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."