More Treats

Last week I promised to share a few of the nourishment-bringing ravens in my life (ala Elijah at Cherith Brook).

Of course there are the deep, spiritual sources. I was recently invited to be part of a small group that gather early once a week for intensive, focused prayer. No chit-chat, no personal-issue prayer, just deep intercession. Quiet and powerful time.

I've also been savoring my iPod Bible. I'm not much of an audio learner, but when I listen WHILE also reading and underlining, I stay focused and it's been a blessing.

But that leads me on to the less sacred-sounding treats. ;-)

I adore iTunes. Recently friends have recommended songs that speak to struggles I've been having. With a few clicks, I find the song, hear a snippet, listen to ten versions by ten different artists, and then for ninety-nine cents, download my favorite. Nothing will ever replace the beauty of a real flesh-and-blood friend sitting on my living room couch, strumming a guitar, and sharing a new song. Or take the place of music celebrated in a live performance with full orchestra and a huge audience. But I have to admit, I'm enjoying the iPod world.

Along those lines, I've fallen in love with NetFlix. I joined because I was doing research for a novel coming out next year and wanted to experience how the system works (it matters to a character - heh heh). WOW! It opened a world of new video treats to me. My friend Kelli recommended the new BBC series Robin Hood and my daughter and I became instant fans. I also discovered Monarch of the Glen and thoroughly enjoyed the early seasons of the production (love those Scottish accents, kilts, and amazing scenery). I finally got to watch cable shows I'd heard about (FireFly! Wow! and Battlestar Galactica!)

Like my recent enjoyment of Plant Tycoon (and then Fish Tycoon) I know I need to pace myself. Too much electronic entertainment can be soul-numbing instead of healing. But in moderate doses, these have been true treats.

Another soul-restorative for me has been provided by Adagio Teas.
I love great quality loose tea, and I brew it in a coffee maker that is ONLY used for tea (no bitter flavor-stain from the machine). My favorite recently is Irish Breakfast.

And what goes better with hot tea than chocolate? My recent treat - Milky Way Midnight. Yum.

I've also been loving my Lands End corduroy pants. SO soft and cuddly and completely comfortable. (My number one criteria for clothing is comfort).

So many life experiences to savor and be grateful for.

Then there is crunching through piles of leaves on a walk through the neighborhood, soaking in an almost-too-hot bath after a chilly day, a leisurely phone conversation with a friend who "gets it," the feel of a wood floor under my feet as I give myself a ballet barre and free tight muscles. Ah, the soothing pattern of tendu en croix. The calming progression from plie, to tendu, to degage to ron de jamb. The expansive develope and fondu and arabesque.

Sorry, got distracted there for a minute.

I approach pleasure (especially SEEKING pleasure) with a little Puritanical suspicion. But as I've accepted treats from God's hand, it has brought a little refreshing to my spirit. And maybe it will expand my ability to appreciate the true pleasure - the eternal pleasure - of knowing Him.

Psalm 16: 11
"You have made known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand."


So what are some of your favorite treats? Foods, music, movies? Let me know!

His,

Sharon Hinck
(For recent interviews and reviews on The Restorer's Son, click here.)