As a post script, don't forget who is the true giver of rest: God.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
Monday, November 5, 2012
Election Day
It is the eve of election day. I'm not going to tell you who you should vote for, or who I'm voting for. You most likely have made up your mind one way on another, and so my opinion would justify why your voting for your preferred candidate either way. Instead, I want you to think back to when you were little and to how things used to be. What were your favorite games to play on the playground, how much did an ice cream cone cost, or who was your best friend. Now think to today. What do you do for entertainment, how much does it cost to feed your family, and who are your friends. Fast forward another four years to the next presidential election. What will our economy be like? How much will it cost to feed your family a simple, home-cooked meal? Will you still have your job and will you be able to enjoy those little extras? I urge you to vote, because it is your civic responsibility. Every responsibility we have in our lives has repercussions both positive and negative. Don't vote for views. Instead vote for the candidate who will represent and will help create the America you want your children and grandchildren to live in. One that is free and where it's leaders represent truthfully what America is and has been: a safe haven for those who need rest.
Friday, September 21, 2012
TGIF...
Happy Friday everyone! Today,
whilst I was out and about looking for fabric for a new quilt, the woman at the
store kept dropping her scissors in between cutting my fabric. She apologized
and said, “TGIF! I’m so glad I get to chill with my girlfriends tonight after
such a long week.” I smiled and nodded that I agreed; it had been a long week
filled with daily struggles, sin, and constant reminders from God that I’m not
perfect but that’s okay, because He is. Her words got me thinking about something. The world looks to the weekend as a time for
parties, family, friends, fun and relaxation. Most just want to check out and forget who they are in the corporate world or job setting, and just be "them". So my question is, what should the weekend look like
for Christians?
I have noticed that so many Believers (myself completely
included!) view Sunday as the only time during the week to learn about God through the Word given by a
pastor (elder) or as the only time for them to worship God through song and tithe.
We come to the Sunday worship service completely
dry and starved of the Word. We either were too busy to think and meditate on
Him during the week, or when life finally slowed down, we just wanted to veg in front of the
tube. We go to church just to check off a box on the to-do list
for the week. Honestly, it’s ridiculous!
We should have a yearning to know more about Him and to want praise Him 24/7
for all of His mercy and patience with us! I realize that this is not going to be completely
fulfilled until we reach heaven, but we should be striving to get as close to
110% as we can while still here.
I love simple anecdotes, so I enjoy the illustration
my dad and some of the elders at my church use as a reminder for themselves and
for us. Think of your favorite sport team (mine would have to be the Flyers or
the Patriots). The coach gives the players a big pep talk at the beginning of
the game. First he criticizes them for what they did wrong during the previous
game. Next, he tells them how to fix the problems and improve there game. Finally, praises them for what
they did right. So when they head out onto the ice, they are in check, they
have a strategy, are full of adrenaline.
In this same way we should look at
Sunday as the locker room pep talk. It should be filled with reminders from God
in His Word and through worship about what we did wrong and why He had to save
us; how we should be living and learning
from our mistakes; and encouragement that what we are doing is correct. Then,
we treat the rest of the week as the game, full of disappointment with
ourselves and others; possibly persecution or degrading things said about us
because of our faith; and just the daily struggles with our flesh (or checking,
losing of teeth and broken noses on the NHL level). What are all of those
compared to the joy we have from the Lord and responsibility we have to share
the Gospel.
So how should we as Christians view
the weekend? Similar to how the woman at the fabric store said, we should just chill,
rejuvenate, and remind ourselves who God is, what He’s done, who we are in Him,
and what He is continuing to do through us (sinners) for His purpose. We shouldn't forget who we are! Sunday is the day that we get to be reminded as a collective church of who we really are and what our purpose is! "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." 1 Peter 2:9.
We really
should thank God it’s Friday, because He has given us another week in life,
taught us new things, brought us through those struggles and hopefully taught us more about Him. We have so many things to praise Him
for, so I leave you with this:
John 11: 25 & 26
“Jesus said to her, ‘I AM the
resurrection & the life. Whoever believes in me, though he dies, yet he
will live. And every one who lives & believes in me shall never die…”
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Patience...
