makes sense…

Simplicity is an essential characteristic of greatness.
                                                   ~Unknown

Wow.  If only I could achieve that . . .

It’s all about food

So, yesterday it seemed that a lot of “kitchen”-type stuff came up.  I figured I was MEANT to blog about it. 

For those of you who don’t know, I live on a farm.  My extended family all farms together.  Yesterday (and today’s) project was working in our yard to move our chicken coop.  My mom had made plans to go to town, so she left me instructions to make the guys dinner. 

Now, I hate cooking; I’m terrible at it.  But that’s okay.  I know how hard the guys work (and the appetite they work up) and as long as we have box mixes. . . well, I’m good.  So, I spent over an hour making this boxed chicken Alfredo, with real chicken breasts and the whole works.  I made a salad to go with it, and planned a dessert of ice cream mixed with brownies.

But when I looked out the window, as the Alfredo was just finishing . . . no guys.  So, I call their cells.  I leave messages on two different phones.  I wait.  I put the pasta back on the stove to stay warm.  I wait some more.

Finally, the phone rings.  (By this time my salad has wilted lettuce.)  My uncle informs me that they WILL NOT be home for dinner. 

GREEEAAAT.  I put on my “cheerful” voice, pretend it’s alright, and say, “Okay, I’ll just stick it in the fridge then.”  And then I try to ignore all the other things I could have gotten done that morning if I hadn’t been cooking. . . and I also eat my Alfredo solo.

Welcome to life on a farm.

That afternoon, I head over to my grandparent’s.  My great-grandma lives with them and I help watch her when my grandma has to run errands.  Now, the most interesting thing about working with the elderly, is that you never quite know what they’re going to do or say.  Sometimes, nothing happens;  other days, a lot.

All of the sudden, at 4:00, great-grandma gets up and I hear her rummaging around in the kitchen.  When I head in to see what in the world she could be up to, I find her setting the table!!  She never does that.  It must mean she’s really hungry . . . but at 4:00?

“Grandma, are you ready for supper?”  I ask.

“Well, it’s 5:00,”  is her practical answer.

“No,” I respond.  “It’s only 4:00.  But I can start getting it ready if you’re hungry.”

I convince her to go sit down in the living room while I heat up her soup and hunt for the leftover taco stuff my grandma left for the rest of the family to eat.  I’m literally one minute away from telling her that it’s time to eat, when she calls my to the living room.

“Emily, we’ll wait ’till 5:00 to eat.”  she decides.

“Okay.  But are you sure?  ‘Cause if you’re hungry now, we can eat.  It’s nearly done.”

“No,” she decides.  “Because there’s too much time ’till bedtime.”  (Her world revolves around her schedule, which, sadly, is meals and sleeping.  She can’t do much else anymore.)

“Okay,” I respond. 

Then I turn off the stove and put everything back in the fridge to wait 45 minutes.

After supper, I get little tips on how to do the dishes, too.  Mhmmm. 

I won’t be sexist here and insinuate that only women cook and only men ungratefully eat the said meal.  So, let’s do it this way: 

To ANYONE who eats food they didn’t make themselves: BE GRATEFUL.  Because, you really have no idea. . .

Not again…

 

Why is it these things never work?? My laptop is back in to get fixed AGAIN!!  It’s been in–no exaggeration–about every other week, maybe every two weeks, throughout the entire summer.

My computer man is as frustrated and tired to see it as I am to bring it.  lol

So, I’m now working on my parent’s desktop until who-knows-when.  So that may help explain if posts start becoming more sporadic and replies to comments short or nonexistant. 

I’m not trying to ignore you, it’s just difficult going back to a big, clunky computer and I can’t carry this one around with me wherever I go!

Can anyone empathize with me???

horror

Why can’t people just leave good things alone??  I’m so sick of the media and other authors infringing on other people’s work to make themselves famous! 

