It was an exciting day.
Today, Ben went to set-up church like normal at 6am. However, when church was over, we gathered up our things and just walked out together and headed away. To my knowledge, in our South Site history (since September 2006), we've never done that before!
To celebrate, we stopped at Culver's and then ate at a park, enjoying this beautiful afternoon! We thank the Lord for David Larson (the new South Logistics Coordinator) and for His kindness!
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Friday, June 28, 2013
Women, Please Consider
As was mentioned to me this morning, here in Minnesota, we have two primary seasons: winter and road construction.
Well, road construction season is at hand, but that's not the only thing summer brings. I don't think I consciously considered the effect of women's summer clothing until I got married ... and my husband gave his honest perspective.
I wonder what comes to your mind when you hear the term "modesty."
Leave me alone.
Frumpy old women in turtlenecks and sweatpants.
Guys are the ones with the problem, not me.
Don't make me feel guilty about wanting to be stylish.
You are so irrelevant and out of touch.
This is primarily meant for women who are Christians, but if you're not, I have a word for you at the end.
For my sisters in Christ, I see two primary reasons why modesty is important.
First, for you. God tells us, "Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly"(1 Tim. 2:9). The message linked at the bottom unpacks that section very helpfully. Bottom line, modesty is important because it's a reflection of our heart.
One definition of modesty is "dressing with reverence for God and regard for others." Sometimes we have to ask ourselves hard questions about why we wear what we do... Am I trying to attract attention? Whose values am I reflecting? What is my motive for wearing this? Is my physical appearance gaining too high a place in my priorities and passions?
Second, for men. Especially your brothers in Christ. For many women, your heart may be right. You have no desire to be immodest or pose a problem for others. But sometimes we are not aware of how we may affect others, especially men. The struggle for purity is strong and constant for virtually all men. Their call is not just physical purity, but minds and hearts that are free from any impure thoughts. This is a huge battle, and especially when our culture is bent on provoking lust and drawing their hearts away.
More than once, Ben has cautioned me about wearing something that I saw no problem with. "You don't know how guys are wired," he would say. And I confess that I have been defensive and resistant to his intervention more often than not. I am modest; don't be so picky! I would think. But that does not reflect an inclination to seek the good of others who may be weak where I am not.
"Rather determine this--not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother's way" (Rom. 14:13).
If you aren't convinced, you can hear a few excerpts of letters from Christian men who are pleading for their sisters to be partners in their fight for purity (click first link below).
And if you're not a Christian, maybe what the Bible has to say doesn't mean much to you. Yet I urge you to consider, dressing with decency and modesty does not cheapen you. On the contrary, it demonstrates to men--and to everyone--that you are a person of deep dignity and value. You are not an object. You are not willing to expose yourself to just anyone who walks down the street. You are precious, unique, and worthy of respect. Maybe that's not something you've heard before, but it's true.
For the message that prompted these thoughts, and a good thought-provoking listen, click here.
And another interesting message, which reflects on the origin of bikinis.
Well, road construction season is at hand, but that's not the only thing summer brings. I don't think I consciously considered the effect of women's summer clothing until I got married ... and my husband gave his honest perspective.
I wonder what comes to your mind when you hear the term "modesty."
Leave me alone.
Frumpy old women in turtlenecks and sweatpants.
Guys are the ones with the problem, not me.
Don't make me feel guilty about wanting to be stylish.
You are so irrelevant and out of touch.
This is primarily meant for women who are Christians, but if you're not, I have a word for you at the end.
For my sisters in Christ, I see two primary reasons why modesty is important.
First, for you. God tells us, "Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly"(1 Tim. 2:9). The message linked at the bottom unpacks that section very helpfully. Bottom line, modesty is important because it's a reflection of our heart.
One definition of modesty is "dressing with reverence for God and regard for others." Sometimes we have to ask ourselves hard questions about why we wear what we do... Am I trying to attract attention? Whose values am I reflecting? What is my motive for wearing this? Is my physical appearance gaining too high a place in my priorities and passions?
Second, for men. Especially your brothers in Christ. For many women, your heart may be right. You have no desire to be immodest or pose a problem for others. But sometimes we are not aware of how we may affect others, especially men. The struggle for purity is strong and constant for virtually all men. Their call is not just physical purity, but minds and hearts that are free from any impure thoughts. This is a huge battle, and especially when our culture is bent on provoking lust and drawing their hearts away.
More than once, Ben has cautioned me about wearing something that I saw no problem with. "You don't know how guys are wired," he would say. And I confess that I have been defensive and resistant to his intervention more often than not. I am modest; don't be so picky! I would think. But that does not reflect an inclination to seek the good of others who may be weak where I am not.
"Rather determine this--not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother's way" (Rom. 14:13).
If you aren't convinced, you can hear a few excerpts of letters from Christian men who are pleading for their sisters to be partners in their fight for purity (click first link below).
