It's Official!

Brian and I are THRILLED to announce Zach and Sarah's engagement! She will be sharing more details in her blog soon, but I want to say I'm proud of Zach and the time and effort he put in to planning her special day and proposal. It's a day she will always remember.

As far as we're concerned, Sarah has been a part of our family for years -- but we're delighted it will now be "official". And the cherry on top? Her awesome family, whom we knew before Zach and Sarah met, will now be a part of ours.

Both Sarah and Megan are direct answers to prayer. God is faithful.

We praise the Lord for you!!!!

Colossians Confession

Preparation is underway for our community Bible study in Colossians, beginning mid-January. As I read 1:3-14 tonight, I was reminded that Paul had never personally met the believers in Colossae, and yet he prayed powerfully and specifically. I couldn't help but ask myself when I last prayed for an unknown body of believers. Ouch.

Suffice it to say that it's moments like this when I cling to His promise found in Lamentations 3: 22,23: "Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

Do you think it was a coincidence that I received a Jan/Feb prayer guide from Samaritan's Purse for the children in India this afternoon? Me either.

Simplicity -- Not Simplistic

Although it wasn't chilly weather, it still turned out to be a great afternoon to dive in to my new books. Come to think of it, what day isn't a good day for reading?

So, here's where I began:

I had two "Soul Care" studies on my Christmas list: Simplicity and Soul Searching, both by Mindy Caliguire. Today, I began the Simplicity study and was not disappointed.

Check out a few of the chapter titles:

• Pursuing Single-Mindedness

• Living Your Calling?

• Rigorous Honesty and Ruthless Trust

I've decided to move slowly and methodically through the study. Each chapter is only 3-4 pages and the format is simple -- but the information, and the questions that follow, are anything but simplistic. I enjoy her writing style and look forward to diving in again tomorrow!

A Christmas Recap

Our family celebration actually began Tuesday night, the 23rd, as we headed over to Mom's and Steve's house for snacks and fellowship. Mom didn't remarry for many years, but know this: Steve Ivester was worth the wait! He was a single dad with custody of a young son when they met over a decade ago. Dan is now attending Greenville Tech and he's just like his dad... awesome. It was a very meaningful way to close out what had been proven to be a difficult day for our family (see my previous post).

Christmas Eve was quiet. The experience is very different for the part-time empty nester. (Parents, enjoy every moment of your children's laughter and excitement! It will be a memory before you know it.) Zach worked all day so it was just the two of us until later that evening. We attended First Baptist's Christmas Eve service and especially appreciated the tone that was set from the beginning when Randy baptized a couple of teenagers and an elderly woman. The entire program was very nice, but I have to admit that for a claustrophobic person, the 5:00 service was, well... a little unsettling. The auditorium was filled to capacity - so much so that they brought in extra chairs and placed them behind us in the balcony. On this slam-packed evening, we handed out candles to every child and adult to light for the final song. Don't get me wrong -- it was a beautiful and moving sight to behold, but rest assured, the average claustrophob already had a fire escape route in mind. Um... you can call me "AC" for short. :)

Christmas Day reminded me of "old times". We had a lot of fun opening gifts with Zach that morning (missed you Brandon & Megan!) . I received the nice pound cake pan, some great books, gift cards for more books, a Starbucks gift card, etc. Let's just say I'm looking forward to chilly days, warm coffee, and putting my reading glasses to task. We also enjoyed a wonderful family lunch in Spartanburg and then returned home to enjoy another great ham and mac-n-cheese dinner that evening with my dad and Sherry (who broke her arm on Christmas eve but was a real trooper!) I truly thank God for my wonderful family whom I've come to appreciate more this year than ever before.

Today, the day after Christmas, finds me a bit melancholy as grandmother's funeral was this time last year and tired from packing up the decorations -- but I'm looking forward to tomorrow, which I'm hoping will be a more restful and reading-filled kind of day.

A Day to Remember... and to Rejoice

One year ago today I lost my grandmother, Elsie Knighton, the single most influential woman in my life. And if you knew the incredible women, beginning with my mom, that God has surrounded me with, you would understand just how significant that statement really is.

In all honesty, I've dreaded this day -- but when I woke up, this verse quickened my heart:

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" 1 Cor. 2:9

I feel saddened by the loss, but the fact of the matter is she's not saddened at all... today or any day. She is in the very presence of the One whom she loved and raised her children and grandchildren to love.

I do admit that I always selfishly hoped no one I loved would die near Christmas because I didn't want the season to be tinged with sadness. And yet, there really is no better season to be reminded of the true HOPE that exists because of Christ's willingness to dwell among us.

