A few days ago, I read a devotional which really got me thinking about gifts. Not the kind we are all rushing around to purchase this time of year, but gifts we receive from God.
It's easy to be thankful for gifts like answered prayers, especially when God answers them in the fashion we had hoped. Often though, He gives us gifts we don't even recognize or acknowledge, not realizing it's for our good. Things are not always as they seem.
I began to ponder the characteristics of God's gifts. First, we know they are all good. James 1:17 says, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
Second, all gifts are filtered through the Father's hand. He only sends gifts that benefit us. This is when we often miss what God is doing or are unaware until much later. I think about how the apostles grieved when Jesus told them He had to go away for awhile. Jesus said to them, "Because I have said these things, you are filled with grief. But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you." (John 16:6-7) In a situation that appeared to be tragic, the apostles didn't understand there was a purpose. How many times do we get caught up emotionally in negative circumstances and fail to recognize them as a gift from God? All the time. Right?
Third, God's gifts are free. They are not buy one, get one free. We cannot earn God's gifts, which is a good thing for us, because not even Bill Gates could afford them! He does promise rewards for the good we do (Ephesians 6:8), but the Bible does not say when those rewards may come. If you are a parent (and after all, God is our Heavenly Father), you know there is a difference between rewards and gifts you give your children.
Finally, God's gifts are always what we need. They may not necessarily be what we want. Think of children at Christmas. They squeal with delight over the things they asked for and received, but they ignore the gifts they aren't interested in, which is usually needed items like clothing. We often behave the same way with God's gifts. I don't think that's what Jesus meant when He said we should become like a child. :)
And, like a child, we are more interested in the gifts than the giver. The devotion I read challenged me to consider what I wanted more: Jesus, or just the gifts He has to give.
Some of the best gifts in my life were ones I never even asked for (can you guess what the best one was?). Yet God knew the desires of my heart. He knows me better than I know myself because He created me.
This Christmas, our gifts are already under the tree - the tree of life, that is. 2 Peter 1:3 says, "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness." All we have to do is accept His gift of everything. May we be thankful for all of it, and may we come to love the Giver most of all.
Sunday, December 06, 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
The Manhattan Declaration
One of my favorite Catholic friends tipped me off to this several days ago. I'm a little surprised I haven't heard much "buzz" about it, but then again, it wouldn't be fodder for the mainstream media. After all, I don't think any celebrities have endorsed it yet, and we all know celebrities are the final authority (removing tongue from cheek now).
It's called the Manhattan Declaration. In a nutshell, Orthodox, Catholic, and evangelical Christians have united to reaffirm fundamental truths about justice and the common good, and to call upon fellow citizens, believers and non-believers alike, to join in defending them. These truths are:
1. the sanctity of human life
2. the dignity of marriage as the conjugal union of husband and wife
3. the rights of conscience and religious liberty.
The Declaration was released eight days ago, and even without much press, there are already nearly 178,000 signatures (as of this writing), including a long list of notable religious leaders. In addition to its commendable purpose, this document has accomplished something Jesus prayed for and rarely seen: unity among His believers. It causes me to dream about the possibilities of continued solidarity.
To read and sign the declaration, click here: Manhattan Declaration
It's called the Manhattan Declaration. In a nutshell, Orthodox, Catholic, and evangelical Christians have united to reaffirm fundamental truths about justice and the common good, and to call upon fellow citizens, believers and non-believers alike, to join in defending them. These truths are:
1. the sanctity of human life
2. the dignity of marriage as the conjugal union of husband and wife
3. the rights of conscience and religious liberty.
The Declaration was released eight days ago, and even without much press, there are already nearly 178,000 signatures (as of this writing), including a long list of notable religious leaders. In addition to its commendable purpose, this document has accomplished something Jesus prayed for and rarely seen: unity among His believers. It causes me to dream about the possibilities of continued solidarity.
To read and sign the declaration, click here: Manhattan Declaration
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Jalapeno chicken casserole - fall dinner menu
This is the first year we've participated in the Harmony Valley Farms organic produce program. Overall, it's been a good experience, and my family is learning to love (or at least tolerate) more veggies in their diet. Each week, I try to plan menus around the box, which includes a bounty of whatever is in-season in Wisconsin.
