This weekend tornadoes blew across the state and continued their destructive dance across the south. Many were hurt. Many lost their lives. Even more lost all their worldy belongings. My prayers are with them.
As for my family, we spent the evening glued to the TV, the laptop, and Twitter for updates – ready for the moment we should seek shelter. The storms were brewing and we needed a place to hide. As we waited for the “take cover” warning to fall, I couldn’t help but think of the parallel to life.
I’ve been in a whirlwind the last few years. You may have found yourself in one, too. Just like tornadoes, these storms of life seem to form on the sunniest days- without warning. For me in the midst of it, it was exhausting. At times, I will admit…I was very very scared. Scared of failing and scared of the next steps in life. Where does one find shelter in these times? In a busy calendar? In keeping up with the Jones family? ( By the way – who are these infamous Jones people?) In achievement at work? In shopping? In food? In your children?
When I was in 5th grade, I went to summer camp for the first time. I learned to sing songs to God that weren’t in a hymnal. Beautiful love songs. One – in particular – became my heart song. “You are my Hiding Place”. I never heard it anywhere except each summer at camp. Throughout the year I would sing it to myself- whenever I was afraid – afraid of not fitting in, not being perfect, not being loved, and when the clouds began to roll in. I must have sung it a million times in high school alone. I’ve spent my life finding refuge and strength in the words this song. (you can listen to Selah’s version by hitting the mini player above)
While the winds of my life have stilled for the moment, I know the storms will blow again. I will seek shelter. I will hide in the words of this song. To be honest – I sometimes take the long winding road to this refuge. But when I finally arrive, I always find God’s unfailing strength. You will too.
You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance – Psalms 32:7
It’s been awhile since I’ve made an entry under “boots’ camp”. Frilly dress /bathing suit season is frightfully near. The warmer weather reminds me that comfort food of the winter has made my spring duds a little less comfy to wear. Never fear, its a great time to make some more tweaks to my habits. Confession – I’m a snacker. I honestly could live on party food, snacks and sweets. Thankfully there are so many healthier options out there these days to make my afternoon crunch time – a little less guilt ridden. I plan to start sharing a few more of my recipes and food finds along the way. 
In a complete about face from my previous ladylike post, I have the sense of humor of a fourth grade boy….which is why I find this snack not only delicious – but the name makes me giggle. Pirates Booty is an all natural rice / corn puff. No trans fats ( those yucky globules that gum up your arteries) and they are gluten free. ( Gluten is a protein in wheat to which many many folks are developing an allergy signified by intestinal pain, joint pain, and/or skin rash). I’ve been lovin’ the Aged white cheddar flavor for over a year now after I noticed my health conscious best friend feeding it to her two year old. If you’ve never seen it, it is usally over in the “healthy/ natural” section of your local market. When I shopped Whole Foods last week, I was ecstatic to find the myriad of flavors available. Salt & Vinegar, Veggie, Cheddar, BBQ. They also have them available in snack bags of 1oz serving making them perfect for packing a lunch for kids or yourself or toting to the pool or ballfield. A 1 oz serving has 130 calories and 5 gm fat which is comparable to baked chips – but these little puffs provide more volume and crunch time, plus all the flavor and NO orange dust all over your fingers when you are finished. Just like the package says “thar be good”. Silly name, low in calories means a perfect snack for a laughternoon break.
Disclosure: the FCC prefers me to tell you that Pirates Booty nor Whole Foods is paying me to write this. Of course, I would be thrilled if they would. But they aren’t - these are strictly my lil ol opinions.
Cheers, Y’all!
