Just What I Needed!

I'll be honest, I've never read a Max Lucado book to completion.  Not sure why -- Mabye I've been too busy trying to "learn" and his books are not real heady.  I'll tell you something though, I absolutely did learn something though from reading this book cover to cover AND it was absolutely what I needed.

Pick up this book and you won't want to put it down, because somehow Max finds a way to Make God's Story Our Story both interesting and shall we say educational. and BTW I am feeling pretty grateful for the lack of heady-ness in his writting for this read.

Through this book I wash truthfully and lovingly reminded that there is meaning in our stories; yes even those difficult short stories in our lives that we would rather not talk about-- or perhaps we are going through them right now. From our perspective it often feels like we are in the middle of chaos and confusion.  This Chaos might make us afraid, but God has a storyline for our lives and He is at work divinely orchestrating all of the pieces together for us in His master story of redemption.

As I was reading this book, there were so many moments where I resoundingly thought in the core of my heart; wow that's really the truth that I needed to hear.  At the very same time Max's writting was loving, gentle, and full of some beautiful methaphors- that my heart was ready to accept truth. I felt as if one of my good friends was sharing truth in love with me.

I am grateful as always for a good read, but even more so grateful for my Father who guides and and leads us in His truth!

A Name Change

If you follow my blog, you may have noticed that I have not posted for a long time.  It didn't forget or fall by the wayside, I simply chose not to write - publically that is.  And yes I have changed the name on the blog . . . same address for now . . . just a new name . . . read on.

Adam and I have gone through a number of changes in the last several months and in fact we still are. It's been a difficult season, but we have seen the Lord carry us and provide for us in new and beautiful ways.

Here are a few pieces of our story. Adam and I moved to Central, PA-- Sunbury a year and a half ago to to start a new life here. He took a position at a local church here. We fully believe that as we sought the Lord in that process through prayer, conversation with each other, and conversation with our community that God led us here.  We thought at that time that the season would be for more than a year, but not every book you open is as what it seems.   

The season at that church ended just about three months ago now.  We have seen the Lord multiply our financial resources, give us a new place of true worship, and bring new friends around us that really want to get after serving Christ.  I honestly feel very grateful, yet this is so not the path I would have chosen.

I have watched my husband lead our family and remain open the the Lord's hand in our life.  This is such a gift to me as I often want to take control, manipulate the variables, and "make things work".  This season is teaching me to remain patient, do what I can do for today, and then rest-- call it a day and enjoy what God has placed around us.

It's in this time that I have grown even more in my heart an understanding of the love that my father has for me and my family.  Things are messy and imperfect right now, but I'm learning to accept the imperfect because of my perfect Savior.

We are also not waiting for things to "work out" to get connected or to get plugged in with others or to serve others for the sake of Christ.  I think my natural tendency is to want to do so, but becaues of our love for Christ we are going to love others even in our time of need.

So this is my update on us the Scheidegger's . . . now called the Scheidegger Sitch

A Challenge if you Dare . . .

I've been a blogger without blogs, but I have been writing a few different things!  I am just about to finish up my essay for the Real Simple Essay Contest.

If you want to enter too:  just click here:  http://www.realsimple.com/magazine-more/inside-website/contests-sweepstakes/life-lessons-essay-contest-rules-00000000058214/index.html

I'd post the essay, but I'm afraid that might make me ineligible.  So for now I'll keep lid closed tight, but you should enter to if you dare!

Sugar Cookie Recipe

I posted about my sugar cookies around Christmas, but I have had a few friends asking for the recipe so I thought I just post it on here!

I just made some cookies, b/c my number one sugar cookie customer is coming into town, my brother! I am expecting them to arrive todaty! I can hardly wait. 

I made sugar cookie flowers this time around, take a look:

Half of the cookies look exactly like this . . .  White daisies with yellow trim.

And the other half look like this pink tulips, with green trim!

Here is the recipe!!

Sugar Cookies- Thick Cut Outs!!!!

6 egg yolks

4 eggs

2 cups butter softened

2 1/8 cups white flour

1 T. baking powder

1/2 t. salt

1 1/2 t. vanilla

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time mixing well.  Add vanilla. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt; stir into the sugar mixture. Cover dough and chill at least one hour.  

