Shine Upon Us

We just had the first of two Christmas programs, "Shine Upon Us" this past Sunday December 17th. we will be repeating it for those who couldn't make it the first time on Christmas Eve. The first event was well attended with regulars and visitors and the children and young people all did so well with their parts. We learned a lot about the stars and all that they meant in Bible days. Did you know that Hubble estimates there to be over 10 sextillion stars in our universe? That's ten with twenty-one zero's. and is over 1.000 stars for every grain of sand on earth. And here we thought the sands were innumerable! CH Spurgeon said, "He who counts the stars and knows them all by name is in no danger of forgetting his own children." Isn't that a comforting thought and is it any wonder that God chose for his own son--the very Light of the World to be born under the light of a star? The people who walked in darkness have surely seen a great light and it is no different today, those who walk in the light will always find him! Our prayer is that we here in Caldwell, Idaho can be a light to a dark and dying world and that with God's help and your prayers, we can shine just a bit brighter in this new year.

If it works correctly, the following should be a short video clips and if not, well....enjoy the photos. LOL

 

I also had a video clip of Kayla's part, but its formatted strangely and won't load. Perhaps I can get another next Sunday and add it then.

Prepare Him Room

 

I'd like to share a few notes from my husbands Sunday sermon as a reminder to keep a place for Jesus in your Christmas.

 

