60/365- Coke, crackers, and crash

My wife will tell you, as will most Marines that I've worked with, that I'm not a morning person. In fact, when I was a Lieutenant in New River, NC there was a joke that no one was to bother me until I had fully woken up. So I would arrive in the mornings around 6:30 to a smiling, half sarcastic "Good Morning, Sir" from my right hand man, Master Sergeant Matt Schroeder. (I should write a whole post on Matt. Maybe next time.) He knew that in my view, there was nothing good about mornings. So, he usually screened all the minor business that came my way, or at least held it off until I had fully come to grips with morning's reality. Usually about 7:30.

So, even on the good mornings, I'm not all sunshine and smiles. Much less the bad ones. This morning was a bad one. I get frequent headaches and more than occasional migraines. I usually fight them off before they get too bad. However, the dirty tricksters will sometimes attack me when I'm asleep, and I have no defense to the headaches that I wake up with. So add a headache to my morning and I click off "safe". Waking up this morning to a pulsing pain in my head and a barking dog made me want to send our furry friend to the farm up state. I didn't though, Sasha lives.

So the only remedy I have found that works is a coke, some saltine crackers, and crashing on the couch. Oh yeah, and a handful of Excedrin migraine.

So if you see me and I don't appear to be too conversational... don't be offended. I don't hate you. I simply hate that my head feels like a ticking time bomb... or I may just hate that I have to be conscious at that hour of the day. Either way, a little distance is probably a good thing. :)

Feeling much better now,
Steve

59/365: The List

Planning meals saves time and money. However, it's not my most favorite thing to do in the world. I was introduced to 5meals1hour by my friend Becky and loved it! However, this week I just wasn't feeling the menu. So, I've decided to do my own version of it this week, or at least try it out.
I'm not an organized type of person. Just come and visit my house. (unless you've never been here because I'll probably clean) However, I'm trying to get better, and grocery shopping is one area I've been trying to improve. I watched one time as my sister in law went to the grocery store with her very organized list. At first I thought that it was silly to even try to make a list so organized...and then I decided to try it...and by golly it worked saving me time and money!! This is the one thing (organization wise) that I actually feel like I'm doing right now!! I'm very proud of my list.

So, from here on out, it's very rare that I don't go to the grocery without my very organized - categorized shopping list. Now if only I could organize my house, or Jaden's room, or my office better. I told myself I'd be more organized in 2011.

One step at a time though, right??

58/365 - Life like Spaghetti

Tonight was Jaden's first encounter with spaghetti and sauce. He loved it. Then he loved smearing it all over his face. Then he loved throwing it everywhere. Then Sasha loved him. We love the cute guy, but did not love cleaning him up. Sasha did a lot of the cleaning though. My personal recommendation is that every child should come with a dog to clean up behind it.

That's life though. Life is messy. Ministry is messy. Anytime you have imperfect people dealing with imperfect people, messes are made. Whether you make them yourself or someone else makes them for you, sometimes you just have to roll up the sleeves, clean the mess, and pray for no stains. Thank God for His stain removing grace and mercy.

-Steve

57/365: Peace

It's back.

Snow has fallen again in Bowling Green, and this time it came as a surprise. A spring teaser came in a few weeks ago but quickly left yesterday afternoon as the snow came down heavy around 2:00. Road conditions were less than poor and schools were canceled....again.

Lucky for me I purchased some snow boots after last month's blizzard.

Although I dislike the cold and bitterness of the snow I do love the beauty and the quietness it brings. A big snowfall makes everyone slow down a little bit, stay inside, or regroup. Few people are out driving and the quietness even in town is almost eerie. It reminds me of the peace that only Christ can bring. So many times I've been bogged down with worry, anger, or sadness and at the peak of the mess I'm in, when I let Him take control of the situation the peace that surpasses all understanding comes over me. Sometimes it doesn't come easy or quickly but much like the snow that falls, the quiet doesn't come sometimes until everything is done, and I've complained and cried, or been sick. It's when I let go, that I get the peace I need.

