Thursday, December 22, 2011

Caribbean Rice and Peas

We made this wonderful recipe last night.  I was excited about it because if was full of all the veggies that I love and that my family hates.  To my surprise, not only did my husband eat it and like it, so did both of our kids!  They ate their entire bowl.  I served it with rolls, which was a plus, too.  Anyway, since our family liked it so much that we want to make it again, I thought that someone else out there might like it, too.

Caribbean Rice and Peas--courtesy of Food Network & Food Network Magazine

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Inactive Prep Time: ---
Cook Time: 1 hr. 15 min.
Level: Easy
Serves:4 (unless you double the rice, then it gets you another day out of it)


Ingredients:
10 ounces frozen black-eyed peas, thawed
kosher salt
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
6 ounces turkey kielbasa (or other smoked sausage,) thinly sliced
1 large bunch scallions, sliced, white, and green parts separated
2 small ribs celery, diced
6 cloves garlic, sliced (I used 2 tablespoons of minced garlic instead)
1 jalapeno, finely chopped (I used 2 tablespoons of this and just added more to mine)
2 teaspoons jerk seasoning
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup uncooked long-grain brown rice
2 bay leaves (I left this out)
4 cups stemmed and chopped collard greens (I used frozen and it was just fine)

Directions:
Combine the black-eyed peas , 3 cups water and a pinch of salt in a small pot.  Cover and bring to a boil.

Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat.  Add the kielbasa and cook until golden, about 2 minutes.  Add the scallion whites, celery, garlic, jalapeno, jerk seasoning and a generous pinch of salt.  Cook until the vegetables brown, about 5 minutes.  Add the thyme and tomato paste and cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomato paste turns brick red, about 2 more minutes.  Add the rice, bay leaves, and the black-eyed peas with their liquid to the skillet and bring to a boil; do not stir.

Add the collards; cover, reduce the heat to low and simmer undisturbed until most of the liquid is absorbed, about 50 minutes; set aside for 10 minutes.  Remove and discard the bay leaves.

Just before serving, add the scallion greens and fluff with a fork.

_________________
If you had extra rice, don't forget the extra water.  I found the extra water wasn't enough, so I had to keep adding more, so I would recommend stirring it and doing a taste test a few times after the water is added and starts to recede.

Friday, December 16, 2011

Day 22 of Preparing Your Heart for Advent

I had never heard this song until this year and I have fallen in love with it.  I love the lyrics and enjoy pondering about them.  Published in 1848 and written by Cecil Frances Alexander, this carol reminds us of the Nativity and Jesus' birth, and the city of Bethlehem.  It was actually a children's poem at one time which helped the children learn the story of Jesus' birth.


Once in Royal David's City

Once in royal David's city,
Stood a lowly cattle shed,
Where a mother laid her baby
In a manger for His bed:
Mary was that mother mild,
Jesus Christ her little child.

He came down to earth from heaven,
Who is God and Lord of all,
And His shelter was a stable,
And His cradle was a stall;
With the poor and meek and lowly,
Lived on earth our Savior holy.

And through all
His wondrous childhood,
He would honor and obey,
Love and watch the lowly mother,
In whose gentle arms He lay.
Christian children all should be,
Mild, obedient, good as He.

For He is our child-hood's pattern,
Day by day like us He grew,
He was little, weak, and helpless,
Tears and smiles like us He knew,
And He feeleth for our sadness,
And He shareth in our gladness.

And our eyes at last shall see Him,
Through His own redeeming love;
For that child so dear and gentle,
Is our Lord in heaven above,
And He leads His children on,
To the place where He is gone.

Not in that poor lowly stable,
With the oxen standing by,
We shall see Him, but in heaven,
Set at God's right hand on high;
When like stars
His children crowned,
All in white shall be around.


Thursday, December 15, 2011

Motherhood and Work


1--The Vocation of Motherhood from Canon Wired on Vimeo.

Great article on motherhood!

I read a wonderful article on mothering and Christmas on John Piper's blog, www.desiringgod.org. It is written by Rachel Jankovic who writes one of my favorite books, Learning to Love the Little Years.
If you know me, you know how imperfect I am and how I do not desire to pretend to be someone that I am not. When you read my blog, I hope that you see my imperfections and my flaws, but I also hope that you see my heart. I am human after all! I desire to be what God has called me to be and strive every day to live a life that reflects the glory of Christ. That means I strive to reflect Christ in even my parenting. However, there are many days where I lose my cool and have to bend down and ask forgiveness from my kids and my husband. With that said, I hope that I'm not one of those bloggers who appear to have the perfect family where everything goes perfectly and where I make my readers feel like they just haven't gotten the hang of this thing called motherhood. If I've done that, then I'm incredibly sorry! I'm still learning and figuring it out and making mistakes and probably always will. I'm learning how to be more flexible and not so hard on myself and to let go of that thing we call "mommy guilt" that is often used to make us feel like everyone else has it more together than we do. In fact, the one I struggled with was the feeling that several people I know seem to have their house spotless, watch their kids, have dinner on the table by a certain time, sew, read, blog, and homeschool (along with all that each of those entails), and play with their children. I'm so thankful for my mentor because she pointed out that that's probably what certain people want us to view them as and behind the scenes, they are probably just as frazzled. But letting go of what you think you should be and your idea of what motherhood was supposed to be can be hard, especially when there's not really an immediate reward or acknowledgement from it.
Anyway, read this article if you get a chance. It's very encouraging! Check out her book, too. The article is Of Kids and Christmas.

