Beloved And So Are You

Moving Beyond Your To-Do List

2011-05-31T23:18:00.000-04:00

Remember how I likened motherhood to being dropped into the deep sea and told to swim to shore? {Motherhood is also like winning the lottery, vacationing in Italy, having cupcakes for breakfast kind-of-wonderful. But I am sharing the hard parts now.} Let me explain a little secret I discovered in the midst of the hard adjustments.

Check? Check.

In the other classrooms or chapters of my life, organization and preparedness ruled. Taking good notes and finishing the reading counted. Checklists and to-do lists were a girl's best friend throughout school, work, and even marriage and home life.

Finish reading Macbeth. Check.

Lead girls' Bible Study. Check.

Prepare proposal for a new engineering project. Check.

Buy Birthday gift for hubby. Check.

Menu plan and grocery shop for the week. Check.

But some things in life aren't meant to be easily checked off. Like motherhood. Some are meant to dirty up our knees.

Goodbye, Checklist
One day after our daughter was several months old, I remember feeling the panicky feeling of I can't get anything done! I even submitted my to-do list to my husband to show him how long it was. It had 50 items on it. I felt so overwhelmed. I had been trying and trying to make traction on my list, but it seemed that Baby was stealing all of the hours in the day. (which she was in many ways, rightfully :)

The next morning, I woke up and basically threw in the towel. I remember deciding to abandon my list. To forget about all the pressure to get things done, and to enjoy the day. To enjoy my little girl! To enjoy myself, my God, and my life.

I immediately felt free. I went from banging my head against the wall in frustration to laughing and dancing inside.

But What About...?
Some may ask, that sounds nice, and all, but when did you get your work done? That was the miracle. On that day, the day I surrendered my list and my stress to my Maker, I noticed that as I was still and peaceful, I heard a small Voice begin to guide me.

Wouldn't now be a great time to mop the floor? She's taking a nap, I heard.

So I did. I've never taken such joy in clean floors!

Then, Do you want to organize her outgrown clothes in bins for the attic?

Yes, what a good idea.

Somehow these suggestions didn't stress me out when they came from The Voice inside, as they did when I saw them on my list. And would you believe I accomplished more in that one day by just listening and following His Voice than I did in the months before?

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." (Isaiah 30:21)

If you know Christ as your Savior, His Spirit lives inside you. He will guide you, speak to you, and show you the way you should go. Even down to the small things.

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. (John 10:27)

Law vs. Grace
Sometimes we believers put too much pressure on ourselves in everyday life. We still live in the mindset that we have to live up to the Law, that we have to do everything right. In the Old Testament, God gave the Israelites the law with many commands to obey, not because they could humanly keep them all (none of us can keep even the 10 Commandments perfectly), but so that we would see that we fall short. And be ready to reach out for a Savior, Jesus, when He came.

We often think that we must do all the right things, whether that is keep a perfect house or give the perfect presentation, be the ideal wife and mom and never mess up. We may put pressure on ourselves to read the Word everyday, never let anyone down, or speak harshly. Well, that is why Jesus came. None of us can live up to our own expectations, let alone God's. We need Him! We need His power and grace, and this comes through His salvation and the gift of His Holy Spirit.

When we have His Spirit inside of us, we can lay down our long checklists and begin to rely on Him to lead us, to guide us by His Voice. We will accomplish many things, but they will be the things He had in mind. And the beautiful part is we will be free to enjoy the day!

Ahhh...surrender. This Mom recommends it.

Happy Love Day!

2011-02-14T08:05:00.001-05:00

Wishing you a happy Valentine's Day as you celebrate the unconditional love of God for you!

"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love." - Jesus (John 15:9)

XOXO,
Katherine

Starting Over

2011-02-13T21:35:00.001-05:00

When learning the skills of caring for a baby, I discovered that some new rules apply.

The first is, The old rules don't apply.

Or, forget what you know.

I found it difficult to accept that, although I had a college degree, various ministry experiences, 7 years in the corporate world, and 3 years of marriage behind me, I was in a new "classroom." And little of what I had learned or experienced in those settings applied. It was like going back to Kindergarten with a huge new syllabus awaiting me.

Welcome to Motherhood 101.

When you are in your 30's, have gotten married, and experienced a career, you may begin to think you have found your way in the big, grown-up world. You are on your feet. You aren't living under Mom and Dad's roof. You commute. You know your way around the kitchen. You host houseguests.

You don't expect to go from having your ducks in a row to feeling like a chicken with your head cut off overnight. But it can happen! It felt like starting over in a brand new world, this caring for a new little person. There was so, so much to learn.

Did any of you feel this way after having your first baby?

{In my next post, I will share the biggest, sanity-restoring secret I discovered in the whole process.}

Welcome to Motherhood

2011-02-04T22:31:00.000-05:00

She's here!

Our daughter joined us on June 27, 2010, and our life is forever changed! She has her Daddy's eyes and her Momma's spunk, and she lights up our hearts in a million ways. We praise God for his precious gift!!

Mommy Blog?
As proud of a Mommy as I am--and oh, so in love!--this blog will not become a "Mommy blog" in which I keep you up on my growing baby girl's milestones with pictures and stories.

Instead, I will use this space to open my heart and share with you the challenges, revelations, ah-hah moments, and the pure joys of motherhood. A journal revealed, a journey shared. Shall we?

Much More...
Let me dive in by saying that motherhood is so much more _______ than I could have imagined. More wonderful, more inspiring, more challenging, more demanding, more emotional, more fun!, more overwhelming, more everything. It is from the Lord; it is a high calling. It is a Gift, a roller coaster, a treasure, a J-O-B, and it is not for the faint of heart!

Baby Girl is seven months old, and I am now ready to step back and process what on earth just happened! When the reality of motherhood dawned, I felt like I had been dropped into the deep part of the ocean with onlookers on the shore waving and shouting, "Swim, girl, swim!"

I wanted nothing more than to swim. But I didn't know how. And even if I did, I would never make it to the far-off shore.

Learning Curve
Before Baby Girl's arrival, I had researched extensively, read a variety of books, taken a 12-week childbirth class, and asked questions of other mom friends. But with the arrival of my newborn, I found a steep learning curve. In spite of my efforts, there was actually no way to fully prepare for the experience of being a new mom, except of course, to become one.

Sleep schedules, breastfeeding, swaddling, bathtime, baby clothing management, visitors, diapers, and frequent crying.

For me, there was childbirth recovery, roller coaster emotions, and the challenge to squeeze in a shower and get dressed everyday. None of these things existed in my life before baby. All were new! Even the small things like trimming baby's tiny nails and not drawing blood! Where is a nurse when you need her?

Sink or Swim
The reality hit. These things and more (which I'll share in days to come) made for a challenging adjustment period. But if God has shown me anything during this time, it's that my only options are not to swim all the way to shore or drown in this sea of change.

What I didn't realize is that I was created to float.

(to be continued...)

Baby Girl's Nursery

2010-06-11T11:44:00.002-04:00

Hi! While you haven't heard from me in awhile, I have been busy growing a baby :) She is due June 22nd, and we are now in the "Green Zone" as my doctor calls it. From two weeks before the due date to two weeks after, she can come at any moment. I am getting more excited by the day.

Her nursery is officially ready for her arrival. Here is a sneak peak. If you are not a girly girl, consider yourself warned! :)

Cupcake crib mobile :)

Baby Girl, we are ready for you! Come soon!

Celebrity Media Addiction: Guest Post on "Like a Warm Cup of Coffee"

2010-02-01T21:51:00.000-05:00

Today, the lovely Sarah Mae over at Like a Warm Cup of Coffee has featured an article I wrote about our toxic addiction to celebrity media. Won't you pop over and chime in on the discussion? It's an issue we each face on a daily basis, whether in the checkout line, on the web, on the tube...but mostly in our hearts.

Join me there!

Yours,
Katherine
(image by Like A Warm Cup of Coffee)

Family News

2010-01-17T19:03:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone is having a beautiful 2010.

I realize you haven't heard from me by way of this blog since before Christmas,

so there is a bit of catching up to do...

Dean's new ornament to me this Christmas...

(pickles and ice cream!)

