A Defined Life

52 Fridays {4} - Blueberry Coffee Cake

2012-01-27T19:56:00.003-06:00

Being late with this post is proof that it's been a long day!

Had to drive out of town for a house closing, drive back into town, pick up my brother at the airport, swing by for a visit Mom and Dad, and round out the evening at Santa Fe Steak House with my husband.

Now I'm back home, plopped in my recliner, and ready to share some yummy goodness with you.

I'm sure any blueberries will do for this recipe, but I highly recommend that you go blueberry picking in the Summer if you have never been. Lots of fun, and you can freeze all the berries you get, and eat them all year long!

Blueberry Coffee Cake

Cake:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries ( I actually use mine after they've been frozen)

1 egg

1/2 cup milk

1/4 cup butter melted

Topping:

1/4 cup butter melted

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 425. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Gently fold in blueberries. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, milk and butter. Add to the flour mixture and stir carefully. Spread into a greased 8 x 8 inch baking pan. Combine all topping ingredients and sprinkle over batter. Bake at 425 for 20-25 minutes or until top is light golden brown. Serve warm or at room temperature.

I know you'll enjoy this one!

Now a few questions for you:

1. Do you eat breakfast every morning? If so, what do you typically eat? - I rarely eat breakfast during the work week. If I do, it will usually be oatmeal or a poached egg on toast. On the weekends I fix a big breakfast for my husband.

2. Is your spouse a good cook? Yes, my husband is a great cook. He doesn't cook real often, but everything he fixes is usually very good. The last thing he fixed was just this week and he make homemade fish chowder with some of the fish he caught in the Spring. We always have a freezer full of fish!

3. If you knew you were going to be eating your last meal, what would you want to eat? My favorite dish is a curry chicken dish of my aunt's. I would definitely have that. For dessert, I would probably want at least one of my caramel brownies. I just made some for my neighbor, and I told my husband if I could only have one more dessert, that would be it.

Okay, now it's your turn. I'd like to hear the answers to the questions and see any photos you've got to share! You can share your answers in the comment box or on your blog. Next week I plan to have a linky up for those of you who would like to share on your blog. In the meantime, if you have a photo just let us know in the comment box and we will hop on over and take a look at it.

Have a great weekend!

Rally for Life

2012-01-25T17:17:00.000-06:00

The Reverend Luke Robinson gives a stirring message at the March for Life rally calling out President Obama and other national leaders.

(You can watch the video here. I encourage you take the time to look at it. I had it posted here, but for some reason it kept playing over and over and I didn't want the audio to get on anyone's nerves. So, you can just go to the link and check it out. You'll be glad you did.)

The fight for life has gone on for so long. Have we grown weary? Are we finding our own comfort in this culture more pressing?

As a Christian I most vote in this election, not just for a pro-life candidate, they all say they are pro-life, but I must pray that God will lead me to the candidate that most clearly represents a person of God's Word. Is there a perfect candidate? No, maybe not. But I believe that God is interested in every aspect of our lives including who leads this nation. His Word tells us that He is the one who puts the governments in power, and he commands us to pray for our governers.

Are you praying about this election? I ask that you join me in daily, fervent prayer that God's candidate will be recognized, and that he won't be veiled from our eyes. I pray that I will be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, and that I will be willing to vote for the candidate he leads me to regardless of who that may be.

Still Standing

2012-01-24T20:29:00.000-06:00

2 Corinthians 4:8-10

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.

This house has weathered the storms of 100 years, and it still stands. Like this old house, my life has weathered storms and will weather more, but by the grace of God I will continue to stand until my journey is over, and I find myself sitting at the feet of Jesus.

The Mauney House built in 1911 and located in Murfreesboro, Arkansas near Crater of Diamonds State Park. M.M. Mauney's home stood on many acres of diamond mining land and was the center of the Mauney diamond mining operation.

Sharing with:

Sweet Shot Tuesday

Wordless Wednesday With Words

Word-Filled Wednesday

Outdoor Wednesday

Joy Dare {1046 - 1066}

2012-01-23T02:06:00.000-06:00

Today I continue my count to two thousand as I participate in the Joy Dare. There are gifts all around us. Are you looking for them?

Three ways you witnessed happiness today:

1046. attending the Sunday school bean supper

1047. seeing my puppy wag his tail every time I pull in the driveway after work

1048. Dr. Ring telling my mother, "It is a privilege to be a part of your life."

One gift that made you laugh, one gift that made you pray, one gift that made you quiet:

1049. my husband is always making me laugh about something

1050. our friend Lowell. It is a gift to know him, and this week he is in the hospital very sick.

1051. the church bells ringing as I leave work. I work at a public university, but there is a church just off campus that plays old hymns through the bell tower. I'm not sure if they play every hour, but they are definitely playing at 5:00 every day. There is some quiet irony as I walk from my office to my car singing the hymns that play and wonder how many of these students don't know what they are hearing.

Three gifts from God's word:

1052. Psalm 118:1 - Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.

1053. 1 Peter 2:6 - As the Scriptures say, "I am placing a cornerstone in Jerusalem, chosen for great honor, and anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced."

1054. Hebrews 1:3 - The Son radiates God's own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.

A grace in the kitchen, a grace in the weather, a grace that might never have been:

1055. au gratin potatoes. I made homemade au gratin potatoes for the first time and they were yummy! I've made potatoes lots of ways from scratch, but not this old familiar tradition.

1056. a blustery wind

1057. Jill's adoption. If she hadn't been adopted by the family who adopted her, I would never have met her. She is very sick. She is dying from pancreatic cancer. She is only 46. I might never have known her, and I might never have been able to pray in these difficult days.

Three gifts you saw only when you got close up:

1058. my puppy's wet nose

1059. my mother's hands

1060. learning more about my friend Judy

One thing in the sky, one thing from your memory, one thing that is ugly-beautiful:

1061. a contrail left by an airplane

1062. riding with my father in his GTO when I was a little girl

1063. the death of my friend Wally last week. The death and how it occurred (being hit by a car) was ugly, but his life was beautiful, and I anticipate that the Holy Spirit will be present at his funeral this week.

One grace wrinkled, one grace, smoothed, one grace unfolded:

1064. a used napkin bunched up after cleaning barbecue off my hands

1065. my freshly brushed hair

1066. a clean wash cloth every morning

A blessing captured . . . my Christmas tree. (No my tree was not still up this week - I took it down last week!)

A Holy Experience - The Joy Dare

Above the Falls

2012-01-22T11:22:00.001-06:00

You may remember the photos of the waterfall I posted the other day. You can find them here if not.

The photos in this set were taken above the falls. The falls were just a few feet behind me as I took these.

The water looks quite still and almost frozen like in these photos. That is because I slowed the shutter speed way down to give sort of a glassy appearance. I sure had fun playing around with my camera that day, learning what I could do with shutter speed etc.

I hope you sense the peacefulness of that place when you look at these.

(By the way, has anyone else been having problems with their photos not looking as sharp once they've been uploaded to the blog? On my computer, and in my Picasa album these look sharp as a tack, but when I uploaded them to my blog they look kinda fuzzy to me. So, to try to fix the problem I uploaded them to Flickr and attached them from there. This cleared them up a bit.)

Sharing with Spiritual Sundays and Scripture and a Snapshot

and my first time linking up with:

52 Fridays (3) ~ A Light Snuffed Out

2012-01-20T12:23:00.000-06:00

I have to apologize for breaking the rules of my 52 Fridays again. My heart is heavy today, and I just don't feel like posting some random photo that I took this week.

My heart is heavy because one of our dear friends was killed last night. His name is Wally. He is a retired minister, full of life and light that comes from serving Jesus. He was also the chaplain for the police department in the city where our church is located. He was a vibrant member of our Sunday school class, so full of joy, funny, and literally the life of every party.

He had just left the girls' basketball game at a local college. He was planning to go home to check on his wife who was ailing and then go back for the boys game. He stepped off a curb and was struck by an oncoming vehicle. He was killed.

Maybe his light was snuffed out in that instant, but then again maybe not. He was a reflection of Jesus that will live on in the lives of those he touched and ministered to, and he is now in the presence of the light of the world.

Now, I have some questions for you . . .

Have you ever suddenly and very unexpectedly lost someone you care about? ~ Besides my friend Wally, I lost another friend suddenly this year. I think when someone has not been sick, and you are not anticipating their death, it is harder to come to terms with in some ways. It just doesn't really sink in. But I'm so thankful I know where they are at!

Do you know someone who is full of life? You know, those people that just bring a smile to your face - they just brighten your day because they entered the room. Tell us about it, and then tell them how thankful you are for them. ~ For me, my husband is that way. I don't know anyone that doesn't like him. He smiles a lot, is so funny, has the gift of helps, and just knows how to bring joy. I also have a co-worker that is very gifted at bringing joy to everything she does.

Have you ever committed a random act of kindness anonymously? ~ I have to say I'm guilty of not doing this anonymously too often. Usually people know I'm doing it. But, I do on occasion leave anonymous treats or notes for my co-workers. I either leave them on their desk or mailbox. It's just a way to help them have a good day.

I'd like to hear the answers to your questions and see any photos you took this week. You can either let us know in the comment box, or if you want to create a post on your blog you can do that too. If you create a post, please be so kind as to leave a link back here. Still no Mr. Linky, but maybe in the future.

Have a wonderful weekend, and let your light shine!

Anthony Chapel

2012-01-17T21:39:00.000-06:00

The reason I chose Arkansas for our little vacation during December is because I wanted to see Anthony Chapel in person. So, we planned our trip around Anthony Chapel, and it was so worth it. Since we went right after Christmas, we were also able to enjoy the Christmas lights adorning the garden. Anthony Chapel is a glass and wood structure nestled in the woods at Garvan Woodland Gardens. We planned to arrive before sunset so I could take photos before and after dark.

What a beautiful place to see and worship at. If you ever have a chance to go, it is well worth it!

Sharing with: Show Off Your Shot

Sweet Shot Tuesday

The Creative Exchange

Wordless Wednesday w/ Alicia

Outdoor Wednesday

Midweek Blues

ABC Wednesday (A is for Anthony Chapel)

Word-filled Wednesday

Another Thousand

2012-01-16T02:52:00.000-06:00

When I reached #1000 on my gratitude list, I wasn't sure if I would continue with my list here on my blog or just keep on going with my pen and paper journal, but I have decided to keep sharing a bit of it here. I had a little motivation from my friend Tami and from this Joy Dare at A Holy Experience. So, today I continue counting on my way to 2000. I am getting a late start with the Joy Dare so I am posting two weeks of gratitude here today.

Three things about yourself you are grateful for:

1001. being worry free in the midst of trials
1002. my eyes
1003. my tender heart

A gift outside, inside, and on a plate:

1004. 57 degrees
1005. de-cluttered coffee table
1006. peanut butter, butter, and jelly sandwiches

Three lines you overheard that were graces:

1007. "Will you be the queen of my double-wide trailer?" - hubby
1008. "I cannot thank you enough for your help in such a timely manner." - student
1009. "Goodbye friend." - Mom

One gift old, new, and blue:

1010. my father
1011. my new Epiphany camera bag
1012. my 3 story doll house which I recently reacquired from my parents' home

Something you are reading, making, seeing:

1013. "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson
1014. photo CD's
1015. a photo of my niece playing the violin

One thing in your bag, your fridge, your heart:

1016. my new smart phone
1017. 3 pounds of bacon
1018. peace

Three graces from people you love:

1019. affection from my husband
1020. prayers from a friend
1021. help from my sister

Light that caught you, a reflection that surprised you, a shadow that fell lovely:

1022. Anthony Chapel at night
1023. what I see in me when I look to my husband
1024. in some ways I think of my father's disease as a shadow hanging over us, but God is using it to teach great lessons that are falling lovely on my soul.

Anthony Chapel at night. More on Anthony Chapel on Wednesday.

A gift in your hand, a gift you walked by, a gift you sat with:

1025. my new briefcase
1026. students changing classes
1027. my mother

A gift that's sour, sweet, just right:

1028. dill pickles
1029. millionaire pie
1030. guacamole

January 11 ~ Three yellow things that strike you as fresh mercy:

1031. vintage sugar and creamer
1032. yellow school bus lunch box
1033. a bowl of sliced lemon

Something above you, below you, beside you:

1034. my boss
1035. my office chair
1036. my co-worker, a Christian and gentle in spirit

Three sounds you hear:

1037. the printer
1038. bacon sizzling
1039. my husband's voice

Three ways you glimpsed the startling grace of God:

1040. I dreamt about Mom and Dad last night. They were 30 years younger, but I was still 45. I was able to touch, see, and experience what it was like to be with them in those days in a new and fresh way. It brought our lives together full-circle and reconnected me with who they were then, who they are now, and how little time has really passed.
1041. being able to see the joy in my experience of having a father with Alzheimer's
1042. the timing of God as my husband sensed the need to check on a friend only to find out he had just been admitted to the hospital yesterday.

