During our time of worship at church last Sunday, we were instructed to sit down and listen to a song sung over us as though God were singing it to us. I had heard this particular song before, but had never really meditated on the words to realize it was written in the context as a note from God.
Take a look at the mountains
Stretching a mile high
Take a look at the ocean
Far as your eye can see
And think of Me
Take a look at the desert
Do you feel like a grain of sand?
I am with you wherever
Where you go is where I am
And I'm always thinking of you
Take a look around you
I'm spelling it out one by one
(Chorus)
I love you more than the sun
And the stars that I taught how to shine
You are mine, and you shine for me too
I love you yesterday and today
And tomorrow, I'll say it again and again
I love you more
Just a face in the city
Just a tear on a crowded street
But you are one in a million
And you belong to Me
And I want you to know
That I'm not letting go
Even when you come undone
(Chorus)
I love you more than the sun
And the stars that I taught how to shine
You are mine, and you shine for me too
I love you yesterday and today
And tomorrow, I'll say it again and again
I love you more
I love you more
Shine for Me
Shine for Me
Shine on, shine on
Shine for Me
(Chorus)
I love you more than the sun
And the stars that I taught how to shine
You are mine, and you shine for me too
I love you yesterday and today
And tomorrow, I'll say it again and again
I love you more
(Chorus)
Than the sun
and the stars that I taught how to shine
You are mine, and you shine for me too
I love you, yesterday and today
Through the joy and the pain
I'll say it again and again
I love you more
I love you more
And I see you
And I made you
And I love you more than you can imagine
More than you can fathom
I love you more than the sun
And you shine for me
(Lyrics by Matthew West)
As I sat there and listened to the lyrics, God's presence just completely overwhelmed me and I caught a glimpse of His love for me. I am but filthy rags and He loves me. He longs to be in relationship with me, as a lover pines after their beloved. And it is through nothing I have done that He seeks to be in communion with me. It is not by acts, deeds, service or sacrifice. I am saved by grace through faith alone. Period.
It is exceedingly difficult to wrap my head around this gift of salvation. Specifically, how on earth could God still desire an intimate relationship with a petulant lover who constantly cheats and chases after other "lovers" to satisfy the desires of their (my) heart?
While I cannot fathom His love, I quite literally live for these moments when He reveals Himself to me. They are sweeter than honey and satisfy my heart's desires.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Thankful Thursdays?
No, I'm not necessarily instating a new weekly series, BUT I thought it entirely appropriate to perhaps designate the next two Thursday posts as "Thankful Thursdays." In the spirit of giving thanks, I would like to share with you a few, albeit superficial, things I am thankful for today.
#1. COFFEE: Thank you Lord for creating a bean that distributes a substance called caffeine which I then, in turn, pump through my body everyday so that it is coursing through my veins a minimum of 365 times a year. And just so we're clear, I'm not referring to some sugary, cream laden impostor of a coffee beverage some out there label as "coffee." No, my friends, I'm talking pure, unadulterated coffee goodness.
#2. my fluffy, comfy BED: Thank you for my amazingly plush bed that I get to burrow into...I mean, sleep in every single night. From the dreamy feather bed to the down comforter, I adore it all. What a blessing to have such a snuggly place to lay my head.
#3. the SUN: Thank you for the delicious sun that warms my face and soothes my soul. We have been exceedingly fortunate the past few weeks with dozens of sunshine-y days. It's been positively glorious and I'm grateful for every minute of it.
#4. CHRISTMAS MOVIES: Random, yes, but I'm thankful for Christmas movies that I have already begun watching. So far, I've checked The Family Stone (What do we got goin' on here in Santa's workshop?), Elf (I like smiling. Smiling's my favorite.) and The Holiday (Are you embarrassed by this game I've started to play?) off my list, and I have every intention of crossing off It's a Wonderful Life (Buffalo girls won't you come out tonight.) this weekend. If you have yet to get started on your Christmas movie watching, I highly suggest you get your head in the game and start plugging away. Christmas will be here before you know it and you can't watch all those movies in one day.
