Preparations

It has been a month of serving, and of preparation. Of multiple visits each week to help and encourage my 93 year-old father, and of shopping and cleaning and preparing for our Family Christmas. There will be two dozen loved family members around our table later this week! Family will be traveling from New York City, from San Francisco, and from Dallas to join us and those who live nearby. 

There have also been preparations of mailings, of gatherings with friends, of worship, of Advent. And I am thankful. 

And I have also been reminded of the hidden preparations that also have needed to take place. Each day. Preparations of the heart.

Oh, how I have needed to prepare my heart. I can get so caught up in the doing, and I need to be reminded every day of the importance of the heart. For the things of the heart are of most importance. It is for the heart that Jesus came. Without Him, our hearts are empty, and we are lost. And our Greatest Gift ... is Him.

I don't have to work for the coming of the Lord -

I don't have to work for Christmas ...

I always get my Christmas miracle.

I get God with me.

That's really all I have to get ready for Christmas - my heart.

So I will just come to Him just as I am.

God gives Himself as the Greatest Gift this Christmas ...

Because the greatest things aren't things!

(The Greatest Gift)

Thanking Him for the readings from The Greatest Gift each day of Advent, for how He cares for all the details of our lives even as we love and serve our families and friends -  and thanking Him for sending us JESUS, our Greatest Gift; Immanuel - God with us.

Thinking of you, and praying for you,

as you prepare your heart and your home

for Christmas.

Credit for WordArt above: JSM_dD-Christmas.

The Greatest Gift

How can it be - the Greatest Gift of all, beyond what we could even wish for ...

Immanuel - God with us

In the midst of our pain, and our hurting world, with broken dreams, and hearts full of the deepest of hurts. We have the greatest gift of all ... "God with us". When we walk through the darkest of times, we are held. We are carried, and we are loved.

As my hubby and I have been consumed the past seven weeks with caring for my 93 year-old father who has been in great need of our help. As he has gone from his independent living apartment at a retirement community, to the hospital, and then to the Health Center (nursing home) level at that same retirement community. As he has been confused and even upset, humiliated by his loss of some basic functions of life. As we patiently help him and encourage him day after day after day. As we communicate with family a distance away, family who would love to be here, who help from afar with love and encouragement for our father, also for us.

As we walk through this heart-breaking journey with one that we love, we realize even more than before, what a treasure we have. Our Greatest Gift is God with us.

And this Greatest Gift of all - God with us - this is how we are loved. There is no line between us and our Creator Father. There is no pain that He does not feel, no tear that He does not see. And He has set His own Spirit within us, to hold us - in our joys, and also, in our times of deepest need.

"God gives God. That is the gift God always ultimately gives. Because nothing is greater and we have no greater need. God gives God. God gives God, and we only need to slow long enough to unwrap the Greatest Gift with our time: time in His Word, time in His presence, time at His feet." (The Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp)

In the midst of our going back-and-forth to visit my father, and keeping up with a multitude of responsibilities with home and ministry, and in all the preparations for our Family Christmas with all of our family home ... we are held by the Greatest Gift. We are held by Jesus. And I am so blessed each day by reading through Ann Voskamp's The Greatest Gift, daily readings through this Advent season. 

Would you please pray for my father, one who has given his life as a missionary in the land of Japan? That he would be able to rest, and to be held by God's love and peace during this difficult journey that he is on? He is often tired and confused, and needs our prayers to hold him up.

Whatever our situation, 

whatever comes our way in life ... 

we always have God with us. 

The Greatest Gift.

For more posts on this topic:

HELD SECURE: His Love in Times of Trial

A Place of Nourishment

Praying that you were nourished today, in every way. 

With a feast of food, good for the body.

With conversation that feeds the soul.

And with love that causes the heart to overflow.

Wishing you many sacred moments with family during this Thanksgiving weekend, and in the coming Christmas season. Taking time from the busyness of life for what matters the most, spending time with those we love.

