tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44298218298342123762024-03-12T22:31:52.488-04:00Splendor in the OrdinaryLooking for the sacred, beautiful, and simple in the midst of our daily routines.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07936654106657579364noreply@blogger.comBlogger219125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4429821829834212376.post-46695257184967278612010-04-29T14:52:00.000-04:002010-04-29T14:52:45.946-04:00Good Shepherd Garden Party Week 3: The Heavens Tell God's Glory!Well, I'm a bit late posting last week's Good Shepherd's Garden Party but wanted to share nonetheless.<br />
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After spending time with the sheep in the pasture on<a href="http://ordinarysplendor.blogspot.com/2010/04/garden-of-good-shepherd-week-one.html"> week 1 </a>and then feasting at the Lord's Table on week 2, we moved to the skies for week 3.<br />
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We are so blessed to have found this creative and meaningful way to celebrate the 50 days of Easter together as a family. This last week I realized that if I wanted to make this devotional time together more significant I needed to spend more time contemplating the stories and images from Scripture myself. Not only did it really change the way I presented the stories, this week's theme of God's creation declaring His Glory was just what I needed to hear myself. <a href="http://ordinarysplendor.blogspot.com/2010/04/becoming-easter-people.html">I mentioned that I had hoped to seek beauty </a>during this Easter Season and at times I've been struggling to see the splendor in the ordinary, but through these passages of Scripture my eyes were opened afresh to the wonder all around me that I often turn a blind eye too. As Peter Mazar writes in the introduction to this week, "With our eyes to the skies we will open wide our senses to the wonders of nature, and we will praise the Lord who is the maker of all."<br />
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We had the opportunity to do just that on the Thursday night of this week--the day we learned about hail. For our special treat we headed out to Rita's Water Ice, as hail isn't quite rain or snow, water ice isn't quite water or ice! As we were loading up the car, we noticed the <b>sun </b>and blue skies (Sunday's theme) but then as we got out of the car again, the <b>clouds </b>(Monday's theme) rolled in. As we ordered, the <b>rain </b>started (Tuesday's theme), and their were flashes of <b>lightening</b> (Wednesday!). We decided to eat the rest of our water ice in the car on the ride home, when the <b>wind </b>(Friday's theme) really kicked up just as we turned onto a big boulevard lined with blossoming cherry trees. We pulled the car over as the wind whipped and swirled the blossoms around us in one of the most beautiful natural events I've ever seen. It was a true blizzard of pink blossoms. We were so amazed we could do nothing but laugh, even the baby just laughed and laughed. [When we read Friday's devotion the next day which asked, "Have you ever watched wind take blossoms from a tree and blow them into the air?" Everyone shouted, "Yes!!!"]<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S9nR0mTLPhI/AAAAAAAABDk/3RgvEN6JTNI/s1600/garden+of+good+shepherd+067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S9nR0mTLPhI/AAAAAAAABDk/3RgvEN6JTNI/s320/garden+of+good+shepherd+067.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>We love water ice! </i></div><br />
By the time we were finished our water ice, the skies had cleared and were filled with a beautiful <b>rainbow </b>(Saturday's theme). All week my 5 year old daughter had been praying that she might see her first rainbow. The kids hopped and danced in glee. And I praised the Lord, maker of all, for the spectacular show. The Heavens declare the Glory of God, indeed!<br />
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We had our Garden Party on Saturday night with my parents as guests. Here are a few pictures of the food for our feast:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S9nRmBsgWvI/AAAAAAAABDM/V6-IiddrJLo/s1600/garden+of+good+shepherd+180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S9nRmBsgWvI/AAAAAAAABDM/V6-IiddrJLo/s400/garden+of+good+shepherd+180.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>cupcakes to represent the sun, clouds and wind!</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S9nRvbJzejI/AAAAAAAABDc/9X_B9BzFaDk/s1600/garden+of+good+shepherd+186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S9nRvbJzejI/AAAAAAAABDc/9X_B9BzFaDk/s320/garden+of+good+shepherd+186.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Rainbow Fruit Kababs. G made them all by herself!</i></div><br />
Thanks to <a href="http://showerofroses.blogspot.com/2010/04/our-third-good-shepherds-garden-party.html">Shower of Roses</a> and <a href="http://tiredtwang.blogspot.com/2010/04/good-shepherds-garden-party-week-3_24.html">Waltzing Matilda</a> for the recipes and ideas! For more posts, head over to <a href="http://catholiccuisine.blogspot.com/2010/04/good-shepherds-garden-party-week-three.html">Catholic Cuisine</a>.<br />
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This year as part of our celebration of Easter as a season, we've been using the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Garden-Good-Shepherd-Sticker-Calendar/dp/156854362X?ie=UTF8&tag=shoofros-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969">Garden of the Good Shepherd </a>by Peter Mazar and illustrated by Tomie DePaola (I bought mine <a href="http://www.beulahenterprises.org/store/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=77">here </a>for $6 or <span class="Apple-style-span"> <a href="http://tiredtwang.blogspot.com/2010/03/garden-of-good-shepherd-printables.html">Waltzing Matilda also has free printables</a> for those who didn't order the sticker book in time!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"></span>). This large laminated scene with stickers serves as a calendar with a scripture passage and devotion for each day.<br />
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The first week's theme centers around the Jesus as the Good Shepherd, where we learn how Jesus promises to watch over us as a Shepherd does for his lambs and many other references to sheep in the Book of John.<br />
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Week Two we gather around the Table, reading Scriptures from the Old Testament of hospitality and feasting that evoke the Last Supper, the Emmaus Meal, the Eucharist, and our heavenly banquet. We continue throughout the 50 days of Easter to read Scripture of the sky, the sea, the garden and tree, the city and the animals. Each week helps us to see God's gifts all around us, the world "charged with the grandeur of God."<br />
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To help this fit with the celebratory tone of the Easter season, we are having a special treat and sometimes a craft or picture book to go along with the Scripture Reading. The kids have loved it and I'm so glad we have something to make this time memorable. The style of the devotions has been a refreshing change and have given me much food for thought during the week as the theme built.<br />
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This week as part of our Scripture memory and hymn study we worked on memorizing and singing <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HndQZlmJPpc">Psalm 23,</a> also with Keith Green's <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMUQEI0CLQM&feature=related">version</a> and this new <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-qLa_2GPcM&feature=related">one</a>.<br />
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We decorated our "altar" for the theme of the Good Shepherd with the children's Good Shepherd icon, a gift at their baptism last year, and lamb figurines we've picked up over the years at Easter.<br />
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On Easter Monday, we had breadsticks shaped as crooks and dipped in cinnamon sugar for breakfast! On Easter Tuesday, we ate popcorn to represent sheep and watched a movie on the Story of Jesus. On Easter Wednesday, we made these little treats to represent the gate of the sheepfold:<br />
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On Easter Thursday, we ate these lamb chocolates and made ewes and rams with cotton balls.<br />
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On Easter Friday, we had so much fun with Miss G's special friend making these sweet lamb cupcakes. The girls both 5 were able to decorate all by themselves!<br />
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On Easter Saturday, we had wolf paws to go along with John 10:11-12! Little Man dipped them in the chocolate and I made the claws with white icing. The favorite of the week to be sure!<br />
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All of my ideas have come straight from <a href="http://tiredtwang.blogspot.com/p/good-shepherd-garden-parties.html">Waltzing Matilda</a> and<a href="http://showerofroses.blogspot.com/p/garden-of-good-shepherd.html"> Shower of Roses</a>, so I claim no creativity in this project and when you see their pictures, not much skill either! Both of these lovely ladies have now set-up a party for each week with food themed for all of the lessons which seems like a great idea for those who would like to use the devotional each day but only do the crafts and food once a week. I think this is where we'll be by the last few weeks of Easter Season but for now the daily is working for us!<br />
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They are also hosting a link-up at <a href="http://catholiccuisine.blogspot.com/2010/04/good-shepherds-garden-party-week-one.html">Catholic Cuisine</a> for more ideas; go check it out! <br />
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"Six days of work are spent<br />
To make a Sunday quiet<br />
That Sabbath may return...."<br />
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<h3><span style="font-weight: normal;">From the Gospel reading for the Second Sunday of Easter,</span><br />
</h3><span>W</span>hen it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for <b>fear </b>of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said,<b> "Peace be with you." </b>After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples <b>rejoiced </b>when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them <b>again</b>, <b>"Peace be with you. </b>As the Father has sent me, so I send you." (John 20:19-31).<br />
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One of the first messages of the resurrection: PEACE. <br />
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I go back to my own rest now, so that Sabbath may return.<br />
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Blessings dear readers! May the Peace of Christ be with you.<br />
<i>Amy</i><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">It has often seemed easier to me to enter into the more contemplative and penitential times of Advent and Lent then to live out Epiphany and Easter seasons more than a day. Advent’s themes of longing and waiting seem natural to the human condition both before salvation and as we await heaven. In Lent, even when the themes seem more difficult to practice, it seems obvious that, as they are <i>disciplines </i>after all, fasting, prayer, and alms-giving will take much effort and devotion. But Easter’s Octave and then season of 50 days spent in celebration and rejoicing? One day of victory and triumph, I can sustain, but how do we become <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/2010/04/why-we-need-not-despair.html">an Easter people</a>?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S78_RYsCtKI/AAAAAAAAA-c/Hnmp658f49s/s1600/easter+378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S78_RYsCtKI/AAAAAAAAA-c/Hnmp658f49s/s400/easter+378.jpg" width="385" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal">Four years past, we had celebrated such a glorious Easter after a dramatic Holy Week that Easter Monday seemed a major let down. Exhausted from a busy weekend, heavy in pregnancy, a toddler to occupy, and still a sink of dirty dishes from the feast the day before, I felt ready to give up the whole thing.</div><div class="MsoNormal">As I stared out the window, I asked the question, perhaps for the first time, what does the resurrection mean for my everyday life? </div><div class="MsoNormal">And at that moment the CD player changed on its own as my toddler’s nursery rhymes came to an end and suddenly Vivaldi’s <i>Gloria</i> blared. Its proclamation of triumph was so strong, I could not resist picking up my little one and twirling and dancing around the room. And I learned a bit more about the work of the Easter people.<br />
<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">“Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song.”--</span>John Paul II</div><div class="MsoNormal">Though there is a time for burying our “Allelulias” to seek Him in quiet and repentance, the liturgy of Easter declares this praise loudly again each Sunday. And as the church-domestic we continue the song of praise in our hearts, in our homes, in our lives. As the words of the Eucharistic prayer guide us,</div><div class="MsoNormal">“We remember his Death, </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">We proclaim his resurrection,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">We await his coming in Glory.” (<i>BCP</i>, Holy Eucharist II, Prayer B)</div><div class="MsoNormal">Easter as a season rather than a day gives us the chance to bask in the glory of the resurrection and then move forward in its song.</div><div class="MsoNormal">“ …the days immediately after the Feast of the Resurrection most readily lend themselves to purposeful reflection. The drama of Holy Week remains vivid in our minds and the exuberance of Easter Day carries over. Let the exhilarating shock of the resurrection itself continue—the great reversal, the death of death, the shattered door, the harrowing of hell, the beautiful metamorphosis, the explosion of life! No metaphor measures up, no superlative suffices. As Madeline L’Engle once exclaimed about Easter, ‘ It is almost too brilliant for me to contemplate; it is like looking directly into the sun; I am burned and blinded by life.’” –<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0830835202/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=083083625X&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0K3R9TYG2AC2HHWZW6XV">Bobby Gross, Living the Church Year</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">To contemplate a thing so overwhelming and miraculous, one day is surely not enough. To learn to proclaim this resurrection, we must become an Easter people.</div><div class="MsoNormal">One of the gifts of the church year is its beautiful rhythm of permanence and change. Easter always comes, we are not left in the desert, we are not left even at the cross. We know the full story and it brings us hope. The Great Drama is one in which we know the ending and we need not despair. And though the story has been written, the Great Drama calls us to enter and be caught up in the story, calling us to find our story within the narrative of Christ’s, rather than merely seeking to fit God into our lives. This also means that what we learn this year will become part of how we celebrate next year. If my answers on how to live out Easter seem inadequate, I have the hope that as the cycle turns again I will be more of an Easter person than the year before.</div><div class="MsoNormal">And so, as each season has its own themes and disciplines, I ask of this Easter Season, how am I being called to go about “<a href="http://ordinarysplendor.blogspot.com/2009/04/practice-resurrection.htmlhttp:/www.context.org/ICLIB/IC30/Berry.htm">Practicing Resurrection</a>”? </div><div class="MsoNormal">I have two beginnings of an answer. The Practice of Joy. The Practice of Beauty-Seeking. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Practice of Joy.</b> </span><br />
<br />
The Alleluia is no longer buried.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S79AVvX3MWI/AAAAAAAAA-s/7qQ2D3o23UE/s1600/easter+335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S79AVvX3MWI/AAAAAAAAA-s/7qQ2D3o23UE/s320/easter+335.jpg" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal">We look for occasion to sing together praise to our Lord. Listen to Handel’s Messiah, Vivaldi’s Gloria, and the Easter Hymns.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Easter Playlist</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie"
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<br />
We seek to inhabit the resurrection in the midst of trying circumstances.</div><div class="MsoNormal">We laugh. We play. We give thanks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S79An216QtI/AAAAAAAAA-0/wa0YSASIT8Q/s1600/easter+564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S79An216QtI/AAAAAAAAA-0/wa0YSASIT8Q/s400/easter+564.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal">I too often forget that unlike happiness, rejoicing is a choice. We can learn to live it out more and more. The Scriptures invite us to “give thanks in all circumstances.” And in light of The Victory over death and sin crushed, alleluia is our song.</div><div class="MsoNormal">And we celebrate. If in Lent we give up, in Easter we partake. We see food as a gift, eating as part of the Great Thanksgiving. And so in our home, during Easter I buy things I normally wouldn’t the rest of the year through. Waffles and whipped cream for breakfast. Everyday a special treat as part of the Garden of the Good Shepherd. Coke over ice and a lemon slice. Chocolate. My favorite bourbon.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S79AFnZbiSI/AAAAAAAAA-k/Kz8xuaN5lNM/s1600/easter+466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S79AFnZbiSI/AAAAAAAAA-k/Kz8xuaN5lNM/s400/easter+466.jpg" width="267" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal">Not to indulgence but to remember that all good gifts are from above and gifts from His Hand.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S79B5sOH01I/AAAAAAAAA_U/Kd_ijxD9iEM/s1600/easter+308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S79B5sOH01I/AAAAAAAAA_U/Kd_ijxD9iEM/s400/easter+308.jpg" width="267" /></a></div></div><i>“[Easter] ought to be an eight-day festival, with champagne served after morning prayer or even before, with lots of alleluias and extra hymns and spectacular anthems. It is any wonder people find hard to believe in the resurrection of Jesus if we don’t throw our hats in the air? Is it any wonder we find it hard to live the resurrection if we don’t do it exuberantly in our liturgies? It is any wonder the world doesn’t take much notice if Easter is celebrated as simple the one-day happy ending tacked on to forty days of fasting and gloom? It’s long over due that we took a hard look at how we keep Easter in church, at home, in our personal lives, right through the system. And if it means rethinking some cherished habits, well, maybe it’s time to wake up.”</i><br />
