"But he knows the way I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold."
Job 23: 10
A couple of days ago I wrote about how I was memorizing two verses a month based on my Bible reading through the year. Since I started in December Job was on my list to read. Most everyone who has grown up in church knows the story of Job. Here's a brief refresher. One day Satan came to God and God asks him if he has considered his servant Job. God continues telling Satan that Job is upright, blameless and shuns evil. Satan responds to God by saying, "Of course he is you have blessed everything he has," (my paraphrase). So God offers Job over to Satan as long as he does not "lay a finger on the man himself,". Eventually Job has lost everything and even his friends and family are telling him to turn away from God. Job continually cries out to God and never turns away from him. Job even goes as far as saying "But he knows the way I take; when he as tested me I shall come forth as gold".
Can you imagine losing everything you have? All your possessions, your home, your family, your friends...EVERYTHING! It blows my mind to even consider thinking about it, much less considering my emotions towards God if that did happen to me. I can hear myself now... Why me God? Where are you in this situation? Did you abandon me? What did I do to deserve this? Did you have to take everything? What's the point of serving you if I lose everything in return? Did I not do all as you asked of me? If I promise to do (fill in the blank) will you give me my family back? I can almost guarantee I would not have the capacity to look beyond my emotions and consider what God's plan might be in the heartbreak.
God knew where Job was during this trial. God was right beside him the entire time. God never looked away or lost track of the circumstances. Job professes to know that is true in this verse. What incredible faith! Job goes even father to say that he knows good will come of this, that he "shall come forth as gold." What a statement! How much do I need to remember that in the times of testing, discipline or hardship God has a plan for me and his plans are good! When God tests me it is to strip away anything that is hindering my relationship with him so that I may become gold! We should not fear hardships or a trial because it is one of God's ways of growing us.
Lord I pray that when a trial comes my way I will remember that you are always there with me. You know the way I take and when you are finished with me I shall come forth as gold!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Really Bachelor?
Last night I invited a friend over for dinner (Yay! First of two dinner dates this week, look at me go!). We enjoyed another Pioneer Woman recipe, Grilled Chicken with Lemon Basil Pasta. YUM! While I do agree it is more of a summer dish, it was fabulous none the less. After dinner we decided we would watch the first episode of the new Bachelor. This is not something I would normally do (I'm not too into reality TV), but it seemed harmless none the less.
OH MY GOODNESS!!
First off the Bachelor for this season is from a previous season in which he left two girls standing at the podium. Then the producers go through this sob story of how he has changed and gone through therapy, which included numerous pictures of him shirtless, working out (because when someone goes through intensive therapy to get over commitment issues this is what it looks like). But the fun began when the girls showed up to the "mansion". Yes, that is what it is called. Of course they throw him a twist and bring the two girls he left at the podium back for a brief conversation before the other 30 girls arrive (I'll give them that, I did really want to see how they reacted and he reacted!). Then like a playbook one girl, Jenny, was very hopeful/smiley and the other Deanna was more skeptical of his change. Seriously, I could write this show.
But it got so much more laughable when the 30 girls arrived. The last 30 minutes of the 2 hour show is why I don't watch these shows on a regular basis. These girls either (a) were so nervous it hurt to watch, which I would have been too, (b) were so full of themselves I wanted to vomit, or (c) were practically throwing themselves at a many they knew nothing about causing me to yell at them from my couch! Dresses were leaving nothing to the imagination (except for a few...Ashley S. the nanny from NY and Emily the event coodinator at the children's hosptial from Charlotte and maybe a couple others). The claws came out within the first five minutes of the girls being there. Girls were stealing Brad (Yes, that's the bachelor) away left and right. One poor girl got him stolen from her after 30 seconds like 4 times. At this point my friend and I truly believed Brad should have said something, but of course that would not have made for good ratings.
Then it was time for the roses. Ashley S. got the first impression rose and then 19 other girls got roses including a girl who has fangs (Yes, she wears fangs on a regular basis, like a vampire from Twlight, not even kidding you). Then they showed a quick montage of video from the rest of the season to get you hooked. If I wasn't careful it could have worked on me. Boy, are those video editors good!
