Photo Ramblings

Today, a group of us went canoeing and had a blast.  At first, Meredith and I weren't doing so hot, but after a bit of trial and error, we got the hang of it.  We lagged behind the others, taking our time to observe the nature around us.  We saw an otter, several birds, and a few turtles. Meredith may have even seen an alligator, but she kept saying, "just look straight ahead," because she didn't want me to freak out if it started coming our way.  Anyways, it was a day of great fun, and we all want to try to go again sometime soon... Hopefully next time David will be able to go with me.  

Whenever I hear someone talk about “gratitude journals” or “thankfulness books,” I always think, “What a great idea.” Taking into consideration my love of lists, you’d think I’d make a list of what I’m thankful for each and every day. I believe I’ve even purposed to do it. Ha… so didn’t happen. I just read a list of someone’s “gratitudes,” and it made me think about mine. So… here are several things that I’m thankful for. 

1. I’m thankful that the Honduras team made it safely back. I’m also thankful that they seemed to come back with a greater appreciation for the wealth we enjoy in America and a greater burden to see souls saved. It was so awesome to see them all raise their hands when asked, “Who watch someone trust Jesus Christ as his Savior?” and then see the hands go up when asked, “Was this a first for anyone?” 
   
2. I’m thankful for the time David and I were able to spend with my cousin’s three kids on Saturday night. Since we don’t have any of our own, we enjoy laughing and playing with other people’s kids… especially ones as cute as those three! 
   
3. I’m thankful that I have a teaching job for the fall. With the situation as it is, many teachers are scrambling for jobs. I’m thankful I’m not one of those people. 
   
4. I’m thankful for my husband, my parents, my brother, and my extended family. With very few exceptions, we’re all saved and doing our best to live a clean life that would be pleasing to our Savior. 
   
5. I’m thankful that we have the Bible readily available for us in English! When you think about how many languages there are in the world and how many of them don’t have a Bible, it’s really amazing! 
   

Psalm 106:1 says, “O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.”

A Thought for the Average American Family...

if you can't afford it, you can't afford it plus 15 percent

Uneventful Days...

are wonderful!  There have been no explosions in the Brown kitchen today.

Kitchen Detonation

Our day first started getting interesting when the utility sink in the garage completely overflowed without any provocation (meaning, the sink wasn't on, etc.).  Then, we realized that the entire contents of the washing machine had drained into it.  The kitchen sink was also backed up, so we realized that we had a problem.  When Richard and David J. came over, we had to put them to work stopping up different sources of water.  Then, we built up pressure to force out the blockage.  

Christopher was manning the hose.  After getting complete directions from Dad, he did a great job.  (Don't you love the face?  Sharpies were a wonderful invention...)
It took two people to hold down one side of the sink... I could hold down my side all by myself... Notice how my dad is the supervisor.   

And now for the real dilemma...

Tonight, as has been the norm recently, we had guests for supper.  Also a frequent occurrence, we were planning on having baked mashed potatoes...  a very, very good side dish. Unfortunately for Kimberly, she cooked them on 425˚ as opposed to 325˚.  Fortunately for Kimberly, we noticed before they were ruined; we quickly retrieved the casserole dish from the oven and placed it on the stove. Around the same time, I was going to start steaming the broccoli, so I turned on the burner.  Unfortunately for me, I turned on the wrong burner!  I turned on the burner where the potatoes were cooling.  The problem?  Pyrex dishes apparently aren't made for stovetops.  Kimberly and I were doing various things in the kitchen when the entire dish exploded into smithereens.  That's right... teeny, tiny pieces and slivers of glass were splattered around the kitchen... in other dishes, in my sugar, etc.  It was a complete and total mess. Kimberly and I, a very good thing for us, were able to see the humor in the situation and, after thanking the Lord that the glass didn't hit us in the face or eyes, found it hysterical... until the cleanup began.  What a mess! Thankfully, my sweet husband, sister-in-law, and David J. were great helps... Christopher and Richard would have been, but they were too busy...  

A man who hath friends...

... must shew himself friendly....

Today I had the opportunity to spend some time with a friend with whom I used to spend a lot of time. Due to some unforeseen events, we haven’t seen each other as much as we have for most of our lives. It was great to be able to enjoy the afternoon together and not think about the reasons things are different. I jotted down several lessons I had learned from this friend (she’s almost 17 now) in March of 2007 and wanted to share them with you. 

1. Sometimes the people you are trying to help help you more than you help them! 
   
2. Sometimes you get blessings from people younger than you are.
   
3. Sometimes you need something (or someone) to wake you up and allow you to realize that you need to get back in God's word and on fire for him! 
   