And if you're not a Christian, maybe what the Bible has to say doesn't mean much to you. Yet I urge you to consider, dressing with decency and modesty does not cheapen you. On the contrary, it demonstrates to men--and to everyone--that you are a person of deep dignity and value. You are not an object. You are not willing to expose yourself to just anyone who walks down the street. You are precious, unique, and worthy of respect. Maybe that's not something you've heard before, but it's true.
For the message that prompted these thoughts, and a good thought-provoking listen, click here.
And another interesting message, which reflects on the origin of bikinis.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Greek Studies: A Letter to Benjamin
You started BCS Greek on Monday. Tuesday you missed class to come to the Staff Day Away, partly to help me haul all my stuff, partly because it's a hard thing to miss. You helped at the first Sup 'n Stuff Tuesday evening, and we had a really late night (well, for us).
And Wednesday after class you were feeling overwhelmed, behind, lost.
It's a year's worth of Greek crammed into 8 painful weeks. Connie wasn't kidding when she said it's "Suicide Greek." And to spice things up, if you don't pass the Greek exam at the end, you can't start seminary this fall. You don't really seem to get rattled about stuff like that, but that's the kind of thing I can lie awake meditating on at 2:30am.
But God didn't bring you here to paralyze you with fear of failure. For both of us, here's another chance to check the box of our inadequacy and throw all our eggs into the basket of God's faithful care (to mix my metaphors).
Like we've considered before, this really isn't about Greek. Well, not only about Greek.
Another lesson in faithful labor at the task at hand.
Another lesson in relinquishing some fun, carefree, short-term preferences because something of greater value is at stake.
Another lesson in committing our cares to God, who cares for us.
Another lesson in finding His grace sufficient for our weakness.
Another lesson in waiting on the Lord, to see what help He will bring.
Another lesson in joyful perseverance through the sometimes hard slogging of daily work.
Another lesson in letting Him order our steps and prioritize the tasks of each day.
Another lesson in His perfect provision when our supplies are tapped out.
I was hulling strawberries, thinking about your goal in studying this Greek.
To "be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:15).
To entrust "the things which you have heard ... to faithful men who will be able to teach others also" (2 Tim. 2:2).
To "endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory" (2 Tim. 2:9).
It might feel like a lot of grammar and vocab, but underneath that I trust that God is using this to shape your heart.
We've been so privileged to be shepherded by some very noble men.
I pray that Victor grows to see you shepherd others nobly, in whatever context God will bring us.
I love you,
Amy
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Staff Day Away
Today was our Bethlehem Staff Day Away.
I love the Staff Day Away. A whole day to hang out with our co-workers away from the office... Panera bagels. Worship. Devotional from Philippians 2. Prayer. Gift card game. Salad and sandwich bar for lunch. Afternoon tournament, complete with fabulous poetry, mini marshmallow towers, Bible Scattergories, a new lawn game, hymn charades, and pie-eating contest.
I was involved in the organization, so I confess to waking up at 4:30am this morning with my brain spinning about the things that could go wrong, be confusing, really annoying, forgotten, or overlooked. And the Lord was so kind. The weather was beautiful, the camaraderie sweet, and all went very smoothly, with lots and lots of terrific help.
One more reason I really love this church.
Blog post from Pastor Sam
I love the Staff Day Away. A whole day to hang out with our co-workers away from the office... Panera bagels. Worship. Devotional from Philippians 2. Prayer. Gift card game. Salad and sandwich bar for lunch. Afternoon tournament, complete with fabulous poetry, mini marshmallow towers, Bible Scattergories, a new lawn game, hymn charades, and pie-eating contest.
I was involved in the organization, so I confess to waking up at 4:30am this morning with my brain spinning about the things that could go wrong, be confusing, really annoying, forgotten, or overlooked. And the Lord was so kind. The weather was beautiful, the camaraderie sweet, and all went very smoothly, with lots and lots of terrific help.
One more reason I really love this church.
Blog post from Pastor Sam
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Our Story: A Long Wait
For the first installment of this long story, see Our Story: Introductions. Second installment, see Our Story: Rescued.
Our Story: A Long Wait
Dreams, Disappointment, Deepening, Drama
“What God gives us is not necessarily 'ours' but only ours to offer back to him, ours to relinquish, ours to lose, ours to let go of, if we want to be our true selves. Many deaths must go into reaching our maturity in Christ, many letting goes.”
A lot of water under the bridge since that day at age 5 (for me, age 8 for Ben) when grace broke in.
Our Story: A Long Wait
Dreams, Disappointment, Deepening, Drama
“What God gives us is not necessarily 'ours' but only ours to offer back to him, ours to relinquish, ours to lose, ours to let go of, if we want to be our true selves. Many deaths must go into reaching our maturity in Christ, many letting goes.”
―
Elisabeth Elliot,
Passion and Purity: Learning to Bring Your Love Life Under Christ's Control
A lot of water under the bridge since that day at age 5 (for me, age 8 for Ben) when grace broke in.
I went through high school without a date. Without being asked out, actually. Had a good group of friends and a few crushes.
I remember lying in my grandparents' bed before going to college my freshman year, worrying that I would not find a husband there. Northwestern College had a 4 to 1 ratio of girls to boys. I didn't figure my odds were too hot.
