The best things in 2012

Oh, I know the best things in life are free.  And the best things are not really things.  But, rather than throw up pictures of all my favorite people, my baby's feet and my garden, here are some of my favorite THINGS in 2012.

1

Wendell Berry books in general, but especially Hannah Coulter

If I could quote this whole book, I would.  It's lovely and warm and feels like you are sitting down to tea with your favorite grandmother who tells you the most amazing stories of her life and through the stories guides your paths and heals your soul.  No seriously.  It's just like that.

“The world is so full and abundant it is like a pregnant woman carrying a child in one arm and leading another by the hand. Every puddle in the lane is ringed with sipping butterflied that fly up in flutter when you walk past in the late morning on your way to get the mail.” --Hannah Coulter

2

Shirt of Flame...a book to begin a journey with St. Therese of Lisieux

So, this protestant girl is taking a long walk with St. Therese and getting a vocation to love.  CAUTION: Walking with St. Therese is not for the faint of heart, it's challenging.  Downright challenging.  But, then again, so is walking with Jesus.  So, go ahead.  Take the plunge.

Would you like to offer yourself as a victim to the merciful love of God? --St. Therese of Lisieux

3

Here Begin by Andrea Marie

Now I don't download a huge amount of music.  I am notorious for rockin' out to something I liked in fifteen years ago.  But, hey, if it's good, it's good and I'll like it forever.  Thankfully(!!!), someone emailed me a recommendation for Andrea Marie, particularly, a song called Boys and Girls.  I'm not lying that I fell in love.  My kids now call this album, "Mom's soul honey."  Because when I'm having a bad day, this is the album to bring peace.  It's that good.  Go now to itunes and download it.  It's lyrical and musical loveliness.

(In related news....do not google "Andrea Marie" in images looking for this album graphic to lift.  Because apparently, there are other girls who have that name who do not make lyrical soul honey.)

4

Haven Gastropub in Pasadena

I don't recommend restaurants very often.  When we do go out, which isn't often (let's be frank, we have seven children.  We eat in.) I'm frequently disappointed.  But, there is one place I could eat every single day. It's Haven Gastropub in Pasadena.  I have three words for you: Roasted. Bone. Marrow.  It will change your life.  Their shepherd's pie is what I will order if I ever I have to request a last meal.

In fact, just thinking about their amazing menu, this pregnant lady is one step away from sending Gana out to get me a little something......

5

Above Rubies Magazine and Nancy Campbell Books

I've known about Above Rubies for years.  Just never got around to ordering it.  Then I went to the Reformation of Food and The Family Conference in San Antonio.  And I heard Nancy speak.  I was so moved that afterwards I went and introduced myself to her and told her she was my new BFF.  That might have crossed over from "fan" to "creepy stalker."  But, I just adore her.  I do.  She's got gumption.  She tells it exactly like she sees it.  But, it's so sugar coated in love and grace that even if she's just chastised you, you feel like asking for more!  She's so genuine.  Like she really will give you all the time in the world.  When you talk to her, you have her full attention and she's so eager to love you that you wish you lived close enough to invite yourself over for tea.

6

HappyThankYouMorePlease

This movie.

This movie!!!!

(Warning: It's not a Christian movie.  They do drop a few F-bombs.)

This movie changed my life.  And not in the delicious bone-marrow sense above.  But, in the practical application of gratitude.  In seeing bliss as my birthright.  In believing and knowing that I am worthy to be loved.  Seriously, if Graham Cooke and Ann Voskamp were screen-writers for Indie post-modern movies, they would have written this...together.  It's so good.  It's a movie I don't own, but want to own and I can probably count on one hand the number of movies I personally own. (I don't count movies my children own.)  I'd re-watch it on those days when the devil tries to trick me into thinking that I'm too messed up and that I don't deserve all the abundance of God's love.

If you appreciate really thoughtful movies that are totally uplifting but aren't total fluff, this is one you should see!



So, there ya have it!  A few of my favorite things....besides raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens.  What are yours????  Did you make any great discoveries in 2012?

