Wow, I acutally managed to post 2 days in a row!

We've been doing a lot of baking lately for Christmas and I thought I'd share one of my favorite recipes. Beware though girls! My dad LOVES this dough so if you have cookie dough lovers at home and you don't watch, you might not have any to bake the cookies with! =)

Shortbread Cookies ~~ from the kitchen of my Momma =)

1 1/2 cup butter (3 sticks)
1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 1/2 tsp vanilla
3 cups flour

Blend the butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add vanilla. Blend in the flour gradually. (I've found through trial and error that this is important.) =) The dough should be the consistancy of playdough. Add a few tablespoons of milk to soften it a bit if needed.
Roll dough out to 1/4'' thick and cut out. Bake at 350 for 8-12 minutes or until a light golden. Cool on the pan for about one minute before removing from tray. *Hint - when rolling out the dough, use a half and half combination of powdered sugar and flour to keep the dough from getting to stiff and dry.
Enjoy!!

I hope everyone's Christmas preparations are going well and that you all find it a day of Joy and Rest!

Christmas Time!

I'm thinking I'm long overdue for a post. I decided to write the first annual Christmas Letter from and about Rachel. That should cover me for the rest of the month or until I post again. (I've proven to be a most spasmatic blogger.) :-)

Greetings one and y’all! (Ok, maybe I do hang out in the sticks a little more than I should…) It’s that time of year! The season to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ! I love this time of year- the frantic last minute shopping (even though I’ve only two more gifts to buy…), the cooking of lots of yummy food, getting together with family and friends. God has blessed me in many ways this year in my family and friends and I am so thankful for all of you. Looking back on this past year, there have been a lot of “ firsts” for me.
~I was a bridesmaid for the first time. My sister Bethany got married and she asked me to be her maid of honor. That was a lot of fun! I have to admit though; my face was so sore from all that smiling!
~I got a new job! I started to work for Columbia Credit Union on May first and have loved it! It was a real answer to prayer. When folks ask me what I do for work I tell them, “I take people’s money from them.” I work at the Battle Ground branch with some really great people and have had the chance to meet lots of nice, new people too. And some not so nice people. I must say that I’m flattered that some people think I (a simple teller) have the power to change Federal Regulations just for them! =)
~I got my first car! It’s a little white Dodge Intrepid that Dad and I bought it. It’s not new, but it’s new to me. I call it Bianca. (Yes, I named my car…) She’s a good little car and I like to keep her very clean. =)
~Our family took a trip to Ohio in September and we got to spend time with Dad’s side of the family. While we were there, we drove to Kentucky one day and visited Churchill Downs. It was a dream come true for me! I’ve always been horse-crazy and I was in heaven. I even took a little jar of dirt from the track! ~ My sister Rebekah and I took an early morning tour the next day and we got to see the horses run their morning workout as the sun rose over the Twin Spires of the Downs. (I loved it; can you tell?)
~I discovered for the first time that I can quote “The Court Jester” in its entirety, songs and all! (* pats self on the back)
There were some other firsts for me this year; like my first time flunking a class at College and my first speeding ticket, but we won’t talk about those! =) I still like to laugh at the most inordinate times and I think I have a movie quote for just about any situation. This year has been one of growing in the Lord and learning to trust Him implicitly. So much of the time I think I can do it on my own and over and over again He reminds me I can’t. As my Dad would say “You’re not the fourth person of the Trinity.” Praise the Lord for that! =)
This has been a good year for me and I’m excited to see what next year will bring. I hope your Christmas is filled with rejoicing in the Birth of Jesus. May He bless you greatly this coming year!
Love, Rachel

Still and Starry

The stars twinkled through some broken clouds while the half-moon shined softly on the snow-covered fields in a valley. The snow-topped hills reflected the gentle light as well. There were soft silhouettes of barns and a few houses dotting the landscape. Not a soul in sight, not even any little critters.
Sounds like this could be the description of the front of your Christmas cards this year, or maybe even a pretty painting. Actually, this is the view I had on my way home last night from work. It was so beautiful. No lights other than the moon and my own headlights on the road. I really wanted to just stop the car and get out and watch for few minutes, but it was really cold and there was no telling when another car might be coming - even on the back roads. It gave me that "Christmas is coming!" feeling and got me all excited all over again!
Praise the Lord for His beautiful creation and for eyes to see it with!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hope you all have a great Thanksgiving rejoicing in the many gifts our Lord Jesus has blessed us with.
I read these verses today and felt very encouraged and uplifted in my heart.
I hope they do the same for you!

"Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy, and gathered out of the lands, from the east and from the west from the north and from the south." Psalm 107:1-3

"Then they cry out to the LORD in their trouble, and He brings them out of their distresses. He calms the storm, so that its waves are still. Then they are glad because they are quiet; so He guides them to their desired haven. Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! Let them exalt Him also in the assembly of the people, and praise Him in the company of the elders." Psalm 107:28-32

What a blessing to be reminded of Jesus redeeming us from sin and death and how He hears our cries of distress. Even my small worries and fears He hears and calms and shows me His promises of guiding me to my "desired haven." No matter how many times I read it I still am amazed that God hears my prayers - no matter how small or silly the matter may seem to me. It's with joy that I can say with the Psalmist " O give thanks to the Lord for He is good; for His mercy endures forever!"

For what Officer?!

I got pulled over Friday. I wasn't speeding. I wasn't talking on a cell phone. My lights were on. I was wearing a seatbelt. I wasn't driving recklessly. Would you like to know why I got pulled over? (I'm still trying to figure it out myself, there didn't seem to be a good reason...)
According to the officer - it is because I was putting on lipbalm. Yep! You read that right. Lipbalm! You know the chapstick kind - Burt's Bees brand to be exact.
I was so mad. He had no reason to pull me over. He claimed it was a traffic hazard because (and please try very hard to imagine the disdainful and lofty tone that he used here) "...more female drivers cause accidents because their too busy putting on their makeup instead of paying attention to traffic!"
Ok, first off, lipbalm is not makeup. Guys use it. Second, I wasn't using my rearview or any other mirror to apply the said lipbalm. I don't need a mirror for that. I do it by feel. It's not hard. I had one hand firmly on the stearing wheel and it took me less than 4 seconds to put the stuff on. It was all I could do not to tell him to shove off and leave me alone and take his chip-on-the-shoulder somewhere else.
But I didn't. I stayed calm and was VERY respectful. It would have been the last straw though if he had given me a ticket. He didn't. Still, what loony pulls someone over for putting on chapstick!?

Some funnies

Got these from someone at work :-)

BEAUTY PARLOR: a place where women curl up and dye

CANNIBAL: someone who is fed up with people

CHICKEN: the only animal you eat, both before it is born and after it is dead

COMMITTEE: a body that keeps minutes and wastes hours

DUST: mud with the juice squeezed out

EGOTIST: someone who is usually me-deep in conversation

HANDKERCHIEF: cold storage

INFLATION: cutting money in half without damaging paper

MOSQUITO: an insect that makes you like flies better

RAISIN: a grape with a sunburn

SECRET: something you tell to one person at a time

SKELETON: a bunch of bones with the person scraped off

TOOTHACH: the pain that drives you to extraction

TOMORROW: one of the greatest labor saving devices of today

YAWN: an honest opinion openly expressed

WRINKLES: something other people have. You have character lines

Definition of "eclectic"

Pronunciation: e-'klek-tik
i-Function: adjective
Etymology: Greek eklektikos, from eklegein to select, from ex- out + legein to gather
1:selecting what appears to be best in various doctrines, methods, or styles
2 : composed of elements drawn from various sources
also 'heterogeneous'

I've decided that I have a rather eclectic personality.

Maybe not - I like saying that word...

Round em up!

Even though I don't celebrate Halloween, I had to dress up for work.
I came as a cowgirl. :-) Big surprise right? ;-)
I've got the whole deal - hat, bandana, vest, plaid shirt and all. I took what was probably the only opportunity I will ever get to wear my jeans to work!

And tonight, I get to dress up again for our Reformation Party! Wohoo! Two costumes in one day! I haven't played this much dress up since I was about 10! :-)

I'd like to be a Swedish chef - so I can say "Bork!" all the time

"I will now endevour to perform acts of incredible lunacy" ~someone from the Muppets
Life is full of surprises. Just thought I'd share that thought.
I know you were waiting for something profound to come from me but I believe that some of the greatest profundities are not always original. Don't you?
Thought so.

not on purpose....

Sorry. I know I'm disobeying direct orders, but I did get sick. I could hardly help it.
Now I'm taking my Vit C and drinking lots of water and using boxes of tissues and feeling generally miserable. I'm just glad I have the next two days off of work. There is but one thing I want to do.

Sleep.

