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."

Gift certificate

On his 74th birthday, a man got a gift certificate from his wife. The certificate paid for a visit to a medicine man living on a nearby reservation who was rumored to have a wonderful cure for erectile dysfunction. After being persuaded, he drove to the reservation, handed his ticket to the medicine man and wondered what he was in for. The old man slowly, methodically produced a potion, handed it to him, and with a grip on his shoulder, warned, "This is powerful medicine and it must be respected. You take only a teaspoonful and then say "1-2-3". When you do that, you will become more manly than you have ever been in your life and you can perform as long as you want." The man was encouraged. As he walks away, he turned and asked, "How do I stop the medicine from working?" "Your partner must say '1-2-3-4,' he responded. But when she does, the medicine will not work again until the next full moon." He was very eager to see if it worked so he went home showered, shaved, took a spoonful of the medicine, and then invited his wife to join him in the bedroom. When she came in, he took off his clothes and said, "1-2-3! " Immediately, he was the manliest of men. His wife was excited and began throwing off her clothes. And then she asked, "What was the 1-2-3 for?" And that, boys and girls, is why we should never end our sentences with a preposition because we could end up with a dangling participle.

Love means not ever having to say your sorry?

I read last week that Erich Segal had passed away. I remember with great fondness the first time that I saw the film, Love Story, based on Mr. Segal's novella. I also recall reading the book while sitting in study hall during my senior year. Mr. Segal was right when he said, “It takes the average person an hour and a half to read the book,” he told The New York Times in December 1970. “The movie lasts longer.” Well, I never thought that I was an above-average reader, but it took me about 70 minutes which was the entire 4th period plus 15 minutes of lunch period.

I still adore Oliver's MG in the film, and I wish that I owned that car; I still love the scenes (especially the winter scenes) of Harvard Square and Harvard Yard; and I still don't understand the most famous quote from the film. I tend to agree with the parody in What's Up Doc . The statement, "Love means not ever having to say your sorry," is the dumbest thing that I ever heard!

Miep Gies

I was saddened to learn that Miep Gies passed away on Monday. I had the privilege of meeting this extraordinary woman in the late nineties when I participated in a Holocaust Education program in Europe for teachers. What struck me about this extraordinary woman was her petite stature and her soft voice. This courageous woman did not let her gender or her size prevent her from standing up for her beliefs and taking on the Nazi regime. I am so glad that I was afforded this rare opportunity to meet this remarkable woman.

Countdown until ABC turn 3

The triplets are turning three in less than four weeks. Three years ago today I was lying in Good Sam for my third day in the Nursing Home for Pregnant Moms-to-be. Somehow I managed to survive that experience. With the grace of God, I have survived these first three years with multiples. It has not been easy; but 99% of the time, it has been a real kick! Now, we are making birthday plans for three little girls who will turn 3 years old on 2/5/10.

Same Time Next Year

I recently received an email from someone whom I never met but someone who was close to an old friend of mine. That simple email flooded me with memories. The next day I was flipping through channels and discovered Same Time Next Year was playing. Once again, the memories of that old friend surfaced again.

It is funny how sights, sounds, and even smells can evoke memories. It is like Marcel Proust's description of the Madeleine cookies and how a simple cookie reminded him of times long ago.

As I watched Alan Alda and Ellen Burstyn in the film, I also listened carefully to the beautiful theme song sung by my all-time favorite male vocalist, Johnny Mathis. Then, I was reminded of my darling husband who took me to hear Mr. Mathis in Louisville for Mother's Day in 2008. The first song that Mr. Mathis sang that night was Two For The Road which is one of my favorite songs by Henry Mancini from a film that my dear Michael introduced me to.

Hopefully, this song will remind us of all the people that we once loved and those we love today.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDDnqmFZ5vo&feature=related

Snow Day

Don't you love snow days? We had our first significant snowfall yesterday. The triplets loved sledding. I felt like I was ten years old again speeding down "Suicide Hill" at Community Golf Course. I just love the snow. We brought the girls home from the hospital on a snowy day. Most of our anniversaries have been snowy days. A few guests couldn't come to our wedding because of snow. Although snow is beautiful to see and fun to play in, I still am terrified to drive in it since my bad accident some twenty-seven years ago!

Family fun in Indy

This past weekend, my brother and his family along with my husband and daughters went on much needed escape to Indianapolis. My brother had planned to take his children to an NBA game over the holidays. Although our girls have been to Major League Baseball games, we didn't plan to take the triplets to the Pacers' game; we simply went to Indy to be with family, visit the Children's Museum, and have a change of venue.

Jeff persuaded Michael to go to the game. He ended up taking Clare Marie who slept during most of the game. While the rest of the family was away, I had a wonderful visit with Jenny Fritsch Burk, and I met her new husband, Scott. The two Helmer historians had a grand time catching up on all the gossip from the U.P. of Michigan. I was saddened when I learned that Katherine's mind is deteriorating, but what can one expect for a 93 year-old? I miss seeing Katherine in Michigan. She became my surrogate grandmother after Grandma Baker passed away in '97. I will always be grateful to Katherine and Jenny who drove all the way from Indy to attend Grandma's funeral. They are truly wonderful friends.

On Sunday, we had breakfast with the fabulous Baker Boys and Sarah then the Newman clan headed to the Children's Museum. The girls were in 7th Heaven! I got a thrill seeing Michael go down the slide, and I got a personal thrill on the simulated flight to Egypt. In addition to seats that shook and engines that roared, the landing-gear seemed to come down. The museum was fantastic, and we plan to go again in the near future.

The weekend was practically perfect. Who would have ever thought that traveling just 100 miles from home could be so much fun?

2010

It has been too long since I blogged, but lots has happened since my birthday including a husband who was gone for several weeks in October, a father-in-law's death, a dear friend being diagnosed with breast cancer, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and then the New Year. This week has been the first time in months that I have actually had the time to sit at the computer and type more than simple Facebook updates.

Tonight, the girls are playing with Anna's godparents; tomorrow is a photo session with Clare's godmother; and this week, we will hopefully all resume our normal schedule. We skipped school today because of the snow and because I had a terrible dizzy spell. Thankfully, my dizziness has subsided, and hopefully, the impending snowstorm will not hit until after school on Thursday.

I am starting to make plans for the girls' 3rd birthday. We are doing an Olympic theme for their party. I am eagerly awaiting the proof for the invitation from the graphic artist.

Peter and Phyllis (Anna's godparents) are busy planning Marla's wedding which is now scheduled for October 23rd in Boston. I learned tonight that Marla finally picked a date and a venue. We are all looking forward to traveling to the Beantown this fall and attending this very special event.

Michael is busy with work at the firm. He was able to spend the holidays with us, but he is back at work keeping his regular hours. I never imagined that being married to a lawyer could be just as bad as being married to an OB-Gyn. Fortunately, spending 22 years with my father prepared me for being married to a man who is gone more than he is home.

Now that I have completed one item on my checklist (to blog), I need to finish my thank you notes, organize closets and get the girls old clothes to the Goodwill, complete two needlepoint projects so that I can start the girls' stockings, and start collecting financial statements for the 2009 taxes. Hopefully, January won't get away from me before I tackle some of these projects!

I will try to be more disciplined in blogging this year. Don't worry that is not a resolution to be broken, simply a reminder to me.

Happy 2010!