It's certainly been a while... One of the last entries was about change, and I said I would be experiencing lots of change soon. I find myself and my family in the midst of "soon'-- a whirlwind of change.
We are moving to sunny South Carolina in four--yes four--days! If you knew me well in high school and beyond, you know that I have always said it is my dream to live in South Carolina. After 30 years, I wasn't sure that I would ever get there. Saying goodbye to life here is bittersweet. Although we are sad to leave behind our friends, we are excited about new life in a new place. We are so ready for this change. (I will share the events leading up to this later.)
I sit here surrounded by boxes and piles and chaos. These are things that I normally find stressful. But today, I have adopted a new perspective and find a certain comfort in the end this mess brings. It's a good thing, because I am fairly certain that we will live in this jumbled state for about three more weeks. The air is tinged with excitement, while my body is filled with physical and mental exhaustion. I wonder how I will get it all done myself while my husband travels. I will because God always gives me strength and the help of others to get the job done. I have surprised myself by the lack of tears I have shed. Maybe because I am so busy? Maybe because, despite the bumps in the road and the unpredictable possibilities, I have never once questioned this decision. This is the thing we are to do.
My schedule over the next few days may keep me from writing, but I will pick this blog-writing quest back up and with greater force once I have settled in. This graceful path is leading me to South Carolina. I hope you will follow me and my new adventures there!
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Bugs in the Sugar
The other day while I was standing at my pantry door, I happened to catch sight of the sugar canister and noticed that there were two foreign invaders present. My first thought was that someone had gotten crumbs in the sugar, but unfortunately that was not the case. Since the canister is airtight, I can only assume it was open long enough for the nasty little critters to sneak in unnoticed. Yuk! Now, I keep a super clean house, so it disturbs me that this would happen. I realize it's spring time and bugs get in, but how could they have crept in so far without my notice? I am vigilant about bugs and such! Out went the sugar and the canister was scrubbed scrupulously clean. Only good, safe sugar will do!
The whole situation got me thinking about other things that I have become keenly aware of lately. Things that had crept into my mind without detection and needed to be examined, thrown out, and replaced with the good stuff. A few months ago, I heard some teaching that seemed to be off the mark--or to be more explicit--downright bad doctrine. I can't say it isn't stuff I haven't heard before, but for some reason (and I am not willing to conjecture why) I heard it with new ears. So I went to the Bible to research and listened to some very sound Biblical teaching, and now I know what was wrong with that teaching. It really disturbs me that I have heard false teaching before and have not recognized it or questioned it, and have even passed it on. How did I come to accept it as true? How did it sneak in unnoticed?
I think the answer lies in the prevailing popular approach to modern religion-- a post-modern, seeker approach. (Disclaimer: I confess that I am not a Bible scholar, theologian, or schooled in any formal way in the topic of religion, so these are all my own conclusions drawn from some really good commentary from sound theologians and my own observations.) There are a good number of preachers and teachers who tell us what is appealing to us. They package church in a manner that makes it indistinguishable from popular culture, they fail to point out our nature as sinners in need of salvation through the atoning death of Jesus, they feed our compulsion to "do" by giving us three/five/seven ways we can appear to be a good Christian (the sin of pride comes to mind). And what I have observed most is that they make everything about US--how do we interpret the Word, what does the scripture say about or mean to us (without consideration for the context of the text), what we can do, what's our testimony--and they leave out Jesus or stick in one passage of the Bible, taken out of context, to support the point. All these things are like sugar to my complacent, self-centered, sinful nature, but they are full of bugs. What is candy to my ears may bring sickness to my soul. It is vital that we stay alert to what is taught, preached, and proposed. We are compelled to shine the light of Scripture on what we have heard. I am determined now to question, compare and contrast teaching to the Gospel, to challenge, and even to confront. This post may even seem a bit confrontational. It might appear sweet and loving for me to let it go, but we are called to confront that which is false in order to help lead others out of sin. Since I have struggled/struggle with this myself, I care that my brothers and sisters do too. Please question what you hear, go to the Bible, seek good pastoral counsel, and even gently confront. Even if that means me.
"Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently.
