My Friend, Paul

For the past 27 weeks, I've been taking my little Sunday School class verse by verse through the book of Acts.  It's been an amazing journey through the history of the early church and through the life and ministry of the Apostle Paul.  Each week since his conversion in Chapter 9, his personality and style have been fleshed out through the scriptures.  I've always loved Paul, but I admit that I could  identify more closely with Peter.  I've always sort of seen Paul as the "go to" guy for doctrine.   In my imagination of what they would have been like if you'd have been there and could have known them, Peter seemed the guy to talk to, while Paul seemed the guy to listen to.  (I know that may seem silly but I don't think you can diligently study the Word without developing a relationship of sorts with its authors as well as its Author.)

 But I've changed my impression of Paul through this study.  Now, when I read his epistles, I can almost see the man behind the letters--his passion for the Gospel, his love for the churches, his willingness to both discipline and restore.  More importantly, the more I see of Paul, the more I see of the Trinity--God's sovereign plan, Christ's Person and Work, and the Spirit's guidance and direction.

Ephesians 1 has always been one of my favorite "go to" passages in all of scripture.  I've read it more times than I can count or will ever know, for it is chock full of the doctrines of grace.  But when I read it again this morning, I didn't just thrill to the great theological sweep of the chapter, I saw Paul, the man, writing to his beloved friends in Ephesus, speaking to them of the things he desired above all other things that they remember. I can imagine how those words echoed in the minds of the Ephesian elders.

He had laid the foundation of doctrine while he was laying the foundation of friendship--with the Ephesians and the Galatians and the Caesareans and with every one he taught, even me.

Paul's a great guy to get to know.  

Early Detection: Nip it in the Bud

Karen, from Simply A Musing Blog, is hosting the Texas Oncology Physicians, in a Question and Answer round up of cancer related questions.  Visit Karen for all the details about how to submit a question.

I am worse than most about getting screenings, so this is screaming at me to make a phone call.  Maybe you need to do that, too. 

It takes a crowd to create awareness--won't you promote this on your blog and make your readers aware of this opportunity? 

C'est la "meme" chose. . .

My friend, Kate, tagged me for an easy, retrospective meme.  I get to sort through my old posts, (the thought of which made me laugh, after so recently reading what Kim's husband Buggy says about linking to/reposting old posts:  "re-posting old material is the first step to quitting blogging.") and select one representative of each of the following themes: family, friends, me, something I love and anything I like.

FAMILY: I am excitedly waiting to become a Grandmother in June!  We're having a little grandson and I can.not.WAIT to see him and hold him and smell him and kiss him.

FRIENDS: My RL/BFF Dorothy now has a blog!  Have you visited the Field Stone Cottage?

ME:  I'm going to be a Grandma!! (wait a minute; I guess I've used that one already.  Oh, well.)

SOMETHING I LOVE:  Quotes

ANYTHING I LIKE:  Jack Sparrow

Let's see; I'll tag Jill (because I'm sure she'll link to some very cute baby pictures and you really MUST go see her banner) and Pam (because I really miss her) and Staci (because she is a relatively new friend and I wonder why it took me so long to find her blog and I'm sure she'll have very good posts to share that I haven't read yet)

 As always, ladies, play if you have time--no pressure!

April Petitionary Prayers

My days are all mixed up this week.  Yesterday seemed like Monday, so I am a day behind with my April Petitionary Prayer post.

My stay in the hospital wasn't all disagreeable blood draws, IV's, EKG's and boredom.  I can honestly say that each and every person I encountered in the telemetry wing  was kind and friendly and oh so professional.  The care I received there was excellent.  These folks work so hard.  The weekend staff worked 12 hour shifts but my sweet nurse, Lois, worked much longer than her 7 am to 7 pm shift, leaving for home sometime after 9:30 pm.  Right up to the end of her extended shift, Lois was patient and thoughtful; not just getting the vitals taken care of in a timely manner, but taking the time to bring ice water, answer questions, and pray with me for another patient.  I mention Lois, but I could also mention Melissa and Dianna and the food service staff and on and on.

