Self-Defense vs. Christianity

We started this topic last year(read here) and I am finally ready to delve into the next chapter.

When I first talked to my Dad about writing this series he was all for it. He noticed a lack of practical tips and discussion on self-defense for women by women. And especially a lack of representation from a Christian woman’s perspective. I am super thankful for his support and his ongoing help in gathering material. My father has been in some form of protection related work for over two decades. With experience as an MP for the Army, an executive protection officer(a bodyguard) in Chicago and a security supervisor/trainer for a hospital; he is like an endless well of information.

But let’s get going here with our primary focus for today: what does the Bible say about personal defense? Can Christians fight back? Or do we just turn the other cheek?

In answering these questions I turned to my Pastor and he pointed me to two different articles: Self-Defense And The Christian by Rodney J. Decker and Christian Ethics: An Introduction to Biblical Moral Reasoning Wayne Grudem. Both were super informative and worth a read if ya get the chance. In this post we are just gonna cover the bullet points.

The Old Testament…

So what does the Bible say? Is personal defense something a Christian should invest in? My main focus(as should be anyone’s focus) is avoiding situations were a physical confrontation is required. Obviously however you can’t always avoid someone who is trying to do you harm in a surprise attack. At which point having a planned, practiced and realistic response is critical.

The below passage from Deuteronomy has to do deal with helping or defending someone from an attack:

But if in the open country a man meets a young woman who is betrothed, and the man seizes her and lies with her, then only the man who lay with her shall die. But you shall do nothing to the young woman; she has committed no offense punishable by death … because he met her in the open country, and though the betrothed young woman cried for help there was no one to rescue her. (Deut. 22:25–27)

Obviously it’s implied that if someone were to have heard the woman cry it is their responsibility to help. There are numerous other passages were it talks about a thief breaking in at night(Exodus 22:2-3) and how you are responsible to protect your family(it is given from a male perspective). Or examples of David fleeing from the attacks of King Saul(avoiding those physical confrontations) or the Israelites given the right by law to defend themselves against any Persian aggressors in Esther.

The New Testament

And they rose up and drove him out of the town and brought him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they could throw him down the cliff. But passing through their midst, he went away. (Luke 4:29–30)

The above passage has to deal with Christ fleeing/avoiding the physical harm from others. There’s also the passage in Luke 22 where Jesus makes sure the disciples have swords. This passage is used to argue for and against owning a weapon(namely a gun)

He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment.” And they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” And he said to them, “It is enough.” (Luke 22:36–38)

In an earlier passage when Christ sent out the apostles(in groups of two) to be witnesses He told them to take swords. But shouldn’t a Christian expect persecution? I think we can all agree that there is a difference for suffering for Christ and being personal attacked. (The below passage is all about suffering for Christ and the Gospel)

When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. (1 Pet. 2:23)

Another passage I would point to is the tale of the Good Samaritan. It’s like the above Deut. passage about defending the helpless woman. Of course the Samaritan doesn’t show up until after the attack and yet would it be a stretch to consider that if he had arrived during the attack he would have stood by and done nothing?

Closing thought…

Self-Defense And The Christian
Rodney J. Decker

Ultimately the idea of personal defense and/or owning a weapon is a decision you need to think through Biblical(go to the Scriptures guys I am in no way an authority on this) and prayerfully consider.

If you have any questions I will be happy to try and answer. Our next chapter will deal with Hollywood’s view of self-defense vs. reality, because shocker they’re not the same.

Lots of love,

Tally

Top Five Romance Films

Happy Valentine’s!! Yay for love- So I have no idea what you guys are doing for Valentine’s but my sister and I will probably eat a delicious meal and watch some cheesy movie. But what movie? Below I have compiled my favorite “romance” films. (I’m using romance very loosely as some of them might be more subtly romantic)

Decoy Bride

My absolute favorite rom-com! It is so deliciously ridiculous, while also being heart felt and believable… well as believable as any rom-com can be. If you have not checked this one out you are seriously missing out.

Emma 2020

While there will always be a soft spot in my heart for the 1996 version of this beloved story I absolutely love the new adaption! Anya Taylor-Joy is so much fun to watch and the raw humor coupled with Jane Austin’s considerable whit and a beautiful color pallet; this film zooms in for the win.

