Each of our kids has their own club, our youngest has her Craft Club and the boys each have a book club (different book, different group of boys).
The boys meet 2 weeks out of each month. This week was our middle son's book club meeting.
His group is reading The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis. They are responsible for reading about 3 chapters prior to club and answering the worksheets I give them. When we meet we go over their answers and then do an activity related to the homework/reading.
This week we read the chapters where Digory, Polly, the cabby, the witch, Uncle Andrew and a horse all travel to the Wood Between the Worlds. To comfort those involved the cabby begins to sing a hymn. I loved that and decided the kids would learn about the history of a couple of hymns.
This past Christmas my mom gave the kids 2 books Hymns for a Kid's Heart Volumes 1 & 2 by Bobbie Wolgemuth and Joni Eareckson Tada. We read about Redinald Heber who wrote Holy, Holy, Holy and Fanny Crosby who wrote To God Be the Glory.
Many churches sing worship songs, but hymns seem to be a thing of the past in our church. But the words and background of the hymns are both heartwarming and inspiring.
I hope to continue learning and teaching our kids about the authors of these hymns. They are great stories of how God touched regular people for an eternal purpose.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
This Week-Baby Girl Learns to Ride a Bike
Okay, I know she's not a baby, but she's my baby and this week she learned how to ride a two-wheel bike without training wheels.
My kids are blessed with a big brother (10 years old) who really helps them out! He taught our second born son how to ride a bike and now he's taught his sister how to ride. He tirelessly runs behind or beside them holding on until just the right moment when he lets them go and they ride on their own. There were a couple minor crashes trying to master the steering, but all is well and our little princess is so proud now that she can ride around the neighborhood.
Isn't life exciting!
This Week-Beautiful Morning!
I know I take a lot of pictures of the mountain, but I just can't help it. No matter how many times I look at it, its beauty still stops me in my tracks. Although it's always there it's new every morning. I know something or someone else like that.
God is like that. This week as we read Praying the Names of Jesus we learned that the angels never tire of singing, "Holy, Holy, Holy". When they see God and his majesty they are awestruck and can't help but sing. If I look at the mountain and try to take in its beauty and magnificence, can I even fathom how I will feel when I stand in the presence of The Lamb? I can't even imagine!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Quote for the Day
"Opa taught us, 'When Jesus takes your hand, He keeps you tight. When Jesus keeps you tight, He leads you through your whole life. When Jesus leads you through your life, He brings you safely home.'"
-From In My Father's House by Corrie Ten Boom
-From In My Father's House by Corrie Ten Boom
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Cooking up a Storm
This past Christmas grandparents came through and bought our girlie a great bounty of cooking supplies. She now has at least 3 different aprons to choose from, oven mitts, cupcake pan, whisks, serving dishes, and Easy Bake Oven and much more. There is so much cooking going on- It's Awesome!
I remember my days with an Easy Bake Oven. It looked quite a bit different than the microwave style of 2008, but never-the-less it was equally amazing. A budding chef could mix a cake, but it in an oven heated with a light bulb and Voila! a cake would bake.
I'm so happy our kids love to cook and bake! The passion continues.
Coyote Wanderer
This must be animal week at our house. First the rodent and now...The Coyote!
I woke up this morning, went to do the morning routine of filling the coffee pot (Yes, the NEW coffee pot) with ultra-filtered water (which is located in the laundry room off the kitchen). I stood looking at the frost covered lawn and took in the beauty of the clear, yet crisp morning.
Then, much to my surprise, across the back yard wandered a BIG dog...wait a minute...I refocused my eyes and realized that is no dog- It's a Coyote!
The coyote was limping across the yard while holding one back leg up. I quickly shouted to the kids to look out the window.
We wondered a couple things. Why was he wandering around in broad daylight? We hear them at night occaisionally, but never during the day. And...Why was he limping? Did he get hit by a car? Was he dazed? Who knows?
He limped though our yard and then went to the adjacent pasture and paused. He stood for a couple seconds and then suddenly dipped his nose to the ground and came up with a rodent in his mouth. He stood there enjoying his breakfast and took off to the north.
Crazy mornings in Rodentsville!
I woke up this morning, went to do the morning routine of filling the coffee pot (Yes, the NEW coffee pot) with ultra-filtered water (which is located in the laundry room off the kitchen). I stood looking at the frost covered lawn and took in the beauty of the clear, yet crisp morning.
Then, much to my surprise, across the back yard wandered a BIG dog...wait a minute...I refocused my eyes and realized that is no dog- It's a Coyote!
The coyote was limping across the yard while holding one back leg up. I quickly shouted to the kids to look out the window.
We wondered a couple things. Why was he wandering around in broad daylight? We hear them at night occaisionally, but never during the day. And...Why was he limping? Did he get hit by a car? Was he dazed? Who knows?
