Worship on Sunday morning is the most wonderful way to start my week. Melissa and I attend service together; we hold hands while we pray and listen to Rev. Ahrens' sermon. The reflection, prayers and community are such a wonderful beginning to a new week. Finding First Church was a turning point for me. I've begun to realize how important worship and a chuch community are to my life. I've rediscovered my love of ministry. I remember now that seminary is the way of my heart and my life. I have so much to learn. My application alone requires so much introspection, so much understanding of who I am and what I want to be as a minister. I am ready to be a student again. I am ready to truly study the Bible and theology; to open my heart and mind to the plan the Lord has for me.

Outside my window, there's snow everywhere! So different for Ohio winters; I'm used to ice and slush. It's been a wonderful , white winter this year. I am thinking about jobs and my resume. Not fun, but necessary. I am thankful for the Columbus library system, we're lucky to have the best library system in the country. I use my local branch so frequently. I just love it. I am wearing a dark denim skirt, white v-neck t-shirt, royal blue scoop neck cardigan and my house shoes (black Crocs.) My hair is still damp and wrapped in a towel. Silver hoop earrings and my silver Ohio pendant necklace. I am creating fixes! I have a pile of mending on the couch next to me. I am going nowhere today! I have some reserves I need to pick up at the library, but today is a home day. I am reading "Jesus for the Non-Religious," by John Shelby Spong. I have book study at church next week. I am hoping that I can keep up with my healthier eating and exercise plan! I'd like to lose about 20 lbs. I am hearing cars drive by and my dog breathing heavy. Around the house, lots to be tidied; items to be listed on Craigslist; clothes to be laundered and dishes to be done. A few plans for the week: Youngstown tomorrow with Melissa, clean and list my car on CL, hang more art around the house and finish a couple sewing projects.

2010

A decade is over and a new one begins. I have never written out resolutions before, but this feels like a year for change. Starting with my physical being: I resolve to go to the gym at least 3 days a week; I resolve to take a multi-vitamin, along with my B-12, daily; I resolve to eliminate high fructose corn syrup, partially hydrogenated oils and as many preservatives as I can from our diet. In regards to my spiritual being: I resolve to read and study the Bible, from a critical and theological perspective; I resolve to become more active in my home church, as well as the local conference; I resolve to write frequently for my seminary application. For our home: I resolve to minimize our belongings and to purchase less; I resolve to recycle more effectively and use fewer disposable items. For my emotional being: I resolve to focus on the positive aspects of our life; I resolve to be more optimistic; I resolve to write at least 5 good things about my day before bed each evening; I also resolve to pray quietly before sleep each night.

Wow, it seems like so much! Most of these are things I have been trying (and succeeding, in most cases) to do for a while. Writing everything out is a way for me to make conscious choices to become a better person for myself and my family.

Outside my window, an empty porch waiting for Christmas decorations. I am thinking about the L.SAT- coming up soon! I am thankful for my home and excited to get it ready for the upcoming holiday. I am wearing my Dansko mary janes, black cable knit cotton tights, denim skirt, white v-neck t-shirt, black wrap-around sweater, rhinestone earrings; hair in a knot with a small bump. I am creating an Advent wreath. I am going to the main library to study and to First Church to meditate. I am reading "Dinosaurs in the Attic," by Douglas Preston; it's an amazing history of the American Museum of Natural History in New York. I am hoping the holiday decorating is completed soon! I am hearing "Will & G.race," on L.ifetime. Around the house, things are coming together. One of my favorite things is cooking dinner at home. A few plans for the week- study, study, study. L.SAT is Saturday!

Outside my window; drizzle, grey skies and wind. I am thinking about New Moon- Robert Pa.ttinson is on the Today Show. I am thankful for my home; for my kitchen and the loveliness of what I have created here. I am wearing M's old Diesel jeans, grey "Short North Arts District" t-shirt, grey cardigan with blue polka dots and white birds, black flats; hair in a knot with pink and blue headbands. I am creating (will be creating) cookies and assorted baked goods for the Pilot Dogs bake sale tomorrow. I am going to the library to pick reserves and maybe to Joann's to look for an Advent wreath base. I am reading "In Defense of Food," by Michael Pollan. I am hoping for a wonderful weekend with M's dad and friends; and an OSU win over Michigan! I am hearing commercials, which I mostly find annoying. Around the house, things are quiet. I closed the door to my craft room last night and this morning discovered that it is locked! I am planning to take it off it's hinges later. One of my favorite things is planning my Christmas decorations! I am ready, but always wait until after Thanksgiving. A few plans for the week- bake today; OSU v Michigan game on Saturday; start planning for Hilton Head trip!

be present.

remember how important it is to just be present in your life.

remind yourself of the wonderful things happening, focus on the ideas and thoughts that bring those to mind. be present in every moment.

Mini apple pies!

These are my mini apple pies. I made No Roll pie crust from Joy the Baker. It is so so so delicious and easy! Since there are only 2 of us, I decided to make mini pies rather than 1 big pie that we'd never finish and would probably go to waste. I figured I could freeze, or at lease refrigerate the little ones. I pressed the crust into greased muffin tins. The filling is a mix of Winesap and Goldrush apples we picked at a nearby orchard; cinnamon, sugar and lemon juice. I placed a small pat of butter and more cinnamon and sugar on top and put them in the oven. They came out wonderfully. The crust is crumbly and buttery, absolutely amazing for no rolling!