I thought I met the man of my dreams during my freshman year. Subtle hints of interest (at least according to my roommate), a solid leader, and headed for the pastorate. I was sold. We parted ways for the summer, saw each other again the next fall, and he ended up marrying a good friend of mine. (I went to the wedding with my roommate, who may or may not have mentioned to the groom that it was not too late to marry me.)
It would be an overstatement to say I had a broken heart, but I was disappointed. My sophomore year brought some mild interest from another guy, who was actually from my hometown, but that never developed into anything either. A man from another school, who I barely knew from a Sunday school class, called on Valentine's Day--probably to ask me out. But I was so flustered and awkward, that I fumbled the whole kit and caboodle in a horrible way, and I never talked to him again. In fact, I don't think he ever came back to the class.
From there on, no news of note. I was involved in student discipleship and had a really good group of friends on campus. At the beginning of my junior year, I started attending Bethlehem. I didn't know many people, but I started coming to Jack and Mary Delk's college class and volunteered as an usher and greeter for worship services.
I started leading a shepherd group for college girls, and Jack and Mary mentored those of us who were college group leaders. We came to their home for Bible study and prayer. One day, Mary happened to mention she needed someone to clean their house. So I started cleaning for them weekly. And it was on one of those cleaning afternoons when Mary suggested I apply to Bethlehem for work when I graduated.
So it was that I did not move home to Iowa after graduation in 2004, but found a great new home in the first-floor apartment of Tom Steller's house (with the purple bathroom), rooming with a soon-to-be bosom buddy Sarah and Grandma Nancy, just a few blocks from the Downtown Campus of Bethlehem.
God did a lot of work on me during college. For me, college meant stepping away from the security of just taking my parents' advice and hanging out with my Christian friends. Little by little I found myself venturing into deeper faith-testing water. Going out at 10pm on Friday nights to witness at Franklin and Chicago with Streetlight. Mission trip to Ensenada, Mexico. Leading Bible studies on a dorm floor. 9/11 (my 20th birthday). Striking up a long-term friendship with Verle and Genevieve Horton, from the nearby neighborhood. Mission trip to New York City.
By the time I graduated, singleness wasn't quite the threat of doom that it was 4 years earlier. I was thrilled to be working at Bethlehem--would have been happy to just put a cot in my cubicle and live there. But I was nevertheless quite without prospects.
And the years kept ticking by with no new news.
Meanwhile...
Ben doesn't have a lot to say about relationships in his "days of youth." He never dated anyone. There was a crush on a friend Sarah, and a penpal Nancy, who came to visit in New Zealand, but no romantic attachments to speak of.
Now that I know him, I can envision there were quite the string of young women who were probably secretly hoping that the friendly smile and cheerful, buoyant, fun-loving camaraderie would have led to something more... But he was more interested in sports and languages, magic tricks and camping, culinary adventures and seeing new places.
He was in high school when his dad announced to the family that he was leaving. Divorced. Re-married. Divorced again. A decade later, in violent grace, God smacked him with "a holy 2x4" (to use his words) and breathed life again into a long-rebelling heart. Ben drove from Connecticut up to New Hampshire to see him and witnessed a man devastated, exhilarated, and insane. Either God had met Ed in flaming, grace-filled power or he needed the loony-bin.
In the end, it was the grace-filled power. Within a few months, Ed moved to Minneapolis to go to the church where John Piper preached. Ben's brother Nathan, newly-married to Laura, followed within a year.
I joined Bethlelem as a covenant member in February 2004, the same weekend when Ed did. In the spring of 2005, I transitioned from part-time ministry assistant in Urban Ministries and part-time Adult Ministries to fully Adult Ministries. Laura Katterson was the new Urban ministry assistant, and I got to train her in.
And after reading books and listening to sermon tapes by John Piper, mailed from Nathan, at last Ben himself moved to Minneapolis in the summer of 2005, eager to drink deep from the Bethlehem fire hydrant.
And the Summer of Hot Dogs was to be an unexpected turning point in my life.
Next Installment: First Sight
I remember lying in my grandparents' bed before going to college my freshman year, worrying that I would not find a husband there. Northwestern College had a 4 to 1 ratio of girls to boys. I didn't figure my odds were too hot.
I thought I met the man of my dreams during my freshman year. Subtle hints of interest (at least according to my roommate), a solid leader, and headed for the pastorate. I was sold. We parted ways for the summer, saw each other again the next fall, and he ended up marrying a good friend of mine. (I went to the wedding with my roommate, who may or may not have mentioned to the groom that it was not too late to marry me.)
It would be an overstatement to say I had a broken heart, but I was disappointed. My sophomore year brought some mild interest from another guy, who was actually from my hometown, but that never developed into anything either. A man from another school, who I barely knew from a Sunday school class, called on Valentine's Day--probably to ask me out. But I was so flustered and awkward, that I fumbled the whole kit and caboodle in a horrible way, and I never talked to him again. In fact, I don't think he ever came back to the class.