He limped though our yard and then went to the adjacent pasture and paused. He stood for a couple seconds and then suddenly dipped his nose to the ground and came up with a rodent in his mouth. He stood there enjoying his breakfast and took off to the north.
Crazy mornings in Rodentsville!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Fresh Spring Rolls
Our children love to cook and help out in the kitchen. And we love fresh spring rolls. They are so easy and a healthy choice for a dinner appetizer or lunch meal.
This particular night I had a lot of help from our middle son. I cut up the vegetables and cooked the shrimp and he rolled his little heart out.
The trick to rolling these is not in the process, but in the soaking of the rice paper. I had a Vietnamese friend who gave us an inside scoop. He said just soak the rice paper in luke warm water for a few seconds until pliable and then lay them out and roll. If you soak them too long they'll just rip and fall apart.
The trick to rolling these is not in the process, but in the soaking of the rice paper. I had a Vietnamese friend who gave us an inside scoop. He said just soak the rice paper in luke warm water for a few seconds until pliable and then lay them out and roll. If you soak them too long they'll just rip and fall apart.
We dip our rolls in a peanut sauce. You can make one from scratch, but I've found an easy and tasty method. I just put some hoison sauce in a bowl, add the juice from one lime and add a couple tablespoons of sugar. Stir and top with chopped peanuts.
Yum! Yum!
Playing Around
The other day our little girlie wanted to play one of her favorite games we like to call "Beauty Station." When playing beauty station we speak with different accents, we have funny made up names and we speak of things only imaginary and extravagent. We charge BIG bucks for crazy hair do's and laugh A LOT. This particular time "Foot Bull" had his hair done and took on a completely different personality far from his usual subdued, Lego building self. It was great fun!
Beware! Graphic Photo! Mission Accomplished!
I came home from a meeting tonight and the house was quiet. Everyone was asleep. Sitting on the kitchen counter was the camera and a piece of paper that read, "Look at the Pictures!"
I checked out the photos. I know they look so terrible and cruel, but the little bugger should have stayed OUT of the house! From the looks of the photo, I think it's obvious the bother was eating well.
Enough of gross photos. I think I'll post something cute just to counter balance this awful thing. But thanks for all of your well wishes. Mission Accomplished...unless he has a brother.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Between the Tapeworm and the Hanta Virus
I love life in the country! The night skies void of light pollution and a clear view (except on cloudy nights) of the stars. The quiet calmness. The space for kids to run, yell and laugh with no one to complain of the "noise." The extra space to "stretch out" without the feeling of cramping the neighbors. The benefits are NUMEROUS!
But there are also the drawbacks.
Rodents. Rodents! Rodents!!
I've posted about these little bothers before, but I thought our days of the invaders were done.
We now have a fabulous mousing cat. He adopted us about a year ago and he is a master at his craft. He's such a great mouser we should buy stock in worm pills. Each time he catches (and eats) a mouse he's probably exposed and injesting a tapeworm. I must say, being the germ-phobe-cleanie that I am, I'm completely disgusted when I find a remnant of the tapeworm on a chair. Ugh! Just thinking about it makes me feel like cleaning!
Back to Master Luke, the Jedi Mouser. He's so awesome, I think he can catch even the most cunning from the darkside. But I guess I was wrong. Or maybe he takes care of the out-of-doors and is "off duty" inside. Whatever the case, we have a mysterious prowler who makes his way up into some built-in cabinetry under our stairs. It's in these cabinets I store candles, childhood paperwork and linens.
I got a candle out about 2 days ago and there was no sign. Today I opened the drawer and, Oh My Word! It was littered with mouse evidence! Yuck!
Years ago I read a book called The Coming Plague and it was at that time that I learned about Hantavirus. Now everytime I see rodent droppings, I'm reminded of this potentially fatal virus. My first response is a desire to suit our kids up in Hazmat clothing and disinfect the surroundings. I may be going overboard a bit, but my distaste for the pests is apparent.
So, needless to say, I've cleaned out, vacuumed out and set traps for that/those little buggers. Let's hope we catch it (them) soon, before sweet husband has to go back to work.
Wish us success!
But there are also the drawbacks.
Rodents. Rodents! Rodents!!
I've posted about these little bothers before, but I thought our days of the invaders were done.
We now have a fabulous mousing cat. He adopted us about a year ago and he is a master at his craft. He's such a great mouser we should buy stock in worm pills. Each time he catches (and eats) a mouse he's probably exposed and injesting a tapeworm. I must say, being the germ-phobe-cleanie that I am, I'm completely disgusted when I find a remnant of the tapeworm on a chair. Ugh! Just thinking about it makes me feel like cleaning!
Back to Master Luke, the Jedi Mouser. He's so awesome, I think he can catch even the most cunning from the darkside. But I guess I was wrong. Or maybe he takes care of the out-of-doors and is "off duty" inside. Whatever the case, we have a mysterious prowler who makes his way up into some built-in cabinetry under our stairs. It's in these cabinets I store candles, childhood paperwork and linens.
