Today is my hubby's BD.
He is key to much of life.
Happy Birthday Honey.
Presents later. :)
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Coffee With The Editor
Welcome to my soft open:
http://coffeewiththeeditor.blogspot.com/
Please help out the momentum of this new blog by leaving lots of comments. Please be advised that this is an open blog.
http://coffeewiththeeditor.blogspot.com/
Please help out the momentum of this new blog by leaving lots of comments. Please be advised that this is an open blog.
Mr. red hot pants
Jon is writing a book for Zondervan and though it will have mostly new stuff, some of his old stuff will make it. You can see why.
#15. Calling Satan, "the enemy."
This is one of my personal favorites. At some point in 1996, everyone decided to call satan, "the enemy." I don't know how it happened but I have a guess at why it happened. I think it happened because we're afraid to look weird if we talk about the devil. And it's a weird thing to do, I agree. In a world governed by logic and science and reason, to associate your life with a pure evil entity that is hellbent on destroying you at any given opportunity is a little freaky. That's why you rarely hear someone say, "Wow, satan was really attacking me last night." Instead, we say the enemy because it's a much safer word. Everyone understands what enemy means, it's just someone or something that is against you. So instead of feeling weird, we feel OK when we say, "Wow, the enemy was really attacking me last night." How far will we take the softening of the words we use to describe satan? We'll see, but I wouldn't be surprised if given his immense Public Relations magic we eventually call the devil, "the opponent" or maybe even "Mr. red hot pants."
I was going to post a funny one I could relate to called: #334 The "Stop That" Church Hand Grab but you won't get it unless you were raised Baptist, don't attend a CC church and know their "rule" or, are one of MY kids!
#15. Calling Satan, "the enemy."
This is one of my personal favorites. At some point in 1996, everyone decided to call satan, "the enemy." I don't know how it happened but I have a guess at why it happened. I think it happened because we're afraid to look weird if we talk about the devil. And it's a weird thing to do, I agree. In a world governed by logic and science and reason, to associate your life with a pure evil entity that is hellbent on destroying you at any given opportunity is a little freaky. That's why you rarely hear someone say, "Wow, satan was really attacking me last night." Instead, we say the enemy because it's a much safer word. Everyone understands what enemy means, it's just someone or something that is against you. So instead of feeling weird, we feel OK when we say, "Wow, the enemy was really attacking me last night." How far will we take the softening of the words we use to describe satan? We'll see, but I wouldn't be surprised if given his immense Public Relations magic we eventually call the devil, "the opponent" or maybe even "Mr. red hot pants."
I was going to post a funny one I could relate to called: #334 The "Stop That" Church Hand Grab but you won't get it unless you were raised Baptist, don't attend a CC church and know their "rule" or, are one of MY kids!
Sunday, December 28, 2008
The 7 People You Meet in Prayer Circle
I just can't help it. Whether you laugh or are offended...this guy is
just.too.much. (to use periods like Lisa T.)
#159
Prayer circles can provide some surprisingly tense moments. At church or in a small group, someone will say, "I'll open us in prayer, Lisa you close us. Everyone else, pray if you feel led."
Suddenly, there's an expectation. In less than a minute that opening prayer is going to be finished and you'll be faced with an incredibly difficult decision. Do I pray? Do I feel led? When do I pray? When is the "Closer" going to speak up and put an end to this prayer? How do I not start praying at the same time as someone else? There are so many questions, each fraught with danger and intrigue. That's why I have created the simple, "7 people you meet in a prayer circle." It's like that book, "5 People You Meet in Heaven," but slightly more sarcastic and bound to not become a made for television movie.
7 people you meet in a prayer circle:
1. The Opener
You might think the "Closer" is the one with all the power, but don't be misled, the opener is in control. In addition to often choosing the Closer, they set the tone for the entire prayer circle. If they go long, people after them are going to go long. If they add cute little jokes to the opening prayer, the people after them will be casual too. More than that, they don't need to worry about the Closer or fear someone cutting them off. They can pray and then relax. Their job is over and done in a matter of seconds.
2. The Almost-er
This is the person sitting near you that is constantly on the verge of praying. You can hear them doing that little breath thing, that small inhale that occurs a split second before someone speaks. And you can hear it because it's loud in the deafening silence of the prayer circle. Every time you are about to say a prayer you hear the Almost-er and you stop out of courtesy. And then they don't pray. So you start again and an inhale from the Almost-er stops you again. It's quite a little dance.
3. The Rambler
Another name for this person is the "Jon Acuff." This is the guy or gal that sees the chance to pray in front of people as an open microphone. A chance to not so subtly reference everything they've recently learned during their quiet time in one long, rambling prayer. And there's no way to stop them, unless you are married to them. If you are, then like my wife, you can grab the Rambler’s hand and give him a squeeze that says, "I love you, you are good at praying but no one wants to hear about the spiritual mysteries you have uncovered recently in the book of Joel."
4. The Cave In
Deciding not to pray in a prayer circle is like not giving to a love offering. What you don't feel led? You're the only person in the room that didn't get led? The Holy Spirit isn’t speaking to you right now? Maybe we should pray for you instead of doing this prayer circle. Expect at least one person to be the Cave In.
5. The Gun Slinger
When there are only two people left that have not prayed and the Closer is mentally warming up to end the session, you may end up a prayer showdown. It's just you and another girl that looks like a heathen right now for not praying. The entire circle senses that the prayers were good but they need one more before the Closer prays. They need one more tiny prayer to kind of wrap things up. But you don't want to pray and neither does the Gun Slinger. So you sit there in silence across from each other like cowboys in the street, waiting, letting the tension and the awkwardness build until finally someone draws their gun and blurts out, "Lord thank you for this day and everything you blessed us with!"
