The Plunge

 Every now and then I read a blog called Digging For Treasure in the Diaper Pail.  I really like this post and thought you might also. You can find this blog at www.aliciabruxvoort.net.

   We celebrated Lizzy’s PLUNGE into double-digits with a wet and wild birthday party yesterday. Ten party-goers blessed my girl soon-to-turn-ten by spending a day with her at a waterpark.The highlight of the trip was everyone’s conquering of the biggest slide: THE PLUNGE!
     Even Hannah conquered her fear and tried the fast and furious drop. When Lizzy and her friends came to the sundeck where I was enjoying a rare moment of relaxation and dared me to take THE PLUNGE, I slipped out of my flip flops and headed for the tall tower. After climbing four stories in the air, I stood at the top of the sky-high platform and looked DOWN. My stomach flip-flopped. Lizzy and all of her friends took their turns on the big slide and then I was the only one left.
     “Just lie on your back and give yourself a push,” the lifeguard instructed. Lizzy’s party crew looked like ants at the bottom of the slide, but I could see them jumping and clapping and cheering me on.

I stepped into the swirling water. I was enjoying the party from my lawnchair I thought as I tentatively sat down at the top of the slide. The water is freezing! The drop looked daunting from my perspective. One push and I would be plunging straight down into a tiny puddle of waiting water. Oh,the things we do for our kids! I took a deep breath (and held it ALL the way to the bottom), reclined in the cold water, then grabbed the side of the slide and gave my body a push over the edge.

Water flew. My heart jumped to my throat. My body lifted off the slide, then banged back down against the wall. Adrenaline rushed. Lizzy screamed with delight, and my bulleting body came to a splashing halt.

“You did it, Mom!” Lizzy applauded. “Wasn’t that AWESOME?”

As I headed up the steps to do it all over again, I decided that the waterslide was an apt picture of my life with Jesus. Following Him is an amazing RIDE, but sometimes the hardest part is simply taking THE PLUNGE of obedience. 

“I want you and your family to move.”

“Are you kidding, Lord? I’m happy right here in my lawnchair. See? I have friends, a great church, a thriving ministry….”

“I want you to surrender family planning to Me.”

“But, Lord, I already have a picture in mind. I think I can handle three kids, God. You know, Rob works long hours and I have some dreams I want to pursue…”

“It’s time to give your husband the reigns. I created him to be the head of your family. Get out of the way and let him become the man I’ve dreamed him to be.”

“But, Lord, he’s too busy to lead well. And he doesn’t have the vision I do, and….”

And for every argument I have, the Author of this adventure called life urges, “JUST TAKE THE PLUNGE!”

And tentatively, I push my wary heart over the edge of my comfort zone and I hear my Savior cheer and holler, “Wasn’t that an  AWESOME ride? How did you like those splashes of joy? Didn’t you love that adrenaline pumping rush of dependancy on ME? Did you feel your heart lift off the ground and soar?”

And as soon as I reach the end of my challenge, Jesus grabs my hand and says, “Come on! Let’s Do it Again!”

Today’s Overflow:  “Come!” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on water toward Jesus.” –Matthew 14:29-30  

There is a Lesson to Be Learned

That’s what my mom would always say, “there’s a lesson here some place.”  I say my lesson is to be happy with what I have or I should say had.  I just got a new phone, I hate it.  I want my old one back!  Why didn’t I just keep what I was familiar with IDK. Why do we always want the newest, the biggest the best?

I was reading about Ruth and Naomi, what a pair they were.  A daughter in law who would not leave her ML and  ML who helped Ruth find a husband.  It seems to me Ruth was a woman who knew what she had a was not interested in bigger, better or new.

I love a good romantic story and the Bible is full of them.  Really the Bible has wonderful stories, exciting stories, romantic stories, dramatic stories, sad and scary stories.  What a book.

How can I be excited about soup this time of year?  I just do really love soup and this is an especially great dish.  Again this is from the cookbook, The 30-day Diabetes Miracle Cookbook.

