I wrote this earlier as my facebook status today, Veteran's Day; felt that I wanted be duplicate it here...
On this day of honoring veterans, I want to specifically remember a special group of women that I heard little of growing up, and still to this day, know only a small bit.
It is the women of WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots of WWII).
On a recent trip to HighGround, near Neillsville, WI (which if you've never been is DEFINITELY worth the trip!), there was a monument to WASP. I found the information there inspiring and heartbreaking....
These were women that were trained to fly "The Army WAY." They completed the same primary, basic and advanced training of any male cadet in the Army Air Force, then specialized trainings (B-26, B-17). They willingly flew non-combat service flights in the US during WWII, but were not recognized as members of the armed services. They paid, on their own, for training and eventually their travel home when disbanded in 1944. 38 died in service, without recognition or honors...in fact collections were taken up from family and friends for burial. For 35 years, these women were denied their status as veterans.
So, TODAY, let us not forget them; though once they were classified "secret," ignored in history and forgotten by Congress...these brave, hardworking women of WASP.
WASP Facts
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Friday, September 21, 2012
Mexican night!
Tonight, I decided to try another recipe from Pinterest, Taco Bake. To accompany it, I heated up some refried beans (mixed with whole red beans), Best Spanish Rice and green beans (with onions and bacon, requested by Hunny!)
Here's a picure of all of it together...please ignore the mess on the remainder of the table... *blush*
Now, truth be told, I didn't follow the recipe for the Taco Bake exactly, I forgot to get some salsa con queso; but I faked it with a bit of chunky salsa and some shredded cheese melted into the meat mixture. Hunny loved it! Rated it an 8/10 stars.
The Best Spanish Rice was, in fact, super easy to put together; and tasted pretty good (though I'm not a huge fan of spanish rice). Hunny had seconds, so I figure it tasted good to him. :) It was a bit wetter than most spanish rice I get a resturant, but Hunny says he likes it better that way...so I'm sure this will re-appear again for other mexican dinners.
The green beans were relatively simple, but again, Hunny liked them...and that's what matters!
I'm really excited about this meal, and will probably try to reproduce it when my parent visit next week.
Here's the pics of the Taco Bake and the Best Spanish Rice. ~Tik
Here's a picure of all of it together...please ignore the mess on the remainder of the table... *blush*
Now, truth be told, I didn't follow the recipe for the Taco Bake exactly, I forgot to get some salsa con queso; but I faked it with a bit of chunky salsa and some shredded cheese melted into the meat mixture. Hunny loved it! Rated it an 8/10 stars.
The Best Spanish Rice was, in fact, super easy to put together; and tasted pretty good (though I'm not a huge fan of spanish rice). Hunny had seconds, so I figure it tasted good to him. :) It was a bit wetter than most spanish rice I get a resturant, but Hunny says he likes it better that way...so I'm sure this will re-appear again for other mexican dinners.
The green beans were relatively simple, but again, Hunny liked them...and that's what matters!
I'm really excited about this meal, and will probably try to reproduce it when my parent visit next week.
Here's the pics of the Taco Bake and the Best Spanish Rice. ~Tik
Grace, what is it?
I have personally always had a serious problem with the Christian definition of grace as "God's unmerited favor." I've always viewed it as a cop-out, not sure why, but that was the way that I thought of it. The definition that I first remember learning was from the "Basic Seminar" is that Grace is the desire and the power to do God's will.
The dictionary defines grace as 1) elegance or beauty of form, manner, motion, or action; 2) a pleasing or attractive quality; 3) favor or goodwill; 4) manifestation of favor, typically from a superior; 5) mercy, clemency, pardon.
The first thing that I discover is that in the New Testament, there is only ONE word interpreted "grace." This is charis, interestingly a feminine noun, meaning "graciousness of manner or act;" it is from chairo meaning "to be full of cheer."
I'm not sure why I resisted the definition of grace as God's unmerited favor, as I've thought about it over the last several days I think that is simply because I have been unwilling to acknowledge the simple beauty that the God of all creation, before time, extended his unmatchless favor to ME.
