Knock, knock, knock! A smile greets me as the mother opens the door. The children come out to talk to their babysitter and attempt to avoid their bedtime. They give me intructions. Soon afterward, the parents open the front door. The moment their feet set ouside the doorway I am no longer in America.
I am in the forest where the ancient trees are stolidly standing like the pillars of a cathedral. The hooves of a dapple grey softly ruffle the dead leaves as the horseman bends forward. The ivory case he hands me is etched with delicate markings yet the beauty lies not in the case itself but in its contense. Three arrows, it held, each different and unique. The first was longer in its length, foretelling the great distance it would fly. Another was smooth. Certainly its aim would be sure and true. The last arrow boasted of a deadly tip. No matter where it struck, it would leave an indelible mark.
" Take care of them. I give them to you for a time. I will be back for them."
A fluttering of motion, a stirring of the leaves, a distant sound of hoof beats and the rider is gone.
He will be back. Thought I. And soon. I must keep these as I would my own honor.
Such are my thoughts, as I am honored with the care of children, any children for any length of time. There is a verse in Proverbs that addresses this very subject of children, describing them as "arrows in the hands of a mighty warrior."
These thoughts are especially real as I am currently attending 3 children's needs (7, 4, and 15 months) for two days- by myself. Tomorrow is when I will be relived of my responsibility. Tomorrow I pass on the precious quiver full to another who will safely guard it until the rider's final return.
Each of these little lives are unbelievably precious. I am truly honored to have this quiver placed in my hands for a few moments, however brief.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Wings of a Dove and Jaws of a Lion
As the morning sun rose in the sky, it reached into my car window touching the books on my lap. The clock read 7:30 but the heat rising from the school parking lot foretold a toasty day. I prayed; Lord, I don’t have much time before math class but can you bless the few moments I do have? I know you are a Rewarder of those who seek You. Will You bless the minutes left?
I first opened up my Bible for my warm up read in today’s’ Psalm (25). It was a good place to start. Next, I thumbed my way to Charles Spurgeon’s Morning & Evening. What a blessing it was!! Here is a little snippet:
“He left his garment in her hand and fled, and got him out” Genesis 39:12
“This day I may be exposed to great peril, let me have the serpent’s wisdom to keep out of it and avoid it. The wings of a dove may be of more use to me today than the jaws of a lion. It is true I may be an apparent loser by declining evil company, but better leave my cloak than lose my character: it is not needful that I should be rich, but it is imperative upon me to be pure.”
- Charles Spurgeon From the July 25, morning reading
The thought flickered across my mind and I would challenge you with the same: What cloak am I snuggling closer that I should be ripping off…? Should I be taking flight with "the wings of a dove?"
Slam! I closed the car and glanced at my watch. 7:48AM. You sure don't waste time do ya Lord! As the ball of fire rose in the sky, I headed into class, smiling with my lion's jaw and tucking my dove wings beneath my backpack.
I first opened up my Bible for my warm up read in today’s’ Psalm (25). It was a good place to start. Next, I thumbed my way to Charles Spurgeon’s Morning & Evening. What a blessing it was!! Here is a little snippet:
“He left his garment in her hand and fled, and got him out” Genesis 39:12
“This day I may be exposed to great peril, let me have the serpent’s wisdom to keep out of it and avoid it. The wings of a dove may be of more use to me today than the jaws of a lion. It is true I may be an apparent loser by declining evil company, but better leave my cloak than lose my character: it is not needful that I should be rich, but it is imperative upon me to be pure.”
- Charles Spurgeon From the July 25, morning reading
The thought flickered across my mind and I would challenge you with the same: What cloak am I snuggling closer that I should be ripping off…? Should I be taking flight with "the wings of a dove?"
Slam! I closed the car and glanced at my watch. 7:48AM. You sure don't waste time do ya Lord! As the ball of fire rose in the sky, I headed into class, smiling with my lion's jaw and tucking my dove wings beneath my backpack.
