Celebrations

Easter Gone Wrong?

April 12, 2012 By Shannon 5 Comments

It was exactly the way I didn’t want our Easter morning to go.

I had risen early to get started on some things in the kitchen for our meal later that day. In the process, I got off in my own little world and kind of abandoned my husband. He’s sort of busy and pre-occupied on a normal Sunday but even more-so on big Christian celebrations like Easter or Christmas. You know, since he’s the Pastor and all. He has a few minor things on his mind and all that. It’s a good time for his wife to help out and field most of the kids’ routine needs so that he can prepare his heart and mind. Maybe even make him breakfast. At the very least, it’s a good time for her to let him in the kitchen so he can make his own breakfast. Ahem. Did I mention that she was a little off in her head? Yes, well. Let’s just say his wife pretty much dropped the ball on that whole thing.

He was hurt and then mad. She was defensive and then snippy. So, yeah, the reconciliation went well too.

Then there was the kid stuff. It might surprise you to know that the Pastor’s kids aren’t perfect angels on Easter morning. They did wake up with greetings of “He is Risen” on their lips. That was pretty cool, actually. But, it wasn’t long before their words turned sour and they started bickering with each other. About something dumb. (Isn’t it always something dumb?) It might also surprise you to know that the Pastor’s wife doesn’t always respond to the Pastor’s children with calm, Spirit-led wisdom when they start bickering. Especially if she’s in a dark cloud because she’s already been selfish and snippy with the Pastor. Ahem.

Then there was the moment when the boy (who, BTW, woke up with a cough/cold thing – ugh!) thought he might try to squeeze in some video game time. On Easter morning. On the only TV in the house. Which happens to sit in the family room. Which is the only family gathering space in the house since we don’t have a rec room or den or other such room. It might surprise you to know that the aforementioned wife/mom didn’t really have video game noise in mind when she thought about Easter morning and celebrating the most important event in all of history. (Bickering and snippy wife comments don’t really fit into her ideal scenario either, if you must know.) She was a little ticked that the boy would even ask such a thing.

It might also surprise you to know that when the Pastor’s wife is already sort of blowing it she doesn’t handle even simple things very well. So, when the Pastor’s mom’s visiting dog comes out and slops her water bowl all over the floor… well, do I really need to go on?

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Can I just tell you now pathetic I felt heading to church this past Sunday? Oh, Rick and I had reconciled and God’s grace had softened this silly heart of mine. But, I still had this lingering feeling that maybe we were all just a bunch of hypocrites after-all. I mean we were celebrating Jesus’ victory over sin and death. Shouldn’t we be finished with words and actions and heart motives that reek of death?

But, as I found myself surrounded by my precious spiritual family and singing praise that morning, I was reminded that such mornings are exactly what Easter is all about. Jesus had to come precisely because I am snippy and selfish. I yell at my kids and get bothered by silly things like water puddles in the kitchen. He came because my heart isn’t always pure. My love isn’t always patient and kind and sacrificial.

I don’t need a new set of morals to follow or rules to modify my behavior. I need a whole new heart – one purified by His grace. And the truth is, my new heart fights with the old, gross one sometimes. And I don’t always respond to His gentle promptings. Sometimes, darn it, I even want to be snippy. Oh… how I need Him to make beautiful things out of this dust!

Yes, He is changing me, clothing me in His righteousness, and helping me to love even when things feel like they’re falling apart. But, sometimes I stumble through it or try to take over.

So… it wasn’t my ideal Easter morning. But, perhaps it was actually a perfect Easter morning. Because I came humble and broken… mindful that I really do need the miracle of an empty tomb.

Filed Under: Celebrations, Faith, Family

Chocolate-Dipped Valentine Rice Krispie Treats

February 13, 2012 By Shannon Leave a Comment

In honor of Valentine’s Day and a classroom full of sweet 4th graders, Madison and I made these:

For all the gourmet desserts that exist in this crazy world, why is it that Rice Krispie Treats hold such appeal? One of the great mysteries of the universe, I think.

Dressing them up a bit for Valentine’s Day was as easy as can be. Honestly, I think the greatest challenge to these simple treats comes before any embellishing takes place. It’s dealing with the sticky, marshmallowy mess that occurs when pressing them in the pan. I have finally conluded that rubbing a little bit of butter in the palms of my hands and just using my fingers is the best way. Utensils or wax paper? Pfft. No way. Just get your hands messy and tame the mess yourself.

