Hymnology 101: Our Hymn Heritage

O give thanks unto the Lord, call upon His name, make known His deeds among the people; sing unto Him, sing psalms unto Him, talk ye of all His wondrous works. (Psalm 105:1-2)

(for the purpose of this series, I am going to use the term hymns to refer to Christian music)

Music has always been a very polarizing subject between Christians of different generations worshipping simultaneously. The young people think the older generation's music is too traditional, old-fashioned and fuddy-duddy. The older folks think the younger generation's music is too worldly, progressive and radical.

Well, I'm here to say that there is good old music and really bad old Christian music. And there is good new Christian music and really bad new music. Good and bad both in terms of sing-ability and doctrine.

I'm also here to say that there is no merit in discarding the old simply for the fact that it is old. Nor is there any merit in rejecting the new out of hand simply because it is new.

The fact of the matter is, whether your age is "old" or "young" or whether you prefer new hymns or old hymns, all hymns are part of our combined Christian history. Hymns are an integral part of our Judeo-christian heritage.

If you take the time to trace the history of Christianity, you will begin to see swells of spiritual revival accompanied by surges in hymn writing. Over and over and over again.

The history of hymnology (in the big picture sense), is the history of Christianity.

Let me show you...

PreReformation there was no congregational singing. Performers sang the Psalms to the congregation during church services. This dates all the way back to David's time. He appointed the courses of singers and musicians to lead the temple musical worship. A lot of the Psalms have "to the chief musician" in their title. There was very little congregational singing.

The first big revival we think of is the Reformation which took place in the 1500s. The prominent doctrine of that period was salvation by grace through faith (not by works).

John Calvin has come to be known as the Father of the Reformation. He believed the entire congregation should participate in praising God during the worship service. In his Institutes of Christian Religion (1536), he wrote,

“…it is a thing most expedient for the edification of the church to sing some psalms in the form of public prayers by which one prays to God or sings His praises so that the hearts of all may be roused and stimulated to make similar prayers and to render similar praises and thanks to God.”

“…in this form these Biblical texts would become more easily accessible to the people.”

It was the joint reason of Scriptures coming to be known by the general (illiterate) population as well as the collective worshipping of God and praying to God.

For these reasons, John Calvin compiled the Genevan Psalter (1539), which is a versification of the Psalms. The Psalms were put into a contemporarily singable form. One hymn that is still widely sung from this hymnal is the Doxology.

Almost simultaneously-Martin Luther compiled a German versification of the Psalms.

So, during the Reformation we went from no congregational singing to singing the Psalms.

The next major revival after the Reformation was the Great Awakening (1730-1755/1790-1840), which took place in North America and England. The doctrines that were prevalent in this revival was conviction of sin, repentance, redemption, as characterized by Jonathan Edwards famous sermon, Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God. Other preachers of this period were David Brainard, George Whitfield, and the Wesley brothers.

As these doctrines were taught and people believed and obeyed them, a new era of hymn writing began. It was spear headed in large degree by Isaac Watts.

Isaac Watts is called the Father of English Hymnology. He wrote over 750 hymns. He was a radical. Talk about old generation/new generation-he rocked the music boat!

Isaac Watts introduced new poetry for the Christian experience. Like I stated before, both Calvin and Luther versified the Psalms. But, what Isaac Watts realized was that the Psalms don't cover Christian theology. When David and Asaph wrote about the Messiah, they were writing prophetically. They could not write of the love of God sending His son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for the forgiveness of sin and redemption of sinners. They didn't know those doctrines yet.

Isaac Watts realized that we were seriously limiting our repertoire by limiting ourselves to the Psalms. He straddled the two genres by writing powerful new hymns like Join all the Glorious Names and When I survey the Wondrous Cross. But he also revised the Psalms to include the Christian experience, penning such favorites as O God our Help in Ages Past (Psalm 90) and I Sing the Mighty Power of God. 

The Great Awakening hymn writing surge was joined and bolstered by Charles Wesley, Samuel Medley, Count Zinzendorf, William Cowper, John Newton and many, many other godly men. They wrote hymns that are characterized by worshipful thoughts of our God. The songs are full of God's attributes. A majority of the hymns from this time period will be found in the worship/praise section of your hymnal.

The next period of revival we come to in history is what I refer to as the DL Moody Revivals (1850-WWI). This is the time of huge gospel meetings. Tents and halls filled to the brim with people listening to the gospel. Thousands and thousands and thousands of people were saved.

DL Moody (and others) preached, and his friends wrote hymns and led singing. They were gospel hymns. These hymns reiterate the fact that we are sinners and Jesus Christ is the Savior. They emphasize the importance of choice and choosing now.

Ira Sankey, Fanny Crosby, PP Bliss and many, many others contributed to the hymns of this period. You will find the these hymns grouped in the gospel section of your hymnal.

Also, as you look at this time period in hymn writing history, you start to see woman's names popping up as authors and composers. Why? As a product of the Enlightenment, women started receiving educations. More women learned to read and write, and thus to compose poems and hymns and write books.

History plods on, through WWI and WWII, when a new preacher takes the scene. Billy Graham  and his Gospel Crusades (1947 to 2005). Billy Graham travelled all over the globe, preaching a clear gospel. Again, many were saved. And again, he brought musicians with him. The music and hymn writing of early in this time period was very folksy. Think George Beverly Shae and the Gaither Vocal Band and John W. Peterson. There was some good lyrics and tunes written by these folks, but some of it was rather shallow. It sounded nice, but wasn't much deeper than a puddle. And a shallow one at that.

Simultaneously, during this almost 60 years Billy Graham period, there was other music movements based out of other revivals happening.

There was the Jesus Movement of the 60s and 70s that spawned the CCM movement. Contemporary Christian Music was written by hippies that had become Christians. They were the rock and roll generation and they wanted their Christian music to reflect that other music that they grew up with and loved. Let's just say that their CCM didn't go over very well with the older crowd.

Anyway, the Hippies had sung about peace and love. The Jesus hippies cant about peace and love and God. It was a lot of touchy-feely music. Keith Green, Amy Grant, Michael Card, and all the other familiar artists and their music defined the next 20-30 years of Christian music-up through the turn of the century.

