Wow, it's been awhile.
We've been pretty busy the past few weeks. We headed out for a little getaway last weekend. I had a few days off from school and we decided to take advantage of some extra time together. We've had a few photo sessions and the quarter ended at school. I forgot how much work went in to the end of the quarter. This week, I'm attending a state math conference.
All that to say, we are grateful for some wonderful friends. Many people have continued to ask about my health. We've experienced great support and prayers. We've even had a few people attempt to cook for me, and they haven't made me sick. We love that we can still enjoy the sweet fellowship and breaking of bread with our friends, despite my special diet. My health has been wonderful over the past few months. I've fought off some cold or flu thing, but Celiac hasn't been an issue. I can't believe it's been almost a year since my diagnoses. We have learned so much during this time. We are especially grateful for friends that keep us in mind everywhere they go. We have had lots of ideas of finding different things gluten free or finding a restaurant that has a GF menu. Some friends have even cooked for you or picked up a special treat they saw was GF at the local store.
For all of those wonderful ideas, THANK YOU! We love knowing people are thinking of us, praying for us, and looking out for us. I guess its more me, then us, but I know Mike is grateful as well.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
money, money, mo-oney...
Well, last night was not a fun night. Mike's fighting off a cold and I heard him coughing up a lung all night long. Luckily, it's just a cold or that, but I thought he was dying in the bathroom every time I woke up. I'm sure he doesn't think it's fun either, but in case you don't me too well, I HATE germs. I have no idea why I think teaching is a good idea when I don't like germs, but I love that my school supplies me with Clorox wipes and anti-bac.
So, weekends are my friend. I LOVE sleeping in on Saturday mornings and staying in my pj's all day. Now that it's Mike's favorite season, we stay infront of the tv all day watching football. Sadly, we don't get most of the games with our favorite teams, but we can get them over the internet. Not quite the same, but better than nothing. Meanwhile, we're on to a new adventure...
MONOPOLY! Yes, in case you haven't heard, there is now an online real-life game of monopoly. It's called monopoly city streets and it just started on the 9th. There's a few kinks they're working out before they restart the game in a few days, but we are already addicted. Luckily, once you run out of money you can't do anything. So, each night, at 8pm, we're stuck in front of our computers buying properties and building properties. You also get to demolish other peoples' properties and build prisons, factories, etc. on their streets too. I had quite a few CHANCE cards tonight and was able to keep building. Tomorrow night, I'll bring in 7 million dollars on rent! Mike's not too happy about this, as he is the master at Monopoly. This is the only game of Monopoly I play with him because he shows no mercy in the board game.
So, if you haven't registered, you should. Feel free to add us as a friend and play against us too. Good Luck!
So, weekends are my friend. I LOVE sleeping in on Saturday mornings and staying in my pj's all day. Now that it's Mike's favorite season, we stay infront of the tv all day watching football. Sadly, we don't get most of the games with our favorite teams, but we can get them over the internet. Not quite the same, but better than nothing. Meanwhile, we're on to a new adventure...
MONOPOLY! Yes, in case you haven't heard, there is now an online real-life game of monopoly. It's called monopoly city streets and it just started on the 9th. There's a few kinks they're working out before they restart the game in a few days, but we are already addicted. Luckily, once you run out of money you can't do anything. So, each night, at 8pm, we're stuck in front of our computers buying properties and building properties. You also get to demolish other peoples' properties and build prisons, factories, etc. on their streets too. I had quite a few CHANCE cards tonight and was able to keep building. Tomorrow night, I'll bring in 7 million dollars on rent! Mike's not too happy about this, as he is the master at Monopoly. This is the only game of Monopoly I play with him because he shows no mercy in the board game.
So, if you haven't registered, you should. Feel free to add us as a friend and play against us too. Good Luck!
Sunday, September 6, 2009
f r i e n d s
A few years back, Mike bought me all 10 seasons of FRIENDS. We've slowly been making our way through from start to finish, but it's always a good laugh. Well, until we saw it on sale for $80 a few weeks ago. Anyhow, we've watched a few episodes this past week and I realized that for most people, their lives of never going to look like that. It's rare that your best friends will all stick together in the same stage of life and location for so long. For most, there's a transition along the way...
So, Mike and I are in a new transition. I'm still teaching Middle School math and I love my community. I have such great colleagues, students, and parents. I really can't imagine being anywhere else, except for maybe in full-time ministry.
We are back looking for a church. This new season is bittersweet for us. We are excited about what is to come, but there is still a loss, especially of friends. No matter if you move, change jobs, or switch churches, those crucial parts of your life include relationships. Changing positions, means those relationships will also change. We hope and pray they won't disappear, but they will change. They're just different.
I have been amazed as some of our friends and the love and comfort they have given to us over the past few weeks. Many of these people I have only been able to interact with in person with a handful of times because we are separated by thousands of miles. Despite the distance, they love for us has spread vast across the ocean. The love that comes with truth from people you trust. A hard word, that you know is right, is a sweet taste because of the love. The encouragement, prayers, and support has been an incredible gift. Other people have been close to us, but we have neglected to have the time, or make the effort to spend with them. When we called, they were quick to make time for us. to listen, to talk, to love, and to pray. Others, just stop by to bring a special (GF) treat because they thought of us. (It's delicious by the way!) Oh how sweet is the body of Christ!
