Sister Visit but No Challenges Completed

Dear Reader,

I don't have much to tell you this week.  My sister came to visit with her son Donovan.  We don't see each other very often.  She lives in Idaho.  She came to see Tim Hawkins comedy show in Salem.  I don't know why she would drive so far for that but it was certainly fun to visit and a change of pace.  It was nice and convenient that I could send a Mother's Day present home with her.  My mom and dad have been out of the country for a long time now and I am excited to tell them that I will be able to visit them soon.

Also I am behind a couple books in my Popsugar Reading Challenge so I thought I would try to catch up with that before trying #19 Surprise someone you love with a gift and #20 Try Nail Art (I have my wraps ready though!!).

It is always hard to predict what I will get around to but this week doesn't look too busy or surprising.  I am getting bored of grocery shopping and cooking, I am not sure what to do about that just thought I would mention it since this plus cleaning the house is all I feel I am good for most of the time. 

Don't forget to tell your mother you love her!

Yours Truly,
L.L.

Farmer's Market and Cross Stitching Holmes

Dear Reader,

Thank God for beautiful spring days.  It usually rains quite about around here so any sun in spring is appreciated.  As I had so excitedly proclaimed last week we, our whole family, mind you, went to our local(ish) Saturday Market.  We also walked the new park bridge, rode the carousel, and went to the BIG library.  I am sure a couple of these are challenges for the future, but I will just focus on the market part which was challenge #16.  Next time I will take an appropriate recipe for seasonal fruits and veggies but I think I was just so excited to get out of the house with my family that I didn't think too much about it.  We did sit in the food court area and get some fresh squeezed lemonade.  Ariana tried this potato on a stick with a hot dog thing that tasted great, but was probably not good for you.  The other two had corn dogs.  The adults were a bit more adventures and tried some Peruvian tamales- yum!  I found a both called Vanilla Bean which sold the most scrumptious creme brulee chocolate muffins.  Neil gave the girls a couple dollars to buy some fancy rocks- they love collecting rocks. 

So many choices!

"I am a little shy.  But I like my rice krispy treat."

Right around the time we were ready to leave the market we ran into my husband's ex-girlfriend.....so that wasn't awkward (insert a little sarcasm).  But seriously she is a nice girl and it would 10x more awkward and awful if one of MY exes were to show up some where (thank goodness the chances of that are fairly low).  I also ran into my friend Julie!  I saw her daughter first and thought to myself- she looks like a little girl I have seen many pictures of on Facebook- and sure enough it WAS her.  Any way, it was great day and it will be so fun to go again some time this summer. 

I also wanted to share my little cross stitching project.  I have been refraining from sharing it because it was suppose to be a Christmas present last year for Ali and Marcel but I never ended up finishing it in time.  I was also afraid one of them would see my posts (but I am fairly confident I have few to no readers- that is okay, this blog is mostly for future me any way *GRINS A MISCHIEVOUS GRIN JUST THINKING ABOUT IT*)-

Since Ali is a big Sherlock fan and she and her husband JUST bought a new house this will be even more appropriate this Christmas!  I am REALLY close to finishing.  I am only really worried about the framing part. 

Do you have a Farmer's Market in your area?  Are you working on any fun crafts?  Next time I write I will hopefully be telling you about a gift for the someone I love or doing nail art/wraps challenge.  Have a wonderful week!

Yours Truly,
L.L.

Back to HAPPINESS

Dear Reader,

Not that Lent can't be full of happiness but I am done with those posts.  I still have some pictures from my project but this time I will let it rest.  I hope this isn't terribly detrimental to you and I hope it wasn't something you were waiting for with bated breathe.  I am tired.  I have moved on.  I need to stay relevent or as relevent as someone like me can be.  It is time to return to the HAPPINESS Challenge. 

