This post is a day late, but my Christmas weekend was very busy. I have been working part time at the bookstore again, and I worked on Christmas Eve morning, then I had church. Our Christmas Eve was pretty low key. Normally we go to my extended family's Christmas celebration on Christmas Eve but this year it was on Christmas Day, so J and I got Chinese food and rented a movie. How boring are we, right? Haha.
Christmas Day, we had church in the morning, then we were off. We visited my father-in-law's first, then my aunt and uncle's, then J's grandparents. It was full of fun and laughter and love and reminiscing and everything Christmas get-togethers should be, but when we got home at 10:00 that night, I was exhausted.
At my aunt and uncle's Christmas, my cousins, brother, and I all subconsciously formed a "kids" table. You remember how it was -- always wanting to sit with the adults, thinking you're too big for the kids' table. We had one, too, just like everyone else. But something cool happened this year. With the exception of three cousins (2 who weren't there and one who is still "too young" to chat with the older cousins), we all sat down around the appetizer table, snacking, chatting about life and school and other things. What was even cooler is that the table included 2 spouses and 1 girlfriend who all just fit in like they belonged there. I love my family. =)
And because I missed my traditional Christmas Day post:
I hope you had a very merry Christmas and enjoyed the time you spent with your loved ones.
Dec 26, 2011
Dec 4, 2011
Christmas
I put up our Christmas tree today. J didn't help because, frankly, if it were up to him, it wouldn't go up. Haha. It's okay, I don't mind. I put on my Christmas music and spend a few hours unpacking the tree and ornaments, etc.I hope, though, that things change in the future when we have kids of our own. I have so many wonderful memories of putting up the tree, my dad lifting me up to put the angel on top of the tree. And I can't wait to have those kinds of memories with my own kids.
In the meantime, I guess my big fat furry kitty cats will have to help me. Sebastian's favorite spot is under the tree and he didn't waste any time getting under there and staking his territory. Paulie chased my little bead garland around on the floor while I hung it on the tree. Fun times.
Nov 13, 2011
Sunday Snapshot
I have always been a voracious reader. Looks like the boys take after their mama:
Paulie is reading HP and the Deathly Hallows in a physical book. Sebastian is reading When She Woke on my Nook Color.
Nov 8, 2011
"Unashamed"
This past week, during Communion, we played this song.
It's been stuck in my head all week. J and I had an interesting conversation tonight about the meaning of the line "I know I'm weak/I know I'm unworthy/To call upon Your name." A friend of mine at church mentioned that she didn't like the song because of the idea that we're unworthy to come to God. She believes that she is worthy to be in his presence. This raises some interesting points, about faith and about culture.
First of all, culture. We live in a world where it's acceptable to demand, demand, demand. not only that, but to EXPECT that the things we demand will be given to us. I'm just as guilty as the next guy for falling into this trap. We feel we "deserve" a better car, a bigger house, a larger TV, and Platinum credit cards. We deserve to be treated with respect even though most of us live in our own little worlds, not paying attention to even our own spouses or children. I guess it comes as no surprise that we feel we deserve God's love and grace in our lives. (Here is where we could totally get into an "original sin" debate, but I'm not going there.)
Which brings us to the caveat of our faith. Our worldview often spills over into our approach to God. We want Him now, in the way we feel He should be here, and in the time we specify. We don't find a job in the time frame we want, we question His faithfulness (hello, totally guilty of that...). Our friend dies too young and we wonder why He took him/her so soon, forgetting that He has a plan. We don't always like His plan because it doesn't fit into our pretty little box of how we think our life should be. We deserve God's attention RIGHT NOW whether that's His plan or not. "I'm in pain right now, God, and I deserve Your hand in this mess I amtotally to blame for in." "God, I gave you my life 17 years ago, and now it's time for You to do what I expect You to do -- be there and fix my mess."
But that's not how it works. Not in the slightest. We don't deserve Him. We don't deserve His love. Paul writes in Romans that we are all sinners, that we all fall short of the glory of God (3:23). Every. Single. One of us. Fact of the matter is, we're all screwed. We're all destined for an eternity apart from God because we don't deserve to stand in His presence. Except.
Jesus.
One man. One cross. Taking away all of our sins. Glorious salvation. That is what makes us worthy. It's not because of who we are. It's because of who HE is, and what HE did for us. Even though we totally don't deserve any of His love, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, grace, mercy, etc, He made us worthy. It is through his sacrifice that we are able to come to God and worship, honor, and adore Him. It is because of Jesus that we are able to live with Him for all eternity.
Even though we don't deserve it.
Even though we're totally unworthy.
