Merry Christmas

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
Luke 2:14

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
John 3:16

Our Christmas Trip Thus Far

Merry Christmas Eve, everyone!

I haven't posted anything in the last few days because we've been so busy! Of course, I'm sure all of you have, too.

On Monday, we flew to Houston to spend a few days with my parents. My brother, Ken, and his wife, Meredith, were there, too. One of the very first things we did (other than stopping on the way home to pick up fajitas at Los Cucos--YUM) was to swing on the new play set my dad built in the backyard. It was such a surprise that he did that! It was already dark when they went out to swing that first day, but I did get a picture the next morning:

Because of Noah's unabated love of trains, my parents thought it'd be a good idea to take him to ride the train at Hermann Park. It was more like a brilliant idea. He reacted the same way he did when he and I rode the train in Harvard Square in October--he acted as if it were no big thing, but he talked about it a lot afterward.

After we got off the train, we hung out for a bit and fed the ducks. See if you can spot the duck in this picture. :)

Later that evening, my mom arranged a "gingerbread" house building contest. We had 45 minutes to create something from graham crackers, icing, and candy, then Granny and Noah judged which house was the best. Here are the competitors:

We teased Mom and Dad a lot about their little village. Is it a cemetery? Did Noah actually make it? ;) Their strategy was to go small so that everything would stand up, but the graham crackers ended up being very hard to work with.

Nathan and I built a castle tower. Although it may look a little wobbly, we thought it turned out pretty well. We even added snowy grass, a moat, a candy corn cobblestone walk, some stained glass windows, . . .

. . . and a wreath on the back.
Ken and Meredith won, however, with their neat little abode (we're pretty sure it was modeled after the Brady Bunch house). It even looked good after Noah ate some of the "kale" growing in the front yard.

Last night, we all went to Saltgrass Steakhouse for dinner. They have Shiner Bock on tap, which is an awesome Texas beer. Too bad I can't have any in my condition. I am not a beer drinker by any standard, but their Shiner is really quite good.

Here's a picture of the whole family:

And for those of you who have not had the privilege of dining in a true Texas steakhouse, here is what one looks like. Lots of cedar and limestone. And in this case, stuffed animals. Oh, and we must not forget the Texas flag, which is necessary in any truly Texan establishment. Here we see it painted on a canoe.


Noah enjoyed his first corn dog at the restaurant. This is before he stuffed his mouth so full of it that Nathan had to turn him upside down to stop him from choking on it. At least we know he likes corn dogs. ;)

Ken and Meredith left this morning to go spend Christmas Eve & Day with Meredith's family in Atlanta, so we were sure to get a family picture before they left. Here we all are on the fort/slide/swing set my dad built.
The End. (So far.)

Hope your Christmas is very merry!

Snow Day!

It is snowing right now. It is snowing A LOT right now. We are supposed to get somewhere between 8 and 18 inches where we are, and Nathan estimates that we've gotten 10-12" so far. Ever since we've known that it was going to snow a lot today, Nathan has really been looking forward to taking Noah out on the sled. They've gotten to do it once this winter already, and Noah had such a good time. He had the rosiest cheeks and the biggest smile as Nathan pulled him around in the backyard, and it killed me that my camera battery died just as I went out to take pictures.

So Nathan took Noah out this morning on the sled, but it actually wasn't that enjoyable, because the snow was still falling and the wind was blowing a bit, which meant that some of the snow was getting driven into our faces. I did take a video of Nathan pulling Noah on the sled, but Noah actually didn't look that thrilled, because who would be happy about snow blowing in your face? They did stay out for a while, but I think we'll have more fun later, after the snow stops falling. We're hoping to go out again after his nap, when, hopefully, it will have stopped falling and it won't be dark yet. Stay tuned for some fun-in-the-snow pictures--I hope we get some!

Also, I made homemade biscuits for lunch. I think it might only be a small exaggeration to say that nothing warms a southerner's heart than a good biscuit.

Speaking of southerners:
I am cracking up, because I just heard Nathan explain to Noah that tomorrow we're going to get on an airplane and fly way up high in the sky and go to Texas, which is a lot like Heaven, only not actually up in the sky.

Noah's Newest Words

Noah started saying two new words last night at dinner:

- bite (appropriate, since he was eating)
- sin (what?!)

The fact that my child is saying "sin" before he is two years old--not knowing what it is but engaging in it all the time--really makes me laugh. Does that make me neurotic or otherwise weird? I'm sorry, but it really does crack me up. I think that probably no one thinks it's as funny as I do, but there you go.

Christmas in Texas

Pretty soon, we'll board a plane and head to Texas for Christmas. Other than the obvious fact that we are excited about Christmas (my favorite holiday of the whole entire year), there are lots of reasons we're looking forward to this trip:

• Noah will get to ride on a real, live plane. He has become interested in airplanes lately, even making a swooshing sound effect when he is playing with one or when we hear one outside. Though we're hoping he'll nap for the flight, I did buy him a couple of new things to play with on the plane, including an airport book, which I think he'll like a lot. And we've been telling him that in a few days he'll get to ride on an airplane--when Nathan asks him if he's excited about it, Noah says, "Mmm hmm." It's cute.
• We think that our families will really enjoy playing with Noah. He is really a pretty funny kid, with a good sense of humor and a great sense of play and games. His favorite thing is just for someone to get down on the floor and play with him, and there will be plenty of people around to do just that.
  
• Tex-Mex. This is Texas, after all.
• I think Noah will really be awed by Christmas trees and Christmas lights. We haven't gotten a tree this year, something I have really missed, frankly. So whenever Noah sees a Christmas tree in a book or something, he thinks it's really neat. I'm sure that when he sees a real one, he'll be excited.
• I'm also sure that when he sees the presents under the tree, he'll be very excited.
• Buying presents for Noah has been more fun this year. I mean, what can you really buy for a one-year-old? Nothing exciting, that's what. But starting around two years old, the toys start getting more interesting and more fun.
  
• It won't be 10 degrees, which is the temperature outside right now.
  

The Wall

Yesterday a wall of reality hit in the form of a wall of fatigue.

The reality that I had to face yesterday was that I am in my third trimester, which means I am getting tired again, and I simply cannot do everything I want to do every day. There were lots of things on my list yesterday, including making some Christmas cookies to give away. However, just as I was about to turn the mixer on, Noah fell out of a chair and bumped his head, and the rest of the morning was shot, because he was out of sorts for everything and just needed constant attention. When he finally went down for a nap, I was completely beat, but I had to get dinner in the crock pot before I laid down. By the time I finally got to shut my eyes, it was an hour into Noah's nap. And then he woke up early, and I had to drag myself out of bed to go get him--I haven't felt that kind of lethargy in my body since the first trimester. And from then until the end of the day, I was completely exhausted, the kind of exhausted I get only when I am pregnant. By the time we went to pick up Nathan, I was so tired I was almost in tears. And by bedtime, the exhaustion had evidently let the floodgates loose on the hormones, and I was in tears over things that do not normally bother me. Mostly, the thing that was bothering me was the thought of all the things I could not get to during that day, in addition to the reality that I was just not going to be able to get to those things at all.

Today was a better day, for sure. But yesterday did remind me that I am going to have to lower my expectations on what I can accomplish for a while. I had been able to ramp things back up a little bit during the second trimester, and I guess I was just living under the delusion that I was going to be able to keep that up for a while, but I think that I am now going to have to just take it day by day.

Weekend Festivities

We had a busy and fun weekend! Here's the update:

On Saturday, we had our small group over for our annual Christmas party and Yankee Swap (White Elephant exchange). Our group does a mix of gag gifts and nice gifts, so you never know what you're going to get. But there is always something that is the most talked-about item, and usually that item gets recycled back into the gift circulation year after year. For a while, it's been a shower stick--a thing that basically hangs down from your shower head and sprays water from holes in the tube. One of the things that makes this item so funny, other than the actual product itself, is that the pictures on the packaging are borderline censorable. There are all these half naked people showering, and it has always cracked us up. In fact, last year, Bryan and Sara actually cut out construction paper clothes and taped them on there before wrapping it up and putting it in the pile of gifts. Anyway, Nathan and I had thought that someone else ended up with the famed shower stick last year, but we found it in a closet THE DAY AFTER the party! I mean, COME ON! It had been there a year, and we found it the day after? Oh, the irony. And now we are stuck with it for at least another year. I don't know if that thing is going to make the move to Houston with us or what. Of course, the Benesh side might beware--there is a similar gift exchange on that side of the family at Christmastime, and there might just be an anonymously given shower stick this year. . . . Anyway, we had a nice brunch and gift exchange with our amigos. Then, Noah, Nathan, and I all took long naps (always the mark of a good day).

