pursued by Beauty

My Blog Has Moved

2010-03-05T00:12:00.002-06:00

After a year of having this blog 'closed' (and never posting) - I've decided to start blogging again!!

But my blog has moved. Check it out at - jennypowell.org

If you possibly still subscribe to this blog (which would be amazing after a year)... you will need to resubscribe at jennypowell.org

The full archives of this blog have also made their way to the new site. That is, if you are so inclined to peruse them. :)

Thanks!

The Word of Promise Audio New Testament

2009-06-19T08:18:00.000-05:00

Along the same lines as 'The Bible Experience' I mentioned yesterday is 'The Word of Promise' New Testament Audio Bible. I believe they only have the New Testament available, but the 20 cd set is only $29 or you can buy the whole thing for $23 on ITunes.

The biggest difference is the cast of actors, the most well known being Jim Caviezel as Jesus. If you're not familiar with his name he played Jesus in 'The Passion of the Christ.'

I really enjoy the continuity of seeing him in that film and then hearing his voice in this project. I also really loved that it was NKJV and particularly like Louis Gossett Jr.'s role as John.

There is the same issue as I mentioned yesterday of hearing (perhaps) non-christian actors read/act the word. So, it depends on how you feel about that. But again, I do enjoy hearing different voices along with a soundtrack reading the Word of God. If you check either of these out - let me know what you think!

The Bible Experience

2009-06-18T08:00:00.002-05:00

A couple of months ago I purchased (from ITunes) the audio recording of Revelation by - 'Inspired By The Bible Experience'. The whole cast is comprised of African American actors, celebrities, or pastors. You can watch the promo video on YouTube above. I really enjoyed the 'movie' soundtrack, as well as the sound effects. Engaging in the word was much easier with different actors assigned to specific parts - like Jesus and John (as opposed to listening to one voice read the whole text.)

I believe they used the TNIV version which isn't may favorite but definitely isn't my least favorite! Overall I really enjoyed it and would recommend it but not without a little hesitation.

My hesitation comes in due to the fact that several of the actors are well known - for instance Samuel L. Jackson. In the book of Revelation he is the voice of 'The Father'. Honestly, it is a little disconcerting because I tend to associate his voice in a rather different context. I think it can do a similar thing as when you play secular songs in a worship context, which I don't personally agree with. I think it can take you out of a worship mode into more of a 'soulish' place.

And while I wasn't familiar with most of the actors voices in this particular recording, there is also the reality that the actors will bring their interpretation to the role they are reading. If they aren't saved... then what will that look like?

I don't know who was saved and not saved in this project but there were some interpretations that didn't quite seem 'on' to me - but that doesn't mean I'm right either! :) I think Jesus sounded a bit angry for the most part (in the book of Revelation), and thought it was a little interesting that all the voices of the angels were women.

Nevertheless, it IS the word of God and I really enjoyed a new way to get the word in me. You can buy the books individually for $3.99 on ITunes.

Great 'Mom' Blogs

2009-06-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

So even though I'm not a mom yet, there are several blogs that I love to read that are focused largely on motherhood. These women, all intercessory missionaries at IHOP, are heroes to me in their day in day out seeking to love, and raise up warriors in the secret place. And they even find time to blog!

What I love about them is their desire to love Jesus, live focused lives, and daily take up their cross and follow after Him with all their hearts. These women are amazing!!!

They all have their own stories, but similar themes of pressing on in humility and truth. This list is by NO means exhaustive - these are just a couple of my favorites. :) Just thought I'd share a little of the wealth... even if you're not a mom, check em' out!

Rachel Meier
Abby Downing
Anna Sorge
Tracie Loux

Someone To Love

2009-06-14T08:01:00.002-05:00

Many moons ago (hmmm... feels kind of fun to start a post like that), years before I was married, I remember pondering aloud to a friend. I was asking them if they thought I would EVER get married. And he said, 'Yes, I think so. The Lord will give you someone to love.'

I was actually quite taken aback by that (which is kind of frightening to admit.) At the time I wasn't really looking for someone to love - I was looking for someone to love me.

Of course that's a natural desire and a good one - we all crave love. Honestly though, it was rather immature and a tad bit unhealthy. I'm still plenty immature but hopefully getting better everyday!!! The unhealthy part came from a longing to be satisfied in earthly love before being satisfied in the Lord. I don't think I was aware of it at that time, but I'm telling you how it was... and how I still have a tendency to swing that way.

In my life I have drank (drunk?) from the horrid cess pool of lies called many romantic movies. (Before you desire to lynch me I'm not saying they're all bad... but ask yourself the next time you watch one - did this movie make me want to lay down my life for someone? or did it make me feel like I'm not getting what I deserve?) Most romantic movies today center around someone searching and finding their 'soul mate' and thus all their problems and inner turmoil are resolved. Unless you're soulmate is Jesus, I'm afraid that equation is just not going to work.

Choose wisely when you marry. Choose someone you enjoy, choose someone who provokes you, choose someone you're attracted to, choose someone who confronts you, choose someone you respect, choose someone who loves Jesus. But be aware that you will never be satisfied in that person. Be aware that if somehow your enjoyment lessens, they no longer provoke you, and you find yourself no longer attracted to them - that you STILL have someone to love. If you have chosen marriage, you've chosen covenant and the gift of love is still yours to give.

I feel so blessed to have someone to love, with all of his wonderful qualities and all of his flaws - in the highs and in the lows. I am honored that he chose me to be his wife and so thankful that daily (hopefully) I'm learning how to love.

Cool IPhone App!

2009-06-13T22:57:00.003-05:00

I don't have an iPhone but I'd love this if I did. Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore Paints are offering these iPhone apps for free.

Sherwin William's is called 'Color Snap' and Benjamin Moore's is called 'Color Capture' They allow you to snap a picture of something you see with your phone and then put it into their color device, which then matches it to a paint color from their collections. Once you have a color they use your iphone’s GPS to give you an address of the closest paint store.

Pretty Sweet!

Provoked

2009-06-12T00:34:00.005-05:00

I started reading her blog about a year ago, Amy Wenzel's blog I mean. She is a photographer based in Grand Rapids, Michigan and focuses especially in children's photography. I love her eye, her style, and her great quirky dialogue leading into each of her photos.

Just yesterday I was catching up on her blog and read this post regarding her husband, David. I don't even know them but it had me tearing up and praying for them. She followed that post up with this one today.

I am struck by her heart to love Jesus in the midst of embracing the pain of the unknown, especially when they didn't see this coming at all. I am moved by their desire to see the Lord glorified in the midst of great darkness. I love that in ALL things the Lord can triumph with our simple and weak yes.

I am so thankful for those who seek to press into His heart in the midst of the highs and the lows and to declare His Name when their hearts are breaking. Oh that He would make us One with His Son in all things!!!

Lord, come heal David and encourage their hearts in the midst of the battle. You are good and your mercy endures forever!

Caring For Your Introvert

2009-06-06T08:00:00.000-05:00

I had a long day at home today - all to myself. It was glorious. This article came to mind, so I thought I'd share it with all of you. It's called 'Caring For Your Introvert'.

An excerpt from the article:

Do you know someone who needs hours alone every day? Who loves quiet conversations about feelings or ideas, and can give a dynamite presentation to a big audience, but seems awkward in groups and maladroit at small talk? Who has to be dragged to parties and then needs the rest of the day to recuperate? Who growls or scowls or grunts or winces when accosted with pleasantries by people who are just trying to be nice?

If so, do you tell this person he is "too serious," or ask if he is okay? Regard him as aloof, arrogant, rude? Redouble your efforts to draw him out?

If you answered yes to these questions, chances are that you have an introvert on your hands—and that you aren't caring for him properly.

I am VERY much an introvert, and married to someone who is not. If you are in the same boat that I am - you may want to pass this along to your spouse. :)

One last quote:

For introverts, to be alone with our thoughts is as restorative as sleeping, as nourishing as eating. Our motto: "I'm okay, you're okay—in small doses."

Ginormous

2009-06-02T08:00:00.000-05:00

Some of you think my cat is big. This is my sister's cat - Moto. He's bigger. :)

Great Blog Post on Deuteronomy!

2009-06-01T08:00:00.001-05:00

I've been reading through deuteronomy lately and this blog post by Amanda Beattie got me so excited about it.

A couple of quotes:

"Deuteronomy is the bomb. It’s so much the bomb that I feel compelled to resort to hokey slang like “the bomb” to laud it. Deuteronomy? More like Deuter-ROCKIN’-ME."

"One of the things I love about it is that it is not what most people think it is — a law book packed with rules and regulation and devoid of any tenderness or excitement."

"Firstly, Deutoronomy is basically Moses’ last words to the nation of Israel. Everything he spoke in this book, he spoke knowing full well that the Lord was about to take him up on a mountain to die. Moses wasn’t looking at this as merely a review of the legal code (and neither was the Lord, for that matter). He was looking at a nation of people who were about to be turned over to a new leader, entering a new land, stinging from the loss of the man who had been a constant leader for them for more than forty years."

Read the whole thing.

(I loved the whole thing but I really liked the "Deater-ROCKIN'-Me" part.)

'It's All Too Much'

2009-05-29T08:00:00.000-05:00

I've been reading (well, listening) to a GREAT book lately called, "It's All Too Much" by Peter Walsh. It's written by the main 'organizer' on TLC's show Clean Sweep.

If you're unfamiliar with the show, it comes into peoples homes who have a problem with clutter. Usually they're pretty extreme cases. For instance, they'll come to help a couple who has kept 20 years of back issues of their 5 favorite magazines and they're all stacked to the ceiling in their living room. The show will help them de-clutter and put systems in place to help them live 'clutter-free' lives.

I haven't seen the show in some time, but what I love about the book is that it gets to the heart of the matter. 'Why are you holding onto the stuff?' 'What power does it wield over you?'

I honestly didn't think I had a problem with clutter but this book is helping me look at stuff SOOO much differently, and I've actually gotten rid of A LOT so far. It feels great!

Peter Walsh says,

"It's not first and foremost about the stuff, it's about changing your relationship to the stuff." and "Stuff is secondary to who you are."

He also talks about the reality of 'living within your means'. I have always thought of this in relationship to the money you make but he applies it to the amount of space you have saying, "the amount of space you have can not be changed, the amount of stuff you have can."

The book causes you to think about what clutter is costing you - in peace of mind, relationships, and time. How much time do you waste trying to find that paperwork you need? Are you comfortable inviting friends into your home? Do you have trouble resting in your space?

After listening to the first couple of chapters I wondered what more he could share, but he goes on to take you through your home, room by room, and helps you de-clutter.
There are many great quotes in the book and really excellent principles that I want to put into place in my life. I can't take the stuff with me after all!

This Puts Things Into Perspective

2009-05-28T11:25:00.001-05:00

'Ingredient'

2009-05-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

Caleb and I tried a new restaurant for date night a couple of weeks ago. It's called 'Ingredient'. I think it's only here in the KC area (sorry out of towners!), and we went to the one located near Town Center (right behind California Pizza Kitchen for those of you locals.)

It's a large menu specializing in salads, sandwiches, and pizzas - gourmet style. They have their own specialty dishes or you can get your own salads and pizzas made to order - featuring ingredients like (but not limited to): roasted red peppers, honey glazed carrots, edamame, kalamata olives, avocado, fresh strawberries, capacola ham, gorgonzola cheese, soy mozzarella, caramelized pecans, and plantain chips. And that is a VERY meager sampling of their many ingredients!

It's kind of a setup similar to Panera, but a little more expensive(prob between $10-$16 a plate) and with a more extensive menu (not just the coffee and bagel thing). They have a nice little outdoor seating area as well. We sat outside on a beautiful night and it was wonderful. We actually split a salad and it was still satisfying (for the record Caleb wasn't super hungry or it probably wouldn't have been enough for him!)

They have a large menu and they even have a breakfast menu (only served in the am so haven't experience that yet) so there's lots to choose from. You can find their menu on their website (their website is not a good indicator of the experience, by the way). If you like healthy yummy food you oughta check it out! :)

Seriously, One of The Funniest Things...

2009-05-15T21:06:00.002-05:00

Ok, so I don't usually post stuff like this, but i think it's hysterical and REALLY random. So, enjoy!

Sacred Marriage

2009-05-14T18:56:00.001-05:00

Ok, so if you haven't read the book Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas - you need to!!! I read it for the first time years ago, but am re-reading it again and it is SO good.

Basically, the premise of the book is, "What if God designed marriage to make us holy more than to make us happy?" Another quote on the back of the book says, "Your marriage is more than a sacred covenant with another person. It is a spiritual discipline designed to help you know God better, trust him more fully, and love him more deeply."

Honestly, the first time I read the book I was offended. When I first read the tag on the front cover I thought to myself, "Wow, this guy must have a bad marriage." (For the record I was un-married at that time.)And I couldn't have been more wrong!

What I love about this book is the clear voice it gives to the truth that marriage is truly about making us more Christ-like, and not just about making us feel good. I think that even many believers jump into marriage expecting it to be this magical satisfying experience - one that they've always waited for... only to find that it is difficult, and not at all what they expected.

This is the Lord's gift to us! We were never meant to be satisfied in our spouse, but in knowing and serving God in whatever circumstance He calls us.

If marriage were a be-all end-all, than why isn't their marriage in heaven? Exactly!