The term crossover music was first applied to the music of CCM. A crossover piece is one that could equally be sung about your boyfriend/girlfriend or about Jesus.

There was also another genre of Christian music that flourished in this time period-that of Maranatha music and Hillsong by the Charismatics. Lots of praise choruses.

Which, in many ways brings us to today, and the music of the past 10-15 years. This is the time of the Emergent church movement. It is the generation of the Millennials. This generation wants a Christianity of substance. Their clarion call is for transparency. Missional living is a key idea. This generation is very socially conscious. They have a renewed love of the old, though they don't want to be seen as old. Liturgy has found a resurgence with them. They want deep and meaning.

And there has been a correspondent surge in deep hymns. Hymns by Keith and Kristen Getty, Stewart Townend, Steve and Vicki Cook, Matt Maur, Matthew Redman, Chris Tomlin. These men and women have written hymns that cover deep theology. They are really good new hymns, and this genre has actually been termed New Hymns. Hymns, not just Christian music.

Rewritten hymns are also a characteristic of hymns now. Putting a more contemporary tune to old words. Amazing Grace, One Day, Complete in Thee, Amazing Love. These old lyrics have been given new life. The music has been rewritten for praise bands, as opposed to organs. Some of the new tunes are actually more singable than the old tunes. It's great.

Lecrea is also impacting the hymn scene with his rap music. It is still rap, but this guy explains deep Biblical truth in his pieces. It not exactly church music or hymns, but it is very typical of what we are experiencing in hymn writing these days.

Ironically enough, we have almost come full circle in one respect. Our praise bands of today often are walking a fine line between leading in worship (where the congregation sings) and performing (where the congregation has no idea what is going on. They don't know the songs and they aren't singing).

Regardless, I hope you can see from this (somewhat lengthy) overview, that believers wrote hymns as they heard the Word of God, and let it's truths change their lives through the Holy Spirit. They wrote hymns as they learned new (to them) doctrine and as they learned more of the greatness of Almighty God. As they dug down into Scripture, their lives were changed. Many lives were changed. And they wrote about it.

They wrote about it in the 1500s, 1600s, 1700s, 1800s, 1900s and 2000s. Believers wrote good hymns throughout these centuries. They bucked tradition and rocked the boat, and added threads to this tapestry that is the history of Christianity.

Our history.

So tell me, what are your thoughts of older and newer hymns? Do your thoughts directly correspond with your age?


Part Two: Hymnology 102
Part Three: Hymnology 103

What to Feed the People Who Can't Eat Anything

To those of us who don't have any food allergies, it sometimes feels like people with allergies can't eat anything. When in fact, they just can't eat everything.

Gone are the days of making peanut butter, jelly and bread available to the picky eaters at camp. That would send gluten and peanut allergy kids into shock.

The challenge of food allergies has made it very difficult at times to practice hospitality or to bring a meal to a family who could use it.

What do you bring that won't make an allergy sufferer terribly ill? Today I am sharing 13 recipes in several different allergy categories. So, if you would like to bless someone with a meal, you can. Without killing them.

These 13 recipes are for the most part made from scratch. Omitting pre-prepared ingredients is a safe way to cook for people with allergies. Gluten and nuts and other craziness tends to creep into store bought stuff. Round out all the meals with fresh fruit or a nice lettuce salad. Perfect!

(GF=gluten free, DF=dairy free, P=Paleo, V=vegetarian) (recipe names are links)

1. Chicken Satay Lettuce Wraps (GF, DF)

2. Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos (GF, DF) Freezes well! You can serve the filling on corn tortillas, or on lettuce leaves, or just eat it. Sour ream and cheese are great toppings, but are not necessary if you are trying to stick to the gluten/dairy free diet.

3. Tuscan Chicken Skillet (GF, DF)

4. Beef and Mushroom Ragu (GF, DF) To make GF/DF, omit the parmesan cheese, and serve in bowls instead of over noodles.

5. Cherry Tomato Chicken (GF, DF, P)

A similar recipe that is also Paleo, GF and DF is

Sausage and Tomatoes
4 to 12 high quality sausages (plan anywhere from 1 to 2 links per person)
2 (16 ounce) containers cherry tomatoes
1 large onion
3 garlic cloves
olive oil
Balsamic vinegar
salt and pepper
thyme or oregano

-Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
-Lightly coat the bottom of a 9x13 pan with olive oil.
-Peel and thinly slice the onion into rings.
-Mince garlic.
-Combine garlic, onion, tomatoes in the pan.
-Drizzle balsamic vinegar over all. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, thyme or oregano. Toss all to coat.
-Lay sausages on top.
-Bake for 60 minutes in a 375 degree oven, occasionally shaking the pan to “stir”.

6. Sweet Potato Nachos (GF, P, & can be adapted to Vegetarian-leave out sausage)

7. Slow Cooker Latin Chicken (GF, DF) Also great for people who can't eat regular potatoes!

8. Creamy Tomato Basil Soup (Vegetarian)

9. BYO Alfredo (V) 

10. Chicken Mole (GF, DF)

11. Chicken, Strawberry, Spinach Salad (GF, DF)

12. Zucchini Skillet (vegetarian)

13. Roasted Red Pepper Pesto (V, can be served over GF pasta which makes it GF)

I hope you find these recipes helpful as you open your home to others or bring food to others. For more great allergy conscious recipes (and grocery lists to go with them!) sign up for a Fit & Healthy menu subscription plan from She Plans Dinner. At $5 per month, it is a great deal, and will provide you with lots more recipe inspiration!

Have a wonderful weekend!

An Investment Piece

I'm sure we are all familiar with the term investment piece. Investments pieces are usually clothe or furniture items that you pay more up front for because you know they are built to last. They won't go out of style. They will be passed down to your kids.

I think of my friend Ann, who is wearing some of her mother in law's designer dresses from several decades ago. They are classy, well made pieces that will always be in style. Even when retro isn't.

We have bought a few investment furniture pieces, and we have inherited a few more. The buffet in our living room was from Mr. Hippie's aunt. I think it came to her from her dad. We have also invested in three pieces (my corner hutch, glider rocking chair and ottoman) of Amish furniture. Gorgeous, sturdy oak pieces, that should last forever. They were all expensive, but they will never have to be replaced. Which definitely makes them worth it.

