Christmas tree with lights
Soothing, beautiful, warm glow
Calms my heart tonight
Mary's Musings - thoughts of a missionary, home school mom
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Birthday Cake for Jesus
It has become a tradition in our family to make a birthday cake for Jesus. Here is our recipe! :)
1 Pillsbury White Cake Mix (or any White Cake Mix or recipe)
1 Deep Dark Chocolate Cake - http://www.hersheys.com/recipes/recipes/detail.asp?id=4608
(or any Chocolate Cake Mix)
Cream Cheese Icing - see below (or any white icing)
Yellow, Red and Green Food Colouring
Red Taper Candle
Box of Birthday Candles
Bake chocolate cake in ROUND pans according to directions, cool. Freeze 1 Choc cake for use later.
Mix White Cake mix and divide in 2 equal parts, adding green food colouring to 1/2 and red to the other. Bake in round pans according to directions, cool.
In the meantime, make cream cheese icing
9 oz. (250 g) cream cheese
3/4 cup softened margarine or butter
1 1/2 Tbsp vanilla
6 1/2 to 7 cups sifted icing sugar
Beat together cream cheese, butter and vanilla till light and fluffy. Gradually add in icing sugar to make icing of spreading consistency.
Set aside 1/2 cup icing and colour it with yellow food colouring.
Layer cakes, starting with chocolate, and then icing. Add the red layer, icing, and then green, and ice the whole cake. On the middle of the top, use the yellow icing to make a star, large enough for the red taper candle to fit into.
Light the candle and tell the Christmas story. Light a birthday candle for each person present and put it on the cake. Sing happy birthday to Jesus. Blow out the candles and cut one slice of cake.
Explain the the chocolate cake represents our sins, and the fact that because of our sin we are
separated from God (Romans 3:23 For ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God, Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord).
The red layer represents the fact that Christ died on the cross for our sins (1 John 1:7b The blood of Jesus Christ, God's son, cleanses us from all sin).
The white icing is to remind us that if we accept Christ's death on the cross and allow him to be Lord of our lives, he will wash away our sins! (Psalm 51:7b Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow)
The yellow (or gold) star reminds us that we will spend eternity with Him in Heaven! (John 14:2-3 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. )
The green layer of the cake is to remind us that our relationship with God continues to GROW from this point on. Green reminds of of growing things like grass and trees. (2 Peter 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.) The way we grow is to read the Bible and pray every day - then we like to sing the song "Read Your Bible, Pray every day."
Enjoy!!!!!!!!
1 Pillsbury White Cake Mix (or any White Cake Mix or recipe)
1 Deep Dark Chocolate Cake - http://www.hersheys.com/recipes/recipes/detail.asp?id=4608
(or any Chocolate Cake Mix)
Cream Cheese Icing - see below (or any white icing)
Yellow, Red and Green Food Colouring
Red Taper Candle
Box of Birthday Candles
Bake chocolate cake in ROUND pans according to directions, cool. Freeze 1 Choc cake for use later.
Mix White Cake mix and divide in 2 equal parts, adding green food colouring to 1/2 and red to the other. Bake in round pans according to directions, cool.
In the meantime, make cream cheese icing
9 oz. (250 g) cream cheese
3/4 cup softened margarine or butter
1 1/2 Tbsp vanilla
6 1/2 to 7 cups sifted icing sugar
Beat together cream cheese, butter and vanilla till light and fluffy. Gradually add in icing sugar to make icing of spreading consistency.
Set aside 1/2 cup icing and colour it with yellow food colouring.
Layer cakes, starting with chocolate, and then icing. Add the red layer, icing, and then green, and ice the whole cake. On the middle of the top, use the yellow icing to make a star, large enough for the red taper candle to fit into.
Light the candle and tell the Christmas story. Light a birthday candle for each person present and put it on the cake. Sing happy birthday to Jesus. Blow out the candles and cut one slice of cake.
Explain the the chocolate cake represents our sins, and the fact that because of our sin we are
separated from God (Romans 3:23 For ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God, Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord).
