Pears, paint, and pastors

Yesterday restored my love for Saturdays. First off, there was a nip in the air. Yes, that's right. What has been talked about on blogs around the country for weeks now has finally hit North Florida. With temps in the upper 60's/lower 70's, I dare say fall has decided it was time to head our way. I even sit here writing away with the window open and a nice cool breeze coming in. I'm content.

Pears
I washed a pear yesterday and sliced through it. Then I stood there for a second staring at it. Then I ran and got my camera. This seems to happening a lot lately. Ordinary moments and objects catching my eye and begging to be captured with my camera. So I give you my latest find. A beautiful bartlett pear. Now really, folks. Isn't it beautiful with it's symmetry and graceful curves?

Here's to hoping you guys find beauty in the ordinary and mundane around you this week!

Paint
I spent yesterday afternoon working on a home improvement project that I hope to share here soon. I spread out the tarp and sat on my driveway painting while listening to the most recent edition of the Splendid Table. What is already such an inspiring show about all things food was particularly interesting today. The host interviewed Nigella Lawson, and they talked about good books revolving around the topic of food...my wish list continues to grow. I think I ought to label it a "check out from the library" list...my budget and my husband will thank me.

Pastors
We are the new guys in our neighborhood, and we are slowly but surely meeting people and getting a feel for the neighborhood vibe. Yesterday I got to hang out a little bit with a group of neighbors. Our children played together and we made pleasant small talk. The conversation turned toward discussing where Matt and I are from and our life story up to this point. I shared something that Matt and I have come to tell people rather hesitantly, only if necessary. I told them that he had worked for a church. I got a typical response: raised eyebrows and an "Oh."

It's not that I am ashamed of our work with the church. I treasure my relationship with Jesus. Matt and I have a passion to be around people who don't know Jesus or care much about His work in our lives. When we are often around such people we find that the revelation that we worked for a church automatically turns us into "holy people." You know, the curse word police or the one who has to pray at meals, or the one who wouldn't understand the way sin actually works as if we don't sin or are too hypocritical to admit it.

Anyways, now they know. I guess I just feel exposed and vulnerable. I know it will lead to good conversation down the road. And I hope my faith proves a whole lot more relational and relevant than the three options listed above.

Another "run, get the camera" moment last night: These candles were beautiful and aglow on our table. I particularly love how the wax slid down the candles and dangled precariously off the stand.