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Sing, Sing, Sing

Posted on July 31, 2011 by auburnchick

So, it’s Sunday.

I almost rolled over and went back to sleep after my alarm went off.

In fact, I did…for a little while.

Then, I thought I heard Chicky getting ready in her bathroom, so I took a peek at the clock.

It was 7:30…still plenty of time to get ready for the 9:30 service.

I got up.

I am so glad.

Though Chicky wasn’t up yet (it must have been Molly walking through the house), I got ready.

Rooster was still asleep, recovering from band camp.  The Mr. was also still in bed, feeling a bit unwell.

I was on my own.

I made my way to church by myself and sat in my regular seat, smiling and saying hi to those around me.

And then the singing started.

It did not take but a nanosecond for me to be grateful that I had gotten out of bed for my heart rejoiced at the words that were projected on the screen.

Ironically, the worship band began playing Chris Tomlin’s song, Sing, Sing, Sing…

Here are the words…

We will sing, sing, sing
And make music with the heavens
We will sing, sing, sing
Grateful that You hear us
When we shout Your praise
Lift high the name of Jesus

What’s not to love about You?
Heaven and earth adore You
Kings and kingdoms bow down
Son of God, You are the One
You are the One we’re living for

You are the love that frees us
You are the light that leads us
Like a fire burning
Son of God, You are the One
You are the One we’re living for

I think that often, we get caught up in a song’s beat without paying much attention to the words we’re singing.

Not me.

Maybe this is the English teacher in me.

There is something about actually seeing the words projected on the large screen at the front of the sanctuary.

As my eyes take them in, they enter my heart.

Think about the words of this song.

We sing praises to God, who HEARS us.

We don’t serve a God who’s not paying attention; thus, our voices do not fall on deaf ears.

God rejoices in the praises we sing to Him.  In fact, we can read several instances in the Old Testament where the Israelites worshiped God through songs and dancing.

Look at the second stanza.  EVERYTHING on heaven and earth bows down to Jesus, for He is the one we serve.  Those things that do not in this lifetime will, one day, pay homage on bended knee.

The third stanza, though, is what really got to me today.

“You are the love that frees us…”

Oh my.

Love hung on the cross all of those years ago.  It is a love that knew, from the beginning, that our sins would bind us to death and eternity in hell.

Love came down, in the human form of Jesus, and led by example…unto the point of death.

You know…there are three small stanzas in this song.  And yet, the words packed into each are p-o-w-e-r-f-u-l!!

As you go throughout the day and your week, set aside some time to sing praises to the One who was with us from the beginning and will never forsake us.

Filed under: Christian | Tagged: , , , | 1 Comment »

Cowboys and Indians…Make that Aliens

Posted on July 30, 2011 by auburnchick

The Mr. and I had date last night!

We went to see the new movie Cowboys and Aliens…

What in the world led me to invite the Mr. to see this movie with me?  Well, the day before, I had watched two mamas evaluate the movie on the Today Show, and they had liked it.

The movie stars Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford, two hunky, heroic men, so I figured that even if the movie was a bust, my eyes would still enjoy a feast.

Sorry, Ladies, but I’m just keeping it real.

heehee

The movie was action-packed and had moments of surprise that scared me.  Of course, I get scared when I go on the haunted house ride at Disney, so that’s not really saying much.

Still, there wasn’t a dull moment in the movie.

When the Mr. and I exited after it was over, we discussed what we thought of the movie.

I think it’s safe to say that our consensus was that the movie was interesting.

Really, it was a little strange.

It felt like the producers/screen writers had pieced together parts of the Indiana Jones movies with the movie Aliens with the “Indian” element thrown in for good measure.

Harrison Ford’s character started out gruff but grew softer as the movie progressed.  Daniel Craig’s character was the ever stoic hero.  There were no surprised with either, and the end of the movie was predictable.

As the Mr. noted to me, most alien movies are set in the present or future era.  This one was set during the Gold Rush, so that could be on reason why we felt a bit discombobulated during the movie.