The red layer represents the fact that Christ died on the cross for our sins (1 John 1:7b The blood of Jesus Christ, God's son, cleanses us from all sin).
The white icing is to remind us that if we accept Christ's death on the cross and allow him to be Lord of our lives, he will wash away our sins! (Psalm 51:7b Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow)
The yellow (or gold) star reminds us that we will spend eternity with Him in Heaven! (John 14:2-3 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. )
The green layer of the cake is to remind us that our relationship with God continues to GROW from this point on. Green reminds of of growing things like grass and trees. (2 Peter 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.) The way we grow is to read the Bible and pray every day - then we like to sing the song "Read Your Bible, Pray every day."
Enjoy!!!!!!!!
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Bobotie (pronunciation: Ba-boo-eh-tee)
1 kg mince (2.2 lbs ground beef)
2 onions, sliced (I use 1 - for those of you that know me, even that much is a surprise!)
25 g butter (1 1/2 Tbsp)
20 ml curry powder (4 tsp)
3ml turmeric (heaping 1/2 tsp)
2 slices *white bread, crust removed
250 ml chutney (1 Cup)
30 ml vinegar (2 Tbsp)
15 ml brown sugar (1 Tbsp)
10 ml salt (2 tsp)
3 bay leaves
300 ml milk (1 1/4 cup)
3 eggs
Preheat oven to 180C (350F). Fry onions in butter until soft. Add curry powder and turmeric and cook for 2 minutes. Add mince and brown. In bowl, soak the bread in 60 ml (1/4 Cup) milk and mash with a fork. Add 1 beaten egg, chutney, vinegar, sugar and salt. Add to the meat mixture. Transfer to a greased baking dish and spread evenly. Arrange leaves on top. In a bowl, mix the remaining milk and 2 eggs and pour over the mince. Bake for 30 minutes.
The last time I made it I browned the mince separate so that I could drain it, and then I added it to the onions/spices. It still worked great!
*For THM try an on plan bread like cloud bread or Gwen’s Easy Bread.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Mixed feelings
The Next Christians
By Gabe Lyons
I have mixed feelings about this book. There are parts that I agree with, and parts that, though I don't outrightly disagree with, I feel are left wanting.
I agree that the world is changing - it is our responsibility to communicate unchanging Biblical truth to a constantly changing world! And I also agree that there are all different types of "Christians" as he reviews separatist and cultural Christians. I was almost holding my breath waiting to hear what Lyons finally came to when he said, "Isn't there another group of Christians who are getting it right?"
Lyons states of the restorers, that "Their faith activity isn't restricted to "religious" activities, but carries over into every day of the week and each aspect of their careers, relationships and social lives." I also agree when he states that this is not some new Christian idea, it's actually an old one.
I also agree that it is our responsibility to do everything we do to the best of our ability in order to bring all the glory to God. But I feel that some without a strong Biblical background would think that it's enough to "do good." It's a fine line that I don't feel is made clear in this book.
I also feel, that while evangelism isn't the ONLY goal of a Christian, that it is downplayed in the book. I think that there are times to simply be a witness by our actions, but there are times that it is also important to do more than that.
These are just a few examples of the reasons I kept putting this book down, yet coming back to it, as I received this book for free from Multnomah Books and agreed to read it and write a review.
By Gabe Lyons
I have mixed feelings about this book. There are parts that I agree with, and parts that, though I don't outrightly disagree with, I feel are left wanting.
I agree that the world is changing - it is our responsibility to communicate unchanging Biblical truth to a constantly changing world! And I also agree that there are all different types of "Christians" as he reviews separatist and cultural Christians. I was almost holding my breath waiting to hear what Lyons finally came to when he said, "Isn't there another group of Christians who are getting it right?"
Lyons states of the restorers, that "Their faith activity isn't restricted to "religious" activities, but carries over into every day of the week and each aspect of their careers, relationships and social lives." I also agree when he states that this is not some new Christian idea, it's actually an old one.
