Thursday, October 30, 2008

provision

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
2 Timothy 1:7

"Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God."
Corrie Ten Boom

I was reminded this morning of the often neglected fact that god is in control.
an easy idea to spout off when things are going smoothly and there are no foreseen bumps in the road…
but when times become uncertain and fear begins to creep into our lives,
seeping in through little cracks of doubt, like strong-brewed tea through an heirloom teacup…
tensions rise and that all too familiar, unsettled feeling becomes the norm…
a reminder is needed,
so desperately needed.

Life may seem out of control
But he is in control.
We may think we are providing for ourselves…
But again I am reminded that he is our provider.

Our jehova jirah

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

liminal: a lesson


i heard the word "liminal" used on NPR tonight, and i immediately loved the way it sounded,
so i went home and looked it up.

liminal:
adj.
latin: limin
of, relating to, or being an intermediate state, phase or condition,
in between,
transitional.

like warp & woof, i am a liminal being in this season of my life.
in between.
in transition.
this is my intermediate state, phase and condition.

and i am learning patience, learning to surrender, learning to breathe.

Monday, October 27, 2008

warp + woof



I heard the term warp & woof a few weeks ago while talking to a dear friend.
She was “weaving” a wonderful analogy about life, it’s ups and downs,
the cycles that we find ourselves inevitably in,
and she referred to it as the warp & woof of life.
The weaving, over and under, through and through of our days, of our life.
That has stuck with me for weeks as I go about my daily grind.
My very own warp and woof.
I would like to think I am in a woof right now…it sounds so much more delightful.

Friday, October 17, 2008

soups, stews & such



I am on a mission to make at least one different pot of soup a week…

It started over a month ago.

I started as soon as the weather turned cooler and made a big pot of chili.

then, in honour of the jewish holidays I made a pot of homemade matzo ball soup, complete with stock made from a whole chicken. I was very proud of myself for this one. I must say, it was hearty, full of carrots, celery and egg noodles, and lasted us for just about a week of lunches and dinners, sporadically.

Then two weekends ago I made my first ever tomato bisque. It was creamy and delicious, served with gooey grilled cheese sandwhiches. It was the perfect childhood combination for the grown-ups that we are. And again, it made enough to enjoy a few tomatoey lunches and dinners throughout the week.

Then this past Saturday I kind of concocted my very own recipe for a delightful Mexican-type soup. It started with a base of chicken stock (not homemade this time) and a cup of salsa. I then added a package of frozen corn, a can of black beans, a cup of rice and a small can of diced jalapenos.

As for spices, I put in about a tablespoon of cumin and a teaspoon of chili powder for kick and a few dashes of green hot sauce. Last minute I also diced up one large chicken breast for some bulk and to appease my dear husband that misses meat dearly when I get on a vegetarian kick.

I must say, it was wonderful with lots of fresh cilantro sprinkled on top along with some taco cheese and sour cream for the mr. serves with a side of tortilla chips, it has fed us throughout the week and kept our belly’s full and happy.

But now it's the start of another weekend and i don't know what to make this week...any ideas?

Saturday, October 11, 2008

an apple a day





Last week I spent the entire week looking forward to Saturday.
It was to be our apple picking day and I was squirmish with excitement
Last year we tried to go and the trees were already bare…
We had to resort to buying Patterson apples, in convenient little plastic bags,
instead of picking the goodness ourselves.
So this year we went when the weather was still warm.
I dressed up for the occasion.
Jeans tucked into boots, and a cozy scarf that made my neck sweat a bit in the sun of the orchards.

But it was glorious.
At 89 cents a pound, we stocked up on johnathans and golden delicious
11 dollars later and laden with almost 13 pounds of apples,
we dropped the apples off at the car and headed on a walk around the old golf course that is now part of the farm.
The weather was delicious and so was the apple I stole picked from a tempting little batch of trees, hidden on the course.

After our walk, we headed into the bakery and little shop where we splurged on apple fritters and cider.
It was heavenly. The smells, the taste of doughy apple-y goodness,
the relaxing drive home, through tree-lined lanes back into the city.
This weekend we have no big plans, no trips to apple farms, no outfits planned for special occasions,
Maybe just a date with my kitchen to make some homemade applesauce.

Happy Fall, friends!

 
Template by suckmylolly.com - background image by elmer.0