Masks off...

 

If you are what you should be, then you will set the world on fire.

~St. Catherine of Siena

YOU are a Wonder.



A face that is hospitable

 

We focus so often on making our homes hospitable. But what about ourselves?

 

It started as a gentle nudge, the thoughtful study of those things that make me tick...or not tick, naming that which I crave, the things that consume my thought life, a reflection of the many choices I make each day.  And now, this nudge, no longer gentle, no longer a mere suggestion, but more of a command, a kick in the pants, has set my mind and heart whirling as I consider how I live out my life in word and deed (Colossians 3:17).   Each morning as I rise, the Lord graciously provides me with new material to feed on, a paragraph here, a link there, a familiar passage of Scripture previously underlined in pencil, but now read with fresh eyes. 

Yesterday, I landed here. 

And, so continues my pursuit of true and genuine hospitality.  Hospitality that is rooted in the transforming love of Christ and the power of His gospel. 

"Grow me up in the gospel, Jesus.  Expand the chambers of my heart to take in more of your grace.  Free me to be genuinely intrigued with other people."

from Everyday Prayers by Scotty Smith



On Keeping Company

Company-keeping says come in here where the door swings wide. It’s a welcome gathering, no matter your space. It’s humble, and it’s real.

 

practicing the art of hospitality

 



On (Biblical) hospitality

True hospitality is sacrificial, uncomfortable, and does not seek to impress others.

Trisha Wilkerson

 



One of the reasons we chose a home in Fitchburg, WI was because we had committed ourselves to being part of a church plant in the city.  Having been raised in the church, we were excited about the idea of being a part of something from the ground up, witnessing first hand the very detailed and thoughtful process involved in church planting and watching the Lord's faithful hand at work in both our lives and the lives of others.  Honestly, I do not think that either of us were fully prepared for the many ways church planting would shake up our lives, our routines, our family life, our expectations, our understanding of the body of Christ and of what living a life of intentionality truly looks like.  When you decide to become part of a core, a humble core of eleven (eighteen if you include our motely crew of children), you cannot be a casual observer.  You must show up, be available, become vulnerable, and open up the doors of your home. 

 

This idea of welcoming others into our home was something that we always anticipated as the Lord moved us from our Shaker Heights apartment to our first single family home in Fitchburg.  I envisioned hosting dinners around our new kitchen table, intentionally leaving the leaf in, so that we could always seat eight comfortably, and positioning our furniture in such a way that would create a comfortable atmosphere to gather and converse.  It came as a bit of a surprise then, when I found myself suddenly feeling a bit overwhelmed at the prospect of weekly gatherings, bodies crowding around our table, shoes piled up at our front door, children exploring every corner of our home.  Just when we were being called to open up, invite in, and share our lives with others, I found myself craving quiet evenings on the couch, less conversation, a tidy, organized and peaceful sanctuary. 

 

 

It is no wonder I'm a jeans and t-shirt kind of gal, I crave comfort.  I thrive in controlled settings, I enjoy predictable, and I welcome routine. I turned to the Lord, completely aware of what He was asking of me, of what He would continue to ask of me.  I needed to set aside my personal comforts for the greater good of our new community.  I needed to identify and name the specific temptations that challenged my desire to use our home for His glory.  As Jeff and I began to lay our requests before the Lord, He began to stir within us a new and honest desire to welcome others into our home.  Today, I received an email from my husband, directing me here.  In her post on biblical hospitality, Trisha Wilkerson, identifies the difference between entertaining and hospitality.  I found her words to be both convicting and thought provoking, and I look forward to practicing the art of true hospitality within our home, community and new city. 

 

Biblical hospitality is the outpouring of mercy and grace to others without expectation for reciprocation.

Trisha Wilkerson

 

Pioneer Woman's Comfort Meatballs

My husband will eat anything I set in front of him.  He is considerate like that.  He is both quick to compliment a meal or suffer in silence if the meal is less than stellar.  Thankfully, I'm a more confident cook than I once was as a new and blushing bride.  When he becomes particularly chatty about a dish, I take notice.   This was such a dish, the perfect pairing for a chilly autumn evening.

 

Meatballs:

1 1/2 pounds ground beef/chuck or sirloin

3/4 cup quick oats

1 cup milk

3 tablespoons very finely minced onion

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

freshly ground pepper

 

4 tablespoons canola oil

1/2 cup flour

 

Sauce:

1 cup ketchup

2 tablespoons sugar (I used one as I don't love sweet sauces.)

