A song for Saturday.

I love this song and have for several years. I just wish I could live such that this was more my prayer every day than my ordinarily selfish, self-serving, self-focused prayers are. The Lord knows I need it to be. 

Hear My Worship

by Jamie Jamgochian

Here, as I worship You 

I long to be more honest

Long to be more free

I, long to be more real

Long to be transparent

As you see my true intentions

Beyond this bended knee

Beyond the words I speak

Beyond the songs I sing

Hear My Worship

All that my heart can bring

This is my offering

Jesus my Holy King

Hear my worship

Hear my worship

I long to have more faith

I long to be more faithful

Here before Your throne

I wait to see Your face

Awaiting in your presence

Waiting just for you to hear me

Chorus

Are you kidding me?

I can't believe what I just read accompanying a photo of peanuts: 

Peanuts are offered for sale. The US food plant responsible for a widespread food poisoning outbreak knowingly shipped contaminated peanut butter and had mold growing on its ceilings and walls, US health officials said Wednesday.

 (AFP/File/Saul Loeb)

I had previously heard that the company knew that the products were not safe and continued to ship anyway, but this business about mold growing on the ceilings and the walls... disgusting. The whole situation is quite repulsive really. Guess there are going to have to be some changes made, in that small town in Georgia and with the FDA. 

In other (much more personal) news: yes, I'm awake reading and posting in the middle of the night! Both blogs and news and other things. I didn't not have my presentation at school today, so it should happen on Tuesday. Eeek. No need to worry until then. This just gives me the opportunity to read back through my notes and fill in any possible holes I might think I have and then wait to see how the presentation goes. The professor often adds commentary and takes the load off the student, so I really don't have too much need to worry. And, I successfully finished almost all the reading I had for the day yesterday, which felt like a big accomplishment, so now I will attempt to do the same thing tomorrow. 

And thank you for those of you who posted sweet comments regarding my "Out of Sorts" post! Some mornings are just a little off, the day most definitely got better. 

Big Day at School (maybe).

I possibly have a presentation today that I'm nervous about. So I'll finish preparing for that in a few minutes. If there is not enough time for me today, then it will be my turn on Tuesday.

I also have tons and tons of reading to catch up on and get ahead on. So... I'm going to try being super disciplined the next few days. 

I'll let you know how it goes! But I would appreciate any prayers! And I'm going to try and resist the urge to blog and read blogs etc. I'll let you know how that goes too! 

Out of sorts.

I'm having an "all-out-of-sorts" morning. 

I can't find my sunglasses.  I'm wearing the same outfit I wore Sunday and Monday (because I'm exercising outside--see need for sunglasses-- in a bit and the outfit is the most warm exercise outfit I have). My hair is wild. I spilled my milk. At first just a blob on my pants and as I went to set the cup down I spilled the rest on the floor. I started unloading the dishwasher, filled with dishes that haven't been washed yet. Locked, unlocked, locked, unlocked door about seven times before I successfully made it out to my car to look for a decongestant & sunglasses I usually keep in there only to find that it wasn't in there, but was in the desk in the study room /closet the whole time. 

Oh. My. Let's hope this day turns around.

Wedding Cake.

The top of our wedding cake is in the freezer at my parents house. 

Mr. Rh and I have been married for almost 6 months. I have heard that the top of the cake is not very delicious if you wait the whole year for your first anniversary, so what I am wondering is whether we should eat it around the six month mark or wait for the anniversary or just eat it the next time we are at my parents house. I understand 1/2 anniversary's are not very special, but I don't want the top to go to waste. 

Do you have any experience with this? What did you do? What would you recommend? 

(The only bite I had was the bite he gave me at our reception and I definitely don't remember it!)

Deliciousness.

Oh. My. Word. This chocolate treat is wonderful. I know it doesn't look delicious in my hands but let me tell you, it is fabulous! I'm not much for storebought treats. I would prefer brownies or cookies made at home to anything made / packaged / purchased at a store. But I saw this sweet treat at Pier 1 and wanted to give it a shot. I was craving chocolate, purchased this and not the curtains I went for, and I enjoyed four sweet pieces on the way home!


It is called "sweet & salty bark" by someone called Organic Confections.

P.S. I had another 3 pieces while I was sitting here!

A song for Saturday.

