This poem was first published on Faithwriters on Jan 15, 2007.
"Your poetry has saved your life
From the pain of your childhood strife.
Suicide you may have committed,
If to this writing form you had not submitted."
I did not always understand my friend’s poems,
Her vocabulary oft as unfamiliar as Jeroboam’s.
Yet, I understood what her therapist meant,
Writing is therapy when you use it to lament.
Too many siblings for comprehension,
Didn’t leave time for personal attention.
Only one thing I could do right,
If I wrote a poem, they’d think I’m bright.
Sharing negative feelings didn’t fair well,
So on paper, my pains I learned to tell.
But if someone discovered my journal,
My life at home became infernal.
So my poem topics turned to worse
As I learned to journal in verse.
Though my message may be tragic,
They would like it, ‘cuz poetry was magic.
I made it through hard times,
By writing simple rhymes.
Mourning when my grandpa died,
A poem of memories while I cried.
I got through life with an alcoholic,
By writing poems that were symbolic,
Or straight-forward and to the point.
Whatever way my pain I could disjoint.
Eventually my poems gave way,
To a Friend who was here to stay.
By my side through think and thin,
He died on the cross because of my sin.
My pains I no longer need to hide,
Their sword also pierced His side.
My writing took a long vacation
While I learned about salvation.
Now I feel called to create,
And this call cannot wait.
Whether it a poem or story,
I need to write it for His glory.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Thanks for the Stew
Knowing that my busy day was going to make it hard to get dinner on the table and still get my husband and sons to their respective places on time, I put a couple of venison roasts in the crockpot before leaving for work in the morning. When I got home that afternoon, I had less than half an hour before I needed to be out the door. I used part of that time to add carrots and potatoes to the now fully cooked venison. When I got home from running my youngest son to church camp, I thickened the stew and let it sit a few minutes until Paul got home.
My reasoning for making stew was convenience. I felt somewhat silly making stew in the middle of the summer, but I knew it was all I would have time to make. My oldest son thanked me several times last night and today for making venison stew.
This made me ponder if I take the time to really notice and be thankful for all the wonderful gifts that I am given. Do I take for granted the sunshine and rain that God sends my way? Do I fully realize how blessed my life is and take the time to thank God for those blessings?
I got tired of Gregory thanking me for making stew. Well, maybe not really tired of it, but definately thought it was a little overboard. It was, after all, only dinner. I know that God does not get tired of us thanking Him for the "little" things that He does in our lives. Will you join me in thanking Him today for EVERY blessing He sends?
My reasoning for making stew was convenience. I felt somewhat silly making stew in the middle of the summer, but I knew it was all I would have time to make. My oldest son thanked me several times last night and today for making venison stew.
This made me ponder if I take the time to really notice and be thankful for all the wonderful gifts that I am given. Do I take for granted the sunshine and rain that God sends my way? Do I fully realize how blessed my life is and take the time to thank God for those blessings?
I got tired of Gregory thanking me for making stew. Well, maybe not really tired of it, but definately thought it was a little overboard. It was, after all, only dinner. I know that God does not get tired of us thanking Him for the "little" things that He does in our lives. Will you join me in thanking Him today for EVERY blessing He sends?
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
My Strict Diet
A writer asked a group of writers if we worked on a writing schedule, setting aside certain times when we wrote, similar to having office hours. I have tried this once or twice. It’s hard for me to do.
One writer answered, “I follow a very strict writing schedule – and then I wake up.”
This describes me in both my writing and my attempts to diet. I do a great job sticking to a writing schedule or a diet – until I wake up and stop dreaming. I know I really should stick to both, but that falls under self-discipline, an area in which I still need work.
One writer answered, “I follow a very strict writing schedule – and then I wake up.”
This describes me in both my writing and my attempts to diet. I do a great job sticking to a writing schedule or a diet – until I wake up and stop dreaming. I know I really should stick to both, but that falls under self-discipline, an area in which I still need work.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Missing Ingredients
The other day I posted that I made a strawberry custard pie. It was very yummy, even though I messed it up. As I copied over the recipe, I realized that I had forgotten to put the milk in the custard part of the pie. It still tasted like custard, but that part was very thin and heavy.
This is not the first time I have done this. The first time I made Hawaiian bread, I forgot the eggs. Like the pie, no one would have known the difference if I had not told them my mistake.
We all make mistakes that lead to better ways of doing things and new ideas. But some mistakes have consequences and are more likely to be the ones that we hide. No matter how much we try to hide them, they are not hidden. The consequences are worse when we hide the missing ingredients in our mistakes.
I have made Hawaiian bread with the eggs, although Gregory says he likes it better without. The next time I make Strawberry Custard Pie, I will remember the milk. And I will try to correct and admit the mistakes I make in life.
This is not the first time I have done this. The first time I made Hawaiian bread, I forgot the eggs. Like the pie, no one would have known the difference if I had not told them my mistake.
We all make mistakes that lead to better ways of doing things and new ideas. But some mistakes have consequences and are more likely to be the ones that we hide. No matter how much we try to hide them, they are not hidden. The consequences are worse when we hide the missing ingredients in our mistakes.
I have made Hawaiian bread with the eggs, although Gregory says he likes it better without. The next time I make Strawberry Custard Pie, I will remember the milk. And I will try to correct and admit the mistakes I make in life.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Crawling all the Way
My son found a tidbit in a travel brochure about Hugh Glass. It seems in 1823, Glass was part of a hunting trip to the Black Hills and tangled with a mother grizzly protecting her cubs. The leader of the trip left two men in charge to do what they could and to bury him when he died. Glass woke up to find himself deserted without any weapons, left to die.
Some accounts say the Glass crawled approximately 190 miles to, Fort Kiowa, the nearest settlement on the Missouri River, north of present day Chamberlain, SD. Other accounts say he crawled 100 miles to the Cheyenne River and built a raft that he then rode to the Missouri River. Either way, he showed up at Fort Kiowa more than 2 months later.
Two lessons in this story are opposite sides of the same coin. The men left in charge of taking care of Glass when he died gave up too soon. They didn’t bury him when he died; they left him to die assuming that was the only possible outcome of his condition. Glass, on the other hand, did not give up even under the most impossible of conditions.
I tend to fall under the first category. When I don’t get things accomplished as quickly as I think I should, I decide that the task is too big, or impossible. Perhaps remembering the determination of Hugh Glass will encourage me to stay on task and finish the big job.
Some accounts say the Glass crawled approximately 190 miles to, Fort Kiowa, the nearest settlement on the Missouri River, north of present day Chamberlain, SD. Other accounts say he crawled 100 miles to the Cheyenne River and built a raft that he then rode to the Missouri River. Either way, he showed up at Fort Kiowa more than 2 months later.
Two lessons in this story are opposite sides of the same coin. The men left in charge of taking care of Glass when he died gave up too soon. They didn’t bury him when he died; they left him to die assuming that was the only possible outcome of his condition. Glass, on the other hand, did not give up even under the most impossible of conditions.
I tend to fall under the first category. When I don’t get things accomplished as quickly as I think I should, I decide that the task is too big, or impossible. Perhaps remembering the determination of Hugh Glass will encourage me to stay on task and finish the big job.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Creative Juices
Last month my sister and nephews were in town and we ate together at Perkins. My sister had a piece of pie that sounded delicious, but I didn’t try it. I typically order a pie that I will never make myself – like French Silk or Key Lime. This pie was a strawberry pie with a layer of custard in the bottom.
Today, I decided to try making a similar pie. I found a recipe for custard pie, cut the ingredients in half and baked it in a larger pie pan than the full recipe requested. I then took my normal strawberry pie and put that on top of the custard.
