Creation: God and man

In Sunday School we just finished studying the story of creation, and whether or not the way God created the world has an impact on our purpose in life (hint: it does). I was struck by a couple different points and thought I'd share them.

1) God is a God of process

God took six days to create the world and on the seventh He rested. God took His time and didn't create everything all at once. How does this relate to our lives? Well, we are going through a process too. God sent Jesus to die on the cross and save us (part one of the process) and then when Jesus returned to heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit to be with us (part two). Even now, we are going through the process of sanctification, with the Spirit convicting and guiding us (part three). God isn't rushing anything. He wants us to learn, even if it's hard to remember.

2) The Bible is a story about God

Yeah, yeah, so it's sorta obvious, but at the same time, it's not. We know that the Bible is of God because it is His word, but it is also about God. I'd never really thought about it that way. I've tried to read my Bible with that view in mind (what can I learn about God in this chapter), though it's difficult and I don't want to think about it because I've got to move on to the next project, etc.

3) Adam was working in the garden.

Genesis 2:16: "The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it." Adam wasn't just sitting around with Eve eating fruit, petting the animals, and talking to God. He had work to do, though I'm not sure what it entailed. Work isn't a punishment that came after the Fall. It was there from the beginning, starting with God Himself, but it's because of sin (and hence our grumpy attitudes) that make work hard or boring.

Everyone knows the first three chapters of Genesis. "In the beginning..." and so on. This class really delved into it though, and it was very interesting. Who knew that the "simple" Creation story could have so much packed into it?

Love in the Wind

It whispers, it roars. It tears through trees, ripping off branches or scattering petals like rain. Ripples in the pond, waves in the sea. Sends leaves skittering across the road. Makes the rain lash the windows. It is strong, it is gentle, it is powerful.

"For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, not things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." -Romans 8:38-39

The shield

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication." -Ephesians 6:10-18

When I read this last summer (I think), I was struck that Paul said "in every circumstance" to take up your shield of faith. That should be my instinct whenever something comes up, good or ill. The evil one is on the prowl even in the happy times (like at a birthday party), and we must be ready with our shield to deflect the darts (judgmental or jealous thoughts). I think it's amazing that God has given this weapon--simple faith in Him--that will enable us to "extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one". 

Raise your shields, one and all.

Just like Mom's!

Finally, I got myself a good grain-free meatball recipe. I experimented with a couple recipes, but they've always come out dry. Then I tried this one using half ground turkey, and that was much better. People didn't like the flavor as much however (and the gravy was pretty much a disaster. Don't ask.), so today I tried to recreate the flavors of my Mom's recipe. Sans breadcrumbs of course. 

It worked!* 
 
I'd say that using a half beef and half turkey mix is the key to getting the best "normal" consistency.

Grain-free Meatballs
Makes about six dozen
 
1 lb. ground beef
1 lb. ground turkey
2 eggs
2 T. coconut flour
1/2 c. chopped onion
2 t. dried parsley
1 1/2 t. salt

Set oven to 350. Combine all ingredients in large bowl. Using a cookie dough scoop (or your hands), shape meatballs and place in two 9x13 pans. Bake for 20 minutes, and continue with next batch.
 
*well, the meatballs did. The gravy failed again...it turned into a meatball soup, which was still tasty.

spring is...

robins robins everywhere.

looking for wild daffodils.

grape hyacinths in the pasture.

damp soil.

planting the vegetable garden.

fresh air and sunshine...finally!

What can I add?

Links: some shameless advertising

click to enlarge--source

If anyone lives in Lancaster, do come see my choir's production of Anne of Green Gables. It will be held at Leola Elementary School on March 20th and 21th. Tickets at the door are $15, but if you pre-order on the website they are $12. Hurry up, sales close on March 12th! 

This is a very interesting one man show about C. S. Lewis that my family and I watched last night. 

I think we can all agree that these are a really good idea.

Squeeeee.

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It is now official: Anne has departed. Two or three Saturdays ago, Dad saw her being eaten by a hawk across the road. Since the chickens are brown her body was camouflaged among the leaves, so we hadn't seen her before. 

It's good that we know where and how it happened. We've had a near miss since than, but no losses. The hawk hasn't shown its face in the past couple days. I'm hoping the warmer weather has given it some other prey to hunt.

A side for dinner and some news

source

Dressed-up Cauliflower

1 head of cauliflower
1-2 T. oil, butter, or bacon fat
2 T. dried chives
1/2 t. turmeric
1 t. salt
a pinch mace OR nutmeg*
4 cloves garlic, minced

Wash cauliflower and cut into florets. Place in food processor and process until it is the size of rice or a little smaller. Melt oil in frying pan and add processed cauliflower. Stir occasionally and add the rest of the ingredients. Continue to saute until soft and serve hot.

*Mace has a stronger flavor than nutmeg, so if using nutmeg adjust accordingly.

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Some sad news. :( One of the chickens (Anne) is missing. She was one of the four that jumps the fence every evening before I let the others out, so I'm guessing an animal got her. It is sad, but--unfortunately--it's part of "homestead" life.