Modern Living

In the dear dead days of recipe books,
Papa came home and asked "What cooks?"
Now, when hunger pangs are gnawing
He walks in and says "What's thawing?"

~taken from our grandmother's book: Don McNeil's Breakfast Club Memory Time

And mind you...that was 1952! What would the poet think of us today?

The Breakfast Club was a morning program that ran on ABC radio from 1933-1968 which makes Don McNeil the longest talk show host ever, beating Johnny Carson and Bob Barker.

Mary Poppins

"In every job to be done, there is an element of fun. Find the fun, and - snap - the job's a game!"~Mary Poppins

Small Things in Life

What God may hereafter require of you, you must not give yourself the least trouble about. Everything He gives you to do, you must do as well as ever you can, and that is the best possible preparation for what He may want you to do next. If people would but do what they have to do, they would always find themselves ready for what came next.

~George MacDonald (1824-1905)

Is Christianity Good For the World?

A debate between atheist Christopher Hitchens and theologian Douglas Wilson.

Is Christianity Good For the World?

Trailer for upcoming documentary:

Collision: Christopher Hitchens vs. Douglas Wilson

Obedience to the Point of Death

Follow Christ's Example ~Lori Sealy

Have this attitude in yourselves which is in Christ Jesus,who, though God, emptied Himself, became a servant became a man.He humbled Himself in obedience, obedience to the point of death.Willingly dying on the cross. Redeeming what was lost.

Let us not live selfishly but clothe ourselves in humility.Serving God & others first, follow Christ’s example.Children make my joy complete by living in unity.Of the same mind bound by love, follow Christ’s example.

Oh beloved do obey our Father’s righteous way.The Holy Spirit enables you to follow Christ’s example.Do not grumble or complain. Live as children without blame.Holding forth the Word of Truth, follow Christ’s example.

From Remember Your Creator CD:

Follow Christ's Example - Lori Sealy.com


Philippians 2:1-11
Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.

Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.

And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Loving Our Neighbor on Our Knees

More things are wrought by prayer
Than this world dreams of. Wherefore, let thy voice
Rise like a fountain for me night and day.
For what are men better than sheep or goats
That nourish a blind life within the brain,
If, knowing God, they lift not hands of prayer
Both for themselves and those who call them friend?
For so the whole round earth is every way
Bound by gold chains about the feet of God.
~Alfred Tennyson

Intercessory prayer might be defined as loving our neighbor on our knees.
~Charles H. Brent

Moreover, as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the Lord, in ceasing to pray for you. ~I Samuel 12:23

Cake Music

Great version of a song that brings back memories and bucket loads of laughter from an old pastime.

CAKE music

Hungarian Paprika Chicken

Ingredients :

8 chicken thighs, with skins and bones, about 2 1/4 pounds
1 tablespoon of olive oil
2 cups of onions, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon of salt
2 tablespoons of Hungarian paprika, in the big red can!
1 14 ounce can of whole tomatoes, drained
1/2 cup of chicken broth or water
1 1/2 teaspoons of all-purpose flour, stirred together with 1 tablespoon of water
2 tablespoons of sour cream, plus additional for serving
2 tablespoons of parsley, chopped

Instructions:
Pat chicken dry. Remove skin and reserve. Heat oil in a 5-quart heavy pot over moderate heat until hot, then cook skin until it renders about 1/4 cup fat. Discard skin with a slotted spoon.

Cook onion with salt in fat in pot over moderately high heat, covered, stirring occasionally and reducing heat if necessary, until onion is very tender but not browned, about 5 minutes.

Add paprika and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes and broth, stirring vigorously to break up tomatoes. Add chicken and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, 10 minutes. Simmer, uncovered, until chicken is just cooked through, 5 to 10 minutes longer.

Stir flour mixture and stir into sauce. Simmer, stirring, until sauce is slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.

Remove from heat, then season with salt and stir in 2 tablespoons sour cream. Serve, sprinkled with parsley, over noodles or rice, with additional sour cream on the side.

I doubled this recipe using 8 thighs and 8 legs and served it over Amish noodles.

I found this at Joy the Baker. She has pictures posted which show the dish and believe me it's as good as it looks!

Notes:
Cooking with paprika:
To release the full flavor and aroma of the paprika you have to add it to hot lard or oil, but pay attention because it can easily get burnt because of its sugar content. Burnt paprika tastes bitter and can ruin the whole dish. To be on the safe side turn the heat under the pan to the lowest level or remove the pan from the heat while you add the paprika to the hot oil and stir the mixture continuously.

Happy Crocheting!

Cozy Crochet ~ 26 projects from fashion to home decor - by Melissa Leapman.