Or, there's just the small of familiarity. Mike and I both met some new friends this morning from Miami, Florida, and RTS. Even a few of our new friends had spent some time overseas and some similar areas. The rich memories that shaped our lives, could be shared with some of some not-so-familiar faces. It's amazing how the Spirit of God can work. Shared experiences (or locations) can even be a breath of fresh air!
I'm saddened to miss yet another wedding of some dear friends. It's been such a long time for us to celebrate God's covenant of marriage with our friends. We are looking forward to witnessing some great covenants in the next few months and catching up with our friends from miles away.
Our printed updates, will become less. We plan on keeping our blog updated and Mike is entertaining starting his own. We love catching up with all of our friends and family, and would greatly appreciate the love and prayers. Please feel free to call, or write, we'd love to hear from you and share about our journey.
With love,
So, Mike and I are in a new transition. I'm still teaching Middle School math and I love my community. I have such great colleagues, students, and parents. I really can't imagine being anywhere else, except for maybe in full-time ministry.
We are back looking for a church. This new season is bittersweet for us. We are excited about what is to come, but there is still a loss, especially of friends. No matter if you move, change jobs, or switch churches, those crucial parts of your life include relationships. Changing positions, means those relationships will also change. We hope and pray they won't disappear, but they will change. They're just different.
I have been amazed as some of our friends and the love and comfort they have given to us over the past few weeks. Many of these people I have only been able to interact with in person with a handful of times because we are separated by thousands of miles. Despite the distance, they love for us has spread vast across the ocean. The love that comes with truth from people you trust. A hard word, that you know is right, is a sweet taste because of the love. The encouragement, prayers, and support has been an incredible gift. Other people have been close to us, but we have neglected to have the time, or make the effort to spend with them. When we called, they were quick to make time for us. to listen, to talk, to love, and to pray. Others, just stop by to bring a special (GF) treat because they thought of us. (It's delicious by the way!) Oh how sweet is the body of Christ!
Or, there's just the small of familiarity. Mike and I both met some new friends this morning from Miami, Florida, and RTS. Even a few of our new friends had spent some time overseas and some similar areas. The rich memories that shaped our lives, could be shared with some of some not-so-familiar faces. It's amazing how the Spirit of God can work. Shared experiences (or locations) can even be a breath of fresh air!
I'm saddened to miss yet another wedding of some dear friends. It's been such a long time for us to celebrate God's covenant of marriage with our friends. We are looking forward to witnessing some great covenants in the next few months and catching up with our friends from miles away.
Our printed updates, will become less. We plan on keeping our blog updated and Mike is entertaining starting his own. We love catching up with all of our friends and family, and would greatly appreciate the love and prayers. Please feel free to call, or write, we'd love to hear from you and share about our journey.
With love,
Monday, August 17, 2009
there will be a day...
There will be a day with no more tears
No more pain, and no more fears
There will be a day
When the burdens of this place
Will be no more
We'll see Jesus face to face
(Jeremy Camp)
Mike and I have been watching the John Adams series. As much as Mike LOVES history and politics, it was right up his alley. I'm not big on either, but it was definitely worth watching. It reminds me of the price paid for our freedom and the cost 200 years ago. It's something that people live, and die for...year after year. For that I am very thankful. Well, throughout the series, many lives end for a variety of reasons. This last episode really made me start thinking about death. Some days I feel like I am comfortable with death and the idea of dying. Other days, I'm terrified of the unknown or being left alone. Most days, I tend to not think about dying and what is to come.
What is exactly the way to go? John Adams shows dying after a good LONG life. Do I want that? Do I want that for my loved ones? I'm not sure if I'm ready for mourning to be a process, sometimes I think it would be better to not seeing coming. Really?! Yes, I can;t come to grips with that either. How do you say you love someone not knowing its the last time you'll see them? How do you look at them thinking "what could I have done differently?" How do you allow your life to change in a split second. Somehow, I don't know if there is a good way to say goodbye for eternity.
After we finished watching this episode, Mike was watching a video posted on Justin Taylor's blog. Although this is really pointing towards missions, I was struck by the beginning and the urgency along with the reality of death. No matter if we want it or not, it will come. We have two options: heaven or hell. With God or without God. Obey or disobey.
Life is not about me. It's not about a ministry a job or even a church. It's about God. If I'm not living a life of Christ, what's the point? As a Christian, we have the only way to spend eternity with God - Jesus Christ. By keeping this quiet and to ourselves, we are hiding the key to heaven from all of those around us. We might be the only that knows this Truth and can share it with others. This is what gives me comfort in death.
I remember back to being a kid and growing up on the picture perfect street. I had no worries. I had no curfew. I had no responsibility. My life seemed perfect. The past few years, have not been so joyous. Moving a dozen times, entering in to our first lawsuit, health issues, etc. etc. etc. Mike is always the optimist in our house. He would talk regularly about the comfort in God's kingdom in what't to come when Jesus returns. I didn't always understand this. Will there be beaches there? What about cute clothes? What about naps? I like those things and if heaven doesn't have those, I'm not sure if I'm interested. Once everything started with my health, I started to get the idea. A place with no more tears and no more suffering. A play without anxiety and wondering if I (or someone around me) will throw up. What's wrong with me and why can't I make it through a week without feeling normal and being overpowered by my poor health. As I'm sitting crunched up over the toilet, on the couch, or in tears, it hit me - this won't exist in heaven. I won't have to deal with the pain, discomfort, and sickness. I'll see Jesus face to face and won't even realize the pain of this world. I still hope there is a little bit of earth in heaven, especially some gluten filled cupcakes and doritos, but if not, I think I'll still enjoy it. This is what gives me comfort in living.