I got a candle out about 2 days ago and there was no sign. Today I opened the drawer and, Oh My Word! It was littered with mouse evidence! Yuck!
Years ago I read a book called The Coming Plague and it was at that time that I learned about Hantavirus. Now everytime I see rodent droppings, I'm reminded of this potentially fatal virus. My first response is a desire to suit our kids up in Hazmat clothing and disinfect the surroundings. I may be going overboard a bit, but my distaste for the pests is apparent.
So, needless to say, I've cleaned out, vacuumed out and set traps for that/those little buggers. Let's hope we catch it (them) soon, before sweet husband has to go back to work.
Wish us success!
Character
Today was a beautiful day! It wasn't all that warm, but the sun was out. It wasn't raining or snowing-Yeah! The sky was blue, the air was crisp, the mountain and hills stood amazingly clear in the distance and I had to get out to soak up the sun's rays and the day's magnificence. Also, the shovel and the dirt were calling my name.
Over the last couple weeks, as I look out the windows or drive by the flower beds I see things that need to be moved or removed. It drives me crazy to watch them and not get to the job, but today the task was underway.
Other than enjoying the beauty of the sun, working in the yard offers me a great opportunity to be quiet and listen. I listen to nature around me- birds chirping, wind rustling, and leaves crackling. I listen to the cars in the far off distance. But most importantly I listen to God. I let my mind rest, be quiet and try to hear what He wants me to hear.
Today the message, or maybe the question, had to do with Character. With Martin Luther King Day tomorrow, I was reminded of the quote we read last year from his "I Have A Dream" speech.
"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."
Daily I try to pour into my kids character making the most of these foundational building opportunities. I read the Bible, biographies, and historical accounts bringing to their attention people who had/have amazing character.
But what is character and what type of character was Martin Luther King referring to? Was he just referring to the "who" they are on the outside or is it something more. My guess is it's something more. A deeply spiritual man like Dr. King had to be speaking to the deeper quality of inner character.
1 Samuel 16:7 - "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (NIV)
I looked up character in Webster's Dictionary and found:
"Character: 5) the pattern of behavior or personality found in an individual or group 6. moral strength; self-discipline, fortitude 7. a) reputation b) good reputation"
So, does that mean character is the dominant way/pattern of behavior found in a group? Or is it more importantly moral strength, self-discipline or fortitude that would define a group or individual as having "Character?"
To add to this thought, what is "Moral Strength." Again, I turn to my friend Webster and find:
"Moral: 1. relating to, dealing with, or capable of distinguishing between right and wrong in conduct 2. of, teaching, or in accordance with, the principles of right and wrong 3. good or right conduct of character; sometimes, specif., sexually virtuous 4. designating support, etc. that involves sympathy without action 5. principles, standards, or habits with respect to right or wrong in conduct; ethics; sometimes, specif., standards of sexual behavior."
From the preceding definitions, I would conclude Moral Strength to be standing strong in your ability to distinguish between right and wrong.
The Bible, as our final authority, gives us many examples on how to live a moral life. I'm reminded of verses like:
"Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."
"2 Timothy 2:22 Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart."
Like Dr. King, I hope my children are judged by the content of their character and not by what their outer appearance is. Furthermore, I hope our children live lives that are full of Godly character and moral strength. Remember the standard isn't one of this world and it's relative morality, but Jesus's standard.
Over the last couple weeks, as I look out the windows or drive by the flower beds I see things that need to be moved or removed. It drives me crazy to watch them and not get to the job, but today the task was underway.
Other than enjoying the beauty of the sun, working in the yard offers me a great opportunity to be quiet and listen. I listen to nature around me- birds chirping, wind rustling, and leaves crackling. I listen to the cars in the far off distance. But most importantly I listen to God. I let my mind rest, be quiet and try to hear what He wants me to hear.
Today the message, or maybe the question, had to do with Character. With Martin Luther King Day tomorrow, I was reminded of the quote we read last year from his "I Have A Dream" speech.
"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."
Daily I try to pour into my kids character making the most of these foundational building opportunities. I read the Bible, biographies, and historical accounts bringing to their attention people who had/have amazing character.
But what is character and what type of character was Martin Luther King referring to? Was he just referring to the "who" they are on the outside or is it something more. My guess is it's something more. A deeply spiritual man like Dr. King had to be speaking to the deeper quality of inner character.
1 Samuel 16:7 - "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (NIV)
I looked up character in Webster's Dictionary and found:
"Character: 5) the pattern of behavior or personality found in an individual or group 6. moral strength; self-discipline, fortitude 7. a) reputation b) good reputation"
So, does that mean character is the dominant way/pattern of behavior found in a group? Or is it more importantly moral strength, self-discipline or fortitude that would define a group or individual as having "Character?"
