Easter Thoughts

We were a small bunch for Easter this year. Not much fuss . . . a small turkey, some paska and one tiny basket. With our first grandchild living close, I wasn't even quite sure of what kind of traditions we should begin. I was lazily getting ready for the day, when I suddenly imagined the excitement of children finding their treasures not much unlike that of the joy of those who found the empty tomb!

Yes, sometimes it’s about
what we don’t find! The place
they had laid Him was empty!
The Bible tells us that Jesus
showed Himself to hundreds
of people after His resurrection
from the dead, promising hope
for eternity.

I’m reading a book by Donna Parton, called Let Your Life Count. This book is not about being the next Billy Graham, but about using everyday circumstances to love on people. For example, how many people wake up in the morning, asking, “God, if you are real, show me a sign.” I may pass them in the park, in the mall, sit next to them in a booth or stand behind them in a line-up. The frazzled mom with cranky kids in her cart - was she the one who cried out in desperation? Can I do something? Can I pray for her? Can I offer her some words of comfort? Could I be the answer to her prayer?

I know that as a Christian
I've fumbled greatly, but I
also know that in Christ I can
find forgiveness and new
beginnings. I know that I don’t
have to be anything but who
He created me to be, using my
abilities to be a sign to others
that He is indeed alive and real.

“Every kind gesture done on His behalf becomes a trail of footprints upon the earth; proof positive that God not only exists but a sure sign that He is living in your neighborhood.” D. P.

My Ebenezer

There is an intersection, not far from our house, that I used to drive through almost daily when our kids were in high school. One early evening in the Fall of 1997, I was coming home from watching one of Ben’s games, when a vehicle suddenly crossed in front of me, without stopping at the stop sign he had. At the speed I was traveling I had no chance to avoid him. All I had time for was a prayer of a few words as I faced the inevitable, a most helpless feeling.

I was not aware of what happened next but, apparently, as I T-boned the other vehicle, it spun and hit me on the side as well. All I know, is that I thought I was breathing my last, as the airbags most likely knocked the air out of me.
One doesn’t forget this kind of an experience. Thankfully no one was seriously injured this time, and it wasn’t long after this accident, that a traffic light was installed at that intersection. But, although it’s been more than ten years, I will often say a prayer of thanks when I cross it now. I think of how life could have changed from that moment . . . just a normal everyday moment. God said it was not time yet, and He held out His hand, for which I am so thankful!

In the book of Joshua we read of how God opened up a way for the children of Israel to cross the Jordan on dry land. When they had crossed over, the Lord told them to take up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan and place them at the site they would be staying the night.

This monument was to signify to future generations God’s care for them at a particular time.

Another story of God’s care and protection is recorded in 1 Samuel. At this time Samuel took a stone and set it up, naming it Ebenezer and saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.”

Throughout the Bible we are reminded to remember what God has done.

On the night that the Lord Jesus was betrayed, when He had given thanks, He broke the bread and said, "This is my body which is for you, do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, do this, whenever you drink it in remembrance of me." (1 Corinthians 11: 23 - 25)

In the time of Jesus, the cross was a symbol of torture. Today it is a symbol of salvation because of His death, giving us another reason to remember and give thanks. The significance of the cross offering hope, not only for this life but, for eternity.

Happy Birthday, Natalie

Dear Natalie Ryan,
Today we remember with joy the day we first met

you in the hospital four years ago.

Your mom and dad carefully

buckled you into the carseat for the first time

and took you home to love and care for you forever.

You are a very special girl

and we want you to know that we love you.

We pray that you will grow and grow

and know how much God loves you and

always wants to give you what is best.

We miss spending this day with you,

but when we see you next time

we will do something very special, okay?

Maybe you can start thinking of what that will be.

Happy Birthday!
Love, Papa and Mimi

Dinotown - Then and Now

I was scanning slides of the early 1980's and came across some interesting ones . . . taken one Sunday afternoon when we got together with our kids' favorite cousins and visited, what was then called, Flintstones Bedrock City, in Chilliwack. Peering at the slides . . . they almost looked too familiar . . .

