Ever Wonder...

My New Journal

2012-01-11T13:26:00.000-08:00

Amber showed me her sweet journal last night!! I mean it was so nice, all leather bound, full size, with lined pages. Therefore, I did what any girlfriend would do and blurted out, "where did you get that?" I must have one for myself asap! I coveted her journal, for its beauty. Good old T*J* Maxx.
I mean I literally just blogged yesterday about needing a new notebook so that I could indeed begin putting down on paper how I learn to see the grace & goodness in everyday life.
I no longer want to wake to the discontent of life in my skin. It's a poor substitute for joy and being grateful for all of life's gifts...It's a really poor way to live, bogged down by anxiety, fear, self-hatred, neglect, complaining my way through another year. Here's to A Dare To Live Fully Right Where I am.

Random Thoughts about 2011

2012-01-10T09:14:00.000-08:00

Resolutions rarely stick, if anything I am a frustrated mess by January 10th because I've already failed miserably. Having time to reflect on some amazing things I was privileged to experience 2011 is by far a better way to start 2012.

I'm currently reading a book my daughter slyly recommended to me. I admit I read the first chapters on my Amazon Kindle and put the book down sometime last fall because I felt it was too "christiany" for me at the time. I didn't get it perhaps and was not ready to hear someone, the author Ann Voskamp, tell me how to be grateful for everything, good and bad, in my life. I was so not there. So here's the official title of this book, "One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully."

December 2011 was I think a life changing month for me for many reasons, certainly too many to express in a blog post, but I will attempt to share a few of them.

Prayer became real. Some days like breathing, other days not so much, but I was consciously aware of my need to pray for those battling cancer, health scares, persecution, religious freedom, marriages and prodigal children,
In Kenya we met Erin's mom Debbie and dad Larry for the first time. Joyous! We fed and loved on babies whose mothers were incarcerated. We wanted to adopt those babies but all we could do was cry.
In Kenya, Erin & Robert said, "I Do!" It was the most fun and spirit-filled wedding I think we've ever been to. And the rain stopped days before the wedding and God brought out the sunshine.
Baby Girl finished her work with CMF & MOHI and came back to SC for 3 weeks. We celebrated Christmas with a simple tree, some cookies and lots of deep spiritual reflection. We were and are thankful that God watched over her for 21 months and brought her safely home.
Rafael Rivera! Now a son and part of the family. We look forward to seeing how God uses him as a minister, husband and family man. Welcome.
Meals on Wheels. I hope you're not sick of hearing me talk about it, but honestly I love my clients and the conversations that we have. I'm blessed by these kind folk who have let me be a part of their life.
I'm ready to start a new journal. I just this morning put the ending of my "Kenya" journal down on paper. It's there, finally finished with a strong ending. It's my tale of angst, and letting go of things that I held on to for selfish reasons; it's now my journal of joy in the journey. You don't want to read it, but trust me when I say that God had to work on my hardened, crusty, selfish heart in 2011. Letting go and finishing the journal feels right.
New Journal will be based on "One Thousand Gifts," where I write down a few things each day I am grateful for. The fog rolling over the lake this morning, health, breath, a computer to write on. A family that loves Jesus. Grace. You get it. Awkward conversations that I cannot control? Yes, even those.
Until next time, breathe. Breathe deeply and let go.

Guest Blogger: Follow-up to "The Big C"

2011-11-30T16:49:00.001-08:00

So after I published "The Big C" I received an e-mail from David Haas asking if I was receptive to a guest post. Guest Post! My little blog had a guest post request! Cool. David submitted what he had in mind it is a great fit. I hope you enjoy. Here goes:

ExerciseImproves Energy and Body Image of Cancer Patients and Survivors

Several years ago, theAmerican College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) assembled 13 researchers withexpertise in the areas of cancer, fitness, obesity and exercise training. Theresearchers formulated fitness guidelines for cancer patients, and individualswho complete cancer treatment. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercisepublished the guidelines in July 2010.

Most people understand the benefits of regular exercise, including lower bloodpressure, reduced anxiety, enhanced cardiovascular improved body image andbetter self-esteem. However, when a person receives a cancer diagnosis andtreatment, it may take some time for the individual to get over the initialshock.

In time, these individuals face more challenges, which make it difficult to getthe necessary exercise. Often, fatigue keeps cancer survivors in a weakenedstate—lasting as long as five years after completion of treatment.

Focus of the Guidelines

The lead author of the study, Dr. Kathryn Schmitz of the University ofPennsylvania’s Abramson Cancer Center, points to heavily documented cases thatshow improvements in fatigue and overall physical functioning. Dr.

Rachel Ballard-Barash, of the National Cancer Institute’s Division of CancerControl and Population Sciences said, the data confirming the relationshipbetween exercise and an improved lifestyle, for active cancer patients andindividuals who have completed treatment, “is incredibly strong.”

Another co-authored of the guidelines, Dr. Kerry professor and Canada ResearchChair in the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, at the University ofAlberta, states in a 2008 study, lack of physical activities by cancersurvivors increase the recurrence risk of cancer.

Theresearchers emphasize objectives and targets for people with cancers, whichhave adequate evidence for making recommendations, including colon,gynecologic, prostate, mesotheliomaand breast cancer. For cancer patients who require surgery, which significantlychanges their appearance—neck or head cancer, according to Dr.Schmitz, “There’s good evidence in the literature that physical activitycan improve body image and that may be one mechanism through which exercise canimprove quality of life.”

Work With Your Doctor

Cancer patients and survivors must consult with their doctor to develop afitness routine that works for them. For example, a male who have completed therequired therapy for prostate cancer, need a routine that considers hisincrease risk to fractures. Performing resistance training and aerobicexercises under the supervision of your doctor ensures thesafe and proper volume, intensity andprogression of your fitness program.

David Haas

Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance Guest Blogger - 
http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/

WHAT CHURCH IS AND ISN'T

2011-11-22T05:59:00.001-08:00

Read this today in N.T. Wright's book, "Simply Christian."

I know that for many of my readers that very word "church" will carry the overtones of large, dark buildings, pompous religious pronouncements, false solemnity, and rank hypocrisy. But there is not easy alternative I, too, feel the weight of that negative image. I battle with it professionally all the time.

But there is another side to it, a side which shows all the signs of the wind and fire, of the bird brooding over the waters and bringing new life. For many, "church" means just the opposite of that negative image. It's a place of welcome and laughter, of healing and hope, of friends and family and justice and new life. It's where the homeless drop in for a bowl of soup and the elderly stop by for a chat. It's where one group is working to help drug addicts and another is campaigning for global justice. It's where you'll find people learning to pray, coming to faith, struggling with temptation, finding new purpose, and getting in touch with a new power to carry out that purpose. It's where people bring their own small faith and discover, in getting together with others to worship the one true God, that the whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts. No church is like this all the time. But a remarkable number of churches of partly like that for quite a lot of the time.

Couldn't have said this any better than N.T. Wright did. Selah.

THE BIG "C"

2011-11-11T03:35:00.001-08:00

Nearly every day you and I learn about cancer, the Big "C" whether we like it or not. It attacks and claims those we love. I know it causes me to shake my fist, not necessarily at GOD, but at the disease itself. A scourge that is only too familiar, and painful, and sad. There is a happy ending to match every tragic ending.

Last week I was worried sick over a friend who'd been told that she had uterine cancer. Lisa had surgery two days ago and received a good report that her cancer had not spread to any surrounding organs. Her prognosis looks good.
This week one of my Greenwood clients said that the doctors told her she had new cancer. She's been healed once and is believing for a miracle again.
Uncle Herman Fickes--Prostate Cancer. Herman is my husband's uncle.
Chrissy Titus--passed away after a long battle with stage 4 stomach cancer. May she rest in peace. Chrissy fought long and hard and was a good woman who helped to raise several children, one of them being my adopted daughter Erin Titus.
Jerry Rushing beat cancer twice. He is a godly man, father and husband to Luanne. We're life-long friends and rejoice that he is still around.
Diane--my own mother is a breast cancer survivor. Radiation treatments were brutal for her. I love her bunches. I need her to be around for a long time.
Aunt Jean--cancer that resulted in a hysterectomy by age 30.
Grandma Garland--stomach and esophageal cancer. God bless her. We all miss her so much to this day!
Aunt Janet--rare blood cancer. Alive and well and her hair has grown back.
Susan Fritz--best hairdresser in all of Pennsylvania beat breast cancer and opted for mastectomy. Wow and seriously, I call her the Hair Goddess.
Cameron B, Shelly's husband. Police Officer, father of two. Gone. His life lives on but his loss leaves a gaping hole for the Crutcher family. I only met him once. To you Cam.
And one more, Dawn Stufflet's sister--Gone too young.

I am never going to be able to name all of the people I've known or know who have faced this disease but honestly some weeks it feels like it's always Cancer Awareness Week, ya know? I'm writing this to say, Cancer sucks, and it hurts and it is wonderful when prayer and chemo and radiation work in tandem. Miracles and stories of healing keep me going. So, here's to all of those, more than I can name who fought the fight, who are in the fight. You are heroes in my eyes.

If you want to add to this list, feel free to do so. I'd love to hear your stories of courage and triumph and tears. My heart goes out to you.

Until next time...Breathe and be thankful for breath and life and loved ones.

2011-11-10T06:54:00.000-08:00

Sun-dried Tomato & Spinach Quiche (Torta Rustica)

1 package refrigerated ready piecrusts (Pillsbury)
4 eggs
1 container (16 oz.) part-skim ricotta cheese
4 ounces asiago cheese
1 tsp. coarsely crushed black peppercorns
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 10 oz. pkg. frozen chopped spinach, thawed & well drained
¼ cup seasoned bread crumbs
¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and coarsely chopped
1 tsp. dried basil

Preheat over to 425. Arrange one piecrust in 9-inch pie pan.
Lightly beat 1 egg over bottom of crust; set aside

In large bowl, combine remaining 3 eggs, ricotta, pepato and parmesan cheese and basil; mix until well blended. Stir in spinach, bread crumbs and tomatoes. Scrape mixture into prepared piecrust. Smooth top to make an even layer.
Place second piecrust over filling; brush remaining beated egg over top. Flute egg & seal.

Bake pie 15 minutes. Reduce over temp to 375*; bake 20 minutes longer, or until golden brown.

Cool pie in pan on wire rack at least 30 minutes before cutting. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Up at 6 am

2011-11-02T06:50:00.000-07:00

My husband can tell you I'm not a morning person. Well, not a morning person in the sense that I long to rise at the crack of dawn and get my day going. No, I'm more of a lounge in bed person while my hubby puts on the coffee, takes his shower and does man stuff. However, if he turns on too many lights or bangs around a bit while he's getting ready, I'm DONE FOR!!! So, my mind immediately starts racing and the mental "to do list" begins....That's how this morning was.Alarm went off. Hubby hit the snooze button. 7 or 9 minutes later the alarm dings again. So, I laid in bed for a few sweet minutes and said hello to Jesus and thank him for another day of life. I pray for my friends who are struggling in many ways. I pray for my children, all 3 of them. The songs of Jesus Culture begin to make their way into the fiber of my being and I'm up. 6:45 am is early for me folks.But so far, it's been a productive morning. Blogging is just part of what I've got on tap for the day. Laundry has been loaded into the washer. Other load in the dryer. Bed is made. Dishes washed.

It's Wednesday and that means it's my Meals on Wheels delivery day. Ministry opportunity day. 67 degrees and sunny and I have the awesome privilege of spending time with some Greenwood shut-ins and an elderly widower whose great-grand daughter died tragically three weeks ago. All I'm doing is handing out food and giving a few hugs and some loving. But it's a great way to spend my morning and it makes me realize that early mornings sometimes turn into the best kind of days.Until next time...breathe.

Countdown to Kenya

2011-10-20T04:47:00.001-07:00

43 days left. 11 in October. 30 in November. 2 in December. My spirit is being stirred towards the things I love about Kenya...children running up to me with huge smiles on their faces...seeing Terry, our sponsorship child...the thrill of tackling our two daughters, Bethany & Erin. Meeting Erin's mother, Debbie for the first time before the wedding on December 10th.
Aaah, Kenya, I am almost ready for you. I know that my heart will break once again when I am faced with poverty, and sights and smells that assault senses. But I know full well that I will see Jesus in the faces of those I meet, because Jesus is everywhere in Kenya.
Yes, I'm almost ready for joy, heartache and the face of Jesus.

58 Days

2011-10-05T06:03:00.001-07:00

Okay, here we are at 58 days til Kenya. Get ready girls. We are coming to see you!

THE SILVER SPOON

2011-10-02T12:20:00.000-07:00

It is a beast...I wondered how my husband could order a cooking book nearly four inches thick...nay, nay, the equivalent of The Joy of Cooking on steroids. It truly is a monster. But once I cracked open this manual, I began to understand why it is the quintessential cookbook for Italians. The Silver Spoon is prized as the cookbook one generation passes on to the next generation. For many reasons The Silver Spoon is the most successful cookbook in Italy, the book that has its place in every family kitchen, and the one that many brides have received as a wedding gift.
With our summer lake season nearly over, my husband suggested that we as a couple endeavor to cook weekly from The Silver Spoon. Check back later this week for Round 1: Beef Stew with Coffee.

Red dress, orange dress, brown dress??

2011-09-28T17:45:00.000-07:00

Some of you know that Erin Titus, our unofficially adopted daughter...or should I say adopted daughter?..., is getting married on December 10th, 2011. Erin is marrying a fantastic man named Robert and their wedding will take place in Kenya (East Africa). So for the last month, I have been hyper-focused on finding the perfect dress to wear to this wedding that will fit in with the bride's color scheme of red, orange and brown. After all I'm an American girl, right? And the American girl has to be color-coordinated, right?Follow me if you will: I am attending a Kenyan wedding in an impoverished country. A country with next to no infrastructure. A country without running water, sewer hook-up or legal electricity. I am rather ashamed to admit the number of hours I have wasted pouring over websites and magazines looking for a dress with sleeves. You see, in Kenya, modesty is still a common courtesy for women of all ages. To wear a tank top or sleeveless dress without a shawl can be interpreted wrongly. And to my way of thinking, Erin's wedding is an important day, one that I don't want to mess up. But...but...I still want to look good if you know what I mean. Last week I ordered a tasteful, red dress from Overstock.com. The price was great. The dress fits and and yet I surf the web again only to purchase an alternative dress. A girl's got to have options right? Like I really need options to visit a place like Kenya. Sigh...Fast forward to tonight when I am trying on the second dress I have ordered online for this occasion; the orange dress. The dress with a cap sleeve, fully covering all of my excess skin. Then it hits me squarely between the eye that I have been focused on style, and appearance and functionality. I have not been focused on Kenya, or on the simplicity of visiting a country that I love. I have not been focused on the joy of witnessing the union of two people that I really love. I have not been focused on Jesus. I have been an American woman, for all that it means and does not mean. I have been materialistic in my pursuit of Red dress, orange dress, brown dress. It was at that moment that I realized I already had something in the closet that would work just fine. A patterned red dress that just needs a simple shawl. Perfect. I can hardly wait for the next challenge for this upcoming journey...Until then...breatheDenine

Countdown to Kenya

2011-09-26T07:39:00.000-07:00

Last weekend my husband suggested I resume blogging. I resisted because I simply have not felt the creative urge in quite some time. Some people say either you're a writer or you're not. Well, I suppose then that I am a struggling blogger, a person who only writes when the mood strikes. Should I work on this flaw? Yes, I should. Over the next 2 months I will be documenting The Countdown to Kenya. We are returning to Nairobi, Kenya on December 3rd to visit old friends and to attend the wedding of our second daughter, Erin Titus. We sort of adopted Miss Titus in the spring of 2009 when she came to live with us for approximately nine months. She is now a part of the Ziegler family.While in Kenya, my husband and I will also reconnect with our sponsor child, Terry. She is a precious little girl who gets to attend school and learn about Jesus. We receive such joy from her adorable letters and drawings!!! So, here goes. Kenya bound December 2nd, arriving at Nairobi Jobo Kenyatta International airport for another whirlwind visit to a country and people we have grown to love. 68 days and counting!!! Unless, of course my math is off...

