Blogaversary Party

Macarons in honor of the day

Happy Blogaversary to me, happy blogaversary to me, blah, blah, blah. From me to me. One hundred five posts later, one whole year today, of ranting, raving, recipes and misc. other stuff for all the world to see . Ha. All two of you. Or, anyone else who doesn't comment.

A couple of the famous macarons from food bloggerland here. I have to say, if it wasn't for the fabulous internet, and blogging, reading posts from all you foodies out there, I'd have no clue what a macaron was, much less have tried to make one, not to mention duck confit, or heard of matcha, black garlic, finger limes, ganache, beignets, etc. etc. What a world! What a year! It's certainly had its ups and downs.


Kealani, my granddaughter, and I have had a great time learning more cooking techniques and trying out new recipes. Here we are making matcha shortbread cookies for St. Patrick's Day and, bottom right, yesterday's macarons (which should really have bigger feet). The only difference in the macarons from your normal, we added powdered vanilla essence and used lemon curd for one of our fillings. The other filling was a simple bittersweet chocolate ganache.

And, my deep thought this morning was, we don't always have the option of changing or getting out of a particular situation, but it is possible to change our attitude, regardless of who or what or where we're stuck with. We can not only change, but grow and improve. Yes, in all areas. My regret is that I took so long to figure it out, and years of pity parties later, it's good to celebrate.

It's Not a Tulip Garden

I love my tulips. Somehow just couldn't resist. Actually I was being impatient in the supermarket line, stepped away from my cart and spotted these lovelies calling out to me. A good distraction and better than tabloid headlines, from my bad attitude.

I was journaling yesterday about unrighteous attitudes, and how we can think our reasons for them are justifiable. Attitudes being the thoughts and intents of the heart. Later, I'm often not even able to remember what those so-called reasons were, but unfortunately, the sad consequences of our poor disposition may follow after us into the future, despite whatever we do to change and correct it.

It brings to mind David's wife, Michal. From her point of view many factors would have justified her contempt and the harsh words spoken to her husband. She had loved him and helped him to escape the wrath of Saul, her father. He on the other hand, seems to have forgotten her, had married at least five other women, at the point years later - after she had been given by her father to another, and is now in an apparently happy marriage to a man devoted to her - when David brings her back for political, and or prideful reasons. She is also without children, a pitiful position in that culture. Is her bad attitude therefore okay?

After sympathizing with Michal, we might attempt to see things from God's perspective. Though, of course, we can't understand it all, we do know He is more interested in our heart attitudes than our temporary happiness. David was her rightful husband, whatever right or wrong decisions he may have later made with regard to other wives. Any children she might have borne could have been said to be of the line of Saul, and a possible cause of future contention or claim to the throne of Solomon, God's choice. Was Michal grateful for the good things she did have?

We are always in control of how we think and act, irregardless of circumstances and other people. I guess it's a cliche to say life is what we make of it, but still... Is life ever fair, ever without trial, ever a tulip garden all of the time?

Big Church, Small Groups

I like these sheep. Their shepherd is in sight here, looking out for them.

I have been mulling over the concept of "Small Groups", especially in the context of a large church. To quote from a recent Sunday bulletin:

A small group is a "community" of people connected to each other through a ministry, such as, care groups, hula, prayer, men's and women's, etc. "

They are a subject of conferences and workshops in the Christian world. There is intense focus on getting them to work successfully for the health of a Church. They cannot be looked at as nice adjuncts to the Body, but are vitally important, especially for new believers and Christians without family who are born again. We all need a working support network, and that support goes both ways. The Church needs its helpers. We are failing when we depend upon paid staff for the majority of ministry work.

The church I am a part of is not presently functioning in this area to full capacity. What I mean is, some of the small groups may be working as intended, but not all of them. Significant numbers of the congregation are falling through the cracks - sheep wandering around if you will. I know the feeling personally, having so far volunteered or attempted to be part of, two different ministries, only to discover they either don't meet at all or fail to pull in their volunteers for service. Not even a call back after signing up. I'm sure I need to try, try again. But, then, I am a mature Christian. I have saved family and friends. The worry here is for those who don't, and may give up after one or two attempts.

In the past, when people would tell me they felt lost in a large church, I would assure them, "Just plug into one of the ministry groups and you'll feel differently." That was the situation when we were attending several years ago. Then we left to help with a church plant, and returned last August. New people in leadership positions have different ways of doing things - change happens - and I can no longer give anyone that old assurance of just plugging into a small group. Try joining maybe three or four or more until you find one that works, would be the new recommendation.

This has caused me to prayerfully consider the whole process, how it works in a church, who is the responsible party or parties, what is my role, and how I might be a help in the situation. Dare I say though, the buck has to stop with leadership, in each individual ministry, and in those overseeing. It is a leaders' responsibility to see that individuals are the priority, and not just particular goals, or numbers, performances or product - to realize that what God sees as most important are His people. There are resources out there for leaders. Still, overall, the Senior Pastor is responsible for how the whole Church system is working to achieve community and discipleship - individual, personal relationships with God and the family of believers, and their growth as mature Christians.

A "small group" or ministry should actually meet together occasionally, pray together, even eat together once in awhile. "Brainstorming" is good, talking over goals and ideas. Practicing a skill or learning new ones, if applicable. Is this too much to ask? I believe God wants to use us all in this Body of Christ, to which we are joined as family, and that he gives gifts useful to the functioning of the whole. The Pastor, as a good shepherd of his flock, locates the best spots for his sheep. He sees that they are not only fed, but can grow to maturity.