Monrovia Falls (Outing #4)

Monday 2/15 we went on a "day hike" up to the Monrovia Falls.

The hike was beautiful, there were many more trees than I anticipated which was an absolute treat. And the brush was actually green due to the rain we have received the last month.
My friends Michael and Brian were my guides (they are much more experienced and in much better shape for this stuff). At one point Michael said "I had no idea California (southern) had anything like this." Yes, Michael it's true. Don't worry I'll only share with my blog-friends and we'll keep your secret quiet.

The fall was nice, about 40 feet tall and we were joined by about 40 kids of all ages with their parents and guardians. We stopped to catch our (read-my) breath and have some fruit, enjoy the view and soak up a little sun. Surprisingly in the middle of February it was 75* or so (well maybe that's not so surprising, CA).

Reflections: I am not in as good of shape as I believe I convinced the guys I was (oh pride!). My buttocks is still sore (more my hips), and my knee got tweaked when we were taking our "Tai-Cheese" photo (imitating in a very elementary-school fashion a woman who was actually there doing Tai-Chi). She, our sensai, is featured in the background of our "Waterfall surfing" picture and we tried out some of her mooves in "Tai-Cheese."





I do enjoy getting out and hiking but this was another reminder that I can't sit on my (young-ish but ever-aging) buttocks and think I can run up a mountain with no problem. This is a bit of a conundrum... simple answer that is difficult to actualize. One day at a time.

Cheap and Easy (Recipe #5)

Chicken Tortilla Soup

I've never made this before, but have loved it for many, many moons. I found a quick and easy recipe online and thought I'd give it a try.
General: I liked it, and shared it with a few (many) friends. It's a good, hearty, affordable meal. But not too exciting for the taste-buds.

Note:
Canned soup is canned soup... even if it's called Chicken Tortilla Soup.
When the recipe says 12 servings it really means 12 meals... this means either share with friends or use all fresh ingredients for a smaller batch (maybe another day when I have 4 hours not 1).

Always enjoyable with fresh avocado!


Peace

PS: I feel like I'm falling behind a bit on these postings! But, never fear it's just because finals are coming up (I know, next month but give me a break). When we start the new quarter and over the summer there will be much more to talk about :)

lament in worship

"The person who hears your lament and far more bears your lament against them, paradoxically, is someone you deeply, wildly trust. It is the paradox that opens the heart to unfathomable rest. To sing a lament against God in worship reveals far, far greater trust than to sing a jingle about how happy we are and how much we trust him. That kind of song is much like the smiling salesman who meets you with a "Hey, how are ya. You're looking good today; how can I help ya." Lament cuts through insincerity, strips pretense, and reveals the raw nerve of trust that angrily approaches the throne of grace and then kneels in awed, robust wonder."



Dan Allender "The Hidden Hope in Lament" Copyright © 1994 Mars Hill Review 1 Founded in 1994 · Premier Issue: pgs 25-38.