Faith versus good works

The age old argument between Paul who believes that faith alone leads to salvation where James espouses the belief that good works are necessary is intriguing to me. Perhaps, this argument is of so much interest to me because my parents have two different viewpoints.  My mother, the former Lutheran, sits in the faith camp whereas my father who was schooled in the Quaker and Evangelical United Brethren beliefs follows the teachings of St. James, that faith without good works is dead.

So how do I reconcile these two viewpoints.  I have merely to examine the newspaper where I can read a story about an unethical man who hides behind the veil of charitable acts.  At a glance, you would think that this man is wonderful because he donates his time, talents, and treasures to help other people, but when you take a closer look at this man, you discover the truth.  He might be a philanthropist, but he is also a philanderer.  He professes his faith publicly, but he doesn't adhere to the church's teachings.  Will his good works earn his salvation or will he judged for all his deeds? 

I know that good works alone will not save me; I also know that I am saved only through the grace of God and that the faith that I put in Him will hopefully inspire me to  produce good works.

My not-so diplomatic dad

Sometimes, I am envious of my father.  With the exception of his brief stint in the Air Force, my father has never had to answer to anybody except God and he has been free to speak his mind.  In my father's world, PC means personal computer.  Unfortunately that is not the case for me.  I feel like I am living in some strange Orwellian society where the thought police are dictating what I say and what I think.  How do I teach my children to live in this world? How do I teach them not to be afraid to speak the truth even if the truth hurts?  Perhaps I will read them the children's allegory on the Holocaust which is based on the following quote:

"They came first for the Communists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.



Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.



Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.



Then they came for me, and by that time, no one was left to speak up."

Hurricane Earl

It's hurricane season again, and my friend, Karen, is bracing for the worst.  Hopefully, she can ride this one out.  We are praying for you, Karen!

I remember you

For some unexplainable reason, I am feeling nostalgic today.  Lots of songs are running through my mind, all which trigger memories.  This one song in particular takes me back to February 2, 2002.  This is the song that the trio played at our wedding for our first dance as a married couple.  There are so many great versions of this song, but this one in particular is sung by Cincinnati's own Doris Day, a beautiful actress and singer.  Go to .http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVUmBJt4vXM&feature=related

Flaky pie dough

This is a great recipe for a flaky pie crust. It is not a kosher recipe because of the lard content, but this recipe will produce the most delicious pie crust.

Flaky Pie Dough
10 oz. (2 cups) unbleached all purpose flour
7 oz. (1 cup) lard, chilled
Mix until dissolved:
6 T. (3 oz.) ice water
1 1/2 tsp. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. sea salt

Place the flour in a mixing bowl. Add the cold lard. Working quickly and lightly, mix with fingertips until it resembles coarse meal. The largest pieces of lard will be pea-sized.

Make a well in the center and add the ice water mixture all at once. With a fork, mix briefly by stirring in a circular motion until dough comes together. Form into two discs and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate several hours or overnight before using.

Yield: 2 single crust shells for 9" x 1 1/4 pan or one double-crusted pie

Note: Pie dough may be frozen, well wrapped , for 1-2 months

Wedding day

Yesterday, Chelsea Clinton was married in Rhinebeck, NY. She was a beautiful summer bride in a lovely Vera Wang gown. The setting of her wedding was idyllic; in fact, the loveliest wedding that I have ever attended was in Rhinebeck twenty years ago for the marriage of Mary Ellen Watzka and Alan Chardavoyne.

I always dreamed of a lovely summer wedding in a picturesque location, but in reality, I had a small wedding in a quaint chapel located in a mansion that had been converted to a church. The day was crisp and cool, but no major snowstorm. You see, I was a winter bride, married in the dead of winter (half way between the 1st day of winter and the vernal equinox). Although I didn't have a lovely summer wedding, I did get to wear a full-length white mink coat and not many brides get to wear furs on their wedding day. Unlike Chelsea who wore a strapless gown, I did get to wear a designer gown by Reem Acra that I had fallen in love with when I saw it on the Today Show.

So I never had and I never will have that beautiful summer wedding in a great location, but I did have a memorable wedding on a day that people remember. Guests still tell me that they can't forget our wedding. They remember it when they see that furry Phil in PA on Groundhog's Day because I was married on 02-02-02!

The last Sunday in July 2010

I am sitting at the computer in a quiet house with the sounds of birds singing echoing from outside. I am searching for explanations as to why bad things happen to good people. I am desperately trying to make sense of why my friend and former colleague is suffering right now. I want to keep the faith reminded that if my faith was as strong as a mustard seed's , I could move mountains, yet I struggle with my understanding and acceptance of God's plan and purpose. I have not lost my faith, but as usual, I wrestle with my Father as I try to come to terms with this unthinkable situation. Yet, my friend who is suffering has accepted God's divine plans for him. If he can accept it then why can't I? So I send out this prayer on the last Sunday in July of 2010. "God, it is I, Rachel. Please be with friend, JJ, during this difficult time. I pray that you lay your healing hands on him. And Father, please help me understand why."