Mike Kinnebrew Concert

The week before Christmas I made the trek out to Conyers with a few friends for a benefit concert. My friend Mike Kinnebrew was playing at Christ Community Church with his band to raise money for Rockdale County Young Life. The ride out to Conyers was incredibly entertaining. We made it just in time for Mike to start playing. Not only did I enjoy the music but I absolutely loved being able to catch up with great friends from when I did Young Life in Conyers. I miss these people dearly, but am blessed every time I get to spend time with them! They will always be my family and I am so thankful for them.

Book Review: Seeds of Turmoil

Seeds of Turmoil:

The Biblical Roots of the Inevitable Crisis in the Middle East

by: Bryant Wright

In the past decade or so, I've found myself more and more interested in the history of Judaism, Christianity and Islam and how they are interconnected. It seems you can't turn on the news or pick up a newspaper without reading about the fighting going on in the Middle East, but the battle being fought isn't a new one. In Seeds of Turmoil, Bryant Wright gives a clear history and explanation of the Middle East crisis. He starts by recounting the Biblical story of Abraham, Sarah and Hagar and how their choices have led to the crisis we see today.

While I thought the book did a great job of explaining in detail the history of the conflict, including the differing perspectives on God and the significance of the land, I found myself often thinking "didn't I just read that same sentence?". I think the author repeated himself often and could have more concisely explained his arguments. It is worth flipping through but be prepared for some repetitiveness in the chapters.

I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review; the opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: Under the Overpass

Under the Overpass
by: Mike Yankoski

A few years ago a good friend of mine moved to Colorado to work at the Denver Rescue Mission. I always admired her passion for serving the homeless and generally living among the marginalized in society. When I saw this book I was excited to read about the journey two college kids decided to take to learn first hand what being homeless was all about. Mike and his friend, Sam, traveled through 6 cities experiencing life on the streets and taking a few notes along the way.

As I read this book I found myself feeling uncomfortable. Uncomfortable because I have so often been quick to judge and quick to assume the worst about people. I have been that person that walks by homeless men and women on the street and refuses to look at them, much less offer a meal or a conversation or some other act of love towards them. I've had to re-evaluate the way I view people, all people, even those who are dirty and smelly from having lived under overpasses or in parks or on sidewalks. I think Mike Yankoski does an excellent job of challenging Christians to stop for a minute, take a second look, and really live out the love we so often claim to have for others. Just because someone doesn't look the way we think they ought to, doesn't mean they deserve to be treated with love and respect any less then someone who does.

I think this is a great, quick read for anyone wanting a glimpse into another kind of life and wanting to be challenged to do something about it.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review

Humphrey's First Christmas Party

This time of year is always filled with Christmas celebrations - Young Life Tacky Sweater Christmas parties, white elephant gift exchanges, watching Elf and Christmas Vacation, holiday baking, exchanging gifts with family, work holiday parties and Christmas concerts. This past Saturday was probably the highlight of all my holiday celebrations thus far. I got together with some friends for our monthly dinner, this time celebrating Christmas. On the menu was a balsamic salad, beer bread, timbalo, chocolate candies and some boozy gingerbread cupcakes (recipe here). All of the food was absolutely delectable, especially the timbalo. I'm looking forward to making this a tradition and having it again next year for our Christmas dinner!

The girls spent a few hours baking and prepping food in the kitchen followed by a few hours around the table eating and laughing. We ate in courses - salad and bread first. This was followed by a reading of what I think will become the traditional holiday story - Humphrey's First Christmas by Carol Heyer. Not only was the story incredibly entertaining but it also had a good message: celebrating the birth of Christ. While I love 'Twas the Night before Christmas and other "traditional" stories, I would much rather a story that reflects the true meaning of the season. After the reading it was on to the main course - timbalo - piping hot from the oven. Following dinner we retired to the sun room for our white elephant gift exchange. I have never been so entertained... and I think only pictures will really do this justice. After exchanging presents and laughing so hard my muscles were aching, we ate cupcakes (complete with Christmas decorations given to me by my sweet friend) and then watched another holiday classic - Christmas Vacation.