God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8, NIV)
I have not much
To offer You
Not near what You deserve
But still I come
Because Your cross
Has placed in me my worth
Oh, Christ my King
Of sympathy
Whose wounds secure my peace
Your grace extends
To call me friend
Your mercy sets me free
And I know I'm weak
I know I'm unworthy
To call upon Your name
But because of grace
Because of Your mercy
I stand here unashamed
I can't explain
This kind of love
I'm humbled and amazed
That You'd come down
From heavens heights
And greet me face to face
Here I am at Your feet
In my brokeness complete
It's been stuck in my head all week. J and I had an interesting conversation tonight about the meaning of the line "I know I'm weak/I know I'm unworthy/To call upon Your name." A friend of mine at church mentioned that she didn't like the song because of the idea that we're unworthy to come to God. She believes that she is worthy to be in his presence. This raises some interesting points, about faith and about culture.
First of all, culture. We live in a world where it's acceptable to demand, demand, demand. not only that, but to EXPECT that the things we demand will be given to us. I'm just as guilty as the next guy for falling into this trap. We feel we "deserve" a better car, a bigger house, a larger TV, and Platinum credit cards. We deserve to be treated with respect even though most of us live in our own little worlds, not paying attention to even our own spouses or children. I guess it comes as no surprise that we feel we deserve God's love and grace in our lives. (Here is where we could totally get into an "original sin" debate, but I'm not going there.)
Which brings us to the caveat of our faith. Our worldview often spills over into our approach to God. We want Him now, in the way we feel He should be here, and in the time we specify. We don't find a job in the time frame we want, we question His faithfulness (hello, totally guilty of that...). Our friend dies too young and we wonder why He took him/her so soon, forgetting that He has a plan. We don't always like His plan because it doesn't fit into our pretty little box of how we think our life should be. We deserve God's attention RIGHT NOW whether that's His plan or not. "I'm in pain right now, God, and I deserve Your hand in this mess I am
But that's not how it works. Not in the slightest. We don't deserve Him. We don't deserve His love. Paul writes in Romans that we are all sinners, that we all fall short of the glory of God (3:23). Every. Single. One of us. Fact of the matter is, we're all screwed. We're all destined for an eternity apart from God because we don't deserve to stand in His presence. Except.
Jesus.
One man. One cross. Taking away all of our sins. Glorious salvation. That is what makes us worthy. It's not because of who we are. It's because of who HE is, and what HE did for us. Even though we totally don't deserve any of His love, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, grace, mercy, etc, He made us worthy. It is through his sacrifice that we are able to come to God and worship, honor, and adore Him. It is because of Jesus that we are able to live with Him for all eternity.
Even though we don't deserve it.
Even though we're totally unworthy.
God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8, NIV)
Oct 24, 2011
Menu Monday Oct. 24
I spent roughly $50 on groceries this week, partly because I had $10 in coupons, but that is the least I have spent on groceries in a LONG time. I'm very proud of myself, thankyouverymuch.
Here is what's on tap for the next two weeks:
Tues. 10/25: Jiffy Jambalaya Remember I wanted to make my own jambalaya? This will be my first go at it, so hopefully it is delicious.
Wed. 10/26: Santa Fe Enchilada Bake This is something I've made before. it's easy and with the right subs (whole grain tortillas, low fat cheese and fat free sour cream), it's not too heavy on calories.
Fri. 10/28: Burgers.
Sat. 10/29: Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches I'm a sucker for buffalo chicken.
Sun. 10/30: Baked Ziti. AKA "Throw some noodles, sauce, and cheese in a casserole dish and bake."
Tues. 11/1: Grilled cheese. Do you really need a recipe?
Wed. 11/2: Pizza. I use this recipe for the crust. I half the ingredients, though, since I'm only making it for the two of us. And I don't like super duper thick pizza which is what would happen if I used the whole recipe for one pizza. here is what it looked like last time I made it. Depending on when in the rotation it's on the menu, I'll have green pepper and onion on there in addition to pepperoni.
Fri. 11/4: Tacos. J's favorite. I use a seasoning mix found here.
What all are you having the next few weeks?? Let me know in the comments.
Don't forget that you can check out my food board on Pinterest!
Here is what's on tap for the next two weeks:
Tues. 10/25: Jiffy Jambalaya Remember I wanted to make my own jambalaya? This will be my first go at it, so hopefully it is delicious.
Wed. 10/26: Santa Fe Enchilada Bake This is something I've made before. it's easy and with the right subs (whole grain tortillas, low fat cheese and fat free sour cream), it's not too heavy on calories.
Fri. 10/28: Burgers.
Sat. 10/29: Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches I'm a sucker for buffalo chicken.
Sun. 10/30: Baked Ziti. AKA "Throw some noodles, sauce, and cheese in a casserole dish and bake."
Tues. 11/1: Grilled cheese. Do you really need a recipe?