I think crocheting is fun and for me, it's a lot easier than knitting. My grandmother crocheted and I learned from her. The first thing she taught me to do was a granny square, after making several we put them altogether to make an afghan. The main reason I bought this book is because it has directions for the old edgings you usually see on hand towels. Grandma showed me how to crochet the old-fashioned doilies but I never learned how to do edgings. Plus, it has a simple getting started section and 25 other projects, easy up to expert level. The girl's summertime hat made with raffia is one of my favorites.

Jerome Quote

Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.

~ Jerome (c. 347 – September 30, 420) was a monk and Bible scholar of the 5th century, a contemporary of Augustine.

Psalm 84

How lovely is Your tabernacle, O LORD of hosts!
My soul longs, yes, even faints for the courts of the LORD;
My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.

Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young—even Your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in Your house; They will still be praising You. Selah

Blessed is the man whose strength is in You,whose heart is set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a spring; The rain also covers it with pools. They go from strength to strength; Each one appears before God in Zion.

O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer; Give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah O God, behold our shield, and look upon the face of Your anointed.

For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.

O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man who trusts in You!

With All Your Mind

~Elisabeth Elliot

James Boswell, biographer, tells how when Samuel Johnson was still a child in petticoats, his mother put a prayer book into his hands, pointed out the collect for the day, and said, "Sam, you must get this by heart." She went upstairs, leaving him to study it. By the time she had reached the second floor, she heard him following her. "What's the matter?" she said. "I can say it," he replied, and repeated it distinctly, though he could not have read it more than twice.

Was he a genius at that age? Perhaps. But I think it more likely that his intellectual powers owed much to his parents' expectations and patient instruction.

Expect little and you'll surely get it.

Taken from~Keep A Quiet Heart

Spelling City

Educational and fun together is my kind of website for kids. Spelling City is a great spot for all ages. You can either pick words from their list or type in your own, be taught, tested, or play a game. Whether you choose a crossword, word search, or another game it automatically uses your chosen words. This month's list to pick from has words of Latin origin, compound words, Lion, Witch & Wardrobe and more plus a nifty handwriting sheet to print out. It' s exciting to run across something on the web when you're not actually looking for it!

Thanks to Ree for the link.

I've updated my sidebar with a few of our favorite sites for kids.

Let's Go Potty

A baby is an alimentary canal with a loud voice at one end and no responsibility at the other. ~ E. Adamson

Self Denial

~Elisabeth Elliot

"The earlier the parents begin to make the laws of order and beauty and quietness comprehensible to their children, the sooner they will acquire good, strong notions of what is so basic to real godliness: self-denial. A Christian home should be a place of peace, and there can be no peace where there is no self-denial."

Give up.
Give in.
Give way.
Give thanks.
Be ye kind.
Wait your turn.
Serve one another in love.

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." Galations 5:22-23

Do Not Rush. Trust. And Keep a Quiet Heart

~ Annie Keary (1825-1879)

I think I find most help in trying to look on all the interruptions and hindrances to work that one has planned out for oneself as discipline, trials sent by God to help one against getting selfish over one's work. Then one can feel that perhaps one's true work - one's work for God - consists in doing some trifling haphazard thing that has been thrown into one's day. It is not a waste of time, as one is tempted to think, it is the most important part of the work of the day - the part one can best offer to God. After such a hindrance, do not rush after the planned work; trust that the time to finish it will be given sometime, and keep a quiet heart about it.

Psalm 63:5-8

My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food,
and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips,
when I remember you upon my bed,
and meditate on you in the watches of the night;
for you have been my help,
and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.
My soul clings to you;
your right hand upholds me.

Big Band

It's Time and Männersachen are two CD's we enjoy. It's surprising how similar these two guys sound. Michael Buble is a Canadian big band singer and Roger Cicero is a German jazz musician. If you enjoy Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, I bet you'll like these too.

Roger Cicero

Michael Bublé

Chocolate Rum Cake - Easy

1 box Betty Crocker dark chocolate cake mix
1 large 5.1 oz box Jello instant vanilla pudding
4 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup oil
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla
6 tablespoons rum

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix on high speed for 10 minutes. Bake in a greased/floured bundt pan for 1 hour @ 350 degrees.

Glaze
1 stick butter
1 cup sugar
3 tablespoons rum

Put ingredients in a saucepan and heat until boiling, let boil for 2 minutes, no longer. Pour glaze around outside of cake pan immediately upon removing from oven and let cool for 20 minutes. Remove from pan.

