Kindred Food Experience

I was at the local health-food store last night (buying ingredients for the organic fudge I'm going to make for my family, yes I know, "organic" and "fudge" probably don't go together, but I thought it would be better for us than traditional chemical-laden fudge...) and the man at the register saw my chocolate chips and asked, "So, are you going to use those in something or just eat them?  Because I always keep a bag in the freezer and have some every time I pass by."  And I thought I was the only one! 

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life...

What would it be?  I have thought about this as I observe dogs eat.  They get so excited each day for the same thing.  Is there one food that I could get really excited about every day?  I suppose it would be difficult to find something that was nutritionally complete though.

I am officially the biggest dork I know

Yes, really. I received an email today from someone at my church saying that "college and young adult people" would be watching a football game at the church (our home-town college is at some super-championship thing). Now, going somewhere where I don't know anyone to watch a football game (I don't like football) terrifies me, but I thought it would be good to make some friends and pretend to be social. I even made some guacamole to bring (which I admit was kind of a security blanket...holding guacamole makes me feel secure, yes I have problems). So I get there, set down my guacamole and have a set. After 15 minutes it becomes clear that everyone is either in junior high, high school or early college. There are a few older people there, but everyone is watching the game. So whatever prospect of meeting people seemed somewhat hopeless at that point. And so I leave! I know, I shouldn't have left, that was stupid of me, but I got scared and didn't know what else to do. A complication: my guacamole was in one of my housemate's bowls, but I couldn't take my food (that I just brought) with me, so I left it there, went to Wal-Mart and bought a new bowl. Yes, that is why I am the biggest dork I know.

Bible Fun

In Song of Solomon 6:6 the handsome lover is talking about some of the reasons he finds his bride-to-be so lovely:

 

"Your teeth are like a flock of ewes that have come up from the washing; all of them bear twins; not one among them has lots its young."

 

Isn't that the most romantic way you've ever heard someone say, "Your white teeth are great, and none of them are missing!" 

 

So anyway, I just thought that was funny.

Two websites about Biblical manhood/womanhood with free articles to read

http://www.cbeinternational.org/ 

http://www.cbmw.org/

 

SpongeBob Cake

Good comment response

I wanted to thank the good commenters of my last post, I appreciated all of them.  And it was especially exciting to see that someone other than Joanna or Rachna has visited my blog!  It is good to hear about how other churches are.  I think I have been disappointed and cynical about the one I am currently attending lately. 

Blog for my Faithful Readers

I thought since Josephina has a link to me, I should write every now and then…

I am sorry to disappoint, but I just don't have very many thoughts to share.  However, I thought of something I have been thinking about lately that I could write down.

The other day at church, the minister/pastor/person-at-the-front was commenting on how energy costs would be increasing this winter and how everyone would probably have to expect to pay more money for their heating bills.  This is what I was thinking in my head, "Soon they will mention a way for people to be supported during this difficult winter - perhaps a special offering to help pay for heating bills or something like that."  Therefore I was not expecting what would come next, "Since heating costs will rise this winter, we need to make sure to be ever-faithful in our tithing, because we also need to heat the church."  (Not exactly what they said, but the same idea).  Yikes that frustrated me. 

Why is it necessary for people to help pay to heat a (very) large building that is probably only used maybe 20 hours a week?  Most homes have someone (maybe only a pet) in them most of the day long while I have had sanctuary lights turn off on me while conversing with a fellow church-goer after church so they could lock the doors and close up shop! 

Now, this issue would not be an issue if another idea of mine was implemented.  A short story to illustrate my point:

        It is a cold Saturday evening, with first snowflakes of winter beginning to swirl about the streetlights.  Walking down the empty street is a (homeless man/teenager kicked out of home for the night/poor college student/enter needy person of choice here).  Hands in the pockets of his too-thin coat, he walks quickly down the street, aiming for no particular destination but simply to keep warm.  He sees a woman ahead, small plastic letters at her feet.  She seems to be putting them on a signboard of some sort.  "First Christian Church" the signboard says.  Not wanting attention, he puts his head further down into his chest and starts counting the sidewalk cracks. 