I do not see myself as a creative person. My biggest hindrance to creativity seems to be coming up with original ideas. Solomon tells us in Ecclesiastes 1:9 “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.” Perhaps I don’t need original ideas, just less common ones.
Despite my lack of creativity, I enjoy doing creative things; crafts, writing, sewing. It gives me a glimpse into God’s creativity and makes me even more in awe of all that He has created. That itself is worth the effort.
Here is the recipe I created today by combining the two recipes.
Strawberry Custard Pie
2 eggs
5 ½ Tbls sugar
1 2/3 c milk
½ tsp vanilla
¼ tsp salt
1/8 tsp nutmeg
Preheat oven to 450. Beat egg slightly. Add remaining ingredients and stir. Put pie crust in pan and place in oven. Pour mixture into pie shell. Bake 20 minutes. Poke with toothpick halfway between center and edge. If comes out clean, take out pie, if not reduce heat to 350 and cook until toothpick comes out clean.
1-2 pints strawberries, enough to fill remaining of pie shell
1 c sugar
1 c hot water
3 Tbls cornstarch
3 Tbls strawberry gelatin
Cook the sugar, hot water and cornstarch until thickened. Add gelatin. Cool and pour over strawberries in pie shell. Top with whipped cream.
Today, I decided to try making a similar pie. I found a recipe for custard pie, cut the ingredients in half and baked it in a larger pie pan than the full recipe requested. I then took my normal strawberry pie and put that on top of the custard.
I do not see myself as a creative person. My biggest hindrance to creativity seems to be coming up with original ideas. Solomon tells us in Ecclesiastes 1:9 “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.” Perhaps I don’t need original ideas, just less common ones.
Despite my lack of creativity, I enjoy doing creative things; crafts, writing, sewing. It gives me a glimpse into God’s creativity and makes me even more in awe of all that He has created. That itself is worth the effort.
Here is the recipe I created today by combining the two recipes.
Strawberry Custard Pie
2 eggs
5 ½ Tbls sugar
1 2/3 c milk
½ tsp vanilla
¼ tsp salt
1/8 tsp nutmeg
Preheat oven to 450. Beat egg slightly. Add remaining ingredients and stir. Put pie crust in pan and place in oven. Pour mixture into pie shell. Bake 20 minutes. Poke with toothpick halfway between center and edge. If comes out clean, take out pie, if not reduce heat to 350 and cook until toothpick comes out clean.
1-2 pints strawberries, enough to fill remaining of pie shell
1 c sugar
1 c hot water
3 Tbls cornstarch
3 Tbls strawberry gelatin
Cook the sugar, hot water and cornstarch until thickened. Add gelatin. Cool and pour over strawberries in pie shell. Top with whipped cream.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Leftovers vs Tithing
I use to be able to get several meals out of leftovers. I would cook a whole chicken and use the leftovers to make chicken ala king. The leftover chicken ala king would then go into chicken pot pie for yet another meal. Now when I cook a whole chicken, the leftovers get made into sandwiches and chicken melts without leaving enough for chicken ala king. When I do have enough leftover chicken to make this family favorite, the leftovers are rare and never enough for pot pie.
My attitude towards giving to God use to be the same as my attitude towards chicken for two of our favorite meals – use what is left over. As the offering plate was passed, I would look in my purse and see what was there, using that to determine if and how much I gave. Sometimes I would give $5, sometimes $20. Often, I did not have any money to give at all.
God does not ask us for leftovers. He asks for the first fruits of our labor. In 1997, I made a New Year’s Resolution to start tithing and to pay off the credit card. Paul said I couldn’t do both, where would we get the extra money to pay off the credit card if we starting “spending” more of his paycheck by tithing? I knew that I was being convicted that we needed to do this, so I stuck by my guns. In February, we received a bonus check that covered the balance on the credit card. That summer we put new carpet in the house without carrying the balance on the credit card. As Paul would say, it is amazing how much further 90% goes than 100%. God is faithful when we tithe.
Just as we now budget our tithe to come out before any other bills or expenses, I also cook chicken for the sole purpose of making chicken a la king or chicken pot pie. My family likes these meals enough to make them without leftovers. God deserves even more.
My attitude towards giving to God use to be the same as my attitude towards chicken for two of our favorite meals – use what is left over. As the offering plate was passed, I would look in my purse and see what was there, using that to determine if and how much I gave. Sometimes I would give $5, sometimes $20. Often, I did not have any money to give at all.
God does not ask us for leftovers. He asks for the first fruits of our labor. In 1997, I made a New Year’s Resolution to start tithing and to pay off the credit card. Paul said I couldn’t do both, where would we get the extra money to pay off the credit card if we starting “spending” more of his paycheck by tithing? I knew that I was being convicted that we needed to do this, so I stuck by my guns. In February, we received a bonus check that covered the balance on the credit card. That summer we put new carpet in the house without carrying the balance on the credit card. As Paul would say, it is amazing how much further 90% goes than 100%. God is faithful when we tithe.
Just as we now budget our tithe to come out before any other bills or expenses, I also cook chicken for the sole purpose of making chicken a la king or chicken pot pie. My family likes these meals enough to make them without leftovers. God deserves even more.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Guiding the Tour
While on vacation, we toured Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota and took their 1.5 mile Fairgrounds Tour. The tour took us through some of Wind Cave’s largest rooms. As we neared the end of the tour, our guide Sam told us some last minute details and a story about exploring the cave with his dad, also a Park Ranger at Wind Cave. After explaining that we would be retracing our steps through part of the cave that we walked through at the beginning of the tour, Sam then led us to the elevator entrance of the cave.
Having been encouraged at the beginning of the tour to take the time to look at the different passageways and formations, not everyone stayed close on the way out of the cave. Most of the time, I could see the half of the group ahead of me, but not the half behind me. Directly ahead of me was my youngest son. Behind me, enjoying the view of cave was my husband.
At one point, keeping my eye on Simon, I looked back and waited until I saw Paul come up the steps. I then turned and followed Simon, who was mostly following those ahead of him fairly closely. A few minutes later, I looked up at the splendor of a cavern above me. When I turned back, I could not see Simon ahead of me. I walked forward and came to a fork in the path.
I had no idea which way the Park Ranger had taken the rest of the tour group. Did I go straight, or turn? I tried to listen, but could not hear voices from either direction. By this time, Paul had caught up to me and the rest of the group was in view behind us. I choose a path based on – well, I’m not sure why I thought it was the right path. I became the leader of twenty some people taking the wrong path.
When we do not follow our Spiritual Tour Guide, we usually take the wrong path. Not only do we make bad decisions for ourselves, but we encourage others to make bad decisions also. We may not be intentionally leading our children and friends to a path of destruction, but if we are following anything other than God and His Word, we are doing just that. When we compromise what we claim to believe and tell our children to tell whoever is on the phone that we are not there, we teach them to lie. When we tell allow them to put sports, school, or anything else above church attendance on a somewhat regular frequency, we teach them idolatry.
As we got to a part of the cave that did not look familiar at all, we heard the Park Ranger’s voice behind us. He got to the entrance and realized that not only had his designated caboose not arrived, but he was short half his tour, so he came back into the cave to find us.
Our Spiritual Tour Guide does the same thing. No matter how far away from the right path we wander, He is calling out to us. He seeks us out and guides us back on the right path. We only have to listen, to turn back to Him.
I am no tour guide that could get one safely out of Wind Cave or any other cave for that matter. But I am, qualified or not, a tour guide for my children and others who witness my life. It is my goal to guide them towards Christ, not away from Him.