And for that, and so much more, I rejoice.

Thank You!

Thanks to those of you who prayed for yesterday's lesson. All the elements went smoothly. I didn't burn down the church (which is always the goal, but especially when it's your first time to teach there). And no one munched on the Frankincense and Myrrh this time (it's amazing Shawn still has teeth).

Initially, I had planned to focus on the "takeaways" from Mary and Joseph's life, but last week I found my focus shifting more towards the Garden of Eden, where God made the promise to send a Deliverer to crush the head of the serpent - delivering a fatal blow once for all (Gen. 3:15). The first mention of God's redemption plan, brought forth through His Son thousands of years later. A promise birthed -- and kept -- because of an incredible kind of love.

The depth and faithfulness of God's love for us is truly too deep for the human mind to plunder, and yet, if we are not absolutely confident that it exists, our lives cannot help but lack power, effectiveness and purpose. How can we surrender to Someone we do not believe loves us? Or how can we have faith in their promise to forgive us? I think many believe God loves them (head knowledge) but not nearly as many receive it (heart change).

Yesterday's challenge to the class was to consider their confidence in God's love for them prior to "approaching the manger", for if we are not convinced and changed by His love, the account found in Matthew and Luke will read like a wonderful story, but it will have no lasting impact in their personal lives.

We closed our time together by lighting the hand-held candle of the person beside us while Michael Card's "Immanuel" played in the background. It's hard to describe the beauty of seeing a totally darkened room (except for a few candles and my LED reading light) transform into a room brightly lit by 40-45 candles by the end of the song.

"For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ." 2 Cor. 4:6

Thank You Jesus!

Love the Lyrics!

Although I still claim Michael Card's "The Promise" as my hands-down favorite Christmas album, I am finally warming up to Andrew Peterson's, "Behold the Lamb" as well. His lyrics remind me a lot of Michael's in that:

• they tell a story

• they are Word based

• no fluff - they are thought provoking

• I often stop what I'm doing to take it all in

• they are timeless - I play some of the songs year-round
  

I do have my favorites -- "Behold the Lamb", "Deliver Us" and "Labor of Love".

I remember having my cage rattled a bit while listening to "Labor of Love" for the first time. You mean it wasn't a "Silent Night"? Mary cried out in pain? (This coming from a woman who gave birth to a son who weighed a little over 10 pounds.) What was I thinking? Of course she experienced pain -- just like most mother's in labor. I doubt (as Andrew points out) there was very little, if anything, silent about that night. Andrew does a beautiful job of bringing reality to the forefront in this song -- as well as many others.

In One Word...

This is the word I would use to describe my upcoming week. Here's why:

Next Sunday, I'll be teaching my first lesson at First Baptist Simpsonville. I'm very excited and humbled by Sherri's invitation. Obviously, pulling the details of the lesson together this week will require much preparation.

On Wednesday night, I plan to prepare the room. Thankfully, it only has one window to darken. I remember the Temple Baptist days with 8 windows. Not a lot of fun, but it certainly adds to the ambiance for a "candlelit Christmas celebration". I'm planning to set up the tables, add the tablecloths, candles, greenery and small dishes of myrrh and frankincense.

Time spent preparing the lesson itself is always a wise investment -- especially if you have as much to learn about the Word as I do. I want to handle it accurately and for me that requires quite a bit of "set-aside" time.

Time spent preparing the room is "icing on the cake", in my opinion. It's not necessary, but I do believe it is a tool that can be used to awaken our God-given senses, such as:

• sight - lit candles in a darkened room

• smell - the aroma of frankincense and myrrh

• touch - hand-held candles/frankincense and myrrh

• sound - music playing quietly in the background

God gave us our senses to enjoy. I can't imagine a better time or place to use them!

The most important (and dare I say the most difficult?) preparation must first take place in my own heart. If I'm not careful, I can easily become entangled in the joy of preparing a lesson and neglect the preparation of my own heart and mind. James talks of how the prayers of the righteous (not perfect - but right with God) are powerful and effective. I believe this truth translates to our service as well. I'm fooling myself if I think unconfessed sin, bitterness, unforgiveness, etc., doesn't hinder God's effectiveness through me -- so self-preparation is a must.

Maybe it comes as no surprise that one of my favorite Christmas songs also includes the word "prepare".

Prepare A Place

Prepare a place, while you're waiting.
Prepare a place for the coming One.
Prepare a place and be patient.
While you wait for the coming One.

Chorus:
Wait for the coming One!
While you wait for the coming One!

Prepare your heart, while you're waiting.
Prepare your heart for the coming One.
Set time aside and be quiet.
While you wait for the coming One.

