Archive for Thanksgiving
I’m BACK!
Posted by: | CommentsWell, we've gotten our mac set back up and it's working well again, and here I am finally writing on my blog again (I'm seeing that it's been months since I've really written anything- wow!). It turned out that the "power supply" needed to be replaced, and the guy fixing it had to wait on the part, so we were a couple of weeks without it. We actually got it back last weekend, but since my brother was here for a visit, I did not have time to blog last week at all.
We hadn't seen Daniel for a few years, so it was great to visit with him. N and T were absolutely thrilled to see him, and since their "Uncle Daniel" had lived with us during his last couple of high school years when they were younger, they have a special bond with him. We just hung out, talked (had a lot of catching up to do), played a lot of board games and watched a lot of movies. He brought us the neatest game, Settlers of Catan, check it out! It's a great, intense game of strategy and we have been having a blast with it! He says that it's he and his friends' favorite game to play.
I have so much I'd like to write about... first off, we had a great holiday... restful. I hope that all of you did as well. Thanksgiving was quiet, and so was our Hanukkah, which was extra special with our having our own little miracle, baby S, to hold in our arms this year. It's amazing to think that this time last year she was but the size of a little pea.
For those who may be wondering, no, we're not Jewish, nor are we trying to be, yet our Messiah is, and this was our ninth year remembering and celebrating Hanukkah as a family. Lisa of Following the Ancient Paths has recently written a great summary article called "Why Hanukkah?" Click here to read it. She begins,
Hanukkah is a multifaceted holiday that bears much significance for today’s Believers in Messiah. It’s one of those customs that many believers think, “Hanukkah is not part of my heritage, I am not Jewish. Why would I ever consider celebrating Hanukkah?” when in fact it is a part of our heritage as Children of the Most High if we aim to walk as our Master walked. Hanukkah is a festival that centers around themes of holiness without compromise, trusting in G-d for protection, deliverance, provision and more.
I also shared more about Hanukkah and our own celebration last year here, here, here, here and here.
I just haven't found the time to blog lately like I used to... imagine that. I will share this from my personal journal though concerning our Thanksgiving, since I never did write anything here on my blog.
My, my how the time flies... The last couple of weeks have been quiet here, and calm, with no where pressing to go since we had a holiday break from coop. Wonderful. We had a lovely time on Thanksgiving day. We played lots of board games together, and Chris had Friday off so we had a long weekend which is always nice. On Wednesday before Thanksgiving, the weather was sunny and cool, and I spent most of the day preparing a feast for our family. I'd meant to post to my blog something more last week, but that never happened. Lately, life just seems to be happening faster than I can blog about it... and many of my thoughts are too mixed up to blog anyways.
Even though it was just the five(!) of us for Thanksgiving this year, I still went out of my way to create everyone's favorite traditional dishes... I just like to make it feel special that way. We had parmesan spinach balls for N, my favorite cranberry/walnut salad- the recipe I got from Barbara, which T helped me to make this year, Chris's green bean casserole- which he and N made together, pumpernickel bread with spinach dip, crescent rolls (though this year I took the easy route and bought the canned ones, rather than making the ww ones from scratch, since I didn't have my friend Serena to help with all the baking), a huge pot of garlic mashed potatoes, turkey- of course, with gravy made from the turkey's drippings and yummy home-made pecan and pumpkin pies.
We spent much of the weekend out on the town shopping together, got Chris some new eye glasses that he's needed for a long time now. We've had quite a few gray and blustery days here, as it's getting colder, though today is just beautiful- sunny and high 50's. I've been so enjoying this lovely Fall weather, finding many moments filled with contentment as I watch the golden leaves flying across our backyard, chasing after our fat hens as they busily scamper to and fro in search of tasty morsels. I just feel so blessed in this season, this year, in countless ways... as I hold my baby girl close I am reminded of how my Lord does know the desires of my heart, and answers prayer. It's been a perfectly slow day for baking, sipping chai and writing.
Now, 2008 is just around the corner!! Wow! I wish you all the very best in this New Year! Blessings...
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Listening to: Messianic Praise & Worship - Rejoice Daughter Of Zion
via FoxyTunes
A Year of Color: Week 20, Violet Red
Posted by: | CommentsOkay, so I somehow missed 9 weeks! Life has been full, what can I say? But now, today, I thought to check what the color of the week is, over at the A Year of Color picture pool. And whadaya know? It's violet red, and I've some pics that color that I took just last week, so I'm jumping back in.