The Book Club

Our next book to read is The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Emmuska Orczy. Written in 1905, it takes place during the French Revolution. The Scarlet Pimpernel is the leader of a secret society. His nickname comes from the small red flower which he uses to sign his messages.

Orczy wrote in her autobiography, Links in the Chain of Life:
I have so often been asked the question: "But how did you come to think of The Scarlet Pimpernel?" And my answer has always been: "It was God's will that I should." And to you moderns, who perhaps do not believe as I do, I will say, "In the chain of my life, there were so many links, all of which tended towards bringing me to the fulfillment of my destiny..."

Making Books

Susan Kapuscinski Gaylord is a book artist and has a website with great ideas for making books with kids. She uses materials that are simple to find -brown paper bags, cereal boxes, used copy paper,etc. Easy directions and lots of creative fun.

Making Accordian Books

Susan's book ideas

Diligence

In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening do not withhold your hand; For you do not know which will prosper, either this or that, or whether both alike will be good. ~Ecclesiastes 11:6

Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Thy Word

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” ~John 8:31-32


Lord, keep us steadfast in Thy Word;
Curb those who fain by craft and sword
Would wrest the Kingdom from Thy Son
And set at naught all He hath done.

Lord Jesus Christ, Thy power make known,
For Thou art Lord of lords alone;
Defend Thy Christendom that we
May evermore sing praise to Thee.

O Comforter of priceless worth.
Send peace and unity on earth.
Support us in our final strife
And lead us out of death to life.

~Martin Luther, 1541

Let's Have Some Fun

Thanks to Shannon for the Line Rider link. Have you read Rocks In My Dryer yet?

The Book Club

We'll be meeting December 2nd, Tuesday night, 7:30 PM at Midnight Oil. I hope you all have enjoyed The Mysterious Benedict Society! Bring your ABC list of interesting words you found and as always, bring a new book suggestion. Did anyone happen to catch the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde reference?

Thanksgiving 2008

Happy Thanksgiving!

So Spoke Her Son

I’m so deeply honored to be granted the privilege of writing the first – the very first – guest post on this blog, that I am making full use of fall break, spreading out my guest post research notes all over the kitchen table, developing carpal tunnel syndrome, straining my eyes, and finally producing this final masterpiece of literature.

Maybe that’s overstating it a little bit, but you get the picture. This guest post shouldn’t be taken as an actual serious post. Nothing will be gained from reading this. And I should say that I’m a little out of my demographics here. I’m not a married woman with children. So…with that disclaimer…here is my post.

I’m happy to present a list of my favorite songs that married women with children may or may not like!

Brightly Wound – Eisley
So I Thought – Flyleaf
Sweet Child O’ Mine – Guns N’ Roses
Chasing Cars – Snow Patrol
Maps – Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Viva La Vida – Coldplay
Shine – Collective Soul
Zombie – The Cranberries
Invisible Sun – The Police

I’ve even put together a handy little playlist so that you can try the music out just for yourself.


Hypster.com Playlist.

Organization

Organized people are just too lazy to get up and look for it!
~unknown

Our Children in Church

Pastor Wilson has some encouraging words posted on the topic of children in church:

Toddlers on Your Lap

Psalm 117

Let all peoples praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles!
Laud Him, all you peoples!
For His merciful kindness is great toward us,
and the truth of the Lord endures forever.

Praise the LORD! ~Psalm 117

Hot Drink Mixes

My Mocha Mix

2 cups powdered milk
2 cups plain coffee creamer
2 cups sugar
1 cup cocoa
1 cup Nescafe instant coffee

Hot Spiced Tea Mix

2 cups Lipton lemon ice tea mix
2 cups Tang orange drink mix
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves

An Old Proverb

One kind word can warm three cold winter months.

Reformed Pastor

Our pastor's sermon notes are now online, you can find them on his blog:

Reformedpastor.com

Art for Kids

This art book for kids is one that we have completely worn out. Lots and lots of ideas, very practical. I'm also glad to have found these two helpful art blogs. They both are creative and have wonderful projects.

Bookou Crafts

Art Projects for Kids

We recently did the turkey scratch drawing from Art Projects for Kids that turned out to be lots of fun. I've got my eye on this turkey, he looks really cute and perfect for little ones to make:

Turkey Spoon Craft

Broccoli Cheese Soup

1/2 cup butter
1 onion, chopped
1 (16 ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli
4 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth
1 (1 pound) loaf processed cheese food, cubed
2 cups milk
1 tablespoon garlic powder
2/3 cup cornstarch
1 cup water

DIRECTIONS
In a stockpot, melt butter over medium heat. Cook onion in butter until softened. Stir in broccoli, and cover with chicken broth. Simmer until broccoli is tender, 10 to 15 minutes.

