Posted by caleb on Nov 26, 2009 in
Personal As the turkey and pumpkin pie settles in our stomachs, it’s important to take a look back and remember God’s faithfulness.
What I’m Thankful For:
- God’s Provision- Just as He clothes the lilies of the field, He’s always provided for me.
- Family- No matter what, we’re there for each other.
- Friends who truly care- Sometimes a person who listens unconditionally is all it takes.
- The gift of time to spend with older relatives- We never know how much time we have left.
- A college education- So many in the world never have the chance to further their studies.
- Employment- After looking for over two months, God provided me with a steady paycheck.
So many times throughout the year we grow calloused to the idea of God providing, and we take for granted that his mercies are new everyday. May you and I never forget His Love.
Tags: college, Family, God, Pumpkin Pie, Thankful, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving 2009
Posted by caleb on Nov 26, 2009 in
Personal In this season of Thanksgiving, let us not forget to thank our Lord for the many blessings He gives us everyday. This year has been one filled with new life learning experiences for me- from paying my first real bills to living on my own. I’ve definitely learned I need to appreciate the little things a bit more.
Usually my family and I spend the Thanksgiving holiday with my dad’s family in Wichita, KS. However, because of my job (another blessing), we were unable to make the trip this year, so we celebrated Thanksgiving Day at my parent’s house in Oswego, KS. We thought back, and this is possibly only the second time we’ve shared a Thanksgiving meal as only our immediate family. While we of course missed getting to see our other relatives (and the more opportune Black Friday shopping!), it was a nice change to spend a quiet evening at home.
I thought I’d share some pictures from our feast.
Turkey
A Tradition! Green Bean Casserole
Homemade Pumpkin Pie
and all together:
Let's Eat!
Tags: Corrie, Family, food, kansas, Oswego, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving 2009, Wichita
Posted by caleb on Dec 25, 2008 in
Personal As we move into Christmas Day, I thought I’d like to share some of my favorite Christmas traditions with all of you:
Every Christmas, my family always reads the second chapter of the Gospel of Luke (part of which I’ve quoted below) by a cozy fire in our den before we open the presents under the tree in the living room. As I’ve gotten older, it’s become one of my favorite Christmas traditions, and is one that I’ll definitely continue when I have children. I thought it’d be nice for you to share it with us this year.
The Birth of Jesus
1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to his own town to register.
4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
The Shepherds and the Angels
8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[a] the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14″Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. (NIV)
Since my paternal grandfather passed away two years ago, my grandmother has spent Christmas with us. This will be the third Christmas we’ve shared, and as my grandmother and I grow closer, each year becomes more special than the last. I don’t know how much time she has left, and so I want to make every moment count.
After we read Luke 2, we all scurry into the living room to share our gifts with one another. Another one of my favorite Christmas traditions is giving gifts. I love picking out just the perfect present for everyone on my list. I’m not always successful, but the thrill of it is intense. This year I think I came pretty close. I’ll let you know… My mom hates wrapping paper, at least after it’s been used, so ever since I can remember, the kitchen trash can has accompanied us into the living room, a ready receptacle for anything and everything that at one time concealed the perfect gift.
After we’ve completed the gift-exchanging and opening, my dad cooks a magnificent breakfast that includes all the trimmings, bacon, sausage, eggs, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, and even more. We stuff ourselves (my father is an amazing breakfast cook) and then enjoy some of the gifts we’ve received.
Usually, we have a large Christmas dinner, as well, but it depends on how full we are from breakfast when we eat it, and if it’s a lunch or a supper. My mom bakes either a ham or a turkey (it’s a wondrous ham this year) and we have another feast, usually with green bean casserole (my favorite), pumpkin pie, homemade bread (my grandmother’s finest), mashed potatoes, gravy, sometimes stuffing, and the list goes on and on.
We’re one of the families that usually goes to see a movie in the afternoon on Christmas Day, as well. This year, we may try to catch either Valkyrie or Bedtime Stories. We haven’t decided which, yet. Adam Sandler in a movie makes me nervous about its content, so I’m guessing Valkyrie, although it looks a little intense, too.
I try to make a habit of celebrating Christmas for at least a few days after Christmas as well, because it’s only the commercialized nonsense that ends at 11:59 p.m. on December 25. Christmas is supposed to last twelve days! I usually try give it a run for its money, although I’ve never made all twelve.
