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| "someone lovely" Copyright Autumn R. Anderson: 2011 |
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| "favorite spot" Copyright Autumn R. Anderson:2011 |
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| "someone blue" Copyright Autumn R. Anderson 2011 |
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
New found love
i can't stop. i love drawing. no, i'm not the best...at all. but i love it, and i can't stop. it' s just one more very necessary way to feed my artistic side...and it's fun!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
"Becky Home-ec-y"
Well i'm pleased to say that yesturday I made up not one, not two, but three recipes and they all turned out to be new favorite things!
The first (and I can't share the exact recipe with you because it's a secret and I'm going to be annoying and keep the secret this time:
Tuna Salad
This was an easy and quick little meal. It tastes delightful on a sandwich with fresh garden tomato slice and a thin slice of sharp cheddar cheese. John loved it! I also added some dill pickles into the mix this time instead of celery, and to make it a bit more on the healthy side used ranch instead of mayo-so much better. Maybe someday I'll share the complete recipe... if i remember to write it down! I'm more of a taste as i go kind of person!
The Second: Since I'd used nearly all the pickles for the salad, I thought I'd better replace them. We have cucumbers a plenty in the garden so I used just a few to try a recipe I saw on the net: it became my own recipe because i didn't have but 2 of the ingredients. Here is a pickle recipe that I will try next time and below is the finished product:
YUM! Just a bit on the salty side. Practice makes perfect.
Third [and current favorite]:
Homemade raw salsa. Love. I'm munching on it right now with these.
Depends on how much you want to make, but I used
6 fresh tomatoes
1/2 onion
1/2 tsp. cilantro ( or basil if you're impatient to try it!)
salt (to taste)
1/2 tsp. sriracha chili sauce (but you may want to add less if you don' t like *spicy*
It was/is great and super easy! I think the fresh tomatoes really are the secret.
The first (and I can't share the exact recipe with you because it's a secret and I'm going to be annoying and keep the secret this time:
Tuna Salad
The Second: Since I'd used nearly all the pickles for the salad, I thought I'd better replace them. We have cucumbers a plenty in the garden so I used just a few to try a recipe I saw on the net: it became my own recipe because i didn't have but 2 of the ingredients. Here is a pickle recipe that I will try next time and below is the finished product:
Third [and current favorite]:
Homemade raw salsa. Love. I'm munching on it right now with these.
Depends on how much you want to make, but I used
6 fresh tomatoes
1/2 onion
1/2 tsp. cilantro ( or basil if you're impatient to try it!)
salt (to taste)
1/2 tsp. sriracha chili sauce (but you may want to add less if you don' t like *spicy*
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
The Dog Days of Summer
I love to cook =] Thought I'd share with you what was on the menu tonight...
<----That, is one of the many reasons I love the farmers market and lucky for me there are quite a few random family run markets sprinkled throughout Black River Falls. The man who sold me these beauties was Amish and his name was Ben.
And this----------------------->
is the finished product. Probably one of my favorite summer meals of sauteed veggies-with lots of color. (Ben was fresh out of red peppers except for that one which I strategically placed on top for the sake of this picture, but you get the idea.
There was also delectable chicken (it's not braggin' if it's true) marinated in a tomato basil cream sauce, along with a modified fettuccine sauce on vegetable noodles. There is no picture because the picture didn't show it justice and I didn't want to show you an icky food picture. Icky food pictures are the worst...
I love food, and icky food pictures just ruin food for me...like the time I saw a picture of a "well-balanced meal" in my health book that was obvoiusly taken in the 70's....I couldn't eat carrots, broccali, or turkey sandwiches for a month. Gross.
But back to nice things and good food...we had a perfect sunday afternoon with two of our friends last weekend. A picnic in the yard with chicken wings of multiple seasonings, boiled cheesy garlic potatoes, yummy fruit, green salad (complete with avocado -my current obsession) and s'mores by the fire- after a visit to the swimming hole during which Jackson (my adored dog) created many an awkward yet memorable moment. We found out he loves kids so that's good...he also thinks that anyone running is inviting him on an adventure, thinks it's fun to check babies diapers (cutest thing :P) and loves the water...so, so much.
When we first arrived there, I relished the various compliments of how well behaved he was. I may have taken a little pride in that since he's kind of my project right now. In previous visits this swimming hole was kind of a secret, or so we thought. It's a kayak landing nestled into the trees on the river, so I was rather surprised to see a group of people camped out along the bank of "my swimming hole." But upon Jackson proving his love for water and his distain of leaving it even for the sake of re-leaving himself, that problem was quickly solved... =/ How embarrassing. There was an audible groan followed by parents grabbing their children and...really it was just a horrible occurrence... Please don't judge me for my dog's behavior...also please believe that was truly horrified, but I couldn't help but laugh...a little..ok a lot. It's just that this kind of thing usually only happens to me and I find the luck (or lack there of) in my life just humorous. After 23 years of living this way- one makes due.