Below is the menu/recipes I used last night. It was all yummy, so thought I would share with all of you!
Creamy Jalapeno Chicken Casserole
Bok Choy cole slaw
Baked delicato squash
Caramel Apple Dessert Squares
Creamy Jalapeno Chicken Casserole
1 c. chopped onions (I substituted leeks)
2 T. butter
8 ounces fresh spinach (or 1 10-ounce pkg frozen chopped, cooked and drained)
3-6 jalapeno peppers (I used the max, it was a bit hot for me, but everyone else loved it)
8 ounces sour cream
1 can cream of chicken soup
4 green onions chopped (I did not add these)
1-2 cups crushed tortilla chips (didn't have any, substituted Cheddar Sun Chips)
4-6 cups chopped cooked chicken (or turkey)
2 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese
Saute onions in butter. Blend in spinach and jalapenos until spinach is cooked. Add sour cream, soup and green onions. In 9 x 13 pan, layer crushed chips, chicken, spinach mixture and cheese. Repeat layers, ending with cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes.
Bok Choy Cole Slaw
3-4 stalks bok choy (chopped or grated)
1/2 cup grated carrots
1 leek, chopped fine
1/4 c. rice vinegar
2 t. sesame oil
Mix bok choy, carrots and leek in bowl. Add vinegar and oil, stir well.
Baked Delicato Squash
1 delicato squash
Slice squash lengthwise. Fill glass baking dish with 1/2 inch water. Place squash halves cut side down in dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-60 minutes.
*Note: Serve with butter and brown sugar if preferred. Personally, I thought the taste was perfect without anything added!
Caramel Apple Dessert Squares
1 1/2 c. Bisquick mix
2/3 c. sugar
1/2 c. milk
2 medium cooking apples, peeled and sliced (2 cups)
1 T. lemon juice
3/4 c. packed brown sugar
1/2 t. ground cinnamon
1 c. boiling water
Mix Bisquick and sugar in medium bowl. Stir in milk until blended. Pour into ungreased square pan, 9x9x2. Top with apples; sprinkle with lemon juice. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over apples. Pour boiling water over apples. Bake 50-60 minutes at 350 degrees. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
Below is the menu/recipes I used last night. It was all yummy, so thought I would share with all of you!
Creamy Jalapeno Chicken Casserole
Bok Choy cole slaw
Baked delicato squash
Caramel Apple Dessert Squares
Creamy Jalapeno Chicken Casserole
1 c. chopped onions (I substituted leeks)
2 T. butter
8 ounces fresh spinach (or 1 10-ounce pkg frozen chopped, cooked and drained)
3-6 jalapeno peppers (I used the max, it was a bit hot for me, but everyone else loved it)
8 ounces sour cream
1 can cream of chicken soup
4 green onions chopped (I did not add these)
1-2 cups crushed tortilla chips (didn't have any, substituted Cheddar Sun Chips)
4-6 cups chopped cooked chicken (or turkey)
2 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese
Saute onions in butter. Blend in spinach and jalapenos until spinach is cooked. Add sour cream, soup and green onions. In 9 x 13 pan, layer crushed chips, chicken, spinach mixture and cheese. Repeat layers, ending with cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes.
Bok Choy Cole Slaw
3-4 stalks bok choy (chopped or grated)
1/2 cup grated carrots
1 leek, chopped fine
1/4 c. rice vinegar
2 t. sesame oil
Mix bok choy, carrots and leek in bowl. Add vinegar and oil, stir well.
Baked Delicato Squash
1 delicato squash
Slice squash lengthwise. Fill glass baking dish with 1/2 inch water. Place squash halves cut side down in dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-60 minutes.
*Note: Serve with butter and brown sugar if preferred. Personally, I thought the taste was perfect without anything added!
Caramel Apple Dessert Squares
1 1/2 c. Bisquick mix
2/3 c. sugar
1/2 c. milk
2 medium cooking apples, peeled and sliced (2 cups)
1 T. lemon juice
3/4 c. packed brown sugar
1/2 t. ground cinnamon
1 c. boiling water
Mix Bisquick and sugar in medium bowl. Stir in milk until blended. Pour into ungreased square pan, 9x9x2. Top with apples; sprinkle with lemon juice. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over apples. Pour boiling water over apples. Bake 50-60 minutes at 350 degrees. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
Sunday, September 06, 2009
Cajun Meatloaf
I can't take credit for this recipe - it came from Mark Matlock of Planet Wisdom, which you all need to check out, by the way. Great stuff for teens, and there's even a section for "old people", which is awesome.
