Healthy Fettuccine Alfredo - with Cauliflower??

Healthy Fettuccine Alfredo
(Recipe makes 2 Bowl-Fulls)
(And yes, I know I used penne pasta below....)

(Recipe adapted from this link)

Sauce Ingredients: (Double these ingredients for 4-6 people)
3 garlic cloves, minced
2-3 cups cauliflower florets
2-3 cups broth or water (broth tastes better)
1 Tbsp melted butter
1/2 tsp salt (to taste)
pinch black pepper (to taste)
1/8 cup Milk (to taste)
Noodles (fettuccine, penne, spaghetti...whatever floats your boat)

(Optional: Serve with added cooked chicken pieces or broccoli florets)

Directions:
1.  Get out your blender (long live the Vitamix!) and drop in the garlic cloves whole (or mince them yourself and drop in)
2. In a saucepan, bring the broth to a boil and drop in the cauliflower florets.  Boil for 7-9 minutes or until fork tender.
3.  In another saucepan, cook your noodles in boiling water for 9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
4.  Once the cauliflower is cooked, use a slotted spoon or small strainer to fish out the florets and drop them into your blender. Add in melted butter.
5.  Add in milk and 1/2 cup of the broth you just boiled (more or less depending on the consistency you'd like)
6.   Blend until smooth.  You can add drops of olive oil or more liquid if the mixture looks dry or thick.
7.  Serve over cooked noodles, and you can also add in cooked chicken pieces and broccoli florets too.

You will not be sorry you tried this. You could have just served this to me and I honestly would not have known it was not alfredo sauce.  I may have asked if it was "light" or something but wow, it tasted like comfort food!  I am going to try this as a pizza sauce next.  Happy tastebuds from cauliflower, who knew?  And happy, healthy body from all the nutrients you're getting from cauliflower :)  

Jesus Journal- Galatians 1:15

Wow, this devotional from My Utmost for His Highest hit me in the face today.  Mainly the line: "Christian workers fail because they place their desire for their own holiness above their desire to know God".

Wow, what a trap.  And it's a trap twisted from a sincere heart trying to obey!!  What a reminder to only strive to know God intimately and let him work on your sanctification (process of becoming holy/living free of sin), not the other way around.  If my goal is something other than Christ, beware!!

FEB 1st

Do You See Your Calling?

. . . separated to the gospel of God. . . -Romans 1:1

Our calling is not primarily to be holy men and women, but to be proclaimers of the gospel of God. The one all-important thing is that the gospel of God should be recognized as the abiding reality. Reality is not human goodness, or holiness, or heaven, or hell- it is redemption. The need to perceive this is the most vital need of the Christian worker today. As workers, we have to get used to the revelation that redemption is the only reality. Personal holiness is an effect of redemption, not the cause of it. If we place our faith in human goodness we will go under when testing comes.

Paul did not say that he separated himself, but "when it pleased God, who separated me . . ." (Galatians 1:15). Paul was not overly interested in his own character. And as long as our eyes are focused on our own personal holiness, we will never even get close to the full reality of redemption. Christian workers fail because they place their desire for their own holiness above their desire to know God. "Don't ask me to be confronted with the strong reality of redemption on behalf of the filth of human life surrounding me today; what I want is anything God can do for me to make me more desirable in my own eyes." To talk that way is a sign that the reality of the gospel of God has not begun to touch me. There is no reckless abandon to God in that. God cannot deliver me while my interest is merely in my own character. Paul was not conscious of himself. He was recklessly abandoned, totally surrendered, and separated by God for one purpose- to proclaim the gospel of God (see Romans 9:3).

Jesus Journal: Hebrews 12:1-3

Hebrews 12:1-3

New International Version (NIV)

12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

(Again, my reading schedule is based on www.goodmorninggirls.org Winter session.)

