An Innocent Spill

"QUICK!  GRAB THE B-B-Q SAUCE!" I said to Caleb who had accidentally let it slip from his hands.  Unfortunately it had landed on the floor vent with the cap off and b-b-q sauce was quickly spilling from the opened container. 

The vent on the floor is perfectly situated for keeping us cool in the summer and warm in the winter.  Many times little feet can be found standing on it to warm up during the cold, winter months. 

It does however, have a major drawback.  Being so close to the kitchen table the vent also collects a lot of crumbs.  Tiny pieces of scraps that fall during a meal, or that are inadvertently swept in the wrong direction by a careless child are quickly gathered into its depths. 

After Caleb grabbed the bottle off the vent I took off the cover to wash it.  What I found underneath the vent cover was disgusting! Crumbs, dust, debris had been slowly building up over time unnoticed.  (Yes, it has been cleaned out several times before!)  But then I began to wonder...how much of my life is like that vent?

Daily I go about my tasks letting little things slip in unnoticed...an angry thought, a disappointment, a frustration with a situation.  Rather than taking it to the Lord, the crumbs fall into the hidden places of my heart and are forgotten.

Over time, my life may appear fine on the outside, but the inside is another story.  The crumbs don't just sit there innocently.  They cause the diseases of the heart to grow, to multiply.  And those little crumbs don't just stay put.  They come out in other ways...a harsh word, a lack of peace, discontentment, a critical spirit.

Just like the vent cover needed to be removed and the insides vacuumed out, so my heart also needs to be cleansed through confession of my sin and the work of the Holy Spirit. 

"Search me, O God, and know my heart;

test me and know my anxious thoughts.

See if there is any offensive way in me,

and lead me in the way everlasting."

Psalm 139:23-24

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just

and will forgive us our sins and purify us from

any unrighteousness."

1 John 1:9

How thankful I am for God's forgiveness and grace.  Now, if I'd only remember to have Him check the "vent cover" of my heart a little more frequently!

The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Christmas Breakfast

The Very Hungry Caterpillar is one of my favorite childrens' books.  A tiny caterpillar slowly eats his way through the week and various objects of food.  It's an adorable story and I have always enjoyed reading with my children.  But when a real caterpillar shows up in breakfast...well, that's another story.

The table was set with fruit, quiche, bacon, and a birthday cake for Jesus.  We were half way through breakfast when Benjamin said, "Something is moving in my food."  He continued with, "There is a caterpillar in my cake!"  Much to his dismay, his breakfast was ruined. 

It didn't matter that the caterpillar most likely came from the raspberries, there was no way he would eat another bite (and I don't really blame him!)

No matter how much time and energy go into planning the perfect Christmas breakfast (or some other event) the little unexpected things in life can try and steal away our joy and peace.  If my hope had been in everyone having a perfect meal and meaningful conversations around the table, then my Christmas breakfast would have been ruined too.  But my hope is in the One we celebrated today - Jesus - and His hope never disappoints.

I did feel sorry for my son, whose stomach was a little queasy all day, but I do hope someday he can look back and laugh at the Christmas that a very hungry caterpillar got to enjoy his cake. 

After all, isn't it unexpected things, whether good or bad, that tend to stick in our memories for years to come?

Advent Calendar Day Twenty-five...Christmas is Here!

Merry Christmas...after 25 boxes Christmas is finally here!

In box #25 there are three gifts to represent the gifts the Magi gave to Jesus

Matthew 2:11

"On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.  Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh."

December 25th...the day we celebrate Christmas...the day when the Greatest Gift of all came into the world-Jesus.

But Christmas isn't just about a baby being born.  It is about redemption...a way back to God.  You see, the things in our life that are not good - bad thoughts, words, actions - keep us from God.  God is holy and cannot be in the presence of sin.  When sin entered the world, God's plan of redemption was already in place.  It would take sacrifice.  The sacrifice of His One and Only Son to enable us to have a relationship with Him.

There is no way for us to reach Him on our own.  That is why Jesus had to die.  He was perfect and came to earth wholly God and wholly man, to die in our place once and for all.  It is His birth, death, and resurrection that made the way for us to spend eternity with God.

But there is a catch.

You see, with any gift that is given it has to be received and opened.  Taking a gift and leaving it under the tree does no good.  Knowing about Jesus and what He has done isn't enough.  Going to church and being a good person isn't enough.  Dedicating your time, money, and energy isn't enough. 

Nothing is good enough...only God.

You must take the gift and open it for your very own.  It involves admitting your sin, and your desire for God to be the One in control.  It involves humility and surrender, surrender to the One who sacrificed all for you...all you have to do is to surrender your control to Him.  The One who gives good and perfect gifts, the One and Only who can restore your life and make you the kind of person He wants you to be. 