So, this entry is a little more serious than most. Basically, all I wanted to share was that Jesus Christ is the only thing that satisfies. Some days are easier to realize that than others, but it's true. That alone is what gives me comfort in living...and dying. There will be a day...
No more pain, and no more fears
There will be a day
When the burdens of this place
Will be no more
We'll see Jesus face to face
(Jeremy Camp)
Mike and I have been watching the John Adams series. As much as Mike LOVES history and politics, it was right up his alley. I'm not big on either, but it was definitely worth watching. It reminds me of the price paid for our freedom and the cost 200 years ago. It's something that people live, and die for...year after year. For that I am very thankful. Well, throughout the series, many lives end for a variety of reasons. This last episode really made me start thinking about death. Some days I feel like I am comfortable with death and the idea of dying. Other days, I'm terrified of the unknown or being left alone. Most days, I tend to not think about dying and what is to come.
What is exactly the way to go? John Adams shows dying after a good LONG life. Do I want that? Do I want that for my loved ones? I'm not sure if I'm ready for mourning to be a process, sometimes I think it would be better to not seeing coming. Really?! Yes, I can;t come to grips with that either. How do you say you love someone not knowing its the last time you'll see them? How do you look at them thinking "what could I have done differently?" How do you allow your life to change in a split second. Somehow, I don't know if there is a good way to say goodbye for eternity.
After we finished watching this episode, Mike was watching a video posted on Justin Taylor's blog. Although this is really pointing towards missions, I was struck by the beginning and the urgency along with the reality of death. No matter if we want it or not, it will come. We have two options: heaven or hell. With God or without God. Obey or disobey.
Life is not about me. It's not about a ministry a job or even a church. It's about God. If I'm not living a life of Christ, what's the point? As a Christian, we have the only way to spend eternity with God - Jesus Christ. By keeping this quiet and to ourselves, we are hiding the key to heaven from all of those around us. We might be the only that knows this Truth and can share it with others. This is what gives me comfort in death.
I remember back to being a kid and growing up on the picture perfect street. I had no worries. I had no curfew. I had no responsibility. My life seemed perfect. The past few years, have not been so joyous. Moving a dozen times, entering in to our first lawsuit, health issues, etc. etc. etc. Mike is always the optimist in our house. He would talk regularly about the comfort in God's kingdom in what't to come when Jesus returns. I didn't always understand this. Will there be beaches there? What about cute clothes? What about naps? I like those things and if heaven doesn't have those, I'm not sure if I'm interested. Once everything started with my health, I started to get the idea. A place with no more tears and no more suffering. A play without anxiety and wondering if I (or someone around me) will throw up. What's wrong with me and why can't I make it through a week without feeling normal and being overpowered by my poor health. As I'm sitting crunched up over the toilet, on the couch, or in tears, it hit me - this won't exist in heaven. I won't have to deal with the pain, discomfort, and sickness. I'll see Jesus face to face and won't even realize the pain of this world. I still hope there is a little bit of earth in heaven, especially some gluten filled cupcakes and doritos, but if not, I think I'll still enjoy it. This is what gives me comfort in living.
So, this entry is a little more serious than most. Basically, all I wanted to share was that Jesus Christ is the only thing that satisfies. Some days are easier to realize that than others, but it's true. That alone is what gives me comfort in living...and dying. There will be a day...
Sunday, August 9, 2009
oh where, oh where has my....
...summer gone! The summer has seemed to come and go at the blink of an eye. We've had some time to enjoy as a couple, recharge with friends, and refine our minds in classes. I've picked up several tutoring clients and had some photography opportunities. It's kept me busy and I've loved seeing some fun faces around school. This week is my last week back before I'm in full swing in the classroom. WOW, how time flies! I love my job and everything with it. It's a great community and I really couldn't ask for anything else (unless it was maybe high school students...?) They one thing I dread, going back over a bittersweet summer. I'm just not ready, but then again, who ever is?
And AGAIN, I'm kicking myself because I STILL haven't posted pictures! I have several things to share, including a new haircut. Well, not too new, but still. BLAH! Hopefully I'll post some fun pictures up and around this next week while Mike is working hard and I'm enjoying the house. Well, I guess that all depends on how fast our AC gets fixed. 88 degrees in the house is not very enjoyable. It's going to be a pretty crazy month for us, but we are excited to have some things behind us. If you are familiar with our path over the past few years, please pray for our condo situation! We're hoping this is all said and done within the next 3 months and should have some good news in the next week. THANKS!
For now, it's off to spend the evening with Mike and relax so we don't recognize how hot it is. Oh yeah, and dinner!
