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Attitudes Speak

~ Emily ~ Leave a comment

Presidential elections are one of those recurring events that cause me to remember where I was and what I was doing the previous time around.  Last election, I was finishing up my last semester at William Jewell College.  I opted to work the polls, more for the monetary compensation than a chance to take part in the political process.

I’m fairly ashamed to admit that I didn’t even vote.  My sense of civic responsibility is generally overcome by laziness (not proud of that!) and the whole absentee ballot thing takes some forethought when you’re attending school in a different state than you’re registered.

A similar thing happened this year.  I sat on the sidelines watching the political punches being thrown.  Though I am not proud to say I didn’t vote, being an onlooker gave me a valuable perspective on my role as a Christian in the political process.

God has placed us in a democracy, so we should do our best to elect leaders whose values and policies reflect our beliefs.  But, because I did not participate in democracy this year, I was struck by the importance of our attitudes not just our actions at the polls.

Political opinions are plentiful and like gnats – they seem to fly in swarms and inevitably find their way into any open orifice.  Since elections are so public, people are always listening, observing, and judging. Not only do we have a civic responsibility to vote, we also have a Christian responsibility to represent our Lord in how we vote.

For me, the how is not about the action but the attitude accompanying the action. I wonder if our real civic responsibility as Christians is to to react well, regardless of who wins.  With either a Republican or Democrat in office, God is fully in control.

The nation is watching and waiting.  Would it not make more of an impact if we chose joy and responded with love in the wake of the election?

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. {Colossians 3:12-14}

In the midst of an institution that is often darkened by backbiting and corruption we have an opportunity to let God’s light shine.

Our attitudes have a greater impact on God’s light than electing the right person for president.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. {Colossians 3:15-17}

Waiting Q & A

~ Emily ~ Leave a comment

As part of my 31 Days of Letter series last month, I wrote a letter to high school ladies about being patient while God orchestrates their love life.

However, the encouragement to wait for God’s timing isn’t limited to highschoolers and waiting doesn’t only apply to romantic relationships.

My romantic history taught me the importance of giving God control of my desires.  I’m still learning. I seek to be open-handed with my plans so that God can change them, replace them, or completely erase them at His will not mine.

I got an email from one of my favorite high school ladies with a great question that I wanted to answer here in case others had similar ponderings.

She wrote:

I was wondering – you said  “Waiting is hard, but don’t let the difficulty of waiting distract you from pursuing God whole heartedly.”

Sometimes when I am waiting for something I do get distracted on the thing I want.

Any sugestions as to how I might try to be more focused on God??

I definitely failed more than I succeeded in this department.  In hindsight, I do know what I wish I would have done more often to combat that antsy, agitated state of waiting.

Disclaimer: I have been the recipient of all of this advice.  I did my fair share of eye rolling because it seemed like I was getting a lecture straight out of Sunday School 101.  Sometimes I followed it; sometimes I poo-poo’d it.  If only I could take back every time I poo-poo’d it… 

The key is to distract yourself from being distracted.  Confusing?  Aren’t you trying to avoid distraction? Well, yes.  But, the effectiveness of this strategy is WHAT you distract yourself with.

Distract yourself with God and you’ll be well on your way to being more focused on Him.

Pray – Cry to God.  Yell at God.  Confess to God.  Ask questions of God.  Thank God.  Submit to God.  I found it very therapeutic to be honest with the One who knows my heart more intimately than I do.  Praying may not yield a change in your circumstances, but growing intimacy with God changes your attitude about your circumstances.  The best way to foster intimacy is to communicate.

If words escape you, start praying the Psalms.  David and the other Psalmists struggled with the same anxieties we face.  Let their words spark some dialogue between you and God. (Try these: Psalm 27, 37, 39, 130)

Listen – I always rebelled against this step in the process.  I listened – I just listened to the wrong voices.  My heart and mind were rowdy with hurt and frustration. Those voices weren’t helpful, but they were a way to justify my feelings.

Listening to God required silence, which is the antithesis of what I wanted to accompany my waiting.  Silence made the wait seem stark and never-ending. Learn to be still in order to hear the still small voice of God.  Quieting my heart and mind made space for me to accept God’s comfort and peace.

Serve – Pour into others.  Waiting can become really internally focused. Selfishness is one of the most destructive qualities in relationships.  It’s best to start weeding that out of your life ASAP.  Being active for God’s glory is a great way to start making selflessness a habit.

No matter how much you want to be in a relationship, the “single season” should not be wished away.  I missed out on deepening friendships and creating richer community because I was focused on what I didn’t have instead of the gifts God had already provided.

I also let my single status slip away without maximizing the time I had, for lack of a less cliche phrase, to better myself.  I could have given Tim the gift of a more patient, kind, selfless wife.

Bottom line: Get distracted by God, not the difficulty of waiting.  Enjoy the single season – you most likely won’t get it back.

How do you stay focused on God in the midst of waiting?

Pumpkin Greek Yogurt

~ Emily ~ 1 Comment

In addition to November 1st, when Starbucks rolls out the red cups, one of my favorite events on the food calendar is when Trader Joe’s goes pumpkin.

Pumpkin products crop up in every section of the store.  Pumpkin Spice Cake. Pumpkin Spiced Coffee.  Pumpkin Cream Cheese.  Pumpkin Spiced Chai.  Pumpkin Ice Cream. Pumpkin Bread Mix.  Pumpkin Butter.  Pumpkin Soup.  Pumpkin Spiced Granola.  They even sell Pumpkin Tree Bunches.

Trader Joe’s in October and November is truly pumpkin heaven.

Plus, TJ’s keeps adding to their pumpkin arsenal.  On my mom’s recommendation, I picked up a container of Pumpkin Greek Yogurt.  Oh boy, is it good!  The texture is thick and creamy like you would expect out of a high quality greek yogurt and the pumpkin flavor is strong, with a perfect balance of autumnal spices.