Day 21 of Preparing Your Heart for Advent

Philippians 2:9-11

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.


Reread this verse. What do you notice about the position of Jesus' name throughout this verse? This name of Jesus that gets thrown around so flippantly these days holds power. When you say the name of Jesus, do you think about that? It's the name above all names!

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Day 20 of Preparing Your Heart for Advent

When reading the words to this song, think about the fact that Jesus is a stem from the lineage of Jesse. Jesus bloomed in Bethlehem and continues to bloom within our hearts when we receive Him.

Lo How a Rose

Lo how a rose e'er blooming,
From tender stem hath sprung,
Of Jesse's lineage coming,
As saints of old have sung.
It came, a flower bright, amid the cold of winter,
When half-spent was the night.
Isaiah 'twas foretold it,
The Rose I have in mind,
With Mary we behold it,
The virgin mother kind.
To show God's love aright,
She bore to us a Savior,
When half spent was the night.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Day 19 of Preparing Your Heart for Advent

Matthew 1:18-25

(18) This is how Jesus, the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit.

(19) Joseph, her fiance, was a good man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.

(20) As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit.

(21) and she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

(22) All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet:

(23) ”Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”

(24) When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife.

(25) But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.

Monday, December 12, 2011

Day 18 of Preparing Your Heart for Advent

Joy to the World

Joy to the World , the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the World, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.



Sunday, December 11, 2011

Day 17 of Preparing Your Heart for Advent

Matthew 2:1-12

(1) Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking
(2) "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him."
(3) King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem.
(4) He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, "Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?"
(5) I"n Bethlehem in Judea," they said, "for this is what the prophet wrote:
(6) 'And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.'"
(7) Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared.
(8) Then he told them, "Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him , too!"
(9) After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was.
(10) When they saw the star, they were filled with joy!
(11) They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. They they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
(12) When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Day 16 of Preparing Your Heart for Advent

"Believe it or not, a Christmas carol describes Herod's horrible deed.  Set in a minor key, this haunting lullaby, with words from a song written in 1534, is titled 'Lully, Lullay,' but is often called 'Coventry Carol.' The song originated in Coventry, England, where the local crafts guild performed a pageant depicting Herod's slaughter and the subsequent sorrow.  During the pageant mothers sing the children to sleep with 'Lully, Lullay' so Herod's soldiers can't find them.  The words themselves sound like a mother lullying her baby to sleep."--Ann Marie Stewart

Lully, Lullay

Lully, thou little, tiny child
By, by lully, lullay
Lully, Thou little tiny Child
By, by Lully, Lullay.

O sisters, too, how may we do for to preserve this day
This poor young ling for whom we sing
By, By, Lully, Lullay.

Herod the King in his raging, charged he hath this day
His men of might, in his own sight, all children young to slay.

Then woe is me, poor Child, for Thee, and ever mourn and say
For thy parting, nor say, nor sing,
By, by, Lully, Lullay.

Friday, December 9, 2011

Day 15 of Preparing Your Heart for Advent

To understand the birth story, we need to understand a bit about Herod. Here is a short rundown. Very short, I know, but feel free to study him for yourself.
  • Ruled Judea from 37BC until his death in 4BC.
  • Known as Herod the Great.
  • Known for his impressive architecture. He used Jewish labor to complete his designs.
  • He lived in a multi-story, fortress-like place. it was called the Herodium. It was strategically placed to sit on a hill so that he could see the entire region from his palace.
  • He was a horrible person with no regard for human life.
  • He married ten times.
  • One of those times of marriage, he actually married a woman from the royal Jewish family. Ironic, huh?
  • He had his uncle, mother-in-law, (favorite) wife Mariamme, father-in-law, his three sons: Antipater, Aristobulus, and Alexander, his barber, and a close friend all executed.
  • He had the high priest and his brother-in-law drowned.
  • Five days before he died, he had 3,000 of Jerusalem's most respected citizens arrested and ordered for them to be executed when he died. It has been said that he wanted the people to mourn on the day he died, even if it wasn't necessarily for his own death.
  • He had all children, age 2 and under (including his own son) killed because he was afraid of losing his position as King. It is believed that 30-60 children who lived in a village of three hundred were killed. The range is said to be between 200-2,000, though. Despite the true numbers, that is a lot of mothers with broken hearts, wailing for their child. I can't even imagine the grief that was heard that night.
Taking all of this into consideration, can you see why the wise men could have been afraid to NOT return to Herod? They could have been executed for their disobedience. However, they followed God and chose to return home via a different route.

___________________
Info taken from Preparing My Heart for Advent by Anne Marie Stewart. She used the information from Vander Laan and Focus on the Family Video (video production) and from Joseph J. Walsh's book, Were They Wise Men or Kings? The Book of Christmas Questions.

