Category Archives: Books/Magazines

7 Quick Takes: Can Jen Avoid Discussing Politics??? Yes, She Can!

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7 Quick Takes

— 1 —

You mean you’re still posting baseball takes?!?!?!?!? Yep. I finally watched the coverage of the Giants’ Halloween victory parade this past Tuesday night. I’m also amused by the various bets placed on the World Series.

This will probably be my last baseball-related Quick Take until March unless the team doesn’t re-sign Pablo Sandoval.

— 2 —

For those expecting me to be a perfect pastor’s wife. One of Jon’s higher ups posted this on his Facebook and I find it to be pretty accurate. One of my pet peeves is when parishioners put me on a pedestal and expect me to be so much more spiritual/holy/whatever. It really doesn’t work that way. It also seriously shocks people when they find out that I’m a convert to Christianity. Apparently, I’m too well-read to be a convert?

— 3 —

Yet another link on how to keep kids in the faith. This one from HuffPo is interesting but the parents being committed to the faith only goes so far. You can usually control your kids when they’re living under your roof but your ability to micromanage their life and thoughts disappears when they leave home for college and/or adulthood. So how do you keep your kids in the faith? You encourage them to own their faith so that it isn’t just “the faith of [their] parents”. Nothing pisses me off more than teaching Confirmation to kids who are doing it because their parents have promised that they can stop attending church when they are confirmed. It’s a waste of my time and a waste of theirs. Another important way to keep them in the faith: give them an adult role (ushering, cantoring, lectoring, etc.) after Confirmation so that they’re integrated into the life of the church by the time they hit actual adulthood.

— 4 —

I am Father James Martin, S.J.’s Lutheran fan girl. Seriously, the guy makes me happy to be Christian when he writes stuff like this. His book on Jesus (from which most of this column is drawn) should be required reading and I don’t say this lightly. It’s on my list of books to give to new Christians in addition to Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis and What’s So Amazing About Grace? by Phillip Yancey.

— 5 —

Srsly?!?!?!?!? I’m getting carded left and right these days. In the last week alone, I’ve been carded while buying Robitussin to fight my mutant death cold and also while buying wine at Trader Joe’s. I can’t really blame them for carding me for the wine (I think the rule is that they have to card anyone who appears to be under 30) but being carded for the cough syrup was interesting because I’m almost twice as old as I’m required to be to buy it! It also has only been a little over six months since the LAST TIME I was carded while buying it.

— 6 —

So why no takes on politics? I’m avoiding politics in my Quick Takes today because if/when I weigh in on the election on Tuesday, I want it to be well-researched and well-worded — something I can’t do in one Quick Take as I don’t want to flippantly post random quotes from people who may share my opinion but make other people stabby. I have to deal with enough trolls as it is.

— 7 —

A question for you. How do you pray? Leave your answer in the comments.

For more Quick Takes, visit Jen at ConversionDiary.Com.

The Simple Woman’s Daybook: November 4, 2014

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY November 4, 2014

Outside my window… sunny. It’s allegedly 80F outside but it is freezing in the house. Well… either that or I’m having chills.

I am thinking… about Thanksgiving week and how to keep Daniel entertained on the 2.5 days he’ll be off of school before we leave for my parents’ house.

I am thankful… for my mother-in-law and Jon taking Daniel on errands so I can get some more rest and fight this stupid cold.

In the kitchen… all I’ve had today is Instant Breakfast and yogurt so nothing is cooking on my end. I smelled onions when I went in for water so I think Jon has a raw onion cut up in the fridge.

I am wearing… a wine-colored shirt and jeans.

I am praying for… friends traveling in the Holy Land, a call for Jon, for Katie and her husband as they adopt Felicity

I am going… to try not to go online to see any election returns today. It’s one of the few times I’m thankful I don’t have access to TV.

I am wondering… about how to work Christmas this year.

I am reading… Gossamer Ghost by Laura Childs. Apparently, I was #1 on the list for it in the LA County library system.

I am hoping… to get back to walking every morning again once this stupid cold goes away.

