The Seventh Day

On the seventh day of Christmas
My good Lord said to me
"Prepare to spend this next year on your knees."

The Sixth Day

On the sixth day of Christmas,
My Lord arranged for me
A day of total quiet
And peace.

Thank you, God!

The Fifth Day

On the fifth day of Christmas,
The good Lord sent to me
The spirit of love and
Generosity.

The Fourth Day

On the fourth day of Christmas
Peter & Daniela made for me
Some very good
Hungarian goulash soup.

Hey -- who said it has to rhyme!

Ciao! or should I say "Chow!"

The Third Day of Christmas

On the third day of Christmas,
My family sent to me,
A picture of them all
On Christmas Day!

I miss them for sure.

On the Second Day of Christmas

On the second day of Christmas,
My surfing gave to me
A beautiful illustration of
Four doves in a tree.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a72/Catnapping/4doves.gif

I can't help it the numbers don't work out! This was just too good a picture to pass up sharing with you!

The First Day of Christmas

Christmas Day, 2006.

"Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love has been brought to full expression through us." 1 John 4:11-12.

That is the scripture I chose to memorize for today. I have evidence that God lives in us as I have certainly been on the receiving end of God's love being brought to full expression through others.

Firstly, through Bob & Joc opening up their home to me yet again on Christmas morning. It is certainly homey there and I just feel relaxed with them, Charles & Jen, and Cory & Jean-Marc. It was fun to chill out, and the dinner was fabulous -- the turkey was nice and moist, the stuffing was great -- I wanted seconds of everything, but I had evening plans, too. So, it was off to Rick & Laurie's..... how nice to be included in this family's holidays and get to learn a bit more about them. Like Laurie being a big fan of opera.... And the dinner was fantastic - another moist turkey, stuffing made with Dark Russian Bread, olives & pickled onions. Wow. And then a game of Apples to Apples.

And now to bed.....

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Advent, Day 24

Christmas Eve 2006.

What a day. First, church in morning. The choir was excellent. And there's nothing better than singing Christmas carols. Some of the most successful evangelists were probably never called that. I was reminded today of Charles Schultz. How many times have I seen "A Charlie Brown's Christmas" -- every year for as long as I can remember. Which means that every year, Linus explained the meaning of Christmas to me. I didn't get it until about 4 years ago.

And I also was reminded of the people that wrote Christmas carols. How many times have I sung "Angels We Have Heard On High", "Joy to the World", "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem", "Noel", etc., and my personal favorite "Silent Night". I've been in choirs and sung these things, and I'm sure I wondered about them.

The arts - in this case, television and music - have provided wonderful ways for people to share the gospel of Christ with an audience that is often not receptive in any other way.

So, I came home from church and made bruschetta -- it turned out decent, but the bread (I used a french bread) was a bit chewy for my taste. I don't honestly know if they lost their crispiness in the bags I put them in or what, but I need to figure that out for the next time. The recipe I make for the topping contains shallots, chives, ricotta salata cheese, balsamic vinegar, and tomatoes. Yum, Yum......................Yum. Can't beat it for flavor burst.

So, it was off to the Candlelight Service at 6 pm, after picking up Peter. It was an awesome service indeed.

Then I spent the evening with friends, and we had fun playing games -- first Jenga, then a pig game, then Mad Gab. Mad Gab is hysterical. Then home (actually house sitting) .......just under an hour ago. The kitchen is a disaster area -- sorry Steve -- so I should probably clean it up tonight.

This year, I've missed being with my family a bit more than usual. Perhaps because it has been a really, really tough and disappointing year all the way around. To keep it in perspective, though....let's take a look at some of the biblical people -- were there any people in there who had tough and disappointing years?

Hmmmm....I wonder how David felt hiding from his king, Solomon, for 7 or 8 years. What did he do on his holidays? Or how about the year he got kicked out of his own city by his son Absolom? Or the year when he fell so far into sin that it cost his son his life -- not to mention the man he unjustly killed?

Elijah probably did not enjoy the holidays after running for 40 days straight when threatened by Jezebel.

In prison, wrongly accused by Pharoah's wife, Joseph probably did not dance with glee at any holiday gatherings.