Wed. 11/2: Pizza. I use this recipe for the crust. I half the ingredients, though, since I'm only making it for the two of us. And I don't like super duper thick pizza which is what would happen if I used the whole recipe for one pizza. here is what it looked like last time I made it. Depending on when in the rotation it's on the menu, I'll have green pepper and onion on there in addition to pepperoni.
Fri. 11/4: Tacos. J's favorite. I use a seasoning mix found here.
What all are you having the next few weeks?? Let me know in the comments.
Don't forget that you can check out my food board on Pinterest!
Oct 10, 2011
Menu Monday
It's been a while since I've posted. It's been crazy, too, but I'll get to that in another post.
For a few months, J and I have been menu planning every two weeks. It really helps when I'm grocery shopping because I know exactly what I have to get, and it helps at home with the "what are we going to eat?" question because I know ahead of time when I need to pull out hamburger meat or chicken breasts or what have you. Woo hoo! SO here is what's on tap for the next 2 weeks:
Mon. Oct. 10: We had a meeting at church and dinner was provided.
Tues. Oct. 11: Jambalaya. We currently use the Zattarain's box and toss in some smoked sausage. I eventually would like to find my own recipe because the boxed mixes are so high in sodium. I'm looking for a good one. If you know of one, leave me a note in the comments.
Wed. Oct. 12: Chicken and Dumplings. This is a new recipe and I'm kind of excited about it because it seems so easy. It's from a cookbook I have in my kitchen, so I can't link to it, unfortunately. It's your basic chicken, celery, carrots, and biscuits recipe. The particular recipe I used was great, but I misunderstood the directions for adding the biscuits and added the whole can thing. Which meant it was more like dumplings with chicken and veggies. Oops. It was yum, though, so I will make it again but alter the amount of biscuits I use.
Thurs. Oct. 13: I have praise band rehearsal every Thursday night and I go straight to church from work so J is on his own every week.
Fri. Oct. 14: We have a youth event so I won't have to cook. Woo hoo!
Sat. Oct. 15: Chicken Enchilada Pasta. This is also a new recipe, and oh my goodness it looks delicious! It WAS delicious, but it was also SPICY. Will make again but J couldn't handle the heat (I thought it was great) so I need to tone it down a bit.
For a few months, J and I have been menu planning every two weeks. It really helps when I'm grocery shopping because I know exactly what I have to get, and it helps at home with the "what are we going to eat?" question because I know ahead of time when I need to pull out hamburger meat or chicken breasts or what have you. Woo hoo! SO here is what's on tap for the next 2 weeks:
Mon. Oct. 10: We had a meeting at church and dinner was provided.
Tues. Oct. 11: Jambalaya. We currently use the Zattarain's box and toss in some smoked sausage. I eventually would like to find my own recipe because the boxed mixes are so high in sodium. I'm looking for a good one. If you know of one, leave me a note in the comments.
Wed. Oct. 12: Chicken and Dumplings. This is a new recipe and I'm kind of excited about it because it seems so easy. It's from a cookbook I have in my kitchen, so I can't link to it, unfortunately. It's your basic chicken, celery, carrots, and biscuits recipe. The particular recipe I used was great, but I misunderstood the directions for adding the biscuits and added the whole can thing. Which meant it was more like dumplings with chicken and veggies. Oops. It was yum, though, so I will make it again but alter the amount of biscuits I use.
Thurs. Oct. 13: I have praise band rehearsal every Thursday night and I go straight to church from work so J is on his own every week.
Fri. Oct. 14: We have a youth event so I won't have to cook. Woo hoo!
Sat. Oct. 15: Chicken Enchilada Pasta. This is also a new recipe, and oh my goodness it looks delicious! It WAS delicious, but it was also SPICY. Will make again but J couldn't handle the heat (I thought it was great) so I need to tone it down a bit.
Sun. Oct. 16: We'll probably just do tacos, though I'm thinking about making Chicken Taco Chili. This is a monthly dish at our house when the weather is cooler. So delish and so easy. This didn't happen because we went to my father in law's for dinner.
Mon. Oct. 17: Youth night. Probably leftovers.
Tues. Oct. 18: Sloppy Joes. Tuesdays are my gym night, so I try and do something I can whip up easily when I get home since J won't cook. I don't remember what we did but it wasn't this.
Wed. Oct. 19: Orange Chicken/General Tso's Chicken. I found this orange chicken recipe that I might try, but we're not huge orange chicken fans. I'd rather make a General Tso's recipe using this recipe to bake the chicken instead of frying it. In all reality I wish I could figure out where the picture below came from. It popped up on my Pinterest feed and its source says "Pinterest for iPhone." Thanks. That's a lot of help. I ended up making the chicken and dumplings this particular night, so I can't report about the Chinese recipe...
Thurs. Oct. 20: Jenny's rehearsal, so we're off the hook there. The weekend of the 22nd is my last full, busy weekend and then I can RELAX. Hallelujah!
You can follow my recipe board on Pinterest.
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