Yes, we are going to be parents! We are thrilled about welcoming a little one into our family in June! I am now 18 weeks along and feeling good. Pray for us as we prepare our hearts, home, and lives for the new arrival!

In the meantime, you can find me curled up on the couch with one of these...

Shining Light on the Twilight Saga

2009-11-22T19:38:00.003-05:00

Last night, while at the movie theatre with my husband, we were nearly overcome by the crowd of young teenage girls and adult women (!) who were there to indulge their latest fiction fantasy: the new Twilight movie, New Moon.

"`New Moon' wolfs down $140.7M in opening weekend," boasts the Associated Press headline today. Twilight is an insanely popular book series by Stephanie Meyer based on a teenage girl, Bella, who falls in love with Edward, a vampire. The second book in the series, New Moon, deals with, not only her vampire sweetheart, but a competing interest, a boy named Jacob who is actually a werewolf.

The intrigue has swept the nation. Last Christmas, I sat with my book in Barnes and Noble in an oversized chair that happened to be in front of the Twilight book table. In the hour I was there, I watched no less than 6 adult women, some with young children in tow, excitedly retrieve their new read from in front of me. Since then, many friends have fallen prey to the phenomenon, and I admit, I am at a loss: not for why they are interested--everyone loves a good read. I am at a loss as to how, as Christians, we are willing to open ourselves up to what amounts to many aspects of the occult.

Carrol L. Fry, author of Cinema of the Occult: New Age, Satanism, Wicca, and Spiritualism in Film said, "The occult is by nature sensational, and sensationalism sells. Filmmakers have target audiences, but they want to reach a broad spectrum of customers. And you have to remember that a lot of films that adapt occult paths are part of the horror genre, and that audience demands sensationalism."

1. Bitten by darkness

Let's start with vampires.

vampire: 1. a preternatural being, commonly believed to be a reanimated corpse, that is said to suck the blood of sleeping persons at night. 2. (in Eastern European folklore) a corpse, animated by an undeparted soul or demon, that periodically leaves the grave and disturbs the living, until it is exhumed and impaled or burned.

Uplifting, isn't it? In Scripture, when someone is "animated by a demon", they are referred to as "demon-possessed." The concept does not just exist in romance novels. Demon-possession is real and so is the presence of many invisible dark forces.

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." Ephesians 6:12-13

Yes, evil powers are real, and they are not here to romance us in a field of wildflowers.

2. The seduction of the dark side - and Stephanie Meyer

I can hear many of you now: It is just for fun. A light read. I don't believe in vampires, werewolves and all the rest.

Let's take a look at the origins of this "light" story.

"A housewife named Stephenie Meyer “received” the story of Twilight in a dream on June 2, 2003. The vision she had of a vampire and mortal as lovers compelled her to start writing the story immediately. She says she couldn’t resist the drive to write down her dream (a similar scenario to J.K Rowlings, author of Harry Potter). Meyer gives a summary of that first dream: “I woke up (on that June 2nd) from a very vivid dream. In my dream, two people were having an intense conversation in a meadow in the woods. One of these people was just your average girl. The other person was fantastically beautiful, sparkly, and a vampire. They were discussing the difficulties inherent in the facts that A) they were falling in love with each other while B) the vampire was particularly attracted to the scent of her blood, and was having a difficult time restraining himself from killing her immediately.” Within three months, she had the entire novel written. Within six-months, it had been dreamed, written, and readied for publishing.

Scaringly, Meyer's fictional character Edward took on the "terrifying" form of "real" spirit when it leapt from the pages of her saga and communicated with her in a dream. She says she had an additional dream after Twilight was finished when her vampire character Edward came to visit and speak to her. The Edward who visited her in the night told her she'd got it all wrong because he DID drink human blood, and could not "live" on ONLY animal blood as she wrote in the story. She said, “We had this conversation and he was terrifying.” - Taken from an article by well-known expert on world religions and the occult, Caryl Matrisciana

Chilling, isn't it? Consider the warning of the Lord to the Israelites before they inherited the Promised Land.

"When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. You must be blameless before the Lord your God. The nations you will dispossess listen to those who practice sorcery or divination. But as for you, the Lord your God has not permitted you to do so." (Deuteronomy 18:9-14)

3. Symbolism is oh, so important

Another concern with Twilight is the concept of blood.  In the movie, blood is depicted as a magnet for vampires, "the undead". If bitten, Bella will be lost forever and sentenced to become a vampire, as well; the drawing of blood represents eternal lostness. She even expresses her soul is worth nothing to her if she cannot be with the ~~man~~ vampire she loves.

To Christians, blood is most sacred to us. "God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood." "Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins." (Rom. 3:25; Heb. 9:22) Apart from his blood, we would be lost forever! This truth is so real to me; it is our foremost reality as Christians. And it is just the beautiful antithesis of the picture portrayed in the Twilight saga.

I write primarily for believers.  Many do not know this Jesus who gave his precious blood for us, and I do not fault them for being attracted to these books. The series is seductive, enticing, and other-worldly. But to us, who do know Him, may we hold the purity of our faith so dear. The blood of the Lamb, spilled for us. The price of our souls that cost Him his life.

In the name of entertainment, do you open your mind up to dark themes and characters? Do you subject your emotions to them?  We must be set apart from these things.

2 Kings 9:22 says, "When Joram saw Jehu he asked, "Have you come in peace, Jehu?" "How can there be peace," Jehu replied, "as long as all the idolatry and witchcraft of your mother Jezebel abound?"

Bust Your Clutter, Free Your Life

2009-08-18T13:58:00.009-04:00

I am on a cleaning spree. Not traditional cleaning with the Windex and Swiffer; I am cleaning OUT our house... and with it, our lives.

Tomorrow I am making my second donation drop in one week to a local charity. Let me clarify.

My second CARLOAD this week.

It is amazing how much stuff we Americans collect that just fills our homes with clutter. We (I) love yard sales, TJ Maxx, estate sales, the mall, and before you know it, your house is full of...stuff. (But it was on sale!, we say.)

"If you love trendy decor, it can be expensive to keep up with what is hot and what’s not! Just when you get all the latest stuff and start feeling all trendy, you open up a new magazine to realize your things are already hopelessly out of style. Or worse, they have fallen apart and it is time to reinvest in what is new. You don’t have to be a slave to trends dictated by someone else." - Melissa Michaels, The Inspired Room

And it doesn't have to be decor. Maybe it is clothes. Or toys. Or souvenirs picked up on vacations through the years. Or documents from the 1990's that are taking over your office.

(yes, that is a George Foreman grill that hasn't been used since college.)

Lately I am coming to realize that the accumulation of things is not only costing money. It is taking up our sacred space in our homes. Our homes are to be our sanctuary from a long hard day out, a place of peace and calm. But our habits of accumulation are defeating the life-giving purpose of those four walls. A cluttered space steals our peace of mind. Just think about it: which is more calming? A clear kitchen counter or one piled high with bills, books, and knickknacks?

A house full of stuff not only saps our peace of mind, but it robs our time. Which would you rather do on your Saturday? Go to the pool with your family or spend the day inside cleaning all your stuff? The more we have, the longer it definitely takes. (Again, compare the time it takes to clean a clear counter top versus one covered with objects.)

I don't consider myself a pack rat, but I am now finding myself on the fast track toward simplifying our home and life. In the evenings, I am going through our house room by room, closet by closet, drawer by drawer, and pulling out items that we don't use regularly or love. I am either tossing them out or donating them. Some donations have gone to the Salvation Army and others to the local Wellspring store, a ministry who supports women in crisis. {Another benefit to purging the excess: helping those in need!}

I got so excited on Saturday when several of the dresser drawers in our guest room were EMPTY. And the others were no more than half-full. No more drawers that get stuck because there are too many old shirts or picture frames crammed in.

I have listed several benefits above to decluttering our home -- money, time, and peace of mind. But there is higher purpose for streamlining and simplifying our life. I want to be free from concern.

"What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not;

those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep;

those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them.