4. You can't go through life without good, godly friends!

If you read this (you know who you are), I love you! 

Western Meal in One

When I was at home, my mom made what she called "western meal in one" quite a bit.  Due to the fact that my brother and I were relatively picky, it was unbelievable that it was such a hit. Its kidney beans, bell peppers, onions, and garlic somehow mingled together to create a flavor that could be enjoyed by even the pickiest Riley (probably me).  Unfortunately, my picky husband (the most picky Brown) doesn't like the meal; but since his sister is more daring, she decided she would try it if I would make it.  Because I enjoy eating it, and didn't mind fixing something else for David, I made it today.  It was even better than I remembered, and very easy to make, so I decided I would share the recipe with you.  

1 lb. ground beef

1 clove garlic, minced

1 vidalia  onion, chopped

1 green pepper, chopped

1 t. chile powder (I double this)

28 oz. of diced tomatoes (I use the large can, but you could use 2 smaller cans)

1 can dark red kidney beans

1/2 cup long grain rice (NOT INSTANT... I use brown rice to make it more healthful)

Grated cheese

In a large skillet, combine the ground beef, garlic, onion, green pepper, and chile powder.  Cook until meat is browned and the veggies are limp (or the onions are translucent).  Remove from heat and drain fat.  Combine the remaining ingredients (I don't drain the tomatoes, but I do drain a little bit of the "juice" from the kidney beans) with the meat mixture and pour into a 2.5 liter dish (I use a round Corning Ware).  Bake uncovered for 45 minutes at 350˚.  Top with cheese and bake for another 10 minutes.  

I served it with biscuits and grilled corn on the cob (use a George Foreman if you have it... yum!!!).  To do the corn, I just melt butter, stir in some season salt, and brush it on as I let it cook for about 15 minutes.  

By the way, Kimberly said it was good.  Sorry there's no picture, but I rarely take pictures of the meals that I make...

I Was Glad...

...when they said unto me, let us go unto the house of the Lord...

Today was a wonderful day in the church house. David preached both sermons today, which makes me a little nervous; but he did a great job. He ventured out into a "dangerous" topic tonight -- apparel & modesty. David did something that very few preachers seem to do (though Bro James does the same): He didn't preach his opinion, he went through what the Bible has to say about modesty.

The five principles that David has found in the Bible and that the Brown family goes by are the following:

1. Cover your nakedness (Gen. 3:6-7,21)
2. Dress modestly (I Timothy 2:9,10)
3. Uphold the distinction between male and female (Gen 1:26-27, Mark 10:6, Deut. 22:5)
4. Be separate from the world (2 Cor 6:14-18, I Peter 1:13-16)
5. Remember you represent Jesus Christ (2 Cor 5:20)

It is sad what so-called Christians wear today. Even if there are those who dress modestly at church, they seem to feel like God's standard varies from place to place. Unfortunately for them, God's word doesn't change when you're at the beach or the pool. Biblical principles must be followed. Obviously, the materials might be different, but the distinction still must remain. Just because everyone else is wearing less doesn't mean you're modest.

Please Pray

Please remember our Honduras team in prayer!  They are en route to the airport in Miami from where they will fly out at 7 a.m.  Due to the size of the group, I believe, they are arriving at the airport 4 hours early.  David went to the church house tonight to see them off and said there were many teary-eyed parents saying goodbye to their youth.  I know they would appreciate your prayers for safety, health, and souls.  I'm sorry I've repeatedly asked for prayer, but I know I would forget if not reminded time and time again.  Especially pray that the Lord will work in the lives of the ten young people! 

On another note:  Tonight we had company for dinner.  Two Bible school students came over for dinner after our weekly nursing home service.  It was a great time of fellowship and fun. We spent over an hour singing around the piano.  Singing about our wonderful Savior always has a way of making us more joyful, doesn't it?  

This weekend, David is going to be preaching both services at church.  Please pray for him!  I think I get more nervous than he does when he preachers, even though he always does a wonderful job! 

Have a wonderful weekend! 

Reasons I Enjoy Summer

1. More time to spend with family and friends (usually).  
2. One of these summers, I'm going to get enough sun so that my freckles all run together and I'll look tan.  For those of you who don't know (and who probably don't care), my arms have millions of tiny freckles...  
3. Time to read more... both the Bible and other books.  
4. Girls and Boys trips (I just go on the girls trip)
5. Key lime pie

Photo Ramblings

New Nephew

Jacob Tyler was born this morning at 7 lbs. 8 oz.  Both the mother and the baby are doing well. David and I are very excited about our new nephew, but wish we could see him.  David's family lives in AL, so we'll have to wait until later this summer.  