'I sink I'm gebbing a colb'

my head aches and my throat is sore. I hope don't get one-- I have lots of stuff to do. Maybe I can kick it before it gets any worse.

I know this will sound very redundant of my sister's post but:
She's coming in 4 weeks! I was able to get the day after Thanksgiving off and we're going to go shopping!! :-) I can't wait!
I mean, I suppose I'll have to wait, but I do get filled with a certain delightful anticipation, the kind that desperately wants the time to speed by! :-)

Busy day

It's been a busy day - going to work, coming home to pick up littlest sister, taking her to her doctor's appointment, then picking up other younger sister from college, taking them both home, (all within less than 2 hours) going back to work, and then I'm off to choir practice.

So now, about 3 1/2 hours, an ear-infection in the right ear, a determination to succeed in English class, and the whole tale of "Barbie and the Magic of Pegasus" later: I'm pooped!! :-)

lo and behold!

I'm feeling very proud of myself. And why shouldn't I be? In case you didn't notice-I have a whole new list of links to the left of my blog page.





<------- right there! And wouldn't you know, I finally figured it out!

On my own!!

HA! "Take that Pembridge scholars!"

Now I understand that may not be such a big accomplishment to some, if you happened to know my dismal, extremely technologically challenged past, you will understand what a milestone this is for me. This is a truly gratifying day! :-)

Today my list of links - tomorrow--the world!!

I love my mommy. She fixed me oatmeal for breakfast, and made me a sandwich for work, and fixed me some coffee for the road too. *sigh* She's so good to me. Thanks Mom, those little things mean so much to me. :-)

Mea Almost Culpa

Intentions vs. Actions. How many times do we hear or use the phrase "It's the thought that counts."? It's pretty common I think. But, if you think about it, we're judged on our actions, not what we intended or thought. Somehow, I don't think that when we stand before the face of God, that we get extra Merit Badges or Brownie Points because we thought of the right thing to do - we had the best of intentions of course.

In my great disgust for certain male fashion tastes (or the lack thereof) I almost forgot to mention:
Check out my new Myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/thederbygirl

Somethings I'll never understand.
Like how guys can walk around with their pants hanging off of their backsides with their oh-so-not-so-lovely boxers showing at the top. I mean, seriously, that cannot be comfortable.

Small blessings

Sometimes it amazes me how good God is. I know I shouldn’t be amazed but in my fallen state I do forget to give Him the Glory due His name. I was talking today at work to my new supervisor about school. She asked me what I wanted to do. I asked her if she was referring to school or life altogether. She though a moment and said “ Well, all of it.”
I explained where I was in school and my goal in school to study History and get some kind of degree. I told her that ultimately I want to get married and have a family and be a stay at home mom and to homeschool my children like I was. She was surprised to hear that I had been homeschooled and had lots of questions for me about it. Did we get to go on outings? What prompted my parents to it? Were they homeschooled? Where did they get materials? Did we have a schoolroom or did we work in the kitchen or dining room? Did I ever go to any school outside of home?
I was able to tell her (without going into much detail right now) about my homeschool experience and how my parents chose homeschooling because they wanted to give their kids a solid Christian worldview and education etc.
I felt I was able to give a witness and testimony to my Christian heritage and upbringing and give a good witness of my faith. I’m praying that my words were right and I was able to speak boldly for what I believe while in the workplace. Lately I had a hard time finding ways to be a witness in words not just in the way I act and don’t speak. J I am very thankful to the Lord for this opportunity. It was an answer to prayer and I’m praying for more such doors to open to discussion and witness opportunities. There have been days lately that I’ve been feeling down at work or the day has not been going well for me and God has been encouraging me in little ways reminding me that He

Living for who?

I was driving to work this morning, going over in my head the things that I had to do today and thinking about all the things I wanted to do not just today but in the very near future and with my life. It was then that it struck me how much I have been concerned lately with all that I want to do and hadn't been asking God for it and been trying to figure it out on my own.
It reminded me of the sermon I heard 2 weeks ago from a visiting Gray Friars student, Chris Morris, who spoke on prayer and asking God for things. It was like God just said to me "What are you worrying for? Just ask me."
So I did. And now, I can't tell you how much better I feel. Sure, I'll still be planning and dreaming but that gentle reminder to be always planning with "Lord if it's Your will" at the front of all my plans and dreams, not just some of the time, was what I needed.
God is good and has better things for me than I can plan or dream about.