Freedom

2011-07-14T04:45:00.000-07:00

I don't know what it feels like to be persecuted for my faith. As an American living a comfortable life in a quaint small town, churches abound. In fact, the town of Greenwood has more than 100 churches to choose from. That means that whether I am a practicing Catholic, Lutheran, Protestant, Presbyterian, Fundamentalist, Pentecostal, Baptist, Free Baptist, Southern Baptist, Assembly of God, or Jew I have a place of worship.

And yet as much as "church" feels like home, I take for granted these glorious privileges that American believers have here on our own soil. If I lived in Kenya for instance, I might have to walk 5 miles or at least 5 kilometers to get to a church meeting. Then I might have to catch a bus another 5 kilometers. If I lived in China, or India I might still be forced to find an underground church service that was secretly being held in the basement of someone's home or business. I would probably live in some kind of fear that my faith would be discovered.

I guess am pondering what persecution was like for the disciples, and those living in countries other than the USA. Would I be able to handle this loss of freedom--the freedom to pick and choose where I attend church? Or the freedom to start up a conversation in Walmart with someone wearing a Christian t-shirt? Here, I can freely share my faith. Here, I can church hop, not that I wholly approve of that practice.

But really, we've got it made people. We are not often faced with any real persecution. Yeah, we might catch some flack from our friends or family members who see us as religious or Jesus Freaks. That's cool, but it's certainly not persecution until we are forced to defend our faith and our freedom. Yeah, we have more freedom than we realize, and a boatload of Good News to share.

Everything is Spiritual

2011-06-23T07:02:00.000-07:00

For several years we have followed Rob Bell's through his podcasts and Nooma DVD series. We have found his insights helpful for group conversations and learning. Sometimes he asks a lot of questions. I find questions are a great way for communities to discuss and grow their faith.

These days Allen and I both wonder why Christ-followers are not listening to each other and discussing big questions before we take rigid positions or make comments. It seems to me conversation and discussing viewpoints is good and healthy. We can not do that without reading and listening to others before we take a position.

I thought you may enjoy this segment from Rob Bell's "Everything is Spiritual" sessions. There is more on Youtube if you are interested.

Blessings
Neen

Defiant Jesus?? What's this?

2011-05-25T06:36:00.000-07:00

Our church is currently doing a study entitled, "The Controversial Jesus" by Erwin McManus. McManus is the lead pastor of a church in California called Mosaic. Here is one of the quotes from this study that struck me profoundly: "Jesus is defiant to a faith without compassion. He is defiant to any religion that uses its rules and its belief systems to justify lack of compassion and concern."

My heart tells me that this is true. Unspeakable things continue to turn atheists, agnostics, homosexuals, alcoholics, drug addicts, lost souls and those of other faiths away from us. They want nothing to do with us. It's rather discouraging when Christianity threatens to burn the Qur'an (Koran).

Is there a point when we as Christ followers can defy "religion" and "belief systems" not only through our conversion but also through our actions? I'm thinking of actions that Jesus himself would approve of, not the official church. Actions such as compassion, and love and peaceful conversation. I guess I'm at the point where I'm ready to defy if it means acting out of concern for my fellow man or woman or child. Defiant Jesus. Pretty radical yes, but right on target.

Favorite recipe of the week

2011-04-24T05:03:00.000-07:00

Okay, this has been a pretty exciting culinary week in the Ziegler household! Allen and I made a roasted beet salad topped with crumbled feta and toasted pine nuts. These were not the nasty canned beets of my childhood that I purposefully hid in my dinner napkin when my mother was not looking.
Then then were there were the Chocolate Bacon Truffles which we cannot and will not be sharing!!! Yes, it was another glorious Bacon week. Here is my meager but delicious contribution to the food treasure trove of recipes we tried and fell in love with.

"Corn & Dill Cakes" (recipe called for Basil but I was forced to substitute Dill)

1/2 cup white whole-wheat flour or all-purpose flour works fine
1/2 cup low-fat milk
2 large eggs
2 T canola oil, divided
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 cups fresh corn kernels (or 2 cups frozen corn)
1/2 cup fresh chopped dill or basil

1. Whisk flour, milk, eggs, 1 tablespoon oil, baking powder, salt and pepper in a medium bowl until smooth. Stir in corn and dill or herb or choice.
2. Brush a large nonstick skillet or griddle lightly with some of the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil; heat over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Cook 4 cakes at a time, using about 1/2 cup batter for each, making them about 3 inches wide. Cook until edges are dry; about 2 minutes. Flip and cook until golden brown on the other side, 1 to 3 minutes more. Repeat with the remaining oil and batter, making 10 cakes total. Reduce the heat as necessary to prevent burning.

Allen topped his griddle cakes with a dollop of sour cream, like you would a potato pancake (latke).

feed me

2011-04-11T10:21:00.000-07:00

Many of you know we have a 23 year-old daughter serving on the mission field in the slums of Mathare, outside of Nairobi, Kenya. Bethany took this picture on her first trip to Kenya in the summer of 2008. This photo represents how important it is to feed the hungry, clothe the needy and to care for the orphans whether they live in your hometown or thousands of miles away.

Please accept my apologies...

2011-02-23T15:31:00.000-08:00

Apparently, some of you are receiving my blog posts in duplicate, or even triplicate. I have no idea why this is happening but will investigate. I truly only click "publish" one time.
My deepest apologies. I don't want to make you crazy!

Cindy's Red Wine Shortribs

2011-02-22T10:16:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to post one of the great recipes I borrowed from my friend Cindy. So here is the first one. Get your slow cooker or crock pot ready. More too follow.

Serves 4

2 C. dry red wine
2 T. tomato paste
1 packet au jus gravy mix
1/2 tsp. kosher or sea salt
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
8 shallots, halved
8 beef short ribs (approximately 3 lbs.)
1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

In slow cooker, whisk together red wine, tomato paste, gravy packet, salt, pepper and thyme.

Add the ribs, placing them meatiest side down. Cover and cook until the meat is very tender, on low 8 to 10 hours; high 4-6 hours. Add shallots. You may also add mushrooms if you like.

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the ribs to a plate. Using a ladle, skim and discard any fat from the sauce. Spoon sauce over ribs and sprinkle with parsley.

This is great served with garlic mashed potatoes and a green vegetable.

Where would I be?

2011-02-01T11:00:00.000-08:00

So I often wonder where I would be without Jesus in my life. I mean, would I know what peace is, spiritually and emotionally speaking? Would I recognize contentment if I saw it? Would I have learned that all of the money and possessions and stuff this world has to offer could never bring me happiness? I don't think so. As a 46 year-old I might still be searching for these real but unseen values in life.

Religion is so not the answer. This photograph represents a gorgeous church in Savannah, Georgia. This church doesn't even hold the answers to life's big questions. A relationship with Jesus holds the answers. Simply put, He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. If you are wondering where to find some answers, look to Him...not a building, not his people, not your friends or family. Just look to Jesus. The answers will come if you ask.

Son of Hamas

2010-10-11T15:37:00.000-07:00

I'm just going to quote part of what is written on the back of this book jacket. Hopefully, it will whet your appetite to pick up this moving memoir. Grab a used copy on www.amazon.com. It is current a New York Times Bestseller.

"But everything changed when Mosab embraced the teachings of another famous Middle Eastern leader."
What he learned changed his life and could alter the course of his country's future---forever.
He understands that the Biblical mandate of the Bible "to love your enemies" is the only way to peace in the Middle East. http://www.amazon.com/Son-Hamas-Gripping-Political-Unthinkable/dp/1414333072/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1286837536&sr=8-1

Lord, Save us from your Followers review

2010-10-09T16:00:00.000-07:00

I love me some Jesus ya'll know I do. The problems I have occur when Christians give our neighbors who are lost or hurting real good reasons dislike us.

For example, we are continually viewed as judgmental and pretty often we just are.
We are viewed as not caring about the social issues that surround us like poverty, homelessness, alcohol and drug addiction, peace, justice, etc. I could go on but won't for the sake of this movie review.

One of my favorite parts of the movie was the take on Donald Miller's Blue Like Jazz Confessional Booth. In the movie Christians sat in a confessional and let non-believers walk in for a chat. The Christian apologized for hurts that may have been inflicted upon the confesse (many of which were gay or lesbian, or of other faiths), by Christians in general. The responses were amazing. It was as if no Christian had ever apologized to them for Gay Bashing, being hypocritical, intolerant of other beliefs. You get my drift here. Some were homeless and felt as if no one really cared or would even hug them on the street.

Some had never even had an open conversation and felt loved by a "Christian." Loved. Accepted for being a real human being with questions or needs. Isn't that what we all desire in our deepest soul? And isn't it up to us as those who know Jesus to demonstrate his love to our neighbors?

I'd add Red, Yellow, Black or White here too, because we are all precious in His sight. So, go to Netflix and rent the movie, or add it to your instant queue. It's an eye-opening documentary that reveals how we are perceived.

everyday simplicity quote for the day

2010-10-06T09:50:00.000-07:00

Spiritual kindness is, at its core, offering people acceptance, as well as a little of our time and attention when they are with us, no matter what their response to us may be.
Spiritual Tenet 18 from "everyday simplicity," by Robert J. Wicks

Mathare Valley

2010-10-02T08:39:00.000-07:00

Happy Camper?

2010-09-22T04:42:00.000-07:00

I am not tooting my own horn when I say that I recently slept outdoors for 2 nights in an army surplus tent. It was safari time at Masai Mara and we stayed in a quaint lodge with a bed, bath, lukewarm water and a flashlight.

The food was excellent, and the bugs were huge! Lizards kept trying to get into our tent and of course, we doused ourselves in DEET to ward off mosquitoes. Alas, I still managed to get eaten alive and came away with several bites that swelled and itched until this week. But honestly, amidst the sounds of crickets chirping, birds cawing, I slept well and am so glad we camped out for our Safari adventure.

More on Safari later, but I'm crossing #72 off of my 101 List...Sleep out under the stars for a night. We slept at Ol-Moran Lodge for two full nights. And for the most part, I was a Happy Camper! Thank ya Jesus.

Precious Faces

2010-09-21T17:51:00.000-07:00

Every day that we were in the slums of Mathare, we were greeted by beautiful children of all ages. They reach out and shake your hand, give you a high-five or ask you to take their picture. A typical greeting from these little ones is, "How are you?" It is especially fun if you can say to them, "Sasa" because they will respond with the word, "Poa," which translates from Swahili to English as Cool or Good!! Jambo or Mambo are other words that are used to greet one another. But regardless of the greeting, you receive a smile that lights up your day. You walk away happy with a big grin on your own face.

I cannot yet say that my brain has fully shifted from Swahili back to English even though we have been in the US since Saturday...I miss hearing my new friends call out, How are you?

So, excuse me if I talk about my heart that remains in Mathare and the precious faces you will see on this blog.

Kenya Packing List A to Z

2010-08-30T14:02:00.000-07:00

Remember the childhood game, "Grandma's going on Vacation and in her suitcase, she packed?"

A--Anti-nausea med
B--Bible, Baby powder & Body wash, Binoculars
C--Cardigan & Camera
D--Driver's License, deodorant
E--Erin's perfume collection!
F--Flashlight, Filtration water bottle, flipflops
G--Granola bars
H--Hairspray, Hand Sanitizer, Hat
I--iPod & Imodium
J--Jeans, Journal
K--Keens to protect my feet
L--Lollipops for the children
M--Money for souvenirs
N--90 pounds of extra baggage for Beth & Erin
O--Off aka mosquito repellent
P--Passport, pj's, Pepto-bismol
Q--Quick drying underwear!
R--Rain slicker
S--Sunscreen, skirt
T--T-shirts and a lot of toilet paper for the "long drop"
U-Umbrella
V--Video camera
W--Watch
X--Xtra gum
Y--Yellow Fever vaccinations
Z--Zebra food??

Ready or Not?

2010-08-19T12:59:00.000-07:00

Probably not. But my heart is beating faster and the excitement of seeing the girls in Kenya builds every day. 14 days from today, my husband and I board a plane bound for Amsterdam, and then another bound for Nairobi, Kenya. Mary, Wallace, Virginiah, Keith, Kathy are just a few of the new friends we will meet with arms wide open. Maybe I am about ready. It just took me a while to realize it. Kenya, you have touched my heart.

Here is a preview of what we will experience in Kenya:

CCV in Kenya 2010 - Part II from CHRIST'S CHURCH OF THE VALLEY on Vimeo.

She sucks it up and buys KEENS!

2010-08-03T13:25:00.000-07:00

KEENS are notoriously famous with the hiking, canoeing, kayaking crowd. My husband owns several pairs and I swore I'd never buy any due to the fact that I am not a hard-core, weekend warrior. KEEN philosophy began with the challenge, "Can sandals protect the toes?" Deep down I've always avoided the brand because I like to set my tootsies free in a great pair of flip-flops. And honestly, I've always thought they were rather goofy looking, to the point of being gooberish.

But in preparing for Kenya, I needed to protect my feet while keeping them cool. We will be walking around in the slums of Mathare, coming into contact with trash, animals,debris, re-bar and scrap metal.

Initially, I saw buying myself a new pair of Teva sandals or perhaps Nike running sandals...until the shoe dude at the outdoor shop began extolling the virtues of Keens. Reluctantly, I agreed to try on a pair. Shoe dude went so far as to say they would be the perfect shoe for exploring Kenya.

I hereby admit I am now a member of KEEN nation. On one hand, I feel a bit goofy. On the other hand, I have perhaps embraced a new "coolness" factor. Hey Kenya, happy & well-protected feet are coming your way!

Vaccinations hurt more than I remember...

2010-08-03T12:31:00.001-07:00

Last month Allen and I had to get our required immunizations for Kenya. We met at the travel clinic to watch an important but highly cheesy video about packing for an overseas trip and what foods to avoid. Parts of the video left us laughing out loud due to the fact that it must have been filmed in 1973. The main character was a 70 year-old woman packing her cute little suitcase with sensible walking shoes.

The best part of our visit to the travel center was learning which immunizations we would need. It turns out that Polio is now on the rise in countries other than America. Pertussis is also a major concern here and abroad. We knew that we would require Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Yellow Fever and anti-malaria meds to take while in Africa.
So the bottom line was I required the following: Diptheria, Pertussis, Tetanus (all in one shot), Yellow Fever, a Polio booster, Hepatitis A, Typhoid pills, anti-Malaria medication. It was 4 shots in all, two in each arm. Believe you me-- my arms literally hurt for the next 3 nights, especially when I rolled over in bed trying to get comfortable. My husband said that his arms didn't hurt much at all. Figures!

Today, I took my first dose of the live Typhoid vaccine on an empty stomach. This lovely box contains 4 capsules, one taken every other day. Side effects include fever, headache, abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting or rash. I'm feeling fine now, but the day is still young.

