Our internet connection is very very very flaky. I'm hoping it holds long enough to post this.
Anyway, I would love to post some observations from Break Forth, but unfortunately I shall have to wait until the ISP problem is fixed. The Shaw cable guy is coming tomorrow.
In the meantime... it means I am without internet access (I shall go through withdrawals!) and email. So if you are waiting to hear from me, just be aware I will only have internet access if the monitor at work continues to hang on to usefulness by a thread. Sigh...
As well, I have several article deadlines flying around my head! Whee...
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Bloggin' Break Forth #2 - Tandori
Today Richard and I spent all of our workshop sessions with Dr. Stuart Briscoe.
Briscoe is a grandfatherly man with grey hair and a beard. He is exactly like how you would picture a typical British professor - complete with sweater vest.
His style of teaching is an absolute delight. He gives lots of meat and after each new point he reviews all previous points. Everything is peppered with his wry humour.
He pastors a church in Milwaukee and has authored 40 plus books.
Clik here to visit his website.
The main session tonight was with Brian Doerkson (which was far too loud in my opinion), followed by a challenging message from renowed author Tony Compolo. I have always wanted to hear him speak. It was such a treat - even if his message was difficult in spots.
After the session the six of us headed out to an East Indian restaurant. Our friends had been planning the night out since before we got here. The rest of us, though hesitant, agreed to step outside of our norm and try something completely different and new.
The food was wonderful. I enjoyed every dish. They ordered everything mildly spicy, but we could still feel the heat.
It's nice to step outside our comfort zones. Which oddly enough was part of Compolo's challenging message to us. To go where God wants us to, we have to be willing to go where we don't feel safe - where we may feel uncomfortable. We may even miss our creature comforts.
Although going to an East Indian restaurant isn't too huge of a deal - not like moving to a different culture or anything! - but in the process we can find something thoroughly enjoyable. Like Tandori salmon.
Briscoe is a grandfatherly man with grey hair and a beard. He is exactly like how you would picture a typical British professor - complete with sweater vest.
His style of teaching is an absolute delight. He gives lots of meat and after each new point he reviews all previous points. Everything is peppered with his wry humour.
He pastors a church in Milwaukee and has authored 40 plus books.
Clik here to visit his website.
The main session tonight was with Brian Doerkson (which was far too loud in my opinion), followed by a challenging message from renowed author Tony Compolo. I have always wanted to hear him speak. It was such a treat - even if his message was difficult in spots.
After the session the six of us headed out to an East Indian restaurant. Our friends had been planning the night out since before we got here. The rest of us, though hesitant, agreed to step outside of our norm and try something completely different and new.
The food was wonderful. I enjoyed every dish. They ordered everything mildly spicy, but we could still feel the heat.
It's nice to step outside our comfort zones. Which oddly enough was part of Compolo's challenging message to us. To go where God wants us to, we have to be willing to go where we don't feel safe - where we may feel uncomfortable. We may even miss our creature comforts.
Although going to an East Indian restaurant isn't too huge of a deal - not like moving to a different culture or anything! - but in the process we can find something thoroughly enjoyable. Like Tandori salmon.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Bloggin' Breakforth
Just finished my first intensive day of workshops at Breakforth here in Edmonton.
The guy who led it was a very funny, dynamic speaker. He told us story after story after story. I came away with so much about the art of crafting story - whether fiction or nonfiction.
Speaker's name was Steven James. He has a book coming out in August! I can't wait to buy it.
Some nuggets for thought:
If you are going to write stories from your life, you are going to have to change it.
Worst advice: write what you know. It's better to write what leads you to your passion.
Never put anything in your story that doesn't have significance.
Start at the end of your story. You won't know how to begin your story until you know how it's going to end.
The ending of your story should have two characteristics:
1. Inevitable - meaning it should be the sum parts of everything that took place before. The reader should be able to say: Of course! That's how it ends (or is solved or whatever).