6. The Shot Blocker
This one is rare. Hearing this one in a group prayer is like seeing a unicorn. On the highway. With Gary Coleman riding it's back in the breakdown lane. In basketball, when someone on the opposing team swats your shot with their hand, preventing you from scoring, this is called "shot blocking." The same thing can happen in a prayer circle when everyone in the rooms knows that someone is praying for something they should be praying. The entire circle knows that Mark is the wrong guy for Mary but she prays for their relationship. Here’s what happens:
Mary: "Lord, I pray that you would continue to strengthen and bless my relationship with Mark."
Shot blocker: "Lord please give Mary more patience, discernment and clarity in her relationship. Help her see the truth you are trying to reveal to her.. Help her not rush into anything."
This is the basketball equivalent of someone blocking your shot into another state. Right as the prayer if floating up to heaven, someone swoops in and shot blocks it back into the crowd.
7. The Closer
Closing a prayer circle is like being Spiderman. It's a gift and a responsibility. Although you get to determine when it ends, you also have to monitor the amount of quiet time that signifies everyone has gone. Because what you don't want to happen, what the Closer fears the most is the "Encore-ist." This is the person that goes after the Closer, boldly defying all rules of group prayer. It's an embarrassing situation for a Closer and for a few minutes afterward, it's hard to make eye contact with them.
Those are the seven. I didn’t list out the Encore-ist with any detail because God can’t stand that person. Hopefully, in the next prayer circle you get in, you’ll be able to save some embarrassment and rush quickly to the role you want to play.
Posted by Prodigal Jon at 3:00 AM
just.too.much. (to use periods like Lisa T.)
#159
Prayer circles can provide some surprisingly tense moments. At church or in a small group, someone will say, "I'll open us in prayer, Lisa you close us. Everyone else, pray if you feel led."
Suddenly, there's an expectation. In less than a minute that opening prayer is going to be finished and you'll be faced with an incredibly difficult decision. Do I pray? Do I feel led? When do I pray? When is the "Closer" going to speak up and put an end to this prayer? How do I not start praying at the same time as someone else? There are so many questions, each fraught with danger and intrigue. That's why I have created the simple, "7 people you meet in a prayer circle." It's like that book, "5 People You Meet in Heaven," but slightly more sarcastic and bound to not become a made for television movie.
7 people you meet in a prayer circle:
1. The Opener
You might think the "Closer" is the one with all the power, but don't be misled, the opener is in control. In addition to often choosing the Closer, they set the tone for the entire prayer circle. If they go long, people after them are going to go long. If they add cute little jokes to the opening prayer, the people after them will be casual too. More than that, they don't need to worry about the Closer or fear someone cutting them off. They can pray and then relax. Their job is over and done in a matter of seconds.
2. The Almost-er
This is the person sitting near you that is constantly on the verge of praying. You can hear them doing that little breath thing, that small inhale that occurs a split second before someone speaks. And you can hear it because it's loud in the deafening silence of the prayer circle. Every time you are about to say a prayer you hear the Almost-er and you stop out of courtesy. And then they don't pray. So you start again and an inhale from the Almost-er stops you again. It's quite a little dance.
3. The Rambler
Another name for this person is the "Jon Acuff." This is the guy or gal that sees the chance to pray in front of people as an open microphone. A chance to not so subtly reference everything they've recently learned during their quiet time in one long, rambling prayer. And there's no way to stop them, unless you are married to them. If you are, then like my wife, you can grab the Rambler’s hand and give him a squeeze that says, "I love you, you are good at praying but no one wants to hear about the spiritual mysteries you have uncovered recently in the book of Joel."
4. The Cave In
Deciding not to pray in a prayer circle is like not giving to a love offering. What you don't feel led? You're the only person in the room that didn't get led? The Holy Spirit isn’t speaking to you right now? Maybe we should pray for you instead of doing this prayer circle. Expect at least one person to be the Cave In.
5. The Gun Slinger
When there are only two people left that have not prayed and the Closer is mentally warming up to end the session, you may end up a prayer showdown. It's just you and another girl that looks like a heathen right now for not praying. The entire circle senses that the prayers were good but they need one more before the Closer prays. They need one more tiny prayer to kind of wrap things up. But you don't want to pray and neither does the Gun Slinger. So you sit there in silence across from each other like cowboys in the street, waiting, letting the tension and the awkwardness build until finally someone draws their gun and blurts out, "Lord thank you for this day and everything you blessed us with!"
6. The Shot Blocker
This one is rare. Hearing this one in a group prayer is like seeing a unicorn. On the highway. With Gary Coleman riding it's back in the breakdown lane. In basketball, when someone on the opposing team swats your shot with their hand, preventing you from scoring, this is called "shot blocking." The same thing can happen in a prayer circle when everyone in the rooms knows that someone is praying for something they should be praying. The entire circle knows that Mark is the wrong guy for Mary but she prays for their relationship. Here’s what happens:
Mary: "Lord, I pray that you would continue to strengthen and bless my relationship with Mark."
Shot blocker: "Lord please give Mary more patience, discernment and clarity in her relationship. Help her see the truth you are trying to reveal to her.. Help her not rush into anything."
This is the basketball equivalent of someone blocking your shot into another state. Right as the prayer if floating up to heaven, someone swoops in and shot blocks it back into the crowd.
7. The Closer
Closing a prayer circle is like being Spiderman. It's a gift and a responsibility. Although you get to determine when it ends, you also have to monitor the amount of quiet time that signifies everyone has gone. Because what you don't want to happen, what the Closer fears the most is the "Encore-ist." This is the person that goes after the Closer, boldly defying all rules of group prayer. It's an embarrassing situation for a Closer and for a few minutes afterward, it's hard to make eye contact with them.
