The Impostor?

In my college psychology class I remember learning about the different types of intelligence. One of those was athletic intelligence and I knew for sure I did not have that type of intelligence. I had never been good at sports (except for tennis - the one sport I enjoyed). In 7th grade I signed up for "Athletics" class because everybody else did (or at least I thought everyone did). The year began with volleyball, next came basketball, and in the spring there was track. I had shown no aptitude for volleyball or basketball, and by the time track season came around, I, my coach, and my classmates had low expectations for my performance - and we were right. I couldn't run fast in the short distances and I couldn't endure the long distances. It was determined I was not a runner and I was given the job of team "manager," which was the glorified name for water and towel girl. Since then, I've tried to run some off and on, but I never liked it. It hurt my knees and it just wasn't fun.

But last year when Ramiro ran the Aramco Half-Marathon in Houston, I became inspired. I thought even if I had to walk it, I wanted to do the 5K in 2012. I wanted to share the fun Ramiro was having and support him at the same time. So this year I began to run a little. Even though its been hard, it hasn't been that bad. Maybe after having 3 babies, things don't just seem as hard as they used to. And maybe my tendons are more flexible now so my knees don't hurt anymore. Whatever it is, I can't believe I'm actually able to do it.

Last week I ran the El Paso Energy 5K while Ramiro ran the half-marathon again. I loved meeting my goal. That's what I like about running. I haven't actually reached the point where I actually enjoy running. What I do love is the challenge. I've also found that running time is also a good time for praying. It seems that God speaks to my heart clearly when I'm running.

I've now completed two 5Ks and am training to run a 10k in February. Tonight I ran 4.5 miles. I can't believe I did that! I never in my wildest dreams thought I would run that far! Am I becoming a runner? I sort of feel like an impostor! I guess what happened in junior high doesn't count. What counts is now...and I'm running!

Why We Didn't Send a Christmas Card this Year

Well, this week the last Christmas decoration was put away and the whirlwind that began a little over a month ago is passed. We had a wonderful Christmas and it was so fun to have Hannah home for 2 weeks! We crammed so much fun in those 2 weeks, the Christmas card we made was never sent out. At one point I thought I could just send it out the week after Christmas and write on the back, "Hope Your Christmas Lasts All Year," but then more time passed and it seemed even too late for that. Below is what kept us so busy!

Hannah read us "Green Eggs & Ham," by Dr. Seuss, while we ate green eggs and ham!

We delivered Christmas gifts

We visited the children's museum

We hosted our first annual Christmas Eve Open House

We made Santa's cookies

We danced with the Wii

We had fun at the zoo

We went Ice Skating

We strolled through the Dickinson Festival of Lights

We saw "The Adventures of Tin Tin." Great movie!

And of course we topped it all off with Ice cream!

Thanksgiving Favorites

I loved Thanksgiving when I was growing up. I loved being with my family, snuggling and watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, singing songs, and telling each other what we were thankful for. What I didn't love was the food. I wasn't a fan of the dressing (I thought it was mushy), the sweet potatoes tasted too sweet to me, and I had not learned to like pie.

The first time I hosted Thanksgiving for my family, I decided to look for recipes tjat would be traditional, but that I also might have a chance of liking. I found 2 winners from Cooking Light® that have become favorites for our entire family. Please enjoy! Happy Thanksgiving!

Blue Corn Bread Dressing

I usually make the corn bread the day before making the dressing.

Cornbread

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1/3 cup sugar

5 tablespoons butter, softened

5 large eggs

1/2 cup fat-free buttermilk

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup blue cornmeal

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

2. Spray a 13x9-inch baking pan with cooking spray and dust with 1 tablespoon of flour.

3. Place sugar and butter in a bowl and beat with a mixer at medium speed until well blended.

4. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition.

5. Stir in buttermilk.

6. Combine 1 cup flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, stirring well with a whisk. Add flour mixture to buttermilk mixture, stirring until moist.

7. Pour batter into prepared baking pan and bake for 20 minutes or until done. Cool completely and cut into 1-inch cubes.

Dressing

5 (14-ounce) cans fat-free, less -sodium chicken broth

1 teaspoon olive oil

1 cup finely chopped onion

1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed

7 ounces bottled roasted red bell peppers, drained and chopped

8 cups (1-inch) cubed French bread (about 8 ounces)

3/4 cup chopped green onions

1. Bring broth to a boil in a large saucepan; cook until reduced to 5 cups (about 30 minutes).

2. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 cup onion; saute 3 minutes. Add corn and bell pepper; saute 3 minutes.

3. Combine onion mixture, corn bread, French bread, and green onions in a large bowl, stirring to combine. Add broth, tossing to coat.

