Power bars

This Sunday I will be running my second half marathon in 2010. I will be traveling to San Francisco for the Nike Women's marathon. People who want to participate must enter a lottery. I joined a group with my co-worker. If one member of the group is picked, the entire group is able to participate in the race. I'm not sure which one of us was picked, but we are all running!

The race starts near Union Square, therefore my hotel is also near Union Square. This means I will be in close proximity to one of the best shopping spots in San Francisco. My favorite bath and body store, Lush, will be within walking distance. My point is, I plan on bringing as much food as I can, so I don't have to purchase food. The money I save can go toward a controlled shopping spree in Lush. At least, that's the plan.

I have canned pumpkin to use, so I decided to try this recipe for pumpkin energy bars: http://cycleandstyle.com/2009/10/pumpkin-energy-bars/

I substituted apple sauce for canola oil; cloves and cardamom for pumpkin pie spice (I used pureed pumpkin pie filling); and wheat germ instead of flax seed.

As a power bar, it tastes decent.

I also tried a recipe from a vegan website claiming to have a recipe similar to a Clif bar type of which I've never heard. Here's the recipe: http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2009/10/13/make-these-now/

I wanted to use the dark cocoa powder she recommended, but I did not want to make a trip to the store. I used Hershey's unsweetened cocoa powder. I did not have dates, so I used dried cranberries. Again, they taste descent. I have to set aside my desire for a delicious desert type flavor. I made power bars not cookies.

I'd make them both again. I hope to try a different pumpkin power bar recipe tomorrow.

Pumpkin waffles

Pumpkin is my favorite vegetable. I enjoy making pumpkin enchiladas. One day I want to make a pumpkin soup or pumpkin curry. This morning, I made pumpkin waffles. I followed this recipe: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Pumpkin-Waffles-104264

I made the following substitutions:

I used 2 eggs and 2 egg whites

1 1/2 cups of milk

1/2 cup of Trader Joe's spiced apple cider

I used pumpkin pie filling (I actually prefer plain pumpkin, but I was careless in the grocery store)

I substituted wheat germ for butter.

The waffles I made are good, but they could be better. A similar recipe added vanilla extract. I think that's a good start. :)

Banana Waffles

On October 3, I made banana waffles. I think making waffles has become one of my newest hobbies.

I do not remember the recipe I followed, but it smelled delicious as it cooked.

A thoughtful gesture

I work in a low-income neighborhood. I wouldn't want to work anywhere else. Teachers may receive gifts occasionally, but I do not typically receive gifts. My job is rewarding enough, so gifts aren't really necessary. Wanting a gift is just my greedy-only child-who-loves-presents side that rears its ugly head once in a while.

On Wednesday October 6, I had a meeting with a parent. I work with her son and her daughter. She and her daughter brought guava that was ripe from the tree in their yard. I had to ask her how to cut it up as I have only seen guava in its liquid form. It was so sweet (the gesture and the fruit).

The perfect example...

So this story is actually about one of my memorable teaching moments.

My trip to Haiti has inspired me to use soccer as an activity to teach language. I'm also selfishly trying to gain some soccer skills before my second trip in December. My motivation is largely selfish, but my students are very excited to play soccer.

The best part is that after they do a trick with the ball, I have them explain what they did. We wrote out the instructions, then I asked them what they did first, second, last, etc. My selfish idea is actually quite brilliant.

Anyway, a group of 3rd grade boys were a bit too rowdy with the soccer ball. The concept of being in a classroom meant nothing to them. In demonstrating that they do not need to kick their leg as high as they can or with all of their might, I kicked up my leg and watched my shoe fly across the room.

I'm pretty sure my point was lost as they howled with laughter.

Triple 10

I'd like to post a special devotional for the 10th day of the 10th month in the 10th year of the millennium.

Romans 10: 10

For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

I am justified in God's eyes, because I believe in Jesus in my heart. I am saved, because I confess my sins with my mouth. Nowhere does it say that I am saved, because I volunteered at my church's youth ministry or traveled to Haiti. I am not saved because of what I do. (Amen!) I am saved because of what Jesus did. I am saved because I put my faith in Jesus, and I confess my sins. I have many sins to confess, but I am loved by God anyway. God's love is bigger than my mistakes. God's love is not contingent upon what I do for him. God's love me because I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139).

I was reminded of this at a Harbor-wide church service in Balboa Theatre downtown in Horton Plaza (a shopping mall). Harbor celebrated 10 years today at 10:00 a.m. Here is a link: http://www.harborpc.org/ If you click on the link, Mid-City is the site I attend.

Richard P. Kaufmann preached about being a gospel pace-setter. The first step in doing this is preach the gospel to yourself. His message was important for me to hear. He talked about his own personal sin, how he would beat himself up or try to implement specific techniques to stop worrying. I recognized that in myself. Recently, I feel like I'm in a washing machine. I go from beating myself up to trying strategies until I receive God's grace. Mr. Kaufmann reminded us the importance of preaching the good news to ourselves. Only when he confessed his sins and reminded himself of his own righteousness through Jesus did he feel peace.

Today is at least the second time I've heard the idea of living today as a thank-you note to Jesus. Before I set that as a goal, I think I'll continue to remind myself of the good news and let my joy flow outward, so I may love my neighbors.

There's something about Haiti and babies...

When I arrived in Carrefour, the McLanes shared the good news that they were expecting a third baby.

When I returned to San Diego, the Reams shared that they were also pregnant. They have an indirect connection to Haiti, but they are part of the baby craze.

In August, Wilbert, one of the interpreters, shared that his wife was pregnant.

Recently, I found out that a member from the trip is pregnant.

Today I found out that Wilbert's wife had their baby. More details should be forthcoming.

Father, I pray for these growing families. Welcome these precious babies into your family with open arms. Father, I ask that you keep these babies on your path of righteousness. May these children always know your love. May their parents share their faith and point to your son, Jesus, always.