Ecclesiates 3 - At the Bridge

This fast moving highway has taken us through the seasons of another year.
I look in the rear-view and remember -
the joy of newborn babies,
fun-filled showers and birthday parties.
Other times, held somber moments
at the graveside of one so dearly loved.
We planted flowers
for a season - that's all.
We pruned before Spring growth
and raked dead leaves in Fall.
We heard of war, famine and killing.
We helped out in need,
and prayed for healing.
We wept - our hearts breaking.
We laughed again -
our hearts bursting.
We gave
and we took.
We embraced in goodbyes -
 receiving kisses through Wi-fi.
We lost and we won.
We set up and tore down.

All through the seasons
we keep learning
there is a time to tear and a time to mend,
A time to keep and a time to forget.

And as I cross this bridge into the yet unknown
I take delight in knowing Him who knows the way.
I pray I keep learning -
when to be silent
and when to speak.
What to love and what to hate.
 Trusting through the laughter and the tears
in the One who orchestrates our years -
making all things beautiful in their time.

Wishing a blessed 2013 to you!
 

Christmas Eve

We partook of the packed Christmas Eve service with our whole family
taking up seats on either side and in front of us. My heart nearly bursting,
I thought of how the last time this was so, was ten years ago . . . 
eight in number . . . and now, sitting together we were sixteen.
I treasure these kind of moments when they happen.



The evening was all I dared dream of . . . kids enjoying their chicken strips with mac and cheese.



We assigned a gift opening chair. Whose ever turn it was to open their gift got to sit on that chair so that everyone could see. The kids  not opening still had a hard time not crowding in to be the first to see . . .

 

 It helped when Papa became the next best seat to sit on.

With new pajamas it was a treat to get ready for bed.

And while the little ones enjoyed their gifts, we were able to have our adult dinner together . . . even with co-operation for a photo or two.

After our dinner the babes got put in pack and plays and the older ones cuddled up with an array of old blankets and pillows to watch a new video.

Oh.. and while Veggie Tales went on. . .
the adults opened gifts.
It was a Christmas Eve I will cherish and remember for a long time to come.
Cousins staying up late . . . excited to camp out at Papa and Grammy's . . .
our own kids enjoying time and laughter . . .
Family is a very precious gift.
 

Wise Men still Worship Him

^{From Matthew 2: 1-16}

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem village, Judah territory— this was during Herod’s kingship—a band of scholars arrived in Jerusalem from the East. They asked around, “Where can we find and pay homage to the newborn King of the Jews? We observed a star in the eastern sky that signaled his birth. We’re on pilgrimage to worship him.”
When word of their inquiry got to Herod, he was terrified—and not Herod alone, but most of Jerusalem as well. Herod lost no time. He gathered all the high priests and religion scholars in the city together and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?”
They told him, “Bethlehem, Judah territory. The prophet Micah wrote it plainly . . .

 

 Herod then arranged a secret meeting with the scholars from the East. Pretending to be as devout as they were, he got them to tell him exactly when the birth-announcement star appeared. Then he told them the prophecy about Bethlehem, and said, “Go find this child. Leave no stone unturned. As soon as you find him, send word and I’ll join you at once in your worship.”

Instructed by the king, they set off. Then the star appeared again, the same star they had seen in the eastern skies. It led them on until it hovered over the place of the child. They could hardly contain themselves . . . Overcome, they kneeled and worshiped him. Then they opened their luggage and presented gifts: gold, frankincense, myrrh.

In a dream, they were warned not to report back to Herod. So they worked out another route, left the territory without being seen, and returned to their own country.

After the scholars were gone, God’s angel showed up again in Joseph’s dream and commanded, “Get up. Take the child and his mother and flee to Egypt. Stay until further notice. Herod is on the hunt for this child, and wants to kill him.” Joseph obeyed . . .

Herod, when he realized that the scholars had tricked him, flew into a rage. He commanded the murder of every little boy two years old and under who lived in Bethlehem and its surrounding hills.