4. Spoon mixture into a 13. 9-inch baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes or until set.

Sweet Potato-Bake

The original recipe is actually called "Two-Potato Bake" and calls for both sweet potatos and red potatos. However, I only use sweet potatos. This recipe is best to make the day you serve it.

8 cups thinly sliced peeled sweet potato (about 2 1/2 lbs)

2 tablespoons minced fresh onion

3 tablespoons butter, melted

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

3/4 cup fat-free milk

2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

2 tablespoons grated fresh parmesan cheese (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

2. Coat an 11x7-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

3. Place 4 cups sweet potato in dish and sprinkle evenly with onion.

4. Drizzle with 1 1/2 tablespoons butter. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.

5. Repeat layers with remaining potato, butter, salt, and pepper.

6. Bring milk to a boil in a small saucepan; pour over mixture.

7. Cover with aluminum foil; cut 8 (a-inch) slits in foil.

8. Bake at 42t degrees for 50 minutes. Unocver and bake 10 minutes.

9. Remove from oven; sprinkle with parsley and cheese. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Aaron James is on the Go!

We're never going to be able to keep up with him now!

Thank You Veterans!

Today Hannah's school had a Veterans Day program. She's been practicing for the past 2 weeks and we've enjoyed singing all of the patriotic songs at home together. Luke, Aaron, and I went to see the program this morning, and it was a wonderful tribute to our veterans. The only problem was that we didn't see Hannah and she didn't see us. Everyone else's kids looked great, though! Here's our proof that we actually were there.

What Am I Working For?

God blessed me early on in my life by giving me the desire to help and serve others. I always knew that whatever career I went into, I wanted it to be one in which I was helping. My parents, and especially my mother, helped me to cultivate that desire.

So I ended up working at M. D. Anderson, fulfilling my heart's desire - helping others who were going through really tough circumstances. However, when I had Hannah, my heart's desire changed somewhat. I still wanted to help others, but I desperately desired to be with her more so I could serve her entirely. Finally, 6 years and 2 children later, I was given my heart's desire to devote the entirety of my days to being a "homemaker." (That sounds so weird and archaic, but that's what I do and I love it!)

Even though God has provided these wonderful opportunities, work is work and not every part of it is really rewarding. Recently in church, Luke learned Colossians 3:17 - "Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." Actually, he learned the 4-year-old version: "Whatever you do, do your work for the Lord." Our family has taken hold of this verse and made it our own. Its a great verse for Luke to remember when he's coloring, for Hannah to remember when she's doing her homework, and for me to remember when I'm having to do my least favorite chore: laundry! No matter what I am doing - my heart's desire or a task I don't really like that much - I am working for the Lord. God gave me this work, he has answered my heart's desire on more that one occasion, and I am working for Him.

And how can I be successful at this homemaking job? At M. D. Anderson, the administration takes great pains to recognize its employees and acknowledge them for a job well done. Recognition may not be so regular or immediate in the homemaking business. But I recently remembered this quote from Sr. Mary Lauretta - "To be successful the first thing to do is fall in love with your work." I realized that my heart is fickle. I fall in "love" with many things. My desire changes as my life and circumstances change. But to be successful in any of it, I need to keep falling in love with who I'm working for - my Lord, my Jesus. My heart's desire is really to glorify Him. And although I will rejoice in the rewards I am able to experience here on earth - my children's smiles, their right choices, etc., I will also strive to one day receive the greatest reward - to hear Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant!" Matthew 25:23.

A Letter from My Heavenly Daddy

My Child,

You may not know me,
but I know everything about you.
Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up.
Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways.
Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.
Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image.
Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being.
Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring.
Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived.
Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation.
Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake,
for all your days are written in my book.
Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth
and where you would live.
Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb.
Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born.
Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented
by those who don't know me.
John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry,
but am the complete expression of love.
1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.
1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child
and I am your Father.
1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.
Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father.
Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.
James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.
Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love.
Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless
as the sand on the seashore.
Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you.
Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession.
Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you
with all my heart and all my soul.
Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things.
Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart,
you will find me.
Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you
the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires.
Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you
than you could possibly imagine.
Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you
in all your troubles.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted,
I am close to you.
Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb,
I have carried you close to my heart.
Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away
every tear from your eyes.
Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain
you have suffered on this earth.
Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you
even as I love my son, Jesus.
John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.
John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being.
Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you,
not against you.
Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression
of my love for you.
1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved
that I might gain your love.
Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus,
you receive me.
1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you
from my love again.
Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party
heaven has ever seen.
Luke 15:7

I have always been Father,
and will always be Father.
Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is…
Will you be my child?
John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you.
Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad
Almighty God

Father's Love Letter used by permission Father Heart Communications © 1999-2011 www.FathersLoveLetter.com