Archives for 2008

Stepping Back in Time This Christmas

Everybody needs to see the Christmas lights at Silver Dollar City at least once in their lifetime. And I think half of everybody showed up this past weekend to see them along with me and my family. The good thing? At least the crowd provided a windbreak of sorts :)

Temps dipped into the 30s by evening, but some steaming hot chocolate and a hot funnel cake helped keep my mind off of my icy hands and feet. And even though we missed taking in the shows because of the long lines, we loved seeing the spectacular light display that covered the city from corner to corner.

For those of you unfamiliar with this particular theme park, Silver Dollar City is a place where you can step back in time and get a taste of what life was like in the 1800s. Granted, the Christmas festival takes a bit of license with all the modern lights, but in the midst of it all, we still saw the blacksmith at work and the ladies in the candy store stretching peanut brittle. We heard the whistle of the train before seeing it round the bend as it sported its own holiday light finery. And more than all the old-time activities, the down-home friendly banter of the city’s residents (aka the employees!) gave us a glimpse into the kinder, gentler America that is our heritage. I guess you could say the Christmas spirit abounds all year round in this particular corner of the Ozarks.

Today, though, I’d like to invite you to step back even further into time for a taste of something far more satisfying than a Christmas light display. Go back if you will to the time and the place that our Savior was born.

Take time to read with fresh eyes, the Christmas story as recorded in Luke chapter 2. Experience Mary’s discomfort while traveling to Bethlehem at a point in her pregnancy when every step, every movement was an effort. Feel Joseph’s panic rising at the “No Vacancy” news proclaimed at every inn. Imagine that holy moment when the Savior of the world tumbled into the waiting hands of those he came to save. Feel the shock and fear of the shepherds turn to hesitant joy as their routine night watch was interrupted by a host of angels delivering the news of the ages. Run with them to Bethlehem and join them as they approach the manger where Jesus lay. Be inspired along with them to share the news of a Savior’s birth, and like Mary, take time to savor the wonder of it all. Take time to worship and adore. Be blessed, my friends, as you read:

“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.” Luke 2:1-20 KJV

Family Christmas Concerts

Ready for a blast from my past? Since we’ve been gone all weekend on a fun family outing to An Old Time Christmas Festival at Silver Dollar City, I decided to post a piece of mine that appeared years ago in a Family Time ideas department of HomeLife magazine. Even though our kids are older now and the tradition has had to change somewhat in our family, I thought you might be inspired to try something similar with your families this Christmas. Let me know if you decide to give it a whirl!

Family Christmas Concerts

One tradition that enriches our Christmas Day festivities is our family Christmas concerts. Music has been part of our family for as long as I can remember, but several years ago we began a Christmas concert time that has become a yearly event.

My parents, sisters, and all of our families gather near the piano to enjoy special numbers being played or sung by various family members. Cameras flash all around, making it a real Kodak moment. As our children have grown older, the concerts have changed from simple melodies being pounded out by little fingers to more difficult arrangements being shared after much practice. I’m looking forward to this cycle repeating itself, though, as the youngest children are just now beginning to participate.

The concerts also include some singing. With my daughter Kristin accompanying me, I am the only one who has braved a solo, but we have had some impromptu group sing-a-longs that sound surprisingly good and put contented smiles on everyone’s faces. Most importantly, everyone is a part of this tradition, whether it’s through playing piano, singing, taking pictures, or keeping little ones occupied. It’s truly a family effort.

Even preparing for the concerts promotes family communication and togetherness. My girls and I begin discussing possible selections for the concerts by early December and spend time practicing together if accompaniment is needed or duets are performed. Duets are fun and provide a sense of joint accomplishment. Sometimes parents perform with their children, but it’s always a treat to see the kids play together. Even though Kristin and my nephew Adam live hundreds of miles apart, they have worked up parts separately and then put them together for the concerts.

Many unforgettable memories have been made during these family concerts. Some are quite touching and worshipful, and others are just plain fun. When my younger daughter, Kelli, performed “Frosty the Snowman’ at age 5, she played with one hand and covered her eyes with the other just to prove she was really playing by ear!

