The greed of being, doing, having

This morning before I rushed out the door to work, I sat down to check my e-mail, and feeling rather muddled (probably due to not quite sleeping off my cold medicine) and messy, I chose to read my daily e-devotional by Elisabeth Elliot. I don't actually read it every day. But today I felt inclined to start my morning with a few straighter thoughts than I was thinking.

In God's providence, she was writing on thankfulness, and what keeps us from being thankful: greed. I often think of greed as being money-hungry or a gluttonous eater, but EE cut straight to my heart by addressing other forms of greed: being, doing and having.

I realized I was unable to be thankful for the blessed opportunities and friends and activities in my life because I was wading through the mire of the greed of doing. I cannot be happy with one activity because I am thinking about the other things I wish I could also do. Like Robert Frost, I am considering "the road not taken" and unable to enjoy the road I'm traveling. I have heaped unto myself too many good actions and now I lack the power to do them all. I have my hands in too many fishbowls, trying to catch the colorful fish in each one all at once. I had to humble myself and cancel one event and resist the temptation to add others when I got a phone call and another invitation tonight.

But my sin in doing does not parallel my sin of greedy being. I am up to my neck in it -- I feel as though I am fairly choking in it. Here is what EE said on the subject (italics mine):

No new temptation ever comes to any of us.  Satan needs no new tricks.
The old ones have worked well ever since the Garden of Eden,
although sometimes under different guises.
When there is a deep restlessness for which we find no
explanation, it may be due to the greed of being--
what our loving Father never meant us to be.
Peace lies in the trusting acceptance of His design, His gifts,
His appointment of place, position,  capacity. 
It was thus that the Son of Man came to earth--embracing all that
the Father willed Him to be, usurping nothing--no work,
not even a word--that the Father had not given Him.

I have known that restlessness. It rises up in me all day at work. It drives me to be everything, everywhere, for everybody. I cannot hardly think of life other than to think what I am within that circumstance. I just want to be that girl -- whatever girl that is. It is like chasing the wind.

I am so thankful for this little message to me. What a mercy it is when God shows us our sin and teaches us more of Himself through it. Though I cannot say I am healed completely of these sins, I have seen a bit of an awakening. All day I was able to live with the freedom to not be everything at work, just to do my jobs and let others just go and do. I am realizing that I'm not MarthaStewartRachelRayElisabethElliotMaryPoppinsCarolynMahaney, but I'm just Gretchen -- an asthmatic girl with a messy house who needs to just rest and do the lot assigned to her. Maybe that sounds boring to you, but incredible peace comes, like my dear EE says, when I accept His design, His gifts, His appointment of place, position and capacity.

Reformation Party

It is one week and counting to the 6th annual Reformation Party at our church, Clifton Baptist. This is my first year to participate, however, and I am enjoying it immensely and learning a lot as well. I love this idea of celebrating the Reformation for several reasons, but chief among them is that having such an event on October 31st (which is the day in 1517 that Luther nailed up his 95 theses, for those of you who are not history buffs) is far better than a church celebrating "Harvest" or Halloween. Of course I love harvest and I even love Halloween (the candy and costume parts, not so much the horror-movieness), but Reformation Day is an actual historical event that we can learn from and celebrate what God did for His church.

How do you have a Reformation party? Here's what we're doing at Clifton.

First, choose a Reformer to focus on. In the past, they've done Luther and Calvin, and this year we're doing Martin Bucer, who is a lesser-known reformer. The night of the event, everyone dresses up in costumes such as monks, medieval maidens, knights, etc., and booths are set up with different activities that pertain to the main reformer. Bucer was a traveler, for instance, so we have a map room where the kids find certain locations on a map. He also helped Calvin find his wife, so there is a ring toss where you try to toss a ring around the doll wearing the wedding dress. Fun, right? And educational! At each of the booths, the kids can earn a stamp on their "passport", which you are trying to complete. In addition to that, we have a jail, where persons who are spreading "heresy" can be thrown, a "jousting" match using pillows, the Reformation University where children show projects they have created at home as well as tons of CANDY! One of the best parts, I'm told, is when everyone sings the "Reformation Polka". I cracked up laughing when my friend Annie (the Reformation Super-fan) sent them to me. Here they are:

(Sung to the tune of "Supercalfragilisticexpialidocious")
(This song is very much tongue in cheek, my dear catholic friends.)

When I was just ein junger Mann I studied canon law;
While Erfurt was a challenge, it was just to please my Pa.
Then came the storm, the lightning struck, I called upon Saint Anne,
I shaved my head, I took my vows, an Augustinian! Oh...

Chorus

They loved my tracts, adored my wit, all were exempleror;
The Pope, however, hauled me up before the Emperor.
"Are these your books? Do you recant?" King Charles did demand,
"I will not change my Diet, Sir, God help me here I stand!" Oh...

Chorus

Duke Frederick took the Wise approach, responding to my words,
By knighting "George" as hostage in the Kingdom of the Birds.
Use Brother Martin's model if the languages you seek,
Stay locked inside a castle with your Hebrew and your Greek! Oh...

Chorus:
Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation -
Speak your mind against them and face excommunication!
Nail your theses to the door, let's start a Reformation!
Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation!

I'll try to post some pictures after the event is over! Let me know if you've done an event like this . . .

Thanks, Gary and Lennis!

Josh's mom and dad so generously offered to buy us a new couch! We picked out this one, a sort of leather "club" style couch. Josh is a huge fan of the sturdyness and smoothness, two qualities that every couch ought to possess, but that our former couch rather lacked. Here is how we got our old couch:

It was the winter of 2002, during that first year we were married. I had picked up mono somewhere, and was rather out of commission all the time. I mostly slept all day on the little love seat we had in the living room. After a couple weeks, my sister Anna and friend Misty came to visit us, to fill the freezer with food and clean our house. I felt well enough to go out to eat, but on the way home, I was drooping like a sunflower with a heavy head. I vaguely recall Josh pulling over and everyone getting out to look at the furniture heaped by the side of the road (do they do that where you live? In Wisconsin, you just put ALL your stuff by the road if you don't want it). The next thing I remember is driving home with a huge chair in our trunk. After that, I was out like a light, sleeping in my coat on the love seat. I awoke several hours later to find Misty, Anna and Josh making an absolute racket in the kitchen vacuuming off the LARGEST couch I'd ever seen. "We went back!" they showed me gleefully "and there was this great couch that matched the chair!" That sucker was the size of a 57 Chevy. It was brown and scratchy (sort of the texture of velcro -- the rough side) and falling apart just a bit, but we all loved it. It was the greatest garbage ever. It has fallen into a state of disrepair -- the dear couch is probably going on 80 years old -- and we were loath to force our guests to sit on it. In fact, Josh would try to make a game plan when we had people over "Go for the couch, so that they can't sit on it!" he'd hiss. That is no longer a problem!

