Now's a Good Time

I think that now's a good time to bring you up to speed on something that's on the horizon for me, personally.

 If you've picked up a sports page, or watched ESPN over the last couple of days, you'll have heard the story about the Cubs second baseman, Mark DeRosa's heart issues.  He has been living with arrhythmias since he was a teenager and last Saturday he had a particularly long run of atrial arrhythmia.  Yesterday, he underwent a successful EPS (ElectroPhysiology Study) and a heart ablation.  He'll be back at spring training before you know it.

When you're a sports figure or celebrity, the wheels turn very swiftly, but in my case?  Not so much.  I've known that I would be having the same procedure for about 6 weeks already, but my appointment for my first consultation with the specialist  is scheduled for March 11 and who knows when the actual procedure will take place?  Could take weeks or months to get it scheduled.

That's OK.  I've lived with arrhythmias for so long (my entire life, although they weren't diagnosed until I was in my late 20's) that I can wait.  And the fact that I can wait means that, while my skipped beats and galloping heart makes me tired and limits my ability to do physical work and exercise, it's not life threatening. 

I can honestly say that I can't WAIT to have this procedure.  I can't even imagine what it will be like to go up and down stairs without getting winded or change the sheets on my bed without getting short of breath.  The first day I learned about the procedure, I looked out at my snow covered garden and thought about tackling the difficult chore of dividing my hostas--a task that made me tired just to think of it before!

I'll let you know when I go in for the study because I'll be wanting you all to pray!  Sometimes when they get in there they find out that, because of underlying conditions, they are unable to do the ablation.  I also have degenerative mitral valve prolapse and mitral insufficiency so I'm hoping that won't complicate things.

 After all, I've got a grandson coming in June and I'll need to be able to chase a toddler before you know it!

: D 

LitLovers

Leslie, from Lux Venit, has come up with a great idea; a reading group for Christian women, reminiscent of Tim Challies' Reading the Classics. My own reading time is already spoken for, but it looks like a lot of fun and I'd like to recommend it to you! Click the image and see what Leslie has in mind!

Selective Hearing

I've said it before; dogs are a lot like people.

 Take selective hearing for instance.  If you've got teens (or toddlers!) you know what selective hearing is all about.  It's about hearing what you want to hear and not hearing what you DON'T want to hear.

This morning, Eve proved that dogs are a lot like people when it comes to selective hearing.  This same dog who "can't hear" when I tell her it's time to go out to go potty in the cold or rain or go to her crate can awaken from a sound sleep when I  open the refrigerator door or crack an egg. 

She can warp time, too.  Sound asleep to sitting attentively at my feet in a nanosecond.

Silly girl. 

Tomorrow's the last day for Rebecca's Dog Days of February, so you better get your post up and your link sent to Rebecca ASAP! 

Heavy Traffic Wanted

Heavy Traffic. When you live in the Chicago area, it's something you come to expect. With 3 million people living in Chicago proper and 10 million in the Greater Chicago area, traffic is something you not only come to expect, you dread it and do everything you can to avoid it. You learn to check the internet, you check the TV, you try to get an early start to avoid it. But there's really no avoiding it. But there IS another kind of heavy traffic, a very desirable kind of heavy traffic and I know a young man who is looking for some! I got this task list in my inbox this morning along with this link: Tasks: Rate 5 stars add to favorites Give an awesome comment watch on all different possible computers. My friend, Tristan, has made a high def paper plate speaker for his 5th grade Science Fair Project. He's been competing with a classmate to see who can get the most hits to his YouTube video. Tristan and I would LOVE IT if you'd send him some heavy traffic today. OK. You've got your marching orders! Let's see if we can generate some traffic! (And see if his giggle doesn't make you smile!)

Thirsting Desires and Insatiable Longings

From The Journal of David Brainerd, August 28, 1742

    "I withdrew to my usual place of retirement in great peace and tranquility; spent about two hours in secret duties and felt much as I did yesterday morning, only weaker and more overcome. I seemed to depend wholly upon my dear Lord, wholly weaned from all other dependences. I know not what to say to my God, but only lean on His bosom, as it were, and breathe out my desires after a perfect conformity to Him in all things. Thirsting desires and insatiable longings possessed my soul after perfect holiness. God was so precious to my soul that the world with all its enjoyments was infinitely vile. I had not more value for all the favor of men than pebbles. The Lord was my ALL; and that He overruled all greatly delighted me. I think my faith and dependence upon God scarce ever rose so high. I saw Him such a fountain of goodness that it seemed impossibe I should distrust Him again, or be anyway anxious about anything that should happen to me."

This exerpt convicts me and convinces me that I have not yet tasted such sweetness of fellowship with Christ. But, as with Brainerd, even as weak and small as my experiences of the majesty of Christ in His fellowship with me have been in comparison, I have in some measure experienced "thirsting desires and insatiable longings" for Him.