2. Unpredictable - no one will read a story they aren't curious about. So if the reader knows the end before they get there... why continue reading.
All in all it confirmed what I have believed for a very long time. Stories were God's idea. Therefore there is an imprint in our hearts of what makes a good story - which is why the redemptive stories in the Bible touch our hearts - they are touching the imprint of our Maker.
All good stuff. Now we're off to have shop, have supper and then go to the worship service with Ken Davis and Casting Crowns. No idea who they are, but we're about to find out!
Listening to: hotel room heater and Richard look at his Ikea catalogue
The guy who led it was a very funny, dynamic speaker. He told us story after story after story. I came away with so much about the art of crafting story - whether fiction or nonfiction.
Speaker's name was Steven James. He has a book coming out in August! I can't wait to buy it.
Some nuggets for thought:
If you are going to write stories from your life, you are going to have to change it.
Worst advice: write what you know. It's better to write what leads you to your passion.
Never put anything in your story that doesn't have significance.
Start at the end of your story. You won't know how to begin your story until you know how it's going to end.
The ending of your story should have two characteristics:
1. Inevitable - meaning it should be the sum parts of everything that took place before. The reader should be able to say: Of course! That's how it ends (or is solved or whatever).
2. Unpredictable - no one will read a story they aren't curious about. So if the reader knows the end before they get there... why continue reading.
All in all it confirmed what I have believed for a very long time. Stories were God's idea. Therefore there is an imprint in our hearts of what makes a good story - which is why the redemptive stories in the Bible touch our hearts - they are touching the imprint of our Maker.
All good stuff. Now we're off to have shop, have supper and then go to the worship service with Ken Davis and Casting Crowns. No idea who they are, but we're about to find out!
Listening to: hotel room heater and Richard look at his Ikea catalogue
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Hmmm...
As you know I recently became much more settled in where I am in my life right now. I really felt like God was saying just enjoy where you are at this moment, look at how I have blessed you.
I was foremost a wife and a mom. My two other jobs in life were: writer and client services coordinator at the crisis pregnancy centre. I had to stop fretting and worrying and just trust God to do the rest.
I even blogged about the undeniable feeling of peace and contentment that I was experiencing.
Something I hadn't felt in a very long time.
Well, an opportunity has arisen for me to work fulltime. I'll be forwarding my application in a few minutes. This is harder than I thought. As much as I prayed this would happen for almost 18 months (yes, for those wondering, it is a position with the SP newsroom) I found myself unexpectedly hesitant.
Why? I have no idea. Perhaps simply a reticence to disrupt the comfortable routine I've been able to forge.
I asked for prayer from a couple of wise and trusted friends. I didn't feel completely comfortable applying so I put it off.
Finally, on the last day of the job posting I emailed my friend at the SP (who would be doing the hiring) and asked several questions about the position. I decided that whatever his answer I would trust it as a sign from God. God has used this man in the past to give me answers about my career plans, so I trusted the same could happen this time.
As the deadline for applying passed, I simply decided this was part of God's answer - the timing was wrong. I accepted it without even feeling that disappointed. My life was abundant as it was, right?
My friend's answer came today. And it totally made me sit up and take notice. It confirmed what I'd already suspected: the position would be a good fit for me. It will take an incredible amount of training, but it was definitely something I was interested in and (possibly) would be very good at.
Hmmm... was this God's plan all along? That I would finally learn to walk in a new measure of peace and surrender - only to have what I'd prayed for all along come flying and hit me in the face.
So here I go folks... tossing my hat into the ring. Please say a prayer for this application. Pray that whatever happens I will have the same complete peace.
There are logistics to work out and again, I'm trusting that God will work them out when and if necessary.
Thank you for your prayers. I'm on my knees in gratitude that there is even a smidgen of a possibility that this could be part of God's plan. I'm taking this step forward as prayerfully as I can.
Listening to: What else? Go (limited edition) - Newsboys
Pending assignments: 2
I was foremost a wife and a mom. My two other jobs in life were: writer and client services coordinator at the crisis pregnancy centre. I had to stop fretting and worrying and just trust God to do the rest.