THREE SISTERS STEW

Makes 8 1/2 Cups

1 1/2 Tbs. Smart Balance                                              1 Cup whole kernel corn

1 1/2 Cups Morningstar Crumbles                            2 Cups 3/4 inch cubed peeled butternut squash

3/4 chopped green bell pepper                                  2 Tb. McKay’s Beef broth

1 Cup chopped onion                                                       3/4 tsp. dried basil

2 cloves minced garlic                                                   1/16 tsp. cayenne pepper

3 cups water                                                                       1/2 tsp. salt-I omitted

1 can pinto beans, drained                                           1 can diced tomatoes

1 can kidney beans, drained                                        2 Tb. water

1 Tb. cornstarch

I added 2 envelopes of Sazon Seasoning–find this in a Mexican store but it’s not in the recipe.

Melt the margarine in a large pot over medium heat.  Add the crumbles, pepper, onion, garlic and saute until vegetables are tender, 4-5 minutes.  Add all the remaining ingredients, except the 2 Tb. water and cornstarch.  Cover and simmer until the vegetables are almost tender, about 20 minutes.  Whisk the cornstarch and water together, and stir into the stew.  Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, and serve.

I have to admit I doubled almost all the ingredients except the corn,  kidney beans and tomatoes.  I used GW Broth 6 envelopes because I didn’t have any McKay’s Beef Style Broth.

Walmart

My mind was made up, I was headed to Wal-Mart before the heat.  8 am didn’t really beat the heat but at least I was able to park in the shade.  As I walked in the door an obviously morning person shouted, “hello, how are you?”  She was over weight, plain and certainly enjoyed her greeting  job.

My checkers  ( I had two) were equally cheerful, we chatted about produce, gardening, and the fact that it was a lousy year for squash and tomatoes but there were plenty of other great things in his garden.  They sacked my groceries, took my money and sent me on my way.

As I left the store the same cheerful woman bid me a cheerful goodbye.  Her good-bye was musical in tone, odd for a greeter at Wal-Mart.

You already know where I am going with this if you don’t your blessed.  My plea is to make members and visitors feel as welcome at church as I felt at Wal-Mart.  This should be easy and yet it doesn’t always happen.  I am still on the kick of  let’s visit with one another, smile, chat a little after church and before.  Let’s show ourselves friendly, make a joyful noise and shout a greeting.

God’s Wrath

Here is the discussion we had tonight.  Do the plagues in Revelation reveal a loving God? I’d like to know what you think, I had a very weak answer one I don’t even want to share with you.

Here is the recipe I promised.

Pasta e Fagioli–from The 30-day Diabetes Miracle Cookbook–no I don’t have diabetes but I do believe it’s important to get plenty of fiber and watch my carbs.

2 Tb. Margarine I use Earth Balance

1 tsp. olive oil

2 cups chopped onions

4 cloves garlic, minced

 1 tsp dried basil – I used fresh

1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

2 1/2 Cup canned Great Northern beans, drained

3 cups water

2 Tbs. McKay’s Chicken-Style Broth

1 1/4 cups canned diced tomatoes with liquid

1/16 tsp. cayenne pepper

2 bay leaves

1/4-1/2 tsp. rosemary

1 cup whole grain macaroni–I use the brand Dreamfields

Heat margarine and olive oil in large saucepan. Add onions and garlic and saute until the onions are tender, 3-4 minutes.  Add the basil and Italian seasoning and saute for 1 minute.  Stir in the remaining ingredients, except the pasta.  Bring to a boil and simmer, uncovered for about 10 minutes.  Stir in the pasta and cook until tender, about 15 minutes.  Remove the bay leaves and serve.

Samson

I am stunned, how could I have forgotten the story of Samson?  He was certainly an impulsive fellow and yet he led Israel for 20 years.  Have you read the story lately.  I mean God told his parents exactly how to raise him, and from all accounts they did as God directed.

