Orange Spongecake.

So, I am completely enamored with this old Italian family recipe-book that I have. When I was in high school, my graphic design class was hired to produce it. It was my job, so I managed to print myself a copy, and boy, am I sure glad! It's been a source of recent happiness (for all members of the family, not just me!)

My latest baking endeavor was this scrumptious orange spongecake. It was nearly a domestic fail, as it kept wanting to spill over into the oven. ugh. Yet I managed to salvage it, and it was a big hit and Monday night family dinner at Jesse's. I find myself at a disadvantage with this cookbook for a few reasons.

     1. There are no pictures which tell me what it supposed to look like.
     2. Sometimes they forget to tell you which pan to use.
     3. I don't personally know Aunt Aggie, so I can't call her up for help with her recipe.

I find myself improvising and experimenting, but so far it has worked out. It's quite the adventure.

Oh, and I am in love with my new colorful cookery. They make me so happy to be domestic.

START THE REVOLUTION

I want to start a revolution to bring back classy. I mean, seriously, when did trashy replace classy? It became acceptable and expected for girls to abandon all sense of moral code, attached with all kinds of gimmicks and tricks to make themselves more desirable. When, in actuality it has become just that, a gimmick.

So, lets unite to bring back some pride to womanhood. To bring back value to those homemaking skills that are seemingly disappearing. Honestly, does anyone know how to can vegetables, throw a dinner party, hem a skirt, or even cook dinner for that matter?

I've been thinking a lot about this since I've been home. I want to learn how to be a wonderful woman. No gimmicks, no tricks, but true, pure and lovely. I've been finding myself lost in the grocery store, poring over delicious cookbooks, and delighting in my brand-new apron! It's something I never expected out of myself, but an adventure nonetheless.

Out of the mouths of babes.

I read something very profound recently. Spoken by a child. She put it very simply.

If you love God, you will be happy.

Where's your happiness coming from?

... It's been a long time.

After much deliberation and prayer, I've returned to the city of my birth. I left much unfinished when I dashed away a few years ago. There are so many lessons knocking on my door, as if to say, "Learn me now?" 


After recovering from the initial, "What have I done?" shock, I've settled right back in. There's nothing like walking in your front door, smelling that homey scent and hugging your very proud mother. It's been a rewarding experience. 


So far, I've returned to work at the Bowling Alley (small-town, I know). I have had surprisingly good conversations with my coworkers, and I really know that this is where God wants me. As hard as it is, I am learning more about the heart of God for people in this job. I'm learning to serve, and I get to literally feel God's heart for the lost, and speak hope into the lives of people that are convinced that God hates them. It's war.


I have returned also to the church that I grew up in. It has gone through a major overhaul in the past 2 years, and it is a new place, where the passion of Christ is beginning to flow freely, and believers are seeing the undeniable hand of God. Plus, on Tuesday nights, they are having a class on the history of the Bible, which is like my very own piece of Bible College that I miss so dearly. 


I am also currently dating my best friend of 6 years, Jesse Wisener. Old news, but good news. We are experiencing the joy of God, and fellowship daily with the Lord in ways that are new and sometimes mind-boggling. I am watching as this is growing both my character and my trust in the Lord, leading me towards His heart. 


My dear Readers, I probably miss you, as you are all spread around the world. It satisfies my heart knowing that we share a future and a hope of eternal fellowship, for you are all so uniquely amazing. May God richly bless your day.