How about the year Cain killed Able. Probably not such a good year for Adam or Eve. Mother's Day would not have been a good one for Eve that year.

The list just goes on and on and on.

Imprisoned for his faith, I'm thinking Paul, though he made the most of his circumstances, probably may have "dreamed" of or at least thought of better holiday celebrations that could have occurred.

In fact, I can't think of one person in the bible who never had a bad, bad, really bad year at some point. My problems seem really, really insignificant at best in comparison. Other than Jesus. By my standards, his last year would have been horrendous, wouldn't you say? After being sent to save us, he got rejected, beaten, jailed, tortured, and crucified. That would be far worse for me than this past year. And yet, might he not say it was his best year? He fulfilled his mission and with his sacrifice, he saved any who believe in him.

The activities today certainly, including the writing of this post, have certainly kept the self-pity at bay! Thanks, friends! Thank you, Jesus. I hope to get to know you better this year.

Advent, Day 23

I feel like a million dollars right now. Seriously. It is my mother's birthday today. My mother is in Michigan and I am here in Edmonton. So, I found her the perfect e-card for her birthday -- she is an avid Scrabble player, and I happened to find a Scrabble e-card. Then, I sent her flowers. A Christmas centerpiece actually. I debated about whether to send a mix of flowers and treats, but figured she would be having whatever treats she wants anyways, so the flowers were the better choice.

I waited a couple of hours after placing the order online, praying that it would be a good quality arrangement and that she would be home to get them. Then I decided I would call my sister Karen, who is living there right now, to make sure someone was scheduled to be home at most times during the day to receive them. So, I called, and Mom answered:

"Hello?"
"Hi, Mom, it's Kathy."
"Oh hi." I heard Maggie barking in the background. "Get back!" she ordered Mag. "Just a minute, Kath, there's someone at the door"........ (I heard the door open) ........ Yes, that's me ....... They're for me? ...... Oh, they're lovely! ......... (she finishes her conversation with the delivery man and comes back to the phone) ......... I got flowers."
"Aha. That's nice."
"Do you know who they are from?"
"Probably from me!"
"Probably?"
"Unless someone else is sending you flowers!"
She laughed. "They're gorgeous. Thank you."

We talked for a while. Like I said, I feel like a million dollars. I knew I did something right. Mom has always loved flowers and centerpieces, though has rarely indulged herself as both my parents are wise spenders.

I was Mom's first child, born in 1961 when she was 24 years old, about 13 months after marrying my father. I wonder how she felt, carrying me around, not knowing really what it would be like to give birth -- the risks, the pain, not to mention the complete change of life! I know that I was treasured and loved by her (and my father). And I know I was very special to her mother as well, as I was her first grandchild. Certain traditions carried down to me -- my middle name is Marie as is my mom's as well. The first girl in all the families of the O'Briens were given that middle name.

I can only imagine what it must have been like for Mary to be carrying Jesus around for 9 months. She knew she was carrying God's son, but must have wondered about the risks (they sure did not have the same health care as we do - and He was born in a manger!), the pain, and I can't imagine what she thought about the change of life coming to her! I'm sure there was fear. People were looking for her and this baby she had - they desperately wanted to get rid of Him.

Jesus came here and experienced life as a baby, growing child, teen, young adult, and then a man. He was treasured and loved by his earthly parents as they took care of him, nurtured him, etc. So, I imagine that he experienced this kind of a million dollars feeling at some point when celebrating his mom's birthday, after coming up with just the right gift or present. Is that too earthly for him? I don't think so. If it wasn't for a birthday, then it was for something else.

Everything we do is supposed to honour our Father in heaven. One of those things we do that honours HIm, is to honour our mothers.

This day is for Mom. Thank you, God, for my mom -- she's the best!

Advent, Day 21 & 22

Advent, Day 20

I am grateful for Slovaks today. Yesterday, I picked up Peter and Daniela - both Slovaks - and brought them back to the house where I am housesitting. We had a movie night last night. And then we slept in this morning. Daniela made a great casserole this evening for dinner. In it there were potatoes, sausage, eggs, onions, sour cream and cheese. Can you think of any better ingredients???

Last year, another Slovak lived at the same room & board I live in - her name is Helka. This year she is back in Slovakia and I miss her very much. This is her picture, and you can link to her blog on the right if you like.

