1) Kaylene Grace is walking. She's extremely cautious, most likely evidence of inheriting her momma's lack of natural athletic ability, hah, but she's tottering and waddling around our home and absolutely the cutest thing in the process.
2)Steve and I celebrated 9 Years of covenant love. 3 different houses called home. 4 babies treasured. 1 baby dearly missed. 2 career transitions. 6.5 years of middle school ministry. Countless falls deeper in love. Endless laughter. A zillion failures. A zillion forgivenesses. So much more of His grace than we know to express...
3) My friend, Mary! The way she comes to my house to accommodate my little one. The way she goes right for the heart in accountability, listening with the most sincere expressions of concern. Her transparency and humility. The way she remembers and follows up what has been shared. The way she gets and shares my excitement for the gospel applied to every situation. I am so thankful for this friend and sister in Christ!
4) Watching Glendon participate in soccer camp. There is nothing more entertaining and fun than a bunch of 1st graders playing the game with an energy and intensity that abundantly makes up for any lack in skill.
5) Answering the phone to hear the voice of my dear sweet Grandfather who is battling through progressive stages of congestive heart failure. His voice was labored because catching his breath is hard, but the encouragement and exhortation he shared was priceless. It was a conversation that promoted only the praise of the Lord! Death has truly lost it's sting through Christ!
6) A series of pictures and texts that streamed in from my ultra sophisticated brother who was away on business in New York City! Tim spread the love of Christ to a man who tried to steal his subway card by freely giving it to him in Jesus' name!
7) Psalm 22 - taught and discussed at RBC this morning. Wallowing around in the psalm to which Jesus pointed the hearts and minds of those present at His cross. Even in His deepest suffering, He was about the fulfilling and finished work of the gospel to be made real in needy hearts. The Holy one was forsaken and afflicted in my place. Now I stand in His righteousness!
8) My parents who lovingly watched our children for three days, allowing Steve and I to kidnap each other away to one of our favorite haunts yet. The time away was such an undeserved time of joy and fun in being together...and we're still hearing the stories of what fun our kiddos had on their own special retreat!
9) My SG girl, Olivia who I call, "OOOoooooLIVia". Kind, joy-filled and super cute is only the start with this girl! She loves Jesus, but she wants to love Him more. She wants to be so filled with His love, that loving others would just flow out of her surrendered heart. She desires to testify to His work in her life. She wants to share the gospel in a real way with the people in her life. She gets teary when she talks about God's work in her life. She puts others first. I prayed that God would enable me to wisely build into Olivia. I came away richly encouraged by her and praising God for her!
10) Cookies. In the mailbox. Homemade. Delicious - reminders of how we are blessed through a certain youth Pastor and his girl!
11)The lyrics to this song by Arron Shust:
That you would leave Your throne
And make this world Your home
Forsaking majesty
Embracing mundane
And all of its shame
You walked our dusty streets
Healing a world in need
You looked into the eyes
Of sinners like me
Setting us free
What wondrous love is this
What wondrous love is this
That You would lay aside Your glory for my soul
What wondrous love is this
What wondrous love is this
That You would lay down Your life for my soul
Enduring agony
You bore the cross for me
Betrayed by those You love
You took all our blame
Bearing our pain
They nailed Your feet
They nailed Your hands
You are the God
Who understands
You know rejection
Loss and grief
You loved a world
That nailed You to a tree
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Wednesday Scoop O'Soup
It's delicious aromas have led to some significant snitching on my part - Yummy!
Hearty Ham and White Bean Soup
Ingredients
- 1 Tb olive oil
1 sweet onion, diced
1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
2 large carrots, peeled, halved lengthwise ans sliced thin
1/2 cabbage, cored, cut into bit-size shreds
12 ounces lean ham steak, diced into small pieces
1 quart chicken broth
1 14.5 can petite-diced tomatoes
2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, undrained
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Heat the oil over medium high in a
soup kettle.
Add onion, saute until soft and golden, about five
minutes.
Add the Italian seasoning and saute until fragrant, about one minute.
