Caption Party

Well you all seemed to have a lot of fun at last week's droopy cake party, so I thought I'd switch it up a little bit this week. Ready for another party?

Of course there will be food. Food in the form of peanut butter bars. Hey. It's protein.

So my mother-in-law has jumped on the throwback Thursday picture bandwagon, and all the pictures of the kid-Ryan have made me look back at some gems from my childhood.

I was a ham even then.

So I thought it would be fun to show you a few today and see what kind of captions you might have for these little bits-o-Bekah's-childhood.

Are you ready??

#1.

#2.

 #3.

 #4.

 #5.

 #6.

 Hit me with your best captions!! {And/or comments and judgments. They're all deserved.}

And please pass the peanut butter bars. And the coffee.

Photo Shoots

It makes me giggle when I'm out at events and people say to me, "Aren't you blonde on the website?"

It's true. The photo shoot that took place just mere days after I arrived at the station was...another hair lifetime ago.

How well I remember this day. It was in the dead of summer and we lost 3 pounds of sweat just lugging our bag-o-beauty products from the parking garage of the Grand Wayne Center into the main hallway where we had our photo shoot. We barely knew each other and set up camp at opposite ends of a public bathroom to curl and straighten and reapply makeup...and then we got to know each other's personal space pretty well as Amy took our pictures.

But alas...it's approaching 3 years later, and I've got a whole new hair life going on, in addition to a new name, and it was time to redo the photos.

SO....we called Amy and made an appointment to meet her at the Friendly Fox...a little cafe near the station...for a new photo shoot. Pretty sure the fine folks at the Friendly Fox had no idea what to think when Lynne and I busted in the front door with bags and hanging clothes...and purses and books and laptops and phones and spare shoes...

First order of business - had to get coffee props. Well THAT'S a crying shame.

It's a salted caramel mocha. And it was every bit as delicious as it looks. In fact, I got a little testy whenever Amy suggested a shot that didn't include it. Why? Why would you do that? Why would you take coffee out of my hands??? {hee hee hee}

Now. Lynne is not a coffee drinker. I'll give you a minute to absorb that I could be such close friends with someone who doesn't consume the liquid gold. So her coffee cup prop looked more like this:

Why yes. That is iced lemonade in a coffee cup.

It was so much fun, you guys. Amy is a good photographer - the kind that watches out for things like sweaters that don't lay right or the stray hair sticking precariously in some wayward direction.

She thought of all sorts of creative poses and climbed and crawled all over that cafe making us look skinny and cute. God bless her.

That's a shot Lynne took of me while Amy changed batteries.

We had the BEST afternoon. Three outfits, probably hundreds of pictures, lots of laughter, and so much fun. I can't wait to see the finished products!!

Wednesdays in the Word: Verse C

I'm so excited about this verse! I've been studying it for several days now, and yesterday, as I prayed about it, God allowed me to see it in a completely different way than I ever have before, and I'm so excited to share with you what I learned!

This verse is one of those that...if you have any Bible background...you've probably heard and/or memorized. It's quoted often, it's been turned into song...it's a "popular" verse. I'm always excited when I can see a "popular" verse in a new light - and to be truthful, I was mostly stuck on just the first part of the verse as I learned. I'm sure there's more hidden in the second part when my mind is ready to move on to marinating there!

It's a prayer, you know...this verse. An invitation.

Heart work is always so daunting, isn't it? Learning new character traits...growing...stretching...it's exhausting. And it's how I've felt about this verse every time I've studied it. I would look at the words staring back at me from the page of the Bible and think...oh goodness. I have to work so hard at all this. I have to put forth all this effort and figure everything out...and it's just so much!

But did you see the words at the start of the verse? Create in me...O God.

It's on Him. The creation of the new heart is all God's work. All you have to do is extend the invitation and then wait while He works. Now, of course, He will ask you to make changes, but the creation of that heart is not yours to do. It's His.

The same God who created the heavens and the the earth...out of nothing...all the way back at the beginning of time...can create a new heart in you. Even if you have nothing good to offer.