Reduce heat, and stir in cheese cubes until melted. Mix in milk and garlic powder.

In a small bowl, stir cornstarch into water until dissolved. Stir into soup; cook, stirring frequently, until thick.

~Karin Christian

Thou Who Art Three in Unity

Thou who art Three in unity,
True God from all eternity,
The sun is fading from our sight,
Shine Thou on us with heavenly light.

We praise Thee with the dawning day,
To Thee at even also pray;
With our poor song we worship Thee
Now, ever, and eternally.

Let God the Father be adored,
And God the Son, the only Lord,
And God the Holy Spirit be
Adored throughout eternity!

~An imitation from the Gregorian hymn, "O lux beata trinitas."

Smooth Jazz

Old times + great memories = Earl Klugh's Soda Fountain Shuffle.

Soda Fountan Shuffle

Earl Klugh

Sunsets

Many gorgeous sunsets are enjoyed from our home.

Silver Platters and Everyday Dishes

by Debbie Allred

"It's just a Silver Platter,"
Cried the Everyday Dish,
As the Master took it from it's
Place and polished it.
"How can he keep it there with
Nothing to do all day?
He only uses it once in a while
To put it on display.
But I on the other hand work
Very hard all day.
I never get a special occasion
For which to be on display."

"It's just an Everyday Dish,"
The Silver Platter said,
As the Master used it for the seventh
Time before he retired to bed.
"Why does he seem to care for it,
And use it everyday?
Since it's just an Everyday Dish
And can never be on display."
But I on the other hand sit
Here all the day.
I'm never used the seventh time.
I must wait to be on display.

"O Lord I thank thee for they goodness,"
Said the Master as he prayed.
"I have both an Earthen Vessel
And a Silver Platter for display.
By thy hand you have made a very great house,
And given strength to us all
By thy bounty in the vessels
Whether great or whether small.
They are both only vessels by
Which you serve your food.
Help us to remember
To in them place the good."

So we are only vessels, Lord
By which you serve your food.
Help us to depend on you to in us
Place the good.
That we might serve you worthily
Whether it be everyday,
Or perhaps an occasion of your choice
To serve while on display.

~Debbie shared this poem with a ladies group many years ago, during a wonderful Bible study where she walked us through the Life of David.

High Flight Society

We had the chance to have a meal with John Packer (far right) of the Christian rock band High Flight Society, and get to know him and his girlfriend Anna. John, his brother, Michael and two other friends formed a band in Cedartown, Georgia and have been hard at work over the last 8 years to build it up. They tour all over the country and when John is not performing he is busy doing graphic design. Their song Sweet Redeemer reached #47 on the CRW Top 100 Rock Songs chart for 2007. You can see more about them on MySpace. If you like rock try out their album, you'll enjoy it.

High Flight Society on MySpace

High Flight Society on Amazon

Taco Soup

When I make a recipe and someone asks the next day if there's anymore left, that's a good sign that it's a good one. This taco soup is from Paula Deen and it's one that is asked about until it's gone. Great for lunch with a sandwich or salad.


Taco Soup

2 lb ground beef
2 cup diced onions
1 15 1/2-ounce cans pink kidney beans
2 15-1/2 ounce cans pinto beans
1 15 1/4-ounce can whole kernel corn, drained
1 14 1/2-ounce can Mexican tomatoes
1 14 1/2-ounce can diced tomatoes
1 14 1/2-ounce can tomatoes with chilies
2 4 1/2-ounce cans diced green chilies
1 small can black olives, drained and sliced (optional)
1/2 cup green olives, sliced (optional)
1 1 1/4-ounce package taco seasoning mix
1 1-ounce package ranch salad dressing mix
Corn chips
Sour cream
Grated cheese
Chopped green onions
Jalapenos

Directions:
Brown the ground beef and onions in a large skillet; drain the excess fat, then transfer the browned beef and onions to a large crackpot or a stockpot. Add the beans, corn, green onions, tomatoes, chilies, olives, and seasonings, and cook on low setting all day (6 to 8 hours) if using a crock pot, or simmer over low heat for about 1 hour in a stockpot on the stove. To serve, place a few corn chips in each bowl and ladle soup over them. Top with sour cream, cheese, and jalapenos.

Yield: 12 to 16 servings Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 8 hours crock pot, 1 hour stock pot method

Paula Deen Online

If you'd like to make your own taco seasoning mix try this:

Taco Seasoning Mix

2 tsp. instant minced onion
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. cornstarch
1/2 tsp. crushed dried red pepper
1/2 tsp. instant minced garlic
1/4 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. ground cumin

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl until evenly distributed. After browning 1 lb. of ground beef, add the seasoning mix, along with 1/2 cup water, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. And there you have it -- your very own taco seasoning mix.

