thankful thursday #119

Last night our church welcomed missionaries from all over the globe for our annual missions celebration.

I weep every year at this service, for the sacrifice these people are making in the name of Jesus, for the respite I wish for them as they spend some time stateside, and frankly, for the dark spaces in my heart that aren't fully burdened for the lost.

From my spot on the choir platform, I am overwhelmed to watch these sweet people worship our God freely, which many of them are not at liberty to do in their mission field. I am ashamed at how I take that freedom for granted.

One man in particular shared with us, When I worship here, I cry, because we cannot sing praises like this in our country. Be grateful for the opportunity, and the freedom you have, to do this without fear.

Thanking God this week for this most basic freedom.

What about you? What're you appreciating today? Go on, be grateful!

maple syrup, make yourself useful

I've often envied the people who make their own granola. It seems so domestic. So Martha Stewart.

When Lori cleaned out her pantry last week, for her Great Move of 2013, she gifted me with many treasures from therein, including a slew of maple syrup. It was the perfect excuse to experiment with this recipe.

Maple Almond Granola Clusters

6 c. old-fashioned oats

1 1/2 c. finely ground almonds

1 tsp. kosher salt

1/2 c. canola oil

1 c. brown sugar

1/2 c. maple syrup

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Line a large, rimmed cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside. (The bigger the better. A lot of granola is about to descend on that pan.)


2. In a large bowl, mix oats, ground almonds, and salt. Pour canola oil over the mixture and toss until evenly coated.


3. In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar and maple syrup. Warm on medium heat until sugar is dissolved, about five minutes, stirring frequently. Remove pot from the heat, add in vanilla extract, and stir to combine.


4. Pour sugar mixture over oat mixture, and stir with a wooden spoon until well incorporated.


5. Spread granola and press firmly into the lined cookie sheet. Bake until golden brown, about 45 minutes. Allow to cool, and then break up into bite sized clusters. Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Per usual, I deviated in a couple of areas:

* I thought a few chocolate chips might be fun. (When are they not?) I threw in about a cup of those, in step #2.

* I only had 3 cups of old-fashioned oats, and I supplemented the rest with steel cut oats. I have never cooked with those before, despite all the "they're so much better for you" rage, but I think they served the purpose well enough. They probably impacted the consistency more than anything else.

When mine was finished, there were some "clusters," but there was also a good bit of it that's looser, and probably more appropriate for a yogurt topping. (I think the steel cut oats might be the culprit.)

I kind of like that it's versatile, though.

(Because there's enough to feed an army.)

I'll be looking for any and all uses for this granola over the next two weeks. Suggestions? Let me hear them.

hello monday (come soon, march 1st)

This week might kill me. I trust that it won't, but oh, if March 1st arrives and I'm here to see it, I will be one happy girl.

There's not much to do, other than get on with it, and greet the week with some hellos.

------------------------------------

Hello, Nicholas Sparks movie.

Book was good. Movie was good, too.

------------------------------------

Hello, work travel.

Airlines, please play nice.

------------------------------------

Hello, send-off.

 My good friend Lori is moving away to start a new adventure in a new city this week.

Happy for her, sad for me.

------------------------------------

Hello, World Reach.

One of my favorite times of year at my church.

I'm looking forward to celebrating the work God's doing around the globe.

------------------------------------

Hello, uncontainable joy.

 Do you ever feel like the words won't come, because you're so happy,

and you'd rather just squeal?

That'll be me on March 1st. I can't wait.

canyon road

One of the sweetest blessings in my life is my friendship with the lovely Kari Reeves.

Her passionate pursuit of the face of Jesus, and her surrender to His calling on her life, has challenged and inspired me perhaps more than that of anyone else I have ever known.

Long ago, Kari was invited by our great God on a crazy, wild adventure that would scare the living daylights out of just about anyone. But she was brave, hopped on board, and has navigated that journey of obedience more gracefully and patiently than seems humanly possible.