Add the remaining ingredients, then bring to a full simmer, skimming any foam
that rises to the surface.
~I prepared the soup to this point yesterday, stored in the fridge over night and now have simmering on low in our slow cooker.
Reduce heat to low, simmer gently (partially covered)
until the vegetables are just cooked and flavors blended, about 15 minutes.
Stir
in the parsley; cover and let stand for five minutes
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Top Ten + 1
1 - Tuesday evening. A hard night. An evening of failure, many tears, and desperate awareness of my neediness. Because I yearn for His likeness to be formed in me, this is a highlight!
2- Wednesday morning. The power of God's living and active word never ceases to grab me, wash me, change me, empower me.
Ps72:12-14 "For He delivers the needy when he calls, the poor and him who has no helper. He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy. From oppression and violence He redeems their life, and precious is their blood in His sight."
3- Steve. The tender and wise way in which he shepherds me through such times. The way he listens, willingly making himself vulnerable. The way he gives correction through the word and gentle prayer over me. I don't deserve his love and leading - that's for sure. He continues to be the hugest human expression of God's grace in my life!
4 - Soup recipes. A new one experienced and embraced this week and thanks to my friend, Libby, several more lined up to be enjoyed in the weeks ahead!
5 - Lauren. Sister in Christ. Friend. Co-laborer in youth ministry. Jesus Christ is shining bright in this sweet gal's love for others. I have observed her tangibly reaching out and extending welcome twice this past week in ways that challenged me!
6 - Glendon received correction and discipline from God-given authorities at school this week. The platform this gave Steve and I for proclaiming the rescue that is found in Christ to our son was huge. How God worked in my mother-heart's reaction to this situation exercised and strengthened my faith in ways I would never chose to by-pass.
7 - A bunch of Middle Schoolers, flashlight games. Too-yummy snacks. Hot cider and cozy bonfire. Fall Fun Night with the MS youth was such a joy-filled night. Best part was the part where we all gathered around the fire and shared about God's work in our lives. Just about the time I think I love these kids as much as I ever will, God does something to further knit my heart to them...
8 - CHELLE! The way she loves Jesus! The way she drives a go-cart like a crazy lady. The way she carves pumpkin welcome signs and opens her home. The way she serves with heart and soul. The way she brought her new employer to church to hear about Jesus this morning!
9 - Pumpkin Farm. Yummy family fun! I commend to all within driving distance the amazing Salted Carmel Pecan Fudge we discovered at Borsynski's Farm!!!
10 - The rich blessing of spiritual fellowship given to us through Jesus Christ. On Friday morning, with a dear friend and sister who knows how to literally "pour courage" into my heart. On Sunday afternoon, with one of my SG girls who loves to laugh and talk about Jesus! I treasured both!
11 - Chris Tomlin's rendition of "All The Way My Savior Leads Me".... a theme of my heart throughout this past week.
"You lead me and keep me from falling,
You carry me close to Your heart,
And surely Your goodness and mercy will follow me."
2- Wednesday morning. The power of God's living and active word never ceases to grab me, wash me, change me, empower me.
Ps72:12-14 "For He delivers the needy when he calls, the poor and him who has no helper. He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy. From oppression and violence He redeems their life, and precious is their blood in His sight."
3- Steve. The tender and wise way in which he shepherds me through such times. The way he listens, willingly making himself vulnerable. The way he gives correction through the word and gentle prayer over me. I don't deserve his love and leading - that's for sure. He continues to be the hugest human expression of God's grace in my life!
4 - Soup recipes. A new one experienced and embraced this week and thanks to my friend, Libby, several more lined up to be enjoyed in the weeks ahead!
5 - Lauren. Sister in Christ. Friend. Co-laborer in youth ministry. Jesus Christ is shining bright in this sweet gal's love for others. I have observed her tangibly reaching out and extending welcome twice this past week in ways that challenged me!