I originally found the inspiration for this recipe on Mel’s Kitchen Cafe. I believe Mel found it on Pinterest. I modified the recipe ever so slightly and included it below in case you’d like to join the fun.

Chocolate Dipped Krispie Treats

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons butter, plus extra for buttering pans
1 (10-ounce) package regular marshmallows or 4 cups miniature marshmallows
1 teaspoon vanilla
6 cups crisp rice cereal
12 ounces dark chocolate chips
Valentine’s sprinkles (I found mine at Hobby Lobby)

Directions:

Butter a large (11X17-inch) rimmed baking sheet. Set aside.
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the marshmallows. Stir until melted and smooth. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Stir in the Rice Krispies. Press the mixture into the prepared pan (with your buttery hands!) and set aside to cool for about an hour.
Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, press the cutter into the cooled Rice Krispie treats. Stack hearts on wax paper for dipping. Depending on the size of your cookie cutter, you should be able to get between 18 and 24 treats. (Husbands and brothers are happy to help with the leftover pieces.)
In a double-broiler, melt the chocolate on medium heat until smooth. Once it is smooth, turn heat to low so that chocolate doesn’t get over cooked.
Holding one side of the Rice Krispie heart, dip the other half into the melted chocolate and then transfer to the wax paper. While the chocolate is still warm on the Rice Krispie heart, shake the happy Valentine sprinkles onto the chocolate. Let the treats cool completely and the chocolate harden before serving, about 1-2 hours.
Cover in an airtight container to store (they are best eaten within 24 hours).
For special delivery, put individual treats into baggies. Tie each baggie with red and pink ribbon and add an encouraging note.

Filed Under: Celebrations, Cooking, Creativity, Family, Randomness Tagged With: In the Kitchen, Recipes, Valentine Treats

What to Do About Valentine’s Day {Gift-Giving Gone Wild}

February 9, 2012 By Shannon 12 Comments

An e-newsletter came to my inbox earlier this week that has me scratching my head a bit. (You know me and my churning thoughts. Yeesh.) Here was the headline for the first article:

HINT AND RUN: How to subtly suggest your own Valentine’s present

Really? I don’t know, it just felt sort of icky to me.

I’m not sure exactly what part of it felt so icky. Is it because Rick and I are really pro communication and not so big on hiding behind subtle suggestions? Is it because I think Valentine’s Day has become less about celebrating love and more about buying stuff – like every other American holiday I can think of. (Except Thanksgiving – we haven’t figured out a way to completely destroy Thanksgiving yet. Although, the menu expectations and table settings are even becoming a little much. But, I digress.) Is it that the whole presupposition of the article is really sort of selfish – like I deserve a great gift on Valentine’s Day and couldn’t feel treasured if he had just gotten me a box of chocolates?

Maybe it’s a combination of all of the above.

But, then, I also thought that it IS sort of a bummer to receive a gift that you really don’t like very much. Is it so bad to save your sweetie a little time and money by pointing him in the right direction? I mean, you’ve probably gotten gifts before that someone put some time and effort into. Only to have those very gifts end up in the Goodwill pile. (You’re thinking of those items right now, aren’t you? And you’re thinking… “bless her heart, she tried.” You know you are. And you feel sort of bad, don’t you?)

I’m a big fan of choosing wedding gifts off the registry – because that’s what they’re excited about getting. But, I also have to admit that one of my favorite wedding gifts is the white pottery serving piece that Bud & Ginny Stephenson got us. Nope, not on my registry because I didn’t even know said pottery existed.

It’s all very perplexing, isn’t it?

Truth be told, I think we could all get a little bit better at our gift-giving AND gift-receiving. Because I think it’s more about being attentive to each other and less about the perfect gift.

I’m not sure where I’m really going with this. I think a good blogger would give you a list of things to think through. Some do’s and don’ts of gift-giving. Maybe even supply a practical printable so that you can decide how to buy gifts. But, I don’t have a printable. (Bad blogger. Bad blogger.)

I think I’ll just say this: could we just get back to making gift-giving about giving gifts? Could we let it come out of a genuine joy in knowing and being known? And not weigh it down with tons of expectation or rules or whatever else we do to it?

