It is good to wait quietly

1975

2010-04-20T12:36:00.006-05:00

My sister was googling the places of our past and found this picture from when we lived in Neuquen, Argentina. This is my seventh grade class, escuela primaria#121.
Can you find me?
My teacher was Srta. Marta Torres, I had her in fifth grade and didn't like her, then again in seventh grade and I loved her. I think the reason for my dislike in fifth grade was that we had just gone back to Argentina after a year of furlough in the U.S. and I was struggling to adjust. As a lefty the fact that my handwritting is straight up and down, instead of slanted to the left is all due to Miss Torres. She made me practice and practice, she was fiercely unyielding, and I'm grateful.
The second girl from the left in the back row was my best friend, Miriam Bonelli. Her family was considered wealthy and owned a boat and went on vacations, but she was always self-conscious because people called her fat. (She wasn't at all fat, just large boned, it seems that Argentines are even more image conscious than Americans). Poor girl, I wonder how her life turned out?

Back to the daily grind

2010-03-25T11:27:00.002-05:00

It's been non-stop work since we got back, until today. I now feel a little more caught up, taxes are done, all bills paid and paper work caught up. I have had a hankering to do some jewelry design but will have to put it off for a while.
A while back I posted that we were putting our business on the market. We did this as a step of faith, wanting it to be in God's timing. He very clearly said "not yet".
Alan and I had agreed that if we sold the Mazda RX8 we would not only have the money to pay the broker, but also, take it as God's stamp of approval on our plans. Well, the Mazda didn't sell. Over time we realized that we should be grateful that we have steady income in an economy were so many have none.
Ironically, we now have a person interested in buying the car, but the business is no longer on the market, our perspective has changed. God knew we needed some time to reflect.
On a different note:
Any ideas for my next ladies Bible study? What I need is a simple devotional . (Very basic but at the same time thought provoking -remember my audience). I thought I could start with having everyone answer several basic lighthearted questions about themselves (like a Facebook survey -something fun), and then go on to a spiritual question (such as "what lesson do you want to learn in your spiritual life". Here I could use my own example of wanting to learn true joy). Now, I just need a wrap up mini-devotional, and this is were I'd like some input.
No pressure, but I need ideas ASAP

Mexico Vacation

2010-03-17T09:26:00.013-05:00

Due to EXTREME pressure I will write a post about our vacation. (OK it was just Kim -who knows me too well- requesting expansive news with at least a couple of paragraphs and photo's). I have some photographs but not nearly as many as my relatives would have, had they been the one's vacationing in Mexico! You KNOW who you are (...Rita, Kim)
I love plants, animals, mountains and ocean, (and suddenly feel guilty that I didn't include people in that sentence! Let's just say that I am coming to appreciate people more than I used too).

Here, orchids growing in the wild

Bougainvilleas
I cried when I saw this. You can't tell very well, but the bottom story is a huge open room, the pillars are covered in bougainvilleas, and fresh breezes flow through. You can see the mountains in all directions. When we are all in heaven together I will have you over for dinner in a room much like this.
This is a bathroom that I liked (really the only nice bathroom I came across. Our home bathroom has spoiled me)

These flowers are very blue, a color we don't see often here in the US. They grow as a vine.
Another fascinating flowering vine, look at the curly woody stem

We took a steep path to the base of a mountain and found this river, it's crystal clear with a sandy bottom. Just beyond those big rocks you could hear a waterfall. (I was wearing sandals at the time and couldn't quite get there to photograph).
Pretty cows, roaming loose.

More bougainvilleas

And the ocean. This was not a swimming beach and the waves crash pretty hard onto these rocks. I liked this colony of birds.

Not pictured. While on a boat at sunset I saw the huge tail of a whale in the distance. It was a tremendous thrill.
The next day on yet another boat, I was asking God to let me see some dolphins, it appeared He wasn't answering my prayer, but then one of the crew members told us to look down into the water right at the front of the boat. And there racing us, just like dogs chasing a car, where four dolphins! I wonder if there is a lesson there, sometimes I don't realize that God is showing me something wonderful because I don't know where to look.

And finally, (excuse my video skills, I've just discovered the video function on my camera)...
The Ocean

Chopped Jicama salad

2010-02-22T11:52:00.003-06:00

Have you ever had Jícama? I first tasted it in Mexico, we were hot, dusty and thirsty and bought one from a street vendor. The vendor sprinkled it with lime juice and chile powder, and it was tremendously refreshing.
Here's my take on these flavors:

Chopped Jícama salad

1 Jícama, peeled and cubed
1 red jalapeño, seeded and finely diced (or two)
1 orange, peeled (duh!) and cubed
1 avocado diced
I didn't have any but I'm sure some chopped cilantro would be wonderful
pinch of salt (optional I guess, but I think it brings out the flavors)
juice of one lime (absolutely essential ingredient)

Mix all, serve with tortilla chips if desired
A nice glass of Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc would go very well with this.

