Overflow

Matt's dad passed away on Monday.

Only in God's provision can we see something this tragic in a good light. There are some amazing stories that happened in Craig's last days. Maybe someday I will post about them, but let's just say we all saw God in a new way and love Him even more!

Thank you so much to everyone who prayed for Craig and prayed for our family. Undoubtedly, God has healed him, just not the way we would have hoped. God truly has given our family a "peace that surpasses all understanding". Craig's funeral was a fitting tribute to and celebration of his life. I know he was watching and laughing along with all of us! Thank you also for the amazing outpouring of support. We have received countless e-mails, phone calls, texts, cards, plants, meals, etc. and we could never quite express our gratitude. The love that our family felt was truly overwhelming (in a good way!).

In Matt's mom's words: The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord forever and ever!

Quiet.

Summer is over in 1.5 weeks. Unreal. It sneaks up on me every year. And here I am, in the midst of my first post of the summer. Apparently this new-fangled blogging stuff is really not my thing.

It's been a very full and robust summer. Funny enough, it has been one of the most relaxing and fulfilling summers I've had in awhile. Maybe it's because my to-do list got lost somewhere (maybe on purpose) and because we've had a freezer full of Otter Pops for 2 months, one of my fondest childhood memories. Maybe its because we've been able to spend some serious quality time with friends and family and have seen God provide in miraculous and humbling ways. I could go into massive details about all of our summer adventures, but maybe I will just attach a few photos at the bottom. Tonight I feel quiet.

My heart is quiet, and for once I think my mind is quiet. I'm sitting in an empty and quiet house. I think Scout just ate a spider.. he's making some sounds that are interrupting the quiet. All around me are projects waiting to be finished, counters waiting to be cleaned, carpets waiting to be vacuumed and laundry waiting to be folded. Life is so full, but it can wait. Life has a funny way of doing this. Filling us up until our breaking point, until all we can do is sit back and chuckle as we realize that we've been flying on auto-pilot. It forces us to prioritize and look for beauty. It's been a rough week. A week that has put everything in perspective and has silenced me. I don't have many thoughts or words. If there is one thing I've learned this summer, it is that God is good. It's easy to believe it in the good times, in the harvest. But I think I've really been able to grasp something I've been just outside the reach of for so long. Even when life around us falls apart and when our apparent needs or wants are unmet and seem to go unnoticed, God is good. He has woven time together into this beautiful tapestry that we only see a glimpse of now. How utterly amazing it will be on the day when we see the full tapestry in view. I've had the delight of studying the book of Daniel with some dear friends this summer. If I've learned one thing from this study, it is that God is actively involved in moving His creation towards His ultimate goal, however aware or unaware we are of it. I pray that we are aware to all the ways that He is moving us towards Him and through this marvelous tapestry of life. He knows and has always known. If you think of it, please send up a prayer for Matt's dad Craig.

"The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17

Today is Monday.

So, apparently I do not have a strong affinity for regular blogging. If you know me, or have ever read my blog before, this should come as no surprise. I really enjoy it and even more, I love catching up on my hilarious, insightful, and creative friends' blogs (see: Lindsey, Halen, and Becky in sidebar). It's not that I don't have plenty to write about. I'm afraid that if I were to actually write about all that I wanted to, I'd spend more time "blogging" than I'd be content with. So, maybe someday I will find a happy medium, but for now, I'll keep writing when I think about it and when Matt's out of town (not sure why, that's just when it usually happens).

So, already, this summer has been quite unique in lots of ways. Let's start with the weather. By this time in June usually, we're nearing the mid-90's.. however, we've had a stroke of brilliance in the weather here! (Sidenote: can I say that I may have misheard this, but there's a guy on David Letterman talking about how he's living really in the future, 20 years ahead of us... I must have heard it wrong). Back to the weather, we have had lots and lots of rain and thunder/lightning storms. I've always known that I am the type of person that could easily live in a drizzly, dreary, Seattle-like town, but now I know it! Matt loves it too... when everyone around us is complaining about the rain, we are out walking in it and taking advantage of the front row seats to the storm we have via our front picture window. On Saturday, it seriously rumbled/thundered for 15 minutes straight! Love it.

If you read my blog last summer (which for the record, was not a unique summer, pretty usual) you'd know that I spent a lot of it soul-searching.. talking about how I wanted to do lots of things, but didn't have any direction or way of feeling like I could make any sort of difference. Jack of all trades but master of none ring a bell? Well, in walks Hungry for Life. Oh people. I am crazy about this organization. I just got to spend the day with some of the most wonderful Canadians I've ever met (not that I know many Canadians, or would think much of it usually). I am so thrilled that I get to be a part of expanding this ministry to the US. Check out the website: www.hungryforlife.org. It's interesting... everything I've ever thought of what a relief organization should look like is perfectly articulated in HFL. I can't wait to actually get started.. I hope to get to share it with you soon!

