2012 Year End Review: Books

A few years ago, I started keeping a list of books I read and movies I saw throughout the year. As I look back on 2012, here is a list of books I read (in order):

Longing - Karen Kingsbury
Enemies of the Heart - Andy Stanley
Poke the Box - Seth Godin
The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins
Catching Fire - Suzanne Collins
Loving - Karen Kingsbury
Mockingjay - Suzanne Collins
Coming Home - Karen Kingsbury
Saying It Well - Chuck Swindoll
The Cavendish Home for Boys & Girls - Claire Legrand
Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts - Drs. Les & Leslie Parrott
The Mystery of God's Will - Chuck Swindoll

It's not as many as I thought, but I can look back on the year and see seasons of intensive reading and seasons when I took a break. Clearly, three authors dominated my book time: Karen Kingsbury, Suzanne Collins, and Chuck Swindoll.

Karen Kingsbury: I was introduced to this fantastic author through my mom. After just one book, I was hooked. What started with one book turned into a huge series of books broken up into 4- to 5-book mini-series that focused on the Baxter family and their close friends. These characters have become almost like family over the years as I have celebrated, cried, struggled, and grown with each of them. But one of the most special things is sharing these books and their themes with my mom, sister, and a few friends who came along with us.

Suzanne Collins: My sister inspired my parents and me to read the Hunger Games trilogy. We passed the books around and consumed them. Again, the themes of the books were the subjects of many conversations. After watching the first movie, we're looking forward to seeing the approach to capturing the second book on film.

Chuck Swindoll: I find it difficult to articulate how God has used this man in my life. Growing up, dad often mentioned listening to Chuck on the radio. It wasn't until 2007 when I moved back home after college that I realized he preached at a nearby church and started visiting. I was instantly challenged by the messages he brought each Sunday and got hooked on Insight for Living. In March 2010, I traveled to IFL - a trip I will never forget and hope to experience again. As I've read a number of his books now, you'll find each of them with scribbles and highlights and dog-eared pages that help me keep track of invaluable advice I've gleaned. Here are some key points from The Mystery of God's Will:

"To give Him our wills and to align our wills to His will requires the abandonment of what we prefer, what we want or what we would choose" (p. 5).

"The better you get to know the Word of God, the less confusing is the will of God. Those who struggle the least with the will of God are those who know the Word of God best" (p. 30).

"Obeying and delighting in God's will leads us to make major adjustments. And that requires us to release and risk - releasing the familiar and risking whatever the future may bring. That's the bottom line of fleshing out God's will" (p. 70).

"However, there still dwells within us this tendency to do wrong. Because we're 'bent' in that direction within, so it keeps rearing its ugly head, keeps coming back, keeps revisiting us. Even though we are right with God, we still must fight the good fight - stay engaged in the battle against sin. Whoever denies this is simply denying reality" (p. 165).