Hope Now

by Addison Road

I am planning on sharing a song each Saturday, and in anticipation for this I typed out many weeks worth of Saturdays from a list of songs that I definitely knew I would like to share. I would normally hope to post a song that has been particularly encouraging, uplifting, or meaningful in a week, but for these earliest posts I just wanted to get rolling... 

But then the Lord is good and has His own plans, doesn't He? 

Since Tuesday, noon o'clock eastern time I have been feeling a little down. I haven't been thrilled about the election / nor was I too thrilled about the inauguration, because I just don't know what will come of our country in the days/weeks/months/years ahead. I understand and appreciate the historically significance of Tuesday day (I was a political science / American history student in college), but my concerns are more political in nature 

So I came here to add something to this post prior to having it post. And then I was encouraged by the song I had planned for this week, long before I was cognizant what events would preface it.  I was reminded that we cannot hope in a living human. We cannot hope in the government, or the political institutions. As Americans we cannot hope in this long-standing tradition of freedom, but we must hope in something greater: the Lord. He is the only one worthy of our hope! I'm reminded of our great hope in God in the verse "And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us " Romans 5:5.

How interesting is it that President Obama's message was about hope and change during his campaign. This pulled on the heart strings of so many people. There were strands's of the same message in his inaugural speech, or what I heard of it, as well. How interesting and timely that we see how in need of hope our nation is. But not hope in Obama, even if he becomes a wonderful President, because he is still only human. He is bound to let people down, even if not intending to. 

We need to recognize where true hope is. We will need to plant seeds of it with our friends and neighbors: those people who were so inspired by (now) President Obama's message. The outcry we heard was one of lost souls and lost people, really searching for true hope. 

I pray the song this week reminds you personally of where your true hope lies or that maybe even one person will be encouraged or reminded or will learn anew of where true hope can be found. 

If everything comes down to love
Then just what am I afraid of
When I call out Your name
Something inside awakes in my soul
How quickly I forget I'm Yours

(PRE-CHORUS)
I'm not my own
I've been carried by You
All my life

(CHORUS)
Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free

When my life is like a storm
Rising waters all I want is the shore
You say I'll be ok and
Make it through the rain
You are my shelter from the storm

(PRE-CHORUS)
I'm not my own
I've been carried by You
All my life

(CHORUS)
Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free

(CHORUS 2)
Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free
You've become my hearts desire
I will sing Your praises higher
Cause Your love sets me free
Your love sets me free
Your love sets me free

A Snowboarding Trip.

Mr. Rh left on a snowboarding trip this afternoon. He was accompanied by his eldest brother, a bag full of "warm clothing" (which I'm sad about because I borrow his sweatshirts and his fleece all the time), the board, the boots, and a few snacks (which his brother was supposed to prepare, but I'm guessing that SaRah, his wife made/packed them!... She is more domesticated than I). 

How tragic that he left me! Ahhh!! The agony...the pain. Nooo, no, I'm not really TOO sad because I am NOT a fan of snowboarding. In fact, I haven't done it since high school. I tried to like it for many reasons. And I went often enough to get the hang of it and have a few good days. But now, I would probably make a fool of myself, since it has been at least seven seasons (with continual protest over the last four seasons by the boy, now the Mr.)

In high school most of my friends did it(It being snow sports involving skill and mountains). My parents had never really taken me snow skiing as a child, because my brother and I showed very little interest. But as friends got into it I tried. I though snowboarders (girls) were so cute with their pig tails, beanies, white and teal colored boards, and cute Roxy clothes.  And then, snowboarder boys were cute too! But I've already got me one of those. (The cutest one I ever met.)

I wouldn't say I'm not athletic enough to give it a whirl again (and sometimes I think I'd like to have snow-related activities in common with the boy) but geez, I do not like being cold! Actually, I despise it. And being cold and wet is even more miserable. And being cold, wet, sore in the bum, and continually making a fool of myself self coming off the lift is not my idea of a vacation.  But... I still like the outfits. And I sure wouldn't mind a reason to wear a cute beanie with pig tails at the age of 25. (Or am I too old for that even if I am on a snow-packed, powder-filled mountain? I regress). 

Anyhow, I'll miss the Mr. while he is gone, though I won't wish I were on the Rockies with him. I am however learning to appreciate that we have different interests. That it is wonderful that he still has a great relationship with his older brothers. That time apart (still) makes my little heart pitter patter for him, stronger than when I see him every day and have the opportunity to take advantage of that. And it validates the claim I make about him being "Rugged" to my readers. (Though it doesn't particularly need to be validated and Side Note: As far as the handsome claim, its just my opinion, which will suffice for my purposes here). 