Sunday was our sixth anniversary, which was so sweetly announced on the blog by Nathan yesterday. :) (I still cannot get over how skinny I am in that picture.) Anyway, in the morning, we went to the early service at church, which begins at 8:30. Really, y'all, that is pretty early for our family. We usually aren't really ready to face the day until nearly 9:00. But we decided to go to the early service in order to do something else special yesterday, which was to go to a model train exhibit at the National Heritage Museum in Lexington. We had just heard about it the day before, and as soon as it was mentioned to us, Nathan and I looked at each other and said, "Noah would love that. We have to go." So we sacrificed our sleep and got to church early in order to be able to get ourselves out to see the trains before naptime. It was worth the outing; Noah really enjoyed checking out the trains:


That evening, Nathan and I went out to dinner at Mamma Maria, which is the same restaurant we went to last year. Now, the last time we went, my entreé was pretty much amazing. This time, we both enjoyed what we got, but really the standouts in the meal were the pesto that was served with the bread and the cappuccino at the end of the meal. They were truly outstanding. I ordered the rabbit dish, which was served with freshly made pasta, and Nathan was the adventurous eater of the night and got a trio of wild game raviolis: wild boar, oxtail, and lamb. Overall, the most fun thing was just getting to go on a date, get dressed up, go to a nice restaurant, and to go out to a part of town in Boston (the North End) we rarely visit anymore. Actually, we were kind of laughing when we got to our table, because our view from the second floor included the fire escape, the dark, narrow cobblestone streets, the gaslight street lamps, and the rain. Nathan pointed out that it totally looked like a scene out of a film noir movie.

Also, Noah said his first two-syllable word this weekend. It was "meatball."

Anywho, that was our weekend. It's a busy time of year for us, between Christmas and anniversary, but it's always fun.

Happy Anniversary!

I just wanted to wish my lovely wife a happy 6-year anniversary!
Love you, babe!

Rose's Christmas Cookies

Hey peeps,

I have a cookbook recommendation for you. It's Rose's Christmas Cookies, and if you at all like to bake and it's not on your wish list, it should be.

Rose Levy Beranbaum is a master baker, and she has several cookbooks out. The other one that I own is The Cake Bible, which is incredibly informative and actually very educational. I learned a lot about the chemistry of baking by reading that book. I think it has also won a couple of awards. Today I also noticed that she has a new cake book out called Rose's Heavenly Cakes, which also looks lovely.

One of the reasons I like the Christmas cookie book in particular is that it is just so warm and happy. I mean, it's about Christmas cookies, after all. She tells a story about each cookie that makes you want to bake it. Plus, she gives three methods for baking each cookie: bowl and spoon, electric hand mixer, and food processor. I'm sorry, but could there be any easier way to make cookie dough than in a food processor? I mean, you just measure everything, toss it in, and hit a button. It's been a few years since I pulled out this book, and the last time I used it, I didn't own a food processor, but let me tell you something: I am definitely going to try this out.

Anyway, check it out! Who do you know who wouldn't like a gift of homemade cookies this Christmas?

The Indestructible Pumpkin

Dear Readers,

I would like to present, for your inspection, a pumpkin. This is no ordinary pumpkin, mind you. On the contrary. It is, apparently, indestructible.

Take a closer look at this amazing product of nature:
I'll tell you why I think it's indestructible. First, it's a sugar pumpkin, which is not a carving pumpkin. Sugar pumpkins are the kind you eat. I bought it for a recipe, but I never actually cooked it because, well, it is indestructible and would not submit to being cut into. I tried a couple different sharp knives with no success. Even Nathan couldn't force it into submission. Secondly, the thing won't rot. I bought it about a week into October, and here it is, two months later, and that pumpkin is as solid as it was the day I picked it out it at Trader Joe's. Around Halloween, since it was apparent that we weren't going to be able to actually eat it, we put it on the front porch with the other pumpkins. The other two (inferior) pumpkins rotted within days after Halloween, but this one is still on our porch, seemingly untouched by nature.

So there you have it, my friends. The Indestructible Pumpkin. It might just go out with the trash tomorrow, lest our Christmas-light-displaying neighbors think we are suffering from some holiday confusion.

Just Because

Friday Night Randomness

Randomness is all I've got these days, peeps. I have lately lost the ability to string thoughts together in a coherent or interesting way. So this is what you get for the moment:

• Poor Noah is sick. When he woke up from his nap today, I found that he was running a temp of nearly 104, so I took him in to the doctor, and she discovered that his throat was "angry red." Poor kid. He bounces back and forth between feeling terribly sick and playing normally. I think we will take it pretty easy tomorrow.
• On the up side, it's been nice to discover that Noah really likes it when I sing. Both when he got his flu shot earlier this week and when we were at the doctor's office again today, he could not stop crying. When I asked him if he wanted me to sing, he said yes, and he did quiet down a bit to listen. It makes me feel good that my singing can relax him and make him feel safe. :) Also, I have found that "Silent Night" makes a wonderful lullaby.
• I'm watching the movie "Dan in Real Life" at the moment. I really like this movie. It makes me laugh and warms my heart. I love the family scenes in it. They think of all kinds of fun things to do, they never once watch TV, they enjoy each other's company, and I love how marriage and family is portrayed--marriage is for life, and Dan's parents are a wonderful example of a couple who are a great unit, for example.
• I am so tired of food. I feel like all I've been talking and thinking about is food for the last month (haven't you noticed?!), and now that Thanksgiving is over, I want to have nothing to do with cooking.
  
• I want to buy all the little Christmas dresses and sweater dresses I see in the stores. I have been holding back on going nuts with the baby girl clothes, but lately I have started buying a few things here and there.
  
• I think it's special to be pregnant at Christmastime. I remember reading the Christmas story while I was pregnant with Noah and thinking how special it was that I, too, would soon be swaddling my baby.
  

This Round

Some things about pregnancy this round:

• I forgot what I was going to say first. Typical. I have to make like three trips to Target every week because I'm constantly forgetting something. Like diaper wipes. This morning, I discovered we are out of wipes. Not a good thing to run out of.
• My belly is huge. No, really, it is. Tonight Nathan told me (somewhat apologetically) that it really does look like I'm ready to deliver, that I'm as big as other women are when they are nine months. And, y'all, he is right. And how far along am I? Six months. I have a third of my pregnancy left. Though I think I was about this big with Noah, too.
• Speaking of which, I think I can now say that I carry my babies out front. On the down side, I look huge. On the up side, I don't get indigestion because my stomach's not as crowded. ;)
• I don't have the body image anxiety I had last time. I'm sure this is partially because I'm not gaining as much weight. But I think it's also because everything already happened two years ago--I already have the stretch marks, etc. It's just not that shocking or disconcerting anymore. Plus, as a mom, I am just less vain than I was in my previous life.
  
• I am too tired to write anymore. My brain has turned off. Also typical. Goodnight.
  

Week 26 Belly Pic

These were taken on Thanksgiving Day. I was 26 and a half weeks pregnant. It's okay; you can go ahead and say it: my belly is huge.

And here I am again, with a turkey at my feet.

Thanksgiving Day Recap

The Cooking:

Proof that Deb can cook

Me, about to pull some goodies out of the oven

Nathan and the lovely turkey

The Before Pictures:

Our table

David, prepping the salad

Nora, checking out the desserts

The Aftermath:

All the leftovers stuffed into the fridge:

Hershey Bar Pie

A year or two ago, Nathan announced that he needed Hershey Bar Pie for his Thanksgiving to be complete. He said his mom makes it every year. So she sent him the recipe, and it is always his responsibility to make this particular dessert. It is really sweet and rich. Actually, I mentioned last night that it's pretty much smores in a pan, and Nathan replied that, in that case, it ought to be my favorite food. :) It is pretty darn good.

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Hershey Bar Pie

Crust:
1-1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
3 tablespoons sugar
1/3 cup melted butter or margarine

Filling:
32 large marshmallows, or 3 cups mini marshmallows
1 cup milk
24 oz. milk chocolate chips (or buy the bars and chop them)
8 cups Cool Whip, divided

To prepare the crust, mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl, then press into a 9x13" pan. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, melt the marshmallows, milk, and chocolate over medium heat. Stir constantly to blend and to make sure the chocolate doesn't scorch. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator until it thickens, about 15-20 minutes. Stir four cups Cool Whip into the chocolate mixture. Pour the mixture into the graham cracker crust. Top with the remaining Cool Whip. Chill 8 hours or more.

Enjoy!

Mom's Pecan Pie

I have never made a pecan pie until tonight. In fact, growing up, I never really ate the pecan pie that was served at all the family holidays. Instead, I always gravitated towards the chocolaty or creamy/custardy desserts--okay, really only the chocolaty ones. But as an adult, I've developed a taste for the sweet, nutty goodness that is pecan pie.

On holidays, my mom usually finds a way to work into conversation the fact that my grandfather likes her pecan pie the best. So, since it evidently has at least one rave review, I asked her for her recipe so I could make it for Thanksgiving this year. She said her secret is to use a high ratio of pecans to sugary filling, which sounded good to me.

She sent me the recipe, but the way it was typed was a bit confusing, because she actually sent me two recipes: one for individual pecan pies, and one with the filling info for a regular sized pie. So I proceeded to make the crust for the individual pies and tried to press it into a regular sized pie plate with really bad results. For one thing, the dang thing didn't even look like pie crust. It was a mealy mess, and as I continued to work with it, the clumps of butter and cream cheese (the secret ingredient Mom swears by) got bigger and bigger, which told me that the fats were getting too warm and that my crust was going to be tough rather than flaky. Dadgummit. It seemed as if the pie crust that was intended for the individual pies was just not going to cooperate for the big pie.

So I went online to foodnetwork.com and found a couple of recipes that looked do-able. I actually ended up combining one of Alton Brown's recipes with a couple elements of Emeril Lagasse's, plus I kept my mom's secret ingredient in there, and I have to tell you, that pie crust looks beautiful. I particularly liked Alton's method, because in true Alton style, it is straightforward and efficient.