3 tablespoons distilled white vinegar

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

4-6 tablespoons minced onion

Dash of Tabasco or Frank's Hot Sauce

 

1. In a bowl, combine the ground beef and oats.

2. Pour in the milk, then add the diced onion and salt.

3. Add the black pepper, then stir to combine.

4.  Roll the mixture into tablespoon-size balls and refrigerate for 45 minutes to firm.

5.  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

6. Dredge the meatballs in the flour.

7.  Brown the meatballs in batches until light brown.

8.  As they brown, place the meatballs into a rectangular baking dish.

9.  Stir together the sauce ingredients and drizzle evenly on the meatballs.

10.  Bake for about 45 minutes until bubbly and hot.

 

As a side, I whipped up a batch of Yukon Gold mashed potatoes.  I like to add a bit of heavy cream, a dollop (or two) of sour cream (cream cheese is also a tasty alternative), and plenty of butter to our mashed potatoes, but that's just me.  My husband has never complained. 

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - the feeling's mutual



Three little pumpkins

 

 

 

 

Our annual trip to the pumpkin patch was short and sweet, allowing the little lady and man the opportunity to meander throughout the patch in search of the perfect pumpkin for each family member.  With a bag of sweet honey crisps, we snacked while soaking in the warmth of autumn's sun.

 

 

This year I was grateful to arrange each pumpkin on our new porch, as our littles played about the front yard.  I'm admittedly smitten with the season, its colors, scents and sounds.  



 

 
 

"It's amazing how love can motivate us - especially when it's God's unreserved love matched with our undivided heart."

Lysa TerKeurst

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - a kid and his city



Peeling back the layers

Back in August I had the great privilege of attending the Women of Faith conference with two of my favorite gals.  It was a beautiful and sacred time, one that I have not quite been able to write about because I honestly do not have the right words to fully express what that time away meant for me. 

 

While at the conference I was compelled to purchase several new books, CDs and paraphernalia that would be a tangible reminder of the weekend, words to uplift, motivate and challenge, songs to inspire and trinkets to encourage.  I could not keep my credit card in my wallet. (I blame the Holy Spirit.)  I wanted to bottle up each word spoken and melody sung, the laughter, the tears, the tantalizing fragrance of sweet sisterhood. One of the titles I purchased (and admittedly regretted purchasing after realizing the topic was different that what I expected) was Made to Crave: Satisfying Your Deepest Desire with God, Not Food by Lysa TerKeurst. Captivated by the idea of craving, I had failed to read the small print.  However, I did not return the book, made a few jokes about the possibility of my waistline needing such a book, and placed it at the bottom of my book pile upon returning home.

 

***

Fast forward to now, where presently our church plant is discussing the topic of personal idolatry. Steve Childers writes, "An idol is anything in this world, other than God, that you find your ultimate significance, security, identity, satisfaction.  Idols are often times good things, like family, security, status, success, money, power which become ultimate things." As I took an honest evaluation of my life, using a series of thought-provoking questions, it became clear to me the many things I often and unintentionally elevate to an idol status.  Good things like my marriage, our children, our home, friendships, security, and yes, even food.  In all honesty, I wasn't even surprised to find that food made my list.  I yammer on about it enough, my delight in it, the thrill of experiencing a new restaurant, taking the perfect bite, finding new and satisfying recipes, planning for and preparing weekly meals, and be. still. my. heart. sitting around a table with friends, wine glasses full, an assortment of plates in front of us, laughing and eating our way into the evening...

  These ARE good things.  And yet,

 

TerKeurst writes, "God made us capable of craving so we'd have an unquenchable desire for Him, and Him alone.  Nothing changes until we make the choice to direct our misguided cravings to the only one capable of satisfying them."

As I peeled back the layers, revealing deep-rooted desires, needs, wants, and cravings, I became increasingly aware of the fact that many of the "good things" in my life had become distractions.  Worse, they had become idols.  This isn't an easy realization; however, naming these personal idols has started the slow process of liberation.  I may not need the book, Crave, in the way others may need it, but it was no mistake that it found its way into my duffle bag. I crave many things.  And, I am confident, I will continue to crave a good meal. However, it is my earnest desire that above any other craving, I crave the One who made craving possible.  The One who so thoughtfully created taste buds that I might know the sweet and satisfying flavor of the perfect cup of coffee swirled with hazelnut creamer as I rise to meet Him each morning. 
 



Her Words

I have an inner circle, an intimate group of women who have become a figurative backbone in this life's journey, who make themselves available, listen, cry out on my behalf, hold me accountable and breath fresh life into me through Scripture, music, and patient words on days when I need it most.  Their vulnerability humbles me, as they speak freely, revealing their weaknesses, strengths, fears, hopes and dreams (those realized and those dashed, leaving broken hearts).  More than anything, their presence in my life compels me to lift my gaze upward, focusing my heart and mind on our gracious and loving Lord, our heavenly Father, who has united us in love and purpose, gifting us this friendship and sisterhood. 