"A man's heart plans his way but the LORD directs his steps"
~Proverbs 16:9

Mathematics by Osmosis

After spending about an hour going over three pages in my math book, it finally started to make sense. Math is not my favoritest subject in the world. I'm thinking that maybe if I just stare at them long enough, the concepts will gradually absorb into my brain.

Whaddya think?

Technological advances

I used to think that I hated technology. Well maybe hated is too strong a word. Had a severe dislike would be more accurate. Now I wonder if perhaps my dislike has merely stemmed from the fact that I'm more technologically challenged than most. (Mechanically - not that bad but technologically -yes) I've never been that good on a computer. Sure I can type, but I don't know how a modem works and I don't understand the difference between DSL and dial-up (except that one is faster than the other), I used to think the monitor WAS the computer (of course that was quiet a few years ago), I am completely HTML illiterate, and the difference between RAM and a Megabyte or Gigabyte or a Hugebyte or whatever it is, is completely lost on me. I've been trying for months to figure out my blog template so that I can post pictures and actually set up links to other people's sites.I don't know the difference between an Ipod and an MP3 player and I've just recently figured out all the buttons on our DVD remote but still don't know how the receiver works or how to set the surround sound on. I don't even think I know the meaning of the word "streaming" even though I hear it all the time. I realize that I am probably shaming myself by admitting all of this but then I realize it's good for one to be humbled every now and then. I have to tell myself that contrary to what I think and what others may think about me, I don't know everything. My proficiencies lay elsewhere. Such as reading and more domestic types of skills, English and Grammar (to a degree).
But as I sit here with my dad's laptop, I am convinced once again that technological advances are good and that I probably can figure it out....Eventually. I think I need to get one of these things. But that of course will have to take it's place, along with everything else that could possibly be useful in my life, on it's place in my priority totem pole. There are other things that I'm trying to pay for at the moment: school and a car and its insurance to start with.
So, I guess what I'm saying is I do like technology and so far it's been used for my good and no doubt I will be learning more as time goes by. (BTW - I've tried to read "HTML for Dummies" and it made no sense. Kind of like math - it's like trying to speak to a Chinese person without a translator.) I can do it it will just take a lot of time. However, if any of you feel the pull of your heartstrings at the sight of my pathetic ignorance, or view this post as a feeble plea for help and feel compelled to step forward and assist your fellow man (or woman in this case) in a step toward greater knowledge and help give her a better edge in this quickly evolving and highly competitive technological world, by no means will I turn you away or spurn your help! :-) Please don't take this as me feeling sorry for myself and "Oh, I wish someone would help me!" kind of statement. I mean more to poke fun at myself than anything. Personally, I find it rather funny when people look at me with that "you don't know what THAT is?" kind of look on their face. Then I smile and pay close attention as they so kindly explain it to me. :-)
Call me stupid, call me blonde (wait a sec, I am!) but hey! that's me! ;-)

Fall is coming!

I love September! The leaves start changing their colors, the wind is blowing, the warm sweaters and jackets are coming out, and the sky! The sky is that beautiful blue color that only happens when the season is changing. My mom and I call it the September Blue. Very original, but we've both agreed that that blue is never in the sky at any other time than September. It's my favorite - nothing can beat it. :-)


I leave tomorrow at 11:10pm for Cinncinnati, Ohio for a week. My family is there already (has been for a week) and I'm looking forward immensely to seeing them and spending time with them. Farewell to all and I'll see you in a week!

"Further Up and Further In!"

Once upon a time...

A little boy looked out his window and saw a big black pig. He ran to his mother shouting "Mama! Mama! There's a big black pig outside!" His mother looked outside and said "No son, that's not a pig that's just a big black dog. Now you go upstairs and talk to Jesus about it."
So the little boy went upstairs and came down a little bit later.
His mother asked him "Did you talk to Jesus about it?"
"Yes Mama, and Jesus said that when He saw it , He said He thought it was a pig too."

feeling sleepy...

"Fatigue is simply no excuse for delinquent grammar."
~myself

(though a big cup of coffee can be of great help...) ;-)

Friends, Fuzz, Elephant Ears, and Cowboy hats

The past week I spent two days with my friend Sara Cone and her family. We went to the fair on Wednesday afternoon. The fair was great there were lots of cool animals and fun stuff to see and good food to eat. We looked at all the chickens and rabbits (gave them suggestions on new hairdos and how to go easy on the eyeshadow!) And we saw the horses - all three of them- I think the rest were out preparing for the rodeo. We stopped and watched a really cool act by a cowboy and his family doing roping and shooting tricks. And what would the fair be without Cotton Candy (or fuzz as it's know by in my family). It was so much fun!! I even bought a cowboy hat. That night we went to the rodeo. It was the first rodeo I had ever been to and (for those of you that know me) I was in heaven! :-) I love the rodeo -or anything that has to do with horses- but only had been able to see it on TV, never in person. It was a great time and I can't wait to do it again!
On Thursday Sara and I just kind of mosied around doing whatever took our fancy, took a walk and had good talks and picked blackberries. I got to drive the tractor too! :-D
Thanks to the Cones for having me and for such a fun time!