We also bought a used John Widdicomb chest of drawers. John Widdicomb's furniture line was all very well made, and often cost thousands of dollars new. I balked a bit at spending a couple hundred dollars for a used anything, but this is the nicest dresser we own. The drawers slide out smoothly. It is all real wood. It is gorgeous. And it has already outlasted the several other dressers we bought that weren't as good quality.

Investment pieces are worth the investment. They prove worthy-time and again.

We also have a more intangible investment piece. It has cost us much, but it is worth the investment. It is our marriage.

The question is: are you investing in your marriage? Are we?

Are you putting forth the time, effort, resources and even money required to invest in your marriage? Investing in your marriage on the front end will save you a whole lot of headache and heartache on the back end.

Your investment might look like counseling-premarital and marriage counseling. Counseling shouldn't only happen when things are in an emergency state. Good counsel is desirable as maintenance.

Your investment might look like date nights and weekends away. It might look like date nights at home after shuffling the kids off to bed.

Your investment might look like marriage enrichment classes. I'd highly recommend this series by Chip Ingram. It is good, Biblically based teaching that is very practical.

Your investment might look like time spent together. Watching movies, talking, drinking your beverage of choice, laughing, running, biking.

Your investment might look like a new piece of lingerie and some candles. Or flowers or chocolate or a card.

Your investment might look like your love languages lived out.

For us Barefoot Hippies, our current marriage investment looks like getting our rears in gear at 4:45 on Monday mornings to go for a swim and then for a bagel date. It looks like praying together. It looks like playing together. It looks like going to marriage enrichment class and facing the hard questions. It looks like not giving up ever-no matter the pain or work involved. It looks like admitting we have problems, and working together for solutions.

However you are investing in your marriage, it is vitally important that you are investing. It will cost you. But if you don't invest in your marriage, it will end up costing you more. Much more.

The investment will be worth it. Because your marriage will last. It will stand the tests of time. It will pass down a good heritage to your children.

How are you investing in your marriage this week?

Little Changes, Big Payoff

And now for a much lighter, much more practical, much less angst filled post than yesterday...

Have you ever noticed that small changes can pay big dividends? Things like going to bed 5 minutes earlier, or getting up 5 minutes earlier, or flossing your teeth, or saving a dollar a day.

Well, our family has made 3 changes that have smoothed some troubled waters in our day to day life.

1. Leaving for grocery shopping at 2:30 rather than 3:00. It's a small change. A difference of only 30 minutes. But, it adds up to more than 30 minutes saved on the other end, plus a whole lot less stress.

By leaving for my bi-weekly shopping trip at 2:30, I miss after school/work commuting traffic. Roads are clearer-which saves time.

By leaving at 2:30, I also miss the last minute dinner shoppers. And I am maximizing the sweet spot of school pick up. Most moms are in the school pick up lane, not at the grocery store, for the hour and a half it takes me to get my shopping done.

Also, by leaving at 2:30, I am back right after 4:00. This gives me 1 hour and 45 minutes to get my groceries put away and dinner made, rather than just an hour (or less). Dinner is earlier on Monday nights in order to get us to Bible study on time. But, this leaves a nice window of time to get everything done and not be rushed.

I used to enjoy grocery shopping and then I started not liking it. I realized that that it was stressing me out because I don't like busy stores or waiting in line or shopping with all my kids. By changing my shopping time by 30 minutes I eliminated to of these stress factors. And, I also leave 3 of my 4 kids at home. It is their quiet time, and then they watch a movie. And it works way better. So, if you are facing these challenges too, maybe changing your shopping time or day would help you out too.

To summarize-the big payoff is less busy stores and roads, and back in plenty of time to leisurely prepare dinner and put away groceries. No more running around like a deranged crazy woman.

2. Traditional school 4 days a week (5 lessons in 4 days) and fun school on Fridays.
This has been a great change for our family. By Friday, everyone is done with the concept of school. We are all ready for a break. It was hard to pound the textbooks.

Plus, we were facing the challenge of working in history, science and art Mondays through Thursdays. They were getting far more licks and promises than completed lessons.

This is the 3rd year we have followed this format, and we all love it. We do spelling tests, history lectures, history reading, art and science on Fridays. We are usually done by 1:00, which gives us the remainder of the day to relax and do other things. Like baking.

I have found that I do way better when I can schedule some down time in my schedule while still accomplishing what I need to accomplish. No guilt plus time to recoup.

Big payoff-strong finish each week, plus covering all the extra subjects that we need to cover.

3. Continental breakfast on Sunday mornings. So, this one wouldn't seem as life changing, but it really has been. We used to serve a streamlined breakfast of oatmeal on Sundays. But the oatmeal still needed cooked. And it just made the Sunday mornings busier. Not as busy as making pancakes or eggs, but still busier. And, getting 6 people out the door by 9:00 in the morning does not need to be any more complicated than it already is.

Plus, Meres hardly wakes up until the 11th hour on Sunday mornings (figuratively, not really), and oatmeal is not the most car friendly, portable breakfast.

Now we do toast or muffins or coffee cake and fruit and cheese. It is simple. Everyone can help themselves. The mess is at a minimum. And it is a special breakfast. Muffins and cheese?! Oh Yeah!

Big payoff-less stress on an already often stressful morning. And Meres gets to eat.

Have you made any changes in your day to day life that have made a major difference?

Trying to See My Way Clear

Grey areas are so grey, you know?

Nuances. Personal preferences. Traditions for the sake of tradition. Deference. Convictions.

I am not against traditions. I'm not even necessarily against doing something because its the way it has always been done. I am against thinking that something is better only on the merits that it has always been done that way.

Old doesn't always equal good. New doesn't always equal bad. And the reverse is true for both also.

It does grate me when someone sights the fact that something has always been done this way. Because I am too black and white. Too historically in-tune to go for that. If you want to get down to the nitty gritty, something that has always been done this way, can usually be traced to a pretty specific starting point. Which, incidentally, is not at Creation, aka, the beginning of time. The beginning of our measurable "always."

No, if you want to be completely honest, a tradition may be a hundred or even hundreds of years old. But that is really all. A very few traditions may be thousands of years old, but that still doesn't account for the rest of the time this tradition didn't happen.