Another reason why this summer is unique, which is linked with the HFL stuff, is that I get to teach part time next year. So, this summer doesn't feel as desperately precious as usual, which is nice! I feel much more relaxed and able to just enjoy the time. Maybe it's because I'm so psyched about what I get to do with the other half of my time, but I also think it has alot to do with the fact that I don't feel like my regular life is going to end starting August 17th for 9 months. Also, have I mentioned I get to go to Haiti in October? The countdown is on, I can't wait. (p.s. I'm having a garage sale July 11th as a fundraiser for my trip. If you have old stuff that you'd otherwise be giving/throwing away, I'll come get it from you! :)

Also, I am turning 25 on Friday! I haven't really been excited about turning any certain age since I was 16, but this birthday feels big to me. I think it's mainly because usually when I talk with people about life things (you know, career, kids, marriage, houses, etc.), they say something like, "well, how old are you?" and I tell them "24." And they say something well-meaning like, "oh you're SO young, you have your whole life ahead of you." I try to answer graciously, but it doesn't always happen. I'm not sure why this drives me up the wall like it does. I think it's because I know that you can be 24 and be doing great things that you maybe wouldn't have done if you had put them off because you "have your whole life ahead of you." Well, maybe you don't. So, live it today. Whether you're 16 or 60.

Anyway, I don't have much else to talk about. Not that I had much that was very poignant to talk about. Here's my question: if you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? I know that sounds like a cheesy question, but I'm curious. Humor me.

The Signs of Spring!

There are so many reasons to love Spring... warmer weather, sun on your skin, getting outside and doing something! And of course, as a teacher, the light at the end of the tunnel for the end of another school year! Here are a few of my favorite signs of Spring!

I am starting a garden this year, and I'm doing it from seeds! To be honest, I'm not exactly sure what I'm doing, but I think it should work! :) I am growing cucumber, spinach, basil, lavender, bell peppers, anaheim peppers, jalapenos, banana peppers, lemon cucumbers, yellow squash, beans, artichokes, and peas! Haha, I'm sure about 2 of them will be successful. I'm having fun nurturing these little seeds!

As soon as it's remotely warm, Matt pulls out the Buddy and takes it for a season-opening spin. It makes me laugh. I will admit, I really enjoy riding it too, but I wait until there's no chance of it being too cold!

Fruit tree blossoms! We have 3 fruit trees out back, and they are so beautiful right now! Who cares if they might be the cause of my allergies, they're so pretty. And this one is right out our bedroom and kitchen windows, so we get to enjoy it the most! Not looking forward to the maggoty cherries, however...

These quail must be the bravest quail in the history of time. They've set up shop underneath our deck... in the same backyard as Scout. Let's pray for them...


Flowers. That's all.. I love seeing some color after the white and gray winter!

New hair to celebrate the Spring. Yes, I had the initial freak-out when I went to brush it, but it's growing on me. Not meant to be punny. :) Here's a few other things I love about Spring... so, what's YOUR favorite thing about Spring??

I wish I had never picked it up...

Really, no. But selfishly, yes.

Our small group is reading the book Crazy Love by Francis Chan. I'm a huge fan of Chan, I've been listening to his podcasts for nearly a year now. His messages are always nothing but challenging. Something that I need in my life... I have a habit of flying under the radar spiritually and just coasting along. This book exposes all of my bad habits in light of a fantastic, all-powerful, incredibly loving, infinite God. On my last post, I referred to the book of James and the fact that our life is a mist. This week, my prayer was that God would expose the things in my life that I spend my time thinking about or doing that aren't worth it. Ouch. Biggest Loser anyone? How about Dancing with the Stars? Or better yet, talking with co-workers about a problem that we've been talking about since August. Or what about my time I spent thinking about what I should wear? Or how my hair looks, or how my makeup looks, or how I would re-decorate my house if I had an infinite amount of money, or what kinds of cars I like the most. Wow.

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6: 25-34.

Umm. Anyone else get the feeling that Jesus had an audience of one, and it's you?

