I'm back!!

It's been three years and i have neglected my blog!! I'm back and will get posting again soon.

4th of July

Happy Belated 4th of July

I spent mine with some cool folks eating steamed crabs. It's a big East Coast thing. You spread newspaper on the table, and eat for hours. It takes hours to break the crabs apart and search for a morsel of the sweet meat. Nothing like crabs from the Chesapeake Bay!

Thoughts on Creation

I was just thinking about creation as my son Jimmy was talking about God as the creator:
1. The Holy Spirit hovered over the deep, energizing the raw materials for the creation...
2. God SPOKE and all things came into being. He used his WORD.
3. Jesus is the great LOGOS, the WORD who was there at creation.
4. When God created man, he didn't use words. He "formed" man with his own two hands. Then he breathed into man with his spirit.

HOW COOL! Man is totally different from all other creation. God used words to create everything else, but he used his own hands and breathe to create man. This is why murder, abortion, gossip, abuse, violence and hate are so wrong. These sins attack God's highest creation, man and woman, which he created in His image.

Memorial Day 2010

Pentecost

I think it so interesting as we celebrate Pentecost today. Back in Genesis, when God scattered man, he divided him with many languages. Now, on the birthday of the church, when the Holy Spirit is poured out upon man/woman alike, he breaks through the barrier of language just like a hot knife through butter! Languages are the consequence of Man disobeying God. Many times, we think that God cannot break through our consequences from disobeying God. WRONG! Just as he gave the disciples the gift of language that day, so God can break through our troubles that are often from long-ago sins. He wants to do a new work with his Spirit in us.

BUTTERSCOTCH OATMEAL

Ingredients
1 egg, beaten
1 3/4 cups milk
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup rolled oats
2 tablespoons butter

Directions
1.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.

Farmville and Life

Farmville and Life

I have just entered the world of Facebook. At first I tried it and was overwhelmed with the "stuff" I got and the long-lost people who wanted me to confirm them as friends. So I quit. But I just got back on and am enjoying it slowly....I am officially hooked on the adorable game called "Farmville" which involves plowing, planting, harvesting and buying crops for your own farm.

I'm also learning a lot in my Bible Study, "Conversation Peace". It challenges me to use speech as a way to build up relationships rather than build up strong towers for myself that "I AM RIGHT!". The author asks, "Do you focus on getting what you want, or do you try till the soil and cultivate the relationship?"

WOW.

Over the centuries, Christians have focused on doctrine, thesis statements, and IDEAS and many times have forgotten the PEOPLE in the process. Yes, doctrine is important, making a stand for your faith is important, but 98% of the time we can soften our words to make a PERSON feel like a PERSON. It's not about being right, it's about being Christ-like. Christ shared His truth never by beating it over the heads of folks. He spoke in gentle stories, firey parables and always, always, always with LOVE.

I can learn a lot from that.

I need to think of conversations just as I think of Farmville's tasks....trying to produce positive things in the soil of others so a garden of blessed relationships can grow! Time to get my overalls on.

Bible Humor

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD
A Sunday School teacher decided to have her young class memorize one of the most quoted passages in the Bible - Psalm 23. She gave the youngsters a month to learn the chapter. Little Rick was excited about the task - but he just couldn't remember the Psalm. After much practice, he could barely get past the first line.
On the day that the kids were scheduled to recite Psalm 23 in front of the congregation, Ricky was so nervous. When it was his turn, he stepped up to the microphone and said proudly, 'The Lord is my Shepherd, and that's all I need to know.'

UNANSWERED PRAYER
The preacher's 5 year-old daughter noticed that her father always paused and bowed his head for a moment before starting his sermon. One day, she asked him why.
'Well, Honey,' he began, proud that his daughter was so observant of his messages. 'I'm asking the Lord to help me preach a good sermon.'
'How come He doesn't answer it?' she asked.

