Rembering Christmas

I've been thinking a lot about Christmas lately (after all, it will be here in 78 days!).

When I was younger, Christmas was a huge deal. My mother loved the holidays. She loved decorating the house...in fact, almost every room had decorations somewhere. She loved to give gifts. She would start months ahead, shopping for bargains...and hide them away until it was time (more than once she discovered hidden gifts long after the holiday). She would have some little something tucked away for unexpected visitors. She loved cooking her traditional Christmas cakes and pies. On Christmas Eve, she surrounded herself with her family for our seafood gumbo dinner and then we all gathered around the huge decorated tree with mountains of gifts that we all exchanged.

After I moved away, it seemed the older I got, the more I lost the Christmas spirit...at least until I would drive the 150 miles to her house. When I opened the door, the sights and smells of the season would assault my senses and I would be transformed into the child that I once was...anxious to poke around the tree to see if I could find any gifts with my name on them...and to taste a slice of my mom's squash pie. When it got dark, I would turn off the lights in the living room and watch the colored lights twinkling on the tree, while listening to a scratchy Bing Crosby LP singing White Christmas. It was during those times that I realized that Christmas for me meant coming home...to family and traditions.

Those days are long gone. My mom has been gone six years now. Even before she died, she didn't have the energy to "do" Christmas like she always had, so we had started having our family celebration at other places...but it just never was the same again.

Now I am the mother and the grandmother. What I've been thinking about is the traditions that I want my children and grandchildren to remember when I am gone. I want to create special memories with them that will carry through to their families...and that they will remember as a wonderful time to just enjoy being a kid...no matter how old they are.

I also want them to learn the joy of giving back...to know that it is indeed more blessed to give than to receive. I think that might be one of the greatest gifts that I can give them.

Date Night - Fireproof Movie

I went to see Fireproof last night with my honey and we both really liked it.

This movie is the third production for Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia. With a low-budget (compared to Hollywood), one camera and a mostly volunteer cast, they have turned out a top-notch, must-see movie.

We laughed...we cried...and we were challenged to cherish each other and our marriage more. If you haven't had a chance to see it...go...and encourage others to see it too.

Home Management Website

I want to share a great resource on home management topics, Homemaking 911. This website has such a wealth of information...I haven't even had a chance to check out all of the many topics myself.

Baby Steps To Freedom

Chapter One
I walk down the street
There’s a deep hole in the sidewalk
I fall in
I am lost and I am helpless
It’s not my fault
It takes a long time to get out

Chapter Two
I walk down the same street
There’s a deep hole in the sidewalk
I pretend I don’t see it
I fall in
I can’t believe I am in the same place but
It’s not my fault
It takes a long time to get out

Chapter Three
I walk down the same street
There’s a deep hole in the sidewalk
I see it there
I fall in
It’s a habit, my eyes are open
I know where I am
It’s my fault
I get out immediately

Chapter Four
I walk down the same street
There’s a deep hole in the sidewalk
I walk around it
Chapter Five
I walk down another street
-- Portia Nelson

I came across this poem and I was struck by the insight the author has concerning habitual and addictive behavior. It is always amazing to me how I can look at others’ lives and see very clearly the pattern of wrong choices and the consequences that come because of these wrong choices. It seems that some people just keep doing the same thing over and over and expect the results to be different every time. But then I have to stop and look at my own life and realize how many times I have walked down the same road, and fallen in the same deep holes again and again. It makes me wonder what we can learn from this little poem.

“Chapter One” begins with me seemingly ignorant of the big hole looming in the sidewalk. As I walk down the street, suddenly I fall in. I feel lost and totally helpless. I refuse to take any responsibility, and I stay stuck in the hole for a long time. This hole can be anything that keeps us from being all that God wants us to be. Some of the holes I have fallen in have been rebellion, unbelief, depression, rage and just blatant disobedience.

In “Chapter Two” I know that the hole is there but I pretend that I don’t see it. I know that the way I am acting and the choices I am making are not pleasing to God, but I just don’t want to deal with them right now. So I fall in the hole again, and I just can’t believe it. I still refuse to take any responsibility, trying to blame anyone but me, and I stay in the hole a long time.

“Chapter Three” finds me walking on the same street. This time I see the hole, and I realize that I’ve fallen down that same hole before. I really want to avoid falling in the hole again, but because I am so used to walking that certain way, and doing things my way, I fall in again. This time, however, I am quick to admit my responsibility, repent, and I get out of the hole immediately.

We see further progress in “Chapter Four” when I walk down the same street, but I am finally able to walk around the hole and avoid falling in.

Then in “Chapter Five” wisdom kicks in and I just avoid the street entirely. Why expose myself to temptation when there are perfectly good alternate routes?

