Don't just pretend...

I chose this passage for Scripture memory this time out of conviction about the depth and quality of the love I have for others. Then I read what my study Bible had to say about this passage and was even more convicted:

"Most us us have learned how to be courteous to others -- how to speak kindly avoid hurting feelings and appear to to take an interest in them. We may even be skilled in pretending to show compassion when we hear of others' needs, or to become indignant when we learn of injustice. But God calls us to real and genuine love that goes far beyond being hypocritical and polite. Genuine love requires concentration and effort. It means helping others become better people. It demands our time, money and personal involvement...put others first!" 

(Chronological Life Application Study Bible - emphasis mine)

It reminds me of the cop-out we like to use so often...saying we "love" someone, we just don't "like" them. I don't think that rationalization holds up. Scripture isn't really allowing that. Genuine, sincere, real affection is what we're called to. Does that come naturally all the time? Not to me, it doesn't. Thank goodness it's not something I'm supposed to manufacture somehow. 

It's a gift. From God. Grace. I just have to yield to its flow.

There's another translation of the second verse that says "outdo one another in showing honor." (ESV) I love that. In this competitive, comparison-driven culture, how's that for a shift? How about competing to see who can be the most selfless? Hmmm. 

Lord, give me eyes to see people the way you do. 
And a heart to love them...really love them.

"Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. 

Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.   

Love each other with genuine affection, 

and take delight in honoring each other."

Romans 12:9-10 NLT

Because sometimes, you just need some cinnamon toast in your life...

We interrupt this attempt at a low-carb lifestyle to bring you...

Cinnamon Toast!!!

I worked around the house for a couple of hours without eating anything for breakfast this morning, and when the hunger pangs hit, I just had a powerful craving for cinnamon toast! And not just any cinnamon toast -- my Dad's cinnamon toast. And while this was pretty good, nothing quite measures up to the cinnamon toast prepared by J.H. Martin. Here's my attempt, however:

The cast of characters -- pretty straightforward. Cinnamon, sugar, butter (real butter, please) and bread.

First step: Toast the bread. 

You want it to have a little umph to stand up to the onslaught of butter that awaits.

Then -- slather on the butter. (I'm pretty sure this is where my toast-making falls down. My mom says dad uses about 1/2 a stick per slice. I think she's exaggerating...)

The combination of warm, toasted bread and softened butter results in some immediate "pooling" of the butter in places. This is the effect you're going for.

Next - sugar. (Hey, don't judge me. It's only 16 calories per teaspoon and a teaspoon per slice usually does the trick!)

Now, cinnamon. (Looking back at this, I could've had a heavier hand with the cinnamon. It looks like a lot, but it blends in quickly. And cinnamon is good for you!)

Now, this is key. Run the toast under the broiler -- just for a few seconds, long enough for the butter to bubble...

and....voila! Cinnamon Toast! 

(See that shiny, pooling effect? Yes!)

And there you have it. But it still wasn't quite as good as Dad's. What do you think, J.H.? Not enough butter? Your tips are welcome here!

(We now return to our regularly scheduled attempt 

to reduce bread, pasta, sugar...boo.)

-------

Update: The MAN himself -- my Dad, 

Julian Hamilton (J.H.) Martin -- 

read this post and offered the following suggestions: 

The contents are ok, maybe a little more butter and sugar and lots more cinnamon. Should cover the slice. 

Keep trying. 

Dad 

(Well, if my Dad thinks I need to keep trying, who am I to argue?)

Set the world right...

Memorizing an unfamiliar version of a very familiar passage. The choice was based on a couple of things...mainly, a recent conviction about lack of attention to prayer in this season (thanks, Andrew!). As I was looking at Scripture about prayer, I was also learning the horrible news of the bombing in Boston. The Message translation of our own Lord's prayer struck a chord.
So, this is my prayer.

An anchor for the soul...

I was drawn to this verse (partial verse, actually) for April 1 Scripture memory:

"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, 

firm and secure." 

Hebrews 6:19a

We know what an anchor is --  a "device, normally made of metal, that is used to connect a vessel to the bed of a body of water to prevent the craft from drifting due to wind or current." (thank you, wikipedia!) A secondary definition is "a reliable or principal support; mainstay; something that holds an object firmly."

This life can be filled with winds and currents that toss us around, threaten to blow us off course or into a rocky, uncertain coastline. And what is our anchor? Our reliable support that holds us firmly? Our mainstay?

Hope.

The beauty of that word takes my breath away. Ours isn't a wispy, misty, vague, wishful hope. Our hope is an anchor -- weighty, sure, solid. In context, the Scripture is referring to the promises of God, tied to the unwavering nature of God. God embodies truth, so His promises are sure. Our hope is an anchor, connected securely to God's Word, His promises, His very nature. 

I'm flinging that anchor out of my little boat so it will hold me firm and secure. How about you? Are you memorizing Scripture? Join us over at Beth Moore's site for some inspiration!

Worship in woods on a windy evening...

Two roads diverged in a wood...

And we -- we took the one less traveled by...

and that has made all the difference...

The woods are lovely, dark and deep, 

but we have promises to keep and miles to go before we sleep...

(Thanks, Robert Frost, for letting me combine two of your poems 

to describe a lovely Palm Sunday evening in the woods...)

Hello, Spring...

Hello, planting...

and scratching...

and dusty turnrows...

and budding trees, pretty fields...

and growth!

Hello, beautiful tulips...

...and lovely dogwoods...

...and a new pier!

Hello, lovely sunsets...

Celebrating the beauty of spring with a heart of gratitude...

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, 

coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, 

who does not change like shifting shadows." 

James 1:17

Great will be their peace...

I chose a memory verse this time that just called out to my mother-heart. Even though my children are grown, college graduates, married and pretty independent, I'm still so...attached. 

I'm not complaining...I think that's good, but it's a new and interesting thing to try to navigate the waters of mothering when they're adults. Jesse and I say all the time that our kids are our favorite people, and it's true. I'm beyond thankful that we not only love our adult kids -- we genuinely like them. And respect them. And even admire them. And (glory be!) they both chose spouses we absolutely LOVE. 

And here they are -- making their way in the world, which involves decisions and change and growth...sometimes disappointment or fear, hope and joy. I can't jump in and fix everything, smooth every path (could I ever?) and the verse I chose is a reminder that it's not about me anyway.

"All your children will be taught by the Lord, 

and great will be their peace."

Isaiah 54:13 NIV

The Lord is their teacher -- their greatest and best teacher. Seeing my children follow the Lord is one of the most profound joys of my life. Knowing they are being taught by His Word and His Spirit gives this mama joy and peace. 

And the thought of my children enjoying not only peace, but great peace? The kind of peace that sustains, despite circumstances? Lord, make it so!

(Side note: Commentaries and the Amplified version of the verse suggest that it is referring also to "spiritual" children -- which I'm blessed to have. Yes, I'm referring to YOU, sweet Sunday School girls present and past, Cross Campers and others I've loved! This prayer extends and covers you also!)

(Another side note: I may possibly be motivated to choose a memory verse with my children as the subject because I'm in the midst of an extreme bit of nostalgia as we convert old home movies into a digital format. I mean, wasn't this just yesterday?

Sheesh.)

May we all be taught by the Lord. And know great peace.