Come on over and sit a spell, and celebrate with us how the Lord has provided! Jehovah Jireh!

One Year Later

It's deja vu all over again -- here we are at the Mohler's house last year.

Boy, things sure do seem more familiar now.

How to Read a Book Together

My sister Emily and I have been reading Passion and Purity by Elisabeth Elliot together. We started a couple weeks ago, and it has been going well -- so well, in fact, that I just started reading 2 more books with friends: The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace with my sister-in-law Kari and Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp with my friend Christen in Brazil. How do you read a book with someone long distance? I think we've worked out a pretty good plan, so I thought I'd share it here, in case it might be helpful to you. I got some insight from a guy at church who works with NANC counseling and frequently reads books of this nature with guys he counsels. I thought it was insightful, and even though it is not a counseling relationship, it is a "growing together" relationship, so I thought it applied. Here's what I modified our book sharing to be:

1. Determine how much of the book you want to read together each week. I have found that one person sort of has to take on the role of the "assigner". I'm bossy, so that has been me. :)

2. Depending on how long the chapters are, choose a selection or quote from each chapter to share with each other. It can just be something that really stood out, or convicted you, or just a wonderful word that was well written and utterly quotable. If the book has long chapters, you can choose more things. Passion and Purity is perfect for this, because the chapters are very short, so we just choose one quote per chapter.

3. Each person forms a question based on the content of the chapter you read. It can be an application question, an opinion (such as "Is this Biblical? Do you agree with this?") or a sort of "fleshing out" question. So far, it has been quite easy to draw a question from each chapter. There really doesn't have to be any more specific guidelines than that.

4. Each person replies to the other's question. Discussion may naturally follow or not.

This has all been done on line, through e-mail and the like. I imagine it would be even easier over the phone, but my times talking to Christen (or Emily or Kari, for that matter!) are few and far between, so messages will have to suffice. Kari and I are doing something different, because Excellent Wife has a little companion study book that we are doing together and holding each other accountable.

I hope this is helpful to you. Maybe you will be inspired to find a friend with whom to read!

A Purpose for the Visual Arts and the Believer

This image, The Crucifixion, by Matthis Grunewald was presented in detail to our class tonight. Dr. Halla, our professor, seemed to almost get choked up as he described for us the iconography in this altarpiece from the abbey church at Isenheim. This gorgeous work which measures 9 by 16 feet was commissioned by the church at this monastery, which seems like no big deal until you realize that this place was one of the places of hospice for the masses of terrible sick people of the early 16th century. This was where the people dying of the plague or St. Anthony's fire came to die, having no hope of recovery. It is historically understood that the caretakers at Isenheim would take the patients through to look at the altarpiece when they first arrived -- before any other medical treatment would be prescribed. Often, it was the last lovely thing you might see before you died!

There is much that can be said about the other figures in the painting -- John, Mary, Mary Magdalene, the Lamb of God and John the Baptist, in that order -- but the amazing part of the work is the centrality of Christ on the cross. From the perspective of the patients that would have been standing on the floor before the work, this is the only figure that makes sense (for instance, the perspective on Mary is looking down at her). Here they see Christ dead. Behind him, darkness has come over the land (Matthew 27:45), and his head hangs low. Look closely at his arms, which have come out of their sockets -- from the weight of the sin of the world. See how the cross is bowed? "He was bruised for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities".

I'll quote Dr. Halla to explain the significance of why Christ's body looks the way it does: "It has been argued, rather convincingly, that the discoloration and other wounds correspond to the various symptoms of the diseases represented in the convent -- in other words, it is an image of Christ infected with the plague, with St. Anthony's Fire, etc." So Grunewald created this painting for the lowliest of persons to see right before they died that they might know that Christ knows your pain and suffering, he understands your agony, and he bore the weight of your sin in his death!

I LOVE this altarpiece! I felt truly challenged by what it showed, and how artwork can truly minister to the unloveliest of the unlovable. What would this look like in our era, say, with AIDS? Could there be something similar done? I feel as though I am a changed person because I have seen The Crucifixion, and the vision it casts for the role of the visual arts when it comes to ministering to others.

Finally, I leave you with one of the inside panels of the altarpiece, which shows Christ gloriously resurrected. What a contrast! Christ here shows complete victory over sin and death -- don't you just want to sing Hallelujah?

Guess what I'm doing this weekend?

Meeting my nephew Max!

Making pumpkin cookies with Kari!

Have you been reading this?

I don't know how many of you are fellow GirlTalk readers, but these past 2 weeks, the writers have been interviewing David Kotter (who attends our church!) and Dr. Jeffrey Trimark about their upcoming book Eat and Be Content. I am so excited about this book! It's the first thing I've seen quite like it, that really probes the heart of why we eat what we eat and the idolatry and foolishness that often motivates our choices. What thrills me is that this book is not about a diet and not just for women! These men have truly sought to write from a Christ-centered, God-honoring perspective. I encourage you to check out the entire interview, but if you don't have time, please read these two.

You will be blessed by the heart of these men!

Girls of Character: Teaching Biblical Femininity to the Next Generation through Literature

“What should I give my daughter to read?” This was the question that prompted me to create the following bibliography. Christian mothers of young girls find themselves in a difficult spot. Many “girly” books encourage frivolity by telling silly, shallow princess stories; while others seek to empower girls to "be all they can be" -- which usually includes throwing off traditional gender roles. How do we counter a culture in which the "Bratz" dolls tell our girls what they need to look like, and Disney Princess tells them that true love is their dream? For parents who want to encourage Christian character and instill a Christian worldview in their daughters, the task of finding appropriate, well-written books for them to read may be daunting. But be encouraged! There is a treasure trove of excellent literature out there just waiting to be discovered!

