Broken and Ready

I was reminded tonight of how--before I was a parent--I used to know how to parent.  I could give a solid, logical, sensible (and correct!) suggestion of how to handle almost any situation the kids could present.  I could also logically and directly (and correctly!) explain how parenting contributed to the issue at hand.  Basically, I was educated and aware but cocky and over-confident.  Unfortunately I didn't really know this was my posture (about many subjects, if I'm honest).  Even after we'd had kids for a while.  A long while.

There may have been truth to what I saw and what I had to stay about it.  But I was wrong in my approach and judgement of the people and circumstances involved.

Tonight I had a fresh and kind awareness about myself.  Fresh because it's a new topic.  Kind because the Lord has opened my eyes to my pride and arrogance.  Because I'm in danger of adopting that awful posture again, this time regarding being a pastor's wife.  Not so much in judging others but feeling I've got the answers.

I'm in a class this semester where seasoned pastor's wives discuss topics unique to our calling.  Brian and I have also been researchers for a group of pastors and their wives for the last 18 months, listening to their stories of what it's like to be a pastor (or his wife) and to be a man who is a pastor (or woman who is his wife).  Part of our training for the research job is to hear of others' stories too.  And of course Brian has been taught so much about this in his classes at the seminary.  We have been privileged to hear many, many wonderful and awful stories; what a blessing to feel so well prepared, so eager to GO do the work.

But the bottom line is I've never been a pastor's wife.  Until it IS my role, I really have no idea what it's going to be like for me.  And I can't think I know what I'll do until I'm actually there, until I have a real grasp of all the factors playing in to my life.  I'm left needy.  Prepared, but needy.

It is good to be reminded of sin patterns.  To see God's work in changing me.  To fight against cycling back into old habits.  Reminded that I've been broken, humbled to the dust.  Because only then can I offer the mercy I have received.

Recipes for Amy

Monterey Chicken

Jackie's Rice Salad is in the first (?) FPC cookbook.

Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas

Broccoli Cheese Soup



And other recent hits in our house, just because I love you (all on my Pinterest food board)!
Quinoa and Roasted Butternut Squash
Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
That Crockpot Chicken Recipe
Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
Cookie and Oreo Fudge Brownies
BOARS chicken

What's For Dinner, You Ask?

Monterey chicken with a spinach salad and roasted broccoli / brussel sprouts, because Monday is the only night we'll all be at the house to eat dinner together at the table.

CFA, because it's Tuesday.

Jackie's Rice Salad with curry dressing and spinach wrapped in a tortilla, because it's easy and portable to take up to the church so we can eat with our church family.

Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas, because it's in the crockpot and a Thursday (crazy).

Pizza for the kids, because Brian and I have a date.

Panera's Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe and crispy baguette, because it was a huge hit last time.

Left-over scrounging for Sunday.

Other options--Trader Joe's pasta and soup
                        My spaghetti sauce
                        Hoagies in the crockpot (think Momma G's)


I'm off to the kitchen to do as much as I can, because it helps me SO MUCH during the week!  Maybe.  Or maybe I'll read Pride and Prejudice instead...

February Girl Trip

So my friend Karen moved to Colorado in October.  We've said from the beginning, wouldn't it be great if I could go out to see her?

Well, God started working out the details last summer, months before she even knew she was moving.  We had planned to drive down to AL as a family in August, but I was going to need to come back to work at boot camp before the others needed to leave.  So I booked a one-way flight from Bham to STL for myself.  Non-refundable and non-transferrable.

Then I was able to quit boot camp and cancel the ticket.  But keep the credit with Southwest that was in my name only.

So I've got to fly SOMEWHERE or lose it, right?

Well, the weekend Karen invited me out in Feb actually works great for us here.  I thought I'd fly out after work on Friday and come back Mon. afternoon, giving me two and a half days there and losing only one day of work here.

But flying in the early morning on Friday saves more than the income I'd make by staying for work that day.  And I was already going to eat it for Monday and get a sub.  And my credit covered over half the cost of the flights.  And I already have the rest and some extra for spending tucked away in my jewelry box from extra work I did this fall.

So...bottom line...I get FOUR DAYS in Denver with my dear friend whose husband is going to be out of town.  In February.  It's going to be so beautiful.  And it's my second girl trip ever.  What sweet timing that God would provide this respite in a crazy season.

Let's all pray we're all healthy and nothing thwarts these best laid plans!