The Christmas Singing by Cindy Woodsmall

The Christmas Singing (Chapter 1 Excerpt)

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Day 14 of Preparing Your Heart for Advent

Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus

Come, Thou long expected Jesus,
Born to set thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel's Strength and Consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.
Born they people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King.
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious Kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit,
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all-sufficient merit,
Raise us to thy glorious throne.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Day 13 of Preparing Your Heart for Advent

Luke 1:46-55

Mary responded:

Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For he took notices of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me. He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him. His mighty arm has done tremendous things! He has scattered the proud and haughty ones. He has brought down princes from their thrones and exalted the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands. He has helped his servant Israel and remembered to be merciful. For he made this promise to our ancestors, to Abraham and his children forever.

Watch: You'll be shocked. I promise.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Day 12 of Preparing Your Heart for Advent

We know this song by heart, but have we truly stopped to read the lyrics?  What a beautiful picture of the summary of that first Christmas.  Read through the lyrics to this song with fresh eyes and see before you the scenes found throughout Scripture.

The First Noel

The first Noel the angel did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;
In fields as they lay, keeping their sheep,
On a cold winter's night that was so deep.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel.

They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the east beyond them far,
And to the earth it gave great light,
And so it continued both day and night.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel.

And by the light of that same star
Three wise men came from country far;
To seek for a king was their intent,
And to follow the star wherever it went.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel.

This star drew nigh to the northwest,
O'er Bethlehem it took it rest,
And there it did both stop and stay
Right over the place where Jesus lay.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel.

Then entered in those wise men three
Full reverently upon their knee,
And offered there in his presence
Their gold, and myrrh, and frakincense.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel.

Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord;
That hath made heaven and earth of naught,
And with his blood mankind hath bought.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Day 11 of Preparing Your Heart for Advent

Zechariah and Mary.  Both are expecting babies that they can't fully comprehend they why or even the how.  Zechariah with his old age and his wife's old age and Mary by being a virgin.  When the angel, Gabriel, comes to both of them, he is met with a different responses given by each.

When Zechariah is told that he will give birth to a son, he doesn't say, "Okay."  He doesn't even say, "I don't understand how or why, but if you say it, I'll believe it."  I think Zechariah represents many of us today, in all honesty.  I don't know that my response would have been any different.  I would hope it would have been, but having met an angel, not so sure!  Zechariah's response is "please give me a sign."  So, God does....He takes aways his communication (but he gets by with the flailing of his arms). 

When Mary is told she will give birth to a baby boy, and oh, that baby's name will be Jesus by the way, she responds with "But how can this happen?  I am a virgin."  Gabriel then tells her how it would happen, with the Holy Spirit coming upon her.  Her final response? "I am the Lord's servant.  May everything you have said about me come true."

Two completely different responses.  When we are presented with tests of our faith, we have two options.  We can believe that God stays true to what He says or we can doubt.  Regardless, God is still God whether we choose to believe in Him or not.  Ann Stewart sums it up best: "Our lack of faith does not make God any less; we just fail to experience His power."

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Day 10 of Preparing Your Heart for Advent

The Advent Wreath

This year, I finally found the Advent wreath that I wanted to use at home.  I had been searching for the past couple of years and finally found an Irish store (which is fitting since I'm part Irish) and decided that we'd get it.  I love it because it has the candles that are bigger than tealights but smaller than the candlestick.  They are the small and chunky ones and they sit in a vase.  I figured with kids around, that would be the best thing to get.

We light it every night before dinner and then B gets to blow it out after we eat.  Of course, after we light it, B insists that we sing happy birthday to baby Jesus.  One night he got upset because baby Jesus wasn't blowing out His candles but I told him that I was sure baby Jesus was okay with B blowing out the candles for him.

We have just celebrated the first week of Advent, so we lit the first candle.  That was the Prophecy Candle or Candle of Hope.  It signified that we have faith that God is/has/will continue to keep all of His promises that He has made to us that are found within the pages of Scripture.  The second candle that we will light starting today is the Bethlehem Candle or Candle of Preparation.  We are preparing to receive God and for His second coming.  It also reminds us of peace.  Next to be lit in the coming weeks will be three more candles.  We will light the Shepherd Candle or Candle of Joy, in remembrance of the joyfulness of Christ's birth and the angels that sang.  We will also light the The Angel Candle or Candle of Love, which reminds us to love others and most importantly, that God loves us so much to send His only Son to us.  Last to be lit on Christmas Day is the Christ Candle.  This reminds us of Jesus Himself and why He came in the first place.

With B being so little, this has opened up some great conversations for us to talk about Jesus.  Granted, he can't go deep, but he can understand the basics.  If you don't already have an Advent wreath, consider getting one.  It's probably my favorite part of the day when we light it and talk about what the candle means each day.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Day 9 of Preparing Your Heart for Advent

Today I share with you a song that we all know and love because it has the fun "Gloria" part. In fact, I think that's the part that most kids learn first! I want you to read the lyrics to this song and see a neat perspective in each verse.