Julene, Bonnie and Kristal (they call themselves sister/cousins today)

I clicked on a more recent file. Look familiar? This photo was taken last summer when we took our three oldest grands to the same park, now called Dinotown. Some things have changed, but not everything.

I began to match up more slides with current pictures . . .

Not the exact same model, but we probably could have found it, if we would have thought about it.

Back then costume characters roamed around the park and children welcomed their embrace,(Julene is in the middle, with cousins Bonnie and Carolyn on either side.)

This time the park was not as busy. Julene's Paeton got Dino all to himself.

and Kristal's Natalie was enthralled with the huge dinosaur . . . but check out the one in the distance.

Looks like 27 years ago Kristal thought this one was cute.

Little Lacey

It was a beautiful afternoon, the first time I took Lacey out for a walk and reflected on all the things she has learned in just ten weeks. Things such as eating healthy food, recognizing her mom's voice . . . and her daddy's scratchy chin. She's a modest little girl, yet holds her head up high. She sleeps through the night. This is very important.

She knows that buckling in is good for going anywhere . . .

and that it never hurts to be alert.

Yes, she's even teaching us that contentment is great gain. But one of the best things she has learned . . .

. . . is to smile.

Chicken Meal Planning

As promised, here are some ideas on how to buy chicken in bulk and organize your meals ahead . You can easily incorporate your own ideas and meals that you already make.

What I propose is to check out meat sales and buy four fresh whole chickens if you don’t mind doing some chopping OR:

- a couple of rotisserie chickens

- a tray or two of fresh chicken breasts (I prefer fresh chicken breasts rather than flash frozen - which are often times infused with water and salt)

- a tray or two of legs and thighs

Now, you will need a couple of hours to do some prep and you are set. Like I said, you can purchase pre-cut chicken pieces OR be brave and disjoint a couple of fresh whole chickens yourself. Click here on how to cut up a chicken. Sometimes a whole chicken doesn’t cost any more that two chicken breasts, and you end up with a lot of bonus pieces.

Organizing Your Meals:

1. Roast two chickens in a large black roaster or heavy pot for 1 1/2 -2 hours. For roasting directions go here. You can enjoy one for dinner the same day and use the leftovers to shred or cut into cubes. Divide into servings for your family and freeze in zip lock bags. One – two cups is enough for most recipes. Some examples of meals you can make with your roast chicken pkgs are chicken crepes, enchiladas, pizza, quesadillas, casseroles etc.

2. If you cut up your own chickens, you will have the backbones and breast bones to make soup or stock for a couple of meals. I simply cover the pieces with cold water, add spices, some salt and simmer it for about 1 ½ hours. You can also add chopped onion, celery and carrots for flavor and pour the broth through a strainer at the end. (a guide to use as to spices etc., is Lovella's Chicken Noodle Soup) When finished cooking, remove the meat from the bones and add it to one jar of stock for chicken noodle soup. If you pour hot broth into, say, spaghetti jars with rubber seals, they will re-seal and will keep in the fridge for several weeks. A plain broth can be used in any soup recipe.
Note: when you refrigerate the broth, any fat will float to the top and harden. This is good because it can then be easily removed before re-heating. Also, if the broth gels, it's a sign of a good broth and will disperse when heated.

3. Divide chicken breasts into zip-lock bags to freeze. I find that two chicken breasts are good for most stir fries. Dividing them that way, you can always thaw as many pkgs as needed.
Some examples of how you might use fresh boneless chicken breasts are: Thai Stir fry, fajitas, (I use Club House or Sun Bird seasoning packages) chicken chili, chicken mushroom sauce etc.

4. Next, divide the thighs, drumsticks and wings into one or two pkgs to freeze. These can be used for chicken with anise seed, orange glazed chicken, (which I will post sometime soon) or any sauce or bread coating of your choice, and baked in the oven.

This plan allows for one roast chicken dinner, two or three meals using pre-cooked cubed chicken, a meal or two of soup, two meals using chicken breasts and a meal or two using legs and wings etc. About nine meals for a family of four at the cost of four chickens and whatever you add to them.