From there on, no news of note. I was involved in student discipleship and had a really good group of friends on campus. At the beginning of my junior year, I started attending Bethlehem. I didn't know many people, but I started coming to Jack and Mary Delk's college class and volunteered as an usher and greeter for worship services.
I started leading a shepherd group for college girls, and Jack and Mary mentored those of us who were college group leaders. We came to their home for Bible study and prayer. One day, Mary happened to mention she needed someone to clean their house. So I started cleaning for them weekly. And it was on one of those cleaning afternoons when Mary suggested I apply to Bethlehem for work when I graduated.
So it was that I did not move home to Iowa after graduation in 2004, but found a great new home in the first-floor apartment of Tom Steller's house (with the purple bathroom), rooming with a soon-to-be bosom buddy Sarah and Grandma Nancy, just a few blocks from the Downtown Campus of Bethlehem.
God did a lot of work on me during college. For me, college meant stepping away from the security of just taking my parents' advice and hanging out with my Christian friends. Little by little I found myself venturing into deeper faith-testing water. Going out at 10pm on Friday nights to witness at Franklin and Chicago with Streetlight. Mission trip to Ensenada, Mexico. Leading Bible studies on a dorm floor. 9/11 (my 20th birthday). Striking up a long-term friendship with Verle and Genevieve Horton, from the nearby neighborhood. Mission trip to New York City.
By the time I graduated, singleness wasn't quite the threat of doom that it was 4 years earlier. I was thrilled to be working at Bethlehem--would have been happy to just put a cot in my cubicle and live there. But I was nevertheless quite without prospects.
And the years kept ticking by with no new news.
Meanwhile...
Ben doesn't have a lot to say about relationships in his "days of youth." He never dated anyone. There was a crush on a friend Sarah, and a penpal Nancy, who came to visit in New Zealand, but no romantic attachments to speak of.
Now that I know him, I can envision there were quite the string of young women who were probably secretly hoping that the friendly smile and cheerful, buoyant, fun-loving camaraderie would have led to something more... But he was more interested in sports and languages, magic tricks and camping, culinary adventures and seeing new places.
He was in high school when his dad announced to the family that he was leaving. Divorced. Re-married. Divorced again. A decade later, in violent grace, God smacked him with "a holy 2x4" (to use his words) and breathed life again into a long-rebelling heart. Ben drove from Connecticut up to New Hampshire to see him and witnessed a man devastated, exhilarated, and insane. Either God had met Ed in flaming, grace-filled power or he needed the loony-bin.
In the end, it was the grace-filled power. Within a few months, Ed moved to Minneapolis to go to the church where John Piper preached. Ben's brother Nathan, newly-married to Laura, followed within a year.
I joined Bethlelem as a covenant member in February 2004, the same weekend when Ed did. In the spring of 2005, I transitioned from part-time ministry assistant in Urban Ministries and part-time Adult Ministries to fully Adult Ministries. Laura Katterson was the new Urban ministry assistant, and I got to train her in.
And after reading books and listening to sermon tapes by John Piper, mailed from Nathan, at last Ben himself moved to Minneapolis in the summer of 2005, eager to drink deep from the Bethlehem fire hydrant.
And the Summer of Hot Dogs was to be an unexpected turning point in my life.
Next Installment: First Sight
A Hymn for This Morning
Oh, Worship the King
By: Robert Grant
Oh, worship the King, all glorious above.
Oh, gratefully sing his power and his love;
Our shield and defender, the Ancient of Days,
Pavilioned in splendor and girded with praise.
Oh, tell of his might; oh, sing of his grace,
Whose robe is the light, whose canopy space;
His chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form,
And dark is his path on the wings of the storm.
The earth with its store of wonders untold,
Almighty, your power has founded of old,
Established it fast by a changeless decree,
And round it has cast, like a mantle, the sea.
Your bountiful care what tongue can recite?
It breathes in the air, it shines in the light,
It streams from the hills, it descends to the plain
And sweetly distills in the dew and the rain.
Frail children of dust, and feeble as frail,
In you do we trust, nor find you to fail;
Your mercies, how tender, how firm to the end,
Our maker, defender, redeemer, and friend!
O measureless Might, ineffable Love,
While angels delight to hymn you above.
The humbler creation, though feeble their lays,
With true adoration shall sing to your praise.
Hymn # 458
Lutheran Worship
Author: William Croft
Tune: Hanover
1st Published in: 1833
By: Robert Grant
Oh, worship the King, all glorious above.
Oh, gratefully sing his power and his love;
Our shield and defender, the Ancient of Days,
Pavilioned in splendor and girded with praise.
Oh, tell of his might; oh, sing of his grace,
Whose robe is the light, whose canopy space;
His chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form,
And dark is his path on the wings of the storm.
The earth with its store of wonders untold,
Almighty, your power has founded of old,
Established it fast by a changeless decree,
And round it has cast, like a mantle, the sea.
Your bountiful care what tongue can recite?
It breathes in the air, it shines in the light,
It streams from the hills, it descends to the plain
And sweetly distills in the dew and the rain.
