St. Patrick and his day

“Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.” 

~St. Patrick

In past years, I might have turned everything green and created a spread of exclusively green food. This year, I'm tired and my ambitions are lackluster at best and are quickly squashed by reality. Just being honest. We will wear green (I'll probably forget as usual and get pinched). We will also read The Story of St. Patrick: More Than Shamrocks and Leprechauns, a tradition. We want our kids to know about great men of faith and although I don't have a problem with the fun, uber-green side of St. Patrick's Day, I want them to know why and for whom this day was created for in the first place.

Reubens top the dinner menu, turkey reubens that is. I grew up with the traditional corned beef and cabbage, but I have never achieved the affinity for corned beef that my mom holds (meaning I can't stomach it), so I alter it just a bit. We may possibly make Irish Brown Bread during the day...and maybe we'll go buy a green donut or something. I do like festive treats....

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

 

if you like Jane Austen...spring reading recs

Not all Jane Austen spin-offs are created equal. That may be the understatement of the world. Some authors have Jane Austen rolling in her grave, I'm sure. I've read less than a page of some "sequels" and I am still trying to scrub the smut from my mind. That being said, I've come across a few worthy reads.

For my 30th birthday, my cousin sent me a Jane-Austen-palooza theme gift including the book Darcy's Story by Janet Aylmer. Pride and Prejudice from Darcy's perspective, such a delightful afternoon of reading. I still smile remembering my joy.

Somehow, I stumbled onto Pamela Aidan's trilogy, Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman. Pride and Prejudice also told from Darcy's perspective, but in three books. And there is nothing that Austen enthusiasts like better than more, more, and more. We regard quality Austen-esque literature like manna in the desert. This trilogy is by far the best I've read. Well-written, accurate to Austen's plots and characters, while illuminating the cultural and historical contexts with precision. If I may be bold, it's like Harry Potter for Austen-lovers.

In order:
An Assembly Such as This
Duty and Desire
These Three Remain

I also like these two-part series, not written by Aidan, but I believe they are part of the same family--more perspectives from Austen's leading men.

None But You: Frederick Wentworth, Captain
For You Alone: Frederick Wentworth, Captain by Susan Kaye

Charity Envieth Not: George Knightley, Esquire
Lend Me Leave: George Knightley, Esquire by Barbara Cornthwaite  

I've also enjoyed Keeping the Castle by Patrice Kindl. Just imagine Pride and Prejudice meets Emma meets Cinderella. I finished this one (for the second time) last week.

And, if you'd like a quirky, off-the-beaten-path read, I would suggest Austenland by Shannon Hale. I loved the ending to this book. I also liked Austenland made chick flick. The ending in the book was better, but the movie was sweet and enjoyable.

Spring is just around the corner. I sipped iced tea on my front porch today, happily sporting flip flops. Let's hear it for spring!

urban art~New York City

I'm a firm believer that beauty can be found wherever you are. It can be a beautiful vista, beautiful architecture, or a beautiful moment. It's easier to be a glass-half-empty sort, and I definitely have my share of pessimism, but looking for the beauty in the world around me balances me, keeps my eyes out and around and up from myself. I do love the natural, the majestic, but I also love urban art. We, being made in the image of God to display His splendor, have been given art, displayed in many different ways to the world. Here are a few of my favorites...

I love the actual photograph of this, taken in Times Square when the news announcing the end of World War II poured over the country--the joyous, euphoric jubilation that I can only imagine not having lived in that time. Walking along the Chelsea Highline, this psychedelic re-creation made my heart smile.

On the boundary/intersection where Chinatown becomes Little Italy

This FDNY Ladder lost six men on 9/11...never forget

The Brooklyn Bridge arched over the Empire State Building

The sweetest urban art of all, NYC playground art and I'm not just talking about the chalk drawings...

Talking to Your Tears

I have struggled with depression. It was really hard to type those words. Although I accept that sometimes this is the journey that I have walked and will walk at times, it feels taboo, unspiritual. Like if I really had faith I would just snap out of it. I won't get into my personal details at this point, it is enough to say that I've walked through some rough waters, dark times, and deep sadness. 

Several years ago I stumbled across an article entitled "Talking to Your Tears" posted on the Desiring God website, written by John Piper. I re-read it often, and wanted to pass it on. I posted the article in its entirety, but the original article can be found here. 