 

At our Christmas Eve service we were reminded that the first Christmas was not like the cute Christmas cards portray it to be. Yes, there was exceeding joy for those who worshipped our Lord, but then, just like today, there was a desire to destroy any evidence of the Light of the World, come to earth. It was a Christmas Eve sermon like none I've heard . . . a baby born into war with the enemy from the very beginning. 

We look at our world today . . . a world in which prayer and Biblical values have been taken out of schools and government and realize the effort to kill this Jesus, the light of the world, continues.

All of this reminded me of a Benjamin Britten Christmas song we sang in our High School Choir. Not the average pretty Town of Bethlehem kind of song . . . but one sung with strong emotional war-like contrast - different parts coming in at different times, as though rushing fervently to the finish . . . a finish to true victory.

This little babe so few days old is come to rifle Satan's fold
All hell doth at his presence quake though he himself for cold do shake
For in this weak unarmed wise the gates of hell he will surprise.

With tears he fights and wins the field, his naked breast stands for a shield
His battering shot are babish cries his arrows looks for weeping eyes
His martial ensigns cold and need and feeble flesh his warrior's steed.

His camp is pitched in a stall his bulwark but a broken wall
The crib his trench hay stalks his stakes of shepherds he his muster makes
And thus as sure his foe to wound the angel trumps alarum sound

My soul in Christ if thou would fight stick to the tents that he hath pight
Within his crib is surest ward This Little Babe will be thy guard
If thou wilt foil thy foes with joy then flit not from this heavenly Boy!

It's interesting how a song that seemed rather cold and mysterious so long ago . . . comes back with so much more than just a memorized choir song.

 

Christmas at the Lakehouse

 

We were thirty four together on Saturday. Bob and Monika headed out to the lake in the morning to prepare. We have our turns and routines kind of set. By the time the rest of us arrived, the turkey aroma greeted us from the outside already. The kitchen is the cousins preferred place to hang out as they arrive, but eventually games got going around the table and second cousins found their entertainment playing in closets off the games room or jumping on beds.



 

Auntie Julene read a story as the youngest ones waited for their plates to be plated.

 

We had dinner around the large dining table, a table in the games room and a collapsible table in the sitting area which was set twice.

After dinner we all headed up the narrow, steep set of stairs to the games room where the great-grands opened their gifts from Oma and Opa and the adults enjoyed a white elephant game that brought more than just a few laughs. A banana suit . . . a CD walkman . . . a camera . . . old movies, colored Christmas lights . . . we realized we are rich! The items that were not wanted after all, got put into a box for goodwill.

I realize, more so, as I get older, how special it is that four generations can get together like this. It is not something to take for granted. We missed Helmut and Carrie and Carmen and Pierre who are travelling.

Today I look forward to the most special night of the year when we have all of our kids and grands  around our table. Last year, to commemorate all of our kids coming home for Christmas, we ordered a tree top star. It's shining brightly in our back yard, once more.

Fourth Advent - Peace

I have traveled many moonless night
Cold and weary, with a babe inside
And I wonder what I've done
Holy Father, you have come
And chosen me now
To carry your son

I am waiting in a silent prayer
I am frightened by the load I bear
In a world as cold as stone,
Must I walk this path alone?
Be with me now
Be with me now

Chorus:
Breath of heaven
Hold me together
Be forever near me
Breath of heaven
Breath of heaven
Light up my darkness
Pour over me your holiness
For you are holy

Breath of heaven

Do you wonder as you watch my face
If a wiser one one should have had my place
But I offer all I am
For the mercy of your plan
Help me be strong
Help me be
Help me

artist, Amy Grant
lyrics, Chris Eaton

These lyrics, when personalized into our own situations, are so powerful
they have brought me to tears - to think of what God may have chosen for me -
and I'm comforted in the knowledge of realizing that Mary did the right thing.
She offered all she had, for the mercy of God's plan,
simply asking for strength . . . and she had peace . . .
not in resignation, but in trust.

