April 22, 2012

Spring Oddity

J took this photo of a flower growing in our neighbor's garden.  Isn't it the most amazing thing?


April 15, 2012

Rare & Elusive

A photo of all of us together - even Piper with her favorite red ball.


April 12, 2012

Blogging Fail


   I had intended to blog through the study I'm doing of Ann's book with an amazing group of ladies on Monday mornings... but I am failing. 
   Not because I've quit the study or anything - just that I'm finding it tremendously difficult to make the time to type all the notes out and honestly - some of the reader's guide questions are hard to answer - and harder to share on the interwebs  (yes - I know that isn't a 'real' term).
   I believe that Ann's book, One Thousand Gifts, is amazing.   I did find (via a helpful friend) that it has been critically reviewed by some (just Google critique of "book title").  We discussed the critique at some length one week in our group.  Our general determination was along the lines that this - as any book- must be viewed through the lens of God's word and we must be discerning and cautious.  Only God's Word is our ultimate authority for living our lives and we must be certain to always go back to scripture to verify truth and be diligent in guarding our minds (and hearts) against any type of false teaching.
   Our group has fluctuated in size from week to week - that is the life of moms w/ children.  Some weeks all things are good and we can all be together and other weeks - life happens.  I'm learning so many new things each time we are together and then in my obsessive processing of all my insecurities and failings after each gathering.  God is so very gracious to me.  In all things.  I am very aware that I am not at all capable here and it is just grace that He is allowing me this opportunity with this group of special women.
  

April 9, 2012

Spring Flowers


With the exception of the white carnations - these came from the yard to grace the table yesterday for our Easter dinner.  They make me smile.


April 6, 2012

Hot Cross Buns

I tried something new today!

Hot Cross Buns

I have never eaten a Hot Cross Bun before, but after seeing a post over at The Frugal Girl a few days ago, I decided to give it a go.  Of course in my typical style, I had to tweak it a bit. :-)
I doubled the cinnamon and skipped the cardamon (I don't even know what that spice is!).  I also left out the raisins because no one here likes them.


Actually I doubled the whole recipe and made 3 dozen of them!  So I have a some to give away to the neighbors or maybe I will take some to the Easter breakfast at church.
They are really yummy!  Of course we didn't eat them hot... had to wait for them to cool to put the frosting on them.  The kids all gave them 2 thumbs up!

I will definitely make these again!

April 4, 2012

Can I be 'barefoot'?

I am reading this book right now...slowly.

Barefoot Church by Brandon Hatmaker.  I say I'm reading it slowly because there is a lot to absorb and process.  For example: "We can try to argue that our actions and words function independent of one another, with out consequence. But one thing is for certain: our observers never separate the two."  (sorry I can't reference a page - I have it on my kindle).

I honestly think this book is one of those that God could use (like David Platt's book Radical) to really change me... but only if I am willing to be changed.  I am willing and that scares the stuffing out of me... and probably my family too. :-) 
Being willing to serve and proclaim... both in unity.  To reach out to the 'least' in love as Jesus did and to do so honestly in faith.  To move away from what I have always experienced & known in my American suburban 'church' experience to live what Jesus really taught as how to live as the body of Christ in action - the church.  It doesn't seem that it ought to be such a stretch, but it is in most cases as far as my personal experience has been.  We serve as an 'event' instead of a way of life.  I'm pretty sure that wasn't what Jesus had in mind.

I have a few more on my 'to read' stack (7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess and Interrupted - both by Jen Hatmaker)  - actually I have  HUGE stack to read... but those have migrated to the top of the stack.

I have so much to learn...and then to do.  I have to be willing to say "Here am I, send me."  Isaiah 6:8



Blessings on the journey~