I also agree that it is our responsibility to do everything we do to the best of our ability in order to bring all the glory to God. But I feel that some without a strong Biblical background would think that it's enough to "do good." It's a fine line that I don't feel is made clear in this book.
I also feel, that while evangelism isn't the ONLY goal of a Christian, that it is downplayed in the book. I think that there are times to simply be a witness by our actions, but there are times that it is also important to do more than that.
These are just a few examples of the reasons I kept putting this book down, yet coming back to it, as I received this book for free from Multnomah Books and agreed to read it and write a review.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
A Month of Thankfulness
I'm going to attempt to write about 1 thing I am thankful for every day in November, in the spirit of Thanksgiving.
1. I am thankful for my family - both immediate and extended. I am grateful for each and every one and their unique ways!
2. I am thankful for cuddle time with my children tonight while we watched a movie. I love who they are becoming!
3. I am thankful for sweet rest, and for the feeling of accomplishment after checking quite a few things off on my "to do" list. Also for doctors and homeschool curriculum suppliers who allow God to bless me through them by giving discounts to missionaries.
4. I am thankful for my parents. My mom & dad have been an encouragement to me my whole life, making me believe I could accomplish whatever I set my mind to. My mom is still the one who believes I can do it all! I love you, Mommy!
5. I am thankful for Christ, His mercy and grace. I love that His mercies are new every morning, and that it's all about what He's done and who He is, not about who I am. "How refreshing to know You don't need me. How amazing to find that You want me."
6. I am thankful for my husband of 18 1/2 years! Brad is an amazing husband and father, and I am looking forward to growing old with him.
7. I am thankful for God's provision for all my needs, and that He even goes above and beyond and gives me many of my wants, as well!
8. Today I am thankful for God's forgiveness. I am thankful that a God who knows the depths of my heart still loves me.
10. I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of what God is doing in the lives of South African youth.
11. I am thankful for the ministry of Bobby Francis and Dave Weir, and for a new believer that is special to me!
12. I am thankful for my fuzzy brown "bear" socks given to me by my friend Jess Case! I love them, and I love you!
13. I am so thankful for the reminder tonight that my God is that same God of David. The same God who has provided all my needs in the past is the same God who will continue to do so in AMAZING ways in the future. I am so excited to be along for the adventure!
15. I am thankful for the chocolate scented Hershey pen from my friend Ella.
16. I am thankful for the opportunity to spend a long layover in Switzerland next week to visit my friend Marianne!
17. I am thankful for the van that was donated to us from Ada Bible Church in Michigan! Thank you for allowing God to bless us through you!
18. I am thankful for an unexpected check in the mail!!!
19. I am thankful to have my Mom's wedding ring. It makes me feel close to her when I wear it.
20. I am thankful for an early birthday present from Jane Stahl - an ice cream cake! :)
21. I am thankful for dinner out with friends!
22. I am thankful for a buyer for our van!
23. I am thankful for my husband's family and their love for our children.
24. I am thankful that my children were spoiled today with gifts from their Uncles.
25. I am thankful for an amazing time in Switzerland, including trips to Pilatus and Bern, and having Swiss food like Raclette, Swiss fondue, Berliners, and more! But even more thankful for the time together with forever heart friends.
26. I am thankful for our South African home church. We received such a warm welcome home from them and had an amazing time of worship together this morning!
27. I am thankful for a Pastor who preaches the whole Word of God.
28. I am thankful for the reminder to find new ways that I can show love to the body of Christ.
29. I am thankful that I can sleep in my own bed again!
30. I am thankful for the warm welcome from our friends at the airport.
1. I am thankful for my family - both immediate and extended. I am grateful for each and every one and their unique ways!
2. I am thankful for cuddle time with my children tonight while we watched a movie. I love who they are becoming!
3. I am thankful for sweet rest, and for the feeling of accomplishment after checking quite a few things off on my "to do" list. Also for doctors and homeschool curriculum suppliers who allow God to bless me through them by giving discounts to missionaries.