I am looking forward to… being well again.

I am hearing… Daniel — they just got home.

Around the house… it was relatively quiet until a few minutes ago.

A favorite quote for today… “I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be.” — Douglas Adams

One of my favorite things… being able to breathe easily. I miss it.

A few plans for the rest of the week: a trip to the grocery store that isn’t Trader Joe’s, the new dishwasher being installed tomorrow (the other one broke last week so we’ve been having to wash by hand… I know, #firstworldproblems), and whatever else comes up.

Hosted by The Simple Woman.

The Simple Woman’s Daybook: October 27, 2014

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY October 27, 2014

Outside my window… dark. I’m blogging late at night which seems to be my M.O.

I am thinking… about the things I need to get done tomorrow while Daniel is in school. Lots of papers to sort, insurance phone calls, etc.

I am thankful… for Katie of Blessed with Full Hands who got to meet her little girl today in China.

In the kitchen… dishes in the sink because the dishwasher isn’t working correctly.

I am wearing… my Run for the Little Flowers Virtual 5K shirt and capri sweats from Lands’ End that are about 10 years old.

I am praying for… a call for Jon, some special intentions, and continual discernment regarding a few aspects of my life.

I am going… to hopefully get my hair cut tomorrow. It’s definitely time.

I am reading… Becoming Who You Are: Insights on the True Self from Thomas Merton and Other Saints by James Martin, S.J. and another murder mystery whose title is eluding me.

I am hoping… to find lots for Daniel to do on Friday when he is off school.

I am looking forward to… the costume parade at Daniel’s elementary school on Thursday morning. He’ll be dressed as a Giants fan so I’m also hoping that the Giants win the World Series. 😉

I am hearing… Jon’s CPAP.

Around the house… quiet because everyone else is asleep.

A favorite quote for today… “Isaiah 55 provides an entirely different framework for thinking about God’s justice, because it suggests that we have it backward — the mystery lies not in God’s unfathomable wrath but in his unfathomable mercy. God’s ways are higher than our ways because his capacity to love is infinitely greater than our own. Despite all that we do to alienate ourselves from God, all that we do to insult and disobey, God abundantly pardons again and again.” — Rachel Held Evans, Evolving in Monkey Town

One of my favorite things… watching “raccoon TV” in the evenings — there are raccoons nearby who stop by my in-laws’ yard for a snack and they get whatever leftovers there are that aren’t edible for the humans.

A few plans for the rest of the week: possible haircut tomorrow, some walks by myself/with Daniel, choir practice on Wednesday, Daniel’s costume parade for school on Thursday, and whatever comes up this weekend.

Hosted by The Simple Woman.

The Simple Woman’s Daybook: October 19, 2014

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY October 19, 2014

Outside my window… sunny and in the 80’s. We might see some rain tomorrow and I’m looking forward to it.

I am thinking… about many many things that I’ll journal out later after I do the watering and shower.

I am thankful… that I got to be present for Rev. Kate’s last Sunday at the Episcopal Church in Almaden, the church that loved me as I was a teenaged convert trying to figure out my salvation with fear and trembling.

In the kitchen… Jimmy chicken, a family recipe. I made a normal batch for myself so I’d have a few days of dinners.

I am wearing… my Reclaim Hope shirt and running shorts.

I am praying for… a call for Jon, for a few intentions for people in my life, and for discernment as I’m kind of in a crossroads of my life.

I am going… for lots of walks this week.

I am wondering… where my parents’ Maine Coon cat is.

I am reading… Evolving in Monkey Town by Rachel Held Evans. It’s a re-read.

I am hoping… for rain tomorrow.

I am looking forward to… more quiet time and maybe even coffee with Rebecca later this week.

I am hearing… the whirring of the fan on my computer.

Around the house… cat fur.

One of my favorite things… solitude.

A few plans for the rest of the week: walks, taebo, prayer, journalling, and resting.

A peek into my day… Here is the picture I submitted for the Run for the Little Flowers Virtual 5K.

Me after my 5K walk.

