Hope

“…who, contrary to hope, in hope believed…”

These words encourage me today.  I want them to encourage you.  They are from Romans 4, verse 18.  I found them in Day 25 of the devotional guide I’m using for 2013.

The following verses flowed right from that thought, and they encouraged me, too:

CHALLENGE:  Be encouraged with me?  Start some kind of simple quiet/study time?

Finding Pearls and Attaching Them

This scripture jumped out at me the other day, because it correlates with one of my goals for 2013:

1. To understand *ready*
2. To invest (in answer to Pastor Todd’s call)
3. To stay the course
4. To rest
5. To seek peace

I am officially attaching the above pearl to Goal #5.

CHALLENGE:  Have you named your year?  Have you set simple goals for 2013?   Would you join me in pearl-hunting?

Understanding Ready

On January 4, in the Year of Ready, my computer crashed.  I was unprepared.  I am learning about ready by not being so.

My goal #1 for 2013 is to *understand ready*.  Check.

And Then Again, Not So Right

It pays to do your homework, and last night, I didn’t.  I went to see Jack Reacher.

In an early scene, a sniper using a high-powered rifle calmly mows down and kills 5 people outside a baseball stadium, in broad daylight, including a young woman carrying a child as she runs.  If this scene was intended to invoke outrage, it worked.  As images of the Connecticut shootings flashed in my mind, I began to feel guilty for coming at that very moment.

This movie is only rated PG-13, but it is filled with a disturbingly cruel and callous form of violence.  And I call this entertainment?  Should it be?  These are questions I’m pondering today, and questions I’ve pondered before.

May I be painfully honest for a moment?  I didn’t care to research the movie before going because I am lazy, and because I just wanted to escape for a few hours. Those things may sound minor, but I want to do better.

So, will you join me in voting with your dollars and choosing more positive entertainment?  It’s really not much of a sacrifice. Just think of it as a little thing you can do in memory of those who lost their lives in the Connecticut shootings, and elsewhere.

Starting the New Year Right

Here are a few things I’m doing during my devotional time this year.  Hey, it’s only been 2 days, but we celebrate the small things.

1.  All to Jesus Daily devotional book by Robert J. Morgan.  A gift from my sweet friend, June.  This focuses on 365 of the 5,675 mentions of the word “all” in scripture.  I have already been amazed, and hugged by my Heavenly Father.  Includes a free download of more than 40 songs, and an ap for use with small groups.

2.  Journibles (Psalm 119):  In this little book, I write out Psalm 119, verse by verse on one side of the page.  There is room on the other side for notes, with occasional questions to start my thought process.  I’m surprised at how it has gone hand-in-hand with All to Jesus.

3.  The Joy Dare:  I’m counting my gifts with Ann Voskamp again in 2013. It helps keep me going in a positive direction.

What are some of the things you are doing in 2013?

Black-Eyed Pea and Ham Salad (New Year’s Day)

Not being much of a black-eyed pea fan, but wanting to do the obligatory good luck meal, I came across this recipe via Central Market.  It uses inexpensive dried peas.  I enjoyed making it and eating it today.

Black-Eyed Pea & Ham Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried black-eyed peas
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
• 2/3 cup finely diced chopped celery
• 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh jalapeno chili, including seeds
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1/2 pound cooked ham steak, coarsley chopped (I used 8 oz. of pre-cooked, pre-diced, packaged ham)
• 2 teaspoons honey

Directions:

1. In a saucepan, combine peas with salt and water to cover by 2 inches.  Simmer, uncovered, until just tender, about 25 to 30 minutes.  (Do not overcook.)
2. Drain peas and in a bowl, toss them with vinegar, vegetables, jalapeno, and 1.5 tablespoon olive oil.
3. In a small skilled, heal remaining 1.5 tablespoon oil over moderately high heat until hot, but not smoking.
4. Saute ham, stirring, for 1 minute.
5. Add honey and saute and stir for 1 minute more.
6. Add ham to salad and toss well.

Serves 4

Hello, 2013!

2013 is staring me in the face.  And I’ve been pondering what to call it.  I’ve decided to call it the Year of Ready.

I don’t know what that means, only that when I prayed and thought over what to call 2013, that’s what kept coming up.

In 2013, I have some paperwork I want to finish, and some other organizational goals.  But really, my *ready* thoughts extend far beyond that.  I want to be ready for anything.  Who knows what 2013 will bring?

With that in mind, here are 5 simple goals I have for my new year:

1. To understand *ready*
2. To invest (in answer to Pastor Todd’s call)
3. To stay the course
4. To rest
5. To seek peace

So, goodbye 2012, and come on, 2013.  I’m ready!

“May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with you all.  Amen.”

(Revelation 22:21)