Lovely shower curtain and the shelves next to the sink (notice my pretty white and blue basket for toiletries)
Inside of the shower with the new tile
Tile inside the shower area
Closeup of the tile and the accent trim near the top
Monday, July 11, 2011
If you are curious...
While we were gone in February to Thailand, Lena had the guest bathroom (and one I normally use) redone. She had a new bathtub put in and a shower head. Here are a few pictures. :)
Inside of the shower with the new tile
Tile inside the shower area
Closeup of the tile and the accent trim near the top
Inside of the shower with the new tile
Tile inside the shower areaCloseup of the tile and the accent trim near the top
Fun Meal #1
Lena is away for a couple of weeks and I decided to try out some new recipes while she is gone. My first meal was Chicken Sausage Gyros. I cut the recipe below in half and used flat bread instead of the pita bread. I also added a sprinkle of dill weed to the sour cream mixture. For the chicken sausage, I used Johnsonville Italian Chicken Sausage (which I got at Tom Thumb, a local grocery store here). It had a good flavor and is much better for you than regular sausage. This was super fast and even after I cut it in half it has lasted for several meals.
- 1 package (12 ounces) fully cooked spinach and feta chicken sausage links or flavor of your choice, cut into 1/4-inch slices
- 1 cup (8 ounces) reduced-fat sour cream
- 1/4 cup finely chopped cucumber
- 1-1/2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
- 1-1/2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 whole wheat pita breads (6 inches)
- 1 plum tomato, sliced
- 1/2 small onion, thinly sliced
Directions
- In a large skillet coated with cooking spray, cook sausage over medium heat until heated through.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the sour cream, cucumber, vinegar, oil and garlic powder. Serve chicken sausage on pita breads with tomato, onion and cucumber sauce. Yield: 4 servings.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Lessons from a Crochet Hook
Somehow I missed the memo and was not one of the students who learned how to crochet and knit during my college days (which was quite popular at my school). My friends would pull out their hook and yarn while we were watching a movie, chatting or when their brains needed a break from the books.
Well, now I'm heading to Cambodia in August to the village I visited in February. I am joining a team to help out with VBS there and in a neighboring village. Each year the boys learn a woodworking project and the girls learn a sewing project. This year, the leaders decided to teach the girls how to crochet a dishcloth. In order to teach the girls, it would be advantageous for me to learn to crochet.
I got several books from the library, some yarn and a hook and have been trying to teach myself how to crochet. One of the reasons I never picked up the art in college is that these kinds of things don't come naturally to me. But, I think I got the hang of the basic slip knot and chain stitch so I thought I was off to a good start.
But for some reason I have been lacking the motivation to keep going and learn the next step. Am I just lazy? Maybe. But I have been wrestling with this whole idea of teaching the girls to crochet. Perhaps it is a valid skill and could help them make money (by selling the items), or get a job more easily, or just furnish items they need in their homes. Okay, that works. But we are bringing in the yarn and hooks. So where are they going to get supplies once the ones we are bringing run out? Is yarn readily available in the village area, or would someone need to bring them supplies from the "outside", from Phnom Pehn or Bangkok or even the US? Is this a skill that can be reproduced: can they teach others and continue to develop their skills? Who will refresh their memories of the different stitches if they forget? Does this make them dependent on outsiders? Do they really want to learn this skill or are we deciding what is best for them?
Maybe I am over-analyzing this whole thing. Maybe I just need to buckle down and be diligent and learn how to do the single crochet. Or, do I need to mention something to the leaders of the VBS or the missionary there? Is there always going to be this tension when working with those in another culture (um, yes, I think so)?
Any thoughts?
Well, now I'm heading to Cambodia in August to the village I visited in February. I am joining a team to help out with VBS there and in a neighboring village. Each year the boys learn a woodworking project and the girls learn a sewing project. This year, the leaders decided to teach the girls how to crochet a dishcloth. In order to teach the girls, it would be advantageous for me to learn to crochet.
I got several books from the library, some yarn and a hook and have been trying to teach myself how to crochet. One of the reasons I never picked up the art in college is that these kinds of things don't come naturally to me. But, I think I got the hang of the basic slip knot and chain stitch so I thought I was off to a good start.