For this world in its present form is passing away.
I would like you to be free from concern."
I Corinthians 7:29-32

Yes, we buy things. We use the things of the world but"as if not engrossed in them." "Engrossed" is a powerful word. It means, "to occupy completely, as the mind or attention; absorb." We live in this world, and therefore we use the physical things of the world - a home, a car or bus, clothing, food, phone, internet, furniture, gifts, television, etc. But we aren't to be ENGROSSED by them, completely absorbed by them. They can't be the focus of our lives!

Paul reminds us in these verses that the time is short. We have one short life here on earth. We must make the most of every day, not for our own pleasure and enjoyment, but for Christ and His kingdom. "This world is fading away, along with everything it craves. But if you do the will of God, you will live forever. "{I John 2:17, NLT}

To live this way is to live a life free from concern. To fly above the circumstances, above the noise, above the stuff. To be free of heart and mind to focus on WHAT REALLY MATTERS.

Dean and I have a growing desire to capture each day for this higher purpose. To have time to devote to our friends and our family. To have energy and money to invest in the hurting, the broken, the weak, and the needy. To have quiet in which to hear the Father speaking and guiding us. "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.' " Isaiah 30:21b

I want to be free to hear that voice. Free from the love of things. Free from concern.

Our dear friends April and Matt just moved their family to Hong Kong to reach college students with God's love. The flats in Hong Kong are very small, and in preparation to move, they went through a downsizing process that took months. Many yard sales. Many items sold on Craigslist. Many carloads of donations.

Luke was not a donation :)

As they purged their belongings to the bare minimum, April challenged me to go against the flow of materialism that is prevalent in America. Although she was the one moving to a foreign country, she said, "We are being forced to downsize and keep it simple. It will be harder for you...harder to stay here in America and fight against materialism to put His kingdom first."

She is right. But no matter where we live, whether we have a big house with plenty of room for lots of stuff or reside in a small Hong Kong apartment, we have the same calling. We as Christians MUST put His kingdom first.

"A man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." - Luke 12:15

Resources:
Stuff. A great article.

Becoming Minimalist: "A family of four in the suburbs becomes minimalists and so can you." Read about their story, starting with the first blog entry. Inspiring!
The FlyLady recommends the 27-Fling Boogie among other tips to beat the clutter.

A Mind is a Precious Thing to Waste

2009-06-08T22:40:00.022-04:00

Real Simple

This post may be unpopular. But the Spirit is burning in my heart, and I feel compelled to speak.

Consider the strength of your mind. Your mind is among the most valuable things you have, for "As a man thinks in his heart, so he is." Our minds set the course of our lives.

Our hearts follow our minds. And they are the wellspring of our lives. Out of our hearts, we live life in Christ. Out of our hearts, the Spirit flows to others. "Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." John 7:38

So what we think on affects our hearts and therefore, our entire being. It affects our ability to be at peace and remain focused. Our capacity to reflect and express Him. Our influence.

We are governed by our thoughts.

"Finally, {sisters}, whatever is true,
whatever is noble, whatever is right,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable
—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—
think about such things." Philippians 4:8

For some time now, I have noticed a trend among our generation and our culture as a whole. And I have been waiting and wondering who in the Church is speaking to this issue...for it is a cancer of the mind.

I haven't heard it addressed, and so I am compelled to challenge both myself and you with this:

We are steeping our minds in filth. And we call it entertainment.

We are mesmerized by the lives of famous people. The same celebrities who deny our God with their lips and pagan lifestyles.

We are addicted to following their lifestyles through magazines, tv, and the internet.

We are filling our mind with the antithesis of all we hold dear. Would we want our children to feast on the same mental diet of promiscuity, sensuality, marital unfaithfulness, arrogance, vanity, greed, lust, homosexuality, bisexuality, rebellion, drugs, perversion, eating disorders, and enslavement to materialism?

Neither does God want his kids.

"You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Or do you think that the Scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely?" James 4:4 - 6a

On Sunday our pastor Dr. David Cooper was preaching on Psalm 1. While not specifically naming this celebrity-obsession, he said, "We've been brought in from the kingdom of darkness and bondage to sin. Why go out and 'stand in the way of sinners'? Why go out and study and follow their lifestyles?

They {the media} will market and advertise the world. Do not take a second look at the path and direction of the world."

We have been called out of the world. And we need the fullness of our minds and hearts to live this new life.

Make a clean break. I implore you on behalf of Christ, stop buying "People {Exploited}" magazine in the checkout line. Cancel your subscription to US Weekly. By all means, turn off TMZ and Entertainment Tonight. Don't waste your precious moments visiting celebrity gossip websites. *THEY ARE NOT NEWS.* They are tabloids. Let's stop kidding ourselves, and raise our eyes and minds to the standard for which we have been bought.

I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Ephesians 4:1

He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 2 Corinthians 5:15

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

James 1:27

Am I The Only One?

2009-05-26T23:26:00.007-04:00

Am I the only woman who finds this attractive??

My Man scrubbing and cleaning our porch.

(do you know how much i hate this chore???)

What a turn on.

I guess it really is the little things for us women ;)

30's Priorities

2009-04-21T12:41:00.021-04:00

I recently turned the big 3-0. My husband has me beat by a good stretch, so he doesn't think 30 is a "big" anything. But I know many of you understand. I am entering a new decade. A new phase of life.

I am no longer living in the decade defined by college and college-ish behaviors. The 20's mark a metamorphasis, a growth from carefree irresponsibility into a handful of responsibilities such as getting a real job, paying real rent or even buying one's own house. The 30's, on the other hand, may be many things, but two things they are not are carefree and irresponsible. For many, they include marriage, children, career advancement, home-buying, community responsibilities, and basically a lot of juggling of new adult responsibilities placed upon young shoulders.

I have turned that corner...

I am pleased to journey into a new season, but this new decade finds me reflective. I am asking,

What are my real priorities?

Beth Moore said recently, "This generation of women has bought the Lie. The lie is that 'You can have it all!'

She speaks to the belief that we women can--and should--be successful at all of these roles:

A loving and nurturing wife

A devoted and attentive mother

An executive, advancing her career

A good neighbor

A Bible Study leader

The Girl Scout Troup leader, the baseball Team Mom

A connected friend

An efficient home manager

She continued, "You can have a lot, but you CANNOT have it all."

This struck me during the week of my Birthday, and I have been considering its implications for my life. I believe she is right.

I cannot have it all.

I may have a lot--or even most--of these things.

But not all.

Over this next decade, I may be able to close that deal at work by working long hours, but I will not simultaneously be enjoying dinner with the family I love. I may be able to take a child to the ballfield several nights a week, but the house will not likely not be a Martha Stewart showroom. Because we are limited people with limited time, energy, and resources, we will end up trading some things for others. What will I choose? What will you choose?

We cannot have it all.

I am entering my 30's by looking in the mirror and giving myself a firm talking-to...and the permission to not do it all. I am looking in my heart and pondering what will be dropped.

Today, I began writing down my Life Priorities. They are a work in progress, but I will share.

My Life Priorities

1. Engaging Christ and His Kingdom {worshipping, going deeper with Him. supporting his work in the world through missions, our local church, and our community.}

2. Loving my Husband {this one is a favorite, but it will not always be easy. may I always give our marriage the priority it deserves.}

3. Creating our Home {making and keeping it beautiful, warm, smooth, and efficient}

4. Valuing Others {hosting, visiting, giving, celebrating & connecting with family and friends}

5. Choosing Health {providing healthy meals, staying active and fit, taking care of myself}

6. Expressing Creative Gifts {writing and other creative pursuits}

7. Managing Financial Goals {planning and saving for our family}

These top seven priorities may wax and wane within the list, but chances are, if it is not on the above list, it is not of great importance in my life.

Several of you have kindly asked why I have not posted on my blog lately. It is because while blogging and writing are important to me, they are #6 on the list. For the last few months, I have been concentrating on several other items, like #4, Valuing Others: we had several opportunities to host friends and family in our home this spring for meals, holidays, and weekends. I was also busy with #2, Loving my Husband. He also had a milestone birthday, and many of his family members from Florida surprised him to celebrate. These preparations were worthy of my attention for several weeks in April.

I am learning not to carry guilt for letting my blog stay quiet for some time or for dusty baseboards. I would rather have family around our table sharing a meal or on our couch sharing an evening.

