Newborn to 3 months Mama & Baby Favorites

So...I always forget to add pics to my posts. The one thing my husband and sister told me a good blog post always had was pictures, and of course I've forgotten them every time. Well, this time you are in for a treat. This post will contain multiple pictures.

Day 1 with Baby E. 

I have to say that I consider myself a pretty low maintenance mama. I do love trendy and modern baby gear, but I refuse to spend money on junk or something that's going to sit around and collect dust. Everything I buy must have a few trademark qualities. Here they are.

1. Great quality. I've heard more than one story from second and third time mom's who've said they wished they had  bought higher end, better quality things with baby #1. Nothing is worse than jacking around with some piece of junk while trying to take care of a fussy, hungry, or tired little one. You want whatever you bought to be reliable. You don't want to eventually have to pin or tuck or tape it to get it to hold up and work for you....Long story short, quality matters.

2. Makes my life easier. This really is just as important as rule number 1. If a gadget or gear makes your life more stressful you are less likely to use it. This in turn would be a waste of your money. One of the best things you can do for yourself during those first few months as a new mom is make your life as simple as possible.

3. Cute. Ah duh!! Who wants to walk around looking like a frump-a-dump? I don't! And I'm sure most of you moms and moms-to-be don't either. (And neither does your baby) Not every purchase will be down right runway ready, but come on, if it comes in a cuter color or fabric pay the extra $50, you'll be happy to sport your new purchase and there for get the most use out of it. I know too well that if you purchase something that's not very cute, you are likely to purchase something you like better in the future. (This, would be a money waster) During those first few months post-partum where things can get crazy and you can feel a little not like yourself, it's nice to feel a bit like Christmas when you get the opportunity to use a beautiful new swaddle or nursing bra.

4. Reasonably priced. This does not by any means imply cheap or low priced. Something that is cheap in price is usually equally cheap in quality; especially when referring to baby products. This would violate rule number one.  Baby strollers are a good example of, "You get what you pay for". Be leery of strollers with hard plastic wheels, plastic frames and cheap fabric. A good stroller is worth its weight in gold...Well, maybe not in gold. But it's worth the money. And if you plan on using it for more than one child, it will more than pay for itself (in convenience, ease of use, stylishness, and longevity).

So without any further adieu, here is my list of new mama essentials.

My top 5 newborn to 3-month Mama & Baby faves:

These jewel-toned swaddles are the ones I used for Baby E.

1. Aden & Anais swaddle blankets. I'm sure you've heard of them before. They are apart of almost all mom's new baby favorites; and that's because they are just great. They are the perfect size (47"x47"), fabric weight, and come in SO many different colors and designs you are guaranteed to find ones that fit your style.

Organic ingredients

2. Earth Mama Angel Baby Natural Nipple Butter. It is organic and lanolin-free, for those with a wool allergy. I used this nipple butter religiously for atleast the first 4 months of Baby E's life. I believe in addition to proper latch and positioning, this is why I never experienced cracked or bleeding nipples.







3. Itzbeen Baby timer. This is great for reminding a sleepy mama and papa of the last time they changed baby's diaper, the last time they ate, and how long they have or have not been sleeping. It also has a night light that I still use today and E is over a year old. It's great for peeking at a sleeping wee-one at night, looking for that dreaded paci at 2 am, or using as low light as you change baby's diaper in the middle of the night. It comes in three cute colors.



4. Post Delivery Belly Binder. Variations of these have been used for centuries, literally. They claim to help support a post partum uterus, help slim your waist, and aid in your uterus returning to its normal size. I just loved the supportive feeling I felt while wearing it. This is one purchase where it wasn't very expensive and I may have "gotten what I paid for". It's a little bulky and I would probably look into purchasing a binder next time that I could wear under my clothes.

