Stop Calling Me Supermom, by Carey Pace. She’s a writer and a lifestyle photographer at http://www.careypace.com/

12 Things Your Daughter Needs You to Say, by Emily Freeman. She writes about faith and living fully alive at http://www.chattingatthesky.com/

Slow Like a Turtle, by Melissa Stover. You can see her photography here and her writing here.

Go be encouraged, Moms!

Penuche (pronounced \pa-noo-chee\) very much resembles the caramel frosting that my grandmother used to make. I have never been able to perfect that recipe, particularly the part where you wait until the precise moment that it’s just thin enough to pour over the cake and just thick enough to harden and actually stay on the cake. It seems to be one of the many special gifts that my maw maw had.

This recipe is just as tasty, requires fewer ingredients, and is fool-proof.

I discovered this recipe by accident. The Duncan Hines Dark Chocolate Mocha cake was ready to be frosted for an after-church treat when I realized that I didn’t have enough sugar for my frosting recipe. Well, actually I had enough sugar but then there wouldn’t have been enough sugar for sweet tea. Need I say more? Tomorrow is grocery shopping day so I make-do. I even made substitutions to the recipe below.

The last few pages of The Cake Mix Doctor book contain several recipes for frostings and glazes. I don’t think I’ve ever used any recipe in this book but I might after finding this one. This recipe makes 3 cups, has 4 ingredients, and takes 10 minutes to prepare.

1 cup packed light brown sugar

8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter  (I used ½ stick salted and ½ stick unsalted—it was all I had)

¼ cup whole milk (I was out of milk so I used ¼ cup of hazelnut flavored coffee creamer that my neighbor had given me. Her hubby bought the wrong kind. We don’t use flavored creamer and I wasn’t sure what I would do with it. I think it was better than milk would have been!)

2 cups confectioners’ sugar,  sifted

1. Combine brown sugar and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer and stir constantly until well combined.  Carefully pour in the milk, stirring, and bring mixture to a boil. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
2. Place the confectioners’ sugar in a large mixing bowl. Pour the hot brown sugar mixture over the confectioners’ sugar. Beat with an electric mixer on low until frosting is smooth and creamy.
3. Use immediately on cake since it hardens quickly. If frosting hardens before you pour it on cake, reheat over low heat until it softens.

This recipe made just enough for a perfectly thick layer on a 9×13 cake. I would definitely double it if I were planning to use it on a layer cake. I think I would also make it in two separate batches since it hardens so quickly.

Delicious!

You might be tempted to eat it with a spoon straight out of the mixing bowl. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Have you heard of Penuche before? Let me know if you make it and how you like it!

I love making a list, completing a task and marking through it. I love the feeling of “done”.  This whole process makes me feel organized and in control.

I hate the lists that never get completely finished. They are a reminder to me of what’s “undone”.  I know that’s kind of the purpose of a list but  my lists always seem to have so many undone things and the same undone things keep popping up and then I believe the lie of the Liar that “I am undone”. You can read more about that here. However, that crazy talk is not my biggest problem. Read on.

I know I need help with all my lists. There’s not a task I have to do today or any day that gets completed without the grace and goodness of God supplying and equipping me with all that I need.

But what I really, really need help with is the “needs-to-get-done-but-i-can’t-figure-it-out” list. Did you get that? I can’t figure it out. Sound the air horn. Snicker and point. Slap your knee. Try not laugh. It’s not funny. Whine. Sniff. Sniff. I can’t figure it out. I can’t fix it. I can’t cross it off my list.

Mind you this list does not include things like:

• Cleaning the spots on the carpet (Have you been to my house?)
• Losing ten pounds– again. (I found the ones I lost last year)
• Figuring out Photoshop (I need a tutor to explain Photoshop for Dummies—seriously)
• Lessons plans for the coming school year (Is it summer yet?)

All those things are kind of important and I need and want to do them.

But the list that really gets me is a list that’s not even written down. Those concerns and challenges and issues that just won’t go away are swirling around in my head and popping up in conversations with friends and loved ones. They’re big things. But I’m a smart, resourceful, hard-working girl. I should be able to figure it out.

Am I the only one plagued by this overwhelming need to figure it out and fix it and call it “done”?

Sitting at the red-light this morning my mind was racing around the new thing that I cannot  figure out. This little irritation is part of a bigger issue that mocks me weekly. Pray about everything.