This morning here I sit with a congested baby in my arms, and the other baby is asleep. All six of the kiddos are sick. *bleck* Yes, I prayed for the Lord to provide the grace to get me through this day... and He is. Sorry if I sound whiney, but I can't whine to the kids' parents you know, and I don't want to whine to Chris when he gets home (well, maybe just a little...;) ), so, you're it. But hey, this isn't whining! N has been groggily sitting on the couch, reading his National Geographic mags., and watching the boob tube - two of his fave shows, Little House on the Prairie and Mash. T is drawing at the table with little E and little S, all of them providing a symphony of coughs and occasional giggles or squabbles. And yes, I'm sick too... have about lost my voice, so not much going on here today besides folding laundry, feedings, lots of tea drinking and a bit of blogging, and hopefully a nap soon. 
T and her friend G decided to have tea on Thanksgiving day (while Serena, Joelle and I were busily cooking away). They came bounding indoors from outside, announcing that they were going to have a tea-party, and then they disappeared. We'd thought that they'd forgotten about it, until they appeared from T's room all dressed up. Apparently, they'd been getting ready. They asked if they could have Nilla wafers with egg nog and chocolate milk. "But of course!" says I. "What a cool idea girls!" I just love that they did ALL of this on their own!
Violet Red is...
pouring a cuppa...
love for a friend...
drinking from dainty teacups...
dressing up prettily...
being a lady...
from our turkeys to yours
Posted by: | CommentsHope you have a gobblin' good Thanksgiving Day!!
We have officially let the celebrating of Thanksgiving begin 'round here! Today the kids and I had fun making these foam hand-print, felt-hatted and feathery, button-eyed, pilgrim wanna-be turkeys (they have clothespins glued to the backs so they can be clipped wherever for decoration).
For dinner tonight we had Pumpkin Waffles with Egg Nog (per T's request). These waffles are so easy to make, very Fallish, and oh so yummy.
Here's how we make them.
Pumpkin Waffles
| RECIPE INGREDIENTS: | |
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2 cups all-purpose flour, and 2 cups whole wheat flour combined |
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1/2 cup sugar |
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2 tablespoon baking powder |
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2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon ginger |
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1 teaspoon salt |
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4 eggs |
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3 cups milk |
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8 tablespoons butter, melted |
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1 cup canned pumpkin |
1. Set up the waffle iron on a countertop or table within easy reach of the cook. Plug in the iron to preheat it.
2. In a medium-size mixing bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and salt. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, and pumpkin. Pour the wet ingredients over the flour mixture and stir just until combined.
3. Coat the preheated waffle iron with cooking spray (if yours needs it, mine doesn't). Pour the waffle batter onto the center of each section of the iron. (You will need 1/4 to 3/4 cup of batter for each waffle.)
4. Cook the waffles for about 4 to 5 minutes or until they are crispy and light brown. (Read the manufacturer's directions for details about how long you should cook the waffles in your particular waffle iron.) Serve immediately with maple syrup and butter. Serves 8.
Some of N's Thankful Thoughts:
That last word that got cut off in the pic there is "food", imagine that! 
Some of T's Thankful Thoughts:
Um, yeah, did ya notice how the ponies are before Mom and Dad on both lists? *smirk*
I thought that I'd also share our Thanksgiving Menu for 2006 with you.
Wednesday evening: Chili with a double batch of Mexican Cornbread (Chris and N's fave, requested) & Cheese Cake
Thurs. a.m. & for snacking throughout the day:
- Coffee with Peppermint Mocha creamer
- Egg Nog
- Hot Chocolate
- Sausage Cheese balls (for breakfast, a holiday tradition that Tab has already requested. We're substituting the pork sausage with turkey sausage this year, and I use self-rising flour and add milk until moist enough to make balls).
- Petite Quiches
- Parmesan Spinach Balls (N's favorite, always requested)
Thursday's Thanksgiving Dinner
- Turkey, with Home-made Cornbread Dressing (see recipe below)
- Cranberry Salad (my fave, a recipe I got from a friend years ago, see below)
- Roasted Garlic Mashed potatoes with Turkey drippings/giblet Gravy
- Sweet Potatoe Supreme (see recipe below)
- Crescent Rolls (whole-wheat, made from scratch)
- Yellow Squash & Onion Casserole
- Greenbean Casserole (You know, the recipe on the fried onions can - is there any other?! My sister ventured out into gourmet one year, made a fancy batch of Emeril Agassi's greenbean casserole and everyone was like "WHAT is this? It's NOT greenbean casserole! LOL *k-i-s-s*)
- Greens Salad
Desserts:
- Pumpkin Pies (recipe on the Libby pumpkin can)
- Pecan Pies (I always make two of these, just like my Grandma, recipe below)
- Banana Pudding (per Chris's request)
Friday evening:
- Turkey Noodle Soup (I'll post the recipe later)
- Spinach Dip with
- home-made challah bread (Quick-rise recipe forthcoming)
- and whatever leftovers anyone wants of course!