5. Netflix. Now, you might think, "That's strange. I thought once you have a baby you don't have time for t.v." That's not exactly true. During the first few days and weeks after delivery, establishing a good milk supply is very important. The best way to do this is to give your baby unlimited time at the breast. This "unlimited" time does not mean "eternal" time, where you never are separate from your baby, but it does mean that you must have some patience and allow baby to do its job, which is to request milk and allow your body to do its job, and make milk. I found the best way to pass the time and enjoy those long feedings was to pop open my laptop and watch Netflix. It gave me some "me time" and allowed baby to suckle as long as she liked. This in turn gave me a GREAT milk supply. I really do recommend moms to give this trick a try. At least first time moms, because this probably would be a big-fat-fail with a toddler running around. It's also a great time for dad to come along and bond with baby while nursing. He can sit and rub new baby toes, hands, and head, which can help with a sleepy newborn. He is also right there for burping when baby is done. 

Now, I would love to hear your new baby favorites. 

-Anjelica 

Mama & Baby E throwback pic

10 Quirky facts about me...Anjelica

So, my first two posts were pretty passionate and I thought this next one should be a bit lighter. I've been really hoping to post something a little more personal so you all can get to know me better. So I thought and thought and came up with the idea to air a little of my dirty interesting laundry, and let you in on a few secrets about me.
For those of you who know me you know I'm a bit kooky...but I guarantee you haven't heard any of these that I'm getting ready to list....Please. Don't. Judge me. ha ha!!

So, here goes:

1. I really like the taste of those traditional communion wafers that they give out at church. You know, those quarter-sized thin opaque crackers. Yes! I love their bland taste. Don't make that face, I know plenty of others who think they are quite tasty too...well, really just one other person who agrees with my refined pallet, and she's blood related to me, so maybe it's a genetic thing. I don't know. Anyways, I could eat a whole bowl of those little discs of goodness. Pour me a glass of the high-fructose corn syrup laden "grape juice" to wash it all down, and I'm at the Aspen Anjelica Food & Wine festival. Yumm!!

I told you these would be interesting...

2. I have a "not quite" baby toe. By this I mean it is WAY shorter than my others. This in turn makes the toenail almost non existent. B always jokes on me when he sees me painting my clipping of a toenail. But, little toenails need love too!

3. I never learned my multiplication tables. My family moved a lot growing up. And it ended up that during the time in school when we were supposed to be learning multiplication tables I transferred schools. I remember my teacher at the first school saying, "We will begin multiplication tables next week", then next thing I know, I'm at a new school where the teacher is saying, "Well, we just wrapped up all the multiplication tables." I recall my new class chanting the tables and I just sitting there like, "???". To this day, I do not know them. But don't worry, I've survived. Keep reading and you'll see that I caught up.

4. When I bought my first car I couldn't even drive it. B had to drive it off the lot for me. My first car was a 5-speed VW Beetle...and I didn't know how to drive stick. B would send me out every day to practice driving around our apartment complex in my Beetle. I hated it and after about 3 days I had a meltdown and told B that I wanted to return the car. Of course he laughed and told me to keep practicing. After a couple weeks and many stall outs (including one on a major road, where B and I had to trade seats and he drive us to safety), and a couple of roll backs where I had to wave my hand out the window and tell the driver behind me to back up, I learned to drive a 5-speed and LOVE it!

5. I know all the words to the Dennis the Menace and Sandlot movies. Let's just say I watched too many movies as a kid.  
"Chomp, chomp, chomp. Tastes like paint...and wood".  "I'll go make us some sandwiches", Martha says. 

6. I count...everything; from windows in a room to eyelet holes on someone's shoe. I also have a strange method of breaking down the numbers I count. I know, I know, it's weird. Remember, NO JUDGING!

7. I never wear socks. N-E-V-E-R. I completed a half-marathon...that's 13.2 miles...no socks. No, my feet do not stink to high heaven.
Here's a tip: When your feet get stinky soak them in a Black tea bath. No need for antifungal cream.

8. I LOVED calculus in college. I took Calculus I and II, and got an A (not even an A-), in both. I have to admit though, the teachers made ALL the difference. I grew up thinking I hated math, but come to find out I just didn't have very good teachers...Examples: I got a D the first time I took Geometry in high school. Second time around during my senior year, I got a B+. That's a pretty vast difference.

