Everyday, I See Your Glory

written October 27, 2007
desert experience

picture taken at Sipalay, May 2007

I see Your glory
in my children’s eyes
in chirps of birds
sing lullabies.
I see Your glory
beyond the skies
in all my days
I sing You praise!
I see Your glory
at flowing streams
in answered prayers
and in my dreams.

I see Your glory

in the rain

or in a bible story

indeed You reign!
I see Your glory
when tears deploy
rejoicing comes
my heart enjoys!
I see Your glory
when flowers bloom -
The air is bathe
in perfume.
I see Your glory
at sunset bay
the horizon
resplendence display.
I see Your glory
in my hand
it traces the future
for all is planned.
I see Your glory
on the cross
You have redeemed
What was lost.

I see Your glory

at resurrection

may I walk

my life's reflection.

I see Your glory

in my heart

all the love

that You impart.

I see Your glory

everyday

may You be pleased

as I obey.

Jed on Scooter

Meet Jed, my son who just learned to ride Pop's scooter. With him is Daisy with her bike.

The right way to peel Castañas

It’s only October and I can smell Christmas in the air! Christmas is not Christmas without Poinsettias, ham, queso de bola, lechon…. and castanas!
Castañas (or chestnuts) is a favorite of my family. We buy them cooked from grocery stores so we don’t have to roast them. Chestnuts are very high in starch. Most people will only eat a few at a sitting but my family just can’t stop once we get started.
However, through the years, I have found a way to peel them without much hassle. Here’s how:

1. Quickly strike each nut with a mallet. Your goal here is to create a small slit across the rounded side of your chestnut. Beware, unsliced chestnuts can explode causing not only a safety hazard but a big mess to boot! (Tita Nena, thank you for the tip).
2. Toast cooked castañas in the oven for 5 minutes or 3 minutes in the toaster
3. Spread into a basket lined with a towel
4. When peeling without the use of a mallet, simply pop the nut with the fat side facing you (see picture). It should be no trouble if your nuts are fresh and newly toasted
5. Be sure to peel away the outer shell and the inner brown skin before eating your chestnuts.
6. Serve roasted chestnuts while still warm for best taste.
7. Remember to always store unused fresh, cooked, and/or roasted chestnuts in the refrigerator

While you are at it, here's Nat to sing you the Christmas song.... Enjoy!