Here's some pictures of our Thankful Tree, which N, T and I all worked on together last night. As you can probably tell, we all really got into it, and enjoyed making art together! It's hanging on the wall in our entryway/breezeway. I'd meant to make one last year, but never got around to it, so glad that we did this year! It's been a big hit with all of the littles around here. We're still adding leaves, and will probably leave it up through December.
T designed and drew the tree. She decided to add a face to our Thankful Tree (which I helped with).
N designed the moon, adding "the man in the moon", it was completely his idea.
They enjoyed filling the tree and landscape with various critters (check out T's possum and crane), and T had the idea of drawing a captioned "Blessing" coming from the tree's mouth. So, she wrote, "Blessed are thou Oh Lord, King of the Universe, who has strengthened your Love toward us!!"
I love that wolf that N drew, and this little nest with eggs, bluebird, and the woodpecker that T drew, and oh lookey there! Chris is thankful for his beautiful and wonderful wife! Yes, I do believe that we've started a new family tradition around here.
A few of the dishes I'll be preparing tomorrow for our Thanksgiving Feast are family favorites, and the recipes are from my very Southern Grandma Chandler. I'll share her recipes with you here...
CRANBERRY SALAD
Mix together:
- 1 pkg. lemon jello
- 1 pkg. raspberry (or strawberry, or cranberry) jello
- 1.5 cups sugar
- 2 & 2/3 cups boiling water
- Juice of 1 lemon
When above mixture is cooled, add:
- 4 cups of fresh, ground cranberries
- 4 slices of pineapple
- 2 oranges (cut fine, or a can of mandarin oranges- which we prefer)
- 1 cup celery, chopped fine
- 1 cup cut apples
- 1 cup ground English walnuts
Stir and chill. It makes a beautiful and delicious cranberry salad side dish.
SWEET POTATO SUPREME
3 c. sweet potatoes, peeled and mashed
1/3 c. butter, melted
2 eggs beaten
2/3 c. sugar
1/2 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
Mix together and put into a casserole dish.
TOPPING
1 c. brown sugar
1/3 c. flour
1/3 c. butter, melted
1 c. pecans, chopped
Mix topping and sprinkle over potato mixture (may add a few spoons of milk to moisten, and cinnamon on top of all). Bake uncovered for 30-45 minutes at 350 degrees.
PECAN PIE
I always double this recipe to make two pies, which together uses exactly one bottle of Karo syrup.
1 unbaked pie shell 9"
1 c. pecans, chopped
3 eggs
1/2 c. sugar
1 c. white Karo syrup
1/8 tsp. salt
1/4 c. melted butter
1 tsp. vanilla
Line unbaked pie shell with pecans. Beat eggs, sugar, salt and karo syrup, vanillia and butter. Pour over pecans in pie shell. Bake 50 minutes in 350 degee oven, or until done.
CORNBREAD STUFFING
1 c. chicken broth
1 c. butter
2 c. diced celery
1.5 c. chopped onion
1/4 c. minced parsley (or just use a couple TBSPs dried)
2 tsp.. poultry seasoning (which I make using 3/4 tsp. sage, 1/4 tsp. leaf thyme, a dash of marjoram, dash of cloves and 1/4 tsp. pepper)
1/2 tsp. pepper
18 c. of your favorite cornbread, crumbled (bake this the day before)
3 eggs, beaten
Saute celery and onions in butter. Mix all ingredients (except broth) and put into a casserole dish. Pour broth over mixture. Bake 30-45 minutes at 350 degrees.
1000 Gifts, #64-237
Posted by: | CommentsIn the last couple of weeks, I have been meditating upon thoughts of thanksgiving. I have been especially aware of blessings all around me this last week... gifts from my Father above. As I've been mentally taking note, I've given up on trying to scribble them all down as I think of them... too many, at all points during the day. Here are a few quietly whispered "thank yous" to Adonai... for His vast outpouring of love and mercies. When I take the time to notice, my spirit does sense His hand on my life, His fashioning of my days, calming of my soul... may I live in these realizations of His Presence~ fuller, slower, less of rushing off to the next thing.
Truly, He is immense, and leaves me speechless... one moment pouring blessings to the next, gifts heaping upon gifts. Life is full... without even trying. He is Rest...
I am thankful for...
64. sleeping in on rainy days
65. flannel sheets and pulled shades
66. rumbling box fan and the pitter-patter of little feet
67. hearing a busy shuffling outside the bathroom door, giggles and an explosion of "Surprise" and proudly uplifted giftbag as I open the door, "Happy Birthday Momma" sung gleefully through the brightest of smiles
68. my Chris's sense of humor
69. his love, and the way he says "I love You" when he calls me during the days
70. his words thoughtfully written on a perfect card
71. the way my son always draws a heart with an arrow through it next to his cursive signature when signing cards
72. my daughter's honesty as she writes in her journal
73. her creativity and zeal for life
74. our family's love... cultivated, sacred and shared.