I am honored to share with you a little piece of evidence of His faithfulness in her life: Canyon Road: A Book of Prayer.

Her first published book, Canyon Road is, at its core, a companion piece for any person who has never once spoken with God; who has ever struggled to find the words to pray at all; who has ever needed to practice the art of conversation with God; or who has ever wished for a deeper sense of His presence.

My words don't do it justice; but take my word for it: it's breathtakingly beautiful, inside and out.

I had my own personal book signing not too long ago (don't be jealous), but you can get your own copy here.

I am so very proud of her, and am on the edge of my seat to see how the Lord uses this testimony for His great glory.

thankful thursday #118

Mercy, this is a week where gratitude seems like a stretch.

It's not because there're all kinds of bad happening around me, but just because it's been a ho-hum kind of week.

I suppose I should be grateful for just that.

But I can do better. I know this.

I ran three times this week, and my ankle is feeling increasingly stronger. I started to think for awhile that the swelling might never fully disappear -- and it might not -- but it's close enough. I'm so grateful for healing.

I took a minor plunge in the chair of my sweet hair stylist and called for bangs. Mercifully, I'm not regretting that decision yet. I'm quite enjoying the change. And I should be thankful, because that decision point had potential to be a major disaster.

A good friend popped in for a quick visit this past weekend. I don't see her nearly enough, and I was so happy to spend some time with her.

Although we've had buckets of rain lately, we have not had a good thunderstorm, and tonight we do. I'm loving the sounds and sights. It's a hot tea kind of night.

Amidst your ordinary, what things are you appreciating? Go on, be grateful!

dream big

In our culture, kids are taught to dream big. That they can accomplish anything they set their sweet minds to.

It's a warm and fuzzy encouragement, and it comes from a good place. Parents want their children to feel empowered, confident, supported, and unstoppable. There's no shame in that; parents should be big, big fans of their kids.

Sometimes, frankly speaking, those dreams aren't realized. Sometimes circumstances get in the way, and sometimes poor decisions or consequences play a role.

No matter the reasons, if you're a believer that God is sovereign, and working all things together for His purposes and glory, then one day, you might ask yourself this:

Is there ever a time to let go of a dream?

I sure have that question.

Many years ago, I heard someone say that God isn't in the business of making our dreams come true, but He is in the business of changing our dreams into His dreams.

Perhaps a more biblically-based version of that sentiment is that we are called to be "transformed by the renewing of our minds" (Romans 12:2), and that following salvation, we are "renewed in knowledge in the image of [our] Creator" (Colossians 3:10).

That makes me think that our sanctification does, in fact, include the process of making our dreams, His dreams.

And if I know one thing about sanctification, it's that it hurts. It means surrendering, sacrificing, grieving and letting go.

Letting go of our own truths and exchanging them for the Truth of the great Author.

Letting go of our old self and putting on a new self.

Letting go of our past transgressions and being covered in grace.

And sometimes, letting go of dreams that we once dreamt, so that we can make room for a better one that God dreams for us.

Gracious Lord, I praise and bless you for dreaming big on my behalf. I confess that I hold too tightly to my selfish dreams, and I thank you for gently nudging me to accept your best for me. I am not worthy of being transformed into an image as beautiful as yours, but you are relentless in your pursuit of me anyway. Bless you, Father. Make your dreams, my dreams, and use me for your glory. Amen.

thankful thursday #117

I am fortunate to work with good people. Great people. I truly do consider them my work brothers and sisters.

My work brothers, now they are some pieces of work. It's not uncommon for one to show up in costume on a special day (think American flag button-up shirt on July 4th). Or, they may demand head ornaments at Christmas.

It's also not uncommon for one of them to change a girl's computer settings and drive her to the looney bin before she finds the fix.

Then there're the daily jabs. They fly at lightening speed, and I've gotten quite good at my own quick comebacks.

On this special day of love, they have outdone themselves and given each girl in our office this little happy:

A wrestler valentine and pencil (because who can't use one of those in the office?); a Starbucks gift card (because we love to run up the street for an afternoon pick-me-up); and a bottle of aspirin (because they say we need it to put up with them every day).