A few tears are usually shed during the concerts, too. My parents are especially sentimental about their kids and grandkids, and their tears easily set off a chain reaction.

Above all, a spirit of worship is created year after year as we listen to the timeless music that proclaims the birth of our Savior. Our Christmas concerts join us together in spiritual moments that solidify and continue our family’s Christian heritage.

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:13-14 KJV

*Flickr photo by nightthree, Creative Commons License

Birthday Cake for Jesus

Here it is. Our birthday cake for Jesus. Made yesterday and stored safely away in the freezer. Okay, so it’s a little lopsided with frosting nearly running off the plate, but I assure you the taste will make up for the less than perfect presentation. You see, this is our family’s famous orange cake.

As far back as I can remember, Mom made orange cakes for us on our birthdays. At least for those of us who requested them — and that was nearly all of us because this cake is beyond delicious. I’m not sure where she got the recipe. As I remember, it was just from a small white paperback booklet of recipes, though I could be wrong (sisters, do you remember?). Regardless of its origin, it was a special cake made only on our special days, our birthdays.

Of course, I adopted Mom’s orange cake recipe and have made it many times over the years myself — again, usually only on someone’s birthday. Several years ago, however, it got worked into our family’s traditional Christmas fare. I believe it was Dad who suggested that we should really have a birthday cake for Jesus on His special day, and what better cake to have than the one we loved eating on our own birthdays?

The baking of Jesus’ birthday orange cake somehow fell to me, and it has become my annual contribution to Christmas dinner. It’s also become a great tool to show the children in the family that Christmas is in fact someone’s birthday. The birthday of One so great that the world virtually comes to a standstill to join in the celebration.

And since a birthday celebration is not complete without the giving of gifts, let me be one of the first this season to give you a little gift in honor of our Savior’s birthday — the recipe for our birthday cake for Jesus. (You will find it at the end of the post below the scripture).

I’d also like to give you the opportunity to give a little gift. Maybe you’d like to tell us about one of your family’s favorite Christmas treats or even give us the recipe. Or perhaps you can share one of the things your family does to focus on the birth of Jesus in the midst of all the holiday hoopla. So go ahead. What little gift can you give today?

“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 13:16

Fresh Orange Layer Cake

Mix together:
2 c. flour
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 t. baking powder
1/4 t. soda
1 t. salt

Add:
1/2 c. shortening
grated rind of 1 orange
2/3 of 1 c. liquid (1/4 c. orange juice & 3/4 c. water)

Beat 2 minutes at medium speed and then add 2 eggs and rest of liquid. Mix well.

Pour into greased and floured 8-in. layer pans. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes (I start checking it at about 20 minutes — my oven is crazy and I don’t want to overbake it. Not sure what a regular oven would do — I would start checking early.) Cool cake before frosting. (Go ahead and set out the margarine for the frosting so it can be getting soft.)

Frosting

2 1/4 TB. flour
1/2 c. milk
1/2 c. shortening (half margarine)
1/2 c. sugar
1/4 t. salt
1/2 t. vanilla
1/2 c. nuts
1 c. powdered sugar

Gradually blend milk into flour. Cook until thick. Cool till lukewarm.

Meanwhile, cream shortening (half margarine) with granulated sugar and salt, using high speed mixer. Add lukewarm paste. Beat until fluffy. Fold in vanilla and nuts. Use 1/3 for filling. To remainder blend in 1 c. powdered sugar and frost the cake.

*My photo

Holiday Warmth Giveaway!

Since it’s beginning to look — and feel — a lot like Christmas, how about a fun little Holiday Warmth giveaway to kick off the season?! Most of us, except those in the southern reaches of our country, have already felt Jack Frost nipping at our noses, and some have even been treated to their first snowfall of the winter. Along with needing a little Christmas, I’d say we need a little warmth, too!