I even blogged about the undeniable feeling of peace and contentment that I was experiencing.
Something I hadn't felt in a very long time.
Well, an opportunity has arisen for me to work fulltime. I'll be forwarding my application in a few minutes. This is harder than I thought. As much as I prayed this would happen for almost 18 months (yes, for those wondering, it is a position with the SP newsroom) I found myself unexpectedly hesitant.
Why? I have no idea. Perhaps simply a reticence to disrupt the comfortable routine I've been able to forge.
I asked for prayer from a couple of wise and trusted friends. I didn't feel completely comfortable applying so I put it off.
Finally, on the last day of the job posting I emailed my friend at the SP (who would be doing the hiring) and asked several questions about the position. I decided that whatever his answer I would trust it as a sign from God. God has used this man in the past to give me answers about my career plans, so I trusted the same could happen this time.
As the deadline for applying passed, I simply decided this was part of God's answer - the timing was wrong. I accepted it without even feeling that disappointed. My life was abundant as it was, right?
My friend's answer came today. And it totally made me sit up and take notice. It confirmed what I'd already suspected: the position would be a good fit for me. It will take an incredible amount of training, but it was definitely something I was interested in and (possibly) would be very good at.
Hmmm... was this God's plan all along? That I would finally learn to walk in a new measure of peace and surrender - only to have what I'd prayed for all along come flying and hit me in the face.
So here I go folks... tossing my hat into the ring. Please say a prayer for this application. Pray that whatever happens I will have the same complete peace.
There are logistics to work out and again, I'm trusting that God will work them out when and if necessary.
Thank you for your prayers. I'm on my knees in gratitude that there is even a smidgen of a possibility that this could be part of God's plan. I'm taking this step forward as prayerfully as I can.
Listening to: What else? Go (limited edition) - Newsboys
Pending assignments: 2
Monday, January 22, 2007
God is so good!
Remember how I said I pray that God takes my name to wherever it needs to go so that I can use my writing to provide for my family?
Yeah. About that...
Today I got an email from a band I wrote a profile on a couple of years ago. I've been keeping tabs on them for a while now.
Anywho... they recommended me to their indie label in Toronto to write the bio for their new album coming out in the spring.
Very cool.
Plus I posted an email to an online writer's group I belong referencing a prominent Christian journalist's recent columns.
Someone on the list works with the prominent Christian journalist and asked if she could pass along my post to her. She read it over the phone to my journalistic hero and my hero was said to be touched by my words.
Yeah. Very, very cool.
I can tell you this: God makes the best agent and marketer some days...
Yeah. About that...
Today I got an email from a band I wrote a profile on a couple of years ago. I've been keeping tabs on them for a while now.
Anywho... they recommended me to their indie label in Toronto to write the bio for their new album coming out in the spring.
Very cool.
Plus I posted an email to an online writer's group I belong referencing a prominent Christian journalist's recent columns.
Someone on the list works with the prominent Christian journalist and asked if she could pass along my post to her. She read it over the phone to my journalistic hero and my hero was said to be touched by my words.
Yeah. Very, very cool.
I can tell you this: God makes the best agent and marketer some days...
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Soapbox
I'm up on my soap box. If you don't like political diatribes, just click the back button on your browser and go to one of your favourite websites...
I admit I've had it in for our health care system ever since they closed our rural hospital in my home town. It's not so much that they closed it, it's that they closed it and told us it was the logical thing to do.
They said that. With a straight face.
Logical, eh?
Now say you are in an accident anywhere near Wilkie, they will pack you up into an ambulance and drive 30 minutes further from Saskatoon to the nearest hopsital (in Unity) and then a doctor will look at you and say... yes they are badly injured... you must go to the trauma unit in Saskatoon.
Then they will pack you back up into the ambulance and drive the 2 hour and 30 minute drive to Saskatoon. The first 30 minutes of which will look familiar since you've just driven it.