If you’re making a movie based on a book, respect the author’s work and STICK TRUE TO THE STORY.  It’s famous because people like it THE WAY IT WAS.  And how dare other people write sequels and prequels to books that aren’t there’s?!  That should be illegal!! 

In both of those cases I want to shout, “It’s not your story!  You can’t dictate what happens!!!”

This picture, the “prequel” to Anne of Green Gables (one of my favorite stories; the timeless classic that has touched millions of lives) is merely one example.  The videos of this great story did the same thing!  The first movie was the only good one.  Number two they combined like three books together and made it boring and don’t get me started on movie number three!!!  Though a dear story, there WAS NOT ONE OUNCE of L.M. Montgomery’s work in it.  And do you know, it didn’t even make sense chronologically?  The dates were all off; WWI didn’t take place until Anne’s CHILDREN were grown.  That silly movie had HER generation battling it.  Ummm, hello?  What was the point of that??  Why not stick to the original, timeless script?

I’m not just picking on this story (although, because I’m so attached to it, I’m more upset about it than most).  It seems every classic is doing that.  Why?  Is talent dying so fast that people are tapping into other people’s genius?

Or is my generation too afraid of rejection to risk it???………

a quote to share

“I’m on Aslan’s side even if there isn’t any Aslan to lead it. I’m going to live as like a Narnian as I can even if there isn’t any Narnia.”
                                                                   –The Silver Chair by C.S. Lewis

 

But there’s a difference between Narnians and Christians, you know. 

Narnians: love their Maker and follow Him to the adventure of life.
Christians: love their lifestyle and place their Maker in it.

I don’t like Christians; At times, I’m ashamed to admit that I am one.  If the quote above were ‘I’m going to live like a Christian even if there is no heaven’, I would heartily disagree with it.  NEVER would I waste my time playing this STUPID, religious GARBAGE I’ve been sold only to find it wasn’t necessary.

But the quote doesn’t say that.  C.S. Lewis’ metaphor is something I would gladly and passionately follow.  I’m ready to break away from the mold; I’m ready to battle the danger; I’m ready to begin the adventure.

I’m ready for the true Christ-life.

 

 

 

Who’s with me?……….

daddy n me

Well, I’m on the road truckin’ with my dear daddy!!   :)   It’s only a short run. . . one night.  We tried to get a longer one together, but between schedules and dropped loads and a ton of barriers (welcome to the trucking life!) that never went together.  I’m still hoping for a week-long run some day.  For now, I’m just grateful I got to go.

This is the first run with him I’ve ever done . . . and I’m almost 19 years old.  I’m a huge Daddy’s girl and my relationship with him is very dear to me.  I’m so glad we got to do this at least once before I leave for college. 

What kinds of things do you girls do with your daddy’s?  Or you daddy’s with your dear daughters?  It’s a special bond, a dear relationship!

One Blessed Daughter
Emily

I’m opening a can of worms!

I was inspired yesterday to blog about something that’s, quite honestly, always had me puzzled.  It’s one of those “been meaning to get around to blogging about that. . .” things.  It’s a Bible question, and I’m joining it to my new “Bible Questions” series.  But please don’t be mistaken by my questions.  They’re just questions, I’m not trying to disprove the Bible or question the truth of it. 

I do believe I have the right to ask questions.  I don’t think it bothers God . . .if it bothers you . . . well, find another blog to read.

Bible Question #2, (thank you to to Kim for bringing up this topic, therefore reminding me to blog it.  I’m sending you ‘link love’ in sincere appreciation!)

Why can’t women teach in the church?

Paul says that it isn’t right for women to teach men. . . or so much as comment at church.

Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says.  And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says.
                                                                                         ~I Corinthians 14: 34-35

Okay . . . I remember the first time I read this…I was maybe 12-13 years old.  I remember being very offended and shocked.  Religion has never treated women very kindly, has it?  I mean, is it a wonder there’s such a strong feminist movement?  After getting knocked around and beat up from all sides, women got sick of it and, although they may be taking it too far, they’ve loudly claimed, “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!” 

