Thursday, November 26, 2009
Thanksgiving 2009
I'm in the middle of Thanksgiving. When we were newly weds, living in Dallas, Larry found a used book store that traded in old books (of which we had no shortage) for other merchandise. That November he came home with a 2 record set of the Messiah--It became our yearly "Thanksgiving Music." We've been listening to it all month. So today, as each year before, I spend part of my morning in the kitchen. As I put together the chocolate cheesecake, the pecan tart and, of course, the pumpkin pie, I sang along to scripture-- "Glory to God in the Highest," "His name shall be Wonderful, Counselor, Prince of Peace," "Behold the lamb of God." The girls are home, my little yellow kitchen is full of food for people I love, Larry spent the morning walking with Paul, we are heading off to Thanksgiving dinner with our dear family and this chapter of my life is full and sweet. My "thankful heart" is overflowing with thankfulness.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake
A couple times last winter I indulged in Starbucks "Salted Carmel Hot Chocolate" --the perfect blend of sweet and salty came through the chocolate. So imagine my delight to discover a recipe for "Salted Carmel Chocolate Cake" a couple weeks ago! It was a bit of work, but the perfect blend of rich and creamy ganache clothing a densely carmel/salty chocolate cake. Top it off with chunks of salted whole almonds-- I was entranced! so here it is:
SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE CAKE (my new favorite!)
Step one: Bake your favorite 2 layer round chocolate cake (I use a mix)
Step two: Prepare the Caramel Fillig:
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
2 tab honey
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup salted butter, diced
1/4 cup sour cream
large pinch of coarse sea salt
Cook sugar, water and honey in a heavy pan on low until sugar dissolves. Cover the pan and cook 4 minutes on medium. Uncover and turn heat up to high. Cook about 4 minutes more until it turns an amber color. Remove from heat. Add cream (it will bubble). Whisk in the butter, sour cream and salt. Let it sit until it comes to room temperature.
Step three: Prepare the chocolate ganache frosting
1 1/2 pounds semisweet chocolate, chopped
3 cups heavy whipping cream
Bring cream to a simmer in a medium sauce pan. Remove from heat. Add chocolate and whisk until smooth. Chill to thicken (at least 4 hours)
Step four: Putting it all together
Slice the cake layers horizontally so that you have 4 round, thin layers. Spread the first layer with the caramel and then some of the chocolate ganache. Stack the remaining 3 layers covering each with caramel and chocolate. Spread chocolate on the sides of the cake and top with coarsely chopped salted almonds.
It's elegant and super delicious (if you're a chocolate, caramel, nutty sort of eater). A great special occasion cake.
SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE CAKE (my new favorite!)
Step one: Bake your favorite 2 layer round chocolate cake (I use a mix)
Step two: Prepare the Caramel Fillig:
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
2 tab honey
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup salted butter, diced
1/4 cup sour cream
large pinch of coarse sea salt
Cook sugar, water and honey in a heavy pan on low until sugar dissolves. Cover the pan and cook 4 minutes on medium. Uncover and turn heat up to high. Cook about 4 minutes more until it turns an amber color. Remove from heat. Add cream (it will bubble). Whisk in the butter, sour cream and salt. Let it sit until it comes to room temperature.
Step three: Prepare the chocolate ganache frosting
1 1/2 pounds semisweet chocolate, chopped
3 cups heavy whipping cream
Bring cream to a simmer in a medium sauce pan. Remove from heat. Add chocolate and whisk until smooth. Chill to thicken (at least 4 hours)
Step four: Putting it all together
Slice the cake layers horizontally so that you have 4 round, thin layers. Spread the first layer with the caramel and then some of the chocolate ganache. Stack the remaining 3 layers covering each with caramel and chocolate. Spread chocolate on the sides of the cake and top with coarsely chopped salted almonds.
It's elegant and super delicious (if you're a chocolate, caramel, nutty sort of eater). A great special occasion cake.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
FAVORITE BOOKS
Why did I do it? A couple weeks ago, I filled out one of the reoccurring facebook surveys--to join in with some fun friends. But the questions were boring-- "How do you like your steak?" "Do you wear your seatbelt?" I thought-I should make my own survey with questions I'd really like to answer! So here it is "The Favorite Books in Various Categories Survey." That's better!
FAVORITE BOOKS IN VARIOUS CATEGORIES SURVEY
(I wanted to pick one from each category, but just could not! Two was the least I could manage. This list is not for the faint of heart--read on if you are feeling intrepid)
FAVORITE NOVEL-- "Home" by Marilyn Robinson, gives a blessed picture of an aging pastor cared for by his single daughter at the time when his "prodigal son" returns for a stay. The interactions between the characters, the generational differences,the deep interior views into the souls of the family, the faith and understanding of the old man make this book dear to my heart.
Also "Distant Land of my Father: by Bo Caldwell. Set from Shanghai to Pasadena, the story tells of the relationship of a girl/later young woman and her father through turbulent times in China and his waning years in California. It also contains pictures of loyalty and faith. Great ending.
FAVORITE KIDS PICTURE BOOK-- "Wolf" is the charming story of a wolf who is shamed into learning to read by his barnyard friends. Wolf in school. Wolf at the library, the bookstore... Quirky drawings and dry-witted pigs and cows make this an engaging book. Of course, it's all about reading!
Also, "Monet's Garden" by Christina Bjork and Lina Anderson (originally in Swedish), this is the tale of an adorable, young French girl who travels to visit Monet's garden home in Giverny by way of Paris. The combination of sweet illustrations, photographs and reproductions of Monet's work make this a uniquely educational and readable book for children. It's the book I wish I had produced! Love it!
FAVORITE KIDS CHAPTER BOOK-- "The BFG" by Roald Dahl. Who can resist the charms of the Big Friendly Giant, who sets out with small, orphaned Sophie to reach the Queen of England in time to save Britain's children from mean, kid gobbling giants?! With the Big Friendly Giant's inventive vocabulary and the illustrations by that ever-clever Quentin Blake, this book is enchanting!
Also, "Number the Stars" by Lois Lowry. This book couldn't be more different than the "BFG." The story of a Danish family who takes in a Jewish neighbor friend as their own daughter during the German occupation of WWII. There is suspense and drama without being violent. I can't read the epilogue about the Danish resistance fighters to my 3rd graders without tear-ing up. A touching, story of hope.
FAVORITE ADVENTURE BOOK-- "The Cay" by Theodore Taylor. A children's story,the gripping tale of a young boy and a blind man struggling to survive a storm on a barren Caribbean island and learning about interdependence and trust. I started reading this one afternoon years ago and didn't stop til I had read to the end at 3:00 in the morning!
FAVORITE HISTORIC BOOK-- "Wild Swans" by Jung Chang. Written by a Chinese expat, it tells the story of 3 generations. --Her grandmother, feet bound and married to a war lord. --Her mother a part of Mao's revolutionary forces only to be sacrificed in the cultural revolution. And finally, her own story of a family torn apart by circumstances of the 1960's as she came into adulthood. Gripping stories of real lives. At times I didn't want to keep reading so much sadness, but was rewarded with a new sense of the Chinese lives in the last century. One of my all time favorites.
Also, "The Source" by James Michner. I read this book one summer when we were living in Dallas years ago-- Like an archeological dig, it unearths story after story of people of Israel--characters calling to mind Abraham and David as well as modern heros of that land. Fiction, but a picture well painted of other times.
FAVORITE BIOGRAPHIES-- "Surprised by Joy" by CS Lewis. Lewis tells his journey to faith, a wonder-ful picture of a life come to God. We owe so much to the faithful musings of this brilliant man. So heartening.
Also, "Depth of Glory" by Irving Stone. I had to think long and hard as to which Stone biography I would choose. Loved his bios of Michelangelo and Van Gogh as well, but this detailed account of the life of Camille Pissarro is a fascinating look at one man's evolution as well as the development of the whole group of Parisian impressionists, of which Pissarro was the grand old man. It made me wish to be part of the cafe crowd at the turn of the last century.
FAVORITE MEMOIR- This might be my favorite genre of book. I'm thinking I need to write a whole other blog to go on about the favorite people I've met this way. But for now, here's two. "Beautiful Boy" by David Sheff. Sheff writes of the twists and turns of his sons life and addiction to methamphetamines. Told from the perspective of a father's anguish, it rollercoasters over years of his trying to care for and save his son. Heartbreaking and beautifully told. Insightful look at parenting...
Also, "Comfort Me with Apples" by Ruth Reichl. Reichl, the editor of Gourmet magazine, chronicles her years becoming a food lover/expert, first of her 4 memoirs. This book covers her years in a co-op in Berkeley, her beginnings as a food writer and her growth into adulthood. Lots of fun name dropping and vivid looks at beautiful food.
FAVORITE "ART" BOOK-- I could go on about favorite art histories, but two little gems come to mind. "I Juan de Pareja," a Newberry Medal book by Eliz. Barton de Trevino. It's a historical novel of the life of Juan de Pareja, a black man born to slavery in Seville, Spain, who rises under the protection of the artist, Velazquez to assist in the court of King Philip !V and become a painter in his own right. It includes brilliant meetings with Rubens and Murillo (my favorite Spanish artist) and days of life in court. My serendipitous addendum to this book, took place in the Met in NYC. I was searching for the painting of Juan de Pareja painted by Velazquez. When I came upon it, a Spanish tour guide was addressing a group of Spanish tourists on the history of the painting. It was just perfect!