Frail children of dust, and feeble as frail,
In you do we trust, nor find you to fail;
Your mercies, how tender, how firm to the end,
Our maker, defender, redeemer, and friend!
O measureless Might, ineffable Love,
While angels delight to hymn you above.
The humbler creation, though feeble their lays,
With true adoration shall sing to your praise.
Hymn # 458
Lutheran Worship
Author: William Croft
Tune: Hanover
1st Published in: 1833
Friday, June 21, 2013
Dairy-Free Dinners
Victor has been off and on neb treatments since summer. We actually were off for a week, with no coughs, and then Ben got a cold, I got a cold, and Victor got a cough. And he just couldn't shake it.
So, we started 2 weeks of dairy-free, and he seems to be doing better (without nebs). My working hypothesis is that he handles dairy just fine when he's healthy, but his body has to work a little harder to process dairy. So once he gets a cough, he can't quite shake it until we go off dairy. And then it seems to be okay.
So, for our two weeks, I'm pulling up some of the favorite dairy-free recipes from the past. I thought I'd post them here for my own recall and for my sister-in-law (who also has a couple dairy-free little guys).
Cajun Dirty Rice
Slow Cooker Beef Stew IV
Meatball Subs
Taco Carnitas
Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup
Italian Sausage Soup
Fruity Curry Chicken Salad
Quinoa and Black Beans
Simple Slow Cooker Meatloaf
Pork Fried Rice
A working list...
So, we started 2 weeks of dairy-free, and he seems to be doing better (without nebs). My working hypothesis is that he handles dairy just fine when he's healthy, but his body has to work a little harder to process dairy. So once he gets a cough, he can't quite shake it until we go off dairy. And then it seems to be okay.
So, for our two weeks, I'm pulling up some of the favorite dairy-free recipes from the past. I thought I'd post them here for my own recall and for my sister-in-law (who also has a couple dairy-free little guys).
Cajun Dirty Rice
Slow Cooker Beef Stew IV
Meatball Subs
Taco Carnitas
Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup
Italian Sausage Soup
Fruity Curry Chicken Salad
Quinoa and Black Beans
Simple Slow Cooker Meatloaf
Pork Fried Rice
A working list...
Monday, June 17, 2013
Flashback to Graduation Open House
Last weekend and the beginning of the week was a little nuts-o. So I never stopped to post these pictures from lunch with the Kattersons and our graduation open house for the 3 Katterson men!
Once again the Lord was kind to keep away the rain, and it was a lovely time!
Once again the Lord was kind to keep away the rain, and it was a lovely time!
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Happy Father's Day to Our Very Own Daddy
Dear Daddy,
I am still pretty little, but I am learning many, many things from watching you.
How to make funny noises
How to give Mommy lots of hugs and kisses
How to say, "My, my, my" when something is interesting
How to be tough and pick up big boxes (except I only push them around the floor)
How to say, "Amen!" at the end of prayer
How to eat M&Ms (Momma wasn't so sure bout that...)
How to sit quietly for prayer
How to eat lots of meat
How to pull the wagon
Someday, maybe I will be the one to be Daddy to a little boy, and I know those are very big shoes to fill. Thanks for showing me how. And thanks for showing me that God is the One who helps you.
I love you,
Victor
Father's Day Hike
We celebrated Father's Day with Pop-Pop by enjoying a walk around Lake Harriet with the Kattersons.
Six kids (plus one on the way) in a wagon, two strollers, and an Ergo ... it was a fun adventure, and the Lord kindly kept the rain away until we were just loading the vans for home.
We love you, Pop-Pop!
Six kids (plus one on the way) in a wagon, two strollers, and an Ergo ... it was a fun adventure, and the Lord kindly kept the rain away until we were just loading the vans for home.
We love you, Pop-Pop!
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Looking to Die
From Noel Piper's message (my rough quote):
HT: Capitol Hill Baptist
The cross ("T") cancels out the big "I" of self.
HT: Capitol Hill Baptist
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Our Story: Rescued
For the first installment of this long story, see Our Story: Introductions.
Our Story: Rescued
The Only Reason We Ever Got Together
The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am foremost.—1 Timothy 1:15
As will become evident, there are a lot of reasons why Ben and I would never have gotten together if we wrote the story. Actually, I can only give one basic reason why we did. God got involved.
Not in a surface-level, religious kind of way that means we share common values and both wanted to raise our children in the church.
No, it was a real shake-up, and not just at the beginning. He didn't just put a little gold star of Christianity on our chart. He shredded the chart and gave us something a whole lot scarier, happier, more breath-taking, satisfying, and surprising in its place.
For Ben, it was sometime around 8-years-old. In his words:
For me, it was age 5. You'd think there isn't much to repent of at age 5, but I have a mental snapshot of my mom chasing me around the backyard because I wouldn't obey and come inside when it was time for my friend to go home. Just as one example.
The short story (as recalled somewhat second-hand) is that my mom was reading me a book, Spunky's Diary (Janette Oke), in which a little girl dies of cancer. I grew somewhat inconsolable at that point in the story, and my mom asked what was wrong.
