Whoever sent me the link for the sorbet recipe THANK YOU. I hadn't come across that one.
Ironically though, my roommate came home tonight with the same recipe for me which works out great because I don't have a printer at home.
I am going to give it a try this week. First I have to dig part of the ice cream maker out of the freezer. No easy task!
Someone also asked about where I find things like the big wheel bike. I was at a local antique car club event. And as those particular bikes were in keeping with the era he was invited to join the fun! The man was riding all around on the bike and was letting people try and hop on. I saw a couple of teenage girls do it so I figured I could do it too.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Big Bike
This was a big step up for me.
(Haha get it?!)
Sometimes you have to just try things once in your life, so you can at least say you tried.
I am not so sure I would try again because it was a big step for a little woman, but I look cool if nothing else!
(Haha get it?!)
Sometimes you have to just try things once in your life, so you can at least say you tried.
I am not so sure I would try again because it was a big step for a little woman, but I look cool if nothing else!
More Than You Think
I was reading tonight that when a woman is pregnant with a girl, she holds inside of her more than just her unborn daughter. A baby girl is born with all eggs she will ever produce.
Its a different way of seeing 3 generations of women...
Once upon a time, Elizabeth Spreng was pregnant with my mom, Nancy. And baby Nancy held inside her the egg that would become me. And suddenly I felt a connection to a grandmother I never got to meet... but in some strange way I have.
This struck me as amazing and certainly something that declares that hope, glory and wonder abound!
Its a different way of seeing 3 generations of women...
Once upon a time, Elizabeth Spreng was pregnant with my mom, Nancy. And baby Nancy held inside her the egg that would become me. And suddenly I felt a connection to a grandmother I never got to meet... but in some strange way I have.
This struck me as amazing and certainly something that declares that hope, glory and wonder abound!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Baby in the Sink
I have fond memories of getting bathes in the kitchen sink. It would seem this little water bug
likes the idea of playing in the kitchen sink too. She was squealing with delight... They just don't getting cuter than this.
likes the idea of playing in the kitchen sink too. She was squealing with delight... They just don't getting cuter than this.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Noel
"Josh Groban" happened to stand out in my recent junk mail from Amazon. And I thought to myself, "maybe he has a new CD out!"
"Then what to my wondering eyes should behold" but a Christmas album entitled "Noel!"
Praise the Lord!
I've been saying for awhile Josh Groban should do a Christmas album. I even went so far -one time- to send that suggestion in on his website. Though I am sure I am not the only to suggest it.
"Then what to my wondering eyes should behold" but a Christmas album entitled "Noel!"
Praise the Lord!
I've been saying for awhile Josh Groban should do a Christmas album. I even went so far -one time- to send that suggestion in on his website. Though I am sure I am not the only to suggest it.
At long last my hope has seen fruition! So when it is time to "tis the season" and start playing carols I plan on revealing in his melodic voice as he sings such all time favorites as: Ava Maria, What Child is this and The First Noel
Monday, October 08, 2007
Brown Shoes
Fall has always meant the beginning of school to me, and the beginning of school meant new crayons and new brown shoes.
These are last years shoes. 
I love them. The love the sound they make as clip clop around. I like the height they give me. They make me feel professional and classy. They make me think of school days. I had more to say believe it or not on how these shoes made me feel but I can't remember now 4 days later. I do remember it was about 8pm before they really started to hurt my feet so that is an improvement from last year!
I love them. The love the sound they make as clip clop around. I like the height they give me. They make me feel professional and classy. They make me think of school days. Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Duty & Dentist
It's not often you get to go to jury duty and the dentist on the same day - 2 things that people "love" to do. Today, was my lucky day - I did both!
9am I reported for jury duty at the county courthouse. I was one of 75 potential jurors questioned for none other than a murder case! I sat with in feet of an accused murderer. Can you believe that? It freaked me out.
I didn't get picked - only 2 women were picked. It was an interesting experience to say the least and I could probably say more about it... I liked how you could give you stipend to a local charity. Rather than going to the bank to cash a check for $13. I was appalled at the number of people who dressed like they were going to the gym. This is professional atmosphere and your fulfilling a civic duty - for heavens sake come up with something better than sweatpants!
By 12:45pm the jury had been picked and I was on my merry way. I headed back to work where I had to hurry to catch up because I knew I need to get out in time to get to the dentist.