Having been encouraged at the beginning of the tour to take the time to look at the different passageways and formations, not everyone stayed close on the way out of the cave. Most of the time, I could see the half of the group ahead of me, but not the half behind me. Directly ahead of me was my youngest son. Behind me, enjoying the view of cave was my husband.
At one point, keeping my eye on Simon, I looked back and waited until I saw Paul come up the steps. I then turned and followed Simon, who was mostly following those ahead of him fairly closely. A few minutes later, I looked up at the splendor of a cavern above me. When I turned back, I could not see Simon ahead of me. I walked forward and came to a fork in the path.
I had no idea which way the Park Ranger had taken the rest of the tour group. Did I go straight, or turn? I tried to listen, but could not hear voices from either direction. By this time, Paul had caught up to me and the rest of the group was in view behind us. I choose a path based on – well, I’m not sure why I thought it was the right path. I became the leader of twenty some people taking the wrong path.
When we do not follow our Spiritual Tour Guide, we usually take the wrong path. Not only do we make bad decisions for ourselves, but we encourage others to make bad decisions also. We may not be intentionally leading our children and friends to a path of destruction, but if we are following anything other than God and His Word, we are doing just that. When we compromise what we claim to believe and tell our children to tell whoever is on the phone that we are not there, we teach them to lie. When we tell allow them to put sports, school, or anything else above church attendance on a somewhat regular frequency, we teach them idolatry.
As we got to a part of the cave that did not look familiar at all, we heard the Park Ranger’s voice behind us. He got to the entrance and realized that not only had his designated caboose not arrived, but he was short half his tour, so he came back into the cave to find us.
Our Spiritual Tour Guide does the same thing. No matter how far away from the right path we wander, He is calling out to us. He seeks us out and guides us back on the right path. We only have to listen, to turn back to Him.
I am no tour guide that could get one safely out of Wind Cave or any other cave for that matter. But I am, qualified or not, a tour guide for my children and others who witness my life. It is my goal to guide them towards Christ, not away from Him.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
RECALL NOTICE
I recieved this email today from my sister. I usually do not forward emails but this one is worth it. I have no idea who the original author is or I would gladly give them credit.
RECALL NOTICE ?
The Maker of all human beings is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart.
This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. This defect has been technically termed "Subsequential Internal Non-Morality," or more commonly known as SIN, as it is primarily expressed.
Some other symptoms include:
1. Loss of direction
2. Foul vocal emissions
3. Amnesia of origin
4. Lack of peace and joy
5. Selfish or violent behavior
6. Depression or confusion in the mental component
7. Fearfulness
8. Idolatry
9. Rebellion
The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this SIN defect. The Repair Technician, Jesus, has most generously offered
to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required.
The number to call for repair in all areas is P-R-A-Y-E-R. Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure.
Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component. No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with:
1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Patience
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness
9. Self control
Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth), for further details on the use of these fixes.
WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too
numerous to list and will result in the human unit being
permanently impounded.
DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will need to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility.
Thank you for your attention!
Signed,
GOD
Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice, and you may contact the Father any time by "kneemail."
"For with God, nothing shall be impossible" Luke 1:37
"Obstacles are the things we see when we take our eyes off our goals".
Zig Zigler
RECALL NOTICE ?
The Maker of all human beings is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart.
This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. This defect has been technically termed "Subsequential Internal Non-Morality," or more commonly known as SIN, as it is primarily expressed.
Some other symptoms include:
1. Loss of direction
2. Foul vocal emissions
3. Amnesia of origin
4. Lack of peace and joy
5. Selfish or violent behavior
6. Depression or confusion in the mental component
7. Fearfulness
8. Idolatry
9. Rebellion
The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this SIN defect. The Repair Technician, Jesus, has most generously offered
to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required.
The number to call for repair in all areas is P-R-A-Y-E-R. Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure.
Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component. No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with:
1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Patience
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness
9. Self control
Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth), for further details on the use of these fixes.
WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too
numerous to list and will result in the human unit being
permanently impounded.
DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will need to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility.
Thank you for your attention!
Signed,
GOD
Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice, and you may contact the Father any time by "kneemail."
"For with God, nothing shall be impossible" Luke 1:37
"Obstacles are the things we see when we take our eyes off our goals".
Zig Zigler
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
We had a great vacation in the Black Hills, leaving Friday and returning Monday. The boys were motivated to get back home on Monday to go to a birthday party that night. Simon was excited to collect four Junior Ranger pins from the National Park system. The boys got these by filling out workbooks regarding information gleaned at each of the sites. They got one for the Badlands on Friday, Devil's Tower on Saturday and Wind Cave and Mt Rushmore on Sunday.
For me, one highlight of the trip was seeing bison so close I was tempted to roll up my window. Here are a few pictures of the herd that caused traffic to stop from both directions.
For me, one highlight of the trip was seeing bison so close I was tempted to roll up my window. Here are a few pictures of the herd that caused traffic to stop from both directions.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
SPAM
My oldest son likes SPAM. I do not understand his fascination with the canned meat product, but being the good mother that I am (HA!), I do occasionally buy it for him and even took him to the SPAM museum in Austin, MN last summer.
SPAM actually got its name when an employee suggested it at a company party. It is shortened for SPiced hAM. Those of us who do not like the product often have other names for it. My favorite is “Something Posing As Meat.” SPAM reminds me too much of the canned ham product that my parents would get when we were kids. It tastes nothing like ham, but it provided an affordable meal for the family that was different than the hamburgers we eat 300 days a year in the family truck stop. Somewhere in the canned ham and in the SPAM, there is actual ham, but it is hard to tell that by the taste. In actuality, SPAM is not something posing as meat, but meat posing as something, though we are not sure what.
Sometimes I wonder if my life is the same way. Is it obvious in my life that I am a Christian? When others see me, can they see the fruit of my Christianity, or do they see just another product of the world? Have I lost the flavor of what it means to be a follower in Christ in this world?
The SPAM museum in Austin is a great tribute to what SPAM is and its place in history. Despite my opinion of the product, it has a very interesting and important history in our nation. Many families during WWII were able to obtain and afford meat because they ate SPAM. Many soldiers of the same time period learned to appreciate the convenience of SPAM while in the field and asked Hormel to not stop making it when they pulled it off the market after the war.
My history and importance as a Christian is no less remarkable. It is my desire to live that legacy out loud so that the world may know what Christ has done for me.
SPAM actually got its name when an employee suggested it at a company party. It is shortened for SPiced hAM. Those of us who do not like the product often have other names for it. My favorite is “Something Posing As Meat.” SPAM reminds me too much of the canned ham product that my parents would get when we were kids. It tastes nothing like ham, but it provided an affordable meal for the family that was different than the hamburgers we eat 300 days a year in the family truck stop. Somewhere in the canned ham and in the SPAM, there is actual ham, but it is hard to tell that by the taste. In actuality, SPAM is not something posing as meat, but meat posing as something, though we are not sure what.
Sometimes I wonder if my life is the same way. Is it obvious in my life that I am a Christian? When others see me, can they see the fruit of my Christianity, or do they see just another product of the world? Have I lost the flavor of what it means to be a follower in Christ in this world?
The SPAM museum in Austin is a great tribute to what SPAM is and its place in history. Despite my opinion of the product, it has a very interesting and important history in our nation. Many families during WWII were able to obtain and afford meat because they ate SPAM. Many soldiers of the same time period learned to appreciate the convenience of SPAM while in the field and asked Hormel to not stop making it when they pulled it off the market after the war.
My history and importance as a Christian is no less remarkable. It is my desire to live that legacy out loud so that the world may know what Christ has done for me.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Blueberry Applesauce
When my oldest was a baby I babysat before and after school for a family with a kindergartner and a second grader. The kindergartner, Blair, went to school only in the morning and I would have him all afternoon.
