-ORDINARY-

Somehow I got onto thinking about the word 'ordinary' today.  Most of us would file ourselves in some 'ordinary' category.  The dictionary defines it as; 'of no special quality or interest; commonplace, plain or undistinguished, mediocre.  That does NOT sound very glamorous now does it?  


What about the definition of the word 'extra'?  Webster says, 'beyond or more than what is usual, expected, or necessary; additional.  Okay, so we put those two together 

extra + ordinary 

and we get...beyond commonplace or more undistinguished.  


Well how does one go from being plain to being beyond plain?


A little plain caterpillar can teach us a thing or two, just be patient and watch for the metamorphosis.  A flower can uncover some of this mystery as it goes from a dry seed to a magnificent blossom.  I don't know of anyone who does not LOVE butterflies and flowers.

Extraordinary's  definition is: beyond what is usual, ordinary, regular, or established.  It has markings of being exceptional in character, amount, extent, degree, etc.; noteworthy; remarkable.  


So get this lovey, we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works! (Eph 2:10)


We grow more extraordinary as we grow in Christ.  We morph from old self to new self.  We become more beautiful and fragrant in God's eyes as we spend time with Him, thinking about his word, and practicing the tools and guidelines he has given us to live by. 

This leads to being more undistinguished from the world because we choose to be 'beyond commonplace' and reach for the desires of God's heart.  Are you gettin' this??
Persist in your journey with Christ; he has a plan sweet-pea that includes fluttering and blooming. I am SURE that the caterpillar and seed will reveal that the change is not always glamorous and the journey not easy, but WOW is it worth it to persevere and let God do his thang!!!
I am blessed beyond measure to be surrounded by beautiful women in my life who reflect my Lord and inspire me to do the same!  I pray we will flourish in our morphing and nurture each other along the way.  Because one day, we will stand before the King, THE ONE who created us with a great purpose!  Live today for that glorious moment!

Blessings,

E.W.

Shower Righteousness

In my quiet time today, I read from Hosea, when you think you have it tough, read Hosea!  Chapter 10, verse 12 says, "Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of my love.  Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you."

I am asking myself what needs to be eliminated in my life, what have I been trusting in and investing in that is cultivating a distraction?  Sometimes I think my blog takes up too much time, I so enjoy it and it is something I can call my very own, but it does occupy space in my brain!  Researching homeschool material...I could endlessly look at books and compare and research!  Surfing the web, another black hole.  Basically, I sit in this very chair that I am typing this post too much.  AHHH, what's a girl to do? 

I want to live in confident dependence on God, I want to continue a single-mindedness as I journey everyday including God in my thoughts, my plans, my mothering, my marriage, my example, every nook and cranny, I want Him part of it all.  God is the one who looks after us and cares for us.  The paths of the Lord are true and right, and righteous (14:8).  We live by walking in that path.  I pray my roots will grow down deep in my soul.  I want my branches to spread out with open hands of surrender.  I want the fruit of my blossoms to be fragrant and life-giving.  This is what I want to cultivate.  Digging in my garden this weekend has given me fresh appreciation for strong backs, clean fingernails, and completing a well planned for garden.  That is the same with my spiritual walk.  A strong spiritual life will keep my feet planted where they should be, a clean heart will keep the enemies lies from tearing me down, and a plan for my journey will keep me focused when distraction fire my way.

My harvest is a long time to being ready, so for now I seek the Lord and ask that he shower me lovingly.

Blessings,
E.W.

The Kiss of Forgiveness

O Spirit of God, help my infirmities - when I am pressed down with a load of sorrow, perplexed and knowing not what to do, made to fell the weight of the cross.

If you see in me any wrong thing encouraged, any evil desire cherished, any delight that is not your delight, any habit that grieves you, any nest of sin in my heart, then grant me the kiss of your forgiveness, and teach my feet to walk the way of your commandments.

Preserve me from the intoxication that comes of prosperity; sober me when I am glad with a joy that comes not from you.  Lead me safely on to the eternal kingdom, not asking whether the road be rough or smooth.  I request only to see the face of him I love, to be content with bread to eat, with clothes to put on, if I can be brought to your house in peace.

We read this in church the other night and I have really enjoyed praying this prayer so I thought I would share it with you.  I really like the line about granting me the kiss of forgiveness; so sweet, so intimate, and so healing.

Blessings,
E.W.

Mary, Mary Quite Contrary, How Does Your Garden Grow?

There are no silver bells or cockleshells all layed in a row here.  In fact, it is just a ginormous mess.  However, this mess is mine and I am ready to do some serious shakin and movin today!  Mary would NOT be pleased with the present state of things.  I just returned from the Home Depot, which was a happy, sunshiny place today.  Meandering through the tundra I was thoughtfully picking out our herbs and veges.   Here is the green party:

The big boy has been schlepping and digging all morning.  I shall load him up on exorbitant amounts of protein so he does not faint!

SO the technique for this year's garden is from a book called Lasagna Gardening.  The basic principle is to gather a neighborhood worth of newspaper, soak it till it weighs more than your first-born and make a layer over the entire fresh surface.  Then add dirt, compost, cow poop, hay, whatever ya got and mix it all up.  (Yes, I actually got some manure today when I picked up my girl from riding lessons-SHHEESSH!)

It is finished!  Big strapping teenager and father dug out numerous grassy bushes, and even a tree that took over the corner!  There is not a weed or a groundhog in sight!  I will keep you posted on the growth.  One thing I did not plan for was enough dirt to cover the area.  It was neat laying down all the newspaper we got from my dad; he does the crossword puzzle everyday!!!  And now they are in my garden, I lurve it!

Curried Salmon Soup

We had some dear friends over for dinner last night.  The kind of adventurous friends that are daring enough to try ANY of my culianary creations.  I had made this once before for hubby and I and have been dreaming of making it again.  If you are ready to try something that will delight your tastes buds then give this recipe a whirl.

1/4 cup butter

2 onions, chopped

2 tsp mild curry paste

2 cups vegetable broth

2/3 cup white wine

1 1/4 cups cream (I used rice milk)

1 can coconut milk

3 small potatos cubed

1 1b. salmon fillet, cut into bite sized pieces

4 Tbsp chopped flat leaf parsley

salt and pepper

Melt butter in large pan, add onions and cook till softened.  Stir in curry paste (yes, you will feel your culinary inner child emerge as the aroma fills your kitchen) and cook for 1 more minute.

Add broth, wine, milk, and coconut milk and bring to a boil, stirring till coconut has dissolved.

Add potatos, simmer, covered for about 15 minutes.

Add salmon gently to pot and simmer for 3-5 minutes.  Sprinkle with parsley and S & P.

Viola!