Those are the seven. I didn’t list out the Encore-ist with any detail because God can’t stand that person. Hopefully, in the next prayer circle you get in, you’ll be able to save some embarrassment and rush quickly to the role you want to play.
Posted by Prodigal Jon at 3:00 AM
BTW
By the way...I am now officially a member of PAMIC (People against massaging in church)
Yes, last week I sat behind a woman who INCESSANTLY massaged her husband's neck (don't you just WISH you knew who it was? lol)
and it really was terribly distracting. Little circles. Big circles, Kneading, stroking. The tickle, the hair pull. PUHleeze already. Gosh, can you imagine if there were a bunch of undisciplined KIDS massaging each other while talking/crying/sniffling/whining...man, it's enough to make a die-hard CC goer lose their mind...
So: You won't find ME distracting YOU by massaging my husband's neck. No siree.
I am AGIN' the church massage. I am not going to distract you from God's Word and the titillating message by touching my husband or tending to my children. Nope. Far be it from POWERFUL me to distract LACK OF FOCUS you from the massage- I mean message set before you.
But I think the real point is I don't think either of these things really distracted everyone so much until the rule got made. I never noticed others or myself massaging their DH's until I read about PAMIC. I never was distracted by kids...well, okay, that's a lie but the POINT is my mind never had the thought there should be a rule to keep them OUT because of it.
I am more peeved by the fact that I myself am now distracted by it. I used to preach "get your focus straight!" and now I myself have succumbed. Weak. Very, very weak.
Ah...The Power of Suggestion...now that's a message one could learn something from!
Oh and by the way? You won't see me sitting behind them again.
Yes, last week I sat behind a woman who INCESSANTLY massaged her husband's neck (don't you just WISH you knew who it was? lol)
and it really was terribly distracting. Little circles. Big circles, Kneading, stroking. The tickle, the hair pull. PUHleeze already. Gosh, can you imagine if there were a bunch of undisciplined KIDS massaging each other while talking/crying/sniffling/whining...man, it's enough to make a die-hard CC goer lose their mind...
So: You won't find ME distracting YOU by massaging my husband's neck. No siree.
I am AGIN' the church massage. I am not going to distract you from God's Word and the titillating message by touching my husband or tending to my children. Nope. Far be it from POWERFUL me to distract LACK OF FOCUS you from the massage- I mean message set before you.
But I think the real point is I don't think either of these things really distracted everyone so much until the rule got made. I never noticed others or myself massaging their DH's until I read about PAMIC. I never was distracted by kids...well, okay, that's a lie but the POINT is my mind never had the thought there should be a rule to keep them OUT because of it.
I am more peeved by the fact that I myself am now distracted by it. I used to preach "get your focus straight!" and now I myself have succumbed. Weak. Very, very weak.
Ah...The Power of Suggestion...now that's a message one could learn something from!
Oh and by the way? You won't see me sitting behind them again.
Jon rules again.
#249. Backsliding, a Christian thing or an Indiana Jones movie?
I don't love snakes. I'm not afraid of them, I just don't want to spoon them in bed or take them on long moonlit walks and find out they like the movie "Love Actually" too.
I blame my brother Will. He struggled with "Herpetology" when we were growing up. It started small. He'd catch lizards when we went to the beach on vacation. He'd carry a frog around in his pocket like Tom Sawyer. Just the kind of stuff the average boy does. But then he started getting really involved with snakes. He bought a boa constrictor and a milk snake and then an iguana. Now in addition to the toaster strudels in the freezer (which are far superior to pop tarts) you were liable to find dead, frozen mice that he would eventually feed his growing army of serpents. I think he was trying to become "The Beastmaster." (He also got a ferret that he named "Che" after Che Guevara. In his defense, that was one revolutionary ferret.)
I was fine with that, I think snakes in closed quarters are awesome. It's the snakes that escape, the ones that "go on holiday" that I don't like. When a kitten gets away in your house you usually find it asleep in a ball of fluffy pink yarn, all tuckered out from playing. La, la, la.
When a snake gets out, you usually find it when you're going to get a drink of water in the middle of the night and realize that what you thought was a belt in front of the dryer in the dark laundry room is not actually a belt. I don't love snakes.
You know who else doesn't? Indiana Jones.
I've been thinking of him lately because a lot of the suggestions I've been receiving sound a lot like things Indiana Jones fights against. Backsliding, slippery slopes, hedges of protection, those all seem like things from his movies. I mean, in the first one, didn't he "backslide" to get his hat out from that wall that was closing on top of him? And in the second one, wasn't that a "slippery slope" he was on when his rope bridge broke over all those crocodiles?
With the new movie out, costarring Shia Labeouf who I feel has already found a way to host Saturday Night Live 14 times, I thought it might be fun to play a game of "Indiana Jones or the Bible?"
Just for fun of course, but it does kind of prove if you're a good Christian or not.