At that point in his life, my son was still eating babyfood and his favorite fruit was the blueberry apples. Blair tried them and would have eaten a whole jar if I had let him. I decided that sometime I would make blueberry applesauce and see if the kids liked it as well as they did the blueberry apples baby food. Now whenever I ask the kids to get some applesauce out of the freezer, they usually choose the blueberry applesauce first.
Blueberry Applesauce
4 quarts apples, cored and peeled
8 oz fresh blueberries
3 c water
3 c brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
3/4 tsp nutmeg
Heat apples, blueberries and water to boil. Reduce heat. Simmer uncovered, stirring occassionally to break up apples, until tender. (5-10 minutes). Stir in remaining ingredients. Heat to boil. Boil and stir 1 minute. Let sit until cool enough to put into 1 quart freezer bags. Makes approx. 3 quart.
At that point in his life, my son was still eating babyfood and his favorite fruit was the blueberry apples. Blair tried them and would have eaten a whole jar if I had let him. I decided that sometime I would make blueberry applesauce and see if the kids liked it as well as they did the blueberry apples baby food. Now whenever I ask the kids to get some applesauce out of the freezer, they usually choose the blueberry applesauce first.
Blueberry Applesauce
4 quarts apples, cored and peeled
8 oz fresh blueberries
3 c water
3 c brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
3/4 tsp nutmeg
Heat apples, blueberries and water to boil. Reduce heat. Simmer uncovered, stirring occassionally to break up apples, until tender. (5-10 minutes). Stir in remaining ingredients. Heat to boil. Boil and stir 1 minute. Let sit until cool enough to put into 1 quart freezer bags. Makes approx. 3 quart.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Garlic Herb Bread
I have noticed when attending Pampered Chef parties, it is easy to tell who likes to cook with garlic and who does not. As the consultant passes around the garlic press after using it, most women will either smell the press with delight, or turn their nose and pass it quickly. I am one who smells the wonderful (IMO) aroma of the garlic press. My oldest son will stop at in the produce section of a grocery store to smell the garlic.
One of our favorite uses is in making garlic cheese bread. I have a wonderful recipe that I use that I adopted from a jar of Italian seasoning (I added garlic to the suggested recipe.) Since my kids really liked this garlic bread, I decided to try something new. I looked at and tried two different Italian bread recipes -- one for the bread machine and one for my KitchenAid mixer. I then took what I liked about both recipes and combined them and added the ingredients that I would normally put on top to make garlic cheese bread. Here is my recipe for Garlic Cheese Bread. You should be able to do this in the bread machine, but I prefer to use the dough only option and bake all my breads in the oven. Therefore, I choose to use write the directions for the KitchenAid.
Garlic Cheese Bread
10 oz warm water (105-115 degrees)
2 tsp yeast
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 Tbls olive oil
2 tsp sugar
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 Tbls garlic
1/2 cup shredded cheese (I usually use Cheddar or Coby Jack)
4 c flour
1/4 c Parmesan Cheese
Dissolve yeast in water. Dust bread pan or cooking stone with cornmeal. Put all ingredients in KitchenAid mixer with dough hook. Mix until form into ball and sides of bowl are clean. Shape into pan or on stone. Let rise 1 hour. Bake at 425 until light brown (about 30-45 min).
Spread butter onoutide of loaf while still warm, if desired. Enjoy.
One of our favorite uses is in making garlic cheese bread. I have a wonderful recipe that I use that I adopted from a jar of Italian seasoning (I added garlic to the suggested recipe.) Since my kids really liked this garlic bread, I decided to try something new. I looked at and tried two different Italian bread recipes -- one for the bread machine and one for my KitchenAid mixer. I then took what I liked about both recipes and combined them and added the ingredients that I would normally put on top to make garlic cheese bread. Here is my recipe for Garlic Cheese Bread. You should be able to do this in the bread machine, but I prefer to use the dough only option and bake all my breads in the oven. Therefore, I choose to use write the directions for the KitchenAid.
Garlic Cheese Bread
10 oz warm water (105-115 degrees)
2 tsp yeast
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 Tbls olive oil
2 tsp sugar
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 Tbls garlic
1/2 cup shredded cheese (I usually use Cheddar or Coby Jack)
4 c flour
1/4 c Parmesan Cheese
Dissolve yeast in water. Dust bread pan or cooking stone with cornmeal. Put all ingredients in KitchenAid mixer with dough hook. Mix until form into ball and sides of bowl are clean. Shape into pan or on stone. Let rise 1 hour. Bake at 425 until light brown (about 30-45 min).
Spread butter onoutide of loaf while still warm, if desired. Enjoy.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Hide the Egg!
The following was the first ever entry I submitted to Faithwriter's Weekly Challenge. It placed in the top 40 (I think it was 37th) for all of the entries that week. It was first published on Faithwriters, as a Challenge entry, on Jan 7, 2007.
Hide the Egg!
“Okay, Gregory, hide the egg!” I’d discovered a way to get actual help from my preschoolers when making cookies. Hiding each ingredient meant stirring effectively until you could no longer find the egg, four, etc in the dough. The egg was never hidden by simply scrapping the top with the spoon. Yet this was no ordinary game of hide-and-go-seek. We could never again find the egg and take it out of the cookies. It was now part of the cookie dough, chemically changing it.
When I first started baking as a teenager, I made cookies once without one of the major ingredients. They came out flat, both in looks and in taste. The same is true with our Christian walk. If we neglect Bible Study, or prayer, or fellowship with other believers, our lives become flat. We do not live the type of witness that attracts our non-Christian friends and co-workers to Christ.
Psalm 119:11 says, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”(NIV) Just as the kids needed to work at hiding the egg in the cookie dough, we need to be intentional about hiding His Word in our hearts. James warns, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (James 1:22 NIV) We cannot simply let the spoon of God’s Word touch our ears without allowing it to stir our hearts, to change our lives. We are called to let His Word penetrate our lives so much that the world cannot separate us from the Gospel of Christ.
As I look to the New Year, I ask myself how intentional have I been at hiding His Word in my heart? How well have I allowed His Word to become part of who I am? When others look at me, do they see the old, sin-nature self, or do they see the new creation that I became in Christ Jesus? (“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV) It is my New Year’s Prayer and resolution that, with the help of the Holy Spirit, I will be disciplined in becoming more like Christ, that others will see Him when they look at me.
Hide the Egg!
“Okay, Gregory, hide the egg!” I’d discovered a way to get actual help from my preschoolers when making cookies. Hiding each ingredient meant stirring effectively until you could no longer find the egg, four, etc in the dough. The egg was never hidden by simply scrapping the top with the spoon. Yet this was no ordinary game of hide-and-go-seek. We could never again find the egg and take it out of the cookies. It was now part of the cookie dough, chemically changing it.
When I first started baking as a teenager, I made cookies once without one of the major ingredients. They came out flat, both in looks and in taste. The same is true with our Christian walk. If we neglect Bible Study, or prayer, or fellowship with other believers, our lives become flat. We do not live the type of witness that attracts our non-Christian friends and co-workers to Christ.
Psalm 119:11 says, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”(NIV) Just as the kids needed to work at hiding the egg in the cookie dough, we need to be intentional about hiding His Word in our hearts. James warns, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (James 1:22 NIV) We cannot simply let the spoon of God’s Word touch our ears without allowing it to stir our hearts, to change our lives. We are called to let His Word penetrate our lives so much that the world cannot separate us from the Gospel of Christ.