If any of you are struggling with being dis-satisfied with your marriage or struggling with being dis-satisfied even in your singleness - I'd highly recommend this book. I think it brings clarity to a topic that can be a little taboo - especially in Christian circles. And ultimately I think the book can be a great tool to re-sign up for what love really is about - laying down your life for others in the context of loving Jesus with all of your heart.

*Above photo by my beautiful sis-in-law, Maggie Powell. :)

You Deserve Hell

2009-02-15T15:33:00.000-06:00

Ok, I know - it’s a strong title. But I don’t actually think it’s something that any of us grasp often enough. Particularly in the throe’s of sickness, I think it’s a point that’s crucial to remember.

Why? Because you don’t deserve good health. You don’t deserve the strength to walk across a room. You don’t deserve a pain free life. You don’t deserve to take your next breath. Because of your sin, that you were born into, you deserve to go to hell forever.

Thankfully, we have a Redeemer. We have a Savior. We have a great High Priest who lives to make intercession for us. 2000 years ago, He died that we too would be raised with Him. If, we choose to humble ourselves, repent of our sin, and turn to Him as our leader we too can know that life.

Our healing has been paid in full. We have been bought with a price. And forever we will live with Him in paradise if we stand faithful to His word in this life. He bowed so low to lift us so high. However, not for one minute do we deserve it.

At some of my lowest moments, to remember that He doesn’t owe me my healing has been SO helpful to my heart. I remind myself (and Him - this is called prayer) continually that He desires for me to be healed. He was tortured, led like a lamb to the slaughter so that I would know healing.

However, I also remind myself that I didn’t earn it. And I don’t deserve it. This cultivates gratitude in my heart. Thankfulness is one of the best weapons in the midst of battling, well, anything! Particularly in the midst of sickness, I think we have the invitation to become some of the most thankful people on earth.

Thankful that pain and weakness is for but a minute. Thankful that He destroyed death forever on the cross. Thankful that we still have breath to praise His Name. Thankful for every minute we have to love Him on this side of eternity. Thankful that He saved us... the list goes on and on.
A well known chorus at IHOP by Misty Edwards is:

"You owe me nothing. I deserve hell.
You owe me nothing, but You’ve given me mercy.”

This truly must be our battle cry in the day to day. We don’t deserve His love, oh but how He loves to lavish it upon us! Thank you Jesus for your mercy!

God Hates Sickness

2009-02-13T15:00:00.000-06:00

I think the first thing I want to say about sickness is this - God hates sickness!!! So much so that the Father sent His Son to put on flesh, live a blameless life, and then die on a tree so that we would be redeemed to Him. He came that we would know life, and life abundantly. If you are battling sickness today - it is NOT your portion.

Isaiah 53:5 - "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed."

John 10:10 - "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."

In John 10:10 we see that we must give credit where it is due. Satan - steals, kills, and destroys. God is a giver of life.

Rev. 21:4 - "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

Revelation 21:4, talks about the end of the Millenial reign (the 1000 years that Christ will again take His rightful place of King of Kings, ruling on the earth.) Revelation tells us that at that point there will be no more pain, sorrow, death, or crying. Death, itself will be cast into the lake of fire forever (Rev. 20:14). The Lord’s intention is to completely abolish the spirit of death forever. We must remember this. Death & sickness only have a short time (in the big picture) to wreak havoc on the earth.

I know that for me, it is a regular battle to break every agreement I have with sickness. Especially with long-term illness, I think it’s easy to get into a mindset of acceptance without waging war on the darkness. Fighting that battle is truly wearisome. But we MUST remember that He came that we would have life.

He told us to pray, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” There is NO sickness in heaven. He desires that we partner and agree with His heart in saying no to sickness in ourselves or those around us.

So, what does this look like? In my case, I regularly bring before the Lord (with thanksgiving) my request for complete healing. I remind Jesus that He died for my sins and He was wounded that I would be healed. I stand knowing that I can’t deliver myself but that He is faithful and is able to heal me. I hope that today is the day that I know His full resurrection power in my body.

And if I don’t know it fully today (I haven’t known it fully yet) I ask again tomorrow, and I believe and say that He is good whether I am healed or not. Though it is wearisome and painful to remain in the tension of believing for healing without seeing it come to pass, oh how beautiful are those who hope without seeing the reality of His Name manifest!

God hates sickness, and whether we (or those we love) are battling short or long-term sickness we need to hate what He hates, as well as agree with His heart for healing and life. I pray that the Lord would give you courage to agree with Him for your healing today and that He would strengthen your inner man in the midst of the fight. He is good and His mercy endures forever!

Stewarding Your Marriage

2009-01-23T10:18:00.000-06:00

This is several weeks late as our anniversary was January 2nd. I didn’t want our 4th anniversary to go by without some commentary, so here goes. Better late than never, right? (Seems to be my motto on this blog.)

I am no marriage expert. Talk to me in 30 years, and hopefully at that point I’ll have something to really say about it.

However, lately the Lord has been speaking to Caleb and I a lot about stewardship. Stewardship , meaning, what we do with what we’re given and what we’ve got. The 2 main arenas that we’re working on (as with most people) is our time and our money. A terrifying (in a good way) reality is that we will be held accountable for our stewardship in this life.

Due to uncontrollable life circumstances (i.e. sickness) both of these have been an interesting journey for us. But, by the grace of God we’re learning. He is our Redeemer, our Leader, our Restorer, our Healer. He loves to give immeasurably more than we ask or imagine. So we keep asking and we seek to dream BIG!

I’ve also been looking at how stewardship affects every aspect of my life - including my marriage. How do I steward my relationship with my husband - the only person I’ve made a covenant with - before the God of heaven and earth? How do I live when we’re together? How do I live when we’re apart?

The main way I believe we love our husband’s (our spouses for that matter) is first to love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength - allowing Jesus to transform our hearts by His word and His truth. And then to love your spouse as you would desire to be loved.

I believe that looks like prayer - lots of prayer!!! I want to champion my husband’s heart, and steward the partnership we have well. Making it a point to intercede for him daily, edify him with my words, serve him with my actions, and respect who he is in the Lord (meaning what the Lord says about him, not simply what I perceive in my weakness).

I want Caleb to run this race well, that he might hear the Lord say to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” I want him to receive great reward in the kingdom to come and for him to walk wholeheartedly in love today.

On this anniversary, I am provoked to re-sign up to love as the Lord says... choosing to lay down my life (though in my weakness) and take up my cross. I am so thankful for the way Caleb loves me on a consistent basis. I do not deserve him. I married so far up!!! Oh, Lord give me the grace to love Caleb as You do. I want to steward the gift of his heart well. Teach me to love.

Happy Birthday Caleb!

2009-01-16T10:11:00.000-06:00

Today is Caleb's 27th birthday! I thought I should take this opportunity to share a few things that I love about him.

1) How he provokes me in the Lord. Caleb is so swift to repent it's ridiculous. I am amazed at the lengths he will go to apologize and to 'make wrong things right.' 99.9% of the time if we are in some form of argument he is the first to apologize. Oh, he puts me to shame but I'm so thankful for his tender heart!!!

2) He gets very excited whenever he hears anything diesel purring (hmmm... I don't think that would be his term) down the road.

3) His hunger for the Word. Due to the nature of the jobs Caleb is working right now he can often listen to his ipod while he labors. Last week he listened to the book of Revelation 7 times, and the amazing thing is that he's retaining and memorizing it. The funny thing about this is that the version we have is read by a British gentleman. So, when Caleb quotes it to me it is usually in a British accent!

4) He is a sucker for having to make everything efficient. Meaning that daily household activities are analyzed and tested routinely, in order to make everyday life better. This affects our thermostat, coffee making, laundry, and in this season - building fires. I can't keep up with it all and though he tries to train me in these skills, I'm afraid I don't catch on. But I do think he's really cute.

5) He can't start a book or movie without finishing it. I mean within the same day. This can be quite a bummer on days that he begins a 15 hour audio book. Ai-yi-yi. It was also funny the night I got him to start watching the 5 1/2 hour Pride and Prejudice around 10:30pm. I woke up at 3:30 and he was still glued to the TV. Poor guy.

6) Caleb loves cooking (and eating) breakfast food. He continues to perfect the art of cooking bacon on a griddle and he makes a mean french toast. My tummy thanks him.

7) He falls asleep faster than anyone I know. Granted I don't really know how fast other people fall asleep. But he can literally fall asleep within seconds. I am jealous.

8) I think he has the best voice in the world. If he starts singing while we have a cd on in the car, I just want to reach over and turn off the stereo. Seriously.

9)He is a teacher. Be careful when asking him questions - because you will get a COMPLETE answer. If you ask him why your car is making a particular noise, he will tell you. And he'll also tell you how your engine was made, why your air bag will deploy if you hit the brakes at 86 miles per hour, and what kind of gas mileage you would get if you shifted more smoothly. Trust me. I know.

10)He loves me. Again and again, day after day I am amazed at the multitude of ways he chooses to love me. From the mundane task of washing dishes and taking out the trash, to praying for me and fighting for my heart when I can't see clearly. He LOVES to make me happy and at times will stop at nothing to make me smile. I am beyond blessed.

Happy Birthday Honey!!! I love you!!

*After reading this post, Caleb would like me to tell the readers that your air bag will not actually deploy if you hit the brakes at 86 miles per hour. :)

Holiday Catch-up #2 - Cookies!

2009-01-12T18:53:00.019-06:00

A week or so before Christmas my Mom and I started a new tradition of mega Christmas cookie baking. I think we baked 7 different kinds of cookies. Hershey kiss cookies (can't remember what they're called), 7 layer bars, haystacks, oatmeal fudge bars, fudge, gingerbread cookies, and apricot balls. There was lots of sugar, chocolate, flour, and even more sugar involved. It was a snowy Christmas-y feeling day and lots of fun. :) I'm so thankful for my Mom. If the last post didn't make you hungry, this one will!

In order to make Hershey kiss cookies you have to unwrap a lot of hershey kisses!

I had never noticed all the words on the hershey kiss paper before... one of them said 'ouch'. Um, could someone please explain that to me?

This is one of my parent's cats. His name is Moto - and yes, he is rather large.

Webster.

Christmas Light Adventure!

2008-12-23T23:36:00.000-06:00

Yes, yes... I know. Me and my adventures. :) Nevertheless, last night we (myself, my dashing husband, his sister, and our dear friend Kari) bundled up and went searching for Christmas light displays.

I did my research ahead of time and found that there are actually A LOT of places to visit in Kansas City that have pretty neat displays. A lot of them will be going until Dec. 31st so if you have time... you could still catch some!

I found a lot of the info here.

For those of you who don't live around here the rest of this may be meaningless. But for those of you that do - you should check these places out!

The first place we tried to visit was Longview Lake's - Christmas In the Park or Lights on the Lake. Fortunately we had read that it could take hours of bumper to bumper traffic to make it through. So when we got about a mile away and saw a long line of cars at a standstill, we knew it was time for moving on. I think their display is only through the 25th, so if you're interested, better do it soon!

Next we headed to Metcalf to watch Vince & Associates lights (see photo above) dancing to the 96.9 on the radio. We watched from the parking lot of the Baptist church across the way and it was SO cool! Caleb and I had driven by there before and weren't aware that it was tuned to a radio station, and just thought it was an epileptic seizure waiting to happen. However, with the music it made a lot more sense. Definitely go check this one out!

Next we went to Candy Cane Lane in Prairie Village. It was a quick drive up and back the cul de sac but very fun. :)

Then we were on to another 'dancing' Christmas light display. The 'Dorr Family' Christmas display. This one we tuned to 91.1. It was hysterical because they had little elf and Santa faces lit up on the roof, that sang along with the music. Very cool though hard to convey with words. Definitely worth the stop.

We continued on to Mike Babick's house. And quite frankly, we weren't sure what to think. Here is a link to some more pictures of it. On one hand it was really cool and super impressive that he had built it. On the other hand all the animatronic stuff kind of freaked me out. I think that's just me though... Definitely worth the drive for the gawking factor. (You can actually go up to the house and look in all the windows. I think sometimes you can even go inside and visit with him.)

We stopped at one more spot that's not really worth mentioning but was still fun to see. I had no idea that Kansas City had such cool displays to offer. It was definitely worth the gas (plus we had to stop at Starbucks to enjoy some salted caramel hot chocolates!) I'd recommend the whole experience!

(Only the first photo of this post is my own. The rest I got from this site.

Building My Life On the Vision Of Christ

2008-12-15T08:00:00.006-06:00

Satan is a liar. He always is and always will be. And yet I am so quick to forget that and give into the lies that can be hurled at me.

One of the big ones in my life have been the, “If only..” lie and the “when...” lie. For instance, “If only you hadn’t made that decision then you could really be happy.” Or, “When this circumstance finally changes then you’ll really be fulfilled.” Satan has been feeding me (well, all of humanity really) that same lie forever - “the grass is always greener” and if you could just have that “thing” (ie - the apple) then you can be fulfilled.

I am finding that with my healing. I truly believe the Lord is healing me. It has been a progressive thing, though I still have a long way to go (but I’ve come SO far.) I hold my health before the Lord with open hands, knowing that my hope is not in it, and yet being thankful and agreeing with His heart for my complete restoration.

All that to say - it doesn’t fulfill me. Perfect health is not necessary for a joyful life. A heart communing with Jesus through His Word is. I can be puking in my toilet and rejoicing in the truth of who God has called me to be. And even in that place - in utter weakness - I can do all the will of God.