Sabrina

I mean it’s Boggie, Audrey and William in an love triangle of the century. Complete with French make over, ball gowns and… David! (Oh and also a goldfish named George)

100 Foot Journey

One of my favorite movies this one is packed full of love and food(it’s in France after all) Helen Mirren is charming and the food looks amazing. So yeah. Enough said.

Beautiful Fantastic

Last on the list is less a romance movie and more a film about friendships. Andrew Scott is amazing and my fav; plus Jessica Brown Findlay gives a very compelling performance. Add in Tom Wilkinson and you have a winner.

So what is your go to I’m-still-single-on-Valentine’s-Day-movie? As always…

Lots of love,

Tally

Book Review: My Utmost for His Highest

Book recommendation time! So this is my Mom’s go to graduation gift. She’s given it to everyone we have ever known, who has graduated high school and/or college. It was a book that had helped her in a difficult time in her life and has always stuck with her. And boy can I see why. Sometimes the truths drawn from God’s Word and presented in this book were convicting and uncomfortable to read, but they were always exactly wanted I needed to hear. (Funny how God does that- Cool how He does that)

This book was especially timely for the year 2020 in general. Drawing my attention away from this world and it’s many problems to the Lord and His perfect solution. Namely His Son and my Savior Jesus Christ.

So if you are looking for a good book to add to your daily devotional and add to your Scripture reading look no further than My Utmost for His Highest. It’s an oldie but a goodie.

Lots of love,

Tally

DIY Christmas Touches

Last post I am gonna try to squeeze in before the season is over. Yikes! I meant yesterday’s and today’s for last week but I was rushing around meeting up with friends. Trying to squeeze them all in before the holidays. Anyway all that to say that is way this week you are about to be overloaded with Christmas related content. Let’s go!

Painting my canvases… a project in and or it’s self.

This year(like back in March when the world ended) I decided, mainly because my fingers needed something to do, I decided to make homemade ornaments for everyone for Christmas. I try to make a least one gift. Last year I made those big hand knitted blankets for my coworkers. (My adult coworkers to be clear) I find that homemade gifts are more special and meaningful than something store bought.

My inspiration!

These gorgeous hand embroidered ornaments were a joy to make and took me since March till last week to finish. I think I made a grand total of seven… I think. They all kind of blur together.

I started by painting the canvas so I had some kind of pattern to go off of and then went into stitch after stitch. I really think they turned out well.

My handiwork. Not bad right?

This might be a tradition I continue. By making a homemade ornament every year. Though now my embroidery project is over I miss the hand work and need a new project to pick up. Obviously I need to decide what next year’s ornaments will look like(thinking of trying needlepoint) And then my other two grand ideas are fancy rag dolls and/or a quilt. A hand sewn quilt. That might be too ambitious but we shall see. I am going to be doing a lot of research into this one before I just jump into it. Quilting can get expensive along with being time consuming and taking up space in my apartment.

Rag doll inspo. Aren’t they adorable?

Anyway do you have any homemade gifts to give this year? Or ever received a homemade gift?

Merry Christmas!

Tally

Christmas for a Coffee Snob

Well I only promised a Ratio Coffee Maker review like months ago(here) but in this crazy COVID world things get lost in back order.

And yet I think it makes more sense to do this post now, during the holidays and combine it with a few of my top gift ideas for the coffee snob in your life.

If you will read the post linked above you’ll learn that my boss was on the hunt for that craft, handcrafted coffee experience without all the work and time of a pour over device. Well I think she finally found it in the Ratio Coffee Maker(here)

It’s much pricier than the maker she had tried earlier (without any success) but this maker is made of sterner stuff than plastic. So no super-heated, disgusting plastic taste in your coffee.

It blooms your coffee perfectly and makes the coffee somewhat hot. Yep I said somewhat. There is no heating pad underneath the pot(to prevent you from accidentally burning your coffee, because the kid spilt grape juice all over the kitchen floor) which is why I recommend springing for the thermal package. It comes with a very nice(and frankly my fav part) thermal decanter. (Not pictured here) If you don’t want to cough up the money for this extra package just remember to drink your coffee when it is done brewing. And/or slap it in your Yeti quickly before the coffee cools.