And whatever its longevity, tradition does not necessarily equal Biblical grounds.

Ideas of dress and modesty. Music. Politics. Worship.

There are some pretty clear guidelines about these subjects in the Bible. People did die for messing up in some of these areas, so they are important. But, often all that is written is a framework then the rest is left up to personal interpretation and preference and common sense.

If it isn't spelled out then it falls into the very grey area of preference. And what each individual feels is the way God wants them to live out a particular topic. How will God be most glorified by my actions in this area?

But, what ends up happening is that we make rules for the grey areas. Issues become much more murky by adding traditions and not giving offense and deference and nuance and everything else.

There is the relevant rule of love. Loving our neighbor the way God loves us. Sacrificially. Unselfishly. Let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own needs, but every man also on the needs of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus...(Philippians 2)

And so we are weighing glorifying God, putting our brother first, and being true to the person God created us to be. In all of those personality nuances and quirks. And it gets so overwhelming this tight rope walk of...of...

We start to judge in our hearts and then with our mouths.

Who art you that judges another man's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Yes, he shall be held up: for God is able to make him stand. One man esteems one day above another: another esteems all days alike. Let every man be persuaded in his own mind. (Romans 14: 4-5)

How? How do you not judge? How can you be fully persuaded in your own mind? How do you live at peace? How do you do all at once?

Maybe I need to get a thicker skin, but I am tired of people inferring that I need to conform to someone else's ideas that they are not supporting by Scripture.

I am tired of feeling like I give and give and give and try so hard to please people. I try to not offend people. And yet, some people are always offended, never grateful, never pleased.

I am tired of feeling like I can defer, so I should. I can be the bigger person, so just be the bigger person. Such and such is not a life and death issue to me, so I can let it go.

I am tired of people being offended but never wondering how they might be offending me.

Does that sound selfish? Self-focused? I'm sure it is.

But, here is what I am trying to do. I am trying to walk a line. And figure out boundaries. And sift through how much bull and bullying God expects me to put myself through. Because just because God uses everything for good does not mean it was good. The end result does not excuse bad behavior.

I am trying to wade through the issue of why, since these things are preferences and traditions, not Biblical mandates, one person's preference takes precedence over another's. Is it blatant favoritism or just that the squeaky wheel gets the grease?

Sometimes the things people do make me mad. I get annoyed, and annoyance is what it is. I think my annoyance reveals something I need to work on or let go. Sometimes people do things that make me cry. And those are the things that really reveal where I am vulnerable.

Sometimes I'd like people to realize that though I am a very strong woman, I still need a hug on occasion.

I don't know what the answer is. I am sure it is in growing a thicker skin. I am sure it is in developing a much more humble spirit. I am sure it is in following the example of Christ.

It is in praying, "Lord, refine me. Make my heart like Your heart."

It may even occasionally be in writing rambling angst filled blogs posts that show my struggles. And how I have not even sort of arrived. Because I might not struggle with keeping my house cleaned-but my heart, well, that is another matter.

Just so it's all clear-clear as mud.=)

Decadence on a Plate: Reese's Cheesecake Brownies

Today marks the first time in weeks-if not months-that I have written each day, Monday through Thursday. Not posted-written.

This is a big deal. And hopefully it means that life is settling into a good rhythm. School in the mornings. Writing in the afternoons. Chores in both morning and afternoon moments. Bike rides occasionally, when I can fit them in. Which is not nearly enough, but it is what it is.

I still have yet to figure out when I am going to learn Spanish. But, I have got the kids doing their lessons on various days. Each lesson takes almost 2 hours to complete, and each of the three oldest kids need to do the lessons. Meres is just along for the ride. She is picking up a bit. Though I don't think she knows what she is saying. Anyway, I decided to have BMV do the lesson first and then supervise Freckles and LC as they go through the lesson. This will reinforce the language in his mind, and will free me up a bit. But, I still need to get moving on it, because I don't want to be the quintessential dumb mom in the new culture.

Btw, Meres has been having nightmares about dragons. (thanks to How to Train Your Dragon.) Thankfully for her, she has a dad who slayed the dragon, Draggy, in her dream. Yay for dad! Ironically enough, I didn't make an appearance in her dream. She had a different mom. Humph! Who snuggled with her, and gave up an 11 mile run, so that she would go back to sleep and not dream of dragons? Not the dragon slaying dad. Just saying.

Dragon slaying (or way too early mornings 4:41), is definitely more feasible when accompanied by chocolate. And, do I ever have a chocolate recipe for you!

Thick layers of brownie and cheesecake topped with a decadent layer of ganache, sprinkled with Reese's peanut butter cups. Oh yeah!

They look amazing, and they taste even better. Let me warn the adventurous amongst us...these are VERY, VERY rich. The temptation lies in wanting to have a huge chunk because it is so fantastically delicious, but resistance is vital. Less is more. I would say that you can cut the pan into 20 squares and 20 sweet tooth's would be quite satiated.

Serve with a tall glass of cold milk or a hot cup of espresso. Perfect pairing.

Reese's Cheesecake Brownies
2 sticks butter
1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1-1/2 cups flour
pinch salt
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 (12 oz) package of Reese's Pieces
1/2 (12 oz) package of chocolate chips (1 cup)
1/2 cup whipping cream
8 large Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, chopped

-Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x13" pan.
-In a large bowl, in the microwave, melt butter. Combine butter and cocoa until well blended. Add the sugar and eggs, whisking until smooth. With a spatula or spoon, mix in the flour and salt, just until combined and smooth. Pour into the greased pan. Set aside.
-In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and peanut butter until smooth. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk, and beat until smooth. Stir in the Reese's Pieces. Spoon cheesecake over batter evenly.
-Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes or until the cheesecake layer is set and the sides are golden.
-Cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes, and then refrigerate for 30 minutes.
-In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the whipping cream and chocolate chips. Stir and heat just until the chocolate is melted and the ganache is smooth. Pour and spread evenly over the top of the brownies.
-Chop the 8 peanut butter cups, and sprinkle over the top of the brownies. Store covered in the refrigerator.

Next week Thursday I am taking a food photography class. I am really excited. I feel my pictures have definitely improved, but I know they can be much better.

