Beginning Hosea

I'm meeting with a few ladies this summer to study the Minor Prophets. There are 12 books of the Old Testament that fall into this category, and to be honest, I've only ever studied one of them...Habakkuk. I'm excited to start this journey with them and what follows is what I wrote in my journal as soon as I returned home.

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Thank You for a good start to the day! 

It began by walking to meet You (& friends) for coffee. A beautiful morning awaited and the birdsong perfectly accompanied my footfalls on a warm summer breeze.

Just the three of us over coffee and sunshine, sharing our desire and passion to know You more.

Hosea? Who's he? And why should we listen?

In a time before blogs and Twitter and texting and becoming "viral"...why do You choose one man to marry a harlot and name his children as an example? Who would even know? Who would ever care?

I do.

When I play the harlot, running to idols and false gods, what does it do to Your heart? Why do You pursue me time and again when I place "stuff" in Your path?

Grace is a gift and forgive me for taking it lightly. A reflection of You is who I long to be. Help me live what I say I believe.

The big things I have yearned to do in Your name are exposed for the vanity and pride they contain...but You...You are found in the smallness of life.

If an atom can resonate with the hum of Your creation, can't also a coffee date, a smile and a hug?

You alone are God and You desire no other gods before You. I pray this question will haunt me the rest of my days: "Am I not enough?"

12 Years a Slave- A Book Review

The night of the Academy Awards, I sat here in my home knowing I could never watch the movie 12 Years a Slave. I am certain it is amazing, but ever since I saw Kunta Kinte whipped on the mini-series Roots when I was just a kid, such depictions have left me mentally and emotionally marked for months afterwards.

As I've gotten older, I have tolerated scenes such as LeVar Burton portrayed all those years ago, but only to witness a beautiful piece of cinemagraphic excellence ala Denzel Washington in his Oscar-winning turn with Glory. Washington's scene is one of my all-time favorite acting moments. When that tear runs down his face...every time, I think, "That is the moment he won the Oscar." That was also my thought the first time I saw it...pre-win.

Yet, I haven't watched Glory in nearly a decade. As God has drawn my heart nearer to His, there have been many things I just can't stomach to watch....literally...I get nauseous. Whipping anyone, particularly an African American individual, is one such scenario.

So while I have no doubt that Steve McQueen's 12 Years a Slave is wonderful and worthy of all of its accolades, I have known since its premiere that I could never watch it. That evening in March when it won the top prize for U.S. movies, I curiously pulled up the book on Amazon and was thrilled to buy it in an e-format for only $0.99. I thought that reading it might be more appropriate for me than seeing it.

I was right.

The book is well written and leaves no doubt as to the horrid life as a slave. Yet this is done in a way that is respectful and acknowledges Northrup's conundrum. He could have given the gory details, but they are so horrific, people would have thought him sensationalizing his account. He frequently admits to sparing the reader the full truth.

There are some things for which there are no words.

If I could, I would thank Steve McQueen and his production team that brought this book to life...if only to draw attention to an autobiography that should be read in education circles as much, if not more than, Uncle Tom's Cabin. As I read through the firsthand account of Northrup's ordeal, I couldn't help but think that only in the U.S., could a fictional account (loosely based on secondhand information), written by a Northern white woman (Harriet Beecher Stowe), be given more credence for bringing about the end of slavery than an actual account of a free black man being kidnapped and forced into slavery for twelve years...and they were published only one year apart. I have tried to read Uncle Tom's Cabin and still hope to one day, but the language is difficult to wade through. Northrup's account is so well-written, you can tell he was an educated man and had a voice that needed to be heard.

Over 150 years later...he still should be heard...to honor all of those who were never given a voice.

This Photo Speaks My Heart

Actually, it's the fountain that says it all:

"One is nearer to God's heart in a garden

Than anywhere else on earth"

This beautiful fountain is located at the Green Learning Station and it echoes my sentiments exactly. I have learned countless lessons about God, faith, endurance, patience, planting for future harvests and beauty, plus more, by enjoying God's creation.

