One More Picture...

Romans 8:38-39  For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor heavenly rulers, nor things that are present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord

I John 1:7  But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

Psalm 62:5-8

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation,  my fortress where I will not be shaken. My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him,

for God is our refuge.

Just thought I would add one more picture, no explanation needed. 

God Bless our troops, God Bless America. 

Pictures of the Week: A Blogging "Assignment"

As a special education paramour, I assist a deaf student mainstreamed in high school.  Attending each class he is assigned to; this year my last class of the day is an elective, photography.  On Fridays, the class is assigned to write in a  "word doc",  thoughts and feelings provoked by "Pictures of the Week" at the site: http://www.time.com/time/potw.

So, I thought I would give it a try myself, only with spiritual thoughts if possible.  Last night, I viewed each picture, picked out the ones (10) that gave me reason to pause and now I will post a blog--  "assignment."

Picture 1

Standing behind the construction zone of the memorial being built at Ground Zero, this woman takes in the progress, though for many New Yorkers, their own personal memorial is etched forever upon their hearts.

Joshua built a memorial for his people, the Israelites, to remember all God had brought them through:

Joshua 4:8  So the Israelites did as Joshua commanded them. They took twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, as the LORD had told Joshua; and they carried them over with them to their camp, where they put them down.

A physical memorial is important for those who are left. It helps us to be active in our grief and move forward ourselves as we honor our loved ones.  

Picture 2

   Adorned with beautiful artistic scrolls in one-toned tattoos and bold jewelery, these hands remain empty.  I glance down at my own worn hands, one nail black and blue from a garden hoe that missed the weed, age spots freckling the tops  and my skin lose and wrinkly.   Short nails and dry patches of eczema that I consistently need to attend to,...well,  I really do not like my hands much these days. .  Yet God has seen fit to use my hands and I am thankful to offer them.
.

  Psalm 90:17

 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

Picture 3

A plane crashes  in the wilderness. A search party backpacks in. Supplies parachute down for the recovery.

 Phil. 4:19 And my God shall supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength,  an ever-present help in trouble. 

Picture 4  

                                                                    Ecclesiastes 3:8

 A time to love and a time to hate;
A time for war and a time for peace. 

Picture 5

 A motor race as seen by air, the participants move across the landscape leaving a wake of dust behind them.

Hebrews 12:1 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. 




Picture 6

The orange line is the border between  India and Pakistan, strung with lights and visible from the International Space Station.  

Psalm 147:12-14

Extol the LORD, Jerusalem;
   praise your God, Zion.
 He strengthens the bars of your gates
   and blesses your people within you.
He grants peace to your borders
   and satisfies you with the finest of wheat.

Picture 7

Texas ablaze with the long-suffering drought.

Isaiah 43

Israel’s Only Savior

 ¹ But now, this is what the LORD says—
   he who created you, Jacob,
   he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
   I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
² When you pass through the waters,
   I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
   they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
   you will not be burned;
   the flames will not set you ablaze.
³ For I am the LORD your God,
   the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I give Egypt for your ransom,
   Cush and Seba in your stead.
⁴ Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
   and because I love you,
I will give people in exchange for you,
   nations in exchange for your life.
⁵ Do not be afraid, for I am with you;
   I will bring your children from the east
   and gather you from the west.
⁶ I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’
   and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’
Bring my sons from afar
   and my daughters from the ends of the earth—
⁷ everyone who is called by my name,
   whom I created for my glory,
   whom I formed and made.”

 

Picture 8  This is Bastrop, Texas.  Our friends Steve and Debbie live here.  They were evacuated all week, but today we found out that their house is OK.  Thank You Lord.  (Do you see the cross?)

Isaiah 61

The Year of the LORD’s Favor

 ¹ The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
   because the LORD has anointed me
   to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
   to proclaim freedom for the captives
   and release from darkness for the prisoners,
² to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor
   and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
 ³ and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
   instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
   instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
   instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
   a planting of the LORD
   for the display of his splendor.

Picture 9

When we catch the "wind" of the Holy Spirit, and we abide in His will, sometimes we' re not to sure where He  is leading us.  Some of us wobble side to side, trying to do our own thing, some wait forever to pull their chute while others stretch their feet out, ready to hit the ground running.  Where ever you are in your "jump", aren't you glad God is patient and guides you over the right landing spot?   I hope you listened to all the right directions! 

John 3:8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."