My final opinion is that it was okay.  I definitely would not take young children to see this movie.  There was a LOT of bloody violence, and the aliens are scary looking.  There was also quite a bit of cursing.  In fact, I can’t really say what age children should be allowed to see this.  I’m overly protective and probably would have waited until my kids were in their mid-teens.

One final note…especially for Rebecca Jo…tell Ricky to grab a guy friend to go see this movie.  You win the argument, as noted in your Friday Fragments.  😉

Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: , | 3 Comments »

Sunbathing

Posted on July 29, 2011 by auburnchick

A few days ago, I looked out the window and saw this…

My sweet Molly had planted herself near the fence and seemed to be enjoying the morning.

I stood and watched her for a few minutes, snapping pictures like any proud mama would…

I’m so thankful for the zoom on my camera, because I was able to stand in my doorway.  You know how it is with pups…they don’t exactly cooperate when they know you want them to…

Something about that grass really appealed to her, because she started rolling around…

The sun must have made her sleepy, because she gave up the fight midway through her stretch…

I really love this sweet fur baby.  She’s got issues (who doesn’t), and she’s emotionally needy, but she’s a sweetheart.

Filed under: Pets | Tagged: | 4 Comments »

Service

Posted on July 28, 2011 by auburnchick

Yesterday, I treated myself to a pedicure.

I was by myself, and there was only one other lady, on the other side of the room, getting her feet all prettied up.

As I sat, my back being massaged by the rollers built into the chair, I watched the sweet lady as she gently scrubbed the dead skin away from my feet.

She worked methodically and quietly, allowing me to relax and just “be.”

I was struck by her humbleness and attention to detail.  She sincerely cared that I was comfortable and happy, as evidenced by the temperature of the water that my feet were soaking in to the cold bottle of water that was provided as I had walked in.

I watched her and could not help but think about what it must have been like to be one of Jesus’s disciples…watching Him wash their feet…

I’ve gotta tell you that it was quite a moment for me.

Just as the disciples were no better (in fact much worse off) than Jesus, I am no better than those who serve me.

And, just as the woman saw to all of my needs yesterday, I need to do the same when I am taking care of others.  I need to act as unselfishly as that sweet lady.

Every time I catch sight of the pretty French manicure on my toes, I’m going to remember the gal, her sweet smile, and the servant’s attitude that she modeled for me.

Filed under: Christian | Tagged: , | 3 Comments »

Wednesday Hodgepodge – Volume 37

Posted on July 27, 2011 by auburnchick

I took the last three weeks off from the Hodgepodge because I went on an Alaskan cruise and then had to blog about it when I got home.  The picture in the header of my blog is what we saw as we neared Juneau.   The picture below is of the Hubbard Glacier, which was one of the most incredible natural wonders I’ve ever seen (we got a close-up view…I took the picture as we were approaching it)…

I am happy to return because I just love Joyce‘s questions!

You know how this works…answer the questions on your own blog, link up at Joyce’s site, and then make sure you visit other people to see how they answered the questions!

Onward we go!

1.  July is National Ice Cream month…your favorite flavor?  Soft served, hand dipped, or frozen yogurt…which do you prefer?  And technically yogurt is not ice cream, but it’s hot outside, so I’ll let that slide for today.

First, two disclaimers:  1)  I am lactose intolerant.  Ice cream does very bad things to me.  But, I will admit to loving a good Blizzard from DQ (sometimes you’ve just gotta pay the price for yumminess) and 2) As a vegan since December, ice cream/yogurt are not a part of my diet.  With that said, I have preferred my ice cream/yogurt to be infused with chocolate goodness.  It has never mattered if it was soft serve, hand dipped, or whatever.

2.  When you travel, do you tend to pack too much or too little?

I always pack too much.  I am always afraid that I’m not going to have what I need, so I pack extra.  I make sure I plan for hot and cold weather because you just never know.  I spent many years on the road traveling to soccer tournaments, so I also had to plan for rain.  Oh, and if I am traveling for long periods of time, half of my suitcases are filled with yarn, needles, and pattern books.  A knitter MUST have an assortment of things to do.