But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens and in
this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is
nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions." -Galatians 6:1-4a
Peace,
Mary
The whole situation got me thinking about other things that I have become keenly aware of lately. Things that had crept into my mind without detection and needed to be examined, thrown out, and replaced with the good stuff. A few months ago, I heard some teaching that seemed to be off the mark--or to be more explicit--downright bad doctrine. I can't say it isn't stuff I haven't heard before, but for some reason (and I am not willing to conjecture why) I heard it with new ears. So I went to the Bible to research and listened to some very sound Biblical teaching, and now I know what was wrong with that teaching. It really disturbs me that I have heard false teaching before and have not recognized it or questioned it, and have even passed it on. How did I come to accept it as true? How did it sneak in unnoticed?
I think the answer lies in the prevailing popular approach to modern religion-- a post-modern, seeker approach. (Disclaimer: I confess that I am not a Bible scholar, theologian, or schooled in any formal way in the topic of religion, so these are all my own conclusions drawn from some really good commentary from sound theologians and my own observations.) There are a good number of preachers and teachers who tell us what is appealing to us. They package church in a manner that makes it indistinguishable from popular culture, they fail to point out our nature as sinners in need of salvation through the atoning death of Jesus, they feed our compulsion to "do" by giving us three/five/seven ways we can appear to be a good Christian (the sin of pride comes to mind). And what I have observed most is that they make everything about US--how do we interpret the Word, what does the scripture say about or mean to us (without consideration for the context of the text), what we can do, what's our testimony--and they leave out Jesus or stick in one passage of the Bible, taken out of context, to support the point. All these things are like sugar to my complacent, self-centered, sinful nature, but they are full of bugs. What is candy to my ears may bring sickness to my soul. It is vital that we stay alert to what is taught, preached, and proposed. We are compelled to shine the light of Scripture on what we have heard. I am determined now to question, compare and contrast teaching to the Gospel, to challenge, and even to confront. This post may even seem a bit confrontational. It might appear sweet and loving for me to let it go, but we are called to confront that which is false in order to help lead others out of sin. Since I have struggled/struggle with this myself, I care that my brothers and sisters do too. Please question what you hear, go to the Bible, seek good pastoral counsel, and even gently confront. Even if that means me.
"Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently.
But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens and in
this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is
nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions." -Galatians 6:1-4a
Peace,
Mary
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Ch-ch-ch- ch-changes
It's been a while since I've written. It's not really on purpose, but sometimes life moves at a pace with which my mind can't really keep up. I am still processing it and formulating thoughts and feelings about it all. I find myself spinning and zigzagging to face the changes that are flying at me now. I ponder what changes God and life have brought and the choices I have made to create changes in my life over the last few years. Some were subtle, some were monumental. And I look now at what is unfolding before us with both excitement and slight anxiety for the unknown.
In some ways my life looks much different now than two years ago. Then I was extremely unhappy working a full-time job that did not offer any satisfaction but emotionally and physically took everything I had to make it through a day--It was not the work, but the people and their manipulations and squabbling who were literally driving me to the brink of my sanity and draining me. (By the way, reliable resources say this work environment is still the same.) Today, I work part-time as a substitute teacher and love it! I have more time with my family and the place I work is a professional environment where healthy boundaries exist and mutual respect is shown. My children are much happier to have me with them (yes,even at school together) and fully attentive and mostly compassionate (because I am still challenged there). My husband, who travels almost constantly, is thrilled that I can be with him when he does get a few days at home.
This morning, in my comfy over-sized chair, it dawned on me that next year my life will look a lot different from now, from two years ago, from ever before. And I realized that when you are younger, your life does naturally change at a much more rapid pace. Many people graduate high school, earn their college degree, enter the work force, and maybe even marry in the period of four or five years. I did. After that, the big changes usually occur at a slower pace. By the time you reach your forties, you've mostly settled in so you may help your children adjust to their changes and deal with the impact their changes bring to you. Being an observer to the changes your children experience is challenging enough!
