(l-r, John Piper, Mark Driscoll, Tim Keller -- "Uncle Tim," as we call him) 
9.30.2006
I wish I were...
in Minneapolis right now...there's a conference happening called "Above all Earthly Pow'rs: The Supremacy of Christ in a Postmodern World". Challies is liveblogging the conference, and I've already read his first two entries. Last night's speaker was David Wells, this morning's was Voddie Baucham. Both posts were excellent to read and left me wanting more!
(l-r, John Piper, Mark Driscoll, Tim Keller -- "Uncle Tim," as we call him)
(l-r, John Piper, Mark Driscoll, Tim Keller -- "Uncle Tim," as we call him) 
9.29.2006
Call Me a Natalist
This is an article that rests under my glass blotter at my desk. I love mulling it over, especially on those days when I hear so many comments like, "Wow, four boys. You're a brave woman." I am sure I am not brave; I am sure that children are a blessing, and God gives immeasurable grace for the rearing of them. Thank you, Dr. Ryken, for reminding us of this.
"...we should all recognize that children are a gift from the Lord, and that godly offspring are a blessing to the world. To be a natalist is to be pro-life, and part of what it means to be pro-life is to pray for children, to welcome them into the church, and to train them to be God’s servants."
9.28.2006
I do all my own stunts.
Baptist Catechism, Questions 7-11
Question 7: What do the Scriptures mainly teach?
Question 8: What is God?
Answer: God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable, in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth.
Scripture: John 4:24; Psalm 89:14; 90:2; 147:5; James 1:17; Revelation 4:8; Exodus 34:6,7; 1 Timothy 1: 17; Numbers 23:19.
Ben's answer to Question 8
Question 9: Are there more Gods than one?
Question 10: How many persons are there in the Godhead?
Question 11: What are the decrees of God?
9.27.2006
So far this morning...
I have
-explained the difference between "salvation" and "salivation"
-blown out large flames on the bottom of the toaster oven (I guess I should dump out the crumbs more often)
-enjoyed watching a two-year-old with peanut butter all over his face attempt to convince me that no, his face isn't messy
What else will today hold?
-explained the difference between "salvation" and "salivation"
-blown out large flames on the bottom of the toaster oven (I guess I should dump out the crumbs more often)
-enjoyed watching a two-year-old with peanut butter all over his face attempt to convince me that no, his face isn't messy
What else will today hold?
9.25.2006
Marital discord Sunday
9.23.2006
Thursday...
9.22.2006
White Lightning Chicken Chili
Here's another favorite soup recipe. It's spicier than Chicken Tortilla Soup!
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
6 roasted garlic cloves (see "how to roast garlic," below)
1 C onion, chopped
1/3 C fresh jalepeno peppers, seeded and chopped (My Irish palate demands a substitution here...I use a 4 oz. can of green chilies)
3 cans (15 oz. each) Great Northern beans, drained, rinsed, and divided
2 t. vegetable oil
3 cans (15 oz. each) chicken broth (again, I usually just throw five boullion cubes in 5 C hot water)
1 1/2 t. ground cumin
1/4 lime juice
1 T. cornstarch
1 T. cold water
1/4 C. fresh cilantro, chopped
Pour one can of beans into small bowl; combine with roasted garlic cloves and mash together(I usually use my pastry blender or immersion blender for this task).
In large saucepan over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and peppers; cook 4-5 mintues or until onion is tender. Add chicken, mashed bean-garlic mixture, whole beans, broth, cumin, and lime juice) Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes.
Combine cornstarch and water in small bowl, stirring until smooth. Add cornstarch mixture to soup and continue cooking 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
Serve with cilantro, cheese, sour cream, avocado...whatever strikes your fancy.
How to roast garlic:
Preheat oven (I use my toaster oven for this) to 325. Take a whole bulb of garlic and cut off the top third, exposing the tops of all the cloves. Put garlic on a double thickness of aluminum foil large enough to enclose the bulb. Pour 1-2 T. olive oil over garlic and then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Wrap garlic in foil and put on a cookie sheet in oven for about 30 minutes or until garlic is soft. Walk around your kitchen, enjoying the aroma. ;-)
To use in the above recipe, peel off six cloves and squeeze garlic from its skin into beans. To use the rest of the cloves, squeeze them out and blend them up with some softened butter for garlic bread, or just squeeze them onto your bread alone...oo la la!!
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
6 roasted garlic cloves (see "how to roast garlic," below)
1 C onion, chopped
1/3 C fresh jalepeno peppers, seeded and chopped (My Irish palate demands a substitution here...I use a 4 oz. can of green chilies)
3 cans (15 oz. each) Great Northern beans, drained, rinsed, and divided
2 t. vegetable oil
3 cans (15 oz. each) chicken broth (again, I usually just throw five boullion cubes in 5 C hot water)
1 1/2 t. ground cumin
1/4 lime juice
1 T. cornstarch
1 T. cold water
1/4 C. fresh cilantro, chopped
Pour one can of beans into small bowl; combine with roasted garlic cloves and mash together(I usually use my pastry blender or immersion blender for this task).
