Boy, have I had the BLAH HUMBUG'S the last few days. :-) Definitely some sort of stress let down or something. But ... I think I may be getting back up to par. I've tried to not do a whole lot other than rest the last couple of days, and that's helped. I even got a spurt of energy this evening, so I cooked up some home made chili and chocolate chip banana bread for the "feast" after the church service tomorrow. I made two loaves, but we still have so many sweets sitting around the house that I decided to freeze one loaf and take the other to church. In other words, we do not get to partake (yet)!
Since I've mainly been resting, I don't have a whole lot of news. I think the most exciting thing I've done the last couple of days is have a calligraphy lesson, taught by my dear husband, Shaun. In case you don't know, I sort of have an interest (ok, maybe it's an obsession) as to how things were done in "the olden days." Writing the way they did is one of those curiosities, along with living on the prairie in general and how they made a living. Anyway, Shaun was taught calligraphy when he was younger and does quite a nice job (his writing is on my high school diploma). So for Christmas, he bought me a set of pens and some paper, and promised some free lessons. I feel like I'm learning to write my ABC's all over again! The strokes of the pen are completely different from those we use with our modern day pens, but they sure do make perty marks!! :-)) Maybe when I get good enough, I'll post some before and after pictures. Since I'm not at all sure I'll actually succeed at this new project, I'll wait to post my first try. ;-) And as the song goes .... "Practice makes perfect, practice makes perfect, I guess if I practice, then better I'll be!"
Albert Einstein once said that insanity was doing the same thing over and over again, expecting different results. Me thinks I would do well to remember that each time I sit down to practice the alphabet with my new found pen, a task I never thought I would do again. ;-)
Until next time,
~PrairieBren, a strong believer of the fact that you CAN teach an old dog new tricks!
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Not A Creature Is Stirring...
... in the Coats house this evening. I am having a rare night alone as the girls and Shaun are at work, Andrew is at an overnight slumber party with his friend, Michael, and Annie (my dog) is asleep. Bob, Michelle, Skylar, and Tristan left this morning. They did arrive home safely, but we were a bit worried about them having to travel in the snow storm. It's been snowing all day here, and while it's beautiful, it doesn't make for good traveling over the mountains. :-)
While we just had a very "rich" Christmas, I am trying to remember those around the world who are less fortunate, in that, they are not able to openly worship the Lord as we do here. I received The Voice of the Martyrs magazine in the mail today, and there are many Christians out there who are being persecuted for their faith in Christ. It's very challenging to read about their struggles, and I wonder if I would have the same courage that they possess if I were in the same situation. Although I do not see myself as being courageous enough, I know that the Lord gives these prisoners the strength and courage they need to stand firm at the time they need it ... and I can only trust that He would do the same for me if the situation ever arose.
Meanwhile, we can pray for them, and we can even help in more tangible ways. One way is to write a letter to one of these prisoners by going to www.PrisonerAlert.com and they will translate your letter for you. Then you print it out and send it in the mail. This apparently has the potential to help the prisoners get released sooner. You can also send what they call an Action Pack by going to www.persecution.com/actionpacks They will send you a vacuum pack (for $7), and you fill it with blankets, shirts, pencils, paper, towels, etc. (please follow their directions), and then send it back to them. They then send it to the country you choose, along with a Gospel storybook in the appropriate language. Just a small way to demonstrate the love of Christ, if you are so led. :-)
Well, my time alone is coming to an end. So for now, I will sign off. Don't forget to scroll down and see a few more Christmas pictures that I've posted!
Until next time,
~PrairieBren
Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
Romans 12:8
While we just had a very "rich" Christmas, I am trying to remember those around the world who are less fortunate, in that, they are not able to openly worship the Lord as we do here. I received The Voice of the Martyrs magazine in the mail today, and there are many Christians out there who are being persecuted for their faith in Christ. It's very challenging to read about their struggles, and I wonder if I would have the same courage that they possess if I were in the same situation. Although I do not see myself as being courageous enough, I know that the Lord gives these prisoners the strength and courage they need to stand firm at the time they need it ... and I can only trust that He would do the same for me if the situation ever arose.
Meanwhile, we can pray for them, and we can even help in more tangible ways. One way is to write a letter to one of these prisoners by going to www.PrisonerAlert.com and they will translate your letter for you. Then you print it out and send it in the mail. This apparently has the potential to help the prisoners get released sooner. You can also send what they call an Action Pack by going to www.persecution.com/actionpacks They will send you a vacuum pack (for $7), and you fill it with blankets, shirts, pencils, paper, towels, etc. (please follow their directions), and then send it back to them. They then send it to the country you choose, along with a Gospel storybook in the appropriate language. Just a small way to demonstrate the love of Christ, if you are so led. :-)
Well, my time alone is coming to an end. So for now, I will sign off. Don't forget to scroll down and see a few more Christmas pictures that I've posted!
