18/365

We flew up to the Pacific Northwest, and changed planes in Las Vegas. I thought the slot machine was appropriately named. I always feel like I am in the Twilight Zone when I spend time in Las Vegas- it is so different than my everyday world. This time was no different.

17/365

yes, I am the mom who paid a daughter five dollars and a box of Cinnamon Toast Crunch to fold two overflowing baskets of laundry...

16/365

early mornings lately-
ESV reading plan
A Bruised Reed by Richard Sibbes

and a cup of coffee.

15/365

It is silly, I know, because I've been keeping the peat damp and watching the stem grow and lengthen and keeping the lanky spine upright with twine, but still, I am joyfully surprised to come down and find my amaryllis opened to bloom this morning.

14/365

A cool rainy Monday, schoolwork complete, the last week our college girl is home...
and an outing to Uncle Buck's Fish Bowl.
(even writing it makes me laugh out loud!)

It was extreme-
alligator eyeball and mini-globe bowling balls,
sharks floating overhead,
blue glow lights on the alley.

The victor is the guy with the ball raised high.

13/365

We went to church, to Sunday school and then to worship. And then we were home the entire rest of the day, which was as sweet as a piece of cream cheese pie with cherries on top.

12/365

This week my kids painted my kitchen, refinished a desk, ran a few errands for me, baked amazing cookies, cooked delicious Chinese food, and did their own laundry.

Yes, those long days of training are definitely worth it.

11/365

What I love about keeping score-
columns and rows that add up,
x's and slashes and o's,
paying better attention to the game,
a place for everything and everything in its place.

What I hate about keeping score-
when the scoreboard guy doesn't know how to work the clock and forgets about the game while cheering for his daughter...

10/365

One of the highlights of winter in the Rio Grande Valley- citrus, abundant, fresh and cheap.

9/365

"I will send down the showers in their season; they shall be showers of blessing."
Ezekiel 24:26 (ESV)

It seems like it has been raining for a week. Just writing that sort of makes me want to snort; what a lame and completely non-noteworthy statement. We have lived in places where it rains for days and weeks and even months at a time, and I have forgotten how to do that gracefully, I think. I splash in puddles one day and am ready for sunshine to return by the next. This morning, it was raining and pouring and it seemed unusually cruel to make my son ride his bike to classes. I had just dropped him off and stopped at the light when, in an instant, the clouds broke and sunlight busted through. Hope is blue sky peeking through after days of rain.

Showers of blessing!

8/365

La Fonda Tortuga for the kitchen.
... deep breath ...

7/365

"What a heart knows by heart is what a heart really knows."
Dennis Lennon

Oh the things that my mind remembers, that my heart knows.
I can turn on the "oldies" radio (how does '80's music become "oldies"?) and Name That Tune and sing right along.
I know dialogue of random movies and musicals.
I remember conversations and hurtful words of the past long beyond wanting to and I am reminded at moments when I least expect to be.

But this is what I want to really know- His word.
So I'm starting on The Romans Project, memorizing Romans 1, 8, and 12 in the year ahead, a couple verses a week, 87 in all.
Truthfully, I am not sure I can.
I'm going to try anyway.

(confession- I do love that I get a little moleskine notebook besides...)

6/365

Curried Butternut Squash and Apple Soup

(adapted from a reciped from Allrecipes.com)

1 butternut squash

4 tablespoons butter

2 large onions, diced

2 teaspoons minced garlic

2 teaspoons minced ginger root

2 tablespoons curry powder

1 teaspoon salt

6 cups chicken broth

3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and diced

1 can coconut milk

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Cut squash in half lenghtwise; discard seeds and membrane. Place squash halves, cut side down, on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in preheated oven until very soft, about 45 minutes- 1 hour. Scoop the pulp from the peel, and reserve.

Melt butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Stir in the onion, garlic, ginger, curry powder, and salt. Cook and stir until the onion is very soft, about 10 minutes.

Pour the chicken broth into the pot, and bring to a boil. Stir in the apples and squash, and simmer until the apples are very soft, about 30 minutes.

(at this point the recipe tells you to pour the soup by batches into a blender, and puree until smooth. But I don't have a blender. So I smashed the soup and chunky pieces with a potato masher, and then put in my hand mixer (as in hand-cranked old fashioned mixer) and finished the job a bit more.)

Add can of coconut milk and reheat to serve.

(note- the original recipe called for firm ripe Bartlett pears and a 1/2 cup half and half)

New Year

"New Year" from The Valley of Vision

O Lord,
Length of days does not profit me except the days are passed in thy presence, in thy service, to thy glory

Give me a grace that precedes, follows, guides, sustains, sanctifies, aids every hour,
that I may not be one moment apart from thee,
but may rely on thy Spirit
to supply every thought,
speak in every word,
direct every step,
prosper every work,
build up every mote of faith,
and give me a desire
to show forth thy praise,
testify thy love,
advance thy kingdom

I launch my bark on the unknown waters of this year,
with thee, O Father, as my harbour,
thee, O Son, at my helm,
thee, O Holy Spirit, filling my sails.