And AGAIN, I'm kicking myself because I STILL haven't posted pictures! I have several things to share, including a new haircut. Well, not too new, but still. BLAH! Hopefully I'll post some fun pictures up and around this next week while Mike is working hard and I'm enjoying the house. Well, I guess that all depends on how fast our AC gets fixed. 88 degrees in the house is not very enjoyable. It's going to be a pretty crazy month for us, but we are excited to have some things behind us. If you are familiar with our path over the past few years, please pray for our condo situation! We're hoping this is all said and done within the next 3 months and should have some good news in the next week. THANKS!
For now, it's off to spend the evening with Mike and relax so we don't recognize how hot it is. Oh yeah, and dinner!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
inside the eye
The last month has been complete chaos, my body is convinced. I've been out of school for 5 weeks, and 4 of those weeks have been staying in a bed that does not have my name on it. It's nice to lay my head on my pillow. Cook in my kitchen. Be on my time. And know, for the most part, where to look for what. I'm happy to be back in our home.
We can see the light at the end of the tunnel too. Mike finished his second to last seminary course on Friday. This is the last class in person. It was fitting that we ran in to Dr. MacKenzie, Mike's favorite professor. What a perfect gift on his last day!
Tomorrow I start back to work, half days. I guess it's not quite starting back as it is tutoring and not teaching, but it's work. I'm excited to see some familiar faces. I ran in to three former students on the way to Target yesterday. Such a fun treat! It's nice to be excited about seeing them and not running and hiding from them like I used to do.
So, what else...DOMINION! It's our new favorite game. We played it a million times with Scott and Robin on vacation and quickly purchased our own copy. The expansion is now out, Intrigue, and we just can't seem to get enough of it. Luckily, the Bowerman's enjoyed the game too and we had lots of fun playing with them over the past week.
I chopped my hair off too. Well, Becky technically did. I love it! Takes a little while to get used to, but it's much cooler and actually has a style. I've been meaning to take some pictures, so I'll try to get that taken care of this week.
I'm on a hunt for a good way to organize coupons. I've heard about this new binder system, but I'm just not sure if I want to go that route. Still contemplating the grocery list, especially since I need so many speciality products. ::sigh:: Lot's to figure out before I go back to school full time in 5 weeks.
On a very exciting note, Amanda's in town!!! This is my long lost friend. Mike went to high school with her and they even share the same birthday. She's slightly responsible for Mike and I being together too. She's been in Italy for what seems like forever and she's back on a little furlough for the summer and meeting all the BF's family, and friends. YEAH! I get to see her tomorrow and I can't wait! I also get to meet this BF, well RE-meet. He seems pretty cool and we did go to the same school too. So, CHEERS, to Amanda and Chris! YIIIIIIIPPPPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
(It's been one of those days. I apologize for the stream of consciousness, but you get the idea.)
We can see the light at the end of the tunnel too. Mike finished his second to last seminary course on Friday. This is the last class in person. It was fitting that we ran in to Dr. MacKenzie, Mike's favorite professor. What a perfect gift on his last day!
Tomorrow I start back to work, half days. I guess it's not quite starting back as it is tutoring and not teaching, but it's work. I'm excited to see some familiar faces. I ran in to three former students on the way to Target yesterday. Such a fun treat! It's nice to be excited about seeing them and not running and hiding from them like I used to do.
So, what else...DOMINION! It's our new favorite game. We played it a million times with Scott and Robin on vacation and quickly purchased our own copy. The expansion is now out, Intrigue, and we just can't seem to get enough of it. Luckily, the Bowerman's enjoyed the game too and we had lots of fun playing with them over the past week.
I chopped my hair off too. Well, Becky technically did. I love it! Takes a little while to get used to, but it's much cooler and actually has a style. I've been meaning to take some pictures, so I'll try to get that taken care of this week.
I'm on a hunt for a good way to organize coupons. I've heard about this new binder system, but I'm just not sure if I want to go that route. Still contemplating the grocery list, especially since I need so many speciality products. ::sigh:: Lot's to figure out before I go back to school full time in 5 weeks.
On a very exciting note, Amanda's in town!!! This is my long lost friend. Mike went to high school with her and they even share the same birthday. She's slightly responsible for Mike and I being together too. She's been in Italy for what seems like forever and she's back on a little furlough for the summer and meeting all the BF's family, and friends. YEAH! I get to see her tomorrow and I can't wait! I also get to meet this BF, well RE-meet. He seems pretty cool and we did go to the same school too. So, CHEERS, to Amanda and Chris! YIIIIIIIPPPPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
(It's been one of those days. I apologize for the stream of consciousness, but you get the idea.)
Friday, June 26, 2009
Gracyn
Well, the last few weeks have been a whirlwind. We took a week vacation to Mexico to celebrate our three year anniversary at the same place as our honeymoon. Another couple went with us and we had a blast. The sun showed no mercy on us, but at least my legs aren't pasty white now.
The last two weeks we've spent in Orlando while Mike pounded out two more classes at RTS. 1 more to go!!!! Along the way, we never thought this day would come. Mike is luckily very disciplined and was able to balance work and school for the past three years. Too bad they don't have a summer graduation to make it official!
I've had a few photo opportunities while we've been in town. I found a prime location in Winter Park. Thank you Sierra! Meanwhile, I'll have to start back to the teaching world when we return to Raleigh. I have a couple weeks that I'll be small group tutoring and planning for next year.