When They Saw The Star One evening after Thanksgiving I was putting up Christmas lights outside. It had been a busy day we had started early done some shopping, I don't remember all that went on but it was one of those days where you go, go, go. It was 4pm when I started and I had a bunch of lights to put up. I was racing against the clock. Because night comes early at the end of November...you know. I worked hard straight through till dark. I was up and down the ladder, climbing back and forth all over the roof. I was focused on all those little bulbs, trying to get it all just right. Sometimes Id find some bulbs that were out and so Id pull out the little bulbs and thread the little wires through carefully clicking a new one in place trial and error. Focus, focus, focus. Head down, get it done get it done! I had a purpose. I wanted it to look nice the kids love the lights and the wife does too. I wanted to make them happy. Then as I worked along the gutters I saw they had collected leaves so I tried to multi task, cleaning the gutter at the same time I put up lights. Thus I made more work for myself as I threw all the soggy, muddy leaves down to the ground and I had to clean them up. Go, go, go focus, focus, focus and I finally finished just as it was near complete darkness. I got in the house and my wife. (who as far as I know had been inside the whole time) said, What did you think of that sunset? And I was like, what sunset? Was there a sunset? It was now dark so obviously there had been! Then she showed me a picture that she had stepped out on the patio and taken.  She was busy too working on this and that back and forth in the house, multi tasking but she had a different viewpoint than I. She somehow kept an awareness of what was going on outside. She used the windows and had a better awareness of time than me. And when the time was right and the sunset was in prime beauty she stepped out and took her shot. All the while I was on the roof with the best seat in the house completely unaware with my head down focus, focus, focus. Hurry, hurry, hurry. And I missed it! I was kind of like the Jews that missed the significance of the star and the coming of the Messiah even though their lives had been consumed preparing and giving lip service to an expectancy of this very event. His brightness, beauty, & birth was lost on them all. Yet through the prism of history these gentile strangers (The Wise Men) have schooled them so well just as they did me when I finally stopped to think about it.  Very briefly, I want to give you in a nutshell what God seemed to whisper to me in this little thought on the wise men and the star. It would be wise of us to take a lesson from these fellows and learn to appreciate what's most important.  Surrender Your Schedule Thrill In Your Journey
Arrange Your Priorities Renew Your Worship I. Surrender Your Schedule Doubtless these wise men had busy lives much like we do today. Do you think on any level it took a sacrifice for them to set life aside and follow the star? I strongly believe that it did. (wife, family, business, powerful positions) But somehow their vision & purpose is captured and drawn into this passionate quest.  Contrast their sacrifice with what little we need to put out to truly appreciate the Christ of Christmas. They were stepping out on untried, unproven theory on the chance that they would witness history in the making. We have Gods proven, time tested word and the ready reality of Christ's mark on history today. Ask yourself, What excuse do I have tonight for not being thrilled and captivated with the Christ of Christmas? None, just like I had none for not seeing that great sunset. It would have taken me all of 10 seconds to notice it and I still could have gotten the job done. What is it? I need to Surrender My Schedule. This Christmas and as we enter a new year, determine to take the time to know Him better. Take the time for it to be real! Surrender Your Schedule! II. Thrill In the Journey We touched on this in the program. The context of the story strongly hints at a romance in this quest. These men were committed and in this for a reason! The Holy Spirit stirred in their hearts a passionate call. They were drawn by that star. They were hungry to know this Newborn King and see what a difference He could make in their lives. Each weary mile of the long, long journey was fueled by anticipation and excitement.  We could spend so much time on this. Wow, does the church need a revival right here?! How long have we carried the gospel? Do you think the church is taking it for granted today? How much moss have we allowed to grow over our testimony today?  I am convinced that journey transformed the lives of those wise men.  In the story of the Magi is the imagery of journeying in the ways of God. A great deal of the Bible is made up of journeys. The first thing God said to Abraham was, Go to a land that I will shew thee. (Genesis 12:1.) Israel came to be a nation by a journey from Egypt through the wilderness to the Promised Land. Even the coming of Christ from heaven to earth is presented as an awesome, mysterious journey. The journey of the Magi is in the same vein.  
Most of us want predictability. I want knowing God to be safe; I want to know the outcome before I start. But these travelers took an enormous risk. They didn't know what they would find. And they have become sterling examples of the life of faith.  One of the simplest of Jesus parables comes to mind (Mat 13:45)  Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:(Mat 13:46)  Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. This is the way God invites us toward him, the way he shapes us and strengthens us. He offers us treasure that must be valued above everything else. The Magi could have stayed in their libraries and palaces and kept on observing the sky. But some of them decided that if God had sent a King for the Jews and for the world, then they would go. The kingdom of heaven is like that. Discovering what is worth having and letting go of everything else to have it is the wisest choice we can ever make. We need to Thrill in the Journey! III. Arrange Your Priorities Once again, returning to my opening illustration, if my priority had been on the journey, not so much the task at hand that night in late November, I too could have enjoyed the blessing of seeing an extraordinary sunset. In retrospect I knew it really was an extra nice one when a couple days later at work a couple people at the office brought it up and were talking about it. And again, I was reminded Id missed it. Someone said, each sunrise is a message from God and each sunset is His signature to end the day. You might say, but what's another sunset? It happens every day. But I could counter that with this. What's another faithful token of Gods watch and care over us? It happens every day. We aren't any more special than any other of Gods children. He's demonstrated that same Grace a million times over. Why wouldn't we take it for granted after a while? Yet in reality He makes us feel we are special! He really, really wants to include you and me in an intensely personal relationship with Him. In fact, He makes it a priority. And its the LEAST I can do to honor that this Christmas (and always) by making it my priority also.  God demonstrated a personal, far reaching priority of His Redemptive Plan when he extended the vision of the Natal Star far beyond the boundaries of Ancient Judea. The wise men came from the ends of the earth as it were at that time. They answered the call. They arranged their priorities. And I can tell you with certainty that they were not sorry for it. They were immensely blessed! Arrange Your Priorities. 
IV. Renew Your Worship This story plays out the fact that these men were not what we could call heathens I don't believe. I think they could be called ignorant in a few things, but they were not heathen. It seems they had been walking in as much light as they had for a long time. It seems the journey was much more than the several months it took to journey to Bethlehem. I think they had been searching for truth for many, many years. And their openness to the God of Heaven prepared them for the appearing of the Star to indicate the time of Messiahs birth.  Although these fellows could be viewed as novices in the eyes of the Jews & perhaps even in the view of the modern Christian Church, I think the final lesson they can teach us today is what it takes for personal revival & renewal of worship-no matter how long you have been serving the Christ Child.  If you want to make it all the way through to your Heavenly Home, you will have to get gutsy at times. You will have to do some things that are daring. You will have to launch out on faith every once in a while. There will be times, just like the wise men had where it seems you are slogging along through a dry, barren desert land in a sand storm and you will wonder if there is really anything to it. You will wonder whether you can even make it. But remember the star, it may be obscured for a time but you'll know its still there. It will shine again in your heart and your mind. Just hold on. Push onward! (Mat 2:11)  And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him:  Wow, it says they fell down. That's dramatic. They were struck so strongly by the fact that they had finally found Him that the FELL down! All the years of searching and seeking the tiny glimpses of His glory. The study of the prophecies the glimpses of the star and now this. They were overcome, overwhelmed, and overjoyed! Would You Determine today to set out on a journey like theirs? Renew Your Worship 
Closing Comments: 
 Jesus birth, under that bright star, in that tiny town of Bethlehem was just the beginning of a much bigger story. Its the story of a preacher who, never having a church or even a home of his own, traveled the countryside healing the sick, performing miracles, and revealing the mysteries of the kingdom of God. Its the story of how that man was without sin. Its the story of a Son on earth whose life perfectly reflected the great light of love from his Father in heaven. Its the story of how God himself hung on a cross and suffered the death that we deserved so that we wouldn’t have to live in darkness. Its
the story of how he rose from the grave, conquering death and darkness with everlasting light. Its the story of how we can experience forgiveness and peace through him.  This is the journey of faith in Jesus. God gave us a star  a marker, a promise, a guide. We just have to make the wise choice to follow him.  
When they saw the star they followed it. It captured them & drew them in. Their hearts, their thoughts, their imaginations, their hopes & dreams were caught up in the Desire of Nations, the Hope of the Whole Earth, The Son of the Highest, The Prince of Peace, The Bright & Morning Star, The Great Emanuel.  
May the Lord Be With Us All As We Follow The Star! 