In verse one it talks about "let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily in tangles..."  The verse says and sin in there and so the things that hinder are things that slow us down or would get in the way of our focus, not just sin. Like our physical body, and what we put into it and if we condition it. Like what we put into our minds. Like what we buy and what we choose to engage in.  This encourages me to examine my life making sure I'm not reading or watching things that would hinder, or have a strong desire for "things." Right now I have really been struggling with what I put into my body and exercising. It is a hindrance to my attitude when I am inactive. I notice when I have discipline with my physical body it is easier to tame my mind and attitude to submit, even when I am being diligent with my Bible study. (For instance, sleep is such a trap for me! I don't even have kids yet and the desire to sleep longer is like quicksand for me in the mornings. I give in to more sleep, skip my exercise, and all day long feel gross.)

Another neat thing is in the very first verse where it talks about we are "surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses." That cloud of witnesses could be extrapolated to include all believers here on earth, saints in heaven, and the angels and demons. And so with such a great multitude watching us it encourages us to throw in the extra effort and finish strong.  Picturing Jesus at the finish line of our life ready to bear hug us and celebrate is a huge motivator.

And it also says "let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."  To me that echoes yesterday's verse where our days are numbered. We are given a set race of our own, it is marked out for us uniquely, each day is numbered and the path is ordained by God. 

The writer shows us how Jesus is our ultimate encouragement in vs 2-3. Jesus endured the cross because he had the joy of his ultimate goal of providing salvation to those he loves as his focus. So we are to look through our current situations, forward to the joy in our reunion with God. 

What are your hindrances?  I would identify my hindrances right now as being the poor food choices I am ingesting, lack of exercise, and the desire to take the easy route. So now that they are identified I have the choice whether to do something about it or not!  So here is my baby step beginning plan: Exercise three times a week minimum. Dessert just once a day, as opposed to several times a day!  And to start adjusting my mental script away from self focus and meditate on a Bible verse instead when I am tempted to think "woe is me" thoughts.  This week I will focus on Heb 12:1-2a: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith."

Update: I had a friend comment that: "our races will all look different because our callings in this life are all different. Some of you may appear to be doing so much more than me, but our race is just different. This is also why we all NEED each other. We have different strengths to help each other finish strong."
Use this to combat assessing other people's lives as better/worse journeys than your own. They are all tailor-made to us.

Jesus Journal: Psalms 90:12

Today's reading is Psalms 90:12

Psalm 90:12

¹² Teach us to number our days,
    that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

 This verse irritated me today.  And honestly, I do know why.  Often I find myself just praying the Lord would take me home to Heaven so I wouldn't have to deal with how irritating Earth is.  Mainly, how irritating it is to have to earn a living.  Then, God reminds me with these kind of verses that if we are still here on this earth, living and breathing, day by day...then there is a reason.  He wants us to find important what He finds important.  

Psalms goes on in the same chapter to say:
¹³ Relent, Lord! How long will it be?
    Have compassion on your servants.
¹⁴ Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
    that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
¹⁵ Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
    for as many years as we have seen trouble.
¹⁶ May your deeds be shown to your servants,
    your splendor to their children.
¹⁷ May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us;
    establish the work of our hands for us—
    yes, establish the work of our hands.

The Psalmist agrees with me! Verse 13 he says Lord please! Come quickly and fix this life!  You're powerful, you can sweep it all away with a stroke of your hand! You're taking too long!  But God cannot be rushed (2 Peter 3:8-9).  But then he changes his tone.  He writes beautifully how the Lord is our satisfaction and our happiness.  Even when we are afflicted by life on this earth and trouble and irritations, the Lord is our source of satisfaction, joy and happiness.  And he ends with directing our attention back to God, away from our tedious days, and back to the Lord's works.

So I am reminded yet again - it's not about me.  It's all for His glory.  After all:  Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, (Colossians 3:23)

Lord, I do pray you teach me to number each of my days, to recognize they are limited and parceled out one by one to us.  I pray that I number them in a way that you find valuable, that I fill my days seeking You, that my heart may be filled with your wisdom.  Change my attitude, change my motivations.  Change my desires for an easy, microwavable life.  I submit myself to Your plans for my days.  Establish the works of my hands for me.