I said, it's just so sad, the little girl dying and being gone forever. My mom corrected me, No, honey, she's not gone forever, because the story tells us that she was trusting in Jesus as her Savior. So she isn't gone forever; she's with the Lord.
It was a little open door to walk through the basics again for a little 5-year-old heart:
God made everything; He's perfect and true and only, only good.
You are a sinner. You do wrong things, you want your own way, you disobey God's perfect standard, you love yourself more than God.
Your sin puts you far away from God. He is a good judge, and that means He must call bad "bad." The Bible says that sin requires a punishment of death ... being away from God forever. We can never work hard enough or do enough good to pay that off.
But God made a way of rescue! His Son Jesus, who is God Himself, came to earth as a man, lived a perfect life, and died. He didn't die because he did wrong things; He actually died to pay the penalty for His enemies who did wrong things. But He didn't stay dead ... He came alive again to show that God said YES to His sacrifice.
And if anyone will trust that God's way of rescue is true--that Jesus' death was enough--and will look to Him to cover over your sin and give you a new heart, then God will make a great exchange. He will put your sin on Jesus and say that it is paid in full. And He will put Jesus' perfect life on you, and call you His own child.
And somehow, in a simple, immature little 5-year-old heart, God gave me that great exchange.
It may seem like an odd story to include, but I do mean it when I say there's no other reason Ben and I got together. That fairly unspectacular episode in each of our lives set us on a totally different trajectory than we ever would have dreamed.
And lest I miss the chance, let me ask you to consider if you are trying to work your way back into God's good graces or if you look to Jesus as the one and only Hero for your heart.
Ultimately, that's the only story that will matter.
Next Installment: A Long Wait
Our Story: Rescued
The Only Reason We Ever Got Together
The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am foremost.—1 Timothy 1:15
As will become evident, there are a lot of reasons why Ben and I would never have gotten together if we wrote the story. Actually, I can only give one basic reason why we did. God got involved.
Not in a surface-level, religious kind of way that means we share common values and both wanted to raise our children in the church.
No, it was a real shake-up, and not just at the beginning. He didn't just put a little gold star of Christianity on our chart. He shredded the chart and gave us something a whole lot scarier, happier, more breath-taking, satisfying, and surprising in its place.
For Ben, it was sometime around 8-years-old. In his words:
"Mom, why can't I go to youth group?"
Everything that my brothers had told me about youth group was cool. When they memorized a verse they got to throw a wet sponge at the youth pastor. What could be cooler than that?
"You're not old enough, Ben." My mom was always the voice of reason.
The details are a little foggy. It was dark outside our semi-rustic house. The 12-acre plot in New Hampshire was the perfect playground for an eight-year-old and his brothers just coming into the high adventure stage of life. The cozy little house, after a hard day of play, was the God-ordained place for a new heart to begin beating.
Somehow the Holy Spirit guided my mom that night from talking about the inner workings of the youth group to the eternal truths of Jesus Christ and my need for Him.
I remember lying in my bed and praying. I don't remember much of what I prayed, but this was the first time, in my recollection, that my thoughts superseded my little self and went to the basic reality of the gospel and God. I did not know it at the time, but God, by his grace, had granted faith and where once was dead, cold stone, now was a beating heart.
I pulled the covers up to my chin and waited. No thunder, no rumble. I suppose I was waiting for the reply. I heard none that night, but there was a reply. Little did I know that God had replied by baring His Son's back to the scourge instead of mine. he had replied by dispatching the full weight of His wrath on His perfect Son, on the cross. The perfect Son was cursed, and because of this the cursed son was made perfect. Praise His name.
For me, it was age 5. You'd think there isn't much to repent of at age 5, but I have a mental snapshot of my mom chasing me around the backyard because I wouldn't obey and come inside when it was time for my friend to go home. Just as one example.
The short story (as recalled somewhat second-hand) is that my mom was reading me a book, Spunky's Diary (Janette Oke), in which a little girl dies of cancer. I grew somewhat inconsolable at that point in the story, and my mom asked what was wrong.
I said, it's just so sad, the little girl dying and being gone forever. My mom corrected me, No, honey, she's not gone forever, because the story tells us that she was trusting in Jesus as her Savior. So she isn't gone forever; she's with the Lord.
It was a little open door to walk through the basics again for a little 5-year-old heart:
God made everything; He's perfect and true and only, only good.
You are a sinner. You do wrong things, you want your own way, you disobey God's perfect standard, you love yourself more than God.
Your sin puts you far away from God. He is a good judge, and that means He must call bad "bad." The Bible says that sin requires a punishment of death ... being away from God forever. We can never work hard enough or do enough good to pay that off.
But God made a way of rescue! His Son Jesus, who is God Himself, came to earth as a man, lived a perfect life, and died. He didn't die because he did wrong things; He actually died to pay the penalty for His enemies who did wrong things. But He didn't stay dead ... He came alive again to show that God said YES to His sacrifice.
