Reflection

I recently went on a scavenger hunt for "whatever stuck my fancy", armed with my new Nikon camera I received for Christmas.  Later, when looking closely at this picture, I found the face of Jesus.  Do you see Him too?  I've asked a few people, some do, some don't.  It's OK either way.

 I wasn't "looking" for Him necessarily, though I do feel closest to Him when I'm writing and behind the lense capturing His creation.  I'll definitely be uploading more pictures in the next few days to show you.  There are a few gems.  Also, once I actually learn how to use my new "toy", I'm it'll be "to infinite and beyond"!

Forrest Gump I Am Not

I went to the Y the other day and the ladies at the front desk paid me a compliment every woman wants to hear, "You look like you've lost weight."  It made me feel really good and super confident!  For some reason, right before I walk into the cardio room, I get really nervous.  I have to take a deep breath and just go for it.  But after that compliment, I was good to go!

I've recently challenged myself to up the ante, if you will.  I get bored doing the same things all the time.  I wanted to see what I was really capable of; though knowing full well I haven't even begun to skim the surface.  Usually I do a cardio/fat burn on the elliptical, however I've recently changed it to pure fat burn.  (Essentially that means, you enter in your weight, age and how long you want to work out, and it calculates what your heart rate should be.  It also will increase or decrease resistance based on my current heart rate.)  The machine tells me I should be at 122 bpm, but I'm usually in the 150's; 160's if I'm really booking it.  I usually "run" my first mile within 11 minutes.  My total workout time of 45 minutes yields 3.5 miles.  I consider that to be good for me, but I know I can do better. 

The other night I was watching episodes of "The Office".  I knew people love that show, but I didn't fully appreciate just how funny it was until then!  I was cracking up!!  This lady next to me kept glarring at me with her eyes, as if to tell me to knock it off.  Give me a break!  I ignored her and kept on peddling. 

I always tell people I don't run unless someone is chasing me.  However, I was in the best shape of my life when I was running for soccer in high school.  Logic tells me that's what I should be doing, but boy it sure hurts my knees, shins and back!  Any advice, runners?  What's a girl to do?

Shaken Not Stirred

"Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back." Luke 6:38  (New Living Translation)

Gifts are the best, aren't they?  During this time of year, it's easy to think about the Gift God sent to us in a itty-bitty baby.  It's also easy about the gifts we both give and receive.  Personally, I love to give gifts!  I literally Christmas shop year around.  If I'm out-and-about and see something I think someone would like (and it's a good deal), I go ahead and get it then and stow it in my Christmas drawer.  It's my way of not only thinking about someone (even though they don't know it yet) and getting ahead for the ever-crazy busy December month.  Can you believe it's already the 15th?  How did that happen?  Wasn't Thanksgiving last weekend?

Speaking of gifts, sometimes it's easy to lose sight of the real reason for the season.  EE and I were talking while we worked out tonight how stores are pushing "Happy Holidays" on us to take Christ out of Chrsitmas.  But do they not realize without a Christ there would not only be no Christmas to begin with, but you couldn't even spell that word.  It would be pretty silly to go around saying, Merry Mas!! 

Wait, I'm veering from my original point, which you don't actually know, since I haven't shared it yet.  In context the above verse talks about how we shouldn't judge others.  But I took it to mean something completely different.  Perhaps it's just the way my mind processes things, but I envisioned a blender, full of all the gifts God's given to me: passionate creativity, seeking the unique view from photography, writing, adventures, finding joy in the little things, etc.  All these and many more get blended to perfection and spilled out (hopefully not in my lap like the verse says) to everyone I meet!  I leave my "God prints" everywhere.

God's always given me the ability to know when someone needs cheering up.  I may not have a clue what's actually going on their life, but He'll give me divine wisdom to say all the right things.  The funny thing is, I rarely remember sending cards like these.  That's not to say that I under appreciate this blessing, I just honestly don't remember the event.  One instance comes to mind, my long-time friend JW talks about how I wrote her this letter in high school that got her through a really rough patch in her life.  I'm really glad He was able to touch her.  I'm just the vessel.  I'm the clay pot and He's the water.  He flows through me and splashes his loving grace in ways we'll never know.  In ways I'll never know.  I'm so thankful He finds me worthy to use.   