My purpose here is to do some of the discovering for you. This list is far from exhaustive. Certainly you know of other books that you believe every girl should read. I do too. I also think girls should read plenty of good “boy books”! But my purpose here is to suggest books that portray females of all ages who have character, godliness or learn lessons from their mistakes. I have tried to carefully consider the heroines in these books -- what portrait do they paint of admirable femininity? I have grouped my recommendations into three categories -- stories, which are lesser known or older books that should not fade into the night unread; classics and series, books that are more visible in a modern library or bookstore; and biography, true stories of godly women that will inspire. Apart from the biographies, I have not included non-fiction recommendations, because books on spiritual growth and Christian theology seem to be better-known to most of us and more easily-recognizable. I also think that stories can teach, in some ways, better than the direct instruction of non-fiction. Stories engage the affections and demonstrate what the virtues look like in real life. Did not Christ use parables?

As a final word, I want to acknowledge that not every parent will favor the same exact books. Clearly, some books on this list will be okay for some families, and not for others. This resource is meant to be a starting position to inspire you to discover more and more. I want to encourage you to plunge into sharing the adventure of reading with your daughter! Read with her, read to her, talk about the books, ask her questions, stimulate her thinking and motivate her to think critically. How rewarding it will be! Happy reading!

Stories, Tales and Fiction -- to engage her imagination

All-of-a-Kind Family, et.al. by Sydney Taylor -- this precious Jewish family of 5 girls will be a hit with girls of all ages. Set at the turn of the 20^th century up to World War I, these sweet stories are packed with details about that time in history as well as Jewish traditions, customs and holidays. You will want to read the whole series and watch Ella, Hennie, Sarah, Charlotte and Gertie grow up! (ages 7 and up)

The Little Girl and the Big Bear by Paul Galdone -- fantastic read aloud about a little girl who is clever and brave and outsmarts the huge bear that kidnapped her to return safely home to her family. It is one of my favorite books of all time, but sadly out of print. Look for it used or at the library. (Picture book -- ages 3 and up)

Adara by Beatrice Gormley -- the Biblical story of the little girl who was the slave of Naaman’s wife, who told Naaman to seek out Elisha to be healed from leprosy (ages 8 and up)

Five Children and It, Railway Children by E. Nesbit -- Excellent fantasy literature by a Victorian-era writer who influenced C.S. Lewis (ages 10 and up)

Melisande by E. Nesbit -- a beautiful story of a princess whose character is as big as she is! Written at the turn of the 20^th century in the spirit of the old fairy tales. Out of Print, but find it at the library. (Picture book -- ages 3 and up)

Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle et.al. by Betty MacDonald -- funny short stories about children whose flaws are treated by a clever lady who has medicine fit for every crime. Good for further instruction on sinfulness. (Short chapter book with some pictures -- ages 5 and up)

The Princess and the Kiss by Jennie Bishop -- a well told tale of a princess who guards her prized first kiss and deems the poor man she chooses to be worthy of her love because he has the same treasure himself. There is a companion book, Life Lessons from the Princess and the Kiss, that has activities and applications a mom and daughter(s) (or dad and daughter!) could do together after reading the book. (Ages 8-12)

“The Girls of Many Lands” series, especially Neela, Saba, Camille and Minuk -- this series from American Girl is designed for older readers, and features girls from around the world during exciting times in history. Though not Christian, these stories are well-written, exciting tales that feature courageous girls in different cultures (clearly a mature reader would understand, for instance, that Minuk -- an Eskimo girl -- believes in false gods). Girls of other cultures are portrayed in distinctly feminine roles, but still get in on the adventure of the stories. (10 and up)

Brave Irene by William Steig -- Irene is steadfast and brave when she gets lost in a snowstorm trying to help her mother by delivering a dress to the duchess. She actually contemplates giving up and just laying down and staying in the snow, even though she knows she will die, but remembers her mother is counting on her and her love for her mother compels her to do what is right. She obviously enjoys success in the end, but the story is a good picture of perseverance even when things seem impossible. (Picture Book -- ages 4 and up)

The Saturdays, The Four-Story Mistake, Then There Were Five, Spiderweb for Two by Elizabeth Enright -- this quartet of stories about four siblings who live in New York City and then the countryside are splashed with color, humor, and genius. I just love the relationship between the siblings -- realistic, but they truly love each other and are the best of friends. Enright captures exactly how it felt to be a child. These were exactly the kind of books I loved as a child. (ages 8 and up)

Gone-Away Lake and Return to Gone-Away Lake by Elizabeth Enright. This is a Newberry Award-winners by the same author. Cousins discover a little town that froze in time when the lake dried up, and befriend two wonderful people who stayed on in the town. Elderly Minnehaha and her brother Pindar are full of funny stories and wisdom for the kids, who eventually convince their parents to buy a huge house and move into the old town. (ages 8 and up)

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo -- a timeless story of a prideful toy rabbit who is lost by his loving owner and finds himself passed around from owner to owner. The real journey, however, is inside, as Edward Tulane learns what love is, and wakes up to his own selfishness. The happy ending seals this book’s future as a classic. Not a Christian book, but paints a clear picture of redemption. (ages 7 and up)

The True Princess by Angela Ewell Hunt -- a Christian story of a princess whose relationship with the king teaches her that true beauty is inside. Good for combating silly princess stories. (Picture book -- ages 4 and up)

Seeker’s Great Adventure by Dian Layton -- a great early-reader allegory in the spirit of Pilgrim’s Progress. Children in the kingdom discover how wonderful it is to have a relationship with the King (these books are primarily beneficial for showing how great King Jesus is!). The whole series is great -- simple, but quite original. Other titles include Rescued from the Dragon, The Secret of the Blue Pouch, In Search of Wanderer, The Dreamer, Armor of Light. (ages 5 and up)

Classics and Series -- well known books

Hundred Dresses by Elenor Estes -- every little girl must read this book and discuss the story with her mother. Poor Wanda is made fun of day after day by the other girls in school because she says she has a hundred dresses at home in her closet, all lined up. Maddie -- a girl who goes along with the mocking because she wants to be popular but always feels bad about it -- serves as the conscience of the story. The surprise ending gives cause for personal reflection over issues of showing favoritism, speaking hurtfully to one’s peers, and judging others as well as speaking up and taking a stand against wrongdoing. (ages 6-12)

Little House on the Prairie et.al. by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee -- for mature readers. Though Scout is a tomboy in every sense of the word (and there is certainly nothing wrong with that!), her father Atticus Finch can serve as an example of a truly admirable man for a female reader. Their delightful neighbor, Miss Maudie, is a wonderful woman of character who helps Scout and Jem understand how truly great their father is.