One more picture I chose remains, but I am saving that one for a post tomorrow on 9-11.  

Please share your own thoughts and feelings about these pics.  It is fun to hear different perspectives on art. 

Day Tripping, Chapter 2: Philippe's, The Original

Lauren, my sister, plans out these trips.  Our original intention was to attend the LA Gift Show at the Convention Center.  Just as I am an aspiring writer, Lauren is an aspiring pastry chef. She can bake! (and a great cook too).  With the proper documents at hand, we were ready to mingle with true business people and gather ideas for proprietorship of my greeting cards and  her decadent sweets.  First stop though was lunch.  Not just any old lunch, but seeking out a special place, a famous LA landmark, existing since  the beginning of the 20th century.  Generations, including our own,  have tasted the scrumptious sandwiches prepared daily by this deli, Philippe's. You can check out their website at www.philippes.com for more info,but I'll post a little history here copied from the site. 

Philippe's History

Philippe The Original is one of the oldest and best known restaurants in Southern California. Philippe's was established in 1908 by Philippe Mathieu, who claimed the distinction of having created the "French Dipped Sandwich." One day in 1918, while making a sandwich, Mathieu inadvertently dropped the sliced french roll into the roasting pan filled with juice still hot from the oven. The patron, a policeman, said he would take the sandwich anyway and returned the next day with some friends asking for more dipped sandwiches. And so was born the "French Dipped Sandwich," so called either because of Mathieu's French heritage, the French roll the sandwich is made on or because the officer's name was French. The answer is lost to history.

In an inconspicuous corner of China Town, there the crowds of locals (and some not so local) gather. Immediately caught up in nostalgia and simpler times, a  large room with many "picnic-like" community tables fill the space and lines of people wait for their own "carver" to take their order as they approach the counter. Decorated with classic photos of yesteryear, eclectic novelties and sawdust floors, the smells of the meats ready to smother the soft french rolls dipped in the juice of the roast is served quickly and professionally on paper plates with a dill pickle and a bag of chips. Satisfying!                             

It is always a busy place

Fuchsia toes, fuchsia flip flops...sawdust...

A history in LA  told in newspaper cutouts on plaques.

...and fuchsia, well pickled eggs!

Two things caught my photographer eye as we sat and ate our French Dips.  Behind me, along one wall, a row of telephone booths, made of varnished wood stood ready (in my imagination) for any cub reporter to slip in a dime and place a call to his editor, or a man with a hunch and a dream,  placing a quick bet on the horses at Hollywood Park. 

In the 1940's my mother came down here with her father, a shop owner himself in the jewelery district.  My grandfather also spent a lot of time at the stock exchange building.  They rode "the Red Car, " an electric trolley rail car, down to Philippe's to eat lunch. This glassed photograph shows exactly that scene. 

The second thing that truly stood out and amazed me, the counter right at the door.  The original wood and glass cabinet displayed and array of colorful candies and gums from days gone by and housed other memorabilia from the eatery.  

My grandfather always had Blackjack and Juicy Fruit gum at his house.

 With tummy's full, these two adventurous sisters (Lauren and I),  set out on the streets of LA, headed towards the Convention Center.  Camera in hand, I snapped away at many more interesting and iconic sights before we found the parking garage. Our adventure and photography continues in Chapter 3. 

Philippe's, the Original.  Hmmmm,seems I know of another "original Phil, well his name is Phillip, one of the original twelve apostles of Jesus.  When Jesus started his ministry, many people heard of his reputation and great teachings. He soon had many people "lined up", waiting to be "fed,"   spiritually.  On one of these occasions, when Passover season was at hand and many traveled into town for this celebration; a very--- very large crowd gathered to hear Jesus speak and hopefully see or be a part of these miracles they heard about.

Jesus became concerned about the crowd and their physical appetite, asking Philip where to get the best bread.  Jesus knew already of course, He planned the menu! Philip, after looking into his satchel,  told Jesus that the few denarii available to purchase lunch for all these people, came up short.  Andrew though, saw a young boy who brought along a picnic basket filled with five loaves of bread and a two fish. The soft green grass soon became the crowd's community table. Taking the bread and fish, Jesus gave thanks.  Philip and the other disciples now became Christ's "carvers", taking orders and handing out meals to the multitudes. Over 5000 became satisfied that day, in their tummy and hopefully in their hearts, for they tasted a miracle that day. I venture to say, that hilltop got an "A rating."

Matthew 14:14-21

John 6: 1-13.

