Prepare Ye the Way!

 I love John the Baptist.

First, he's not your average every day prophet.

Second, he goes the distance.

Third, he has a really strange diet that I know sets him apart from me and every human I have ever come in contact with on the planet, so he's not afraid to sacrifice!  And fourth, but never least: He gave up his life proclaiming the good news of Jesus, of salvation, of everlasting love.

He guilted Herod's wife and ended up beheaded....

I thank God that his story was written down, that it was chronicled because John isn't God... nor were the hundreds/thousands of martyrs who've given their life to spread God's word.

He was a man.

The Lord's second cousin...

And he stood strong.

I can tell you honestly I'd be wailing and whining and I wouldn't eat the bugs.

But I am so in admiration of those who can raise the bar high. Lift the cross high. Take the high road.

I think that's what Advent always means to me... to move beyond, take the high road, prepare heart and soul for God and let the rest get done as it can.

We are so very blessed to live in a time with so many fun things abounding, but too much fun makes us bored when life is simply life.

Don't be bored... seek the quiet moments, the silent times, the warmth of solitude when they come because the world has a way of crashing in when you least expect it... and the strength of those prayers, hymns, solitude can be your foundation to greet that world head on.

Bring it, World! :)

So today we wish you a beautiful day of a wonderful holiday season... Thanksgiving, Advent, Christmas and now New Year's coming right up. 

We wish you the joy of birthday, the beauty of the star and the faith and wisdom of those three wise men, traveling afar to bring gifts to a newborn king. The quiet grace of the presentation at the temple, the wisdom, faith and belief of Anna and Simeon who set the bar high again... 

From the Gospel of Luke: "Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel." 

Simeon didn't just see a baby, a Savior, a king... he prophesied what Jesus would do and the sword that would pierce Mary's heart. A piercing that wouldn't happen for thirty-three years... What is that if not God?

For if God is with us, who can be against us???

Happy holidays, my friends! Sending blessings of hope, warmth and cheer and if your year has suffered loss, please know that we are praying for you and yours... that your loss matters. It will always matter. 

With love from Seekerville....

Advent in Seekerville!

 O come, o come Emmanuel!

During this wonderful, marvelous season of waiting and anticipation of Christ's birthday, the Seekers are sharing some of our favorite recipes, thoughts, hymns and songs and traditions as we move through the beauty of a waitful Advent.... and a glorious morning to rejoice in Christ's birth. Emmanuel! God with us! 

I have so many favorite Christmas hymns and songs. 

This compilation/mix is a huge Ruthy favorite: 

And when it comes to recipes for holiday get togethers, there are so many! I'm going to give you this one today, Clams Casino Dip, a recipe that we used at parties about forty years ago and I pulled out of the old recipe box to revive it for this holiday season. It was time to change things up a bit, you know?

And there is a NEW RUTHY BOOK that had hit the shelves, a Christmas mystery from Guideposts! 

                                   "Love's a Mystery in Cut and Shoot, Texas"! 

In true Ruthy-style, this wonderful story kind of grabs your heart from the get-go and doesn't let go.

She can't get over the guilt of a tragic accident and he can't get over the fact that he can't fix it, and if you know anything about cowboys, they like to fix things.... But when a tiny baby gets delivered by a suspicious old man, that sure as shootin' gives him something to fix. Starting with non-stop diapers and a hungry baby girl....

Who was the old man?

And why is baby Libby here, at the ranch?

There's one thing he does know... 

He can't do this alone and who better to call on for help than his beloved, estranged wife?

You'll laugh, you'll sigh, you might shed a tear or two, but in the end... you're going to love, love, love this story. 

Bestselling, award-winning author Ruth Logan Herne is so excited to be doing exactly what she always dreamed of doing: Writing great books with unforgettable characters that make you smile, sigh and sometimes even cry... because that's kind of life, right? Sending blessings to all of you and I'm so happy to hear from folks! Send me an email at loganherne@gmail.com, visit my website ruthloganherne.com or hang out with me on Facebook. 

Comfort and Joy

 

 

 

If we happened to be playing a word association game, and I said 'Christmas' you would undoubtedly reply with something cheerful. Words like 'merry' or 'carol' or 'cookie' (yum!) or even 'cheer' itself. And yet, for some people Christmas isn't quite as merry this year as it has been. 

Because, let's face it, life is hard lately. 

For me personally, the approach of Christmas also means the approach of the one-year mark (Dec 13th) since my precious Daddy met Jesus face-to-face. I know I'm not alone in this struggle, as I have over 30 friends who have lost a parent in 2021 or 2022 - including a few of the other Seekers, too. And while Christmas is still my favorite holiday, my enthusiasm is tempered a bit again this year with grief.