To add to this thought, what is "Moral Strength." Again, I turn to my friend Webster and find:
"Moral: 1. relating to, dealing with, or capable of distinguishing between right and wrong in conduct 2. of, teaching, or in accordance with, the principles of right and wrong 3. good or right conduct of character; sometimes, specif., sexually virtuous 4. designating support, etc. that involves sympathy without action 5. principles, standards, or habits with respect to right or wrong in conduct; ethics; sometimes, specif., standards of sexual behavior."
From the preceding definitions, I would conclude Moral Strength to be standing strong in your ability to distinguish between right and wrong.
The Bible, as our final authority, gives us many examples on how to live a moral life. I'm reminded of verses like:
"Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."
"2 Timothy 2:22 Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart."
Like Dr. King, I hope my children are judged by the content of their character and not by what their outer appearance is. Furthermore, I hope our children live lives that are full of Godly character and moral strength. Remember the standard isn't one of this world and it's relative morality, but Jesus's standard.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Coffee Troubles
There are a couple appliances I can't live without. Before I got married I said (in jest), "I'm not getting married unless I know I'll start out with a Kitchen Aid Mixer and a Cuisinart Food Processor." I just figured I'd be a much better wife if I came with my arsenal of kitchen appliances. My mom instilled the love for cooking and gadgetry in me so she provided the necessary tools for my leap in to matrimony. I'm sure my dear husband is grateful-he's eaten well ever since. In the last 16 years I've replaced the bowl and lid on the Cuisinart a couple of times (thank you ebay) and added one more Kitchen Aid mixer (bigger, faster, stronger and RED).
In addition to those kitchen favorites are the coffee pot and the vacuum cleaner. I seem to be REALLY hard on these two household appliances. In years past when I felt stressed or anxious I would vacuum. Vacuum every day. Vacuum into the wee hours of the night- that was from the pre-kid era. These days, I'm so stinking tired when they go to bed, there's no vacuuming going on! But needless to say, the vacuum has been a source of cleanliness, but also a stress-reliever. It's had many miles put on it and it is barely hanging in there. It has numerous broken parts and accessories and my mom just taped up the exposed wires in the cord on her last visit. We've had it for a couple of years, but it looks like it's been around for decades. The first word that comes to mind when I think of our vacuum is "Pitiful."
The coffee pot, on the other hand, isn't abused, it is "LOVED!" It is only given the best water to fill its reservoir, it is gently used EVERY DAY and many afternoons. I love it when my sweetheart makes my coffee (he doesn't drink coffee. Other than that he's perfect in every way) on weekends. The smell of fresh brewed coffee can wake me from the deepest sleep. It just gives me the warm-all-over feeling that's not just related to the drink itself. It's the memories, the associations, the wake-me-up-get-the-day-started kind of feeling. I LOVE IT! I have special cups that no visitor touches. They have special handles, the perfect rim, they hold the "right" amount of coffee. We buy only whole beans so we can grind them every morning- so fresh and aromatic! I try to use only imported brown sugar cubes from Belgium. My mom has connections and hooks me up (thank you for this blessing!). There's something about these little cubes that adds to the perfect coffee experience. And then to top it off is the evaporated milk. To me it makes my coffee taste like Europe. When in Europe having coffee, I found their cream is like our evaporated milk. Doesn't this all sound so good, so cozy and warm? It's a perfect way to start each and every day...
Except today (big sadness and protruding lip going on right now). I think my coffee pot is dying...it may be a slow death, but it's near. I came downstairs this morning, filled the reservoir with filtered water, ground the coffee beans, and turned the switch. Nothing. I turned again and nothing. And then something. Enough coffee brewed for about a quarter of a cup (I'm a 2-3 cup girl, which is more like 8 cups according to the coffee pot measurements). Then it died. And I started this blog post.
Since I've been typing the coffee pot has mysteriously started again and finished the remaining water. Funny, it works for a minute, shuts off and then starts up again. It's dying. I'm so sad. Looks like I may be heading to Costco for another coffee pot.
In addition to those kitchen favorites are the coffee pot and the vacuum cleaner. I seem to be REALLY hard on these two household appliances. In years past when I felt stressed or anxious I would vacuum. Vacuum every day. Vacuum into the wee hours of the night- that was from the pre-kid era. These days, I'm so stinking tired when they go to bed, there's no vacuuming going on! But needless to say, the vacuum has been a source of cleanliness, but also a stress-reliever. It's had many miles put on it and it is barely hanging in there. It has numerous broken parts and accessories and my mom just taped up the exposed wires in the cord on her last visit. We've had it for a couple of years, but it looks like it's been around for decades. The first word that comes to mind when I think of our vacuum is "Pitiful."
