Pumpkin Cranberry Bread
Prep time: 15 mins
Bake time: 1 hour
Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
5 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3 cups granulated sugar
1 (15 ounce) can LIBBY'S® 100% Pure Pumpkin
4 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup orange juice
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 9 x 5-inch loaf pans.
Combine flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda and salt in large bowl. Combine sugar, pumpkin, eggs, vegetable oil and orange juice in large mixer bowl; beat until just blended. Add pumpkin mixture to flour mixture; stir just until moistened. Fold in cranberries. Spoon batter into prepared loaf pans.
Bake for 60 to 65 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
The Blind Side
Reviewed by Kate Sumpter
The Blind Side, which is based on a true story, was written and directed by John Lee Hancock. Hancock also wrote and directed The Alamo and directed The Rookie. Quinton Aaron plays Michael Oher, a ward of the state, and Sandra Bullock plays Leigh Anne Tuohy, the mother in the family that eventually adopts Oher.
The Blide Side depicts a post-millenial view of the world. It also depicts a world that God controls.
From the opening sequence of 4 seconds in football history to the closing sequence of the newpaper article about the boy dying in a shoot out, the director and script writer describe actions that have consequenses. The 4 seconds (counted as "1 mississippi, 2 mississippi, etc.) mark the time it takes for man to make change in his life. The Tuohys change their lives and consequently Michal's by being a family that loves God and honors His commandment to love their neighbor. This ultimately comes in the form of Michael, ward of the state, with no warm bed to go to at night. The Tuohys adoption of Michael into their family against what is understood as "cool" (which is protrayed by Leigh Anne's friends who meet for lunch) proclaims God's love toward the unlovely. While we are commanded to dwell on "whatever is true, whatever is good, whatever is beautiful", we are also commanded to redeem what is lies, right what is wrong, and love what is unloveable.
Written above the entrance to the k-12 Christian school are the words "With Man this is possible. With God all things are possible", indicate that God is control of all things, yet man has been given dominion over this world under the lordship of King Jesus.
The closing sequence ends with Leigh Anne reading an article in the newspaper about a boy of Michael's age who dies in a shoot out on the wrong side of town. Her comment is "that could have been anyone. It could have been her son."
The movie aptly describes man's fallen nature and sin when the NCAA sends an investigator to question Michael about his family and his college choice. Michael is poisoned by the investigator's lies and believes that maybe his family doesn't truly love him and didn't adopt him because they cared for him, but because they wanted to put on more player on their alma mater's football team. I appreciated this part in the story as it truly shows man's sin and jealousy. Man cannot understand love, only God can for He is Love.
The Blind Side, which is based on a true story, was written and directed by John Lee Hancock. Hancock also wrote and directed The Alamo and directed The Rookie. Quinton Aaron plays Michael Oher, a ward of the state, and Sandra Bullock plays Leigh Anne Tuohy, the mother in the family that eventually adopts Oher.
The Blide Side depicts a post-millenial view of the world. It also depicts a world that God controls.
From the opening sequence of 4 seconds in football history to the closing sequence of the newpaper article about the boy dying in a shoot out, the director and script writer describe actions that have consequenses. The 4 seconds (counted as "1 mississippi, 2 mississippi, etc.) mark the time it takes for man to make change in his life. The Tuohys change their lives and consequently Michal's by being a family that loves God and honors His commandment to love their neighbor. This ultimately comes in the form of Michael, ward of the state, with no warm bed to go to at night. The Tuohys adoption of Michael into their family against what is understood as "cool" (which is protrayed by Leigh Anne's friends who meet for lunch) proclaims God's love toward the unlovely. While we are commanded to dwell on "whatever is true, whatever is good, whatever is beautiful", we are also commanded to redeem what is lies, right what is wrong, and love what is unloveable.
Written above the entrance to the k-12 Christian school are the words "With Man this is possible. With God all things are possible", indicate that God is control of all things, yet man has been given dominion over this world under the lordship of King Jesus.
The closing sequence ends with Leigh Anne reading an article in the newspaper about a boy of Michael's age who dies in a shoot out on the wrong side of town. Her comment is "that could have been anyone. It could have been her son."
The movie aptly describes man's fallen nature and sin when the NCAA sends an investigator to question Michael about his family and his college choice. Michael is poisoned by the investigator's lies and believes that maybe his family doesn't truly love him and didn't adopt him because they cared for him, but because they wanted to put on more player on their alma mater's football team. I appreciated this part in the story as it truly shows man's sin and jealousy. Man cannot understand love, only God can for He is Love.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Happy *Early* Thanksgiving!!
In 1 and a half short little hours, Jesse and I will be driving the long haul to visit dear family for Thanksgiving! Things are packed, plants have been watered, garbaged taken out and I commanded to rest.
