I have a dentist appointment this morning. I don't have dentist-phobia. But I did bite my cheek last week AND I have two canker sores. Who thinks this is going to be fun? Show of hands?
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We are having 4 of our neighbors over for dinner on Thursday night! (WOOT) The challenge: one couple is vegetarian. We've decided to stick with what we know: Italian. Bruschetta for appetizers is a definite... but I'm still wavering on the main course. Either Tomato Basil Soup, Salad, and "create your own" grilled cheese OR a baked ziti (w/ tomatoes, ricotta, and mozzarella) salad, and bread. Dessert and coffee is a given. Any ideas or incredible recipes you are dying to share?
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We spent three hours on Saturday and two hours on
Sunday working on laying new drip lines in the front yard. As my dad said, "How green of you!" Our yard is desert rocks, it's time for some flowers. We went to the nursery, planned out where everything might fit and then began digging. In order to get water to the lantana (which we WILL plant) we had to take the line UNDER THE SIDEWALK. Two hours into the project and a man walked up and told us that "there was an easier way than just using our gardening tools and force." He suggested "some pvc pipe and a hose and..." as soon as he pulled away we were back to our stubborn ways. Today: the yard is a mess - but the line is set and we are ready to plant next Sunday. (P.S. I might get in trouble for this pic.)
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I'm starting a new journal today. Isn't that just the best?
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I'm on the lookout for new podcasts. I listen to lots of different ones while I workout, but I could sure use even MORE to choose from. Current favs: "This American Life", "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me", "Stuff You Missed in History Class" and various sermons from some churches. Think: stories. Not self-help or how to train for a marathon. Any recommendations?
It's really hard for me to believe, but this is my 4th time posting my Oscar picks on this blog! I previously posted my predictions in 2008, 2009, and 2010. Feel free to catch up on all my Oscar-related glory, no glory included.
Without further ado, please read on for my never, EVER, wrong* Oscar picks! Best Picture: If you had asked me about this category a month or two ago, I would have undoubtedly told you that "The Social Network" was going to win, and please pardon the totally called for 'duh.' Even now, there's a part of me that still thinks they could pull it off, especially knowing how many critics associations already named it the best movie of the year, as this brilliant tv spot highlights (despite the poor quality of the recording).
But "The King's Speech" has gained an immense amount of traction during the last few weeks, and as of this writing has earned top honors at the Director's Guild Awards, the Writer's Guild Awards, Producer's Guild Awards, the BAFTAs, and received more Oscar nominations than any other (12) this year. And while I would love for "The Social Network" to bag the big one this year, as I personally enjoyed it more (seriously, I would WELCOME the upset here), I feel in my gut that "The King's Speech" is more of a traditional "Oscar movie" and will therefore end up being the big winner of the night.
Best Director: This is actually one of the easier categories for me to call this year. If David Fincher didn't already have a lock on this award already, the fact that a lot of Academy voters are throwing their support behind "The King's Speech" for Best Picture will cause them to toss "The Social Network" a bone in the form of a Best Director award for Fincher. Let it be said, though, that he really did do a marvelous job directing and completely deserves the Oscar.
Best Actor: Last year's nomination for "A Single Man" got the Academy accustomed to a lovely actor audiences already knew and loved from movies like "Bridget Jones's Diary" and "Love Actually": Colin Firth. Back-to-back nominations can only help him, and there's no question that he'll be the big winner for his fine performance in "The King's Speech."
Best Actress: Finally it's time to talk about a movie other than "The King's Speech" and "The Social Network!" Natalie Portman has so much momentum at this point in the year having won most of the top honors this season, including the Golden Globe and the BAFTA, it will carry her straight to the gold for "Black Swan." Portman's second nomination will be her first win.
Supporting Actor: Oh, Christian Bale. Jack Kelly, my first movie crush. It's time. You are finally being recognized by the Academy for your brilliant, outstanding turn as nearly insane boxer Dicky Eklund in "The Fighter." Honestly though, it really is nice to see him get some love after his amazing work in such films as "The Machinist," "Rescue Dawn," and the seminal film classic, "Newsies." Slow clap.
