Saturday, November 29, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thanks
I had a terrible time trying to decide my favorite Thanksgiving side dish today. Something was just off. It's not like me to have such a difficult time choosing what to have seconds of after my "first round" of "meal" is finished. So I went for a small helping of several things...yams, mashed potatoes, corn, stuffing, and gravy (shut it). It was marvelous, but not exactly what I was craving.
I decided it would be best to just stop, and move onto dessert where I sampled, for probably the first time, pumpkin pie that was not G-Man's pumpkin pie (for the past 5 years, I would only touch his amazing pumpkin pie, it was the first I ever tried...what can I say, I'm loyal to the CORE!) Since I was on the complete wrong side of the enormous table, and fairly stuck, I asked Husband do warm up my pie (this crucial dessert/bread trick has been adopted since our marriage and now I cannot eat room temperature, or heaven forbid COLD dessert/bread).
There it was....the green been casserole, in the microwave...forgotten.
I decided it would be best to just stop, and move onto dessert where I sampled, for probably the first time, pumpkin pie that was not G-Man's pumpkin pie (for the past 5 years, I would only touch his amazing pumpkin pie, it was the first I ever tried...what can I say, I'm loyal to the CORE!) Since I was on the complete wrong side of the enormous table, and fairly stuck, I asked Husband do warm up my pie (this crucial dessert/bread trick has been adopted since our marriage and now I cannot eat room temperature, or heaven forbid COLD dessert/bread).
There it was....the green been casserole, in the microwave...forgotten.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Love
Thought today's devotional from Rick Warren was incredibly appropriate as Thanksgiving is upon us...
Love is something you do. Do you really love someone? Let’s see how you act toward that person. You show love by what you do, not just by what you feel.
Love is more than attraction and more than arousal. It’s also more than sentimentality, like so many of today’s songs suggest. By this standard, is love dead when the emotion is gone? No, not at all. Because love is an action; love is a behavior.
Over and over again, in the Bible, God commands us to love each other. And you can’t command an emotion. If I told you “Be sad!” right now, you couldn’t be sad on cue. Just like an actor, you can fake it, but you’re not wired for your emotions to change on command. Have you ever told a little kid, “Be happy!” I’m trying, daddy!
If love were just an emotion, then God couldn’t command it. But love is something you do. It can produce emotion, but love is an action.
The Bible says, “Let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions” (1 John 3:18 NLT). We can talk a good act: “I love people.” But do we really love them? Do you really love them? Our love is revealed in how we act toward them.
Love is something you do. Do you really love someone? Let’s see how you act toward that person. You show love by what you do, not just by what you feel.
Love is more than attraction and more than arousal. It’s also more than sentimentality, like so many of today’s songs suggest. By this standard, is love dead when the emotion is gone? No, not at all. Because love is an action; love is a behavior.
Over and over again, in the Bible, God commands us to love each other. And you can’t command an emotion. If I told you “Be sad!” right now, you couldn’t be sad on cue. Just like an actor, you can fake it, but you’re not wired for your emotions to change on command. Have you ever told a little kid, “Be happy!” I’m trying, daddy!
If love were just an emotion, then God couldn’t command it. But love is something you do. It can produce emotion, but love is an action.
The Bible says, “Let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions” (1 John 3:18 NLT). We can talk a good act: “I love people.” But do we really love them? Do you really love them? Our love is revealed in how we act toward them.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
Rentals
So, are you renting out your place to make some extra coin during Inauguration week? You won't catch me downtown anytime that week (as Husband said, "I'm less interested in going downtown for the Inauguration than for the 4th of July fireworks...it's going to be crowded and FREEZING!") but seeing the posts on Craigslist for people renting out their apartments/condos/townhomes/homes is sounding like a pretty good racket to me. Places are going for ridiculous sums of money for only a week.
Now there's a way to make a quick $40,000 =P
You think people realize that is taxable income and could quite possibly bump you into a higher tax bracket in 2009?
I'm such a nerd. Only I would think of that...
Now there's a way to make a quick $40,000 =P
You think people realize that is taxable income and could quite possibly bump you into a higher tax bracket in 2009?
I'm such a nerd. Only I would think of that...
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Twist
Today I had my first Peppermint Twist Mocha. Not sure what the"twist" is all about since it does not taste all that different from the Peppermint Mocha I used to crave. Regardless, I was quite happy to order my Twist and receive it in the 2008 version of the Starbucks red holiday cup. This one has a deer on it. Not sure why that's important. Actually, I bet it's a reindeer, which would make much more sense.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Chicken
Our Christmas Smoker has arrived (thanks to my folks for this beauty!) Our first smoker meat selection was chicken. Whole chicken. It was quite the adventure.