I would rather celebrate the special occasions and loved ones in my life to the hilt!

I would rather spend time organizing and keeping our home than on a shopping spree in the city.

These are my priorities.

What are yours?

The Sabbath "Experiment"

2009-01-22T18:03:00.001-05:00

Hi, friends. I have been thinking a lot about moments and rest and I am still asking, "What is this moment for?" (Please see that post first.) Some of you are, too. I thought I would share some Sabbath thoughts with you so far this year.

I began reading this book during the first week of the year, so the first Sunday of 2009 was the first day of this "experiment." After coming home from church and lunch, I snuggled up on the couch beside my husband who had big plans to watch a football game. There was no laptop on my lap, no projects in my hands, nothing but a Pottery Barn magazine and the Miami Dolphins on tv. After flipping the last glossy page, I looked around the room and thought, "I am bored."

This whole concept of truly slowing down, of guilt-free relaxation, of refusing the long list of to-do's in my planner and in my head...it was, well, foreign.

The night progressed with a simple dinner and playing a fun board game (which never seems to top the list over the ever-present television). We talked on the phone with family, spent quality time together, and had an all-around peaceful day.

Worship. Relaxation. Romance. Family.

And let me note that, for what it's worth, I had the most PRODUCTIVE week, that first full week of the year. I was working out every night (can you imagine?), preparing stress-free meals, and I even got ahead on the laundry. I kept looking around and wondering, What is going on? And, Could it be the Sabbath? I feel so centered...

The second Sunday of January went similarly, and all week I found myself looking forward to the Day where nothing could press in on me, and everything could be enjoyed. Savored. I added in time for reflection. Reading and discussing and praying with Dean.

This past Sunday was not like the others. We had a beautiful weekend with my family- and their new puppy- in town. Someone had a big birthday!,

and we enjoyed the city to the hilt. Sunday was brimming with a special church service, a family brunch, and goodbyes. It was perfect.

But right when I should have taken pause, taken a little nap, or just regrouped and reflected on the joy of the weekend, we changed into jeans and charged over to our friends' house for a football party. (Go, Eagles...poor Eagles).

Let me say, I don't regret spending the Sabbath with our good friends. I am learning that the Sabbath is especially perfect for enjoying God, family, and friends. It is about slowing down to connect. But when the Small Voice (and my husband) pointed out that the time was growing late, the social butterfly in me was not yet ready to flit home. So we stayed.

When we finally got home and straight into bed, I realized that I had pushed my limits. I had not accepted the natural invitation to rest on the day that my body and soul desires it most.

And Monday morning greeted me with a roar. I have felt a bit off-center this week.

Let me say, I am not legalistic as to think that if we don't honor the Sabbath, we will have a bad week. But I am realistic in understanding that if we bypass a moment that is intended for rest, we might just feel run down and weary in the days and moments that follow.

So I write this today as a lesson in listening...in obeying...and in cherishing the Sabbath moments in your life.

What is This Moment For?

2009-01-06T21:46:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year! After a wonderful and reflective Christmas holiday, I am back and full of new thoughts...

Last year was the year after the Wedding. It was also a year filled with running. I think it started with the adrenaline rush of planning an event as big as a wedding and spilled over into the small tasks of daily living. I began to live for list-making and list-crossing-off. I read tons of motivating productivity blogs, like Simple Mom, Fly Lady, and LifeHacker. I wanted to streamline every process, eliminate waste and clutter in daily life. ..and every closet, car trunk, and cabinet. I tried to plan each minute and coordinate them with my big red planner; efficiency was the ultimate goal.

It was thrilling, I will admit. By the time Christmas rolled around, I had a mostly organized home (it's hard to maintain perfect order) and a well-planned new year, but my heart was speedracing through the Christmas Eve service. For no reason. Here we were, all the way in South Carolina to celebrate the holidays with family, nothing in the world on my plate to stress me, and my heart was pounding so loud and fast during the solo that I looked at Dean to see if he could hear it.

Something was off. For a right-brained person like myself, learning the skills of organization and running an efficient home are worthy goals...these things don't come naturally to me, as to others (My dear friend Kelley is a Professional Organizer!). But shouldn't there be some balance? Shouldn't I know how to work when it's time to work, and play and relax and enjoy life when it is time for those things?

Ecclesiastes 3:1 - "There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven."

So I picked up a highly-recommended book, The Rest of God: Restoring Your Soul by Restoring Sabbath, by Mark Buchanan.

In it, he describes time this way:

"Embedded in the Greek language were two distinct words for "time." The first word is chronos --familiar to us because it's the root of many of our own words: chronology, chronicle, chronic. It is the time of clock and calendar, time as a gauntlet, time as a forced march. The word derives from one of the gods in the Greek pantheon. Chronos was always consuming, never consummated...Chronos is the presiding deity of the driven....

The second Greek word is kairos. This is time as a gift, as opportunity, as season. It is time pregnant with purpose. In kairos time you ask, not "What time is it?" but "What is this time for?" Kairos is the servant of holy purpose." (page 36)

What is this time for?

When God created us, He designed our moments with a clear purpose in mind for each one.

Imagine asking yourself, not "Do I have time to go to the gym before Lost comes on?" but rather facing the clock, or better, asking the Lord in your heart, "What is this moment for?"

As I have begun this simple practice in my heart, I hear such clear directives. Sometimes, I want to read, and He has told me "this moment is for you to rest. Take a nap." And sometimes, He has nudged me and shown me that this moment is perfect for sweeping the floor.

Each moment has a purpose.

A moment to decorate a home for the holidays.

A moment to bask in the glow.

A moment to entertain friends.

A moment for exercise.

A moment to try a new recipe.

A moment to share with others.

A moment to love.

A moment to come home.

This new year is already one of deeper breaths, of slower steps, of less lists and yet more accomplished. In the days to come, I will share with you my journey of learning to slow down, to listen, and to celebrate the Sabbath.

Winter is Here

2008-11-20T15:07:00.000-05:00

Last night, I went outside to water the plants. Apparently, I was too late. I gasped in horror and started to recount how many days had passed since I paid the hanging plants a visit with my gas station jumbo-sized plastic cup of water. Surely not THAT many...

Then, I saw my breath and remembered. We are having a cold snap, we are under a freezing warning, we're enduring a break-out-the-gloves-AND-scarf kind of week. And now my plants are dead!?

This is my first ever home that I (we) own, with my first ever porch with real live hanging plants. I even picked the plants out to match the living room since you can see them through the windows! (I can't help it; I am obsessed with decorating.)

It's my first time. I never knew that beautiful hanging plants are KILLED when the first 20 degree winter wind comes blowing on their little branches. I feel so guilty. Like I left my babies out to be frozen to death, while we huddled inside under extra blankets, sipping hot tea and cranking the heat so high we had to use a humidifier to keep our skin from turning to leather.

Poor Babies!

What little surprises has winter brought your way?

Not a Newlywed Anymore...

2008-11-10T14:07:00.001-05:00

One year ago today, I awakened before the sun. My heart began to race as I realized what Day it was. Soon after, Julie arrivedto transport me across town to the salon, where she supplied me with coffee, pastries, and chirpy conversation while I sat nervously in the chair and began the transformation. 1,000 bobby pins, a bottle of hairspray, and a veil later, we raced to the church, where my best friends were milling around excitedly. One by one, red dresses filled the bridal room, plus a 6-year old angel in a white dress and crown made of flowers. My mother and lifelong best friend helped me into a white dress of my own and fastened me in tight. Then with a basking glow of motherly and sisterly pride, they released me to the flashes of the camera.

Before I knew it, I was hiding behind a big oak door, listening to the music fill the sanctuary and taking deep breaths. It was really happening. I joined my Daddy on his arm and we drifted down the aisle. My Beloved was waiting there for me. At that moment, I embarked on a beautiful journey.

It has been a special year of companionship, romance, excitement, travel, and laughter. We have also endured family heartache and the stresses of life. But being in it together makes all the difference. Knowing that you have found that partner...

...a friend to talk to each night over dinner.

...a playmate to giggle with each morning over toothpaste.

...a traveling companion for the long flights and roadtrips.

...a voice of reason and steady wisdom.