Jesus Journal, Eph. 5:1-14

Today my Scripture reading was from Ephesians 5:1-14, reading plan by www.goodmorninggirls.org

Ephesians 5:1-14

New International Version (NIV)

5 ¹ Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children ² and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

³ But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. ⁴ Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. ⁵ For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.^{[a] 6} Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. ⁷ Therefore do not be partners with them.

⁸ For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light ⁹ (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) ¹⁰ and find out what pleases the Lord. ¹¹ Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. ¹² It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. ¹³ But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. ¹⁴ This is why it is said:

“Wake up, sleeper,
    rise from the dead,
    and Christ will shine on you.”

I love how we are challenged to be imitators of God in Eph 5:1. In chapter 4 it talks about in verse 14 that we should "no longer be like infants tossed back-and-forth by the waves." And as grownups/mature adults/deep ponderers we are called to unity in the body of Christ. This is what comes before chapter 5 when it calls us to be imitators. Ephesians, as a whole letter is calling us to unity with each other as a church, in our families, in our relationships. It's showing us the results and aim of what a Christian life should look like: Christ. (I'm writing this for myself as a record of what I'm learning I'm not trying to preach/teach at anyone else!)

I have in my notes that within Eph. 5:2 is the definition of "propitiation". Propitiation is a part of the salvation process, The satisfying payment (the appeasing act), a fragrant offering and sacrifice, to God.  Christ is our fragrant offering to God that satisfies our debt.  Not only is it a satisfying payment, it's fragrant, it smells good! No longer are we enemies with Christ and God, instead we are now like smell-good baked goods to Him!  So now our challenge is to act like it! It comes out of our devotion to him and desire for unity, not to obtain any more favor or acceptance by Him. He already wants us.

I especially love verse 10 also. "Find out what pleases the Lord." I am trying desperately to learn this. In my quiet times this is what I've been researching. And we must remember that because of Christ's propitiation, we already are pleasing to him. But now we, in our sanctification process, are striving to imitate Christ, to strive for unity on this earth and be an example for unbelievers that we are different, living in light instead of darkness. Ephesians 1 tells us God's ultimate purpose v.10, is "to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head in Christ." Our practicing to imitate Christ and striving for unity glorifies God.  Unity is our goal because we are told it is Gods goal. Our imitating Christ results in unity. Unity glorifies God.

I write all of this for myself. To remind myself that imitating God is not another checkbox on my to do list. Who needs any more of those? It's a lifestyle. It colors everything, my actions and reactions. My active choices and when I'm silent. The light is uncomfortable for the darkness.  I was asked just the other day in the grocery store why I have so much joy. Yes it really happened. Always be ready with an answer for why you are imitating Christ! I fumbled a bit on my words and wasn't nearly as bold as I would like to have been with my answer. But I praise God for the opportunity. And now I know for next time a planned response I want to say.

What would you say if someone asked you the same question asked to me: "Why are you so happy? Can I assume it's because you have joy through your faith?"  Always be prepared with an answer like it says to in 1 Peter 3:15.

1 Peter 3:15

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁵ But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

Russian Soup Kick

I've been on a soup kick lately.  My neighbor is from Russia and she's been cooking me some of her homeland recipes. Here's two she's taught me so far.  Oh my goodness they're so delicious!


Russian Borscht (Beet Soup)
Can make in crockpot on or stovetop.