6 - Glendon received correction and discipline from God-given authorities at school this week. The platform this gave Steve and I for proclaiming the rescue that is found in Christ to our son was huge. How God worked in my mother-heart's reaction to this situation exercised and strengthened my faith in ways I would never chose to by-pass.
7 - A bunch of Middle Schoolers, flashlight games. Too-yummy snacks. Hot cider and cozy bonfire. Fall Fun Night with the MS youth was such a joy-filled night. Best part was the part where we all gathered around the fire and shared about God's work in our lives. Just about the time I think I love these kids as much as I ever will, God does something to further knit my heart to them...
8 - CHELLE! The way she loves Jesus! The way she drives a go-cart like a crazy lady. The way she carves pumpkin welcome signs and opens her home. The way she serves with heart and soul. The way she brought her new employer to church to hear about Jesus this morning!
9 - Pumpkin Farm. Yummy family fun! I commend to all within driving distance the amazing Salted Carmel Pecan Fudge we discovered at Borsynski's Farm!!!
10 - The rich blessing of spiritual fellowship given to us through Jesus Christ. On Friday morning, with a dear friend and sister who knows how to literally "pour courage" into my heart. On Sunday afternoon, with one of my SG girls who loves to laugh and talk about Jesus! I treasured both!
11 - Chris Tomlin's rendition of "All The Way My Savior Leads Me".... a theme of my heart throughout this past week.
"You lead me and keep me from falling,
You carry me close to Your heart,
And surely Your goodness and mercy will follow me."
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Wednesday Scoop O' Soup...
Today's soup recipe is bubbling away in my crock pot for the first time - thanks to my friend, Kathy.
Thank you, Kathy, for posting this recipe. I have been eager to mix it up in the Schulz kitchen ever since!
Chipotle-Kissed Red Bean and Sweet Potato Chili
1 tablespoon olive oil or water or broth
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 medium red pepper, seeded and chopped
1 large garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon chili powder, to taste
1 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
14 1/2 ounces crushed tomatoes
15 ounces canned kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 1/2 cups water
salt — to taste
1 tablespoon canned chili peppers — chipotle in adobo sauce
In a large skillet, sauté the onions, pepper and garlic in oil or substitutes, cover and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the chili powder and cook 30 seconds,then add the sweet potatoes and stir to coat evenly with the spices.
Transfer the mixture to a 4-6 quart slow cooker and add the beans and tomatoes. Season with salt and cover, cook on LOW for 6-8 hours.
Add the chipotles just before serving and adjust the seasonings to taste.
Source: Fresh from the Vegetarian Slow Cooker
Kathy is wife, mother, step-mom(to my cousins), and grandmother. While our paths rarely cross in person, facebook has given us connection, where her love for her Saviour, her husband, cooking, the outdoors, and pilates has been of great encouragement to my walk...
Thank you, Kathy, for posting this recipe. I have been eager to mix it up in the Schulz kitchen ever since!
Chipotle-Kissed Red Bean and Sweet Potato Chili
1 tablespoon olive oil or water or broth
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 medium red pepper, seeded and chopped
1 large garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon chili powder, to taste
1 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
14 1/2 ounces crushed tomatoes
15 ounces canned kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 1/2 cups water
salt — to taste
1 tablespoon canned chili peppers — chipotle in adobo sauce
In a large skillet, sauté the onions, pepper and garlic in oil or substitutes, cover and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the chili powder and cook 30 seconds,then add the sweet potatoes and stir to coat evenly with the spices.
Transfer the mixture to a 4-6 quart slow cooker and add the beans and tomatoes. Season with salt and cover, cook on LOW for 6-8 hours.
Add the chipotles just before serving and adjust the seasonings to taste.
Source: Fresh from the Vegetarian Slow Cooker
Sunday, October 09, 2011
Top 10 From Last Week.
1) Quote from Staupitz, a friend of Martin Luther's who was urged to insist on Luther's recanting... his reply, "I have often tried, but I am not equal to him in ability and command of Scripture."
I desire and cry out for this kind of love and grasp of scripture's truth!
