Running Into 2017

In general, I love running. I feel so much better after I run and feel like I can breath and think. Some races I love, and some - well, we can say I have a love/hate relationship with. I love difficult races because they are a challenge and I love to say, "Oh yes, I ran that one." - I "hate" them though, because I don't always finish them the way I want to have finished them.

One of the races I ran this past year was the worst race I've ever run - not based on time, but based on endurance. I stopped and walked. "Therefore, we also, since we surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our race," This was the "running" passage my dad had for us when we were younger. While I walked, this sauntered through my mind. As it slowly made it's way through all the passages of my brain, I thought about other aspects:

1. When we run with endurance and do not walk or stop, we are an encouragement to those we run with and against - we each would like to win, but at least we are all still running.
2. When you stop to walk or even stop, it is a discouragement - "If they are walking, it's ok to - I mean, this race is tough and, well, I'm tired."
3. It is interesting that, even if you finish well in a race that you walked in, you will not do as well as you would have if you had continued to run. You cannot make up lost time in a race.

This "Run with Endurance the Race that is set Before You" speeds through every aspect of life. Are you wasting time right now reading this because you're avoiding reading your Bible, doing chores, or fulfilling a commitment?

I don't know how your race was this last year in 2016. I don't know where the steep hills were or if you just had a type of "plateau". You can't change what happened this year, but, having learned from this past year, you can change you race plan to hopefully be more successful this year. If you plan goals, don't make outlandish ones. Make simple feasible goals as well as goals that will push you. Don't make goals lightly either - be willing to change them, but not lazy with them. Remember, people are watching you.

The Colors of Christmas

As you know, we have two main colors that symbolize Christmas - at least they symbolize Christmas in the States: Red and Green. Occasionally, we throw in the colors of a mid-night Blue and Silver or Gold.

For sure, some of the colors are simply because they look good - they're elegant and we like them, so why not throw a silver bow on the gift?

Colors do have meaning - sometimes they change over time, but sometimes, they meaning is so much associated with the color it cannot change.

Green symbolizes Rebirth. Is there a question as to why this color suites Christmas so well? Christ came from heaven, having pre-existed from eternity, so that we could be born again into life with Him.

Red symbolizes several things: War, Strength, Passion, Determination, and Power. There is a war we are a part of - a war that we in ourselves would utterly fail at winning (in fact, we did fail). Christ never did and never will. He is all powerful. Passionate and "Determined" (that feels like such a human term) to the point of death to do the Will of God the Father.

Yes - Green and Red make sense.

Midnight blue? Angels came to shepherds at night to declare to the lowest of lowest that God had come in the flesh. It's a reminder that God doesn't just care about those who are rich or appear to ha
ve something to offer - He sent His Son for people like you and me.

Silver and Gold - wealth, but Gold also symbolizes Wisdom. Jesus told us that a greater than Solomon was among them - Solomon, the wisest man in the world - but One was greater.

Merry Christmas!

Metamorphose

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

Romans 12:1-2

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"Transformed" is probably my favorite word in verse 2. Transformed means "metamorphose". Paul says don't be made like the world, but go through change. It's interesting that no one thinks a caterpillar in the middle of metamorphose is beautiful, but generally he thinks the butterfly is more gorgeous than the caterpillar. When people in the world see us changing as the Holy Spirit works, I don't think they say, "Wow, I can't wait to see what she looks like on the other side!" I think the best they can do is pity us, "That poor girl - her code of ethics won't let her go to a bar - she's missing out." In the end though, She will not be the one who missed out, but the one who soars.

I don't think a caterpillar has thought going through metamorphose to be easy - in fact, it is very, very difficult at the end. However, when she succeeds, she is admired by all.

Let's not be afraid of our metamorphose - let's look forward to it!

What's Up?

I wrote several blog posts and didn't like how they ended up sounding or just didn't feel like I wanted to post them for whatever reason.

Here are a couple things I've done recently:

My friend Sarah left for college this year and I was able to visit her right before her birthday. Great to see her again!

