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Be Still

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I am about to do something unprecedented.  I have never, in the life of my 2 year old blog, said anything remotely political.  At least, not intentionally anyway.  But, with the presidential election just four days away, the tension is mounting.  I feel like I need to say something….

I’m not going to tell you who to vote for.  I’m not going to tell you who I’m voting for.  No advice for you from this girl.

This is what I need to say.  These are the times when I can get really good and worked up.  Sometimes worry and fret are my constant companions.  The “what ifs” are incredibly demanding of my thought processes and it just about puts me under.

BUT!

This morning I’ve been reminded of what God tells us to do – I feel sure everyone else is probably much better than I am at remembering these words…

Be Still.

He tells us in His word to “Be still and know that I AM God.”

My heart is quieted knowing that, in the end, my Heavenly Father, the Creator of the Universe is now and always will be in control.  No matter who wins this presidential election, or any other election, He will not abdicate His throne.

Inside this knowledge there is nothing to do but rest.

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Thoughts to consider…

Be still and know that He is God
Be still and know that He is holy
Be still, O restless soul of mine
Bow before the Prince of peace
Let the noise and clamor cease
Be still
 
Be still and know that He is God
Be still and know that He is faithful
Consider all that he has done
Stand in awe and be amazed
And know that He will never change

Be still

 
Be still and know that he is God
Be still and know he is our Father
Come rest your head upon his breast
Listen to the rhythm of his unfailing heart of love
Beating for His little ones
Calling each of us to come

Be still

friends and loved ones

even for colds…

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Here at our house we find ourselves in the middle of our Thanksgiving season.  We’ve been trying to be grateful for everything we can think of.

and what happens?

We get sick.  with colds and sneezes and wheezes and runny noses and coughs and fevers and little sleep.  Now, I (the mommy) am not sick – but two of my three little people are.   And its hard.

Am I the only one who thinks its difficult to turn my heart in gratitude?

I find it hard to be thankful for colds.  But, we’re trying.  Especially me.  I am trying to be grateful for sickness and health – because in everything we are to be thankful.

So, in honor of the colds, I am listing some things my heart is grateful for today, things I might not notice if not for the colds…

For blankets and Sprite and movies like “The Sound of Music” – perfect for our sick days, bringing just the right amount of comfort.  One might not even notice they’re sick.

For paper dolls that help pass the moments… the dragging by sick moments…

For popcorn and apples, the only lunch for my little champ (who is resisting getting sick, praise the Lord!)

For the kind of leftovers that always bring a bit of happiness.

For the sickness itself, that brings this slightly tired Mama to a new place of reliance on Him – and that renewed posture is a gift.

Thank you Heavenly Father for all of your wonderful and perfect gifts.  All of these things are from Your hand, and I am blessed.

a bit of history · friends and loved ones · in my kitchen

a little comfort goes a long way

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It is unusually cool and windy, for us here in Tennessee at the end of October.  Having grown up a northerner, I don’t mind it.  In fact, over the past 14 years that I’ve lived here, I have found myself really missing the fall season that I was acquainted with from my childhood.  The kind of fall that required a jacket for the morning walk to school and a cup of  hot chocolate after the walk home.  The kind of fall with fiery hues shining from the red Maples.

I loved that kind of autumn.

With all of these memories swirling through my mind, like the wind thru the trees in my backyard, I got to thinking about my favorite comfort foods that mom used to make.  I couldn’t help but think of some of her specialties, what her cooking was like in the winter.  And I could almost taste some of those favorites that my sister and I loved growing up.

Especially the meatloaf.  Now, many people turn their noses up at meatloaf.  It is definitely not a rich man’s food, I suppose.  But there is nothing more worthy of my oven, than a delicious hot, steaming meatloaf on a cold fall day.

You would probably be surprised (if you know me at all) to find out that I didn’t have the recipe.  Until today, that is.  I knew I wanted to make a meatloaf for dinner, since it is perfect meatloaf weather, but I didn’t want to make the same old sub-par meatloaf any more.  That one I always regret making.  I’ve been doing that for the past several years – and its just not as good as mom’s.

I called her.  and I said, “Mom, remind me.  I know we’ve made this meatloaf together before in the same kitchen.  I know you’ve made it for us when you’ve come here to visit.  But, I can’t remember.”  Without hesitation, she knew it by heart, right off the bat.  And I made it, one ingredient at a time, while we were on the phone chatting.