But for some reason I have been lacking the motivation to keep going and learn the next step. Am I just lazy? Maybe. But I have been wrestling with this whole idea of teaching the girls to crochet. Perhaps it is a valid skill and could help them make money (by selling the items), or get a job more easily, or just furnish items they need in their homes. Okay, that works. But we are bringing in the yarn and hooks. So where are they going to get supplies once the ones we are bringing run out? Is yarn readily available in the village area, or would someone need to bring them supplies from the "outside", from Phnom Pehn or Bangkok or even the US? Is this a skill that can be reproduced: can they teach others and continue to develop their skills? Who will refresh their memories of the different stitches if they forget? Does this make them dependent on outsiders? Do they really want to learn this skill or are we deciding what is best for them?
Maybe I am over-analyzing this whole thing. Maybe I just need to buckle down and be diligent and learn how to do the single crochet. Or, do I need to mention something to the leaders of the VBS or the missionary there? Is there always going to be this tension when working with those in another culture (um, yes, I think so)?
Any thoughts?
Friday, June 17, 2011
Out for Tea
Sometimes it is nice to have a break from the craziness of life to laugh and be a kid again. This week the ladies from the office went to a tea room in Plano to celebrate a couple of birthdays. We were about the only ones in the place, and they had some fun hats and accessories for when they host little girl teas. We decided to each try on a hat, and wore them through lunch. It was a blessing to share this time with the ladies and to "pretend" we were living in another era as we dressed up. Above are a few pictures from our time at the tea room.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Restoring Relationships
I have been reading an interesting book in preparation for my trip to Cambodia called When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor and Yourself by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert. I know poverty exists. I have seen it in the US and in just about every country I have visited. So far I have been of the school of meeting the physical needs as well as the spiritual needs. Someone won't listen to the hope of Jesus if they haven't had a decent meal in days, but if we feed them and don't tell them about Christ, what good are we doing? Corbett & Fikkert offered some very interesting insights and questions in dealing with this issue.
Here's how they define poverty:
Poverty is the result of relationships that do not work, that are not just, that are not for life, that are not harmonious or enjoyable. Poverty is the absence of shalom in all its meaning.
This makes a lot of sense if you think about it. We are all broken by the effects of the fall and our own sinful nature, out of relationship with God except through Jesus' saving grace. Because of this, we deal with breaks in relationships with each other. We lack the confidence or the dedication to continue on in the face of difficulty. The world is broken too. All of these factors contribute to the poverty in the world.
There's more to poverty than a lack of resources, but that is a very real aspect of it. It goes back to the brokenness of the relationships. A husband and wife encounter issues, and without the strength and wisdom of knowing Christ, the husband leaves. The wife is left to care for the children on her own and lacking the skills and confidence to find a good job, she struggles to provide adequately for her family.
As believers, how do we respond to issues of poverty? We often rush in, providing whatever needs are on the surface, and not taking the time to learn about the community and individuals. We provide relief to "stop the bleeding" when that might not be the appropriate response. There are definitely times when it is, such as immediately after a natural disaster or catastrophe. But once that short time of relief is over, the focus should be on rehabilitation and development of skills and discipleship so the people in poverty can move forward and be able to grow and go out on their own. The authors emphasized that people should get to the place where they are bringing glory to God and enjoying Him, through their work and life. It is about bringing restoration to people and bringing them back into right relationships through God's power (and not ours!).
Poverty is a very real issue and one that we as the church have often ignored or not responded to properly. I think we need to really think through how we are encouraging those currently in poverty, not in a paternalistic way, but showing the amazing love of our Heavenly Father who is already at work.
Here's how they define poverty:
Poverty is the result of relationships that do not work, that are not just, that are not for life, that are not harmonious or enjoyable. Poverty is the absence of shalom in all its meaning.
This makes a lot of sense if you think about it. We are all broken by the effects of the fall and our own sinful nature, out of relationship with God except through Jesus' saving grace. Because of this, we deal with breaks in relationships with each other. We lack the confidence or the dedication to continue on in the face of difficulty. The world is broken too. All of these factors contribute to the poverty in the world.
There's more to poverty than a lack of resources, but that is a very real aspect of it. It goes back to the brokenness of the relationships. A husband and wife encounter issues, and without the strength and wisdom of knowing Christ, the husband leaves. The wife is left to care for the children on her own and lacking the skills and confidence to find a good job, she struggles to provide adequately for her family.
