We Are Stewards!

Bamenda, Cameroon at sunset

There has been much in the news lately that has upset me. 

The stories of shooters gunning down innocent people is horrifying. Last month it was in a church and at military recruiting and training facilities, and this week it was a movie theater. Lord- help us! These crimes against human beings are horrible.  

Then I heard the story of Cecil the lion. 

Humans ravaging the earth...it does not take long to realize that things are not as they was meant to be...

Cecil the lion

There is no doubt that I have a great love of animals. At this point I might lose some of you, thinking that I some how value the lives of animals over people. Nothing could be further from the truth. Human lives are so very precious. I do believe that how we treat all of God's creation is important.

I want to use this situation to illuminate something.

We are stewards. Of this earth. And all that is within it.

"Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.”

Then God said, “Look! I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food. And I have given every green plant as food for all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, and the small animals that scurry along the ground—everything that has life.” And that is what happened.

Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!" Genesis 1:28-31 NLT 

I researched Genesis 1:28 a bit to try and discover what is meant by govern and reign (or in other translations: subdue and dominion). It appears that these are the only occurrences of these particular Hebrew words. And from all commentaries I reviewed, it appears that responsibility in human supremacy over the animals was key. 

So what did I conclude...

Humans were given a tremendous job over the earth. God invited us to partner with Him in His great work. He made the living things and asked us to care, govern, rule (with gentleness following His example), and reign over creation. 

Of course, after such a fall as we had (sin entering the world), and being separated from the One Who thoughtfully, tenderly, powerfully created the world...well, it became a mess.

The first to die were animals so that garments could be made to cover and protect Adam and Eve. Shortly after, Cain murdered his brother Abel...

Here is what I believe: We handed over our birthright, the authority and ability to rule and govern justly, rightly, tenderly, perfectly; and were infected with sin (the not trusting God and choosing to try to "god" (rule/save/govern) ourselves). 

***Ok- I have to stop here for a second and share something I heard from Dr. Timothy Jennings. He shares that God is constantly generous and that you can see His generosity in nature...the clouds give the earth rain, the earth sends water back through evaporation...the trees give oxygen to us, we give carbon dioxide to the trees. He calls it the Law of Love. Now, should someone put a bag over his/her head and say, "I do not want to share with the trees anymore. Get your own carbon dioxide. I'm keeping all of mine." What would happen? Jennings says that the Law of Love (generosity) would be broken and the breaking of that law would result in death. I wanted to share this, because I think it is remarkable, and it sheds some light onto what sin is and how it leads to death and destruction.***

Now, clearly we cannot save ourselves. So I tend to wonder if before the world was even formed, if the Father, Son and Holy Spirit had a great conversation...

I wonder if they thought and shared about what they were to make, with smiles and laughter (Meister Eckhart said that we were born out of the laughter of the Trinity!). And then a hush fell as they knew what would happen...the sound of God's heart as He says with grief in His voice, "Where are you?", knowing full well Adam was hiding in his shame...something he was not meant to experience or feel.

I wonder if, knowing what was needed, Jesus said, I'll get them Dad. I wonder if there were tears in their eyes. I wonder if there was knowing look between them all. 

I wonder if they looked in the future and saw the new heaven and the new earth, with no more death, no more sickness, no more pain, and with great, beautiful courage, love and joy, they laughed us into existence!

When Jesus came to earth, He gave us our birthright back. And as I reach back and touch Him in His death and resurrection, and claim that He took my sin, sickness, and death...and I take His righteousness, health, and life, I'm new. I may not look different outwardly, but inwardly, I'm being renewed constantly. 

So now that we have our authority back, I see why it is so tremendously important that we rely on and place ourselves under Jesus' authority. 

I think about Cecil. Lured out of his protected area, shot and skinned. Those are not the actions spoken about in Genesis 1:28. Those are not the tender, powerfully protective actions of an appointed steward of creation. Where is the responsibility? Oh my...it is simply deplorable to me.

I think about the pain of people in South Carolina, Chattanooga, and Nashville. No- these are not the actions of good stewards.

I found two definitions of the word Steward on Dictionary.com particularly helpful:

1.     a person who manages another's property or financial affairs; one who administers anything as the agent of another or others.

2.    a person appointed by an organization or group to supervise the   affairs of that group at certain functions.

If we are to rule/ govern this earth as an "agent" of Christ (it's Creator) what would that look like?

I just happened to be searching the word "tender" this week on biblegateway.com  I found that overwhelmingly, that word was directly linked to God.