With all of the trimmings and ornaments aside, however, the most important traditions are simple: honoring our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and spending time with family.
Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas, from my family to yours. May this special day be filled with joy and wonder and love for the King of Kings.
Tags: bacon, biscuits and gravy, breakfast, Christian, Christianity, christmas, December, dinner, eggs, Family, gifts, gravy, green been casserole, ham, homemade bread, Jesus, mashed potatoes, Pumpkin Pie, sausage, traditions, turkey
Posted by caleb on Dec 24, 2008 in
Personal “Christmas vs. the world.”
It sure seems that way sometimes doesn’t it? It’s a phrase that used to be defined by the over-commercialization of the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, a little baby that would one day save the world. Now, however, the knife cuts even deeper, as the figurative scalpel tries to cut Jesus and the entire holiday out of the season. To me, that’s kind of like an empty suit, a season with no reason to celebrate except the fake cheer created by glossy advertisements and sappy Hallmark movies.
Some say we must be more accepting of other’s traditions and generically greet others with a simple “Happy Holidays” so as to not offend those who celebrate a different winter holiday. Now, I’m all for inter-cultural understanding and communication. In fact, I thrive on meeting new people and learning about different people groups. I’m even a Spanish minor (soon to be major), but our country was founded on a bedrock of Judeo-Christian morals and traditions and a genuine desire to live for and love God, and Jesus Christ, his son. It seems the more “tolerant” we become, the more intolerant America is towards Christianity and those who follow it. We, as Christ-followers, are expected to make every effort to ensure that someone who follows another religion or none at all, but no one makes any concessions for us. It doesn’t seem quite fair to me.
Jesus didn’t call us to be pushovers, but He also didn’t call us to be hate-mongers. In fact, He said just the opposite: “…love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” So while we shouldn’t allow everyone to walk all over us (i.e. “Happy Holidays…”), we must love all others, not for what they do, but because they are people created and loved by God, just as much as He loves those who follows him. Who are we to think we are any better? For, “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (NIV)
So this Christmas season (which continues past December 25th!), don’t feel guilty wishing someone a “Merry Christmas”, because, after all, Jesus is the reason for the season (just be sure your greeting is filled with His love as well!).
Tags: Christianity, christmas, Family, Jesus
Posted by caleb on Nov 27, 2008 in
Personal Thanksgiving: family, turkey, and shopping. At least that’s how it generally goes for me. We talk, eat, and shop, but generally we don’t give a lot of thought to our many blessings, at least en masse.
This year, I thought I’d share some of what I’m thankful for.
- God’s unconditional love and forgiveness. I’d be sunk without it.
- Family and Friends. They keep me going everyday.
- Homemade pumpkin pie and greenbean casserole. It’s not Thanksgiving without truly delicious (but fattening) foods.
- Freakin’ awesome Black Friday bargains. Better hurry up and check out BFAds if you haven’t already… you’ve got five hours in Central Time.
- Apple, Macs, and iPods. Ease-of-use and future careers are nice. Besides, I couldn’t live without my MacBook Pro or my iPod touch.
- Gov. Sarah Palin and Conservative Values. Like I said, the future is great, but unless we all get on board, it’s going to be a long road ahead, no matter how amazing Gov. Palin is.
- Sleep. I’m a teenager and a college student; I think this goes without explaining.
- School and Scholarships. Yea, I know, but I’m happy to have the opportunity to create a better life for myself.
- the “and Scholarships” part. I’m also thankful not to have to pay for it.
- Music. My life would be boring without a little beat pumping through my earbuds.
I posted this late because I like to think Thanksgiving goes on through at least Friday, if not Saturday morning (also because I was too busy eating and browsing the Black Friday ads to break away to write this…), so join in the great turkey call and tell me what you’re thankful for.
Tags: 2008, Apple, Black Friday, college, Family, Friends, God, iPod, Mac, Music, Palin, Pumpkin Pie, school, Sleep, Stellar Kart, Thanksgiving
Posted by caleb on Apr 4, 2006 in
Personal This past week (March 30, 2006) we lost my Grandpa to a major stroke. On March 30, 2006 at 9:55 a.m. at Mt. Carmel in Pittsburg, he went to be with the Lord. He was almost 81; his birthday was April 10th. Grandma and Grandpa had been married almost 60 years; their anniversary was April 6. We’ll miss you, Grandpa. We love you.
Tags: death, Family, Grandpa
