Research

With a Compressor at a Natural Gas Well

I think the last time I wrote a research report was in high school.  It was titled "Not Your Mother's Mars", and discussed whether or not there was water on Mars (and if you're wondering, there was at one point, maybe).  I was a cool kid in high school, promise.  Anyway, tonight I'm beginning research on my second (ever) research paper assignment.  I'm taking Written Communication for Engineers, so they won't let me write about water on Mars (bummer), but I'm happy to announce that after many hours of pensive web-surfing I have chosen a topic... (drum roll, please)... Compressed Natural Gas Powered Vehicle Fleets!  I know you're wondering how I can stand to write this post while such an exhilarating topic awaits me, I am a little crazy, I guess.

Admittedly, I've been pretty apprehensive about the assignment--it's (on average) a 15-page single-spaced report full of technical jargon and fancy diagrams--but I've realized my folly.  Worry and fear are my biggest temptations and my most frequent sins, and sometimes I let my anxiety get to outrageous levels before I repent.  This last week was no different, as I found myself distraught; I couldn't choose a topic, I didn't know what to do.  In these times, I'm thankful for the Christians that God has placed in my life.  Nathan calmly reminded me what scripture says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:6)," and then he prayed for me.  Ah, blessed community!  Praise God!

In class the next day, I realized that one stressor was the tone my professor used.  Though she speaks strongly and seriously about the assignment, I will not worry about my performance in this class, but trust God and work for His approval and His glory.  I am thankful that God is guarding my heart and my mind by revealing temptations and showing me a way out!

P.S.  My interest in compressed natural gas vehicles stems from my summer internship with a natural gas company.  (See pic)

Setting Up an Ebenezer

Eb·en·e·zer

"Originally a biblical place name (meaning ‘stone of help’ in Hebrew). This was the site of the battle where the Israelites were defeated by the Philistines (1 Samuel 4:1). After they took their revenge, Samuel set up a memorial stone bearing this name (1 Samuel 7:12) (encyclopedia.com, emphasis mine)."

I have a memorial stone that I wear on my left hand, reminding me of the covenant I made with God and my husband six months ago today.  And today we remembered and celebrated.  I am thankful for who Nathan is, who God is making him, and that he is in my life.  All glory to God for our marriage!

Image (c) Cathy Mores Photography

P.S.  Isn't he handsome?  And the smooch... I just had to put it up... it makes me smile.

My Day: Pictorially

The Sweetest Thing

December.  It's the last month of the year, the final stretch of the semester, the beginning of winter, and... the month we celebrate the birth of Jesus the Christ.  It is usually such a sweet time.  My family gets together, we share a meal, play games, give gifts and tell stories.  I look forward to cold mornings, a dusting of snow, a hot cup of tea and a good book.

However, I must confess that the last few years I have let anxiety and worry dominate the advent season.  I place such a high value on my grades in my classes, that it's all I can think about.  Maybe you can relate.  You probably have something that's uncertain, or something that didn't turn out like you wished it would have, or something that you just don't know what to do with.

This is not new or profound, really, but I've found that when you have troubles, it's best to make Linzer cookies.

Let me explain:  I bought a jar of Bonne Maman Strawberry Preserves for my dear hubby, who loves strawberry jam (although I do not).  I thought he'd be so excited!  But, it didn't taste as wonderful as it looked, and I was stuck with this useless fancy jar of sugar-laden strawberries.

It was a trouble, it was annoying--not to the point of anxiety, of course--but I couldn't throw it away.  That's so wasteful!  What's a girl to do!?

Cue Christmas time, the season of cookies, candy, and chocolate-dipped everything.  What did I do with a jar of unwanted jam?  Make linzer cookies, of course!

As for finals week, it didn't turn out like I hoped, though I worked very hard.  I was disappointed at first, but I did my best, and after all, that's the sweetest thing.

P.S.  I also made chocolate-dipped pretzels...

...chocolate-dipped coconut macaroons...

... and frosted sugar cookies!

P.P.S. I told you it was the season of chocolate-dipped everything!

Happy New Year

Happy New Year, in blog-land at least (I know, I know, it's halfway through January).  My hubby and I have traveled many miles since I've last posted--approximately 2,407.

Nathan graduated college with his MBA.

We celebrated Christmas with our families.

We went on a ski trip with both families, and mom, grandma and I went snowmobiling for mom's birthday.

Some very dear friends of ours tied the knot!

We visited our sweet friends from the south.

I turned a year older and tried Dunkin' Donuts' coffee for the first time ever!  (And liked it so much that I bought a coffee pot with my birthday money so I could have it more often.)

And Nathan and his brother went hunting and each brought home a deer.

I am excited for this new year and hope you enjoyed this little update!