Chronicles of a Work in Progress

How would you love someone without prayer?

2012-01-30T11:56:00.000-05:00

"I woke up in the middle of the night recently with this rather odd question in mind:
How would you love someone without prayer?
I mean, what would it look like if you loved someone but couldn't pray for that person?
It was a puzzle to me.
I couldn't figure out what it would look like.
Love without being able to pray feels depressing and frustrating, like trying to tie a knot with gloves on.
I would be powerless to do the other person any real good.
People are far too complicated; the world is far too evil; and my own heart is too off center to be able to love adequately without praying.
I need Jesus."
- A Praying Life by Paul E. Miller

Quotable Quotes

2012-01-28T12:29:00.001-05:00

" If you are not praying, you are quietly confident that time, money, and talent, are all you need in life."

-A Praying Life, Paul E. Miller

I've Been Feeling Disconnected . . .

2011-08-21T22:31:00.000-04:00

. . . and reading this gives me peace that I can never stray too far.

Do You Feel Spiritually Dull?

John Bunyan:

Sometimes when my heart has been hard, dead, slothful, blind, and senseless, which indeed are sad frames for a poor Christian to be in, yet at such a time, when I have been in such a case, then has the blood of Christ, the precious blood of Christ, the admirable blood of the God of Heaven, that run out of His body when it did hang on the Cross, so softened, livened, quickened, and enlightened my soul, that truly, reader, I can say, O it makes me wonder!

The Doctrine of the Law and Grace Unfolded (London, 1708), 183.; Taken from the Desiring God blog

Praying a very selfish prayer tonight: asking for passion, growth, repentance, and wisdom.

Quotable Quotes

2011-08-04T12:58:00.001-04:00

"Because sin entered the world, there is emotional distress and disappointment with other people and with ourselves too.

We set expectations for what our lives should look like and then stress out when we aren’t as successful as we think we should be, or our bodies don’t look as good as we want them to, or we still struggle with bad habits or addictions that we know we should have overcome by now.

Now that doesn’t mean we should stop striving for Christlikeness; it just means we need to adjust our expectations.

This world we live in is not heaven.

It is not perfect, and it never will be.

We are not perfect, and we never will be while we’re alive on this earth.

So give yourself and everyone around you a break, and remember to thank God for his grace in this broken world."

- Rick Warren in "The Daily Hope: The Emotional Costs of Sin"

Something Beautiful

2011-06-30T00:13:00.000-04:00

Driving back tonight, lost in thought and half listening to the radio, I had one of those tugging of the heart moments when this chorus and song started filling my car's airwaves . . .

Hey now, this is my desire

Consume me like a fire, 'cause I just want SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL

To touch me, I know that I'm in reach

'Cause I am down on my knees, I'm waiting for...

SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL

Good Eats

2011-06-21T22:15:00.002-04:00

It was a long overdue BFF kind of weekend at some good eateries in Philly.

1st up....a belated birthday dinner for my best friend at one of Philly's top Thai restaurants

TAMARIND

117 South St.

Philadelphia, PA 19147

T - 215-925-2764

www.tamarindsouthstreet.com

2nd was a pleasant outdoor Monday morning brunch with my other best friend visiting Philly from "oh so glamorous NYC" =P

The restaurant is in a bit of a sketchy area in up and coming Northern Liberties, but a cute place nonetheless.....not to mention it was also in Philly Mag's "Best Brunch Spots in Philadelphia"

Honey's Sit ‘N Eat

800 North 4th Street
Philadelphia, PA
215-925-1150
http://www.honeys-restaurant.com/

The power of POWER

2011-06-09T14:35:00.002-04:00

{Side Note: I was going to post something else today (something silly I'll have to share later) and realized I had a few drafts saved that I've never posted....not quite sure what I was waiting for. I wrote this particular one sometime in March after the Japan earthquake.}

It's terrifying and heartbreaking to listen to the news these days. Currently the world has their eyes on Japan as they deal with the aftermath of a 9.0 earthquake, the tsunami, and now the threat of nuclear catastrophe. As I was watching the events unfold on TV, tears began to well as they showed images of people and their lives washed instantly away with one shake of the earth and one wave of the sea. Powerful.

Nature is powerful and with these events we get jolted into remembering just how destructive and powerful its forces can be. Just look at all the craziness planet earth has experienced in the past 10 years, the numerous earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, volcanic activity, and so on. But somehow I compartmentalize these massive powers of nature as something different or more than what the Lords power is....

Recently I was having dinner with a high schooler and she was telling me about some high school drama, and after suggesting prayer as a step to changing her situation, she said, "I don't see how God could possibly change all this and make things better." I instantly thought, "Seriously!?! You don't think God, the ruler and creator of the universe, could change this teeny tiny little problem you're having in school." Thankfully I didn't say that out loud.

The truth is, I am guilty of thinking exactly the way she does. I feel like with certain situations, I've gotten to a point where they feel so hopeless, that I don't see how God could possibly change things .....and as a result I stop praying about it. And if I'm not asking, it's because I don't really believe that He can change things. Then you see the stories about Japan, and Haiti, and Katrina, and so on and so forth. And you realize the wielding and unyielding power that God possesses.

Just how powerful do I really believe is God's power? If I believe He's powerful enough to control these events in nature, why do I keep doubting and living like He's not powerful enough to change me, my sins, or my life.

Just as I chuckled when my high schooler was telling me about her woes, I have to believe that God is chuckling quite a bit at silly old me and my woes as well.

Remind yourself that . . .

2011-05-10T09:52:00.000-04:00

Life is too short to wake up with regrets.

So love the people who treat you right.

Forgive the one's who don't.

Believe everything happens for a reason.

If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands.

If it changes your life, let it.

Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it.

Quotable Quotes

2011-04-28T16:02:00.000-04:00

‘Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops; What if Your healing comes through tears; What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You’re near; What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise. - Laura Story

A little less than Holy

2011-04-22T12:55:00.000-04:00

A few friends were over for dinner last night and I said something like, "It just doesn't feel like Holy Week this year." The silliness of what I said made me chuckle after the words left my mouth.

Exactly what should Holy Week feel like?

Or maybe it's that I'm feeling a little less than holy these days?

But that's the point of today, isn't it?

I AM a lot less than holy.
But because of today's sacrifice, my sins aren't counted against me.....regardless of if I happen to be feeling holy or not.

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved (Eph. 2:4-5).

Amen to that.

Good Eats

2011-04-20T12:39:00.000-04:00

Had dinner last night out in the boonies of PA at an old world restaurant with a pretty interesting history:

"Over two hundred years ago The Washington House was a small farmhouse built on an ancient Lenni Lenape trail. Owned by Mr. Jan Jenson, it sat on land deeded from William Penn to Mr. Thomas Freame, who transferred 102 acres to Jenson in 1735. The property was later purchased by Samuel Sellers who enlarged the building and made it into a tavern. Henceforth, both the hotel and the town were known as “Sellers Tavern”. The site became a town center, serving as the first Post Office, hotel, and stagecoach stop for the long journey between Bethlehem and Philadelphia. It is rumored that the Liberty Bell and the men who carried it to safety in Allentown stayed here during the Revolutionary War.

In 1856 the tavern was sold to the North Pennsylvania Railroad who added the ornate Victorian bar and the distinctive cupola. The original front bar was destroyed during prohibition and replaced with the current one when prohibition was repealed, the back bar remaining original. Because of the building’s importance in the founding of Sellersville, the property is included in the Pennsylvania Inventory of Historic Homes."

Dinner here was fun last night because in addition to the restaurant's small town charm and good food, we enjoyed a live bluegrass band with quite a bit of personality =)

Washington House Restaurant

136 N. Main Street, Sellersville PA

215-257-3000

http://www.washingtonhouse.net/home/

Good Eats

2011-04-18T23:55:00.002-04:00

Sushi AND Karaoke anyone?
Head over to this neat place in the heart of Chinatown....

Yakitori Boy

211 N 11 St

Philadelphia, PA 19107

(215) 923-8088

http://www.yakitoriboy-japas.com/

The Year of "I Do's"

2011-04-05T22:09:00.000-04:00

2011 is the year of weddings for me. After going to so many weddings, and being a person with my own issues and emotions in regards to marriage, sometimes the whole day can make me feel a bit uncomfortable and uneasy.
Fortunately this year, I really am joyful and thankful for the unions I do get to witness, mainly because these people are near and dear to my heart. They include old friends, new friends, siblings, and to top it all off, an island wedding =). I think why I am so excited to celebrate is because in most of these cases, I know how the Lord has worked in bringing these people together, and it’s such a blessing and encouragement to me to see how the Lord does answer prayer.
I’m attending a wedding (my 2^nd of 5 this year) this weekend, and while I was perusing the website of the beautiful couple, this song from Alison Krauss was playing in the background ….just a beautiful song to enjoy.

I'm Letting Go

2011-03-24T10:56:00.001-04:00

Trying very hard to let go of my life's plans, ideas, and expectations .... and just LIVE

I’m letting go
Of the life I planned for me
And my dreams
Losing control
Of my destiny
Feels like I’m falling and that’s what it’s like to believe
So I’m letting go

This is a giant leap of faith
Trusting and trying to embrace
The fear of the unknown
Beyond my comfort zone . . .