Jesus be my peace tonight.

56/365- QT

No, not Quick Trip, although I tried their hot dogs last night. It was surprisingly tasty! I don't usually eat gas station food, especially hot dogs, but I was desperate. And I probably just made Brad Hufty throw up a little just by talking about eating hot dogs. Sorry Brad.

QT is Quality Time. Quality time comes in several forms. Sometimes its a formal discussion, sometimes its cuddling, maybe a movie out, and sometimes its just sitting in bed watching the magic box.

After a great weekend in the Windy City, I came back to 4 days in a row of not getting home until at least 10pm. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, I have just missed the QT that most often comes in the evenings. Life, my friends, is good.

So back to bed and the magic box. Seinfeld is on and MK says her toes are getting cold.

-Steve

53/365: fat head

I realize that our son literally has a big head but sometimes I feel like my head is as big as his looks on his itty bitty body.
Pride can get the best if all of us but humility is rare and it doesn't cone natural- at least for me. You may not say how good you are at something or how well you did but you may think it. Is this still having a big head?? Is this still pride consuming you?? I think the root of the bad kind of pride is when we take the credit for what Christ has done for us, given us talent for, or allowed for us to master.

So how's tour head today?? If you ask for humility you'll soon realize just how big tour head really is.

53/365- Patience

19 students, 19 sets of issues, attitudes, problems, and drama. But the memories they keep won't be about these things. They'll remember the fun times and the good people.

That's why we can be patient with everything else. It's a marathon, not a sprint.

- Steve

52/365: thanks Chicago.

Dear Chicago,

Thanks for a good time. The rain was not fun and the cold was annoying but your a beautiful city with wonderful food. Until next time...

-MK

51/365: good eats

It's been raining all day today. We haven't gotten the full chicago experience due to the weather. Next time. :) we have eaten some wonderful food though...
Gioradono's, the original pancake house, portillos, and Ed debevicks.
We will probably come back 10 pounds heavier.

50/365- Making the most of it.

We're in Chicago right now. On order from the wives, we spent several hours in IKEA. Apparently it's the greatest furniture place on earth. Cory and I found it to be quite comfortable once we settled in.

No, we did not spoon.

-Steve

49/365: Packin'

Stephen said this post should be titled, "Stephen Loeffler vs. Jack Bauer." I told him we should have taken a follow up photo of him laying on the ground with his tongue hanging out.

I will not lie. I don't have anything smart or witty to blog about tonight.

We went shooting today and I hit a Gatorade bottle a few times....with a pistol, so bad guys beware!!

I've learned the most about guns from this guy here in this picture. For some reason I'm incredibly fond of this photo, and poor guy, I made him pose for this picture.

I was reminded again today at how my husband is such a great teacher. He's patient, supportive, and gives gentle constructive criticism. He was one of a few teachers I had for guitar as well. I love this about him.

My dad had shotguns and rifles of all sorts for hunting but growing up I never shot one. I think my mom thought I'd "shoot my eye out". The first time I can remember shooting a gun was my freshman year of college. I came to visit Hannibal, MO with my suitemate Kayla. A few of us went out to her uncle's farm and fired off some rounds with an old 12 gauge shotgun. Quite a kick for the first time doing it. Since then, I'm no gun connoisseur, but I have grown to love firing off a few rounds with our shotgun, as redneck woman as that sounds.

So like I said....bad guys...you better watch it cause we're packin!

48/365- Flying Solo

This wasn't Jaden's first time swinging, but this was his first solo flight. Last time he sat in our laps and experienced the joy of the play ground swing. This time, it was all him.

He has become fearless. He laughs at every thrill. Whether it's falling headfirst off the couch, crawling up the stairs, or being thrown up in the air... he has no doubt that someone will be there to catch him.

This must be what it means to have faith like a child. Never a doubt. Not a care or a worry in the world.With just a glance over his shoulder and a great big smile, he takes on the world.