But the old axiom is true, as long as we are living and breathing, we are changing. (Thank you, God!) I know I am not the only one who finds myself making big transitions at this stage of life. Collectively we find ourselves here for a myriad of reasons, sometimes a combination of more than one. It's the economy and its casualties, a midlife or health crisis, a spiritual wake-up call, a redefining of values and priorities, a new vocational calling, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, a heart's true desire, or you fill in the blank. Whatever the reason, we are not alone. I am in the company of other people, and most importantly, God.
While my changes are good and my emotions about them are mostly positive, still I have to be careful not to rush through the now to get to the "when". And when those moments of anxiety about the unknown and the future creep in, I must remember that God is in control and that I am able to be in constant communion with Him. The devotional I read, Jesus Calling: Seeking Peace in His Presence, reminded me yesterday.
You are on the path of My choosing. There is no randomness about your life. Here
and Now comprise the coordinates of your daily life. Most people let their moments
slip through their fingers, half-lived. They avoid the present by worrying about the future
or longing for a better time and place. They forget that they are creatures who are sub-
ject to the limitations of time and space. They forget their Creator, who walks with them
only in the present.
Enjoy this day!
Mary
In some ways my life looks much different now than two years ago. Then I was extremely unhappy working a full-time job that did not offer any satisfaction but emotionally and physically took everything I had to make it through a day--It was not the work, but the people and their manipulations and squabbling who were literally driving me to the brink of my sanity and draining me. (By the way, reliable resources say this work environment is still the same.) Today, I work part-time as a substitute teacher and love it! I have more time with my family and the place I work is a professional environment where healthy boundaries exist and mutual respect is shown. My children are much happier to have me with them (yes,even at school together) and fully attentive and mostly compassionate (because I am still challenged there). My husband, who travels almost constantly, is thrilled that I can be with him when he does get a few days at home.
This morning, in my comfy over-sized chair, it dawned on me that next year my life will look a lot different from now, from two years ago, from ever before. And I realized that when you are younger, your life does naturally change at a much more rapid pace. Many people graduate high school, earn their college degree, enter the work force, and maybe even marry in the period of four or five years. I did. After that, the big changes usually occur at a slower pace. By the time you reach your forties, you've mostly settled in so you may help your children adjust to their changes and deal with the impact their changes bring to you. Being an observer to the changes your children experience is challenging enough!
But the old axiom is true, as long as we are living and breathing, we are changing. (Thank you, God!) I know I am not the only one who finds myself making big transitions at this stage of life. Collectively we find ourselves here for a myriad of reasons, sometimes a combination of more than one. It's the economy and its casualties, a midlife or health crisis, a spiritual wake-up call, a redefining of values and priorities, a new vocational calling, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, a heart's true desire, or you fill in the blank. Whatever the reason, we are not alone. I am in the company of other people, and most importantly, God.
While my changes are good and my emotions about them are mostly positive, still I have to be careful not to rush through the now to get to the "when". And when those moments of anxiety about the unknown and the future creep in, I must remember that God is in control and that I am able to be in constant communion with Him. The devotional I read, Jesus Calling: Seeking Peace in His Presence, reminded me yesterday.
You are on the path of My choosing. There is no randomness about your life. Here
and Now comprise the coordinates of your daily life. Most people let their moments
slip through their fingers, half-lived. They avoid the present by worrying about the future
or longing for a better time and place. They forget that they are creatures who are sub-
ject to the limitations of time and space. They forget their Creator, who walks with them
only in the present.
Enjoy this day!
Mary
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Easter cake and thoughts a la mode
It's been over a week since my last post, and the thoughts still swirl about my head. I suppose one could argue that I would have plenty to write about with all that pondering going on, but I think all bloggers edit what we share prior to sitting down at the keyboard. My blog is a genuine glimpse into my life, but not all my thoughts go here--sometimes for my own good, sometimes for yours. Often, it's a matter of timing and what's appropriate when. Having put that out there, I realize it makes you wonder what on earth I am talking about. I will share my thoughts over time. (Patience is not my virtue either, I must admit.)
Today my thoughts are rather random.
First, I hope that everyone had a lovely Easter. This Easter I decided to bake and take a hummingbird cake to my parents for dinner. Easter dinner included all sorts of yummy food, including the required ham and deviled eggs. Here's the cake. I used the recipe featured in Southern Lady magazine-- a great magazine, by the way.