As the morning sun rose in the sky, it reached into my car window touching the books on my lap. The clock read 7:30 but the heat rising from the school parking lot foretold a toasty day. I prayed; Lord, I don’t have much time before math class but can you bless the few moments I do have? I know you are a Rewarder of those who seek You. Will You bless these minutes I have?
I first opened up my Bible for my warm up read in today’s’ Psalm (25). It was a good place to start. Next, I thumbed my way to Charles Spurgeon’s Morning & Evening. What a blessing it was!! Here is a little snippet:
“He left his garment in her hand and fled, and got him out” Genesis 39:12
“This day I may be exposed to great peril, let me have the serpent’s wisdom to keep out of it and avoid it. The wings of a dove may be of more use to me today than the jaws of a lion. It is true I may be an apparent lose by declining evil company, but better leave my cloak than lose my character: it is not needful that I should be rich, but it is imperative upon me to be pure.”
- Charles Spurgeon
From the July 25, morning reading
The thought flickered across my mind and I would challenge you with the same: What cloak am I snuggling closer that I should be ripping off…? Should I be taking flight with "the wings of a dove?"
Slam! I closed the car and glanced at my watch. 7:48AM. You sure don't waste time do ya Lord! As the ball of fire rose in the sky, I headed into class, smiling with my lion's jaw and tucking my dove wings beneath my backpack.
I first opened up my Bible for my warm up read in today’s’ Psalm (25). It was a good place to start. Next, I thumbed my way to Charles Spurgeon’s Morning & Evening. What a blessing it was!! Here is a little snippet:
“He left his garment in her hand and fled, and got him out” Genesis 39:12
“This day I may be exposed to great peril, let me have the serpent’s wisdom to keep out of it and avoid it. The wings of a dove may be of more use to me today than the jaws of a lion. It is true I may be an apparent lose by declining evil company, but better leave my cloak than lose my character: it is not needful that I should be rich, but it is imperative upon me to be pure.”
- Charles Spurgeon
From the July 25, morning reading
The thought flickered across my mind and I would challenge you with the same: What cloak am I snuggling closer that I should be ripping off…? Should I be taking flight with "the wings of a dove?"
Slam! I closed the car and glanced at my watch. 7:48AM. You sure don't waste time do ya Lord! As the ball of fire rose in the sky, I headed into class, smiling with my lion's jaw and tucking my dove wings beneath my backpack.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Mother
I am ashamed to say that "avid" has not necessarily been the word to describe my summer reading appetite. However, I did just complete a book that I would highly recommend. It has never been hailed as a poetic work or a classic of all time but its message is profound. It's title is one word - Mother. This 202 page book is about a young woman who lives with her dear, lovable family in the Midwest. Suddenly she is handed a chance to work for a rich woman and see the world. Slowly, as the years slide on, a disdain grows in her heart for her family. But through a series of events, the young woman’s eyes are opened to behold one of the richest, most influential females whose wealth is not stored on this earth. She is one of greatest woman who claims no title other than Mother.
The roles of a wife and mother are under attack in Today’s’ society (even in Christian circles). I think it is vital to remind ourselves of God’s design in establishing the role of Biblical womanhood. Whether you are young and single or married and in the midst of motherhood grasping for encouragement, Mother would be an excellent choice for a relaxing summer read.
And thanks… to all of the moms of yesterday and today. May God be with the ones of tomorrow.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Thursday, July 19, 2007
..."What a jam jamboree!"
So ends the last line of one of my all-time favorite children's book- Jamberry. The line is quite appropriate since yesterday, instead of cooking with my Australian chef (she got sick), my mom and I made jam. Strawberry jam to be exact. Now, I have never made jam before and although mom has it was about a decade ago. So we felt a little intimidated with all of the recipes we found in our recipe search. Through a a series of events our efforts resulted in something akin to strawberry jelly... or syrup (which are both tasty in their own right!). I discussed our results with my Australian chef and she gave me some pointers:
~*~ Use equal parts sugar and fruit (insufficient sugar will prevent proper "jelling")
~*~ Add lemon seeds (in a sachet) to the boiling fruit- sugar mixture. Lemon seeds, in fact most or all fruit seeds, contain pectin that is key in jelly making.