Even if you're a confused mess, He can still create something new in you, because that's Who He is and what He does.

Creating.

All He's waiting on from you is...the invitation.

For you to ASK. {Like...say...we learned in the A verse??} {Here's the B verse too, if you missed it.}

From the Other Side.

May 29, 2007

To My Love -

I wanted to write you today - from this place - to remind myself that you are real. I come here every week to pray for you and about you. The little chapel here on campus. A place I've been coming for five months, every Tuesday, just to beg for you.

At the start of this year, I made 25 covenants and commitments with God, and one of them was to come here to the chapel every Tuesday on my lunch hour to pray about you. I'm learning much from these quiet times with God. Many questions and tears - much journaling and kneeling at the altar.

Sometimes I wonder if He sees me - as Psalm 42:9 says: "I say to my God, my Rock, 'Why have You forgotten me?'" But then again...as verse 11 says, "Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God."

I imagine coming here with you one day, and kneeling at this altar together. I want to share with you the place that has been so sacred to me.

 I've also been praying Scripture over you. 26 of them - one for each letter of the alphabet. I wrote them out on index cards, and as I walk for exercise, I read them and pray over you.

It's hard to wait without understanding why I'm waiting. I'm doing my best to follow the paths I feel God leading toward, but I always wonder if you are hidden in one.

Please come to me. Please find me. Please be the answer to these hours of prayers I've poured out before the Lord.

 I won't give up. I'll keep coming here to meet God and ask for you. I'll keep offering up Scripture as a prayer. And I'll keep looking to find you!

Love,

Bekah

 ** This was one of the letters I wrote to Ryan before we were married...one of them that I presented to him on the morning of our wedding. He read it to me this week and it overwhelmed me with how God was working in that season that seemed so silent. Wanted to share it with you today in case you're praying and waiting on an answer of your own. When it comes and you can look back...so sweet. **

In Which We Continue with Droopy Cake

I LOVE YOU, BLOGGY FRIENDS!!

I wish you could have seen the ginormous smile that crossed my face over and over and over throughout Friday as I read your comments! In case you're not sure...it looked a little something like this...

I realized the awkward part of a virtual droopy cake party is that we can't have a really good conversation because we can't talk back and forth!!! So today I wanted to respond to your responses!

* First of all...to all of you who popped in and said hi for the first time....HI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ryan called me and said, "Man, you have readers everywhere!!" It is such an honor that you like to hang out here. THANK YOU for saying hi!! I felt very, very loved.

* It is amazing to me how many of you were willing to dig into that community cake pan. You really ARE good friends! And then there's the one who has to skip utensils entirely... {ahem...Shawn}.

* It's also amazing to me how many of you are hurting in big and small ways these days...we need this little party. Maybe we need a party EVERY Friday!!

* Euzinha - We didn't forget Braeya. She valiantly tried for a piece of cake of her own. Such a little begger, that one.

* Gaylene - You and Ryan are a common heart for those in need of care...bless you and your husband for having such a passion for your residents! A giant slice of cake for you as you work through the corporate frustrations. {The good news is - no work politics at a cake party!}

* Tammy - Ahhhh, you're from Lima. Can you bring me one of those Kewpie Burgers I hear so much about? You can stay an hour or two...or more...and relax with some conversation. Come early - the chair space is at a premium in this renovation mess.

* Kristin - Ryan removed the Food Network from our favorite channels {per my request}, so this is a presentation-free zone!! {CLEARLY!!!} Miss you. And proud of you.

* Leslie - Ryan brought home the cake leftovers and I'm thrilled {and relieved} to report it IS good cake. So close your eyes and take a big bite!!

* Shari - We did an at-home date with pizza and polar pops and...for dessert...LEFTOVER CAKE! Fortunately the icing on this cake is easily removed. {And easily eaten...} Big hugs to you!!

* Jayla - Did you work Casting Crowns? If so, you probably needed some cake!! I'll see you at Kari Jobe, maybe?? God IS faithful. It's good to say it over and over to remind ourselves, isn't it?