Also, "Cezanne and the Provencal Table" by Jean-Bernard Naudin. This beautifully photographed book unfolds the life and, at times, unhappy career of the painter, Cezanne, interspersed with reproductions of his paintings, historical photos and recipes from the life and epoch of Cezanne. Delicious in every way.
COFFEE TABLE BOOK-- I put one of my all time favorite books in this category--"Material World" by Peter Menzel. The book contains photographs of families from 25 countries around the world. Each family is pictured in their daily routine for about 6 pages, culminating in a grand photo of the family in front of their dwelling surrounded by every material possession they own. A fascinating comparison from the simple mud home in Mali, to the luxurious spread in Kuwait and the all American family in Houston. Families were chosen for their median status in their country so give a typical picture. Statistics included the percentage they spend on food. their most prized possession, life expectancy... A concise, but graphic look at the world around us. So moving...
Also, "Last Supper" by Melanie Dunea. Fifty well known chefs from around the world were asked to describe a meal if they knew it was their last supper. Each entry follows a striking photo of the chef in question and his/her detailed account of the people, the menu, the music and setting of their perfect "last meal." Answers varied, but they often included people they loved most and sometimes comfort foods from their past. Intriguing.
FAVORITE TRAVEL BOOK-- the Dorling Kindersley Top 10 Travel books. Each book in this series covers a specific city and is small enough to fit into your pocket. They start with the top 10 sights in the given city, then move on to neighborhood walks, great maps and other top 10s-- top 10 parks in Paris or top ten fountains in Rome or most useful-- top ten pastries to eat in Vienna! Every page is heavily illustrated with beautiful photos. Great reading even on a summer when you're stuck at home!
Also, "Heidi's Alp" by Christina Hardyment. The accounting of a British family that loaded their three girls into a car pulling a yellow "caravan" (travel trailer) and set out to see all the storybook sights of Europe-- Pinnocio's Italy, the woods of the Brothers Grimm, Hans Christian Anderson's little mermaid in the harbor of Copenhagen. Their experiences at times matched our own travels through Europe with 4 kids, the good days and bad. Loved it!
FAVORITE COOKBOOK-- "Barefoot Contessa Parties" by Ina Garten. Besides the actually usable recipes, she espouses a calm, gracious form of entertaining that is inspirational. It's the kind of cookbook you could sit and read straight through--by the end you'll be planning a party. Also loved the great photos that included her beautiful home.
Also, "Summer" by Susan Branch. The recipes are down to earth and fun. But it's the illustration, hand painted by Branch that I loved. She wrote one whole page on drawing, another on camping in Sequoia, also summer trips to the library! I think she stole my childhood! I copied one of her borders onto my kitchen walls when we moved into our first Brea home. Lovely.
FAVORITE TEACHING BOOK-- "The New Read Aloud Handbook" by Jim Trealease. Love it! I first came across a copy I borrowed from an American friend in Spain. I started to copy out all the important bits and found I was copying the whole book! Super motivating to get you reading to and with kids. Funny and packed with information, including a good booklist in the back. I've read it at least 3 times.
Also, "El Primer Libro de los Numeros" by Stephen Cartwright. He's British and my copy of the book (see title!) was purchased in Spain. I absolutely adore his simple but super expressive illustrations. Fun, imaginative ways to look at math through pictures. For example one page has 100 small crows painted on, turn the page and there are 1,000 crows. great graphic!
FAVORITE HOME BOOK-- "Hidden Art" by Edith Schaeffer. Living in a Swiss Chalet with her philosopher/theologian of a husband and a house full of kids, Edith sets out chapter by chapter to detail the most artful way to keep a home-- topics include cooking, music, hospitality, sewing, gardening, painting, clothing, recreation... This is the first hardback book I remember buying and it shaped the homemaker I have become. I owe much to this inventive, brilliant woman.
Also, "Home" by Witold Rybczy. An entertaining, informative book that documents homes from the middle ages, through the domesticity of Vermeers Dutch world, the excesses and beginnings of comfort with French royalty, up through modern homes with all our electronic wonders. Side topics such as the evolution of chairs. Great fun and a domestic walk through history.
FAVORITE MOM BOOK-- "The Mother's Almanac" by Marguerite Kelly and Eva Parsons. This book covers every possible topic of raising small children. Packed with ideas. Favorite quote-- "Try potty training for 2 weeks. If it is not successful, give it a break. One of you is not ready."
Also, "A Mother's Heart" by Jean Flemming. A wise mother shares her views on raising children to love God. She includes topics like values, praying for your child, teaching at home, depending on God, sending your kids out... A book to be reread over time.
FAVORITE CHRISTIAN BOOK-- If you've been around me lately, you know I will start with "The Reason for God" by Tim Keller. I have seldom be so affected by a book. His own coming to faith story in the Introduction is worth the price of the book. His collective evidences for belief are comforting, his description of sin is oh so convicting, his concept of forgiveness made me change my ways, his wide range of sources and respect for skeptics is noteworthy. I love this book. Have read it twice, will read it again.
Also, "Devotional Classic" edited by Richard Foster and James Smith. Each chapter pulls from the writings of a different Christian thinker, followed by a pertinent scripture and questions. A wonderful way to "make the acquaintance" of people you've only heard of-- CS Lewis, St John of the Cross, Augustine, Pascal, Bonhoeffer... Who knew that Martin Luther could be so lively and smart?! A worthwhile introduction that should lead to further reading...
FAVORITE BOOK OF THE BIBLE-- The book of Philippians. Where to start? With the selfless example of Christ in chapter 2? with the fellowship of his sufferings in 3? I read this book through several times this summer in China--so much hope and instruction. Favorite verses: 4:6-7 "Be anxious for nothing, but with Thanksgiving let your requests be made know to God, and the peace of God that passes all understanding shall guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus." Amen
Also, the Psalms. The book I turn to most often. I have several favorite chapters, but 86 is the one I've read 100 times-- for God's mercy on me, to lift up my soul, for an undivided heart, for hope ahead... God is good.
FAVORITE BOOKS IN VARIOUS CATEGORIES SURVEY
(I wanted to pick one from each category, but just could not! Two was the least I could manage. This list is not for the faint of heart--read on if you are feeling intrepid)
FAVORITE NOVEL-- "Home" by Marilyn Robinson, gives a blessed picture of an aging pastor cared for by his single daughter at the time when his "prodigal son" returns for a stay. The interactions between the characters, the generational differences,the deep interior views into the souls of the family, the faith and understanding of the old man make this book dear to my heart.
Also "Distant Land of my Father: by Bo Caldwell. Set from Shanghai to Pasadena, the story tells of the relationship of a girl/later young woman and her father through turbulent times in China and his waning years in California. It also contains pictures of loyalty and faith. Great ending.
FAVORITE KIDS PICTURE BOOK-- "Wolf" is the charming story of a wolf who is shamed into learning to read by his barnyard friends. Wolf in school. Wolf at the library, the bookstore... Quirky drawings and dry-witted pigs and cows make this an engaging book. Of course, it's all about reading!
Also, "Monet's Garden" by Christina Bjork and Lina Anderson (originally in Swedish), this is the tale of an adorable, young French girl who travels to visit Monet's garden home in Giverny by way of Paris. The combination of sweet illustrations, photographs and reproductions of Monet's work make this a uniquely educational and readable book for children. It's the book I wish I had produced! Love it!
FAVORITE KIDS CHAPTER BOOK-- "The BFG" by Roald Dahl. Who can resist the charms of the Big Friendly Giant, who sets out with small, orphaned Sophie to reach the Queen of England in time to save Britain's children from mean, kid gobbling giants?! With the Big Friendly Giant's inventive vocabulary and the illustrations by that ever-clever Quentin Blake, this book is enchanting!
Also, "Number the Stars" by Lois Lowry. This book couldn't be more different than the "BFG." The story of a Danish family who takes in a Jewish neighbor friend as their own daughter during the German occupation of WWII. There is suspense and drama without being violent. I can't read the epilogue about the Danish resistance fighters to my 3rd graders without tear-ing up. A touching, story of hope.
FAVORITE ADVENTURE BOOK-- "The Cay" by Theodore Taylor. A children's story,the gripping tale of a young boy and a blind man struggling to survive a storm on a barren Caribbean island and learning about interdependence and trust. I started reading this one afternoon years ago and didn't stop til I had read to the end at 3:00 in the morning!
FAVORITE HISTORIC BOOK-- "Wild Swans" by Jung Chang. Written by a Chinese expat, it tells the story of 3 generations. --Her grandmother, feet bound and married to a war lord. --Her mother a part of Mao's revolutionary forces only to be sacrificed in the cultural revolution. And finally, her own story of a family torn apart by circumstances of the 1960's as she came into adulthood. Gripping stories of real lives. At times I didn't want to keep reading so much sadness, but was rewarded with a new sense of the Chinese lives in the last century. One of my all time favorites.
Also, "The Source" by James Michner. I read this book one summer when we were living in Dallas years ago-- Like an archeological dig, it unearths story after story of people of Israel--characters calling to mind Abraham and David as well as modern heros of that land. Fiction, but a picture well painted of other times.
FAVORITE BIOGRAPHIES-- "Surprised by Joy" by CS Lewis. Lewis tells his journey to faith, a wonder-ful picture of a life come to God. We owe so much to the faithful musings of this brilliant man. So heartening.