And so, I am reminded to not only appreciate doctors and nurses and all the auxillary staff that serve in hospitals, but also to pray for them.  They have a hard job.  Sick or recovering patients are not always at their best, but these folks patiently serve even the ornery ones who ring the call button incessantly with a smile.

One of the best things about my hospital stay was my roomate, Pat.  We were both there for rhythm problems; me for ventricular tachycardia and she for A-fib. We were both in the hospital for three days to "load" the drug.  We had plenty of time to talk and to get to know one another and it was such a blessing!  In three days time, I've made a good friend that I'd otherwise never have known.

I responded to the drug immediately and for the first time in as long as I can remember, I am now in consistent sinus rhythm (normal).  The drug did not work its wonders for Pat, however.  I won't go into the details of her condition, but suffice it to say that her situation is far more complicated than my own and she still has far to go to get her heart under control.

Won't you take a moment and pray for Pat?  She has decisions to make about doctors and treatments in the days and weeks to come.  I know that she would appreciate your prayers.

I'm so thankful for all my readers who took the time to pray for me and I'm grateful for all the prayers that will be lifted up for my new friend, Pat.

God is good. 

Related tags:  EKG telemetry arrhythmia prayer

Meme: Passion Quilt

My good friend, Elle, tagged me today for a very special meme.  Here's how it goes:

1. Post a picture or make/take/create your own that captures that about which YOU are most passionate for students to learn. (Mine is below.
2. Give your picture a short title.
3. Title your blog post “Meme: Passion Quilt.”
4. Link back to this blog entry.
5. Include links to 5 (or more) educators.

Evangelism

 

Saint Philip Baptizing the Eunuch of the Queen of Ethiopia, 1854 (?)
Théodore Chassériau (French, 1819–1856)
Oil, gouache, black chalk on paper glued to canvas; 32 1/8 x 14 3/4 in. (81.6 x 37.5 cm)
Private Collection

This painting depicts a passage from Acts 8:

26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. 27 And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28 and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” 30 So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this:

“Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter
and like a lamb before its shearer is silent,
so he opens not his mouth.
33 In his humiliation justice was denied him.
Who can describe his generation?
For his life is taken away from the earth.”

34 And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. 36 And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” 38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39 And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he preached the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.

As a Bible study leader, I greatly desire that each one of us know the Gospel and the implications of the Gospel so well that, like Philip, we can begin with any passage in the Old or New Testament and use it as a jumping off point for proclaiming the Gospel.  Presently, I lead a Bible Study in the Book of Hebrews and each week, after we have finished our lesson, we talk about how, beginning with the verses we studied,we would do as Philip did and begin to share the Gospel with someone.

Elle's blog (along with the other "tagees" Rosemary, Lisa) have inspired and encouraged me so many, many times.  I'm grateful to have an opportunity to participate in this meme.  Thanks, Elle!

I'd like to tag Dorothy (who is my dear friend and one of my "real life" Bible study partners), Kim, Rebecca, Leslie, and Ann.  As always, no pressure!  I'd love to read your answers, but don't feel obligated if you're busy!

Update on Saturday, March 29, 2008 at 03:43PM by Kim from Hiraeth

The "Quilt Blocks"

Ann--Living Water 

Kim--Hearing and Learning 

Dorothy--Light 

Rebecca--The Cross 

Don't Miss This

Easy to Miss

(from one of my favorite blogs) 

Cream of Asparagus Soup

At last year's St. Patrick's Day Dinner I served Spinach Soup with Green Onions. This year we're having Asparagus Soup. This is a new recipe for me. My friend, Carol, brought it to our last fellowship dinner and it was SPECTACULAR!

Cream of Asparagus Soup

Cook in covered saucepan:

1 lb. fresh asparagus, chopped

1/4 c. chopped onion

1 c. chicken broth

When asparagus is just tender, if desired, press through food mill or blend until smooth.

