I've put down roots in a few great communities over the years, in a few cities, in a few states. Not an outrageous number, but enough to have dear friends here, and others who are scattered.
They're like my life breadcrumbs. If you trace them, one at a time, eventually they lead back home.
I wrestle, and I mean wrestle, with the reality that a lot of those close friends (and family, for that matter) are not, in fact, close, in the literal sense of the word.
It means I am all-the-time wondering about the next opportunity to vacation and visit; how I can best stay connected from far away; or why I don't get the luxury of a spontaneous dinner with one of them.
It means I shed tears sometimes when I hug them bye; I feel ashamed and inadequate, at the amount of time I spend (or don't spend) calling or texting or emailing; and I whine about it to God. I do.
Tomorrow, one of those close-friends-who-isn't-close is coming to see me, and I can barely contain my excitement. I'm so thankful she's willing to take a little field trip, away from her own family, to spend 24 hours with me.
She loves me well, and oh, how grateful I am for it!
I'm forecasting a pretty fantastic weekend ahead for me. How about you? Go on, be grateful!
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Friday, May 24, 2013
the other black bean dip
Is there anything more comfortable than inviting friends over in the summer for a grill-out, where they bring their own grill-ables?
There is no pressure to please everyone with just the right food offerings (although I do love to plan a menu), and timetables are fluid.
I love the flip flops and shorts, the smell of the burning fire, the background tunes, the easy flow of people from inside to outside and back inside again.
And a good dip to share.
Oh, how I love dips. Unfortunately some of my favorites are super-heavy, often served hot, and generally not conducive to a summer cook-out. (Like this one, although personally I could eat this goodness every single day of the year.)
Last night I hosted a handful of friends, I took a chance on this new one, and it's a winner. The cream cheese base is deceiving, and not as heavy as you might think (or maybe my love of cheese has skewed my judgment on that issue).
It's so simple, though. Try it out this holiday weekend, or at your next casual cook-out. I bet there won't be much left.
(the other) Black Bean Dip
1 can black beans, rinsed
1/2 an onion, chopped (I used red, but white or yellow would also work)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp. lime juice
1 Tbsp. EVOO
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1 8-oz. container cream cheese, softened (per usual, I used the whipped variety)
1 red pepper, chopped (although I think any color is festive)
3 green onions, chopped
couple of handfuls of your favorite cheese, shredded
Frito's Scoops (or other corn chips)
Combine the beans, onion, garlic, lime juice, EVOO, cumin and red pepper flakes. Stir together, cover, and refrigerate 1-2 hours (or overnight), to allow flavors to blend. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
When ready to serve, spread the cream cheese in the bottom of a serving dish, casserole, or platter with sides (a pie dish or 8x8 dish is about the right size). Top with bean mixture, red pepper, green onions, and cheese. Serve with your favorite corn chips.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
thankful thursday #131
Although it's no secret who my team is, I worked for six years at Mississippi State University, in its athletic department.
Ever since, I've enjoyed watching its teams do well in any game, season, or sport, not because it's my alma mater (it's not), or because I have family in Mississippi (I don't), but just because I have an affinity for the place where I had my first big-girl job, and for the people that loved me well while I was there.
It's got a little piece of my heart.
Although football seasons werepretty terrible a struggle while I was there, State has always had a rich baseball history, and every spring held great promise. In fact, in 2007, they had surprising success in post-season play, and punched their ticket to Omaha for the College World Series. I was fortunate to go there that year, and mark that sporting event off my bucket list.
This week they're playing here in town at the SEC baseball tournament, and although I don't usually attend the games, I do like to follow their (hopeful) tournament run. Unfortunately, those games are airing on a station I don't receive on my TV.
But fortunately, and thankfully, I discovered this app back in the fall ...
... and I've at least been able to listen to the local broadcast.
Isn't technology grand (at least sometimes)?
(And State is 3-0 so far this week, and that makes me happy, too.)
What little things have you thankful and happy today? Go on, be grateful!
Ever since, I've enjoyed watching its teams do well in any game, season, or sport, not because it's my alma mater (it's not), or because I have family in Mississippi (I don't), but just because I have an affinity for the place where I had my first big-girl job, and for the people that loved me well while I was there.
It's got a little piece of my heart.
Although football seasons were
This week they're playing here in town at the SEC baseball tournament, and although I don't usually attend the games, I do like to follow their (hopeful) tournament run. Unfortunately, those games are airing on a station I don't receive on my TV.
But fortunately, and thankfully, I discovered this app back in the fall ...
... and I've at least been able to listen to the local broadcast.
Isn't technology grand (at least sometimes)?