Also, "Depth of Glory" by Irving Stone. I had to think long and hard as to which Stone biography I would choose. Loved his bios of Michelangelo and Van Gogh as well, but this detailed account of the life of Camille Pissarro is a fascinating look at one man's evolution as well as the development of the whole group of Parisian impressionists, of which Pissarro was the grand old man. It made me wish to be part of the cafe crowd at the turn of the last century.
FAVORITE MEMOIR- This might be my favorite genre of book. I'm thinking I need to write a whole other blog to go on about the favorite people I've met this way. But for now, here's two. "Beautiful Boy" by David Sheff. Sheff writes of the twists and turns of his sons life and addiction to methamphetamines. Told from the perspective of a father's anguish, it rollercoasters over years of his trying to care for and save his son. Heartbreaking and beautifully told. Insightful look at parenting...
Also, "Comfort Me with Apples" by Ruth Reichl. Reichl, the editor of Gourmet magazine, chronicles her years becoming a food lover/expert, first of her 4 memoirs. This book covers her years in a co-op in Berkeley, her beginnings as a food writer and her growth into adulthood. Lots of fun name dropping and vivid looks at beautiful food.
FAVORITE "ART" BOOK-- I could go on about favorite art histories, but two little gems come to mind. "I Juan de Pareja," a Newberry Medal book by Eliz. Barton de Trevino. It's a historical novel of the life of Juan de Pareja, a black man born to slavery in Seville, Spain, who rises under the protection of the artist, Velazquez to assist in the court of King Philip !V and become a painter in his own right. It includes brilliant meetings with Rubens and Murillo (my favorite Spanish artist) and days of life in court. My serendipitous addendum to this book, took place in the Met in NYC. I was searching for the painting of Juan de Pareja painted by Velazquez. When I came upon it, a Spanish tour guide was addressing a group of Spanish tourists on the history of the painting. It was just perfect!
Also, "Cezanne and the Provencal Table" by Jean-Bernard Naudin. This beautifully photographed book unfolds the life and, at times, unhappy career of the painter, Cezanne, interspersed with reproductions of his paintings, historical photos and recipes from the life and epoch of Cezanne. Delicious in every way.
COFFEE TABLE BOOK-- I put one of my all time favorite books in this category--"Material World" by Peter Menzel. The book contains photographs of families from 25 countries around the world. Each family is pictured in their daily routine for about 6 pages, culminating in a grand photo of the family in front of their dwelling surrounded by every material possession they own. A fascinating comparison from the simple mud home in Mali, to the luxurious spread in Kuwait and the all American family in Houston. Families were chosen for their median status in their country so give a typical picture. Statistics included the percentage they spend on food. their most prized possession, life expectancy... A concise, but graphic look at the world around us. So moving...
Also, "Last Supper" by Melanie Dunea. Fifty well known chefs from around the world were asked to describe a meal if they knew it was their last supper. Each entry follows a striking photo of the chef in question and his/her detailed account of the people, the menu, the music and setting of their perfect "last meal." Answers varied, but they often included people they loved most and sometimes comfort foods from their past. Intriguing.
FAVORITE TRAVEL BOOK-- the Dorling Kindersley Top 10 Travel books. Each book in this series covers a specific city and is small enough to fit into your pocket. They start with the top 10 sights in the given city, then move on to neighborhood walks, great maps and other top 10s-- top 10 parks in Paris or top ten fountains in Rome or most useful-- top ten pastries to eat in Vienna! Every page is heavily illustrated with beautiful photos. Great reading even on a summer when you're stuck at home!
Also, "Heidi's Alp" by Christina Hardyment. The accounting of a British family that loaded their three girls into a car pulling a yellow "caravan" (travel trailer) and set out to see all the storybook sights of Europe-- Pinnocio's Italy, the woods of the Brothers Grimm, Hans Christian Anderson's little mermaid in the harbor of Copenhagen. Their experiences at times matched our own travels through Europe with 4 kids, the good days and bad. Loved it!
FAVORITE COOKBOOK-- "Barefoot Contessa Parties" by Ina Garten. Besides the actually usable recipes, she espouses a calm, gracious form of entertaining that is inspirational. It's the kind of cookbook you could sit and read straight through--by the end you'll be planning a party. Also loved the great photos that included her beautiful home.
Also, "Summer" by Susan Branch. The recipes are down to earth and fun. But it's the illustration, hand painted by Branch that I loved. She wrote one whole page on drawing, another on camping in Sequoia, also summer trips to the library! I think she stole my childhood! I copied one of her borders onto my kitchen walls when we moved into our first Brea home. Lovely.
FAVORITE TEACHING BOOK-- "The New Read Aloud Handbook" by Jim Trealease. Love it! I first came across a copy I borrowed from an American friend in Spain. I started to copy out all the important bits and found I was copying the whole book! Super motivating to get you reading to and with kids. Funny and packed with information, including a good booklist in the back. I've read it at least 3 times.
Also, "El Primer Libro de los Numeros" by Stephen Cartwright. He's British and my copy of the book (see title!) was purchased in Spain. I absolutely adore his simple but super expressive illustrations. Fun, imaginative ways to look at math through pictures. For example one page has 100 small crows painted on, turn the page and there are 1,000 crows. great graphic!
FAVORITE HOME BOOK-- "Hidden Art" by Edith Schaeffer. Living in a Swiss Chalet with her philosopher/theologian of a husband and a house full of kids, Edith sets out chapter by chapter to detail the most artful way to keep a home-- topics include cooking, music, hospitality, sewing, gardening, painting, clothing, recreation... This is the first hardback book I remember buying and it shaped the homemaker I have become. I owe much to this inventive, brilliant woman.
Also, "Home" by Witold Rybczy. An entertaining, informative book that documents homes from the middle ages, through the domesticity of Vermeers Dutch world, the excesses and beginnings of comfort with French royalty, up through modern homes with all our electronic wonders. Side topics such as the evolution of chairs. Great fun and a domestic walk through history.
FAVORITE MOM BOOK-- "The Mother's Almanac" by Marguerite Kelly and Eva Parsons. This book covers every possible topic of raising small children. Packed with ideas. Favorite quote-- "Try potty training for 2 weeks. If it is not successful, give it a break. One of you is not ready."
Also, "A Mother's Heart" by Jean Flemming. A wise mother shares her views on raising children to love God. She includes topics like values, praying for your child, teaching at home, depending on God, sending your kids out... A book to be reread over time.
FAVORITE CHRISTIAN BOOK-- If you've been around me lately, you know I will start with "The Reason for God" by Tim Keller. I have seldom be so affected by a book. His own coming to faith story in the Introduction is worth the price of the book. His collective evidences for belief are comforting, his description of sin is oh so convicting, his concept of forgiveness made me change my ways, his wide range of sources and respect for skeptics is noteworthy. I love this book. Have read it twice, will read it again.
Also, "Devotional Classic" edited by Richard Foster and James Smith. Each chapter pulls from the writings of a different Christian thinker, followed by a pertinent scripture and questions. A wonderful way to "make the acquaintance" of people you've only heard of-- CS Lewis, St John of the Cross, Augustine, Pascal, Bonhoeffer... Who knew that Martin Luther could be so lively and smart?! A worthwhile introduction that should lead to further reading...
FAVORITE BOOK OF THE BIBLE-- The book of Philippians. Where to start? With the selfless example of Christ in chapter 2? with the fellowship of his sufferings in 3? I read this book through several times this summer in China--so much hope and instruction. Favorite verses: 4:6-7 "Be anxious for nothing, but with Thanksgiving let your requests be made know to God, and the peace of God that passes all understanding shall guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus." Amen
Also, the Psalms. The book I turn to most often. I have several favorite chapters, but 86 is the one I've read 100 times-- for God's mercy on me, to lift up my soul, for an undivided heart, for hope ahead... God is good.
Monday, September 21, 2009
A World of Worship
Yesterday morning I joined in the worship at the First Chinese Baptist Church on the hill in Chinatown, San Francisco. Sitting in the historic brick building we sang "In Christ alone my hope is found." --words so true for me. It is dear that we can find believers we scarcely know, and join in worship of the same savior. So on the ride home that afternoon straight down the 5 to So Cal, I had time to remember worship in other places with other believers.
The year we lived in Costa Rica, each Sunday morning Larry and I would carry two small boys on to the crowded bus for a 45 minute ride south, then walk a kilometer into the village of San Lorenzo. The worship in the tin roofed church there was loud if not harmonious-- but always heartfelt. That was where Larry used his fledgling Spanish to teach the high school kids. And every Tuesday I followed behind Dona Esperanza delivering packets of food to families without.
Easter morning 2008 found Larry, Ani, Laurel and I sitting in the worship service at Redeemer Presbyterian--in the east side of Manhattan. I was heartened to see an auditorium brimming with bright, young, thoughtful people. Tim Keller talked to believers and skeptics alike about the power of the resurrection. And the classical pieces and grand hymns led by the well trained orchestra were an magnificently moving This church couldn't have been more removed from our small Costa Rican congregation-- but the spirit was the same.
In Deyang, China this summer, I sat side by side in the narrow pews, with tiny, gray haired the ladies. They passed their hymn books down the row to include us in the singing. So we would mumble along as best we could to the Chinese hymns, but were able to join in wholeheartedly now and then when "Allelujah" was part of the lyric! It was so precious to sit among these believers in a place where so few people know God. After the service, the ladies gathered around me. One took my hands and started to talk. After a few moments, she realized I didn't understand a word-- and we all had a good laugh together.