One thing you wore, one thing you gave away, one thing you shared:

1043. a lacy top
1044. a thank you gift to someone who has been a big help to me
1045. birthday wishes with a friend

Take the dare, and see all that God has in store for you this year!

Word Filled Wednesday, Communal Global

52 Fridays (2) - A Lame Week

2012-01-13T12:57:00.000-06:00

It has been a lame week in the photography department. For my 52 Fridays post I'm wanting to share at least one photo I took this week. Well, the only photo I took was this one as I walked out of my office on campus one evening. No tripod or planning, just a camera and a snap. Lame. I've been working late every night for the last two weeks which is part of the reason I'm finding it hard to find photography time. But, I've been blessed each night to leave the building I work in only to be faced with a glorious sky such as this.

I hope you've had a better photography week than I. I don't have a Mr. Linky up, but please leave a comment to let us know if you have a photo from this week posted to your blog. We'll hop on over and take a look. I'm still looking to see if there is enough interest from my readers to share in 52 Fridays before I add a linky.

Now, take a peek below. I've got some questions for you!

I thought I might take the opportunity on Fridays to get to know you all a little better. So here are a few random questions for you. I'll ask a few each week. You can answer them in the comment box or answer them on your blog and let us know in the comment box so we can come check out your answers.

Do you work full-time outside the home or inside the home? - I work outside the home, but I don't have children. If I did have children, I would want to stay home with them. My house would also probably be a lot cleaner. (I hope)

What is the favorite part of your day? - My favorite part of the day is probably the hour I have between the time I get up in the morning and the time I actually start getting ready for work. I drink hot tea, read my Bible, visit with my husband, blog. I squeak every minute out of that hour that I can before I hop in the shower.

Sunrise or sunset? - I prefer the sunset probably because I'm not much of a morning person even if I have to get up early, but the sunset also seems to usually have more intense and glorious colors. But really should I even ask you to choose? They are both beautiful reminders of God's presence!

Do you have any questions for me?

Let us know if you have a photo posted today that you'd like us to check out!

Wispy Waterfalls

2012-01-10T21:43:00.000-06:00

John 7:37-39
On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink.

Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.

By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.

I visualize the movement of the Holy Spirit in my life as I view these waterfalls, and it causes me to realize how small I often make him. He is mighty and powerful, alive and working within me, even me.

I promised more photos of my trip. These were also taken at Lake Catherine. My first attempt at capturing whispy waterfalls.

Sharing with Outdoor Wednesday, Sweet Shot Tuesday, Midweek Blues,

52 Fridays - Best of 2011 Part 2

2012-01-06T18:26:00.000-06:00

I'm continuing with my best of 2011 post. I suppose these are not necessarily the "best" photos from a technical stand point, but they are some of my favorite photos. Many memories wrapped up in my 2011 favorites.

Canadian Goose

Friendly Cow

Rainy Highway

Firebird

Thunderbird

On Down the Road

My Puppy

Sunrise

Dragonfly - My absolute favorite photo of 2011.

Okay, that's it! Now every Friday this will be the place to showcase one or more photos from the week so come get your camera, take some photos this week, and come back here to share with us!

52 Fridays - The Best of 2011

2012-01-05T09:28:00.001-06:00

I decided several months ago that when the new year began I would start a new regular post on Fridays called 52 Fridays. I intended to make it a meme that everyone could join in on, but in recent days I have seen a couple of other "52" memes pop up that I'm sure others are joing in on. I've always liked the idea of the 365 photo a day projects, but they are just a bit unrealistic for me. So, I thought I would post on Fridays one or more photos taken the previous week. No prompts or challenges, simply a gallery to share photos. The only rule is the photos have to have been taken that week. I feel this encourages continued use of the camera without the pressure of trying to get a photo every single day. If you think you'd like to join in with me, let me know, and I might begin adding a Mr. Linky. Otherwise, I will continue on my own with a 52 Fridays post every week!

Now, for this week I am already breaking my own rule for my own post. Instead of posting pictures from this week I hope you will allow me to do a best of 2011 post. In fact this is going to take me two posts because it is 11:00 and I need to get to bed!

Here is round one of my favorite photos from 2011. Some of you have already seen this, but I hope you will enjoy!!

My Fisherman

Red-Tailed Hawk

Statue of Christ at the Holy City, Oklahoma

Sunset Near Quartz Mountain in Western Oklahoma

Pear Blossoms

This Little Piggy

Niece #2 - A College Graduate

Nieces #2, 4, and 5 After #4's High School Graduation

That's round one! More to come . . .

Lake Catherine

2012-01-04T00:30:00.000-06:00

The first few photos I have to share from my trip find us at Lake Catherine where we stayed in a refurbished fishing barrack that was originally built in 1930.

It was so beautifully remodeled and decorated. I could have stayed there forever, tucked back in a little cove on the lake.

The most beautiful scene outside the front of the cabin was in the early morning when the fog was rolling over the lake. No this is not a picture of the fog. I hate to admit that I was too lazy and enjoying my sleep-in time too much to get up, get dressed, and go out in the cold that early to take pictures of fog. Someday I will get pictures of fog, but not on this vacation. I did enjoy looking at it through the screened in porch!

The stay at the cabin was so peaceful. We did get out and about to see other sites which I will show you later, but I spent a lot of time sleeping and reading in the cabin as well. Remember, I was on a much needed vacation!

A few more photos to come in the days ahead.

Sharing with Outdoor Wednesday.

A Day In January

2012-01-01T21:28:00.000-06:00

It is . . . January 1, 2012

Outside my window . . . it is cool and clear.

I am hearing . . . the static of the radio as my husband searches for the OSU/Stanford game. (We just realized the game isn't on until tomorrow!)

I am wearing . . . a pink sweat shirt, grey shorts, bare feet.

I am creating . . . goals for the New Year.

I am looking forward to . . . turning over new leaves. (Hopefully not the same ones I've turned over and over!)

I am thankful . . . for fresh starts.

I am praying . . . the John Wesley Covenant Prayer:

I am no longer my own, but thine.

Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt.

Put me to doing, put me to suffering.

Let me be employed for thee or laid aside for thee,

exalted for thee or brought low for thee.

Let me be full, let me be empty.

Let me have all things, let me have nothing.

I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal.

And now, O glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

thou art mine, and I am thine.

So be it.

And the covenant which I have made on earth,

let it be ratified in heaven.

Amen.

I am hoping . . . to be even more God focused this year.

I am remembering . . . New Year's eve with my parents in years past. New Year's eve celebrations have not big a big deal in our house. We used to watch the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson until it was midnight in New York City. New Year's day consisted of a traditional New Year's dinner of corned beef, cabbage, and black eyed peas.

I am noticing that . . . Celebrations and holidays are different as you grow older. The reality of life puts them in perspective. They are wonderful times of joy and relationship building, but not fantastical as they were as a child. We often talk about building memories. But having a father with Alzheimer's has taught me that our memories aren't guaranteed. It really isn't about building the memories, it's about being in the present moment to love, to spread joy, to serve, to minister. That moment may remain for some, but may be lost to others so living in the present moment and living in it completely is so important. Someday our present moments may be all we have until we meet the Lord. What does God want for me in this moment? That is the question I must continually ask myself. How it affects the future is God's business.

I am reading . . . Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton.

Words to think about . . . "Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly" - GK Chesterton. This year I hope to take myself lightly.

A moment from my week . . . We took a quick respite for a few days in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas. It helped me to regain some perspective, motivation, and creativity. A few photos to share in the days to come.

Something you may not know about me . . . Every summer between the ages of 9 and 16 I spent three weeks at a Christian athletic camp in the Ozarks called Kanakuk. I learned how to do everything there from water skiing to rappelling to star identification - even knot tying. This is also where I became a Christian, giving my life to the Lord during one of the evening services at age 9.

One of my favorite things . . . the glow of the living room lit only by the Christmas tree lights.

For my picture journal . . . from my living room to yours . . .

Is this a great state or what!

This Joy

2011-12-24T11:34:00.001-06:00

Who can give this kind of joy?

The kind of joy that doesn't flee in the midst of troubles?

The kind of joy that has settled deep in my soul to stay?

Jesus. Only Jesus.

May you know this joy today and every day and in all circumstances.

I love you guys! Merry Christmas!

See you after the New Year!

I Apologize

2011-11-20T18:14:00.001-06:00

I thought I could do it, but I just can't.

Do what?

It all.

I've been trying to do it all for too long, and I need a real break.

I haven't taken any "real" photographs in two months.

My blog posts are thrown together.

My life has been overtaken by the care of my parents, full-time work, my commute, a continued house rennovation, and supporting my step-son who moved back home 4 months ago.

The stress is affecting me physically, emotionally, creatively and spiritually.

I feel drained, and I don't want to continue to cheat my readers with leftovers.

I need to let Jesus refill my cup.

I'm going to take a break from this blog for awhile. This means my new meme (which I shouldn't have started when I did) Weekend Wrap-Up will be postponed until a later date. Maybe we will start that up at the first of the new year.

I pray you all will have a gratitude filled Thanksgiving and a joyous Christmas as you celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Email me if you need anything at all or would just like to say hi. Love you guys!

Until next time . . .grace and peace.

Stephani

The Thread

2011-11-16T20:27:00.001-06:00

Weekend Wrap-up 2 - People Webs

2011-11-13T17:35:00.001-06:00

Hello, hello, hello! The weekend is almost a wrap, and am I'm excited to hear what has happened in your neck of the woods!

Here are the rules for Weekend Wrap-up. I won't include these every week, but since this is only our second week I thought it would be a good idea to include them:

1. Write a post sharing something with us that happened over the weekend. Did you go somewhere fun? Tell us all about it! Did you try a new recipe? Share! Did you make something? Show us how! Did you go to Church? What did God teach you? Did you take some photographs? We want to see them! Did you sit at home and twiddle your thumbs? That's okay, tell us a good story about something simple. It doesn't matter, we just want to hear about your weekend! Photos are strongly encouraged, but not required.

2. You must put a link in your post that directs your readers back to my post. The idea is to share, get to know each other, and meet some new faces. If you fail to link back to my post I reserve the right to delete your link. I know everyone forgets once in awhile, but consistently drawing people to your blog, but not linking up with the community is not acceptable. I will have a button soon which might make things easier for everyone!

3. Visit others who have linked up. The purpose of this meme is not to advertise your blog, but to share with friends, learn something new, and be encouraged by the interaction.

4. Anything that I deem to be morally offensive will be removed. This is a family friendly blog so please keep the posts that you link up in line with that philosophy.

5. Have fun!

Now, on to my weekend wrap-up post!

I actually drove to the lake on Saturday, and can you believe I did not take one photo! It was a business trip so to speak because we were meeting with Realtors as we begin the work to sell some of my parents' property. But I must tell you, the quick trip there and back was quite relaxing. It was just good to see some new scenery and get away from the house. I've been so tied down by the responsibilities I have with my parents that just a drive down the highway felt like a relief!

You may have noticed in my post title the words People Webs. People Webs is the name of a blog and an Etsy shop where I bought the cutest ear warmer. It arrived in the mail yesterday, and I can tell you I am so pleased. It is a handmade crochet ear warmer, so reasonably priced. I think I'm going to order more for gifts! Here is a photo of Lindsi, the creator of these cute little things. She is modeling the black one that I bought. She can make them in any color. I tried and tried to get a photo of myself wearing mine, and it just wasn't working out. Besides, Lindsi is much cuter! Please, please, please visit People Webs and check them out!

People Webs

Beautiful Handmade Corchet Items

So, those are the highlights of my weekend. What about you? Link up and let us hear about it.

A Different Look at Afghanistan

2011-11-13T07:22:00.001-06:00

He has made everything beautiful in it's time.

He has also set eternity in the hearts of men.

Ecclesiastes 3:11

There are people all over the world who need the Lord. I pray I won't neglect the searching souls who need him simply because of where they are from. I am commanded to love. Just love.

I hope you'll take the time to view this photo, and be reminded that in every man there lies an eternal soul that will spend eternity somewhere. My hope is in Jesus. I pray those who don't know him, will find him.

Afghanistan – touch down in flight from Augustin Pictures on Vimeo.

Sharing with Spiritual Sundays and Scripture and a Snapshot.

(I hope Katie will forgive me for bending the rules a bit. The snapshots in this video are obviously not mine, but worth sharing with everyone!)