Anyway, each year, my Christmas has usually been made better in some way by Slovaks that are around me.....

Advent, Day 19

I'm stealing this from one of my blogging buddies - Jared. So, I tag Jess V, Brianna, and Rach.....


1. Eggnog or hot chocolate? Egg nog, of course - hot chocolate is for the rest of the year!

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? I would never question Santa as to what he delegates to elves or reindeer or anything else…. J.

3. Colored or white lights on your tree or house? No house, no tree. However, in the future (hopefully), colored will be my choice.

4. Do you hang mistletoe? Is THAT what you are supposed to do with it – no wonder I’m still single.

5. When do you put your decorations up? End of November.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Turkey w/stuffing.

7. Favorite holiday memory as a child? Visiting grandparents.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I can’t even remember.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Never.

10. What kind of cookies does Santa get set out for him? This year, biscotti.

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? I love snow…..I just hate driving in it.

12. Can you ice skate? I can put on skates - hopefully, that counts.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? It is so sad, I can’t remember a particular favorite at all.

14. What's the most important thing about Christmas for you? The single most important thing is Christ’s coming – the first time and the next and last time. I love church on Christmas Eve and on Christmas, too.

15. What is your favorite Christmas dessert? Pumpkin & Mincemeat pies.

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Watching the original “Grinch” and “A Charlie Brown’s Christmas.

17. What tops your tree? Nothing this year!

18. Which do you prefer, giving or receiving? Both.

19. What is your favorite Christmas carol? Silent Night.

20. Candy Canes: Yuck or Yum? Yum!

21. When do you take down your tree? Sometime after I put it up!

Advent, Day 18

Check out this daughter of one of my friends here - is she an awesome piano player, or what!?

winter wonderland 008

Advent, Day 17 -- See Day 16

Oops. Missed a day..... :)

Advent, Day 16 (I think)

Well, the days are starting to run together. I'm thinking that is the sign of the "Christmas Rush". But today was certainly a good day.

Woke up 15 minutes after my alarm started to ring. I don't think I've ever actually slept while the alarm was ringing! Went to church and saw people I now see very little of...that's a bit depressing. But church was good. Pastor Bob talked about King Hezekiah and how it was thought at the time he was ruling that he was the Messiah. I never knew that, or if I did, it left my memory. He was called the many names that Jesus is referred to: Wonderful counsellor, etc. However, he was not the Messiah.

But there is going to be someone out there -- he may already exist -- that will appear to many of us to be the Messiah as well. He will gain a huge following and will be so good at deception that we will believe him. It is so important to be reading the Bible, and living the life the Bible recommends, seeking God in all of our actions and activities, and testing all bits of knowledge that come our way, so we can discern the fake from the "real deal".

Great sermon.

Later, Steve, Patty, Peter, Daniella and I went to the Christmas production at the church -- "Caught Up In Christmas", and were captivated by the performances tonight. My particular favorite part of the whole thing was the music chosen. It was gospel and upbeat for the most part, with a couple of tunes that had some complex jazzy chords in them that seemed more minor key in nature. But the story line was also excellent.

This little Christmas mouse (me) now must go crash and catch up on some sleep! Ciao for now.

Advent, Day 15

Another late post!

Great dinner at Steve & Patty's home tonight -- Jana & Jason were there, along with Chantelle, Daniella, Peter and me. Earlier, I was not so eager to go because really, even though it seems like I should have plenty of time to do lots of things, time seems to run out rather quickly. I've baked alot of biscotti now, but haven't had time to bake all that I need to, and haven't had time to shop for gifts either. It is never fun going and getting gifts when you haven't shopped in return. Luckily, I had shopped for the girls - Jana, Chantelle & Daniella. Not so lucky for the others, though......

Anyway, it has been a long but great day...... hopefully, I will come up with some interesting posts for this blog soon. For instance, one of my blogging buddies has recommended Polar Express (the movie) to me, so maybe I should do a review here once I have viewed it. Hmmmmm.....in the meantime, you can check out his great blog. Just look on the right hand side of this blog and click on "Jared"......have fun!

Goodnight and Good Luck!