75. Open windows in the Spring and Fall
76. my heavy suede jacket that my sister gave to me, all well worn and perfect for Autumn days spent outside
77. slow roadtrips through these hills of TN
78. stopping to meander through old shops along the way, enjoying Chris's company and that he loves it as much as I do.
79. comfortable jeans that fit just right
80. a new shirt in my favorite color, sky blue
81. Eternity~ my husband's favorite perfume
82. comfy white tennies
83. flip flops and toe rings
84. wearing Chris's flannel shirts
85. freshly laid eggs for breakfast
86. the sour sweetness of my morning lemonade (freshly squeezed lemon with raw apple cider vinegar and honey in cold, filtered water)
87. coffee with cream
88. lazy mornings watching the old b&w cartoons with my kids
89. that my kids like the old b&w cartoons
90. early morning quiet, when everyone else is still asleep
91. hanging laundry on the line, and its crispness when taken down,
92. the wind swirling, wrapping itself around me...
93. freshness in the smell of rain, a soaked ground and wet leaves
94. a car that's running good (still)
95. our friendly neighbors
96. having a house, our home, and the refuge it provides within
97. Chris's thoughtfulness in occasionally asking me if I'm happy, and telling me that he is
98. warmth and familiarity felt while snuggling on a cushy couch with Chris and our children, thick socks and sweatpants, legs sprawling and arms tangling under the blankets, watching and discussing movies, playing games, letting the world go by without us for awhile
99. baking chocolate chip cookies for my birthday, at my son's suggestion
100. the way my daughter measures the ingredients so very carefully, choosing to help me rather than watch the movie, grooving as she works to the jazz music dancing in our ears
101. the sincere praises of the family as they trimphantly dip and munch warm chocolate bites, hot chocolate...
102. sharing a blessing and plates at the Olive Garden, green salads with onions
103. chocolate mints
104. the moon rising, smiling down upon us as we travel
105. my Grandma's voice, sure and strong
106. my Mothers' prayers, lifting us up when we don't even know it.
107. my favorite blue and green turquoise earrings that look like little globes set in silver, and the turquoise bear necklace, birthday gifts from Chris, which he bought for me during our first dreamy trip out here to NE TN, where we hid away in remote cabin on a mountain three years ago.
108. My Beloved~ Dreams we share, the way we know eachother's thoughts, and finish eachother's sentences... his faithfulness, his strong arms around me, his breath beside me in the dark, our marriage bed, his steady ways, likemindedness and comradery in convictions and passion.
109. Soft and cozy, warm sweaters
110. walking through the mall with my family, with us all linked together as we naturally hold hands in a way that I could not have understood 15 years ago... and would have mocked.
111. that my heart is not full of the rebellion and bitterness that it was then.
112. memories of living close to the road, the train rumbling past our dark room in the night, bellowing its familiar warning into the stillness... shaking our little house, with my sister and I snuggled close in our shared bed
113. a childhood of adventure and intrigue
114. sketching my imagination
115. soul healing
116. freshly sharpened pencils and clean, white paper
117. the smell of tobacco burning in a pipe
118. thick beards on the weathered faces of men whose eyes shine with laughter
119. the crackling of leaping flames, a fire in the fire pit
120. snow on the groud, crunching beneath my feet, sleds and snowballs, wet gloves, socks hung by the fireplace, hot chocolate and marshmallows
121. Carefully handed to me, a cup of herbal tea my daughter brewed for me, sweetened with too much honey, in the new over-sized chicken mug she bought me for my birthday~ with her own money saved up.
122. Love letters my children write to me
123. evening rituals, requests for nightly lullabies and laying in the dark singing to those who love me unconditionally (and like my singing voice), just glad to be together, another day closing.
124. heat radiating from wood stoves and baking biscuits
125. home-made fig preserves, from Grandma's fruit trees
126. sitting around the table with family, bowed heads and hearts
127. Grandma's gravy over biscuits, she sitting in her chair, watching the news, across from Papaw~ always, their generosity, hospitality
128. home-made peanut butter ice cream and fish fries, with french fries and family
129. Aunt Ann's seven layer salad, her artistic talents
130. Mom's paintings on the wall, inspiring, stories of their childhood, so fascinating to me, family reunions, my siblings' children, blonde hair, black and red hair, and glowing cheeks, time passing and returning.
131. Papers in heavy baskets
132. bruised herbs between my fingers, lingering scent
133. flowered curtains, and freshly painted walls.
134. Holly hobbie and
135. scented candles
136. dried flowers from years of bouquets, glass hearts with long stems
137. satin ribbons recycled adorning freshly cut braids, flaxen, chestnut and golden hairs on the bathroom floor...
138. sharp scissors.