My lovely pie is baking away right now. Though I have no proof that it will turn out as fantastic as I hope since we won't taste it until tomorrow, I'm posting this now simply because I am proud of myself for making that dang pie crust come out pretty.

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Mom's Pecan Pie

Crust:
1 cup all purpose flour, plus extra for rolling dough
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 cup pecans
6 tablespoons butter, chilled and cut into pieces
2 tablespoons cream cheese
1/4 cup ice water

Filling:
1 cup dark Karo syrup
1 cup sugar
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup melted butter
2 cups (or more) pecans

For the crust: In the bowl of a food processor, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and pecans by pulsing 3-4 times (this should also more or less grind the pecans). Add the butter and pulse 5-6 times until the texture looks mealy. Add the cream cheese and pulse another 3-4 times. Remove lid of food processor and drizzle one tablespoon of ice water on top of dough. Replace lid and pulse 5 times. Add more water and pulse again until mixture holds together when squeezed (I used 2-3 tablespoons of water to get to this point). Place mixture in a large zip-top bag. Squeeze together until it forms a ball, then press into a rounded disc and refrigerate 15-30 minutes.

Remove dough from refrigerator. Cut along two sides of the plastic bag and sprinkle flour on both sides of the disc of dough. Cover again with plastic and roll out with a rolling pin to a 10- to 11-inch circle. Gently fold dough in half and then in half again, and carefully transfer it to the pie plate and unfold.

For the filling: Preheat oven to 325. Combine the syrup, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and butter. Stir in the pecans.

Pour the filling into the crust and bake for about one hour, or until the filling sets.

*For an adult version, add two tablespoons of bourbon.  Mmm!

Do You Want Me to Take Your Nose Off?

Noah banged his nose on the back of Nathan's head. He held his nose and screamed and cried. After being comforted a little bit, Noah was still upset. With great sympathy, Nathan said: "Do you want me to take your nose off?" Noah very sincerely nodded and said, "Mmm hmm." So Nathan pretended to take it off with the old thumb-between-the-fingers trick. With a look of curiosity, Noah reached up to see what his new nose-less face felt like.

Green Bean Casserole

So one thing that I don't really care for is the green bean casserole made with canned cream of mushroom soup. The soup just has a funny flavor to me, and I know this is American sacrilege, but I just don't think it goes that well with green beans. So one year I searched online for a new recipe for green bean casserole, and I found this one. I really like the sour cream in it, and if you must have your mushroom flavor, you could always sauté some with the onions and mix them in. I make it nearly exactly as written, except I put less cheese on top. I've copied it here for your convenience:

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Green Bean Casserole

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 cup diced white or yellow onion
1 cup sour cream
3 14-oz. cans French style green beans
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup crumbled buttery round crackers (such as Ritz)
1 tablespoon butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth, and cook for one minute. Stir in the salt, sugar, onion, and sour cream. Add green beans, and stir to coat.

Transfer the mixture to a 2 1/2 quart casserole dish. Spread shredded cheese over the top. In a small bowl, toss together cracker crumbs and remaining butter, and sprinkle over the cheese.
Bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden and cheese is bubbly.

Thanksgiving

Hey peeps!

Can you believe Thanksgiving is this week? Isn't it crazy?!

Speaking of crazy, I didn't pare down my menu at all. Here's what I'm planning to make:

• turkey
• gravy
• cranberry sauce
• stuffing (I am cheating--I bought a mix from Whole Foods)
• mashed potatoes (my Granny's recipe)
• green bean casserole
• salad (made by Bonnie & Dave)
  
• rolls (also made by Bonnie & Dave)
  
• butternut squash with chestnuts (made by Nora)
• pumpkin pie (also made by Nora)
• pecan pie (I'm going to use my mom's recipe)
• Hershey bar pie

Depending on how much time and energy I have, I might also possibly make:

• corn casserole
• roasted carrots

I decided to pretty much keep everything on the menu because 1.) Bonnie and Dave will be joining us, after all, which means they will be bringing a couple of things, and 2.) I can enlist help from Deb, Nathan's sister, who will be arriving today(!).

To me, Thanksgiving and Christmas always mean like 15 people in the house. If there is not a crowd, it's not a holiday--or that's how I used to feel, anyway. This year, I am looking forward to having a smaller group. I think it might have something to do with being pregnant and tired. But there's more to what a holiday should feel like than the number of people, right? I recently read an awesome post on Courtney's blog about her grandparents' dining room table. I would love for my family to look like that one day.

For the day after Thanksgiving, I'm going to make this soup with the leftovers. It was sooo good last year: Turkey and Potato Soup with Canadian Bacon.

If you're looking for turkey tips, I posted a basic little turkey tutorial last year that might be helpful.

I'll post a few other Thanksgiving recipes later today or tomorrow. In the meantime, tell me what it is about Thanksgiving that's exciting to you. Family? A particular tradition? Successfully making a turkey? Pumpkin pie?

Fall Breakfast

A few weeks ago, I organized a fall brunch with a bunch of mommy friends. Like the fall brunch from last year, we all brought some fall food and just hung out for a couple of hours. It was lots of fun!

Here's a picture of most of the group. Special thanks to Sara, who hosted at her house.

Here's Christine, hanging out with some of the babies. I have no idea what Noah was doing that made him make that face.

The spread (most of it).

A few of our recipes:

• Pumpkin Pancakes
• Baked Apples (made a great topping for the pancakes!)
  
• Sausage and Egg Casserole
• Apple Tart
• Stuffed Pumpkin: Cut the top off of a sugar pumpkin and scoop out the seeds. Run a fork along the inside of the pumpkin, scoring it. Drizzle some vanilla extract and cinnamon inside. Replace the top and bake for about 30 minutes at 400 degrees. Meanwhile, mix up some spice cake mix. After the first bake, fill the pumpkin about 2/3 full of cake batter. Bake another 30 minutes or so until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Slice as you would any other baked dessert, in wedges. (You can see it in the picture above.)

Fall Dinner Menu

Evidently, this has been the month that my blog has turned into a food blog. I just seem to be all about food right now, which I guess is apropos, with Thanksgiving around the corner and all. Plus, there have been other food events this month, like the fall breakfast I organized with a lot of my mommy friends (more on that in a later post) and having another family over for dinner. Anyway, I suppose November has certainly helped to beef up my little recipe index.

For the dinner we had with friends, I put together a very fallish menu, and I thought I'd post it here. We had that pumpkin dip I told you about, a yummy salad with pears and candied walnuts, maple-buttermilk bread (from The Bread Machine Cookbook), beef stew, and apple cranberry crisp. Yummers.

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Salad with Pears and Candied Walnuts

1 package field greens or baby greens, or one head of tender leaf lettuce, chopped
2 ripe pears (I like mine a little on the soft side so they're sure to be sweet), sliced
1/2 cup candied walnuts
fruity vinaigrette dressing

For the salad, I toss the greens with the dressing, then I arrange them on the bottom of the salad bowl. Next, I fan the sliced pears on top, then sprinkle the candied walnuts on top of everything. If you can eat unpasteurized cheese (unlike me at the moment), I would add some gorgonzola, too. (Though I bet I could find some pasteurized gorgonzola if I looked for it.)

To make the vinaigrette, simply whisk together two parts extra-virgin olive oil and one part fruity vinegar with a little salt and pepper. The vinegar I've been using lately is the Orange Muscat Champagne Vinegar from Trader Joe's. It's perhaps a bit summery, but I like it with this salad because it's fruity, which I think compliments the pears.

Candied walnuts are actually really easy to make, but you have to keep your eyes on them, or they'll burn. The problem is that you're cooking sugar, which can turn bad really quickly. You may remember the fiasco that ensued when Nathan tried to make caramel last Thanksgiving (though it pales in comparison to the five-foot fireball that I created). Anyway, all you do is toss about half a cup of halved walnuts into a skillet over medium heat. Let them toast for a minute or so, then add a tablespoon of butter and let it melt, coating the walnuts. Sprinkle a tablespoon of sugar over the walnuts and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is no longer grainy. The nuts will look like they have a thin coating of shiny syrup on them. It's okay if the sugar turns a little dark (I like it to be a little caramelized), but if it starts to look as dark as, say, milk chocolate, take the pan off the heat, because it's quickly on its way to burning at that point.

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Beef Stew

This is actually a recipe I adapted from Williams-Sonoma, except that I nixed the chestnuts and added more veggies. You do have to commit to a fair amount of prep time, mainly because you have to cut up the beef and brown it, but I would definitely not skip the browning. It makes for a much deeper flavor in the stew. To save time, I chopped all the veggies the night before, stored them in the crock pot, and just stuck the whole thing into the fridge overnight. That way, all I had to do was brown the beef and add the final few ingredients the next morning.

3 lbs. boneless stewing beef, cut into one-inch cubes
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
salt & pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil (or more if you need it)
1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
3 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
8-12 oz. new potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1-1/2 cups beef broth
1-1/2 cups red wine

In a large bowl, toss the beef with the flour, salt, and pepper until coated. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Warm 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil until just smoking. Add half the beef (or however much will fit in your skillet) and brown on all sides, 3-4 minutes total. Transfer to a slow cooker. Add the remaining olive oil to the pan and brown the rest of the beef. Add all the rest of the ingredients to the crock pot except the red wine, and stir to combine.

