Writing Mom of 3
So tired tonight but up late working. Just taking a minute to keep up with my commitment to NaBloPoMo.
And so, I remind myself of the comfort contained in these words:
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
—Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)
So, I didn’t learn this from my mama or HGTV; but it’s a recipe and so, it fits in with this series.
In 1998, I did my student teaching in English for twelfth grade (someday I’ll tell you the sordid tale of my journey from broadcast journalism to PR to education to publishing; quite the interesting story that it is).
I cried everyday when I came home and worked so hard just to get through the semester. The students were the “standard” class, which meant that their only goal was to pass the class so they could graduate. Period.
Yeah. They cared not one hoot about the nuances of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales (and, really, I couldn’t blame them). They had no interest in expanding their vocabulary nor writing a titillating essay.
I finally made it to Christmas break. I remember the kids asked me, “What are you going to do during Christmas break?” I replied, “I’m going to sleep. And then I’m going to clean my tile bathroom floor.” They looked at me as if I were a Martian, certainly relieved to be rid of me—that crazy woman who loved semi-colons and deducted points from essays for their use of crude language and descriptions of alcohol use and evading the law.
My highlight of that semester—I kid you not—was a sweet loaf of pumpkin bread. My mentor teacher baked me a loaf and gave me the recipe, too. It’s the best pumpkin bread I’ve ever eaten, and I always get rave reviews.
That gift helped me get through that semester—and many since then.
Pumpkin Bread
In a large bowl, mix together the following:
3 1/3 cups flour
3 cups sugar
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. saltStir in:
4 eggs
1 cup oil
1 can pumpkin (15 oz.)Optional additions:
1 cup chopped nuts
1 cup chopped raisinsPour batter into 2 loaf pans (9″ x 4″).
Bake at 325 degrees for 50-60 minutes.My notes: add ingredients in order as listed. Use a hand mixer to stir in the wet ingredients. I never add anything to my bread (I like it plain). Fill pans only about 1/2 to 3/4 full; filling too full will not get the bread done and the top will be gooey. Use more than 2 pans, if needed.
Tulip Tuesdays: Calvinism, Part 3, the “L” in TULIP
I’ve had a few questions from friends about my beliefs in Calvinism and what it means to call myself a five-point Calvinist. I’ve decided to devote Tuesdays to exploring my beliefs, outlining them for you here.
Simply, Calvinism can be explained using the acronym, TULIP. Persons who affirm 
all five of the points of the acronym, are called “five-point Calvinists.”
Today I continue with the third point: the “L” in TULIP, which stands for “limited atonement.”
If you are visiting for the first time, get caught up by reading the posts on total depravity (“T”), unconditional election (“U”) and some questions and answers on election and predestination.
If you’ve spent anytime at all in or around the Church—especially in more conservative or evangelical groups—then you are probably quite familiar with the sentiment that “Jesus died for all persons” or “Jesus died for the world.” You may even heartily agree with that yourself.
That, however, is not quite the case. Jesus DIDN’T die for every human being on the planet. In fact, Jesus died only for a select group of people. His atonement was and is “limited” rather than broadly-applicable. (“Limited” refers not to Christ’s power or efficacy but to the number of persons to whom the atonement applies.) It is “particular,” effective for a specific group of persons. It is “definite,” decided by God before the foundation of the world, applicable to the elect.
Limited (or particular or definite) atonement is perhaps the most controversial and debated point of TULIP. Lots of Christians have a hard time believing that Jesus would die for some but not die for others. But consider this:
No. I believe that Christ’s work was ONLY for those who would believe in him. We call those persons the “elect” and know that their faith in God only comes from God. Christ didn’t die for every person and he’s not scratching his head trying to figure out who will accept his offer of life.
I hope you’re beginning to see how all of these points hang together. Because of our total depravity, we cannot “make a decision” for good. God sovereignly and from eternity past, chooses some for election. It is for those elect only that Christ died.
“He [Jesus] is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.”—1 John 2:2 (ESV)
In this context, “whole world” speaks of Christ’s sacrifice being offered not just to John and his readers but to all (the “whole world”). In a previous post, I addressed the role of evangelism for the Calvinist. Christ is still the only way to salvation—the only available atoning sacrifice to the whole world. This language also suggests that salvation in Christ is not exclusive of one ethnic group or race. Salvation has come to every race and nation: the “whole world.” The “whole world” must be told about him. Only the elect will receive him.