Supporting Actress: Once upon a time, in a kingdom far, far away, I was ready to call Melissa Leo the winner in this category for her work in "The Fighter," no questions asked. Then she created her own "For Your Consideration" campaign ads, which she designed, photographed, and paid for on her own. And, as you can see on the right here, they are... bizarre. WHY, Melissa, WHY? If there's one thing the voters will run from, it's DESPERATION. And those ads are all anyone is talking about when her name comes up. So... is there any hope, Gandalf? Maybe, young hobbit, maybe. (Wait, what am I even talking about anymore??) I know this is getting long, but bear with me.
The point is, between shooting herself in the ever-loving foot and the potential to split the vote with another "Fighter" actor, Amy Adams, Leo is in trouble in this category. And if she truly has damaged herself enough to lose the award, expect the radiant Hailee Steinfeld of "True Grit" to sweep in and steal the gold. But as one voting executive told Entertainment Weekly, "The shallow part of me wants to hold those ads against her, but the performance is really great so I will look past it." If the other Academy members can also look past it, which I expect they will because her work really was wonderful, Melissa Leo will be this year's Best Supporing Actress winner.
Animated Feature: Last year in this category I said "The rule is typically: don’t bet against Pixar." This looks to be holding true this time around, and even though I didn't like "Toy Story 3" nearly as much as I have loved "Up" and "Wall-E" over the past few years, and there's no reason it shouldn't win. Though in a year where Pixar wasn't competing, my money would be on the delightful, thoughtful, and melancholy "The Illusionist."
Art Direction: What a rich field I have to pick from this year! Everything from "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1" to "Inception" and "True Grit." All of these movies, plus "The King's Speech" and even "Alice in Wonderland" looked beautiful, so I am having trouble deciding on one! In the end, though, I think it comes down to "True Grit" and "Inception," and I'm going with "Inception."
Cinematography: Another amazing category coming down to "Inception" and "True Grit," this time with "True Grit" edging out the win. I mean really; have you seen this?
Costume Design: The Academy tends to vote for big, elaborate, and over-the-top designs in this field. So no matter how much momentum "The King's Speech" has at this point, I think the final award is coming down in favor of the flashier "Alice in Wonderland."
Editing: I'm almost positive this one will be won by "The Social Network."
Makeup: Kind of a strange group of nominees this year! Just like Costume Design I think the voters will opt for anything over-the-top, so we'll go with "The Wolfman."
Original Score: I really love the music from "Inception," and even own the soundtrack- because let's face it, everyone's day could use a little more BRRRRRRRAAAAAWWWWRWRRRMRMRMMRMRMMMMM!!! (go ahead: push the button). But the score from "The Social Network" has been getting a lot of buzz and already won the Golden Globe, so there's really no reason that we shouldn't expect Nine Inch Nail's Trent Reznor will become an Academy Award winner come Sunday.
Original Song: It's tough not to go with Pixar here, especially when they are teamed with Randy Newman. However, the Academy has a history of voting more non-traditionally in this category, so I think I'm going to pick "If I Rise" from "127 Hours," likely that film's only Oscar of the evening.
Original Screenplay: Oh, hi "The King's Speech." Would you like an award? Here, have this one.
Adapted Screenplay: If there's one category I'm fairly confident in picking, it's this one, as I don't think there's any way Aaron Sorkin won't walk away a winner here for his incredibly verbal and smart "Social Network"script.
Sound Mixing: Most likely "Inception."
Sound Editing: Most likely "Inception."
Visual Effects: I would be ecstatic to be able to throw some love to Harry Potter in this category, but I'm going with the street-ripping building-flipping "Inception."
Documentary Feature: All I've been hearing about this season is "Exit Through the Gift Shop," a doc that I am looking forward to getting around to seeing... one of these days! If you don't know who Banksy, the subject of the documentary, is (cough), then do yourself a favor and click here.
Documentary Short: I just don't know WHAT to do! All the research I do in this field leads me to different titles and does nothing but confuse me. Typically though, it seems like the winner of this category tells the story of the most strife-ridden subjects, so with that in mind I think I'll pick "Killing in the Name," about a Jordan man whose wedding was attacked by a suicide bomber.
Foreign Language Film: Another tough one to call. "Incendies" from Canada looks like a heartbreaking film. But "In a Better World" tackles the difficult and, let's face it- en vogue in Hollywood at the moment- topic of bullying. "In a Better World" it is.
Animated Short: I thought "Day & Night" was one of the most creative pieces of animation I have ever seen. However, a short called "The Gruffalo" is getting a lot of buzz. It'll be one of the two, but in the end I'll stick with "The Gruffalo."