* Anonymous - You are in luck! I have milk for your cake beverage!! I'll fight you for the edges. One of the blessings of my marriage is that Ryan prefers the cake and I prefer the icing. It's a beautiful thing. But because I am a good hostess, I'll share with you!!

* April - HELLO!! So glad to learn your name. Thank you for saying hi! I've felt the pain of Pinterest fails too. That's always so disappointing, isn't it??? Do you ever check out that Pinterest fail blog? It is SO FUNNY!!! {And makes me feel better.}

* Anonymous #2 - Well if you had seen me growing up, you would know what a blessing it is that you called me a ray of sunshine in the mornings. Because goodness knows I was NEVER accused of that as a child. But thank you so much for hanging out here...and thanks for coming to my virtual cake party!! And I'll try to keep bringing you sunshine!

* Lois - How I wish you could come have cake with us!! I miss you!! And if you come to visit, can you please oh please bring some of that warm sunny weather with you???

* Lynnette - WHEN ARE YOU COMING IN???? I must text you!! I miss you...and our chats. Love you!!!!

* Stacy - I am honored that you did your first ever comment here!! I love love love it!!! Can we compromise between your smoothie and my cake with...a chocolate smoothie!??? I am all about that!!

* Sheryl - I miss you too!! And every time I go get my iced tea, I think of you and our drink runs!! And I miss lunches with you. Especially those that ended with chocolate cake. Or chocolate of any kind.

* My name twin, Bekah - You are TOTALLY allowed to take a nap without any offense taken. I'll even bring you a blanket so you can be comfy! We have lots of those around here. And unless you kicked her out, you'd probably have a furry, purring friend curling up beside you.

* Allison - You have a way of making the winter seem less daunting and more fun. I'll take you up on some laughs and fun with that amazing family of yours. :)

* Teresa - Hoping you got my email...and my dear friend, you can have the ENTIRE pan of cake. And so many hugs.

* Lori - It's a deal. We'll even go get the polar pop for you. Extra large. :) Bring Murph??

* Christina - It's been too long. We need a real life cake party. I do miss you. Please can I see you before your kids' high school graduations?? :)

* Shawn - Well, we already went over the lack of utensils, but you know what? For a visit from you, Ryan would feed you...airplane style. We miss you.

* Elisa - YES! Come on over. I'd love to pick up our conversation and keep learning more about you!! Come be part of our party!!

* Anonymous from Noble County - I screwed up no bake cookies once, so we can be cooking failures together. :) You can throw in the towel and just come eat our cake. Everybody wins!!!!

* Aunt Karen - We have been praying for you!!! Nita said it's been kind of a tough week for you too. Wanna come over and have a good cry together?? Followed, of course, by cake.

* Odie - I had to wipe up the keyboard from drool after reading about that ice cream. YES! BRING THAT!!!! We won't tell everyone else it's here and we'll just sneak off to the corner of the kitchen and "clean up the mess" while we eat it!! I think the new 5th member of the Vocal Band is exciting! I love it when Bill plucks new talent from nowhere. What fun!

* Polly - You know that whole "Good things come to those who wait" saying? I waited and I got some cake!! You BETTER come to this party. I need you!

* Ali - Bring your culinary work too! Yours had fruit in it, so that counts as a serving of healthy, right? We'll trade up. Chocolate fixes a multitude of woes.

* Cindy - Hello! I remember you! And I love your admission of being a chocoholic. All chocoholics welcomed here - and your addiction may possibly be fed. :)

* Tamar - It's true! I am that kind of nerd. I use measuring tapes on cake pans! :) You made me giggle. And I love to laugh, so come on over and let's make some people laugh!

* Mrs. Johnson - I confess the thought of using the extra batter to make cupcakes never crossed my mind. Sometimes I need to NOT be such a rule follower. Makes me giggle just thinking about it. So glad to know you like to read the old blogaroo. Come on over!! Sorry our house woes caused Mom to miss the lunch last Friday. :(

* Teresa - How fun to meet you! Isn't it great to be able to have a virtual visit when the real one isn't possible! Thanks for being part of our party - and for reading along!