As I look to the New Year, I ask myself how intentional have I been at hiding His Word in my heart? How well have I allowed His Word to become part of who I am? When others look at me, do they see the old, sin-nature self, or do they see the new creation that I became in Christ Jesus? (“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV) It is my New Year’s Prayer and resolution that, with the help of the Holy Spirit, I will be disciplined in becoming more like Christ, that others will see Him when they look at me.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Vacation
We are leaving to go out of town for the weekend. We will be in the Black Hills of South Dakota at the “hunting lodge” owned by a group from our church in Sioux Falls. Whenever we go on a trip even for a weekend, I make a list of things to bring. We need sleeping bags, clothes, food, bug spray, sunscreen, etc for our trip. But it always seems that, even with a list, we get partway down the road, or to our destination, and realize that we forgot something important. Our last camping trip, I forgot to pack pillows – for everyone. I had such a stiff neck afterwards that I could not turn my head far enough to the side to align it with my shoulder.
When I go on trips, I usually remember to bring my Bible. Unfortunately, I sometimes put my Bible reading on vacation as well. As my routine is interrupted by a change of location and schedule, I put off or forget to do my quiet time.
At other times, I find myself sitting in the quiet of a select location in God’s beautiful creation and spending more time with Him than I would at home. This is the type of vacation I want for this weekend. Not to leave the Spiritual Disciplines unpacked and at home, but to pack them into the time I have away.
When I go on trips, I usually remember to bring my Bible. Unfortunately, I sometimes put my Bible reading on vacation as well. As my routine is interrupted by a change of location and schedule, I put off or forget to do my quiet time.
At other times, I find myself sitting in the quiet of a select location in God’s beautiful creation and spending more time with Him than I would at home. This is the type of vacation I want for this weekend. Not to leave the Spiritual Disciplines unpacked and at home, but to pack them into the time I have away.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Pease Pudding
Pease Pudding Hot
Pease Pudding Cold
Pease Pudding in the pot
Nine days old.
Some like it hot.
Some like it cold.
Some like it in the pot
Nice days old.
Most of us recognize this nursery rhyme as being "Pease Porridge Hot" rather than Pease Pudding. When I took my son to a historic site yesterday, one of the workers was making Pease Pudding and explained that the song originally said pease pudding. Doing a google search, I learned that it isn't actually a pudding or a porridge, but a sauce that they changed the name to pudding for the alliteration of the rhyme. So, in essence, the name of this dish has been changed at least twice for this rhyme.
It is not uncommon to provoke poetic license when writing lyrics to a song. Nor it is uncommon to change the lyrics of a song. Sometimes this is done for fun and drastically changes the meaning of the song by changing most of the words, othertimes, as in "pudding" and "porridge" it is only one word.
One thing that my family sometimes does is to sing one song to the tune of another. I use to be able to sign the words to "Amazing Grace" to the tune of "Gilligan's Island." When he was 3, my oldest asked us how to say the alphabet backwards. We practiced our "ZYX's" until we could sign them to him -- using the ABC's tune. We sing the alphabet, without the "L" to the tune of the verse for "The First Noel". To the chorus of the song, we sing "Nooo L, No L, Nooo L, No L, The alphabet with Nooooooo L."
I have never tried Pease Pudding, or Pease Porridge. I can't imagine anything sitting in a pot for 9 days and still eating it, but I did enjoy the history lesson on the song and thinking about how I contribute to the changing of popular lyrics.
Pease Pudding Cold
Pease Pudding in the pot
Nine days old.
Some like it hot.
Some like it cold.
Some like it in the pot
Nice days old.
Most of us recognize this nursery rhyme as being "Pease Porridge Hot" rather than Pease Pudding. When I took my son to a historic site yesterday, one of the workers was making Pease Pudding and explained that the song originally said pease pudding. Doing a google search, I learned that it isn't actually a pudding or a porridge, but a sauce that they changed the name to pudding for the alliteration of the rhyme. So, in essence, the name of this dish has been changed at least twice for this rhyme.
It is not uncommon to provoke poetic license when writing lyrics to a song. Nor it is uncommon to change the lyrics of a song. Sometimes this is done for fun and drastically changes the meaning of the song by changing most of the words, othertimes, as in "pudding" and "porridge" it is only one word.
One thing that my family sometimes does is to sing one song to the tune of another. I use to be able to sign the words to "Amazing Grace" to the tune of "Gilligan's Island." When he was 3, my oldest asked us how to say the alphabet backwards. We practiced our "ZYX's" until we could sign them to him -- using the ABC's tune. We sing the alphabet, without the "L" to the tune of the verse for "The First Noel". To the chorus of the song, we sing "Nooo L, No L, Nooo L, No L, The alphabet with Nooooooo L."
I have never tried Pease Pudding, or Pease Porridge. I can't imagine anything sitting in a pot for 9 days and still eating it, but I did enjoy the history lesson on the song and thinking about how I contribute to the changing of popular lyrics.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Fast Food Ministry
When my sister-in-law offered me some McDonald French fries, my son told her that I did not like McDonald’s; that my favorite thing on their menu was probably the pop (which I think all tastes the same because of their ice.) I do occasionally eat fast food when I am out running errands or when I am traveling, but only as a convenience. Lack of planning can cause a sacrifice of taste as well as the money to buy fast food.
Lack of planning can also cause sacrifices to the ministries in which God has entrusted to us. I mentioned in Saturday’s blog (Spiritual Indigestion) that while working overnights I would prepare the lesson for Wednesday night church on Wednesday afternoons. This fast food ministry was never as effective as if I had spent time to really plan the lessons. An effective ministry preparation would have included much more time in prayer, planning and looking over the material throughout the week, and not running to Wal-Mart that afternoon hoping to find the materials needed for the craft or game I found for the end of the lesson.
Fast food ministry not only sacrifices the sanity of the worker, it sacrifices the quality of the lesson for both the ministry worker and the recipients. Because I was not spending the ideal amount of time in preparation for the class, I did not allow God to work on me through the lesson. I did not spend the time in prayer necessary to seek God’s guidance, to allow Him to teach me how I personally needed to apply the lessons to my own life. Furthermore, I did not spend time in prayer for the children that I would be teaching, asking God to use me in their lives.
A member of my Cluster (small group)once asked how we know when the ministry work we are doing is for God or to satisfy our own pride. The answer given was that when we pray about the ministry, God will use it for His purpose; it is His ministry through us. When we don’t turn it over to Him, it becomes our ministry and is ineffective.
Just like eating at McDonald’s, our schedules may cause fast food ministry to be unavoidable at times. But whether McDonald’s or ministry, it is not a healthy lifestyle to rely on fast food.
Lack of planning can also cause sacrifices to the ministries in which God has entrusted to us. I mentioned in Saturday’s blog (Spiritual Indigestion) that while working overnights I would prepare the lesson for Wednesday night church on Wednesday afternoons. This fast food ministry was never as effective as if I had spent time to really plan the lessons. An effective ministry preparation would have included much more time in prayer, planning and looking over the material throughout the week, and not running to Wal-Mart that afternoon hoping to find the materials needed for the craft or game I found for the end of the lesson.
Fast food ministry not only sacrifices the sanity of the worker, it sacrifices the quality of the lesson for both the ministry worker and the recipients. Because I was not spending the ideal amount of time in preparation for the class, I did not allow God to work on me through the lesson. I did not spend the time in prayer necessary to seek God’s guidance, to allow Him to teach me how I personally needed to apply the lessons to my own life. Furthermore, I did not spend time in prayer for the children that I would be teaching, asking God to use me in their lives.
