Advent

Thanksgiving is past and yesterday was the beginning of Advent. It hardly seems possible that Christmas is so quickly approaching. Less than a month! Advent is a time of preparation, preparing our minds and hearts to celebrate CHRISTmas. My family has been celebrating Advent for as long as I can remember, but it wasn't till recently (the the last couple years) that I really began to understand the purpose and meaning behind advent and really focusing our hearts on Christ.  I was listening to Sarah Brown's Christmas CD, which is my favorite, and as I listened to one of the songs it challenged me to think about the gifts we give to God. We are vessels, made for His service, but I think so often we see our lives as our own to do with as we please. We should be seeking to live every day for His glory. During this holiday season we spend more time thinking about things we are thankful for, Christ's birth, what Christmas is about, etc. and so it should be, but it seems like the rest of the year we glide on by, with less thought put on bringing glory to our Savior.  Here are the words to Sarah Brown's song. It's written for kids, but it applies just as much to adults. The wise may bring their learning,  The rich may bring their wealth, And some may bring their greatness, And some may bring strength and health;  We, too, would bring out treasures  To off to the King; We had no wealth or learning; What shall we children bring? We'll bring Him hearts that love Him; We'll bring Him thankful praise, And young souls meekly striving  To walk in holy ways: And these shall be the treasures  We off to the King,  And these are gifts that even  The poorest child may bring. We'll bring the little duties  We have to do each day;  We'll try our best to please Him,  At home, at school, at play: And better are these treasures To offer to the King Than richest gifts without them; Yet these a child may bring.

Thanksgiving

Adorable reindeer cookies Caity and I made (one of many kinds). 

 My cute little Teddybear in his onsie jammies and beard :-)

 The Turkey brine I used from Pioneer Woman. I can't believe that I didn't get any other pictures of the turkey. It turned out beautiful and I must say, pretty yummy. 

 We had a houseful for Thanksgiving, but again I didn't get many pictures. 

 Dear friends who come down to visit for a long weekend are certainly something to be thankful for!

 Dessert buffet 

 Friday afternoon we had a get together with lots of friends for fellowship, games, and dancing. 

 My dearest friend

The blessing of family and friends is something we should never take for granted. I am so thankful for the people God has placed in my life. I love my family, friends, and relatives. 

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Pear Strudel

After canning over 50 quarts of pears last week, we had some extra pears that needed to be used up so I found a recipe for pear strudel. Technically this recipe is for apple strudel, but the blogger said that it works great for pears as well. I used cranberries and pecans in place of blueberries and walnuts. I also found a recipe for homemade phyllo dough which turned out pretty good. 

Love so Amazing so Divine

When I survey the wondrous Cross, on which the Prince of Glory died,

my richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride. 

Forbid it Lord that I should boast, save in the death of Christ my God, 

all the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to His blood.

See from His head, His hands, His feet, sorrow and love flow mingled down

did e'er such love and sorrow meet, or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were a present far too small,

love so amazing so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all. 

~Isaac Watts