I grew up a 5-point Calvinist. I cut my teeth on TULIP, and that God's grace was irrestible. Somehow, in my mind, the combination of this and Gothard's definition melded into a very odd amalgam. Over the last week or so, I've realized that I have viewed grace a human response to the divine, rather than the other way around. Don't ask me how, I'm just trying to explain something that really does NOT make sense...even to me, reading it now.
The first inkling that I had gotten grace all wrong was last year, in the New Member's Class at Black River Falls United Methodist Church. It was there that I first heard of prevenient grace, the divine grace the precedes human decision. It was at this moment, that I first reconsidered the concept of grace as God's unmerited favor. Interestingly, on the matter of grace, I find fewer differences between Calvinism and Arminian teaching than I had been led to believe; but that is a discussion for another time...
So, now, stumbling upon RecoveringGrace, reading the testimonies there, a light in my mind began to shine on my humanistic concept of grace and I find on re-review of grace in the New Testament that grace is typically described as the gift of grace, grace of God, or His grace. This leaves me with only one conclusion. Bill Gothard's definition of grace is contrary to Scripture. Grace has NOTHING to do with me, or my actions (my desire or my power); it is all and ONLY God.
ETA (10/4/2012): I have recently had two additional descriptions of grace shared by friends. The first, by my soul's sister, L. She read a definition of grace as, God's radical committment to us to rescue and restore! I love the use of the word "radical" describing God's commitment to us. Additionally, like the way this acknowledges that we need rescuing, but doesn't leave us there, but moves on to restoration.
Lastly, a dear friend, J, recently shared a quote of Max Lucado, ""Grace goes beyond mercy. Mercy gave the prodigal son a second chance. Grace threw him a party."
The dictionary defines grace as 1) elegance or beauty of form, manner, motion, or action; 2) a pleasing or attractive quality; 3) favor or goodwill; 4) manifestation of favor, typically from a superior; 5) mercy, clemency, pardon.
The first thing that I discover is that in the New Testament, there is only ONE word interpreted "grace." This is charis, interestingly a feminine noun, meaning "graciousness of manner or act;" it is from chairo meaning "to be full of cheer."
I'm not sure why I resisted the definition of grace as God's unmerited favor, as I've thought about it over the last several days I think that is simply because I have been unwilling to acknowledge the simple beauty that the God of all creation, before time, extended his unmatchless favor to ME.
I grew up a 5-point Calvinist. I cut my teeth on TULIP, and that God's grace was irrestible. Somehow, in my mind, the combination of this and Gothard's definition melded into a very odd amalgam. Over the last week or so, I've realized that I have viewed grace a human response to the divine, rather than the other way around. Don't ask me how, I'm just trying to explain something that really does NOT make sense...even to me, reading it now.
The first inkling that I had gotten grace all wrong was last year, in the New Member's Class at Black River Falls United Methodist Church. It was there that I first heard of prevenient grace, the divine grace the precedes human decision. It was at this moment, that I first reconsidered the concept of grace as God's unmerited favor. Interestingly, on the matter of grace, I find fewer differences between Calvinism and Arminian teaching than I had been led to believe; but that is a discussion for another time...
So, now, stumbling upon RecoveringGrace, reading the testimonies there, a light in my mind began to shine on my humanistic concept of grace and I find on re-review of grace in the New Testament that grace is typically described as the gift of grace, grace of God, or His grace. This leaves me with only one conclusion. Bill Gothard's definition of grace is contrary to Scripture. Grace has NOTHING to do with me, or my actions (my desire or my power); it is all and ONLY God.
ETA (10/4/2012): I have recently had two additional descriptions of grace shared by friends. The first, by my soul's sister, L. She read a definition of grace as, God's radical committment to us to rescue and restore! I love the use of the word "radical" describing God's commitment to us. Additionally, like the way this acknowledges that we need rescuing, but doesn't leave us there, but moves on to restoration.
Lastly, a dear friend, J, recently shared a quote of Max Lucado, ""Grace goes beyond mercy. Mercy gave the prodigal son a second chance. Grace threw him a party."
Monday, September 17, 2012
Chef, huh?