From~Sweet Peas and Happy Things

Count Your Blessings

Thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee.

~Deuteronomy 8:2

The Book Club - Extra Credit

Just for Fun: As you're reading The Mysterious Benedict Society make a list of the alphabet and try to find unique words to fill in all of the ABC's. Feel free to assign more than one word to each letter. It might be more fun with an older book but let's do it anyway!

Two Sets of Triplets

Snipp, Snapp, Snurr and the Red Shoes and Flicka, Ricka, Dicka Bake a Cake are great picture books for kids. These two are part of a series of books about little Swedish boys and girls. Written and illustrated in 1954 by Maj Lindman. Bright, cheerful, warm and wholesome stories. I recommend them all!

The Beloved Triplet Series

Recipe Request

I'm looking for an old fashioned fudge recipe that doesn't use marshmallow creme, sweetened condensed milk or powdered sugar. One that's tried and true, know of one?

Today is Fun!

Lots of tips and ideas for fun stuff to do with kids.

Todayisfun.com

Praying Mantis

"I'm about as athletic as a praying mantis on steroids."

~My 19 year old

Beef in Burgundy Sauce

Lynda brought this dish along with her great homemade bread over when my 13 year old was a newborn and we have enjoyed this recipe ever since. We serve it over rice and like it says lots of French bread.

Beef in Burgundy Sauce

3 pounds lean beef chuck, cut into 1 inch cubes
1- 101/2 ounce can condensed consomme
1 cup V8 juice
1 cup burgundy wine
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1- 101/2 ounce can condensed onion soup
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon celery salt
2 bay leaves
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/3 cup water

Combine all ingredients except cornstarch and water in a large saucepan. Cover and simmer slowly until meat is tender, about 2 hours. Stir occasionally. Remove bay leaves. Combine cornstarch and water; stir mixture into hot stew. Cook until sauce thickens. Serve with lots of French bread.

Cloud of Witnesses

In the glorious company of the apostles, the goodly fellowship of the prophets, the noble army of martyrs, the holy Church throughout all the world is one. Therefore year by year let us reverently commemorate their names, remembering what they were, but steadfastly gazing at what they are. Their very words are still ringing in our ears: of some the beloved image too is full before us. Let us live as they would bid us, could they still speak: let us fulfil their known behests, following in their steps, filling up the works that they began, carrying on their hallowed offices, now bequeathed to our care; let us be like them in deadness to sin, and unceasing homage to our unseen Lord. As we grow holier, we grow nearer to them; to be like them is to be with them; even now they are not far from us, we know not how nigh.

~Henry Edward Manning (1808-1892)

Wartburg Castle

1521 January 3 Excommunicated in Rome
1521 April 16 Arrives at Diet of Worms
1521 April 25 Departs Worms
1521 May 4 Kidnapped by Frederick, taken to Wartburg Castle

During Luther's 10 month stay at Wartburg he composed the Wartburg Papers, 13 smaller letters and translated the New Testament into German. During the 16th century people travelled to this location and carved their names into the wood panelling in Luther's Room. The ink stain on the wall (up to 100 years ago) was considered proof of the Luther's fight with the devil. Pieces were removed for souvenirs which in turn caused Luther's desk to be destroyed. The furniture was replaced with pieces from the Luther family. His footstool- a whale vertebra- is from the original inventory!

Luther's Living Room & Study with ceramic stove:

Other areas of the castle:

It's hard to see in this snapshot but notice the beautiful gold cross on top of the main tower, it was placed there as a symbol to mark Wartburg as a religious castle.

That Man a Godly Life Might Live

Diess sind die heil'gen zehn Gebot'~Martin Luther

Melody from an old German Processional- Wittenberg, 1525

That man a godly life might live,
God did these ten commandments give
By his true servant Moses, high
Upon the mount Sinai.
Have mercy, Lord.

I am thy God and Lord alone,
No other God besides me own;
On my great mercy venture thee,
With all thy heart love thou me.
Have mercy, Lord.

By idle word and speech profane
Take not my holy name in vain;
And praise not aught as good and true
But what God doth say and do.
Have mercy, Lord.

Hallow the day which God hath blest,
That thou and all thy house may rest;
Keep hand and heart from labor free,
That God may so work in thee.
Have mercy, Lord.

Give to thy parents honor due,
Be dutiful and loving too;
And help them when their strength decays;
So shalt thou have length of days.
Have mercy, Lord.