~*~ If you make plum jam, simply throw the whole plums in the pot with your sugar. Again, the plum seed (or pit) contains the pectin afore mentioned. As the fruit- sugar boils the pits will float to the top making it easy to skim and remove them later.
~*~ Many of you may know this but if you are looking to make sure your jam is finished and ready to be poured into the jars, here is what to do: take a dish (if you are an Aussie you'll pronounce it "deesh") and place it in the fridge. When you think your jam is finished, drop a wee bit onto the dish and observe how quickly it "jells up." The faster it jells the closer it is to being done.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
How Have Your Eyes Been Lately?
Stay Tooned!
That is right! Hopefully in the next day or two, I should have some pictures of my latest cooking adventure... down-under. Ok not quite. But I am going to be cooking with an Australian chef who happens to be a friend of mine as well as a relative of one of my other friends. We are going to make jam and... well I haven't sorted out the rest of the menu but we are bound to have a grand time even if all we end up doing is burning water!
Other than going to school and getting my teeth cleaned (I will spare you any pictures), I trundled to the downtown weekly farmer's market. Now it may be small (10 vendors or less) and the crowd sparce, but to me, it was it was a happy world. The deep fuschia of beets, the suculant peaches pierced with toothpicks for buyers to try, the bags hanging from the tents...! I spent a whop'n $10.50 and bought... well, go ahead take a look.
To all of you folks with gardens or to those with sensibilities like my Dad who wonder why a person would take pictures of produce, I may seem pathetic. Perhaps I am, but I am enjoying it to the fullest. Now if you don't mind, I am off to eat my salad...
To all of you folks with gardens or to those with sensibilities like my Dad who wonder why a person would take pictures of produce, I may seem pathetic. Perhaps I am, but I am enjoying it to the fullest. Now if you don't mind, I am off to eat my salad...
Monday, July 16, 2007
Unfinished
Unfinished
That’s what I am.
A half shaped piece of clay
In the Potter’s Hands
Unfinished.
Like the symphony.
My body working out its melody.
What part takes lead and who claims bass?
These are things the young must face.
Unfinished.
Like a painting.
Each layer and stroke
Revealing a new and grateful hope.
Unfinished.
Yes, but not left alone, abandoned
To work out life on my own.
Unfinished.
Fresh in my Potter’s Hands I am;
Pliable in consistency.
Oh how comforting to the unsure soul,
That He is not done with me!
by C. U.
Copyright May 12, 2006
Friday, July 13, 2007
Unlearning
Well I am still here. I have just come out of a very full week (I am taking summer school) and I am launching into an equally full weekend. Here are some thoughts from a friend of mine. I will have to tell you more about Lilias another time, but for right now, I will let her words speak for her:
"Practically in most cases [of the Christian life] there is time involved [in learning a deeper surrender to Christ], because we take so long to unlearn our own sufficiency and our own resources..."
"Everything that wreaks our hopes of ourselves, and our earthly props, is helping us forward infinitely God's work in us."
At the end of a busy week, it is easy to feel "un-resourced" and deflated. Even looking at the weekend I feel a twinge of trepidation as I plan to teach children's' Sunday school.
There are going to be more children than last week. I tell myself. More children = more confusion. These kids already know this stuff, how can I make it really applicable for them?
As I plan and print, cut and color, I have been blessed with a simple peace. A peace that whispers, because of Christ, in your weakness you are strong. Sow good things, let God worry about the harvesting.
Somehow I know that the little vapor of uneasiness that occasionally floats by my heart is a little prop, being pulled down. A breaking apart of any self sufficiency my fingers hesitate to release. I am "unlearning" my own resources.
As we begin this weekend, let us be ever "leaning on the Everlasting arms."