Things I am thankful for:
1. My husband, Jesse, who works hard for and with me
2. Trips in which I get to see my sister, Liz!
3. Have rest time in my day
4. Reading and praying
5. Thinking. I love thinking about ... things. And stuff.
6. God and His word. Our Savior's saving grace.
7. Mercies when I'm tired
8. Flowers and sunshine
9. Dad and Mom who take me out to lunch! Woot!
10. Getting to hang out with my hubster for 10 hours in a car. This means that we can talk and talk and talk. :-)
Things I am thankful for:
1. My husband, Jesse, who works hard for and with me
2. Trips in which I get to see my sister, Liz!
3. Have rest time in my day
4. Reading and praying
5. Thinking. I love thinking about ... things. And stuff.
6. God and His word. Our Savior's saving grace.
7. Mercies when I'm tired
8. Flowers and sunshine
9. Dad and Mom who take me out to lunch! Woot!
10. Getting to hang out with my hubster for 10 hours in a car. This means that we can talk and talk and talk. :-)
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Read By My Hubster At My Birthday Party
My Wife, My Home
To Kate on her 24th Birthday, 2009.
My wife is my home,
Wherever we go, wherever we roam.
In our living room while she sits and she reads
I sit in my blue chair and consider her deeds.
Sometimes we are in the jungle, and she uses a machete
Cleaning out our bedroom, always on the ready.
She swings it high and she swings it low
She cuts up spiders in a single blow.
Then she picks up my clothes and swings out on a vine
Leaving our bed made and the room clean by nine.
Sometimes we are in a fairy tale, and she uses her magic skills
She plants every bean she finds, from here to the hills.
Then she waves her hands and she waters it all
And then she dances around, until the corn is nice and tall.
Then she whistles a tune and all the rabbits come out to see
As the amaryllis grows big and blooms prettily.
Sometimes we are at a construction site, and she uses big machines
They rumble and they growl and they blend food to smithereens.
Sometimes in the kitchen, food will fly as she cooks
So, she wears a pretty apron, just like all the books.
This makes her the boss and she tells me what to do:
Dice that onion and whip the moisture out of that potatoo.
Sometimes we are in a garden, and she weeds our house
She plucks up the chairs and vacuums and cleans like a mouse.
Then she rakes in my study and moves piles from here to there
So that when she is done, everything is in its place, even my hair.
Last she puts on a breathing mask and sprays down the shower
Calm and collected she blasts it clean in less than one hour.
This is my wife, this is my home.
Wherever we go, wherever we roam.
To Kate on her 24th Birthday, 2009.
My wife is my home,
Wherever we go, wherever we roam.
In our living room while she sits and she reads
I sit in my blue chair and consider her deeds.
Sometimes we are in the jungle, and she uses a machete
Cleaning out our bedroom, always on the ready.
She swings it high and she swings it low
She cuts up spiders in a single blow.
Then she picks up my clothes and swings out on a vine
Leaving our bed made and the room clean by nine.
Sometimes we are in a fairy tale, and she uses her magic skills
She plants every bean she finds, from here to the hills.
Then she waves her hands and she waters it all
And then she dances around, until the corn is nice and tall.
Then she whistles a tune and all the rabbits come out to see
As the amaryllis grows big and blooms prettily.
Sometimes we are at a construction site, and she uses big machines
They rumble and they growl and they blend food to smithereens.
Sometimes in the kitchen, food will fly as she cooks
So, she wears a pretty apron, just like all the books.
This makes her the boss and she tells me what to do:
Dice that onion and whip the moisture out of that potatoo.
Sometimes we are in a garden, and she weeds our house
She plucks up the chairs and vacuums and cleans like a mouse.
Then she rakes in my study and moves piles from here to there
So that when she is done, everything is in its place, even my hair.
Last she puts on a breathing mask and sprays down the shower
Calm and collected she blasts it clean in less than one hour.
This is my wife, this is my home.
Wherever we go, wherever we roam.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
from C.S. Lewis' Weight of Glory
“It may be possible for each to think too much of his own potential glory hereafter; it is hardly possible for him to think too often or too deeply about that of his neighbour. The load, or weight, or burden of my neighbour’s glory should be laid daily on my back, a load so heavy that only humility can carry it, and the backs of the proud will be broken. It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses, to remember that the dullest and most uninteresting person you talk to may one day be a creature which, if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship, or else a horror and a corruption such as you now meet, if at all, only in a nightmare. All day long we are, in some degree, helping each other to one or other of these destinations. It is in the light of these overwhelming possibilities, it is with the awe and the circumspection proper to them, that we should conduct all our dealings with one another, all friendships, all loves, all play, all politics. There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilization—these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit—immortal horrors or everlasting splendours. This does not mean that we are to be perpetually solemn. We must play. But our merriment must be of that kind (and it is, in fact, the merriest kind) which exists between people who have, from the outset, taken each other seriously—no flippancy, no superiority, no presumption. And our charity must be a real and costly love, with deep feeling for the sins in spite of which we love the sinner—no mere tolerance or indulgence which parodies love as flippancy parodies merriment. Next to the Blessed Sacrament itself, your neighbour is the holiest object presented to your senses. If he is your Christian neighbour he is holy in almost the same way, for in him also Christ vere latitat—the glorifier and the glorified, Glory Himself, is truly hidden.”