<a href="http://storyformed.wordpress.com/category/easter/page/2/">NT Wright</a>, qtd at <a href="http://storyformed.wordpress.com/2009/04/13/so-i-ate-cake/">Story</a>-formed<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Practice of Beauty-Seeking.</b></span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"> “The resurrection of Jesus is a sign of God’s purpose and power to restore his creation to its full stature and integrity…In the aftermath of Gethsemane, we catch a scent of Eden…The resurrection is like the first day of a new creation.”-(Alistair McGrath, qtd in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0830835202/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=083083625X&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0K3R9TYG2AC2HHWZW6XV">Bobby Gross, Living the Church Year</a>)</div><div class="MsoNormal">And so on Easter morning, when we catch that scent of Eden, we refuse to let go. Like those little ones hunting the eggs, we are seeking, seeking to inhabit the new creation.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S79BLlX0heI/AAAAAAAAA_E/dDU7StxZ6IU/s1600/easter+271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S79BLlX0heI/AAAAAAAAA_E/dDU7StxZ6IU/s400/easter+271.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S79BoPKfUFI/AAAAAAAAA_M/Sy3z_ko7lUU/s1600/mather+hunt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S79BoPKfUFI/AAAAAAAAA_M/Sy3z_ko7lUU/s400/mather+hunt.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal">We seek beauty in the natural world. Our family finds hope of this new creation in time spent time out of doors—nature walks, picnicking, basking in the new life of spring…trying to catch the scent of Eden and the hope of glory.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S79CC7GUtQI/AAAAAAAAA_c/oSRVNUwT7Os/s1600/easter+430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S79CC7GUtQI/AAAAAAAAA_c/oSRVNUwT7Os/s400/easter+430.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now redeemed, we see ourselves as participants in the redemption. We work the earth. Sow seeds. Pick fruit. Pull weeds. Beauty where it was once barren.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S79CEXLPYPI/AAAAAAAAA_k/mLkIjhLczMI/s1600/garden+4-18+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S79CEXLPYPI/AAAAAAAAA_k/mLkIjhLczMI/s400/garden+4-18+004.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S79CGWqZqfI/AAAAAAAAA_s/vr0XlVWroOI/s1600/garden+4-18+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S79CGWqZqfI/AAAAAAAAA_s/vr0XlVWroOI/s320/garden+4-18+006.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Photos from last Easter Week, hopefully I'll have replacements from this Easter Week soon!</i></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal">We place beauty all around us, decorating our home with signs of new life—flowers, alleluia banners, eggs and chicks and lambs, new icons and candles, white, white, white. We open wide the curtains to let the sun shine. Visual reminders all around saying, “Proclaim Resurrection, Proclaim Resurrection, Proclaim Resurrection.”<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S79ClTYimyI/AAAAAAAAA_8/MnPBTGBPFZ8/s1600/easter+467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S79ClTYimyI/AAAAAAAAA_8/MnPBTGBPFZ8/s400/easter+467.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">My Sister-in-laws Easter Tree</span></i> </div><br />
We find beauty in words. The poetry of resurrection… Berry, Hopkins, Herbert…<a href="http://www.amblesideonline.org/AOPoemsApr.shtml">The poetry of hope and spring</a>…Teasdale, Longfellow, Wordsworth, Rosetti, Blake.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
We seek to share that beauty with those around us. Delivering flowers, cards, cookies to our neighbors, mostly elderly, shut-in and alone. They smile in the delight of little ones, a gift of beauty themselves.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S79DXuWBx-I/AAAAAAAABAE/BH1rpuHhsLE/s1600/easter+493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S79DXuWBx-I/AAAAAAAABAE/BH1rpuHhsLE/s400/easter+493.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S79DtW42GRI/AAAAAAAABAU/2m-dvb4sSy0/s1600/easter+485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S79DtW42GRI/AAAAAAAABAU/2m-dvb4sSy0/s400/easter+485.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Pictures with my grandparents on Easter.</span></i></div><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">An Easter people have life abundant. As we practice resurrection may alleluia be our song. May we proclaim it loud and long.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Thank you to those of the<a href="http://kindconversation.ning.com/forum/topics/easter-as-a-season"> Kind Conversation </a>who have spurred these thoughts and encouraged the party to continue! I have already blessed by this community so much. Perhaps you too, might want to be a part of "a quiet place to share a vision of rhythm and beauty, holiness and joy."</span></div><script type="text/javascript">
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<p class="MsoNormal">
Becoming Easter People</p><p class="MsoNormal">
It has often seemed easier to me to enter into the more contemplative
and penitential times of Advent and Lent then to live out Easter as a season,
more than a day. Advent’s themes of longing and waiting seem natural to the
human condition both before salvation and as we await heaven. In Lent, even
when the themes seem more difficult to practice, it seems obvious that as they
are <i style="">disciplines </i>after all--fasting,
prayer, and alms-giving will take much effort and devotion. But Easter’s <span style=""> </span>Octave and then season of 50 days spent in
celebration and rejoicing? One day of victory and triumph, I can sustain, but
what how do we become an Easter people?</p><p class="MsoNormal">
Four years past, we had celebrated such a glorious Easter
after a dramatic Holy Week that Easter Monday seemed a major let down. For the
first time, I asked the question what does the resurrection mean for my everyday
life? <span style=""> </span>Exhausted from a busy weekend, heavy
in pregnancy, a toddler to occupy, and still a sink of dirty dishes from the
feast the day before, I felt ready to give up the whole thing.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
As I stared out the window, hoping for some answer and the
dishes to magically disappear, the CD player changed on its own, and suddenly
Vivaldi’s Gloria blared. Its proclamation of praise and triumph was so strong.
I picked up my little one and we twirled and danced around the room. </p><p class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">“Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter
people and hallelujah is our song.”--</span>John Paul II</p><p class="MsoNormal">
The Alleluia we buried on Ash Wednesday is now proclaimed loudly
again each Sunday and as the church domestic we continue the song of praise in
our hearts, in our homes, in our lives. As the words of the Eucharistic prayer
guide us,</p><p class="MsoNormal">
“We remember his Death, </p><p class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">We proclaim his resurrection,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
We await his coming in Glory.” (BCP, Holy Eucharist II, Prayer
B)</p><p class="MsoNormal">
Easter as a season rather than a day gives us the chance to
bask in the glory of the resurrection. </p><p class="MsoNormal">
“ …the days immediately after the Feast of the Resurrection
most readily lend themselves to purposeful reflection. The drama of Holy Week
remains vivid in our minds and the exuberance of Easter Day carries over. Let
the exhilarating shock of the resurrection itself continue—the great reversal,
the death of death, the shattered door, the harrowing of hell, the beautiful
metamorphosis, the explosion of life! No metaphor measures up, no superlative
suffices. As Madeline L’Engle once exclaimed about Easter, ‘ It is almost too
brilliant for me to contemplate; it is like looking directly into the sun; I am
burned and blinded by life.’” –<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0830835202/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=083083625X&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0K3R9TYG2AC2HHWZW6XV">Bobby
Gross, Living the Church Year</a></p><p class="MsoNormal">
To contemplate a thing so overwhelming and miraculous, one
day is surely not enough. To learn to proclaim this resurrection, we must
become an Easter people.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
While the Lenten disciplines seem much more clearly defined,
how do we go about “<a href="http://ordinarysplendor.blogspot.com/2009/04/practice-resurrection.htmlhttp:/www.context.org/ICLIB/IC30/Berry.htm">Practicing
Resurrection</a>”?</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<b style="">The Practice of Joy.</b>
The Alleluia is no longer buried. </p><p class="MsoNormal">
We look for occasion to sing together praise to our Lord.
Listen to Handel’s Messiah, Vivaldi’s Gloria, and the Easter Hymns.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
Easter Playlist</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<img src="http://www.blogger.com/img/object_element.gif" style="height: 385px; width: 480px; " class="BLOGGER-object-element tr_noresize tr_placeholder" id="BLOGGER_object_55" data-original-id="BLOGGER_object_55" />We seek to
inhabit the resurrection in the midst of trying circumstances.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://storyformed.wordpress.com/2009/04/30/laughter-the-manifestation-of-joy/">We
laugh.</a></p><p class="MsoNormal">
I too often forget that unlike happiness, rejoicing is a
choice.<span style=""> </span>We can learn to live it out more
and more. <span style=""> </span>The Scriptures invite us to “give
thanks in all circumstances.” And in light of The Victory over death and sin
crushed, alleluia is our song.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
And we celebrate.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
If in Lent we give up, in Easter we partake. We see food as
a gift, eating as part of the Great Thanksgiving. And so in our home, during
Easter I buy things I normally wouldn’t the rest of the year through. Waffles
and whipped cream for breakfast. Everyday a special treat as part of the Garden
of the Good Shepherd. Coke over ice and a lemon slice. Chocolate. My favorite
bourbon. Not to indulge but to remember that all good gifts are from above and
gifts from His Hand.</p><p>
<i>“[Easter] ought to be an eight-day festival, with champagne served after
morning prayer or even before, with lots of alleluias and extra hymns and
spectacular anthems. It is any wonder people find hard to believe in the
resurrection of Jesus if we don’t throw our hats in the air? Is it any wonder
we find it hard to live the resurrection if we don’t do it exuberantly in our
liturgies? It is any wonder the world doesn’t take much notice if Easter is
celebrated as simple the one-day happy ending tacked on to forty days of
fasting and gloom? It’s long over due that we took a hard look at how we keep
Easter in church, at home, in our personal lives, right through the system. And
if it means rethinking some cherished habits, well, maybe it’s time to wake up.”</i></p><p>
<a href="http://storyformed.wordpress.com/category/easter/page/2/">NT Wright</a>,
qtd at <a href="http://storyformed.wordpress.com/2009/04/13/so-i-ate-cake/">Story</a>-formed</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<b style="">The Practice of
Beauty.</b> </p><p class="MsoNormal">
<span style=""> </span>“The resurrection of
Jesus is a sign of God’s purpose and power to restore his creation to its full
stature and integrity…In the aftermath of Gethsemane, we catch a scent of
Eden…The resurrection is like the first day of a new creation.”-(Alistair
McGrath, qtd in Bobby Gross, Living the Church Year)</p><p class="MsoNormal">
And so on Easter morning, when we catch that scent of Eden,
we refuse to let go, seeking to inhabit the new creation.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
We seek beauty in the natural world. Our family finds hope
of this new creation in time spent time out of doors—nature walks, picnicking,
basking in the new life of spring…trying to catch the scent of Eden and the
hope of glory.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
Now redeemed, we see ourselves as participants in the
redemption. We work the earth. Sow seeds. Pick fruit. Pull weeds. Beauty where
it was once barren.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
We place beauty all around us, decorating our home with
signs of new life—flowers, alleluia banners, eggs and chicks and lambs, new
icons and candles, white, white, white. We open wide the curtains to let the
sun shine. Visual reminders all around saying, “Proclaim Resurrection, Proclaim
Resurrection, Proclaim Resurrection.”</p><p class="MsoNormal">
We find beauty in words. The poetry of resurrection… Berry,
Hopkins, Herbert…The poetry of hope and spring…Teasdale, Longfellow,
Wordsworth, Rosetti, Blake.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
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Each year on Maundy Thursday, the day before Good Friday in Holy Week, we pause to remember the "New Commandment" given to us at the Lord's Supper. "...the English word <i>Maundy</i> in that name for the day is derived through Middle English, and Old French <i>mandé</i>, from the Latin <i>mandatum</i>, the first word of the phrase "Mandatum novum do vobis ut diligatis invicem sicut dilexi vos" ("A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you"), the statement by Jesus in the Gospel of John (13:34) by which Jesus explained to the Apostles the significance of his action of washing their feet."(<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maundy_Thursday">Wikipedia</a>)<br />
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We participate in a foot-washing ceremony at home.<br />
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Husband following Christ's example in an act of humble service:<br />
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"If I then your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do just as I have done to you...If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them" (John 13:14-17)</blockquote>
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By practicing this rite in the domestic church, we allow the children a chance to participate as children.<br />
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Sticking dirty feet into the air,<br />
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getting up close to watch it done<br />
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We are knitted together in new commandment. Father loving and serving children.<br />
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Children basking in the glow of Daddy's love and understanding more of the Father's love. <br />
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We partake of the Agape Meal, a simple dish with Bread and Wine, remembering on this night Christ gives us a new way:<br />
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As Christians we no longer eat the Passover Lamb on this night but now feed on His Body and His Blood. As Paul wrote, "Christ our Passover, was sacrificed for us. Therefore let us keep the feast" (I Cor. 5:7). St. Athanasius in his Easter tetter of 332 A.D. writes,<br />
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"Now the pictures and shadows and types have all been fulfilled and accomplished. So we, dear brothers and sisters, should no longer consider the Feast a figurative one. We do not go up to the earthly city of Jerusalem to sacrifice the Passover. That ancient Jewish practice is no longer suitable. If we followed their practice, we would be celebrating the Easter season inappropriately...Since our Savior was making the change from the type of shadow to the spiritual reality, He gave them the New Covenant promise. That is, He promised them that they would not eat the flesh of a lamb anymore, <i>but His own: '</i>Take, eat and drink; this is My body and and My blood' (Matthew 26:26-28)." (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Resurrection-letters-Athanasius-Alexandria-328-373/dp/B0006DX094/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1270666359&sr=8-1">The Resurrection Letters of St. Athanasius</a>)</blockquote>
And so now that we have entered the church season of Easter we seek to live out this "new commandment" in the power of this "new covenant" by all that was accomplished on the cross and by the resurrection of our Lord.<br />
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What are the disciplines of this Easter Season of fifty days? Though there are many ways to answer this question, Maundy Thursday answers<br />
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A Family Loving and Serving. Feasting and Celebrating.<br />
Not in mere picture, shadow, or memory but a new spiritual reality.<br />
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"From that day [Easter], until Pentecost we keep holy day through seven weeks, one after the other. As we set our minds properly on all that this season means, we will be prepared for the eternal realities behind them." (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Resurrection-letters-Athanasius-Alexandria-328-373/dp/B0006DX094/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1270666359&sr=8-1">The Resurrection Letters of St. Athanasius</a>)<br />
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May we all come to know these eternal realities more this Easter Season!<br />
<i>Amy</i><br />
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Hello! I wanted to pop in quickly to wish you a blessed Holy Week. I've decided to do an internet fast for the rest of the week to prepare my heart for Easter. I was also encouraged during Adult Sunday School yesterday to consider how I can walk a Sabbatical Pace and I've realized that many of the moments I could rest in my day, I hop on the computer. My goal is also to realize the effects that technology has in my life. I love blogging--it is good to walk with you all through the church year and I appreciate your comments and emails so I hope to return with fresh ideas and the proper balance next week. We'll see what God has in store. <br />
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Might I also ask for your prayers for our family this week? Our 5 yr old daughter is having a difficult time getting over her bronchitis and has what seems to be complete hearing loss in her left ear. This has really impacted her ability to hear at all and has been scary and frustrating for her. We are praying that there is no permanent damage and her hearing will return when the fluid clears and that this would be soon! She was so encouraged yesterday at church when she was prayed for so if you want to drop her line in the comments that you are praying for her, my husband will read them to her and I think it would bless her very much. Thank you!!!<br />
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I had hoped to write a series of posts on living Holy Week as a family, but I will just need to set up links. year!<br />
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<b><a href="http://ordinarysplendor.blogspot.com/2009/03/easter-planning.html">--Easter Planning.</a> </b><br />
My goal this year is to get all shopping and cleaning done by Wednesday!<br />
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<a href="http://shopp31.com/easterstorykit.aspx"><b>--Family Devotions during Holy Week:</b></a> We use this cross with felt pieces for devotionals this week that I received at a great discount from a friend; it also comes with Scripture Readings, explanations, and discussion questions. But<a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/2010/03/devotional-preparing-heart-for-easter.html%20"> Ann at Holy Experience also has beautiful printables and devotional series</a> at her blog! <br />
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<b><a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/2009/03/make-easter-garden-visual-parable.html">Next year I'd love to do this Easter Garden from Holy Experience</a></b> <br />
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<b><a href="http://ordinarysplendor.blogspot.com/2009/04/tenebrae-service-for-wednesday-of-holy.html">--Wednesday of Holy Week: A Tenebrae service at home: </a></b><br />