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What do you think? Are subtle gift hints OK or not? As I’ve said before, you are not a very commenty bunch. I know you read because you talk to me about it or FB me. Would it really kill you to actually comment here this time?!?! {wink} ‘Cause I’d really like to hear your perspectives.

Filed Under: Celebrations, Family, Homemaking Tagged With: Celebrations, gift-giving tips, holidays, Valetine's Day

How to Slow the Season

December 1, 2011 By Shannon Leave a Comment

Today is the first day of December. In 25 days we will be celebrating in homes all across the country. Those of us who claim to follow Christ are supposed to be celebrating His birth. But, I wonder if we really are. I wonder if we’re really celebrating the American Dream with some Jesus platitudes thrown in.

I think we sense that we’re a little “off” and that somehow Christmas has gotten off track. We taste the dissonance. We even attempt to change. For most of us, the solution has been to get more organized, not really reform our heart’s focus.

What if we made it less about better time management and gift budgeting… and more about Jesus? I don’t want to just put a governor on my spending or make better lists or freeze meals ahead of time. I want to actually change where I focus my gaze. On what Whom I set my affections.

Some two thousand years ago, the Creator of this vast universe did the unthinkable. He stepped down from His throne where He receives honor and praise and glory unceasing. He left all of that, squeezing His infinite self into frail flesh.

I think we only sort of fathom what that meant for Him and way it changed everything for us.

Maybe this December could be about trying to fathom just a little bit more of it. Would you join me in trying?

Filed Under: Advent, Celebrations, Faith, Family Tagged With: Advent, Celebrations, Christmas, Worship

What I Learned While the Boys Were in Africa

October 25, 2011 By Shannon 1 Comment

Our boys have returned from Africa! They had an amazing week of ministry. But, they were definitely missed. Madison and I are so happy to have them back. I suppose that’s a good sign, right? That we missed them and all?

Their flight was delayed getting home on Sunday so they came in pretty late. But we still threw a mini-party to welcome them. Madison even waited up on the couch. Well, kind of. She fell asleep on the couch while she waited. But, it was a valiant effort.

After our little party preparations were finished, I had some time to reflect. Here are a few things I learned while the boys were away.

Little girls can hog more bed space and steal more covers than a fully grown man.
Muddy football clothes don’t need washed when there’s no 12-year-old boy around to create muddy messes. Who knew laundry could be so pleasant? And sad at the same time.
Having control of the remote isn’t really all it’s cracked up to be. And watching Psych or Bones isn’t nearly as much fun without my dude falling asleep on the couch next to me.
Women do a good job of looking out for each other when their menfolk are away. Especially when we have dark chocolate to help us.
You think your husband must have magical powers but he doesn’t. He just knows how to use Drano when the sink clogs. Turns out that Drano works when a woman pours it down the drain too! (Please note: just because I CAN do said Drano, does not mean I will be doing it again. He can have his magical plumbing powers right back.)
Bathroom humor and loud gaseous expulsions seem to happen less ( A LOT less) when boys are absent from the home. In fact, the noise level changed dramatically with the boys gone all week.
Two is less than four. And your elementary teacher was wrong – the difference certainly must be way more than two. At least that’s how it feels.
I’d love it if my daughter became my best friend someday. She’s an awesome girl. Spending a lot of one-on-one time with her is pretty neat.
You can squeak by on a lot fewer groceries when the boys are gone. Well, that, AND when you have precious people in your life that invite you over while the boys are gone. {wink}
Did I mention that two is less than four? Four is good. Really good.

Filed Under: Celebrations, Faith, Family, Missions Tagged With: Celebrations, Family, Missions, Travel, Welcome Home

After Easter: A Letter to My Kiddos

April 27, 2011 By Shannon 1 Comment

Dear Kiddos of Mine,

I see you there as we open the eggs and recount The Story. I hear you as you expound on the details.

You know so much of it already. About the donkey and how Jesus came humble even though He could have come conquering. About the Passover and His last supper with His friends. About Judas’ 30 pieces of silver and Jesus’ agonizing prayer in the garden. About the middle of the night trials and the trumped up charges against an innocent man. And the mocking and the beatings He endured. You even know how many lashes it will take to kill a man and how Jesus took just one less.