* Tracy - You are a woman after my own heart. Scraping off beaters...spatulas...licking bowls...these are the things that make life a bit richer. ;) 

Thanks, friends! Thanks for chatting with me and allowing me such joy at my droopy cake party. I leave you with one last glimpse....

The Shafferland Shuffle

* Last Sunday was the end of the Shafferland Staycation...so sad!! We checked out of our room at the Hilton where the marriage retreat was held...and made our way to breakfast. I ordered a piece of toast that seemed to be um...on a diet? We made our way home and rested/unpacked/geared up for a new week AND...guess what?? MORE SNOW!!!!! {Bet you can't guess which picture offers my thoughts on that.}

* We went to work on Monday...and I was so excited to find a gift waiting for me when I arrived!! A mug from Lindsay Sherbondy's shop...love it! I made it through a whopping HALF day before coming home to beat the snow/ice storm predicted to come. I settled in on the couch to work for the afternoon, and Ryan drove home in the {granted, very pretty from the inside} whiteout of an afternoon storm. Thankful we could stay home all evening!

 * Tuesday morning, I left for work at 6:00 a.m. AGAIN. Not gonna lie - kind of tired of prepping for 2 hour commutes. Hurry, spring!! After work, we met with the plumbers, who came to map out their plan for the plumbing overhaul we have to have done. And in totally unrelated news...I made my first ever guacamole that night! It was really good! Ryan and I had to push one of our cars out of the driveway {stupid ruts...}and got a little chilly in the process, but we got it out!!

* Wednesday....ohhhhh Wednesday!!! I actually got to leave at a respectable time and have a drive on clear roads driving...are you ready for this??? THE SPEED LIMIT! It was amazing. My friend Amy invited me to join her for an impromptu lunch outing at McDonald's, so it was an iced tea day!! I got tons of work done at my desk, and then came home to a hard workout in our new routine! Even Braeya got into the action with us. {No doubt so she could get wound up to keep us up at night.}

* Remember how I had to work part of Monday from home because of snow? Well Thursday was our day of heavy fog, crazy rain, and then storms with 75 mile an hour winds. Ohhhh Indiana. Thursday was also the day we had to empty the contents of several rooms into one so the plumbers could come and begin the great redo of 2014. Ryan did the lion's share of that work while I made a Texas sheet cake for his work...and burned my fingers in the process. How does a little burn hurt SO MUCH!?!?

 * Ryan and I spent much of Friday checking in with my mom, who was "supervising" the plumbers as they began the overhaul at our house. The poor plumbers ran into a few obstacles immediately, but we already have a nice hole in the ceiling to show for the work! Ryan and I were emotionally pooped from the week, so we hunkered down at home with pizza and old episodes of Mad About You and then watched our last round of Olympics...sniff of sadness.

* Saturday was a work day for Ryan, so I enjoyed a day of leisure. I scrapbooked, caught up on Downton Abbey {well, almost....} and made a quick outing to Cato with my friend Kari to do some shopping. It's been a while since I shopped with a girlfriend - fun! And also for fun - our thoughts on the week.

The Saturday Six

One.

Source

Maybe it's the lack of cooperative weather this winter...maybe it's just the sheer beauty of her pictures...but this post has me itching for spring and summer...and sun...and my camera. All in the same place at the same time.

Two.

Ryan and I have started recording old reruns of Mad About You to watch...we l.o.v.e. that show!! Anyone else a fan? I think we may be a secret version of Paul and Jamie....

Three.

We also started a new workout program this week. Well, it's not new. It's just new to us. It's called PrayFit. Heard of it? The workout we're doing is a 33 minute routine that the guy challenges people to do for 33 days in a row. I confess week one has nearly killed me, and it's even made Ryan sore. Now you know if it gets to HIM...it's a serious workout. Anxious to see how I feel in a month!

Four.


Excited to see that the Gaither Vocal Band has announced its new, complete group! Can't wait to hear the new sound!

Five. 

Know who that is? I'll give you a hint: It's 13 year old me. We won't even dissect this picture.

