I just wanted share some goodies that make me happy... on a regular basis. Maybe can brighten yours too?
Just click to follow the link..
Switchfoot- This is Home
Regina Spektor- The Call
Baby, It's Cold Outside
David Bowie and Bing Crosby - Little Drummer Boy
Nickel Creek- Toxic
Clue in 52 Seconds
Charlie Brown Christmas- Linus's Monologue
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Drifting Attention
Earlier in the summer, as I have mentioned before, I really felt a need for a revitalization of my spiritual life. And those feelings and convictions come and go...
But, upon describing how I really wanted to be connected with God and do an intense daily devotion, I received feedback, that such a hope may be unrealistic. I cannot always be connected: in order to feel really connected, you have to know what it feels like to be disconnected.
So, here I am again, feeling a bit disconnected. Not making time for one-on-one moments with God.
But, I have been working harder to pray more consistently, and a big part of that is by making prayer a much more casual thing.
I have a twenty minute drive to and from work, and some days I turn off the radio and try to pray while I am driving. Yet, I find myself praying a bit, then getting completely distracted. My mind runs completely wild! Within moments I have begun to think about what I need to tell someone, or what I will be doing the next day, etc.
The question I am pondering is...why do I get so easily distracted? Does anyone else ever have problems with this?
I don't know what the cause is, but it becomes very frustrating. Just saying.
But, upon describing how I really wanted to be connected with God and do an intense daily devotion, I received feedback, that such a hope may be unrealistic. I cannot always be connected: in order to feel really connected, you have to know what it feels like to be disconnected.
So, here I am again, feeling a bit disconnected. Not making time for one-on-one moments with God.
But, I have been working harder to pray more consistently, and a big part of that is by making prayer a much more casual thing.
I have a twenty minute drive to and from work, and some days I turn off the radio and try to pray while I am driving. Yet, I find myself praying a bit, then getting completely distracted. My mind runs completely wild! Within moments I have begun to think about what I need to tell someone, or what I will be doing the next day, etc.
The question I am pondering is...why do I get so easily distracted? Does anyone else ever have problems with this?
I don't know what the cause is, but it becomes very frustrating. Just saying.
Monday, November 22, 2010
I must Become a Lion- Hearted Girl!
Florence and The Machine Official Video
So this is a mainstream song rather than Christian based, but the Lord works to present messages through more than just Christian artists. This band is a British band that has become very popular, in fact this song was really huge about a year ago. (If you watched SNL this past weekend, they were the musical guest). My husband made me a lovely mix CD and put this song on it. I just fell in love with it and the message it conveys.
1. "Looking Glass, So shiny and new, how quickly the glamor fades."
- Looking Glass: another Lewis Carroll Reference (Through the Looking Glass)
- Isn't it crazy how when we depend on something worldly, it quickly changes? In interviews, Florence stated that she was not really made out to be a celebrity, and that she has become sick of some aspects of it.
2. "Here I am, A Rabbit- Hearted Girl, frozen in the Lights."
- I think so often, especially in the Christian community, girls are taught to be too quiet, gentle, and fragile, which can lead to their demise. There is a concentration on being humble, which can sometimes turn into self- deprivation, and very low self-esteem. Just because we are called to be gentle spirits, does not mean we should be frightened or too timid.
" For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self- discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7
I feel that I am often finding myself in this type of a battle, knowing that I should stand strong, but also not wanting to overstep my boundaries.
3. "This is a gift: it comes with a price. Who is the lamb and who is the knife?"
- It is true; most gifts come with a price. We have salvation only because Christ died as the price of our repentance to God. I think that this does not need to be a negative phrase; it should just be an eye opener. Upon realizing that most gifts that we receive come because a sacrifice was made by another, we should be more thankful and joyous when receiving gifts!
- "Who is the Lamb and Who is the knife?" This phrase makes me wonder what some gifts are really worth. Also, if actions that we take are destructive to others?
4. " I WISH THAT I COULD JUST BE BRAVE. I MUST BECOME A LION-HEARTED GIRL, READY FOR A FIGHT."
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you, he will never leave or forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6
"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith: be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love."
1 Corinthians 16:13 & 14
"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or death." Philippians 1:20
We are also told that as Christians, we are expected to have to fight for our faith, not only against Satan, but also against the world that does not understand us. Being a True Follower of Christ, sadly, is not an easy life calling to pursue; but it is definitely worth the trial.