As for today, I'm running some errands around town. I hope to check in at a venue for a potential wedding client. We're meeting up for coffee with Mike's grandparents, then off to the Bowerman's for pizza and pop night. Then back to crash at Scott and Robin's and hopefully squeeze in a game of Dominion. (FR family, this may soon take over Settlers.) Too bad the expansion isn't released until next week.
So, regarding my title. You can read Gracyn's story here. It also includes a video. Throughout the past few years, I've just wondered if I would ever be able to function in every day life again. I used to think I would be the first one to fight through this and miraculously be healed to the fullest. After I get glutened, I've given up on that idea. The way I feel afterwards, isn't worth the risk. Even if someone told me I was healed and handed me a piece of bread, or better yet a Krispy Kreme donut, I don't think I would take the risk to even taste it and test it's reliability. Meanwhile, this sweet little girl's story reminds me of who is the Healer. Despite my diagnoses, there is still hope of functioning in the real world and being healed. I may not be cured, but I can trust in God alone to fight this battle.
The last two weeks we've spent in Orlando while Mike pounded out two more classes at RTS. 1 more to go!!!! Along the way, we never thought this day would come. Mike is luckily very disciplined and was able to balance work and school for the past three years. Too bad they don't have a summer graduation to make it official!
I've had a few photo opportunities while we've been in town. I found a prime location in Winter Park. Thank you Sierra! Meanwhile, I'll have to start back to the teaching world when we return to Raleigh. I have a couple weeks that I'll be small group tutoring and planning for next year.
As for today, I'm running some errands around town. I hope to check in at a venue for a potential wedding client. We're meeting up for coffee with Mike's grandparents, then off to the Bowerman's for pizza and pop night. Then back to crash at Scott and Robin's and hopefully squeeze in a game of Dominion. (FR family, this may soon take over Settlers.) Too bad the expansion isn't released until next week.
So, regarding my title. You can read Gracyn's story here. It also includes a video. Throughout the past few years, I've just wondered if I would ever be able to function in every day life again. I used to think I would be the first one to fight through this and miraculously be healed to the fullest. After I get glutened, I've given up on that idea. The way I feel afterwards, isn't worth the risk. Even if someone told me I was healed and handed me a piece of bread, or better yet a Krispy Kreme donut, I don't think I would take the risk to even taste it and test it's reliability. Meanwhile, this sweet little girl's story reminds me of who is the Healer. Despite my diagnoses, there is still hope of functioning in the real world and being healed. I may not be cured, but I can trust in God alone to fight this battle.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
dracula
Well, I'm waiting on FedEx to come and pick up some blood. Yes, that's right, I have a few ounces of blood hanging out in my refrigerator. I'm sending samples in to have testing done for food and environmental allergies. I'm hoping we can figure out what is still causing me some problems. Meanwhile, after the first stick, the nurse missed my vein. With a 9 gauge needle, it was not comfortable for her to dig that thing around in my arm. After 2 tubes, she gave up and moved to the other arm. At least I made it and filled all the tubes. Now, I just wait for the results.
Last weekend Mike and I journeyed out to Wal-mart. Mike despises that place. I was able to stretch out our visit to check out more of their GF products. While searching from some granola bars, I met a new friend. Sarah doesn't have celiac, but has recently discovered her intolerance to gluten. She has been so overwhelmed with the change in diet, she has just ignored it. I cannot imagine still eating that stuff! By one simple crumb I am so sick now. I haven't picked up an ounce of gluten on purpose since I started the diet and wouldn't go back to eating it for any craving. This week has been the worst with all the delicious looking cake floating around for graduation and retirement. So, I ran home and made my own. I just wish I had some whipped cream and strawberries to top it off. So, Sarah has my number and email, but I haven't heard from her. I'm happy to have a new friend in this journey. I think to just be a network or encouragement to her as much as Katie has been to me, would be such a blessing. (And now if we can just help Becky figure things out. As much as I would hate for her to have to deal with this, I can't think of anyone else I would rather go through this journey with. Too bad we didn't figure this out when we were living together.)
Mike and I are spending the next couple days in Durham for Advance '09. I haven't been to a conference since I left Crusade and I am so encouraged by my short afternoon today. This conference is to encourage and equip church leaders in helping America discover the importance and value of the local church. I heard Driscoll speak for the first time today. Oh how I love the truth that comes out of his mouth! No need to sugar coat the Gospel. Tomorrow and Saturday Piper is speaking and Driscoll will speak again on Saturday. A great blessing as our first year in a church plant draws to a close. I was thinking today of the joy of church planting. There are some many things that excite me about this and I see Mike and I gifted in different ways to continue this journey. I think this really could be a lifetime journey for us, except that whole idea of support year after year. Who knows where the Lord will lead us, but I'm hoping support raising is not in our future for too much longer.
Oh yeah, and a high for week, school is officially over! My last day was Wednesday, but I had a total of 5 classes this week. Time creeped by, but I was excited to see some familiar faces drop in to say hello. Graduation last week was much more emotional than I ever thought. I've only been a part of this community for the last 2 months and already miss my students. How do these teachers that have known the kids for 9 years make it through? What a change this has been! I really love my job and I am so excited for the blessing God has given to us. Now, I'm just trying to figure out if I want to help coach cheerleading or start on my Master's.