I would also recommend John Piper's book, When the Darkness Will Not Lift. A short, powerful read for anyone who has or is struggling with depression OR if you have family members or friends who struggle. Well worth it.

Talking to Your Tears by John Piper

May those who sow in tears
reap with shouts of joy!
He that goes forth weeping,
bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
bringing his sheaves with him.

Psalm 126:5-6
 

There is nothing sad about sowing seed. It takes no more work than reaping. The days can be beautiful. There can be great hope of harvest. Yet the psalm speaks of “sowing in tears.” It says that someone “goes forth weeping, bearing the seed for sowing.” So why are they weeping?

I think the reason is not that sowing is sad, or that sowing is hard. I think the reason has nothing to do with sowing. Sowing is simply the work that has to be done even when there are things in life that make us cry. The crops won’t wait while we finish our grief or solve all our problems. If we are going to eat next winter we must get out in the field and sow the seed whether we are crying or not.

This psalm teaches the tough truth that there is work to be done whether I am emotionally up for it or not; and it is good for me to do it. Suppose you are in a blue funk and it is time to sow seed. Do you say, “I can’t sow the field this spring, because I am in a blue funk.” If you do that you will not eat in the winter.

But suppose you say, “I am in a blue funk. I cry if the milk runs out at breakfast. I cry if the phone and doorbell ring at the same time. I cry for no reason at all. But the field needs to be sowed. That is the way life is. I do not feel like it, but I will take my bag of seeds and go out in the fields and do my crying while I do my duty. I will sow in tears.”

If you do that, the promise of the psalm is that “you will reap with shouts of joy.” You will “come home with shouts of joy, bringing your sheaves with you.” Not because the tears of sowing produce the joy of reaping, but because the sheer sowing produces the reaping, and you need to remember this even when your tears tempt you to give up sowing.

So here’s the lesson: When there are simple, straightforward jobs to be done, and you are full of sadness, and tears are flowing easily, go ahead and do the jobs with tears. Be realistic. Say to your tears: ‘Tears, I feel you. You make me want to quit life. But there is a field to be sown (dishes to be washed, car to be fixed, sermon to be written). I know you will wet my face several times today, but I have work to do and you will just have to go with me. I intend to take the bag of seeds and sow. If you come along then you will just have to wet the rows.”

Then say, on the basis of God’s word, ‘Tears, I know that you will not stay forever. The very fact that I just do my work (tears and all) will in the end bring a harvest of blessing. So go ahead and flow if you must. But I believe (I do not yet see it or feel it fully)—I believe that the simple work of my sowing will bring sheaves of harvest. And your tears will be turned to joy.”

Learning to sow steadfastly,
Pastor John

mystery trip revealed!

ROOM WITH A VIEW...looks fake, but so beautifully real!

And my mystery birthday trip destination was...drum roll please...Las Vegas! My brother and I had a blast and I felt so loved with his sweet, extravagant planning. We strolled the Strip, shopped a little, people-watched, talked, played slots, sat by the pool and ATE A LOT OF FOOD--Shake Shack, Yard House, Purple Zebra and the Bellagio buffet. We watched the Fountains of Bellagio so many times I lost track.


We admired creative, innovative, and artistic brilliance...Vegas has great beauty with so much of the creative mind on display in shows, sculpture, decor, design, the list goes on. I won't ignore the darker side of Vegas. There is much I saw and much I know that makes my heart hurt, but I don't believe that negates the beauty that is there. I think the beauty speaks of a marvelous, creative God who has given so many gifts and talents.

You ever have those "dream come true" moments. I did. We stayed at the Bellagio. BELLAGIO. We had a room that looked out over the Bellagio Fountains that I love so much and looked straight across to the Eiffel Tower (does not matter that it wasn't the real one, it was lovely).

The theatre for Le Reve...yes, that's water...

We saw Le Reve: The Dream. There are really no words. Amazing, awe-inspiring, super-human, brilliant, creative genius, none seem to capture it accurately. I would have tears in my eyes one moment, be laughing in surprise the next, and pick my jaw off the floor a second later. It gave me that feeling of child-like delight--a rising giggle that couldn't be suppressed accompanied with eyes trying to soak in every second of wonder. I could have sat there ALL NIGHT LONG. I also thought that maybe I should start working out more...just sayin'. Again, such a treat.

In case you weren't sure where to go...