Monday, October 12, 2009
Manga Salsa
• 1 mango - peeled, seeded and diced
• 1 avocado - peeled, pitted, and diced
• 4 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 3 tablespoons olive
DIRECTIONS
1. In a medium bowl, combine the mango, avocado, tomatoes, jalapeno, cilantro, and garlic. Stir in the salt, lime juice, red onion, and olive oil. To blend the flavors, refrigerate for about 30 minutes before serving.
Ooo la la! So sweet and tasty with the zing of hot pepper and cilantro! So wonderful for a hot Summer day. It went well with our Sloppy Joes and potato salad tonight.
• 1 avocado - peeled, pitted, and diced
• 4 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 3 tablespoons olive
DIRECTIONS
1. In a medium bowl, combine the mango, avocado, tomatoes, jalapeno, cilantro, and garlic. Stir in the salt, lime juice, red onion, and olive oil. To blend the flavors, refrigerate for about 30 minutes before serving.
Ooo la la! So sweet and tasty with the zing of hot pepper and cilantro! So wonderful for a hot Summer day. It went well with our Sloppy Joes and potato salad tonight.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Sabbath ... 1 week later.
Today was my turn to be sick and miss choir. Morning on the couch watching "Mighty Mouse", all the old Silly Symphony Disney cartoons (includding "Music Land", which is one from my childhood) and some of "The Office".
Jesse came home from church delivering jello, yogurt, mini doughnuts and children's liquid Tylenol. I seemed to have an adverse reaction to yesterdays Tylenol Cold meds and had a rough night. So the soft foods and child's tylenol was for a tender tummy. The doughnuts were to entice me to eat. My husband knows me well; I ate 3.
Tried to nap while Jesse did my dishes. I couldn't so I praised him for his faithful servanthood to me. We've been reading and blogging this afternoon. I found Grace Penney's blog. Great stuff!
I made some huckleberry muffins. Mostly because our house was getting cold and Jesse turned our oven on to heat up the place. I really shouldn't let him do that; so I put something into the oven to justify it. 20 minute muffins will do the trick.
I can eat huckleberry muffin when I'm sick, can't I?
Jesse came home from church delivering jello, yogurt, mini doughnuts and children's liquid Tylenol. I seemed to have an adverse reaction to yesterdays Tylenol Cold meds and had a rough night. So the soft foods and child's tylenol was for a tender tummy. The doughnuts were to entice me to eat. My husband knows me well; I ate 3.
Tried to nap while Jesse did my dishes. I couldn't so I praised him for his faithful servanthood to me. We've been reading and blogging this afternoon. I found Grace Penney's blog. Great stuff!
I made some huckleberry muffins. Mostly because our house was getting cold and Jesse turned our oven on to heat up the place. I really shouldn't let him do that; so I put something into the oven to justify it. 20 minute muffins will do the trick.
I can eat huckleberry muffin when I'm sick, can't I?
Sunday, October 04, 2009
Happy Sabbath
Sabbath means singing psalms with kids on laps. Kids that you poke and tickle and they laugh.
Sabbath is choir and kneeling and folded hands. It's congregational and bodily.
Sabbath is lovely our neighbors, starting in and working outward. Latimer is set aside and husbands are cared for.
Sabbath is a day of rest. It's watching the premeir of Stargate Universe while eating ham-cheese-squash-cilantro-corn-carrot quiche and sourdough bread. It's 2 hour naps, speed Scrabble, blogs, facebook and books.
Sabbath is making brownies to the glory of God. And eating them to His glory too. Amen!!
Happy Sabbath!
Sabbath is choir and kneeling and folded hands. It's congregational and bodily.
Sabbath is lovely our neighbors, starting in and working outward. Latimer is set aside and husbands are cared for.
Sabbath is a day of rest. It's watching the premeir of Stargate Universe while eating ham-cheese-squash-cilantro-corn-carrot quiche and sourdough bread. It's 2 hour naps, speed Scrabble, blogs, facebook and books.
Sabbath is making brownies to the glory of God. And eating them to His glory too. Amen!!
Happy Sabbath!
Friday, October 02, 2009
Fall!