I left that night reminded of the reason we celebrate Christmas - Christ came to this earth to be with us. We can celebrate his presence among us by being surrounded by friends and good food and laughter rather than just giving gifts to people. I am even more convinced that in His presence there is fullness of joy. It's a beautiful thing. I am beyond blessed and so thankful for a tangible reminder of God's love this holiday season.

Cupcakes!

Moral Support

funny faces are mandatory in the kitchen

Timbalo!

Entertaining the kiddo

Humphrey's First Christmas reading :)

Cupcakes!

Musical tie and blow-up reindeer = perfect white elephant

High School Musical Stick-ons

She made a new friend :)

Gingerbread Cupcakes with a side of rum

For our Christmas dinner we decided to make boozy Gingerbread cupcakes. The spiced rum was a nice addition to an already spice-filled cupcake. We topped the cupcakes with a cinnamon and rum cream cheese frosting. They were delightful!

Gingerbread Cupcakes
recipe adapted from http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/gingerbread_cupcakes/

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups of all purpose flour
1 teaspoon of baking soda
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon of nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon of ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon of salt
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup spiced rum
1/2 cup of packed dark brown sugar
1/2 cup of unsulphured molasses (not blackstrap)
2 large eggs, room temperature

Method
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a small bowl, melt the butter and milk together in the microwave, covering the top with plastic wrap. Add rum.
2. Sift together the flour, salt, baking soda, cocoa powder and dry spices in a bowl.
3. Beat together the molasses and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating for 30 seconds between each.
4. Beat in the flour mixture slowly until just incorporated. Add the butter mixture and beat until smooth. Batter will be runny.
5. Spoon into cupcake papers, about 3/4 full. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool for a minute to set before moving to a wire rack to fully cool.

Fudge!... and some other life lessons

Tonight while driving to spend the evening with my friend and her precious kiddos I was rear-ended on the highway. I am ok with the exception of being frustrated at this new inconvenience in my life. The whole ordeal took about 30 minutes since a cop literally pulled up behind us as soon as we moved our cars off the road. I am very thankful for that and all the details being taken care of quickly. Let's just hope the car fixing process is as speedy. I'm not so hopeful after the crazy icy roads and the 1000 accidents around the city last night.

But I'll have to say it was worth it to spend time with this family. I wasn't able to see the kiddos for very long as it was story time when I arrived and they were shortly off to bed. I didn't miss the goodnight hugs however and these munchkins give the BEST hugs. It made my whole day so much better! The kids went upstairs and said their prayers which included a few for me... heart melting over here! They are so precious and innocent and full of expectation. I could really learn something from that.

The night ended with making fudge for teachers' Christmas gifts. I've never made it before so it was a fun lesson for me. One of the boys was having trouble sleeping so he came downstairs to help. He wanted to do everything himself. He helped stir and taste and sprinkle the crushed candy canes on top. He was so excited about all the things he was doing and how much of a helper he was being.

I was going over there tonight with the hopes of having some great and inspiring conversations. Funny that things didn't go as I planned. Funnier still that the Lord knew exactly what my heart needed. Joy is overflowing thanks to sweet time with a family and the little reminder of what it means to have child-like faith.

Breathe in, Breathe out

I had my whole weekend planned out and was very much looking forward to it. Funny that nothing in my plan actually happened the way I had planned for it to happen, but I am thankful for that. There seems to be this recurring theme of "it's ok that things are outside of your control, in fact, it's even better when you stop trying to make everything go according to your plan" in my life these days.