Kill thou not out of evil will,
nor hate, nor render ill for ill;
Be patient and of gentle mood,
And to thy foe do thou good.
Have mercy, Lord.

Be faithful to thy marriage vows,
Thy heart give only to thy spouse;
Keep thy life pure, and lest thou sin
Keep thyself with discipline.
Have mercy, Lord.

Steal not; oppressive acts abhor;
Nor wring their life-blood from the poor;
But open wide thy loving hand
To all the poor in the land.
Have mercy, Lord.

Bear not false witness, nor belie
Thy neighbor by foul calumny;
Defend his innocence from blame,
With charity hide his shame.
Have mercy, Lord.

Thy neighbor's wife desire thou not,
His house, nor aught that he hath got;
But wish that his such good may be
As thy heart doth wish for thee.
Have mercy, Lord.

God these commandments gave, therein
To show thee, son of man, thy sin,
And make thee also well perceive
How man for God ought to live.
Have mercy, Lord.

Help us, Lord Jesus Christ, for we
A Mediator have in thee;
Without thy help our works so vain
Merit naught but endless pain.
Have mercy, Lord.

Sing with Cyber Hymnal

Lutherhaus

One of the fun things we did in Germany was to walk the streets where Martin Luther once walked as a schoolboy. We first visited the home where Bach was born and then walked down the street to Luther's house that he lived in from 1498-1501. How exciting to step back in time! The first two pictures are from Luther's house and the others are from the town to give an idea of what modern Eisenach looks like today, probably not too different from the past. (Even though there are remnants from the effects of communism, many of the buildings have been restored.)

Luther's Little Instruction Book

The Ten Commandments:
~Martin Luther

The Simple Way a Father Should Present Them to His Household

A. The First Commandment
You must not have other gods.
Q. What does this mean?
A. We must fear, love, and trust God more than anything else.

B. The Second Commandment
You must not misuse your God's name.
Q. What does this mean?
A. We must fear and love God, so that we will not use His name to curse, swear, cast a spell, lie or deceive, but will use it to call upon Him, pray to Him, praise Him and thank Him in all times of trouble.

C. The Third Commandment
You must keep the Sabbath holy.
Q. What does this mean?
A. We must fear and love God, so that we will not look down on preaching or God's Word, but consider it holy, listen to it willingly, and learn it.

D. The Fourth Commandment
You must honor your father and mother. [So that things will go well for you and you will live long on earth].
Q. What does this mean?
A. We must fear and love God, so that we will neither look down on our parents or superiors nor irritate them, but will honor them, serve them, obey them, love them and value them.

E. The Fifth Commandment
You must not kill.
Q. What does this mean?
A. We must fear and love God, so that we will neither harm nor hurt our neighbor's body, but help him and care for him when he is ill.

F. The Sixth Commandment
You must not commit adultery.
Q. What does this mean?
A. We must fear and love God, so that our words and actions will be clean and decent and so that everyone will love and honor their spouses.

G. The Seventh Commandment
You must not steal.
Q. What does this mean?
A. We must fear and love God, so that we will neither take our neighbor's money or property, nor acquire it by fraud or by selling him poorly made products, but will help him improve and protect his property and career.

H. The Eighth Commandment
You must not tell lies about your neighbor.
Q. What does this mean?
A. We must fear and love God, so that we will not deceive by lying, betraying, slandering or ruining our neighbor's reputation, but will defend him, say good things about him, and see the best side of everything he does.

I. The Ninth Commandment
You must not desire your neighbor's house.
Q. What does this mean?
A. We must fear and love God, so that we will not attempt to trick our neighbor out of his inheritance or house, take it by pretending to have a right to it, etc. but help him to keep & improve it.

J. The Tenth Commandment
You must not desire your neighbor's wife, servant, maid, animals or anything that belongs to him.
Q. What does this mean?
A. We must fear and love God, so that we will not release his cattle, take his employees from him or seduce his wife, but urge them to stay and do what they ought to do.

K. The Conclusion to the Commandments
Q. What does God say to us about all these commandments?
A. This is what He says:

"I am the Lord Your God. I am a jealous God. I plague the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of those who hate me with their ancestor's sin. But I make whole those who love me for a thousand generations."

Q. What does it mean?
A. God threatens to punish everyone who breaks these commandments. We should be afraid of His anger because of this and not violate such commandments. But He promises grace and all good things to those who keep such commandments. Because of this, we, too, should love Him, trust Him, and willingly do what His commandments require.

Luther's Hymns

The following words have been quoted from Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772-1834)

"Luther did as much for the Reformation by his hymns as by his translation of the Bible. In Germany the hymns are known by heart by every peasant; they advise, they argue from the hymns, and every soul in the church praises God like a Christian, with words which are natural and yet sacred to his mind."