But honestly, if that is the way to find love I want no part in it. These girls are throwing themselves at a man while compeating with 19 others. The majority of them are kissing him or doing more. They have to live in the same house as the other girls who are "dating" the same man they are. If this is not a recipe for self esteem disaster I don't know what is. He is pursuing multiple girls at the same time. Everything is wrong with this picture.
But as you know the Bachelor and Bachelorette are both extremely popular shows. Girls across America watch and wonder what it might be like to be on the show or meet the Bachelor. They wish they were as pretty, engaging, outgoing, flirtatious (the list could go on) as the girls they see on the show. But this is so far fetched from reality.
The Lord of heaven and earth loves every girl just the way he made her to be, whether that be outgoing, shy, tall, short, redhead or blonde. He has a plan for each girl that may or may not include getting married. But until we (girls) find our satisfaction in him we will not be prepared for the godly relationship that God may have planned for us. You must work through God's grace and power to become the woman he would have you to be, not the woman you think a certain guy would like. God is so much bigger than that guy. He has wonderful plans for you if only you would let him work them out through you.
PS. I just had a long, emotionally-charged conversation about last night's episode with a coworker! Seriously!
OH MY GOODNESS!!
First off the Bachelor for this season is from a previous season in which he left two girls standing at the podium. Then the producers go through this sob story of how he has changed and gone through therapy, which included numerous pictures of him shirtless, working out (because when someone goes through intensive therapy to get over commitment issues this is what it looks like). But the fun began when the girls showed up to the "mansion". Yes, that is what it is called. Of course they throw him a twist and bring the two girls he left at the podium back for a brief conversation before the other 30 girls arrive (I'll give them that, I did really want to see how they reacted and he reacted!). Then like a playbook one girl, Jenny, was very hopeful/smiley and the other Deanna was more skeptical of his change. Seriously, I could write this show.
But it got so much more laughable when the 30 girls arrived. The last 30 minutes of the 2 hour show is why I don't watch these shows on a regular basis. These girls either (a) were so nervous it hurt to watch, which I would have been too, (b) were so full of themselves I wanted to vomit, or (c) were practically throwing themselves at a many they knew nothing about causing me to yell at them from my couch! Dresses were leaving nothing to the imagination (except for a few...Ashley S. the nanny from NY and Emily the event coodinator at the children's hosptial from Charlotte and maybe a couple others). The claws came out within the first five minutes of the girls being there. Girls were stealing Brad (Yes, that's the bachelor) away left and right. One poor girl got him stolen from her after 30 seconds like 4 times. At this point my friend and I truly believed Brad should have said something, but of course that would not have made for good ratings.
Then it was time for the roses. Ashley S. got the first impression rose and then 19 other girls got roses including a girl who has fangs (Yes, she wears fangs on a regular basis, like a vampire from Twlight, not even kidding you). Then they showed a quick montage of video from the rest of the season to get you hooked. If I wasn't careful it could have worked on me. Boy, are those video editors good!
But honestly, if that is the way to find love I want no part in it. These girls are throwing themselves at a man while compeating with 19 others. The majority of them are kissing him or doing more. They have to live in the same house as the other girls who are "dating" the same man they are. If this is not a recipe for self esteem disaster I don't know what is. He is pursuing multiple girls at the same time. Everything is wrong with this picture.
But as you know the Bachelor and Bachelorette are both extremely popular shows. Girls across America watch and wonder what it might be like to be on the show or meet the Bachelor. They wish they were as pretty, engaging, outgoing, flirtatious (the list could go on) as the girls they see on the show. But this is so far fetched from reality.
The Lord of heaven and earth loves every girl just the way he made her to be, whether that be outgoing, shy, tall, short, redhead or blonde. He has a plan for each girl that may or may not include getting married. But until we (girls) find our satisfaction in him we will not be prepared for the godly relationship that God may have planned for us. You must work through God's grace and power to become the woman he would have you to be, not the woman you think a certain guy would like. God is so much bigger than that guy. He has wonderful plans for you if only you would let him work them out through you.