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<blockquote>"A <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Tenebrae</span> Service is a Medieval tradition during Holy Week; ‘<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">tenebrae</span>’ is Latin for shadows. The symbolism of the light being <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">extinguished</span> begins a more somber and meditative time leading up to Easter. It is very powerful in a church but I've found the intimacy of your own home is just as dramatic."</blockquote><br />
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<b><a href="http://ordinarysplendor.blogspot.com/2009/04/tomorrow-is-maundy-thursday.html">--Maundy Thursday in the Home: </a></b><br />
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<blockquote>"The name is derived from the Latin novum mandatum, the new commandment that Christ gives us : "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another" (John 13:34).<br />
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And what a radical new way Christ brings. Christ takes the traditional passover rites and institutes a<i> new way</i> in the foot washing and the Lord's Supper.<br />
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Foot Washing has been a very moving observance for me both when we celebrated in the church and at home. When we celebrated at at home we followed the second--my husband washing all of our feet. I was always surprised that though they were babies when we started they always participated in silence and awe." </blockquote><br />
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<b>--Good Friday: The Way of the Cross</b><br />
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<ul><li> <a href="http://theten0clockscholar.blogspot.com/2010/03/looking-toward-holy-week.html"> Links from Kerry at A Ten O'Clock Scholar on how to do the Stations of the Cross with children, including print outs and coloring pages!</a></li>
<li> <a href="http://ordinarysplendor.blogspot.com/2009/04/introduction-to-way-of-cross-and.html">My Series on the Way of the Cross</a> with artist Anna Kocher</li>
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<b><a href="http://ordinarysplendor.blogspot.com/2009/04/easter-menu.html">--An Easter Menu with recipes</a>. </b>We love the Italian Easter Meat Pie and Pepperoni Bread, especially after giving up meat for 40 days!<br />
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<b>--Easter Season:</b><br />
<a href="http://ordinarysplendor.blogspot.com/2009/04/practice-resurrection.html">Practice Resurrection!</a>and <a href="http://storyformed.wordpress.com/2009/04/17/practice-resurrection/">Story-Formed's</a> list.<br />
<a href="http://wau.org/resources/article/re6_family_50_days_easter">Celebrating Easter's 50 days as a family</a><br />
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For our Easter Journey we will be <span class="Apple-style-span">Celebrating the Easter Season with 50 activities for with Tomie de Paola's:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Garden-Good-Shepherd-Sticker-Calendar/dp/156854362X?ie=UTF8&tag=shoofros-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Garden of the Good Shepherd: A Sticker Album to Count the 50 Days</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=shoofros-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=156854362X" style="border-style: none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />. </span><span class="Apple-style-span">I bought my book from<a href="http://www.beulahenterprises.org/store/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=77"> this site </a>for $6 +shipping. It arrived quickly!!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span">But <a href="http://tiredtwang.blogspot.com/2010/03/garden-of-good-shepherd-printables.html">Waltzing Matilda also has free printables</a> for those who cannot order the sticker book in time!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br />
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All activities and recipes can be found at <a href="http://showerofroses.blogspot.com/p/garden-of-good-shepherd.html">Shower of Roses Garden Party</a> and <a href="http://tiredtwang.blogspot.com/p/good-shepherd-garden-parties.html">Waltzing Matilda</a>. She has plans for doing activities daily or for a once a week party! <br />
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I hope to be back next Monday to share ideas on how to live Easter Season for 50 days, not just one!!<br />
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Blessings!Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07936654106657579364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4429821829834212376.post-83399457246227227482010-03-24T16:08:00.001-04:002010-03-24T16:10:18.295-04:00Palm Sunday Fears and our Need for Easter<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"></span><br />
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</style> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Palm Sunday Reflection 2010</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">However our Lenten Journey goes, it always leads us to the cross. And though the 40 days grow long, it is on Palm Sunday that we pause with proclamations of Hosanna to be renewed as we enter into the final days before we remember the crucifixion and resurrection. I wasn’t always comfortable with this pause or the proclamation. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Growing up, I never enjoyed Palm Sunday—it seemed a sham. Why were we joining with those who in ages past were the first to shout Hosanna and then turn so quickly to shout, Crucify Him? But now I see that though I do not join in their shouting, I know what it is to have a fickle heart. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">A heart gluttonous in the midst of <b>fasting</b>. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">A heart doubtful in the season of <b>prayer</b>. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">A heart miserly in the time of <b>alms-giving</b>. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://ordinarysplendor.blogspot.com/2010/03/sabbath-makes-space-for-silence.html">A heart loud in the stillness waiting for God.</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://ordinarysplendor.blogspot.com/2010/02/lent-2010-undivided-heart.html">A heart divided.</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">But rather than give up on the spiritual disciplines of Lent, this is the very reason we enter into these practices. In our struggle, we allow the Spirit to convict and understand our need for His Death and Resurrection anew. We remember it is His Grace that saves and through this stumbling, we grow.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">My Palm Sunday fears of hypocrisy dissipated when I learned of the church’s beautiful tradition for the palm branches used on this day. Beginning in the twelfth century, the palm branches from this service are burned to be used as the ashes for imposition the first day of Lent, Ash Wednesday. <a href="http://ordinarysplendor.blogspot.com/2010/02/decorating-for-home-for-lent.html">On Ash Wednesday</a></span> we are invited to enter into a Holy Lent, with the reminder of our mortality and sin, but also of our attempts to praise Him crossed on our foreheads. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">All we offer is but ash. It is His Grace which turns it into Praise.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">And so to should we remember the meaning of this word “Hosanna.” Yes, it is used as a shout of praise, but the original meaning is “Save us, please,” implying our great need.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Therefore this Sunday, it will be with joy that I, broken yet redeemed, will lift my palm branch high with those around me and join in the shout: Hosanna, Hosanna, Praise to the King of Kings. Hosanna, Hosanna, Save us, please. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>For those Celebrating at Home:<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The Scripture: <o:p></o:p></b></span></div><span style="font-size: small;">The Liturgy of the Palms</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.io.com/%7Ekellywp/YearC_RCL/HolyDays/CPalmSun_RCL.html#GOSPEL">Luke 19:28-40</a><br />
<a href="http://www.io.com/%7Ekellywp/YearC_RCL/HolyDays/CPalmSun_RCL.html#PSALM">Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29</a></span> <br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">The Liturgy of the Word</span></b><b><o:p></o:p></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.io.com/%7Ekellywp/YearC_RCL/HolyDays/CPalmSun_RCL.html#OLDTEST">Isaiah 50:4-9a</a><br />
<a href="http://www.io.com/%7Ekellywp/YearC_RCL/HolyDays/CPalmSun_RCL.html#PSALM2">Psalm 31:9-16</a></span> <span style="font-size: small;"><br />
<a href="http://www.io.com/%7Ekellywp/YearC_RCL/HolyDays/CPalmSun_RCL.html#EPISTLE">Philippians 2:5-11</a></span> <span style="font-size: small;"><br />
<a href="http://www.io.com/%7Ekellywp/YearC_RCL/HolyDays/CPalmSun_RCL.html#GOSPEL2">Luke 22:14-23:56</a></span> <span style="font-size: small;"> <i>or</i> <a href="http://www.io.com/%7Ekellywp/YearC_RCL/HolyDays/CPalmSun_RCL.html#word%20gospel2">Luke 23:1-49</a></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p>For a deeper understanding of the significance of Christ's entry into Jerusalem, it is helpful to walk through the Old Testament Scriptures as well. </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The Collect:</b> Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Resources:<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.textweek.com/art/entry_into_jerusalem.htm">Sermons, Art, Hymns, and more</a></span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://kingskidstuff.home.att.net/palm_sunday.htm">For Children</a></span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://sermons4kids.com/triumphal_entry_wph_colorpg.htm">A Coloring Page</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://catholiccuisine.blogspot.com/2009/03/carling-and-fig-sunday.html">Traditional Food</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p> Our Celebration in 2007:</o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6pw5piLgoI/AAAAAAAAA9E/BVeLOPWzidQ/s1600/385570617206_0_ALB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6pw5piLgoI/AAAAAAAAA9E/BVeLOPWzidQ/s400/385570617206_0_ALB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/"><img ="" alt="holy experience" src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/ann%20voskamp/wednesdaybutton2.png" title="holy experience" /></a></center></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p>We look forward to a special meal with friends this Sunday too! </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p><i>Amy</i></o:p></span></div><script type="text/javascript">
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• Meanwhile, Episcopalians—sometimes unkindly called the Gene Robinson
branch of U.S. Anglicanism—dropped 3 percent in 2008. That doesn’t
sound like much, admits Warren Cole Smith at the website of
</script><i>From Joseph Bottum at <a href="http://www.firstthings.com/article/2010/03/rhyme-38-reason">First Things: </a></i><br />
"Meanwhile, Episcopalians—sometimes unkindly called the Gene Robinson branch of U.S. Anglicanism—dropped 3 percent in 2008. That doesn’t sound like much, admits Warren Cole Smith at the website of<br />
<i>World</i> magazine, but apparently it is the largest membership drop any major denomination has experienced in a single year. For those keeping a running total, the Episcopal Church now has slightly fewer than 2 million members in 7,000 parishes. That’s down from about 3.5 million in 1965—a bit more than a 40 percent decline. Following Martin Marty’s admonition above, though, we are not “rejoicing in the missteps or misfortunes of others,” just marking them out. <br />
<br />
Smith, however, is somewhat . . . well, <i>gleeful</i> is not the word. Perhaps “resigned but not grieving” does the trick. “Don’t grieve the demise of the Episcopal Church,” he says. “God has preserved a remnant. And the coming together of the various ‘continuing Anglican’ churches under the [Anglican Church in North America] organizational structure is one of the major religious developments of this year, a development that will likely resonate for many years to come.” <br />
<br />
<b>While that may be true, we do, nonetheless, grieve. The great decline of a once-vibrant Protestant mainline church is one of the saddest stories of the last generation, period."</b><script type="text/javascript">
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<b><i>“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10)</i></b><br />
<br />
<b><i>"For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation." (Psalm 62:1) </i></b><b><i> </i></b><i> </i><br />
<br />
Why do I run from silence?<br />
<br />
I complain of the busyness, the stress, the hurried life. Though I am the mama, the one who is given<a href="http://ordinarysplendor.blogspot.com/2010/03/living-day-god-gives-you.html"> the task of planning, if not directing, the day</a>, I cannot stop. A loud life assures me of my self-importance and pushes away the fear that I am not. <br />
<br />
And even when I push back against a culture, loud and frenetic, "I cannot live in the death of speech." I am given the chance to see the roaring waves pound unending on the beach, but "I cannot stand beside it mute." Rather than let the beauty fill me I fill the silence with "the labor of my words." <br />
<br />
Why do we prefer the bombardment of words--the text message, the tweet, those ticker boxes on the news--when we know it deafens?<br />
<b><i> </i></b><br />
Mr. Berry says it right and true: "<b>It is in the silence that my hope is, and my aim."</b><b><i> </i></b><br />
<br />
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<br />
Silence by Wendell Berry <br />
<br />
Though the air is full of singing<br />
my head is loud<br />
with the labor of words.<br />
<br />
Though the season is rich<br />
with fruit, my tongue<br />
hungers for the sweet of speech.<br />
<br />
Though the beech is golden<br />
I cannot stand beside it<br />
mute, but must say<br />
<br />
"It is golden," while the leaves<br />
stir and fall with a sound<br />
that is not a name.<br />
<br />
<b>It is in the silence<br />
that my hope is, and my aim.</b><br />
A song whose lines<br />
<br />
I cannot make or sing<br />
sounds men's silence<br />
like a root.<b> Let me say<br />
<br />
and not mourn: the world<br />
lives in the death of speech<br />
and sings there</b>.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6N6O-exBcI/AAAAAAAAA7U/Hn2yknZTb28/s1600-h/tyler+arboretum+3-17-10+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6N6O-exBcI/AAAAAAAAA7U/Hn2yknZTb28/s320/tyler+arboretum+3-17-10+004.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6N6f2aez5I/AAAAAAAAA7k/fQaRkVs_eEY/s1600-h/tyler+arboretum+3-17-10+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6N6f2aez5I/AAAAAAAAA7k/fQaRkVs_eEY/s320/tyler+arboretum+3-17-10+014.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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We picnicked:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6N6VySqCgI/AAAAAAAAA7c/cRgZiBklCp0/s1600-h/tyler+arboretum+3-17-10+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6N6VySqCgI/AAAAAAAAA7c/cRgZiBklCp0/s320/tyler+arboretum+3-17-10+009.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Had time to run free and explore on our own. Do you see baby?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6N_NCADGQI/AAAAAAAAA80/LIVgxsetVPY/s1600-h/tyler+arboretum+3-17-10+065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6N_NCADGQI/AAAAAAAAA80/LIVgxsetVPY/s320/tyler+arboretum+3-17-10+065.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Miss G is currently learning about rocks in science so we brought along our magnifying glasses.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6N7CZn79VI/AAAAAAAAA8M/-E7m8bV1ifU/s1600-h/tyler+arboretum+3-17-10+037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6N7CZn79VI/AAAAAAAAA8M/-E7m8bV1ifU/s320/tyler+arboretum+3-17-10+037.jpg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6N6zze-sOI/AAAAAAAAA78/8NhOzkweLT0/s1600-h/tyler+arboretum+3-17-10+031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6N6zze-sOI/AAAAAAAAA78/8NhOzkweLT0/s320/tyler+arboretum+3-17-10+031.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6N67JWkZ9I/AAAAAAAAA8E/J5TXswnppIg/s1600-h/tyler+arboretum+3-17-10+035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6N67JWkZ9I/AAAAAAAAA8E/J5TXswnppIg/s320/tyler+arboretum+3-17-10+035.jpg" /></a></div><br />
We kept baby occupied with her own set of rocks and magnifying glass.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6N7H9BXm5I/AAAAAAAAA8U/gIvzVqNOw4Y/s1600-h/tyler+arboretum+3-17-10+042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6N7H9BXm5I/AAAAAAAAA8U/gIvzVqNOw4Y/s320/tyler+arboretum+3-17-10+042.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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We also looked for new flower blossoms since our last visit:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6N6uWXZEjI/AAAAAAAAA70/84s8cAFmhHg/s1600-h/tyler+arboretum+3-17-10+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6N6uWXZEjI/AAAAAAAAA70/84s8cAFmhHg/s320/tyler+arboretum+3-17-10+002.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6N7a0VO8WI/AAAAAAAAA8s/ibixEiz4jOs/s1600-h/tyler+arboretum+3-17-10+087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6N7a0VO8WI/AAAAAAAAA8s/ibixEiz4jOs/s320/tyler+arboretum+3-17-10+087.jpg" /></a><br />
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All of these flowers are featured in our Flower Fairy Book so we were able to read the poems when we got home.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6N6on3c3SI/AAAAAAAAA7s/QBB5_jFLBqA/s1600-h/tyler+arboretum+3-17-10+021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6N6on3c3SI/AAAAAAAAA7s/QBB5_jFLBqA/s320/tyler+arboretum+3-17-10+021.jpg" /></a><br />
