by Roxanne -

Dangers of Obedience and Compliance

Photo R. Meshar

Too often in Christianity (Catholicism included) obedience is held up as a virtue. This is true if the obedience is to God within ourselves or our deepest interior voice. Unfortunately this is not typically the reference for the virtue of obedience. The reference is all too often to religious authorities, institutions or superiors.

This is the opposite of what Christianity calls us to. We are called to answer to God within. We are to discern our own heart and listen to our own voice. Those who call us to obedience to others often have their own benefit in mind.

Society, of course, encourages obedience and compliance. What better way to control large numbers of people?

Are you obedient to others? If so, why?

You may also like A Walk With God, The Guest and Fundamentalism is Fatal.

 

 

by Roxanne -

Amazing Performance

Jake Shimabukuro

In my previous post I explained why TV is really junk food for the mind. Now I would invite you to watch something worthwhile and enjoyable. Take  20 minutes to listen to an amazing concert performance worthy of Queen Elizabeth herself, who heard it too.

TEDxTokyo Jake Shimabukuro

 

 

You may also like The Guest and No “Big Scream TV”


 

by Roxanne -

No “Big Scream TV”

People are often surprised when they find out that we don’t have a TV – or as DH calls it – a “big scream TV.” We haven’t had a TV for years now. They are expensive, take up too much room in our house, in our wallet and in our heads.

There is very little worthwhile on TV. The news is not informative and extremely limited. The shows are mind-numbing, to say the least. Too often TV is negative, violent and thoughtless. I can’t stress this enough: TV is junk food for the mind.

In the end we feel that TV keeps us from reading, conversation and other more worthwhile activities.

People will ask, “Then where do you get your news?” We select our news sources carefully on the Internet. Generally we try to read one or two news sites from elsewhere in the world, then in addition I like to read the New York Times or Washington Post online.

When we do watch movies we look for quality films that are engaging – both English language and foreign films.

Consider the same for yourself.

For ideas check the “Books and Films” category on the right.

You may also like A Bar At Home  -Really?, The Human Experience and Question the Culture.

by Roxanne -

Leek Soup & Persimmons

Photo R. Meshar

Now that winter has arrived for most of us in the northern Midwest – Soup Season returns.

DH and I were at the grocery store and saw the most beautiful leeks. We picked them up and considered making a leek soup. At the same time we both laid eyes on the parsnips and knew that would be a good addition, as would the fresh cilantro.

Starting with 2 tbsp of butter and 2 tbsp of flour for a roux, I added 2 cup chicken broth, 1 chopped leek, 1 grated parsnip, a handful of soaked garbanzo beans and chopped garlic, whisking until thickened. Lowering the heat, I added 1 12oz. can of low fat evaporated milk, grated pepper, 2 tbsp Marsala and chopped cilantro. Each serving received a finish of a tsp of Greek yogurt.

Photo R. Meshar

The other thing I noticed at the grocery store was a perfectly ripe persimmon. This along with hot tea and two pieces of chocolate completed our soup supper.

If you’ve never eaten a persimmon before – follow along with the pictures to see how.

Start with one ripe persimmon – you’ll know it’s ripe because it feels a bit like a “baby’s bottom.” (“Baby’s butt” :grin:)

Photo R. Meshar

Add weapons of mass destruction:

Photo R. Meshar

Slice in half.

Photo R. Meshar

Scoop out the delicious honey-tasting insides and eat!

Photo R. Meshar

Don’t eat the skin.

Photo R. Meshar
Photo R. Meshar

You may also like Healthy Food is a Luxury for the Rich, Strawberry Soup and Gnocchi, Fresh Basil and Tomato Sauce.

by Roxanne -

Art and City Scape

Photo Wikipedia.org

One of the best features of Chicago is its Art Institute. A new addition was recently completed along with replacement of the Chagall windows. As the friend who visited the museum with me noted, “All of the exhibits have a sense of context and dimensionality not found in other museums.”

Photo R. Meshar

 

After visiting the museum, stop for coffee at a sidewalk cafe across the street and enjoy the view. Become part of the cityscape.

Photo R. Meshar

And  art in the city – just for fun . . .

Photo T. Wysopal
Photo T. Wysopal

You may also like Be a Tourist in Your Own Town, Duluth Day and Japanese Garden Retreat.