Have a magnificent fall weekend!

Poverty and Me

Rob not the poor because he is poor, neither oppress the afflicted in the gate: for the Lord will plead their cause and spoil the soul of those who spoiled them. (Proverbs 22:22-23)

I read these verses again last week. Verses I've read hundreds of times. Yet in this reading they stuck out.

Rob not the poor, because he is poor.

How much social injustice is propagated because of an unchangeable characteristic? Poverty, race, sex, nationality.

We don't pick our skin color. We don't pick the country we are born in. We don't pick whether we are born male or female. And most people don't choose to be poor either.

The rich and the poor meet together; the Lord is maker of them all. (Proverbs 22:2)

Sometimes poverty is something the individual can do something about. Sometimes it isn't. Sometimes it isn't for me to make the judgement call on whether someone can or can't do something about their poverty.

Have you ever read any of Charles Dicken's novels? For the most part they aren't a very pleasant read. Death, poverty, brokenness. Charles Dickens confronted social injustices-particularly poverty. His readers are forced into one of 3 categories. The have nots. The oppressing haves. The compassionate haves.

And there is a big difference between sanctimonious do-gooders and people who are motivated by love.

I am confronted by my own heart attitudes. How often do I think to myself that the panhandlers should just get a job? How often do I speculate that someone's circumstances are the result of poor choices?

How guilty am I when held up to the mandates of this verse?

For the Lord will plead their cause and spoil the souls of those who spoil them.

God takes this very seriously. It surprises me how often the thoughts of poor people and oppression are in the same verses in the Bible. It was a major problem. And a major reason for judgement on individuals and nations.

He that oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker: but He (GOD) honors him that has mercy on the poor. (Proverbs 14:31)

It is rather sobering, and maybe a bit ugly.

Give to him that asks of thee...

No strings. No remonstrances. No nothings.

He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor. (Proverbs 22:9)

He that has mercy on the poor, happy is he. (Proverbs 14:21)

He that hath pity on the poor lends to the Lord; and that which he has given will He pay him again. (Proverbs 19:17)

For as much as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto Me. (Matthew 25:40)

Another Biblical author put it this way...do justly, love mercy, walk humbly. That is what the Lord requires. And rewards.

Moral of the story-you will not ever lose out in being kind and generous to the poor. Ever. No if's, and's or but's.

Agenda: Why & What is Written

Last week, we started a new series of lectures with a new professor for our history class. In the intro lecture, the professor mentioned that the way we learn about historical events is through two sources-archelogical finds and historical documentation.

Both have their pluses and minuses.

The minus about historical documentation is that it is always written by a fallible human being.  Mistake making is human, right? Some historical writers definitely colored the truth, if not outright lied. But, all writers are hobbled by agenda.

And, I do mean agenda in it's purest form. No person can ever write every single detail about anything. Even in striving to be truthful and present the whole picture. No one can hit every fact and detail. There isn't time. Each writer must make choices. What to include? What to omit?

(The BFF and I are having dinner in 2 hours. I don't know what we will talk about, but I do know we will fill those couple we are together. And I also know that we will part knowing that we could have talked for hours more, and still not have covered everything.)

Every writer makes their choices based on interest, or environment, or personality. Even writing about the same event, two writers will emphasize different points or write from polar opposite positions based on personal interests, views and passions. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Martha Stewart would write two completely different accounts of the past couple decades.

A classic historical example of this would be the four Gospels. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John all wrote about Jesus' 33 years here on earth. Yet, they wrote vastly different books with only some correlation. Some of the exact same miracles or events or parables are shared. But, each has a slightly different emphasis. The author's back ground comes through in their gospel. Luke's gospel has more medical term because Luke was a doctor.

So, how does this play out in my life?

-I write about homeschooling and cooking and running and current events and time management and the Bible, because those are my passions. Someone else writes about organizing or their kids or fashion or art, because those are their passions.

-I also weigh discretion and vulnerability, especially here on the internet. I want to share my struggles. I want to share my story. My goal is to be real. My goal is to inspire each of you.

But my story intersects many other people's stories. How do I share transparently and authentically while at the same time honoring others? How do I vulnerably share from places of hurt and struggle, so others can realize they are not alone?  How much is too much?

-I know that my story is my story, and if someone didn't want me to write about what they did to me, they should have thought of that before they did it. But, I think it often isn't as clear cut as that. It isn't as tit for tat.

-Nurturing my marriage and my kids is more important than baring my soul on the internet. Dealing with hurts and issues IRL is more important to me than having a viral post on the internet. Approaching someone face to face is far better than hurting them if they happen to read my post on my blog.

-I want to be recognizable from and in real life. If you know me in real life, I want you to hear my personality (voice, laugh) in my writing. And if you only read my blog, but happen to meet me someday, I want to be recognizable to you. To be consistent. This is how she really and truly is. 

-Also, once you put stuff on the internet, it is there for everyone to see. It becomes public. And I try to remember that when I write. Do I want everyone and their neighbor to know such and such about me? Whether good or bad-some stuff is too private for the very public forum of the internet.

-I don't want to rose-color everything, but I do want to be positive. I want to encourage and inspire you all. I want you to be glad you took the time to read my blog on any given day. Because, really, this is my blog, but it isn't all about me. It's about you all too.

So, these things are all the filters in my writing that form my agenda. My passions and personality, vulnerability and real, protection and discretion, public and private, encouraging and inspiration. It is how I choose my topics, and my words. The things I write about are the things I am thinking about. Sometimes it is just that simple.

Historically speaking, would my writing present a clear picture of me and my life? My family and my passions? My dreams and my day to day?

I hope so.

What I Have Learned from Bratty Protagonists

*nut-shelled...Don't be the brat in your own story.

My least favorite Harry Potter book is the Order of the Phoenix (#5). Professor Umbridge is horrid, and Harry is a brat. I know, I know...it is because Lord Voldemort is infiltrating his mind a bit, but still... Harry doesn't understand why he isn't a prefect. He sulks. He's a brat.

I think JK Rowling set out to make Harry not very likable in #5, and she succeeded very well.

I greatly dislike when protagonists become rather bratty. It's like they start to drink their own Kool-aid and it just isn't pretty.