Advent, Day 14

Tired. Very tired.

Went to Bible Study Fellowship this morning for my last time. *sigh* The study on Romans has been great. We had a fellowship afterwards at Jen's house on the south side of Edmonton. Her home was beautiful. I got to pet Ella the cat - it has been so long since I've held a cat - it was great. They have two large labs and a chinchilla as well.

Jen's husband made vanilla lattes -- yum yum, and we enjoyed Christmas goodies as well as some shrimp and antipasto as well. I took the bus home from Southgate and it took a while.

Got home quite late - say about 3:30 pm, and received an early Christmas gift - my work permit for work at NorQuest was in the mail - that, for sure is a result of prayer! Went out for coffee with a friend and then it was quickly off to a wedding shower this evening and am finally home. I'm probably the least busy I have been in ages and ages, yet what little busyness I have is wearing me out. As much as I love Christmas, I really dislike being overly busy for very little purpose!

So, off to bed I go.

Advent, Day 13

Well, this is a very late post! The day was packed -- not as I expected, but was packed nonetheless. Since the others in the house are pretty much done with exams, there's alot of "hanging out" that is going on here. I love the young adults for sure -- they touch my heart in so many different ways. I never really felt like I was a young adult - never really experienced fellowship with my peers at that time in my life, and was always old for my age. I wonder if this time has been one way that God has allowed me to sort of "be" a young adult. The time here at this house, though, has to come to an end.

I talked to my mother earlier today. I love mom. That's a given of course. But I love being around my mom. She is quiet. Oh, she has always liked a good party, and loves to play board games and all, but the rest of the time, she just doesn't make a lot of unnecessary noise, or talk unnecessarily. She is contained and doesn't dominate the area or force herself, her ideas, opinions, whatever, on anyone.

At Christmas, the house is decorated well, but not flashy, if you know what I mean. Subtle touches of Christmas all over the house. Very warm, inviting, yet peaceful. No visual noise.

I need some quiet again, and as I take off to housesit beginning this Sunday, I look forward to just reading the paper every day, with a warm cup of coffee and perhaps a bagel. Ah, the sweetness of a quiet beginning to the day, and a quiet ending to each night.

Good night!

Advent, Day 12

I love Santa (see here). I love God more and am extra glad right now that God never gets flats!

Advent, Day 11

Tonight, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" was on television. You know, there are two television shows that really have a Christmas meaning to me - "The Grinch" (as referenced above) and "A Charlie Brown's Christmas". For some reason, these two shows really touch my heart. They are funny for sure, but there is something more. They have certainly stood the test of time, haven't they?

As far as movies go, "Miracle on 34th Street", "White Christmas", and "A Christmas Carol" (with Alec Guinness as Scrooge) are my favorites. They speak Christmas to me. Nothing made in the last 20 years seems to do it for me at all.

So, I asked the young adults here what were their favorite Christmas shows/movies. The only I've heard come back is "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" with Chevy Chase. Ugh.

Anyway, it does not seem as if real Christmas Classics are being made much anymore. Why not?

Advent, Day 10

What a strange day.

First, a sermon that I won't forget -- oh, I'll forget the details, but not the essence. The essence of sermon today, at least for me, was that Jesus' coming to earth did not, and was not meant to, remove despair, sadness, hardship....His coming to earth was to give us hope. He is my Savior; He is the Savior. I wonder if those I sat next to in church were moved as much as I was when Pastor Bob talked about "just give(ing) everything you know about you over to everything you know about Him." The very words that so encouraged me to do just that a few years ago.

The reminder that He is there when you are broken is such a necessary reminder for me, and I imagine for lots of people. I have a hard time imagining that this Christmas is going to be anything but a struggle with loneliness, and not the kind of loneliness that goes away with a busy schedule and lots of people all around. Christmas is such a marker every year; a point at which a review of the year takes place. And this last year wasn't good in many respects.

But, if you check out the scripture Pastor Bob used today - Isaiah 9:1-7 - you will see that just as Isaiah was speaking about hope to a people who were broken and beaten and in despair, he speaks to us through the scripture, assuring us that there is hope for us even when we are broken, beaten and in despair. "Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress." (Isaiah 9:1 NIV)

It sure does not seem like it sometimes, but God is in our midst at all times.

