Wise Words

"God must develop our character in the quiet if we're ever to be used effectively in public."

~ Lysa TerKeurst

Constant Companion

Woolly Blanket

I have a woolly blanket.

It's cuddly and it's pink.

And it is very dear to me,

More so than you would think.

Whenever I go traveling,

The blanket travels, too.

And if I should forget it, why

I don't know what I'd do.

It always goes to bed with me,

I like to feel it near,

Because it is so cuddly and

So very, very dear.

~Kate Cox Goddard



Gungor "Beautiful Things" Acoustic Performance

All this pain

I wonder if I’ll ever find my way

I wonder if my life could really change at all

All this earth

Could all that is lost ever be found

Could a garden come up from this ground at all

You make beautiful things

You make beautiful things out of the dust

You make beautiful things

You make beautiful things out of us

All around

Hope is springing up from this old ground

Out of chaos life is being found in You

You make beautiful things

You make beautiful things out of the dust

You make beautiful things

You make beautiful things out of us

You make beautiful things

You make beautiful things out of the dust

You make beautiful things

You make beautiful things out of us

You make me new, You are making me new

You make me new, You are making me new

You make beautiful things

You make beautiful things out of the dust

You make beautiful things

You make beautiful things out of us

I remember

FIVE YEARS AGO, TODAY, JEFF'S BROTHER WAS TAKEN TO BE WITH THE LORD

I REMEMBER HIS SHY SMILE.
I REMEMBER HIS QUICK AND WITTY HUMOR.
I REMEMBER HIS QUIET PRESENCE AROUND THE DINNER TABLE.
I REMEMBER HIS COMPASSIONATE HEART, LISTENING EARS, AND HIS DISCERNMENT.
I REMEMBER HIS LOVE OF THE MILWAUKEE BUCKS.
I REMEMBER HIS GREAT STORIES.
I REMEMBER HIS DESIRE TO GROW IN KNOWLEDGE, PURSUING EXCELLENCE IN ALL THINGS.
I REMEMBER HIS GREAT HEAD OF HAIR AND HIS ABILITY TO TAN LIKE NO OTHER.
I REMEMBER HIM ASKING QUESTIONS.
I REMEMBER HOW HE MADE ME LAUGH.
I REMEMBER HIS BROTHERLY BANTER WITH JEFF, AND THEIR SARCASM.
I REMEMBER TIME SPENT UP NORTH WITH HIM, CONVERSATIONS AS A FAMILY, PLAYING BOARD GAMES.
I REMEMBER HIS THOUGHTFULNESS IN GIVING GIFTS AND TREASURE THE ONES HE GAVE.
I REMEMBER HE AND JEFF SINGING SONGS FROM LES MISERABLES WITH PASSION AND FITS OF LAUGHTER.
I REMEMBER HIS BEST MAN SPEECH AT OUR WEDDING, THE LAUGHTER AND TEARS IT BROUGHT.
I REMEMBER HIS LAUGH AND HIS USE OF THE WORD, "DUH."
I REMEMBER THE WAYS HE CHALLENGED HIS BROTHER, SUPPORTED HIS SISTER, AND THE RESPECT HE HAD FOR HIS PARENTS.
I REMEMBER MOMENTS SHARED IN OUR FIRST APARTMENT, WATCHING TELEVISION, SHARING DINNERS, AND TALKING.
I REMEMBER THE SUPPORT HE GAVE US AS A YOUNG MARRIED COUPLE.
I REMEMBER OUR FAMILY TRIP TO THE MEDITERRANEAN, HOURS OF LAUGHTER, GREAT CONVERSATION, PICKING ON ONE ANOTHER, READING IN THE SUN, SHARING MEALS, DAILY EXCURSIONS, SITTING IN THE HOT TUB, BONDING AS SIBLINGS.
I REMEMBER ADMIRING HIM.
I REMEMBER THINKING HE WAS A WONDERFUL COMPLIMENT TO HIS FAMILY.
I REMEMBER BEING THANKFUL FOR HIS RELATIONSHIP AND LOOKING FORWARD TO ALL WE WOULD SHARE IN THE FUTURE.
I REMEMBER THINKING HE WOULD MAKE A WONDERFUL HUSBAND, FATHER AND UNCLE.
I REMEMBER BEING THANKFUL THAT I WAS HIS SISTER (IN-LAW).
I REMEMBER THE JOY WE HAD WHEN WE FOUND OUT HE WOULD ATTEND LAW SCHOOL IN MADISON.
I REMEMBER THE RESPECT I HAD FOR HIM.
I REMEMBER THE LOVE HE HAD FOR THE LORD AND HIS OBEDIENT HEART.