Happy 101

2010-01-25T08:38:00.006-06:00

Thanks Kathy!
Now it's my turn to follow the rules and share some great blogs with you.
I only have one person left to tag and that would be my friend Amy. I have no idea how to link to her blog.

Here are the rules:

Copy the award image into a post.

- List 10 things that make you happy.
- Tag 10 bloggers who brighten your day. They have already been tagged. (I don't read very many)
- Put in a link to their blogs. (Don't know how to do this)
- Notify the award receivers.

- Recipients should link back to the sender’s blog. Sorry Kathy, don't know how to do this, I'd ask my boys if they were available.

Here goes, 10 things that make me happy, in no particular order.

1. There is a pond at a nearby state park. You can only reach it by canoe, it is perfectly round, surrounded by trees and overgrown with water lilies. Usually there is a stork sitting in a tall tree. When I die I want to be cremated and have my ashes strewn there.

2. My calico cat who sits outside my office window every day and though once wild and untouchable now loves me enthusiastically. She helps me understand how God loves us and how His love changes us.

3. Color. Color makes me happy.

4. Really well prepared food. Food that has layers of flavor that build and complement each other.

5. Cooking. Don't always achieve #4 but that is always the goal.

6. Sweet toddlers.

7. Semi-precious stones. These tie in with my love of color. The book of Revelation talks about them quite frequently and Ezequiel 28:14 talks about walking among the fiery stones. Can't wait to see them! So...when I make jewelry it has a deeper significance.

8. My orchids, especially the phalaenopsis that Alan gave me years ago. I'm happy every time I see it's cheerful yellow blooms

9. Genuine changed lives in our church family

10. Friends and family who are helping me to (finally) feel that I belong.

2010-01-21T17:03:00.003-06:00

Have I mentioned that I have some very interesting customers? A great many of them have become friends over the years. One of them is my wacky friend Karen, a professional photographer.
Today she came in for a car repair but her very first statement was: "I hate your facebook profile picture, I brought my camera". She then proceeded to set up this humongous camera on a tripod and posed me behind the counter. Now, I know that both Rita and Kim will be very shocked that I allowed myself to be photographed. I myself was shocked, but what can I say? She sure made me laugh!
Anyway, I thought I would share this with those who will appreciate it the best.

Calmer day

2009-12-23T11:50:00.004-06:00

After a series of weird events including Alan's pants catching on fire and Daniel's car breaking down in Chicago at 1AM things are much calmer today. And so I feel ready to share something light-hearted.
I have some very interesting customers. One gentleman drives a truck and makes deliveries all over the country. He e-mailed a picture of a delivery of a luxury port-a-pottie. This is something I have never thought about, but evidently there is a whole different toilet system for celebrities.
Here he is delivering one to a ship:

And here a picture of what they look like inside:

Quite different from any port-a pottie I've ever visited!

Calling for prayer

2009-12-22T08:16:00.003-06:00

I haven't posted in a long time, but now have a sense of urgency.
God has been teaching me lessons of surrender, of giving up what I think I need and trusting Him instead.
Satan has recognized this and I am under spiritual attack.
It is very strange how he and his minions know my weak points and every attack is tailored to beat me down. Satan has used even car repairs as a means to defeat me. (Not to mention family conflicts).
A little while ago I was writing a note to a friend, describing this attack and asking for her support in prayer. While I was writing I felt a blow to my head as if a blast of air had struck me and a wave of dizziness swept over me. This is very unusual and I'm not convinced it was entirely physical.
But on some level, (I hesitate to even say this), once the enemy is recognized, the battle can be exhilarating. GOD WILL PREVAIL. It is not really my battle, I just need to surrender to the One who already won this battle.

Colossians 2:15
And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

Pray for me today, that I may constantly return to the source of my victory. Pray for our family, that we may enjoy one another. Pray for our business which has a higher purpose than to just be profitable. Pray for our church body, there is much suffering and sadness among our little congregation.
Thank you for your prayers, I will receive strength because of your support.