I realize that this is a very simplistic view of the process of freedom, and sometimes there are addictions and strongholds that are very difficult to break. However, even the strongest strongholds are no match for our God. We can all walk in freedom through Him. The point is that sometimes God does choose to deliver us immediately. But I think the majority of us must walk through the stages of freedom.

It could be that we look at the sin in our lives as just a habit. Maybe something that we have done all our life. Maybe even something that we saw our parents do. We have to begin by asking God to open our eyes to see what it is that keeps drawing us to our falling places. And then as He shows us, let us be aware of the danger, and avoid it if possible. If it is not possible to avoid, then we can be diligent to keep our eyes open, and depending on Him for strength, we will overcome. Habits can be broken and patterns can be changed. It might be something small, or it might be something big, but it’s always growth. And remember, we may not be where we need to be, but thank God we are not where we used to be! Press on toward Him this week.

The Lord Is MY Shepherd

Some great conversations with BK happen these days while we are going places. We listen to her CDs almost exclusively when we are in the van. The one that is in there now is Sunday School songs...you know, those little verses that we used to sing when we all were kids.

Yesterday on the way to pick up Mike, BK was singing along with The Lord is my Shepherd. I told her that was in the Bible and if she would ask her Daddy, I bet he would tell her the whole thing. She said "I'm going to say it over and over so I won't forget." Then she began her litany: "The Lord is my shepherd...the Lord is my shepherd"...over and over and over...

All of the sudden there were tears in my eyes as I heard that little voice proclaiming that the Lord is her shepherd. I asked her who is the Lord and she said "Ahh...that's Jesus!"

In these times of economic hardships and uncertainties, we could all take a cue from a child and loudly proclaim...

The Lord is MY shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters,
He restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

October Angel Food

Here is the Angel Food menu for October:

$30.00 REGULAR BOX

Four 6-oz Ribeye Steaks
4.5-lbs (avg) Split Chicken Breast Family Tray Pack
26-oz Heat & Serve Meatloaf & Brown Gravy
1-lb Chicken Breast Fajita Strips
Four 4-oz Boneless Center-Cut Pork Chops
1-lb Fully Cooked Meatballs
1-lbs All Meat Hot Dogs
1-lb Frozen Sliced Carrots
1-lb California Blend Vegetables
1-lb Pasta
28-oz Marinara Sauce
48-oz Hawaiian Punch
32-oz Borden 2% Reduced Fat Shelf-Stable Milk
12-count Corn Tortillas
One Dozen Eggs
One Dessert Item

They also now offer a Senior Box. If you have an older family member who could use prepared meals, you might want to check this out:

$28.00 SENIOR BOX

- BBQ Chicken, slow roasted chicken diced & served w/Western flavor BBQ sauce. Served w/Southern-style black-eyed peas & collard greens and cinnamon apple sauce.
- Meatloaf w/Brown Herb Gravy, traditional meatloaf topped w/herb seasoned brown gravy, served w/sweet potatoes w/brown sugar & maple, green peas, mushrooms & green beans.
- Sweet & Sour Chicken, slow cooked chicken chunks served in a sweet'n sour sauce over steamed rice w/steamed broccoli, mushrooms & wax beans.
- Meat Patties w/Country Style Gravy & Onions, lightly floured & seasoned & served w/rich brown gravy & onion. Creamy mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli w/sprinkling of cheese accompainied by diced beets.
- Thyme Baked Chicken, slow cooked chicken chunks served in a savory thyme sauce w/parsley potatoes, 3-bean salad and diced peaches.
- Salisbury Steak w/Brown Mushroom Gravy, traditional salisbury steak patties w/brown mushroom gravy, mashed potatoes, peas & carrots, and diced pineapple.
- Spaghetti w/Meat Sauce, speghetti noodles served w/rich traditional Italian meat sauce, seasoned Italian green beans, diced pears & an oatmeal cookie.
- Ground Beef Stroganoff, tender ground beef in a rich stroganoff cream sauce served over parsley egg noodles, green beans & onions, with frouit cocktail.
- Chicken Curry w/Vegetables, cooked tender chicken w/cut green beans & yellow corn over seasoned onion broth rice w/broccoli oriental vegetables & diced pears.
- Creole Baked White Fish, delicate white fish baked with a Creole sauce served w/red beans & rice, creamed spinach, and a chocolate chip cookie.

Click here to find an Angel Food distributor near you.

Crockpot Tater Tot Casserole

I have made this casserole for years, but never added veggies...and never tried it in a crockpot...until today. It was a hit!

Crockpot Tater Tot Casserole

1 lb. ground beef (cooked & drained)
1 bag tater tots
2 cans Cream of Chicken soup
1/2 soup can water
Frozen peas and carrots
Salt, pepper & garlic powder to taste
Shredded cheddar cheese

Mix ground beef, 1/2 bag tater tots, soup, water, peas and carrots. Pour mixture in 4 quart crockpot. Pour remaining 1/2 bag tater tots on top. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Cook on low about 4 hours. Top with shredded cheese and cook another 30 minutes.