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The little ones took a long nap. What a great way to spend the day!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">With the delicious colcannon and other Irish-inspired treats, we join the Irish in singing:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><blockquote><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><b> "Oh, wasn't it the happy days when troubles we had not,</b></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><b> </b></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><b> </b></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><b> and our mothers made Colcannon in the little skillet pot?"</b></span></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was hard to tell if RJ or the baby loved it best--they both gobbled it up!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6JxjPrc60I/AAAAAAAAA50/38rRc2dLMtQ/s1600-h/st.+pats,+fairy+houses+191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6JxjPrc60I/AAAAAAAAA50/38rRc2dLMtQ/s400/st.+pats,+fairy+houses+191.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Clover Hunt:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6JxFIJ0KJI/AAAAAAAAA5s/9aTjcNM66sI/s1600-h/st.+pats,+fairy+houses+127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6JxFIJ0KJI/AAAAAAAAA5s/9aTjcNM66sI/s400/st.+pats,+fairy+houses+127.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Lunch was Shamrock sandwiches and green veggies:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6JyEEjZ5PI/AAAAAAAAA58/0NulFqsxpFQ/s1600-h/st.+pats,+fairy+houses+195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6JyEEjZ5PI/AAAAAAAAA58/0NulFqsxpFQ/s400/st.+pats,+fairy+houses+195.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Storytime with Dad:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6J3f_8iSgI/AAAAAAAAA7M/DYgZCQkb_tw/s1600-h/st.+pats,+fairy+houses+227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6J3f_8iSgI/AAAAAAAAA7M/DYgZCQkb_tw/s400/st.+pats,+fairy+houses+227.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We made Shamrock Junior Mint Cupcakes </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Inspired from <a href="http://catholiccuisine.blogspot.com/2009/03/shamrock-mint-cupcakes.html">here </a>and <a href="http://picky-palate.com/2009/08/10/chocolate-fudge-jr-mint-centered-cupcakes/">here</a>.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6JyZlcZPxI/AAAAAAAAA6E/gBq8kToTLJs/s1600-h/st.+pats,+fairy+houses+197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6JyZlcZPxI/AAAAAAAAA6E/gBq8kToTLJs/s400/st.+pats,+fairy+houses+197.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>(We started the green beverages early.)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Miss G placing Junior Mints in the center of the unbaked cupcakes:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6JzJGfOnjI/AAAAAAAAA6U/YrYpDwOb3Ps/s1600-h/st.+pats,+fairy+houses+203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6JzJGfOnjI/AAAAAAAAA6U/YrYpDwOb3Ps/s400/st.+pats,+fairy+houses+203.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mr. M sorting the green m&ms and gumdrops:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6Jzp5ZjANI/AAAAAAAAA6c/CjYkMm6qprQ/s1600-h/st.+pats,+fairy+houses+198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6Jzp5ZjANI/AAAAAAAAA6c/CjYkMm6qprQ/s400/st.+pats,+fairy+houses+198.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6Jyre1aBrI/AAAAAAAAA6M/C0z67-RW3Uk/s1600-h/st.+pats,+fairy+houses+212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6Jyre1aBrI/AAAAAAAAA6M/C0z67-RW3Uk/s400/st.+pats,+fairy+houses+212.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://ordinarysplendor.blogspot.com/2010/03/celebrating-st-patricks-day.html">The Irish Soda Bread before baking:</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6J0B7f5hUI/AAAAAAAAA6k/D-Cerpydn-E/s1600-h/st.+pats,+fairy+houses+206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6J0B7f5hUI/AAAAAAAAA6k/D-Cerpydn-E/s400/st.+pats,+fairy+houses+206.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6J3V3JHAOI/AAAAAAAAA7E/z9qTlPqvdVQ/s1600-h/st.+pats,+fairy+houses+214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6J3V3JHAOI/AAAAAAAAA7E/z9qTlPqvdVQ/s400/st.+pats,+fairy+houses+214.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The <a href="http://ordinarysplendor.blogspot.com/2010/03/celebrating-st-patricks-day.html">Colcannon,</a> we join in singing its praises:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6J0jzpVgII/AAAAAAAAA60/ZZ404Hp8bgs/s1600-h/st.+pats,+fairy+houses+223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6J0jzpVgII/AAAAAAAAA60/ZZ404Hp8bgs/s400/st.+pats,+fairy+houses+223.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</style><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Did you ever eat Colcannon, made from<br />
<br />
<br />
lovely pickled cream? With the greens and scallions mingled like a<br />
<br />
<br />
picture in a dream. Did you ever make a hole on top to<br />
<br />
<br />
hold the melting flake of the creamy, flavoured butter that your<br />
<br />
<br />
mother used to make?<br />
<br />
<br />
Yes you did, so you did, so did he and so did I.<br />
<br />
<br />
And the more I think about it sure the nearer I'm to cry.<br />
<br />
<b><br />
Oh, wasn't it the happy days when troubles we had not,<br />
<br />
<br />
and our mothers made Colcannon in the little skillet pot.</b> </span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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This nice weather has led to many hours outdoors and the children have loved making fairy houses:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6Jqn6mImjI/AAAAAAAAA48/ucubmFFKuwU/s1600-h/st.+pats,+fairy+houses+130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6Jqn6mImjI/AAAAAAAAA48/ucubmFFKuwU/s640/st.+pats,+fairy+houses+130.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Inspired by the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fairy-Houses-Tracy-Kane/dp/0970810458/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268911310&sr=8-3">Fairy Houses</a> by Tracy Kane, the children follow the rules carefully:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6JqPSVpgWI/AAAAAAAAA40/74RGTeARmnw/s1600-h/st.+pats,+fairy+houses+184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6JqPSVpgWI/AAAAAAAAA40/74RGTeARmnw/s640/st.+pats,+fairy+houses+184.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
They see nature with a new eye. Sticks, leaves, pine cones, nuts--that could be a bed!, that could be a blanket!, that could be a table!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6JsU0XUQ5I/AAAAAAAAA5k/TGcZMcOqYik/s1600-h/st.+pats,+fairy+houses+167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6JsU0XUQ5I/AAAAAAAAA5k/TGcZMcOqYik/s640/st.+pats,+fairy+houses+167.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
When they play they are focused, quiet and careful. They also ran around cleaning up their outside toys, because they were afraid the man-made objects might scare the fairies away!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6JrQ-DEaEI/AAAAAAAAA5M/6DQUMBT6TA0/s1600-h/st.+pats,+fairy+houses+168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6JrQ-DEaEI/AAAAAAAAA5M/6DQUMBT6TA0/s640/st.+pats,+fairy+houses+168.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
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I highly recommend this book for the hours of creative play it has given my children and inspiring a deeper love of nature!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6JrjbhNY1I/AAAAAAAAA5U/mULW0IKVpfs/s1600-h/st.+pats,+fairy+houses+182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6JrjbhNY1I/AAAAAAAAA5U/mULW0IKVpfs/s640/st.+pats,+fairy+houses+182.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I also came across <a href="http://ahandmadechildhood.blogspot.com/2010/03/fairy-houses.html">this post </a>from <a href="http://ahandmadechildhood.blogspot.com/">A Handmade Childhood</a> today on the <i>Fairy House</i> book!<br />
<br />
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<br />
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Those days are rare.<br />
<br />
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In our active home, there are always the things I didn't plan.<br />
I didn't know I'd wake up at 3am, a cough that wouldn't let me sleep but even more a burden to write and so I would begin my day tired.<br />
I didn't know baby would wake sick too and want to spend the day in my arms, a faithful and sweet companion but it makes mopping the kitchen floor tricky.<br />
I didn't know a friend would have her 6th baby and now I would need to finish getting that gift together and a meal made.<br />
I didn't know that my daughter would find the "-all" word family so difficult to master.<br />
I didn't know about that the leaky basement and loads of wet towels to wash on top of it all.<br />
<br />
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It is easy for me to feel these are interruptions to my plan. The excuse then for a short fuse, feelings of incompetence, and the wish to go back to bed until I can wake up to one of those perfect days I have planned.<br />
<br />
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But instead I've been realizing these are not the interruptions to my life, but the very stuff of life. Writing my heart, comforting the sick, welcoming babies, teaching the difficult, managing an old yet beloved home ...this is the world God has given me. And it is <span style="color: black;">all those moments that give the opportunity for love that I forgot in my plan.</span> That is the difference between my plan and God's direction as it says in the Proverbs,<i> "In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps."</i> He wants the day to be about giving and loving; I had the silly idea it was about perfection.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://ordinarysplendor.blogspot.com/2010/02/lent-2010-undivided-heart.html">I am seeking a free heart this Lent</a>:<br />
not attached to so much stuff, so we've been busy de-cluttering;<br />
not attached to easy comfort, so we've fasted from alcohol, meat and sweets.<br />
And now I've realized not attached to my own agenda, letting God determine the steps. <br />
<br />
<br />
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Frances De Sales writes,<br />
<br />
<b>"A heart that is free<br />
Is the close companion </b><br />
<b>of a peaceful soul.</b><br />
<br />
<b>A free heart is one </b><br />
<b>that is not attached to its own way </b><br />
<b>of doing things,<br />
That does not become impatient<br />
When things don’t go its way.</b><br />
<br />
A free heart will surely enjoy<br />
Spiritual consolations,<br />
But is not dependent on them,<br />
<b>And will, to the best of its ability,<br />
Accept troubles in their stead.</b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">A free heart is not so tied</span><br style="color: #38761d;" /><span style="color: #38761d;">to a schedule</span> </b>or a way of praying<br />
<b style="color: #38761d;">that any change is upsetting</b><br />
<b style="color: #38761d;">and a source of anxiety.</b><br />
A free heart is not attached<br />
to what is beyond its control.<br />
<br />
<b>A free heart prays to God<br />
that his name be hallowed,<br />
that his kingdom come, </b><br />
<b>that his will be done,<br />
on earth as it is in heaven.</b><br />
<br />
For if the name of God is hallowed,<br />
if his kingdom is in us,<br />
if his will is being done,<br />
a free spirit need not concern itself<br />
With anything else."<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Jesus does not promise a smooth life according to our own agendas, but does promise that we may learn from Him and find in His gentleness and lowliness, a burden light.</span><br />
<br />
<i><span class="verse-num woc" id="v40011028-1">"</span><span class="woc">Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.</span> <span class="verse-num woc" id="v40011029-1"></span><span class="woc">Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.</span> <span class="verse-num woc" id="v40011030-1"></span><span class="woc">For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”</span> Matthew 11:28-30.</i><br />
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<br />
<i>Almighty God, in your providence you chose your servant Patrick to be the apostle of the Irish people, to bring those who were wandering in darkness and error to the true light and knowledge of you: Grant us so to walk in that light that we may come at last to the light of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.</i><br />
<br />
The Scriptures:<br />
<a href="http://www.io.com/%7Ekellywp/LesserFF/Mar/Patrick.html#FIRST">1 Thessalonians 2:2b-12</a><a href="http://www.io.com/%7Ekellywp/LesserFF/Mar/Patrick.html#GOSPEL">Matthew 28:16-20</a><a href="http://www.io.com/%7Ekellywp/LesserFF/Mar/Patrick.html#PSALM1">Psalm 97:1-2,7-12 or</a><a href="http://www.io.com/%7Ekellywp/LesserFF/Mar/Patrick.html#PSALM2">Psalm 96:1-7</a><i> </i> <br />
<br />
His Life:<br />
<a href="http://www.missionstclare.com/english/people/mar17.html">An online source </a> that includes Patrick's biography along with the words his <i>Lorica or St. Patrick's Breastplate.</i> <br />
<br />
<br />
Our Menu, recipes below:<br />
Shepherd's Pie<br />
Colcannon<br />
Irish Soda Bread<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S57anxLpNWI/AAAAAAAAA4k/AS0uU5lDfvs/s1600-h/100_1193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S57anxLpNWI/AAAAAAAAA4k/AS0uU5lDfvs/s640/100_1193.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Serving Colcannon. Our St. Patrick's Day Feast in 2007 back when we lived in WI. </i></div><br />
<br />
Activities:<br />
<ul><li>Use this day to discuss the Trinity with your children using a shamrock plant, as St. Patrick is reported to have done.</li>
<li>Make 3 leaf clovers and discuss how Patrick used them to teach about the Trinity. <a href="http://wildflowersandmarbles.blogspot.com/2009/03/st-patricks-feast-day-craft.html">Here is a sample</a> craft. </li>
<li>Go on a clover hunt if they are growing in your area.</li>
<li>For your little ones, have them hold and move the clover as you sing St. Patrick's Breastplate.</li>
<li>Make breastplates. We designed ours with snakes and cross. The <a href="http://www.christiancoloring.com/images/coloring/holiday/saintpatrick/saintpatrick4.gif">Cross and Clover images </a>we used to color our shield and breastplate.<a href="http://www.catholicmom.com/st__patrick"></a></li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6DOIDcDQbI/AAAAAAAAA4s/y8s5I7kGMq8/s1600-h/100_1192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S6DOIDcDQbI/AAAAAAAAA4s/y8s5I7kGMq8/s640/100_1192.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Miss G in 2007!</div><ul><li>Tell stories and legends of St. Patrick. We focus on his evangelism, his bravery and his devotion which can be learned from his own writings.</li>
<li> Here are more <a href="http://www.catholicmom.com/st__patrick">coloring pages, books, and cooking fun</a> </li>
</ul><br />
The Picture Books:<br />
<br />
We are able to find <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Saint-Patrick-Ann-Tompert/dp/1563979926/ref=wl_it_dp?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2OQ7NIFJ3MOCM&colid=DZTWM2C55EMC">Saint Patrick </a>by Ann Tompert at the library; it focuses on the known events of his life rather than the legends. Last year my son was enthralled with the story of a hero. When we read about the Irish pirates looting and then kidnapping Patrick, he jumped down and acted it out. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Tompert</span> book really brought the story to life and expressed Patrick's conversion and reliance on God so well.<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=spleintheordi-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=1563979926" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
But I wish we were able to find:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Story-Saint-Patrick-James-Janda/dp/0809166232/ref=wl_itt_dp?ie=UTF8&coliid=I11EP9OVV7XCAA&colid=DZTWM2C55EMC">The Story of St. Patrick</a> by James A. Janda<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=spleintheordi-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=0809166232" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Patrick-Saint-Ireland-Joyce-Denham/dp/0829418180/ref=wl_itt_dp?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2MXF4OWYGEQZX&colid=DZTWM2C55EMC">Patrick: Saint of Ireland </a>by Joyce Denham<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=spleintheordi-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=0829418180" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Patrick-Patron-Ireland-Tomie-dePaola/dp/0823410773/ref=wl_it_dp?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3TZAEKF6SJ44E&colid=DZTWM2C55EMC">Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland </a>by Tomie DePaola<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=spleintheordi-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=0823410773" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Recipes:<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Colcannon</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div><h2><span style="font-size: 10pt;">INGREDIENTS<o:p></o:p></span></h2><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 42pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">2 1/2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 42pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">4 slices bacon <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 42pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">1/2 small head cabbage, chopped <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 42pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">1 large onion, chopped <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 42pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">1/2 cup milk <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 42pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">salt and pepper to taste <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 42pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">1/4 cup butter, melted <o:p></o:p></span></div><h2><span style="font-size: 10pt;">DIRECTIONS<o:p></o:p></span></h2><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 42pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Place potatoes in a saucepan with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until tender. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 42pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, reserving drippings, crumble and set aside. In the reserved drippings, saute the cabbage and onion until soft and translucent. Putting a lid on the pan helps the vegetables cook faster. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 42pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Drain the cooked potatoes, mash with milk and season with salt and pepper. Fold in the bacon, cabbage, and onions, then transfer the mixture to a large serving bowl. Make a well in the center, and pour in the melted butter. Serve immediately. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Irish Soda Bread</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div><h2><span style="font-size: 10pt;">INGREDIENTS<o:p></o:p></span></h2><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 42pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">4 cups all-purpose flour <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 42pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">4 tablespoons white sugar <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 42pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">1 teaspoon baking soda <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 42pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">1 tablespoon baking powder <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 42pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">1/2 teaspoon salt <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 42pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">1/2 cup margarine, softened <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 42pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">1 cup buttermilk <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 42pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">1 egg <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 42pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">1/4 cup butter, melted <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 42pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">1/4 cup buttermilk <o:p></o:p></span></div><h2><span style="font-size: 10pt;">DIRECTIONS<o:p></o:p></span></h2><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 42pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 42pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt and margarine. Stir in 1 cup of buttermilk and egg. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead slightly. Form dough into a round and place on prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, combine melted butter with 1/4 cup buttermilk; brush loaf with this mixture. Use a sharp knife to cut an 'X' into the top of the loaf. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 42pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Bake in preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean, about 30 to 50 minutes. You may continue to brush the loaf with the butter mixture while it bakes. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 42pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></div><br />