Number 25 Short-Term Mission Trip

2010-08-02T06:56:00.000-07:00

Kenya is fast approaching. Allen and I are all set to leave on September 2nd which is now only a month away. I'm dreading the long flights, sitting in cramped seats but so looking forward to seeing the faces of Bethany and Erin. It will all be worth it. More on Kenya soon as I am going to chronicle the countdown and my hopes and dreams and desires for this trip.

Until next time, Breathe.

Allen's Grilled Romaine Salad

2010-07-22T15:03:00.000-07:00

This is one of Allen's most delicious recipe discoveries! I think we first saw a version of this on Emeril Live. "You can never go wrong with bacon," my hubby says!!!

1 package of romaine, washed and separated into leaves. Dry on paper towels. Toss with sea salt and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Set aside. Heat grill to medium high heat.

Take 1/2 pound bacon, cross-cut into one-inch pieces. Cook in large skillet until almost crisp. Add 1/2 of red or Vidalia onion, sliced thin. Cook onion along with bacon until translucent. Bacon should be crispy by this point.

Grill lettuce leaves until they wilt and brown marks appear. Turn once. When fully wilted and tender, remove lettuce from grill. Bring inside. Cut lettuce into two to three inch sections and place in long platter or bowl.

Add to skillet: Balsamic vinegar to de-glaze the pan. Cook to reduce the sauce. Pour onto romaine. Top with crumbled goat or feta cheese, if desired.

RIGHTEOUSNESS

2010-04-29T05:28:00.000-07:00

2 CORINTHIANS 6:3-10 This passage gave me hope this morning as I wrestled with trying to live a life pleasing to God. NLT

Verse 3: We try to live in such a way that no one will be hindered from finding the Lord by the way we act, and so no one can find fault with our (my) ministry. In everything we do try to show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind. We have been beaten, been put in jail, faced angry mobs, worked to exhaustion, endured sleepless night, and gone without food. We have proved ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, our sincere love, and the power of the Holy Spirit.

We have faithfully preached the truth. God's power has been working in us. We have righteousness as our weapon, both to attack and defend ourselves. We serve God whether people honor us or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us. We are honest, but they call us imposters. We are well known, but are treated as unknown. We live close to death, but here we are, still alive!!!! We have been beaten to an inch of our lives lives. Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. Amen. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything.

Paul wrote this letter to the Corinthians, begging them to live as ambassadors for Christ, no matter the cost. And so I pray, "Jesus, the way of the cross is hard, but I desire to be known for having kindness, patience, sincere love and the power of the Holy Spirit in my life. I own nothing, and yet have everything."

Love and Respect

2010-04-14T13:44:00.000-07:00

As someone who has been married for almost 26 years, I keep learning that marriage is a partnership. One counselor told me marriage is all about these three components: Love, Honor and Negotiate. I agree wholeheartedly. And I am learning that I never want to disrepect my husband, emasculate him, treat him as a child or even treat him with contempt.

What I am learning now is that it is possible to break the Crazy Cycle as mentioned in the book, "Love and Respect," by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs.
The Crazy Cycle goes like this---WITHOUT LOVE---SHE REACTS---WITHOUT RESPECT---HE REACTS. And both partners react in ways that are damaging to a marriage. I can belittle my husband without even realizing it. And I can be right but wrong at the top of my lungs.

I don't claim to have all the answers in making a relationship work. I do claim Jesus and I am relearning the meaning behind Ephesians 5. Without love from my man, I do react without respect; without respect my me, my spouse reacts without love. Around and around it goes.
Time to get off the Crazy Cycle.

Blessed

2010-04-13T03:09:00.000-07:00

I realize now more than ever that Greenwood, SC is home. I wasn't so sure that I would ever want to venture back to Greenwood after my first visit back in 1995 or 96. We were driving to Fripp Island for a week-long vacation and my husband's friend and mentor Earl asked us to detour a little and come west to see GWD. It seemed to me at the time that Greenwood was just a tiny town out in the sticks!! And yet to many people it is homey, friendly and welcoming.

Our buddies Earl and Teresa put us up in a beautiful lakefront apartment for the night and fed us grilled steak, baked potatoes and something else, probably strawberry pie (all GWD favorites). They also treated us to a pontoon ride under the stars. I couldn't wait to get my toes in the sand on Fripp Island, but at the same time, our hosts extended to us great southern hospitality. And now all these years later, we live on Lake Greenwood. My husband has a wonderful job working side by side with Earl. We are riding around on that same pontoon boat every weekend, although now it is docked at our place.

We have lived in Sheraden, and Crafton PA, Laurel MD, Savage MD, Columbia MD, Fleetwood PA, and Oley PA and now reside in Greenwood. These locales all have a special place in my heart, but I see that SC was meant to be. I'm still a Yankee to some, but I am a content Yankee, one who feels so blessed by the direction our lives have taken. Really, it is God who brought us here for his purposes. I believe we are now able to extend that same southern hospitality to those who cross our path.

Klutzy moments

2010-04-05T14:16:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was a glorious day of sunshine and temps in the 80's. Yesterday was also a very klutzy day in the Z house. I managed to knock a good bottle of red wine off the granite counter without breaking the bottle. I did however spill about 4 ounces of red wine onto my new bamboo flooring. Should I mention that the bamboo flooring is green and therefore does not have a high gloss poly sheen on it so the bottle left a dent and the wine was absorbed into the wood? After 15 minutes of cleaning the floor, wiping down the cabinets and everything that had been sprayed, we had another spill on our hands...or rather on our floor.

Only 2 feet away sat a cutting board with meat juices on it. At some point during our meal, the excess meat juices drizzled down the front of another section of cabinets and onto the floor. I had nothing to do with this fiasco; it was merely an accident. Nothing had been bumped, dropped or drizzled on purpose. The juices merely ran their course. 20 paper towels later we'd had enough fun for one evening.
Tonight is leftover night and we are considering eating over the sink to be on the safe side.

P.S. My husband lovingly reminded me that I also walked into the treadmill we'd put in the bedroom (on my side of the bed) later that same evening.

Mathare child's letter to his sponsor

2010-04-03T05:04:00.000-07:00

Empty Nest

2010-03-19T12:00:00.001-07:00

Some parents can't wait for the day when their children leave the nest. After all, getting the kids out from under foot has its advantages. Your electricity and water bill goes down. The grocery bill is generally reduced by half. Aaahhh, privacy to make out whenever you want, where ever you want. And I might add lots more time for real Date Nights.

So, since Bethany and Erin traveled to Kenya on March 9th, our house has been quiet. Extremely quiet...so much so that Daddy-Z and I look at our each other and laugh. And then there are the moments that cause me to cry. I entered the house last Tuesday night and burst into crocodile tears because I missed the giggles, the smell of food cooking in the kitchen, burps, and various other noises, that had made the Ziegler home special for the past nine months. We laughed alot, had fabulous Sunday night meals and discussion around the dinner table, danced, watched "chick flicks," Law and Order, Intervention and The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking together.

Perhaps I am missing the presence of some serious estrogen?? If so, then this post is a follow-up to a past blog I wrote simply called Boomerang. Our 23 year-old son currently lives in Philadelphia and came home for a weekend visit. Who knows if he will decide to move back in with us during the next year. That would be great! And I'd be outnumbered by testosterone 2:1. Guess we'll see what the next year brings. New adventures for B & E in Kenya; Date nights for me and Daddy-Z, and the chance to run through the house wearing a bathrobe to grab my first cup of morning coffee. Still, it is the quietness I must welcome until the nest fills up again. An outrageous new life is just the beginning...and my beautiful sunrises and sunsets over Lake Greenwood await.

In times like these...

2010-03-12T05:31:00.000-08:00

Psalm 23, written by David

GOD, my shepherd
I don't need a thing
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
you find me quiet pools to drink from.

True to your word
you let me catch my breath
and send me in the right direction.

Even when the way goes through Death Valley
I'm not afraid
when you walk at my side.
Your trusty shepherd's crook
makes me feel secure.

You serve me a six-course dinner
right in front of my enemies
You revive my drooping head,
my cup brims with blessing.

Your beauty and love chase after me
every day of my life.
I'm back home in the house of GOD
for the rest of my life.

The Message

Living Like Jesus

2010-02-22T13:03:00.001-08:00

As you know, I am always wondering about Jesus, his mercy and grace and the legacy we leave behind. I love when the Word is revealed to me in a fresh, new way. I'd like to share with you some thoughts on the subject of mercy and extravagant grace.

In the gospel of Luke we read the story of the man who was a tax collector. The tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner." Luke 18:13.

Could you pray this prayer daily or even several times a day? I wonder what impact we would have if this became our inner mantra as we look to the Holy Spirit to guide us and to cause us to want to read and pray more each day. And to lead me (us) into sincere personal confession.

This prayer in and of itself is sometimes called the Jesus Prayer. You are supposed to pray the prayer with your head bowed, and once you pray it through one time, you bow from the waist. Then if able you are to, prostrate yourself on the ground. It has also been suggested that you begin by having thirty minutes of total silence so you can listen to God. I struggle with complete silence and prefer a low level of noise throughout the day. I often pray with music in the background even though the Bible says, "Be still and know that I am God." This has never been easy for me to do.

But back to the scriptures and the concept of mercy. Don't we all like the idea of asking God to have mercy on us? If you read the passage from Luke describing the birth of John the Baptist to older parents, you learn that they had been barren and they were not at all sure they could give birth to a child. The people around John's parents actually rejoiced at his birth, exclaiming, "God had great mercy on them." Luke 1:58 "Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown Elizabeth great mercy and they shared her joy." (NIV)

I am more willing than ever to cry out out to Jesus as he passes by,"Lord, Jesus Christ, son of God, (I breathe in) have mercy on me, a sinner, I breathe out)." I often pray this breath prayer as a prayer for personal physical healing or when I have messed up royally or acted like a Pharisee. Living according to the letter of the Law is not going to bring honor and glory to Jesus. And yet I am not worthy of this extravagant mercy. I do not have the inside track on truth because really at best, I am still a sinner.

Until next time, breathe in and breathe out (The Jesus Prayer). Some notes were taken from "The Year Of Living Like Jesus," by Pastor Ed Dobson. It's just another book I am recommending.

Grill Master Special with Friends!

2010-02-18T17:14:00.000-08:00

We love big, honking cheeseburgers in Greenwood. The bigger, the better! And if it's a pure beef burger we whoop and holler!

So, two weeks ago me and my All Girl Posse: Page, Karen & Kathy hit The Grill Master on Montague Avenue. Here's the lowdown on our Cheeseburger Plate Specials:

Burgers were soooo good. Pickles were requested by Kathy, Page, Denine.
Karen stated that pickles are not a normal condiment in the South, so you have to ask for them. Ha! So let me start with Karen's notes:
Her cheeseburger was perfectly cooked on a lightly toasted bun. She ordered her Special all the way, with onions. "There was no slippage due to excess mayo this time. Her fries were served hot, but then they got a little soggy after the fact. Sweet Tea was truly southern-style, aka syrupy sweet." Karen could not finish her meal.

Page ordered burger plate with half & half. She said, "the onion rings were great and I was the only one to try them. My burger was really good. The server brought me pickles on the side as requested. I ate all of the burger! I had to ask for pickles, the burger had a lot of mayonnaise on it, but the fries weren't salty enough."

Kathy showed great restraint today and ordered only a cheeseburger! She requested her burger well-done and it was just right (no pink meat showing). She too liked the slightly toasted bun. "My toppings included chopped onions, extra pickles which were delicious, and crisp lettuce. No cons for this meal."

Denine fell for the Cheeseburger Plate with fries, and a Coke. "I do think this is my favorite burger so far, in part because of the real beef patty and toasted bun. My fries were amazingly hot, but not crispy enough. I chose lettuce, mayo, mustard and pickles and then added a squirt of ketchup to complete my burger. I am ashamed to admit that I gobbled the entire burger, but left a lot of fries on my plate."

Grill Master offers a Drive-Thru window and the workers go out of their way to get your order right, even for finicky customers like my All-Girl Posse. Again, no cons here except for the less than crispy fries.

Tiramisu Take 1

2010-02-18T12:08:00.000-08:00

Let's just say for this post alone that my first attempt at making Tiramisu was okay, not great. I followed the recipe printed on the side of Whole Foods brand lady fingers and I do think that was my first mistake. These lady fingers were hard, not soft and not at all like sponge cake. With this is mind, I will try again. In getting it right next time, I will then be able to cross #32 off my 101 List. It does look quite edible in the picture though and tasted fine. I'm aiming for fantastic here.

Biggest Fear

2010-02-01T13:58:00.001-08:00

There should be nothing scary about standing up in a crowded room of strangers to sing a Karaoke song right? Here are my current thoughts on singing at a Karaoke bar:

1. You'll most likely never run into these people again, ever!
2. It is perfectly acceptable to snicker and boo at really bad singers.
3. In a worst case scenario, you can run off the stage or just speak the words!
4. Wearing a costume helps disguise the real "You" or so I've been told.
5. Only the professionals bring their own CD's so it is cool if your voice cracks.
6. Doing it on a dare may be good motivation if you are a highly competitive person.
7. Never tell any of your friends that you want to try Karaoke.
8. Never put Karaoke on your ultra-important 101 List.
9. If possible sing only at an out of town establishment.
10. Practice your song at home in front of the mirror!

Having said all of this I can now admit that I did not follow my own list of "rules". That's right, I finally knocked Karaoke off my 101 List!! I got up in front of a room of perfect strangers and belted out my own squeaky version of PEACEFUL EASY FEELING by the Eagles, which in itself is strange because Allen loves the Eagles and I'm not a big fan. And to be honest, the crowd consisted of pure Karaoke regulars who cheered me on! They were motorcycle loving, patriotic, beer drinking folks, but they were also kind & enthusiastic.

But, I'm getting a little ahead of myself here: I often scouted out the local Karaoke nights, but lived with a deep fear of actually putting myself up in front of strangers to sing. In fact, I even asked my family if it counted if I sang in the comfort of our living room. To my dismay they said, "Nope!" So, we picked out a specific honky tonk and date to do this thing. For the past week I tried desperately to weasel out of my commitment and went so far as to blame my family for conspiring against me~pretty sad.

But despite all of my many delay tactics, Friday night arrived and we drove to said honky tonk. It was immediately apparent we were the new people in a crowd of regulars. But the Karaoke maestro introduced himself and went to great lengths to put us at ease. In due course, I took a song book and browsed through umpteen song choices and picked one. Peaceful Easy Feeling ended up not being the perfect choice for my vocal range, but in the end it didn't matter. The regulars and my own cheering section pulled me through, so much so that I got up to do another song.

For me, jumping out of an airplane was still easier in some ways than singing. Karaoke is so much like the Public Speaking Class I told in High School and hated. But conquering another fear and wanting to go back for another Karaoke round proved to me that a fear is only a fear if you let it consume you. And I'd like to give props to my husband who got up to sing, and our daughters who wowed the crowd with dance moves and pure attitude! Yep, attitude.

In the end, our new friends waved Goodnight and gave us hugs. They asked when we'd be back. I guess it will be soon enough. For now, I will practice in front of my mirror and work up some "attitude!"

Gray is the New Blonde

2010-02-01T10:23:00.000-08:00

This first photo is a picture of myself and my daughter Bethany taken just last week. The picture below that is one of me with slightly more hair, and a lot of blonde highlights. Notice anything different? And Bethany is sporting a great celebrity style herself.

