I'm a visual learner. You can list of info left and right and I likely won't catch it. If it's numbers - don't even try. However, if I see an image, a map, something in writing... it clicks.
For all the years of history class, historical novels and movies I had "heard" of tar and feathering as a punishment. I started watching the HBO series "John Adams" tonight and it depicted an incident of tar and feathering. The complete inhumanity and gruesome nature of the torture haunts me. I can see, smell, hear the torment. There was so much more to the movie than that (which I would highly recommend), but I can't get the thought of such actions out of my head.
Tar and feathering isn't exactly a common day practice, but there are plenty more atrocities out there. I don't understand the vile nature that drives modern day slavery - trafficking a human being into the most hideous of existences. I cannot comprehend the sheer evil that is oppression and torture of another being. I cannot fathom the hatred that produces genocide and ethnic cleansing. I am without words for the way that bigotry plays out in our own neighborhoods and around the world.
Tonight I am struck by the depth of suffering and overwhelmed by the prevalence of it's existence. But thanks be to God for His indescribable gift (Jesus Christ) who can change even the vilest of hearts. Praying tonight that captive hearts will be set free.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Domestic Days
I'm feeling my inner domestic artist lately and here are a few of the things I'm working on:
SEWING
* Aprons (2 - one for Shirley the apron giveaway winner, one for me)
* Fabric Napkins - had leftover fabric from kitchen curtains and hopefully waste a few less paper napkins
* Baby Gifts - burp cloths and a tag blanket
KITCHEN
* Made incredible chicken broth from leftover veggies, chicken bones, and water. Enough to can 3 qts and freeze 24 - 1/4 c portions (cupcake tin method).
* Found that Betty Crocker's gluten-free cake mix is far superior to anything I've tried from scratch. I scored 8 boxes of yellow cake mix at the scratch and dent grocery store. They are really bland, but I found lots of ways to embellish and add flavor. Bonus - they were $.89 each! Far better than the usual $4-$5 each.
* Got a lug of peaches to can tomorrow.
* A whole lot of gluten-free flops and a few successes.
ART
* Can't wait for time to get back this direction again. The long cold days of winter are coming soon enough for that.
SEWING
* Aprons (2 - one for Shirley the apron giveaway winner, one for me)
* Fabric Napkins - had leftover fabric from kitchen curtains and hopefully waste a few less paper napkins
* Baby Gifts - burp cloths and a tag blanket
KITCHEN
* Made incredible chicken broth from leftover veggies, chicken bones, and water. Enough to can 3 qts and freeze 24 - 1/4 c portions (cupcake tin method).
* Found that Betty Crocker's gluten-free cake mix is far superior to anything I've tried from scratch. I scored 8 boxes of yellow cake mix at the scratch and dent grocery store. They are really bland, but I found lots of ways to embellish and add flavor. Bonus - they were $.89 each! Far better than the usual $4-$5 each.
* Got a lug of peaches to can tomorrow.
* A whole lot of gluten-free flops and a few successes.
ART
* Can't wait for time to get back this direction again. The long cold days of winter are coming soon enough for that.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
So Long
My in-laws came to visit for a long weekend and be here for my baby's 4th birthday party. We had a great time. They left today (birthday eve) for home. As we parted at the airport, my 6-year-old broke into tears. It just wasn't a few, but rather sobs - all the way out of the airport, all the way home, and into the house.
It was heartbreaking to see him sob that it was going to be so long until he could see them again. I kept reassuring him that it was okay to be sad. Yet he was loved and would be able to talk to them anytime they wanted.
I don't know how to help him deal with his emotions. I'm praying for wisdom. If you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear them.
It was heartbreaking to see him sob that it was going to be so long until he could see them again. I kept reassuring him that it was okay to be sad. Yet he was loved and would be able to talk to them anytime they wanted.
I don't know how to help him deal with his emotions. I'm praying for wisdom. If you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear them.
Saturday, August 07, 2010
This Weekend
My in-law are here for a long weekend.
Hosting a birthday party for my little man who turns 4 next week.
Spending time laughing and enjoying my family.
Trying to ignore anything else.
More next week.
Hosting a birthday party for my little man who turns 4 next week.
Spending time laughing and enjoying my family.
Trying to ignore anything else.
More next week.
Monday, August 02, 2010
Inspiration
I'm reading, well actually listening to, a great book by A.W. Tozer "The Pursuit of God" while I'm walking these days. I got it as a free download and am AMAZED at the timing of this book in my life.
The entire book is very insightful and challenging, but I hit chapter 9 last night and now I'm gonna have to buy the book so I can reread this chapter over and over again.
The premise is that the nature of humanity is to be concealed. There is fear of being known for who we really are. We spend much of our time becoming more educated, experienced, skilled, and socialized so that we can put that part of our life forward rather than ourselves. But then the fear rises with having someone who is more educated, experienced, skilled, or social than ourselves to see past that part of us.
Some fear God for this reason, that He sees past the facade into our deepest being. Some fear ever developing deep relationships for that reason to.
The solution isn't a quick one. However it's fool proof. When I am filled with the joy, peace, goodness, self control, and love of Jesus Christ - then being transparent is no issue. I know what others will see. There is no fear in other seeing God at work in me. There is no fear in others' opinions at that point.
If always been a bit hesitant, uncertain, and wanting to please others. Part of this move has been difficult from that part of me. Starting over from scratch isn't easy, but I've made it even harder on myself.
So as we entertain hopefully "new friends" tonight for the first time, I'm heading in with a new perspective. For the first time, I think ever, I want to be completely transparent. It's a freeing thought.
The entire book is very insightful and challenging, but I hit chapter 9 last night and now I'm gonna have to buy the book so I can reread this chapter over and over again.
The premise is that the nature of humanity is to be concealed. There is fear of being known for who we really are. We spend much of our time becoming more educated, experienced, skilled, and socialized so that we can put that part of our life forward rather than ourselves. But then the fear rises with having someone who is more educated, experienced, skilled, or social than ourselves to see past that part of us.
Some fear God for this reason, that He sees past the facade into our deepest being. Some fear ever developing deep relationships for that reason to.
The solution isn't a quick one. However it's fool proof. When I am filled with the joy, peace, goodness, self control, and love of Jesus Christ - then being transparent is no issue. I know what others will see. There is no fear in other seeing God at work in me. There is no fear in others' opinions at that point.
If always been a bit hesitant, uncertain, and wanting to please others. Part of this move has been difficult from that part of me. Starting over from scratch isn't easy, but I've made it even harder on myself.
So as we entertain hopefully "new friends" tonight for the first time, I'm heading in with a new perspective. For the first time, I think ever, I want to be completely transparent. It's a freeing thought.
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