This Christmas  as you open gifts under your tree, how about opening the only gift that can never perish and that alone can satisfy your heart?  Jesus...the greatest gift of all, given for you.  Will you take the gift and make it your own?

Advent Calendar Day Twenty-four

In box #24 there is a star, to represent the star the Magi followed to find Jesus.

Matthew 2:9-10

"After [the Magi] had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.  When they saw the star, they were overjoyed."

Advent Calendar Day Twenty-One

In Box #21 there are a pair of eyes

The eyes remind us that Jesus was revealed to Simeon as the Christ, the promised Messiah.

Luke 2:25-32

"Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout.  He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.  It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ.  Moved by teh Spirit, he went into the temple courts.  When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
'Soverign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace.  For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in sight of all people, a light for the revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.'" 

Advent Calendar Day Twenty

In Box #20 there is a dove

The dove symbolizes the purification sacrifice that needed to be made.  It also represents a later time in the life of Jesus, when the Holy Spirit came upon Him in the form of a dove after his baptism.

Luke 2:22-24

"When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, 'Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord', and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord:  'a pair of doves or two young pigeons.'"

Luke 3:21-22

"When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too.  And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove.  And a voice came from heaven:  'You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.'"

Cranberry Pistachio Christmas Bark

This is fun and the red cranberries and green pistachios make it so festive for Christmas. 

Ingredients:

1 pound white chocolate confectionery coating
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup pistachios, shells removed

Melt the chocolate in a microwave safe bowl.  Stir in cranberries and pistachios.  Pour onto wax paper-lined baking sheet and spread out to form a thin layer.   Chill in the refrigerator.  Break into pieces.  Enjoy!

This recipe is so easy to double (and I tend to add more cranberries and pistachios to fill it up!) 

Advent Calendar Day Nineteen

In Box #19 we find the name Jesus...

Luke 2:21

"On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived."


Jesus...the name above all names, the only name by which we may be saved...the precious name of Jesus

Advent Calendar Day Eighteen

In Box #18 there is a heart to symbolize Mary, Jesus' earthly mother treasuring what was said in her heart. 

Luke 2:19-20, 33-35

"But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.  The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told."..."The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: 'This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.  And a sword will pierce your own soul too.'"

Mary had so many unusual experiences as a very young woman.  She was visited by an angel, was pregnant before being with her husband, traveled to Bethlehem being very pregnant, went into labor and had her first child born in a stable, was visited by shepherds from the fields announcing their visit from the angel, and now hearing of things to come with her child. 

So much for a young woman to take in.  But Mary was chosen by God.  He knew her heart and she trusted him.  She surrendered her will to His and was faithful to what God had called her to do.  The road before her would not be easy.  God never promised easy.  He promised a Savior and God is faithful to do what He promised, even if life looks like it is filled with trials.  God is not surprised.  He has a purpose and a plan...and it is Good. 



Advent Calendar Day Sixteen

December 16th.

My children are excitedly counting down the days to Christmas.  With less than 10 boxes left, there is still more to tell in the Christmas Story...

Box #16 is loaded with bells to symbolize spreading the word of the Good News to others.

Luke 2:15-18

"When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, 'Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.'  So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the baby, who was lying in the manger.  When they had seen him, the spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them."

The visit of the angel to the shepherds caused them to seek The One they heard about.  They searched for the child in the manger, and they found him!  After finding Jesus, they told others about Him. 

Finding Jesus has that affect on people.  Jesus changes the hearts and lives of individuals and those who find Him have an incredible urge to tell others about Him...to spread the Good News meant for all people. 

That's our call too.  To share Jesus and what He has done for us and in us.  How are you spreading the Good News this Christmas? 

Advent Calendar Day Fifteen

In Box #15 there are many gold "halos" representing the multitude of angels

Luke 2:13-14

"Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God ans saying, 'Glory to God in the highest; and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.'"

Can you imagine what it would have been like?  The lowly shepherds were out in the fields at night.  Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared and spoke to them.  They were terrified but the angel spoke of the Good News which was nearby.  Then, the skies were filled with angels giving praise to God.  A life-changing experience! 

The shepherds got a glimpse of heaven, but soon they would meet the One who would provide the only way to get to heaven.  God's Good News had arrived for all men!

Advent Calendar Day Fourteen

December 14

Yesterday we read about the angels telling the shepherds the Good News.  In Box 14 we read about the shepherds being told where to find the baby Jesus.

Luke 2:12

"'This will be a sign to you:  You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.'"

Advent Calendar Day Thirteen

In Box #13 the Good News is proclaimed to the shepherds.

Luke 2:8-11

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born for you; he is Christ the Lord.'"

In that tiny stable, the Prince of Peace was born.  The One who would make peace between God and man.  The One who would die in our place so we could live forever with God in eternity.  That's Good News.  News so good cannot be contained, it must be shared.  The shepherds were the first to hear the good news.