We decided to do a "beer can" chicken...but with Dr. Pepper and A&W Rootbeer. We read in several placed the beverage didn't matter, but it was the moisture that was important...Ready for the smoker...
Here they are cooking away!
In the end, I think Kitty was the most satisfied member of the family. 
Never fear, there are many more meats (and apparently cheeses!) to be smoked!Thursday, November 13, 2008
Weekend
I'm really excited for the weekend. It feels like it has been a while since one happened...it's only been 4 days.
I'm a pansy.
I'm a pansy.
Face
Me - It looks like Brad's making my "I'm going to steal a bite of your hot dog" face.
BFF-T - Haha... yes it does! Now you know what it would look like if you said, "Hey Brad, I've already had 4 chili dogs, would you like the last one?"
I may or may not be known to eat 4 chili dogs in one sitting if given the opportunity...
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Disgusting
This is for all those that say "abortion really never comes up as an issue" as justification for voting against their conscience...
The emphasis on "shortly after taking office" and putting "their stamp on Washington quickly" is disturbing. The first thing you choose to do is kill children? Seriously? Respect levels will drop immediately and the "benefit of the doubt" mentality will be severely shaken.
Ugh. Disgusting.
Obama may reverse Bush policies on stem cells, drilling, abortion
Posted: 03:02 PM ET
President-elect Barack Obama may overturn many of the executive orders that President Bush implemented.
WASHINGTON (CNN) – President-elect Barack Obama could reverse some of President Bush's most controversial executive orders, including restrictions on embryonic stem cell research, shortly after taking office in January.
Two other executive orders from Bush — one dealing with a so-called "gag" order on international aid organizations regarding abortion, the other with oil and gas drilling on federal lands — also are receiving increased scrutiny.
Obama's transition team is reviewing hundreds of Bush's executive orders, according to John Podesta, Obama's transition co-chair.
New presidents often use executive orders to put their stamp on Washington quickly. Unlike laws, which require months to complete and the consent of Congress, presidents can use their executive authority to order federal agencies to implement current policies.
"Much of what a president does, he really has to do with the Congress — for example, budgeting, legislation on policy — but executive actions are ones where the president can act alone," said Martha Kumar of the White House Transition Project, a nonpartisan group established to help new presidential administrations.
The emphasis on "shortly after taking office" and putting "their stamp on Washington quickly" is disturbing. The first thing you choose to do is kill children? Seriously? Respect levels will drop immediately and the "benefit of the doubt" mentality will be severely shaken.
Ugh. Disgusting.
Obama may reverse Bush policies on stem cells, drilling, abortion
Posted: 03:02 PM ET
President-elect Barack Obama may overturn many of the executive orders that President Bush implemented.
WASHINGTON (CNN) – President-elect Barack Obama could reverse some of President Bush's most controversial executive orders, including restrictions on embryonic stem cell research, shortly after taking office in January.
Two other executive orders from Bush — one dealing with a so-called "gag" order on international aid organizations regarding abortion, the other with oil and gas drilling on federal lands — also are receiving increased scrutiny.
Obama's transition team is reviewing hundreds of Bush's executive orders, according to John Podesta, Obama's transition co-chair.
New presidents often use executive orders to put their stamp on Washington quickly. Unlike laws, which require months to complete and the consent of Congress, presidents can use their executive authority to order federal agencies to implement current policies.
"Much of what a president does, he really has to do with the Congress — for example, budgeting, legislation on policy — but executive actions are ones where the president can act alone," said Martha Kumar of the White House Transition Project, a nonpartisan group established to help new presidential administrations.
Complements
Recently I have received one of my favorite complements...repeatedly. <-- (I have reconstructed that sentence I don't know how many times, but I'm not sure how to to phrase it...so bare with me.)
What is my favorite complement you ask?
"I wish I still had an AIM profile!"
You see, in college, AIM profiles consisted of many things: song lyrics, scriptures, count-downs, and most importantly (to my friends at least) random things our friends said. Sometimes these were meaningful, sometimes ridiculous, sometimes funny....you get the drift. Now that we've all grown up a bit and no longer spend hours chatting on-line (I confess, I was quite the addict beginning in the late 1990's, which I attribute to BFF-D, all the way up until August 2005 when after getting married, AIM stopped abruptly...who knew leaving a computer on 24-7 could cost so much money...especially when I was gone from 6am til 11pm most days due to work and could not touch the computer. Talk about a wake-up call!)