Andrew Peterson sings, "The canyons echo sweet amazing grace" and when you stand at the edge of the Grand Canyon, you get it.

Spending hours untangling a gigantic mess of vines taught me how patiently and delicately God untangles the mess we cultivate with our poor choices. He doesn't want to break the vines of our lives, but sometimes a clean break will produce the new growth necessary to survive.

The most beautiful symphony I ever heard was the rhythmic pittering and pattering of delicate rainfall on my backyard as the empty lot beside our home, with grass almost as high as me, softly played a woodwind section's worth of harmony, while the birds all around me carried on the melody that to this day brings tears to my eyes.

The pink hue of a sunrise or sunset, perfectly combined with the puffy "Florida clouds" I love so much, reminds me each time I see it that there is a God, He loves me and someday I will have the unexplainable privilege of living with Him in a Place even more beautiful than my eyes could ever behold in this lifetime.

And the soft, bubbling of a fountain or creek or the loud splash of an ocean's wave always testifies that no matter how I need it...gently or with a knock-me-off-my-feet triumph...God's grace will always wipe away my selfishness, greed, pain, loss and doubt, if I just wait upon His rain.

Nearer to God in a garden?

Absolutely!

Green Learning Station- Cincinnati, Ohio

The kids and I had a great field trip at the Green Learning Station today. As evidenced by this blog, I am all about growing things in small spaces, urban environments and learning how to do this in an environmentally friendly way. Civic Garden Center has been doing this and teaching others to do it themselves since 1942. The Green Learning Station was completed in 2011 to give a central location where others could learn. It's like a tiny gardening oasis in the middle of downtown Cincinnati.

I stumbled upon it by accident and was thrilled to learn what this non-profit has been doing. If you want to learn about composting, urban gardening, water reclamation, or rooftop gardening, this is the place to start.

Creating their own compost bin design

Our facilitator, Andy, gave the kids different "problems" and encouraged them to find solutions that were practical, economical and earth friendly. Just calculating the amount of storm runoff that their small parking lot saves each year was enough to convince me that the work they are doing is priceless.

GLS also has a large garden throughout the grounds that provides examples of how you can grow ornamentals, like you would in your front yard, but to also companion plant with edible varieties. [Not GLS promoted, but this is one way to get around picky neighborhood covenants that oppose gardens.]

As more and more neighborhood and community gardens are started, the GLS seed library would also be a valuable asset for providing heirloom seeds. I didn't see anything specifically promoting organic gardening, but Andy talked a lot about companion planting for pest control and other organic tips.

We had a chance to sample garlic chives, sorrel and fennel...all delicious. We also saw multiple plantings of greens, kale, cabbage, cilantro, strawberries and chard...plus, asparagus as tall as me.

Today's bonus was that the GLS currently has all of their plants at 40% off. They were having a huge plant sale the first time I drove past two weeks ago and the remnants have subsequently been reduced. Much to my childrens' chagrin, I picked up tarragon, small eggplant and garlic chives plants.

I couldn't get anyone else to go on the field trip with us. The age restriction of 7th & up only, combined with end of school year busy schedules may have kept some away. I hope if you're in the area you'll stop by sometime, even if you can't plan a field trip. Most of the center could be seen with a self-guided tour and they are open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Comparing water runoff from different roof designs

The Green Learning Center also offers classes for as low as $5.00 each. At those prices, you should definitely take advantage of what this local non-profit has to offer every gardener and wanna-be.

Happy 16th Noah!

Noah, today, hanging out with Seth.

It has been a whirlwind of activity around here lately with graduation parties, end of school year, Bible studies and just life in general. We intentionally keep our schedule "easy" and slow, so when these infrequent bursts of busyness come along, we sometimes feel overwhelmed. All the goodness of seeing family, friends and sharing life together is what makes it worthy of the effort.

But today, I wanted to pause and say a big Happy Birthday to the one that 16 years ago diverted our path of pink, bows, baby dolls and girlie stuff onto the tracks of choo-choos, dinosaurs, baseball and Legos. It's seemingly impossible that we now have a young man in our home...yet, it has occurred, sometimes in a whirlwind.