I was able to go to San Diego a couple of weeks ago. Had tons of fun with Dad - touring, watching hang-gliders, walking/hiking, and reading. Special time.

I also was just recently hired to be a seasonal employee at Costco! I feel supre blessed. It was encouraging to see all of the "little" ways God had it happen.

Passion

"Passions can be chosen and cultivated, not as a feeling, but as a fulfillment of life."

I've wondered sometimes how I could have a passion for something - how do you get to passion. From the above definition, passion is very much like agape. Passion is something to be chosen and worked on, not necessarily something that comes naturally.

What are you passionate about?

Pumpkin Cake

In addition to the amazing cake recipe, you'll need some green fondant and a green ice cream cone. :)
Ok, let's get down to business! (...to defeat the Huns!)

Cake:
2    c pumpkin puree
2/3 c sugar
1.5 c brown sugar
1    c apple sauce

4       eggs
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2    c flour
2  tsp baking powder
2  tsp baking soad
1  tsp salt
4  tsp cinnamon
1  tsp ground cloves
2  tsp ground ginger
2  tsp ground nutmeg

* Heat oven to 350.
* Combine all the wet ingredients and then mix in the dry ingredients. Nothing fancy. Seriously, all I did was dump the dry ingredients in and turn on the mixer - none of this add 1/2 a cup of dry ingredients, mix thoroughly. Continue adding until all the dry ingredients are used - I mean, you can do this, but not necessary.
* Generously butter a bundt pan and then flour it.
* Pour half the batter into pan, and bake for 45 minutes - that worked perfectly for me.
* Let cake cool 5 minutes in pan after you take it out of the oven, and then repeat the process for the second cake. (I washed the pan in between, but you don't have to.)


Ganache (between cake layers):
4 tbs   heavy whipping cream
1/2 c   butter
2 tsp   vanilla
4 tsp   honey
4 oz    chocolate chips
2.5 c   powdered sugar

Put in a saucepan and turn on medium (or high, like me). Once everything is well mixed, take it off the burner and let it cool slightly

Frosting:
8 oz  cream cheese (left out over night - room temperature if possible)
6 c    powdered sugar
4 tbs whipping cream
4 tsp vanilla extract

You know the routine - mix together and add as much orange food coloring as you think is good for a pumpkin.



Ok, now for the completing. I froze both layers of cake, used the ganache to combine the cakes, and then froze the cake overnight.

This morning, I decorated it. I found that it is very difficult to get toothpicks out of frozen cake, not impossible, but difficult. :) I'm not gonna tell you how to put the frosting on - why? because I do a bad job explaining that sort of thing. For me, videos are much more helpful. :)

My excuse for making this cake was for the Pathways Fundraising Banquet for the dessert auction portion. After eating delicious food and having a great time with friends, Sarah, Grace, and I made the long drive home. I ended up taking maybe 40 minutes because... well... Chik-Fil-A was right there, and one of the members of the group had never been before. :) 

So there you go. Two days in the small compact form of a blogpost. 

Note Books

This last couple of weeks, Kaytra and I have been working on note books for a girls' Bible study. Pintrest is a good friend when you've never done something before. And can I say that I love illustrated instructions especially when the instructions are in a language I don't understand like Japanese?

We took 25 sheets of paper, folded them in half and divided them into five groups(5 in each group :). Each of the five groups, you pre-poke with six holes (about 1.25" apart) and then, with needle in thread (I highly suggest you not use your sisters' hair - hard to come by in the quantities that you would need).

We then took 6 strips of scrap-book paper (anywhere from .5"-1.5") and threaded it through the back of the 5 groups of 5. Man, I hope you're visual, 'cause I can't be explaining this well!

Finally we cut two 5.5"x8.5" pieces of scrap book paper and glued one to the front and one to the back of the "book". 

What's up with me? I have a soon-to-be-sister!!! So glad to have you joining our family, Bethany! I would only trade my "twin" for my sister-in-law! Love yah!

