Curtain Torn in Two

I don’t know about you, but for me, Good Friday is such a pivotal day. As Christ followers, this is the day we draw ever near in remembrance of the darkest moment in our Savior’s life by reflecting upon His death. Yes, Sunday is coming–praise the Lord! But Sunday didn’t come before Friday and Friday must hold a paramount place in our life if we strive to grow with Him and really acknowledge the full weight of what He did for us. He came and humbled himself, taking on the form of a man, yet He was God. There’s never been another and never will there be again. One man–one God–who lived, died and rose again for the sake of the world! He suffered and died for sins that were not His and what can we give Him in return? Only ourselves. In complete surrender. Not just the little convenient parts that we’re willing to let go of–but every piece of us. 100%, full on, have it Your way Lord, surrender. We all fall short of the glory of God, but when we believe in Him as The Way, The Truth and The Life, this day reminds us that if our sins were buried with Him, we are to also live in the newness of life. For me, it’s incredibly convicting as I don’t want to nail Him to that cross time and again by living in contradiction to what He has said. And He has said much. I am forever indebted as His servant and I want to grow deeper as He continues the work of sanctification in my life. There is no greater honor than to love, know and live for the King of Kings. Thank you, Lord, that the curtain was torn in two!

So, here’s the deal. I’ve loved celebrating Easter for as long as I can remember and it’s always been my absolute favorite holiday. Truly!!! I loved driving into the city and picking out a new Easter dress every year–(the only time I ever recall enjoying my mom taking us shopping and to the mall). I loved dying those hard-boiled eggs, putting those little plastic wrappers on them and even getting to paint them. I loved knowing my parents picked out a new porcelain rabbit for my little collection from the drug store and the eagerness of finding out what the newest little bunny to join the club would look like. I loved my baby blue Easter basket that was hand sewn with my name and appeared ready for the mad dash in the yard like clockwork every year. More than any of this, I absolutely loved getting up and going to church more than any other Sunday during the year–and it wasn’t because of my new dress. Even when I was young, God was placing that special root of anticipation in my heart that continues to this day. Though I couldn’t exactly pin point my excitement back then, I get it now. I get so excited about celebrating Resurrection Sunday with the body of believers who also believe in the most miraculous event in history because it is just that–the most miraculous even in history! There’s nothing quite like a sunrise service on Easter morning. Shouting “He is risen, indeed”, singing “Christ the Lord is Risen Today“, seeing the lilies in full bloom and coming home to hunt eggs in the yard while the ham is releasing tasty aromas in the kitchen. You have to love it!

This year will be different from all the others, though. Yesterday I was put on complete bed rest and told I could only get up to take a shower. What?! Naturally, the first thing I asked when the doctor gave me his orders was if I could still go to church (surely full bed rest didn’t mean “all the time”). He said “I’m all for church, but no. You really can’t get up and go anywhere from here on. This is for the sake of you and the baby.” Of course, my immediate intention was to completely ignore the man. I mean, he must be crazy! Even people who don’t go to church go on Easter! But, after speaking with my parents (both physicians), they said I needed to listen to him because he was right. And, while the sweet nurse at his office said I could watch it online, we all know that is no substitute for fellowship. This is the first in my 29 years thus far where I’m missing  not only a Good Friday service, but Easter Sunday service, too. I literally can’t explain how devastated I am. I am so grateful I was at least able to go watch “The Passion of the Christ” at church last Sunday evening. A newer tradition since that movie wasn’t around when I was growing up, but one I’ve done for several years. So grateful I was at least able to worship in that way and take communion.

I know people who aren’t Christ followers won’t “get it” (and that’s okay!). But for those who are, I know you understand where I’m coming from. Yes, Jesus Christ is the risen Lord every day and yes, I actively attend worship services weekly with thanksgiving that we have such a freedom. But it’s the special unity of the body, the excitement of knowing so many are there listening to the Truth who never come and may come to know Him that Sunday. It’s a uniquely beautiful time like none other and one of unspeakable joy. I look forward to Easter all year, but this experience is especially eye-opening. Having to come off the season of Lent and delving deep into Holy Week all to celebrate the empty tomb, and now not being able to celebrate that with fellow believers–this is a year I’ll never forget. I just want everyone to know that if you’re able, please go and worship somewhere this weekend. It’s such an awesome privilege we have and when you can’t go and want to go, it makes you wonder all the more why people who can go choose not to go.