Off the heat (Be sure the heat is off! Remember my five-foot fireball!), add the red wine to the pan. Turn the heat back up to medium high. Bring to a simmer. With a wooden spoon, stir, scraping all the browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Add the wine to the slow cooker, and cook on high for 6 hours.

-----

Apple Cranberry Crisp

This recipe comes from a parents' yahoo group that some friends are a part of in their town. I am sure crisp recipes vary very little from one to another, but I like this one a lot because it incorporates cranberries, which give it some nice tartness. This is a very New England recipe.

Topping:
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 stick chilled unsalted butter, cut into pieces

Filling:
2 lbs. apples, peeled, cored, and sliced thinly (Granny Smith apples would be good in this; I used Cortlands)
2 cups fresh cranberries
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

To make the topping, mix all the ingredients except the butter in a bowl. With your fingers, rub the butter into the flour mixture. You could also use a pastry blender for this, but I find it easier to sort of pinch the butter into the mix. The topping can be made a day ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you need it.

Preheat the oven to 375. Butter a baking dish (something that will hold approx. 8 cups). Mix the filling ingredients in a large bowl, then transfer to the baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and crumble the topping over the apples. Return to the oven and bake until the apples are tender, the juice is bubbling thickly at the sides, and the topping is golden brown, about 35 minutes longer. Let stand at least 10 minutes before serving. Top with vanilla ice cream, if you like.

Fish Sticks

Forget the soups, stews, lovely fall food, and Thanksgiving. Noah and I had macaroni and cheese for lunch, and we're having fish sticks for dinner. And it sounds SO GOOD!!!

No, my pregnancy weight gain isn't out of control; why do you ask? ;)

Joe Houston

Thank you to everyone who has been praying during the last three weeks for the search for Joe Houston, a Navy pilot whose plane went down in the Gulf of Mexico at the end of October. Today, the Coast Guard divers were able to determine that Joe's body is in the cockpit of the plane, which means he has been with the Lord throughout this time. I have posted more details here, including a letter from Joe's mom, and I will continue to post updates as I get them. You can also check this website for more information.

Please continue to keep Joe's family, his fianceé, Jennifer, and his son, Asher in your prayers as they grieve.

And This is Why I Love Trader Joe's

The four sides of a box of tissue:

A Few Things

1. I am continuing to post updates on the search for Joe Houston on this post.
2. I was going to buy a pecan pie from Goode Co. to be shipped to us for Thanksgiving, but I just saw how much the shipping is and decided I'm not sure a pie, even one from Texas, is worth $40. Even if it comes in its own nifty swifty pine box that says "Made in Texas" on it.
3. Anybody have a really good pecan pie recipe?
4. I bought my turkey today. I can't believe Thanksgiving is next week.
   
5. The mint chocolate M&M's are dangerous. They are totally addictive.
6. I found a ridiculously large stash of tuna in the pantry today. Guess what Nathan is getting for lunch tomorrow.
   
7. Noah said a new word today, and he did it all on his own, without my prompting! Yay! It was "meat."
8. Baby Girl is getting big enough that I feel a lot more of her movements. What is really fun/interesting/weird is that I can see a lot more of her movements, too. With Noah, my placenta was in the front, so all we actually ever saw were large movements. But the other night, we saw little bitty movements around my belly button. It looked like someone was running their finger on the inside of my belly. (Sorry if that grosses you out--it is kind of weird. It was half fascinating and half creepy.)
9. We played a new game with some friends the other night. It's called "Ticket to Ride." I recommend it as something that is quick to learn and therefore easy to fit into a shorter evening because of the kiddos.
10. But the game I really miss playing is Puerto Rico. It is beautifully complex, which I think is fun. Plus, I actually have a shot at winning it every so often, as opposed to something like Carcassonne, at which I always lose to Nathan. Puerto Rico is more complicated and takes longer to play, though, so you have to have a little bit of time and patience if you're going to play it or especially if you're going to learn it. I hope to get a few games in with Matthew and Emily over the Christmas break.
    

Pumpkin Dip

I'm going to make this awesome dip for some dinner guests tomorrow. I got this recipe from a friend a few years ago, and I think it's originally from Cooking Light, though I can't find it on their website today.

Anyway, it's a sweet dip that's great for fall--it has lots of awesome fall flavors, like pumpkin, maple syrup, and apples. Every year, I find a reason to make this after we go apple picking, because it's fantastic with the orchard-fresh apples.

-----

Pumpkin Dip

1 cup (8 oz) 1/3 less fat cream cheese, left out at room temp until softened
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
2 tsp. maple syrup
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
3-4 apples, sliced

Place first 3 ingredients in a medium bowl, and beat with a mixer at medium speed until well blended. Add syrup and cinnamon, and beat until smooth. Cover and chill 30 min. Serve with sliced apple (rather than wedges, I slice mine like potato chips). Use Cortland apples if you can find them--they don't turn brown. Otherwise, use Macintosh or whatever you like best.

Time Out Tuesday

I think I am just going to call today Time Out Tuesday. Sigh.

So there are a couple of new things with Noah lately:

• Disobedience. He won't come when we say come here, he won't eat his food when we tell him to, he sometimes screams in frustration when he can't have something he wants, etc. This sounds suspiciously like the terrible two's to me. Ugh. So all that means that we have had a lot more time outs in our life lately. I'm trying to be very consistent throughout the day, which translated to like six time outs today. Fun times.
  
• Talking. He just doesn't care about talking, so he will only play along with the "Hey Noah, say this!" game when he feels like it. We are having trouble getting him to say new words. And sometimes we'll ask him to repeat a word he said a few days ago, and it's like it never happened. He also has no interest in learning his ABC's. Don't get me wrong; he loves books, and sometimes he'll even sit down and pretend to read them himself. But he loves books about trains, books with trucks, interactive books, etc. He is not so hip on the books that make you look at a big letter A. We know that he is actually pretty smart--he is the most observant kid I've ever known, even more observant than I am as an adult, in some situations. But this talking thing is just taking a while.
  

We are also about to start potty training--the very early stages. We got a Thomas the Tank Engine potty yesterday, and he loves it already. On the day I don't have to change a poopy diaper, I will rejoice. (Though I know that's a ways off.)

Thanksgiving Thoughts

A few days ago, I started making a list of the dishes I want to make for Thanksgiving. Then I looked at it, and I realized that it might just be a ridiculous amount of food for four (possibly six) adults to eat.

• turkey
• gravy
• roasted root veggies
• mashed potatoes
• green bean casserole
• corn casserole
• cranberry sauce
• salad
  
• stuffing
• rolls
  
• butternut squash with chestnuts (made by Nora, one of our guests)
• pumpkin pie (also made by Nora)
• Hershey bar pie
• pecan pie
• spiced nuts
  

Am I crazy?

For three or four years, we had a Thanksgiving potluck, where friends all brought a couple of dishes. I'd always end up making a lot of food, but I was never responsible for the whole feast. Last year, Nathan's family all made the trip up here for a visit, so I did make the entire meal (with some help from them, of course). The thing that this made me realize is that Thanksgiving dinner is a whole lot of work, thank you very much.

But the problem is that I just can't figure out what to cut. I mean, I think everyone has a couple of dishes that make their Thanksgiving complete, and without which the day just isn't right. For Nathan, it's stuffing and pumpkin pie, and the only reason I know that is because I used to leave them out because they're not my favorites, but he kept mentioning that he wanted them. So my conundrum is that I'm having a hard time figuring out what to cut from the menu.

So here is my question to you: which dishes do you consider central to your Thanksgiving dinner? Which ones do you hope to see on the table every year?

Alternatively, I could just make everything. I read somewhere that you can make a lot of the oven-hogging sides the day before, refrigerate them, and then stick them in the oven on Thanksgiving day after you take your turkey out to rest. So that's an idea.

What do you think?

Cheesy Beer Bread

The beer bread that I made to go with the tortilla soup was truly awesome. I had never tried this recipe before, but it sounded so good that I had to give it a whirl. Actually, I ran across it as I was flipping through some old cooking magazines before I threw them in the recycling bin. This one jumped out at me, and since it sounded like it would go nicely with the soup I was making, I gave it a shot.

Please make this bread, just for the pleasure of smelling it as you pull it out of the oven. The onions and cheese just send it over the top.

A couple of notes about the recipe (adapted slightly from one in Cooking Light): it actually calls for Monterrey Jack cheese, but I used cheddar, which is what I had on hand. Besides, beer and cheddar just seem natural together. Also, I didn't realize before that I couldn't buy a single bottle of beer from my grocery store (you have to buy them in packs), but I did find a few large bottles, so I got one of those and used about half for the bread. I chose Stella Artois.

-----

Cheesy Beer Bread

1 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 Tbsp. sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
12 oz. lager-style beer
cooking spray
2 Tbsp. melted butter, divided

Preheat oven to 375. Heat skillet over medium-low heat. Add onion to the pan and cook until soft and slightly browned, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Stir in pepper and garlic; cook 1 minute.

Lightly spoon flour into measuring cups. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt with a whisk. Make a well in the center of the mixture and add the onion mixture, cheese, and beer. Stir until just moist.