Until next time,
~PrairieBren
Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
Romans 12:8
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
A White Christmas, Indeed!
Well, Christmas is almost over for yet another year. With everyone tucked into bed, I thought I'd write a short blog. We DID have that white Christmas I always dream about. It snowed most of the day, which made for a great sledding opportunity for Andrew and his two cousins (Bob's boys, Tristan and Skylar). Andrew got a new sled, given to him by Jessie, so he was excited to try it out. Although the snow didn't accumulate to much, it did come down most of the day, and we still had snow on the ground from a previous storm.
My plan was to take a family picture outside, with the snow falling around us. But ... I seem to have a couple of teenage daughters who ran off with my camera and by the time they got back, the snow had stopped. Sooo ... maybe next year. They took a few pictures of themselves in the snow, but my computer's not letting me post them, so I will try again tomorrow.
All in all, the day was very pleasant, and I feel very blessed. Among other things, Michelle and I made those traditional peanut butter balls I spoke of. I have a feeling they'll all be gone in but a few days though! After all, Uncle Bob is in the house! ;-)
Hopefully, I'll write again tomorrow and even post some pictures. Hope you all had a great Christmas. :-)
~PrairieBren
My plan was to take a family picture outside, with the snow falling around us. But ... I seem to have a couple of teenage daughters who ran off with my camera and by the time they got back, the snow had stopped. Sooo ... maybe next year. They took a few pictures of themselves in the snow, but my computer's not letting me post them, so I will try again tomorrow.
All in all, the day was very pleasant, and I feel very blessed. Among other things, Michelle and I made those traditional peanut butter balls I spoke of. I have a feeling they'll all be gone in but a few days though! After all, Uncle Bob is in the house! ;-)
Hopefully, I'll write again tomorrow and even post some pictures. Hope you all had a great Christmas. :-)
~PrairieBren
Monday, December 24, 2007
'Twas The Night Before Christmas....
...and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, except for Brenda, who still needs to fill stockings before she shuts down the house. :-) Obviously, I'm too tired to write much of anything that makes sense. But I just wanted to tell everyone Merry Christmas and I hope you have a great day tomorrow. We opened gifts tonight, and some of them were very thoughtful and kind. Bob and his family are here, and I am comforted by their presence. I anticipate and full day of food and fun tomorrow, and I'll be sure and stop by to tell you about it at the end of the day. In the meantime, again, Merry Christmas and love to you all.
Love,
PrairieBren
"Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas." ~Calvin Coolidge
Love,
PrairieBren
"Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas." ~Calvin Coolidge
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Christ and Corrie
I have shared with some of you that I have recently read The Hiding Place, by Corrie ten Boom. Now I'm reading a book called Life Lessons from the Hiding Place, written by Pam Rosewell Moore, Corrie's companion in the last years of her life.
The picture on the front is of Corrie in her later years, smiling tenderly, like someone you might want to be your own grandmother. Even with that strong, determined chin of hers, her joy and kindness leap off the cover at you. As I read the first portion of the book, I realized that I was beginning to lift Corrie higher than she really ought to be lifted. Her strong personality, her graciousness, her gift of making anyone feel at ease, her wisdom, her mercy, her strong faith, her courage in hiding the Jews in World War II, etc... all very real, and all qualities to be admired and sought after. But then it struck me that there wasn't anything in Corrie that the Lord didn't put there. When I read about Corrie, I am, in fact, seeing Christ. She was "simply" the clay, He was the Potter.
I remember hearing someone say (forgive me, I don't recall who it was), that anytime people saw good in him, that it was actually Christ that they were seeing ... not him. So from now on, when I read about Corrie, I will remind myself that it's really Christ through Corrie that shines through on the pages.
I don't think Corrie would appreciate being put on the pedestal that I had her on, and I think Corrie would agree when I say that without Christ, she wouldn't have been who she was, or able to do accomplish the great things that she did. She "did all things through Christ, who strengthened her." It encourages me to see how God used Corrie in so many ways, and while I can aim at being like Corrie, I need to ultimately aim at being like Christ.
And now, with things in proper perspective, I am off to read the rest of my book. ;-)
~PrairieBren
The picture on the front is of Corrie in her later years, smiling tenderly, like someone you might want to be your own grandmother. Even with that strong, determined chin of hers, her joy and kindness leap off the cover at you. As I read the first portion of the book, I realized that I was beginning to lift Corrie higher than she really ought to be lifted. Her strong personality, her graciousness, her gift of making anyone feel at ease, her wisdom, her mercy, her strong faith, her courage in hiding the Jews in World War II, etc... all very real, and all qualities to be admired and sought after. But then it struck me that there wasn't anything in Corrie that the Lord didn't put there. When I read about Corrie, I am, in fact, seeing Christ. She was "simply" the clay, He was the Potter.