When we hung up, and I was finishing getting dinner prepared, I had a few quiet moments to think.   I recently found myself in a similar situation with my Emily; it was a tender-hearted moment, where she wanted me to tell her again.  She came, with her heart wide open, wanting me to remind her – why it was going to be okay, why she didn’t need to worry.  Where is the comfort? And, I don’t need to tell you all the details, but it was one of our most precious times together.

This is the kind of mom I want to be:  the kind of mom who offers the recipe to comfort.  Except, its pretty easy, because there is only one ingredient.  I know it by heart.  His name is Jesus – and it is all she needs, and all I need for that matter.  He is all this world needs for comfort,  for peace, for confidence: Christ Jesus, our Savior and Lord.   I don’t want to just offer it once in a while.  I want to say it so much and live it so well, that they are my children’s favorite words to hear, that they ask for them again and again and again, and they dwell on them with utmost fondness, fully settled into their hearts.

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These are Words I’ve been lingering over – my hope, my peace, my strength for every situation.   My prayer is that I will live with confidence, and that I will be prepared to offer this comfort to anyone who needs it…

from Psalm 119:

145 I cry out with my whole heart;
Hear me, O Lord!
I will keep Your statutes.
146 I cry out to You;
Save me, and I will keep Your testimonies.
147 I rise before the dawning of the morning,
And cry for help;
I hope in Your word.
148 My eyes are awake through the night watches,
That I may meditate on Your word.
149 Hear my voice according to Your lovingkindness;
O Lord, revive me according to Your justice.

and from Isaiah 26:1-4:

“We have a strong city;
God will appoint salvation for walls and bulwarks.
2 Open the gates,
That the righteous nation which keeps the truth may enter in.
3 You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
4 Trust in the Lord forever,
For in YAH, the Lord, is everlasting strength.

a bit of history · friends and loved ones

cactus

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Saturday morning our family made a trip to Lowe’s.  We had several home improvement and gardening supplies on the list.  As we walked through the store, I had to stop.  There in the garden center was a whole aisle of cactus.

Looking at those plants, I was transported back in time to our house in Bowling Green.  It was there that I literally came in contact with my first cactus.  The former owner of the home had planted a cactus right at the edge of the sidewalk, at a rather pivotal place, in such a way that one could easily graze it on passing by…  Oh it was annoying… and painful.  I can’t tell you how many times I found myself pulling the tiny spikes from my sock, or worse my foot.   I know it brought curse words from my lips a time or two.  Stupid cactus.  urgh.

We tried removing it.  Digging it up.  But that’s hard.  How do you go about pulling out a cactus that is so prickly without getting hurt?  Its impossible I tell you.  So, it shouldn’t suprise you that in the winter  of probably 1996 there was much joy and jubilation when we found that the snowplow had actually run over it and dug it out of its smug little spot.  And you could see little pieces of the cactus in the snow bank near the curb.  Ahhh victory, at last.  Or so we thought.

That spring, it was rejuvenated and grew back even bigger and stronger.   I was jolted from my not-so-fond cactus memory by my son, standing there in the gardening center of Lowe’s.  He was crying.  Wailing.  He wanted a “Cars” watering can.  He wanted it now!   I could have sworn we already dealt with this…

Meet our own contemporary version of the cactus.  Greed.  In this modern day society, my kids are tempted by consumerism just like the rest of us.  Its ugly.  I find it to be one of the most prickly and complicated, besetting sins to deal with in my own heart – and in my children’s.  And at just the time I think I’ve eradicated it, there it is rearing its nasty head again!

Interesting that this happened on Thanksgiving weekend… a time when I wish my family would celebrate being thankful for all that God has given us.  But, instead, I find old selfish desires, wanting the things I don’t have and don’t need, creeping up on me.  I don’t know if its possible to get rid of this sin once and for all.  But, I do know a way to combat it.

Psalm 100:

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.

2 Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.

3 Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his [a] ;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.

5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Its almost impossible to live a life filled with greediness and envy, if I’m consumed with giving Him thanks.  Its not hard to get started – all I have to do is look around at all of the blessings in my life.   And, I guess this is what Thanksgiving is all about.  At our house we have plans to celebrate from now (on Canadian Thanksgiving) until American Thanksgiving in 6 weeks.  Its the first attempt at uprooting that mean ol’ greedy cactus.

happy thanksgiving everyone!

(originally written October 11, 2010)

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This is My Father’s World

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On Sunday, my children and I (along with a few cousins, aunts and uncles) went to see His fingerprints. We hiked down to a place where it seems like God, the Creator of the Universe,  used his fingertips to make a small crevice down into the earth known as Rainbow Lake, right here on Signal Mountain.  Its a peaceful hideaway where His creativity is evident.