Spoon batter into a 9x5" loaf pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of butter over the batter. Bake for 35 minutes. Drizzle the other tablespoon of butter over the batter, then bake for 20-25 minutes longer. The bread is done when it is a deep golden brown and when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Enjoy!

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Our friends, the Robinsons, have made this soup for us a couple of times, and it is always very good. Since we are full-on into soup weather, and especially since the highs for the next few days have dipped down into the 40's, I thought this would be a great recipe to make today.

If I remember correctly, Bryan and Sara initially had this soup at a family member's house in Texas. Now, let me tell you something. I don't think I'd trust a Tortilla Soup recipe if it came from someone in Maine or Montana or Iowa. But this one comes directly from the Lone Star State, so you know that it has some Tex-Mex flair.

Bryan and Sara altered the recipe so that you can cook it in the crock pot, which makes it even easier to make, and it's pretty darn tasty, too. I'm going to serve it with some beer bread. Don't you think that combo sounds amazing?

-----

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 chicken breasts
2 small cans chopped green chilies (on the Mexican aisle)
4 cans (or 2 boxes) chicken broth
1 can tomato soup
1 medium-sized can diced tomatoes
2 cans sweet corn
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. chili powder
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
salt and pepper

Remaining Ingredients:
tortilla chips
1 avocado, sliced
shredded cheese
hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco)


Put the first group of ingredients into the slow cooker. Cook on low for approximately 8 hours (or high for 4-6 hours), until the chicken is cooked through. Shred the chicken with two forks.

To serve the soup, put a few broken tortilla chips in the bottom of the soup bowls, then ladle the soup on top. The soup softens the chips and converts their texture to that of soft tortillas. Avocado, cheese, and hot pepper sauces make great garnishes, as would sour cream and cilantro.

Note: My slow cooker is not quite big enough to handle this much volume, but this recipe could easily be cut in half and would still serve four people generously.

Technophile

I walked into the living room to find this:

Wow. It has begun.

I am hesitant to move on from the search for Joe Houston, but I thought I would go ahead and start posting other things here soon. However, I will continue to post updates in the post below, so you can always come back and check there to see what the latest news is as well as to find out the best way to pray.

Update on Joe

*Update, Friday 11/20*
Memorial Service today

Jenn:

Lord, may today honor Joe, but most of all may it honor You. That was Joe's purpose in life. And even in death. To God be the glory. I'm not sure how to filter everything just yet. It's overwhelming yet peaceful somehow. You are holding me together. I rest knowing Joe knows no greater joy than Ultimate fellowship with You. So as I find myself in a strange place, it is not strange to You. Once again... Here's my life, Lord. Thank You so much for Joe. May You be honored today & everyday. Love You both so much.

Thank you so much for your prayers & endless support. Joe's memorial service was outstanding. Praise the Lord! Old friends, new friends, old family, new family, the outstanding naval community-- what a blessing to have such a high caliber of people rally around in time of need. This, again, is the body of Christ at work. This is a gift. This is what it looks like when God binds up brokenness - people embracing you & softening a very traumatic fall. Thank you Lord- Your mercies are not only new every morning, but they are packaged in some very unexpected ways. 

I didn't hold back one piece of my heart from Joe, nor he from me, & I am at least at peace that I told him the depths of how I felt (feel) for him everyday. I hope everyone can live their lives that way with the one God has given to you. Life is but a vapor, friends. No one regrets being loved, or loving, too much- but what a terrible thing to be left feeling you didn't say enough. Love well, dear friends. Love honestly. God IS love - & He tells us this daily by giving us life...an eternal one.

-----

*Update, Thursday 11/19*

Jenn:

Today is my beloved fiancé Lt. Joe Houston's 30th birthday. He was & is the most amazing man I ever knew- my faithful love, soulmate & best friend. There will never be another like him. I received our custom wedding rings today, we happened to order the day he died, right before he went on his flight. That was the last thing we spoke of besides our excitement for each other & our future. Tomorrow is his memorial service. I will proudly wear both our rings which bear the Greek words " in faithfulness in love" that is seamlessly engraved. The "in" is actually "in/with/through" so you can see there are multiple & appropriate ways to read this eternal thought. It is of course reflective of God's love & faithfulness to us His bethrothed. He has betrothed Himself to us forever. (see Hosea 2). Love.

-----

*Update, Wednesday 11/18*

Thanks to all the friends and friends of friends who have been praying for Joe, his family, and his fiancee. Today, the Coast Guard was able to determine that Joe's body is, indeed, in the cockpit of the plane. Here is a letter from his mom, Glyndell:

Precious Family and Friends,

This morning the divers located Joe's body inside the plane. At the time of the call there was positive identification of the aircraft, but not positive I.D. of the body, but there is no one else it can be. Divers will retrieve the body and take it for autopsy soon.

We are grateful to the Lord for lifting our uncertainty and giving us a definite answer. We are thankful to know that Joe has been in the presence of God and cared for these three long weeks. God is good and His mercies endure forever. Be comforted in knowing that Joe lived his life to the fullest for the Lord, and was a man after God's own heart. He laid down his life for his God and country. His life's message was "To God Be the Glory!" May God alone be glorified for everything that has transpired. Joe's life verse: Psalms 37:4 "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." We treasure your continued prayers for our family.

There will be a Navy memorial service Friday, November 20, 2009, at 12 noon at Naval Air Station, Corpus Christi, TX. We are planning to bury Joe later with full military honors in Arlington Cemetery and details are not known at this time.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations to an independent trust fund which is being established for Joe's son, Asher. Please contact Tim Parlatore for information on how to proceed.

Timothy C. Parlatore, Esq.
Associate
Law Offices of Eric Franz, PLLC
747 Third Avenue , 20th Floor
New York, NY 10017
(212) 355-2200
(212) 937-2217 Fax
(732) 904-6391 Cell
www.efranzlaw.com

Love,
Glyndell Houston

Thanks again to all of you who have been praying during this three-week endeavor to find Joe. Please continue to pray for Joe's parents, son, and for Jennifer as they grieve for Joe's loss.



Jenn:

"To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me. Indeed, NONE who wait for you shall be put to shame; they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous. Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me,for YOU are the God of my salvation; for YOU I WAIT ALL THE DAY LONG." Psalm 25:1-5

Friends - they have found Joe. He was in the plane. He has been with the Lord since Wednesday, October 28th, 2009. While Joe was at the prime of his life spiritually, emotionally, mentally, & physically, and was the happiest he had EVER been, that was nothing compared to the unsurpassing glory and joy he is experiencing as he gazes into the eyes of the Creator of the Universe and the true lover of his soul.

I am torn, lost and missing him. But God will bind up the millions of pieces. I love Joe too much to wish him in a lesser place like earth when he is so much happier now than he could have ever been here.

The memorial service is going to be held on friday, November 20th, the day after Joe's 30th birthday. Please feel free to attend. It is at NAS Corpus Christi, TX in the Wings Auditorium at Noon.

The days ahead will be difficult, but I see so much more clearly now the lovingkindness of the Lord in the vagueness of the past 3weeks. I would've been destroyed had things hit all at once. He was merciful in elongating the separation of my sweetest love. Over these 21 days God's prepared me and held my heart in every beat and every gush of pain. I know while I will mourn greatly, God is with me.

Friends - words can't express how much it has meant to me to have you by my side during these past 21 days... and to know you will still be with me in the days to come. This is the lovingkindness of God personified in the hearts of His people.

Gal 6:2 "Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Gal 6:9-10 "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith."
I have literally felt you bear this with me (verse 6) and it is the only way I have been able to press on - God is alive among us and working out these things for good. Oh what a faithful Father. Just as verse 10 says, you have done "good" to me. Thank you so much. While a large wave has passed over us, let us not go back to our lives unchanged. We have camped out at the throne for 21 days now. This should be our home everyday - not just in wartime, but in peacetime just the same. Let us not fall asleep, faithful friends, for our time here is short and is intended for God and His glory. I love you.

-----

*Update, Tuesday 11/17*
Jenn:

Just heard that no diving has been done today due to high winds. They plan to dive Wed. morning and will look at cockpit
and wings first.

"To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me. Indeed, NONE who wait for you shall be put to shame; they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous. Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me,for YOU are the God of my salvation; for YOU I WAIT ALL THE DAY LONG." Psalm 25:1-5

Oh Lord - You had given Joe and I such a vision of a bright bright future together in all that was to come. Our lives had never been happier or more hopeful. I know, Lord, that if you have taken him home already, there is no brighter vision he could have right now than gazing into Your eyes and beholding Your beauty. If there is any way You're pleased to have him here still, may we see Your glorious miracle soon and the bright days of our marriage. May You show me what You see, Oh God who sees all, and may I find comfort in the vision I await to behold.

*Update, Monday 11/16*
Jenn:

A Navy memorial is planned in Joe's honor on Friday, November 20, 2009 at 12 noon at Naval Air Station, Corpus Christi, Texas, in the NAS/CCAD Wings Auditorium. The memorial is open to the public and all are welcome to attend.

"Blessed be the Lord who daily bears us up; God is our salvation. Our God is a God of salvation, & to God, the Lord, belong deliverances from death." Psalm 68:19-20.

We are still waiting for the divers to find out about the wreckage and whether Joe is in the plane or not. Due to weather, they may not be able to find that out today - it may be tomorrow or so. The memorial is set by the Navy since they declared Joe deceased at day 10 only b/c that is protocol with no other leads on where he is.