One Sunday in a small church south of Paris, Larry preached the sermon while a friend translated it into French. I loved that we sang "Holy, Holy, Holy" even though the language was not mine. We had song that same Spanish song in our church in Seville, and I grew up singing it in California. Perhaps in heaven, people of all countries will sing that "Holy, Holy, Holy" before the One who is holy!
People say that you worship "best" in your own heart language--the one you grew up speaking. But some of the most glorious worship for me has been in the church in Utrera, Spain-- the thumping & strumming of the guitar, the staccato claps to choruses with Andalucian melodies lift my soul to God. I'm hoping that when we get to heaven Jose Maria will be leading the "Coro de Utrera" for all of us to join along.
One last stop. Sitting in the sanctuary at grand All Souls Church in London seems a little taste of heaven. The light streams in through golden stained windows and brightens the gold marble columns and white walls. The magnificent organ plays from the back balcony and hymns are sung. But the thing that reminded me of heaven, is that the pews were filled with people from nations all over the world. We Americans, visiting from Spain, were behind a group from Guatemala. One day we all will worship together before our Lord in all these glorious ways with people of every nation!! Praise be to God.
The year we lived in Costa Rica, each Sunday morning Larry and I would carry two small boys on to the crowded bus for a 45 minute ride south, then walk a kilometer into the village of San Lorenzo. The worship in the tin roofed church there was loud if not harmonious-- but always heartfelt. That was where Larry used his fledgling Spanish to teach the high school kids. And every Tuesday I followed behind Dona Esperanza delivering packets of food to families without.
Easter morning 2008 found Larry, Ani, Laurel and I sitting in the worship service at Redeemer Presbyterian--in the east side of Manhattan. I was heartened to see an auditorium brimming with bright, young, thoughtful people. Tim Keller talked to believers and skeptics alike about the power of the resurrection. And the classical pieces and grand hymns led by the well trained orchestra were an magnificently moving This church couldn't have been more removed from our small Costa Rican congregation-- but the spirit was the same.
In Deyang, China this summer, I sat side by side in the narrow pews, with tiny, gray haired the ladies. They passed their hymn books down the row to include us in the singing. So we would mumble along as best we could to the Chinese hymns, but were able to join in wholeheartedly now and then when "Allelujah" was part of the lyric! It was so precious to sit among these believers in a place where so few people know God. After the service, the ladies gathered around me. One took my hands and started to talk. After a few moments, she realized I didn't understand a word-- and we all had a good laugh together.
One Sunday in a small church south of Paris, Larry preached the sermon while a friend translated it into French. I loved that we sang "Holy, Holy, Holy" even though the language was not mine. We had song that same Spanish song in our church in Seville, and I grew up singing it in California. Perhaps in heaven, people of all countries will sing that "Holy, Holy, Holy" before the One who is holy!
People say that you worship "best" in your own heart language--the one you grew up speaking. But some of the most glorious worship for me has been in the church in Utrera, Spain-- the thumping & strumming of the guitar, the staccato claps to choruses with Andalucian melodies lift my soul to God. I'm hoping that when we get to heaven Jose Maria will be leading the "Coro de Utrera" for all of us to join along.
One last stop. Sitting in the sanctuary at grand All Souls Church in London seems a little taste of heaven. The light streams in through golden stained windows and brightens the gold marble columns and white walls. The magnificent organ plays from the back balcony and hymns are sung. But the thing that reminded me of heaven, is that the pews were filled with people from nations all over the world. We Americans, visiting from Spain, were behind a group from Guatemala. One day we all will worship together before our Lord in all these glorious ways with people of every nation!! Praise be to God.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Boeuf Bourguignon
OK, have you seen the new Julie & Julia movie? Read the book? I have a history with that book! I started it 2 years ago. About a third of the way through, I grew weary of spending time with the caustic Julie Powell. But I recently gave it another go after seeing the movie-- featuring an ebullient Meryl Streep endearing you even more to Julia Child and a Julie Powell minus the profanity and seflish ambition. A charming movie, inspirational, actually!... I came home and googled "Julia Child's boeuf bourguignon." No less than 15 sites popped up, offering her recipe. So armed with her step by step instructions I was off, with delectable results... I'll give you my simplified version here.
BOEUF BOURGUIGNON ala Julia Child (more or less)
6 slices of bacon
1 tab. olive oil
3 pounds of stew meat
1 carrot
1 onion peeled and sliced
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp fresh ground pepper
2 tab flour
3 cups red wine
3 cups beef stock
1 tab tomato paste
2 finely chopped garlic cloves
1/2 tsp dry tarragon
1 bay leaf
1 pound mushrooms, quartered
2 tab butter
1tab olive oil
Cut the bacon into small bit and cook in a dutch oven. Remove cooked bacon, but leave bacon fat in the pan. Add 1 tab. oil. Cook the beef in batches in the fat to brown all sides. Remove from pan. Brown carrots and onion in pan. Remove from pan. Pour off the extra fat from the pan. Then return the beef, carrots and onion to the pan. Stir in the salt, pepper and flour. Put in a 425 degree oven for 4 minutes. Remove and stir and return to hot oven for 4 more minutes. Then add wine, beef stock, tomato paste, garlic, thyme and bay leaf. Return to a 325 degree oven to simmer until beef is tender (3 to 4 hours).
Meanwhile saute the mushrooms in the butter and oil. Add them the last few minutes of cooking to the pot.
She suggests serving the stew over rice or egg noodles.
Now-- I did it a bit differently. Added more carrots (perfect in the rich sauce!) and I used sirloin (on a big sale this week) so it cooked only 2 hours. And I simmered it on the stove top so it was easier to monitor. I served it with noodles, but they seemed a bit extraneous. Next time I'll let the big loaf of La Brea Bakery bread serve the starch position in the meal.
Delectable the first time and also as lunchtime leftovers. And as pretty as when Julie pulled the pot out of the oven in the movie! Give it a try...
And in fairness to Julie Powell, parts of the book were lovely, especially her closing chapter on the joy elicited from her year with Julia Child and her ability to resist ending the book by writing "Bon Apetit!"
BOEUF BOURGUIGNON ala Julia Child (more or less)
6 slices of bacon
1 tab. olive oil
3 pounds of stew meat
1 carrot
1 onion peeled and sliced
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp fresh ground pepper
2 tab flour
3 cups red wine
3 cups beef stock
1 tab tomato paste
2 finely chopped garlic cloves
1/2 tsp dry tarragon
1 bay leaf
1 pound mushrooms, quartered
2 tab butter
1tab olive oil
Cut the bacon into small bit and cook in a dutch oven. Remove cooked bacon, but leave bacon fat in the pan. Add 1 tab. oil. Cook the beef in batches in the fat to brown all sides. Remove from pan. Brown carrots and onion in pan. Remove from pan. Pour off the extra fat from the pan. Then return the beef, carrots and onion to the pan. Stir in the salt, pepper and flour. Put in a 425 degree oven for 4 minutes. Remove and stir and return to hot oven for 4 more minutes. Then add wine, beef stock, tomato paste, garlic, thyme and bay leaf. Return to a 325 degree oven to simmer until beef is tender (3 to 4 hours).
Meanwhile saute the mushrooms in the butter and oil. Add them the last few minutes of cooking to the pot.
She suggests serving the stew over rice or egg noodles.
Now-- I did it a bit differently. Added more carrots (perfect in the rich sauce!) and I used sirloin (on a big sale this week) so it cooked only 2 hours. And I simmered it on the stove top so it was easier to monitor. I served it with noodles, but they seemed a bit extraneous. Next time I'll let the big loaf of La Brea Bakery bread serve the starch position in the meal.
Delectable the first time and also as lunchtime leftovers. And as pretty as when Julie pulled the pot out of the oven in the movie! Give it a try...
And in fairness to Julie Powell, parts of the book were lovely, especially her closing chapter on the joy elicited from her year with Julia Child and her ability to resist ending the book by writing "Bon Apetit!"
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Ani and Brian's Wedding
I think it's sort of silly when women say that they've been dreaming about their daughter's wedding since she was a little girl. But I have to admit I've been giving weddings a lot (and I mean a lot!) of thought since we recently found that Ani and Brian will be getting married in February! There's a lot of joy in seeing my sister stitch up Ani's wedding dress, watching Ani and Brian design her ring, planning a wonderful meal to serve so many people we love who will celebrate with us. But the dearest part of it all is imagining the vows that will be spoken in that old brick church, the commitments that will be made on that day, the new home Ani and Brian will form together. I'm so very thankful for the joy that is ahead for them. God is good.