Guide me to heaven with my loins girt,
my lamps burning,
my ear open to thy calls,
my heart full of love,
my soul free.

Give me thy grace to sanctify me,
thy comforts to cheer,
thy wisdom to teach,
thy right hand to guide,
thy counsel to instruct,
thy law to judge,
thy presence to stabilize.

May thy fear be my awe,
thy triumphs my joy.

Perhaps one of my most continual pleas in prayer is "more of you, less of me, O Lord." This old Puritan New Year's prayer summarizes that petition so well. I think of three words to strive towards in the year ahead- obedient, content and expectant. Obedient to "rely on thy Spirit," how could I better hear that still small voice of the Comforter, and respond well? Content with His grace and steadfast love, will I put aside the complaints and grumbles that so quickly distract? Expectant of the good work He has yet to bring to completion, might I ever look forward in anticipation and hope?

The truth is, however, I can't do any of that on my own. I can never muster up the cheer, the satisfaction, the optimism, relying on myself. The prophecy from Isaiah, echoed in Luke 3, reminds me all that Christ fulfills, every valley filled, every mountain and hill made low, the crooked becomes straight, the rough places become level, "and all flesh shall see the salvation of God." He is my hope and He is my certainty.

The references to the sea in the ancient New Year's prayer reminds me of a modern song, Pilot Me, a similar request and appeal,

I will arise and follow you over
Savior please, pilot me

Over the waves and through every sorrow
Savior please, pilot me

When I have no more strength left to follow
Fall on my knees, pilot me
May your sun rise and lead me on
Over the sea’s, savior pilot me

O’ Lord

Obedient, content, expectant.
Onward, 2013.

5/365

Thankfully life is more than spinning a wheel (and don't you hate it when the wheel spins off?!) and hoping to collect enough dollars to finish in Millionaire Estates...

4/365

Road trip. Field trip. Aquarium trip.

(and Arby's trip. Half Price Books trip. World Market trip. Gap Outlet trip. We make the most of a day in the city!)

3/365

I am constantly a delinquent library patron. Constantly.
But today I turned in the overdue, paid my fines, regained my privileges, and took home two new reads.

See you in two weeks, library.
Hopefully...

2/365

I found this on our chalkboard this morning. And I smiled.

But even more, it prompted me to think of Paul, who in Ephesians reminds us of the spiritual identity of those trusting in Christ.
The faithful in Christ Jesus are:
blessed with every spiritual blessing (1:3),
chosen in Him (1:4),
holy and blameless before Him (1:4),
adopted as sons (1:5),
redeemed (1:7),
forgiven (1:7),
lavished with the riches of His grace (1:7-8),
sealed with the Holy Spirit (1:13),
alive in Christ (2:5),
saved by grace (2:5),
His workmanship (2:10),
reconciled to God (2:16)...

Indeed, He IS able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think (3:20)! To Him be the glory.

1/365

On the first morning of the new year we needed milk so I went to the grocery store, walked through puddles in the parking lot in my flipflops, and had a conversation in Spanish with a man in the produce aisle about Michigan. A good start, I'd say.

365/365

And then, another year had passed.
Goodbye 2012.

364/365

At the risk of sounding really old, a Sunday night hymn sing might be one of my all time favorite events.

363/365

Just Dance.
Oh how you make us laugh!

362/365

Two teams that played hard right through overtime, which makes a win even a bit more sweet.

361/365

Maybe just a tad too much...

360/366

Some days are extraordinary in that they are just so ordinary and that is wonderful.

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In your heart you
know it's true
though you hold no expectation
in the deepest part of you
there's an open hesitation

but it's true
kingdoms and crowns
a God who came down to find you
it's true
Angels on high
sing through the night alleluya
heard it told you
think it's odd
the whole thing fraught with complication
the play begins with
baby God
and all His blessed implications

but it's true
kingdoms and crowns
a God who came down to find you
it's true
Angels on high
sing through the night alleluia

alleluia, alleluia

Oh it's true
kingdoms and crowns
a God who came down to find you
it's true
Angels on high
sing through the night alleluia

- It's True by Sara Groves 

This song has echoed over and over in my mind this holiday season.
Families are broken and tragedy breaks our hearts and budgets are short and expectations are high and I am never enough. If I were counting on emotion to rouse a cheerful joy, it would be neither sincere or lasting.

Thankfully, the celebration is for Christ, the babe who comes to the weary world; Jesus who saves us from our sin; Immanuel, God with us. Truly, grace is ours and it is sufficient for me. No other gift compares.

It is true. And I too sing through the night alleluia.