UNTIMELY ANSWERED PRAYER
During the minister's prayer one Sunday, there was a loud whistle from one of the back pews. Tommy's mother was horrified. She pinched him into silence and, after church, asked, 'Tommy, whatever made you do such a thing?'
Tommy answered soberly, 'I asked God to teach me to whistle, and He did!'

ALL MEN / ALL GIRLS
When my daughter, Kelli, said her bedtime prayers, she would bless every family member, every friend, and every animal (current and past). For several weeks, after we had finished the nightly prayer, Kelli would say, 'And all girls.' This soon became part of her nightly routine, to include this closing. My curiosity got the best of me and I asked her, 'Kelli, why do you always add the part about all girls?'
Her response, 'Be cause everybody always finish their prayers by saying 'All Men'!'

SAY A PRAYER

Little Johnny and his family were having Sunday dinner at his Grandmother's house. Everyone was seated around the table as the food was being served. When Little Johnny received his plate, he started eating right away.
'Johnny! Please wait until we say our prayer.' said his mother.
'I don't need to,' the boy replied.
'Of course, you do.' his mother insisted. 'We always say a prayer before eating at our house.'
'That's at our house.' Johnny explained. 'But this is Grandma's house and she knows how to cook!'

Easter after-thoughts

Well, it's been a while since I've blogged....shame on me! The Lent season came upon us and I was so busy with things. Had a wonderful time of reflections and looking upon the cross. Lent is such a wonderful time of turning...of changing routines....of looking ahead with a sense of Christ's suffering....and then rejoicing! What a wide range of emotions we go through.

Snow Ice Cream

My friend told me how she made this with her kids when it snowed. Well we are aiming to get over a foot in the next two days so I will try it!
Snow Ice Cream
Ingredients:
8 cup snow, or shaved ice
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions
Place snow or shaved ice into a large bowl. Pour condensed milk over and add vanilla. Mix to combine. Serve immediately in bowls. Store the rest in the freezer.

Praise

"Praise isn't praise until God hears it.
Worship isn't worship until you hear God"

Baked Oatmeal

I brought this to our ladies Bible Study and everyone loved it. Here's the recipe:

BAKED OATMEAL

3 cups rolled oats
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp. salt, 2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2 tsp. baking powder
1 cup milk
1/2 cup melted butter
1 cup chopped fruit (berries, apples, etc.)

In large bowl mix oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder and salt. Beat in milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla. Stir in fruit. Spread into greased 9X13 pan. Bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes. Serve in a bowl with hot or heated milk.

Epiphany

Epiphany
The Significance, Meaning, and History of Epiphany

Observed on January 6th, the Epiphany celebration remembers the three miracles that manifest the divinity of Christ. The name "Epiphany" comes from the Greek word Epiphania, and means "to show, make known, or reveal." The celebration originated in the Church in AD 361, beginning as a commemoration of the birth of Christ. Later, additional meanings were added - the visit of the three Magi, Christ's baptism in the Jordan River, and his first miracle at the wedding in Cana. These three events are central to the definition of Epiphany, and its meaning is drawn from these occurences.


For the Church, the Epiphany represents a responsibility to reveal Jesus as the Divine Son and Savior sent by God the Father to atone for the sins of mankind. It is a time of healing and fellowship, where the Church comes together in the covenant of brotherhood to love one another as Christ commanded.



Many Protestants mark Epiphany by taking down Christmas trees and burning them in bonfires. The related tradition of children "raiding" the tree of candy canes and other sweets before it leaves the home is popular throughout Europe and the United States. A favored custom in Central Europe involves "star singers". Children dress as the three kings and go caroling from door to door carrying a large star. In reward, they receive money or sweets, which often go to church charities and relief organizations.

For many Christians, the definition of Epiphany is a reminder of God the Father's unlimited love and mercy, which He has extended to all of mankind through the revelation of His Son, and of the hope of salvation that is now manifest for all who come to him in faith.

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)