The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Warner Chandler

American Girl Series -- especially Addy, Felicity, Kirsten, Josefina and Samantha. Some families shy away from this series because they are not Christian and do not want to spend money on the dolls, but the books are such excellent stories, and the girls in this series do live out traditional gender roles. These books are designed to keep little girls from growing up too fast. (ages 7-10)

Betsy-Tacy, et al by Maude Hart Lovelace

Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan

A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Little Pilgrim’s Progress by Helen Taylor (retelling of John Bunyan’s classic). Includes the story of Christiana. (read-aloud to ages 7 and up, read for self ages 10 and up)

Biographies and autobiographies --true stories to inspire

Nothing Can Separate Us -- the Story of Nan Harper (Beautiful Girlhood series -- www.visionforum.com). As the Titanic sank, Pastor John Harper of Scotland cried out for lost souls, led dying men to Christ, and ultimately sacrificed his life for others. On board with him was his daughter Nan. This is a love story about a father and a daughter, and how one girl grew up to pass on her father's legacy of heroism and Christian faith to future generations. Other historical figures featured in this series include Dolly Madison, Sacagawea, Priscilla Mullins, and Barbara Leninger (ages 7-10)

Are All the Watches Safe by Catherine MacKenzie -- this early reader introduces girls to a real life heroine, Corrie Ten Boom. Written on an early reader level, with lots of pictures, this would make a good read aloud for younger children (ages 5 and up)

Can Brown Eyes be Made Blue? By Catherine MacKenzie -- childhood story of Amy Carmichael for younger children (ages 5 and up)

Trailblazers Series by Catherine MacKenzie -- biographies of Christian women such as Mary Slessor, Joni Erickson-Tada, Corrie Ten Boom, Gladys Aylward and many others (Christian Focus) (3^rd-6^th grade)

Heroes of the Faith Series -- an inexpensive series of small biographies of famous Christians. Both egalitarians and complementarians are featured in this series, such as Amy Charmichael, Mary Slessor, Fanny Crosby, and Florence Nightingale and Edith Schaeffer. (4^th-8^th grade)

Gladys Aylward: The Little Woman by Gladys Aylward -- nice little autobiography that tells this missionary’s story of living in dependence of the Lord’s leading. The simple writing and short chapters make it perfect for introducing a younger girl to reading autobiographies. (Ages 11 and up).

A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael by Elisabeth Elliot -- a sharp teen reader could really benefit from digging deep into the life of a hero in this top-notch biography from a great writer. Reading this book could also open up her world to reading more books by Amy Carmichael (a young poetess could really enjoy some of her beautiful poetry) and Elisabeth Elliot. (Middle teenage)

Mimosa, A True Story by Amy Carmichael -- this little book contains an amazing story of redemption and perseverance. As a little girl, Mimosa spends one day learning of Christ, and that small amount of knowledge sustains her throughout a life of hardship. In the face of great persecution, she refuses to worship Hindu idols, and clings to Christ, whose name she cannot even remember. Because of Mimosa’s intense hardship, I recommend this book for a mature middle-school aged girls or older.

The Hiding Place, In My Father’s House, Tramp for the Lord by Corrie Ten Boom -- Many have been changed and challenged by Corrie Ten Boom’s stories. Great for mothers and daughters to read together! (middle school and up)

Through Gates of Splendor, These Strange Ashes, the Savage My Kinsman by Elisabeth Elliot -- these books weave together the story of the author’s life as a missionary among the Colorado, Quechua and Auca Indian tribes of Ecuador. Excellently written and thick with application, these books tell the story of a woman who lived her life utterly dedicated to God’s will. Perfectly appropriate for a high school girl to read. Older teens would also benefit from reading Passion and Purity, the story of the author’s God-centered romance with Jim Ellliot.

With Daring Faith -- A Biography of Amy Carmichael by Rebecca H. Davis (6^th grade and up)

Trivia -- Final Segment

We've got a dead heat, here -- good thing I have lots of books to give away. Anna and Morning Rose are tied at 3 each. I struggled coming up with a final question that is fair to both of them (like obviously not something from my childhood that only Anna would know). So Josh suggested this final question, and our tiebreaker. You could probably find the answer if you clicked around enough on past posts, or looked online.

Segment 4 -- Church

8. What New Testament scholar is the preaching pastor at the church where Gretchen is a member?

***Edit: We have a winner! Morning Rose, if you would so kindly drop me an e-mail with your address, I will send you: Counseling: How to Counsel Biblically by John MacArthur, The Gender-Neutral Bible Controversy by Vern Poythress and Wayne Grudem, Build-a-Bible Personal size in King James Version (didn't you say that was your preference?) with a blue Bible cover and note pad (it's like a little set), and Mission Compromised by Oliver North (don't know if you like fiction, but I figured in a family of boys, it couldn't hurt!). I also have tossed in a couple of things for your boys (not books, just for fun). Total value? $138.27!! Keep in mind, I did not buy these things, they are a perk of working at a bookstore. Our runner up, Anna, is getting a consolation prize of a leather-bound NLT Bible (I use that for everyday reading), The Journals of Jim Elliot by Elisabeth Elliot and Does This Dress Make Me Look Fat? by Stephen James (not sure about that last one -- it might be dumb, it might be good for a laugh).

Thank you all for participating in The Gretchen Trivia Sweepstakes Challenge. I'd show you all what the prizes are but my camera is broken!