I should note that I made this in the crock pot instead of the oven, and it turned out great. Cooked it on medium for about 5 hours. I added the sauce on top from the beginning.
Cajun Meatloaf
Mix in a saucepan over medium heat:
4 oz. butter
1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp white pepper
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp cumin
1 T. tabasco sauce
1 T. Worcestershire sauce
Let this saute for 5 minutes or so, then add:
1 cup evaporated milk
1/2 cup ketchup
Cook for a few minutes, then remove from heat.
In a bowl, mix:
1 lb. ground beef
1 lb. ground pork
2 eggs
1 cup bread crumbs
Stir in the seasoning mixture you cooked on the stove. Or use your hands (that's Mark's advice, he said it's awesome fun).
Form into a loaf in a glass pan and cook for 50 minutes to an hour at 350 degrees.
While it is baking, mix in a saucepan over medium heat:
15 oz. tomato sauce
2 T. chopped onion
2 T. chopped bell pepper
Bay leaf
1 T. worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp. salt
Drizzle this sauce over the meatloaf about halfway through baking.
I should note that I made this in the crock pot instead of the oven, and it turned out great. Cooked it on medium for about 5 hours. I added the sauce on top from the beginning.
Cajun Meatloaf
Mix in a saucepan over medium heat:
4 oz. butter
1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp white pepper
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp cumin
1 T. tabasco sauce
1 T. Worcestershire sauce
Let this saute for 5 minutes or so, then add:
1 cup evaporated milk
1/2 cup ketchup
Cook for a few minutes, then remove from heat.
In a bowl, mix:
1 lb. ground beef
1 lb. ground pork
2 eggs
1 cup bread crumbs
Stir in the seasoning mixture you cooked on the stove. Or use your hands (that's Mark's advice, he said it's awesome fun).
Form into a loaf in a glass pan and cook for 50 minutes to an hour at 350 degrees.
While it is baking, mix in a saucepan over medium heat:
15 oz. tomato sauce
2 T. chopped onion
2 T. chopped bell pepper
Bay leaf
1 T. worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp. salt
Drizzle this sauce over the meatloaf about halfway through baking.
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Jalapeno scalloped potatoes
At the request of friends, I promised to post new recipes here when I try them. I love to experiment in the kitchen, and my family has been both the beneficiary and guinea pig of many of these tries.
Tonight, I was looking for something different to do with pork chops. Considered grilling them, but didn't feel like babysitting them, so I dug through the pantry for an alternative. I found a bag of french fried onions. Dipped the chops in a little egg/milk mixture, coated them in the crushed onions, and baked them at 400 degrees for about 40 minutes. Perfect.
Now, what to add to this meal, I thought...I had some potatoes waiting to be eaten. I had a couple of jalapenos on hand as well. I took an old tried and true recipe of my mother's, scalloped potatoes, and jazzed it up a bit. Here's how it came together:
Jalapeno scalloped potatoes
3 T. butter
3 T. flour
1 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
3 c. milk
8 potatoes, peeled and sliced
1 small onion, chopped fine
1/4 c. chopped green pepper
1 jalapeno, chopped fine
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, salt and pepper. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly, to make a white sauce. Layer half the potatoes, half the onion, half the green pepper and half of the jalapeno in a 13 x 9 pan (or roaster pan). Top with half the white sauce. Layer remaining potatoes, onion, green pepper and jalepeno, then top with remaining white sauce. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.
I should mention that my husband, who likes spicy food, thought there should be more jalapeno. It was perfect for me, so adjust according to your own taste. I think bacon might be a nice addition to this dish as well. Maybe some fresh dill also.
Enjoy!
Tonight, I was looking for something different to do with pork chops. Considered grilling them, but didn't feel like babysitting them, so I dug through the pantry for an alternative. I found a bag of french fried onions. Dipped the chops in a little egg/milk mixture, coated them in the crushed onions, and baked them at 400 degrees for about 40 minutes. Perfect.