• 2-3 chicken breasts, frozen
• ½ head of cabbage, shredded
• 1 can diced tomatoes with Italian seasoning, with liquid
• 1 carrot, shredded
• 1 onion, diced
• 2-3 white potatoes, peeled, whole
• 1 can pickled beets, shredded with liquid (or can use red beets for a red-colored soup)
• 2 big spoonful’s of kosher salt, pepper to taste

Directions:
1. Add frozen chicken to crockpot, fill pot with water so it covers over chicken about an inch.
2. Add cabbage and potatoes to pot.
3. Saute carrot and onion, then add to pot. Add beets and spices.
4. Cook on high for 6-8 hours (cooking time is estimated, as long as it’s cooked through it’s good to go.  Soup will be better the next day though, so you may want to prepare a day ahead.)
5. Shred chicken and break up potatoes with a spoon.  May need to add 1-2 chicken bouillon cubes if soup is bland.  Add more seasonings to taste.  Top with small dollop of sour cream if you want, for authenticity.



Russian Schi (Cabbage Soup)
Can make in crockpot on or stovetop.

• 2 chicken breasts, frozen
• ½ head of cabbage, shredded
• 1 carrot, shredded
• 1 onion, diced
• 1white potatoes, peeled, whole
• 1 big spoonful of kosher salt, pepper to taste
• 2 Tbsp tomato paste (for color)

Directions:
1. Add frozen chicken to crockpot, fill pot with water so it covers over chicken about an inch.
2. Add cabbage and potatoes to pot.
3. Saute carrot and onion, then add to pot. Add beets and spices.
4. Cook on high for 6-8 hours (cooking time is estimated, as long as it’s cooked through it’s good to go.  Soup will be better the next day though, so you may want to prepare a day ahead.)
5. Shred chicken and break up potatoes with a spoon. Add tomato paste. Very important not to cut up chicken or potatoes.  This added texture helps makes this soup so delicious.
6. May need to add 1-2 chicken bouillon cubes if soup is bland.  Add more seasonings to taste.  7. Top with small dollop of sour cream if you want, for authenticity.

Of all the reasons to miss church...

In case you missed my husband's hilarious post on Facebook about a recent incident, I've included it here:)

7-1-12

Of all the reasons to miss church, this one takes the cake. We are actually not singing until tonight, so we were going to our own church which is about a 35 minute drive. On the way, we see a turtle trying to cross the road. My precious, animal loving wife and avid turtle rescuer has me pull to the side of the road. She gets out in her dress and runs to the turtle's rescue. I am watching her in the rear-view mirror as she picks up the turtle and the turtle thanks her by peeing all over her. It was amazing how much pee there was and how far the little guy could shoot. I mean, it sprayed pee like a garden hose with one of those high powered nozzles. She ran back to the car and both of us were laughing, but we decided that we couldn't walk into church at this point covered in turtle pee. So, yes we missed church because a turtle peed on my wife. So there you go. It looks like we have to clean up and then go visit a church that meets at a later time this morning, but we love you Christ Family Okc.

 

 

What I've been learning from the Lord lately

I got up early and reflected today over my Bible Study's verses this week.  I really felt connection with the Lord and I feel like he's answering my prayer to grow my affection for Him.  This verse came to my mind as I was praying:

Philippians 2:14-18

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁴ Do all things without complaining and disputing, ¹⁵ that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, ¹⁶ holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.¹⁷ Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. ¹⁸ For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.

Strangely enough, I was convicted over verse 17...being willing to be "poured out" without expecting anything in return.  I will have to mull and pray over that verse.  That picture should directly affect how I approach work each day and when we travel. I want my purest motivation for working and pursuing concerts to be that people will be able to hear the good news and lives will be changed.  We've already seen that happening with multiple people surrendering their lives to Christ this year, I'm excited!  

I do thank the Lord that we are getting to experience his literal provision each month.  I know our faith wouldn't be tested in that area or strengthened if we both had traditional jobs.  I can view it as a blessing that God gets to teach us first hand about providing work each month for us to complete.

Lasting compliments and funny pastors

Blake got to sing at a church in OKC recently and the guest speaker was OK Representative James Lankford. After Blake sang James and he got to talk and James thanked Jim and said he sang with excellence. Blake just beamed and beamed that James thought he did well since Blake looks up to him so much.