"It isn't that God does it all and I do nothing. It's that God does His part, and then I do mine. God sends the signals, and as I read them, I respond in obedience...and that simple plan results in my experiencing His holy will" (p. 168).

~~~

I could go on and on, quoting so many insights from this book that truly resonated in me. Suffice it to say that I needed these words of wisdom in the last quarter of this year. I faced some unexpected challenges and setbacks that I would never have imagined. Reading this book was a great encouragement during that time, and I know I will carry the truths with me far into the future.

The power of words on the page of a book or handwritten words in a card is lasting. To think long and hard about penning truth or words of love and encouragement is a true gift, whether to a specific person or for the world to see. Never doubt the impact your words can have on a life.

Whirlwind in the Windy City

What a whirlwind!

I just returned from a two-day trip to Chicago to play at the Midwest Convention with the Lone Star Wind Orchestra. We have been planning this trip for months, and with all the details worked out to a "T" by our fantastic leadership team, it was smooth sailing for a wonderful experience and truly memorable performance. Here are a few photos of the journey:

My bassoon of eight years, affectionately named Nicki after my dear friend I have played bassoon with for the past 15 years since we started in 6th grade.

Waiting for the early-morning plane.

LSWO Bassoon section

A man I greatly admire and have enjoyed playing under for over eight years: Eugene Migliaro Corporon.

My dear parents who traveled all the way to Chicago for the concert.

Plano East alumni and our wonderful Director of Bands from our East days.

It is such an honor to play with the dedicated, talented members of the LSWO. The opportunity to play with this group is inspiring and motivating. Congratulations to everyone on a fantastic concert at Midwest!

Now to prepare for our upcoming concert at the Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas on January 27th: "Once Upon a Time." Hope to see you there!

Grown-Up Christmas List

A season of widespread reflection is upon us. The holidays seem to be a fairly universal time of intent thought as people contemplate the things that mean the most in their lives. 

 

The other day as I was driving home from work, I heard a Christmas song that brought memories flooding back: “Grown-Up Christmas List.” When I was little, I first heard Amy Grant’s version of this song, and it is the one that plays over and over in my mind as I think back on years of meaningful Christmases. Sort of like a mental scrapbook, I can reflect on my mindset over the years of hearing this song and see how my views of Christmas wishes have changed. Consider the lyrics: 

"Do you remember me?
I sat upon your knee.
I wrote to you with childhood fantasies.
Well, I'm all grown up now,
But still need help somehow.
I'm not a child but my heart still can dream.”

What were your dreams and wishes as a child at Christmas? Toys and games, cookies and treats? It’s fascinating to think of the change in priorities over the years. I’m all grown up, but I still have wishes and dreams – they’ve just transformed as I’ve learned more about the world, myself, and my faith.

“As children we believed
The grandest sight to see
Was something lovely wrapped beneath the tree.
Well, heaven surely knows
That packages and bows
Can never heal a hurting human soul.”

There is a special sense of nostalgia when I remember early Christmases with my parents and sister – the excitement of the presents under the tree and the anticipation of opening those gifts on Christmas morning. Then, my views of Christmas started to change as I realized the deep needs of so many people. I’ve had the joy of participating in Operation Christmas Child and preparing packages of essentials and gifts for needy children. It has been an honor to serve in local soup kitchens, serving the sweet, grateful people who hunger not only for food but love and respect. Time and attention mean more to these people than packages and bows.

“No more lives torn apart,
And wars would never start,
And time would heal all hearts.
Ev'ry one would have a friend,
That right would always win,
And love would never end:
This is my grown-up Christmas list.” 

This expressive chorus brings to mind families who face a recent divorce or death or the absence of a family member who has so bravely joined the military to defend our freedoms. What a wonderful wish – for everyone to have a friend (and might I add, that those of us who have been blessed with a special few would not take them for granted). The fact that right does not always win today makes me long for the time when it will. What a beautiful day that will be. And praise God that we do have a Love that will never end. Perhaps our prayer this Christmas should be that we reflect His love to those around us more clearly. 

My grown-up Christmas list is much different than my childhood one, but it brings the same sense of anticipation and a big smile to my face.

                               

Truly Thankful

At 27, I think I am just beginning to truly grasp what it means to be thankful.

As the years go by, we learn to value faith, family, friends, and our lives more because of the loss, growth, and change we experience. There have been a number of character-building events in my life this past year that contributed to my deepened sense of gratitude for God and His grace:

• The passing of my sweet Meemaw
• Making it through two lay-offs at work
• Traveling to Scotland
• Running three 5k's
• Hearing a heartfelt apology
• Experiencing my first lay-off
• Watching loved ones deal with health issues