“Lord, help.” I prayed

At home I texted my husband so he could help me figure it out. Epic fail. (Not him. The figuring it out part.)

I sat down to write here because sometimes that helps me. The crazy never takes a break.

“Must. Figure. It. Out.,” she says in her lamest robot voice.

The phone rings. My husband is calling from work. Ah! He must’ve figured it out. Yay!

“Hello.”

“Hey, what are you doing?’

“Oh, just sitting here.”

“So what are we going to do about _____________?”

“We’ll, I don’t know. I can’t figure it out.”

“Tonight we will pray about it.”

(Really? That’s it?  I mean I like praying and I like having prayers answered but I need to figure this out and the sooner the better. Call me back if you figure it out. Yep. That’s pretty much what I was thinking.)

“OK. Sounds good. Talk to you later. Bye.”

I hung up the phone.

Immediately I sensed God saying, “Stacy, stand still.”

I recalled a verse from my Bible reading over a week ago and I looked it up.  Joshua 3:8 says, “You shall, moreover, command the priests who are carrying the ark of the covenant, saying, ‘When you come to the edge of the waters of the Jordan, you shall stand still in the Jordan.’”  I also recalled my thoughts last week as I read it— imagining what that must have felt like to them—fearful of the waters of the Jordan at flood stage. Waters beyond the control of its banks rushing before them the way my thoughts do at red-lights and midnight.  Step in and stand still.

But….

What if….

Step in and stand still.

I read on through chapter 3. Verse 13 says, “It shall come about when the soles of the feet of the priests who carry the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan will be cut off, and the waters which are flowing down from above will stand in one heap.”

The key word here is rest.

Not step in and stand still.

Rest.

Standing still doesn’t ensure that I’m resting.

Then in verse 15 I see this parenthetical reference: (for the Jordan overflows all its banks all the days of harvest).

Harvest.  The season when ripened crops are gathered.

Stand still and rest.

He was speaking—the written word and spoken word. I was listening.

I grew up in a family of gardeners. I’ve helped harvest ripened crops. It does not involve standing still and resting. Ever. There is work to be done. Hard work. Toil and sweat and bug bites and blisters.

There is work to be done here in my life, too. Hard work. Lists to be made and problems to be solved.

Figure it out. Talk and worry and talk about it some more.

He spoke.

“Weary, restless, and controlling one stand still. Rest. It’s harvest time.”

Stand still and rest? At harvest time?

I still haven’t figured it out. Any of it. But I’ve been reminded again today that He has.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”Philippians 4:6-7

“Be still and know that I am God.”Psalm 46:10

I sense that this isn’t the end of His lesson. I’ll let you know when I figure it out. Just kidding.

I’ll be standing still and resting….

and looking for the harvest.

 I scoot up to the edge of my life and lean in a little to hear His still, small voice.

This week it’s been about remembering.

Friday night at the Relay for Life event

I remembered my mother. But she’s someone I could never forget.

I had a conversation with someone I had not seen in years. We spent time “catching up” then she said, “I try to remember that God wants to use everything that happens in our life to make us holy—more like Him.” The statement seemed random and out of place to me considering the topic of our conversation. But I haven’t been able to forget it.

Sunday morning at church

Sunday morning my pastor instructed us to open our Bibles to Ephesians 2:11-13 as we continued our study through that book. He announced the title of his sermon: “Don’t Forget to Remember” and then we read:

¹¹ Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)— ¹² remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. ¹³ But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

At this point the “light” came on in my head and I heard God speak. Remember, remember, and remember. But the lesson wasn’t over. I sort of thought it was. I connected the dots I could see—the two “remembering” reminders from Friday night and then the sermon. I smiled thinking about how cool God is and how intimately and personally He knows me.

Monday on a plane

We’re on the first leg of our journey. I was in the middle seat:-/ The man on my right talked the whole 2 hours about family and work. He said that at age 40 he experienced paralyzing anxiety because of P.O.W training he was in as a 17 year old army recruit. He said he remembered it every single day. Five years of counseling helped him through it. I can’t forget his story.

On the second leg of our journey I took one of the few seats left. I was in the middle again. The plane backed away from the terminal, stopped, and pulled back to the terminal. A sensor had sounded in the cockpit and they wanted to check it out before we took off. So rather than sit in silence I decided to get to know my new closest friends to my right and left.