 

I hope you find time in your busy day to savor the feast Jesus prepared for you. "Dip" into his Word.   "Give us this day Lord, our daily bread," and sandwiched in between is your promise: 

John 6:50. (NIV) "But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which anyone may eat and not die.  I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”
 

DayTripping with my Sister Lauren, Chapter 1: Going Postal

Last month, I spent three fun-filled days with my sister Lauren. An  adventure in our own backyard awaited us. The first place, the big city of freeways and skyscrapers,  Los Angeles.  Living about 50 minutes east of me, Lauren arrived to take me along on a day trip that turned out slightly different than we originally planned.  Less than an hours drive from my house heading further west, we set out.  The weather, in the low 80's,
So. Cal. perfection as if I had asked for it. (Maybe I did!).  Navigating the city, no techno-GPS in view, we drove along as if we were regular city-folk, never once lost or nervous.  With my camera in hand, Lauren graciously double parked and circled around, allowing me the pleasure of  snapping shots of interesting buildings  and historical sites, well aware of my blog-photography interest.  So for you So. Cal readers, I hope to enlighten you on some history and trivia and for all you readers outside this state, a pleasurable travel blog. 

Our first stop, Philippe's, Home of the Original Beef Dip Sandwich.  You may be hungry to read here, but get in line now, and wait for Chapter 2.  This restaurant is located at 1001 N. Alameda St.  Across the street though, a post office.  This is what I will blog about first.

Los Angeles Terminal Annex, U.S. Post Office

Located at 900 N. Alameda, the Spanish Colonial Mission-style structure, built in 1940, delivers a feeling of yesteryear with a growing population.  With all the modern mechanics of its time, sorting and processing over 2 million pieces of mail per day and employing over 1600 public servants, this facility remained open 24 hours. In 1950, another expansion took place, adding more square footage to process the increasing demands of a big city.  In 1985, a new honor stamped into history, a spot in the National Register of Historical Places. In 1989, a new L.A. general post office opened, the volume then at 14 million. 

A first-class letter, 4¢ to mail in 1940

Scandal, murder, mayhem, drugs and city-wide chaos, all the things writers love to sink their teeth into, echo through the halls of the building. The year I was born, 1954, two postal  employees, nabbed for apparently bookmaking, probably did not bet on getting delivered to jail.   (Maybe they were ahead of their time and self-publishing?).  Rumors abound that many more took part in these secret back room dealings.  (Got to watch out for those aspiring writers, hehee).

An 8 1/2 hour power outage in 1985, believed sparked from a voltage line in the basement, curtailed the mail for one day.  (Neither snow, nor sleet...but power?  yes, it did). 

Hollywood is everywhere in L.A.  Do you remember seeing the movie Dear God starring Greg Kinnear?  Kinnear's character plays a con-man who receives a judgment of community service. Sent to the post office, he is mandated to the task of sorting and reading through the "dead-letter" file; letters that are undeliverable because the addresses do not exist.  He finds many letters from children writing God, asking for things not for themselves, but for their family.  Filmed on location here and directed by Gary Marshall, we watch  Kinnear's dishonest heart  re-shape when he begins to answer these letters himself with tangible means.  Soon, he involves his fellow workers and transformation happens as Kinnear finds meaningful purpose for his life. 

Although we are not saved by works, doing good things for others is pleasing to God and certainly helps us too. 

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good
Romans 12:21
 One more delivery to make: 

  I found this on-line, author unknown, but I am guessing he or she delivers the snail mail we still receive; the birthday card from Grandma with X's and O's and  $5.00 safely tucked away, the report cards, and college acceptance letters,birth announcements and refund checks. Send someone a card this week, hand it to your mail person for delivery, thanking him/her for a job well done! 

A Postman's Prayer

 God our father -- may everything we do be "first class." Imprint your own loving "zip code" upon our hearts in that we may never go astray.
Provide in your gracious providence "special handling" for those of us who are "fragile" and keep us in one piece.
We have been "signed, sealed, stamped, and delivered" in your image and likeness, and we beg you to keep us in your care as we go about our "appointed rounds."
And when our days draw to a close and we are marked "Return to Sender," be there to greet us at heaven's door so that nobody may ever say, "unknown at this address." Amen.

The Wedding

The Wedding

God didn’t get an invitation, or a Save the Date card.

God wasn’t invited.

But Heaven was watching.

No eye  closed, no head bowed down,

But Heaven was listening.