Preaheat the oven to 375 degrees. Grease cooke sheets. On a floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/2 inch thick and cut into desired shaped using cookie cutters. Place 2 inches apart on to the prepared pans.

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes.  Allow to cool on sheets for 5 mintues before placing on wire cooling rack.  

Royal Frosting

3 Egg whites room temperature

1 lb powdered sugar sifted, about 4 3/4 cups

1 t. vanilla

1/2 t. cream of tartar

food coloring as desired

Combine all ingredients in small deep bowl.  Beat with electric mixer until frosting is stiff.  Divide and color.  Keep frosting covered with damp cloth when not using, b/c it will harden. Now have fun and get creative!!

Anniversary Two Today!

Today, we begin year three of our marriage, I can hardly believe how fast time zips by! It seems like just yesterday I was putting on my pearls and gown and getting all nervous to walk down that aisle.

Our two years have been filled with everything but NORMALCY and for that I'm glad. :)  Above is a picture of Adam's anniversary gifts. This is a tradition I started last year.  You wrap a gift that starts with the letter of each letter of the word for the number of year that you are married.  What do you think is inside??  hmm??  Here's a picture of what it looked like last year!

And this is why I love my husband:

• He keeps life fun and entertaining
• Because of him there is always music in our home, either from a stereo or coming from Adam the beat box himself
• His commitment to unity in relationships with others wows me
• He's darling, cute, handsome . . .
• His desire to find common ground 
• The way he is so relational 
• He prioritizes our marriage
• He's funny and makes me laugh
• He is CONTINUALLY learning and growing in the Lord
• He listens to the Lord and is patient
• He shows me my faults and helps me grow
• He shows me where I'm doing well
• He takes care of all the tech needs we have

I love you Adam Scheidegger!  Happy Anniversary!

Pioneer Woman's Slightly Adjusted Taco Pizza

So today we ate Linner or Dunch. . .  which means we filled our bellies full around 4:30.  I have been so excited to try Pioneer Woman's Taco Pizza.  That she posted a few weeks ago. I finally got around to getting the stuff at the store and I whipped it up this afternoon. It was so tasty.

Adam asked?   What kind of meet is on this "taco pizza"?  I responded . . . "there is no meat". He was like then "how can it be taco". Men!!  However, once he tasted it he was sold.

I give all royalties to The Pioneer Woman, but I switched it up just a little bit.  I used a Pilsbury crust instead of making my own, I added black olives for the yum factor, and because husband loves it I used Chipotle Tobasco for the Hot Sauce.  This was so good, and perfect on a hot day with the cool crispness of the saladish topping.  Here is the  recipe.

Here's a picture of the finished product:

Here's Adam's Piece just before he devoured it!

It's great paired with a Big Ben's Root Beer.

Are you looking for a devotional or study?

I wanted to share today about a devotional book that I have been working my way through.  It is called Jesus 90 Days with the One and Only, and the author is Beth Moore.  It's a great resource.  Each day you read a passage and work your way through her interactive material as well.

Beth's book is so well written and helps you as the reader to both learn academically about our Savior, and to also connect your heart to Him as you work through this on a daily basis.  I can't tell you how many days the Lord, had certain stories just perfectly planned out for me as I went through this. I feel like the Lord has given me such much direction from His life. Also, the stories of Christ continually remind me of the aim of the Christian life.  Often we mutter Christianity with "extras", but reading through the gospels brings it back to the core.

It's been really fun, because we just finished going through the book of Luke with our youth and I've also been  listening to Todd Wagner from Watermark on the book of John. It's been so fun to see a lot of dots connect as I am learning about Christ.  I feel very thankful.

Here is a picture of the book, I found my used and cheap, with no writing in it!  It was dedicated For Becky from Mother in December of 2008, Ha ha. I just rededicated it like this:  To Kim From the Giver of Peace and Wisdom. 2011

Cooking Time!

A few weeks ago, when Adam was away at a men's retreat with our church, I had a friend come over and we did some serious cooking that afternoon.  The goal was to give her a few tips on cooking, but we had a lot of fun.