It is easy, as Pastor Bob suggested, to get down with all the things in this world that can cause us distress. Just watching the news can lead you down a path of despair. But then, I think of all the people who don't watch the news -- they have no TV, no home, no family, etc., and their path of despair. I think of all the people who are busy shopping, shopping, shopping, but will not receive the gift they long for or perhaps the gift they need. People from all walks of life have issues at one time or another. I hope they hear Isaiah's message and let it sink in - maybe they won't "listen" right away, but at some point wonder what gave Isaiah hope in the midst of the despair surround him.

One of my friends has just recently been to the hospital and was diagnosed with "exquisite pain". In the medical sense, exquisite means "intense, keen or sharp". Jesus himself suffered "exquisite pain" - for us. Some people don't think this makes sense. Think about it, though. Jesus was sent to us as a Savior. He becomes our link to God - in fact, the only way to God is through Jesus. Jesus is our intercessor. God sent his son in the form of man, and that man experienced the suffering, the temptations, the "exquisite pain", that we have.

I thank God for being my Comforter. For understanding our "exquisite pain" through personal experience. As rotten as things can seem once in a while, without him I would be in despair with no hope -- far worse off than I am now! I look forward to meeting him.

Advent, Day 9

The Butterdome.

What a name for building! I believe the name comes from the yellow color of the large exterior of this sports facility at the University of Alberta.

Today, that facility was filled with various craft vendors. I haven't been to a craft show in so long, it felt marvelous to be there with Carla. We got there about 10:15 a.m. and left about 1:15 p.m. I could have stayed even longer!

There was one piece of art I would have loved to have been able to give somebody. It was a piece of art with some very simple pebbles that were shaped like people. The people were sitting in a circle and the title of the piece was simply "Our Circle" if I remember correctly.

We tasted some fine specialty foods, including chocolate covered toffee that was absolutely divine and something called Cowboy Crunch that was also great. Dips, sauces, coffees, ciders . . . they were all there and they were all tasty.

After making it through the craft sale, we went to Vi's for Pies for about an hour.

It felt very Christmas-y to be out and about today, even though it was warmer than expected.

Lord, thank you for a great day of fellowship, fun and foodstuff!

Advent, Day 8

Since I am an Edmontonian now, I figured I would put a couple links out here about Christmas activities and events in Edmonton.

http://www.edmontonplus.ca/portal/eventSearch.do?&siteId=1&section=98&pageIndex=0&maxLinkPerPage=100&maxPagePerSection=5&theText=christmas

http://www.edmonton.ca/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_0_272_214_0_43/http%3B/CMSServer/COEWeb/arts+culture+and+attractions/christmasholidayactivitiesgiftideas.htm

And, of course, I can't resist plugging some activities at my church - North Pointe. We have a Christmas offering to the community called "Caught Up In Christmas." And our Christmas Eve service is an absolute treat! Check out our site at:

www.northpointechurch.ca

Advent, Day 7

What is Advent?

I have to admit, when growing up, I thought an Advent Calendar was simply used to count down the days until Christmas. Our family usually shared one advent calendar that hung up on the refrigerator and we took turns opening a window. In my head now, I can visualize those lovely advent calendars with their Christian scene - perhaps of the baby Jesus in a cradle, or perhaps of the three wise men in their long robes with staffs in their hands and gazing upon a huge star in the sky. The colors were usually beautiful and the calendar would have sparkly glitter sprinkled over it. If we held the calendar up to the light, the little windows when opened looked like stained glass, or so I thought anyways!

My parents were raised Catholic, but we were not, so I'm not sure when I started to wonder about the religious significance of the pictures on the Advent calendars.

Over the past week or so, I've been looking for little tidbits to put out here on this blog for fun and for my own edification, and I've read a little bit about Advent and its meaning. And though I skimmed the words many times, I have to say that its significance escaped me until a few minutes ago. According to wikipedia, "the season of Advent serves a dual reminder of the original waiting that was done by the Hebrews for the birth of their Messiah as well as the waiting that Christians today endure as they await the second coming of Jesus the Christ."

