"A thing of beauty is a joy forever..." -John Keats
So this isn't what Keats had in mind, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right?
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| Best Christmas gift ever! |
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Monday, December 26, 2011
The Name
Today as I drove from Blythe to Chandler, I listened to RockHarbor's Stronger about three times. This album has been an immense blessing to me since it was released earlier in the fall. The songs are full of Truth, and there is something awesome about singing Truth at the top of your lungs to God. The Truths in these songs spoke to me during the time that I was with RockHarbor and it is awesome to see how the Spirit continues to use them to encourage my heart. I can't pick a favorite from the album, it is one of those albums that is best listened to in whole, but I would like to share the lyrics from one of the songs on the CD. Today being Christmas, made me think of the sweetest name given to the baby born in Bethlehem so long ago.
"She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." -Matthew 1:21
Hallelujah, the Lord saves!
The Name by Todd Proctor
The Name that humbles kings,
The Name the angels sing,
The Name deserving of all praise.
The Name that darkness flees,
The Name that binds the enemy,
The Name that called upon will save.
There is no name that's lifted higher,
There is no name so strong and sure.
The Name that set the world on fire,
Jesus its Yours, Jesus its Yours!
The Name with power to heal,
The Name of love revealed,
The Name that marks the way of grace.
The Name that martyrs cry,
The Name that leads to life,
beyond the sorrows of this place.
There is no name that's lifted higher,
There is no name so strong and sure.
The Name that set the world on fire,
Jesus its Yours, Jesus its Yours!
And every knee will fall,
And every tongue will cry,
The Name that's overall,
Forever glorified.
There is no name that's lifted higher,
There is no name so strong and sure.
The Name that set the world on fire,
Jesus its Yours, Jesus its Yours!
Jesus, thank You for coming to earth, for putting on flesh, and living each day in perfect humility. Thank You for paying the penalty for my sins, for conquering death, and giving me life. Jesus, You are beautiful. Thank You for infusing life with meaning! You are so good. Lord, we await Your return in light of Your great faithfulness.
"She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." -Matthew 1:21
Hallelujah, the Lord saves!
The Name by Todd Proctor
The Name that humbles kings,
The Name the angels sing,
The Name deserving of all praise.
The Name that darkness flees,
The Name that binds the enemy,
The Name that called upon will save.
There is no name that's lifted higher,
There is no name so strong and sure.
The Name that set the world on fire,
Jesus its Yours, Jesus its Yours!
The Name with power to heal,
The Name of love revealed,
The Name that marks the way of grace.
The Name that martyrs cry,
The Name that leads to life,
beyond the sorrows of this place.
There is no name that's lifted higher,
There is no name so strong and sure.
The Name that set the world on fire,
Jesus its Yours, Jesus its Yours!
And every knee will fall,
And every tongue will cry,
The Name that's overall,
Forever glorified.
There is no name that's lifted higher,
There is no name so strong and sure.
The Name that set the world on fire,
Jesus its Yours, Jesus its Yours!
Jesus, thank You for coming to earth, for putting on flesh, and living each day in perfect humility. Thank You for paying the penalty for my sins, for conquering death, and giving me life. Jesus, You are beautiful. Thank You for infusing life with meaning! You are so good. Lord, we await Your return in light of Your great faithfulness.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Coconut Macaroons Recipe (Make Me! Macaroons)
If you like coconut and chocolate, I cannot recommend a better recipe.
Earlier this year, I had a request for some macaroons. So I set about doing some research on the coconut dessert I had never sampled. After searching, I found a recipe that I thought would be a good base (Chef Keem's Tres Leche Macaroons) and added a couple ingredients to enhance the consistency and flavor. (I added the eggs to help bond the coconut mixture together; without the eggs, I found the macaroons to be too fragile. I also added the almond extract and cinnamon for flavor, but they are optional.)
Ingredients:
Simply combine all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl. You will most likely want to use an electric mixer to make sure that the wet ingredients are evenly disbursed through the coconut. Once you have thoroughly mixed the ingredients, prep your cookie tray. Your cookie tray should be lined with parchment paper. I use a silicone sheet liner. Once this is done you can use an ice cream scoop, or any cookie scoop, to make your round macaroons. Bake the macaroons at 325 degrees for about 18 minutes or until the coconut becomes a nice, golden brown.
After the macaroons have cooled completely, then dip them in chocolate. I use almond bark, but if you are more comfortable with another dipping chocolate feel free to use that. I simply microwave the almond bark and dip half of each macaroon into the chocolate. Once they have been dipped, place them back on parchment or wax paper until the chocolate sets.
Earlier this year, I had a request for some macaroons. So I set about doing some research on the coconut dessert I had never sampled. After searching, I found a recipe that I thought would be a good base (Chef Keem's Tres Leche Macaroons) and added a couple ingredients to enhance the consistency and flavor. (I added the eggs to help bond the coconut mixture together; without the eggs, I found the macaroons to be too fragile. I also added the almond extract and cinnamon for flavor, but they are optional.)