I REMEMBER ALSO, THE PROMISE OF OUR RISEN SAVIOR'S RETURN, A DAY WHEN OUR TEARS WILL BE NO MORE FOR WE WILL BE REUNITED WITH OUR BELOVED BROTHER.

Easter 2011

This is my Father's world

And to my listening ears,

 All nature sings and round me rings

The music of the spheres

 This is my Fathers world,

I rest me in the thought

 Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas,

His hand, the wonders wrought.

 This is my Fathers world,

The birds, their carols raise,

 

The morning light, the lily white

Declare their makers praise.

 

This is my Fathers world,

He shines in all that's fair.

In the rustling grass I hear Him pass,
 

He speaks to me everywhere.

This is my Fathers world,

Oh, let me ne'er forget

That though the wrong seems oft so strong,

God is the ruler yet.

This is my Fathers world,

The battle is not done

 Jesus, who died, shall be satisfied

And earth and heaven be one

Wise Words

"I have learned something significant about laying my head on Jesus' shoulder.  Jesus offers us not just mental rest from the noise and chaos of the world, not just physical rest from the work and demands, not just soul rest from our worries and problems, but a deep invigorating rest in Him.  The deeper rest He describes is a transforming rest.  When you and I come to Him, when we ask Him to become the Lord and Savior of our lives, He bestows on us a quiet rest not found anywhere else on earth.  It is a peaceful rest that passes the world's understanding."

~ Denise George, Come to the Quiet

Meatless Meal - Cherry Tomato + Ravioli Soup

I HAVE MY FRIEND, MEL, TO THANK FOR THIS QUICK AND SATISFYING SOUP RECIPE.  (SHE GOES MEATLESS EACH MONDAY NIGHT, SOMETHING WE PLAN TO DO AFTER OUR POSITIVE JOURNEY INTO VEGETARIANISM.)  THE FINAL PRODUCT IS QUITE LOVELY, WITH BRIGHT POPS OF COLOR FROM THE CHERRY TOMATOES, SCALLIONS AND FLUFFY RAVIOLI.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 pints cherry tomatoes (I used one and found it to be the perfect amount for my taste.)

2 cloves garlic, chopped

4 cups chicken stock

1 pound fresh cheese ravioli

1 cup basil leaves, torn (I must admit I left this out.)

1 bunch scallions, chopped

In a dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat.  Stir in cherry tomatoes and garlic and season with salt and pepper.  Cover the pan and cook, shaking the pan occasionally, for approximately 10 minutes or when tomatoes burst.  (If you have never had the privilege of hearing sweet little tomatoes burst in a puddle of hot oil, let me tell you it is a joy to overhear.) 

Add chicken stock and 2 cups of water and bring to a boil.  Add the ravioli and cook until tender.  Remove from heat and stir in basil and scallions to wilt. 

I recommend serving it with freshly shaved Parmesan and warm, crusty Italian bread (of course)!

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - The Tent

Meatless Meal - Art Smith's Sour Cream Waffles

OCCASIONALLY, I ENJOY BREAKFAST FOR DINNER AND IF YOU HAVE A CRAVING FOR WAFFLES, MAY I SUGGEST YOU TRY THESE.