Deyang Summer
I've been home from China now for a few weeks, but it's not left my thoughts for even a day. How can I tell you about this most memorable summer? We set off to a different place and seemingly a different time, Mel, Jason, Jeremiah, Miranda and I. We settled into our bare rooms and made them home. The connections with our classes full of Chinese teachers was immediate--and then we began collecting memories. The surprise of finding a turtle in our soup! The crazy enthusiasm for the bunny hop with our students. The days of endless dialogues and endearing one on one conversations. Of course, several encounters with Sichuan hot pot! There was the late evening conversation with Shichao as she told me the tale of her terrible loss in last years earthquake-- followed by a tearful visit with her and our team to the earthquake ruins in Wen Chuan. I'll remember the sweet chance to give little Anna her English name (after our Ani--"grace") and her bright fish painting for me in return. The wild gobbles as we acted out the Thanksgiving skit or the worshipful candlelit version of "Silent Night" we all sang together. The warm smiles of our dorm family-- and their washing machine instruction! The afternoon we seemed to go back in time strolling through the park in Mian Zhu and sitting in the tea house over cups of green tea. And evening of delectable street food with Rui-rui and the card games & green tea with her by the river on hot summer nights. I'll continue to be grateful for her care on our trips to the eye clinic through my frightening eye infection. Sunday worship in the crowded Deyang church, shoulder to shoulder with the dear tiny ladies sharing their hymnals... and the Sunday Rui rui joined us there. The cafeteria lunches with students, picking over spicy food. Morning ping pong with Ceicil and friends. Afternoons meeting with our team--sharing stories, reading scripture, praying toether... And the Closing Ceremony followed by unexpectedly tearful hugs and tender good-byes as our teachers left on their way home to towns all around. Unforgettable.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Pecan Shortcake
I celebrated my first day of summer making and enjoying a memorable dinner with friends. My feeble hydrangea bush cooperated by providing a big bunch of pink blooms for the table. I picked Larry's boysenberries and fresh basil from the yard and gathered lovely things from the Trader Joe's. I cleaned a bit, cooked a lot and set the table out the back door under the spreading maple with anticipation. A new mango-avocado relish, orange chipotle chicken, cilantro rice and a salad topped with 3 kinds of berries, feta and pumpkin seeds. Tim provided one his famous "go-round questions" (What's the dumbest thing you've ever done?) that had us laughing round the table for an hour! Followed by more serious talk and dessert--Mixed berry pecan shortcakes...
PECAN SHORTCAKES
1 1/2 cups flour
1/3 cup sugar
3 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup pecans, finely chopped
3/4 cup buttermilk
1 tsp. amaretto (or vanilla)
Cut the first 5 ingredients together in the food processor. Remove to a bowl and stir in the pecans, buttermilk and amaretto. Drop onto a cookie sheet sprayed with Pam to form 6 to 8 'biscuits." Sprinkle the tops with sugar. Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes or until browned.
Serve with mixed berries and mountains of whipped cream (the main ingredient for me!). You can make these ahead and them cover them with foil and re-warm them in the oven for 5 minutes before serving. Fresh and delish!
PECAN SHORTCAKES
1 1/2 cups flour
1/3 cup sugar
3 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup pecans, finely chopped
3/4 cup buttermilk
1 tsp. amaretto (or vanilla)
Cut the first 5 ingredients together in the food processor. Remove to a bowl and stir in the pecans, buttermilk and amaretto. Drop onto a cookie sheet sprayed with Pam to form 6 to 8 'biscuits." Sprinkle the tops with sugar. Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes or until browned.
Serve with mixed berries and mountains of whipped cream (the main ingredient for me!). You can make these ahead and them cover them with foil and re-warm them in the oven for 5 minutes before serving. Fresh and delish!
Monday, June 8, 2009
HOME
"Home is where the heart is." I believe that. When we lived in Spain i was "homesick" for California. Now in California, I have my "homesick" days for Spain. And with Micah and family in Shanghai, I've plenty of "homesick" for China days... My heart is home in all these places. That's why when I read this C.S.Lewis quote, I read it over & over and loved it right away...
"The settled happiness and security which we all desire, God withholds from us by the very nature of this world; but joy, pleasure, and merriment he has spread broadcast. We are never safe, but we have plenty of fun, and some ecstasy. It is not hard to see why. The security we crave would teach us to rest our hearts in this world and pose an obstacle to our return to God; a few moments of happiness, of love, a landscape, a symphony, a merry meeting with our friends, a bathe, or a football match, have no such tendency. Our Father refreshes us on the journey with some pleasant inns, but will not encourage us to mistake them for home."
At the end of my father's life the family gathered in his cc unit room. We'd talk and sing to him. Sing "This world is not my home." --an old favorite of ours. He knew where he was going, to heaven, to his real home. I love my life, my "merry" days with family & dear friends and the hard days as well. But I long for the real, eternal, heart home of heaven...
"The settled happiness and security which we all desire, God withholds from us by the very nature of this world; but joy, pleasure, and merriment he has spread broadcast. We are never safe, but we have plenty of fun, and some ecstasy. It is not hard to see why. The security we crave would teach us to rest our hearts in this world and pose an obstacle to our return to God; a few moments of happiness, of love, a landscape, a symphony, a merry meeting with our friends, a bathe, or a football match, have no such tendency. Our Father refreshes us on the journey with some pleasant inns, but will not encourage us to mistake them for home."
At the end of my father's life the family gathered in his cc unit room. We'd talk and sing to him. Sing "This world is not my home." --an old favorite of ours. He knew where he was going, to heaven, to his real home. I love my life, my "merry" days with family & dear friends and the hard days as well. But I long for the real, eternal, heart home of heaven...
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Pesto Pasta Salad
PESTO PASTA SALAD
So easy. And this makes enough for a crowd. Perfect for a backyard supper on a warm summer evening with crunchy loaf of La Brea Bakery bread and a tumbler of Sangria.
Cook 1 pound of your favorite pasta until tender (I like the Barilla mini penne). Cool.
Mix it with 8 to 10 oz. of pesto. (Trader Joe's makes a nice refrigerated pesto)
Then stir in:
hard salami, chopped into small pieces
small bits of fresh mozarella or gouda
good olives
chopped red & green pepper
about 3 oz. baby spinach, sliced into thin slivers
parmesan cheese to taste
pine nuts
halved cherry tomatoes (if you like them, I don't!)
This makes enough for 6 to 8 big main course platefuls. Que aproveche!
So easy. And this makes enough for a crowd. Perfect for a backyard supper on a warm summer evening with crunchy loaf of La Brea Bakery bread and a tumbler of Sangria.
Cook 1 pound of your favorite pasta until tender (I like the Barilla mini penne). Cool.
Mix it with 8 to 10 oz. of pesto. (Trader Joe's makes a nice refrigerated pesto)
Then stir in:
hard salami, chopped into small pieces
small bits of fresh mozarella or gouda
good olives
chopped red & green pepper
about 3 oz. baby spinach, sliced into thin slivers
parmesan cheese to taste
pine nuts
halved cherry tomatoes (if you like them, I don't!)
This makes enough for 6 to 8 big main course platefuls. Que aproveche!
Luxury
My friend Joannie was a missionary in Haiti when she was younger. Living among such poverty, she had a new understanding of the luxury of the lives we lead here. She summed it up for me when she remarked "Luxury is having a choice." She lived where people had few choices about what they would eat, where they would live, about their chances for education or even medical help.
My life is awash with possibilities-- gathering meals in the grocery store, making plans with friends for the weekend, mapping out a vacation, for Pete's sake think of all the choices when we remodeled our kitchen last year! I live a luxurious life. And I'm trying to be appropriately thankful. Also to honor God with all (so many!) choices he's given me. So much luxury...
My life is awash with possibilities-- gathering meals in the grocery store, making plans with friends for the weekend, mapping out a vacation, for Pete's sake think of all the choices when we remodeled our kitchen last year! I live a luxurious life. And I'm trying to be appropriately thankful. Also to honor God with all (so many!) choices he's given me. So much luxury...
Friday, May 15, 2009
Mom
Is it too late for Mothers' Day? Nope-- because I just adore my Mom every day of the year.
I was with her Thursday night when we dropped in on an old friend of hers who is in an Alzheimer's unit. She talked so tenderly to her friend who just responded with a slight smile. Mom chatted about the woman's family and held her hands and prayed for her to find peace in these days. That's my mother--understanding other people's needs and helping them as best she can.
I used to remark on all the things I learned from my mother growing up-- how to bake a cake, sew on a button, how to teach Sunday School or throw a birthday party, how to raise 4 kids and love a husband... But I'm finding I'm learning even more now that she's (almost ) 78 and living an amazing life -- organizing the CD ministry at church, shepherding people around the Nixon Library as a docent, knitting caps for children overseas, volunteering at a charity thrift store, keeping track of grandkids on facebook!, leading tour groups all over the world, serving on the missions board, "mothering" me and a whole lot of other people. The single word I think of when I think of my mother is "unselfish." I hope to be like her. She is an amazing, godly woman, Lorraine Dupray.
I was with her Thursday night when we dropped in on an old friend of hers who is in an Alzheimer's unit. She talked so tenderly to her friend who just responded with a slight smile. Mom chatted about the woman's family and held her hands and prayed for her to find peace in these days. That's my mother--understanding other people's needs and helping them as best she can.
I used to remark on all the things I learned from my mother growing up-- how to bake a cake, sew on a button, how to teach Sunday School or throw a birthday party, how to raise 4 kids and love a husband... But I'm finding I'm learning even more now that she's (almost ) 78 and living an amazing life -- organizing the CD ministry at church, shepherding people around the Nixon Library as a docent, knitting caps for children overseas, volunteering at a charity thrift store, keeping track of grandkids on facebook!, leading tour groups all over the world, serving on the missions board, "mothering" me and a whole lot of other people. The single word I think of when I think of my mother is "unselfish." I hope to be like her. She is an amazing, godly woman, Lorraine Dupray.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Current Pizza Favorite
One of my (many) favorite pizza moments occurred in front of Cheeseboard Pizza (Berkeley, CA). It's a small place that makes only one daily selection of pizza. The line that snakes out the front door and down the sidewalk moves quickly because only one type of pizza is being made and pizzas just keep popping out of those ovens. Ani, Laurel and I ordered a few slices and because the two small tables in the store were already full, we joined other picnickers out on the grassy median of the Shattuck Ave for a pizza feast, as cars zoomed by on either side of us! A homey crust, topped with olive oil, garlic, spinach, gouda, mushrooms, walnuts and piles of carmelized onions. That's memorable pizza! So I've been making my own version:
SPINACH/ONION PIZZA
Crust: Dissolve 1 pkg of yeast in a cup of warm water. Add 1 tab. sugar, 2 tabs. olive oil, 1/2 tsp. salt and then 2 1/2 cups flour. Knead 3 to 4 minutes and spread onto 2 12" pizza pans sprayed with Pam. Put in a warm place while you prepare the other ingredients.