Next week, R & R! Hopefully, we're able to enjoy the sun and the rain will go easy on us.
Last weekend Mike and I journeyed out to Wal-mart. Mike despises that place. I was able to stretch out our visit to check out more of their GF products. While searching from some granola bars, I met a new friend. Sarah doesn't have celiac, but has recently discovered her intolerance to gluten. She has been so overwhelmed with the change in diet, she has just ignored it. I cannot imagine still eating that stuff! By one simple crumb I am so sick now. I haven't picked up an ounce of gluten on purpose since I started the diet and wouldn't go back to eating it for any craving. This week has been the worst with all the delicious looking cake floating around for graduation and retirement. So, I ran home and made my own. I just wish I had some whipped cream and strawberries to top it off. So, Sarah has my number and email, but I haven't heard from her. I'm happy to have a new friend in this journey. I think to just be a network or encouragement to her as much as Katie has been to me, would be such a blessing. (And now if we can just help Becky figure things out. As much as I would hate for her to have to deal with this, I can't think of anyone else I would rather go through this journey with. Too bad we didn't figure this out when we were living together.)
Mike and I are spending the next couple days in Durham for Advance '09. I haven't been to a conference since I left Crusade and I am so encouraged by my short afternoon today. This conference is to encourage and equip church leaders in helping America discover the importance and value of the local church. I heard Driscoll speak for the first time today. Oh how I love the truth that comes out of his mouth! No need to sugar coat the Gospel. Tomorrow and Saturday Piper is speaking and Driscoll will speak again on Saturday. A great blessing as our first year in a church plant draws to a close. I was thinking today of the joy of church planting. There are some many things that excite me about this and I see Mike and I gifted in different ways to continue this journey. I think this really could be a lifetime journey for us, except that whole idea of support year after year. Who knows where the Lord will lead us, but I'm hoping support raising is not in our future for too much longer.
Oh yeah, and a high for week, school is officially over! My last day was Wednesday, but I had a total of 5 classes this week. Time creeped by, but I was excited to see some familiar faces drop in to say hello. Graduation last week was much more emotional than I ever thought. I've only been a part of this community for the last 2 months and already miss my students. How do these teachers that have known the kids for 9 years make it through? What a change this has been! I really love my job and I am so excited for the blessing God has given to us. Now, I'm just trying to figure out if I want to help coach cheerleading or start on my Master's.
Next week, R & R! Hopefully, we're able to enjoy the sun and the rain will go easy on us.
Friday, May 15, 2009
chicken and DC
So, what do these have in common? This week.
My week has been a little crazy. The 8th graders from school were on a class field trip to DC from Wednesday morning until this evening, Friday. Even though I'm an 8th grade teacher, my switch came late in the year and I was held back to teach some of the other classes. No worries, with this whole Celiac thing, I think it was the BEST thing possible (besides just having three days off). So, I was covering my 5th and 6th graders, along with a different homeroom, someone else's lunch duties and traffic duty, and covering the headmaster's two classes while he was in DC. I didn't really have extra responsibilities, just as much as different ones. I was running around most days trying to figure out who I was supposed to be when. All in all, I figured it out.
So, we roasted a chicken, again. I thought this would be complex, but most of this post is going to be two of my new favorite recipes. (I also made gluten-free lasagna that was tasty, but most people probably already have a good recipe for lasagna.)
Roasted Chicken
1 small chicken
1 whole lemon (halved)
2 teaspoons celery salt or favorite seasoning (I use rosemary and salt and pepper)
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
1/2 cup water or chicken broth
(Empty the chicken of any "goodies.") Trim off extra fat from the chicken and pat dry with paper towels. Squeeze the lemon juice all over the chicken and inside the cavity. Place the squeezed lemon inside the cavity. Sprinkle the chicken with seasoning and pepper. Place the chicken in a crockpot (or roasting pan for the oven). Pour water/chicken broth in the bottom of crockpot or pan. Cook until meat thermometer registers 180 degrees. This usually takes around 2 hours in the oven or 6 hours in the crockpot. Roasting in the oven gives more of a crispy taste. Crockpot is very moist, but does not brown very much. The first time we did this, we couldn't get the chicken out of the crockpot because every time we would try to pick it up, it fell completely apart. It's DELICIOUS and provides great leftovers...see below.
After the chicken is removed and cut up, drop the bones and some other fatty pieces back in to the crockpot. Add water (8-12 cups) and any extra veggies and seasoning around. (onions, celery, carrots, parsley, etc.) Let boil for a few hours and remove from heat. Skim all the extra things (bones, meat, veggies, etc.) out. Refrigerate overnight and remove fat from top in the morning. Store chicken broth or freeze it in separate containers for something else in the next few days.
Chicken Tortilla Casserole
2 cans diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon mexican seasoning
1/2 cup chopped cilantro (I use a lot less than this...2 tables spoons or so)
2 cups shredded chicken (I use the leftovers from the roasted chicken and cut it up before I refrigerate it)
1 1/3 cup shredded monterey jack cheese
1 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
10 tortillas
Preheat oven to 400. Grease 2 pie plates.
Combine tomatoes, seasoning, and cilantro to make a sauce. Stir in the chicken.