The coffee pot, on the other hand, isn't abused, it is "LOVED!" It is only given the best water to fill its reservoir, it is gently used EVERY DAY and many afternoons. I love it when my sweetheart makes my coffee (he doesn't drink coffee. Other than that he's perfect in every way) on weekends. The smell of fresh brewed coffee can wake me from the deepest sleep. It just gives me the warm-all-over feeling that's not just related to the drink itself. It's the memories, the associations, the wake-me-up-get-the-day-started kind of feeling. I LOVE IT! I have special cups that no visitor touches. They have special handles, the perfect rim, they hold the "right" amount of coffee. We buy only whole beans so we can grind them every morning- so fresh and aromatic! I try to use only imported brown sugar cubes from Belgium. My mom has connections and hooks me up (thank you for this blessing!). There's something about these little cubes that adds to the perfect coffee experience. And then to top it off is the evaporated milk. To me it makes my coffee taste like Europe. When in Europe having coffee, I found their cream is like our evaporated milk. Doesn't this all sound so good, so cozy and warm? It's a perfect way to start each and every day...
Except today (big sadness and protruding lip going on right now). I think my coffee pot is dying...it may be a slow death, but it's near. I came downstairs this morning, filled the reservoir with filtered water, ground the coffee beans, and turned the switch. Nothing. I turned again and nothing. And then something. Enough coffee brewed for about a quarter of a cup (I'm a 2-3 cup girl, which is more like 8 cups according to the coffee pot measurements). Then it died. And I started this blog post.
Since I've been typing the coffee pot has mysteriously started again and finished the remaining water. Funny, it works for a minute, shuts off and then starts up again. It's dying. I'm so sad. Looks like I may be heading to Costco for another coffee pot.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
An Amazing Moment in Time
As Christians we know that God is Omnipresent. He is everywhere, all the time. But there are some moments in life where we "Feel" His presence more than others. Yesterday was one of those days.
I was asked to provide a meal for a family going through a tough time. Comfort food was the request. A beloved wife, mom, and friend is nearing the end of her days on this side of eternity as her physical body is wearing out due to cancer.
All day yesterday my mind prepared for the experience of meeting this precious woman of God and her family and hopefully blessing them with the meal. Little did I know the blessing would be mine.
God provided amazing words throughout the day. The kids and I are reading In My Father's House by Corrie Ten Boom. The words of encouragement found in this book are plentiful, but yesterday the writings were especially lifting.
Remembering her father's words from her youth, "Girl, it makes all the difference. Moses tells us in the Book of Deuteronomy that God is a dwelling place. We have the promise of security when His arms are beneath us... holding us...supporting us... strengthening us." Years later, Corrie was trying to comfort her sister in the concentration camp. "I tried to think of something comforting to say to her before we fell asleep, and suddenly I remembered the dining room, the red and black tablecloth, and Father saying in his calm voice, '...underneath are the everlasting arms.'"
"God is our Dwelling Place. Underneath are the everlasting arms."
What comfort are in these words!
In addition we read, "Father said, 'Isn't it wonderful to have such joy here on earth? It's a little foretaste of heaven. Yes, the best is yet to be.'"
The Best is Yet to Be!
These words prepared my heart to meet a woman who will soon meet her Savior and experience the best that lies ahead. Right now she is in the comforting everlasting arms of God waiting for the best which is yet to be.
I walked into the apartment and there in the living room lay a woman in a hospital bed surrounded by her husband, daughter and daughter-in-law. I was not met by misery but joy and gratitude. I set the food down in the kitchen and explained what I brought, but my heart just wanted to get back to the living room to pray with her. I was drawn to her like a magnet. It was unstoppable. The blessing to hold this precious woman's hand and pray. Jesus was in that place!
I couldn't stay long because I had kids to pick up and deliver to the next event, but my heart wanted to turn around and go back to that place. Back to the presence of a believer waiting to meet her Lord and the Lord awaiting one of his children.
Sometimes life offers you an opportunity to bless someone, but the blessing is ours. I was so outblessed by the experience than any earthly food can offer.
I hope to visit her once again on this side of eternity, but if the Lord calls her home before that visit, I know her face and I know she is in the comfort of everlasting arms.
I was asked to provide a meal for a family going through a tough time. Comfort food was the request. A beloved wife, mom, and friend is nearing the end of her days on this side of eternity as her physical body is wearing out due to cancer.
All day yesterday my mind prepared for the experience of meeting this precious woman of God and her family and hopefully blessing them with the meal. Little did I know the blessing would be mine.
God provided amazing words throughout the day. The kids and I are reading In My Father's House by Corrie Ten Boom. The words of encouragement found in this book are plentiful, but yesterday the writings were especially lifting.
Remembering her father's words from her youth, "Girl, it makes all the difference. Moses tells us in the Book of Deuteronomy that God is a dwelling place. We have the promise of security when His arms are beneath us... holding us...supporting us... strengthening us." Years later, Corrie was trying to comfort her sister in the concentration camp. "I tried to think of something comforting to say to her before we fell asleep, and suddenly I remembered the dining room, the red and black tablecloth, and Father saying in his calm voice, '...underneath are the everlasting arms.'"