I think a desire for healing is righteous, understandable, and biblical. We SHOULD contend for complete healing! However, putting your hope in it is a different thing. Over the past several years it was so easy for me to say, “When I’m healed, then...” Then I can do what’s really in my heart. Then everything will be alright. But I feel like I’m coming out of the sickness only to be met with a greater longing than I’ve ever known.

Only oneness with Jesus will fill this ache in my soul. Only bowing low and aligning my heart and my life more and more with His word will I find the rest I need.

I am thankful for every kiss of beauty - be it in a photograph, a relationship, or a melody line. But they only evoke longing in me, they don’t satisfy. Beauty in the natural, healing, glorious life events, earthly relationships - are whispers of a greater reality that must be my supreme satisfaction.

I must build my life upon the vision of Christ. Not on those things that will pass away in this age. Only in oneness with Jesus and His plans, purposes, thoughts will I find joy. Oh, come quickly Jesus. We long for your return.

All that to say... I still pray - Lord let your kingdom come in my frame - here and today!

PS - This photo doesn't have anything do with this post either. It's just one I took my first winter in KC - almost 6 years ago.

Meet Eden Raine!

2008-12-02T21:05:00.000-06:00

Last week I had the privilege to meet my friend, Sommer's, newest baby girl - Eden Raine. I think she was 10 days old at this point. We had a very small window of time to work with available light - but regardless, she's adorable! :)

You'll see that big sister, Adi (I think right at 14 months), is fascinated with her little sister as well. Welcome to the world Eden!

Remembering: Voices of the Holocaust

2008-11-24T21:22:00.002-06:00

This was the holocaust book I made reference to last week (the one I was reading before bed) - 'Remembering: Voices of the Holocaust - A New History in the Words of the 'Men and Women Who Survived'.

One reviewer shares:

"... Working as a freelance interviewer for the Imperial War Museum's Sound Archive in London and the National Holocaust Museum's Sound Archive in Washington, D.C., Smith recorded testimonies of men and women who had been directly affected by the tragedy. This includes not only Jewish survivors but also refugees, families of those murdered, aid workers, and soldiers who liberated the concentration camps. More than 100 testimonies have been selected for this book. Details were often too painful to recall, and many of those interviewed explained the inadequacy of language to convey the sights, sounds, smells, humiliation, degradation, and terror they endured...

- George Cohen (Copyright © American Library Association.)

This book impacted me, tremendously - and I pray that it will continue to, and that I won't return to that place of slumber that is so easy for me to fall into. As the above review mentioned, the book includes over 100 testimonies of holocaust survivors. However, the book is ordered by time-line rather than full testimonies. Meaning, that the book is divided in sections like: pre-war testimonies, time in the ghetto, concentration camps, marches, post-war etc.

They use many of the same people throughout the book but their testimonies are split up over the course of each time period. I liked this, in the sense that it really did help give you a grasp of each season they went through. But at times I wanted more understanding of each individual's journey and it was difficult to keep track of who was who.

Overall it was excellent, though incredibly sobering and unfathomable (in many respects). I hope that this will be one I read repeatedly over the years. I highly recommend it.

Oh, and I just found that you can read much of it at Google Books!

The Whirlwind

2008-11-21T08:00:00.000-06:00

I saw this photo in the latest edition of National Geographic, and then subsequently found more info on it online - here.

It's actually a volcano erupting in Chile but it made me think of the pillar of cloud or whirlwind in Ezekiel (see Ezekiel 1).

Ezekiel 1:4 "Then I looked, and behold, a whirlwind was coming out of the north, a great cloud with raging fire engulfing itself; and brightness was all around it and radiating out of its midst like the color of amber, out of the midst of the fire."

9 Things I've Learned This Week

2008-11-20T08:52:00.000-06:00

1. This recipe is amazing.

2. Reading books about the holocaust, before bed (if you are actually hoping to sleep) is not a great idea.

3. Just when you think you have KC weather figured out - you're wrong.

4. My cat can't fly (she fell or jumped off our second story balcony this week.) No cats were hurt in this escape attempt. She has however, lost one of her 9 lives. We think she's down to 6 now.

5. It is an amazing gift to have your mom live in the same town that you do!

6. It's much easier to blow your nose without a nose ring - despite what they say. I've had one for 5 1/2 years and decided to go without and it's been a delightful experience. Yes, I said delightful.

7. Bratwurst and garlic Italian brown rice don't go well together. My husband said it's kind of like trying to pair the opera with a football game. Whoops.

8. One should not attempt to cut one's own hair with kitchen shears. Don't ask.

9. Yard work (or at least something terribly noisy) will begin outside your window as soon as you try to take a nap.

No, I could not think of ten things. But I bet I'll think of the tenth when I'm far away from my computer and unable to write it down.

Fall Day Photos #3

2008-11-14T08:00:00.000-06:00

The last of my 'fall day' photos.

Ok, I have a feeling I'm not going to explain this right, but here goes nothing. In the photo below, Caleb (note the 'C.P.' initials on his gloves) is pointing out what I believe is a wound in the tree. And he was showing me the phenomenon of 'included bark'. I think he said that included bark is when there isn't live tissue the whole way through - that it's a weak bond. Whatever that means! But you can at least see where there was at one time 3 separate parts to the tree... and the bark actually grew all around it. Pretty neat - even if I don't understand it!

A friend of Caleb's bought him this hat as a joke. He wears it a lot as a work hat. I couldn't pass up this detail shot while he was getting cleaned up. :)

Fall Day Photos #2

2008-11-12T14:37:00.000-06:00

A few more photos of our fall adventure (I think I call everything that brings my heart joy an adventure.) Most of these are very self explanatory. Except the one with the "wood borer". I think that's how you spell it. You'll find the explanation at the picture.

Ok, so you can see our little friend the wood borer here (click on the photo to see him large and in charge). Caleb pointed him out to me, and told me that it would have taken him a long time to have gotten that far. Not incredibly fascinating, BUT I still love finding things like this!

The last of the photos soon...

Fall Day Photos #1

2008-11-10T00:05:00.001-06:00

Last Sunday, Caleb needed to work on chopping up a trailer load of wood he had acquired, and he invited me along to take pictures. :) I'm so glad he did, because it was probably our last really beautiful fall day this year. One morning this week I woke up, and all of the leaves had seemed to fall off overnight.

I'll have 3 posts total on the photos I took, and here is the first.

Caleb hauling the wood to the "chopping spot" (that's my term... I'm sure there's a real name for that spot.)

I thought these roots looked like a little tree!

Caleb would like me to remind all of you at home - to NOT follow his example... and wear safety goggles!

Yep, that's a lot of wood folks.

These next 4 are of the "wood splitter". This thing was so cool! It moves very slowly but with steady pressure it splits ginormous pieces of wood. Quite handy when you're dealing with a large load - or working by yourself.

To be cont'd...

Starbucks 'Chalk Walk'

2008-11-08T09:28:00.000-06:00

Um, I just woke up thinking, 'I can't wait to crawl back into bed tonight.' Not a good sign! But that's not the point of my post today. :)

Early in October, I attended the Belton Starbucks' 'Chalk Walk Contest'. For those of you non-locals... Belton is about a 10 minute drive south from IHOP. And this store is one of my faves in the area. The day was beautiful (though very windy) and it was fun to see different people's ideas for their spaces.

Everyone who entered had to pay a small entrance fee and the proceeds benefited a local charity. But prizes were also awarded to the winners.

I think my favorite was the dragon peering up through the concrete!!! Such a great idea. (As always click on the photo for larger versions.)

"A Great and Terrible Day"

2008-11-06T17:45:00.000-06:00

That's what IHOP's leadership was calling the election day this week. Not THE great and terrible day (see Joel 2:11). But, great in the sense that America elected an African American as president. Terrible in the sense that much of what he stands for goes against what the bible says to be true and righteous and will have grave ramifications for our nation and the world.

I was also encouraged by Mike Bickle's (the director of IHOP) words... in that we need not be discouraged. "Jesus wins in the end." And so will we, if we choose life and light and truth in the midst of increasing darkness. He also shared (and I whole-heartedly agree) that our heart posture should be to bless President-Elect Obama and pray for the light of Christ to break into his heart.

I read James Dobson's letter from 2012 and quite frankly have been very emotional about it. The end of the age is more real to me than it ever has been and I feel a greater need to pray than ever - which is a great thing! I love that we are "not as those who have no hope."

I am so thankful that we can live for a kingdom yet to come and that our hope is in a perfect God-man who will make the wrong things right. I am so thankful that Jesus is ALWAYS good and that His love will never fail us. Oh, Jesus - King of Kings forever... have mercy on our nation and teach us how to pray.

Hearts of Fire

2008-11-03T18:56:00.000-06:00

I finished reading 'Hearts of Fire' a 'Voice of the Martyrs' book, almost a month ago... and I'm just now getting around to posting about it.

This evening the mood is very sober at the Powell household, in light of the elections tomorrow. Oh, that the Lord would be merciful to our nation. And as I've mentioned before, books like these (those focusing on the persecuted church) help me keep perspective and give me 'fuel' to pray to Jesus, the God-man seated at the right hand of the Father, in this hour of history.

The 'tag' (if that's what you call it) of the book is: "Eight Women In the Underground Church and Their Stories of Costly Faith." And that's just what it is. Inside you'll find very well written and very descriptive stories following 8 different women in places like Indonesia, Russia, Pakistan, and China.

I can not begin to fathom even a fraction of what some of these women have endured. One woman who is still being sought by her family so that they can murder her - because she chose to follow Christ. Another, continuing in her ministry and love for Jesus, after her husband and 2 sons were killed for their faith. And it's not just a book for women... I think men would be equally edified to read it as well.

Oh Lord, let us pray for those who are accused, beaten, and who face death for choosing to love You. Jesus keep us without offense as darkness is increasing throughout the earth. Turn our nation to You Lord. Have mercy on us according to Your loving-kindess. Do not treat us as our sins deserve. Amen.

More Time At Moonlight

2008-10-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

I've posted photos from this beach (Moonlight) before - here and here. (Moonlight Beach is the beach closest to our wonderful friends the Williamson's.) But I've not yet posted any from our most recent trip. These are from two different nights there. And who can have too many beach photos anyway?

It still trips me out that you can have fires on this beach. Fires weren't allowed on the beaches I visited in my childhood (on the east coast).

Caleb chasing the sea gulls.

The beautiful Jamie Williamson took the next 3 of us. :) Fun.

Misc. Photos From Our September Trip

2008-10-24T19:52:00.000-05:00

I know these are way overdue - but better late than never! Here are some miscellaneous photos from our trip in September. :)

Oh and I have a blog confession - I started listening to Christmas music already! It was only going to be one cd... and well it didn't stop there. I may have potentially pulled my Christmas movies out too...

This is a window at Caleb's grandparent's house.

A photo from our breakfast there. I like the story it tells. :)

This is a detail of a tile his grandparent's kitchen. His grandma is painter and a potter!

Gotta love wild sunflowers.

Outside his grandparent's house.

This was on our way from New Mexico to California.

I've never seen anything like this before... As we were driving through the desert - a little whirlwind! I guess they're common there - but we thought it was awesome! (Click on the photo to get a better view.)

Caleb was blessed with some work while we were there - it helped make our trip possible! Of course, I had to document it.

3 'Relationship' Books

2008-09-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

I tend to be wary of getting very introspective and getting into 'self-help' mode. I think the number one way to receive and give healing is by focusing and praying the Word - talking and listening to Jesus. And then confessing our sin to our brother - cultivating relationships of integrity and accountability.

However, I also think that there are many teachers in the body who can give us insight into the word, and how it applies to our lives and struggles. A couple of books that I've read over the past couple of months are:

Andy Comiskey's, "Strength In Weakness: Overcoming Sexual and Relational Brokeness"

Shannon Ethridge's "Every Woman's Marriage" (There is also an Every Man's Marriage, but I haven't read it so I don't know if I should recommend it or not!)

& Cloud & Townsend's - "Boundaries" & "Boundaries In Marriage"

Sounds like I have tons of issues, doesn't it?! HA! Well, I do! But I want to be free to love Jesus and others more and I know I can't do it in and of myself. Each of these books are (hopefully) tools to help me on that journey.

I really appreciate Andy & Shannon's candidness and all of the books are really centered on scripture - which is key! I also love that each of the books are about each of us "taking the plank out of our own eye" instead of blaming others for our circumstance in life.

Of course reading these types of books aren't an answer in and of themselves - you may or may not agree with everything they have to say (I don't always) - which is fine. The point is to prayerfully consider what the Lord is speaking to us in each one and to ask Him to teach us how to love.

The Reader...

2008-09-22T16:53:00.000-05:00

Well, I will unashamedly be posting a lot of pictures of Caleb in the near future... Because, I'm almost always the one behind the camera. :) So be prepared!

I am typically the "reader" in our relationship but this week Caleb has been leaving me in the dust. He is currently on book number five. He has discovered Ted Dekker and is hooked.

We are sitting in the San Diego airport waiting for our flight, and... he's reading. I imagine by the end of the day he'll have 2 more books read. He is so cute!

The Dogs

2008-09-19T11:00:00.000-05:00

Caleb's grandparents own two Yorkies who were always close by during our visit in New Mexico. In the photo above Jasper is the one on the left (the younger) and Cassie is the one on the right (the darker, older one.)