I've had some unrest in my life (as you'll see sporadic and random spiritual postings on my blog). Lots of questions have popped up and I've been in a faith crisis for a big chunk of the year (never a bad thing, makes me ask questions and really seek God). However, this book is taking it to a new level. I would say I "love" this book (Matt, chalk that up to another overuse of the word love), but I don't. Chan is frustrated with all the same things I'm frustrated with, but he's DONE SOMETHING ABOUT IT. This book is making me stare myself straight in the eye and ask, "Okay, so what are you going to do now?". It all starts with surrendering my life, my desires, my habits, my time, my everything to a God who knows the end from the beginning. Oh that's all? Easy, right?

Here are some quotes from the book that I've highlighted, underlined, circled, and written down. I think I need to read them at least 3 times a day.

From Chapter 2: You Might Not Finish This Chapter: "When I am consumed by my problems-- stressed out about my life, my family, and my job-- I actually convey the belief that I think the circumstances are more important than God's command to always rejoice. In other words, that I have a "right" to disobey God because of the magnitude of my responsibilities. Worry implies that we don't quite trust that God is big enough, powerful enough, or loving enough to take care of what's happening in our lives. Stress says that the things we are involved in are important enough to merit our impatience, our lack of grace toward others, or our tight grip of control."

From Chapter 3: Crazy Love: "The Good News-- the best news in the world, in fact-- is that you can have God Himself. Do you believe that God is the greatest thing you can experience in the whole world? Do you believe that the Good News is not merely the forgiveness of your sins, the guarantee that you won't go to hell, or the promise of life in heaven? The best things in life are gifts from the One who steadfastly loves us. But an important question to ask ourselves is this: Are we in love with God, or just his stuff?"

Chapter 4, titled 'Profile of the Lukewarm' is kicking my hiney right now. If you're reading this, I'm warning you: this book will turn your world upside down. If you read this book or not, go to the Crazy Love site and click on videos. Then watch "the awe factor of God" and "just stop and think". Just do it. Whether you know Christ or not, whether you want to know Him or not. If you do choose to read this book (I highly recommend it just so you know) consider yourself warned, you won't be able to sleep at night!

A Virtual Smorgasbord (yes, I had to go to dictionary.com for that one).

As usual, I haven't posted in a while and seeing as how I can now freely type sans pain I decided it was time to get caught up! Scout is healing well, but has been showing his frustration in unique ways. I can't really go into much detail, but I'm hoping these habits leave as soon as the dreaded "cone" comes off!


This year, for the first time since we've been married, Matt and I got to spend Valentine's Day together! He is usually at the State Basketball Tournament over v-day, but this year it was a week later. We were tempted to plan a big night out: dinner and a play or performance, but decided to stay in (we've been ridiculously frugal lately, and the little pup couldn't be left alone for too long!). I decided to make a "manly" meal for Matt, and chose Beer Butt Chicken (I don't really like the name of it, but it paints the picture). Here's the recipe:
Ingredients:
1 whole chicken
1 can of beer
fresh rosemary
dried thyme
1 lemon
olive oil
paprika
garlic
salt

First, clean out the chicken (gross, by the way). Then, combine 1 tsp. chopped rosemary, 1 tsp. paprika, 1 tsp. lemon zest, 1 tsp. minced garlic, 1 tsp. thyme, and 1 tsp. salt and rub it all over the chicken. Next, open the can of beer and pour half of it out. Next, put 2 sprigs of rosemary, 1 tbsp. olive oli, the juice from the lemon, 2 minced cloves of garlic, and 1 tsp. thyme into the can. Then comes the best part-- stand the chicken up on the can and cook (make sure the oven is preheated before you put it in). We baked it 30 minutes at 400, then an hour at 350. It was sooo juicy and yummy. Here's a fun picture of Matt with the chicken, the lemon hat was for decoration. :)

Also, I found a recipe for Matt's favorite drink we had on our honeymoon in Mexico: the dirty monkey! Easy to make, but very sweet! It was more than a dessert drink. Combine 1 oz. creme de cacao, 1 oz. creme de bananes, 1 oz. Kahlua, ice and a scoop of vanilla ice cream and blend. mmmmm...

Next, the reign of my fabulous student teacher is over. Her last day was Friday, so that means I'm back to the grind!!! Yes, bad habits were formed, but it is almost Spring... my favorite time of the year! Also, it's official, I get to teach part-time next year. I'm super excited. I get to team with Alisa, who I've worked with for 3 years now. I'll get to teach in the mornings and every other Friday. Now, this started the pregnancy rumors like no other! But, alas, there is no baby on the horizon. Instead, I'll hopefully be spending the rest of my time working with Mike Bell and Hungry for Life!! You can read Mike's blog to find out the story behind this, but it's an awesome organization and I'm so excited to be able to get involved. Mike is in Guatemala right now, checking out a ministry he hopes to be able to support. I've been checking his pictures via Facebook and it's done nothing but make me more excited for the possibilities! Check out the picture below, look at the beautiful faces of those kids. I can't wait to learn more about how to help them out.