- written by Michael W. Smith and Christine Dente, "Gloria"

Summing Up Saturday

Brian and I both finished up a little Christmas shopping -- separately. I shop more like a man -- I go in, get what's on my list, and get out of there.

In the afternoon, I prepared a Paula Deen recipe from her Christmas magazine -- Chocolate Chip Caramel Toffee Bars. Yummy! (But it's not "the one" either)

Brian played trumpet in the Christmas program. The orchestra and choir were simply AMAZING! Immediately following the program, we headed over to Holland Place for our Sunday Class Christmas party. It's difficult getting to know people if you're confined to Sunday mornings. Our class has begun to fellowship outside the class more and it's made a big difference. In January, Sherri plans to lead a study for those in our class. Actually, just for the girls!

Here's Sherri and I at the party last night. She's a 2 Timothy 2:15 teacher -- faithfully dedicating herself to studying and preparing for our class each week. I appreciate her as my friend, teacher and sis in Christ. Her husband, Andy, coached Brandon's basketball team years ago.


And here is another sweet friend, Jeannie, whom I appreciate more and more every time I spend time with her. She exemplifies total trust. Jeannie and her husband, Bo, lost their teenage son earlier this year. Their faith is amazing!!!! Every day they choose faith, hope and joy. They live out what they truly believe.

When we arrived home around 1015 pm, Zach and Sarah were ready to decorate their tree. So, out came the hot cocoa and a lot of laughter.

It was an exhausting -- but wonderful -- day!!!

Cute, But Not "The One"

The gingerbread men turned out soft and chewy, but it has been eliminated as my "signature" give-away food. The main reason being my lack of decorating skills! ha....

Thanks to Judy H., my sweet friend, who emailed and reminded me of her yummy (and oh so easy) recipe for Red Velvet Cake. If Santa visits Fantes, I'll give it a try!

Do You Have A Signature Something?

• 2 Chefs to Go has the Cranberries and Grilled Chicken salad (my favorite dish!)

• Outback has the Bloomin' Onion

• Starbucks has the Pumpkin Spice Latte

• The Beacon has the Hash-A-Plenty (with lip smackin tea)

• My late grandmother Knighton had her egg custard pie
  

Like those "signature" dishes, my other grandmother, "MaMa", was well known for her pound cake in Fairforest, SC, back in the day. For as long as I can remember, she would bake at least one pound cake a week, slice it in to thirds, wrap each section in wax paper with an additional layer of tin foil, and then set off to deliver them to those in her church who were sick, lonely or elderly.

Unfortunately, I didn't pay close attention to her mad cooking skills growing up. Years ago, I bought a rubber stamp that said: "Don't worry. I didn't bake it myself", thinking it might put the recipient's mind at ease. No hope in sight... until I received my shiny red Kitchenaid mixer two years ago. It revved my baking engine and I've been searching for my own "signature" dish ever since. One I could whip up with ease, count on its consistency, possibly freeze, and share with others. I'm still searching.

I've tried several pound cake recipes (including MaMa's) only to have the pans sabotage my efforts. First, there was the two-piece tube pan. I'll spare you the details and myself the embarrassment. Then there was the fancy bundt pan that turned out to be smaller than the standard size. Two things sum up that experience: adjusted cooking time nightmare and wasted batter. How difficult could it be to find a simple one-piece tube pan? You'd be surprised. Guess what's at the top of my Christmas list? Yep, a quality one-piece tube pan from www.fantes.com.

I admit it. Every time I try a new recipe I wonder if it could be "the one". Tonight, I made gingerbread men dough (ready to roll in 3 hours if I'm awake) while Zach and Sarah assembled a gingerbread house and decorated it. All this with "It's A Wonderful Life" playing in the background. So, could gingerbread men turn out to be my "signature" dish? I doubt it -- but it sure was fun trying!

I am confident that a day is coming when I'll say goodbye to the old rubber stamp and say hello to one that reads: "Baked with love" by Cathy.

Do you have a signature something? I'd love to hear about it!

It's Back!

In recent months, I had noticed the absence of one of my favorite magazines, "Life:Beautiful" on the Publix shelf. I finally took a minute to inquire via the Web and the publishers were very quick to respond. Apparently, an unexpected financial crunch had taken place so they halted the publication of the Fall issue, but things are now back on track. She said the Winter issue would be available this week... and they are!

This is one of the most beautifully written and illustrated magazines around. It's worth every penny.

Check out the articles tucked away in this issue...

Enjoyable read + a hot cup of tea + a cool rainy day = pure delight!

Girls Night Out

If laughter counts as exercise, I ran a marathon tonight.

