31. October 2009 by imoomie.

I am inspired by all the yummy recipes I have come across on other blogger’s sites. 

So, here is one of my seasonal favorites …

Paper Bag Apple Pie

7 medium apples                                                             Topping:

1 1/2 cup sugar                                                                1/2 cup butter

2-4 tablespoons flour                                                      1/2 cup flour

1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon                                              1/2 cup sugar

2-3 tablespoons lemon juice

Peel, core and quarter apples.  Cut quarters in half crosswise.

Mix sugar, flour, cinnamon and lemon juice together and toss apples pieces to coat.

Spoon in unbaked crust.

Top with mixed topping.  Bake 1 hour at 425 degrees in a brown paper bag, stapled closed and placed on a cookie sheet.

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30. October 2009 by imoomie.

I have my favorite authors, the authors that I read every book they publish and can’t wait for them to publish something new. 

Usually, during the summer I revisit a classic, or get inspired by a historic site we have visited.  This year, I was interested in the life of Thomas Jefferson after visiting Monticello.

In August, at a Women’s conference called She Speaks they launched a new division called She Reads!

 It is a helpful site to those looking for a great book suggestion and a gathering place for those who live to read.    The aspect I have enjoyed the most so far is that they are introducing me to new authors.  I guess it has brought me to the realization that I was in a little bit a reading rut.

 The first book I have read is The Shape of Mercy by Susan Meissner.  Sometimes books get you on the first page…for me it was page 12 while the main character, Lauren Durough, is having a conversation with her Mom on the phone.

     “Lauren! You’re getting a job?” My mother didn’t sound alarmed or annoyed.  Just surprised.

     “Just a few hours a week, Mom.  Anyway, I may not even get the job.  The interview’s tomorrow.”

     “Well, I’m sure if you’re being interviewed, you’ll get it,” she said, as only a mother can.   Then, as if to prove she had no doubt I would get the job if I wanted it, she moved on.  She reminded me that my Uncle Loring’s fiftieth birthday party had been moved up a week.  She’d told me several days earlier that the two-day affair was now being held in two weeks  instead of three because Uncle Loring had to go to Singapore.  I told her I’d be there.

     I don’t think Mom thought I had forgotten.  She just wanted to remind me where I belonged.

 I do that!  I tell my responsible, smart older children over and over again what is coming up and remind them of what is on the schedule.  I have often wondered why I have felt the need to do that when it seems to only be needed by me. 

That is why…I know they haven’t forgotten, I just want them to remember where they belong!

This book is centered around the transcribing of a diary dated back four centuries during the time of the Salem witch trials.  Most cannot resist the temptation to read someone else’s diary. 

To learn more about The Shape of Mercy and She Reads…check out

www.shereads.org       Enjoy!

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26. October 2009 by imoomie.

What beauty we are surrounded by right now in the Carolinas as the leaves have turned to breathtaking shades of reds, oranges and golds!  Each day I am astonished.  Although I don’t enjoy overcast days, I do relish the days when the breeze picks up and the leaves fall to the ground like confetti! 

Those days are usually followed by the days when the kids decide to rake leaves and then proceed to take part in the age old tradition of  jumping  and hiding in their hard earned pile.  Keeping a child out of a pile of leaves is like keeping them out of a rain puddle.  Such simple fun.

I have my pumpkins on the front stoop and this year I am all about yellow mums.  I was going for bright and cheery.  They just scream…welcome to my happy house! 

 I haven’t bought any candy yet for the cute neighborhood kids that come to my door.  I had to start a new tradition of not buying any candy until the day before the Trick or
Treaters come, well ,because the old tradition of buying it early and eating it all by myself  wasn’t working so well…for obvious reasons.

May blessings fall upon you and yours…

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25. October 2009 by imoomie.

If you have a teenage girl in your midst consider introducing her to the Radical Revolution website.  There are daily devotions that broach topics relevant to the everyday life of a teenager girl.   

My daughter had a cool opportunity to write a an article for Radical Revolution.

Check out her article and the Radical Revolution site here -

http://radrevolution.blogspot.com/2009/09/matties-trend-report.html

Blessings!

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24. October 2009 by imoomie.

He-he-he, ha-ha-ha and LOL-

The funniest thing happened…have you read my entry about the Cheez-its?  Well if you haven’t, go ahead, I’ll wait for you. 

I know it is nonsense, but again I just couldn’t help myself.  I do like Cheez-its!

 Well, from Cheez-it loving mothers come Cheez-it loving children.  If you could see me now you would see that I am still tickled about the story I am about to tell you. 

Anyway, one of my daughters, who shall remain nameless, came up to me and said, “Where’s the Cheez-its?” 

I said, “What Cheez-its?”

 The four boxes she says…

I said, “Honey, those were gone a month ago.”

But, she says, “You wrote, today.”

I said, “I know but I wrote that a month ago and just posted it.  Those Cheez-its are loooong gone.”

Her comprehension of the situation did take a minute to sink in.  I know her heart was set on Cheez-its, and you know if anyone understands it would be me!

In that moment, I was tickled, but what I haven’t shared with you was that I was also delighted because I knew that my daughter had taken the time to visit my blog!

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23. October 2009 by imoomie.

Many people view God as a God of do’s and don’ts, yet deep down; we still want some do’s and don’ts.  Just like a child we gain some security in knowing where the line is and whether we are in or out of bounds.