1. When the ark was opened up, everyone's face melted.
A. The Bible
B. Indiana Jones
2. When the ark slipped and someone tried to steady it, that person died instantly.
A. The Bible
B. Indiana Jones
3. In a plot twist, the hero is thrown into a pit full of lions.
A. The Bible
B. Indiana Jones
4. In a plot twist, the hero falls into a pit full of snakes.
A. The Bible
B. Indiana Jones
5. Someone is rescued by an eagle.
A. The Bible
B. Indiana Jones
C. The Lord of the Rings (ohhh trick question)
6. Poisonous snakes come out of no where and a brass snake must be made to help ward them off.
A. The Bible
B. Indiana Jones
7. The natives are restless and in a fit of worship pull the still beating heart out of a human sacrifice.
A. The Bible
B. Indiana Jones
8. The natives are restless and tell their king they've turned into cannibals.
A. The Bible
B. Indiana Jones
9. The ark is mistreated, forgotten and lost somewhere no one will find it.
A. The Bible
B. Indiana Jones
10. As if by a miracle, a character is able to walk across a terrifying expanse as if on an invisible sidewalk.
A. The Bible
B. Indiana Jones
11. As if by a miracle, a character is able to walk across a terrifying, watery expanse as if on an invisible sidewalk.
A. The Bible
B. Indiana Jones
12. Through selfish greed, the villain falls to an unexpected death, essentially killing herself in a canyon.
A. The Bible
B. Indiana Jones
13. Through selfish greed, the villain falls to an unexpected death, essentially killing himself in a field.
A. The Bible
B. Indiana Jones
14. One of the main characters receives a painful scar on his hand when he gets burned.
A. The Bible
B. Indiana Jones
15. One of the main characters receives a painful scar on his hand so we won't get burned.
A. The Bible
B. Indiana Jones
16. A tag team of bears kills more than 40 people when they make fun of a bald guy.
A. The Bible
B. Indiana Jones
17. An angry man disarms a bad guy with a whip.
A. The Bible
B. Indiana Jones
18. An angry man clears out some bad salesmen with a whip.
A. The Bible
B. Indiana Jones
19. A huge boulder chases the main character down a hill.
A. The Bible
B. Indiana Jones
20. A giant whale swallows someone and pukes them up a few days later.
A. The Bible
B. Indiana Jones
21. A hooker with a heart of gold helps the good guys escape out of a window.
A. The Bible
B. Indiana Jones
22. At dinner, someone brings in a monkey head on a platter.
A. The Bible
B. Indiana Jones
23. At dinner, someone brings in a human head on a platter.
A. The Bible
B. Indiana Jones
I could do this all day and I hope that in addition to playing along, you'll suggest your own questions. This is just the type of ridiculousness you can expect in my book.
I don't love snakes. I'm not afraid of them, I just don't want to spoon them in bed or take them on long moonlit walks and find out they like the movie "Love Actually" too.
I blame my brother Will. He struggled with "Herpetology" when we were growing up. It started small. He'd catch lizards when we went to the beach on vacation. He'd carry a frog around in his pocket like Tom Sawyer. Just the kind of stuff the average boy does. But then he started getting really involved with snakes. He bought a boa constrictor and a milk snake and then an iguana. Now in addition to the toaster strudels in the freezer (which are far superior to pop tarts) you were liable to find dead, frozen mice that he would eventually feed his growing army of serpents. I think he was trying to become "The Beastmaster." (He also got a ferret that he named "Che" after Che Guevara. In his defense, that was one revolutionary ferret.)
I was fine with that, I think snakes in closed quarters are awesome. It's the snakes that escape, the ones that "go on holiday" that I don't like. When a kitten gets away in your house you usually find it asleep in a ball of fluffy pink yarn, all tuckered out from playing. La, la, la.
When a snake gets out, you usually find it when you're going to get a drink of water in the middle of the night and realize that what you thought was a belt in front of the dryer in the dark laundry room is not actually a belt. I don't love snakes.
You know who else doesn't? Indiana Jones.
I've been thinking of him lately because a lot of the suggestions I've been receiving sound a lot like things Indiana Jones fights against. Backsliding, slippery slopes, hedges of protection, those all seem like things from his movies. I mean, in the first one, didn't he "backslide" to get his hat out from that wall that was closing on top of him? And in the second one, wasn't that a "slippery slope" he was on when his rope bridge broke over all those crocodiles?
With the new movie out, costarring Shia Labeouf who I feel has already found a way to host Saturday Night Live 14 times, I thought it might be fun to play a game of "Indiana Jones or the Bible?"
Just for fun of course, but it does kind of prove if you're a good Christian or not.