Key Lime Pie & Life Updates

Tonight, David helped me make a key lime pie.  Before we got married, we made chocolate chip cookies together...  David measured the salt.  Rather than using the teaspoon, he used the tablespoon.  Needless to say, they were a little bit on the unedible side.  The only person we could find to eat some was Mr. Brown.  Tonight's experience went much more smoothly.  He even helped me make the graham cracker crust.  

Cooking has been very easy lately... Kimberly is such a wonderful help!  She enjoys helping. While I prepare the meat, she'll peel the potatoes, etc.  I'm definitely going to take longer to prepare dinner once Kimberly goes home.  (I think I forgot to mention that she has extended her stay... she's going to be here until the middle of July when David and I go on a trip with the church).  

On another note:  Please pray for the young people at our church who are going to Honduras. They're leaving on Friday, and I know they're getting extremely eager to be on their way.  Pray that the Lord will prepare the hearts of the people to whom they will be presenting the gospel. Also, please pray that the Lord will work in the hearts of the young people.  It would be wonderful if they came back with a burden for missions that will last a lifetime.  If not a burden for missions, at least a burden for souls.  

On another note:  David, Kimberly, and I made several visits today.  One of our visits was to a 78 year old woman who lives in a nursing home in downtown Orlando.  She has breast cancer and a collection of other problems, but she is so upbeat and happy because of her Savior.  She repeatedly mentioned how she'd been a "born again Christian" for 16 years.  She said she's thankful that she was saved then, but she wishes she had trusted Christ earlier.  She has us in stitches several times, but was an undeniable blessing to all of our hearts!  

Finally:  Forgive me if I've already mentioned this, but the Bible Baptist Church as a group received quite a blessing a couple weeks ago.  Sometime last year or the year before, our church van and a sign that says "Jesus Saves" were vandalized (the sign was made to say "Jesus Enslaves").  We never found the "vandalizer," but a couple weeks back, a young man stopped by the church house.  He admitted to doing the vandalism, and said he wanted to apologize for doing such a stupid thing.  That morning, he trusted Jesus Christ as his Savior!  David has stopped by to visit with him twice since that day, and both visits have been very fruitful!  He's apprehensive about coming to church, probably because he messed up the church's property. David is doing his best to explain that people in church prayed that the vandal (there's the correct word) would be saved! and they aren't going to care anymore.  They are elated that he is born again!  

So, that's what's been going on in our lives!  

As I was reading other blogs today, I came across one author who wrote a list of things she'd learned after her first year of marriage.  As I read that, I started thinking about things that I have learned in the 19 months David and I have been married...  They have been wonderful months, but I have had to make some adjustments -- being married has a way of bringing out some personality traits that one doesn't know she has.  

Here are a few things that I've learned:

1. David is exactly as I expected him to be.  He's sweet, never gets angry, is very rational, and hugs away a lot of problems.  He's patient with me when I'm being "emotional" and "nit-picky," but he is the type of husband who's willing to tell me what I need to work on. For that, I am extremely thankful.  I needed someone like that, and the Lord blessed me with exactly what I needed.  
   
2. I am not exactly as I expected myself to be.  I have a lot of selfishness that I wouldn't have admitted before getting married.  I like to have things my own way, and I don't take criticism all that well; with the Lord's help, I'm working on that!  I think the Lord has helped me since we were married, but I certainly have a long way to go. 
3. It's okay to disagree.  When we were first married, I thought it was a terrible ordeal if David and I had different opinions on something little.  Now I realize it's okay.  It makes for good discussions (not arguments!) and great opportunities to rethink our positions. NOTE:  I am not talking about major doctrinal issues.  Just little things.  
4. I love David even more than I thought possible.  Before we got married, I thought I loved David so much.  Now, I realize that there's something that he does every day that causes me to love him more than I did the day before. 

If you'd like to post on your blog what you've learned from your marriage, please leave a comment to let me know so I can check it out!  

On another note, one of the "new" fish (Edward) is looking suspiciously like he's about to take a trip down the toilet.  He's been floating up to the top of the water, and I'll tap on the glass to see if he moves and he does.  I've got a feeling he's not going to be with us much longer.  

finally...

I'm going to be taking things into my classroom this week!  It's very exciting to finally be able to be in there.  I'm working on labeling all of my books and getting things organized!  I even was able to see pictures of most of my students, get their names, etc.  I'm going to be making name tags, etc. this week!  Needless to say, I'm so happy!  

Something to Think About...