When the table is full, heavy with platters,

wine glasses scattered,

napkins twisted and crumpled, forks askew,

dessert plates scattered with crumbs and icing,

candles burning down low -

it's in those moments that I feel 

a deep sense of God's presence and happiness.

(Shauna Niequist, Bread and Wine)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Note: Special credit for the photo above - a brand new blog that opened up a month ago, Grace Table. Three times a week - thoughts on true hospitality, the sharing of heart and home, reflecting Jesus to those around us. You will be blessed by visiting, and joining in the conversation at Grace Table. I will be returning there often to listen and to be encouraged in hospitality ...

Oatmeal Muffins

I love these muffins. And I especially love it that my hubby often makes them! He likes to have a nutritious breakfast, and often mixes up something early in the morning. A practice started in the days when I did not feel well for most of the months of each of my six pregnancies. Even now, in our empty nest years, my sweet hubby likes to make breakfast food. I am blessed.

These freeze well. But they won't last long. They are nutritious and they are good; easy to grab for breakfast.

Oatmeal Muffins

Course: Breakfast

Serves: 24

Ingredients

• 1 can evaporated milk
• 2/3 cup canola oil
• 2 eggs beaten
• 2/3 cup honey (or fructose)
• 3 cups oats, old-fashioned
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 cup dates chopped
• 1 cup nuts chopped
• 2 tbsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsp salt

Directions

1. Beat eggs. Add liquid ingredients; mix well.
2. Add dry ingredients except nuts and fruit; mix well.
3. Add nuts and fruit. Stir thoroughly.
4. Spoon into greased muffin tins.
5. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes.

Powered by

- - - - - - - - - -

This post has been almost ready to publish for weeks, and I am finally getting it up today! Our weeks have been extra busy as we have been helping with the needs of my 93 year-old father. Driving in again today to visit him, and to meet with the social worker at the Health Center, but getting this posted while I can still post this photo with the fall decor. December is coming very soon!

Enjoy your cooking and baking for your Thanksgiving feasts ...

In the Kitchen

Menu planning has always been important to me. Of course, it was a very necessary thing when our six children were still at home. And I am finding that it is also very important for me to make the effort to plan menus during our empty nest years. It is just too easy to put off the planning, and then to struggle with what to make when dinner time draws near. 

Just for fun ... here's a little peak into my kitchen. Not a peak ahead to the coming week, but a glance back to see what took place In the Kitchen last week. Sharing what was on the menu for last week ...

Soup Night

Cheesy Chicken Chowder (doubled - a large pot)

(served to guests one night, 

another night for just the two of us,

and a meal taken to my father another night)

Sat. Night Breakfast

Pancakes & Eggs (made by my hubby!)

Sunday Dinner

Meatloaf (doubled - some for the freezer)

Lunches

Grilled Ham & Cheese Sandwiches

Ham & Cheese on Flat Bread

Hashbrown & Egg Dish

Bread

Herb Bread (from this amazing cookbook,

just for bread machines)

Desserts

Pumpkin Squares (from the freezer)

It was a quieter week in my kitchen - there were several meals of fast food as we made multiple trips to help out with my father in the Health Center, and we also enjoyed a special meal out together for our Friday Date Night. I also took some time over the weekend to start on menu planning for the next six weeks, taking us through the busy and wonderful holiday season.

What have you been creating in your kitchen?

In Quietness and in Trust

Quietness and Trust ...

Do these words go hand-in-hand? Do we need quietness in order to live a life of trust? 

I don't mean the kind of quietness that is associated with being quiet, as is a trait to some degree of those who have an introvert personality. In contrast to being an extrovert. For even an introvert, as myself, can live in a state of unrest, quite the opposite of what is implied by quietness. 

Quietness - a reference to the state of our hearts and our minds. 

In this age of busy, and hurry, of instant information and communication at our fingertips all through the day, where can we find the peace and the rest that we long for, and that we are made for?

In quietness and in trust

shall be your strength.

(Isaiah 30:15)

Maybe for each of us the journey to this place of rest and trust will be different. But for all of us, it surely calls for finding a way to periodically and regularly pull ourselves away from the noise and busyness of our lives. Pulling ourselves away long enough so that we can hear and connect to the heart of God.