Isn't it true that when you give, it's as though you receive even more back?  You just might receive unexpected joy, a smile, and that good feeling deep inside to start with.  Always remember, you never know how He'll use the gifts He's given you for His Glory.  Be on the lookout for opportunites to bless others.  You just might get a "smoothie" spilled in your lap too!!

Boom De Yada

I love this commercial!

NEW Discovery Channel Commercial - Boom De Yada

Grace

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound,

That saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost but now am found

Was blind, but now I see.

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

And grace my fears relieved;

How precious did that grace appear

The hour I first believed!

Through many dangers, toils, and snares,

We have already come;

'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,

And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me,

His word my hope secures;

He will my shield and portion be

As long as life endures.

Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,

And mortal life shall cease,

I shall possess, within the veil,

A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,

The sun forbear to shine;

But God, who called me here below,

Will be forever mine.

-John Newton, 1779

Live in the Moment

The following pictures are ones I found "in the moment".  I literally live every day in the moment by capturing little segments of my life on film.  Each one brings back memories of the people I was with, things I was doing and how I felt when the shutter clicked.  I see beauty in the unexpected.  Sometimes a leaf on the ground is just as pretty as a sunset.  I find inspiration in the world around me.  God's given me a love of photography and I practice it whenever possible!

Captured on the way home from work.

I liked this tree.

It was a stormy day but there was a break in the clouds, which revealed the sun. Pretty neat!

Before the portrait.

If I remember correctly, these flowers only bloom once and then are dormant again until next year.  Talk about living in the moment!

Don't you love covered bridges?

Do you see the double rainbow?  I love rainbows.  Sometimes I refer to them as "freaks of nature".  :)

I love clouds.  They can be anything the imagination makes them to be.  On this particular night, there was a really bad storm blowing through town.  This wall of clouds brought heavy rain!

Simply beautiful.

Wisdom To Ordinary People

 Blue Mountain Beach, FL (8.04.07)

I stumbled upon these verses the other night. There's so much truth to be gained! I love how the Contemporary English Version makes it easier to read and understand. I'm definitely going to have to revisit this passage once I'm better and my brain isn't quite so foggy. I pray you are blessed today as you read these verses. May they bless you from the top of your head down to the bottom of your toes! (All emphasis below is mine.)

 "The Law of the LORD is perfect;
it gives us new life.
His teachings last forever,
and they give wisdom
to ordinary people.

The LORD's instruction is right;
it makes our hearts glad.
His commands shine brightly,
and they give us light.

Worshiping the LORD is sacred;
He will always be worshiped.
All of His decisions
are correct and fair."

Psalm 19:7-9 (Contemporary English Version)

Ricolaaaaaaaaaa

I'm sick.  There, I admitted it.  My body's been giving me the signs that it was under attack for a few weeks now, but I've been in denial. (Kinda like the river in Egpypt. ha)  I hoped I could will it away with positive thinking.  But alas, some kind of crud has caught up with me.  It went straight to my chest --- hello, bronchitis! 

I went to the store last night and stocked up on "drugs":

Ricola cough drops are great, but I constantly hear the guy from the commerical in my head, "Ricolaaaaaaaaaa".  I've been taking double doses of Vitamin C.  I don't normally take vitamins, but perhaps I should start?? 

 I also got some OJ and grape juice, both high in vitamin C.  For some reason, the grape didn't taste too great.  I forced myself to drink a glass before bed. 

 I love Sudafed!  It really makes me feel better, however, I don't know what's in it that makes me stupid.  I've been doing the stupidest stuff the past two days.  My mind feels foggy.  It's really odd and frustrating. 

I haven't tried the Zicam yet.  I love their swabs though; have worked miracles before! 

I didn't realize until I got home, but when I looked on the receipt, it says, "Cashier Confirmed - Age Over 18".  I laughed.  I'm commonly mistaken for a teenager, so I guess I looked older yesterday.  Craziness.

I sure hope I get better soon.  I can't wait to get back to the YMCA.  I miss working out, but I'm useless when I'm like this.  I hope you all stay well!

