Posts
If your sweet potatoes aren't good this year!.....
Emily rolling out Great Grandma Gray's Egg Noodles!
Jman enjoying THE famous carrot cake for breakfast!
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Some Thanksgiving Day Pictures
Starbucks' Mochas always make me smile like this!
If your sweet potatoes aren't good this year!.....
Emily rolling out Great Grandma Gray's Egg Noodles!
Jman enjoying THE famous carrot cake for breakfast!
If your sweet potatoes aren't good this year!.....
Emily rolling out Great Grandma Gray's Egg Noodles!
Jman enjoying THE famous carrot cake for breakfast!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Cranberry Thanksgiving
I love cranberry bread. My girlfriend (currently in California) makes the best in the world! I first discovered her bread baking talents while expecting Emily. Shortly before Emily was born, she treated me to her Holiday Breads. I'd not had Cranberry Bread before and instantly fell in love with it. Dawn's Cranberry Bread has spanned the world from Northern California to Germany just to share her love with me. My hips are forever grateful! (teehee!)
Well, there isn't any Cranberry Bread coming my way from Dawn this Holiday Season, so I had to get off my tail and figure out how to do this on my own. I pulled out one of our favorite Thanksgiving books, Cranberry Thanksgiving, and wouldn't you know it; there's a recipe for Cranberry Bread at the back of the book!
After we read the story yesterday, we pulled out the Kitchen Aid and got to work making some ourselves.
Here's the recipe:
2C sifted flour (I used fresh ground whole wheat)
1 C sugar
1 and 1/2 t baking powder
1 t salt
1/2 t baking soda
1/4 cup butter
1 egg beaten
1 t grated orange peel. (I left this out....)
3/4 C orange juice
1 and 1/2 C EACH of chopped cranberries and whole raisins. (you can use all cranberries if you like.)
Combine dry ingredients, cut in the butter, add the wet, mix, bake 350 for an hour or so. Cool on a wire rack. Then remove from the pan. Enjoy!
Well, there isn't any Cranberry Bread coming my way from Dawn this Holiday Season, so I had to get off my tail and figure out how to do this on my own. I pulled out one of our favorite Thanksgiving books, Cranberry Thanksgiving, and wouldn't you know it; there's a recipe for Cranberry Bread at the back of the book!
After we read the story yesterday, we pulled out the Kitchen Aid and got to work making some ourselves.
Here's the recipe:
2C sifted flour (I used fresh ground whole wheat)
1 C sugar
1 and 1/2 t baking powder
1 t salt
1/2 t baking soda
1/4 cup butter
1 egg beaten
1 t grated orange peel. (I left this out....)
3/4 C orange juice
1 and 1/2 C EACH of chopped cranberries and whole raisins. (you can use all cranberries if you like.)
Combine dry ingredients, cut in the butter, add the wet, mix, bake 350 for an hour or so. Cool on a wire rack. Then remove from the pan. Enjoy!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
By Faith
I just love my girlfriends! They are all so diverse and fun. They fill me with love, hold me when I cry, teach me creativity, care for my children and even hold me accountable. A girlfriend's timing is one of the best I know; especially if she's a Believer in our Mighty Savior.
Marci is no exception to that rule. We have such fun together. I truly think that only her brain can move as fast as mine! She has the ability stay in step with it at times and wouldn't you know it; she can cut me off at the pass, too! Today was one of those times together.
We caught up today at a central food court in an equidistant mall. There, we spewed our guts out as only a girl can about life. Marci and I don't need candles and pie on china plates.....we need coffee from Starbucks while the kids eat McDonald's icecream cones. We just go for it where ever we are! As we were chatting (or spewing as we do...) Marci made a very profound statement....something to the effect of "well, Kel, you are beyond looking for hope. You are walking Faith in Christ."
BINGO!!!