A member of my Cluster (small group)once asked how we know when the ministry work we are doing is for God or to satisfy our own pride. The answer given was that when we pray about the ministry, God will use it for His purpose; it is His ministry through us. When we don’t turn it over to Him, it becomes our ministry and is ineffective.
Just like eating at McDonald’s, our schedules may cause fast food ministry to be unavoidable at times. But whether McDonald’s or ministry, it is not a healthy lifestyle to rely on fast food.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Menu Planning
At one time I was diligent about creating and sticking to a monthly. I would inventory my freezer at the end of the month and create a menu based on what meat I had on hand. I would then purchase whatever meat was on sale to use the next month.
Paul has often encouraged me to reinstate this practice because not only did I try to add a new recipe at least once a month, I was also able to spot and avoid any redundancies in the menu. When planning a whole month, or even a week at a time, I was much more careful not to have the same kind of meat too often, to vary the marinades I used on the meat, and to throw in fish or seafood more often. In short, I avoided cooking ruts.
Sometimes a planned menu of Spiritual disciplines can have the opposite effect. If I tell myself that I will follow a certain Bible reading plan, I am more likely to say that I have to get through this many verses or chapters to be done with my quiet time for the day.
I find that my attitude towards my quiet time is the best indicator to whether or not I am falling into a Spiritual rut. If I assess what needs to be read and sit down to read it so that I do not get behind or to catch up to where I should be, I open myself to Satan telling me that I am wasting my time, that I really want to be doing something else. On the other hand, when I ask God to guide me through the reading, I leave room for the Holy Spirit to teach me. My attitude is that of wanting to learn what God has for me, to apply His Word to my life. The “assigned” daily reading often seems too short when my spirit is in tune to the Holy Spirit while reading Scripture.
I am not discouraging a Bible reading plan. I find them helpful and sometimes necessary. But just like a menu planned a month in advance needs to be flexible enough to accommodate schedule changes, we must view a Bible reading plan as a tool, rather than a “set in stone” to-do list.
Paul has often encouraged me to reinstate this practice because not only did I try to add a new recipe at least once a month, I was also able to spot and avoid any redundancies in the menu. When planning a whole month, or even a week at a time, I was much more careful not to have the same kind of meat too often, to vary the marinades I used on the meat, and to throw in fish or seafood more often. In short, I avoided cooking ruts.
Sometimes a planned menu of Spiritual disciplines can have the opposite effect. If I tell myself that I will follow a certain Bible reading plan, I am more likely to say that I have to get through this many verses or chapters to be done with my quiet time for the day.
I find that my attitude towards my quiet time is the best indicator to whether or not I am falling into a Spiritual rut. If I assess what needs to be read and sit down to read it so that I do not get behind or to catch up to where I should be, I open myself to Satan telling me that I am wasting my time, that I really want to be doing something else. On the other hand, when I ask God to guide me through the reading, I leave room for the Holy Spirit to teach me. My attitude is that of wanting to learn what God has for me, to apply His Word to my life. The “assigned” daily reading often seems too short when my spirit is in tune to the Holy Spirit while reading Scripture.
I am not discouraging a Bible reading plan. I find them helpful and sometimes necessary. But just like a menu planned a month in advance needs to be flexible enough to accommodate schedule changes, we must view a Bible reading plan as a tool, rather than a “set in stone” to-do list.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Balanced Diet
My husband often has to remind me to eat a balanced diet. I do eat fruits and veggies but not as much as I should. I prefer my starches and will take seconds on potatoes before I will on veggies. It is not that I do not like fruits and veggies, I just prefer potatoes. I know that I need a balanced diet, but that does not always mean that I eat a balanced diet.
Sometimes my spiritual diet is heavy in one food group and short in another. Knowing that I need a spiritual diet of God's Word, prayer, worship and teaching does not always mean that I balance these things in my life. I may worship as I listen to the radio during the day, but not turn to God in prayer through whatever comes my way. Or I may turn to God in prayer several times a day without ever opening His Word to see what He has to say to me that day, or on a particular matter that concerns me.
Just as eating an unbalanced diet of food does not always have immediate consequences, an unbalanced spiritual life also has hidden symptoms. If I am reading God's Word, but not praying, my quiet time becomes monotonous and legalistic. If I spend time praying without worshipping or reading my Bible, my prayers become empty requests, demands on God.
I want to eat a balanced diet, both physically and spiritually. In order to do this, I must regularly watch and evaluate my habits.
Sometimes my spiritual diet is heavy in one food group and short in another. Knowing that I need a spiritual diet of God's Word, prayer, worship and teaching does not always mean that I balance these things in my life. I may worship as I listen to the radio during the day, but not turn to God in prayer through whatever comes my way. Or I may turn to God in prayer several times a day without ever opening His Word to see what He has to say to me that day, or on a particular matter that concerns me.
Just as eating an unbalanced diet of food does not always have immediate consequences, an unbalanced spiritual life also has hidden symptoms. If I am reading God's Word, but not praying, my quiet time becomes monotonous and legalistic. If I spend time praying without worshipping or reading my Bible, my prayers become empty requests, demands on God.
I want to eat a balanced diet, both physically and spiritually. In order to do this, I must regularly watch and evaluate my habits.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Oven mits to the rescue
I asked my boys the other day to unload the dishwasher as we needed dishes from it to set the table for lunch. They decided that it was too early to empty that particular load. While I took the silverware we needed out with my bare hands, they used oven mits to unload the remainder of the dishwasher.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Schedule Indigestion
Recently my husband tried something new when feeding his bearded dragon. Bob really likes strawberries and always picks them out of his salad first, but he also needs insects. Bob seems to really enjoy eating crickets, but he still seemed to be hungry. Paul decided to try giving him superworms. Bob devoured them – six or seven of them. He then spent the rest of the day laying flat over the heat mat on the warm end of his tank. He was not his normal, curious self. He didn’t climb his logs to sleep in a position that looks totally uncomfortable to us, but seems to be Bob’s favorite bed. He just laid there.
Paul did some research and learned that a dragon that eats too much can get what is called Terminal Indigestion in which they lay with their hind legs extended behind them, becoming paralyzed from not being able to digest the amount of food they have eaten. Paul began to worry about his beloved pet he has had only a short time.
Many of us have had occasions where we eat too much and feel that we are unable to move. Especially at holiday feasts and pot-luck picnics. We enjoy our good food and don’t pay attention to when we need to stop.
Sometimes our schedules can be the same way. We run the kids to school and sports events, volunteer for worthy causes, maintain our social life and still try to spend quality time with our families and work to support them. Sometimes this cycle can be hard to break. When I first started working overnights, I found it hard to continue all the activities I had done as a stay-at-home mom for 6 years. I attended MOPS and BSF and took my kids to storytime at the local library, but we no longer attended the community center playgroup. Eventually we had to drop other activities.
My schedule developed its own form of “terminal indigestion” and could not digest all that I had committed it to. My participation in PTA and other activities became sporadic, rendering me useless to the cause. I did not spend the ideal amount of time on my BSF lessons, short-circuiting my learning and my time with God. I often prepared on Wednesday afternoon the lesson I was teaching to the kids at church that night. When given the chance, I crashed for 12 hours straight on my nights off.
Bob did not eat too many superworms and develop Terminal Indigestion. He was just using the heating pad to help digest them. Healthy Bearded Dragons do sometimes lay in the same position as when one has Terminal Indigestion, and that is what Bob was doing. Paul is careful to not feed his dragon so many superworms at a time. And I try to keep my schedule clear of too many things. But sometimes, I still feel a little indigestion in my schedule.
Paul did some research and learned that a dragon that eats too much can get what is called Terminal Indigestion in which they lay with their hind legs extended behind them, becoming paralyzed from not being able to digest the amount of food they have eaten. Paul began to worry about his beloved pet he has had only a short time.
