Finding Calm And Bright

After the deliciously slow pace of Thanksgiving week, things changed drastically around here.  I knew they would and that there wasn't a thing I could do about it. There are times you simply have to work your way through extra full calendars doing the best you can.  Last week was busy and this week is crazy.  It just was and is.

But it is also getting closer and closer to Christmas, and I so badly wanted to decorate our home for the season.  Madi and Trev get incredibly excited about this, and I felt like Friday evening was our "now or never" moment to bring everything down from the attic and get started.  After a jam packed week I really just wanted to crawl under the covers and check out for about twelve hours, but instead I helped Jimmy take everything down, turned the Christmas music up, and got going.

It was a sweet family night.  The kids were beaming with excitement so we helped them decorate their own trees first.  Jimmy started stringing lights on our big tree, I started unpacking boxes and deciding what I would do this year since I decorate a little differently each Christmas season.  Once the kids' trees were finished, I made hot chocolate and we put in a good old Mickey Mouse and friends Christmas movie and all four of us snuggled up on the couch to watch it.

And it was seriously all I could do to keep my eyes open.

So instead of staying up all night to finish decking the halls, I went to bed, knowing there would be a morning piano student and two Christmas parties (one of which I had to cook for) waiting for me the next day.

In between the festivities I did a little more decorating, but only got so far.

Then Sunday came and it's the time of year for extra long music rehearsals and such, so I only had a really short time to make more progress.

Monday was packed with caroling at the retirement center, grocery shopping, laundry, homework, school projects, etc, you know the drill.

I did a little more.

All the while I was starting to feel like the walls were closing in on me.

Because there were boxes everywhere stacked high and we were stepping around piles of ornaments and all those little stray pieces of styrofoam were started to make me twitch.

Not to mention how full of dishes my sink had gotten since what little extra time I had I was devoting to unpacking boxes and trimming trees.

The evenings are so cool and lovely here that I always open the windows, and I realized the neighbors had a front row view of our state of chaos every night.

I started to expect to hear a knock at my door and open it to find a huge truck, a professional organizer, a therapist, and a TLC video crew ready to film me for one of their reality television programs.

Had they come I think I would have taken them up on the therapist.

Today I subbed for Pre-K, then did some after school work with Madi and Trev.  When we got home I was determined to make some major progress in the house, so I brewed a cup of coffee, ate some chocolate, and asked Jimmy if he would bring home Chinese food for dinner.  Jimmy sweetly fulfilled my request, and while helping with homework and waiting for him to come home from work, I found my kitchen sink again which was a relief.

Then I put on Mandisa's Christmas album and with some "help" from the kids, I have nearly turned this place into a winter wonderland.

I can see my floor.

I vacuumed up most of the styrofoam.

Tucked two little loves in bed.

And now I am having my Christmas moment.

I can breathe a little more evenly.  The instrumental Christmas music is playing, a candle is burning, and the lights are twinkling.  There is just something about all the lights of Christmas that set my mind on my Savior.

In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.

John 1:4

As I sit surrounded by twinkling lights, I realize that in this quiet moment of rest, things are starting to look and feel more calm and bright around here.

I've been reading the Christmas story this week.  The light of the star led the wise men to Jesus.  The lights in my Christmas home help lead my heart to Him too.

Which is why I invest the time to decorate our home each Christmas season, even though it sometimes takes a few days of clutter and stress and Mommy almost going over the edge.

Because when I am finished we can revel in the wonder, bask in the peace.  We can, as Trevor did tonight, dim the lights and truly savor the season as the gentle glow of Christmas contentment surrounds us in this home we share and love.

Coffee, chaos, and contentment.

I experienced all three once again this evening.

Life isn't perfect, but for this moment it is calm and bright.

So I sit, surrounded by light.

Why I Bought A Mug With A Question Mark On It

It was a month or so ago when I was heading towards the frozen foods aisle at Target and got sidetracked by this...

A simple mug with a question mark on it.

It perked my interest, but I left it on the shelf.

Then it caught my eye on the next visit...and the next one...