Secondly, I am rather fascinated with extreme couponing and the folks who do it. I suspect my food choices and the coupons offered don't match up too well, so my savings would be rather minimal. I do use coupons as much as possible, but I think about challenging myself to planning meals and shopping according to the sales and coupons one week. It must be pretty exhilarating to shop for the whole month on what I spend in one week. Think of what I could save doing this just one week a month. Hmmm?
Thirdly, as I sit here I am watching TV. It is something I don't do a whole lot of, and I am tuned into Food TV, which is in line with my typical fare. (Oh, that was unintentionally punny!) Anyway, a PopTart commercial came on several minutes ago, and it rather appalled me. And not because of the complete lack of nutritional value or the overabundance of preservatives and artificial flavors. It was the advertising technique. The song playing was "I'm Too Sexy" and the implication is that choosing the right flavor adds to your sex appeal. Now, I know plenty of adults eat PopTarts, but the target crowd is the under 12 set. One of the last things I want is for advertisers to use sex to sell breakfast food to three year-olds. And I do not want to witness a toddler in the grocery aisle singing said song as he picks out his strawberry toaster treats. (I really have nothing against PopTarts and have in the past indulged in the cinnamon frosted variety. They are rather tasty. It's the advertising that makes me crazy!) I have to add here that if this commercial is targeted to the adult audience, that a significant amount of irony lies in the fact that the consumption of toaster treats may add several un-sexy inches to the adult waistline rather quickly. Just sayin'.
Well, I am sure that you have had enough of my random wonderings for now. I hope you have a wonderful day!
Today my thoughts are rather random.
First, I hope that everyone had a lovely Easter. This Easter I decided to bake and take a hummingbird cake to my parents for dinner. Easter dinner included all sorts of yummy food, including the required ham and deviled eggs. Here's the cake. I used the recipe featured in Southern Lady magazine-- a great magazine, by the way.
Secondly, I am rather fascinated with extreme couponing and the folks who do it. I suspect my food choices and the coupons offered don't match up too well, so my savings would be rather minimal. I do use coupons as much as possible, but I think about challenging myself to planning meals and shopping according to the sales and coupons one week. It must be pretty exhilarating to shop for the whole month on what I spend in one week. Think of what I could save doing this just one week a month. Hmmm?
Thirdly, as I sit here I am watching TV. It is something I don't do a whole lot of, and I am tuned into Food TV, which is in line with my typical fare. (Oh, that was unintentionally punny!) Anyway, a PopTart commercial came on several minutes ago, and it rather appalled me. And not because of the complete lack of nutritional value or the overabundance of preservatives and artificial flavors. It was the advertising technique. The song playing was "I'm Too Sexy" and the implication is that choosing the right flavor adds to your sex appeal. Now, I know plenty of adults eat PopTarts, but the target crowd is the under 12 set. One of the last things I want is for advertisers to use sex to sell breakfast food to three year-olds. And I do not want to witness a toddler in the grocery aisle singing said song as he picks out his strawberry toaster treats. (I really have nothing against PopTarts and have in the past indulged in the cinnamon frosted variety. They are rather tasty. It's the advertising that makes me crazy!) I have to add here that if this commercial is targeted to the adult audience, that a significant amount of irony lies in the fact that the consumption of toaster treats may add several un-sexy inches to the adult waistline rather quickly. Just sayin'.
Well, I am sure that you have had enough of my random wonderings for now. I hope you have a wonderful day!
Friday, March 30, 2012
The Super Taster and the Contrite Heart
Wow! It's been a while! The last couple weeks have been filled with much physical and mental activity. I am still swirling about. I really want to blog regularly, but that will probably be a challenge until summer.
Today, I would like to introduce the Super Taster. This is my son, Evan. He is 16! I can't believe it! Isn't he handsome? I wish you could see the amazing eyelashes on this guy! The boys always get them, don't they?