Giving in to your gravity
Knowing You are holding me
I’m not afraid

Feels like I’m falling and that’s what it’s like to believe
Feels like I’m falling and this is the life for me

- "I'm Letting Go" Lyrics by Francesca Battistelli
from the album My Paper Heart

The $625 Cookbook

2011-03-23T09:24:00.001-04:00

I love cooking, but I love collecting cookbooks even more. I have a pretty sizeable collection but I don't spend nearly enough time in the kitchen to justify a purchase like this. That doesn't mean I'm not super curious about what's inside the pages of probably one of the most expensive cookbooks ever . . .

http://modernistcuisine.com/

* 2,438 pages over 5 volumes
* 43 pounds
* 3 years in the making
* 26 chapters covering topics like food safety to the physics of food and water

“A visual roller coaster through the world of food and cooking tools ... For the professional chef, modernist or not, it will be an invaluable reference. For the cooking geek with $625 to spare ($467.62 online), it will be endless fun. As a physical object it is remarkable; sometimes I found myself simply staring at the block of books.... Nothing seems to have been spared on the quality of the photo reproduction, on heavy stock with solid binding.”
—Michael Ruhlman, The New York Times

“A masterpiece...the most important cookbook of the first ten years of the 21st century.”
—Gourmand World Cookbook Awards

“To describe Modernist Cuisine as 'a cookbook' is a bit like describing Mount Everest as a hill. With 2,438 pages, 3,216 full color photographs and 1.1 million words, Modernist Cuisine will surely be the longest, most thorough examination of food ever published.”
—Kenji Lopez-Alt, Gourmet

The kind of flowers you wanna eat . . .

2011-03-20T09:53:00.000-04:00

This was my first attempt at a red velvet cupcake bouquet for a good friend's bridal shower yesterday. I think I'll definitely be making more of these. =)

Why some, not others?

2011-03-16T23:59:00.004-04:00

Early this morning we got a phone call from India that my first cousin was clinging for life on a ventilator after being found passed out on the street. Late this evening, we received news that he passed away, likely due to severe liver damage. For the past several years he had been fighting a losing battle against alcoholism and depression. He was a bachelor in his early 40's, a pilot by trade, and was expected to go places with his life. I remember him as a smart, handsome, charming guy who was always looking to make people laugh.

I don't know the details of his life to know what started his downward spin. But what I think about is that we both come from the same family. In particular from the same grandfather who really loved and worshipped the Lord. A prayerful man that would send each of his grandchildren off with a personal prayer and blessing before we would leave his sight. A man that I distinctly remember praying for his future generations.

So in saying all this, it makes me think about why the Lord chooses to intervene in some lives, and not others? Why has he honored the prayers of my grandfather for a few of his grandchildren, and not all.
I'm not questioning the Lord, because I know His ways are beyond my understanding, but tonight I'm just wondering, why Lord did I hear your call, and not him?

Good Eats

2011-01-23T07:54:00.001-05:00

perfect place to relax on a friday night with some good friends, good food, and good wine......

BIBA WINE BAR
3131 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 222-2422
http://www.bibawinebar.com/

Quotable Quotes

2011-01-12T19:42:00.003-05:00

"Do you feel more loved by God because He makes much of YOU, or because He enables you to make much of HIM."

- John Piper
Getting to the Bottom of your Joy

Good Eats

2010-12-19T22:51:00.003-05:00

It's already time for the 2010 office Christmas party!

We all filled our stomachs with some really good sushi at:

Miraku Japanese Restaurant

1121 Bethlehem Pike, #80, Spring House, PA 19477

(215) 643-0100

Quotable Quotes

2010-12-13T15:43:00.003-05:00

I started reading a new book a few days ago and honestly if I could quote every other sentence, I would, it's that good. Allow me to share one sentence that struck a chord with me:

The very thing we are afraid of, our brokenness, is the door to our Father's heart. - Paul Miller, A Praying Life

Quotable Quotes

2010-12-06T07:20:00.000-05:00

Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears. ~ Les Brown

Good Eats

2010-12-03T21:08:00.004-05:00

I haven't done a Good Eats post in awhile.....so I'm gonna attempt to remember some of the good places I've dined at over the past couple months ....I just love sharing good food with y'all =)

I had my birthday dinner here, and everything (and I mean everything) was good!

"The menu is a seamless blend of Mediterranean and Latin influenced small and large plates of seasonal specialties."

Valanni * 1229 Spruce Street * Philadelphia, PA 19107
215.790.9494 * http://www.valanni.com/

"The emphasis is on great tasting food and beverages crafted from local, organic, and artisanal producers."

FARMiCiA Restaurant
15 S. 3rd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215.627.6274
http://www.farmiciarestaurant.com/

This restaurant wasn't at all what I expected it to be when I walked in, but it ended up being a really low-key place to chill with some good pizza and sandwiches.

NOCHE
1901 CHESTNUT STREET
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103
PHONE: 215.568.0551
http://www.noche215.com/

Vintage Bar and Bistro

129 S. 13th Street Philadelphia, PA 19107

215.922.3095

http://www.vintage-philadelphia.com/index.html

A few of us came here for a wine tasting class, but we were more impressed and blown away by how good the food was . . .

"Vintage focuses on wine and the food that it complements. We offer over 60 wines by the glass and another twenty or so by the bottle. Our wines represent regions, countries and varietals from around the world chosen for their taste and character."

And finally I'll end with something sweet...

I was in NYC for a weekend taking some classes and right across from Bryant Park was the Crumbs Bakery . . . just awesomely delicious cupcake concoctions :)

Crumbs Bake Shop
Bryant Park
43 West 42nd St (5/6th Ave)
http://www.crumbs.com/

A Time for Everything

2010-12-01T13:40:00.006-05:00

We're coming up on the last month of 2010, and looking back, this year has been filled with a lot of good things and a lot of difficult situations I could not have imagined. But as I start to end this year, I find myself back to a state of neutrality. Despite the past year's many ups and downs, I feel like God has kept me mentally and emotionally grounded, something I'm extremely grateful for.

If you take a look back at your own life, it's amazing to see everything you experience as a human being living on this earth....there's the good, the bad, and the ugly. We have seasons in our life and I've noticed amongst my friends and my family, some are experiencing great joy, and some experiencing personal struggle. Whether you find yourself in a season of happiness or a season of sorrow, it's important to remember it is just that....a season, a temporary circumstance that will change whether it be good or bad. Though seasons change, one thing remains the same:

. . .we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

I find such hope and joy in that! Do you? God knew everything I would experience before I was even conceived. Of course I'm human, and I question His timing and why He allows certain things, but there's hope in knowing that God's timing is perfect, that I can't come up with a better plan for my life than He already has.

So no matter what season you're currently in, remind yourself that God is in control....and as is it is written in Scripture, there is a time for everything:

A Time for Everything
Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8
1 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
2 a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
3 a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5 a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7 a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8 a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.

JJ Heller - What Love Really Means

2010-11-14T19:16:00.000-05:00

Reminders...

2010-11-07T08:25:00.003-05:00

I was looking through some of my old journaling this past week and I came across a devotional that I had read about a year ago today. It was very pertinent to things going on in my life at the time. More recently, I shared it with two friends as an encouragement for things they are dealing with in their own lives, but re-reading this just reminded me that I need to align my thoughts with these truths again....

For you have been my hope, O Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth. From birth I have relied on you.
-Psalms 71:5-6

When the psalmist asked God to be a refuge and rescuer in Psalm 71, he boldly proclaimed his dependence on the Sovereign Lord. When we feel weak-kneed and lack confidence, we are most open to relying on God. The Bible gives us affirmation after affirmation of God's strength in the face of our limited ability: "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13). "Nothing is impossible with God" (Luke 1:37). "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9). Nothing silences the voice of timidity as powerfully as the voice of Scripture. If you find yourself in a new situation today, make sure you don't rely on your own limited talents or skills, but that you place your unshakable confidence in the limitless God.

Timeless . . .

2010-10-12T19:34:00.000-04:00

I heard this song today in the grocery store of all places and it just brought me back. It had come out my freshman year of high school and definitely had made an impact on me at the time. Doing a little research on the song, I found out that the songwriter, Martin Page, wrote this in the midst of a "spiritual journey." Although I can't say we're on the same journey, the song does make me think about my particular journey, about the ups and downs and everything in between....I guess that's what makes it timeless.

The Power of the Holy Spirit

2010-09-21T10:51:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I look for guidance in all the wrong places. It's crazy how much I rely on me, myself, and I to get me through difficult situations and circumstances. I forget that there's an amazing power freely given to me to overcome any sin and any worry.

I read this post from James MacDonald yesterday morning and am reminded of this power that is freely given to us.

"Every good thing God wants to shower on your life comes through the instrumentality of the Holy Spirit.

Everything.

The fruit of the Spirit, understanding of God's Word, love of worship, strength in a trial, grace to forgive, compassion for the lost, comfort in heartache, boldness in witnessing, power in ministry; all of this is yours when you live the Christian life in the Spirit's power."

- James MacDonald

Amen to that! The key word I often fail to understand here is "everything". The Holy Spirit can guide me in everything. It's a wonder why I make things so difficult and continue to use my own devices when the Lord asks us, even implores us, to trust in the Holy Spirit.