I last left off on Challenge #14 which was fun but poorly planned.  Number fifteen is "Host a Dinner Party" but with my financial uncertainity problem I skipped this one for now.  Number sixteen "Go to your local farmer's market" is actually planned for this weekend- SQUEE!!! If you can't tell- I am EXCITED.  Number seventeen "Have a yard sale and earn some money" was also skipped this time around because there is no way I am having a yard sale with the current weather- it has barely stopped raining or snowing since Thanksgiving.

Challenge #18 "Take a bath" was very appealling.  Technically I have completed this challenge at least 10 times over this year but I took it a step further.  It was relaxing and I was so grateful for this time I was able to have.   

Here was my bath ready supplies.  Bubble bath- check, a book to read in the bath aka The Princess Bride- check, something to drink- check (I was debating between wine and kumbucha, you can see which was the clear winner that night), a treat- check (I ended up with two treats- chocolate mint cookies and my daughter's partially eaten muffin- hey- I'll take it), lotion for after- check and lighted scented candle- check.  I also splurged on new razors and underwear (not pictured). 

Taking time for yourself is important.  It helps you become a better version of you.  I was only interrupted once during this time and was particularly grateful that I could use this as a mini-celebration for finishing some applications that I was not particularly excited about but was glad to be done. 

When I write next I will have Farmer's Market pictures and maybe even "Surprise someone I love with a gift". 

Tell me what your favorite things to have when you indulge in a bath. 

Yours truly,

L.L.

He Is Risen!

Dear Reader,

Lent is over.  Easter Sunday is over, but for Catholics Easter is still in season (I probably won't be doing much about that as no one in my family seems to be very fond of celebrating the liturgical year as I am and I am not interested in doing it alone at this time).  For the first time and for the third year that I have been participating I was not able to finish my photo project!!  But that is okay because I found so many new things that happen during Lent.  I learned about my other Christian brothers and sisters in the faith.  I felt absolutely saturated with love for the church as a body so I know I got the point of Lent for sure! 

Here are some last reflections.

As I have said in the past, I am not Catholic but I observe some practices of the Lenten season.  It makes me a little sad to see the immaturity and snobbery of a handful of people on Facebook who are against the practice because "it isn't in the Bible."  It is true.  Lent is not a Biblically mandated practice.  There are actually no HOLIDAYS given to observe in the New Testament.  It is okay to not want to observe or practice any holiday traditions.  What I find annoying is the arrogance of the statement- "Let's give up Lent for Lent."  I think they are trying to be humorous, but I feel it comes from ignorance and fear.  The people who say this have most likely never observed Lent or even given much thought to self denial and fasting.  It bothers me.  It saddens me.  But I won't condemn or judge.  I don't know their hearts.  Only God knows.  I pray that their eyes and hearts may at least be sensitive to those who do observe this most glorious season.  My church (pictured above) is a small one but mighty in the LORD.  It is very Baptist, but not full on fundamental.  We have a lot of love and fellowship.  I praise God for His church. 

 I also learned about Letting it Go.  It isn't just a super popular Disney song.  Lent got pretty crazy this year with all I was doing and not doing.  Many times I let the laundry and dishes pile up (not that I am on top of  it most of the time but it got tremendously bad this time).  I spent extra time in prayer, the Word, and at Mass.  I had to let go of the guilt of being behind in chores.  I would only recommend this for a season as this could probably drive some people up the wall (myself included).  That is why Lent is only 40 days.

Gratitude Journaling as been an on again off again thing for me.  I do enjoy it when I do.  I have continued it through most of Lent but honestly it got away from me near the end.  So grateful for grace and will gladly start again tomorrow as I have finally caught up on my Bible reading. 

My awareness of Christians around the world has been open this year.  This was my first year totally committed to participating with CRS rice bowl.  They have links to videos of people around the world who are struggling but also learning to thrive with the help of Catholic Relief Services.  Plus during our annual Pastor's enrichment conference this year George Verwer was the speaker.  It was eye opening and convicting.  I am more aware then ever before about "the harvest". 