"God is our Dwelling Place. Underneath are the everlasting arms."
What comfort are in these words!
In addition we read, "Father said, 'Isn't it wonderful to have such joy here on earth? It's a little foretaste of heaven. Yes, the best is yet to be.'"
The Best is Yet to Be!
These words prepared my heart to meet a woman who will soon meet her Savior and experience the best that lies ahead. Right now she is in the comforting everlasting arms of God waiting for the best which is yet to be.
I walked into the apartment and there in the living room lay a woman in a hospital bed surrounded by her husband, daughter and daughter-in-law. I was not met by misery but joy and gratitude. I set the food down in the kitchen and explained what I brought, but my heart just wanted to get back to the living room to pray with her. I was drawn to her like a magnet. It was unstoppable. The blessing to hold this precious woman's hand and pray. Jesus was in that place!
I couldn't stay long because I had kids to pick up and deliver to the next event, but my heart wanted to turn around and go back to that place. Back to the presence of a believer waiting to meet her Lord and the Lord awaiting one of his children.
Sometimes life offers you an opportunity to bless someone, but the blessing is ours. I was so outblessed by the experience than any earthly food can offer.
I hope to visit her once again on this side of eternity, but if the Lord calls her home before that visit, I know her face and I know she is in the comfort of everlasting arms.
Friday, December 26, 2008
What's Under the Christmas Tree?
Yesterday morning was a big day for kids around the US and possibly the world. The anticipation for what Santa will bring can cause kids sleepless nights (so they claim), anxiety (did we put the milk and cookies out? Did you hear something? Was that a bell ringing? I sure hope I was good this past year), and pure excitement. We tried to play down the whole Santa thing this year and play up the real reason we're celebrating-Jesus's birth. But, even with that being said, looking forward to the wonder or the fulfillment of wishes, hopes and dreams makes this the season of Hope. Even big kids hope that something will happen differently at Christmas time. I think we're geared for expectation and hope. But many people are lost not really knowing what they're supposed to be expecting or hoping for.
This year at Macy's they did a Miracle on 34th Street type of card writing to Santa. For each card written to Santa, Macy's donated $1 to the Make a Wish Foundation (I think this is correct). Anyway, our little daughter was so excited to write her letter. She wrote her "Dear Santa" asking for a couple of items. Then to add to it, I asked for something special, something that our dear daughter prays for regularly.
On Christmas morning our precious girlie came downstairs, took one look under the tree, and then surprised me. I thought she'd ask, "I wonder if Santa brought the present I asked for?", but instead she said, "I wonder if Santa brought what you (meaning me) asked for? I wonder if he brought the little baby girl from Africa for you. Maybe she's under the tree."
How precious is that!! No, we didn't have a little baby girl from Africa under our tree, but that would be quite awesome if we did. But we do have a seed of hope planted in our little girl's heart that hopes for new beginnings, compassion for others and a heart for sharing our family's love with others.
This year at Macy's they did a Miracle on 34th Street type of card writing to Santa. For each card written to Santa, Macy's donated $1 to the Make a Wish Foundation (I think this is correct). Anyway, our little daughter was so excited to write her letter. She wrote her "Dear Santa" asking for a couple of items. Then to add to it, I asked for something special, something that our dear daughter prays for regularly.
On Christmas morning our precious girlie came downstairs, took one look under the tree, and then surprised me. I thought she'd ask, "I wonder if Santa brought the present I asked for?", but instead she said, "I wonder if Santa brought what you (meaning me) asked for? I wonder if he brought the little baby girl from Africa for you. Maybe she's under the tree."
How precious is that!! No, we didn't have a little baby girl from Africa under our tree, but that would be quite awesome if we did. But we do have a seed of hope planted in our little girl's heart that hopes for new beginnings, compassion for others and a heart for sharing our family's love with others.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
White Christmas
This is the first white Christmas I remember having in a long time or even ever. The snow has been dumping, but the forecast looks like it'll warm up and our snowing days may be gone for awhile. My sweetheart trudged across the snow on the deck and measured 18 inches of snow. WOW!! I see the sun peeking through now, so if we're going to go out we better do it before it's gone and we miss out on the opportunity. Off to gather the kids...
Christmas Eve- A New Tradition
It's been snowing...It's still snowing! My sweetheart just went out and measured. We now have 18 inches of snow on our deck.
Because of the weather conditions our church decided to cancel the Christmas Eve services. Our pastor had mentioned the possibility of this last weekend and instructed us to gather with the ones we love, read The Christmas Story found in Luke 2 and sing Silent Night together.
So yesterday was a unique and memorable Christmas Eve for us. We (the 5 of us in the family) gathered yesterday afternoon and began watching It's A Wonderful Life. It's my sweetheart's favorite movie and a classic at that. We stopped the movie around dinnertime and ate a very non-traditional dinner. We had rib eye steak, lamb steak, pasta, and a salad.
