Wordless Wednesday - Letting Go

My poor dog...

The wildest thing happened recently. Our Welsh Corgi, Gus, began twitching his right eye.

At first I feard something neurological had occured and that we might lose him also. Because you know, I NEVER worry.

Nor do I exaggerate.

EVER.

However, once we noticed discharge coming from the eye, we thought it was a simple case of doggie pink eye. Yuck... but doable.

Well, after 2 trips to our vet, and his eye becoming very cloudy (like a cataract) we were set to an animal eye specialist.

Yes, such a thing exists.

What did we find? He got a puncture wound to his cornea at some point which introduced a fungal infection. Now we have to medicate his eye 6 times a day. SIX TIMES!!!

But my Gus-Gus is worth it.

I mean really... who couldn't love this...

Just a reminder about my running list of "soapbox" issues and articles on the side bar... "Right" on the Issues. I posted a good one today for parents of school aged children.

Update on Mom and Dad for Miracle Monday

I was really touched by the story my dad told about his recent ministry experience and felt that it was a good story to post as a true miracle this fine Monday.

For the sake of those who read here who do not know my whole story, I'll give just a little back-ground. My parents left in January of this year to minister in South Asia for 2 years as part of a program for retirees through our denomination's international missions organization. My dad has, for many years, ministered in prisons and has done a bit of globe trotting doing disaster relief work. In other words, when I really stop and think aobut it, it is not surprising that the Lord would call them to this task.

Side Note: Forgive me if any of this is confusing. I am omitting all names of people and places as I cannot give specifics of their location or anything for their safety.

My dad recently posted a story on their own website that really touched me and confirmed for me why they are where they are.

As I said, my dad has ministered in prisons for years here in the states. First through a large para-church prison ministry organization. And most recently just in a prison located locally near where they lived. So, it made sense to him that the Lord would want him to continue that ministry no matter where in the world he was and he believed that Holy Spirit had put such a desire in his heart.

He began to explore possibilities and found that Hindus and Muslims were effectively ministering in prisons where he is. But no doors were opened to him.

Then, he got word from the states that a Christian brother had been imprisoned near him and he was asked to make a "pastoral visit" if possible. He did so and I'm certain that he was a huge comfort and encouragement to this man who could only sit there and wonder, "Why has this happened?"

On one of these visits he took with him a local pastor who he thought might be able to aid in the man's release. This did not work out, but in the course of the prison visit, the local pastor found that he was long time friends with the Assistant Superindendent of the prison, who is also a Chrisitian. They had a nice reunion and they were told that they could come any time to lead in Christian worship and pass out literature.

The man my dad had originally visited in the prison has been released and is back in the U.S., but we have seen the answer to his "Why". My dad and his pastor friend recently led worship in that prison, freely preached the gospel and passed out Bibles and tracts. They also have opportunities openning up to them in other prisons nearby, including what he has heard to be the largest prison in their country.

God truly works miracles. And when difficult times come for us, we never can tell what may happen as a result or how others may be blessed because of our faith.

Romans 8:28-29 (NIV)

"And we know that in all things God works for the good fo those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers."

If you think about them, please pray for them and pray specifically for this area of ministry for my dad.

Also as a side note, there have been some localized bombs being detinated in their area over the weekend. Please be in prayer for their safety as well.

For other Miracle Monday stories or to share your own, visit Beth at A Mom's Life.

Foodie Friday - Herb Garden

OK - so I realized right after I made that last post that I had something else I wanted to do for Foodie Friday next week. So, I finished this one up and you're getting it today.

Oh the indecision... it's a killer, isn't it?