You'll see the dogs snuggling with Grandpa and Grandma below. :)

Doesn't it look like Jasper is smiling in the photo above?!

Grandma Shirley's Pottery

2008-09-17T22:52:00.000-05:00

We were visiting Caleb's grandparents in Albuquerque so I thought I'd share a little about his Grandma Shirley's pottery shop (it's located right next to their home). Her shop is called Columbine Pottery and you can check out her site here.

As you can see, she focuses on Southwest design. She's been a potter for decades and her skill is evident in her ability to reproduce similar designs and also frequently create new ideas. My favorite are her mugs, because they're the kind that fit perfectly in your hand - the kind you want to hold all day long.

You can order her work from her website or stop in at her shop (check out her website for details. Here are a few pics of her work and her shop. :) (The last one is of she and Alisha talking in her studio.)

In Albuquerque

2008-09-13T23:05:00.000-05:00

We've spent the day in Albuquerque and I already have 300 images from our trip... and quite a few video clips! It will take me awhile to edit them, but I couldn't resist sharing this one from our drive yesterday...

Caleb totally humored me as we were passing through Texas, and pulled the car over just so I could get a shot of him and good ol' Tex here. :) Hooray for road trips!

Delight In 'Anne of Green Gables'

2008-09-03T20:11:00.000-05:00

We are having delicious fall weather today and it somehow makes me think of watching the PBS movies - 'Anne of Green Gables' with my mom. We used to always watch it during this kind of rainy day weather.

One of my summer reading books (well, really the whole series) has been 'Anne of Green Gables' by Lucy M. Montgomery. Though I watched the movies, I somehow got through most of my life without reading any of the 8 books in the series. What a crime!

Montgomery's writing is both enchanting and engrossing - it's very difficult to put these stories down. The characters she has created are so imaginative and in awe of beauty. I LOVE this!! The 8 books follow Anne throughout her life in Prince Edward Island, and then through the lives of her 6 kids (I think my favorite of the series is actually the book that focuses on her kids - Anne of Ingleside). They are set around the turn of the 20th century.

I believe that Montgomery was married to a Presbyterian pastor, so there are scripture references and biblical themes throughout. Man, they just don't write em' like this anymore! I think I just really love classics though.

The 'Anne' series is now considered a children's book series, but I believe she intended them to be works of fiction for every age. Also, if you like audio books, I've found four of them read by Barbara Caruso at an online library. I've recommended her before - she does an AMAZING job with these books.

If you have time for some fiction - I highly recommend going on an adventure with Anne!

New Bible Day!

2008-08-19T12:30:00.000-05:00

Alright, I can't remember if I've posted about this yet or not... so bear with me if I have. Mike Bickle, the director of IHOP, has exhorted us over the years, to read 10 chapters in our bible every day. Why? (Other than the fact that it's important to be in the word...)

Because most people don't even know where to begin when reading their bible. I can testify to that. In the past, I tended to pick up my bible every now and then and would open up to a different passage each time. This method never was very fruitful for me and usually left me feeling very discombobulated.

With the "ten chapter a day method" - you just pick up where you left off and eventually read through the whole bible. If you're reading ten chapters a day, 6 days a week - it will take roughly a year to get through.

I've been doing this for several years now - I can definitely say that it works! I've not done it perfectly... there have been lots of days that I've missed or I've read less than the ten chapters - but the point is that I'm reading a whole heck of a lot more than I used to, and I have a plan to actually get me into the word.

A little twist I've been doing (which has been fun) is that I pick a new version of the bible every time. I like to highlight and write in my bible A LOT - so it's enjoyable once I get through one, to get a brand new bible to "start over in" and discover afresh. So, far in my "ten chapter a day phase" I've been through NKJV, ESV, and I just finished the NASB.

However, today... I begin with an NIV - a very special NIV - the One Year Chronological Bible. "The One Year Chronological Bible arranges the entire Bible text--books, chapters, and even verses--in the order the events actually happened." I think it will be very interesting. I hope that it's helpful in getting overall perspective on biblical events, and not too confusing.

Happy New Bible Day to me!

Author of 'The Shack' On 'Shawn & Sally'

2008-08-18T10:15:00.000-05:00

My friend, Shawn Bolz, now senior pastor of a church in LA (Expression58) has started up a daily radio show/podcast called - Your Life With Shawn & Sally. You can subscribe to it via ITunes.

Today, they interviewed the author of 'The Shack' - Paul Young.

I have not read it yet, so I don't feel that I can recommend or not recommend the book. However, since I've known several people who have read it, I thought it might be worth posting the link.

If any of you have read it, I'd love to hear what you thought of it.

I Am A Winner!!!

2008-08-17T22:56:00.001-05:00

For the first time since I met my husband (over 5 years now) I have won!! At what you ask? Monopoly!

He has always slaughtered me - but tonight the tables have turned... I got Boardwalk and Park Place - and there was no turning back! Moo ha ha ha... :)

*This has nothing to do with my Monopoly post - but Caleb was just reading Ecclesiastes and he commented, "Wow. Solomon was a big whiner." Man, that made me laugh. :)

Post On Entertainment & 'The Dark Knight'

2008-08-17T17:05:00.000-05:00

This was a great "linkage" post by Justin Taylor:

(Below is the post in full:)

The World's Disappointing Stimulants
Ray Ortlund on the movie, The Dark Knight:

I learned nothing. I was not enriched in any way.

. . . I’m weary with the world’s disappointing stimulants. I want more of Christ.

Michael Spencer comments:

I have begun to suspect that we can’t see the entertainment idolatry in our own lives.

We’ve decided to talk about “how to relate Christ to movies” and so on, which I don’t deny is a worthwhile pursuit, and I believe the glory and truth of God shines through all kinds of cultural windows.

But there’s just a lot- a LOT- of garbage out there. A lot of lies. Distortion. A lot of very bad story telling. A lot of poorly executed entertainment. A lot of humor and excitement drummed up from the lowest common denominators: sex, violence, greed. A lot of wasted minutes, hours and days.

I know Christian young people who live- live- in the world of movies, tv and games. And when I’ve suggested they might be wasting chunks of their lives with what wasn’t worthy of their thoughts, I’ve been pooh-poohed.

Don’t get me wrong. I want Christians engaging art and entertainment. I want Christians making good art and entertainment.

But when we are supposedly deeply moved by something that, at its core, isn’t deeply moving, isn’t redemptive, isn’t part of the grand story, but is just a vast, pretentious, technologically overwhelming retelling of the worst kind of human story, I want to have the backbone to say so.

Ortlund did. Good for him.

The Call DC 8.16.08

2008-08-14T10:38:00.000-05:00

Most of you are aware of 'The Call' that is taking place in D.C. this Saturday. (See promo video below). If you can't attend in DC but live in the KC area you can come to IHOP's FSM building and participate with us there. If that's not a possibility either, you can watch it (live, I believe) on GODtv online.

I hope to spend as much time as possible, at FSM joining corporately in prayer. But, if I can't be there all day I hope to paticipate online. How amazing to have that option!! Jesus, turn our nation back to You!

On Reading and Leisure

2008-08-13T12:01:00.001-05:00

Awhile ago, I decided that I wanted to get back to reading books as opposed to wasting tons of time on TV and movies. I tend to be the kind of person who gravitates towards being a couch potato, and can easily waste whole evenings watching absolutely nothing of meaning.

This never feels fruitful - I typically feel more dull afterwards and usually am trying to escape something that I don't want to face. I don't want to live my life like that!

I have to stand before Jesus one day and give Him an account for how I've spent my time in my life. That terrifies me! I've been finding more and more that books can be (not always though) a really healthy form of leisure. Meaning, when done with the intention of learning and or contemplating a form of beauty - with appropriate subject matter and not as a form of escape - it can draw us into Jesus' heart and provoke us to love.

So... in my adventure to plunge back into the literary world - I'm finding that the main books I'm drawn to are: children's books (particularly classics), books on the persecuted church, biographies, and also 'christian life' books (oh, and Home Design Books too). I've read quite a few in the past several months that I haven't posted so I'm going to try to catch up!!

I've found that for me, in order to become a "reader" I first really had to consider what I was most interested in. Then I really had to make time for it, and also figure out what form (sometimes that changes) works best for me. Meaning, sometimes Audiobooks are a really great way for me to get some "reading" in.

I think all of us on the journey of becoming more like Jesus want to live fruitful, fulfilling, and pure lives. And I'm finding in order for me to do that, I need to have options that aren't "work" that I enjoy. For me reading is becoming a big one. Exercising and photography are two others... but really the list is soooooo long and there are so many possibilities.

I don't think entertainment or technology is evil... I like how Mike Bickle puts it, "Technology is not evil, it is the heart making an alliance with evil" that is wrong. There are still movies that I watch and I do still get sucked into home design shows but I keep asking for a clean and unselfish heart!! It's so contrary to what is 'natural' for me. However, in this day and age, I'm finding that it is imperative to draw the line (though I'm still fighting that battle) and seek to choose to feast my eyes and heart on that which honors Him. Oh, may He give us the fear of the Lord!

Steven Curtis Chapman & Family On Larry King Live

2008-08-08T23:09:00.000-05:00

You are probably aware of the Chapman's recent loss of their daughter, Maria Sue. They did an interview on Larry King this week, that had me in tears. A tremendous family. Bless them and keep them Jesus.

Here is Steven's website for more info on him, his ministry, and his family.

Wow! It's Hot!

2008-08-02T15:28:00.003-05:00

111 degrees?!! Oh my goodness. Reason #64 to stay inside today... How do they even determine that? I tend to imagine some weather guy step outside and say, "Well, the thermometer reads 93, but it feels like 111!" I bet it's more scientific than that, though. :)

Google Books & Vivanno!

2008-08-02T15:22:00.002-05:00

Ok, those 2 topics are totally unrelated, but I thought they both were worth mentioning.

Google Books is something I'm just discovering... You can find a WEALTH of literature online - available for you to download onto your computer or just read in your internet browser - for free!! It's a bit like an online library.

Newer books that are included don't have all of their pages, but the bulk of them are there. However, many older books (that are now public domain) are on there in their entirety. For those of you that love libraries but don't have the time/energy to go... here you are.

I've been told that people do full research papers just using google books. :) I even found Edersheim's, "The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah" there. I'm not sure if it's the full book but 1883 pages are included so that's at least most of them! :)

Also, Starbucks is having a promotion of their Vivanno beverage (a fancy smoothie) for the next 2 weeks. They aren't advertising it, but every Tuesday from 2-4pm you can ask for a Vivanno (you have to mention the promotion) and you can get it for free. :) Also if you have a registered Starbucks card you can get Vivanno's free all day on Tuesday. The promotion has already been going on for 2 weeks but I keep forgetting to post about it - so there you go!

Children Of The Storm Excerpt

2008-07-03T15:11:00.002-05:00

I just finished reading 'Children of the Storm' - an autobiography by Natasha Vins. It's a young adult autobiography and I'd recommend it for that age group (and older.)

It is set in the Soviet Union and focuses mostly on the 1960's and 70's. Natasha's father is a leader in the underground church there, and she tells the story of what it was like to have a father imprisoned or in hiding most of her life. As well as being constantly under the threat of persecution for her faith - even from a young age.

Tbis is a long excerpt but I thought worth sharing. At this point in the story Natasha's father has returned home from 2 1/2 years in prison to a 16 year old daughter that isn't sure that she believes in Christ.

This is her father's response:

"During the crisis moments of imprisonment, when I was looking death in the eyes, I realized anew what a dear price Christ paid for our salvation. Often after long, exhausting days of chopping down trees in the forest, the guards would lead us five to seven kilometers back to camp through deep snow. At times I didn't even have the strength to take another step.

On top of exhaustion, I had a hernia, so walking was extremely painful. There was just a desperate cry in my heart, 'Lord help me! Give strength not to collapse!' In moments like that I imagined how Jesus felt, falling down under the weight of His cross. With new freshness it became apparent to me how much our salvation cost Him. Do you see Daughter, why Jesus is more precious to me than life?

There is another thing that's hard to handle in prison. You are surrounded by people twenty-four hours a day. Just imagine day after day, month after month. It's impossible to be left alone even for a moment. The barracks are packed with dozens of prisoners who are constantly smoking, arguing, playing cards, cursing. At times I desperately wanted to get away from all of that, to be alone, especially when my heart was heavy or I felt sick.

In those moments I used to think that even wounded animals crawl deep into the woods to hide, especially when they are dying. Man is even more desperate in his need for privacy. Hurt by the lack of it in prison, I better understood the depth of Christ's suffering on the cross, exposed to the hostile crowd. Death is always tormenting; a person in agony needs comfort and care of loved ones. Even more essential is the absence of curious harsh stares of strangers so that the dying person in not forced to suppress moans of pain.

But in His dying hours Christ became the laughingstock of strangers hungrily watching for expressions of pain on His face. How their sarcastic shouts hurt Him: 'If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross! You saved others, why can't you save yourself?' It's hard to imagine how Christ, in such deathly torment, was still able to cry out of pity for this mob, 'Father forgive them; for they known not what they do.' This Jesus I love Natasha. This is the Lord I serve."

I SO Enjoy My Husband!

2008-07-01T20:06:00.007-05:00

So, I know I said I wouldn't post any more photos from our trip to San Diego... BUT I was looking through them the other day and just had to post these awesome photos of Caleb. (I thought you might get a kick out of them Jo Lyn!)