...a calming voice on the other end of the line.

In his book The Mystery of Marriage Mike Mason writes, "We are not simply moving in with someone we think would be fun to live with. Rather, we are giving our prior assent to a whole chain reaction of trials, decisions, transformations, and personal cataclysms that, once they are done with us, may leave us not only changed almost beyond recognition, but marked nearly as deeply as by a religious conversion. And this is just as it ought to be."

Today, on our first wedding anniversary, I thank God for his gracious gift of marriage and all the ways it has and will surely mark my life for His purposes. Dean, Honey, I love you dearly and cannot wait to share many more beautiful years together.

(One year ago last night...at our rehearsal dinner. )

The Day After

2008-11-06T01:28:00.000-05:00

Today, I have been checked on. Several times, a co-worker or friend has asked me, "Are you okay?" Both times, at first I didn't realize what they meant. Then I remembered that today we have a new president-elect, and I had cast my vote for The Other Guy.

But today, mostly I have been at peace. Riled up for weeks, but today, at peace.

This passage from Scripture has steered, cheered, and set my heart straight. Take a look.

"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another..." Romans 13, NIV

If you are like me, you probably believed that by living in a democracy, we, the people would be determining our next President by our votes. But did we?

There is no authority except that which God has established. This is a profound truth! And mindboggling for my political mind to accept. There is no authority, no President, no Congressman, no Governor in existence that God did not establish.

The New King James Version puts it this way: "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. " (Romans 13:1)

I imagine that some of you take issue (even Scriptural issue) with the results of some of the election races. But we are told that God, for reasons that are His, has established the governmental authorities that we will live under. This applies to our new President-elect, Barack Obama. This also applies to President Bush, to his predecessor President Clinton, and even for those who live in Venezuela, Hugo Chavez. Please remember that when the New Testament was written, many Christians lived under governments that were hostile to their faith, and shortly thereafter, early Christians were fed to lions in the Roman Coliseum.

Nevertheless, even these authorities were put in place by God.

He is God. We do not have to understand His mind or His ways. But we do have the privilege of resting in His Sovereignty, especially on the day after Election Day.

Peacefully yours,

Katherine

Napa Valley, Here We Come

2008-10-29T12:23:00.001-04:00

This afternoon, My Honey is taking me to San Francisco and Napa Valley to celebrate our One Year Anniversary. I am so excited - I have never stayed in a Bed and Breakfast before!

Don't miss me too much...when I return, I will be writing more on this blog. I am coming to realize that this blog is the perfect place to stay in better touch, to exercise my writing voice, and to communicate what He puts in my heart. While I am gone, if you have been to San Fran or Napa, leave me a comment in the comments section telling me what we need to be sure not to miss while we are there!

xoxo,
Katherine

PS - Don't forget to make the election a matter of heartfelt prayer. Pray for the hearts of your friends and family and the whole nation. It is our hearts He is after.

Smoking Guns and The Election

2008-10-27T12:55:00.000-04:00

"Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels." {2 Timothy 2:23}

It sounds like Apostle Paul is talking to me. During Election Season.

I have had a hard time this year. I have come face-to-face with my passionate personality, a critically-thinking mind, an affinity for debate, and a natural bent towards politics of any kind. Add to these an intense election process in our country for the White House for the next four years, and I feel like an explosive being introduced to a lit match.

Let me admit, I have fed the flame.

I have faithfully listened to political coverage on satellite radio all the way to work. Once in my desk, I have hopped online to screen numerous political and news sites for latest polls, predictions, and wild stories. Then I open my email, and I usually receive around 10 new political commentaries, articles, jokes or new conspiracies a day. On my lunch break, if I am in my car, I have the chance to tune in again, and on the way home, I catch up on what I missed. (What could I possibly have missed?) Over dinner, my husband will brief me on political news or conversations from his day, and for dessert, we find ourselves checking in with the talking heads on satellite tv.

I know this year's election is hot, and many of us are feeling the pressure building inside as we head toward election day. But how to not combust and take those around us out in flames is the question.

On this month's retreat with my best friends from college, I feel I combusted during our political conversation. This is one incident with gun-powder that has caused me to evaluate my methods, my motives, my thoughts, my heart.

Then I found the rest of this passage:

"Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth..."{2 Timothy 2:23-25, NIV}

Be kind! Don't argue. Do not quarrel. (But Lord, have you been following the 2008 election?)

If someone opposes you, gently instruct them. Gently instruct??

Oh, the restraint required.

Oh, the freedom and life this could breathe into my relationships. And perhaps the discussions could be just that...a healthy discussion. A chance to dialogue over ideas and our future without the heat and the smoke.

Girls in San Antonio, I am sorry for heat I let off during our debate. Thank you for bearing with me when my political passions got the best of me...I am learning by grace how to feel strongly but speak gently.

Praying with you for the ability to talk, share our concerns and views, walk alongside, and share life with those across the aisle...

gently...

without setting off smoke alarms.

Hang in there, only one more week til Nov. 4th!

Katherine

Boston

2008-09-10T22:22:00.001-04:00

Last weekend, Dean and I headed up to Boston, Massachusetts. It was a first for me. Dean had been there a handful of times, but by the look on his face as we toured around, it struck him with its beauty all over again.

There are dark, beautiful, historic buildings everywhere, with long-established educational institutions on every corner (Harvard, MIT, Boston College, Boston University, Berklee College of Music, and many more). Our hotel was directly beside the campus of MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Think Kevin Spacey & the brilliant card-counting students in the recent movie "21".)

But best of all, the city is on the water!

(Credit for this image.)

We took a run one morning over one of these scenic bridges over Charles River that connects Cambridge to downtown Boston. Beautiful!

However, the purpose of this trip was not primarily to see the city. We had come for the memorial service of Dean's 'stepdad'. (He was married to Dean's mom for most of his childhood, and will always be remembered for raising her children like they were his own. )

This is a relative's authentic Bostonian home, where we gathered to prepare for the service.

This is Josh, Dean's brother. Dean's stepdad was his 'real' dad, and he looks so much like him. We had the opportunity to go through old pictures and reminisce together.

An interesting note: Stepdad was a gifted singer, recording with his own album reminiscent of Frank Sinatra. We discovered that when Stepdad performed in Vegas during his youth, he opened for Jimmy Durante!

This is Josh's wife, Jacquie...my sweet sis-in-law. She was a Rock of support to Josh and all of the family.

Dean getting a haircut from our cousin Denise.

The service went well, and both Dean and Josh shared from the heart about the blessing of their Dad. Afterwards, we went out with the whole family...everyone was new to me but felt like instantaneous blood...I like that about Dean's family...

Denise, Jason (He is Josh's nephew, can you imagine?), and Jacquie.

Everyone! A whole lot of love...Stepdad brought everyone together one last time at his death.

On our night downtown, Dean, Josh, Jacquie, and I discovered Boston's Little Italy...

Uh Oh....

A street lined with beautiful Italian restaurants, espresso cafes, gelato, and...

Hundreds of Italian pastries!!!!!

I decided on tiramisu AND a canoli...my husband rightly predicted I would make myself feel sick...

He told me he was so HAPPY in this pastry shop!! We all were...
Vist Mike's Pastry's website: there is a glossary of all the Italian pastries!!

Look them up on Hanover Street when in Boston! We liked this Little Italy (Italian neighborhood) better than its counterparts in New York and Chicago!

Everyone enjoyed each other so, we know it won't be the last time we pack a bag and head to Boston.

For the Love of the House

2008-08-10T21:51:00.000-04:00

Hi, Friends! I haven't kept you as up to date as I would like...I have been busy adding more 'feminine touches' to our home (formerly his home). I am having so much fun decorating our house! I am not quite ready to show you the Before-the-Wife and After-the-Wife House Tour pictures, but we are getting close :) In the meantime, I thought you might enjoy seeing a few of the projects that I (we) have been working on.

The first good news is that I have finally been able to introduce my husband to the joys of yard sales!! He thought I was crazy before, but after running across two great sales this weekend, he is starting to be hooked. I can't say what he bought though...he may be planning to give it to one of you for Christmas! Ha! Here are my treasures...

