Every Day Life: A Refrigerator of MY OWN!

By Lara

Many years ago, while I still lived with my parents, I wrote the following paragraph in my journal.

Sometimes I fantasize about the day when I will have my own refrigerator. A day when I can open the door without having to worry about bowls of leftover pasta falling out all over the floor because they were precariously perched on a quarter head of lettuce, a rotting green pepper and 3 half sticks of butter still in their tinfoil and covered with toast crumbs. Where I could open the freezer without seeing 4 hideously decaying bananas that have been reserved for "smoothies" that are never made... or banana muffins. I HATE banana muffins. A refrigerator from which I could pull a block of cheese without having to smell it in order to identify what is smeared all over it (peanut butter). A refrigerator that does not have a small tupperware container with a clove of garlic perpetually suspended in the ice flow forming in the rear corner. There would be no ice cube wars. There would be no battle to see who throws away the last piece of leftover meatloaf.

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In Step

By Michelle (Graceful, Faith in the Everyday)

I remember the first time I saw Riverdance on television. Flipping through channels as I lounged on my parents’ nubby couch late one night, my jaw dropped when I caught sight of those lithe bodies and kicky heels reel across the stage, every one of the dancers’ limbs moving precisely in unison. Toes and heels tapping, arms taut, torsos erect, the entire troupe of thirty dancers moved perfectly in step. I couldn’t take my eyes of them.

I hadn’t thought about Riverdance for a long time, until recently, when I read this verse:

“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25).

I suspect I don’t keep in step with the Holy Spirit with Riverdance precision. In fact, I suspect I frequently dance to my own tune or veer off altogether, much like I did when I played clarinet in my high school marching band. Back then, I’d fall in line next to the flutes and oboes and begin the trek across the football field, only to find that halfway through When the Saints Come Marching In, I’d have wandered out of the winds and straight into the brass, out of step and off-key.

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Wall of Shame

By Pat

I like to think of myself as a forgiving person. I don't harbor grudges, I don't refuse to give second chances. I accept apologies, and I truly attempt to move on, seeing people as they are and not as they were. I encourage others to accept themselves as the failed human being they (we all) are. I know that this is right. I know this is what Jesus commands us to do. Why, then, is it so hard for me to forgive myself?

For many years, I have carried a heavy burden of sin. I have been unable to move past something I deem so awful I find it hard to even think about. I have told only a handful of people for fear of judgment. Like David, I lament, "For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, only you, have I sinned and done what is wrong in your sight." (Psalm 51:3-4). Yes, David knew how hard it is to carry the weight of sin. I have confessed my sin before God, repented, and asked for His forgiveness. But yet, I have allowed the guilt that I feel to imprison me, and for some reason I just can't let it go. It's like trying to run with boulders strapped to my ankles. I just can't move forward as I should.

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God Is... Good

By Jay Cookingham (Soulfari)

“We must never tolerate an instant’s unbelief as to the goodness of the Lord; whatever else may be questioned, this is absolutely certain, that Jehovah is good; His dispensations may vary, but His nature is always the same.”  - C. H. Spurgeon

God is good and everything He does is good.  Have you heard that phrase before? Those words flow so easy off the lips when all is well don’t they? When life throws up on you…what then? Two years ago my world came to a sudden and crashing halt. My wife Christine had a heart attack and though it was a minor one…it shook my faith in His goodness.

It was late when it happened, everyone was asleep except my oldest daughter, and she waited anxiously at home as I rushed her mom to the hospital. When my wife was stable and resting, I returned home around 3:30 in the morning. Exhausted and wondering how I would tell my kids that their mom had a heart attack and now was in ICU awaiting further tests. It was difficult, my kids range from age 8 to 21 and their response was as varied as their age. Some were crying, others stunned, and all were concerned of course. However, every one of them expressed (in their own way) something wonderful…their trust in God’s goodness towards their mom. They were positive (even more than I was) that their mom was in the best hands possible...the God who loved her.

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Tasty Bites: Chicken Provencal

By Beth V

One of my favorite ways to use chicken pieces is in braised recipes. The chicken is quickly browned on the outside and then finishes cooking in a rich, flavorful broth, creating a delicious sauce that is perfect for mashed potatoes, rice, pasta or a piece of crusty bread. And the meat is so tender and flavorful. These dishes are warm and comforting, perfect for cold winter days. Braised dishes are easy to prepare, very easy on the wallet, and they taste amazing.  This particular recipe includes the flavors of bacon, onion, garlic, tomatoes, olives, wine (optional), and oregano. Do not be afraid if you are not a lover of olives. I am not a lover of olives, but I really enjoy the flavors the olives give to this dish.

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