I'll admit I wished I had just not gone back to work.
I am glad to have had the experience... Jury duty is not like Law and Order. Real life is really slow!
Glad to report also my chompers are just fine!
9am I reported for jury duty at the county courthouse. I was one of 75 potential jurors questioned for none other than a murder case! I sat with in feet of an accused murderer. Can you believe that? It freaked me out.
I didn't get picked - only 2 women were picked. It was an interesting experience to say the least and I could probably say more about it... I liked how you could give you stipend to a local charity. Rather than going to the bank to cash a check for $13. I was appalled at the number of people who dressed like they were going to the gym. This is professional atmosphere and your fulfilling a civic duty - for heavens sake come up with something better than sweatpants!
By 12:45pm the jury had been picked and I was on my merry way. I headed back to work where I had to hurry to catch up because I knew I need to get out in time to get to the dentist.
I'll admit I wished I had just not gone back to work.
I am glad to have had the experience... Jury duty is not like Law and Order. Real life is really slow!
Glad to report also my chompers are just fine!
Pumpkin Sorbet
It was an orange colored delight in a pumpkin bowl. It was a frosty pumpkin pie without a crust. It was scoop of heaven for lunch. It cleared the palate and had me searching the Internet for a recipe. Pumpkin sorbet nothing could be finer...
I haven't found a recipe that seems remotely like what we had but I will keep looking and I might even experiment.
I haven't found a recipe that seems remotely like what we had but I will keep looking and I might even experiment.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
The War
This week PBS is airing The War a documentary on World War II. I watched some of it with Walter in between my bike riding induced nap... There was a segment on Guadalcanal an island in the pacific...
August 7, 1942
"American land forces go on the offensive for the first time in the Pacific, landing on Guadalcanal. It would take six months to secure the island, but Japanese expansion is halted."
It was particularly gruesome and in the end 35,000 American soldiers died on Guadalcanal at the hands of Japanese bombers.
So I asked my Grampop tonight if he had been watching the show. I knew he had been stationed in the Pacific but I couldn't remember where. So I asked and you know where he said he was?
GUADALCANAL!
I have heard plenty of his stories but to see the pictures and video from the documentary that go along with his stories makes it a heck of a lot more relevant!
To think my grampop was there in the jungles with all the bugs, heat, death all around...
Granted he wasn't at Guadalcanal from the beginning, he was one of the reinforcements but he said "it was bad enough."
Interestingly, he said toward the end of his tour he was helping with a shipment of dynamite.
Looking on the box he read, "DuPont Gibbstown" and exclaimed to the men he was working with "My dad made this dynamite." To think Grampop wasn't the one shipped over from Gibbstown during the war... They were shipping dynamite made at DuPont plant in Gibbstown.
August 7, 1942
"American land forces go on the offensive for the first time in the Pacific, landing on Guadalcanal. It would take six months to secure the island, but Japanese expansion is halted."
It was particularly gruesome and in the end 35,000 American soldiers died on Guadalcanal at the hands of Japanese bombers.
So I asked my Grampop tonight if he had been watching the show. I knew he had been stationed in the Pacific but I couldn't remember where. So I asked and you know where he said he was?
GUADALCANAL!
I have heard plenty of his stories but to see the pictures and video from the documentary that go along with his stories makes it a heck of a lot more relevant!
To think my grampop was there in the jungles with all the bugs, heat, death all around...
Granted he wasn't at Guadalcanal from the beginning, he was one of the reinforcements but he said "it was bad enough."
Interestingly, he said toward the end of his tour he was helping with a shipment of dynamite.
Looking on the box he read, "DuPont Gibbstown" and exclaimed to the men he was working with "My dad made this dynamite." To think Grampop wasn't the one shipped over from Gibbstown during the war... They were shipping dynamite made at DuPont plant in Gibbstown.
Clockwork
Like clock work the same tree in front of the same house in the same town always starts to change colors at the same time every year. It's the same tree but with a different crop of leaves yet the leaves always seem to follow in the tradition of being one of the first trees to hint that autumn is coming.
I am always amazed at the clockwork of this tree each year.
My clock works (and its the same one I used as a little girl) it just has a hard time getting me up and out of bed. But I am turning over a new leaf. Attempting to get to work by 8:30am each day. In recent months, I have been edging closer to 9am and this is not really acceptable.