This co-existence of sorrow and joy is something I've been pondering this year, and so it's no surprise that the words of the English carol God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen jumped out at me this year like never before: 

                        TIDINGS OF COMFORT AND JOY 

The word 'comfort' implies that there is some sort of sorrow present, doesn't it? The need to be comforted rarely comes without pain or loss or grief. But we sing about those tidings of comfort alongside the tidings of joy without really stopping to realize what we're singing, don't we? Comfort... and the need for it... and joy co-existing? How is that possible?

I love these lyrics from 'Comfort and Joy' by Tasha Layton:

There's no need to keep your tears from falling
Sometimes what's most painful are those holidays
But Christmas shows that God cares for us deeply
The same boy in the manger holds you still today

Because yes, in a few days, it will be one year since my dad left this earthly life and saw Jesus face-to-face. And yet... in 17 days, we will celebrate that same Jesus who was "born that man no more may die". It's the reason i love Christmas so much - it changed everything. And this juxtaposition of 'comfort and joy' MEANS everything. It means that I can laugh with my nephews' infectious giggles when they're trying to keep me from 'memorizing' them with selfies. It means I can smile at the Christmas songs & the decor & the goodies & the presents & the happy memories of past holidays. It means that I can do a happy dance when I *finally* win a game of Munchkin with our older nieces & nephews. And... it means I can have a grief meltdown without being consumed by hopelessness. God knew we would need both comfort and joy in this life, so He sent His Son to make a way for them to co-exist with an assured HOPE that death is not the end. 

I am so so grateful for a Savior who enters into our grief with us and says “you’re right, it’s not supposed to be like this and I’ve come to make a way - THE way - for all the sad things to one day be untrue.” Yes, we grieve. We cry. We ache for one more hug, one more conversation. Sometimes we even stay curled up in our car, sobbing, instead of going into the Christmas party we planned to attend. (Ask me how I know this.) But we do not grieve without HOPE. He binds up the broken-hearted and He knows every tear we cry. But He’s also told us the end of the story - the happily ever after made possible because of the Light of the world.

Another song I've come to love lately is Francesca Battistelli's Behold Him:

In your silent night
When you're not alright
Lift your eyes and behold him
Feel the thrill of hope
You are not alone
In this moment, behold him

 

Christmas changed everything, y'all. When grief threatens to consume you this season, lift your eyes and behold Him, the Son of God who was 'born that man no more may die'. Can sorrow and joy coexist? Yes! Because Christmas changes everything!! The moment Jesus was born in that long-ago stable, death ultimately lost its power for all of us who accept the gift of His death & resurrection.

One of the things that also brings me joy each Christmas season are the banana drop cookies my grandmother made every year - and that my husband now makes in her stead. These are everything lovely and comforting about banana bread... in a cookie!!!

Ingredients

1 & 1/4 cups sugar
2/3 cup shortening
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs, unbeaten
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3)
2 & 1/4 cups sifted, all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

plus (for topping)

1/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Cream sugar, shortening, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add eggs and beat well. Stir in mashed bananas. Sift flour with baking powder, baking soda, and salt; add and mix well. Chill 30 minutes (the dough, not you…. although you can chill too if you’d like lol). Drop by teaspoonfuls 2″ apart on greased baking sheets. Mix the extra sugar & cinnamon; sprinkle over unbaked cookies. Bake at 400 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Makes about 5 dozen cookies.

Enjoy!

---

Praying you experience His comfort and His joy this Christmas season,

Carrie

The Wonder of Christmas

 

by Mindy Obenhaus

Have you ever seen the look in child's eyes when they stare at a Christmas tree? It's an expression filled with awe and anticipation. And that is exactly how we should feel during this season of Advent. In awe of the fact that Jesus stepped down from heaven and came to earth as a helpless baby--not in splendor, but in the squaller of stable--to save the world. And in anticipation of His second coming and the joy of the holiday season.

Some people say Christmas has become too commercial. And while that may be true, Who else do you know whose birthday is a month-long event filled with special songs heralding their birth, twinkling lights...

And treats that make an appearance only this time of year?

I understand that Christmas can be overwhelming for many. I mean, we already have a gazillion demands weighing us down. And then along comes Christmas adding to that ever-growing to-do list. If that's where you are, then stop and take a deep breath. If Christmas is about those things you have to do, then don't do them. Jesus said, "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." He is the reason for the season, so it only seems right that He should be the driving force behind whatever you do during it.

The wonder of Christmas should live inside us all year long. But come December, it can no longer be contained and spills over into this most wonderful time of the year. A season filled with sights, sounds and smells that bring us comfort and joy.

Here's one of my favorite holiday recipes. One that even those who don't cook can appreciate.

