Folk Music Center: Heaven on Earth

didjeridoos

cajóns

penny whistles

mandolins

banjos

harps

koto harps

harmonicas

erhus (I did a google search for "Asian stringed instrument" to figure out what this one is called!)

percussion instruments that look and croak like frogs

Music and other cultures are two of my favorite things in the world. The Folk Music Center puts both in one heavenly store. Every time that I walk through the front door of the Folk Music Center, it takes me at least an hour to walk back out because it is jammed, crammed, packed full of instruments from everywhere.

cultures + music = Folk Music Center --> happy Christie

Click on this picture to spy into the store to see drums and stringed instruments from all over!

Ironically, the instrument that I always end up playing first is the least international of all – the banjo. I know two chords. Well, if the banjo is properly tuned, you simply have to strum to play a G-chord, so I guess I only really know one chord.

If you're ever in the area and want to try your hand at dozens (hundreds?!) of instruments, let me know and I will bring you with me! Be warned that it will not be a short visit. And you will have to hear a horrid, two-chord banjo solo.

Catalina Island

For how many wives does joining their husband on a work-related trip mean going to an island to help recent college graduates transition to the "real world"? Although being married to a college pastor has some downsides, there are some pretty sweet perks.

Last week, I joined 250+ students from seven colleges for their summer conference at Catalina Island. I hopped in the Senior Seminar where I got to help students figure out what following Jesus post-college looks like. It was wonderful to be re-challenged by the content and to share my own successes and failures with the students.

Here are a few random pictures!

Gotta' love catching real laughs on camera.

Gotta' love owls in scuba gear.

Gotta' love two-year-olds.

I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say

There is nothing like a hymn that has withstood the test of time. Here is a little gem that I discovered recently. I just love the words. Below the lyrics, I embedded a beautiful version by Audrey Assad.

I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say

I heard the voice of Jesus say, "Come unto me and rest.

Lay down, thou weary one, lay down thy head upon my breast."

I came to Jesus as I was, weary, and worn, and sad.

I found in Him a resting place, and he has made me glad.

I heard the voice of Jesus say, "Behold, I freely give

The living water thirsty one, stoop down, and drink, and live."

I came to Jesus and I drank of that life giving stream.

My thirst was quenched, my soul revived, and now I live in Him.

I heard the voice of Jesus say, "I am this dark world's light.

Look unto me thy morn shall rise, and all thy days be bright."

I looked to Jesus and I found in Him my star, my sun.

And in that light of life I'll walk 'til traveling days are done.

Snapdragons and a Mojito

These gorgeous snapdragons greeted me just outside my church's sanctuary today. I happened to have my camera on me and I just had to take a picture!

I'm not big on alcohol, but if I had to choose a favorite drink, it would certainly be mojitos. And the mojito pictured below may very well be the best one I've ever had. Fresh squeezed limes, fresh mint leaves, seltzer water, & rum... and all at a two year old's birthday party!

Gosh, I love my fancy schmancy camera. Thanks again to all who got it for me! I will now remember the snapdragons and my mojito forever.

Spinach Quiche

I baked this spinach quiche on Monday and only a single piece remains in my fridge today because it it the best quiche I've ever had! (Well, it's my mom's recipe, so maybe I'm a little bit biased. But, you should try it for yourself.)


Spinach Quiche
Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups flour
• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 stick of cold margarine

Filling:

• 1 package of frozen spinach (defrosted and excess water squeezed out)
• 1 small onion
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2/3 cup milk
• 3 eggs

Directions:

1. Mix together crust ingredients. Press into a pie pan. Bake in a 425° oven for 9 minutes.
2. Mis together filling. Put it in the cooked shell. Bake in a 375° oven for 45 minutes.
3. Sprinkle with grated cheddar cheese when done.