Don't Assume You Know It All

"Glory Revealed" (9.25.09)

"Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own.  Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He's the one who will keep you on track.  Don't assume that you know it all.  Run to God! Run from evil!  Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life! Honor God with everything you own; give Him the first and the best.  Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over.  But don't, dear friend, resent God's discipline; don't sulk under His loving correction.  It's the child He loves that God corrects; a Father's delight is behind all this." ~ Proverbs 3: 5-12

Eye Spy Something Supercilious*

When I got a computer again, I gave myself the challenge to write a post each day.  You wouldn't think it would be that hard, but some days are challenging; like today.  When nothing out of the ordinary happens or worth talking about occurs.  What's a girl to do?  How about make fun of myself? 

You see, I'm a goofy-goober. I know that. We all know that. I do stupid things all the time and sometimes I even tell others about them.  Actually, I talk about my follies a lot, but I'm a writer; it happens. 

My tongue has hurt all day long.  It feels like I burned it, but I don't remember eating anything hot today.  I couldn't figure it out until I was eating a Dorito a moment ago and then I realized what happened!  I like to lick off the seasoning of the chip before eating it; weird, I know.  This repetitive motion is the culprit!  Sad but true.  Thus solves the case of the 'burnt' tongue.



*Supercilious actually means: "haughtily disdainful or contemptuous, as a person or a facial expression", which has nothing at all to do with my post.  I just like that word.  It sounds like it should have a "silly" definition, but alas it's actually quite ironic.

Rockin' Around the Pre-Thanksgiving Tree

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

I know, I know, it's too early to be talking about Christmas; but is it really?  Believe it or not, it's about six weeks away.  In my family, we always put up the tree and such Thanksgiving weekend, but a month doesn't seem long enough to enjoy the festive decorations.  Since I've had my own house, I've left everything up well into January, but that just puts me in the "Is she crazy category?"  Though, one might reason two weeks into November would warrant questioning my sanity.  But here's the thing.  I love this time of year.  I love fall.  I love the cooler weather.  I love how everything and everyone seemingly comes alive.  So, why not enjoy it just a little bit earlier? 

I created a playlist on iTunes for Christmas music and away I went.  It took a lot longer to get everything up than I had intended, however, there was a bit of a learning curve on some projects.  One in particular I doubt I'll ever do again, but it's pretty neat, so who knows.

I used this r-e-a-l-l-y long strand to add some festivity to the upstairs.  However, this was NOT easy and about half way through I nearly gave up.  But I was also half way done, so I push through the rediculousness to get this project completed!  What do you think?  At least, I had the fore-thought to double it up before beginning!

My friend SJB made this Nativity family for me quite a few years ago.  She's one of the most creative people I know!  Whenever I pull this family out of the box and slowly unwrap the tissue paper, I just smile and think of my friend.

I had a wee incident along the way.  I had finally unraveled the tangled cords and was on my way outside, dragging (first mistake) the cord behind me, when all the sudden it got stuck on something.  I'm sure any rational human being would have gone to investigate, but I didn't think through what I was about to do and yanked on the cord instead (second mistake).  The next thing I hear is *pop*, *pop*, *pop*!  I look behind me and there on my new tiled kitchen floor lay several bulbs that bit the dust!  Once I got everything cleaned up, replaced the broken bulbs, then I was back in business. 

I've actually never really decorated outside; wanted to, but wasn't sure how.  I do have a Reindeer stake that I uh, well, stake into the yard.  I'll have to show you what that looks like later.  I got the lights hung around my door frame and for some reason, the thought of when the Israelites "painted" their doors in blood for the Passover came to mind.  Not sure why, interesting thought though.  I was talking to my mom later about what I'd accomplished today.  She said, "You mean the lights are on now?"  "Sure," I said.  "Don't you think it's a little bit early for that?"  In my defense, I was thinking Thanksgiving was this coming weekend.  So, I unplugged the lights.  :)

My parents gave me this fancy nativity for CHRISTmas last year.  I couldn't wait to use it this year and found the perfect spot on the hearth.  However, there's a shepard boy that I wasn't able to find room for.  (hahaha  No room at the inn!)  Ahem, sorry, I walked right into that and couldn't resist.