In Ecclesiastes 4:11, King Solomon asked, “…how can one keep warm alone?” His teaching of “two are better than one” (verse 9) is certainly true, but if you don’t have a friend handy, how about a $10 Starbucks gift card?! :) And since I’d like to help warm your soul as well as your body, the lucky winner will also receive a devotional book — your choice of Grace for the Moment by Max Lucado or Daily Devotions for Writers, both offering a devotion for each day of the year.

To enter for a chance to win the Starbucks card and devotional book simply leave a comment on this post by noon CST Dec. 14th and tell me what your favorite hot drink is. Make it fun and give us details — for example, not just “coffee”, but exactly what flavor or kind of coffee, etc. If I don’t know you personally, be sure to include your email address in your comment. I’ve set the deadline early enough in the month so the winner can give the gift card as a Christmas gift if he or she doesn’t happen to like coffee. And yes, there are such creatures. I am one in fact :)

So what’s my favorite hot drink? Hot chocolate made with milk and lots of chocolate and covered in mini-marshmallows. Mmmm good :) Reality is, though, because I try to watch my sugar intake, I use the no-sugar added Nesquick and limit myself to 7 or 8 mini-marshmallows. If that sounds like a lot, believe me — it’s not. They look pretty lonely floating around in my cup :) It’s just enough, though, to make the no-sugar added Nesquick a little more tasty.

Your turn now. What’s your favorite hot drink? Can’t wait to make at least one of you a little warmer! :)

“for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” Psalm 107:9

*Flickr photo by Chris_J

Journal Your Gratitude

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Happy Thanksgiving week! In honor of giving thanks, I’d like to pass along a simple but powerful idea. Something that’s changed my life over the past two or three years — and can change yours, too. Something that can alter your perspective at the end of any given day. Something anyone can do.

The life-changing practice I’m alluding to? Keeping a gratitude journal. Now before you think there’s no way you can add one more “chore” to your life, let me assure you I’m not talking about writing lengthy entries of polished prose. I’m talking super simple and super short (unless you just get on a roll and want to keep going!).

At the end of your day, simply think about something that’s happened that you’re thankful for and jot it down in a journal. The journal doesn’t have to be fancy. When I began journaling my gratitude, I used a tiny spiral notebook. After I realized what a treasure it could be, I started using a beautiful journal given to me by a friend (thanks, Teri!). I discovered that having a pretty journal to write in helped make the practice more of a treat to carry out.

I try to jot down my notes of thanksgiving every day. If possible, I even take my journal with me when I travel. You’d be surprised how quickly the days blur together and how fast you can forget the things you’re thankful for if you let it go for awhile. I record anything from major blessings like a long-awaited answer to prayer to smaller things like a short wait in the doctor’s office or an encouraging comment left here on the blog.

If you have a hard time imagining how journaling your gratitude can change your life, just give it a try for a week. I’ve found that on particularly stressful or unhappy days, my spirits are always lightened and lifted when I stop at the end of the day and think back to something good that happened.

Maybe you’ll thank God for the moment you enjoyed watching the leaves drift their way to the ground. Or you might remember the parking spot that opened up at just the right time. You might even thank God for the warmth and protection of your home.

I’m sure you can see how the possibilities are endless — just like our God and His desire to touch our lives with good things. Sometimes we simply forget to notice His blessings. Keeping a gratitude journal will help you be alert to the ways your heavenly Father is watching over you and blessing you, even on the difficult days. It will foster a more positive attitude about the day’s events and give you a more positive outlook for the future.

So go ahead. I challenge you to start celebrating Thanksgiving every day. Treat yourself to a pretty journal and start recording some of your blessings. You will be blessed, God will be blessed by your gratitude, and one day in the future, a loved one may treasure your journal even more than you did! Happy Thanksgiving to all!

“Let us come before him with thanksgiving…” Psalm 95:2a

*I’ll be skipping my mid-week post this holiday week. I’ll be up to my elbows in flour :) See you next week — I’ll be kicking off the Christmas season with a fun little giveaway! :)

*Flickr photo by madelyn * persisting stars, Creative Commons License