139. Quiet of staying up late alone, or with Chris, private pleasures, still moments.
140. simple FOLK music, acoustic guitar and violins, earthy voices, harmonica keeping time
141. coffee stains and smile lines, Dad coming home
142. getting ready to go out
143. clean floors, freshly mopped floors
144. painted toe nails
145. plush bath robes
146. antique dressers with beveled mirrors
147. deep bath tubs
148. big brown eyes peeking out from behind bubbles, hair swirling in the water
149. pony tails and jean over-alls
150. rope and tire swings
151. straight rows in the garden
152. waiting for and watching the deer together, rabbits bounding to and fro
153. tree forts
154. two-story houses with glass door knobs and creaky staircases
155. old porches
156. spider plants and ferns
157. the morning dew
158. begonias and pansies in planters
159. fresh thyme and oregano
160. heavy marble mortar and pestle
161. cold-pressed EVO and fresh squash from seeds we planted.
162. The joy of cooking with friends, family, comparing and learning new recipes
163. spontaneous picnics outside on a blanket, under the apple tree
164. watering our garden
165. gathering apples and peppers
166. walking down to the creek with Chris, and the kids
167. a new day, and another, beginning again
168. dreams that awaken and inspire, trembling expectation
169. a good story, a living book
170. learning from others, discoving new-to-me truths
171. how the seasons change, but stay the same, more noticeable to me every year, awareness that grows, ebbs and flows, Life cycles.
172. generations before me that have brought me here...
173. legends of those who walked this ground in ages past, remembrances that challenge my ways.
174. Our son~ with his goofy grin, perceptive soul, forgiving nature, strawberry-golden hair, blue eyes with sincere intents
175. seeing him engrossed in the pages of a book
176. the breakfasts he cooks
177. his gentle way with little children, like his Father, his desire for us to have more children...
178. the faith that I hear in his prayers, trembling voice as he prays for others
179. his love of nature, and tendency to find quiet places "just to think".
180. Thank you Father for giving him to us, before we knew how much we needed him, our son.
181. His brotherly love towards his sister
182. his love for animals and desire to be a good man.
183. I'm thankful for how he's been able to learn to ride horses well
184. for friends we have who love him, and teach him wonderful things that we couldn't offer
185. community
186. seeing him excel at something that he loves (riding horses) and win blue ribbons and Grand Champion at a large competition.
187. how he likes to write thank you notes
188. and reads his Bible each evening in bed (his idea)
189. how he hugs his sister after a squabble
190. how he (usually) listens to me reading aloud to him
191. how much he loves the baby we lost, hopes for another, prays for others
192. how so many of his mannerisms remind me of my youngest brother...
193. my three brothers, beautiful and each so different, reminding me of our father...
194. Newness of life, the way that the crocus and daffodils curl out from under the snow in Spring
195. honey bees buzzing busily in the meadow
196. wildflowers
197. black dirt
198. earthworms
199. worn garden gloves
200. gardening tools to use
201. our old apple tree blossoming in all her glory.
202. Our daughter~ her comradery and inspiration, her nurturing way, meticulous drawings, fancy letters and colorful personality
203. her exuberance as she plans our menu for visiting friends or family, or excitedly dawns "her best dress" for our Sabbath meals, carefully setting our table, relishing the beauty and ceremony, asking to light the candles and wear the scarf, and "Momma, don't forget to wave the candles..."
204. hearing traditional Sabbath blessings sang in Hebrew by a friend
205. my daughter's love for the language and desire to learn Hebrew
206. her initiative to get things done, which moves me.
207. I cherish memories of long nights that I've comforted her after nightmares, tending her fevers, singing in hushed tones together
208. holding hands and knowing glances
209. teaching her to be a better wife and mother than I, imparting patience and femininity
210. seeing that her strength is greater than mine
211. praying protection over my children, and knowing He listens.
212. long, flowing skirts, lacy cotton shirts with princess sleeves
213. bare feet
214. strappy sandals
215. heavy buckles and leather fringes
216. Rolling down hills in tall, cool grass
217. rock collections
218. seashells
219. and riding bikes down dirt roads
220. long hair braided
221. tiny glass beads strung with bells
222. poetry read aloud, over and over again
223. polished silver and porcelain plates
224. tiny tea cups
225. hand-thrown earthen vessels, glazed in blues and grays
226. the smell of linseed oil and turpentine, blank canvas, visions of grandeur
227. sunlight streaming through sheer curtains dancing on the summer breeze
228. listening to the clock tick-tocking in the silence... time passing
229. icicles growing upside-down
230. evergreens and holly berries, vibrantly red against an otherwise muted winter's pallete.