<br />
My Mom's Shepherd Pie.<br />
<br />
1 ½ lb. Meatloaf Mix (beef, pork and veal)<br />
3 tsp. Greek Seasoning (recipe below)<br />
2 8 oz. cans Tomato Sauce<br />
10 oz. Peas and Carrots, thawed<br />
Mashed Potatoes for 6 – Ore Ida frozen are ideal/ prepare as directed<br />
Greek Seasoning<br />
2 t. salt <br />
2 t. oregano<br />
1 ½ t. onion powder<br />
1 ½ t. garlic powder<br />
1 t. cornstarch<br />
1 t. pepper<br />
1 t. beef bouillon<br />
1 t. parsley flakes<br />
½ t. cinnamon<br />
½ t. nutmeg<br />
Mix and set aside 3 t. for recipe<br />
1. Brown meat in skillet. Add 2 t. Greek Seasoning,<br />
tomato sauce and peas and carrots. Simmer 5 – 10 min.<br />
2. Pour into 13 x 9 pan and top with Mashed Potatoes.<br />
3. Sprinkle with 1 t. Seasoning and broil until potatoes<br />
are browned. <br />
<br />
<br />
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</script>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07936654106657579364noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4429821829834212376.post-38993085326462069592010-03-15T06:00:00.000-04:002010-03-15T20:53:53.845-04:00St. Patrick's Breastplate<script type="text/javascript">
</script><br />
<script type="text/javascript">
</script><br />
My Lenten practices have done much to reveal my need for God's daily grace in my life. I cannot do these disciplines on my own and they only serve to show the deeper sins within. And so this week, I pray the words penned by St. Patrick over 1500 years ago: <br />
<br />
<pre>"I arise today
Through God's strength to pilot me:
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak to me,
God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to protect me,
God's host to save me...</pre><br />
<br />
<pre>Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger."</pre><pre></pre><br />
Read the whole thing <a href="http://www.missionstclare.com/english/people/mar17.html">and more about St. Patrick's life here</a>.<br />
<br />
Listen to this version:<br />
<br />
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<br />
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</script>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07936654106657579364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4429821829834212376.post-54694246295593727592010-03-13T21:38:00.000-05:002010-03-13T21:38:32.296-05:00My Reading List for Spring 2010Here are the books I hope to read this Spring as we move from Lent to Easter. I always love to hear what my favorite bloggers are reading! <br />
<br />
Christian Practice:<br />
<br />
<i>Mudhouse Sabbath.</i> I am looking forward to another Lauren Winner book and hope this will encourage me to continue in the spiritual disciplines after Lent.<br />
<br />
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<i>Acedia and Me.</i> Since RJ is currently is in the midst of a book project on Acedia I thought this book, written on the popular level, might help me if he asks me to edit (haha!).<br />
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<i>Angel of Repose.</i> I read and was very moved by Stegner's Crossing to Safety (I referenced it <a href="http://ordinarysplendor.blogspot.com/2010/01/friday-night-date.htmlFiction:">here</a>) so have been looking forward to reading another of his books. He is one of those author's I wonder how I could have missed for so long.<br />
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Family Life:<br />
<i>The Shaping of a Christian Family. </i>I came across this book at our church book sale and couldn't resist. If you read the blog, you know how much I love Thomas Howard and I enjoy his sister Elisabeth Elliot's writing too. I would like to get insight on the types of things that led to such outstanding children of God.<br />
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Gardening:<br />
<i>Square Foot Gardening.</i> I check this book out of our library so often, I really need to buy it! But I like to get inspiration around this time for the upcoming gardening season. This year I hope to start planting as early as possible to extend the season and learn more about companion planting.<br />
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Education:<br />
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<i>Teaching Montessori in the Home.</i> Another book I reread from time to time when I need inspiration. I have tried to incorporate Montessori's ideas into our home and this book has helpful ideas.<br />
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Now that Spring is almost here I will reread the sections on Nature Study in Charolotte Mason's Homeschooling Series:<br />
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and delve into this mammouth book for info and ideas!<br />
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We can ride our bikes for fresh pastries and breads to celebrate St. Joseph and St. Patrick:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S5g-tRi0ZII/AAAAAAAAA2s/tsHF3cWJRu4/s1600-h/spring+bike+ride+on+brookline+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S5g-tRi0ZII/AAAAAAAAA2s/tsHF3cWJRu4/s640/spring+bike+ride+on+brookline+009.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Yummy St. Joseph's Cakes for the 19th</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S5g-4Io5pZI/AAAAAAAAA28/c5fjEqdDkHI/s1600-h/spring+bike+ride+on+brookline+020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S5g-4Io5pZI/AAAAAAAAA28/c5fjEqdDkHI/s640/spring+bike+ride+on+brookline+020.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Irish Potatoes and Soda Bread for the 17th</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S5g-89wf96I/AAAAAAAAA3E/X9F8n2Bijks/s1600-h/spring+bike+ride+on+brookline+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S5g-89wf96I/AAAAAAAAA3E/X9F8n2Bijks/s640/spring+bike+ride+on+brookline+018.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Seriously Good</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S5g_Ch47ZqI/AAAAAAAAA3M/zgrbk3PS3B8/s1600-h/spring+bike+ride+on+brookline+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S5g_Ch47ZqI/AAAAAAAAA3M/zgrbk3PS3B8/s640/spring+bike+ride+on+brookline+015.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> the photo didn't quite pick up the yellow sign which reads </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"Now in for Lent: Clams, Mussels, Flounder"</i> </div><br />
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And stop for a little Holy Clutter on the way home:<br />
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There will also be 100s of people in procession behind a large wooden cross, many in full costume, down this main street on Good Friday! <br />
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</script>Charlotte Mason writes, "Never be within doors when you can rightly be without." With this warm weather, we've tried taking her advice. We'll see how it goes with the week of rain expected!<br />
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<i>When Early March Seems Middle May </i><br />
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When country roads begin to thaw<br />
In mottled spots of damp and dust,<br />
And fences by the margin draw<br />
Along the frosty crust<br />
Their graphic silhouettes, I say,<br />
The Spring is coming round this way<br />
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When coughs are changed to laughs, and when<br />
Our frowns melt into smiles of glee,<br />
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And all our blood thaws out again<br />
In streams of ecstasy,<br />
And poets wreak their roundelay,<br />
The Spring is coming round this way.<br />
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by <a href="http://www.amblesideonline.org/AOPoemsMar.shtml">James Whitcombe Riley </a><br />
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<object height="225" width="400"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=8189067&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=0&show_portrait=0&color=ffffff&fullscreen=1" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=8189067&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=0&show_portrait=0&color=ffffff&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="225"></embed></object><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/8189067">Moments</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/everynone">Everynone</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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It made me see all of these small moments of our lives in a different light. Ordinary or Extraordinary?<br />
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When we finally stop the hurrying, the busyness, and put the to-do list down, we have the space for love and affection. <br />
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While this can be difficult for us in every stage of life, Scripture seems to indicate that the young wife must be taught how to go about it (Titus 2:<span class="verse-num" id="v56002004-1">4 </span>"and so train the young women to love their husbands and children," noting that many translate this mention of love as the "affectionate" love). Why? Does it not come naturally? Perhaps, but while I may not exactly count as the "young wife" anymore (!), I know it is still easy for me to get so caught up in the loving care of my children that I often don't leave time or energy for that <i>affectionate </i>love. A Sabbath Sensibility, finding a rhythm of rest and work, gives the needed time and energy for affection. And so, what better moment then the Lord's Day for us all, not just the "young mother," to learn the lessons of Charity:<br />
<blockquote><br />
"Is [the living room] not a picture in ordinary terms of what families are all about; namely, that these few people, thrust together and bound by the odd ties of flesh and blood, are given the chance to begin to learn the one big lesson that all men are given to learn--the lessons of Charity? That is, we were made for love, we are commanded to love, and since it doesn't come naturally to us, we have to learn to love. The family situation is, as it were, the elementary schoolroom where we start learning in small, easy, and natural ways to love--that is, to discover that self-giving, freedom, and joy are all one thing" (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Splendor-Ordinary-Your-Home-Place/dp/1928832202/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1267321947&sr=1-1">Splendor in the Ordinary</a>, p. 47) </blockquote><br />
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As we bask in self-giving, freedom, and joy are souls expand, bringing life and peace.<br />
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"All the loving attentiveness [the parent] gives [their] children is <b>food for their souls</b>. When the child is a small baby, all those smiles and kind words, the laughing and playfulness, and the [parental] delight and pride in each new accomplishment is used by God to prosper the baby's soul. And it continues as the child grows. Even the smallest gesture, if done in love and kindness, is nourishing. We want our children to have fat little souls, to be healthy plants, as in Psalm 144:12: "that our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth."...We cannot think that a prayer at bedtime and reading a Bible story to them occasionally will counteract the damage done day in and day out by the foul air the children breathe in the home day after day all year long...By the grace of God, [parents] can<b> provide peaceful and joyful feasts which nourish both body and soul. Listening to your children, taking them on your lap and talking with them, and being affectionate and loving to them will of course take time.</b> Just as preparing and serving good food takes time, so feeding our children's souls take time...We cannot see how reading this story one more time will be like a second helping of mashed potatoes but it is. God uses all these things we do, when we render them unto Him by faith, to strengthen, nourish, and grow our children up into men and women with<b> fat souls.</b>.." (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Building-Her-House-Commonsensical-Christian/dp/1591280397/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1267321161&sr=8-1-spell">Building Her House</a>, p. 62-63).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S4nTqnOOx2I/AAAAAAAAA2A/ZDZvA0HF-AI/s1600-h/apple+picking+076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S4nTqnOOx2I/AAAAAAAAA2A/ZDZvA0HF-AI/s640/apple+picking+076.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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*These pictures were taken by Amy on a Sabbath Day in September 2009.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As I seek to learn more about Lenten traditions, I’ve come across quite a few people who disparage the giving up of food for Lent. <i>It’s not enough, </i>they proclaim. <i>Chocolate? Coffee? Dessert? A Meal?</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Paltry. Do something big for God.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">To an extent they’re right. These small sacrifices are, indeed, small. They pale in comparison to Christ’s glorious suffering on our behalf.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">But the bemoaners of the ascetic fast make me wonder if they’ve ever really tried it. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Yes, giving up something like dessert when you don’t really have issues with dessert probably is paltry. I agree wholeheartedly with the advice <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20070712032347/www.binghamtongoodshepherd.com/article2.9.05.shtml">Matt Kennedy</a> gives on what to do for Lent, “In other words, <b>your Lenten discipline should not be arbitrary. </b>If you have a problem with lust, don’t give up chocolate. Give up whatever it is that leads you into lustful behavior. And don’t just give it up for Lent, use Lent to give it up forever. Let the Lord know that you are committed to turning from the sin he has shown you and then ask him to help you in your task though the power of his Holy Spirit.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">But personally, every Lent when I have chosen something related to eating and drinking for the Fast, it has hit me right where it hurts. When I remove one of those little comforts, those easy over-the-counter panaceas, it doesn’t take long for my sin to flare. While I wouldn’t usually say I have a problem with anger, impatience, or bitterness, take away my morning coffee, (or X, Y or Z) and I do. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This leads me to justify my misbehavior: <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">These sins aren’t real, I’m the victim of my circumstances. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">At other times, I begin the mental gymnastic: <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Coffee, chocolate, dessert, whatever it may be…, these are gifts from God, He knows I’m weak that’s why He created these things, why am I taking it upon myself to question this?!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">But in the silence of Lent, I hear His Voice:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Pray. Be still. Take up your Cross. Follow Me.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I am led to remember His Life as recorded in the Gospels:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">His forty days of prayer and fasting. His times alone for prayer. And I know I am called to follow at all costs.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The conviction of Scripture begins to speak to my quick and shrill tongue:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><meta content="text/html; charset=utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type"></meta><meta content="Word.Document" name="ProgId"></meta><meta content="Microsoft Word 12" name="Generator"></meta><meta content="Microsoft Word 12" name="Originator"></meta><link href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5COwner%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List"></link><link href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5COwner%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx" rel="themeData"></link><link href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5COwner%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_colorschememapping.xml" rel="colorSchemeMapping"></link><style>
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</style> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You<i>, Amy, are one of the</i> brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 12:34).<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">And I am humbled when I usually would have reached for… another cup of coffee, leftovers from the fridge, my hidden stash of chocolate.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The arguments stop. I give in. I’m weak. I’m a sinner. I need His Grace. I learn again that I can’t do Lent in my own strength. It seems that if I want to do the Big Things, I need to get a hold of the small things first. And the tradition has seen that it is through our stomachs, we can quickly get to our hearts.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://ordinarysplendor.blogspot.com/2010/02/lent-2010-undivided-heart.html">I wrote at the beginning of Lent</a> of my longing to be covered in the whiteness of an undivided heart (Psalm 86:11) just as the snow had blanketed our little street and our little home with a unity and cleanness. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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As I seek to learn more about Lenten traditions, I’ve come
across quite a few people who disparage the giving up of food for Lent. <i style="">It’s not enough, </i>they proclaim. <i style="">Chocolate? Coffee?<span style=""> </span>Dessert? A Meal?</i> </p><p class="MsoNormal">
<i style="">Paltry. Do something
big for God.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal">
To an extent they’re right. These small sacrifices are, indeed,
small. They pale in comparison to Christ’s glorious suffering on our behalf.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
But the bemoaners of the ascetic fast make me wonder if
they’ve ever really tried it. </p><p class="MsoNormal">
Yes, giving up something like dessert when you don’t really
have issues with dessert probably is paltry. I agree wholeheartedly with the
advice <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20070712032347/www.binghamtongoodshepherd.com/article2.9.05.shtml">Matt
Kennedy</a> gives on what to do for Lent, “In other words, <b style="">your Lenten discipline should not be arbitrary. </b>If you have a
problem with lust, don’t give up chocolate. Give up whatever it is that leads you
into lustful behavior. And don’t just give it up for Lent, use Lent to give it
up forever. Let the Lord know that you are committed to turning from the sin he
has shown you and then ask him to help you in your task though the power of his
Holy Spirit.”</p><p class="MsoNormal">
But personally, every Lent when I have chosen something related
to eating and drinking for the Fast, it has hit me right where it hurts. <span style=""> </span>When I remove one of those little comforts,
those easy over-the-counter panaceas, it doesn’t take long for my sin to flare.