I was spoiled. Such a gift. Memories to savor.

Thanks to my sweet brother and thanks to my sweet husband who helped coordinate and took time off from work to be with our kids (and he even had the flu :-(...)

Ocean's Eleven anyone?

From the comfort of our room, comfy chairs, no crazy masses of people...perfect.

 BELLAGIO BEAUTY...

I like Vegas in the morning, I enjoyed watching these gals do flower "touch-ups" in this beautiful botanical conservatory.

Largest chocolate fountain in the world!

It never gets old...

mystery trip

Tomorrow my brother is taking me away for my birthday. I'm literally being put on a shuttle at 5:20 a.m., and I don't know where I'm going (yes, my brother is awesome, not just because of this, but in general he's just great. I love him a lot).

I would say I generally don't like surprises. I like to be prepared and to anticipate events, but I've been okay with this. I trust my brother and we travel well together and have had quite a few adventures. I'm fairly certain it won't involve a yurt or karaoke or some other ingredient that I would not enjoy being surprised by. My husband has sure loved tormenting me with the possibilities over this last week (which is why he is not allowed to surprise me...at least without more notice:-)).

Last year my brother and I went to Northern California for his birthday. Here are few pictures of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. I loved the variety of vantage points.

happy and lovely, switching agendas

On Fridays my kids attend an all-day program designed for homeschoolers—extracurricular type class choices, they love it. This is the first year, all three of mine have attended, so I have A DAY to myself. I try to stay home most of the day to enjoy my quiet house (yes, that is an introvert speaking), and I've also met friends for lunch and that has been a blessing too (social introvert).

This morning, my youngest was not quite well enough to go to her kindergarten program. Even when she fights a cold, she usually starts to get a cough. I reluctantly agreed with my husband, a restful day would be good, but I still really wanted her to be well. I wanted my day. I had lots of happy, lovely plans. I didn't really want to change and give up the only break day I have all week.

God slowly nudged my heart in the right direction, using my snuggly girl who sidled up next to me, with a few tears in her eyes and said, “This will be the best day ever. Spending time with each other!” How can I be grouchy about that? God is sovereign, right? Even over the little things? He made this day. He allowed my sweet girl to have a mild cold, but just enough to keep her with me. Maybe she needed a little one-on-one time for her heart.

Belle took this pic because her drink was "so pretty."

I had planned an extended quiet time at a favorite breakfast eatery. I had Belle pack her kitty backpack with her Color Wonder markers and coloring book attached to her Hello Kitty clipboard. I grabbed my Kindle and we set off. We arrived at our eatery and perched ourselves on the end of the breakfast bar, ordering coffee and a blueberry danish pancake for me and hot chocolate and a side of bacon for her. A flat screen TV is positioned behind the bar, playing only and always Cartoon Network. Belle sipped, colored and watched. I read, we chatted, and I helped her color. We enjoyed this respite for almost two hours. It was happy and lovely. God's new agenda for me blessed me and my girl.

Our sweet waitress kept my coffee refilled, talked with Isabelle and toward the end said, “Your breakfast has been taken care of.”

I was speechless and puzzled and amazed.

She continued, “The gentleman who was sitting next to you paid for it, but didn't want me to say anything until he left. He's a very nice man.”

I had smiled at this middle-aged man who was drinking coffee and reading his paper when we sat down. I remember thinking that I hoped we wouldn't disturb him too much. I didn't talk to him at all. I gathered that he was a regular and our waitress addressed him by name when he rose to leave. I didn't pick up on anything, but now I can see a little bit of the exchange in hindsight.

I was so touched, tears came to my eyes. I've never had this happen before. It only happens in movies, right? It was a gift from a stranger, but also from the Lord. He saw my day, He ordained it, He blessed it. 

Would the day have been less of a blessing if this generous man had not been compelled to buy us breakfast? No, I don't believe so, I never would have known the difference. I don't buy into prosperity gospel philosophy. My day could have unrolled in chaos and in sacrifice of all of my plans, that would have been God's good sovereign plan too. But this day I was given an unexpected gift, a special time with my daughter and maybe it impacted those who watched us while we breakfasted together.

I submitted my heart to my new day and I think it made all the difference no matter how my day unfurled. Now, we're home resting. We did a few quick errands, scoring a Starbucks sample in the process and discovering a new Barbie movie in Redbox. Still lovely, just different.

This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24