The first verse has to do with the angels and their perspective on Jesus' birth. Then it moves to the shepherds and what some must have asked of them because they were so excited and the Bible says that "All who heard the shepherds story were astonished. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them." (Luke 2:18, 20)

Moving on to the third verse, we hear the answer from the shepherds. They are telling them to come to Bethlehem, see Him, adore Him. The song ends with the picture of the birth, complete with Jesus lying in a manger (just as the angel had told the shepherds).

How amazing is this song! I love looking at Christmas carols in a new light and a fresh perspective. It makes these songs that much more meaningful when I sing them. Sing this song today and if you have children, teach them the "Gloria" part.

Angels We Have Heard on High

Angels we have heard on high sweetly singing o'er the plains
And the mountains in reply echoing their joyous strains
Gloria in excelsis Deo.

Shepherds, why this jubilee, why your joyous songs prolong?
Say what may the tiding be, which inspire your heav'nly song?
Gloria in excelsis Deo.

Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee, Christ the Lord, the newborn King.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.

See within a manger laid, Jesus, Lord of heav'n and earth!
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid, With us sing our Savior's birth.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Day 8 of Preparing Your Heart for Advent

I love reading and re-reading the Bible. I'm always amazed at the fresh perspective God gives me as I study His word, no matter how many times I've studied a passage before. This can certainly be said of the Christmas story. How many times have we read this story? I mean, I think many of us know it so well that we often skim over parts of it because our brain recognizes it. This year, I've slowed down and purposefully have been studying it through a Bible study that I'm doing. In case you haven't guessed, I'm sharing little pieces that I've been studying throughout. Take a look at this passage below.
"A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. At the sound of Mary's greeting, Elizabeth's child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, 'God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said." (Luke 1:39-42)

Backing up to earlier in the passage, an angel comes to tell Zechariah that he will have a son, call him John the Baptist, and will turn many Israelites to the Lord, among other things he says. Zechariah, who is by this time old and whose wife, Elizabeth, is old and has been unable to bear children, doubts what the angel tells him. He asks for a sign. So since he has doubted, he is made silent until John the Baptist is born. An angel then goes to Mary and tells her she will give birth to Jesus, the Son of God. She believes and responds with "I am the Lord's servant. May everything you have said about me come true." (v.38)

Now that we have a little background, we pick up with the passage quoted above. Mary travels 80-100 miles, which is believed to be about a 4-day journey, while pregnant, to see her relative Elizabeth. When Elizabeth hears Mary's greeting, Elizabeth's child leaped. How incredible if you think about it.

How did John the Baptist know Mary? Well, John had the Holy Spirit in him from before birth, according to verse 15b where an angel tells Zechariah "He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth." Then the passage above tells us that Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. They knew Jesus and saw that prophecy was being fulfilled. It was a neat realization to see that these women and children were the first to have the Holy Spirit.

Now this is not a life-changing revelation, but it is something truly awesome to think about and to ponder. They knew Jesus and believed and were a part of the prophecy being fulfilled. Do we believe or do we doubt?

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Day 7 of Preparing Your Heart for Advent

Colossians 1:15-20


(15) Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. 
He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation.

(16) for through him God created everything in the heavenly reams and on earth.
He made the things we can see and the things we can't see--
such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world.
Everything was created through him and for him.

(17) He existed before anything else,
and he holds all creation together.

(18) Christ is also the head of the church,
which is his body.
He is the beginning,
Supreme over all who rise from the dead.
So he is first in everything.

(19) For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ

(20) and through him God reconciled everything to himself.
He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth
by means of Christ's blood on the cross.

_________________________
What is it that I want you to notice in this passage?  I want you to notice the attributes of Jesus.  Who does this passage say that Jesus is?  Now, think about how Mary must have felt to carry Jesus, who was everything that the Bible states that He was.  How amazing!  Yet, in some way, I wonder if she was a little nervous knowing that He would see her shortcomings and knowing that He would see all of her mess ups and know her heart.  How humbling! 

The other thing to notice is the place that Jesus takes in this passage.  Is it first or second?  If you said first, then you'd be correct.  How does Jesus rank in your life?  And seriously?  Are you passionately consumed with Jesus so much so that you are COMPELLED to share the Gospel with others?  Do you feel that it is your duty?  That you MUST share whether you really want to or not?  We should be compelled to take the Gospel to those who don't have it.  Are you?

Book Review: Baby's Little Bible

Small and filled with Bible stories ranging from the Old Testament to the New Testament, this little Bible is perfect for little hands.  Both my 3-year-old and my 1-year-old carry this Bible around and is often the source of many arguments!

I received the pink Bible for girls and it is full of pictures and short sentences, which make it easy to read in the short segments that a child allows.  And priced less than $10, around $8 in most places, it makes it a great book to give for baby showers or birthdays.
____________________
I received this book free from Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Day 6 of Preparing Your Heart for Advent

Helping to Prepare Your Child's Heart for Advent

I always thought that most kids grew up playing with nativity sets.  I've since learned that I was not the norm.  Most families apparently didn't have stuffed cloth nativity sets that are child-friendly and that are still played with today by my children.  It was a complete set and we knew the Christmas story at an early age, thanks to those cloth representations.  Apparently the norm, I've learned, is that most families have non-playable nativity scenes.  I won't lie.  I love those beautiful nativities because they are so pretty to look at.  However, that and child play equals disaster.