So, there you have it. Those are just a few things I'm grateful for today. I hope you manage to find some things (great or small) to be grateful for during this upcoming Thanksgiving week.
#1. COFFEE: Thank you Lord for creating a bean that distributes a substance called caffeine which I then, in turn, pump through my body everyday so that it is coursing through my veins a minimum of 365 times a year. And just so we're clear, I'm not referring to some sugary, cream laden impostor of a coffee beverage some out there label as "coffee." No, my friends, I'm talking pure, unadulterated coffee goodness.
#2. my fluffy, comfy BED: Thank you for my amazingly plush bed that I get to burrow into...I mean, sleep in every single night. From the dreamy feather bed to the down comforter, I adore it all. What a blessing to have such a snuggly place to lay my head.
#3. the SUN: Thank you for the delicious sun that warms my face and soothes my soul. We have been exceedingly fortunate the past few weeks with dozens of sunshine-y days. It's been positively glorious and I'm grateful for every minute of it.
#4. CHRISTMAS MOVIES: Random, yes, but I'm thankful for Christmas movies that I have already begun watching. So far, I've checked The Family Stone (What do we got goin' on here in Santa's workshop?), Elf (I like smiling. Smiling's my favorite.) and The Holiday (Are you embarrassed by this game I've started to play?) off my list, and I have every intention of crossing off It's a Wonderful Life (Buffalo girls won't you come out tonight.) this weekend. If you have yet to get started on your Christmas movie watching, I highly suggest you get your head in the game and start plugging away. Christmas will be here before you know it and you can't watch all those movies in one day.
So, there you have it. Those are just a few things I'm grateful for today. I hope you manage to find some things (great or small) to be grateful for during this upcoming Thanksgiving week.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
the best laid plans of mice and men...
So, I had every intention of posting an awesome entry for today, but "Blogger" had other ideas. My videos are taking HOURS to upload and I don't even think they'll be ready to go before the night is over. Sad day indeed.
Therefore, I am throwing up a post in a lackluster effort to "comply" with the rules of National Blogging Month, but I heartily apologize for the absolutely pointless entry. It is never my goal to post for kicks and giggles. I value my lovely readers (and your time) far more than that.
In an effort to extend an olive branch, I will leave you with a picture of my little chalupa. Get a load of those brown eyes...swoon...
Therefore, I am throwing up a post in a lackluster effort to "comply" with the rules of National Blogging Month, but I heartily apologize for the absolutely pointless entry. It is never my goal to post for kicks and giggles. I value my lovely readers (and your time) far more than that.
In an effort to extend an olive branch, I will leave you with a picture of my little chalupa. Get a load of those brown eyes...swoon...
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Tasty Tuesdays: numero 2-2
Brrrrr! I know sharing recipes has nothing to do with the weather outside, but I MUST comment on my disdain for this weather. As I ran, I mean walked across campus this morning, I was cursing the drop in temperatures and already longing for the summer days to be back. I quickly regained composure and told myself I wouldn't be able to fully appreciate the warm summer days if I didn't have bouts of cold weather to remind me how amazing the warmth of the sun feels on my face. So...I'm going to try my best to smile through the pain.
Now then, let's get down to business shall we? I promised you Thanksgiving recipes for the next few weeks and that's what you shall get. I hope last week's post inspired you to ditch the canned cranberries this year and if so, I promise you will not be disappointed. In fact, I just made the recipe on Sunday and it was as delicious as I remembered it.
As for today's recipe, it is a definite winner if I do say so myself. While I normally favor fresh, wholesome ingredients that highlight the natural flavors inherent to what is being used, this is most definitely an exception to that rule. This recipe is 100% Southern (see also Paula Deen, butter, heart attack-inducing, etc.) and has absolutely ZERO nutrional value, but it's too darn good to leave off the Thanksgiving dinner table. I guarantee this dish will be a crowd pleaser with your mom, dad, cousins, aunt, grandma...heck, even your in-laws will sing your praises!