Makes sense, eh?
(Now I admit they will if you are badly in need of trauma help fly you to Toon Town with a doctor.)
The fact that closing the hospital practically sounds the death nell for a struggling farming community holding on by a thread didn't even fizz on them.
The other part that made no sense to me was their insistence that the hospital in Wilkie wasn't accessed enough to make it worthwhile keeping it open.
Uh-huh. O.k.
The funny part was when we insisted we see numbers, they agreed to keep it open one more month while they monitored usage. They would let those numbers factor into their decision.
At a town hall meeting later they said they found the numbers dubious, because they were "too high". Therefore the community must have accessed the hospital when it wasn't necessary in order to skew their numbers.
I kid you not.
Again, they said it with a straight face like it was the most logical thing in the world, while the rest of us stood there scratching our heads.
To add insult to injury they added since we no longer had a hospital they didn't think we qualified for the two doctors we had. We only qualified for one and a half.
Excuse me? Half a doctor?
Where in the world are we going to find half a doctor? Let alone one willing to come to rural Saskatchewan to a small town with no freakin' hospital?!
Since that day I haven't exactly been a big fan our wonderful health care system. I've taken to calling it "Soviet-style health care" since it seems hell-bent on ensuring everyone receives the lowest common denominator of service.
I also resent the media telling me repeatedly that Canadians don't want two-tier health care. Really? Have they asked us? Because I can name you about fifty people that I know that would be willing to pay a user fee if it meant I don't have to deal the crap that I usually have to deal with when I access our health care system!
Like wait times. Like having wait times to see a specialist so long you should sign up to see them when you're in the cradle! Because if you sign up now you'll be dead by the time you get to see them. Like crabby nurses who are overworked in wards that are understaffed. Like beds they can't open for lack of staff.
My mother brought her dear sweet brother this week into the hospital to have minor surgery in Saskatoon. She had a major run-in with a nurse. No matter how mom tried to broach the subject of him staying in the hospital the night before the surgery, the nurse wouldn't even let her ask the question.
She interrupted her not once, but twice to say, "The answer is no" even before the question had been asked.
My uncle has many problems and his is not a normal case of anything. Surely the extenuating circumstances in his health would allow them to make an exception, right?
Nope.
Instead, they sent my mother and her sister off with a nod and "good luck" to deal with a man who's roughly four or five years old mentally with volatile blood sugar, prone to anxiety attacks all by themselves in a city they don't live in.
To say the next 18 hours were rough would be a giant understatement.
For my uncle to spend TWO nights away from home would be like the rest of us roughing it in the North country surrounded by wolves with no gun for one week.
They didn't even offer him a tranquilizer or something so at least they could have gotten some sleep that night.
When the doctor reviewed his case the next day she said everything seemed fine and had healed up nicely and she gave them a choice of whether to have surgery or not up to them. They opted to wait and see how things go.
When they told the doctor of the nurse's rude behavior the day before, she was shocked. She lamented that if she had known she would have put an order in his chart to have him admitted.
"Rules are made to be broken," she said. "And you ask anyone in this building, I've broken them all!"
(I love this doctor, btw!)
The situation resolved itself rather anticlimatically.
But my point is this: This system simply is designed to maintain the status quo. Excellence in care is the exception not the rule, because the system refuses to listen to those who have a stake in what happens: the patients and their caregivers.
But the media in this country still worship at the altar of universal health care. I'm not convinced it's the best use of our resources.
I AM convinced it's time to at least have a conversation about alternatives.
I admit I've had it in for our health care system ever since they closed our rural hospital in my home town. It's not so much that they closed it, it's that they closed it and told us it was the logical thing to do.
They said that. With a straight face.
Logical, eh?
Now say you are in an accident anywhere near Wilkie, they will pack you up into an ambulance and drive 30 minutes further from Saskatoon to the nearest hopsital (in Unity) and then a doctor will look at you and say... yes they are badly injured... you must go to the trauma unit in Saskatoon.