Grilled Goodness

Because Mr. Rh and I both had the day off in memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, we collaborated after a long walk / jog and decided on grilling for dinner. We used his grilling basket for squash, zucchini, and onions. I made a marinade for the Tilapia, and cooked some cous cous to compliment the fish. I thought the marinade was especially tasty, so I will share it with you after I share of the deliciousness. 

This is our dinner table, semi-set. Enough for tonight when the only guests we were entertaining were our little appetites. Forgive the messiness on the left side and the white walls (apartment). You can also see the lamp that we like on the table because it gives enough extra light in our "dining room."  On our plates is the cous cous, the fish is waiting in the middle...

Here is a better shot of the fish. 

I think Mr. Rh could eat fish 21 meals out of the week! He used to work on a lake for some time and he was really spoiled on good fish. This was our first married attempt to cook it. I think some species of fish will be feeding our appetites several times a month, now that we are not so intimidated!

If you would like to try this at home: 

Marinade Recipe 

(a little imprecise, but improvising is what good cooking is about right?) For 5-6, 5-6oz. filets I used: 

3ish tablespoons olive oil.
4 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 ish teaspoon of dill weed

I let them marinate for probably 35-40 minutes and Mr. Rh (my own Bobby Flay) did the grilling. As far as I understand he cooked them on low-medium for about six or so minutes on each side. (Grilling = another reason I feel blessed having a wonderful husband!).

Question.

For anyone with more blogging knowledge than I have:

How do you post a picture in the middle of text? Every time I add pictures they just go to the top of the box for drafting... I would like to be able to add pictures in their appropriate photo place? 

Thanks for your help!

A song for Saturday.

 My Adoration

by the Sonflowerz

This is one of my favorite songs as of right now. It actually has been since summer time and it has led me from any self-centered moments to moments of worship and wonder. The lyrics have refocused my heart and mind to something that is worth thinking about, the Lord and His plan and His love. It also brings me reassurance. I especially like: "Here's my celebration of everything you are, of everything I am in You." 

As a young woman in a beauty-obsessed society, a student in a somewhat competitive graduate school where grades and class placement are continually thought-about and brought up, and as a developing professional, soon to join a profession where ego's run rampant and the competition from school carries into the career world, I need continual reminding that the Lord tells me who I am. I need continual reminding that where I belong is in Him, and in Him is my peace, hope, and worth. 

I hope it reminds you of these things as well and that you too will celebrate your life in Him. 

New Shoes.

My mom came into town yesterday and we shopped for an hour or two. And I made a purchase! I got something I have been wanting to buy for over a year...

A pair of ballet flats! This is my first pair of ballet flats that are not actually for ballet. I wore them for a long time today and they wore a little on my heel. They are not quite as comfortable as my real ballet shoes were. But I have thought that they are adorable since this trend started (who knows how many years ago--I'm a little slow with shoe trends) and I imagine they are a little bit like toe shoes, in that they just need to be worn in a little. I hardly ever even buy shoes that are closed heel that should be worn without socks, because of this very thing, but I'm going to give it some time and some band-aid. My short pants that turn into high waters when I wear them with my old shoes are appreciative. And I even felt a little bit sophisticated wearing the flats compared to feeling like I'm sixteen when I wear my black chunky Mary-Jane Doc Martens from the nineties!

I feel that I have graduating into a whole new world of shoes. 

Time for refocusing and rest.

I have class commitment issues. And my classmate friends think it is hilarious seeing as they have all been settled on their schedules since we were first able to register around Thanksgiving. They think it is especially funny, because the majority of classmate friends have self-proclaimed relationship commitment issues, which I do not have (but that is a subject for another post possibly sometime), but I have the issues with smaller, non-major things.

For a while I thought I was settled, but (and this happens practically every semester) I started browsing through all of my options and heard others talking about their experiences in certain classes and I started doubting my decisions. And that is when the switching and doubt and confusion began. 

In undergrad, this was never much of a problem. It was actually quite fun! The first week of classes (and maybe even into the second week) I would attend a large sampling of classes before settling on a final schedule. Sometimes I would end up with a schedule very similar to my early registration. Other times, after trying some other classes on, I would end up with a schedule of classes I had not originally planned on. Often times, there would be a mix. Usually I kept classes where I knew good things about the instructor or was interested in the material, but in sampling others, I sometimes happened upon quite a jewel (e.g. Drawing and a Russian history class were two unplanned, but very interesting courses). I even taught my now-husband how to sample, and while he was not always as extreme as me, he too saw some benefit of attending a class on the first day before totally being sold on attending!