As with all things Calvinistic, the doctrine of limited atonement brings me to a place of humility and gratitude. The “narrowing” of the scope of the atonement makes it sweeter to me.
Next week, we look at “Irresistible Grace”—the “I” in TULIP. I’ve already touched on it as I described Christ’s 100% effectual sacrifice. But we’ll explore more next week the idea that God always “gets his man or woman”!
Yahoo! Kroger had an amazing sale on pork when I went shopping on Saturday! Guess what we’re eating this week?
I’m still on my new eating plan, so I’ll be eating mainly veggies. I’ll make the main dish for the family, but I’ll dine on veggies and maybe a little protein.
Here’s what we’ll have this week:
Monday-roast bbq pork
(Boston butt roasts were $.88/lb. Unbelievable! I’ll cook it in the crockpot all day then shred it and serve with Montgomery Inn bbq sauce—the BEST bbq sauce you can buy in a bottle!)
Tuesday-leftovers
Wednesday-chicken veggie soup or chicken chili
Thursday-We’ll be dining at my daughter’s school spaghetti supper for a fund-raising event. I’m not sure how I’ll fare, since I’m not supposed to be eating pasta right now. Meat sauce and salad, I guess.
Friday–Matula’s meatloaf
(As I was browsing the Montgomery Inn site, I saw this and thought it looked good. Since we love the sauce so much, I’m sure the meatloaf will be a hit.)
Saturday-leftovers
Sunday-simple supper/leftovers/order out
*Disclosure: Montgomery Inn has not compensated me nor sponsored this post in anyway. We simply love the product and commend it to you. 🙂
Question:
How does one know he or she is chosen by God for salvation?
Answer:
Those who are chosen for salvation will display evidence of their salvation. They will be excited about the things of God. They will desire to please him and seek his will. They will be saddened by and sorry for breaking God’s law.
Obviously, the Christian life is marked by peaks and valleys. At times, even “chosen ones” may behave in “un-Christian” ways. The “chosen ones” will respond to the conviction of the Holy Spirit and repent of their sin.
Also, there are people walking around who may be “chosen” but may not have yet been called to faith. God’s chosen people come to faith at all different ages and stages of life. Read the story of Paul’s conversion in Acts. Paul, a law-abiding Jew, was murdering Christians until his dramatic turn from death to life.
Question:
How does one know others aren’t chosen?
Answer:
A simple response is, you don’t.
Scripture instructs believers to proclaim the gospel message to all. Precisely because we don’t know who is chosen, we should tell any and all persons, so that the chosen ones may come to faith. God uses his earthly messengers to reveal himself to the chosen but not yet converted.
Charles Spurgeon said:
Our Savior has bidden us to preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15). He has not said, ‘Preach it only to the elect,’ and though that might seem to be the most logical thing for us to do, yet since he has not been pleased to stamp the elect in their foreheads or put any distinctive mark upon them, it would be an impossible task to us to perform. When we preach the gospel to every creature, the gospel makes its own division, and Christ’s sheep hear his voice, and follow him.”
from “Too Little for the Lamb” (Sermon 2937) at Spurgeon Gems
Those who aren’t chosen will obviously not respond. In fact, the Bible says that that the gospel message is foolish to those who are perishing.
~~~
What are your questions? Comment below and I’ll try to answer them in future posts. I’d love to hear from persons from different faiths and perspectives. Let’s wrestle together with the difficult questions.
My post regarding more questions on predestination and election is coming. I’m figuring out, though, that when I work on theology posts, I take a little longer than the average “here’s what my kids did today” posts. I want to be accurate and include sufficient links to back up my assertions. Thus, my delay in getting the “questions” post up. Stay tuned …
My sweet retired neighbor—”bless his heart,” as we say in the South—was vacuuming dead leaves from his yard this afternoon. If you live in Nashville and spent even 10 seconds outside today, you would conclude he is a crazy man. And you would be correct. Today, we had 30mph winds. The wind whipped and spun and slapped everything relentlessly all day long.