Noah, about 1 year

Noah was our second ginger and as surprising as that was, the shocking difference between boys and girls is one that I think you can't prepare for...you just have to live it. In many ways though, he's probably more verbose and emotionally in tune than many guys, just by having lived, schooled with and been surrounded by four women all day, every day.

Although in some ways he's a typical teenage boy, through the years I've also seen the helpful, caring, protector of women shine forth from this bundle of passion, determination (aka stubborness), loyalty and above all humor. 

There is no one funnier in our family than Noah and his comedic timing has been impeccable for quite awhile. I happily lay claim to his inheritance of my humor, but will also humbly concede that his far surpasses mine. [Side note: Oddly enough, as a parent of teenagers, my sense of humor seems to be embarrassing, while their own makes them all laugh until their sides hurt.] 

At Abeulo's 2013

And that same little guy that literally ran out to home plate for every at bat, even though 90% of them he struck out in his first year of peewee baseball and had every parent jumping up and down on the sidelines with his first hit of the season because of his amazing attitude and determination...

5 years old

has grown into a young man that, if he chooses, can channel that same determination into the adventure of a lifetime just by grabbing ahold of Jesus and refusing to let go.

And that same big brother, who at times can dish out more teasing than any little sister should have to bear, also has a compassionate side with Twitter peeps all over the world that he checks in on, encourages and comforts.

10 years old

What can God do with a caring, determined, humorous, guy who can simply watch a YouTube video and figure out how to fix anything or play music and has a memory that can retain NFL statistics from before he was born?

I honestly don't know. But with that mixed bag of talent, drive, passion and fun...I can promise you it will be anything but dull!

14 years old

I know it's not cool to say this as your Momma...but love you Buddy and so proud of the man you are becoming!

Just Jesus by Walter Wink: A Book Review

Every once in a great while, you come across a book that renews your faith in humanity. Not coincidentally, the subtitle to Walter Wink's memoir Just Jesus is the telling phrase "My Struggle to Become Human". 

This beautiful compilation of Wink's work and final recollections were written as his life was drawing to an end. Plagued with dementia, the urgency to write his last book is subtly felt between the lines. A man who had lived the exhilaration of the Civil Rights Movement, encouraged downtrodden Brazilians under military oppression, advocated non-violent resistance and peace around the world, and wrote books and papers that even inspired those who had lost their hope of ever overthrowing South African apartheid, is a man to which we as Christians should listen. While gleaning nuggets of truth, sharing in the remembrances of a life lived for Jesus was a pleasure to experience.

Eugene Peterson is probably the only other Christian author I have read that, like Wink, can plumb the depths of difficult theology while at the same time sharing poetic beauty that resonates with my soul. I wanted to quote so much of this book that I am certain copyright infringement issues would prevail. Instead, I hope to give you a glimpse with the following from the chapter entitled "The New Physics":

"The new physics made it possible for me to pray again. If there is no distance, then our prayers can be as effective halfway around the world as they can be in the hospital room...If prayer doesn't have to go anywhere, then it may simultaneously be present everywhere, enveloping the praying party, the party prayed for, and the total field of reality...Instead of being a superstitious throwback to an irrational past, prayer can be seen as the highest kind of rationality."

One of the greatest compliments I can ever give an author is when one of his books entices me to read more of his works. This book has inspired me to read Wink's other writings. I hope you do as well.

Mr. Sushi- Cincinnati, Ohio

Friday night before our volunteer gig at the Aronoff Theatre, Abbey took me out to dinner for Mother's Day. My one request for this year was that I be able to stay home...all day on Sunday...in my pajamas. I also included in the "deal" that if Abbey wanted to fix something healthy and delicious, she could but there was no obligation. I really am trying to break the stranglehold of "ideals" that this American culture has on me. So I chose to do what I want, not what society thinks is "normal".

But, since it was our last show together, Abbey wanted to treat me and I obliged. I'm glad I did.