The Lord has really been teaching me to have patience lately. I really could just barge ahead with my own timing and plans, but I need to continually remind myself that God's timing is perfect and His plan is way, WAY better than mine. The reward will be so much better than anything I could have planned or even dreamed of (if it's in His plan). The Bible has some of the best examples of those who waited on his timing and those who didn't and suffered the consequences (the Israelite's and Sarah & Abraham's stories are some great examples). I was reminded of it again while reading through Isaiah 40 and the parallel references.
Isaiah 40
"Have you not heard? Have you never heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depth of His understanding." (v 28)
"but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength..." (v 29)
Psalm 27:14
"Wait for the Lord; Be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes wait for the Lord."
2 Corinthians 4:1
"Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not loose heart."
One of my favorite praise & worship songs is Fairest Lord Jesus. It reminds me of how little I am and how amazing God is! The original song is ancient and possibly from the Crusades, but this updated version is great too!
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Celebrate the Simple Things...and Everything Else in Between
Joy in life comes from the simple things that God sends your way.
Don't take small things for granted.
They are still blessings.
Here's some that have recently impacted me:
A friend sending a note to you just to show they care.
Chuckling/giggling over something that seems so trivial, but you just can't stop.
Seeing a hot air balloon pass overhead.
A smile.
Finishing a long project and taking humble, satisfied pride in it.
God brings these things for us to share with others so that they can also be blessed.
I recently read Nehemiah and chapter 8 really hit home...
1 all the people came together as one in the square before the Water Gate. They told Ezra the teacher of the Law to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded for Israel.
2 So on the first day of the seventh month Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand.
3 He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.
4 Ezra the teacher of the Law stood on a high wooden platform built for the occasion. Beside him on his right stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah and Maaseiah; and on his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malkijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah and Meshullam.
5 Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up.
6 Ezra praised the Lord, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, “Amen! Amen!” Then they bowed down and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.
7 The Levites —Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan and Pelaiah—instructed the people in the Law while the people were standing there.
8 They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear[a] and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read.
9 Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.”For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.
10 Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
11 The Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be still, for this is a holy day. Do not grieve.”
12 Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them.
13 On the second day of the month, the heads of all the families, along with the priests and the Levites, gathered around Ezra the teacher to give attention to the words of the Law.
14 They found written in the Law, which the Lord had commanded through Moses, that the Israelites were to live in temporary shelters during the festival of the seventh month
15 and that they should proclaim this word and spread it throughout their towns and in Jerusalem: “Go out into the hill country and bring back branches from olive and wild olive trees, and from myrtles, palms and shade trees, to make temporary shelters”—as it is written.[b]
16 So the people went out and brought back branches and built themselves temporary shelters on their own roofs, in their courtyards, in the courts of the house of God and in the square by the Water Gate and the one by the Gate of Ephraim.
17 The whole company that had returned from exile built temporary shelters and lived in them. From the days of Joshua son of Nun until that day, the Israelites had not celebrated it like this. And their joy was very great.
18 Day after day, from the first day to the last, Ezra read from the Book of the Law of God. They celebrated the festival for seven days, and on the eighth day, in accordance with the regulation, there was an assembly.
As Believers, we need to be celebrating MORE!! Celebrate birthdays, marriages, lives, friendships, births, redemption stories, new homes, new jobs, answered prayers, and the list can go on and on. How should we celebrate?? By first of all doing every thing by glorifying God (I Cor. 10:31), praising God for getting us through it or helping us with it (I Thes. 5:18), sharing our blessings with each other (Nehemiah 8).
As busy people it is so hard to make this our life, not a part of it.
Pray. Pray. Pray. And Pray.
2 So on the first day of the seventh month Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand.
3 He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.
4 Ezra the teacher of the Law stood on a high wooden platform built for the occasion. Beside him on his right stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah and Maaseiah; and on his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malkijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah and Meshullam.
