NOG - Week 1

My sweet friend K and I are doing the bible study No Other Gods by Kelly Minter this summer along with about 3000 of our closest friends from all 50 states and several other countries in conjunction with Beth Moore’s LPM Blog. It took forever for my book to come in at the store where I ordered it. But I got it on Wednesday and dove right in.

Holy Moly… let me tell you. It’s good so far.

And God… He is a-talkin’ to us.

We had our first meeting today (Saturday). And it is so interesting to me how certain words or phrases from a passage of scripture or from the text of the book will jump off the page at me… but completely different words or phrases stick out to her.

The whole study is about the idea of false gods in our lives. And it truly is amazing what has been revealed to each of us in just this first week.

It talks a lot about the idea of the God we believe in and profess versus the gods that in day to day living we functionally worship.

For me, personally, this idea of pride has been coming back up again and again. And when I really stop and think about it, I realize that self is the god that I am functionally worshiping.

Ouch.

More to come on this I think.

Foodie Friday - An Apple a Day and Central Market

Do you like apples? I do. But as with many other things food related, I'm picky about my apples.

They must be crisp. They must be sweet. They must be very fruity. They must have tender skin.

So Red Delicious are right out.

I wasn't crazy about apples for a long time because I thought Red Delicious were my only choice. Then, I got out on my own and began to discover that I really do like other varieties. And I get really excited when I find one that I like a lot.

I look forward to the fall each year when Honeycrisp apples are in season. They are only around for a month or two and then they are gone until the next year. But, oh I stock up during that time.

So, imagine my absolute delight when I made a visit to Central Market recently and discovered a new variety that is available right now that is very much like the Honeycrisp in texture and flavor.

Ladies and gents, I present you with the New Zealand Jazz apple.

Ahh, Central Market. I love Central Market. And it's a rare treat to get to go.

If you're not from around here, it's the specialty food arm of H-E-B and the only way H-E-B has been able to come close to breaking into the DFW market.

And when I say specialty food, I mean it. There's very little in there that you would find at your run of the mill Kroger or Tom Thumb. I always enjoy my trips there as I can find some things that I can't find anywhere else. Like...

Greek Yogurt. If you haven't ever had Greek yogurt, it's wonderful. Especially when served honey. It's really thick, like the consistency of sour cream (actually closer to creme fraiche). I was first introduced when I was an au pair in Carcassonne, France in 1994. Then really fell in love when we went to Greece in 2000.

H-E-B Tortillas. Oh. My. STARS. I love H-E-B tortillas. They are so buttery and fattening.

Bing Cherries. My family loves fresh cherries in the summer time.

The one funny thing about Central Market though is there is an unwritten dress code. The day I went recently, I was lookin' nice as we had been in the pool and working around the house all morning. Stacy and Clinton would NOT have approved. And neither did most of the people there that I felt staring at me.

But they are all dressed alike. LITERALLY. I saw two girls, BFFs I suppose, both with matching knee length shorts, same color tops and even the same style and color of handbag. Oh, and their hair... the same highlighted short little wedgey bob. Seriously, can we be any more Stepford-esque? And I suppose I'm the one that was supposed to be embarrassed about how I was dressed. They looked ridiculous.

But the trip to Central Market and my apple discovery was worth any feelings of fashion inferiority that I suffered.

Because an apple a day keeps... Stacy and Clinton away?

Probably not.

Summer Recipe - Caribbean Tomato Pasta

Big Mama asked for summer recipes. Here is my contribution... it's a REALLY involved and difficult recipe...

Caribbean Tomato Pasta

3 large vine ripened tomatoes
3/4 cup black beans (rinsed & drained)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (finely chopped)
1 tablespoon fresh chives
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pasta of choice
Monterrey Jack Cheese (grated)

Combine everything (except the pasta and cheese) and let stand at room temperature for at least 1 hour. Serve over cooked pasta & sprinkle with cheese.