Many of us have had occasions where we eat too much and feel that we are unable to move. Especially at holiday feasts and pot-luck picnics. We enjoy our good food and don’t pay attention to when we need to stop.
Sometimes our schedules can be the same way. We run the kids to school and sports events, volunteer for worthy causes, maintain our social life and still try to spend quality time with our families and work to support them. Sometimes this cycle can be hard to break. When I first started working overnights, I found it hard to continue all the activities I had done as a stay-at-home mom for 6 years. I attended MOPS and BSF and took my kids to storytime at the local library, but we no longer attended the community center playgroup. Eventually we had to drop other activities.
My schedule developed its own form of “terminal indigestion” and could not digest all that I had committed it to. My participation in PTA and other activities became sporadic, rendering me useless to the cause. I did not spend the ideal amount of time on my BSF lessons, short-circuiting my learning and my time with God. I often prepared on Wednesday afternoon the lesson I was teaching to the kids at church that night. When given the chance, I crashed for 12 hours straight on my nights off.
Bob did not eat too many superworms and develop Terminal Indigestion. He was just using the heating pad to help digest them. Healthy Bearded Dragons do sometimes lay in the same position as when one has Terminal Indigestion, and that is what Bob was doing. Paul is careful to not feed his dragon so many superworms at a time. And I try to keep my schedule clear of too many things. But sometimes, I still feel a little indigestion in my schedule.
Friday, July 4, 2008
July 4 Picnic
Happy Birthday, America!
We will watch some fireworks with my Mother-in-law and one of Paul's sisters and her family. Tomorrow is our big gathering for a family picnic. This picnic will include not only my husband's mom and siblings, but also his aunts and uncle and cousins, possibly even some of his mom's cousins.
I grew up with a few annual family reunions for the various brances of the family tree, but for the most part, that was the only time I saw my relatives beyond my first cousins. I grew up not really knowing my relatives beyond my grandparents, aunts, uncles and first cousins. My kids see their second cousins at least six times a year for family picnics and holidy dinners.
So, the question remains, what to bring to the family picnic. I had thought about doing a watermelon salad inside the watermelon, but Paul's cousin volunteered to bring fruit. I might still bring it as there will be several people there. The farmer's market in town has a booth that sells a pineapple salsa that makes a really good dip for tortilla chips, so I am thinking I will take that and also some regular Con Queso dip for the less adventurous. Of course, the desserts are what are snacked on the most, so we will have to take some kind of bars and maybe some puppy chow.
The picnic is set up as a "Bring your own meat" with shared side dishes, desserts, and drinks. Mom and Paul's aunts are in charge of the charcoal, condiments and buns. One year, they bought a lot of buns and everyone brought something different that didn't need buns -- venison steaks, chicken, etc. Haven't decided yet what we are taking for meat. I should obey the email and take burgers, brats or hot dogs, but will probably take venison.
Have a good Fourth, everyone.
We will watch some fireworks with my Mother-in-law and one of Paul's sisters and her family. Tomorrow is our big gathering for a family picnic. This picnic will include not only my husband's mom and siblings, but also his aunts and uncle and cousins, possibly even some of his mom's cousins.
I grew up with a few annual family reunions for the various brances of the family tree, but for the most part, that was the only time I saw my relatives beyond my first cousins. I grew up not really knowing my relatives beyond my grandparents, aunts, uncles and first cousins. My kids see their second cousins at least six times a year for family picnics and holidy dinners.
So, the question remains, what to bring to the family picnic. I had thought about doing a watermelon salad inside the watermelon, but Paul's cousin volunteered to bring fruit. I might still bring it as there will be several people there. The farmer's market in town has a booth that sells a pineapple salsa that makes a really good dip for tortilla chips, so I am thinking I will take that and also some regular Con Queso dip for the less adventurous. Of course, the desserts are what are snacked on the most, so we will have to take some kind of bars and maybe some puppy chow.
The picnic is set up as a "Bring your own meat" with shared side dishes, desserts, and drinks. Mom and Paul's aunts are in charge of the charcoal, condiments and buns. One year, they bought a lot of buns and everyone brought something different that didn't need buns -- venison steaks, chicken, etc. Haven't decided yet what we are taking for meat. I should obey the email and take burgers, brats or hot dogs, but will probably take venison.
Have a good Fourth, everyone.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Spiritual Pumpkin Pie
When my husband first went to Thanksgiving Dinner with my family, he was looking forward to the pumpkin pie. After a few bites, he looked at me and said, “This is not your pumpkin pie.” He had assumed that my recipe was a family tradition passed down from generation to generation. Instead, the recipe I used was one that I had altered to my own taste.
The first time I made a pumpkin pie, I used the recipe on the can of pumpkin. It turned out okay, but it tasted bland. Then next several pies I made were progressively better, changing to fresh pumpkin rather than canned. Each time I would alter some part of the recipe, usually the spices, until the pie tasted just the way I liked it. I may be biased, but I still have not found a pumpkin pie recipe I like better.
It is not uncommon for cooks to change a recipe, especially when they need to substitute for a missing ingredient. Sometimes we do it by mistake. One year I was making divinity at my in-law’s house and instead of grabbing the vanilla, I put in vinegar. I know it sounds awful, but it actually turned out. Even though they still tease me about it, my brother-in-law told me a few years later that it was some of the best divinity he had ever tasted.
Many of the recipe alterations and recipes that I have tried to create turn out to be total failures. Breakfast sausage is not a good choice in stir fry, and almond butter does not make a good substitution in peanut butter cookies. Especially in baking, a substituted ingredient may alter the chemistry of the finished product.
This warning also applies to our spiritual life. While there are a lot of great Christian authors and theologians, there is no substitute for the Word of God. It is easy to fall under the trap of thinking that since we are reading this great book from a well-known theologian, or attending a church taught by a well-grounded, Bible-based preacher, we are safe from deception by the Enemy. This is itself, a deception.
Many of us know of people who have fallen prey to the Enemy's deception, whether cults or simply misguided teaching. I once knew a guy who had justified illegal behavior because he was “washed by the Blood and sanctified by the Stripes of Jesus.” Basically, he believed in “cheap grace;” that he could do anything he wanted because he was forgiven by Christ’s sacrifice. This man was deceived by substituting false teachings for the Truth taught in the Bible.
I ended yesterday’s blog with a Bible verse that also applies here: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."(2 Tim 3:16-17) As we read the words put to paper or computer screen by well-intended authors, we must ask ourselves if what we read is consistent with the Word of God. The only way to answer this is to read the Word of God, asking for the Holy Spirit to teach and guide us each time we open our Bibles.
The Word of God needs to remain the main course in our Spiritual diet, but Christian books, music, and other material can be great side dishes. We must never alter the recipe of God’s Word by substituting these side dishes for the real thing.
The first time I made a pumpkin pie, I used the recipe on the can of pumpkin. It turned out okay, but it tasted bland. Then next several pies I made were progressively better, changing to fresh pumpkin rather than canned. Each time I would alter some part of the recipe, usually the spices, until the pie tasted just the way I liked it. I may be biased, but I still have not found a pumpkin pie recipe I like better.
It is not uncommon for cooks to change a recipe, especially when they need to substitute for a missing ingredient. Sometimes we do it by mistake. One year I was making divinity at my in-law’s house and instead of grabbing the vanilla, I put in vinegar. I know it sounds awful, but it actually turned out. Even though they still tease me about it, my brother-in-law told me a few years later that it was some of the best divinity he had ever tasted.