In other news:
I'm back to work now and Mom and Dad leave this Thursday for a week in Hawaii and come back next Friday to leave the next morning for Ohio with the kids. (I'll follow a week later) So I have a very busy two weeks ahead. Thankfully there are some friends who will be helping us out which will be a great blessing because I'll be at work a good deal of time and Rebekah will be holding down the fort. Prayers are greatly appreciated. :-)

Post suspended...

I started to write this post yesterday and was interrupted. Now I can't remember what it was I was going to say. *sigh*

EXHIBIT A- "ME":endangered species

A question came up at the dinner table on Friday night. I was babysitting- Mom and Dad were at a concert.
There is a lot of discussion in the scientific world about extinction and certain species being eradicated from the face of the earth. Our question was this:
Sure there are millions of people around the world, but there's only one you, you are a unique individual and since you're the only one of your kind, then couldn't you be considered on the verge of extinction?
It's a rather interesting idea that I-personally could be an endangered species...

Triple-shot, non-fat, no-whip, extra-hot, Grande Mocha

Yes, I had made a Starbucks run on Wednesday, the morning of my last post.

Need I say more?

A Revelation

I now know why people don't comment on my posts. And also why no-one talks to me. Undoubtedly, it is my profound sense of wisdom and use of rhetoric that has left you all speechless. There are no words with which to reply to this amazing use of the English language.

It all makes sense now! I don't know why I didn't see it before!


:-)

3 months and still so much to do

Tomorrow is my three-month anniversary at Columbia Credit Union. I'm very excited! :-) Things have gone so well and I have learned so much. CCU has what's called a probationary period for all new employees and that is for the first 90 days. Most times people within their 90 days don't get many of the responsibilities and learn most of the things that I have been taught.
Five months ago I would have never guessed that I would be here now. I am very thankful for the opportunities God has given me here and I look forward to continuing to learn and grow.

I got to talk to Bethany on Saturday. I called her and we talked for about an hour. That was very nice. She and Alex were just finishing up shopping for appliances for their new house. Sounded fun! They'll be moving into the new house in a day or so it sounded like.

I've got quite a list of things to do this summer that I have yet to finish. I hope to get most of them done before school starts again but we'll see. Next on my list of things to do is buy a car. Dad is car-shopping for me. Thanks Dad!! I know I don't have the know-how or even the patience for such a job. I'm very grateful for his time and energy.

I'm kind of a car-clueless. I know how to drive one, know how to fill it with gas, I know how to check the fluids (now...) and I know how to put oil in one. I might be able to change a spare if I had to (just follow the manual Alex said), but beyond that I'm sad to say that I don't know much. I would like to be less clueless and am trying to learn more so that I'm not so ignorant and so that if I'm ever stuck somewhere I know what to do!
Now if you asked me to quote a line from a movie or asked me who wrote such and such a book or what's the difference between the pastern and the hock on a horse, I could probably tell you!! :-)

A couple of my friends told me yesterday that they liked reading my blog. "You read my blog? I didn't know that." :-) I'm thinking about setting up site monitor on my blog just to see who reads and when. Yes I want to know if you're reading my blog at ungodly hours of the night when you should be in your wee little beds resting your wee little heads. (and then I can feel flattered that your reading me instead of sleeping.....or I can feel put out because you're reading me TO fall asleep!) :-) In any case- does anyone have a suggestion for a site-monitor? I had a suggestion yesterday but now I can't remember it..... :-/

Well, I believe this post is sufficienly long enough for now. So long for now!

7 weeks and missing you already

Ok, I can probably make it.
My sister Bethany and my new brother-in-law Alex left this morning for their new home in the great white north of Grande Prairie Alberta, Canada. For those of you who don't know where that is --- look on a map. :-) It was very sad but God is good and His mercy is sure and we'll be seeing her in September when we go to Ohio to visit my grandmas and again in November for Thanksgiving.
Goodbye isn't forever even though it may hurt for a while and we'll all be missing you, Bethany we love you and I'm so happy for you for this great opportunity. You are and have been such a good friend and witness for Christ that I know you will do well up in Canada.