We just finished another concert this weekend and the pastor was a hoot. He entertained us with stories of his encounters with other groups and other pastors. He definitely was a character. He told us about how he was conducting a funeral and another pastor was helping out that he didn't know. They went into the church to grab coffee before heading to the gravesite. This pastor we met poured out the coffee for the other pastor and asked; how do you like your coffee? Hot and black, like your women? Lol, that caught us so off guard. That line is from the comedy movie "Airplane" so we got it, but this other pastor apparently hadn't seen it. And got pretty offended! But oh that made us laugh picturing that exchange.

New CD coming

 New CD coming...hopefully this Fall!

We are in the "birthing" process of Blake's next CD.  This CD has to last us a while.  Blake hasn't had new official material to sing since 2007 and we are in need of new songs with strong messages to bring at concerts.  We have been pouring over the song list and have narrowed the list down to 14 killer songs! We are so excited about them to share with people.  But we are so cautious that this list be perfect.  I feel like we've learned a lot from past CDs and some mistakes we made with certain song selections and about what people will benefit the most from.  Let me just say this CD...will be upbeat and great car-ride music! The hymns CD was awesome, but it's overall tone was more mellow so we want to counter that one with a very energetic next album, and maybe one that doesn't make Blake hit astronomically high high-notes on every song :)  For when he's sick.  We pray to God to keep protecting his voice, this year has been a great vocal year, a welcome reprieve from last year when Blake dealt with the unknown stomach infection for about 8 months out of the year.  It really messed up his voice until we found the cause and got it cleared up.  But, I will say that every concert that his voice is "there" we are so grateful to the Lord for providing that tool to us.

We now enter into a CD project that will start "tracking" at the end of June.  That is where all the actual music is created with a band and instruments.  So we have to pick out keys and arrangements and have all the songs nailed down for sure.  We are afraid we won't be ready in time, but I feel very sure this is the right thing to do.  Also, finances are a hindrance right now.  We only have 25% saved toward the total estimated cost of the recording. And things with our house and equipment keep breaking.  So our savings keeps building only to keep getting nitpicked to death here and there.  But, I don't feel any hesitations for going for this CD.  I feel very strongly that we need to get it done.  It will open a lot of doors for booking and new venues for us to keep going.  God has provided the funds in the past and he will do it again, I know.

Recipes I want to try

I've filed these recipes away to "make at a later date."  I need to go grocery shopping so I'll make sure I get the ingredients to make these.  They make my mouth water looking at them:

Blackened Chicken and Cilantro Lime Quinoa
Ingredients (Serves 2-3)
•    2 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
•    ½ Teaspoon of Paprika
•    ¼ Teaspoon of Salt
•    ¼ Teaspoon of Pepper
•    ¼ Teaspoon of Cayenne Pepper
•    ¼ Teaspoon of Onion Powder
•    ¼ Teaspoon of Cumin
•    1 Teaspoon of Olive Oil
•    2 Cups of Low Sodium Chicken Stock
•    1 Cup of Quinoa
•    Juice and Zest from Two Limes
•    A Dash of Salt and Pepper
•    2 Tablespoons of Cilantro, chopped
1.    Combine all the dry seasonings in a small bowl. Mix them together and then season both sides of each chicken breast.
2.    Add the teaspoon of olive oil to a large pan or skillet. Heat the olive oil for a minute over medium/high heat. Add the chicken breasts to the pan. Cook for seven minutes on each side with the lid on.
3.    Add the chicken stock and quinoa to a medium sauce pan. Bring to a simmer over medium/low heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for ten to fifteen minutes with the lid on, until all the stock has been absorbed.
4.    After the chicken breasts have cooked all the way through, remove them from the pan and let them rest for seven minutes before slicing them.
5.    Add the warm quinoa to a large bowl. Toss in the lime zest, lime juice, salt and pepper, and chopped cilantro. Mix to combine.
6.    Serve the sliced chicken breast on top of the quinoa. If you find the blackened seasoning too spicy, you can add a quick and easy avocado cream sauce to cool it down.
7.    Just place the flesh from an avocado along with two tablespoons of Greek yogurt in a food processor and puree until smooth.
8.    Things to love about this meal: low sodium, chicken breast is a lean protein, it is gluten-free, and if you keep eating meals like this you will be ready for beach season in no time!!!