You tell of how they crucified Him and how He died there, forsaken and alone. About how the sky got dark and the curtain tore. How they pierced His side to make sure He was dead. You know all about the borrowed tomb and the stone rolled in front of it.

And the last egg is empty. You know why, don’t you? Yes. Of course. You can tell us and you do. It’s empty because the tomb is empty. He is risen.

You know these historical events inside and out. And I love that. I have no regrets about teaching it to you from your earliest days. About reading to you from the Bible before you could even sit up. What mother would withhold her most precious possession from her own children? My greatest treasure I pass on to you.

But, there are these three things I pray as yet another Easter passes. The lamb has been eaten save a few leftovers. The Easter finery needs laundered. The tulips are wilting. Your baskets are a little less weighty. *smile* And it’s time for me to put away the eggs.

As I do, I ask God for three things…

I pray that it will always be a story like no other. It’s not a myth or an interesting piece of literature. To be shelved with all the other fantastical tales every told. It’s not even like anything in any of the other world religions. I know it sounds crazy at times. Really. God taking on flesh, coming as a baby, living just 33 years and being brutally executed to pay the penalty for our sin. And then rising from the dead? It’s nuts. I get that. But it’s true.
I pray that you’ll never lose the wonder of it. They say that familiarity breeds contempt. I think there can be some truth to that. Sometimes we know something so well that we’re no longer shocked by it. Or we forget to see it with fresh eyes and enjoy its beauty. I pray that the Gospel will never seem “ho hum.” But that it will always stir wonder and awe in your hearts. Even though you’ve been hearing about Jesus since you were babes.
And lastly, I pray that it won’t just be a holiday that you celebrate once a year. Be transformed, Caleb & Madison. By Him. Let Jesus’ sacrifice and victory change the way you think and act. Everyday. We don’t celebrate Easter because our religion dictates it. We’re really not that into religion. We celebrate Easter because it reminds us of the greatest day in history. We celebrate Easter because Jesus’ death and resurrection changed EVERYTHING.

I’ll be honest, kiddos. This Easter was a little different for me than any other. You’re getting older and I watch you taking it in. Contemplating the whole thing. In ways you didn’t before. With some hints of greater maturity and thoughtfulness. And I know that you’ll have to make your own decision about Easter someday. As you grow, you’ll either accept it or reject it. Accept Him or reject Him.

I just want you know that I see you. And that I’m praying for you…

Filed Under: Celebrations, Children, Faith, Family, Parenting Tagged With: Easter, Faith, Parenting, Resurrection Eggs

One Non-Denominational Girl & Her Musings on Lent

March 9, 2011 By Shannon Leave a Comment

I’m a decidedly non-denominational girl. I love Jesus. I love His Church (usually!). But I’ve never been particularly drawn to one denomination or loyal to one tradition within Christianity.

We worship Sundays in a converted carpet warehouse. Our pastor preaches most weeks in jeans. We’ve never even owned hymnals or had a formal pulpit. Our services are very simple with very little ritual… save the benediction at the end. We hold loosely to our “traditions” because we don’t want to elevate one way of doing something and get stuck in rut.

I’m not necessarily saying that’s better. It’s just what I know. (And, clearly, what I like.)

As a result, I know very little about the “church calendar” and some of the tradition that it highlights. I’ve never had the ash smudge on my forehead. Or abstained from meat on Fridays. Or given up something for Lent.

In fact, for most of my life, my view of those ideas was fairly jaded. Perhaps it was my experience with so many people who had ashes on their forehead one Wednesday every year but virtually ignored Jesus the other 364 days.

Or perhaps it was my misunderstandings of the traditions. Honestly, giving up diet Coke for 40 days seemed silly to me in light of the extreme and weighty sacrifice that Jesus made on my behalf. We Americans indulge ourselves in excess nearly everyday. Most of us know very little of true sacrifice and service. Many of the people I knew who gave up something for Lent gorged on their now-forbidden treat right before and after their 40 days. How could that in any way help us appreciate the anguish and sacrifice of the God of heaven and earth dying on a cross to pay for the awful sins of every person who has ever lived? Did we think we were impressing Jesus or somehow identifying with Him by depriving ourselves of chocolate for a month and a half?