3.  What’s your favorite cleaning product?

My favorite cleaning product is Bar Keeper’s Friend…

I have a glass top stove, and it can be difficult to clean.  However, I figured out that when I put this on a warm stove, the stuck-on food comes right off, and my stove remains scratch-free!

4.  Which is the greater tragedy – an innocent person imprisoned or a guilty person set free?  Explain.

I believe that an innocent person being imprisoned is the greater tragedy.  The way I look at it, God will judge our actions one day, regardless of if the guilty accused of crimes go free or not.  However, to be imprisoned for something you didn’t do?  That’s very tragic indeed!  Can you imagine being separated from your children and not having done anything?  Sigh.

5.  What’s the longest trip you’ve taken by car?

When I was a youngster, my family drove from Colorado to Washington, D.C.  What a long trip!  We ate a lot of Cheez Whiz and crackers along the way!

6.  Tennis-golf-canoeing-biking…pick one.

Oy.  Those are not good choices!  Ok.  I’d pick biking, and here’s why.

When it comes to sports, I have trouble staying within the lines.  Take tennis.  I took it as an elective in college, and nobody picked me to be a partner.  I now feel sorry for the poor person who “had” to play against me because I hit that ball over the fence that surrounded the court more times than I can remember.  With golf, there’s something called bunkers.  Forget it.  Plus, I’m not coordinated enough to actually hit the ball with the club.  Can you say divot?  Canoeing…oy.  I’ve been once…with the Mr. before he was my Mr.  We went with a church group down the Suwanee River, and I think I got food poisoning the night before because I was so sick the entire day.  To make matters worse, the water was so low that we had to push that stupid canoe over more sand bars than we actually had to paddle.  We wound up going home early.

7.  What sound drives you crazy?

I hate repetitive noises, such as pencil tapping or finger drumming.

8.  My Random Thought

Sometimes you can want something so badly that when you don’t get it, all you can do is lean on God’s promises…

Jeremiah 29:11

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: , | 9 Comments »

More Great Deals

Posted on July 26, 2011 by auburnchick

I was a busy girl today and found myself at the mall on the beach.

Of course, I had to visit my new favorite store… Ann Taylor Loft…where I found this pair of capri-style, grey pinstriped dress pants…

These pants were originally $54.50.  They had been marked down to $14.88; however, the store currently has selected items marked down for an additional 50%, so I wound up walking out of there after spending only $8!!!  These are very well-made pants and fit me like a glove.  They are going to look great with a white shirt and either heels or flats, depending on my mood.  The bonus is that they are uber-professional!

While I was paying for the pants, one of the store’s clerks told me about the teacher discount that is available.

Say what?

Visit the Loft’s web site and look for “Teacher” at the bottom of the home page…

Register yourself and then print the 15% page.  It’s something you’ll want to keep in your wallet so you’ll have it every time you stop in.  However, you can only use the discount on regularly-priced items.  That’s the only down side because the clothes are not cheap.  Still, if you get in a pinch and need a go-to outfit and can’t wait for a sale, it’s nice to be able to save some money.

Next, I headed to Borders which, as you know, is liquidating its assets.  Supposedly, there are great sales.

I beg to differ.

Most of the books are only marked down 10%.

Folks, I can do the same using my discount card at Books a Million.

However, I did notice that the magazines are marked down 40%.

It probably won’t surprise you to see what I got…

There are selected items that are marked down 20%; however, I wasn’t interested.  I’m going to bide my time and wait for the store to get desperate enough to mark things down even more.

I can’t tell you how important it is to get out there and shop regularly.  That’s when you discover treasures for cheap!

Filed under: Saving Money | Tagged: , , , | 2 Comments »

A Ray of Sunshine

Posted on July 25, 2011 by auburnchick

As you know, I don’t exactly have a green thumb.

Previous posts have proven my point…

I do, however, enjoy watching flowers bloom, preferably in my yard, as you can see from pictures of summers past…

Let’s not discuss the fact that my grass is:   1) existent and 2) green in the above pictures.