Harry is a whole lot less odious in books 6 or 7. He is more pleasant to be around. A lot nicer to his friends.

It was the same storyline in How to Train Your Dragon-the movies, not the book. Hiccup is a lovable blunderer in the first movie. He saves the day and saves the dragon and everything is great.

In the second movie he has a more bratty aura. He doesn't want to be chief. He wants to be with his dragon, exploring. He ends up endangering his whole tribe. And then saving them-once he accepts who he is and the responsibilities laid on him.

I find that very interesting.

In our culture we are encouraged to follow our dreams. To know ourselves and our personality type. Yet, even Hollywood acknowledges the fact that life doesn't work properly when all we focus on is our dreams and ourselves.

See, when all we are focusing on is ourselves, the effect is rather bratty. And who likes a brat?

Neither dreams or self-knowledge should trump the fulfillment of our responsibilities and commitments.

But, neither can either replace the other. Both are necessary to live full lives. Dreams and responsibilities. Self-awareness and selflessness. Risk and commitment.

It is a balancing act that on occasion seems more like a high rope circus act. It is an acknowledgement of life seasons. It is a never ending process of weighing and evaluating, counting the cost and adjusting. And it is an acknowledgement of the intrinsic idea that there is a time for everything.

For training your dragon and ruling your tribe. For starting businesses and doing laundry and raising kids.

How are you learning to balance dreams and responsibilities?

Spicy Romano Chicken

Another week has passed, and fall is here with a vengeance. It has been cool and wet and gloomy for the past couple days. But, the gloriously colored trees will appear sun. And, of course, there will be gloriously sunshiny fall days too. So, I will not complain.

The cooler weather is great for baking. I currently have french bread and regular bread rising on my counter. And I am going to make cookies this afternoon. The kids are never happy when the cookie jar is empty. Their mom is never terribly happy about it either, but you know...

Last week my parents were in town, so we had a family dinner with them and my brother and sil that live down the block. Since we all had a race the next day, we went with a carb heavy dinner. Races are good excuses to carb load.

This recipe is one my sister shared. (the same sister who just gave birth to a girl yesterday! Megan Joy. So amazing!) It is delicious. I can't believe it took me this long to make it. It is spicy-but not too spicy for kids. We all thought it was amazing. And it didn't haunt us the next day either.

Spicy Romano Chicken
Sauce:
1 pint heavy cream
4 Tbsp butter
2 tsp salt
1/2 Tbsp black pepper
1/2 cup grated Romano/Parmesan cheese blend
1/4-1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper (this is where you can add or remove hotness)

Ingredients:
1 pound bow tie, cooked
2 Tbsp butter
4 ounces mushrooms, sliced
2 green onions, sliced
3-4 chicken breasts, cooked and sliced in 1" strips
1/8 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)
2 Tbsp heavy cream or white wine

-Cook pasta according to package directions.

-I grilled my chicken breasts and then sliced them later.
-Melt butter in a large skillet. Add cream, salt & pepper and heat to a boil. Remove from heat and fold in Romano/Parmesan cheese and cayenne pepper. Set aside.
-In another large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add mushrooms, green onions and tomatoes. Stir for 1 minute. Add chicken and 2 Tbsp of heavy cream and stir well. Add pasta and all the sauce to the skillet and stir gently until mixed well. 

Serve this with a lettuce salad and French bread for a complete meal. You can also sprinkle extra Romano/Parm on top of the pasta if desired.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Book Reviews: Bittersweet and Notes from a Blue Bike

I have recently read two eBooks, Bittersweet by Shauna Niequist and Notes from a Blue Bike by Tsh Oxenrider. Both are available in paper form also, but I got a good deal on them in Kindle format, so I decided to read them that way.

I am still totally a paper book acolyte, but I do appreciate having a book or two on my iPad to read. Ebooks are really handy when I am out and about and waiting, don't have wifi access, but would like to use my time somehow. Having a book on my iPad allows me to spend slivers of available time feeding my soul instead of doing nothing or wasting time on mindless games.

I've said before that I am not a big fan of self-help books or devotionals. And I much prefer fiction to nonfiction. Yet, I have been reading more nonfiction lately. And I've been enjoying it.

I finally figured out why. Just what types of nonfiction do I like?

Poetry.

And books that are essentially collections of essays. By this I mean that each chapter pretty much stands on its own. They might all have a common theme, but you can read just one and feel benefited. One chapter does not depend on the previous, per se. These types of book allow me to read and digest in small bites without getting overwhelmed by information or bored out of my gourd. I can peruse whenever I have the time, and it works.

Which is why Malcolm Gladwell is one of my favorite nonfiction authors. His chapters are longer, but they all stand enough on their own. They each contain fascinating stories and facts and have a nutshell concept to take away. I love it.

Bittersweet and Notes from a Blue Bike were both very much this way. In both books, the chapters ranged from 2-4 pages. Perfect for reading during an oil change or an orthodontist appointment. Their length reminds me of a blog post. Few words, complete thoughts.

Both of these books have gotten a lot of hype in the blogging world. It's because the authors are friends of other bloggers/authors and they all promote each other's books. Meaning that sometimes books are promoted on the merit of friendship not just on the merits of the book. (to see what I mean, look at the graphic for Notes from a Blue Bike)

This isn't necessarily a bad or a good thing. It is simply the reality of social media and books these days.

But this also doesn't mean they aren't decent books. I think each is a good read, and something can be gleaned from both. My caveat is that just because every blogger you read may be talking about a book does not mean that it is going to fall into the category of one of your favorite, re-read forever, books.

So, Bittersweet was a poignant book about a year or two in Shauna Niequist's life. It was a rough year. But, the foundational concept of the book is that it takes the bitter things of life to remind us of the sweet things. It was a story of pain and loss, redemption and healing. It was real and sometimes raw. It didn't actually have a happy ending. As a matter of fact, if I hadn't read her later book, Bread and Wine, I'd probably think her life kind of stunk. Regardless, I think her point of the beauty in the broken, the sweet in the bitter, came through. I know I have found that to be true in my own life.

I loved her references to Grand Rapids. I know the places she mentions. I've been there. I can picture her in my town. It was a neat side line.