Happy Anniversary Shaun and Kristal!

Has it really been ten years?

The thought of a December 21st wedding still brings flurries
to my emotional being . . .
making me glad I too was that much younger and still able
to learn a bit about being organized.

Shaun and Kristal . . . your adventure began right here on a beautiful, cold day.
It took you south of the border, through several states,
and brought you back with three kids in tow.
It has been a blessing to see how your love for each other
has brought you through many changes
and helped you grow stronger through them.
We wish you a very Happy Anniversary
and God's continued leading and protection over you.
With love,
Mom and Dad

It's a Mostly Wonderful, Busy Time

These past weeks have been full of plans made and plans coming to fruition.
Sometimes I'm just amazed when the days come to pass and it all happens,
always with reminders of more to come.
Editing deadlines, taste testing, hosting guests, shopping, wrapping,
Christmas programs, Mom's Birthday, baking cookies, babysiting and
preparing for family to come home.
I'm making my lists and checking them twice...
often wishing for more time . . .
but knowing that in the end it will be what it will be
and it will be okay.

Last Sunday we got up for the earlier service at church
 to take in the children's production at church.
The service began with the the Kid's Town Band leading us in Carol singing.
It was followed by two, three and four year-olds singing songs such as
Come on Ring Those Bells while vying for the mike
 and ended with a wonderful musical/drama by the elementary school aged kids.



After church we packed the oldest kids into our vehicle
and met up with their parents at Krause Berry Farms.
You'd think that a place with a name like that would be dead in the
middle of winter, but this was not the case.

Pancakes with fresh berry sauce, face painting, Santa and
all kinds of entertainment was to be found.
The only thing that would have made it better
would have been to have our Saskatoon family come
and bring us some snow for sleigh rides.

Early evening we, the Mennonite Girls with hubbies, were invited to Elmer and Judy's for a Christmas Party. Judy is so great at making her home feel welcome. Snacks were waiting . . . while Ellen served up a tasty little mulled drink brought from her home.
 

The table was set for the girls and the guys were told to go in the adjoining room.
Oh, before that, we played a game that revealed tidbits we did not about
each other. . .things we obviously have not blogged about . . .
and had fun with a white elephant game which you can
read about on Lovella's great post.
 

We fussed around a bit setting out the food. What else would eight cooks do?



Lovella served up some homemade eggnog.



So pretty!

We shared gifts with each other . . . gifts celebrating our friendship, our love for cooking, the coming cookbook and the meaning of Christmas.

Betty and Charlotte in Winnipeg . . . we missed you . . .
but realized once more, what a special friendship we have been gifted with . . .
all because of sharing recipes on a blog.
It's a good thing to stop for a day and just realize,
our busy lives are filled with blessings!

Light a Candle

 

I got out my glass candle stands . . . gifted to me over the years and sometimes forgotten about.

These may be the kind of pieces that you have on hand.

 

 

 

I thought I'd try putting a candlestick inside a cylinder vase

and quite like the idea for a quick centerpiece that does not take up the whole table.



You can keep it plain or add berries or baubles . . . whatever suits the occasion, really.

Any taper candle holder works nicely. However I would stay away from tea lights in the bottom of a vase because it may get too hot.

On this photo I have glass pillar candle stand inside the vase.
Setting them out as a cluster is also a pretty idea to enjoy the old in a new way.

Third Advent - JOY

It is difficult to think about joy with the terrible news that has America reeling this week. The kind of hate and desperation expressed by this young gunman is impossible to fathom.

In thinking about this, I had to conclude with the fact people seeing this as a terrible thing shows that we have been given an inborn sense of right and wrong and a desire for good to prevail. We have been made in the image of a just God, but fall short in our sinful nature.