Don't forget Weekend Wrap-up! The link will open this evening. Share something with us from your weekend, and please include in your post a link back to my blog. Placing a link in your post connects folks to the Wrap-up and will help them find other bloggers to share with. I am making arrangements to have a button made, but it isn't ready yet. In the meantime, just share the link. I'm anxious to see what you all have been up to this weekend!

Weekend Wrap Up - A New Meme (and a recipe)

2011-11-06T21:08:00.000-06:00

Well the weekend is a wrap so let me give you the rundown. I've decided to make this a regular post with link ups! I've never done this so I'm a bit nervous about it. I hope someone will link up and share! The way I see this working is that I will open up the link on Sunday evening, and close it on Tuesday night. You can post anything or everything about your weekend. Share all the details, just one special moment, a new recipe you tried, a photo you took, or something you made. Whatever you want, it just has to be something from the weekend. I see my blog as a journal so this is just one more way for me to record memories. I'll write up a rules page before next week, but I just wanted to let you know what I'm thinking, and get this going! I actually have created a linky for this post. I really don't expect many, if any, to link up today, because I'm just now announcing it, but I really needed to figure out how to use Linky Tools, and it looks like I got it!

This brings up another thought. I will probably need a button for this meme won't I? I don't really like buttons, but I know many people do. I'll have to work on that. If you have any ideas on that, please let me know! Whether you use my button (once it is created) or just link back to my post, it doesn't matter to me. Either way is fine.

Anywho . . . my weekend in a nutshell . . .

I came down sick on Thursday, missed work on Friday, and was pretty much sick all weekend! But, I do have a couple of highlights to share. First, please go here to read my earlier post about my earthquake experiences this weekend. Yes, I said earthquakes. We had 8 with in 24 hours. It was a wild ride!

I survived the earthquakes and my weekend was not a complete wash because I made my first pot of chili for the season tonight for dinner! And since I love my readers so much, you can make your very own pot tomorrow! Here you go . . .

CHILI by Stephani

INGREDIENTS:

2 pounds chili meat

2 cups tomato juice

3 cans (8 oz.) tomato sauce

2 cans whole tomatoes

1 can (15 oz.) kidney beans drained and rinsed

1 can (15 oz.) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

1 ½ cups chopped onion

1 small green bell pepper chopped

1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

½ teaspoon white sugar

½ teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon ground black pepper

1 teaspoon salt

1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin

¼ cup chili powder.

DIRECTIONS:

Brown meat over medium-high heat. Drain and crumble.

Combine all ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil. Simmer for 1 ½ hours on low. Even better when cooked a day ahead and reheated.

And of course, you must add cheddar cheese (Yes, that's cheddar cheese. Did you know the orange cheddar cheese has food coloring to make it orange?) and a dolop of sour cream.

Enjoy!

If you get a chance to write a post about your weekend, please do, and link back here!

You Know You're From Oklahoma When . . .

2011-11-06T09:15:00.000-06:00

You know you're from Oklahoma when you have the largest earthquake recorded in the state's history and the emergency manager describes it this way. . .

"It was a pretty ornery little earthquake."

We have experienced 8 earthquakes in the last 24 hours, and yes, I was awake for two of them.

Believe it or not, my husband and I were still awake around 2:15 a.m. early Saturday morning when we heard the roll of distant thunder and then the shaking began. We have grown accustomed to earthquakes in the last year, mild ones, that come and go quickly, but this was a long low rumble that lasted for awhile. It was also the first one that was strong enough to cause all the knick knacks on our shelves to rattle and roll. Later we found out that it was a magnitude 4.7

We live near an air-force base so as earthquakes have become more frequent, I generally have to sit still, listen, and quickly decipher if an earthquake is rolling through, or if a bomber is flying overhead. I have learned the difference.

Then last night, at 10:53 we were sitting in our living room. I was sitting right here in my recliner with my laptop when the big one hit. We heard it. We felt it. We looked at each other. It was louder and bigger than the previous one. When the rattle and roll didn't cease immediately and the house began to shake, I slapped my laptop shut, hubby jumped up to see what was going on, and I said, "We need to get out of the house." My husband, went to the door (in his boxers, I might add) and the rumble started to slow and dissipate. We never quite made it to the porch, but we had the door open and could hear the clamor outside. All the neighbors were on their porches, and in their yards. This is the conversation I heard spouting back and forth across the street. . .

"Did you feel that?"

"Heck yeah!"

We found out minutes later that this was the largest earthquake recorded in Oklahoma at a magnitude of 5.6. We are about 50 miles from the epicenter. I can't imagine what it felt like there.

You also know you're from Oklahoma when . . .

your main concern during an earthquake is that your husband is only wearing his boxers, and might be caught outdoors that way. So, to remedy the situation you grab a pair of his camo flannel lounge pants, and say, "Here, put these on in case there's another one."

To solidify our redneck standing amoung these United States, this morning we read the national account of the event which included the story of a man who was injured when he fell and bumped his head while trying to run out of the house, and an interview with a man named Bubba. Of all of the people in this great state that the media could have found to interview, they found Bubba. I'm sure Bubba is a nice fella.

It's okay. We can take it. After all, we recongize that the rest of the world thinks we still ride to work on horses, are still fighting indians, and have gun battles at high noon. That just shows their ignorance not ours.

As one of our regular local TV news shows puts it . . .

Fuel for the Journey

2011-11-04T18:13:00.000-05:00

I've been amazed to find that when we move with Jesus we can be at rest even when we are running. And with Jesus, we don't just run to and fro, we run with purpose. He is rest, and he is fuel all at the same time. I love him for that. I just love him.

I shared the above words with my friend just a few moments ago when commenting on her blog. And as I finished writing them, I began to sob. Just overwhelmed with the goodness of God, that's all. When you walk through dark places without stumbling that is when you really begin to see who he really is and how much he really loves you. When you are out of gas with a supernatural tank full that keeps you going, that's when God's work really gets done.

If you are going through a dark place, haunted by what might be lurking ahead, just grab hold of him, and run fearlessly free because Jesus has you, and that's all you need.

Deuteronomy 1:21

Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged.

What land has God asked you to possess? What fear has he asked you to conquer? What task has he asked you to complete? What mission has he asked you to accomplish? Go forward without fear, full of his strength, and light for the journey.

Sharing with: Spiritual Sundays

Scripture Candy

2011-11-02T20:26:00.000-05:00

Wow! Two posts in one week. Something must be wrong with me, or maybe something is right with me!

So, how did you all spend Halloween night?

I have to be honest. For the last few years, I have turned off the porch lights and left home for the evening. That is until this year. I grew up trick-or-treating and had so much fun with it, but in the last several years I have grown to believe that celebrating Halloween is in contradiction to my faith. I know others have felt this way, thus the onslaugth several years ago of the Harvest Celebrations and trunk or treats celebrated at church which give children an opportunity to trick-or-treat and play games in a fun, friendly, non-gory, non-zombiefied atmosphere. Since I don't have kids, it has been real easy to just turn of the lights and avoid all of the hoopla.

This year was different. I've started a new tradition that I wanted to share with you. It is nothing new really. I'm sure many of you may do the same thing, but it is new for us.

My husband shared with me one of his fondest Halloween memories, and that memory was of an elderly lady in the neighborhood who bought full-size candy bars and placed them on a fancy cake plate. She would then let the children choose which full-size bar they wanted. Of course the kids were wide-eyed at the proposition of getting a full-sized bar and being able to choose it to boot! So, I thought since this made such an impact on my husband, I would do the same thing with a twist. My husband looked up a couple of good scriptures, typed them up on little cards, and we taped them on the back of the candy bars. I placed all of the candy bars on a platter and let each child pick the one they wanted.

So, on Halloween morning before work I got up and started some beef stew in the crock pot so it would be hot and ready to eat that evening. We ate stew and waited for the kiddos to come knocking on our door. It was a lot of fun for both of us, and I felt good about using this event to bring attention to God and his word.

Here is a photo of my coffee table. You can see my little pilgrims there. You can't see the scripture cards here, but they are taped to the back of the bars. By the way, that Woodwick candle smells tremendous!

So do you have any Halloween traditions?

Sharing with: Wordless Wednesdays But With Words

Weekend Wrap Up

2011-10-31T16:23:00.000-05:00

Nothing profound here. Just wrapping up my weekend. I'm thinking this might be a good regular post for Mondays - a recap of the weekend. What do you think? Is it something you might like to participate in - sharing what happened on the weekend no matter how exciting or mundane? We could share a rundown of our activities, a new recipe we tried, how-to instructions for something we made (or found on Pinterest), what we learned at church. Let me know if you think this would be a good idea for a regular meme - one that you might like to join. In the meantime, here is my weekend in a nutshell.

Friday: My husband left to go deer hunting on Friday. Muzzle loader season ended on Sunday so he just got in under the deadline for that one. He didn't bring one home, but saw lots of deer and had some neat stories. Wish I could have been in the woods with him! I spent Friday night with Mom and Dad. I headed right over to Mom's after work. I took care of a few things at her apartment and then I took her over to the skilled nursing area to visit Dad. He was in the dining room eating when we arrived. He was beside himself to say the least when he saw us. He was crying with joy - so relieved that we had finally made it. He had gone all day without seeing Mom and he was just completely miserable as a result. He misses her so much now that they are having to live apart. I left Mom and Dad's at about 7:30, and picked up a pizza on the way home. My step-son and I watched the Incredible Hulk DVD and ate pizza. I'm sure I probably played on Pinterest after that. Yes, I am a night owl.

Saturday: To be honest, on Saturday I did a whole lot of nothin'. Hubby was still gone hunting and I had the whole quiet house to myself. I took full advantage! I got very little work done, but I did manage to put up my fall decorations. The living room was clean, warm, and cozy with candlelight and fall aromas when he returned home. He was sore and muddy so I was glad I got all of the decorating done so he could come home to a peaceful house.

Sunday: Sunday always starts with church where this week we heard a wonderful sermon on worship. After church we picked up Mom and took her our to eat Chinese food! I thought it was about time to get her out of the apartment since she rarely gets to. She seemed to enjoy herself. Once back at the senior living center we went to visit Dad for awhile. He was glad to see us and readily ate a piece of homemade pie that we had taken him. And what Sunday afternoon would be complete without a nap? That is exactly what I did when I got home. Later in the evening I made coney dogs for dinner.

That is about it in a nutshell. I have no how-to's to share this time because I am really unprepared for this post. I have been a photography slug lately and don't even have any new photos to share so since today is October 31st, I am sharing this photo from last year. Do you remember this one? Here is the link to the post that went with this photo.

Minnie Mouse and the Mad Pumpkin Head

So, what did you do this weekend? Tell us all the details, or share one fun or exciting thing. Or maybe something challenging happened, can we pray for you about it? Please share!

Thank You

2011-10-27T18:51:00.000-05:00

Thanks so much for your prayers! Dad was released today after three days in the hospital. He will be going back to the skilled nursing wing where he lives and will continue there with antibiotics and breathing treatments.

I wish I could blog more right now. I'm hoping things will calm down in the days to come as we make new arrangements for Mom and as Dad moves to memory care.

Anyway, thank you for being so faithful to me when I have so little time to give back. I guess when I carry my laptop around with me everywhere I should be blogging instead of playing on Pinterest, but it is such a mindless activity and sorta takes me away!

Well, I'll check back in soon! Thanks again!

Prayer Request

2011-10-26T10:40:00.002-05:00

Dad is in the hospital with bacterial pneumonia. Would appreciate your prayers. Thanks so much!!

1000

2011-10-24T01:00:00.000-05:00

Another list of random items as I continue counting my blessings. The big news is, I reached 1000 with this post! Do I continue to record my blessings here? I'm not sure. I may just continue writing in a gratitude journal or recording them on my Multitude of Gifts page. Since I don't make this post every week anyway, I am leaning towards continuing on my Multitude of Gifts page, but not making a regular post here. Any ideas? It's a rainy evening as I record my thoughts here and as I hope that the rain delay of the OU football game does not last too long!

976. the smell of freshly fallen rain on the concrete

977. the sound of thunder

978. a sunset and lightening in the sky at the same time

979. the sound of my husband hammering

980. the sound of my puppy drinking water out of his bowl

981. writing prayers to God because somehow I think I can be even more real when I write to him

982. being honest with God

983. not trying to hide things that can’t be hidden anyway. He knows it all

984. a weight lifted

985. starting again

986. the sound of cars on the wet road

987. watching the neighbor girl learn to train her puppy

988. artichoke dip

989. another OU football game

990. finally getting a package shipped to niece #4

991. niece # 2 who is so willing to help with her grandparents

992. weather radio that lets us know we are in a severe thunderstorm warning

993. twelve- year- old comfy t-shirts. (I’m wearing a t-shirt that I bought on my honeymoon!)