Spicy Skilled Honey Chicken

Ingredients
•    3 Boneless skinless Chicken Breasts
•    1/2 tsp chili
•    1/4 tsp cumin
•    1/2 tsp garlic or garlic salt
•    1/4 cup apple cider
•    1/4 cup Honey
•    salt and pepper
Instructions
1.    Filet your boneless chicken breasts (you don't have to do this, but they will cook faster, if you cut them so they are not so thick)
2.    Drizzle about a Tablespoon of olive oil in a big skillet. Heat on medium heat, and add chicken.
3.    Season with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, combine the chili, cumin, and garlic seasonings.
4.    Sprinkle all of the seasoning over chicken.
5.    Turn chicken over once chicken is nice and brown. (Do NOT turn until the one side is brown).
6.    Once the second side has browned nicely, pour apple cider and honey into the skillet
7.    (Tip: spray the measuring spoon with non-stick spray so the honey falls out nicely).
8.    Cover, and reduce heat.
9.    Cook for 10 minutes (flipping the chicken often) or until chicken is done and sauce has thickened.
10.    Serve with your favorite side. (It would be great with potatoes or rice!)





Crockpot Chicken and Zucchini

Ingredients
•    3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
•    1 onion cut into chunks
•    1 can of dice tomatoes
•    1 can of water
•    1 tablespoon of Italian Seasoning
•    Salt and pepper - Garlic Salt (to taste)
•    3 zucchini coarsely chopped
•   
Instructions
1.    Place chicken in crockpot with onions and seasoning.
2.    Pour tomatoes and water on top.
3.    Cook on low for 6-8 hours on low.
4.    In the last 2 hours, mix in zucchini.
5.    Once Zucchini is soft, cut chicken into smaller pieces.
6.    Serve over Pasta.

It happened series

I'm going to start a new series of "It Happened on the way to/during/after the concert".

It happened on the way to:
At that same church, while sitting in our car waiting for someone to let us in, we watched a lady pull her car in the driveway and instead of going In her front door, climbed inside through her window. A little later, she exited the house the same way!

It happened during the concert:
The pastors 6 yr old daughter made her way to the stage during a power ballad sung by the quartet. She remained onstage with them for the duration of the song.

It happened during the concert:
The emcee made Darth Vader noises in the mic while filling time in between the groups.

It happened during the concert:
Blake swallowed a fly while performing outside at a festival

It happened during the concert:
Blake had to sidestep manure while singing in a cattle auction cage.

It happened after the concert:
We were offered cash "so we wouldn't have to pay taxes"

It happened after the concert:
Blake was told that he talked too much and needs to just sing more. Blake said, "well I think I only took about 6 minutes to tell my testimony." the guy looked shocked and said, "oh, it seemed like forever."

In December we added Insulation to our house

In December we added insulation to our attic as a Christmas gift from my parents.  We are such newbies at home stuff, we did it the absolutely hardest way possible.  I should have flaked off individual chunks of the insulation (made from newspaper and plastic bags), but instead I fed handfuls of the stuff in the blower, and it just floated up and blew all over me.  Here are some pictures of the results:

Thank goodness Blake had a mask.