Worry . . .

2010-08-19T15:38:00.000-04:00

something I've been doing in overtime lately....the following are some thoughts on the subject from a article I recently read...

"Do you know what the greatest help has been for me when it comes to anxiety? It is this truth: "Worry is sin". When we are anxious it shows that we really don't trust God. It means that either I believe God is not capable or that God does not care. Neither is true. So when I realize that I am beginning to be filled with anxiety I ask myself an important question, "Do I trust God, or don't I?"
-Rev. Bruce Goettsche

Quotable Quotes

2010-07-31T21:24:00.001-04:00

"Wrong believing brings fear. Right believing brings faith."

More than words . . .

2010-07-17T21:08:00.001-04:00

Since getting my new car and getting an initial free subscription to XM radio....I am now thoroughly hooked to satellite, something I swore I wouldn't do and had vowed to myself I would cancel once my free subscription was up....no willpower I tell you, none whatsoever.

So part of the reason I'm hooked is because I'm listening to two particular stations that are strictly dedicated to the 80's and 90's. And without fail, I frequently get nostalgic emotions from songs that were part of my youth. I feel like I can remember exactly what I was thinking 15 to 20 years ago when I hear these songs. At least for me, it's a strange bizarre giddy feeling when I remember things from my childhood and teenage years. This one came up today on my drive back from work...tell me it's not the most perfect song for a beautiful summer evening...

Quotable Quotes

2010-06-20T19:41:00.000-04:00

"If you look for truth,
you may find comfort in the end;
if you look for comfort you will not get either comfort or truth
only soft soap and wishful thinking to begin,
and in the end, despair."

- C. S. Lewis

Good Eats - RAW

2010-06-17T22:16:00.000-04:00

For dinner last night, great sushi with a great ambiance at......

1225 RAW SUSHI & SAKE LOUNGE

1225 Sansom Street

Philadelphia / 215.238.1903

http://www.rawlounge.net/index.html

A comedy sketch on ....well....eye doctors

2010-06-16T10:54:00.000-04:00

And yes, I've probably thought everything that he said the doctor was saying during his eye exam.

Quotable Quotes

2010-06-15T23:41:00.001-04:00

Experience: that most brutal of teachers. But you learn, my God do you learn.

- C. S. Lewis

Identity Crisis

2010-06-09T23:03:00.005-04:00

In bible study tonight, we were discussing how we see ourselves and our identity, in view of God's holiness. And the question was asked, "What do you think is the look on God's face when he thinks of you right now?"

I was the first to answer, and I answered with my honest gut reaction, I said "disgust."

I see God's heavenly face filled with disgust. Disgust at dealing with the same sins, disgust at my lack of faithfulness, disgust at my lack of trust, disgust at everyday struggles, disgust with my hypocrisy, and so on and so forth.

And then I read this: "If you imagined God as anything but overjoyed with you, you have fallen into a performance mindset. Because the gospel truth is: In Christ, God is deeply satisfied with you."

God, satisfied with me?? Not only satisfied, but overjoyed??
Ha, yeah right! I can understand it intellectually, but I can't grasp it emotionally.

This is obviously an important component of my faith that I have yet to properly understand. I always imagine that if I were "better", he would love me more, approve of me more, be more merciful towards me. I know....it sounds juvenile, but when I break it down, that's how I'm living my life.

And in all honesty, living this way is just draining, physically and mentally draining...it "saps the joy and delight out of following Jesus."

I've become acutely aware today of the fact that I need to recognize my freedom and feel that joy that can only come in Christ. To be ever joyful that He has already made me His daughter, that He has already clothed me in righteousness, and that the work is already done!

Good Eats

2010-05-12T12:28:00.007-04:00

So I've been severely neglecting posting much these days but I want to get back into it.....so why not start back up with food :)

There's been some good places I've been to in the past couple weeks....from my first real taste of filet mignon at a high end steakhouse down to getting some cheesesteaks at a classic Philly favorite.

Really good filet mignon and lobster at ....

Davio's

Northern Italian Steakhouse

111 South 17th Street

Philadelphia, PA 19103

(215) 563-4810

http://www.davios.com/

" ... few have delivered delicious specialties with the consistency I experienced at Davio's" wrote Craig LaBan of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Davio’s is a stylish, up-scale northern Italian steakhouse located on the second floor in the historic Provident Bank Building just off fashionable Rittenhouse Row. Come enjoy a prime steak or our cutting-edge northern Italian cuisine. We also feature an award-winning wine list.

Can't go wrong with some sinfully delicious chocolate desserts here...

Naked Chocolate Cafe

1317 Walnut Street

Philadelphia, PA 19107

http://www.nakedchocolatecafe.com/

Gourmet burgers at Bobby Flay's new Philly venture (and yeah, it's considered normal to spend about $20 for a burger, fries, and a milkshake here :)

West Philly

3925 Walnut Street

Philadelphia, PA 19104

Tel: 215.387.0378

Fax: 215.387.0401

http://www.bobbysburgerpalace.com/

And last but not least, a philly classic: the cheesesteak...

Geno's Steaks

1219 S. 9th St.

Philadelphia, PA 19147

http://www.genosteaks.com/

Ramblings

2010-05-01T23:50:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow's the 10 mile Broad Street Run,
And I feel like a student,
The night before a major exam,
Knowing I haven't studied/trained as much as I need to....
And now I'm desperately praying that by some small miracle,
God will give me the necessary smarts/strength to pull through.
That's what I'm hoping for.
What will actually happen?
I'm afraid He may decide to teach me a lesson,
One that I would rightfully deserve.
It's funny how I put my inadequacies and lack of work and diligence,
All on God's shoulders at the last minute,
As if He is supposed to make everything better.
And if by some small miracle I did well,
That would of course be due to my own talents.
Backwards thinking,
I do that to Him a lot.
Anyway,
Ready or not,
Race day is coming tomorrow...
Yikes!

Dulac Mission Trip

2010-04-21T17:36:00.001-04:00

So this past week, my best friend and I were able to join some other people from around the country to do some rebuilding work in New Orleans. We were in an area about an hour south of New Orleans called Dulac which is mostly resident to a tribe of Houma Indians. Most of the homes and buildings there were severely damaged due to Katrina, but also due to the high incidence of flooding that occurs on a regular basis.

The whole trip was truly a great experience. Our day would begin at 7 am cooking breakfast, doing the dishes, working on the community center for 4 hours, coming back and making lunch, work for another 4 hours, shower, make dinner, and then hang out playing 28 or spoons till 2 in the morning (these games were intense =P). It was a blessing to experience the teamwork and camaraderie amongst us initial strangers displayed on practically every level.

Much to my surprise, I also loved the feeling of getting my hands dirty doing some hard core manual labor! We were putting up drywall, spackling, sanding, painting, etc. and at the end of the day we were covered in mud, paint, dirt, and sweat.....and it all felt very good. There was something very satisfying in the exhaustion we felt at the end of the day. Everyone who came was there to work and work we did. In the end, it was really gratifying to see the tangible fruits of our labor.

I know what we did doesn't even make a dent into what needs to happen there, but the fellowship and friendships that were formed and what we learned of the Native Americans there, just made our world a little bit smaller in seeing the plight and hardships of other communities. I look at these projects, not so much as an opportunity to serve, but to observe how God works in other communities and to broaden my sometimes very narrow worldly perspectives.

I pasted the link below to an article written about our trip in their local newspaper....some of the facts in it are wrong but you'll get the gist of the mission that's run there =)

http://www.houmatoday.com/article/20100416/ARTICLES/100419562?p=1&tc=pg
Bond attracts Indian Americans to Dulac
HoumaToday.com

DULAC — A couple of times each year, a kindred group of volunteers visits Dulac to help rebuild the bayou community from hurricanes and flooding.

Forgiven

2010-04-11T00:00:00.006-04:00

In this life
I know what I’ve been
But here in Your arms
I know what I am . . .

An amazing song that speaks to my heart.

Nightmares Becoming Reality

2010-04-08T21:33:00.007-04:00

I came upon this "interesting" story and all I can say is ugh! I don't know why I'm deciding to post it, but I am. It's just one of those bizarre things you come across and read and wonder what are people thinking?

Warning: my first reaction was to gag.

The title: Bizarre Ways to Beat Stress and Unwind

I've had one recurring nightmare for as long as I can remember and it involves snakes and picturing something like this.....and now this is a way to unwind?? A snake massage! I don't think so. Just looking and thinking about it makes the anxiety level go up a couple notches.

If you want to read the article and even see the video (yeah, that's right, there's a video)....go ahead, enjoy
http://health.msn.com/mind-body-connection/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=100256034&imageindex=2

Weird, just plain weird!

What comes to your mind on this Easter Sunday?

2010-04-04T21:24:00.002-04:00

Here's what I'm thinking about:

New beginnings
New life
Hope
Renewal
Resurrection
Purity
Forgiveness
Love...

and an overwhelming sense of peace that comes from understanding what He had done for me 2000 years ago today......a peace from knowing that He is in complete control of ALL things.

It's a day to remember that no matter where you are in your life, no matter the path you've been on in the past, Christ's resurrection allows you to start fresh, and to start anew.....

Have a Happy Easter.