Friends: they have confirmed the plane wreckage today but again will not be able to pull it up until tomorrow. The plane is in about 4 large pieces: engine, right wing and tail. The fuselage is still connected to the left wing. Joe is still MIA unless he's in the cockpit. Either way it will be a big day of news I suspect. Please do pray as the revelation to come has much power. Father - will you meet us here?

-----

*Update, Sunday 11/15*
Jenn:

Have update from coast guard commander that the sonar found wreckage today & they are 99% sure it's the plane. They cannot confirm yet if Joe is n cockpit or not. Due to weather they can't dive on it til tomorrow or tuesday. Praise the Lord for this find, for potential answers, for revelation. He hears us & He has not forgotten. Father calm the seas, for You can do anything.

"But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness." Psalm 69:13

From findjoehouston.blogspot.com:

Yesterday was a day of information overload that left us all with very heavy hearts.
Jenn was finally able to get a full picture of all the military efforts to find Joe and also to hear all the last known details of the plane. Some of it was quite overwhelming. All of it was intense. We are so grateful for the honesty and openness that was given yesterday. Some things are hard to hear, but necessary to have the whole picture.
After the meeting, we agreed that any further land search would not be beneficial. As of just yesterday, there were 2 Navy sonars out combing the waters. This is a very slow and tedious process. The Coast Guard was confident that today or tomorrow something would show up now that they finally have the equipment to do a thorough underwater search. And they were correct. Today they got a ping from the sonar and they are 99% sure it's the plane. They cannot confirm yet if Joe is in cockpit or not. Due to weather they can't dive on it until tomorrow or Tuesday. We are hoping this will bring answers. We will update when there is new information.
We have been told there will be a Navy memorial service this Friday the 20th. I will post the details as soon as I have them.
Please continue to pray for the family.
Psalm 69:13
But as for me, my prayer is to You, O LORD. At an acceptable time;
O God, in the greatness of Your lovingkindness,
Answer me with Your saving truth.

-----

*Update, Saturday 11/14*

Jenn:

Saturday morning I will meet the Commander of the coast guard who will give an overview of the operation & search effort. Lord, have I mentioned lately that I miss Joe & would very much like his return? Well, I miss my betrothed. I would like for You to bring him home now.

 Thank you everyone for your continued prayers & encouragement. God is using you to keep us afloat. You are lifesavers. Praise God.

 A ground search will occur tomorrow as well as aerial search on matagorda. These men need your prayers more than I do. They will camp overnight & it may take up to 3 days. Please pray for their safety, strength & supply levels to be full. Thx.

Updates
 to be seen on www.findjoehouston.blogspot.com. Please continue to pray
 that resolution will be seen soon - what an intense 17 days this has
 been. God is faithful to sustain us b/c there is no way any of us could
have made this far in one piece. When I feel cracks over the heart,
mind and body, God continues to
 hold me together. "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful
in prayer." Romans 12:12 That's a verse Joe framed. Poetic.

Waiting on the Lord still. "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12. Father, You are well acquainted with grief. Yet a God of Hope. May Your strong arm sustain us. May Your will be to show us something soon. Still waiting.

-----

*Update, Friday 11/13*

Jenn:

There is a search team going out sometime today to investigate the newly discovered area of interest. Oh Father - please say "Enough." Time is nothing to You. Surrender back my beloved and let today be a Good Friday full of Your Glory. updates still happening on www.findjoehouston.blogspot.com

All they found in today's search was trash. We don't hang on to our own hope, but to God, come what may. We have been ready to receive from the Lord whatever He has, but He has told us to wait. Everything is coming to fruition, to the full term birth. Father if Your presence does not go before us, we do not go.We have been called to wait on You. I pray for confirmation or new direction. No name is raised above Yours.

From findjoehouston.blogspot.com:

The search today unfortunately only uncovered some white and orange trash. Maybe after Joe is brought home we can organize a crew to do trash clean up. The trash debris everywhere, including the water, really makes a whole hearted search effort hard. There are divers in the water responding to 4 sonar boats! They were able to do 49 dives in two days. This is amazing especially given most of the pings are just trash and that they have zero feet visibility!!
Today we finally felt like we knew what the military is doing in the search for Joe and are at great peace knowing they are doing all they can and that they are the search and rescue experts. We are so grateful for the Coast Guard and all they are doing! They are going above and beyond and truly want to bring Joe home. We are hoping to come alongside them in whatever capacity needed and feel very confident they are and have been doing an amazing job. They are supporting the Navy and we want to support them both.
Joe's fiancee was able to be here with us for a time tonight. She is a phenomenal woman and we are all so blessed to have her on our side, supporting us and whatever search efforts we can or can't make. She and the Houston's have been such an inspiration to us during this time. It's a fine line we are walking between searchers and friends of Joe, Jenn's, and the Houston's. Seeing that the majority of us knew Joe, it brings an emotional aspect into what we are doing.
We are in continuous prayer as to where to go next. We don't want to move unless it's exactly what we're supposed to be doing.
Tomorrow, Jenn will be meeting with a CG commander to be briefed on their ongoing search efforts. There will also be a plane going up in the morning. As of now, there will not be a land search this weekend. We are in prayer as to when and where and if there should be continued efforts of searching the land.
For now, we wait. We are trying to stop talking and doing and just listen. Listen to the Lord and also to what the other search teams are up to. We are in this together with the common goal of bringing Joe home.

-----

*Update, Thursday 11/12*

Jenn:

To do list - Ps. 37: Trust in the Lord & do good, dwell in the land & befriend faithfulness. Delight in the Lord. Commit my way to the Lord -He WILL act. Be still before the Lord & wait patiently for Him. Don't fret over the one who prospers in evil. The meek shall inherit the land and have abundant peace. The Lord is my stronghold in times of trouble. He will deliver me as I take refuge in him.

This morning's aerial search was good! the pilot reported orange & white things (possibly parachute or plane?) that need ground search team to investigate. Sea plane or flat boat needed to get to this area... Pray for resources and open doors - the Lord is not done here.

-----

*Update, Wednesday 11/11*
Veterans Day

Jenn:

"Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever."Ps 106:1"Though He brings grief, He will show compassion, so great is His unfailing love." Lam 3:32 "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. I say to myself, 'The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.'"Lam 3:22-24

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*Update, Tuesday 11/10*

Jenn:

We're entering a new phase & transitioning to what God is calling us to. I can tell He's leading us into His plan. It encourages me to see how God is still moving the ♥ 's of His people: be it praying, searching, or being mobilized for a task yet revealed. Tonight Peter&Melissa were called to CC but await the Lord's instruction. God's work is not done. Please keep praying as we seek the Lord in the quiet place.

You have woken us up Lord after these past 3 days - You have opened our eyes yet again to this battle. The work of the Lord is not done. Father we ask for wisdom, for direction, for spiritual eyes to see. We ask for protection over Joe wherever He is. We still ask for deliverance if it be Your will. You are still calling people to this despite the enemy trying to lull us to sleep.

Lord you are near. Your word is true. You continue to veil Your ultimate plan until Your timing arrives. We wait on You still and seek You. You have made a dry land a watering spring of joy, hope, trust & obedience to Your call. You have bound us up and hemmed us in. We praise You.

Continue to call Your people. Continue to show us where to go. Continue to show Your glory. We are here & You are among us: some to be mobilized, some soothed, some to be trained, some to rest, some to search, some to pray, for all for You.

Oh Father I miss my sweet Joe. I know You are working and have chosen to keep him and the plane from sight in all ways - but I miss him so and still ask for him to be returned to me. I want to be more concerned with the gospel and You accomplishing Your plan - but I admit my motives are not pure. I still ask for my sweetest to be delivered and for us to live out the future You have shown us.

Letter from Joe's parents:

Hi, I'm Joe's mom, and I speak for his dad as well. We wanted to share with you that our son, Joe, is not eternally lost, just physically lost. He gave His life to Jesus Christ and is living eternally with Him whether physically still on this earth or not. He is safe, secure, loved and kept by the hand of God Himself.

It is our wish that anyone reading this blog or connected with this journey in any way have that same assurance from Christ that when you die you will be absent from your body, but eternally present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8

If you cannot say this about your life and you haven't given your heart to Jesus Christ, please call one of us and talk to us. We will be overjoyed to discuss this with you. Contact Amy on this blog and she will help us get in contact with you. Jesus is pursuing His lost child even more than we are pursuing our lost child. Please take time to consider this for yourself.

Read 2 Corinthians 4 [whole chapter]

Love and prayers,
Glyndell & John Houston

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*Update, Monday 11/9*

Jenn:

"And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." Gal 6:9. Lord please uphold our cause. I commit my trust to You & remain where You have called me until You tell me otherwise. I know You are faithful, merciful, & full of steadfast love. I ask You to speak clearly & show yoursel...f. Show Joe. I still believe You can do anything & i surrender all nonetheless. You are still working & have not forsaken us.

Thank you everyone for your prayers during these past 12 days, for your efforts both physically, spiritually, emotionally, mentally. Today has been a day of resting in the Lord and listening for a whisper. Your continued prayers are priceless to me - your continued hope is invaluable. Surely Our God will answer. Surely He will make beauty from ashes. Love You.