We have only done our duty (it sounds like a joke but it's not)

2009-06-16T08:06:00.010-05:00

In my weak and human moments I sometimes complain. (Yes, I really do). One wonders how anyone could possibly ask you to do one more thing, yet God just taught me something about self sacrifice.
I know that one shouldn't just randomly open one's Bible and expect to land on exactly the right teaching for the moment (usually if I try this I land on a genealogy). However yesterday this is what I read:

Luke 17:7-10 (New International Version)
7"Suppose one of you had a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Would he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, 'Come along now and sit down to eat'? 8Would he not rather say, 'Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink'? 9Would he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? 10So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.'"

I totally get this, since our time on this earth is temporary, everything we do should be focused on eternity, and our duty here on earth is to sacrifice our time in order to serve our Lord.

So... Alan and I are in a time of transition. Our role in church is increasing, we will be more involved in training and mentoring leaders. We don't know what the future holds but yesterday we took a step of faith and signed a contract with a business broker to start the proceedings to sell the business. Admittedly, in light of the economy, this doesn't seem like the appropriate time, but we trust that God will show us the way.

There are so many uncertainties. We will still need income, Nic will need a career (currently he works for us, but he knows it would be difficult to work for someone else), also, we support several different ministries and don't want to cut those in any way.

(This is private news by the way, I feel that it's OK to write it here because only family reads my blog)

On to lighter news, the bathroom is almost finished and I love our walk in shower.

This picture is of the sink area. On Saturday, Alan showed the bathroom to his Mom. On Sunday she called an offered me a mirror. Evidently she thought that what is hanging on the wall behind the sink is a picture.

I bought this mirror at Pier1 with my free AC Delco money. Every time we sell an AC Delco part a percentage goes on a credit card which can only be spent in certain locations. Pier1 and Bath and Body works are two of my favorite places to spend free money. There are some perks that will certainly be missed if the business sells.

The cat... (Aka, Sweet Pea -because I found her in my garden, or Queen Latiffa -because she's big, black and beautiful, or Inspector Clouseau -Alan's name for her since she inspects everything)...enjoys the bathroom as well.

Soupy Saturday

2009-05-16T17:38:00.010-05:00

On Friday Samantha, my efficient Girl Friday, mopped the office floor three times, I was teasing her about being OCD but we both agreed that at least we can tell when the floor is clean with all it's nice shiny white tiles.

Well, it rained all Friday night and Saturday this is what we found...

I really missed Samantha this Saturday!

Quotations

2009-05-08T12:27:00.002-05:00

I just discovered G.K. Chesterton, his quotations really resonate with me, I also found his biography fascinating.
Here are a few quotations that tickled my fancy:

There is no such thing on earth as an uninteresting subject; the only thing that can exist is an uninterested person.

Fallacies do not cease to be fallacies because they become fashions.

I believe in getting into hot water; it keeps you clean.

If there were no God, there would be no Atheists.

It is not bigotry to be certain we are right; but it is bigotry to be unable to imagine how we might possibly have gone wrong.

The Bible tells us to love our neighbors, and also to love our enemies; probably because they are generally the same people.

And my favorite:

Poets have been mysteriously silent on the subject of cheese.

What NOT to say

2009-02-17T08:44:00.004-06:00

Never call a business saying: "Hi, this is Jan and I need to set up an appointment to come in and audit your business".
Really, if you have been contracted to audit a business you should at least identify the company you are working for, otherwise you will NOT be well received.
Recently I taught a Bible study to our Hispanic women's group. I was teaching about looking at our hearts honestly and recognizing our sin. I looked at the women and said: "as I look at you, you all appear to be very good people" (they all nodded their heads), "but", I continued, "we all hide bad attitudes in our hearts". In the interest of being open and honest I then used an illustration from my personal life.
Many years ago, we had a relationship with a man who was very opinionated and somewhat domineering. (Let's just say he rubbed me the wrong way). One Sunday when a group of several men where gathered he turned to me and said "why don't you and my wife go and prepare a meal for us?." I have since learned a little humility, but at the time I looked at him and said "I am no one's servant!" (do you detect the righteous indignation?). I eventually apologized to the man but it took me about 5 years to do so.
After sharing this tidbit of honesty with my ladies, one of them spoke up and said: "I would never feel that way, I count it an utmost honor to serve a meal to others"
So much for honesty, I think I'll ask her to teach next time!.

