Monday, October 31, 2011

Kisses from Katie

That is the title of the book I just read.  Just read in a total of 4 hours.  Just read in 3 hours last night and 1 hour this morning. 

Just read, as in, finished 10 minutes ago. in tears. happy and sad tears.
Tears for the brokenness of this world.
Tears of repentance for my materialistic dreams, self-reliance, selfishness, desire to live in safety.
Tears of rejoicing in the truth that Jesus has come to bind up the brokenhearted and set the captives free.
Tears of rejoicing that Jesus will return again to take his children home to an eternity where we are restored.

Long story short, a young woman from a wealthy neighborhood in Tennessee was obedient to God's call on her life - she moved to Uganda and he is using her miraculously to accomplish his purposes there.  He is using her story to convict my heart (and probably many others).

This book is not a guilt trip.  It's a testimony of God's greatness.  Of the truth of the gospel.

I am still processing it and don't have anything more insightful to say, except that I will be sharing it with everyone I know.

Go get it.  Immediately :)


If you can't stop what you're doing right now and go get it, here's the link to her blog... a good place to start.
And THIS is the website for her ministry.  Perhaps all the women in your family should get a necklace from this ministry for Christmas this year?!?!? 

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Right now...

I stole this idea from this blog.  (I don't know her. is that creepy?)

Right now, I am...

listening: to nothing. and it's peaceful.


feeling: cozy. heat on. windows closed. thoughts of carmel apple cider dancing in my head.



watching: The Office & Parks and Rec.  (not this second, but in life).
missing: my dear friend Kristen.

this feels like a super old pic! when she was preggo with her firstborn (who's almost 3 and has an 11-month old bro) and I was in college. 

wondering: whether or not I'll teach in public schools again

reading: The Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer

thankful: for God's provision and love

excited: for this weekend
i turn 24. that feels old.
working: on gathering Christmas music for all my students (except the Jehovah's witness kid) and coming up with a fun winter contest!

praying: for a piano student's mom who asked to borrow "how good is good enough?"

admiring: these china patterns
would i get sick of turquoise? it's so pretty. not very compatible with christmas decor. but so pretty. life's hard choices. :)

avoiding: my "insanity" workout

wanting: to learn how to sew... so i can make things like this for less than $40


excited: for a night with 2 girls from my bible study
anticipating: involvement with "city impact"

what are you doing?

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Internet Findings

So, I not-so-secretly like to browse all sorts of random things on the internet.
I should probably set myself a time limit.
Here are some random things I've seen that I like.  (No promises that they will be of any interest to you...)

this house is so pretty.

This video is a hilarious plug for getting kids to sell stuff to give generously to the work for God's kingdom through their local church.  (It's the first one on the page.)

We did this alien-abduction-brainteaser with my 11 year old brother (in-law) this weekend. None of us solved it :/

This is short & funny. (and wrong)  It reminds me that my mom makes really good cookies too :)

i officially like pinterest.  i don't pay attention to any sort of so-and-so is following you or repinned.  the last thing i need is another social network site.  however, i do like that there is one place on the internet where i can "pin" everything else that i like.  like a virtual bulletin board. way better than a favorites bar. 

This looks like a tasty, fruity, halloweeny drink :)

These messages are convicting (in 2 videos totaling 80 minutes).  Part 1Part 2

Have you found anything good on the internet lately?

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Thankful Thursday #5

Focus on the Family comes on about the time I'm dropping Ben off at work (we share 1 car!!), so I usually listen to it.   Unless it's painfully cheesy. 

This morning, they were talking with Carey Casey, the CEO of the National Center for Fathering.  I came on in the middle, but from what I gathered, he spent some time speaking to NFL teams before the game, doing what was supposed to be a routine devotional/ prayer.  But he was never routine.  He got straight to some serious issues with these guys, and always shared the gospel.  He said he often asked about their dads.  "Who doesn't know their father?"  And you could see the pain that would come across the many faces of the men in that room.  They're thinking, come on man.  Just pray and let's go play the game.  He told some neat stories of relationships built with these men and how they would share their past pain and hurt, just like anybody else.