9. I really enjoy watching baby E's birth video. Especially the part when she is coming out. It just reminds me of how awesome God has made the human body and how truly miraculous birth is. No one can watch a woman's belly grow from nothing to huge and round, observe her go through labor (without drugs) and immediately after the baby comes out begin to hold a normal conversation and even walk around, then feed her baby from her body, and question whether there is actually an intelligent Creator behind it all...Come on...let's keep our thinking caps on here!

10. This is a funny one...
I once passed out in Starbucks...on my college campus. Talk about embarrassing!!! I had just donated blood after being on campus all day and not eating very much. I then proceeded to sit in Starbucks to work on some homework and have a little snack. But it was too late. I had never passed out before so I didn't know what to expect.  I could just feel my self getting woozy and I was by myself. I quickly packed up my bag and tried heading to the door, hoping that the fresh air would help, but nope. Bang! I fall forward knocking my head on the glass door and fall straight back. Go ahead! Laugh it up!!! I know you are. Some kind baristas came to my aid and offered me free OJ. There was also a professor in there who kindly leaned over me and said, "We've got to stop assigning so much homework". I laughed and quickly headed out of there. I found an empty hallway and leaned back on my bag like I was studying until I felt well enough to drive home. B told me I could no longer give blood again at school.

Well, I hope you liked my quirky facts. I'd love to hear some of your quirky habits or tales.

Anjelica

Kombucha

Kombucha that is ready for drinking or for a second ferment.

Search for "how to make kombucha" online and you will come up with about a million different tutorials that all tell you something just a little different from the last.  Well, today I am going to tell you how I make it.  I learned through trial and error and from talking to people I know who make it.  I also read about 972 other blog posts on the subject.    

Ten bags of organic black tea

The health benefits of kombucha are not well known in the scientific community as this drink has only recently become popular en masse.  It is, however, widely agreed upon that live, friendly bacteria in the form of probiotics are ridiculously good for you. Probiotics aide digestion and help to boost the immune system. Similarly, we do know that kombucha has B vitamins, glucaric acid, and antioxidants, among other things.  B vitamins help to do a host of things including: ease stress and anxiety, produce energy, and boost the immune system.  Recent animal studies have shown glucaric acid to aid in cancer prevention.  This and other acids are also used by the body for detoxification, reducing the load on your liver.  Another animal study found that kombucha was as effective as the control medication, omeprazole (AKA Prilosec) at healing ulcers and reducing gastric acid secretion in mice.  Other studies have shown powerful antioxidant and antimicrobial effects.   

The SCOBY in a half cup of kombucha

Even if it turns out to not be as wonderful as some claim, I can virtually guarantee that it is better for you than that chemical laden soda many of us reach for daily, as it is low in both caffeine and sugar and it is made from real, whole food ingredients.  You might be wondering what those ingredients are.  All you need is some plain, black tea (green tea has worked for me in the past as well), sugar, a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY), and about half a cup of previously brewed kombucha per gallon of tea.  I prefer to use organic black tea and organic pure cane sugar as both are minimally processed.  But, you can use whatever you like because most of the sugar is eaten by the SCOBY.  I just prefer to know the source (sugar cane, not genetically modified sugar beets) and the process (regular table sugar is often filtered through bone char, aka crushed up cow bones which are not exactly vegetarian friendly) of my sugar.  I originally bought a home brew from the farmer's market we have here and grew a SCOBY on accident when I went out of town. Here are instructions for growing your own.  It is my understanding that you can purchase one online as well. Or, better yet, find a friend who makes kombucha and ask for one of their extra SCOBYs.  They have a baby every couple of batches, so usually people will be happy to share.    

A tasty glass of pomegranate kombucha soda

If you want to make kombucha soda, you will need one additional ingredient: fruit juice.  I use pure fruit concentrate from the health food store because I don't drink the junk they call juice in stores.  Yuck. The only real guidelines for this are that it cannot be citrus juice, so no pineapple, orange, etc.  The citrus is too acidic and it will apparently kill the SCOBY.  And it must contain sugar so that it has something to eat for the second fermentation.  Since all fruit contains sugar, this is not a problem.  I just note that so that you don't buy "sugar free" or something.  Which you shouldn't buy anyway, but that's a whole other discussion.  

 Sugar water about to boil

 One final note before I share the recipe.  It is extremely important to clean all of your materials, including your hands, very well before you begin this process.  There is always potential for contamination from bad bacteria which could be very harmful to your health.

Unfermented tea on the left and kombucha on the right. See the color difference? 

 My kitchen regularly looks like a chemistry lab.

Bottled for the second ferment.

Kombucha 

Ingredients:

• Ten black or green tea bags (preferably organic)
• 1 gallon filtered water
• 1 cup sugar (preferably organic pure cane sugar)
• SCOBY
• 1/2 cup kombucha

Other Materials:

• Gallon sized glass jar
• Thin towel or coffee filter 
• Rubber band

Directions:

• Bring 2 cups of water to a boil and add 1 cup of sugar.  Stir until dissolved and remove from heat.
• Add ten tea bags and steep for 5 minutes.
• Add the rest of the water until you have about one gallon of strong sweet tea.  
• Allow to cool to room temperature.  (This is very important as hot tea will kill the SCOBY, but it should take less time because we didn't boil all of the water.)
• Once the sweet tea is cool, add it to the glass jar along with the 1/2 cup (or more) of previously brewed kombucha.  Then, with clean hands, gently slide the SCOBY on top.  
• Cover with a towel or coffee filter and secure it with a rubber band.  This will keep out bugs and other debris while still allowing air to circulate.
• Depending on the temperature, allow your tea to ferment for a week or so in a warm, dark area then taste every few days with a straw to decide if it is done.  It should reach a good balance between sweet and vinegary.  
• If you want plain kombucha, you can now transfer this to clean jars with lids until you are ready to enjoy.  If you want kombucha soda, continue reading.  Either way, be sure to put aside the SCOBY and at least 1/2 cup of kombucha to start another batch.  

Optional Kombucha Soda (Second Ferment)

Ingredients:

• 1 Gallon brewed kombucha
• 3 cups fruit juice (not citrus)
• Another gallon sized glass jar or enough smaller glass jars to hold 1 gallon

Directions:

• Fill clean containers about 1/5th of the way with fruit juice.  (This is easier than giving a measurement because all of my containers are different sizes.)
• Carefully pour in brewed kombucha, leaving about an inch of space at the top and put the lid or cork on.  
• Make sure you keep at least half a cup of brewed kombucha with your SCOBY to start another batch.  
• Let ferment in a warm, dark area for another few days until ready to drink.  The longer it sits, the more fizzy it gets.  
• Enjoy your healthy treat!

Look at that healthy SCOBY.

Donna

    

Curried Pumpkin Soup with Homemade Coconut Milk

Curried Pumpkin Soup. Yum!

A couple weeks ago I decided that I needed to do a freezer cleanse to make room for some new stuff.  I realized I had two full ziplock bags of frozen pumpkin or calabaza.  So I had planned to make this delicious Pumpkin ginger soup.  However, my plans were thwarted by the farmers market selection for that week, as I once again stocked up on too many fresh goodies.  (My favorite problem to have.)  Well this week I did the same thing, but I couldn't get this soup out of my head.  However, I decided I wanted to do something different because I had just gotten some beautiful jalapenos and turmeric from the farmers market.   So I had this crazy idea: throw the whole recipe plan out the window and make a curried pumpkin soup.  Brilliant!

Forgot the jalapeno. 

Remembered to take a picture of the jalapeno, and of course the beautiful turmeric too.

Ok, to be completely honest, this wasn't really a huge deviation from what I had planned to make. This is actually how I cook all the time.  I have an idea or a general premise for what I want to make, then I look at what I actually have and adapt.  Living in Puerto Rico has really forced me to be a better cook because I learned early on that you can't expect to have a list and just go to the store and get everything.  I have learned that there is a reasonable chance for finding certain things, and a slim chance for others.  As a result, I am a better cook.

Living in PR.  Thought I'd throw that in there.

I have never been a big recipe follower, but I do like to get ideas and inspiration from others.  If it's a big hit in this house, it usually doesn't take me long to integrate it into the regular rotation and completely forget where the idea even came from.  I think this recipe originally started as a Google search for ways to use pumpkin that I didn't like the results of.  So I made something up.

Chopped veggies. 

Since this was completely fly by the seat of my pants and I wanted to eat at some point that night, I asked S. to write down the ingredients as I shouted them out.  That way I wouldn't forget anything.

Sauteing everything up right before I dumped veggie broth all over the stove.

According to my husband the directions are:
"Dump half the veggie broth on the hot burner as a sacrifice to the vegan gods.
Start drinking some wine while it cooks.
Complain about wine in Puerto Rico.
Clean up cat pee."

Doesn't Ellie look all innocent like she would never spitefully pee in the corner?

These things did all happen.  However, these steps are not necessarily all important.  Except for the wine. The wine drinking is definitely a requirement.

Look at all those colors.

I guess I should also clarify that I was not actually worshiping false idols.  I just spill things, a lot. Then S. makes fun of me.  Then we both drink wine.

Pureeing the soup right up.

Anyway, the actual directions follow the ingredients list.

Can you tell I almost forgot the jalapeno?

Curried Pumpkin Soup

1 tbsp.coconut oil
1 yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeno, diced
1 inch fresh turmeric, minced
2 inches fresh ginger, minced
2 pounds pumpkin, diced
1 1/2 c. homemade coconut milk* (see note)
4 c. vegetable broth, homemade (could use store bought, but alter or omit the salt if you do)
1/2 tbsp. curry powder
pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
salt to taste

Actual directions:
1. Heat coconut oil on medium heat. Add onion, garlic, jalapeno, turmeric, and ginger and saute for 2 minutes.
2. Add pumpkin, coconut milk, and veggie broth and bring to a boil.
3. Add seasonings and turn heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes until pumpkin is cooked.
4. Taste for seasonings and add more if desired.
5. Transfer soup to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.  Or to desired consistency.  If necessary, heat soup again and enjoy.

NOTE: 
The recipe I use for coconut milk is from here.
I like to use the full 2 cups of coconut so that it is more flavorful.  I also only strain it if it is going to be used for drinking because my Vitamix makes it so fine.  For cooking, it isn't really necessary to strain it, but you should do what you prefer.

-Donna

Legislation Regarding Rapists’ Right to Sue their Victims for Custody

WARNING: This post is about laws regarding rape and sexual assault.  I will do my best to keep specific details few, but I know that triggers come in many forms.  My purpose here is to educate and advocate.  If you need help, there are many resources out there and I would be happy to help you find them if you would like.  Feel free to send me an email or leave a comment if you are comfortable.    

Sorry to get all “raging feminist” on you guys this early in the existence of our blog, but this is who I am.  And, believe it or not, this is really happening right now.  Personally, I don’t really see how this could possibly be seen as controversial, but it seems like the kind of topic that people would view this way, so there’s your fair warning in that regard.  To me, being a feminist means supporting and empowering one another in various ways.  This includes protecting those who need it and advocating for them, if necessary. Sometimes, the only way we can do this is to educate others about the realities of worlds different than their own.  I am here to try to do just that today.  Frankly, I don't think this is a political discussion, I think this is a discussion about basic human rights.  I am not here to offend, but, again, to advocate.


        Image from unprofound

Last week, I received an email from an organization called UltraViolet, urging me to take a stand for rape survivors.  Currently in Ohio, State Senator Nina Turner has introduced a bill that will help protect rape survivors who have a child as a result of their assault.  Remember Ariel Castro, the man who kidnapped, raped, assaulted, abused, and held captive three young women and even fathered a child with one of his victims, for over a decade in Ohio?  Technically, he could have sued Amanda Berry, the mother of the child, for custody.  Amazingly, this is the case in 31 states (source).      


        Image from morguefile

This bill is drafted so that a conviction is not necessary, before revoking parental rights.  Evidence "beyond a reasonable doubt" is sufficient to terminate custody rights (source).  This is important because, according to RAINN, only 4 percent of rapes lead to a felony conviction.  This means that a staggering number of survivors never get justice.  Not only that, but apparently in most states these rapists can also take their victims through lengthy and painful custody battles.  Can you imagine having to face your attacker on a regular basis for the rest of your life?  The additional trauma that would inflict on both mother and child would be horrendous.  This bill will protect even those survivors who were not able to get a felony conviction, against being forced to interact with their attacker.


                 Image from RAINN

As a swing state, Ohio can have a  particularly strong effect on other states' legislation.  Hopefully these dangerous oversights will be amended in all states, but for now, we can hope to set the precedent in Ohio, by shining a spotlight on Senator Turner's proposed bill.  

If you would like to sign or view the UltraViolet petition, I would urge                  you to do so by clicking the link.  

-Donna

"Alternative Lifestyle"

I’m a little late to this. When the article about David Wise and his “alternative lifestyle” came out, it was hard to miss. All kinds of folks bashed it, saying the author, Skyler Wilder, should have never used those two words about an Olympian who also happens to be a husband, a father, and a Christian. I have to admit, I felt the same zing of disapproval at first, but then (who’d have thought!?) I went to the actual article that was being referenced. And, it wasn’t half bad. (Find it here, by the way: http://www.nbcolympics.com/news/david-wises-alternative-lifestyle-leads-olympic-gold?ctx=olympic-journey) It’s not the most amazing writing, and they called the 23-year-old man a “kid” more than I would have liked, but, otherwise, I wasn’t offended.

Please don’t hate me for what I’m going to say, but Christianity is an alternative lifestyle, and, well, it kind of should be. In His Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5, Jesus says believers should be the salt of the earth. We should be the city on the hill, the light of the world. We should not blend in, and our lifestyles should not fit. David Wise is probably very different from his peers in all of the ways the article pointed out. Poor Wilder’s syntax was just blown way out of proportion.

HOWEVER, there is an “alternative lifestyle” that frustrates all of the blood in my veins. “Healthy Food.” “Whole Foods.” “Clean Living” Etc.  Why is it so different and so difficult in many parts of our country to find real food? Believers, I must implore you to remember that faith and health do go together. Corinthians 6 tells us that our bodies are not our own. They are temples of a Living God, and as such we are challenged to take care of them.

I have struggled a lot since returning to the south with the disregard for ingredient appreciation. Why do we eat food that has things in it that we know are not…oh, I don’t know…FOOD?! Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy the occasional Chick fil A sandwich and, just tonight, I indulged in chips and queso from a local Mexican restaurant. However, processed foods rarely make their ways into my home and into my cooking, and I can say with confidence that my 9-month-old baby boy has only ever eaten true foods that God made.

I’m not upset by Wilder calling David Wise’s life “alternative.” Let’s not rant on that. I am upset that our country has ruined food so much that I don’t feel comfortable feeding my baby the food unless I cooked it myself. If we’re going to rant, let’s get riled up about that. I’m also disappointed by Christians pretending that health and faith are completely separate things.

Believers, let’s remember that these bodies are not our own. Let’s intentionally choose to spend our money supporting places that provide real food. Let’s not be upset when marriage and Christianity are involved in an article with “alternative lifestyle” in the title, but let’s delete the phrase from referencing people who live trying to keep fake chemicals out of their bodies. 

Embrace change; sometimes it’s good for you. 

-Hollie

Do you speak Christianese?

Let me ask you a question. Have you ever heard someone say, "I'm looking for some meat and potatoes teaching" when referring to biblical teaching? What do these statements mean? Who came up with these sayings, and why do so many Christians reduce the teachings of the bible to these hollow phrases? I worry that it is because we don't actually have an understanding of what scripture tells us about these topics or are unsure of how to articulate our beliefs. I will list 3 "Christianese" proverbs that I've grown up hearing and even using, before I recognized the danger in it.

This is definitely not an all-inclusive list. I would love to hear some of the other Christianese phrases you have encountered.