Dude. Vacuuming your leaves today was kinda like trying to drain the ocean with a thimble. Got news for you. As soon as you were done, your yard was covered again. With leaves from my yard. Yep. I’m positive.
I’ve been wanting to tell you all about my new lifestyle eating program (I’m trying not to use the word, diet), Transitions. It’s a low-glycemic plan that is done in stages. This week is my first, with the detox/cleanse week. All veggies and fruits. That’s it.
Well, the first of the week went well. I have added a little protein here and there, though. Today was not so great, but I aim to finish on a positive note this weekend (yes, even with Halloween candy).
I am encouraged, however, and can certainly feel the benefit of whole foods in my body. The energy levels are much more even and the satisfaction lasts longer.
It’s an adjustment because we (as a society and my family, too, and I DO cook!) rely so much on processed and convenience foods. Yuck! Really, people. There’s gross stuff in those boxes and it kinda just clogs up in your body and makes you fat and lethargic.
I’m ready to not be fat and lethargic anymore.
I’ll keep you posted.
Tulip Tuesdays: Calvinism, Part 2, The “U” in TULIP
Last week, I began a new series for Tuesdays. I’m excited to explore Calvinism (also called Reformed theology) here once a week.
Simply, Calvinism can be explained using the acronym, TULIP. Persons who affirm all five of the points of the acronym, are called “five-point Calvinists.”
Part 1 focused on the “T” in TULIP, which stands for “total depravity.”
Today, I tackle the “U” in TULIP: “unconditional election.”
Just because.
We’ve all said it to our kids. We heard it when we were young. “Why, Mom?” “Just because.”
Many child-rearing “experts” encourage parents to steer clear of the nebulous reason of “just because” when trying to impose a rule.
But there’s at least one instance when “just because” is the best and only answer to the question, Why?.
Just because.
Just. Because.
God’s choosing some for salvation is completely a matter of his prerogative, to fulfill his purposes, and for his glory. God’s setting his love and affection on those of his choosing is not because of anything anyone has done or who he or she is. It’s not because I’m good. It’s not because I’m American. It’s not because I’m not a hooligan.
It’s not because God gazed into the future and saw those who would say “yes” to him at a frenzied altar call. No. GOD chose me. Remember that apart from God, I am DEAD. A dead woman can’t walk or raise her hand to say “yes.” Even the faith to respond to God’s call is a gift from God, which was predestined before the foundation of the world.
Wow! Is your mind blown yet??? Before the earth. Before the stars. Before the oceans. Before corn stalks and tomato plants and grapevines were growing on the earth. Before the foundation of the world and based on no merit of my own, God chose me. He set me apart as holy and righteous through faith in Christ.
God knows the total depravity of the human race. God knows that finite humans will never and can never obey an infinitely holy and perfect God.
What’s the fair thing to do with us? God’s justice is perfect, as is every aspect of his character. God’s justice imposes the penalty of eternal punishment and condemnation on those who break his law. Like it or not, that IS fair.
But God, chose—again, just because—to deal with some through mercy and grace by saving them through the work of Christ.
We may wonder often, “Why are only some chosen? Why not all people? Why would a loving God exclude many from this grace and mercy?”
But that is the wrong question. The right question is, “Why would a holy, just, and perfect God choose to lavish grace and mercy on anyone, especially me?”
Marinating on this sweet and somewhat paradoxical aspect of God’s nature produces great gratitude and humility.
This is unconditional election.
The doctrines of election and predestination are HUGE. Ginormous, I’m telling you! So, I’m going to answer a few related questions in an upcoming post. Check back for more on election—the U in TULIP—with questions and answers.
I commend to you RC Sproul‘s Chosen by God and Now, That’s a Good Question!, as well as Michael Horton‘s Putting Amazing Back Into Grace. The Reformation Study Bible and the ESV Study Bible are excellent resources for Bible study from a Reformed perspective.
October 26-November 1
This week is really unusual because I’m beginning a new eating and “lifestyle” program, Transitions. It’s a low-glycemic eating plan and the first week is a de-tox/cleanse week (more on this later). So, my eating this week is mainly fruits and veggies. I’m trying to make things that we all can eat and/or some things that I can easily supplement for the family and have a “complete” meal.
I will post recipes later, too.