Casey was sharing stories of abusive dads, dysfunctional homes, and he said, "there is no greater pain in a child's life than living in fear at home."  The host, Jim Daly, could identify and shared a short story about his childhood with an alcoholic, physically abusive dad.  And the bottom line was - living in fear at home.

At this point, I'm almost home. a little choked up.  [I'm a sap.] pulling into the garage. just listening to the end of the program and thinking.

I am SO thankful to have been born into a loving, nurturing family.  Both of my parents grew up in "dysfunctional" families.  and they both beat the odds.  Not only did they break the cycle of pain, divorce, alcoholism, etc... they both became believers.  My brother and I were "first generation Christians" if you will.  The first kids in our whole family to be raised in a Christian home.  not that it was anywhere near perfect :)

I remember my dad saying when we were younger - it'll be all new to see what your kids and families are like.  If you continue walking with the Lord, you will learn stuff younger than we did.  (They got saved in their late 20s/ early 30s.) You will know the Bible when you go to college.  You will receive God's blessings earlier than we did.  You will avoid a lot of the mistakes we made. 

And now, as a newly wed, I can already see the difference.  I had a good example of a marriage.  No, I don't know it all.  And no, our marriage isn't perfect.  BUT, we're not completely starting from scratch like my parents were.  They had to figure it out at they went.  I had an example.  They had to figure out how to parent as Christians.  I had an example.

Don't get me wrong - my family is not perfect.
But I am thankful that, by the grace of God, I was born into the family I was born into.  I didn't grow up in a household of fear.  I wasn't afraid of my parents. (except in that healthy-do-what-you're-told way) :)   I have a great relationship with each of my parents.  And most importantly, they taught me and showed me how to love Jesus.

They ended the broadcast saying, the most important gift you can give your kids is teaching them to know Jesus. 

To me in this season of life, this message means - more than a perfectly organized, perfectly decorated house.  more than great dinners, fun activities.  more than lavish vacations.  the MOST important thing I can do for my kids one day (kids that are no where near the picture yet) is to teach them and show them that God loves them and that they need to know & love Jesus personally.

Thankful to have parents who were committed to that mission in our home.  Thankful that I grew up in a home where I was not afraid, but loved.

What are you thankful for today?

Monday, October 17, 2011

Monday

I haven't really had much to say this past week I guess... blogging kinda went to the wayside.

My younger (but not littler) brother turned 22 last week.

Then...

the day Brian came home from the hospital

Now...

San Francisco in July




We're still good friends :)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I subbed 2 days last week in Elementary school music.  
Kids often giggle when I say my name is "Mrs. Cook."  I guess "cook" is funny.
The 1st day of subbing, she didn't know I was a music person, so we watched movies all day.  2nd graders STILL love the Magic School Bus!  haha Miss Frizzle (or should i say "the frizz") is so entertaining.
The 2nd day, we learned Halloween songs.  4th and 5th grade learned "Little Shop of Horrors" which they loved.  You should have seen how captivated they were when I told them the storyline about the singing, man-eating plant.  They were SO excited to learn it.  And of course they asked if we could learn a dance, so I said yes.  And then proceeded to make up one on the spot.  I am not a good dancer.  So we step-touched our way through much of the song.  And performed for their classroom teachers.  And it was full of awesomeness.  The kids were so pumped.  :) I like days like that.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Last week's dinner menu was:
baked mac and cheese
baked potato soup (crockpot!) 
spaghetti (home made sacue)
chicken pad thai

It wasn't a very exciting week of meals.  The baked potato soup was good, but I didn't like it.  Well, Ben loved it. (I don't think he was faking it.) and I could see that it would be good.. if you liked baked potato soup, which apparently I don't.  I don't really like the flavor of potato in my soup.  Something about the soupy potato texture combo.  But, if you like baked potato soup, I suggest making it in the crockpot.  It's easy. and probably scrumptious.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This week, we're starting a workout program called "Insanity."
I'm legitimately nervous.
and out of shape.
and not typically "insane" when it comes to exercise.
but i'm excited! 
and want to be in shape
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have 38 piano students. 
My goal is 50 by January.
Our original goal was 20 by October.  
I had 20 in about 1 month of moving here.  
God is so faithful to do "above and beyond all we can ask or imagine."  (Eph 3:20)  That is the resounding theme of this season in our lives.  
Thankful thankful thankful for his great faithfulness.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
His mercies never come to an end; 
They are new every morning;
Great is your faithfulness 
                   Lamentations 3:22-23

happy monday :)