Hiraeth

My friend, Ann, is writing some special "Welsh themed" posts in honor of St David's Day.  (St. David being the patron Saint of Wales)

She linked to a wonderful YouTube video.  If you listen very carefully, the narrator pronounces the word hiraeth (just after she says that homesickness is too weak a word for the longing to return home).  Just hearing it brought tears to my eyes. 

I guess that response must be hiraeth; for my family, for my hometown,  for that which I have never seen. . .like a Christian yearning for heaven.

You can read more about the name of my blog at this post--"All this" 

Bubs

 

Kindle Reader

Have you SEEN THIS? Let's all sing along with Kip: "Yes, I love technology; I still love technology. . . always and forever, always and forever" (reaches under trifocals and wipes tear. . .)

A Cure for Anxiety

Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows but only empties today of its strength.--Charles H. Spurgeon

Matthew 6:25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

    34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Matthew 11:25 At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; 26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Brown Plate Special: Week Four Weigh in

I thought sure I'd have to admit to a weight gain this week.  We went on a little overnight trip to Wisconsin this weekend and ate three meals out, which is usually NOT a good thing.  I was surprised when I got home that I hadn't gained anything and even more surprised when I got on the scales this morning:

This week's weight loss--.5 pounds. 

Total weight loss--4.5 pounds.

 Got a call late last week from ABF.  Our treadmill will be arriving this Friday!  Yippee!  The freight bill says the shipping weight is 202 lbs.  No wonder the UPS man isn't delivering it!

Don't try this at home

So, last night I prepared Dorothy's recipe for Swiss Potato Pancakes.  They turned out perfectly; crisp and brown and lacy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside--very delicious.

However, they made a boat load.  I prepared less than half of the "batter" and already had 10 pancakes.  Supper was ready and everyone was hungry, so we sat down to eat.

I decided that I'd see if I could save the rest of the batter for later. 

You know how it is with potatoes; they turn all rusty red and then that nasty purplish black when the starches come in contact with the air.  I put the remaining batter in a cool whip container and then pressed some plastic wrap on the top, like you would with guacamole to keep the top from turning brown.

 

Lesson learned: 

Potatoes are not avocados.

Don't put off 'til tomorrow what you could cook today.

(On a better note, we did have a few of the fried potato pancakes left over and they warmed up very nicely.)

Another Winter Storm Warning

Here we go again; another winter storm warning.  I think we went a whole week without one.

This one promises to be a true February snow storm--heavy and wet.

Looks like I'll be running errands in the morning. . . 

Update on Monday, February 25, 2008 at 06:34AM by Kim from Hiraeth

The watch is now a warning and we've got cold temps and wind into the mix.  Look like March may be blowing in like a lion this year! 

Sunday Hymn: Shepherd of Tender Youth

 Shepherd of Tender Youth

Shepherd of tender youth,
Guiding in love and truth
Through devious ways:
Christ, our triumphant King,
We come thy name to sing;
Hither our children bring,
To shout thy praise.

Thou art our holy Lord,
The all-subduing Word,
Healer of strife:
Thou didst thyself abase,
That from sin's deep disgrace
Thou mightest save our race,
And give us life.

Thou art the Great High Priest,
Thou hast prepared the feast
Of heavenly love:
While in our mortal pain,
None calls on thee in vain:
Help thou dost not disdain,
Help from above.

Ever be thou our Guide,
Our Shepherd and our Pride,
Our Staff and Song:
Jesus, thou Christ of God,
By thy perennial Word,
Lead us where thou hast trod;
Make our faith strong.

So now and till we die,
Sound we thy praises high,
And joyful sing:
Infants, and the glad throng
Who to thy church belong,
Unite to swell the song
To Christ our King.

Blue Trinity Hymnal #117 

Christ, Our Prophet, Priest, and King

 Q24:  How doth Christ execute the office of a prophet?
 A24:  Christ executeth the office of a prophet, in revealing to us,[1] by his word [2] and Spirit,[3] the will of God for our salvation. 

1.  John 1:18
2.  John 20;31
3.  John 14:26
 
 Q25:  How doth Christ execute the office of a priest?
 A25:  Christ executeth the office of a priest, in his once offering up of himself a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice,[1] and reconcile us to God;[2] and in making continual intercession for us.[3]

1.  Heb. 9:28
2.  Heb. 2:17
3.  Heb. 7:25
 
 Q26:  How doth Christ execute the office of a king?
 A26:  Christ executeth the office of a king, in subduing us to himself,[1] in ruling and defending us,[2] and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies.[3]
 

Quote of the Week: Spurgeon

I could not say to you, “Pray,” not even to you saints, unless it were a throne of grace, much less could I talk of prayer to you sinners; but now I will say this to every sinner here, though he should think himself to be the worst sinner that ever lived, cry unto the Lord and seek him while he may be found. A throne of grace is a place fitted for you; go to your knees, by simple faith go to your Savior, for he, he it is who is the throne of grace.

Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Hebrews 4:14-16

14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Especially for Elle

 Elle left a comment earlier this morning:

My dog died about 4 years ago, and we have not gotten another one yet, instead being currently ruled by two felines. I do wish for another dog, and these quotes make me wish harder. Now I need an Ivy story and picture as a pick me up, please.

Not long after I read her comment, this little Ivy story presented itself.  I had to run for the camera, so I didn't capture the the whole thing, but here you go, Elle:

Ivy's solution to boredom.

Since I had to run for the camera we're missing the first photo, so I'll just take a minute and set the scene.  Eve was snoozing away on her pillow.  Ivy was bored and restless and spoiling for a fight.  She hopped up on the arm of the couch, just to the left of Eve's pillow, with her favorite toy, Leon (yes, Leon, as in Redbone) and she dive-bombed Eve with it, trying to roust her from her pillow and get her to play. 

 

 

 When Eve only sat there, sleepy-headed and trying to figure out what just hit her, Ivy sprang into action.  The tail is wagging furiously.

 

  

 

Here you see the typical doggy "play bow."  Eve is shaking her head and muttering at the 'young pup. '

 

 

 

Here you see Ivy, mid spin, as she frolics and skips in front of Eve, trying to get her to get up and play!  Check out Eve's expression.  "HEY!  Make her leave me alone!"

 

 

 

Eve is up and running now, so Ivy scoops up Leon and runs after her.  (See that red blurr?  That's the toy.  Ivy tossed it after Eve took off)

 

 

 

Here you see her poking Eve with Leon, taunting her with the toy. 

 

 

 

Eve's not buying it.  She circled back around the coffee table and plopped down on her pillow. 

 

  

 

Guess who Ivy wants to play with now? 

 

Look at that face.  We call her Doggy Demando.  I think you can see why.

 

 

 

There she goes again--a big red blurrrrrr. 

Doggie Quotes and Proverbs

 Here's a collection of Doggie Quotes.  I did not compile them myself and I have no idea who did, so I can't give attribution.  I believe these came to me in the form of a forwarded email. 

"Whoever said you can't buy happiness forgot about puppies." --Gene Hill

 "In dog years, I'm dead." --Unknown

 "Dogs feel very strongly that they should always go with you in the car, in case the need should arise for them to bark violently at nothing right in your ear." --Dave Barry

 "Outside of a dog, a book is probably man's best friend; inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." --Groucho Marx

 "To his dog, every man is Napoleon; hence the constant popularity of dogs." --Aldous Huxley

"Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful." --Ann Landers

"A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, and to turn around three times before lying down." --Robert Benchley

"Did you ever walk into a room and forget why you walked in? I think that's how dogs spend their lives." --Sue Murphy

"Ever consider what they must think of us? I mean, here we come back from a grocery store with the most amazing haul: chicken, pork, half a cow. They must think we're the greatest hunters on earth!" --Anne Tyler

 "I wonder if other dogs think poodles are members of a weird religious cult." --Rita Rudner

 "In order to keep a true perspective of one's importance, everyone should have a dog that will worship him and a cat that will ignore him." --Dereke Bruce

"There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face." --Ben William

 "When a man's best friend is his dog, that dog has a problem." --Edward Abbey

 "Cat's motto: No matter what you've done wrong, always try to make it look like the dog did it." --Unknown

Thoughts Divine in Human Speech

THE OLD HYMNS
by
Rev. Lawrence Keister

Hymns are cups of consolation
Placed by God within our reach;
Wings of worship and salvation,--
Thoughts divine in human speech.

Through the years they oft befriend us--
Is there not a constant need?
Hidden manna kindly lead us,
While for unity we plead.

Live the hymns and learn to sing them,
In the school of God's free grace;
Spirit-led to others bring them
As and angel face to face.

Sing the hymns that live for ages,--
Sing their music and their truth,
As each one your heart engages,
Youth is yours, eternal youth.

Here's an old one for you:

O Light That Knew No Dawn 

O light that knew no dawn,
That shines to endless day,
All things in earth and heav'n
Are lustred by thy ray;
No eye can to thy throne ascend,
Nor mind thy brightness comprehend.

Thy grace, O Father, give,
That I may serve in fear;
Above all boons, I pray,
Grant me thy voice to hear;
From sin thy child in mercy free,
And let me dwell in light with thee:

That, cleansed from stain of sin,
I may meet homage give,
And, pure in heart, behold
Thy beauty while I live;
Clean hands in holy worship raise,
And thee, O Christ my Saviour, praise.