1. "Looking Glass, So shiny and new, how quickly the glamor fades."
- Looking Glass: another Lewis Carroll Reference (Through the Looking Glass)
- Isn't it crazy how when we depend on something worldly, it quickly changes? In interviews, Florence stated that she was not really made out to be a celebrity, and that she has become sick of some aspects of it.
- I think so often, especially in the Christian community, girls are taught to be too quiet, gentle, and fragile, which can lead to their demise. There is a concentration on being humble, which can sometimes turn into self- deprivation, and very low self-esteem. Just because we are called to be gentle spirits, does not mean we should be frightened or too timid.
" For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self- discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7
I feel that I am often finding myself in this type of a battle, knowing that I should stand strong, but also not wanting to overstep my boundaries.
3. "This is a gift: it comes with a price. Who is the lamb and who is the knife?"
- It is true; most gifts come with a price. We have salvation only because Christ died as the price of our repentance to God. I think that this does not need to be a negative phrase; it should just be an eye opener. Upon realizing that most gifts that we receive come because a sacrifice was made by another, we should be more thankful and joyous when receiving gifts!
- "Who is the Lamb and Who is the knife?" This phrase makes me wonder what some gifts are really worth. Also, if actions that we take are destructive to others?
4. " I WISH THAT I COULD JUST BE BRAVE. I MUST BECOME A LION-HEARTED GIRL, READY FOR A FIGHT."
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you, he will never leave or forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6
"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith: be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love."
1 Corinthians 16:13 & 14
"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or death." Philippians 1:20
The lion is used time and time again in scripture as a metaphor for Judah, or Christ. The Lion is a symbol of sovereignty and strength, as well as courage and bravery.
I won't lie, I feel like if you become a lion-hearted girl, you should also attain the right to roar whenever you feel it necessary. :)
"Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses." 1 Timothy 6:11 & 12 |
| This guy is pretty cute. Not looking very courageous though! |
So, the kicker is that we have to find a balance between gentleness, humility, love, and courage. I felt very encouraged by this song, knowing that I am not the only one who struggles with this balance. So I have found my newest pursuit: to change from rabbit-hearted to lion- hearted!
" And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone." 1 Thessalonians 5:14
Friday, November 12, 2010
What Happens when You Watch the FOOD NETWORK...
The other night, we were all watching Bobby Flay's Throwdown on Food Network, and what was he making? Pumpkin pie and Carrot Cake!!!
It led to a conversation about carrot cake, and Thanksgiving desserts (like pumpkin dumpcake) and the cream cheese frosting. The conversation moved on, but as my dad got up to head to bed, I asked: "So what are we making to put cream cheese frosting on?"
They all laughed at me, but this was serious business.
My husband suggested Red Velvet Cupcakes, but I was not really feeling like making a cake from scratch at close to midnight... so what was the substitute? Fondant!!
The fondant that my family makes is not like the fondant used in bakeries as icing for cakes. That fondant icing is normally just confectioner's sugar and water, what I made was fondant candy: a package of cream cheese, a load of powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt and a splash of vanilla extract.
This type of candy has a huge nostalgic factor for me, my grandmother (now suffering from dimensia) made it every year at Christmas time.
This time around I used a mixing bowl, although I would sincerely recommend putting it in a bag and kneading it together.
Fondant actually improves with refrigeration and age, so over the next few weeks (if it lasts past its pure stage!) I will be rolling it in almonds and pecans.
Adding coconut, and chocolate to portions- to roll and slice to create pinwheels.
Then I decided to raise the challenge in difficulty. My husband has always wanted a Boston Creme Pie, so I decided to try it!
This book is like a text book you would have in a normal class, it has sections and chapters: working its way up from the very basics to the difficult portions of cooking. So I have the book, and the urge: now I just need to go for it and start the sucker!!!
It led to a conversation about carrot cake, and Thanksgiving desserts (like pumpkin dumpcake) and the cream cheese frosting. The conversation moved on, but as my dad got up to head to bed, I asked: "So what are we making to put cream cheese frosting on?"
They all laughed at me, but this was serious business.
My husband suggested Red Velvet Cupcakes, but I was not really feeling like making a cake from scratch at close to midnight... so what was the substitute? Fondant!!