These pretty fleur de lis sconces will be the latest addition to the animal print master bathroom.

These finials make me so happy...just knowing that I will discover the perfect home for them somewhere in our house.

Oops, this image is sideways. These are a few of the black and white plates that will be hanging in the black/white guest room along with the collage of old family pictures! (Dean's Dad, if you read this, we would love to have a few old pictures of your family to add to the collage. Pics of Dean's grandparents or even great-grandparents, if you have any!)

Then for $4, I found this plate hangar at a yard sale! Perfect, after a coat of black spray paint.

These were a few dollars a piece at this awesome Ballard Designs furniture warehouse I discovered!! I love the square hand towel holder. So unique.

They are meant to look antique...

Which will be perfect for the guest bathroom since we're using the old black/white pictures theme.

This next project: I found this small baker's rack at Ross Dress for Less, no less!

And spray painted it black. It's amazing what a can of black spray paint can do!

It is now waiting to greet you at the top of the stairs when you come by to visit us...

Lastly, here is a peek into the master bathroom. Over the garden tub we put our favorite pictures of us with our wedding party.

Animal print-ish frames, of course...and when I found this lamp, you know I fell in love!!

I love to turn off the bright overhead lights and switch this one on in the evenings. (It gives a soft light, which is hard to tell from this picture.) It is peaceful and calming after a long day.

We are having a great time redressing our home...stay tuned for the before and after tour. It is coming, I promise. In the meantime, how are you? Do you have any home projects you are working on?

P.S.- I am on the lookout for another yard sale partner. My current one (husband) will only hit yard sales after 10 AM...way too late for the good stuff! All early-rising, coffee-drinking, Craigs List-scouting, Mapquest-following, bargain-hunting and thrifty females should apply!

We're Going to See Jonny Lang!!

2008-06-21T14:07:00.001-04:00

Wednesay night, Dean and I will be going to see JONNY LANG in concert!! We are so excited. If you haven't heard of him, you are hearing him now playing on the blog.

He is the most talented, electrifying musician I know-- he has the voice of a 50-year old blues singer, yet he's only 27. He recorded his first album at the age of 13 and went on tour with the Rolling Stones shortly after at 15!! A child prodigy, he has shared the stage with B.B. King and toured with Aerosmith and Sting...quite an impressive list for a guy without so much as a driver's license.

Touring with Rolling Stones as a teenager opened him up very early to the world and its wildest. He was an alcoholic by age 17 and using a variety of hard drugs. Then in 2002 at the age of 21, he was with his then-girlfriend (now wife) Haylie's family during the death of her father. It was then that 'God introduced himself to me.' He was overcome with a force he could not explain, and he says his body began to shake until he was overwhelmed with the power and peace of God. He says he heard God say, "'You don't have to have this if you don't want it.' But I wanted it more than anything I've ever wanted in my whole life."

On that day, his life was completely transformed, and he hasn't had a single craving since.

He is now such a humble and good-hearted man, with the same undeniable gift that made him famous at 13. Except now he knows the One who gave it to him.

I so wish you all could be with us Wednesday! He wails on that guitar with such power, and now, purpose. Check out his latest album, aptly titled Turn Around, and imagine you are there, front and center!

Click here to read more about his amazing transformation. And here to watch him perform.

http://www.jonnylang.com/

Cruisin' with my New Family

2008-05-18T22:11:00.000-04:00

Well, we've almost made it through the peeling stage and are still enjoying our tans...it is time to tell you about our vacation at sea!

Dean and I just got back from a cruise with his family...

- his dad and his wife, Jill, his brother, Sal; and his fiance', Samantha (Sam). We set sail out of Miami...

With our first stop: Key West, Fl.,

the southernmost tip of the country.

Took a bus tour of the sunny island famous for President Truman, Ernest Hemingway, and yes, Jimmy Buffet.

In the evenings, we ate...

and ate...

And felt the cool breeze of the water on the deck at night.

Cozumel, Mexico was Stop Two on our magical trip...

It is actually an island off of Mexico's coast...and a gorgeous one.

with the FRESHEST, most delicious guacamole, salsa, and homemade chips. The Real Thing!

After buying Mexican silver jewelry (but, of course!), we joined the family for dinner...

Our big crazy family...

Our last day was a "Day at Sea"......a full day of relaxation, reading, tanning (er, toasting), listening to my ipod alongside my Honey atop a boat coursing through the Caribbean. Now you know my Dream Day. What is yours?

Birthday Sushi & Grandma

2008-04-11T13:08:00.000-04:00

We had sushi for Dean's birthday. From Publix. In fairness, he requested it. But what a week it has been.

He has had a terrible virus for a week now. I have never seen him this sick. I had managed to safely cling to my edge of the king-sized bed for a good five days before waking up Thursday with the worst pain in my throat and an entire-body ache. It got me, too.

I was going to make him a homemade birthday cake, but until we both feel better, it is a Whole Foods' Cookies n' Cream and hot tea.

We are packing our Kleenex and medicine bottles and heading to the airport today. My Beloved Grandma went to live with Jesus on Wednesday, and tomorrow is her memorial service in New Jersey. She was a few weeks shy of her 91st Birthday.

She was a devoted follower of Christ, a loving mother, grand & great-grandmother, a world-traveller, a hopeless romantic, a true Lady.

How I miss her already. I love you, Grandma B!

A Long 7 Days

2008-03-18T20:12:00.000-04:00

Hi! Well, how did you do?

A number of you embarked on the 7 Days for Spring Fitness Challenge with me & my college friends. Wasn't the week interesting?

I wonder:
-Did you eat "purely" for 7 days with only 2 "cheats"? (Mostly. I will answer this more in a minute.)
-Did you exercise for 5 days for 30 minutes each? (I only made 4.)
-Did you lose a lb. or two? (I lost 1, maybe 2 lbs. Not drastic but nice.)
-Did you tighten up? (Yes, a little.)

A few conclusions:
-Some of you have expressed how much better you feel after eating cleanly and allowing your body to breathe from the junk food it has been used to.

-This made us realize how much foreign and fake food we ingest on a daily basis, and how oftentimes we aren't eating "healthily" when we think we are.

-MANY of you have commented on how HARD THIS WAS! I agree! Around Day 5, I eased up on myself and had an extra "cheat" or two. I admit it!

This leads me to wonder why this was so difficult. I've been giving this a lot of thought! Because when I am in my normal routine, I actually LIKE to eat this way! For instance....

By Sunday night I, admittedly, was "OVER" the 7-Day Fitness Challenge. I put the challenge aside and decided to cook a meal from the heart for my husband after a long & busy weekend. I prepared a spring dinner based solely on Saturday's 30-Minute Meal with Rachael Ray episode: Delicious Spring Pea-sto with Whole Wheat Penne and Prosciutto-Wrapped Cod.

As we enjoyed our meal and kept commenting on how good it was (thanks, Rachael!), I took a good look at my plate, and it hit me. I realized that this meal was 100% "pure" according to our rules. This meal was the epitome of healthy and natural and it was delicious. Had I been trying, this meal would have been perfectly within bounds.

The irony is that when there is a RULE --no matter how good or helpful, as humans, we fixate on it. And grow to despise it. And then we begin to devise ways around it.

Just look at that card with the cat that mom sent me above. That cat is eating that salad because it is supposed to, not because it wants to (note the creepy eyes)! Somebody told that cat to go on a diet, to lower her cholesterol, to get ready for the beach, to fit back into those skinny jeans, and now the cat is belly-up to the salad bar.

BUT, all Miss Kitty can think about is, you guessed it, chocolate.

(It looks like all you can think about is chocolate, too! Caught ya.)

But what if Miss Kitty Kat didn't have eating rules to follow, a diet to keep, scales to step on, points to count? What if Miss Kitty devoted herself to her health? What if Miss Kitty actually desired the greens over the green Girl Scouts box? What is something switched inside of Miss K that caused her to turn an about-face from sugar-loving to Temple-loving?

Look, there I went.

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." -I Corinthians 6:19-20

If God lives in us, and we have the privilege of offering hospitality to the Holy Spirit, why would we knowingly delight in the junk that desecrates our bodies?

