Shopping for Thanksgiving dinner I came across collard greens. It’s not something that I have ever made nor is it my favorite dish. However, since my son-in-law Sean has joined the family I’m trying to be sensitive to his cultural traditions. Coming from a southern state is not so foreign to me since I grew up with Southern cooking – corn bread, fried fish, biscuits and gravy. But Sean has also made our family multi-cultural. I knew He likes collard greens but they are out of my league.
Buying two large batches of collard greens, salt pork, onions and fresh garlic I finished shopping and headed home. After unloading all the groceries I quickly connected to the internet to get a selection of recipes and to see how to prepare the greens. I had no idea what I was getting into.
After cleaning and bleaching the sink, I ran cold water over every leaf and let it sit in the water while I prepared the salt pork, diced the onions and garlic. Then I swished each leaf in the water and ran cold water over each leaf again to remove any grit. I let the greens soak again as I put the salt pork on to slowly fry with the onions and garlic. Then I rinsed the leaves and put them in the colander to drain while I started on the second batch of greens repeating the cleansing, rinsing procedure. This was taking much longer than I had expected.
After turning the ingredients in the frying pan a few times I proceeded to de-vain the leafy collard greens. Taking my sharp paring knife I traced along each side of the main vein excising the nasty, hard thing. Wanting to make the greens just right according to internet instructions, I proceeded to cut out any and all veins on each side of the leaf. I know those of you who are experienced at this are laughing at me – but I wanted to do it right. After finishing the first batch my right index finger was registering pain and screaming “what do you think you’re doing, give me a break.” So, I did.
I put the salt pork into a few quarts of water with the onions and garlic and added some crushed red pepper – Edie said that it needed something “hot.” Then I decided to call Edie to complain about how long this was taking. I hoped she had appreciated the hard work her Mother had done to produce a regular helping of greens for the family. As I told her what I was doing, she laughed out loud. I really didn’t think it was that funny, but she informed me that she had by passed all that work and bought her greens already cleaned, de-veined and chopped in a bag at Acme. “So now you tell me! That would have been some pretty important information to have had a couple of hours earlier” I told her. More laughter.
After our conversation I sat back down with the next batch of greens to spend another hour loving on my son-in-law Sean and praying that my first batch of greens would be worthy of him. Amazingly, those two large batches of greens rendered a quart of cooked greens. All that work for such a small amount of food was unbelievable.
During this whole process I told the Lord that this was my offering of worship to Him and of love to Sean – His child. Romans 12:1 in The Message tells us “So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him.”
I had worshiped in more ways than one. I had helped to bring a slice of home and tradition into the life of one of God’s children. I had risked failure and a waste of precious time. But I had spent the time well -- time alone with greens and a knife to pray for whoever came to mind and to give thanks for the many blessings of the year. I guess you could say it was my Thanksgiving Greens.
I wish you could have seen the delight on Sean’s face when he uncovered the greens and the relief in me when he declared them “good.” I noticed that he had a few helpings so I guess they were an acceptable offering. I thought they tasted pretty good, but who am I to judge?
As I look back at the Thanksgivings of years past, the faces at the table have changed. Some have passed on, some are married and with their own families; but there has been one constant tradition – turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, green bean casserole, cole slaw and home made rolls. Now as children have been added so are the Thanksgiving greens. Who knows what will be next…
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Thanksgiving Greetings
Happy Thanksgiving to our Calvary Circle of Friends!
I trust you are all celebrating with family or friends. The Turkey is in the oven, greens cooked -- that's another story, cole slaw cooling, potatoes ready to be mashed, table set. There will be fourteen here today -- four grandchildren, six children, and three church family who have no family in the area. Family, food, fun and fellowship.
This Thanksgiving we have so much to be thankful for -- three new grandchildren!!! WOW! What a blessing! Tyler and Taylor arrived in March as Aaron and Jen are adopting the twin two year olds. All boy, active, curious, cute as can be and fearless they still take time for lots of hugs and kisses. I love that about them. Maielle arrived May 12 and is six months now. She is just too cute. All girl, smiles, bright eyes, high pitched squeals of happiness, curly black hair -- she's a delight. Chloe just turned eight this month and is getting more beautiful every year. She's doing great in school, loves to read and scrapbook and help take care of her new brothers.