Good Eats - Toscana 52

2010-04-03T22:04:00.000-04:00

Dinner Tonight:
a local goodie where there's a new Italian menu every week (hence the name 52)

Toscana 52

4603 Street Road

Feasterville PA 19053

Phone 215-942-7770

http://www.toscana52.com/

"Experience authentic modern Tuscan cuisine in the tranquility of a dramatic Tuscan Villa. Our team of executive chefs prepare each days menu from scatch. Features include crudo (Italian Sushi), fresh seafood, wood grilled meats, homemade pasta, our pastry chef's seductive sesaonal desserts."

Does God Really Love Us?

2010-04-02T22:01:00.003-04:00

"Does God really love us? I say look to the crucified Jesus. Look to the old rugged cross. By every thorn that punctured His brow. By every mark of the back lacerating scourge. By every hair of his beard plucked from his cheeks by cruel fingers. By every bruise which heavy fists made upon His head. God said, "I love you!" By all the spit that landed on his face. By every drop of sinless blood that fell to the ground. By every breath of pain which Jesus drew upon the cross. By every beat of His loving heart. God said, I love you."
-Billy Lobbs

It's hard to imagine that a day where we remember unimaginable cruelty inflicted on a man that was sinless and perfect, as being called "good". But can you imagine the consequences if these events never did transpire? We'd be left to our own devices, to suffer the consequences of the depraved sinful creatures that we are. But instead, because of his sacrifice, we are made clean, freed from the bonds of sin, and even made righteous....and what do we have to do? Just believe.

Indeed it is GOOD.

Hosanna!

2010-03-28T10:13:00.002-04:00

The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!" And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written, "Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt!" -- John 12:12-15 ESV

Quotable Quotes - Memories

2010-03-27T00:48:00.001-04:00

Things that were hard to bear are sweet to remember. ~Seneca

Life is a rough biography. Memories smooth out the edges. ~Terri Guillemets

Nothing fixes a thing so intensely in the memory as the wish to forget it. ~Michel de Montaigne

I'm always fascinated by the way memory diffuses fact. ~Diane Sawyer

The Persistance of Memory, by Dali

Good Eats - Marathon on the Square & Philly Cupcake

2010-03-26T09:12:00.002-04:00

Some good eats from this past weekend..
First brunch:

Marathon On the Square

1839 Spruce St

Philadelphia, PA 19103

(215) 731-0800

http://www.marathongrill.com/index2.html

and then an evening treat from:

Philly Cupcake
1132 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 625-4888
http://www.phillycupcake.com/

Reflections

2010-03-24T17:33:00.002-04:00

Based on some discussions last night . . .

*Why am I so afraid?
*Am I willing to be used in whatever capacity is needed to bring God glory?
*When I ask for God’s will, do I truly want to know the answer?
*How much of the joy I find today is linked to God and how much is linked to my circumstances?
*Will I still cry out His name in praise if He breaks me beyond my tipping point?
*I fear God’s power, but why don’t I find solace in it? Is it because I don’t trust in His goodness?

If I could get to the heart of these questions, how much more could I be a steward for His kingdom!?!

A Perfect Saturday

2010-03-21T19:26:00.002-04:00

Yesterday,
A Saturday off from work,
The first day of Spring,
Beautiful, sunny, and 75 degrees,
A group of girlfriends,
Starting the day with a morning bike ride along Kelly Drive,
Followed by a great brunch in the city,
Then some leisurely walking and window shopping,
And ending the evening with some desserts from Philly Cupcakes.

I'm thankful for these simple pleasures and the people I can enjoy them with...a perfect Saturday it was indeed =)

50 Random Questions

2010-03-19T00:43:00.003-04:00

Just because it's late at night, I can't sleep, and I need to find more ways to waste time . . .

1. Where were you 3 hours ago? - At the pharmacy
2. Who are you in love with? - No one, next question
3. Have you ever eaten a crayon? - Don't believe I have
4. Is there anything pink within 10 feet of you? - A pink bottle of pomegranate and mango hand and body lotion
5. When is the last time you went to the mall? - Today, Unfortunately I work there
6. Are you wearing socks right now? - I am
7. Do you have a car worth over $2,000? - I hope so, I just bought it 4 months ago
8. When was the last time you drove out of town? - Probably NYC
9. Have you been to the movies in the last 5 days? - Nope
10. Are you hot? - Nope
11. What was the last thing you had to drink? - Water....mmmm, delicious
12. What are you wearing right now? - PJ's
13. Do you wash your car or let the car wash do it? - Let the car wash do it
14. Last food that you ate? - Popcorn, I'm not proud of it
15. Where were you last week at this time? - Probably at home
16. Have you bought any clothing items in the last week? - I haven't, I've been good lately
17. When is the last time you ran? - Yesterday....5 miles...wohoo!
18. What's the last sporting event you watched? - Went to a sixers/knicks game on Monday..didn't know a darn player on either team
19. What is your favorite animal? - Animals and I have a sorted past, we don't seem to mesh well, it would be a lie if I answered this question
20. Your dream vacation? - Greece or Italy or Thailand....I'm not picky, any one will do
21. Last person's house you were in? - N's apartment
22. Worst injury you've ever had? No broken bones ever, can't think of anything serious (knock on wood)
23. Have you been in love? - Nope, next question
24. Do you miss anyone right now? - I miss random people at random times
25. Last play you saw? - The Lion King on Broadway
26. What is your secret weapon to lure in the opposite sex? - Oh gosh...lure? secret weapon? really?
27. What are your plans for tonight? - You're looking at it
28. Who is the last person you sent a MySpace message or comment? - I don't have MySpace
29. Next trip you are going to take? - New Orleans
30. Ever go to camp? - Nope
31. Were you an honor roll student in school? - Yes I was
32. What do you want to know about the future? - That everything's going to be allllllll right
33. Are you wearing any perfume or cologne? -Yes, Usher, don't laugh
34. Are you due sometime this year for a doctor's visit? - More appointments than I care for, the joys of getting older
35. Where is your best friend? - At home
36. How is your best friend? - She's great
37. Do you have a tan? - Yes, the natural kind (it's called being Indian)
38. What are you listening to right now? - U2
39. Do you collect anything? - Personal mementos, things that carry memories
40. Who is the biggest gossiper you know? - Now if I answered that, wouldn't I be the gossiper?
41. Last time you got stopped by a cop or pulled over? - July 2001 for a speeding ticket..I don't know why I remember the date
42. Have you ever drank your soda from a straw? - Yeah, why? Is that bad?
43. What does your last text message say? - "Ha ha....don't be chicken"
44. Do you like hot sauce? - The spicier the better
45. Last time you took a shower? - This evening
46. Do you need to do laundry? - Already done
47. What is your heritage? - Indian
48. Are you someone's best friend? - Yup
49. Are you rich? - Nope, but I'm not poor...My life is rich in a non-monetary sort of way
50. What were you doing at 12AM last night? - I'm old, I was sleeping

Irish Potato Candy

2010-03-17T10:14:00.001-04:00

I don't know much about St. Patrick's Day. What I do know is that I love eating these little indigenous Phila. delicacies that only come out during this holiday. Oh, how I love Philly.

From Wikipedia:

Irish Potato Candy is a traditional Philadelphia confectionery that is not Irish and does not contain any potato, but is a cocoa powder and cinnamon covering over a white inside of coconut nougat made to look like a potato. It is an extremely sweet treat, generally made up of some blend of coconut, confectioner's sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and milk or cream. The treats are about the size of a large marble and are especially popular around St. Patrick's Day.

Oh Ryan's of Boothwyn, Pennsylvania, makes the largest distribution of Irish Potatoes shipping about 80,000 pounds to major chains and smaller candy stores mostly in the Philadelphia area.

Many people believe that the Irish Potato was created as a commemoration of the Irish Potato Famine.

Seasons (of Life)

2010-03-16T23:44:00.003-04:00

Today was beautiful: bright sunshine, a cool breeze, and not a cloud in the sky.

It was the first day of spring-like weather after experiencing many days of rain and gloominess (and being able to spend the day outdoors provided some much needed energy for the soul and body).

Funny how life can be the same way: first we have to weather the storms to truly appreciate the beauty that comes afterwards.

An Unraveled Life

2010-03-15T09:09:00.000-04:00

"For your name's sake, O LORD, pardon my guilt, for it is great."

- Psalm 25:11

The word guilt in today's verse means literally to bend, to twist, to distort, to warp, to pervert, or to ruin. The word means sin. David in effect said, "For Your name's sake, O Lord, pardon my bent-ness; pardon my twistedness, God. Pardon my distorted, warped, perverted way of thinking, God. Pardon my ruin, what I've done with myself." It's an incredible statement of personal admission. David's prayer flowed from humility born of adversity. "I'm wrong, God! My actions are wrong! My words are wrong! My motives are wrong! I am wrong!"

When was the last time you were undone? When was the last time your life was unraveled by your own shortcomings? How quickly we are worked up about the shortcomings of others. When was the last time you were taken apart by yourself? Not by what your spouse needs to learn. Not by what your mom’s doing wrong. Not by the shortcomings of the leaders in your church or where you work, but by yourself. That's the moment that God’s trying to bring about. That's where all this is headed. Not that you should observe the shortcomings of others, but that you should have a better understanding of yourself and where you're failing. That's what God is always going for in your life.