There were no unity candles, no colored sand,

But Heaven was agreeing

No Bible was opened, no scriptures were read

But Heaven was calling.

Music fell silent. 
 But Heaven’s whisper rustled the trees.

God was not invited,

  But His Grace filled every seat.

Mr. and Mrs. Rick Merola

Love made a vow, a promise to keep.

Greater Love is Good,

But Heaven shall wait.

For Heaven is Forgiving, Eternal and True.

God was not invited,

But Hope prays for you.

Coleene

August 7, 2011

Four Cheese Zucchini Quiche.

"Real men don't eat quiche!" 

I don't remember who came up with this statement, maybe Tim Allen or some other "manly" man, but this particular recipe is filled with the one thing my man loves...cheese.  

I know...not too healthy for him (or me either) and that is why I make this one time a year, during summer and that is it! Fresh zucchini sprouts from my garden.  If you need a great dish  for taking to friends who need meals for whatever reason, this quiche is great.  You can make two, one for you and one for your friend.  Quiche is delicious any time of the day, cold or warmed up and very portable.  

Inspired by my long-time friend since junior high,  Karolyn, I encourage you to check out her site at FOODjimoto.com.  She authors a  wonderful blog about her family and  friends and  posts scrumptious recipes beautifully  photographed and presented.  My pictures here do not compare in the least, but I thought it would be fun to try anyways. 



So, here is my recipe for:

Shredded Zucchini and Four Cheese Quiche 

8 eggs

1/4 cup milk

1 clove garlic, pressed

1/4 tsp. salt

3/4 tsp. pepper

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Redi-made pie crust (I get the deep dish kind).

green onions, chopped including tops

2 small shredded zucchini

1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese

1 cup shredded jack cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 

Start cracking those 8 eggs into a mixing bowl.

Add the milk

pressed garlic, salt and pepper

Pre-shred all your cheeses.  I buy the Parmesan all ready to go. 

Add 1/4 cup Parmesan to your eggs mixture.

Ready to be whisked...(not away, but in the bowl).  It was impossible to whisk and photograph. The camera might have landed in the eggs;  trust me. So sorry visual people. 

Green onions...mmm I love them.  Have you ever seen a green onion seed?  It looks like this:  .

             (That's not a period, it is a seed).

Start layering.  Yes, I know it is summer, but this layering will warm you up inside!  

Swiss cheese and then the green onions,

shredded zucchini all on top of that.

 Top with more cheese, jack and Mozza.

At this point, you just have fun adding the cheeses and left over green onions. 

A food processor comes in handy for the cheese and the zucchini. 

Zucchini shredding!  The kids will never know it is in there! 

Ready for the eggs that will hold it all together. 

Pour your egg mixture carefully and totally everywhere over your cheese.  It will seep carefully down and in between.  

Bake at 350-degree oven for 25-30 minutes or until center is firm when lightly touched.

I like that word:  firm.  

–adjective

1.

not soft or yielding when pressed; comparatively solid, hard, stiff, or rigid: firm ground; firm texture.

2.

securely fixed in place.

3.

not shaking or trembling; steady: a firm voice.

(Dictionary.com) 

 I am reminded of someone who stands strong, like a parent with a rule, or a soldier on watch, or...

Your eternal word, O LORD, stands firm in heaven.

1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

So, I hope you enjoyed my "cheesy" blog today.  Let me know if you tried my recipe! Comments welcomed!

Update: So, How are Those Summer Plans Going?

Write, paint and draw, submit stories, read, encourage, reunite with many great friends, drop several pounds, blog, tend my garden, walk 3 miles a day, organize and purge my “piles” that collect (already got a jump start on that one), plan for the fall, hang out on day trips with my Sis, two weddings, listen to music, hopefully go see Les Mis at the Ahmanson, take a few short trips with Ted and Corey, make my zucchini quiche (definitely not on my diet), stay healthy mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Some “s” things I will keep doing: continue to meet with my small group and Starbucks…skinny latte for now. 

Two blogs ago, I wrote the above list of things, hoping to keep me accountable knowing I had "put it in writing and on the internet."  It is mid July now, and I think it is time to hit the refresh button.


I. Writing:  I try to write everyday. Two articles, both with a Christmas theme, I wait for results after  submitting; one to a "Chicken Soup" possibility and the other, an anthology of inspiring Christmas stories. Also writing a few devotionals as God speaks to me, is something I really enjoy and love to share. August; more writing planned and  the month I plan to start submitting  my children's book, "A Worm's Eye View." 