We Now Implore God the Holy Ghost
Verse 1 unknown, vers­es 2-4 Martin Luther, 1524

We now implore God the Holy Ghost
For the true faith, which we need the most,
That in our last moments He may befriend us
And, as homeward we journey, attend us.
Lord, have mercy!

Shine in our hearts, O most precious Light,
That we Jesus Christ may know aright,
Clinging to our Savior, whose blood hath bought us,
Who again to our homeland hath brought us.
Lord, have mercy!

Thou sacred Love, grace on us bestow,
Set our hearts with heav’nly fire aglow
That with hearts united we love each other,
Of one mind, in peace with every brother.
Lord, have mercy!

Thou highest Comfort in every need,
Grant that neither shame nor death we heed,
That e’en then our courage may never fail us
When the foe shall accuse and assail us.
Lord, have mercy!

Sing with Cyber Hymnal

Reformation Day Celebration

Who is Martin Luther and why do we celebrate Reformation Day?

Martin Luther (November 10, 1483 – February 18, 1546) was a German monk, theologian, university professor, Father of Protestantism and church reformer whose ideas influenced the Protestant Reformation and changed the course of Western civilization. ~Wiki

Reformation Day is a religious holiday celebrated on October 31 in remembrance of the Reformation, particularly by Lutheran and some Reformed church communities.

On this day in 1517, Martin Luther posted a proposal at the doors of a church in Wittenberg, Germany to debate the doctrine and practice of indulgences. This proposal is popularly known as the 95 Theses, which he nailed to the Castle Church doors. This was not an act of defiance or provocation as is sometimes thought. Since the Castle Church faced Wittenberg's main thoroughfare, the church door functioned as a public bulletin board and was therefore the logical place for posting important notices. Also, the theses were written in Latin, the language of the church, and not in the vernacular. Nonetheless, the event created a controversy between Luther and those allied with the Pope over a variety of doctrines and practices. When Luther and his supporters were excommunicated in 1520, the Lutheran tradition was born.

The fact that Reformation Day coincides with Halloween may not be mere coincidence. Halloween, being the Eve of All Saints' Day might have been an entirely appropriate day for Luther to post his 95 Theses against indulgences since the castle church would be open on All Saints' Day specifically for people to view a large collection of relics. The viewing of these relics was said to promise a reduction in time in purgatory similar to that of the purchase of an indulgence. Dr. Luther may have been shrewd in his choice of that day to post his theses.

~From "Reformation Day"-Wiki

Previous post on Martin Luther

The Book Club

Our new book selection is The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart, an award winning children's novel written in 2007. Stewart has a website with fun stuff for the kids, an interview where you can hear him read an excerpt from his book, and another which tells of his Top 10, interesting facts you may not know.

Interviews

The Mysterious Benedict Society Website

Open, Obedient, Occupied

Words from Warren Wiersbe, speaking about our hearts:

Read Psalm 119:25-32

An enlarged heart, in the physical sense, is dangerous. But spiritually speaking, an enlarged heart can be a blessing. "I will run in the way of Your commandments, for You shall enlarge my heart" (v. 32). If you have an enlarged heart physically, you don't do much running. But if you have an enlarged heart spiritually, you are ready to walk and run with the Lord and accomplish His purposes. When an athlete is running, he is on a path and has a goal in mind, which gives him the energy to continue. That's what God wants for us today. He has a goal for us to reach and a path for us to follow. And He gives us His strength through His Word. What does it mean to have an enlarged heart? First, an enlarged heart is open to God's truth. It's a heart that's honest and says, "Lord, I want Your truth even if it hurts."

Second, an enlarged heart is obedient to God's will. It's a humble heart that says, "O God, what You have said, I will do. I am the servant. You are the master."

Third, an enlarged heart is occupied with God's glory. It's a happy heart. Some people's hearts are small and narrow. They live in their own little world and have their own narrow view. What a wonderful thing it is to grow in grace and the knowledge of truth (II Pet. 3:18)! Our horizons are expanded. We can see what we haven't seen before. We can hear what we haven't heard before. God gives us an enlarged life because we have an enlarged heart.

~Warren Wiersbe (1929-)

The Cat's Tail

"If you hold a cat by the tail you learn things you cannot learn any other way."~Mark Twain (1835-1910)

Goody O'Grumpity

A nice book to read during this time of year. The book summary reads," Children come from near and far to taste Goody O'Grumpity's wonderful spice cake."