It may be in the quiet of our home, or an hour or two at a coffee shop, or time spent outdoors in the beauty of creation, or even while driving in the car. Whatever it is that feeds our souls, wherever we are - it's a pulling away, and a quieting of our hearts and our minds. To listen, and to communicate. 

Just as Jesus did, when he often went off by Himself to pray. In need of perspective, in need of time with His Father. He needed to spend time away from the crowds and the never-ending demands on His time.

Be still before the Lord,

and wait patiently for Him.

(Psalm 37:7)

This may look different in the changing seasons of our lives. When our six children were young, time for quiet was scarce, and I learned to retreat during nap time. Always a thousand things that needed to be done, and it was a conscious effort to leave my to-do list. But it was so worth it to retreat. For that time, though short, helped fill my heart and soul with the peace, trust, and strength that I needed.

And now in our empty nest season of life, when life certainly is not empty but somehow feels very full ... finding times to pause do not take quite as much of an effort. But it still calls for a continual effort, a choosing to set aside our work and our responsibilities to pay attention to the most important. 

Two summers ago my hubby and I made the choice to pull away from our work each week for an extra, undivided time of quiet. A few hours one afternoon of each week. It all began that first day of May in 2012, the first day of our wonderful three-month Sabbatical/vacation - and we wanted to make that first day of our three months count. We wanted God's perspective and direction for how we would spend the days and weeks ahead. 

That first afternoon of pulling away to a quiet place has turned into over two years now, of leaving our work and responsibilities one afternoon each week and finding a place of rest and quiet. Pushing the pause button on life - to be still, and to listen to His Words, to journal, to gain His perspective.

The photos in this post are from one of those afternoons last month. It was a gorgeous fall day - the sounds of the fountain and the geese wandering through the park, and the warmth of the sun - all filled up our senses. And the words that we each read while sitting in our lounge chairs by water's edge gave us peace and rest. We were filled up and strengthened. The stresses and unrest that sometimes creep into our lives were replaced by a spirit of quietness and trust.

Life is full of unknowns, of the things that can bring worry and pain, of responsibilities and opportunities that can overwhelm us - and we are always in need. Of peace, of strength, of Him. Even as we left the park that afternoon last month and headed back to our vehicle, we received an emergency phone call, and we were needed to help in a desperate situation. How thankful we were that we were at peace, and we were strengthened. 

In quietness and in trust

shall be your strength.

For more posts on things of most importance in the season of life I am in, and also, in all the seasons of life:
Heart Focus

Linking up with:
Tell His Story
Coffee for Your Heart
Spiritual Whitespace

Always, Never Stop, and Be Thankful

Such familiar words ... and sometimes it is the familiar words that all of a sudden reach out to us from the pages of God's Word and grab our hearts in a new and fresh way. 

It has been a rough three weeks as we are caring for my 93 year-old father. He went from an independent living apartment at a retirement community to the hospital and now to the health center/nursing home level (for at least a month) at the same retirement community where he has lived for the past eight years. It has been a difficult ride for him, and for us as family. Lots of things to be thankful for along the way, but it has been extremely emotional and exhausting for all involved.

Last night it was these words that grabbed my heart in a new, fresh way ...

Always be joyful.

Never stop praying.

Be thankful in all circumstances,

for this is God's will for you

who belong to Christ Jesus.

(I Thess. 5:16-18)

Even in trials and hard times? Even when our emotional and physical energies are depleted and drained? Even when we do not know what is ahead?

Especially in times of trial ...

in all circumstances.

Appreciate prayers for my hubby and me ... to Always, Never Stop, and to Be Thankful. And especially for my father that he will be given grace for the same.

For more posts on this topic:

HELD SECURE: His Love in Times of Trial

Linking up with:

Faith Filled Friday

Welcome November

A new week and a new day. 

And the first week day of a new month. 

And I am starting off these fresh gifts of 'new', in need. 

In great need. Of You, Lord.