I have been obsessed with The Pioneer Woman  for quite sometime now and make her recipes often. I have never been disappointed. It's really great because she posts pictures of all the steps so you know what you are getting into before you attempt it.  The two recipes below are from her site.  The chicken was a guest chef and the pasta is her recipe.

Sabrina and I made an Herb Roasted Chicken. Here's the little guy before he went into the oven!

And here is the chicken after it has been cooked--- oh my gosh was it delicious. Similiar to those grocery store rotisserie chickens, but better flavor and it wasn't sitting under a heat lamp all day.

 Then we made Pasta ai Quattro Formaggi. Basically a four cheese pasta. You can really use whatever cheese you want. We used, Romano, parmesan, asiago, and goat cheese. The goat cheese makes it nice and creamy (well that and the whole cream you put in!). It was delish!

We also steamed up some fresh brocolli, but I didn't get a picture of that!! 

What have you cooked lately that you absolutely love??? 

Rickett's Glen State Park

On memorial day, we went to Rickett's Glen State Park .  It was a spontaneous last minute trip, that ended up being so much fun.  We went with two other couples one with their fun kiddos!  Rickett's Glen is known for it's 21 Waterfalls. It's basically uphill the whole way, and BONUS at the top there is a beach!  We at dinner at the beach. It was a wonderful day just to enjoy God's amazing creation and community.

Here are some pics:

 Adam taking a picture of the crew:

Taking a break looking at one of the beautiful Waterfalls.

Adam and I  . . . I guess I am gazing into his eyes! :)

Beautiful!

This was a Waterfall that you could stand behind and see the water fall like a sheet of water. So amazing.

A Sin that We all Too often Embrace

I thought I'd write today about something pretty close to my heart. Something that I think can be a sin struggle for a lot of Christians if not all at sometime or another. I have certainly wrestled with it.  It is a sin that can even look "Godly" on the outside.  The church often embraces it.  Others might even encourage it at times. However, this is an ugly and messy sin, and it can keep us from fully devoting our lives to pleasing God.  

What is this sin you ask? !!!!

People Pleasing. When we worry about what others will think, what others will say, or how we will be perceived more than we are concerned about what God thinks then we have created an idol out of people.   Galatians  1:10 says,  "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." (ESV)  When we aim is to please anyone other than God alone, we will fail. Not only will we fail, but he is our MASTER, and when we meet Him one day it will matter. Colossians 3:23-24, "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."

Maybe your thinking, "But come on, practically speaking, I have to do this or that for this person . . . people do have expectations?" How does this really play out? Hear this, "Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free. Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him." Ephesians 6:5-9 (ESV) God wants us to work at all times and in all situations that we are serving him even when others are involved.  Not only that, His expectations, yes His expectations are the ONLY expectations, again THE only expectations that truly count.  

Why does it matter for the church as a whole?  If we spend time pleasing one another in the church and doing only what makes one another happy, God would not be honored. God says, in Colossians 3:23,  "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,."  When we live for him, and not for ourselves, we can truly get after the work of the Lord.  

Anyone else struggle with this? Any thoughts?

Completion of AIM Number 2

I've been busy and with the happy addition of spring weather to my life I have spend a lot more time outside than  inside. I've read less and walked more. I've typed less and thought more.  You win some and lose some. That's life and balance is my friend.

I wanted to update the blogosphere that I am happy to announce that I have successfully completed AIM number 2 for the Year. What you don't remember my list of AIM's for the year, how dare you, well I got a job, it's been about a month and a half now, but I am counseling at the Susquehanna Valley Center of Hope.  

Here's a snapshot. We are a non-profit Christian Counseling organization offering outpatient services for children, adolescents, adults, and their families.  Services are provided for residents of the Susquehanna Valley.  We strive to provide individuals and their families with the skills and resources needed to live healthy, fulfilling lives within their families and communities. 

Here's more of what I love about the Center, our desire it to first push people to Christ and see the Gospel and crucial.  Second, we are striving to help individuals find local community and others to that they can live their lives with.

Here's my work e-mail kscheideggeer@svcoh.org  should you know of someone that needs to set up an appointment.

What's the What? Essentials of a Good Boundary Laden Conversation

Time to dig in hang tight we are going to cover a lot of ground today. We will cover chapters 3-14 Boundaries Face to Face today. This is the practical stuff—the to do’s of the conversation.

