ArtPower is a Chinese publisher that recently printed a book full of DIY projects, one of which I had the honor to contribute! My upcycled inspiration board was also featured on Design Sponge two years ago…wow, it just seems like yesterday! Check it out if you want an up close view of what’s in the book.
Earlier this season, shortly after my return from WI, my sister hosted the most scrumptious of parties. Like me, she worked on a CSA farm over the summer, but did what is called a worker’s share. Rather than paying for a CSA share she worked for it. While I was off WWOOFing in WI, Sar worked on a tiny farm in our county and met some pretty neat people, so to celebrate the closing of a season and for “just becauses” she made up dozens of her signature Spancy Bakes style pizza crusts with a la carte toppings. (She kindly made gluten free crusts for a couple of us non wheat eaters :) Paired with a Katherine inspired salad and lots of laughter, the night was a success!
So far I’ve been away more this month than I’ve been home. Now that the crazy traveling has slowed for a while I’m enjoying this season and looking forward to plans in the future. I really can’t believe October is wrapping up, which means I graduate in less than two months! I get asked all the time what I plan to do when I graduate, and so far I don’t know. The thought of a free schedule and more time to invest in freelance and this blog are first on my agenda. Beyond that life will be considered prayerfully one step at a time. If I had to guess though it will probably include trip(s) to Wisconsin :)
Now for this recipe. It.is.so.yummmmm! I’ve posted several recipes using Frank’s Finest spice blends, because they are perfect. I don’t have to guess or play scientist to get the flavor just right. The spice blends are perfect just as they are, which is why this granola was quite the hit. It’s the perfect fall treat!
Autumn Dessert Granola
4 c buckwheat groats (soaked and dehydrated)
3 c oat groats (soaked and dehydrated)
12 oz maple syrup
1 c flax seeds
1 c hemp seeds
1 c raisins
1 T Frank’s Finest Autumn Dessert Spice blend
1/2 t Celtic Sea salt
Grind oat groats into a flour. In a large mixing bowl combine all ingredients. Dehydrate until crunchy and enjoy with milk of your choice!
So I listen to rap music. Christian rap music. “Halt. Stop. Wait! Christian rap music? Isn’t that an oxymoron?” Hmmm that would be a negative.
I’ve heard every argument under the sun from fellow Christians about music and what is deemed “appropriate”. I neither have the time nor the desire to monologize a divisive argument here on my own blog. Maybe someday I’ll give a detailed report of my thoughts, but until then here’s my bluntly simple answer.
There has never been any music* I have ever listened to that is more edifying or Scripturally based than that written and preformed by certain** Christian rappers.
With that, a new acquaintance put it well saying,
“I’ve never seen a good Biblical argument against rap music. In fact, I would go so far as to say that our brothers in Christ who are Christian Rappers bring more glory to God in both their music and lifestyle than any other Christian musician I can think of…[Guys] like Lecrae, Flame, Trip Lee, Sho Baraka, Derek Minor, Tedashii, Shai Linne, Thisl and lots more.
These guys in no way conform to the world. Unlike most Christians, they are actually in the world preaching the Gospel and transforming lives. Not just saving the lost, but through their music also discipling new Christians in Godly living. I’ve been to a few Christian rap concerts, and in all honesty, I saw God’s name more glorified at those concerts than I’ve seen glorified in most church services. And yes, all of this is based on my premise that rap music isn’t only Biblically acceptable, but it is necessary for the furthering of God’s kingdom.
I totally understand if certain people don’t like the style of rap music. But it shows poor character for Christians to attack other Christians using arguments based on unbiblical presuppositions of the purpose of music.”
Pictured is Andy Mineo from a local concert I recently attended.
*Just because I enjoy rap music doesn’t mean it’s the ONLY kind of music I listen to. I like all kinds of music :)
**116 Clique, Reach Records