foody stuff

Corn chowder - the one pot wonder of the south

Check out these babies.
Went to a berry farm last weekend and they had even larger ones than these!   Not much says summer like freshly picked berries!

monday

I'm not sure there is anything better than a nice morning swim (trying to get back into the habit of hitting the pool in the mornings) and a Subway egg white breakfast sandwich on flat bread with some pepper jack cheese, fresh (I like to think) tomatoes, spinach, green peppers and a dash of salt and pepper. Mmmmmm.... delish! I would have taken a picture because not only was it deliciously tastey, it was also quite a lovely sight... but I thought of it one bite too late. Oh well, I'm sure there will be more!

I had a nice weekend. I was able to hang out with some friends I hadn't seen in a while so that was really nice. I think I'm also in a very good mood because I have one more full week at work (plus next Monday) and then I'm outta here baby! After that day I get to leave all my Virginia worries behind me and unwind at the lake for a nice, long weekend! I miss home and I just love visiting Muskegon each summer. Here's to a good (please fly by) week!

choices and whom to fear

So I was just reading this article on "unnatural selection" and how many of the Asian countries are (and have been) aborting children based on gender, mostly because ultrasound technology has become more widely available.  Well in the article they mention that it isn't much different from western countries (such as the US) where in vitro fertilization is becoming more and more popular and with that, you can choose the gender of the baby.  I didn't know that!  I didn't know you could choose the sex of the baby with that procedure!  Isn't that wild?  I think so often about the technology that becomes available to us and if it is morally right or not.  In other words, just because we can do something, does that me we should do it?  Should we really be in charge of choosing the sex of our children?  I know research is being done on a technology that not only can you choose the sex, but you can actually choose physical features and character traits in your pre-born children.  Should we really have this much control?  What is this doing to our society?  Will we ever regain control over our selfishness and seek the wisdom of our Creator?  Our God is in control but He isn't controlling, therefore we have a choice.  We have countless options and ideas available to us (and many more opening up each day) but when do we make the choice to limit ourselves?  When do we decide that the best choice may be to not act?

How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!  Proverbs 16:1

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.  James 1:5 

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.  Psalm 111:10

  

 I think there are many situations we will come across in life where it will be easy to believe something is right or wise solely based on availability.  At times it may be something that we may recognize as possibly dangerous and find the decision easy, other situations may require us to desperately search the heart of God and beg ask for wisdom.  It's such a tough battle and I think that is why God places so much emphasis on seeking wisdom and instilling in our children the fear of the Lord.  I pray every day for a more perfect fear of God, I need it so badly because when I am not fearing Him, when He is not on my throne... someone or something else is and that's just begging for disaster (trust me).  

why panera, why

1 cookie - this just isn't right.  that's what i am telling myself with every delicious, artery clogging, bite.  that 'delete' button makes me wonder if all i have to do is click it and it will be as if i never ate the cookie.  worth a shot, right!?

fear again

i've noticed myself counting everything lately.

it takes...

...twenty three one thousands to fill up my big water bottle from the cooler
...seventeen one thousands for my cell phone to turn on each morning
...about three one thousands for me to open an envelope
...and seventeen one thousands for me to empty a full bladder

if you find the last one offensive, i am sorry, i just wanted you to believe me when i said i was counting everything. i can't help it. i wonder if it is because i am stretching more lately, and counting that each time.

in other news, i am looking at another triathlon to tri (cute, i know) as i know that i will need a tangible goal to work towards if i am going to keep up this shape i am in.  there is another sprint triathlon the end of june that is only about an hour and a half-ish away from here.  but i am hesitant, i am afraid of doing worse than my first one.  there is something about setting a high standard that's well... scary.  it would be easy for me to go the rest of my life and be happy to call myself a triathlete because heck, i am!!  but on the other hand, if i enjoyed the first one, why wouldn't i want to at least try it again and even attempt to improve? therefore, i am telling myself that this fear will not control me or my next tri. so there.