This song/poem has been a real encouragement to me lately. I hope it blesses you!
O pilgrim come, here is the cross
Your pardon and your peace
Collapse upon the grace of God
Whose mercy is complete
O pilgrim come, here is the cross
O pilgrim come, here is the cross
Cast all your pride away
And earthly treasures count as loss
In light of all you gain
O pilgrim come, here is the cross
Here is mercy
Come be crucified with Christ
Here is mercy
Come be raised with Him to life
O pilgrim come, here is the cross
God's judgment on your sin
Drink deep the shame that leads to life
And broken enter in
O pilgrim come, here is the cross
O pilgrim come, here is the cross
O pilgrim come, here is the cross
And here your boast should be
What I could never do myself
My God has done for me
O pilgrim come, here is the cross
O pilgrim come, here is the cross
No other path attend
O here begin your journeying
And here your journey end
O pilgrim come, here is the cross
O pilgrim come, here is the cross
Written by Wes King and Douglas McKelvey
Friday, May 17
Tuesday, April 23
nobody tells you the real stuff anymore
I love being 33. Love it. There are really cool things about being older than I used to be, like seeing my friends with kids that look exactly like younger versions of themselves, and being able to say things like, "twenty years ago..." There are lots of great things in my life that I have to be 33 to really appreciate. However. When I was young, nobody said real things to me about my future as an older human.
1. Nobody told me that eyebrows all of a sudden go crazy. Seriously crazy. Well, they do.
2. Nobody told me about hair that looks like eyebrows growing from other places, places from which it probably should be removed, like chins (for example).
3. Nobody told me that pillow lines stop disappearing within the first 15 minutes of waking up. I need at least half an hour, now, and I expect that number to continue to increase.
4. Nobody told me about the times that all of a sudden you start crying like a baby with absolutely no control. It could be because you have a moment of clarity, or you see something sweet like an older couple walking and holding hands, or even super cheesy like a Hallmark commercial, or even something random like a leaf blowing down the sidewalk. I think this is because of older-ness, but I could be wrong.
5. Nobody told me about sleep, and how precious it really is. Nobody told me to relish the years when I could freely choose when and how and how long I could sleep. They should have.
I know there are more, but...
6. Nobody told me about memory fritzes and just plain forgetfulness. Seriously. I need to get with the program!
You know you have things to add to this list...
1. Nobody told me that eyebrows all of a sudden go crazy. Seriously crazy. Well, they do.
2. Nobody told me about hair that looks like eyebrows growing from other places, places from which it probably should be removed, like chins (for example).
3. Nobody told me that pillow lines stop disappearing within the first 15 minutes of waking up. I need at least half an hour, now, and I expect that number to continue to increase.
4. Nobody told me about the times that all of a sudden you start crying like a baby with absolutely no control. It could be because you have a moment of clarity, or you see something sweet like an older couple walking and holding hands, or even super cheesy like a Hallmark commercial, or even something random like a leaf blowing down the sidewalk. I think this is because of older-ness, but I could be wrong.
5. Nobody told me about sleep, and how precious it really is. Nobody told me to relish the years when I could freely choose when and how and how long I could sleep. They should have.
I know there are more, but...
6. Nobody told me about memory fritzes and just plain forgetfulness. Seriously. I need to get with the program!
You know you have things to add to this list...
Wednesday, March 27
On Expectations
I was thinking a little bit this morning about expectations. We all have them. And I can't imagine that Jesus' disciples were exempt from having expectations. Of course, it's one of those things that you sort of have to speculate.
The speculation really isn't that far of a jump - even though Jesus told them with his own words that he would die and rise again the third day, the disciples couldn't believe it. (Matthew 16:21-23) You know how we are - always with the self made plans, always with the crazy hopes that our plans will prevail in the face of God's sovereign plan. We've seen it in ourselves and we can see it in all of Scripture - prophets and people of God hope through the end that their plans will be carried out instead of God's plans. Sometimes begging Him to follow this - our - plan.
