I always thought that by now I would be one of those women who really knew how to pray. After all I've been at it for a long time. But somehow I still feel like a novice with lots to learn... Though I can say I have reason to believe God hears me. Here are two prayer stories from a while back...
We came to live in CA from Spain for a year and since not many of my friends every came to Spain I wanted a CA home that was warm and welcoming. Our rental was furnished with kind donations of church people and it was just fine except for the yellow and black plaid sofa with the heavy wooden arms and back. Ugh. So I decided I would pray for a new sofa. After a couple ugly sofa weeks, Mary Ann called and said to come quick, her neighbor had a sensible green sofa for sale at a garage sale! But alas, when I arrived, it was sold. Disappointed, I grudgingly changed my prayer-- asking God to make me content with the yellow and black sofa. A couple days later, my friend Sue called and asked if we could use her tidy little navy sofa bed! oh joy! I couldn't have been more thankful! So God gave the pretty sofa with a little lesson in contentment thrown in.
In the months before that furlough to CA, we had been a bit short of "work funds" and were hoping the money would come in to help pay for Larry's studies the year we were home. When I would tuck the boys in at night one of things we would pray for was the money for our acccount. But as the weeks went by it never arrived. Finally we packed up our house in Seville and headed up for a couple days of meetings for Larry in Madrid before we flew home. I was wishing the money had appeared, not just for the need, but because I wanted our boys to see God would supply it. The night before we left Spain, Larry came in and said we got a notice that the money had been given to our accounts. Another very thankful moment.
These days I pray. I pray for all the people I love-- health and contentment for our parents, for faith and all the circumstances of life for our kids. I pray with friends for their children, their health scares, their jobs. I pray for the kids I teach--that they would learn and that I would love them well. I pray to grow and be more prayerful and to love God more as my days go by.
"Speak to Him thou for He hears
Spirit with spirit can meet
Closer is He than breathing
And nearer than hands and feel."
--Tennyson
Monday, September 29, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Blueberries and Pecans
Looking through cooking magazines, what makes one recipe appealing and another something you pass right over. For me,it seems, there are certain ingredients that catch my eye. If the recipe calls for chocolate, apricots, cilantro, bacon, cream cheese, mango, blueberries, or almost any kind of nuts, I'm ready to give it a try. So one of my current favorites is a blueberry-pecan coffee cake from an old Cooking Light magazine (with a few adjustments). It's fast, easy, yummy in an uncomplicated kind of way and of course has those eye-catching, mouth watering ingredients-- blueberries and pecans!
BLUEBERRY/PECAN COFFEE CAKE:
5 tab canola oil
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
2/3 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp amareto
1 1/2 cup flour
2 cups blueberries
2/3 cup pecans,chopped
powdered sugar
Mix all but the powdered sugar and spoon into a 9" springform pan (or any similar pan) sprayed with Pam.
Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes.
Sprinkle with powdered sugar through a sieve.
For dessert serve it with whipped cream
So satisfying, not too sweet. Lovely with a cup of tea.
BLUEBERRY/PECAN COFFEE CAKE:
5 tab canola oil
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
2/3 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp amareto
1 1/2 cup flour
2 cups blueberries
2/3 cup pecans,chopped
powdered sugar
Mix all but the powdered sugar and spoon into a 9" springform pan (or any similar pan) sprayed with Pam.
Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes.
Sprinkle with powdered sugar through a sieve.
For dessert serve it with whipped cream
So satisfying, not too sweet. Lovely with a cup of tea.
Friday, September 19, 2008
THE LIST
Recently Micah posted a blog with this list of a format. And then Ani picked it up and wrote on the same topics. Great fun to read them both. So I'm jumping on the bandwagon with my own little points of view:
THE U.S. ELECTION: Well, this is the most interesting election in my recollection. And truth be told I'm a bit torn. There are some points of the Republican plank that I hold to--saving unborn children. But listening to Obama, I sense an integrity and generosity of spirit that is very apealling. I am for ending the war soon and all for fiscal responisbility in government. So who do I vote for?
RELIGION: I can only say my faith is more precious to me now than ever. The older I grow, the more aware I am of my own sin/failings and more thankful for the mercy God has extended toward me to allow me to be his. I know that God and our salvation in Jesus can not be scientifically proven--that's why it's called faith. But what is the meaning of life, the basis of morality apart from a perfect God? So many "clues" point to God. I'm reading "The Reason for God" by Tim Keller right now and it's bolstering my faith while pointing to flaws in my life that only God can forgive--an amazing book. God is good.