A series of unfortunate events

2009-01-15T16:39:00.006-06:00

Sometimes you wonder why you even get out of bed in the morning.
Last week at Global Auto Inc. was like that...one disaster after another.
The first disaster was a nice deep scratch in the door of a Jaguar, we followed that up by knocking a ladder into the side of a Hyundai Tiburon and finished up by gouging the rim of a 2008 Lexus. $1200 dollars later all is over and done with.
It is what it is my friends, it is what it is.
As painful as it is to spend that kind of money on avoidable disasters, it seems like nothing when you compare it to my friend Mirna's sorrows.
Mirna is a widow with two young daughters. She works for a doctor and had taken a second job to help make ends meet. During the summer, while walking her dog, she tripped and broke her foot in several places. Her injury required surgery and while she had insurance she was still left owing $38,000. While she was home recuperating from the surgery she discovered that she had become a victim of identity fraud. Several months of frustration and several thousands of dollars owed to a lawyer later, she was cleared of responsibility. During this time she was not miserable rather she was rejoicing in trusting God to meet her needs.
Those two events are nothing compared to the news she received Dec 31st. Mirna's oldest daugher aged 14 wasn't feeling well and they performed some blood tests at which time they discovered that she has leukaemia.
Please pray for my friend Mirna and her daughter Tatiana. Mirna is barely holding on and she badly needs to feel God's comforting arms around her.

Blessed Saturday

2008-12-20T09:57:00.005-06:00

It's Saturday morning the world is covered in a blanket of ice but inside our home all is well.
We are closing the shop next week so, even though I never work on Saturdays, today feels like the first day of vacation.
I sit here at the computer while my hair color is processing, thanks to Nice and Easy, with a happy tummy, thanks to Kim's southern biscuits and gravy. REALLY FANTASTIC! (I would add a link to the recipe but don't know how, if interested look at Kim's posting on November 3 and 4). I didn't make homemade sausage but the biscuits were light and tender and the gravy wonderfully savory. Thanks Kim.
Both my boys ate breakfast with us in spite of it being 10 AM on a Saturday morning. Nic, (now 20), makes us chuckle because he can no longer sleep in, he was awake by 7:30! Daniel (still a teenager) had to be dragged out of bed, but he cheered up nicely towards the end of the meal.
In spite of the ice storm, a grim report from my dentist and the poor economy, this past week has been full of blessings.
We were able to pay our bills, eat well and enjoy one another's company. On Thursday I worked very late so that payroll would be ready on Friday and so that I could go to the dentist. My good friend Josefina showed up late afternoon and brought me dinner! Truly this was a blessing from God. She didn't know how wonderful it was to come home late and just pop dinner in the microwave. Now the hymn "make me a blessing to someone today" keeps floating through my mind.
Now to wash the mountain of dishes...

Fourth picture in my picture file

2008-12-19T11:37:00.013-06:00

I was photo tagged and will attempt to do this. Obviously this exercise was designed by people who are much more technologically savvy than myself... I spent 10 minutes trying to find my picture folder and the last 20 trying to move the picture to a different location on the page (never did achieve the later).

Here goes...

This is the fourth picture in my picture file. I know ...it's a little strange to have a picture of an earring in your picture file. This picture is of an earring found in Jerusalem and dated 2,000 years ago. Some of you know about my fascination with jewelry design and this just captured my fancy. It is very possible that whoever wore this earring knew Jesus. Somehow it makes me feel connected.

I won't be tagging 4 people because the only bloggers I know personally have already been tagged! I will however, look forward to reading the other tags.

Correct me, Lord

2008-12-17T09:21:00.005-06:00

I know, O Lord, that a man's life is not his own,
it is not for man to direct his steps.
Correct me, Lord, but only with justice, not in your anger
Lest you reduce me to nothing.
Jeremiah 10:23-24

I don't know why but I find this verse tremendously comforting. Maybe because I'd prefer to not be the one in charge of directing my steps and it's lovely to know that in spite of all my sin God will correct me with justice and not with anger.