1. Be fully there: don’t just show up to the conversation, be emotionally present, knowing your own feelings, seeking to get in touch with the feelings of the other party. Be warm and available, remembering to listen and not lecture. Yes, even when you disagree.

2. Be clear about “You” and “I”: It’s crucial to remember that there are 2 sides people involved in a conversation. When you express something, say “I” . . . blah blah blah. . . instead of “You” . . . blah blah blah. . . because you can only speak for yourself. As much as you may think you know what the other person is thinking, you do not. Be sympathetic to the person and try and put yourself in their shoes as to what it would feel like to be confronted--- that is be humble, Psalms 18:27.

3. Clarity, Clarity, and Clarity: Be extremely clear about the problem, don't lose focus and go over offense after offense. It can be tempting, but it really doesn’t do anybody any good. The 3 Parts of Stating the Problem: 1. Clarify the problem; 2. clarify the effects of the problem 3. Clarify your desire for change

4. GRACE and truth: You will want to balance both grace and truth when approaching someone, but always lean on the side of grace if you are in question. Grace demonstrates that you are for the person and truth helps the person see the reality of the situation so that they can change.

5. Stay on task: Don’t surprised or upset by defensiveness or deflections. Accept these patterns as a part of the person until they decide to change. When you are ready for; you can more readily deal with it. Try listening, empathizing, and offering to look at your part in the matter – then say that you would like to get back to the matter at hand. At a later time you can inquire – not blame—the person about their defensiveness.

6. "When you do "A", I feel "B": Letting the other person know how you feel builds the relationship, “Love one another deeply, from the heart.” 1 Peter 1:22. Share statements in “When you do “A”, I feel “B” form is a healthy way of communicating. Your part is it know what you feel, stick to your own experience, and to avoid saying “You make me feel”.

7. You can’t affirm and validate enough: Affirmation and validation is just a happy idea it is the responsibility of the confronter to affirm and validate so that the people you confront know that they are valued. In a good confrontation we are turning our face toward something together; to let the other person know that you are on the same side, looking at the issue as allies and not enemies. Let him know that the negative is not all there is nor is it the biggest thing. The relationship is the most important.

8. Own your part and apologize: Matthew 7:3-5, Remove the plank out of your own eye first. When we want to talk to someone about an issue it can often be so difficult b/c we are feeling hurt, we have to be willing to do the work to see what is going on inside of us first. An important principle to remember is this, when confronting, do not do id from a deficit balance. In other words, don’t confront if you owe an apology first.

9. Avoid "shoulds": When should is said in it’s purest form it isnt’ a bad thing, but the word can be used to show shame or control. Ex. “You should have made reservations.” “You should have thought about this.” These statements induce guilt, shame, and anger. Good relationships preserve someone’s dignity, choice, freedom and equality as a person.

10. Be an agent for change: In the conversation take the position that you have an attitude to help, to be an ally, and agent of change. Help the other person to the best of your ability. Romans 12:21 says, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Even when bad things have happened, the confronter tries to make the situation one in which good things can happen for the person and for the relationship.

11. Specificity always helps: Ask for exactly what you need in the relationship. Ex. A woman asking for more connection from her husband should ask for a few specific ways that her husband could connect with her, not just connection.

12. Forgiveness, Reconciliation, Trust: Let’s just define em’. Forgiveness has to do with the past. Forgiveness means that you do not hold something against someone that they have done. It is letting it go and it only takes one to offer forgiveness (Matt 6:12, 18:35). Reconcilation has to do with the present and it happens when the other person apologizes and accepts forgiveness. It takes two to reconcile. Finally trust has to do with the future. It pertains to what you risk happening again and what you will open yourself up to. A person must show he is trustworthy before you trust him again, Matt 3:8, Prov. 4:23.

Taken from, Boundaries Face to Face: How to Have that Difficult Conversation You’ve Been Avoiding. By Henry Cloud and John Townsend.

Preserving Love

Time for a little more from, "Boundaries Face to Face"

So you ask why in the world would I want to confront someone on something? Maybe from your perspective things are working fairly well in the relationship and you have decided that you can just live with things the way they are. I have been there and had those exact same thoughts, but then through either my confrontation or through someone else confronting me- I have been greatly blessed as has the other person.

