Cooking from Scratch

 Hannah and Becca have inspired me to try and make things from scratch that are not readily available here in Spain.  Their inspiration is “Pioneer Woman,” and their interest and ingenuity has been helpful for me.  J

This weekend I made pancakes from scratch, filled with chocolate chips, for me and my roommate.  Delicious!  It made me think back to the many Saturdays my dad would cook pancakes for our family.  I’ll be happy when I return home to be with my family and have his again. 

Also, the three of us girls living in this apartment have decided to take a night a week or so and cook a meal for the other two.  Tonight was my turn, and I made lemon-parmesan breaded chicken, pole beans, fresh tomato salad, and biscuits from scratch.  Reminded me a little bit of Southern home-cooking!  I think I can officially say now: I enjoy cooking.  What is Spain doing to me?!  J

Since my birthday is in December, this is the first election in which I could vote.  After having the ballot sent all the way to Spain, I sent it back to the United States.  While at Correos (our post office), I learned a valuable cultural lesson.  When entering the building, one is supposed to take a number.  I suppose this is very similar to the DMV in the US.  After getting frustrated with people “cutting in line,” and then proceeding to actually cut as I now know, I’ve become more knowledgeable.  To avoid frustration, follow the system (once you figure it out).  Ha.   

Fear of the Lord

I’m working my way through Proverbs, and today I came to a verse that seemed to shoot straight for the heart.  Proverbs 8:13b says, “The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil.”  At other times I would probably read this, agree with it, and keep trekking.  Today my thoughts were drawn to this sentence though. 

What is evil?  That term seems a little “extreme” for today’s world – maybe something we might equate with murder, abuse, etc., and of course, those definitely fall under the definition.  I was thinking though, “What does ‘evil’ mean for me?  In my heart?” 

Luke 14:25-26 came to mind, where Jesus says you must hate your family and your own life to be His disciple.  Literal hate is not what He is looking for of course.  There is way too much evidence in the Bible that we are to love others.  It’s more of a parallel (especially in the day’s culture).  In essence, do I love Jesus so much that my love for other people and myself appears to be hate?  As Cora says, “I think not.”

So my question for myself to bring before the Lord is this: “What ought hatred of evil, and therefore fear of the Lord, look like in my life?”  Or in words resembling Luke’s message, “How am I called to love God more – so that my love of other pleasures diminishes?” 

Love is such a simple, but yet at the same time, tricky thing.  It calls us to put others above ourselves.  It calls us to deny ourselves.  It also calls us to bring into question our hearts.  The reason we can love is because Christ first loved us.  When we try to love of our own doing, it fails. 

I read something that hit home the other day regarding this and the Christian life in general.  I used to think (and will still fight to not think), “God, give me love, faith, etc. so that I can do _____.”  Maybe this ought to be something more like this, “God, I give myself to you – put my faith in you alone – so that you can _____.” 

Ultimately it is He that works and loves through us.  He is much better at accomplishing His will.  His love is perfect, unconditional, satisfying. 

Help us, Lord, to not give You or others what is only second-best.  Help us to hate those things that are not of you in our lives.  Bring us to fear You, while at the same time, opening us to the depths of You love.         

Laughter

There comes a point where I have smiled so much that I get a headache.  Weird, huh?  Tonight was no exception.  At our church we had a Café Concierto, which turned out to be quite a success I think.  The lights were low, the colored lights hanging, the room filled, music playing. 

I had the chance to sing a few songs, and I think that may have been the first time I’ve performed in that type of a setting – especially while having an instrument to hide behind for a little extra confidence.  J

The evening ended with a Granadino musician who performs for a living.  The music was upbeat and very Spanish; I was amazed with the dancing skills I saw among the crowd – especially from the people I’ve known previously!  The kids were adorable and so happy.  What a neat thing to see an entire family filled with smiles from ear to ear.  It was a neat night of community. 

This week has included many things that have brought me smiles and laughter.  Random rain showers – literally pouring with the snap of a finger.  An evening of Chinese food (delivered, although we are in Spain J) and Downton Abbey with friends.  A little bit of Dave Barnes’ Christmas music.  People mistaking me for European (before opening my mouth…ha).  Daylight Savings.  Doing “The Train” with friends in the church. 