Six children are such a blessing to us -- yes, our two daughters-in-law and son-in-law are our children. It's great having them all close to home and able to be with us for most holidays as they juggle special days with their in-laws. Grateful that Sean is not overseas this year. Grateful for all the military who are on the front lines for us.
We're grateful also for a church family who loves and supports the work of God in Dover and around the world. Thank you for your prayers, servant leadership, encouragement and help in ministering to our church family and community.
Below is a devotional I read today from Kathryn Robbins of Personality Principles:
I was reading a daily devotion and a new thought came to me, now this may not be new to you, but it was to me. In John 12, we are given a glimpse of another kind of a thanks-giving meal.
Six days before Passover, Jesus arrived in Bethany. Lazarus, whom Jesus had brought back to life, lived there. Dinner was prepared for Jesus in Bethany. Martha served the dinner, and Lazarus was one of the people eating with Jesus. John 12:1-2 (GW)
"Lazarus was one of the people eating..." Wow, this is such an understatement! Only a short time before this, Lazarus was dead - three days dead and now he is eating with Jesus. I think the Passover meal would have been as routine in this culture as our holidays are today - something you just have to do, but this one would have had a special kind of thankfulness to it. One friend, who was dead, is now alive and breaking bread with the man who ordered him to "come out" of the grave. What a meal that must have been. What do you think was on Lazarus' list to be thankful for? I'm thinking - LIFE!
I am so thankful for life. The desire to live is a gift from God in fact; life is the gift, not just this mortal life, but eternal life. The Gospel of John gives us a wonderful word picture about Jesus being our bread of life - eternal life.
I can guarantee this truth: Every believer has eternal life. "I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert and died. This is the bread that comes from heaven so that whoever eats it won't die. I am the living bread that came from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever." John 6:47-50 (GW)
As we break bread with friends and family this year, lets ponder the thought of Jesus being our bread of life, with the power to raise us up to new life, to call us out of the grave and into eternal life. What a rush to think of sitting with Jesus at the banquet table prepared for us who believe at the Wedding Supper of the Lamb.
Then the angel said to me, "Write this: 'Blessed are those who are invited to the lamb's wedding banquet.'" He also told me, "These are the true words of God." Rev 19:9 (GW)
Be Blessed -- Angela
I trust you are all celebrating with family or friends. The Turkey is in the oven, greens cooked -- that's another story, cole slaw cooling, potatoes ready to be mashed, table set. There will be fourteen here today -- four grandchildren, six children, and three church family who have no family in the area. Family, food, fun and fellowship.
This Thanksgiving we have so much to be thankful for -- three new grandchildren!!! WOW! What a blessing! Tyler and Taylor arrived in March as Aaron and Jen are adopting the twin two year olds. All boy, active, curious, cute as can be and fearless they still take time for lots of hugs and kisses. I love that about them. Maielle arrived May 12 and is six months now. She is just too cute. All girl, smiles, bright eyes, high pitched squeals of happiness, curly black hair -- she's a delight. Chloe just turned eight this month and is getting more beautiful every year. She's doing great in school, loves to read and scrapbook and help take care of her new brothers.
Six children are such a blessing to us -- yes, our two daughters-in-law and son-in-law are our children. It's great having them all close to home and able to be with us for most holidays as they juggle special days with their in-laws. Grateful that Sean is not overseas this year. Grateful for all the military who are on the front lines for us.
We're grateful also for a church family who loves and supports the work of God in Dover and around the world. Thank you for your prayers, servant leadership, encouragement and help in ministering to our church family and community.
Below is a devotional I read today from Kathryn Robbins of Personality Principles:
I was reading a daily devotion and a new thought came to me, now this may not be new to you, but it was to me. In John 12, we are given a glimpse of another kind of a thanks-giving meal.