OLYMPICS: I enjoyed the parts that I did see-- a very American slant on the events. Kept waiting to see those Spanish girls in the rhythmic gymnastics! But I found I liked the side stories on China even more than the events. I guess I'm more of a travel person than a sports person!
PARTIES: When I was small my Dad called me the party girl! Not that I'm big at "partying" in the current venacular. But I do love to have friends in the house and feed them. And Sally and I are having big fun organizing little events for the JH ladies nowdays. This Sunday I am making a big Thanksgiving lunch (turkey, orange-cranberry sauce, pecan tarts...) for all the friends who pitched in on the kitchen remodel. Should be a warm, wonderful time to thank them--being with comfortable, old friends is a sweet part of life.
MUSIC: Hmm, I don't have sophisticated musical taste. It seems like I enjoy classical music-- especially harmony laden Bach or any lively,lovely Baraoque and also the type of music I grew up with. That's Joni, James and Van. And some serious hymns feed my soul... Maybe as you age comfort is an asset in music over novelty. Or maybe it's just what I like...
WHERE YOU LIVE: I could write a book on this one! We have lived here in SoCal, Dallas, Costa Rica and Spain. When the time to move to Spain came I was more than recluctant to go. But the years there have become precious to me--not so much because of the place (although there are parts of the Spanish culture i sorely miss), but because of the people. The best part of Dallas were the friends. And why are we here in SoCal? --because our parents and the JH are here. I would pick somewhere more traditional, more beautiful, more green, more friendly if I were just picking a place...
HISTORY: I believe a sense of history is important in making you a wise, knowledgable person, especially the history of other cultures and other peoples. I have to confess much of the history I know is from reading novels (MIchner,Wouk,Stone) or biographies (Jung Chang, Fritz)--not too academic. But when I travel I love to get a sense of the place, in part, by it's history. And it gives me joy to see God's work in people through history...
DAUGHTERS: I can't imagine my life without Ani and Laurel. Ani, sweet and thoughful--insightful into her life and mine as well. She is a model of integrity and care for people. And she's so awfuly pretty! Laurel, clever and and oh so fun-- Gr Lo called her the "joy giver." Lolo is bright and caring, so good to her friends and her mom! and such a great smile--so adorable. I couldn't love my girls more! So it's a bit bittersweet that they are so far away and I can't see them, junk store shop, library browse, cook, tv watch, just plain talk with them as much as I would wish.
DAUGHTERS II: I try to be a loving and faithful daughter to my own mom. It's not hard to be motivated--because there is almost no one I admire more or love as much. She is capable, active and loves God deeply. She cares for me unselfishly and always has.
FOOD: When we travel, one of my favorite occupations is visiting markets and trying new foods-- eg the Naschmarkt in Vienna, the saltmbocca in Rome last summer. And at home I adore shopping, cooking, eating and feeding other people food! Some people like football and some like roller coasters-- but I get my adrenaline finding the perfect recipe in a Bon Apetit magazine and whipping it up for Larry or friends. This week it was orange chipotle chicken with cilantro rice for our "fun" friends--Tim and Jill. --rich flavor, just spicy enough and warm, pretty to the eye. And now I have a lovely new kitchen to cook in (thanks Larry)!! So who wouldn't like coconut pecan cake, banana-nut pancakes, bacon slathered brussel sprouts or a prefect big plate of spaghetti! Don't get me started on food!
THE U.S. ELECTION: Well, this is the most interesting election in my recollection. And truth be told I'm a bit torn. There are some points of the Republican plank that I hold to--saving unborn children. But listening to Obama, I sense an integrity and generosity of spirit that is very apealling. I am for ending the war soon and all for fiscal responisbility in government. So who do I vote for?
RELIGION: I can only say my faith is more precious to me now than ever. The older I grow, the more aware I am of my own sin/failings and more thankful for the mercy God has extended toward me to allow me to be his. I know that God and our salvation in Jesus can not be scientifically proven--that's why it's called faith. But what is the meaning of life, the basis of morality apart from a perfect God? So many "clues" point to God. I'm reading "The Reason for God" by Tim Keller right now and it's bolstering my faith while pointing to flaws in my life that only God can forgive--an amazing book. God is good.
OLYMPICS: I enjoyed the parts that I did see-- a very American slant on the events. Kept waiting to see those Spanish girls in the rhythmic gymnastics! But I found I liked the side stories on China even more than the events. I guess I'm more of a travel person than a sports person!