See... REALLY involved and difficult.

Now, the thing to understand is that I modify almost every recipe I come in contact with to customize it to our family (IOW my tastes). What you see above is the recipe as it was given to me by my mother in law. What you see below is the recipe as I use it...

Caribbean Tomato Pasta (Donna's Version)

1-2 cans diced tomatoes (depending on how tomato-ey I want it that day)
1 can black beans (rinsed & drained) (because really, what are you going to do with the rest of those black beans anyways)
2 tablespoons EVOO (thanks Rachel Ray!)
3-4 cloves garlic (put through my handy-dandy Pampered Chef garlic press)
some fresh basil and parsley (finely chopped) (my man doesn't like cilantro)
some fresh chives
1 tablespoon lime juice
some ground cumin
some ground coriander
some ground red pepper
salt and pepper to taste
Pasta of choice (i.e. whatever I happen to have on hand but usually a spagetti of some kind)

Combine everything (except the pasta) and let stand at room temperature for at least 1 hour. Serve over cooked pasta. Usually I serve it with grilled chicken because my man likes meat.

Confessions of a VBS Director

As I have moved into Post-VBS life over the weekend and this week, I have been doing my typical assessing, reassessing and mulling over of how things went. Of course things generally went well. There were no major catastrophes and the wheels did not completely come off at any given point.

But, you know, I have a few "type-A" tendencies. So when people weren't entering the worship center in the correct form or order on Monday morning, it felt like the wheels were coming off to me. I felt a little like Martin Short's character in the newer version of Father of the Bride when he was walking through the house during the reception trying to get people to move. In general it was a little like herding cats.

However, in my assessing and mulling, I came across several things that kept sticking in my mind. So, naturally, I had to tell someone. Because you know I just can't keep my mouth shut when I have an opinion. Everybody's got to know.

So I emailed our Children's Pastor, but with the following disclaimer:

Have I mentioned before that I have serious pride issues? If not, let me tell you, “I have serious pride issues.”

See, I have come to realize that some of the things that got to me in the VBS process this year probably stem from my pride. They stem from my own desire to feel like I've accomplished something. To be seen as someone who's done a job and done it well. You know, pride.

It caused me to to feel my toes getting stepped on. It caused me to resent it that not everybody loves VBS as much as I do. It causes me to be concerned about things that, in the larger picture, are not important at all.

But I went ahead and, very tactfully I might add, listed several things that may need to be addressed for coming years. From the internal VBS leadership structure to pastoral staff involvement (or lack thereof). And you know what? She agreed and said that all of the things I mentioned were already on her list of things to think about and address.

So, is it possible that God spoke to me in spite of my pride? I think so. And I think all the things I mentioned to her were valid points and issues that do need to be addressed. But I also think that, at times, my heart wasn't in the right place about why I saw them as a problem.

I have pride issues. And God is working on me about them.

It's all a little too real

I have never been able to fully watch an episode of “The Office.” For some reason, the style of the show just isn’t my thing.

I’m finding lots of things that aren’t “my thing” lately. I wonder why that is.

But I digress.

Maybe it’s just that I’ve lived the office life for too long and seeing it portrayed on television is just too awkward and painful for me.

Here’s a classic example.

We got a new copier in my office this week. It is a thing of beauty. If I wouldn’t feel completely WEIRD, I’d take a picture to show you.

New office equipment is very exciting in the life of an admin assistant. I actually got a spring in my step on Friday afternoon when I got here and realized we were getting a new copier. It’s like the 3 year old that gets remote controlled motorcycles for his birthday and must play with them immediately… it’s a new toy. And it’s all very exciting.

However, I’m a little nervous as well.

I have a history with copiers. And not a pleasant one.

Just ask any administrative staff at my church (where I also used to be admin staff). Copiers and I tend to not get along very well.

But I have high hopes for this relationship. Because not only is it functional, but it’s attractive. It’s black and grey and very sleek looking. And we all know how important looks are. Something about skin deep is ringing a bell, but I’m not sure.