On Being a Vegetarian -- and Trivia Segment 3

The second semester of my Sophomore year in college, I looked around the MBBC dining hall and saw no healthy meat that I wanted to eat. For a while I had disliked lunchmeat, red meat, pork, and most poultry, leaving me to eat unhealthy things such as pepperoni and bacon (can you see how they are less "meaty"?). So I decided, "I don't really like this stuff anyway! I'm giving it up for the rest of the semester". By the time I came home and sat down to a steak grilled by my dad, I had lost the taste for meat -- I simply could not handle the texture. I also read The Jungle by Upton Sinclair that summer, but I was already confirmed by then. That began me on a quest to actually care about my food and not just always stick whatever tastes good into my mouth. The next fall a vegetarian lady at my little college church lent me a cookbook that explained how to build a perfect protein even if you aren't eating meat. I found I enjoyed learning about food, health and cooking. I confess that the spiritual aspect has come much later. I don't eat meat not because I believe it is wrong (I believe in mankind having dominion over the animals), but because it is just a part of a balanced lifestyle I try to maintain to bring glory to God. So that is my pilgrimage as a vegetarian. It is true, as Anna pointed out, that initially I was a terribly unhealthy vegetarian to begin with, but I mended that within a few months, and now my tastes for meals center largely around how many vegetables are in one dish. I truly don't feel right if I go too long in my day without eating some veggies and fruit.

Morning Rose and Misty are now on the board with one point each. I'm awarding Morning Rose for her sleuthing on the Lent question (plus she was the closest in the first place, and answered first), and Misty on the most detailed reason for my vegetarianism. The scoreboard stands as follows: Anna(3), Morning Rose(1) and Misty(1).

Segment 3 -- Awards

6. Fill in the blank: Gretchen graduated from college _______________

7. What award was bestowed on Gretchen in 2005 that led her to proclaim "Now I feel as though I'm a person who actually wins things!"

Trivia Segment 2

At this point, we have a clear front-runner in The Gretchen Trivia Sweepstakes Challenge. Anna is 3-0, being the first to answer as well as answering all 3 questions correctly. But with 5 questions remaining, it's any woman's (or man's) game. The next segment is decidedly harder, and more open to interpretation, to give it your best shot. I may be able to award a runner-up or two as well!

Segment 2 -- Eating and Appetites

4. Name 3 things Gretchen has given up for Lent.

5. Why did Gretchen become a vegetarian?

Gretchen Trivia Sweepstakes

Mark tagged me to tell 8 random things about myself, but today I had a bit of a windfall in new books, I decided to make it a game. Here's how it'll go. I will post (in segments) 8 trivia questions about myself, and the person who gets the most questions right and first (weighted equally) will win an assortment of books, shipped free of charge to your home (I'll base my selection on the interest of the winner). Or if you live here, I'll just hand them to you.

Segment 1 -- favorites:

1. Who is my favorite author?

2. Who is my favorite fine art artist?

3. What is my favorite color?

Let the games begin!

Prayer Walking

I just had the most wonderful morning. After I went to the grocery, and returned home with a big cup of Starbucks, I felt inclined to sit outside and read my Bible underneath the starry sky and a brilliantly shining moon. This personal time with the Lord was so precious and sweet, as He convicted me of a glaring sin I had unknowingly been clinging to, and brought me sweet repentance and instruction through His Word. I did not want it to end. The crisp early morning was bidding me to stay out and further enjoy quiet time on the quiet campus, and I had the idea to go on a prayer walk around the Seminary lawn. This idea of prayer walking had been planted in my mind by Terry Rogstad, a godly woman at my church, who mentioned how she loved to go for walks and speak to the Lord.

Perhaps this is something everyone does, but it was new to me! How delightful to praise, pray, speak out loud, or whisper very softly requests that tumbled to the forefront of my mind as I was stimulated by the exercise. Scriptures came, and I prayed those for dear ones I loved, and at the very end (there is a big clock on top of one of the buildings that chimes the half hours so I could watch my time) I saw the gorgeous sunrise, orange and pink and peach, filling the sky with a sorbet of colorful clouds.

Here is a scripture (paraphrased) that I prayed for my sisters (Anna, Emily, if you are reading this, I pray this for you):

Ephesians 3:16&19
I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources
he will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit.
May you experience the love of Christ,
though it is too great to understand fully understand,
then you will be made complete with all fullness of life and power that comes from God.

About Commentaries

I'm thinking now about what I want to do for my devotions next year. This year I've been reading through the Bible using a little One-Year Bible, and I have really loved it. I'm considering just starting right over with that, but I'm wondering if it might be a good idea to take a break, and choose to study something (like one book) more in-depth.

Which brings me to commentaries. I am thinking that if I decided to read through, say the book of John, I may want a commentary or two to aid my reading, and help me dig deeper. Which raises the question, which commentaries should I use? I started really thinking over this today while I was receiving MacArthur Commentaries at work (they're on sale all month for 40% off and we got a truckload!). I have not consistently read a commentary with my Bible reading in years -- probably since high school, when I was sort of struggling to understand the meaning of quite a lot of the Bible. Here are the ones I am considering right now:

Johnny Mac, of course

Crossway Classic Commentary

Reformed Expository Commentary

Baker Exegetical Commentary

New American Commentary

I wondered if any of you regularly use commentaries as companions in your personal devotions? Do you have any insight for me?

One-on-one with Mrs. Mohler

Hey, blog friends. Check out the interview I did with Mary Mohler for our Pendergraph Women's Ministry Blog! You can read part 1 of 3 here. ***Edit: Part 2 is up! Read it here.
Part 3 can be found here.

Mrs. Mohler is the wife of Dr. Albert Mohler, the President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. I have been privileged to get to know Mrs. Mohler through the class I am currently taking in the Seminary Wives Institute, "Embracing Femininity". For more on my thoughts about Mrs. Mohler, and how she has impacted my life, you can read this old post.

My Sister Moms

I am not a mom -- yet. Lord, willing, someday I'll share in that blessing. But these days I'm overjoyed for my sister moms who are enjoying that special blessing in their lives. In my last post, I mentioned my sis-in-law, Kari, who is the mom of our first nephew (the first grandchild, on that side of the family), Max. Kari's sister, Melissa, is also expecting a little one in February (can't wait to find out if it's a boy or a girl!). Our dear friends David and Sharon just became parents yesterday -- it was a precious, long awaited boy! (see pictures here.) I am so happy for these friends. I share in their joy.