The 1937 poem is written by Carol Ryrie Brink and in 1994, Ashley Wolfe, illustrated it by using linoleum block prints painted with watercolors. Wolfe says this about the name Goody:

"I knew that it was a custom in early America to call a married woman "goodwife", so perhaps Goody was a shortened term of endearment."

She also was able to find a 17th century spice cake recipe which is at the end of the book.

Goody O' Grumpity was a Pilgrim woman with a great big heart!

The Book Club

We'll be meeting Thursday night at Midnight Oil @7:30 to discuss The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Remember to bring your list of the Top 5 worst books you've ever read and please, please don't forget a new book to vote on. Hope to see you there!

Praise God

It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto Thy name, O most High: to show forth Thy lovingkindness in the morning, and Thy faithfulness every night.-Psalm 92:1,2

Miller Family

Remember the homeschool family that is touring Europe by bike? They're currently in Italy and have posted some new pictures. If you subscribe, you can follow along as they travel and view their photos.

Edventure Project

Chocolate Gravy

I didn't grow up with chocolate gravy but my husband did. His grandma used to fix it, his mom and aunts all fix it, and now of course we do. Serve it with hot buttered biscuits, bacon or sausage, and scrambled eggs. This recipe makes enough for 8 allowing plenty for seconds.

Chocolate Gravy

1 cup butter
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 cups milk

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add cocoa and flour; stir until a thick paste is formed. Stir in sugar, vanilla and milk. Cook, stirring constantly, until thick.

Churchill Quote

Personally I'm always ready to learn, although I do not always like being taught. -Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965)

Soft, Simple and Strong

We picked up this cute little one when my youngest was a baby and it has become a favorite. Viking Toys, a Swedish company, makes cars, trucks, planes, etc. in bright, bold colors. Chubby in design, and perfect for little hands to hold. You can wash them in the dishwasher but I'm really drawn to them because of the rubber wheels, they are super quiet when rolled around on the hardwoods!

Viking Toys

Mushrooms 2008

Corn Recipes

Corn Casserole

1 can whole kernel corn-drained
1 can cream style corn
1 small onion, minced
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1 package Jiffy cornbread mix
3 eggs
1/2 cup melted butter
1 cup half & half
2 cups cheddar cheese

Spray a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Mix all ingredients and pour into baking dish. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake 45 minutes at 350.

Creamed Corn
~Great for the crockpot

1 cup milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup Bisquick
3 pounds frozen sweet corn
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan Cheese
2 tablespoons parsley

Whisk together: milk, cream, sugar, salt, Worcestershire and Bisquick until smooth. Thaw corn under warm running water; drain. Place in crockpot. Add milk mixture and stir to coat well. Cook in crockpot HIGH for 3-4 hours. It will not look like anything is happening until the very end of the cooking time. Stir occasionally - especially the bottom. Flour may settle and stick, so scrape well.

Garnish with cheese and parsley when serving.

Tiny Little Things

~Elisabeth Elliot

When we were growing up our parents taught us, by both word and example, to pay attention to little things. If you do a thing at all, do it thoroughly.

When I went to boarding school the same principles I had been taught at home were emphasized. There was a hallway with small oriental rugs which we called "Character Hall" because the headmistress, Mrs. DuBose, could look down that hall from the armchair where she sat in the lobby and spot any student who kicked up the corner of a rug and did not replace it. She would call out to correct him, "It's those tiny little things in your life which will crack you up when you get out of this school!" In the little things our character was revealed. Our response would make or break us. "Don't go around with a Bible under your arm if you didn't sweep under the bed," she said, for she would have no pious talk coming out of a messy room.

"Great thoughts go best with common duties. Whatever therefore may be your office regard it as a fragment in an immeasurable ministry of love." ~Bishop Brooke Foss Westcott, (1825-1901)

God's Love

In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. ~ 1 John 4:10

Propitiation - In theology, the atonement or atoning sacrifice offered to God to assuage his wrath and render him propitious to sinners. Christ is the propitiation for the sins of men.

Propitious - Disposed to be gracious or merciful; ready to forgive sins and bestow blessings; applied to God.

~ Webster's 1828 Dictionary

Gift of Laughter

kb- this one's for you!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROwPoxwqG5Y&feature=related

White Rock Mountain

I've told the story of going to White Rock Mountain in my dad's Volkswagen Bus and all along wondering if we were gonna make it up the hill. So for an adventure, we all decided to go. The way there was just like I remembered, except we took a shortcut through the creek. We also saw interesting floral rock designs on a house, a Stonehenge replica, friendly cows and even an antique car that passed us. Once to the top the view was covered in a fog but the countryside was beautiful.