PS. I just had a long, emotionally-charged conversation about last night's episode with a coworker! Seriously!
Monday, January 3, 2011
He Deserves so Much More
New Year’s Resolutions. I know it’s January 3, 2011, but I have not gotten around to posting about resolutions. You may or may not be a resolution person. You may start them at different points in the year or vow to never make them because you always break them (you didn’t know I was a rapper did you :)) You may call them promises, changes, or commitments, but I’m going to call mine a goal/commitment.
My goal/commitment for 2011 is to read the Bible through in a year and memorize two verses a month from those same readings. This is something I have tried to do on many occasions and failed. With this being the year of taking on failures and fears I decided to give it another go in Christ’s power and grace.
In previous years I would pick up my bible and begin reading on January 1 without giving much thought to it (I definitely avoided asking someone for accountability. Why would I need that? I am independent and strong. Hear me roar!). I would make it a month or so and then lose track of where I was because I was always behind. In my mind I would justify why I should move on to something else instead of keeping to my commitment. So much for commitment huh?
Recently in my time with the Lord I have been convicted of the lack of discipline in my life, specifically in my relationship with him. What does it say to the lost world around me that I can’t even commitment to read the very words my savior wrote for me? How prideful am I that I can’t even seek out accountability for this step of growth in my life? How selfish am I to not hunger and thirst for the words he has given me? The creator of this world is worth so much more than this. His glory and renown deserve more attention than this. All of these questions and reflections led me to enter this season of reading with a different mindset. This year is about about him, his glory, and his name. Its an act of discipline and obedience through his power and grace working in my life. This is not about me doing something great, but God working through me and in me to make me more like him.
A wise old man (Hey Dad!) once taught me that all goals should be measurable, attainable (but not too easy), and time sensitive, so I made sure to make my goal in that way. I will read the bible through in a year using the Discipleship Journal’s plan. As I am reading I will pick two verses a month to memorize (1st from the reading on days 1-15, 2nd from days 16-25). I started in December 2010 when the Lord laid these goals on my heart. I hope to be able to share some of what he is teaching me through this journey with you. If you see me don’t hesitate to ask me how it is going or to quote to you my current scripture memory :)
What about you...do you have any resolutions, commitments, or goals for 2011?
My goal/commitment for 2011 is to read the Bible through in a year and memorize two verses a month from those same readings. This is something I have tried to do on many occasions and failed. With this being the year of taking on failures and fears I decided to give it another go in Christ’s power and grace.
In previous years I would pick up my bible and begin reading on January 1 without giving much thought to it (I definitely avoided asking someone for accountability. Why would I need that? I am independent and strong. Hear me roar!). I would make it a month or so and then lose track of where I was because I was always behind. In my mind I would justify why I should move on to something else instead of keeping to my commitment. So much for commitment huh?
Recently in my time with the Lord I have been convicted of the lack of discipline in my life, specifically in my relationship with him. What does it say to the lost world around me that I can’t even commitment to read the very words my savior wrote for me? How prideful am I that I can’t even seek out accountability for this step of growth in my life? How selfish am I to not hunger and thirst for the words he has given me? The creator of this world is worth so much more than this. His glory and renown deserve more attention than this. All of these questions and reflections led me to enter this season of reading with a different mindset. This year is about about him, his glory, and his name. Its an act of discipline and obedience through his power and grace working in my life. This is not about me doing something great, but God working through me and in me to make me more like him.
A wise old man (Hey Dad!) once taught me that all goals should be measurable, attainable (but not too easy), and time sensitive, so I made sure to make my goal in that way. I will read the bible through in a year using the Discipleship Journal’s plan. As I am reading I will pick two verses a month to memorize (1st from the reading on days 1-15, 2nd from days 16-25). I started in December 2010 when the Lord laid these goals on my heart. I hope to be able to share some of what he is teaching me through this journey with you. If you see me don’t hesitate to ask me how it is going or to quote to you my current scripture memory :)
What about you...do you have any resolutions, commitments, or goals for 2011?