I did it!!! I let the grays come in and faced my biggest fear (well, one of my biggest fears). I was tired of coloring my hair every 3 weeks and touching up roots even more often than that. I thank my dear husband for his encouragement during this process. I thank Donna who got me to blonde in the first place and I thank Page for the highlighting sessions. It has been a hilarious journey, filled with advice from friends who told me that they would never stop dyeing their hair. Well, girls I am living proof that it can be done.

I hereby cross #33 off of my 101 List. I will probably let my hair grow out a little longer but so far nothing beats the 2 minutes it takes me to wash & style this spiked, funky hairdo!!

Special K Roast

2010-01-18T13:21:00.000-08:00

It's always great to get a new recipe, especially one that becomes a family favorite. This recipe comes from my sister-in-law Paula who juggles full-time ministry, while being a great wife and mother to 2 vegetarians. She has always been an adventurous and skilled cook.

Special K Roast (or Vegetarian Meatloaf)

2 cups of cottage cheese, lowfat is okay
4 eggs, slightly beaten
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 pkg. dry onion soup mix
3/4 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
1/4 teaspoon of dried herbs de Provence (a French mixture of rosemary, marjoram, oregano, basil, and thyme)

1 small shredded zucchini, 2 ribs of celery, finely chopped, mushrooms, finely chopped, 1/2 carrot shreds *optional*

3 cups Special K Cereal

Mix ingredients together in order listed, don't stir cereal too much.
Bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees

Viola!

HOPE NOW...

2010-01-12T05:09:00.000-08:00

My girls Bethany & Erin are leaving for Kenya very soon. The prayers we have prayed since last summer are being answered. The support they need to live amongst the poor in Mathare for a year is coming in and their hearts are full of love and anticipation.

And Mama Z. has been crying a lot lately, well, practically every day, at the thought of letting them go. They are going for all the right reasons and I fully believe God has called them back to Kenya with the purpose of enhancing the Child Sponsorship program of CMF International.

Other than our United Pursuit Band lyrics, this song by Addison Road gives me hope and peace when I need it most. When I am crying out and fearful, everything comes down to love. And everything, including wanting God to use my girls in a beautiful way, rides on hope. Selah.

If everything comes down to love
Then just what am I afraid of
When I call out Your name
Something inside awakes in my soul
How quickly I forget I'm Yours

(PRE-CHORUS)
I'm not my own
I've been carried by You
All my life

(CHORUS)
Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free

When my life is like a storm
Rising waters all I want is the shore
You say I'll be ok and
Make it through the rain
You are my shelter from the storm

(CHORUS)
Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
Find More lyrics at www.sweetslyrics.com
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free

I am not my own
I've been carried by you all my life

(CHORUS)
Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free
(Repeat 2x)

(CHORUS 2)
You've become my hearts desire
I will sing Your praises higher
Cause Your love sets me free
Your love sets me free
Your love sets me free

Thanks to Kristi for these lyrics

Thanks to Daisy Nieves for these lyrics

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Hope Now lyrics @ Lyricsty.com

Jello salad on the table!

2009-12-29T05:47:00.001-08:00

You know how Jello is the mysterious 5th Food Group? Well, yesterday while driving home from Virginia, we put on the Blue Collar Sirius XM station just for fun. My husband, the Swell guy and I burst into tears when we heard a comedian talking about Jello and where it comes from. You see we had just stared down a molded Jello salad for days while in VA.

The comedian's name is Robert G. Lee and he finally told us exactly what cow hooves are used for.

Googling Jello ingredients this morning turned up this handy information which confirms what we heard on XM.

I wish I could say that there will be less versions of Jello salad served at church functions and family reunions, but I can't. For the hilarious routine by Robert G Lee go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7XRkiC6U-M

For everything you wanted to know about JELLO and more go to: http://www.snopes.com/food/ingredient/jello.asp

December Memories

2009-12-21T19:07:00.000-08:00

It seems that this month has been filled with wonderful Christmas memories. Here are just a few of the Ziegler Family highlights.

The Throne

2009-12-11T06:06:00.003-08:00

Airport bathrooms are nasty. Germs abound and I for one don't want to touch the toilet seat. Thus we women squat, while you men get to stand. So not fair. But there is a new invention out there that may be comforting to some women on occasion. It's called the Sani-Seat, the Hygienic Toilet Seat System. After all, "It's an established fact that people are afraid to sit on public toilet seats," states the maker of this product. I discovered the Sani-Seat in the Chicago airport and was impressed.

A long sheet of plastic wrap covers your seat and is automatically changed when you wave your hand in front of a sensor. My questions are as follows: Where does your used plastic wrap go when you leave the bathroom? Is it recycled or sterilized for the next end user? Is each individual guaranteed a clean throne to sit on? All you see is that it goes behind the wall of the toilet. Hmm. http://www.cleanseats.com/frc=google&rfrt=googleTS2&gclid=CIDp1Luj4J4CFcZM5Qod4jxrKA

Go to this website for more information. I like the idea, but somehow I'm still afraid of public toilets. I realize "The Sign" says that the old plastic cover is destroyed and NEVER used again. I still want to know exactly where the plastic film goes and how it is destroyed. My fear is that it runs on a continuous 20 foot loop and is never really changed. Nah, I don't really want to know and neither do you my friends. But hey, the sign is also bilingual; I mean, how cool is that?

When I Grow Up

2009-12-07T09:32:00.000-08:00

This post is about me deciding what I want to be when I grow up. At age 45, I think I have finally figured this out, but God is still revealing to me His plan for my life. My pastor often tells the teenagers at NC not to be so concerned about what college they go to, or what career path they should choose. He states that it is far more important as a follower of Christ to listen to what God says is His will for your life. Kids today are forced to declare a career "path" at such an early age! How many of us adults can say we stuck to the career we chose at 18 or 22 when we graduated from college? I know of very few adults who are in that situation, with the exception of a few teachers, and business professionals. Otherwise, for them and for me, life has taken them in a completely different direction. And a lot of them would say that that now it has become about God's will and not necessarily their will. Surrendering has led to new opportunities they never dreamed of.

Item #27 on my 101 List says: Decide what I want to be when I grow up!!!!!!!!!!! A medical assistant or something better? I am listening to my pastor when he talks to the young people in our church. I am listening intently---and I am no longer on a quest to decide what I want to be. I have been a medical assistant off and on for more than twenty years, a freelance writer, a medical transcriptionist, Girl Friday for my husband's office, mother of two and a wife of 25 years. I have volunteered in countless ministries and served as a Nursery Director, youth worker, cafeteria aide, etc. in the church at large. Each of these roles has been fulfilling in its own way.

But it is not about a particular career path for me anymore. It is now a matter of listening and serving when there is a need, be it with children, teens, women my own age, my grown children and more importantly, the downtrodden, the outcasts, the widows and the poor and needy. I am finding so much joy and fulfillment here in this place. I am growing up and loving the ride my God is taking me on. So, it's time to cross #27 off my list because I am finally at peace with being Denine, wife, mother and servant. Living for Him is just way better.

churched

2009-12-03T12:42:00.001-08:00

So, I'm going to recommend a book at the risk of offending a few friends, neighbors and fellow church-goers who may have grown up with a fundamentalist upbringing. The book "churched," written by Matthew Paul Turner gives a child's perspective of being raised in an independent Baptist Church in the Bible Belt, aka God's country.

In 1978, when Matthew was only five, his parents left one denomination to join another, because God was clearly no longer moving at the church they'd been attending. Sound familiar? His story will resonate with those of us who have church hopped even just a little, for the sake of following a preacher, or the moving of the spirit. Matthew never intends to offend with his memoir, only to take friendly jabs here and there as he relates the number of times he ran to the altar rail of salvation and how he was secretly afraid of being alone with the pastor because he was sure that such a man of God could see right through him!

Matthew received his first real haircut (aka the Baptist cut) in a Barber shop when his parents decided to obey one particular church rule. After all he says it was because, "long hair on a woman is glorifying to God, but on a man, it's an abomination." His hair had actually begun to touch his ears! And when he was invited by a friend to attend a mega church's annual Harvest Festival one Sunday, his friend told him, "You'll love it. Please come. God always shows up on Harvest Sunday."

He burned his secular music and toys along with the rest of the youth group because they were "of the devil." No Barbie dolls, He-Man, or Transformers were allowed in this here church! No sir. And certainly not any of that Jesus rock-n-roll (Petra) some people listened to either, uh-uh.

I believe the only reason Matthew is a believer today is because he challenged the status quo. He questioned whether Christianity was about following a set list of rules, or about following Jesus. And because he wrote his memoir with such humor and candor, I can sincerely recommend this book. The title again is "churched," one kid's journey towards God despite a holy mess.

"Eating my Words--take 2"

2009-11-30T08:24:00.000-08:00

This restaurant review is of The Dixie, a cheeseburger joint that has been a Greenwood landmark for 50 years. The Dixie used to be a true drive-in diner, with carhops zooming to your window on roller skates. It was the place to be on Friday and Saturday nights says one patron who grew up here. Now patrons eat at the counter and order from the menu on the wall. Today's meal would be another Cheeseburger special with half onion rings, half fries and drink. Total $7.24, including tax.

Cheeseburgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, floats, malts, fries and homemade cherry Cokes oh my. The Dixie remains a throwback to the 1950's. And I will mention a beverage known as "the Pickle Coke" that can be made for you upon request. A pickle Coke contains regular coca-cola, cherry juice and a healthy serving of dill pickles. I had been warned about this drink and was eager to give it a try. When I told the waitress what I wanted, she mumbled something like, "Come again? I haven't had a request for one of those in a long time!!" But sure enough she went back to the soda station and returned with my Pickle Coke, a salty sweet elixir blended with pickles, Cherry Coke and served over ice. This is one new drink that I will order again and again

And The Dixie is still an institution is this town drawing in Lander University students, CPW and Embarq workers and quite a few married couples who remember the diner from the good old days.

Eating my cheeseburger special was an adventure for several reasons. One, the waitress recalls nearly every patron's name and order who walks into the place on any given day. Two, it's kind of like family because customers tend to talk over each other, share juicy gossip, and find their way into your business. More than one person saw me taking notes and pictures and asked, "Are you a writer for the Index-Journal(Greenwood's hometown paper)?" "No, I laughed. Just an ordinary customer doing a review for personal reasons."

Page tagged along with me and took notes for this post. She wrote: "Crinkle cut fries are good!~they also need extra salt, but I like salt. The cherry Coke is good, but no pickles in mine. It's sweet, not syrupy sweet, without any pickles." Page did taste my Pickle Coke, but decided it was a weird taste for her. "Burger is really good; a very large burger and I couldn't finish it all. The burger is messy, but not too greasy like some places. Food came fast and service was great. the onion rings are breaded differently, not salty enough but not overly greasy!"

I like that The Dixie has celebrated it's 50th anniversary in G-wood. My Pickle Coke was outstanding. The hamburger patty was large, but on the thin side and probably frozen, not fresh. I noticed many couples eating lunch together which I thought was romantic or something. My onion rings were too crunchy, but not bad. My drink was refilled three times or more and our friendly waitress was great about checking back with us. Page's insurance salesman sat on the stool next to us and snapped our picture. The woman to my left regaled me with stories about the diner's heyday and she told me which specials were her favorites.

So there you have it, a positive review and yes, after sitting at the counter for over an hour, it did feel a lot like a family gathering.

Card Games and such...

2009-11-30T07:22:00.000-08:00

Confession is good for the soul, so here's my confession for the day. I have craftily avoided learning how to play a card game called, Progressive Rummy for about 26 years.

You see, Allen's side of the family plays Progressive Rummy so often, and at every family gathering, that I run and hide. I hate most card games with a passion other than Uno, regular Rummy, Solitaire, Hearts, Spit, well you get my point. I prefer board games that rely on adjectives, charade-like games, loud and noisy games in which you shout out the answers to questions like, "In what year did Ferris Bueller became a household name?" Bueller? Bueller? The year was 1986 people.

On my 101 List is item #4: Learn to play Progressive Rummy even if it kills me. I'm proud to say that this past Friday night I endured and learned the rules and regulations for this card game. I did not win, but I did not have the highest score at the end either. My husband won, and that's all well and good because he is a competitive guy.

Me, I'm great when it comes to Taboo and word games. So, item #4 is gone forever. And that's perfectly fine with me. Here's to another 26 years of wordsy and action packed games.

Dashboard Jesus

2009-11-16T15:20:00.001-08:00

I need constant reminders of Jesus in my daily life: a worship song, a scripture, an encouraging word from a friend. This weekend I placed a Dashboard Jesus just beside my steering wheel. After all, I figured what could be better than having his presence in my car, you know while I'm driving down the road singing praise songs. Or, better yet, to remind me not to cuss out the person who just cut me off on the 72 bypass. My dashboard Jesus rides along me with his hands in the air, waving em like He just doesn't care! WWJD... Yep, this may be what I need on a daily basis: a small, but lifelike cheesy reminder that my savior is always with me.

My 101 in 1001 Days

2009-11-16T15:00:00.000-08:00

My daughter Bethany and her friends have decided to set 101 goals to be accomplished within 1001 days. Lofty yes, but it got me thinking too because I have not set many realistic goals for my life in the past years. I jokingly wrote a bucket list but that was short and somewhat "fluffy." So, thanks to my baby girl, I will write out My 101 in 1001 Days. Wish me luck or say a prayer as I endeavor to meet these goals. I hope to know myself better after this and to be the person God intends me to become. This is big, really big.