        "Good evening!"  the letter woman calls out.  Disappointed he has been noticed, the man raises his head slightly, still hoping it was someone else the woman was talking to.  "You, sir?"  She tries again.  He has definitely been found out and looks up once more and meets the gaze of this woman, putting letters on the signboard.  "It sure is a cold one tonight, isn't it?"  she says, looking at his hands in his pocket.  He nods, acknowledging her but continuing to walk quickly, hoping to pass her and the conversation he doesn't want to have.  "You know, I was putting up this sign, I meant to do it earlier, but have been busy all day.  It's about a special service we are having tomorrow morning.  It's going to be great!  We're even having a potluck lunch afterwards."  He nods again, trying to walk more quickly, still hoping she will stop talking soon so he can continue on his journey.  "Maybe you would be interested in coming sir?  It starts at 8 AM.  Oh, and don't be worried about dressing up, we're very open here and welcome all types, not that you are any particular type.  It's just, we want everyone to feel welcome.  You know, it's supposed to be a cold day tomorrow too, so even if you stop by just to have lunch or want to be in a warm place with other people, please feel welcome to come." 

Well, I'm not very good at story telling so I will stop there, but basically, wouldn't it be nice if the church could actually be open to people in need at all times, not just on Sunday morning?  Someone is paying to heat these huge buildings week-round and no one gets to use it!  Very disappointing.  I think they should offer "free housing" for anyone who wants it.  Tenants could work for their rent, maybe 5-10 hours a week, cleaning, kitchen duty, I don't know.  I'm sure there is opportunity to be taken advantage of, of course, but it still seems like a better display of God's love in action than what I currently see.

Well that probably wasn't very well formed…but those are some thoughts from today...

A nychthemeron in the life of Julia

4:30 AM   –   wake up and realize I still have 1.5 hours to sleep!

6:00 AM   –   wake up & hit the snooze button :(

6:15 AM   –   Get up

6:30 AM   –   travel to work

7:30 AM   –   start working

10:00 AM –   start blog entry for today upon learning new word, nychthemeron

First sock day :(

Today was the first day (since probably May) that I have worn socks :(  Fall has officially begun. 

Goodbye tanned toes!

Farewell foot freedom...

Plucky woman victorious again!

I rode my bike across the state of Indiana last Saturday, 168 miles!!  Wee-hoo!  It is pretty amazing to see what this weak body can accomplish.  God has been so gracious to me, as I learn to be healthy... 

New books to read...

The Female Cyclist

        Apparently I, too, can become a world-class cyclist!

Beyond Sex Roles by Gilbert Bilezikian

I was interested in this book when I bought it, but I am not sure if it will address current questions I have.  I plan to read it anyway in my “spare time”

Captivating by the John and Stasi Eldridge

        I am skeptical about this one...the cover is pretty and I would like to be captivating, but I’m just not sure about it...

I have a few others too, but cannot remember their names :( 

       

New baby!

Carson T. was born on June 26! I got to watch the birth also! It was very amazing and exciting. I am very proud of my sister, she didn’t need an epidural! Well, I wanted to share... :) I am trying to add a picture..but don't see it...

Plucky woman wins again!

Plucky Woman vs. Wimpy Woman   

News report: Plucky Woman was victorious over Wimpy Woman this past Saturday morning!  Wielding powerful weapons of bad weather reports and the fearful “you can’t ride your bike in the RAIN!” Wimpy Woman engaged Plucky Woman in a fierce battle in the early morning.  However, Plucky Woman surprised the enemy with a new raincoat and a cheerful disposition and rode 60 miles to victory in what turned out to be a gentle Iowa rainstorm....more news to follow as the story progresses.

Mutual submission or hierarchy in the trinity?

What do you think?  Do you believe the Son submits to the Father?  Or that they mutually submit to one another?  Or do you think something else? 

I have just discovered there are different views on this and would like to see what my faithful readers think :)

Swiss Family Robinson

Has anyone (ok, J.) read this book? I started it a while ago and like it, but the "colonialization" mentality of the family is somewhat disconcerting. Though they seem to have an appreciation of the native Island they are stranded on (new foods, materials, etc.) they still strive to transform this island into their native land. It is probably the same thing we would all do though?

Plucky Women Website

http://americancivilwar.com/women/women.html

Add a story...