Heat in saucepan

2 T. butter

2 T. flour

1/2 t. salt

pepper to taste

Stir in:

1 additional cup chicken broth

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture reaches boing point.

Stir in:

asparagus puree

1 c. milk

Stir a little hot mixture into 1/2 c. sour cream or plain yogurt

Stir into hot mixture. Add:

1 t. fresh lemon juice

Heat just to serving temperature, stirring frequently. Sprinkle with fresh chives.

Option: Tough ends of asparagus may be included if blender or food mill is used.

Here's another fabulous recipe from Carol:

Lemon Bon-Bon Cookies

1 c. butter

1/3 c. powdered sugar

3/4 c. cornstarch

1 c. sifted flour

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. vanilla

Oven: 325

-- Cream 1 c. butter and 1/3 c. powdered sugar till light and fluffy. Sift together cornstarch, flour and salt; add to butter/sugar mixture. Mix well.

-- Form into marble sized balls. Press down with floured fork. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet till set, not brown, approximately 20 minutes.

Icing/Glaze

1 Tbsp. butter, melted, but not hot

1 c. powdered sugar, sifted

juice and rind of one lemon

Mix above ingredients well and gently brush onto cookies.

LitLovers

Leslie, from Lux Venit, has come up with a great idea; a reading group for Christian women, reminiscent of Tim Challies' Reading the Classics. My own reading time is already spoken for, but it looks like a lot of fun and I'd like to recommend it to you! Click the image and see what Leslie has in mind!

Heavy Traffic Wanted

Heavy Traffic. When you live in the Chicago area, it's something you come to expect. With 3 million people living in Chicago proper and 10 million in the Greater Chicago area, traffic is something you not only come to expect, you dread it and do everything you can to avoid it. You learn to check the internet, you check the TV, you try to get an early start to avoid it. But there's really no avoiding it. But there IS another kind of heavy traffic, a very desirable kind of heavy traffic and I know a young man who is looking for some! I got this task list in my inbox this morning along with this link: Tasks: Rate 5 stars add to favorites Give an awesome comment watch on all different possible computers. My friend, Tristan, has made a high def paper plate speaker for his 5th grade Science Fair Project. He's been competing with a classmate to see who can get the most hits to his YouTube video. Tristan and I would LOVE IT if you'd send him some heavy traffic today. OK. You've got your marching orders! Let's see if we can generate some traffic! (And see if his giggle doesn't make you smile!)

Especially for Elle

 Elle left a comment earlier this morning:

My dog died about 4 years ago, and we have not gotten another one yet, instead being currently ruled by two felines. I do wish for another dog, and these quotes make me wish harder. Now I need an Ivy story and picture as a pick me up, please.

Not long after I read her comment, this little Ivy story presented itself.  I had to run for the camera, so I didn't capture the the whole thing, but here you go, Elle:

Ivy's solution to boredom.

Since I had to run for the camera we're missing the first photo, so I'll just take a minute and set the scene.  Eve was snoozing away on her pillow.  Ivy was bored and restless and spoiling for a fight.  She hopped up on the arm of the couch, just to the left of Eve's pillow, with her favorite toy, Leon (yes, Leon, as in Redbone) and she dive-bombed Eve with it, trying to roust her from her pillow and get her to play. 

 

 

 When Eve only sat there, sleepy-headed and trying to figure out what just hit her, Ivy sprang into action.  The tail is wagging furiously.

 

  

 

Here you see the typical doggy "play bow."  Eve is shaking her head and muttering at the 'young pup. '

 

 

 

Here you see Ivy, mid spin, as she frolics and skips in front of Eve, trying to get her to get up and play!  Check out Eve's expression.  "HEY!  Make her leave me alone!"

 

 

 

Eve is up and running now, so Ivy scoops up Leon and runs after her.  (See that red blurr?  That's the toy.  Ivy tossed it after Eve took off)

 

 

 

Here you see her poking Eve with Leon, taunting her with the toy. 