 

 

(Isn't he an amazing pastor/preacher?? I wrote our little program and he just got right under the burden and picked up where the program left off.)

 

Meanwhile, as we all know there are things that must be done to prepare for the season. Below are some of the things we are doing.

 

 

These are gift baskets for our church people. The baskets themselves were collected throughout the year in an *ahem* economical fashion. I hesitate to say "thrift stores" but they were completely cleaned and sanitized before we loaded them up with canned goods such as cinnamon pickles and jalapeno jelly. Each basket is especially made with each family in mind. They also included a Christmas card and a calendar magnet including church/pastor contact info and a small Christmas ornament.

 

 

Kaderick is preparing mostly by running and being hyper and constantly asking what he can eat to earn an extra Christmas sweet. Here he was actually being a wise man on top of camel Kammy. He had a little map of the United States and was searching for baby Jesus. I certainly hope and pray that America will indeed make room for him this year and if not, that he will at least be found in the hearts of my children, always.

 

 

This is actually prep for next Christmas! We had a snow day last Saturday and Kayla had a final so rather than send her off for it in her little Cruiser and worry the whole time, I took her in and passed a little time browsing ShopKo. I found this giftwrap 50% off so I stocked up for next year. We always do one certain wrap for each kids gifts and then I don't use gift tags just place them all under the tree and let them wonder whose is whose until Christmas day. Then sometimes they find a scrap of that paper in their stocking or as we plan to do this year, they try to guess. If they open the wrong persons present they think it's pretty fun to guess whose it is.

 

 

These guys are probably the ultimate example of how to enjoy and relax in the season. At the moment, they are also a pretty good picture of "Peace on Earth" although it isn't always so peaceful between these two.

 

 

Treat trays like this one are going out to our friends and neighbors, doctors, care centers, etc. They are made with love and prayed over before going on their way.



The Number 5

 

 

Still one of my favorite pictures of him with his adoring big sisters.

 

This is another favorite...I may have a lot of favorite pictures. lol.

 

 

Of course we can forget his very first pictures. I'm amazed when I look back at the pictures of our BIG babies--he's half growed up here.

 

 

I guess this would have to be my favorite of our little group of three. Hospital pictures are never the most flattering, but you have to admit this is at least sweet.

 

 

He's looking so grown up these days and just as handsome and sweet as ever!

 

 

His birthday requests this year were very easy to honor. Red and donkeys. I couldn't find a lot of donkey décor although I did think about checking with Hillary, chances are she had lots of leftovers from her cancelled coronation party. We asked Kaderick what made him want donkeys and he said, "It was just totally random. I like being random."

 His cake requests were as follows:

Homemade

Round, because flat is boring

Vanilla with chocolate frosting

Donkeys dancing on the top

 

 

As it turns out, the donkey wasn't random at all....he was quite important in the Christmas story and we learned about that as well.