231. Perfectly unique snowflakes.
232. A summer etched in our family's collective memory... abandoned unity solidified, nights of camping-out, journeying down new roads, between homes, states, our existence like a single knot on an infinite string. Breakfast on shaky tables, lunch packed in a cooler, sleeping bags, motel beds and dinner on sticks, roasted over camp-fires, our family sharing a single, small tent, listening to the tap, tap of the raindrops outside, feeling eachother's warmth, melting into slumber together, the comfort of shared dreams, morning light and woodland noises, breathing in the fresh, green air, flashlight journeys and inchworms saved... reading the map, meeting surreal characters, seeing the inked lines materialize before us into road signs and new horizons.
233. Homeschooling with our children is a tremendous gift... is there any other way, choice, but to live together each and every day, to learn and grow in love... with time unfettered. Not for us.
234. We've always had what we needed, and more. The lean times have enlarged our table, plenteous has been our legacy thusfar.
235. Our wondering together over our wandering heritage, history, mountainous microcosms in everyday miracles.
236. God's Word stored up in my heart, which gives me faith to pray. Life is rich.
For to which of the angels did God ever say,
"You are my Son;
today I have become your Father"? Or again,
"I will be his Father,
and he will be my Son"? And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says,
"Let all God's angels worship him." In speaking of the angels he says,
"He makes his angels winds,
his servants flames of fire." But about the Son he says,
"Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever,
and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom.
You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions
by anointing you with the oil of joy." He also says,
"In the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth,
and the heavens are the work of your hands.
They will perish, but you remain;
they will all wear out like a garment.
You will roll them up like a robe;
like a garment they will be changed.
But you remain the same,
and your years will never end." To which of the angels did God ever say,
"Sit at my right hand
until I make your enemies
a footstool for your feet"? Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?~ Hebrews 1.5-14
237. a Sabbath rest....
It still remains that some will enter that rest, and those who formerly had the gospel preached to them did not go in, because of their disobedience. Therefore God again set a certain day, calling it Today, when a long time later he spoke through David, as was said before:
"Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts." For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.~ Hebrews 4.6-11
thoughts of thanksgiving
Posted by: | CommentsEarlier this month, as November began, I was inspired, and I had N and T each write a list of 10 things that they're thankful for (neatly, in cursive ;P). As she was carefully writing her list, T said to me, "You have to make a list too, right Momma?" I smiled, half to her, half to myself and entirely to the Lord... "Yes, of course I do. I will." And, so I will, I am. I have been composing it for days, seeing His fingerprint in every day things, a myriad of reasons to rejoice are all around me.
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
~ James 1:17.
And so, earlier this week, as I opened up my latest Shmooze (Yiddish for chatting with a friend) letter and read of Mr. Sam Nadler's encouragment to take an entire month for thanksgiving, I agreed wholeheartedly within myself. Yes, I've determined that this entire month I shall purpose to have a heart of thanksgiving towards my Lord, and towards those around me, as truly I/we should always. As a special offering though, this month I will meditate specifically upon His many blessings towards me, and write them down. Mr. Nadler writes,
Since the Scriptures are permeated with the theme of thanksgiving, our lives are to be permeated with thanksgiving as well. For “He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me” (Psalm 50:23).
The Hebrew word for thanksgiving is todah. Todah means more than just showing appreciation, it also means praise and confession: “Now therefore, make confession (todah) to the Lord” (Ezra 10:11, see also Psalm 32:5). Here we see giving thanks as a confession of faith in the righteousness and justice of God.
Then, today I found this most inspired post of Ann's, which so resonated with where I am, where I want to remain, and thus I have decided to join her in listing the thousand gifts that the Lord has given to me during this season of my life. As I'd mentioned, this list has been in the making for some time, but today I shall write it out, a confession of my faith in Him, and His provision towards me. Lord, I thank you, once again. I thank you that even when we've been there 10,000 years, we've no less days to sing your praise...
A List of 1000 Perfect Gifts From Above
1. Sight, to see...
2. Light, to see by.
3. Colors, so many colors.
4. Creation, all around me... which teaches me of Your Truths of Eternity...
5. Leaves, golden browns, reds, oranges and yellows... hanging, letting go, falling, piling, crunching, pressing.
6. My life, that I was born 33 years ago, tomorrow.
7. Babies, sleeping and gurgling, cooing and burping. Growing.
8. Change, thank you that this is not a stagnant, predictable existence.
9. A country road, winding up the hill, dappled with sunlight and the shade of strong trees hunching over them.
10. Trees, I love them... so rich in analogy, so huge with life, history, with poetic forms stark against the sky, branches reaching ever heavenward, roots digging down deep, searching for water.
11. My husband, strong and rugged, like a tree to me.
12. Our children, innocence turning, changing, growing, teaching me, challenging me... to be innocent, again.
13. Laundry to fold.
14. Time to spend...
15. Children to spend it with.
16. Friends that love and help me, inspire and challenge me.
17. Stationary to write real, hand-written letters on...
18. Penpals who love to receive and read them.
19. the smell of home-made raspberry and orange spice tea brewing.