Ingredients:
- 4-14 oz. bags of shredded coconut
- 2-14 oz. cans of sweeten condensed milk
- 1/4 cup sour cream (I use fat free, and have substituted plain yogurt when I didn't have s.c.)
- 2 tablespoons of whipping cream (I have used creamer and milk as a sub.)
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 tablespoon almond extract
- A couple dashes of cinnamon
- Chocolate almond bark (If you would like to dip them in chocolate, and you do!)
Directions:
Simply combine all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl. You will most likely want to use an electric mixer to make sure that the wet ingredients are evenly disbursed through the coconut. Once you have thoroughly mixed the ingredients, prep your cookie tray. Your cookie tray should be lined with parchment paper. I use a silicone sheet liner. Once this is done you can use an ice cream scoop, or any cookie scoop, to make your round macaroons. Bake the macaroons at 325 degrees for about 18 minutes or until the coconut becomes a nice, golden brown.
These freeze amazingly well! Enjoy!
Thursday, December 15, 2011
I love being a whimsy
Today was full of fun for a whimsy like me.
I will share with you a few of the whimsical things that I documented.
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| I painted this for my aunt to give as a gift. |
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| I also added some festive frills to the front door. |
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| I spray painted a different project... one that allowed me to use a drill gun. |
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| AND look who is here! It's Lauran Hellen. She is like strawberry ice cream on a Blythe, summer day. |
fyi- a whimsy is one who is playfully quaint
fyii- quaint is being attractively unusual or old fashioned
Good night! Lauran sends her love too!
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
my favorite Christmas Carol
Today is my mom's birthday and as she was born so close to Christmas, my grandpa wanted to name her Carol, which means, "song of great joy." On her birthday, and other days too, I thank God for how much joy my mom has brought into my life!
I think that one of the greatest ways my mother has brought me joy is by teaching me so many things about life and walking with Jesus. Whether she was aware of it or not, I have been watching her since I was a little girl and have gleaned many things.
Here are a few of the things that I have learned from my mother, and will probably never stop learning about:
-How to be real- My mom is maybe one of the most real people I have ever met. She knows who she is in Christ. When I first heard about people putting on masks and hiding their emotions, I couldn't even understand it because it seemed so foreign to me. My mom and dad have been so intentional in sharing their lives with us and making our family an environment of grace so that we feel safe to be who we are, and free to give and receive love and truth.
-How to be hospitable- For the last six-ish years I have really enjoyed bringing different friends home to Blythe. My parents always give them a warm reception. One of my favorite memories is my mom meeting one of my friends for the first time and giving her such a warm hug, exclaiming, "I'm so glad to meet you!" I think part of my mom's hospitality is significantly enhanced by her realness, but ultimately she makes people feel like they are important. She will sit and listen, or share her story. She is not afraid to give advice, but doesn't bury you with it either.
-How to bake- A lot of my new friends ask me, "why did you start baking?" and my response is something like, "Well, my mom always liked to bake and she taught me how." I remember helping my mom in the kitchen as a little kid. She didn't care if the cookies weren't perfectly shaped or if we made a bit of a mess, she cared about spending time with us kiddos.
-How to sacrifice- My mom has made a lot of sacrifices over the years and I will probably understand this more in the years to come when I have kids, but it is pretty humbling to be the recipient of so many acts of love and service.
-How to trust- I feel like my mom trusts God in a way that I often don't understand. My mom often is so steady and anchored; I can't explain it, but I see it. She doesn't go on rambling about what could be or isn't, but she is where God has her and she is who God has made her to be. She knows the Word and walks by faith.
-How to laugh, cry and have fun- My mom has a great laugh and is a tender-hearted beauty. She is fun to be around. I genuinely enjoy her company!
Lord, thank you for my mom. I thank You for Your goodness and sovereignty in her life and the way that it has trickled down into mine. Lord, I pray that You would strengthen my mom this day. Lord, would You refresh and encourage her heart as only You can. I pray that You would continue to grow her and give her vision for her life. Yes, strengthen and encourage my parents as they labor for Your kingdom in Blythe. Thank You for the ways that they compliment each other. Lord, I am thankful to have had a front row seat to watch and learn from my mom, help us to grow in our Christ likeness. Thank You for her humility, joy and peace. Lord, would You continue to bless her to be a blessing, especially in her time with You? You are good Lord, and Your love endures!
I think that one of the greatest ways my mother has brought me joy is by teaching me so many things about life and walking with Jesus. Whether she was aware of it or not, I have been watching her since I was a little girl and have gleaned many things.
Here are a few of the things that I have learned from my mother, and will probably never stop learning about:
-How to be real- My mom is maybe one of the most real people I have ever met. She knows who she is in Christ. When I first heard about people putting on masks and hiding their emotions, I couldn't even understand it because it seemed so foreign to me. My mom and dad have been so intentional in sharing their lives with us and making our family an environment of grace so that we feel safe to be who we are, and free to give and receive love and truth.