It's officially cold and rainy today! *woot*
I am baking bread in my bread machine for the second time ever. If it works I'll certainly be doing it more. I don't like store bread and neither does my husband (that makes one of us!) so I bake my own. Trouble is when I work a long day at work I don't want to. The bread machine will save me from my lame excuse.
Oh, and does anyone remember this guy?
I am baking bread in my bread machine for the second time ever. If it works I'll certainly be doing it more. I don't like store bread and neither does my husband (that makes one of us!) so I bake my own. Trouble is when I work a long day at work I don't want to. The bread machine will save me from my lame excuse.
Oh, and does anyone remember this guy?
Friday, September 25, 2009
What's for dinner?
The questions that is asked every day by every wife... what's for dinner? If you are smart you've got a weekly menu (or a monthly menu, if you are brilliant. I am not.) from which you can remind yourself, "Oh yeah, we're having ______ for dinner tonight.
This is a fun one. I bought a sirloin roast on sale -- $1.38 per lb!! It's been in my freezer for 2 weeks now and I pulled it out yesterday and told it that it would be eaten in less than 24 hours. It promptly defrosted. Good boy.
Meat is such fun now that I am married. It really scared me for a while because I hadn't really practised meat when I lived at home. I made lots and lots to ground beef recipes.
So here I am about to enbark upon another meat experiment. Note to self: don't plan anything else on a "Meat Experiment" day. :-)
Here is where I am getting my recipe! Complete with pictures too!
Enjoy!
This is a fun one. I bought a sirloin roast on sale -- $1.38 per lb!! It's been in my freezer for 2 weeks now and I pulled it out yesterday and told it that it would be eaten in less than 24 hours. It promptly defrosted. Good boy.
Meat is such fun now that I am married. It really scared me for a while because I hadn't really practised meat when I lived at home. I made lots and lots to ground beef recipes.
So here I am about to enbark upon another meat experiment. Note to self: don't plan anything else on a "Meat Experiment" day. :-)
Here is where I am getting my recipe! Complete with pictures too!
Enjoy!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Be Fruitful and Multiply
"Then God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominon over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.'" -Genesis 1:28
This dominion mandate is easily divided into two commandments as stated in the middle of the chiasm: "fill the earth" and "subdue it". We assign the female to the role of filling the earth and it the lot falls to her to people the world. But is this only answer to the Lord calling?
"but all the members do not have the same function...having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them." -Romans 12:4, 6
Perhaps she says to herself, "I can never have children" or "perhaps I will never marry." And yet the commandment is still directed towards us. "Be fruitful!" "Multiply!" How Lord? How can I accomplish this?
Remembering that you can not accomplish anything. You must remember that all things are from the Lord. He brings two together to make one; that He opens and closes the womb; that He brings the rains in the spring and the sun in the summer for the multiplication at harvest. Rembering that God is the one who does all this, what has He multiplied for you? How has He increased your number? Be thankful for that increase, whether it be related to only you, or if your husband got a promotion, or if he got a compliment, or if you were given a new opportunity.
Thanks be to God for a faithful husband, good jobs for us, an increase in wealth, a growth in maturity, and a desire for more.
"Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of you heart." -Psalm 37:3,4
This dominion mandate is easily divided into two commandments as stated in the middle of the chiasm: "fill the earth" and "subdue it". We assign the female to the role of filling the earth and it the lot falls to her to people the world. But is this only answer to the Lord calling?
"but all the members do not have the same function...having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them." -Romans 12:4, 6
Perhaps she says to herself, "I can never have children" or "perhaps I will never marry." And yet the commandment is still directed towards us. "Be fruitful!" "Multiply!" How Lord? How can I accomplish this?
Remembering that you can not accomplish anything. You must remember that all things are from the Lord. He brings two together to make one; that He opens and closes the womb; that He brings the rains in the spring and the sun in the summer for the multiplication at harvest. Rembering that God is the one who does all this, what has He multiplied for you? How has He increased your number? Be thankful for that increase, whether it be related to only you, or if your husband got a promotion, or if he got a compliment, or if you were given a new opportunity.
Thanks be to God for a faithful husband, good jobs for us, an increase in wealth, a growth in maturity, and a desire for more.
"Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of you heart." -Psalm 37:3,4
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Chocolate Cream Pie
One of the first recipes shown on the movie Julie and Julia is Chocolate Cream Pie. Julie says, "No matter how awful the day was at work, melted chocolate whisked into egg yolks will always firm up and make a pudding." Today was one of those days so I made a chocolate cream pie.
I bought Bakers semi-sweet chocolate from Winco. It comes in an 8 oz. box with each 1 oz cube individually wrapped! Cute!! I found this pie recipe online and substituted 2 cups soy milk for the regular non-Jesse milk and added 1 Tablespoon of almond extract. It lost a bit of the chocolate flavor; rats! Next time I'll leave out the almond or decrease it by half, but I was trying to mask the soy taste (I tend to notice these things).