In large saucepan over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and peppers; cook 4-5 mintues or until onion is tender. Add chicken, mashed bean-garlic mixture, whole beans, broth, cumin, and lime juice) Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes.
Combine cornstarch and water in small bowl, stirring until smooth. Add cornstarch mixture to soup and continue cooking 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
Serve with cilantro, cheese, sour cream, avocado...whatever strikes your fancy.
How to roast garlic:
Preheat oven (I use my toaster oven for this) to 325. Take a whole bulb of garlic and cut off the top third, exposing the tops of all the cloves. Put garlic on a double thickness of aluminum foil large enough to enclose the bulb. Pour 1-2 T. olive oil over garlic and then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Wrap garlic in foil and put on a cookie sheet in oven for about 30 minutes or until garlic is soft. Walk around your kitchen, enjoying the aroma. ;-)
To use in the above recipe, peel off six cloves and squeeze garlic from its skin into beans. To use the rest of the cloves, squeeze them out and blend them up with some softened butter for garlic bread, or just squeeze them onto your bread alone...oo la la!!
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Inspired by the onset of cooler weather, a dear sister from church called me this week and asked me for this recipe. Since many of you have asked for the recipe, also, I decided to post it, too! Enjoy!
Chicken Tortilla Soup
olive oil (enough to grease the pan)
1/2 C onion, chopped
3 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 12 ounces), cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 garlic clove, pressed
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
2 cans chicken broth (about 19 ounces total) (I usually make my own or use boullion...it's about 3 cups)
1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces), undrained
1 can chopped green chilies (4 ounces), undrained
In a large saucepan over medium heat, heat oil; add chicken and cook for about 3 minutes. Add onion, garlic, chili powder and cumin. Cook and stir about 2 minutes. Stir in broth, tomatoes, and chilies. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
That's it...I told you it was easy!
Serve with crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped fresh cilantro, thick slices of fresh lime, or my favorite....avocado...mmmmmm...
I have played with this recipe so much over time. You don't have to use so much meat, especially if you dump in a can of corn (drained) and a can of black beans (drained and rinsed), or some cooked yellow Mexican rice. You might want to add more broth if you choose to add those. I also usually double or triple the recipe and freeze some for a busy day.
Chicken Tortilla Soup
olive oil (enough to grease the pan)
1/2 C onion, chopped
3 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 12 ounces), cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 garlic clove, pressed
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
2 cans chicken broth (about 19 ounces total) (I usually make my own or use boullion...it's about 3 cups)
1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces), undrained
1 can chopped green chilies (4 ounces), undrained
In a large saucepan over medium heat, heat oil; add chicken and cook for about 3 minutes. Add onion, garlic, chili powder and cumin. Cook and stir about 2 minutes. Stir in broth, tomatoes, and chilies. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
That's it...I told you it was easy!
Serve with crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped fresh cilantro, thick slices of fresh lime, or my favorite....avocado...mmmmmm...
I have played with this recipe so much over time. You don't have to use so much meat, especially if you dump in a can of corn (drained) and a can of black beans (drained and rinsed), or some cooked yellow Mexican rice. You might want to add more broth if you choose to add those. I also usually double or triple the recipe and freeze some for a busy day.
9.19.2006
Cubs vs. Braves 9/9/06
Ben running the bases (part of the kids' attractions at the field)
Cameron running the basesAndrew did it too, but he got distracted and veered off the basepath before I could snap a picture.
The Little League World Series champs are from Atlanta, so they had a parade around the field before the game, and then they took the field with the Braves. 
Cubs vs. Braves, 9/9/06
Turner Field, Atlanta. It's a very kid-friendly stadium. Once you enter the gates, there's a huge courtyard with concessions, fan shops, and a kids' playplace. On the top level, there's more for kids to do.
Watching batting practice
Matt Murton, Cubs LF (I think)
Atlanta skyline from the top of Turner Field
Michael C Carlos Museum
On Saturday morning ( a week ago) we headed to Emory University to check out the Michael C. Carlos Museum. The museum has a large collection of ancient artifacts from Egypt, Central America, South America, Greece, and Rome. I was impressed by the amount of pieces they had for such a small museum.
Part of the ancient Egyptian collection
This depiction of King Tut shows him sucking his finger (not unexpected for a young king)
Cameron with a sarcophagus
The Mummy room
A great album you're not listening to.
