Bright-Eyed and Bushy-Tailed: My Year of Blogging in Review

Exactly one year ago to the day, I sat down at Ken's Acer laptop and began typing. Took, took, took--went the rhythmic melody of my fingers tapping against the keyboard. Here and there, a brief pause to readjust a word or a sentence or thought. Just like today. I woke up two hours prior to my alarm clock and was ready to get moving, thinking and doing.

365 days have passed since I started writing in this online journal of sorts. Broken down, that's 12 months with 48 published posts and 15 unpublished entries. Almost one post per week. For me, this form of commitment seemed daunting in retrospect but as Benjamin Franklin once said: "Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing." When words for stories were absent, I lived my life. Those experiences created the perfect backdrop for each and every post.

And to be honest, I wasn't sure if anyone would read this. Thank you. It means so much.

To my friends and readers who continue to bless me with letters of encouragement ("to keep writing!") and emails of affirmation ("I can relate to your story"), I am feeling more confident in my desire to be a person who is vulnerable, transparent and authentic. Contrary to society's expectation that we have to "put on a good front" and "be strong," I am learning to live against the grain. I am choosing to be imperfect. I am admitting my weaknesses and rejoicing in God's strength.

When I started this blog on January 23, 2012 (read it here), I hoped to live into God's calling to be a person of thanks. Psalm 50:23 was my guide: "He who sacrifices thank offerings honors Me." At that time, I felt myself becoming increasingly distracted in regards to my need for Christ. I wanted to set the tone right for the year ahead, and begin by giving thanks. In one year, Ken and I have seen many changes, which you can read about on our blog. Some good, many very difficult. But God carried us through this past year with a sense of reverence--respect for who God is (our Provider, Healer, Hope) and how His involvement in our story changes everything.

This morning, I find myself meditating on the words of Proverbs 31. They talk about 'a wife of noble character.' Even before I met my husband, I was always drawn to the pictures these words create and bring to mind: "She is worth far more than rubies...her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value...she opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy." The poem-like structure continues: "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue." As I embark upon a new year of sharing life with you (my husband, my friends, my family, my readers), I want these verses to mold and shape me. I want to learn what they mean and explore their merit.

Thank you for joining me in this process.

I will continue to give thanks.

A Bowl of Vegetable Soup: Today's Journal Entry

Steam rises from the glossy red ceramic dish that holds my hearty vegetable soup. My lips immediately register the warmth of the liquid. Delighted by the savory flavor, my tongue picks up the distinguishing flavor of each vegetable—mushrooms, carrots, green beans, onions, celery. Their unique flavors are rich, unencumbered by the addition of salts and spices. A few bites later, I decide on a sprinkle of salt and pepper, but this soup is perfect in its simplicity. No added meat, no pasta, no exotic flavors. This moment with my soup reminds me to step back from an already-hectic day and relax. To take each day one step at a time, and perhaps one moment at a time. To revel in the simpler things.

This morning I found myself becoming increasingly frustrated. I shed not just a few tears on account of conflict I’m facing—internally and externally. On days like this, I’m more sensitive to God’s calling on my life to be a person who is honest, vulnerable and open about my weaknesses. Not to hide behind the false illusion that “I have it all together just fine”. I don’t. I’m a broken person, in need of a Savior. I’d be wrong if I said otherwise. In the midst of this proclamation, I am thankful that God came to redeem me, to save me, to show me life in its most abundant form. That’s my prayer this morning, that God would open my eyes to His abundance in this season.

These past couple weeks I’ve felt scared, triggered by my past, and uncertain about the future. In the next six months, Ken and I face huge decisions about where we’ll live and what job he’ll work. Our discussions center on the importance of calling, community, Christ’s freedom and personal desires. As of January 17th, we are more uncertain about where we’ll be living than we have been up to this point. Will we stay here in Seattle? Will we move to California—if so, where? Should we move near family—if so, who? What is God calling us to? I suppose these “bigger” questions are often overshadowed by the one question of where Ken will get hired. Work opportunities could dictate most everything. So where is God in all this? Honestly, I don’t hear His voice weighing in on the discussion. I wonder if this season will be like a story from the book of Joshua, where we wrestle with God and live in the tension of the unknown, persevering in faith for the hope of His blessing.

God, we want your blessing, and we’ll wait for it.

In the meantime, please keep my eyes fixed on You, especially on days like this, where I feel bombarded by difficult people, uncomfortable situations and my own desire to know what’s going to happen next…

Remind me, Lord, to breathe deeply and chew slowly, savoring each moment for what it’s worth.

Quiche: Yet Another Amazing European Invention!

This weekend, Ken and I had the privilege of hosting a few of our friends for a Brunch/Lunch Get-Together. As you may know, I love cooking for others! It's especially exciting when I get to tackle new recipes. Last week I became fascinated with the idea of making quiche. I've noticed this egg dish featured at coffee shops all around Seattle and never think to order it for myself. I'm still not sure when I tasted quiche for the first time, but I know I've enjoyed it at least a handful of times during my life. So, with a desire to relive the rich, satisfying taste of quiche, I embarked on a journey to find the best recipe. Quiche proved perfect for our group of four guys and two girls, a hearty dish for a cold winter day.

Quiche, in my opinion, is best served at room temperature but you can eat it hot out of the oven or cold. Enjoy!

Best Ever Quiche                                              

Serves 4-6
Adapted from Allrecipes.com

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons butter
1 onion, minced
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 cups fresh broccoli

1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 (9 inch) unbaked pie crust
1 1/2- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
4 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon butter, melted

1/2 lb breakfast sausage, cooked, drained and chopped (optional; may use bacon or turkey bacon instead)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Over medium-low heat, melt butter in large saucepan. Add onions, garlic and broccoli. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are soft. Spoon vegetables into crust and sprinkle with cheese.

Meanwhile, brown the mushrooms in a skillet. Spoon into the crust.

Combine eggs and milk. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in melted butter. Pour egg mixture over vegetables and cheese. Add in breakfast sausage or bacon.

Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until center is set. Serve at room temperature. Enjoy!

Note: I doubled this recipe and made one quiche with sausage and one with bacon. Mmmm...