Jesus came into town on a donkey and people formed lines to see him and shout "Hosannah!" and were very excited to call Him King. At the end of His triumphal procession, He went on a temple rampage and got rid of all the corrupt vendors. He healed people who came to Him, and the Pharisees were outraged when Jesus called them out in ways that no one else would dare. I'm sure the disciples thought they were going to be part of a gigantic political overthrow - it's really not that far of a leap, at least not logically. Sure, Jesus reminded them that He was about to be crucified, and even gave them a time frame, but it's hard being human. And it's really hard letting go of those expectations.
And then, a few days later, Jesus was dead, just like He promised. Talk about a roller coaster of highs and lows. I can't imagine experiencing that kind of confusion and disappointment. The things that went on in the disciples minds - well, I imagine they were conflicted. Wanting to trust the Savior and uncertain of their future, perhaps in fear for their lives - it must have been horrific.
Then, the resurrection. Jesus defeated death; the tomb was empty. He is ALIVE.
And suddenly the plans of God were made a little more clear. Jesus was who He said He was. The message of the gospel was validated. The disciples had a mission, and carried it out. They knew.
I know I have expectations, big and small. Of how things should be, of how much I should have to pay for something, of how elected officials should act, of which laws should be passed, of who should be allowed to live, of who should be brought to justice, of who should be advocated for. And sometimes my "plans" happen, and sometimes they don't. I'm not always okay with this.
But I need to be okay with this, because I am not God. I do not see things from His viewpoint; I do not know His plans. Sometimes I get to see a little glimpse of what He's doing. And that is - thrilling! He DOES promise that He loves us; He promises to take tender care of His children. He has proven Himself faithful.
A lot of times I don't know anything about His plan. He doesn't promise that I'll go through life without disappointment, without pain, without being witness to or victim of injustice and suffering, or that everything will be great. He doesn't promise the success of our nation, of our economy; in fact, He doesn't promise the success of anybody but Himself.
But there is something thing I can be sure of: God wins, and we will all worship Him.
In the end, God wins. And between now and the end, it's not about me or my plans, or my expectations. It's about God and HIS plan.
Does this mean I don't fight injustice, or stop advocating, or petitioning? Certainly not. Does it mean I just flop into a doormat or float along doing nothing to fight against evil? NO. But my foundation has to be sure. And my expectation has to be HIM. I have to trust, knowing that if God wants to use something I don't get, it is really okay. He hasn't forgotten. Nothing has escaped His notice. It is ok.
It is MORE than ok. He's Alive, He is Risen, He has conquered death and the grave. He has an awesome plan, beyond my wildest dreams. I am expecting Great Things.
The speculation really isn't that far of a jump - even though Jesus told them with his own words that he would die and rise again the third day, the disciples couldn't believe it. (Matthew 16:21-23) You know how we are - always with the self made plans, always with the crazy hopes that our plans will prevail in the face of God's sovereign plan. We've seen it in ourselves and we can see it in all of Scripture - prophets and people of God hope through the end that their plans will be carried out instead of God's plans. Sometimes begging Him to follow this - our - plan.
Jesus came into town on a donkey and people formed lines to see him and shout "Hosannah!" and were very excited to call Him King. At the end of His triumphal procession, He went on a temple rampage and got rid of all the corrupt vendors. He healed people who came to Him, and the Pharisees were outraged when Jesus called them out in ways that no one else would dare. I'm sure the disciples thought they were going to be part of a gigantic political overthrow - it's really not that far of a leap, at least not logically. Sure, Jesus reminded them that He was about to be crucified, and even gave them a time frame, but it's hard being human. And it's really hard letting go of those expectations.
And then, a few days later, Jesus was dead, just like He promised. Talk about a roller coaster of highs and lows. I can't imagine experiencing that kind of confusion and disappointment. The things that went on in the disciples minds - well, I imagine they were conflicted. Wanting to trust the Savior and uncertain of their future, perhaps in fear for their lives - it must have been horrific.
Then, the resurrection. Jesus defeated death; the tomb was empty. He is ALIVE.
And suddenly the plans of God were made a little more clear. Jesus was who He said He was. The message of the gospel was validated. The disciples had a mission, and carried it out. They knew.
I know I have expectations, big and small. Of how things should be, of how much I should have to pay for something, of how elected officials should act, of which laws should be passed, of who should be allowed to live, of who should be brought to justice, of who should be advocated for. And sometimes my "plans" happen, and sometimes they don't. I'm not always okay with this.