 

 

 

Eve's not buying it.  She circled back around the coffee table and plopped down on her pillow. 

 

  

 

Guess who Ivy wants to play with now? 

 

Look at that face.  We call her Doggy Demando.  I think you can see why.

 

 

 

There she goes again--a big red blurrrrrr. 

Breakfast is calling

I never used to eat breakfast.  Two cups of strong, black coffee--down the hatch--was my morning routine for many years.

Even now, I'm not ready for breakfast when I get up.  I have my single cup of strong, black coffee as soon as I get up and have breakfast about three hours after I get up, around 9.  I don't like the typical American breakfast of cereal, juice and coffee.  I like a slice of toasted pumpernickel bread with cream cheese or a bran muffin.

I do love preparing brunches, though!  The egg dish, the fruit, the homemade baked goods.  Setting the table.  Drinking coffee in the kitchen while I'm cooking.  Conversation around the dining room table.  Newspapers scattered around, a second cup of coffee.  It's fun and cozy and there are many wonderful recipes for brunch, don't you think?

Mummymac is hosting the BBB Recipe Round up (Big Bloggy Breakfast ) tomorrow at Home But Not Alone.  I haven't decided which recipe(s) I'll be sharing, have you? 

See you there tomorrow! 

Introductions and Invitations

This morning I'd like to introduce you to my wonderful "real life" friend, Dorothy.  We've only known each other about three years (is that right, Dorothy?) but I feel as if I've known her my whole life.  Some friendships are just like that.

Dorothy and I like a lot of the same things; cooking, entertaining, gardening, homemaking, sewing, teapots, cookbooks, dogs.   I'd like her to teach me to crochet and she'd like me to teach her calligraphy.  We both love to read and discuss books.  But the thing that binds us together as special friends is our love for Christ and His Word.

Dorothy and I, along our other dear friend, Carol, have been studying theology and the Bible together for several years.  I think that this element is the what has made our friendship so quickly deep and so deeply substantive.  You really get to know another person when you pray and study together on a regular basis.

 Some of you have already got to know her a little through her comments on your blogs.  Well, I've finally convinced her to take the plunge and begin her own blog, Field Stone Cottage.

It is named so because Dorothy lives, along with her family and her sweet little dog, Charlie, in a beautiful field stone cottage.   I wish I had a picture to show you.  If I could have a picture of her house, though, it would be her kitchen table, for that is where I have sat with her over cups and cups of Earl Grey and Malachi McCormack tea, talking, laughing, and praying.

I do hope you'll take a few minutes and visit Dorothy and welcome her to the blogosphere.  Oh, and while you're there, do take time to read her post, Even the Dogs.  

Happy Valentines Day

Happy Valentine's Day!

This kitty Valentine reminds me of our kitty--Buster:

 

Third Time's the Charm?

Karen tagged me for the Bucket List meme: five things you want to do before you die, based on the movie The Bucket List. (I have never heard of said movie before, have you?  Is it in theaters now?)

I remembered that I had answered a similar meme before; so, being the constant, unspontaneous person that I am, I searched through my old blogger blog for the answers I gave the other time--June 2006.  I had to laugh when I read this:

"Here are my answers from last November."  (7 x 7 things meme)

See?  I really am a constant, unspontaneous person, am I not?  Here are the first five from that other list:

1. Grow in grace and truth
2. Visit Ireland
3. Face death with confidence and peace
4. See my boys happily married to godly women (one down, two to go!)
5. Pray with my grandchildren (first one on the way!)

Last time, I tagged some new friends and I shall do the same this time:

Mummymac, AnnB, and Naomi, all of whom live in Ireland and all with whom I hope to have a cup of tea someday.  Ladies, you may answer the Bucket Meme or the 7 x 7 meme--your choice.  I am also tagging my (rl)bff Dorothy for either meme.  It'll give her some fodder for her new blog once she commits to and creates her new blog.