There is no question.  With eyes wide open to the world around, there is no denying The Creator-Genius or His goodness and mercy.  His touch is the mark of a master plan that can’t be questioned.  And I am in awe.

O Lord, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth, Who have set Your glory above the heavens!

This is my Father’s world, and to my listening ears  All nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres. This is my Father’s world: I rest me in the thought  Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;  His hand the wonders wrought.

When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,  The moon and the stars, which You have ordained,  What is man that You are mindful of him,  And the son of man that You visit him?

This is my Father’s world, the birds their carols raise,  The morning light, the lily white, declare their Maker’s praise.  This is my Father’s world: He shines in all that’s fair;  In the rustling grass I hear Him pass;  He speaks to me everywhere.

O Lord, our Lord,  How excellent is Your name in all the earth!

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the glow

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On Sunday morning the sun was blinding when I drove to church.  I took highway 153 across town , the way I always go.  This Sunday, as I crossed the river, squinting thru my sunglasses, I could see there were orange cones up, blocking one of the lanes of traffic – And I remembered: it was the 5 Bridges Race.  There, in the other southbound lane were runners.  Not just runners- these were marathoners. Atop the bridge was a big sign with a 16 on it.

Compared to them, I’m a novice.  I’ve never run 16 kilometers.  Not even close. In fact, I’ve only completed one 5k before, and it took everything I could muster to cross the finish line of that race.   I slowed my driving a bit as I passed the runners so I could catch a glimpse of what it looked like to race in a marathon.

Some looked strong and vibrant.  Some looked a little weary.  Mostly, they  seemed to glow with determination.  I considered honking my enthusiasm, or rolling down my window to cheer them on, but I thought better of it.  Instead, I just whispered to myself, “Keep going runners, keep going.”  And as I said it, I felt a catch in my throat – and my eyes began to tear up.  I’ve had my moments trying to be a runner, feet pounding pavement, sweat pouring, exhaustion ruling my thoughts.  But that’s not why I identified with those runners so keenly.

Not long ago I had one of those moments, where it felt harder than I was expecting.  While running my own race, I met exhaustion and impossibility at the same intersection. But first,before I tell you more of the encounter, let me be clear: I live a wonderful life, filled with ease and goodness. Compared to how others live in this world, my life is golden.  I’m aware that my troubles could seem small to some, but large to others.  Regardless, every once in a while I have to make the choice again.

I have to choose to keep running.

I can either stay in bed with the covers over my head and hide, or I can be determined to go the next mile.  A few days ago, I almost decided to stay in the bed for a bit.  I’m just telling you the truth.  I was tired, and I was discouraged.  It was a very dark moment for me and I almost didn’t want to be determined anymore.

But, I am so grateful that the Holy Spirit is my coach.  He always comes along side at the right moment.  I felt Him whisper to me, “Keep running, my runner, keep running.”  And I could.   I found something miraculous to be truer than true.  Most everyone who is a runner in the Christian life already knows this.  His grace will extend the length of my race – whether it feels like a 5K, a half or a full marathon.  One foot in front of the other – He applies His strength to each step.  I’ve known this in theory almost my entire life.  But, as I become more aware of my need, it is so empowering to feel his promises fulfilled in real time.

Psalm 36: 5 says, Your mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens;  Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.

Psalm 119: 111-112 says, Your testimonies I have taken as a heritage forever,
For they are the rejoicing of my heart. I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes
Forever, to the very end.

and one of my favorites, 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

His lovingkindness reaches to the Heavens and back, His grace can fill any void, no matter how cavernous, and His goodness is from everlasting to everlasting.   This is the God who offers the strength, the one who is coaching from the sidelines,  encouraging “Keep going, my dear one, keep going!”

Heavenly Father, Help me to move in your grace and trust in your goodness.  Let me glow with your divine determination, so that I can keep on keepin’ on. All of the glory of a well finished race goes to You!  amen.

a bit of history · friends and loved ones · in my kitchen

The only meatballs I ever make…

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It was probably 1989 or so.  My family had been invited for dinner at a friend’s home.  Miss Refsell was her name – a young elementary school teacher.  She also was an incredible vocalist – a soprano with a voice the size of all outdoors – and I was in awe of her.

Turns out she was also a phenomenal cook.  She made us meatballs for dinner that evening, with baked potatoes.  And those meatballs were to. die. for.  Oh yes.  All this time later, I don’t just remember them.  I have an unusual affection for them.  So much so, that as the holidays and other special occasions approach, I try to figure out how many times I can make them for parties and get togethers.  They are that good.