Now, what to add to this meal, I thought...I had some potatoes waiting to be eaten. I had a couple of jalapenos on hand as well. I took an old tried and true recipe of my mother's, scalloped potatoes, and jazzed it up a bit. Here's how it came together:
Jalapeno scalloped potatoes
3 T. butter
3 T. flour
1 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
3 c. milk
8 potatoes, peeled and sliced
1 small onion, chopped fine
1/4 c. chopped green pepper
1 jalapeno, chopped fine
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, salt and pepper. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly, to make a white sauce. Layer half the potatoes, half the onion, half the green pepper and half of the jalapeno in a 13 x 9 pan (or roaster pan). Top with half the white sauce. Layer remaining potatoes, onion, green pepper and jalepeno, then top with remaining white sauce. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.
I should mention that my husband, who likes spicy food, thought there should be more jalapeno. It was perfect for me, so adjust according to your own taste. I think bacon might be a nice addition to this dish as well. Maybe some fresh dill also.
Enjoy!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
New music worth a listen
I have been enjoying some new music lately, and a couple of friends have asked me to share what I'm listening to, so I thought this would be a good place to do that.
I have to admit, I went through a long period of not adding any new music to my collection. I was disenchanted by most of the new Christian music (all sounds the same), and the secular stuff is so weak lyrically, I can't stomach it. I don't care how catchy a song is, if there isn't anything lyrically for me to connect with, I'll turn it off.
I've also found that I enjoy music more if I've seen the artist live first. Maybe that's because I've had some bad experiences the other way around. It also helps if I get to actually meet and talk with the artists, as that gives me a better feel for what they are trying to do with their music. Frankly, if it's all about them, I'm not that interested.
So, since Kelsey and I had to interview lots of bands this summer for the book we are writing, I got to hear some new music live and meet the artists. That sparked my interest in pursuing new tunes, and here's what I'm enjoying so far:
ROCK
Skillet: Awake
We did not get to meet Skillet this time around, but I have met them in the past. If you liked Comatose, you will love Awake. I was streaming this one all week last week.
Willet: Somewhere In Between
I was unfamiliar with this band before Sonshine. We met and interviewed Jeremy Willet before their performance. This band is passionate about helping the poor and has been to Africa several times, as well as Haiti. Through their concerts, they are able to find sponsors for various villages in need of help. Jeremy is somewhat of a soft spoken guy, so when Willet took the stage and rocked my socks off, I was pleasantly surprised! They also have some acoustic worship music some of you non-rockers would enjoy.
Silverline: Start to Believe
I've seen this band live twice. Although I'm enjoying the CD, you really should see them live if you can. Great guys from Minnesota, and they have played several times in the La Crosse area. I believe they are playing in Spring Grove, MN this weekend (www.whatconcert.com) and it's free!
I Am Terrified: I Am Terrified EP
I first discovered this band while watching the Gospel Music Channel. This is much harder rock and includes some screamo, so if you're not into that, you may not enjoy them. I like the song "To The Service" - great worship song. Someday I need to find out the story behind the band name!
POP/ROCK
Nevertheless: When I'm With You EP and In The Making
Kelsey and I interviewed this guys at Sonshine and were really impressed. Some of the nicest guys you will meet, as well as excellent musicians. I had been listening to "In The Making" before we saw them, and particularly love the song "Sleeping In". "When I'm With You" just released last week and is an acoustic collection of love songs. Very touching lyrics and musically interesting, something that appeals to me.
Philmont: Attention
Interviewing Philmont was fun, and we appreciated them accommodating us when they were trying to man their merchandise booth. I had already heard their song "The Difference" on GMC, and I was blown away by their high energy live show. You never have a chance to be distracted by anything else! Just started listening to "Attention" yesterday, which includes "The Difference" and another new favorite of mine, "Another Name."
Hyland: Quotients EP
Another Minnesota band with a great live show, Hyland is a star on the rise. Their EP was produced by Ben Kasica of Skillet. Jon, the lead singer, was our guinea pig, i.e. our first interview, and got us off to a good start. This band tours a lot, so if you live within a 200 mile radius of the Twin Cities, you should get a chance to see them.
