Orange Pomanders

Orange Pomanders

Every Christmas we make these and put them around the house. They are easy to make and show off the creativity of each family member. This year Jimmy did a fantastic one with a cross on it.

Simply take a nail and poke holes into an orange in any design. Poke whole cloves into the holes; set in a bowl and you are done!

They smell wonderful and will last for weeks.

St. Nicholas Punch

St. Nicholas, (our present Santa Claus) is certainly not the true wonder of Christmas (Christ is). But, he represents the application of Christmas: unselfish giving out of a love for Christ. Saint Nicholas was a Bishop in modern Turkey. He gave his wealth to the poor and dedicated his life to God's work and "secret giving".
We can learn much from his life!



Bisschopswijn (Dutch Bishops' Wine)

Traditional beverage for Dutch Sinterklaas Eve

1 liter red wine
1 lemon
1 orange
20 cloves
2 tablespoons sugar
1 cinnamon stick
a pinch of mace and saffron (optional)


Wash and dry the lemon and orange. Insert 10 cloves into each. Put the wine, sugar, lemon, orange and cinnamon (and the mace and saffron tied in muslin, if you are using them) into a pan. Cover and bring slowly to the boil. Turn down the heat and allow the wine to simmer very gently for approximately. 1 hour. Remove the spices and the fruit. Heat the wine again, but do not let it boil. Serve in heat-resistant glasses. Bisschopswijn or mulled wine is a traditional drink on "Sinterklaasavond

Advent

The word Advent means "coming" or "arrival." The focus of the entire season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ in his First Advent, and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King in his Second Advent. Thus, Advent is far more than simply marking a 2,000 year old event in history. It is celebrating a truth about God, the revelation of God in Christ whereby all of creation might be reconciled to God. That is a process in which we now participate, and the consummation of which we anticipate. Scripture reading for Advent will reflect this emphasis on the Second Advent, including themes of accountability for faithfulness at His coming, judgment on sin, and the hope of eternal life.

Enjoy the journey of Advent!

Individual Christmas

As I ponder the Christmas story, I noticed something about each character of this incredible epic. Each character was told their part privately, individually. No one had proof or other witnesses to confirm their story. Think about it:
ZECHARIAH: Saw the angel in the Holy of Holies, and was told he would bear John the Baptist (cousin and foreteller of Christ). No one else was around.
MARY: Saw Gabriel in private to receive her special news.
JOSEPH: Had a dream to confirm that Mary's child was Divine.
SIMEON: Was told by the Holy Spirit that he would see Israel's salvation.
ANNA: Received special private revelation to see the Christ Child.
SHEPHARDS: saw the wonderful angels, but no one else in Bethlehem did! How could the night sky be filled with glory of angels and NO ONE in the town below saw it!? It was the shepherds' words against the entire town.
WISEMEN: saw a star that no one else did. Even the wisest men of Jerusalem couldn't see it!

I see God revealing his son's birth to very specific individuals who had no other coaberating evidence. They had to take this journey on FAITH alone. Mary had a little support as she and Elizabeth shared their stories, but other than that, God tested each character's faith. Just as He asks each of us to accept His story: as an individual and in faith alone.

Jesus' first advent came to individuals. But His second coming will be completely different. It will come to ALL MEN, in the sky, seen by all. Not all will rejoice at His coming, for he will ride the Horse "Faithful and True" and he will bring judgement and His eternal kingdom.

May we each receive Christ's first Advent with great joy so we will be ready for His second Advent!

As We Look Forward to Christmas

Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master.
Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher.
Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.
Had no army, yet kings feared Him.
He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.
He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.
He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.
Feel honored to serve such a Leader who loves us.

Pumpkin Ginger Pie with Marshmallow Topping

1 pie crust, unbaked
1/2 cup crushed gingersnap cookies
1/4 cup chopped pecans
2 TB. packed light brown sugar
2 TB. flour
2 TB. soft butter or margarine
1 can pumpkin (15 oz.)
1 cup evaporated milk
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/4 tsp. salt
2 eggs
2 cups mini marshmallows

Heat oven to 425. Place pie crust in a pie pan. In a bowl, mix the next 5 ingredients. Sprinkle in the pie crust. In large bowl, mix the pumpkin, milk, brown sugar, salt and eggs. Pour into pie crust on top of struesal. Bake 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350. Bake 35-45 minutes or until cooked. Cool completely. Just before serving, spread marshmallows on top of pie. Broil in oven 5 inches from heat for about 30 seconds until they are browned.

Giving Thanks in All Things

We Gather Together

We gather together to ask the Lord's blessing;
He chastens and hastens his will to make known;
The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing,
Sing praises to his name: He forgets not his own.

Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining,
Ordaining, maintaining his kingdom divine;
So from the beginning the fight we were winning;
Thou, Lord, wast at our side, All glory be thine!