I was thinking happily about these new moms today -- as well as my sister-in-law Janet, who is the mother of my darling neicelet Schmader-cakes. I was praying for them to glorify the Lord for their blessings, and to see those little ones as a reflection of the good Giver who gives all things. I am thankful that God's grace has enabled me to be content without children, and to be able to ask myself the right kind of questions about being a mother when I am tempted to slip into self-pity. Motherhood is certainly not a right -- it's a privilege. It is a good thing, but it is not the best thing -- in other words, it can become an idol just like anything else. It's amazingly the same as idolizing marriage, which was something I struggled with in my single life. I'm glad to see that the lesson of contentment is pretty much the same as life goes on -- and I can learn it better and better all the time. I learn it more gladly, too, as I know the Controller of my destiny better and better.

Check out this great article by Mary Mohler. I hope it is an encouragement to all my sister moms out there!

Updates

I'm sorry I haven't been blogging for a few days. This has been a crazy week! I wanted to bring some updates, though . . .

1. Max is here!! Kari gave birth to a healthy little guy Tuesday, the 18th. I could not be more happy about his birthday. It is the same day as my dad's and that means I will never forget it! Ha ha!!! Click here to see a picture of the happy family. Kari seemed to be in good spirits when I talked to her not long after he was born. She didn't have any horror stories about labor, even though she said it was harder than she thought it would be. We are so happy for them! ***Edit: Wouldn't you agree that this little face is just to die for? What a cute nephew I have!! Just wait until he gets big enough for his wolf suit and goes out to make mischief!***

2. In case you didn't find it, my dear friend Jill has a blog now! Many of you who know her have discovered it, but I also want to point out that Jewel and Johanna do as well! These 3 sisters were my pastor's daughters growing up. I love the way the blogging world can keep us all up to date! Please stop by and tell them hello, if you have the chance.

3. I am putting together a list of resources for a friend who is looking for books that build character. Specifically, she wants to find books for her little girl that aren't just fluff and princessyness -- especially as she gets older. I do have a bunch of ideas, but I thought I'd throw it out there to see if you all have recommendations for me. They don't have to be for a girl, or for any particular age. Thanks!

Mostly Being About Books

"What are you reading?" Don't you just love being asked that question? Essentially, that's why I started this blog, so I could talk about the books in my life, and encourage my friends and readers to do the same. A couple years ago, I decided to be intentional about my reading choices, developing a plan and themes to guide me. I make lists and plan.

I was so happy to find what my favorite Bibliophile had to say on the subject. This article by Dr. Mohler prompted me to evaluate my own reading goals and patterns. (Please check it out -- this article is gold!).

Here are a few musings from Gretchen Reads 24/7 on how to approach reading in a life that is too full already!

~Read on your lunch break. This is huge for me. Of course it's tempting to make phone calls, check your blog or shop online. It is so much more rewarding to read! I feel like my lunch hour was rested and efficient when I've spent at least half of it reading. This is also a good time to choose to read a more challenging book, or a book assigned for class, because your mind is clicking away from being at work.

~Read in the morning, read at night. To go along with Dr. Mohler's tip "read for enjoyment" I recommend having a light read on hand to put yourself to sleep with (especially if you need to be up at 5, and have a hard time falling asleep early). Choose to read your Bible and a devotional book in the morning. This is obviously not a hard and fast rule! But I see the advantage of making it a pattern.

~Read the whole book. Unless you are going through Calvin's Institutes or The Civil War 3 volume set by Shelby Foote, choose wisely and then give the book the benefit of the doubt and get through it. Donette recently shared how she decided to shelf When I Don't Desire God by John Piper because she felt like what she was reading didn't apply to her at this phase of life. In that circumstance I think it was wise for her to spend her reading time elsewhere. I do know, however, my own tendency to say "ooooh! I want to read that!" and then flit from book to book like an intellectual butterfly never really landing and sucking up the juices. Sometimes the book might not be the greatest. But at least you will definitively know that!

~Don't make too many reading "rules". If you love the book and you want to keep going, and not set it aside to read a bit of another, keep on reading it! Sometimes you are just "in the zone" with a book, and you hate to lay it aside to save for another day. Just go with it. You will read much more this way.

It's a Small World

Imagine the music from that ride at Disney World begins to play (but don't picture the creepy little figures on the ride jerkily dancing about -- that'll give you nightmares. . . but I digress. . . ). Josh and I were pondering some of the connections we've made when meeting people here at the Seminary. I know I'll forget someone and some connection, but in case this sort of thing is of interest to you, here you have it. ***Edit: I meant to add that these connections are ironic since I did not grow up Southern Baptist, and here we are at a Southern Baptist Seminary!***

From our former church, Calvary in Danville, we were told to look out for friends from my high school youth group: Cassie Paddock and Jaimie Zaijek. I bump into Cassie all the time, and we enjoy a laugh over deep theological issues like the policies at the Covington pool, etc. I don't see Jaimie very often, but Josh had a class with her husband last semester, and the few times I have seen Jaimie and her cute little girl have been a delight!

From Maranatha, where we both spent our college days, we met up with Kevin McFadden last fall when we came to visit the school. Kevin told us that his roommate, Jason Erb (one Shooter to Carey!) was also a student, and was getting ready to get married. Who would he marry? My dear friend Andrea Nash! I had lost touch with her after college, but now we both take the same SWI class, and I really had this unbelievable deja vu thing the other night during class as we whispered something admiring about our professor. I am so thrilled to have Andrea back in my life. We go to church with Andrea, Jason and Kevin at Clifton Baptist.

Speaking of Clifton, the first night we visited (which was a Wednesday), the preaching pastor Tom Schreiner gave a greeting to Josh Waltz. He said he was glad to see him back visiting. I nudged Josh "I think I know him!" I hissed. When the service was over, my suspicions were confirmed. It was indeed the Josh Waltz I knew from MBBC, who was actually "Mr. Waltz" to me -- he was my English Composition instructor my freshman year. Side note: check out his blog, Waltzian Heresies. I guess it makes sense that a comp instructor ought to be a good writer!