Happy Kitchen Time to You!
INGREDIENTS
3/4 cup white sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
2 (1 ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate
3 egg yolks
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (9 inch) pie shell, baked
DIRECTIONS
1. Combine sugar, flour, milk, and chopped up chocolate in 2 quart saucepan. Stirring constantly, cook over medium heat until mixture begins to bubble. Continue stirring for 2 minutes.
2. Mix a little of the hot mixture into the egg yolks, beating rapidly to avoid cooking the yolks. Stir the warm yolk mixture into the remainder of the chocolate mixture, and cook for an additional 90 seconds. Remove from heat, and stir in butter or margarine and vanilla.
3. Pour filling into pie shell, and chill until set. Top with whipped topping, and a little grated chocolate
I bought Bakers semi-sweet chocolate from Winco. It comes in an 8 oz. box with each 1 oz cube individually wrapped! Cute!! I found this pie recipe online and substituted 2 cups soy milk for the regular non-Jesse milk and added 1 Tablespoon of almond extract. It lost a bit of the chocolate flavor; rats! Next time I'll leave out the almond or decrease it by half, but I was trying to mask the soy taste (I tend to notice these things).
Happy Kitchen Time to You!
INGREDIENTS
3/4 cup white sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
2 (1 ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate
3 egg yolks
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (9 inch) pie shell, baked
DIRECTIONS
1. Combine sugar, flour, milk, and chopped up chocolate in 2 quart saucepan. Stirring constantly, cook over medium heat until mixture begins to bubble. Continue stirring for 2 minutes.
2. Mix a little of the hot mixture into the egg yolks, beating rapidly to avoid cooking the yolks. Stir the warm yolk mixture into the remainder of the chocolate mixture, and cook for an additional 90 seconds. Remove from heat, and stir in butter or margarine and vanilla.
3. Pour filling into pie shell, and chill until set. Top with whipped topping, and a little grated chocolate
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Jesse took me to see the movie Julie & Julia this afternoon. It was wonderful; I laughed, I cried, "it moved me, Bob". We walked home and discussed the 2 characters. Jesse called it a "Plutarch plot"; comparing 2 characters against each other. My favorite was Julia Child played by Meryl Streep, if only for the fact that she was protrayed as more feminine. I loved her cheerfulness and courage in the toughest times ("I am SO happy" and "well, I certainly was busy"). I feel like that is not me, but it's who I am becoming. Jesse loves me so much when I am strong, when I am couragous and thankful and contented. I strive for subduing my selfishness and taking dominion over my sin so that I may be 1)more God-like and, 2)more lovely for my husband.
I came home from the movie and read 3 cookbooks on cakes and eggs. Then I fried french bread in sausage grease, poached 2 eggs (for the first time in my life) and didn't poach a third (yuck.) and made a hollendaise sauce (also a new recipe for me). Jesse and I had our evening snackers and then he asked me to make French toast. He's a sucker for sweets and I'm a sucker for him. I made the French Toast.
This evening Jesse found 2 blogs by Julie Powell. The "salon" blog is the original blog which the book and latter the movie are based on. It's still on the web and comments have been made in the past recent months, but only fans are reading it now. Julie is currently posting on a blogspot. It's pretty good. Curse words are visible, however. View with a grain of salt and tongue in cheek.
http://juliepowell.blogspot.com/
http://blogs.salon.com/0001399/2002/08/25.html
I came home from the movie and read 3 cookbooks on cakes and eggs. Then I fried french bread in sausage grease, poached 2 eggs (for the first time in my life) and didn't poach a third (yuck.) and made a hollendaise sauce (also a new recipe for me). Jesse and I had our evening snackers and then he asked me to make French toast. He's a sucker for sweets and I'm a sucker for him. I made the French Toast.
This evening Jesse found 2 blogs by Julie Powell. The "salon" blog is the original blog which the book and latter the movie are based on. It's still on the web and comments have been made in the past recent months, but only fans are reading it now. Julie is currently posting on a blogspot. It's pretty good. Curse words are visible, however. View with a grain of salt and tongue in cheek.
http://juliepowell.blogspot.com/
http://blogs.salon.com/0001399/2002/08/25.html
Friday, September 18, 2009
My Neighbor Totoro
Do you remember watching My Neighbor Totoro when we were really little? I think our cousins brought it from Boise when they came to visit. Anyways we watched the movie during a rest time (I think it was a nap time for the little kids) at Grandma's house. I remember liking it, but Grandma didn't. My husband introduced me to the films of Hayao Miyazaki. He wrote and directed films like "Howel's Moving Castle", "Castle in the Sky", "Porco Roso", etc. I watche all those with Jesse before realizing he also did the Totoro movie. So I got it this week and we watched it. Pros and cons.