Notes from a Blue Bike is somewhat of a memoir. Tsh writes about living simply and intentionally in our world that embraces busyness and stuff. She writes about technology, travel, schooling, eating, houses and stuff. My favorite section was on travel, because I have the same philosophy. I'd rather travel and see the world than use my money to buy a huge house and a fancy car. My least favorite section was about food. It leaned a bit towards preachy and I just don't care that much where my food comes from.

If you enjoy Tsh's blog, Art of Simple, you will probably enjoy this book, because you are already striving for a simpler life style. I must insert that this is not really a how-to book. It doesn't really give tips for how to live more simply. It is more an account of what they have chosen to do.

Anyway, that is what I've been reading lately, as well as skipping amongst chapters in Malcolm Gladwell's What the Dog Saw. (a marketing type book with anecdotal stories about iconic products)

What have you been reading lately?

Most Precious Commodities

Commodity: a useful or valuable thing

Last night I was mentioning to a friend how much bicycling I did this summer and the fact that I love it so much. The sunshine. The exercise factor. The wind in my face.

The quiet.

Most of my bike rides are by myself. It is just me and my thoughts. No one is talking to me or talking at me. Having four kid talkers, you have got to know that silence is golden.

There are a few people out and about when I cycle, and I greet them. But, for the most part, it is just me, myself and I. In the wind. With the crickets.

So wonderful.

This whole train of thought continued on (incidentally, on a bike ride this afternoon). What else do I value? What is precious to me? What do I miss the most when it becomes increasingly absent from my life?

Time. I think everyone values time to some degree. Most people are keen to save time. We want to use our time wisely. Because, the thing about time is, that once it is gone-its gone forever. You will never get that moment, that sliver of time back. And, each one of us is only allocated a very finite amount of time in this life. Every day we have less and less time left to us.

My kids. They fill the corners of my life 24/7. They are always around. Tugging, talking, asking, fighting. But, I really don't know what I'd do without them. They are my most precious commodity. They are the primary thing entrusted to my care. To nurture and train and love.

Water. So, this is not a green agenda thing-'cause I am not green. But, I do value water. I value cold water for drinking and hot water for showers. I value the sound of water cascading over rocks and spilling out of fountains and thundering on beaches. I appreciate water in pools and lakes for swimming. And I really value water when I am on a long training run or in a race. Every drop seems necessary to combat dehydration. Water is awesome!

Chocolate. Dark chocolate. Is there any need to say more?

Sunshine. I love the sunshine. I LOVE the SUNSHINE. I wilt in dreary November and February. I lag and drag on gloomy days but perk right up when the sun is shining. There is no such thing as too much sunshine (imho). I soak up the rays and glory in it during the spring, summer and fall, because the winter is so long, grey and gloomy.

Mr. Hippie. I don't think there is a limit on how much time I can spend with him. The more time we have together, the more I want. The conversations. The fun times. The quiet times.

I can live with out a whole lot-I think. I can even live a month without chocolate if need be. But, I crave sunshine, quiet, water, time, Mr. Hippie and my kids (generally). These things are my core commodities. Some are tangible. Some are intangible. They are the things that I put first when I am arranging my schedule. I will arrange and rearrange my days to fit as much of these things in as possible.

These thoughts bring to mind two verses...

...you know that you were not redeemed with corruptible things like silver and gold...but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a Lamb without blemish and without spot. (1 Peter 1:18,19)

For the redemption of their soul is precious...(Psalm 49:8)

God's most precious commodity was His Son, Jesus Christ. But, He gave that precious commodity out of sacrificial love for the world. The price you are willing to pay for something drives up it's value. Which makes the value of a soul very high. Very precious indeed.

What is your most precious commodity? 

Team "Barefoot Hippie Girl"

So, about that triathlon. Well, it was good. The weather was perfect. Dry. Cool. Warm water. Sunny.

Last year I finished in 2 hours, 12 minutes and some odd seconds. My goal, as I wrapped that one up, was to knock 10 minutes off when I competed this year. I did it. I finished in 2:02:17. I took 7 of those minutes off the bike and over 4 off the run. So I must have transitioned slower. Which makes sense because I had to switch shoes.

It was hard. I mean, I am pretty sure during the first mile of the run I was convinced that this might be the dumbest thing I have ever thought to do.

But, then, about the 2 mile point I realized there was less than 3 miles to go. And right at that point was when another race in town was starting. The Komen 5K, that my sil was running. And so I ended up running that last bit with her. In spirit, if not side by side. And that was a cool thought that kept my legs a-pumping, moving forward one step at a time.

So, I know I keep posting this picture, but it works. And it's the only one I have right now.=)

So, I am pretty thrilled. And I have a new goal for next year. Take that 2 minutes and a bit, and say, "so long" to them. My goal will be to finish in less than 2 hours. Maybe just at 1:59:59. But, you know. Get it under the wire.

We have 2 more events this month. Our donut bike race. (the more donuts you eat, the more time gets deducted from your overall race time). Our half marathon. We are putting in some serious mileage on our tennis shoes over the next couple weeks. Probably less mileage on the bike odometer. But, its all good.

At most of our races there is a good representation of Team Triumph competitors. These are teams of multiple members that are each headed by a captain who has a disability. The team alternately pulls or pushes their captain through the water, on the bike or on the run, or all three.

It always gives me that slightly choked up feeling to see them. It is inspiring. I have a hard enough time hauling my own booty through the finish line. Let alone the strength and determination to bring someone with you.

Like I said...it's inspiring.

As I was reflecting this morning over Saturday's triathlon, I got to thinking that I have a team too. My team may not push and pull me through the finish line in a raft or cart (wouldn't that be nice?!), but they have certainly pushed and pulled me through the finish line.

My team is quite diverse and rather large. It consists of friends and family from 3-80 years old. Friends and family who have supported me and cheered me on through 6 races (3 running, 3 triathlons), 6 three-discipline training sessions, and countless regular practices since the second week in May.

It is my sister in laws, and the bff, and the Wolcotts, and the Bjorlies, and my parents and parent-in-law, who have all babysat at least once this summer so we could train or compete.

It is Seth and Bethany, who share my excitement about competing and beating my times and listen to my blow-by-blow break downs of the events.