One thing that we've done in our family to help prepare our children's hearts for Advent is to purchase a Little People Christmas Nativity and of course, the VeggieTales Nativity.  Our kids love playing with them and B is absolutely in love with baby Jesus.  He knows all of the names and who followed a star to see Jesus and to worship Him.  He knows about the shepherds and why they had to have Jesus in the stable.  He has a  hard time understanding why Jesus was in the stable and not a house, though.  His brain can't comprehend that, yet.  Baby M just likes to play with the nativities and put the angels on top of the stable.  I'm okay with that.

You see, our kids don't just play with the nativities.   Daddy T or I or any one of their grandparents will normally sit down with them as they are playing with it (a good 30 minutes, by the way) and tell them the Christmas story over and over.  We do keep it biblical!  We don't say that the wise men came in the very same day and the shepherds were waiting outside the doors!  Come on, who hasn't thought that at some point growing up?  We feel that play is a good way to learn and what better way to learn about Jesus and the reason for Christmas than through the nativity sets.  Since they are so little, they can't fully grasp everything but we are doing all we can to lead them to Christ so that they will be ready to come to Jesus when they understand what He did for Him on the cross.

Book Review: The Christmas Shoppe by Melody Carlson

This was my first introduction to Melody Carlson.  I must say that I really enjoy her style of writing, if her books are all written like this one.  When I first started this book, I thought this would be a cute little store that sold Christmas items and that had a happy feel inside of it.  I was surprised when it wasn't what I thought it was!  (The picture on the front of the book also helped me form my opinion about a cute little shop!)

The Christmas Shoppe is a store that looks like a place no one would want to visit.  However, when people went in there, they came out with something far more important than they could ever imagine.  Matilda has a way about her that seems to teach those who enter into her shop what the meaning of Christmas really is. 

This book is a short little book, but it's a great Christmas read.  I would definitely recommend this book as a stocking stuffer or a book for that friend of yours who loves to read!
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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Day 5 of Preparing Your Heart for Advent

"O Little Town of Bethlehem"


O Little town of Bethlehem how still we see thee lie
Above they deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
Yet in they dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above
While mortals sleep the angels keep their watch of wandering love
O morning stars together, proclaim the holy birth.

And praises sing to God the king, and peace to men on earth.

How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given
So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of his heaven
No ear may hear his coming, but in this world of sin
Where meek souls will receive him still, the dear Christ enteres in.

O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us we pray
Cast out our sin and enter in, be born in us today
We hear the Christmas angels, the great glad tidings tell
O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel.

Monday, November 28, 2011

25 days of Family

Last year, I put together a little Christmas calendar that was full of family activities for us to do.  It was a good way to get us in the habit to make sure that we do something together as a family everyday.  It doesn't always happen that way, but I find that Christmas is a good time for us to focus on being together as a family and being very purposeful about it. 

So, along with our focus on Advent, we are also going to be doing the following things.  I love the chance we have to be together as family and to make memories, even if they are just playing duck, duck goose!

25 Days of Family

1-Watch a VeggieTales Christmas movie.
2-Play Duck Duck Goose.
3-Bake cookies and take some to neighbors.
4-Put together a puzzle.
5-Game night!  Pick a game to play.
6-Color a Christmas picture.
7-Watch a VeggieTales Christmas movie.
8-Drive to see Christmas lights.
9-Bake cookies and take some to neighbors.
10-Put together a puzzle.
11-Play Duck Duck Goose.
12-Make a foam Gingerbread house.
13-Make a Christmas place mat.
14-Movie night!  Pick out a Christmas movie to watch and pop popcorn.
15-Break out the crayons and color a picture.
16-Write a letter to Santa.
17-Bubble bath!
18-Roll up some socks and have a "snowball" fight.
19-Puzzle time!
20-Movie night!  Pick out a Christmas movie to watch and pop popcorn.
21-Bake cookies and take some to neighbors.
22-Play miniature golf!
23-Write a Christmas story.
24-Movie and game night!  Oh, don't forget to feed Santa and Rudolph and bake Jesus a cake!
25-Christmas Day!  Read the Christmas story together in Luke 1-2.

Day 4 of Preparing Your Heart for Advent

Over 400 years. That's what separated the Old Testament from the New Testament. That's quite a long time of silence from God. Can you imagine what the Israelites might be thinking? If it was me in that place, I might be wondering if God was still there. Did God really care? Did God give up on us and leave us completely after all of the screw ups we had made? Why isn't God talking to us anymore like He had done before? I'm sure I would have many more thoughts than just these, but these are the ones that come into my head when I first think about it.

Now, take that same 400+ years. That's how long the Jewish people had waited on the arrival of the Messiah. Did you catch the main word? Waited. Can you imagine the anticipation they felt. I wonder if it's anything like what we experience today as we await the Second Coming. There's that longing to worship the King of Kings. So, with all of this anticipation, can you imagine their disappointment when Jesus came as a "babe wrapped in swaddling clothes?" That's it? They waited on some baby, in a manger, with parents who were just plain people, and in a city that is not known for royalty? Where was this majestic king who was going to make everyone bow down to Him and would come with a grand presentation?