II. Art Work: The last in a series of 6 cards I designed with a TOAD as the central character, hops out of my printer and I am preparing the final examples to send to possible card publishers.  Will you pray with me about this?  I have two completed in another series.  

III. Secret Art project:  This is in combination with an old, close friend, Sally  visiting for a class reunion.  Thirty-five plus years whizzed by since we have been in contact. Along with my friends Joyce and Lynn,  a great time together was logged in more memory cells. Sally resides in South Dakota. Her spunk and reconnection with me on Facebook along with the anticipation of her visit, inspired me to create a personal gift for her.  She sent me a picture of her "neighborhood", a spring meadow. My interpretation was done in oil pastels.

Coleene and Sally

South Dakota Meadow 

 IV. Drop several pounds and the walking:  Yeah! Progress is being made.  I walk 4 miles almost every day.  I really enjoy it ...a good habit. The weight?  Fifteen pounds gone! My goal is 10 more by the time school starts at the end of  August.  

V. My All Class Reunion was last weekend, over 700 in attendance from high school ranging from the early 1960's to the late 1990's I believe, until our school changed to a middle school. Many in my class are still close friends and we had a great time reuniting with other years as well.  Here is our class group photo.  Next year our 40th Reunion hopes to reunite even more of our classmates to celebrate many memories, school spirit and life.

 

   VI.  Gardening:  This year, the harvest is bountiful. We are now enjoying tomatoes, peppers and zucchini.  Drying my herbs, I hope to package them for savory gifts.

VII.  Day Trips:  Returning this weekend from a few days spent with my sister, Lauren, I will reserve that experience and pictures for another blog.  


Up and Coming August plans: A Wedding. Rick, A very close friend of our son Tim, plans to  "tie the knot" officially the first  Friday in August.  I am contemplating already a very emotional day for me. I know Tim would be so happy for Rick finding his true love after so many years.  Congratulations Rick and Toni!  

 Another friend to visit:  I am anxious and  excited to see my East Coast buddy, Diane, who will be visiting in August.

Las Vegas:  My husband's friends like to do things up in a big way. Turning  the magic number "55" this year,  they are throwing themselves a party in Vegas.  (yes, Vegas in August...).  What happens in Vegas?  We shall see.  

So, where is all the inspiration in this blog you may be asking?  Everybody has things to do, summer fun, reunions, gardens and great friends.  What can I say here that will make you glad you read this blog today? 

Maybe you have just been a little LAZY this summer and need some motivation.  A closet needs to be cleaned out, a dentist appointment  has been postponed too long, your kids have been wanting to see the latest action movie or long for a trip to the beach.  When was the last time you made a s'more or tried a new recipe?  I am the queen of procrastination, but God has been teaching me to prioritize and plan better, make lists and be better disciplined in many areas of my life. What better day than today to start a project you have always wanted to try. Some things may seem overwhelming. Break jobs down into mini-projects and try to work on one thing a week.  Repaint a room with a fresh color, re-pot a plant and add several more to the mix for a color bowl, scrapbook a few pages, swim several laps!  

 The LORD will guide you always;  He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden,  like a spring whose waters never fail.  Isaiah 58:11


After my son passed away, I found my nights to be very restless. Sitting still for a long period of time watching TV or any other idle activity brought me down and anxious.   Keeping my mind busy, writing and purchasing a small water color tray and a few brushes, I tried to  renew an old gift I thought lost in my youth and for sure, never confident in.  God swept me off my feet and gave me comfort and the encouragement in what I was DOING; thus moving me forward. God can and will do the same for you, whatever you are stuck in. 

You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy Psalm 30:11 

The walking?  I Just decided one day that starting the first Monday of summer vacation, my steps would be deliberate and prayerful.  I charted a course and 3 miles are now 4 miles a day.  

  The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him.  Psalm 37:23  

Always making an effort to keep and cherish my friendships both old and new, God's blessings overwhelm me with His bountiful blessings of many true, longstanding relationships.  This also takes work and time. but oh, what joy fills my heart.  Give your best friend from high school a call today; make a Starbucks date.
 

                   "A cup of coffee shared with a friend is happiness tasted and time well spent."

I have another month before school starts, so more days to get projects completed, write, draw, organize, walk, and move forward.  More days to bring God praise.

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9

What are your summer projects?  I'd love to hear your plans and progress.