Let me introduce you to a concept: PRESERVING LOVE. When we confront someone we are actually doing what the term confrontation means in Latin which is to, "turn your face toward, to look at frontally." In other words in a confrontation you are turing to the the person and dealing with a part of the relationship that needs to be addressed because you are for the relationship and for the person. A confrontation works best when it serves and is driven by LOVE?

"Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but and enemy multiplies kisses." proverbs 26:7

Taken from Chapter 2 of Cloud and Townsend's, "Boundaries Face to Face"

First Boundary Book Review

What is a boundary?

A boundary is a personal property line, it defines who you are, where you end, and where others begin.

Boundaries help us set clarity in our relationships with other people- in the way that Jesus taught in Matthew 5:37, "Let your yes be yes and your no be no." Without boundaries we can tend to be controlled by the demands of others because they feel unsure of themselves when they need to make a stand.

This particular book deals with how to have set boundaries through having a conversation.

Sometimes people don't want to have that difficult conversation. There are four main reasons why, which one best describes you?

1. You fear losing the relationship
2. You fear being the object of anger - with the person you are conversing with
3. You fear being hurtful to the receiver
4. You fear being perceived as "bad"

Are you going to let these fears keep you from having the necessary talks that might actually allow you to solve some problems?

All this from chapter one of Boundaries Face to Face, stay tuned for so much more.

Conflict: A Blessing or a Curse?

One of the topics that I love to read and learn about is conflict. Conflict/disagreement is truly a blessing and an opportunity to engage more fully and bring even deeper unity with one another if we take the opportunity or the blessing. If we decide to flee from it . . . in can indeed rear it's ugly head and become a curse.

I am currently reading a GREAT book by Dr. Henry Cloud. This book is from none other than the church library at SBC and it's a great read. The Title of the Book is Boundaries Face to Face. However, if you want to buy the book, the title was recently changed and it is now called, "How to Have that Difficult Conversation You Have Been Avoiding." Same Book Different-- actually better TITLE!

Here's the NEW cover:

So, I am going to post a multi-part review for this book because there is so much good stuff in it that I want to share some of the bullet points. I definitely encourage you to check this out or to purchase this one!

First review portion to come soon!

Every Woman's Marriage Reviewed

So I have been wanting to read this book for quite some time, circa summer 2010. :) Husband bought it for me over Thanksgiving in Dallas and just got to it mid-february and recently finished the book.

There are a series of "Every" books, like . . . Every Man's Marriage, Every Man's Battle, Every Young Man's Battle and on and on. I was particularly enthralled with the idea of this book because it focused only the woman's part in marriage. The book isn't how to get your husband to change or a series of how to manipulate for what you want, but the book sets forth scriptural principles for a woman's part in a marriage. Nearly two years in to this thing called MAWAGE (princess bride reference) I am trying to learn all I can for myself and to share with others.

Here is what I loved about the book:

1. The author, Shannon Ethridge, is incredibly authentic in her writing with the struggles that her and her husband have. In some of the examples her husband Greg shares how some of her actions made him feel. She also had input from other couples. The authenticity wasn't used for authenticity sake, but it truly helped me to see their struggles, how they were growing, and what it looks like to use that struggle as something to pull the marriage together rather than apart for the glory of the Lord.

2. Selflessness. Boom. (translation for boom = impactful) There was an overall tone of the book that focused on the aspect of being selfless in marriage and putting your husbands needs before your own. She had practical examples and scriptural examples of this. Humbling.

3. I love little acronyms that help you remember helpful terms or even stuff for your marriage. She had a new one for me. Cut each other some SLACK. The was termed by Randy Fujishin. It is the formula for constructive conflict resolution. So this is what it means.

Sit down together, in a focused conversation

Listen with a desire to understand the nature of the problem at hand

Ask non-offensive questions to clarify your perceptions of you mate's concerns

Compromise and find a solution that both mates can feel good about

Kiss or an expression of affection, affirming you continued commitment to the relationship

4. If I am honest, on a good day I can say that I am "struggling well" with control. I'd say one of the biggest eye openers in marriage is that doing something a different way isn't always a bad or wrong way. In fact -- it may be a better way or a more . . . dare I say God-honoring or creative way. I'm speaking in generalities, but I can struggle with thinking I am right and then out of that wanting to control, God has done a lot of work on me in that area, but her book was a great refresher course on this topic.

