14 Feb 2011

Much and Link Love: Valentine’s Day

by | posted in: Uncategorized | 2

I will honestly tell you in some ways this is the worst holiday: and in some ways it is the best holiday.  I’ll leave it at that.  But, today’s Much and Link Love is going to include things I love:

1.  Brad and Lindsay Weldy (and the rest of the Weldy clan) – August 24th can’t get here soon enough

2.  Phyllis and Billy Robshaw (even though its been 2 years since I’ve seen you)

3.  Pencils.

4.  Zac Brown Band

5.  Violins/Fiddles

6.  Traveling

7.  Books/Journals

8.  Pretty jewelry from Jess LC and Moon & Lola

9.  Long meals with good friends and great food.

10.  The beach.

11.  Men who have discipled me in leadership/ministry/life:  Tommy Warnock, Bobby Crum, David Sims, Brad O’Brien, Danny Franks, James Hilton, the entire Providence pastors’ team, Billy Robshaw (above mentioned and his wife is mentioned below), the SBTS SCM team of profs, the CBMW guys, Brad Weldy (mentioned above with his wife also mentioned below), David Nelson, Ken Coley.  These men have mentored me and shepherded me and befriended me all in different ways.  What I do in life would not be the same if it weren’t for them.  The ones I know most well have taught me what it is to be a godly husband, and I appreciate their modeling that and for how they love their wives.

12.  Coconut

13.  Dark Chocolate

14.  My ESV  Journaling Bible

15.  Anything pink.

16.  Pearls

17.  Jimmy Stewart

18.  Women who have poured into my life and made me who I am: Dianne Davidson, Phyllis Robshaw, Clarissa Bacon, Lindsay Weldy, Tina Wright, Elizabeth Beeler.

19.  Friends (this list is not exhaustive by any means): Welds, Rach, Wendy, Tasya, Sherri, Sarah S, Heather, Christina, Kristie, Kasey, Brit

20.  Grace

21.  Hymns

22.  My couch

23.  International Mission Trips

24.  Baby’s toes (ok, really all new born babies)

25.  The fact that I know that the Word of God will prove true in my life for the glory of God.  He will see to it.  His desire is to make much of Himself – and I get to be a part of it because of His grace.

I could go on, but those are my top 25.  Enjoy.

13 Feb 2011

Taste of Durham: Pop’s Trattoria/Rue Cler

by | posted in: food, restaurants, Uncategorized | 0

Two delicious downtown restaurants: one week: one owner.

Rue Cler is about a block from First Durham, a french restaurant and bakery (I’ve heard their blueberry muffins are just excitement for your mouth).

A friend and I went.  Dinner menus are daily reads, so I couldn’t plan ahead of time (ACK!).  They are pre-fixe menus, but you can substitute for anything, or you can do it a la carte.

I got the salad frisee (frisee greens, croutons, vinaigrette, bacon (which I left off for meatless year) and an egg – broken down into the greens – maybe all the time from now on.  Then I had a side of the pomme frites (really yummy seasoned french fries).  I didn’t care for the sauce (butter/tarragon) but I refrained from asking for ketchup. 

We had a great waitress who was patient in answering all of our questions because neither of us specialize in French cooking.

The other restaurant I tried this week was Pop’s Trattoria on Main Street.  They recently moved buildings – into an urban/warehouse type feel with local artist’s work adorning the wall.  We walked right in on V-day weekend because of reservations.  They sat us right next to beautiful precious friends which made the night even more special. 

Mussels with tomatoes, white wine, and red chili – AMAZING.  You really want a straw to sip up all the broth – but instead you dip the bread.  They come around to the tables periodically with a big basket and a set of tongs to give you as much bread as you desire. (1 1/2 for me).  The olive oil they served was delicious and fruity, but it didn’t compare to the mussels’ broth, so I chose that for my dipping choice.

Those we devoured – we also got the apple brie ricotto pizza topped with a truffle oil cream.  Very rich, we took leftovers.

The food was better than the service.  That’s not to say the service was bad, just not STELLAR – but the food definitely made up for it.  I could go back every night just to have the mussels.  Will definitely be going back to Pop’s!

10 Feb 2011

I am NOT a hoarder!

by | posted in: Uncategorized | 5

I never want to be on that show.