As far as tastes go I was very pleased. Again I will be honest; I can tell the coffee came from a maker and instead of a pour over, but I honestly think this is because I just need to find the right coffee beans/water balance. Another selling point for this kind of coffee maker is you can really tweak the measurements until you find the perfect balance.

All in all I would give the Ratio Coffee Maker from price to performance a 7 out of 10. Maybe an 8 if I can find the perfect measurements.

Now on to just a few of my favorite coffee related gifts for the snob in your life!

  • Coffee Scrub- You can find this at literally any beauty store. Or go that extra mile and find a recipe for homemade coffee scrub on Pinterest. But coffee themed gifts are always appreciated by us snobs.
  • Coffee Cup/Tray Set- I personally love this set from Amazon. Or others like it. So chic and cute.
  • Coffee To-Go Kit- I cannot tell you how many times I have used my kit!(here is the link to the post where I list everything you’ll need to make your own to-go kit) Vacations, trips home, the entire summer living at the lake house. Best decision ever!
  • Colectivo Coffee Gift Box- Colectivo is a coffee roaster based here in Milwaukee that has amazing coffee and super cute holiday gift boxes. Here and here and here. This makes shopping for that coffee snob just a wee bit easier.
  • Coffee Subscription to Black Refile- Another great route to go is giving your coffee lover a monthly subscription to a great roasted like Colectivo or Black Refile.
  • Coffee Gummies/Espresso- Lastly any food, candy or little do-dads that say the word coffee are always accepted. Just keep your eyes open.

Well I hope you guys enjoyed this post and I will see ya later!

Lots of love,

Tally

Favorite Scary Movies

Hello everyone surprise post! I thought it would be fun to do a quick Halloween post of my favorite scary movies.

I’m the puppy at the end next to the dragon.

Let’s be clear growing up my family never really celebrated Halloween. We were the type to turn off all the lights and act like we’re not home; type of people. And while we were hiding inside we would watch a scary movie. For your perusal my top picks!

The Village

Really any of M. Night’s early movies(Signs, Sixth Sense, Unbreakable, Split or Glass) could have made the list but this was always my favorite(if the least scary) Mainly because of the love story.

Gaslight

An oldie but a goodie; this movie coined the term gaslighting and after you watch this movie you’ll now why it had such a cultural impact at the time.

World War Z

I am not a zombie person- though as a teenager I was known to play Nazis Zombies with the siblings. But this movie was surprisingly well done. I know it detoured away from the book on which it was based but having never read the book I don’t mind.

I am Legend

Following that end of the world vibes this is one of my absolutely favorite scary movies of all time. Since the creatures in the film aren’t technically zombies I can handle this one with more ease. Though I may never forgive for Sam.

Shadow of Doubt

Again I could have listed quiet a few of Hitchcock’s movies(Rear Window, Suspension, Psycho, The Birds and on and on) but I picked my absolute favorite of his movies.

The Mummy

Okay so it’s not actually that scary anymore(ya know after seeing it five billion times) but that doesn’t stop it from being an absolutely great movie and a blast to watch.

Marrowbone

If a good ole fashioned ghost story is more your speed than this one is worth it! So terrifying(in the best way possible) and stars two of my favs George MacKay and Anya Taylor-Joy, so the acting is on par.

A Quiet Place

Let’s finish this one of with a bang. I mean this movie has is all right? Drama, alien monster things that rip you apart even at the slightest noise you make, and Emily Blunt with a shot gun. Perfection.

Well there you go a complete list to give ya the shivers and chills.

Lots of love,

Tally

Stitch Fix September 2020

It’s that time again. Time to see my horribly dirty mirror and try to see the cute clothes beyond. Let’s get started!!

Boom Boom Jeans Utility Joggers – $38

First thing in the box were these super cute and beyond comfortable “dark grey” joggers.
Great lazy day pants, I have them styled here with my Banana Republic striped tee.
These were a keep for me. They’re cute enough to style and wear in public. But also I could see myself binging Netflix and chilling in bed on those colder nights.