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*Update, Sunday 11/8*

Jenn:

Oh Holy Lord - yesterday was the hardest night but today is the hardest day. Joe is a dad, a son, a brother, a friend...but he was designed as MY soulmate. Not for someone else but for me. That much was clear. I long for him so Lord and still ask You for a word. Please show what has happened - despite how it looks I still pray for a miracle and pray You provide one. My only hope is You.

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*Update, Sat. 11/7*
Jenn's FB updates:

This morning Oh God, we go to the land, Joe's family & mine along with new family You have provided. We go to pray on it and claim it for You. There is nothing You cannot touch or didn't make. I ask Father for surrender of the enemy, for rescue for Joe, for victory to be seen, for crystal clear revelation of Your will in this situation - for we walk in faith Father until You reveal otherwise.

The civilian search is currently covering the last stretch & will conclude around 3 or 4. Meanwhile, we are mtg with the Navy who will deliver news of next steps... Which sounds like status change & memorial service unless something happens during today's search. God- if we were ever in the 11th hour, it is now. Please show Yourself. I need You.

May our praise be all that You can hear, Oh Lord. I am not sure what to say except that. There is no sign of Joe or the plane. You have veiled both. You have seen fit to do this and I accept that. But I pray You would see fit to unveil these things Father. The Navy sees no evidence that Joe is be alive, yet I see no evidence he is dead. I wait for You.

My position has not changed: God is still holy, faithful, living, loving, & sitting on His sovereign throne. I wait in hopeful expectation Oh Lord for an answer. I wait on You alone. You are my God forever. I love You not because of anything You do but because of who You are- You saved me. I still ask for Joe until You prove evidence otherwise. No verdict remains until You speak. Please do not keep silent. But I praise You nonetheless.

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*Update, Fri. 11/6*

I am noticing that many of my high school friends are mentioning on Facebook that they are going to Port Aransas and the surrounding area this weekend to help with the search. How awesome is that?! I am sure that, like me, many of them haven't seen Joe since we graduated from high school more than 10 years ago. But they are moved to assist, anyway. And searching in this area is no easy task--it is definitely a labor of love to do so.

The following is an email I received tonight. Glyndell is Joe's mom.

Dear Praying People,

Glyndell is in Corpus Christi right now. The Houston family attended the memorial service today for Brett Miller. She does not have access to a computer right now, so I will try to relay what she wants us to pray urgently about.

Search teams were within 20 minutes of a place on San Jose Island where several civilian search party members feel Joe might be found. The Bass family, which owns the land, has now withdrawn permission to search this very area.

It is evident that spiritual warfare is going on, and the Houstons ask that you fervently pray over this situation. Please pray that all evil spirits will be trampled down.

The Lord gave Glyndell Joshua chapter 3 for us to read and meditate upon.

After the memorial service, Jimmy Houston was taken in a plane to search. He had just arrived home when I talked to Glyndell around 4:00 p.m. Praise God for this opportunity.

Despite the fact that the Navy appears ready to change Joe's status, the Lord has not released Glyndell to believe that Joe will not be found alive. God is giving visions to several prayer warriors that show him alive.

A prayer vigil for Joe is being held each night from 6-8 p.m. at the Morgans', where Jenn is staying. Please join in prayer wherever you are at that time. Pray all will wait upon the Lord and hear His voice.

Please also continue to pray that all who are involved in searching--for their safety, provisions, and godly wisdom--as God leads them.

Jenn's FB updates:

Today Joe's & my family will join the Millers as we stand w/them at Bret's memorial service. Pray for Bret's family that the Lord would hold them close & bind up their broken hearts. The search presses on for Joe on the civilian end-unsure if marines will due to the service. Father we do trust You even when we cant see what You're doing. But I pray You would show Yourself mighty -waiting for You & waiting for Joe.

Lord You have seen fit for us to lay in wait. It pleases You that we are stripped of anything but hope against hope. You delight in our fixation of who You are & how You love & rescue Your children. I ask Father to please unveil this mystery & reveal Your will. I beg for mercy & I plead the eternal throne of grace: surrender Joe up from the grave for You are His deliverer... & mine as well.

Prayer warriors -- pressing need. The civilian team has been given access to all but this one part of land - they feel the enemy is keeping them from it so PRAY RIGHT NOW for God to open what has been shut. The team is feeling they need to go into this land - and they certainly want to search every area for Joe!!!

As far as I know, they are still working on bypassing the restricted land - Pls keep praying! We still believe Joe is out there - hope against hope! Father You cannot be stopped, You are before all things & You will unfold things in Your timing. We are still faithful to You Lord and lift high Your name - You ARE the God who saves.

Day & night we seek the throne - day & night we feel the Lord is not done here. Father send us a token for good & provide in abundance tomorrow for the searchers. Let nothing be out of grasp. Move mountains. Part seas. We come in the name of the Lord & stand firm on Your Word - You have closed the grave forever, Death has no power. Eternity is Yours and You have betrothed our hearts to You.

i miss him so much and cannot wait to kiss his face and marry him!!

tomorrow morning joe's family and mine will go to the island to pray over the land in the morning!

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*Update, Thurs. 11/5*

There is a website where the civilian search team is giving updates and telling people what they need (boats, funds, volunteers, etc.). Here is the web address: www.findjoehouston.blogspot.com

Jenn's FB updates:

The search continues for my fiance Joe Houston, the
 Navy pilot missing since Wednesday of last week. Below is info about
the civilian search team that is here in corpus christi searching the
land we believe he may have swam to, awaiting rescue. Please read it,
pray about it, see if there are any needs your or others feel called to 
help with and then pass it on to those you think might also want to
help in these areas. 




We believe God is doing a mighty work and is capable of a miracle -
we have prayed day and night for Him to move and for His glory to be
seen in this dark hour. Pray for the search teams, for Joe as he
awaits rescue, for provisions to be made on reinforcements and
supplies, etc. 




We need your prayers to help us stand to the end in awaiting God's
reveal of Joe and his whereabouts. The days press on but we are
hopeful to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! To
God be the glory. We trust You alone God in this time -- Do not delay 
any longer!




In addition to what you will read below, 12 marines are supposedly 
on the land in another area searching... we have finally gotten the
military to start seeing Joe is not in the water - he's on land and
 unable to signal for whatever reason. We believe he is probably hurt
 and hungry to say the least. Please continue the prayers for now is the
 time for us to rally even more in petitioning the Lord for mercy. Our 
God saves - and He is faithful!!




Thank you so much - you have no idea what this means to me, Joe's 
parents, Joe's brother and sister-in-law, Joe's son, and everyone 
involved.

The gospel Oh God is what you are interested in so it's what we are interested in. We humbly ask that You wouldn't surrender Joe to the grave but let his story be written that You still move mountains. If we call on You, You are faithful & just to deliver us -We'll never be lost in You. Please Father let this rescue reflect the gospel - please bring him home today.

Dogs, helo's, civilians, horses - all on land to search for Joe today. Marines have moved to Matagorda. Marines found small part of wing yesterday but nothing else and no other sign of plane or Joe - Father hear our cries! Surrender Joe up from the miry pit and place him on a rock higher!! I await the homecoming and beg for mercy - Please Father uphold our cause and fight for us!

I'm pumped people and getting antsy for Joe! Lord let him LIVE! I am confident of this that he will, as he already has, live a life worthy of the call and YOUR NAME will glorified in our future children and their children and their children. Our heritage is from YOU Father and I pray You silence death and sever evil - crush all wickedness in the land. We raise our hands and hope to You.

No news but the search presses on. The Spirit rises in us and on our behalf to fight. We can see more & more the massive spiritual war raging on - and it's on the land where Joe is. Oh Lion of Judah - roar and silence death forever, for it has no power here.

Friends: another day has come and gone - we press on. None of us thought we'd be facing a 9th day but the Lord certainly knew. We press on to know the Lord, the power of His might and the center of His will. Pray for us. Pray for Joe. Pray for rescue.

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*Update, Wednesday 11/4, afternoon/evening*
Jenn's FB updates:

Civil Air Patrol is now involved and wondering why they were not contacted sooner by the military. Father thank you for sending aid - You are never late!

whenever i feel weary I see your posts and it strengthens my heart so much. Thank you Father for those that bear the burden with me. Thank you that when I cannot step, they are there to hold me up to stand firm in You.

The civilian team has finished for the day, covering a thorough 4 miles of island from edge to edge. No stone left unturned. Tomorrow they will press on in the name of the Lord. The marines are still on land and will search until 6pm. Father - we trust You with this. We trust that YOU have chosen the time of Joe's reveal and Father we pray to see it soon. Please do not tarry - and please bring Your glory.

Just got word that dog trackers are part of the civilian search for tomorrow! Helos by air w/marines, civilians, dogs & horses/rescuers by land to look for Joe. Pray for safety, funds, boats offered (w/ drivers), permission for Bass property. Father You are doing a mighty work! Please help us commit our trust to Yo...u all the more for the end is surely at hand. Help us endure!Tarry no more! I long to see my Joe!

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*Update, Wednesday 11/4*
Jenn's continued Facebook updates:

Arise shine and let the Light of Christ shine upon you civilians and marines, equestrian rescuers and helo pilots... May the earth cry out to Joe's very location and may you find a hedge of protection around him showing that not for ONE MINUTE did God forsake him!