1. When the ark was opened up, everyone's face melted.
A. The Bible
B. Indiana Jones
2. When the ark slipped and someone tried to steady it, that person died instantly.
A. The Bible
B. Indiana Jones
3. In a plot twist, the hero is thrown into a pit full of lions.
A. The Bible
B. Indiana Jones
4. In a plot twist, the hero falls into a pit full of snakes.
A. The Bible
B. Indiana Jones
5. Someone is rescued by an eagle.
A. The Bible
B. Indiana Jones
C. The Lord of the Rings (ohhh trick question)
6. Poisonous snakes come out of no where and a brass snake must be made to help ward them off.
A. The Bible
B. Indiana Jones
7. The natives are restless and in a fit of worship pull the still beating heart out of a human sacrifice.
A. The Bible
B. Indiana Jones
8. The natives are restless and tell their king they've turned into cannibals.
A. The Bible
B. Indiana Jones
9. The ark is mistreated, forgotten and lost somewhere no one will find it.
A. The Bible
B. Indiana Jones
10. As if by a miracle, a character is able to walk across a terrifying expanse as if on an invisible sidewalk.
A. The Bible
B. Indiana Jones
11. As if by a miracle, a character is able to walk across a terrifying, watery expanse as if on an invisible sidewalk.
A. The Bible
B. Indiana Jones
12. Through selfish greed, the villain falls to an unexpected death, essentially killing herself in a canyon.
A. The Bible
B. Indiana Jones
13. Through selfish greed, the villain falls to an unexpected death, essentially killing himself in a field.
A. The Bible
B. Indiana Jones
14. One of the main characters receives a painful scar on his hand when he gets burned.
A. The Bible
B. Indiana Jones
15. One of the main characters receives a painful scar on his hand so we won't get burned.
A. The Bible
B. Indiana Jones
16. A tag team of bears kills more than 40 people when they make fun of a bald guy.
A. The Bible
B. Indiana Jones
17. An angry man disarms a bad guy with a whip.
A. The Bible
B. Indiana Jones
18. An angry man clears out some bad salesmen with a whip.
A. The Bible
B. Indiana Jones
19. A huge boulder chases the main character down a hill.
A. The Bible
B. Indiana Jones
20. A giant whale swallows someone and pukes them up a few days later.
A. The Bible
B. Indiana Jones
21. A hooker with a heart of gold helps the good guys escape out of a window.
A. The Bible
B. Indiana Jones
22. At dinner, someone brings in a monkey head on a platter.
A. The Bible
B. Indiana Jones
23. At dinner, someone brings in a human head on a platter.
A. The Bible
B. Indiana Jones
I could do this all day and I hope that in addition to playing along, you'll suggest your own questions. This is just the type of ridiculousness you can expect in my book.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
fighting my way back...
Thought I'd be blogging by now but am still dealing with feeling pretty down still...just haven't been able to be on the computer any more than I absolutely have to. I'm okay but haven't been able to catch up on your blogs either but will when I am feeling better.
On a better note, I just made some cookies -n- cream white chocolate fudge of which some of you will be the recipient!
woohoo!
Oh, and PS...the JANUARY issue got delivered today, lol EARLY!
But I cannot distribute it early since it is for the New Year and would be weird being read before Christmas. But we'll get it out after Christmas for sure.
It is in a word, beautiful but I don't care much these days. It's more of a relief to have it come out good than excitement. :(
Bella's piece is better than I hoped for CC goers
and there are some changes afoot.
Will ya'll pray for my energy, optimism and strength to return?
Miss ya'll. There just ain't enough CHURCH is there?????
Don't know where this little southern flavor is coming from...well, I better get off before I find that I am BLOGGING again!
Merry Merry and all that.
On a better note, I just made some cookies -n- cream white chocolate fudge of which some of you will be the recipient!
woohoo!
Oh, and PS...the JANUARY issue got delivered today, lol EARLY!
But I cannot distribute it early since it is for the New Year and would be weird being read before Christmas. But we'll get it out after Christmas for sure.
It is in a word, beautiful but I don't care much these days. It's more of a relief to have it come out good than excitement. :(
Bella's piece is better than I hoped for CC goers
and there are some changes afoot.
Will ya'll pray for my energy, optimism and strength to return?
Miss ya'll. There just ain't enough CHURCH is there?????
Don't know where this little southern flavor is coming from...well, I better get off before I find that I am BLOGGING again!
Merry Merry and all that.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Home again Home again...
Sloan and I got up at 4:30 and beat it home. The road was so foggy we could not see at all. Scary! I ALMOST got to see Cheryl!! (Next time C!) They have been making Gingerbread houses here. Jeff wanted to try a home made one and was wildly successful as far as I am concerned.
Lauren Did a great one too from a kit!
And whose been nibbling on my house! I think her name is Kate!
She has been so funny. She sits up at the table and licks her lips and makes smacking sounds and says DEEE-LICIOUS! Yummy! Mmm-Mmm! Too funny.
Lauren Did a great one too from a kit!
And whose been nibbling on my house! I think her name is Kate!
She has been so funny. She sits up at the table and licks her lips and makes smacking sounds and says DEEE-LICIOUS! Yummy! Mmm-Mmm! Too funny.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Change of plans
Mom's going home today.
I'll be gone all day.
and may make it back tonight or tomorrow morning.
See ya!
Will try to make the bake!
I'll be gone all day.
and may make it back tonight or tomorrow morning.
See ya!
Will try to make the bake!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Update
Hi Guys..
Just feeling guilty for not getting anything up here on my blog.
It is why I never released my new blog "Coffee with the Editor"
The idea was Brilliant, but it was just one more thing.... I tested myself in trying to keep it up but was not successful. This one is private and though it likely has a few too many readers allowed, (about 17) I at least have one place that I can vent. Sort of. You know what I mean. BE myself I guess.
Anyway, I will be multi-posting soon since mag is in final editing and going to print Saturday and my Mom will be going home Sat or Sun as well
I was hoping to make the potato bake but don't know if I will...
So we shall see....have a HUGE train of thought post coming....brace yourselves for the chaos.
Cheers
Just feeling guilty for not getting anything up here on my blog.
It is why I never released my new blog "Coffee with the Editor"
The idea was Brilliant, but it was just one more thing.... I tested myself in trying to keep it up but was not successful. This one is private and though it likely has a few too many readers allowed, (about 17) I at least have one place that I can vent. Sort of. You know what I mean. BE myself I guess.
Anyway, I will be multi-posting soon since mag is in final editing and going to print Saturday and my Mom will be going home Sat or Sun as well
I was hoping to make the potato bake but don't know if I will...
So we shall see....have a HUGE train of thought post coming....brace yourselves for the chaos.
Cheers
Monday, December 15, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
Finally..
My first three girls NEVER would do story times or hand motions or that really cheesy stuff...but guess WHAT?? We GOT ONE! She loves hand motions and for those of us raised in a Baptist church, you'll know why this is pretty cool.
(as in "He came from Heaven to Earth to showwwww the wayyyy...from the Earth to the Cross...My debt to pay...you remember it don't you???)
No matter, maybe hand motions aren't exactly reformed but they sure are CUTE!
I did love teaching children's church but I can't still help feel that there is a more excellent choice...
