How are you defined?

The movie “Inside Out” introduced me to this idea of core memories. These are events or key moments in your life. Each core memory powers a separate island of your personality. Core memories essentially define who you are.

One of my personality islands would be a food island. I would be hard pressed to provide one core memory that power this island. Maybe it was my early love of tomatoes, that I was willing to try all foods like raw onion and buttermilk from an early age, or my obsession over Rachel Ray’s 30 Minute Meals.

Or it could be one of my memories that takes place in the rolling hills and farmlands of a quaint English town. Picturesque, but not too good to be true.

In my youth, my dad worked at a military base by the small town of Mildenhall, England. It was incredible and I have so many amazing memories from that time in my life. I met a lot of you from that time in my life.

On a drive home from church one Sunday afternoon, my dad deviated from the normal route home.

Quickly the “where are we going” questions commenced from the back of the gold minivan.

We ended up at a lovely little farm with a large greenhouse. We explored and perused the available produce. I was standing at my dad’s side when he picked up an odd-looking vegetable, asparagus.

Now I’m sure I had seen and tasted asparagus before this time, but this time felt like the first time and was very exciting for me.

We went home and had the asparagus with lunch. I’m not sure what else we had with that meal, but there was asparagus. I often asked to drive by the little farm for more.

To anyone else this is a story of no consequence. But to me it’s meaningful. I remember it almost 20 years later and I thought of it just yesterday when I made a little side of lemon, parm asparagus for our steak dinner.

I do think memories are important. Maybe there are core memories in real life, not just movies. But ultimately, I am not defined by my experiences, memories, or talents. God defines who I am.

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I am justified, redeemed. Romans 3:24

I am a child of God. Romans 8:17

I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14

He is my potter, and I am the clay. Isaiah 64:8

I am blessed, free, chosen, complete, raised up.

I am His and He is mine…. The list goes on.

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But one verse that comes to mind often is Isaiah 43:7. …Even every one that is called by my name: for I

have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.

This thing in my life that I have so many memories tied to and am pursuing and trying to hone and perfect… AKA my cooking… I want to point to Him because that’s really what this life is about.

Use your gifts and your talents to glorify God… a note brought to you by Sam and her photograph of Asparagus.

shop my asparagus print here

With my heart, Sam