Toppings: Onto each pizza spread-- 1 tab olive oil mixed with 2 cloves finely minced garlic, one large onion carmelized in olive oil, baby spinach leaves cut into shreds, mushrooms (if Laurel is not at dinner), 6-8 oz. grated gouda, and pine nuts.
Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. Good and garlicky! mmm
SPINACH/ONION PIZZA
Crust: Dissolve 1 pkg of yeast in a cup of warm water. Add 1 tab. sugar, 2 tabs. olive oil, 1/2 tsp. salt and then 2 1/2 cups flour. Knead 3 to 4 minutes and spread onto 2 12" pizza pans sprayed with Pam. Put in a warm place while you prepare the other ingredients.
Toppings: Onto each pizza spread-- 1 tab olive oil mixed with 2 cloves finely minced garlic, one large onion carmelized in olive oil, baby spinach leaves cut into shreds, mushrooms (if Laurel is not at dinner), 6-8 oz. grated gouda, and pine nuts.
Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. Good and garlicky! mmm
Sunday, March 29, 2009
3rd Grade
Teaching 3rd grade is harder than it sounds. Which student still doesn't yet know how to multiply by 8, who needs more cursive practice. which kids needs to review nouns and verbs yet again... The tests in May every looming. Keeping an energetic, positive tone in the classroom can be exhausting. And at times you're more like a mom than a teacher--listening to long, involved "jokes", passing out sympathy band-aids, settling disagreements... But Friday was the hardest yet. One of my students is falling into a frightening situation in her life. I can't stop thinking about her, praying for this little soul. It makes long division look like a picnic. God have mercy.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Memorable Meals
Last week Paul and Sue invited us along to a splendid dinner at the Club 33 in Disneyland--from the first bite, I knew it would be a memorable meal-- and it brought to mind other memorable meals--so here I am with a list of my 15 most marvelous, memorable meals. I wanted to do the top ten, but when I started remembering back I just had to bump up to 15. So, for the faint of heart, you can quit now. This is going to be a considerable blog. In vaguely chronological order:
#1. In 1973 Larry and I left the Anaheim bus depot on Christmas morning on our way to the huge Urbana missions conference for college students. I brought the Christmas decorations to adorn our window as we rolled along and Larry brought the feast-- crackers and cream cheese (maybe the beginning of my love affair with cream cheese!), fruit and chocolate. Christmas dinner! We shared with friends in the seats in front of us and read, talked and slept our way across the country to the inspiring days in Illinois. Actually a very lovely, yummy Christmas.
#2. Looking back on our wedding, I'm actually incredulous at the amount of hard work, patience and good cheer demonstrated by my mom. Bake goodies for 700 people--no problem. Make yards and yards of ivy garland and keep it fresh-- A-OK! Whip up cut flowers into bridesmaid bouquets--it's done! And on top of it all, she made a lasagna dinner for all of the extended family back at her house that evening. Tables of people all over the house. We talked and laughed and opened special gifts. It was a memorable meal at the end of a memorable day.
#3. I grew up on my Dad's Sunday morning french toast. While Mom got 4 kids ready for church, he'd put Tennesee Ernie Ford on the record player while he served up plates of french toast cut in neat little squares.... Larry and I had moved to Dallas by the time my Dad was diagnosed with lymph cancer. We waited anxiously for news of the surgery, treatments... When Christmas break came, we drove 30 hours straight through to arrive home late Saturday night to be back with Mom and Dad. Imagine my comfort and joy, when the next morning, Daddy managed to get into the kitchen and whip of the french toast. That's when I knew everything was going to be OK.
#4. To celebrate our anniversary the year we lived in Costa Rica Larry and braved a harrowing plane trip and landing in a cow pasture to spend a romantic weekend in a thatched hut near Playa Manuel Antonio. Imagine our surprise when we discovered the only available food was a kilometer walk down the beach! Thankfully, we had packed snacks-- tender hand made tortillas from the market, black beans, fruit and cookies. So each day we lunched lounging in the wooden chairs on our porch, on a hill overlooking the jungle, down to the aqua waters of the Pacific ocean--empty for as far as the eye could see. Paradise.
#5. It was a dark and stormy night. Jose Maria had gathered a group of us to venture out for a dinner to remember. He knew of a farm down a dark dirt road, between the pueblos of Utrera and Dos Hermanas, that served meals one night a week. We found it in the storm and tumbled in to sit at a table by the fireplace in centuries old farm house. With Jose Maria there is always lots of laughter and animated conversation, but I remember most the delicate servings of sole on my plate--grilled with olive oil and plenty of garlic & capers--tender and oh so garlicky! Sitting by the fire, at the ancient table--like a meal from another time.
#6 With our 2 boys sleeping in car seats, we loaded the car in Leon, France and made an early start into the French Alps on our way to Switzerland. After an while we needed some breakfast, so Larry pulled over into a village of gray stone houses punctuated by masses of red geraniums. On the square he found and bakery and returned to the car with a box of juice and a sizable loaf of hot fragrant bread, slathered with melting butter and big crystals of sugar. We continued into the mountains, boys still asleep and the "Best of Bach" turned up on the casette player. Passing tidy farms and mountain vistas, we enjoyed a blissful breakfast.
#7. One of many trips to the "campo" with the Utrera church led us out on a blustrery day to a grassy field out beyond "Moron de la Frontera." The men ignited a camp fire and Carmeli began to stir up her famous paella over the flames. But the winds kept extinguishing the fire, until finally someone remembered they knew of an abandoned "cortijo" (an old walled farm) nearby where we could take shelter and cook. We set up again in the courtyard surrounded by thick walled, whitewashed buildings. Someone covered the well to keep children from falling in and Carmeli had the rice bubbling in no time. After we had filled up on plates of paella and slabs of hearty Spanish bread, we gathered in one of the large rooms of the farm, lit only by small windows high above our heads. Baby Ani was on my lap and boys sat close by. Guitars started to strum, and we sang praise to God to the beat of the staccato clapping. A glorious day.
#8. My first tapas were one Sunday evening at Carmen's house. She invited us in on the spur of the moment and began to pull olives, cheeses, bread... from cupboards for an impromptu feast! But my most memorable tapas meals were with Jose Maria and Carmeli. One night in summer when the heat was oppressive, we had our 10 o'clock dinner up on their roof! We all pitched in to carry up tables and chairs up, while Carmeli fried the thin green peppers and sardines, she mounded up plates of potatoes and peppers marinated in olive oil and garlic, set out plates of strong cheeses, jamon serano and her famous potato tortilla. More food kept arriving until we could not longer fit it all on the folding tables. We ate and talked into the night-- When the gypsy family from the church arrived there was singing-- Manolita's grand voice above us all. I looked across the table strewn with wine bottles and the crumbs of dinner and thought, if only mom could see me now!
#9. In my early days of teaching kindergarten, I was sending the kiddos off to lunch in the cafeteria, when who should appear at my classroom door, but Jenni and Ruth! They remembered my birthday and had packed a beautiful picnic to celebrate!! We carried it down to the playground surrounded by kids playing at recess and enjoyed our lunchtime feast complete with a few packages to open. What an amazing surprise!
#10. I have a favorite photo in my room of Ani, Laurel and me on Newport Beach-- the site of my next memorable meal. It was in the middle of the marvelous "girls' day out" they planned for another birthday. Highlights included gifts to be used through the day, getting my ears pierced (finally!) and giving each other facials at our slumber party! And the meal at the beach was delightful-- all packed in coolers--including ice cream snickers for dessert that "magically" stayed frozen until lunchtime! One of my favorite days ever!
#11. Memorable meal #11 includes almost all of the family--Larry, Aaron, Ani, Brain, Laurel, Gr Stu, Gr Honey and Gr Lo. After Ani's graduation ceremony at Cal, she and Brian had made reservations at a beautiful Vietnamese restaurant. We squeezed around a large table in the middle of the bustling room. Ani and Brian had planned the menu ahead-- my favorite part of the meal were the paper thin rice wrappers that we dipped into bowls of hot water to soften and then filled from platters full of yummy ingredients-- grilled chicken, pork, slivers of carrot, bean sprouts, cilantro, peanuts and delectable sauces. Ani opened gifts. We took pictures. A delicious meal and a happy celebration!
#12. During a Christmas break Ani and I made a trip to Shanghai to see Micah and to meet Jodi. The first day on our walk through an old neighborhood to the enormous fabric/tailoring market, Micah suggested we stop at a small stall for lunch. In front were ladies cooking over two large pots. We settled around a little table behind them and Micah asked if I wanted a the rice dish or the noodle soup. I took the soup. When it arrived, i asked about the dark globs floating between the noodles. "Duck blood" he explained. I wish he had told me that before I ordered! :) It was the first of many memorable and delicious meals in China. I think he made up for it when we stopped later at a stand for hot egg custard tarts. yumm.