The wedding was beautiful and I made it throught the ceremony without crying! Yeah me! :-)
People keep asking me "are you recovered from the wedding yet?" The last answer as of a few minutes ago was "no." But I'll be sure to let you know when I am!

It will be weird not having her around but Praise the Lord for modern technology!! I love instant messenger! :-) I'm sure I will be becoming VERY good friends with it! :-)

Until next time....
May the oil in your lamp never run out, may you always have gas in your car, and may the love of our Lord Jesus richly bless your life.

Going to the Chapel

Today's the day! I'm waiting for Bethany to finish getting ready to go and then I'm taking her to get her makeup done. Ooh la la! :-) And then some other quicky errands and then we're off to the church until the wedding!

Wow, I can't believe this day is here. It feels really weird. I'm excited though!


I love this quote. It's on a magnet my sister gave me last night. I do believe this... ;-)

"I'm fairly certain that given a Cape and a niceTiara, I COULD save the world."

Quotables

Remember:

Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, only she did it backwards and in high heels.

Jar of Dirt

For those of you that haven't seen "Pirates of the Caribbean 2 - Dead Man's Chest" I won't spoil it for you. All I will say this though: I want a jar of dirt. :-)


That's all I'll say :-)

(Rebekah and I went to the midnight showing *yawn* last night.)

Happy Independence Day!

Happy 4th of July!

I realized after reading my post from yesterday I made it sound like all in America is gloom and doom. That's not what I meant at all and I hope nobody got that impression also. :-)

I am very thankful to be living in a country that does insure my freedom of religion; I just feel disappointed that all other false religions are considered acceptable as well. I know that God is in control and "He has not left His people forsaken nor their descendants begging bread." All is under His dominion, including our government and her people. May He mightily strengthen those Godly leaders we have and His people to continue the good work in America today that we may truly become "One nation under God."

Lunchbreaks, Musings and Tirades

I just love turkey sandwiches with lettuce and pickle. :-)

The most exciting part of my day has happened: I got all my filing done! I started (again) on Saturday with a 2 inch stack of work and was able to shrink it down to about 1 1/2 inches. And this morning I finished it. May not seem like a lot, but that's a lot of paperwork to go through.

Today being July 3rd, I often wonder (as I do on most July 3rds) what the men back in 1776 felt that night when they knew that they were going to declare Independence from England the next day. I wonder if they had any concept of the transformation that America would make. Those transformations that are what America is today are so different than what our great Forefathers had imagined, I'm sure. I doubt they ever would have guessed that things like abortion and homosexuality would be so rampant and acceptable. Today people say that America is a place of freedom to do whatever they want and that this kind of freedom was exactly what our forefathers wanted. But the mentality of do what is right for you is oozing out of every nook and cranny. But if people say to do whatever feels right for you then we run into "what is right for you may not be right for me, blah, blah, blah." Then we get into subjectivity and people think they can interpret for themselves the meaning of the law per their own "feelings."
In the end Freedom loses and autonomy prevails.

Favorably disposed

Today we heard an excellent sermon by our church's friend Marec Kmeic. (i think I spelled his name wrong...)
It was from Psalm 3. The point that stuck with me the most was his words on verse 3:
"But You O Lord are a shield for me, my glory and the one that lifts up my head."
He said that in essence David here is saying that God is favorably disposed towards him; that God is on our side; that God likes us. And because He likes us He asks us to eat with Him in communion. Would you invite someone to sit down to dinner with you if you didn't like them?

It was very encouraging words; especially when there are times in my life when I feel like I don't know how other people will respond to me or how they will treat me. It's comforting to remember that God is on my side because He likes me; and because He likes/loves me I am His.

1 John 4:19 "We love Him because He first loved us."

The Sun and the Sand and ....a drink in my hand?

Well, maybe not a drink but definetely the sun and sand. Today is my Mom's birthday! Happy Birthday Mom!! I love you so much and am blessed to have you for my mother.

My family is on their way to the beach today. I will be joining them after I get off work at around 2:00. I'm so excited. I'm going to lay in the sun and do nothing. :-) But in case I decide to do something I brought a book.

Sounds lovely!

too nice?