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Creamy Chicken & Noodles

This recipe is from my faithful red plaid Better Homes and Gardens cookbook.  If you don't have one, order it immediately. Seriously. It has never failed me.  I have this pretty bridal version.

Creamy Chicken & Noodles
Prep: 25 min         Cook: 8-9 hours low OR 4 - 4 1/2 hours high
Makes: 6 main-dish servings.  (I feel like we ate it for days...)

2 C. sliced carrot (4 medium)
1 1/2 cups chopped onion (3 medium - I used less)
1 C. sliced celery (2 stalks)
2 tablespoons snipped fresh parsley
1 bay leaf
3 medium chicken legs (drumstick -thigh portion; about 2 lbs.) SKINNED - [I used 2 chicken leg-thighs and it was more than enough.  Also, the skinning a raw chicken leg almost turned me into a vegetarian. no joke. disgusting]
2 10.75-ounce cans reduced-fat & reduced-sodium condensed cream of chicken soup [I just bought regular cream of chicken... let's be honest, is there really "reduced fat" CREAM OF CHICKEN soup? no.] 
1/2 C. Water
1 tsp. dried thyme, crushed
1/4 tsp. black pepper
10 ounces dried wide noodles (about 5 c.)
1 c. frozen peas [I left these out]
Season with salt and pepper (optional)

- In a 3 1/2 or 4 quart slow cooker (mine is 6 quarts...) place carrot, onion, celery, parsley, and bay leaf.  Place chicken (raw) on top of vegetables.  
- In a medium bowl, stir together soup, water, thyme, & 1/4 tsp. black pepper.  Pour over chicken and vegetables in slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours or high for 4- 4/12 hours. 
- Remove chicken from cooker before eating.  Cool slightly.  Discard bay leaf
- Cook noodles according to package directions; drain.
- Stir peas (if you add them) into soup mixture in cooker. 
- Remove chicken from bones and shred/cut into bite sized pieces
- Stir the chicekn into the soup mixture in cooker.
To serve, spoon chicken mixture over noodles; toss gently to combine.  Season w/ salt and pepper to taste.

Crockpot 101

As I mentioned in a recent post, I broke out the crockpot last week.
Never mind that it's consistently 75-85 degrees here.  (no complaints!!)
It's fall and I was itching to bust it out... plus there's nothing like feeling as if dinner has been prepared for you, even though you prepared it. 

Both recipes below are from my faithful red plaid Better Homes and Gardens cookbook.  If you don't have one, order it immediately. Seriously. It has never failed me.  I have this pretty bridal version.

Creamy Chicken & Noodles
Prep: 25 min         Cook: 8-9 hours low OR 4 - 4 1/2 hours high
Makes: 6 main-dish servings.  (I feel like we ate it for days...)

2 C. sliced carrot (4 medium)
1 1/2 cups chopped onion (3 medium - I used less)
1 C. sliced celery (2 stalks)
2 tablespoons snipped fresh parsley
1 bay leaf
3 medium chicken legs (drumstick -thigh portion; about 2 lbs.) SKINNED - [I used 2 chicken leg-thighs and it was more than enough.  Also, the skinning a raw chicken leg almost turned me into a vegetarian. no joke. disgusting]
2 10.75-ounce cans reduced-fat & reduced-sodium condensed cream of chicken soup [I just bought regular cream of chicken... let's be honest, is there really "reduced fat" CREAM OF CHICKEN soup? no.]
1/2 C. Water
1 tsp. dried thyme, crushed
1/4 tsp. black pepper
10 ounces dried wide noodles (about 5 c.)
1 c. frozen peas [I left these out]
Season with salt and pepper (optional)