I love my "Charlie Brown" Christmas tree!  It's actually not that small at 6.5 feet.  There are so many benefits to using a fake tree rather than a real one, including, but not limited to: very little clean up and the fact you can bend up the branches for particularly heavy ornaments. 

Or in the case of my friend Pooh here, I had to create a "seat belt" to keep him from falling out of the tree.  Ornaments are like walking down memory lane.  I found different ones from friends and family alike.  I always try to write on the bottom who gave it to me and what year.  Thanks in part to my Mom and Sister, I tree is a lot fuller this year! 

For the most part, I'm done.  Though, my method of decorating much like many things in my life, I use the KISS method: Keep It Simple Stupid.  :)  Less is more in my book.  I had a lot of fun today.  Hope you get the chance to celebrate Christmas just a little big longer too!

When Passion Becomes Worship

When I see a sunset like this, I can't resist attempting to capture God's glory!  Photography has always been a passion of mine.  But taking pictures of sunsets has become an act of worship for me.  I feel most comfortable when behind the lense; in the "zone" if you will, loving on God by appreciating his "artwork".  Whatever the subject, I find beauty in the unexpected.  I believe that makes God happy.

Sunsets are a daily reminder that my Jesus LOVES me!

Aunt Mer

November 13, 2006.  The day my life changed forever.  The day I became an Aunt. 

He's a week old here.  I spent as much time with him as I could.  I would go straight from work on Friday's and stay until Saturday night.  When he was so little, my sister would swaddle and lay him down in the crevice of the two sofa coushions.  He earned the first of many, many nicknames, "Crack Boy."

From the moment I laid eyes on this precious miracle, I've been utterlly, head-over-heels in love with him.  My love for him has only grown as he gets older.  He's not even "mine", so I can only imagine the love a mother has for her baby, let alone the love the Father had for His Son! 

About the time he was four months old, I found myself doing ANYTHING to get a laugh out of him!  I'd make funny faces, sounds or gallop around the kitchen like an animal of some sort.  My sister taught him sign for "more".  Sometimes after one of my jaunts for laughter, he'd sign more.  Gotta love this kid!  I firmly believe he helped me get over myself enough to let go and have fun; no matter what.  To this day, I'll say and do crazy things (like putting a bucket on my head, he's aloways loved that) to get him hackling.  He has a great sense of humor!

Little roly poly was six months here.  One day, while everyone was visiting my parent's, I plopped him down in my Mom's prep sink on the island.  He liked it and stayed there for a while... until he figured out how to turn the water on!  Always the curious child!

He's eight months old here.  He and I clocked some SERIOUS hours on the porch swing.  On the HOT summer days/nights, my sister would set me up with a fan.  On the cooler days, we'd wrap ourselves in coats and blankets.  Whatever the weather, I'd make myself as comfortable as possible (all the while knowing within minutes my hiney would fall asleep) and settle in for the long haul.  When he was tiny, tiny, my Mom starteding singing, "This Old Man" to put him to sleep.  Knocked him out in two rounds flat!  However, a girl can only take so much This Old Man before she goes insane!  So,  I started singing worship and praise songs to him and for Jesus.  Toots (one of the many names I've given him) would fall asleep after a bit, but I just kept on singing.  It was my time to worship and give thanks for such an amazing little boy.  I'd pray over Toots and ask Jesus to watch out for him as he grew. 

I was telling Rudy (another one) stories about when he was a tiny, tiny baby recently.  When he talks about himself as a baby, he always calls himself a "tiny, tiny baby", so we do as well.  I told him all about how I'd rock and sing him to sleep on the front porch swing.  Not too long ago, I was rocking him for night-night and starting singing my version of Jesus Love Me (different than what my sister sings), he popped right up and said, "Aunt Mer, that's not how you sing that song!"  "Well," I told him, "that's how Aunt Mer sings it, remember?"  He nodded his head and settled back in.  He was asleep within moments.