Well, first of all, now I am wondering how the Hebrews "waited" for the birth of their Messiah. What did they do to prepare? Or did they just go about their daily lives in their waiting period? I certainly can't recall anything specific right now from my own readings, but I'll be looking this up tomorrow.

And then, I think, how am I supposed to wait for Christ's second coming? What should I be doing to prepare as I journey through this life, travelling on various roads, towards Him?

I remember when I was preparing to move to Edmonton. Ah, I was so very excited. I wanted to make sure I was as unencumbered and as free as possible, as I understood that God can use those who are free to focus on Him to a great extent. So, I payed my bills. I got rid of alot of stuff I did not need, though I kept some stuff in storage. I got my documents in order. I said my goodbyes to my family and friends. I prayed constantly to make sure I was doing the right thing. I got the car fixed up and packed it just with bare necessities really. I made the rounds to favorite restaurants and shops for a "last taste" of the Detroit area. I lived for a few weeks with my folks as I waited to depart. Though some of these tasks were not fun for me, I did them all with a great joy and anticipation of what I knew was going to be a great adventure.

And as I am here in the midst of Advent, I wonder if I am living and taking care of business with that same joy and anticipation as I had for beginning a new life here. Are there debts I need to pay? Do I have things in storage that need to be dealt with (i.e., baggage in my life)? Have I given my family and friends up to God or do I try and solve their life issues for them? Am I in prayer as much as I should be - am I still asking God's direction? Am I travelling with just what I need, or is stuff cluttering up my life? Am I a living here for today - getting out into the world around me, experiencing it, and sharing with others? Who am I hanging out with while I wait for Christ's return?

In thinking about these questions, I am grateful for this time of reflection, a time many have named Advent.

Advent, Day 6

Christmas Linguini.

"Hi. My name is Kathy, and I am a recovering cookaholic." I love to cook. Have I mentioned before that to me, a meal, or even just one dish, is a piece of art. If I may say so myself, I am a fairly decent cook. At least, that is what I thought until . . .

Tuesday. We had a small luncheon at the church to promote an event to some local pastors. I was to shop and cook for the meal. A cream sauce on pasta was requested. Well, I've not made an alfredo or any other kind of cream sauce, so I looked up some recipes online. One recipe I found suggested combining alfredo with pesto for a tasty meal. I thought, "Great! I can get a regular basil pesto (green), and a sun-dried tomato pesto (red), and some prepackaged alfredo sauce, and thus make Christmas Linguini for the group!" Seems simple, eh?

The plan was to also do some garlic bread, and a simple salad. Monday night, I had already made three kinds of biscotti for the event (after practicing - see Day 4) and these were delicious.

Well, I layed out the biscotti -- looked great! Then poured balsamic dressing on the romaine lettuce and topped it with just a little parmegiano reggiano. Got the pasta cooking, and put the alfredo sauce into two pans and began simmering it. Panicked and decided not to do the garlic bread -- mistake because we had no margarine. The pasta sauces looked beautiful. In fact, when combined with the pasta, they looked great. However, the texture was absolutely horrendous. Quite starchy. In fact, usually when your dinner guests are quiet, it is a compliment about the quality of the food. In this case, I'm quite sure their tongues were simply stuck to the roofs of their mouths - thus, preventing them from speaking at all.

Because the pasta did not turn out very good, the bread without margarine or butter seemed pretty bland, and the simple salad seemed cheap. The only saving grace was the biscotti -- they say, always end on a good note. For sure it was the only good note of the meal!

Christmas Linguini -- great in theory, but practical application needs work!

Advent, Day 5

Okay, I'm reclaiming Santa. My first year as a Christian, I had a hard time figuring out why so many Christians disowned Santa. I have even a harder time figuring it out now. Today, I had a conversation with one such Christian, and the best I can come up with is that they believe Santa represents the commercialism of Christmas and is in direct opposition to Christmas' real meaning -- the celebration of the birth of Christ.

In all honesty, though, as a non-Christian, I did not think of Santa as a commercial being. I thought of Santa as a benevolent being. I know that in school we learned about St. Nicholas, but I have reinvestigated. What I read about St. Nicholas was very encouraging. Check it out at the link below.