Since the nearest Trader Joe’s is 32 miles away, I wanted to replicate it at home.  And I thought I could do it for less calories.  Turned out to be an easy project. Simply mix your favorite greek yogurt with pumpkin puree, spices and sweetener of choice.

The recipe reflects my choice to make individual servings, but the ingredients are easily multiplied to create a bigger batch.

Pumpkin Greek Yogurt

My absolute favorite greek yogurt is Chobani.  I used 0% Vanilla Chobani, but you can use plain, or whatever brand or fat content you like.  This yogurt is delicious by itself, as a vehicle for granola, and would be a delicious dip for gingersnaps or graham crackers. Try sprinkling it with Gingerbread Granola for the perfect Autumn breakfast or snack!

Pumpkin Greek Yogurt
Author: Emily C. Gardner
The amounts listed are for an individual serving. Increase proportions to make a large batch. 150 calories per individual serving.
Ingredients
  • 3/4 cup (6 oz) 0% Chobani greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
  • 1/4 cup (2 oz) pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 teaspoon honey or sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Smidgen (see pic above for visual) ground ginger
  • Smidgen ground nutmeg
Instructions
  1. Blend all ingredients until well combined.

Huckleberry Zucchini Bread

~ Emily ~ 5 Comments

Huckleberry Zucchini BreadDuring our first week in Idaho, Tim and I received a welcome card from a church family which included a coupon for “Purple Gold”.  A note on the back clued us in that Purple Gold was a code name for huckleberries.

Huckleberries are small berries with a beautiful, deep purple hue and just so happen to be the state fruit of Idaho.  They grow wild all around our new home. Animals and people alike enjoy them and the little berries are worth a pretty penny when sold at retail value, hence the nickname Purple Gold.

We received our Purple Gold last week.  On the list of ideas for ways to use them that was kindly included with our berries was adding a cup to zucchini bread. I adore zucchini bread, with its moist crumb and mild flavor, so I didn’t waste time putting a batch together.

The huckleberries were the perfect sweet-tart addition to the autumn flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar.  Green flecks from the zucchini and bursts of blue and purple from the berries make each slice a beautiful kaleidoscope of colors.

I adapted a zucchini bread recipe from the consistently delicious cookbook, Just A Matter of Thyme by Roxie Kelley, to make this rendition.

Huckleberry Zucchini Bread
Author: Emily C. Gardner
This bread is moist and makes great toast. It also freezes beautifully. If you don’t have access to huckleberries, substitute 1 cup of chopped, toasted nuts, or blueberries.
Ingredients
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup oil
  • 2 cups brown sugar
  • 2 cups grated zucchini, unpeeled
  • 3 cups flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 Tbsp vanilla
  • 1 cup huckleberries, tossed in flour to prevent sinking
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Lightly grease two 9-inch loaf pans.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs well. Add oil, sugar, and zucchini. Mix thoroughly.
  3. Whisk together flour, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon in a separate bowl.
  4. Add dry ingredients to wet and mix well.
  5. Fold in huckleberries.
  6. Pour into prepared loaf pans . Bake for 1 hour. Remove from pans to cool.
Notes
Yield: 2 loaves

The Beauty and Bounty of Passion

~ Emily ~ Leave a comment

I lay in bed yesterday reflecting on what a hard working husband I have. He is dedicated to his job and puts himself into all that he does. God has called him to serve youth, and he does so with a gentle, caring, and wholly-invested heart.

He is passionate about students and Christ, and that passion helps him tackle the difficult aspects of ministry.

While I was snug in my bed, he was working alongside other students and volunteers to clean up after our church’s harvest party. He may have shed his Friar Tuck costume, but he was still laboring for Christ.

Our passions motivate us to do things that are tiresome, unsavory, and stressful. They inspire us to be selfless in our actions and attitudes.

This is best displayed in Jesus’ life.  He was (and is, still) so passionately in love with us that He made the ultimate self-sacrifice.  He died to save His children.  In turn, our passion for Christ moves us to deny ourselves, pick up our cross, and follow Him.  (Matthew 16:24).

As witnessed by Tim’s passions resulting in service and sacrifice, the same pattern occurs on a smaller scale in our daily life.  Let me rephrase that.  It should happen in our day to day life.

But, if you’re like me, God ordained passions don’t always translate into selfless behavior.  It wasn’t until I lay there last night, reflecting on what a hard working man I married, that I realized where the disconnect occurs.

I’ve been missing the action step.  Those passions need to be expressed in motion and service.  Selflessness is a practice – the more you do it, the more natural it will become.

I can see the evidence of this missing step in my relationship with Tim.  I realize this may be stating the obvious, but I’m passionate about my husband.  I’m not just talking about being passionately in love with Tim ,but being passionate about supporting his calling to youth and family ministry.  I may not have the same calling, but I’m passionate about being an encouragement and a help to my husband as he pursues his passion for the Church.

In theory, my passion for Tim should spur me on to selfless service and support. To be honest, I haven’t been doing a great job in that department lately. I find myself consistently rebelling against opportunities to serve and put Tim first.

I am missing the action aspect working in conjunction with my passion to produce selfless fruit.  It took my husband’s example to illuminate this disconnect.

I have been relying on feelings to produce selfless love and support for Tim, but feelings can be fickle. I must put my passion to work.  Practicing love, patience, grace, encouragement, and forgiveness should work up a sweat.

A harvest doesn’t happen without tilling the soil, planting the seed, watering the plants, and reaping what was sewn.

Being selfless isn’t an automatic result of having a passion, but with diligence and hard work, passions produce God-honoring beauty and bounty.