Live Action Short: I'm probably way off base here, but I just can't say no to a grant-a-kid's-dying-wish movie: "Wish 143."
We awoke at 3:30am on Saturday morning to jazz music. Usually the radio plays NPR to awaken us at a decent hour (say 6:50am), but Saturday we almost jumped up in anticipation. (Or we dragged ourselves out of bed at 3:46am, using up every spare last minute.) We showered, packed up the car, grabbed two cups of coffee and pulled out of our driveway at 4:16am.
D and I were bound for Puerto Penasco, Mexico. Because of a connection through our church, we were introduced to a kind doctor who gives much of his time to opening free clinics in Penasco. The clinic is only open for a few hours one Saturday a month, so they need as many doctors, PAs, and nurses as possible to see the throngs of patients.
When D proposed to me, he told me that he wanted us to use our gifts together in different parts of the world. This was our first opportunity to go. We jumped at the chance. While we knew D would spend his time seeing patients, I was unsure as to what I would be doing for five hours outside of a small clinic. I figured I would try and revive my Spanish and hopefully entertain the children waiting to see the doctors.
After four hours of driving, a stop at McDonald's, and NPR
Driveway Moments (we might be addicted), we found ourselves pulling up to two small buildings in Penasco.
The Doctor who began these free clinics doesn't actually have his own building. He hops around to churches and clinics, setting up wherever he finds availability. I almost wrote that he sets up where there is the greatest need... but the truth is that the need is great everywhere in Puerto Penasco.
-+15 thousand Families living in 50-150 sq ft. shacks, burnt out cars, underneath cardboard and pallets
-No running water or power -Limited or no access to health care services
-60% of kids don't advance to high school
-40% of the population is unemployed
D and I always thought that we might travel to Africa or India, in hopes of helping where the need for medical attention was most
profound. But if I'm honest with myself I know that I also want to travel to Africa and India for selfish reasons. I've been dreaming of Africa for years, not Mexico... and yet I still haven't made it across the ocean.
Count the use of "I" in that last paragraph. I though, I know, I want, I dream, I haven't... I (hah) will be the first to admit that dreams and desires are good things... but they aren't always the best for what's right now. There is a need four hours from my home. There are needs on my own street.
Our Pastor, Scott Brown, said in a recent sermon: God is changing the world through ordinary people doing ordinary things with gospel intentionality.
A few things I will take away from our first experiences on this new street (pictured above):
-D and two other doctors saw close to 100 patients in five hours.
-One mother had walked an hour with four children in tow just so her little 4 year-old boy with the heart defect could see a real pediatrician.
-I painted the nails and brushed the hair of the little girls waiting for their mothers and siblings. They were generous with smiles and were kind to just giggle at my Spanish.
-Each family received age appropriate vitamins for every member, soap, and bags of beans and rice. Their gratitude was humbling.
-We want to return to this place, to these people.
Yesterday I picked up Cd's to refresh our Spanish and a book of Spanish medical phrases... we'll see how much they help! I am starting to strategize and research how I can contribute by teaching about dental health. The plan is to make this our second street. We are checking our calendars and making wish lists of items to locate before our return.
Keep both our streets in your prayers. We are having AZ neighbors over for dinner next week! (I'm really hoping my excitement doesn't overwhelm them. For real.)
The other night we were at our friends' house right after they had put their kids to bed. We were talking about how the kids could always hear their parents coming down the hallway and quiet down when they knew they should be sleeping.
Several people mentioned ways they knew their parents were approaching their bedrooms, such as certain squeaky floor boards.
Finally I chimed in, "We actually had this sensor that would tell us our mom was coming, and a red light bulb on the wall would light up and an alarm would go off, so we'd do a flip off our mini trampoline onto the top bunk and pretend to be sleeping.
...
On second thought, I think I might have seen that in a movie somewhere.
P.S. Question: Best birthday gift you've EVER received?
P.P. S. Exciting post coming this week. D and I spent the weekend across the border working with a medical clinic. We returned exhausted and filled up. Totally different kind of success.
My trip to Arizona was an absolute blast! I ate too much good amazing food, did more than my fair share of laughing, and spent some sweet time with David, Ginger, and many other Phoenixians. (Phoenicians? Phoenixites? Hmm.)