So do I have a sign on my forehead that says "I'm nice so be mean and nasty to me." ?
Twice today I have had customers swear at me because I wouldn't do something for them (for various reasons). What is with people?
My family sometimes tells me I'm too nice. But I don't want to be rude.
I like people. I like to be nice to people. I like to be patient with people. I can be firm when I have to be and I won't take someone pushing me around.
But is my niceness and patience to patient and nice? When is being nice not enough or more than enough?

Success!

Last night I made dinner for the family and tried out a new recipe for Stuffed Meatloaf. My cousin gave it to me and I thought I would experiment and give it a try. And lo and behold! My family liked it! It was pretty good if I do say so myself. :-)

Stuffed Meatloaf (can be modified according you your particular tastes, the amount of people you're feeding etc.)
Meat:
2lbs Ground beef
1 egg
2 Tbls Worsestershire sauce (approx)
2/3 c ketchup
1/2 bbq sauce
1 clove freshed garlic crushed
1/4 c dried onion (or 1/2 of a fresh onion finely chopped)
"Stuffing":
1 bag frozen veggies your choice ( I recommend broccoli or grean beans)
1/2 c grated cheddar cheese

Mix together meatloaf ingrediants as you normally would for meatloaf.
Spread meatloaf evenly in a 9x13 greased pan so that it is very flat and fairly thin. Spread the frozen veggies evenly in the center of the meatloaf. Sprinkle veggies with the cheese. (Now for the slightly tricky part...) Carefully fold up the edges of the meat loaf to cover the veggies and cheese inside. Press meatloaf together to form a "seal" around the stuffing. Bake at 350 for about 40-45 minutes.

(I found that after baking the was alot of liquid from the frozen veggies in the bottom of the pan. I drained it out before serving. )

explanations and doings

Hello,
So here I am away from my normal home blog, posting because I felt the need to and have yet to figure out what is actually wrong with my own blog. Whether I'm lazy or stupid or both I have yet to find out. I prefer to say that I am technologically challenged. For example: I just learned how to add a personalized HTML signature to my email the other day.
We returned from a restful but busy week at our church family camp last Saturday, the 17th. I keep asking myself, if it was so restful, why am I so tired? :-)
Now we're back in the full swing of things at home - doing laundry, keeping the house tidy, etc. Oh, and keeping cool! Water is a wonderful thing!
It was 105 yesterday! Supposedly it's going to be cooler the rest of the week. (Only upper 80s and low 90s!) :-) I'm just thankful I get to work in an air-conditioned building!

So much has happened since I last posted on my other blog.
I had my 20th birthday in April - my golden birthday. Rebekah threw me a party for that and it was a blast! :-)
Most you know that I have a new job. I started May 1st. I now work at Columbia Credit Union. I love my job, I have Christian bosses and a few of my co-workers are too, I have great hours and I'm learning more everyday! Praise God for His infinite goodness! This was a real answer to prayer.
Jared and Olivia both broke their arms the first two weeks of May. Thankfully, they seem to be healing and should have their casts off soon. (In time for the wedding too!)
Bethany, my older sister, is getting married in 2 weeks and 3 days! Yikes!! (that's a happy and excited 'yikes' btw.) :-) We're scurrying about finishing up the last things to do.
Family Camp (which I mentioned previously) was two weeks ago. The weather was kind of mucky but it was fun and refreshing nonetheless.

I'm going to Seattle this Friday with Bethany just to have a "sister-date" and hang out. We're going to go shopping, wander and take pictures and whatever else take our fancy. :-) I like driving up to the Seattle area. I'm going to see if I can't get her to stop in the Puget Sound area so I can take some pictures.
My Grandma Joann (dad's Mom) gets in this week. She'll be staying with us until after the wedding.
Lots to do, so little time!

That's it for now. Until next time!

"I'd rather be in the palm of your Hand, though rich or poor I may be..."