Samson’s parents didn’t even cut his hair because God told them not to.  Were they too easy on him?  When he told them to go get a certain woman, they did it.  Should they have put their foot down.  IDK–I just have a hard time figuring it all out.

I have been spending a few days with my Kansas grand kids and their parents.  I watch my grandchildren get guidance from their parents.  I watch as their very tired daddy spends time with them, has worship with them and gently tucks them into bed.  I have often seen him linger by their bed and I know he is praying for each little sleepy head.

It is scary business, raising children.  Maybe I am just getting to the age of being afraid of my own shadow but I don’t think so.  I listen to young people talk and I am shocked to hear how much time they spend on gaming.  I mean even to the point of spending very little time doing anything else.  Video games are addicting.  What will it take for parents to wake up and realize they are doing their children no favors by letting them spend time playing violent games and doing very little else.

Oh, I have gotten on my soap box now–sorry.

I have a great new recipe but I am too tired to write it down.  Tomorrow is another day.

The Book I Love

Today in church the sermon was about the Bible.  It was interesting and it inspired me to continue to read the Scripture.  At the beginning of summer I started reading my Bible through, again.  Just as the speaker said today, I always get bogged down in Numbers.  I actually skipped most of Numbers and felt sorta like I was cheating.  It was nice to know the speaker today also skipped Numbers.

The sermon reminded me that the Bible is always relevant no matter where we are in life.  The things that may speak to us today may not mean much to us next month.  It all depends on where we are in life. 

This afternoon I read part of Judges, I find it so very interesting how God’s people would abide in Him for a few years and then totally fall away.  Have you ever wondered if the Bible was being written right now how would our history look?  Would we look as crazy as the people of old?  Probably even more so.

There is great comfort in the Bible, when my heart is heavy or I feel restless I find peace in His Word.  I hope you do too.

Twelve for Dinner

LOL I know you are thinking about Martha and how she seemed to always have at least twelve stopping at her house for dinner, meetings and probably even as overnight guests.  That Mary really should have been more help but after all she was sitting at the feet of Jesus.  I might add I need to sit at the feet of Jesus a little more myself.

When you see the pan in the middle of the table you know we aren't very formal!

Sabbath for lunch we had twelve and six were the little people.  They are funny as can be and we had so much fun just watching them.  Meal time was really fun, we have one who loves to eat and we have one who pretty much only likes toast and butter.

We had lots of fun outside riding the pink jeep and playing in the sun.  They love the water and especially turning on the hose and watering the sidewalk. We had lots of fun at the park.

Here they are!

The parents of these kids are amazing.  They seem to take everything in stride.  I wonder how I was as a parent, it seems I have forgotten.

 

Now the house is empty, the mess is nearly cleaned up and I don’t like it so neat and clean.  I miss the noise, the clutter, the Lego’s, the paper, markers and scissors.  I have cleaned the finger prints off the doors and windows  now I wish they were still there.  It was over so fast.

 

Family, God sure knew what he was doing when He created families.  As I reflect on the happenings in this world it makes me look forward to heaven.  Just think of the great big family we will have when we get to heaven.

 

I must confess I have not made this recipe but it looks and sounds so good.  I would just substitute the meat with either humus or a chicken substitute.

 

Greek Style Pita Sandwiches

Recipe by Our Best Bites

12 oz  boneless skinless chicken, sliced into 1/4″ slices
1 Tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 1/2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2  teaspoons minced fresh oregano
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

1/4 C diced tomato
1/4 C diced cucumber
2 Tablespoons diced red onion

6 Tablespoons Greek Style Yogurt
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 Tablespoon fresh minced parsley
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

4 Lettuce leaves
4 pita bread halves
2-3 Tbs crumbled Athenos Feta cheese

Combine meat, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a shallow dish and set aside.  Heat a medium skillet to medium high heat.  While pan is heating, combine Greek yogurt, lemon zest, parsley and 1/4 teaspoon salt and set in fridge to chill.  Add meat mixture to pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until meat is cooked through and then remove from heat.   Combine tomato, cucumber, and red onion.  Too assemble, place one lettuce leaf in each pita.  Divide meat mixture between pitas, add cucumber and tomato mixture and then top with yogurt sauce and a sprinkle of feta. 