It is the tri practice group. The ones who pedaled slower in order to give me tips and to not leave me in the dust. It is Dan and Sharon opening their home and slice of beach every Friday evening throughout the summer so we can have open water swims and hilly bike rides. It is Mark who invited us to the training time and who comes out to the tri with a cow bell and encourages each one of us to pedal harder and keep going.

It is countless of you who have told me that you are praying for me. It is my kids who think I am amazing. And it's Meres who knows the difference between a practice triathlon and the real deal.

It is my husband who always is waiting at the finish line for me. Every time.

You are my people. My team. And I thank you! I could not have done it without your tangible support.

At every race I don't just see the competition. I see people with back stories. I see choices and discipline, training and determination. I see back stories and journeys. I see villages and teams. I see people who have fought their own demons in order to compete. I see people who are winners no matter whether they place first or in the middle or dead last. Each one has done something marvelous. Each one has done something that many, many other people never have. Each one is amazing.

That's why I keep competing. That is why I keep finding myself at mile one of the running leg of a triathlon. Or mile 10 of a half marathon. That is why I wonder if it is the dumbest thing I've ever done.

Or one of the bravest and hardest.

Either-or, I do it because my team, my village, is right there with me.

Thank you!

Chicken & Strawberry Spinach Salad

Well, we have successfully navigated our very first week of school this year. It was rather dicey at times, but I think we have established a good foundation.

And it has been a great mail week. A school book. Our wine of the month quarterly shipment. Decaf coffee pods. Checks and not just bills.

Plus, tomorrow is our last triathlon of the summer. We'll see if all those miles swam, run and biked this year have paid off. My goal is to finish in right around 2 hours. We'll see. My goal is also to have fun. Why put myself through all this stuff if it isn't at least a wee bit enjoyable?!

Today's recipe is definitely more summery than fall. I just finally made it for the third time, and finally remembered to photograph it.

But, I am still sharing it, because it is super easy. And super easy is key when it comes to easing into our fall schedules.

Grilled chicken. Diced fresh fruit. Pre-washed, packaged baby spinach. Already made up dressing.

Can't get any easier. Really and truly.

Chicken Strawberry Spinach Salad
2 (10 oz.) bags of baby spinach
1 pound strawberries, diced
3 kiwis, peeled and diced
1-1/2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders
salt and pepper
1/3 cup poppyseed dressing

-Spray a skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat. Lightly sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper, and brown in skillet on both sides until cooked through. OR...Heat your grill to medium high, and grill the chicken breasts until lightly browned.
-Wash, hull and chop strawberries. Peel and dice the kiwis.
-Place spinach and cut fruit in large salad bowl. Cut cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and allow to cool slightly before adding to greens. Pour dressing over salad and chicken, and toss to coat.

Isn't that gorgeous?! I am planning to keep interspersing this recipe amongst the casseroles and soups this winter. It will remind me that it isn't always winter. Plus, the spinach is so healthy. Wow!

Have a great weekend!

I Don't Know How She Does It

While on our trip up north a couple weeks ago, we watched the movie, I Don't Know How She Does It. The reviews said it was ridiculous, etc. but I enjoyed it. It was clean, not violent, and not a horrible way to spend an hour or two.

The storyline is that Sarah Jessica Parker is a mom who has a high powered job in the finance world. She is doing everything, until she starts to fall apart. Her husband, Greg Kinnear is an architect. They have a nanny and their daughter goes to a nice private school.

Sarah Jessica Parker is juggling everything well until she forgets to bake something for a school bake sale, and ends up buying a pie and pie-plate, and smashing the pie into said pie-plate.

The story progresses as her career gets more successful and demanding while her home life simultaneously falls apart from neglect and such.

Meanwhile, her husband's career and home life just plod along-without all the conflicting junk and guilt that accompanies a woman and her career. A man's role is provider. A woman's role is home-maker and mother. If she throws in a career, well, she deserves everything she gets. Everything.

The moral of the story is that she doesn't. (I don't know how she does it-she doesn't)

The moral of the story is that we are jugglers. That all that is between us and chaos is one.dropped.ball.

Does this have to be?

Do we have to live in a constant state of stressful, hectic, barely keeping all the balls in the air, activity?

It makes for a nice movie plot, but must our lives reflect this if this is the path we have chosen? The path of woman, wife, mom, home-maker, business whatever. Is this the only option available to us?

I have to believe it is not so. I have to believe that life does not have to be one hectic, harried, stressful pot of barely restrained chaos.

I know all the cliches. Truths-but cliches. I preach them.

We can't do it all. Every yes requires a no. There are busy seasons-both yearly and in life.

I just have to remember to LIVE them. This month. This September.

With a new product launch. With the start of school. With insurances renewing and the accompanying audits.(I shouldn't have even mentioned that, 'cause guess who got an email from her agent even while she typed? Sigh...) With the preparation and teaching of a workshop for a woman's retreat. With Art Prize. With a triathlon, bike race, and 1/2 marathon plus the continued training for each. With planning our church campout the first weekend in October. With family in town.

I need to remember it today. I need to live the facts of a best yes and what I don't do is as defining as the things I do.

So, I supervise school, correct school work and dust my house. I read to my kids at lunch and pull on my biking clothes. I get out and pedal in the sunshine and listen to the crickets and cicadas. I send emails and write posts about what life really is like, and how I really struggle. I shut my computer and vacuum my house and then scrub the bathrooms and floors. And then make a fairly healthy, but definitely quick and easy dinner for my family.

We cut what we can. And we don't do it all.

We have to let of being in control. We don't have to maintain an aura or facade of perfection. We don't have to have everything exactly balanced every moment of our lives. Sometimes though, we do have to do the busy. We can't get out of the responsibilities. We have to keep moving forward.

Because the moral of the real story is that we don't do it but we each does it. My does it may look different than yours, but it doesn't make either of our does it's more legitimate. Or more or less. We just both are doing what we need to do.

Everyday. 

-For an interesting male perspective on work-life balance, read this post.
-I also love the fact that one of my favorite bloggers, Anne at Modern Mrs. Darcy, writes a regular post, How She Does It. It is about how real live women are achieving work-life balance. It is so encouraging for the stage of life I'm in.