Probably one of the main reasons I fell in love with Caleb was because of the way he enjoyed me, and how very much I enjoyed him. He is SOOO much fun. I can't believe he posed for all these cheesy photos for me - but he did. :) So, I thought I'd share them with the world... :)

He survived this shark attack, fortunately.

He was pretending to be a pouty kid at the zoo in this one. :) I think he pulled it off pretty well.

Wow, that would hurt!

It's hard to tell, but he's hugging a statue of a polar bear.

I love you Caleb!!!

Greensburg Goes Green

2008-06-25T13:15:00.000-05:00

Most of you will remember that May 4th of last year, Greensburg, KS was obliterated by an F5 tornado. This has particular significance to Caleb and I because he spent the bulk of his life living in or around Greensburg.

I mention it now because the Discovery Channel is doing a mini series of sorts following the rebuilding of their town. Why? Because they hope to re-build almost entirely "green".

Here you can find much more information about the show.

Here you can watch the first episode.

We watched the first episode this weekend and Caleb was amazed to see so many people that he knew or knew of involved with the project. I can't tell if they'll be posting more episodes online, but we definitely hope to follow along!

Great Chiropractor In KC

2008-06-20T12:30:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to recommend my favorite chiropractor in the area - Dr. Bailey. He is located at 87th and Mastin (just off of 69 in the Overland Park area).

He is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9am to 6pm. And you don't have to make an appt - it's all walk-in! :) I've never had to wait more than ten minutes and typically don't have to wait at all.

What I love about him is that he doesn't put you on a treatment plan, he just allows you to come as needed. This is HIGHLY unusual and I think is an excellent method.

He also only charges $25 dollars per visit. Again, highly unusual. He just really values affordable health care. Which we all know is so hard to find these days.

I've been going to see him for a couple of months now and have nothing but good to say of him. :) He takes his time with everyone he sees. Which I also really value.

If you've moved to the area and are looking for a GREAT chiropractor - go see Dr. Bailey!

For more info on him: go here.

Alisha's CD

2008-06-14T18:17:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited to announce my sis-in-law's cd - 'Consider'!! Alisha Powell's cd has been out for almost 2 weeks now!!! I've been waiting to write something about it until her website was up... and now it is, sooo go HERE to check it out...

You can hear a song (and a 1/2) from her cd . :) As well as find some more info about her, see lots of cute pics of her, and support her there!

Alisha has been at IHOP from the beginning (almost nine years now) and is one heck of a worship leader, teacher, and friend. :) This cd has been a long time coming! It's so exciting to hear songs that she has been doing in the prayer room for years, produced excellently on a cd.

Caleb and I got to be a small part of the project and that was fun too! Check out his amazing voice on 'Bless the Lord.' The cd should be available on ITunes soon, but you can purchase it here for now.

I'm so proud of you Alisha!!! Hooray for your first cd!!!

Fun Linkage

2008-06-01T13:55:00.000-05:00

Here you will find a link to an interesting and thought provoking (3 part) article by C.J. Mahaney - on "Leadership & Family Vacations." (I found it on Justin Taylor's Blog.)

Here is a cool option for "skinning" your ipod or computer. I love personalizing things, so this kind of thing tends to appeal to me. And it's super affordable!

And these coffee popsicles look yumm-O. I might just have to try the recipe out. First I need to find those nifty popsicle molds... :)

And gotta love something that's free... and this is great - FREE bible software! (I found it on Boundless)

For Windows & Mac!

Noodles For Date Night

2008-05-29T15:28:00.001-05:00

Over the past 3 and 1/2 years that we've been married, Caleb and I have prioritized 'date night.' Typically on the same night every week, it's just a time that we are intentional about getting some face time and prioritizing "us." I find that its probably my favorite night of the week and it's nice to know that we have each other "penciled in" regardless of what the week throws at us.

I usually think of 'date night' as an opportunity to have an adventure, so I'm always trying to come up with new ideas or places for us to try. Sometimes we just stay home and watch a movie, sometimes it's a visit to Barnes & Noble, sometimes we go get coffee... Sometimes it's all three.

I typically like to plan ahead of time. So, usually the night before date night, I throw out some ideas to Caleb or I ask him for some of his own. He doesn't care what we do... so I was somewhat surprised that he started giving me some suggestions.

The convo. went like this...

Me: "So, honey, tomorrow night's date night. Is there anything that you'd really like to do?"

Caleb: "Solve World Hunger?"

Me: "Um..."

Caleb: "Cure Cancer?"

Me: "Uh..." *chuckling*

Caleb: "Go Green!"

Me: *laughing hysterically now*

Caleb: "I know! Save the spotted owl!"

My husband is awesome.

Last night we tried Noodles & Company. The setup is kind of like Pei Wei, in that you order at the register, take a number, and they bring you your food when it's ready. It was a casual atmosphere and I was pretty impressed at the large variety of ways they serve their noodles. I didn't realize there were so many options - Mediterranean, American... Asian - plus salads and soups. I opted for 'Mac & Cheese with chicken' & Caleb the 'Indonesian Peanut Saute'. Yummo.

We even splurged and had some Sheridan's for dessert... can't go wrong with frozen custard! And even though we didn't save the Spotted Owl, the night was a success!

Prince Caspian Links

2008-05-22T18:19:00.000-05:00

Here are a few 'behind the scenes' interviews with the actors and director of Prince Caspian.

Here and here are two different articles making an argument that Prince Caspian, the movie, is better than the book.

I did like the movie a great deal, though I do think that despite it's PG rating it might be pretty scary for younger kids.

On Praying For The Sick

2008-05-15T11:14:00.000-05:00

Most of you who are reading this blog have undoubtedly heard about the Lakeland Revival going on and the great numbers of people who are being healed. Our community as well, is in an increased season of contending for healing (we are committed to interceding for healing on a regular basis.)

With an increased focus on praying for the sick - there are all measure of questions that come along with it. I’m not going to try to answer all those questions but I do want to mention a few thoughts (or protocol) when you are praying for someone who is sick - particularly someone who has battled chronic illness, pain, or debilitation.

I was talking with a friend of mine yesterday, who has battled chronic pain for many years and these were a lot of things she brought up. These are also some points from my own experience.

First, when praying for someone who is sick - remember they are sick. That means they don’t feel good. It may have been all they could do just to make it out of the house. Most people who are really, really sick can’t even make it to a prayer meeting without someone’s help. The fact that they made it there is huge - a victory in and of itself.

It might help to remember the last time you had the flu or perhaps a time when you were recovering from surgery or even a time when you were carsick. Then try to think about how you’d feel about standing for long periods of time - with lots of different people’s hands (people you may not know) on you. How would you like someone treat you in that situation?

Try not to shake, rub, or pat - keep still (this means if you want to manifest... just don’t touch the person while you are praying for them.)

Don’t have “heavy” hands - the sick person might have trouble just standing there... it won’t help if you are pushing them down or weighing them down.

Keep your eyes open and be sensitive to the person’s posture and how they look. Do they need a chair? Go get one for them... Are they standing in an awkward position because of too many people’s hands on them? Ask and see if there’s a way you can make them more comfortable.

Don’t place your hands on inappropriate areas. Instead touch the person’s shoulders, arms, hands, perhaps their back. Please don’t place heavy hands on the head.

Have good hygiene. If you just worked out and you feel like you’re supposed to pray for someone - pray for them from afar or go take a shower. Bad smells can put a sick person over the top.

You don’t have to scream. Unless the person is receiving prayer for loss of hearing, they are most likely able to hear you at a low volume. Loud sounds can be a bit much when you feel like you are going to puke.

Choose your words carefully... Speak encouragement, Pray life, Pray healing, Pray the word. Refrain from finding the reason that the person is sick unless you are a very good friend and have an intimate relationship with the person. Bless. Bless. Bless. Speak life and truth and hope.

Don’t give up! If someone has been sick for many years, they are not expecting you to come in and be the answer to their prayers. They are just continually posturing themselves before Jesus and asking for His healing power. They are trusting that He is able and will heal them in His time. They are thankful whenever someone else comes along and helps them carry the burden they typically have to carry on their own. Continue to ask and seek and knock and wait. He WILL open the door.

Many sick people refrain from getting prayer because of previous bad experiences. Times when someone told them it was their fault, or just were insensitive to how difficult it is to endure the ‘receiving process’.

If you skimmed over the bulk of this post - just remember this - it comes down to love. Treat a sick person how you would want to be treated when you were sick. Be sensitive, be kind, and set your eyes on Jesus.

* If you have more good tips or ideas on this topic - I’d love to hear them! My list is definitely not exhaustive!

Unblogged Trip Photos

2008-05-12T16:54:00.001-05:00

You are most likely tired of "hearing" about our trip, but here are a few more of my favorite photos. All very miscellaneous. No more posts about our trip from now on (I think)!

But thank you, thank you, thank you WONDERFUL Williamson's for such an amazing vacation! We love you so much!

We're Home!

2008-05-08T10:29:00.000-05:00

We are back in KC and so happy to be back. Our trip was wonderful in so many ways, but California can't compare to home! Caleb caught this photo of me the other night on the beach, and I thought it totally captured how I felt about our trip. We are so thankful for such a stellar vacation and also for such a great home to return to!

Torrey Pines

2008-05-06T15:55:00.000-05:00

Today is our last day here in Cali, and Torrey Pines was one of our last adventures - (at least for this trip). It's taken all week for me to convince Caleb to go check it out (hiking isn't exactly his favorite thing in the world) - but once we got there he was so glad we did!

Their website says:

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is located within San Diego city limits and yet remains one of the wildest stretches of land on our Southern California coast! Because of the efforts and foresight of the people in this area, 2000 acres of land are as they were before San Diego was developed -with the chaparral plant community, the rare and elegant Torrey pine trees, miles of unspoiled beaches, and a lagoon that is vital to migrating seabirds. One can imagine what California must have looked like to the early settlers, or to the Spanish explorers, or even to the first California residents here,

They have a number of different trails that lead you down to the beach or to some really beautiful ocean overlooks. The last photo here (with the red circle around a person) is meant to show you just how high up we were.

The hike was absolutely stunning and we couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day. I highly recommend it if you are ever near San Diego. Hooray for more beauty!!!

Polar Bear

2008-05-05T00:01:00.000-05:00

Ok, the last of the zoo photos, I promise! This was our last stop at the zoo and I'm so glad we found this exhibit. When we first got there the polar bear was on land... we waited for maybe fifteen minutes hoping he'd jump in the water. He faked us out a couple of times, but finally obliged us and jumped in.

Caleb caught the jump on video, as well as few more clips of him swimming. The video is less than two minutes long.

And as I've mentioned in the two previous posts, you can see more polar bear pics (and others) at my flickr site.

Miscellaneous Zoo Pics

2008-05-04T19:12:00.001-05:00

Here's a few more miscellaneous ones... go to my flickr site to see the rest (oh, and click on them to see bigger versions)!

Monkeys

2008-05-04T19:04:00.000-05:00

Here are a few of my favorites images of the "monkeys". I forgot to write down the specific names - oops!

To see more monkey photos (as well as the rest of my zoo pics - there are about 70 total) you can go to my flickr account.. I'll still be posting a few more here on my blog as well.

Go HERE to see the rest of the zoo photos.

Koalas

2008-05-04T12:01:00.000-05:00

I have heard that koalas can be quite harmful to humans, if they attempt to hold them. However, it seems very hard to believe when looking at how adorable they are!!! Don't you just want to snuggle them? Apparently, they sleep during most of the day and eat the 3-5 hours they are awake. SOOOOO cute!

Hippos!

2008-05-03T13:41:00.000-05:00

The hippo's were one of my favorite exhibits... I seemed to really like the ones that you could view underwater (like this one and the Polar Bear). They weren't terribly active while we were there (are hippos every very active?) However, their little bit of movement is on the San Diego video clips I just posted. I love when they take breaths of air through their nostrils!

PS - Isn't that hippo butt cute?!

San Diego Zoo Tips

2008-05-03T08:08:00.000-05:00

Most of our day yesterday was spent at the San Diego Zoo, and we had sooo much fun. I wasn't prepared for just how beautiful the zoo itself would be. It's design and all of the plants throughout it are absolutely gorgeous. Much of it feels like you are really in a rain forest - so the whole experience is much more than just viewing the animals. It feels like a safari or something! We definitely felt like we were on an adventure all day.

I took lots of photos (though I don't have a great lens for this type of setting) so I'm going to be working on editing them today and hopefully get photos up today. Caleb also took some brief video clips so I'm going to get those up soon as well.

A couple of tips I'd recommend if you ever go to the San Diego Zoo:

Get the pass that includes the guided bus tour and skyway - they are worth the little bit of extra on the front end because they will cost you a lot more once you get inside.

Take the guided bus tour as soon as you get there... It takes you on a tour of most of the park and we got to see a lot of animals (via a better view) than if we'd just been on foot. It also helps give you an idea of the layout and gives lots of "insider" info about the animals themselves. Oh, and no matter what they say - ride on the top of the bus - not the bottom!

Be prepared for lots of walking and lots of hills! Most of the park requires walking up and down LOTS of hills. It is not very wheelchair friendly though it is possible. And I was stunned at the number of moms with strollers - they were everywhere - so know that it can be done!

As far as we could tell, it looks like you can bring food and drink into the zoo. I'd recommend it because as with most places, the zoo's food prices are very high.