Laughter truly is a blessing.  I love that the Lord has given us this day brightener.  

Rain, Music, Warmth!!!

It has rained so much this past week that I almost can’t believe it!  An otherwise completely dried-out river during the summer was rushing with flowing water this afternoon.  I still really enjoy the rain, even if it doesn’t come with the whole thunderstorm effect.  I have great memories of listening to, watching, and having conversations during storms with one of my best friends in high school.  Speaking of Rachel, she is engaged!!  So exciting.  J

Walking around in the rain, or shall I say walking to the bus stop (ha, ha), is reminiscent of my trip to New York during my junior year of high school.  More or less, it’s a bit cold…and a lot wet.  Today I purchased hair gel for the first time since arriving in Spain; I felt it was a necessity. 

This weekend we are having a café concierto, and I’m looking forward to singing a couple of my favorite “chill” songs and a Christian one perhaps.  I’m excited to see some of the talent in my city and neighborhood here! 

Oh, and my next purchase is going to be a hot water bottle I believe, which I have to admit I didn’t realize were purchasable anymore.  They were in movies of course.  J  I’ve heard this is a great way to cut the cold here though, and I am going to enjoy being warm more often.  Right now the only place that consistently happens is in my bed – under 3 blankets, albeit my Moroccan one is pretty thin.  My blanket from the US I received last week has most definitely hit the spot!  Thanks, Carpenters!!!

Time in the Word

This week has been quite a blessing, as Kassie’s sister has been in town, and I have gotten a few days off from work.  For the first time in quite awhile, I was able to have some good time with the Lord in the Word and quieting my heart.  It is easier for me here in Spain to pray throughout the day than it was back home, but it’s really difficult to carve out time.  It’s so good though. 

As I was reading the first part of Daniel, I came across his prayer to God after He gave him not only the king’s dream, but also its interpretation.  Woah!  Here’s the prayer:

                “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,

                                to whom belong wisdom and might.

                He changes times and seasons;

                                he removes kings and sets up kings;

                he gives wisdom to the wise

                                and knowledge to those who have understanding;

                he reveals deep and hidden things;

                                he knows what is in the darkness,

                                and the light dwells with him.

                To you, O God of my fathers,

                                I give thanks and praise,

                for you have given me wisdom and might,

                                and have now made known to me what we asked of you,

                                for you have made known to us the king's matter.”            (Daniel 2:20-23)

Not only is God over all – I mean, we are talking about entire kingdoms here – but He reveals deep and hidden things.  He knows what’s in the darkness – which I seem to equate to us without Christ – and He enters our actual beings with His light!!!  How amazing.  The Lord desires to give us wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and discernment.  I think the tricky part is asking with pure motives. 

I tend to want “to know” what the Lord has in store, what His will is, and at times it is so that “I don’t make the wrong choice.”  Although this probably isn’t the worst thing in the world, it can be debilitating.  Instead of being so concerned about messing up, the Lord is calling us into a deeper relationship with Him.  He wants all of us, and He delights in sharing His mysteries with us. 

May our heart’s cry be to abide in Him, love Him well, and know His heart.  

Naps, Packages, and Shawarma

I kinda feel like life is running full speed ahead, not leaving much room to breathe.  I have hope that the breathing is in the near future though!  Amidst the craziness, I have managed to take two naps this week though.  Yesterday I woke up to children’s music through my wall; it’s amazing that I didn’t know we had neighbors with kids apart from that incident! 

Firstly, I have the most awesome family and friends ever.  My grandma made me a homemade scrapbook of my first month in Granada, which has a special place on my dresser.  Yesterday I received a package from my family and our good friends with many blessings (including fuzzy socks, long underwear, a blanket, and hot Russian tea).  After one morning of waking up at 5:30 am because I was so cold (and yet it’s only October!!), I’m extremely thankful.  I did attempt to find a bus stop while carrying the package and my sore arms today tell me I should have called the taxi to begin with.  J

Yesterday I attended my first meeting of Tertulia, a group of mostly college students (including my two roommates) who gather to practice English.  When I stepped onto the street where the meeting was located, I immediately felt like I was back in Morocco.  I had no idea there was a “taste of Morocco” in Granada!  I even got to enjoy some typical Moroccan hot mint tea with my conversations.  To finish the evening, the cheap but delicious shawarma was perfect. 