One night after church, we were getting to know the couple sitting behind us, Tim and Jamie Gray. Josh said he was from northern Ohio (which is usually when people say "near Cedar Point? Cool!" and leave it at that, because there really isn't much else to know about northern Ohio!). Tim and Jamie said "where?!" They are also from northern Ohio and it turns out that the pastor's wife at Calvary in Tiffin (Josh's church where he grew up) was Jamie's volleyball coach and small group mentor in high school. The word I'd use to describe Tim and Jamie is faithful. Tim has multiple medical problems, but the richness of their communion with God is evident to the rest of the church body.

One morning during Sunday school I whispered to Josh "let's invite those new people to go out to eat with us". The new people were Jeremy and Rachel Kimble who just moved to L-ville from Wisconsin. We shortly discovered that our connection would not be Wisconsin, but Ohio. Jeremy had just finished up his M-div at the same school where our brother-in-law Lukas is a student. Josh asked "do you know Lukas Hafeli?" and in fact, Jeremy was the T.A. in a class Lukas was taking right then! Incredible.

Josh had gotten to know these super nice guys in our hallway, Kevin and Will. They have Greek together (2 semesters in a row), and we see them at Clifton pretty often as well. When Josh introduced me to them, he said "Will just came back from Kazakhstan -- he knows the Konings!" I don't know about you, but Kazakhstan is not the country you hear most about, so it was ironic no matter what that Will had been in Kazakhstan, but even more incredible that he knew the dear Konings, who have been missionary friends I've known since high school (I remember their oldest son as a baby). We'd just seen Otto a few days before we moved to L-ville because he was in the states recruiting at Urbana and then speaking at Calvary's mission conference. Amazingly enough, Will and Kevin were not familiar with the Pineapple Story, written by Otto Koning Sr. I am planning to have storytime with them in the future, after I get my book out of storage.

Is it a small world? In a sense, no. It is very big and diverse and only God knows all the people. But in another sense, the whole Christian community is just separated by a few degrees, and it should be that way. People who have ties to some of the people you knew here, ministered with there, prayed for during this, are people who have continued in the Christian faith. They have not fallen away. Connections like these should be cause for us not to consider ourselves in pride ("Well, I've been around,") but to humbly thank the Lord for His grace in our perseverance.

Waiting for Max

Josh and I spent this weekend with his family in northern Ohio, waiting to see if Kari (his sister) would give birth to our nephew, Max. Poor little Kari is about ready to pop! Josh comes from a very small family, and his sisters are all just 5 foot or so, but married to tall, tall guys!

I was full of ideas about how I'd help Kari move things along a bit. I made her sit on the exercise ball all the time. I kept suggesting spicy food. On Saturday, we went for a nice long walk (the pace I kept about killed her!). The poor girl kept having contractions in the midst of whatever we were doing -- several in WalMart, where we all really got our hopes up, because she nearly keeled over in the middle of the isle ("Don't stare at me!" she hissed "fake like you're all just talking"). We had a delightful outing on Saturday where we all (Josh's mom, sisters Kari and Melissa and I) got pedicures at a place the next town over, enjoying the green massage chairs, foot massage and a good girl time together (Lo, we missed you! We'll make it a tradition before everyone has their babies, so you can come in a few months before Melissa has hers).


Well, maybe you can tell by the way I speak of this weekend in past tense, but there was no arrival of the long-awaited little one. Things certainly seemed to be progressing -- Kari was much changed from when we arrived to when we left -- but apparently, they need to be progressing even more! We had all prayed that the time would come while we were already there, but that clearly was not the plans God had for us, or baby Max.

It is interesting how waiting for the arrival of a baby makes you ponder God's sovereignty. We are powerless to do a thing to hurry up His plan. At the end of the day, after trying what we knew might encourage things along a bit, all we can do is stamp our feet and say "Okay! We're ready now!" But it doesn't matter. God holds it all in His hands, and our feeble attempts to help him move it along are just truly silly. But isn't this true in all of life? Do we really wield control over any events? We just feel like we do, because sometimes things work out the way we planned them. Other times, we attribute the success or failure of our plans to the actions of another person -- which, though out of our control, still not within God's. People jokingly would say "Max will come out when he wants to!" or "You've got a rebellious nephew there! He won't obey already!" I realize that is a joke, but it speaks volumes as to who we really think holds the power! It's really funny to consider that this tiny baby is actually plotting to make us all wait -- rather than automatically realizing that our big God has a perfect plan in which we must wait.

Kari and I talked about how she is learning patience during these final weeks during our long walk. How precious to see the character that God is building in our lives! Our personal growth and godliness is high on God's agenda for His children. He desires to make Kari more like His Son -- and waiting for Max is working that out in her life. Imagine if we were able to set a date for the baby, like a wedding date, and then there was no question mark at all. Think of what we'd lose! An absolute dependence on God, patience for Him to bring about the right time, perseverance to keep chugging even though our bodies are wanting to quit! Dear friends -- God has us just where He wants us: in the midst of His great plan. Whether you are waiting for a job, a spouse, a child, a change in a relationship, an engagement, you'd do well to realize what I did. I cannot make it happen. Which is really such a good thing.

Hang on, Kari! God's got it all in control, hon!

"Just as you cannot understand the path of the wind, or the mystery of a tiny baby growing in its mother's womb, so you cannot understand the activity of God, who does all things." Ecclesiastes 11:5

Mother of All the Living

Last night in my class, we had a guest speaker, Dr. Bruce Ware, who is one of Theology professors on staff here at the Seminary. He is a gifted speaker and theologian whose primary area of focus is the study of God Himself. He is also my Sunday School teacher! Obviously, I'd been looking forward to hearing his lecture on "Biblical Manhood and Womanhood and the Created Order."

Here is something that just fascinated me -- and perhaps you've already seen this and it won't be new to you -- Adam named Eve after the fall. Up to that point, she was merely called "the woman" which is what Adam named her right after her creation. Immediately after God curses Adam and Eve because of their sin -- telling them they will die -- Adam "called his wife's name Eve because she was the mother of all the living". She was named mother of all the living even though at that moment she began dying.

Why is that significant? It's obviously an amazing contradiction of terms! Dr. Ware pointed out that you can see the mercy of God in the very center of the curse (Gen 3:15): "I will put enmity between you and the woman and between your offspring and her offspring, he shall bruise your head and you shall bruise his heel." This great verse which promises redemption is often referred to as the first time Christ is specifically pointed to in the Bible, which is a beautiful promise all mankind may cling to.

