Monday, March 17, 2008

These are Merlot Grapes. I took this picture in September when Dan and I were in Napa for my 49th Birthday. I Love Merlot Wine. I have never met a Merlot that I have not liked. It is not a sweet wine, but the flavors seem to just ignite in my mouth. I love noticing the different aromas and how my tastebuds seem to explode with the first sip. The grapes in this picture were at the Robert Mondavi Winery. I must admit that I sneaked one to taste it. The skins were very thin and the grape was so sweet. I'm intrigued by the fact that the finished product does not taste the same as the grape.
This blog is not really intended to articulate all the facts about Wine that I don't really know. I just know that I enjoy wine, and that I learned there is a very involved process that goes in to it. In fact, I was going to write something all together different today. But instead, I'm going to tell you how I am very much like these here Merlot grapes. I found out from the internet, that Merlot grapes are identified by their loose bunches of large berries. (I have been feeling a little seperated from friends and am feeling not as "Close" to girlfriends as I'd like. And on a fun note, I'm a little round myself)
Also, I am like this bunch of grapes. I am just hanging out here. I have a thin skin, but inside I am much sweeter than you'd think. I also read that 'The vine tends to bud early which gives it some risk to cold frost and its thin skin increases its susceptibility to rot.' (I married early and sort of grew up with my girls. Now I find myself too old to be friends of girls their age, and not really feeling "Mature Enough" to be friends with the Women who are my age)
I'm learning that not everyone will have a taste for me. Some would prefer the lighter Chardonay's as they seem to go with everything these days. Still others would prefer the White Zinfadels, and Blush wines. They are sweeter still. I'm not really that sweet of a person. I want to be. I'm a blast really, but I'm bold and loud and I'm best taken in sips.
I think it takes a seasoned wine drinker to really appreciate what goes into making a Merlot wine.
I've avoided my last reason for blogging today. I have struggled with the notion that maybe I should not like Wines of any form, much less write about it.
Shhhh....Did you know....that drinking Wine....is a Sin?
I know of alot of Sins. I've commited many sins. I'm sure that I'm probably commiting one right now. But I do not believe that if I drink a glass of wine at dinner, that I am commiting a Sin and am going to Hell. I am sad that someone would think othewise.
The good news however, is that my Heavenly Father Loves me no matter what earthly sins I commit. I believe that if you break any of the 10 commandments, that you've sinned. I also believe that if you abuse yourself by over eating, it's a sin. (although, you won't find that listed in the 10 commandments) There are many things that can become a sin. Smoking is not listed in the 10 commandment either, but to some members of our church, I'm sure it is a sin. What is a sin and conviction to one person is not a sin to another. It's not a black and white issue. But there IS Grace and Forgiveness thru God the Father.
I am concerned today that because I have acted in ways that may not pleasing to Some leaders of the church, that they would beleive that I should not have a leadership role. Does God only need Perfect People to share his Love with others?
I'm not good at quoting Scripture and I'm not really known as a "Religious Person" But one of my favorite Scriptures is this: For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10
This tells me that God made me this way, I am his Creation, and he wants me to do Good works for him.
I will leave you with one last bit of "Google Wine Facts"
'A characteristic of the Merlot grape is the propensity to quickly over ripen once it hits its initial ripeness level... There are two schools of thought on the right time to harvest Merlot. The wine makers of Château Pétrus favor early picking to best maintain the wine's acidity and finesse as well as its potential for aging. Others, such as Rolland, favor late picking and the added fruit body that comes with a little bit of over-ripeness.'
I am ready for Harvest. I may be a little over ripe, but that has given me the added "fruitfull body".
Thanks For Reading, and God Bless you!
~Pam~

3 comments:

dawn klinge said...

I love Merlot also Pam. In fact I got to go to Robert Mondavi when I turned 23 and it was one of my favorite birthday celebrations. I love the way you write; it's beautiful. I'm sorry you were hurt- just remember the person who posted that troll message isn't really in any leadership position and his opinions do NOT reflect the opinions of people who really are in leadership. People know he's a troublemaker.

Delena said...

Love the "a bit round myself" comment!!! Great comparisons of yourself to wine. Its kind of right on. Weird. Know that I love the over-ripened, thin-skinned you and prefer no other!

Melissa said...

I snuck over here from Delena's blog.

This was such a delightful post to read. Your writing is so easy to read and paints a vivid picture.

Last time I checked, being human= being sinful (regardless of wine consumption or lack thereof). Some people need to lighten up.