Here’s my issue.  Have people taken those verses out of context?? (I’m not saying they have, I’m openly and honestly ASKING.)

The reason I (hesitantly) ask this is because I’ve come to a state of distrust.  I do not trust religion or religious leaders, even when it comes to stuff that looks obvious and black-and-white in the Bible. 

Religious leaders told me that Eve and women were considered men’s “helpers” according to the Bible. . . now I know that the Greek (I think it’s Greek, anyway) word used in the original translation to describe Eve is NOT “helper”, but a difficult word to translate.  This word is so powerful that every other time the Bible uses it, with the exception of Eve, it’s describing God Himself!!  A little more than a mousy little “helper”, wouldn’t you say?

Religious leaders told me that my modesty and submissive spirit were vital to a “proper” walk with God . . . no one told me that Ruth practically seduced Boaz or that God uses prostitutes such as Rahab without “converting” them into “proper Christian women” first.

Religious leaders told me that swearing was one of the greatest sins in the world . . . now I know that the Bible never even talks about swearing specifically and the only verse that could condemn it is Ephesians 4:29…which condemns ANY negative talk, yet those same religious leaders gossip and judge about as often as they breath (and I could find more than just this one verse that condemns those things!)

I could go on, but, to not get off-topic, I’ll go back to the task at hand. 

If women can’t teach men at all, then why was Deborah a prophetess??  For those of you who don’t know (Judges 4-5) Deborah was married but God didn’t speak to her HUSBAND, he spoke to her and under her care she ordered a MAN to go to battle, but he was too scared to go without her!  (Ironically, his name was Barak.  hehe.  A little political humor there, for my fellow Amerians.  :)   )  And, also under her watch, Israel had peace for 40 years. 

Is it really the Bible that doesn’t like women leaders. . . or is it our culture??

God loves women, that I know.  Look at how He uses them!
Deborah leads a war
Rahab gives God’s people the keys to the Promised Land
Jael kills Israel’s enemy instead of men soldiers
Esther rescues entire nation of Israel (she, also, is a woman leader!)
Mary, the mother of Jesus, obviously was used by God
Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist has faith when her husband (a man!) does not
It was a woman who annointed Jesus with oil, while the disciples called her a “foolish woman” (and women aren’t supposed to teach men???)
It was a women who Christ first appeared to after rising from the dead

Yet, if my pastor is a TERRIBLE public speaker, but a businesswoman attending our church has a heartbreaking testimony she feels she need to share (and it’ll only take up one sunday.  We’re not talking forever, here) . . . her needs cannot be fulfilled at the church and we all have to put up with the man?

My Youth Leader can’t be a woman or at least can’t lead devotions because of the teen boys in our group (even though they’ve the spiritual maturity of pigs whereas she is the most godly woman I know)?

When our worship leader gets sick last minute, I (who help with the music) can’t put down my fiddle (or violin, to be politically….er religiously-correct), step up to the mic and fill in because a MAN might hear me? (or, at the very least, I can’t comment between songs or read scripture)

(note: These instances aren’t necessarily effective at my church.  I made the circumstances up; I wouldn’t dare use actual, legit ones on here, in case someone I know actually decides to read this someday.)

Sorry this got so long…I know I never read long posts, so if you actually made it to this line. . . wow! thanks. 

And if you wouldn’t mind shedding some light on my search for the truth in this area…COMMENT.  (Men: don’t be shy to comment, too.  You won’t offend me in any way;  you couldn’t possibly, because I’m pretty sure I’ve heard it ALL.   :)   )

Honestly Searching,
Emily

unusual hobby

I was watching CMT’s Country Fried Home Videos tonight and part of their episode showcased this man.  His name is Barney Smith and he’s a toilet seat designer.  According to the interview on CMT, all he designs is toilet seats; nothing else.  This site showcases some pictures of his creations. 