She sustinctly stated what I've been churning over for a few days. Truly, it's been the hardest year of our lives. But in that moment, sitting with my girlfriend in a food court, things became even clearer and a Peace struck my soul. So many times in the past I've been hopeful that Christ would see us through an event or circumstance. He always has. Always!
I came home and opened up God's Word to Hebrews 11:1 and 6. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen.....But without faith it is impossible to please Him for he who comes to God must believe that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."
My Bible notes tell me that: faith is not a blind leap in the dark, but a confident commitment to One about whom abundant evidence bears ample testimony.
Certainly I have an abundant evidence of Christ's provision for our family. Just read my post from a day or two ago! That list is just a small sampling of the abundant provision and giving from my Heavenly Father who holds me and my family in the palm of His hand! He's shown us, without a doubt in our minds, His commitment to us. We are now striving as a family to show we are just as committed to Him!
I am no longer walking daily from a perspective of simply hoping Christ will sustain us and hold us and provide for us. Slowly, but surely the Spirit is teaching me and showing me: Walk by Faith.
Thanks, Marci, for a great afternoon out. I love your family. Thanks for walking by Faith with me.
Marci is no exception to that rule. We have such fun together. I truly think that only her brain can move as fast as mine! She has the ability stay in step with it at times and wouldn't you know it; she can cut me off at the pass, too! Today was one of those times together.
We caught up today at a central food court in an equidistant mall. There, we spewed our guts out as only a girl can about life. Marci and I don't need candles and pie on china plates.....we need coffee from Starbucks while the kids eat McDonald's icecream cones. We just go for it where ever we are! As we were chatting (or spewing as we do...) Marci made a very profound statement....something to the effect of "well, Kel, you are beyond looking for hope. You are walking Faith in Christ."
BINGO!!!
She sustinctly stated what I've been churning over for a few days. Truly, it's been the hardest year of our lives. But in that moment, sitting with my girlfriend in a food court, things became even clearer and a Peace struck my soul. So many times in the past I've been hopeful that Christ would see us through an event or circumstance. He always has. Always!
I came home and opened up God's Word to Hebrews 11:1 and 6. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen.....But without faith it is impossible to please Him for he who comes to God must believe that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."
My Bible notes tell me that: faith is not a blind leap in the dark, but a confident commitment to One about whom abundant evidence bears ample testimony.
Certainly I have an abundant evidence of Christ's provision for our family. Just read my post from a day or two ago! That list is just a small sampling of the abundant provision and giving from my Heavenly Father who holds me and my family in the palm of His hand! He's shown us, without a doubt in our minds, His commitment to us. We are now striving as a family to show we are just as committed to Him!
I am no longer walking daily from a perspective of simply hoping Christ will sustain us and hold us and provide for us. Slowly, but surely the Spirit is teaching me and showing me: Walk by Faith.
Thanks, Marci, for a great afternoon out. I love your family. Thanks for walking by Faith with me.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Fresh Perspective
Our new Pastor at Crossway Fellowship, Pastor Jim, is taking the Sunday School Hour to walk the Adults through the book of Psalms. This week, for homework, we were asked to do some exegisis on the 2nd book of Acts. Ch 42-72 make up the 2nd book of Acts. Well, it's doubtful that I'll get to all 31 chapters this week, but I have gotten to Ch 50 today. I have been making notes and finding the Hebrew Poetry facinating to read. Repetition is how Hebrew poetry is written. This is very much unlike our rhyme and meter that makes poetry sing-song at times.
Anyway, back to Psalm 50. Verse 15 says. Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you and you shall glorify me.
One of the concerns I've had is how to Glorify God in the midst of our most challenging season to date. How can this Season of our life bring Glory to Him? How on *EARTH* is all of this going to work out for Your Glory Father has been a plea of mine.
Ps 50:15 says and *YOU* shall Glorify me. OOPS! I believe I need to be accountable here to so many who have prayed with and for us, held us while we've cried and reached out to us. Here's my list of how God has provided for us since June 28.