We all do extol thee, thou leader triumphant,
And pray that thou still our defender wilt be.
Let thy congregation escape tribulation;
Thy name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free!
Amen

--Traditional Thanksgiving Hymn
(A translation by Theodore Baker: 1851-1934)

Thanksgiving Recipe

I am making this for Thanksgiving: Sweet Potatoes in Orange Cups

4 oranges
1 large can sweet potatoes, drained and mashed
1 egg
1/2 cup cream
2 TB. butter
1/2 tsp. salt
pinch of nutmeg
8 marshmallows

Cut stems off the oranges, cutting crosswise. Using knife, scoop out pulp. Set aside. Add egg, cream, buter, salt and nutmeg to mashed potatoes. Whip until light. Fill orange cups. Garnish with marshmallows. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Serves 8.

From Ashes to Glory

From Ashes to Glory

A friend sent me this neat email describing a new Naval Ship that will be set sail in November of this year. The USS New York was built from metal that came from the World Trade Center from 9-11. Out of the horror, the failure, the death, the chaos of that terrible day, we now have a glorious ship that represents America's determination, courage, and refusal to stay in defeat.

When I think of my life's failures, I sometimes see a scrap of steel girders, ash, and rubble. I don't know how God can pick all that mess up and use it. But he does, and what He creates from our failings is something new, unexpected, and glorious! Who would have thought that the mess from ground zero would be sailing the high seas on voyages for America's glory? God takes our mess, turns it into a glorious sailing vessel, then he places his flag of glory on us and says, "Set sail! Go in my name and "NEVER FORGET" what I've done for you!"

Psalm 113 :7,9b says, " He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes, with the princes of their people.....Praise the Lord."

Things to live by

Someone emailed me these and I thought they were great!

Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 41 lessons life taught
me.. It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer

rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:"

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
9. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
10. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12.. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
13. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
14. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
15. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
16. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
17. When it comes to going after what you=2 0love in life, don't take no for an answer.
18. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
19. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
20. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
21. The most important sex organ is the brain.
22. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
23. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ''In five years, will this matter?".
24. Always choose life.
25. Forgive everyone everything.
26. What other people think of you is none of your business.
27. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.
28. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
29.. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
30. Believe in miracles.
31. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
32. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young...
33. Your children get only one childhood.
34. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
35. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
36. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's,
we'd grab ours back.
37. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
38. The best is yet to come.
39. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
40. Yield.
41. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

"Pour Out Your Heat To The Lord" Ps.62:8

I am planning for a tea party of 25 ladies in a few weeks. It is so much fun! Planning the food, picking out the tea pots, shopping for extra creamer/sugar sets is a fun hobby for me. So far I've found lots of mis-matched tea cups, antique spoons and linens in shops and thrift stores. Normally I do the teas at my house, but this time I am using a 1780's Southern Plantation which should add to the atmosphere. My friend, Ellen, will be the speaker and talk on "tea time with God".

I love planning teas and have at least 1-2 a year. It's fun to have ladies come, slow down their pace, and just TALK. Tea requires one to stop and wait. Tea is not instant. Nor is the food. I went to a tea room once and a lady actually left complaining that the service was too slow! She had no idea. Tea is about a quiet experience, getting to be with another human being over a pot of tea, serving one another, taking things slowly.

Here is a good tea that women should love: It is CHOCOLATE!

CARAMEL CHOCOLATE MILK TEA

4 cups chocolate milk
4 bags vanilla-caramel tea
1 cup powdered sugar
ground chocolate for garnish

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the chocolate milk, tea bags, and sugar. Cook until the mixture just begins to boil. Remove from heat and steep for 15 minutes. Remove teabags.

Rim cups with ground chocolate if desired. Pour chocolate mixture in cups. Serve with whipped cream.

Greece and Turkey

We had a magical trip to Greece and Turkey, sailing the beautiful sailing schooner, the WindStar. We started in Athens and ended up in Istanbul. Above are the following pictures:
1. Darren and Rochelle in a shop in Istanbul. Shopping is an adventure; the shopkeepers bring you tea, wine, food and entertain you as if you are in their home. Bargaining is all part of the "game".
2. Us standing on the bow of the ship; it was our first sunrise. This ship had 200-foot sails and excellent service. It only held 100 passengers or so; so the ship was small enough to enjoy and get to know people.
3. Rochelle in front of the Acropolis, Athens.
4. Rochelle Drinking turkish coffee. It is VERY strong!