Since leaving CRCC, many of us have been intentional about getting together on a regular basis for fellowship. We're the "Looking-Forward-To-Seeing-What-God-Has-Planned-For-Us" group. Tonight, it was just for girls. Oh my.

Many couldn't make it, but 12 of the most wonderful (and funniest) women I know showed up to enjoy a cup of coffee together. I had not seen a few of the ladies since our departure so it was pure joy to see their faces again. It was awesome -- although I'm not sure those working at Panera Bread would agree since we stayed 30 minutes after closing time. Isn't friendship great?

It's always encouraging to hear the stories of how and where God is leading their families. I love seeing faces light up as they share specific ways God is speaking to them. A few still consider themselves "nomads", as one person put it tonight, but all feel they are moving in the right direction.

We also caught up on:

• kids learning the truth of Santa and mothers trying to convince them otherwise (did you know parents have secret meetings with Santa? Apparently this phenomenon only occurs after husbands forget to lock van doors with inquisitive children nearby)
• the beauty of a bladder stent (no comment)
• why we should avoid Hillcrest Hospital
• how to right click (don't worry Allison, it's our little secret!)
• who has their artificial Christmas tree up (smelling like Pine Sol, thanks to few spritz from her hubby)
  
• how we can fit almost 50 people into a 2 bedroom apartment. To her relief, we decided to rent a clubhouse for our next gathering in January!

OK, so I promised the ladies I would disclose something about myself via the blog because they refused to believe me tonight (it's not earth shattering) -- I set my clock every morning for 6:30 so I can watch the Flintstones from 6:30-7:00 while eating breakfast. What can I say? I'm a Fred fan. Why they enjoyed this little tidbit of info so much, I'm not sure, but there you go, ladies! :)

It's always bittersweet telling these friends goodbye, knowing that I won't see most for another month, but I thank God for them and how He not only allowed our paths to cross -- but how He continues to allow our lives to merge for His greater glory, regardless of the building we choose to worship in. Now, that's what I call doing church together.

Forever King

Tonight, we headed over to Rocky Creek for their Christmas program. The one song that stood out to me most, "Forever King", was one Donald Shockley (Worship Pastor) had also led while at our former church, Temple Baptist.

The song itself is awesome, but seeing the different banners with the names of Jesus being paraded down the aisle while it is being sung is incredibly moving -- particularly tonight, as two very special friends came to mind: Joan Coker and Jimmy Ray.

Joan Coker personified the Proverbs 31 woman. She was soft spoken and a behind-the-scenes servant who did not desire a glance of glory but demanded it all go to the One she loved the most... Jesus. I had the privilege of working on the banners with her at Temple. Her children were all grown so we would meet upstairs in her humble little home where she sewed, and especially prayed, tirelessly. More time was spent in prayer over the pattern and preparation of the banner than in the stitches themselves. She went home to be with the Lord several years ago -- a place she longed to be.

Jimmy Ray was a godly man who loved his family and the Lord. His son, Matt, was one of Brandon's very best friends growing up. Jimmy passed away suddenly on February 2nd this year at the age of 54. Tonight, he immediately came to mind as the song "Forever King" was building to a crescendo. It was at this moment when Jimmy had always carried in the final banner... the JESUS banner. This year, however, someone else carried it. I became misty-eyed knowing that the beautiful banners were mere rubbish compared to the magnificence Joan and Jimmy were experiencing at that very moment. They were in the very presence of their Forever King.

You are forever King,
you're everything my heart has need to know.
My first, my last, my future, my past,
the strength of all my hopes.
You're the Rock of my salvation.
Eternal God and Savior.
Forever King.
You are my everything.
You are Forever, and ever, and ever... FOREVER KING!!!!!!!!

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him."
1 Cor. 2:9

A Quik Tradition

To most, this is a simple (and bare) Nestle Quik container. To me, however, this brightly lidded container represents a priceless treasury trove of memories.

When the boys were little, we created a Christmas tradition that if they behaved throughout the day, they could draw one or two slips of paper from the container and we, as a family, would have to do whatever it said. Good behavior + family activities = success! I'm not sure what it is with me and slips of paper, but here were some of the activities they found inside:

• Ride through Fountain Inn and look at the lights

• Work on the Christmas puzzle (we tried to complete one a season - I think we need to reintroduce this one!)

• Rent a Christmas movie or watch one of ours. Make some popcorn and cocoa. Change seats during commercials.

• Family Instrument Night! (Can anyone say ear plugs?)

• Sleep on couch bed (this folded out in our den where they could fall asleep watching Christmas movies)
  

• Turn off all the lights in the house except for the tree lights and watch the classic "Santa Claus" together as a family.
  