But I need to be okay with this, because I am not God. I do not see things from His viewpoint; I do not know His plans. Sometimes I get to see a little glimpse of what He's doing. And that is - thrilling! He DOES promise that He loves us; He promises to take tender care of His children. He has proven Himself faithful.
A lot of times I don't know anything about His plan. He doesn't promise that I'll go through life without disappointment, without pain, without being witness to or victim of injustice and suffering, or that everything will be great. He doesn't promise the success of our nation, of our economy; in fact, He doesn't promise the success of anybody but Himself.
But there is something thing I can be sure of: God wins, and we will all worship Him.
In the end, God wins. And between now and the end, it's not about me or my plans, or my expectations. It's about God and HIS plan.
Does this mean I don't fight injustice, or stop advocating, or petitioning? Certainly not. Does it mean I just flop into a doormat or float along doing nothing to fight against evil? NO. But my foundation has to be sure. And my expectation has to be HIM. I have to trust, knowing that if God wants to use something I don't get, it is really okay. He hasn't forgotten. Nothing has escaped His notice. It is ok.
It is MORE than ok. He's Alive, He is Risen, He has conquered death and the grave. He has an awesome plan, beyond my wildest dreams. I am expecting Great Things.
Wednesday, March 13
Allergic Reaction
I took Cadey for an allergy skin test. She's not allergic to anything (even though she may still have gastrointestinal sensitivities that would explain symptoms but not show up on this test).
But I am allergic to something, or rather, someone: the doctor. And I will NOT be going back.
The conversation went something like this.
Doc: Tell me more about why you came
Me: Well, the family doctor wanted to rule out allergies as a cause for Cadey's rashes
Doc: OK, tell me about the rashes, how long to they last?
Me: it varies, totally unpredictable.
Doc: does she react to other things? Soap? Lotion? Did she react to her baby shots?
Me: It doesn't seem like it, and she hasn't had shots yet so I don't know
Doc: Why not?
Me (really not wanting to get into it): oh, there are lots of reasons.
Doc: Like what?
Me (big sigh): just lots of reasons
Doc: well, what are they?
Me: I've done quite a bit of research...
Doc: *sarcastic and cutting me off* Oh, I didn't realize you were an epidemiologist. What is it that you do?
Me: silently stewing.
Later...
Doc: so have you ever seen a polio patient?
Me: silent
Doc: HAVE YOU????
Me: no (stewing and thinking, really? polio?)
Doc: well, iron lungs are coming back, they're bringing them back - you might want to look into that and change your mind.
Me: silent (willing myself to be silent) *checks out*
The rest of the appointment was a total disaster. The doctor over-explained each test with great speed and technical terms, concluding each explanation with a disparaging, "I don't know how much of that you can understand" when I would ask a simple process question. It was horrible and I just wanted to escape.
Really, it's just another point against doctors, a group which I *try* to evaluate individually and with grace. Every experience like this makes me generally more distrustful. It's really unfortunate, and makes me MOST thankful for our doctors who do not act this way. So, because I was not prepared to discuss it then, I am now writing one of those pointless open letters. OK maybe catharsis is the point.
Dear Doctor,
If you don't want to hear my answer, it is not acceptable to push me into answering just so that you can cut me off. Also, it is not ok to use sarcasm in your office toward anyone. It is not professional; it's also very unkind and almost always ineffective. Third, you do not know me, and yet, you are making assumptions about my intelligence. This does not make me value your obvious intelligence or years of expertise more. Fourth, if you truly think I can't handle researching to decide if or when I should vaccinate my children, why would you assume that I can handle researching iron lungs?
Lastly, if you are going to try to convince me of the need to vaccinate, please use something that is a little more of a known and proven risk than a wild polio outbreak in an Amish community almost 34 years ago. Maybe you could site the whooping cough outbreak in California in 2010 or Washington State just last year, or the 3 cases of measles last year that "really had Michigan doctors worried." Perhaps you could regale me with horror stories as other doctors have done. Maybe that would be more effective. (But probably not.) Remember: honey is more effective than vinegar.
I will not be back to your office.
Sincerely,
Jenny
But I am allergic to something, or rather, someone: the doctor. And I will NOT be going back.