Manic Drive: Blue
Another find from GMC, this band first caught my ear when I heard a familiar voice on the title track, Blue. It was Kevin Mac from DC Talk - there's no mistaking that voice! Another song I'm really enjoying off this album is "Eleven Regrets". The thing that impresses me most about this band is their uniqueness in sound. Give them a listen, and you'll see what I mean.
WORSHIP
The Glorious Unseen: The Hope That Lies In You
I'm not generally a big fan of "worship music" (I use that term loosely because I feel any kind of music can be used to worship), but The Glorious Unseen reaches outside the walls of traditional Sunday morning music. Frontman Ben Crist has an unusual voice that makes you want to keep listening, and he was one of the most humble artists we interviewed.
That's it for now, but I may blog in the future about good tunes I find!
I have to admit, I went through a long period of not adding any new music to my collection. I was disenchanted by most of the new Christian music (all sounds the same), and the secular stuff is so weak lyrically, I can't stomach it. I don't care how catchy a song is, if there isn't anything lyrically for me to connect with, I'll turn it off.
I've also found that I enjoy music more if I've seen the artist live first. Maybe that's because I've had some bad experiences the other way around. It also helps if I get to actually meet and talk with the artists, as that gives me a better feel for what they are trying to do with their music. Frankly, if it's all about them, I'm not that interested.
So, since Kelsey and I had to interview lots of bands this summer for the book we are writing, I got to hear some new music live and meet the artists. That sparked my interest in pursuing new tunes, and here's what I'm enjoying so far:
ROCK
Skillet: Awake
We did not get to meet Skillet this time around, but I have met them in the past. If you liked Comatose, you will love Awake. I was streaming this one all week last week.
Willet: Somewhere In Between
I was unfamiliar with this band before Sonshine. We met and interviewed Jeremy Willet before their performance. This band is passionate about helping the poor and has been to Africa several times, as well as Haiti. Through their concerts, they are able to find sponsors for various villages in need of help. Jeremy is somewhat of a soft spoken guy, so when Willet took the stage and rocked my socks off, I was pleasantly surprised! They also have some acoustic worship music some of you non-rockers would enjoy.
Silverline: Start to Believe
I've seen this band live twice. Although I'm enjoying the CD, you really should see them live if you can. Great guys from Minnesota, and they have played several times in the La Crosse area. I believe they are playing in Spring Grove, MN this weekend (www.whatconcert.com) and it's free!
I Am Terrified: I Am Terrified EP
I first discovered this band while watching the Gospel Music Channel. This is much harder rock and includes some screamo, so if you're not into that, you may not enjoy them. I like the song "To The Service" - great worship song. Someday I need to find out the story behind the band name!
POP/ROCK
Nevertheless: When I'm With You EP and In The Making
Kelsey and I interviewed this guys at Sonshine and were really impressed. Some of the nicest guys you will meet, as well as excellent musicians. I had been listening to "In The Making" before we saw them, and particularly love the song "Sleeping In". "When I'm With You" just released last week and is an acoustic collection of love songs. Very touching lyrics and musically interesting, something that appeals to me.
Philmont: Attention
Interviewing Philmont was fun, and we appreciated them accommodating us when they were trying to man their merchandise booth. I had already heard their song "The Difference" on GMC, and I was blown away by their high energy live show. You never have a chance to be distracted by anything else! Just started listening to "Attention" yesterday, which includes "The Difference" and another new favorite of mine, "Another Name."
Hyland: Quotients EP
Another Minnesota band with a great live show, Hyland is a star on the rise. Their EP was produced by Ben Kasica of Skillet. Jon, the lead singer, was our guinea pig, i.e. our first interview, and got us off to a good start. This band tours a lot, so if you live within a 200 mile radius of the Twin Cities, you should get a chance to see them.
Manic Drive: Blue
Another find from GMC, this band first caught my ear when I heard a familiar voice on the title track, Blue. It was Kevin Mac from DC Talk - there's no mistaking that voice! Another song I'm really enjoying off this album is "Eleven Regrets". The thing that impresses me most about this band is their uniqueness in sound. Give them a listen, and you'll see what I mean.
