curate and celebrate

AWAKEN AND RENEW

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends. With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance...Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.

2 Peter 3:8-9, 15 NIV

TWEAK AND NOURISH

A SUB FOR ITALIAN PASTA DISH: SHIRATAKI NOODLES AND STIR FRY. I like Italian pasta dishes and Asian noodle dishes. However, due to menopausal weight gain, I feel the need to control my unnecessary carb intake. When I heard about Shirataki noodles, I knew I had to try it.

Shirataki noodles are crafted from a substance derived from the konjac root, offered in both dry and wet variations. Opting for the water-packed noodles, I detected a slightly fishy aroma upon unwrapping the package, attributed to the konjac flour. To enhance their texture, I meticulously rinsed, boiled, and dry-roasted the noodles in a pan, eliminating excess water content for a more robust consistency.

CHEF'S DELIGHT: CHICKEN AND VEGETABLE STIR FRY. I always keep a package of ground chicken in the freezer. It comes in handy when I feel like preparing meatballs, meat pasta sauce, lettuce wraps, empanadas, and burgers. In this ground chicken dish, my husband cooked a tasty stir fry with zucchini, onions, and mushrooms. His stir fry sauce includes soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, ginger and garlic.

Stir fry on a bed of Shirataki Noodles

Shirataki Noodles

CREATE AND EVOLVE

SEWING PROJECT: CUSHION COVERS FOR OUTDOOR FURNITURE. Wow, I was so excited to tackle the task of protecting my white cushions on the outdoor furniture set after the plastic cover fell apart due to the harsh elements! I was determined to make it a breeze, so I came up with the brilliant idea of adding velcro to the unfinished seam. And guess what? I managed to finish the entire project in just one afternoon, making it one of the simplest and most satisfying projects I've ever accomplished!

REFOCUS AND DELIGHT

GLEANINGS: SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE, REFLECTIVE EXPERIENCE, AND BIBLICAL FELLOWSHIP. A few months ago, I rumninated on the Book of John. I can say that I have read this chapter more than 3 times and have known about the exchange between Jesus and Peter for a while now. However, it was only a few months ago that I truly grasped how it would apply to me. Gleaning: If I truly love Jesus, I need to share the gospel and care for others!

John 21: 14-17 NLT

After breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," Peter replied, "you know I love you." "Then feed my lambs," Jesus told him.

Jesus repeated the question; 'Simon son of John, do you love me?" "Yes, Lord," Peter said, "you know I love you." "Then take care of my sheep," Jesus said.

A third time he asked him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, "Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you." Jesus said, "Then feed my sheep."

A few weeks ago, I had a reflective experience as I immersed myself in Billy Graham's journey of faith documented and displayed at the Billy Graham Library. One of the rooms features a wooden cross and a crown of thorns outlining the text: THE CROSS THE ONLY WAY TO SALVATION. As I gazed intently on the display, I noted how the lighting in the room highlighted the outline of the cross, the crown of thorns as well as the text that resulted in shadows in the background. I felt the enormity of Jesus' love for me. He died on the cross for my sins and the sins of the world. He is and will always be the light in my darkest moments. Gleaning: Share the love and light of Jesus!

Photo taken during my visit at the Billy Graham Library

My small group at church is currently studying the PURPOSE OF DISCIPLESHIP. I strongly believe that the purpose of discipleship serves as a core foundation to the other purposes of fellowship, ministry, evangelism, and worship. The content of this study has propelled me to delve deeper in the Word as I go through the process of conforming to the image of Christ. I am constantly amazed by God's transformative power when people accept Christ as their Lord and Savior. I see restoration in relationships, security in identity, healing in pain, and peace that passes all understanding in the midst of despair. And best of all, a sense of contentment and fulfillment in life overflowing with gratitude. Gleaning: Be a doer of the Word!

NOTE: I highly recommend this study. If you want to deepen your journey to spiritual maturity, I can send you an invite to join an online small group. I'll gladly share the link when you send me an email.