I’m Puzzled

I’m puzzled about many things, oh to be able to sort out life and have the sorting be correct would be wonderful.  I know I’m not making sense.

One of my level-headed friends is in the hospital, he has always been IN CONTROL.  Now as I sit and watch and listen I realize he is fighting to still be the boss but. . . .If he had taken better care of his body would he be in better shape. Probably!  If I take better care of mine will it prepare me for the dismal days of old age?  Maybe!

Then what about this. . .All parents damage their children.  It cannot be helped.  Youth, like pristine glass, absorbs the prints of its handlers.  Some parents smudge, others crack, a few shatter childhoods completely into jagged little pieces, beyond repair.  Yikes!!  Good thing I didn’t know this before we had children.

And this.  Parents rarely let go of their children, so children let go of them.  They move on.  They move away.  The moments that used to define them–a mother’s approval, a father’s nod–are covered by moments of their own accomplishments.  It is not until much later, as the skin sags and the heart weakens, that children understand; their stories, and all their accomplishments, sit atop the stories of the mothers and fathers, stones upon stones, beneath the waters of their lives.

For sure I am in the skin sagging and the heart weakening stage and I do understand some of the things that use to aggravate me about my mother.

This is the weekend ALL the kids will be here–I will get some pictures for you!! What fun we will have.  This is one of the recipes I will be making.

Potatoes

2  Mr. Dell’s frozen hash browns

2 cans evaporated milk

1 stick butter –I will use less

4 T Mckays Chicken Seasoning–I will use a little more

Put in the largest oblong dish, bigger than a 9×13–bake 350 for 45 minutes

Atlanta Was the Place to Be!

These street signs were all around the streets hear the Georgia Dome

The 59th Session of the SDA General Conference was in Atlanta, GA.  It was a glorious sight to see 70,000 people who believe just like I do.  Is this a correct statement?  I think not!

What a sight

It was very obvious, as I sat in on some of the business sessions, that we are certainly not all of one mind on a lot of subjects.  We for sure are not of one mind on appropriate dress or even life style.  In the Georgia Dome, Starbucks was closed after the first day of the session. 

What I did notice is we are all looking forward to the coming of Jesus and we are excited about spreading the Good News.

There were some surprises!  This is a time when some people are not re-elected, that means they no longer have a job.  In most cases I think this comes as a surprise but what do I know, I am just a casual observer.  Another surprise is the vote to ordain deaconesses, this vote passed by a large number.

Are you holding your breath about the ordination of women into the ministry?  Maybe that’s not an important subject for you.  I will tell you this it did come up and it was agreed to ask Andrew’s University to study ordination.  Later another vote on the subject was that the General Conference will study the subject of women’s ordination and bring a report back to The Annual Council.  You ask what does all of this mean? IDK  I have a guess but think I will keep that to myself.  LOL

I really wanted to try but I just never got around to it LOL

One of my favorite parts of the whole experience were the people and the many different outfits

This is my favorite picture and I had to beg this lady to let me take it

To end a great week, in Chicago I met my little family from Singapore and we were on the same plane to Lincoln, Nebraska.  It was music to my ears to hear those little people scream “GRAMMY”  when I walked up to the gate.  I sat with Rylin and occupied her with my purse for a long time.  Lincoln sat across the aisle from me and explained exactly what the plane would do to get off the ground.  Katie was asleep on her daddy’s shoulder before the plane left the ground and Jacie had a chance to ride with another adult for about 45 minutes before RyRy wanted MOMMY.

The Lord is good, I saw much evidence of his working during the 59th Session of  my church.