I have to confess that I have not been 100% faithful to my recent resolutions. But I have done much better than I expected, and they have been consistently on my mind (sometimes in the back of my mind, but still there, nonetheless). All in all, I am grateful I took the time to make these resolutions because they have made a significant difference.
My first resolution was daily, substantial prayer. I was faithful in this until Justin came home. During his two weeks off work and out of our normal routine, however, I let my prayer time slide, on the premise that there just wasn't a convenient time (which is really not a legitimate excuse). Plus, we were able to pray together. But Justin went back to work today, and I reinstated my prayer time.
I wish I had recorded all of the things I made note of during those first few weeks of regular prayer. Mostly, though, I found that it was important for me to be intentional about putting God first as soon as I wake up, laying down my desires, and making a conscious effort to acknowledge my sin, which I so effortlessly gloss over without intentional prayer. I need prayer to love God more, to love my husband more, to love others more. Another thing I noticed when I started praying specific things for Justin is that I noticed how God was answering those prayers, and I paid more attention to the things that are important to Justin, instead of mentally checking out because I was stuck in my unchecked life-is-all-about-me mentality.
So, for those of you who commented to say that you would also appreciate some accountability in that regard, how are things going? Feel free to comment here or send me an email, whatever you are comfortable with.
Lent is another thing that has been in the back of my mind a lot over the past month or so. Ash Wednesday (March 9) will kick off Lent in a little over a week. I want to give up some bad habits, probably computer related, and replace them with good, God-honoring habits. I have been trying to be conscientious of my time/habits without making any hard and fast resolutions. BUT, I think Lent is the perfect time to change that. Would you think and pray about a commitment(s) to make, too, if you are so inclined? Preferably something not food related, unless that really is an area where you feel like you have not been God-honoring. I would love for a few of us to be able to encourage each other to take steps to "put off [our old selves]... and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" (Eph 4:22-24).
Monday, February 28, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Vacation finds
We just arrived back home yesterday after a secret getaway planned by my oh-so-thoughtful husband. He took us to Charlottesville, VA! Home of the University of Virginia, Monticello, and endless supplies of local/organic foods. It was on the cold side, but the mountains (large hills?) there are still quite beautiful. We stumbled across several firsts on this trip that I have been eager to share. Unfortunately, I have no pictures to enhance these finds, though, because we left town without our camera!
1. 200 South Street Inn. Almost a B&B but not quite. They have discounted rates a few weeks out of the year, and this just so happened to be one of those weeks. There are two buildings, 12 or so individualized rooms (some with fireplaces, some with jacuzzi tubs like ours), a common room with a fireplace as well as a nice big porch to sit out on when the weather is warmer, and lots of yummy goodies to munch on throughout the day. There is no formal breakfast, which is why this is almost a B&B, but there is a breakfast spread available all morning long, including homemade breads and granola and yummy little rolls called popovers. In the evening they put out wine, fruit, and a spread of gourmet cheese. We did enjoy trying all the fancy types of cheese we would never pay for regularly at home, but the best treat of all--and possibly the best part of our entire stay there--was the always fresh supply of homemade cookies left out all day long at the front desk. These were quite possibly the best cookies I have ever eaten...even better than Justin's! Which is saying something. And that brings me to Find #2.
2. 200 South Street Inn Cookie Recipe. The employees at the inn were very gracious in sharing as many of their recipes as we wanted to take. (The popovers, by the way, are a Martha Stewart recipe with only 5 ingredients. The woman who made them omitted the butter and added whatever leftover cheese they had on hand.) After consuming probably a dozen cookies each during our 3-night stay, you can bet we jumped at the chance to get the recipe. I was surprised to see that the recipe for these oatmeal chocolate chip walnut cookies is surprisingly simple. We found the best batches of cookies to be those with few to no walnuts (perhaps they were just more finely ground) and slightly overdone, which made the texture simply irresistible. I am curious to find out whether my oven (not a convection oven like theirs) will produce the same results. So, without further ado:
2 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar
2 eggs
Combine four, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl. Beat brown sugar, butter, and sugar in large
Chill dough in fridge at least an hour before baking to help the cookies "set up."
Drop by rounded teaspoon onto a cookie sheet, about 9 per sheet, as the cookies spread out quite a bit. Bake at 325 for 10-14 minutes.
You're welcome.
3. Apple cider and "the next Honey Crisp apple." Justin decided to go to a farm that advertised tastings of "true" apple cider. Well, it turns out that "true" apple cider is alcoholic and is similar to wine. The overwhelming taste in wine to me is a bitter taste from the alcohol. The same proved true for the apple ciders. I was not a fan. Justin wasn't terribly impressed either, but we are unsophisticated bumpkins in that particular area, so I don't expect many people to agree with our assessments there.
However, we were treated to a taste of "the next Honey Crisp apple," which we were both completely won over by. We ended up taking home several of these wonderfully sweet with just the right amount of tart Gold Rush apples. If you are picky about apples like I am, I highly recommend keeping an eye out for these.
There were other firsts of course and other things I could recommend from our trip, but those were the biggies. We really enjoyed Charlottesville and definitely recommend a vacation there!