How can I not be thankful for these guys and their day-of-love thoughtfulness?

Happy Valentine's Day, folks. Get out there and tell someone "thanks" today! Go on, be grateful!

a bite of gourmet

At our Super Bowl party last weekend, we served up some Gold Rush Potato Chips with Parmesan and Truffle Oil.

"Gold Rush," because, well ... San Francisco ... we needed a creative name ... you get the idea.

These are so easy, and add just enough luxury to your average potato chip to make it feel like you're eating gourmet.

(And you kind of are, because truffle oil is practically gold. It's an investment, but you use so very little that it will stretch for a long time.)

Potato Chips with Parmesan and Truffle Oil

1 bag of plain, kettle cooked potato chips
1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese (go fresh -- no Kraft green container for this one)
2-3 Tbsp. truffle oil (white or black)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.


2. Spread the chips onto a foil-lined cookie sheet (for easier clean-up).


3. Bake 5-10 minutes, until they glisten (that is, the greasy deliciousness shows its happy face).


4. Drizzle the truffle oil (we used a spoon to control our drizzling), and grate the cheese (use a microplane - it's so easy to clean), over the chips. Toss and serve.

* Although tasty when they're warm, these don't necessarily have to be hot when they're served. The heat just gets the truffle oil and Parmesan flavors distributed on the front end.

Throw these out at your next gathering for a pre-meal munchie. (Or eat them this weekend on your couch.) They won't disappoint.

Happy Friday, folks!

thankful thursday #116

A few weeks ago, my friends and I got out our iPhone calendars (bless them) ...



... and settled on a date to visit one of our favorite getaways ...



... and that getaway commences tomorrow.

I'm so thankful for the respite.  It's gonna be a good weekend.

What's making your upcoming weekend a good one? Go on, be grateful!

for the love of church

When I was in the sixth grade, I remember telling my mom one night after youth choir practice that I loved going to church.

It was true. I can't tell you today what made me feel that way at the time, but I'm pretty sure it wasn't overly spiritual. In fact, it was probably the juke box in the youth room on which I played "Please Come to Boston" no less than 47,000 times, for free. (I still love that song.)

Regardless of the immature whys, I have loved the local church for as long as I can remember.

Over the years, I have wrestled with doctrinal questions, leadership issues, missional strategies, stewardship campaigns, preaching styles, and fellow community members, but I have never lost love for who the church is called to be.

I even find myself defensive on her behalf (as if that's even necessary).

And although I'm far from a model church member, I realize this love that I bear may seem foreign to many, or at best, not normal. I've heard a million times ...

I'm a spiritual person, but I don't believe in organized religion.

Or, I'm a Christian, I just don't like going to church.

Or, Church doesn't do anything for me that my friends can't do.

... and for me to have never experienced those feelings is a straight-up miracle.

Those lies are battles I hope I am never called to fight.

Recently, as our own congregation has sought a new senior pastor, I've reflected often on the church (and the Church): why it's important, why I do love it, why I should love it more, and what it looks like in real life to honor it well.

While I process those reflections, I'm embarking on a mini-series of sorts, here on the blog, about this beautiful mess called "church," that somehow has preserved me in ways that are both known and unknown in my heart, and that somehow is worth the shed blood of Jesus (Acts 20:28).

Glory.

I'd say that's worth my time to consider for a spell. Don't you?

a tale of two coasts (and make-ahead cheeseburger sliders)

My Super Bowl tradition has been previously established and explained, and it's always about the food.

When Atlanta was still making a run in the playoffs, the southern soul food angle was thrilling me.

And then they did not, in fact, rise up.

After San Francisco and Baltimore emerged as the Super Bowl contenders, Lori and I had to dig deep to execute A Tale of Two Coasts, but I was quite pleased with our selections.

A little of this ...

... and a little of this ...

... made for a carb-loaded spread that satisfied.