4. I am thankful for my parents. My mom & dad have been an encouragement to me my whole life, making me believe I could accomplish whatever I set my mind to. My mom is still the one who believes I can do it all! I love you, Mommy!
5. I am thankful for Christ, His mercy and grace. I love that His mercies are new every morning, and that it's all about what He's done and who He is, not about who I am. "How refreshing to know You don't need me. How amazing to find that You want me."
6. I am thankful for my husband of 18 1/2 years! Brad is an amazing husband and father, and I am looking forward to growing old with him.
7. I am thankful for God's provision for all my needs, and that He even goes above and beyond and gives me many of my wants, as well!
8. Today I am thankful for God's forgiveness. I am thankful that a God who knows the depths of my heart still loves me.
Psalm 103:11-129. I am thankful that it snowed while we were in the US! It made me feel like a little girl that got just what she wanted from her Daddy. Thank you, Abba Father, for Your simple yet amazing gifts!
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him.
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
10. I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of what God is doing in the lives of South African youth.
11. I am thankful for the ministry of Bobby Francis and Dave Weir, and for a new believer that is special to me!
12. I am thankful for my fuzzy brown "bear" socks given to me by my friend Jess Case! I love them, and I love you!
13. I am so thankful for the reminder tonight that my God is that same God of David. The same God who has provided all my needs in the past is the same God who will continue to do so in AMAZING ways in the future. I am so excited to be along for the adventure!
1 Samuel 17:37 And David said, “The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.”14. I am thankful for an amazingly supportive home church and especially for our Serving As Senders team! You are all such an encouragement to us!
15. I am thankful for the chocolate scented Hershey pen from my friend Ella.
16. I am thankful for the opportunity to spend a long layover in Switzerland next week to visit my friend Marianne!
17. I am thankful for the van that was donated to us from Ada Bible Church in Michigan! Thank you for allowing God to bless us through you!
18. I am thankful for an unexpected check in the mail!!!
19. I am thankful to have my Mom's wedding ring. It makes me feel close to her when I wear it.
20. I am thankful for an early birthday present from Jane Stahl - an ice cream cake! :)
21. I am thankful for dinner out with friends!
22. I am thankful for a buyer for our van!
23. I am thankful for my husband's family and their love for our children.
24. I am thankful that my children were spoiled today with gifts from their Uncles.
25. I am thankful for an amazing time in Switzerland, including trips to Pilatus and Bern, and having Swiss food like Raclette, Swiss fondue, Berliners, and more! But even more thankful for the time together with forever heart friends.
26. I am thankful for our South African home church. We received such a warm welcome home from them and had an amazing time of worship together this morning!
27. I am thankful for a Pastor who preaches the whole Word of God.
28. I am thankful for the reminder to find new ways that I can show love to the body of Christ.
29. I am thankful that I can sleep in my own bed again!
30. I am thankful for the warm welcome from our friends at the airport.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Torn, Part 2
I said goodbye today. It's been a long day of travel, and now some 18 hours later, the tears flow freely. I miss my Mom. I want to be curled up in her chair and a half sleeping softly and feeling like a little girl, like Mom can heal all wounds.
So for just a little while, I allow myself to grieve - to cry over moments that will be missed, loved ones that will guard their hearts from growing too close to protect themselves from the hurt of saying goodbye, of the possibility that some goodbyes could be the last in this life.
And then I rejoice in memories that were made, laughter that was shared, and words that were spoken. And as I prepare to drift off to sleep, God begins to heal my heart.
I love you, Abba Father, Daddy. Thank you that Your mercies are new every morning, and great is Your faithfulness.
So for just a little while, I allow myself to grieve - to cry over moments that will be missed, loved ones that will guard their hearts from growing too close to protect themselves from the hurt of saying goodbye, of the possibility that some goodbyes could be the last in this life.
And then I rejoice in memories that were made, laughter that was shared, and words that were spoken. And as I prepare to drift off to sleep, God begins to heal my heart.
I love you, Abba Father, Daddy. Thank you that Your mercies are new every morning, and great is Your faithfulness.
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