        Wispy clouds formed a lattice of blue and white in the warm spring sky, much like Grandmother Rebecca’s picnic tablecloth from last Fourth of July.  The emerald stalks of grass pushing their way to the heavens competed with the small seedlings in the side garden, already gaining their freedom from the dark soil into the warm daylight.  Puah was trying to absorb it all; the sunlight, the blossoming scents of spring but most of all the colors, the vibrant and delicious colors.  For she knew her world would soon be filled with an oppressing darkness. 

Well, faithful readers (er..reader!) I have started a story, and I request you add to it.  Puah is the name of one of the Egyptian midwives that did not obey the Pharaoh when he told them to kill the baby Hebrew boys.  God blessed them.  I thought it was a courageous name, and could not remember the name we chose for our heroine :(  Sorry, it’s a little dramatic.  You can start a better story if you like :) 

My thesis...

Typing typing typing
All a blur to me
Eyes are growing weary
Though not much to see
For my thesis is just
A ram-buh-ling mess (needed the 5 syllables!)
I would much rather be
in a dancing dress.

:) A poor poem, but it adequately reflects my feelings.

Interesting quote for people pursuing higher education and other things...I thought it was rather funny

"But beauty, real beauty, ends where an intellectual expression begins. Intellect is in itself a mode of exaggeration, and destroys the harmony of any face. The moment one sits down to think, one becomes all nose, or all forehead, or something horrid. Look at the successful men in any of the learned professions. How perfectly hideous they are! Except, of course, in
the Church. But then in the Church they don't think. A bishop keeps on saying at the age of eighty what he was told to say when he was a boy of eighteen, and as a natural consequence he always looks absolutely delightful."

-- Oscar Wilde in The Picture of Dorian Gray (p. 3)

From John Piper, online sermon "Walk by the Spirit!" available at www.desiringgod.org

"Picture your flesh—that old ego with the mentality of merit and craving for power and reputation and self-reliance—picture it as a dragon living in some cave of your soul. Then you hear the gospel, and in it Jesus Christ comes to you and says, "I will make you mine and take possession of the cave and slay the dragon. Will you yield to my possession? It will mean a whole new way of thinking and feeling and acting." You say: "But that dragon is me. I will die." He says, "And you will rise to newness of life, for I will take its plan; I will make my mind and my will and my heart your own." You say, "What must I do?" He answers, "Trust me and do as I say. As long as you trust me we cannot lose." overcome by the beauty and power of Christ you bow and swear eternal loyalty and trust. And as you rise he puts a great sword in your hand and says, "Follow me." He leads you to the mouth of the cave and says, "Go in, slay the dragon." But you look at him bewildered, "I cannot. Not without you." He smiles. "Well said. You learn quickly. Never forget: my commands for you to do something are never commands to do it alone." Then you enter the cave together. A horrible battle follows and you feel Christ's hand on yours. At last the dragon lies limp. You ask, "Is it dead?" His answer is this: "I have come to give you new life. This you received when you yielded to my possession and swore faith and loyalty to me. And now with my Sword and my hand you have felled the dragon of the flesh. It is a mortal wound. It will die. That is certain. But it has not yet bled to death and it may yet revive with violent convulsions and do much harm. So you must treat it as dead and seal the cave as a tomb. The Lord of darkness may cause earthquakes in your soul to shake the stones loose but you build them up again. And have this confidence: with my sword and my hand on yours this dragon's doom is sure, he is finished, and your new life is secure.""

Love

“The fact was, that the moment he began to love Alice, his eyes began to send forth light.  What he thought came from Alice’s face, really came from his eyes.  All about her and her path he could see, and every minute saw better; but to his own path he was blind.  He could not see his hand when he held it straight before his face, so dark was it.  But he could see Alice, and that was better than seeing the way—ever so much. 

At length Alice too began to see a face dawning through the darkness.  It was Richard’s face: but it was far handsomer than when she saw it last.  Her eyes had begun to give light too.  And she said to herself, ‘Can it be that I love the poor widow’s son?—I suppose that must be it,’ she answered herself, with a smile; for she was not disgusted with herself at all.  Richard saw the smile, and was glad.  Her paleness had gone, and a sweet rosiness had taken its place.  And now she saw Richard’s path as he saw hers, and between the two sights they got on well.”

--George MacDonald in “Cross Purposes”