In supplication meek
To thee I bend the knee;
O Christ, when thou shalt come,
In love remember me,
And in thy kingdom, by thy grace,
Grant me a humble servant's place.

Thy grace, O Father, give,
I humbly thee implore;
And let thy mercy bless
Thy servant more and more.
All grace and glory be to thee,
From age to age eternally.

Sitting by the Window

It's 4 degrees out.  Sunny, but bitterly cold; colder than February should be.

Don't tell the little sparrow in the bushes outside my window.

He might stop singing. 

In 15 Words or Less Poems

Mist at the Crossroads
Stop or go?
Blinking into the mist;
Drenched by degrees
I debate.

Hosted each Thursday at laurasalas.

The Big Bloggy Breakfast (Brunchy) Recipe Round-up

I suspect that this Saturday morning, many families of bloggers will be sitting down to breakfast spreads fit for a King!

Today is the day for the Big Bloggy Breakfast Recipe Round-up, hosted at Home But Not Alone.

 Here are some of my favorite scone recipes :

Elmwood Scones

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
6 Tablespoons unsalted cold butter
1/2 cups currants
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 egg
1 Tablespoon cream
1 Tablespoon sugar
 
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly grease a large baking sheet.  Combine flour, baking powder, salt and soda.  With a pastry blender, cut in butter, mixing it until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.  Mix in currants.
 
Whisk buttermilk and egg together, then add to flour mixture.  Stir together until a soft ball of dough forms.  Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently, turning five or six times.
 
Roll out dough with a floured rolling pin to about 1/2 inch thickness, Using a cookie cutter or biscuit cutter, cut scones out and place on baking sheet.  Brush the tops lightly with cream and sprinkle with sugar.  Bake 10 -12 minutes or until light brown.  Serve warm with lemon curd, Devonshire cream, (recipes below) .

Makes about one dozen depending on size of cutter.

Devonshire Cream

1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons  vanilla extract
1       8 -ounce carton sour cream
 
Beat whipping cream sugar, and vanilla until stiff.  Fold sour cream into this mixture and refrigerate.  Serve with warm scones.

Lemon Curd

3 eggs                                               
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup sugar
 
In top part of a double boiler, beat eggs until frothy.  Stir in lemon juice, sugar and melted butter.  Place over simmering water.  Stir constantly for 20 minutes.

The mixture should become slightly thickened.  Remove from heat and spoon into a pint-sized container.  Cool to room temperature, cover and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving.  Keeps well for two weeks.

Cheese scones

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Yield: 12 scones

Ingredients:
2 cups flour
1 tsp. each: cream of tartar, baking soda
1/4 tsp. each: ground red pepper, ground mustard, salt
3 Tbsps. unsalted butter, chilled
1/2 cup plus 3 Tbsps. milk
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

1. Sift together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, red pepper, mustard and salt into the bowl of a food processor with metal blade inserted; add 2 tablespoons of the butter. Pulse about five times until lumps resemble tiny peas. Add 1/2 cup milk; pulse. Add up to 3 tablespoons of additional milk until dough is soft but not sticky; add cheese. Pulse four times.

2. Heat oven to 425 degrees. Place dough on floured surface; knead lightly two or three times. Roll dough to 3/4-inch thickness. Cut out scones with a 2-inch cutter. Leftover dough scraps can be rerolled for cutting.

3. Melt remaining tablespoon butter; brush over scone tops. Place scones on a greased baking sheet. Bake until golden, about 10 minutes.  Serve warm with butter.

Sweet Potato Scones

• 2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1-1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/3 cup cold butter
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes
• 1/3 cup buttermilk

In a large bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, salt and baking soda. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a small bowl, whisk the egg, sweet potatoes and buttermilk; add to dry ingredients just until moistened. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; with lightly floured hands, knead dough 10-12 times. Pat into an 8-in. circle.

 

Cut into eight wedges.

 

Cut with floured knife.

Separate wedges and place 1 in. apart on a baking sheet lightly coated with nonstick cooking spray. Bake at 400° for 16-21 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes.

 

Serve warm with butter and honey or maple syrup.

 

Yield: 8 scones.

Cooks Notes:  You can substitute canned pumpkin for the sweet potatoes, but only use 3/4 c.  since pumpkin is moister than mashed sweet potatoes.  I add more spices because we just like more spice!  I add a whole tsp of cinnamon, 1/2 t. of ginger, and 1/4 tsp. nutmeg and cloves. 

These are not sweet scones--only 1/4 c. brown sugar.  Without the syrup, I would consider these a savory scone. 

 I'll be making some scones this morning, but it won't be 'til later.  I'll post a picture when I do.

Done!