I think it is as simple as the Rule Theorem (I made this one up.):
We want what we can't have. Tell someone they can't have it, and they will want it.

This is also known as the Power of Sin (I didn't make this one up.):

"The power of sin is the law." - I Corinthians 15:56

The law speaks of the Old Testament "rules" that were laid out for the nation of Israel to follow, which they of course could not keep perfectly (they flunked the 7-Day Fitness Challenge, if you will). This was all a means to humble man's prideful heart and prepare them for a Savior who came to earth to reach them. If they admitted they fell off the wagon of life (had broken the Law, sinned), they would be saved by Christ's death for them on the cross.

But this verse says that the law actually gave sin power, stirred it up. It provoked mankind, in effect, and man's sinful heart caused him to do exactly what the law said not to. "Don't lie, don't steal, don't covet your neighbor's wife." It is like telling a chocoholic on the 7 Day Fitness Challenge: "Don't eat chocolate!!!!"

So, since the law (a set of rules) can serve to bring out the rebel in us all, perhaps I set out on the Spring Fitness Challenge the wrong way. See, a rule like "Don't eat man-made or manufactured foods for a week.") draws our attention to what we can't have or can't do.

We must learn to live from the inside-out. From higher motivations of:

God's glory (So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. I Corinthians 10:31)
Our health (May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. I Thessalonians 5:23)
Purity of life (This one is amazing!- 2 Cor. 7:1 - Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.)

So next spring--or next week for that matter--let's try a new approach. Choosing to eat well based on Him, our health, & because we want a beneficial way of life. We need motivations other than our blog friend bet we couldn't go a week without white flour and sugar. ;)

xxoo,
Katherine

*If you struggle with overeating or an eating disorder, you may be interested in this excellent resource: Setting Captives Free. It is an online 60-day program designed to walk with you to freedom in this and many other areas (addictions to pornography, alcohol, nicotine, & more). Click here to visit their website.

Did God Make It?

2008-03-11T11:15:00.000-04:00

Day 3 is upon us. How's it going? Have you been exercising? It is supposed to be beautiful here today. I hope to get outside!

I have been getting lots of questions:

Co-worker over the cube wall: "Can I have this Crystal Light in my water?"
Mom: "Well, I know two things God didn't make - salad dressing and butter!! What am I supposed to do?"
Kelley, college friend: "My mom, sister, and I are trying to figure out...did God make yogurt? Call me! (implied: "Soon! WE ARE HUNGRY!")

First, let's talk about yogurt. I am a huge yogurt fan, so I like to think, "yes, God made yogurt!" :) But make sure you get the kind that is not mostly sugar! Make sure you read the label because lots of yogurt contains high-fructose corn syrup, which is a No-No!

Recommendations: Dannon All-Natural (cherry is amazing). It is located with all the other bad yogurts, just begging to be noticed!! (See its halo?)

Or Stonyfield Farm's soy yogurt. You will find this one in the organic section, usually with the milk. We love this one at our house.The other big question seems to be condiments. Yes, we used a little butter on our sweet potatoes and on our veggies so far this week. No, you haven't fallen off the wagon if you did, too. For salad dressing, go for balsamic vinegar or an olive oil/vinegar combo. Another trick I love is to use cottage cheese from the salad bar as my "dressing" - it works beautifully to tie everything together. Just think outside the box!

And flavoring chemicals - I usually use artificial sweetener in my coffee, but this week I have at least tried to reduce the fake stuff by half and use the "raw sugar" (the brown packets) they have at Starbucks and other places. Little changes, people! We aren't perfect!

Have you noticed in just 3 short days how Hard this can be and how many artificial "foods" we fill our bodies with on a daily basis? Wow...

Keep at it! Don't give up if you don't do it perfectly. Keep going. This is proving to be a great experiment and challenge for me. Hopefully for you, too!

P.S. - My husband on the night of Day One. My, how hard he fell! After such a good day, too...what, with his lunch of waffle fries and sweet tea!

Let's Do It!

2008-03-10T10:36:00.000-04:00

Here we go, Team! Today is Day One of the 7 Days for Spring Fitness Challenge. Start strong, and let us know how Day One goes!! Remember, eat natural foods - no processed foods with unrecognizable ingredients. And get outside for a walk or hit the gym for 30 minutes today.

Natural and delicious menu ideas to get you started...
Breakfast: oatmeal with honey and raisins, natural orange juice
Snack: Mixed nuts, all-natural yogurt (no high fructose corn syrup)
Lunch: Salad
Snack: Banana
Dinner: Salmon (prepared with olive oil, salt, pepper, & basil), grilled asparagus, sweet potatoes.

Let us know your encouragements, questions, or ideas!

P.S. - Is anyone else tired from the time change this weekend?? (I hope my energy level rises with exercise.)

2 Days to Say Your Good-byes

2008-03-08T17:06:00.001-05:00

Say good-bye. Good-bye to the Thin Mints. Good-bye to the dark chocolate Easter M&M's. Good-bye to all that is sugary and chocolately and artificially energizing/hormone-relieving/mood-enhancing/sinfully delicious.

Say hello. Hello to the carrots. To the salmon. To the Greek salad with tuna. To Blueberry smoothies. Lots of thirst-quenching water. Hello to all that is pure and nutritious and naturally energizing, hormone-balancing, mood-enhancing, & perfectly delicious.

In 2 short days, we will be putting aside sugary cereals, soft drinks, white bread, even processed energy bars. We will be picking up a plate and hitting the salad bar. Picking up dumbbells and working our biceps. And picking up a new way of life for the spring.

Lots of you have expressed interest in coming along. You have two days. Clean out your frig, cabinets, and mostly, your mindset. Grocery shop for the freshest of foods, and pull out your running shoes. We will kick off the 7 Days for Spring Fitness Challenge on Monday morning, bright and early.

P.S. - If you have questions, let me know. I am no expert but maybe I can help. Or post your question so someone else may be able to help. One common question: wheat bread is not necessarily good - seek to avoid "enriched wheat flour" on the ingredient list and go for "whole-grain" instead.

7 Days for Spring Fitness Challenge

2008-03-05T23:04:00.000-05:00

They say the month of March comes "in like a lion, out like a lamb". It is a great analogy for the changing weather patterns that accompany the dawning of spring.

But with winter's hearty meals, holiday desserts, and lazing by the fire, many people gather an extra layer of, shall we say, (lion's) fur? Well, now that spring is fastly approaching, it is time to shed that winter coat.

Anybody else need some inspiration?? I know I do!!

To jumpstart spring, next week my college girlfriends and I are going to embark on a 7-day fitness challenge. I believe that if we focus on exercising and eating wisely for just one week, we will see noticeable improvement in our bodies, and this will be inspiration for the weeks that follow.

THE SIMPLE PLAN:
1 - Exercise for 30 minutes for 5 days. Walk, jog, bicycle, do Pilates, take a class at the gym. Find something that fits into your lifestyle. Whatever you do, shake off the winter blahs and MOVE.

2 - Eat"purely". This means no processed food and no refined flour or sugar. As a general guideline, if God created it, eat lots of it. If man concocted it in a factory, steer clear.

Caveat: We'll get 2 "cheats" for the week. This means if you go to a Mexican restaurant, you will have a hard time sticking to the plan. Or if it is your best friend's birthday, enjoy the cake. You get two "passes" for the week.

More details will follow in the next few days, but for now, any takers?

Why You Haven't Heard About Our Chicago Trip Yet

2008-03-05T17:16:00.000-05:00

Three words.

THANK YOU NOTES.

Our wedding was in November. I know, it is now March!!

We were so blessed by so many generous people. I think I have been too busy playing with all the new gifts.

Question for the married women out there:

How long did it take you to finish writing your thank you notes?

Nothing says 'I Love You' like Stuffed Peppers

2008-02-16T23:25:00.001-05:00

On Valentine's Day, Dean took me out to a lovely dinner. I volunteered to return the favor and cook him a big Italian meal on Saturday night. My husband is 100% Italian (imagine!), and in his family, nothing says love quite like a pot of homemade sauce. So, I set out to spread the love.

