Over the Years...

With an extra special hug to Mimi and Papa

and Grandma Betty and Grandpa David...

Scroll all the way to the bottom to find our yummy recipe for

Homemade (Cooked) Egg Nog!

McDonald Maidens Christmas Morning 1999

Jessica, Abigail, and Melissa (Galveston - Dickens on the Strand 1999)

Caroling for the Grandparents (Christmas 1999)

Abigail (Texas 2000)
Jessica and Abigail (Texas 2001) Tiffany delivering goodies (in costume) to the neighbors (Texas 2001) Mommy (pregnant with Emma), Virginia Grace, and Abigail (2002)

Grace and Emma (Texas 2002) Papa and Caleb (Texas 2002)
Shayne, James, Micah, and Caleb (Texas 2003)

Christa, Dielle, Stacy, Tiffany, Faydra (Texas 2003)

Christa (Texas 2005) Baking Cookies with Mommy (Illinois 2006) The bow tie club! (Illinois 2006)Christa and Daniel with Grandma
and Grandpa Steffan and Mimi and Papa

Daddy Helpin' in the Kitchen (Illinois 2007)

Tiffany and Melissa (Illinois 2007)
Tiffany (Illinois 2007)
Caleb helping with Dinner (Illinois 2007)

Homemade (Cooked) Egg Nog

-6 egg yolks (do not use whole egg)
-1/4 cup sugar
-1/4 tsp salt
-1 quart milk
-1 tsp vanilla
-1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
-1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional)

PREPARATION: Beat eggs, sugar and salt together in a mixing bowl. Whisk in the milk. Cook mixture over a double boiler whisking occasionally. When it is fairly thick and thinly coats a spoon, remove from heat. Remove from heat and mix in the vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon.

Life in the Country!

Aside from the coyotes, spiders, septic tank issues, aromatic well water, mud, and chicken poop, I LOVE living in the country! Really I do!

God's Jewels

"When He cometh, when He cometh
To take up his jewels
All his jewels, precious jewels
His Loved and His own.

Like the stars of the morning
His bright crown adorning
They will shine in their beauty
Bright gems for his crown."

- William O. Kushing

This past Tuesday evening, the ladies of our church gathered together to watch and discuss a powerful presentation by Joni Eareckson Tada. In it, Joni shares how important it is to view our trials and sufferings as gifts from our sovereign God - gifts that He uses to mold us and shape us more into His image - gifts that help to burn away the impurities (sin) that plague our flesh. She doesn't minimize how difficult (and painful) that is, but she helps us to view suffering biblically.

It is very freeing and inspiring to know that God doesn't waste our pain. Whatever trial you are going through, you can be assured that it is for your ultimate good and His glory. When we press into the pain, rather than run from it in despair, we grow - we move forward.

This makes me think of child birth. During labor, when it comes time to push that baby out, I typically decide I'm too tired. :-) But avoiding the pushing doesn't mean I am actually able to avoid the pain, or the trial. It just means that I prolong it. It also creates a very unproductive type of pain. I can still hear my midwife insisting, "Push! Don't waste the pain!" What a good truth to remember!

So whatever trial you're facing today, remember, "Don't waste the pain." Press in. Move forward. Put your faith in Christ and rely on HIS strength to carry you through. Ask Him to use this trial to burn away the dross, to polish and mold you so that you are more fit for Heaven than before - a bright and shining jewel for His crown.

The Lord their God will save them in that day, as the flock of His people. For they shall be like the jewels of a crown, lifted like a banner over His land... (Zechariah 9:16, NKJV)

CLICK HERE to watch Joni's presentation.

Reformation Day Faire 2009

Reformation Day Faire 2009 at Providence Church was a huge success! With well over 400 in attendance this year, a lively time was had by all.

Charlie Zahm wowed the crowds with his amazing baritone voice and inspiring historical songs. You can hear a sampling by clicking on the slideshow of the faire below.

Douglas Bond, author of the Duncan's War trilogy, Mr. Pipes Books, as well as many other popular historical fiction books for children, was this year's keynote speaker. His newest book, The Betrayal: A Novel on John Calvin, is sitting on my nightstand right now - I can't wait to dive in!

In addition, the Serven family (and friends) offered Psalm singing instruction, Greg Boyd blessed us with his bagpipes, and James McDonald shared a dramatized monologue on the life of John Calvin.

In addition, the town square had all sorts of fun activities, events, and demonstrations. The Boffer War was a favorite among the boys especially, though everyone enjoyed the excitement!

But check it all out for yourself; feel free to view the slideshow below for a "virtual experience" of the faire. And don't forget to join us in October 2010 for another amazing Reformation Day Faire!

And here's a video of some of the dancing fun!

More video links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_MK3uk141k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dslOJlYfY48

Planned Barren-hood

I'm still contemplating, praying over, and organizing my thoughts regarding our recent "quiverfull" poll. I am so burdened over our culture's view of children - especially since this mindset has in part invaded the church. Raising children for God's glory is hard work. Training them up in the way they should go is a minute by minute thing and sometimes it is a "burden." However, children are a blessing and, when we are faithful, the reward is sweet.

"Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6)

The following "condom commercial" reveals the mindset of the birth control marketers and what they want us to think of children. I'm sure Planned Barren-hood would be cheering for this one. Of course, rather than focusing on the child training issue below, their point is that this young boy shouldn't have ever been born.

"The rod and rebuke give wisdom, But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother." (Proverbs 29:15)

A commercial worth watching...

Guess what's going in the kids' bathroom from now on! LOL

Creamy Pumpkin Coconut Soup

Okay folks, this one is going in the "keeper" file at our house. Emma and I whipped up this soup last night for our Sunday night supper tonight. Yum! Healthy, easy to make, and delicious! We were out of cilantro, so I used the frozen cilantro paste you can get in the produce section at the grocery now and it worked fine. We will use fresh cilantro next time though. Enjoy!

1/2 C. chopped shallots

2 T. chopped fresh garlic

2 - 13 1/2 oz. cans of unsweetened coconut milk

3 lb. cooked pumpkin (canned pumpkin can be used in a pinch)

5 C. rich chicken broth (homemade is best)

1 1/2 C. loosely packed semi-chopped cilantro leaves

1 tsp. salt

3-5 T. fish sauce (to taste)

Fresh ground black pepper

chopped fresh chives

Chop and brown shallots and garlic in 1 T. coconut oil. Add broth, coconut milk, and pureed pumpkin. (It is possible to start with raw, seeded, and peeled chunks of pumpkin, and then puree mixture at this stage in batches. Cook on medium until hot. Prior to serving, add fish sauce, salt, and cilantro. Garnish with chives and fresh black pepper.