Six days before Passover, Jesus arrived in Bethany. Lazarus, whom Jesus had brought back to life, lived there. Dinner was prepared for Jesus in Bethany. Martha served the dinner, and Lazarus was one of the people eating with Jesus. John 12:1-2 (GW)
"Lazarus was one of the people eating..." Wow, this is such an understatement! Only a short time before this, Lazarus was dead - three days dead and now he is eating with Jesus. I think the Passover meal would have been as routine in this culture as our holidays are today - something you just have to do, but this one would have had a special kind of thankfulness to it. One friend, who was dead, is now alive and breaking bread with the man who ordered him to "come out" of the grave. What a meal that must have been. What do you think was on Lazarus' list to be thankful for? I'm thinking - LIFE!
I am so thankful for life. The desire to live is a gift from God in fact; life is the gift, not just this mortal life, but eternal life. The Gospel of John gives us a wonderful word picture about Jesus being our bread of life - eternal life.
I can guarantee this truth: Every believer has eternal life. "I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert and died. This is the bread that comes from heaven so that whoever eats it won't die. I am the living bread that came from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever." John 6:47-50 (GW)
As we break bread with friends and family this year, lets ponder the thought of Jesus being our bread of life, with the power to raise us up to new life, to call us out of the grave and into eternal life. What a rush to think of sitting with Jesus at the banquet table prepared for us who believe at the Wedding Supper of the Lamb.
Then the angel said to me, "Write this: 'Blessed are those who are invited to the lamb's wedding banquet.'" He also told me, "These are the true words of God." Rev 19:9 (GW)
Be Blessed -- Angela
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Totally Free
Lord, break these chains that bind…
My hands, my feet, my mind
Some links were formed
When I was scorned
Some were created when I felt hated
Some were attached by myself
When I would not accept my Savior’s help
Some were added whenever I’d mourn,
And wish that I had never been born.
Each chain gained weight with the enemy’s hate
Lord please don’t leave me in this state
Come pierce my heart with your sweet truth
And heal the wounds I’ve had since youth
Please break each chain, help me to see
The woman of God I’m destined to be
Gloriously, beautifully, TOTALLY FREE!!!!!!
By Lisa Falkner
October 30, 2007
“The captive exile and he who is bent down by chains shall speedily be released: and he shall not die and go down to the pit of destruction, nor shall his food fail. For I am the Lord your God, Who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar and Who by rebuke restrains it –the Lord of hosts is His name.”
Isaiah 51:14-15 Amplified
My hands, my feet, my mind
Some links were formed
When I was scorned
Some were created when I felt hated
Some were attached by myself
When I would not accept my Savior’s help
Some were added whenever I’d mourn,
And wish that I had never been born.
Each chain gained weight with the enemy’s hate
Lord please don’t leave me in this state
Come pierce my heart with your sweet truth
And heal the wounds I’ve had since youth
Please break each chain, help me to see
The woman of God I’m destined to be
Gloriously, beautifully, TOTALLY FREE!!!!!!
By Lisa Falkner
October 30, 2007
“The captive exile and he who is bent down by chains shall speedily be released: and he shall not die and go down to the pit of destruction, nor shall his food fail. For I am the Lord your God, Who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar and Who by rebuke restrains it –the Lord of hosts is His name.”
Isaiah 51:14-15 Amplified
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
"Totally Free" Women of Purpose Conference 2007 Feeback
Ladies , our Women of Purpose Conference was a wonderful experience! From the Prayer Walk on Thursday night to Dr. Deborah Gill's teaching on the "Biblical Basis for Women in Ministry", to the glorious worship with Shannon Lewis and Pam Seaman, Lisa Bevere's insights on the "daughters" and "mothers" and Babbie Masons extremely anointed ministry in song -- we were blessed beyond measure.
Our Prayer Walk was a spiritual experience in itself. After walking the walk and praying at each prayer station, I sat down to pray and another lady sat beside me. She was actually singing prayer phrases. What was interesting was that as I was praying she would agree in prayer by repeating phrases as a song. It was another dimension of corporate prayer that I've never experienced before but it felt like "unity" to the max. Others were praying out loud and interceding; there were waves of intercession and praise.