(And State is 3-0 so far this week, and that makes me happy, too.)
What little things have you thankful and happy today? Go on, be grateful!
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
dr. who
My little brother is a doctor. How did that happen?
It went a little something like this ...
He received an award before the festivities even really began.
He also managed to flash this winning smile for a cute snap.
On graduation day, we waited through hundreds of names until we got to his ...
... and Christopher finally had his name called, walked the stage, and got his swag.
It was a big moment for him! And speaking of swag ...
In the end, he looked very smart in these post-ceremony photos, don't you think?
It was as big an accomplishment for Katie as it was for him, I'd say. If she weren't so humble, she'd agree with me. I'm proud of them both.
Congrats, Little Bro!
It went a little something like this ...
He received an award before the festivities even really began.
I'm so glad Mom got to see that.
The rest of the troops landed in town, and we celebrated with a seafood dinner on the water. It was tasty. There was some dancing by Little Man.
On graduation day, we waited through hundreds of names until we got to his ...
... and Christopher finally had his name called, walked the stage, and got his swag.
It was a big moment for him! And speaking of swag ...
In the end, he looked very smart in these post-ceremony photos, don't you think?
It was as big an accomplishment for Katie as it was for him, I'd say. If she weren't so humble, she'd agree with me. I'm proud of them both.
Our family doesn't get to be all together that often, so I'm especially pleased that we're doing things like this when we do gather!
Sunday, May 19, 2013
your dad is graduating
"May the roots of your family tree grow deep and strong."
-- Irish blessing
Dear Carter,
Today your dad graduates from medical school. It's a day worth celebrating for obvious reasons, and celebrate we will.
But in my estimation, documenting today is more important than the party itself, so that one day when you're older, you'll know the story behind the party. Always ask for the stories, because hidden in the story is where you'll discover your roots, and you, child, come from deep, strong roots. I want you to always know that.
For some doctors-to-be, medical school is a step toward worldly distinctions, like a large paycheck and an elite social status. This has never been the case for your dad.
In fact, I doubt he ever said he wanted to be a doctor when he grew up.
Instead, he was simply given a heart to serve others, and while he was busy looking for ways to do that, he found himself on this road the Lord had him travel to best steward that gift.
As is often the case with our God, the journey ordained for your dad wasn't easy. Did you know his first year of school was also the first year he and your mom were married? He told me once that was the hardest thing about medical school -- not the tests, and not the studying, but finding that balance as a new husband.
He worked hard at school, but he worked harder at protecting your mom and their marriage. Remember that.
He sacrificed and struggled and battled some discouragements along the way, but he pursued this call on his life with patience and a steady countenance, because he saw the bigger picture, and the higher purpose.
This story would not be whole if we went without honoring your mom, too. For all intents and purposes, she married your dad, picked up her life, and moved it to this foreign place called south Florida. She endured lonely nights while he studied in the library, stayed gainfully employed to pay the bills, and fought to build a home in a place that didn't feel much like home at all.
In short, she gracefully embraced the not-so-attractive parts of life married to a med student, and in doing that, she showed some of the truest, purest love toward your dad.
They make a good team, your mom and dad, and their example will be important in your own story one day. In their most challenging times, they just kept going, as if they knew the whole time that they were building a legacy for someone like you. I'm so proud of them.
So today, med school ends, but your dad's mission work is only beginning. He will serve someone, somehow, just about every day of his career, and I love that you will grow up knowing no different.
You'll get to see him care for people in need, which we're all called to do in one form or another, and you'll be surrounded by a family framework of selflessness that I hope you never escape.
Those are the roots that run deep, Little Man. Never forget how they got to be yours.
-- Irish blessing
Dear Carter,
Today your dad graduates from medical school. It's a day worth celebrating for obvious reasons, and celebrate we will.
But in my estimation, documenting today is more important than the party itself, so that one day when you're older, you'll know the story behind the party. Always ask for the stories, because hidden in the story is where you'll discover your roots, and you, child, come from deep, strong roots. I want you to always know that.
For some doctors-to-be, medical school is a step toward worldly distinctions, like a large paycheck and an elite social status. This has never been the case for your dad.
In fact, I doubt he ever said he wanted to be a doctor when he grew up.
Instead, he was simply given a heart to serve others, and while he was busy looking for ways to do that, he found himself on this road the Lord had him travel to best steward that gift.
As is often the case with our God, the journey ordained for your dad wasn't easy. Did you know his first year of school was also the first year he and your mom were married? He told me once that was the hardest thing about medical school -- not the tests, and not the studying, but finding that balance as a new husband.
He worked hard at school, but he worked harder at protecting your mom and their marriage. Remember that.
