Of Cakes, Carrots, and Cold

Latest weather report - It is now officially FREEZING here in Estonia according to this california girl! ;) Today, as I stepped outside to go on a walk, I had to fight the overwhelming urge to turn around and run back into the warmth of the house. It wouldn't have been so bad if the wind hadn't been whipping past my ears turning them numb so quickly. Surprisingly the sun was shining, but it's warmth seemed just out of reach. It is hard to hear my family and friends complaining of the unusually hot autumn weather they have on the other side of the world. I suppose it is easier to appreciate things we don't have.

The leaves on the trees are dying quickly...strange how that can be a thing of beauty.
Last weekend we stopped at this forsaken church ---->
Found it such a gorgeous contrast against the blue sky.

I tried a new muffin recipe this evening. "Carrot spice muffins"

Hubby and I decided they were amazing! Completely vegan is the best part. Simple to make, healthy and also moist and delicious. Yummy! I will be saving that recipe for future use. :)

Also this past weekend was my Mother-in-laws birthday and this is the cake that we baked for her. Looks alright I'd say, and it tasted good (how could anything with that much sugar and butter not? lol) but I wasn't really impressed with the recipe. It turned out far to dry for my liking. Next time I want to bake a cake I'll try something different. 

Beauty in misery

Need some inspiration for your Monday?

I was impressed with this woman's candid and passionate way of sharing her story. I admire that she was not intimidated to speak of what she believes in her heart. It is a moving testimony, and I would suggest taking the time to watch it! 

Here is the link:

http://vimeo.com/11439867

This speech was at Queen's Hall, Parliament House in Victoria, Australia on the eve of the debate to decriminalize abortion.

I am struck by this woman's perseverance in the face of what we would call difficulties yet she calls a gift. 

"We misunderstand how beautiful suffering can be...When it comes we forget, we forget that God is in control and God has a way of making the most miserable thing beautiful."

Welcome Autumn

Considering that today is the first official day of Autumn.

Here are some pictures I took in our yard and the park across the street to show you a bit of the autumn here. Of course I do love taking photos, so you can be sure I'll always grab any chance I get to share them.  

Oh Sunshine, how we love you!

Won't be long before these little guys are
covered with layers of white, fluffy snow!

Makes me want to rake up a pile of leaves and jump in
them just for old times sake! 

Thoughts from this morning

^{- Colossians 3:12-17  (Contemporary English Version)}

^"12God loves you and has chosen you as his own special people. So be gentle, kind, humble, meek, and patient.

   ¹³Put up with each other, and forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as Christ has forgiven you.

   ¹⁴Love is more important than anything else. It is what ties everything completely together.

   ¹⁵Each one of you is part of the body of Christ, and you were chosen to live together in peace. So let the peace that comes from Christ control your thoughts. And be grateful.

   ¹⁶Let the message about Christ completely fill your lives, while you use all your wisdom to teach and instruct each other. With thankful hearts, sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.

I just love reflections of the sky in still water!

Sky in the water

   ¹⁷Whatever you say or do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks to God the Father because of him."