Place one tortilla in the first pie plate. Top with 1/4 cup of the tomato mixture and 1/4 cup of cheese. Repeat three times and top with 5th tortilla. Sprinkle cheese on top. Repeat for the second pie plate.
Cover lightly with aluminum foil and bake for 12-15 minutes. (Until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbly.)
I eyeball this entire recipe. I hate measuring for things and I only make one pie plate for Mike and I. The recipe says it feeds 4. When I made ONE pie plate, it will feed us for at least 4 meals, maybe 5. I think this recipe feeds more like 6 growth spurt men or 8 normally.
You can also top with black olives, beans, sour cream, and extra cilantro.
DEFINITELY a new favorite in our household!
***Thank you Carol Fenster!
My week has been a little crazy. The 8th graders from school were on a class field trip to DC from Wednesday morning until this evening, Friday. Even though I'm an 8th grade teacher, my switch came late in the year and I was held back to teach some of the other classes. No worries, with this whole Celiac thing, I think it was the BEST thing possible (besides just having three days off). So, I was covering my 5th and 6th graders, along with a different homeroom, someone else's lunch duties and traffic duty, and covering the headmaster's two classes while he was in DC. I didn't really have extra responsibilities, just as much as different ones. I was running around most days trying to figure out who I was supposed to be when. All in all, I figured it out.
So, we roasted a chicken, again. I thought this would be complex, but most of this post is going to be two of my new favorite recipes. (I also made gluten-free lasagna that was tasty, but most people probably already have a good recipe for lasagna.)
Roasted Chicken
1 small chicken
1 whole lemon (halved)
2 teaspoons celery salt or favorite seasoning (I use rosemary and salt and pepper)
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
1/2 cup water or chicken broth
(Empty the chicken of any "goodies.") Trim off extra fat from the chicken and pat dry with paper towels. Squeeze the lemon juice all over the chicken and inside the cavity. Place the squeezed lemon inside the cavity. Sprinkle the chicken with seasoning and pepper. Place the chicken in a crockpot (or roasting pan for the oven). Pour water/chicken broth in the bottom of crockpot or pan. Cook until meat thermometer registers 180 degrees. This usually takes around 2 hours in the oven or 6 hours in the crockpot. Roasting in the oven gives more of a crispy taste. Crockpot is very moist, but does not brown very much. The first time we did this, we couldn't get the chicken out of the crockpot because every time we would try to pick it up, it fell completely apart. It's DELICIOUS and provides great leftovers...see below.
After the chicken is removed and cut up, drop the bones and some other fatty pieces back in to the crockpot. Add water (8-12 cups) and any extra veggies and seasoning around. (onions, celery, carrots, parsley, etc.) Let boil for a few hours and remove from heat. Skim all the extra things (bones, meat, veggies, etc.) out. Refrigerate overnight and remove fat from top in the morning. Store chicken broth or freeze it in separate containers for something else in the next few days.
Chicken Tortilla Casserole
2 cans diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon mexican seasoning
1/2 cup chopped cilantro (I use a lot less than this...2 tables spoons or so)
2 cups shredded chicken (I use the leftovers from the roasted chicken and cut it up before I refrigerate it)
1 1/3 cup shredded monterey jack cheese
1 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
10 tortillas
Preheat oven to 400. Grease 2 pie plates.
Combine tomatoes, seasoning, and cilantro to make a sauce. Stir in the chicken.
Place one tortilla in the first pie plate. Top with 1/4 cup of the tomato mixture and 1/4 cup of cheese. Repeat three times and top with 5th tortilla. Sprinkle cheese on top. Repeat for the second pie plate.
Cover lightly with aluminum foil and bake for 12-15 minutes. (Until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbly.)
I eyeball this entire recipe. I hate measuring for things and I only make one pie plate for Mike and I. The recipe says it feeds 4. When I made ONE pie plate, it will feed us for at least 4 meals, maybe 5. I think this recipe feeds more like 6 growth spurt men or 8 normally.
You can also top with black olives, beans, sour cream, and extra cilantro.
DEFINITELY a new favorite in our household!
***Thank you Carol Fenster!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
to infinity...and beyond
The last week has been quite rough for me. I spent most of last Sunday in the bathroom and managed to make a doctors appointment for monday afternoon.
Although we are grateful for my diagnosis of Celiac Disease in December, I have continued to have rough days and weeks. i went back to the doctor to investigate another chronic disease or some other culprit. Mike and I are realizing that there have been great milestones since December, but there are still several days (or even weeks) that I can hardly function in society. After last weekend, we went back to visit the doctor.
After waiting for an hour to see the guy, he came in pushed on my stomach a few times, and said "We can send you back to the GI." Again, I'm grateful this guy was willing and ran a million tests on me for a few weeks, but I really don't enjoy seeing him or paying him money to send me to someone else. Why couldn't he just tell me this on the phone?
Tuesday and Wednesday were great days. We celebrated Wednesday by having a gluten free pizza from one of our favorite places in town. TASTY! I even added my homegrown fresh basil. Delicious! Well, Thursday came and so did the pizza. Apparently, since I have now been GF, I am more sensitive to it. So, simply by baking the pizza in the same oven (or touching it with contaminated hands) I was MISERABLE. 1:00am - 1:00pm I was leaning against cold metal fixtures and walking laps around the block. Luckily, once I made it to the bathroom a couple times, all was over and I even regained some energy.