He sacrificed and struggled and battled some discouragements along the way, but he pursued this call on his life with patience and a steady countenance, because he saw the bigger picture, and the higher purpose.
This story would not be whole if we went without honoring your mom, too. For all intents and purposes, she married your dad, picked up her life, and moved it to this foreign place called south Florida. She endured lonely nights while he studied in the library, stayed gainfully employed to pay the bills, and fought to build a home in a place that didn't feel much like home at all.
In short, she gracefully embraced the not-so-attractive parts of life married to a med student, and in doing that, she showed some of the truest, purest love toward your dad.
They make a good team, your mom and dad, and their example will be important in your own story one day. In their most challenging times, they just kept going, as if they knew the whole time that they were building a legacy for someone like you. I'm so proud of them.
So today, med school ends, but your dad's mission work is only beginning. He will serve someone, somehow, just about every day of his career, and I love that you will grow up knowing no different.
You'll get to see him care for people in need, which we're all called to do in one form or another, and you'll be surrounded by a family framework of selflessness that I hope you never escape.
Those are the roots that run deep, Little Man. Never forget how they got to be yours.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
thankful thursday #130
Evidently, someone decided it would be great to stay in a hotel in Detroit, Michigan, compliments of my personal debit card.
Needless to say, that someone was not anyone I know, and I was nowhere near Detroit.
May I give a shout-out to Regions bank, who flagged the charge, prevented the debit, and blocked my card all on their own? When I returned their call, they confirmed the fraudulent activity, and issued a new card, before I even processed every worst-case-scenario that could have easily been my reality.
Thank you, Fraud Department, for doing your job. Those stories of proactive customer service seem to occur in the minority, and well, I'm thankful for being the beneficiary of your work this time.
Do you have a shopping spree -- an authorized one -- planned for the weekend? Be thankful for control of your own account, if you are.
Go on, be grateful!
Monday, May 13, 2013
right about now (the one where the days are longer)
Don't the longer days of sunshine make you happy? They sure do that for me.
It makes me excited for just about everything, even these random bits of life happening in my world, right about now:
loving: this address stamp.
Wouldn't that make a sweet wedding or housewarming gift?
Not gonna lie, I've started it twice before. I'm hoping the third time's the charm.
missing: the lovely Lori. Recently she moved amillion few states away. I miss cooking new recipes with her.
enjoying: this gym that recently opened about three minutes from my house.
It's nice that everything is fancy and new, but oh, to have it so very close by does wonders for the motivation factor.
using: this beauty balm, of late.
I was feeling adventurous, so I'm giving it a go. So far, two important notes: SPF 25 included, and it doesn't make my face look orange. (Cue the collective amens.)
wearing: a Band-Aid on my chin for two more days. I am following the doctor's orders after a tiny little incision had to be made, but I'mkind of really over it.
planning: many more trips to visit the Melt Food Truck here in town (only when the budget allows, of course), where every menu item is inspired by a grilled cheese sandwich.
Need I say more? I've been waiting months to go, and when I finally went last week, that Caprese Melt was something to write home about.
needing: a gel cushion for the spinning bike seat at the gym, before too many more classes. That's probably all that needs to be said about that.
learning: to use this new toy. (Per usual, this came to me as a gift, so don't even peek at that price tag.)
Do you think it will make me run faster? Me either.
listening: to podcasts still. I can't get enough.
wishing: I didn't have to wait four months until the return of Revenge. I am reeling from last night's season finale.
doing: a little road trip tomorrow for work. In another rental car. If anyone's in the market, ask me. I've driven at least twelve kinds in the last eight months.
praying for: less me and more Jesus.
dreaming of: an overseas trip. I think 2014 might be the year.
So this is me, right about now. What are you currently up to?
It makes me excited for just about everything, even these random bits of life happening in my world, right about now:
loving: this address stamp.
Wouldn't that make a sweet wedding or housewarming gift?
reading: this book by M.L. Stedman.
Not gonna lie, I've started it twice before. I'm hoping the third time's the charm.
excited about: all the family I'm getting to see this spring and summer! Between my recent jaunt to Delaware, an upcoming graduation, a beach trip in June, and the Peachtree Road Race in July, I'm getting a family fix I don't get to indulge in very often. It's quite a treat.
missing: the lovely Lori. Recently she moved a
trying to: eat out less. My dollar stretches so much farther that way.
enjoying: this gym that recently opened about three minutes from my house.
It's nice that everything is fancy and new, but oh, to have it so very close by does wonders for the motivation factor.