The characters in the story are very well drawn. It was reviewed as a rare film where the kids really act like kids. And they do! Running around, the little sister following the big sister and mimicking her. It was very amusing to watch the family's interaction. The father was pretty good too; enjoying his children and loving them up. I really did enjoy them in the story.
The story was good too. About a family that moved from the city to the country because the mom was sick (and in the hospital) and she needed the clean country air. The children explore their new home and find "forrest spirits" (as they say in the translated English). The father doesn't contracdict this, but even teaches his daughters to ask the forest spirits to protect them when they play in the forrest. At one point in the story, the two girls get caught in a rainstorm and find shelter at some form of an ancestor memorial. The girls again bow and ask for shelter til the storm is over.
Although spirits and demons dwell on this earth with us, they have been put under our Brother's feet. God has commanded us to put all things to submission under Him. This includes spirits and forrest fairys. We have no need to ask for their protection when we are protected by the Protector Creator. We have no need to ask for shelter when we are sheltered by the Storm Maker. We bow in reverence to no one, but Him.
This movie might be a good one to use to teach some of these things, but at the same time I think it's one to show the kids when they are older and can talk through these things. Our toddlers up to teenagers probably have enough outside play time and books and other movies that they don't need this one.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Tuesday Morning
"Reading Augustine on free will.
In the kitchen, my wife holds a broom
Looking for big spiders to kill."
~Jesse Sumpter
In the kitchen, my wife holds a broom
Looking for big spiders to kill."
~Jesse Sumpter
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Brave Little Piglet
This is me being brave! :)
Jesse has left for his 1st "business" trip. He is attending a Conventiculum for a couple of days, but it's the first time we've been apart. I've sniffed my way through packing for him and sending him off this morning, but I didn't cry. And so far, I'm still golden! I've got projects to do and people to see. I will miss my husband terribly, but I know he'll be happy if I'm brave. He told me once that I could only cry happy tears and only if he is there to kiss them away. Well, I'm not exactly happy ... persay... and he's not here. So no crying!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Persuasion by Jane Austen
I just finished reading Persuasion by Jane Austen.
In Persuasion we find the words and action of “persuading” throughout. My husband read this for a class in college and he underlined every word that could be used to persuade. I found that so helpful reading this time through. I discovered how many different people used it; the woman who didn’t want Anne to marry Captain Wentworth is very persuasive. Almost all of her speeches are to push the listener in one direction or another. Anne is very aware of this and more than once is described as “looking towards Lady Russell” to see what her next reaction would be. Anne’s father, Sir Elliot, and sister, Elizabeth, are easily persuaded. They follow fashion, trends; they are vain, and conceited and desire followers, though they have no strength of soul.
The greatest persuasion, of course, is in the course of love. A cousin, Mr. Eliot, attempts to woo Anne. His words are all flattery and his actions are good. She and the rest of the family are over come by his attentions. However, Anne remembers his character from years ago, even that which was only a rumor and it is not consistent with his conduct now and so she doesn’t trust him fully until the two characters are reconciled. There is another love story, one between Anne and Captain Wentworth.
Anne is persuaded that Captain Wentworth doesn’t love her. She avoids him when she thinks he is wooing another. Captain Wentworth is persuaded the he still loves Anne by watching her from a distance and seeing her character. He says at the end that “her character was fixed on her mind as perfect” and he never saw her “equal”. He is persuaded by her good character that she truly was the one for him. In other words, Anne herself persuaded him to marry her.
There are two scenes in which Anne goes out of her way to influence Captain Wentworth, and rightly so. She knows they are both free to marry and she suspects him of admiring her and encourages him in the hope of a proposal. The first scene is at the concert where she catches his attention and talks with him for a good while before the evening begins. During the concert, Mr. Elliot sits with her and Captain Wentworth discovers a rival. Anne is persuaded the he is jealous, but can’t do more than act and her actions aren’t loud enough to convince yet. The second scene is in the rooms with the Musgroves and while Captain Wentworth is writing a letter, Anne falls into conversation with Caption Harville, which is famous for it’s conclusion. Captain Wentworth over hears and, I think, Anne knows he is listening and thus says more than she might have. Harville is persuaded that men love deeper, while Anne is persuaded that women love longer and thus better. When a man must toil through life, his love though deep and rich must not last long or it would be too much to bear, says Anne. While a women has not the same cares and concerns, her love last longer and is the better of the two. Captain Harville and Anne don’t agree in the end, but she has said enough for Captain Wentworth to be convinced that she could be in love with him still.