Taking a break from my review of grace...
I was experimenting with a Facebook app this morning, and apparently my "Profession by Birth" is CHEF...really??? Does anyone that knows me, think "chef"?!?!?
Interestingly though, since we have moved to the new house, I've been planning to get started on meal planning and focusing on expanding my *very* limited selection of meals for Hunny and me. Over the years of our marriage, Hunny has been extremely gracious regarding my cooking attempts, and the intermittent nature of my cooking. I don't tend to cook a lot. I have blamed my inexperience (that is, I don't feel like I'm a good cook), lack of time, small kitchen, poorly-stocked pantry (and I still don't know how to maintain a "properly" stocked pantry, but that's another subject), and whatever else ... my list is seemingly endless.
Then I discovered Pinterest.com; suddenly, what recipe websites and various books couldn't do, occured...I'm truly motivated.
So, I will probably intermittently blog about my cooking adventures. As I stated previously, I am eternally grateful for Hunny's willingness to try new recipes, and offer constructive comments without making me feel like an idoit. :)
So, without an further ado, on to the food! :) Wish I had some awesome pictures, but I don't...sorry!
Ok, so I looked through my Pinterest recipes and found four that I wanted to try. Chicken Spagetti from the Pioneer Woman, Chicken Enchiladas V from BookCooking.net, Pasta Pie from Noble Pig, and lastly Cream Cheese Spagetti from Plain Chicken blog.
I went shopping and bought all my ingredients, which in and of itself it a MAJOR accomplishment, as I *hate* shopping, but specifically grocery shopping. Then, I made an executive decision, I left the meat in the frig. See in my world, either the frig OR the freezer is a bad place for the meat to be, because I either I forget the meat, and it spoils in the frig; or I can't use it when I want to from the freezer...overall, both BAD things! So, time went by, and I just KNEW that meat would spoil before I had a chance to do anything with it. Remembering something that I had read on Menus4Moms site, I browned the ground beef, sealed it and froze it. Chopped up the chicken, cooked it and froze it. Miracle of miracles, my meat didn't spoil!
Now, the first night after grocery shopping, realization struck...cooking and de-boning a chicken is much less difficult or time consuming that I remembered. My first recipe attempt that night was the Chicken Spagetti, and it was yummy! Hunny gave it 8/10 stars. The recipe made enough for one small and one medium casserole. So, we ate one, and froze the other for when my parents are here this next week. Definitely, a keeper!
Then last night, it was Chicken Enchiladas...and it got mixed reviews. I didn't mind it, though I thought the chili powder could be toned down; but Hunny didn't really like it at all. He ate enough "to fill my tummy," but didn't enjoy it; rating it 4/10 stars. So, we threw out the extra pan that I was planning to freeze. The good news is that I got a simple, but reportedly YUMMY, chicken enchilada recipe from my friend, Emily. So, all hope is not lost on the chicken enchilada front! :D
Last night, I miraculously remembered to take out some cooked ground beef; gonna try the Cream Cheese Spagetti tonight. Hunny is hesitant, as he isn't a big fan of cream cheese; and he *LOVES* regular spagetti. I'm just hoping that it is different enough to be good, but not so weird as to freak him out! I'll report back later tonight on the results...
~Tik
PS. Oh, I did try a cold pie yesterday too, Butterfinger Pie from Food.com. Modified it; I made it in an oreo ready-made crust...really good, but SUPER rich...so just small servings!
ETA: To start off, the cream cheese spagetti was a hit! 7/10 stars...and this was with the "wrong" seasoning tonight. Initially, I was really worried, because it didn't look to impressive at all...here is a dinky picture of it.
Made the 9X13 pan tonight, as we want to try the leftovers tomorrow. Reportedly they are really yummy! I think this will freeze well, I'll try that next time... ~Tik
ETA Again: This was fantastic leftover! Definitely going on the routine menu plan! ~Tik
I was experimenting with a Facebook app this morning, and apparently my "Profession by Birth" is CHEF...really??? Does anyone that knows me, think "chef"?!?!?