So, without any more pomp and circumstance, I give you my version of corn pudding. This has been adapted from a couple recipes (Kraft Foods, Cooking Light, etc.), but I've sort of morphed it into one.
Corn Pudding
Ingredients:
1/2 C (one stick) butter, softened
1/2 C sugar
2 eggs
1 C light sour cream
1 can of sweet kernel corn, drained)
1 can of cream style corn
1 box of Jiffy* corn muffin/bread mix
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease an oven-proof baking dish.
2. Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Stir in sour cream, both cans of corn and muffin mix until blended.
5. Pour into baking dish and bake for about one hour or until set.
(If edges begin to brown too quickly, cover with foil for the remaining baking time.)
This may be a far cry from any of the gourmet recipes you might see in Saveur or Bon Appetit, but sometimes you just need a little Southern comfort. I hope this one makes it onto your table. T minus 9 days until Thanksgiving!!!
Now then, let's get down to business shall we? I promised you Thanksgiving recipes for the next few weeks and that's what you shall get. I hope last week's post inspired you to ditch the canned cranberries this year and if so, I promise you will not be disappointed. In fact, I just made the recipe on Sunday and it was as delicious as I remembered it.
As for today's recipe, it is a definite winner if I do say so myself. While I normally favor fresh, wholesome ingredients that highlight the natural flavors inherent to what is being used, this is most definitely an exception to that rule. This recipe is 100% Southern (see also Paula Deen, butter, heart attack-inducing, etc.) and has absolutely ZERO nutrional value, but it's too darn good to leave off the Thanksgiving dinner table. I guarantee this dish will be a crowd pleaser with your mom, dad, cousins, aunt, grandma...heck, even your in-laws will sing your praises!
So, without any more pomp and circumstance, I give you my version of corn pudding. This has been adapted from a couple recipes (Kraft Foods, Cooking Light, etc.), but I've sort of morphed it into one.
Corn Pudding
Ingredients:
1/2 C (one stick) butter, softened
1/2 C sugar
2 eggs
1 C light sour cream
1 can of sweet kernel corn, drained)
1 can of cream style corn
1 box of Jiffy* corn muffin/bread mix
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease an oven-proof baking dish.
2. Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Stir in sour cream, both cans of corn and muffin mix until blended.
5. Pour into baking dish and bake for about one hour or until set.
(If edges begin to brown too quickly, cover with foil for the remaining baking time.)
This may be a far cry from any of the gourmet recipes you might see in Saveur or Bon Appetit, but sometimes you just need a little Southern comfort. I hope this one makes it onto your table. T minus 9 days until Thanksgiving!!!
Monday, November 16, 2009
pony up!
In an effort to both enjoy the last bit of gorgeous weather and exploit my elite staff status, the pops and I attended the SMU football game this past Saturday. The tickets were free, the parking cost nada and the sun was shining. There was no reason not to take part in a little college football. (We'll leave the discussion for what constitutes legitimate college football for another day.)
We arrived early so we could witness "The Boulevard," which is essentially an on-campus tailgate complete with a live band and copious amounts of brewskis. As we made our way through the sea of pastel chinos (a la Andy Bernard/the nard dog) and sundresses, we quickly realized we weren't in Kansas anymore. I think actually wearing any school paraphernalia is frowned upon. I couldn't figure out if we were at a football game or a clambake...
After snagging a few freebies at various tents along the way, we made the hike to the stadium and grabbed our seats just in time for kickoff. The 'stangs started off at a strong gallop in the 1st quarter, but couldn't quite sustain the momentum through the 2nd quarter. However, they did pull off some pretty sweet plays, managed to score three touchdowns AND held UTEP to just ten points at the end of the first half...not too shabby.
We stayed to watch a bit of the halftime program, but had to skedaddle before the 2nd half began.
All in all, it was fun to attend the football game and the weather could not have been more glorious. Thanks Dad for being my date to the game. You'll always be my #1 guy!