Mr. Sushi was delicious...and at our early dining hour of 5 p.m....very quick too. Abbey had a combination plate of vegetable California roll and an AAC roll (asparagus, avocado and cucumber) and really enjoyed it all. I opted for some vegetable fried rice because I'm trying to eat healthier, didn't want fishy-smelling breath as an usher, and honestly, can't eat a plain vegetable sushi roll unless it has an adequate amount of spicy mayo on it. I know...I'm pathetic.

But our server enthusiastically assured me that the chef could leave out any meat and increase the amount of veggies in my meal. When she brought out the plate, I instantly knew there was probably enough for 2-3 meals on it. 

All meals also came with miso soup and ginger salad. The soup and salad were worth the trip by themselves. 

Everything was delicious and although dinners are pretty pricey, I look forward to taking my husband (and possibly the rest of the family) sometime for lunch in the future.

My First Aloe Vera Harvest

Yesterday, I harvested my very first aloe vera leaf and used the gel to make a delicious detoxifying juice that according to the Rawganic Vegan Lady and her 7 day Juice Detox program, is also great for clearing up skin. I'm not currently experiencing any skin issues that can't be resolved by avoiding dairy, meat and gluten...but I do have an aloe vera plant I purchased at Findlay Market and it is growing by leaps and bounds.

I confess a deep hesitancy at the possibility of approaching my beautiful plant with a pair of scissors and no clue what to do with the leaf once I cut it. But I found through a quick Google search that it's as simple as

• cutting the leaf
• using a sharp knife to remove the top layer of green skin
• use a knife to remove the yellowish film over the top of the gel
• then using a spoon to scoop out the gel

The website I found didn't say you needed to rinse the aloe vera gel, but I did just in case any of the yellow membrane was left on the backside of it.

I had already juice a green apple, some bok choy and two oranges. I threw that juice into a blender with the aloe vera gel and Voila!...a delicious, detoxifying juice was born.

Simply Google "how to make aloe vera juice" and you'll not only find multiple helpful sites, there are many YouTube tutorials too.

Don't know anything about aloe vera? Here's a great site with the top 12 benefits.

And the Curtain Closes...For Now

Abbey always tries to bring home a Playbill and a ticket that we find from each performance that we usher.

Last night, Abbey and I ushered for The Phantom of the Opera. It was, as expected, a wonderful performance. We have seen it twice previously and she saw this same production with her friend last week. The staging, costumes and sets were different than in previous years. My in-house Broadway expert tells me that's because this tour came out of the 25th Anniversary commemoration from a few years ago. During our pre-show meeting, the house manager shared that these sets and some of the costumes are from the original West End London production of 1986. In short, it was absolutely beautiful.

But why is this significant?

You see, I graduated from high school in 1986 and by the time I was in my senior year of college in 1990, I owned a two CD set of the original London cast recording. I also had the full libretto in a limited edition that I think came with or was ordered for free from either the full piano score (which I also owned) or the CD set. Either way, I know it was free. To say that I had the score memorized is an understatement. For anyone, like me, that owns these...you are fully aware that by the time the production made the trip "across the pond" many of the words in the big ballads had been changed. Almost 30 years later, the original words still run through my head when I hear the songs sung.

Over the years, I shelved the CDs and I tossed the piano score into a stack of other such works and sadly, I either gave or threw away the free libretto. Little did I know that some day my oldest child would become quite possibly the youngest Phantom-phile ever.

I can't even explain how it happened, but by the time she was 8 or 9 she was in full Phantom-mode. Her passion has exceeded mine for close to a decade now. When we visited New York City last year, nothing could calm her agitation until she stood in front of the theatre where it all began.

Abbey in NYC 2013

But what occurred to me throughout the day yesterday is that somehow, in only the way that God can do, He gave us a beautiful gift last night. The first Broadway show Abbey and I ever saw together with just the two of us was Phantom when she was 9 years old. (To the best of my recollection, that's about the age she was. )

Half of her life later, this was most likely the final Aronoff production we will serve as ushers together. I'm teary just thinking about it. Yet...it is as it should be.