"Practically in most cases [of the Christian life] there is time involved [in learning a deeper surrender to Christ], because we take so long to unlearn our own sufficiency and our own resources..."
"Everything that wreaks our hopes of ourselves, and our earthly props, is helping us forward infinitely God's work in us."
At the end of a busy week, it is easy to feel "un-resourced" and deflated. Even looking at the weekend I feel a twinge of trepidation as I plan to teach children's' Sunday school.
There are going to be more children than last week. I tell myself. More children = more confusion. These kids already know this stuff, how can I make it really applicable for them?
As I plan and print, cut and color, I have been blessed with a simple peace. A peace that whispers, because of Christ, in your weakness you are strong. Sow good things, let God worry about the harvesting.
Somehow I know that the little vapor of uneasiness that occasionally floats by my heart is a little prop, being pulled down. A breaking apart of any self sufficiency my fingers hesitate to release. I am "unlearning" my own resources.
As we begin this weekend, let us be ever "leaning on the Everlasting arms."
Monday, July 9, 2007
The Big A
A few Saturdays ago I was heading up a game of babysitter’s backyard baseball when the words rang out. I had just stepped up to home plate when I caught the remark from one of the boys:
“I want to switch teams. The other player on my team is bad. John is making us lose!” This comment was made in reference to the boy’s younger brother who amazingly enough, had not broken into tears. Still, I could not just let the comment go. The words had been selfish and unkind and I knew they would soon lead to unkind actions. Inevitably I would have to call the entire game off because of the controversy. I looked at the speaker, David. He was wearing an Angels baseball T shirt. Ding ding! An idea popped into my head. I walked into the middle of our little field (if you could even call it that).
“I want to switch teams. The other player on my team is bad. John is making us lose!” This comment was made in reference to the boy’s younger brother who amazingly enough, had not broken into tears. Still, I could not just let the comment go. The words had been selfish and unkind and I knew they would soon lead to unkind actions. Inevitably I would have to call the entire game off because of the controversy. I looked at the speaker, David. He was wearing an Angels baseball T shirt. Ding ding! An idea popped into my head. I walked into the middle of our little field (if you could even call it that).
“Hey guys, why are we playing?”The reply was confident.
“To have fun”
“Yes but what makes us have fun?”
Silence. I had their attention now. Raising my arms above my head I formed a capital A. “It’s the Big A guys. It’s attitude. How can you have fun if your attitude stinks? I really don’t care who wins this game but what I do care about is how you play it. The Big A is what God sees. That is what He cares about!”
It worked. No more unkind words. No hurt feelings. No ending the game because of controversy. What is more, the kids grabbed onto the concept.
Throughout the entire evening further comments (uninitiated by me) were made. Comments like, “John don’t be a poor sport. Remember your Big A?” One child even went so far as to carry the concept over into other things.
I questioned the youngest boy about why he had taken the piece of cake from the very center of the cake. “There was more frosting on it than any of the other pieces!” I marveled at his truthfulness. He smiled. Cake fork in hand, he created a circle with his arms. “Hey, I’ve got the Big O. ”
"The Big O?"
"Yeah, O for honesty!!"
O for honesty huh? Well, I guess we can work on spelling later. At least he got the right idea!
Friday, July 6, 2007
Happy Friday... happy Food Friday that is. As a culinary artist in training, I am always looking out for good recipes. Here is one my mom found on the Internet. If you do not have a BBQ rib recipe you must try this. Ok, even if you do have one , try this because it is just... incredible. (Although I will admit that the length that the oven is on is not very appealing during the summer heat).
LARRY'S BEST BABY BACK RIBS
These are the best ribs you'll ever wrap your lips around! The meat practically falls off the bone by itself, and the sauce is better than anything you can buy in the supermarket!
2 racks baby back ribs
1 clove garlic
minced1 medium onion
minced5 tablespoons butter
2 1/2 cups catsup
1/2 cup dark corn syrup
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1/3 cup cider vinegar
1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
2 tbs. spicy mustard w/horseradish
2 tbs. Worcestershire sauce
1 tbs. chili powder
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tsp. liquid smoke
1/2 tsp. black pepper
Melt butter in 2 quart pot. Add onions and garlic. Cook over low heat until onions are soft.