Christmas Scent is comprised of an orange, a lemon, four cinnamon sticks, three bay leaves, and a good handful (approximately ¼ cup) of whole cloves. For gift giving, the ingredients can be placed in a cellophane bag and tied with a pretty ribbon adorned with the Christmas Scent label with instructions on the other side. The instructions read:

Cut lemon and orange into quarters; combine fruit, spices, and one quart of water in a large saucepan.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer as long as desired.  (Add more water, as needed.)  Any leftover mixture can be covered and refrigerated for several days to be reused.

Oh, and did I happen to mention I have a new book on store shelves now?

Can a property dispute… Turn into a holiday blessing?
When single mom Annalise Grant inherits a fledgling Christmas tree farm in Texas, she vows to do whatever it takes to make it a success. But when neighbor Hawkins Prescott claims some of her trees are on his property, the only option is a partnership. As Christmas draws closer, Annalise and Hawkins find themselves growing closer as well. Could a family by Christmas become part of the deal?

Available at these online retailers

Amazon, ChristianBook.com, Barnes and Noble, Walmart, Target

HOWEVER, in the spirit of the season, I'm giving away a signed copy to one commenter (US mailing addresses only, please). Simply leave a comment to be entered!

Loving the Advent Season

Merry Christmas, all. Audra Harders here!

First of all, I have to ask, where did the year go? Last time I looked, I was complaining about the hot summer, and then loving our long, beautiful fall...

We celebrated Thanksgiving on so many levels. My daughter had moved to South Dakota in April for a job. We were delighted she made it back for Thanksgiving after a bout with COVID had put that plan in jeopardy. My sweet aunt celebrated her 90th birthday while we were all gathered for Thanksgiving dinner, complete with a golden tiara and sash. I only had to re-bake the cheesecake I was bringing to the dinner once. It was all so good!!

And now, we're at the beginning of the most celebrated season by all. 

I love the Christmas season with all its shiny ornaments, holiday giving, beautiful caroling. I love that the radio stations I listen to in the car are playing Christmas music. I love saying "Merry Christmas" to all I meet, whether they respond in kind or not. 

With my whole heart, I love celebrating the birth of our dear Saviour. In addition to reading full books and studies, I tend to play a lot of Bible and devotional bingo. In my mind, when I ask the Lord to lead me in my studies, I don't want to follow my own preconceived path. So I pull out books and let them fall open on my lap. There are times I almost cry when I read the message for the day and realize how opportune it is for my life at that very moment.

Lately, my readings have centered around God's great mercy and grace for us. How much He loves us. How relevant His Word is for us today as it was 2000 years ago. 

This season, I'm dusting off some of my very rusty talents in baking and will be assembling goody trays for neighbors and friends - That I Have Baked Myself! Goodness, I hope we still remain friends after they've tasted my efforts!! LOL!

I ventured online for some ideas and I really want to share this quick bread with you. I found it on the Martha Stewart site, but the recipe was submitted by Jane Kraemer. Jane, I can't tell you enough how this bread came off delicious for me on my very first try! I say that because living at 5600 ft, baking gets a little wonky until you adjust the flour and timing to suit.

Anyway, I offer you my - by way of Jane - new favorite quick bread!

Cranberry-Walnut Bread

Ingredients:

2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pan (I spray the loaf pans)

2 cuts all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup sugar

1 large egg (room temp)

1 teaspoon grated orange zest

1 cup fresh orange juice

1 cup fresh cranberries

1 cup toasted walnuts, coarsely chopped

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325F. Butter and flour and 8 1/2-by-4 1/2 inch loaf pan*; set aside. In a medium bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.

With an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar on medium speed until combined. Add egg and beat well. Gradually add flour mixture, mixing until combined (dough will appear very dry). Reduce speed to low; beat in orange zest and juice. Fold in cranberries and walnuts.

Spread batter in prepared pan(s), smoothing top. Bake until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 50 minutes to 1 hour (tent with foil if top is browning too quickly). Cool in pan 10 minutes; run a knife around edges of loaf, and invert onto a wire rack. Turn top side up; cool completely before slicing.

*I use 3-4 mini loaf pans so I can slice and create trays. Watch the time as they bake a tad faster.

This recipe also doubles very well. I've baked many of these mini loaves over the past week - letting them cool, wrapping them in plastic wrap and then sealing them in freezer bags. I've stacked them in my freezer along side spice loaves and banana bread loaves. If the price of meat gets too high, well, we won't go hungry!!

My favorite movie? A Charlie Brown Christmas is at the top of the list. That's the one we watch as a family every year since my kids first watched it. As for my personal happies, I like to snuggle down in a chair flanked by our Corgies, a mug of decaf peppermint mocha coffee in my hands and the channel tuned to Great American Family. Here's a link to their Christmas movies:  https://www.countdownuntilchristmas.com/gac-family/

God bless you all through this beautiful season!!