Drama Mama

Well, she got it.  She got the role she wanted.  The role I wanted for her.

Our daughter, Judah was cast in "The Sound of Music" at the local Christian High School and I could not be more proud.

This means, however, that there are six moms who cannot write this news on their blogs.  Six girls who did not get cast and went home, disappointed.

In one of my online classes, when asked about tough past decisions, one woman shared that she had been brutally raped, resulting in a pregnancy.    She made the decision to keep this child despite the fact that he/she might remind her of the rape.  She shared that instead of being a painful reminder, the child (now 9) reminds her of grace and triumph, not grief and tragedy.

This wise college student said, "You cannot be a phoenix, if you never get burned".  She, of course, was referring to the mythical bird that was formed from ashes.

Sometimes in life, we get the role (or job, or relationship, or ...) we want.  Other times, we feel the sting of disappointment when we are overlooked, undervalued, and/or underappreciated.

But we can never be a phoenix if we never get burned...

Fly!  Amberly

Stage Fright

In less than 24 hours, my daughter, Judah is participating in callbacks for "Sound of Music" at Bakersfield Christian High School.  After nearly 40 children auditioned for the role of one the Von Trapps, there are eight young ladies vying for the role of the two middle girls.

You would think Judah would be the easy choice - her dad is the director.

It is not that easy.  He wants everyone (including Judah) to know that if she gets the role, she earned it.  There will always be people that will doubt that nepotism does not play a role (no pun intended) if she lands a place in his show.  It has caused some stress in our home and on my husband's shoulders.  It is a good think he is not the only decision maker.  He, early on, asked two amazing BCHS ladies to come alongside and help place students in the right roles.

Those of us who believe in God as the director of the Universe can relax.  As we play the roles of "believer", "follower", and "human being", we can trust that God can be relied upon.  He knows that which is best for us and works in our best interest with love and grace.

Just as I need to trust my husband and his counsel with our daughter (I want her to get the role!), I need to trust that God has plans to give her (and me) a hope and a future.

The hills are alive...

Amberly

Family Food Favorites

Well, I started the week with food and now I am going to end with it. :)

We have TONS of family favorites at the Neese house.  Recently, when asked her favorite restaurant, my daughter replied, "The Neese Cafe".  What a compliment!

I love to eat yummy food.  Truly.  I am not a dessert-a-holic, but I do love the sweetness of a good meal.

I hope you take some time and enjoy a good meal with people that you love.  It can serve as a great recharge, both emotionally and physically.

My blogging this week was motivated by a friend who challenged me to food blog this week.  I promise, I will return to the regularly scheduled broadcast next week.  I just thought this might be fun.  I still have a book to give away, so feel free to comment on one of the posts from the week.  I will let you know who wins :)

Feel free to visit my friend, Kathi Lipp, and share your favorite family recipe on her blog.  For more ideas, Kathi has a newsletter filled with great recipes and tips for every area of your home. Plus when you sign up for the newsletter, your will receive The Ultimate Guide to Man Food an e-cookbook that will rock your husband’s culinary world. Head over to her website at KathiLipp.com

!Buen provecho!  Amberly

Keeping my act together in the kitchen

I love to cook.  Really.

Things I do not love: cleaning up after said cooking and keeping up with all the single use appliances and gadgets that I have accumulated over the years.

Don't get me wrong - my egg separator, mini-blow torch, and potsticker press are invaluable; I just do not need them 99% of the time.

Recently, I bought one of those dollar store plastic shoe boxes with a lid for all those gadgets and my life is much simpler now.  Now, when I open the utensil drawer, the entire population of Venezuela does not come popping out.  There is actually a place for everything.  SCORE!

Now if only I could find a way to diminish all the little tiny crumbs that pool in my utensil drawer (YUCK), my life would be perfect (well, not REALLY, but you get my point).

Feel free to visit www.kathilipp.com for more kitchen organization tips.