So like it or not, here's this week's installment.

~~~


A wonderful thing about summer is the food. Of course, that's a wonderful thing about fall... winter... oh heck, spring too. But they're all different.

Many (including one of my bff's) will disagree with me on this, but one lovely thing about summer is the tomatoes. The fresh, vine ripe, sweet tomatoes. I got some at Costco last weekend.

Which, by the way, Costco last weekend was a mad-house. Is Christmas coming early this year? Because I don't think that everyone there was just buying tomatoes. Good grief.

But I digress.

So I bought these tomatoes and paired them with some fresh cucumbers from my man's aunt's garden. I added some feta, fresh herbs and EVOO and we had ourselves a beautiful and quite tasty, I might add, Greek salad.

Which kind of leads into my topic for today. Not really. But hey, it's my blog, and so I'll say it does.

Herbs.

I deeply believe in having a fresh herb garden. For one thing, there are times when fresh herbs are just preferable to dried for a particular recipe. Especially for grilled or fresh dishes. Dried herbs are perfect for soups, stews, and things that cook for a while. So, in order to have fresh herbs you either grow them, or buy them. I try very hard to not buy them because typically all I need is a few sprigs... then the rest of it eventually goes bad. With my own garden... I don't have to worry about it going bad.

I just have to worry about killing it.

Which is actually hard to do with herbs. Even in the Texas heat. Most of them are fairly well adapted to hot and dry conditions.

But here's a run down of essential herbs in my garden...

Sweet Basil

It's almost indestructible. I use it quite a bit with tomatoes in the summer months. But it is an annual which means you have to plant a new one each year. So worth it, though, IMO.

Thyme

Lots and lots of thyme. Right now I actually have three different varieties. The one pictured is lemon thyme which has a wonderful citrusy taste and smell. Wonderful with seafood such as shrimp along with some lemon juice to enhance this flavor.

Chives

I believe these were called garlic chives. They are very flavorful and easier than anything to grow.

Something new for this year,

Purple Sage

I haven't really used this yet, but I thought it was such a gorgeous little plant that I had to get one. I still need to do some research on what to use it with. But I think it would probably be great on some grilled chicken.

Not pictured: Rosemary (I use this all the time, especially on lamb chops. However, ours is as old as our house and is on it's last leg... I've got to dig it up in the fall and plant a new one), Flat Leaf Parsley (I use this a lot, but unfortunately, mine didn't survive a transplant within my yard... still looking for that perfect place for them), Oregano.

~~~~

Greek Salad

Several vine ripe tomatoes (cut in largish bite size pieces)
Sliced cucumbers (cut in half if they are large - but bite size)
Chopped fresh herbs (any combination of basil, oregano, thyme, etc wll do)
Salt & Pepper to taste
Feta cheese (I prefer slices over crumbled)
Extra Virgin Olive oil

When we were in Greece several years ago, we noticed it was served with the vegetables layered on bottom with some salt/pepper and some herbs. Then the slices of feta on top with the herbs sprinkled on top of that. Then the EVOO was drizzled on top of that. It's so beautiful and cool and delicious for a summer side dish.

Packin'

Ok - so the Foodie Friday post didn't happen at all yesterday. I started working on it and then realized... "Hey, it's Saturday." So, you'll get that post next Friday. I promise it will be worth the wait.

Or not.

Besides, today we're busy getting our princess ready to take her to camp tomorrow.

Yeah, you read that right. Camp. All week - over-night stayin' - horse ridin' - bb gun shootin' - lake swimmin' - CAMP.

She's so excited she just can hardly stand it.

Me?

I'm excited for her, but I'm nervous for her at the same time. I'm certain I'll be posting more on this as the week progresses.

But for now, we're just doin' our Saturday thang and getting some laundry and packing done.

~Donna

Foodie Friday will be posted later on this evening. I haven't finished it yet because, well, you know, I have to live, right?

:)

~~Donna

It's time for some campaigning

This kind of illustrates my previous post about adults acting like children. But, it's pretty darn funny at the same time. Especially when those being jabbed at tend to act like children themselves on a fairly regular basis.

A little equal opportunity political humor for you this fine day:

General Disclaimer: The viewing of the following video may cause damage to your computer due to any residual fluid that may be contained in your mouth being ejected out of your nostrils while laughing.