Sunday, January 2, 2011
My Love/Hate Relationship with Cooking
I love cooking. No matter what my checking account may suggest.
I love the sight of a clean kitchen ready to be used. The organization of a pantry (or mine at least). The way butter sizzles when it hits a hot pan (yes I use real butter, my mom and grandmother would have nothing less). The smells of baking bread or bacon frying for that matter.
But here is the problem...I hate cooking for one. It seems like a lot of work to do for just one person. Picking out the menu, going to the grocery store, prepping the ingredients, cooking the meal (only to have more work putting away the leftovers), and then cleaning up. Seriously, am I worth that? (To those of you saying "Of course you are!" I do realize I am.)
I suppose there are some practical solutions to this problem. I could cut the recipe in half or have leftovers. But, I hate leftovers. Period. I am not exactly sure why and I would love to like them for my budgets sake, but it just does not work for me. Also, for those of you suggesting I cut the recipe in half do you realize just how many halves or fourths my fridge would be filled with? Not my cut of tea.
So how do I plan to solve this dilemma? I have resolved to cook for others more often than I have in the past. Every now and then I will cook for the boyfriend or offer the other half of dinner to the roommate, but I want to be more intentional about my time in the kitchen. I want to plan dinner dates and parties for my friends and family. I want to explore all the recipes that my many cookbooks have to offer. I want to practice my skills and learn new ones. I want to bake (yes friends I said bake) and take it to others.
So here's to offering my love of food to others.
What about you...do you have any recipes you love to cook for others or others have cooked for you?
I already have two dinner dates set up this week :)
PS. I cooked a full recipe last night for myself, The Pioneer Woman's Meatballs with Pineapple and Peppers. Delish! I will also be having it for dinner tonight. Maybe leftovers aren't so bad after all.
I love the sight of a clean kitchen ready to be used. The organization of a pantry (or mine at least). The way butter sizzles when it hits a hot pan (yes I use real butter, my mom and grandmother would have nothing less). The smells of baking bread or bacon frying for that matter.
But here is the problem...I hate cooking for one. It seems like a lot of work to do for just one person. Picking out the menu, going to the grocery store, prepping the ingredients, cooking the meal (only to have more work putting away the leftovers), and then cleaning up. Seriously, am I worth that? (To those of you saying "Of course you are!" I do realize I am.)
I suppose there are some practical solutions to this problem. I could cut the recipe in half or have leftovers. But, I hate leftovers. Period. I am not exactly sure why and I would love to like them for my budgets sake, but it just does not work for me. Also, for those of you suggesting I cut the recipe in half do you realize just how many halves or fourths my fridge would be filled with? Not my cut of tea.
So how do I plan to solve this dilemma? I have resolved to cook for others more often than I have in the past. Every now and then I will cook for the boyfriend or offer the other half of dinner to the roommate, but I want to be more intentional about my time in the kitchen. I want to plan dinner dates and parties for my friends and family. I want to explore all the recipes that my many cookbooks have to offer. I want to practice my skills and learn new ones. I want to bake (yes friends I said bake) and take it to others.
So here's to offering my love of food to others.
What about you...do you have any recipes you love to cook for others or others have cooked for you?
I already have two dinner dates set up this week :)
PS. I cooked a full recipe last night for myself, The Pioneer Woman's Meatballs with Pineapple and Peppers. Delish! I will also be having it for dinner tonight. Maybe leftovers aren't so bad after all.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Turning the Page to a New Year
January 1, 2011.
A time for new beginnings, resolutions, and changes.
This is my beginning, my change.
I am a twenty-something girl learning to live life on my own (with my parents not too far away :)) My foundation and joy is my savior Jesus Christ. My perfectionist tendencies and organizational drive have kept me from blogging because I was afraid I would fail. But really what is failing in a blog, who sets the standard? Here is the truth. It doesn't matter. Fail or not. Random posts or not. This is something I want to do without fear. I will write about turning the pages in my life; whether that be pages of the Bible, cookbooks, decorating magazines, blogs, books, or my journal.
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