Following my Creator's lead, as an agent of Jesus - Who Loves Me So, I should act tenderly. There is tremendous power in tenderness. God's tenderness towards me has softened my heart, and my stubbornness subsides and gives way to generosity and love.

A few years ago, the Hubs and I had the privilege of going on Disney's Animal Kingdom- Wild Africa Trek. Here a few pictures of the wild, creatively-made, powerful, and graceful creation we are blessed to steward:

Ok- I had to put a picture of food in here! We had a wonderful picnic lunch in a
pavilion overlooking the savanna. Look at the beautiful edible orchid!!!

Disney provided that a portion of our ticket price could go to the conservation effort of our choice. We learned about various conservation efforts on the excursion so that we could make our choice at the end. The Hubs and I chose "Dogs for Cats". Lions and other big cats are a problem for farmers and herdsmen in Africa. These cats will come into cattle or chicken enclosures and kill easy prey for some supper. Therefore, the people of this area kill the lions to protect their livestock and families. This initiative trains dogs to chase these big cats from farms and herds, thereby protecting the livestock, the people, and the big cats! Now THAT feels like ruling, subduing, governing...reigning over creation.  

We Are Stewards. 

#wearestewards

Grace and Peace Friends!

La Bonne Vie Y'all!

Sometimes I Use Bad Words in My Kitchen; Or How I Made Mussel-Chorizo Goodness...

I remember watching Gordon Ramsey almost have cardiac arrest during the dinner rush at a restaurant he was trying to help. I also remember thinking- Yikes!

Then, I started cooking.

Beautiful Mussels and Chorizo!

I found this recipe from one of my favorites- Sunny Anderson!

She always has really delicious, flavorful dishes that are simple and quick to bring together.

I cut the recipe in half, so I need 1/2 lb of Mexican Chorizo.

I browned the Chorizo in 1/2 Tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once browned, I removed it from the Dutch oven.

My new Dutch oven!

I then chopped 1/2 a sweet onion and added it to the Chorizo drippings. I added a little salt and pepper and began to sweat the onions. I then added 2 cloves of minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds.

I deglazed the pan with 1/2  bottle of wine!!! 

I then dumped 5 lbs of clean, rinsed, live mussels into this wonderful broth, and then poured the Chorizo over the the top. I put the lid on the Dutch oven and let it simmer and steam for 10 minutes.

So, you see this bowl of mussel-Chorizo goodness?

When I opened the lid to the Dutch oven the mussels opened and the smell of the broth was amazing. I then needed to transfer the mussel-Chorizo mixture along with the broth into my serving bowl.

I put by oven mitts on, grabbed both handles of the Dutch oven, and began to pour the contents into my serving bowl. I hear the "sssss" and "pop" of my beautiful onion, garlic, wine broth spilling over the Dutch oven and covering the stove top...and that's when I use bad words...with gusto...in my kitchen.

Yes- I hate losing that amazing, tangy sauce...but its more than that. 

Reflecting on this has made me take notice of the perfectionism that I seek in my kitchen. I hate it when I mess up. I want the perfect dish, perfectly created. I want it easy, simple, clean...It's kind of like a reflection on life.

I sometimes use those same words in other areas of my life, and if I stop and think about it...frequently, it is related to me being angry at myself for not living up to my standards.

Enter: GRACE.

Perfectly seasoned and cooked mussels...even with my spill.

Grace- getting what we don't deserve.

What if I "lighten up"? What if I give myself some grace? What if I relax into the Grace I already have in Jesus?

I might still be sad to lose some broth, but let's be honest...I ended up with way more than the Hubs and I would ever be able to eat!

The Mussels & Chorizo- perfection!

The broth spilled on the stove- came right up.

The perfectionism with the cavalcade of words that go along with it...Thank God- covered by grace.

Maybe I take a deep breath and enjoy this dish- and God's grace for me!

La Bonne Vie Y'all!

Coconut-Almond French Toast Casserole!

You don't even need syrup...seriously! I added a little drizzle for the picture, but it just doesn't need it. It is so delicious...maybe my favorite French Toast Bake yet!!!

I found this recipe on the Food Network App and thought I would give it a try...Definitely give this one a try!!!! YUM!

You can use Texas Toast, but I like Challah. 

Toast bread on both sides in a 350 degree oven (6 minutes a side). Then set aside to cool.

Whisk 6 larges eggs, 3 1/2 cups of half-and-half, 5 Tbsp sugar, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. 

