My journal entry from June 28th {during last week’s denial and chaos} begins with this verse: Be on guard, so that your hearts will not be weighed down with dissipation {self-indulgence} and drunkenness and the worries of life…but keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that… Read More Counting One Thousand Gifts: June {& a heart lifted up}
Why am I in denial about the realities of summer EVERY year? Why do I eagerly anticipate the end of the school year in expectation of slow and laid back summer days ~ carefree and restful? Why, in May, do I picture myself on warm, sunny beaches in June with my kids splashing in the… Read More Counting One Thousand Gifts: Denial and Chaos and Joy
Well, my women’s small group has been at it for 6 weeks now. We’ve read the entire letter to Titus.{It’s only 3 chapters.} We’ve listed key words, phrases, and themes. We’ve looked at each chapter by itself, and have re-written crucial passages in our own words. We’ve even memorized a section of verses that well… Read More Titus: A Poetic Summary {by yours truly}
Y’all. It’s been one heckuva week; a gully-washer of problems and pains. {Pulling out some Texan for effect.} Honestly, I think it may go down in this mama’s history as one of the top ten most stressful weeks of her life so far. People, and issues, and more people, and more issues, and messy battle… Read More Gluten Free Friday ~ Coconut Chicken Curry {in the crockpot!} {with a side dish of Bible exposition}
Robert had to leave extra early this morning for a meeting with regional pastors and church-planters. We usually run together on Monday mornings, but today I went alone, and I went long. Longer than our usual six miles, because it was a longer than usual weekend, filled with the pain of perceived betrayal, and the… Read More The Gift of His Voice
Each week as I walk into Whole Foods for the usual four to six items that I can’t really get anywhere else {or maybe for a lunch date with a friend}, I’m greeted by a display of ice packed containers of fresh guacamole and mango salsa. I’ve caved to the in-house made guac a time… Read More Gluten Free Friday ~ Mango – Radish Salsa
Even with the many joys and delights of springtime and beginnings of summer ~ beautiful baptisms, baby chicks, backyard cookouts, blossoming trees, and a touch of warmth from the sun, I still found myself writing these words from my favorite book in a difficult-to-write card to an old friend of mine… “God knows whom He… Read More Counting One Thousand Gifts ~ May {Springtime & Sorrows}
We’re finally getting a bit of summer weather here! We always try an hold off until June to pull the window unit air conditioners out of the attic and start using them, but we didn’t quite make it this year. Last week we had some high 80’s and HIGH humidity, and this week began with… Read More Gluten Free Friday ~ Sweet & Crunchy Chicken Salad
(A re-posting from 2011 to remember a man who loved his country and me.) Spring always reminds me of my grandfather. His birthday was on the first day of spring, and even though he’s been gone nearly 11 years now, I still write his name on March 20 every January when I sit down to… Read More Memorial Day ~ Remembering My Poppy
Coffee cake is the number one requested birthday breakfast around here (with bacon, of course), and I’ve already posted a recipe for one version here a while back. That one came from my friend Sara, and has lots of cut butter in the batter, so it is, of course, delicious. This one is slightly different,… Read More Gluten Free Friday ~ Cinnamon Bundt Coffee Cake