Art Smith's Sour Cream Waffle Recipe

Ingredients:

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

1 cup milk

1/2 cup sour cream

3 large eggs

Maple syrup, jam, or whipped cream and fruit for serving

Heat a waffle iron according to manufacturer's directions.  Lightly oil the grids.  Meanwhile, whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl to combine and make a well in the center.  Whisk the melted butter, milk, sour cream, and eggs in a medium bowl until combined and pour into the well.  Whisk just until smooth; do not over mix.

Spoon about 1/4 cup of the batter into the center of the waffle iron and close. Cook until the waffle is golden brown, 3-4 minutes.  Serve hot with lots of melted butter.  Enjoy!

Change

IF YOU WOULD HAVE ASKED ME A YEAR AGO, "DO YOU LIKE CHANGE?"  I WOULD HAVE RESPONDED WITH A SOFT, BUT FIRM "NO."  I AM NOT ONE TO REDECORATE OFTEN (PERHAPS, BECAUSE I DO NOT HAVE THE FUNDS TO DO SO), REPOSITION MY FURNITURE,  REVOLUTIONIZE MY PERSONAL STYLE, SET OFF TO NEW AND EXCITING DESTINATIONS (THE FOUR WALLS OF MY HOME PROVIDE ENOUGH ADVENTURE FOR ME MOST DAYS),  ALTER OUR DAILY SCHEDULE... YOU GET THE PICTURE.  EVERY FEW MONTHS I ANTICIPATE MY MUCH NEEDED AND LONG OVERDUE HAIR APPOINTMENT TO MODIFY THE COLOR AND LENGTH OF MY HAIR, AS IT IS THE ONE OF THE FEW CHANGES I ACTUALLY EMBRACE. 

HOWEVER, AS OF LATE I AM NOTICING A SUBTLE SHIFT IN MY ATTITUDE TOWARDS CHANGE.  PERHAPS IT IS THE LACK OF MEAT IN MY CURRENT DIET INSPIRING SUCH THOUGHTS, OR THE INCREASING NUMBER OF SALLY HANSEN INSTA-DRI, FAST DRY NAIL COLORS I AM COLLECTING (CURRENT FAVS - "SLICK SLATE" AND "BLAZING BLUE"... EDGY PICKS FOR A GAL WHO ONCE WORE ONLY CLEAR POLISH) BUT, I AM SOFTENING TO THE IDEA OF CHANGE.  I RECOGNIZE I WILL NEVER BE THE KIND OF WOMAN WHO JUMPS AT THE CHANCE TO (WILLINGLY) SHAKE THINGS UP, GET MESSY, OR DROP EVERYTHING IN THE PURSUIT OF THE NEXT BIG ADVENTURE.  BUT, THE LORD IS TEACHING ME TO BE THE KIND OF WOMAN WHO IS ABLE TO EMBRACE, ANTICIPATE, AND WELCOME CHANGE.  ULTIMATELY, THE LORD IS RESHAPING MY HEART AND IT'S RESPONSE TO CHANGE.  

(CURRENT) CHANGE THAT BRINGS ME JOY:
HAIR COLOR
NAIL COLOR
BLOG BACKGROUNDS
PIZZA TOPPINGS
SEASONS
MILESTONES
UPGRADED PHONE
TEMPERATURES
GROWING RELATIONSHIPS
NEW RECIPES
HUSBAND'S SCHEDULE
CHILDREN'S INCREASED VOCABULARY
THE MINIVAN
BABIES BEING BORN
SISTER-IN-LAW'S UPCOMING WEDDING
NEW RESTAURANTS DISCOVERED


CHANGE THAT WILL REQUIRE PRAYER:
THE MOVE
THE FELLOWSHIP
LEAVING OUR CHURCH/FINDING A NEW ONE
INCREASED DISTANCE BETWEEN FAMILY AND FRIENDS
PLANNING FOR FUTURE CHILDREN