One of my favorite things about being an Aunt is I can get away with stuff.  haha  I, like my nephew, love to go exploring in nature; getting in the muck of things, feeling everything first hand.  This day, he was wandering about bare-footed, which is something he'd never done before.  We wandered to the creek behind my parent's house.  I waited to see what he'd do, and just like a little boy, he immediately got into the water!  That boy has tough feet, I tell you!  He was very adventurous; walked up and down the creek several times, all the while holding onto my finger (just in case).  Independant, yet dependent.  I think under normal circumstances my sister might have freaked out a little bit, but like me, she's always looking for a good photo opportunity!  Trust me, this boy isn't lacking in pictures of himself!  But, I'm so thankful.  It's amazing to go back and look to see how much he's grown up!  I recently got a new computer, so I only have tiny, tiny and recent pictures of the Toot.

We all went to the beach this summer on a family vacation.  We weren't too sure how Toots would react since he did NOT like it the first time he went (nine months old)!  But a lot has changed since then.  He LOVED it!!  He has a sandbox at home, but this was the largest "sandbox" he'd ever seen!  He literally 'swam' in the sand, went rolling down the hill, and finally came to a rest in the above pose.  What a beach bum!  He loved it all - though the waves frightened him - and rightly so!

I've been telling him "I love you" since the day he was born and FINALLY this summer at the beach he said it back to me.  My heart melted and I fell in love with him all over again.

Here's a recent picture of Rudy; taken before he went to Bible study with my sister.  Apparently this is his new fake smile, but it looks pretty real to me!  His other Aunt taught him how to wink at a very young age, so that anytime he got in front of a camera, he'd wink at you.  What a little ham! 

Two is a fun age.  There's so much to see, learn and discover.  He had a language explosion this year too!  When I talk to my sister on the phone, he'll come on and we'll have an actual conversation.  I don't always understand he says, but I get most of it.  I love spending time with him, no matter what we're doing.  One of our favorite things is to rough-house on the den floor.  He's enjoyed treating me like a human jungle gym since he was tiny, tiny, but now that he's older, one or both of us ends up hurt (usually me!)  We roll around on the floor, tickling, playing with all his John Deer toys, and giving him "tummy yummies" (raspberries on the tummy). 

Rudy was a fireman this year for Halloween!  This boy LOVES to pretend!  He has such an amazing imagination!  Last I heard, he had imaginary neighbors who go by the names: Jon Jon, Trailer, Toothbrush, Bingum, and Truck.  Sometimes they go on adventures together; sometimes one of them is sick and Toots has to take care of them.  Very creative.

I absolutely, positively, without a doubt, no question about it, LOVE being an Aunt!  I can't believe Rudy turned THREE today!!!  Just doesn't seem possible!  I'm so thankful to have him in my life!  I don't know what we did without him for so long!   

Shoes

Remember when I said I wasn't your average girl?  This "unusual" behavior extends to my shoes collection, if it can even be called that, as well.  There are really only seven pairs of shoes I routinely wear.  I perfer comfort over fashion.  Which is why I don't have a single pair of high heels in my closet.  I'm already 5' 10", is there really a need to make me taller at the expense of hurting feet?  I think not. 

In thinking about this rediculous post, I thought it would be embarrassing fun to have illustrations along the way.   If nothing else, you have proof when you turn me into "What Not To Wear".  My sister always says, "Stacy and Clinton would NOT approve!"  Let's start the runway show, shall we?  (I've been watching a lot of "Project Runway"):

 
I call these my "wedding shoes", because quite obviously, I wear them to all the summer weddings.  I got them at PayLess quite a few years ago (like 10+) and they are rediculously comfortable!  I've gotten many compliments over the years; perhaps people were being nice and didn't know what to say?  haha  However, as you can tell, I think it might be time to retire these.  I know my Mom will be happy! 

I prefer not to spend a lot of money on shoes, though for as long as I keep them, perhaps I should invest a little more into the cause?  I got these at DSW about five or so years ago.  I paid more than I wanted to for these, however they are Tommy Hilfiger so I knew I was paying for the brand name.  They were scavenged from the "dot" section which made me feel better.  But this is really the only "dressy" shoe I own.  I know, it's sad.  Admittance is the first step right?  At least, I'm aware of my problem!  :)

 

Back when Birkenstocks were realy popular (late 90's), there was no way I could afford a pair (let alone now), so I found a cheaper solution!  Land's End offered essentially the same shoe but for only $24.95 (if I remember correctly).  Sounded like a great deal to me!  Well, here it is, more than a decade later and these sandals are still going strong!  Very comfortable and maybe even a little stylish?  You be the judge.

