This and That

It’s been a while since I last posted.

Not for lack of things going on; mostly for lack of time to sit down and write.

Oh I’ve had the time…

I’ve just spent it cleaning or napping or cooking.

This whole Lent thing has meant SO.MUCH.COOKING.

I swear I’ve used my citrus zester more in the past 3 weeks than in all the years I’ve owned it.

It’s a handy little bugger.

So is my food processor.  I’ve been using it to whip up batches of hummus and garlicky white bean dip and black bean cookies and more.

Crazy how eliminating meat, dairy and eggs means it takes a LOT more effort to get 3 meals on the table each day.  I haven’t totally narrowed down why that is, but I’m guessing it has to do with the fact that I’m cooking lunch and dinner each day (and sometimes breakfast too!).

Good thing I love to cook :)

I plan to post a few more of the winning vegan recipes here, but you can follow me on Instagram if you want to see the kinds of things we’ve been eating.  I’m tagging everything to #GouldLent so I can keep track of the meals and remember stuff we’ve liked so I can make it again.

We have also had a few decidedly NOT VEGAN meals this Lenten season.

A big part of me did not want to reveal that little tidbit with you because I don’t want to come across as not being able to stick with our fast or push through temptation.  I want to appear like I’ve got it all under control, but the truth is that none of us do, so I’m fessing up.

Also, we could have resisted temptation and not eaten the pizza, but what would that prove?

Would that have made us more spiritual?

Does God care that we ate the pizza?

I think the answers are no and no.

In fact, eating the pizza and realizing that we are all weak, sinful creatures probably taught me more about God’s love, grace and mercy that hunkering down and skipping it would have.

When I was eating that crispy crunchy crust and ooey gooey cheese deliciousness I smiled knowing that God loves us because He made us.  Not because of anything we do for Him.  Not because we’re spiritual or disciplined or strong.

We are weak, dumb sheep that have a really Good Shepherd.

I’m glad the pizza taught me that lesson.  It was worth every bite :)

Food isn’t they only thing going on lately (even though it’s a major topic around here!).

My mom and brother came and spent the night this weekend so they could attend my cousin’s birthday party on this side of town.

Being with them and watching my girls spend time with them made me realize just how precious family is.  We have all been pretty sad lately about all the crap that my dad has put us through, but being together was good for our souls.  We cried and laughed and got angry and recovered.  I stayed up till the wee hours of the morning sharing my heart with my brother and hearing his in return.  Precious moments.  Healing moments.

I know God is going to see us through this mess and turn it all to good.  I’m so thankful I can bank on that promise.

In happier news, my smarty pants husband was inducted into an honor society for his outstanding achievements this year in med school.  We drove out to Lansing on Monday night to attend the induction dinner and ceremony.

It was raining and traffic was a mess (causing us to be 45 minutes late) but we made it!  We were able to grab some food and sit down just before things got started.

I’m so proud of Andy.  He worked so hard to get himself into med school and has continued to put forth so much effort and discipline to not just scrape by, but to excel.  Watching him accept his certificate and pin made me so proud :)

So that’s a little smattering about what’s been going on over here lately.

Also, thank you so much for all your kind comments, Facebook messages and texts in regard to the emotional stuff I shared last week.  You guys are the best :)