I Love You, Mom Brownies

I LOVE YOU MOM BROWNIES
Brownie Layer:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces

4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped

1 1/4 cups granulated white sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 large eggs

1/2 cup all purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

Mint Layer:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 cup confectioners (powdered or icing) sugar, sifted

1 - 1 1/2 tablespoons heavy cream

1/2 teaspoon pure peppermint extract or 1-2 tablespoons creme de menthe

green food coloring (optional)

Chocolate Glaze:

3 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Heat oven to 325 degrees F and place the rack in the center of the oven. Have ready a 9 x 9 inch square baking pan that has been lined with aluminum foil across the bottom and up two opposite sides of the pan. Set aside.
Brownies: In a stainless steel (heatproof) bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water, melt the butter and chocolate. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar and vanilla extract. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well (with a wooden spoon) after each addition. Stir in the flour and salt and beat, with a wooden spoon, until the batter is smooth and glossy and comes away from the sides of the pan (about one minute). Pour the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until the brownies start to pull away from the sides of the pan and the edges of the brownies are just beginning to brown. A toothpick inserted in the center of the brownies will come out almost clean. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to completely cool.
Mint Layer: In the bowl of your electric mixer, or with a hand mixer, beat all the ingredients until smooth. Add a few drops of green food coloring if you want the frosting green. If the frosting is too thick, add a little extra cream. (The frosting should be just thin enough to spread.) Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownie layer. Place in the refrigerator for about 5-10 minutes or until firm.
Chocolate Glaze: In a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, melt the chocolate and butter. Spread over the mint filling and refrigerate for about 30 minutes or until the chocolate glaze starts to dull.
To Serve: Remove the brownies from the pan by lifting with the ends of the foil and transfer to a cutting board. With a sharp knife, cut into 30 squares. It is a good idea to wipe your knife between cuts with a damp cloth. These brownies can be stored in the refrigerator for several days or else frozen.

Makes about 30 1-inch squares.

Happy Mother's Day

I SAID A MOTHER'S PRAYER FOR YOUI said a Mother's Day prayer for you
to thank the Lord above
for blessing me with a lifetime
of your tenderhearted love.

I thanked God for the caring
you've shown me through the years,
for the closeness we've enjoyed
in time of laughter and of tears.

And so, I thank you from the heart
for all you've done for me
and I bless the Lord for giving me
the best mother there could be!

~Author Unknown~

It's been a while

Well, seeing it was early in Lent when I wrote anything, it's time for another post. I've been very busy at my church and having a great time. I went to Gatlinburg, TN, and came back on Maundy Thursday to lead a service that night and a Good Friday service the next day. Then came Easter Sunday!

This "busy"ness was all wonderful to me, keeping me in things that are most important: spending time with my family, my friends, seeing beautiful mountains, and celebrating our last week of Christ.

I highly recommend renting a cabin up in the Smoky mountains. Our cabin was magnificent, and the scenery was its rival.

It's exciting to actually celebrate 5 weeks of Easter. I have never done that before. Usually, Easter came and went, so did the chocolate bunnies. The Easter lillies even die off as well. But to keep that spirit of resurrection alive for 5 whole Sundays certainly helps us Christians keep that spirit every Sunday of the year. Happy SEASON of Easter!

St.Patrick's Day

It's that time of year when we look to a little man in a green suit, a shamrock, and a pot of gold.....but is that what St. Patrick's day is really about?????

St. Patrick was a great missionary bishop who converted a whole land from paganism, overturning the religion of the druids. He consecrated 350 bishops, erected 700 churches, and ordained 5,000 priests. In less than 30 years the greater part of Ireland was Catholic; St. Patrick so consolidated it in the Christian faith that during the Protestant Revolt Ireland was almost unique in its preservation of the Faith. Even today, people speak of "the faith of the Irish."

When St. Patrick tried to explain the Trinity to pagan peoples (who had no clue!), he used their native plant, the shamrock, to explain that God is "three in one", as three leaves make up one plant.

It is hard, indeed impossible, to comprehend such a vast and enduring transformation without the visible support of God through great works and wonders. But that is what Christ promised to His Apostles, and it has been historically demonstrated in the well-attested lives of His great missionary saints.

St. Patrick himself has personally attested to some of these signs and wonders: "And let those who will, laugh and scorn--I shall not be silent; nor shall I hide the signs and wonders which the Lord has shown me many years before they came to pass, as He knows everything even before the times of the world." This seems to apply in particular to his prophetic dream-visions.

In his Letters (as in his Confessions and his Letter to Coroticus), Patrick wrote such things as: "I was not worthy... that He should bestow on me so great grace toward that nation." And: "I baptized in the Lord so many thousands of persons." And: "that many people through me should be regenerated to God." Patrick also wrote: "that I might imitate, in some degree, those whom the Lord long ago foretold would herald His Gospel, for a witness to all nations before the end of the world." St. Patrick indicated that the Holy Spirit was within him, and he compared himself with St. Paul in a reference to the "unspeakable groanings" of the Holy Spirit.

