Lord, what is man that you are mindful of him?

This has left me speechless and more in love with the creator of the universe. Don't let the 80's electric organ music turn you away...it is well worth all nine minutes.

A quote for when it all seems to be too much....

"The days of the years of our lives are few, and swifter than a weaver’s shuttle. Life is a short and fevered rehearsal for a concert we cannot stay to give. Just when we appear to have attained some proficiency we are forced to lay our instruments down. There is simply not time enough to think, to become, to perform what the constitution of our nature indicates we are capable of. How completely satisfying to turn from our limitations to a God who has none. Eternal years lie in His heart. For Him time does not pass, it remains; and those who are in Christ share with Him all the riches of limitless time and endless years." A.W. Tozer, Knowledge of the Holy (New York: Harper, 1961), p. 86.

Extreme H2O Makeover-Plant Edition

What a difference a drink makes! These pics were taken 20 minutes apart.

Front Row Seats for the Parade!

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints (Psalm 116:15)

This week our church family said goodbye to a wonderful man. He battled cancer for over 2 years and finally went to heaven this week. He sang in the choir and we just loved him so much. The service was joyous for the most part, but I had to sing a solo, which was very difficult, especially right after the beautiful eulogies given by his son and daughter. I pretty much stunk, I must say... but the words were strong enough to overpower my weakness. It was humbling to see a family in such pain and loss choose a service of such astounding praise to the Father.

Greg Porée – O God Beyond All Praising

O God beyond all praising,
we worship you today
and sing the love amazing
that songs cannot repay;
for we can only wonder
at every gift you send,
at blessings without number
and mercies without end:
we lift our hearts before you
and wait upon your word,
we honor and adore you,
our great and mighty Lord.

Then hear, O gracious Savior,
accept the love we bring,
that we who know your favor
may serve you as our king;
and whether our tomorrows
be filled with good or ill,
we'II triumph through our sorrows
and rise to bless you still:
to marvel at your beauty
and glory in your ways,
and make a joyful duty
our sacrifice of praise.

In the Mood for Poetry?

Here's one I recently found that might whet your appetite. I think I might fall in love with it soon, for it is horridly beautiful.

W. H. Auden

As I Walked Out One Evening

As I walked out one evening,
Walking down Bristol Street,
The crowds upon the pavement
Were fields of harvest wheat.

And down by the brimming river
I heard a lover sing
Under an arch of the railway:
"Love has no ending.

"I'll love you, dear, I'll love you
Till China and Afica meet,
And the river jumps over the mountain
And the salmon sing in the street.

"I'll love you till the ocean
Is folded and hung up to dry
And the seven stars go squawking
Like geese about the sky.

"The years shall run like rabbits,
For in my arms I hold
The Flower of the Ages,
And the first love of the world."

But all the clocks in the city
Began to whirr and chime:
"O let not Time deceive you
You cannot conquer Time.

"In the burrows of the Nightmare
Where Justice naked is,
Time watches from the shadow
And coughs when you would kiss.

"In headaches and in worry
Vaguely life leaks away,
And time will have his fancy
To-morrow or to-day.

"Into many a green valley
Drifts the appalling snow
Time breaks the threaded dances
And the diver's brilliant bow.

"O plunge your hands in water
Plunge them up to the wrist;
Stare, stare in the basin
And wonder what you've missed."

"The glacier knocks in the cupboard,
The desert sighs in the bed,
And the crack in the tea-cup opens
A lane to the land of the dead.

"Where the beggars raffle the banknotes
And the Giant is enchanting to Jack,
And the Lily-white Boy is a Roarer
And Jill goes down on her back."

"O look, look in the mirror,
O look in your distress;
Life remains a blessing
Although you cannot bless."

"O stand, stand at the window
As the tears scald and start;
You shall love your crooked neighbor
With your crooked heart."

It was late, late in the evening
The lovers they were gone;
The clocks had ceased their chiming,
And the deep river ran on.

Best Friend Salsa

I give you Best-Friend Salsa. I first made this with my very bestest friend, AK, on her last visit here. It was wonderful and we've both made it separately since. But, I think of her wonderful self when I make it; hence the salsa's friendly name.

Best Friend Salsa

2 avocados, chopped
1 mango, peeled, seeded, and chopped (about 1 cup)
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped jicama
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Combine all ingredients. Toss to coat. Voila!

Serve with white fish. Sooo yummy. And best enjoyed in the backyard in the late late afternoon. Pure heaven.

Itty Bitty-Unplugged

Here's a post to ensure that My Mom keeps coming to read my blog. :)

It's gone too far, the music nerd thing.

So, you're preparing to fry some bacon, heatin' up the pan, waitin' for that perfect time to put the slices on and to hear that satisfying snap, crackle, sizzle........ Guessin' it's probably hot enough, puttin' on the slices, hearin' nothing....darn! But hark!! What sweet music now floweth through your mind's ears? Oh, fancy that! It's the hymn, "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence". {insert slow and silent head going left, then right, in the manner of "no".}

This is just wrong. How could my brain betray me this way? And more importantly, does anyone know of a cure for tragically-nerdy-church musician-syndrome? Please share. Please.

Oh, and come back soon to hear of my recent Time Travel Experience.