Here is the part that I never really considered before: Adam knew it too. He got it! He heard the promise and his newly-fallen mind was somehow able to grasp a bit of its weight, and therefore, he turned to his wife and named her "Mother of all the living". Through her had come the curse (even though Adam was held responsible and bore the heavier punishment), and through her would come the One who breaks the curse!

Isn't that beautiful? Is not our God merciful? Rejoice in that today and worship Him!

Time and Money Saver

Do you dislike grocery shopping? It is one of the tasks that we all share in -- man, woman, single, married. We have to eat. We have to go to the grocery store.

For whatever reason, I have always loved grocery shopping. Maybe it's because I grew up with my dad in the grocery business -- stopping at grocery stores on our vacations, admiring polaroids of displays my dad had made back when he was a store manager before we came along, attending "buyers fairs" where the nice food vendors lavished freebies on us because we were kids. I also love food. So pretty much, I like grocery shopping too much. I want that task to have a priority, a night off, so I can enjoy my freedom wandering the isles. And I always spend way too much. Despite the list, despite the shopping on a full stomach rule -- I just can't help it, I see things and it gives me ideas.

So -- here's my tip! Go shopping early in the morning. This morning I was there before 6, and even though it was dark out, it was perfectly safe, because the only people out that early are too old to mug you! I was also not awake enough to think past my list. I had no big ideas while in the produce section. I actually only bought what was on my list (and I didn't forget anything, so methodical was my shopping). Mrs. Mohler would be proud.

How does that save you time? Well, the drive is quicker (which, unless you live next door to your grocery store always plays a factor) because there are no other cars out! Also, since I was so dependent on my list, I just walked down each isle once, and I had virtually no other shoppers to deal with. Finally, only the self checkouts were open, so I could take my time bagging everything just the way I wanted. I like fitting everything into 4-5 bags so I can carry it all in at once. (Clearly this is impossible for you if you shop for a brood!).

So there you have it! I'm sold on my early morning shopping. Try it out, and maybe you'll see the Starbucks light on while driving home (like I did!).

Up for Some Fun. . .

This morning in church I saw the back of a little girl's head and for a split second thought it was Anna McCurdy (a dear child friend of mine from our old church). Obviously, I realized I was mistaken right away, and yet the longing to see those kids brought tears to my eyes. I silently told the Lord how much I missed those kids and how I wished to have some really good fun kid time with the kids at my church here.

Thank you, Jesus! I had my answer tonight at Clifton's Labor Day picnic. I got to play games, walk a trail (including a visit to a large group of ducks and a very old graveyard) and play tag to my hearts content with the fabulous kids who I am growing to love more and more. This is one of the biggest blessings in my life. It is a crowning moment for me to have such a reward from God. I am refreshed and blessed in ways I can't explain.

In light of that, I thought I'd go through some of my older pictures and put up some fun and funny ones of kids. To keep it safe, I'm not posting the kids' names (don't freak if you see your child here!).This one cracks me up because it looks like Josh and I are trying to throw the kids off the bridge.

What is the deal with my teacher face? I crack myself up! I love how Miss Janice is mimicking me without knowing it! The kids are slightly in disbelief, though obviously taking me seriously!


Obviously a place you need to try everything on.


I'm good at scary faces, and I must teach the next generation.


Turban contest (reading Narnia).


What I love about this picture is that the child in front of me is somehow unbelievably unhappy even though she is wearing MY t-shirt and TWO of my necklaces (color day at VBS)! When I looked closely I was like "WHY does she have BOTH of my turquoise necklaces on??"


Do you think this child gets kissed much? Heh, heh. . .


Well, that's just CUTE.


Best for last! AUGH HA HA HA! Smoooooooth.

My Missionary Friends

I realize that the links I feature on my "Blogs I frequent" sidebar might be too numerous to entice you to click on many of them, but I do regularly update that section, removing blogs of friends that, though I love them, they don't post often (or ever!), and adding new friends' blogs I find.

I want to highlight 2 blogs for you to check out: my friend Christen Taylor and my friend Rachel Wind. Christen is a new missionary to Brazil, and you can follow her spiritual journey as she adjusts to a new culture and language, mothers her children and seeks to reach the Brazilian people for God's glory. She is a dear friend who I miss very much, and her posts are so often challenging as she is very real about her walk and struggles.

Rachel is a new friend I met here at our church in Louisville, Clifton Baptist. She and her husband are preparing to go back to Asia for a second term with the IMB. I was so delighted by Rachel in the time I was able to spend with her -- her attitude, delight in small things, appreciation of beauty, as well as her talent and personality just blew me away! She reminds me of a combination of Jill Humrichous and Christen Taylor. I had a picture of the two of us at the book shower we gave her during her time at Clifton, but I can't find it now! ***Edit: I found it! (obviously) ***Rachel was such a breath of fresh air to me, with her God-centered, fun-loving thinking and speech. Here's a quote about being homesick while overseas "Wherever your family is, you're home . . . and when you're with the Lord's family, you're home. When I'm longing to put down roots, I'm really longing for heaven."

Come meet these two fabulous friends who have left the comforts of home and familiarity to follow hard after God in other worlds! I'm sure you'll love them as I do.

For Now We See Through a Glass Darkly

God's rich grace is such a beautiful thing. So is His covenant with with His people. These are things I've been thinking on lately -- mostly my need for grace, and how every few moments I find myself turning to kneel at the cross, delighted to cling to the gospel. I've been tempted with pride, and so often stumbled. Sometimes I am just disgusted with myself and this life, and I long to be fully reconciled with Jesus -- face to face.

Last weekend my dear friend Brooke, whom I've known since she was eleven, was married, and I had part in her wedding ceremony. As beautiful as her wedding was -- the decorations, food, apparel -- what simply struck me so deeply that day was the beauty of this covenant that God created to show us a picture of Himself and His church. It was as though the veil lifted for a brief moment and I was able to see that thing called a covenant relationship, and it was so lovely. Oh, to see that day when our perfect Groom will esteem His bride by uniting Himself with her. To think that I shall be there!

It is a struggle, indeed, to simply be content with seeing through this glass darkly . . . but then, face to face!