Following dinner we cleaned up and then finished decorating the sugar cookies we made earlier. I must admit DH is quite the cookie decorating artist. His cookies were BEAUTIFUL! I didn't frost any. DH and the kids created while I snapped photos.
After cookie decorating we gathered in the living room while my sweetheart read the account of the birth of Jesus found in Luke 2. Everyone in the family was given a taper candle. Each person lit the next person's candle beginning with dad to mom, mom to oldest son, etc. It was a precious moment as we all stood together with lights dimmed and candles lit singing "Silent Night."
After our candle lighting ceremony we moved our celebration to the "piano room" where the kids played Christmas carols and we all sang along. The boys played "Away in a Manger" and "Oh Come All Ye Faithful." Our daughter finished off with her rendition of "Mary Had A Little Lamb." Everyone had a contribution.
Upon returning to the living room the kids opened three gifts each. They are now fitted with new pj's, slippers and long underwear. I would say they are a cozy bunch!
We finished off the evening with the remaining portion of It's A Wonderful Life. It truly is a wonderful life! I love the message of the story and as we sat around together, like good 'ole George Bailey, I was SO THANKFUL for the perfect way this Christmas has turned out.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Because of the weather conditions our church decided to cancel the Christmas Eve services. Our pastor had mentioned the possibility of this last weekend and instructed us to gather with the ones we love, read The Christmas Story found in Luke 2 and sing Silent Night together.
So yesterday was a unique and memorable Christmas Eve for us. We (the 5 of us in the family) gathered yesterday afternoon and began watching It's A Wonderful Life. It's my sweetheart's favorite movie and a classic at that. We stopped the movie around dinnertime and ate a very non-traditional dinner. We had rib eye steak, lamb steak, pasta, and a salad.
Following dinner we cleaned up and then finished decorating the sugar cookies we made earlier. I must admit DH is quite the cookie decorating artist. His cookies were BEAUTIFUL! I didn't frost any. DH and the kids created while I snapped photos.
After cookie decorating we gathered in the living room while my sweetheart read the account of the birth of Jesus found in Luke 2. Everyone in the family was given a taper candle. Each person lit the next person's candle beginning with dad to mom, mom to oldest son, etc. It was a precious moment as we all stood together with lights dimmed and candles lit singing "Silent Night."
After our candle lighting ceremony we moved our celebration to the "piano room" where the kids played Christmas carols and we all sang along. The boys played "Away in a Manger" and "Oh Come All Ye Faithful." Our daughter finished off with her rendition of "Mary Had A Little Lamb." Everyone had a contribution.
Upon returning to the living room the kids opened three gifts each. They are now fitted with new pj's, slippers and long underwear. I would say they are a cozy bunch!
We finished off the evening with the remaining portion of It's A Wonderful Life. It truly is a wonderful life! I love the message of the story and as we sat around together, like good 'ole George Bailey, I was SO THANKFUL for the perfect way this Christmas has turned out.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
I'd Hate to be a Postman or a UPS Driver This Week
We didn't have mail delivery yesterday. The roads leading to our house are a mess of packed snow, ice and more packed snow and ice. Once you get to the state maintained road you're fine, but there's about a 2 mile stretch of misery.
It's about 9pm and the doorbell just rang. I went to the door and saw in the distance the poor UPS man trudging back to his van. In normal winter weather I've seen the UPS trucks chain up and they seem to get around fairly well. But the fact that our normal UPS deliveries occur around 4-5pm I knew this poor Man In Brown was not having a good day. I shouted out, "I was wondering how you guys were doing." He turned around and in a frustrated voice said, "Not Good."
As I shut the door I wish I had something prepared for him to wish him a Merry Christmas despite the miserable conditions.
Tomorrow I'll be more prepared! I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of a NEW COMPUTER and some type of delivery company may need to come to our home. I'm also waiting for the missing Christmas cards I ordered. So if you haven't gotten a card from us yet, you know why.
I've been reminded to take a moment to thank the delivery people who do so much for us on a daily basis. I've heard people who haven't had garbage pick-up because it's not safe for the trucks to travel the roads. I bet they're missing their garbage men right about now.
Thank those special people in your world.
It's about 9pm and the doorbell just rang. I went to the door and saw in the distance the poor UPS man trudging back to his van. In normal winter weather I've seen the UPS trucks chain up and they seem to get around fairly well. But the fact that our normal UPS deliveries occur around 4-5pm I knew this poor Man In Brown was not having a good day. I shouted out, "I was wondering how you guys were doing." He turned around and in a frustrated voice said, "Not Good."
As I shut the door I wish I had something prepared for him to wish him a Merry Christmas despite the miserable conditions.
