Finding True Peace – 3 Practical Steps

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How do you feel about Peace on Earth?

Is there peace? Really? More personally, is there peace in your own heart? Let’s compare Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day with your holiday season and find true peace. We will have a fantastic journey together as we unwrap the Greatest Gift.

Over 150 years ago, Longfellow began his poem with beautiful lines about the Christmas bells and how they reminded him of peace on earth. Yet, his wife died tragically in a fire, he was seriously burned trying to save her, and he lost one child. He was caring for another son severely injured in a war his country was fighting against itself.

He begins joyfully as the church bells remind him of the Christ of Christmas. Soon, however, we feel the rage within as he suddenly gets gut honest: “‘… there is no peace on earth’, I said”.

Join me with pad and pencil in hand as we explore our own feelings this holiday season. Trust me, this will be good for us!

What blessings can you be thankful for?

#1 Let’s begin as Longfellow did by spending some time rejoicing over the holiday. Write about the joys of family (include some precious memories of those who aren’t with us this season). Surely you have a few minutes to write down your thanks for food, warmth of home, loved ones, and freedoms we still enjoy, including freedom to worship.

Uncover the trouble spots — in your world? in your home?

#2 Is there peace in your world? In your home? Be honest with your feelings; this exercise is just for you.  As you write about personal hurts and disappointments, your hand may grip the pen as you express frustration, anger, resentment. It’s okay–be honest. It often seems Longfellow is right, “… hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth …”.  We are bombarded on every side with injustice and cruelty; Christians are mocked and persecuted, innocent people are slaughtered right here in the USA. Even close friends and family can disappoint and disrupt plans.

Unwrap the joy.

#3 Oh, but stop a minute and bow your head! Reflect on the next stanza, “… then pealed the bells more loud and sweet, God is not dead nor doth He sleep. The wrong shall fail, the right prevail …”. Wow! What a glorious thought for this season. Let’s write down some praises. Let us be thankful He is with us! Thankful for that first gift … Jesus Christ, our Immanuel (means God is With Us). May we never forget.

When in a prison camp Corrie ten Boom’s sister told Corrie there was not pit so deep but which God was deeper still.

Personal tragedies will rage on as will wars and rumors of wars. But our Messiah, Jesus Christ, has promised in Revelation 21:5 “Behold, I make all things new.”

My husband and I will celebrate Christmas day together with a simple meal, nice nap, movie by the fireplace, and a warm bed to crawl into. For you I pray God’s peace and blessing as we all prepare for a great year ahead.

Hugs,

Follow this link for more of the story and the words to I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.

Caring for Homebound – Practical Giving

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caring for homebound practical giving

Consider some inexpensive, practical gifts for those you love this season.

Shoppers line aisles searching for gifts for elderly and homebound loved ones. Dollars will be spent on items that may or may not be appreciated or needed. Let’s look at some inexpensive, practical gifts I was given during and after my recent 40-day hospital stay.

  1. Just a cup of coffee? Really? On a long October afternoon in rehab, the aroma of freshly-brewed pumpkin pie latte announced Vickie’s arrival. She would not have us miss our monthly coffee chat. A gentle hug and short visit while sipping that yummy brew was a great pick-me-up for this weary patient!
  2. Notice what was left undone at home. Spotting a box of pre-ordered lily bulbs left on our porch by the postman. Martha asked my hubby for a general idea where to plant them. (Let’s face it, flower gardens are not his thing!) Not only did she make a bed and plant each one, she carefully drew a diagram showing where each color was placed.
  3. Consider the surroundings; can you spruce them up a bit?  Nancy realized I would want to relax outside more while I recuperated at home. She scraped and painted banisters and steps, swept and cleaned both porches. God granted us many beautiful autumn days to enjoy healing fresh air and sunshine.
  4. Think of needs and desires before you visit. Texas friend June (pictured above), knew we were slowly making our hillsides into a park for others to enjoy. She came for a week armed with foods and with a basket of flower bulbs to plant. I have no idea what they are or where she planted all of them. Come summer we will be in for some beautiful surprises as they bloom.
  5. Bring foods in non-returnable containers when possible.  Often during my six-week stay, Doug and Betsy and other neighbors and friends brought Russell home-cooked meals. (The kitchen is not his domain either!) My first weeks at home, we also had some great foods brought in. It was nice to be able to enjoy the food and not worry about returning dishes. (Note: this is also a good plan when providing food to families after a funeral.)
  6. Consider the gift of youth and children singing. A Mennonite neighbor brought food and lingered at the door a few minutes, apparently waiting for someone. Following her was her daughter and eight of her friends to serenade us with beautiful music. What a blessed half hour!

Because you care for others, I know you realize this truth: the best gifts are from the heart; a kind smile; a gentle hug; a sincere prayer. I believe as we stay open to His leading, He will give us direction in how to best share His Love with others along the way.

Hugs,

If you’ve enjoyed my book, My Mother My Child, please go to Amazon and leave a comment. Haven’t read it yet? Well …

Easy Holiday Main Dish–Squash Pie

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easy holiday main dish squash pieAn easy main dish squash pie for Thanksgiving dinner is definitely breaking from tradition and can be difficult for a family.

When my husband heard our friend was making squash pie for Thanksgiving dinner, he was obviously not excited! In fact, he asked what he would be eating. Of course, we had other food, but it turns out that the beautiful, juicy, yummy pie was the big hit of the day!

Our friend had driven eight hours to spend the week with us and help as I continue to gain strength and mobility. June does not eat meat but she can sure pack some good tastes into common veggie and fruit dishes. Add good grains and cheeses and, wow, we did feast! (And, yes, the poor hungry man did get plenty of meat and taters!)

June came prepared to encourage and help in ways I would not have envisioned. My next article will include some of those hints for you. Right now, let’s bake that pie!

Ingredients for Summer Squash Pie

1 unbaked pastry shell (9″)

2 1/2 cups sliced zucchini (1/4″ slices)

1 tsp canola oil (or vegetable oil)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon thyme

1/4 tsp EACH garlic powder, paprika, pepper

2 large tomatoes sliced

1 cup (4 oz.) shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese

3/4 cup mayonnaise

  1. Line unpricked pastry shell with a double thickness of heavy duty foil. Bake in pre-heated oven at 450 degrees for 5 minutes. Remove foil; brush lightly with egg. Bake 5 minutes longer. Remove to a wire rack to cool. Reduce oven to 350.
  2. In a large non-stick skillet, saute zucchini and yellow squash in oil for 10 minutes or until they are very tender. Sprinkle with seasonings; spoon into pastry shell. Top with sliced tomatoes. Combine the cheese and mayonnaise, spread over the top.
  3. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Refrigerate leftovers.

NOTE: Reduced fat or fat free mayonnaise is NOT recommended for this recipe. June used a gluten-free crust and it was delicious.

Let me hear from you if you try this or if you have a squash pie recipe to share. I am sold on new ways to enjoy eating healthier.

Hugs,

If you’ve enjoyed my book, My Mother My Child, please go to Amazon and leave a comment. Haven’t read it yet? Well …