CHANGE IS INEVITABLE.  THERE ARE TIMES WHEN CHANGE IS NECESSARY OR EVEN  DESIRED.  AND, THEN THERE ARE TIMES WHEN CHANGE IS NOT WELCOMED AND ARRIVES UNINVITED OR UNANNOUNCED.  THE CHALLENGE LIES IN OUR HEART'S RESPONSE TO IT.  IT IS ONLY BY GOD'S GRACE THAT I AM LEARNING TO ACCEPT THE CHANGES HE HAS FOR ME, AND DARE I SAY ENJOY THEM.  

"TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND LEAN NOT ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING; IN ALL YOUR WAYS ACKNOWLEDGE HIM, AND HE WILL MAKE YOUR PATHS STRAIGHT." PROVERBS 3:5-6



  

Call

THIS WEEKEND MARKS THE LAST WEEKEND OF CALL JEFF WILL TAKE AS A RESIDENT.  IN OUR HOME THAT IS SOMETHING TO BE CELEBRATED. 

I VIVIDLY REMEMBER HIS FIRST NIGHTS OF CALL AS AN INTERN, WAKING (OFTEN BEFORE HE ROSE) TO THE INCESSANT BEEPING COMING FROM HIS PAGER.  I WOULD WAIT AS THE BLUE SCREEN ILLUMINATED A NUMBER OR BRIEF TEXT ALERTING HIM TO CALL THE HOSPITAL.  I THEN HELD MY BREATH AS HE RESPONDED WITH, "JEFF LARSON RETURNING A PAGE" WONDERING IF HE IN FACT NEW HOW TO CORRECTLY ASSESS THE SITUATION, PROVIDE THE CORRECT DOSAGE,  OR SOLVE THE ISSUE AT HAND.  I COULD FEEL HIS UNEASE, SENSE HIS TENSION, AND SHARED HIS CONCERN.  AFTER A TIME, HIS CONFIDENCE GREW AND WITH IT SO DID MINE. 

 AND, NOW WE HAVE COME TO THE END OF HIS FIVE YEARS OF TRAINING.  THERE ARE ONLY A FEW MORE CALL DATES LEFT ON OUR GOOGLE CALENDAR.  GRADUATION WILL SOON BE UPON US.  WE ARE IN THE HOME STRETCH. 

 I NO LONGER HOLD MY BREATH WHEN HIS PAGER GOES OFF.  HE ANSWERS EACH PAGE WITH CARE, CONFIDENCE AND EASE.  I AM FILLED WITH PRIDE AS I HEAR HIM RESPOND TO PATIENT CALLS, ANSWER QUESTIONS, AND PROVIDE SOLUTIONS.  I NOW SEE THE FRUITS OF HIS LABOR (IF ONLY I COULD WATCH HIM OPERATE), AND AM GRATEFUL FOR ALL WE HAVE LEARNED THROUGH THIS SEASON OF TRAINING. 

EACH SET OF SCRUBS THAT I WASH AND FOLD IS A REMINDER OF ALL HE HAS ACCOMPLISHED. I AM GRATEFUL TO BE THE ONE TO WASH THEM.

Signs of Spring

BARE PIGGIES.

WATER FUN.

 SQUIRT BOTTLES.

SQUINTY-EYED SHOTS.

BUBBLES.

AFTERNOONS ON THE PORCH.

SHORT-SLEEVES.

WE WOULDN'T MIND TEMPERATURES IN THE 70s AGAIN. 

H2O for Two

TWO YEARS AGO THE WATER TABLE CAPTURED THE ATTENTION OF ONE.

IT WAS A SWEET TIME.

 THEN THERE WERE TWO

AND, THINGS BECAME SWEETER.

THE TABLE IS NOW CROWDED.

ELBOW ROOM IS AT A PREMIUM.

THERE ARE MORE CUPS FOR PLAY.