Words (not) To Live By

Maybe this is a little rant.  Maybe it's a commentary on how ridiculous and unthinking we have become as a people.  At any rate, here's the thing, everyday when I get on Facebook or Pinterest people have "clever" little signs posted.  You know, those inspirational words to live by.  They might look nice--have a cool font and/or graphic.  Perhaps it is the visual appeal that makes people think that the words are actually wise.  (Hmmmmm, that's something to think about.  How easily we are deceived into thinking someone is right or wise simply because they are articulate or interesting.)

So, let's get something straight: Popular is not synonymous with wise.  Interesting is not the same as smart.  Good feelings are no substitute for right living.

What bugs me the most is when Christian people--who seriously ought to know better--post these things.  Where do we get our ideas?  From the Bible or from pop culture???  If we internalize any of these very flawed ideas, it is no wonder we reap a bunch of drama and turmoil!

Here in no particular order are ridiculous things friends have posted to Facebook or Pinterest:

Things don't just work sort of magically.  What in the world gave us this idea?  Everything that works--being it your job or your marriage or your relationship with your children is because there is a lot of blood, sweat and tears invested in it!  The philosophy above can really cause us to take no personal responsibility for the failures of our relationships.  What a passive and unhelpful way to live your life!  

Let me give it to you straight: Jesus has already come to earth and gone back to heaven.  Any expectation you have from another person for perfection is completely misplaced.  Whoever you marry, you marry a sinner.  And so do they.  

We live in a very odd point in history as far as relationships go.  In the past women were content to find a husband who would be faithful and provide an income.  Feelings of over-the-moon-love weren't necessarily even a requirement.  Sometimes love grew from the seeds of choice and faithfulness.  Men were content to find a wife who could tend a home well and would be his partner in having children.  "Chemistry" wasn't necessarily a requirement.  People often chose to love the one they married rather than the other way around. 

These days we expect to be with someone who is beautiful and "hot" to whom we are sexually attracted.  This person must be well-employed, but their job must not infringe on any of our plans.  They must not have any emotional baggage that might require us to be patient, forgiving and move any mountains.  They must be there when we need them and meet all our needs, without being too needy themselves.  We must have the same interests and hobbies and the same political views.  To boot, they must also agree theologically with us on every point.  This person will never make us cry, never cause us to swear and never doubt their love for us or ours for them.  In addition, there must be "timing" meaning that they must come into our lives in such a way that it is perfect for us to be together and neither of us will have to sacrifice anything that would cost us a moment of discomfort.  This person will be Christlike but not require that we become Christlike in return.

Can we get a little wake-up call?  This person does not exist.  Marriage is the union of two good forgivers who agree to do life together--even when it hurts and you second guess your choice.  Marriage is where you dig your heels in and make a daily choice to love--even when the other is being unlovable.  Marriage is when you admit you are unlovable at times, but the covenant of marriage allows for personal growth and healing along the way.

What makes me happy is to sit in my pajamas all day, eating chocolate gelatto and reading novels.  What makes me happy is not the best.  What is best is for me to daily lay down my life for my family.  And that will, in the end, make me happy.

Start with happiness and the world will be very unhappy indeed. Start with what is right and the world will become a much happier place.

"Sometimes the best thing you can do is not think...."  Seriously?  Too many people take the advice on this post-it note.  In fact, I think it's become some people's political platform.

Rather, how about we get the mind of Christ and use that mind to think God-thoughts!  Let this mind be in you that is also in Christ Jesus!  (Philippians 2:5) 

Again with the passivity!!!  As if we have no control whatsoever over what we think and feel.  But that's not what the Bible says!  2 Corinthians 10:5 says, "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."  You have a choice everyday, every minute of every day, what you allow to take up space in your thoughts and spirit.  Evict anything that doesn't obey Christ.

This one might take the cake!  How about respecting others enough to know that the world does not revolve around you and your feelings of happiness!  Respect yourself enough to do what is right--even when it hurts! Psalm 15, commit it to memory:

Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others; who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the Lord; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind; who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bribe against the innocent. Whoever does these things will never be shaken.

Hebrews 12:4, "In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood."  Keep fighting.

This says that my commitment is contingent on your behavior.  Might be fine for a business arrangement, but this concept has no place in a Christian marriage.  We have to do what is right, regardless of whether those around us choose to.