There were a couple of stars, but perhaps the most surprising were these make-ahead sliders. Cheeseburgers made the menu because of this little bit of trivia, but seriously, who is interested in slaving over a grill while guests are in the house?

Not me.

Between the Hawaiian rolls and some steam magic, these stayed soft and gooey, even after the heat was gone.

Poe's Best Cheeseburger Sliders

Makes 24 sliders

2 lbs. ground chuck

1 packet of onion soup mix

1/2 c. mayonnaise

2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

24 Hawaiian rolls

12 slices of white American cheese (I got mine sliced at the Publix deli)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.


2. Cook meat and onion soup mix together, over medium-high heat. (I used a Dutch oven, but any skillet with higher sides will do.) Drain well.


3. Return meat to the original pan, and add mayo and shredded cheese until well combined. The meat should be warm enough to melt the cheese.


4. Line a large cookie sheet with foil, and place the bottoms of the rolls on the pan. Put half a slice of American cheese (folded over, to fit on the bun) on each bottom.


5. Top each piece of cheese with about 2 Tbsp. of meat mixture, and then the top of the roll. Cover tightly with foil.


6. Bake for about 25 minutes, and keep covered until serving. The sooner you serve the better!

Did you survive the power outage? What was your favorite Super Bowl food?

right about now (the one where february appeared out of nowhere)

How is it February already? I should not be surprised, but I am.

It feels like a good time to take some inventory, with some random bits of life happening in my world, right about now:

loving: the weekends. Trails on Saturdays, dinner with friends. Heck, I just love that I have weekends at all.

reading:  Barefoot Contessa Foolproof by Ina Garten.

I do love Ina. Her recipes are elegant yet rustic, and this cookbook is a great sampling of some of her best. I want to try the Easy Tomato Soup very soon. (It has Grilled Cheese Croutons? Oh, I didn't notice.)

excited about: a couple of trips that are on the horizon. First up is the beach next weekend. Do you know of anything more peaceful than the beach in winter?

It is abandoned, sleepy, and cozy. I just adore it.

missing: this grin.

No surprise there.

trying to: understand how I thought a free fragrance sample that I received in the mail was for women, when it was really man-smell. That fatal spritz lead to the headache of the century.

enjoying: these boots by Bronx I bought a couple of weeks ago for wicked cheap.

Let it be known, January is the time to purchase boots.

using: the My Fitness Pal app (again). It's time to start food journaling (again). Darn you, accountability.

wearing: some simple stud earrings that the lovely Kari gave me for Christmas. They are perfect for a casual, comfortable Friday.

waiting on: all of my tax documentation to get here. I'm ready to send in this return, pronto.

planning: Super Bowl festivities. Lori and I host a party where the menu is themed, based on the two teams competing. This year is A Tale of Two Coasts, and menu planning has been a challenge, to say the least. Stay tuned for a recap of that deliciousness.

singing: along with Ben Rector. He's so mellow. I'm liking "Hide Away," "Loving You is Easy," "When a Heart Breaks," and "She Is." Incidentally, he has this YouTube rendition of "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" that is so fun.

needing: Manti Te'o to get out of the news. Did you watch Katie Couric roast him on her show last week? Oh, it was a train wreck. Painfully uncomfortable.

learning: about King David in a new Bible study we are starting.

Have you done this one? I am expecting great things.

listening: to my wise friends for counsel. I love that when I solicit their advice, they speak truth into me with a fresh perspective. Everyone should have people like that surrounding them.

wishing: my friend Lori wasn't about to move away. Do you remember when you were little, and friends would move away? You don't want to think that happens when you're a grown-up. But it does.

doing: some research on ottomans. I need to soften up my living space, and this style is speaking to me.

Now to figure out how to do this on the cheap.

praying for: my brother and his family, as they will learn very soon the place they will call home for the next few years. I am so proud of them; this is an exciting season!

dreaming of: a friend's family home. (I really did have a crazy dream about that last night.)

What are you up to right about now, on this February 1st?