This website also has a good story of St. Patrick's life, including the years he was a slave in Ireland. What a wonderful story of a slave forgiving his captors, going back to their land, and winning them for the Gospel!

http://www.theholidayspot.com/patrick/historyofpatrick.htm

Homemade Syrup

Homemade Syrup:

1 cup white sugar

1/2 cup light or dark corn syrup

1/4 cup water

3/4 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 cup evaporated milk



In a saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, water and cinnamon. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook and stir for one minute. Cool for 5 minutes. Stir in the milk. Serve warm. Store in a tightly covered conatiner in the fridge.

Lent Soup Recipes

Beef Chowder

Ingredients:
1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
3 cups diced potatoes
1 can cream-style corn, about 16 ounces
1 can (10 1/2 ounces) condensed beef broth
3/4 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
dash pepper
shredded sharp American cheese

Preparation:
In skillet, brown beef and onion; drain. Transfer to crockery cooker. Stir in remaining ingredients except cheese. Cover and cook on HIGH 3 to 4 hours. Top each serving with a little shredded Cheese.
Serves 6 to 8.

Dumpling Soup

Ingredients:
1 pound lean round steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 envelope onion soup mix
1 can condensed beef broth, about 10 1/2 ounces
5 cups hot water
2 carrots, peeled and coarsely shredded
1 rib finely chopped celery
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 cup biscuit mix
6 tablespoons milk
1 tablespon finely chopped fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
Preparation:
With crockpot on low, sprinkle steak with dry onion soup mix. Pour hot water over steak. Stir in carrots, celery and tomato. Cover and cook on low 4 to 6 hours or until meat is tender. Turn pot control to HIGH. In separate small bowl, combine biscuit mix with parsley. Stir in milk with fork until mixture is moistened. Drop dumpling mixture into Crock Pot with a teaspoon. Cover and cook on high for about 30 minutes.
Serves 4 to 6.

Ash Wednesday: Remember Penitence and Mortality

Pentinence and Mortality. What a bummer!

Who wants to think of Penitence...our need to see ourselves in the mirror of Scripture and realize how wretched we are.

Who wants to think of mortality...in an age of plastic surgery and life-saving techniques that keep us 15 years older than we would have normally lived. Who wants to think of the grave when there is so much to enjoy in our culture?

Ash Wednesday is the day for these two words. One of the rare days in the Christian church where we
STOP.
PONDER.
REALIZE WHO WE ARE.
THINK UPON THE CURSE.
REPENT.
LOOK TO THE SAVIOR.

Ash Wednesday is the name given to the first day of the season of Lent, in which the Pastor applies ashes to the foreheads of Christians to signify an inner repentance. But what is the history and the meaning of this Christian holy day?

Ash Wednesday, originally called dies cinerum (day of ashes) is mentioned in the earliest copies of the Gregorian Sacramentary, and probably dates from at least the 8th Century.


Using ashes is mentioned several times in the Old Testament. What is probably the earliest occurrence is found at the very end of the book of Job. Job, having been rebuked by God, confesses, "Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes" (Job 42:6). Other examples are found in 2 Samuel 13:19, Esther 4:1,3, Isaiah 61:3, Jeremiah 6:26, Ezekiel 27:30, and Daniel 9:3.

In the New Testament, Jesus alludes to the practice in Matthew 11:21: "Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes."

In the typical Ash Wednesday observance, Christians are invited to the altar to receive the imposition of ashes, prior to receiving the holy Supper.

The Pastor applies ashes in the shape of the cross on the forehead of each, while speaking the words, "For dust you are and to dust you shall return" (Genesis 3:19). This is of course what God spoke to Adam and Eve after they eaten of the forbidden fruit and fallen into sin. These words indicated to our first parents the bitterest fruit of their sin, namely death.

In the context of the Ash Wednesday imposition of ashes, they remind each penitent of their sinfulness and mortality, and, thus, their need to repent and get right with God before it is too late. The cross reminds each penitent of the good news that through Jesus Christ crucified there is forgiveness for all sins, all guilt, and all punishment.

Many Christians choose to leave the ashes on their forehead for the remainder of the day, not to be showy and boastful (see Matthew 6:16-18). Rather, they do it as a witness that all people are sinners in need of repentance AND that through Jesus all sins are forgiven through faith.

Ash Wednesday, like the season of Lent, is never mentioned in Scripture and is not commanded by God. Christians are free to either observe or not observe it. It also should be obvious that the imposition of ashes, like similar external practices, are meaningless, even hypocritical, unless there is a corresponding inner repentance and change of behavior. This is made clear in Isaiah 58:5-7 when God says,

Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for a man to humble himself? Is it only for bowing one's head like a reed and for lying on sackcloth and ashes ? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the LORD? 6 "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter-- when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?


With this in mind, however, the rite of ashes on Ash Wednesday is heartily recommended to the Christian as a grand opportunity for repentance and spiritual renewal.

A blessed Ash Wednesday observance to all.

Romance --February 14---"Dear" Season

It's that week when men all over the country have to scrounge up a gift to embody the love, adoration and unending favor towards that special lady in their life.