• Make up your own version of the "12 Days" and share it with everyone.
  

• Each family member does an acrostic for the word "Christmas". Time limit: 10 minutes. Share it with the group and then display them in the house.

• Pray for all those who have sent us Christmas cards.

• Make a pallet for sleeping under the Christmas tree, turn on the tree lights and turn off all others. (The boys loved this!)
  

• Choose your favorite Christmas CD to play. TV off!

Brian and I enjoyed creating traditions for the boys while they were growing up. We felt it gave them a sense of security and stability -- something I could never offer them during their very early years when I had no relationship with Jesus.

We had a lot of fun, great memories were made, and one day (in the future!) I hope to pull out the Quik canister again. Can anyone say grandchildren? :)

Fa-La-La-La Favorites

My Favorite Christmas...

• T.V. Show: (Revised after reading Megan's blog) How could I forget the Grinch??
  

• Movie: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (T.V. version!)

• Classic T.V. Show: Charlie Brown Christmas + Frosty the Snowman (it's a tie!)

• Classic Movie: It's a Wonderful Life

• CD: Michael Card, The Promise

• Song: Immanuel, M.Card

• Tradition Then: Loading the boys up in their pajamas and driving them around town to judge holiday lights -- with hot cocoa to follow at home. (More on these traditions in a future posting!)

• Tradition Now: Decorating the fat-bulbed fake-o tree with the kids and the real tree with old Shiny-Brites

• Childhood Memory: As an "only" it was always fun to be packed in a room with all the grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins on Christmas Day.
  

• Toy Ever Received: My giant Whinnie-the-Poo (I still have it!)

• Candy: Homemade sugar cookies with buttercream frosting (thanks Julie!)

• Collection: Old Bottle Brush Trees (see below!)

How about you?

Tea for Twenty

A friend loves at all times... Proverbs 17:17

Last night, our Bible Class came together for a wonderful evening of fellowship over cups of Christmas tea and goodies (of course!)

From my vantage point, I could see every friend's face gathered around the table. Some of them I've known for years, others whom I've only had the pleasure of meeting since the class began. On the other end of the table was my best friend and master tea connoisseur, Teresa. :)

We were all challenged by an Advent reading concerning Elizabeth and Mary (Luke 1:41,42). It spoke of the commonalities the two women shared -- both most likely having been misunderstood and the brunt of community gossip.

Calvin Miller, in "The Christ of Christmas, Readings for Advent" says this: Mary, no doubt, had been struggling with her heavy assignment. She must bear the Son of God. Yet she could not tell her story and receive any satisfaction. She had to face Isaiah's words again and again: "Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?" (Isaiah 53:1) Then Elizabeth greeted her, "Blessed are you!" In the power of such a kind affirmation, Mary could live and thrive and serve God."

I share that to say this. I was surrounded by Elizabeth's last night -- women who not only share in commonalities, but more importantly, share through it. Since this class began, I have seen these women love, encourage and support one another through a variety of circumstances in a variety of ways. They've not only spoken words of affirmation - they have acted on it. And when words of affirmation combine with action, it's as if we are being given the privilege of helping breath life into another. A life that can thrive and serve God with a fresh sense of power.

Last night, I announced the new book we'll be studying in January: Colossians! For the winter months, one of the ladies has graciously opened her home to us, which will allow us to serve hot drinks and feel the warmth of a fire as we study. The Library is a great place, but it's a bit "sterile", especially for the colder months. We'll also be meeting on Tuesdays instead of Mondays for this next study. If you're interested in joining us, just let me know! We have several new people coming on board -- can't wait!!!

In the meantime, here are a few pictures to enjoy.

For those of you who couldn't make it, you were missed!!

We had the choice of regular of decaf Christmas Tea. We also made hot cocoa available for the non-tea drinkers. Does such a thing exist? Apparently so!

Check out my hubby's talented work. Thank you, Brian, for using your calligraphy skills to write the ladies' names on their place cards. It helped them to feel extra special!

Needless to say, it was a night to remember! What a blessing.

Short and Sweet

Last night, with everyone home, we pulled out one of our family's favorite boardgames... Cranium. This game calls for word, acting, drawing, and creative skills. Seeing Brandon act out "washboard abs" and Brian trying to convince me that a gorilla was truly an owl were indeed two highlights of the game. It was a lot of fun having everyone home again. Enjoying another Thanksgiving meal wasn't bad either!

Now I'm in "Christmas Tea" mode as preparations are underway for the Monday night Bible Study group to come together tonight over a hot cup of tea and goodies -- so, until tomorrow...