So don't stop teaching us, Jaden. Don't ever stop teaching us.

-Dad

47/365: Broken

"Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me- now let me rejoice. Don't keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew my loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don't take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you."

Psalm 51:8-12

I'm not here now, but I have been, many times before. We've all been at this state before, and if you haven't, I hate to break it to you, but your time will come.

Sadly, I could list the times in my life that I've literally been like this, and have lost count of the times I've felt like this on the inside.

When you're broken, whether it be from sins, regret, hurt, death, pain, or loneliness this is how you want to be. You want an escape, to hide where no one can find you.

Nothing is good broken: broken hearts, broken bones, broken promises, and a broken spirit all leave you feeling empty and useless with no hope for being put back together.

Have you been there? Are you there now?

For as many times that I've been this way; felt this way- the only cure for this is Jesus. It's not cliche, it's the truth.

There is hope, and it comes through Him.

"You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. you have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!"
-Psalm 30:11-12

If you let him he can restore your spirit and give you your joy again. He can piece you back together in the midst of your brokenness.

46/365: Keys

When I was 3 years old my mom started teaching me the piano. A little young? Maybe. By the time I was in the 4th grade I was playing simple versions of Beethoven and Bach. I practiced, but I never got something right. I had trouble memorizing the note patterns and even more trouble with using the proper fingers for each key as listed in my theory books. This frustrated teachers and myself.

My mom is an amazing pianist. She really is. I remember growing up hearing her play her emotions out through our old piano while I pretended not to hear her from upstairs or in the living room. Sometimes she would sit down and go through a book with ease; song by song, without missing a note. Other times, she played by ear: her specialty. She'd play familiar songs, favorites of my grandfather's, gospel, and spirituals. This is where she truly shined. She can probably play anything by ear.

I always liked the idea of completing a piece but hated practicing. Thus is the story of so many young pianists. When I was in the third grade my dad taught me how to throw a softball...and I never saw piano the same again. :) I finally quit piano in probably the 7th grade. Sports took up most of my extra time and if it wasn't for mom, our piano keys would have become very dusty.

Fast forward to present day. Now, I know I'm not old, but I am older...and my body is older...and I've had a baby. Let's face it. I can't run as fast as I used to or probably throw as hard as I used to. I'm starting to regret my neglect for our old piano. My mom always said that music is something that you can do your entire lifetime. I was going to be an athlete my entire lifetime, but I'm realizing, she's right. You don't have to be in shape to enjoy, play, or hear music. Music is universal. It can be an outlet for emotion and the right lyrics can speak to you on a level that no conversation can.

Our house we current live in has a piano. It actually was part of the deal with living in the house. It's terribly out of tune and there's a b flat key hammer that sticks when you strike it. Since we've moved to Missouri I've taken it back up a little bit and have successfully been able to play a few songs that I picked sheet music out for, no classical for me, and I only play when I feel like it. :)
I've learned something about myself though. I struggle still at times at reading the notes, but I'm most comfortable without any sheet music in front of me at all.

I guess I'm a lot like mom.

I like to challenge myself to try to pick out songs I hear that have a big key sound in them, artists like Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson. (two of my fave's)

Something else I've done since I've started playing again is playing praise and worship. There's something powerful about praising God through your voice and an instrument.

I hope that Jaden picks up some sort of musical talent from his parents. If he doesn't it's ok, but I have a feeling he'll get something from us. It's a pretty big part of our family. He already likes being sang to sleep and often times hums along. Tonight as I sat down to perfect a piece, he decided to try and play along with me, now that he's pulling up on EVERYTHING. :)

Even though I didn't stick with it growing up, I'm glad that I have a great foundation to build upon. I'll never be a concert pianist, but I will forever continue to praise God through the music I play...for my entire lifetime.

