Set Apart

In my rather old-fashioned line of thinking, pondering the way of life that God desires us to keep, I often think "big picture," meaning beyond and back. Beyond the near-sighted culture of my modern times. Back to the time of Christ and even further back to the lives of Old Testament prophets. There's been a niggling temptation in the back of my mind lately to feel insecure about my "lack" of a social life. I don't really feel a lack. I observe a pseudo-lack from the view of the secular world.  Then when I think about the women whom I wish to emulate- Our blessed mother Mary, St. Elizabeth, Mother Teresa, Abraham's wife Sarah- the mere idea of a "social life" is laughable and irrelevant.

I love to be home. I don't go out with coworkers for lunch. I don't go out at night with girl friends. We don't attend parties outside of family and the occasional friend's birthday. I am quite content with this.

I've always been a homebody, and always have been more comfortable around small groups. Most comfortable, for certain, with only one companion at a time. However I think for me there is a connection here to a deeper understanding of life, its meaning, and purpose. It's rooted in Scripture and in my experiences with the Lord. From the book of Titus, chapter 2: 
3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4 Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

I remember as a young girl feeling "set apart." In many circumstances, I was removed from my peers through no fault of my own, and usually felt some sort of relief. I nearly always felt the peace of God. I'm thinking here of a time when I was invited to a slumber party in fifth grade. My mother had already booked me to stay the night with a family friend's daughter who was much younger than I. Initially I was quite upset that my mother decided I should attend the slumber party until dinnertime and then leave to fulfill my obligation to the younger girl and stay the night with her instead of my classmates. Yet I distinctly remember the last half-hour of my stay at the party, listening to a CD that was quite vulgar and I was ashamed, uncomfortable. All my classmates were laughing. My mom came shortly after, and I felt so comforted once I arrived at the familiar home of my mother's friend. Sipping chocolate milk with her little daughter, I felt a wash of God's love and peace over me, and knew in my heart that it was better to be with them than at that party. That is just one example.

In college, my choir was invited to stay with the families of a choir in Costa Rica for two weeks. We were told to pair up with a roommate, and we'd be matched as a pair to a household. When we arrived in the city where we were to stay, and it was our turn, my chosen friend and I stepped forward, but only her name was called. We protested, but were told that there was a change of plans. She was to be paired with a different person and I was to go alone to another home. The head of that household turned out to be a Christian pastor. I learned later that all the other households had arranged for parties and evenings out for my choirmates. I alone was left out of that loop. Instead, I attended the daytime events, and at night went to church services or stayed home enjoying the company of my hosts. Again, I felt the hand of God, despite my complaints.

Now as an adult, I must treasure my past years of protection by God, and not let it be put to shame. I admit to partying (mostly in my own dorm at university), drinking, and being the adulteress "whose feet do not stay at home." (Proverbs 7:11) But I've put that behind me and have repented, seeking the sweet simplicity of my younger years, when I was set apart by God in purity and humility.

I don't desire a social life because I desire God's life for me. Even when my sinful nature derides me for being such a "loner," I must recall those sweet moments of God's guidance. St. Therese of Lisieux, after whom I was named, teaches us "the little way of childhood" as the way we should relate to our Father in Heaven. 

When the influences around me urge me to become brash, bold and "grown up" in the fashion of sophisticated career-oriented worldly women, I remember this: 

Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." - Mark 10:15.

I do not mean to say I don't enjoy the company of friends. I do. But it's not a goal of mine to seek socialization for its own sake. Rather, I seek God, and let the natural circumstances of life draw out the opportunities for fellowship. 

On the subject of Titus 2, one of my mentors called me today. She is a beautiful lady of God. I am blessed to have the friendship and guidance of a few older Christian women. Here is a post on one of my favorite blogs expounding on this subject: 
http://teachtheyoungerwomen.blogspot.com/2015/12/a-woman-of-discretion.html

I pray, someday, that I can be one of those women.

Outside of a teapot...

