frazzled

Ava has had one cold after another this winter. She's never REALLY sick - just sniffles and the ever running nose. Which, we can handle that. But it is starting to drain on me. Maybe moreso this morning after we were wakened last night to a crying baby at 2:45am. She was HOT to the touch...burning. I was proud of myself for being able to think clearly and remedy the situation. We gave her some tylenol, put a very cold rag on the back of her neck and head, and then I rocked her... I rocked that baby girl till that fever went down, and it didn't take nearly as long as I was thinking. I was able to pray for my sis-in-law who has a new baby, JJ. She's exhausted from being a new mom - sleep deprived, questioning, irritable, frazzled. So as I rocked, I prayed, for Amy and for Ava and for JJ. Somehow, through my own tiredness I felt so thankful that I could pray and thankful that I could rock my girl to sleep. I had forgotten what these "middle of the night" escapades felt like - and no doubt in my mind God allowed me one last night so I could feel what Amy is going through and pray for her more appropriately. While my eyes drooped and back hurt from sitting in the rickety ol' rocking chair...

This cold will go away, eventually, but today and right now - I'm feeling a little frazzled.

hachnassat orchim...

In case you aren't familiar with Hebrew - hachnassat orchim is HOSPITALITY, or, "the welcoming of guests", to be totally specific.

In college I was a nanny. Not just any nanny to any family... but to the rabbi of Clarks Summit, PA's kids! At the time I began they had only 4 - Mendel (5) Yosef (4) Avremil (2) and Shua (5 months). From day one of beginning I fell in love. Not only did I love the kids, but I was super intrigued with the Jewish lifestyle. Chana, the mom, and Benni (Rabbi R. I should say) had 4 really fancy bookshelves in their front entry room chocked full of Jewish literature. Some of it looked ancient, and some fairly new. When the kids would nap I was always eager to check out the books... only to find out, they were ALL in Hebrew or yiddish and I was plum out of luck! There were one or two new releases that were readable...but once I got started I realized how over my head they were and I just let it go.

The kids were almost always dressed up. Think Children's Place dress clothes... all the time, playing outside, riding bikes, building towers with blocks...always. The two older boys sported their adorable kippa's -

and the younger two were still under 2 so they did not. However, Avremil had gorgeous brown curls all over! They had the traditional milk and meat sinks on opposite sides of the kitchen - and the meat and milk dishes to boot. The master bedroom showcased two single beds rather then the all American queen or king size bed. Chana, wore a wig and dressed to the nines mostly all the time - except, a few times she wore a head covering while we worked at home. They ran a local chabad, or library/discovery center, in town. I watched them recite the shema (Deut. 6) and other prayers, I helped them prep for shabbat before sundown and many times did the clean up for them, as they weren't allowed. A few times they tried to explain what kosher meant...I always felt a little more confused after ward. Anyway, I loved this family. We couldn't be more different in our faith beliefs - behaviors - and opinions...but, they were still very good at treating this nanny with kindness. Since working for them all those years ago, I've maintained this interest in Jewish life. I often catch myself watching specials on PBS or the History channel if something comes on about the Jewish nation. I think Hebrew and yiddish sound beautiful and mysterious... I even kind of like the idea of all the special prayers, etc. So, when I came across Lauren Winner's book - "Mudhouse Sabbath", written by a lady who has converted from Judaism to Christianity I was hooked to buy it! (yea, I'm that easy)

Lauren has gone through 11 topics ranging from sabbath to prayer to aging and has compared and contrasted the two "religions". I liked that she wasn't "PRO" for either one all the time...which, after reading the book I now agree. Just because we, as Christ followers, have our own way of doing church, doesn't mean we always do it right. And Jewish folk, steeped in great tradition are missing out on some things as well. Obviously to start, still waiting for a messiah, that we Christians worship as Jesus! I won't get into all the points and illustrations but I did want to share my joy over one chapter in specific - the one my blog post is titled after - Hospitality. This topic is on my mind all the time. We bought a house we could be hospitable. We are scrimping and saving pennies so we can finish painting, get some furniture, etc. to welcome folks in! I love having people in my home - cooking for them, caring for them. It's a treat to have our driveway full of new cars and our kitchen table crowded :) However, I still often times feel that wall of, "oh, its just too much work", or, "my house isn't done yet", or "well, they probably won't like what I'm cooking so we'll wait another month." Anyone else?!

In Chapter 4 Lauren had a few quick thoughts on this topic - and I wanted to share them with you, my blogging friends...
* "it [hospitality] is part of what the church is supposed to be: a community of people practicing hospitality."
* "Apostle Paul placed such high value on hospitality that he listed it - along with temperance, sobriety, and gentleness - among the characteristics required of leaders of the church."
* "...so the invitation that we as Christians extend to one another is not simply an invitation into our homes or to our tables; what we ask of other people is that they enter into our lives."

I finished, Mudhouse Sabbath, lastnight. It was a very quick and interesting read. She has great things and comparision/contrasts that have helped me think through my own spiritual disciplines and my lifestyle. Especially the task/opportunity of showing hospitality. How are you doing with welcoming people into your life?

Monday Muse [ on Tuesday ]

Real quick I had to share a new Muse...

Well, not SO new - just something I hadn't had in almost 2 years and rediscovered.

