Christene Houston's Blog: Christenehouston.com, page 15

The Pile Up

Mind if we chat for just a minute?

I hope you don’t mind looking through a few of the pictures I took last year during my trip through Wyoming while we talk…

Ever feel like things are piling up.

Things that make your shoulders tighten up in knots and threaten the peace of your spirit.

It’s been like that lately. My sister came to visit with her beautiful daughters and I wanted to steal them away forever. This girl, my sister, has been my friend since before life. I just know it. When her cute little toes touch Vegas soil I put everything aside so we can spend time together. She’s a doll maker and clothing designer for American Girl Dolls. We brainstormed all kinds of ideas and I’ll keep you posted when her website is up and running. She has serious talent!

But as always, leaving her at the airport was a tearful endeavor. I’m always good until I’m driving away and thinking that it is possible we will not be face to face again for a year or more. It was two years this last time. And then…tears.

The next Sunday a dear friend you might know (Heather of WhipperBerry.com) started off on her adventure in Nebraska. I’ve known Heather for eight years, before WhipperBerry was even a twinkle in her eye. We had babies at the same time, we crocheted in my family room, created amazing things, threw fabulous parties, cried, laughed…Her move has been a tough transition.

You know just what I mean, don’t you? When things are changing all around you and nothing feels quite the same.

Like when you stand on the beach and the water rushes in – cool…tingling, giggling up your legs. And then it dashes back into the sea, scooping the sand from beneath your feet so that you feel a little off balance.

Our mortal surroundings are so much like sand rushing out from beneath our feet. Change is inevitable; some more challenging than others.

When I’m caught up like this, in so many changes, I remember things that matter most and the Rock that I’ve chosen to build my life on. You may call Him by a different name than I do, but I hope you recognize the truths we have in common. Building on sand is dangerous and confusing. Building on a rock takes work, persistence and focus. But when the floods rush in and try to pull your feet out from under you, there you stand, all firm and steadfast.

Change can be an enemy for me…but I’m learning that change also means hope, friendship, joy, and opportunities to serve. I’m embracing those truths and this one:

“And now…remember, remember that it is upon the arock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your bfoundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty cstorm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.”

What is your best tip for dealing with an onslaught of change?

 

 

 

 

Dripping in Sugar {Recipe}

This weekend, we spent some much needed family time, soaking in good words and wonderful music.

Saturday I made up a batch of these sweet little confections.

Overnight Cinnamon Rolls by Our Best Bites

They’re the overnight variety from this wonderful little place called Our Best Bites.

I let the kids help a little, but cooking is kind of therapeutic for me…so I tend to get absorbed and it’s tough to balance their curiosity with my perfectionism. Don’t get me wrong, there’s lots of teaspoon pouring, kid mixing, egg cracking goodness in this house for my little ones. But sometimes, you just need to cook without any ‘help’.

The next morning, while we were gathering our notebooks and setting out treats to help the kids tune in, these babies were rising, then baking…and then being devoured.

It was good stuff. You should try it…but I warn you now. You will be running extra miles to work these sweet things off your hips. Go check out the recipe here. Believe me, you’ll want to stay and look around for a while. Enjoy!

Book List

I belong to a group of women who love to read. Every year we come together and share our ideas for books to read in the coming months. Since I am always looking for great books to read, I thought you might enjoy a look at our list:

Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey by Fiona Carnarvon

The Zookeeper’s Wife by Diane Ackerman

 

The World of Downton by Jessica Fellowes

Tres Leches by Josi Kilpack

The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

The Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

Seeking Persephone by Sarah Eden

Courting Miss Lancaster by Sarah Eden

Kiss of a Stranger by Sarah Eden

Keturah and Lord Death by Martine Leavitt

The Is My Words by Nancy Turner

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

The Uses of Adversity by Carlfred Broderick

Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing

 

by Alfred Lansing

Sold by Patricia McCormick

*The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner

Borrowed Light by Carla Kelly

The Countess Below Stairs by Eva Ibbotson

The Princess Bride by William Goldman

Black Heel and Tractor Wheels by Ree Drummond

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

Snow White and the Huntsman by Lily Blake

A Heart So Broken by Christene Houston

by Christene Houston

The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley

Timepiece by Richard Paul Evans

The Letter by Richard Paul Evans

Mrs. Miracle by Debbie Macomber

Seven Miracles that Saved America by Chris Stewart

Return to Virtue by Elaine Dalton

Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson

Wild by Cheryl Strayed

Divergent and Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Delivering Happiness Tony Hsieh

by Tony Hsieh

After Hello by Lisa Mangum

The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy

It’s a great list, isn’t it? I love all the different types of readers coming together with their own favorites to share. What are you reading these days?

Weekend Inspiration

Feeling Blue

My sister left on an airplane after midnight, flying back to her home across the country. We spent the weekend brainstorming business strategies, walking around the park after dark (but while security was still on duty!) and talking nonstop. We finished it all up last night with a little of this:

 

Because we’re daydreaming of a vacation to England in the Spring while I research a period novel.

There is absolutely nothing like having your sister around. We do all we can while she’s here to convince her that moving closer to home is in her best interest. We’ll see how it all boils down. Until then, she’s brainstorming plans to launch her own clothing design line for American Girl dolls and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with.

Now I suppose I should get back to business…so in the days to come expect a few big announcements!

Baked Southwestern Egg Rolls {Recipe}

When I’m searching for something quick and fun to bring for a potluck, I love little finger foods like this. They are perfectly portioned, full of yummy and healthy ingredients, baked (not fried) and easy for little fingers (and big ones) to pluck off the tray and enjoy.

Baked Southwestern Egg Rolls

 

Annie of Annie’s Eats is adorable and her recipe for these egg rolls looks simple and tasty. It includes delicious portions of corn, black beans and spinach along with a tasty array of spices. Have some sour cream and homemade salsa on hand and you’re good to go. Give it a try! And say, what do you like to bring to a party?

Time is Love

I love this song! It’s so true what they say… – Love…isn’t it about time?

Weekend Inspiration

THIS I believe:

All In

This came up while I was folding laundry to Pandora the other day. Love it!