Many of the recipe alterations and recipes that I have tried to create turn out to be total failures. Breakfast sausage is not a good choice in stir fry, and almond butter does not make a good substitution in peanut butter cookies. Especially in baking, a substituted ingredient may alter the chemistry of the finished product.
This warning also applies to our spiritual life. While there are a lot of great Christian authors and theologians, there is no substitute for the Word of God. It is easy to fall under the trap of thinking that since we are reading this great book from a well-known theologian, or attending a church taught by a well-grounded, Bible-based preacher, we are safe from deception by the Enemy. This is itself, a deception.
Many of us know of people who have fallen prey to the Enemy's deception, whether cults or simply misguided teaching. I once knew a guy who had justified illegal behavior because he was “washed by the Blood and sanctified by the Stripes of Jesus.” Basically, he believed in “cheap grace;” that he could do anything he wanted because he was forgiven by Christ’s sacrifice. This man was deceived by substituting false teachings for the Truth taught in the Bible.
I ended yesterday’s blog with a Bible verse that also applies here: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."(2 Tim 3:16-17) As we read the words put to paper or computer screen by well-intended authors, we must ask ourselves if what we read is consistent with the Word of God. The only way to answer this is to read the Word of God, asking for the Holy Spirit to teach and guide us each time we open our Bibles.
The Word of God needs to remain the main course in our Spiritual diet, but Christian books, music, and other material can be great side dishes. We must never alter the recipe of God’s Word by substituting these side dishes for the real thing.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Scripture Cake
I use to have a cake recipe that listed the ingredients in terms of Bible references. The recipe might have listed “2 of Job 39:14” instead of asking for 2 eggs, with the entire recipe written like this. While it was fun to look up the verses to determine what the ingredients were, we threw away the recipe as well as the cake.
I always thought it would be fun to write other recipes using Scripture verses, but never really tried to do it. In the long run, it was a lot more work to make the cake than if it had been written like a regular recipe, and some of the references were vague. So what, then, would be the advantage of writing a recipe in Bible verses?
I think that if I were to write such a recipe the only purpose would be to boost my own pride. It may give me an attitude of accomplishment for something done in my own power: proof that I knew enough Scripture, or at least how to find enough Scripture, to complete such a task. But a prideful heart does not serve God’s kingdom, even if the task does use the Bible.
There have been many times when my pride has hindered my ability to be used by God, whether in an organized ministry or an everyday opportunity. I must constantly remind myself that all ministry is ineffective if I don’t first turn it over to God. He has called me to plant seeds and to water them, not to make them grow. (“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.” 1 Cor. 3:6). Sometimes, He may ask me to be present at the Harvest, but when that happens, it is not my doing, but His.
Is it wrong to use Bible verses in a recipe? I do not think so. I do have another recipe that includes Bible verses in the instructions, but they are used to tell the Easter story. I have used this recipe to teach my children. This is a much better application of Scripture in a recipe.
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Tim 3:16-17)
I always thought it would be fun to write other recipes using Scripture verses, but never really tried to do it. In the long run, it was a lot more work to make the cake than if it had been written like a regular recipe, and some of the references were vague. So what, then, would be the advantage of writing a recipe in Bible verses?
I think that if I were to write such a recipe the only purpose would be to boost my own pride. It may give me an attitude of accomplishment for something done in my own power: proof that I knew enough Scripture, or at least how to find enough Scripture, to complete such a task. But a prideful heart does not serve God’s kingdom, even if the task does use the Bible.
There have been many times when my pride has hindered my ability to be used by God, whether in an organized ministry or an everyday opportunity. I must constantly remind myself that all ministry is ineffective if I don’t first turn it over to God. He has called me to plant seeds and to water them, not to make them grow. (“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.” 1 Cor. 3:6). Sometimes, He may ask me to be present at the Harvest, but when that happens, it is not my doing, but His.
Is it wrong to use Bible verses in a recipe? I do not think so. I do have another recipe that includes Bible verses in the instructions, but they are used to tell the Easter story. I have used this recipe to teach my children. This is a much better application of Scripture in a recipe.
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Tim 3:16-17)
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Dietary Restrictions -- Freedom
My husband and I recently had the privilege of inviting some friends over for dinner. The challenge created by this invitation meant that I needed to prepare a meal for dietary restrictions that I am not accustomed to accommodating. I bought organic fruit, organic butter, organic milk and organic flour to prepare this meal. I left all marinades off of the wild game we served for meat. My friend once told me of the health improvements her husband's doctor noticed when their marriage changed his eating habits.
I have other friends that have willingly chosen to change to their diet to include only foods available and acceptable in Biblical culture. They noticed a decrease in the symptoms of allergies and other signs of increased health.
As I think about the food restrictions that God gave in the Bible I can't help but apply the "scientific discoveries" of our day. Perhaps the most well-known of the dietary restrictions still followed by Orthodox Jews is that they are not allowed to eat pork. Today, we all know that pork has to be cooked thoroughly to kill micro-organisms that can make us sick. Ancient people would not have had this knowledge through science, so God guided them by giving them the restriction.
Just like the dietary restrictions, God's laws are always meant to protect us, rather than to limit us. One friend once shared how she fought becoming a Christian because it meant that she would have to give up all her freedom. She equated Christianity with a list of "Thou shall nots". When she surrendered her life to Christ, she found true freedom. Sometimes the freedoms we fear loosing are actually the bondage we need freedom from.
What we see as a restriction, God sees as a protection. What parent hasn't fought with their stubborn child over discipline issues? We long to protect our children from harm, even if they do not understand. I have often told my sons that I love them too much to let them get away with the behavior for which they are being disciplined. Knowing that God's laws are designed to protect us empowers us to obey them with an attitude of graditude rather than legalistic obligation. This is the heart of God when He gives us His Law: not to restrict so much as to instruct.
Will I be switching my eating habits to include only organic foods or to drink only goat's milk? No, even though the fruit did have more flavor. I don't think that I can handle that drastic of a change, at least not all at once. (And I don't like goat's milk anyway.) But I don't think it would hurt to make a few changes in my diet, and especially in my spiritual diet.
I have other friends that have willingly chosen to change to their diet to include only foods available and acceptable in Biblical culture. They noticed a decrease in the symptoms of allergies and other signs of increased health.
As I think about the food restrictions that God gave in the Bible I can't help but apply the "scientific discoveries" of our day. Perhaps the most well-known of the dietary restrictions still followed by Orthodox Jews is that they are not allowed to eat pork. Today, we all know that pork has to be cooked thoroughly to kill micro-organisms that can make us sick. Ancient people would not have had this knowledge through science, so God guided them by giving them the restriction.
Just like the dietary restrictions, God's laws are always meant to protect us, rather than to limit us. One friend once shared how she fought becoming a Christian because it meant that she would have to give up all her freedom. She equated Christianity with a list of "Thou shall nots". When she surrendered her life to Christ, she found true freedom. Sometimes the freedoms we fear loosing are actually the bondage we need freedom from.
What we see as a restriction, God sees as a protection. What parent hasn't fought with their stubborn child over discipline issues? We long to protect our children from harm, even if they do not understand. I have often told my sons that I love them too much to let them get away with the behavior for which they are being disciplined. Knowing that God's laws are designed to protect us empowers us to obey them with an attitude of graditude rather than legalistic obligation. This is the heart of God when He gives us His Law: not to restrict so much as to instruct.
Will I be switching my eating habits to include only organic foods or to drink only goat's milk? No, even though the fruit did have more flavor. I don't think that I can handle that drastic of a change, at least not all at once. (And I don't like goat's milk anyway.) But I don't think it would hurt to make a few changes in my diet, and especially in my spiritual diet.
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