Next year, Lord willing, I’ll get to take a little boy shopping for his first Easter suit! In the meantime, it’s my job for the next few days to try to keep us both as well as possible because it seems very likely he will come a couple of weeks earlier than planned. So, if you are a believer, please be in prayer for both of us–for our health and safety the next few days and during the delivery process. This is all very unexpected, but it was not unknown. God is in control and had this is in the plan, but do intercede for us during this time. Thank you! I’ll know far more on Monday. I’ve been to the doctor three times in the last 24-hours with lots of monitoring and tests taking place. Hopefully there will be no extra twists to this adventure taking me to the hospital over the weekend, and by Monday afternoon I’ll know better if our little boy will be arriving next week or if we have a major turn of events and get to wait for him to come in a less eventful way (that sure sounds better!).

I know this post is a bit all over the map. But really, what it comes down to is this: I’m here, stuck in bed and so grateful to God for what He has done. It is finished!!! I’m trying not to wallow in the fact that I have to miss services tonight and the celebration on Sunday. In doing so, I’ve been thinking so much about all the people who’ve never gone to church, who’ve never heard the Word of God, those who can’t go to church and then all the people who choose not to go to church. We live in a country where we have the freedom to go and worship publicly! This, my friends, is a MAJOR gift not to be taken lightly. We can stand together in one place at one time and do as Christ asked and while doing this, be a bold, bright light for Him. There are people all over the world who die because they accept Christ as their Savior and refuse to deny Him when pressed. There are people who must celebrate and read the Bible in dark, private places because it’s illegal to do so anywhere else. And here we are, in a country where we have the absolute privilege of going and growing with the Body of Christ and people choose not to. I really don’t get it. So even though you probably don’t know me, I ask that if you never go, you would just go for me this weekend. Obviously, I want you to first and foremost go for God. But if that’s not where you’re at yet, then would you just go for me and see if you aren’t blessed?!

HE IS RISEN, INDEED!

Dandelion Wishes

Dear Little Baby,

You and I are living life together right now, and it won’t be much longer until I am no longer feeling your sweet kicks or your tumbling practice. With only a couple of weeks left until you make your grand entrance, I’m soaking up every second of this time with you. Right now, your little hands are waving “hello” and leaving loving marks on my belly. And your sleep patterns keep telling me I should probably be resting too–of course, that’s just a nice desire that I haven’t really gotten to enjoy.

In a short while, I’ll be teaching those same hands how to be gentle with others, how to give generously without being asked, how to throw a ball as far and fast as you’re able. We’ll do everything from finger-painting to painting on canvas and making sand castles by the shore. And, of course, I’ll teach your hands how to respect and play an instrument. Today your hands are tiny, but one day they will be waving goodbye as you embrace life and the unique journey God calls you to. I won’t hold your hands for very long, but I’ll hold this unique time in my heart forever.

I want you to excel in every single area, little one. Perfection is unrealistic. Only Jesus was perfect and that’s because He is God. Excellence, however, should be pursued and taken seriously. Whatever your gifts, know that it takes perseverance, training and dedication to enhance a skill. Anyone can be good at things, but those who are excellent at something are so because they spent the time and put forth the effort to go beyond the norm. Work hard and don’t settle for mediocrity or it will become acceptable in all areas of life. God gave you a brain, so use it. He gave you hands, so work with them. He gave you feet, so move where He leads and He gave you life–so no matter what–LIVE it! Time is precious and is not meant to be wasted. Work hard all the days of your life and never stop using your gifts. Don’t ever waste the time He has given you.

You’ll face troubles in this world and I won’t be able to stop the pain you will face. I don’t know what will come your way, but I do know every moment is a teachable one and there are lessons to be learned in every situation. Try and embrace whatever burdens you face knowing there truly is a reason and God wants you to cling to Him and learn whatever it is He’s trying to teach you. Sometimes, my little man, things happen because you are making poor choices and you need to be corrected. Sometimes things will happen, though, because others have made choices that impact you and cause you to hurt or be in conflict. Know it’s your job to keep on loving and forgiving. Forgiveness is another topic for another time, but whatever may be the root  cause of the trial, don’t stay in the valley of darkness. Keep pressing on knowing there will come a day when the pain will be lifted and it won’t be so dark anymore. And on that day, you’ll be so much wiser and able to better process and handle the next trial. And, you will be able to help other people face their own struggles because you have been there and know there is another side to the page.