I was feeling adventurous, so I'm giving it a go. So far, two important notes: SPF 25 included, and it doesn't make my face look orange. (Cue the collective amens.)
wearing: a Band-Aid on my chin for two more days. I am following the doctor's orders after a tiny little incision had to be made, but I'm
waiting on: my home insurance company to give me some resolution to a pretty pricey error they made. I could do without that headache.
planning: many more trips to visit the Melt Food Truck here in town (only when the budget allows, of course), where every menu item is inspired by a grilled cheese sandwich.
Need I say more? I've been waiting months to go, and when I finally went last week, that Caprese Melt was something to write home about.
singing: "Redeemed" by Big Daddy Weave. All the time. One of our radio stations around here plays this one a lot, so I can't ever get it out of my head. But it hasn't gotten old for me yet.
needing: a gel cushion for the spinning bike seat at the gym, before too many more classes. That's probably all that needs to be said about that.
learning: to use this new toy. (Per usual, this came to me as a gift, so don't even peek at that price tag.)
Do you think it will make me run faster? Me either.
listening: to podcasts still. I can't get enough.
wishing: I didn't have to wait four months until the return of Revenge. I am reeling from last night's season finale.
doing: a little road trip tomorrow for work. In another rental car. If anyone's in the market, ask me. I've driven at least twelve kinds in the last eight months.
dreaming of: an overseas trip. I think 2014 might be the year.
So this is me, right about now. What are you currently up to?
Sunday, May 12, 2013
moms like hannah
Last year on Mother's Day, our church considered Mary, the mother of Jesus. It was a good perspective on one of history's most agonizing sacrifices, besides that of our heavenly Father.
Today we studied Hannah, another maternal heart worthy of our attention.
According to 1 Samuel 1, Hannah was the barren wife of Elkanah. While she battled feelings of inadequacy, shame, and grief, year after year, Hannah watched Elkanah's other wife bear multiple children, and understandably so, fell into a season of deep depression.
In a moment of despair, Hannah went to the temple of the Lord, and she prayed. And she prayed hard. The scriptures tell us she poured out her soul, and that she prayed out of her anguish and grief (1 Sam. 1:15-16).
Out of her heartache, a noble surrender came forth, and she vowed to dedicate her child to the Lord's service, if indeed she was gifted a child. She forfeited all the things a son would mean for her during that historical time: security, wealth, and even physical defense.
Eventually, the Lord did bless Hannah with a son (and five more children after that, by the way, because God can get extravagant like that), and her story continues to bear witness to the grace of God even today.
For women who face unfulfilled longings of bearing their own children, Hannah is certainly relatable.
For Christians who seek a model for vulnerability and honesty in prayer, Hannah is exemplary.
But our pastor highlighted a subtle but staggering truth today, which I'm not sure I've grasped before:
Hannah's burden was lifted before, not after, the Lord remembered her and blessed her with a child.
According to the passage, she "went her way and ... her countenance was no longer sad" after her prayer, but well before she conceived her son (v. 18). In other words, her burden wasn't lifted as a result of a fulfilled desire.
On the contrary, when Hannah surrendered the personal fulfillment a child would bring, and instead offered that child as an agent to be used for God's glory, she was restored.
I'm so grateful for moms like Hannah, who see motherhood as more than just a personal wish to be granted. More than a chance to round out a family portrait.
Instead, when moms see their role as a high calling to raise up children who will advance the kingdom of the Lord, that's real inspiration.
There are a lot of moms out there who get it, like Hannah did. Let's honor and encourage those moms not just today, but every day. They are worthy of it!
Today we studied Hannah, another maternal heart worthy of our attention.
According to 1 Samuel 1, Hannah was the barren wife of Elkanah. While she battled feelings of inadequacy, shame, and grief, year after year, Hannah watched Elkanah's other wife bear multiple children, and understandably so, fell into a season of deep depression.
In a moment of despair, Hannah went to the temple of the Lord, and she prayed. And she prayed hard. The scriptures tell us she poured out her soul, and that she prayed out of her anguish and grief (1 Sam. 1:15-16).
Out of her heartache, a noble surrender came forth, and she vowed to dedicate her child to the Lord's service, if indeed she was gifted a child. She forfeited all the things a son would mean for her during that historical time: security, wealth, and even physical defense.
Eventually, the Lord did bless Hannah with a son (and five more children after that, by the way, because God can get extravagant like that), and her story continues to bear witness to the grace of God even today.
For women who face unfulfilled longings of bearing their own children, Hannah is certainly relatable.
For Christians who seek a model for vulnerability and honesty in prayer, Hannah is exemplary.
But our pastor highlighted a subtle but staggering truth today, which I'm not sure I've grasped before:
Hannah's burden was lifted before, not after, the Lord remembered her and blessed her with a child.