I'd like to get up at 7am so I can have time to unload the dishwasher or eat breakfast at home instead of work. I have been more successful at getting to work by 8:30 than I have of getting up at 7am.
I guess change happens -one leaf at a time.
I'd really like to get to a point were I am drinking more water. Seems silly but I believe I am dehydrating myself! I think that will be the next leaf to turn over.
I am always amazed at the clockwork of this tree each year.
My clock works (and its the same one I used as a little girl) it just has a hard time getting me up and out of bed. But I am turning over a new leaf. Attempting to get to work by 8:30am each day. In recent months, I have been edging closer to 9am and this is not really acceptable.
I'd like to get up at 7am so I can have time to unload the dishwasher or eat breakfast at home instead of work. I have been more successful at getting to work by 8:30 than I have of getting up at 7am.
I guess change happens -one leaf at a time.
I'd really like to get to a point were I am drinking more water. Seems silly but I believe I am dehydrating myself! I think that will be the next leaf to turn over.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Old Bikes
On the way to church yesterday, Walter spotted bikes for sale on someone's front lawn. The sign read, "$5!" So we decided to stop on the way home. We came away with 3 bikes for $10 -some were free.
We spent the afternoon cleaning them up, replacing an inner tube and a set of brakes. Which incidentally I did mostly on my own.
I keep forgetting that Walter will make me work on these kinds of tasks with him not just watch. Like the time he said we would clean out my car inside and out. I brought a quilting project so I could work on that while he buffed my car. Instead he handed me 3 boxes and said, "Take everything out and put in these boxes: Put in the house box, put back in the car box and trash." Yeah so much for sitting by and watching!
So we got the bikes oiled and adjusted and you know they aren't bad for $5 or less! Just in the nick of time for me because I have been trying to get more exercise but nothing appeals to me. However, riding bike is a joy for me. I love the wind through my hair. It had been so long since I rode a bike. I forgot how it exhilarates me! And yesterday, really was a picture perfect day -weather wise- so as we were riding the bikes around I felt like I was really vacationing in Cape Cod or Prince Edward Island. I was reminded of the scene in Anne of Avonlea when Anne and Gilbert Blythe were riding bike together. Fortunately, Walter didn't end up in the lake like Gilbert did!
It was a good project for us that's for sure. I now have a bike at my house and Walter's so there is no excuse for me to not get some exercise at least until the snow starts falling or its just too unbearable cold.
We spent the afternoon cleaning them up, replacing an inner tube and a set of brakes. Which incidentally I did mostly on my own.
I keep forgetting that Walter will make me work on these kinds of tasks with him not just watch. Like the time he said we would clean out my car inside and out. I brought a quilting project so I could work on that while he buffed my car. Instead he handed me 3 boxes and said, "Take everything out and put in these boxes: Put in the house box, put back in the car box and trash." Yeah so much for sitting by and watching!
So we got the bikes oiled and adjusted and you know they aren't bad for $5 or less! Just in the nick of time for me because I have been trying to get more exercise but nothing appeals to me. However, riding bike is a joy for me. I love the wind through my hair. It had been so long since I rode a bike. I forgot how it exhilarates me! And yesterday, really was a picture perfect day -weather wise- so as we were riding the bikes around I felt like I was really vacationing in Cape Cod or Prince Edward Island. I was reminded of the scene in Anne of Avonlea when Anne and Gilbert Blythe were riding bike together. Fortunately, Walter didn't end up in the lake like Gilbert did!
It was a good project for us that's for sure. I now have a bike at my house and Walter's so there is no excuse for me to not get some exercise at least until the snow starts falling or its just too unbearable cold.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
20 Best Books
These are the 20 top books that have impacted me the most... not necessarily in any order.
1 Miss Twiggley’s Tree This is my all time favorite children’s book. It is a sweet sing song-e story with a great moral at the end especially geared for a kids like me… a little bit shy.
2 Allure of Hope by Jan Meyers Many years ago it occurred to me that hope is a risk and that just didn’t make sense. Jan Meyers explained why hope is a risk and why it’s a necessary risk to take to live life to the fullest. This book has answered nagging questions and has done more to impact my spiritual growth than most any other book. I go back to it from time to time and let her wisdom seep back into my parched having-a-hard-time-with-hope-soul.