Tomorrow I'll be more prepared! I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of a NEW COMPUTER and some type of delivery company may need to come to our home. I'm also waiting for the missing Christmas cards I ordered. So if you haven't gotten a card from us yet, you know why.
I've been reminded to take a moment to thank the delivery people who do so much for us on a daily basis. I've heard people who haven't had garbage pick-up because it's not safe for the trucks to travel the roads. I bet they're missing their garbage men right about now.
Thank those special people in your world.
Christmas Baking- Sparkling Cranberry Muffins
A dear friend made us a special collection of Christmas treats. In the box of goodies were the cutest mini-muffins. After eating one or two muffins our dear daughter exclaimed, "Mom, you have GOT to get this recipe!" So after returning home I promptly emailed my friend and asked for the recipe. She confessed it was a Williams Sonoma package mix, but if you have to go with a package, Williams Sonoma is a FAB pick.
But my curiosity was still piqued. I wanted to find a mini-muffin recipe I could make and use the cranberries I still had in the fridge. I found a great, kid-pleasing recipe in the Land O' Lakes Classic Cookies, Baking and More cookbook. These muffins were such a hit they barely had time to cool down before the kids and sweet hub ate most of them.
This cookbook was given to me by a fellow teacher as a wedding gift. Giving cookbooks is a great gift idea!
Sparkling Cranberry Muffins
The butter and sugar coating is what make these homemade muffins special.
1 cup chopped fresh cranberries
2 Tablespoons sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup orange juice
1 egg, slightly beaten
1/4 cup butter melted
1/4 cup sugar
Heat oven to 400 degrees. In small bowl combine cranberries and 2 tablespoons sugar; set aside. In large bowl stir together flour, 1/3 cup sugar, baking powder and salt. Cut in 1/2 cup butter until mixture is crumbly. Stir in orange juice and egg just until moistened. Fold in cranberry-sugar mixture. Spoon batter into greased 12-cup muffin pan (I used a mini-muffin pan). Bake 20-25 minutes (a bit less if using mini-muffin pan) or until golden brown. Cool 5 minutes; remove from pan. Dip top of each muffin in 1/4 cup melted butter, then in 1/4 cup sugar. Serve warm.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Comfort Food- Cream of Chicken Soup
Stranded at home. Laundry is done. House rearranged. No mail. Still cooking up a storm. The weather condition is keeping us at home and when I'm at home without something pressing to do- I cook.
Today I made Sparkling Cranberry Muffins, Cranberry Coffee Cake and Cream of Chicken Soup, and I'm not talking Campbell's. I'll post the cranberry recipes later, but I wanted to get the soup on first. You may be at home cold and this will warm you up in a jiff.
I got this recipe from The Cozy Home Cookbook by Gooseberry Patch. I like to use Costco rotisserie chickens for soup. They are so well-flavored and add that special something to soups. Even if we eat the chicken I usually boil the carcass for broth. So good!
Cream of Chicken Soup
4-5 pound chicken (I used a rotisserie chicken from Costco)
2 celery stalks, diced
2 carrots, diced
1 medium onion, diced
1 cup orzo pasta, cooked (the orzo is like little dumplings in the soup-yum!)
1 cup cake flour (I used regular flour)
1 1/2 cup cold water
2 cup milk
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4-1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Place chicken in a stockpot, cover with water and boil until chicken juices run clear when pierced (not necessary if you use Costco rotisserie chicken, just cook until meat easily falls off bones). Remove meat from bone and return to stockpot. Add celery, carrots and onion to broth. Bring to a simmer and add orzo to broth; bring to a boil. Blend (cake) flour and cold water, stir until smooth and add to the broth when it boils. Add milk and simmer until soup thickens, stirring often. Add salt, pepper, parsley and garlic powder.
Enjoy with a rustic baguette or other crusty bread.
Comfort Food- Beef Stew
We're enjoying many varieties of comfort food that warm the heart and fill the tummy on these cold winter days. The other day I made a VERY easy version of Beef Stew. It's made in a crock pot. So all you need to do is cut up the beef and the vegetables, layer them, and let the crock pot do its thing.
Beef Stew
2 1/2-3 pounds stew meat (I cut up a roast in cubes. I added a bit more since my man likes his protein)
1/2 cup flour
1 teaspoon salt (I ended up putting in about another 1/2-1 teaspoon of salt, add to your taste)
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups beef broth (I did 1 cup beef broth, 1 cup red wine)
1 Tablespoon Worchestershire sauce
2-3 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon marjoram
1/2 teaspoon oregano
4-6 cups cubed, peeled potatoes
3 cups carrot chunks
2 onions, chopped
2-3 stalks celery, chopped
1-14 oz. can diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cups peas, frozen
1 cup corn kernels
Place meat in a crock pot. Sprinkle with flour and stir. Add all other ingredients except peas and corn. Add these the last hour of cooking. Cook on low 8-9 hours. Enjoy!
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