After thinking about the time span and the anticipation, I can see how some might feel a little disappointed with just a baby. But I see the bigger picture because we have the Scriptures now, which they didn't have then. We know that the baby was Jesus, the Son of God. Philip Yancey says, "Among people who walled off a separate sanctum for God in the temple and shrank from pronouncing or spelling out the name, God made a surprise appearance as a baby in a manger. What can be less scary than a newborn with his limbs wrapped tight against his body? In Jesus, God found a way of relating to human beings that did not involve fear."

But the anticipation is the part that I keep lingering on. Isn't that part of the reason why we celebrate Advent? I think that Ann Marie Stewart said it best. She writes, "The Latin word for "advent" means "the coming." The advent season was instituted as a time of fasting for holy living, and it remains a time of inward preparation for the coming of Christ. It's much more than a one-day celebration, it's a month to be still and remember the God of our past, present, and future. In anticipating His first coming, we celebrate His presence in the present and prepare for His second coming to earth."

So, my friends, I ask you...are you anticipating Christ the King during this Christmas season or are you anticipating the gifts and the things of this world?

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Day 3 or Preparing Your Heart for Advent

"About 800 years after Jesus was born, an unknown monk, schooled in prophecy, wrote a scripture-filled carol, linking the Old and New Testaments.  "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" taught many aspects of the Messiah during a time when average people had little access to the Bible.  The words were coupled with a fifteenth-century Franciscan processional entitled "Veni Emmanuel."  After missionary john Neale discovered and then translated the Latin chant into English in 1851, this hauntingly beautiful carol became popular."--Ann Marie Stewart

O Come, O Come Emmanuel

O come, O come Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear

CHORUS:
Rejoice!  Rejoice!  Emmanuel.
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
(Isaiah 7:14)

O come thou rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan's tyranny
From depths of hell they people save
And give them vict'ry o'er the grave
(Isaiah 11:1-10)

CHORUS

O come, Thou Dayspring, come and cheer
Our spirits by thine advent here
And drive away the shades of night
And pierce the clouds and bring us light
(Malachi 4:2)

CHORUS

O come, Thou Key of David, come
And open wide our heavenly home
Make safe the way that leads on high
And close the path to misery
(Isaiah 22:22)

CHORUS


Saturday, November 26, 2011

Day 2 of Preparing Your Heart for Advent

It's impossible to think about the Christmas story without remembering the reason that we celebrate Easter.  When we go back to Bethlehem, we see the baby in the manger, Joseph, Mary, the shepherds, and the wisemen (the latter of which did not show up the same day as Jesus' birth, by the way!).  Oh, and we'll throw in the camels, donkeys, sheep, and horses that you always think of when you see the manger scene.  I'm sure it was quite a sight in actuality, but I'm not sure it's at all like we picture it at Christmas.

What was the point in the manger?  What was the point and significance of Mary?  What was the point in God bringing His Son to earth?  All of these things are significant to understanding Christmas.  I mean understanding the true meaning of Christmas....not the Santa Claus Christmas.  And yes, I did say Christmas...not Holiday.  These are things that we'll look at over the next couple of weeks as we prepare our hearts for Advent and for the celebration of our King.

For now, let's consider salvation.  We know that anyone who believes in Christ Jesus will be saved.  But if you say this to someone, you often hear back, "But He can't save me.  I did ________."  No sin is too bad to save.  All sin is equal in God's eyes.  As humans, we're the ones that have created levels of sin because I think it's a way that we judge people. 

I'd love for you to read Ruth 1-4 today.  You're probably familiar with the story of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz.  It's a wonderful depiction of love, faithfulness, and God's sovereignty played out.  However, when you get to the end of Ruth 4, you see a genealogy.  I want 2 people to stand out to you: Perez and Boaz.  Why?  Because of who their parents were.

Perez came from Judah and Tamar.  You can read their story in Genesis 38:6-30 and 1 Chronicles 2:4.  Long story short, Perez is the result of Judah and Tamar's incestuous relationship.

Boaz had a mother known as Rahab.  That's not all she was known by, though.  Usually when  you hear about Rahab, it's Rahab the harlot.  Or prostitute.  Whichever you prefer to say.  And she also began as someone who was not a believer, as well.

So what does all this mean?  I think that Ann Marie Stewart sums this up quite well.  "The Book of Ruth reminds us that God welcomes all who believe in Him no matter their background or faith.  He not only came for all, but His bloodline demonstrates His salvation for all." 

What's the point of Christmas without Christ?

Friday, November 25, 2011

Day 1 of Preparing Your Heart for Advent

Isaiah 53:1-9


(1) Who has believed our message? 
To whom has the Lord revealed his powerful arm?

(2) My servant grew up in the Lord's presence like a tender shoot,
like a root in dry ground.
There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance,
nothing to attract us to him.

(3) He was despised and rejected--
a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. 
We turned our backs on him and looked the other way.
He was despised, and we did not care.

(4) Yet it was our weaknesses he carried;
it was our sorrows that weighed him down.
And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God,
a punishment for his own sins!