 

 

 

His food list was the one that really blew us, but we stayed true to tradition and honored it 100%

We had popcorn chicken, plain rice with garlic, soft pretzels, fried egg whites, and honey greek yogurt.

 

 

He's actually eating his cake here, not sleeping.

 

 

Kaderick was so stinking adorable opening his gifts. And so thankful and sweet too. Here he is with all his gifts. One of the things we got him was a little puppy who eats treats and then has to go "potty." Grandma asked him what the puppy was named and when she didn't quite understand, Kaderick replied, "Pax, Grandma! Pax with an X!"

 

 

 

  The last event of the day involved animal baths and allowing them to come in for cuddles under the Christmas tree. Of course momma took advantage of the camera opportunity. Don't let the photo fool you, they aren't always so sweet.

 

Kaderick will be having oral surgery again in January. He has been the unfortunate recipient of terrible teeth--they believe because of his mastocytosis. We brush them several times a day and he still has problems. He just came off of antibiotics and we hope this will get him through the holidays without pain or infection. He has to go to Children's in Boise for the surgery as because of the masto he is prone to reactions and will have to be put all the way under for the extraction. Please help us pray that everything will go smoothly until and including the surgery.

 

Merry Kitchen to Me!

 

When we bought our house a little over two and a half years ago, the kitchen looked like this. Good bones, but stuck in the 70's and kinda looking like it had a bad case of gout.

 

 

Within a few months, it looked like this, a vast improvement, but still morphing.

 

 

Today, it looks like the photo below. Merry Kitchen to Me!

Now, let me say that while I completely love the end result, I was content in all three stages. In fact, I was a little surprised when the hubby began working on my kitchen again a few weeks ago. He's worked so hard on our home and I know that there have been some days when he really enjoyed it, but I also know there have been some days when it tried even his patience. The super amazing thing is that we've done probably 99.9% of the work ourselves and don't owe even one penny on the improvements we have made! THAT is a most WONDERFUL Dave Ramsey-ish feeling!

 

 

Here's another before and after picture with the "after" one still showing the old countertops and backsplashes. I  can visualize things pretty well, but even I am a little shocked at what a huge difference the new counters and subway tile backsplashes made. I absolutely LOVE the bright white tile in contrast with the dark gray countertop.

I took these pictures at night and obviously I should have waited for daylight. I kinda like the warn glow at night too though.

 

If you look closely, you'll see a new sink. I mean, like really new...new from the box...straight off the shelves at Home Depot. It doesn't drip either...not even if your forget to move the handle all the way to the left and chant a nursery rhyme backwards. It also doesn't leak, which means that there are no buckets or rags under the sink. In fact, the wood under the sink has been replaced and fresh paint has been applied. Woot Woo!

 

 

The appliances were also all gradually replaced with "new to us" (Craigslist) appliances. This we've found was a HUGE savings if you are willing to invest some elbow grease and lysol.

 

 

Gah! The stainless, the punched tin, the white subway tile, the cabinet hardware, and the faux granite countertops. Isn't it just like Santa?? Someone just may have seen momma kissing him.

 

This picture I took special because I love the little windowsill hubby made me. I never had one here before, and I am a huge supporter of windowsills. Smile. I also kinda like the little camper coffee mug sitting on this sill. It's high dollar...BIG SPLURGE from the Dollar Tree. Haha!

 

 

The view looking through the little "Mercantile" window from the dining room to the kitchen is a little different now days as well.

 

Here are my two sweet little girls mixing up a fresh batch of laundry soap one school day afternoon.



 

Kalli enjoys the kitchen just about as much as I do, I believe. She's a huge help to me these days. All my children are. I don't know what I'd do without them.

 

 

Peppermint Cheesecake. Yep, Kalli made it.

 

Saturday, Rick took a couple of Loomis trucks downtown to channel 7's big annual charity event. He had a couple of armored guards there with the truck as people came through and made donations. All the kids loved getting to see the inside of an armored truck and the company got some great publication too. Plus, the preacher got to be on TV. He wasn't preaching on it though, he saved that for today. Oh, nevermind. It's a pretty neat event and the causes are good charities like the Boise Rescue Mission and many other local missions.

 

 

The "It's Real" potato truck was also part of the event as well as all Albertsons and FredMeyer stores and many other local businesses.