Hosted by The Simple Woman.

The Simple Woman’s Daybook: October 12, 2014

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY October 12, 2014

Outside my window… dark. It was in the mid 80’s today which is so wonderful compared to the triple digit temps of a week or so ago.

I am thinking… about all I need to do before leaving for San Jose on Wednesday morning.

I am thankful… for a fun day: singing with the contemporary worship team at church this morning (“contemporary” in that everything we sang was written in the 20th century — the “contemporary” period in classical music) and heading to the birthday party of Jon’s best friend’s oldest daughter who turned 6 today. Her mom was in labor with her when I found out that I was pregnant with Daniel. It was a Frozen-themed party (surprise surprise) and they had a bouncy castle. Daniel enjoyed himself and I even got to bounce a little bit in the bouncer under the guise of making sure Daniel was OK in there. Other moms were looking at me and telling me that I was brave for going in it. I shrugged and told them about how much fun I was having.

In the kitchen… cleaned up after making my dinner (black bean and jack burrito from Trader Joe’s).

I am wearing… gray v-neck and capri sweats.

I am praying for… travel mercies for my drive on Wednesday, some special intentions, and a call for Jon.

I am going… to see if I can’t get some more CD’s at a heavily discounted price at the Office Depot which is going out of business.

I am reading… Evolving in Monkey Town by Rachel Held Evans.

I am hoping… to get some decent sleep tonight.

I am looking forward to… seeing my parents on Wednesday.

I am hearing… some John Michael Talbot on iTunes.

Around the house… silence.

A favorite quote for today… “I have learned now that while those who speak about one’s miseries usually hurt, those who keep silence hurt more.” — C.S. Lewis

One of my favorite things… listening to good music.

A few plans for the rest of the week: dental work tomorrow, various things on Tuesday, and driving to San Jose on Wednesday.

A peek into my day…

It was Contemporary Sunday today so I ditched some of my prettier clothes in favor of a simple v-neck shirt and my faded denim skirt.

Me in the mirror.

(Ignore the smudgy prints on the mirror. I have a small child who is entranced by his own image.)

Shirt: Foot Locker
Skirt: Hand-me-down from my sister-in-law who probably thrifted it.
Flip-flops: Old Navy

Here’s a picture showing how long my skirt actually is:

My skirt and sandals.

Hosted by The Simple Woman. Go see the pretties at Fine Linen and Purple for more Sunday outfits.

The Simple Woman’s Daybook: Blessing of the Animals Edition

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY October 5, 2014

Outside my window… dark. It was near 100F today which I think is hideous, even for October. I miss my -20F temps (not including windchill) in Montana!

I am thinking… about worship today. It was the Blessing of the Animals for the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi and people brought their pets to church to be blessed. Most people brought their dogs, a few (like me) brought cats, and one family even brought their chickens!

I am thankful… for Edda doing so well at church this morning. I didn’t know if she’d be OK or if I’d have to send her home with Jon partway through or what was going to happen. She was pretty content to stay in her crate and nap. I barely heard a peep out of her.

In the kitchen… lemon ricotta ravioli from Trader Joe’s for dinner tonight.

I am wearing… my Momcat shirt and black capri sweats.

I am praying for… a call for Jon, healing for various people, and some special intentions.

I am going… to have some pretty epic errands to do tomorrow morning on account of Daniel having a surprise three-day weekend.

I am wondering… why people still believe all the lies about a link between the MMR vaccine and autism. Yet another study on the subject was just disproven and the claims were retracted. (HT: Simcha Fisher) I think I need to start making tin foil hats for all the people who spout these lame conspiracy theories.

I am reading… Evolving in Monkey Town by Rachel Held Evans. It’s a re-read.

I am hoping… my walk goes well tomorrow morning and resting my foot this weekend has helped.

I am looking forward to… various things this week.

I am hearing… mostly silence given how late it is.

Around the house… again, silence as I’m the only one up.