However, they are a tiny bit unusual with some surprising ingredients.  Those same items, that might make you raise an eyebrow, are what make the dish so wonderful.  Typically I’m a baker, not a cook.  I place recipes on my kithcen’s altar, sacrificing ingredients and their integrity, omitting some of the necessary items, cooking others far too long or others not long enough.   My culinary skills leave much to be desired on many occasions, its true.  But, this dish of yummy, rich, goodness, I’ve never messed up!

I’ve decided to share the recipe here with you, my friends.  I hope Miss Refsell (now Mrs. Lamgo) doesn’t mind.  You might need it as a hearty and delicious option for a fall or winter menu in the coming months.  Happily, I make them in the crockpot, which makes this yummy recipe easy to boot!

Recently, when I made them for a fall party,  I meant to get photos to share here. But, alas, they were gone before I could even get my camera out of the bag.  They are such a crowd pleaser!  So, I give you:

Miss Refsell’s Meatballs  (I don’t know the real title.  To this day, this is what the Young family calls them)

Ingredients:
1 cup of brown sugar
1 can of whole cranberries
1 bottle of chili sauce
1 bottle of water, (use the chili sauce bottle and fill with water)
1 can of sauer kraut ( around the 15 oz size)

about 4 pounds of meatballs – You can use your favorite recipe.  I use a bag or two of already made frozen meatballs

Instructions:

Combine the water and chili sauce, sauerkraut, cranberries and sugar in a pan.  Bring the ingredients to a boil for a minute or two.  Place the meatballs in the crockpot and pour sauce ingredients over top.  Let the meatballs cook for about 8 hours on low.

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I hope you enjoy these, as much as we do!  Make them once, make them often – you won’t regret it!

a bit of history

2 mug morning…

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Well, my sweet little baby doll was up a lot in the night with a nasty cold.   It seemed impossible for her to sleep in her crib without coughing and choking. She was miserable.  Around 11:30, I took her out to the living room and sat with her on my lap, so that she could sleep with her head elevated.  Finally, she was able to rest a bit.  But not without commotion.

She was so restless at times it was almost impossible to stay on the couch.  Needless to say, I didn’t sleep much.  I had plenty of time to think and reminisce.  At one point when Mackenzie elbowed me so hard I thought I’d cry, I was reminded of my summers with GG.

GG called it the “bonkie-roll-stomp” – and I was the master.  Regularly I was GG’s “bed night fellow” (that’s what she called the person who slept with her) – and I was a terrible partner.  I would kick and roll and throw a mean elbow, so much so that GG nicknamed all of my crazy sleeping antics.   I used to think that GG was a morning person, who always wanted to get up early and have her cup of coffee in the peace and quiet.  But now, as a mother, who has experienced my daughter’s finely executed interpretation of the “bonkie-roll-stomp” I think I may know the truth.

GG was having a 2 mug morning.  Forced from her bed early, by her not so friendly “bed night fellow” she was needing a little extra energy, maybe 2 cups of coffee…  But then I remember, it wasn’t just a coffee cup that was out on the kitchen table when I would come into the kitchen for breakfast.  There was her Bible, laying open where she had been reading.

And I have learned from her this morning…  as I’ve been trying to get up and at ’em, I poured myself some coffee in my favorite mug and went to my Bible…  looking for help and strength for my day.  And I’ve found it.   In fact, I’ve found so much energy and help from the Word – enough to fill 2 cups…

“the joy of the Lord is your strength” (from Nehemiah)

“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.” (from Psalms 28)

“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.” (Psalm 90)

“You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,” (from Psalm 23)

There are so many many more passages that I find my cup overflowing. I need 2 mugs to hold all of His promises.   I am encouraged this morning ; His mercy is so much more than enough and it will keep me going through the day.   GG made it, not because of her 2 cups of coffee, but because of the overwhelming truths of God’s Word applied to her heart.  And that is how I will make it today too!

Although, a second cup of coffee does sound yummy…

(written originally on October 19, 2010)

a bit of history · friends and loved ones · in my kitchen

the old, new “southern glow”

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A few months back my mom called.  She was cleaning out some of her older things in the kitchen.  And she wanted to know: Did I want the old set of dishes we used to use at the dinner table during my childhood years?  They were still in really great condition after many many years of wear and tear: Noritake’s  “Southern Glow” was the pattern name.

Well, I couldn’t say no.

In the first place, I had been saying to Michael not a week before that I thought we were going to need some new every day dinner ware.  A lot of ours had broken, or were cracked and chipped and frankly I was a bit concerned about little fingers getting cut.   Well, these dishes from Mom weren’t the same as the lovely pattern I had found in the Williams-Sonoma catalogue online, but they were definitely nice enough.