Today the book club girls and I threw a shower for Jen and Tara. So fun!! We gave them books to grow their little boy library, and other fun things. A few of us made some fun yummy treats to share, I made baby bootie cupcakes! (Thanks a LOT Ana for the idea.. sheesh!). I won't lie, these were a lot of work and pretty frustrating. And, I'm no professional cupcaker like Allison, but I think they turned out pretty great!


And, last but not least, a little encouragement. Being in a school district, I am well aware of the toll the economy is taking on everyday life. We are making cutbacks and having endless, frustrating discussions of what the future may hold in the public schools. I have many friends who have lost their jobs/benefits, lost salary, and are facing what looks like a bleak year ahead. However, I was listening to good 'ol Francis Chan and was so encouraged. We often have no choice it seems but to worry or freak out about everything around us. What is popular seems justified. But, remember, this life is but a mist (James), why not focus on ways to make it a fragrant offering to Christ and to rest in His plan? It's so easy to get caught up in the number crunch of life. Trust in the Lord. He will always provide. Sometimes it doesn't look like provision in the ways that we would like it to... sometimes it means a lost job so that we can really find the purpose we've been longing for, or a different home so that we can meet those neighbors who we were meant to meet. Sometimes we won't ever know the reasons for the things that we go through. But, someday I know I'll be in God's presence and that will be my answer... just His presence. I have to tell myself more often than I'd like to admit to keep a "big picture" perspective and enjoy life as it comes! Have a great week!

Rough Week.

Okay, so I'm sure everyone has heard about this awful week. I'm not going to post too much because typing still hurts my hands a little, but on Tuesday, Scout was attacked by a pit bull in our neighborhood. I tried to break it up, got bit, and only by the grace of God did a sweet lady named Debi who drives a little orange VW Bug stop to help. She left her door open and Scout, as soon as he got the chance, jumped in her car and we were able to save him. I'm convinced he would not have made it had she not stopped. Two other men stopped to help, one had a weiner dog and was just trying to help kick this pit bull, but the dog was seriously pure evil. Another guy called 911. The good news is that it looks like Scout will make a full recovery (and will hopefully get to keep his tail!) and my hands are not broken, just incredibly sore and bruised. Looking back, there are a lot of "Thank you Lord"s. Like, I laid on top of the pit bull 3 times trying to get him off of Scout.. he could have easily turned on me. And, Debi is a Thank You Lord. She is so sweet and has called and stopped by to check on Scout and bring by flowers and a box of doggie treats. :) Thanks so much to everyone who has brought over the yummy treats (my thighs thank you, at least) and has sent encouraging and loving e-mails, texts, notes, and prayers. Don't forget, from now on, walk with mace!! Seriously! Oh, and you'll be glad to know the pit bull is no more. We keep telling Scout that he is the champ, but I think his chewed up body is telling him otherwise. :(

Scouty and Me.

So, it seems that Scout has been watching the Marley and Me movie previews. Maybe he always has been Marley, but I just didn't recognize it as Marleyness because I hadn't been introduced yet. However, now that I've seen (and teared up through) the movie... I'm concerned. Every time that Matt and I leave, it's as if "Scout" says to himself, 'What Would Marley Do?'. Don't worry, he successfully answers this question. We come home to chewed up shoes, mail, cell phones, wreaths (?), books (sorry Narnia), canvas tote bags, leashes, and candle lighters. The worst is when Matt and I come home for only an hour or so after work before leaving again. This enrages him and he spitefully finds anything he can get his mouth on (keep in mind he stands 5'2" on his hind legs) and rips it to shreds. Hopefully the Spring will bring good things for the little lad. I'm looking forward to when he can frolick outside amongst the weeds and get some of his energy out! Keep in mind that he is also now on anti-anxiety meds. I think we officially have the most high-maintenance, schitsophrenic, and restless Golden Retriever known to man!



And, might I add, that having a student teacher is one of the most delightful experiences I've had! However, I am having a hard time finding ways to spend my time if you can believe that. Don't they say that bad habits are formed or broken in 2 weeks? Well, I'm on not-teaching week #3. Yikes!

Help a Brother Out!

Go here. And listen to Renaissance. At least once a day for the next 3 days. Maybe more too! I pasted a little blurb from Josh's blog to tell you why, check out his music, he is fabulous and his heart is for all the right things!