Interestingly though, since we have moved to the new house, I've been planning to get started on meal planning and focusing on expanding my *very* limited selection of meals for Hunny and me. Over the years of our marriage, Hunny has been extremely gracious regarding my cooking attempts, and the intermittent nature of my cooking. I don't tend to cook a lot. I have blamed my inexperience (that is, I don't feel like I'm a good cook), lack of time, small kitchen, poorly-stocked pantry (and I still don't know how to maintain a "properly" stocked pantry, but that's another subject), and whatever else ... my list is seemingly endless.
Then I discovered Pinterest.com; suddenly, what recipe websites and various books couldn't do, occured...I'm truly motivated.
So, I will probably intermittently blog about my cooking adventures. As I stated previously, I am eternally grateful for Hunny's willingness to try new recipes, and offer constructive comments without making me feel like an idoit. :)
So, without an further ado, on to the food! :) Wish I had some awesome pictures, but I don't...sorry!
Ok, so I looked through my Pinterest recipes and found four that I wanted to try. Chicken Spagetti from the Pioneer Woman, Chicken Enchiladas V from BookCooking.net, Pasta Pie from Noble Pig, and lastly Cream Cheese Spagetti from Plain Chicken blog.
I went shopping and bought all my ingredients, which in and of itself it a MAJOR accomplishment, as I *hate* shopping, but specifically grocery shopping. Then, I made an executive decision, I left the meat in the frig. See in my world, either the frig OR the freezer is a bad place for the meat to be, because I either I forget the meat, and it spoils in the frig; or I can't use it when I want to from the freezer...overall, both BAD things! So, time went by, and I just KNEW that meat would spoil before I had a chance to do anything with it. Remembering something that I had read on Menus4Moms site, I browned the ground beef, sealed it and froze it. Chopped up the chicken, cooked it and froze it. Miracle of miracles, my meat didn't spoil!
Now, the first night after grocery shopping, realization struck...cooking and de-boning a chicken is much less difficult or time consuming that I remembered. My first recipe attempt that night was the Chicken Spagetti, and it was yummy! Hunny gave it 8/10 stars. The recipe made enough for one small and one medium casserole. So, we ate one, and froze the other for when my parents are here this next week. Definitely, a keeper!
Then last night, it was Chicken Enchiladas...and it got mixed reviews. I didn't mind it, though I thought the chili powder could be toned down; but Hunny didn't really like it at all. He ate enough "to fill my tummy," but didn't enjoy it; rating it 4/10 stars. So, we threw out the extra pan that I was planning to freeze. The good news is that I got a simple, but reportedly YUMMY, chicken enchilada recipe from my friend, Emily. So, all hope is not lost on the chicken enchilada front! :D
Last night, I miraculously remembered to take out some cooked ground beef; gonna try the Cream Cheese Spagetti tonight. Hunny is hesitant, as he isn't a big fan of cream cheese; and he *LOVES* regular spagetti. I'm just hoping that it is different enough to be good, but not so weird as to freak him out! I'll report back later tonight on the results...
~Tik
PS. Oh, I did try a cold pie yesterday too, Butterfinger Pie from Food.com. Modified it; I made it in an oreo ready-made crust...really good, but SUPER rich...so just small servings!
ETA: To start off, the cream cheese spagetti was a hit! 7/10 stars...and this was with the "wrong" seasoning tonight. Initially, I was really worried, because it didn't look to impressive at all...here is a dinky picture of it.
Made the 9X13 pan tonight, as we want to try the leftovers tomorrow. Reportedly they are really yummy! I think this will freeze well, I'll try that next time... ~Tik
ETA Again: This was fantastic leftover! Definitely going on the routine menu plan! ~Tik
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Doctrines of Men
The last few days have been another step in shedding the doctrines of men.
This last week, I discovered an enlightening site, www.RecoveringGrace.org, developed for those coming out of the IBLP/ATI/Gothard sub-culture. On initial inspection, I didn't think much of it, as I thought I had all those issues behind me (years behind me); my first thought was something like, "Wow! Why didn't I think about reaching out?" Honestly, during and after the shunning that I experienced coming out of ATIA, the thought never crossed my mind that others were leaving too, and finding a challenging road. Maybe it was my immature selfishness at the time as I began to heal from the pain, or just the fact that I simply didn't know anyone else who had done it. My life experience was divided into three groups: extended family, ATIA/IBLP, and everyone else (and my perception was that family & everyone else thought I was different/weird or didn't care about my struggles).