 

And, because we are women, willing to open up and chat about almost any topic under the sky, their influence runs deep, touching many areas of my life from favorite jeans to coffee creamers, iPhone cases to favorite literature.  Recently, one of my gals introduced me to an author whose words I cannot get enough of.  I have welcomed her into my quiet time, allowing her life's story, her honest words and reflections to inspire my own, calling my attention time and time again to the One who knows me best, and pursues me.  

 

Today, I'm grateful for words that refine, challenge and compel, and for the women in my life that know my heart, love me well, and are willing to take my hand, and walk this life with me.

 

from Mended: Pieces of a Life Made Whole

by Angie Smith 

 

"We are supposed to look different than the rest of the world.  We shouldn't be the ones that waiters dread because we don't tip after dinner, or the ones that roll our eyes when something is taking longer than we feel it should. Quite frankly, we just aren't that important.

 

We are supposed to be a refuge, an encouragement, a reflection of the One we serve.  I know it isn't easy to do it all the time, and in fact, I think is pretty much impossible.  But it doesn't mean that as you walk through your day, you shouldn't search for ways to do everything a little better.

 

It's not about getting cozy and staying that way.  It's about being a disciple.  A follower of Christ.  Follow Him.  Burdens, brokenness, control-freak tendencies and all.  Don't wait until you have achieved a level of perfection that only exists in your mind. What is He asking you to do today, wherever you are?"

Month Ten

Month ten was a busy one for the littlest.  Our seasoned traveler, she joyfully endured unexpected delays and excitement as she and I traveled south to visit dear friends in Fayetteville, Arkansas.  It was on this trip that I realized just how deep her love of people and socialization are as she attempted to make friends with every passenger, scaling my body in an effort to chat with strangers behind, in front of and across aisles, lifting spirits with her playful smiles and slow-moving waves (a new skill).  Nestled in the Ergo (thank you, Auntie Ash), she demonstrated her deep trust in me as we zipped about various airports attempting to make connections.  In her gaze, I find great comfort, and each time our eyes lock, I'm overcome with gratitude for her presence in my life, truly my faithful sidekick.

She and I loved our time in Arkansas, and while the trip was oh, so very short, it was oh, so sweet.  She delighted in meeting new friends, as I enjoyed the company of one, old and faithful. 

 



 

Month ten was also one of great growth as the littlest learned to stand with confidence all around the house, lifting hands in air, welcoming cheers and words of affirmation.  Producing new sounds daily, she is fascinated with her mouth and the addition of four teeth (top front two, and bottom two).  She enjoys putting her pearly whites to good use as she shoves food into her mouth faster than I can put it on her tray.  She is willing to try new foods and eats heartily.  She is not shy when it comes to sitting down for a meal, and her enjoyment of food, a girl after my own heart.  And, while I have honestly enjoyed our middle of the night rendezvous, she has become more consistent in sleeping through the night, or making it until 5 for a quick feed before returning to sleep.

 

She is as pleasant as they come, but has great Larson spirit.  She is a peanut, but packs a punch when necessary, and I wouldn't expect her to be any other way. 



Blink

from Mended: Pieces of a Life Made Whole

by Angie Smith

 

"I have choices, every second of the day, to serve my Lord.  To honor Him with my speech and with my thoughts, with the way I love those around me, and the way I worship Him.  Every moment, there is another opportunity to honor Him, and I want to use as many of them as He gives.

 

There are many, many pictures I want to rip up and hide...maybe you do too.  But that shouldn't consume me.  Rather, I want to focus on the beauty of the gift that the Lord has given.

 

It is the gift of this breath, this moment, this photograph.  It is my offering captured.

 

We need not dwell on the things we wish we had done differently, nor should we even give too much thought to what the future will look like.  We need not worry about the complete picture, but rather the fact that we have this moment.  Right now.  And I want to make it count."

 

 

You Speak

Music more than any other medium speaks to me.  If you ask my mother, it has always been this way.  If you ask my husband, a song is always on my lips, a gentle humming filling the silence as I move about our home, which he may or may not find endearing. It is no wonder that our children turn to music as a release, allowing each compelling melody to inspire movement and dance.  There are songs that invite me to raise my voice in praise, songs that bring me to my knees, and others that silence me, lyrics piercing my heart, flooding my mind. 

Today, He speaks, and I am listening.



YOU SPEAK
by Audrey Assad

You liberate me from my own noise and my own chaos
From the chains of a lesser law You set me free
You liberate me from my own noise and my own chaos
From the chains of a lesser law You set me free

In the silence of the heart You speak
In the silence of the heart You speak
and it is there that I will know You
and You will know me
in the silence of the heart
You speak, You speak.

You satisfy me till i am quiet and confident
in the work of the Spirit I cannot see.
You satisfy me till I am quiet and confident
in the work of the Spirit I cannot see.

In the silence of the heart You speak.