• Completing a chronological Bible-reading plan
• Networking that led me to a job with endless opportunity

As cliche as it sounds, time seems to pass so much more quickly as I get older. And yet, I think I can look at my life more objectively.

I am so incredibly thankful to God for His priceless gift of salvation. It's a gift I could never earn. A gift I could never deserve or feel entitled to. It's a gift I should not feel guilty about but should live my life to honor and share. It's a gift that keeps giving. Salvation is an everyday thing. It's not frozen in time at the moment of acceptance - it saves and keeps saving.

I am thankful for a family who supports and encourages me through every season without fail and who models unconditional love in a way that never ceases to amaze me.

I am thankful for a Bible-teaching church and a pastor who presents the Word clearly and unapologetically.

I am thankful to live in a country that allows me to practice my faith freely.

I am thankful for my education in a field I feel called to.

I am thankful for the opportunity to use my education to pursue excellence at work.

I am thankful for a home and food and warmth.

I am thankful for health.

Thank You, Lord, for yesterday, today, and tomorrow!

Trading the Traditional Turkey Taco

It's time for turkey!

I eat turkey all throughout the year, but it's fun to find new ways to highlight it in the fall when it's the first protein that comes to mind for many meals. I found a recipe recently that I forwarded to Mom, and we decided it was time to schedule a cooking date!

These turkey taco lettuce wraps are delicious! There are a ton of spices that really boost the flavor (for those of you meat-lovers who may not be as keen on this lean protein), and the tomato sauce keeps it moist. I give this dish a thumbs up for flavor and a thumb lick for it's somewhat messy but very fun presentation.

Here are some pics and the recipe I tweaked:

Ingredients: 

• 1.3 lbs 99% lean ground turkey 
• 1 tsp garlic powder 
• 1 tsp cumin 
• 1 tsp salt 
• 1 tsp chili powder 
• 1 tsp paprika 
• ½ tsp oregano 
• 2 bell peppers, diced (red and green add a little color) 
• ¾ cup water 
• 4 oz can tomato sauce 
• 8 large lettuce leaves from Iceberg lettuce 
• Optional toppings: cheese, tomatoes, sour cream 

Directions:

1. Brown turkey in a large skillet. 
2. Add dry seasonings to turkey and mix well. 
3. Add pepper, water, and tomato sauce and cover. Simmer on low for about 20 minutes. Take the lid off and simmer until liquid has evaporated. 
4. Wash and dry the lettuce. Place meat in the center of lettuce leaves and add optional toppings, if desired.

Original recipe

Getting sidetracked

The other day, I was picking up some groceries, and I got sidetracked. Now, this wasn't one of those end caps intended to rope you in for a "Mega Sale" or "Deep Discount" - some item you would not have gone out of your way to buy, but now that it's staring you in the face, you can't resist. This was just me browsing and taking a step into the craft aisle. Always dangerous for women.

I found myself flipping through a book of decorative scrapbook pages. The borders were so creative and modern, and I felt a connection with them...almost as though I designed them myself! They seemed to come out of my imagination!

I started to put the book in my basket...but then I stopped. What on earth would I DO with those artsy, decorative pages? Oh, sure, I could make a scrapbook (duh) or work on a collage or mod podge a frame or book cover. Yes, all those things I could do with this paper. But I didn't have a project in mind, and I have a half-used book of the same type of paper at home.

I really do like to be crafty, and it's good to have extras at home to *inspire* when I'm looking for a project to dig into, but I think for now, I'll leave the new scrapbook paper at the store as a treat for another day. And maybe between now and then I'll come up with a new project to dig into.

Maybe it will be a flower project...I sure seem to like taking pictures of flowers.

Savory or sweet?

What is my favorite ingredient of the fall season? Why, I am so glad you asked! I could talk about it all day.

It's versatile. 

• It can be savory or sweet. Add onion and spices to transform it into a savory dish. Add cinnamon and nutmeg to craft a sweet treat.
• It can be cold or hot. Add cool whip and pudding to mold a frozen indulgence. Roast it in the oven and add to pasta to make a warm comfort-food dish.
• It is great for kids and adults. Kids do the drawing and carving; adults do the eating. 

This scrumptious, fall jack-of-all-trades (pun intended): pumpkin. 

This morning, I am savoring a frozen delight: Pumpkin Crunchers.

Thanks to Hungry Girl, I discovered this unique recipe for an ice cream-like treat with five ingredients: pure pumpkin, Cool Whip, vanilla pudding mix, Fiber One cereal, and cinnamon. Fold the ingredients together, drop them in a muffin tin, and pop them in the freezer. Hours later, you have a sweet, healthy treat that will give you that pumpkin dessert fix without any hassle.

Other pumpkin favs:

• pumpkin bread
• pumpkin ravioli
• pumpkin chocolate chip cookies
• pumpkin pie
• pumpkin cupcakes
• pumpkin curry

Pumpkin dishes I want to try:

• pumpkin enchiladas
• pumpkin soup
• pumpkin muffins
  

I hope you enjoy this fantastic ingredient and use it to the fullest as the leaves change color and fall truly settles in!

Sunflower oasis

This evening, I took a walk after work to unwind from the day and spend some time away from the computer. There is a wooded preserve nearby that I frequent when I feel a need to get away. In this preserve, I find green grass, tall trees, and cool shade. I also find fellow wanderers, others who are looking for a brief oasis from the work-a-day world. Even if we don't speak, I feel a kinship with them - a sense of knowing what we're each searching for in this wooded escape.

