Planning to buy a BGE

I've been using an offset smoker for a while now but I've had some gripes about it.  I bought it at Walmart and had to modify the design of it even during the first week of ownership.  The smoke was leaking from the fire box and it was difficult to lock-in the temperature.  I've had this offset smoker for several years but I believe it is finally time to upgrade to a Big Green Egg.

I've been researching ceramic grills ever since I bought that offset smoker.  I used to subscribe to a pepper and BBQ magazine which would have advertisements for the Primo brand.  It seems that both Primo and Big Green Egg have a loyal following but I think there may be slightly higher following for the egg which means there are more resources online.  I think the biggest difference is just the shape.  The Primo brand is oval which should provide greater flexibility.  However, I really only envision cooking either direct or indirect during a single session so I won't need an oval design to allow for both at the same time.

Soon enough, I'll not only be a ChileHead but also an EggHead.

Ran into some poison ivy

I ran into some poison ivy in my backyard the other day. I was pulling overgrown vines that were mostly Honeysuckle but I found out later that I was also brushing up against poison ivy.  I decided to take a few pictures of it to teach my kids what it looks like so they'll know to stay way.

Here's a mature leaflet cluster.

Here's another leaflet cluster that shows some leaves with jagged edges.

I used to think this was poison ivy but it is actually another plant called Virginia Creeper.

Through this experience and research into poison ivy, I found that they have a memorable saying that is helpful in recognizing the dangerous plants.  "Leaflets three; let it be"

Contentment versus new desires

Definition of CONTENTED
: feeling or showing satisfaction with one's possessions, status, or situation
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contented

I had a feeling today while driving to work that made me realize that at that moment, I was content with my life.  I realized that I didn't need (or want) to purchase anything new and I was happy with everything that I owned.  I love when I have this feeling.

On the flip side, I know that I'm going to desire new possessions and experiences.  I know I'll want to travel, purchase new geeky toys, and will want to eventually trade in my pickup truck for a newer, slightly used vehicle (like a Tesla Model S or an Audi A5).  So, I guess I realized that there must be a balancing point to achieve.

However, maybe I'll strive to remind myself of all of the blessings in my life that our Heavenly Father has provided and keep that feeling of contentment in tact most of the time.  Because, I would rather live my life with in a contented state rather than constantly chasing new pleasures of this world.  After all, why should we continually strive to gain if it does not lead to fulfillment in life?

---

"I keep on buying new things that I can't really use
If it gets you annoyed - then what is the point
...
'Cause when you got it good, you just don't know when to stop
Don't worry 'bout the earnings if it stops you from living "
- lyrics from "Simple Life" by Casey Abrams

Simple Life

I was listening to a song by Casey Abrams this week and found myself being ministered to by it.  The song is called Simple Life.  The lyrics include a message on how the technology around us can break down and be a source of frustration.  He sings about returning to a simple life.

Simple Life

I'm not dealing with technology and equipment breakdowns but I do feel like I need to return to a simple life.  God created us for a purpose and that is to love and praise Him.  Sometimes I get caught up in the things of this world and forget that I just need to walk my daily path in praise and worship to Jesus.

Lately, I have been striving to change certain situations that I face on a daily basis and have tried to take it upon myself to make things happen.  This song reminds me that I really just need to put my trust in Jesus and follow after him.  When we do that, everything else is added unto us.

 “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

But [continually] seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."   Matthew 6:25-33 (NASB)