-How to be hospitable- For the last six-ish years I have really enjoyed bringing different friends home to Blythe. My parents always give them a warm reception. One of my favorite memories is my mom meeting one of my friends for the first time and giving her such a warm hug, exclaiming, "I'm so glad to meet you!" I think part of my mom's hospitality is significantly enhanced by her realness, but ultimately she makes people feel like they are important. She will sit and listen, or share her story. She is not afraid to give advice, but doesn't bury you with it either.
-How to bake- A lot of my new friends ask me, "why did you start baking?" and my response is something like, "Well, my mom always liked to bake and she taught me how." I remember helping my mom in the kitchen as a little kid. She didn't care if the cookies weren't perfectly shaped or if we made a bit of a mess, she cared about spending time with us kiddos.
-How to sacrifice- My mom has made a lot of sacrifices over the years and I will probably understand this more in the years to come when I have kids, but it is pretty humbling to be the recipient of so many acts of love and service.
-How to trust- I feel like my mom trusts God in a way that I often don't understand. My mom often is so steady and anchored; I can't explain it, but I see it. She doesn't go on rambling about what could be or isn't, but she is where God has her and she is who God has made her to be. She knows the Word and walks by faith.
-How to laugh, cry and have fun- My mom has a great laugh and is a tender-hearted beauty. She is fun to be around. I genuinely enjoy her company!
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| At Thanksgiving... Yes, my mom put whipped cream on my nose. No, I don't know why. |
Monday, December 12, 2011
Joy to the World
We sang "Joy to the World" in worship yesterday and my heart felt so triumphant. For Christ came in the flesh that we may set Him apart in our hearts as Lord, and that we might know complete peace. He came and He is coming again! That's what Isaac Watts had in mind when he penned the words to our beloved Christmas song, Christ's second coming. Man, I was so stinking excited at the thought that it could be today, it could be today that I see my Savior face to face and bow before Him with no words, but with a bursting heart of gratitude!
Lord, thank You for coming as a babe, for walking so humbly and perfectly. Thank You for taking the wrath that was due me on the cross and for conquering sin and death. O Lord, there was silence for Israel for 400 hundred years until Your cries as a little baby pierced the quiet. The star shown in the sky, the angels burst forth into song. You proclaimed good tidings of great joy which should be for all people, for unto us was born that day, in the city of David, our Savior, Christ the LORD!
Lord, even now we, Your bride, wait for You. Lord, sometimes it seems that there is silence, but You have spoken and Your Word is true. Lord, may You grow us with a desire and an expectancy to see You come again, to have You reign as King in the new heaven and earth! Lord, as we wait may our hearts be stirred to share Your grace and truth with those about us who do not know You as their Lord. God may the certainty of Your return encourage our hearts to live in light of the gospel and as ministers of reconciliation. Lord, that one day we will no longer know the curse, but only Your blessing, is awesome to me. Rule in my heart this day and always, my gracious Lord and King.
Joy to the world! the Lord is come;
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.
Joy to the world! the Saviour reigns;
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.
He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.
Lord, thank You for coming as a babe, for walking so humbly and perfectly. Thank You for taking the wrath that was due me on the cross and for conquering sin and death. O Lord, there was silence for Israel for 400 hundred years until Your cries as a little baby pierced the quiet. The star shown in the sky, the angels burst forth into song. You proclaimed good tidings of great joy which should be for all people, for unto us was born that day, in the city of David, our Savior, Christ the LORD!
Lord, even now we, Your bride, wait for You. Lord, sometimes it seems that there is silence, but You have spoken and Your Word is true. Lord, may You grow us with a desire and an expectancy to see You come again, to have You reign as King in the new heaven and earth! Lord, as we wait may our hearts be stirred to share Your grace and truth with those about us who do not know You as their Lord. God may the certainty of Your return encourage our hearts to live in light of the gospel and as ministers of reconciliation. Lord, that one day we will no longer know the curse, but only Your blessing, is awesome to me. Rule in my heart this day and always, my gracious Lord and King.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
basic math
1 x 2 = 2
2 x 2 = 4
4 x 2 = 8
8 x 2 = 16
16 x 2 = 32
32 x 2 = 64
64 x 2 = 128
128 x 2 = 256
256 x 2 = 512
512 x 2 = 1,024
"Be fruitful and multiply," the spoken blessing from the Holy Creator to the ones made in His image.
"Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”" -Matthew 28:18-20
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." -John 15:5
"Ah, Sovereign Lord, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your out stretched arm and great power. Nothing is too hard for You." -Jeremiah 32:17
2 x 2 = 4
4 x 2 = 8
8 x 2 = 16
16 x 2 = 32
32 x 2 = 64
64 x 2 = 128
128 x 2 = 256
256 x 2 = 512
512 x 2 = 1,024
"Be fruitful and multiply," the spoken blessing from the Holy Creator to the ones made in His image.
"Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”" -Matthew 28:18-20
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." -John 15:5
"Ah, Sovereign Lord, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your out stretched arm and great power. Nothing is too hard for You." -Jeremiah 32:17
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