OK, my last piece of advice is this: please!  For the sake of rational thought, stop posting things that are.....so.....unlovely.  

"Whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things."  Philippians 4:8

How do I loathe thee, let me count the ways....

Halloween.  I just don't get it.  I don't understand what is supposed to be so fun.  It goes beyond just not getting it, though.  I actually hate this holiday.

I can leave aside the roots and history of Halloween and leave that debate to people smarter than I.  I can find enough things to hate about it without trying so hard or digging too deeply.

Let me count the ways:

Number one... 

Seriously, what is up with all the sexy costumes?  Supposedly this is a holiday for children?  This must be a favorite holiday for those that prey on children because we are sending our little girls into the night half-dressed to take candy from strangers.

Number two...

Everywhere I look this time of year--be it billboards, television commercials or the store--there is this celebration of evil.  Just driving around our neighborhood we pass several homes that freak the children out.  They have to constantly be closing their eyes.  Everything is so evil!  Why every October is it somehow acceptable to have statues of ax murderers in your yard?  Why is it OK for otherwise good and sane Christian people to pretend to cast spells and dress up like bad witches?  Blood dripping off vampire mouths, gangsters with machine guns, ghosts, demons--all of a sudden, come October things we deem unacceptable and evil are celebrated as fun and cute?  


Who knowing the judgment of God...not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.  Romans 1:32


I more than don't get it.  I really hate it.  How can we be rejoicing in evil?  The world is scary and evil enough without our encouragement.

Number three...


Fear is a negative emotion.  I don't like being afraid.  There are plenty of things that scare me in life as it is.  Real life things that trigger a real emotion.  It's not pleasant.  I much prefer peace and harmony and happy thoughts and happy endings.  (Which is why I generally avoid movies that are thrillers, mind-bending or horror.  I watch movies as entertainment to escape a bit from reality.  I want a happy world where everyone lives happily ever after.)


I don't understand why fear is fun.  I really don't.  Why is it fun to go through a haunted house and shriek and nearly wet your pants?  I would have nightmares for a week.  


Number four...


Now maybe I take it too seriously.  But, I don't understand this mocking of the dead.  All the tombstone props, people crawling half-dead out of graves, and those who dress up like the grim reaper.  It has long been held as a Christian act of mercy to bury the dead.  Mocking the dead is just not acceptable.  


Likewise, mocking the resurrection is not acceptable.  There really will be a resurrection someday and it will not be gory, but glorious.  There will not be zombies arising, but those who have died in Christ will arise to meet Him with incorruptible bodies.  


So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption.  I Corinthians 15:42

I wouldn't let my children make fun of someone who has died or the resurrection.  The rule doesn't change just because it's the 31st of October.

Number five...

This is another one of those over-marketed holidays designed to get us to spend money we don't have on stuff we don't need.

Last July 4th we were chillin' with friends in our backyard, having a potluck, music on the radio and watching the fireworks.  Everyone was having a great time.  In conversation one of my friends hit the nail on the head explaining why Independence Day is so absolutely enjoyable.  It's not over-marketed.  You can buy nothing and still be enjoying it to the utmost.  Just hanging out with friends (free!), listening to Oldies (free!), spontaneously dancing (free!), kids running through the sprinkler (free!), watching fireworks (free!) and potlucking it for a fabulous meal (nearly free!).  It's low-key.  Doesn't take a ton of prep for maximum enjoyment.  And the life of it hasn't been marketed to death.

Halloween is the opposite.  Buy costumes, buy candy, feel obligated to attend parties or host one, decorate the house--for a ONE DAY celebration.  Ugh.

Number six...

Candy.  Last time I checked I was trying to avoid Red #40, artificial flavors, and excessive sugar.  Now, don't get me wrong.  I love dessert.  I eat it everyday.  But, it's made with ingredients I can pronounce and from my own cupboards usually.  The shelf-life of one of my desserts is two or three days, tops.  I'm scared by what I read on candy labels.

Oh, OK, I do indulge in candy from time to time.  Snickers are an old standby, if you must know.  But the sheer volume of candy given to the kids this time of year is staggering.  And we don't even go trick-or-treating.  Can you imagine if we did?

Dentists must love this time of year.  It keeps them in business.