- an excerpt from this week's The Weekly Walk by James MacDonald

Quotable Quotes

2010-03-10T15:08:00.002-05:00

The man who comes to a right belief about God is relieved of 10,000 temporal problems, for he sees at once that these have to do with matters that at the most cannot concern him for very long; but even if the multiple burdens of time may be lifted from him, the one mighty single burden of eternity begins to press down upon him with a weight more crushing than all the woes of the world piled one upon another.

-A.W. Tozer

What happens to infants who die?

2010-03-09T20:23:00.001-05:00

That's a question I've always had and have heard different things on the topic. It's very hard to think logically about the security of salvation when it comes to our infants and children.

On the Desiring God blog today, here's how John Piper tackles the question:

How do you gauge...?

2010-03-08T20:45:00.005-05:00

How do you gauge how well you’re handling life?

For example…
Physically I know I’m doing well if my blood pressure, sugar, cholesterol, etc. are all in check.
Financially I can gauge things based on my bank accounts or debts.
Socially I can base things on the quality of my relationships.

But how do you tell how things are going mentally, emotionally, or spiritually with yourself? Human feelings can be so fleeting and fickle: happy one moment, not so much the next. It’s not something that’s so easy to gauge, is it?

Just something I‘m pondering tonight.

Good Eats - Lorenzo's

2010-03-06T02:16:00.003-05:00

The birthday boy had a craving for a slice of Lorenzo's, so a few of us made a 10 pm run down to South Street for a couple slices of their infamous pizza...delicious! What's interesting is that they DON'T allow any toppings on their individual slices, their pizza is that good with just your basic ingredients: dough, cheese, and sauce....and if you dare to ask for a topping, be prepared to be treated like the soup nazi from Seinfeld!

Lorenzo and Sons Pizza Inc

305 South St

Philadelphia, PA 19147

(215) 627-4110

http://www.lorenzoandsonspizza.com/home.html

And if you're wondering why I'm writing a post about pizza close to 2 o'clock in the morning....that would be thanks to a lack of sleep secondary to the scary stories my friends decided to tell tonight....I just need to remember: Jesus always wins! =P

Good Night!

2010 International Philadelphia Flower Show

2010-03-03T11:01:00.007-05:00

We got an early taste of spring while attending the Flower Show this year. This year's theme was "Passport to the World". The flowers and arrangements were of course beautiful, and the frangrance was even more divine....

Remind me to live here :)

http://www.theflowershow.com/ShowInfo/index.html

Good Eats - Penang

2010-03-02T23:04:00.002-05:00

Dinner Tonight: Malaysian Cuisine in Chinatown

HOURS: 7 days/week (11:30AM - 1:00AM)

ADDRESS: 117 N. 10th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

TELEPHONE: (215) 413-2531 & (215) 413-2532

http://www.penangusa.com/index.html

Quotable Quotes

2010-03-02T13:06:00.000-05:00

If you found a cure for cancer, wouldn't it be inconceivable to hide it from the rest of mankind? How much more inconceivable to keep silent the cure from the eternal wages of death.

— Dave Davidson

Don't Stop Believin'

2010-02-26T21:28:00.002-05:00

TGIF!
It's been a long day to end a long week,
and I'm more than happy to be sitting at home this Friday night relaxing to a retro favorite . . .

Does anyone else get a rush when they hear this song?? I don't know what it is, but I always do.

What makes you cringe?

2010-02-21T22:45:00.001-05:00

I’ve been following the Olympics pretty religiously over the past week. I find myself coming home from work, plopping myself on the couch, and rooting the Olympians on as they do their thing. I love listening to the cheesy back stories they do on the athletes minutes before they’re about to race…being reminded over and over again of all the years of training coming down to this one moment. The bell rings, the race starts, the athlete begins to cruise along beautifully…and then it happens: a fall, a simple misstep that leads to a horrible crash. And what do I do?

I cringe.
I cringe at their pain.
I cringe at the disappointment they must feel in themselves.

Do you ever find yourself cruising through life and then taking a misstep? Are there moments in your life you look back on and just cringe? Do you have flashbacks to your past and think “Oh God, What the heck was I thinking?”

No matter how smart or logical you think you are, no matter how much you’ve “trained” yourself to act and be a certain way, there are those moments where your words and deeds don’t match the perceived reality of yourself.

Here is the reality: We are all sinners.

I am a sinner.

Let me say that again……I am a sinner.

Here’s the catch, the beauty I really see in that statement:

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. -2 Corinthians 12: 9

I’m glad I look back on moments in my life and wince, because I know the Lord is convicting me. He’s convicting me of my weaknesses, of the fact that I am a sinner and even more of my need for His grace. His grace reconciles me, not my works or lack thereof, but His grace, that’s it, that’s all. I would be more concerned if I didn’t feel the weight of my sins, not as a burden to bear, but as a reminder that He needs to be ever present for any hope of transformation. It’s not enough to know his Word, for even the devil could spit out the Lord’s words in verbatim…the Word has to penetrate, penetrate enough to cause change.

So unlike those athletes whose careers may be over after one horrible fall, our lives don’t have to be defined by our missteps. In fact the harder we “fall”, the greater the conviction that nothing can save us except for Christ…

Because Christ’s grace is sufficient…

Christ’s grace is sufficient for me….

Anytime I look back and cringe, I need to remember…

Christ’s grace is sufficient.

Good Eats - NYC Edition

2010-02-18T21:00:00.002-05:00

Some good eats from Valentine's Day weekend in NYC...
Saturday Dinner:

MXco

1491 Second Ave. at 78th St,

New York, NY 10075

212-249-6080

and a fabulous Sunday Brunch:

Penelope

159 Lexington Avenue

New York, NY 10016-8154

(212) 481-3800

My meal: Pumpkin waffles with apple butter.....soooo good!

http://www.penelopenyc.com/

Valentine's Day Weekend

2010-02-16T11:03:00.003-05:00

I’m going to be bold here…
And mention Valentine’s Day…
As an unmarried Indian woman in her 30’s…(please sense my sarcasm here =P)

All kidding aside it was a great weekend spent with my best friends in NYC. We started off Valentine’s day with church at Redeemer Presbyterian and hearing a sermon by their senior pastor Tim Keller. I’ve been listening to his sermons online so it was a great pleasure to hear him in person for the first time.

His message was entitled “The Mocking and the Spitting” based off of Isaiah 50:4-11 and was the third sermon in a series called “The Songs of the Servant.” After his sermon which focused heavily on the torture of Christ before crucifixion he says (and I’m paraphrasing here) : “Don’t think I forgot about Valentine’s Day…..who else would love you enough to be tortured and killed just for you.” What a great reminder of a love with absolutely no limits especially on that day.

Quotable Quotes

2010-02-10T11:15:00.000-05:00

"Sometimes you put walls up not to keep people out, but to see who cares enough to break them down."

- quoted from the soon to be famous Grace J. (who got it from a FB friend, who got it from ??... ultimately from Unknown)

The Road to Reward

2010-02-08T09:12:00.000-05:00

A snippet from this week's The Weekly Walk :

You and I have got to conquer. Jesus said, "The one who endures to the end will be saved" (Mark 13:13). People who aren't really saved give up and quit. The truth is, we will all experience tough seasons in our lives. We will experience hard weeks or even a rough month or year. But we get moving again. Endurance doesn't save us, but it does prove our salvation. We have to finish strong. We have to pick up the pace as we get older. A real Christian says, "I love Him more and more. 'I press on' (Philippians 3:14) to be sanctified day after day, growing in Christ." That's the life of a believer - one who conquers. Conquerors get the rewards. Rewards will not go to the quitter. They will not go to the "I-tried-it-and-couldn't-do-it" type of people, nor to the "faith-was-just-a-phase-I-went-through" kind of people. All those people? Not conquerors.

"The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life." The book of life is the volume containing the names of all the people alive on the face of the earth. If they die outside of the Gospel, without receiving the gift of eternal life that is found in Christ - their names are blotted out of the book. They're not going to live forever...

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow . . .

2010-02-06T18:41:00.005-05:00

One for the record books...

It’s the second biggest snow storm of all time in Philly (28.5 inches).
It’s the second major snow storm of this winter season.
It’s the second time we’ve had to shovel about 2 feet of snow.
It’s the second time we’ll be stuck indoors for 2 days straight.

I love the snow, but I SECOND the decision to end the winter weather already and bring on the springtime warmth and sunshine….one can dream, can’t they =)

PS - Oh and I forgot, there’s another major snowstorm scheduled for this Tuesday…..eek!

“Can I ask you for some advice?”

2010-02-04T21:16:00.003-05:00

Where do you seek wisdom from? Where do you go to get advice?

I’m thinking about this because I’m half-way thru the book of Proverbs and I’m amazed at how this book gives wisdom on basically every facet of human life…

From how to deal with finances, to courtship, to sexual ethics, to disciplining children, to how to speak, act, think, how to labor and how to love, how to choose your friends, how to obtain joy, on finding contentment….and the list goes on and on (and this is only from the first half of Proverbs.) I often make the Bible out to be such a “mystical” piece of literature, when it’s much more of a “let’s get our hands dirty with the nitty-gritty of everyday life” type of book.