 

This is one hobby I never would have dreamed existed.  Barney has been doing this for over 30 years and has over 700 creations. 

Out of curiosity, I’d like to know what he charges for one of those things!  Can you imagine that in your bathroom??

woops

This man (pictured with his wife) revealed to me an amazing (and free!) program that can be downloaded.  www.e-sword.net  It’s amazing.  It’s a website of Biblical books/commentaries and cool stuff all for free.  He even sat down and instructed me on how to use it.  I was so blessed.  I’m extremely excited to use this study tool in the future.  

He is the speaker at the Bible camp I work at this week.  I arrived for the day to do some of my work and he ended up revealing this discovery to me.

One problem, though. (and not with the program).  I was so engrossed in this new program that time slipped by.  It was after 10 p.m. before I left!  No big deal . . . except that I had forgot that I was supposed to stop for gas on the way home.

The closest gas station was about 10-15 miles away.  I was running near Empty.  I pushed it, praying the gas station stayed open till 11:00.  At 10:35 I pulled in to a dark town.  All shops were closed. 

Now, if I’d had an ATM card, I could have gotten gas.  But I don’t have one of those.  (something I may fix after tonight.)  I considered calling my dad on my cell and having him meet me with gas, but decided to see how far I could get, first.  Maybe I could make it the 35 miles home.

I did.  Heavily praying, but I did. 

It wasn’t that I hadn’t driven with the gas guage need that low before; I have.  But I was worried that with this distance it wouldn’t be good. 

Yet, the needle barely moved the whole half hour drive home.  (I drove conservatively, to save on the gas.)

Here was what it read at home.

Not too bad, really.  I live in the country, ten miles from town. But, thankfully, we’re farmers.  I can fill up at my grandparent’s farm, only a few miles away tomorrow.

Not bad, even if it was a tad nerve-wracking.

Home Safely and laughing at her stupid self,
Emily

too much of a good thing?

Why are Americans so selfish?  What is it about our wonderful country that has turned it’s people into far-less-than-wonderful? 

Try eat this, for example:

I’m heading off to college in a little over a month.  My world has revolved around the awful hassle of college-prep.  There are tests to take, counselors to see, $$$ deposits to make, supplies to buy, people to meet, roommates to decide on.

I’ve complained about how stupid the whole system is . . . I mean, c’mon, when people go to college to GET DEGREES in how to counsel kids on the college entry process. . . that oughta say something. 

I went on a missions trip this past month (to Texas, so technically I stayed in America, but saw a very poverty-stricken section right by the Mexican boarder) and my friend went on one to Italy.  Here’s what we decided.

The less you have, the more grateful you are. 

I AM GOING TO COLLEGE!!!  There’s never been a question on it.  Everyone in America has the opportunity for a college education.  On her Italy trip, my friend met a boy her age who was so thrilled for her “opportunity” to attend a University. . . it was his dream to do so, but as of now he’s working in a factory doing hard labor that is literally breaking his back. 

So what if it’s a headache to make sure all the paperwork is in?  There may be no one in this country who can afford a college education . . . but there’s also no one in this country who CAN’T afford it.  The scholarships and loans given out nowadays enable everyone with a desire to be able to go. 

So why am I complaining?  (and I’m not the only one who does so!) I am starting down the road on my dream of becoming a published author!!  That’s EXCITING!!  Of course it takes effort, but doesn’t that make the end just that more dear??

I should have been able to see that earlier . . . we ALL should be able to re-allign our priorities.

As Americans, do we have too much?

Give me your thoughts on this one. . .

Gratefully,
Emily

p.s. Just to clarify, since I have made a lot of political comments on here, this entry has NOTHING to do with Phil Gramm’s recent comments on America being a “nation of whiners”.  TOTALLY UNRELATED.  These are thoughts I’ve been having for awhile on our values in general. I’m not discussing the economy or politics or anything like that.  I haven’t even read that much about Gramm’s comments and don’t know all he said. So please don’t misinterpret.  Thank you.