This year, I was deep into my EPI classes when the weather became conducive for gardening.

Still, I had to wait…until around the end of May…before I had time to plant.

And plant I did…spreading out sunflower seeds and seeds of plants of which I don’t know the name of.

As of last week, nothing had bloomed.

It doesn’t help that I haven’t purposely watered my “garden” since the first week after I planted the seeds.

Apparently, relying on nature to water my plants whenever they get thirsty isn’t the best way to go.

Who knew?

Apparently I do…now, that is.

Anyhoo, I came home from errands one day last week and was struck by a spot of color in my front flower bed…

It was the ray of sunshine that I needed to infuse hope that my garden will produce more of such lovelies.

Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: , | 5 Comments »

Glorious One

Posted on July 24, 2011 by auburnchick

I don’t know how the music was at your church this morning, but at mine, we ROCKED!

Or should I say worshiped?

The band was on fire, and I, for one, was much appreciative.

There are weeks when I get as much out of the singing as I do from the sermons (no offense meant to my pastors).

I was struck by the lyrics of the second song we sang, Glorious One, by Steve Fee…

Our hands are lifted high
our hearts are bowing reverence
and we’re surrounded by
the glory of Your presence

with every creature every tongue
we’re lifting our voice to the Glorious One

Glorious One
Glorious One
Light of the world
You outshine the sun
King of all Kings
eternity sings
Glorious One

God of infinite worth
with hands that carve out the ocean
You hold the universe
and still You run to the broken

with every heart that’s been redeemed
we’re lifting our song to the Glorious King

there is none more beautiful
there is none more wonderful (repeat)

Memories of my cruise were fresh on my mind, and as we sang the second verse, I was transported to Hubbard Glacier and all of its magnificence.

I was also reminded of the open sea, which stretched for miles on end with no land in sight.

The beauty in nature did not happen by chance.  God carefully planned every single ripple in that vast ocean and every single creature that lives within it.  He painted the hues of blue on the glacier I had the privilege of standing before, and He designates when and where chunks fall off into the sea.

God deserves our praise.

He truly is THE Glorious One..

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Captain America Rocks!

Posted on July 23, 2011 by auburnchick

A couple of nights ago, Rooster casually mentioned that the movie, Captain America, was premiering that evening at midnight.

I casually said, “If you buy my ticket, I’ll take you.”

Hello, Fandango.

Rooster checked, and there were still tickets available for the 3D show.

Dancing Girl wanted to go, and, after getting permission from her parents, she hopped in the car with us.

We headed to the beach to the nice theater.  True to his word, Rooster paid for my ticket.

Please take a moment to sigh at the sweetness of my boy.

Awwwww…

The theater was packed.

Many of the moviegoers were wearing comic strip geek stuff.

All of a sudden, I felt like a nerd.

Well, in truth, I am a nerd, but I’m not used to being in a room full of them.

Everyone was talking loudly, but they quieted down as soon as the previews started.

I wasn’t sure what to expect.  Rooster was the one, after all, who had been looking forward to the movie.  He has the hat and t-shirt to prove it.

Plus, I always seem to be disappointed by movies.

Well, let me tell you that this wasn’t the case for this movie.

Oh my goodness, but the movie was pretty good!

In case you’re not familiar with the premise, the movie is set during WWII.  Steve Rogers is a painfully thin, patriotic young man who, despite his best efforts, cannot pass the physicals that the various branches of the military require to get in.

Regardless, he is selected to be the first participant in a special program designed to produce mega soldiers.

His transformation into Hunky Soldier Boy (my name for him) resembles that of Wolverine (you might remember hunky Hugh Jackman)…

And so Rogers becomes Captain America and sets off to save the world with his shield, extraordinary strength, and sidekicks.

There’s also a little bit of romance, but it’s very clean and sweet.

Let me talk just a minute about the 3D stuff.

This was my first time seeing a 3D movie, and what a difference!  It took me a few minutes to get used to it, but I can honestly say that the extra $$ were worth it.  The movie had a depth to it that made me like I was sitting inside the movie.

