When I read this Advent post by Doug about pondering, it didn’t take too long for me to decide I wanted to share it with all of you. Please enjoy it as we enter this powerful season of the year.
Tag: celebration
Holidays-Thanksgiving and Advent November 26 & 29
I wish all of you a very special holiday season. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. This has always been my favorite holiday.
The other holiday I will celebrate lasts four weeks. It is called Advent. I will be focusing on the features of expectancy, waiting, hope, and longing as a precursor to joy, which culminates in the Nativity of Jesus. I’ll be going reflecting on the passages in the bible with respect to these themes. I’ll be praying about these elements in my own life, and their meaning personally and spiritually, and societally.
The new Tyndale publication called Holy Bible: Mosaic, is a New Living Translation Bible with weekly reflections, and verses for the whole Christian calendar year, starting this Sunday, November 29th. To follow the community moving through these reflections together, and encountering God and this season of Advent, return here again to read more, and check out the Tyndale Mosaic site.
It was great to read the new rave review today at Mary’s World.
Cooking Turkey in the Hot Tub / family
If you can find NOHING to be thankful for, thank God that these silly birds won’t be coming to your place for a holiday meal. (Notice that the tub is being held over open flames by…um, kitchen stools… (?) yeh, ok…) Why do a suddenly sense an ambulance in the future for these people?
Quite a few of us will be with family for the holidays. This may be wonderful, or well, tough. You can choose your friends, (who can function for you as a “family of choice”) but you can’t choose your family. If you only see your relations a few times a year, (or less) keep some perspective to keep yourself grounded. Firstly, think of sanity as a goal, not a good time. ;)
Plant firmly in your mind that you probably can bear anything for a few days–even prison. Maybe even full blown torture. How bad can water boarding really be? For instance, I’d take it over having to watch Adam Lambert perform, like he did on the AMAs!
If good times happen during your visiting with relatives, count that as a blessing. But, don’t expect a lot from people you don’t often see. Sure, they will bother you, and get on your nerves. They might try to make a spa whirlpool from a tub, a roaring campfire, kitchen stools, and the gas from the beans they had the night before, but you can handle it. Why? Because you’re better than them? Because you’ve had a ton of spiked egg nog? No…well, I think, no.
What will truly help, is to see a bigger picture. Time is on your side. You don’t spend your regular life with them, or in these holiday situations. Hang in there-Be your best self, and know that the holidays are just a temporary gathering time. You don’t always have to be right, or have a dream holiday experience. And you don’t have to let them bother you. Turkey soup doesn’t last all year!
What’s your strangest holiday memory?
Fall Favorite – Apple Dumplings + update & photos
When the apples are at their peak, one of my favorite things is to have apple dumplings. They go great with good coffee, and whipped cream on top, or a side of vanilla ice cream, or surrounded in a bit of milk. Around here, the Pennsylvania Germans have crafted a true delicacy. I’m making them today with a friend who knows what she’s doing. I’ll take some photos to show you when they are done. (the one a plate came from here)
What fall traditions, treats, or joys are your favorites?
UPDATE:
THAT was fun! These are delicious. Here’s photos of the process. If I get enough requests, I could be talked into posting the recipe. (Get a petition going in the comments, if you’d like.)