For much of his life, we have carried on the great battle of Diet. He likes what we call the yellow food group-- bananas, bread, mac and cheese, chicken nuggets, cheese slices, applesauce, corn, and plain vanilla ice cream. Add pizza, plain cheeseburgers, milk chocolate, pudding, and Oreos for a little variety. That about sums it up. Bland! Pair that with a couple of parents who eat just about anything, have no qualms about trying new food, and desperately want their children to eat healthfully, and you have some serious opposition. I am just being honest when I tell you there have been tears, yelling, warnings against malnutrition, and even groundings. Our latest threat was a trip to a nutritionist and psychologist for help in overcoming whatever issue might really lie behind this problem. There is only one other person than my son that I have ever seen with such a violent gag reaction and attitude toward condiments--my father. Then suddenly, last week it clicked. And in a conversation with my father, the light bulb turned on. Recently, my father learned he is a super taster. And guess what? My son is apparently a super taster too! (About 25% of the population is.) We are awaiting one more little test to confirm it, but everything else indicates it. He can't really help it, he was made to like bland food and be overwhelmed by strong flavors.
I can tell you that my son is thrilled that we are no longer threatening and fussing. The stress level at the dinner table has fallen. But I must admit that I am still a little worried about his nutrition, so we are insisting he take vitamins. What I was feeling was pretty lousy and contrite after all these years of battle! My husband and I both slept poorly the night we made the discovery--oh, the guilt! Had I put two and two together sooner, well... I am grateful that my children are both so forgiving of our parental mistakes!
Sometimes I think we find it most difficult to walk in the shoes of those closest to us. Our loved ones can be the hardest to understand because we have an expectation that they are like us and they think like us. I pray I don't give my children too much to be frustrated by, and that they will always know they are loved. Even in our differences and, especially, because of our individuality.
Today, I would like to introduce the Super Taster. This is my son, Evan. He is 16! I can't believe it! Isn't he handsome? I wish you could see the amazing eyelashes on this guy! The boys always get them, don't they?
For much of his life, we have carried on the great battle of Diet. He likes what we call the yellow food group-- bananas, bread, mac and cheese, chicken nuggets, cheese slices, applesauce, corn, and plain vanilla ice cream. Add pizza, plain cheeseburgers, milk chocolate, pudding, and Oreos for a little variety. That about sums it up. Bland! Pair that with a couple of parents who eat just about anything, have no qualms about trying new food, and desperately want their children to eat healthfully, and you have some serious opposition. I am just being honest when I tell you there have been tears, yelling, warnings against malnutrition, and even groundings. Our latest threat was a trip to a nutritionist and psychologist for help in overcoming whatever issue might really lie behind this problem. There is only one other person than my son that I have ever seen with such a violent gag reaction and attitude toward condiments--my father. Then suddenly, last week it clicked. And in a conversation with my father, the light bulb turned on. Recently, my father learned he is a super taster. And guess what? My son is apparently a super taster too! (About 25% of the population is.) We are awaiting one more little test to confirm it, but everything else indicates it. He can't really help it, he was made to like bland food and be overwhelmed by strong flavors.
I can tell you that my son is thrilled that we are no longer threatening and fussing. The stress level at the dinner table has fallen. But I must admit that I am still a little worried about his nutrition, so we are insisting he take vitamins. What I was feeling was pretty lousy and contrite after all these years of battle! My husband and I both slept poorly the night we made the discovery--oh, the guilt! Had I put two and two together sooner, well... I am grateful that my children are both so forgiving of our parental mistakes!
Sometimes I think we find it most difficult to walk in the shoes of those closest to us. Our loved ones can be the hardest to understand because we have an expectation that they are like us and they think like us. I pray I don't give my children too much to be frustrated by, and that they will always know they are loved. Even in our differences and, especially, because of our individuality.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Receiving the Pearls
I've been finding it difficult to write a post about The Pearl Event on Saturday. I want to capture it with my words, but I can't rightly do so. I think the best approach is to write about part of my take-away experience. I will try to give it some of the justice it deserves. There was much to be gained from what was shared, and everyone who attended walked away with their own set of pearls (literally and figuratively).