I'm back! More catching up later, but first I must post this! I was listening to this guy in the van this morning...
My friend Beth encouraged me to be more vocal about our musical preferences, since we tend to like obscure people. I am usually cynical of "typical" Christian music -- begging your pardon -- because in most cases it just isn't good art in my opinion. The way the Christian music industry is set up tends to squelch honest musicians. Christian music largely imitates the world, when it should be the other way around. That is not true in all cases, mind you, but for the majority of groups I think it tends to be so.
So here's my first of what I hope to be many "A great album you're not listening to" posts.
Me Died Blue by Steven Delopoulos
Steven is one half of the group that used to be called Burlap to Cashmere. This is his first solo project. David and I first saw Steven opening for (who else) Derek Webb at the Neighborhood Theatre in Charlotte. He is probably the most gifted guitarist I have ever seen. His picking hand was a blur most of the time.
Steven's Greek ancestry and New York City roots can be heard all over this album. A few songs have infectious choruses that the boys love to sing along to. Here are a few favorite lyrics:
The night was all that I’d once known/When I was small and all alone/Where dreams and visions never played/Towns put on their cheap parade/With cheap trombones and plastic horns/And choirs faking opera songs/I nursed my coffee ‘til the dawn/And waited for another day -- from "Another Day"
These days are infectious with fluorescent cars/And billionaires hung on the streets for the stars/And satellite projection beaming branches for the vine/In this cyber-world of dreaming, hoaxing water into wine/So, sing loud for the canyons/And soft for the parasites/And squeeze your spouses and children goodnight/And map out your futures and freeze-dry your food/And look for your reflection on a dime -- from "Daisies and Sandalwood"
I am also usually partial to musicians who write great "driving music," and this album definitely qualifies.
My friend Beth encouraged me to be more vocal about our musical preferences, since we tend to like obscure people. I am usually cynical of "typical" Christian music -- begging your pardon -- because in most cases it just isn't good art in my opinion. The way the Christian music industry is set up tends to squelch honest musicians. Christian music largely imitates the world, when it should be the other way around. That is not true in all cases, mind you, but for the majority of groups I think it tends to be so.
So here's my first of what I hope to be many "A great album you're not listening to" posts.
Me Died Blue by Steven Delopoulos
Steven is one half of the group that used to be called Burlap to Cashmere. This is his first solo project. David and I first saw Steven opening for (who else) Derek Webb at the Neighborhood Theatre in Charlotte. He is probably the most gifted guitarist I have ever seen. His picking hand was a blur most of the time.
Steven's Greek ancestry and New York City roots can be heard all over this album. A few songs have infectious choruses that the boys love to sing along to. Here are a few favorite lyrics:
The night was all that I’d once known/When I was small and all alone/Where dreams and visions never played/Towns put on their cheap parade/With cheap trombones and plastic horns/And choirs faking opera songs/I nursed my coffee ‘til the dawn/And waited for another day -- from "Another Day"
These days are infectious with fluorescent cars/And billionaires hung on the streets for the stars/And satellite projection beaming branches for the vine/In this cyber-world of dreaming, hoaxing water into wine/So, sing loud for the canyons/And soft for the parasites/And squeeze your spouses and children goodnight/And map out your futures and freeze-dry your food/And look for your reflection on a dime -- from "Daisies and Sandalwood"
I am also usually partial to musicians who write great "driving music," and this album definitely qualifies.
9.13.2006
Bear with me...
9.08.2006
Over 'n out
We'll be heading out in a few hours to spend the weekend in Atlanta with David's youngest brother, Jimmy.
Tomorrow evening we'll be going to the Cubs v. Braves game, but not before I've managed to squeeze an educational field trip in to Emory University (their art museum apparently has an excellent permanent Egyptian exhibit).
Then on Sunday we'll be visiting my beloved
to purchase some furniture for the schoolroom.
Look for photos of our weekend on Monday! Have a great weekend everyone!
Tapestry Thursdays
Every Thursday my friend Joy and I get together and do a fun project with our four oldest boys (and the younger four come along for the ride!). Yesterday we made tunics similar to those the Israelites would have worn at the time of the Exodus. The boys will wear them to our unit-concluding event, a Seder supper, sometime in October.
Joy measuring Peter.
Around dinner time the house became so loud with yelling and wrestling that we decided to put on a Thomas the Tank Engine movie for the kids. Here are the boys on the couch...(L-R) Cameron, Peter, Ben, Alex, and Andrew. Later on, Sarah (who is Andrew's age) squeezed her way up between Alex and Andrew.Also during the afternoon, we had a run-in with the outdoor faucet (three children drenched), I found one child completely undressed upstairs, and one of the babies tried to launch himself out of the saucer headfirst. Just par for the course with eight children under six in the house!
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