Good thing I grocery shopped on Friday, because most of Saturday was spent in the kitchen. I made chicken parmesan, pasta, salad, and stuffed peppers. This was my second shot at making stuffed peppers, one of his family's favorite dishes. You know it is a special occasion (or a good day) when his mom or Nana are frying them up on the stove. Last year for Dean's birthday, I called his Nana, and she gave me the recipe. Here it is:

Go to an Italian market in your area (sometimes Publix has them) and buy a jar of green and red sweet peppers. They should be plum-sized and soaking in vinegar. There are about 12 good peppers per jar. De-seed and de-stem them (cut a circle around the top and pull out the stem.) Rinse them very well to remove all the vinegar.

Take a 5-6 slices of white bread, and crumble them on the largest holes of the grater. It will feel a little awkward at first to "grate" soft white bread, but it works. (Watch your fingers.)

You will have a nice pile of bread crumbs as your base for the stuffing.

Add salt, pepper, 1 clove of garlic (I used garlic powder), parsley flakes, and "2 handfuls" of grated Romano Italian cheese (Nana uses Kraft). Beat one egg and mix in, sprinkle a little olive oil and a drop or two of milk to make it soft. Dean likes it with raisins and pine nuts, which add lots of flavor, so I mixed these in as well, but they are optional.

Then, mix it with your hands or a fork. You want it to have the same soft, wet consistency as hamburger meat. I like using my hands (I feel authentic:). My wedding rings sat this step out.

Stuff the peppers using a spoon.

In a frying pan, heat 1/2 cup of corn oil on low to medium heat. Add about 6 peppers at a time and fry them open-side down first. This seals in the stuffing.

Brown each side of the peppers slowly. You want each side to cook until it is wrinkly. This takes some time. I made 13 today, and I was at the frying pan for an hour, turning them from side to side. But it is so worth it!

Tip (or bad idea, I'm not sure which): I lean the peppers on their side against the 'walls' of the pan to get the sides to cook. Or against each other. The trick is getting a round object to stand on its side. Tricky!

When all sides are sufficiently wrinkled, you are done. Serve with Italian bread for a snack or along with your meal.

Mmmm! They look a little crazy (the raisins aren't photogenic, you must excuse them), but boy are they delicious!! Manga, manga!!

Now, that's Amore!

Happy Valentine's Day, Baby

2008-02-14T17:32:00.000-05:00

Today is a beautifully special day for me because it is my first Valentine's Day as a married woman. I know-- it is an over-commercialized holiday, and so many of you despise today because of all the sap it represents. I have been there. But for me, this Valentine's Day is a sweet chance to acknowledge and celebrate the Love of my Life.

Thank God, he finally came.

To all you lovely ladies and gents out there who are heartsick on this red Thursday, I want to remind you that your life can spin on a dime. Today, you may be missing that Special One you have yet to meet. You may be pouting or discouraged or even mad about the fact that No One has appeared in your life.

But let me tell, I just spoke with a friend who, like you, had been scouring the earth for years, looking for that perfect one, and wondering all along if he had missed her, or if he should settle just so he could settle down. Now as he plans his spring wedding, I know that he would shout to you, "It is worth the wait!" When he met this ONE, it was altogether different, far surpassing anyone or any depressing Valentine's Day that had gone before.

If you are waiting, be encouraged. If you are lonely, it is for good reason. Because when God brings that Perfect(for you) Person along, it will put everything into perspective. And it will be worth it.

I know...Because this is my thirteenth week of wedded bliss, and I finally have a Reason to celebrate Valentine's Day. It looks like this:

Happy Valentine's Day, Dean. I love you!

Love,
Katherine

It's a Jungle in Here

2008-02-04T13:00:00.000-05:00

Home Decorating Chronicle #1: The new wife decorates the husband's home of 3 years.

I am a bright color kind of girl. In the 3 months since we've been married, the stainless steeled kitchen is now accented with lime green, the solid white dishes have been replaced with a brightly-colored fruit pattern, and our bedroom is laden with cranberry red.

I love our home. Dean built it almost 4 years ago and has lived in it alone since. He has great Italian taste - in fact, when I came over for a New Year's Eve party on the night he first asked me out, the very first thing I noticed were the classy light fixtures. Euro, stylish, and it proved he had an eye for detail. Which is great. Hot, even.

Now, let me mention that our living room is light blue. My Better-Half is proud of these walls in the otherwise leather-brown living room. He says the actual name is "Silver Sage." He picked it out originally and loves it today because he finds it calm and soothing. And it is a beautiful color, I admit. But it seems too....quiet. For me, anyway.

In the meantime, we decided to get a new rug for this room. I love animal print, so I proposed (in a sweet little voice) that we go bold with the light blue den and get a zebra rug. To my surprise, the Man was game.

Could it work with a blue-ish room?, I debated back and forth. But I knew I would love it when I saw this picture online (not my house, though i wish):

So when I found this at T.J. Maxx, I pounced (ha) and had the sales associate carry it to my car.

But I once I got home, and put it with the brown leather couch, the hardwoods, and the brown wood blinds, I decided that the black and stark white was too bright and loud. But guess who had since fallen in love with a crazy zebra rug??? Oh, yes. The "calm, soothing light blue" boy.

I convinced him that if I could find a brown zebra rug, it would look better. And so it might. But when we wound up at Pottery Barn, he took one look at the rug and said: "Don't zebras only come in black and white?"

Hmm...good point. But this was not the time to be literal. Who knows what color zebras come in? Not me. And who cares, as long as it brings our den to life. We bought it just the same. And put it under the leather couch/ottomans.

Him: "Babe, this rug looks dirty!"

Me: "I think it is the caramel background color."

Him: "Zebras come in caramel??"

Now we have two huge zebra rugs at the house (zoo), both of which are wrong. The first one too stark, the second one too muted, and we are hoping that Goldilocks (just right!) is waiting for us at West Elm. There the zebras come in ivory and espresso.

The Value of a Life

2008-01-24T12:47:00.000-05:00

I have never been a Heath Ledger fan, per se. But news of his death last week has sat very heavy with me. Why, I wonder? Is it because he was my age (just 8 days younger than I)? Or was it his fame, the way that Hollywood and the media industry can project the details of a single solitary life into the very minds, hearts, and homes of a nation? We all somehow 'knew' him.

And now, now that he is gone, I am contemplating the new reality that there is and will remain a void.

"I think he is a real loss as a persona and a talent," lamented actor John Travolta. There will never be another actor that can replace Heath on the big screen. I am not speaking only of his talent, although he was gifted. I speak of his uniqueness as a person. There will never be another who performs just exactly as he did - not with the same emotion, viewpoint, interpretation of a script, a character.

But the greater void will exist in the lives of his family. He held a unique place in the soul of those who called him their son, their brother, their nephew, and oh, yes, their 'daddy'. No other man on the earth will fit this description to these people in the same way that he did. Ever.

Heath was One Of A Kind. Great intentionality marked his creation. Oswald Chambers wrote, "Individual lives are the expression of a pre-existing idea in the mind of God." His Creator went to great lengths to design and craft a man with his temperament, his physical makeup, his gifts and talents, strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes, capacity for humor, life, relationships, fatherhood. Even the sound of his voice and the print of his finger. All of this was 100% unique to Heath Ledger.

There will never ever be another him on this earth again. Never in the history or future of the world. And for this, there is mourning.

Recently in the news, a babysitter was charged with the death of a 19-month-old. She was playfully--yet carelessly--swinging him around, when she hit his head on the doorframe. His little life was ended, like that. All too easily is this magnificent breath of life taken.

The autopsy results of Heath are inconclusive so far, but there are signs that this was quite possibly an accidental death. With all of the intentionality God invested into his existence, I am astounded at how fragile his life really was. And ours is. Too many sleeping pills paired with pneumonia or a weakened physical or mental state or whatever! (This is all speculation and none have been confirmed.) It turns out that a 28-year-old healthy male is, after all, a delicate species. The flame of his life can be snuffed out by the slightest accident? Oh, how humbling.

Heath Ledger was one of a kind. And so am I. There will never be another man to take his place. And no one can take yours.

"I would give back all my awards and all my nominations just to have him back." — John Travolta (Source: Woman's Day).

Infinitely valuable. Fragile. Intentional. This is our life, too.