20. the simple pleasure of sharing a cuppa with my son, hearing his exclamation of enjoyment.
21. a family to cook and clean for...
22. a home to tidy, and work on.
23. a life-time of memories, my eternal soul.
24. my brothers and sister.
25. my mothers (yes, I've two)
26. my father, now gone
27. solitude, which I'm now enjoying
28. familiarity of the refrigerator kicking on its humming, in tune with the MAC
29. electricity
30. information
31. books
32. the Book
33. music
34. my health
35. legs and arms to dance with, walk, run, jump and hug with.
36. leaves fluttering past my window here
37. Chris working hard to provide for us, his family, right now.
38. paintbrushes and watercolors
39. my Grandmothers
40. and Grandfathers
41. My big, gentle, loving and black as midnight German Shepherd doggie, who's content to be beside me always.
42. a little three year old boy's voice shrieking with delight that "Samson gives kisses! Oooooh, kisses, kisses, kisses..."
43. copywork papers, with loops and lines drawn with lead, extravagantly decorated with crayon and glitter glue, proudly hanging on our dining room wall... a joy to read.
44. words. stories to hear, and to tell.
45. birds, chattering, twittering, hopping and flying. busily living.
46. Exquisite little nests adorning our entryway, collected and displayed by enamored little hands.
47. eggs, warm to the touch, fresh from our hens bosoms.
48. Our chickens, they're beautiful with their fullness of sheeny feathers, and hilarious with their bow-legged sprints.
49. Our land, I love the land Lord.
50. Dirt, it's a good thing.
51. Laughing over Curious George's antics with a little one who's meeting him for the first time.
52. Little voices.
53. The thought to pray for comfort with a little one who especially missed his Mommy today.
54. Your obvious touch, as he later became more jubilant and assured of himself than usual today.
55. Money to pay all of our bills.
56. Almost being out of debt, and the resolve to live simply, free of debt.
57. Freshly milled wheat, fresh-from the oven, warm baked bread.
58. Butter to melt over fresh bread.
59. Herbs for tea, cooking, smelling...
60. coffee, love me some good, stout coffee... and ahhhhh, the smell of it brewing.
61. Dear friends to share it with.
62. Photography... how many times I've wondered over how it must have been before people could have pictures of their loved ones... how many memories I've retrieved via a picture. Moments in time, forever captured...
63. That gets back to the sight concept... having recently read a novel whose story is told from the perspective a blind man, later given sight, I've been particularly aware of this most treasured gift, my eyesight. What wonders to behold all around me...
Thanksgiving Recipes~
Posted by: | CommentsWell, I just made these Chex Muddy Buddies tonight (a double batch of course!), and my crew went absolutely bonkers over them... They are DE-LIC-I-O-SSSO! I also made up a triple batch of the classic Chex mix, as found on the Chex cereal boxes. This was my first time ever making the infamous Chex mixes, and they are so YUMMY, great for snackin' over the next couple of days. I enjoyed listening to Tchaikovsky while I cooked, he was being featured on npr, which is what my kitchen radio is usually tuned to if I'm not listening to a cd. Chris played some board games with the kids; Mastermind (a great logic game) with T and N, and then they played Connect Four, an old favorite which they play tournament style.
A few of the dishes I'll be preparing tomorrow are family favorites, and the recipes are from my very Southern Grandma Chandler. I'll share her recipes with you here...
SWEET POTATO SUPREME
- 3 c. sweet potatoes, peeled and mashed
- 1/3 c. butter, melted
- 2 eggs beaten
- 2/3 c. sugar
- 1/2 c. milk
- 1 tsp. vanilla
Mix together and put into a casserole dish.
TOPPING
- 1 c. brown sugar
- 1/3 c. flour
- 1/3 c. butter, melted
- 1 c. pecans, chopped
Mix topping and sprinkle over potato mixture (may add a few spoons of milk to moisten, and cinnamon on top of all). Bake uncovered for 30-45 minutes at 350 degrees.
PECAN PIE
- 1 unbaked pie shell 9"
- 1 c. pecans, chopped
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 c. sugar
- 1 c. white Karo syrup
- 1/8 tsp. salt
- 1/4 c. melted butter
- 1 tsp. vanilla
Line unbaked pie shell with pecans. Beat eggs, sugar, salt and karo syrup, vanillia and butter. Pour over pecans in pie shell. Bake 50 minutes in 350 degee oven, or until done.