Anyway, instead of being boring and continuing to just...type about it, here: have a video.
This is supposed to be Val... but she's on holiday. (I say that because it makes me feel British.) Val was actually HERE for 5 days... but now she's at a staff retreat. That's kind of like a holiday... with team-building. ANYWAYS... Did you know that we've been blogging together since 2007? Ridiculous. A lot can change in 4 years. Here's a personal fave by Valpal from back in the day. Enjoy.
Remember when my little brother cut his face open with one of your lady razors? I know you felt bad, but it really wasn't your fault. What five year old boy wouldn't want to try and shave his face with his mother's razor while in the shower? We heard him crying and I was sent to check on him. When I screamed at Mom that his face was bleeding, not only did she literally jump out of her shoes, but I could swear that she left a little cloud of dust behind. In fact, I think as she ran, the background started repeating over and over and her legs turned into those giant circles. Of course he was fine, though he still has a scar from that little adventure. Don't worry, the family will not be bringing about a lawsuit as a result. We realize now that a five year old should never be left alone with a sharp razor in temptingly close distance.
Not your fault, Valerie Dear Hellmann's,
One time my sister and I were left alone to clean the kitchen after dinner. This included rinsing out the jars, cartons, and other items to be recycled. Now I don't think Ginger had a full understanding of physics yet, because when she turned the water on full blast andstuck the mayonaise jar under the faucet, she didn't exactly expect the water to come shooting back out at her. One good squirt and she was covered with a substantial amount of mayonnaise-y water. Oh, and did I mention that Ginger hated mayonaise? Because she did. A lot. So needless to say, this travesty was about on par with being covered with vomit.
Now the scream Janet Leigh let out in Psycho? Has got nothing on my sister at that moment. A few of the windows in the kitchen actually cracked from the sound. It wasn't long before she had sprinted out of the room, stripping off her t-shirt as she ran. Soon after, I heard a door slam and the water start running. Naturally a travesty of this magnitude warranted a shower so that she could be cleansed of all traces of the mayonnaise. I know this doesn't sound good for you guys, so I just wanted to write and tell you that this event was not a reflection on the quality of your fine product. Just yet another example of what it's like to grow up with an overdramatic sister (though to this day I still believe it was just a detailed ploy to get out of cleaning the kitchen and leaving me with the rest of the dishes).
Love is retrieving the piece of trash in the middle of the park.
Love is doing the dishes... again.
Love of others isn't very fashionable.
Love is often lived more than it is spoken.
Love is given, not guilted.
Love is a choice.
Love often comes without flowers.
Love is thankful.
Love does not only take the form of chocolate and balloons.
Love is a gift.
Love does not always appear in handwritten love notes.
Love is felt... and seen... and given as we live our lives.
Love is HIM.
Love is here.
Love is today... but love is also tomorrow... and every day that comes.
"Your very lives are a letter that anyone can read by just looking at you. Christ himself wrote it — not with ink, but with God’s living Spirit; not chiseled into stone, but carved into human lives…" 2 Corinthians 3:2-3 (msg)
"...No matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.
Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn't want what it doesn't have. Love doesn't strut, Doesn't have a swelled head, Doesn't force itself on others, Isn't always "me first," Doesn't fly off the handle, Doesn't keep score of the sins of others, Doesn't revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end.
Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled." 1 Corinthians 13:3-10 (msg)
I just got a flyer for a "Valentine Date Night" taking place this Monday.
At Chick-fil-A.
But it's not just an ORDINARY night at Chick-fil-A. Oh, no, not but at ALL. The subhead of this wondrous date night is "Special Candlelight Dinner." Because nothing quite says romance like an evening of waffle fries and Chick-fil-A sauce.
My sister would be the first to admit that she is not always terribly coordinated, and probably more than a little bit accident prone. It's good to be reminded of that fact, as I was on my first evening in Arizona. First, she burned her hand not once but TWICE on the pan that she cooked our (DELICIOUS) stuffed pork chops in. It's a good thing there was a doctor nearby.
THEN we were all watching "Friday Night Lights" later that evening. Ginger popped up to run change the thermostat, and just as she rounded the corner... WHAM. I look up and she's on the floor, laughing, having just wiped out on the tile. I start laughing too, of course (Umm, hi. I'm a Morby) and David, who couldn't see her from where he was sitting, asked in the most resigned-sounding fashion, "Did she just fall?"