Now I know that God should be the ultimate from whom we seek wisdom, but let’s face it, when something is going on in our lives it’s natural for us to seek advice from the people that surround us. A good friend once told me, be very careful who and what you listen to, especially when your heart and mind are in a vulnerable state. I don’t think I thought much of it at the time, but recently I’m seeing the validity of that statement.

As I’ve grown up, I’ve experienced the importance of surrounding myself with people that speak God’s truth. I find it very easy to be swayed and seduced by the ways of the world and I have found that in those moments when I’m not thinking clearly and looking for direction, the words and prayers of a person rooted in Christ is the ultimate blessing.

And you know who those people are and aren’t. You know who to approach to get sympathy, or who to see when you want someone to revel in your anger, or who to find when you’re looking for affirmation, but do you know who to go to when you’re really seeking the Truth?

Those are the people I want to go to and ask, “Can I ask you for some advice?”

Say - John Mayer

2010-02-03T14:07:00.002-05:00

An old favorite I currently have blaring . . .

. . . I just love John Mayer

Groundhog's Day

2010-02-02T12:02:00.003-05:00

In my 4th yr rotations, the stars were aligned and I happened to be working out in the boondocks of Punxsutawney on Groundhog’s Day one year. I was kinda excited to be around Gobbler’s Knob because apparently they celebrate this "holiday" hardcore and it’s considered a BIG deal in that city.

Can I just tell you, the whole thing was a bit weird…a little freaky actually. When I had some down-time that day, I stepped out of the office to see all the hoopla. It was like a carnival atmosphere in frigid cold weather complete with ice sculptures, carnival booths, people with groundhog’s hats and big flasks of beer walkin’ around drunk and happy….all for a rodent!

I guess I can’t blame them, there’s not much else going for Punxsutawney, PA. =P

So the prediction was:

Happy Groundhog's Day!

S-l-o-w-i-n-g Down

2010-01-31T20:05:00.001-05:00

It's been a busy week....and sometimes I come to the end of a week and wonder, "How did I get here?"

How is it already Sunday?
How is it already the end of January?
How is it that it's actually 2010 already!?! (I could of swore I was just listening to Prince's Tonight I'm gonna party like it's 1999 and wondering what that would be like ...sheesh!)
Where did this week, month, year, decade go?

Sometimes I just need to slow down...not necessarily in what I'm physically doing, but in my mind and thoughts. My mind has a tendency to race through life, and when I do that, I run the risk of missing all the great things happening along the way. I need to slow down enough to really savor the many moments that make me smile and pay attention to the things that make living this life so worth-while.

Slow Dance

Have you ever watched kids on a merry-go-round,

Or listened to rain slapping on the ground?

Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight,

Or gazed at the sun fading into the night?

You better slow down,

Don't dance so fast,

Time is short,

The music won't last.

Do you run through each day on the fly?

When you ask "How are you?", do you hear the reply?

When the day is done, do you lie in your bed,

With the next hundred chores running through your head?

You better slow down,

Don't dance so fast,

Time is short,

The music won't last.

Ever told your child, we'll do it tomorrow,

And in your haste, not see his sorrow?

Ever lost touch, let a friendship die,

'Cause you never had time to call and say "Hi"?

You better slow down,

Don't dance so fast,

Time is short,

The music won't last.

When you run so fast to get somewhere,

You miss half the fun of getting there.

When you worry and hurry through your day,

It's like an unopened gift...thrown away.

Life isn't a race,

So take it slower,

Hear the music,

Before your song is over.

- David L. Weatherford

Good Eats - Bistro 7

2010-01-30T00:50:00.003-05:00

So it's restaurant week in Philadelphia! That means time to hit up the really expensive restaurants for some good food at a reasonable price :) I wasn't able to get reservations to a restaurant I've been trying to go to for awhile now, but Bistro 7 came in as a good substitute....a small intimate restaurant with simple, tasty cuisine.

BISTRO 7

7 North 3rd Street

Philadelphia, PA 19106-4506

(215) 931-1560

http://www.bistro7restaurant.com/

"Bistro 7 is an elegant, food-first American BYO bistro located in the heart of Philadelphia’s historic Old City section. Chef/Owner Michael O’Halloran (formerly of Fork and the White Dog Café) relies on a network of local, organic farmers for the pristine ingredients that form the basis for his eclectic American bistro dishes, and the ever changing menu reflects the best that the season has to offer"

Adele - Chasing Pavements

2010-01-27T23:07:00.002-05:00

Listening to some real soulful music tonight. . .
Love the sound of her voice and the song:

Patient Encounters

2010-01-26T16:00:00.004-05:00

A couple days ago on a busy workday, I had a 23 yr-old patient come in for a routine eye exam.

He looked a little rough around the edges, didn’t crack a smile, and clearly wasn’t interested in engaging in any sort of conversation when I attempted to make small talk.

About halfway thru the exam he suddenly speaks and asks,
“How old are you anyway?”

I look up from writing my notes, probably appearing slightly annoyed by the question and hesitantly answer, "I’m 30."

At which he says, “you look like you’re 23 or something.”

I started laughing…..he still didn‘t crack a smile.

At a time where I’m feeling every bit my age, and contemplating the expectations I have and haven’t met in my life, I needed to hear that on that day.

Yes, age is but a number...and lately I’m being reminded that it’s not about HOW LONG I’ve been living on this earth, but HOW WELL I’m living on this earth.

Didn't think this kid would give me something to think about, but he did.

Nice kid.

Remembering 2 years ago today...

2010-01-23T09:17:00.001-05:00

I'm waking up with the sun shining brightly through my window on this beautiful Saturday morning, and I think...what could be more fitting of a tribute than a beautiful day for a beautiful man that we lost 2 years ago today.

A loving man who truly came to serve his church.
A man who personified the words humbleness and graciousness.
A man of few words, but of larger more poignant actions.
A man who loved and led his family by example.
A man, who in is his short time in Philadelphia, impacted lives more than he probably ever imagined.

As painful as that time was when we lost him suddenly, I thank God for allowing us to come across a soul who so clearly loved the Lord.

Houston Trip / Good Eats

2010-01-20T08:34:00.006-05:00

It’s been a great past few days visiting with some dear friends in Houston along with 2 friends from Chicago and New Jersey. It’s hard to believe it’s been 5 years since we graduated from optometry school and that the 4 of us (our little grad school crew) are all doing our different things living in 4 different states. But despite time, distance, husbands, kids, etc., we have remained as close as ever and have consistently met up once a year to catch up…and when we do it’s just like old times.

So although we had all these great plans to see the sights of Houston, a lot of times we would end up just sitting, eating, and talking for hours, which is usually what happens when you get 4 girls together who haven’t seen each other in awhile! It also fit in nicely with our new mantra in life which we decided was “we just want to be fat and happy”…forget about this whole optometry business…haha :)

So that brings me to the food in Houston, good places we ate at and worth mentioning are :

Uptown Sushi

Zushi Fusion Cuisine

1131 Uptown Park Boulevard

Houston, TX 77056-3227

(713) 871-1200

http://www.uptown-sushi.com/

We also walked around Rice Village, a cute artsy part of town, and had a great lunch here before heading off to the airport:

La Madeleine

Country French Café

Rice Village

6205 Kirby

Houston TX, 77005

713-942-7081

http://www.lamadeleine.com/

Good times!

He Is - Mark Schultz

2010-01-15T21:26:00.003-05:00

Listening...loving...overwhelmed by the words and the message...

Good Eats - Zahav

2010-01-14T13:47:00.001-05:00

Dinner last night was at Zahav, a relatively new restaurant to Philadelphia serving authentic Middle Eastern/Israeli cuisine. There's a reason it was named #1 in Philly Mag Top 50 restaurants of 2009; the food was delicious and the bill didn't break the bank!

Zahav

237 Saint James Pl · Philadelphia

http://www.zahavrestaurant.com/

215-625-8800

Vision

2010-01-13T12:23:00.006-05:00

The eye really is a beautiful creation.

When I look in to examine all the intricate structures of the eye, I sometimes forget that there’s a soul looking back at me. That patient is a person, sitting in my exam chair, whose past experiences and relationships significantly color how they see and perceive the world.

Vision is so much more than just 20/20, it’s about processing what you see against what you know.

What do I know?

2010-01-10T23:58:00.008-05:00

Nothing for sure, that’s the short answer.

I feel like more and more I’m becoming a person I don’t recognize or at least am not comfortable with at the moment. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing, but I definitely feel like I’m at a crossroads in life. Things I’ve held to be true and certain of myself, seem to no longer apply or have drastically changed. I wonder shouldn't I be getting surer of myself as I get older or is that a myth that everyone perpetuates? Do significant doubts and questions inevitably occur with every new season or transition in life?

When I entered my mid-twenties I distinctly remember starting to become comfortable in my own skin. I thought “Finally!”, I no longer feel like an awkward shy teenager riddled with insecurity and doubt.

But these days, it’s different. These doubts are not superficial as of my teenage years, but delve deeper into the core of who I am.

What do I want?

What will I stand for?

What won’t I stand for?

How am I living?

What are my desires and how do they differ or coincide with what God has clearly shown me to be good and true and right?

In the past two years for reasons I have yet to fully understand, these questions about myself have been popping up. The one saving grace though is that as I do become unwound and unraveled, my depravity reaches for things that are not of myself (because they no longer exist or are certain), but for the one thing that I know to be true, God himself.

