Going to the Tremont Turkey Festival in the Rain

This weekend, Brent and I went to the Tremont Turkey Festival. It was raining for most of the day, so when we got there, we were dodging puddles. The carnival workers were begging us to play their games, because we were the only ones walking past them. We went to get Turkey sandwiches. They tasted delicious, but the humidity inside the food tent was awful. Combined with the smoke of the turkey being cooked on huge grills right next to the tent, it was almost unbearable. We tried going in the merchant tent, and couldn’t stomach the humid, stale stench inside it.

Talk about odd. In past years, I’ve had a much different experience at this same festival. I guess the weather does play a huge role in the outcome of an event!

The Spicy Adventure of Eating Indian Food

Well, I visited my friend Stace last weekend, and we found some great Indian restaurants in the Minneapolis area. Of course, I got chai (tea) when I could, for some great memories of actually being in India and sipping the tasty beverage. We tried chicken curry, a spinach and tomato salad, Basmati rice, lemon rice, nan (puffy, bubble bread)… altogether, a really nice experience for both of us.

When my sister Em, brother-in-law Rob and I went to India, we sampled lots of different foods. At first I thought my stomach wouldn’t handle the food and spices very well, but it was actually much easier than I thought to adjust to Indian food. Maybe the fact that most of it was vegetarian was a plus. We stopped several times a day for “tea” (chai), which is typical in India, maybe because it used to be a British colony? While in India, we ate off banana leaves instead of plates or placemats. I bought lunch for eight people, and the bill only came to $3.00! Rob also ate raw coconut at one point. Em and I stayed on the safer side.

Tomorrow, I am going with my friend Brent to an Indian festival here in Peoria, at the Riverfront. We’ll see how the food is. Brent’s never had Indian food, so I will be happy to see what he thinks of it.

What about you, my friends? Do YOU like Indian food?

God’s Grace: Greater than All Our Sin

For those of us with a sensitive conscience, we need to often be reminded of God’s grace. Throughout history, the LORD has given signs of His kindness and forgiveness. As you read through Scripture, the Bible is replete with instances of God’s grace, shown in the oddest or most challenging of circumstances. As we walk through life, we can rest assured that God will grant us grace – believing in His Son is definitely worth it.

Believe in God’s promise of grace; don’t allow yourself to get caught believing that the LORD is a harsh, distant or absent God. His justice is there for those who refuse to receive His grace, but while there is still time, rest in His goodness and place your trust in Him. Grant Him your whole heart – He is worth it!

An Independent Spirit

Last night, my grandma and I went on a ride in my car. I know this is something she really likes to do, and I like it too. I love going to small towns and looking around. Sometimes it’s hard for me to understand what both of my grandmas must be going through, not being able to drive. I get around so easily, and they basically have to wait for someone to come to them.

I guess most people in our family, if not all, are pretty independent. My independence is something that I value highly. It is so fun to be able to do what I want to do, when I want to do it. Especially after work, I like doing something fun, since I am now on my “own” time. Whether it be going home and resting, going shopping, going to visit someone, going for a ride, I enjoy doing things spontaneously. I like doing things by myself. How about you?

The Power of Thankfulness in Enjoying Life

Being thankful is a powerful weapon against a depressing, boring life. Thinking of the things that are present in your life is a wonderful way to genuinely appreciate what God has given. What He has chosen not to give is not half as much as what He has given!

Sometimes we crave things that we cannot or should not have, for whatever reason, maybe a reason we will never know. But the things that are certain in our lives, present in our lives, we can enjoy and appreciate. Take a breath in, and stop and appreciate the beauty of the nature around you. Stop and experience sights, smells, and sounds that genuinely are amazing. Consider the beauty of the sky, the gentle breeze, the chirping of the birds, the green grass, the sunrise and sunset, the moon in all its splendor. Consider athleticism, agility, and beauty of sports and competition. Consider each person’s unique speech, interests, looks, etc. Consider your own human relationships and the joy they provide.

Thank God for what He gives us!

Reading the Gospels as Pictures of the Father

Recently, a friend of mine suggested that I read the Gospels, and have in view that however Jesus acted or whatever He said actually is a complete picture of God the Father, portrayed in the Old Testament.

This is fascinating. Jesus himself claimed, “If you’ve seen Me, you’ve seen the Father.” So it should be no surprise that the portrayals of God the Son

Take for example, the portrayals in John 2, when Jesus cleared out the temple. Jesus was actually holding back when he drove the money changers and animal sellers out of the temple. In John 8, He was revealing so much kindness as He passed no condemnation along to the woman caught in adultery. In fact, He spoke only a few words, and those were to only cast a stone if you had no sin. Jesus reveals the grace and kindness of the Father in new ways.

Think about Jesus meeting with the disciples on the Road to Emmaus. He had just risen from the dead, mind you, and they had no idea what was going on. He was content to give insight as to the significance of current events. Never mind that He had created the two men to whom He was talking!

Next time you read the Gospels, picture yourself as a bystander, and see how Jesus reveals the Father, Who is known through both Old and New Testaments. Breathe in His loving kindness!

Why I Love Springtime

Springtime is probably my favorite time of year, for several reasons.

First of all, it stays light longer. I love being able to go home after work and still take a walk while it is light out, or have the windows open on my main floor and feel the gentle breeze.

Second, March Madness comes on. I enjoy watching the college basketball championships. A cool breeze, lying on the couch with the sun coming in, you just can’t get any better than that!

Third, nature is coming back. Things get green and colorful again. Smelling the flowers at the Court House during my lunch break is like a small slice of heaven. Not having to wear a heavy coat is pretty nice too.

Also, Cardinals baseball is just starting to come on again. Wow. That is one of my favorite things!

Do you love springtime as much as I do?