Hoping this is not a sign of my parenting skills. If there is any question please note: my parents are the proud legal owners of Jackson, the dog who *flunked leader dogs school.
*Jackson actually did not flunk. He's very intelligent and actually passed all of his tests. The only problem was that he didn't bond with the person he was supposed to be paired up with to lead. We certainly didn't mind getting him back =]
<----That, is one of the many reasons I love the farmers market and lucky for me there are quite a few random family run markets sprinkled throughout Black River Falls. The man who sold me these beauties was Amish and his name was Ben.
And this----------------------->
is the finished product. Probably one of my favorite summer meals of sauteed veggies-with lots of color. (Ben was fresh out of red peppers except for that one which I strategically placed on top for the sake of this picture, but you get the idea.
There was also delectable chicken (it's not braggin' if it's true) marinated in a tomato basil cream sauce, along with a modified fettuccine sauce on vegetable noodles. There is no picture because the picture didn't show it justice and I didn't want to show you an icky food picture. Icky food pictures are the worst...
I love food, and icky food pictures just ruin food for me...like the time I saw a picture of a "well-balanced meal" in my health book that was obvoiusly taken in the 70's....I couldn't eat carrots, broccali, or turkey sandwiches for a month. Gross.
But back to nice things and good food...we had a perfect sunday afternoon with two of our friends last weekend. A picnic in the yard with chicken wings of multiple seasonings, boiled cheesy garlic potatoes, yummy fruit, green salad (complete with avocado -my current obsession) and s'mores by the fire- after a visit to the swimming hole during which Jackson (my adored dog) created many an awkward yet memorable moment. We found out he loves kids so that's good...he also thinks that anyone running is inviting him on an adventure, thinks it's fun to check babies diapers (cutest thing :P) and loves the water...so, so much.
When we first arrived there, I relished the various compliments of how well behaved he was. I may have taken a little pride in that since he's kind of my project right now. In previous visits this swimming hole was kind of a secret, or so we thought. It's a kayak landing nestled into the trees on the river, so I was rather surprised to see a group of people camped out along the bank of "my swimming hole." But upon Jackson proving his love for water and his distain of leaving it even for the sake of re-leaving himself, that problem was quickly solved... =/ How embarrassing. There was an audible groan followed by parents grabbing their children and...really it was just a horrible occurrence... Please don't judge me for my dog's behavior...also please believe that was truly horrified, but I couldn't help but laugh...a little..ok a lot. It's just that this kind of thing usually only happens to me and I find the luck (or lack there of) in my life just humorous. After 23 years of living this way- one makes due.
Hoping this is not a sign of my parenting skills. If there is any question please note: my parents are the proud legal owners of Jackson, the dog who *flunked leader dogs school.
*Jackson actually did not flunk. He's very intelligent and actually passed all of his tests. The only problem was that he didn't bond with the person he was supposed to be paired up with to lead. We certainly didn't mind getting him back =]
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Autumn's New Blog
Hello all!
It's been awhile, hasn't it? The A-Team has undergone a lot of transitions within the last few months, the main one being our big faith step of moving! Many of you have been so sweet to ask for updates and to continue in prayer for us, and I'm sorry but at this time, while there are many things we are praying over, there is not just one main leading as of yet.We feel it's best that instead of telling you each step along the way, we simply ask you to pray for God's leading in our lives, as you've been doing. It's such a blessing to have soo many of our dear friends and family praying for us! We promise to update you when we know!
Right now we are safely tucked away on what feels like a little sabbatical to us. My parents, graciously offered for us to stay here in Black River rent free while we wait on God. I cannot tell you what a blessing it has been to not feel hurried into a making a decision. Ministry jobs are not the kind of jobs you want to take without careful consideration and much prayer!
Friends, we've been just blessed by God in more ways than I can tell you through this summer. Almost as soon as we came here, God provided work for John with Davis furniture ( a company two miles from our house) to build church pews, stadium seating, etc. and install it. He is learning so much about wood working and LOVES it.
Remember the bed he build me for our wedding?
He's hardly been able to do wood working since, and has had such a desire to grow in his knowledge of this hobby.
I would venture to say that other than the long hours and coming home a bit dirtier than he did from the office, to him, it hardly feels like work!
The past month I had the opportunity to work with my brother at the water park in our home town (as an 8 yr. vet, i might add ;-). It was fun to be back and to have the opportunity to work with and see my brother, who made a great boss/ head lifeguard.