Regardless, this reminded me of the sweetness of the children. You gotta watch it to the end!
Whoops, I just realized this a Wiggles tape...but WHO cares! You get the idea!
(as in "He came from Heaven to Earth to showwwww the wayyyy...from the Earth to the Cross...My debt to pay...you remember it don't you???)
No matter, maybe hand motions aren't exactly reformed but they sure are CUTE!
I did love teaching children's church but I can't still help feel that there is a more excellent choice...
Regardless, this reminded me of the sweetness of the children. You gotta watch it to the end!
Whoops, I just realized this a Wiggles tape...but WHO cares! You get the idea!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Stream of Thought
I know this is a Chapel Chat day but I am too excited that Kate went into the class-class-sassafrass and did GREAT. She was fidgety and bothersome and from Family room to Nursing room where she didn't want to nurse she wanted to PLAY so I thought: This is nuts. You are SO going into the classroom where you can PLAY. You are TWO. Playing is what you DO at TWO. So perfectly, they were eating grapes (one of her faves) and in she went. She loved it and WONDERFUL Gaine kept checking her and peeking into the fam room with a thumbs up. She is SO going in there.
And lest you think I have changed my mind on this issue, I have not. She goes to sanctuary when she can sit quietly. I'd say by three she will be no distraction.
But for what they do in her class, she should be ok.
We have decided to keep Lauren out of class.
Do you realize that Sonya Caskey ROCKS? I think she is the "sleeper" of the group...always smiling, real, open, kind, funny and generous (as in an entire bag full of dresses for Kate that she went bonkers over) somehow I think she does not get enough credit. So here's to YOU Sonya Caskey!!!
The Mount Dora Christmas walk was fun. I was lamenting to Am that we always think we are going to have such fun at these events and we never do until we get to the park and let the kids play. I am going to stop making the kids go-to-the-event-with-lights-to-be-Christmasy and just go DIRECTLY to the park.
I miss Marissa and it seems like everyone is just moving on and I keep screaming in my head "DOES ANYONE REALIZE THAT MARISSA IS GONE?????????"
We went to the parade last night and it was GREAT but I must admit I felt pained that we were not in with our wonderful float! I kept telling myself that it was a learning experience and there is always "next year" but I was sorry we could not have participated. Of course my ridiculously competetive nature dictates that our float must be the BEST (someone else in the group admits competetiveness but I can't remember who, is it Amy? Tif? I can't remember) but anyway, expect GREATNESS next year, lol.
Being competetive serves me in very few ways except NEVER losing at Pictionary.
And now, evidently, float making.
The coveted list of "perfect foods" has been added to. Along with butter, bacon and lobster, NACHOS has been added. yes, nachos are a perfect food.
Tonight's soup is Italian Sausage Tortellini...can't wait.
Lisa's message this morning touched my heart and I was humbled by the fact that we all see her as so strong and taking it all in stride when in reality, she reacts just the way we all would. Humanly. I remember obsessing the last three times I got pregnant over this very issue because of my age...having lost all three pregnancies, I guess I'll never know.
Sloan's jewelry is rocking the jewelry house and she is selling like crazy and has orders in and wow, could this really be something for her. She loves it and her pieces are really beautiful if you can see past my sub standard picture.
We may go to Vero for Christmas. It would be our very first time not at "home" during this time.
I am looking forward to it if it works out.
No decorating. Hoo ya master Sergeant.
And lest you think I have changed my mind on this issue, I have not. She goes to sanctuary when she can sit quietly. I'd say by three she will be no distraction.
But for what they do in her class, she should be ok.
We have decided to keep Lauren out of class.
Do you realize that Sonya Caskey ROCKS? I think she is the "sleeper" of the group...always smiling, real, open, kind, funny and generous (as in an entire bag full of dresses for Kate that she went bonkers over) somehow I think she does not get enough credit. So here's to YOU Sonya Caskey!!!
The Mount Dora Christmas walk was fun. I was lamenting to Am that we always think we are going to have such fun at these events and we never do until we get to the park and let the kids play. I am going to stop making the kids go-to-the-event-with-lights-to-be-Christmasy and just go DIRECTLY to the park.
I miss Marissa and it seems like everyone is just moving on and I keep screaming in my head "DOES ANYONE REALIZE THAT MARISSA IS GONE?????????"
We went to the parade last night and it was GREAT but I must admit I felt pained that we were not in with our wonderful float! I kept telling myself that it was a learning experience and there is always "next year" but I was sorry we could not have participated. Of course my ridiculously competetive nature dictates that our float must be the BEST (someone else in the group admits competetiveness but I can't remember who, is it Amy? Tif? I can't remember) but anyway, expect GREATNESS next year, lol.
Being competetive serves me in very few ways except NEVER losing at Pictionary.
And now, evidently, float making.
The coveted list of "perfect foods" has been added to. Along with butter, bacon and lobster, NACHOS has been added. yes, nachos are a perfect food.
Tonight's soup is Italian Sausage Tortellini...can't wait.
Lisa's message this morning touched my heart and I was humbled by the fact that we all see her as so strong and taking it all in stride when in reality, she reacts just the way we all would. Humanly. I remember obsessing the last three times I got pregnant over this very issue because of my age...having lost all three pregnancies, I guess I'll never know.
Sloan's jewelry is rocking the jewelry house and she is selling like crazy and has orders in and wow, could this really be something for her. She loves it and her pieces are really beautiful if you can see past my sub standard picture.
We may go to Vero for Christmas. It would be our very first time not at "home" during this time.
I am looking forward to it if it works out.
No decorating. Hoo ya master Sergeant.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Fun with Friends!