994. air conditioning units are off for the season

995. emergency call button in my Mom’s apartment

996. good friends and neighbors to visit Mom and go to meals with her

997. a husband who calls to tell me to look at the sky and the cool storm clouds

998. asking him if I need my camera, and he says no. He was right, but I took it anyway

999. no cool sky photos to be had, but I took a photo of the wet windshield of the old 65 ford

1000. Reaching 1000.

A blessing captured . . . the old 65 Ford F150. I did take this picture in the rain. It wasn't raining hard so I just put my lens hood on and snapped quickly and ran back inside!

You Never Let Go

2011-10-22T13:27:00.003-05:00

So thankful that He never lets go!

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won't turn back
I know you are near

And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?

(Chorus:)
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me

And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We'll live to know You here on the earth

(Chorus)

Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You

(Chorus 2x's)

Sharing with Spiritual Sundays and Then Sings My Soul Saturday

Finding the Familiar (an invite)

2011-10-17T12:53:00.001-05:00

I'd like to invite you to visit my journal at www.findingthefamiliar.blogspot.com. Why am I calling it a journal instead of a blog? Well, it is meant to truly be a journal of my thoughts, thoughts about this journey I am on with parents in their eighties who are not well. I actually started this jounral in December of last year and never wrote another post. I regret that now, but maybe from this point on I will be able to keep up with it. I felt I needed a place to just write about Mom and Dad because it consumes so much of my time and thoughts - a place to vent, but also to record.

I do not have comments open on my new journal, but you can sign up as a follower if you would like. The follow link is at the bottom of the home page. Also, please feel free to email me anytime if you have questions or comments about something I've journaled. This journal is for me, but I do hope it will bless anyone who happens upon it. My most recent post there will give you an update on how Dad is doing and where we are at in this journey at this time.

Finding the Familiar

I'll be back here with another post soon.

Love you guys!

Some Things Just Can't Be Planned

2011-10-13T18:33:00.000-05:00

This is my planner. Do you recognize it? I posted a picture of it about a month ago as part of my 10 on 10 post. I write everything in here, and keep some of my important papers that I always need with me. You know, like my parents medicine list. : ) My planner is more like a giant to do list with pockets. It keeps me on track because I have a tendency to day dream and wander off. : )

This week however, the Lord has shown me that my life can't be ruled by a planner. There are just some things that can't be penciled in.

For example. I didn't know on Monday morning that I would get an emergency phone call telling me that my dad had passed out and had been taken to the emergency room. I didn't have it penciled in on my calendar that I would have to leave work and spend several hours at the hospital. I also didn't have it scheduled in my planner that on Tuesday morning my Dad's doctor would call me at work and tell me that he was concerned about the cognitive decline caused by his Alzheimer's, and we would need to transfer him to a higher level of care, at least for a few weeks, to assess exactly what his capabilities are. I also failed to plan for the overwhelming depression that would hit me in the morning hours of Wednesday. I had not anticipated that I would have a meltdown and need to go into work late.

I am amazed at the awesomeness of God's grace. I found myself focusing on all that I was carrying on my shoulders with work and family responsibilities, and I actually said to God, "I can't do this." In a way that only the Holy Spirit can, he whispered, "Whose daughter are you?" That was all I needed, a humble reminder that the resources of heaven were at my disposal. Immediately my prayers turned to strength instead of pity, and courage instead of fear.

I've re-learned some valuable lessons this week. I need to keep my mind on whose daughter I am, and I must remember to leave room for God to work in my life. I have to be willing to bend with the schedule that God places before me or I will break.

Please pray for Dad and Mom this week if you should think about it. This is a very difficult time for them.

A Day In October

2011-10-08T13:30:00.000-05:00

It is . . . October 8, 2011

Outside my window . . . it is windy and partly cloudy. My puppy is lying outside by the front door.

I am hearing . . . the OU/Texas football game on the radio.

I am wearing . . . camo shorts, pink t-shirt, bare feet.

I am creating . . . Pinterest boards. I've been playing on Pinterest while listening to the game. After I finish this post, I will fold the laundry!

I am looking forward to . . . Fall break.

I am thankful . . . for the relationship I have with my parents. I know when they are gone, I will look back and be glad for this time I have with them.

I am praying . . . for direction and assurance. I am going through one of those times where I keep asking myself if I am really doing what God wants me to. Am I in his will? I am also praying especially for my parents. They struggle so. I have friends who are hurting, they too have my prayers right now.

I am hoping . . . the majority of the house renovation will be done before Thanksgiving. Those of you who have been following me for awhile know that we have been in the middle of a house renovation for over 2 years now. I'm ready for it to be done. My husband has been doing most of it by himself and he has been doing an excellent job!

I am remembering . . . Halloweens of past. We used to go trick or treating after dark. I always carried a plastic pumpkin to collect my candy in. It was a different time then. We didn't have harvest celebrations or trick or treating in the mall. Good memories.

I am noticing that . . . there are pumpkin patches opening up everywhere. I need to go pick out some pumpkins.

I am reading . . . nothing at the moment.

Words to think about . . . "Many of the great achievements of the world were accomplished by tired and discouraged men who kept on working." ~ Unknown

A moment from my week . . . celebrating Mom's 82nd birthday. We were able to take mom and dad out to eat. (side note: OU just got a touchdown. Woo Hoo!). In many ways it is difficult to get them out, but I know it is good for them and they seemed to enjoy it. Here is a photo of my mother as a young lady. I believe she is about 19 in this photo. The most beautiful woman I have ever seen.

Something you may not know about me . . . I was raised on OU football and have been attending games since I was about 3. That's 42 years if you are trying to count it up! My father had season tickets until just a year ago. My husband and I had season tickets for several years as well. OU football has been a part of every Fall Saturday that I can remember. Now that we don't have tickets we still listen on the radio or watch on TV if we are at someon else's house or at a restaurant. We did finally decide that it was consuming too much of our time, thus part of the reason we gave up the tickets, but we still love it! Below is a photo of my Dad and two of my niece's at an OU/Texas game taken just two years ago. A lot has happened in his life since then. He has deteriorated significantly and will never be able to attend another football game. He is no longer physically or mentally able to do this. Alzheimer's is a horrible disease. It is amazing how quickly a person with Alzheimer's loses their grip on life. We all need the Lord. He is our only hope.

One of my favorite things . . . the sounds at a stadium during the football game

For my picture journal . . . OU football!

The Simple Things (a picnic)

Gratitude On An Old Quilt

2011-10-03T15:25:00.000-05:00

I haven't been around much lately, but I just haven't been real inspired. Just bein' honest. I'm kind of in a strange place, but sense that I'm coming out of it so maybe there are new things around the corner. Who knows? There is always an endless list of items to show gratitude for and again I find myself here continuing the count to 1000.

961. picnics

962. frisbees

963. fried chicken

964. potato salad

965. baked beans

966. a sand volleyball court

967. an old quilt on the ground

968. a lake view

969. watching hubby and step-son throwing the frisbee

970. bravely sitting on the ground in between them with my camera shooting pictures while they threw, narrowly missing me at times

971. the sun beginning to slowly set

972. golden reflections of sunlight

973. a motorcycle group rumbling through the park

974. kicked off my tennis shoes, lounged in my sock feet

975. peaceful bliss on a late afternoon

A Holy Experience A Multitude of Gifts

Gratitude By Candlelight

2011-09-25T20:55:00.001-05:00

After missing 3 days of work from being sick and going several days with little to no sleep, the weekend found me getting back to some semblance of normal and seeking to recognize new blessings. So here I continue my gratitude list.

946. a pot of beans cooking on the stove

947. a good night's sleep after having had only 5 hours sleep over a span of 3 days. Yes, my insomnia hit hard last week.

948. pizza and good conversation with my niece and her husband

949. listening to the OU game on the radio. Boomer Sooner. OU beat Missouri 38-28.

950. getting zero comments on my last post. It was a reality check and confirmation that I am doing the right thing. Although it stings a bit. I don't want people to comment just because I linked up to a meme. I want people to comment because they think I have posted something worthy of a comment. So it truly is bringing me full-circle to posting for myself and letting God use what I say or create to bless someone. I really want it to bless others. But, if one week, I am the only one blessed, then that is God's business. This is his blog, not mine. I'll keep posting what is on my heart and linking up when I can.

951. visiting with my aunt on the phone. She needs prayer. She has skin cancer and has developed an infection that is preventing surgery. She is one of those people who you will never hear complain.

952. public confession by a Sunday school member this morning. It was so refreshing. If we can't be honest with our brothers and sisters in Christ, who can we be honest with? Masks are just unnecessary weights.

953. the smell of a clean fresh towel when you dry off after a shower

954. the Swiffer. It's such a handy little tool.

955. getting quite a bit done this weekend after being very sick for 3 days. Even though I was a Pinterest zombie I still managed to get all but one of my to do list items checked off.

956. learning through the book of Acts

957. hearing through our open windows the sound of the local high school football team playing football and doing quite well to boot

958. buttery popcorn

959. looking forward to having my new glasses tomorrow. I'll have to share a pic.

960. candle lit room + open windows with "cooler" temps = serenity

A blessing captured . . . light

Scripture and a Snapshot The Simple Things

A Holy Experience A Multitude of Gifts

The Creative Exchange

Mustang

2011-09-23T17:41:00.000-05:00

I've posted this photo before, but I found it while playing around with my photos and thought I'd do a different edit on it. I think I like this one better.

Gratitude and Glass

2011-09-21T15:20:00.004-05:00

You'll probably recognize the following quote from my blog header.

I guess in the last few days I've been content with silence. Sometimes I feel like my blog is driving me instead of me driving my blog. Through prayer, I've decided that this quote is more than a quote. It needs to be a guiding principle for this blog. When God gives me words I'll share them. When photographs tell the story, I'll tell it, but I won't post just to post. This means I may post less, or it may mean I'll post more, but either way I hope it means what you find here is worthwhile. There have been days when I've looked at my "linking up" page to determine what I will post that day. I don't intend to do that anymore because I want my posts to flow from my heart. I'll look at my link up page after I finish my post, and if the post fits something I can link up to, then that's great, but I don't want to be driven by that. I feel freer already. Freer to share whatever is on my heart and mind. I feel the pressure lifting.

931. The Passages exhibit. A must see if it comes to your town. A journey with the Bible from the 2nd century to the present. It is life changing.

932. The Michael Eastman exhibit. Humbling to see as a newbie photographer. Motivating and life-changing.

933. Taking pictures of a Waterford crystal chandelier through the mirror. They didn't turn out very well, but fun to try. I started looking for wider angle lenses after this : ) The one I used is considered wide angle, but didn't really quite get what I was trying for.

934. spending 5 hours at Buffalo Wild Wings to watch the OU football game and the Mayweather/Ortiz boxing match.

935. Pinterest. I signed up on Pinterest, and yes it can easily become an addictive time waster. If you are following me on Pinterest I apologize now for the pinning frenzy I have been on lately. I have been amazed at how these virtual cork boards have already inspired me. I've found motivation and inspiration for my creativity there, I've seen so many beautiful things that make me drop my jaw in awe of God's beauty, and it's just a lot of fun. Again, it definitely has potential to be a huge time waster just like any internet activity so I am going to have to watch that and stick to my planner. You can check out my Pinterest boards here.

Sharing with:

A Holy Expereince A Multitude of Gifts

Sweet Shot Tuesday Midweek Blues Communal Global

White Space at Sunrise

2011-09-15T22:56:00.000-05:00

It seems I've hardly closed my eyes when the alarm goes off at 5:00 a.m. I hit the snooze a couple of times, then I get up. I do this every day. That hasn't always been the case. I used to let myself off the hook when it came to sleeping in on Saturdays, or hitting the snooze until the very last minute on a work day, because I have struggled with insomnia for years. There are two main reasons that I now get up at the same time every day. I've found that by getting up at the same time every day, I actually sleep better at night. I usually go to bed late, so burning the candle at both ends, so to speak, causes me to be more tired at night, thus allowing me to struggle less for sleep to come. But the main reason I get up early every morning, is because I ~~want~~ need to spend time alone with God first thing. It is the most important part of my day. After I crawl out of bed, I love on my husband, then the dog, and then make a cup of hot tea. I then settle in to my recliner and begin working on my Bible study. After Bible study, I get my prayer journal and begin praying over the names and needs in it. This is my routine every morning. On Saturdays however I change it up a bit.