I also had the chance to help a friend at Parkview with the drama section of vacation bible school this month. It was a western themed week and we had SO much fun doing it. It was a great script broken into 5 days, and on Sunday, we put them all together and did the drama for both services.
and this....
In other news, I wanted to let you know that while I may not be updating our "family" blog as often right now, I am working on my creative writing, and started an additional blog in April entitled Undignified. I created this blog in an effort to practice my creative writing style, stretch myself theologically, and to encourage other worship leaders, ministry leaders and brother's and sister's in Christ to be raw and real without letting go of their doctrine and theology. I'm currently writing a series on the Emergent church fad called "I'm Just Being Real." I'd love for you to check it out and totally appreciate constructive feedback.
It's been awhile, hasn't it? The A-Team has undergone a lot of transitions within the last few months, the main one being our big faith step of moving! Many of you have been so sweet to ask for updates and to continue in prayer for us, and I'm sorry but at this time, while there are many things we are praying over, there is not just one main leading as of yet.We feel it's best that instead of telling you each step along the way, we simply ask you to pray for God's leading in our lives, as you've been doing. It's such a blessing to have soo many of our dear friends and family praying for us! We promise to update you when we know!
Right now we are safely tucked away on what feels like a little sabbatical to us. My parents, graciously offered for us to stay here in Black River rent free while we wait on God. I cannot tell you what a blessing it has been to not feel hurried into a making a decision. Ministry jobs are not the kind of jobs you want to take without careful consideration and much prayer!
Friends, we've been just blessed by God in more ways than I can tell you through this summer. Almost as soon as we came here, God provided work for John with Davis furniture ( a company two miles from our house) to build church pews, stadium seating, etc. and install it. He is learning so much about wood working and LOVES it.
Remember the bed he build me for our wedding?
He's hardly been able to do wood working since, and has had such a desire to grow in his knowledge of this hobby.
I would venture to say that other than the long hours and coming home a bit dirtier than he did from the office, to him, it hardly feels like work!
The past month I had the opportunity to work with my brother at the water park in our home town (as an 8 yr. vet, i might add ;-). It was fun to be back and to have the opportunity to work with and see my brother, who made a great boss/ head lifeguard.
 |
| Me and Garrett |
I also had the chance to help a friend at Parkview with the drama section of vacation bible school this month. It was a western themed week and we had SO much fun doing it. It was a great script broken into 5 days, and on Sunday, we put them all together and did the drama for both services.
 |
| This is a photo of our set. |
 |
| ...is an epic photo of my mom being lassoed by my friend, Paul. |
That's life with the A-Team (sorry, i'm the cheddery-est of cheeses with that title, but i love it.)
Have a wonderful day and thanks for praying with us!
Saturday, June 11, 2011
My Eyes are Fixed
It's 5 to midnight and I'm still awake....The students have been talking all week about how excited they are for our intercity missions trip starting tomorrow, but I think I had so many other things going on, I didn't have time to really think beyond check-lists to parents and paperwork...etc. Now, as I sit here, duffel bag packed, ipod and camera charging, husband sleeping...I am deep in thought about this trip for the first time.
I feel the way I felt years ago before going on an outing with my youth group in 7th grade. The night before we were to leave, my mom came into my room and asked if I'd been praying about the trip. I told her I really hadn't given it much thought. Other than spending time with friends and traveling, I wasn't sure what else to expect. She reminded me that God could have an amazing agenda for this week and that I needed to open my heart so that I could hear what he was trying to say to me. So, I prayed, then went to bed.
Tonight I realize that again, I have the opportunity, to not only lead these students on a trip, but come along side of them as God works in their hearts. I'm not content with the disinterested, non- committal attitudes I've seen in some this year. I want to see God do something mighty in the lives of these teens and I disparately desire for those that do not know the Lord as Savior and King to come to a deep and real understanding of what that means, the way I did that week when I was in 7th grade. Thank the Lord the pressure is not on me, but that I have the privilege of walking along side these teens as the Lord makes himself known to them this week.
I also realized tonight that the Lord has something genuine planned for me through this week. I can't put my finger on what that is, but I know that there is a reason I am still up contemplating what we are about to embark upon. As I align my will with that of Christ, by spending time pouring over his word, I am so reminded and comforted by the refuge and strength that he provides for the weary and the weak. My perspective is renewed and my heart is at peace.
Will you as our prayer partners please join us in praying for the 15 students, the four adult leaders, and the many we will come into contact with on this trip?