5 Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up.
6 Ezra praised the Lord, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, “Amen! Amen!” Then they bowed down and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.
7 The Levites —Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan and Pelaiah—instructed the people in the Law while the people were standing there.
8 They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear[a] and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read.
9 Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.”For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.
10 Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
11 The Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be still, for this is a holy day. Do not grieve.”
12 Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them.
13 On the second day of the month, the heads of all the families, along with the priests and the Levites, gathered around Ezra the teacher to give attention to the words of the Law.
14 They found written in the Law, which the Lord had commanded through Moses, that the Israelites were to live in temporary shelters during the festival of the seventh month
15 and that they should proclaim this word and spread it throughout their towns and in Jerusalem: “Go out into the hill country and bring back branches from olive and wild olive trees, and from myrtles, palms and shade trees, to make temporary shelters”—as it is written.[b]
16 So the people went out and brought back branches and built themselves temporary shelters on their own roofs, in their courtyards, in the courts of the house of God and in the square by the Water Gate and the one by the Gate of Ephraim.
17 The whole company that had returned from exile built temporary shelters and lived in them. From the days of Joshua son of Nun until that day, the Israelites had not celebrated it like this. And their joy was very great.
18 Day after day, from the first day to the last, Ezra read from the Book of the Law of God. They celebrated the festival for seven days, and on the eighth day, in accordance with the regulation, there was an assembly.
As Believers, we need to be celebrating MORE!! Celebrate birthdays, marriages, lives, friendships, births, redemption stories, new homes, new jobs, answered prayers, and the list can go on and on. How should we celebrate?? By first of all doing every thing by glorifying God (I Cor. 10:31), praising God for getting us through it or helping us with it (I Thes. 5:18), sharing our blessings with each other (Nehemiah 8).
As busy people it is so hard to make this our life, not a part of it.
Pray. Pray. Pray. And Pray.
Monday, April 23, 2012
A few foodie reviews-Philly
I love food. Period. I'm not the kind of girl that says, "Oh dear, that cannoli looks delicious, but it's over 300 calories, forget it." Carpe Diem is what I say! Just don't eat cheap food (i.e. if that canolli is from the local supermarket...forget it, it really isn't worth it). But if it's a Termini Brother's ricotta canolli, I will fight you for it if it's the last one. That's why I love the Metro Philly area I live in: we have so many amazing restaurants, with traditions! So I've decided to give a few shout-outs to some of my favorite places to eat and to give a little background about each one! Enjoy! Mangi! (You'll notice a lot of these eateries are in the Reading Terminal Market, and it's not because that's the only place I visit, but simply where some of the best food is!)
1. Shanghai Gourmet-Reading Terminal Market- It is a great example of traditional Shanghai cuisine. Great food, great price, and speedy delivery! The food is very spicy, so it is not for the feint of heart or tongue.It's not a chain, and the same 4 people from Shanghai are still cooking there since I was little (20 or so years).
http://www.readingterminalmarket.org/merchants/view/72
2. Termini Brothers Bakery-Reading Terminal Market/South Street/Packer Ave- Like I already said, the ricotta canollis are to die for. So are their sfogliatelle, an old Napoli tradition. You may have to wait in line for what seems like eternity, but once you have your pastries, you're in heaven. Don't let the "scary" women running the counter scare you, they are just trying to do their job and give you what you want. Smile a little and ask them what their favorite Italian dessert there is, and you'll become best of friends.
http://www.termini.com/Default.aspx
3. DiNic's-Reading Terminal Market-Pork, pork, and more pork, in every way possible. My personal favorite, is the pulled pork sandwich...best one yet! They also have a wicked roast beef sandwhich, veal, chicken, and sausages. But pork is the way to come...besides SE PA is pig country, so we know it best!
http://www.readingterminalmarket.org/merchants/view/56
4. Kamal's Middle Eastern Specialities-Reading Terminal Market-Some of the best schwarma and schish taouk I've had since visiting the ME. Talk to Kamal while he prepares your food, he can tell some quite interesting tales!