Tuesday Tips

• If you have never heard of the Hillbilly Housewife website, you must check it out. There are so many money-saving tips and recipes...I have learned so much from the info there.

There is also a weekly newsletter that you can sign up for by email. This week's edition is here.

• My sister Diane sent me a great way to use leftover chicken tenders/nuggets.

Plantation Chicken:

Saute:
1/4 cup chopped (very small) white onion in 2 1/2 tablespoons of oil until onions are soft and clear.

Stir in:
2 tablespoon flour and mix until light brown

Add slowly:
2 cups water and 1 teaspoon liquid Gravy Master (to make the gravy brown) and whisk until smooth.

When the gravy is smooth and slightly thick, add the cold chicken tenders and you can also add leftover vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, mushrooms, peas. Sprinkle with Season-All to taste and cook until heated. Serve over rice. This is so yummy and you would never know it is leftovers.

• My friend Elysa's daughter is going to Swaziland, Southern Africa, next July to serve as an Adventures in Missions ambassador missionary for one month. They are raising funds for this trip by making BEAUTIFUL hand-crafted jewelry. I personally know this family and I can assure you that the profits from these sales will be such a blessing, not only to Elysa's daughter, but also to all the little children in Swaziland that she will touch for the Kingdom.

Check out some samples of the jewelry here. These would make excellent gifts for anyone on your list...you know it's only 85 days until Christmas. : )

• Living on a Dime is offering their book Dining On A Dime Cookbook: Eat Better, Spend Less in an e-book form for $10. This is a great deal. I have this cookbook and there are so many great recipes and tips for eating frugally. Click here to read more about it.

A Good Deal

God-Sized Assignments

Several years ago, I worked through Henry Blackaby's study Experiencing God. I've been thinking about that study a lot lately. The overall theme was that God is always working in and around us. Instead of us coming up with a plan and asking God to bless it, we should find out what He is doing and join Him.

It is rather disconcerting when we realize that it's not all about us. I mean, as Christians, we know that...intellectually...but it is so easy to get caught up in our day-to-day "stuff" and lose sight of the big picture...kind of like not being able to see the forest for the trees. Not that we will every really know the big picture...only the Lord knows that. The best we can do is to seek Him and ask for His wisdom and guidance in all that we do.

We all know about super-sized...from drinks to fries...but the assignments that He has for us are God-sized. I don't think we are really living our lives in faith unless we are attempting to do something that we humanly cannot do on our own...something that if God doesn't show up, we will fail miserably. How exciting to be invited to join Him on an adventure! How incredibly scary as well.

Where is it that you sense God calling you to step out of the boat? Leave a comment and share your stories...we would love to join you in prayer for your adventure.

Chocolate Carrot Cake

I made this cake this morning and it's yummy!

Chocolate Carrot Cake

1 2/3 cups self-rising flour
1/3 cup cocoa powder
2 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 ½ cup Splenda Granular
¼ cup prune puree (I used a small jar of plum baby food)
¼ cup canola oil
1 large egg
3 large egg whites
1 ½ teaspoon vanilla
2/3 cup orange juice
2 cups shredded carrots (about 3 medium)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x13 baking pan with Pam. In a medium bowl, stir together flour, cocoa, baking soda and Splenda, then set aside. In a large mixing bowl, mix prune puree (or baby food), canola oil, egg, egg whites, vanilla and orange juice. Add flour mixture to prune mixture ½ cup at a time and mix. When all the flour has been added, fold in the carrots and pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes. (140 calories per serving)

Margins in Life

I once heard about a book called Margin, maybe on a Focus on the Family broadcast. That was a long time ago, but I've never forgotten what the author said because it rang so true in my own life.

I looked up the book on Amazon.com this morning and found it here. The product description reads, "Are you worn out? This book offers healthy living in four areas we all struggle with-emotional energy, physical energy, time, and finances-and will prepare you to live a balanced life."

I have not read the book yet, so this is not a review, merely a commentary on how full our lives are. The society in which we live does not allow for much down time. For some reason, we believe that we must be busy all the time.

We pack our lives with so much that we are living on the edge most of the time, not allowing time or energy for unexpected things that come up. Inevitably, those unexpected events do happen and many times we are pushed over the edge. Often the really important things are pushed to the background as we desperately try to just survive. Surely this can't be the way God wants us to live as Believers.