Lent has always been a healing time for what I believe is Seasonal Affective Disorder.  God's promise never to flood the earth again can be very comforting in Oregon where it never seems to stop raining.

 St. Patrick's Day is usually a nice feast day to break up any monotony you may feel during the Lenten season.  Unfortunately for us this year we were on a trip coming back from Seaside but stopping in Lincoln City for a wedding.  It was a great day but there was nothing Saint Patricky about it other then the fact that I wore my shamrock scarf and we watch Teen Titan's Go "Leprechaun Life".  Thankful I didn't have any expectations so I was happy to be in a fancy hotel with a fireplace drinking hot cider and writing and reading. 

One lesson I want to be better at learning during Lent is being welcoming and hospitable.  I struggle with this.  I am not social.  I am easily flustered and I guess I don't let the Spirit lead.  I rejoice that I have the ability to welcome people in my life, but I don't know when this will be bigger lesson for me. 






Thank you for being my ever patient reader.  It will take me about two more posts till I can wrap up Lent/Easter.  It has been a humbling and whirl wind time.  Praise Be to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Amen

Reflections on Lent

Lent is almost over and I have had so little time to write but I do want to recap as far as I can what I have learned and how I have grown and what happened to Lent 2017- through pictures of course!

What I gave up for Lent this year:  coffee

Why do I give something up?:  As a reminder to depend on God and often to be reminded that I am giving up something in exchange for something much better.  It was kind of a last minute decision because I had actually wanted to give up laziness but I didn't really have a picture idea for it. 

Dhalma with spinach from India and a slice of bread

Ifisashi from Zambia

Pupusas de Queso with Curtido and Salsa Roja from El Salvador 

Meatless Meal(s)
I eat meatless meals on Friday.  This practice reminds of my many brothers and sisters around the world who can not afford meat also it is a reminder to discipline myself to fast from something even something as simple as meat. 

CRS Recipes are really helpful in not only giving you a meatless recipe but also in connecting you to different cultures and real people who are trying to improve their lives.  I always find it interesting, the recipes tasty and unique, and it helps connect me to others who are following along with the CRS calendar.

Giving Back

This year I have been giving blood.  Is it a good excuse for a busy mom to lay down for a good cause?  I think so.

Wilderness

During Lent we reflect on going into the wilderness for solitude and growth so here I am taking a quick walk in my backyard full of the dried pine needles of winter.

Favorite Verse
Hebrews 12:1-2 "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Solitude
It is important for me (and others I am sure) to be alone with Christ.  This is the chair I usually sit in to watch Mass and pray and read the Bible. 

Nurturing
One thing I am learning from this Lent is that I need to stop trying to do it alone.  Last year I did include my children but I felt like it was confusing or might cause confusion because we are not Catholic, but I want them to be able to at least have the opportunity to experience this spiritual practice.  I will include them next year for sure.  Just so you know I do have another daughter but she was at school when I took this picture.

Walk
I have tried to take some time for a few extra walks.  They didn't amount to much extra.  But I can't help but praise God for the weather changing to beautiful spring!  My husband took the girls on a walk around our capital city during cherry blossom time.  Praise be to God!

 #FishFriday
We had tuna fish sandwiches for lunch!  Ariana loves tuna sandwiches.

 

Mentor
I had very good intentions of visiting my mentor Pam Teschner- or at least someone I consider a mentor, but time slips by so quickly for me.  I took a picture of a book she authored and signed for me.  I am thankful for so many of the older ladies in my life. 

Well that was only 10 days worth of reflection....but I wanted to give you a taste of my experience so far and to give you a chance to respond with your experiences or to pray for you.

Lent: At the Half Way Point

Dearest Reader,

My brain is buzzing with so many things to write about- I do not know where to beginning.  Since I last wrote was shortly after I received the Ashes we are now already at the half way point of Lent.  I wanted to say and do so much more.  I always do.  I don't know how to calm my spirit and my ever growing list of personal expectations.  I have found so many Lenten resources.  I could barely contain myself!