1. 200 South Street Inn. Almost a B&B but not quite. They have discounted rates a few weeks out of the year, and this just so happened to be one of those weeks. There are two buildings, 12 or so individualized rooms (some with fireplaces, some with jacuzzi tubs like ours), a common room with a fireplace as well as a nice big porch to sit out on when the weather is warmer, and lots of yummy goodies to munch on throughout the day. There is no formal breakfast, which is why this is almost a B&B, but there is a breakfast spread available all morning long, including homemade breads and granola and yummy little rolls called popovers. In the evening they put out wine, fruit, and a spread of gourmet cheese. We did enjoy trying all the fancy types of cheese we would never pay for regularly at home, but the best treat of all--and possibly the best part of our entire stay there--was the always fresh supply of homemade cookies left out all day long at the front desk. These were quite possibly the best cookies I have ever eaten...even better than Justin's! Which is saying something. And that brings me to Find #2.
2. 200 South Street Inn Cookie Recipe. The employees at the inn were very gracious in sharing as many of their recipes as we wanted to take. (The popovers, by the way, are a Martha Stewart recipe with only 5 ingredients. The woman who made them omitted the butter and added whatever leftover cheese they had on hand.) After consuming probably a dozen cookies each during our 3-night stay, you can bet we jumped at the chance to get the recipe. I was surprised to see that the recipe for these oatmeal chocolate chip walnut cookies is surprisingly simple. We found the best batches of cookies to be those with few to no walnuts (perhaps they were just more finely ground) and slightly overdone, which made the texture simply irresistible. I am curious to find out whether my oven (not a convection oven like theirs) will produce the same results. So, without further ado:
200 South Street Inn Cookie Recipe
2 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar
1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 Tbsp milk
2 tsp vanilla
2 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
2 cups chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Combine four, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl. Beat brown sugar, butter, and sugar in large
bowl until creamy. Add eggs, milk, and vanilla. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Add in oats, nuts, and chocolate. Mix well.
Chill dough in fridge at least an hour before baking to help the cookies "set up."
Drop by rounded teaspoon onto a cookie sheet, about 9 per sheet, as the cookies spread out quite a bit. Bake at 325 for 10-14 minutes.
You're welcome.
3. Apple cider and "the next Honey Crisp apple." Justin decided to go to a farm that advertised tastings of "true" apple cider. Well, it turns out that "true" apple cider is alcoholic and is similar to wine. The overwhelming taste in wine to me is a bitter taste from the alcohol. The same proved true for the apple ciders. I was not a fan. Justin wasn't terribly impressed either, but we are unsophisticated bumpkins in that particular area, so I don't expect many people to agree with our assessments there.
However, we were treated to a taste of "the next Honey Crisp apple," which we were both completely won over by. We ended up taking home several of these wonderfully sweet with just the right amount of tart Gold Rush apples. If you are picky about apples like I am, I highly recommend keeping an eye out for these.
There were other firsts of course and other things I could recommend from our trip, but those were the biggies. We really enjoyed Charlottesville and definitely recommend a vacation there!
Friday, February 18, 2011
Oh yes...and...Why I need my dear husband
Ever since Justin left, the shower has been draining rather slowly. I have been taking combination shower/baths for the last two months. When Justin came home, he reminded me to make sure that the lever that opens and closes the drain is fully engaged. And just like magic, it's fixed! A Valentine's Day miracle.
For the past two weeks, one of the garage doors has not been working. I could open and close the door with the wall button, but none of the garage door remotes would work. Highly annoying. Fortunately, this was not going on for the whole time he was gone. Turns out the "lock" button on the wall button prevents the remotes from working. Go figure. Another magic fix.
Those are just the most "magical" fixes. This place has been falling apart without him!
For the past two weeks, one of the garage doors has not been working. I could open and close the door with the wall button, but none of the garage door remotes would work. Highly annoying. Fortunately, this was not going on for the whole time he was gone. Turns out the "lock" button on the wall button prevents the remotes from working. Go figure. Another magic fix.
Those are just the most "magical" fixes. This place has been falling apart without him!
I am still in a posting mood but...
I took a little trip to Alabama and now the husband is home. :)
I shall pick it up again fairly soon. Don't try to pretend that you don't check this site every day, in eager anticipation. I know better.
*Totally kidding.*
Hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day!
I shall pick it up again fairly soon. Don't try to pretend that you don't check this site every day, in eager anticipation. I know better.
*Totally kidding.*
Hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day!
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Shine
I've heard SMS (Shine) by The David Crowder Band on the radio just a few times in the past couple of months, and it always captures my attention. I adore the music, especially coupled with the lyrics. The music really does have a shimmery "shiny" feeling to it. It draws me in every time.
So I went on a search for the lyrics today and then, when I learned that the song is called SMS (Shine), to discover what the SMS stands for. I never found out. Sorry. I got sidetracked. I found the music video for this song on youtube, and now I am even more in love. I also found the lead singer's description of the video, both its themes and how the video was made (which involves potentially a million Lite Brite pegs!). You might want to skip over the wordy intro, but I found his description of their stop action process completely fascinating. I suspect you will too. Enjoy!
So I went on a search for the lyrics today and then, when I learned that the song is called SMS (Shine), to discover what the SMS stands for. I never found out. Sorry. I got sidetracked. I found the music video for this song on youtube, and now I am even more in love. I also found the lead singer's description of the video, both its themes and how the video was made (which involves potentially a million Lite Brite pegs!). You might want to skip over the wordy intro, but I found his description of their stop action process completely fascinating. I suspect you will too. Enjoy!
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