friends and loved ones

walking the bridge…

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We took them to my favorite spot in the city.  the Walnut St. Bridge.  Michael’s french cousins (in case you’ve missed earlier posts) are visiting from France – and we’ve been giving them a taste of Chattanooga.  Personally, I love the bridge – walking across the water.  And, we went on the perfect evening.  Oh, it was pretty hot, but the humidity was low and the breeze made it just lovely.   We did make a stop at Rembrandt’s for coffee and dessert and pretzels bigger than your head… Mmmmm

The photos are truly an illustration of what’s been going on – a symbol of meeting in the middle.  Here we are.  cousins. from two completely different walks of life.  initially strangers.  and now, meeting, learning, growing – enjoying a little bit of life together.  here on this bridge.

in my kitchen

welcome to brownie heaven…

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This is an America’s Test Kitchen Recipe. I think that this brownie turns out with just the right balance between caky and fudge.  In my mind that is one step closer to heaven.  So, here is what I just made this morning.  (minus the nuts)

Ingredients:

1 Cup (4oz.) Pecans or walnuts, chopped medium, optional
1 ¼ Cups (5 oz) cake flour (“Softasilk” brand, or other. – It really makes a difference!)
½ Tsp. salt
¾ tsp. baking Powder
6 oz. UNSWEETENED baking chocolate, chopped fine
12 Tbs. (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter cut into 1 inch pcs.
2 ¼ C (15 ¾ oz) sugar, white granulated
4 large eggs
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions:

Adjust oven rack to middle, preheat to 325 degrees. Line 9×13 inch pan with foil and spray with cooking spray or olive oil.

If using nuts, spread evenly on rimmed baking sheet and toast in oven until fragrant, 5 to 8 min. set aside to cool. (I dont use the nuts, usually).

Whisk to combine flour, salt and baking. powder. Set aside.

Melt chocolate and butter in microwave. First on high 45 sec, stir, and then alternate additional 30 sec in micro on high and stirring… until smooth. Do not let chocolate burn. Gradually whisk in sugar. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each. Whisk in vanilla. Add flour mixture in 3 additions, folding in with spatula after each, until batter is completely smooth and homogenous.

Transfer to pan and spread into corners, etc. Sprinkle toasted nuts on top, if using. Bake until toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool to room temp (2hrs) in pan. Then remove by lifting foil overhang and cut. Enjoy!

Melody’s suggestions: If you want these to turn out beautifully – I highly recommend the cake flour – totally worth it!  also – I melted the chocolate and butter first – then let it cool while I put together the dry ingredients.  Once I had mixed the dry ingredients – then I added sugar and eggs to the chocolate butter mixture per the directions.   I made these in muffin cups and they needed to bake right about 28 minutes… low and slow – be careful not to overbake, if you’re doing it in a pan.  : )  I did not do the nuts.

in my kitchen

New Favorite pt. 2

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(from my kitchen, this morning…)

I’m feeling a little guilty. Possibly unfaithful. I made a fresh pan of brownies. The guilt doesn’t stem from eating the brownies. I’m not concerned about my diet. No. I ate without shame.

Its the recipe. I tried out a new brownie recipe tonight. For the past eight years, if I’ve made brownies from scratch, its been from the same bookmarked page on Allrecipes.com. Its been a loyal companion. Every time I made these particular brownies they turned out beautiful, dark and rich.

But tonight I needed something new, something different. So, I tried a different website. And these brownies turned out absolutely warm, gooey and delicious. My family loved them. There was not a disappointed palate at the table.

I am a chocolate lover, no doubt. Its not that I have only eaten my brownies and no other chocolate over the years. But my old brownie recipe – its a part of my culinary history. There are memories attached : they have brought me through in a pinch with unexpected company, they have planted smiles on my children’s faces and they have carved out a special place in my heart.

In a similar way I recently found another new friend. There have been many pieces of scripture that have been significant to my spiritual history. But there was a time that one particular verse from Psalms met a very specific need. The first time it spoke to me was in high school.

My sister and I found out two days before the fall semester began that we would not be going to our small christian high school, but rather a large public high school. Due to what seemed like very cruel circumstances, we went from being in classes of 10 or 15 people to classes with populations of 300. It was shocking and for me, almost debilitating. In my fear and frustration, I remember turning to the Lord for something, anything.

As I poured over the Psalms, this is what I found:

“For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall.”

For the first time in my young life, Scripture became a guidepost for me. Again and again it encouraged me that I could do what was expected – and God would give me almost super hero type strength to accomplish it. At first, all I could do was cling. Over time it became my mantra and it has held me together through so many difficult situations. I guess you could call it a “life verse.”