The fondant that my family makes is not like the fondant used in bakeries as icing for cakes. That fondant icing is normally just confectioner's sugar and water, what I made was fondant candy: a package of cream cheese, a load of powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt and a splash of vanilla extract.
This type of candy has a huge nostalgic factor for me, my grandmother (now suffering from dimensia) made it every year at Christmas time.
This time around I used a mixing bowl, although I would sincerely recommend putting it in a bag and kneading it together.
Fondant actually improves with refrigeration and age, so over the next few weeks (if it lasts past its pure stage!) I will be rolling it in almonds and pecans.
Adding coconut, and chocolate to portions- to roll and slice to create pinwheels.
My puppy Prudence wanting in on some of the action!
Lately, I have been focusing on broadening my knowledge and skills in the kitchen. I have been working mostly with desserts so far, because I can truly appreciate them. :)
A friend of mine and I met several times a week over the summer and created a gateau: a cake filled with fruit and a whipped topping:
Then I decided to raise the challenge in difficulty. My husband has always wanted a Boston Creme Pie, so I decided to try it!
I made it all from scratch: the pound cake, the custard filling, and chocolate drizzle.
What led to this whole endeavor? After being married for almost two years, I have fallen into a rut of dinners to make. I have my meals that we enjoy, and are easy...but they sure do get boring. My husband and I became Goodwill and Garage sale frequenters, and I picked up this book:
This book is like a text book you would have in a normal class, it has sections and chapters: working its way up from the very basics to the difficult portions of cooking. So I have the book, and the urge: now I just need to go for it and start the sucker!!!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
JOSHY!
Two weeks ago, my husband and I traveled to see Joshua Radin, who is probably my favorite artist!
It was a pretty big venue, but he was opener so it was not too crowded. He played a great set, and we were very impressed. He did his closing number in the crowd. Afterwards, he went out and did signing and a meet and greet with fans.
Here is a video of the song we played at our wedding. As he got ready to play it, he asked to take it down a notch. And told us he was going to play a song he wrote right when he started six years ago. He then asked if anyone in the crowd had used it at their wedding. So we screamed at the top of lungs. :)
We heard people around us say: "Awww"
Before starting Joshua said, "Okay then, this one is for you."
I was just so excited to share.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Mysterious God
So much for blogging three times a week,eh? Oh well...
I was reading in Colossians the other day... and some verses stuck out:
"I have become its (the church's) servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in his fullness- the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints." Colossians 1:25 & 26
* Note: The Christian Mystery is not secret knowledge for a few, it is a revelation of divine truths- once hidden but now openly proclaimed.
I find this note very interesting: why was this not always proclaimed? It comes to the predestination thing... God is all-knowing, so why did he not proclaim this from the beginning? Why did God have his chosen people, those in his OWN image, struggle for so many years? So that we may learn from them? I guess it always comes to the choice thing...
"We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me." Colossians 1:28 & 29
I love that Paul really had a godly way of thinking (which makes sense, since he was a Saint) and truly cares for all of God's children. He strives in his ministry not just because God called him, but because he longs for all people to be perfect in Christ!! Awesome!!
Btw: admonish: to warn in a loving manner
I am totally amazed by the thought that when we are given a task that it does not mean that we have to do it on our own strength. Here Paul states that even with Christ's energy, he stills struggles. It is so comforting to know, that God will fill us, and even when we are filled with him, and his energy, we are still not expected to be perfect.
I was reading in Colossians the other day... and some verses stuck out:
"I have become its (the church's) servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in his fullness- the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints." Colossians 1:25 & 26
* Note: The Christian Mystery is not secret knowledge for a few, it is a revelation of divine truths- once hidden but now openly proclaimed.
"We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me." Colossians 1:28 & 29
I love that Paul really had a godly way of thinking (which makes sense, since he was a Saint) and truly cares for all of God's children. He strives in his ministry not just because God called him, but because he longs for all people to be perfect in Christ!! Awesome!!
Btw: admonish: to warn in a loving manner
I am totally amazed by the thought that when we are given a task that it does not mean that we have to do it on our own strength. Here Paul states that even with Christ's energy, he stills struggles. It is so comforting to know, that God will fill us, and even when we are filled with him, and his energy, we are still not expected to be perfect.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)