Get some of my work published again in devotional or other format
Bake healthy loaves of bread in my bread machine on a regular basis
Get 30 minutes of exercise 3+ days a week
Learn to play progressive rummy even if it kills me
Get over my fear of failure and try new things no matter how much it embarrasses me
Jump out of an airplane without breaking any bones upon landing
Tell my husband I love him every day
Learn some conversational Italian and/or Spanish
Go to Italy to visit my relatives before it is too late
Truly love those who have wronged me or my family...and then pray blessings for them
Read the stacks of books beside my bed and then pass them on
Accept my body for what is it; accept my looks and grow old gracefully & avoid plastic surgery
Cultivate a deep sense of peace and contentment, knowing that GOD is in control
Refuse to let my physical ailments define who I am and what I can do
Sing again in church or other group
Learn to use all of the features on my iPod, computer and cell phone
Be able to take naps at any time, any place, like my husband
Learn to grow indoor plants and develop a "green thumb," rather than a "black one"
Wear only the clothes in my closet that fit; give away the rest. Same with shoes I never wear
Blog, blog, blog...
Collect sea glass every time I go to the beach and make something beautiful out of these pieces
Love unconditionally because God first loved me
Work on my critical spirit~ask the Holy Spirit to help me with this one
Try scuba diving at least once simply because Allen enjoys it
Go on a short-term mission trip outside the USA
Support missionaries and sponsor a child through CMF
Decide what I want to be when I grow up!!!!!!!!! A medical assistant or something better?
Keep in touch with out of town friends in PA, Maryland, etc. Send cards to those girlfriends!
Switch to fair-trade coffee (got that one from Bethany)
Eat more whole grains, fruits and veggies
Wear sunscreen on my face and hands every day, not just sometimes
Learn to make an incredible Tiramisu!
Go grey (gray) just to see what my hair really looks like without all the harmful color and highlights. This will be a major challenge as you can imagine--I am working on this now. Please do not be shocked!
Give to the poor in my community/serve them as often as I can
See no race or color. See people only as God sees them
Read my Bible more often and memorize scripture
Be more politically aware and write my senators and leaders when it is important to speak up
Tell my son & daughter that I love them every day
Build bridges in any broken relationships I have in my life. Life is too short to sweat the small stuff
Join the YMCA again
Invite people into our new home and practice hospitality
Organize my office and papers that clutter my life~
Give away any books I do not need
Switch to organic or natural cosmetics & hair care products that are not tested on animals
Get an old, scruffy dog. Yeah, what Beth said.
Learn to drive, park and tie up the boat all by myself! Did this 3 times last weekend. Yahoo!
Visit Chicago and maybe get tickets for the Oprah show-going to Chicago end of Oct. No Oprah tickets!
Visit Brian in northern VA
Watch the sunrise over Lake Greenwood
Update my calendar yearly with the birthdays of friends and family
Take more pictures and put them into photo albums
Help out in a soup kitchen more than just once in a blue moon
Babysit for a couple or single mom who cannot afford a sitter
Clean a friend's house just because--I like cleaning so this one was easy. Thanks Jenny!
Lose 10+ pounds. Oh, that's just depressing!
Spend time getting to know the teens in my church and the seniors too
Visualize World Peace
Help Aunt Lori move to South Carolina in 2009--May happen in 2010.
Help my inlaws move to South Carolina in 2009--May happen in 2010. Neither have house on market.
Attend and celebrate Bethany's college graduation in 2009!
Learn to bite my tongue a little more often
Never go to bed angry if I can help it...or don't let the sun go down on my anger...
Really keep a journal; it doesn't matter how often I write just so I write
Make batches of homemade meatballs and Italian soup more often
Get back on my bicycle so I can enjoy rides with my hubby
Work at listening and not interrupting others when they have something to say
Dream big dreams for Jordan and Bethany and believe God for the outcome!
Be a good parent and a better friend to my children
Kiss my husband good night whenever possible!
Watch all of our Rob Bell nooma DVD's
Give flowers to a friend who is sad or lonely
Camp out under the stars for a night
Stop biting my nails when I am stressed out or nervous
Floss at least once a day
Use the good china for everyday meals, not just special occasions like X-mas or Easter
Shop for a month using only cloth or reuseable bags
Tip a waiter or waitress who really tried to get my order right but didn't for whatever reason
Go for a glider ride
Take a cooking class with Allen
Stop all ordering stuff via the internet for one month--done this summer it was tough.
Replace old lightbulbs in the house with newer energy efficient ones
Visit Asheville, NC and Athens, GA soon!
Practice gentle yoga and meditation
Get up and sing a karaoke song
Catch fish in Lake Greenwood and throw em back. I've caught one fish so far all summer!
Make stuffed grape leaves, lebanese style
Attend a Clemson, USC or Georgia football game--USC game Oct 10th, 2009 going with Kevin &Julie!!
Make a snow angel while living in SC
Read Pride and Prejudice again and other Jane Austen classics
Start working crossword puzzles again to stimulate my brain
Get to know Ashley better and pray for the best in her life
Take my own sunset picture over Lake Greenwood and frame it
Take a meal to a neighbor
Find a used elliptical machine I love
Recycle as much as I can
Learn to laugh at Myself!
Shop at my local produce stands and farmer's markets
Tell my niece how much Jesus loves her! I am praising God that Baleigh asked Jesus into her heart in 09.
Participate in a Walk for Life or Relay for Breast Cancer awareness
Write a love letter to Mom--
Post this on my blog~P.S. I roasted my own salty & delicious pumpkin seeds too.

"Eating my Words"...a tale of Cheeseburgers

2009-11-10T18:40:00.000-08:00

You know it's bad when you've got cheeseburgers on the brain. In Greenwood, a small city with a population that hovers around 20,000, we have several small joints that serve Cheeseburger specials every day for $5 and some change, including drink, fries and/or onion rings. Even though I have lived in Greenwood for over two years, I have only eaten at one of these establishments.

So with this in mind, I am surrounding myself with a few burger aficionados and we will conquer the small joints in town, thereby reviewing each places' "Cheeseburger Plate Special."

Last Friday Kathy, Karen and I visited the Garden Grille at 12:05 pm. The parking lot was full and the smell of grease hung in the air.

We each ordered the lunch plate, with drink and fries or half-and-half (that would be half fries and half onion rings for you Yankees that need assistance with local lingo). Comments were jotted down on a PRO/CON notepad between bites. Karen used many adjectives in her review. Kathy loved the burger, commenting that it needed pickles and had a little too much mayo. We all agreed it was a freshly made whole beef burger (not a frozen patty) and made for a messy lunch. The burger literally slid off the bun.

The staff scored huge points for hospitality, refilling drink glasses and serving hot, hot food. I am very particular about my meal arriving hot. At the Garden Grille your fries and onion rings are brought to the table piping hot!!

So, Karen's notes are as follows:

PROS: Real Beef, not prefab, but a hand-patted burger !!-- She ordered a cheeseburger all the way with 1/2 and 1/2. Her meal cost $7.24.

Crispy Fries

Friendly Environment

CONS:

Only that it was a messy burger, but, oh yes... a roll of paper towels was provided for our table.

Kathy agreed with all of the above but added the following comments:

Burger was messy due to a little excess mayo. She forgot to order pickles on her cheeseburger and this was very important. She had the cheeseburger special with fries, no onion rings. Her tab came in under $6 bucks.

Denine: Cheeseburger plate with 1/2 and 1/2, no onions on my burger.

PROS: Real beef! Super good fries and onion rings. Friendliest restaurant staff I've met in a long time.

CONS: Mayo caused burger to slide off of bun. Forgot the pickles too and prefer, ketchup, mustard and mayo combo. The beef had a slightly salty taste, not bad just different.

We must compare to other joints, but this was a great first experiment. And none of us southern gals could finish the food on our plates. So, Garden Grille gets high marks for fast service, hot food, hospitality and a tab of $7.24 for the Cheeseburger Special 1/2 and 1/2.

Next up: The Dixie where they serve a pickle Coke!!

My Skydivng Adventure

2009-11-09T09:41:00.000-08:00

Saturday morning the thermometer read 32 degrees- yes, freezing my friends. I was scheduled to arrive at Sky Dive Carolina, located in Chester, SC at 9am sharp. After registering and signing not 1 extensive waiver but 4, releasing the school from any liability in the event of my injury or possible death, I ran to the bathroom for my first nervous tinkle of the morning.

In the lobby were other first time tandem jumpers, most of whom were barely 21 years old and college students at USC. Yes, it's true I was the oldest person jumping that morning. Okay, not including the already trained professionals. Actually, I wasn't sure why I was the oldest person there, but I can tell you that it was not at all comforting for my 45 year-old ego.

So, first you sign your life away, agreeing that even your future heirs may never sue the skydiving company for anything. Then your group is taken into a room for actual jumping instructions. Part 2 was a hilarious instruction video featuring a lawyer (in suit and tie) reminding you that you just signed your rights away. Should you chicken out at this point, your $50 deposit is gone forever. Seriously, the video in all fairness gave you the basics: Keep your chin up, cross your arms and arch your back when exiting the plane. Landing correctly was also briefly demonstrated because each tandem instructor has his own method hitting the ground safely. Again, such comforting advice.

Next, an cool instructor entered the room and said, "Uh so did you watch the video?" "Any questions, ha ha?" He was wearing a jumpsuit unzipped to the waist, and spoke in this like totally surfer dude language. I thought he just woke up and hadn't had his first cup of coffee yet this morning. Nice... Nobody asked too many questions. I think we were all too afraid of being the stupid one in the class, raising our hand only to be humiliated. I dunno. Maybe I'm wrong. So, I leaned over to my husband and said, "Okay this is what you do for exit, this is what you do for landing right?" He nodded. Time for nervous tinkle #2 which would be my last before my jump.

At this point we were suited up in a lovely gray jumpsuit, a rubberized helmet and goggles that reminded me of Madonna's bra, all pointy and uncomfortable. We walked outside and into the hangar with our instructors and were put into harnesses suitable for beasts of burden. Two straps between the legs, straps at the shoulders and another belt around the waist. My instructor kind of lifted me up and into my harnesses and then began the fun process of tightening each individual belt to the point of killing any circulation in my lower half.

I chose to have my adventure photographed and videotaped so my camera man Quincy began to pepper me with questions. He was in my face every second on the ground and in the plane. And then of course, he jumped out of the plane a second before my jump so he could record my exit and take lovely still photos of me, mid-air screaming JESUS! or AWESOME! He encouraged the thumbs up sign too, alot. I think he was also there to remind us jumpers to breathe because it is a known fact that first timers tend to hold their breath and panic :)))

I can honestly say this was the biggest thrill ride of my life and it was over all too soon. Free falling is an amazing experience and my instructor also let me steer the parachute right or left. After the initial fear of jumping out of the plane, everything else allows you to see God's beauty and creation first hand. It was amazing and I look forward to Jump #2 next spring... So for now, I proudly cross this item off my 101. Another fear conquered, another amazing story for this middle-aged mama. P.S. My instructor's name was Alan. Coincidence? I think not.

By the way, here is the video of my jump!

Until next time breathe.

Free Fallin'

2009-11-06T19:11:00.001-08:00

Here is my theme song for the day: Free Fallin'

More 101

2009-11-05T19:24:00.000-08:00

#6--Jump out of an airplane without breaking any bones. Scheduled to jump this Saturday 11-at 9 a.m. May purchase Depends undergarments as backup plan.

#47--Visited Chicago and loved it. Never saw Oprah or any celebs but I did see my childhoodriend Michele Cinna from home. Heard great blues & rock while there. Ate at Hot Doug's. Life is complete.

#87--Visited Athens, GA in October.

#100--Love Letter to my Mom (see post prior to this one).

A Love Letter to Mom

2009-11-05T08:28:00.000-08:00

Mother, Mommy, and then my Mom

Caregiver

Playmate

Gram’s love

Sunday School at Hope Lutheran

Summer camp where I learned to love Jesus

Swimming at Aunt Julie’s, Drive-in movies and Kennywood Park

Best cook in the world—homemade sauce & meatballs, grape leaves & stuffed olives

Anise bread for the holidays

Mancini’s Bread every day, provolone cheese and Beto’s pizza

Rough years in Jr. High, temper tantrums too

Carnegie Assembly of God got me straightened out

Apology letters to each other. Do you remember those notes we’d write?

Confidante in High School. Bruce, being at Gram’s house, love & graduation. Median School. My first car!

A new beau, this Allen from Virginia

How will you support my daughter you asked?? A ring and a promise to care for me

No worries Mom cos I’m sure he’s the One and I’m going to be Ok

Allen, my lover, my soul has been all that and more

Leaving behind Pittsburgh and my family…job in DC is calling--despair

Baby on the way, JD the blonde haired blue eyed peanut. You all came to take care of me. Colicky child #1

Toddler and Bethany kicking in the womb. Again you came. A boy and a girl, both within 2 years; colic again!

Maryland, the good years. Inner Harbor…you keeping the kids for weeks in the summer!

Bethany’s dance recital, a memory for sure. Fleetwood, Oley, Vacation in St. Pete. Riding out the hurricane and Universal Studios—we all jumped!

More trips back & forth with Megz in tow. Wave pool, Hershey Park. Yay!

Kids are growing up too fast. High schoolers now and graduation looms.

2004—JD graduates; 2005—B graduates. Colleges far away. Heartache over Jordan. Missing Bethany.

Our relationship is changing; Can you feel it? What can I say? I’m a grown woman too. Not always on the same page, but the love is always there Mom, it’s always been there. Respect and love. Remember that you pointed me to Jesus. Remember that you loved me no matter what I did or said. And I love you all the more…

Denine

Windy City

2009-11-02T07:53:00.000-08:00

Chicago is by far one of the most beautiful cities in the US, hands down... I could stay here for a month to eat, eat and eat some more. But truly it offers so much to do with its array of museums, blues music, shopping districts and of course hot dogs. Pictures to follow but I want to go on record by saying that Anthony Bourdain knows what he's talking about when it comes to finding the best hole in the wall eateries. Hot Doug's was well worth the trip!

Obsessed with Jesus

2009-10-26T10:34:00.000-07:00

We might be a little obsessed with Jesus in this family of ours. We have a Jesus candle that we burn in the kitchen on cooking nights, we blare worship music from top to bottom, my husband has an amazing collection of Jesus t-shirts and yes, we have the Bible in 5 translations too. If I understand my relationship with Christ correctly (and his kingdom too), I should be obsessed with Jesus. Not as a great teacher or a guru or even as my friend. None of that or this is enough. He wants all of me... and that requires great sacrifice on my part. I Love all of the statements Francis Chan makes in his book, "Crazy Love" that describe my desire for bringing his kingdom to earth.

Obsessed: To have the mind exclusively preoccupied with a single emotion or topic.

Be a lover. People who are obsessed with Jesus give freely and openly, without censure. Obsessed people love those who hate them and who can never love them back.

Be a Risk Taker. People who are obsessed with Jesus aren't consumed with their personal safety and comfort above all else. Obsessed people care more about God's kingdom coming to this earth than their own lives being shielded from pain or distress. I so want to grasp this concept! It's not about ME and it never will be about me.

Be a Friend of All. People who obsessed with Jesus connect them with the poor in some way or another. Obsessed people believe that Jesus talked about money and the poor so often because it was really important to him (1 John 2:4-6; Matt. 16:24-26).

How many times during the week do I help people in need? How many people in need do I even know? How many times do I give to people who could never repay me back?

Be Humble. A person who is obsessed with Jesus knows that the sin of pride is always a battle. Obsessed people know you can never be "humble enough, " and so that seek to make themselves less known and Christ more known. And finally, for this blog post anyway...

Be a Server. People who are obsessed with Jesus do not consider service a burden. Obsessed people take joy in loving God by loving and serving His people (Matt. 13:44; John 15:8).

To be obsessed is a great thing. To be obsessed with Jesus is just the beginning.

Rock Star

2009-10-21T17:29:00.000-07:00

God is a Rock Star in my book. Anyone who can set the universe in motion and create a beautiful night sky rocks. Last night Allen & I had the privilege of relaxing in our hot tub while glancing up at the moon, millions of stars, planets and constellations. As my husband likes to say, it doesn't get much better than this and I agree. Yeah, He's a Rock Star alright.

Clarification

2009-10-21T17:14:00.000-07:00

Greetings all:

Just wanted to give a shout out regarding my last two posts, Stumbling and Doink!!! I would never want any readers to think that I was trying to imply that God was a big, angry meanie who likes to beat us over the head with scripture or Doink us upside the head when we mess up. If anything, he gets a bad rap. Any questions, just ask.

Until next time, breathe.

DOINK!!!

2009-10-20T08:23:00.000-07:00

Have you ever read a book that so messed with your head you couldn't sleep right for days? Or perhaps heard a message, or something so profound that you thought, "Doink!" Now why didn't I think of that myself or why did I never see this before? Maybe it's like that Aha moment Oprah talks about all the time. For me, it's like being hit on the head with a mallet.

My first wallop to my head came when I read the book, "CRAZY LOVE" by Francis Chan. Actually, I'm still reading this book--I can't get past Chapter 6!! Crazy Love was written for those who want more Jesus. It is for those who are bored with what American Christianity offers. It is for those who don't want to plateau, those who would rather die before their convictions do. I am being challenged in so many ways. Do I really appreciate how Holy God is? He hates sin, my sin grieves Him.

