Ready or not, here goes VEGAN!

So Mike and I are going to do a vegan diet until September...

This should be interesting... actually, I went to the store yesterday and already felt healthier! ;)

I'm sure most of you already know what a vegan is, but incase you don't, basically a vegan doesn't eat any animal byproduct- including meat, milk, eggs, cheese, etc. Some vegans don't even eat honey... but that's just crazy. I LOVE cheese so this will be an adventure- a whole new world has been opened up to me about vegan cheese, which seems weird, but it'll have to do for now.

We aren't going vegan because we think animals need equal rights or anything, although I do care how they are treated, but that's not our reason (don't worry, you won't see us protesting the local KFC anytime soon). Pretty much we just want a little challenge and to eat healthier. I'm curious how I'll feel- if I'll have more energy, better skin, sleep better, etc. So over the next month and a half, I'll try to post some of the recipes I make for us.

I am a little apprehensive about the possibilities of going out to eat with friends, or having friends invite us over for dinner... so just know that we still do want to go out to eat with you (just might have to stick to a salad or something) and we do still want to come over, we just might not eat much, or you can come over to our place for dinner! We won't be hermits/snobs/those crazy diet people I promise!

If you are a vegan and have any recipes to share, please do!

vegan for now,
lisa

cast out fear

I have this fear. This fear that people will reject me, or not like me, or like other people more than me. This fear that I need to earn people's love to stay in their good graces. This fear that causes me to believe lies about others and lies about myself, sometimes even lies about my Savior.

No one wants to live in fear. I believe fear is not something that was in God's original plan. There was no fear in the garden of Eden. Adam and Eve were naked and unashamed. They didn't have any reason to fear or distrust the other until sin entered the picture and they felt like they had to cover themselves with fig leaves.

But before sin, there was no fear. And the Lord says in His word that there is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear. 1 John 4:18 I believe the word of God to be true, and I believe these words, but do I live like I do?

Sadly, no. Sometimes, maybe. But more often than not, this fear of rejection sits in the back of my mind, sometimes dictating my decisions, my motives, my thoughts, without me even realizing it is there.

But go back to that verse for a second... perfect love casts out fear. The only love I know out there that is perfect is that of God the Father and His Son, Jesus. His love is perfect. His love will never reject me. I am His for eternity. I never have to worry about being in or out of His good graces because where my sin increased, His grace abounded all the more. Romans 5:20. Because His grace is sufficient for me. 2 Corinthians 12:9. And because it is BY His grace that I have been saved, through faith. Ephesians 2:8.

So you see, I have no "real" reason for these fears. Nothing that any person can do or say to me will ever change how Jesus feels about me. And His opinion is all that matters, in this life and the next. Because I am convinced, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate me from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39.

I want to encourage you with this truth. Because I know I am not the only one who struggles and wrestles with this. Jesus Christ loves you. And He wants to have an intimate relationship with you. And though I struggle with these things, I can have peace.

These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. John 14:27

For this, I have Jesus.
lisa

... to die is gain

Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

This past Friday my dad was honored for the 33 years he served our country. 

He served both in the Air Force and the Army, as well as the National Guard. 

His ashes will be buried at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio. It's amazing to me all the people that have been buried there and that there is somehow room for others still! It was overwhelming to see all those headstones. From the moment I got out of the car, there was an air of honor, respect, and dedication. I felt so proud that my dad would receive a service like this.

I wasn't quite sure what to expect at a 21-Gun Salute. My mom had already had the flag, and the 2 men who presented it to her first unfolded it, and then folded it again- off to the side (I guess a practice?) and then after the 21-Gun Salute, stood in front of us and unfolded it in a neat presentation, only to fold it again. It was amazing to see what seriousness there was in their eyes. While unfolding and folding, both the men looked each other in the eyes the entire time, somehow communicating with each other. Later, when I looked up the meaning behind the folding of the flag, it made a bit more sense, and held an even more special meaning. I would highly recommend reading this article to find out what each fold means. There are 12 folds in all, the final fold representing an emblem of eternity, and glorifies God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Very cool. Please go read it. :)

These men are retired veterans and represent each branch of the military. They do this as a volunteer service. They were so cute with those big, powerful guns. Again, I wasn't sure what a 21-Gun Salute was, but there are 7 men with guns, and they fire 3 times, equalling 21 shots fired. The shots represent peaceful intentions by emptying their weapons. You can read more about it here. It does a way better job of explaining and anyone interested in history will appreciate it. The man you see on the far right side was playing Taps. Wow. Talk about chilling. It was so surreal to hear that song in the context where I was sitting, with my family, honoring my father. That was probably the most emotional part for me.

Afterwards, we enjoyed a lovely lunch at Los Patios where my parents had their wedding reception 35 years ago. It was gorgeous. Tons of trees created a beautiful canopy over several acres of land, leading to a little creek with lots of turtles. My mom and aunt talked about what a beautiful and lovely party it was. Wish I could go back in time and experience that joyful moment.

Please take a look at my brother's blog to see some much better photos! ;)

humbled,
lisa

for to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21
This verse will be on my dad's headstone- a true testimony of his life here on earth.