our God is so unique!

I have such and exciting course schedule this semester, at first I was worried about all the homework- but it has been working out so perfectly!
Here are my best courses
Western Civ. through 1600
World Lit. through 1640
Medieval Literature
OT Survey
It is so amazing studying all of these same time periods in different subjects! (Yes I know Medieval Lit. isn't exactly the same time period but it still ends up fitting in somehow.) Everyday I learn something in one class that perfectly corresponds to my other classes. Every class adds to my knowledge of not only its own subject but my other subjects as well. For example, learning about the ancient Mesopotamian gods then reading literature about them enhances both the reading and the cultural studies. Then as I turn to Genesis one, I see how this is not just the Bible but a beautiful piece of literature full of flavors from the time. Then I get to learn about the Greek gods and read their literature. My Medieval class has focused a lot on the history of writing, oral tradition, etc., etc., fitting perfectly as we read so many legends passed down by oral tradition.
Anyways all this was just to say that 1) my schedule is awesome and 2) learning about these ancient cultures and their gods has given me a completely new appreciation for our GOD.
Our God is not at all fickle, He doesn't toy with us, He does have complete control, He is good, He cares about us.
All these things I already knew. But as I read about and study these ancient cultures I am struck by how the people were governed by their fear of the gods. Every aspect of their lives and cultures were dictated according to their belief of the gods. What misery they lived under believing in temperamental and angry gods with limited power. What beauty we live under with the omniscient, loving, unchanging God!

When I used to pray, "God I thank you for being ____" I never really understood why I needed to say that. "Like God would be anything else," I thought. But this morning as I thanked God for being abundant and loving I saw what a great contrast our God is compared to the "gods" of this world- our God is different and truly amazing. It is worth remembering, saying, and praising Him for His oh-so-unique character!

thoughts today

It's Tuesday. I'm supposed to be talking to you.

Classes start tomorrow- so the Braum's run took place. Brought back 2 very drippy cones. Delighted faces. New friends.

I have a have a heavy but good class load.

I am on the watch for natural colors.

One of the best sounds can be found in that moment just before or after a word ... silence ... "silence can be harsh or kind but always produces growth"

Communion is still hard without my Papi leading it. Have you ever had it not administered by elders? I did today- it was strange.

Many passionate people in one place is astounding.

Jane Eyre was courageous. I remember that.

"Mastering the Art of French Cooking"

Yesterday I went to Borders with a 40% off coupon and hopes to purchase one of the two Mastering the Art of French Cooking Cookbooks by Julia Child (notice no "s" at the end of Child). I ended up with both volumes for only $13!!!
I took them to the park at once and started devouring its pages. What the proper ingredients are, how to properly hold my knife, what pots to use for what, and how to clarify butter!
In the absence of my lovely sister Laura, (my most faithful Sous Chef enduring all my whims and disasters) Laura Bartlet was kind enough to indulge me and cook with me last night.
We made suprêmes de volaille à brun (chicken breasts sauteed in butter) with tomates à la provençale (tomatoes stuffed with breadcrumbs, herbs, and garlic).
May I just say it was the best chicken I think I have ever had! I was really scared making it, the recipe says, "When the butter begins to deepen in color very slightly, put in the suprêmes...After 3 minutes turn over and saute on the other side for two minutes."
I am a firm believer in fully cooked meats- only 5 minutes for chicken?!!! I repeated these thoughts to Laura and she looked at me and said,
"who told you to do that?"
"...Julia" I said.
Laura was right- who am I to question Julia Child??? And of course- she was right! The chicken was perfect. Perfectly cooked but still sooo jucy and tender. Completely perfect. Even the left overs today were perfect. Every bite delectable with a crispy crust perfectly flavored.
Laura took care of the stuffed tomatoes while I did the chicken and those were amazing as well. I had to convince Laura to even do the tomatoes (she generally doesn't like them) and she loved them even more than me!
So here is to -----
new cookbooks
Julia Child
fresh ingredients
cooking with friends
and delicious food!


P.S. There is a fabulous looking chocolate cake recipe that is calling my name....

A New Car

I have a new car! My papi is soo good to me- I have a car to take to college with me!
I said goodbye to my old car- lots of memories in Le Baron
I learned to drive in this little car, one of my friends this was her first car to drive. I carried waaay to many people at once in Le Baron, I broke down more times than I can remember, had fun times, sad times- basically it was my first car!
It's pretty amazing how many drivers this has been through. Our international student Taka bought this car new, then when he left gave it to Crissie, she moved around in it (once again carrying waaay to much), I had it next for quite a while, and now Austin has it! ahhhh. Poor La Baron is tired, but he still lives.

LaBaron was nice, but i'm soo happy about my new car!

finally done :)

well you all already know, but Laura's baby's quilt is done! It was an amazing process- from designing it to picking out patterns, textures and colors.
here is the finished product.


I was so happy with the end result and all the lessons I learned from it!
Now on to some pillows for my other sister and her new home!