Spirit Wind

This past semester has been a whirl wind. In 2 short, beautiful weeks I will be done with my college career! I remember counting down to my arrival at A&M, and man oh man, I was BLINDSIDED by all that I would find down that sweet Highway 6.

I have been reflecting on the fact that I have always had the intention of coming to A&M, getting into PPA, then going to work for a big 4 accounting firm. Now that I am in the throws of finishing this up, I still can attest to the fact that plans for my life are not my own; God has given me a new direction, and a set of circumstances I never expected. My personal examples of God changing my plans are easy to show & tell: Tyler & Austin. I was the first person to say that I wouldn't have a serious relationship in college, and that as soon as it was over I'd be out of the country for an unknown amount of time. Oops. I fell in love with an amazing man of God that reminds me to give up worries & trust God, nearly everyday. A man that makes me pee my pants in laughter, who reaches to the Lord when he sings, a man that holds his ground in ruthless banter with family friends looking to make him embarrassed...and now I'm moving to Austin, TEXAS? Ha, this is going to be good.

The Lord knows what I need, and where I can best serve Him. At 18, I didn't know what God wanted. It is still (obviously) a daily challenge to ask & learn what God wants of me in the moment.

Tonight I was blessed with encouragement, prayer & affirmation by my friends that I study the Bible with each Monday. I got a glimpse of reflection of this semester, realizing that this group of people are exactly what I have needed. A consistent source of God's word, honesty, transparency, a group of people to minister to about their needs & prayers...I could go on, but I won't because I need to write about their prayers for me, and I also need to sleep.

Michael opened by saying that the verse he chose seemed cliche, but after looking at some of my Facebook profile pictures, the verse was just 'Tara Bradley':
"You are the light of the world, A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on the stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16
*I LOVE this verse.

Michael also read the Priestly blessing:
"The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace." Numbers 6: 24-26

Michael spoke about my confidence to be me in all situations, even if that could be embarrassing to others, ha.

Courtney appreciated the way that I am helpful, and look for ways to give to others.

Zach read the verse that his grandmother gave to him for his life verse:
"Be strong & courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers...Be strong & courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1: 6 and 9

Zach spoke about the fact that Austin might not be too scary, but if I ever am fearful about my purpose & mission in this life, to rely on the fact that God has planned all that is set out. That has been my comfort and prayer, so many times.

One of my favorites:

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10

I have struggled these past few months to determine what God's will is about where I will live starting in January, and really about what God wants from me in the subject of ministry...but as I remember my prayers for 2011, I have seen God more than fulfill them. I am faithful that He will bring my steps to me as I need to know what to do & where to go.

The Spirit is alive & well, keeping me close to the Lord, speaking truth & life...that in itself is an answer to prayer.
[Casting Crowns-Spirit Wind]

Pop's Pickles!

Molly and I made these this weekend:

Ingredients

• 8 pounds small pickling cucumbers


• 4 cups water


• 4 cups distilled white vinegar


• 3/4 cup white sugar


• 1/2 cup pickling salt


• 3 tablespoons pickling spice, wrapped in cheesecloth


• 7 1-quart canning jars with lids and rings


• 7 heads fresh dill


• 7 cloves garlic

Directions

1. Place cucumbers in a large pot and cover with ice cubes. Let them sit for at least 2 hours but no more than 8. Drain and pat dry.


2. Place the water, vinegar, sugar, pickling salt, and pickling spice into a saucepan. Bring to boil, then simmer for 15 minutes.


3. Sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Pack the cucumbers into the hot, sterilized jars, filling the jars to within 1/2 inch of the top. Place 1 dill head and 1 clove of garlic into each jar. Pour the hot pickling liquid into the jars, filling to within 1/4 inch of the rim. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids, and screw on rings.


4. Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then carefully lower the jars into the pot using a holder. Leave a 2 inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary until the water level is at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a full boil, cover the pot, and process for 5 minutes, or the time recommended by your county Extension agent.


5. Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool. Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all). If any jars have not sealed properly, refrigerate them and eat within two weeks. Store in a cool, dark area, and wait at least 1 week before opening.

Our variations:
We used pint size canning jars; used 1 tsp of minced garlic, 1 tsp dill seed, and halved the juice mix as we made it because my pan wasn't big enough to make the 'full' amount. We repeated the canning process three times with three jars each batch. We also didn't know if we should take the jars out of the hot water after 'sterilizing' while putting cucumbers inside them, so we didn't. I'm hoping that keeping everything hot will make the pickles stay crunchy. One jar didn't seal because I accidentally got hot water in it as I tried to put the lid on.

This was a huge mess, but totally worth it. Very fun for us to do together!

9/27 Update: I broke down and tried a pickle (I was supposed to wait until Saturday but I got really hungry last night). In my defense, I ate from the jar that didn't seal, so I didn't mess anything up. I LOVE them. It's kind of weird to eat pickles that don't taste like Vlasics or whatever, but I like them because their mine. Maybe some of the vinegar flavor will dissipate or something after some time. That's what it is, they taste too vinegar-y. The garlic and dill amounts ROCK.

Can't wait for my next canning project. :)

Passion

Ignited my fire again. Made me feel the Holy Spirit. Taught me more than I can learn on my own. Made me convicted, conflicted. Stronger. I need to live it out.

king ranch casserole

jessica and i love krc.

we have made two batches together.
recipe 1:



what we like: corn tortillas

what we don't like: too many ingredients, takes a LONG time

recipe 2:

can corn?
can rotel
can beans?
4 boiled chicken breasts, shredded
tortilla chips crunched up on the bottom of the baking dish
mexican cheese
medium onion, chopped

what we like: crunch of chip

what we don't like: too many onions, chips not crunchy on 2nd day, difficult to get out of the pan bc of the slippery chip bottom.