Dunk each slice of bread in mixture and arrange in a 13 x 9, greased baking dish. Pour remaining mixture over the bread and refrigerate overnight.

I used my new Ninja food processor. I love this thing! Thanks Mom & Dad- it is a great Christmas present!

In the morning, put 1/2 cup of coconut flakes, 1/3 cup of sliced almonds, 5 Tbsp of sugar, 5 Tbsp of all purpose flour, and a pinch of salt in a food processor and process until very fine. Add 6 Tbsp of softened butter, 1 large egg and 1 egg yolk and process until it is a smooth paste.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spread the almond mixture over the casserole.

Top with 1/4 cup of sliced almonds and 3 Tbsp of flaked coconut (I might have used more...I like coconut!).

Bake until puffed and lightly golden and the custard topping is set. The center shouldn't shake when it is finished baking (about 45 to 50 minutes).

Cool for 1 hour and serve warm or at room temperature.

This recipe can feed a large crowd.

I made it on a weekend. The Hubs and I had a great brunch and then I cut it into squares and had a breakfast for a week!

I hope you all are having a wonderful week.

My thoughts today are on peace and resting in God's love. At the start of a New Year, things feel busy. There is an anticipation of Spring...so much to do...

Take some time today to breathe....................

Stretch...............

Close your eyes and picture your peaceful place......................

Then, bring yourself back to you, present, wherever you are, and picture God covering you, clothing you, hugging you, snuggling you with His love..................

I feel so much more at peace when I meditate on God's love for me. I find that I'm even more productive- not out of striving, but ease...

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

- Matthew 11:28-30 The Message

"But I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God. I will always trust in God’s unfailing love."

- Psalms 52:8 NLT

La Bonne Vie Y'all!

There's Enough Grace For That!

Dear Mason,

It's my birthday today, and by now I would have already received a card from you that had old ladies in a convertible on the front. It would have said something about us being old, getting older, and of course getting better the older we get. I would have laughed, smiled, and my heart would be warm knowing you remembered me...several days in advance since you bought the card and mailed it.

This has been the hardest year of my life.

My health was not good for almost 10 months of the past year. The health issues gave way to depression. My family had a few health issues...and you passed away.

I had my first ever panic attack at 3 am.

...then...quiet...something had to give...I think it was me.

Can I be brutally honest for a bit? Well, of course I can. You always honored honesty, Mason.

I've hated my birthday for many years. Not so much for the getting older bit, but because it was one more year here...diabetic, colitis, PCOS, not getting it "right" me...

The horrible part about the Type 1 Diabetes...it will NEVER be perfect. I'll never get it "just right". How many years have I gone to the doctor with a slue of bad numbers and felt like it was my report card...and that I was always failing. Then when the other issues get added on...it feels like I'm destined to fail for the rest of my life. I get frustrated at the lack of perfection.

It brought me to the end of myself.

The sickness, the family health, the loss of you...the panic attack.

Sometime this year, gradually, (I can't pin point the time it started or began coming on strong) I left myself and walked to lay down in God's lap.

Grace, Mason, just Grace. I won't be good enough- ever. Not until the Lord returns.

At the end of me there is just a leaning into God's Grace.

When the numbers aren't perfect- there is enough Grace for that.

When feelings and physical symptoms change from day to day, or minute to minute...there is enough Grace for that.

It's just not about me (how hard I try, how good I am, what lovely works I accomplish)...

It's about Him. It's about the work He did and continues to do. And He freely gives His Whole Self to me!!!

He is good enough, so I accept His goodness, and now I have enough!

 "But in our time something new has been added. What Moses and the prophets witnessed to all those years has happened. The God-setting-things-right that we read about has become Jesus-setting-things-right for us. And not only for us, but for everyone who believes in him. For there is no difference between us and them in this. Since we've compiled this long and sorry record as sinners (both us and them) and proved that we are utterly incapable of living the glorious lives God wills for us, God did it for us. Out of sheer generosity he put us in right standing with himself. A pure gift. He got us out of the mess we’re in and restored us to where he always wanted us to be. And he did it by means of Jesus Christ."

- Romans 3:21-24 MSG

This is the first birthday in several years that I'm enjoying.

I'm enjoying being loved on by God. I enjoy letting me and my wish for perfection go, and instead laying my whole self in the lap of God...relying on Jesus' goodness and perfection to be mine...the free gift. I've put my faith in Him.

And there is enough Grace for that!