Little Women Revisited

 

"Christmas won't be Christmas without any presents," grumbled Jo, lying on the rug.

"It's so dreadful to be poor!," sighed Meg, looking down at her old dress. 

"I don't think it's fair for some girls to have plenty of pretty things and others to have nothing at all, added little Amy with an injured sniff.

"We've got Father and Mother and each other, " said Beth contentedly from her corner.

Little Women and Little Men by Louisa May Alcott were two of my favorite books as a child, the first to really pierce my young, dramatic heart with the full range of girlish emotions--gasping, hand-to-mouth, clutching Kleenexes, and sobbing.

 
Yesterday my dear friend, Dorothy, treated me to the most wonderful day!  We went to a matinee performance of the Broadway musical, Little Women, at the Marriott Theater in Lincolnshire.  The performance transported me right back to my childhood as I winked away the shared tears of sadness and of joy of generations of little women, like me.

Theatre has always seemed like magic in the dark to me and it was especially so yesterday.  The Marriott Theater is in the round, so the props are minimal; silently and invisibly ushered on and off in the dark.  I have never seen a production in the round, so I was curious about what it would be like to see a play without backdrops.  It seemed especially appropriate to me that so much magic could be created with so few props and, like the March girls, we lived in our imaginations during the production:

"Wouldn't it be fun if all the castles in the air which we make could come true and we could live in them?"

It WAS fun and for a few hours, this childhood book became true and we lived in it. 

Amazing Generosity

Look what I got in the mail today!!

My fellow OPC friend, Pam, from a rustling of leaves, sent me five! count 'em FIVE books plus a beautiful journal, and a lovely card and recipe card.  One of the books is a Geneva Bible and she even sent Bible tabs to go along with it!  What a treasure trove!

I am completely surprised and totally delighted.  Surpassing even my book lust, I am very humbled and amazed to have such a generous friend.

Thank you, Pam! 

Irish-Indian Beef Curry

Irish Indian food.  Have you ever had it?  No?  Neither had I.

In fact, I've never really eaten much Indian food (Irish or otherwise) but when I made my customary morning visit with mummymac at Home but Not Alone, I discovered an intriguing recipe for Beef Curry.

Beef, apples, onions, sultanas, mango chutney and, of course, copious amounts of curry.  To say I was intrigued is an understatement.  Whenever anyone tells me, "Everyone wants the recipe," well, that's my signal to spring into action.

So, after I met my friend Carol for a cup of coffee at Caribou, (have you tried their Obsidian?--it's fantastic!) it was off to Joseph's to look for mango chutney.

Oh!  I had such fun yesterday. Elaine and I chatted back and forth via email all afternoon as the aroma wafted through the house and our American stomachs growled.  And I learned a few things:

• Sultanas are raisins made from the sultana grape.

• Mango chutney is HOT!!

• Beef Curry is served over rice. 

• One should serve Naan bread with Beef Curry (next time)

• Americans think they need a salad with every meal.  (so true) 

• Sam, the pickiest eater in the family (and maybe on the face of the earth!) is growing up.  It's taken 17 years, but he's beginning to exhibit a willingness to try new foods (or maybe it was just the delicious aroma that wore down his resistance)

• We get up around their lunchtime, have lunch when it's their tea-time and have tea when they are going to bed. 

The recipe was pronounced an absolute success!  Other than a small pile of raisins on a couple of plates (the culprits shall remain nameless) we gobbled it up!  I meant to take pictures of the finished product, but we were in such a hurry to eat that I forgot to snap a picture.  However, I did take some pictures while I was making it:

 

Mmmm.  Sweet Mango Chutney.  This isn't the brand mummymac uses, but you can find it over here.  Try the international section of your grocery store.

 

Here we have the browned beef in the oh so well-loved Pampered Chef baking bowl awaiting the simmering sauce before popping it into the oven.