45/365- A second at a time

MK has gotten a lot better since we moved, but while we lived in North Carolina she had a borderline obsession with clocks. Seriously, five seconds in our house would have made Captain Hook end himself. (For those Peter Pan fans) There were at least two clocks visible from every room in the house.


But as I mention, she has gotten a lot better and reduced the number of clocks drastically. In fact some of the clocks that we DO have aren't even set correctly. Prime example: I just took this picture and the time is 11:09. Apparently this clock is on Iraq time or something.


Nevertheless, the point of today's blog isn't to inform you about our clock situation, but rather point out the way we measure our lives. We have seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years... and on and on. We say things like, "I'm.......years old" or "my baby is ...... months old". We use time as a measuring stick of our lives. When you're young, you want to get older quickly so you can do more stuff, have more freedom, be your own person. When you're older, you wish you could do half the stuff you could do when you were younger. It's a vicious cycle. Some people keep looking for a life change in their future, yet do nothing to make that change occur today... and it never comes. Others can't get over something in their past, and they refuse to move on.


We get so caught up in the future or the past that we forget to take life one second at a time. Enjoy the moments that you have while you're in them. I have to constantly remind myself of this as I watch Jaden grow. I want him to be able to talk to me, or walk around, or whatever it is that he hasn't quite figured out yet, and in that haste for him to grow I forget to enjoy the moment.


So enjoy these moments, but remember one more truth. In order to get the most out of these moments, you still have to look forward to the future. That is, you have to realize that one day your moments on earth will expire. So live your life in the context of this important truth....


In the movie Gladiator, General Maximus Arilius makes a profound statement when he said, "What we do in life, echoes in eternity." Well said sir. What you do in your life will have eternal consequences. Don't believe me? Well... some things are true whether you believe them or not. Wait long enough and you'll find out.


So live an abundant life, live it right now, and don't miss out on heaven because you were focused on the forecast for tomorrow.


-Steve

44/365: Afternoon Naps

I have a photo of me and my dad napping together on the couch like this. I wish I had been able to find it to compare the two.

Sundays are usually pretty crazy for us.. Mainly Steve. There's Sunday morning services and Sunday school. Then the afternoon is usually filled with meetings or preparation for youth on Sunday evening. It's very rare that a nap gets thrown into a Sunday, so when he gets one I try to let him rest.

Some days I miss when we were able to be completely lazy every Sunday after church.

This photo is not technically awesome or anything. It's actually taken from my iPhone. I'm certain that this photo will melt every mother's heart though.

I hope you had a wonderful Lord's day.

And I hope you got your nap in as well.

43/365: Stink Pot

"Happy birthday Sydney! How old are you now 12?" - me on a telephone conversation we had on Wednesday.

"Uhhhh, No Mimi. I'm 6." - Syd, with sass and a grin.

This is my beautiful niece Sydney. Seriously she is truly beautiful.

I think that her daddy started it, but we've called her "stink pot" since I don't know when. She still responds to it. She also still calls me Mimi, even though she obviously can say my name now. This little girl is something else. I never knew I wanted to have kids until this little munchkin was born. I remember the first time I successfully rocked her to sleep in my arms in her nursery in Iowa. Having her asleep on my chest was one of the best feelings I'd ever experienced.

Shy in nature, this little girl is the cutest. I had to tickle her to get her to smile a real smile. ;) Today we celebrated her birthday at The Discovery Playhouse. This place was awesome. I would have loved it as a kid. They have all kinds of stations set up where you can play bank, grocery store, fireman, and dentist. They're complete with a conveyor belt, shopping carts, drive through suction tubes, x-ray viewers and dentist chairs. I admit I wanted to play everything. I contained myself though, and kept to the grocery store clerk.

I also have another sweet niece too, Makenzie. More on her laterShe's not quite warmed up to me like Syd was, but I'm growing on her. :) Jaden had a blast today too. We will definitely have to return. As always, it was great to see my family. It's so nice to be close enough for visits, especially with the kids now.