It looks so fancy that we are expecting it to be voice activated. Or that it will bring our copies to us. Or even a Blizzard (because you all know how I love my DQ). As one of the guys described it, “It’s like R2D2 on steroids.” Well, R2D2 served drinks in Return of the Jedi. Couldn’t he bring me a Blizzard?

So, one of the guys was in there trying to make a copy this morning. He's using the fancy-shmancy touch pad and the rest of us were standing around, watching in great anticipation. We cheered when the copy finally came out.

The moment was a little Dilbert-esque. And it was a little too real.

Sometimes I think I make a bad female

I was out running some errands on Saturday which included a trip to Costco to get some essentials. You know, like a beach mat and beach chair for our upcoming trip to Destin.

Oh, and milk for the kids.

While I was in that area of town, and since gas is $500/gallon, I decided to stop at a couple of other places while I was out. One of those stops was to exchange a pair of sunglasses that were missing a screw. It wasn't just loose... it was gone. Sounds familiar. But I digress.

While I was stopped, I noticed that there was an Ulta right next door. Noticing recently, as I was rubbing my face a lot last week during VBS, that the texture of my skin seemed a bit off, I decided to stop in and see if there was something I just couldn't live without.

Oh, y'all... I nearly had a panic attack in there. There were all these brands and choices of masks, microdermabrasion, peels, etc..... and on and on.... I just couldn't handle it.

I told my man that I felt inept as a woman because of the whole ordeal and he said it's just because it's not my thing.

Hmmm... now there's a funny thought. Beauty products are not my thing.

It's funny because I'm so incredibly vain, it's not funny at all.

With enough financial resources and time to heal and recover, there's no telling what I'd have nipped, tucked, lifted, and implanted. Well, maybe not implanted... but I'll not rule anything out.

The whole thing was actually really sweet. Y'all, he told me I have a great complexion and am naturally beautiful without makeup.

What a mighty good man I've got!

Because he realizes that although I may not get giddy over the latest and greatest deep pore cleansning loofa scrub thing, I might be tempted towards a pair of Jimmy Choos in the right size. Drop me in DSW Shoe Warehouse and it's pretty close to heaven for me.

Because really, a nice pair of shoes can be a work of art.

So, I guess I'm not a bad female after all.

Foodie Friday - VBS

VBS wouldn't be the same with out certain things. One of those things is food.

It is something that we as Southern Baptists deeply believe in.

Right up there with the whole God and Jesus thing.

What I'm saying is that food is important.

And kids' snacks at VBS, well, they're in a class all their own.

You know there's a test that any food must pass in order to be considered as a VBS snack. Just a couple of questions that one must ask herself before seriously considering serving something as a snack at VBS. A) Is it loaded with sugar? AND 2) Does it have any redeeming nutritional value?

If you answered "Yes" and "No" (in that order) then you've got yourself a VBS snack.

Because you are assured that any child coming your way will love what you're serving.

Except possibly for mine.

It rained on Thursday morning. The first time in the 8 or so years I've been involved in VBS at our church that we haven't been able to line up outside and march in. The kids had to just come directly into the Worship Center. And of course, recreation and snacks were inside as well.

During snack time that day, my princess was standing out away from the class. I passed by and asked her why. Apparently she didn't like the snack that was being served. Actually, to be more accurate, she didn't even like the smell of it and didn't want to be anywhere near it.

It's not like it was liver and onions, folks.

We're talking about what looked to me to be Goldfish crackers and Gardetto's in little baggies.

Seriously. We know for a fact that the child loves Goldfish crackers. And who doesn't like Gardetto's?!?

I can tell you one person and apparently her name is Sarah.

But now, here's the good stuff. The teacher/worker break room; it is a fixture in our VBS, without which we would have no teachers. We have an incredible kitchen leader and staff that cook up some great stuff along with what members of the church bring in. It keeps our sweet teachers so happy.