As believers, how do we respond to issues of poverty? We often rush in, providing whatever needs are on the surface, and not taking the time to learn about the community and individuals. We provide relief to "stop the bleeding" when that might not be the appropriate response. There are definitely times when it is, such as immediately after a natural disaster or catastrophe. But once that short time of relief is over, the focus should be on rehabilitation and development of skills and discipleship so the people in poverty can move forward and be able to grow and go out on their own. The authors emphasized that people should get to the place where they are bringing glory to God and enjoying Him, through their work and life. It is about bringing restoration to people and bringing them back into right relationships through God's power (and not ours!).
Poverty is a very real issue and one that we as the church have often ignored or not responded to properly. I think we need to really think through how we are encouraging those currently in poverty, not in a paternalistic way, but showing the amazing love of our Heavenly Father who is already at work.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Platforms
I have never really gotten into American Idol, but I caught the tail-end of this last season’s show and saw the last four contestants. Last night, Scotty McCreery took the top honors as one of the best up-and-coming performers in the nation. He will now have the opportunity, and already has, to influence young people and many others around the US as he furthers his musical career.
Most of us will never stand on a stage and be showered with confetti and be given such an opportunity. Yet, we each have a platform, some area in which we have the power to influence another person and make a difference. Sometimes we can take these opportunities for granted and portray a poor example to follow. Whether it’s with our family, friends, the younger generation, the older generation, the lost, whatever, we need to take the gifts and experiences and wisdom that the Lord has provided and seek to influence those around us in a positive way.
1 Timothy 4:12-16 (NIV) Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young [or old], but set an example for the believers in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given to you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
God at Work
We can definitely see God at work in the world, drawing people to Himself and holding all things together. Yet, I think God also wants us to know that He is working in the little things, giving us glimpses of His grace in the minute details of our lives.
I had such an experience this week. It seems minor, but in the midst of the craziness it was a wonderful encouragement. This week we are preparing for our May board of directors meeting. At our old office, on the door to the conference room we had a copy of our Mission and Vision on 11 x 17 paper as a reminder of why we were doing what we were doing. Kent asked if we could get that reprinted and framed to go in our new conference room in time for the board meeting. I wasn't sure what would be available for frames, so I readjusted the document to fit in an 8 x 10 frame, although not liking how small the font became. When I uploaded the document to get it printed, the company didn't accept that paper size and I had to choose either a standard sheet of paper or the 11 x 17. I decided to go with the latter and hope I could find a frame. I did some quick checking online but it seemed that the only way to get it was to have to order the frames online and have them shipped. We didn't really have time for that, but I figured if nothing else the paper could again go up by itself on the wall.
I picked up the documents and was very pleased with how they had turned out. The font size on the 11 x 17 paper was really the best for being able to easily read it. I decided to run by Michael's just up the road and see if they had anything on hand. I really just wanted something black and simple.
When I walked in the door, at the very front of the store they had a bin of 11 x 17 frames, exactly what I was looking for. They were inexpensive but sturdy and the black really looked sharp with our logo. I was so excited that I had been able to find exactly what I needed and I didn't even have to roam up and down the picture frame aisles in order to find it. I knew that God was giving me a little break in the midst of the craziness to show me that He was in control and taking care of things! Although it was really minor, it was a huge blessing to me and it was cool to see God at work!
I had such an experience this week. It seems minor, but in the midst of the craziness it was a wonderful encouragement. This week we are preparing for our May board of directors meeting. At our old office, on the door to the conference room we had a copy of our Mission and Vision on 11 x 17 paper as a reminder of why we were doing what we were doing. Kent asked if we could get that reprinted and framed to go in our new conference room in time for the board meeting. I wasn't sure what would be available for frames, so I readjusted the document to fit in an 8 x 10 frame, although not liking how small the font became. When I uploaded the document to get it printed, the company didn't accept that paper size and I had to choose either a standard sheet of paper or the 11 x 17. I decided to go with the latter and hope I could find a frame. I did some quick checking online but it seemed that the only way to get it was to have to order the frames online and have them shipped. We didn't really have time for that, but I figured if nothing else the paper could again go up by itself on the wall.
I picked up the documents and was very pleased with how they had turned out. The font size on the 11 x 17 paper was really the best for being able to easily read it. I decided to run by Michael's just up the road and see if they had anything on hand. I really just wanted something black and simple.