2) This 12 minute testimony of the Watters family's love for Victor, and of his love for Jesus...changed how I pray for my children. The parent who cries out in faith, receives and rejoices in whatever it takes for God to grab our kid's hearts...even life-taking disease. Watch it!
3) This week she sat down with my small group of middle school girls as their new discipler, but 7 years ago, she was the awkward, struggling 11 yr old, grappling with gospel truth. I was the awkward, struggling leader with far to go in learning how to disciple her... God's grace covers all! He granted us relationship then, now, and every season in between. It is joy to see God's grace unfolding in her life as she is now the leader who will cry out for her girl's hearts and then see God answer in powerful ways!
4) My first field trip as a Mom/chaperon. God ordained drive time with Glendon and two of his classmates, Dominic and Lucas. Because of Domnic's position in the car nearest to me, we had LOTS of conversation together. God gave me several platforms to clearly share the gospel with him!
5) 15 women and Psalm 16. Saturday morning. Bible study. Accountability. Prayer and Worship!
6) Annual Leader's meeting where parents of current youth students come together with the leaders to discuss youth ministry! I was challenged afresh with the call to reach my girls with the Word, Prayer and Love!
7) An unplanned visit with my friend, Carol during the library story time, leading to an impromptu discussion about our prayer lives - where God is drawing us into deeper communion with him. This conversation was 15 minutes of edification on steroids!!!
8) Deliverance and Victory as only God can give...worked out in the life of our Glendon. Our son initiated, with tears of struggle in his eyes, a decision completely of his own volition, to forgo the privilege of taking a certain toy to school (something his teacher had given him permission for) because "God was telling him that having this toy there would distract him from his work and loving other people." I have been praying Ps51:6 daily for G..."You delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart." God alone could work this evidence of grace in Glendon's heart...and in so doing, continues to deliver me from my sinful tendency to seek control over my son's behaviour and environment. I do not know what God will do with Glendon, but this one thing I know from the bottom of my heart. He is mighty to save and deliver. His power over sin is great!
9) Our family hike in the woods. We took several pictures, but none quite captured the beauty of the sun, colorful leaves and delightful breezes.
10) Laughter. The amount of sheer laughter Steve and I have shared this weekend over the most random of topics! The joy of fun-ness together is such a gift and treasure!
I desire and cry out for this kind of love and grasp of scripture's truth!
2) This 12 minute testimony of the Watters family's love for Victor, and of his love for Jesus...changed how I pray for my children. The parent who cries out in faith, receives and rejoices in whatever it takes for God to grab our kid's hearts...even life-taking disease. Watch it!
3) This week she sat down with my small group of middle school girls as their new discipler, but 7 years ago, she was the awkward, struggling 11 yr old, grappling with gospel truth. I was the awkward, struggling leader with far to go in learning how to disciple her... God's grace covers all! He granted us relationship then, now, and every season in between. It is joy to see God's grace unfolding in her life as she is now the leader who will cry out for her girl's hearts and then see God answer in powerful ways!
4) My first field trip as a Mom/chaperon. God ordained drive time with Glendon and two of his classmates, Dominic and Lucas. Because of Domnic's position in the car nearest to me, we had LOTS of conversation together. God gave me several platforms to clearly share the gospel with him!
5) 15 women and Psalm 16. Saturday morning. Bible study. Accountability. Prayer and Worship!
6) Annual Leader's meeting where parents of current youth students come together with the leaders to discuss youth ministry! I was challenged afresh with the call to reach my girls with the Word, Prayer and Love!
7) An unplanned visit with my friend, Carol during the library story time, leading to an impromptu discussion about our prayer lives - where God is drawing us into deeper communion with him. This conversation was 15 minutes of edification on steroids!!!