Market&Spruce Button Down Top- $54

Next thing in the box was this top. Now I loved the color and the quarter sleeves. Plus the material was very soft and durable. Not hot like normal flannel…
However you know how I feel about flannel guys. I just don’t like how it looks on me. I adore it on other people but can’t quite pull off myself.
So this was sent back. Unlike the next item…

Pinque Crew Neck Pullover- $44

Isn’t it just adorable?! This is probably my second favorite thing in the box(stay tuned for my fav) So warm and the cut is just right. This was a no brainer keep. Am I right?

Market&Spruce Cargo Jacket- $88

I have received a jacket like this before in the box and thought it was cute then too. But I seriously have so many outer pieces(which you will see in an up coming post) that I knew this just wasn’t needed.
So back she went. And the final piece in the box-

Herschel Retreat Backpack- $90

I cannot tell you how I excited I was to see this waiting for me at the bottom of the box. My heart nearly exploded. I have been on the look out for a good backpack for when I go hiking with my sister and for an upcoming trip.(again more on this later) But I have had no luck in finding just the perfect bag. But this… this is gorgeous!! The plum color and simple design. This is by far the coolest thing I have ever gotten in a box.

The total price of the box came out to $235.49. This is definitely one of the better boxes I have received and has me excited to see what the next Stitch Fix brings.

So what did you guys think? Do agree with my returns and keeps? I’d love to hear. For more of my unboxing posts click here.

Lots of love,

Tally

Brim Coffee Maker Review

Hello all! So ya know how I am a coffee snob? Yes total control freak when it comes to the brown liquid of life and happiness. And ya know how I love to share my obsession with anyone who will listen? Well I may or may not have corrupted my boss into my cult of the coffee bean. (Lol- but seriously)

I made her maybe a handful of my specially crafted coffee and she(like everyone else who has ever tried a pour over) was hooked. But let’s be honest here making a pour over every morning takes time. 5-6 minutes actually. And because you are completely in control of the brewing time and water distribution(which is what makes it taste so good) you can’t multitask. Trust me I have tried. And ended up with a cup either under extracted or way over. Yuck!

Anyway thus lead my boss(and me) in a search for a coffee maker that makes craft quality without you having to stand there and completely obsess, making sure all the grounds are equally exposed to water.

When she found the Brim Coffee Maker on Amazon for only $178- (which is very reasonable) we thought this was the one! It looks awesome. It blooms the coffee and it gets the water(which most coffee makers can’t do) to the ultimatum temperature.

The coffee itself was hot, flavorful and not bad. Now I will be honest that it didn’t convince me, the ultimate coffee snob to give up my pour over. But it is reasonable to assume that I would have used if I was crunched for time.

Yes I realize I used the past tense, “would have..” Meaning the maker didn’t make the cut? Funny thing(and honestly probably why it is so cheap) is that after half a dozen uses the internal components of the maker, which are plastic- Yea plastic! Get so overheated that’s all you can taste and smell in your coffee.

Obviously the idea of a coffee maker like this is to make a perfect cup of coffee like a pour over without the hassle. So having your coffee taste like hot plastic isn’t exactly the outcome one would hope for.

So in summary: The concept of this coffee maker is brilliant but it’s acceptance of poorer quality material(in an attempt to keep the price down) rob the machine of it’s ability to give you a decent cup of jo. I unfortunately wouldn’t recommend this one to anyone.

Back to the research for the perfect coffee maker(that isn’t $1000 of dollars) and that elusive cup of coffee. When we find the next candidate I will give you guys my thoughts. If you are curious about craft coffee and pour overs here and here are two posts for your interests.

Lots of love,

Tally

Stitch Fix August 2020

Hello all! It’s been forever since I have done one of these reviews(here’s the last one) But with moving between two houses back and forth and just the craziness that is life right now I have been a bit distracted. But I am going to do another catch up post either this week or Wednesday of next week(so look for it) I feel like my blog has almost become me apologizing every two weeks for not writing for two weeks. I’m so bad. Ugh. Anyway with out further ado this is what I got in the box…

Market&Spruce T-shirt Dress

(Okay first off excuse the horrible lighting it was in the evening. Also my bathroom is a disaster but again I’m moving from one house to another. Finally excuse my no makeup-ness. I had just gotten down working out and showering, when I remembered I needed to take pics- lol Okay moving on)

So the first thing in the box was this super cute and comfy t-shirt dress. The price was $64. The navy and off white stripes were totally my jam. However I didn’t end up keeping this dress because I have one almost exactly like it.