Back in college I took a course on 14th Century literature. How great was that stuff! The whole idea of courtly love and a knight adoring, even worshipping a woman from afar is too foreign for our culture. Today's day has so much vulgarity and so little romance.

One defined romance as "the unknown".....that small element of unknown keeps a marriage alive just as a cool rain after a drought. Romance is doing something towards one you love that has been kept secret, been saved, been wrapped in a closet for 3 weeks, been waiting to be given. It is selflish and extravagant.

Isn't the Bible the ultimate love story? The Scriptures say,

"As it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, yea, the deep things of God." - 1 Corinthians 2:9-10.

Most people interpret this passage as speaking of heaven someday.....Charles Spurgeon had a different approach:

"But any one who reads the connexion will discover that the apostle is not talking about heaven at all. He is only speaking of this - that the wisdom of this world is not able to discover the things of God - that the merely carnal mind is not able to know the deep spiritual things of our most holy religion.

He says, "We speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit; for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God."

And then he goes on lower down to say, "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."

I take it, that this text is a great general fact, capable of specific application to certain cases; and that the great fact is this - that the things of God cannot be perceived by eye, and ear, and heart, but must be revealed by the Spirit of God; as they are unto all true believers. We shall take that thought, and endeavour to expand it this morning, explaining it concerning heaven, as well as regards other heavenly matters."


That verse fits the ultimate meaning of true romance.

Something hidden, saved for just the right moment, bursting with love and power into the life of the receiver. God did that for the world. He lavished his most precious gift, "HIMSELF", through His Son in the most romantic gesture ever given. As the song says, this gift was "written in red"...blood red.

Jesus, Lover of My Soul!

Fasting in a "fast and furious" culture

Fasting. A topic that is not usually preached on. Something we plump Americans don't like to talk about. Oh we love our praise music, our singing, our Bible Studies, our youth group activities, but mention "fasting" and the room will get mighty quiet.

Trivia Question: Who was the first person in the Bible mentioned to fast? Answer: Moses. Also note that the Bible calls Moses the "most humble man on earth". HMMMM....there is a connection!

In our culture of personalized American "I have my rights" thinking, we don't like to think of giving up things. The selfish "name it and claim it" Christianity is more about getting, being blessed, etc. than in being crucified with Christ.

Growing up in the Baptist tradition, fasting was rarely mentioned or explained. We were too busy at the pot luck dinners for that! The past 3 or 4 years I felt led to fast or give up something during the Lent season. When I mentioned it to someone on staff at a prominant Baptist church, he scowled at me and said, "Now how can giving up something like food bring glory to God?" I was floored.

I'm relieved to be at a church that openly talks about fasting and openly practices it. It is a very Biblical topic, and Christ fasted. We as His disciples should follow Christ's model.

The Greek word for fasting is nesteia -- a compound of ne (a negative prefix) and esthio which means "to eat." So the basic root meaning of the word simply means "not to eat." Leviticus 16:29 gives another facet. This verse says that fasting is synonymous with "afflicting one's soul." We gain some insight here about how the Hebrews viewed fasting. Fasting is more than just "afflicting one's body". It is "afflicting one's soul."

Fasting is a Christian duty. There are two kinds of fasting:
Abstinence refers to lowering the quality of food, for example not eating sweets or coffee or meat.

Fasting refers to the quantity of food being lowered.

Fasting is an expression of wholeheartedness. This is clear from Joel's call to the nation of Israel: "Yet even now," says the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting. . ." (Joel 2:12).

How do you know when to pray and fast and when to just pray? That is not a question that someone else can always answer for you. But here is a principle: In God's word we always find fasting connected with a very troubled spirit or a very anxious heart before the Lord. So a reason for fasting is not something you choose on the spur of the moment. Rather the reason is a consuming one. In a sense, it's not something you choose, so much as something that chooses you, because it's that important.

Fasting can also be to prepare for a holy day in the church. There is only one fast command in the Bible and that was the fast on the Day of Atonement. This fast was from sunset of one day to sunset of the next (Leviticus 16:29;23:32). Since most of this time was sleeping hours, this was not a long time without food.

Biblical fasting is "not eating" with spiritual communication in mind. How do we know this? Because Biblical fasting always occurs together with prayer in the Bible - ALWAYS. You can pray without fasting, but you cannot fast (Biblically speaking) without praying. Biblical fasting is deliberately abstaining from food for a spiritual reason: communication and relationship with the Father.

Breakfast Butterscotch Oatmeal

INGREDIENTS
1 egg, beaten
1 3/4 cups milk
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup rolled oats
2 tablespoons butter
optional: 1/2 raisins, 1/2 pecans, etc..


DIRECTIONS
In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the egg, milk and brown sugar. Mix in the oats. When the oatmeal begins to boil, cook and stir until thick. Remove from the heat, and stir in butter until melted. Serve immediately.