Blessings!  Amberly

Feelin' a little LOOPy

Yesterday, I posted the Neese Menu for the week.  It was actually fun to come up with dishes that will be quick and painless for us to prepare and enjoy.

One of the concepts that I have used FOREVER (but did not have a name for until now) is LOOP.  Cook one day, have Left Overs On Purpose, and then use those leftovers to create a great second meal later in the week.  Again, my friend Kathi Lipp (www.kathilipp.com) has made LOOP meals a staple in her house.

Frankly, I often cook three pounds of hamburger at a time or ask my husband to grill thrice the amount of chicken we need so that I can freeze the extra and use them for quick meals later.  It is the same amount of work and a HUGE time saver.

The truth is, I need more LOOP time in my life.  I need to consistently read the Bible, spend time with God, smooch my husband and kids, rest, and exercise so that I have something Left Over on Purpose in case some type of chaos happens.  And it will.  Life happens; I just need to make sure that LOOP happens as well.

Are you feeling a little LOOPy or is that something you need to work on as well?

Amberly

P.S. Remember, I am giving one of Kathi's books to someone who comments sometime this week :)

Food for Thought

This week, I am going to try something new.

My friend, Kathy Lipp, a wonderful author and speaker has inspired me.  She is posting her menu for the week and is challenging her readers to do likewise.  So here it goes:

Monday: Homemade Tacos
Tuesday: Bean soup/ cornbread
Wednesday: Sweet potato soup
Thursday: Chicken Enchiladas
Friday:  French Dip sandwiches/ sweet potato baked fries
Saturday: Stir fry (I will make extra chicken for a LOOP meal - Left Overs On Purpose)
Sunday: Left-overs

I made my choices based on a couple of things: I know that this week is a little busy for us (Science Night on Monday, auditions on Tuesday, Small Group on Wednesdays, etc.)

I think it is empowering (albeit a little bit of forethought) to plan meals.  Is makes for one trip to the grocery store and alleviates a lot of stress and contemplation time.

Feel free to steal my menu.  Also, if you have fallen into a rut, feel free to get some ideas on Kathy Lipp's Facebook page.

I will be giving one of her great books away this week.  I will choose from the list of people who comment some time this week.

Have fun!

No More Menu Madness!

Amberly

ALL ACCESS PASS

When I was a teenager, I attended a concert of a popoular band, REO Speedwagon.  They were hugely popular and I felt so fortunate to get tickets for my best friend and me.  I wore my favorite leopard skinned pants and put enough hairspray in my hair to encite concerns from the E.P.A.

While we were waiting in line, we befriended a young lady (for those of you who don't know me, if there is a POSSIBILITY of making a friend, I will always take it.  I collect people.  Where two or more are gathered, I have a convention).  We talked about all sorts of topics that were really important: boys, boys, and boys.

Right before we were all herded into the stadium, she said, "hey, do you want to meet the band?"

"Who wouldn't?" I quipped.

At this point, she pulled out two extra backstage passes.  I was elated and a little blown away.

After the concert was over (it was amazing, by the way), we showed our passes to the security guards, giggled all the way down the vast hallways, and opened the doors marked "BAND".

We got to meet REO Speedwagon.  SO COOL.  All because we befriended some girl with access passes.

Although I have a degree from a Bible college, I still cannot wrap my brain around some theological truths.  One of them is the access to God people can enjoy through Jesus.  You see, Jesus came to connect a holy God with an unholy people.  All we need is to "befriend" Him and we have a backstage pass to the Holy of Holies.

It is exciting.  It is humbling.  And it is ours without the need for leopard pants or extra hairspray.

Grace is good!

Amberly

SHIP SHAPE

I have not been able to get enough info. on the recent cruise ship accident in Italy.  It is an incredibly sad situation; one for which I have been praying.

I have been on numerous cruises (I have taken groups on numerous cruises) and cannot imagine the chaos and stress of such a mishap.