Correct me, Lord

Memories

2008-12-16T11:11:00.012-06:00

I have spent most of my life blocking out the past. Mostly in order to avoid pain. But now at the ripe old age of almost forty-seven I find myself wanting to return to some of those old memories and savor that which was good.
My oldest friend is Cynthia. We lost touch and haven't seen each other in at least 23 years, (my fault), I don't even remember her married name. Nevertheless I have many memories that stand out like photographs in my mind.
Las Heras, Santa Cruz. I can see myself standing at the door bawling with my mouth wide open because my friend and her family had to go back to Comodoro Rivadavia. I was eight.
Camping at Ventisqueros, Perito Moreno, my ninth (?) birthday. She gave me a box of crayons. We walked through a field where there was a bull, we climbed a glacier and then had to scale a cliff. (Lest you wonder, we were accompanied by our parents). There were wild blueberries at our campsite. Definitely the best birthday ever!
Bahia Blanca, missionary conference. She used to pray that her breasts wouldn't grow... she hated her red curly hair and always covered it with a scarf (to this day I am very partial to little children with red curly hair). Once we went to the zoo and stood very close to the monkey cage, the monkeys reached out and pulled her scarf and then took my glasses and broke them in two.
San Antonio Oeste, Rio Negro. Cream filled pastries, we probably ate 6 a piece and later where horribly sick. I think that was the same night Cynthia's mom made soy bean stew. I have never been able to eat soy since.
I remember camp at General Roca. One year during winter camp we combined our blankets and had such a mountain of bedding on top of us that we couldn't move.
Over the next few years my friend developed quite a fashion sense and I was still sporting the vintage missionary barrell look. That is when I started to allow my insecurity come between us.
I visited her on my honeymoon, and a year or so later went to her wedding. I remember how she looked after she changed into her going-away-on-a-honeymoon outfit.
After all this time I can finally go back to those days and remember. Remember what was good.

Ellie and Esperanza

2008-11-19T14:54:00.003-06:00

Don't know what's up with this picture, this is my new niece Ellie Swain. She lives in England. She weighed 13.7 lbs!! Can't wait to meet her!

This is Esperanza Waithira. Her mommy is Mexican and her daddy is Kenyan. I love her.

just practicing adding pictures

Lentils with chicken

2008-11-19T12:01:00.007-06:00

I don't know what happened, I had the recipe all written out and it disappeared! so here goes a second attempt and if it doesn't work I may give up blogging completely.
This recipe is easily doubled.

Lentils with chicken
(dedicated to Nicolas and Daniel Hoyt)

1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped (optional but highly recommended as it adds flavor and no discernible heat)
1 onion, chopped
5 cloves garlic, chopped
chicken or pork, can be boneless breasts, cut in cubes or chicken legs and thighs
1/2 bag lentils
2-4 cups chicken broth
2 limes, juiced
2 packets sazon goya con cilantro y tomate (or whatever seasoning blend you prefer)
chopped cilantro, shaved parmesan or feta, lime wedges

Salt chicken and brown quickly in large saucepan or pot, in small amount of olive oil. (Don't overcook as it will cook more later). Remove from pot and set aside.
If necessary add more olive oil and saute onion and jalapeño until tender. Add garlic and saute a few more minutes over low heat. Add sazon and 1 cup broth, raise heat to high and simmer until slightly reduced (this concentrates the flavors). Add lime juice and lentils. Place chicken pieces on top and add enough broth to cover lentils. Simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until lentils are very tender, it may be necessary to add more broth. The end result should be a thick, brothy stew.
Garnish with cilantro and cheese and serve with lime wedges.

Lentils with chicken

2008-11-19T10:09:00.001-06:00

I created this recipe many years ago when my boys where little. I'm astounded each time at how much they enjoy this dish, they've been known to eat the leftovers for breakfast! It is both nutritious and inexpensive.

2008-04-03T07:26:00.003-05:00

Matthew 11:28-29 (New International Version)

28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Oh, how I wish I could figure out how to take hold of this. I am so very weary. This is not a physical exhaustion rather my very soul is exhausted. And yet God has been good.

This week a good friend came to see me. She and her husband have been having problems, she shared her struggles with me. I feel so inadequate with words...

Oh, Lord, protect my sons. Protect them, from Satan's enticements. I feel so inadequate in wisdom...

One of my employees has been consistently resentful towards me. I don't know how to deal with this as I hate conflict in any form. I feel so inadequate in strength...

It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord... Come to me... and I will give you rest.
Oh Lord, here I am, hear my prayer. Please give me good words, wisdom and strength. Oh Lord, please give me rest, I don't ask that you remove the burden just that you give me the strength to bear it well.

Pancakes

2008-03-24T09:06:00.004-05:00

It is generally acknowledged that I am a good cook. This is not me tooting my own horn, I have the testimony of many requested recipes and the fact that my own boys prefer holiday meals to be at home.

I will however, admit to anyone who is interested, that when it comes to pancakes I am a failure. I have spent some time analyzing why this is and have come to the conclusion that it has to do with my lack of hand-eye coordination (this also explains my miserable years playing volley ball in gym class). In any case, when it comes time to flip the pancake, I find my blood pressure starts climbing. I share this photo as evidence to the truth of my words (the pan was too hot as well, hence the very dark exterior)

2008-03-14T14:22:00.001-05:00

First attempt, testing, testing....