 

My friend MHH first introduced these lovely gems to me a while ago!  They are Mush flip flops from Teva.  Trust me, they are THE most comfortable pair of shoes you'll ever own!  (Isn't that right, KP?)  Because they are so mushy (no pun intended), they will wear out quicker, but they are worth every penny!  Let your fingers do the walking right to Teva! (or click that link)

 

We've come to my controversial pair of shoes... CROCS.  Yes, they are ugly, but boy are they comfortable!  These shoes have been ALL over the place!  They've even been all over the streets of Seattle, Washington and my feet NEVER hurt!  Ever.  What other shoe can offer such enticing promises?  Do you currently own a pair like that??  Please let me know!

You've heard me refer to my "tooting" shoes before?  Well, here they are!  I actually bought these specifically to wear when I work out at the YMCA, but I wear them now to work as well.  (Yay for getting to wear whatever I want to work!)  Tennis shoes are one of the only shoes I will pay more for - though you'd think with them being so expensive they'd be more comfortable!  Just sayin'! 

Now that you know my past history, how about a look into my future?  I've been wanting slippers for a while now but never found any that I really liked, for the price I wanted to pay.  I found these at Old Navy recently.  I read all the reviews and figured I'd give them a try.  They arrived yesterday!  From the moment I slid my feet in, they were so cozy and comfy.  My feet were sad to leave them when it was time for bed.

I recently bought this pair from Land's End for what I consider to be a good deal ($24.95).  I'm hoping they are comfortable.  (I know I keep saying that word, but it's so important!) 

These look sporty yet functional.  I've been looking at shoes like these for a few years now, but they've always been too expensive!  However, lovely Land's End has them on sale right now for $19.99.  Plus, there's an offer for FREE shipping (no minimum purchase) until November 17th -- Code: EVERGREEN; PIN: 2425.

Thus concludes my silly post about shoes.  I hope you've enjoyed the "runway show".  Seriously, please comment if you are currently wearing comfy shoes!  :)  Please share!

The Water's Edge

You found me today
When I least expexted it
A stranger in an unknown world
Wearing masks and playing make believe

The room was filled with happiness
A Holy union had been created
Dancing, laughter and stolen kisses
It was all too much
I had to get away

Making my way along the soggy path
My eyes immediately filled with tears
No, not yet!  Where can I go?
I then spotted the lake

Nearing the water's edge
I discovered the gaggle of geese and the playground
You also gave me a song, "All I Need is You, Lord"

What a sight I must have been!
All dolled up; crying, singing, praying and swinging
I just needed a moment to get away
No more pretending

Written September 20, 2009

Promise

I am not your typical girl.  I don't enjoy shopping.  I don't wear makeup.  I rarely wear dresses.  I don't wear jewelry.  I've never had my ears pierced.  I've only had one pedicure in my life (thanks, Kristina!).  I'm very low-maintenance, easy-going, not-easily-flustered, wysiwyg (what you see is what you get) kind of girl.  That's not to say I don't take care of myself, I just do it in a "Mer" kind of way.

I've been a "tom-boy" through and through my whole life.  When other girls were playing dress up or Barbie, I was playing with Transformers and G.I. Joe's.  Granted, most of my friends back then were boys.  Man, I lived on the best street EVER!  It was a cul-de-sac and there were a ton of neighborhood kids.  My friends and I would create ramps and jump our BMX bikes over them.  Or my friend Steven and I would fill up his sandbox full of water and play it in!  (We used to get in trouble for doing that!  But it was so much fun!)  Good times.  

Somewhere along the line, it became unacceptable to be who I've always been.  That is, I would get made fun of for doing things differently than others.  Though, I've been made fun of all my life; so this was nothing new.  People have consistently tried to change me to fit their perfect mold.  But they quickly realized, "God broke the mold when He made me!"  I don't conform.  I never have, probably never will.  That's not to say I'm a rebel with a cause or anything like that.  I'm just me.  Through and through.  Me.