Professor Mouse had to come over for a consult and we convinced Mom to let Broken Arm number one come over to play. Success! Lauren loved it. We don't do this much, as you know...we are the whole "brothers and sisters are best friends deal" but Em and L are two peas in a pod. I don't think they can wait until Em is on full duty again!!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Getting busy..enjoy some Jon!
#175. http://stufffchristianslike.blogspot.com/
It's great to me how willing people are to admit that we Christians do some silly things. For instance, I've received lots of emails from people saying I should do a post about "holy sounding" email addresses. And when I look at the name of the person that suggested it, it's usually from someone named "JesusLovesandSavestheWorldBecauseHeisLove."
And like most of the things on this site, I don't have a problem with holy sounding email addresses. If you send out 100 emails a day to friends and you want to use that address as a way to remind them of your faith, go for it. I do think there are a few things you should consider however:
1. Sweet Baby Jesus
If your email address in any way incorporates the phrase, "Sweet Baby Jesus" I am going to giggle. I was so happy when the movie, "Talladega Nights" addressed this because me and my friends had joked about that for years. Whenever a minister uses that phrase I lose it.
2. No one opens emails with "demon" in the address.I joked recently that the band name, Demon Hunter, makes me want to start a band named "Satan Groin Kickers." And I still might, but if your email address is "demonfighter" or "satansworstnightmare" I will launch a two prong response. Step one is to get a little sweaty, step two is to delete the email without reading it.
3. Keep it short.
If you ever realize that your email address is longer than most verses in the Bible, there's a problem. Keep it short. "JesusRocks" or "IHeartJesus" work well. JesusIsTheReasonfortheSeasonofHopeandLoveSoWeBowDowntoHim," less good.
4. People are watching.
One of my relatives removed the Jesus fish from her car because she was an intense driver. I'd tell you who but I mentioned her specifically in another post and she told me later, "I can't go to a wedding in France next month because people will know me." This site is not that big, but it is true that when you declare Christianity people start looking at you. So be careful what you do. I used to be a mailman. (I was a carny for about four hours until I got fired.) And it was always weird to deliver Playboy and the Promise Keepers propaganda to the same dude.
I don't have a Christian email address. It's just theacuffs@yahoo.com which I suppose makes it kind of a heathen address. Maybe yours could witness to mine and we could convert it? It will make a digital faith decision and change itself to "theacuffslovesweetbabyjesus." OK, that's a little ridiculous.
It's great to me how willing people are to admit that we Christians do some silly things. For instance, I've received lots of emails from people saying I should do a post about "holy sounding" email addresses. And when I look at the name of the person that suggested it, it's usually from someone named "JesusLovesandSavestheWorldBecauseHeisLove."
And like most of the things on this site, I don't have a problem with holy sounding email addresses. If you send out 100 emails a day to friends and you want to use that address as a way to remind them of your faith, go for it. I do think there are a few things you should consider however:
1. Sweet Baby Jesus
If your email address in any way incorporates the phrase, "Sweet Baby Jesus" I am going to giggle. I was so happy when the movie, "Talladega Nights" addressed this because me and my friends had joked about that for years. Whenever a minister uses that phrase I lose it.
2. No one opens emails with "demon" in the address.I joked recently that the band name, Demon Hunter, makes me want to start a band named "Satan Groin Kickers." And I still might, but if your email address is "demonfighter" or "satansworstnightmare" I will launch a two prong response. Step one is to get a little sweaty, step two is to delete the email without reading it.
3. Keep it short.
If you ever realize that your email address is longer than most verses in the Bible, there's a problem. Keep it short. "JesusRocks" or "IHeartJesus" work well. JesusIsTheReasonfortheSeasonofHopeandLoveSoWeBowDowntoHim," less good.
4. People are watching.
One of my relatives removed the Jesus fish from her car because she was an intense driver. I'd tell you who but I mentioned her specifically in another post and she told me later, "I can't go to a wedding in France next month because people will know me." This site is not that big, but it is true that when you declare Christianity people start looking at you. So be careful what you do. I used to be a mailman. (I was a carny for about four hours until I got fired.) And it was always weird to deliver Playboy and the Promise Keepers propaganda to the same dude.
I don't have a Christian email address. It's just theacuffs@yahoo.com which I suppose makes it kind of a heathen address. Maybe yours could witness to mine and we could convert it? It will make a digital faith decision and change itself to "theacuffslovesweetbabyjesus." OK, that's a little ridiculous.
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Here is another soup we made yesterday...(sorry I am jumping on your soup bandwagon Tif! It's just too cold not to "soup"!
Anyway, we ate the whole pot before I could take a pic! (whoops!)
I doubled this recipe with the same amount of chicken, substituted lime for the lemon and added more corn and a can of black beans. This soup is slightly spicy depending on what degree of salsa you use and has a decidedly Mexican flavor and was loved by all. Next time we decided NO chips on the bottom of the bowl which wasn't bad per se but we ended up getting extra chips out to just eat with the soup...we are going to put 1/2 cup of rice in next time instead of chips and then we will really have something!
Chicken Tortilla Soup V
Rated: 5 out of 5 by 792 members Yields: 4 servings
"Lemon juice brightens the flavors in this chicken, corn and salsa soup seasoned with cumin and chili powder. Garnish with tortilla chips, grated cheese and a dollop of sour cream."
INGREDIENTS:
2 skinless, boneless chicken
breasts
1/2 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
2 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken
broth (I doubled this)
1 cup frozen corn kernels (I used more)
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 tablespoon lemon juice ( I used lime)
1 cup chunky salsa
8 ounces corn tortilla chips
1/2 cup shredded Monterey
Jack cheese (optional)
(I also added black beans)
DIRECTIONS:
1. In a large pot over medium heat, saute the chicken in the oil for 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cumin and mix well. Then add the broth, corn, onion, chili powder, lemon juice and salsa. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 20 to 30 minutes.