The best picture from the event:

Us Standing on our neighbor's doorstep

Our neighbors took pity on me and blew me off with a compressor:

But guess what, our home is nice and toasty warm now

April in Overall Review

Things are going well.  All our concerts this past month were at the end so we tightened our belts and tried to eat cheaply until our concerts arrived!  We went to all new places and it was incredible the response that Blake received and the response the people made towards the Lord.  Underestimating, we counted at least 3 salvations this month.  I say underestimating because I think more decisions to accept the Lord were made, but at this one particular gospel-sing, there was not a minister present to receive the people who wanted to make decisions.  Blake led the people who raised their hands in the plan of salvation and encouraged them to tell someone immediately and come back to that particular church on Sunday.  We also had the privilege of leading a revival in Carnegie OK this month.  I think we left as encouraged as the people we ministered to were!  Blake got to even share a small children's concert and 109 children from grades 1-5 were present as he sang songs like I Go to the Rock, I Catch 'Em and Moses.  They were GLUED as he sang Moses.  Between each song Blake shared a moment of Truth from God's word and really tried to make each song a visual example of a memory the kids could take with them.  After he sang, the church workers (without our knowing it) had the kids write us thank you notes for singing to them.  We have a whole sack full of thank you notes!  We went through them and were so blessed to see the children had illustrated their notes with items from the songs he sang about---there were a lot of fish drawn, rocks, stick figures singing in a microphone, and snakes from Blake's Moses song.  One girl wrote that because Blake sang and told her about how each person is given a special talent/gift by God that she feels so special now and she didn't feel special before.  We were really blessed by those kids.  Here's a video of them clapping while Blake sang:

Another neat thing we were exposed to is a ministry from Alaska who spoke a day we sang in Branson, Mo.  A lady named Brenda Crim, who has been with the NAMB until just recently because the NAMB made some cuts, spoke about her incredibly difficult ministry in Alaska and how most of the natives are incredibly prejudiced toward White people.  She explained about the astronomical rate of incest, rape, and suicide Alaskan natives battle.  Her ministry is reaching out to them and breaking down racial barriers so she can provide grief counseling and eventually sharing the gospel one by one with them.  She is an incredibly motivated and busy lady!  Our hearts went out to her mission and here is her information: http://akmissions.webs.com/staff.htm  She has no official funding no except for individual donations I believe.

I need to get back to booking, so I hope to document later some of the beautiful experiences we had in the past couple weeks.

Siblings

We've had a new kitty in the house since January.

They're adapting pretty well

Gospel Log March 2012

I have such a bad memory that the recording of important events along the way is going to be "a must" for me.  I can easily remember what time my doctor's appointment next week, exactly where Blake placed his keys, and even the exact email address of a random pastor in Roanoke TX...but I can't remember life events as they come and go.  Special words and stories will be lost for all time if I don't record them.  So here is my attempt to start logging our lives as "Gospel Singers".  If only just for myself.  Since I am sure to forget it by tomorrow.

This month we traveled to churches we have been to before, and some we have not.  This month (March 2012) is a miracle month.  In January, I had not a single event scheduled and we braced ourselves for the impending 31 days of being "sticks in the mud", saying no to hanging out with friends, and eating popcorn for dinner.  But low and behold, 6 events ended up being scheduled for which I can take no credit.  The Lord provided and we were able to pay our necessary bills and even have frivolous fun.  *Gasp!*  This month was a month of sticky situations and unexpected blessings; words of gold and words of great discouragement; feelings of warmth toward children...and feelings of horror!

I will try to keep my recaps as anonymous as possible.  Who knows who will ever discover my little writing pad here.  I have to say, we have been mightily sheltered from the strangeness that populate the Gospel circuit.  Just the other day I saw on Facebook a fellow soloist to his "stalker".  I giggled as I read his post:

Things have been much better with my "stalker" this month. But today, she sent me an email with an attachment about Inflammatory Bowel Disease. "Because you travel so much.... Please take good care of yourself." How thoughtful.

This is especially entertaining to me as we continue to travel and have repeat events.  We will have people come up to us who apparently follow us online and will comment about what we had for dinner two nights previous...it's pretty disconcerting until you realize they only know this since you, yourself, have divulged it. 