http://www.readingterminalmarket.org/merchants/view/61
5. Profi's Creperie-Reading Terminal Market- Best crepes around; my personal favorite is the strawberry and Nutella sweet crepe!
http://profiscreperie.com/default.aspx
6. Beck's Cajun Cafe-Reading Terminal Market- Fabulous po boys and shrimp etouffee, and I don't even like shrimp :) Also the Beignets are so sweet, but completely worth it!
http://www.beckscajuncafe.com/
7. Savas Brick Oven Pizza-Lancaster Ave University City- If you like Margarita pizza, then visit Savas! Actually, every pizza I have ever had there made me want to come back. Also, if you like wraps their chicken caesar wrap is great, and the sweet potato fries are even better!
http://www.savaspizza.com/
8. Spring Chinese-Lancaster Ave University City- Best whole-in-the-wall- Ameri-Chinese food! I love their Chicken in Garlic sauce platter. I have tried to recreate it, but have never figured out what made it so good! It's $5 for a lunch special: main course, rice (brown, white, pork fried), egg role, and either soup or soda! If this sounds like an ad for them, I would be the "paid real customer" in a commercial if they would let me (they would have to pay me in garlic chicken though!).
http://www.yelp.com/biz/spring-chinese-restaurant-philadelphia
9. Slainte Pub & Grill-Market Street University City- Great pub! Had an amazing fish and chips, and though I don't drink, everyone who was around me seemed like they were enjoying their ales and Guinness's.
http://www.slaintephilly.com/index.php
10. Nifty-Fifty's-Ridley Township/NE Philly/Bensalem-Best soda fountain ever! They have over 100 combinations to create your own soda-personal favorite is the cherry vanilla coke! Their burgers are great, the fries are hand cut, and everything is fresh-made! My personal favorite is the chicken tenders and fries basket. You can sit in a booth or at the counter, and you can always see your food being made, because the kitchen is in the center of the restaurant! Put a quarter in the jukebox and dance away to Frankie Avalon with your sweetheart!
http://www.niftyfiftys.com
11.Dalessandro's Steaks and Hoagies- Henry Ave- It wouldn't be a Philly eatery list without a cheesesteak place. I've been visiting Dalessandro's since I was a toddler. Forget Pat's, Gino's and all the other "Real #1 Philly Cheese Steak" joints, and visit the place where you can actually taste the cheese and the steak in your cheese steak! The rolls are awesome too!
http://dalessandros.com/
1. Shanghai Gourmet-Reading Terminal Market- It is a great example of traditional Shanghai cuisine. Great food, great price, and speedy delivery! The food is very spicy, so it is not for the feint of heart or tongue.It's not a chain, and the same 4 people from Shanghai are still cooking there since I was little (20 or so years).
http://www.readingterminalmarket.org/merchants/view/72
2. Termini Brothers Bakery-Reading Terminal Market/South Street/Packer Ave- Like I already said, the ricotta canollis are to die for. So are their sfogliatelle, an old Napoli tradition. You may have to wait in line for what seems like eternity, but once you have your pastries, you're in heaven. Don't let the "scary" women running the counter scare you, they are just trying to do their job and give you what you want. Smile a little and ask them what their favorite Italian dessert there is, and you'll become best of friends.
http://www.termini.com/Default.aspx
3. DiNic's-Reading Terminal Market-Pork, pork, and more pork, in every way possible. My personal favorite, is the pulled pork sandwich...best one yet! They also have a wicked roast beef sandwhich, veal, chicken, and sausages. But pork is the way to come...besides SE PA is pig country, so we know it best!
http://www.readingterminalmarket.org/merchants/view/56
4. Kamal's Middle Eastern Specialities-Reading Terminal Market-Some of the best schwarma and schish taouk I've had since visiting the ME. Talk to Kamal while he prepares your food, he can tell some quite interesting tales!
http://www.readingterminalmarket.org/merchants/view/61
5. Profi's Creperie-Reading Terminal Market- Best crepes around; my personal favorite is the strawberry and Nutella sweet crepe!