Smitten Kitchen Favorite Brownies

My sister-in-law introduced me to this brownie recipe, which combines simplicity (one bowl baking) with the satisfying taste of chocolate.  In addition, it calls for using a double boiler to melt the chocolate and butter, one of my favorite kitchen tricks. 

 

***

recipe from www.smittenkitchen.com

 

Makes 1 8x8 pan of brownies which you can cut into 16 2-inch squares, 25 smaller squares or 32 2x1-inch bites.  Or, if you are like us, cut a square to the size of your liking each night before bed and serve it up with vanilla ice cream. 

 

Ingredients:

3 ounces (85 grams) unsweetened chocolate, roughly chopped

1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter, plus extra for pan

1 1/3 cups granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt or 1/4 teaspoon table salt

2/3 cup all-purpose flour

 

Heat over to 350 degrees.  Line an 8x8-inch square baking pan with parchment, extending it up two sides, or foil.  Butter the parchment paper or foil or spray it with nonstick cooking spray.

 

In a medium heatproof bowl over gently simmering water, melt chocolate and butter together until only a couple melted bits remain.  Off the heat, stir until smooth and fully melted.  You can also do this in a microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each.  Whisk in sugar, then eggs, one at a time, then vanilla and salt.  Stir in flour with a spoon or flexible spatula and scrape batter into prepared pan, spread until even.  Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out batter-free.

 

Let cool and cut into desired size.  If desired, dust the brownies with powdered sugar before serving.  

He draws me...

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they know me."

John 10:27

 

If you believe in Jesus, you can know what it feels like to trust completely in the One Who holds you high about the discernible ground.  You know that life isn't always perfect, and it isn't always easy.  It is entirely possible that something will give way, and you will fall headfirst into the ache that is this life. 

 

It's not uncommon to hear the term "divine appointment" used, but I think we have underestimated what it really represents.  Our lives are one divine appointment after another, and it's more a matter of how many we are being obedient in acknowledging.  The question is not whether or not He is working around you.  He is.  The issue is whether or not you are listening with the expectation to hear Him.  Make a point to listen starting now, inviting Him to teach you in even the most mundane tasks...an incredible relationship with the One True God is possible for all those who hear and follow his voice.

 

- from Mended: Pieces of a Life Made Whole

by Angie Smith

 

 

   If you know us well, you know our home is one of noise, music blaring, children expressing themselves (voices loud, seldom quiet), requests for favorite songs to be turned louder, pulsing rhythms fast and strong, dance routines before 8 am, electric guitars before bed, wild laughter, excited chatter, and me attempting to raise my soft voice loud enough to be heard.  While there is great beauty and joy in the noise, I often find myself craving quiet, moments to be still, to sit, admire, reflect, and process.  However, life is noisy, full of things that distract, consume, or require our attention, a reflection of calendars filled with appointments and commitments.  And, while I want to embrace this season of activity, I want to avoid being swept away by a spirit of hurriedness, as I task-master my days, cross items off lists, and shuttle my kids.  I want to be present in each moment, just as He is present, moving, stirring and prompting. I do not want to long for later, but be satisfied in the right now.  I want His voice to be the one I hear, louder than any other that vies for my attention.  I want to invite Him into each moment significant or mundane, knowing that He cares about them all.

 

As I reflected upon this idea of invitation all week, I was encouraged to find that simple, fleeting moments have the potential to captivate (my attention), inspire (my creativity), and stir up (my faith) as I ask Him to reveal more of himself to me.  I paused long enough to be reminded that...

 

He is the great healer, as tiny red spots came and went...

 

He is the most detailed of Creators, as I stopped to observe our son admire creation, marveling over each insect plucked from damp soil...

He is the giver of moments great and small, who takes great delight in us, his creation, for we are fearfully and wonderfully made...

 

 



"...let the little children come to me."

"...When she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him for three months.  But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch.  Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile."

Exodus 2:2b-3

 

We know little about the Levite woman in Exodus 2 who became pregnant and bore a son.  However, in the few verses she is mentioned, we are provided a beautiful account of faith as she places him in a basket, entrusting him into God's care.  My heart swells as I attempt to grasp all that she felt in the quiet moments that proceeded his placement among the reeds of the Nile.  

 

September 15th, we gathered as a family to dedicate our June Elizabeth to the Lord.  On that day, my pastor from childhood, the one who married Jeff and I and dedicated our Charlotte Marie and Joseph Bradley, turned our attention to this young Levite woman who gave up her son in love and trust. With June in my arms, I gently swayed listening to Pastor's words, reflecting on the gift(s) we had been given, the responsibility of raising children up in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, and the call to give them up, acknowledging His lordship over their young lives. 

 

It is our desire that June would grow in the knowledge of the One who created her, accepting the gift of grace and love He so freely gives.  It is with hands raised and hearts full of gratitude that we acknowledge the gift that she is, a daily reminder of prayers answered.

 



loving godparents, Maria and Mark