THERE ARE NEW EYES TO BEHOLD.

NEW EXPRESSIONS TO BE MADE.

NEW THOUGHTS TO PONDER.

THERE IS ONE MORE FACE TO DRY.

MORE CLOTHES TO LAUNDER.

 MORE PRECIOUS SMILES TO CAPTURE.

31

THE MAN OF THE HOUSE TURNED 31 YESTERDAY. 

 AFTER PULLING OFF A SURPRISE WEEKEND AWAY, INCLUDING TRIPS TO A BREWERY AND CASINO WITH CLOSE PALS FOR HIS 30TH BIRTHDAY, I FELT THAT I COULDN'T LET THE DAY PASS WITHOUT A FEW SPECIAL TREATS.  SURPRISING MY MAN BROUGHT ME SO MUCH  JOY THAT I DECIDED TO DO IT AGAIN; HOWEVER, ON A MUCH SMALLER SCALE. WITH HIS DAY STACKED WITH SURGERIES (OR SO WE THOUGHT), I BEGAN THE DAY WITH A QUICK SHOWER, BUT SKIPPED PRIMPING AS I WANTED MY LOOK TO BE FRESH FOR OUR BIG NIGHT OUT.  HE HAD SPENT THE PREVIOUS DAY MENTIONING HOW BUSY HIS DAY WOULD BE, SO I FIGURED I HAD ALL DAY TO PREPARE.  PER THE LITTLE LADY'S REQUEST, WE HEADED TO METCALFE'S (A GROCER'S DELIGHT), WITH ONLY ONE ITEM ON OUR LIST, BUT WERE ENTICED TO PURCHASE A FEW MORE ONCE WE PASSED THE BAKERY SECTION - DONUTS FOR A MID-MORNING SNACK AND PETIT FOURS (JEFF'S FAVORITE).  AND, WE COULDN'T PASS UP A BOUQUET OF BRIGHTLY COLORED DAISIES TO ADD TO OUR MERRY MOOD.  ONCE HOME, I RECEIVED A TEXT FROM JEFF INDICATING THAT CASES HAD BEEN CANCELLED FOR THE AFTERNOON AND WOULD I LIKE SUBWAY FOR LUNCH (VEGGIE, OF COURSE.)  WITH NO TIME TO LOSE, I FED THE CHILDREN, PUT THEM TO BED, APPLIED MY MAKE-UP AND WHIPPED UP A PEANUT BUTTER PIE FOR THE BIRTHDAY BOY.  JEFF ARRIVED HOME TO A QUIET HOUSEHOLD AND BEAUTIFIED WIFE.  WE ENJOYED A QUIET HOUR ON THE COUCH TOGETHER EATING, WATCHING TV AND DOZING, THAT IS UNTIL THE LITTLE MAN DECIDED TO CUT HIS NAP SHORT.   APPARENTLY, EVERYONE WANTED A SPECIAL MOMENT ALONE WITH DADDY ON HIS BIRTHDAY.  THE REST OF THE AFTERNOON PLAYED OUT AS A TYPICAL THURSDAY, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF PRESENTS AND PETIT FOUR SNACKS.  THE PLAN WAS TO "ORDER PIZZA" AND DINE PEACEFULLY WITH THE LITTLE LADY ONCE THE LITTLE FELLA WAS DOWN FOR THE NIGHT.  PROMPTLY AT 6:59 I BROUGHT THE LITTLE MAN UPSTAIRS AND ASKED JEFF TO GO DOWNSTAIRS TO WAIT FOR THE PIZZA.  AFTER A BUTTERFLY-FILLED MOMENT OF ROCKING OUR SON, I LAID HIM IN HIS CRIB, SPRAYED ON PERFUME, REMOVED MY SWEATSHIRT (CONCEALING MY EVENING LOOK), AND OPENED OUR BEDROOM DOOR.  I WAS SURPRISED TO FIND JEFF DIRECTLY OUTSIDE OUR DOOR.  WITH A SLY SMILE HE ASKED, "SHOULD I CHANGE?"  WITH MOUNTING EXCITEMENT I TOLD HIM TO HEAD TO THE LITTLE LADY'S CLOSET WHERE HE WOULD FIND HIS CLOTHES FOR THE EVENING.  I GRABBED MY EARRINGS OFF THE BOOK SHELF (CLEVERLY POSITIONED), AND MY FLATS FROM BEHIND A CHAIR AND SCURRIED OFF TO CELEBRATE THE SURPRISE WITH OUR BABYSITTER.  THE POOR LITTLE LADY HAD TO BE COMFORTED AS SHE REALIZED 1) HER PARENTS WOULD BE LEAVING FOR THE NIGHT (I COULD NOT TELL HER AS SHE CAN NO LONGER KEEP A SECRET!) AND 2) THERE WOULD BE NO PIZZA TO CONSUME.  WITH A MARSHMALLOW BUNNY (TO SOFTEN THE BLOW) AND A FEW QUICK SMOOCHES FOR THE LITTLE LADY,  WE WERE OFF TO ENJOY THE NIGHT.  THE BIRTHDAY NIGHT CULMINATED WITH A DELICIOUS DINNER OUT WITH FRIENDS, A LOT OF LAUGHTER, A RELAXED AND GRATEFUL HUSBAND, AND A SLICE OF PEANUT BUTTER PIE. 