Stir in remainder of ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let cool completely.
Cut each rib rack in half. Place in tins and pour a liberal amount of BBQ Sauce over ribs. Cover with tin foil and place in preheated 190°F oven for 9 hours. (Yes, 9 hours!)
Remove from oven. Discard drippings or save for other use. Transfer ribs to grill or place under broiler for about 10 minutes. May be refrigerated and grilled at later time. Serve with extra BBQ sauce. Enjoy!
Drippings Suggestions:
Pour drippings through a sieve and bring to a boil. Lightly brush slices of ciabatta or other Italian bread on both sides with drippings. Place on grill to toast, turning over midway through. Top with chopped sun-dried tomato, Gorgonzola cheese and fresh chopped parsley.
NOTE: I have never done the garnish but hey, if Gorgonzola the Great is invovled, it might not be a bad idea! It scertainly adds to the presentation!
Taken from COOKS.COM
LARRY'S BEST BABY BACK RIBS
These are the best ribs you'll ever wrap your lips around! The meat practically falls off the bone by itself, and the sauce is better than anything you can buy in the supermarket!
2 racks baby back ribs
1 clove garlic
minced1 medium onion
minced5 tablespoons butter
2 1/2 cups catsup
1/2 cup dark corn syrup
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1/3 cup cider vinegar
1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
2 tbs. spicy mustard w/horseradish
2 tbs. Worcestershire sauce
1 tbs. chili powder
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tsp. liquid smoke
1/2 tsp. black pepper
Melt butter in 2 quart pot. Add onions and garlic. Cook over low heat until onions are soft.
Stir in remainder of ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let cool completely.
Cut each rib rack in half. Place in tins and pour a liberal amount of BBQ Sauce over ribs. Cover with tin foil and place in preheated 190°F oven for 9 hours. (Yes, 9 hours!)
Remove from oven. Discard drippings or save for other use. Transfer ribs to grill or place under broiler for about 10 minutes. May be refrigerated and grilled at later time. Serve with extra BBQ sauce. Enjoy!
Drippings Suggestions:
Pour drippings through a sieve and bring to a boil. Lightly brush slices of ciabatta or other Italian bread on both sides with drippings. Place on grill to toast, turning over midway through. Top with chopped sun-dried tomato, Gorgonzola cheese and fresh chopped parsley.
NOTE: I have never done the garnish but hey, if Gorgonzola the Great is invovled, it might not be a bad idea! It scertainly adds to the presentation!
Taken from COOKS.COM
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Welcome to The Beauty of the Lord blog! I think the best way to begin blog adventure is to state the reason for its existence. Psalm 90: 17 puts it best:
"And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us; yes establish the work of our hands."
This is the precise purpose of this blog: to put the beauty of the Lord on display! No matter where you live or what your daily routine looks like, God's design and handy work can be seen - if we just are on the lookout. Recently I have been inspired by the insignificant. I have been gripped by little things. So often God blesses us in the ordinary ; in still small voices rather than neon signs.
This blog may have a few profound things to communicate but most likely it will be filled with the ordinary ways God uses to show us His beauty. May this be the true desire of our hearts so that we invest in what really counts. "Establish the work of our hands for us; yes, establish the work of our hands!"
"And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us; yes establish the work of our hands."
This is the precise purpose of this blog: to put the beauty of the Lord on display! No matter where you live or what your daily routine looks like, God's design and handy work can be seen - if we just are on the lookout. Recently I have been inspired by the insignificant. I have been gripped by little things. So often God blesses us in the ordinary ; in still small voices rather than neon signs.
This blog may have a few profound things to communicate but most likely it will be filled with the ordinary ways God uses to show us His beauty. May this be the true desire of our hearts so that we invest in what really counts. "Establish the work of our hands for us; yes, establish the work of our hands!"
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