Not only does Anne persuade Captain Wentworth to marry her through her words and actions, but through her character and steadfastness of heart. Captain Wentworth, in turn, persuades Anne through his loyalty towards his friends and companions. He also persuades himself by watching Anne and how she treats those around her.
In Persuasion we find the words and action of “persuading” throughout. My husband read this for a class in college and he underlined every word that could be used to persuade. I found that so helpful reading this time through. I discovered how many different people used it; the woman who didn’t want Anne to marry Captain Wentworth is very persuasive. Almost all of her speeches are to push the listener in one direction or another. Anne is very aware of this and more than once is described as “looking towards Lady Russell” to see what her next reaction would be. Anne’s father, Sir Elliot, and sister, Elizabeth, are easily persuaded. They follow fashion, trends; they are vain, and conceited and desire followers, though they have no strength of soul.
The greatest persuasion, of course, is in the course of love. A cousin, Mr. Eliot, attempts to woo Anne. His words are all flattery and his actions are good. She and the rest of the family are over come by his attentions. However, Anne remembers his character from years ago, even that which was only a rumor and it is not consistent with his conduct now and so she doesn’t trust him fully until the two characters are reconciled. There is another love story, one between Anne and Captain Wentworth.
Anne is persuaded that Captain Wentworth doesn’t love her. She avoids him when she thinks he is wooing another. Captain Wentworth is persuaded the he still loves Anne by watching her from a distance and seeing her character. He says at the end that “her character was fixed on her mind as perfect” and he never saw her “equal”. He is persuaded by her good character that she truly was the one for him. In other words, Anne herself persuaded him to marry her.
There are two scenes in which Anne goes out of her way to influence Captain Wentworth, and rightly so. She knows they are both free to marry and she suspects him of admiring her and encourages him in the hope of a proposal. The first scene is at the concert where she catches his attention and talks with him for a good while before the evening begins. During the concert, Mr. Elliot sits with her and Captain Wentworth discovers a rival. Anne is persuaded the he is jealous, but can’t do more than act and her actions aren’t loud enough to convince yet. The second scene is in the rooms with the Musgroves and while Captain Wentworth is writing a letter, Anne falls into conversation with Caption Harville, which is famous for it’s conclusion. Captain Wentworth over hears and, I think, Anne knows he is listening and thus says more than she might have. Harville is persuaded that men love deeper, while Anne is persuaded that women love longer and thus better. When a man must toil through life, his love though deep and rich must not last long or it would be too much to bear, says Anne. While a women has not the same cares and concerns, her love last longer and is the better of the two. Captain Harville and Anne don’t agree in the end, but she has said enough for Captain Wentworth to be convinced that she could be in love with him still.
Not only does Anne persuade Captain Wentworth to marry her through her words and actions, but through her character and steadfastness of heart. Captain Wentworth, in turn, persuades Anne through his loyalty towards his friends and companions. He also persuades himself by watching Anne and how she treats those around her.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
From Strength to Strength
I have been attending Nancy Wilson's recent bible study on contentment. This past Monday she spoke on dealing with discontent. She told a story about one of their first homes which you can read about here
Our little home is in the basement of our landlords house. We live on the corner of the block and park on the street. In the months of February and March, my husband is my greatest encourager as I vaccum lots and lots of sugar ants. It's perfectly cool in the summer, but cold in the winter. We wear lots of extras in the winter time. Our house is painted a maroon red in the kitchen and a wheat color in the living and dinning room areas. I love the colors! Lots of newlyweds live in the places painted "apartment white".
Our little home has been our since we were married. We came home to it after our wedding and honeymooned here. We've enjoyed our first year and a half here. Every spring, after the bugs and during the cold, I complain. I ask to move! My requests are for a place "above ground". I miss the sun in the winter time. A basement can be pretty dark sometimes.
After listening to Nancy Wilson's story of their home and moving, I realised that I should be pleased with the wonderful home we have. We have no reason or need for moving, other than being discontent.
When I was little Dad and Mom would pray with us. They taught us to be thankful for everything and I should remember that lesson from childhood; thank you for the roof over our heads, our bed, our warm house, our furniture, the color on the walls, the pictures, the flowers from my husband, the carpet, the blankets, our books, our friends, warm weather in the summer time, sunshine, etc.
Our little home is in the basement of our landlords house. We live on the corner of the block and park on the street. In the months of February and March, my husband is my greatest encourager as I vaccum lots and lots of sugar ants. It's perfectly cool in the summer, but cold in the winter. We wear lots of extras in the winter time. Our house is painted a maroon red in the kitchen and a wheat color in the living and dinning room areas. I love the colors! Lots of newlyweds live in the places painted "apartment white".