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Daybreak on the edge of Laredo, Texas.

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Noche de paz, noche de amor,
Todo duerme en derredor.
Entre sus astros que esparcen su luz
Bella anunciando al niñito Jesús
Brilla la estrella de paz
Brilla la estrella de paz

Noche de paz, noche de amor,
Todo duerme en derredor
Sólo velan en la oscuridad
Los pastores que en el campo están;
Y la estrella de Belén
Y la estrella de Belén
Noche de paz, noche de amor,
Todo duerme en derredor;
sobre el santo niño Jesús
Una estrella esparce su luz,
Brilla sobre el Rey
Brilla sobre el Rey.

Noche de paz, noche de amor,
Todo duerme en derredor
Fieles velando allí en Belén
Los pastores, la madre también.
Y la estrella de paz
Y la estrella de paz

-Silent Night (Spanish)

356/366 DPP 22

Thankful for old friends and sweet babies and that Behold! There IS Good News of great joy that is for all people! (Luke 2:10)

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It doesn't take very long to get used to caroling when a "cold" night is in the low 60's. Even so, I was just a tad homesick with plenty of sweet memories.

354/366 DPP 20

December birthday party and coloring posters and Mario cupcakes and a boy who has held our heart for every one of his 9 years.

353/366 DPP 19

One glimpse of the tin and suddenly I remembered childhood and for no good reason, I felt like I should buy a fruitcake.
$27.95 for a fruitcake?

352/366 DPP 18

LOOK at that price of gas! Thank you Kimberly and Krogers Rewards Points!

351/366 DPP 17

"The second is like it, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
Matthew 22:39

350/366 DPP 16

Root Deer and Reinbeer

349/366 DPP 15

One thing that I love about my husband's Iphone- being connected to the internet on the highway when we are traveling and ready to stop for food.
Thanks to Yelp, we found Thai Delight in Buda, Texas- and enjoyed fresh green curry and pad for barely more than eating at a fast food joint.

mmmmm.

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The daily delivery.

348/366 DPP 13

5/6ths of chicks back in the nest.
Let the festivities commence.

347/366 DPP 12

Girl's best friend.
Dog's best friend.

346/366 DPP 11

A true picture of the day would include a thermometer, tylenol, kleenex, and the pillow.
But a poinsettia is much nicer.

345/366 DPP 10

There aren't many days that call for hot chocolate and whip cream in south Texas...

344/366 DPP 9

That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
Luke 2:8-15 (New Living Translation)

343/366 DPP 8

Thankful for the older women who continue to instruct me and show so tangibly how to love others well-
who mix up batch after batch of sticky Royal cement,
who oooh and aaah at gingerbread creations with layer upon layer of candy upon icing,
who truly delight in the joy of others,
who serve wholly and generously.

They blessed me and mine today, and I am grateful.

342/366 DPP 7

The wonder of The Nutcracker- the music which transports us so quickly back to the days of Christmas seasons past, of Saturday matinee shows all dressed up, of little girls watching the video in delight. Isn't it rather a comfort, to know exactly what happens next? Isn't it a joy, to see the little mice scampering from the soldiers and the big girls twirling and leaping across the stage?

Thanks one more time, Mr. Tchaikovsky, for that sweet bit of enchantment again this year.
(and thanks Rio Grande Valley Ballet for another great show!)

341/366 DPP 6

Tally for the day:
2 girls on time to science class
1 meal delivered
Revelation study attended
1 basketball game won
1 student council meeting held
1 basketball game lost
121 miles of driving finished
Advent reading complete

phew.

(today's photo credit to Lydia, who definitely got the best shot o' the day!)

340/366 DPP 5

happy birthday nannybannany!

339/366 DPP 4

On this afternoon, I plugged the crockpot in, which was immediately followed by a POP and a flash and a puff of smoke and a singed mark on the bottom. BUT, the Handyman disassembled it, and with some tools and a trusty mini-soldering iron, it seems to be working again.

Except, can you really trust a crockpot with potentially faulty wiring...?

338/366 DPP 3

Decorated for Christmas on Jackson Street.

337/366 DPP 2

First thing in the morning I read in Psalm 122-
I was glad when they said to me,
"Let us go to the house of the Lord!"
And I was.
Then later in the afternoon, driving east on the expressway, I was glad again.

336/366 DPP 1

Tonight we joined the audience at the Centro Cultural in Reynosa, Mexico for a performance of a very well done Charlie Chaplin-esque play. And the neatest thing? The actors were kids from Isaiah 55, the school for the deaf in Reynosa. What fun to watch, and rejoice with them in a job well done! (See those hands in the air at the very bottom of the photo- that's a member of the audience "clapping" in the front row! I love aplause in sign!)

And then we ate good Mexican food with fun friends, and stopped for yogurt too! Bonus!