8) Deliverance and Victory as only God can give...worked out in the life of our Glendon. Our son initiated, with tears of struggle in his eyes, a decision completely of his own volition, to forgo the privilege of taking a certain toy to school (something his teacher had given him permission for) because "God was telling him that having this toy there would distract him from his work and loving other people." I have been praying Ps51:6 daily for G..."You delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart." God alone could work this evidence of grace in Glendon's heart...and in so doing, continues to deliver me from my sinful tendency to seek control over my son's behaviour and environment. I do not know what God will do with Glendon, but this one thing I know from the bottom of my heart. He is mighty to save and deliver. His power over sin is great!
9) Our family hike in the woods. We took several pictures, but none quite captured the beauty of the sun, colorful leaves and delightful breezes.
10) Laughter. The amount of sheer laughter Steve and I have shared this weekend over the most random of topics! The joy of fun-ness together is such a gift and treasure!
Wednesday, October 05, 2011
Wednesday Scoop O'Soup
During the school year, Wednesday nights are soup nights. I make a big batch of something hot, bubbly, and somewhat nutritious (I need more help from my friend, Libby on the nutritious part =). There's salad and bread for the side, making a quick and easy supper before we fly out the door to all that constitutes Wednesday night for the Schulz 5. Most soup recipes run quite large and reheat well, so we always save the leftovers to simmer in the crock pot for Sunday's noon meal...This week it is White Chicken Chili that awaits our bowls, spoons and tummies...
I still remember the first time I had a taste of this delicious recipe, compliments of my sister in law, Deena. Steve and I had been dating for about 4 months when he invited me to join him and some of his family members for Monday Night Football. Little did I know at the time how much I would come to love Monday night football, though I had a fairly strong inkling that I was head over heels for the guy who invited me...and an instant love of the soup we ate that night!
Nearer the time of our marriage, Deena gifted me with a small cookbook sharing some of her favorite Monday Night recipes. I have been making White Chicken Chili ever since, and treasure still the memories it's warm spicy auroma carries!
White Chicken Chili:
4 C. Chicken Broth. Or one 32 oz box of premade broth.
1 Jar Randall Great White Northern beans drained. If using canned...48oz.
1-2lb Chicken Breast, boiled and cubed. My man likes his meat, so I use 3-4 large chicken breasts.
2 cups salsa any kind. Get picky with your specific "hotness" preference and flavor.
1 Tbl Cumin
Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese (we use any kind)
Crushed tortilla chips
Mix all ingredients except cheese and chips in pot (works well in crock pot too).
Simmer together all day - or until well heated and bubbly.
Top with cheese and chips.
Enjoy!
Sunday, October 02, 2011
Top 10 From Last Week - In Random Order
1) Getting a hold of and beginning a much anticipated book, "Here I Stand" - a biography on the life and work of Martin Luther by Roland Bainton.
2) The radical weather changes that is, Autumn in Wisconsin, afforded us with several early morning to-school drives under heavy bluish-purple storm clouds interspersed with rays of golden-white sunrise bursting through. The contrast was lovely and I greatly enjoyed the audible ooh's and aahs' from the back seat!
3) An email from my pen pal! Yes, I have a pen pal; something I longed for when I was 10 years old, God has given to me now. She lives in my city, goes to my church where we smile and wave at each other - sometimes grabbing bits of conversation, though neither of us finds that public demonstration necessary to fortify our friendship. We have writing, and even there, it is not the frequency of our letters, but the purpose and depth of their sharing. It's something our friendship kind of "fell into", and I am so thankful! This week's letter was like all the others from this friend....convicting, encouraging, transparent and sincere.
4) Having our nephew, Jordan and his sweet girlfriend, Elisa, attend church with us last Sunday. It was such a blessing to catch up with them a bit, introduce them to many of our friends, and sense a steadfast desire for the Lord in these two college freshmen!
5) Mommy/Son date with my big boy, Glendon Peter. We grabbed our favorite warm drinks from Caribou and then headed to cheer on Allie and Olivia (two of my small group girls) at their volley ball game! Go Eagles! G and I enjoyed great conversation on the way down and fun worship on the way back!
6)Acts 2:42-47. I know our Pastor's sermon from this morning is technically part of the new week, but it's Sunday evening and a definite highlight, so I can't NOT include it....