3 Hind’s Feet on High Places by Hannah Hunnard As evidence by the series of devotionals I wrote based from this book it is clearly a favorite and also made a huge impact on my Christian walk. Each time I have read it I have gotten something new out it.
4 Sacred Romance by John Eldredge & Brent Curtis For me this book was like eating a large steak I had to read each chapter twice to get it fully digested. But all this additional chewing was well worth it. It just filled in the blanks, and made me feel beloved by the lover of my soul and that’s a good feeling.
5 Journey of Desire by John Eldredge I had never thought too much about heaven but this book made me realize that eternity is full of worship and that it will be more than singing the same chorus over and over. This made me feel a lot more comfortable about going to heaven… I have also been challenged not to let my deep desires go unnoticed or repressed but to live them out to the glory of God
6 Wild at Heart by John Eldredge If you want to understand men better then this is the book to read. If you know a man that seems a little lost in a world that tries to make men be “nice” and stay in the cubicles at work you might encourage them to read it as well.
7. 10,000 Things to Praise God There have been times when finding something to praise God for has been difficult. There have been times when I just wanted to know what someone else was praising God for. In college, my roommate Brandy and I would read a few pages from this book before going to bed and we would highlight or star the ones we felt a particular “Amen” to. It’s the kind of book you keep on reading over and over.
8 What Happens When Women Pray Great stories, truly meaningful ideas that can be implemented so easily into a prayer group. One of the simplest yet effective ideas I have gotten is when praying in a small group where each person shares, to pray after each person instead of at the end after everyone has shared. Something so simple has made an impact on the prayer groups I have been in because for a few minutes the focus is on just one person and their needs.
9 I Went to the Animal Fair (Heather Harpham Knopp The best way I can describe this book is that it comes full circle in such a beautiful way. It is a painful book but sometimes to deal with our own pain we need to process with someone that has been down that road before. Healing can be grueling but in the end quite glorious. I marvel over her writing style and say to myself at the conclusion of each chapter, “She is a genius for tying all these random ends together.” The author captures the day to day, moment to moment process with poetic prose and imagery that is real and sometimes startling… but that’s life isn’t?
10 Anticipatience. Finally a Singles book that doesn’t read like fingernails on a chalk board. OK not everyone will agree with me on that note. There was some of the usual stuff in there, but there was actually some new ideas in here that I had just never thought of before. And I got all fired up. Just ask my dad…
11 The Complete Works of E.M.Bounds I discovered Bounds at time when I was in a season of prayer and fasting and a little brokenhearted. He just made sense and was in a way a cheerleader for lack of a better word to keep on praying and then pray some more because it does matter. It does make a difference. I often got a picture of this fiery little man standing on a soapbox under a big tent saying with great authority and fervor, “The Church is looking for better methods; God is looking for better men. The Holy Ghost does not flow through methods, but through men. He does not come on machinery, but on men. He does not anoint plans, but men…Men of prayer."
12 The Spirit Controlled Woman by Beverly LaHaye This in depth look into personality temperaments was just eye-opening to me 10 years ago when I first read it. I started to figure out why I do some of the things I do and why I act the way I act and what I can do to harness my weaknesses and make them into strengths. Mostly it helped identify my strengths and weakness so I could put a name to a feeling or reaction.
13 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman Yet again one of the books that’s made a huge impact on my life. Though you’d never know from my dating track record… It has helped me understand people, students and significant others (when I happen to have one) much better.
14 Daughter of China by C. Hope Flinchbaugh I am partial to this book because I met the author and she deeply ministered to me. Her novel is a phenomenal look into the terrors and joys of being a Christian in China.
15 Love Walked Among Us By Paul Miller Jesus became so much more real to me as I was reading this book. It was challenging and refreshing. I just kept thinking I wish ______ would read this book that way they could see who Jesus really is.
16 The Light and the Glory by Peter Marshall & David Manuel it has been a long time since I read this but American history came alive for me in this book and to think about how God’s hand was constantly on this fledgling nation was just awe-inspiring.