Most of my experience with such rituals was little more than pomp and circumstance. But, in recent years, I have come to appreciate some of the heart behind some of those traditions.

One thing I have come to value is the way such times help us to remember. We are forgetful creatures. So forgetful. So quickly. God knows that about us. He’s the one who instituted communion as a way of remembering. We do need reminded. Regularly.

I think such traditions can also help us to slow down and reflect. Otherwise, it’s just too easy to get swept into our cultural definitions of a holiday. We get mired in the commercial messages that pound away at our soul. Suddenly it’s April and Easter is about finding the right dress and eating jelly beans and designing the perfect centerpiece for ANOTHER big meal.

And, honestly, that’s OK for Target or Macy’s or whomever. Really. I don’t expect them to make Easter about the sacrificial death and amazing resurrection of my Lord. That’s what we who follow Him need to do. We need to make it about Him… in our homes and in our own hearts.

If slowing down for 40 days of fasting and reflecting before we celebrate Resurrection Sunday will help you to do that, then by all means, please do.

As for this non-denominational girl, my observation of Lent will mostly be in intentional reflecting. I have some books that I will use to help me focus. I have some ideas rolling around in my head that might work for the whole family. If I feel prompted, I might fast in some way during this time. It’s all still a bit of a work in progress for me. (As usual, I’m a little behind schedule. You know, since it starts today and all!)

One thing I do know. I know I want to be a woman who regularly reflects and revels in the Cross and what it means for me. Dorothy Sayers writes that to make the Easter story into something that neither startles, shocks, terrifies, nor excites is “to crucify the Son of God afresh.”

I want to be startled.

How about you?

Filed Under: Celebrations, Church, Faith, Family, Spiritual Disciplines Tagged With: Church, Easter, Lent, Worship

Naming the Year

January 3, 2011 By Shannon 1 Comment

It’s the third or fourth time I’ve sat down to do it. To evaluate and ponder my 2010. To look ahead to 2011. Each time is the same. My mind is restless. Bouncing from one thought to another.

“I need to make dinner for tonight.” “Did I jot that idea down?” “Who is picking up Madison this time?” “Why does freelance writing scare the bejeebies out of me?” “I wonder if I offended So-And-So. She seems to avoid us now.” “Oh, I need to get my January calendar and my menus started.” “Where do I begin with this evaluation stuff anyway?”

Next thing I know I’m back up and busy: packing for our trip to Cinci, throwing in another load of laundry, putting away the Christmas wrapping paper. All the while, I’m mulling things over in my restless heart. Looking back and looking forward.

It’s a good practice. This pausing over the fresh new year. This blank slate of days that WILL get filled. All 365 of them. Oops. Make that 363. Two are already gone. Shoot. It’s hard not feel like maybe I’ve already failed. “Shouldn’t I have gotten this evaluation done BEFORE the new year started?”

But, really, how will the other 363 get filled? What kind of year will it be? What kind of year was last year?

And then it hits me. Last year was a lot like the years before it. Me striving. And rushing. And trying to cover up and hide the frayed edges. Me yelling at the kids when things didn’t go right. And fretting over finances. And hurrying (again) to get the piles of my life cleaned-up before Rick goes crazy. Me scrambling to get done the things that I should have gotten done but didn’t because I lingered on my favorite blogs too long. And second-guessing my worth all the while.

Striving. Rushing. Covering. Yelling. Scrambling.

Ick.

How can this year be different? This striving that has been haunting me as long as I can remember. What can I do to stop it? How can I change? What program can I follow? Maybe a better planner? Maybe there’s a book about this. What can I do?

Ironically, that’s just the problem. I don’t think I can do anything about it.

Except there is this one thing… maybe I can just Rest.

Dare I ask it? Could 2011 really be the year when my doing is transformed into resting?

2011: The Year of Rest.

And, I don’t mean more sleep. I’m not talking about physical rest – though at times that might be part of it. Truth be told, I think that I get plenty of sleep.

I mean real Rest.

The kind of Rest that comes from trusting that Jesus’ payment was really enough to cover all my junk. That there is no reason to hide or scramble or pretend to have it all together. I am secure in Christ. And that really is enough.