As I’ve already indicated, I enjoyed this movie a lot.  I only counted three or four curse words total, and all of them were spoken by Tommy Lee Jones (no surprise there).  There were a lot of fighting scenes…shooting and such…but, with the exception of one, the scenes were not bloody.  Ultimately, I found this movie fairly kid-friendly.

We didn’t get out of the movie until after 2am, and by the time we had dropped Dancing Girl off at home and returned to our own abode, it was nearly 3am.

Rooster and I went to sleep with smiles on our faces, though.  The impromptu late night had been a lot of fun.  It had been his first time attending a midnight premier. and I, as his mom, was glad to have been a part of it.

If you’re looking for a movie with good, clean fun, I encourage you to see this.

Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: , , | 2 Comments »

Thelonious Socks

Posted on July 22, 2011 by auburnchick

While I was busy blogging about my fabulous trip to Alaska, I was also busy doing something else…

Finishing up the socks I had started during the onset of my trip.

First off, the yarn.

I don’t remember if I shared with you the story of my friend, Susan, who sent me a gift certificate for my birthday.  I used it to buy this skein of Blue Moon Fiber Arts Silkie Socks That Rock.  The color is Hoofle Foofle…

It’s a glorious blend of merino and silk, so you can imagine just how soft the stuff is.

The pattern is from Cookie A’s newest book – knit. sock. love.  You might remember that I test knit for this book and have my very own autographed copy…

I cast on June 28th, originally using size 1 needles and going for the small size.  After knitting the cuff, I encountered a problem.

I was a little confused about the pattern’s instructions, which involved adding stitches to the ribbing.

I do not know why, but I could not wrap my head around how to knit those added stitches.  I guess it had been so long since I’d done any knitting that required thinking that my brain simply froze.

I headed to Ravelry for help, and I wasn’t disappointed.  I found this forum, posted my questions, and within hours had the answers that I needed.

After doing a few rounds, I tried the sock (the cuff) on and discovered something.

It was too big.  I knew this because of my sock knitting experience.

Rats.

I frogged and started over, going down to size 0 needles and down one sock size to the XS.

I am a loose knitter, and I keep forgetting this.  I’m glad I figured it out before I completely finished the sock!

Fortunately, the second cast on was much easier, and by the end of my vacation, I had made a lot of progress (check out yesterday’s post for that picture).

When I got home, I resumed my knitting in earnest, finishing sock #1 in no time flat.  I immediately cast on the second sock and knit it in its entirety in 24 hours…a new record for me.

I wound up using a total of 75 grams of yarn, leaving 25 more for repairs or some other random project in the future.

On to the pictures, which I’m sure you’re dying to see!  😉

This is the picture I snapped when I completed the first sock…

And here are the pictures I took during the little photo shoot I had the morning after I completed the second sock…

First, a teaser…

When I take pictures of my knitting projects, I always use the self-timer feature on my camera, which means I take a lot of crappy pictures before I get the camera zoomed properly and at the correct height.  The next picture is a little better…

This one is much better…

After this, there was no stopping me…

So, why do I pose for my sock projects?  Well, you see, I know that when I am working on socks, I often find myself stuck at parts or needing confirmation that my socks are turning out the way they are supposed to, so I go hunting for pictures of other peoples’ projects.  I really appreciate those that show close-ups.

Plus, if I’m looking for a new sock project to start, I like seeing good pictures of finished patterns.  Hence my hard work in taking good pictures.

Can you see how the ribbing continues into the flap?  Lovely, I tell you!

You can also see where I had a dilemma in the rib changes…

The pattern looks complicated, but quite honestly, it was one of Cookie’s easier ones, and it resulted in a gorgeous pair of socks that fit my feet perfectly!

I put more details on my Ravelry project page…just in case you decide to make yourself a pair of these socks.

So, what project should I work on next?

Well, I’ve already cast on and am about halfway done.

If you’re not on Ravelry, I guess you’ll just have to wait and be surprised!

Filed under: Knitting | Tagged: , , , , , , | 5 Comments »

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