Random Tidbits

Hey, Friends! It's been awhile since I've posted some of my random thoughts. Fortunately for you (or unfortunately, depending on what you think of me), many thoughts have been swirling around in my crazy mind, so read at your own risk.

1. Knoxville Church Shootings: Many of you have probably heard of the big shooting that took place at one of the many churches here in Knoxville. It was so tragic! As with everything, everyone has something to say about this. Everyone wants to blame somebody--usually somebody or something other than the actual shooter. Many people blame this on the influence of people like Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, and the like because the shooter happened to own some of their books. Others blame the so-called lack of gun control in this area. My favorite group, by far, has to be the loudmouthed groups of Christians who feel its THEIR job to remind everyone that this particular church target was not a Christian church. This is usually the same group of people who love labeling events like 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina as God's punishment to homosexuals. Come on, People, are you serious? I'm not saying that this particular church is right in what they believe, or that God doesn't use some natural and other disasters to get a message across. But, what possible good do comments like this accomplish? Do you just want to feel warm and cozy and better about yourself? Good grief! What gets me more than anything is that these people love getting on tv, the radio, and the internet to spread their messages of pride and ignorance. Heaven forbid we have compassion in times like these. We wouldn't dare want to live out The Great Commission here. God help us all!

2. Speaking of Christianity, I have been reading C.S. Lewis' "Mere Christianity" for the first time this past week. Lewis is one of those authors that I've always been reluctant to read because there is so much "hype" built up around him, especially among Christians. I feel the same way about Beth Moore, James Dobson, and Max Lucado, among others. Hype usually equals mediocrity (at best), in my opinion. But, not in this case. This book is one of the most wonderful, enjoyable reads I've had in ages! Lewis is such an incredible writer who has an uncanny ability to explain very complicated thoughts in simple and straightforward ways. Here's an example: In chapter 3 of the book, Lewis addresses who question the divinity of Jesus. The whole chapter is great, but this part sums it all up...

I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: "I'm ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don't accept His claim to be God." That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic--on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg--or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronising nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.

Read it!! It's so good.

3. On a much lighter note, I am loving my job! I still work at our local gym with a few clients, but I have also started training on my own. I bought a bunch of portable equipment and I've had some business cards printed out to give to prospective clients. Basically, what I do is go to my clients' homes and customize a diet and exercise program just for them. Each 1 hour session can be done inside or outside, whichever the client prefers. It's a great way to help others make physical activity apart of their daily lives. So, Knoxville Ladies, if you or anyone you know would like to schedule a free session with me, you can contact me through Xanga or my business email: ptwithkatie@myway.com

4. Have I mentioned you guys before how much I love my sweet Mitch? Maybe I have, but I just have to restate how blessed I am to be able to laugh with him every day! You might think you are in love with your spouse, but, really you have no idea how much better I have it!! ;)

5. And I can't make a list without talking about food....Here's, yet, another fabulous vegan recipe:


Dill Gazpacho

* 5 tomatoes (if you live in E. Tenn., get Grainger County Tomatoes--they are the best), chopped
* 1 large cucumber, chopped
* 1 onion, chopped
* 1 green pepper, chopped
* a few spinach leaves
* 2 cloves of garlic
* 2 tablespoons of olive oil
* 2 tablespoons of balsalmic vinegar
* 1/4 cup fresh dill
* salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients (raw) in a food processor or blender. Blend for 1-2 minutes on medium speed. Place in a serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate for awhile, so the flavors will really soak in! Serve cold!