So today I'm posting lots of images because it was a great day, and that deserves more than one picture. Happy Happy Happy birthday to my favorite stink pot. We love you!!

42/365- Ladies Man

Tonight we're spending some quality time with great friends. From left to right you'll see, MK, Tiffany, Brianne, Kristin, and Erin with Jaden of course being the ladies man. You'll find Chris, Matt, and me out of the picture because Matt was shy, Chris was... well... typical nonconformist Chris, and someone had to take the picture (me).
We all met up for dinner tonight with the last few of the crew being Mark, Mandi, and their son Eli.


So who is this ragamuffin band of misfits? Well, we're a close knit group of high school friends who have hung together almost 10 years. We've had some dry spells, with little to no communication at times, but we always find our way back together. There is much to be said about having friends like these. I am blessed.


As I've said before, growing up as a military brat and moving around so much, long term friends were always a casualty of the lifestyle. I remember fighting so hard to stay in Texas and to not move to Illinois. Who knew that moving to Illinois would be lead to such a blessing of friends, and a wonderful wife who gave me a beautiful son. I'll say it again. I am blessed!

-Steve

41/365: Jaden Will Not Be A Braves Fan

Jaden will not be a Braves fan. I repeat Jaden will NOT be a Braves fan.

40/365: Instagram

Again, another app recommendation. I should be getting paid for this. I downloaded this app called Instagram and I love it. I'm a sucker for vintage actions and photos and this app lets you add vintage effects to the photos you take and easily post to your facebook.

I admit I've been lazy in my posts the past couple of days. So, to make up for it I'm offering a cute picture of our 10 month old.



Forgiven???

39/365: Word to Yo Mama.

A while back I posted a blog about how we like to play scrabble. Yes, we are nerdy. We recently upgraded to iphones and have since been exploring the world of apps. Thanks to an episode of The Office, I was inspired to see if scrabble was a free app. Scrabble is not a free app (to my knowledge).
However, "Words with Friends" (the generic version of Scrabble) is free! So, if you have an iphone, and want to play scrabble with me, ( I know you're just dying too....) find me. (mkloefflerphoto)

Dorky as it may be, it's a lot of fun. Anyhow, sorry nothing insightful for today, and in lieu of this post....

Word to yo mama.

38/365- Manipulation

It's hard to say no to a face like this. Especially when that smile is turned to a pitifully sad face. When he gives you the sad face and turns on the water works, he makes you think he'll be scarred forever if you turn around and walk away. You see, Jaden is no longer satisfied with being laid down and going to sleep. Someone in our house has begun to pamper this little turd-muffin by holding and rocking him until his lights go out. (Not me!) I mean, yeah I love holding the little tyke but when its bed time, tears don't go far with me.


I know all the women who read this will tell me that I'm cruel or cold hearted, but I don't buy it. I think its manipulation! He's not hungry, not hurting, and constantly being changed, so... why the crying? Plain and simple, he's getting what he needs and not what he wants.


How often do we do this to our Heavenly Father? When things don't pan out the way that we think they should, we turn on the water works, fall down, and cry about how unfair life is. Then we think God is ignoring us or cruel for not immediately coming to rescue us from the things we've gotten ourselves into. Do we try to manipulate God?


God always gives us what we need, and hears every scream that we cry. Just as listening to Jaden cry breaks my heart, I have no doubt that our cries touch God's heart. Yet I have faith that when He doesn't rush into the room to scoop me out of my "misery", its for my own good.


I will say though, I'm pretty sure God rushes in and scoops me up more than I run to pick Jaden up. I think it has something to do with His infinite compassion... and I'm still learning about when to intervene, and when to just listen.

-Steve

37/365: Self Portrait:1

I'm stretching this photo. I'm getting as much as I can out of it. If you're a Project 52er, an MK Loeffler Photography Blog follower, or friends with me on fb, you'll probably be seeing this again.