H-O-P-E

It seems that "Hope" is the new word. The new catch-phrase. The new political attitude that has come to shine in Washington. I have heard these statements quite commonly:

"Hope for a better tomorrow"
"Hope for new jobs"
"Hope for a better economy"
"I hope you feel better"
"I hope things work out for you"

You've probably heard and even said these things too! I have.

Hope is thrown around a lot, but I wonder if people realize what hope really is. According to the dictionary it is simply a "wish for better things". A wish. We know how powerful wishes are. They shine like a coin but are lost in the darkness as we drop them in the well of hope. We never seem to see them again.

Have any of your birthday-cake wishes come true???
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As I look at Scriptures, I find out what hope really is.

"HOPE thou in God, for I shall yet praise Him". Psalm 42:11

"Which is Christ in you, the HOPE of glory" Colossians 1:27

"Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who HOPE in the Lord" Psalm 31:24

"Happy is he that has the God of Jacob for his help, whose HOPE is in the LORD his God" Psalm 146:5

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See a pattern? True hope isn't hope for something......it's hope IN SOMEONE.

Hoping for a better tomorrow is like reaching for a star. You will never touch it even though you aimed for it.

Hope is like a rope. If you drop a rope into the water, that rope will simply float. Your boat will drift. With God as your hope, you have an anchor on the end of that rope. You see, a hope with no direct object is useless!

Yet we say "hope" over and over, thinking, yes, "HOPING" that something good will come if we say it often enough.

God encourages us to put hope in Him and in His promises. He always provides when our hope is connected TO Him.


I will think twice before I say, "I hope you do well". Instead of saying such a trivial thing, I will lead the person to the God of hope, rather than hope itself.

Our land needs hope desperately; yet they are looking for it in policies, presidents, laws, and dollars. The everlasting hope is found in the Creator of heaven and earth. All we need to do is receive it.

Great Recipe

Great Recipe for a peace-filled life in 2009

1.
Take a 10 to 30 minute walk every day. And
while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate
anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at
least 10 minutes each day. Talk to God
about what is going on in your life. Buy
a lock if you have to.

3. When you wake up in the morning complete the following
statement,
'My purpose is to __________ today.
I am thankful for______________'

4. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat
less food that is manufactured in plants.

5. Drink green tea and plenty of
water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds &
walnuts.

6. Try to make at least three
people smile each day.

7. Don't waste your
precious energy on energy vampires,
issues of the past, negative thoughts or things
you cannot control.

8. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and
dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

9. Life isn't fair, but it's
still good.

10. Life is too short to waste
time hating anyone.

11. Don't take yourself
so seriously. No one else
does.

12. You are not so important
that you have to win every argument.
Agree to disagree.

13. Make peace with your past so
it won't spoil the present.

14. Don't compare your life to others. You have no
idea what their journey is all about.

15. No one is in charge of your
happiness except you.

16. Frame every
so-called disaster with these words: 'In five
years, will this matter?'

17. Forgive everyone for everything.

18. What other people think of you is none of your
business.

19. GOD heals everything - but you have to ask Him.

20. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

21. Your job won't take care of you when you are
sick. Your friends will stay in touch.

22. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

23. Each night before you go to bed complete the following
statements:
I am thankful for
__________. Today I accomplished
_________.

24. Remember that you are too
blessed to be stressed.

25. When you are feeling down, start listing your many
blessings. You'll be smiling before you know it.

Driving in the snow

Living in Virginia for 17 years now, I am convinced that people can't drive in the snow. Being from Michigan everyone knows that snow driving isn't rocket science. It's just a fact of life.

I realize that Virginia does not get much snow. But that's no excuse. I drove out of our neighborhood yesterday with about 3 inches of snow on the ground. The car in front of me fish-tailed at least 5 times, almost hit the ditch, and almost ran head-on to the oncoming car! All in our neighborhood. I drove to the gas station, bank, friend's house, restaurant,and back home and not one fish-tail.

WHY? I know how to drive in snow. Snow does not scare me. I slow down, "feel" the car more, and refuse to slam on the breaks every minute. Two cars, same road, same snow, but different results! One almost got in a wreck, the other (me) got to several places safely.

On the Christian journey, it seems that many Christians let the "snow" in life panic them. They experience some trouble and just slam on the breaks. They wake up not expecting 3 inches of snow on the road. They don't adjust. Or, in the process of dealing with the snow, they slam into someone else. Snow may change the road, but we can still move on. Slow down, walk in the Spirit, be sensitive, don't drive on auto-pilot.

I noticed yesterday that snow showed what drivers are REALLY like. Most were cautious, responsible, and safe. Some were panicky, rash, and unsafe. All were drivers, but the mature ones could be seen a mile away.