Thankful for you and praising God for partners in the gospel,
Auti Anderson
"But my eyes are fixed on you O Sovereign Lord; in you I take refuge..." Psalm 141:8a
I feel the way I felt years ago before going on an outing with my youth group in 7th grade. The night before we were to leave, my mom came into my room and asked if I'd been praying about the trip. I told her I really hadn't given it much thought. Other than spending time with friends and traveling, I wasn't sure what else to expect. She reminded me that God could have an amazing agenda for this week and that I needed to open my heart so that I could hear what he was trying to say to me. So, I prayed, then went to bed.
Tonight I realize that again, I have the opportunity, to not only lead these students on a trip, but come along side of them as God works in their hearts. I'm not content with the disinterested, non- committal attitudes I've seen in some this year. I want to see God do something mighty in the lives of these teens and I disparately desire for those that do not know the Lord as Savior and King to come to a deep and real understanding of what that means, the way I did that week when I was in 7th grade. Thank the Lord the pressure is not on me, but that I have the privilege of walking along side these teens as the Lord makes himself known to them this week.
I also realized tonight that the Lord has something genuine planned for me through this week. I can't put my finger on what that is, but I know that there is a reason I am still up contemplating what we are about to embark upon. As I align my will with that of Christ, by spending time pouring over his word, I am so reminded and comforted by the refuge and strength that he provides for the weary and the weak. My perspective is renewed and my heart is at peace.
Will you as our prayer partners please join us in praying for the 15 students, the four adult leaders, and the many we will come into contact with on this trip?
Thankful for you and praising God for partners in the gospel,
Auti Anderson
"But my eyes are fixed on you O Sovereign Lord; in you I take refuge..." Psalm 141:8a
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
When I Am Weak Then I Am Strong
This past Sunday my husband had the opportunity to preach here at KAC. It was a crazy week and he was commited to many things that weekend let alone being the sole pastor at church while General Counsel was being held in Kansas City. By the time Saturday night rolled around, I looked at him sympathetically and asked how he was doing. He smiled that strong smile that always makes me feel like he has a secret and said, "I am held by God. He is good to me." I just thought to myself, "I hate that I get more nervous for him during crazy times than he actually gets!"
But I realized, my husband is living like he believes everything God says is true. He says, "I will never leave you nor forsake you (Heb. 13:5)." He says, "Look, for I am about to do something new. See I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create streams in the desert (Isaiah 43:19)." He says, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 2:9b)."
As I sat and listened to my husband preach on Sunday morning not knowing anything ahead of time but his topic, I was in awe of God's power as he spoke through my husband who I knew was only an empty vessel wanting desperately to be used by our mighty King. That said, I want to share with you how God spoke to me through my husband. Glory to God.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
By Faith- 2 Cor. 5:7
It's the simple things in life that make days like today best. As I enjoyed the opportunity to leisurely make my bed this morning, I realized how truly busy I have been. When John and I first moved here, I remember a talk we had on the river while he fished. I told him I was panicking as I applied to jobs and grad. school as quickly as I could. He asked why I thought I had to hurry to do that, and that's when I realized for the first time in my life, if I didn't want to, I didn't have to always be working towards something. I could get a normal job, and just relax and settle into married life. Eventually God provided a job for me that I loved and I began to work, but work became an escape for me from John's work. Being married and being in ministry as a couple both first times, is not something John and I would be quick to recommend to young newly married ministry couples. It was a crash course for us, and we are grateful, but at times we so wish that we could have spent this first year focusing on getting to know each other. God taught us so much about loving people,about what it means to give, and we are continuously thankful for the way God used all difficult circumstances of a "first year" to draw us closer to each other and to our Father God.
A couple months ago, as we realized we were coming to the close of our first year together, God laid on both our hearts that something was was going to change. A mentor of ours challenged us to seek God's will consistently for where we serve as a couple-even when we feel we are in the right place- to keep our dependency on the Lord. As we began to pray, and talk together, the Lord revealed to us in many ways, that we were no longer the right fit as a Pastoral couple for Kiel Alliance Church and asked us to step out in faith, and move on. Part of us is glad and excited for what he has in store and the other part is scared, and in deep grief because after almost a year, we have developed some friendships with students and families that we hate to leave.
Even the best writers can't explain God in a few paragraphs, or even an entire book, and my attempt here is really not to try to explain God or his will for us because we don't claim to know. My hope in sharing this is that in knowing at little bit about our journey right now, you will hold us up in prayer. That you would pray protection over us and protection over the church we are leaving. Pray for the right person to come and to be a blessing to this church and that this church would be a blessing to him and his family. Please pray blessing with us over this town, over our coworkers, and pray that the seeds that have been planted here in Kiel, Wi, would continued to be watered and would grow strong pointing always to God's faithfulness. Finally, please pray that our eyes and our hearts would be open so that when the time is right we will be able to see and to know where God is leading us to serve.
As always, we thank you for your support,
John and Autumn Anderson
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1
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