October is past. It was a glorious month. And it was a month where emotional and physical energy was stretched almost beyond it's limits. It was a month of our restful, refreshing trip to Colorado Springs, of life-giving weekly Devo Days with my hubby, of the gorgeous brilliant colors of fall that fill up our souls. And it was a month of transition as now a third (grown) child lives states away from us, of emotional grieving as my 93 year-old father faced new trauma and as he went from independent living apartment to hospital to health center nursing home (maybe for a short time, maybe longer) and we became acting Power of Attorney. It was a good month, and it was a hard month.

November is here. It will also be filled with the good and the hard. For God's good gifts are all around us, even in the midst of trial and pain. He promises to be all that we need. And I am thankful. And in the midst of a full life and a full month and as the holidays draw closer, when things can get stressful and our energies can become depleted, this is my prayer ...

May I live each day in the moment,

not governed by to-do-lists,

tasks to be completed

But may my days and my moments

be lived in the present,
fully focused on You, following You

And my God will meet

all your needs

according to His glorious riches

in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19

What does this new month of November bring with it for you? May it be filled with His Love and His Presence. Each day and each moment ... 

Our Helper and Guide

Life is filled with surprises, and unexpected turns. And at times, we find ourselves overwhelmed, not knowing which way to go. 

Such was the case for us a week ago. We had just returned from an amazing week in Colorado Springs - a great conference where we were refreshed by our connections with other Cru staff, and also by a few extra days of vacation together after the conference, just my hubby and me.

We were completely taken off guard by what awaited us back home ... my 93 year-old father was in great need, and mixed in with our Cru work and responsibilities at home after a week away, we spent our week caring for my father. 

And as we look back on the intense week of caring for my father's needs, we are very aware that we were not alone. That somehow, things were happening in the order that they should, to bring about the care that was needed.   

So very thankful ...

• that the crisis did not come until we returned from our trip
• that because of my father's regular doctor being gone last week, we were introduced to another one - one who was able to communicate very clearly to him about what needs to be done
• for the specialist that this new doctor referred us to, and that we were able to get in for an appointment the very next day
• for admittance to the hospital a few hours after the appointment with the specialist
• for wisdom of doctors and nurses as a plan was made
• for my father's complete cooperation with this plan, a miracle
• moving my father to the skilled nursing center (for a period of treatment) in the retirement facility where he has an independent living apartment - and for his complete cooperation and welcoming of all help

Thank You, Lord, for carrying us through each step of this past week - it was so very emotionally and physically intense - for my father, and for my hubby and me (along with other family). Thank You for the miracle that our father is welcoming all the care, and is cooperating fully with his caregivers. Thank You for peace that You are giving him in the midst of the trauma of the week.

Life is full of unknowns, and heart-breaking situations. And we honestly do not know what is around the next corner. What even today will bring. But I am so thankful and I am reminded that with each step, we have a Helper, and a Guide who shows us where to go.

I will instruct you 

and teach you

in the way you should go;

I will counsel you

and watch over you.

(Psalm 32:8 NIV)

Colorado Springs Trip (Part 2)

After a recent Cru regional conference that we went to in Colorado Springs, we stayed on for a few extra days of vacation together. Something we often do at this season of life that we are in - retirement age, but not retired. It was absolutely gorgeous weather the week of Oct. 12-18 ... perfect for our three days at the conference at Cheyenne Mountain Resort, and perfect for two extra days of relaxing and enjoying the sights of the area. So very thankful for our time together there ...

(Digital Scrapbooking supplies - Page Template: Jessica Sprague - Creativity by Design Template 01; Papers: Digital Scrapper Premier 2012 11 Autumn Days.)

Colorado Springs Trip (Part 1)

It's been quiet here on my blog for about ten days. The reason is that my hubby and I have been gone on a little trip. Road trips are one of our favorite things to do together, and so when we were asked to represent Cru High at a regional conference in Colorado Springs, we were happy! So very thankful for our time with other Cru staff at the conference, and also for a free afternoon when we had the treat of visiting cousins in the area. 

