Merry Christmas!

A friend sent this. . .unfortunately the sweet reminder came to me a bit late and I had already succumbed to the sin of frustration. . .  Praise God for grace upon grace!  Repentance and forgiveness, truly the Christmas story.  Enjoy, repent and live free in Christ.

FIRST CORINTHIANS 13 [CHRISTMAS VERSION]







If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows,


strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls,


but do not show love to my family,


I'm just another decorator.


If I slave away in the kitchen,


baking dozens of Christmas cookies,


preparing gourmet meals


and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime:


but do not show love to my family,


I'm just another cook.


If I work at a soup kitchen


carol in the nursing home,


and give all that I have to charity;


but do not show love to my family,


it profits me nothing.


If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels


and crocheted snowflakes,


attend a myriad of holiday parties


and sing in the choir's cantata


but do not focus on Christ,


I have missed the point.


Love stops the cooking to hug the child.


Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the spouse.


Love is kind, though harried and tired.


Love does not envy another's home


that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.


Love does not yell at the kids to get out of the way,


but is thankful they are there to be in the way.


Love does not give only to those who are able to give in return; but rejoices in giving to those who cannot.


Love bears all things,


believes all things,


hopes all things, and


endures all things.


Love never fails.


Video games will break,


pearl necklaces will be lost,


golf clubs will rust;


but giving the gift of love will endure.Author: Sharon Jaynes


Taken from Celebrating a Christ Centered Christmas

Seeking Him....

I Asked the Lord, That I Might Grow
                          by John Newton


I asked the Lord, that I might grow

In faith, and love, and every grace;

Might more of His salvation know;

And seek more earnestly His face.

Twas He who taught me thus to pray,

And He, I trust has answered prayer;

But it has been in such a way,

As almost drove me to despair!

I hoped that in some favored hour,

At once He'd answer my request;

And by His love's constraining power,

Subdue my sins--and give me rest!

Instead of this, He made me feel

The hidden evils of my heart;

And let the angry powers of hell

Assault my soul in every part!

Yes more, with His own hand He seemed

Intent to aggravate my woe!

Crossed all the fair designs I schemed,

Blasted my gourds--and laid me low!

"Lord, why is this!" I trembling cried,

"Will you pursue your worm to death?"

"This is the way," the Lord replied,

"I answer prayer for grace and faith."

"These inward trials I employ,

From self and pride to set you free;

And break your schemes of earthly joy,

That you may seek your all in Me!"

Thankful...

It doesn't have to be November to list our blessings!  I am so thankful for God's intervention in my life.  As full and busy as life is today, it is a different kind of busy.  It seems hard to believe that only five years ago my days looked kind of like this:  7:30am - Sarah to school, 8:10am - Josh to school, 11:35am - Jon to school, 3:15pm - pick boys up, 4:30pm- pick Sarah up from school . . .then, depending on the day it was off to piano, tae-kwan-do, AWANA or what not.  All the homework and busyness while juggling preschoolers Bekah and Hannah and baby Naomi. . . So I am very thankful that God directed us to bring our kids home, instructing them as we rise up, walk the way, sit down, etc.  We are blessed.

Jael collecting eggs. . .

Hannah and her flower bracelet

Naomi checks the chicken nest

First Fruits walk. . .

First Fruits with Dad.

"Come here, Tina, you fat lard. . ." , says Bekah.  Know the movie?  Yes, we have started calling JJ, Tina.

Learning about God through His creation

Homemade Chicken Potpie

 I just thought this was fun. . . how many three month olds do you know who slumber while their sister sings Les Miserables to them?!

Hani and Bekah are busy getting the veggies ready for the pot pie!

Amy's Chicken Pot Pie

Filling:
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup cold water
1/2 cup flour
2 teaspoons salt
ground black pepper
1 can cream of chicken soup
4 peeled/chopped carrots
4 chopped celery
4 peeled/chopped potatoes
12 oz. frozen corn
12 oz. frozen peas
4 cups shredded chicken

Crust:
2 of Amy's pie crusts rolled out and place on top.  **See next recipe!

Heat broth in large saucepan.  Combine water, flour, salt and pepper.  Add to broth, stirring constantly until thickened.  Place sauce and veggies into casserole dish.  Cover with crust.  Cut holes in the crust to allow steam to escape.  Bake at 400 degrees until crust is golden and filling is bubbly.  Approximately 35 minutes.  Let stand 10 minutes.

Amy's Pie Crusts

1 5lb flour
1 3lb can Crisco
2 Tablespoons salt
3 1/2 cups cold water

Mix all together.  Divide into 20 crusts.  Freeze until ready to use.  Thaw and roll out. . .


Enjoy the season of comfort food!