If you have a certain animal that you'd really like to see awake and moving around... make them a priority in the morning. It seems that most of them take naps in the afternoon.

Any chance you have to talk to the animal's keepers - do. We spend some time talking to a woman who had worked there for 12 years and we learned so much from her and it was so interesting getting her perspective.

If I lived nearby this zoo - I would definitely get a season pass - especially if I had kids (but even if I didn't).

Also, go during a week day - I hear weekends are insane!

Some Linkage

2008-05-02T00:31:00.005-05:00

A few links I thought worth mentioning:

A great post by Kyle Gebhart entitled 'Getting Slimed.'

A recent article about IHOP done by a local KC paper (this may be helpful for those of you confused a bit by IHOP in general.)

A post regarding Kelsey Hays (a girl from IHOP) recent healing.

Also, if you haven't already you ought to check out the Lakeland Revival meetings... you can watch them for free via GodTV. Just go to their website and register.

The Children's Pool

2008-05-01T20:53:00.000-05:00

After our visit to the aquarium, we visited the Children's Pool. Which is not what I initially thought when I heard the name... it's actually a little cove that seals have taken over.

The story I'm told is that the sea wall was built to create a safe beach for children. Soon after it was finished, seals and sea lions thought it would be a better spot for themselves. They've inhabited it ever since (I believe beginning in the early 80's).

Typically people are allowed down onto the beach as close to the seals as they'd like (though are advised to not touch or feed them). However, this is the "pupping" season so there was a limit to how close we could go.

Regardless, we had fun walking the perimeter and going out on the sea wall. It was a beautiful evening and so fun to see the seals in their natural habitat. Though I deemed them the "couch potato's of the sea"... on the beach they just look so lazy!

Tomorrow we hope to make it to the zoo, so I bet I'll have some more animal photos soon!

Birch Aquarium

2008-05-01T09:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, Caleb and I visited the Birch Aquarium in La Jolla (pronounced La Hoy-a), yesterday. It's not terribly large but it only costs $11 for an adult pass, so the price is great. I think it is geared a bit more towards children with some of their learning stations - but we still really enjoyed it. Having so many fun places to go within such a short distance is awesome!

This first one is a combo of 6 photos so you can see how this Giant Octopus (female) changes colors. Click on it for a larger view.

This Leopard Shark was less than five feet long.

This is a Lion Fish - they are apparently VERY poisonous. But they look very cool!

Caleb said this is some sort of Flounder (but I don't remember). I think it is so cool how it is buried in the sand. Can you see it's eye and tail?

A few shots of a beautiful jellyfish - well, at least I think it's beautiful when it's inside the tank!

This creature is a Sea Dragon - it camoflauges it'self as seaweed. We thought they were so cool! Can you find its head?

And of course it wouldn't be a vacation without lovely touristy photos. Here is Caleb pretending he is a whale!

The Flower Fields

2008-04-29T19:45:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, Caleb and I visited The Flower Fields in Carlsbad, California. They have 50-plus acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus and it was probably more flowers than I have ever seen. The sun was pretty high when we went (they don't open until 9am) but I was still happy with a few of the photos I took.

I finally got another flickr account and my first uploads were more pictures of The Flower Fields. Check them out here.

And the video at the bottom of the post will give you an idea of just how big the flower fields really are. It's less than a minute long and there's isn't any audio in case you were wondering! Oh,and that's the ocean off in the distance (of the video)!

Still In The Air (12pm CT)

2008-04-26T19:43:00.000-05:00

The pilot just told us we are flying at about 360 miles per hour... somehow that doesn’t seem fast enough... Though I guess that’s pretty fast. We haven’t dropped out of the sky yet... so I guess he knows what he’s doing.

Everything about flying is wondrous to me. The fact that we are flying thousands of feet above the earth in a giant aluminum structure is somewhat unfathomable. If I lived 100 years ago and someone had told me this would happen one day - I NEVER would have believed them. And can you imagine being some of the first people to ever fly in one of these? They must have been crazy!

I do love taking off into the sky and getting to see the earth down below... It is amazing how structured everything looks - with the roads and the neighborhoods. But also how untamed the mountains and deserts are. Right now we’re flying over crop circles or irrigation circles... I think it just looks like some sort of puzzle. And I LOVE seeing the little toy cars - I mean real cars - crawling around on the ground. Nothing like a little perspective! How great is our God and the works of His fingers!!! Wow!

Up In The Air (About 11am CT)

2008-04-26T19:36:00.000-05:00

Caleb and I are flying high above the earth as I type this. We are on our way to San Diego! It’s been over a year since we’ve been there and we are SOOO excited to visit our dear friends, The Williamson’s.

Caleb is absorbing SkyMall magazine and is amazed at all the crazy gadgets people have come up with. He just spent the whole first hour of our flight reading it cover to cover...

Among the gadgets:

An alarm clock that wakes you up in phases - via scents, 6 different nature sounds, and increasing light.

A device that enables you to play chords with just one finger.

A mini marshmallow shooter.

A Big Foot Garden Sculpture.

Yummo... I am liking these ‘100 Calorie Oreo’ packages... Sure beats peanuts.

Hot Dog Confessions

2008-04-21T10:27:00.003-05:00

So, this isn't typically something I broadcast, but I thought it might be time to share this with the world. :) I LOVE gas station hot dogs.

Not all of them... not the ones that have been sitting on the "rolling cooker thing" all day, and look like they've developed some sort of leprosy... but the ones that are warmed to perfection. I mean, for 99 cents you can't get food much better than this.

My personal favorites are QT's hot dogs. Part of my joy in attaining them here, is the 'warm buns' sign where you will find, ahem, warm buns. Shocking I know. A juvenile joy in the terminology, yet a joy nonetheless.

QT is great because of their wealth of condiments. It's not just ketchup and mustard there, folks. Oh no. You've got spicy deli mustard and my personal fave, chipotle. Yumm-o. There are also relishes and other sauces that I never get... so I can't remember what they are. But I bet they're great too. :)

And of course, the hot dog wouldn't be complete lest you purchase some chips and a tasty beverage along with it. Lately I've been hooked on Vitamin Water (I particularly like the 'peach mango' but that's a little hard to find) but I also occasionally visit the soda fountain (is that's what it's called?) For the chips - I typically choose 'Ruffles Cheddar Sour Cream'. If you only get the chips and the dog... that's a meal for under 2.50... I mean you can't even get a gallon of gas for that these days!

-----
PS - Happy Belated bday to my s-i-l Maggie & to dear friend Shelley Paulson!
PPS - I have some photos I'm working on from Maggie's bday and a wedding we attended this weekend that I hope to post within the next day or 2. Stay tuned!

Jane Austen Junkie...

2008-04-19T13:31:00.002-05:00

Ok, so I'm somewhat obsessive about how I spend my time... I don't think this is a bad thing (my husband may try to argue that point) but every now and then I veer off my normal schedule, and where do I go? Jane Austen.

Now, I know that Jane's books have been around for literally hundreds of years, and beloved by oodles and zillions (that's my terminology) of people... but somehow I didn't really discover her until a little over a year ago.

I have no idea how this is possible.. but it's true. Someone let me borrow the five hour plus BBC version of Pride & Prejudice last year. And it was over... I was hooked on Jane.

Endless amounts of commentaries and reviews have been published regarding Jane Austen, and I'm no expert, so I won't begin to try. I'll just say, I really like her stuff. All the layers to the relationships, the era she was writing in, societies that are difficult to comprehend in our day and age, and of course the romance. I love it!

I've only read Pride and Prejudice (actually I've listened to it a couple of times) and I loved it. The rest I'm only familiar with via movie... (a little embarrassing but true.) I typically like the BBC/A&E versions much more than the mainstream (like Kate Beckinsale's, Emma).

However, the latest one I got sucked into this week was PBS's version of Persuasion. Suspenseful (even though I knew how it ended), beautifully filmed, and clean. All wonderful things in my book. :)

So, there's my plug for Jane... probably most of you who read this blog don't need the plug - nevertheless there it is. A little bit of beauty I enjoy. :)

Free AudioBook...

2008-04-12T11:35:00.003-05:00

I'm all snuggled in here at home, trying to use up the last of our firewood. It was snowing a little while ago, so I thought the fire might be a good move.

All that to say - I downloaded a free audiobook last night. I still haven't begun to listen to it... so I can't necessarily say I recommend it - but it's GK Chesterton so it's worth a listen. Come on, it's free! :)

Get 'The Man Who Was Thursday' (unabridged) by G.K. Chesterton here.

The Great Hurricane

2008-03-14T16:29:00.002-05:00

Something Caleb and I have been loving over the past couple of months, have been the Johnson County Library's audio downloads. You are still checking a book out, but without having to leave your home (and all for free!). You can look through their files and then download what you're interested in. (That is, if it's available - you still may have to be put on the waiting list).

The biggest downside to this program is that the downloads only work with PC's... But sometimes the publisher of the books allows you to transfer the file to a mp3 device (an ipod) or even burn them to cd. So, it usually works out. :)

The most recent book that I listened to from the library, was 'The Great Hurricane: 1938' by Cherie Burns. I grew up in Pennsylvania, but I had still never heard of this hurricane. So it was interesting to learn that in 1938 what is now known as 'The Great Hurricane' took New England entirely by surprise, killing 700 people.

The book is very well written, giving a lot of context regarding the time period as well as the geographic location. But the bulk of it is a day by day 'story telling' - stories of those who lived through it and a few who did not. Due to the fact that I was listening to it, rather than reading it, I had a little more difficulty keeping track of names... but the story was still easy to follow.

One of the quotes that I hadn't know previously:

"Meteorologist's now know that a typical hurricane releases more energy every hour than an atomic bomb..."

I love learning, but I also love getting perspective and remembering what is important. There is so much that we can't take with us when our time in these earthly bodies ends. Books like these provoke me to grow 'rich toward God' and to seek to store up treasure in heaven - not here upon the earth - though this is still such a battle for me!!

If you like history, and story telling - or simply want to grow in perspective and grace for difficulty that is yet ahead - I'd recommend this book.

"Hidden Sorrow, Lasting Joy"

2008-03-10T01:53:00.005-05:00

I am slowly making my way through a stack of books I purchased with Christmas gift cards (thanks everyone who made that stack possible!!). My latest read was, 'Hidden Sorrow, Lasting Joy: The Forgotten Women of the Persecuted Church"

Here is an excerpt from the book (from the first chapter).

The back cover says:

"Hidden Sorrow... Told from the unique perspective of women whose husbands were imprisoned or killed for their faith, Hidden Sorrow, Lasting Joy is a powerful tribute to forgotten women. Women whose lives are marked by tremedous sorrow, agonizing frustration, lonesome fear.

...Lasting Joy. This is a story of great rejoicing in the midst of affliction, of unexplainable peace in the midst of pain. It is about seasons of sorrow that must be hidden, and about joy that will last eternally."

My husband, Caleb, and I have been in a season where he is having to travel a lot for work. The longest amount of time that we have spent apart thus far has been a month - which to me feels like forever! It has been so helpful for me to get perspective, and remember that there are women who are enduring separation from their husbands (for the faith) that may last their entire lifetimes... through imprisonment, persecution, and even death. And yet they choose to stand, embrace the cross of Christ, and love Him. This provokes me so much!

As I've mentioned with some previous books, this is another that is really helpful in understanding the plight of many who are persecuted for their faith. I'm finding this so useful for praying for places like Cairo, Egypt or China (places that IHOP often is interceding for and with). Knowing true stories makes the prayer 'real' to me... helps me remember I'm bringing real people before His throne.

Hidden Sorrow, Lasting Joy - is another excellent book I'd recommend. :)

Caleb "Under Duress"

2008-03-09T06:40:00.000-05:00

Last weekend, Caleb and I enjoyed the early spring weather (where did that go anyway?) and went on what I affectionately call, "the great flower adventure". Why do I call it this? Because I brought 3 beautiful gerber days with us! And they were my subjects (very compliant subjects, I might add) all over downtown KC.

These are only a few of them... the ones that I convinced him to model in - poor guy!!! In one of these photos (can you figure out which one?) Caleb said to me, "you should title this photo 'man under duress'." Ha! Sorry honey! Thanks for being such a great sport and posing with flowers all day! :) Hee hee. You know your husband loves you when he'll even pose with flowers - just to make you happy!

None of these photos have amazing light or anything - but we had so much fun that day! so here is the first glimpse of them... :) More to come soon!

Beauty!

2008-03-06T04:32:00.000-06:00

I have been in love with bold colors lately... (I think I'm hungry for them with the promise of the spring.) So, imagine my joy when I stumbled upon this book at B&N last week.

Undoubtedly, the colors and patterns will be too much for some... and while I can't imagine decorating my house like this... something about the patterns and the colors move my heart.

You can find more at Tricia Guild's website: Designer's Guild.

But here are some of my fave's from her website.

Roses

2008-02-29T04:38:00.000-06:00

My husband was sadly out of town for Valentine's Day... However, he made sure that I still had beauty in my life that day! These were taken a couple of days after I got them... so they weren't at their peak - but you get the idea. :)

I forgot to check my camera settings before I started taking these - so some of the photos were taken at very ISO's - hence the graininess. Ah well. I still think the roses are stunning!

The photos don't do the color of them justice... they were the most unusual pink rose I'd ever seen - a purplish pink. Beautiful!!! Thanks honey! I love you!