And then one visit I noticed the peculiar mug had been marked half off and was on sale for $2.50, so I bought it and use it often for my morning coffee.

Why would I want to buy such a mug?

Now, that's a good question!

(So sorry, I just couldn't resist. Haha.)

In all seriousness, it is because I can identify with that little mug.  There have been times where I have felt as if my life has been marked by a big, huge question mark.

And it's been a journey.  Because on the one hand, carrying unanswered questions can be incredibly trying and feel like weakness or lack of faith, but on the other hand it is marked by perseverance and seems evident of authentic faith.  Still believing when you can't see all the answers right in front of you, but trusting that they are there.

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Hebrews 11:1

I have quite a few unanswered questions right now.  Actually, I have a few more today than I did yesterday.  Some are small and relatively minor; others are big and quite significant.  I am learning that God can handle my questions.  In fact, Jesus asked a question that has burned through my soul as I've thought about this subject.

And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

Matthew 27:46

He was suffering in our place on the cross.  He was in submission to the perfect plan and will of God the father.  We know he had asked God to take the cup of suffering from him, but had uttered those beautiful words of submission and surrender...not my will but Thine be done.

Ultimately, love overcame!  Death was defeated and victorious resurrection triumphed! Yet as Jesus hung on the cross in obedience to God as the sacrifice for our sins, literally giving his life and taking the punishment for those sins upon himself, he cried out to God with an agonizing question.  The Bible records the question.  It also records the sweat that became drops of blood.  The weeping in the garden.  

So I am learning to cry out honestly to God with my questions.  With my stress.  With my tears. And when nothing in life or this world seems to make sense,God's overcoming power and presence are just as sure as the morning sun.  I may not know all that will happen, but I know He is there.  He listens to my questions. And He loves me through them.

Sometimes He answers them quickly, and sometimes I wait and lean on His understanding.

The secret things belong to the Lord our God...

Deuternomy 29:29a

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall direct your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6

It's interesting how information stays in your brain.  How you can go years, even decades, without thinking of something and then one day it is right there.

As I type this, a song from my childhood in the 80's comes to mind.  I haven't heard it in ages.  Some of you may remember it.

When answers aren't enough there is Jesus

He is more than just an answer to your prayer

And your heart will find a safe and peaceful refuge

When answers aren't enough, He is there.

In life, some seasons are going to be identified by a question mark.  On this journey, until we finally make it home, we're going to have questions.  And when we have questions, we are going to want answers.

But when answers await, or when answers aren't enough...

There is Jesus.

Rest in that tonight.

High Five For Friday!

Well, I spent the first half of this week spending quality time with friends from home who were here for a visit, and the second half teaching music lessons and subbing 4th and 5th grade.  Throw in Jimmy's birthday and some loving Pastor Appreciation Month celebrations and it has been an incredibly full week.

Tonight was supposed to be date night to celebrate Jimmy but when Madi came into my classroom at the end of the day with a fever, I ended up going to the grocery store, making homemade vegetable beef soup, and cleaning the kitchen instead.

The good news is she is sleeping peacefully at the moment and that underneath those dishes there was actually a kitchen sink.  It was reassuring to see it again.

Did I mention this has been a crazy week?

Lots and lots of highlights, though!  Here are five of them...

1) Worship, laughter, tender moments, time with friends.  Renewal.  Inspiration.  Thankful I was able to go to Women of Faith.

2) Buffalo Wing Pretzel Crisps.  Where have these been all my life?

3) Time with my friend Laurie.  She blesses my heart and makes me laugh.  Always great when she is in town!  

4) New earrings that Laurie helped me pick out from Stein Mart.  She was right, these were better than the hoops.

5) Seeing my husband honored, loved, and appreciated at youth group for Pastor Appreciation Month and his birthday!  

Hope we get to catch up more this weekend!  For now I have to go to sleep so I can wake up in the morning and have coffee...I am already looking forward to it!

Linking up at High Five For Friday.