Disclaimer to women who have given birth: Cross your legs or go visit the potty before viewing.

Disclaimer to parents: Um, there may be a word or two that you don't want your children to repeat.

Who is the child, here?

When did we, as adults become so childish?

What happened to having an intelligent, well mannered discussion of politics, religion, social or economic issues?

When did we, as a nation, lose our tact and sense of decency toward one another?

These questions were plaguing my man and I this evening as we seemed to read one thing after another that really seemed like childish name-calling from those who claim to be adults... intellectuals, even.

I came into the dining room after reading this article and it's related comments about how James Dobson is considering endorsing John McCain. Personally, I don't care who anyone endorses... I've got my beliefs and they most closely line up with McCain, and that's who I'm voting for. But the venom that was spewed in the comments was worse than any group of teenage mean girls. I just sat there and shook my head.

Then Mike was reading this article on creationism vs. evolution. He said the article was good, until it's author took a parting shot in calling it "gross stupidity" to "repose their faith in divine providence and godly design." Wow... he just called me grossly stupid. Was that really necessary?

And it comes from all sides. We've seen it come from Republicans as they take shots at Democrats and liberals. And, unfortunately, from Christians and church-goers as they are involved in the politics of governement or even the politics of church.

So, from where has this childish manner of relating to other people come?

Is it a self perpetuating one-upmanship contest between the public and the media? Where a trend begins and the media (be it tv, movies, or whatever) mirrors it and in an effort to be edgy takes it a little further... then the public catches up and takes it a little further... and so on.

Is there any thing we can, in particular, point the finger at? The Baby-boomers? The "hippies" (two groups that my man loves to blame for anything)?

I've heard it said that women in families tend to be the holders of traditions. So, is it a function of the feminist movement and we, as women, have thown off those traditions and failed to pass on the ideals of good manners in conversation? I tell you, women have certainly become so much more coarse in conversation in the last 15 - 20 years. So I, personally, think that this possibility cannot be ruled out.

Ladies, let us guard our words and teach our children to do the same.

Psalm 19:12-14 (NIV)

Who can discern his errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.
Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then will I be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
(emphasis mine)

You’ll never guess what I did this summer…

I did the unthinkable while on vacation.

I picked up a book.

I started reading it.

I finished it.

It was…. well, for me it was weird.

I am one of the few people I know and in my sphere of influence that is not an avid reader. I read the occasional marriage, parenting, or Christian living book. But reading is not something that I just do for pleasure. I guess because to me, it’s not… well, it’s not usually pleasant.

However, there was this book that I had seen on several people’s blogs and it seemed that a lot of people were reading it. So, when I saw that the lady under the umbrella next door had it with her on the beach, I just had to ask her about it. She said it was one of those that you just couldn’t put down. I corrected her that I certainly could put any good book down and she looked at me and said emphatically, “Not this one.”

OK. I get it. Sold.

Mike and I went to the bookstore that afternoon during naptime so that we each could get a book. He got some spy novel thing… you know, Ludlum or Clancy or someone like that.

I got The Shack. I didn’t know the author. I didn’t even know that it was Christian fiction. All I knew was the title.

After I finished it five minutes later, my mother-in-law asked how it was. I thought about it and it seems funny to say, but this is what I came up with:

Not knowing anything about it when I started it, I didn’t really have any expectations. But, at the same time, it wasn’t what I expected.

It really was good. And what was interesting was all the different levels of theology that were thrown in. Ideas that are just kind of tossed out there for you to think and mull over. I’d say it is especially good for anyone who has experienced a loss that they’ve had a difficult time reconciling. But as I told a friend, you’d have to read it once there was some time-space between you and the loss. I can’t imagine reading it with emotions still raw from a loss.

So all-in-all, The Shack… a good read and an interesting perspective. It'll definitely make you think a little. And God may just use one or two of the ideas to speak to you, right where you are. Two thumbs up.