All we are given is this day. You never know when your time will come, so live life with passion, with wisdom and with grace. Know that age has nothing to do with maturity. People can grow old without ever growing up. Every person is born with a blank slate before them and it’s up to them to turn that blank slate into an intricately beautiful masterpiece filled with depth and vibrancy.

I pray you will grow mature in every way. First and foremost, I want you to be spiritually mature because your beliefs about God will impact every other decision you make. From how you spend your time, to how you use your gifts. To the people you allow yourself to be influenced by and the choices you make in the company you keep. If you accept Christ as your Savior (and this is my primary and fervent prayer), that should be evident in how you grow and develop in all these areas and so many more. You should be mature in how you make and spend His money (it’s all His), how you speak to others, how you serve Him in church, in society and in your home.  It doesn’t happen by mere osmosis or wishful thinking. Surround yourself with those who exhibit the character qualities you desire to have and be humble enough to learn from them. Be a respectable man who knows how to follow so that you may also be able to lead.

There are many things and people who will try to steal your attention away from the Lord. As long as you live on this earth you must make learning and living out His Word your number one priority or you’ll quickly be swept up by other things. Of course, this is assuming you will trust and believe in Christ on your own. My faith has nothing to do with yours. I pray that God will open your eyes and heart to His Truth and you will know Him as your Lord. If you truly live for Him, everything else will fall into place. But remember–obedience is costly! Christ gave His life as a sacrificial offering and if you are His disciple, you will have to make sacrifices as well. It will not always be easy–but it will be rewarding and He will give you all the strength you need to do whatever He asks. This I promise. Beware of anyone who tries to tell you that everything should come easy and life with Christ is a cakewalk. Completely untrue. Practice discernment at all times when it comes to who you are listening to and always, always, always study Scripture for yourself to know when error is being told. You can’t truly know God without truly knowing His Word.

Well, precious baby, I’m so looking forward to our first 4th of July together, taking you to the parade every year, going to the beach, fishing, camping, dying Easter eggs and taking lots of pictures in the bluebonnets! We’ll make plenty of memories as a family and I’m so excited. This is a new season that will never come again and one that I know will have it’s fair share of struggles–but one where the joy will far outweigh any of those things.

Know I love you even though I haven’t yet met you. I’m your parent and it’s my job to teach you, shelter you and help you grow into a man who will go off and impact this world (hopefully in a positive way!). I will make more than a few mistakes (and your daddy will too), and we will need your forgiveness along the way. You’re a gift on loan to us from above and no matter what this chapter with you as the title holds, it is one I’m so grateful was written.

With Curious Expectation,

Your Mommy

Protected: Oh, Baby! (Part II)

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Oh, Baby!

It goes without saying life is a gift from God and I am so thankful for this gift. For God creating me. For my mom choosing to carry and give birth to me. For both my parents teaching me what it meant to live life with integrity. With all of its sadness, joy, peaks and valleys it is an incredible journey to be treasured because it is a precious gift. Life.

Throughout my life I’ve had many interesting experiences with more than enough of those peaks and valleys to spare. The thing is, I wouldn’t (and couldn’t) change one moment because that would impact all of the others. Example: If I hadn’t gone back to college after my record deal I never would have met Husband. If I hadn’t gone to seminary I would not know and work with my former apartment managers/seminarians at the incredible radio ministry I now have the honor of being part of some seven years later! If I hadn’t thrown caution to the wind and gone to a women’s retreat where I knew only one person, I never would have met my precious blessing of a friend, Joanne. Life. Such a marvelous mystery!