Thanksgiving & The Will of God

2008-02-24T03:32:00.000-06:00

Colossians 4:2 - "Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving..."

This verse really stuck out to me today while I was reading... First of all the call to devote myself to prayer - meaning communion with the Living God. Talking to Him and listening to Him - and in so doing coming into agreement with Jesus.

But what really struck me, was that the way to keep "alert" (watchful or awake in prayer) was to pray with an attitude of thanksgiving. This verse is incredibly enlightening to me. That oh so often when I'm struggling to pray - it probably has a lot to do with whether or not I'm thankful to Jesus.

Psalm 100 does say that we will enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise - it makes sense. But I'm still really lacking in this arena.

A little while later I read this verse:

1 Thess 5:16-18 - "Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

So often I think of God's will for me as what career path I should choose, how I should spend my money, who I should spend time with, etc... And while I do think those are important and valid things to pray about and be concerned with, Paul tells us in this letter to the church of the Thessalonians, that God's will for me is to always rejoice, never stop praying, and to give thanks in everything.

I want this to be the posture of my heart day in and day out. That regardless of my circumstance and in the midst of what my hands find to do - I MUST seek to maintain a joyful heart in Jesus, communing with Him, and giving thanks. All of these things will fuel one another - and this is the will of God.

Restrained By My Affections

2008-02-13T01:35:00.002-06:00

"You are not restrained by us, but you are restrained in your own affections."

- 2 Cor. 6:12 NAS

How often I have found this to be the source of the pain in my heart! I can so easily blame the ache in my heart upon my circumstance or how someone else is treating (or mistreating me). How often I have said, "If only..." "If only I was seen." "If only I had the finances." "If only I had the strength." "If only I had the freedom."

But here 2 Corinthians 6:12 mocks me. Well, truthfully - it wounds me - getting me back to where I need to be. Awakening me back to the truth. Because the land of "if only" is a place of deception and slumber.

The pain in my heart is usually due to where I turn my affections - not my circumstance. Do I spend my energy looking upon what the Lord deems beautiful and lovely? Or do I spend my time focusing upon what the world deems attractive and appealing? Is the war in my soul for the things of God or for the things of the world?

I am finding more and more that my depression or discouragement comes from meditating upon lies (this looks like me speaking falsely about myself or others), looking upon what is worthless (usually things on tv or movies), and lusting after things I think will make me happy (a new outfit, some kind of food, a position, a particular circumstance.) My affections - my energy - my strength being wasted upon what is fading away. That's the source of why I'm held back - not my circumstance.

Oh, if I could receive the grace of God in my life and that it would not be in vain!!! Meaning regardless of my circumstance I would just open myself to Jesus and choose the way of life - the way of abiding in truth and walking in His commands. That I would know - no matter the affliction or pain in my life... that I can still be his servant. A vessel of love - simply by turning myself toward His face. [see 2 Cor. 6]

I believe that this turning - this rending is possible in every season of life, and the only way to find it is by the way of prayer - asking, seeking, knocking, waiting, listening, agreeing [with Jesus].

I don't want to be restrained by my affections... I want to soar above the ways of this world and pass through the door that stands open (Rev. 4). There is a kingdom, that will last forever, near at hand. I want what can't be taken away... I want to live in the truth of Jesus - for here I am unrestrained.

The Leadership Secrets of Billy Graham

2008-02-10T16:02:00.001-06:00

I finished reading (actually listening to) 'The Leadership Secrets of Billy Graham' last week. I'd highly recommend it - the audio version or the regular ol' book (I think I'd like to purchase the actual book as a reference to have.)

From Publishers Weekly
Business leadership is not necessarily the first word one thinks of to describe Billy Graham, as authors Myra (president and CEO of Christianity Today, Inc.) and Shelley (executive editor of Leadership Journal) admit. But they demonstrate convincingly that Graham has been an amazingly effective "business" leader for more than 50 years. In a project that draws together interviews with Graham's colleagues, written materials both by and about Graham and the insights of leadership classics such as Jim Collins's Good to Great, they provide an intriguing exploration of his skills. They begin by examining the foundations of Graham's organization, covering topics like team formation and mission. They then look at periods of growth and development, including financing, vision casting and expansion. The section on the challenges and difficulties Graham and his organization have faced contains inspiring discussions of handling failure and criticism. The authors then look at how Graham's ministry became networked with many other ministries, movements and businesses, while still maintaining a focused mission. They conclude by revealing what Graham and others feel are the true roots of his leadership abilities—humility, prayer, love and openness to innovation. This book will prove a tremendous resource for churches and many businesses, distilling much-needed leadership wisdom and weaving it into the life example of a trusted and beloved man. (Aug.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Book Description
A behind- the- scenes analysis of twenty key principles of leadership, illustrated with stories and examples from the life of Billy Graham, whose fingerprints are on many leading Christian institutions and organizations, with transferable applications to people serving in a leadership role in business, educational, church, or parachurch settings.

This isn't a book that I would think I'd normally be drawn to - especially because of the business premise. However, they seemed to focus more on Billy's leadership in general and how he got to where he was, than simple 'business principles'. They spoke often of his humility, his prayer life, his perseverance, and even some of his failures. The book also shares anecdotes from other great leaders lives such as Teddy Roosevelt, as well as little known facts about Billy Graham. For instance, did you know that as child Billy Graham was called Puddleglum? (For those of you who don't know what I'm talking about - see C.S. Lewis's 'The Silver Chair'.)

All in all I'd recommend this book regardless of whether you are a in a leadership role or in the business world. It is informative as well as provoking.

F. Frangipane On Spiritual Warfare

2008-01-24T18:25:00.000-06:00

"Victory begins with the name of Jesus on our lips. It is consummated by the nature of Jesus in our hearts. Most Christians only engage in spiritual warfare with the hope of either relieving present distresses or attaining a "normal existence". However, the purpose of all aspects of spirituality, warfare included, is to bring us into the image of Christ. Nothing, not worship nor warfare, neither love nor deliverance, is truly attainable if we miss the singular objective of our faith: Christlikeness."

"We must realize that it is not Satan who defeats us; it is our openness to him. To perfectly subdue the devil we must walk in the "shelter of the Most High" (Ps. 91:1). Satan is tolerated for one purpose: the warfare between the devil and God's saints thrusts us into Christlikeness, where the nature of Christ becomes our only place of rest and security. God allows warfare to facilitate His eternal plan, which is to make man in His image."

- Fracis Frangipane, The Three Battlegrounds

I haven't read 'The Three Battlegrounds', but I would like to. I found both of these quotes in Beth Moore's "Praying God's Word" - which is a great book to help initiate you into just that - praying the word. :)

'Daughters of Hope' Review

2008-01-23T04:30:00.001-06:00

In July I mentioned the book, Daughters of Hope. Well, thanks to my family (and a few Amazon gift cards) I purchased it for Christmas and finished reading it last week!

Here is the book's description:

Throughout the world today, Christians continue to face intense persecution, and Christian women are often the most vulnerable. In Pakistan, Christian girls are systematically kidnapped, tortured and raped. In China, underground church leaders are sent to labor camps for hosting illegal home meetings. In Sudan, Christian women are captured and sold into slavery or mutilated and left to die. And in many Muslim countries, a woman can be killed by her husband or father for converting to Christianity.In this deeply moving book, Kay Marshall Strom and Michele Rickett tell the stories of persecuted Christian women from around the world. From Africa to the Middle East to Asia, they give voice to our sisters persevering under the yoke of oppression and injustice. Each section provides specific prayer points and practical action steps to equip us to respond to the issues at hand. Above all, these stories remind us that suffering is part of the call of followers of Jesus. The challenges do not mean that God has abandoned us. Rather, God is active and present with his suffering people. Do not be discouraged. Take heart from these daughters of hope.

I highly recommend this book. It is an easy read in the sense that the chapters are relatively brief, and each section is divided into:
1)the region and/or country the women are from
2)several different women's stories
3) Prayer Points (ways to pray for the persecuted)
4) Action points (ways to support and be advocates for the women)

However, it is not an easy read in the sense that the content is overwhelming. Much of us in the western world are so asleep to the persecution that so many of our brothers and sisters are facing - I certainly am! I don't want to turn my eyes away from this... I want to press into the Lord on their behalf and stand with them, by the grace of God.

If you like reading books that tell people's stories, but will also help you to know how to respond - this is your book. :)

'Father Gilbert'

2008-01-18T15:01:00.000-06:00

My husband and I recently borrowed a friends 'Father Gilbert' series. He listened to most of them before I did - so I had the benefit of having someone operate as a buffer for me.

And it's a good thing! Honestly, Father Gilbert was a bit too much for me. There are currently 9 individual stories in the series and each of them are about an hour and a 1/2 long. They are mysteries that go in order - so if you do listen to them make sure you keep that in mind - otherwise you will spoil the story!

A brief synopsis (from their website):

"You're more like a cop than a priest..."

Some years ago, Louis Gilbert left the police force and joined the priesthood. He thought being the vicar of St. Mark’s Church in a small English village would lead to a more slow, quaint life. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Father Gilbert finds himself at the center of one strange mystery after another. Only now, his "just the facts" police training is helped along by his new spiritual intuition.

So, why are they too much for me? Well, they are incredibly suspenseful for one - and I don't always do well with that. But what did I expect from mysteries, right? :) More than the suspense though, some of the subject matter just freaked me out too much. There is a warning that they play before several of them saying that the themes may be too much for those under 15 years of age. Well - I'm 26 and I still thought it was a bit too much!

They also deal a lot with the supernatural and there were some things that I just didn't agree with (for example one of the stories dealt mostly with a ghost that was tormenting people). Needless to say, that was one of the ones I didn't listen to. Some of them were decidely more tame than others. And remember, I had my husband to give me a heads up before I listened to any!)

The actors are amazing (again, lots of British accents!) and the series is well written and wonderfully produced. However, my spirit didn't feel 'clean' after I listened to most of them. So, that's enough for me to get a check about it and not give it 2 thumbs up.

You may have a whole different take on them, and thoroughly enjoy them. I'm just giving you some up front information to enable you to make wise choices. If you've listened to any of these - I'd be interested to hear what you think.

'The Hiding Place'

2008-01-17T13:09:00.000-06:00

About a year ago I mentioned Focus On the Family's Radio Theater Resources - you can read the post here. Well, I have had the pleasure of listening to a couple more - so I thought I'd review them. :)

We recently purchased 'The Hiding Place' (in radio theater form, that is) by Corrie Ten Boom, to listen to on a car trip. This is one of my favorite books so I was really excited to listen to it in this form. At 3 and 1/2 hours long it went very quickly... though it is a very intense story.

They seemed to take a lot of liberty with the dialogue in comparison to the actual book, but they held true to the story and it was still engaging and provoking. It was a little strange to hear British accents from most of the characters who were supposed to be from Holland - but who doesn't love a British accent, right? :)

We didn't get to catch the end of it on our trip so I finished it on my own the following day. I found it a little bit more difficult to re-engage after having stepped away from it... so I would recommend listening to it as a whole. I think it would be easier to keep your heart postured before the Lord that way. But that could just be the way I'm built!! All in all I highly recommend it. :)

Tomorrow (hopefully) I'll talk about Father Gilbert... do I recommend this series or not? Hmmm...

Happy Birthday Caleb!!!

2008-01-16T15:57:00.000-06:00

Today is Caleb's 26th birthday!

Happy Birthday honey! :)

I love you!

In The Presence of My Enemies

2008-01-03T19:15:00.001-06:00

I just got done reading In The Presence of My Enemies by Gracia Burnham. At her website you can read the first chapter of the book as well.

Here's a bit from the summary:
Kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf, a terrorist group with ties to Osama bin Laden, the Burnhams were snatched away from friends and family and thrust into a life on the run in the Philippine jungle. During a perilous year in captivity, they faced near starvation, constant exhaustion, frequent gun battles, coldhearted murder—and intense soul-searching about a God who sometimes seemed to have forgotten them.

In this gripping firsthand account of faith, love, and struggle in the face of unnervingly casual brutality, you’ll go behind the scenes of a real-life drama, told in gritty detail by the least likely survivor. You’ll learn about the methods and motives of a radical terrorist group whose members are determined to meet their objectives, no matter what the cost. You’ll be inspired by the ultimately triumphant faith and enduring love of an ordinary couple thrown into extraordinarily difficult circumstances.

A quote:

"You know," Martin said to me one day, "here in the mountains I've seen hatred; I've seen bitterness: I've seen greed; I've seen covetousness; I've seen wrongdoing." I nodded my head vigorously thinking back to the incidents I had observed as well.

But then he surprised me. He hadn't been talking about the Abu Sayyaf as I had assumed.

"I've seen each of these things in myself. The Lord has been showing me how incredibly sinful I am." He then proceeded to go back through the list....

...We talked about how our hearts are wicked, and how we had rationalized that by saying we were the ones being wronged and so our feelings were only "natural."

"But Jesus said to love your enemies... pray for those who hate you... pray for those who despitefully use you," Martin continued. "He said we were to be the servants of all and he didn't add any exception clause like, 'except for terrorists whom you have every right to hate.'"

Here is a great brief video clip of the Burnham's story.

I highly recommend this book. As I mentioned with Left To Tell I think it is so valuable to read these books to pray for the persecuted church, and to prepare our own hearts for trials and persecution. My life is filled with massive amounts of comfort and ease, but I want to fill up in my heart a history with God, in His word, to be ready for what comes my way. Oh God strengthen us with might in our inner man.