Recently I needed more. I was in a new place – confident that God’s will would be done in my life, by His power. But, I needed a new hope in order to continue. It was then that I found something warm and personal. The truth was deep and rich; it brought a new peace knowing that He was with me, that He loved me.

“In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.

May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.”

Psalm 33:21-22

I am so thankful that God’s word is living and breathing, given by the Heavenly Father to meet needs, bring comfort and give direction. More than anything I am thankful that He speaks to me when I come to Him. Rather than having just one life verse, I am grateful to have so many life – giving, hope- restoring verses as a part of my own spiritual history.

Thank you Lord for your decadent words of hope in Scripture….

md

originally written April 5, 2010.

who knows?

Hurray it’s Friday…

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From John 10:

10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.

Friday : Lately it’s been a day of rejoicing.  A sigh of relief.   Feelings of “Whew! so glad that’s over!” flood my entire house as the week comes to an end.  That’s how I’ve felt, and especially this past week I finished up with a bang!

All of it was small stuff that caused my angst, really – certainly when compared with the rest of the world’s tragedy it was almost nothing – but, for me when everything added up it was enough to push me right to the edge, if not completely over.  I was so ready for the weekend by the time Friday afternoon rolled around…

I was making bread.  It was Melody vs. the bread machine.

round 1- Melody  places all of the ingredients into the bread machine’s bowl, preparing to make a lovely loaf of multi-grain bread.  as she prepares to start the machine into the initial cycle she notices the paddle sitting on the counter.  and since, the dough cannot be mixed or kneaded without the paddle all of the ingredients were dumped into the trash.  bread machine was pronounced the winner of round one.

round 2 – After the children were situated into the proper places for afternoon quiet time, Melody took on the bread machine again – getting out all of the ingredients, placing the paddle in the bowl and measuring ingredients for a second time she hit the start button.  Shortly into the first cycle, the bread machine seemed to mock Melody from the kitchen.  As Melody peered into the window atop the bread machine it was clear bread machine was winning round two.  There was no yeast in the dough.  bread machine was declared winner of round two.

round 3 – Melody dashed around the kitchen, quickly gathering ingredients trying one more time to conquer this bread machine and have fresh bread for the weekend.  She put the paddle in place, added all of the ingredients appropriately and hit the start button.  Three hours later Melody was the winner when she pulled a loaf of piping hot fresh bread from the machine.

Well, this is how my whole week seemed to go.  Barely a victory, living a step ahead of defeat, certainly thrilled for it all to be over.  All weekend I’ve wondered if this is the way I’m supposed to live.  Am I supposed to be so relieved at the end of a week?  Ready for things to end, dreading the looming beginning of a new week?   I don’t think so.

And let me say here – I understand that every victory, over the course of my crazy week, no matter how big or small, I should be grateful to the Heavenly Father and give Him glory.  But there is more to it.  I have come to realize that He is not a God who hopes to barely get me by in a pinch.  He came to give me abundant life.  He died and rose so that I could have a fresh beginning when I need it.  The mercy and grace that He offers are more than enough to bring about His promise for a full life!

Yesterday I went to worship.  In the afternoon when it was done and  I was attempting to savor the songs we sang in my mind, I realized something.  Once again, it is what my Heavenly Father has been trying to teach me for some time.  But I am a slow learning.  I don’t want to live life with a God who can hardly get me to Friday.  No.  I want to live with the glorious thought that I have a God who always has a fresh start for me on Sunday.  Always.  No matter what happens He offers the mercies of a new morning – another beginning.

With this thought in mind, I don’t have to gaze past my week, hoping and longing for Friday.  No,  I can look forward to the coming days and say with a grateful heart, rejoicing “Thank God, it’s Sunday!”

      22 Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.

friends and loved ones

in case you were wondering…

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The whole situation was like a vast territory that needed exploration.  There were no maps.  No instructions. Many unknowns.  It was absolutely impossible to imagine what it would be like… being around family members I didn’t know, some of whom don’t speak English.  Living life. Communicating.  Eating meals together. Learning about one another…

What an adventure.  Until last week it loomed in our hearts and minds without explanation or understanding…  But after this first week we have made a few memories, shared new experiences and learned a lot.

I thought I’d share a few of my favorite photos of this week’s family expedition in progress…

(unfortunately, I can’t seem to add explanations in between the photos- so you’ll just have to use your imaginations…)

friends and loved ones

love the shoes, baby!

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We sat there in her room this morning at an im-pass.  One of us was going to cave, I could feel it coming.  But, I couldn’t wait any longer or we would be late.  And so, against my better judgement I let my two year old pick out what shoes she would wear.