First of all I have discovered Lent Madness.  I have always wanted a fun, simple, and interactive way to learn about the saints- men and women of extraordinary faith.  It is just like all the other madnesses (if that is a word) and it is educational and just plain fun.  I haven't filled out my own personal bracket and I don't have a prediction, but I would personally like to see Fanny Crosby or Scholastica with the golden halo.

Second I have been watching Daily Mass most days that I have been at home and if I wake up early enough.  I am falling in love the Mass more every day.  It scares me because the doctrine of the Catholic church isn't quite right but my heart won't stop being stirred within me.  I don't know who is doing the stirring- me? God? Satan?  I know I can not leave my current church, but I wonder how far I can be involved without feeling like I am betraying my Baptist upbringing.

Third, I have faithfully made the all the meals from this years CRS rice bowl so far.  I am really excited for today's meal- Pupusas de Queso with Curtido and Salsa Roja from El Salvador.  I will not be able to make the official curtido as I didn't realize until right now that it was suppose to soak but my kids would not have eaten it any way if I had.  I have been putting some money in the CRS Rice Bowl it almost every day..   

Lastly I have NOT been as faithful with my InstaLent Photo Challenge has I have been in the past.  I am going to say it is partially because I was waiting for my new camera and partially because I wanted to be more creative, but I have officially decided that daily life is creative and challenging enough.  So now I have a lot of catching up to do and now that we are at the half way point it is time to kick it up a notch.  I will be sharing my photos soon!

Please, tell me what you have been doing for Lent- big or little or nothing....I want to hear about you and your life.

Yours truly,

L.L.  

Lent: Why I Receive the Ashes

I am flustered and annoyed.  I can not focus.  The car is in the shop.  My oldest child is on an overnight trip I probably should have volunteered to go.  I haven't sat down with my other two to do school in so long that I can't remember.  They are wasting away watching TV as usual.  My husband has been sick all week.   I have slept in more days then have woken up on time for daily prayer and Bible reading this week.  Oh look- it is raining-again.  

I sit staring at the computer waiting for likes and comments to validate me as a person.  I don't go outside because what is the point- everyone is fake and no one REALLY cares about me.  Me- the one little insignificant in a world of billions of people.  I am not special.  I am not going to change the world.

Then I look at the calendar.  It is that time of year again.  It is later than previous years, but it is here!  It is NOT about me.  It is time for Lent.  The time where I can gather with fellow believers to accept the ashes and hear the priest say, "Repent and be faithful to the Gospel".

This season of 40(ish) days breathes new life into me.  Without the reminder of Lent, I feel I would continue to wallow in self pity and stumble through life in a meaningless haze.  This spiritual practice, though not prescribed in the Bible and not exactly recognize in my Baptist church, takes me in like a mother holding a newborn babe.  It refreshes, redirects, and corrects me.

What did Jesus do during those 40 days in the dessert being tempted?  All we know is what is recorded, and we know we could not endure it  But Lent can help us identify with our Savior.  Remind us we could never do it.  Just as the Old Testament Sacrifices reminded the Jews- they could never do it perfectly.

Why do I take the Ashes?  Repentance.  I don't hear this word often enough.  "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord."  Acts 3:19.  I receive the ashes to symbolize on the outside my inward repentance.  I receive the ashes to feel the weight of my sin.  I receive the ashes to mourn my sin.  I receive the ashes so that I may be born anew.  I receive the ashes to mark the promises of God.

I don't do it to feel special.  I don't do it to be exclusively different.  I don't do it to start a conflict or confusion about my beliefs or denomination.

I receive the ashes as a symbol of my repentance to get on track every year.  It is a yearly reminder- the reminder I need to keep strong in the faith.  There may be a time I may no longer need the ashes to remind me.  There may be a time when I am reminded every day in a way I can not imagine but God only knows.  But for now- I need this weight, this mourning, this reminder, and this time.

God be with you.