The conversation went something like this.
Doc: Tell me more about why you came
Me: Well, the family doctor wanted to rule out allergies as a cause for Cadey's rashes
Doc: OK, tell me about the rashes, how long to they last?
Me: it varies, totally unpredictable.
Doc: does she react to other things? Soap? Lotion? Did she react to her baby shots?
Me: It doesn't seem like it, and she hasn't had shots yet so I don't know
Doc: Why not?
Me (really not wanting to get into it): oh, there are lots of reasons.
Doc: Like what?
Me (big sigh): just lots of reasons
Doc: well, what are they?
Me: I've done quite a bit of research...
Doc: *sarcastic and cutting me off* Oh, I didn't realize you were an epidemiologist. What is it that you do?
Me: silently stewing.
Later...
Doc: so have you ever seen a polio patient?
Me: silent
Doc: HAVE YOU????
Me: no (stewing and thinking, really? polio?)
Doc: well, iron lungs are coming back, they're bringing them back - you might want to look into that and change your mind.
Me: silent (willing myself to be silent) *checks out*
The rest of the appointment was a total disaster. The doctor over-explained each test with great speed and technical terms, concluding each explanation with a disparaging, "I don't know how much of that you can understand" when I would ask a simple process question. It was horrible and I just wanted to escape.
Really, it's just another point against doctors, a group which I *try* to evaluate individually and with grace. Every experience like this makes me generally more distrustful. It's really unfortunate, and makes me MOST thankful for our doctors who do not act this way. So, because I was not prepared to discuss it then, I am now writing one of those pointless open letters. OK maybe catharsis is the point.
Dear Doctor,
If you don't want to hear my answer, it is not acceptable to push me into answering just so that you can cut me off. Also, it is not ok to use sarcasm in your office toward anyone. It is not professional; it's also very unkind and almost always ineffective. Third, you do not know me, and yet, you are making assumptions about my intelligence. This does not make me value your obvious intelligence or years of expertise more. Fourth, if you truly think I can't handle researching to decide if or when I should vaccinate my children, why would you assume that I can handle researching iron lungs?
Lastly, if you are going to try to convince me of the need to vaccinate, please use something that is a little more of a known and proven risk than a wild polio outbreak in an Amish community almost 34 years ago. Maybe you could site the whooping cough outbreak in California in 2010 or Washington State just last year, or the 3 cases of measles last year that "really had Michigan doctors worried." Perhaps you could regale me with horror stories as other doctors have done. Maybe that would be more effective. (But probably not.) Remember: honey is more effective than vinegar.
I will not be back to your office.
Sincerely,
Jenny
Friday, March 1
There is A Hope
There is a hope that burns within my heart, that gives me strength for ev'ry passing day;
A glimpse of glory now revealed in meagre part yet drives all doubt away
I stand in Christ with sins forgiv'n, and Christ in me, the hope of heav'n!
My highest calling and my deepest joy; to make His will my home.
There is a hope that lifts my weary head, a consolation strong against despair,
That when the world has plunged me in its deepest pit, I find the Savior there!
Through present suff'rings, future's fear, He whispers 'courage' in my ear.
For I am safe in everlasting arms, and they will lead me home.
There is a hope that stands the test of time, that lifts my eyes beyond the beck'ning grave
To see the matchless beauty of a day divine, when I behold His face!
When suff'rings cease, when sorrows die, when ev'ry longing satisfied,
Then joy unspeakable will flood my soul, for I am truly home!
Stuart Townend, c 2007 ThankYou Music
You can take a listen to the song here, although it is in scorch format so you'll have to sing along yourself!
A glimpse of glory now revealed in meagre part yet drives all doubt away
I stand in Christ with sins forgiv'n, and Christ in me, the hope of heav'n!
My highest calling and my deepest joy; to make His will my home.
There is a hope that lifts my weary head, a consolation strong against despair,
That when the world has plunged me in its deepest pit, I find the Savior there!
Through present suff'rings, future's fear, He whispers 'courage' in my ear.
For I am safe in everlasting arms, and they will lead me home.
There is a hope that stands the test of time, that lifts my eyes beyond the beck'ning grave
To see the matchless beauty of a day divine, when I behold His face!