I ended up spending the weekend with wonderful people - sharing food, laughter and conversation. My sister and I went to a Thrasher's game on Friday and we spent most of Sunday together running errands. Saturday I had coffee with a friend so we could talk about the Beth Moore book we are reading through (Breaking Free, it's a great read). I went on a long, chilly walk with another friend from college, had lunch and did some Christmas shopping. From there I went to have dinner with the sweetest little (and by little, I mean they have 4 kids...) family. I absolutely loved spending time with them. Kids are so honest - their joy, their sadness, their love. They also give the best bedtime hugs that can melt anyone's heart! Saturday night I finally got to see a friend who has a busier life than even me! We ended up baking pumpkin chocolate chip bread which was so very yummy! Sunday afternoon I managed to get coffee with a girl from my small group, dinner with a friend and her husband and I even made it to the Young Life Christmas party.

Going into the weekend I was genuinely excited about my plans. And while I don't doubt I would have enjoyed doing those things that I had planned, I am so thankful for the things I actually ended up doing. I think sometimes I just choose "good" things but really God has "great" things planned. So this is why I struggle to relinquish control of my life and hand it over to someone who has greater things for me than I could ever dream up on my own.

Track #18 - Change Me

I love this song by Ryan Long that I've heard played a good bit at Young Life camps over the past year or so. I think it's a beautiful picture of the cry of our hearts when we realize there is a God who loves us and has been trying to get our attention (and in the case of YL camp... I think often in the beauty of our surroundings).

Change Me
by Ryan Long

Never seen the trees so tall
Never seen the mountains at all
Now that I’m here I can’t stop my trembling hands

Never seen the water so clear
Never seen the people so fearless
Never seen the snow, I just didn’t know

I don’t wanna cry now about where I’ve been
I just wanna try now to start again

I wanna tear off the rooftops so maybe I can see you in the sky
I wanna catch every raindrop and wash the shadows from my eyes

I just wanna live my life like it was meant to be

Change me (where I stand)
Change me (take my hand)
Change me (where I stand)
Change me (take my hand)

Disappointment revisited

I just read a quote by Bob Goff which said: "God doesn't stand us up against door jams to see how much we've grown; He stands us up against disappointments and then measures."

Last night I had a hard conversation with a friend. It was by no means a bad conversation; in fact, it was honest and I think the words that were spoken were done so out of love. However, my expectations were not met in the ways I thought they would be. I find myself disappointed because the end results isn't what I wanted. Another reminder that things are often better when I am not the one who is in control of things. I mess up and make mistakes. I place my often unrealistic expectations on others and on situations and find myself disappointed that the result isn't to my liking. When I try to be objective and look at the situation and my response, I'm realizing that I have grown. My disappointment isn't affecting the attitude of my heart in the same way it would have a year ago. I'm finding it much easier to have grace towards my friend and myself, to trust that God sees the big picture when I can only see this situation, and that despite things not going my way I realize this outcome is best. I'm still desperately trying to understand it all but I also finding it easier to have a peace about it all even though I don't, and may not ever, fully understand.

So Mr. Goff's words ring true to me today. God has a funny way of working.

I am thankful for a God that is gracious towards me when I don't deserve it - when I'd rather kick and scream and beg for my way like a spoiled child because I think it's better than His. I'm thankful that he grants peace that is well beyond my understanding. And I'm thankful for a God that is "for me", who is patient when I forget that, and who uses all situations to mold me more into His image.

Wedding: Nikole + Paul

Over the last few months I've had the great fortune of celebrating wonderful friends as they embark on a new journey: marriage. The most recent wedding (Nov 19) was that of Nikole and Paul, two friends from the ODOS group and church I've been going to this past year. Nikole and I have developed a truly special friendship. She has such a heart for service that inspires me to constantly seek out new ways I can give back and serve others. Paul is a lucky man, for sure! I am excited to see how they come together as a couple and continue loving and serving others, as it is definitely a passion they both share. And I'm also looking forward to continuing to walk through life with them!


Here's a little snapshot of them (photo by Lauren Wright... if you are in the market for a wedding photographer check out her page here she did a great job with their pictures!)