 

 

About once a year, sometime close to Christmas, Rick takes me on a date to Olive Garden. We hardly ever eat out. Most of our trips to the garden only involve going out in the back yard, so this is special. Usually we get Gorgonzola Steak and Tiramisu. This year, we skipped the Tiramisu because we were full, but it was a super fun, photoless date followed up with coffee. The kiddos at home made gingerbread men while we were gone and had the mess all cleaned up and jammies on when we got home. I'm telling you....having big kids is the BOMB! There was a tiny baby at the booth next to us and I didn't even get a bit of that fever. Wink, wink.

PS, Aren't those gingerbread men darling though!!??

 

And there we are all matchy matchy. Rick and I bought those sweaters for $2.50 each on our anniversary last year at Macy's store closing sale. They have been borderline ugly, and gotten a lot of fun use. And no, Rick doesn't have one. lol

 

 

 

 

Peace as a result of position

Peace. It seems so elusive at times. In the heart, in the family, in the church, in the nation, and in the world. It seems everyone is looking for peace. Many pursuits are made, houses and cars purchased, so many material things grasped at in attempt to bring peace to the soul of man. Many treaties are signed, many wars are fought, much money is spent. Many servicemen and women give their lives. All in the name of peace.
Could it be that we have overlooked one very important message? What was it the angels sang?
Glory to God in the Highest...and on earth peace.
Only when man has placed God in the highest position--on the throne in his heart--can there be peace. For the family it is the same; "As for me and my house, we will put the Lord first." The church too, is successful only when GOD is it's theme. Man, his ideas, rules and messages are worthless if the highest position of glory is not given to God. In the nation and the world it is ultimately the same. While I highly respect those who fight for my freedoms, I also accept the fact that the search for peace continues until the Prince of Peace reigns. Until He is given complete glory and the the highest position in ones life, there can never be any true peace.
I wish you His peace this Christmas season as a result of His position in your heart!

 

 

Room for Jesus

 

Don't you love a well-decorated porch? They can be decorated to look so beautiful. Mine is quite simple, but I've seem some really grand and elaborate ones. They can appear so warm and welcoming too. I really love porches. They are homey and inviting and tend speak of the warmth and family just beyond. The thing about porches though, is that they are still on the outside...on the wrong side of a closed door, and while they can look perfect outside, you really don't know for sure what lies on the other side. So is the heart of man. While things may look just so from the outside, the truth is that a porch with a closed and locked door is just as lonely and cold as the plains beyond. I am so thankful for a Saviour who stood on my porch--at my hearts door 'mid sunshine and rain and patiently waited and entrance to gain. I am so glad that he just kept knocking. I encourage you who may have left him on the porch, to invite him in. He will be a friend and a comfort like none other. He will truly make your life complete!

 

 Have you any room for Jesus,

He who bore your load of sin?

As He knocks and asks admission,

sinner will you let Him in?

Room for Jesus King of Glory!

Hasten now His word obey,

Swing your heart's door widely open,

bid Him enter while you may.

Room for pleasure room for business,

but for Christ the Crucified?

Not a place that He can enter,

in the heart for which he died?

Have you any room for Jesus,

as in grace He calls again?

Oh, today is time accepted--

tomorrow you may call in vain.

Room and time now give to Jesus,

Soon will pass God's day of grace;

Soon thy heart left cold and silent,

and thy Saviour's pleading cease.

 

Behold, He stands at the door knocking, don't leave Him out in the cold.

Mid Century Farmhouse Rustic Christmas

Everyone is all ape and gaga over farmhouse décor these days or is it mid-century modern? Then there's traditional, french country, and rustic. I really have no idea what kind of décor I have. It's just me...family...things we like...things that are special to us and perhaps most importantly, whatever is free, homemade, thrifted or on clearance. Whatever the case, there is no better time of year in my opinion, than Christmas. It says family, its peaceful, warm, and serves as a constant reminder of the love in the great heart of God. I'm so happy and relieved to say that the Christmas cards are mailed, ALL the gifts purchased and wrapped, the program planned and practiced several times and we can now relax a little and bask in the true reason for this wonderful season. I'm sharing just a few pictures from our home. We really wish you could each be here in person to sit by the fire and enjoy hot coffee (tea if you are Christian, wink wink) and a slice of one of Kalli's latest creations from the kitchen.