When suff'rings cease, when sorrows die, when ev'ry longing satisfied,
Then joy unspeakable will flood my soul, for I am truly home!
Stuart Townend, c 2007 ThankYou Music
You can take a listen to the song here, although it is in scorch format so you'll have to sing along yourself!
Thursday, February 28
Tropical Traditions Winner!!
Congratulations to Alicia, the winner of the Tropical Traditions giveaway!
Thanks so much to all who entered!
Thanks so much to all who entered!
Wednesday, February 20
Tropical Traditions (a Giveaway!)
I LOVE cooking with coconut oil. I love doing hundreds of other things with coconut oil also, but cooking is my favorite, especially since our health journey has led us toward more traditional and whole foods, and our food sensitivities have led two of us away from dairy (for the moment). Coconut oil is a fantastic substitute for butter and usually works for shortening. It always works as a substitute for canola, corn and vegetable oil in recipes (which is a big plus for us - I won't get into it here, but trust me, there is a lot to be said about fats and health and which ones are best).
Tropical Traditions has been my go-to source for excellent quality coconut oil. The bonus with this company is that the customer service is fantastic, shipping is very quick, and the quality is very consistent. I am happy with their ethical farming practices, and when I purchase in bulk, the prices are great! They also have a great referral program - if you choose to order through my link (see sidebar), and you are a first time customer, I get a credit! Yay! At first I started with their Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil, and then as I also needed something without the coconut flavor, I added their expeller pressed coconut oil to our pantry, which is completely unflavored. We use the expeller pressed for frying and sauteing, roasting vegetables, and more. The Gold Label is sooooo delicious in baked goods - I am a huge fan of coconutty brownies and cupcakes!
If you've never used coconut oil before, it's important to know this - coconut oil is solid at temperatures under 76 degrees! Around here, that makes it pourable in the summer and solid in winter. It's also important to know that you should melt it before adding it to recipes! (ask me how I know! ha!)
Here's how to enter (open to the US/Canada):
1. Sign up for Tropical Traditions Newsletter (this one is required)
2. Leave a comment telling me whether you have tried coconut oil before
3. For bonus entries, "Like" Tropical Traditions on Facebook, follow on Twitter (@troptraditions and @ttspecialdeals or Pinterest
You MUST leave a comment telling me which items you have completed. (one comment including all of them is fine). Giveaway ends one week from today! (Next Wednesday, Feb 27th @midnight EST)
Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.
Tropical Traditions has been my go-to source for excellent quality coconut oil. The bonus with this company is that the customer service is fantastic, shipping is very quick, and the quality is very consistent. I am happy with their ethical farming practices, and when I purchase in bulk, the prices are great! They also have a great referral program - if you choose to order through my link (see sidebar), and you are a first time customer, I get a credit! Yay! At first I started with their Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil, and then as I also needed something without the coconut flavor, I added their expeller pressed coconut oil to our pantry, which is completely unflavored. We use the expeller pressed for frying and sauteing, roasting vegetables, and more. The Gold Label is sooooo delicious in baked goods - I am a huge fan of coconutty brownies and cupcakes!
Win 1 quart of Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil!
Tropical Traditions is America’s source for coconut oil. Their Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil is hand crafted in small batches by family producers, and it is the highest quality coconut oil they offer. You can read more about how virgin coconut oil is different from other coconut oils on their website: What is Virgin Coconut Oil?
Tropical Traditions also carries other varieties of affordable high quality coconut oil. Visit their website to check on current sales, to learn about the many uses of coconut oil, and to read about all the advantages of buying coconut oil online. Since the FDA does not want us to discuss the health benefits of coconut oil on a page where it is being sold or given away, here is the best website to read about the health benefits of coconut oil.
Here's how to enter (open to the US/Canada):
1. Sign up for Tropical Traditions Newsletter (this one is required)
2. Leave a comment telling me whether you have tried coconut oil before
3. For bonus entries, "Like" Tropical Traditions on Facebook, follow on Twitter (@troptraditions and @ttspecialdeals or Pinterest
You MUST leave a comment telling me which items you have completed. (one comment including all of them is fine). Giveaway ends one week from today! (Next Wednesday, Feb 27th @midnight EST)
Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.
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