PARTIES: When I was small my Dad called me the party girl! Not that I'm big at "partying" in the current venacular. But I do love to have friends in the house and feed them. And Sally and I are having big fun organizing little events for the JH ladies nowdays. This Sunday I am making a big Thanksgiving lunch (turkey, orange-cranberry sauce, pecan tarts...) for all the friends who pitched in on the kitchen remodel. Should be a warm, wonderful time to thank them--being with comfortable, old friends is a sweet part of life.
MUSIC: Hmm, I don't have sophisticated musical taste. It seems like I enjoy classical music-- especially harmony laden Bach or any lively,lovely Baraoque and also the type of music I grew up with. That's Joni, James and Van. And some serious hymns feed my soul... Maybe as you age comfort is an asset in music over novelty. Or maybe it's just what I like...
WHERE YOU LIVE: I could write a book on this one! We have lived here in SoCal, Dallas, Costa Rica and Spain. When the time to move to Spain came I was more than recluctant to go. But the years there have become precious to me--not so much because of the place (although there are parts of the Spanish culture i sorely miss), but because of the people. The best part of Dallas were the friends. And why are we here in SoCal? --because our parents and the JH are here. I would pick somewhere more traditional, more beautiful, more green, more friendly if I were just picking a place...
HISTORY: I believe a sense of history is important in making you a wise, knowledgable person, especially the history of other cultures and other peoples. I have to confess much of the history I know is from reading novels (MIchner,Wouk,Stone) or biographies (Jung Chang, Fritz)--not too academic. But when I travel I love to get a sense of the place, in part, by it's history. And it gives me joy to see God's work in people through history...
DAUGHTERS: I can't imagine my life without Ani and Laurel. Ani, sweet and thoughful--insightful into her life and mine as well. She is a model of integrity and care for people. And she's so awfuly pretty! Laurel, clever and and oh so fun-- Gr Lo called her the "joy giver." Lolo is bright and caring, so good to her friends and her mom! and such a great smile--so adorable. I couldn't love my girls more! So it's a bit bittersweet that they are so far away and I can't see them, junk store shop, library browse, cook, tv watch, just plain talk with them as much as I would wish.
DAUGHTERS II: I try to be a loving and faithful daughter to my own mom. It's not hard to be motivated--because there is almost no one I admire more or love as much. She is capable, active and loves God deeply. She cares for me unselfishly and always has.
FOOD: When we travel, one of my favorite occupations is visiting markets and trying new foods-- eg the Naschmarkt in Vienna, the saltmbocca in Rome last summer. And at home I adore shopping, cooking, eating and feeding other people food! Some people like football and some like roller coasters-- but I get my adrenaline finding the perfect recipe in a Bon Apetit magazine and whipping it up for Larry or friends. This week it was orange chipotle chicken with cilantro rice for our "fun" friends--Tim and Jill. --rich flavor, just spicy enough and warm, pretty to the eye. And now I have a lovely new kitchen to cook in (thanks Larry)!! So who wouldn't like coconut pecan cake, banana-nut pancakes, bacon slathered brussel sprouts or a prefect big plate of spaghetti! Don't get me started on food!
Monday, September 15, 2008
Order
The summer was long and lazy, but this is my favorite time of year! Everything falls back into place. The word that keeps running through my mind is "order." Back in the routine of school, cooler weather to bake a pan of cookies, family birthdays and holidays on the horizon, and tonight my beloved Bible study friends meet up again to start our year together after summr break. But the big-time orderliness for me comes from the kitchen remodel being done (thank you Larry!). What joy to have just the right spot for my garlic salt or pie servers, a new hutch to hold tablecoths and platters. Everything in order... at least for now.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Baby Maryann Laurel
After a flurry of blog posts, emails and telephone calls, she's here! That was on our side. In China, bringing forth this little darling was a bit more complicated!! Maryann Laurel Sittig, born to our Micah and Jodi on Sunday the 7th of September-- A taxi/ambulance ride to the hospital, a little waiting and some hard work on Jodi's part all resulted in a sweet miracle of new life.
The thing that makes a new baby so precious is all the hope-- hope for small first steps, for books read together, for drippy popsicles on hot days, for girly giggles and heartfelt conversations, for lasting affection, for a life well lived... So much ahead for little Maryann and all of us who already love her. That's hope.
The thing that makes a new baby so precious is all the hope-- hope for small first steps, for books read together, for drippy popsicles on hot days, for girly giggles and heartfelt conversations, for lasting affection, for a life well lived... So much ahead for little Maryann and all of us who already love her. That's hope.
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