Many of you know my love of all things ELR and Jess LC (MakeUnder My Life) – two fantastic blogs I read and love on a daily basis.  Jessica did a recent post (which she has done before) on getting rid of 50 things that you don’t need.  Cleaning out.  Living intentionally.  So…here are my 51 (I am an overachiever) things that I am taking to Goodwill today.

The only thing I am replacing it with is a lamp for beside my bed so I can read at night without getting up out of my warm coziness!

What do you have in your house that you don’t need or use anymore and how can you live your life with intentionality – even in your possessions?

For where your treasure is – there your heart will be also! – Jesus

10 Feb 2011

Thursday Thoughts: Protection

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Thursdays will be a random shuffle of what is in my brain.  As I was thinking last night about what to write, this was not on the list.  It was just in my head.  I was going to jot down some observations about humility and leadership; but I am going a different route this morning.

I want to talk a few minutes about protection.  Not learning taekwondo, not using condoms, not carrying pepper spray, but protection of a different kind.

1.  Protection of the one you love.  CJ Mahaney has had a series on his blog about the pastor and personal criticism.  I have enjoyed reading his posts and the one I just read had to do about the wife of the pastor who is personally criticized.  I hope you find use in his writing as well.

2.  Protection of other people’s reputation.  Above reproach is a phrase that has been in my head recently.  Integrity.  Sometimes, doing life differently then you would to spare any one else an opportunity to consider ill of you.  I’m not talking about being fake.  I’m talking about: interactions with others that might be different in one sphere than the other; speaking well of them at all times.  I’ve often heard it said that a wife should never speak ill of her husband (don’t ask me why I’m speaking in Austen English this morning).  That is what I want.  I always want (Lord-willing) to speak the best of my husband to others.  For two reasons: it will protect his character and reputation.  2.  If I speak high things of him, then I will hopefully believe those things of him and have greatest respect and actions toward him.  One of the things I’ve learned over the last 10 years or so is that one of the things Scripture tells a wife (for her husband) is that she is to respect him (Ephesians 5).  Speaking complimentary things of him helps with this respect.  Don’t lie by any means – but why do others need an opportunity to belittle your husband.  You need to be your husbands chief cheerleaders. 

3.  Protection of your time.  I know many of you will laugh when you read this: I can’t do everything.  I can’t be everywhere.  So, I am protective of my time.  My boss has taught me that, and slowly, but surely it is sinking in.  There are definitely things I say no to: for now, most of those are group social events.  I seldom go to one.  (I am excited about one coming up though: my first Hurricanes game – Pro-hockey).  One recent time that I loved was watching the Super Bowl with friends – such a blessing and a fun 5 hours of my time.  I digress…but, when you realize you can’t do everything, you focus on things that are important to you.  I really likve investing in friendships: so I make time for one on one times together so we can get to know each other better – and we all have to eat – and I want to improve my food photography skills – so those three things are usually together.  What do you NOT do so you can do what you DO?  My friend Lara asked this question a few weeks ago and it continues to be stuck in my head.  We shall see the train of thought continue in the future.

4.  Protect your heart.  Here comes wisdom from the Preacher: Protect your heart above all else because out of it flows the VERY LIFE.  (slightly KDV – Kim Davidson version).  What a journey this has been for me over the last 12 years.  I consider the time from 95 till now the most influential, not formative, just influential in my life.  That is when I graduated high school and started making more of my own decisions, hopefully many of those based on the Truth of the Word.  I prayed a prayed about 9 years ago now that I shared with a friend over dinner last night.  It is a prayer that I pray usually at least once a month to remind myself, and also not to lose hope.  My hope is in Christ for all things.  He is my deepest need.  He is gracious to me in all things. 

What do you need to protect?  How are you allowing our Almighty Warrior to be your Protector?

“Holiness is the most beautiful, most attractive way of life for a Christian.” – Dr. Andy Davis, Pastor of First Durham.

9 Feb 2011

Wednesday Words: Thy Mercy My God

by | posted in: Worship | 0

There are some hymns, new or old, that just stick with you.  I can read a word and a song will start playing in my head.  This is when I’m glad I have my own office because I can sing as loud as I want and no one will ever know the difference. 