Here is an excerpt from a devotional that I wrote several years ago:

"Opening up our homes to invite those in who need to see God’s love in action must be pleasing to our Lord. There is an abundance of hurting, lonely people, both in the world and in our church, who are starving for fellowship and companionship. It does not matter to them if your furniture has been dusted or not, or whether you serve a gourmet dinner with all the proper utensils. What matters is that you took the initiative and cared enough to invite them into your home and into your life.

I have been guilty of neglecting to practice hospitality, and the reasons for this are probably the same ones that keep you from practicing it as well. We live in a very busy culture, and we sometimes measure our success by the number of appointments that we have on our calendars. We run from here to there, and by the time we get home, we are exhausted. So then the thought of having to clean the house “good enough for company” and plan a nice meal just seems way beyond my energy level.

When I hear people talk about the way life was in years gone by, it makes me long for a slower, more peaceful way of life. A time when people stopped by friends’ and families’ homes for a visit and a meal, and they knew that they were truly welcome. A time when people sat around a dinner table or a fireplace or on a front porch and talked, sharing problems, telling stories, dreaming dreams, being themselves and being accepted by their friends - feeling a part of a community - part of a family - connected.

My prayer for all of us this week is that our Father will give us a friendly, hospitable heart. That he will help us to set our priorities straight so that we have the time and energy to minister His love in a way that would be pleasing to Him. That He will open our eyes to the hurting and lonely who desperately need our friendship, and that He will flood us anew with His love so that we will not be afraid to open our homes and our hearts and share ourselves with each other."

Fireproof

It's a God thing.

Sherwood Baptist Church, located in the small town of Albany, Georgia, is daring to believe God once again. Their second movie Facing the Giants was a blockbuster hit at the box office and DVD sales. Armed with a low budget, one camera and an abundance of faith, they have released their latest movie, Fireproof, which is opening this weekend.

Focus on the Family has a very positive review here. Church members fill the cast, along with Kirk Cameron starring as the main character. The story is a very familiar one of marriage gone bad, but the difference is that in this story good triumphs over evil and the name of Jesus is honored.

This is one of those pro-family, pro-marriage movies that we should all support to send a message that we want more movies like this. Let your friends know about Fireproof and make plans to see it. Mike and I are going...maybe we'll see you there! : )

Is It Really Possible?

Lysa Terkeurst wrote an article for Proverbs 31 ministries telling about how, as a young, unmarried woman, she made the decision to have an abortion. She kept this secret for a long, long time, so afraid that her church friends would find out about it and reject her.

Here is a quote from her article:

"For one in three women within the church, it is one of the most painful parts of their life story. One for which they want to find forgiveness and healing, but are too afraid of being judged to share their secret with anyone. So they suffer in silence, wrapped in a cloak of shame."

Can this be true? One...in...three? If so, it is mind-boggling...and heartbreaking.

I have been sitting here for about five minutes just looking at the screen and reading what I have just typed...shaking my head...and trying to comprehend. It's impossible to make sense of it.

If those statistics are true, then there is a pretty good chance that someone who ends up reading this blog will fall into that category. Let me assure you that you will not find condemnation here. I don't agree with abortion, but I also know that the grief that those women live with every day is stronger than anything I can say.

My concern is not only for all the innocent lives that are lost through abortion, but also for the lives of these women who live bound by shame and regret...and I want to speak truth to you. There is forgiveness...there is love...there is healing...all waiting for you at the foot of the cross. Jesus died just for you...to take your sins so that you can be reconciled to God the Father.

Lysa is now sharing about this dark time in her life and God is using her testimony to touch others and bring glory to His name. Sisters, if we can make ourselves transparent to other Christians and share our struggles, perhaps they will be able to share their secrets with us. The Christian community should be a safe place to open our hearts without fear of rejection...but I know first-hand that it is not always that way.

Lord have mercy on us.

Whole Wheat Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

I have been wanting a KitchenAid mixer for years. I finally took the plunge and bought one. Being the frugal shopper that I am, I found a refurbished one on Amazon.com for $152 and I got an instant rebate of $20...so $132 is not bad for a mixer than retails for almost $400. I mainly bought it so I can start making wheat bread. But today, BK and I decided to try it on some oatmeal cookies.

I am learning how to convert my recipes to healthier versions. The verdict? See for yourself....

Whole Wheat Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

3/4 c. Splenda
3/4 c. brown sugar
1 c. Land-O-Lakes Light Butter (any kind is fine - this is just what I used)
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
3 c. quick-cooking oats
1 1/2 c. whole wheat flour
1 c. raisins

Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, mix sugars, butter, baking soda, salt, vanilla and eggs until well blended. Stir in oats, flour and raisins.

Spray cooking spray on cookie sheets and drop dough by rounded tablespoons about 2 inches apart.

Bake about 10-13 minutes or until light brown. Cook 2 minutes and remove to racks to cool. (Makes 2 dozen - about 140 calories per cookie)