Do I understand His immense love for me or that He genuinely wants an eternal relationship with me as a result of mutual love---and not out of obligation?

Wallop #2 came in the form a sermon series Pastor David preached called, "Family Talk." Each message I likened to a Come to Jesus meeting. Am I willing to sacrifice everything in order to follow Jesus? Or better yet, if Jesus showed up at my house and said sell all you have, leave your family and follow me? Leave my family? But Lord? Yeah, tough stuff.

My daughter Bethany finds it amusing that I typically read 3 to 4 books at a time. I call it multi-tasking; she calls it crazy. But even as I am still processing Crazy Love, and the sermon series from NC, I crack open a copy of Donald Miller's Blue Like Jazz, Searching for God Knows What and my new favorite, Angry Conversations with God, by Susan E. Isaacs. I know the answers to these tough questions won't be found in the form of a Christian book but in digging deeper and letting God do His thing in my heart. Surrender. Wallop...Surrender...Wallop. I know there's another Doink just around the corner.

A very late update on my 101

2009-10-15T07:46:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I attended my first USC game last Saturday and the Gamecocks won! All I can say is I look good in the team colors...

I had the privilege of being called a Food expert last month and having 2 recipes featured in an online food column. This counts in my book as being published again as a freelance writer. Kudos to Danielle Hier and Heather Evans for your help & encouragement.http://tampabay.metromix.com/restaurants/article/food-101-mediterranean-cuisine/1458582/content

Skydiving will happen in Chester, SC in November~there will be pictures to document my tandem dive!

I am off to Athens, Georgia tomorrow to eat, drink and make merriment.

Going to KENYA

2009-10-15T07:31:00.000-07:00

I'm living out my dreams and fears this year and in 2010. As many of you know our daughters Bethany & Erin Titus (aka, Chancho, Ziegler daughter #2) are going back to Nairobi, Kenya in January for a one year internship. While there, the girls will work on revamping the child sponsorship program of CMF. Yes, we are letting our girls go for one year because they are being called to Kenya for a very specific mission. And yes as parents we will miss them terribly and pray for them to be used in a mighty way. Here's the thing, Allen & I plan to visit them in Kenya in the spring of 2010 for approximately ten days, maybe more. We covet your prayers as we make plans to go, to get all of the immunizations required for such a trip. We are sure it will be the experience of a lifetime... I am afraid of malaria, unsanitary conditions, goat stew and the smell of waste. But I am so looking forward to meeting Mary, Wallace, Keith & Kathy Hamm (missionaries) and my new friend Virginiah who works at the Hope Center. I cannot wait to fall in love with the children of Kenya, so please pray with us as we begin our journey to a beautiful place where GOD is big and my fears are small.

In his service,

Stumbling

2009-10-08T09:38:00.000-07:00

Isaiah 30:21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it. "

I take medications at bedtime for various medical conditions. Typically, these meds knock me out and I sleep well. But occasionally, I wake up to make a mid-morning trek to the bathroom and well, I stumble out of bed, stumble down the hallway and into the bath. It's like the blind leading the blind because the bedroom is black, the hallway is black and I have to put my hands along the wall to feel my way along. I'm close to the road but off the path so to speak.

Have you ever stumbled in the dark trying to find your way spiritually? I know I have many times, more than I care to count. For me the nighttime stumbling in the dark is not scary, but it is clumsy and it is like driving bumper cars while groggy from sleep. I hit the wall and straighten up. Then I hit the wall again.

Funny thing is though that this stumbling around in the dark doesn't have to be. We have someone who lights the way before us. We have someone who reminds us, "This is the way; walk in it." And better yet, we have a shepherd to takes us by the hand and leads us in the paths of righteousness. I am constantly aware of my need for a brighter flashlight, a copilot, a shepherd and a hand to lead me. And maybe the next time I stumble down the hallway, I'll take the hand of the one who knows the way.

Psalm 119. 105--Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my clumsy path (paraphrase-emphasis mine).

Kicking back with my Rum Punch

2009-09-17T16:22:00.000-07:00

Ultimate Rum Punch

3/4 Amber Rum 1/2 Cup Coconut Rum

1/4 Cup Apricot Brandy

1 Cup Pineapple Juice

3/4 Cup Orange Juice

1/4 Cup Grapefruit Juice

Mix all ingredients together in 2 qt. pitcher. Serve over ice with a lime wedge in a tall glass.

Goombay Smash

Combine 2/3 cup apricot brandy, 1 1/4 cups coconut rum, 1 1/4 cups white rum, and 1 (46 ounce) can of pineapple juice. Serve over ice. Beware both of these drinks pack a wallop. Cheers!

"This is the ultimate beach drink!" Recipes from Coastal Living Magazine

B's SECRET RECIPE

2009-09-17T15:33:00.000-07:00

Spinach Artichoke Dip is one of B's Secret Recipes. I made my own version of this dip for 20 years, but Bethany wanted to find a recipe that was more like the TGIF dip, extra creamy and garlicky. And now our friends routinely ask us for her version. Bethany, you are turning into a great cook! Keep it up girlfriend.

Artichoke-Spinach Dip

1 can drained artichokes

1 pkg. frozen chopped spinach

1/2 c. sour cream

1/2 c. mayonnaise

3 oz. cream cheese

1/3 c. shredded Mozzarella

1/4 c. fresh Parmesan cheese

1/2 to 1 tsp. garlic powder or granulated garlic

Cook spinach according to the directions on package and drain. Drain the artichokes and chop them. Mix the artichokes and spinach with the remaining ingredients. Put in greased 1 quart dish; sprinkle a bit more garlic powder and shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Bake at 325 degrees for 20-30 minutes. Serve with tortilla chips, pita wedges, crackers. Also good with sour cream and salsa on the side.

This recipe is easy to double for parties.

Cooking Shows A-Z

2009-09-17T12:44:00.000-07:00

This is the only my second weekly rant but it is not a rant in the tradition sense of the word. Have any of you considered the number of cooking shows there are on Food Network, The Travel Channel, Fine Living and DIY? I spent a few minutes counting the list on the Food Network today and came up with 81 cooking or food related shows. My question for the week is, "Who in the world needs 81 cooking show options?" I admit that I am a foodie and have been ever since my parents treated me to filet mignon, lobster, rare roast beef stuffed with garlic gloves and homemade ravioli. Some of these mouth-watering meals were prepared by my Italian mother, grandmother and aunts as well. But seriously, 81 shows!

Here's a brief rundown from A-Z:

$40 a Day, 30 Minute Meals, 5 Ingredient Fix, Ace of Cakes, All-American Festivals, Ask Aida, Barefoot Contessa, BBQ with Bobby Flay, Behind the Bash, Big Daddy's House, Boy Meets Grill, Chefs vs. City, Chic & Easy, Chopped, Cooking for Real, Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, Down Home with the Neelys, Easy Entertaining with Michael Chiarello, Emeril Live, Everyday Italian, Extreme Cuisine with Jeff Corwin, Feasting on Waves, Food Detectives, Food Network Challenge, Food Network Specials, Giada at Home, Giada's Weekend Getaways, Glutton for Punishment, Good Deals with Dave Lieberman, Good Eats, Grill It! with Bobby Flay, Guy Off the Hook, Guy's Big Bite, Ham on the Street, Have Fork, Will Travel, Healthy Appetite with Ellie Krieger, Heavyweights, How to Boil Water, How'd That Get on My Plate?, Hungry Detective, Inside Dish, Iron Chef America, Next Iron Chef, Jamie at Home, Molto Mario, My Life in Food, Nigella Bites, Nigella Express, Nigella Feasts, Party Line with the Hearty Boys, Paula's Best Dishes, Paula's Home Cooking, Paula's Party, Quick Fix Meals with Robin Miller, Rachael Ray's Tasty Travels, Rachael's Vacation, Recipe for Success, Restaurant Makeover, Road Tested, Al Roker on the Road, Sandra's Money Saving Meals, Semi-Homemade with Sandra Lee, Sara's Secrets, Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, Semi-Homemade, Simply Delicious with Ingrid Hoffman, Sugar Rush, Ten Dollar Dinners with Melissa d'Arabian, The Best Thing I Ever Ate, The Chef Jeff Project, The Cooking Loft, The Essence of Emeril, The Next Food Network Star, The Next Iron Chef, The Secret Life Of, Throwdown with Bobby Flay, Tyler's Ultimate, Ultimate Recipe Showdown, Unwrapped, Viva Daisy!, What would Brian Boitano Make?, and Will Work for Food.

I love many of these chefs and their shows. It does make me laugh however when I see that certain celebs get their own shows--such as NBC's Al Roker and former skater Brian Boitano. I guess I naively believed you had to have some cooking expertise or formal culinary training to land such a gig. And while I regularly tune in to Anthony Bourdain (Mr. Snarky) and Man vs. Food on the Travel Channel, Iron Chef, Bobby Flay, Chopped, Guy Off the Hook, Unwrapped, and the Next Food Network Star, I find myself wondering how many recipes I could find for a fabulous Chicken Piccata on the websites of these networks. More than I care to try. So for now I will continue to tune in if only until my mind goes numb or until I prepare 5 of the recipes in my own cookbook collection. Once a foodie, always a foodie. Hey, just give me a hunk of bread, a wedge of sharp cheese, kalamata olives, soppressata and a glass of $2 Buck Chuck and I'm a happy camper. But if you're a serious wannabe I understand if, "You have the cooking know-how and a personality that pops, now is the time to apply to be on Season 6 of The Next Food Network Star." I might even apply myself unless Danny DeVito gets his own show first...

Welcome to my weekly rant!

2009-09-10T02:37:00.000-07:00

Some days there are just too many thoughts floating around in this head of mine. Good thoughts, bad thoughts and completely random thoughts. For instance, if I could be anyone in history right now I would choose to be Dave Barry, cranking out witty commentaries for a syndicated paper. Since that position is no longer available I have to decided to include a weekly "rant" here on my blog. And I will touch on subjects likely to challenge your thinking and/ or provoke you (hopefully, not to anger), but you get my point.

So, get ready because I am about post my first rant. I hope you come along for the ride and as always feel free to leave me your comments.

Should we in your opinion honor the position of President of the United States, even when we do not agree with his policies? I am merely talking about giving honor or paying respect here folks. I certainly am not an Obama fan but I do not think hearing one speech from our President would have scarred my children for life. And I do believe in teaching our young people to respect those in authority--police officers, soldiers, etc. This week President Obama addressed school children in a speech and parents had the right to keep their kids out of school so as to avoid liberal indoctrination. Hot button, right? It's just one of the things I have been thinking about this week because several friends & relatives brought up the subject ad nauseam.

I leave you with this. Think it over and get back to me. And by all means, please don't shoot the messenger.

"You might be a coffee snob if..."

2009-09-08T18:07:00.000-07:00

It all started in 1986, our coffee obsession that is. Our son Jordan was just a baby and we were having dinner with our friends Brad & Sue. Following a delicious meal, Brad pulled out a small appliance that neither Allen nor I were familiar with: Eureka, it was a Krups or Braun brand coffee grinder!! At that time in our marriage and being the parents of a newborn baby, we bought Eight O' Clock coffee, but had it ground at our local grocery store. I'm sure there are those of you who can remember the tantalizing smell of Eight O' Clock from your childhood Kroger or A & P. The cashier or bagger would grind your coffee beans on the percolator setting and you took the red bag home and scooped out your own freshly ground Joe.

Once we found out that a decent coffee grinder could be purchased for less than $10, we were hooked. I'm waxing philosophic here, but really that grinder changed our lives~We were still perking our own coffee every day, sometimes twice a day when the mood struck. But now we were coffee junkies.

Sometime in the 90's my husband stumbled across Baltimore Coffee & Tea, a coffee roaster located in a business area he frequented. He came home one day with bags of freshly roasted Baltimore Blend. The folks at Baltimore Coffee were beyond savvy. They had slapped labels on each bag that read, "Freshly ground on July 18th for Karl Ziegler. Pure marketing genius! We were now coffee connoisseurs.

To this day my husband cannot buy regular ground coffee unless I drag him kicking and screaming into the coffee isle. We have a coffee situation on our hands and it's not likely to change any time soon. Now the Ziegler family mostly purchases fair trade extravagant coffees like Ethiopian Harrar, Tanzanian Peabody or our longtime favorite Baltimore Blend. NO Folgers, Maxwell House, Chock Full of Nuts in this house. And definitely, none of that half-caffeine crap some drink and call it real good. Yep, we are coffee snobs here and proud of it.

P.S. As a side note, my husband rants a lot about Starbucks but...we do occasionally support them to keep Bethany & Erin happy... And we are currently only on our 2nd grinder in 25 years of marriage. No other appliance has survived as long. I wonder if we should read more into this curious fact. Perhaps over that morning cup of coffee.

In Passing...

2009-09-01T16:15:00.000-07:00

We have lost 2 dear souls in the past 24 hours. One was a man neither of us knew personally, but we share the grief the Senn family feels right now. (Craig Senn works with Allen at ID Shop.)

Today, our dear neighbor Alvin Putnam passed into eternity. We got to visit Alvin and his wife Ina about 3 weeks ago when he was on the CCU unit of Self-Regional Hospital for fluid build-up around his heart, lungs and overall weakness. Alvin was a good neighbor, the kind who appreciated the small gestures in life. He touched our lives while we lived in the Driftwood community.

Craig Senn's dad, Bill Senn, had a stroke yesterday. He was taken off of the ventilator and died today. Mr. Senn leaves behind a wife, family and grandchildren. He passed around 11:25 this morning.

Mr. Putnam left this earth around 1pm. His wife and son were with him during this time. His wife is now in a fragile state herself.

I can't help but wonder if either man met Jesus as he took his final breath. Jesus is never too late; nor is he ever far away when you need Him the most. All He asks is that you call on his name. Please pray for the Senn and Putnam families this week as funeral preparations are underway. Family members will be coming in from the state and from far away places. Pray that Jesus was a friend who was present at the very end, an end that was really only the beginning of an eternal life. Pray that the families who are left experience Christ's love in a real way. Two dear souls passing each other within a matter of minutes. Because no one is guaranteed another day, let alone another hour, please tell those closest to you, "I Love You."

Fall from Grace

2009-08-25T13:12:00.000-07:00

Hate crimes are alive and well in America. Everyone knows this and we should not tolerate it. What sickens me even more is seeing or hearing hatred preached in the church universal. I must remind myself to pray for this gentleman Fred Phelps, even as he calls himself a christian. He has been head pastor at Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas for more than 40 years. Christianity has a bad enough rap without the Phelps family doing more damage. This family protests at the funerals of fallen soldiers; they rally against homosexuals; they say that IED bombs are God's judgment and never once offer a way of salvation or repentance. Hate is all they know. God will not be mocked and I truly feel sorry for the thousands they have offended with their message. It is not a message of love or a message that would have ever come from Jesus' lips. You can watch the entire documentary entitled, "Fall from Grace" on netflix.