I was recently inspired by an article I read on another blog about having a "white space." You might refer to it as a time out just to be alone with yourself and your thoughts, away from the responsibilities and noise of life. My white space time is scheduled on Saturday mornings. After my quiet time I have two hours blocked. The time is currently 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM. I grab my Bible, journal, and camera, and hit the road. There is really no agenda for those two hours other than having no agenda, and being open to whatever comes my way.

This last Saturday I gathered my things together and was in a bit of a hurry because I was leaving the house late. I wanted to drive out of the city, into a clearing in the country where I could get a good sunrise shot. If I were a good photographer, I would have left at least 30 minutes earlier so as to arrive at my destination in plenty of time to wait for the sunrise, but I left just as the sun was rising. I left my home, hit I-40 east and was only a few minutes down the road when I realized my car was almost on empty. I began to pray. My prayer was simple and selfish. "Lord, let me get to a spot where I can capture the sunrise without running out of gas before I can get there." "I know I didn't prepare well. I should have left earlier, and I should have checked the gas tank BEFORE I got on the highway, but I really, really want to get some sunrise shots this morning!"

And like He so often does, he began to teach me.

Matthew 25:1-13

“Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

“At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’

“All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’

“But the others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.’

“But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’

“But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’

“So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.

His lesson was about being prepared. Not just prepared for the circumstances that arrive in my life on earth, but prepared for the eternal. Am I tending to the lasting things in my life, or am I spending too much time on the temporal? If my body dies today, and in a blink of an eye my spirit goes to face the Lord, will I be prepared? If he comes back before I die, will he find me unashamed? Fortunately, I am ready, but he so faithfully reminded me on this morning that I must tend to what is important. Gardens needing tending or the weeds will overtake. Oil lamps will burn out with no fuel.

The Lord was gracious to me that morning. I didn't make it to the clearing, but I kept praying that I'd find a spot where I could get a clear shot of the sunrise without running out of gas. And so you see by the pictures in the post, that my prayer was answered, and the sun didn't beat me. I was able to capture a beautiful sunrise straight out of the camera. I came up to the top of a hill and saw my shot, pulled over and began shooting. It was such a peaceful time, and I was so thankful for the sunrise and for the lesson God taught me that morning.

I sat for a few moments in my car, watched the sun, and looked at pictures. I realized I would have to turn and go home because my car was almost out of gas. I would have to cut my white space time short. I was parked on the side of the road with my car facing east into the sun. I needed to turn back west, but because the sun was so bright I couldn't see if any cars were coming so I decided to turn east instead. "Lord, help me get home without running out of gas." As I topped the hill, and came down the other side, I found myself stumbling upon on one more of God's graces that morning. I had no idea there was a gas station in that little valley between the hills. I guess I wasn't as far out in the middle of nowhere as I thought I was.

God is so good!

I'm sharing with: Show Off Your Shot Favorite Fridays

Live Every Moment-Light/Lighting Fabulous Friday Spiritual Sundays

My Oven Fried Chicken

2011-09-13T20:46:00.000-05:00

One of our favorite things to eat at our house is my oven fried chicken. I came up with this recipe as a solution to fried chicken without white flour and without deep frying. Now, we like it better than traditional deep fried chicken.

Ingredients (Notice I don't have exact measurements. I kinda wing it on this one. You can do the same. The wheat is the primary ingredient, then the cheese, and a little bit of everything else.)

Enough chicken pieces to fill a 9x11 baking dish - We like dark meat so we use all thighs.

Eggs (2)

Water (1 tablespoon)

Wheat flour (approximately 2 cups - or more. I eyeball this to make sure I have enough to get all the chicken pieces covered)

Grated parmasean cheese ( about 1/2 cup - or more)

Paprika (about 1 tablespoon)

Pepper ( about 1/2 teaspoon)

Salted butter (1/2 stick)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425

2. Spray baking dish with non-stick spray

3. Combine flour, parmasean cheese, paprika, and pepper

4. Beat 2 eggs and water

5. Dip chicken in egg mixture and dredge in wheat mixture, place pieces on plate

6. Melt butter and pour in bottom of baking dish

7. Place chicken pieces in baking dish, top side down.

8. Bake for 30 minutes and then turn pieces

9. Bake for another 30 minutes and serve.

Hope you enjoy!

Sharing with: Sweet Shot Tuesday Communal Global

Ten on 10 ~ a day of photos

2011-09-11T00:49:00.017-05:00

On the 10th of every month, stop every hour for ten hours to take a picture of something around you. Then, share your ten photos. That's what we do at Ten on Ten. And, today is my first time making a Ten on Ten post! I have attempted to do this before, but let me tell you, stopping every hour is not easy to do! Plus, today was a stay at home and get things done day, and there are just not that many interesting things in my house to take a picture of! These photos were not taken every hour on the hour, but somewhere near there :) I did the best I could! I have also linked up with a couple of other photo challenges, and you will see their links along the way. So, here we go . . .

Sevenish (a.m.)

I took this photo during my "white space" time this morning. I took many photos of the sunrise, but this was the first one I snapped. There is a story behind these sunrise photos and I'll be writing more about that and my "white space" time next weekend. So stay tuned for more!

I am also sharing this photo with SOOC Sundays

Elevenish (Yes, there is a 4 hour gap here, but I'll get back on track!)

Bacon, bacon, bacon!

Twelveish

Bought the 24 pack of eggs today. We go through LOTS of eggs!

I am also sharing this photo with Scripture and a Snapshot

Oneish

My planner. It is a big, red 8 x 11 1/2 notebook. It includes a daily/monthly calendar, file folders, calculator, pockets, etc. etc. It helps me stay on track with what is going on in my parents lives since I spend so much time tending to their needs, and it helps keep me focused on my own responsibilities. And yes, I schedule plenty of playtime.

Twoish

I think this one is self explanatory.

Threeish

I bought my first scented candle of the season. The scent is Farmer's Market by Yankee Candles. Smells great, and is really getting me in the mood for Fall! I was taking a photo of the candle, but decided I liked this shot the best which has one of my beautiful nieces in focus in the background. She is 18 and a freshman in college this year.

Fourish

Flowers on my coffee table. I couldn't decide so I made a collage of three.

I'm also submitting this one to SOOC Sundays.

Fiveish

My puppy was having nothing to do with having his picture taken.

Sevenish (Yes, I missed an hour.)

Preparing potatoes for dinner.

Eightish

Last but not least. A pretty votive candle glowing in my dining room.

So there is my Ten on 10 post!

I'm also linking up wtih Simple Things because these are all the simple things in a simple day.

I really enjoyed participating in Ten on Ten. It was great photography practice, and truly a challenge!

My Life With Skin On It

2011-09-09T16:22:00.001-05:00

I don't like it when we refer to our lives outside of blogging as our "real life" as if somehow this is not real life. It may be a fake world or a pretend world for some people; I know they are out there, but for me, it's just another part of my every day life. I've met some very real people through blogging, people with real families, real joys, real pains, real needs. Several of them have become my friends, and they have shown their friendships in very real ways. So, I would rather refer to my "real life" as my life with skin on it! So here is a totally random list of things about me - things you may or may not know about me, and that may or may not be reflected on my blog.

~I love Jesus!

~I am creative.

~I love photography and photo editing.

~I love writing.

~I love pink.
~ I often feel overwhelmed, but I know Who to take my burdens to!

~My kitchen is pink, green, and white. (Not unlike my blog design!)

~I have a pink Kitchen Aid mixer.
~ My house is not pristine, but it is good enough.
~ I have a cleaning schedule so I can manage the house with all my other responsibilites.

~I live a very simple life.

~I have a small house with two bedrooms, 1 bath, and a one car garage.

~No TV.

~I have LOTS of scrapbooking stuff covering two walls of our extra bedroom.

~And 4 vehicles. Yes I did say that I only had a 1 car garage.

~I have a Master's degree. (I'm highly educated and underpaid).

~I've worked at the same place for 20 years.

~My father has Alzheimer's.

~My mother has Parkinson's.
~Sometimes I wish my parents were young again, and that I could be taken care of instead.
~I was very thin most of my life, but now I need to lose about 15 pounds.
~Being an aunt is the best!

~I am an encourager.

~I am a burden bearer for others.

~I drink about 3 mugs of hot tea a day.

~I schedule every minute of the day, it is how I discipline myself.

~I schedule with a pencil that has an eraser. (It's important to be flexible.)

~I have a big planner, and I carry it everywhere.

~I am as comfortable in high heels as I am in fishing gear.

~I don't have many girlfriends that live nearby.

~My husband is my best friend.

~I love pretty things that are feminine.
~My least favorite chore is cleaning the tub.

~I love nature.

~If I were single, my house would probably be decorated in all pastels. Mostly pink and white.

~But, I'm married to an incredible man who works with his hands a lot, hunts, fishes, and tracks in mud.

~I also have a German Shepherd. German Shepherds don't go well with Pink and White.

~I spend a lot of time with old people.
~ I've never been able to have children.

~I believe in spending my time on eternal things. (Only one life, 'twill soon be past. Only what's done for Christ will last.) Can you take it with you?

~During the work week I spend one evening at Bible study, 2 evenings helping my folks, and 2 evenings at home.

~Weekends I do a little bit of everything (cleaning, cooking, writing, reading, picture taking, errand running), go to church, spend time with my parents.

~I rise early, and go to bed late.

~I'm not a morning person or a night owl.

~I have insomnia.
~I'm tired a lot!
~I'm not always in a good mood, but I'll never be mean to you.
~ Sometimes I eat weird things like my own blue cheese salad concoction. It has no lettuce in it, but lots of blue cheese crumbles!

~On Saturday mornings I have begun having a white space time where I leave the house for 2 hours with my Bible, a journal, and my camera. Time with God, my thoughts, and the sights.

~I'm the youngest of 4 kids.

~I pray without ceasing.

~ Jesus is invited to every moment of my day, and he never turns down the invitation.

~The only time I listen to music, is in my car. And even then I'm often listening to talk radio.

~ I'm an Okie.
~ Summer is my least favorite season.
~ I believe everyone is creative whether they have discovered it yet or not. I was a late bloomer.

~I love my husband immensely. I think he was custom made just for me.

~I see God's hand in everything.

~I see him in my blog.

~I see him in my life with skin on it.

I'm sure there is more, but I've gone over my 5 minute limit given by Five Minute Friday where today's theme is REAL LIFE.

Is there anything else you'd like to know about me or my life with skin on it?

Feel free to ask!

He Never Ceases To Amaze Me

2011-09-06T22:23:00.005-05:00

Those who live at the ends of the earth stand in awe of your wonders. From where the sun rises to where it sets, you inspire shouts of joy.

~ Psalm 65:8 ~

(click to view larger)

Sweet Shot Tuesday Communal Global The Creative Exchange

Weekly Kodachrome Wordish Wednesday Wordless Wednesday With Words

Word Filled Wednesday Outdoor Wednesday

A Day In September

2011-09-05T10:36:00.000-05:00

It is . . . the evening of September 4, 2011

Outside my window . . . the sun has dropped low in the sky, but not quite sunset yet. The temps have also dropped; we're expecting a high of 75 tomorrow.

I am hearing . . . the clink and clank of his dog tag every time my puppy moves

I am wearing . . . khaki shorts, OU football t-shirt, no shoes, hair up in a clip

I am creating . . . a life of order, and more space in my days

I am looking forward to . . . a Labor Day picnic with my husband

I am thankful . . . that God's ways are not my ways, and that when I yield to his ways I always find that they are good and right. So much time has been wasted in resisiting what I perceived would be difficult to do only to find out that his burden really is light, just as he said it would be.

I am praying . . . for the leadership of our church as we look for our new pastor. Our pastor gave his resignation this morning to answer a new call on his life.

I am hoping . . . recent trends will continue, and that the new routines I've established won't be short lived.

I am remembering . . . when I gave my life to Jesus and accepted with full belief that he is who he says he is. I was 9 years old.

I am noticing that . . . bloggers are starting to talk about fall. I'm not ready for that.

I am reading . . . Romans

Words to think about . . . "For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your hear that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. As the Scriptures tell us, 'Anyone who believes in him will not be disappointed.' " ~ Romans 10:9-11

A moment from my week . . . a sweet date out with my husband to a Mom and Pop pizza joint and an old fashioned twin theatre. We went to see a children's movie. We were the only adults in the theatre who were not attached to several little ones!