While I wouldn’t usually say I have a problem with anger, impatience, or
bitterness, take away my morning coffee, (or X, Y or Z) and I do. </p><p class="MsoNormal">
This leads me to justify my misbehavior: </p><p class="MsoNormal">
<i style="">These sins aren’t
real, I’m the victim of my circumstances. <o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal">
At other times, I begin the mental gymnastic: </p><p class="MsoNormal">
<i style="">Coffee, chocolate,
dessert, whatever it may be…, these are gifts from God, He knows I’m weak
that’s why He created these things, why am I taking it <span style=""> </span>upon myself to question this?!<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal">
But in the silence of Lent, I hear His Voice:</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<i style="">Pray. Be still. Take
up your Cross. Follow Me.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal">
I am led to remember His Life as recorded in the Gospels:</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<i style="">His forty days of
prayer and fasting. His times alone for prayer. <span style=""> </span>And I know I am called to follow at all costs.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal">
The conviction of Scripture begins to speak to my quick and
shrill tongue:</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<span style=""> </span>“You<i style="">, Amy, are one of the</i> brood of vipers!
How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the
heart the mouth speaks.”<span style=""> </span>(Matthew
12:34).</p><p class="MsoNormal">
And I am humbled when I usually would have reached for… another
cup of coffee, leftovers from the fridge, my hidden stash of chocolate.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
The arguments stop. I give in. I’m weak. I’m a sinner. I
need His Grace. I learn again that I can’t do Lent in my own strength. It seems
that if I want to do the Big Things, I need to get a hold of the small things
first. And the tradition has seen that it is through our stomachs, we can
quickly get to our hearts.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://ordinarysplendor.blogspot.com/2010/02/lent-2010-undivided-heart.html">I
wrote at the beginning of Lent</a> of my longing to be covered in the whiteness
of an undivided heart (Psalm 86:11) just as the snow had blanketed our little
street and our little home with a unity and cleanness. </p><p class="MsoNormal">
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But one week into Lent and I already know, that in that
initial request, I didn’t see my real need. What I wanted then, was a quick
cure for sin, instant sanctification. </p><p class="MsoNormal">
One week into Lent, giving up those easy comforts,
attempting more time in silence and prayer, and the sin bleeds dark from
beneath that white covering. </p><p class="MsoNormal">
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<o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
And so, I disagree when I hear on Ash Wednesday a local preacher
(not from my home church), “Fasting makes me cranky, so I don’t do it.” There
is a reason the Church has fasted from food during Lent—that crankiness might
be the very reason. </p><p class="MsoNormal">
We are human, dependent and finite. In Lent we don’t just
hear the words “You are dust and to dust you will return,” we enter into
practices which make that truth inescapable. <span style=""> </span>And we are then faced with a choice, in our
dependency and finitude will we feed on the Bread of Life and Drink of the
Everlasting Water or will we placate our sins by running off to do the Big
Things? “Fasting reminds us that we are sustained “by every word that proceeds
from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Food does not sustain us. God sustains
us…Therefore, in experiences of fasting we are not so much abstaining from food
as we are feasting on the word of God. Fasting is feasting.” (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Celebration-Discipline-Path-Spiritual-Growth/dp/0060628391/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1267047802&sr=8-1">Foster</a>
p. 55)</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<i style="">I </i>want to do BIG
THINGS for God. But, so far, He’s only asked me to take lessons in <a href="http://ordinarysplendor.blogspot.com/2010/02/small-is-truly-beautiful.html">the
School of Nazareth,</a> the world of the small. And He is teaching me that I
need to rethink what it means to serve Him as John Milton writes <a href="http://www.bartleby.com/101/318.html">in the poem</a> where he questions
how will do God’s work now that he is blind and receives the answer, </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
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As I seek to learn more about Lenten traditions, I’ve come
across quite a few people who disparage the giving up of food for Lent. <i style="">It’s not enough, </i>they proclaim. <i style="">Chocolate? Coffee?<span style=""> </span>Dessert? A Meal?</i> </p><p class="MsoNormal">
<i style="">Paltry. Do something
big for God.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal">
To an extent they’re right. These small sacrifices are, indeed,
small. They pale in comparison to Christ’s glorious suffering on our behalf.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
But the bemoaners of the ascetic fast make me wonder if
they’ve ever really tried it. </p><p class="MsoNormal">
Yes, giving up something like dessert when you don’t really
have issues with dessert probably is paltry. I agree wholeheartedly with the
advice <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20070712032347/www.binghamtongoodshepherd.com/article2.9.05.shtml">Matt
Kennedy</a> gives on what to do for Lent, “In other words, <b style="">your Lenten discipline should not be arbitrary. </b>If you have a
problem with lust, don’t give up chocolate. Give up whatever it is that leads you
into lustful behavior. And don’t just give it up for Lent, use Lent to give it
up forever. Let the Lord know that you are committed to turning from the sin he
has shown you and then ask him to help you in your task though the power of his
Holy Spirit.”</p><p class="MsoNormal">
But personally, every Lent when I have chosen something related
to eating and drinking for the Fast, it has hit me right where it hurts. <span style=""> </span>When I remove one of those little comforts,
those easy over-the-counter panaceas, it doesn’t take long for my sin to flare.
While I wouldn’t usually say I have a problem with anger, impatience, or
bitterness, take away my morning coffee, (or X, Y or Z) and I do. </p><p class="MsoNormal">
This leads me to justify my misbehavior: </p><p class="MsoNormal">
<i style="">These sins aren’t
real, I’m the victim of my circumstances. <o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal">
At other times, I begin the mental gymnastic: </p><p class="MsoNormal">
<i style="">Coffee, chocolate,
dessert, whatever it may be…, these are gifts from God, He knows I’m weak
that’s why He created these things, why am I taking it <span style=""> </span>upon myself to question this?!<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal">
But in the silence of Lent, I hear His Voice:</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<i style="">Pray. Be still. Take
up your Cross. Follow Me.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal">
I am led to remember His Life as recorded in the Gospels:</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<i style="">His forty days of
prayer and fasting. His times alone for prayer. <span style=""> </span>And I know I am called to follow at all costs.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal">
The conviction of Scripture begins to speak to my quick and
shrill tongue:</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<span style=""> </span>“You<i style="">, Amy, are one of the</i> brood of vipers!
How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the
heart the mouth speaks.”<span style=""> </span>(Matthew
12:34).</p><p class="MsoNormal">
And I am humbled when I usually would have reached for… another
cup of coffee, leftovers from the fridge, my hidden stash of chocolate.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
The arguments stop. I give in. I’m weak. I’m a sinner. I
need His Grace. I learn again that I can’t do Lent in my own strength. It seems
that if I want to do the Big Things, I need to get a hold of the small things
first. And the tradition has seen that it is through our stomachs, we can
quickly get to our hearts.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://ordinarysplendor.blogspot.com/2010/02/lent-2010-undivided-heart.html">I
wrote at the beginning of Lent</a> of my longing to be covered in the whiteness
of an undivided heart (Psalm 86:11) just as the snow had blanketed our little
street and our little home with a unity and cleanness. </p><p class="MsoNormal">
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But one week into Lent and I already know, that in that
initial request, I didn’t see my real need. What I wanted then, was a quick
cure for sin, instant sanctification. </p><p class="MsoNormal">
One week into Lent, giving up those easy comforts,
attempting more time in silence and prayer, and the sin bleeds dark from
beneath that white covering. </p><p class="MsoNormal">
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<o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
And so, I disagree when I hear on Ash Wednesday a local preacher
(not from my home church), “Fasting makes me cranky, so I don’t do it.” There
is a reason the Church has fasted from food during Lent—that crankiness might
be the very reason. </p><p class="MsoNormal">
We are human, dependent and finite. In Lent we don’t just
hear the words “You are dust and to dust you will return,” we enter into
practices which make that truth inescapable. <span style=""> </span>And we are then faced with a choice, in our
dependency and finitude will we feed on the Bread of Life and Drink of the
Everlasting Water or will we placate our sins by running off to do the Big
Things? “Fasting reminds us that we are sustained “by every word that proceeds
from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Food does not sustain us. God sustains
us…Therefore, in experiences of fasting we are not so much abstaining from food
as we are feasting on the word of God. Fasting is feasting.” (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Celebration-Discipline-Path-Spiritual-Growth/dp/0060628391/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1267047802&sr=8-1">Foster</a>
p. 55)</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<i style="">I </i>want to do BIG
THINGS for God. But, so far, He’s only asked me to take lessons in <a href="http://ordinarysplendor.blogspot.com/2010/02/small-is-truly-beautiful.html">the
School of Nazareth,</a> the world of the small. And He is teaching me that I
need to rethink what it means to serve Him as John Milton writes <a href="http://www.bartleby.com/101/318.html">in the poem</a> where he questions
how will do God’s work now that he is blind and receives the answer, </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
“God doth not need<a name="9"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></a> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
Either man's work or his own
gifts. Who best<a name="10"><i><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></i></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
Bear his mild yoke, they serve
him best. His State<a name="11"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></a> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
Is Kingly: thousands at his
bidding speed<a name="12"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></a>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
And post o're Land and Ocean
without rest:<a name="13"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></a>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
They also serve who only stand
and wait.”</p><p class="MsoNormal">
For centuries, Lent has been a season of fasting and
penitence. We join with countless others [Moses, David, Elijah, Esther, Daniel,
Anna, Paul, Jesus, Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Knox, John Wesley, Jonathan
Edwards….] who’ve wanted to renew their repentance and faith “by self-examination
and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating
on God's holy Word” (BCP).<span style=""> </span>How this quite
looks will be different for each of us, but the tradition is clear.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
May we bear His mild yoke, trusting in His Kingly State,
allowing His work to be done.</p>var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");
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</style> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">But one week into Lent and I already know, that in that initial request, I didn’t see my real need. What I wanted then, was a quick cure for sin, instant sanctification. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">One week into Lent, giving up those easy comforts, attempting more time in silence and prayer, and the sin bleeds dark from beneath that white covering. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S4XS00xrDCI/AAAAAAAAA1o/wrwvYmbx5ig/s1600-h/pretzels+and+sabbath+delight+086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S4XS00xrDCI/AAAAAAAAA1o/wrwvYmbx5ig/s400/pretzels+and+sabbath+delight+086.jpg" width="362" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><meta content="text/html; charset=utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type"></meta><meta content="Word.Document" name="ProgId"></meta><meta content="Microsoft Word 12" name="Generator"></meta><meta content="Microsoft Word 12" name="Originator"></meta><link href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5COwner%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List"></link><link href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5COwner%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx" rel="themeData"></link><link href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5COwner%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_colorschememapping.xml" rel="colorSchemeMapping"></link><style>
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</style> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">And so, I disagree when I hear on Ash Wednesday a local preacher (not from my home church), “Fasting makes me cranky, so I don’t do it.” There is a reason the Church has fasted from food during Lent—that crankiness might be the very reason. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We are human, dependent and finite. <b>In Lent we don’t just hear the words “You are dust and to dust you will return,” we enter into practices which make that truth inescapable. </b> And we are then faced with a choice, in our dependency and finitude will we feed on the Bread of Life and Drink of the Everlasting Water or will we placate our sins by running off to do the Big Things? “Fasting reminds us that we are sustained “by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Food does not sustain us. God sustains us…Therefore, in experiences of fasting we are not so much abstaining from food as we are feasting on the word of God. Fasting is feasting.” (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Celebration-Discipline-Path-Spiritual-Growth/dp/0060628391/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1267047802&sr=8-1">Foster</a> p. 55)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I </span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">want to do BIG THINGS for God. But, so far, He’s only asked me to take lessons in <a href="http://ordinarysplendor.blogspot.com/2010/02/small-is-truly-beautiful.html">the School of Nazareth,</a> the world of the small. And He is teaching me that I need to rethink what it means to serve Him as John Milton writes <a href="http://www.sonnets.org/milton.htm#002">in the poem</a> where he questions how will He do God’s work now that he is blind and receives the answer, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“God doth not need<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.do" name="9"> </a> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Either man's work or his own gifts. Who best<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.do" name="10"><i> </i></a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His State<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.do" name="11"> </a> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Is Kingly: thousands at his bidding speed<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.do" name="12"> </a> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">And post o're Land and Ocean without rest:<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.do" name="13"> </a> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">They also serve who only stand and wait.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">For centuries, Lent has been a season of fasting and penitence. We join with countless others [Moses, David, Elijah, Esther, Daniel, Anna, Paul, Jesus, Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Knox, John Wesley, Jonathan Edwards….] who’ve wanted to renew their repentance and faith “by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God's holy Word” (<i>The Book of Common Prayer</i>). How this quite looks will be different for each of us, but the tradition is clear.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">May we bear His mild yoke, trusting in His Kingly State, allowing His work to be done.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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As I seek to learn more about Lenten traditions, I’ve come
across quite a few people who disparage the giving up of food for Lent. <i style="">It’s not enough, </i>they proclaim. <i style="">Chocolate? Coffee?<span style=""> </span>Dessert? A Meal?</i> </p><p class="MsoNormal">
<i style="">Paltry. Do something
big for God.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal">
To an extent they’re right. These small sacrifices are, indeed,
small. They pale in comparison to Christ’s glorious suffering on our behalf.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
But the bemoaners of the ascetic fast make me wonder if
they’ve ever really tried it. </p><p class="MsoNormal">
Yes, giving up something like dessert when you don’t really
have issues with dessert probably is paltry. I agree wholeheartedly with the
advice <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20070712032347/www.binghamtongoodshepherd.com/article2.9.05.shtml">Matt
Kennedy</a> gives on what to do for Lent, “In other words, <b style="">your Lenten discipline should not be arbitrary. </b>If you have a
problem with lust, don’t give up chocolate. Give up whatever it is that leads you
into lustful behavior. And don’t just give it up for Lent, use Lent to give it
up forever. Let the Lord know that you are committed to turning from the sin he
has shown you and then ask him to help you in your task though the power of his
Holy Spirit.”</p><p class="MsoNormal">
But personally, every Lent when I have chosen something related
to eating and drinking for the Fast, it has hit me right where it hurts. <span style=""> </span>When I remove one of those little comforts,
those easy over-the-counter panaceas, it doesn’t take long for my sin to flare.