Several months ago, I found No Longer Quivering (NLQ), and while this gave me the first hint that there were others, like me, who had turned from Gothard; I found that this site reaching out to those who had suffered far worse that I at the hands of their "authority." Additionally, many had, in turning from Gothard, turned from Christianity entirely. Given what I perceived to be the differences in experience and response, this site has not held my attention for long, though I wish them well in their goals to support women coming from spiritually abusive situations.
A few months back, I finally discarded all my old ATIA stuff, Wisdom Booklets, etc. It was liberating but equally terrifying; and honestly, it still is...I know that I made the right decision, but years of earnest effort to achieve godliness...gone.
Last week, tumbling upon RecoveringGrace, was life-changing. After deeper exploration on their site, my world has been turned upside down...and that is never an easy experience. I have read the experiences of children, like me, who have grown-up and discovered a life outside of ATI/Gothard. I have realized over the last few days, that much of what I've been taught to believe about the Christian life is, at best, tainted with poor hermeneutics or, at worst, plain wrong...personally, I feel foolish, scared and a little overwhelmed. While I had stripped away the outer wrapping of this lifestyle (ie. I wear pants, went to college, have a career, listen to "rock music," etc) the innermost parts are deeply ingrained ruts in my mind. I have found that I, too, need to recover grace...
I hope over the next several days/weeks to chronicle my study of grace, and possibly reviewing the "Basic Principles" in honest Biblical study for myself. My goal is to help discover those ruts of thought that are wrong, and begin walking in the paths of Truth.
This last week, I discovered an enlightening site, www.RecoveringGrace.org, developed for those coming out of the IBLP/ATI/Gothard sub-culture. On initial inspection, I didn't think much of it, as I thought I had all those issues behind me (years behind me); my first thought was something like, "Wow! Why didn't I think about reaching out?" Honestly, during and after the shunning that I experienced coming out of ATIA, the thought never crossed my mind that others were leaving too, and finding a challenging road. Maybe it was my immature selfishness at the time as I began to heal from the pain, or just the fact that I simply didn't know anyone else who had done it. My life experience was divided into three groups: extended family, ATIA/IBLP, and everyone else (and my perception was that family & everyone else thought I was different/weird or didn't care about my struggles).
Several months ago, I found No Longer Quivering (NLQ), and while this gave me the first hint that there were others, like me, who had turned from Gothard; I found that this site reaching out to those who had suffered far worse that I at the hands of their "authority." Additionally, many had, in turning from Gothard, turned from Christianity entirely. Given what I perceived to be the differences in experience and response, this site has not held my attention for long, though I wish them well in their goals to support women coming from spiritually abusive situations.
A few months back, I finally discarded all my old ATIA stuff, Wisdom Booklets, etc. It was liberating but equally terrifying; and honestly, it still is...I know that I made the right decision, but years of earnest effort to achieve godliness...gone.
Last week, tumbling upon RecoveringGrace, was life-changing. After deeper exploration on their site, my world has been turned upside down...and that is never an easy experience. I have read the experiences of children, like me, who have grown-up and discovered a life outside of ATI/Gothard. I have realized over the last few days, that much of what I've been taught to believe about the Christian life is, at best, tainted with poor hermeneutics or, at worst, plain wrong...personally, I feel foolish, scared and a little overwhelmed. While I had stripped away the outer wrapping of this lifestyle (ie. I wear pants, went to college, have a career, listen to "rock music," etc) the innermost parts are deeply ingrained ruts in my mind. I have found that I, too, need to recover grace...
I hope over the next several days/weeks to chronicle my study of grace, and possibly reviewing the "Basic Principles" in honest Biblical study for myself. My goal is to help discover those ruts of thought that are wrong, and begin walking in the paths of Truth.
Friday, January 21, 2011
"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock:...