(5) But he was pierced for our rebellion,
crushed for our sins.
He was beaten so we could be whole.
He was whipped so we could be healed.

(6) All of us, like sheep, have strayed away.
We have left God's paths to follow our own.
Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all.

(7) He was oppressed and treated harshly,
yet he never said a word.
He was led like a lamb to the slaughter.
And as a sheep is silent before the shearers,
he did not open his mouth.

(8) Unjustly condemned,
he was led away.
No one cared that he died without descendants,
that his life was cut short in midstream.
But he was struck down
for the rebellion of my people.

(9) He had done no wrong and had never deceived anyone.
But he was buried like a criminal;
he was put in a rich man's grave."

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Book Review: The House of Hope by Elisabeth Gifford

This book got me hooked from the name of the book and the picture on the cover to the book's description.  The Hope Foster Home is a foster home that Robyn and Joyce Hill started so that they could take care of the abandoned orphans in China.  Many of them were medically fragile babies that were abandoned because the child would most likely die without treatment.  In fact, some were left to die and they would have had it not been for Robyn and Joyce following the Lord's leading and taking in these children and doing everything within their power to see that the children lived and even went to their forever homes. 

Throughout the book, they share stories about different children.  They share where they came from, how they came to the Hope Foster Home, what surgeries they needed, how the Lord provided, and in many cases, where they are today.  It was a  book that I couldn't put down because of many reasons.  Adoption and taking care of ophans is very biblical and you can't help but see the love of Christ being played out in the lives of everyone at the House of Hope and the love they have for these children that have been left with no one. 

It hasn't all been easy for Robyn and Joyce.  They've had to sacrifice and fight for where they are now.  They've overcome losses and trials, as well.  But one thing they never doubted: God had a purpose for them in China and He was going to use them to carry it out.

This is a book to be enjoyed by everyone.  It will make you fall in love with the children at Hope Foster Home and you will hop online to join their foundation and to become active with their mission.  I'm sure of it!  Oh, and 100% OF THE PROCEEDS OF THIS BOOK GO TO FUND THE WORK AT HOPE FOSTER HOME. HERE IS THE LINK TO THEIR SITE: http://www.hopefosterhome.com/

You can find more reviews of this book by going here: http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13438821)
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I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

What do you think?

Can you tell this guy is in love with these two kiddos?



Monday, November 21, 2011

Book Review: Remembering Christmas by Dan Walsh

One word can sum up Rick....selfish.  Oh, he works hard...for himself.  He cares for others....when it's convenient.  He doesn't mind being told what to do....as long as it doesn't interfere with his plans.  So you can imagine how things could potentially turn out bad when his mom needs her son to be there for her because her husband, Rick's stepfather, has a stroke.  Did I mention that Rick has never liked his stepfather? 

Well, Rick decides that he should be there for his mom, so has goes and is actually quite supportive of her and stands by her side as she goes through this trial.  As the time goes on, he finds himself staying there longer than he planned and his attitude becomes less happy and joyful.  He helps out at the family bookstore, but too many people that tend to sour his mood come through those doors, which doesn't help his positive outlook on the situation.  How will all of these people, and perhaps a young lady, help him see himself for who he really is and to learn where he came from and about his family?  There's no more running from the past this Christmas.  It's time to deal with those things that he doesn't want to deal with.

This book is a lovely story of loyalty and understanding Christmas in a new way. If you're looking for a Christmas book to read, pick this one up. 
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I received this book free from Revell Publishers, an extension of Baker Publishing Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.  You can get this book from any major bookstore.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Music Therapy and pediatrics

Music therapy and cancer

This was just a master class!

A Music Prodigy I Envy!



You absolutely HAVE to watch this, especially if you're a music major!  You'll be amazed at this boy's talent.  It's incredible!

Dueling Horses

These are my horse-riding, loving, and oh, so much fun babies with such wonderful (and sometimes tiring) personalities.  I love these precious two!
Both of the babies have a love for horses.  I don't really know where it came from, but if they see a horse, they have to go and look at it and pet it (if they're at Pop's) and we talk about horses a lot.  There's a horse and donkey on our road and if I take a different way home where we don't pass them, B always asks me where they are.  Otherwise, it's a daily game for us: what are the horse/donkey doing, where are they, and do they have enough water in their pond?

Since I haven't started them on riding lessons, they like to each take their own horse and tie it up, gallop, and even head butt them.  They both play so well together....when they're on their horses!

Book Review: A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander

The setting is the historic Belmont Mansion in Nashville during the 1860s.  (Already, you can see why I bonded with this book!)  This book truly has it all: suspense, deception, and of course, a love story.  when Claire Laurent just wants to be herself, the sweet and kind person that she is, what will happen?  Will she chose to trust the wrong person?  Does she really know who is a fake and who is being real?  Claire really longs to make a difference in the world using her art, but the only way that could even be a possibility is if her past stays hidden and people don't find out about who she really is/was. 

This book is the first in the Belmont Mansion Series.  I loved Tamera's writing and definitely want to keep up with the books that she writes.  I found myself turning page after page long after I should have turned out the lights.  She definitely has a talent to make history into a live, realistic story.
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I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.  Read more reviews here: http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13436980

You can buy the book here:
 


About the book:
A fake. A forger. More than anything, Claire Laurent longs for the chance to live an authentic life, to become the woman she wants to be. And she'll be given that choice. But will it come at too costly a price?