I remember hearing someone say (forgive me, I don't recall who it was), that anytime people saw good in him, that it was actually Christ that they were seeing ... not him. So from now on, when I read about Corrie, I will remind myself that it's really Christ through Corrie that shines through on the pages.
I don't think Corrie would appreciate being put on the pedestal that I had her on, and I think Corrie would agree when I say that without Christ, she wouldn't have been who she was, or able to do accomplish the great things that she did. She "did all things through Christ, who strengthened her." It encourages me to see how God used Corrie in so many ways, and while I can aim at being like Corrie, I need to ultimately aim at being like Christ.
And now, with things in proper perspective, I am off to read the rest of my book. ;-)
~PrairieBren
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Christmas Traditions
The closer we get to Christmas, the more I think about Christmas as a child and the traditions we had growing up. A trip across town to Grandma Brown's house was always the norm, after our own gift opening. There we'd find apple pie, pumpkin pie, turkey, chocolate fudge, peanut butter fudge, rolls, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy ... and of course, peanut butter balls. All of which were homemade. Grandma was the best cook!!
Extended family were always present, and my Aunt Virginia was always late. But then, it wouldn't seem like Christmas if she wasn't. :-)) I would don a new sweater most every Christmas, given to me by my mother, and my brothers and I would bring whatever new toys we were given. Not sure whether that was to play with them, or compare with our cousins. Either way, it was a hoot to show them off.
Sledding on Grandma and Grandpa's hill was always appropriate, provided there was enough snow. As we got older, I think the tradition became more like sneaking cigarettes on top of the hill instead of sleds. But we won't talk about that.
After our bellies were full and the sledding (aka smoking) was finished, we'd hurry back to the house. There, we'd usually find the adults in some heated political discussion, to which all the cousins would roll their eyes at and head for the basement.
As was tradition, a game our family invented with Scrabble pieces called "Take Two" was brought out (when the women grew weary of the political banter). I personally think the game got its name from the fact that they always played it until two in the morning! But they claim it got it's name from how many scrabble pieces you take at each turn. I have to admit ... it's addicting! I've taught it to my kids, and while they also find it addicting, there has yet to be a night that we stayed up until two in the morning playing it. Call me wimpy, but I just don't have it in me to do that anymore. :-)
Since Grandma is now in a nursing home, the tradition of the family gathering there has ceased. However, there's not a year that goes by that I don't think of it, and miss it terribly. I've struggled starting my own family traditions, but only because I've felt somewhat like a lost pup in doing so. This year, I'm hoping to make a few things Grandma always did, such as peanut butter balls and pumpkin pie.
Although I can't be with her this year, Grandma will always be in my heart ... especially at Christmas. In a way, it felt like Christmas all year 'round at Grandma's house. She had a way of making people feel welcome (as long as you agreed to eat her food), her home was always inviting and seemed like a second home to me. Her generosity will no doubt live on in my heart. I only hope that I can carry on that tradition of hospitality that she so graciously bestowed upon her family.
Lest we forget ... Grandpa, although he was the quiet one, was just as generous as Grandma. He provided hours and hours of comfort for me, sitting with me on his couch, letting me hold his hand. I am sad that he was so sickly a good portion of my childhood. But his love for all his grand kids was more than evident, and his was a love that I can cherish and be most thankful for.
So here's to Grandparents and Christmas traditions!! May we never forget what they've done for us, and may we be wise enough to pass it on to our own families.
Merry Christmas to you all,
~PrairieBren
Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.
~Robert Brault
Extended family were always present, and my Aunt Virginia was always late. But then, it wouldn't seem like Christmas if she wasn't. :-)) I would don a new sweater most every Christmas, given to me by my mother, and my brothers and I would bring whatever new toys we were given. Not sure whether that was to play with them, or compare with our cousins. Either way, it was a hoot to show them off.
Sledding on Grandma and Grandpa's hill was always appropriate, provided there was enough snow. As we got older, I think the tradition became more like sneaking cigarettes on top of the hill instead of sleds. But we won't talk about that.
After our bellies were full and the sledding (aka smoking) was finished, we'd hurry back to the house. There, we'd usually find the adults in some heated political discussion, to which all the cousins would roll their eyes at and head for the basement.