But now, this causes many problems! (One of which is that I was awake in the middle of the night thinking about it, tossing and turning, and generally making rest for either Mr. Rh or myself nearly impossible.) But more regularly the problem arises because 1. there are assignments for almost every option available to me, and 2. those assignments are usually in the text required for the course, and 3. it costs money to purchase those texts, and 4. I always write in my books, and 5. one cannot return books for their original purchase value once a book has been written in. Thus, it becomes very important for me to quickly decide on a schedule. And I know I will learn more if I attend every meeting and do the majority of the assigned reading for the classes I am actually taking. 

So I'm awake and writing about it. Instead of posting, I probably ought to refocusing on what is actually important at this point. I ought to be bathing my schedule in prayer and asking for guidance from the Lord. I am in need of wisdom; if I ask, He, Jehovah Jireh, will provide.

I will have peace in my mind and hopefully endurance for this part of the race and Mr. Rh  will have a night of uninterrupted rest!

School begins again.

Not too much longer and I'll be back to the books.

I've been suffering / recovering from sinusitis (note: probably explains why I didn't do as much "for pleasure and personal growth reading" as I would have liked to this school break).  I'm slightly concerned about the assigned reading I should to do prior to the semester starting. Mr. Rh said if I need his help, he will read aloud to me. What a sweet man! seeing as the material is not always compelling. I realize however that I probably must do it on my own. Partly because I know that the quantity of the material would likely interfere with his day job and I know that my attention span to out-loud reading is something like that of a second grade boy who is waiting for recess, and partly because it is my own burden to bear.

Perhaps I will have completely recovered by then anyway. 

I'm planning to continue writing. I may be somewhat intermittent and unreliable, as there will soon be other writings that will require my attention. But I am hoping to make time for this story world because it is enjoyable and it helps me think. It is funny to write a post that says I'll be writing more posts, but I'm doing it anyway. 

-I'm here and I'm still writing...

Used-to-be. Beginning-to-be.

I used to be a swimmer. It was my first love, but I sort of gave that up a while ago because chlorine does some crazy damage to my hair. And now my shoulders crackle like crazy. 

I used to be a runner, but my knee started complaining and eventually I gave in to it for too long... such that I got out of running shape and it is just not as much fun as it used to be.

I used to be a walker, but I sort of gave that up because it was something I did with mi familia and I didn't have a buddy in my new town to walk with. 

I used to pitch a softball with my dad and play a little tennis with my brother. 

I used to be more active. 

******************************************

I am beginning to be more active again. 

I'm beginning to enjoy activities with my new built-in buddy (otherwise known as Mr. Rh) with whom I can play tennis, golf, and maybe even racquetball. He even bought a youth football for me to throw with him.

I'm beginning to walk again. 

I'm beginning to ease into running again too (interspersed with the walking and with a patient companion). I'm going to get to that point where most runs just feel good. So good that I just need the run, like I need oxygen and breakfast. 

And I may even return to my old love, because I'm beginning to accept my wavy-ish, messy-ish hair for what it is(OK, maybe not yet, but I'm trying). So chlorine and regular wetness (requiring more routine straightening or sometimes wearing the wave) will not stop me. My vanity will give way to something better, something truer and longer lasting: the tranquility and rush one feels when she is totally surrounded by water, with nothing in the way of her thoughts or in the way of her dreams, except the occasional flip-turn or the occasional lapse of counting laps. 

I'm beginning to be myself again.

-I'm here and I'm still writing...

A painting for our wall.

Over the weekend, Mr. Rh and I did an art project for our home(apartment). We have one super long wall in our living room without any windows on it and we have been trying to decide what to put there. He had a great idea for us to make something simple and I thought we could use some of the colors that are in our mismatched furniture in our newly-wedded inherited furniture-filled living room. 

And Mr. Rh's friend came over and he even complemented us on it! 

The only camera I have available at the moment is on my computer and the lighting isn't very good, but the above photo is the best I could do for now. If you use your imagination you can fill in the colors: there is a chocolatey brown, a nice khaki , and a greyish-slate blue. 

We love it! 

-I'm here and I'm still writing...