On my way home from work, I called a new friend. Katie has been diagnosed with Celiac just about a year longer than I. She has figured out some tricks of the trade and found that going GF was not quite enough for her. I took some notes and was encouraged by our conversation. The next day, I was back to normal and even went out to pick up Elisabeth Hasselbeck's new book, "The G Free Diet." I read nearly half of it within 24 hours. I've realized that although I thought I had eliminated gluten from my diet, it was still creeping in to my body. Now, with lots of help, encouragement, and prayers, we are continuing this fight against Celiac. I've learned that the 100% GF diet is more like 110%, and HAS to be. I never want to feel that nausea again, especially when I can do something to prevent it. The silver lining, I don't know if i have any other chronic disease or anything else, simply just an elastic grain that haunts me everywhere I go.
Since it is Sunday and some of you haven't made it to church, I'll leave you with some action points:
1) PRAY! Pray for me and my body. Pray for Mike to continue to have patience and understanding with me. Pray for a good dietitian and wisdom from him/her and wisdom for me and understanding my body.
2) Get tested. Nearly 1 in 133 Americans have Celiac Disease. However, less than 5% of them know they have it. Many people will never experience symptoms. That might seem like a good thing, but there are many more complications of Celiac, especially if people continue to eat Gluten. A simple blood test can help identify if you are at risk or not. If a first degree relative has CD, your chances are 1 in 22. If a second degree relative has it, your chances are 1 in 39. Again, it's better to be safe than sorry. Can you imagine finding out you have cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, infertility, thyroid disease, colitis, etc and then realize you may have been able to prevent it, just from changing some things in your diet? Next time you go to the doctor, ask them to draw some blood. Americans are FAR behind the times with this one, but more and more research is being done. Thank you to Australia and Europe for leading the way! (Even Italians with all their pasta and pizza have more GF options than we do.)
And a side note, thank you Katie! You've helped me see some hope in this and I am grateful that hopefully my other chronic pain and headaches will go away as well. Who knows, maybe even I'll realize what it feels like to not have my skin hurt.
Although we are grateful for my diagnosis of Celiac Disease in December, I have continued to have rough days and weeks. i went back to the doctor to investigate another chronic disease or some other culprit. Mike and I are realizing that there have been great milestones since December, but there are still several days (or even weeks) that I can hardly function in society. After last weekend, we went back to visit the doctor.
After waiting for an hour to see the guy, he came in pushed on my stomach a few times, and said "We can send you back to the GI." Again, I'm grateful this guy was willing and ran a million tests on me for a few weeks, but I really don't enjoy seeing him or paying him money to send me to someone else. Why couldn't he just tell me this on the phone?
Tuesday and Wednesday were great days. We celebrated Wednesday by having a gluten free pizza from one of our favorite places in town. TASTY! I even added my homegrown fresh basil. Delicious! Well, Thursday came and so did the pizza. Apparently, since I have now been GF, I am more sensitive to it. So, simply by baking the pizza in the same oven (or touching it with contaminated hands) I was MISERABLE. 1:00am - 1:00pm I was leaning against cold metal fixtures and walking laps around the block. Luckily, once I made it to the bathroom a couple times, all was over and I even regained some energy.
On my way home from work, I called a new friend. Katie has been diagnosed with Celiac just about a year longer than I. She has figured out some tricks of the trade and found that going GF was not quite enough for her. I took some notes and was encouraged by our conversation. The next day, I was back to normal and even went out to pick up Elisabeth Hasselbeck's new book, "The G Free Diet." I read nearly half of it within 24 hours. I've realized that although I thought I had eliminated gluten from my diet, it was still creeping in to my body. Now, with lots of help, encouragement, and prayers, we are continuing this fight against Celiac. I've learned that the 100% GF diet is more like 110%, and HAS to be. I never want to feel that nausea again, especially when I can do something to prevent it. The silver lining, I don't know if i have any other chronic disease or anything else, simply just an elastic grain that haunts me everywhere I go.
Since it is Sunday and some of you haven't made it to church, I'll leave you with some action points:
1) PRAY! Pray for me and my body. Pray for Mike to continue to have patience and understanding with me. Pray for a good dietitian and wisdom from him/her and wisdom for me and understanding my body.
2) Get tested. Nearly 1 in 133 Americans have Celiac Disease. However, less than 5% of them know they have it. Many people will never experience symptoms. That might seem like a good thing, but there are many more complications of Celiac, especially if people continue to eat Gluten. A simple blood test can help identify if you are at risk or not. If a first degree relative has CD, your chances are 1 in 22. If a second degree relative has it, your chances are 1 in 39. Again, it's better to be safe than sorry. Can you imagine finding out you have cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, infertility, thyroid disease, colitis, etc and then realize you may have been able to prevent it, just from changing some things in your diet? Next time you go to the doctor, ask them to draw some blood. Americans are FAR behind the times with this one, but more and more research is being done. Thank you to Australia and Europe for leading the way! (Even Italians with all their pasta and pizza have more GF options than we do.)
And a side note, thank you Katie! You've helped me see some hope in this and I am grateful that hopefully my other chronic pain and headaches will go away as well. Who knows, maybe even I'll realize what it feels like to not have my skin hurt.
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