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.

Our Home Recording Studio

My husband received some basic music recording equipment for Christmas from my family. When we've taken it out, our recordings have dissolved into laughs and joking around. This is the first little project that we actually invested some time and creative energy into. Enjoy! (I apologize for the out of tune guitar...)



In the Jungle
Arranged by Michael & Christie
Guitar: Michael
Moldovan flute, penny whistle: Christie

One Carefree Duck

Once finals are over, I will feel as carefree as this guy looks.

No Longer Newlyweds

I once heard it said that the term "newlywed" applies to the entire first two years of marriage. Well, whether or not that is true, I am sure that the newlywed phase is over for my husband and me. How do I know this? By the following:

• The satin finish on Michael's wedding band has worn off.
• Almost every person I interact with on a daily basis doesn't know my maiden name.
• Being the Mr. and Mrs. is now the comfortable default. The excitement and attention surrounding our wedding has long since faded away.
• We recently celebrated our second anniversary.

See? No longer newlyweds.

Though there is some trepidation within me at the amount of WORK a happy marriage takes, I am really looking forward to growing old together and I am so blessed to be doing it with Michael.

The pastor who married us asked us to share with him three attributes that we most love about each other. I told him that Michael is hilarious, caring, and faithful. He then shared this with our friends and family just before we exchanged our vows.

These three attributes remain at the top of my list.

Michael makes me laugh all the time.

His care for every little detail of my life makes him the best listener I've got. Michael truly loves to hear all of my little thoughts and stories.

And he is so faithful in the day-to-day of marriage. Michael is constantly learning and growing in loving me. And it works. I feel more loved by him now than I ever have before.

I am one blessed woman.