17 Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing I refer to this book quite often when a case of hypochondria over takes me or I hear of a friend or loved one that has some kind of health issue. It is a good place to start in understanding the condition and offering some alternative healthcare suggestions. I used the book extensively when I was battling Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
18 The Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson by Mary Rowlandson I read this as part of American Literature class in college. I had never heard of the story/book before and I was greatly moved. At 20 it started to sink into my head the importance of memorizing scripture or at the very least memorizing the principles and concepts and getting the truth deeply planted in the heart so that when in some kind of “captivity” you will always have the truth of scripture with you. Mary survived an Indian captivity because the Word was in heart and it gave her strength to rely on the truth she had studied. I made it my business to get to a place where I really knew scripture well because of this book.
19 Loving Soren This was a page turner for me and also a timely much needed look into what happens when we make an idol of the man we love. It was not your typical novel. It is based on the life of Soren Kierkegaard, I am convinced that it was a better read for me because I didn’t know anything about Soren other than that he was a famous writer/philosopher. Not knowing more about him made the book more suspenseful.
20 No Compromise by Melody Green This is the autobiography of Keith Green lyricists of numerous praise and worship songs. This is the book the Holy Spirit led me to and used to teach and prepare me for some trying times.
1 Miss Twiggley’s Tree This is my all time favorite children’s book. It is a sweet sing song-e story with a great moral at the end especially geared for a kids like me… a little bit shy.
2 Allure of Hope by Jan Meyers Many years ago it occurred to me that hope is a risk and that just didn’t make sense. Jan Meyers explained why hope is a risk and why it’s a necessary risk to take to live life to the fullest. This book has answered nagging questions and has done more to impact my spiritual growth than most any other book. I go back to it from time to time and let her wisdom seep back into my parched having-a-hard-time-with-hope-soul.
3 Hind’s Feet on High Places by Hannah Hunnard As evidence by the series of devotionals I wrote based from this book it is clearly a favorite and also made a huge impact on my Christian walk. Each time I have read it I have gotten something new out it.
4 Sacred Romance by John Eldredge & Brent Curtis For me this book was like eating a large steak I had to read each chapter twice to get it fully digested. But all this additional chewing was well worth it. It just filled in the blanks, and made me feel beloved by the lover of my soul and that’s a good feeling.
5 Journey of Desire by John Eldredge I had never thought too much about heaven but this book made me realize that eternity is full of worship and that it will be more than singing the same chorus over and over. This made me feel a lot more comfortable about going to heaven… I have also been challenged not to let my deep desires go unnoticed or repressed but to live them out to the glory of God
6 Wild at Heart by John Eldredge If you want to understand men better then this is the book to read. If you know a man that seems a little lost in a world that tries to make men be “nice” and stay in the cubicles at work you might encourage them to read it as well.
7. 10,000 Things to Praise God There have been times when finding something to praise God for has been difficult. There have been times when I just wanted to know what someone else was praising God for. In college, my roommate Brandy and I would read a few pages from this book before going to bed and we would highlight or star the ones we felt a particular “Amen” to. It’s the kind of book you keep on reading over and over.
8 What Happens When Women Pray Great stories, truly meaningful ideas that can be implemented so easily into a prayer group. One of the simplest yet effective ideas I have gotten is when praying in a small group where each person shares, to pray after each person instead of at the end after everyone has shared. Something so simple has made an impact on the prayer groups I have been in because for a few minutes the focus is on just one person and their needs.
9 I Went to the Animal Fair (Heather Harpham Knopp The best way I can describe this book is that it comes full circle in such a beautiful way. It is a painful book but sometimes to deal with our own pain we need to process with someone that has been down that road before. Healing can be grueling but in the end quite glorious. I marvel over her writing style and say to myself at the conclusion of each chapter, “She is a genius for tying all these random ends together.” The author captures the day to day, moment to moment process with poetic prose and imagery that is real and sometimes startling… but that’s life isn’t?
10 Anticipatience. Finally a Singles book that doesn’t read like fingernails on a chalk board. OK not everyone will agree with me on that note. There was some of the usual stuff in there, but there was actually some new ideas in here that I had just never thought of before. And I got all fired up. Just ask my dad…
11 The Complete Works of E.M.Bounds I discovered Bounds at time when I was in a season of prayer and fasting and a little brokenhearted. He just made sense and was in a way a cheerleader for lack of a better word to keep on praying and then pray some more because it does matter. It does make a difference. I often got a picture of this fiery little man standing on a soapbox under a big tent saying with great authority and fervor, “The Church is looking for better methods; God is looking for better men. The Holy Ghost does not flow through methods, but through men. He does not come on machinery, but on men. He does not anoint plans, but men…Men of prayer."