...life is but thousands of dusty affairs. ~Terri Guillemets

theaubreyrosetearoom.com

Today was a bright yet briskly cold day. I was very much desiring a comforting drink, but not just my usual tea or tisane. I thought maybe hot cocoa, but I had no cocoa. No egg nog, no whiskey for a toddy, no chai latte mix. So I used what I had and it was a pleasant surprise. I'm so comforted I could doze off as I type... 

I mixed: 1 steaming cup of Earl Grey tea, 1/8 cup of vanilla-flavored coconut milk, 1 tbsp maple syrup. REAL maple syrup. The aroma of the mixture was rich and layered, the flavor was unexpected, the texture was light yet creamy. I do think it smelled better than it tasted, though the taste was quite good. If only I'd had a bit of cream to add. Still, I can't complain. Today was a good day. The only ingredient missing was a snuggle from my husband. He works long hours in this busy season. I'll make him a cup too, when he returns.

White privilege is real

You want to know know what white privilege is? The fact that we've had so many white mass murderers in this country and no backlash against white people or guns owned by white people. The police treat a white mass murderer better than a black person who ran a stop sign. Children have been gunned down by white people at Columbine, at Newtown. But one mass murderer is Arab Muslim and now a large portion of the country is listening to a rich white man who wants to ban Muslims from entering the country. What about white-collar crimes? The rich are more likely to be guilty than most anyone else. Why listen to someone just because they have a lot of money? Do we want the country run like a business, a soulless corporation? We are a nation of people, people of many colors and beliefs. But it seems that white people's beliefs and white people's desires are more important than anyone else's. I am more afraid of a spoiled white teenager gunning down kids at the school in my neighborhood than I am of any Muslim I've ever met. I am white, and I feel it's an embarrassing time to be. We should be ashamed of our ignorance and prejudice. White privilege is real. How can we not see it?

The pantry

Looking through my kitchen and pantry, and pondering some nourishing winter meals for my husband and me, I noticed that there are some staples I just can't live without no matter the time of year. Our diet really doesn't change much; we just rotate produce based on what's in season.

10 things you'll *nearly* always find in my kitchen and pantry:
1. Grass-fed Butter
I've since moved far away from the locally-owned, independent natural grocer that carries everything on this list in abundance, but I've been able to locate the butter at Safeway of all places. They only carry one brand of grass-fed butter, but it happens to be the same one I'd been buying at my preferred store. I LOVE butter. Real, golden, honest butter. That's my dad's farm-raised influence right there. He eschewed my mom's margarine (and now I know why, yuck!) and he wouldn't even drink milk- he'd only eat his cereal with half and half because he said it was closest to the "real thing, straight from the cow." I miss my dad, but he's here with me in every buttery piece of toast. I don't drink "milk" anymore, either. Ick. 

2. Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
We've been getting this from Trader Joe's since we moved out yonder. I use it like butter when I've run out, or I may add some to a soup for some depth and nutritive benefit. I swallow a teaspoon of it for sore throats, and when I'm feeling run down I take a teaspoon of it topped with nutritional yeast, which is a surprisingly delicious combination. I also use it as a facial moisturizer and makeup remover, with a few drops of cedarwood oil mixed in just because I like that scent. I also made a homemade deodorant with coconut oil but I'm not happy with the recipe yet. Coconut oil is really versatile, but it must be extra virgin to make it into my house.

3. Nutritional Yeast
I discovered this at my last job, when a vegetarian coworker in charge of making snacks for the kids (a job I eventually took over) started to flavor the popcorn with it. It was a vitamin bonus for the kids and added flavor without bothering any student's dietary issues (dairy, salt). I fell in love with it. As mentioned above, I eat it with a spoonful of EVCO on a bad day, but also I use it as a delicious thickener in sauces, soups and homemade salad dressings, I sprinkle it on garlic bread, mashed potatoes, in my husband's lunch burritos, and on top of any sort of salad or cooked grain dish. I am a nut for yeast. I buy it in bulk, and for that I make the trek back to my old beloved indie store far, far away. It's worth it. I bought one canister of it at the health food store, and have just been re-filling it with the cheaper bulk stuff. Same exact thing, but at least I kept the canister with the shaker top for ease of use. Better than scooping it out of a baggie and making a mess.