Our pastor brought up a very good point at church last night:

When tomatoes cause people to throw up because they have some harmful bacteria, the United States bans the distribution of the infected tomatoes... that makes sense, doesn't it? Think about how many people are killed each year by drunk drivers. Can anyone figure out why there is no ban on alcohol? Of course we can figure it out, but it certainly doesn't make much sense.

Photo Ramblings

Nana and one of her three great-grandchildren, Morgan.  

After Nana's 80th party, Morgan and I had fun looking

for pine cones and flowers.  She's a cutie, and she and her 

sister and brother are so much fun to be around.

my adorable grandparents.  Nana and Jamie are very special!

Jamie (that's his grandfather name) will be 82 in July.  They

look pretty good for being in their 80's, don't they?

On Saturday, we had a youth activity.  If you've played Cranium,

you probably know what Zooma is...  we had a Zooma scavenger hunt.

Do you know what this is?  It's a close-up of a mic.  We had to figure out

what each of 39 pictures were and get a group shot with each.

this is one of our group shots.  I forgot to mention we had to 

hold on to the yellow chord at all times.  

here's another group shot.  We wanted points for creativity.  No we are not

doing the "Hokey Pokey."  

5 Reasons I Haven't Been Blogging

1.  Company has been here...  We're having a wonderful time with David's little sister Kimberly. 

2.  I haven't had complete reign on my Mac... Kimberly and David have been using it, too.  They are "anti-Mac," though, so I'm thinking of cutting their privileges.  

3.  While we've been having fun, there's been nothing utterly profound for me to write about. We've had some great, hysterical times; but when I try to remember the funny stories, I can't. (Although, Kimberly and I are in 100% agreement: 92 year old men who walk outside to get the mail at 11 p.m. should definitely have to be entirely clothed!)

4.  I think I needed a "bloggy break."  If I hadn't written so much in the beginning, it probably wouldn't be so hard for me to come up with something right now. 

5.  Sometimes you need to take a break from things in order to get focused on the things that should truly be # 1 in your life.  I have needed to do that.  

For those of you who have missed me, that's where I've been!  

  

Photo Ramblings

Happy 80th Birthday, Nana!

I hope that I'm as sweet and beautiful as
my grandmother is when I'm 80.
Happy Birthday, Nana!
We love you!

It's not her birthday today, but we celebrated last night, so I wanted to post about it while I was thinking about it!

Photo Ramblings

Checking In

I finally have a few minutes to write. David and Kimberly are both napping, and I’m just about to join them but wanted to take advantage of the time to write quickly. We’ve had a wonderful weekend (even though we’re all fried). We went to Busch Gardens on Friday (YAY!) and then we were out on my aunt and uncle’s boat for 8 hours yesterday (tubing, riding on the ocean, and watching the space shuttle launch). We’re all enjoying the time to spend together laughing, talking, and having a good time. 

I really never got the chance to report on Dalton and Charlie’s deaths. The little guys were swimming around quite peacefully when I decided to refresh their water. I did it as always… took them out, cleaned the stones and plants, etc. Then, scrubbed the sides of the bowl with only warm water. After completing the above, I placed them back in their respective bowls. Within a few minutes, they were looking VERY droopy, and then Charlie died. Not long after, Dalton passed, as well. In retrospect, it had to be the water. I usually either let it sit out all night or put drops to neutralize any imperfections in the water, but I hadn’t done it for the last few times so I figured they would be fine (just like the other times). The water had extra chlorine in it, I think, though. So… it’s a sad story, isn’t it? 

On Tuesday, Kimberly and I replaced betta fish with Elliot (he’s red rather than blue). Then, that night, David got two more goldfish (it’s a good thing they’re only 28 cents). One of them is Edward and the other one is… Charlie. I think that’s a little bit disrespectful of the original, but it’s David’s decision. They’re “his” fish. Hopefully, these fish will make it a little longer than the last fish, but we’ll see. 

Also, David’s graduation from Bible school was a joyous event! I am so happy for him. He worked very hard and we spent many, many evenings apart. The time was well-worth it, but I’m so glad we’ll be able to eat dinner together at a normal hour every night. 9 p.m. is a little late, even for us. The service was very nice, and a young man in the Bible school knew how much David needed a new laptop (his is TERRIBLE!) so he sent out a “secret e-mail” to the church congregation letting them know of David’s need and that rather than putting money in a card, they could give towards the computer if they wanted to. So, many people did, and had enough to buy a really nice computer, the warrantee and all. It was such a blessing! 

So, despite our busy lives, we’ve been so happy. I probably won’t be able to update for a while, but I just wanted to “check in” again.