Truthfully.....at the moment, it feels like this is the only thing I know to be certain.

Movie Lines

2010-01-09T14:05:00.003-05:00

Okay, so the source of this quote isn’t the greatest, but I like it anyways =). I happened to catch a mid-morning matinee today and in the previews for upcoming movies, Ashton Kutcher (don’t laugh) appeared in a scene with this line:

"Love is the only shocking act left on the planet."

I like the quote, I like it a lot.

Quotable Quotes

2010-01-08T13:16:00.002-05:00

To regret one's own experiences is to arrest one's own development. To deny one's own experiences is to put a lie into the lips of one's life. It is no less than a denial of the soul.
-Oscar Wilde

Spring Reminder

2010-01-07T16:11:00.001-05:00

I took this shot with my cell phone a couple months ago because it was too pretty to pass up.

Just a reminder of spring and newness and life amongst the bitter cold of today.

The Shack

2010-01-05T16:13:00.002-05:00

About a week ago I finished reading a book called The Shack by Wm. Paul Young. It’s about a man’s encounter with God several years after the brutal murder of his daughter. While reading it I thought some of the scenarios and depictions of God and the Trinity were a little hard to swallow, but I could appreciate the book for what it could convey, and for trying to break some of our natural human misconceptions on God, our character, and how God views us and our relationship with Him.

There were a lot of statements and quotes in the book that made me think and maybe might make you think too. Here are a few that stuck out to me…

*There are times where you choose to believe something that would normally be considered absolutely irrational. It doesn’t mean that it is actually irrational, but it surely is not rational. Perhaps there is suprarationality: reason beyond the normal definitions of fact or data-based logic; something that makes sense only if you can see a bigger picture of reality. Maybe that is where faith fits in.

*Life takes a bit of time and a lot of relationship.

*…we could talk about the nature of freedom itself. Does freedom mean that you are allowed to do whatever you want to do? Or we could talk about all the limiting influences in your life that actively work against your freedom. Your family genetic heritage, your specific DNA, your metabolic uniqueness, the quantum stuff that is going on at a subatomic level where only I [God] am the always-present observer. Or the intrusion of your soul’s sickness that inhibits and binds you, or the social influences around you, or the habits that have created synaptic bonds and pathways in your brain. And then there’s advertising, propaganda, and paradigms. Inside that confluence of multifaceted inhibitors, what is freedom really?

*Everything is about him [Jesus]. And freedom is a process that happens inside a relationship with him.

*You, on the other hand, were created to be loved. So for you to live as if you were unloved, is a limitation.

*I [God] don’t need to punish people for sin. Sin is it’s own punishment, devouring you from the inside. It’s not my purpose to punish it; it’s my joy to cure it.

*The real underlying flaw in your life, is that you don’t think that I [God] am good. If you knew that I was good and that everything - the means, the ends and all the processes of individual lives - is all covered by my goodness, then while you might not understand what I am doing, you would trust me.

*You humans, so little in your own eyes. You are truly blind to your own place in the creation. Having chosen the ravaged path of independence, you don’t even comprehend that you are dragging the entire creation along with you.

*To force my [Jesus] will on you, is exactly what love does not do. Genuine relationships are marked by submission even when your choices are not helpful or healthy.

*Just because I [God] work incredible good out of unspeakable tragedies doesn’t mean I orchestrate the tragedies. Don’t ever assume that my using something means I caused it or that I needed it to accomplish my purposes. That will only lead you to false notions about me. Grace doesn’t depend on suffering to exist, but where there is suffering, you will find grace in many facets and colors.

*I [God] have never put an expectation on you or anyone else. The idea behind expectations requires that someone does not know the future or outcome and is trying to control behavior to get the desired result. Humans try to control behavior largely through expectations. I know you and everything about you. Why would I have an expectation other than what I already know? That would be foolish. And beyond that, because I have no expectations, you never disappoint me.

*Forgiveness does not establish relationship. In Jesus, I [God] have forgiven all humans of their sins against me, but only some have chosen relationship.

Never Been Unloved

2010-01-04T20:56:00.002-05:00

I have been unfaithful,
I have been unworthy;
I have been unrighteous,
and I have been unmerciful.

I have been unreachable,
I have been unteachable;
I have been unwilling,
and I have been undesirable.
And sometimes, I have been unwise,
I've been undone by what I'm unsure of -

But because of You
and all that you went through,
I know that I have never been unloved.

I have been unbroken,
I have been unmended;
I have been uneasy,
and I have been unapproachable.
I have been unemotional,
I have been unexceptional;
I have been undecided,
and I have been unqualified.
Unaware - I have been unfair,
I've been unfit for blessings from above.

But even I can see
The sacrifice You made for me, to show me
that I have never been unloved.
-Michael W. Smith

I saw this song on someone else’s blog using it to describe their past year and I thought….Yup, this pretty much sums up me and my year as well. What better time than the beginning of a new year to look back, see where you need improvement, and then make resolutions for self-improvement. Let’s be real though, I will still likely be all these things come 2011 (hopefully with some improvements). But despite all my faults, I’m glad I can’t do anything in the next 365 days and beyond, that will ever turn away the love of Christ.

Here's to a new year.....not dedicated to a list of resolutions, but simply dedicated to growing in God's indescribable love.

And to quote the previous blogger…
From your undone, unworthy, unfaithful, but oh so thankfully never unloved blogger friend =)

2009 in Rewind

2009-12-31T08:29:00.005-05:00

Seriously folks, where does the time go? Looking back, this year has been an emotional one, filled with milestones along with some twists and turns, but through it all God has been good and gracious and I thank Him for bringing me to where He has at the close of 2009. I have to say I’m looking forward to 2010 and seeing what the Lord has planned….for me and for those I love.

Year in Review

1) Ringing in 2009 (Moroccon style) with some of my oldest and closest of friends

2) Hosting the Leadership Conference in Philly

3) Having dinner at Morimoto’s

4) Seeing both my parents retire after 30+ years of working and enjoying the fruits of their labor

5) The birth of so many new babies, both of friends and family alike
6) Continuing with a great group of people into our 4th year of the Romans Bible Study (and yet we’re still only on Romans 8...we may just be the slowest readers ever =P)
7) May 2009 being 5 years of practicing optometry
8) Taking my 8th trip to India with both my immediate and extended family and trying out some new adventures like houseboating
9) Seeing my 2 younger cousins get married and celebrating with them in their joy (engagements, bridal showers, weddings, etc)
10) Taking a trip to Spain with my best friends to celebrate a new decade of life
11) Turning 30 along with the rest of our 6 (wo)man crew, aka “the Boyz”, and being able to celebrate with most of them
12) Starting a blog!!!
13) Finally getting to see The Lion King on Broadway
14) Watching the Phillies get to the World Series
15) Getting a new Bible (ESV) that’s changed the way I learn Scripture and motivating me to really learn on my own
16) Buying my first car =), and saying goodbye to my Forrester of 9 years (you don’t understand, it was emotional, we’d been thru a lot together)
17) Taking part in the Philadelphia Marathon by running and training for my first 8K
18) Cooking and hosting another Thanksgiving meal
19) The always fun and festive "annual" K White Elephant Christmas party
20) Digging out of the 2nd largest snow storm of all-time in Philadelphia (23.2 inches to be exact)
21) My friend S running a third successful Host-A-Christmas Drive
22) And finally….God bringing people to intersect my life and teach me things about the world and myself, people that have stayed awhile, some that haven’t, but both having an impact and challenging me in ways that have brought me closer to the Lord.

Have a Happy New Year everyone and may 2010 be filled with warmth, kindness, and joy for all of you.

Good Eats - Iron Hill Brewery

2009-12-30T23:03:00.006-05:00

It's an annual holiday reunion of sorts with "the Boyz" tonight, minus a few key players this year. It's always great to catch up with my oldest of friends and laugh the night away remembering the ridiculous stories of our youth.

Dinner Tonight:

Iron Hill Brewery

The Shoppes at English Village
1460 Bethlehem Pike

North Wales, PA 19454

P: 267 708.2000

F: 267 708.2050

http://www.ironhillbrewery.com/

"We're passionate about producing distinctive, full-flavored handcrafted beers, accompanied by fresh–from–scratch New American cuisine in a comfortable, casual atmosphere. Our goal has always been to provide food and beer that is inspired, consistently crafted and presented by a knowledgeable and courteous service staff."

Strength in Weakness

2009-12-28T10:09:00.002-05:00

When you are in the midst of a trial, there's a power coming into your life that you've never experienced before. When you see a hard thing coming, try saying, "I may not want this, but I know I'm going to see Christ working in my life in an incredible way."

God never allows a thorn but that He provides sufficient grace and strength in our weaknesses. Sufficient grace is not just enough to survive, but enough to have supernatural joy in the midst of anything He allows us to go through.