You’ve read about Joanne before on this blog when we painted my fabulous piano. You can read more about that journey over here. Joanne is actually an aerospace engineer by trade, but far beyond that she is an incredible woman who loves the Lord and her family. She put her engineering hat aside when she became a mom to Luke (love this little man), seven years ago and decided to home-school. Let me tell you something, she is doing a phenomenal job because her son is brilliant! She also takes care of her hysterical husband, Alan, and since they’ve moved to the heart of downtown Dallas from the burbs, she is starting to gain very due recognition for her incredible design talents. People are asking my dear friend to design their homes/condos/spaces and are blown away by what she can do! You get the picture. So, when Joanne said she would like to throw me a baby shower, I was incredibly grateful for her friendship and excited to see what she would come up with. She did not disappoint and I only wish I could live that day over and over!

While I knew the shower would be beautiful, my dear collection of friends who came were in awe of Joanne’s design talents because for most, it was the first time they’d met her or seen her home. I’ll never be able to thank her enough for loving Baby and me so much that she would take such precious time and put in the amount of effort and resources she did to shower us so wonderfully. So, I wanted to share a few pics from the day and in my next post I’ll share more about the beautiful women that the Lord has brought into my life and the ways He has blessed this growing family through all of them. Before then, check out the world I had the honor of entering into this weekend! I can’t believe this was MY shower…thankful, thankful, thankful.

Mary, Mother of God

As Christmas quickly approaches and I’m over the halfway mark with my first pregnancy, I can’t help but feel more amazed than ever before at what Mary must have been feeling when she was carrying the Son of God. Me, I’m carrying a son who belongs to God the Father, but he is only a human. Mary, on the other hand, was carrying deity! I can’t even fathom.

Now, I grew up Catholic, and I have a few pet peeves when listening to many Protestants who have never actually been Catholic but are set on bashing them any chance they get. For example, some in the Protestant circle like to spread the notion that all Catholics worship Mary. This was never something I was taught to do, or did–and I even went to Catholic school! Whether or not other people do, I can’t say, but none of my Catholic friends (and I have many), place her at the level of Christ. I did, however, esteem Mary in my heart and recognized her as a vital person God chose to use. I’m thankful I grew up understanding and acknowledging the invaluable role she played in bringing the Savior into the world rather than going out of my way to reduce her to merely another woman.

I was baptized, confirmed and raised Catholic, only to be re-baptized at 18 in a Bible church because they believed solely in baptism by immersion. My second baptism was not, however, because I had recently come to faith in Christ–I had long believed in Him. But, it was the only way I could become a member at that church and use my gifts. I won’t sit on the subject of baptism, but I’ve spent the past 11-years in conservative Bible churches and even graduated with my M.A. from a conservative evangelical seminary–something I’m very grateful for and would not change. I’ve had much time to ponder different dogmas and doctrines associated with various Christian denominations and have a wide array of thoughts I could amuse you with but I’m not here to argue or debate, I’m here simply to share what God places on my heart. And today, that happens to be the role of Mary in the Christmas story.

While most conservative churches are very vocal on why they differ in many areas (as they should be), it’s obvious many are separating themselves from very important parts of church history in an effort to remain as removed as possible from all things Catholic. They literally have chosen to throw the baby out with the bathtub more often than not. I could go on right now, but let me just give this word to all of my fellow Protestant friends: Believe it or not, Martin Luther was not the first believer, though by the way the Reformation is elevated in many circles, it seems people must think this. It wasn’t true then and isn’t true now. God has shown people the Truth throughout history and not merely as a result of the Reformation.

Now, when it comes to Mary I want to state very clearly: Mary is not deity and not worthy of our worship. But, my friends, neither is Paul! That’s right…I said it. In Protestant camps we often speak of Paul and his writings as though he were the most important and central man God used–we gush over him as though he were as important as Christ. I say, what’s the difference in what Catholics do with Mary vs. what Protestants do with Paul? Yep. Ultimately, it’s up to us as individuals to correctly understand The Word. Mary, regardless of your thoughts, was the one young woman the One and only Almighty God predetermined to use to bear the Savior of the world! Hello. I think that’s pretty astonishing when you stop and think of all the other ways and people He could have used to become God in the flesh. Don’t you? If we keep reducing her to the point of nothing special it won’t be long until she’s not in the nativity scenes.

The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God.  And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus.  He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David;  and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end” (Luke 1:31-33). And Mary said, “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).