When Their Mugs Were Empty....Their Hearts Were Full

My 33rd birthday came and went without much time to think about it.  Actually, I spent the day in a van full of teenagers making the trek back to Florida after an amazing week of church camp in Tennessee.  My one birthday road trip request was fulfilled though.  Our caravan stopped at Caribou Coffee (which I miss very much) so I could pop in and get a Campfire Mocha to go!

This cup of birthday coffee was sheer perfection!

And speaking of perfection, God graciously said good morning to me in an extra special way as I started a new year of life.  The sunbeams that came through the trees as I sat on the front porch of our cabin were absolutely breathtaking.  His glory was abundant that morning.

When we arrived home from camp we visited with long time Maryland friends who were in town, then went immediately into a week of Vacation Bible School.  June was an action packed blur!  My mom did indulge my request for homemade enchiladas, guacamole, and Columbia salad for my birthday dinner before VBS one night, and fresh-out-of-the-oven-melt-in-your-mouth-chocolate-molten-cakes afterwards.  I wore a yellow scarf and new pair of earrings to dinner that a certain seven year old girl had picked out for her Mommy's birthday present all by herself while we were at camp. She was so excited to give her present to me when we got back home!

Also when we got home, I received the most perfect birthday card in the mail that I just had to share with you.  You have often heard me mention my friend Laurie.  She sent me an absolutely lovely card, and the text read as follows...

Two women met for coffee.

They talked about life -

things they were working through

and things they were learning.

They showed each other grace

and gave each other courage.

Even though neither of them 

had all the answers,

they knew that God sure did.

So they laughed and cried

and shared their lives.

And in the end,

when their mugs were empty...

their hearts were full.

I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts He has given you.  

I Corinthians 1:4 NLT

Always glad to share with you...

always glad we're friends.

It was summer of 2010.  Laurie's daughter was doing an internship at Disney and Laurie stayed with us for a week to visit with both her daughter and our family.  I know now that God, in His perfect timing, arranged that visit.

I was desperate for some grace.  I needed courage like never before.  I just plain needed a friend.  And every morning over baked oatmeal, fruit, and cup after cup of of Caribou Daybreak coffee, Laurie and I talked about life and found grace and courage in a long time friendship that doesn't have all the answers but knows God does.  Our mugs always ended up empty, but our hearts were most definitely full.

As I read that perfect card, which had arrived stashed between the piles of bills and ads that you acquire after being gone for a week, tears filled my eyes as I pictured our morning chats during the hardest summer of my life.  

God is faithful.

He really is.

The Good News Is...

The bad news is, a lightning strike hit our house a few days ago and our internet has been down, not to mention we now have several appliances to replace, including a garage door and washing machine.

Trying not to dwell on that right now.  

I am at my mom's house borrowing her internet to catch up with you for a minute.  Let me tell you, if I thought May was a busy time for our student ministry schedule, June is even busier.  We have been in full camp prep mode around here and camp is right around the corner! I am so excited, and have been praying for God to do mighty things in the lives of the students going.

And despite the bad news of appliances to replace and not a lot of communication with the outside world, there is some good news to report.

The good news is I have portable Almond Joy flavored coffee creamer.

Bring on the mediocre coffee in the outdoor eating area where we will be dining, triple high bunk beds and sleeping bags, late nights and action packed days with people less than half my age.

Packed or not, I am now officially ready for camp!

P.S. Would absolutely appreciate your prayers for this upcoming physical and spiritual journey and adventure!  Teenagers matter to God, and there is something special about camp that helps draw their attention to Him. Anticipating an amazing time!

Easiest Homemade Iced Mocha Ever!

See this pretty little coffee drink?  All I did to make it was...

Pour!

Last weekend, I was picking up some BOGO iced tea at Publix for a Memorial Day Weekend get together with friends, and this caught my eye.  There was a $1 off coupon right there, so I thought for $3 it couldn't hurt to try it since that is the price of only 1 or 2 iced coffees at a coffee shop or such.  I used my coupon and took a chance and what do you know, this is actually quite tasty!