And what did she choose to wear on her feet to the aquarium this fine hot summer day?  Her paten leather cordovan mary janes.  Yep – her winter “Sunday” shoes.  I did not feel they were the best selection to accompany her cute little aqua and pink knit-sportswear outfit from Old Navy.  Typically I let her wear what she wants at home, or to grandmama’s house.  But when we’re going out in public, I am the one who makes the wardrobe decisions.  However, I’m finding it harder and harder to hold the line.  She is two, but seems to think she is the ultimate fashionista.  I cringe at a lot of her choices.

After all, it is important how she looks, isn’t it?  I mean it is a reflection of me as a mother.  Or at least that is how it feels some times. If I don’t dress my children well, if their appearance is out of sorts doesn’t that mean I’m that kind of mama?  And then what will people think?

I’ve thought about it a lot today and I’ve come to realize something again, for the one millionth time – but it bears repeating.  I need the benefit of letting it sink in one more time.  Here it is : I care too much about what people think and too little about what my Heavenly Father thinks.

As his daughter, when it comes to my household’s fashion sense, or the status of my physical appearance, I don’t think He’s too worried.  Others may be worried – it may affect my earthly reputation with some peers here on this earth – but He is not concerned.  Certainly His care for me does not depend on what I pulled out of the closet today.

I know this is true because He loved me first.  He pursued me – and with His love persuaded me to love Him – in spite of my imperfections. I was far from “qualified” to be His child, on so many levels, not just because of my appearance. But,  these words in Scripture  from 1John 4: 18-19 remind me of the truth.

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him, because He first loved us.

Does it mean I don’t continue to bear His fruit, or walk in His ways, or receive the work He is doing in my life?  No.  It just means I am free of the fear.  Fear of man.  Fear that He will not love me if…    Even more, it means I am at liberty to be the woman He has made me, and the Mama my children need me to be.  And in this case, it means I can love the shoes my baby girl loves to wear, no matter which ones she picks.

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trust and obey

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In the first grade, my teacher, Mrs. Huarez taught us the hymn “Trust and Obey.”  It was a great song for all of us first grade students to learn, I’m sure.  Every six year old needs lessons in obedience.  I still remember the words to this day…

When we walk with the Lord
In the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way;
While we do His good will,
He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.

For the longest time I have thought that those were two very good things to do as a believer.  trust and obey.  I should trust my Heavenly Father and I should obey Him.  Back then, in the first grade it seemed so easy.

It’s not.

I thought I understood it until I started trying to teach Isaac to swim.  All summer we have been working on jumping into the water from the edge of the pool.  It goes something like this: I give him the run-down before we get in the water and we talk over exactly what is going to happen.  I assure him that I will catch him.  I make all kinds of promises regarding the outcome like, he won’t go under, or I won’t let go – that sort of thing.  But, when it comes down to it and he is standing on the ledge, and I’m down in the water waiting, he can’t do it.  He insists on holding my hands to get into the water.

He’s just not prepared to trust me.  How do I know?  He can’t seem to obey my instructions.

Really Isaac is mirroring my own response to the Heavenly Father.   Often there are times when I show Him how little I trust Him by lacking the faith to move forward in obedience.  Because the truth is, “trust” and “obey” are not simply two separate little requirements of a believer.  In fact, they are linked.  inseparable.  When it comes to the hard stuff, the really really hard stuff, obedience is the only evidence of a child who truly trusts his Heavenly Father.

I can think of two times over the past week where He has held his hands out to me and said, “Jump!  I promise I’ll catch you!” But, I’ve stood with my toes at the line, unable to leap into his open arms.  even though I know His promises.  even though I desperately want to trust Him.

So, I’ve been re-reading Hebrews 11 – I read these words tonight:

6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

I realized as I read the chapter over and over – these men who are listed as men of faith, committed out-landish stunts of obedience.  They made the roll in the 11th chapter of Hebrews because they obeyed.  The way to please my Heavenly Father is not simply having faith –  It is having enough faith to obey even when it is risky.

If I’m honest with myself, I have to say that I do not know how to do this consistently.  But, I’m trying.  I’m praying that He will give me the faith.  I suppose that means I’ll continue to face circumstances that require me to practice my obedience.   But, as I continue the journey, I can keep singing the hymn I learned so long ago.  Come to think of it, maybe I should teach it to Isaac too!

Trust and obey,
For there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus,
But to trust and obey.

who knows?

Ferris Wheel

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A few weeks back my little family and I went on an excursion to our local amusement park.  It was a beautiful day, a light breeze, not too hot.  The smell of cotton candy was heavy in the air and I kept eyeing the funnel cake stand.  It was sort of a stand off – I won, but only because I was afraid that I might have some problems.  If I decided to ride a few rides, well, its not the sort of thing this digestive system can handle.

