Beautiful 'Boocha!

I started making kombucha a couple years ago. It's always just been okay, nothing to write home about. But this batch... this is the best EVER!!! Here it is still in the half gallon jar, waiting to be harvested:

And here is the brand new scoby all ready to begin life in a new batch. Isn't it beautiful?! I've never made one so pristine before. :D

And here is the new batch, ready to start brewing. I moved the scobies to a new gallon jar, and spiked it with plenty of fully ripe 'bucha to give it a jump start.

The Depths of the Sea

I grew up listening to this song. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xcbc0lb2QE0&feature=related and knew it was derived from scripture.

During a Bible study I attended there was discussion about how we will give an account for all our sins. I asked how that jives with the verse that says our sins will be lost in the sea of God's forgetfulness. The leader acted as though I were adding to scripture. I didn't know the reference, so I let it drop, but it's weighed heavily on my mind ever since. I don't believe God's Word contradicts Itself, so I'm a little confused about this one...

Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel. The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.

Why?

I lost my mother to breast cancer at the age of 47. Since then, many people have asked me to participate in various breast cancer fundraisers. I have tried my best to politely decline. For me, it's a very emotionally charged issue. More than you can imagine! It's not just that I lost my mother to it (as if that weren't enough). I'm STILL not ready to get into all the reasons I want no part with those organizations or their activities. A blogger I've followed for years has done a post that articulates my thoughts on the topic pretty well, and so I wanted to link to it. If you've ever wondered or been confused by my actions and/or reactions, maybe this will shed a little light. http://kellythekitchenkop.com/2010/10/politically-incorrect-thoughts-on-breast-cancer.html

My First Interview

I'm not talking about the kind where you go looking for a job.

Megan over at A Blossoming Homestead (I SO wish I knew how to make that a link!) asked to interveiw me a week or so ago. My response was, "Are you sure?! If you still want me after you've read my blog a little more, I'd be happy to, but I'm really not that prolific!" Well, she did want me! She'd already read my blog, and so I agreed. It can be found here: http://ablossominghomestead.blogspot.com/2010/10/word-from-wise-visit-with-michelle-body.html

The Word

I've REALLY been craving God's Word lately. These verses have embedded themselves in my heart:

Titus 2:4-5 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.


Proverbs 12:10-11 A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.


Jeremiah 29:5 Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them.