Yes, David. Yes she did.
***
Last night we got to go enjoy some Cuban food at Havanah Cafe with the Amaros, and it was a blast! Like I told Ginger, I don't know what I ate, but it was good! Our conversation about the food was particularly entertaining, as D, G, and I split a few sampler plates with quite a variety of food. "Did you try one of the round squishy things?" "Yeah, those were good! My favorite are the breaded beef and... something... things." "Yep. Almost as tasty as the banana-y stuff on the end there. Did you dip it in the sauce?"
The Amaro kids, Violet and Daniel, were also quite the source of entertainment, both trying their hardest to make us want to take them home with us, because OHMYGOSHSOCUTESOCUTE. Daniel, almost 4 and going by the name "Astroboy" for the evening, at one point excused himself from the table. "Mommy," he said seriously as he stood up, "I'm going potty with Daddy. Please keep my food safe."
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I've been hearing about the heaven-sent food at Pizzeria Bianco for years, but never had an opportunity to try it out. Well tomorrow night. Is the night.
Val made it to the Valley of the Sun!! Now we commence the "Friday Night Lights" and "My Boys" watching, neighborhood walking, inside joking, game playing, independent film viewing, sight seeing and movie making.
We've already pulled out the VCR. YES. The VCR.
I've already hurt myself three times.
We are par for the course. Cross your fingers and maybe we will end up with another sister gold mine.
Currently: Typing away on a strange metallic keyboard on a free internet kiosk. At the airport.
It's true! Today I am flying to Phoenix to see G and get away from the ice and snow for a few days. February vacation WIN.
WHOA! I just got a text message from American Airlines letting me know about my flight status! I didn't sign up for that. Wow, we really do live in the future. (Settles back in rocking chair, pulls knitted shawl tighter around shoulders.)
Judging by the friendly (read: not friendly) little clock on my free internet kiosk, I have only 16 minutes and 18 seconds left with which to finish this! Moving quicker now....
The original plan for this trip was for me to get up E-A-R-L-Y this morning and drive straight to the airport. BUT the impending "winter storm" in the area made me reconsider. After consulting with the Jedi counsel*, I left work a few hours early, ran a couple last minute errands, and flew home to PACK PACK PACK. I didn't even have time to finish my laundry! (O hai, Ginjer-- I can haz washeeng mah-sheen?) I was on the road by 6:30, because let's face it: there's just nothing like starting a road trip AFTER it gets dark!
(13 minutes and 29 seconds)
This really is the weirdest computer AND keyboard. I feel like I'm typing in prison, and the metallic keys are here because THIS IS WHY WE CAN'T HAVE NICE THINGS.
It reminds me of Jerry Seinfeld's bit about the push-on water knobs in sinks at airports. He wonders what "they" think we'd do if we could have normal twist-on, twist-off knobs on the sink. Turn them on full blast and run away, pushing each other into the bushes? "You idiot, we're business men!" "Who cares? WATER!!!"
(9 minutes and 34 seconds)
Did I mention that I got to the airport and through security by 7:45? And my plane doesn't board until 9:25? FOR THE WIN.
(Pause for phone call from Mom.)
(Four minutes and 12 seconds.)
Okay, well I know this has been absolutely RIVETING for you, but I'd better get moving. I only have an hour and 15 minutes to get to my gate, which is approximately 50 yards away. Hope I make it!
(And leave me lots of comments so I have SOMETHING TO DO!) See you on the flip side....
Today I'm guest blogging over at Wide Open Spaces. Jordan issued the challenge and I determined to give it my girl scout best. Follow the link to discover my list of my Top Ten Date Ideas.
(Sarcasm may or may not be included.)
And while you're there, check out some of Jordan's thoughtful writing. We are kindred Texas spirits who have both discovered how to love the desert.
Unless the Cowboys or the Longhorns are playing, I don't really know who to root for. I've gone through Super Bowls where I've been the champion of "just watching for the commercials." One of my college professors offered extra credit in his class if his team won the big game, so that made my team pick easier that year. I've cheered for the Bears because some of their players went to my alma mater, or for other teams because they've had a good story.
I don't know who to root for tonight.