Caleb

2008-01-02T02:02:00.000-06:00

sometimes i feel like i've known him my whole life
like we grew up together
like we made tree forts together and played in the mud
i probably would have tried to beat him up
and he probably would have let me
just to make me happy

is a david
i am amazed
at how quickly he can enter into worship
he worships with his whole heart
and sings
from the top of his lungs
my husband has the best voice in the world
you should hear some of his songs
wow

oh how he serves me
recently he stopped work just to come home
and make me the eggs i like
he has brought load after load of firewood home
so that i can have a fire
whenever i want

tells me i'm beautiful
all the time
so many times a day
and in so many different ways
sometimes he tells me
right after i wake up
the crazy thing is
i really think he means it

is a place where i play
we like to talk in strange accents
in strange places
he can make everywhere fun
even
going grocery shopping

still unlocks my car door
before
he goes to his own
never lets me unload the groceries
basically
he spoils me rotten

is very handsome
his clothes are often dirty
but he always
smells good
how does he do that
he can look good
in grease stained carhartt's
or jeans and a t-shirt
i am blessed

is much smarter than i am
he knows facts about
everything
he is always teaching me something
and is a great teacher
he taught me
to drive stick this year
and laughed with me
every time i stalled

doesn't get angry
when i drink
most of his milkshake
even when he offered
to buy me
my own

has been my husband
for 3 years
today
it has felt like a minute
i am so
thankful for every
moment
that has been
ours

is my best friend
is a mystery
is an adventure
is a treasure
is priceless

i am in love

happy anniversary caleb

thank you for picking
me

"Left To Tell"

2007-12-28T15:09:00.001-06:00

Yesterday, I spent a chunk of my day listening to "Left To Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust" by Immaculee Ilibagiza. It is excellent and I highly recommend it - whether to read, or listen to (I purchased it on ITunes.)

Here's the review from Publishers Weekly to give you an idea what it is about:

"In 1994, Rwandan native Ilibagiza was 22 years old and home from college to spend Easter with her devout Catholic family, when the death of Rwanda's Hutu president sparked a three-month slaughter of nearly one million ethnic Tutsis in the country. She survived by hiding in a Hutu pastor's tiny bathroom with seven other starving women for 91 cramped, terrifying days. This searing firsthand account of Ilibagiza's experience cuts two ways: her description of the evil that was perpetrated, including the brutal murders of her family members, is soul-numbingly devastating, yet the story of her unquenchable faith and connection to God throughout the ordeal uplifts and inspires. Her account of the miracles that protected her is simple and vivid. Her Catholic faith shines through, but the book will speak on a deep level to any person of faith. Ilibagiza's remarkable path to forgiving the perpetrators and releasing her anger is a beacon to others who have suffered injustice. She brings the battlefield between good and evil out of the genocide around her and into her own heart, mind and soul. This book is a precious addition to the literature that tries to make sense of humankind's seemingly bottomless depravity and counterbalancing hope in an all-powerful, loving God."

Here are a few quotes (all of which were taken from the time she was in hiding from those seeking to kill her.):

"I realized that my battle to survive this war would have to be fought inside of me. Everything strong and good in me - my faith, hope, and courage was vulnerable to the dark energy. If I lost my faith I knew that I wouldn't be able to survive. I could rely only on god to help me fight."

"Whenever I prayed I immediately felt His love around me and the anxiety eased. so I resolved to pray during every waking moment - beginning as soon as my eyes opened at 4 or 5 am."

"Even a few minutes not spent in prayer or contemplation of God became and invitation for satan to stab me with his double edged knife or doubt and self pity. Prayer became my armor and I wrapped it tightly around my heart."

"I'd been praying continually for weeks and my relationship with god was deeper than I'd ever imagined possible. I felt like the daughter of the kindest most powerful King the world had ever known. I surrendered my thoughts to God every day when I retreated to the special place in my heart to communicate with Him. That place was like a little slice of heaven where my heart spoke to His holy spirit and His spirit spoke to my heart. He assured me that while I lived in His spirit I'd never be abandoned, never be alone, and never be harmed. "

"... in the midst of the genocide I found my salvation. I knew that my bond with God would transcend the bathroom, the war, and the holocaust. It was a bond, I now knew would transcend life itself. Being in that bathroom had become a blessing for which I'd be forever grateful."

Here is her website.

And here are 2 clips I found on Youtube: Part One and Part Two. It looks like an interview with the 700 Club but I'm not sure what it's from. Regardless, the clips give you a better feel for her story.

As you can tell, I highly recommend this story - largely because I think we all need to learn how to transcend our circumstances and enter into deep communion with God. Most of us in the western world have no grid for persecution or trials like this. I want to pray for those who are currently facing these realities. But I also want to be prepared for, and help others be prepared for the coming day when we all face realities like this.

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-25T03:12:00.000-06:00

Christmas Song Lyrics...

2007-12-21T02:44:00.000-06:00

Well, I've never been a lyric person... What do I mean by that? Mostly that it usually takes me 15 times to hear a song before I catch on to what it's saying... maybe longer. Maybe I never really do. Often I just hum along or I make up my own words. This isn't always intentional. I just kind of do it.

This is somewhat hazardous when actually having to sing on stage at IHOP. Because I realize (as a worship song is progressing) that every time I had sung the song while sitting in the room... it sounded more like this, "Jesus, I love you... Jesus... la la la you, Jesus you la la la a ala la. And my song la la la la you."

This deficiency seems to run in my family. Or maybe not - in all fairness I think my sister was 5 or 6 when she first got creative with her lyrics. My family was driving home one night during the holiday season, with "Feliz Navidad" going strong on the radio when we heard my sister singing... (to the tune of Feliz Navidad) ..."Release Mommy Duck, Release Mommy Duck." Contrary to popular opinion (well at least to my sister), that song is actually about springing some maternal fowl out of prison.

My best youthful song blunder was somewhere in the 80's when I thought the popular song, "Hungry Eyes" was actually "Poultry Eyes". I didn't know what poultry was at the time... I too was probably 5 or 6. Apparently, birds were popular to include in songs during that time in life - at least in our family.

However, I stumbled upon another mistaken song lyric just last week. I have fun Christmas ring tones on my phone this month, and my husband's ring is the song, "Baby, It's Cold Outside" made popular by Dean Martin. I had never understood part of the song... and I finally had come to an enlightening revelation. I thought that I would share my revelation with my wonderful husband and his sister.

So I say, "I finally understand why there are 'no cats to be out there.'"

Blank stares.

I continue, "Yeah, I finally understand why there are no cats. It's because it's so snowy and cold and cats don't like to be outside when it's cold outside."

Caleb and Alisha are still staring at me. Initially on their faces are looks of disbelief, but slowly they are turning into expressions of suppressed laughter.

Finally, Caleb breaks the silence. "Cabs, honey. No, CABS to be had out there."

Me - "Oh... what?"

Caleb - "Why would he try to get his girlfriend to stay at his house because there are no cats outside? Um, yeah... that doesn't even make sense! There are no cabs... so she can't go home..."

Me again - "Oh. Oopsy."

So, you see I'm not so good with lyrics. That's probably partially why I write songs that are very repetitive. Easier to remember.

Usually.

Subscribing

2007-12-18T04:08:00.000-06:00

Well, if you've been reading my blog for awhile (or even for a few weeks) - you know that I tend to be rather sporadic with posts. I truly want to get better about this, but let's just say at this point I'm not making any promises. Blogging comes low on the list of priorities, however I do still want to continue with it...

SO, in case you get tired of checking my blog regularly to see if I've posted, I would suggest subscribing to my blog via bloglines or the blog browser (I know browser isn't the right word... but I don't know what is) of your choice. (Bloglines is what I use, and also the only one I'm familiar with.)

I'm not trying to increase my readership... just trying to save you some trouble. I told a friend of mine about Bloglines awhile back, and her response was, "Well, I don't want to get more addicted to blogs than I already am." What I've found (and I realize this could be different for you) that subscribing to various blogs that I enjoy has actually had the opposite affect.

For instance if you subscribe to 10 of your favorite blogs, you can go directly to your "blog feed page" and see a list of those 10 blogs and how many new posts are on each of them. You can decide to browse them at that time, or you can save them for later. You can save the posts you like the most - or not. This saves me from checking into specific blogs (like this one) a hundred times a day. I don't always feel like I'm missing something... I guess it's kind of like Tivo of the blog world... kind of.

I also love that wherever I am, or from whatever computer I can access my Bloglines feed page and check up on my blogs. This helps me when I can't remember people's specific web addresses.

Maybe subscribing isn't for you... but just a thought. I love organization, folders, lists, and getting focused so this seems to be a tool that works for me. Whatever floats your boat! (You know, I never really got that phrase.)

Below is a screenshot of some of my blog feeds, to show you what it looks like (click on it for a larger version):

Happy 20th Birthday Sarah!

2007-12-04T17:59:00.000-06:00

I can NOT believe that it is my little sister's 20th birthday!! Sometimes I still think of her as the little snuggle bug she was... She is somehow perpetually 4 or 5 years old in my mind.

Sarah is stunning, as you can see from these photos, but she is also a skilled photographer. She graduated from a photography institute this year and I can't wait to see her grow and flourish in that field. I need to ask if I can post some of her photos on here... they are AMAZING. :) (The last photo here is a self-portrait she did while in school.)

I LOVE my little sister. She loves fiercely and is a super hard worker. She gives whatever she can to those she loves and is tremendously loyal.

Sarah, I'm praying that this would be a year of joy and overflowing blessings for you. You are a treasure!!!

No Way! A "Happy Face Spider"?

2007-12-02T02:39:00.000-06:00

I "found" this spider on the National Geographic website. It totally blows me away that God created an insect that looks like this. Why?

The creativity of God absolutely boggles my mind. His idea of beauty and his levels of artistry and skill are completely overwhelming. The creatures on this earth are stunning in and of themselves - and don't even get me started on the living creatures around His throne! Eyes all around and eyes all within?! What in the world!?

And here we have have a "happy face spider". I wonder if an angel whispered to Jesus, "Can you put a smiley face on that spider's belly? I bet that will really trip people out."

From National Geographic:
Found only on the islands of Oahu, Molokai, Maui, and Hawaii, the happy face spider, such as this one guarding its eggs on a leaf in Maui, is known for the unique patterns that decorate its pale abdomen. Scientists believe Theridion grallator may have developed its distinctive markings to discourage birds from eating it.

With A Whole Heart?

2007-11-26T12:44:00.000-06:00

Never got around to posting those pictures (obviously)... However, we head back to KC tomorrow so I should have some photos up before the end of the week at least. :)

This week has been full of typical vacation stuff and it has been good. But I can't wait to get back to the prayer room.

On my heart the past few days has been this verse:

"And [Amaziah] did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, yet not with a whole heart." - 2 Chronicles 25:2

I find it rather frightening that you can do what is "right" in God's eyes, and yet not be whole hearted about it. And that this particular trait of King Amaziah, was one that the Holy Spirit saw fit to record - forever.

Oh, I don't want this to be said of me... "Jenny did what was right in the eyes of the Lord yet not with a whole heart." Ah, how that pains my heart. O Lord let me follow you with my whole heart. I want to be wholly and holy unto You.

Punkin' Pics

2007-11-20T01:45:00.000-06:00

A few token "Punkin' Pics" before we head out for PA. Come on, indulge me... I don't have kids to take pictures of yet. :)

Here we have Punkin' enjoying our first fire of the season.

This one is Punkin' on my lap... yes I know she is rather large. Sometimes she falls off my lap.

And this is how I spend a lot of my time. Fortunately in this instance she was also in my lap (as opposed to on my stomach or under my chin - which does make it rather difficult to read.) :)

A Few Lists

2007-11-18T16:50:00.000-06:00

A few things I'm loving right now:
1. Sugar-free gingerbread syrup - at Starbucks! woo hoo!
2. Handel's Messiah - that is one killer intense piece of music. The forerunner message with phenomenal music. Does it get any better?
3. Our fireplace - I LOVE having a fireplace in our apartment! It is so cozy, and creates an excellent reading atmosphere.

A few bummers lately:
1. I broke my powerbook's power adapter (I affectionately call it a "plug") this week. Those are NOT cheap to replace. :(
2. I dropped my cell phone in the toilet today. No, I was not using the toilet at the time. Caleb is on a mission to dry it out... though I think I may have fried it. Electricity + water = bad news
3. I can't think of a third bummer - hooray!

Some books I'm reading:
1. The Knowledge of the Holy - I have read it before, but this is a book you should read over and over and over...
2. The Evidential Power of Beauty - Read this one before too, but I'm jumping back in again. I can't get enough of Thomas Dubay.
3. Anne of the Island - From the Anne of Green Gables series... In all fairness, I'm actually listening to this one. This one is narrated by Barbara Caruso. She is amazing. If you have the opportunity to buy/listen to an audiobook narrated by her - take it. I would listen to her read the phone book. Well, maybe...

Some things I'm excited about:
1. Visiting my family for Thanksgiving!!! I hope it snows!
2. Riding in a one horse open sleigh - I don't actually know if I'll ever get to do this... and I don't technically have official plans to do this, but I sure would like to one day.
3. Jesus coming back - more and more I find my heart running to the refuge of the eternal city and the place of forever. This life is over in a minute, and while I'm thankful for it - I'm excited about about what is to come even more!