And if anyone will trust that God's way of rescue is true--that Jesus' death was enough--and will look to Him to cover over your sin and give you a new heart, then God will make a great exchange. He will put your sin on Jesus and say that it is paid in full. And He will put Jesus' perfect life on you, and call you His own child.
And somehow, in a simple, immature little 5-year-old heart, God gave me that great exchange.
It may seem like an odd story to include, but I do mean it when I say there's no other reason Ben and I got together. That fairly unspectacular episode in each of our lives set us on a totally different trajectory than we ever would have dreamed.
And lest I miss the chance, let me ask you to consider if you are trying to work your way back into God's good graces or if you look to Jesus as the one and only Hero for your heart.
Ultimately, that's the only story that will matter.
Next Installment: A Long Wait
Run #2
Colds are behind us. We made it through a very crazy weekend and Monday. So yesterday was time quit stalling and get out for a run.
Victor was excited (as always) to go outside. I felt substantially more dubious.
Overcast, mild, humid. Not really my favorite running weather, but not bad enough to turn around and go back inside.
We rounded the first corner, and the fun was pretty much over for me. Started raining.
Large construction vehicles were working on the sidewalk one block later. (Made Victor very happy.) I barely curbed the desire to turn around and go home and decided to cut left into the residential area and run in the street. Less steering.
Turning the next corner, the rain grew heavier.
Our jogging stroller cover shields approximately 6 inches of the seat below. For reasons unfathomable to me, the cover is banked upward, and it has no latch to hold it in place, so it catches the wind if you're moving even remotely (which I was, barely), it folds back up.
So, by the time we turned the third corner and actually headed into the wind, the cover would fold outward for about 10 seconds, until I hit a bump or a gust of wind, and then it collapsed, and Victor would get further rained on. I guess it was motherly strength that enabled me to hold the cover out, push the stroller with the other hand, and run a little faster to try to get him back to dry land.
5 blocks to go.
4 blocks to go.
3 blocks to go.
2 1/2 blocks to go.
2 1/4 blocks to go.
2 1/8 blocks to go.
2 blocks to go.
1 7/8 blocks to go.
1 5/6 blocks to go.
1 3/4 blocks to go.
1 2/3 blocks to go.
1 1/2 blocks to go.
1 1/3 blocks to go.
1 1/4 blocks to go.
1 1/6 blocks to go.
1 1/8 blocks to go.
(I'll spare you the pain of continuing, but I assure you, the pain continued.)
Finally, the last corner. I gave up on holding the cover out and focused on the task at hand.
Keep moving.
Do not let go of the stroller.
Go up big hill.
Do not get hit by cars.
I'll be candid. By mid-way up the hill, I was perhaps moderately hallucinating about a kindly car seeing my obvious distress, pulling over, and offering to give us a ride home.
You start a run knowing that if it doesn't kill you, it will make you stronger.
You end wishing, hoping, pleading that you could die.
But, we didn't.
Got home, and I walked back and forth in front of our house for quite some time, until I was fairly confident I would not pass out or drop my child when I went inside.
All in all, a good day's run.
[Note: Some of you may assume I am somewhat exaggerating for the sake of dramatic effect. I thank you for your charitable judgment.]
Victor was excited (as always) to go outside. I felt substantially more dubious.
Overcast, mild, humid. Not really my favorite running weather, but not bad enough to turn around and go back inside.
We rounded the first corner, and the fun was pretty much over for me. Started raining.
Large construction vehicles were working on the sidewalk one block later. (Made Victor very happy.) I barely curbed the desire to turn around and go home and decided to cut left into the residential area and run in the street. Less steering.
Turning the next corner, the rain grew heavier.
Our jogging stroller cover shields approximately 6 inches of the seat below. For reasons unfathomable to me, the cover is banked upward, and it has no latch to hold it in place, so it catches the wind if you're moving even remotely (which I was, barely), it folds back up.
So, by the time we turned the third corner and actually headed into the wind, the cover would fold outward for about 10 seconds, until I hit a bump or a gust of wind, and then it collapsed, and Victor would get further rained on. I guess it was motherly strength that enabled me to hold the cover out, push the stroller with the other hand, and run a little faster to try to get him back to dry land.
5 blocks to go.
4 blocks to go.
3 blocks to go.
2 1/2 blocks to go.
2 1/4 blocks to go.
2 1/8 blocks to go.
2 blocks to go.
1 7/8 blocks to go.
1 5/6 blocks to go.
1 3/4 blocks to go.
1 2/3 blocks to go.
1 1/2 blocks to go.
1 1/3 blocks to go.
1 1/4 blocks to go.
1 1/6 blocks to go.
1 1/8 blocks to go.
(I'll spare you the pain of continuing, but I assure you, the pain continued.)
Finally, the last corner. I gave up on holding the cover out and focused on the task at hand.
Keep moving.
Do not let go of the stroller.
Go up big hill.
Do not get hit by cars.
I'll be candid. By mid-way up the hill, I was perhaps moderately hallucinating about a kindly car seeing my obvious distress, pulling over, and offering to give us a ride home.