I've been trying to give the right side of my brain a workout this year (maybe to make up for the lack of workout my body's been getting? ) and have been trying to be more creative. This week's "Project 52" was a self portrait with something that you love. Pretty self explanatory. I love cheesecake. Self portraits are tricky. The catch is that you have to do it your"self". So, focus can be off, you have to constantly be checking your metering and settings without your subject (yourself) actually in front of the camera. It's tough. Anyhow, the focus wasn't exactly how I wanted, but I was about to run out of cheesecake so this is what you get.

I had this creative idea dealing with football and this super bowl thing that's going on today...but it was cold and we don't own a football. Therefore a cheesecake picture it is.

36/365- Pride

We are all proud of something. I take great pride in a lot of things. One of which is my service as an Officer of Marines. I have a soft spot for Uncle Sam's Misguided Children. If you know one thing about Marines, it's probably our slogan. The Few, The Proud... The Marines.


But you see, pride is tricky. It can be a good thing on one hand. Like to take pride in what you do makes you work hard and strive for excellence. You can be proud of accomplishing a difficult task or being a part of something great. Maybe you're proud of your children and the men and women they have grown up to be. There is nothing wrong with that.


Then there is the other kind. The subtle kind. The pride that starts off small and grows slowly over time. Pride tells you that you are too good for something, that you deserve something better. Pride convinces you that you are one of a select few important people, and that your existence is more important than most. Pride tells you that your worth or your opinion is better than someone else. This pride that tells you that you don't need anyone's help. Pride boosts the ego and weakens your sense of self awareness. It inflames your perceived value of yourself and diminishes the worth of those around you. This pride is dangerous, dividing, and disastrous if left unchecked. I have never seen an argument, a division, or a sin that didn't begin with pride. The very nature of sin is to think more highly of your own desires than those of God's or the people around you.


So be careful my friends to check your pride daily. Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8) Remember that Christ, being God himself, came to serve. Take pride in Him alone, and follow His example.

-Steve

Book recommendation for you! Check out "Humility: True Greatness" by C.J. Mahaney

35/365: Sperrys.

When I moved to North Carolina I started seeing this hideous shoes on everyone I met. They looked like old man loafers. I saw cute high school kids wearing them, and had to ask what was SO cool about these shoes. The people on the east coast boast about the comfort of these things. Not only that, but Sperry owners are loyal to their boat shoes.

I didn't believe it....until I bought a pair. (Little boys size actually) These shoes are my old broken in trusties. When I was pregnant, unless I was deliberately attempting to feel cute, these were the shoes I wore. On long trips in the car, these are the shoes I choose. Any time I know I'll be doing a lot of walking, these babies get brought out. And now, even in the 12 + inches of snow that we've received, Sperrys win again.

I've also found a new use for them. Never would I have thought playing volleyball in these shoes would be a good thing but I've done it two weeks in a row now and I can't complain. (although everyone on the court hounds me about them)

Steve hates these things. He calls me an old man and I'm not allowed to wear shorts with them because he calls me Huck Finn and sarcastically tells me how hot I am.

I am not amused, and I'm not out to impress anybody.

Oh and he's stuck with me.

Oh little boat shoes, you've been so good to me. You're my favorite, but don't tell my slouchy boots.

34/365- To Warmer Days

The uninvited blizzard that stormed it's way into our unsuspecting town this week has been most unwelcome. As the son of Alaskan residents I can truthfully say that I expect this out of Alaska, but Missouri... I'm quite disappointed in you.

So here's a picture to get me out of this winter funk and restore my faith in warmer days to come. Oh surfing... how I have missed you my friend. I'm sorry that the best I can do for you is hang your board on my office wall and dream of some day restoring you to your orignal purpose.

There is a lesson there. In fact, the reason I have my surfboard hanging on my office wall is to remind me of this important lesson. It's more than decoration. We, like my surfboard, are created for a purpose. It was created to interact with the water. We were created to interact with our Heavenly Father, to know God and to make him known. When we don't fulfill our purpose, we're as useless as a surfboard out of water.