Six.

Source

CUTE repurposed cabinet-to-island. Islands fascinate me. Repurposing fascinates me. Marry the two and...I'm fascinated.

Want Some Slightly Droopy Cake?

I had a meltdown at work yesterday. Came out of nowhere and was one of those Rudolph-nose inducing messes.

And that should have warned me.

Because I went home and tried to make a Texas sheet cake. Miss Mixy got a little mix happy and I had cake batter on me..the mixer...the wall, the floor {in two rooms}. The pan was too small for the batter {NOT user error: I actually got out the measuring tape and measured the pan. It was what the recipe called for.}. And I burned two fingers getting it into the oven.

In the end, it tasted heavenly...but the presentation was...well....

...a bit on the droopy side.

Kind of embarrassing to scrape this one clean on the edges and send it with Ryan today, but I am.

But if I didn't have to...I was wondering...would you wanna come over for some droopy-iced cake and some coffee, maybe? We could sit by the fireplace and just dip a fork right into the whole pan of cake. {Unless, of course, that sort of thing grosses you out and then you could have your own plate.}

As we cap off this week, I'd love to have a bloggy version of a chocolate cake party. If you have a second, do you mind popping in to the comments to say hi? I've always wondered who all is out there reading along, and I'd just like to meet you! Over droopy cake and coffee.

{You can leave an anonymous comment if you want to or if you don't have a login...but I'd still love to be able to say hi to you today!

Sincerely,

The Chef-Apparently-Still-Deep-in-Training.

Pizza Stuffed Crescents

 
I love a good appetizer. You know why? They double as dinner. I am just as happy having appetizers for the main course as I am having them for...appetizers.

Ryan and I have established a bit of a routine during football season, where food is concerned. Every Sunday night is nacho night. We mix up some salsa and some no-fail processed cheese dip, add chips, and...it's dinner. {Clearly it's one of my shining moments as a cook.}

But toward playoffs last year, I wanted to switch things up a bit and feel like I'd actually cooked a good appetizer/meal...without actually putting forth a lot of effort. After all. Sundays ARE a day of rest, you know.

So I found this little gem on Pinterest, tweaked it up a bit...and it became a quick, easy favorite.

Pizza Stuffed Crescents

* 1 can of 8 refrigerated crescent rolls
* 24 pieces of pepperoni
* 4 pieces of string cheese, each cut in half
* 1 can or jar of pizza sauce
* 1 teaspoon of garlic powder {Melting Pot's Garlic and Wine seasoning for us!}
* 1 teaspoon of oregano

Separate the rolls from the can so you have 8 separate triangles. Put three pieces of pepperoni in the large end of each piece of dough. Add the half of a piece of string cheese. Roll up the crescent roll in the standard style, being careful to make sure the ends cover the cheese inside, so it doesn't spill out onto the baking sheet. Arrange on a baking sheet; sprinkle garlic powder and oregano over each roll. Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes. Serve hot with warmed pizza sauce for dipping.

* Even though this can't really be accused of being a low-fat dish, you can do a few things to make it a bit healthier. Try using reduced fat crescent rolls and skim milk cheese sticks, for starters.

* Use turkey pepperoni instead of regular pepperoni for an added bit of good health.

* If you want to be extra adventuresome, you can cut the crescent rolls in half lengthwise, cut the cheese sticks in half again, and use mini pepperoni pieces to make tiny bite size pieces. This would work well if you need more appetizers for a party.

* If you don't eat them all in round one - they do warm over well!

Wednesdays in the Word: Verse B

Boy I'll tell you what. When you set out to learn some Scripture, God sure does set out to teach some lessons. We're on verse B, and already I'm feeling some holy discipline. From both verses. It. Does. Not. Feel. Good.

So I say this to you because if you're taking this trip with me...and you're serious about it...you can count on some real "opportunities" to learn.

I'll be honest with you...when I started working on this verse this week, my initial thought was SERIOUSLY, GOD!?!?!?!!?!?!?!?

