SimplyLife

Next week begins the Lenten season. The Church has long remembered the 40 days before the Son of God's supreme sacrifice for us by observing some form of self-denial during this period. Many give up meat or desserts. Some give up TV shows, social media, maybe Farmville, or attend special church services. None of this is bad or wrong. But in the end we have every intention of picking up where we left off. We won't give up sweets forever and how would that really change our lives spiritually? I've participated in giving up something for Lent on occasion. My church tradition doesn't really make a great deal of Lent. There is a certain satisfaction in knowing I have the self-discipline to get through 40 days without touching a cookie or a piece of candy. The act doesn't change me. That first bite of dessert after its absence is heavenly. In fact, I can hardly wait. The question I have to ask myself is how has that made me more like Christ? Plainly it hasn't. So ...

Cochise County is called the "Land of Legends" and the Western history you'll find in its mountains, canyons and towns bear that moniker out. The county is named for the famous Chihuahua Apache chief, Cochise.  A legendary chief who was never defeated in battle, he at last made a treaty with the U.S. government in 1872. An excellent article on Cochise is found here . His last home before his death was Cochise Stronghold in the Dragoon Mountains. He and his Apache army raided the area with impunity, killing ranchers, settlers, and Butterfield Stagecoach drivers.  Some of his faithful followers took his body back to the Stronghold and buried him in an unknown location. A single white man knew the grave site, but never revealed it. The Stronghold is about 35 miles as the crow flies from Casa Wallace, but alas, no roads that make it a short trip. Instead, we take the I-10 east and exit at Dragoon Road to make the trip of 1.5 hours to the remote mountain area. After passing ...

Accountability is one of those words we avoid. It's downright uncomfortable and we tend to become instantly defensive. It's kind of like using "budget" in a sentence. Both of these words have negative connotations, but both are in reality good. Everyone has a budget--some are bigger than others, but we all have financial limits. Accountability is everywhere in the work world, from a timesheet to using the company credit card. As believers we need to be accountable for the life we live. The word is defined as t he state of being accountable, liable, or answerable. (dictionary.com) Humans don't like to answer for their actions. Watch the news and see how people work so hard to squirm out of being responsible for their own behavior. Accountability is living a transparent life, one full of God's light shining unhindered to a very dark world. Everyone will stand before God one day and give an account of his or her life. Romans 14:12 says, "So then,...

If you're a new puppy owner and don't have a crate, you don't have all the tools necessary to train your dog. The crate isn't about punishment; it's about a safe place for that four-footed ball of fur with the wagging tail.  Here's why you need a crate: 1. Dogs naturally love a den and the crate can provide that space of comfort and safety for the new addition to the family. 2. A crate will help you housetrain the new puppy with less stress on you and the dog. 3. It's a safe place for napping and getting away from the bustle of the household. (No--not you, the puppy.) Puppies are babies and need their rest. 4. A crate-trained dog will travel better whether in the car or in the air. Here's how to start crate training your new puppy: 1. Purchase a crate that comfortably accommodates your dog at his anticipated adult size.  If you're bringing home an 8-week old Labrador, don't purchase a small crate that fits him this week. Puppies grow...

God knows us so well. We're anxious, fearful people--ever worrying about life. No wonder  He says, "don't be afraid," over 300 times in Scripture. I did a little research on anxiety and it's everywhere. The Anxiety and Depression Assoc. of America reports that over 40 million adults in the U.S. struggle with some sort of anxiety disorder. From occasional bouts of worry to debilitating lifestyles of fear, worry often accompanied by depression permeates our culture. Christians are not immune.  We toss and turn in our beds, minds fully engaged and sleep elusive. God says, "Trust Me and don't worry. Tell Me everything that's bothering you. I will take care of you." But do we believe Him?  Richard Foster in his book, Freedom of Simplicity says "The pressing question today is not, "Is there a God?" but "What kind of God is there?" Is God cruel or is He good? In short, can He be trusted?" Anxiety has trapped me fro...

Every region in the U.S. has its own unique flora and flavors, and the Southwest is no exception. You won't find strawberries and tomatoes growing without a lot of assistance in the high desert. But there are native fruits and vegetables that are surprisingly tasty and have the stamina to thrive in tough Arizona soil. Tomatillos  (pronounced toe- ma -tee-yos) are small green fruits that look like little tomatoes--hence their Spanish name tomatillo. A member of the nightshade family, it's a near relative of the Cape gooseberry. It's also called a husk tomato because the fruit is wrapped in an inedible husk that browns as the fruit ripens. The tomatillo has a high pectin content making it suitable for preserves. The fruit has a bright, rather sour flavor and is used in salsa verde. Tomatillos grow wild on the roadsides near Casa Wallace. I haven't harvested any since wild plants produce tiny fruits but salsa verde is great. Here's a link to a recipe for making you...