Today I believe I walked for four hours total, or something crazy like that.  It reminded me of walking miles around Toronto one morning during my senior mission trip, but thankfully I was not in flip-flops this time.  Despite the intense amount of walking (on occasion), I still love that I can walk basically anywhere.  I’m definitely going to miss that aspect of the city.   

Weekend in the Sierra Nevadas

This past weekend we trekked into the mountains for a long weekend retreat, and by trekked, I am referring to some of the most windy (curvy) roads I have been on since my family traveled to Colorado many years ago.  Needless to say I was very glad to hit flat land!  Ha.  The weekend away wasn’t super restful, but I enjoyed getting to know some other believers better. 

Leading worship was a neat experience, and the Lord was gracious to humble me but continue to use me as well.  Through preparing for the worship this weekend, I was able to learn a couple of awesome songs which I had never heard before now.  One of the neat opportunities of multiple denominations coming together is learning one another’s “normal” worship songs.  There are some great ones out there just waiting to be rediscovered and/or shared. 

As I overlooked the mountains during sunset my last night up in the Sierra Nevadas, I spent some time praying and reflecting on where the Lord has taken me in the last few years.  He has done a mighty work to bring me to Spain, and I am truly enjoying taking care of the kiddos and being able to talk with and love on people while learning Spanish. 

It was amusing to think of the last time I was on a mountain.  It involved being stuck without a foreseeable path down, a parched throat, and sunburned skin.  I also believe that was the happiest I had ever been to hear my name when being rescued.  Since that time a little over two years ago, the Lord has transformed my heart, shown me my inability to work my way into grace, and brought me halfway across the world – and that’s just the short list.  I am so thankful for the many ways God blesses us; He is faithfully pursuing us. 

Be sure to check out my pictures on the photos tab!  There are some gorgeous sunset pictures!!!    

The Lord's Guidance

The Lord has blessed me with a lot of opportunities since arriving in Spain – one being able to help with worship.  This weekend I was given the responsibility to lead worship for a church retreat, and I realized that is a lot bigger task than I was expecting. 

It has been really cool to see the Lord guiding me through the process though.  Even this past week a song popped into my head (early morning on the bus) that my first worship leader sang in my church at college.  I haven’t heard that song in forever, which reminds me that the Lord wants to work and is faithful to guide us to what He wants to do.  As I was looking through songs, or even sitting down with the kids this morning, I could sense His direction a little more tangibly than in my everyday happenings. 

I hope that this stays fresh in my memory – that I am reminded that the Lord’s love is better than life and that He is for me.  He desires for me to draw closer to Him, and He is committed to making me look more like His Son, Jesus.  Those are some pretty amazing promises to hold onto while seeking more of Him.  It is an even greater testimony that the Lord is in us, with us, and growing us – even when we aren’t spending specific time with Him.  Things have been crazy, but the Lord’s grace is still abounding. 

Be encouraged that the Lord doesn’t quit working, even when we get distracted.  He reminded me at the worship retreat this weekend that many of the things God has done in my life, or set me free from, have not been of my seeking.  He is always at work for His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13). 

Yet More Language Experiences

I officially have two roommates now: one from Spain and one from Mexico.  I had a decent conversation in Spanish with my new roommate (as of today), and I am excited to see how living with native speakers helps me in my learning (both in comprehension and speech).  It is pretty amusing when you think you understand something and offer a response, only to find out that you totally misunderstood what was being said.  It lends for laughs and memories though.  J

I went back to one of the cafes that has intercambios tonight with Becca, and it ended up being really good.  When we entered, she and I got split up between tables, which definitely forced me to focus more because it was me with four Granadinos (who tend to have pretty difficult accents to follow). 

The conversation was mostly small talk for the first while, but later it turned more to spiritual things with one of the guys.  It never ceases to amaze me – or should I say amazes me all the time? – that I can’t turn conversations that way.  Be it fear of man or just not wanting to be awkward, I am convicted that it shouldn’t really matter.  The more I realize my inadequacy here though, the greater testimony it is of the Lord’s work when He draws the conversation towards Himself.  He is the best at it anyway. 