Monday-Chicken Veggie Soup
Tuesday-Spaghetti
(for me): mixed Italian veggies
Wednesday-Pot Roast and veggies
(for me): veggies and salad
Thursday-Chicken Fajitas, black beans
(for me): fajita veggies, salsa, salad
Friday-pizza
(for me): roasted veggies
Saturday-BBQ chicken, broc/caul/carrot medley
(for me): veggies and baked sweet potato
Sunday-out to eat
I ventured out to TJ Maxx this afternoon because—really?—I needed some new undies and there’s no where in Bellevue to buy such items anymore since the mall closed.
Now, TJ Maxx on a Sunday afternoon is kind of an odd place.
Lots of MEN following around women, which in and of itself isn’t terribly unusual (except my husband would rather have his nose hairs plucked one-by-one than be forced to trail me through TJ Maxx).
But these men were shuffling through the LINGERIE section. With their wives. I did a double-take when I saw cute little middle-aged Mister Rogers-looking man holding a blue lacy 34B bra.
What????
I overheard another woman trying to convince her husband that they needed a new set of mixing bowls (orange as they were).
Y-A-W-N!
I found chocolate-covered pretzels in the size 7 high heels area and leather gloves on the ladies’ blouse clearance rack. I almost tripped over a pile of home goods that had been discarded in the shoe section.
(OK. Which reminds me of one night when I was shopping at Kroger. A woman was picking up a “few things” without the use of a cart or a basket. As I entered the checkout lane, she was nearing the front of the store and suddenly became distraught. “Where are my groceries?” She frantically asked a checker. “I left my groceries right THERE.” She pointed at the end of one of the checkout aisles. Like at a spot on the floor.
Ummm. I don’t know, Lady. Like maybe someone who works here put them AWAY, since the store is about to close. ‘Ya think?
She actually kept muttering, “That’s so strange. I left them right there. I wonder what happened to them?”
Had she only been at TJ Maxx, they would still be there causing browsers like me to stumble while trying to find new shoes.)
So, anywho, the store was incredibly warm today, which, as you know, really bothers me and makes the whole trip terribly unpleasant. But I DID find:
Oh, and some dude in a flannel shirt sneezed a lung out on me. No joke. I just tried to hold my breath and doused myself in hand sanitizer at the first opportunity.
“Are you OK?” a friend at my ladies’ Bible study asked. “You sure were quiet today.”
Quiet?, I thought. I never feel that I’m quiet. Most of the time, I think I’m hogging the discussion in my Bible study group.
At my small group discussion on Tuesday, I did “tornado” in late, was distracted by a phone call that I received just as I came through the door, and had a pretty painful headache.
Still my friend’s comment was unexpected.
I love Bible study discussion and always answer the questions and add my “two cents.” Most of the time, I say helpful things (I hope!), but I’m always kind of wondering in the background if I’m talking too much or saying irrelevant things.
If you knew me in high school or college, you may be stunned to read this. I never—NEVER—spoke in class or answered questions. Ironically and surprisingly, I guess, I was an excellent student, but—AHEM—I was rarely prepared for class discussion.
That’s right. I was the kid who never read the assignments.
I’m pretty sure I failed every pop quiz I ever took. I’ve really never read Oliver Twist, To Kill a Mockingbird, or For Whom the Bell Tolls.
And those chapters in history and science textbooks? Are you kidding me?
I remember skimming through Jane Eyre and most of Shakespeare’s plays. Pretty sure I only hit the highlights of Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey. Those yellow and black Cliff Notes books were my best friends, and I learned a wonderful trick to get through 350 pages the night before the book report is due: Read the first sentence of every paragraph, and you’ll get a good gist of what’s going on. Good enough for a book report, anyway.
So, being the poorly-read and under-prepared student that I was, I didn’t have much to add to any discussion and was always terrified the teacher would call on me and blow my “cover.”
In my college sorority, I even won the “Most Likely to Be There but Never Heard” award in my pledge class.
These days, I read and read and answer my Bible study questions and ponder the nuances of the lesson.
I’m ready every Tuesday for thought-provoking, soul-stirring discussion.
Making up for lost time, I guess.
The Word for Wednesday, 13 May 2026
Let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them.
Psalm 5:11
The Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced.
Isaiah 50:7