You can drink it as is or even mix it with 1% milk to thin it out and make it go further.  I actually prefer it that way. Today we sat outside baking in the sun at a graduation, and a glass of this hit the spot when we got home!  Simple pleasure and unexpected treat!

I Made My Own Pumpkin Spice Latte!! (And Other Pumpkin Tales From My Kitchen)

Ever have a friend that knows you, really knows you?  I am blessed to have Laurie.  She and I have been close friends for a decade now, and even though we are separated by many miles we still keep in touch regularly.  She is a giver, and often sends the most fun little packages my way.  The other day she sent me this...

I could not believe it!  I had browsed through that magazine the other day at the store.  I was drooling over the recipes and wanted it so badly, but didn't think I should spend the money on a splurge so I put it down.  Then a few days later it came in a package from Maryland, thanks to my friend who had no idea I had been looking at it but knew I would enjoy and use it!  Laurie also knows how much I love (repeat, love) Pumpkin Spice Lattes.  The other day she sent this Betty Crocker link my way with a recipe for one.  I tried it and it was surprisingly good! 

 The link will take you to the actual recipe, but here's the gist - heat 1 cup milk, 1 TBSP pumpkin, 1 TBSP sugar, 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice, and 1/2 TBSP vanilla on stove; make a small cup of coffee in a large mug (I used the middle button on my Keurig) and stir the pumpkin spice milk mixture in.  Top with whipped cream (don't skip this part, you will want the sweetness) and sprinkle with cinnamon.  I used my new Imagine mug from the Women of Faith conference which was a surprise gift from another friend.  The latte was hot and tasty!

Since my love affair with pumpkin only seems to grow stronger every day and the large can of pumpkin was now open, I decided to go ahead and bake some of our favorite Autumn Spice Pumpkin Bread.  This recipe is divine!

I got it from this Fall, Family, & Friends cookbook and it is definitely a family favorite!  You mix 2 cups canned pumpkin, 1 cup oil, and 2/3 cup water; add 4 eggs one at a time, beating well after each; then add 3 1/2 cups flour, 2 1/2 cups sugar, 2 t. baking soda, 1 1/2 t. salt, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice, and 1 tsp allspice (the recipe calls for 1 tsp cinnamon and 1 tsp nutmeg but I use the others to add a little more savor).  Mix gently and completely.  Pour into two greased loaf pans. Bake for one hour at 350.  

I enjoyed my homemade latte and bread so much that today I decided to enjoy them some more! I whisked my milk and pumpkin mixture and heated it until it was nice and warm...

...mixed it with the coffee, topped it with whipped cream and cinnamon, then spread apple butter on some of my homemade pumpkin bread.  It has been a gray day here and this was a comforting, perfect little lunch!

So on this rainy night I celebrate dear friends, pumpkin, coffee, cinnamon, and other simplicities that add warmth and spice to life!

Coffee Talk

I cannot use powdered creamers in my coffee.  I just can't. I think I might be a creamer snob. So when I travel and don't always have a refrigerator to lug around my favorite bottles of flavored creamer, I have myself a creamer dilemma!  Imagine my delight when I saw these at Walmart, just in time to leave on a trip....

Can you get over it?  I can't!  So glad some issues in life are so simply resolved!  I am also loving this new flavor for my Keurig...

It is just plain nice for summer.  Mmmm.  And I also like the Half-Caff pods on the occasions where I brew an afternoon cup, or for mornings like yesterday when I felt and looked like Tink looks on this mug and one cup of regular just wasn't going to cut it!

I was surprised and thrilled when I threw my Thirty-One party and the sweet consultant brought me this darling travel mug.  I found out she reads my blog and knew I would appreciate it!

And I was also thrilled when one of my good friends gave me this Premium Roast With Ruth Bible study as a birthday gift.  Perfect timing too, as I completed my 90 Days With Paul study this morning (more on that later) and this Coffee Cup Bible Study is ready and waiting.  I have always wanted to do a study on Ruth and never have, so this will be exciting!

Wishing you a fresh brewed day!