Claire Laurent's greatest aspiration is to paint something that will bring her acclaim. Yet her father insists she work as a copyist. A forger. When she's forced to flee from New Orleans to Nashville only a year after the War Between the States has ended, her path collides with attorney Sutton Monroe. She considers him a godsend for not turning her in to the authorities. But after he later refuses to come to her aid, Claire fears she's sorely misjudged the man. Finding herself among the elite of Nashville's society, Claire believes her dream to create a lasting impression in the world of art is within reach--but only if her fraudulent past remains hidden.

The Federal Army has destroyed Sutton's home and confiscated his land, and threatens to destroy his family's honor. His determination to reclaim what belongs to him and to right a grievous wrong reveals a truth that may cost him more than he ever imagined--as well as the woman he loves.Set at Nashville's historic Belmont Mansion, a stunning antebellum manor built by Mrs. Adelicia Acklen, A Lasting Impression is a sweeping love story about a nation mending after war, the redemption of those wounded, and the courage of a man and woman to see themselves--and each other--for who they really are.
About Tamera :
Tamera Alexander is a best-selling novelist whose deeply drawn characters, thought-provoking plots, and poignant prose resonate with readers. Having lived in Colorado for seventeen years, she and her husband now make their home in Nashville Tennessee, along with their two adult children who live near by. And don't forget Jack, their precious--and precocious--silky terrier.

For more information please visit www.tameraalexander.com

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Friday, November 11, 2011

Book Review: Dry As Rain by Gina Holmes


Kyra has just found out that her husband, Eric, has not honored his marriage vows that he had made on their wedding day, or so she thinks.  She has found an email on Eric's computer from a very attractive coworker that hints that something might be going on.  Eric promises that nothing has happened, but Kyra doesn't believe him and kicks him out.

Kyra ends up in an accident where she loses some of her memory.  When Eric hears about this, he thinks that perhaps a miracle has happened in one sense.  If Kyra has no memory, then perhaps she won't remember why she was so mad at Eric.  However, what happens if her memory comes back?  That's the nagging thought that Eric can't get out of his head.  What choice will he make when it comes to telling her?  What really happened with his coworker? 

I haven't read Holmes' first book, but I definitely want to read it now that I've read this.  Holmes has a wonderful way with words and is quite a talented writer.  She doesn't shy away from those difficult and ugly things that we see in marriages today.

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I received this book free from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Book Review: Never the Bride by Cheryl McKay and Rene Gutteridge

I've got a new favorite chick flick!  Based on Cheryl McKay's screenplay, Rene Gutteridge turned it into a delightful book that had me laughing.  When I saw that Kristin Billerbeck wrote a review on this book, I knew that I would like it.  Based on real life and real pain and real emotions, readers can all relate to the setting of this book.

Jessie Stone finds herself on the side of the road trying to change a tire.  She becomes frustrated with the fact that there's no man in her life who can help her do the things that come easily for a man.  After trying all of the "modern" ways of dating, Stone comes to the realization that God may have different plans for her.  What are they?  Will she be able to accept His plans over hers.  What if she doesn't really like God's plan?

I will warn you that this book isn't your traditional Christian book.  Some books tend to lean towards "the perfect life."  This book highlights some real issues and real problems people face.  God is apparent throughout the book, but it may be a little uncomfortable for those who like lovey circumstances tied in a bow instead of real life.
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I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Latest Sewing Project

My latest sewing project is pajama bottoms.  They are super easy!  I made B some, too, but I didn't take a picture of him in them.  I'm also embroidering matching shirts with the bottoms that I make so that I can make cute matching pajama outfits.  Yes...my kids are even going to have matching Christmas pajamas.  I'll be sure to take a picture of it when I get it done.  Have I said that I love sewing?!

Thursday, November 10, 2011

B's Cowboy Party!

Yes, I know I'm quite late with sharing pictures of B's party.  It was in August.  This is November.  It's not like I haven't been busy or anything! 

We had so much fun at B's party.  We went to a horse ranch and all of the kiddos got to play games, ride horses, and take a hay ride.  They all had so much fun!  Oh...and the positive to it being outside was that they could run all of their energy out.  B had almost all of his friends there (one even made a special trip from the farm county to come to his party), except for a few that couldn't make it.  He had so much fun with those that were there, though.

We originally got the idea after going to a party like this for a friend back in the spring.  B loved it and I didn't know that a horse riding place existed for little kids.  I was thrilled that it did!  B still talks about it and how he got to ride a horse for his birthday.  Perhaps one day we'll start taking lessons. 

I keep telling B to talk his Pop into buying a horse for the farm.  Pop just says that they're useless and takes him to his neighbors fence (which backs up to his) and lets B and Baby M feed their horse and mule.  I guess that works for now....until B decides he wants to ride it!  Thank you to all that came and made B feel so special.  He is so blessed to have so many friends who put up with even his bad days....and those who truly know him know the fits he can let out and that stubborn streak.












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