Favorite Sister Picture <3

Oatmeal M&M Cookies

I had an excuse to make dessert, so I said yes.

Oatmeal M&M Cookies - the winner!

1 c         softened butter

2 c         molasses brown sugar

3            small eggs

3 1/3 c   oats

2 c         flour

1 tbs      cinnamon

1 tsp      baking soda

1/2 tsp   salt

2 c         mini M&M's

Heat oven to 325F

Blend butter and sugar together. Beat in eggs. In separate bowl combine all the dry ingredients (except the M&M's). Add the dry ingredients to wet ingredients and then mix in the M&M's. 

Roll the dough into balls and place on the pan (do you really have to say that?!?!?). Bake them for 10-12 minutes and then, when done, let them cool for 2 minutes on the rack - wow.

When your brother is being helpful making lunch and cutting off the crusts of bread right by a bag of M&M's, something delicious is bound to happen either on accident or on purpose. :)

Grape Vines

I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 

If you abide in Me, and my words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

John 15:1-8

Things I love

- Warm clothes

- Splashing in puddles at Church Camp
- My church family - I know everyone think's they have the best, but seriously, every time I think about it, my church family wins :)
- Memories - singing
- Libraries - why? because I the library is quiet and there's a place to sit and read and not be interrupted. A place that you can check something on the Internet while studying and not have to buy something to use it. Hmmm. Sounds like home, :)
- Grape juice
- Bible studies
- Beach

- Books - some :)
- Sunriver
- Family time
- Running!!! (Which I plan to do while at Sunriver :)

Gorge Day

Favorite Scenery Picture from the hike

We have now begun a tradition of going to the Gorge near the end of summer - jumping and swimming in the river, picnic dinner with frisbee, and a fantastic hike with a sunset and singing praise to God to finish it off.




Seriously, what more needs and could be said? I'm super blessed by these amazing friends. I love that we go do things like this. The hike was great.

Whenever we do a hike now, I think of Papa who would have said, "Let's go do something heroic" as we begin the hike - and all the way through it. :) I think this is one of my favorite places and definitely some of my favorite people. :)

I love that we were able to just go and do this hike. How many people can drive for 45 min. and end up at this breathtaking Masterpiece! 

Fair is Done?

Yes, Rachel, the county fair is over - until next year. The rides are all taken down, the exhibits are all (hopefully) taken to their perspective homes, and the animals are taken to their potential final destination.

Grace got to get interviewed 

I had the chance this year to go help out at the 4-H booth at the fair - Monday through Sunday - which I love. Why? 'cause I love the fair. My responsibilities consisted of checking paper work, answering questions, looking like I knew what was happening, stepping in for superintendents, vet checking rats and lizards, being ready to give a smile ;), and running to go see my siblings showing their sheep. :)

The last night, as is tradition, we went on rides (after putting way to much food into my stomach). We've always had a time frame saying, "Let's be back by 10 to help load the rest of the lambs and then be able to pick up some of our exhibits." This means that you have about 3 rides that you can go on - the last night the lines are always really long.

Cousins

There are a couple of things I love very much in this world. One of them is family. My cousins from Arizona came up wanting to go to the beach.

Zach making an amazing
jump over the moat.

Friday morning, we drove over to the beach to see our cousins. What a fun time!

One of my favorite things was having dinner and a fire on the beach. I'd never done it before and am so happy that I have done it now. :)
 

 What are some of your favorite beach memories?

"From the rising of the sun until it's setting..."

"The name of the Lord is to be praised!"
Psalm 113:3

Fair Already?

It is time for the fair! 

The fair is soon.

Did you see the advertisement?

"Just 4 more sleeps"

Until Clark Co. fair commencement.

We must scurry

To finish all our exhibits.

But the fair comes -

And we humans have our limits.

Happy Fair preparations, everyone!