http://profiscreperie.com/default.aspx
6. Beck's Cajun Cafe-Reading Terminal Market- Fabulous po boys and shrimp etouffee, and I don't even like shrimp :) Also the Beignets are so sweet, but completely worth it!
http://www.beckscajuncafe.com/
7. Savas Brick Oven Pizza-Lancaster Ave University City- If you like Margarita pizza, then visit Savas! Actually, every pizza I have ever had there made me want to come back. Also, if you like wraps their chicken caesar wrap is great, and the sweet potato fries are even better!
http://www.savaspizza.com/
8. Spring Chinese-Lancaster Ave University City- Best whole-in-the-wall- Ameri-Chinese food! I love their Chicken in Garlic sauce platter. I have tried to recreate it, but have never figured out what made it so good! It's $5 for a lunch special: main course, rice (brown, white, pork fried), egg role, and either soup or soda! If this sounds like an ad for them, I would be the "paid real customer" in a commercial if they would let me (they would have to pay me in garlic chicken though!).
http://www.yelp.com/biz/spring-chinese-restaurant-philadelphia
9. Slainte Pub & Grill-Market Street University City- Great pub! Had an amazing fish and chips, and though I don't drink, everyone who was around me seemed like they were enjoying their ales and Guinness's.
http://www.slaintephilly.com/index.php
10. Nifty-Fifty's-Ridley Township/NE Philly/Bensalem-Best soda fountain ever! They have over 100 combinations to create your own soda-personal favorite is the cherry vanilla coke! Their burgers are great, the fries are hand cut, and everything is fresh-made! My personal favorite is the chicken tenders and fries basket. You can sit in a booth or at the counter, and you can always see your food being made, because the kitchen is in the center of the restaurant! Put a quarter in the jukebox and dance away to Frankie Avalon with your sweetheart!
http://www.niftyfiftys.com
11.Dalessandro's Steaks and Hoagies- Henry Ave- It wouldn't be a Philly eatery list without a cheesesteak place. I've been visiting Dalessandro's since I was a toddler. Forget Pat's, Gino's and all the other "Real #1 Philly Cheese Steak" joints, and visit the place where you can actually taste the cheese and the steak in your cheese steak! The rolls are awesome too!
http://dalessandros.com/
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
How Do I Love Thee...
I have always loved reading. When I was in elementary school, the school librarian challenged me to read something beyond my typical reading level. She handed me a book. "Emily," she said exuberantly, "I've noticed that you return your books a couple of days after you check them out, way before they are due. I think you need a challenge. I also know that you love to dream, and this book is full of dreaming, but with some hard reality in it. I want you to read it and then write down a few thoughts about the story. Nothing to long , but I want your opinion of it." I looked at the cover of the ancient book she had handed me, with it's torn dust jacket. "How Do I Love Thee, A biography of Robert and Elizabeth Browning". I wondered who in the world would read a book on how you love someone. But the age-old saying is true, don't judge a book by its cover....EVER! I read the book in 2 days and eagerly brought back the book to the librarian with a long I fell in love with the story of the Brownings and their poetry, and then with the contemporaries of their day like Emily Dickinson and Christina Rossetti. Soon, I was reading Dickens, Austen, Hugo, Tolstoy, and Gaskell. All that to say, I was in a thrift shop a few days ago, and found a copy of the book that started it all, and I purchased it for a mere fifty-cents. I re-read the story and fell in love all over again.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLkcR9UR9us
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLkcR9UR9us
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Looking Back...
Today I decided to look back at old journals, diaries, and Facebook posts. Everything filled those pages from joy and sadness to regret and hope. One thing was constant though (and no it wasn't boys although one was talked about on every other page.), God has been so faithful to me. In one of my journal entries from my 7th grade year, I asked God to provide a new home for my family, which He did! While I have no idea what I want to do with my life, I know God knows. Although people have expectations for me and my life, all God wants me is to do my best, to glorify Him. He wants me to share and live the Gospel during my life. Amen.
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