As was tradition, a game our family invented with Scrabble pieces called "Take Two" was brought out (when the women grew weary of the political banter). I personally think the game got its name from the fact that they always played it until two in the morning! But they claim it got it's name from how many scrabble pieces you take at each turn. I have to admit ... it's addicting! I've taught it to my kids, and while they also find it addicting, there has yet to be a night that we stayed up until two in the morning playing it. Call me wimpy, but I just don't have it in me to do that anymore. :-)
Since Grandma is now in a nursing home, the tradition of the family gathering there has ceased. However, there's not a year that goes by that I don't think of it, and miss it terribly. I've struggled starting my own family traditions, but only because I've felt somewhat like a lost pup in doing so. This year, I'm hoping to make a few things Grandma always did, such as peanut butter balls and pumpkin pie.
Although I can't be with her this year, Grandma will always be in my heart ... especially at Christmas. In a way, it felt like Christmas all year 'round at Grandma's house. She had a way of making people feel welcome (as long as you agreed to eat her food), her home was always inviting and seemed like a second home to me. Her generosity will no doubt live on in my heart. I only hope that I can carry on that tradition of hospitality that she so graciously bestowed upon her family.
Lest we forget ... Grandpa, although he was the quiet one, was just as generous as Grandma. He provided hours and hours of comfort for me, sitting with me on his couch, letting me hold his hand. I am sad that he was so sickly a good portion of my childhood. But his love for all his grand kids was more than evident, and his was a love that I can cherish and be most thankful for.
So here's to Grandparents and Christmas traditions!! May we never forget what they've done for us, and may we be wise enough to pass it on to our own families.
Merry Christmas to you all,
~PrairieBren
Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.
~Robert Brault
Friday, December 21, 2007
Christmas on the Prairie
Welcome to my blog! I am excited to begin blogging, but please be aware that I'm new at this. So please be patient while I work out the kinks.
It is getting close to Christmas. Only four days left! The wind is blowing something fierce here on the prairies, and I hear it is suppose to snow tonight, get warmer for a few days, and then snow again -- on Christmas (dare I hope?)! I love a white Christmas, and yes, I often dream of one. :-) Whether that first Christmas was white or not, I don't know. If not in Bethlehem, then maybe snowflakes fell here on the prairie. Either way, Christmas just seems more peaceful and "softer" if it's white, as though the whole world settles down and quiets itself ... a perfect setting for the birth of a Savior.
As is custom for Americans, we have been extremely busy just getting prepared for Christmas, and I have found it hard to focus on the real reason for the season. But with school officially out, all the gifts purchased, and most of the food rounded up, I am hoping we can settle our hearts and minds and focus on Christ and His birth. After all, without baby Jesus, there would be no Christmas and certainly no reason to celebrate.
My brother, Bob, and his family are coming to visit, and will be here Christmas Eve. We are thankful for the company and look forward to a week of food, fun, and foolishness! Although we are not able to be with every friend and relative, I hope all of you who read this will know that we love and miss you all, and wish we could have one big happy holiday together. In the meantime, know that you are on our minds and in our hearts ... but we'll be thankful you're there and we are here when it comes to that last helping of pumpkin and cherry pie!
In all seriousness, I hope you can find a way to clear your mind (and schedules), and open your heart to the One who came into this world to save us who are lost without Him. He can fill a void that those Christmas presents never can. :-)
Love and hugs to all who read this,
~PrairieBren
Luke 2:8-11
Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, and angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
It is getting close to Christmas. Only four days left! The wind is blowing something fierce here on the prairies, and I hear it is suppose to snow tonight, get warmer for a few days, and then snow again -- on Christmas (dare I hope?)! I love a white Christmas, and yes, I often dream of one. :-) Whether that first Christmas was white or not, I don't know. If not in Bethlehem, then maybe snowflakes fell here on the prairie. Either way, Christmas just seems more peaceful and "softer" if it's white, as though the whole world settles down and quiets itself ... a perfect setting for the birth of a Savior.
As is custom for Americans, we have been extremely busy just getting prepared for Christmas, and I have found it hard to focus on the real reason for the season. But with school officially out, all the gifts purchased, and most of the food rounded up, I am hoping we can settle our hearts and minds and focus on Christ and His birth. After all, without baby Jesus, there would be no Christmas and certainly no reason to celebrate.
My brother, Bob, and his family are coming to visit, and will be here Christmas Eve. We are thankful for the company and look forward to a week of food, fun, and foolishness! Although we are not able to be with every friend and relative, I hope all of you who read this will know that we love and miss you all, and wish we could have one big happy holiday together. In the meantime, know that you are on our minds and in our hearts ... but we'll be thankful you're there and we are here when it comes to that last helping of pumpkin and cherry pie!
In all seriousness, I hope you can find a way to clear your mind (and schedules), and open your heart to the One who came into this world to save us who are lost without Him. He can fill a void that those Christmas presents never can. :-)
Love and hugs to all who read this,
~PrairieBren
Luke 2:8-11
Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, and angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
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