Comments

As some of you may have noticed, I have changed my commenting application. I am fiddling with trying to make my blog more of what I would like but am not sure what I will stick with in the end. I am not completely happy with either application. The blogger comments do not offer all of what I would like but I also do not like the fact that the haloscan comments do not show up under the post on its page. There are some benefits to having blogger comments that it seems haloscan does not provide and vise versa. I am still playing with things and will hopefully be able to make it work the way I would like. The more I mess around with things the more I debate: do I just go back to the way it was, do I do a total overhaul – design included, or do I just mess around with a few things. So if things seems quirky around here for a while, you know why!

A Glow Stick Christmas

Typically on Christmas Eve our family will attend the Candlelight – Lord’s Supper service. It is one of the traditions we have and it helps us to focus our minds and hearts upon the Lord. It allows us to make sure He is at the focal point where He should be. This is one service that our family looks forward to each and every year. Not only is it an enjoyable service but it is one that is filled with reverence for our Lord. It is one in which there can be solemness and joy expressed with a still, quiet spirit and be filled with music and praise. This year however the tone was much different. There were many who disagreed with my hubby, my children, and I on this matter. The reverence and seriousness of the celebration was lost.

Am I the only one who realizes that you can be serious and joyful at the same time? You can be serious and have fun at the same time? You can take things seriously and still enjoy them? There are times and places to act, to behave in certain ways. We do not have to remove the serious nature of things to enjoy them and be blessed. When we try to make things practical and fun all the time the meaning is often lost.

This year while the Lord’s Supper was being served many people were chuckling, giggling, and talking (rather loudly too). Where is the reverence and the gratitude due to our Lord? Did it even mean anything to them?

When it came time for the candlelight service instead of candles we were given multicolored glow sticks. The reasons given for this choice were: no fire hazard, easier for children, and solidarity with our troops. Let me ask, what is wrong with parents supervising their children? The hazard is not that high if children are supervised. It is not that difficult to help a child. I can understand the solidarity with the troops who are deployed but personally I think this was not appropriate. For those in the deployed setting I do not have issue with them using them. In this service though we are to be honoring Christ not other people.

It was not necessarily the fact that we used the glow sticks, it was the attitude and atmosphere that accompanied their usage and was associate with them. The sense of reverence was gone. It wasn’t even about solidarity with the troops, it was about fun. There were people laughing, children waving them around, teenagers using them as drumsticks, and we even noticed someone holding up a cell phone! At least with candles, children have to be still, you are more focused and aware. There is more of a sense of reverence rather than the carnival atmosphere we experienced. There were several people who thought it was wonderful and so much fun. There was one person who said it was great and that he will always remember the service. We will too but it will not be a good memory it will be one in which we saw the Lord take a backseat to entertainment.

So, is our family alone in this? Do you think we are over reacting? What would you do or feel if this was a service you attended? What are your thought and ideas? Share with me your Ponderings!

It’s Been Seven Years!

There was a time when we thought we would have no more children. You can read about that HERE. Since that time we have been blessed with 4 more so far. This little one pictured here is the first of our reversal babies. She is ans has always been such a blessing and a reminder of God’s grace, mercy, love, forgiveness, provision, and sovereignty. She is a delight and fills our hearts with joy! It is hard to believe that she is now 7 years old! She is growing into a lovely young lady! We had an ice skating party for her and she went for a sleep-over. All in all it was a good day! We love you sweetheart and happy birthday!

Merry Christmas

What is the foundation for the joy of Christmas? Here is a great article by one of my favorites, Dr. R.C. Sproul, entitled Born of the Virgin Mary.

Sentinel–City of Destiny

I agreed many, many months ago to do a review of this book. With our move and the new baby, I sadly fell behind on my commitment. This is my attempt at keeping my word. I have never written a book review before but am excited to be able to attempt one now and just in time for Christmas. This book would make a wonderful gift for a family read aloud or for a young boy.

Sentinel: City of Destiny by Landel Bilbrey is an allegory of the Christian life and is geared toward young boys. This book encourages some strong character traits that we would all desire in our growing young men. The book takes you on a quest where you discover keys along the way. These are called the keys to mettle true manhood. These keys are courage, service, vision, and integrity.

Not only does this book cover many character traits and take children on an adventurous journey but it provides many opportunities to stop and discuss with your children the Biblical truths being displayed.

The book includes a glossary of terms, maps for your quest, illustrations, and a study guide for each of the chapters. You can read a few chapters online to see what you think. I am sure you and your sons will enjoy Sentinel-City of Destiny!

Candy Cane Recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup sugar
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup water
1/8 tsp. cream of tartar
4 drops oil of peppermint or other flavoring
4 drops red or green food coloring.

Grease a hard surface.
Simmer the sugar with the corn syrup, water and cream of tartar until the mix reaches a soft crack stage or about 280 degrees on a candy thermometer. Remove from the heat and add the flavoring.

Divide the syrup in half. Add food coloring to one half; pour out separately onto the greased surfaces. Cool for 1 to 2 minutes. Pull each half separately; roll into 1/2″ thick ropes. Twist colored batch around the white batch pulling until the colors adhere. Cut with scissors into 6″ long lengths; bend to crook one end.

Enjoy!