- In a 3 1/2 or 4 quart slow cooker (mine is 6 quarts...) place carrot, onion, celery, parsley, and bay leaf.  Place chicken (raw) on top of vegetables.  
- In a medium bowl, stir together soup, water, thyme, & 1/4 tsp. black pepper.  Pour over chicken and vegetables in slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours or high for 4- 4/12 hours. 
- Remove chicken from cooker before eating.  Cool slightly.  Discard bay leaf
- Cook noodles according to package directions; drain.
- Stir peas (if you add them) into soup mixture in cooker. 
- Remove chicken from bones and shred/cut into bite sized pieces
- Stir the chicekn into the soup mixture in cooker.
To serve, spoon chicken mixture over noodles; toss gently to combine.  Season w/ salt and pepper to taste.
 
  
Vegetable Beef Soup
Prep: 25 minutes      Cook: 8-10 hours low or 4-5 hours high  
Makes:   6 main dish servings

1 lb. boneless beef chuck pot roast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 Tbsp. cooking oil
4 C. water
1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
2 c. frozen mixed vegetables
2 c. frozen diced hash brown potatoes or 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped [I did the real deal. very yummy]
1 1-ounce envelope onion soup mix (1/2 of a 2-ounce pkg.) [yes, that's straight from the recipe book... at least they're detailed! haha]
1 tsp. instant beef bouillon granules
1/8 tsp. black pepper
1 clove garlic, minced or 1/8 tsp garlic powder

-In a large skillet, brown meat pieces in hot oil.  Drain the fat.  In a 3 1/2 or 4 quart slow cooker, place meat and remaining ingredients.  [mine is 6 quarts. still.]
- Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 8-10 hours or on high-heat setting for 4-5 hours.    
I cooked meat and chopped veggies the night before and refrigerated those pieces.  Then, popped it all in the next morning before work. SUPER easy.


Let me know if you try them.   
Enjoy!

Friday, October 7, 2011

Thankful Thursday #4

Here I am again - thankful on Friday.  Guess I should be thankful for a busy week.

Today I'm thankful for so many things.
But at the forefront of my mind is home sweet home.

I'm SO thankful for the chance to head back to sweet home Chicago this weekend.  I'm thankful for the wonderful family and friends awaiting us.  And I'm thankful that the logistics of trying to see 17-ish people in 36 hours has mostly worked itself together...

And now we hit the open road.
For 9 hours.
Thankful for a car! and a husband and father-in-law to split the driving with.

What are you thankful for today? 

Football

My brothers (in-law) play YMCA flag football.
They're on 2 different teams.
We've been to a few games this season.
Here are a few of my favs...

David usually plays QB


such intensity


i don't know these kids but it was a cute moment. the kid on the left just ran for a touch down


Will usually plays RB



everyone was surprised the YMCA scheduled a little league game during the husker game.  fortunately someone was blaring it from their car :)

get his flag!!

teaching moment

another teaching moment...

are you enjoying football season? :) i am!

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

friends

Here's a scene from last week's recess on the playground while I was subbing

Melanie (1st grader) is sitting alone, building mountains with the rock/sand/dirt.
Anna approaches Melanie, skipping.
Anna: "Can I play with you?"
Melanie: "Sure. you can build another mountain."
Anna: "ok."
1 minute later
Anna: "do you want to be my friend?"
Melanie (smiling): "yea. sure."

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Random Tuesday

We are going home for Ben to run the Chicago Marathon this weekend.  I wonder if Chicago will always be home for me...?

Even though we're only going to be home for like 1 day, I'm STOKED!  [yeah, i said it]
I'm excited to see my family.
I'm excited to go to church.
I'm excited to see some girlfriends.
and I'm excited to see my husband accomplish his year-long goal of running his 1st marathon.

Yippeeeeeee!!!!!  [insert happy dance]

I started trying to sell stuff on ebay and craigslist for some extra moola.  Not much.  Just dabbling in it.  So far, I've made $36.92 (including shipping expenses and the couple things I purchased to resell.)  What's your best sale so far? you ask... I'm so glad you asked!  I bought a ladder bookshelf at a garage sale for $10 and sold it for $50.  I was pretty excited.  :)  Worst sale?  I lost money on shipping a CD through half.com.  Woops!