...if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and sup with him, and he with me." Revelation 3:20.
Now, I know that most people use this verse as a word picture to describe salvation, and they may be right; but that is not what caught my attention this morning, as I pondered the last few weeks and months. This reminder is written to the Church at Laodicea, and the vivid word picture of the Almighty vomitting these lukewarm souls. Again, this is not the point of my post today, but yet another fantastic description in this epic writing.
What I realized this morning, is that, personally for me, this scripture is describing a merciful Visitor, waiting at the heart's door of his inattentive, or maybe disobedient, child...waiting for the invitation to come in and fellowship together.
Several months ago, I realized that I had stopped taking the time to nuture my spirit, and reflect on the majesty of the Creator. My step to return may be seen as a "selfish" prayer, but a sincere one, in faith nothing wavering...though as time went by, my faith nearly collapsed as I second-guessed myself repeatedly. Then in a matter of two weeks, my prayer was answered. Almost immediately before this answer, another situation was made perfectly clear that the One Who Provides had made a way for me. Most recently, as my Hunny and I discussed a significant question regarding our future, the Author of All again confirmed it.
So, when you have lost your way, or stop paying attention, or even if in disobedience; the answer is simple. Stop, turn around. Answer the door, and He promises to enter in for fellowship.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Knitting Therapy
This weekend, I was blessed to hear wonderful news regarding a very dear friend, she and her husband are expecting their first child! My heart is very full with the wellspring of emotion that a new life represents. I am so excited for her, and I hope to be able to share some of her joy during the next months!
Then, unexpectedly, I found my eyes full of tears...tears that I could not stop. I was not crying, exactly, and it took me some time to process this emotion. It was one that I had experienced before, a deeply personal and painful one. An emotion that I do not prefer to face, but the tears were there...forcing me to examine them.
~~~
Over the course of my life, I have always prided myself that I was not "a crybaby," but my husband teases me that I have waterhoses attached to my tearducts. Granted, I blame Hunny, because there was something about developing the relationship that we have together, that broke down the walls that I had surrounding my tears, and now the littlest things turns those hoses on...even when I'm not particularly sad. Thankfully, his shoulders is usually available to soak thru...
~~~
My first thought, as I felt the tears this weekend, was that I had to get some yarn. Not in a "shopping" sense, but rather as a focal point of this emotion. I have knitted several baby blankets over the years. Honestly, I have no idea if most of them are used, but I know that the act of knitting for me is a way to prepare for a place for the coming child. I think of these blankets as being a way to put my arms around that precious child, and surround them with my love though I am miles away.
I never expected when I picked up a pair of knitting needles during college, on a whim, that they would provide me with such a gift. As discussed here, I have found knitting to be a gentle therapy, allowing me to transform my pain into hope, praying with each stitch...finally creating a circle of love to surround my family.
Then, unexpectedly, I found my eyes full of tears...tears that I could not stop. I was not crying, exactly, and it took me some time to process this emotion. It was one that I had experienced before, a deeply personal and painful one. An emotion that I do not prefer to face, but the tears were there...forcing me to examine them.
~~~
Over the course of my life, I have always prided myself that I was not "a crybaby," but my husband teases me that I have waterhoses attached to my tearducts. Granted, I blame Hunny, because there was something about developing the relationship that we have together, that broke down the walls that I had surrounding my tears, and now the littlest things turns those hoses on...even when I'm not particularly sad. Thankfully, his shoulders is usually available to soak thru...
~~~
My first thought, as I felt the tears this weekend, was that I had to get some yarn. Not in a "shopping" sense, but rather as a focal point of this emotion. I have knitted several baby blankets over the years. Honestly, I have no idea if most of them are used, but I know that the act of knitting for me is a way to prepare for a place for the coming child. I think of these blankets as being a way to put my arms around that precious child, and surround them with my love though I am miles away.
I never expected when I picked up a pair of knitting needles during college, on a whim, that they would provide me with such a gift. As discussed here, I have found knitting to be a gentle therapy, allowing me to transform my pain into hope, praying with each stitch...finally creating a circle of love to surround my family.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)