When another Christian is about to slam into you, (being rude, rash, etc...) it may not be you. They may have received 3 inches of snow on their road and they are having a hard time adjusting. Pray and help them from heading to the ditch.

To all the Ladies

Leave Yesterday Alone (its gone)
*******
Live Today (count your blessings)
*******
Don't Worry About Tomorrow (it may not come)
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Dear God, The lady reading this is beautiful, classy & strong and I love her. Help her live her life to the fullest. Please promote her and cause her to excel above expectations. Help her to shine in darkest places and love where it is impossible to love. Protect her at all times, lift her up when she needs you the most and let her know that when she walks with you; she will always be safe.

Ladies, we need to stick together! When we pray, love, and serve, there is nothing that can stop us in the kingdom of God.

3051

I actually will miss George and Laura Bush. I was sad to see them leave the White House. They have such dignity, grace, and class.

These folks, no matter if one disagrees with their party or politics, kept morality and dignity in the White House. They gave us 8 years of not having to worry about interns, cigars and other unspeakable atrosities on their watch.

No, I don't agree with everything Bush did. But the number 3051 keeps hitting me. That's the number of days Bush kept us safe from attack after 9-11.

3051 days.
That's EVERY DAY.
That's 100% track record.
No matter how you slice it.

Bush is 100% in protecting us. He kept his promise to keep us safe. He wasn't afraid to call "evil", "EVIL". He looked terrorist countries in the face and refused to have lunch with their leaders. He bravely ducked as a middle-eastern man threw shoes at him. He kept us safe in spite of the media and much of the country attacking his authority!

3051 days of pure safety. For that alone, Bush deserved a standing ovation from today's innaugural crowd. But he received a few claps and random boo's. 3051 days of saftey to shop, go to school, fly in a plane. You can't put a price on that. You can't ignore it or talk it away. 3051 days.

Thank you, George W. Bush. God bless you.

Inauguration Recipe

For those of you who like to bake, here's the recipe for the dessert at today's presidential inauguration luncheon. I've been in that room in the Capitol when I toured it about 4 years ago. What an impressive place.

My husband and son were at Bush's inaugural parade 4 years ago, watching the limos drive by out in the cold. We were in security lines about 2 hours but it was a fun day. I'm glad my son could say that he was in Washington DC for a presidential inauguration.

Today, the presidential luncheon tried to honor Abraham Lincoln's tastes; Lincoln loved apples! In honor of Lincoln's bicentenial birthday, here is the recipe:

Lincoln's Cinnamon Apple Sponge Cake



Number of Servings: 10 Prep Time: 1 hr 30 min Skill Level: Average


Apple Filling
4 lbs Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup water
1/₃ cup granulated sugar
1/₃ cup apple sauce
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt
Grated zest from 1 lemon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Bread Crust
14 tablespoons unsalted butter, melt 10 of tablespoons
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
34 slices brioche bread (or white bread)

Equipment
10 Ceramic baking ramekins or metal molds (3” diameter)

Sauce
2 cups caramel sauce(store bought)
2 cups granny smith apples, peeled, cored, diced small
Pinch sugar
Pinch cinnamon
1 tablespoon butter

Ice Cream
1 quart vanilla ice cream


Instructions:
Filling
1. Melt butter in 6-quart saucepan over medium-low heat. Add apples and caramelize, add water, cook, stirring occasionally for 15 to 20 minutes, or until apples are completely soft. Remove cover and add sugar, nutmeg and salt.

2. Increase heat to medium-high and continue to cook, stirring apples frequently, until liquid has completely evaporated, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in lemon zest, apple sauce and vanilla. Set aside to cool while making crust. The filling can be made one day ahead.

Making crust and assembly
1. Position oven rack in lower third of oven and preheat to 425°F. Grease 8 ceramic dishes with 1 tablespoon butter. Sprinkle sugar in dish and tilt to coat bottom and sides. Tap out excess sugar and set aside.

2. Using a bread knife, remove crusts from bread. Center the bottom of mold over one of the bread squares. Cut around mold to form circle to use as the top. Make a total of 20 of these round pieces. Ten will be for the bottom and 10 will be used for the top. Dip each one in melted butter and place at the bottom of mold.

3. Cut each of the 15 remaining slices of bread into four rectangular pieces. Dip one side of each strip in the melted butter and arrange strips, upright, around the inside of molds, buttered-sides against mold and overlapping by about 1/2” to completely line mold. Use 6 rectangles to line the mold.

4. Spoon the apple filling into bread-lined molds, mounding it slightly in center.

5. Take the remaining ten rounds of bread and dip pieces of bread into the melted butter and place on top of filling, buttered-sides up. Press down lightly.

6. Bake for 30 minutes, then cover top loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until top is deep golden brown and side slices are golden brown (slide a thin-bladed knife between bread and pan to check). Remove from oven, uncover, and let rest for 15 minutes on wire rack. Run thin-bladed knife around edges of molds to be able to flip the mold out onto serving plates.