Mary, a teenager, had enough faith and trust in God to respond in a more mature manner than many adults. She was completely obedient to the call on her life, and instead of running away in fear she said “may it be done to me according to your word”. That is a powerful lesson for all of us. We need to quit acting as though Mary was nothing more than another woman and Paul was more important than everyone else. Mary, just like every other figure in the Bible, was someone of great importance–crucial, actually. While God could have used and would have used another means of entering the world in the flesh, He didn’t. The truth is, that He chose and used this woman. And because we worship Him, we should stand amazed at the role she played in the greatest story of all time because it is revering Him for what He did.

These are my thoughts this Advent season as we approach Christmas. Thank God He chose a woman who would show us what obedience looks like and that she cared more about God than herself when many others would have simply said “no”. She gave birth to God incarnate, raised Him, loved Him as only a mother can and then watched as He died for sins that were not His. I’m so grateful for the gift of Christ and I’m grateful I’m not the woman who had to experience watching my child cling to a cross.

‘Tis the Season to Save Jesus in Montana!

URGENT CALL TO ACTION — Tis’ the season to save Jesus from being torn down in Whitefish, Montana. The Kalispell Knights of Columbus chapter erected a statue of Jesus in 1953 to honor the 10^th Mountain Division soldiers who fought in Europe during WWII. I am asking that all of you who support the Jesus, the Knights of Columbus and this long-standing memorial, to make certain your voices are heard. The period for public comments closes tomorrow, Thursday, December 8, 2011.

To ensure your comments are recorded properly, email comments-northern-flathead-tally-lake@fs.fed.us with the subject line: “Knights of Columbus Special Use Permit Reauthorization Project”. If you prefer to fax your comments, address them to: Project Leader Derek Milner, Tally Lake Ranger District, 650 Wolfpack Way, Kalispell, MT 59901; FAX (406) 758-5367. To call and voice your concerns directly, please see the end of this post for additional information.

For over 50-years the Big Mountain Jesus statue has never been the source of controversy. It was only when a certain atheist group, Freedom From Religion Foundation, became aware of the monument, that the battle to defend this memorial began. The Wisconsin-based group says that since Jesus stands on federal property held by the United States Forest Service, that it is a violation of church and state. The group is urging the Forest Service not to reauthorize the Knights’ permit for the statue. Those of us who are in support of the statue remaining, however, feel the statue should remain because it was erected as a memorial for WWII soldiers. That being said, everyone should have a right to free speech and not be bullied by a liberal atheist agenda.

Much of the mountain land on which Jesus stands is currently leased to a ski resort. Hiram Sasser, an attorney for Liberty Institute, the group working on behalf of The Knight’s of Columbus, says “When the government allows its property to be used for various purposes, like a ski resort, then they open it up to public expression, and they can’t exclude a memorial based on religious grounds.”

Forest Supervisor Chip Weber issued the decision to deny the lease renewal in August, though the renewals have been granted every 10 years since 1955 without incident. Due to the public outcry over the decision, Flathead National Forest officials asked the public to voice their thoughts on the issue. A final decision on whether or not they will allow the Jesus statue to remain where it has stood all these years will be made in early 2012.

Please ensure your voice is heard today and the statue of Jesus is protected. In addition to sending your emails and faxes, also take a moment and call any or all of the following individuals who are influential in the decision to renew the lease and allow this memorial to stay.

Chip Weber, Flathead National Forest Supervisor (406) 758-5208

Brian Schweitzer, Governor, State of Montana (406) 444-3111

Denny Rehberg, U.S. House of Representatives, Montana Congressman D.C. Office: (202) 225-3211

Jon Tester, U.S. Senate, Montana Senator Kalispell Office: (406) 257-3360

Max Baucus, U.S. Senate, Montana SenatoR Kalispell Office: (406) 756-1150

Turkey Time 2011!!!

It’s almost that time of year again…you know what I’m talking about! Time to give thanks to the Lord for all He’s done while also stuffing your face. Gluttony much? Lord, help us! I know there are many types of people who celebrate this day because of its historical significance as part of American tradition. But I do hope that people will take the time to be thankful for all they’ve been given and to restore its meaning as more than just a time to overeat and sleep and overeat some more. Now that I’ve spent time on my soapbox (see–I’m aware); I’m in the mood to share (and prepare) what’s on the menu for my family (Husband, Mom, Bro and SIL).