-Taken from the Weekly Walk by James MacDonald

"Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me... For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T14:58:00.006-05:00

As I was sitting in church and looking at some of our parishioners faces, it struck me how painful the holidays can be sometimes. It’s often referred to as the holiday blues, right? I was looking around at the families who currently have very sick children, husbands that have lost wives, children that have lost fathers, and on a day that is described as joyful for most, it can be very painful because we‘re reminded of what we may be missing. Even if we haven’t gone through any earth-shattering life changes, whatever struggles we may have, big or small, they all seem to be under a magnifying glass between Thanksgiving and New Years. Even at work my boss and I were remarking that during this season our patients seem to be a little more stressed, have a little less patience, and can often come in with very foul moods. As much as we describe Christmas as "the season to be jolly", there's very little joy to be found among us despite what the Christmas songs profess. It sounds depressing doesn't it? I promise this post does get better.

Growing up, I used to think of people as either having a happy or not-so-happy demeanor, nothing in the middle. But as I’ve made my way into adulthood, I realize that life happens, and depending on the circumstances (as mentioned above) we now have to try…we have to try to maintain that joyous outlook despite what may be going on around us and in us. And on this Christmas day, I’m reminded that instead of trying, I can believe that my outlook on life can be eternally fixed. That on this day a baby was born, so that I can have an eternally joyous outlook. That on this day “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory… and from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace” (John 1: 14-16). That on this day, all those faces I’ve seen that may be struggling because of life’s circumstance, can be as joyous as the person who’s lost nothing, because Christ came to this earth and experienced everything that we could possibly experience and then some. That true joy doesn’t depend on anything that happens on this earth, but comes from delighting in the words and life of our Savior.

So on that note, I wish away any holiday blues you may be feeling, and wish you all a truly joyous Christmas and a contentment that can only come by resting our faith on that humble babe that was born on this glorious day.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Good Eats - Bonefish Grill

2009-12-22T20:21:00.003-05:00

A rare dinner out with the family tonight at one of the nicer chain restaurants in the area...and more importantly a restaurant my parents actually like!

Bonefish Grill

1015 Easton Road, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania

(215) 659-5854

http://www.bonefishgrill.com/

Light up the Night

2009-12-21T13:14:00.003-05:00

Excerpts from this week's The Weekly Walk by James MacDonald . .
it offers us a new way to look at the Christmas season.

"One of the favorite traditions of the Christmas season is to turn on the Christmas tree lights and light up the night . . . This tradition is well suited to the real celebration of the season. John 3:19 says that when Jesus Christ was born, the light came into the world. In fact, more than two hundred times in the Bible, God is described as light. Figuratively and literally, whenever God appears, light appears.

Have you ever been in some pitch-black place when you couldn't even see your hand in front of your face? That's what life is like without Jesus. You can't fully appreciate the light until you feel the weight of the darkness.

If you feel lost, alone, and trapped - searching but not finding - Jesus Christ is the light.

If you feel cruelly crushed under the wrongs done to you, Jesus Christ is the light.

If you feel perplexed by an issue or circumstance that you can't figure out, Jesus Christ is the light.

Maybe loneliness, despair, and confusion describe you. If you want to know the way out, you first have to admit that you’re in darkness. You may not be ready to die, but you're also not fully living. You don't see any purpose to life, and you don't see any hope worth trusting. But all that can change right now.

Like any other genuine follower of Christ, nothing made sense to me either before I turned to Jesus. I couldn't sort out anything in this mixed-up world. But since receiving Jesus as my Savior, I understand what's going on. Although life still isn't perfect, and never will be until eternity, I realize what my own sin does to my life. Suddenly Christmas is so much more than a stale exchange of gifts and some silly guy in a red suit. At Christmas those of us who know Him celebrate the forgiveness of sin that can be found only in Jesus, the gift of Christmas."

Good Eats - NYC Edition - Lupa

2009-12-16T23:29:00.001-05:00

Today was a day off and I decided to spend it walking the streets of NYC. I've always found wintertime to be a really enjoyable time in the city amongst all the shoppers, the lights, and the different sights and sounds that come with the season.

After a little window shopping, sipping some hot apple cider in Bryant Park, and a visit to the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Plaza, the night ended with some good food at one of Mario Batali's restaurants in Greenwich Village:

LUPA

170 Thompson Street
between Houston St.

and Bleecker St.

New York, NY 10012

(212) 982-5089

http://www.luparestaurant.com/

Quotable Quotes

2009-12-15T23:20:00.003-05:00

This is my wish for you:

Comfort on difficult days,

smiles when sadness intrudes...

rainbows to follow the clouds,

laughter to kiss your lips,

sunsets to warm your heart,

hugs when spirits sag,

beauty for your eyes to see,

friendships to brighten your being,

faith so that you can believe,

confidence for when you are in doubt,

courage to know yourself,

patience to accept the truth,

love to complete your life.

-Anonymous

Happy Birthday Jerry!

2009-12-14T00:13:00.006-05:00

27 years ago today, God decided I no longer needed anymore attention from my parents. Therefore he gave me a little brother to upstage me from then on out with his smarts and many accomplishments. =P

In all seriousness, may God continue to use your life and the amazing gifts he’s given you for His glory.

Happy Birthday Jerry…love ya!

Good Eats - Gaya

2009-12-13T19:53:00.004-05:00

Dinner Tonight:
Office Christmas Party 2009

GAYA KOREAN RESTAURANT

Authentic Korean Cuisines

http://gayarestaurant.com/

1002 Skippack Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422
T. 215.654.8900 // 215.654.8300 // 215.654.8311

A look at the insane amount of good food we had at dinner tonight

Video from Matt

2009-12-10T02:56:00.002-05:00

So I've come to know of this story from a friend's tweets (yes, I just said that...I knew there was a reason why I joined Twitter.) The message in the video below is so simple and simply so powerful. I've never heard of this pastor (Matt Chandler) until I saw this, but listen to his whole powerful testimony if you can.

Video from Matt

Things I'm convicted of as I listen to it for the the umpteenth time:

I'm a person who can easily let worry and fear get to the extreme, to the point where it can stop me cold in my tracks and literally incapacitate my life. I've easily written it off as "I'm just a worrier, it's natural to think and dwell on the worst-case scenario...I'm just wired to get anxious." When actually, I'm realizing how much of a sin it is on my part, truly a sin, to live a life that puts so little faith in the Lord and doubts His will during hardships. I keep hearing the Lord say during those times, "Where is your faith?" It's so freeing to watch this video from a man, who as he says stands to lose everything, and still says "I am not afraid" because nothing is better than HIM.

Ask For Whatever You Wish . . . (Part 1)

2009-12-07T20:28:00.001-05:00

A couple weeks ago I was out to dinner with some friends and the question was brought up, “Is it okay to pray for certain things?” When we expanded that question a little further we were essentially asking, is it wrong to pray for the things that you desire? My immediate gut answer was….of course not! Immediately I think of things like praying for someone’s health, or praying for a child’s upbringing, or asking God for world peace (I just had to throw in my standard pageant answer). Prayer is communicating with God and regardless of whether I say it out loud or not, He knows the desires of my heart. I’m fooling no one if I don’t mention it so why not put it up in prayer? Sounds easy enough. My friend also added that it’s not only asking God for what you want, but what you do with the response. Are you willing to accept God’s answer if the answer is not in line with your own will?

After that conversation, I kept thinking about our answers. Was it really as easy and simple as I made it out to be? Even in our conversation we were coming up with gaping holes and couldn’t quite answer the gray areas (i.e. when our intentions may not be as pure, or as black and white as healing the sick).

Since that conversation I’ve been doing some reading and some listening….particularly to Keller, Piper, and MacDonald. The bulk of the sermons brought it back to the basics, in particular the Lord’s prayer, and in digging a little further, analyzing the verse “Give us this day our daily bread.” Although on the surface the verse talks about a basic necessity, it’s the basis for a broader request asking God to fulfill the natural/carnal desires of our body and heart.

So after listening and reading, the one glaring conclusion I came to was this: my focus on the question itself was inherently flawed. If in prayer I’m asking God what He can do for me, without taking a whole host of other things into consideration, I’m not praying as I should be.

As you can see from the title this is a two-part post, all I’ve done here is laid the framework for a question that’s been on my mind. This would be way too long if I started to delve into the answers I sought out, but I will at a later time. Certainly to be continued . . .

In the meantime, what do you think?

Winter Wonderland

2009-12-06T08:57:00.004-05:00

It’s that time of the year again, where the days are short, the nights are long, and there’s a crisp cold chill in the air. I know most don’t enjoy it, but I do love the beginning of the winter season.

Yesterday, we had our first snowfall and although it can be difficult to drive in, I’m a sucker for that fairy tale winter wonderland look.

Things I love about this season: turtlenecks, pretty scarves, glistening snow, hot chocolate, fireplaces, Christmas, warm blankets, winter coats, snow days, the new year, holiday parties, ice skating, Christmas music, steaming latte's, and for a homebody like me…..just a plain excuse to stay indoors and curl up with a good book. The wintry weather has arrived and it’s forecasted to be one heck of a season.

Quotable Quotes

2009-12-05T08:46:00.003-05:00

"In the middle of the way I am, come be who You are. Bring your Spirit, bring your healing, come be who You are. Let it flow, let it wash over, let it overwhelm me like the sea."

-Sara Groves, Come be who You are

Smile

2009-12-03T12:37:00.011-05:00

I was surfing the web yesterday and I came across an Anne Geddes poster I once had hanging up in my dorm room waaaay back in my college years.

How can you not smile while looking at this precious giddy face? =D