This is the one I started singing today.  Thankful for the Sojourn Church where we sang this often during my time there.  I first was introduced to this song back in the day by Caedmon’s Call.  Sandra McCracken (wife of then CC singer, Derek Webb sings it mostly now).  You can watch a video of her singing it here (remind me I need to get this CD)

1. Thy mercy, my God, is the theme of my song,
The joy of my heart. and the boast of my tongue;
Thy free grace alone, from the first to the last,
Hath won my affections, and bound my soul fast.

2. Without Thy sweet mercy I could not live here;
Sin would reduce me to utter despair;
But, through Thy free goodness, my spirits revive,
And He that first made mestill keeps me alive.

3. Thy mercy is more than a match for my heart,
Which wonders to feel its own hardness depart;
Dissolved by Thy goodness, I fall to the ground,
And weep to the praise of the mercy I’ve found.

4. Great Father of mercies, Thy goodness I own,
And thecovenant love of Thy crucified Son;
All praise to the Spirit, Whose whisper divine
Seals mercy, and pardon, and righteousness mine.
All praise to the Spirit, Whose whisper divine
Seals mercy, and pardon, and righteousness mine.

©2001 Same Old Dress Music (ASCAP).

9 Feb 2011

Book 6 of 52: God is Great (Toddler Storybook Bible): Larsen

by | posted in: Bible, Books | 1

Crossway continues to nail theology and produce Gospel-centered resources for the church and families.  I LOVE this publishing company!

Now: on to the book at hand:

Most faithful readers of this blog know that I love the Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones.  This Bible for children is a Jesus-pointed, engaging read for families and children to read together.  Every story points the reader to Jesus, the Hero of the Bible.

Carolyn Larsen has written a Bible very similar to Lloyd-Jones for toddlers.  What a great gift for new parents, or for a child’s 2nd birthday.  What better way to start them out on a journey toward Jesus then to give them this Bible with beautiful illustrations and theology.

Things I love about Larsen’s God is Great:

1.  Succinct.  There are only 17 Bible stories in this toddler Bible.  For toddlers, this is pretty good.  It is digestible.  It is repeatable.  It is simple.

2.  Color.  Toddlers love bright colors.  It helps the pages comes alive!  Caron Turk does a splendid job of using her God-given talents on this project.

3.  Theology.  Larsen bee-lines to GOD in each story.  This Bible is not about how to make your child a better child, neighbor, sister, or brother, son, or daughter.  This Bible takes them where they need to be headed: to GOD.  This Bible, in child-terms, teaches: the eternality of God, God’s righteousness, His goodness, His Sovereignty, His guidance, His truth, His power, etc. Your children need to know these truths.  This is a resource that can help you teach it!

Do you want more resources as parents:

1.  Jesus Storybook Bible – linked above

2.  Catechisms for Young Children

3.  Leading Little Ones to God – Schoolland

And some I have found fabulous for parents:

1.  ApParent Privilege – Steve Wright/Chris Graves

2.  Big Truths for Young Hearts – Bruce Ware

3.  Instructing a Child’s Heart – Tripp

9 Feb 2011

Book 5 of 52: Parables of the Cross: Lilias Trotter

by | posted in: Uncategorized | 0

“And we ourselves are “saved to save” – we are made to give – to let everything go if only we may have more to give.” – Lilias Trotter

I first heard of Lilias Trotter when I read Noel Piper’s book Faithful Women and Their Extraordinary God.  Such a radical book of the lives of 5 women who served their amazing God above all else.  It is no secret, that since I read this book, I’ve wanted to name my daughter (if I have one) Lilias.

She was a talented artist (the sketches in this book, though b/w, show off her skill), yet she gave it up to go be a missionary to Muslims in Algeria.  She served faithfully there in the late 1800s.

This book, while not my favorite because of its poetic parable-y style – speaks of her heart and journey.  Once you know her story, you can pick up on things she says and how that possibly influenced her or her story influenced her to write that particular sentence.

“All known sin must be deliberately given up, that the rising current may have its full play.”

8 Feb 2011

My Favorite Tools: Pencils

by | posted in: writing | 5

I need to be more diligent in writing on this blog.  So…on Tuesdays for a while you are going to get a look into some of my favorite tools: whether they be writing or cooking.

Pencils.  I love the smell of pencils, feel of pencils, the erasers, the famous line in You’ve Got Mail about fall in new york – it makes you want to go be pencils, the colors, the designs, or just the plain yellow #2. 