Dr. Deborah Gill made a difficult subject easy to understand. I believe many women were affirmed and set free from the lies and deception of the enemy just by hearing and receiving the truth of God's Word. I had an opportunity to talk with Deborah the night before at our WOP Conference team dinner. She is very personable and friendly.
Babbie Mason was the highlight for me. Her song "Pray On" and "Great is thy Faithfulness" ministered to me in a special way. Having the opportunity to be with her in the "green room" and speak with her at her table, I sensed a depth of wisdom and anointing that I would like to tap into for our women. I believe she has something to share with us that we need; so I will be inviting her to sing and speak here in Dover.
I found it interesting that the Musicians sang "Be Still" at least three times over the weekend. We had just learned and sang the song for the past two weekends. "When the oceans rise and thunders roar, I will soar with you above the storm. Father you are King over the flood. I will be still and know You are God. Find rest my soul, in Christ alone... " Powerful words for us as women. Whatever storm we are going through, God is King -- He is in control. He is our refuge and our strength. He is our hiding place. He is the Great I AM! He Reigns forever.
Let us remember to "be still" - do not allow our minds to obsess on the troubling thoughts and be distrubed. How do we do this? I know from personal experience how difficult this is. Recently this happened to me and the thoughts tried to invade every moment of my life. I praised God. I prayed the Word when the thoughts invaded by prayer time. I quoted scripture. I purposefully changed the subject in my mind instead of entertaining it. I worked at "being present" in the moment and listening to others, laughing, talking, living.
Christ spoke "peace be still" to the storm and it stopped. Proclaim "peace" in your own situation through the power of the Holy Spirit. Even if the situation doesn't change, we can experience the peace of knowing that Christ is "in the boat" with us and we're not going down. Do not entertain the anxious thoughts but give them to God. Be still... be still... be still... let your heart beat as one with Christ.
For those of you who went to the Conference, let us know what ministered to you the most.
Our Prayer Walk was a spiritual experience in itself. After walking the walk and praying at each prayer station, I sat down to pray and another lady sat beside me. She was actually singing prayer phrases. What was interesting was that as I was praying she would agree in prayer by repeating phrases as a song. It was another dimension of corporate prayer that I've never experienced before but it felt like "unity" to the max. Others were praying out loud and interceding; there were waves of intercession and praise.
Dr. Deborah Gill made a difficult subject easy to understand. I believe many women were affirmed and set free from the lies and deception of the enemy just by hearing and receiving the truth of God's Word. I had an opportunity to talk with Deborah the night before at our WOP Conference team dinner. She is very personable and friendly.
Babbie Mason was the highlight for me. Her song "Pray On" and "Great is thy Faithfulness" ministered to me in a special way. Having the opportunity to be with her in the "green room" and speak with her at her table, I sensed a depth of wisdom and anointing that I would like to tap into for our women. I believe she has something to share with us that we need; so I will be inviting her to sing and speak here in Dover.
I found it interesting that the Musicians sang "Be Still" at least three times over the weekend. We had just learned and sang the song for the past two weekends. "When the oceans rise and thunders roar, I will soar with you above the storm. Father you are King over the flood. I will be still and know You are God. Find rest my soul, in Christ alone... " Powerful words for us as women. Whatever storm we are going through, God is King -- He is in control. He is our refuge and our strength. He is our hiding place. He is the Great I AM! He Reigns forever.
Let us remember to "be still" - do not allow our minds to obsess on the troubling thoughts and be distrubed. How do we do this? I know from personal experience how difficult this is. Recently this happened to me and the thoughts tried to invade every moment of my life. I praised God. I prayed the Word when the thoughts invaded by prayer time. I quoted scripture. I purposefully changed the subject in my mind instead of entertaining it. I worked at "being present" in the moment and listening to others, laughing, talking, living.
Christ spoke "peace be still" to the storm and it stopped. Proclaim "peace" in your own situation through the power of the Holy Spirit. Even if the situation doesn't change, we can experience the peace of knowing that Christ is "in the boat" with us and we're not going down. Do not entertain the anxious thoughts but give them to God. Be still... be still... be still... let your heart beat as one with Christ.
For those of you who went to the Conference, let us know what ministered to you the most.
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