“And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God…” (Luke 12:8).  I desire to surrender to where He is working – to speak to those people – all the while remembering it is not I that can do it.  On my own, I would keep my mouth shut (and sadly often do).  This is an area in which the Lord is working, and I want my heart’s cry to be a resounding, “Yes!”

P.S.  My first homemade brown sugar was delicious…yes, I did try a bite.  J  It definitely helps to know the name of what you are looking for in the native language.  Such a plus.   

Snickerdoodles and Pole Beans

I kinda feel like life is passing before me in fast motion.  I mean, things feel like they take forever, but at the same time, these past couple of weeks especially have gone really quickly. 

Today I was able to have a conversation with a grandpa, dad, and granddaughter today at the park (in Spanish), and I asked at least three people if they knew what molasses was in a grocery store.  That didn’t end up so well, but at least now I know the name in Spanish for the next time!  It includes “honey” in the title.  Ha.  The chocolate-chip cookies must wait until tomorrow.

Cora and Jairus tend to get me laughing most every day I am with them.  Today during lunch, Jairus spouts out of nowhere, “So happy.”  He cracks me up, and Cora can definitely get to laughing hysterically.  Eventually it gets to the point of forced laughter, but it’s still adorable coming from her. 

I was put in charge of making a desert for our church’s retreat this weekend, so I made around eighty snickerdoodles tonight, and as I said, the chocolate-chip cookies are soon to come.  I have found that I enjoy cooking/baking, except when I accidentally forget about the cookies while adding water to my pole beans (one of my mom’s special dishes).  Bummer.  At least there were more batches, and the green beans turned out delicious.  Anything with bacon is though, right??  J     

Some New "Firsts" in Spain

Sorry for checking out for awhile…Again!  I may not write every day this month, but I think I am back to a little more regular schedule. 

I had a couple of firsts since being in Spain between yesterday and today.  Yesterday I lay down for a 30-minute nap at 8:30pm and proceeded to sleep until around 9:30 this morning.  I haven’t done that in as long as I can remember!  I only woke up at 2:30am to several men yelling in the street below my window.  Needless to say I was a little confused that it wasn’t 9 pm.  Ha, ha. 

Yesterday evening I had a bit of a headache from spending nine hours trying to understand Spanish at a worship seminar, and I think between that, traveling last week, and moving earlier this one, I needed the rest.  It was great!!

So that was my 1^st first.  Now my second was basically sprinting to catch the bus tonight with Becca after church.  Thankfully the bus driver waited a few extra seconds at the stop for us!  J

Oh, wait.  I just remembered another first!  At church on Sunday we gather in small groups to pray at the end of the worship service.  Typically I gather with English-speakers (who are working their way up to Spanish praying – as am I).  Tonight I strategically, but unknowingly, placed myself in an all Spanish-speaking, no-American group.  Needless to say I was quite challenged in needing to lead prayer in Spanish!  They were really gracious, and it gives me a definite goal to work towards.       

I wanted to show you a few pictures I took of my room in the new apartment.  My blanket is from Morocco, where Becca and I took a trip last week!  The even greater part is that I was able to purchase it from the man who made it.  How cool.  Also, the hen and chick plant I found lying on my balcony made me smile – I think my mom would approve.  J

Return

I’m back!!!  Literally and figuratively.  J

This past week has held much learning, many memories, and lots of busyness.  I’m going to share more later about a trip Becca and I were able to take, but in short, it was different than anything I’ve ever experienced but great.  AND IT RAINED!!  After not seeing rain in several months, especially a good rain, I was super excited.  The muddy ground hardly even fazed me. 

I also officially moved again – except for a few random drying clothes and loose papers – into my new apartment!  I am looking forward to staying put for awhile, to say the least.  I am now living with a Spanish student, which is pretty exciting!  This past week I experienced a growing desire to speak Spanish and be able to communicate with those around me in their language. 

October is going to be quite full, but I am hoping good as well.  Being intentional about time with the Lord needs to start yesterday!  I was recently challenged to start memorizing Psalm 139.  When I was little I memorized a lot of Scripture in AWANA, but it has been more difficult since then.  While beginning this, I have seen things I don’t remember studying before now.  It is a great place to start if you want to hide God’s Word in your heart or explore what it’s all about!  It’s never too late to begin.