Scripture tells us that "When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me." (I Cor. 13:11) Attending Broadway shows is by no means childish, but now she's ready to leave my side...and share her love of theatre, music, art, beauty, cooking, healthy eating, compassionate ministry, service, giving, people and children in the perfect place where God can use her.

So yes, the melancholy of all that was happening last night (and some mild lower back pain) had me sitting out of the theatre for the second act. I knew full well that this beautiful bookend to my life with Abbey was on display for my heart to see and I couldn't quite take it all in. But I am so thankful for the times we have had to share. In the metaphoric sense, my curtain is closing.

But oh the blessed joy of seeing her curtain arise!

Here I Go Again!

Cucumber Express juice for breakfast

May 2013, I participated in an extended juice fast for the purpose of losing weight, rebooting my body and retraining my taste buds so I could eat healthier when it was over. I accomplished each goal and actually juiced longer than I've ever managed to in the past. It went so well that I told myself that if it was at all possible, I would do some form of a juice fast each May.

Well, here it is May 2014 and to be honest, for the last month I have not been looking forward to juice fasting at all. Many bad eating habits have slipped back in and frankly...I love the taste of pizza...and cheesy Mexican food (happy Cinco de Mayo, by the way!)...and sugar. Ahhh...sugar!

But I also have a daughter that has shown me since last fall, it is possible to live a disciplined vegan lifestyle, eat out at restaurants and other homes, exercise faithfully, avoid processed, refined foods and thus...have more energy, vitality and stay healthy when the rest of the family has the flu or the now ever-present allergies.

Does it cost more? Yes...but we're also not paying out for any co-pays or prescriptions for chronic illnesses either. I'm thinking that over a lifetime, it all balances out. If not, at least she'll feel better in her old age than her peers who spent their youth eating fast food and, let's face it, convenience food garbage.

Additionally, I'm involved in a book group with my friend, Kari, where we're digging in monthly to the book 7, by Jen Hatmaker. Ridding your life of excess and the hold that stuff, food and media have on us is the primary thrust of the book. And for the last two weeks, my friend, Becky, has been leading a book/Bible study of Mark Patterson's All In. I'll review both of these when I've completed them, but for now it's enough to say that I am being deeply challenged to rid my life of anything that has a hold on me. If I need to eat simple meals, give up most (or dare I say all) my possessions and free up time from my entertainment and "fun" so that others can know there is a God who loves them...then shouldn't I be willing to do it?

I've been stuck since Christmas. I've shared this before. God is so good, so loving and so gracious that I've been overwhelmed at all He is doing. I have been keeping Him at arms length though because I can't even begin to process it all. But where He is guiding me right now is the reminder that I don't have to have it all figured out and understand how it will come to fruition. I simply should wake up every day and ask how do I live today like Your vision for my life is complete? Live for today, not next year or even next week.

So this time, it's a little more than a juice fast. Yes, I want to lose more weight (I'm starting out 16 pounds less than last year); I want to retrain my taste buds to rid my desire for meat, dairy, sugar and gluten; and I want to reboot my body to be ready to make the life changes I'm hoping will occur this time. Because in addition to these goals, this year I'm adding in exercise (starting with yoga to increase my flexibility) and placing boundaries on my media time. Today, I'm running late because I usually do on Mondays, but next Monday...I'm going media free again. I'm also limiting my Facebook and game usage to before 9 a.m. and one half hour to quickly check messages around bedtime. This is a work in progress and doesn't mean that I want to compensate for the loss with something else online. I do hope this frees up time for blogging, more book reviews and other pursuits. If not, it will be restricted further. 

Join my journey if you want. The media restrictions start tomorrow because today I have to focus on juicing and there some loose ends I need to tidy up before I downsize my media usage. Essentially I feel the Spirit leading me to join others I know who are risking everything and going All In.

I'm ready...or at least He's getting me ready! And I can't wait to see what He's up to!!

**I will be updating and sharing the juice fast through Twitter which posts directly to my Facebook account. If you'd like to follow the juice fast and aren't my Facebook "friend", you can click the link above and to the left to follow me on Facebook.**