Then they will pack you back up into the ambulance and drive the 2 hour and 30 minute drive to Saskatoon. The first 30 minutes of which will look familiar since you've just driven it.
Makes sense, eh?
(Now I admit they will if you are badly in need of trauma help fly you to Toon Town with a doctor.)
The fact that closing the hospital practically sounds the death nell for a struggling farming community holding on by a thread didn't even fizz on them.
The other part that made no sense to me was their insistence that the hospital in Wilkie wasn't accessed enough to make it worthwhile keeping it open.
Uh-huh. O.k.
The funny part was when we insisted we see numbers, they agreed to keep it open one more month while they monitored usage. They would let those numbers factor into their decision.
At a town hall meeting later they said they found the numbers dubious, because they were "too high". Therefore the community must have accessed the hospital when it wasn't necessary in order to skew their numbers.
I kid you not.
Again, they said it with a straight face like it was the most logical thing in the world, while the rest of us stood there scratching our heads.
To add insult to injury they added since we no longer had a hospital they didn't think we qualified for the two doctors we had. We only qualified for one and a half.
Excuse me? Half a doctor?
Where in the world are we going to find half a doctor? Let alone one willing to come to rural Saskatchewan to a small town with no freakin' hospital?!
Since that day I haven't exactly been a big fan our wonderful health care system. I've taken to calling it "Soviet-style health care" since it seems hell-bent on ensuring everyone receives the lowest common denominator of service.
I also resent the media telling me repeatedly that Canadians don't want two-tier health care. Really? Have they asked us? Because I can name you about fifty people that I know that would be willing to pay a user fee if it meant I don't have to deal the crap that I usually have to deal with when I access our health care system!
Like wait times. Like having wait times to see a specialist so long you should sign up to see them when you're in the cradle! Because if you sign up now you'll be dead by the time you get to see them. Like crabby nurses who are overworked in wards that are understaffed. Like beds they can't open for lack of staff.
My mother brought her dear sweet brother this week into the hospital to have minor surgery in Saskatoon. She had a major run-in with a nurse. No matter how mom tried to broach the subject of him staying in the hospital the night before the surgery, the nurse wouldn't even let her ask the question.
She interrupted her not once, but twice to say, "The answer is no" even before the question had been asked.
My uncle has many problems and his is not a normal case of anything. Surely the extenuating circumstances in his health would allow them to make an exception, right?
Nope.
Instead, they sent my mother and her sister off with a nod and "good luck" to deal with a man who's roughly four or five years old mentally with volatile blood sugar, prone to anxiety attacks all by themselves in a city they don't live in.
To say the next 18 hours were rough would be a giant understatement.
For my uncle to spend TWO nights away from home would be like the rest of us roughing it in the North country surrounded by wolves with no gun for one week.
They didn't even offer him a tranquilizer or something so at least they could have gotten some sleep that night.
When the doctor reviewed his case the next day she said everything seemed fine and had healed up nicely and she gave them a choice of whether to have surgery or not up to them. They opted to wait and see how things go.
When they told the doctor of the nurse's rude behavior the day before, she was shocked. She lamented that if she had known she would have put an order in his chart to have him admitted.
"Rules are made to be broken," she said. "And you ask anyone in this building, I've broken them all!"
(I love this doctor, btw!)
The situation resolved itself rather anticlimatically.
But my point is this: This system simply is designed to maintain the status quo. Excellence in care is the exception not the rule, because the system refuses to listen to those who have a stake in what happens: the patients and their caregivers.
But the media in this country still worship at the altar of universal health care. I'm not convinced it's the best use of our resources.
I AM convinced it's time to at least have a conversation about alternatives.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Writing and other life stuff
I've been feeling something weird these last few weeks. I'm not sure I know how to describe it...
I look at the state of our bank account and I no longer panic that I'm not doing enough.