21 Days

Well,
I didn’t receive a huge bunch of responses, but thank you to those of you who did respond. For those of you with short term memory loss, like myself….what was I saying? Oh Yes! Here is the question I posed this past weekend: If you could only bring one item to camp what would it be?
The most popular answer seemed to be sunscreen. Amongst the others were, camera, and clothes (although clothe'S' is plural) :^D
I think if I could bring one thing with me it would be --- either my Bible or underwear. Yep. I can handle sunburn, I figure they will feed me and I can wear my clothes for a couple of days at least.
BUT since we don’t have to bring just one thing, here is the List of Essentials to Bring To Camp:
Clothes – various types of warm and cold for the various (and sometimes unpredictable) types of beach weather.
Sunglasses – unless you prefer harmful UV rays and squinting.
Sunscreen – I don’t think red is really your color
A Jacket –for when you’re banned from the warm side of the campfire and you don’t want to sit downwind because then you would have to sit in the smoke so the only other option is to retreat away from the warm blaze.
Footwear – whatever you please
Bible – best for Chapel time
Hairbrush, toothbrush and other toiletries necessary for good hygiene – the goal is to make friends at camp, not drive the ones you have away.
A pillow – they do provide mattresses in the cabins but I do prefer my own pillow
Snacks – plenty to share
Flashlight – or if you’re like me, just stumble in the dark until you stub your big toe really hard.
Camera - for capturing all those candid-can-only-be-or-can-only-happen-at-camp moments
A good sense of fun is also required :^D
I think that’s pretty much it!
21 Days until Camp!
Rachel :^D

26 days

Hi,
Too hot! *pant pant* I wonder if some of this nice weather will spill over to June. It would be great at the beach!

Some folks have responded to what they like to do best at camp (or what they look forward to the most).
Here are a few:
~Watermelon at the picnic meal
~Sleeping on the comfy couches in the gym
~Tsunami drills :-)
~Singing with everyone before chapel
~Playing an over 100 point air-hockey game
~Just being lazy and chatting with friends

I think one of the things I look foward most about camp is getting to see friends I otherwise wouldn't get to see during the year. That and just being able to see the church community having such wonderful Godly fellowship and knowing that I am a part of that is what I look forward to the most. Even though everyone goes home so tired (don't tell me you don't leave camp feeling tired) in a way, I still go home refreshed by the fellowship and teaching that goes on during that one week.

26 Days until Camp!
Rachel :-)

30 Days

hi
It is late in the day and I have yet to send out the campdown. I wll do my best to make it brief as I'm sure there are those of you that have lives to get on with right now. As I do. (My favorite show is on in 1 1/2 hours.) :^D
Esther Prentice sent me this in response to yesterdays campdown. Personally, I think it's a fabulous idea!! :^D
"so I have feedback for you; I have an excellent idea; Everyone in camp holding hands and forming a moving chain around the entire campgrounds and up over the sky bridge and out into the ocean ( not too far) and then George Shubin could use his ruthlessly opportunistic skills to document some inspirational footage. It would be amazing.
eSTHER"
Great idea! Maybe when we were done, we could break the chain in half and play Red-Rover....
Until tomorrow friends!
30 Days until Camp!
Rachel :^D

31 Days.

Good day to you fine folks,

I forgot to mention in the other day's note that I have set up a blog for the countdown, so if you have missed a day or two you can go to the site and read the previous posts.
The link is: http://rcccampdown.blogspot.com/.

Yes, I am a deliquent. I suppose I could offer you various excuses/explanations regarding why there hasn't been a campdown for two days, but I don't suppose you would believe me.
The most palatable excuse I could come up with was that I just started a new job on Monday, and all my extra free time and brain space has been filled for the past few days.
*sigh* :^D

I am composing this from my station at work. Where I sit, I can see the locals coming and going. Mayhap it will provide some random sources for inspiration. I'll be sure to let you know.
After I finish writing this, I will send it to my home email and from there send it on to all of you. Isn't it a nice thought- you're getting second-hand emails. :^D

Anywho...I'm beginning to think about Talent Night. A certain poem has come to mind of late and I'm pondering the idea of reciting it. Perhaps within the realm of a skit? Or just as a wild narrative? Hmm.. more pondering required.

What are you most excited about Camp this year? Let me know! I've said it before and I'll say it again -- FEEDBACK People!! It's FEEDBACK that keeps the world turning! (or at least the campdown running... )
31 Days until Camp!
Rachel :^D

34 Days

Greetings one and All!
Yes, it's that time of year again! If for some reason you don't know why I -- Rachel am sending you a mass email on this the 8th of May-- ask a friend. Or you could ask me I suppose. :-) Not that May 8th is special in itself if not for any other reason than the reason I am sending you this email. (Was that confusing enough? :^D )
Like I always do, I hereby offer my warning: IF for some reason you do not want to be part of this annual email extravaganza, please let me know. I will then take appropriate action by removing your name from this email list, my email address book, my phone book, my friends list, and set up notices banning you from my presence. If that sounds like too much for you to take, stick around and see what good things might come of it.

Let the games begin!
Rachel U. :^D