I'm going to make this as a message board for my piano area.  Click here if you want to make one too! It looks ridiculously easy.

My college roommate and I started a new Bible study together using A Woman of Hospitality, by Dee Brestin.  By the 3rd question, God had already shown me the difference between entertaining and hospitality.  And convicted me that I need to "entertain" less and serve others by being hospitable more.  I think this one's a winner.
               entertaining = for me
               hospitality = for others
 

Made 2 recipes with the crockpot last week.  (will share later) I.love.the.crockpot.  I was scared of it but thank goodness I got over that.  It's amazing!

true confessions - i'm on an NFL fantasy football team.  i let the computer pick my players. i'm ranked 6th out of 10. wah wah. 

we don't have t.v.  well, we have A t.v. but we can't watch anything on it.  no cable. tried a digital antenna thingy - didn't work in the basement. haven't gotten around to signing up for netflix. it's actually kinda refreshing.  i'm not one of those "i'm-better-than-you-because-i-don't-watch-t.v." people... i actually like t.v. a lot. but we don't have tons of time together at nights anyway because of weird schedules so it works for us for now.  we've discussed getting celebratory cable when we finishing paying my student loans... hopefully sooner than later.

happy tuesday,
ren

Monday, October 3, 2011

Marathon Weekend!

The Chicago marathon is in T-minus 6 days.
6 days of training left. (for Ben, not me)
6 days of extra water and vitamins. (for both of us, because it's our attempt to be healthy)
6 days for YOU to donate to WORLD VISION through BEN'S fund.

If you're lost and confused... read this.

If you have been waiting until the last minute to donate, it's the last minute.  So, click here!

If you want to know more about World Vision to make sure it's a legit thing to give your money to, click here!

thank you, thank you, thank you!

love,
ren & ben

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Vegetable Beef Soup

This recipe is from my faithful red plaid Better Homes and Gardens cookbook.  If you don't have one, order it immediately. Seriously. It has never failed me.  I have this pretty bridal version.


Vegetable Beef Soup
Prep: 25 minutes      Cook: 8-10 hours low or 4-5 hours high   
Makes:   6 main dish servings


1 lb. boneless beef chuck pot roast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 Tbsp. cooking oil
4 C. water
1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
2 c. frozen mixed vegetables
2 c. frozen diced hash brown potatoes or 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped [I did the real deal. very yummy]
1 1-ounce envelope onion soup mix (1/2 of a 2-ounce pkg.) [yes, that's straight from the recipe book... at least they're detailed! haha]
1 tsp. instant beef bouillon granules
1/8 tsp. black pepper
1 clove garlic, minced or 1/8 tsp garlic powder

-In a large skillet, brown meat pieces in hot oil.  Drain the fat.  In a 3 1/2 or 4 quart slow cooker, place meat and remaining ingredients.  [mine is 6 quarts. still.]
- Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 8-10 hours or on high-heat setting for 4-5 hours.     
I cooked meat and chopped veggies the night before and refrigerated those pieces.  Then, popped it all in the next morning before work. SUPER easy.

changed

I never get tired of seeing videos like this.
of hearing how God is moving.
of hearing how Jesus Christ is changing lives.
society puts labels on Christianity. All sorts of labels ...fundamental, weird, evangelical, right wing, Jesus-freaks,

but really, it doesn't matter what you wanna call it.
or what you say about it. or what anyone says about it.
Jesus is real.
He is alive.
He is risen.
and that day changed history.
the day that Jesus rose from the dead, conquered death once and for all...
it changed everything.

He changed me deep inside my heart.
He gave me new life.
He gave me a reason to live.
He has lifted me out of the slimy pit and he set my feet upon the solid rock.
I am not perfect. and I do not claim to know all the answers.  But I know that Jesus Christ changed my life.  
And I will never cease to proclaim that.

This is what real change looks like: