Weekly Favorite Links (April 30-May 6, 2015)

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In case you haven’t noticed, it’s been a little bit quiet around here besides these weekly favorite links posts. Something that I haven’t yet mentioned on here is that I’ve been in a career transition for almost a month now (omgoodness time fliiiieeess). In other words, I’ve been funemployed. The crazy thing is that my life’s only gotten busier. How is that even possible? I don’t even know. It just turned out that way.

A lot of people in my life have been kindly checking in on me and one of the first questions they ask is to see how funemployment is turning out. To be honest, I never quite know how to answer them because I assume that they’re expecting me to reply with a “it’s been really chill and boring,” or “it’s okay, just job hunting,” or some other answer that they’ve already pre-conceived in their minds. Instead, when I tell them that it’s been pretty productive, I’m assuming that a lot of them only half-believe me and I always feel there’s a need to explain myself. So then I go and try to accurately paint a picture of what my schedule looked like during the week. (Don’t even get me started on weekends.)

It’s interesting that I feel the need to justify myself in other people’s eyes, or that I even care about what they think of me. It’s humbling to admit that I want to sound really productive, not just because it’s true, but because I want to gain recognition in their eyes. I know all of them genuinely mean well, but I also struggle with pride and don’t want them to think anything less of me because I’m not working right now at a 9-5 — thoughts that I’m lazy, unproductive, just wasting time, etc. In reality, perhaps none of them think any differently of me during this life stage, and it’s just all in my head, but I’m scared that they will.

There’s a strong temptation for me to get trapped with thoughts that are based off of my own interpretations and assumptions. It’s a silly, dangerous game that I play every day. In my heart of hearts, I want to be liked and affirmed by others. I seek their approval and worry whether I’ll fall short of their expectations for me. Believe me, I know it sounds really silly, but this battle is real. I have to remind myself that my worth is not found in my job title, or the numbers in my bank account, nor is it found in my ministries or relationships. It is also not found in being busy and productive. Instead of worrying about how others perceive me, I need to focus on how God views me and how I can use my time here on this earth more wisely to glorify him. My circumstances should not and will not define my character. The truth is, my worth is not found in my accomplishments or appearances, but on Christ’s accomplishments for me on that rugged cross so that I could have the freedom to worship God. Therefore, the only one I ever need to please, the only one that I should fear more, is him.

Christianity:

10 Questions About Marriage From Supreme Court Arguments – I have not been following the Supreme Court cases as closely as I probably should. This is one article I think everyone should read. There were some really great arguments raised about what should happen should America re-define its definition of marriage.

A God Greater Than Google – Good reminder to depend on God’s wisdom rather than the world’s. “There’s only one way to the wisdom we need to live — that is, the wisdom that brings us to life and the wisdom that makes sense of this life. If we want answers that lead to life — true, full, abundant life — we will look to its Author (Acts 3:15), not to the readily available convenience stores for wisdom.”

Busting 12 Myths About Productivity – We may oftentimes think we’re being productive when the opposite is true. #9 was a good reminder for me.

It’s Not Too Late – I do believe that God uses our emotions, including our guilt, to convict us of our sins. I agree with the author of this article: if you’re struggling with any kinds of sexual sins right now, it’s not too late for you. “It is good that you feel bad about your ongoing sin. That’s the touch of grace. You still have the chance to turn from sin’s coldness to the warmth of a forgiving Christ. If your heart was already hard beyond repair, you wouldn’t be bothered by sin. Your conviction is his kindness.”

Lip Service Theology – I loved reading this whole thing. I was just talking to a friend this past week that our actions show what we truly believe. You cannot believe one thing and act in opposite of that belief. It’s as if you didn’t really believe in the first place.

Read this to know what the media isn’t telling you regarding the judicial arguments over same-sex marriage.

When Sparks Fly Upwards – 10 important truths to remind ourselves during hard times happening around us and in our own lives.

Why God’s Will Isn’t Always Clear – “There is a tremendous glory that God displays when, without tipping his hand to us in advance, we suddenly recognize that he was working his will all along when we couldn’t see it. And he is also merciful to withhold information from us that he knows we aren’t ready to know, even if we think we really want to.”

Food:

3 Ingredient Grilled Chicken – Looks so goooood.

Banana Walnut Granola – I can already imagine this going on top of my yogurt!

Carrots With Black Garlic and Herb Yogurt – Roasted carrots are making a comeback!

Cinnamon Rolls – I want to try making these.

Homemade Pulled Nachos – Yes!

Lemon White Chocolate Scones – I’m on a lemon kick and this might be something worth trying next!

Pasta Dish for Busy Hands – Much needed. Simple ingredients really do make the best dishes. And the best part is they are good as leftovers, too!

Pecan Crusted Salmon With Lemon Glaze – I LOVE salmon. I think it’s my favorite type of fish. Using pecans and Panko is a nice twist!

Vanilla Muffins – Probably the most hardcore vanilla muffins I’ve seen in my entire life. 3 kinds of flours seems a bit much, but it’s interesting why all 3 are necessary.

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Misc:

MARTIN FREEMAN IS JOINING CAPTAIN AMERICA! Woohoo!!! So excited to have Martin Freeman join the Marvel franchise since Benedict Cumberbatch is doing the same with Dr. Strange.

Music:

The Eden Project – XO – Fact: I found out what EDM meant this week. And I like this song.