According to the passage, she "went her way and ... her countenance was no longer sad" after her prayer, but well before she conceived her son (v. 18). In other words, her burden wasn't lifted as a result of a fulfilled desire.
On the contrary, when Hannah surrendered the personal fulfillment a child would bring, and instead offered that child as an agent to be used for God's glory, she was restored.
I'm so grateful for moms like Hannah, who see motherhood as more than just a personal wish to be granted. More than a chance to round out a family portrait.
Instead, when moms see their role as a high calling to raise up children who will advance the kingdom of the Lord, that's real inspiration.
There are a lot of moms out there who get it, like Hannah did. Let's honor and encourage those moms not just today, but every day. They are worthy of it!
Thursday, May 9, 2013
thankful thursday #129
This week the Lord has been so gracious to me in a specific time of need. He has proven to be faithful through provision, and gracious in protection. He has orchestrated circumstances to unfold in my favor, and has been so merciful to numb my heart from unnecessary fear.
During a time of Bible study tonight, I was reminded that whatever -- whomever -- God has been to me at any point in my past, he continues to be to me today, and will be in my future.
I'm so grateful that he has been, and always be, such a perfect provider, protector, and caretaker in my life, and I'm thankful for this week's reminder of such a worthy truth.
Have you had a moment this week, when you were given a reminder of God's faithfulness? Go on, be grateful!
During a time of Bible study tonight, I was reminded that whatever -- whomever -- God has been to me at any point in my past, he continues to be to me today, and will be in my future.
I'm so grateful that he has been, and always be, such a perfect provider, protector, and caretaker in my life, and I'm thankful for this week's reminder of such a worthy truth.
Have you had a moment this week, when you were given a reminder of God's faithfulness? Go on, be grateful!
Monday, May 6, 2013
hello monday (a regular may monday)
Mondays might feel like a drag sometimes, but sometimes they feel like a fresh start to a new week. I'm feeling refreshed and ready to go.
How about some hellos to kick it off?
Hello, water fall.
My koi pond fountain has been broken forever months, and
glory, it is now fixed, and running peacefully.
How about some hellos to kick it off?
------------------------------------
Hello, water fall.
My koi pond fountain has been broken for
glory, it is now fixed, and running peacefully.
------------------------------------
Hello, MiO.
This stuff will make you hydrate like a champion.
The sweet tea flavor is a sham, but Blueberry Lemonade is delicious.
Hello, rain.
What is with the rainy, 40-degree temperatures in May?
Hello, MiO.
This stuff will make you hydrate like a champion.
The sweet tea flavor is a sham, but Blueberry Lemonade is delicious.
------------------------------------
Hello, rain.
What is with the rainy, 40-degree temperatures in May?
------------------------------------
Hello, spin classes.
It's been awhile, and my backside is not letting me forget it.
Hello, spin classes.
It's been awhile, and my backside is not letting me forget it.
------------------------------------
Hello, marathon.
Heck no, I'm not running one. But the sister-in-law is.
On Sunday. I'm so proud of her.
Hello, marathon.
Heck no, I'm not running one. But the sister-in-law is.
On Sunday. I'm so proud of her.
------------------------------------
Hello, haircut.
Got a trim last week. It should be settling down any day now.
Hello, haircut.
Got a trim last week. It should be settling down any day now.
Get those Mother's Day cards and gifts in the mail this week, friends, and be happy for a new week!
Thursday, May 2, 2013
thankful thursday #128
My dad used to tell me the reason he got to work so early was because he got so much more accomplished before the masses arrived to the office.
I do wholeheartedly agree with him, that productivity comes when people are not present. Or calling. Or emailing.
But the difference between my dad and me, is that he's a morning person, and I'm not.
Like, really not.
So on occasion I'll work a little late. It's incredible the amount of to-do items that get the ax in even one hour of silence past five o'clock.
I'm grateful I don't have to do it often, but I'm really thankful that tomorrow I will arrive at my desk with a to-do list that is half of what it was two hours ago.
Silence is golden, yes?
Do you have some silent time this week to appreciate? Go on, be grateful!
I do wholeheartedly agree with him, that productivity comes when people are not present. Or calling. Or emailing.
But the difference between my dad and me, is that he's a morning person, and I'm not.
Like, really not.
So on occasion I'll work a little late. It's incredible the amount of to-do items that get the ax in even one hour of silence past five o'clock.
I'm grateful I don't have to do it often, but I'm really thankful that tomorrow I will arrive at my desk with a to-do list that is half of what it was two hours ago.
Silence is golden, yes?
Do you have some silent time this week to appreciate? Go on, be grateful!
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