Apparently, Nicholas was born into a devout, wealthy Christian family, and became a strong follower of Christ. His parents died in an epidemic and Nicholas, obeying Jesus' instructions to sell what you own and give to the poor, used his entire inheritance to help those in need.

There is much more information on the site referenced below. Although I have not done exhaustive research regarding Santa, I am persuaded to believe that he was as described above. Many differentiate between St. Nicholas and Santa Claus - I don't. For all those who claim that Santa is all about commercialism in North America, I disagree. But I hope that those with those claims don't participate in the very commercialism to which they are so opposed.

"Santa" means saint and it seems to me Nicholas is a pretty good example of what we as saints often claim we should be like. As such, if our children were to model themselves after St. Nicholas / Santa Claus, I think they would be well on their way to modeling themselves after Jesus.

http://www.stnicholascenter.org/Brix?pageID=38
http://www.stnicholascenter.org/Brix?pageID=235

Advent, Day 4

I really do love the holiday season. I was operating in one of my blissful holiday moods Saturday and went to get ingredients to make Cappuccino Biscotti. Cooking and baking are two of my favorite things to do - it is a form of art as far as I'm concerned.

Anyway, the recipe seemed simple enough - you can check it out if you want at http://www.joyofbaking.com/biscotti/CappuccinoBiscotti.html .

The first thing was to roast the hazelnuts - then put them in a clean towel to steam, then rub the towel to "skin" the hazelnuts. Well, I don't know what happened, but I ended up with hazelnut skins all over the kitchen and many didn't peel off, so I painstakingly peeled them off with a knife. This took about an hour, I think, though the recipe makes it seem like a simple Step #1. I groaned from time to time, and noticed the students in the house started exiting the area.

The recipe next suggests using a handmixer for the dough. Okay, perhaps they are correct, if you could only cook the dough on the walls of your kitchen, because frankly, that is where alot of my biscotti dough ended up. I think I was laughing and crying at the same time at this point, and students would wander through every once in a while, but not say anything . . . wisely.

I think my biscotti took a good 3 hours to make, but the students tried it and said they liked it. So, although it was excrutiatingly painful to make, it was also quite fun really. . . or perhaps real funny! I've decided to make biscotti for my holiday baking.

Happy Advent, Day 4.

Advent, Day 3

Secret Sisters.

One of the things that has meant the most to me on becoming a Christian and participating at my church is the ministry we call "Secret Sisters". The lady standing with me in this picture is Rachel. She was my first Secret Sister on coming up here to Edmonton. I've told her story in a previous blog - if you care to read it, just go to: http://kathybrownsblog.blogspot.com/2006/08/rachel.html.

Well, I did not have alot of funds to expend on gifts for my secret sister - and there is actually a limit of what we are supposed to spend. But I knew it was not about any gifts. Secret Sister's purpose, at least in my heart, is to learn about someone in our church, and love and pray for them - secretly. A little note or something symbolic once in a while to let the person know they are in our thoughts is not a bad thing. But it is not the point.

I am happy to say that ever since that time when Rachel was my secret sister, we have remained friends and I know that we pray for one another. Through this ministry, I have made a life-time friend, who's own life has touched mine in a very profound way.

We usually wrap up the year with a little Christmas gift to our Secret Sister so I thought it was appropriate just to plug the ministry of Secret Sisters in this Celebration of Advent.

Advent, Day 2

On the subject of snow -- and it seems like we have about a foot and a half here in Edmonton -- check out this website where you can make your own snowflake! The snowflake that falls and says "Your friend's flake" is one I made today for this second day of advent. Every snowflake that is made may help the Salvation Army receive a few more donated dollars during the 2006 Holiday Flake-a-thon! And if that isn't enough, click on the other falling flakes -- you will see that people from all over the world are creating a beautiful snowfall!

http://www.popularfront.com/snowdays/index.html?id=3105632

Advent Day 1

I rose early
Though the sun did not;
Pale lavender clouds hung low
Reflecting on the white, white snow
That has created an early Christmas
In my heart.

Love wells up in me
Without my understanding why
As I walk about and talk about
This early Christmas gift -
Not always convenient
Except as a beautiful blanket.

Sometimes I think
I am still on the outside
For it is easy for me to see
That there is something special here
Though not everyone
Receives the gift.