We arrived early so we could witness "The Boulevard," which is essentially an on-campus tailgate complete with a live band and copious amounts of brewskis. As we made our way through the sea of pastel chinos (a la Andy Bernard/the nard dog) and sundresses, we quickly realized we weren't in Kansas anymore. I think actually wearing any school paraphernalia is frowned upon. I couldn't figure out if we were at a football game or a clambake...
After snagging a few freebies at various tents along the way, we made the hike to the stadium and grabbed our seats just in time for kickoff. The 'stangs started off at a strong gallop in the 1st quarter, but couldn't quite sustain the momentum through the 2nd quarter. However, they did pull off some pretty sweet plays, managed to score three touchdowns AND held UTEP to just ten points at the end of the first half...not too shabby.
We stayed to watch a bit of the halftime program, but had to skedaddle before the 2nd half began.
All in all, it was fun to attend the football game and the weather could not have been more glorious. Thanks Dad for being my date to the game. You'll always be my #1 guy!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
don't worry. be happy?
The following is on a note card that I have posted on my bathroom mirror (thanks to Cryssie who printed it out for me):
Worry implies we don't quite trust that God is big enough, powerful enough, or loving enough to take care of what's happening in our lives.
Stress says that the things we are involve in are important enough to merit our impatience, our lack of grace toward others, or our tight grip of control.
Basically, these two behaviors communicate that it's ok to sin and not trust God because the stuff in my life is somehow exceptional. Both worry and stress reek of arrogance.
Francis Chan, Crazy Love (pg. 42)
Wow! If this doesn't spell out conviction in my life, I don't know what does. Every single moment I spend worrying or stressing about the minuscule details of my life, I am sinning against God.
As someone who is constantly worrying about money, where I'm going to live, what job I'm going to hold, how I'm ever going to pay off my student loans (ha), and so on, this hit home with me in more ways than one. According to this, I REEK of arrogance. You can smell me from a mile away and the stench is distinctly arrogant.
Forgive me God. I desperately plead for your mercy to cover this sin. May you redeem this pattern and draw me into a peace which transcends all understanding.
Worry implies we don't quite trust that God is big enough, powerful enough, or loving enough to take care of what's happening in our lives.
Stress says that the things we are involve in are important enough to merit our impatience, our lack of grace toward others, or our tight grip of control.
Basically, these two behaviors communicate that it's ok to sin and not trust God because the stuff in my life is somehow exceptional. Both worry and stress reek of arrogance.
Francis Chan, Crazy Love (pg. 42)
Wow! If this doesn't spell out conviction in my life, I don't know what does. Every single moment I spend worrying or stressing about the minuscule details of my life, I am sinning against God.
As someone who is constantly worrying about money, where I'm going to live, what job I'm going to hold, how I'm ever going to pay off my student loans (ha), and so on, this hit home with me in more ways than one. According to this, I REEK of arrogance. You can smell me from a mile away and the stench is distinctly arrogant.
Forgive me God. I desperately plead for your mercy to cover this sin. May you redeem this pattern and draw me into a peace which transcends all understanding.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
open for business!
Well, kind of...in an effort to launch my bakery, Meagan commissioned a birthday cake for a trio of Cavanaugh (or former Cavanaugh) ladies who were celebrating their birthdays this past weekend. I was honored she would pay me for one of my creations, and she requested my amaretto cake with cream cheese icing. It is my signature cake, so it was quite fitting that it would be my "first order." Here is a look at the final work.
I know it's a far cry from bakery standards (appearance wise), but she said they enjoyed it and that's what matters to me!
So, thanks again Meg for your business. If anyone should be interested in purchasing one of my baked goods, just let me know - I'm open for business!
I know it's a far cry from bakery standards (appearance wise), but she said they enjoyed it and that's what matters to me!
So, thanks again Meg for your business. If anyone should be interested in purchasing one of my baked goods, just let me know - I'm open for business!
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