Friday night was the night to informally meet and talk with the speakers, three of which are my favorite bloggers. Sibi, is just warmth, grace, sparkles, sweetness, and beauty wrapped up into one. She's a true pearl, whose testimony will leave you stunned and full of hope. Paige is one lady I have loved from the moment I read her blog. She's so gorgeous, hip, down-to-earth, creative, and full of life. Paige made me feel loved! I wish we lived closer, because I feel a special connection to her. She and Sibi hug me the way I love to be hugged-- completely enveloped and long-lasting. And Edie-- superwoman-- energetic, intellectual yet not intimidating, stylish, awesome decorator, warm, and funny. Who could not love this woman? I want to be in her circle of close friends!
Saturday was the actual Event. Five wonderful speakers, each with a special story to tell. Each brought tears to my eyes. When I tried to reflect on the experience to my husband, I realized some major lessons that I felt the Holy Spirit was bringing to me through these women. Most of these were tied very clearly to the points that Paige made in her message. Find my voice and tell my story now, even though I may feel insignificant and my story may still not be fully written. Share even when I am still walking through the fire. God is writing my story. He has the perfect plan; He is the perfect author. Trust in Him. Jane Matthews shared a quote from Bill Johnson that applies here (I hope I got this down right): "Sometimes the willingness to do what I am not qualified to do, qualifies me."
Edie shared that we should not be afraid to "live on the edge" through suffering, trials, and risking our vulnerability to others. "Suffering causes us to live on the edge in real life." God wants us living on the edge. I felt she was saying that our vulnerability leads others to vulnerability and opens us all to the love and grace of God. (This day was possible because Sibi, Jane, Sarah, Paige, and Edie were willing to allow God to speak through their vulnerabilities.) Edie also talked about how being vulnerable through her blogging was a form of living life on the edge. That really spoke to me, because it is one of the goals that I have for blogging. I feel the need to answer this call in my face-to-face life too. (There's a blog post or 90 million being written in my mind to follow.) As if in confirmation, the devotional I started this year, Jesus Calling: Seeking Peace in His Presence, offered me this the following morning: "If you live your life too safely, you will never know the thrill of seeing Me work through you. When I gave you My Spirit, I empowered you to live beyond your natural ability and strength."
One universal theme throughout the Event was the need to lay all at His feet. If there is anything that we feel we can't live without, that is our idol. Each of these women have seen the thing they thought they couldn't survive without taken from them in one form or another: death, disease, fire, rejection, abandonment. Each, not only survived, but with the grace of God, have emerged as His beautiful Pearls! I must confess this is a tender subject. I don't like to think too much about what my idols may be, and I think I am not alone. But as I sat listening to Edie speak about watching her beloved home being swallowed by fire, I felt a sense of peace about the laying down of some of my own idols. For about four years, I suffered terrible anxiety about the potential loss of two idols. In recent months, I have lain these things at the feet of Jesus (sometimes daily). At
that moment on Saturday, I shed tears of relief and release. Although these things have not been taken from me, I know that God is in control and I will more than survive if they are taken away tomorrow.
The lightning and thunder are rolling in now, and I fear I might lose all this if I don't make haste and post this. And I should probably unplug this computer to keep it from a potential zapping. Before I go, I want to encourage you today, no matter what storm you might be in the midst of, to reach out--whether it's to help, or to ask for help. Be vulnerable to God and to others.
Big, warm hugs!
Mary
Friday night was the night to informally meet and talk with the speakers, three of which are my favorite bloggers. Sibi, is just warmth, grace, sparkles, sweetness, and beauty wrapped up into one. She's a true pearl, whose testimony will leave you stunned and full of hope. Paige is one lady I have loved from the moment I read her blog. She's so gorgeous, hip, down-to-earth, creative, and full of life. Paige made me feel loved! I wish we lived closer, because I feel a special connection to her. She and Sibi hug me the way I love to be hugged-- completely enveloped and long-lasting. And Edie-- superwoman-- energetic, intellectual yet not intimidating, stylish, awesome decorator, warm, and funny. Who could not love this woman? I want to be in her circle of close friends!