Though, I'm still figuring out who "me" is.  I continue to amaze myself on a day-by-day basis.  It's like I've been one way for so long that to change seems too daunting.  Dare I say the "I" word?  Impossible.  But through Him ALL things are possible.  In Mark 10:27, Jesus says, "With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God." (ESV)

Did you read that last sentance or just skip over it?  "For ALL things are possible with God."  Amazing, huh?  Honestly, my finite, human mind can't even begin to wrap understanding around that concept!  The neat thing is, I don't really have to get it, as long as I trust that He does.  Imagine the possibilities though.... if ALL things are possible with God, then couldn't we perform modern-day miracles as the disciples did back in Bible times?  Could the sick become healed?  Deaf, hear?  Blind, see?  The possibilities are endless!

The thing is, we are so BUSY being BUSY that although these opportunities might present themselves to us now, we blow right pass them!  Believe me, I'm guilty of it too!  It's funny... actually, let me rephrase that.  God's funny.  On the way home, I was thinking about what I'd write about today. I decided I'd talk about how un-girly I am, but I recently started becoming more girly; slowly, but surely.  But as soon as I began to write, God took over and directly me in another way entirely. 

Do you remember that song from Sunday School, "I Am A Promise"??  It popped into my head while writing just now.  I learned this song a long, long time ago!  It just goes to show you never know what kids are actually learning! Check out this video I found.  It's priceless!

Isn't that great?!?  (I cracked up laughing when they did the chorus line kicks!)  So the lesson of today:  Don't sell yourself short!  Remember you're a great big, bursting bundle of potential to do anything with Him!

No-Bake Cookies

Wanna know a not-so-secret, secret?

Would you like to have a "famous" Quintana recipe?  This is one of our favorites and I thought I'd share it with you!  This used to be my "go-to" recipe to bring to functions, but for some unknown reason, I'm COMPLETELY incapable of yielding a positive outcome on these cookies anymore!  I don't understand.  I know I've followed the reciped correctly.  (I realize I do have trouble with that somtimes. ha)  They are either over-cooked or under-cooked, never (rarely) just right!  So, I hope you have better success!  Please let me know how they turn out for you!


No-Bake Cookies
1/2 Cup Milk
2 Cups Sugar
1/2 Cup Butter
4 Tablespoons Cocoa
2 Cups Rolled Oats
1/2 Cup Peanut Butter
Optional: 1/2 Cup Coconut and/or Raisins (personally, I leave both of these out!)

First, lay out a sheet of wax paper on counter top (usually about the length of your arm).  Second, boil together: milk, sugar, butter and cocoa until thickened, usually about 5 minutes.  Third, remove from heat and add oatmeal and peanut butter.  (I find it best to stir near or in the sink, as it can be messy.)  finally, quickly drop spoonfuls onto wax paper before mixture hardens.  Typically cookies will set up within a few minutes.


I was going to include a picture to be like REAL SIMPLE, but I quickly realized so matter how I arranged the cookies, they just looked like a pile of poop.  :)

Tears

Absolutely nothing worth writing about happend today.  Sunday's are chore day.  I'm doing laundry.  I vacuumed the house.  I cleaned the kitchen, again.  I stripped the sheets off my bed and put new ones on.  Though, I have to say, that was comical.  I flipped my mattress (by myself) and it got away from me and took out a lamp.  Literally.  I picked it up off the floor, plugged it back in and... nothing.  I can't figure out why it won't work anymore?  Oh well, I have another, just switched them out.  So yeah, I considered not posting today.  But in telling my mom about my quandry, she said, post it anway.  So, here I am, talking about nothing in particular again.  :)

Actually, I was watching Extreme Home Makeover from last week.  I love that show, but it ALWAYS makes me cry.  I'm an emotional girl, that is, God made me sensitive.  I tear up at Hallmark commercials and the like.  At the beginning of the show, Ty Pennington always shows a video of why this family has been picked.  That gets me everytime. 

While I was sitting watching this family's story unfold, tears were filling my eyes.  Suddenly, I had a tiny inspiration to try and capture what that might look like.  I know you must think I'm crazy.  Why not capture this emotion as well?  For some unknown reason, I enjoy taking pictures of my eye.  This one below turned out the best.