-Steve

(BTW, I failed yesterday. So you'll be getting a tooferun (two for one) blog post today.

33/365: Sweet Tooth

I'm not one to have a sweet tooth. I'd much rather eat something salty. However, I do love me some cheesecake. My friend Becky got me a springform pan for my birthday so I thought I'd put it to use. This time: Chocolate Cheesecake with Oreo Crust.

I haven't tried it yet, but I must say, it looks much prettier than my last attempt at a regular one.


Here's the recipe.

Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe with Oreo Cookie Crust

Oreo Cookie Crust:

• 13 Oreo cookies or similar chocolate sandwich cookie, crushed fine
• 1/4 cup melted butter

Chocolate Cheesecake Filling:

• 2 pounds (four - 8 ounce packages) Philly Brand cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 can (14 ounces) Eagle brand sweetened condensed milk
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cup semi sweet gourmet chocolate chips, melted (see above)

Dark Chocolate Ganache Icing (optional):

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup mini dark chocolate chips or chopped semi-sweet chocolate.
• Heat cream almost to scald. Remove from burner.
• Add chocolate and whisk to blend and melt.
• Cool enough to spoon or drizzle.
• Chill ganache 1 hour or more to spread or pipe from a pastry bag.

Directions: How to Make a Perfect Chocolate Cheesecake

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. (This cheesecake needs a lower oven temperature than most cheesecake recipes.)
2. Place a pan of hot water in the bottom of the oven and close the door.
3. Take a 9 inch springform pan apart, line the bottom plate with aluminum foil, then reassemble the pan. Pull the excess foil up and around the pan to prevent any batter from leaking into the oven. Spray sides and bottom with vegetable spray.
4. Mix Oreo Cookie Crust ingredients and pat on the bottom of the prepared pan.
5. In a mixing bowl on medium speed, beat cream cheese until smooth ~ about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down sides half way through. Add sweetened condensed milk and beat again, scraping a few times. The mixture should be smooth. Add eggs 1 at a time beating after each addition until creamy. Add vanilla and blend. With the mixer on low, add melted chocolate in a steady stream and beat only enough so there are no lumps and the filling is nice and fluffy. Scrape as needed.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan on top of the Oreo cookie crust, and bake at 300 degrees for 60-70 minutes. The center of the cheesecake will be a little jiggly. This will set up as the cheesecake cools. Remove from oven and let cool before removing the sides of the pan.
7. See the important link above (How To Make Perfect Cheesecake) for further baking, cooling, serving and freezing instructions. ** Did not do this***
   
8. When fully chilled, remove from pan and frost with the optional dark chocolate ganache icing. **did not do this either***
   
9. Makes one 9 inch Chocolate Cheesecake. Serves 14. Wrap and refrigerate any leftovers.

Read more at Suite101: Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe & Oreo Cookie Crust: Recipes for Creamy Chocolate Cheesecake & Oreo Cookie Crust http://www.suite101.com/content/chocolate-cheesecake-recipe-oreo-cookie-crust-a79112#ixzz1CqvANpFw

32/365- Radiate

I love the explosiveness of the light in this picture. It reminds me how, as Christ followers, we are to be lights in a cold and darkened world. Even the smallest of lights can produce powerful results, and reach the darkest of areas.

The other thing I want to point out is the that while this scene may look peaceful, the truth is that it was created by a harsh set of events. Strong winds, freezing temperatures, and a great deal of snow pounded our homes today. As the blizzard roared, problems emerged. This is how it is in our lives. We often find ourselves in the middle of life's storms and blizzards. Problems and struggles arise and test our relationships, courage, integrity, and our faith. But when we trust Christ and look to Him to be the light of our lives, we are able to endure the toughest of storms. Then, when everything settles, this becomes a picture of our lives. Everything is at peace once again and the only thing that shines through is Christ, our Light, radiating in the darkness.

-Steve