enjoying breakfast with the doors open and sunlight pouring in. I’m actually a little chilly. During our drive in the mountains yesterday the thermometer read 54 degrees. A whopping 50 degree swing from our hometown!
We shall begin with food because it’s simply my favorite! One of the best things about Portland is that the produce here is so very local. Everywhere we went people offered us fruit and or veggies. It would be so easy to go vegetarian here because their grocery stores, (some of which are locally owned and operated!) are filled to the brim with organic veggie meals. The offerings of the local grocery store are indicative of the healthier, active lifestyle here. I wish San Antonio would get a passion for natural living and physical activity, so that we could no longer boast the 2nd fattest city in America, and so that I could buy the 50 different varieties of Amy’s Organic soups offered here.
In efforts to know the local produce more closely, we did a 35 mile stretch of highway called “The Fruit Loop.” There were 33 stops along the way anything from a “you-pick” farm to a lavender farm. We couldn’t stop at all of them. At some point I looked over at SIL and said, “Let’s just buy a farm here. I could homeschool my kids, run a DIY craft store, and Morgan could sell his photography. On the weekends we could sell fruits and jams.” I could picture a cabin in the forest surrounded by cherry, apple, and apricot trees. The cherries are so abundant here that they are affordable - $3.00/lb for fresh picked amazing cherries.
Sunflower Farm!
Before the fruit loop we visited a beautiful stretch of forestry and waterfalls. As we exited the vehicle, small white fluffy seeds were raining all over us… like snow… only with seeds. The trees were so vast in size that I couldn’t imagine climbing one. Each unique tree was breathtaking in and of itself. We hiked all through the forest, me avoiding plants like the plague – good thing I brushed up on the poisonous plants I am severely allergic to! Our trek was rewarded by the sound and eventually the breathtaking sight of a waterfall named Bridal Veil.
We finished our day with by eating an Asian inspired dinner via SIL and myself on the back patio. During our meal I discovered that the house has it’s own herb garden… and they not only survive here, but thrive in the beautiful weather.
And it is beautiful weather!
We’re currently enjoying breakfast with the doors open and sunlight pouring in. I’m actually a little chilly. During our drive in the mountains yesterday the thermometer read 54 degrees. A whopping 50 degree swing from our hometown!
We shall begin with food because it’s simply my favorite! One of the best things about Portland is that the produce here is so very local. Everywhere we went people offered us fruit and or veggies. It would be so easy to go vegetarian here because their grocery stores, (some of which are locally owned and operated!) are filled to the brim with organic veggie meals. The offerings of the local grocery store are indicative of the healthier, active lifestyle here. I wish San Antonio would get a passion for natural living and physical activity, so that we could no longer boast the 2nd fattest city in America, and so that I could buy the 50 different varieties of Amy’s Organic soups offered here.
In efforts to know the local produce more closely, we did a 35 mile stretch of highway called “The Fruit Loop.” There were 33 stops along the way anything from a “you-pick” farm to a lavender farm. We couldn’t stop at all of them. At some point I looked over at SIL and said, “Let’s just buy a farm here. I could homeschool my kids, run a DIY craft store, and Morgan could sell his photography. On the weekends we could sell fruits and jams.” I could picture a cabin in the forest surrounded by cherry, apple, and apricot trees. The cherries are so abundant here that they are affordable - $3.00/lb for fresh picked amazing cherries.
Sunflower Farm!
Before the fruit loop we visited a beautiful stretch of forestry and waterfalls. As we exited the vehicle, small white fluffy seeds were raining all over us… like snow… only with seeds. The trees were so vast in size that I couldn’t imagine climbing one. Each unique tree was breathtaking in and of itself. We hiked all through the forest, me avoiding plants like the plague – good thing I brushed up on the poisonous plants I am severely allergic to! Our trek was rewarded by the sound and eventually the breathtaking sight of a waterfall named Bridal Veil.
We finished our day with by eating an Asian inspired dinner via SIL and myself on the back patio. During our meal I discovered that the house has it’s own herb garden… and they not only survive here, but thrive in the beautiful weather.
And it is beautiful weather!