Over the next few days KLOVE will be reviewing Renaissance on www.myspace.com/JoshRosenthal. To add to the validity I'm asking for you to go to that page each day between now and January 16 and allow your computer to play through the song at least once. The amount of plays per day is shown on the media player, and, ideally, this will show the demand and love for the song.

Peace Like a River...

In contrast with my last post, I had an epiphany today. I actually took some time to sit and be real with God. I let out all my frustrations, read about Daniel (Read it.) , and did a little soul-searching. Not too many times have I had an experience like this, but I was suddenly drowning in this sense of peace that I haven't had for a long time. It was as though God was whispering, "I'll always be here. You're not alone. Delight in me." How long have I gone just getting by and getting things done on my to-do list? There has got to be more to life than that. There is more to life than that. Although it can be messy and frustrating and disappointing, I'm so encouraged by the fact that I get to serve a God who knows the end from the beginning and has everything already figured out before I even think to try to figure things out. I'm not alone, you're not alone. Rest in Him and His peace. He will always provide for you, even if what's happening in the here and now doesn't seem a whole lot like provision. Take time to delight in the little things. The pattern that the ice crystals make on your windshield, the wonder of snow, or clouds, or sunsets. Take it all in, He made it for you!

“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him." Daniel 2:20-22

Also, today Pastor Mike Bell spoke at church and taught about the Bible's history. It was absolutely amazing. I couldn't stop listening and thinking of how fantastic it is that God has given us everything we need to know in the Word of God and how He has crafted it through human hands to bring people to Himself. You can listen to it here. Have a great week!

New Year, New Look!

For the blog of course. With a new year, all my imperfections seem to be rising to the surface and I'm trying to tackle them all in a day. Laundry? Check. Pluck the eyebrows? Check. Get caught up on grading? Check. Re-organize the pantry and desk cupboards? Check. Delete all my old e-mails? Check. Upload new pics to facebook? Check. And of course, finally file and buff my nails with the new luxurious dead-sea mineral stuff that Matt bought at a kiosk in the middle of Fashion Place Mall. Check. haha, they sure are shiny.

But, I still feel restless. Ask Matt. Last night, I had a bit of a end-of-the-year meltdown. I found a list of all the things I wanted to work on last year, but of course forgot about by January 24th, and started to bawl. Why is it that I can't seem to stick to anything? I can try to use my job as an excuse. The life of a second grade teacher can be busy, but not any busier than the lives of those around me. I can try to blame it on "the way I am" or "what more can people expect from me!?". I can blame many things, but it just comes down to discipline. I seem to have none. That's my goal this year... to work on discipline in all areas of my life. Here are the areas I need to improve my discipline in, feel free to remind me when you see me next and make sure I'm keeping up on it.

1. Eating and Exercising. Need I say more? I know this is everyone's resolution, but really, it's getting ridiculous. Maybe the Wii fit will help, ha! Matt and I have a bet... whoever loses the most weight by Jan. 30th gets $50. How's that for motivation!

2. My Time. I set time goals for myself and my time at work, but end up staying late just to get that "one more thing" done off my list, which ends up sucking the last bit of energy I had right out of me, especially in the winter when the darkness creeps in so quickly. My new goal? Leave work by 5 everyday.

3. Housework. Ugh. Here's the schedule:
Saturdays and Wednesdays: Laundry
Tuesdays: Kitchen
Thursdays: Bathrooms
Saturdays: vacuum

4. Saying NO! Don't worry, I'm not talking about D.A.R.E., I'm talking about overcommitting! I think that has led me to feeling that my time is full but my life is empty. I feel like I am always running to the next thing, not ever giving anything 100% and not being able to love on people along the way.

That being said, I have had a wonderful Christmas vacation. We were able to spend some great quality time with both of our families and enjoy spending time with each other (a much needed oasis in the midst of basketball season!). I still haven't gotten around to sending out some type of letter/care for the holidays. I think I'll work on it and just get it out whenever I can! Maybe a Valentine's letter this year?? :) Here's a few pictures to let you know what we've been up to!


The Wii Fit, perfect for a competitive husband!


Finally found a beer I can handle! The Heffeweizen (sp?) from Squatters. And that's Paige in the background, we got to spend some wonderful time with her and Erik, some of our favorite people around!!


Snowshoeing in Lamb's Canyon, so fun!!! We had planned to go alone, but ended up with a group of 10, it was great!!!


We went down to Moab with Matt's family for just a few days before New Year's. It was so beautiful, and fun to get away! Here's some more pictures from our trip, wishing you all God's blessings in the New Year!