Last night I made shrimp and grits for Matt and I to enjoy with our bottle of wine.
We hadn't had a chance to hang out and talk recently and it was a great time. Its totally worth it to spend special time with my husband.
Sometimes when I cook I am looking for a WOW! This is awesome! response from him and am disappointed when I don't get it. But, last night I was able to make something that I even said "Wow!" to. If you are looking for a new recipe, this one is great and not too difficult to make.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Encouragement for Today
I am reading a book for Lent that is helping me to reflect each morning. Today the verses are from Psalm 32...
For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory. The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise and watch over you. Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control." Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord.
Initially, I got a few creepy craw-lies inside because I thought I might get the impression that if I just believe and trust in God that my life will be "happy" or "good" and free from trouble... but, that isn't what the author pointed out. It was in the midst of deep struggle that he read this verse and was comforted, called more to see how during the midst of strife there were songs of victory and unfailing love. Sometimes it takes longer to see/appreciate/understand/ etc. these things. But, I do believe they are there in ways that may be a bit different that how we envisioned them.
Trust, faith, hope...
For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory. The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise and watch over you. Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control." Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord.
Initially, I got a few creepy craw-lies inside because I thought I might get the impression that if I just believe and trust in God that my life will be "happy" or "good" and free from trouble... but, that isn't what the author pointed out. It was in the midst of deep struggle that he read this verse and was comforted, called more to see how during the midst of strife there were songs of victory and unfailing love. Sometimes it takes longer to see/appreciate/understand/ etc. these things. But, I do believe they are there in ways that may be a bit different that how we envisioned them.
Trust, faith, hope...
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Conflict
I was talking with a couple of friends this morning and we started really struggling with how to deal with conflict in our lives.
Specifically, conflict with people whom are in authority roles over us. What do we do?
I began pointing to passages in scripture that talk about how Christ humbled himself, to the point of death on a cross, taking on the nature of a servant; but, was countered with passages where Jesus confronted the Pharisees and called them a "brood of vipers".
One of my friends pointed out that Jesus' conflict and humility had a purpose. Both his death and his confrontation were for the sake of the gospel.
My question now is: How does this help me practically in my day to day situations?
I think it does, I'm just trying to figure out how.
Specifically, conflict with people whom are in authority roles over us. What do we do?
I began pointing to passages in scripture that talk about how Christ humbled himself, to the point of death on a cross, taking on the nature of a servant; but, was countered with passages where Jesus confronted the Pharisees and called them a "brood of vipers".
One of my friends pointed out that Jesus' conflict and humility had a purpose. Both his death and his confrontation were for the sake of the gospel.
My question now is: How does this help me practically in my day to day situations?
I think it does, I'm just trying to figure out how.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
A story from a friend
I have a close friend who is an author. She may be a bit shy of me calling her that, but I just finished reading her 155 page book. It isn't published yet, but should be in the near future. I think I enjoyed parts of it more than I would have if I hadn't known who wrote it, it was like I could hear her speaking the parts of several characters.
“What do you get when you try and tell other people’s stories before ever acknowledging your own? A whole lot of fluff. Sure, the facts and figures, people and places sound good and noteworthy, but they’re all full of air. There’s no juice or momentum behind the words, and although people may find your writing glamorous or informational, it’s unlikely they’ll be touched by a story that was so untouched by you.
I grew up writing, and while I did so, I remained untouched by the events I covered, the people I talked to, and the places I visited. I thought it would be my livlihood to continue to report news to people. Now I know I’m more impressed with telling a story in its fullness. I’ve learned to let go of some of the facts and show opinions. I’ve found it’s better to allow a character to feel something now and then.
My own story is long and was not my intention for this piece at all. It seems unjust if I focus on myself instead of the two lives I decided to highlight in the beginning. However, I believe there will be a time and a place for me to tell their stories, for they have wrapped their lives around mine in a way I cannot fully describe. For now, I will try to sum up what I’ve learned.
Each person owns his or her story, but some need a little help telling it. Some people are born artists and others intellectuals. I was born a storyteller.
My story is painfully complex and completely simple at the same time. I was born to good, hard working parents. I’ve been loved and appreciated. I haven’t lived long, but sometimes I feel like I’ve had to take on enough for two lives. I’ve had a lot of friends, but never been close to any of them until I met three special people, two that I now know well, and one that I feel I’ll never really know. I don’t even know if her name is her real name. I don’t think I’ll ever ask her, either, because if it’s a pen name or a made up name, it’s a pretty good one. Her name is an oxymoron for who she is. There’s not a bit of sourness in this person at all. She allowed me, and all of us who met her this year, to view life in the clearest way. It’s another oxymoron actually, that life is understood most clearly when muddling through dirty water. What is true and good, but sometimes a little messy is found in the gray space, not in the black and white.”
She gave me permission to post a snip-it here. This is the conclusion, basically an adolescent girls take on life after attempting to learn from others. Enjoy...
“What do you get when you try and tell other people’s stories before ever acknowledging your own? A whole lot of fluff. Sure, the facts and figures, people and places sound good and noteworthy, but they’re all full of air. There’s no juice or momentum behind the words, and although people may find your writing glamorous or informational, it’s unlikely they’ll be touched by a story that was so untouched by you.
I grew up writing, and while I did so, I remained untouched by the events I covered, the people I talked to, and the places I visited. I thought it would be my livlihood to continue to report news to people. Now I know I’m more impressed with telling a story in its fullness. I’ve learned to let go of some of the facts and show opinions. I’ve found it’s better to allow a character to feel something now and then.
My own story is long and was not my intention for this piece at all. It seems unjust if I focus on myself instead of the two lives I decided to highlight in the beginning. However, I believe there will be a time and a place for me to tell their stories, for they have wrapped their lives around mine in a way I cannot fully describe. For now, I will try to sum up what I’ve learned.
Each person owns his or her story, but some need a little help telling it. Some people are born artists and others intellectuals. I was born a storyteller.
My story is painfully complex and completely simple at the same time. I was born to good, hard working parents. I’ve been loved and appreciated. I haven’t lived long, but sometimes I feel like I’ve had to take on enough for two lives. I’ve had a lot of friends, but never been close to any of them until I met three special people, two that I now know well, and one that I feel I’ll never really know. I don’t even know if her name is her real name. I don’t think I’ll ever ask her, either, because if it’s a pen name or a made up name, it’s a pretty good one. Her name is an oxymoron for who she is. There’s not a bit of sourness in this person at all. She allowed me, and all of us who met her this year, to view life in the clearest way. It’s another oxymoron actually, that life is understood most clearly when muddling through dirty water. What is true and good, but sometimes a little messy is found in the gray space, not in the black and white.”
Monday, February 4, 2008
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Ground Zero
Century 21 is in the heart of the financial district of NYC. Its the last stop on the subway (E), in case anyone else wants to go.
Across the street from the shopping frenzy is Ground Zero.
My mom and I took some time to look at the pictures and reflect on the occurrences. Its pretty sobering to be in the midst of life and then just stop and think about the impact that one day has had on our nation (both profound and none at all).
I remember coming back from cheerleading practice and watching the news while stretching. I actually saw the second plane fly into the tower. It was so surreal. The first thing I did was call my dad. I thought he would be able to tell me exactly what was going on and what to do about it. He was comforting, but probably just as confused as I was.
What do you think we have learned from this?
What did you take away from it?
Where do you think we are now?
Friday, February 1, 2008
Perspective
Its not about me...
Its not about you...
So, what is "it" about?
Trusting our Creator... Seeking truth... Extending compassion... Embracing freedom... Accepting and offering redemption...
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