I used to hate using pencils: they reminded me of standardized tests.  I DESPISE those things.  I am not very good at them – I’m surprised I got into college, though I would never have been allowed in to UF.  Oh, well, Flagler had to do.

But, now, they take me back to a simpler time.  I love sharpening them – oh the joy of pencil sharpeners – one of the most modern-less pieces of office equipment, now almost extinct.  We have one in the copy room next to my office.  I may need to invest in one for me office, especially if I move offices. 

I love the smell of freshly sharpened pencils.

I love the mistake factor already built in.  Did you know Sharpie came out with a permanent mechanical pencil?  Well, mechanical pencils are fine – but that takes away the simplicity, smell, and beauty of a slim line and fine point that a freshly sharpened pencil can leave on a paper.

What do you like to write with?

Come back next Tuesday to learn about my love of fountain pens!

8 Feb 2011

Mini Nutella Cupcakes with Nutella Buttercream

by | posted in: chocolate | 0

World Nutella Day.  Isn’t it a great day!

Just in time for the Super Bowl too – so I could have a reason to make these wonderful bites of deliciousness and not eat them all.

Enjoy.

I searched the internet, then combined a couple of recipes.

1/2 cup self-rising flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

1/2 tsp vanilla

1/4 teaspoon almond 

1/4 cup sugar

8 ounces Nutella –

2 large eggs

2 tablespoons skim milk

Cream eggs and butter and extracts, add in nutella.  Scrape sides.  Add in dry ingredients, alternating with the milk.  Mix until you get a smooth consistency. 

I used mini cupcakes liners – makes about 30-36.  Fill no more than half way.  Spray liners of course.  Bake at 325 for about 15 minutes, don’t overcook these babies.

Frosting:

1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup Nutella, mine was pretty heaping of a 1/2 cup

3/4 tsp vanilla

1 Tbs skim milk

1 cup sifted powdered sugar

Mix butter and nutella.  Then vanilla and milk – finish with sugar. 

Don’t eat it all before you get it on the cupcake.

7 Feb 2011

Much and Link Love: February 7

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1.  I love it when my roommate is not home at night – I sleep on my couch.  I love my couch. 

2.  Last night I thoroughly enjoyed my time watching the Super Bowl: good game, good food, good friends, good laughs, great belt (yes, I bought a fun new belt for the occasion).  “That was HUGE!” – just for Bob Bacon!

3.  I’m speaking tonight on preaching the gospel – to yourself.  Will be convicting on many accounts.

4.  I have folks speak into my life about being “thick-skinned”.  I’ve grown in that mentality somewhat over the last 13 months, but in some areas it is still very hard.

5.  What do you eagerly anticipate?

6.  Some of the Super Bowl commercials were horrible, some were very sexual (and therefore not funny), but some were great.  Like the Darth Vador commercial.  The doritos ones (some, maybe not all) sickened me to where I almost don’t want to buy doritos anymore.  The Hyundai hypnotica commercials were pointless and too long.

7.  Some of the turn it up past 30 on my car radio songs right now: anything by Zac Brown (including their new one Colder Weather), Put You in a Song by Keith Urban.  Also, LOVE Christ is Risen by Matt Maher – I’m speaking in March on 1 Cor 15 and it goes perfectly with it – and in anticipation of Easter!

Link Love

1.  Ice Milk Aprons is giving away a pretty apron – go see if you want to enter!

2.  David Powlison, via Tim Challies, on Psalm 131

3.  This would never work for me?  Do you also survive by multi-tasking?

4.  This is one of the most exciting things that has come across my google feeds lately.  I immediately text this future-pastor about my excitement for him and his family!  Watch out South Carolina. 

5.  My friend Lara’s post from last week sparked great conversation among friends.  How would you answer this question…

6.  Social media and Jesus.  Funny. 

7.  One of the most comprehensive books on the Christian life.  A must read for every Christian.  Thanks Bobby for introducing me to John Piper 14 years ago.

8.  Bring on March – I’m going to do this! 🙂

9.  There are three runs in my future in the next 11 months: Tarheel Ten Miler, Downhill at Dawn Half, and the Low Country Marathon.  Yes, folks, that’s right – a full.