You start a run knowing that if it doesn't kill you, it will make you stronger.
You end wishing, hoping, pleading that you could die.
But, we didn't.
Got home, and I walked back and forth in front of our house for quite some time, until I was fairly confident I would not pass out or drop my child when I went inside.
All in all, a good day's run.
[Note: Some of you may assume I am somewhat exaggerating for the sake of dramatic effect. I thank you for your charitable judgment.]
Friday, June 7, 2013
Videos
Our latest exploits and adventures, captured on film!
Up and down is Victor's new favorite thing when we go to the park...
All the animal noises...
Working out with Dad...
(If you can't tell, he lies down on the ground and huffs and puffs...)
Up and down is Victor's new favorite thing when we go to the park...
All the animal noises...
Working out with Dad...
(If you can't tell, he lies down on the ground and huffs and puffs...)
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Monday, June 3, 2013
Favorite Recipe: What's New
I fight food boredom. Meaning, after cooking the same dish for a while, I just get an itch to make something new.
So, here are two new recipes tried out this week, both considered winners (as ranked by the Head Judge of our household, the fastidious and selective Mr. Ben. Who likes all food except chewy granola bars.).
Category: New Meals
Winner #1: Chorizo Lentil Stew
In a big stockpot, brown the chorizo in a little bit of vegetable oil, stirring constantly, until almost done, about 5-7 minutes. Add in the cannelini beans, tomatoes, lentils, and chicken stock and stir until combined. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 30 minutes until the lentils are soft and tender. Remove from heat and stir in the spinach; cover for about 5 minutes to let it wilt.
Note: I made this with Polish sausage (since it's what we had) and used dry garbanzo beans, which I just boiled until they were revitalized and ready to include. And I just used regular old crushed tomatoes, not "fire roasted." Tasty!
Winner #2: Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thighs would be fine too)
Salt and pepper
1 cup honey
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup diced onion
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (could also use olive oil or canola oil)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional – doesn’t really add heat, just adds more flavor)
4 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in 6 Tablespoons water
Sesame seeds
Season both sides of chicken with lightly with salt and pepper, put into crock pot. In a small bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, onion, ketchup, oil, garlic and pepper flakes. Pour over chicken. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high 1 1/2 – 2 1/2 hours, or just until chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken from crock pot, leave sauce. Dissolve 4 teaspoons of cornstarch in 6 tablespoons of water and pour into crock pot. Stir to combine with sauce. Replace lid and cook sauce on high for ten more minutes or until slightly thickened. Cut chicken into bite size pieces, then return to pot and toss with sauce before serving. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve over rice or noodles.
Note: I put together all the chicken and sauce ingredients and threw it in the freezer for a couple weeks, then thawed overnight and cooked it up this afternoon. Nice and easy.
So, here are two new recipes tried out this week, both considered winners (as ranked by the Head Judge of our household, the fastidious and selective Mr. Ben. Who likes all food except chewy granola bars.).
Category: New Meals
Winner #1: Chorizo Lentil Stew
- 1 pound Chorizo Sausage
- 1 teaspoon Vegetable Oil
- 1 can (15 Oz. Size) Cannellini Beans, Drained
- 1 can (15 Oz. Size) Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes
- 1 cup Dried Lentils
- 2 cups Chicken Stock
- 6 cups Fresh Chopped Spinach
In a big stockpot, brown the chorizo in a little bit of vegetable oil, stirring constantly, until almost done, about 5-7 minutes. Add in the cannelini beans, tomatoes, lentils, and chicken stock and stir until combined. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 30 minutes until the lentils are soft and tender. Remove from heat and stir in the spinach; cover for about 5 minutes to let it wilt.
Note: I made this with Polish sausage (since it's what we had) and used dry garbanzo beans, which I just boiled until they were revitalized and ready to include. And I just used regular old crushed tomatoes, not "fire roasted." Tasty!
Winner #2: Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thighs would be fine too)
Salt and pepper
1 cup honey
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup diced onion
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (could also use olive oil or canola oil)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional – doesn’t really add heat, just adds more flavor)
4 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in 6 Tablespoons water
Sesame seeds
Season both sides of chicken with lightly with salt and pepper, put into crock pot. In a small bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, onion, ketchup, oil, garlic and pepper flakes. Pour over chicken. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high 1 1/2 – 2 1/2 hours, or just until chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken from crock pot, leave sauce. Dissolve 4 teaspoons of cornstarch in 6 tablespoons of water and pour into crock pot. Stir to combine with sauce. Replace lid and cook sauce on high for ten more minutes or until slightly thickened. Cut chicken into bite size pieces, then return to pot and toss with sauce before serving. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve over rice or noodles.
Note: I put together all the chicken and sauce ingredients and threw it in the freezer for a couple weeks, then thawed overnight and cooked it up this afternoon. Nice and easy.
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Playing in the Park
A beautiful Sunday afternoon...
After long naps for everybody, we headed to the park for some fun with wagon, sticks, and sand.
After long naps for everybody, we headed to the park for some fun with wagon, sticks, and sand.
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