Road Trip: Raleigh Edition

This past weekend I made my way up to Raleigh to visit my wonderful friends, the Springer's. Last summer they moved up there and by Dec had finally moved and settled into their new home. So my first trip to visit them was in Dec. This Dec I made the second annual Dec trip (I love starting new traditions!). It was such sweet time with them. I love the depth of conversation and the care and support they always give to me.

It was a relaxed weekend which I desperately needed! We all had to work Friday and then ended up staying in Friday night. We made dinner and stayed up late talking. Saturday was a kick boxing class, breakfast, hanging with some other friends while Christmas shopping and then dinner at this great restaurant called Cuban Revolution and A Christmas Carol play (that is part of the Springer Christmas tradition). The food was great and the play was very entertaining. But the best part of Saturday was all the SNOW! It was coming down pretty heavy and it stuck around for a bit. I think around 2 inches fell which is crazy for so early in Dec. Sunday morning we got up early for church and had a snowball fight in the parking lot. I loved going up there and the face time with friends that I miss and love dearly!

On the drive home I stopped in Greensboro to see my friend Kristi. We had lunch at this place called the Lindley Filling Station - delicious sandwiches! - with a couple of her friends and roommate. Then we did a little thrift store shopping which is always entertaining. Then it was off to Greenville for dinner with my sweet friend Megan and dessert with Ginny and her roommate and new puppies. A busy day but I'm thankful for the time with friends even though it was brief and included over 5 hours of driving through 3 states.

Have I mentioned how lucky I am to have such wonderful friends in my life? Don't get me wrong, things aren't all sunshine and roses all the time. But when I stop long enough it's hard to deny that the people in my life are wonderful blessings that make the hard times a little easier and the good times great!

Random Thoughts

I cannot believe it's already December and almost the end of 2010. I am not sure what happened to this year but it has flown by too quickly. I am in Raleigh for the weekend to catch up with some of my favorite people. I think this is going to be an annual tradition since this same weekend last year I also was in Raleigh staying with these same friends.

I have this de ja vu sort of feeling these days. I was thinking about this past year and the things that were consuming my life last year at this time and it appears that so many of those things are exactly the same. I am not certain if this is a good thing. Some of the same lessons I was struggling to learn last year seem to be the same lessons I am STILL learning now. In all fairness to myself, I think I am handling things better this time around. And I think I have grown up a whole lot this year. But my biggest struggle, still, is loving people well. Or, more correctly, trying to love people well. Relationships of all kinds are incredibly challenging. They seem to show me all sorts of faults and areas I am weak. I am being challenged to constantly become a better person and I don't always like that because it means work. It's hard. And I'm stubborn most of the time.

I am also still fighting off doubt and fears when I need to continue to trust and be patient. Maybe one day I'll figure out that I don't need to be in control. It's best when I am not. And so many things would be much simpler if I realized that I don't always need to try so hard to control circumstances that are well beyond my control. I might actually enjoy life a little more if I weren't trying so hard to make things go my way and just go along for the ride.

Fear

Over the past few weeks I've had many conversations with friends about fear. It's not always said outright, but I think the heart of so many of my concerns and my friend's concerns these days have to do with fear - fear of "what's next" and the "unknown" in our lives. For me, I have realized that I spend a lot of time imagining how my life will play out. Sometimes it's a conversation with a friend or maybe it's imagining a job I will have one day or a house I might live in. Sometimes my imagination runs a little wild and I go to the worst case scenario of what could happen. And I find it's destructive. I get myself worked up about things that have never happened and I have no control over. I have discovered that the problem is wanting to be in control and lacking trust that God is in control of my life and circumstances. I so badly want to know what will happen and be able to control the outcomes that I forget that I don't need to be in control. In fact, it's always better when I'm not. But it takes courage and trust to let go. I am incredibly independent and stubborn to a fault (and have been since I was a child running around screaming "I do self" when anyone would try to help me with anything). If I believe that God is who he says he is and if I believe he has good things for me, why in the world do I constantly fear whatever lies ahead and question the path he is leading me down?