(Credit for digital scrapbook supplies - Page Template: Scrap Girls JSM_dD-pageGrids; Paper: kcroninbarrow-grace.)

Then, as we often do during the season of life that we are in now (retirement age, but not retired), we stayed on for two vacation days after the conference ... relaxing, enjoying the beauty of God's creation, and being refreshed. Such a gift to spend time together in Colorado Springs. 

Click here for Part 2 of our time in Colorado Springs.

A Longing and a Listening

I have found that it is not enough just to read God's Words. To go through the motions of reading and to mark something off the daily list does not necessarily mean that something is accomplished.

There needs to be a thirst, in order for the soul to be nourished. And as I think through the things of most importance in life (which I am doing during this new season I am entering - click here), I am reminded that listening and longing are of high priority.

Like newborn babies,

you must crave pure spiritual milk ...

(I Peter 2:1)

To come to Him with a longing to be fed, a desperate longing - like our life, our day, depends on hearing from Him. "He wants us to rely as desperately on Him as an infant for its mother." (She Reads Truth)

And just as an infant receives nourishment and life, so we will receive food for our souls, and we will receive life. But we must come with ears and hearts tuned to listen, and to receive.

Pay close attention to what you hear.

The closer you listen,

the more understanding you will be given -

and you will receive even more.

(Mark 4:24)

As the years go by, and the numbers increase in my age, I am finding myself even thirstier, in more of a need to be nourished by what is living. Longing for Him, in desperate need. Of Him.

Why do you spend your money

for that which is not bread,

and your labor

for that which does not satisfy?

Listen diligently to Me

and eat what is good,

and delight yourselves in rich food.

Incline your ear, and come to Me;

hear, that your soul may live.

(Isaiah 55:2-3a)

Loving Lord, may we come to you with desperate longing, with ears tuned in to hear You above all the noise around us, waiting to receive nourishment, food, and water that satisfy our needy souls. And give us life.

For more posts on things of highest importance:
HEART FOCUS

Linking up with:
Spiritual Whitespace
Faith-Filled Friday

Our Getaway Trip to KC

We don't usually celebrate my birthday with a little trip, but this year we did. It was the perfect time to drive down to Kansas City for a three-night stay at a VRBO rental that we spotted online. We always love to look for these rentals, as they provide so much more for the same price as a motel room. So very grateful for the beautiful, restful carriage house we stayed at in a historic district of Kansas City - complete with our own balcony, garage, and yard.

(Credit for digital supplies: Page Templates: Digital Scrapper Premier Sept. 2014 by Carol Gilmour, Scrap Girls - JSM_dD-pageGrids; Paper - Scrap Girls ABR BOY, Cottage Arts - Quiet of My Heart; Embellishments: Cottage Arts - Quiet of My Heart.)

The Beginning of Wisdom

Click here for source.

Oh, how we need wisdom. Especially in this fast-paced world that we live in, with so many things calling for our attention. Calling for our time, and for our hearts.

I recently purchased a brand new book, The Best Yes, by Lysa Terkeurst, as I was drawn to it's message: Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless Demands. The first four chapters that I have read already have held so much wisdom, and now, this week, I am following along with an online study of this book. Click here if you'd like to join in with this six-week study ...

__________

Some of my favorite points from the first three chapters ...

"We must not confuse the command to love with the desire to please."
How often our decisions are based on wanting to please others, often being controlled by our desire to have approval from others. This is true for me, more often than I care to admit.

"The Best Yes is you playing your part."
In God's plan, He has a part for me to play - it is not doing everything, but it is doing my part.

"If we are to be Best Yes girls, we have to long for unbroken companionship with God. Unbroken companionship helps us hear His instruction so He can reveal His direction."
I love this! This is the key, isn't it - walking in close companionship with God so that we can hear His heart, His thoughts, His direction for us. His direction for me. Then the words of this verse from Isaiah 30 will be true for us ...

Whether you turn to the right or to the left,

your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying,

'This is the way; walk in it.'