Cruise ships are designed to stay upright and be stable.

According to cruisemates.com, "today's modern ships are all stabilized to reduce rolling (side to side motion) and designed by sophisticated computer aided design equipment to minimize pitching (up and down motion)."

What are YOUR stabilizers?  What keeps your head above waters and prepares you for the tumultuous waters of life?

Just a thought...

Amberly

Psalm 107:29
He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.

So GREATful

We went to a party last night.  It is an annual party held at the house of some friends of ours.  They are wonderful hosts and downright amazing people.

Every year, we do one of those "pirate" gift exchanges.  Every year, there is at least one person who is visibly disappointed at the gift they receive.  This year, it was Zech, a sweet preteen.  Zech chose one of our gifts, which included a new Bible, devotional, and creme brulee almonds :)  The hope was that between the three gifts, there would be enough to chew on in 2012.

To say he was underwhelmed would be an understatement.  He pouted and asked every person after him to "steal" his gift.  Judah had done something similar years ago and it was painful to watch.

Sometimes in life, we grow uncomfortable, unthankful, and/or underwhelmed for and by the gifts we are given.  When we look at the gifts that others have been given, our hearts can grow bitter, disappointed, and weary.

Someone eventually "stole" Zech's gift, allowing him to open another gift.  The "stealer" was thrilled with the new Bible set. 

The Apostle Paul "learned to be content in all circumstances" (Philippians 4:11).  That is another way of saying, "he learned to be thankful for the gift he had been given (or that he chose)."

I need to work on contentment in 2012.  I need to make an even more concerted effort to thank God for all the things in my life, even those I find frustrating.

Have a great weekend and know I am thankful for you.

Amberly

Turn on the Light I love the new battery operated candles. They look real. They appear to give light. To the casual observer, it has the characteristics of reality, but it is just a facade; the light source is not real. Jesus called His followers to be "the light of the world" in Matthew 5. Not look, not appear, but BE... Too many people pretend to follow Him. They appear sincere, they look good. But too many rely on their own light source (themselves) and eventually, the facade is discovered. The solution? Plug into the TRUE light, Jesus Christ. Shine for Him, because of Him, and be fueled only by Him. Then the call in Matthew 5 to "let your light shine" is easier than changing the batteries on those candles. Shine on! Amberly

Grin and Prayer It


My list of favorite activities does not include flossing my teeth.  It is often uncomfortable and frankly, gross.  I LOVE eating, but seeing that same food in small particles hours later plucked from my choppers is disconcerting.


But flossing is important.  It is an essential part of dental health and has links to heart health as well.


I wish I could say that I floss after every meal.  I don't.  Most of the time, I just "go through the motions", flossing because I know it is good for me.


When am I REALLY faithful to floss?  When there is a pending dental appointment.  When I know that some dental assistant is going to be in my mouth with a magnifying glass and a scrutinizing eye.  When I am afraid of disappointing my dentist.


My prayer life is similar.  Sometimes, I just "go through the motions" knowing that it is good for me.  I know prayer is vital to my growth and relationship to God.  Yet, sometimes, I just take enough time to get rid of the spiritual debris and no more.


The beautiful thing about the grace of God is that although I am not always faithful, He always is.  And just like flossing, prayer is good for my heart as well, even if my heart isn't always in it.


Amberly

Mission Possible We had a "state of the church" address yesterday. Our pastor reviewed the church's mission and then proceeded to ask how we thought we were doing. It was a good dialogue, but a risk indeed. It sparked my thinking about my own mission. Sometimes, I think my mission is limited to signing permission slips, keeping coffee bean harvesters busy, and making sure everyone in the family has clean underwear. But I know it is greater than that. It is greater than going to the gym, plucking chin hairs, teaching the benefits of a napkin at the dinner table, grocery shopping, grading papers, and packing lunches. It is meaningful, it is purposeful, it is joyful, it is eternal. And although it is greater than my previous list, it involves those things as well. Ephesians 2:10 reminds me: "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." On top of all my personal "TO DO" list items, I have a "TO DO" list from Heaven as well! "To do" good works. Not list items I create, but those that God has prepared for me (and me for!) Have you thought about YOUR mission lately? Pray about what God has prepared for you. He never promised glamour (see chin hair comment above :), but He did promise preparation. And His message will never self-destruct... Blessings on your mission! Amberly

Good morning.  