See… okay not totally the same, but similar enough for me.

Mason&Belle Top/Just USA Shorts

Okay so tough decisions were made here people. I loved- absolutely loved this top! Unfortunately it did not pass the nanny test. As in it’s white and not conducive to me crawling around on the floor like a three year old. And at $42 I felt like it was a bit much to pay for a top I would only wear once or twice a summer.

The shorts however($44) were so stinking cute and comfortable that I couldn’t pass them up. I had been needing a good pair of jean shorts so yay!

ChampionxRifle Paper Co. Keds

I know awful pic but I forgot to take one(eye roll)

I think you guys know I have a slight obsession with Keds snickers… I only own like four or five pairs! (Yikes) and I would have kept these but paying the full price($60) when I know I can get them cheaper… ??? Yeah no brainer. But don’t be shocked if these end up in my closet.

E&M Button Down Cami

The final thing in the box was this cute cami. But it didn’t necessarily speak to me on a deep enough level to pay $24 for it.

So all in all this was a very good box and I am so happy with my denim shorts. The total of this box was $238. I’m getting another box in September which I am super excited for because I have asked my stylist to help with some pieces for a family trip that’s coming up. But more on that later(wink)

Lots of love,

Tally

A Discussion on Coffee

Warning: A long post on my love for coffee to follow

You will all remember my coffee revolution last Christmas(and if you don’t here ya go-enjoy) when my sister introduced me to the wider world of craft coffee and I officially became one of those coffee snobs. #unashemed

My love for coffee has also led to an obsession of coffee mugs… I mean why not?

Since then I may or may not have taken my love for good coffee(not to be confused with love for pre-ground, big brand, k-cups and coffee maker coffee) to extremes. But once one has tasted perfection, one cannot in any way shape or form go back to what most people gulp down every morning, because they simply don’t know any better.

Now you’re probably thinking I’m exaggerating. There can’t be that big of a difference between a k-cup and a kelta wave pour over. Except that one takes a few seconds to spit out a lukewarm stale coffee-ish liquid and the other takes four to five minutes to make the best dang cup of coffee you’ve literally ever had!! Don’t just take me word for it. Everyone I have corrupted by making a proper cup of coffee have told me it’s amazing.

My Dad(the original coffee guru in my life) has told me how long the coffee stays hot and how full it tastes in his mouth. I mean seriously it’s so different from the same old fare you’re used to that you’ll wonder what you have been drinking all your life. I like my coffee better now than even coffee shop specialty coffee, which is saving me boat loads.

Real Peruvian coffee… these babies got me hooked on the natural roasting process. Where they leave the cherry on the bean for all or half of the drying process. Yum!

With this new knowledge of coffee and what makes good coffee I have come to realize what kinds of beans I like most. My perfect coffee bean is from South America or the Pacific Islands. Natural roasting is preferred but not required. A medium roast with a bright acidity and natural undertones(woody or dark chocolate) with some fruity hints. But I love experimenting with different beans and roasters.

Yes roasters impact how your coffee is going to taste. Since there’s no real rules regarding what a dark roast, medium and light roast should look like, every roaster has their own standard. One of my favorite roasters are based here in Milwaukee. Colectivo is a locally owned and run roasting company that takes care to get their coffee from small or family owned farms that are run with very high standards. But their roasting style tends to be more on the burnt side. I personally like the back taste of the roasted coffee, but others don’t.

Another company I highly recommend and that’s just a recent thing by the way, since I got my first bag of coffee from The Black Refile Coffee Company last week. Is the above mentioned veteran owned company and they give a portion of their income to support veterans, first responders and law enforcement. Their style is very smooth and even though I received their blackest roast it doesn’t have that burnt taste Colectivo does. If that’s something you’re wanting to avoid.

It’s fun to try new coffee and roasts. One thing I like to do is buy coffee when I travel(like the Peruvian coffee, though that was a gift from a fellow traveler) It’s like tasting the world one cup at a time. (Speaking fo travel here’s my post on my coffee traveling kit)

Anyway I’ll stop now(lol) though I could go on and on about this subject. Maybe I’ll do a post on my step by step process of how I make a perfect cup of coffee.

Lots of love,

Tally