On the way home from my journey tonight, as I walked along the sidewalk barrier between the preserve and a busy street, I came across this gem:

Sweet sunshine

Stopping to take a picture, I wanted to capture the beauty. Even in such a busy, fast-moving, crowded environment, this sunflower blooms. The more I thought about it, a passage about flowers and how God cares for them came to mind:

"Has anyone by fussing before the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? If fussing can't even do that, why fuss at all? Walk into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They don't fuss with their appearance - but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them. If God gives such attention to the wildflowers, most of them never even seen, don't you think He'll attend to you, take pride in you, do His best for you?" (Luke 12:25-28, The Message). 

How beautiful is that passage? What a sweet reminder of His love for us. Note the paraphrase "If God gives such attention to the wildflowers, most of them never even seen..." Isn't that true? Do you sometimes come across something in nature that you wonder if anyone else has ever seen? Stop and think about it. There is detailed work underpinning all things. Who but God could be so creative? So dedicated? 

So let us remember that He will attend to us, take pride in us, do His best for us.

Welcome, Fall!

Definition of fall: honeycrisp apples, driving with the windows down, and a season of thankfulness. 

There is just something invigorating about fall, isn’t there? Especially in Texas. On the heels of a scorching summer, fall creeps in and with it brings a cool breeze that runs its fingers through your hair; leaves that mingle with each other as they float to the earth; and sweet and savory pumpkin dishes that fill kitchens with a distinctive autumnal perfume.

                                

At this time more than any other throughout the year, thankfulness is on our hearts. The cool weather ushers in a season of appreciation and gratitude – a time when people make a deliberate effort to be patient and considerate. What is it that arouses this attention to the needs and feelings of others? Is it the holiday season in general? Is it because the year is drawing to a close and our thoughts turn to a desire to end well and start fresh?

Consider this: We are called to be peaceable, considerate, and always gentle (Titus 3:1-2) – not just during the holiday season. Our words should be pleasing to the Lord (Psalm 19:14). What would it take to keep this frame of mind throughout the year?

A few years ago, I started a practice of writing down at least three things I am thankful for every day. When I first started, I had lofty goals of writing eloquent, spiritual things like salvation and grace and forgiveness. Yes, I am thankful for those things every day! But there are also little things I am thankful for that remind me of the God who sees me (Genesis 16:13). I am thankful for safe travel and fuzzy house shoes. I am thankful for velvety smoothies and windbreakers. I am thankful for long conversations with good friends and for a place to lay my head at night. I am thankful that He delights in the details of my life (Psalm 37:23). 

For these things and so much more, I am thankful. Perhaps starting a daily “I Am Thankful For…” list could help put your life into perspective. It has done wonders for my outlook and my attitude.

And so, I challenge us all to “[b]e thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” (1 Thess 5:18).

Attitude: It's a Choice

Change: It’s inevitable. It’s unavoidable. It’s constant. It’s relentless.

Growth: It’s possible. It’s productive. It’s beneficial. It’s necessary.

Attitude: It’s a choice.

A few years ago, I would have said that the one thing I avoided most in life was change. I had my routines like everyone does, and I had plans for the future.

Then, as New Year’s Eve 2008 approached, my dad challenged me to establish a motto for the year. A one-word theme. His suggestion: be flexible. This word is a spot-on characterization of my parents. In their lives, flexibility appears in such things as an awareness of opportunities to serve others and a willingness to set aside their plans. They see a need, make a plan, and take the initiative to act. Countless times, they set aside what they’re doing to listen, support, encourage, and commit acts of service. As the years have gone by, I’ve realized what a blessing their flexibility is, how rare it is in today’s society, and how fortunate I am to see it modeled firsthand.

As I considered this one-word theme for the year, I realized it could very well transform my outlook on life, if I allowed it to. Somewhat cautiously, I made the commitment.

During that year, God gradually softened my heart and clearly showed me that His ways are not my ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). My response to changes in my plans was up to me. Would I have a positive attitude about it, trusting God with the outcome? Or would I stomp my feet and complain?

Through a number of circumstances since that time, God has continued to remind me that, while it is good to make plans, He determines my steps (Proverbs 16:9). This is a beautiful truth that relieves the pressure I tend to put on myself to always be prepared. Believe me, this is an ongoing process of submitting my will to God’s will. I’m constantly identifying areas of struggle and trying to learn from them.

He determines my steps.

So in a world of continuous change, what can we rely on? We can always count on this: God never changes (James 1:17).