Conclusions: So I would say read this book, you would definitely gain some sound practical counsel on the woman's part in marriage. While the book is on point scripturally, she is definitely not setting forth a theological structure for marriage-- so if you want that, read another book.

Winter Dusk

A few weeks ago husband and I went for walk at the Marina. It was a beautiful day here in PA, it was a crazy warm day here and I don't think it's been quite as warm since. Hoping for more warm days and remembering this one through this photo. We captured this shot of dusk and I did a little photo editing.

NYC Summed Up

Just thought I'd share a few more tidbits of the trip!

I love Sushi, but definitely don't get to have it very often. My mom and Don took us to Sushi at a great place before we went to see Wicked. You can see I had no problem enjoying it!

Here's Adam and I in Times Square after a full day of sightseeing and shopping!
We took the Staten Island Ferry to Staten Island b/c Adam wanted to get a good view of the Statue of Liberty. Here's us on the ferry. I have squinty eye, but the sun felt so good.

Here's Adam inside what may have been his favorite part of the trip, the 5th Avenue Apple Store.

Here is a picture of the store front!

Just before leaving we took a trip to Magnolia Bakery for some delicious cupcakes to go!

Go See Wicked!

While we were in NYC, we got the opportunity to go see Wicked on Broadway! I LOVE musicals-- the singing, the dancing, the costumes. The whole nine yards. The unexpected kick of this show was how amazingly hilarious it was. And the humor was totally clean. The soundtrack was amazing as well and I have been playing it since we got back. The two witches have amazing singing parts especially Galinda. She rocks the whole theatre with her voice.

Here's the basics (taken from Wikipedia and adjusted by me!

Wicked tells the story of Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West, and her relationship with Galinda, later Glinda, the Good Witch of the North (in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz novel, Glinda is the Good Witch of the South). Their friendship struggles through their opposing personalities and viewpoints, rivalry over the same love-interest, their reactions to the Wizard's corrupt government, and, ultimately, Elphaba's public fall from grace. The plot begins before and continues after Dorothy's arrival from Kansas, and includes several references to the events depicted in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz as a backstory.

Here is a pic of the set, you can't take pics while the are performing, but the set was just beautiful.

Guitar Painting

My Parent's were here over Valentine's Day! (yeah!!) and we had a fabulous time with them. I'll be posting soon about out time with them in NYC.

As most of you know, Adam plays the Guitar. I decided to combine two of our loves and paint him a picture of a guitar for Valentine's Day! Below is what I gave him. He is going to put it in the office at work.

Book Review: How We Love

In accordance with this year's aim # 9 (reading books about things I am interested in), I am posting a book review about a book I just finished. How We Love by Milan and Kay Yerkovich.

I first found out about this book by listening to the New Life Live podcast. This is a podcast where callers call in and get counsel on situations that they are going through. They usually get right to the gut of the issue and give callers some next steps. There are different speakers on the show including Steve Arteburn, Henry Cloud, John Townsend, and Milan Yerkovich. They have all authored book and they typically send callers several free books after the help them.They send How We Love a lot so I wanted to find out about it! This is another regular one they send and I highly recommend it.

How we Love is written from a Christian perspective, but it is based on the counseling theory of attachment. John Bowlby was the first attachment theorist. Bowlby believed that the earliest bonds formed by children and their primary caregivers have a large impact on them. This impact then continues throughout adult life. Yerkovich's book looks at how these bonds then play into marraiage when two partners come into marriage with the bonds that they formed in early childhood.

The book will help you look into your own heart and see that type of imprint that you have on your heart from your growing up. The book makes it clear that this is not to blame or to excuse what happened, but simply to bring further understanding. By understanding you will be able to see how your love style impacts your mate and vice versa.

I personally have been able to see that I have two primary imprints on my heart. I can see how there is both negative and positive to my imprint style. The best part of the book is that there is a workbook in the back of the book that helps you work on ways to further connect with your mate.

They have another book coming out called, "How We Love our Children" and I can't wait to read it!