CORNBREAD STUFFING
- 1 c. chicken broth
- 1 c. butter
- 2 c. diced celery
- 1.5 c. chopped onion
- 1/4 c. minced parsley (or just use a couple TBSPs dried)
- 2 tsp.. poultry seasoning (which I make using 3/4 tsp. sage, 1/4 tsp. leaf thyme, a dash of marjoram, dash of cloves and 1/4 tsp. pepper)
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
- 18 c. of your favorite cornbread, crumbled (bake this the day before)
- 3 eggs, beaten
Saute celery and onions in butter. Mix all ingredients (except broth) and put into a casserole dish. Pour broth over mixture. Bake 30-45 minutes at 350 degrees.
Thankful… & our Thanksgiving Feast Menu~
Posted by: | CommentsToday I'll be cooking, and we'll all be working on a Thankful Tree together. Tabitha made us a pinecone turkey for our centerpiece (he's so cute), and Nathan is making a hand and foot turkey to hang on the wall. Right now they're coloring some color sheets we found and printed out, which they're planning to hang on the doors of their rooms. I liked one of them so much that I've printed it out to color for myself!
We've also been enjoying watching our little birds that visit our two feeders in the backyard, which we can see from our dining room window. One of the feeders brings extra joy to my heart every time I look at it as Chris made it for me last summer, and I painted it. I am reminded that my Lord is always mindful of me and my needs, and will always provide for us...
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father...And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
~Matthew 10.29-31
And that even if all of the plenty we're blessed with now were gone tomorrow, He is still our sustenance, and we will always be secure in His Sovereign Will. This last week, He's been speaking sweet assurance to my soul and gently reminding me that He is our Bread, our Life... May we ever feast on Him...
"I am the bread of life. Your forefathers ate the manna in the desert, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world."
~Jesus, John 6.48-51
Last summer, Chris also helped each of the kids to make a birdhouse, both of which are now perched above the feeder, in view. Jehovah-Jireh, I'm thankful today that You have chosen to tabernacle with us when You sent Your Son, Jesus, to save us.
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
~Ecclisiastes 3.11
For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!
~Romans 5.10
Thank you for my husband whom You have given me, Christopher, and for our children that You have blessed us with, for the honor of homeschooling with them, for our friends and family... Thank you for our men and women in the military, and missionaries, overseas, far from their loved ones this holiday. But most of all I am thankful for You, for your Imagination and Creation, for this Covenant You have made with me and my forefathers... I'm in awe of You... the Alpha & the Omega, the Beginning and the End.
For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.
~2 Corinthians 1.20
Last night, Chris read the first half of Meet the Pilgrim Fathers to our kids. He'll finish it tonight. I'm finishing up on laundry and tidying up the place for company we'll be having during Thanksgiving.I'll also start some of the cooking today. Tomorrow, Serena and I will be cooking up a storm! She's bringing her turkey roaster, so we won't have the oven tied up with the turkey all of Thurs. morning, which is good! Speaking of the gobbler, I've got it "brining" as it thaws in a cooler of iced salt (Kosher) water right now. Has anyone else ever done this? I hope it turns out good... And I've got alot of cooking to get busy with, so had better git! Thankfully I'll have Serena and Joelle helping!ps. It's SNOWING outside! How cozy it feels here today! I think I'll go put on my cd by Marty Goetz and his daughter, Festivals of Lights, and maybe Crystal Lewis's jazzy Holiday one too! I'm thankful that we're living here in NE TN now! yippee!! I made a double batch of Buttermilk Banana Bread last night, and will be making Chex party mix today, and a few other things, but we'll do most of our cooking on Wednesday, and Thursday morning.
Happy Thanksgiving!
~ Our Thanksgiving Feast Menu ~
- Sausage Biscuit Cheese Balls (our Holiday breakfast tradition, Taba's favorite!)
- Roasted Turkey & Giblet Gravy
- Cornbread Stuffing
- Homemade Yeast Rolls
- Sweet Potatoe Supreme
- Mashed Potatoes
- Mexican Cornbread (I know, doesn't really go, but it's Chris's favorite!)
- Cranberry Relish (Serena's specialty)
- Parmesan Spinach Balls (Nathan's requested favorite!)
- Bountiful Beer Bread with Spinach Dip
- Heavenly Chocolate Cheesecake (no bake)
- Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake (Rick requested Serena make this)
- Pumpkin Pies (Chris's favorite!)
- Pecan Pies (my favorite!)
- Apple Pie (Nathan's favorite!)
- Coconut Sour Cream Cake (this just sounds YUMMY, we'll see if I get around to it, or even have room in the fridge for it!)
Thanksgiving Reads
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Meet the Pilgrim Fathers
by Elizabeth Payne, 1966
I will be reading this book aloud to our kids over the next few days, in between cooking and cleaning. Happy Thanksgiving to you all!
Another favorite Thanksgiving Read of ours, from which we read last year is
Stories of the Pilgrims
by Margaret B. Pumphrey
Revised & Edited by Michael J. McHugh