2. Break up some tortilla chips into individual bowls and pour soup over chips. Top with the Monterey Jack cheese and a little sour cream.
Anyway, we ate the whole pot before I could take a pic! (whoops!)
I doubled this recipe with the same amount of chicken, substituted lime for the lemon and added more corn and a can of black beans. This soup is slightly spicy depending on what degree of salsa you use and has a decidedly Mexican flavor and was loved by all. Next time we decided NO chips on the bottom of the bowl which wasn't bad per se but we ended up getting extra chips out to just eat with the soup...we are going to put 1/2 cup of rice in next time instead of chips and then we will really have something!
Chicken Tortilla Soup V
Rated: 5 out of 5 by 792 members Yields: 4 servings
"Lemon juice brightens the flavors in this chicken, corn and salsa soup seasoned with cumin and chili powder. Garnish with tortilla chips, grated cheese and a dollop of sour cream."
INGREDIENTS:
2 skinless, boneless chicken
breasts
1/2 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
2 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken
broth (I doubled this)
1 cup frozen corn kernels (I used more)
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 tablespoon lemon juice ( I used lime)
1 cup chunky salsa
8 ounces corn tortilla chips
1/2 cup shredded Monterey
Jack cheese (optional)
(I also added black beans)
DIRECTIONS:
1. In a large pot over medium heat, saute the chicken in the oil for 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cumin and mix well. Then add the broth, corn, onion, chili powder, lemon juice and salsa. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 20 to 30 minutes.
2. Break up some tortilla chips into individual bowls and pour soup over chips. Top with the Monterey Jack cheese and a little sour cream.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Italian Sausage Soup
We are in a soup mood over here!
So we decided to try a new one I pulled off the internet...this seems like a similar version to some of the ones going around but still a LOT different too. I made this soup EXACTLY how the recipe called to (rare for me and it is definitely another signature soup...it was unbelievably delicious, beautiful (as you can see) and the kids liked it too! Packed full of veggies and flavor! Definitely try this one.
Italian Sausage Soup
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 40 Minutes Ready In: 50 Minutes
Yields: 6 servings
"This soup is easy to put together, and the flavor of the spicy sausage is balanced nicely by Great Northern beans, zucchini, fresh spinach, and carrots. Makes a delicious winter supper."
INGREDIENTS:
1 pound Italian sausage
1 clove garlic, minced
2 (14 ounce) cans beef broth
1 (14.5 ounce) can Italian-style
stewed tomatoes
1 cup sliced carrots
1 (14.5 ounce) can great Northern beans, undrained
2 small zucchini, cubed
2 cups spinach - packed,
rinsed and torn
1/4 teaspoon ground black
pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
DIRECTIONS:
1. In a stockpot or Dutch oven,(I did it in my regular old spaghetti pot) brown sausage with garlic. Stir in broth, tomatoes and carrots, and season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15 minutes.
2. Stir in beans with liquid and zucchini. Cover, and simmer another 15 minutes, or until zucchini is tender.
3. Remove from heat, and add spinach. Replace lid allowing the heat from the soup to cook the spinach leaves. Soup is ready to serve after 5 minutes.
And of course, it's THAT time again!!
Sconelicious!!!!!!!!!
So we decided to try a new one I pulled off the internet...this seems like a similar version to some of the ones going around but still a LOT different too. I made this soup EXACTLY how the recipe called to (rare for me and it is definitely another signature soup...it was unbelievably delicious, beautiful (as you can see) and the kids liked it too! Packed full of veggies and flavor! Definitely try this one.
Italian Sausage Soup
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 40 Minutes Ready In: 50 Minutes
Yields: 6 servings
"This soup is easy to put together, and the flavor of the spicy sausage is balanced nicely by Great Northern beans, zucchini, fresh spinach, and carrots. Makes a delicious winter supper."
INGREDIENTS:
1 pound Italian sausage
1 clove garlic, minced
2 (14 ounce) cans beef broth
1 (14.5 ounce) can Italian-style
stewed tomatoes
1 cup sliced carrots
1 (14.5 ounce) can great Northern beans, undrained
2 small zucchini, cubed
2 cups spinach - packed,
rinsed and torn
1/4 teaspoon ground black
pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
DIRECTIONS:
1. In a stockpot or Dutch oven,(I did it in my regular old spaghetti pot) brown sausage with garlic. Stir in broth, tomatoes and carrots, and season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15 minutes.
2. Stir in beans with liquid and zucchini. Cover, and simmer another 15 minutes, or until zucchini is tender.
3. Remove from heat, and add spinach. Replace lid allowing the heat from the soup to cook the spinach leaves. Soup is ready to serve after 5 minutes.
And of course, it's THAT time again!!
Sconelicious!!!!!!!!!
Psalm 32
Thank you Lord....like the house built on rock standing through the storms that will come...confessed sin results in the rising mighty waters not reaching us! I also love the "Don't be like a mule which must be controlled by bridle and bit...no, we must FREELY go to Him and confess before him. We must follow His ways and with an upright heart; praise Him!
1Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.
2 Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit.
3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.
4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Selah
5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD "— and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah
6 Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him.
7 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah
8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.
9 Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.
10 Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him.
11 Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!
Psalm 51:10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me!
1Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.
2 Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit.
3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.
4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Selah
5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD "— and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah
6 Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him.
7 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah
8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.
9 Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.
10 Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him.
11 Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!
Psalm 51:10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me!
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