“The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul.  The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart.  The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever.  The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.  By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.” Psalm 19:7-9,11(NIV)

Do’s and Don’ts can make our life better…it can open the door to renewal, wisdom, joy and insight.  Even the do’s/don’ts I don’t understand are for my benefit.  They keep me from harm and help me find my way.  Who doesn’t want to be lead to the hidden treasure of life?

“There’s more: God’s Word warns us of danger and directs us to hidden treasure. Otherwise how will we find our way?
Or know when we play the fool? Clean the slate, God, so we can start the day fresh! Keep me from stupid sins, from thinking I can take over your work; then I can start this day sun-washed, scrubbed clean of the grime of sin. These are the words in my mouth; these are what I chew on and pray. Accept them when I place them on the morning altar,” Psalm 19:12-13(MSG)

We think God is a legalist, that we cannot approach him until we get it all together.  That we need to transform our life and then we will risk approaching Him and begin to start a relationship.  When in fact it is thru a relationship with Him that we are transformed!

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message)

I got so much from these scriptures when they were taught to me this weekend.  It leads me to the truth that God is not just about do’s and don’ts but about freedom and relationship.  That God’s commands are radiant and can give light to my eyes!

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16. October 2009 by imoomie.

I am loving this song!  I find myself singing it through out the day…

I don’t know if it draws me in because I have three beautiful daughters that I am crazy about… 

Maybe, it is because as a woman I have spent a lifetime defining and discovering what it means to be a beautiful woman.  Deep in my soul, I long for the validation that I was made for a purpose, that God sees beauty in me and that it is enough.

Possibly, it is because the tempo is catchy and fresh, regardless….check it out

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXSkd8apbWM&feature=related

More Beautiful You by Jonny Diaz

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12. October 2009 by imoomie.

Today in church we talked about suffering.  We revisited what is referred to as “The Fall” in which Adam and Eve rocked our world.  The world as it would have been, as God had intended it to be was at that time radically changed.

We were designed to have a free will, to be thinking, living beings that make choices.  We can choose to be under His protection or outside of His plan.  Our freedom comes with consequences for our actions… like a double edged sword.  We want freedom, yet we quickly turn on God and demand to know… why?  “Why, God is there suffering?” as though He should eliminate consequences sprung forth as a result of the choices made with the freedom we have been given.

If God wiped out evil, who would be left?  His love has in fact saved us!

 This was my favorite part, the love part, the God as my father part!

The analogy was beautifully described by our Pastor… of a parent with their child.  Specifically, him with his children.  He walked us through the years of growing up.  The firsts of life, the joys, the disappointments, the challenges and at times the pain… yet, in all that living, after all these things… would he ever wish that he had never had his children?  Never!  He WANTED his kids! That is how our Father in heaven feels about us! He WANTS us!

When trials come our way, when we observe suffering, one of two things will happen…

It will either drive us away from God or it will draw us close.

“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourself this day whom you will serve.” Joshua 25:15(NIV)

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11. October 2009 by imoomie.

If you are reading this…it has to be because you like Cheez-its too!

I got the best deal on Cheez-its today!  Yep, four(13.7oz) boxes for $6.00! 

I am so thrilled that I just want to go back tomorrow and get four more.  Did I say thrilled?  Really? So, is this what I do for fun?  Gone are my days of roller-coaster riding, I’m buying Cheez-its.

 Oh, and in case a little part of you is wondering…for all the detailed oriented folks like me-

1- New Pepper Jack Flavor

2-Original

1-Cheez-it Duoz - 2 flavors in one box-Sharp Cheddar and Parmesan

and you can also try Zesty Queso and Cheddar Blanco(it says so on the box).

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10. October 2009 by imoomie.

You’ve heard them, haven’t you?   The perky, productive creatures you can hear chirping waaay before the sun is up, while it is still dark and frigid outside.  Some days I awaken to melodic singing, but this morning I am sure it is not music but busy chatter I hear. These feathered friends are making plans for their day and letting everyone know that time is a wastin’.  They are preparing and eating because we all know… the early bird gets the worm.  Boy, am I reminded of these things on this predawn October morn.

Recently, I heard God whisper into my heart that if I would get up at 6am I would have time to write.  I would have a guilt free, hopefully quiet time to walk in the calling laid before me.  I know you can guess what’s coming… it is 6am and I lay there with those chatty, productive birds right outside my window and I stand at a crossroad.

Who, ever says: “I love sleep more than God”?!  Yet, I am at this moment forced to make a choice between an opportunity and sleep.   I know sleep is an idol in my life.  I know that you cannot serve God and an idol.  I don’t think I have ever thought that sleep was overated, but an Idol?  Ouch!

Now, I am not saying sleep is wrong, we should sleep… I am just sharing what I struggle with, baring my soul, allowing you, even inviting you to stand on a wooden crate and peek in…

Do you know why?  So that in the process of looking into my imperfect life you will feel comfortable and see your own.  Not one of us lives alone with the thorn of human imperfection.  We all “got something” that we’d rather not talk about.

Maybe, you cannot relate to the writing and sleeping concept.  But what pricks your heart? What comes to mind right now?  What, or where, is God calling you to and what is standing in your way?

 Will you lay it down?

There is blessing and victory once I am up and spending time with God… and writing.  The hours pass by and it seems like mere minutes.  It fills my heart with joy.  I am keenly aware though that tomorrow I will be back at the crossroad with a choice to make.   “I can do everything through him who gives me strength”Philipians 4:16(NIV).  I believe if I purposely get up each day and choose Him…that before I know it…it will become second nature.  Just like the birds.

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