Jump for Joy

2009-08-12T07:58:00.000-07:00

Today, I will experience joy. Hmm, much thought is given to what brings a person joy or even peace for that matter. What brings me joy? Who or what bring me lasting peace? God does. And even though I am on a quest for both of these qualities in my life, the joy that rises in my spirit from the simplest of pleasures usually comes from the following:

1. Laughter, the best medicine!

2. Singing in the car at the top of my lungs

3. A beautiful rainbow, sunrise or sunset. All reflect God's magnificence.

4. The smell of freshly ground coffee

5. Chocolate cake or a piece of dark chocolate

6. Sand beneath my feet and between my toes!

7. Kisses from my husband

8. My Toms

9. God's Word

10. The warmth of sunshine on my face

11. Great movies

12. Best friends

13. Playing, playing, playing without abandon

14. Italian food

15. Lavender

16. Beautiful music that makes me cry

17. Carolina blue skies

So, I've come up with 17 things that give me glimpses of joy. Are there more? Of course. You may not necessarily agree with my list, but consider today what brings you the most joy. Really,

do have a joyful day. And until next time, breathe.

Wisdom in Waiting

2009-07-28T07:15:00.000-07:00

From Wisdom in Waiting: Life is nothing more than waiting for God's direction in your life. You've asked Him for direction. It has yet to come. Surely God must want you to go with your best instincts. If He did not, He surely would have answered by now. His silence can mean nothing other than to go ahead and do what you think is best, right?

Psalm 106:1-23 reminds us of the history of Israel's rebellion. "They soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his counsel (v. 13). They forged ahead! Had they remembered, they would have waited. I personally do not like waiting. And I am stuck in a waiting pattern like never before.

I know deep in my heart that I must not act impulsively right now. The impulse to act quickly always leads us (me) to our own human devices. But I, like most believers, am trigger happy. I take matters into my own hands. I need to be in control. Silly isn't it that I cannot wait for God to speak or to come through on my behalf. When we choose to do what we think is best, we are left then with the limitations of our thinking! And we are left with the consequences of those actions. Thankfully, God rarely works in a rush. Forming Jesus within us--the renewal of our minds--takes time.

So I wait. And I wait because there is virtually no way for me to discern God's will without waiting quietly. I don't even like the "quietly part here." I thrive on noise but am learning that all that noise drowns out the voice of God. Self-generated desires must be quelled. Again I pray, Lord, your will, not mine. God must be asked. We must listen. The Word must take root in our hearts. The counsel of others in the body of Christ must be sought. The options must be weighed. In time, one course of action will stand clear. The voice of God will whisper in your ear: "This is the way. Walk in it."

How much do your trust the wisdom of God? Enough to wait until after it's "too late"? God won't heed our deadlines, but HE is never too late. His direction will come. His way will be clear, and His timing will be perfect.

So for now I am trusting that the answers will be there at just the right time.

No Online Spending yet!

2009-07-25T05:28:00.000-07:00

Well it's been two whole weeks since my last blog post for many, many reasons. We came back from St. Lucia to reality too quickly. It was like being sucked into an emotional vortex and I truly experienced some reverse culture shock. I do not look at trailers, run-down clap-board houses through the same eyes. I see poverty all around me in Greenwood and my heart does a little flip. Then as I showed my extended family our vacation pictures my heart broke once again and I realized that my pictures did not convey enough of the "real" St. Lucia. The island and the impact it left still resonate. So much so that I would go back today in a heartbeat. Not just to escape the pressures of this life, but to be immersed in another culture where the pace is slower, and the simple joy of living is evident all around you. People who have very little appreciate life and the gifts God bestows.

On another note, I am 25 days into my month with no online spending. And believe me I have been bombarded daily with sales fliers, email updates from Pottery Barn, Old Navy, etc. Can I get an AMEN here?

Until next time, breathe deeply because that's exactly what I will be doing.

Poverty in Paradise

2009-07-15T05:45:00.000-07:00

It's easy to leave the cares of this world behind when you are on vacation; especially when you are on vacation in a tropical paradise. But what happens when your tropical paradise is constantly bumping shoulders with 3rd world poverty? Then, what as a believer are you to think or to feel. As we spent the past week in St. Lucia, a lush island surrounded by mountains, beautiful foliage, and beautiful people, I found myself saying, "Oh my gosh, look at that shack built into the hill; or they have no running water here." Frankly, I found myself looking at the surrounding poverty through new eyes. Last week was my first real encounter with such incredible poverty. This is how these people live I asked?

I cried a lot. I wanted to know how the locals walked up and down mountain roads every single day of their lives to catch a ride to work. Or, how women carried such heavy baskets of fruits and vegetables on their heads. Or, how a man who was missing his left leg, pushed himself up the mountain road while in a wheelchair. He was old, or rather he looked old and worn out when I saw him. He had no shoes on his feet and very little clothing on his body. And no one, including my husband and I stopped to give him a ride.

Every day locals tried to sell us their goods, be it necklaces, fruit, molasses, or baskets woven out of palm fronds. Some days we said yes and listened to their stories. Other times we politely said, "No thank you." But for most, selling wares such as these was the bane of their existence. We did see people with higher paying jobs, but mostly we saw and experienced locals wanting to earn their living by providing a simple service for you. For $2 American dollars I will be your tour guide they'd say. Or I will find you a taxi. Or a parking space.

Real life collides with tropical paradise. Too often in America, only the homeless fit our comfortable definition of the poor. Or those who can only afford a single-wide trailer on a tiny piece of land. My eyes have been opened and I am still seeing the man in his wheelchair, slowly pushing himself up the side of a mountain in paradise. More thoughts to come.

No Online Spending

2009-06-25T06:50:00.000-07:00

So... I am learning that it is very hard to keep up with this 101 in 1001 Days list that I started back in October 2008. Months go by and I forget to update the list. I do feel it is important to track my own progress. But this got me to thinking about item number #80 and it's a doozy: Give up all shopping via the internet for one month. I think July or August is the month to try this since June is winding down and I just had a little point and click session this morning with The Body Shop's website. For me, the problem is getting those tempting little emails that say, "SALE" or "FREE SHIPPING."

But on a positive note I can cross off the following #'s:
3. 30 minutes of exercise 3 times a week. Swimming in the lake and walking are very helpful.
6. Get ready to jump out of an airplane before my 45th birthday!!!
7. Tell my wonderful husband that I love him every day. No brainer right?
14. Refuse to let my physical ailments define who I am and what I can do. Again, swimming across the cove hurt like the dickens, but I am glad I did it.
23. Work on my critical spirit. I am thankful to Pastor David for challenging sermons on this subject.
#40 Join the YMCA. We never go!
#60 Attend & celebrate Bethany's graduation from ACC. She was not able to walk but we are celebrating her achievements and congratulate her success!! We are proud of Baby Girl.
Well, there you have it. A brief update. And I will attempt to keep my fingers away from the mouse in the next 30 days. Perhaps I should unsubscribe to those pesky stores. Until next time-Breathe.

Tequila Lime marinade coming up

2009-06-24T05:17:00.000-07:00

This is one of our favorite summer recipes. A perfect Mojito and some coconut jasmine rice complete the meal. Summertime and the living is easy folks.

3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon lime zest
Small handful fresh cilantro, leaves and stems chopped fine
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup gold tequila
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin or chili powder
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Meat choices:
1 1/2 pounds large or jumbo shrimp, cleaned and deveined
4 swordfish steaks, 1/2 inch thick or 1 1/2 pounds sea scallops, cleaned and threaded on wooden skewers
Allen and I almost always use this marinade for shrimp or fish. You can leave the shell on the shrimp if you prefer to peel and eat after grilling.
Mince garlic with salt to form a paste, chopping in lime zest and cilantro.

Transfer to a small bowll and whisk in lime juice, tequila, and spices. Pour into heavy duty Ziploc or a glass baking dish. Add fish or skewered scallops and cover or zip bag tight. * Soaking the skewers will keep them from burning and add to the flavor.
Marinate in the refrigerator 30 minutes, turning once. Remove from marinade. Grill over very hot coals till cooked to taste, about 2-3 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
*Serve with hot jasmine rice. For coconut rice, add a splash of lite coconut milk, 1/4 cup grated coconut and a sprinkle of mango powder. Cumin also works in place of the mango powder.

New Friends & Family

2009-06-18T07:49:00.000-07:00

Last week John's family arrived from California. My husband was quickly inducted into the family, Mi Familia, as they say in Spanish. No matter how you say it, families are great fun.

John's family includes Mama Luz, Dad Alfonso, brother Marcos, niece Trini and nephew Giovanni-(I hope I am spelling names correctly here). Allen was taught the fine art of making homemade tortillas by Marcos. He came home with the secret recipe, a bag of special flour and the charge to make homemade tortillas often!

Our family is growing and changing as well. Erintitus has arrived, a recent college grad and Bethany's Kenya partner. Erin will be spending her summer with us here on Lake Greenwood. Even though it is only June 18th, the summer fun is well under way. I've a feeling we're in for some boating, tubing, tortilla parties and a whole lot of laughter. And did I mention trips to WH? Mi casa es su casa.

The Stupidity Award goes to....

2009-06-05T14:24:00.000-07:00

Forrest Gump's mama used to tell him, "Stupid is as stupid does," and with good reason. Mama was doing all she could to prepare her son for the real world with all of its pain and suffering. My mama never said those exact words to me, but today would have been a good day for her to tell me, "Girl if you had a brain , you'd be harmful." Not a nice saying, but an appropriate one.

Today, I followed through on a harebrained idea; one that could have cost me my life or possibly a limb or two. Today, I decided to swim from my dock to the other side of the lake and back without the aid of a life vest, noodle or even goggles. And there were jet skis and boats whizzing by as I struggled just to stay afloat. I quickly developed a headache after water hit my eardrums. I had trouble breathing while doing the crawl stroke because hair fell on my face every time I needed to come up for air. Had I worn goggles or a swim cap I might have avoided this pitfall.

It took me forever just to reach the buoy for our cove. I realize that I could have given up and turned back to home but my stupid, stupid pride wouldn't let me. Turning back in my oxygen-deprived brain equaled Failure of the worst kind.

You see, I'm a fish or at least I think I'm a fish. I've been swimming all my life and I enjoyed swimming many laps when we had a family swimming pool. It seemed like I could go forever without tiring. Yes, today my mother would have said, "If you had a brain, you'd be harmful." Harmful to myself that is.

My muscles will tell the real story tomorrow am. And if I'm not too terribly sore, I may practice swimming out to the buoy once again and turning for home. That way I can get 30+ minutes of cardio without drowning in the process. My husband says there are other ways to get cardio without risking life and limb. Stupid is as stupid does, Forrest.

Top Ten things I've learned living in SC

2009-06-01T10:01:00.001-07:00

Okay, so my husband keeps telling me that I have picked up on a lot of southern ways in the 19+ plus months we have lived here in SC. He also keeps teasing me and telling me that I need to blog about my transition from a D*@!*%$n Yankee to Carolina Girl. I know full well that I will never be fully accepted as a "southerner," but I'm fine with it. People here have been very welcoming and I love the friendliness or southern hospitality. I love it when my bank teller asks, "What else can I do for you Mrs. Ziegler?" Frankly, it is one quality I find missing in my northern counterparts. So, here in Dave Letterman fashion is my Top Ten List for the South:
1. It's never Hi or Hello; It is always Heyyyyyyy. Howyadoin?
2. Steak and baked potatoes are a big deal, especially when served with ranch dressing/aka special sour cream.
3. It is impolite to blow your horn while driving behind an idiot. Nope, no matter what, do not lay on that horn. People glare you for acting like a Yankee!
4. It is however, common courtesy to wave to perfect strangers on the street or on the lake as you pass each other on your boats, Sea-Doo or other watercraft vehicles.
5. SC is divided into 2 camps: USC fans and Clemson fans. Upon moving to SC one must immediately declare loyalty to a college team--I will refrain from telling you which team I chose.
6. Mud-bogging. Pickup trucks. Big pickup trucks with monster truck wheels.
7. Shag dancing is something to be learned; one cannot fake these dance moves for very long.
8. Rebel Flags, American Flags and South Carolina flags abound. Not always in this order.
9. It is imperative that you learn how to mash a button. It is also good to know that you are "fixin to do something or fixin to go somewhere." These are very important phrases.
10. It is either Ya'll or Y'all depending on whether you imply all ya'll or y'all. All you all know what I mean.
I could go on, but these are just a few observations. Of course I do realize that BBQ is king down here, as is hash, shrimp and grits, sweet tea, pimento cheese, corn bread, black eyed peas, collards and the like. Good stuff and I am grateful to be here in the land of Dixie!

Recycled Bags Gone Wild!

2009-05-26T11:15:00.000-07:00

Would it be fair to say that I have a plethora of recycled grocery bags? I'm seriously wondering if I should give some of my bags away to someone in need. My bag collection started simply enough with an adorable red Piggly Wiggly bag! For only .99 it was hard to pass up such a bargain in light of saving the environment. A second bag was purchased at Walmart, the Evil Empire and 4 more followed from Corley's, our local meat market. Allen generally carries the 2 from Corley's in his car. And then a funny thing happened. I received 2 oversized plastic shopping bags as a Christmas present. These two bags are my favorite because they are the size of department store shopping bag. They hold the most stuff in the best way. These bags came from Pier 1 and have catchy prints on them including the Eiffel Tower and various other landmarks. Sleek, stylish and durable. I realize I am name dropping here, but it is unintentional

I love irony. So, all told I have accumulated close to 15 bags. One from the wine store has 6 dividers in it just in case you feel the need to purchase 6 bottles at one time. Another bag reads, Nature's Remedies. While in Pittsburgh last month I purchased a great black and gold Steelers tote.

Recycling bags run amok I tell you. I have lined them all up in my living room and it is ridiculous. If I am at a store and happen to forget to carry in my collection of earth bags, I will probably buy another just because I am that anti "plastic" these days. Forgetting my bags? This realistically should never happen since they have taken over my car, but it does actually happen. I'm beginning to think an intervention might be in order. Would anyone like to borrow a tote?

Soy Beans vs Bacon

2009-05-25T07:50:00.000-07:00

I am married to a wonderful man. A man who loves all things pork. He commonly refers to himself as a "carnivore" and anyone who knows my man is well acquainted with his quest for Baconnaise. Last week his shipment of Baconnaise arrived. We made BLT sandwiches that night that were delicious in an unhealthy fashion. Prior to dinner I asked my man what he'd like to have to go along with our Baconnaise BLT delights and to my surprise, he suggested Edamame, the soybean steamed and salted in it's original form. No tofu or tofurkey for him, but edamame is okay. This paradox right here is one of the reasons I love this man. Let's just say he consumed more edamame that night than bacon or bacon-flavored dressing. Yep, I love my carnivore!

P.S. Skydiving

2009-05-14T09:24:00.000-07:00

I am almost ready to take the plunge, or rather to make the jump. If I can get up enough courage by my 45th birthday, I will go skydiving tandem style here in SC. Thanks to Kimberly I now know the cost and in general the feeling of pain & exhilation that awaits me. More on this to follow. And just so you know, there's a pretty good chance I'm only doing this to cross the item off my 101 list.

-Breathe-

Reborn

2009-05-14T07:40:00.000-07:00

On March 20th of this year I wrote out a prayer in my journal that my spirit would be reborn. On May 12th, 2009 my daughter Bethany sent me a devotional she thought I might enjoy reading.
The devotional was titled, "The Greatest Miracle in the World," by Og Mandino. I am going to share a few excerpts from this because it inspired me and was in some way an answer to my prayer dated May 12th. I hope it touches your heart.

I love you. You are the greatest miracle...