I Think I've Lost My Mind

Obviously I've reading too many earthy, frugally, coupony blogs lately. Por ejemplo, I just bought 2 packs of diapers, 2 deoderants, a fancy toothbrush, luxury bodywash, and 8 rolls of TP for $5. For. Reals. Which is good, right, except that it takes about the whole week to plan how you're going to do such dastardly deeds. And you go crazy doing it. And it doesn't stop there....

In the last few months, I've begun making my own cleaning spray, dishwasher detergent, fabric softener, bread, and other things.

But, and here's the clencher....I'm now considering making my own yogurt. Did you even know you could do such a thing? Yeah, me either. Until I got hooked on these weirdo blogs. What is happening to me? Truly, I never thought I'd see the words "heating pad" in a RECIPE, and think, "oh, cool!" But yes, I am definitely going to try it. You should try it with me. To make me feel less insane.

Deb's Homemade Yogurt (oven style)

Alternative method of yogurt making

Makes 1/2 gallon
1/2 gallon milk (I use fat free)
2 cups instant dry milk powder
1 cup sugar or your choice of sweetener
1 Tablespoon good vanilla (I use Mexican)
1 6-8 oz. container yogurt with active cultures (first batch after that save some of your own)
Thermometer
Large, heavy, pot
Electric stove with light or gas stove with non-auto pilot light. Can also use a heating pad/towel/and box to cover)

Place milk in pot and add dry milk powder. Stir well.

Heat milk to 180 degrees, stirring now and then so bottom doesn't burn

Fill sink with ice cold water and place pot insde sink, Add sugar and stir well. Cool down to 110-115 degrees. Add vanilla. Add yogurt and stir well.

Fill containers of your choice and seal. ( I use jelly canning jars) Place on cookie sheet or heat proof tray.

Heat oven to 110-115 and turn off. Turn on oven light.

Place yogurt in oven on upper rack and check oven periodically to make sure it stays between 110-115.

Yogurt will be "done" in 4-6 hours but you can let it incubate for up to 12 depending on how tart you like it and how much beneficial bacteria you wish it to have.

Serve plain or with any kind of fruit. Suggestions: Top with sliced bananas, peach or cherry pie filling, or stir in plain vanilla.

Try This, mmmmm K?

Here's a listening exercise. Close your eyes and press play. Listen to Natalie Dessay (a famous, respected soprano) singing 'Quia respexit' by Bach. You don't have to listen to the whole thing, just a minute or so. Think of 3 or 4 adjectives that describe what you hear. Now "rewind" it and watch this time. Think of 3 or 4 adjectives to describe this experience. Are they generally the same words? Or wildly different?

Fascinating Stuff

When you really step back and think about it, isn't the fact that we can take pictures, video, and recordings just freaking fascinating? Here's a newly discovered "world's oldest" recording from 1860.

That Fruitful Day

Yesterday we got to eat our first strawberry from my October birthday present! I was in love. It was a bit tart, but very very good and at least we got to it before the birds did! The boys are intrigued with the strawberry plants and Jack loves to give them a drink! We have about 10 more strawberries blooming but all are still green. I can't wait to see them ripen!

Worthy is the Lamb

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain on the cross with our sins on his body.
Worthy is the Lamb who rose from the dark grave and conquered death.
Worthy is the Lamb who is seated on the throne, victorious over sin and death.
Unworthy am I for whom he died.

Medical Care Post Office Style

I'm thinkin' I don't want Canada's system. Just sayin'. This vid is worth the watch.

A Birthday Present For You, My Brother

Dear My Little Brother,
Remember when you spit on the ground, and behold, a Tiny Electric Guitar was born? Perfectly formed, every detail in place, right there on the sidewalk. That day is legendary; a strong showing of excellence that I would love to keep alive.
So, on this, Your Birthday, I honor you with the second installment of our family's Incidental Art Collection: the Easter Bunny Pancake.

Let me say that I was feeling kind of awkward and oddly shameful about making Pumpkin Spice Pancakes so close to Spring and Easter. But when the first Test Pancake came out as this Cadbury-Esque Wonder, I knew that all was well with my culinary choice and with the world. I also knew immediately that it would be dedicated to You.

So enjoy, My Little Brother. And TRULY- have a Great Birthday. We wish we were there to celebrate with you!

PS the recipe is awesome.

Sometimes a Special Song Changes my Heart

Today I'm opening my heart to you and sharing one of those songs. I was dead set on another candidate, but when I saw this, my heart changed instantly. I'm so glad it happened before it was too late. Please watch to the end; the dramatic conclusion is too good to miss.

Rockin' Out as Only I Know How

Last week my friend Daniel Buchanan had a CD release party. He asked me to sing along on a few of the songs. So, little miss choir nerd finds herself on stage way too dressed up and way too formal-acting, cuz, well, I never really learned how to be cool, and improvising makes me cower in fear. I did occasionally tap my toe, however, hoping it would make me look all relaxed and awesome like the rest of them.....Um, yeah.....at least it was dark in that back left corner... :)

Happy Birthday, Little Bitty!

My Little Bitty Baby is ONE!

Human Tetris (aka "These Guys Really Have a Handle on What Kinds of Things Make Lynelle Laugh....A Lot"