When I walked in the door, at the very front of the store they had a bin of 11 x 17 frames, exactly what I was looking for. They were inexpensive but sturdy and the black really looked sharp with our logo. I was so excited that I had been able to find exactly what I needed and I didn't even have to roam up and down the picture frame aisles in order to find it. I knew that God was giving me a little break in the midst of the craziness to show me that He was in control and taking care of things! Although it was really minor, it was a huge blessing to me and it was cool to see God at work!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Think About It...
Here's a quote to chew on:
"I have found that there are three stages in every great work of God: first it is impossible, then it is difficult, then it is done".
~Hudson Taylor
"I have found that there are three stages in every great work of God: first it is impossible, then it is difficult, then it is done".
~Hudson Taylor
Stepping In
It has been a busy last few weeks (or month since that's how long it's been since I last blogged)! I celebrated twenty-five years of being alive, we got moved in to our new office building and are getting settled and I wrapped up another semester at DBU. In one very short year, in two short semesters, Lord- willing I will be walking down the graduation aisle to receive my Master's degree. I'm excited, but nervous too, because in my mind graduation marks the jumping-off place, the time when I will head off to the next adventure the Lord has in store.
Change happens, that's for sure. As I started to box up my belongings in the church office, I was sad to be leaving that place. Two and a half years ago I pulled up in front of this seemingly massive church building and Erika met me in the parking lot, a welcome site after a 12 hour drive all the way from Nebraska. For the next year and a half, the 3 of us shared the day-to-day aspects of a remote office, and then we began to welcome a whole staff from the Seattle office as they moved to Plano. Finally, we have settled in to a spot that we can call our own. While I have so many amazing memories from the church office, I'm so excited for this new place and the opportunities that are opening up to our organization because of this. I'm ready to move on to new things here, and to look forward to what changes might be coming in the next year.
In order to be ready for what changes God might bring, we have to be willing to step out in faith. When the Israelites were ready to follow Joshua into the Promised Land, they encountered the flooded Jordan River. God told Joshua that the priests carrying the Ark were to go down into the river and remain in the middle while the rest of the people walked across. Just as God had parted the Red Sea for the Israelites to leave Egypt, God promised that He would make a way for the people to go across on dry ground. But, the waters would not part until the feet of the priests touched the river. The purpose of all of this was to show the greatness of the Lord, and to help the people trust Him. I was really challenged by this story (found in Joshua 3) in thinking about change. Sometimes God gives us instruction, but then says "Take a step" without giving us all the details. We can't often see how things will turn out, yet this is an opportunity to hold fast to God and really lean on Him. When we do, He has the opportunity to work through us and help us grow, as well as proving how amazing and faithful He is.
I am sure that in the coming months God will have the chance to grow me as I learn to trust Him more completely. It's a little scary but so exciting to believe that He will be at work!
Change happens, that's for sure. As I started to box up my belongings in the church office, I was sad to be leaving that place. Two and a half years ago I pulled up in front of this seemingly massive church building and Erika met me in the parking lot, a welcome site after a 12 hour drive all the way from Nebraska. For the next year and a half, the 3 of us shared the day-to-day aspects of a remote office, and then we began to welcome a whole staff from the Seattle office as they moved to Plano. Finally, we have settled in to a spot that we can call our own. While I have so many amazing memories from the church office, I'm so excited for this new place and the opportunities that are opening up to our organization because of this. I'm ready to move on to new things here, and to look forward to what changes might be coming in the next year.
In order to be ready for what changes God might bring, we have to be willing to step out in faith. When the Israelites were ready to follow Joshua into the Promised Land, they encountered the flooded Jordan River. God told Joshua that the priests carrying the Ark were to go down into the river and remain in the middle while the rest of the people walked across. Just as God had parted the Red Sea for the Israelites to leave Egypt, God promised that He would make a way for the people to go across on dry ground. But, the waters would not part until the feet of the priests touched the river. The purpose of all of this was to show the greatness of the Lord, and to help the people trust Him. I was really challenged by this story (found in Joshua 3) in thinking about change. Sometimes God gives us instruction, but then says "Take a step" without giving us all the details. We can't often see how things will turn out, yet this is an opportunity to hold fast to God and really lean on Him. When we do, He has the opportunity to work through us and help us grow, as well as proving how amazing and faithful He is.
I am sure that in the coming months God will have the chance to grow me as I learn to trust Him more completely. It's a little scary but so exciting to believe that He will be at work!
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