Saturday was the actual Event. Five wonderful speakers, each with a special story to tell. Each brought tears to my eyes. When I tried to reflect on the experience to my husband, I realized some major lessons that I felt the Holy Spirit was bringing to me through these women. Most of these were tied very clearly to the points that Paige made in her message. Find my voice and tell my story now, even though I may feel insignificant and my story may still not be fully written. Share even when I am still walking through the fire. God is writing my story. He has the perfect plan; He is the perfect author. Trust in Him. Jane Matthews shared a quote from Bill Johnson that applies here (I hope I got this down right): "Sometimes the willingness to do what I am not qualified to do, qualifies me."
Edie shared that we should not be afraid to "live on the edge" through suffering, trials, and risking our vulnerability to others. "Suffering causes us to live on the edge in real life." God wants us living on the edge. I felt she was saying that our vulnerability leads others to vulnerability and opens us all to the love and grace of God. (This day was possible because Sibi, Jane, Sarah, Paige, and Edie were willing to allow God to speak through their vulnerabilities.) Edie also talked about how being vulnerable through her blogging was a form of living life on the edge. That really spoke to me, because it is one of the goals that I have for blogging. I feel the need to answer this call in my face-to-face life too. (There's a blog post or 90 million being written in my mind to follow.) As if in confirmation, the devotional I started this year, Jesus Calling: Seeking Peace in His Presence, offered me this the following morning: "If you live your life too safely, you will never know the thrill of seeing Me work through you. When I gave you My Spirit, I empowered you to live beyond your natural ability and strength."
One universal theme throughout the Event was the need to lay all at His feet. If there is anything that we feel we can't live without, that is our idol. Each of these women have seen the thing they thought they couldn't survive without taken from them in one form or another: death, disease, fire, rejection, abandonment. Each, not only survived, but with the grace of God, have emerged as His beautiful Pearls! I must confess this is a tender subject. I don't like to think too much about what my idols may be, and I think I am not alone. But as I sat listening to Edie speak about watching her beloved home being swallowed by fire, I felt a sense of peace about the laying down of some of my own idols. For about four years, I suffered terrible anxiety about the potential loss of two idols. In recent months, I have lain these things at the feet of Jesus (sometimes daily). At
that moment on Saturday, I shed tears of relief and release. Although these things have not been taken from me, I know that God is in control and I will more than survive if they are taken away tomorrow.
The lightning and thunder are rolling in now, and I fear I might lose all this if I don't make haste and post this. And I should probably unplug this computer to keep it from a potential zapping. Before I go, I want to encourage you today, no matter what storm you might be in the midst of, to reach out--whether it's to help, or to ask for help. Be vulnerable to God and to others.
Big, warm hugs!
Mary
Monday, March 12, 2012
Catching Up and a Dessert Recipe
I am back from The Pearl Event, and WOW!, it was awesome! I am still processing all I heard and learned, and I am contemplating the ways the Holy Spirit spoke to me through the ladies who shared. What wonderful, beautiful women the speakers are! I will share more in the days to come once I have caught up here at home, and I am able to do it some justice. Believe me, I could go on for days! I am so grateful for the opportunity to have gone to Nashville for The Pearl Event!
In the meantime, here's a little treat we like at our house. It's a super easy chocolate pastry.
Place the pastries on a greased or sprayed baking sheet, fold side down.
Beat one egg with one tablespoon water and brush over the top of each pastry.
Bake for 22-25 in a 425 degree oven.
When the pastries have cooled for about 5 minutes, melt 1/4 cup of chocolate pieces and a dab of shortening in the microwave. Stir together and using a spoon, drizzle the chocolate over the top of the pastries.
Enjoy!
In the meantime, here's a little treat we like at our house. It's a super easy chocolate pastry.
1/2 package puff pastry-- I use Pepperidge Farm from the freezer section
Thaw according to package, then divide into 9 sections
Semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
Place as many chocolate pieces as you like in the center of the pastry, then fold the pastry over almost halfway, leaving about an inch to fold over and seal the end closed. Pinch the sides down to seal.Place the pastries on a greased or sprayed baking sheet, fold side down.
Beat one egg with one tablespoon water and brush over the top of each pastry.
Bake for 22-25 in a 425 degree oven.
When the pastries have cooled for about 5 minutes, melt 1/4 cup of chocolate pieces and a dab of shortening in the microwave. Stir together and using a spoon, drizzle the chocolate over the top of the pastries.
Enjoy!
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