Something you may not know about me . . . I went to my first movie when I was in high school. It was ET. Although I spent many, many years enjoying every movie I could see at the theatre, I rarely find myself there anymore. It really used to be a favorite pastime for me, but the Lord really convicted me about spending my time and money to watch things that were not conducive to my spiritual growth. I decided that if the lifestyles that were depicted in the movie were not acceptable for my own life, then I didn't need to watch other people living that way either. So as a result it is a rare movie that will actually bring me into the theatre. They are out there, but they are rare. I found out about one such movie from my friend Brooke at Mountain Mama. The movie is called Courageous. It looks like something I will definitely be checking out. Go to her blog for more information about it!

One of my favorite things . . . movie theatre popcorn with lots and lots of butter! This I do wish I could get more of!

For my picture journal . . . my puppy asleep in the backseat of our car during our last road trip. Yes, that is a pillow he is resting his head on, and yes, he is spoiled.

Chasing Butterflies

2011-09-03T20:56:00.000-05:00

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven . . .

a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance . . .

~ Ecclesiastes 3:1 and 4

I had just thrown my braided kitchen rugs out on the back patio for cleaning when I noticed from the back door that a butterfly had just landed. Of course, I ran to get my camera. Shooing my dog away, I began snapping away.

My puppy patiently waited on the sidelines as I took my time capturing this simple little blessing.

This little guy (or gal) started to open up his wings to show his more colorful side, and I was hoping to get to an angle where I could capture it.

But before I could get repositioned, my puppy decided he had been a bystander for too long. He was ready to dance!

He went for the butterfly. Scared me (and the butterfly) to death. I jerked the camera as I snapped the photo . . .

And that was the end of that!

Today I'm sharing with:

Simple Things

Camera Critters

Too Many Pillows

2011-09-02T15:28:00.001-05:00

I've been off work all week. I know when I get back to the office on Tuesday, everyone is going to ask me, "Well, did you get all caught up on your rest?" With my responsibilities to my parents and other projects, everyone knows I have a lot on my plate. It seems lately, the more I have to do, the more paralyzed I begin to feel, and I just can't relax.

I might lay down for a Sunday afternoon nap, but I feel guilty about it because of all that needs to be tended to. I've been thinking, and I'm sure I'm not the only one to think this, that if I had less to do, I would be more rested.

But a surprising thing happened this week. I have worked hard, harder than I probably would have had I been at the office. I've been getting caught up on my to do list, checking items off one by one. There have been some pretty large projects on that list. One would think I would be exhausted as hard as I have been working. And yes, I am pretty tired physically, but amazingly I feel much more rested mentally and spiritually. The to do items being eliminated from my mind have freed up space for mental and spiritual rest.

It is a bit like this photo I took of a love seat that was for sale at a tea room I recently visited. It looks like a fabulous place to sit, maybe even pick my legs up off the floor and rest a bit, but the pillows have overtaken it, and made it impossible to use as anything other than a pretty thing to look at. My to do list has been like the pillows on the love seat, distractions that are simply in the way, keeping me from relaxing. Getting rid of them one by one, has created a soft place to lie down.

Jesus says to come to him for rest. He doesn't say sit there and wait, and I'll bring rest to you. So, I think for me, action has proved to be more restful than sitting still waiting for the items on my list to disappear on their own.

I'm joining 5 Minute Friday where we write for 5 minutes flat. Today's theme is REST.

Edit Me ~ 1

2011-08-31T20:28:00.001-05:00

This is my first time participating in Edit Me at My Reflection of something. This was a bit of a challenge because I don't take many photos of people, and portraiture is not where I feel comfortable, but I gave it a go!

Here is the original photo that Branson provided. Doesn't this little one look like a living doll?

Here is my edit.

I do 100% of my editing in Picnik. For this photo I took these steps:

1. Applied the faded daguerreotype preset

2. Restored a bit of color simply by sliding the fade bar

3. Bumped up the exposure and contrast a tad with the basic exposure tool

4. Applied a small bit of vibrance using the vibrance effect tool.

This was fun! Thanks Branson for hosting!

Scavenger Hunt

2011-08-29T18:02:00.001-05:00

~ Old and New ~

I had a terrible time with this one, so I had to dig into my archives!

~ Night Photography ~

Several times last week my husband was working on the house after dark, and our puppy was faithfully by his side, watching him work. The work lights that my husband had set up, served to light up my puppy quite nicely, and with a low light lens, I didn't need a flash.

~ Music ~
This may be a stretch. Don't all birds sing? This is a Scissor Tail Flycatcher. Oklahoma's state bird.

~ Cheesy ~

Cheese snack chips to be exact. All you have to do is put little clumps of cheese on a parchment paper covered cookie sheet and bake until crispy. Yum!

~ Sun ~

Ramblings and Photos - Scavenger Hunt

Sleep Visits

2011-08-29T11:24:00.000-05:00

I'll be off work this week. And although I'm posting this late in the morning, I'm actually writing in the middle of the night with pen and paper. Do you remember pen and paper, those archaic tools we used in the past to write our thoughts with, or send well wishes across the miles in letters? Oh, the good old days!

As I mentioned, it's the middle of the night. When it comes to sleep, I often describe her this way, always a visitor, never a friend - meaning that sometimes she comes and stays for a few moments, but never stays long enough for me to really get to know her well. On the other hand, her enemy, Insomnia, and I know each other quite well. I don't know how I got tangled up in this unwanted relationship, but I have. I seem to be able to shake her for awhile, but she always finds her way back.

I've learned that in the quiet moments of the dark, it is much better if I don't wrestle with her, but rather use her to my advantage. So today, as I continue counting all the blessings in my life, I share the good things that I find in the middle of the night when Insomnia comes to visit.

916. the sound of my husband breathing as he is safely tucked in next to me

917. my puppy making those dream noises as he lies in his bed on the floor

918. night birds that are awake and singing in the night

919. my cell-phone light that guides me out of the bedroom and into the dark hallway

920. the oven light that provides enough light in the rest of the house to keep me from stumbling

921. a full refrigerator to stare into

922. cold milk in the middle of the night. Sleep is beckoned to come when she sees I've swallowed a glass full. Sometimes she come, sometimes she doesn't.

923. a God who never sleeps

924. talking to my Father in the middle of the night about whatever slips into my mind

925. praying for hurting friends, sick parents, loved ones facing new adventures

926. an empty street outside my door lit only be the street lights

927. praying for the different house numbers and the residents who sleep behind them

928. time to read

929. time to write

920. and finally, time for sleep to arrive

As Gold

2011-08-28T00:23:00.003-05:00

The Wednesday Word
Weekly Kodachrome

Praying you'll have a peaceful Sunday.

This is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it! ~ Psalm 118:24

Don't Call Me Granny

2011-08-26T21:35:00.000-05:00

I'm definitely getting older. In fact, I think I have valid evidence that I am now officially old.

On one of the walls in my office, I have a photo frame hanging that holds three pictures of my two -year-old niece. You know what I'm going to say don't you? In the last few weeks I have had two different people ask me if she is my granddaughter!

My GRAND daughter?!!!

I do look younger than my age, and so maybe I am living in denial to react with such shock that anyone would think I am old enough to be a grandmother, or granny, or memaw, or nana, or anything remotely similar.

I'm not knocking grandmothers here! I am surrounded by old people everyday. Between spending time at the transitional living center where my parents live, and being with my Sunday school class, which has an average age of about 75, I have learned to cherish grandmothers and grandfathers. I LOVE old people.

I do believe that age is just a number. I'm learning from being around so many of our blessed senior citizens that as I grow older, I don't have to grow old. I think there are two major difference between those who are just plain old, and those who are young at heart. The young at heart stay active both physically, and mentally, and they are a part of something bigger than themselves. They are givers, and still concerned about the needs of others. This is how I want to be as my digits continue to rise!

The picture above? Me in 3rd grade. It's been months since I linked up with a Friday Photo Flashback so I thought today would be a great time to get back to it! I'm also sharing at Five Minute Friday where the theme is OLDER.

All Things ~ Even Grasshoppers

2011-08-24T00:29:00.021-05:00

“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”

~ Revelation 4:11

Yes, every fine detail of this creature was fashioned by God. ~ What an artist!

I thought about making the title to this post, "Where's Waldo?" since this little guy blends in with his surroundings so well. But alas, it is Wednesday, and I usually add scripture to my photos on Wednesday. I couldn't find any scriptures about Waldo or any of his kin, and "Where's Hezekiah?" just didn't have that special ring to it. ; )

Word-Filled Wednesday

Wordish Wednesday

Outdoor Wednesday

I See You

2011-08-23T00:25:00.007-05:00

Some of you may have already seen this photo, but I Heart Faces is having a PET challenge this week, and this is one of my favorites.

This photo was entered into the I Heart Faces photo challenge – http://www.iheartfaces.com/

Sweet Shot Tuesday

Still Counting

2011-08-22T13:59:00.004-05:00

For those of you who are new here, I've been working on a gratitude list, trying to reach 1000. Of course it may go on beyond 1000 as I know God's blessings are limitless. There is always something new everyday. I continue my list today, with more of the gifts I've received.

901. a trip to the Tasty Snow, snow cone stand with my hubby and step-son.

902. a few hours alone with Mom while my husband took Dad out to lunch

903. walking by my step-son's bedroom and finding him reading God's word time and time again.

904. having my step-son tell me that he had just read the whole book of James and wanted to discuss it with us.

905. sitting in our front yard, discussing the book of James

906. holding hands and praying until it began to sprinkle

907. making dinner together as a family

908. more progress on the house renovation. We have a new front door! It is unfinished so hubby will be painting it red!

909. the privelege to pray for blog friends in need

910. the power of prayer. I've seen it first hand!

911. homemade coney dogs

912. the buzz at the beginning of a new school year

913. Terra Mediterranean Vegetable Chips

914. hubby picking me up at work to take me to lunch

915. sitting out on my front porch in the evening, and hearing the sound of Taps at the nearby Air Force base.

A blessing captured . . . an old Air Force plane

I'm sharing this photo with a Creative Exchange. I'm sentimental about the Air Force and military in general since I live by an Air Force base and have family in the Navy. The sound of Taps in the evening and Reveille in the morning definitely touches the heart.

A Bird Of a Different Feather

2011-08-20T21:13:00.006-05:00

Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! ~ Luke 12:24

You are beautiful in His eyes! Have an amazing Sunday!

Your Sunday Best

The Cows Came Home

2011-08-17T23:05:00.004-05:00

Well actually, they were already home. I was intruding. One of my simple pleasures is to take drives in the country and snap pictures of whatever grabs my eye. In Oklahoma, this means I approach a lot of fence line on dusty dirt roads.

When I approach these fences I usually get one of two responses. My subjects either run away, or they come to me. On this day, they came.

Not just one or two, but all of them came.

Including their fearless leader . . .

And a posse that put me back on my heals.

And right back into the car where I bid my farewell.

Today I'm Sharing With . . . Simple Pleasures

I'm also sharing with Weekly Kodachrome for the very first time. And I apologize to Jason, but I've broken the rules right off the bat! These photos were taken about 2 weeks ago instead of within the last 7 days, and I obviously have more than one photo here! I promise I will try to refrain from breaking the rules next time but I wanted to join in! Please Check out Jason's blog here:

And a few more great linkups. . .

Wordish Wednesday

Outdoor Wednesday
Show Off Your Shot
You Capture

A Day In August

2011-08-16T17:33:00.001-05:00

It is . . . the evening of August 15, 2011

Outside my window . . . it is a beautiful night. I am outside in fact. I've been lying on the front patio looking up at the stars and listening.

I am hearing . . . crickets, music coming from a nearby home, a motorcycle in the distance.

I am wearing . . . pink and khaki shorts, white t-shirt, no shoes, pink toenail polish

I am creating . . . new memories.

I am looking forward to . . . fall, although there is something reminiscent about summer.

I am thankful . . . for the crickets, fireflies, and toads that join us for a summer evening out.

I am praying . . . for some dear blog friends who are in pain.

I am hoping . . . to start doing some new things on my blog using my poetry. We'll see.

I am remembering . . . how we used to play outside in our cul-de-sac on summer evenings when I was a youngster. We would play kick the can, acorn wars, or any other number of games with the other kids who lived in that circle. There were 5 houses on that dead end, and 4 of them had kids in them. I remember them all; Carrie, Lee, Tim, Greg, Mark, Linda, Donna, and of course me, my sister, and brothers (before they got too old). We would play until we heard our mother call us in to set the table for dinner. Then, we might go out again, and play until she called us in to get our baths.

I am noticing that . . . in many photos I am wearing a ball cap or hat of some sort. What is up with that? Well, usually the only time I'm in front of the camera is when I'm playing, and I often throw my hair up in a hat when I'm playing . You know, fishing, exploring, hiking, peach pickin', stuff like that. I spend much of the rest of my time dressed up, so when I play, I play and forget about my hair!