1. "God's bringing me/us to the next level". 

This phrase is used many times during a charismatic church service where a change is getting ready to occur. I've heard it used when the leaders are looking for support for the construction of a new building or acceptance of a new ministry (i.e.. missions, community outreach,...) I've also heard it used when a person believes that God is calling them to a specific purpose that is greater than the one that they currently are in. 

There are no Christians greater than other Christians. No duty or service for Christ is greater than any other. There is no next level, but the level of perfection that we will only reach once in heaven. There are seasons though (Ecclesiastes 3). As Christians we will experience opportunities to serve in various areas, at different times in our life.  At one point in time it could be a pastoral role or one-on-one discipling role, at a later one, a financial benefactor role, or in a time of need the position of being served. (1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12:10, James 2:1-7) The best way I can interpret what the quoter is trying to express is growth in Christ. They have been given more responsibility because of God's grace and mercy or because of their faithfulness; not because they have attained a new level in the video game of Christianity. We should always keep in mind though that when we are given more responsibility or especially the role of teacher within the church, more is required of us. (Luke 12:48) We are held to a higher standard of fruitfulness and integrity. (James 3:1, 1 Timothy 3:2)

2. "Meat and potatoes" teaching. 

I really can't stand this one. What is the speaker trying to tell me? Are they looking for an inductive teaching of scripture where the teacher goes verse by verse explaining the historical background, original audience, and present day application? Or are they trying to say that they are looking for a pastor who seems to be "speaking directly" to them; where each sentence he/she preaches seems to address areas of their life where they are struggling or in need of answers? Or is this their way of letting you know that they are a mature Christian and desire to understand the words within the bible, the specific way in which we are to live them out, and be held to the standards which the bible sets? I've met few people who use this phrase and are referring to the last explanation here. I would like to know how many people who use this phrase know a particular scripture that is remotely along the same lines as this quotation...In case you're wondering, I've found some. Hebrews 5:12 and 1 Corinthians 3. They don't clearly define what a "meat and potatoes" teaching is, but it addresses what is thought of those who are constantly needing to be taught the same basic Christian principles over and over again. Hmmm...I encourage you to check these verses out, study the chapters in their entirety, and find out what the true meaning is behind the words. Your conclusion will most likely lead you to more bible reading.

Other applicable verses: James 1:23

3. "Once saved, always saved." (Either as an argument or defense)

The topic of eternal security is a hot button one (though it really shouldn't be), and I won't get into it at this time, but their is a simple point I want to make. Using this saying states to me that you don't actually have a clear understanding of what you are talking about. The debate of whether or not someone can "lose" their salvation is one deeply rooted in scripture when discussed among mature Christians and theologians. It is always referred to as a "minor" issue within the Christian faith and not a "major". Major issues are those that completely divide Christians from non Christians and minors are those that typically distinguish between different denominations or traditions within the Christian faith. Narrowing down this broad topic into a catchy phrase shows a lack of maturity. 

In case you are curious: An example of a major issue is whether or not you believe that Jesus Christ is God. Those within the Christian faith (including the various denominations) all believe this statement is true, while those outside of it, do not. 

 I worry that we have replaced reading, interpreting, and applying scripture with memorizing popular sayings that don't accurately describe the words of Jesus or the bible. These quickly spouted adages leave a lot of room for misinterpretation; especially by those who have not read the bible, those new to the faith, or those who do not follow Christianity. 

Let's take a moment and reflect. What type of words am I using to explain my faith? (Psalm 19:14) Are they ones that accurately interpret scripture? If they aren't, think about ways of making genuine change. If more study time is what you need, consider ways to incorporate it into your day. If meeting with a biblical teacher, to help make clear some uncertain verses, schedule a meeting. You're worth it, as well as the security in knowing what is promised and expected of you as a Christian. Let's be sure our faith is rooted in actual biblical teachings. Our faith is an active not passive one. 

Well, you must see now why I'm called the passionate one here at Passionate, Mindful, and Content. I love to be challenged and in turn challenge others. 

-Anjelica