“What do you do?” I asked the man on my right.

“I retired in 2009 as a New York City firefighter,” he said.

I don’t know about you but I thought of only one thing when I heard that.  I sat there for a moment in silence. Then I asked, “Were you….”  I couldn’t make the rest of the words come out.

“Yes,” he answered. We sat there for a few more minutes in silence. The topic of conversation changed to family and retirement and traveling.  An hour and half later, after sitting on the plane with no power or air, (in the middle seat), they move us to a different plane. I didn’t sit next to him on the new plane but I could not forget him, his story, or that day we all remember.

But the lesson wasn’t over.

Tuesday morning

I ordered my Powerbagel and large coffee. He handed me my cup and directed me to the self-serve coffee station. I sat down, sipped my coffee, and checked email. A few minutes later he came over to my table with my bagel. As he handed it to me he said, “Here’s your bagel. I’m really sorry you had to wait. To be honest, I forgot about it so I put an extra one in there for you.”

I was struck by his kindness and honesty.  The words “I forgot” came so quickly and easily for him.

I hate forgetting.  I really hate forgetting important things. And I really hate admitting that I forgot. Usually, instead of admitting I forgot I hope no one will notice and if they do I try to justify it.

Lame.  I know.

So to the rest of the lesson God began teaching me last Friday

So many things are so easy to remember—unforgettable, you might say.

I can remember a person’s face, a statement made in a conversation, a story told by a stranger, a day that changed the world. I can remember my social security number, my driver’s license number, every address I’ve ever had. I can remember birthdays and numerous usernames and passwords. Remembering is a wonderful gift we’ve been given. I like to remember.

But is all that I remember all that I need to remember?

All that God wants me to remember?

Clearly not.

When my pastor read that passage in Ephesians and said “Don’t forget to remember” I listened and took notes, and filed it away—proud of my “I-always-remember-because-I-write-it-down” self.

But God showed me the real me this morning through a guy at a bagel shop in a city a time zone away from where the lesson began.

“I forgot,” he said.

“You forget,” God said. You forget the very thing you must remember.

Remember that you were an “uncircumcised” Gentile.

Remember that you were separated from Christ.

Remember that you were excluded from the covenant and the promise.

Remember that you were without hope and without God in the world.

And most of all Remember…

But now, in Christ Jesus you who were once far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.

Remember.

God used 3 states, 4 days, and 5 people to say, “And don’t forget to remember”.

Oh my! That sentence needs a comma.

Let’s eat, Grandpa.

Now that’s better.

Commas are a very important part of writing.

com·ma  /ˈkämə/

1. A punctuation mark (,) indicating a pause between parts of a sentence. It is also used to separate items in a list and to mark the place…

2. A minute interval or difference of pitch.

Life needs commas, too.

But I’ve never been very good with commas–in writing, speaking, or life.

In writing, I tend to add unnecessary commas. In speaking, some of you probably wish I would take a “minute interval” of breath. And in life, well, I need to add a few there.

One way that I add a comma to my life is by attending my church’s mid-week service. There is Bible based teaching and activities for everyone as well as a convenient and delicious supper option in the fellowship hall.

While I’ve learned this is a comma my life needs, its not a comma I insert easily. When Wednesday rolls around I’m halfway through the week and halfway through my list. I feel the pull to stay home, shift into high gear, and get caught up.  I’ve actually tried that. It doesn’t work. Here’s what helps me add that much needed comma:

1. Make it a habit

I’ve decided to be there. Every Wednesday evening. No matter what. My attendance doesn’t depend on the programming, the menu, or the weather.

2. Make it a priority

I’ve also decided to make it a priority. That means I don’t allow other Wednesday activities to over-lap with church time. Our Wednesday afternoon schedule includes leaving a margin of time to grab a snack (if we aren’t eating at or before church), grab a shower, and get there on time.

3. Make it meaningful

I’m an introvert. Actually, I’m an extroverted-introvert. The introvert in me wants to “slide in and slide out”. You know what I mean. I want to go to Bible study, learn something, be blessed, and go home. Without having to talk to anyone. Or listen to anyone talk to me. (Is that too honest?) Probably. But it’s true. You’ve probably felt that way at times.