Besides, what Mom was offering was a big chunk of my childhood.  And I’m such a sucker for nostalgia and reminiscing.  I could not turn her down. It was settled then.  She would deliver them in person later in the fall.

Last week, when my folks arrived for their visit, they brought a large box full of “southern glow” dinner and luncheon plates, cups and saucers.  I opened the box and unwrapped the pieces. My fingers traced over the red and brown floral pattern that perched on the rim of each piece, those unique, little flowers looking as bright and crisp as ever.  Oh the memories that flooded in, from birthday dinners to special meals with guests, to the regular every day kind of suppers.

The flowers, they really do kind of glow…

And then I gave it more thought …

My parents didn’t just serve food at dinner time – Our family meals at supper time were some of our best times together, laughing and sharing our lives.  Especially as we got older, I know my parents were investing in us, teaching us godly principles and wholesome character.  When I look at those dishes, I remember so much of what they taught me, day in and day out.

Now, the dishes are circa 1960’s – and they look it.  The pattern is not just retro, it is vintage.  There was a day, not so long ago, I would have refused them for this very reason.  In fact, I’m sure many looking at the photos, might think they are ugly.  They certainly aren’t the newest Kate Spade set of every-day-ware on the market. But, do I really need those?  really?   In a season of life where I am trying to learn more fully and deeply about contentment and gratefulness, which is something my parents spent time trying to instill in me so long ago,  these dishes are the perfect object lesson.

The old is made new again, in my heart and on my table.  The plates and cups will be a beautiful and constant reminder of so many things. But, as I use them I will be able to take to heart my need for being content with what I have, and I am hopeful it will prompt me to be grateful for the ways He provides.

We kicked off our family’s celebration of Thanksgiving, by sharing Canadian Thanksgiving with my parents while they were visiting us last week.  Each place was set with our old-new dishes.  The table was almost radiant with gratefulness.  It couldn’t have been more perfect.

Thank you Heavenly Father for your continuing work in my life.   I pray that my heart will always glow with thankfulness and contentment that can only be found in You. amen.

a bit of history · in my kitchen

Grandma B’s Sugar Cookies

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A few days ago I pulled out an old friend from my recipe box …  Its been 20 years since I wrote out the recipe for my Grandma Brubacher’s sugar cookieson a little index card.  It has been a family favorite for as long as I can remember.  My Grandma would bake them at the holidays; my mom made them for special occasions all throughout my childhood.  Now my sister and I make them regularly for any good reason we can think of.

Lately I had been branching out, trying new sugar cookies – I’ve even shared a recipe on here that I enjoy.  But honestly, there is nothing that compares to these cookies.  They are delightful, the combination of flavor and texture, is just perfect.

On Canadian Thanksgiving Isaac requested “those pumpkin cookies from last year with the orange frosting”, and so I knew what I should do.  And then, I did something unexpected.  When the cookies had been baked and were cooled, I frosted them with maple cream cheese frosting; the delightful became divine.   Normally, I would have prepared one of  the regular frostings with almond or vanilla flavor.  But this.  Oh. my. goodness. This came together like it was meant to be.  I’m not sure I’ll ever go back to normal.

On this Friday, as fall is settling in, and the holidays are getting closer every day, I thought you might need this recipe.  Be prepared, if you make them once, you’ll have to make them again and again.  I promise you, people will make requests for these.

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Grandma B’s sugar cookies:

Ingredients:

2 cups brown sugar
1 cup margarine ( I use butter)
3 eggs
2 tsp cream of tartar
2 tsp baking soda
3 tsp vanilla
41/2 – 5 cups flour

Instructions:

Cream together brown sugar and butter.  Lightly beat the eggs, then combine them well with the sugar/butter mixture. Add the vanilla.  Combine the dry ingredients then mix into the wet ingredients a bit at a time until fully incorporated.  I find that depending on how humid it is, you may need 5 cups to keep the dough from being too sticky as you roll it out.

Take a portion of the dough and roll it out on a floured surface – to about a 1/4 inch thick, maybe a bit thinner. Keep in mind these cookies will puff up just a bit when baking.  Cut shapes with a cutter (dusted with flour) and place on a cookie sheet.  Bake at 375 for 7 -8 minutes.  (possibly longer, depending on how thick your cookies are.)

Cream cheese frosting:

Cream together the following ingredients until smooth and spreadable: 8 oz cream cheese, 1 stick of butter, 4 -5 cups of confectioner’s sugar, 2-3 tablespoons of maple syrup (or a few tsp of maple flavoring.)

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I hope you love these cookies as much as I do!