#13. But, by far the most memorable Chinese meal was served at Micah and Jodi's wedding!! In a red jewel box of a room with table gayly set all in red, servers filled the lazy susan in the center of the table again and again with new tempting dishes-- crab adorned with orchids, cold meats, boiled chicken, jellyfish, lobster, pigeon, mango seafood salad... As we continued the meal, Micah and Jodi marched in with friends for the western ceremony with Larry officiating. Then the chinese tea ceremony including all 4 of parents. The lively lion dancers burst into the room, followed by Micah and Jodi's duet. Of course there was wedding cake, lots of pictures and by nightfall the rain and stopped for us to gather outside for the fireworks!! A joyful, unforgettable evening.
#14. On our summer sojourn through Europe with Jac and Jackie, we enjoyed a few really memorable meals-- our elegant anniversary "date" in Bern, the wine bar in Venice, a beautiful seafood risotto in Florence... But if I had to choose the most memorable meal of the trip, it would be our picnic in the Alps above Grindewald. It started at the Migros market gathering supplies. Thanks to Jac's trusty corkscrew we were prepared! After our funicular ride up the mountain, we stopped under the eaves of a wooden outbuilding and spread out our feast-- a braided loaf of bread (best of the trip), cold cuts, cheeses, nectarines & apricots, a plum tart and the "petit suiss" I had searched for and finally located!! We feasted on the misty mountain side and then began our trek down the long path--taking pictures and singing until we landed in Grindewald for coffee and pastries.
#15. We are blessed to have had some superb meals at the homes of friends along the years. But this last summer Tim and Jill extended us the special kindness of inviting us to dinner every Tuesday evening while we were in the middle of our kitchen renovation. After a diet of frozen dinners and sandwiches, you can imagine how delectable Tim's "osso bucco" would be-- so tender, it fell off the bone. He even let me man the torch when he served the "crem brulee." Sweet Jill sat at the computer through everyone of our Charlotte videos after dinner and as an extra surprise gave me a ruffled apron with "Rhonda's Kitchen" stitched on the front!! We won't forget their generous kindness.
I noticed as I made this list and perhaps you noticed too, that most of these memorable meals were not about the food at all, but about the people we shared them with. The blessing of dear friends, wonderful family, and also good food! I am so very thankful for the delicious memories.
#1. In 1973 Larry and I left the Anaheim bus depot on Christmas morning on our way to the huge Urbana missions conference for college students. I brought the Christmas decorations to adorn our window as we rolled along and Larry brought the feast-- crackers and cream cheese (maybe the beginning of my love affair with cream cheese!), fruit and chocolate. Christmas dinner! We shared with friends in the seats in front of us and read, talked and slept our way across the country to the inspiring days in Illinois. Actually a very lovely, yummy Christmas.
#2. Looking back on our wedding, I'm actually incredulous at the amount of hard work, patience and good cheer demonstrated by my mom. Bake goodies for 700 people--no problem. Make yards and yards of ivy garland and keep it fresh-- A-OK! Whip up cut flowers into bridesmaid bouquets--it's done! And on top of it all, she made a lasagna dinner for all of the extended family back at her house that evening. Tables of people all over the house. We talked and laughed and opened special gifts. It was a memorable meal at the end of a memorable day.
#3. I grew up on my Dad's Sunday morning french toast. While Mom got 4 kids ready for church, he'd put Tennesee Ernie Ford on the record player while he served up plates of french toast cut in neat little squares.... Larry and I had moved to Dallas by the time my Dad was diagnosed with lymph cancer. We waited anxiously for news of the surgery, treatments... When Christmas break came, we drove 30 hours straight through to arrive home late Saturday night to be back with Mom and Dad. Imagine my comfort and joy, when the next morning, Daddy managed to get into the kitchen and whip of the french toast. That's when I knew everything was going to be OK.
#4. To celebrate our anniversary the year we lived in Costa Rica Larry and braved a harrowing plane trip and landing in a cow pasture to spend a romantic weekend in a thatched hut near Playa Manuel Antonio. Imagine our surprise when we discovered the only available food was a kilometer walk down the beach! Thankfully, we had packed snacks-- tender hand made tortillas from the market, black beans, fruit and cookies. So each day we lunched lounging in the wooden chairs on our porch, on a hill overlooking the jungle, down to the aqua waters of the Pacific ocean--empty for as far as the eye could see. Paradise.
#5. It was a dark and stormy night. Jose Maria had gathered a group of us to venture out for a dinner to remember. He knew of a farm down a dark dirt road, between the pueblos of Utrera and Dos Hermanas, that served meals one night a week. We found it in the storm and tumbled in to sit at a table by the fireplace in centuries old farm house. With Jose Maria there is always lots of laughter and animated conversation, but I remember most the delicate servings of sole on my plate--grilled with olive oil and plenty of garlic & capers--tender and oh so garlicky! Sitting by the fire, at the ancient table--like a meal from another time.
#6 With our 2 boys sleeping in car seats, we loaded the car in Leon, France and made an early start into the French Alps on our way to Switzerland. After an while we needed some breakfast, so Larry pulled over into a village of gray stone houses punctuated by masses of red geraniums. On the square he found and bakery and returned to the car with a box of juice and a sizable loaf of hot fragrant bread, slathered with melting butter and big crystals of sugar. We continued into the mountains, boys still asleep and the "Best of Bach" turned up on the casette player. Passing tidy farms and mountain vistas, we enjoyed a blissful breakfast.
#7. One of many trips to the "campo" with the Utrera church led us out on a blustrery day to a grassy field out beyond "Moron de la Frontera." The men ignited a camp fire and Carmeli began to stir up her famous paella over the flames. But the winds kept extinguishing the fire, until finally someone remembered they knew of an abandoned "cortijo" (an old walled farm) nearby where we could take shelter and cook. We set up again in the courtyard surrounded by thick walled, whitewashed buildings. Someone covered the well to keep children from falling in and Carmeli had the rice bubbling in no time. After we had filled up on plates of paella and slabs of hearty Spanish bread, we gathered in one of the large rooms of the farm, lit only by small windows high above our heads. Baby Ani was on my lap and boys sat close by. Guitars started to strum, and we sang praise to God to the beat of the staccato clapping. A glorious day.
#8. My first tapas were one Sunday evening at Carmen's house. She invited us in on the spur of the moment and began to pull olives, cheeses, bread... from cupboards for an impromptu feast! But my most memorable tapas meals were with Jose Maria and Carmeli. One night in summer when the heat was oppressive, we had our 10 o'clock dinner up on their roof! We all pitched in to carry up tables and chairs up, while Carmeli fried the thin green peppers and sardines, she mounded up plates of potatoes and peppers marinated in olive oil and garlic, set out plates of strong cheeses, jamon serano and her famous potato tortilla. More food kept arriving until we could not longer fit it all on the folding tables. We ate and talked into the night-- When the gypsy family from the church arrived there was singing-- Manolita's grand voice above us all. I looked across the table strewn with wine bottles and the crumbs of dinner and thought, if only mom could see me now!
#9. In my early days of teaching kindergarten, I was sending the kiddos off to lunch in the cafeteria, when who should appear at my classroom door, but Jenni and Ruth! They remembered my birthday and had packed a beautiful picnic to celebrate!! We carried it down to the playground surrounded by kids playing at recess and enjoyed our lunchtime feast complete with a few packages to open. What an amazing surprise!
#10. I have a favorite photo in my room of Ani, Laurel and me on Newport Beach-- the site of my next memorable meal. It was in the middle of the marvelous "girls' day out" they planned for another birthday. Highlights included gifts to be used through the day, getting my ears pierced (finally!) and giving each other facials at our slumber party! And the meal at the beach was delightful-- all packed in coolers--including ice cream snickers for dessert that "magically" stayed frozen until lunchtime! One of my favorite days ever!
#11. Memorable meal #11 includes almost all of the family--Larry, Aaron, Ani, Brain, Laurel, Gr Stu, Gr Honey and Gr Lo. After Ani's graduation ceremony at Cal, she and Brian had made reservations at a beautiful Vietnamese restaurant. We squeezed around a large table in the middle of the bustling room. Ani and Brian had planned the menu ahead-- my favorite part of the meal were the paper thin rice wrappers that we dipped into bowls of hot water to soften and then filled from platters full of yummy ingredients-- grilled chicken, pork, slivers of carrot, bean sprouts, cilantro, peanuts and delectable sauces. Ani opened gifts. We took pictures. A delicious meal and a happy celebration!
#12. During a Christmas break Ani and I made a trip to Shanghai to see Micah and to meet Jodi. The first day on our walk through an old neighborhood to the enormous fabric/tailoring market, Micah suggested we stop at a small stall for lunch. In front were ladies cooking over two large pots. We settled around a little table behind them and Micah asked if I wanted a the rice dish or the noodle soup. I took the soup. When it arrived, i asked about the dark globs floating between the noodles. "Duck blood" he explained. I wish he had told me that before I ordered! :) It was the first of many memorable and delicious meals in China. I think he made up for it when we stopped later at a stand for hot egg custard tarts. yumm.