IT WAS PERFECT.  HIS SMILE SAID IT ALL.

I THINK 31 IS GOING TO BE A GOOD YEAR.

THE GIVING OF THE GIFTS.  HE WAS EXCITED TO RECEIVE NEW RUNNING SHORTS, THE SOCIAL ANIMAL BY DAVID BROOKS, AND AN ESV BIBLE.

BIRTHDAY CHEESE.

THE LITTLE LADY ANNOUNCED SHE WOULD BE "READING" THE CARDS THIS YEAR.

APPARENTLY, SHE FINDS HER MOTHER'S WORDS OF WIFELY AFFECTION HILARIOUS.

WE ARE BLESSED.

WHILE I DO NOT APPRECIATE ALL ASPECTS OF THIS PICTURE I DO LOVE IT FOR TWO REASONS - 1) MY MAN IS PLANTING A TREASURED BIG ONE ON ME AND 2) MY LITTLE MAN LOOKS REPULSED THAT ANOTHER HUMAN BEING IS SHOWING ME AFFECTION. (HE CONTINUES TO THINK HE IS MY ONE AND ONLY, AND WHY SHOULDN'T HE?!)

PETIT FOURS FOR THREE

I LOVE YOU, SWEET HUSBAND. 

 MY WORLD IS BETTER BECAUSE OF YOU - MY YEARS MORE EXCITING, MY DAYS MORE JOYFUL, MY HOURS FILLED WITH ANTICIPATION FOR YOUR RETURN, AND MY MINUTES DEVOTED TO YOU AND OUR FAMILY.

I LOOK FORWARD TO TURNING 32 WITH YOU.

There's No Place Like (a new) Home

 THE SHAKER REGENCY APARTMENTS
SHAKER HEIGHTS, OHIO  



SHAKER HEIGHTS...IT HAS A NICE RING TO IT, DOESN'T IT?  IN APPROXIMATELY 75 DAYS, WE WILL CALL IT HOME.

THERE IS SOMETHING SWEET IN RETURNING TO A TWO BEDROOM APARTMENT AT THIS STAGE OF LIFE, ALMOST SEVEN YEARS INTO OUR MARRIAGE AND WITH TWO LITTLE ONES.  WE ARE GRATEFUL TO HAVE A (RECENTLY RENOVATED) TWO BEDROOM, FIRST FLOOR UNIT AWAITING US. 

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SHAKING THINGS UP IN SHAKER HEIGHTS.