If you happen to live in FL or possibly NJ you know all about Barnie's Coffee. Lucky Ducks. This coffee, "Santa's White Christmas" is probably the BEST flavored coffee I've ever had! It has undertones of butterscotch and all kinds of yummy-ness. And, while its brewing your house will smell amazing!

If you are a coffee lover, check out, www.barniescoffee.com and check out all of their variety. And, if you have a few extra Christmas bucks left over (ahem, does anyone?!) try a sample bag! You won't be disappointed! I have my pound of delish whole beans stored away and I ration it everyday...

Surrender : The Heart that God Controls

Yesterday I began a new book called, "Surrender, The Heart that God Controls", by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. She also authored, "Lies Women Believe" and several others - but I'm only familiar with the one. Today's chapter was about "The battle for Control". {ouch}

My MIL gave me this book in my stocking this year for Christmas. I was eager to dive in because....um, well, I battle with control type things...more often then I care to admit to. :) There I said it! Now, I'm sure my MIL doesn't think that about me or even know that - unless I had confided it to her at some point. Nonetheless, I was thrilled to recieve it and I'm so looking forward to seeing from God's word ways to grow. God knows what we NEED to read, doesn't he!?

In this chapter we looked at Psalm 104 and the very obvious description of how God is in control of all creation. Nancy pointed out, "Psalm 104 describes the original, ideal state." Meaning, we were made to be in "control" by God. She made a great point that for us, for Adam and Eve in the very beginning, "surrender was - and still is - the source and means of true freedom and fullness." It was only after Adam and Eve believed the lie that THEY could control themselves and their own world...that things just fell apart and instead of controlling their lives, they were now controlled. Things they thought they could rule over became tyrants to them.
She had several other great thoughts throughout the chapter -

"To surrender to the Creator's control is not onerous or burdensome; it is, in fact, the place of blessing, fullness, and peace." And... in reaction to God's view of the collective "US" after the fall of Adam and Eve, "Possessing absolute power, He could have chosen to bludgeon His rebellious creatures into submission. However, because He desires a loving, personal relationship with men and women, created in His likeness, He has opted first to WOO and WIN the hearts of His creatures. He wants their willing, volitional surrender." I read that line several times and just felt such a sense of thankfulness for my personal, loving God. I needed to be reminded of that this morning. God isn't sitting by waiting for me to fail - but rather, loving me and even wooing me.

Today, I'm just feeling so grateful that sin doesn't control me. That I have freedom in Christ and my surrender to Him is GLAD! I'm thankful for a God who I don't control - I didn't make Him and I don't fully understand Him...He is mysterious and bigger then myself.

"God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of Heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Nor is He worshiped with men's hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things." Acts 17:24-25

Starting off right {eating}

As mentioned in a previous post - I am working towards being more organized with menu planning. Would you believe I've been consistent almost 3 days now?! My family has been happily (on time) and healthfully fed for 3 days! Praise be to God for giving me the motivation and conviction to get myself in gear! It really does all come back to Him!

I wanted to share a recipe with you - what we had for Sunday lunch (and dinner, leftovers!) yesterday. It's a vegetarian chili. None of the people in my family are vegetarians but it sounded delish AND saved money as it was made from mostly pantry canned items and spices. I was skeptical as I made the dish...because I loooove my meat, but this chili was just incredible! Best of all - my non-bean hubby liked it, raved about it... score! Second best is - I have plenty to pack away in the freezer for another freezing day. Third best is... its a pretty healthy dish. :)

Big-Batch Vegetarian Lentil Chili (taken from BHG, January 2010)

4 (14.5oz) cans diced tomatoes
2 (15oz) cans red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
12oz. bag frozen chopped green peppers (I used the pictsweet brand)
12oz. bag frozen chopped onions
2 c. dry red lentils, rinsed and drained (or any lentil if you can't find red)
1/4c. chili powder
2 T. garlic powder
8oz. can tomato sauce
6oz. can tomato paste
2 c. shredded cheddar or choice cheese to top!
tortilla chips* (optional)

1) In 8qt. dutch oven combine undrained tomatoes, rinsed and drained beans, 3 c. water, green peppers and onions, dry lentils, chili powder and garlic powder. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, 30 minutes, stir occasionally.
2) Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, and 1/8t. ground black pepper; heat through. Serve with cheese and chips.
*can be frozen for up to 3 months
*makes 6 (1 1/2 cup) servings

Enjoy! It will for sure warm you up!

It...IS...freezing

Bear In There

by Shel Silverstein

There's a Polar Bear In our Frigidaire--He likes it 'cause it's cold in there.

With his seat in the meat

And his face in the fish

And his big hairy paws In the buttery dish,

He's nibbling the noodles, He's munching the rice,

He's slurping the soda, He's licking the ice.

And he lets out a roar

If you open the door.

And it gives me a scare To know he's in there--

That Polary Bear In our Fridgitydaire.

Ok, so maybe its not quite THAT cold (as the pic of the bear)... but, the weather man says it will be a high of ZERO. A high?! So for today... myself along with my little family will stay bundled up in the house - enjoying some hot coffee and couches covered in blankets. Who says winter can't be fun!?

It IS that day

Happy 2010 peoples!

This day was always very special in my family not only because of the celebration of a new year, but, because of this...

So, while my house is filled with the smell of kielbasa and kraut in the crock pot - I'm heading back to bed for a nap. My blond haired alarm clock still went off at 7am this morning. :)