12 The Spirit Controlled Woman by Beverly LaHaye This in depth look into personality temperaments was just eye-opening to me 10 years ago when I first read it. I started to figure out why I do some of the things I do and why I act the way I act and what I can do to harness my weaknesses and make them into strengths. Mostly it helped identify my strengths and weakness so I could put a name to a feeling or reaction.
13 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman Yet again one of the books that’s made a huge impact on my life. Though you’d never know from my dating track record… It has helped me understand people, students and significant others (when I happen to have one) much better.
14 Daughter of China by C. Hope Flinchbaugh I am partial to this book because I met the author and she deeply ministered to me. Her novel is a phenomenal look into the terrors and joys of being a Christian in China.
15 Love Walked Among Us By Paul Miller Jesus became so much more real to me as I was reading this book. It was challenging and refreshing. I just kept thinking I wish ______ would read this book that way they could see who Jesus really is.
16 The Light and the Glory by Peter Marshall & David Manuel it has been a long time since I read this but American history came alive for me in this book and to think about how God’s hand was constantly on this fledgling nation was just awe-inspiring.
17 Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing I refer to this book quite often when a case of hypochondria over takes me or I hear of a friend or loved one that has some kind of health issue. It is a good place to start in understanding the condition and offering some alternative healthcare suggestions. I used the book extensively when I was battling Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
18 The Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson by Mary Rowlandson I read this as part of American Literature class in college. I had never heard of the story/book before and I was greatly moved. At 20 it started to sink into my head the importance of memorizing scripture or at the very least memorizing the principles and concepts and getting the truth deeply planted in the heart so that when in some kind of “captivity” you will always have the truth of scripture with you. Mary survived an Indian captivity because the Word was in heart and it gave her strength to rely on the truth she had studied. I made it my business to get to a place where I really knew scripture well because of this book.
19 Loving Soren This was a page turner for me and also a timely much needed look into what happens when we make an idol of the man we love. It was not your typical novel. It is based on the life of Soren Kierkegaard, I am convinced that it was a better read for me because I didn’t know anything about Soren other than that he was a famous writer/philosopher. Not knowing more about him made the book more suspenseful.
20 No Compromise by Melody Green This is the autobiography of Keith Green lyricists of numerous praise and worship songs. This is the book the Holy Spirit led me to and used to teach and prepare me for some trying times.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Riddle
Riddle: What do you get when you put together a wedding, a hospitable friend and a couple plane tickets?
Answer: A couple out for an adventure.
But where?: The home of my old "fathers & mothers", where sunflowers grow tall, wine flows freely and a tomato gets its name from one of the country's major cities.
"Arrivederci, Havertown PA"...
I am going on a vacation in 10 days!
Answer: A couple out for an adventure.
But where?: The home of my old "fathers & mothers", where sunflowers grow tall, wine flows freely and a tomato gets its name from one of the country's major cities.
"Arrivederci, Havertown PA"...
I am going on a vacation in 10 days!
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
St. Peter's Rocks
Well it could go either way St. Peter's rocks or St. Peter's ROCKS!
In this case, I am really talking about rocks...
Walter and I went hiking on a rocky creek in St. Peter's Village. It was a pleasant day for climbing from rock to rock... my favorite pastime! Kids were splashing around in the water. Others were making there way on the maze of rocks. Some just watched as the rest of us played.
It's such an exhilarating place! Can even be a cure for PMS induced crankiness! (At least for me anyway.) We climbed large boulders. It is a problem solving sort of place because you really have to think about how to get from here to there without getting wet or hurt!
And towards the end we found a rock to sit on and dip our feet in without actually having to touch the slimy bottom. As much as I love creeks I can't tolerate the slimy rocks!
In the Valley
Vrooom went my engine as I climbed the steep hill wondering if I should take it like the Dukes of Hazzard or slower like an Amish buggie. I decided on slow, figuring I would savor better the valley that is revealed when you drive this stretch of road.
Yeah, good thing I opted for slow so I could see the deer coming into the road just over the hill! Valley Forge deer are so trusting and I often wonder what the % is of deer that get hit by cars. Thankfully, my car didn't increase the %.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Mr. Hillman
...He was one of my favorite people, but I am not the only one who felt that way. This was evidenced today by the sheer number of people who came to say good-bye one last time and mourn as well as rejoice with his family.