I am reading . . . my camera manual. When all else fails, go back to the beginning.

Words to think about . . .

“All The Woulda-Coulda-Shouldas
Layin' In The Sun,
Talkin' 'Bout The Things
They Woulda-Coulda-Shoulda Done...
But All Those Woulda-Coulda-Shouldas
All Ran Away And Hid
From One Little Did.”

~ Shel Silverstein

A moment from my week . . . I got an unexpected thank you bonus at work!!!

Something you may not know about me . . . I took guitar lessons for awhile, but quit. : ( It's been a couple of years ago now. My guitar has been sitting in a corner, locked in it's case, completely ignored. BUT, I think it's time to dust the old strings off and see what I can do. I'll probably have to start all over, but like I said before, if all else fails, go back to the beginning.

One of my favorite things . . . banana taffy. Or at least it used to be. It's been 3 months without sugar now, and it has been very good thing!

For my picture journal . . . porch lights. A sleepy street, but not quite asleep.

Sharing this shot with Sweet Shot Tuesday

We Can Count On It

2011-08-14T15:01:00.001-05:00

With the temperatures finally dipping down into the 90's, I'm reminded that fall really will return again, and winter after that. The lake in this shot is frozen solid. It was taken in February back when we were complaining about all the ice and snow. How quickly things turn, and we find ourselves complaining about the heat and the drought. I'm reminded of God's goodness through it all, and I don't want to be a grumbler. The sun always rises, the sun always sets, and the seasons always change. God is consistent, faithful, the same yesterday, today, and forever. He can be depended on

Today I'm sharing with . . .

Wordless Wednesday With Words
Outdoor Wednesday

Sunset Sundays

Beauty

2011-08-12T20:28:00.000-05:00

Is beauty in the eye of the beholder? I had a professional photographer tell me once that when it comes to photography, beauty is in the eye of the artist. So what may be beautiful to me, may not be to you. But beauty goes way beyond what we see with our eyes doesn't it?

More than catching the eyes, beauty captures the heart. Those people or things in our lives that cause us to take a deeper look, catch our breath, or walk a second mile are the beautiful things.

Since I caught the photography bug, my life has changed. It's not just the way I spend my time, it's the way I see life. I see moments now that I would have previously missed. I see life through the lens, and as a result my idea of what is beautiful has broadened significantly. I praise God a lot more, and I praise him in the storms. This blog started as a way for me to be more deliberate about life, and to slow down enough to not just see the roses, or even to just stop and smell them, but to take it a step further and clip a few stems, create a bouquet, and use them to brighten up a room or a face. I'm learning to do that.

Something beautiful becomes exquisite when we give it away. It's similar to lighting someone else's candle with your own. The light grows when we do that. Beauty is measured by the moments that make my life stand still, and yet move me to bless another's.

I'm sharing at Five Minute Friday where we write for five minutes flat. Today's theme is BEAUTY.

I'm also sharing at Camera Critters.

P.S. Laughter is beautiful isn't it? Can you be around it without being enriched? Pass it on. Laughter is contageous, and it's beautiful.

That Was Then

2011-08-11T22:40:00.000-05:00

How about a car show for some simple pleasure? No small town festival would be complete without one! I don't know anything about cars except if they are pretty or not, and these sure were pretty. Here are just a couple of cars that I took photos of. I'm sure I'll post more later. I also took this opportunity to play with my editing; I have a tendency to like my photos vivid, so I tried to break out of that box a little here. Hope you enjoy!

I'm sharing the first two photos with LEM where the theme is AQUA. I'm also sharing with . . .

Simple Pleasures

Show off Your Shot

Fabulous Friday

Looking Through the Fence

2011-08-09T22:13:00.004-05:00

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity." ~ I Timothy 4:12

I had a hard time getting a shot of this young one, but here we are - he in his world, and me in mine. Do we ever feel that way about our young people, like we are in different worlds? I've discovered, maybe since I work at a University, that we have a lot more in common than you might think. Yes, our taste in music, clothes, movies, and parties might not always match up, but young people have fears, goals, dreams, questions, and yes, even answers. To stop and have a conversation about what is going on in their world might just lead you to realize that their world isn't a whole lot different. We may have some answers for them, and I know they have some answers for us. Are we listening? Are we getting to know them as the individually, God-created people that they are? Are we letting God use them in our lives?

Here are just a few links to some inspiring young people:

Hannah

Emily Grace

Jessica and her photoblog too
Allie

Linking up with:
Word-Filled Wednesday

Wordish Wednesday

The Wednesday Word

A Watermelon Queen and More

2011-08-07T19:11:00.000-05:00

It's time for Scavenger Hunt Sunday again. So, here I go with my interpretation of the prompts.

I had difficulty with the prompts TWO and SWEET, so I'm using this one for both. This was my favorite motorized duo in the watermelon festival parade!

WHATEVER. I am also using this photo for Scripture and a Snapshot and Paper Heart Camera

SPACE

BRIGHT ~ The Watermelon Queen atop her vehicle

Scavenger Hunt Sunday

Walk With Him Wednesday ~ A Holy Experience.
The Wednesday Word
Women In the Word
Word Filled Wednesday

Paper Heart Camera

And The Winner Is . . .

2011-08-06T12:06:00.000-05:00

I'm so sorry I am late in getting this post up. I spent the night at the hospital with Mom last night, and I have just now made it back to my computer!

With no further ado, the winner of my giveaway, selected by random drawing, is Mary from
Me, Myself, and Mercy!

Yay Mary!

Mary will have her choice of a $25.00 e-gift card from Barnes and Noble OR Best Buy!

Mary, please email me at stephanicochran@gmail.com to claim your prize. You will need to tell me which e-card you want and also tell me the email address where you want the card sent.

Congratulations Mary, and thanks for being a faithful follower!

I hope everyone will visit Me Myself and Mercy to get to know Mary a little bit better!

Thanks to everyone who participated in the giveaway, especially those who moved from my photo blog; that shows some dedication! And just because I love photos, here is a re-post of a photo that was on my photo blog. A blessing for Mary and all of my followers!

Thanks guys!

Pressed For Time and Prayer

2011-08-05T09:41:00.002-05:00

I'm so pressed for time right now that all I have to offer you is this photo! To be honest this is the closest thing you might get to a self-portrait today. This big guy's expression matches mine pretty well at the moment.

Why do I have that ~~deer in the headlights look~~ cow in the viewfinder look? Why am I pressed for time and prayer? Mom was taken to the emergency room on Wednesday evening. She has suffered a mild stroke. She is still in ICU and her blood pressure is still out of control. I would appreciate your prayers as we navigate the complexities of handling this situation with the added difficulties of having a father who has Alzheimer's.

Thanks guys!

Don't forget I am having the drawing tomorrow for my giveaway! If you want to be included, please sign up as a follower and leave a comment to let me know. There is a link under my header where you can go for more information!

Fabulous Friday

Camera Critters

Show Off Your Shot

A Dirty Fingernail Kind of Love

2011-08-03T13:39:00.006-05:00

I've come face to face with what it means to love . . .

and as beautiful as love is, it isn't always pretty.

My Christian upbringing, protected, good-girl, upper middle class, stylish, educated life often insulated me from the realities of a lost and broken world . . . from lost and broken individuals. Even though my parents were medical missionaries in New Guinea, and worked with the most primitive pagan people on the face of the earth, I don't remember it, and our return to suburbia never took me back to a place similar.

I've heard it said that sometimes you can't see the forest because of all the trees, but maybe, just maybe, we often miss the trees because of the forest. It's that forest where good, upstanding, Christian girls don't go because we might get lost. We can't go there because we might get dirty. It's the forest on the outskirts of town that we talk about, we pray about, we hope good things for, but we just don't visit because well, what might happen to us if we go there? It's the world of the lost, the broken, the different from us.

It's a forest made up of trees that up close, don't always looks so pretty. But there is life in there. A dwindling life that we are required to offer hope to - the hope of Jesus.

A Jesus kind of love sees individuals as eternal souls. It doesn't see them as false God worshipers, prostitutes, drunks, drug addicts, tattooed hippies, homosexual, disease ridden, sex addicted, homeless, poor, materialistic, dirty, or untouchable. Jesus had dirt beneath his fingernails, and on his nail pierced hands. His nostrils new the stench of disease and poor hygiene, and his feet knew the dusty paths to sinners' homes.

"When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.

When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.”

Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.”

“Tell me, teacher,” he said.

“Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?”

Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.”

“You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.

Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”

Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” ~ Luke 7:36-48

In recent years I have taken love to people and places I never thought in a million years I would be, and when His love reaches the hopelessness of those eternal souls, it is a breathless thing to experience. In an office, in a hospital, in an apartment, in a nursing home, in a shelter, on the street, in a bar, maybe even in a church pew - you will encounter them, and you will be changed when you love them.

I fail so often. My love falls short. I catch myself making judgements, but God's grace is sufficient as I pray for a greater love for all people. And I keep asking these questions, "Am I willing to go to the forest? Am I seeing, smelling, hearing, and touching the "ugly" trees of that mysterious place in hopes to bring a new fragrance, a new song, and a new life there?"

Am I helping Jesus make all things new? Do I love like he did? Are my fingernails dirty?

My Photography Contest Winners

2011-08-02T02:40:00.006-05:00

Well, I've had a few people ask to see the photo contest winning entries from this last weekend. Those of you who have been following me for any length of time will recognize all of these photos, but I'm sure they will be new for some of you. The theme for the contest was Farm Life or Watermelons. That limited me a little bit, but I was able to enter several photos. Enjoy!

1st Place - Flower

3rd Place - Still Life

3rd Place - Scenic

Honorable Mention - Scenic

Honorable Mention - Animals

Honorable Mention - People

That's it! Have a terrific day everyone!

A Multitude of Gifts 876-900

2011-08-01T06:52:00.003-05:00

Wow! We had a wonderful weekend at the watermelon festival. I'll have a few photos to share in the days to come, but today I want to give glory to God for his goodness by continuing with my gratitude list! I'm getting close to 1000! My list today is filled with random items, but I recognize that all good gifts come from God! I'm also linking up my photos with a Creative Exchange. and August Break 2011.

876. God's supply

877. Having my step-son at church with us

878. Seeing God's hand at work in seemingly impossible situations. It's like God's hands are reaching down and separating the fog, clearing our vision.

879. Time off work and a weekend away

880. Going to the watermelon festival again this year

881. Not just going to the festival, but participating in it, as if it was our own small home town. The people have embraced us like it is our home away from home, remembering us from year to year.

881. Hubby defending his watermelon seed spitting championship, and also winning the spelling bee.

882. Entering a photo contest and winning first place in one category, third place in 2 categories, and honorable mention in 3 categories.

883. A splash of rain while driving down the highway. It created a steam bath with the hot temps, but when praying for rain do we dare complain about such a thing?

884. Sugar-free strawberry lemonade

885. Air conditioning as forecasters predict the hottest week in Oklahoma history

886. Enough watermelon for family and friends

887. Parades

888. Small towns

889. Rural Oklahoma

890. Safe travels

891. Reading God's Word as a family

890. A beautiful puppy who loves people and is loved back

891. My own bed

892. The sound of my husband walking through the house

893. Visiting Mom and Dad

894. My Dad's tears as he tells me he is proud of me

895. Whatever new thing God has planned for me

896. Clouds, even when they don't produce rain

897. Being where I am, and being content with it

898. Recognizing that God doesn't always send lightening bolt answers. Sometimes the answers are very subtle.

899. The privilege of talking to God directly, no middle man.

900. Yet having the Holy Spirit who interprets my prayers when I can't even speak them.

I'm linking this photo up with Creative Exchange today. I was so excited that it was raining that I just shot this through the windshield as we were driving. It's been so dry here.

A Holy Experience ~ A Multitude of Gifts ~ August Break 2011 (1)

I Am Still Life

2011-07-29T21:35:00.001-05:00

As a photographer, the term "still life" is an important one. As a woman of God, it is even more important. When taking pictures of still life, we think of inanimate objects that are unmoved. The photographer can arrange them the way she wants and then create the desired effect with the camera and lighting. But the common theme among all still life, is that it is unmoved. It sits still. It is only moved by the photographer, the master.

In much the same way, my life must also be unmovable. The difference between me and the subject of a still life photo session, is that I must be willing. I must set my face like flint towards that which the heavenly father has in store for me. When I move, this way or that, without waiting for the creator himself to direct me, I create a blurry image of what God intended, and the composition will be completely off.

Jesus is the master photographer. He knows how to make something beautiful out of my life. So I remain still until he picks me up to mold me and shape me. I'm motionless until he directs me to move. He is my creator, and he spends my lifetime turning me into a masterpiece. I am still life, and I am willing.