While I wouldn’t usually say I have a problem with anger, impatience, or
bitterness, take away my morning coffee, (or X, Y or Z) and I do. </p><p class="MsoNormal">
This leads me to justify my misbehavior: </p><p class="MsoNormal">
<i style="">These sins aren’t
real, I’m the victim of my circumstances. <o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal">
At other times, I begin the mental gymnastic: </p><p class="MsoNormal">
<i style="">Coffee, chocolate,
dessert, whatever it may be…, these are gifts from God, He knows I’m weak
that’s why He created these things, why am I taking it <span style=""> </span>upon myself to question this?!<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal">
But in the silence of Lent, I hear His Voice:</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<i style="">Pray. Be still. Take
up your Cross. Follow Me.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal">
I am led to remember His Life as recorded in the Gospels:</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<i style="">His forty days of
prayer and fasting. His times alone for prayer. <span style=""> </span>And I know I am called to follow at all costs.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal">
The conviction of Scripture begins to speak to my quick and
shrill tongue:</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<span style=""> </span>“You<i style="">, Amy, are one of the</i> brood of vipers!
How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the
heart the mouth speaks.”<span style=""> </span>(Matthew
12:34).</p><p class="MsoNormal">
And I am humbled when I usually would have reached for… another
cup of coffee, leftovers from the fridge, my hidden stash of chocolate.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
The arguments stop. I give in. I’m weak. I’m a sinner. I
need His Grace. I learn again that I can’t do Lent in my own strength. It seems
that if I want to do the Big Things, I need to get a hold of the small things
first. And the tradition has seen that it is through our stomachs, we can
quickly get to our hearts.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://ordinarysplendor.blogspot.com/2010/02/lent-2010-undivided-heart.html">I
wrote at the beginning of Lent</a> of my longing to be covered in the whiteness
of an undivided heart (Psalm 86:11) just as the snow had blanketed our little
street and our little home with a unity and cleanness. </p><p class="MsoNormal">
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But one week into Lent and I already know, that in that
initial request, I didn’t see my real need. What I wanted then, was a quick
cure for sin, instant sanctification. </p><p class="MsoNormal">
One week into Lent, giving up those easy comforts,
attempting more time in silence and prayer, and the sin bleeds dark from
beneath that white covering. </p><p class="MsoNormal">
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<o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
And so, I disagree when I hear on Ash Wednesday a local preacher
(not from my home church), “Fasting makes me cranky, so I don’t do it.” There
is a reason the Church has fasted from food during Lent—that crankiness might
be the very reason. </p><p class="MsoNormal">
We are human, dependent and finite. In Lent we don’t just
hear the words “You are dust and to dust you will return,” we enter into
practices which make that truth inescapable. <span style=""> </span>And we are then faced with a choice, in our
dependency and finitude will we feed on the Bread of Life and Drink of the
Everlasting Water or will we placate our sins by running off to do the Big
Things? “Fasting reminds us that we are sustained “by every word that proceeds
from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Food does not sustain us. God sustains
us…Therefore, in experiences of fasting we are not so much abstaining from food
as we are feasting on the word of God. Fasting is feasting.” (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Celebration-Discipline-Path-Spiritual-Growth/dp/0060628391/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1267047802&sr=8-1">Foster</a>
p. 55)</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<i style="">I </i>want to do BIG
THINGS for God. But, so far, He’s only asked me to take lessons in <a href="http://ordinarysplendor.blogspot.com/2010/02/small-is-truly-beautiful.html">the
School of Nazareth,</a> the world of the small. And He is teaching me that I
need to rethink what it means to serve Him as John Milton writes <a href="http://www.bartleby.com/101/318.html">in the poem</a> where he questions
how will do God’s work now that he is blind and receives the answer, </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
“God doth not need<a name="9"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></a> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
Either man's work or his own
gifts. Who best<a name="10"><i><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></i></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
Bear his mild yoke, they serve
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Is Kingly: thousands at his
bidding speed<a name="12"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></a>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
And post o're Land and Ocean
without rest:<a name="13"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></a>
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They also serve who only stand
and wait.”</p><p class="MsoNormal">
For centuries, Lent has been a season of fasting and
penitence. We join with countless others [Moses, David, Elijah, Esther, Daniel,
Anna, Paul, Jesus, Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Knox, John Wesley, Jonathan
Edwards….] who’ve wanted to renew their repentance and faith “by self-examination
and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating
on God's holy Word” (BCP).<span style=""> </span>How this quite
looks will be different for each of us, but the tradition is clear.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
May we bear His mild yoke, trusting in His Kingly State,
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<p class="MsoNormal">
As I seek to learn more about Lenten traditions, I’ve come
across quite a few people who disparage the giving up of food for Lent. <i style="">It’s not enough, </i>they proclaim. <i style="">Chocolate? Coffee?<span style=""> </span>Dessert? A Meal?</i> </p><p class="MsoNormal">
<i style="">Paltry. Do something
big for God.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal">
To an extent they’re right. These small sacrifices are, indeed,
small. They pale in comparison to Christ’s glorious suffering on our behalf.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
But the bemoaners of the ascetic fast make me wonder if
they’ve ever really tried it. </p><p class="MsoNormal">
Yes, giving up something like dessert when you don’t really
have issues with dessert probably is paltry. I agree wholeheartedly with the
advice <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20070712032347/www.binghamtongoodshepherd.com/article2.9.05.shtml">Matt
Kennedy</a> gives on what to do for Lent, “In other words, <b style="">your Lenten discipline should not be arbitrary. </b>If you have a
problem with lust, don’t give up chocolate. Give up whatever it is that leads you
into lustful behavior. And don’t just give it up for Lent, use Lent to give it
up forever. Let the Lord know that you are committed to turning from the sin he
has shown you and then ask him to help you in your task though the power of his
Holy Spirit.”</p><p class="MsoNormal">
But personally, every Lent when I have chosen something related
to eating and drinking for the Fast, it has hit me right where it hurts. <span style=""> </span>When I remove one of those little comforts,
those easy over-the-counter panaceas, it doesn’t take long for my sin to flare.
While I wouldn’t usually say I have a problem with anger, impatience, or
bitterness, take away my morning coffee, (or X, Y or Z) and I do. </p><p class="MsoNormal">
This leads me to justify my misbehavior: </p><p class="MsoNormal">
<i style="">These sins aren’t
real, I’m the victim of my circumstances. <o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal">
At other times, I begin the mental gymnastic: </p><p class="MsoNormal">
<i style="">Coffee, chocolate,
dessert, whatever it may be…, these are gifts from God, He knows I’m weak
that’s why He created these things, why am I taking it <span style=""> </span>upon myself to question this?!<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal">
But in the silence of Lent, I hear His Voice:</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<i style="">Pray. Be still. Take
up your Cross. Follow Me.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal">
I am led to remember His Life as recorded in the Gospels:</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<i style="">His forty days of
prayer and fasting. His times alone for prayer. <span style=""> </span>And I know I am called to follow at all costs.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal">
The conviction of Scripture begins to speak to my quick and
shrill tongue:</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<span style=""> </span>“You<i style="">, Amy, are one of the</i> brood of vipers!