I love people. I really do. In all the jobs I've ever worked, the thing I've loved the most across the board about them has been the chance to work with people. To love on people. To invest in people. To learn their stories and be part of their lives.

It's been one of my favorite things about ministry too...in the Bible studies I've led and the groups I've participated in...I have loved making friends and sharing life and learning with those around me.

And even in my marriage...my favorite thing about Ryan is doing life with him. Just the day-in, day-out living.

But you know what? People can be tough.

I remember the time in Financial Aid when a student threatened to call her lawyer on me. {I had no idea if that was even possible, but I'll tell you what...those words can make a person's blood run cold.}

I remember the student that told me I wasn't a Christian because I wouldn't give her what she wanted. {I was prepared to take just about any kind of verbal abuse, but having my salvation judged by anyone other than Jesus crossed the line for me.}

I remember the teenager who called the teenage me "ewww." {Some things take a long time to forget...and even longer to stop believing.}

I remember the woman who blasted Ryan's character. {Pretty sure that whole "mama bear" thing I hear parents talks about came out of every pore of my being in a "wifey bear" sort of way.}

In those moments...it's hard to remember that people say things without thinking...or caring...or realizing...or stopping to consider future ramifications. It's hard to think first and react later.

The words of this verse lay heavily upon me, especially this week. Be kind. Be tenderhearted. Forgive like Christ.

A work that can only be done in me by the power of the Holy Spirit. I think in some way, this verse must build on the one we learned last week. Remember it? Ask and it will be given to you. Seek and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened to you.

Help me be kind. Help me be tenderhearted. Help me to forgive like You, Jesus. Even when the person staring back at me has no intention of doing the same.

Marriage Retreats and Begging for Lies

This past weekend, Ryan and I went on a marriage retreat...the same one we went to last year. It's held up in Fort Wayne at the Hilton and it's a great opportunity for us to meet up with old friends...make new friends...and have some fun. And learn.

Our room this year was on the top floor of the hotel with a really nice view out over the city...including the baseball field! {We would like you to think we were in the Presidential Suite...but um...not so much.}

Friday night, some of our friends were going out to eat and invited us to go along, so we went...even though we had just loaded up on all that chocolate at DeBrand. We ordered Lobster Bisque, and it was terrible. Good flavor, but no chunks of lobster!! It was like eating baby food! Boo!! But the company was fun, anyway!

Dr. John Townsend was the speaker at the marriage retreat...he has written and co-written a bunch of books, including all the Boundaries books. He's a really great speaker...so entertaining...and had good things to teach as well.

I did disagree with him once, though. He did a session about communication and how it's important to not lie and to always be open and offer grace before offering the truth. He said, "Guys, even if your wife walks out and asks if this outfit makes her look fat, be truthful." I looked Ryan straight in the eye and said, "NO. The answer to Does this make me look fat? is always no. ALWAYS. Lie. Lie lie lie lie lie!!!!!!"

But other than that, I was on board with everything he said!

It was great to be able to spend more time with our friends...here's a glimpse of some of our fun!

I have been Facebook friends with a couple Ryan knew from before we were married...but this was the first time I'd really gotten to spend time with them and actually get to know them. LOVED them! They were so much fun, and Saturday night, we had a great time playing Wii bowling together. It was Troy's first time to play. He won.

 Remember Adam and Sara from our wedding? They've moved away, and we never get to see them anymore, but they made the trip back for the retreat, and it was fun to see them...and they're still fun!

 Saturday afternoon, the whole group went out to eat at Biaggi's...where I had a low-cal chicken and artichoke pizza that was so spicy that I went through three glasses of water and ended up unable to taste anything. {It really wasn't my weekend for stellar food choices.}

 Adam's group selfie. I thought he did a pretty good job!! {That's Adam down there in the corner. The nose.}

 Back to the Wii Bowling night...Ryan's stellar form.

 I didn't fare so well.

 And this is Troy's cute wife, Cilicia. I really enjoyed getting to know her!

So that's our marriage retreat in a nutshell!! And Ryan, when you read this, remember - LIE!!!!!!!!!!!