7. For the apple cinnamon caramel sauce, sauté 1 cup of peeled and diced Granny Smith apples in butter, add a pinch of sugar and cinnamon. Allow to cook until apples are lightly browned and all sugars have dissolved. Remove from heat and add 2 cups caramel sauce to the apples and stir to coat apples.

To Assemble
Pour caramel apple sauce over warmed apple cakes and serve with your favorite vanilla ice cream.

It's the little things....

I woke up Saturday morning to NO WATER. It was pretty cold the prior night, zero degrees. After the water trickled a little, it sputtered and then just died. No toilets either. I realized after talking to the neighbor that calling the water company would do no good. I had to call the plumber. I got one on the phone around 10:00 a.m. during Jimmy's taekwondo class. He said that he had 4 people in front of me so it would be a while. I could wait. Or could I??? NO toilets!

Finally I took matters in my own hands. Down to the crawl space I went, inspecting pipes and trying not to trip on the Christmas boxes around me. No leaks there. I still blow-dried everthing to make sure. The cats all rallied around me as they love going into the crawl space to sniff around.

Finally I checked our water purifier which is in the garage. I shook the plastic pipes and felt a slushy "crunch"....BINGO! I blow-dried them (or is it "blew-dried"???) and after an hour the plumber called me (by now it's nightime). As I spoke to him, I heard the familiar sound of water! I could proudly tell him that his services were no longer needed. I think he was relieved as he had 8 people after me!

Not having water for a day helped me realize that we are so fortunate. Many people around the world still have to go to a pump or to a well to get their water. And that water is filthy. People in India use water that is used as a giant bathtub for people and animals. So I really thanked the Lord for His goodness to us as I got under the warm covers that night after a long hot shower.

Inauguration Week

In this week of the Presidential Inauguration, I am thinking about Abraham Lincoln. We Felsburgs agree that he was our greatest president. I bought Darren the book, "Abraham Lincoln: A Man of Faith and Courage" by Joe Wheeler for Christmas.


In today's day of glamour and TV angles, Lincoln never would have made it with his strange looks and rough voice. Lincoln said of himself, "Nobody has ever expected me to be president. In my poor, lean lank face nobody has ever seen that any cabbages were sprouting."

But leadership doesn't always have Hollywood quality. Lincoln did what was right and most importantly, walked humbly with his God. He did not strive for popularity, but what was best for his people.

In the Bible, Israel chose Saul to be their king because he was good-looking and at least a "head above the other men". Physical stature does not guarantee success in God's economics. We know what happened to Saul! He lost the throne and his own sons died in battle with him.

President Obama claims to know Jesus Christ on a personal level. I will trust his statement on this and will pray for him as my President and leader of the greatest nation on earth. I am glad that he is using Abraham Lincoln's Bible in the swearing-in ceremony. I hope he embraces the humility and reliance on God that Lincoln had as well, for that is how he will be the best leader that he can be. No Bible can be a good-luck charm. My 8th grade Bible teacher once said, "Reading the Bible won't change your life....applying will!"

GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!


Here are some quotes of Abraham Lincoln.


1.Truth is generally the best vindication against slander.

2. The Almighty has His own purposes.

3.Beware of rashness, but with energy and sleepless vigilance go forward and give us victories.

4. Men are not flattered by being shown that there has been a difference of purpose between the Almighty and them.

5. In giving freedom to the slave we assure freedom to the free - honorable alike in what we give and what we preserve.

6. Let us have faith that right makes might; and in that faith let us to the end, dare to do our duty as we understand it.

7. I shall try to correct errors when shown to be errors, and I shall adopt new views so fast as they shall appear to be true views.

8. Why should there not be a patient confidence in the ultimate justice of the people? Is there any better or equal hope in the world?

9. You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can not fool all of the people all of the time.

10. That this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

Football Recipes

I have friends who are Pittsburgh Steelers (or Pittsburgh Stillers if you live up there) and Philly Eagles fans.......so I'm having them over on Sunday to watch the games. Here is a recipe I'm using for the big day.



Bacon Wrapped Smokies

1 package smokies sausages
1 pound bacon
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 TB. vinegar

Directions
Cut bacon slices in half.
Wrap one piece of bacon around each smokie and place them seam side down in glass baking dish.
Top with brown sugar and drizzle with vinegar.
Refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
Remove from the refrigerator and bake in a 350° oven for one hour.
Remove from baking dish and transfer to a small slow cooker to keep them warm while serving

Iraqi Hubby

My hubby is in Iraq. The magic of technology and modern wizardry is in one small amazing gadget: the WEBCAM. We bought them for Christmas just for his trip. How amazing to be able to talk to someone and see them...............even though he is half way across the world. And it's FREE!

Sure beats writing letters that have to go by banana boat.