"The passing years have destroyed your recollection, for they have filled your mind with fear and doubt and anxiety and remorse and hate and there is no room for joyful memories where these beasts habitate.
Weep no more. I am with you...and this moment is the dividing line of your life. All that has gone before is like unto no more than that time you slept within your mother's womb. What is past is past. Let the dead bury the dead.
This day you return from the living dead. This day, like unto Elijah with the widow's son, I stretch myself upon thee three times and you live again.
This day, like unto Elisha with the Shunammite's son, I put my mouth upon your mouth and my eyes upon your eyes and my hands upon your hands and your flesh is warm again.
This day, like unto Jesus at the tomb of Lazarus, I command you to come forth and you will walk from your cave of doom to begin a new life.
This is your birthday. This is the new date of your birth. Your first life, like unto a play of the theatre, was only a rehearsal. This time the curtain is up. This time the world watches and waits to applaud. This time you will not fail.
Light your candles. Share your cake. Pour the wine. You have been reborn.
Like a butterfly from its chrysalis you will fly...fly as high as you wish, and neither the wasps nor dragonflies nor mantids shall obstruct your mission or your search for the true riches of life.
Feel my hand upon thy head.
Attend to my wisdom. Let me share with you, again, the secret you heard at your birth and forgot.
You are my greatest miracle.
You are the greatest miracle in the world.
Those were the first words you ever heard. Then you cried. They all cry..."
I will claim May 12, 2009 as the day of my rebirth.

God's Bountiful Kindness

2009-05-07T15:41:00.000-07:00

"Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word."
Psalm 119:37

Fruit salad in the month of July or August is a special treat--watermelon chunks nestled next to ripe strawberries, blueberries and maybe even raspberries. Yum! The flavors are succulent. Fresh fruit is good for our bodies because it provides vitamins A & C, and E--important nutrients. God designed our bodies to live on healthy foods. He also designed a way for our spiritual bodies to grow in strength and might. Our spiritual nourishment comes from his Word and the Holy Spirit.
God, in his bountiful kindness, gave us his written Word to carry with us in our daily lives. It is through the eternal goodness of God's word that we learn about our Father's character and gain understanding of his kindness and mercy. Being saturated with God's Word is the beginning of aligning our lives with his character and spreading his kindness to others.
Imagine again a tasty fruit salad. When we spend time in the Word and in prayer, our spiritual fruit is healthy and full of life.
Now imagine making fruit salad with fruit that is days old. Fruit flies take over and leave you with unrecognizable lumps. When we fail to read God's Word and focus instead on worthless things, aren't we more likely to be unkind and disobedient? We react to situations inappropriately because we have deprived our bodies of their spiritual nourishment. God's Word does preserve us. It has the ability to keep us from worthless things and can keep our kindness from deteriorating. God can't use us when our fruit is moldy.

Weed & Water:

Pray for the strength to resist pursuing worthless things. Prayer for the day: Father, turn my eyes from worthless things and...

*Fruit that is not used rots quickly.
Taken from Bible Seeds 2002/DZ

Boomerang

2009-05-04T16:58:00.000-07:00

One of the greatest joys in this life is spending time with my soul mate. Being married for 25 years this June is another. And being the parents of 2 grown adult children is equally as rewarding.We managed to be "empty nesters" for a time and then entered the stage of life known as boomerang. This condition occurs when one or more of your adult children returns to the nest for financial or emotional reasons. My friend Linda had warned me this might happen because Allen and I became empty nesters at such an early age, 44 & 45 respectively. Linda too has experienced this very common stage. I left home at age 19 and did not move back in with Mom & Dad.
Although we are experiencing a certain loss of privacy right now, we are reaping the benefits of engaging conversation with our grown children. We have outrageous vegetarian meal nights, boating adventures and laughter that we wouldn't trade for anything. It is great fun to reminisce over the good old days when the kids were young. They really got into having pool parties every summer, bonfires in the fall and our annual Christmas Eve/Christmas morning festivities.

I know that having Jordan and Bethany home is but for a season. It is a good season; one my husband and I will cherish until this season passes and a new one begins. I have a feeling Summer 2009 will be a summer to remember. Boomerang!

LATE BLOOMERS OF THE WORLD UNITE

2009-04-30T08:11:00.000-07:00

I'm learning that I am a late bloomer in these baby boomer years of mine. For instance, I didn't own an iPod until late 2005. I still cannot fully operate a digital camera, cell phone or play Wii without making a fool of myself. And I am often behind the times when it comes to the latest books, movies, etc.
My daughter and husband have been proudly wearing TOMS for over a year now. I understand and support the concept that TOMS stands for; I really do. But for me, wearing the newest, trendy shoes is an enigma because I am hard to fit. On the other hand, I've witnessed my hubby and baby girl try on a pair of shoes and walk out smiling and swearing that they feel like "butter" and are already broken-in like a great pair of slippers. Not so for me. I could try on the exact same style of shoe and walk away feeling dejected. Nope, it's never that easy for me. In fact, I've spent good money on shoes that felt great in the store, only to give them away later.
Okay, back to TOMS. Last week in California I was determined to try on my first pair of the shoes. Trendy boutiques are everywhere in CA you know. Lo and behold, in the back of an eclectic boutique are dozens of beautiful pairs of shoes. I say to my husband, "they won't have any that fit me!" But once I slip on a pair in my size I am amazed. They ARE comfy and broken in. And they have so many cute styles that it is hard to decide which ones to take home. I am happy! So, even though I am a late bloomer and a skeptic, I wear my shoes off and on for the rest of our time in CA.
For those of you who sit there wondering what I am babbling about: TOMS shoe company was started by a young traveler, Blake Mycoskie. The company was founded on a simple premise: For every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of shoes to a child in need. One for One. Using the purchasing power of individuals to benefit the greater good is what we're all about.
www. TOMSshoes.com

101 in 1001 Days update

2009-04-06T14:32:00.000-07:00

Greetings. I can say that I have been working on my 101 list to a certain extent. Part of my problem lies in finding the time just to blog on a regular basis. So this is a partial update.

#18 Goodbye black thumb--see today's blog.

#36 Read Bible more and memorize scripture. Still a challenge but I am making progress!

#40 Join the Greenwood YMCA again. We joined 2 months ago.

#49 Sunrise over Lake Greenwood. The picture you see as my header was taken by me!

#70 Watched all Rob Bell DVD's. Ready to do it all over again.

#88 Okay this one may be hard to believe but I made a snow angel in SC. I have a picture of it on my camera phone but won't share it.

#95 I'm becoming a recycling fool. We have two bins in the garage; one for paper & one for plastics.

How Do I Look?

2009-04-06T14:15:00.000-07:00

Shopping at Thrift stores has become something of an obsession. I refuse to buy a lot of new clothing at full price until I lose one dress size. Yeah, go ahead and laugh. But I did want to share this lovely outfit that Clinton & Stacy from What Not to Wear would probably hate. This is what I call my bargain basement attire. Bethany take note: shoes are brand new $12; capris $9; red linen shirt $9; necklace $4; white tank .50 cents. I think that about covers it. I'm learning alot about the value of a buck this way.

Cross this off my 101

2009-04-06T13:50:00.000-07:00

Well I have achieved the unthinkable. I have kept my Christmas Poinsettia alive since early December. I have also managed to NOT kill my Peace Lily plant for 18 months. I received another new houseplant last month and I can say, so far so good. If seems that if I water my plants only once a week or whenever they are "dry" that that live! With my daughter and husband as my witness I normally have the blackest of black thumbs. It's gotten to the point where my husband is sick and tired of looking at the enormous red Poinsettia sitting in the hallway. He has just about asked me to let it die a quiet and peaceful death, but I am not ready to commit planticide. I think I will give it one more month and then determine whether or not to pull the plug. Sounds awful doesn't it?

As for the Peace Lily and the newest member of our plant family, long may they live. I am working on this green thumb and hereby cross # 18 off of my list. Goodbye black thumb.

Messed up but forgiven

2009-03-17T14:13:00.000-07:00

I find that we are all messed up. Dysfunctional, codependent and generally self-centered. If this were not so, we would have no need for a savior, let alone a spiritual accountability partner. For the past 25 years my husband has been my accountability partner. Certainly, girlfriends have always had their place in my life as I will tell them the boring stuff my husband cannot help me deal with. Or the drama that surrounds my life as a woman.
Every day encounters with Jesus remind me again, and again that he accepts me where I am. That I do not have to have my act together in order to pray or to ask forgiveness. So as messed up as I can be one minute, I still have an advocate with my heavenly father. I can still come to his throne as one of his children. And if I have screwed things up on my own, I am greeted with open arms. How cool is this? Initial forgiveness, ongoing redemption and sanctification are the coolest. And Jesus, His is the sweetest name I know.

my quest for a spiritual attitude

2009-03-03T06:53:00.000-08:00

There is so much to living this spiritual life. So many disciplines we can embrace or discard. As I seek to draw closer to the heart of my savior, it becomes increasingly important to check my attitudes, my thoughts, and my desires. Doing this is never easy or enjoyable but is a worthy, noble goal.
In reading "everyday simplicity" by Robert J. Wicks, I discover 3 principles for carving out a deeper spiritual life.

Nourish a spiritual attitude underlying all of life which enables me to view everything---including my sufferings and confusion---in a way that deepens me (us) and makes life more meaningful.
Design "a little rule" of prayer so I can find and nurture a refreshing, renewing place within to be intimate with God;
Learn how to share myself (ourselves) with others in a compassionate way that mysteriously feeds and enlivens me (us) rather than depleting me or making me feel overburdened and resentful.

This is where I find myself today in my spiritual journey. I want to experience real faith, that is to breathe easily, have trust and to be free from fear. I desire a sense of freedom from brokenness, alienation, helplessness, anxiety. I also desire to offer others this same faith. So today I will breathe.

In this place

2009-02-04T03:56:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered why God has you in a certain place, time, location? Just wonder what he's up to that you can't see from where you are standing? I believe it is always because God sees the Big Picture and there's no humanly way possible for us to see what He sees. We poor humans see but through a glass darkly. 1 Cor. 13:12 says, "Now we see things imperfectly, as in a poor mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God knows me know." I love the way Paul states the truth in this passage.
And so many times the glass we look through is cloudy, maybe even dirty or smudged with our fingerprints and so we miss the bigger picture. Has this happened to you? Have you missed the bigger picture because you eyes were focused on the wrong thing or not really focused at all? It is so easy for me to misunderstand what God is doing, or rather to be focused on the wrong thing. Without spiritual bifocals, I can't see 2 feet in front of me.
Allen is in Hawaii at this very moment sound asleep. He has now been gone for an entire week, actually 8 days, but I know that God would have him there working the Pro Bowl, doing his thing. God would have it no other way and actually Allen would have it no other way. This year I opted no to go along on the dream trip of a lifetime. Kevin R. (you dog) went in my place. And that is okay. In fact, it is where both men are meant to be.
I am home roosting in sunny South Carolina, doing my thing. I am trying hard to listen to God and to see the Big Picture in light of many frantic days. My days consist of praying, packing boxes, listening to His Radio and knowing I'm in this place (not Hawaii) for a reason.
Baby Girl is seeking after God with her whole heart and praying about Kenya, her home away from home. God is slowly unveiling His plans and the Big Picture right before her very eyes. Is she in the right place? I'd say that yes, she really is standing in the place she is supposed to be. I think we all are. I think each of us is called to stop, look and listen. The glass may be cloudy now, but his purpose will be revealed. We are in this place for a reason. And God is at work.

perhaps, sometimes in the silence

2009-01-31T05:19:00.001-08:00

This week my heart's cry was to hear God or to hear his voice in some way. It mattered not if it was loud and clear or in a very quiet whisper. All I knew was that I needed to hear from Him. Too often my mind races-it truly does not slow down for a second. Filled with distraction I cannot hear a thing and at times don't even slow down long enough to see if my Father has anything to say. I want to be the woman in the crowd who presses through throngs of people, noises, distractions, thoughts to be near Jesus. I want to touch the hem of his garment, just the threads, in order to be healed, to be made whole again.
It has been a long time since I quieted my soul and meditated on Him, on nothing more than my savior and what He means to me. I wrestle with distractions of every kind. I cry real tears but even that does not bring me close enough to hear his voice.
I have a letter that my cousin wrote me several years ago. In it she encouraged me to press through the crowd, to fight my way into his presence. I remember reading the letter and thinking it was not pertinent to my life at the time. It was pertinent this morning as I lay prostrate on the floor, crying out to God and meeting him in the quiet place. In the secret place, Lord you are there.
I will continue to wrestle with distractions, but desire to spend more time in the silence, and to perhaps soon hear again the voice that has been calling.

All but One DVD to go

2009-01-23T14:15:00.000-08:00

As some of you may know it has been a dream of mine to sit and watch the entire set of Nooma DVD's. This week I will cross off item # 70 from my 101 List. It was pure luxury to sit in my pajamas to watch these again. Each DVD features Rob Bell, pastor of an active church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. These short films are only 11 to 12 minutes long but communicate wisdom in a compact, portable, and concise way. They are that powerful.

Check out http://www.nooma.com/ to see clips. There is one DVD in the set that we do not own entitled, "Tomato. "

Lessons from Rain

2009-01-19T10:26:00.000-08:00

Rob Bell shares the story of the time he took his one-year son Trace for a walk through the woods. He carried Trace in a hiking pack on his back and when they set out the weather was perfect, his child was making happy chirps and squawks in his ear. Rob later looks up and he notices that clouds have appeared and then it starts to rain. It always rains, doesn't it? The scriptures say all sorts of things about rain and storms.

When Jesus is teaching about what it means to live like the fullness of life in his kingdom--When Jesus speaks of it, he speaks of two different people, He speaks of a person who builds their house on sand, someone who chooses to reject his teachings, and someone who builds their life, their house on rock, who chooses to build their life, on Jesus' teachings.

And then the metaphor he uses it that of a storm that comes. And the person who rejects his teachings and his truth, essentially the house built on sand just gets destroyed. But the house built on the rock stands. So this idea that when the rains come, it's not they might, they do.

It rains in our lives ...a lot."

What are some of the storms in your life? Is is raining now? I would have to say that yes, at this moment, I feel as though it is raining. And not a quiet gentle rain, but rather the kind of rain that soaks my clothes and just plasters my hair. And when it rains like this, I cry out before God. Rob Bell says that when the drops of rain first began to fall, his little boy was calm but eventually he began shrieking with terror. Trace, from deep in his being starts to yell and cry so loudly, with such passion and terror in his voice. Rob then stops and removes his son from the hiking pack on his back and carries him close to his heart for the rest of the walk.

God says these amazing things like, "When you cry out to me, I listen." "The Psalms speak over and over about crying. About crying out to God."

Is anyone crying for help? God is listening, ready to rescue you. Psalm 34:17 (The Message)

O LORD, the God who saves me, day and night I cry out before you. Psalm 88:1 (NIV)

He even says, "I cannot ignore the cries of someone who is afflicted." If I'm hurting, lost, soaking wet, scared, confused. God says, You cry out and I hear. God even says that when you cry, He is close to the broken-hearted. He's close to those who cry out and admit they're hurting, lost, soaking wet, scared or confused.

I am so thankful that God debunks the idea that somehow I've got to have it all together in order to have a relationship with Him. Instead he says to us, "When you come to me, come to me with all your junk, with all your problems, come to me all screwed up, all messed up. Let me take care of it.

I want to get through the rain with my heavenly father holding me close, hearing my cries. I want to hear his voice whispering in my ear, "I love you daughter. We're gonna make it. Dad knows the way home." When you are going through really hard times and everything seems hopeless, do you still trust that God knows the way and that you're going to make it? I pray we trust even as we cry out in the rain.

"There you saw how the LORD your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place." Deut. 1:31 (NIV).