4. Bragg's organic apple cider vinegar
I've seen this in a few stores but I prefer to buy it at our local health food store (which smells like heavenly aromatherapy ALL the time), just to have a reason to go. Unfortunately/fortunately, I end up buying other goodies while I'm there, like fair-trade chocolates (honestly tastier than commercial brands), kombucha (also can be had at Safeway but let's support the little guys), extra teas I probably don't need, or a new bottle of essential oil. Good thing the ACV bottles are large and I don't need to go buy it often, or I'd be broke for certain. That store is heaven for me but hell for my wallet.


5. Loose-leaf tea of at least three varieties 
Another item I snap up while I journey north for the bulk yeast. It really is cheaper and healthier for me to buy bulk herbs and loose-leaf teas. The tea bags are questionable for our health, considering what may be leaching out of the bags due to high water temperatures. But the whole leaves/herbs/flowers are also tastier and probably have more benefit than the tea/herb/flower dust you may find in a tea bag. I typically keep a green tea, a black, and a few herbals- favorites include red raspberry leaf, chamomile flowers, dandelion leaf, tulsi, rooibos, pau d'arco, and lavender. I have a few white teas but I don't like them as much. I also try to keep a stash of Earl Grey for my husband's sake. 

6. Raw Honey
There's nothing like raw honey. It tastes better and is better for you. The stuff in the plastic bears is fake and possibly toxic. I use raw honey occasionally in tea, sometimes on yogurt or buttered toast, but when I'm sick I use the heck out of it. I take whole teaspoons of it, and coat thinly-sliced garlic in it and make a tea with that after 12 hours. Really works well. It's expensive, which is why I use it sparingly unless we are ill.

7. Lentils
Lentils are healthy, filling and versatile. I haven't been buying bulk or organic, but maybe I should. I usually make a big batch at once. They cook faster than beans and I enjoy them in the same way. 

8. Quinoa 
Superfood, yes, but I just like the taste of it and the fact that it cooks quickly and easily. I do buy this one in bulk along with the yeast and tea. It's cheaper that way. My favorite is red.

9. Basmati Rice
Also cheaper in bulk, especially because I use it less often than quinoa. It's fussier to make, since for best results, it must be rinsed three times and then soaked for thirty minutes. I've tried it without that pre-cooking process and it was a sticky mess. I like the texture of this type of rice the best.

10. Yogurt, kefir or cultured buttermilk (sometimes all three!)  
I'm picky about my dairy, so I try to buy this at the health food store, but luckily Safeway is branching out into healthier foods and I've found trusted organic brands there. It's hit or miss, however, and can be cheaper if I wait for my trip to my trusty natural store up north.
We love yogurt, and I'm excited to add kefir to my yogurt routine. The fermentation is so good for us, and I love the "bite" it adds to the flavor. I usually only buy the cultured buttermilk if I can't find kefir, because they're similar, but honestly I can't find an organic one near me. If I wake up late or just don't feel like cooking in the morning, yogurt/kefir/buttermilk is where I turn. I add granola and banana and we're good. 

Honorable mention #11: Coconut or almond milk.

Since I don't (won't) drink cow's milk anymore, I have delved into the delicious world of alternative milks. I didn't include coconut or almond milk in my top ten because I just don't drink them that regularly. More likely in warmer months. We need to watch out for certain greenwashed brands, some of which are linked to Monsanto, like Silk, and I've heard various pesticide warnings about the almonds used in most almond milks, but I think any of those options is going to be better than the industrial garbage sold in the familiar gallon jugs. We do buy half and half because my husband likes it, (and if my dad drank it, then I'll concede). On occasion, I buy goat's milk but the taste is a bit much for me. Goat yogurt on the other hand, is incredibly satisfying. 

On a related note, we don't eat chicken eggs (many, many reasons for that), but we enjoy duck eggs. They are more expensive but they're healthier and bigger. Wonderful options abound and we are blessed to have options. In some places, all you get is McDonald's, Walmart, Dollar General and a smattering of convenience stores. I am grateful we live where we do. And grateful to have food in our pantry.




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