Now, for some stories.  The beginning of this month began with a big event: Blake sang with Greater Vision and the Mark Trammell Quartet in Decatur TX!  He was just an opener, but it proved to be a wonderful opportunity.  He gained many fans and also the respect from these groups as a valid performer.  He sang flawlessly and delivered with sincerity and anointing.  One friend, D, from the MTQ did comment though that he was frightened when Blake began to sing "Moses".  As any singer should be when they see another stand full front, grab the microphone and hiss "Oh Mosessssss..." as their opening line.

But some wonderful things that happened this month were the kind words from the original tenor of The Kingsman, Johnny Parrack.  He attended our concert in Van Buren at his home church.  He and his wife after the concert told Blake, looking back over their years of travel and children and singing, that it was "all worth it, every bit of it."  To hear a wife say that after living the "gospel singer wife life" was priceless for me.  That was really neat.  Especially when we are often told we must give up our itinerant lifestyle if/when we decide to have children.  I can easily get caught up in the fact we can't put away as much savings as we'd like and that we can't contribute regularly to a 401k or the like...it can be daunting to look at the future.  But her comment reminds me that the Lord's work is sweet and we are to do what He's told us to do.  Right now, He's told us to travel and sing full time.  Who knows how long it will last, but while it does I will be grateful that we get to do something we love.

I still have to document one event, the jewel of March, our spur of the moment, unadvertised and greatly regretful gospel sing I committed Blake to be a part of.  But, that hopefully will be tomorrow.  I'm sleepy and Jay Leno is calling my name.  And the cats are wrestling in the back bedroom.

But one picture:

This was handed to us right before Blake sang at FBC Jolly TX, drawn by the Pastor's granddaughter I believe.  Note that Blake is the one with the flowing locks of curls.

Goodbye Sticker

Blake and I had a very hard day yesterday.  Our cat Sticker died.  We found her Sunday morning in our garage when we were on our way to church.  I noticed her when we pulled out of the garage.  She was laying up against the side wall and I thought that was odd because I've not ever seen her lay there.  I got out to check on her and discovered she was torn up by some animal attack, probably a coyote.  She was very bloody on her back end and had puncture wounds in her side.  We took her to the Emergency Vet praying she wouldn't die before we got there.  She was very weary but would raise her head to look at me while Blake was driving.  We sped all the way there.  We got there and handed her over to the tech.  They took her and gave her a big dose of pain medicine and then proceeded to examine her.  They came out and said they could sew her up but she had a very badly broken hind leg that they wouldn't know until they x-rayed it if they could cast it or if they'd have to amputate.  They said I could wait to make the decision until her bloodwork was ready from testing and I said I'd wait 10 minutes for those results and then decide.  They came back and told me she was negative for Feline Leukemia Virus, but positive for Cat AIDS.  This meant that her recovery would be very hard since she wouldn't really be able to fight off any infections, and that ultimately she was terminal anyway.  This took the decision out of our hands, really.  We were (and are) so broken up.  They wrapped her in a towel and met us in a private room so we could say goodbye for a while and hold her.  She was crying when they brought her in but calmed immediately when they put her in my arms.  Blake and I petted her and loved on her and we each got to hold her for several minutes.  Then we let the vet give her the shots.  Blake got to hold her as the shots took effect. 

I am so broken hearted about her.  Every time I go outside I'm used to looking for her and checking on her throughout the day.  It feels like a big void right now.  We loved her very much and will miss her so much.

On our roof

Watching Blake rehearse

In my brother's coat

In our tree, getting on to the roof

Blake's Billboard and VTN TV Venture

Blake and I went to Southeast Arkansas this weekend and Little Rock.  He had a total of 4 events...we were worn out!  On Saturday Blake sang for a festival...and on our way to it we saw this off the highway.  We had to stop!

 

Then, Blake had a TV recording slot scheduled.  They filmed him singing 3 songs and will air them at a later date.  It was cool!  Very nice studios at www.VTNTV.com