I long and desire and cry out to the Lord to make me a member who participates in/with a church which is motivated by and for the gospel as this passage sets forth.
7)An email from Steve on Tuesday that read, "4 weeks, 2 days." We are unashamedly counting down to a planned get-away to rejoice in the 9 years of marriage God has so graciously given us!
8)Joe and Laurel and Jorja Makovsky - new friends from our ABF who joined us on Friday night for some bonfire fun. We asked how we might pray for their family. They want to love Jesus by seeking and pursuing how He might use them in the life of an orphan! We loved getting to know this family better!
9) Suffering. A new layer and depth of which a sister in Christ was brought into. We have texted, talked, and prayed together. I have wept for her and am so thankful for how God would allow me to see her faith be tested, refined and strengthened. He is showing Himself to be her Trustworthy Redeemer in radical ways!
10)Psalm 59:9-10a,17. A treasure from my personal Bible meditation. When contrasted, these two portions of this psalm show the progression and fruit of true faith. Where there is a watching for - there will be singing. Where there is confident waiting, there will be direct experience. God is our Refuge! After receiving this encouragement in my own walk, I was also given 2 situations where I could share the same treasure with another - all in one day! I love how the Word of Life meets us with what we need, but at the same time enables and prepares us to edify others!
2) The radical weather changes that is, Autumn in Wisconsin, afforded us with several early morning to-school drives under heavy bluish-purple storm clouds interspersed with rays of golden-white sunrise bursting through. The contrast was lovely and I greatly enjoyed the audible ooh's and aahs' from the back seat!
3) An email from my pen pal! Yes, I have a pen pal; something I longed for when I was 10 years old, God has given to me now. She lives in my city, goes to my church where we smile and wave at each other - sometimes grabbing bits of conversation, though neither of us finds that public demonstration necessary to fortify our friendship. We have writing, and even there, it is not the frequency of our letters, but the purpose and depth of their sharing. It's something our friendship kind of "fell into", and I am so thankful! This week's letter was like all the others from this friend....convicting, encouraging, transparent and sincere.
4) Having our nephew, Jordan and his sweet girlfriend, Elisa, attend church with us last Sunday. It was such a blessing to catch up with them a bit, introduce them to many of our friends, and sense a steadfast desire for the Lord in these two college freshmen!
5) Mommy/Son date with my big boy, Glendon Peter. We grabbed our favorite warm drinks from Caribou and then headed to cheer on Allie and Olivia (two of my small group girls) at their volley ball game! Go Eagles! G and I enjoyed great conversation on the way down and fun worship on the way back!
6)Acts 2:42-47. I know our Pastor's sermon from this morning is technically part of the new week, but it's Sunday evening and a definite highlight, so I can't NOT include it....
I long and desire and cry out to the Lord to make me a member who participates in/with a church which is motivated by and for the gospel as this passage sets forth.
7)An email from Steve on Tuesday that read, "4 weeks, 2 days." We are unashamedly counting down to a planned get-away to rejoice in the 9 years of marriage God has so graciously given us!
8)Joe and Laurel and Jorja Makovsky - new friends from our ABF who joined us on Friday night for some bonfire fun. We asked how we might pray for their family. They want to love Jesus by seeking and pursuing how He might use them in the life of an orphan! We loved getting to know this family better!
9) Suffering. A new layer and depth of which a sister in Christ was brought into. We have texted, talked, and prayed together. I have wept for her and am so thankful for how God would allow me to see her faith be tested, refined and strengthened. He is showing Himself to be her Trustworthy Redeemer in radical ways!
10)Psalm 59:9-10a,17. A treasure from my personal Bible meditation. When contrasted, these two portions of this psalm show the progression and fruit of true faith. Where there is a watching for - there will be singing. Where there is confident waiting, there will be direct experience. God is our Refuge! After receiving this encouragement in my own walk, I was also given 2 situations where I could share the same treasure with another - all in one day! I love how the Word of Life meets us with what we need, but at the same time enables and prepares us to edify others!
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