Of course a candy now and then won't really hurt ya that much.  And you can make sure you brush your teeth afterwards.  And you can say that you don't let your kid dress like a hooker and your costumes are never scary and you don't make fun of dead people and you hand-make all your costumes from up-cycled materials.  So, all my reasons for hating it are moot.

Maybe that is how people get so much enjoyment out of Halloween.  I'm just over-thinking it.  Yet, unless you don't go to the grocery store or Target, drive down the freeway, turn on the TV and hand-make all your own candy, you can't avoid the evil side of Halloween.  It's there.  It's everywhere.

I can't wait for November.

So, what will the Tribe be doing on October 31?  We'll be celebrating Reformation Day.

(Bring on the comments about how it is your favorite holiday.  I will not be offended and will publish them.  *smile*  Just be kind and don't swear.)

On the Seventh Day of Christmas....

...Seven Swans A'Swimming.

Powerful gifts!

prophecy

ministry

 teaching

 exhortation

 giving

 leading

 mercy

Petty (or maybe not so petty) things not welcomed back in 2011

So, maybe I'm in a slightly negative mood today.  Blame it on the overcast weather or the overfull week catching up with me or the fact that I'm a member of that weaker sex.  Who knows.  All I know is that I'm in a bit of a funk.  As un-conducive this frame of mind is to spreading Christmas cheer, it's the perfect frame of mind to compose a list of things that are not welcomed back in the new year.  Here they are in no particular order:

1. Whitman and Brown campaign commercials.  As terrible as it will be at have to listen to Jerry Brown give State of the State speeches or to hear him in press conferences, what a relief to not see any more of his or Whitman's commercials.  The only sound more annoying is the Governator's political speeches or this:

2. Trips to the ER.  Spent the better part of the week at Urgent Care, the orthopedic doctor and the hand specialist.  Belgee has a broken pinky with a laceration thanks to a slamming bedroom door.  I could have written a doctrinal thesis in the time I've spent waiting for doctors, x-rays, cast techs, etc.  Instead I watched Chikin Run through twice, Toy Story 2, Go Diego Go and hours of PBS kids.

3. Nasty emails.  Seriously, if you couldn't or wouldn't say it to my face, don't think that saying it through email will soften the blow any.

4. Along with number 3 is nasty blog comments.  "We already know that anonymous letters are despicable. In etiquette, as well as in law, hiring a hit man to do the job does not relieve you of responsibility." --Judith Martin

5. Defriending me via FB because you don't like my theology, family members, family member's blog, or politics.  Can't we disagree without being disagreeable?  I don't think I've ever defriended anyone. If I friended you on FB it is because I actually consider you a friend in real life.  And if you just kick me off, it does hurt.



6. Wine with screw tops.  They tried to convince me at Whole Foods that it was a superior way of bottling.  But drinking wine (and eating food for that matter) is as much about the aesthetic as it is the taste.  I tried it a few times, because the wine was organic so "try to keep an open mind" and all that.  But it gave me no pleasure to twist off the cap.

7. The violation of my constitutional rights--be it in enormous unread health-care bills that are shoved down the throat of the American people or TSA molestation of people who do not pose any possible risk to safety.  I'm very tempted to require my children to memorize the Constitution and Bill of Rights, just in case no one else remembers them by the time they are grown.

8. Theological reflection papers.  Aside from the theological reflection I post from time-to-time on this blog, I (and I think I speak for Gana here) shall be happy to never have to proofread another assigned theological reflection paper.  Gana graduated in June.  He's officially a "theologian" which means my title of editor and proofreader is done....unless one of my children decides to go to seminary before they have a spouse who can take that role.

9. Bad food.  I was well on my way to becoming an organic foodie years ago.  But, this movie pushed me over the edge (along with Gana, who finally "saw the light".)



10. Uncomfortable chonies.  I know I have a primarily female readership, if you are a man, you may excuse yourself now.  All ladies left reading this, go here and get the Vanishing Edge panties.  You will never want to wear any other underwear ever again.

So, what's on your list of things you are not inviting back in 2011?  Leave me a comment.  If you post it on your blog, leave me the link.  I will choose a random winner from all comments and links after January 1 and send you a wine cork that I will personally autograph for you.