The main event came on Wednesday...



Crab Puffs!!! Regardless of the theme, every year they make crab puffs. They are the reason why some of our teachers come and teach at all. If there were no crab puffs, there would be a revolt. I would be sitting in the worship center with 3 other directors, a Children's Pastor and a Preschool Pastor with a whole mess of kids because there would be no teachers.


Oh, I kid. My sweet husband would be there to help. Mainly because he's not a crab fan.

Do you understand how important they are?

Okay... just so you REALLY get it...

One year, our kitchen staff decided to wait until Friday to make them. Kind of as an end of the week treat. By Wednesday, we literally had teachers that were getting a little upset.

The crab puffs... they are an institution.

As is Vacation Bible School. A wonderful event in the life of our church every summer when children from all over the area come and hear about our precious Jesus...

... and of course eat some great food!

An Update

Oh it's going to be a great week at VBS.

First off, I want to thank all of those out there (all 4 of you) who read my blog and have been praying for us (and me) this week.


Monday was interesting. First day and all. But I think we've got all the first day logistical bugs worked out.

Today (Tuesday) was much better and smoother.


Here's what I love:

• I am seeing so many families from outside of our church. Families that I know from other places. I love it!
• Hearing teachers and adults laughing with and having fun with the kids.
• The sound of children singing.
• Seeing Kindergarteners walking down the hall yelling, "Kindergarten ROCKS!" under the leadership of a man.
• Gettig a peek of each of my own kids in their classes having a great time learning about Jesus.

Here's what I hate:

• Having to figure out contingencies if weather turns bad and we lose power. I really hate that.
• My own fleshly attitude about stupid stuff that doesn't matter in the long run.

I'm planning a special VBS edition of Foodie Friday this week. It should prove to be absolutely wonderful.

That about sums it up for now. We're having a great week.

"Right" on the Issues

I've said it before, I'll say it again... I'm a conservative Republican. CON-SER-VA-TIVE!

Check back if you like and I'll have a link to this post on the "RIGHT" sidebar. I plan to update this post with links to articles I find interesting about current issues and politics.


*******

August 19, 2008

I did not watch the entire forum from Saddleback, but what I was able to watch was interesting. And here's an interesting article about it.

The New Evangelical Politics (E.J. Dionne, Real Clear Politics, August 19, 2008)

August 7, 2008

An article doesn't get much better than starting with a quote from the best movie known to man...

McCain Cuts Through the Farm Fertilizer (IBD Editorials, August 6, 2008)

August 4, 2008

In my opinion, all politicians are, or eventually become, quite narcissistic and egocentric. This is just an article that actually addresses this issue with one candidate.

Obama Cannot Keep Running on Narcissism (George F. Will, IBD Editorials, August 1, 2008)




July 28, 2008

In my husband's words... "I'll live in a cardboard box before I send my kids to public school if this stuff gets any traction."

NEA Teachers have become RE-Educators (Phyllis Schaffley, IBD Editorials, July 25, 2008)

** Just as a side note... we understand and recognize that the NEA does not represent the views of all public school teachers, nor do they determine the policies that are set. However, they are a special interest group that are lobbying our state and national governments with a left-wing agenda. It is good, as parents, to at the very least be aware of what's out there.

July 26, 2008

This article takes the cake!!!

He ventured forth to bring light to the world (Gerard Baker, The Times of London, July 25, 2008)

July 24, 2008

It's been a while since I've posted any articles. Been a little busy getting ready for, going on, and cleaning up after vacation.

This article struck me on several levels. These were not new ideas to me. In fact, the pervasiveness of similar attitudes within our own borders is astounding to me. Mr. Obamas views and appeal to those with these views is why his patriotism is questioned in my opinion.