1. The Police Officer that came to the house was of strong faith in God.
2. All tricare bills except 2 have been paid.
3. John has only worked a 4 day and sometimes just a 3 day work week without prejudice from his superiors since 1 July
4. Prayer! At one time I knew of 65 people praying for us!
5. Women of Faith, Thanks Ft. Lee PWOC and Cheri for allowing that to happen for me. You'll never know what a blessing it was to my soul.
6. Court decisions have gone well for us
7. We have a wonderful counselor who Love the Lord working with our family.
I could go on and on about the numerous ways prayers have been answered. Circumstances that held me in fear for days were all turned to give God Glory for the Provision of our family. Only He could have done so many of the miracles we've needed on a daily basis.
Isaiah 42:3-4 says "A bruised reed He will not break, And smoking flax He will not quench; He will bring forth justice for truth. He will not fail nor be discouraged Till He has established justice in the earth and the coastlands shall wait for His law."
God has allowed us to enter a place of great pain this year. But we are not broken. We are not broken and useless for Him unless WE allow it to be so. We are submissive, to You and Your Will. Shape, Mold and Make us what You want our family to be. We give You Glory in advance for the blessings You bestow to us.
From a fresher perspective this afternoon.....
I love you Lord, my Strength.
Anyway, back to Psalm 50. Verse 15 says. Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you and you shall glorify me.
One of the concerns I've had is how to Glorify God in the midst of our most challenging season to date. How can this Season of our life bring Glory to Him? How on *EARTH* is all of this going to work out for Your Glory Father has been a plea of mine.
Ps 50:15 says and *YOU* shall Glorify me. OOPS! I believe I need to be accountable here to so many who have prayed with and for us, held us while we've cried and reached out to us. Here's my list of how God has provided for us since June 28.
1. The Police Officer that came to the house was of strong faith in God.
2. All tricare bills except 2 have been paid.
3. John has only worked a 4 day and sometimes just a 3 day work week without prejudice from his superiors since 1 July
4. Prayer! At one time I knew of 65 people praying for us!
5. Women of Faith, Thanks Ft. Lee PWOC and Cheri for allowing that to happen for me. You'll never know what a blessing it was to my soul.
6. Court decisions have gone well for us
7. We have a wonderful counselor who Love the Lord working with our family.
I could go on and on about the numerous ways prayers have been answered. Circumstances that held me in fear for days were all turned to give God Glory for the Provision of our family. Only He could have done so many of the miracles we've needed on a daily basis.
Isaiah 42:3-4 says "A bruised reed He will not break, And smoking flax He will not quench; He will bring forth justice for truth. He will not fail nor be discouraged Till He has established justice in the earth and the coastlands shall wait for His law."
God has allowed us to enter a place of great pain this year. But we are not broken. We are not broken and useless for Him unless WE allow it to be so. We are submissive, to You and Your Will. Shape, Mold and Make us what You want our family to be. We give You Glory in advance for the blessings You bestow to us.
From a fresher perspective this afternoon.....
I love you Lord, my Strength.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Closest to Christ in our Sufferings
I struggle to write and write well. I'm constantly journaling in my head about anything and everything: family conversations, sermons that strike me, goofy things with my children, mothering, nuturing, being a Christian in a broken world, wanting my life to reflect His Joy. But I don't seem to be able to overcome my own brain cells everytime I type a post to reflect what I truly feel inside and want to get to come out of my fingers. I guess I'll just have to allow this blog and journey of suffering our family is experiencing to be my sloppy copy and allow the Lord to refine it: In His Time.
This year, 2009, we set out to conquer the world! We are in our new home, with a high powered and unexpected job for John, we planned to be in a wonderful church serving Him, homeschooling our kids to be all they can be in His timing, I wanted to be a Light in our neighborhood and was busy with Awana Club, we were ready for John's big promotion to come, start our savings over and begin to use John's salary as a means to serve others.