A favorite quote for today… “Human will becomes truly our own when it is wholly God’s, and this is one of the many senses in which he that loses his soul shall find it.” — C.S. Lewis

One of my favorite things… my choir director’s face upon finding out that he’d have to play the “arky arky song” during the blessing of the animals. (He hates it.) Given the ferocity with which he was playing the postlude by Mussorgsky, I think he was working out his frustrations on the piano afterwards. (He has a Masters and DMA in piano performance and is a piano professor at Azusa Pacific so we get some pretty amazing preludes and postludes on Sundays.)

A few plans for the rest of the week: errands, Daniel’s IEP on Tuesday, and whatever else comes up.

A peek into my day… Edda being blessed by Rev. Kelli Grace.

Edda being blessed at church.

The cute story behind this picture: the little boy is Rev. Kelli Grace’s grandson (she so does NOT look old enough to be a grandma) and at the end of the blessing, I heard her say “Do you see the ‘at’? Can you say ‘God bless the ‘at’?'” I looked up and her grandson had his fingers stuck into Edda’s crate and my princess was nuzzling his fingers. His mom told me later on that I had completely made his day because he loves “ats”.

Hosted by The Simple Woman’s Daybook

The Simple Woman’s Daybook: September 21, 2014

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY September 21, 2014

Outside my window… dark. I didn’t get onto my laptop today until Daniel was asleep. On the plus side, the weather is 20F cooler than it was last week.

I am thinking… about worship today. We didn’t end up doing the awesome Doxology below (our organist accidentally played the one to the hymn tune “Old 100th” instead) but I’ve got it stuck in my head anyway.

I am thankful… for my incredibly awesome mother-in-law watching Daniel so I could go do choir and church. I have to church-train him one of these days.

In the kitchen… I think my mother-in-law’s stuffed zucchini is still on the counter.

I am wearing… my Momcat shirt and navy running shorts.

I am praying for… a parish for Jon and some special intentions.

I am going… for a long walk tomorrow morning if my foot isn’t flaring too badly.

I am reading… A New Kind of Christian by Brian McLaren. A friend recommended it and I’m having a hard time putting it down.

I am hoping… to have a smooth week without too many major surprises.

I am looking forward to… this coming weekend when I get to go to San Diego with Jon where he is supplying at the church his great-grandfather started.

I am hearing… water going through pipes or something.

Around the house… I think I’m the only one awake.

A favorite quote for today… I found this today while reading A New Kind of Christian and loved it:

“Actually, if there’s one thing I wish I could tell every Christian about evangelism in the postmodern world,” he replied, “it would be about that word [conversation]. I would say to stop counting conversions, because our whole approach to conversion is so, I don’t know, mechanistic and consumeristic and individualistic and controlling. Instead, I’d encourage us to count conversations, because conversation implies a real relationship, and if we make our goal to establish relationships and engage in authentic conversations, I know that conversions will happen. But if we keep trying to convert people, we’ll simply drive them away. They’re stick of our sales pitches and our formulas.”

One of my favorite things… cuddles with Jon.

A few plans for the rest of the week: the only major plan is a lunch date with a family friend on Wednesday.

A peek into my day… So, I decided to use this space for my “What I Wore On Sunday” post again. 🙂

What I Wore on Sunday

I was going for something that would be cool under my choir robe. I ended up deciding on this:

Me with my modeling cat.

Shirt: Croft and Barrow (Kohl’s)
Pants: Sag Harbor (Kohl’s)
Athletic tape: Target
Shoes: Naturalizer
Cat: Freya

Here’s a better shot of my pants with the shoes. (Pardon the belly shot. I promise that I’m not pregnant — it’s just the angle of things.)

Pants and shoes.

For those wondering about the foot, it’s one of three things: a strain from overworking it, arthritis, or bursitis. In any case, I’m putting the principles of RICE into action and the compression part is being handled by athletic tape because there’s not a brace on the market that sufficiently covers it.

My taped up foot.

Hosted by The Simple Woman’s Daybook. Go here to see Emily and the other pretty ladies at Fine Linen and Purple (the host of the “What I Wore on Sunday” link-up).