I wonder why tears fall from the center of your eye?  I wonder why that's the tipping point?  I'm sure there's a logical and scientific reasoning behind it.  I found this, which doesn't explain why it happens, but it's still interesting:

"Tears flow from tear glands into your eyes through tiny tear ducts. The tear glands are located under your upper lids, and when stimulated, produce tears to form a thin film over your eyeballs. Every time you blink the film spreads over your eyes to keep them moist and free of dust and other irritants. Whether you are awake or asleep, happy or sad, this salty fluid is always flowing from the tear glands.

Besides protecting your eyes, the tear glands produce more fluid when your eyes are irritated. These extra tears are called reflex or irritant tears. And, when something makes you happy or sad, your tear glands will produce emotional tears. Used tears then drain down into two tiny openings on the brim of your upper and lower eyelids at the inner edge of your eyes, which lead to the nasolacrimal tear ducts next to the bridge of your nose. From there, they are channeled into your nasal cavity where they are swallowed or blown out with other nasal fluids. If there are too many tears, they will overflow your lower lid and run down your cheeks." -- Why Do We Cry


Thus concludes your Bill Nye the Science Guy lesson for the day.

Great Day, Boring Post

Today (which is actually today's yesterday), but I didn't get to post until now so it's still my today, since I haven't slept yet.  Wow, that was confusing.  Let me start over.

Saturday was a really good day.  Before I went to sleep on Friday night, I set my alarm to wake up about eight hours later.  But then I picked up this new book I'm reading, "How Starbucks Saved My Life: A Son of Privilege Learns to Live Like Everyone Else" and had trouble putting it down.  When my eyes could no longer stay open, I got up out of bed and turned my alarm off.  I knew that was a potentially bad decision, but how often do I get to just sleep until my body is well rested?  Not too often.  After some crazy dreams, I finally got up at 12:52 today (Saturday).  Crazy, I know.  In my defense, I didn't go to bed until around 2:30.  Though, that still means I got ten hours of sleep.  Ahh, whatever.  That's not the point.  In fact, I don't even know why I'm writing about this.  Moving on.

While putting away my clean dishes, I realized I was tired of being frustrated at the way I store things in my kitchen.  Over the next two hours or so, I took most everything out of the pantries and started over.  I was given a lot of things when I first moved in (as I had nothing).  And now that I'm starting to buy more things on my own or just acquire more; it was getting out of control.  I love my kitchen but some of the storage space just doesn't make sense.  I put the things I never use in there.  Next time someone is having a garage sale, please let me know.  I'll donate to the cause.

I was listening to a Church of the Highlands sermon by Joe McGee while I cleaned and organized.  I don't know if you've ever heard of him or heard him speak, but boy that man can bring the Word.  I can burn you a copy of his sermons if you're interested, just let me know.  It took me a while, but boy the final result was amazing.  Though, hours later, when looking for a container to put leftover dinner in, I had trouble finding something to use.  Maybe I need to rethink some of the placement of items.

OK, I feel like this post is super boring.  I don't have some big revelation or anything, just rambling about my day. 

My friend JWW came over for a girl's night.  I made dinner and dessert; which, both were fabulous!  I'm not just tooting my own horn either.  I mean, I'm a good cook, but these were incredible!  People joke with me as I'm seemingly incapable of reading a recipe.  Somehow I always mess something up.  The same was true with the dessert, though thankfully, it really didn't matter.  We had "Fast Fruity Delight".  It was quite delightful as well!

I used blackberries.  Yummy!

Mmmmm Mmmmm Good!

We had dinner first though, Saucy Mexican Chicken.  It was super easy to make and was incredibly delicious.  *pats myself on the back*  If you'd like the recipe, just let me know.

...served over a bed a rice.

After dinner, JWW and I played a game of Scrabble.  We love to play Scrabble together; wish we could do it more often!  I started the game with "Zap", 28 points, but it stunted the growth of the game for quite a while.  We had a lot of fun and JWW won!! 235 to 197.

We were going to play Dance Praise (exactly like Dance Dance Revolution, but with Christian music), but we ended up watching The Proposal instead.  Funny movie!

Whichs leads me to now... 1:31am and because I slept most of the day, I'm not sleepy for bed now.  Hmm.  Guess I'll find something constructive to do, like go read!