BUT I do know that I am capable of getting caught up in the drama of a football game- if Matt Saracen is playing quarterback or if Gerry Bertier is leading the team. In fact, just this afternoon I was watching an episode of "Friday Night Lights" over lunch, not able to tear my eyes away from a football scrimmage when Smash was trying out for the Texas A&M football team, watching every pass and play with vivid interest. That's how I know that I CAN get wrapped up in a game: when I know the stories of the team and the players that are participating.
That's where you come in (if you see this before tonight).
I'm hitting the road TODAY and am I'm bound for Austin, Texas. Although I wish I was able to see some fabulous friends on this trip, but this time I'm flying in and out for business. FOR BUSINESS. Because I'm an adult and all that jazz. That's craziness, my friends. Crazy good.
Without my searching, publicizing, or advertising I have found myself as speaker for a weekend winter retreat. This opportunity to speak into the lives of young women (my most favorite thing) just fell into my lap. (Thanks Big Papa!)
I've spent the past month preparing and being thankful, but I will also admit that I have allowed myself to doubt this endeavor. I wonder if I'm ready to go alone, to speak to a group of teens I have never met. I also question if I'm really ready to actually DO rather than just dream. I told D my fears last night.
His response: "That makes sense. It's your first away game... But I know you. You're going to be great on the road."
Hey batter, batter...
"Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel." Ephesians 6:19
When I left for work this morning, it was 17 degrees outside, but felt like five. FIVE. That's fine for cities like Denver or St. Louis, but I live in TEXAS, y'all.
IT IS NOT SUPPOSED TO GET THAT COLD HERE.
I passed two traffic lights with no power, but didn't really give them a second thought. Then I arrived at work and walked into our building. Our DARK building. Immediately I came face to face with our entire IT department standing outside of the server room, with ceiling tiles on the floor, a ladder in the hallway, and flashlights all around.
"This could be good for your blog," Cody suggested. No thanks, Code Man! I come up with my own ideas and- wait a minute. I SEE WHAT YOU DID THERE.
My department has interior offices, aka no windows. So we sat around a campfire lantern for a few minutes before seeking out friends with a little sunlight. And after about an hour of waiting around THERE, and the building getting colder and colder, we were all sent home.
That's how I found myself sitting on my couch wearing pajama pants wrapped in my comforter and catching up on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" at 11:30 on a Wednesday morning.
Oh happy day!
Later on I met up with friends at McAllister's for some potato soup, followed by a viewing of "Groundhog Day," because like, it's totally perfect that it's actually Groundhog Day and we're like watching the MOVIE "Groundhog Day!"
GET IT???
I came back home for dinner: a peanut butter and jelly sandwich that was originally destined for today's lunch. Mmmm.... a gourmet meal hot off the... out of the... plastic bag... um... who said I'm not domestic?!
Later on it was time for Zumba class with JAVIER, and there was actually a pretty good turn out for a 26-degree evening! You heard my thoughts on Zumba already, so all I'll say is PARTY FOUL: I don't think tall, funny, tall guys who look like a cross between Jared Padalecki and Teddy Dunn should be allowed at Zumba. Especially if they're married. Especially IF THEY'RE TALL.
Up next: that new episode of Cougar Town isn't going to watch itself.
"God is changing the world through ordinary people doing ordinary things with gospel intentionailty." - Scott Brown
That was my take home from the sermon on Sunday. My little Presbytarian church has been walking through the book of 2nd Corinthians for the past few weeks. We arrived at 2nd Corinthians 2:12-17 this week. Here are verses 14-17.
"But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God."
Why share this well known passage? I memorized this verse as a kid. I've certainly read it many times but I've never understood what it means to be the aroma of Christ. I know that I've wanted to be a good smell, so I usually picture deodorant when I hear this. True story. It's also usually some Old Spice Pure Sport. I'm weird. I know. [True story side-note. I wore Old Spice Pure Sport from June of 2000 until September of 2010. I started wearing it on a Mission Trip to Mexico because of the lack of showers. I stopped wearing it because I was getting married and decided it wasn't great to have the same deodorandt as your husband.]
ANYWAYS... here's what I learned on Sunday that was news to me:
I'm sure you could have discovered this on your own in your Seminary class or in your studies of the passage - but as much as I love backstory and knowing the origins of the illustrations used in the Bible - this one had totally passed me by. I couldn't help but share.
Incense of Victory sounds way cooler than Old Spice... and it smells better too.