Leavenworth

Washington - it's so beautiful. It really must be a well kept secret. :) Sarah, Lauren, Susanna and I had been planning a trip to Leavenworth since December and it shocked me when I realized that it was already here.

Yes - the mini-van was full. We were only gone for 2.5 days... :)

One of the highlights was The Sound of Music - it was so beautiful and amazing! One of my favorite parts was when Maria started singing in the mountains and the wind started blowing. There are just some things you can't do on an indoor stage. :)

In case you go to Leavenworth, our favorite coffee shop was J5 Coffee. They had amazing everything - even tea (the lavender orange tea was superb!)

Coffee at the Park in our super-cool-homemade-latenight-tshirts!

We were reminded so many times that God is in control of Big things (like court cases) and little things (like weather preferences). We serve an Awesome God. Even when things don't go well according to our standards, we serve a God who works beautifully and for His glory! YAY!!!!!

Here Am I, Lord

This is one of my favorite prayers/hymns. Sometimes, we get excessively caught up in doing something "big" for God. But we forget that doing the little things excellently is doing great things. (I love the third stanza.)

This picture - it always makes me think of the word
Sonder

Lord, I give my life to you,
Take control each day.
I will follow anywhere - 
Near or far away.

Lord, I want Your perfect will.
Be my faithful Guide.
I will never be afraid,
You are close beside.

Let me see my mission field
All around each day.
Fill my hear with Jesus' love.
Use me Lord, I pray!

Here am I, Lord, send me.
Here am I, Lord, send me!
I will serve You faithfully -
Here am I, Lord, send me!

~Ron Hamilton

We woke up today on earth for a reason. Do you see your mission field with your family? Younger and older siblings - your interactions with them are a huge example. These interactions are fruit of who you are. Are you a thistle or are you a fruit full of nutrition?

Go - see your mission field and fulfill your ministry. 

Movie Blog Tag

Tiffany tagged me in a Movie Blog-Tag. So, here are my answers (I left out the questions that I didn't have answers to):

1. Who is your *favorite actor?

Sean Connery

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2. Who is your favorite actress?

Emma Thompson

The Emperor's New Groove

3. What's your favorite animated movie?

Emperor's New Groove

4. What's your favorite snack to have during a movie?

Trader Joe's vanilla ice cream with cheese sticks :)

7. What's your top favorite movie?

The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe/Cinderella/Emperor's New Groove

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8. Any movies coming out soon that you can't wait to see?

"Soon" - I think that's rather relative. I can't wait for Beauty and the Beast to come out!

10. What's the last movie you watched in theaters?

I believe it was War Room

I would like to tag:
Sarah Jayne
Emily
Bethany

You're questions are:
1. Who is your favorite actor?
2. Who is your favorite actress?

3. What's your favorite animated movie?

4. What's your favorite snack to have during a movie?

5. What's your favorite genre?

6. What's your favorite TV show?

7. What's your top favorite movie?

8. Any movies coming out soon that you can't wait to see?
9. What's your favorite sport based movie?
10. What is the last movie you watched in theaters?

Tag as many or as few as you'd like! Have fun!

*I don't know that I have a favorite actor or actress - but, with the movies I've seen these people in, I like them. :)

Friday's Food: Watermelon carving

I won a watermelon at a Fourth of July party this year (before the 4th). When we decided to add watermelon as one of the dishes for the brunch/dinner, I decided I wanted to carve it. Pinterest is full of impressive carvings - being a "wanna-be-beginner" I searched for simple designs and found one:

This proved to be more difficult then it appeared - so here is my version. :)

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After making an even place for the watermelon to sit, I cut the top off and, with Madeline's help, emptied the watermelon of all it's delicious goodness.

Following the tutorial (from the photo credit), I used toothpicks and a cookie cutter to mark out the stars - the attempted three stars didn't work, so I switched to one star and then scratched out small stars in the back. :)

 When I was finished, this is what it looked like. Watermelon "carving" is fun and - well, I'm glad it's the beginning of the summer so that I can practice some more!