Has anyone read this book too?

First Oil Painting

In my Oil Painting Class I completed my first full painting today! I still need to sign it! The black you see at the top is the easel it is on -- holding it in place. It was so much fun learning to paint the translucency of glass in the blue bottle and all the shadows.

Oh So Good Whole Wheat Rolls

So over the last year I have discovered how much I like to make homemade bread. There is just something so great about getting your hands into it and kneading it yourself.

I made a double batch of these rolls today because they freeze so well and are a great addition to any breakfast, lunch, or dinner. (or snack!!)

Here is my recipe:

Whole Wheat Rolls

1 1/2 cups cold tap water

1 package yeast

1 T. sugar

1 1/2 c milk heated

1/2 c. vegetable oil

1 T. - 1/3 cup honey (depending on how sweet you want it)

1 egg, beaten

2 t. salt

3 cups whole wheat flour

additional whole wheat flour and white flour

Mix cold tap water and sugar in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute and one minute only! Then add package of yeast and stir for one minute. Then let it just sit in a warm place for 5 minutes until foamy.

When milk is lukewarm add it to liquid along with, oil, honey, egg, and salt. Stir. Then, stir in 3 cups of whole wheat flour to make a thick paste. Beat it with a spoon; let stand 2 hours until light and high.

Then, stir flour to make a stiff dough, alternating wheat and white flour. Knead dough for 12 minutes. It should be smooth and elastic. Next, let it rise until double, this should take about 2 more hours. Punch down and knead again.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Next roll dough out on a greased board. Roll into golf ball sized balls and place into a greased cake or pie pan. You should fit about 9 to a pan. This recipe will make about 2 pans of rolls. Let rise and bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes.

These are delicious!

New Etsy Storefront and Vintage Postcards

Today I uploaded a few Neiman-Marcus vintage postcards and added a storefront to my store.

Take a little looksy . . .

http://www.etsy.com/shop/VintageDefinition?ga_search_query=vintage+definition&ga_search_type=seller_usernames

Aim Number 4: Art

From time to time this year I will chime in and let you know how I am doing with my "aim of the year". Aim number four for me this year is to further my own education in art. So to get started I signed up for an oil painting class. I have never painted with oils because they are expensive and I have no idea of what to do with them. On the first day of class I painted several oranges and a little pot. I am learning to mostly work with the light and see value. You can can see what I did on the first day of class below.

It's amazing that even through this experience how you can learn so much about yourself. There are some seriously talented painters in the class and I found myself not wanting to go to the class on the second day. I realized it was because I was feeling inferior and I was fearful. When I realized what I was feeling I knew I had to go because I want to try and learn new things and I was surprised and how quickly I became fearful. I know that God has not given me a spirit of fear. (2 Timothy 1:7). I am thankful that the Lord allowed me to realize truth. Besides I am meeting some neat people in the class and who knows what sort of adventure He has me on.

Giving Oil Painting a Go!

Wintery Walk

Yesterday . . . just to be brave (and to get a little exercise) , Adam and I went for a walk in the below freezing weather. I just decided that we can't let this weather win us and make us stay totally inside.

So I bribed Adam with a steaming glass of hot chocolate upon our return and he decided to come! We got all bundled up and ventured out on a walk. Here's a few pics:

Here's us trying to smile, but there was a slight freezing wind in our faces.

And now we are over halfway done, so I am doing a dance!

We walked up where you can view the river, it's pretty amazing looking, but burr!

Frozen Beach.

The Aim of the Year

Earlier this year, January 2nd, I sat down and wrote out a few ideas for what I want to accomplish this year. They are not in order of importance nor are they all of equal importance. They just reflect what is on my mind right now and what things I want to either step into for the first time or continue to step into this year. You can tell I hesitate to use the cliche word "GOAL" b/c it's not a pass or fail kind of a thing for me, it is however hard to put this out for the whole word to see. oh well!! :)

1. Continue blogging

2. Get a job

3. Further education in art therapy

4. Continue my own education in art

5. Deepen my relationship in my marriage

6. Journal with the intention of writing out what I am thinking

7. Pray for my husband daily

8. Continue to develop new relationships

9. Read new books in areas of interest

10. Read and daily apply scripture