WORSHIP
The Glorious Unseen: The Hope That Lies In You
I'm not generally a big fan of "worship music" (I use that term loosely because I feel any kind of music can be used to worship), but The Glorious Unseen reaches outside the walls of traditional Sunday morning music. Frontman Ben Crist has an unusual voice that makes you want to keep listening, and he was one of the most humble artists we interviewed.
That's it for now, but I may blog in the future about good tunes I find!
Monday, August 24, 2009
Matthew revisited
Anyone who knows me very well is aware of my love for all things Christmas. I love everything about the Christmas story, especially music inspired by it. Yesterday, my youngest daughter was walking around the house singing Christmas music. (Yes, it appears she may have inherited her mother's passion for Christmas.) Her songs inspired me to read the accounts of Jesus' birth this week and infuse a little Christmas into August.
I decided to start with Matthew's account. I'll admit, I've gotten very used to skimming over the first part of chapter one, the genealogy of Jesus. But today, I decided to read it more carefully. It's interesting what can happen when we truly open ourselves up to God's Word. Even though you may have read a passage hundreds of times, the living, active Word of God can reveal something new to you.
Such was the case today. As I worked my way through the list of names, I came to this: "and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ." (Matthew 1:16) Wait a minute, I thought, this is the lineage of Joseph, not Mary. How interesting we are given the family history of Jesus' father, who was not his biological father. I'm sure there are Bible scholars out there who can shed light on that for me, but for now, I am just enjoying the revelation of something new.
I went on to chapter 2, in which the Magi make their appearance. Again, a question was raised in my mind by a passage I've read a thousand times. "When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. 'In Bethlehem in Judea,' they replied, 'for this is what the prophet has written: 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'"
Hmmmm, this made me wonder, if the people knew the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem, why weren't people constantly camped out there, checking out every baby that was born? Was it because they weren't convinced about the prophecy? Was it because too much time had gone by and people had forgotten?
This makes me think about the prophecies still to be fulfilled, in particular, when Jesus returns. Why aren't we watching for Him? Has it been too long and we've forgotten? Are we convinced He's really coming back?
Things to ponder and pray about today.
I decided to start with Matthew's account. I'll admit, I've gotten very used to skimming over the first part of chapter one, the genealogy of Jesus. But today, I decided to read it more carefully. It's interesting what can happen when we truly open ourselves up to God's Word. Even though you may have read a passage hundreds of times, the living, active Word of God can reveal something new to you.
Such was the case today. As I worked my way through the list of names, I came to this: "and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ." (Matthew 1:16) Wait a minute, I thought, this is the lineage of Joseph, not Mary. How interesting we are given the family history of Jesus' father, who was not his biological father. I'm sure there are Bible scholars out there who can shed light on that for me, but for now, I am just enjoying the revelation of something new.
I went on to chapter 2, in which the Magi make their appearance. Again, a question was raised in my mind by a passage I've read a thousand times. "When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. 'In Bethlehem in Judea,' they replied, 'for this is what the prophet has written: 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'"
Hmmmm, this made me wonder, if the people knew the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem, why weren't people constantly camped out there, checking out every baby that was born? Was it because they weren't convinced about the prophecy? Was it because too much time had gone by and people had forgotten?
This makes me think about the prophecies still to be fulfilled, in particular, when Jesus returns. Why aren't we watching for Him? Has it been too long and we've forgotten? Are we convinced He's really coming back?
Things to ponder and pray about today.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Talk about your humble pie
Here I sit, in my comfortable home, with plenty of food in the frig and pantry, a nice blanket on my bed, playing around on my computer, worrying about stupid things.
Then I come across this: Invisible TV
Watch the video about Joseph. Or any of the others. It will make you incredibly thankful, and I hope, inspire you to be generous.
Then I come across this: Invisible TV
Watch the video about Joseph. Or any of the others. It will make you incredibly thankful, and I hope, inspire you to be generous.
Here we go
Well, I've been kicking around this idea for a long time now. So many random thoughts and crazy ideas that go through my head every day. So little time to write them all down. I already blog about parenting teenagers (PARENtEEN), but there are so many things that fall outside the lines of that box: politics, cooking, music, and most importantly, the amazing journey I have each day in following Christ (just to name a few).
I hope you will come along for the ride. It should be interesting!
I hope you will come along for the ride. It should be interesting!
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