Mr. Hillman in direct and indirect way impacted my life in tremendous ways. I might have done some pretty dumb things were it not for the Hillmans...
Every Tuesday night for at least 3 years I went to the Hillman's house for Bible Study, fellowship, and chili dip. Though the numbers of people ebbed and flowed over those years, I kept going because I loved the Hillmans. I was always greeted with a hug and kiss on the cheek by Mr. Hillman. He could tell the best stories about stuff that happened during the day. He had charisma and a welcoming spirit. He loved Jesus and everyone that knew him knew he loved Jesus, but it was never obnoxious or overbearing. It was real. It was genuine.
I watched for years as he poured out his heart into so many young people's lives -ice hockey players and young adults from the church. He gave his time and loved us. In loving us, you either were introduced to the love of Jesus or you learned to love Jesus more.
Its hard to think of him not being on earth anymore. Hard to think of him not beside Cathy. Hard to think of his 3 grandchildren not getting to know their Poppy like we all got to know him.
But when I think of him with Jesus and how utterly happy he is in heaven smiling that smile I loved, I can't help but be excited.
Because you know, I been to a lot of funerals for people who were really "good" people... but you don't know for sure where there heart was with Jesus. I know where his heart was -as did everyone else.
I saw so many people today that I haven't seen in years. People I cared deeply for or were deeply touched by. Years fall away as you embrace and cry together. While old friends were united to remember you, I think you, Mr. Hillman are up there running into all the people you haven't seen in years that went before. And someday will meet up again -maybe in even enjoy some chili-dip!
Mr. Hillman in direct and indirect way impacted my life in tremendous ways. I might have done some pretty dumb things were it not for the Hillmans...
Every Tuesday night for at least 3 years I went to the Hillman's house for Bible Study, fellowship, and chili dip. Though the numbers of people ebbed and flowed over those years, I kept going because I loved the Hillmans. I was always greeted with a hug and kiss on the cheek by Mr. Hillman. He could tell the best stories about stuff that happened during the day. He had charisma and a welcoming spirit. He loved Jesus and everyone that knew him knew he loved Jesus, but it was never obnoxious or overbearing. It was real. It was genuine.
I watched for years as he poured out his heart into so many young people's lives -ice hockey players and young adults from the church. He gave his time and loved us. In loving us, you either were introduced to the love of Jesus or you learned to love Jesus more.
Its hard to think of him not being on earth anymore. Hard to think of him not beside Cathy. Hard to think of his 3 grandchildren not getting to know their Poppy like we all got to know him.
But when I think of him with Jesus and how utterly happy he is in heaven smiling that smile I loved, I can't help but be excited.
Because you know, I been to a lot of funerals for people who were really "good" people... but you don't know for sure where there heart was with Jesus. I know where his heart was -as did everyone else.
I saw so many people today that I haven't seen in years. People I cared deeply for or were deeply touched by. Years fall away as you embrace and cry together. While old friends were united to remember you, I think you, Mr. Hillman are up there running into all the people you haven't seen in years that went before. And someday will meet up again -maybe in even enjoy some chili-dip!
Friday, July 20, 2007
Welcome
Gerbera daisies are such a friendly flower. This old wash tub I have adopted as a home for these welcoming flowers. They usually bloom all summer long. It just so happened that all the flowers died off at the same time so for a couple of weeks I just had lush green leaves. But as you call see they are back to blooming again... welcoming us home each day and greeting our guests with bright hellos.
Find out more on gerbera daisies... http://www.plantfacts.com/Family/Asteraceae/Gerbera.jamesonii.shtml
Sounds, Smells and Tastes of Summer
The Sounds
A new family has moved in with us. Because they are small birds I call them house wrens because to me all small birds are house wrens! I really have no idea what they are but they are cute. I was able to catch a photo of them urging momma to hurry up with breakfasting by their persistent chirping. I did think I might be taking my life in my hands... I got the idea momma was watching me closely and was ready for a fight if need be!
