365 Project - Day 330

"There is peace in the comfort of something like a bowl of freshly cooked homemade tomato soup but to grow, we must disrupt that comfort, agitating our hearts, minds and souls knowing that once stretched, we can always bring our new self back home to be refreshed."

Joy, nurturing, peace, comfort and renewal are intertwined in the freshness of homemade soup. While I am not a big fan of traditional tomato soup, on this day, I chose to make an entirely fresh pot of tomato and basil soup, for the first time. The process was a labor of love. Chopping 18 tomatoes took quite some time, yet in the end, it was all worth it.

Is it not true that the happiness we receive in living life as we always have is momentary, like a fleeting laugh with friends or simple contentment with autumn breezes? I believe that expanding our lives with extraordinarily challenging activities, new adventures, diversity in friends and acquaintances and occasional failures, however, creates the opportunity for exceptional joy. We stretch, we grow and we find new truths. It is exciting and exhausting and drives us to want to come home again, ready for renewal.

Blessings.

Today's Photo: Prepping for Comfort: Fresh Homemade Tomato Soup

"I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint." Jeremiah 31:25

365 Project - Day 134

In this madness, I call "my life" it is important to remember the simple things. My awesome family, a cup of tea, a great belly laugh, the warmth of friendship, the bliss of music, quiet times in prayer, and comforting food. As I work on these 100+ lovely teenage faces, I have to remind myself to take a break and enjoy the simple things around me. It is those moments that expand my joy.

There is still something more simple that increases my joy. It is the constant reminder that "we know that in all God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28) It just doesn't get any easier than this!

One of the first things I look forward to cooking once I have a moment will be homemade tomato soup. This photo is a reminder of that upcoming simple comfort of a bowl of hot soup and crackers or a sandwich (haven't decided which yet) to anticipate. This was easy and fun to set up. I am even okay with chip in the spoon - that just adds a more realistic appeal.

Blessings!

Today's Photo: Simple Comfort

"What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31





EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 100
85mm
f5.6
1/180