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