But, I digress.  It was truly a beautiful day.  Right up until the end of our afternoon when we got in line to ride the ferris wheel.   Isaac and I had decided to ride the big wheel, so we waited and waited and waited.  Then we waited some more.  Finally, we managed to get into one of the chairs, with the bar fastened across our laps, the ride began.

It wasn’t until we were in the air that I realized there seemed to be a bit of a dilemma.  The young man running the ride was having difficulty getting people on and off the ride.  At first I didn’t notice.  But as we sat at the very top of this huge wheel, which seemed to be at least 5,000 miles in the air, I began to feel a bit of panic.  And then I knew.  I was trapped at the top of this monstrous ride with my 4 year old.

Beads of perspiration began to  trickle down the back of my neck.  I tried to keep normal  conversation going with my sweet little boy.  But, you can only point out the paddle boats on the lake so many times.  He finally looked at me and said with a very calm voice, “Mommy, I’m ready to get off now,”  at which he began to try to stand up in the seat and climb off.  I grabbed him tightly around the waist and said, “No, no honey – we’ll just be up here a bit longer!  Why don’t you just snuggle up to me?”  His face said it all… There was no way he wanted to “snuggle” with a sweaty, panicked, crazy mommy…

We both wanted to get off the ride.

There are times when this is a familiar feeling to me.  Take this week for instance.  Its been a bit crazy around my house.  The days have been long because my sweetheart has been working super long hours.  As each day rolls into evening, the natives grow restless and they gang up on me.  By seven o’clock I start wandering my house aimlessly, thinking, “I did not sign up for this.  I am not a single mom, but I sure feel like one.”

Its not that different from how I feel sometimes as a believer.  There are times where Jesus calls me to do things.  Uncomfortable things.  Sometimes he asks me to love someone who hasn’t been kind to me.  Often he wants me to do the right thing when no one else does it.  It could be as simple as writing a blog about my own personal walk with Christ and possibly embarrassing myself …  And at the end of the day, when its all piled up together and I feel like I just got of that crazy whirly ma jig kind of ride at the amusement park and I may puke – I think, “I didn’t sign up for this.  Did I?”

But I did.  And there’s no getting off this ride.  I chose to follow Christ and there is no turning back.  Not now.  Not ever.

I love what Jesus said to his disciples in Matthew 11. They were worn out from their journey with Him.   And this is the promise He made to them (and I believe He is saying it to me, too…)

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Even when the ride gets a little rough and I think I might wanna get off, He promises that as I take up His yoke and learn from Him, there will be rest.  A little rest with Him, will get me through the weeks like this one!

There’s one thing I can promise you…  I doubt you will find me wondering about getting off the ferris wheel anytime soon.  That’s one ride I won’t be riding… well, unless Mackenzie wants to…

md

(originally written September 17, 2010)

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a question of family

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Late Wednesday night, around 10:30, I received a text from Michael, my husband.  He was with his parents in Atlanta at the airport.    The text read, “They are here, exhausted.”   Michael, his mom and dad were experiencing an important Day family milestone.   For the first time Michael’s dad, Johnny, was meeting his half brother, his niece and his three great nephews.  The were arriving from France.

Not quite two years ago Johnny learned of this family.  Immediately emails, ichats, face-time, letters and every form of long-distance communication possible began.  Across the ocean they started the process of getting to know one another.   There were so many questions. They wanted to learn about their roots; they wanted to know who they are.

Unfortunately, the one person they needed to meet had passed away.  Their father, grandfather and great grandfather had gone on to heaven a few years before.  The only way for them to get to know the man they had never known was to meet his family.

And so, they are here – in Tennessee, meeting all of us.  Michael’s parents have been preparing for months for the “french family” to arrive.  It is unspoken, but known by those of us in the Day family : we need to show our new-found family their father’s love.

These words remind me of something that I know, but forget sometimes.  Everywhere there are people in my day-to day life.  People who don’t know my heavenly Father.  Oh, they are searching for Him. Their eyes are empty, their hearts are broken; they do not know what it is like to be cared for by my Father.

The only way they can experience His love is if I love them.  He knew it would be this way.  So He commanded in John 15:

9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.

If I can show those around me the Father’s love, their questions can be answered, their hearts can find healing.  It is the love of the Father that draws them in, through the power of the Holy spirit and by adoption they come into the family.    from Romans 8:

14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.  And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.

I can’t help but realize that as a daughter of the Heavenly Father it is my job to answer the question.  Hearts that are hurting and searching find healing and answers when they learn of their Father’s love.  And it is a beautiful thing when another son or daughter joins the family.

No more questions.  We’re family.