Ministry of Presence

I am quickly becoming quite intrigued by Henri Nouwen. I read "In the Name of Jesus" while in Ireland and loved his simple yet profound approach to leadership and loving others. Since moving to Spokane I have spent a lot of time thinking about what to do with my time. This has led me to question why our society defines people by their occupation not by who they are; their likes or dislikes; their passions; their motives. Kyle and I have discussed the potential for jobs here and if that is a good fit for me right now. The more we have talked and prayed it seems that this is a season of openness; of vulnerability; of finding my identity not in what I do but in Who loves me. I saw this quote by Nouwen the other day and it has meant more to me than I can express. Living in a dorm with college students gives me the kind of freedom he describes. And yet, he humbly puts into words the tension I feel daily.

"More and more, the desire grows in me simply to walk around, greet people, enter their homes, sit on their doorsteps, play ball, throw water, and be known as someone who wants to live with them. It is a privilege to have the time to practice this simple ministry of presence. Still, it is not as simple as it seems. My own desire to be useful, to do something significant, or to be part of some impressive project is so strong that soon my time is taken up by meetings, conferences, study groups, and workshops that prevent me from walking the streets. It is difficult not to have plans, not to organize people around an urgent cause, and not to feel like you are working directly for social progress. But I wonder more and more if the first thing shouldn't be to know people by name, to eat and drink with them, to listen to their stories and tell your own, and to let them know with words, handshakes, and hugs, that you do not simply like them, but truly love them."

Spokane

Biking The Centennial Trail (Spokane in the background)

Kyle helped me give this little guy a new look
Top of Mt. Spokane
First real meal at the Lantz abode

Well, Kyle and I have been here nearly six weeks already (hard to believe!). My Family drove out with us and helped us get moved in last month. Spokane is an interesting city. We have been telling people that the beauty and the weather remind us of Colorado and the pace and the (excuse the phrase) "hickness" of the residents reminds us of Indiana. Kyle's RA's came a couple days ago and it has already been such a joy to get to know them - they are a stellar group of people! The whole leadership team is now together and gearing up for the campus to be bustling again starting next week. I am so thankful that I get to be here and support Kyle in the work he is doing. Come visit us!

"Is this going to be forever?"

I love this video: "David After Dentist." This poor seven year old kid is reeling from the effects of anesthesia after getting some work done on his teeth. The best part is (at 1:43) when David says, "Is this going to be forever?" He knows something is amiss - things are not as they should be. His Dad (with a knowing chuckle) assures him that the feelings he is experiencing are only temporary. I feel like David sometimes. The "medicine" of this world produces hopelessness and fear. It blurs our vision; causing us to not see things clearly. It leads me to question my Abba Father, "God, will this world be like this forever? Will I be like this forever?" And God, with a perfectly knowing smile responds, "No." The great thing about the video is that David believes his Dad but it doesn't keep him from letting out a sigh (at 1:55) of frustration. The renewing of all things is a process, but thank God, it is already in progress! In Revelation 21 we find the promise of this coming renewal, “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.’ And He who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’ Also He said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’” God is moving in our midst. May we be faithful to join Him in what He is already doing.

Whole Wheat Lemon Peach Cake

Made this wonderful cake this weekend with hand picked peaches from Walter's Fruit Ranch - a local farm. Yummy!!! I made a frosting from a different torte recipe found here. Warning: the frosting is incredibly delicious...and incredibly bad for you. I think I will ditch the frosting next time and just enjoy the cake with some vanilla ice cream. This would be a great cake to make for a birthday celebration or bridal shower - not too sweet and the peaches retain their fresh taste through baking. The directions say to bake about an hour. I would do a little less than that - just keep your eye on it the last 10 minutes

amazingly yummy, healthy, easy dinner for two

This recipe was adapted from one I found in the August issue of Real Simple:

Ingredients needed:

1 large or 2 small spicy italian turkey sausage(s)

1 8oz. package whole wheat spaghetti

2 small to medium sized zucchini

1/2 of a large red onion

2 T. shredded parmesan cheese

a handful of baby cherry tomatoes

olive oil

3 garlic cloves

dash of salt and pepper

1 twig of fresh rosemary

1 T. honey

Preparation:

*Note* It takes pasta different amounts of time to boil depending on your altitude. Adjust start time of veggies and sausage accordingly.

1. While water is coming to a boil for pasta, chop zucchini (in thin slices) and half red onion (in medium to large slices). Cut baby cherry tomatoes in half and set aside.

2. Following package directions, cook whole wheat pasta in boiling water (add a little olive oil and salt). I like to turn heat down from hi just a bit (8 on a scale of 1 to 10) to cook thoroughly once the pasta is placed in the water.

*Note* Do steps 3 and 4 at the same time

3. While pasta is boiling, cook sausage in small pan over medium heat (add olive oil, salt, pepper, and one clove of crushed or sliced garlic. "Chop" up sausage into bite sized pieces with the utensil you are using to cook it while it is in the pan (think of the way sausage looks on a pizza - that size is about right).

4. In large pan mix about 1 T. of olive oil, dash of salt, chopped zucchini, chopped onion, two cloves of crushed or sliced garlic, honey, and one twig of rosemary (pull off sections and spread out in pan). Cook on medium heat until just golden (don't cook until limp - veggies always taste better and retain more nutrients when not overly cooked. They should still have a slight crunch to them). Feel free to add more olive oil if the veggies start sticking to the pan.

5. Keep and eye on the boiling pasta. When it is ready, remove from heat and drain, return to pot.

6. Dish onto 2 plates in this order:

a. pasta

b. top with zucchini and onion mix

drizzle a small amount of olive oil over a. and b.

c. sausage

d. cover with tablespoon of shredded parmesan cheese

e. add cherry tomatoes on top

f. garnish with any extra fresh rosemary you have left

On the side: add a quick arugula, spinach, and crasin salad with balsamic vinaigrette and a slice of toasted whole wheat bread with a very thin layer of goat cheese and you have a lovely meal for two in about 35 minutes. Enjoy!