There really is no place for these quotes anymore...unless of course, they are blogged =P
What is my favorite complement you ask?
"I wish I still had an AIM profile!"
You see, in college, AIM profiles consisted of many things: song lyrics, scriptures, count-downs, and most importantly (to my friends at least) random things our friends said. Sometimes these were meaningful, sometimes ridiculous, sometimes funny....you get the drift. Now that we've all grown up a bit and no longer spend hours chatting on-line (I confess, I was quite the addict beginning in the late 1990's, which I attribute to BFF-D, all the way up until August 2005 when after getting married, AIM stopped abruptly...who knew leaving a computer on 24-7 could cost so much money...especially when I was gone from 6am til 11pm most days due to work and could not touch the computer. Talk about a wake-up call!)
There really is no place for these quotes anymore...unless of course, they are blogged =P
Monday, November 10, 2008
Friday, November 7, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Cleared
On CNN it was announced that President-elect Obama got briefed on Iraq today with information he previously did not have the clearance to view. I smiled. I wish I could have been inside his head when that was over. I'm sure there was a, "Huh. Well...that would have been good to know before I made all those promises..." moment. Or two.
Oh...and I have never mentioned his military advisers have I? Well, that one is way more entertaining coming from Husband.
Oh...and I have never mentioned his military advisers have I? Well, that one is way more entertaining coming from Husband.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Future
Many have asked "Now what?" in response to the election season which is now (thankfully) over (some because they do not know and wish to know and others because they are my dearest Brothers and Sisters who like to keep me in check and make sure I am walking uprightly, both of which I appreciate.) Now what? We pray and submit, same as always.
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
~1 Timothy 2:1-2 (emphasis mine)
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
~Romans 13:1 - 7 (emphasis mine)
Sure, I have been interested in politics since I can remember, regardless of how many failed Student Government campaigns I was involved with (namely, mine). My best friend in middle school and I were convinced that someday we would run together on a Presidential ticket. I craved phone calls with conversation of political substance when we were in college. Political science was one of those electives in school I chose "for fun" (physics being the other...yeah, that's right...) and I have been learning about past Presidents since pretty much the beginning of my existence (thank you Mom for that one...)
Today, the finance person inside is screaming, the Pro-Lifer inside is crying, the future mother inside is puzzled, and the soldier's family and friend is concerned, but the Christian in me, the only part that matters, understands.
God knows exactly where we are on the Kingdom Calendar. In His sovereignty, this is the path that our country will take for the next four years. I may not understand why, but I understand that I do not see the bigger picture, He does. I trust Him.
The government was never intended (or should I say, should never intend) to take away the job of The Church. Caring for the poor, the underprivileged, and the ones with no voice is still our responsibility, not the government's. I think far too often The Church gets off easy because government has played such a large role in caring "for the least of these". It's time for that to change...and that's change I can get behind.
God is bigger than one election, than our bank accounts, than our laurels, than our wildest dreams, than anything or anyone who opposes Him. I love and take comfort in that. It's going to be a wild ride, but in the end, it's all been for a reason.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
~Romans 8:28
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
~1 Timothy 2:1-2 (emphasis mine)
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
~Romans 13:1 - 7 (emphasis mine)
Sure, I have been interested in politics since I can remember, regardless of how many failed Student Government campaigns I was involved with (namely, mine). My best friend in middle school and I were convinced that someday we would run together on a Presidential ticket. I craved phone calls with conversation of political substance when we were in college. Political science was one of those electives in school I chose "for fun" (physics being the other...yeah, that's right...) and I have been learning about past Presidents since pretty much the beginning of my existence (thank you Mom for that one...)
Today, the finance person inside is screaming, the Pro-Lifer inside is crying, the future mother inside is puzzled, and the soldier's family and friend is concerned, but the Christian in me, the only part that matters, understands.
God knows exactly where we are on the Kingdom Calendar. In His sovereignty, this is the path that our country will take for the next four years. I may not understand why, but I understand that I do not see the bigger picture, He does. I trust Him.
The government was never intended (or should I say, should never intend) to take away the job of The Church. Caring for the poor, the underprivileged, and the ones with no voice is still our responsibility, not the government's. I think far too often The Church gets off easy because government has played such a large role in caring "for the least of these". It's time for that to change...and that's change I can get behind.
God is bigger than one election, than our bank accounts, than our laurels, than our wildest dreams, than anything or anyone who opposes Him. I love and take comfort in that. It's going to be a wild ride, but in the end, it's all been for a reason.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
~Romans 8:28
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