I was having so much fun making this and the sauce looked so cheerful bubbling away that I took a short video of the sauce, right after I added the broth to the apples and onions.   Daddymac was pretty sure the sauce was too thin and nearly panicked, but mummymac recognized the stage and calmed his fears.

 

The finished curry.

 

Spinach Salad with roasted red peppers, sweet onion, bacon and pecans
dressed with homemadesweet and sour celery seed dressing. 

Dressing:

1/2 cup Hellmann's mayonnaise
1 cup oil    
1/2 cup cider vinegar
3/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon celery seed   

Wisk together and chill.

A fabulous recipe made even more memorable by the lovely international conversation.

 Here's to you, Elaine, and Irish Indian cooking!

 "Friendship? Yes Please."
-Charles Dickens

For Naomi

Naomi asked if I knew the name of piano selection played at Kyle's blog, Covenant in Blood.  I followed the link he provided and learned that it is from Psalm 40.

My Help and My Deliverer

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

40:1 I waited patiently for the Lord;
he inclined to me and heard my cry.
2 He drew me up from the pit of destruction,
out of the miry bog,
and set my feet upon a rock,
making my steps secure.
3 He put a new song in my mouth,
a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
and put their trust in the Lord.

4 Blessed is the man who makes
the Lord his trust,
who does not turn to the proud,
to those who go astray after a lie!
5 You have multiplied, O Lord my God,
your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us;
none can compare with you!
I will proclaim and tell of them,
yet they are more than can be told.

6 In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted,
but you have given me an open ear. [1]
Burnt offering and sin offering
you have not required.
7 Then I said, “Behold, I have come;
in the scroll of the book it is written of me:
8 I delight to do your will, O my God;
your law is within my heart.”

9 I have told the glad news of deliverance [2]
in the great congregation;
behold, I have not restrained my lips,
as you know, O Lord.
10 I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart;
I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation;
I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness
from the great congregation.

11 As for you, O Lord, you will not restrain
your mercy from me;
your steadfast love and your faithfulness will
ever preserve me!
12 For evils have encompassed me
beyond number;
my iniquities have overtaken me,
and I cannot see;
they are more than the hairs of my head;
my heart fails me.

13 Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me!
O Lord, make haste to help me!
14 Let those be put to shame and disappointed altogether
who seek to snatch away my life;
let those be turned back and brought to dishonor
who delight in my hurt!
15 Let those be appalled because of their shame
who say to me, “Aha, Aha!”

16 But may all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who love your salvation
say continually, “Great is the Lord!”
17 As for me, I am poor and needy,
but the Lord takes thought for me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
do not delay, O my God!

Remembering others

I was reminded just now of how difficult the first Christmas season after the loss of a loved one can be.  Christmas is a time of celebration and family get togethers, traditions and memories, laughter and fun; but, to one who is grieving at this time of year, all that Christmas cheer often punctuates the pain of loss.

I remember the first Thanksgiving, the first Christmas, the first Father's Day after my dad died.  Those holidays felt strangely set apart, as if nothing would ever seem "right" again.  With time, that keen sense of loss was replaced by comforting memories.

So, take a minute right now and think about the people in your life who are feeling as though nothing will ever seem right again.  And then write a note, pray for them, make a phone call--connect.  Don't feel you have to solve anything.  You can't.  Just be a friend.

I Blame Ellen

My morning bloggy visit to Ellen's revealed: I am an oatmeal raisin cookie. I am a Monet painting. My learning style is independent and innovative.

You Are 12% Texas

Damn Yankee! You think the sun comes up just to hear you crow.

How Texas Are You?

I am 8% New Yorker.

Your English Skills:

Grammar: 100% Punctuation: 100% Spelling: 100% Vocabulary: 80%

Does Your English Cut the Mustard?

I get 100% on all the other parts of the English quiz but I am embarrassed that vocabulary is only 80%. (What DOES Halcyon mean). I apparently have time to squander while my coffee is getting cold on Saturday mornings.