I’ve also learned that I miss something when I go with that attitude. I miss connecting with other believers. I miss hearing a prayer request. I miss sharing (and halving) my burden. I miss the laughter and the tears. I miss part of why God created us to be a body of believers.

So I get there a little early or I stay a little late. I’m always glad when I do.

My list is still there when I get home; but, the fellowship and teaching I experienced at church were just the pause I needed. Bring it on, Thursday!

What commas do you place in your life?

“I’ve always liked the time before dawn because there’s no one around to remind me who I’m supposed to be so it’s easier to remember who I am.” Brian Andreas

I like the time before dawn.

It’s really quiet.

I can hear Jesus calling.

I open the Word.

He tells who I am.

And whose I am.

Truth that changes my whole day.

Do you like the time before dawn?

Find encouragement and accountability here:

• A 13-week challenge to maximize your mornings, via online accountability groups.
• Starts May 6th and runs through August 2nd.
• Registration is open until Friday, May 3th.
• Perfection is not a requirement. Just a desire to meet with God in the morning and a commitment to checking in with your group.
• There is also a free Bible study for all HelloMornings participants, Meet Jesus, a walk through the book of John.

Hope to see you there!

I take pictures because it forces me to see the little things.

I take pictures because I want to remember.

I take a lot of pictures so that (hopefully) I end up with a few good pictures.

I take pictures even when it’s inconvenient, awkward, and hurried.

Spring Break 2013

Fall Break 2007

I take pictures because a picture (or two) really is worth a thousand words.

But sometimes I take a picture just because its a tradition.

Why do you take pictures?

We planted rosemary in the bed behind the mailbox and the the vine on the mailbox is yellow jasmine that I dearly love. We planted this one and 3 others last year. They stay green year ’round and bloom often. Maddie finally got her tomato and pepper plants in their pots. Thanks to her green thumb we will be enjoying delicious, juicy tomatoes and bell peppers this summer. Click here to get some of our favorite recipes.

What are you planting?

On most days I could not imagine not doing what I had been doing for so long.

On most days I found great joy in the meetings, the planning, the preparation, and the even the clean-up after an event.

But there were those days when I wondered…

Through a series of events and people God spoke to my wondering heart and very clearly showed me the way that I should go. That way was home.

In spite of the fact that I couldn’t figure it out–financially it didn’t make sense–we had peace. Not everyone around us understood. But God had spoken to my heart and confirmed it in many ways.

For the last 12+ years my life has consisted of being a full-time homemaker and home schooling mom. I’ve loved every minute of it.

On most days I can not imagine not doing what I’ve been doing for so long.

On most days I find great joy in folding clean laundry, thumbing through recipes, planning meals, hanging out with my kids, teaching math, and even vacuuming.

But there are those days when I wonder…

Is it enough? Is my life pleasing to God? Am I doing what He would have me to do?

I have friends who are teaching in Africa or planting a church in Canada or serving in Haiti…

Should I?

I’ve been burdened about it for a while now. But this week God spoke very clearly to my wondering heart.

My Bible reading for a particular day was Mark 5. Verses 1-20 tell the story of Jesus healing the demon-possessed man and sending the demons into a herd of swine. In v.18, as Jesus was getting into the boat to leave, the man who had been demon-possessed begged Jesus to let him go with him. Jesus wouldn’t let him go. He told the man:

Go home to your people and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how he had mercy on you.  And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis what great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed.

As I read the story that I’ve read many times before God spoke to my wondering heart and very clearly showed me the way that I should go.

Stay home with your children and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how he had mercy on you.

That very afternoon I was riding in the car with the 15 year-old red-head. She had made an observation about her dad and was asking me my thoughts. She knows how much I love and respect him, but she also knows my personality (and his) and how I’m prone to react in certain situations. Thankfully, earlier that day I had been working on Beth Moore’s Bible study, Living Beyond Yourself: Exploring the Fruit of the Spirit. Her teaching about patience had impacted the way I had reacted in a situation with him. I was able to testify to my daughter about the Spirit’s teaching and work in my life and how it had affected my interaction and relationship with Eric. As our conversation ended, I sensed the Spirit say, “That’s it. That’s what I want you to do. Report to them the great things I have done for you.”

Sometimes God says “Go” and sometimes He says “Stay”.

There are many voices who would try to tell us what we should do. The one we should always listen to is the voice of God spoken through the Word and confirmed by the Spirit.“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” Psalm 32:8