The reason God sent His Son into the world was to provide forgiveness . . . relating to true peace and joy. What happened in Newtown shows up the darkness of our world . . . a world that happened to be just as dark at the time Jesus was born. In reading about his birth, we read about a king who went about killing all newborn babies in order to, hopefully, kill this newborn king. Evil then, as today, tried to win the upper hand . . .  tried to get rid of any evidence of a loving God. Yet God continues to pour out His mercy on good and evil men.

In an unnamed shopping mall in America, one lady in the food court began singing and soon the entire mall was singing. Even though there were parts that were pre-planned, it filled me with joy to see that for a moment, shoppers could stop and focus on the reason for the season.

Hope was born on this dark night . . . as angels proclaimed Joy to the World.

From Christmases Long Ago

The oldest ornament hanging on my tree is an angel my grandmother gave me when I was about five years old. At the time, we were living in Uruguay. She followed us to Brazil and then to Canada.

I mention the moves, because as a young girl, I had to leave behind anything that would take up too much room . . .  leaving me with just a few tiny mementos. This is one that's always gotten tucked into a box somewhere along the line.

She is the same on both sides.

Maybe that angel was the start . . . or maybe it was my grandmother's fascination with Victorian cards that had me purchase a set of these angels, about twenty years ago. I love the German verse printed on them.

Although I have changed up the decor on the tree over the years,
 there are a few sentimental pieces that I keep putting up.
Angels will always fit into the Christmas story.

Wrapping it Up

Before I begin wrapping, I lay out the gifts and gather boxes to fit, so that every gift is ready to wrap.  Once I start I don't want to be jumping up and down too much. I mostly do this on the floor. It's a good idea to have a large board to work on.  Odd shaped gifts that don't fit in a box, get a bag or a sheet of cellophane.



 

I decide on a theme according to what I happen to find. One idea is to go with the natural look of brown paper, pine cones, raffia ribbon and nostalgic embellishments.

On the complete other side of the scale . . . you can purchase a large roll of white or silver paper and create an elegant look with all the gifts wrapped in the same paper and ribbon.

I could not find exactly what I wanted this year but I also did not look hard. This one looked like an economical choice . . . four or five rolls of paper that co-ordinate or compliment each other.

 

Now . . . if you have a method of cutting and wrapping that works well, you can just scroll on by.  This is a basic method that works for almost any box.

1. Wrap the precious gift with some tissue paper.

2. Lay the box on top of the wrapping paper, nice side of the paper down. Cut paper to size - ends should be no more than the depth of the box and not much less - then be sure there is enough to wrap around the main part, with a bit extra.

3. Wrap main part, leaving ends open.

4. Fold and tape on center of box.

5. Fold down the top part of the overhang on the end, crimping the edges to create straight lines.

6. Fold the angled edges in, then flip the last remaining open part up and tape. Repeat on other end and you are done.

 

To switch things up you can fold the centre part in different ways. Sometimes I do an accordion style fold and tape it down.

Use ribbon and/or picks to embellish.

 

This year I dug out some of our old tree decor and thought it  might be fun to use for the small kids.



I like to stack and co-ordinate gifts for the same person, then tie them up together.

Just another way to pile one person's gifts.

 

One of the boxes I had saved, was a sturdy orange box. It was only the lid that gave away what it was from and so I thought I'd just wrap it up like a little storage box. You can do this with both top and bottom if your lid is not as deep as the box.

1. Lay the lid on the paper, nice side of paper down. Measure sides and cut paper about an inch larger than the depth of the lid all around.

2. Keeping lid centered appropriately, cut in at an angle on each corner.

3.Starting on one end, bring paper up the side

4. Fold over the edge and tape on the inside.

5. Repeat with other end and then the sides.

6. Your finished lid should easily slide over the box.

 

Part of the joy in giving is the anticipation . . . I remember boxes being shaken . . . wanting to know, yet not. When the hour comes to open our gifts, my favorite being Christmas Eve or a pretend Christmas Eve, we sit in a large circle and only one person at a time can open a gift. We all like to watch and enjoy the giving and the receiving together . . . making this most special night of the year . . . last as long as possible.