We’re a small group these days, compared to the large groups of people who gathered together when I was growing up (I miss the craziness that comes with big numbers), but I’m so grateful these three are coming over to share with us. Husband and I are in our first home and we need to kick off the first year here properly as we begin our own family traditions.

So, here’s the deal–I’m not a big fan of turkey…growing up we always had a turkey AND a ham. Of course, I was a vegetarian then, so that didn’t really matter other than to instill a resolve in me that I still think it’s natural to serve both. Seeing as how we’ve become such a small group of people since those days, we’re just having the turkey this year. Now, if you’re like me and actually not that impressed with the bird you’ve been served, I have exciting news to share!

It was Thanksgiving ’08 when my brother accidentally overdosed our turkey with two jars of this:  Oh. My. Word. Greatness.

Of course, don’t forget about this:  Now, I don’t have a clue where you’re from or what your personal traditions are, but my family has one of these puppies and it’s life-changing. Seriously–you WILL like turkey.  In fact, that same Thanksgiving where my brother used two jars instead of one (Thank you, very much!), we had my Great Aunt Hazel and Great Uncle Leonard over and instead of them eating their requested smoked turkey (which was on the table), they indulged in this with much satisfaction!

Now, I can’t spill the beans on our SWEET POTATO recipe because it’s pretty much the ONLY family secret we have–but I won’t eat other people’s sweet potatoes in a dish (yes, I’m a S.P. snob…blame those amazing Thanksgiving traditions). BUT, what I will tell you, is these sweet potatoes involve fresh oranges, rum and a few other key ingredients. The result? Something I’m afraid to have now that we’re pregnant. Oh yes…I haven’t shared that with you yet. WE’RE PREGNANT!!! So, for the sake of baby, no S.P. greatness this year:(. And no, I don’t want your plain old orange mush topped with marshmallows. Thank you very much. Moving on. (Hey, I already admitted to being a snob about my sweet potatoes, so don’t hate;).

Next up, GREEN BEAN BUNDLES…AHHHH. My grandma used to make these and then my mom, and of course, I make them, too. Super easy and it’s one of the only times I say it’s okay to eat full fat bacon. All you do is take green beans (the good ones) and wrap em in a slab of fat (bacon). If anyone tells you to add anything else to this simple dish–stop the conversation and just walk away. The result:  Heaven with a toothpick stuck in the middle.

CRANBERRY RELISH!!! That’s right. I’m not talking canned store-bought crapola, here (though I would only eat that when I was a kid–thank goodness my taste buds grew up a bit!)…I mean real cranberries made into a yummy relish that winds up looking something like this:  Love it. Love it. Love it.

I’ll be honest, here…not the biggest fan of DRESSING. I can honestly take it or leave it. At the end of the day, though…it comes with the Thanksgiving territory. This is not my specialty–it is another family recipe and all I know is the women in my lineage are not big on dressing from a box and it seems to be a BIG deal. Now, while I totally took someone else’s photo, ours looks very similar to this:  

What’s left…oh, well…homemade gravy (no pic. of this for obvious reasons…we don’t use the giblets, though) and I suppose we’ll have rolls or mashed potatoes. No matter what, there will be the new addition to the menu this year–ROASTED CARROTS: 

Okay, so once the main meal is over and done with, most people move on to something like pecan pie, pumpkin pie and cheesecake. Of course, we had to change these things up just a bit, too. My Great Aunt Hazel used to make the best pecan pie (from scratch, of course), but my SIL made a dang good version and I have zero clue what she did to it, but it’s a recipe from her family and I’m just glad we get to experience it on this side of things.

My madre always makes LEMON JELLO CHEESECAKE and it’s SO good. I personally don’t care for the “real NY cheesecake”–it’s just too rich for my tastes. This cheesecake is light, cool and fluffy. Here are the ingredients: 

And last, but certainly not least is the Nolen Family closer…PUMPKIN DREAM PIE: Now, it goes without saying you’ll have to make fresh whipped cream for all these mouth-watering and waist expanding treats, but it’s just a fact of life. Cool Whip won’t cut it for Thanksgiving!

Okay, so you know what’s on my mind right now. I have a lot of grocery shopping to do and it’s past lunch time and I’m starving. So, it’s off to get a nice turkey sandwich. If only it were fried…