How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the
heart the mouth speaks.”<span style=""> </span>(Matthew
12:34).</p><p class="MsoNormal">
And I am humbled when I usually would have reached for… another
cup of coffee, leftovers from the fridge, my hidden stash of chocolate.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
The arguments stop. I give in. I’m weak. I’m a sinner. I
need His Grace. I learn again that I can’t do Lent in my own strength. It seems
that if I want to do the Big Things, I need to get a hold of the small things
first. And the tradition has seen that it is through our stomachs, we can
quickly get to our hearts.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://ordinarysplendor.blogspot.com/2010/02/lent-2010-undivided-heart.html">I
wrote at the beginning of Lent</a> of my longing to be covered in the whiteness
of an undivided heart (Psalm 86:11) just as the snow had blanketed our little
street and our little home with a unity and cleanness. </p><p class="MsoNormal">
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But one week into Lent and I already know, that in that
initial request, I didn’t see my real need. What I wanted then, was a quick
cure for sin, instant sanctification. </p><p class="MsoNormal">
One week into Lent, giving up those easy comforts,
attempting more time in silence and prayer, and the sin bleeds dark from
beneath that white covering. </p><p class="MsoNormal">
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<o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
And so, I disagree when I hear on Ash Wednesday a local preacher
(not from my home church), “Fasting makes me cranky, so I don’t do it.” There
is a reason the Church has fasted from food during Lent—that crankiness might
be the very reason. </p><p class="MsoNormal">
We are human, dependent and finite. In Lent we don’t just
hear the words “You are dust and to dust you will return,” we enter into
practices which make that truth inescapable. <span style=""> </span>And we are then faced with a choice, in our
dependency and finitude will we feed on the Bread of Life and Drink of the
Everlasting Water or will we placate our sins by running off to do the Big
Things? “Fasting reminds us that we are sustained “by every word that proceeds
from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Food does not sustain us. God sustains
us…Therefore, in experiences of fasting we are not so much abstaining from food
as we are feasting on the word of God. Fasting is feasting.” (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Celebration-Discipline-Path-Spiritual-Growth/dp/0060628391/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1267047802&sr=8-1">Foster</a>
p. 55)</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<i style="">I </i>want to do BIG
THINGS for God. But, so far, He’s only asked me to take lessons in <a href="http://ordinarysplendor.blogspot.com/2010/02/small-is-truly-beautiful.html">the
School of Nazareth,</a> the world of the small. And He is teaching me that I
need to rethink what it means to serve Him as John Milton writes <a href="http://www.bartleby.com/101/318.html">in the poem</a> where he questions
how will do God’s work now that he is blind and receives the answer, </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
“God doth not need<a name="9"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></a> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
Either man's work or his own
gifts. Who best<a name="10"><i><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></i></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
Bear his mild yoke, they serve
him best. His State<a name="11"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></a> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
Is Kingly: thousands at his
bidding speed<a name="12"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></a>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
And post o're Land and Ocean
without rest:<a name="13"><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span></a>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
They also serve who only stand
and wait.”</p><p class="MsoNormal">
For centuries, Lent has been a season of fasting and
penitence. We join with countless others [Moses, David, Elijah, Esther, Daniel,
Anna, Paul, Jesus, Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Knox, John Wesley, Jonathan
Edwards….] who’ve wanted to renew their repentance and faith “by self-examination
and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating
on God's holy Word” (BCP).<span style=""> </span>How this quite
looks will be different for each of us, but the tradition is clear.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
May we bear His mild yoke, trusting in His Kingly State,
allowing His work to be done.</p>var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");
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</script>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07936654106657579364noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4429821829834212376.post-43507484802254438602010-02-24T06:00:00.003-05:002010-02-24T06:00:07.496-05:00Lenten Cleaning Update: Week One<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://ordinarysplendor.blogspot.com/2010/02/cleaning-in-lenten-light-ore-et-labora.html">The Lenten Cleaning is going well</a>, so far I've been able to stay on track and keep up with everything else! Breaking the cleaning down into more manageable jobs has been helpful. I washed walls on Friday when the older two were at their homeschool co-op and the little one napped. It felt great to get rid of cobwebs and dust and food (ahh, life with babies!) from the walls. We did the floors, which entailed moving furniture and area rugs, on Saturday and my sweet husband did the bulk of the work. </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For cleaning the walls I used 1 gallon of hot water with 1/2 cup of vinegar and 1/4 cup of baking soda. I found the recipe (though I omitted the ammonia) and other great tips at <a href="http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/house/walls-and-ceilings/how-to-clean-walls/">"How to Clean Walls</a>."</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Monday I worked on the fridge and the oven. I chose today for these two since I don't usually bake on Mondays and it's my grocery shopping day, so the fridge is fairly empty anyway.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Tuesday and Wednesday I've done smaller jobs like cleaning out the microwave, dishwasher, washer and dryer, work that I usually only do if catastrophe strikes! Overall I have found the work rewarding; the house has begun to feel deep-down clean. The rest of the week the de-cluttering of the kitchen will begin; I'll try to take pictures as I go. The pictures of the cleaning were quite boring--no one really wants to see my fridge!</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The time dedicated to "work with my hands" has given me space to think more about the work of managing a home--it's higher and lower purposes--which I hope to write more on soon.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Cleaning in light of Lent has also led me to pray more while I work which I hope will continue after this season ends. </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And at the times when I haven't prayed, I've tried to just focus on the cleaning itself, working quietly and well as an attempt to worship the Creator and Giver of all of these good things, pushing out worries, those little conversations I have in my head, attempts to compose a blog post while I work! And as a result, I've often felt very blessed that I have whatever it is I'm cleaning. There have been small moments where I've been filled with gratitude for areas I usually grumble about (laundry, dishes). As I take the time to slowly and carefully clean, things shine again, their purpose is made more clear, and my work seems more important. This is very different then my usual "throw yet another load of laundry in, notice how dirty the washer is getting, and give it a half-hearted wipe down." During those hurried times, I often feel annoyed, grumble about the effects of the Fall, and pine for fancier appliances and a maid. And so in trying to clean as part of a rhythm of work and rest, with goals of simplicity and proper care of His gifts, the work and I become more redeemed.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">May His Work continue on my affections, my attachments, my will, and my ambitions as I make our home shine so we may live in His Abundance, capable of appreciating His good gifts.<i><o:p></o:p></i></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I pray again,</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"Teach me your way, O LORD...give me an undivided heart..." (Psalm 86:11 NIV)</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">An Undivided Heart.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A Heart that wills one thing.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A Heart detached from vain comforts that do not satisfy.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A Heart Uncluttered. Body and Soul. Our home. Our routine. Our affections.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">All United to His will.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">P.S. I also wanted to add an idea from my friend <a href="http://thehagedornjourney.blogspot.com/">Christina</a>, who has decided to not tackle a huge cleaning project right now, but liked the idea of the 40 days/40 bags on a smaller yet still meaningful scale. She writes,</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"We are all, even A. [her almost 2 yr old], picking one thing a day to put in a bag that will be given away. Some days we will devote to a specific family and give things they need or might like, but most days we are just trying to clear out and such." What a great plan!</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">P.S.S. I've also kept the children entertained while I cleaned with The Chronicles of Narnia on CD:</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=spleintheordi-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=1589972996" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">They love this, listening over and over and over again. This edition is a dramatic reading of the books with some sound effects and the parts of the characters done by different actors which has really made the story come alive for them.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Anyone else attempting the 40 bags or 40 areas for Lent? Or have any other insights you've gained in your first week of Lent?</i></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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<br />
Along with the calendar, we are following the Scripture readings from the <a href="http://www.domestic-church.com/CONTENT.DCC/19990301/FRIDGE/readings.htm">Domestic-Church.</a><br />
It takes you on a journey, weaving the Old Testament Scriptures with the New, to understand God's providential hand in history, our need for Christ, Christ's fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, and Christ's unique message of love and salvation. For example, one day you read about Moses and the 10 commandments and the next you read when Jesus talks about the two great commandments. Or you read one day about the Isrealites in the Old Testament for 40 years and the next day you read about Jesus in the wilderness for 40 days. Later you read the story of Elisha with bread and fish and then Jesus' miracle. It has already led to good conversation at the breakfast table, with Mom and Dad learning right along side of the kids. I think it provides a wonderful study for all ages!<br />
<br />
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<br />
If you are interested in calendars for a family activity for each day of Lent, here is <a href="http://www.marshill.org/pdf/lent/lenten-experience-calendar.pdf">one to print </a>. It has ideas such as "go for a walk around the block and pick up trash" or "spend 30 minutes with someone under the age of 5 or over 70 today" or "cook a meal and take it to someone." H/T <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/">Holy Experience.</a><br />
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Here is another <a href="http://www.loyolapress.com/40-ideas-for-40-days.htm">calendar from a Catholic source</a>, Loyola Press, that has ideas for each day too. Click on each day for more explanation and tips.<br />
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H/T <a href="http://anglicanprayer.wordpress.com/2010/02/22/lent-resources-an-online-lenten-calendar-40-ideas-for-40-days/">Lent and Beyond. </a><br />
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We're only a few days into Lent, so it's not too late to begin! <br />
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<blockquote>"Lent is a period of fasting, self-denial and prayer, in imitation of our Lord's fasting, forty days and forty nights, and in preparation for the feast of Easter...<br />
A traditional means of reminding the family that it is the holy season of Lent is the Lenten foods which are served only this time of the year. Thus parents and children realize, even at their meals, that prayer and penance should be practiced during these days. <br />
The pretzel has a deep spiritual meaning for Lent. In fact, it was the ancient Christian Lenten bread as far back as the fourth century. In the old Roman Empire, the faithful kept a very strict fast all through Lent: no milk, no butter, no cheese, no eggs, no cream and no meat. They made small breads of water, flour and salt, to remind themselves that Lent was a time of prayer. They shaped these breads in the form of crossed arms for in those days they crossed their arms over the breast while praying. Therefore they called the breads "little arms" (<i>bracellae</i>). From this Latin word, the Germanic people later coined the term "pretzel." <br />
Thus the pretzel is the most appropriate food symbol in Lent. It still shows the form of arms crossed in prayer, reminding us that Lent is a time of prayer." (from <a href="http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/activities/view.cfm?id=543">Catholic Cultur</a>e)</blockquote><br />
I have tried a few different recipes and have found <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Mall-Pretzels/Detail.aspx">this one</a> to be the easiest to work with and the tastiest.<br />
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Here is my step-by-step tutorial based on the recipe by <span id="ctl00_CenterColumnPlaceHolder_recipe_lblSubmitter" rel="nofollow"><span id="ctl00_CenterColumnPlaceHolder_recipe_lblSubmitter_lblUser0">Jeannie Yee</span></span> at <a href="http://allrecipes.com/">all-recipes</a>.<br />
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1. Gather ingredients.<br />
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<ul><li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 2 tablespoons brown sugar</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 1 1/8 teaspoons salt</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 1 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 3 cups all-purpose flour</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 1 cup bread flour</li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)</li>
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2. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast, brown sugar and salt in 1 1/2 cups warm water. Stir in flour (this time I used 4 cups of all-purpose flour and they still turned out great).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S4KiT61C7vI/AAAAAAAAA0I/7GhuZW6kXRE/s1600-h/pretzels+and+sabbath+delight+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S4KiT61C7vI/AAAAAAAAA0I/7GhuZW6kXRE/s400/pretzels+and+sabbath+delight+008.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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3. Knead dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. In stand mixer, this took about 2 minutes on setting 2.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S4KiZQEaQ1I/AAAAAAAAA0Q/Dr87dn-NrUA/s1600-h/pretzels+and+sabbath+delight+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S4KiZQEaQ1I/AAAAAAAAA0Q/Dr87dn-NrUA/s400/pretzels+and+sabbath+delight+010.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4. Place in a greased bowl, and turn to coat the surface. Cover, and let rise for one hour. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S4Kie4BNTmI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/ReNEh0_wYrg/s1600-h/pretzels+and+sabbath+delight+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S4Kie4BNTmI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/ReNEh0_wYrg/s400/pretzels+and+sabbath+delight+011.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">5. After dough has risen, cut into 12 pieces. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S4Kikd_W0-I/AAAAAAAAA0g/rCyYLshIlPs/s1600-h/pretzels+and+sabbath+delight+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S4Kikd_W0-I/AAAAAAAAA0g/rCyYLshIlPs/s400/pretzels+and+sabbath+delight+012.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S4KipPsI-mI/AAAAAAAAA0o/Y3sGLEJ0qL4/s1600-h/pretzels+and+sabbath+delight+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S4KipPsI-mI/AAAAAAAAA0o/Y3sGLEJ0qL4/s400/pretzels+and+sabbath+delight+014.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">6. Roll each piece into a 3 foot rope, pencil thin or thinner. After the initial roll, let the dough sit a moment, it is then easier to work with and will roll and stretch more smoothly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S4Kiu1BtVTI/AAAAAAAAA0w/QxSVWoqmJCo/s1600-h/pretzels+and+sabbath+delight+020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S4Kiu1BtVTI/AAAAAAAAA0w/QxSVWoqmJCo/s400/pretzels+and+sabbath+delight+020.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div>7. Shape into pretzels, or little arms crossed in prayer.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S4Ki1rQaHDI/AAAAAAAAA04/F__kA5pOjD8/s1600-h/pretzels+and+sabbath+delight+021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S4Ki1rQaHDI/AAAAAAAAA04/F__kA5pOjD8/s400/pretzels+and+sabbath+delight+021.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">8. Place on greased cookie sheet or a parchment-lined sheet and let rise for another 15-20 minutes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S4Ki9bWDZsI/AAAAAAAAA1A/Kc_qG5S6Ht0/s1600-h/pretzels+and+sabbath+delight+022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S4Ki9bWDZsI/AAAAAAAAA1A/Kc_qG5S6Ht0/s400/pretzels+and+sabbath+delight+022.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">9. Bake at Bake at 450 degrees F (230 degrees C) for 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden brown. I took mine out a bit too early this time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">10. Then prepare dipping sauces. Melt 2 Tbsp of butter on one plate and then make plates for other favorite toppings-- salt, cinnamon sugar,etc. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S4KjCRAucQI/AAAAAAAAA1I/aj8UW-gqmd0/s1600-h/pretzels+and+sabbath+delight+028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S4KjCRAucQI/AAAAAAAAA1I/aj8UW-gqmd0/s400/pretzels+and+sabbath+delight+028.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">11. Dip cooked pretzel in butter and then topping.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S4KjIdzab7I/AAAAAAAAA1Q/XutIIuHCOa0/s1600-h/pretzels+and+sabbath+delight+034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S4KjIdzab7I/AAAAAAAAA1Q/XutIIuHCOa0/s400/pretzels+and+sabbath+delight+034.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Delicious! Now if this is to be used for the traditional fast, the dipping in butter and toppings should be, of course, omitted. But we use the pretzels more to talk about the history of the church's fasting and use the pretzels as a call to prayer. <a href="http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2009/02/27/4040-lenten-activities-whats-with-the-pretzels/">This blog give</a> more instructions on how to do this.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S4KjNmiW6aI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/Tbx3MQkg9OA/s1600-h/pretzels+and+sabbath+delight+038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S4KjNmiW6aI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/Tbx3MQkg9OA/s400/pretzels+and+sabbath+delight+038.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One note, if you like a really crusty outer layer on your pretzel, <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Mall-Pretzels/Detail.aspx#">all-recipes</a> includes a step of dipping pretzels in baking soda/water mixture before baking. This works well, but we've found it unnecessary.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Let me know if you try it out!!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="verse-num" id="v23065017-1"></span>“For behold, I create new heavens</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="indent"></span>and a new earth,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and the former things shall not be remembered</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="indent"></span>or come into mind.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="verse-num" id="v23065018-1"></span>But be glad and rejoice forever</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="indent"></span>in that which I create;</div><div style="text-align: center;">for behold, I create Jerusalem to be a joy,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="indent"></span>and her people to be a gladness. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="verse-num" id="v23065019-1"></span>I will rejoice in Jerusalem</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="indent"></span>and <i><b>delight </b></i>in my people;</div><div style="text-align: center;">no more shall be heard in it the sound of weeping</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="indent"></span>and the cry of distress. Isaiah 65: 17-19.</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">We enter into the Lord's delight of his redeemed creation.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S4G5wZ3Vl9I/AAAAAAAAAzI/lkuxAVx-BKs/s1600-h/pretzels+and+sabbath+delight+087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S4G5wZ3Vl9I/AAAAAAAAAzI/lkuxAVx-BKs/s640/pretzels+and+sabbath+delight+087.jpg" width="395" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">A Sabbath walk, enjoying sunshine and melting snow.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S4G5zSX7tqI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/qzN-WuNr0e4/s1600-h/pretzels+and+sabbath+delight+096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="521" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S4G5zSX7tqI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/qzN-WuNr0e4/s640/pretzels+and+sabbath+delight+096.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">We learn to receive with open hand the sun and the snow.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">The Fast is broken with this <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/BAKERS-ONE-BOWL-Cake/Detail.aspx">gooey goodness</a>.</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S4G6xv2lMpI/AAAAAAAAAzg/btGHdf5bJ5s/s1600-h/pretzels+and+sabbath+delight+055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S4G6xv2lMpI/AAAAAAAAAzg/btGHdf5bJ5s/s640/pretzels+and+sabbath+delight+055.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="verse-num" id="v19104027-1"></span>These all look to you,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="indent"></span>to give them their food in due season.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="verse-num" id="v19104028-1"></span>When you give it to them, they gather it up;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="indent"></span>when you open your hand, they are filled with good things...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="verse-num" id="v19104029-1"></span> <span class="verse-num" id="v19104030-1"></span>When you send forth your Spirit,<span class="footnote"> <a href="http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Ps.+104%3A27-30%3B+145%3A15-16#f1" id="b1" title="Or 'breath'"></a></span>they are created,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="indent"></span>and you renew the face of the ground. Psalm 104:27-30.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S4G63etuR_I/AAAAAAAAAzo/-qlkrNVqTFo/s1600-h/pretzels+and+sabbath+delight+058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S4G63etuR_I/AAAAAAAAAzo/-qlkrNVqTFo/s640/pretzels+and+sabbath+delight+058.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We celebrate with joy the gifts from His Hands. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S4G7CE8LaXI/AAAAAAAAAz4/htbIc8wqBW8/s1600-h/pretzels+and+sabbath+delight+067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tpJWjkm7j5U/S4G7CE8LaXI/AAAAAAAAAz4/htbIc8wqBW8/s640/pretzels+and+sabbath+delight+067.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
A Blessed Sabbath!<br />
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<i style="font-family: inherit;">Amy</i><br />
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