Advent Calendar Day Eleven

In box #11 of the Advent Calendar there is a piece of a blanket (thanks to one of my children for sharing a very loved portion!)

Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem for the census.  It was crowded and all the inns were full.  They were able to find shelter in a stable.  When the time came for her to give birth and bring Jesus into the world she wasn't in a familiar place, surrounded by female relatives and a midwife.  She was in a stable, surrounded instead by animals and a man to whom she was engaged.  Not my ideal setting or situation, but God, who is wise and loving, had the entire plan orchestrated. 

Luke 2:7

"and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.  She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in the manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."

Advent Calendar Day Ten

Although today is December 13th I am catching up with our advent calendar.  The unexpected trials in life have caused us to fall behind...a sudden, unanticipated death in our extended family, cars that won't start, etc.  So, today on the 13th, I will go back to December 10th and box #10 in the Advent Calendar:

If you remember from December 8th, Joseph and Mary had to travel to Bethlehem to register for the census. 

Luke 2:6-7

"While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son..."

A long journey, and now a birth of the anticipated One.  Mary had been told by the angel that she would carry the Messiah.  He would be named Jesus.  Joseph was told by the angel that he should still take Mary as his wife because this was all God's plan.  And now that they were in Bethlehem, the very place that God had said that the Messiah would come from...Jesus was born.  God's plan, to redeem people to Himself through the birth and sacrifice of His One and Only Son, was finally entering the world.  Hope!   

Advent Calendar Day Eight

On this day, the eighth of December, we found a "donkey" in our box. 

The donkey reminds us of the journey Joseph and Mary had to take to Bethlehem. 

Luke2:4

"He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child."

I cannot imagine what it would have been like to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem being very pregnant.   I've always stayed close to home during the last month of my pregnancies with my bags packed and ready to go to the hospital.  Mary didn't have that luxury.  Because of the census that had been ordered (Luke 2:1) Joseph had to go to his hometown to register.  The timing wasn't convenient for Mary, but it was God's timing.  His plan was for the Savior to be born in Bethlehem.  He used a Roman ruler to accomplish His plan. 

For me, I like to plan things out in advance.  But sometimes my planning may not be what God has preordained in His will.  Do I submit to His will, or complain that my plans have been interrupted?  

Advent Calendar Day Two

On this second day of Advent, we are one step closer to the Savior.  In today's box we found rings as a symbol of the engagement of Joseph and Mary.

Matthew 1:18

"This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about:  His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit."

I wonder how Mary felt.  She had been visited by the angel Gabriel and told of God's plan.  But now she would have to walk a difficult road in her love and obedience to God.  Others would talk and question, but Mary trusted God and submitted her heart to His plan.  And I'm so glad she did!

What challenging road does God have you on right now?  Can you trust Him with your heart, as Mary did so many years before?

Advent Calendar Day One

Each year we have looked foward to Christmas with an Advent Wreath.  This year, we have added an Advent Calendar, with each box filled not with treats, but the best treasure of all...the Christmas story. 

Last evening the children looked all over the house for the items needed to fill the advent calendar.  Then we opened box number one to find an angel and the following verse:

Luke 1:26-28, 31

"In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David.  The virgin's name was Mary.  The angel went to her and said, 'Greetings, you who are highly favored!  The Lord is with you...You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.'"

I hope you are blessed as you focus this advent on preparing your heart for the arrival of the Greatest Gift of all!

*I found the wonderful idea for this advent calendar (and all the instructions for it) on another blog

Here is another spot where you can go to get ideas to celebrate the season of advent!

A Season of Advent

advent (ad'vent) n.

1. arrival or coming into being

2. the coming of Christ into the world

Advent Wreath

Our church has an advent wreath at Christmastime. The wreath consists of 4 taper candles (3 purple and 1 pink) and a white Christ candle in the center. (Our wreath is missing the white candle right now.)

The word "advent" means "coming". The during Advent, the four Sundays leading up to Christmas, we stop to remember that we are looking forward to the coming of Jesus to earth.
Over the years we have used several different Advent Devotionals, some kid-friendly, others a little challenging. One devotional that I have used the past several Christmases is Looking Forward to the Nativity. It isn't an "Advent" devotional that speaks directly to the meaning of each candle, but it is a great devotional that begins with creation, speaks of sin entering the world, and our need for a savior throughout the generations. Another book we have used is Christ in the Carols. It is a great devotional too that tells the meaning and the history of the various Christmas carols. I usually just read one devotional, and then use the other to sing carols with the family. (Courtney and I made the wreath many years ago from a wreath, picks, candle holders and ribbon. She picked out all the pieces as a 2 year old and we've been using it ever since!)