#13. But, by far the most memorable Chinese meal was served at Micah and Jodi's wedding!! In a red jewel box of a room with table gayly set all in red, servers filled the lazy susan in the center of the table again and again with new tempting dishes-- crab adorned with orchids, cold meats, boiled chicken, jellyfish, lobster, pigeon, mango seafood salad... As we continued the meal, Micah and Jodi marched in with friends for the western ceremony with Larry officiating. Then the chinese tea ceremony including all 4 of parents. The lively lion dancers burst into the room, followed by Micah and Jodi's duet. Of course there was wedding cake, lots of pictures and by nightfall the rain and stopped for us to gather outside for the fireworks!! A joyful, unforgettable evening.
#14. On our summer sojourn through Europe with Jac and Jackie, we enjoyed a few really memorable meals-- our elegant anniversary "date" in Bern, the wine bar in Venice, a beautiful seafood risotto in Florence... But if I had to choose the most memorable meal of the trip, it would be our picnic in the Alps above Grindewald. It started at the Migros market gathering supplies. Thanks to Jac's trusty corkscrew we were prepared! After our funicular ride up the mountain, we stopped under the eaves of a wooden outbuilding and spread out our feast-- a braided loaf of bread (best of the trip), cold cuts, cheeses, nectarines & apricots, a plum tart and the "petit suiss" I had searched for and finally located!! We feasted on the misty mountain side and then began our trek down the long path--taking pictures and singing until we landed in Grindewald for coffee and pastries.
#15. We are blessed to have had some superb meals at the homes of friends along the years. But this last summer Tim and Jill extended us the special kindness of inviting us to dinner every Tuesday evening while we were in the middle of our kitchen renovation. After a diet of frozen dinners and sandwiches, you can imagine how delectable Tim's "osso bucco" would be-- so tender, it fell off the bone. He even let me man the torch when he served the "crem brulee." Sweet Jill sat at the computer through everyone of our Charlotte videos after dinner and as an extra surprise gave me a ruffled apron with "Rhonda's Kitchen" stitched on the front!! We won't forget their generous kindness.
I noticed as I made this list and perhaps you noticed too, that most of these memorable meals were not about the food at all, but about the people we shared them with. The blessing of dear friends, wonderful family, and also good food! I am so very thankful for the delicious memories.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Lynwood
Last month Lulu, my mom and I spent a sunny Sunday afternoon up and down the streets of Lynwood. We lived there from the time I was 3 til 19. I'd been there before with other companions, but it was more fun seeing it all with mom and Luanne-- so many common memories flooded back and we laughed and had a few serious moments as we toured our old neighborhood, schools, shops, friends streets. A highlight for me was finding our old Lynwood church just about to have their Sunday afternoon service. We slipped inside and sat in the back room as the hispanic service was starting up. So wonderful to see people who love God still worshipping there. We walked around the building, peeking in and stopping to take a photo of Luanne and me on the back steps-- site of past Sunday school group shots! A lovely day together.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Lent
I saw Mary Ann come in to school on Wednesday with ash on her forehead. I had been thinking about Lent ahead but not with a thought for what I could do. So her simple reminder moved me to find my own offering of Lent. Maybe it sounds silly, but I am not reading books, or checking my computer (normally the first conscious act of each morning!) until I have read my Bible and prayed. So many mornings I intend to read & pray, but it gets brushed aside in the rush of getting to school. So for these days I am being faithful, in the way my Lord is eternally faithful to all of us. And I've received a blessing already. I read "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope" Romans 15:4. God's word giving hope. Just what I need. Thank you Lord. And thank you for the Passion of our Lord which is what we are anticipating in these days. Amen.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Aging well
From the autobiography of Edith Wharton, instructive words on aging well:
"In spite of illness, in spite even of the arch-enemy sorrow, one can remain alive long past the usual date of disintegration if one is unafraid of change, insatiable in intellectual curiosity, interested in big things, and happy in small ones."
"In spite of illness, in spite even of the arch-enemy sorrow, one can remain alive long past the usual date of disintegration if one is unafraid of change, insatiable in intellectual curiosity, interested in big things, and happy in small ones."
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Fruit Tart
Last week when Helen and Stu came for dinner, we ended with a custard pear tart with piles of whipped cream. yumm. I got the recipe years ago when Micah and I were browsing in a used book store. I came upon a thick French Cookbook with a the recipe, but it cost $22 --for a used book! So I memorized the recipe-- dashed out to the car and wrote it all down! The crust works for all kinds of tarts--cooked or fresh It's easy, rich and elegant...
FRUIT TART
CRUST:
1 cup flour
3 tab sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter
1 egg yolk
Cut the butter into the flour, salt and sugar with a pastry blender. Mix in the egg yolk. Press the dough into a 9" (or smaller) tart pan. Bake the crust until set at 350 degrees, about 12 minutes
FILLING;
Fruit (apples, pears, nectarines, peaches, apricots, or plums...)
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream (extra cream to whip and serve with the tart)
1 egg
sliced almonds
Peel and slice the fruit and arrange it beautifully on the semi-baked tart crust. Sprinkle on the brown sugar. Mix the cream and egg and pour over the fruit. Top with sliced almonds. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes until the cream and egg are set into a creamy custard. Serve warm, not hot with the whipped cream.
Notes:
No need to peel fruit with soft skins (peaches, nectrines, plums)
If you like the custard as much as I do, or for a larger tart double the cream and egg mixture
It's pretty dusted with powdered sugar before serving
Best eaten within 24 hours, doesn't keep really well
Bon Appetit!
FRUIT TART
CRUST:
1 cup flour
3 tab sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter
1 egg yolk
Cut the butter into the flour, salt and sugar with a pastry blender. Mix in the egg yolk. Press the dough into a 9" (or smaller) tart pan. Bake the crust until set at 350 degrees, about 12 minutes
FILLING;
Fruit (apples, pears, nectarines, peaches, apricots, or plums...)
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream (extra cream to whip and serve with the tart)
1 egg
sliced almonds
Peel and slice the fruit and arrange it beautifully on the semi-baked tart crust. Sprinkle on the brown sugar. Mix the cream and egg and pour over the fruit. Top with sliced almonds. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes until the cream and egg are set into a creamy custard. Serve warm, not hot with the whipped cream.
Notes:
No need to peel fruit with soft skins (peaches, nectrines, plums)
If you like the custard as much as I do, or for a larger tart double the cream and egg mixture
It's pretty dusted with powdered sugar before serving
Best eaten within 24 hours, doesn't keep really well
Bon Appetit!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Change
As a child I imagined people became "grown ups" about the time they turned 20. By the time they were 30, they were surely all "jelled" into maturity and that was that. At 56, I'm finding I'm neither "jelled" nor mature, but rather in a state of "godly discontent." My life is in a good measure already "spent," and I'm thinking how to wisely spend the these years left to me. All this is wrapped up with some reading I've been doing, "The Prodigal God" (Tim Keller), "Unchristian" (David Kinnaman) and the Bible. It has to do with recognizing my sin and God's enormous mercy, with what is real and eternal, with people all around me-- more than I can explain (or want to explain) in a blog post. I was reading a decorating magazine a while back that featured the beautifully understated home/garden of a gray haired woman in Marin County. She had a dictionary opened to the word "Change" in her living room, a reminder to grow/change. It doesn't seem an easy task at 56, but God is calling me to do that as well.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
The BEST Chocolate
My sister Luanne and her friends at school bring in newly discovered types of chocolate in anticipation of recognizing the very best chocolate. I've found my chocolate "best." Last year on a stay in Berkeley with my Mom, Laurel and Ani, we picked up a chocolate bar at the local Andronico's--Dark, rich, but not too bitter, chocolate studded with tiny bit of dried pear and roasted almonds. One square can be nibbled over time to fill your mouth with the velvety, fruity sweetness. So satisfying, you can savor a bar over several days. So I looked high and low down south here for the same chocolate bar to no avail. But after a year of searching, I've located it at Cost Plus-- Lindt Excellence Intense Pear, Dark. Thee are 2 in my kitchen drawer for afternoon nibbles. I highly recommend it!
Selma & Penelope
It's been a momentous week. Thursday the family gathered at the cemetery near our house to say good-by to Larry's Aunt Selma, Stu's sister. We talked through her quiet life and remembered sweet and sad moments with her. We hugged and ate a big dinner at Karen's house and looked at pictures old and recent of Selma. We will miss her. Yesterday was a different family reunion. A much less quiet and restrained group met at the home of Giseilla's parents to celebrate the imminent coming of baby Penelope. We laughed over mojitos and plates of appetizers, patted Gisella's growing tummy and oohed & aahed over adorable baby gifts. So much hope and anticipation! This baby will never know Selma, but they are part of the same big family. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Resolutions
It's January. I've been asked a few times this month about any possible New Year's Resolutions. I've been running the usual tired list through my mind-- walk more, eat less, turn off my tv, be in better touch with friends... But I keep coming back to the verse that's been on my mind the last weeks. "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12. That about covers it for me. If I can do those 3 things, it will be more than enough.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Hope in hard times
Beginning of a new year and I keep hearing messages of fresh, hopeful, new beginnings. Maybe it's my age or my place in life, but things around here don't seem so fresh or new. I have a number of big concerns on my mind these days that have just carried over from 2008. One of them is my friend Mariam-- in the hospital just having received 5 days of massive chemotherapy. She'll be home 2 weeks and then back at it again. There wouldn't be much hope in this or any my "worries". except that today I heard a different message. "All men are like grass,and their glory is like the flowers of the field;the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever." --I Peter 1:24 The things that plague us when life seems difficult, are temporary. God is eternal. Sometimes life if just so hard, but I can have hope.
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