Europe's Mosh Pit Of Anti-Americanism Awaits Barack Obama With Open Arms (IBD Editorials, July 23, 2008)



July 7, 2008

A Life and Death Issue (IBD Editorials, July 3, 2008)


July 3, 2008

Two interesting articles on life, the right to life, and the right to choose. Thought provoking on all fronts...

Considering "Death with Dignity" (Booth Gardner, Seattle Times, July 3, 2008)

Choosing the Children we want to Live (Ken BLackwell, Real Clear Politics, July 3, 2008)

July 2, 2008

There is much I could say on the topic of patriotism, the questioning of it, and the comments of the last 4-5 days between General Wesley Clark, Barak Obama, and John McCain. But for now, this is a good read for you:

How Relavent is Patriotism? Go Ask France (Thomas Sowell, IBD Editorials, July 1, 2008)

June 26, 2008

Let this not be true of us:

Faithful in pews might not be voters in November (by Phillip Elliot, Real Clear Politics, June 26, 2008)



June 23, 2008

I take this as a challenge of a more practical way to look at "climate change." It also caught my eye that a former client of mine from my LBK in corporate banking is mentioned.

Forget the planet, retrofit the Earth (by Daniel Henninger, Opinion Journal, June 19, 2008)



June 20, 2008

This article has a lot of numbers that kind of make my eyes cross, but if you can get past that, it's an interesting read:

Obama Turns FDR Upside Down (by Lawrence B. Lindsey, Opinion Journal, June 20, 2008)


June 18, 2008

This was just an interesting, thought-provoking read:

Democracy in Decline (Real Clear Politics, June 18, 2008)


June 17, 2008

This is a topic that I have posted about previously:

Will gay rights trample religious freedom? (Los Angeles Times, June 17, 2008)



June 16, 2008

This one may make you a little mad (my man suggested that disclaimer - he had a hard time sleeping after reading it because it made him so mad):

The Audacity of Death (Opinion Journal - June 5, 2008)

Summer doesn't have to mean time-off

Since the time he was born I've sung to my little man before putting him in his crib. Now-a-days, he asks me to come sing a song with him. But my standard of "Jesus Loves Me" doesn't always do the trick.


Son: Sing a different song.


Mom: Which song do you want to sing?


Son: The different song.


Oh, okay. I know just the one you're talking about.

So the other night we were going through this same routine and he asked me about my necklace.


Son: What's that?


Mom: It's my necklace.


Son: But what's that on your necklace?


Mom: It's a cross. You know, like Jesus died on the cross for our sins.


This is where I almost spew milk out of my nose laughing so hard... I guess if I were drinking milk...


As a point of explanation: I try to lead my kids to the right answer sometimes by prompting them with the first sound of the w____ (word).


Mom: And then, on the third day he was a____...


Son: A big boy.



Mom: A-live.

This went on for a few more sentences and I can't for the life of me remember all the cute sentence endings he came up with. But after a moment he seemed to get serious and he said to me...

Son: The soldiers cut Jesus body.

Mom: Yes, they did. They hurt him a lot.

Son: Yeah... they hurt him. The soldiers cut Jesus body.

I know he had to learn this at BSF in the preschool program because we did just finish studying Matthew. You know, we go to BSF once a week, and we've been done with it for 3 weeks now (at the time I originally wrote this on 6/4/08). I am constantly amazed at what he takes in and what he remembers. They don't baby these kids and I love volunteering in the preschool program at BSF. It's not just childcare... it is Bible teaching time. Yes, they play, but the principles of that day's story are interwoven through the entire morning and God plants those seeds of faith into them.

If you've got preschoolers, I'd highly recommend finding a day women's class of BSF to attend along with your preschooler (age 2-5). Not only will God grow you through it, but He will surely grow your kids.

And I really can't wait until Nathan is out of the preschool program and he, Sarah and I can all attend an evening class together. I hear the evening children's program is great also.

But for now, my little man continues to ask when we're going back to Bible Study. He doesn't want to take the summer off. And neither do I.