I am sitting in a hotel room in Valliant, Oklahoma. We are here for the 10th annual watermelon festival! So I think this shot is an appropriate still life photo for this post! I'm taking lots of pictures! See you when I get back in a couple of days!

I'm linking up with Five Minute Friday where we write for 5 minutes flat. Today's theme is STILL.

I'm also linking up with Spiritual Sundays

A Lovely Affair

2011-07-28T02:44:00.007-05:00

My niece's bridal luncheon was a lovely affair, held at a quaint antique shop. A few simple pleasures from that day . . .

Family - the bride's sisters, and two of my 6 nieces.

Food

Friends

Yes, it was a lovely affair!

Today I'm linking up with . . .

You Capture - Fruit

Simple Pleasures

DON'T FORGET MY GIVEAWAY ~ A GIFT CARD TO BARNES AND NOBLE

OR BEST BUY

~ DETAILS HERE ~

Quenched

2011-07-27T00:22:00.005-05:00

For physical thirst, a little sun tea. For spiritual thirst, time in God's word and on my knees.

Linking Up with Word-filled Wednesday , Not So Wordless Wednesday , The Wednesday Word.

and ABC Wednesday (B is for Beverage)

DON'T FORGET MY GIVEAWAY ~ A GIFT CARD TO BARNES AND NOBLE OR BEST BUY

~ DETAILS HERE ~

A Giveaway For You!

2011-07-26T15:49:00.002-05:00

Well, I finally made the decision to make the big move and blend my two blogs together. In fact, I have already redesigned A Defined Life, and you will see that it looks strikingly similar to my photo blog! Okay, okay, it looks exactly like it. I really liked that design so I just moved it over! Maybe I'll change it later, who knows.

I love all of my followers and have appreciated you being such a big part of this photo blog and praying that you will want to come on over to A Defined Life, and follow me here. For all the die hard photographers who don't like wordy blogs, I hope you will be pleasantly surprised at my new blog as I continue to make the same types of photography posts over here. I currently post about 2-3 times a week on each blog. My hope is with one blog, I can post about 5 times a week in one place!

This blog will have more of an emphasis on photography than it did before, but it will have some posts with more writing than than the photo blog currently has. I am really excited about this change and hope you will be too!

Now, to say a big thank you to you who are following me,

I have decided to have a giveaway! I will be giving a $25.00 e-gift card away to one lucky follower. You will have your choice of an e-card from Barnes & Noble OR Best Buy.

There are only a couple of a rules. You must be a follower of my new blended blog, A Defined Life. So, if you are currently a follower of this blog, just leave me a comment saying, "I am following and want to be included in the giveaway." If you are not currently a follower, then you will need to sign up as a follower of A Defined Life, and then leave me a comment telling me you have signed up and would like to be included in the giveaway.

The drawing will take place on Saturday, August 6th. I will announce the winner both Picture Window and at A Defined Life.

I love you guys, and hope you will continue with me on my blogging journey here at A Defined Life!

P.S. ~ Does anyone know how to import this blog into the other. I clicked on the import button, but didn't fully understand how to save and import. Thanks!

A Few Challenges

2011-07-25T20:40:00.001-05:00

I am actually participating in Scavenger Hunt Sunday two weeks in a row! I can't believe it. I'm also participating with Paper Heart Camera and Shutter Love Tuesday. This is also the first time I've posted these photo challenges to this blog. I usually participate on my photo blog. But, as many of you know I am in the process of combining my two blogs, and bringing all of my photo blog posts over here. So, if you are new to this blog, welcome! I hope you'll sign up as a follower! I will be changing my blog design in the next few days and making the necessary changes to make a blend of my writing and photography so I hope you will come back and visit again. If you are a follower of my photo blog, Picture Window, I hope you will sign up as a follower here because this is where all my photos will be from now on. More to come on all of this later. On with the hunt . . .

Music To My Ears

Hat

I like throwing on a cap sometimes when I don't want to do my hair. It is usually in a ponytail though, not down like this shot. I was getting ready for church Sunday morning and grabbed the hat to take a shot for this post!

I'm also linking this photo with Paper Heart Camera (hat) and Shutter Love Tuesday (hair)

Clear

The skies are clear here, no rain in sight. I went out to take photos of some white fluffy clouds I had seen on my way home from church, but when I got outside they were all gone. Nothing but blue skies. (I got locked out of the house during this so-called shoot, and it was 107 degrees outside! It's really too embarassing to talk about further)

Out of This World

These cookies are dfinitely out of this world!

Sprinkles

I'm pulling this out of the archives from last summer, but I did do a new edit on it that I like better than the previous one.

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you'll come again.

I've Decided

2011-07-25T17:33:00.000-05:00

A few days ago I asked for your input about combining this blog with my photo blog. Well, as difficult as the decision has been and still is, I believe I am going to combine the two blogs. What does this mean? Well, I will be importing my posts from my photo blog into this one so they will all be in one place. It also means this blog design is going to change. I love this blog design and I know many of you do too. It was designed by Valentine Design. The link is on my right sidebar. But, I feel like it does not incorporate the sentiments of both of my blogs and will need to change. When will it change and how will it change? I'm not sure about that quite yet either. I love the simple design I have on my photo blog, and that is something I can do on my own. Plus that template allows for horizontal link lists and this one does not. So, I will probably go with my own design for now. Any thoughts on any of this so far?

Any time I invest myself in something creative it is difficult for me to give it away. Even though I want to bless others with my creativity, whether it be a scrapbook, a photograph, a poem, a devotional, or my blogs, it is hard to depart with any of it, because as anyone who is creative will understand, I leave a part of me in the work I've done. So leaving one blog behind even though it will be incorporated in to the other is difficult.

What does this change mean for my followers? If you are following this blog, GREAT! If you are not, please sign up! Followers of my photo blog will need to sign up as followers here to keep up with new photography posts.

When the change takes place you will definitely know, and I intend to have a giveaway at that time. More on this to come, but hopefully the change will take place within a few days (maybe even tonight, if I get with it).

Any questions, comments, or further input would be great! I'll keep you posted!

Filled To the Brim

2011-07-22T23:28:00.001-05:00

My cup runneth over.

Full. Room for no more. But there will always be more . . . grace that is. I'm surrounded on all fronts, and penetrated at all levels with God's grace. God's sustaining grace. No empty cup here.

I look at my life and the events that have taken place in the last two years, and I don't see pain; I see sustenance. I see bounty dropped at my doorstep during the drought.

So, I'm full of God's grace, the grace HE gives ME, but am I full of grace - grace going out to others? God says, "Let your conversation always be FULL of grace and seasoned with salt." Am I so overflowing with grace that God is washed over others? Are my words kind, encouraging, forgiving, loving, grace filled?

I'm full of grace, so Jesus, let my cup run over and wash dry souls.

I'm sharing with Five Minute Friday - Today's prompt is, FULL

A Multitude of Gifts ~ A Holy Experience

Trying To Keep It Real

2011-07-21T20:13:00.003-05:00

What would you look like if . . .

there was a 110 degree heat index outside,

you had no air conditioning in your kitchen (or anywhere except the bedroom),

you were cooking dinner with all 4 burners going,

and you then went outside (it's hot remember) to brush the dirt off your puppy before letting him in? (he's dug a HUGE hole that he stays in to keep cool in this heat, and he comes out of it covered in dust!)

Well, this is what I look like . . . right now. I did edit the exposure on the shot because it was way underexposed, besides when you blow out the exposure it hides some of the wrinkles! Anyway, you can still see the dark circles, the blood shot whites, the dirt on my wrist from brushing down the puppy, and well, I'm just trying to be a little more real here by getting out from behind the camera. After all we're all friends aren't we?

I must say I never noticed until I looked at this picture that my eyes match my kitchen walls!

I'm joining in with Embrace the Camera. I hope Emily will forgive me, because we are supposed to include our kiddos in the photo. I don't have kiddos, and as you know my hubby won't let me post his photo. So, this week it is just me in all my weary glory!

Wee Bit ~ 13

2011-07-20T16:35:00.000-05:00

{one}

What is your dream job?

Being self-employed probably with photography, writing, design, or a combination of those.

{two}

How many best friends do you have?

One. My husband is my best friend.

{three}

What’s the longest road trip you’ve ever taken?

When I was in college I went to Florida for Spring break with 3 of my girlfriends. We drove from northern Illinois, and it took us about 24 hours. We drove straight through.

{four}

If you had to do one single thing every day for the next year, what would it be?

I would say prayer or Bible study, but I already do that everyday. That is a must. So I'm going to say exercise. If I had to do it, I would be more consistent.

{five}

What’s one story your family always tells about you?

My dad often re-tells about the circumstances surrounding my birth. He has Alzheimer’s now so he tells it more and more to everyone he sees. My parents went to New Guinea as medical missionaries with our church. Dad was the first and only doctor of the newly built hospital. My parents traveled there by ship. They were on the ship for about 30 days. As dad tells it, my mother developed a serious case of sea sickness only to find out when they got to shore that she was actually pregnant with me. The end.

{six}

How did your parents pick your name?

The national bird in New Guinea is the Bird of Paradise. The female Bird of Paradise is called Princess Stephani. I promise though, I don’t act like a princess!

{seven}

What’s the one thing that scares you more than anything?

I am afraid of heights. I get dizzy. It’s ugly.

I am also a bit scared a of getting old. I don’t have kids to look out for me, and I know how much my parents depend on me. I am less fearful than I used to be though. I know God will take care of me.

{eight}

Are you a good cook?

I think so. I’m not good at throwing things together without a recipe, but generally what I make turns out well.

{nine}

Where do you see yourself in 20 years?

Definitely retired from my 8-5 job, that should happen way before that. But, hopefully I will still be working and serving on my own. Whatever God has planned, that’s where I’ll be!

{ten}

What’s your best childhood memory?

Winning athlete of the year in 4th grade at my school.

How about a Wee Bit about you?

I Need Your Input

2011-07-20T10:14:00.000-05:00

Good morning everyone! I need a little advice. I am contemplating the idea of merging my two blogs somehow. I currently maintain this blog and a photo blog called Picture Window. I hate the thought of giving one up, they are kind of my babies, but the idea would be to combine everything in one place where my photography and other writing is on one blog. With everything I have going on, it is a bit difficult to get enough posts going on both blogs. I love both my blogs, but often wish everything and everyone was on one page. I just don't know what I should do. I know I would probably lose some followers from one or the other.

What do you think?

We Just Said Hello

2011-07-18T03:00:00.001-05:00

This is my friend Nadene and her husband Ray.

Ray and Nadene are very close to my parents, and have been friends since before I even came into this world! Nadene is my mother's best friend, and is like a second mother to me. It seems like we just said hello; I heard her voice on the phone just a few days ago. But today, she's gone. She died suddenly yesterday from a heart attack - yet another reminder to me that we should love each person as if it is their last day on this earth. Today, I continue my gratitude list filled with the blessings of knowing a remarkable lady named Nadene.

861. A woman of God

862. Floor pacing prayers for me over the years

863. Her card ministry

864. A box full of cards and letters to look back and remember

865. Red hair to match her personality

866. A wonderful sense of humor

867. Encouragement

868. Her faithfulness to those in need

869. Teaching me how to care for my parents and take care of their affairs

870. Her tears when talking about her father

871. Her smile

872. Faithful friend to my parents, calling and visiting every week

873. A Christian all her life, afraid of water, courage to be baptized last year

874. A minister of Grace

875. An adoptive parent, literally to her own children, and figuratively to me

I miss her already, but because of Jesus I know where she is, and will be with her again one glorious day.

7.17.11 ~ Scavenger Hunt

2011-07-17T00:54:00.000-05:00

It's been awhile since I participated in Scavenger Hunt Sunday, but I needed a kick to get me using my camera to take pictures of something other than pretty skies! I've been in a funk lately, maybe because of all my family responsibilities and the little time I have on hand. Anywho . . . it's been fun to do something different this week, playing with the editing etc. So here we go . . .

Black and White (my gorgeous niece)

Reflections in Glass AND Headlights (killing both with one here)

Also entering this one in WEEKEND REFLECTIONS

Seeing Double (two teacups?)

Bare - I wear Bare Minerals makeup, and this shade of eyeshadow is called "bare skin."

Scavenger Hunt Sunday w/ Ramblings and Photos

Come Home

2011-07-16T20:32:00.000-05:00

If you think what you've done can't be forgiven, that you're just too bad or too far gone, if you think you've got nowhere to go, and no hope left, I promise, it's never too late to come home.

Then Sings My Soul Saturday