Clearly, we aren't the authors of our own lives. 2009 has been the worst year of our married lives to date. We've been more needy of the Body than we've ever been! Our year has gone in a direction we never imagined: Benefactor resigned from caring for college needs for one of our children leaving us with mounting bills and on our knees, Unknown sexual abuse has devestated our children leaving one child outside of our home in a psychiatric hospital and one child in counseling with a 3rd child mourning the loss of a beloved brother; the weakest cords of our marriage have been exposed in dealing with the stress sometimes revealing deep pain and hurts.
Our roof had truly caved in on our family this year and slowly I felt myself coming out from underneath the rubble and working to rebuild our lives realtionally and financially from our Cave in. Then there was last night's phonecall: Kel, it's not good I need you to behave yourself, I have something to tell you. It's stage 4 and in Daddy's lower lobe of his right lung. There are also some spots on his left lung. Plus congestive heart failure plus a thyroid problem. 6 months on the short side 3 years on the long side.
I know that I know that I know we are closest to Christ in our sufferings. The Gospels are full of stories of miracles of healings. All a person had to do was get close to our Precious Savior to be restored. But the restoration wasn't just a physical healing, it was and still can be so much sweeter. It's a restoration of the mind, a comforting of the inward soul, a deep peace. Then Christ commanded those he healed to oftentimes: Go! Tell Others about what the Son of Man has done.
What my beautiful Savior is doing and has done for me and my family during such tragedy is knit our hearts together. What I want this blog to be about is a journey my family is on. It's not a pretty one. It's like many of those we read about in Scripture who just wanted to get CLOSE to Jesus for the healing. I know that we are closest to Christ in our sufferings. Stay tuned. Miracles of the heart and faith are waiting to burst forth!
This year, 2009, we set out to conquer the world! We are in our new home, with a high powered and unexpected job for John, we planned to be in a wonderful church serving Him, homeschooling our kids to be all they can be in His timing, I wanted to be a Light in our neighborhood and was busy with Awana Club, we were ready for John's big promotion to come, start our savings over and begin to use John's salary as a means to serve others.
Clearly, we aren't the authors of our own lives. 2009 has been the worst year of our married lives to date. We've been more needy of the Body than we've ever been! Our year has gone in a direction we never imagined: Benefactor resigned from caring for college needs for one of our children leaving us with mounting bills and on our knees, Unknown sexual abuse has devestated our children leaving one child outside of our home in a psychiatric hospital and one child in counseling with a 3rd child mourning the loss of a beloved brother; the weakest cords of our marriage have been exposed in dealing with the stress sometimes revealing deep pain and hurts.
Our roof had truly caved in on our family this year and slowly I felt myself coming out from underneath the rubble and working to rebuild our lives realtionally and financially from our Cave in. Then there was last night's phonecall: Kel, it's not good I need you to behave yourself, I have something to tell you. It's stage 4 and in Daddy's lower lobe of his right lung. There are also some spots on his left lung. Plus congestive heart failure plus a thyroid problem. 6 months on the short side 3 years on the long side.
I know that I know that I know we are closest to Christ in our sufferings. The Gospels are full of stories of miracles of healings. All a person had to do was get close to our Precious Savior to be restored. But the restoration wasn't just a physical healing, it was and still can be so much sweeter. It's a restoration of the mind, a comforting of the inward soul, a deep peace. Then Christ commanded those he healed to oftentimes: Go! Tell Others about what the Son of Man has done.
What my beautiful Savior is doing and has done for me and my family during such tragedy is knit our hearts together. What I want this blog to be about is a journey my family is on. It's not a pretty one. It's like many of those we read about in Scripture who just wanted to get CLOSE to Jesus for the healing. I know that we are closest to Christ in our sufferings. Stay tuned. Miracles of the heart and faith are waiting to burst forth!
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