Warm Spiced Pears [What's Cookin']

I'm so very extremely behind on the task of documenting our family's life over the past month or two. There are Christmas photos I haven't even posted yet! Things have just been insane lately, and in an attempt to get back in the saddle again in terms of blogging, I'm posting food. Seems that lately, as I've spent time with friends, we've all talked about sharing recipes. I've loved reading posts from friends about what they cook, so here's a quick share.

Confession time: I've never eaten a fresh pear in my life. I've always loved pears--from a can. So last week when I saw fresh pears in the produce section, I was intrigued, and I bought some. Since last week, they've sat in a bowl on my counter, serving more as decoration that nutrition. Today as I was making lunch I felt bad about this, and decided that I would get past my reluctance to try a "real" pear. So I sliced it up, and was delighted and surprised to find that it was soft and juicy, not crunchy like an apple (though, I suppose that this could be an effect of sitting out on the counter for a number of days). It was yummy. I decided to take it a step further and saute them. Found a recipe to loosely go by, and discovered that pears make EXCELLENT dessert.

Saute 1 T. butter over medium high heat. Slice pears into 3/4 inch slices and drop into butter. Cook approximately 2 minutes, then sprinkle with a little lemon zest, nutmeg, and cinnamon.

These pears are warm, comforting, and oh-so-easy. And, of course, if you toss a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top? Well... there you have a dessert that I'd be happy to serve to anybody.

Scripture Memory [Verse 1]

This year, I have committed to (along with my friend Gina, inspired by Beth Moore's Scripture Memory Team) memorize 24 scriptures. I’m excited. I’ve really felt God calling to take my relationship with him and my faith to a new level lately. Which means doing things I haven’t done (ever or at least in a while). When I was a kid/teen, I spent a lot of time memorizing scripture for Bible Drill, and I firmly believe that it made a huge difference in my outlook on life and relationship with God. So… when Gina shared Scripture Memory Challenge with me, I was happy to take it on.

One of the things that Beth Moore said on her blog that really struck me was, “Scripture memorization has been among the most profoundly effective disciplines of the faith that God has ever given me to practice. Honestly, I think I would’ve lost my mind by now if He had not pasted His Word all over it. Every personal battle we face is won or lost on the playing field of our mind.”

I’m excited to see how God speaks to me through his Word this year! Consider joining me (my kids have)!

Hello, Goodbye

Today was a bittersweet day. It was our last Sunday at the Redland Campus of RCCC. I am thrilled about the launch of RCCC NW, don’t get me wrong, but Redland feels like “home” in so many ways. So much of my life seems to have happened there. I remember the first time I visited River City as a 19 year old. I was on a team with Adventures in Missions and we stayed at RCCC for a week while doing service projects, etc. I remember sitting on the steps of the (former) sanctuary one night praying and just trying to figure out just what it was that God wanted for my life. I remember hearing His faint whispers of what was to come (not that I ever could have imagined any of this). I remember over a year later, catching eyes with a blue eyed boy across a picnic table on the grounds of RCCC. I remember announcing our engagement to a trailer full of teenagers a year after that. Becoming youth pastors, dedicating our children, friendships – God has changed our lives here.

Of course, that’s what fuels our vision for RCCC NW – so that people here in Northwest San Antonio can hopefully have the same kinds of life-changing experiences. And I’m so excited to see it all unfold. I know that we’ll have more stories and so will others, and that’s exciting.

This morning the congregation prayed for us and sent us off with lots of love. It’s the beginning of a new chapter…

Pic of the Day

There are so many things I love about this picture.

2011 in a Word

A friend of mine chooses (through much thought and prayer) a word for each year. This word embodies something that she feels called to be or to do, and I love seeing her work toward it throughout the year.

This year she challenged others to do the same. After much prayer and consideration, I feel like my "word" for this year is: CONNECT.

2011 is starting off insanely, and is already set to be a big year in our lives. The new campus is set to launch here in a few weeks, Carson will start Kindergarten, my business will shift from part time to full, and so on...

I have to admit, that my natural tendency -- especially when things get crazy -- is to draw in to myself. While my comfort in doing my own thing can be a real benefit at times, it can also be a really bad thing. It can cause me to miss out on important relationships, opportunities, business, and more. And I don't want that. Good things happen when I make the effort to connect to others, and I believe that this year, more than ever, God is asking me to step outside my comfort zone and connect more deeply with those around me.

2010 in Status Updates