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Summer Settles In
Pintrest.com has reignited my passion for all things cooking and crafting. My SIL recently shared this super fun website, and the creativity began to flow. I enjoyed watching Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution while I was mixing up these yummy treats. I had to put my own twist on the oatmeal muffins - I added apple & cinnamon to make them more "me."
I have training all next week, so I wanted to have a quick & healthy go-to breakfast.
If you haven't tried pintrest, you really should. It's a great way to share ideas & to stir-up your passions for creativity.
The ingredients:
The Results: Website is at the bottom.
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Muffins:
Final Results:
Suzy Home-maker:
He likes it!
(http://cilantropist.blogspot.com/2011/04/peanut-butter-and-oat-energy-bites.html)
(http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/oatmeal-muffins-recipe.html)
I have training all next week, so I wanted to have a quick & healthy go-to breakfast.
If you haven't tried pintrest, you really should. It's a great way to share ideas & to stir-up your passions for creativity.
The ingredients:
The Results: Website is at the bottom.
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Muffins:
Final Results:
Suzy Home-maker:
He likes it!
(http://cilantropist.blogspot.com/2011/04/peanut-butter-and-oat-energy-bites.html)
(http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/oatmeal-muffins-recipe.html)
Monday, June 20, 2011
Andrew's Swim Meet - The Epic Adventures of VI & MP
For our purposes today, VI = Vivian & MP = Me!
"So, do you wanna help me with Andrew's swim meet? I have to get the little boys lined up for their race." - VI
"Of course I'd love to help you." - MP
Since I'm not working this summer, I'm really doing my best to love others and to spend my time with those I love... young and old alike.
So even up until 2:00pm today Vivian wasn't quite sure what we were in for. All she knew is that we were responsible for lining up the boys ages 6 & under.
After spending an afternoon with little boys, I have come to conclusion that they are very much the same as 8th grade boys. One of the only differences between the two is that the 6 year olds don't say, "no homo" after hitting each other's butt or giving the other a hug.
Our first responsibility was to write the Event/Heat/Lane graph on each kid's arm... in sharpie. (The entire time I kept wondering how long it takes for that to wash off.) Vivian said this was the, "simple" part of our swim meet responsibilities. Apparently being written on in sharpie tickles, which really distorts the numbers. I failed to mention that before we could actually write on them we first had to catch them. 6 year olds are fast and small. An awful combination for those of us on the 'chasing' side. :)
After the tattooing was finished, the first relay heat took place. It was a blur. We lined them up, (I was pretty sure we were responsible for at least 15 boys), they took their places and swam.
When we got back to the 'tent' area, there were only 2 boys - 1 of whom was Vivian's son. Little boys are DIFFICULT to keep track of.
The next time we lined up for a heat, I asked Vivian how many boys we had total... I almost laughed when she said 7. (Really, because I'm pretty sure there were 15).
The rest of the time went smoothly and I really enjoyed getting to interact with the little ones... which is a phrase that never leaves my mouth. I do much better with teens than little ones, but this was the exception. They were fun, silly, and I had a blast helping them reach their junior Michael Phelps dreams.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Romans 8 Baby!
Every day during student teaching I read Romans 8. Every lunch break... without fail. I needed to remind myself about they fact that my "present sufferings" were NOTHING compared to the glory that Christ reveals in us through sufferings. Sometimes I forget lessons I've already learned. I love the entire chapter... from the beginning that talks about not walking after the flesh, but rather after the spirit, to the end that declares that we are conquers through Christ.
Suffering isn't optional. It's for a purpose. It works countless character attributes in our lives. I'm still internalizing this message... just wanted to share the thoughts swirling in my head! :D
Romans 8 - Present Suffering and Future Glory
18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that[h] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.
22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[i] have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
More Than Conquerors
31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”[j]
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[k] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Suffering isn't optional. It's for a purpose. It works countless character attributes in our lives. I'm still internalizing this message... just wanted to share the thoughts swirling in my head! :D
Romans 8 - Present Suffering and Future Glory
18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that[h] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.
22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[i] have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
More Than Conquerors
31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”[j]
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[k] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
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