Our little home has been our since we were married. We came home to it after our wedding and honeymooned here. We've enjoyed our first year and a half here. Every spring, after the bugs and during the cold, I complain. I ask to move! My requests are for a place "above ground". I miss the sun in the winter time. A basement can be pretty dark sometimes.
After listening to Nancy Wilson's story of their home and moving, I realised that I should be pleased with the wonderful home we have. We have no reason or need for moving, other than being discontent.
When I was little Dad and Mom would pray with us. They taught us to be thankful for everything and I should remember that lesson from childhood; thank you for the roof over our heads, our bed, our warm house, our furniture, the color on the walls, the pictures, the flowers from my husband, the carpet, the blankets, our books, our friends, warm weather in the summer time, sunshine, etc.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
"The Word of the Lord"
"The Word of the Lord"
"Thanks be to God"
This call and response is so common. We say it every Sunday in Worship. We repeat it after the head of the house reads during Devotions. We so easily fall into the trap of repetition and forget what we say. This morning I stumbled across this Credenda/Agenda article from Pastor Liethart (C/A Vol 14. Issue 3) and re-awoke to what my own mouth was saying.
"Every seven years, Israel was to gather at the central sanctuary for the reading of the law, "that they may hear and learn and fear Yahweh your God." In this way, the children who did not hear Moses preach Deuteronomy will "hear and learn to fear" (Deut. 31:9_13). At the rededication of the walls of Jerusalem, Nehemiah assembled "men, women, and all who could listen with understanding" (Neh. 8:2), so that the law could be read in their presence (8:3_8). At the original assembly at Sinai, Yahweh was heard but not seen, a point that Moses emphasized when he reminded Israel of the event: "you heard the sound of words, but you saw no form—only a voice" (Deut. 4:12)."
I have often fallen into the mistake of feeling sorry for us modern Christians who have never seen God. We have our Bibles, sure, but we have never seen God. How lucky were the Apostles and Disciples who walked and talked with Christ! But, then after reading these passages that Dr. Liethart quotes I was reminded that the Israelites themselves never saw the Lord either. "you heard the sound of words, but you saw no form-only a voice." Deut. 4:12
What is it that is happening when we sit in church and listen to our pastor (or elder or deacon) or when we sit in our living room and hear the HOH read to us from scripture? It's the Word of the Lord. It's the "sound of words" without seeing the form of God; "only a voice." As we worship each Sunday we are lifted up into the Heavens and we worship with our people; faithful Israelites, faithful Gentiles, saints both quick and dead. Thus even as the Israelites did not see God, but were commanded to follow His law through the hearing of the Word so are we the new Jerusalem not able to see God, but we have been given His law and are likewise commanded to obey our Lord. We are blessed to be able to hear Law and read it through Grace. Our response is a thanksgiving and rightly so.
So, on Sunday close your Bibles and hear the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God!
"Thanks be to God"
This call and response is so common. We say it every Sunday in Worship. We repeat it after the head of the house reads during Devotions. We so easily fall into the trap of repetition and forget what we say. This morning I stumbled across this Credenda/Agenda article from Pastor Liethart (C/A Vol 14. Issue 3) and re-awoke to what my own mouth was saying.
"Every seven years, Israel was to gather at the central sanctuary for the reading of the law, "that they may hear and learn and fear Yahweh your God." In this way, the children who did not hear Moses preach Deuteronomy will "hear and learn to fear" (Deut. 31:9_13). At the rededication of the walls of Jerusalem, Nehemiah assembled "men, women, and all who could listen with understanding" (Neh. 8:2), so that the law could be read in their presence (8:3_8). At the original assembly at Sinai, Yahweh was heard but not seen, a point that Moses emphasized when he reminded Israel of the event: "you heard the sound of words, but you saw no form—only a voice" (Deut. 4:12)."
I have often fallen into the mistake of feeling sorry for us modern Christians who have never seen God. We have our Bibles, sure, but we have never seen God. How lucky were the Apostles and Disciples who walked and talked with Christ! But, then after reading these passages that Dr. Liethart quotes I was reminded that the Israelites themselves never saw the Lord either. "you heard the sound of words, but you saw no form-only a voice." Deut. 4:12
What is it that is happening when we sit in church and listen to our pastor (or elder or deacon) or when we sit in our living room and hear the HOH read to us from scripture? It's the Word of the Lord. It's the "sound of words" without seeing the form of God; "only a voice." As we worship each Sunday we are lifted up into the Heavens and we worship with our people; faithful Israelites, faithful Gentiles, saints both quick and dead. Thus even as the Israelites did not see God, but were commanded to follow His law through the hearing of the Word so are we the new Jerusalem not able to see God, but we have been given His law and are likewise commanded to obey our Lord. We are blessed to be able to hear Law and read it through Grace. Our response is a thanksgiving and rightly so.
So, on Sunday close your Bibles and hear the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God!
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