Well, just "morning" actually.  I dragged myself out of bed this morning to work out.  Is it sad that it is not the workout but the actual GETTING out of bed that is the most strenuous part?  The cold air outside the warm comforter...the shock of disconnection of one's head off the deep and delightful pillow...the feeling of dismay watching my spouse continue to enjoy these comforts whilst I begrudgingly throw on clothes.  Ugh.

I once heard it said: "I'd like mornings better if they started later".

I could not have said it better myself...mostly, because I am still half asleep two hours later.

Enjoy your day.  The toughest part, leaving the bed, is behind you.  Anything else that life throws at you pales in comparison to the battle that broiled when your alarm went off this morning.  You've got this...

And if you don't, remember that there is a bed waiting to welcome you with open sheets when you get home tonight...

Sleep sweet!  Amberly

CREAM of the CROP

I love coffee.  Love.  Actually, love isn't a strong enough word.  I ADORE it.  Well, actually I ADORE coffee with creamer.  I would not drink coffee without it.  I am kind of a baby when it comes to java.  Creamer not only adds flavored deliciousness to the cup, it also cools it down.  My mom used to say that certain foods would "grow hairs on your chest" (I am guessing this is highly effective with boys), but with coffee, I actually believe it.  Eeek.  Bitter.  

Some people feel that way about the Bible.  They find it difficult to digest without sugary stories or anecdotes to "cool it down".    As a humorist, I LOVE telling stories on myself and pray that those stories point others to the God of the Universe who loves them with reckless abandon.  My prayer is that I would not water down the Gospel nor attempt to make it more palatable by avoiding speaking the truth.

Instead, my hope is that my words would be sweet.  A prayer that once hung on my refrigerator reminded me: "Lord, make my words sweet, for tomorrow I may have them to eat."

In my lifetime, I have eaten more words that I have Oreos.   One of my resolutions is to have sweeter and fewer words in 2012.

Proverbs 16:24 reminds us that "Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."

The next time you put anything in your coffee, remember to pray for me.  I will do the same for you!

Blessings!  Amberly

Happy New Year!

If you are like me, you have already broken at least one of your resolutions.  Many people vow to get up early and back to the gym when January one hits.

I REALLY hate getting up early to go to the gym.

It’s difficult to don tight fitting gym clothes (or ones so baggy a human form is unrecognizable underneath).  It is downright treacherous to watch other people in seemingly perfect shape lifting, running, and biking without breaking a sweat.  It is brutal to jump in the car in the wee hours due to the cold, shivering and chattering, only to have one’s car finally heat up just in time to arrive at the gym.  But the worse part for me is the waking up early.  I am not a morning person.  Not now.  Not ever.

Somehow, though, Tuesdays and Thursdays are not so bad.  I have an accountability partner on those days.  She is a lady I met at the gym whilst training for my 60 mile walk.  She is a runner.  She is blonde.  She is beautiful.  And frankly, at 5:30 in the morning, she is just what the Doctor ordered.

We talk about child rearing, Christianity, housework, good books, recipes, past failures, and present challenges.  We also discuss that, on many days, we would not have made it to the gym without the pressure of knowing the other would be there.

In the season of resolutions, I challenge you to find someone who might walk alongside you in your effort to improve yourself.  Find someone who wants to grow in the same area.  Meet one another there and hold one another accountable.  It is not always comfortable (it rarely is), but it is an easier journey with a friend.

Walk and roll!

Amberly