The kind of Rest that comes from relaxing in the sovereign hand of my Father. Believing that He really has it all under control and my part is to look for His agenda, not force mine on Him. That there is no reason to fret or yell or rush. He who has His eye on the sparrow can provide enough resources for my days.

The kind of Rest that comes from letting the Spirit do that hard work of making my heart more pliable. That there is no reason to strive and work harder. Nothing of lasting value is accomplished in my self-help efforts. Mine is to abide. Simply abide.

Yes. This will be my Year of Rest…

I do love a good calendar and checking off to-do lists. I’ll still need them.

I’ll still work hard in this life to which God has called me. Laundry will still need done. Articles will still have deadlines. The kids will still need to get here or there on time. Rick will need me to finish the things I start and tame my piles.

I don’t think Rest means I abandon those things. I think it means that I do them with a whole different posture. It’s not clenching my teeth and gutting it out as if the weight of the world rests on me. Rather it’s joy and peace as I relax into the lordship of the One who says His burden is light.

With that, I say, “Welcome 2011!” May this be the year I learn the true meaning of Rest and allow God to realign my posture in a way that will shape the next 40 years…

Filed Under: Celebrations, Faith, Family Tagged With: new year, Resolutions, Rest

The Best Gifts

December 27, 2010 By Shannon 1 Comment

Gifts. We talk about them a lot at Christmas. We wrap them up and decorate them pretty.

But, I wonder if some of the best ones aren’t under the tree at all. Perhaps the most precious gifts are the moments. Time spent and memories made.

Some of my favorites from this weekend:

* Christmas Eve with Crossroads Community Chapel and the seemingly endless stream of kids coming to hear about the Gift of gifts.

* Sebring cousins bunched together at the Christmas Eve service. I still can’t get over what a blessing it is to go to church with my sisters and their families.

* Holding Baby Stella in her Christmas finery (those cute silver shoes!) and loving that I’ve gotten to watch her momma blossom from an unsure college sophomore to a godly wife & mom.

* Making snowball cookies to the delight of my family and friends.

* Puzzling with Mom McKee.

* Space. Quiet moments. No schedule.

* Building Legos – just me and my Madison.

* Laughing, laughing, laughing. It’s one of our family’s love languages.

* Christmas hymns and rich lines of truth. Words pregnant with meaning like “Long lay the world in sin and error pining. Till he appear’d and the soul felt its worth.” Pure poetry.

* The constant parade of photos tucked into Christmas greetings from dear friends sprinkled around the globe. Our lives are better for knowing them.

* Cozy under our new Christmas quilt fresh in the mail all the way from Mississippi. My mom’s love stitched in. Did she envision snowy Ohio days and us under it as she labored?

How about you? What were your gift moments this weekend? Will you join me in the gratitude?

Filed Under: Celebrations, Family Tagged With: Celebrations, Christmas, Gratitude

Inserting the No-Comparison Clause

November 28, 2010 By Shannon 6 Comments

The comparison game. It’s a soul-killer and a joy-stealer.

And yet we are so prone to it. Always measuring ourselves against others. Wondering if we measure up… If we have what it takes…

No good can come of it. Either we judge ourselves more highly and we approach our relationships with pride. Or we find ourselves to be “less than” and loathe our inadequacies.

But, what if we could settle the question of our worth in Jesus. And, then just be freed up to learn from each other. To say “oh, what a great idea” without feeling that pang of inadequacy that comes because we didn’t think of it first?

Could we try that? Here’s my deal: I’ll share some fun advent ideas with you if you’ll promise to just take what you can from the ideas and not feel weight or pressure or inadequacy.

And, would you please share some of your ideas and traditions in the comment box below? You tend not to be a very “commenty” bunch. But, I’d love to hear what you do to make the month of December more about Jesus and less about you. Would you? Please?

Here’s my first offering. It’s a free e-book from my favorite blog, A Holy Experience. Ann is a farmer’s wife in Canada and momma to six kiddos. Her photography and her writing are beautiful expressions from her life journey. The e-book shares her family’s Jesse tree devotional. AND, it’s so simple that there’s still time for you to put this one into action.

Now, it’s your turn. What about you? How do you celebrate the coming of the King? No idea is too simple or too silly for this space. Afterall, we’re not comparing, right?

Filed Under: Advent, Celebrations, Faith, Family Tagged With: Advent, Faith, Family

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