(Isaiah 30:21)

"I have to change my approach to the way I make decisions."

The decisions we make dictate the schedules we keep.

The schedules we keep determine the lives we live.

The lives we live determine how we spend our souls.

(The Best Yes)

"I think it's important to understand this soul thing isn't about us ... It's giving voice to what otherwise just stays a quiet whisper locked inside. It's about letting out that cry of passion God entrusted to us. It's about letting it all the way out so as to touch others, help others, and bless others. To do this soul thing is actually the exact opposite of selfishness. Keeping it inside with no chance to bless others would be the selfish thing to do."

Life can become so very busy that we often neglect the things of our soul - our passions, our longings. I loved Lysa's explanation of how we must pay attention to these things, these things of the soul, that come from deep within us. Often we regard them as selfish things, but as we are walking in close companionship with God, these desires from deep within are an overflow of the way He has crafted us for His purposes. It is time that we set our souls free ... and how we spend our souls is, in part, determined by what we say 'yes' and what we say 'no' to.

__________

Yes, how we need wisdom in how we make decisions, how we live our lives, and how we spend our souls. There are so many voices to listen to, and the key - fear (or reverence) for God, having unbroken companionship/connection with Him.

The fear of the Lord

is the beginning of wisdom.

(Psalm 111:10)

Welcoming a New Season

(Thankful for encouraging words, gifts to share, from Holley Gerth's blog.)

I love the changing of seasons, and this new season of Fall is one of my favorites. The colors, scents, and anticipation of special holiday times ... the cooler weather after the heat of the summer ... candles, pumpkin recipes, and soups.

And I love that we can enjoy God's beautiful creation, and in our own unique ways, we can add beauty to our little corners of the world.

To fully live as the one God crafted us to be.

For we are God's masterpiece.

He has created us anew in Christ Jesus,

so we can do the good things

He planned for us long ago.

(Ephesians 2:10)

"You were born to make art. You were made to live art. You might not see yourself as an artist, but you are - in so many unexpected ways. In what you create, whether poetry or pie, sculpture or sand castle, calligraphy or conversation. It's time to uncover the shape of your soul, turn down the voice of the inner critic, and move into the world with the courage to be who you most deeply are." (A Million Little Ways by Emily Freeman)

Thankful for Family

Thankful for time to do some digital scrapbooking over the weekend. This time to record memories from a very special family meal about a week ago. Two September birthdays, and also a bittersweet time as it was our last family meal together before a son moves to NYC later this month. More times together with him before he leaves, but this was the last time around our table ... thankful for the gift of family, and for love that we share.

(Digital scrapbook supplies - Page Template: Scrap Girls JSM_dD_pageGrids; Embellishment: Sweet Shoppe - very girly birthday by brook magee; Paper: Coffee Shop - Diana Paper Pack.)

All-American Bacon Cheeseburger

We are nearing the last official day of summer, and though we have had some cooler fall weather already, today felt like summer again with temps up in the 80's. The perfect day to post this new recipe for hamburgers that I tried out a few weeks ago. Even tastier with homemade hamburger buns ... click here for another new recipe posted last week.

All-American Bacon Cheeseburgers

Click to print: www.tasteofhome.com

Course: Main Course

Prep Time: 15 Min
Cook Time: 10 Min
Total Time: 25 Min

Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp onion finely chopped
• 2 Tbsp ketchup
• 1 garlic clove minced
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp steak sauce
• 1/4 tsp cider vinegar
• 1 pound ground beef
• 4 slices cheddar cheese sharp
• 4 hamburger buns split and toasted
• 8 cooked bacon strips
• Optional toppings: lettuce leaves and tomato onion and pickle slices

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into four patties.
2. Grill burgers, covered, over medium heat or broil 3 in. from the heat for 4-7 minutes on each side or until a thermometer reads 160° and juices run clear.
3. Top with cheese. Grill 1 minute longer or until cheese is melted.
4. Serve on split, toasted buns with bacon and toppings of your choice.
5. Yield: 4 servings.

Linking up with:
Melt in Your Mouth Mondays