Oh Father we ask that these men be covered in prayer all day but that you show Joe to them this morning! May they be unable to miss it. May the horses have no choice but to follow YOUR lead! Let today be the day of Joe's deliverance - we cry out to you God and wait on Your hand to unveil and to save!

Let us remain steadfast under pressure and not shrink back! For we are fighting a spiritual warfare and we will not let it be said of us that we gave up in the final hour!!

Father we are yours - we humble ourselves at your feet and look to You for help. Bless the search this day and may TODAY be the day of deliverance in YOUR NAME!

Father this mantra be on the hearts of those men - "Jesus! I come in the Name of Jesus!" May their feet be swift - may they seek God's direction - may all the angels fight for them against satan's snares and attacks! May they boldly seek You and find that You are more near now than ever before.

Father thank You for Your message of salvation. May this story You have written in these past 7 days show the world the great lengths You go to find the lost & bring them home to You. This relentless pursuit of Joe is symbolic of Your relentless pursuit of us. You love each person so much you desire their eternal rescue. You are the God who saves our souls from death. You alone are worthy. Thank you for finding me.

You are my Great Defender. You uphold my life. You are is NOT too short to save. You hear my cause and fight for me. You will defend me for Your Name's sake because I call on You.

Friends:The divers are still diving in the waters.The teams are still on land. A new team of civilians begin @11:30 so pray for them! Joe's rescue is at hand and we press into the Lord to move on behalf of His name sake &for His glory. Pray for Joe's alertness to receive the rescue.Pray for vigilance in the hearts of the teams on land. Pray the earth is w/ God and cries out the way. Father move this day -we feel You.
This just in - the coast guard guys in our civilian team just broke down on the way to the island search - pray against the enemy who is working overtime! We must be close!

Texas Equusearch has arrived! Rescueres in horses- the cavalry pls be swift!

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*Update, Tuesday evening*
Jenn on FB:

There is a civilian team that has formed to over 1000 people to search for Joe tomorrow! OH PRAISE GOD! YES!!!!! He is VICTORIOUS and we will give Him all the glory for His wondrous deeds.

okay correction - still awesome but want to be accurate - they have CONTACTED this mass of 1000 - I don't know how many will show but it doesnt' matter b/c Gideon's army was cut to a fraction. I do know 12 awesome marines will be searching the land as well as a search & rescue team on horses!! Pray for everyone on the land - it is infested with snakes and wild boar, etc.

Here is the Facebook event for the search party.

A mutual friend's report on the details:

Here is what Jenn said to be praying for about tomorrow's search:

Jenn will not be participating in the search, she will be praying through throughout the time that the search is going on.

2 separate groups searching 1- Joe's Squadron 2- Civilians

The Squadron is starting their search at 4 A.M.

The Civilians have been lent a helicopter and an equestrian team, she is very thankful for the favor that the Lord has shown in mobilizing this group

Pray for the Navy to continue to keep his status as "missing" and not "presumed dead", she is thankful that the Navy has not changed his status and is not including Joe in the memorial service that they are holding on Friday

Pray for the news to report the search so that more people will hear about it

Pray for the Lord's glory to be revealed!

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*Update, Tuesday 11/3* Jenn's Facebook statuses today:

The Lord has heard our cries and is commissioning Joe's squadron brothers to personally search the land and marsh for him tomorrow and every day this week if it takes it. OH GOD YOU ARE FAITHFUL! The Lord the Lord His name is the LORD.

The ship sonar found a ping & they will dive in the morning to see what it is. If it is plane pray my Joe is not there for God has shut the grave & led him to land to wait! God we continue to look to You!

Pray too for the search parties on land tomorrow- Lord lead them to the safe haven refuge my Joe is at!!
May the plane be an empty tomb!!!

The search is gettng delayed on the squadron side and their thoughts and logistics are tangled. The civilian search team is on the scene today but will have a meeting tonight to organize and plan a larger scope/logistical search plan tomorrow. Meanwhile, the squadron is stalled. Oh God - do not let Satan interfere. Do not let evil poison the plan.

The area they are searching is infested with snakes. Fear is striking the hearts of the military unofficial search plan but not the civilian army. Oh God - hedge them all up, military and civilian, and bridge the gap that our hope is not in man's efforts but in YOU. For man plans his way but THE LORD directs his steps!!

People continue to cry out to God. There is a huge spiritual warfare brewing larger and larger as we get closer to finding Joe. Satan is trying to steal the victory but we will not let him. God will crush him and close the grave.

Pray for Joe's safety and endurance as he continues to wait - he must be highly injured and starving...... Read More

Pray for the squadron that they are urged in the spirit and relentless in pursuit, protected in all things and acute in their senses and thoughts.

Pray for the civilians that they are protected and powerful even if untrained men. Give them wisdom, strong arms, and part the sea!

Pray for us that we remain steadfast - for Our God has not revealed His finale and we wait on Him in humble expectation and great anticipation.

Pray for all who hear this message that they will be filled and God will be more real to them now than ever before. This God is their Maker, my Maker, Joe's Maker... and He will not be mocked.

Ready our hearts God for the unveiling of Your glory!
Also - the dive is suppose to go forth this morning but we are unsure if that is delayed as well.

Evil will attempt to delay but GOD WILL NOT HAVE IT. Pray against stalls and obstacles!

okay the squadron is feverishly planning now and logistics/equipment/means are being pooled together for this effort. The civilians are on the land right now blowing a whistle at every 12 paces praying Joe will hear and be able to respond. PRAY OH PEOPLE! Do not relent for Our God is not ready to respond with the full revelation but He is certainly opening doors and moving from one degree of glory to another.

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*Update, Monday 11/2* There will be a prayer vigil tonight at 8pm central time for Joe. You can download a prayer guide here.

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Hey y'all,

I didn't want to just move on from Joe's disappearance so abruptly with no other word about it. In fact, quite the opposite: I'd like to ask you to continue praying for his safe recovery. His fianceé, Jennifer, has been a bastion of hope and faith throughout this whole thing. I believe she has hardly slept at all because she does not want one hour to pass without it being bathed in prayer, although I must add that an amazing thing has happened: friends and friends of friends feel compelled to pray for Joe all the time. It seems that this is Spirit-led, and I can testify to that, myself--I feel compelled to pray for Joe almost hourly.

Jenn's Facebook statuses have been an incredible example of great faith and have strengthened the faith of all who read them. Her heart is just laid bare before us all, and so much faith spills out of it that it is sweet, even though the situation is heartrending. I thought you would appreciate reading some of her messages, not only to get an update on the current situation and to witness her faith, but also to bring more members of the body of Christ together in prayer. I'm copying today's statuses, which is pretty much where I left off in terms of updates:

Sunday:

Our God reigns. He sits on His throne day & day & does not slumber. He keeps watch over Joe & holds him fast. Oh Lord be our unfailing strength & hope, even as we wait on You.



No new news just yet but a few things have washed to shore several miles north of last known location in an uninhabited area where there are no roads or people. Lord turn the faces & eyes of those searching for Joe & lead them to his very safe place you have prepared in advance for him. Thank you for holding me & family up with the support of your people whom You called to join us in this time. We fall not- only because of your steadfast love & how you use the body of believers to live it out on earth. We continue to hear outcries from your people all over the world of visions of Joe alive, & my spirit confirms it. Free us of our wait Oh God & do not tarry with his rescue any longer. Your ways are higher- & while our flesh grows weary, our spirits are renewed daily by the richness of Your word & encouragement/prayers of believers everywhere.


Send a team to find him today oh God- for I long to see my love & I long to rejoice with him in person. Be swift- may today be the day of salvation & deliverance!!


Friends: there is an island not far from the search area and many have messaged me saying the name: St Josephs Island. This is a marshy island area with cows but no inhabitants. A ferry goes there but there are no roads. Others have felt led there to search already- but these are civilians- God are you using a Gideon size army to send your rescue? We do not know if this has been confirmed by God but we ask everyone to test the Spirit & ask God to provide a Daniel interpretation for visions & prophets to speak confirmation. We trust You God & only doubt our understanding of what You are saying. Send an Ariel rescue to see him from above- for from the heavens his rescue comes. Please Lord let it be today I beg you.


My precious Joe is on day 5 of his survival. He has surely suffered cold nights & injuries, hunger & thirst. God, if you can send manna from heaven, you can feed & satisfy my Joe. You have trained him God to survive through naval means & you have set in him a strong spirit from You. Reassure him with hope & give us all a sign today that You have not forgotten him nor us.


They will call off air search tonight but continue searching waters. No sign of my beloved- the Lord has veiled him. We know he's not with the plane & wherever he is, his helmet & vest are with him! Things are being pushed to land, which is where I believe he is. Oh God when is your divinely appointed day of deliverance? How many must be told of Your name & petition You for the flare to be sent? We ask for the full number to come in for Your glory's sake & then let the floodgates pour forth of Your goodness & redemption!! I know my Redeemer lives & He is with my Joe, my love.



Oh my sweet- how this will be a foundation set for us & all the adventures God has planned for us in His name & for His name. I know your are relentlessly holding on for the rescue- hold fast my faithful & beloved husband-to-be. I wait for you & I wait for the Lord.

I do not know whether or not it is in God's plan for Joe to be found, but in view of such faith, and in the knowledge that God can do such a thing, how can I not pray for it? One thing I do know is that God will be mightily glorified if Joe is found alive. Please pray for that to be the case.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/6694451.html