The Smells
My roommate and I were in the yard one evening looking at our mimosa tree. She told me the story of how when she first moved here she was so intrigued one night by the fragrance that she ended up walking right into a mimosa and the sweet smelling blossoms tickled her nose. It's not hard to see why. They do have the sweetest scent and I simply love the leaves of this tree; their just as airy as the flowers. My own funny story with a mimosa tree is this... I was talking to my college boyfriend's dad and suggested that he smell the mimosa flowers I had been rolling around in my hands but he said, "No, I haven't been able to smell in years." I sure felt dumb!
The TastesFor the past few years dad and I have gone to pick blueberries at a small farm in town. We tie an old coffee can around our wastes and lose ourselves and sometimes each other in rows of blueberry bushes. I do so love the sound of the first few berries plinking into the can. For $5 and about 45 minutes of time we come away with approximately 12 cups of blueberries. My favorite recipe is a blueberry buckle or crumble... basically blueberries baked till bubbly with some butter, flour and sugar crumbled on top. YUMMY
picture from http://www.food-info.net/uk/colour/anthocyanin.htmMonday, July 09, 2007
Bedlam
Today, I was expecting bedlam. Instead everything went smoothly! Why does that surprise me? After all I prayed a lot about this particular day and the challenges I knew I would face. Moving the office, 10 Chinese Scholars visiting, not to mention my regular duties.
Still I was surprised that I got everything done I needed to at the Post Office and the Chinese Food Restaurant and the van rental place. I even managed to print, fold and stuff 40 letters despite being surrounded by many boxes. And we got things straightened out with EZPass! A major scratch off the list!
I guess I am the worst case scenario girl. I always think the worst and then can't believe it (and yet also relieved) when it doesn't happen.
I had the chance to spend a little time talking to an older lady tonight who reminded me of many answered prayers. Today was proof that God is in the small details and he does answer prayer.
He smooths things out to prevent bedlam - sometimes. Perhaps this is because he knows sometimes we'll appreciate his goodness and love toward us in the smoothness of things rather than us having to smooth out the bedlam.
I am not sure what expect tomorrow bedlam or smooth sailing but goodness and love will be there.
Still I was surprised that I got everything done I needed to at the Post Office and the Chinese Food Restaurant and the van rental place. I even managed to print, fold and stuff 40 letters despite being surrounded by many boxes. And we got things straightened out with EZPass! A major scratch off the list!
I guess I am the worst case scenario girl. I always think the worst and then can't believe it (and yet also relieved) when it doesn't happen.
I had the chance to spend a little time talking to an older lady tonight who reminded me of many answered prayers. Today was proof that God is in the small details and he does answer prayer.
He smooths things out to prevent bedlam - sometimes. Perhaps this is because he knows sometimes we'll appreciate his goodness and love toward us in the smoothness of things rather than us having to smooth out the bedlam.
I am not sure what expect tomorrow bedlam or smooth sailing but goodness and love will be there.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Reminds Me of the Wardrobe... in Narnia
We'll be moving into our new office suite next week Right now, I am surrounded by boxes and volunteers. They are eager to help, but they leave me flustered as I am not a good mover, packer, or delegater. And I don't like to be rushed.
I have seen a lot go into this building as the skilled workers came and went and did there thing.
And now that it is almost finished I have been able to go from one building to another with great ease... now that the wall between the buildings is a doorway.
To get to the new building you have to go through the supply closet and each time I open the door and go through the dark closet full of paper, envelopes, boxes and a refrigerator I am struck by what a strange sense of delight it causes. I get the sense that I am like Lucy or Edmund climbing through the Wardrobe into Narnia. I am walking through confusion and dusty boxes into something new and kind of unchartered.
It won't be this way for long... soon the closet will be demolitioned, but for now I will hold on to that bit of wonder each little trek through the closet to the new building creates.
I have seen a lot go into this building as the skilled workers came and went and did there thing.
And now that it is almost finished I have been able to go from one building to another with great ease... now that the wall between the buildings is a doorway.
To get to the new building you have to go through the supply closet and each time I open the door and go through the dark closet full of paper, envelopes, boxes and a refrigerator I am struck by what a strange sense of delight it causes. I get the sense that I am like Lucy or Edmund climbing through the Wardrobe into Narnia. I am walking through confusion and dusty boxes into something new and kind of unchartered.
It won't be this way for long... soon the closet will be demolitioned, but for now I will hold on to that bit of wonder each little trek through the closet to the new building creates.
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