I've written out my weekly goals and when I don't accomplish them, I'm not beating myself up anymore. I smile at what I accomplished and whisper a prayer that God will continue to provide for my needs.
The last two weeks I've had assignments spring up simply from editors calling editors and asking for names of freelance writers. (There's one lady at the SP I should buy flowers! And I never worked with her in my eight months on staff.)
When I examine my writing business, instead of seeing all the things I haven't accomplished, I see the amazing things God has done. He's brought editors to my doorstep without me even lifting a finger. All my useless fretting and He's used my time at the SP to cultivate relationships with people who've recommended me whenever they've been asked. Without me needing to fret over a thing.
Those recommendations have blossomed into lucrative ongoing (love that ongoing part!) assignments.
It's easy in a feast or famine career to always worry. You always fear there will be a day when editors will stop calling, stop emailing and stop asking. It's a fear that has haunted me and coloured everything I did.
It was like being weighed down with heavy chains. It made a work I love - pure drudgery at times.
For the first time in my life I feel like I'm experiencing ... what is this? Could it be... peace?
I've asked God to bless my writing. I pray each week He will act as my agent and take my name where it needs to go to provide for my family.
I make my list, pray over it and email it to a friend (hi Heather!) for accountability and then I ask God to do what I can not - to control what I can not. I'm just called upon to finish my assignments to the best of my ability and be the best wife and mom I can be. The rest I trust God to do.
And guess what? He does it.
How have I been so blind as to miss this before?
I look at the state of our bank account and I no longer panic that I'm not doing enough.
I've written out my weekly goals and when I don't accomplish them, I'm not beating myself up anymore. I smile at what I accomplished and whisper a prayer that God will continue to provide for my needs.
The last two weeks I've had assignments spring up simply from editors calling editors and asking for names of freelance writers. (There's one lady at the SP I should buy flowers! And I never worked with her in my eight months on staff.)
When I examine my writing business, instead of seeing all the things I haven't accomplished, I see the amazing things God has done. He's brought editors to my doorstep without me even lifting a finger. All my useless fretting and He's used my time at the SP to cultivate relationships with people who've recommended me whenever they've been asked. Without me needing to fret over a thing.
Those recommendations have blossomed into lucrative ongoing (love that ongoing part!) assignments.
It's easy in a feast or famine career to always worry. You always fear there will be a day when editors will stop calling, stop emailing and stop asking. It's a fear that has haunted me and coloured everything I did.
It was like being weighed down with heavy chains. It made a work I love - pure drudgery at times.
For the first time in my life I feel like I'm experiencing ... what is this? Could it be... peace?
I've asked God to bless my writing. I pray each week He will act as my agent and take my name where it needs to go to provide for my family.
I make my list, pray over it and email it to a friend (hi Heather!) for accountability and then I ask God to do what I can not - to control what I can not. I'm just called upon to finish my assignments to the best of my ability and be the best wife and mom I can be. The rest I trust God to do.
And guess what? He does it.
How have I been so blind as to miss this before?
I know I feel so much lighter. I feel free. And I have to admit freedom is something I never been able to associate with Christianity. I must admit this feeling is ... well ... I like it!
And to think all my fussing and fretting kept me shackled, blind and never accomplished what I wanted it to.
Just had to share some of the lessons God has opened my eyes to. Our God is an amazing God.
Listening to: Barbie in Rapunzel
Assignments pending: 1
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Faith journeys
This week Richard and I made a harrowing journey to the school to pick up our kids during the worst blizzard in over five decades.
On the way home, facing in the 90 km/h winds I was completely blinded. The wind gusts kept stripping off my hood taking my breathe with it and bringing that freezing cold air down my neck and back and into my ear.
I grabbed my hood and scrunched it around my face to block the gale. In doing so I rendered myself blind. I gave myself a small lookout hole and put my head down.
In order to keep myself from wandering into traffic or a light pole, I grabbed onto a strap on Richard's back pack. I clung to the strap to guide my way. I trusted him to lead me.
I must have been a comical sight. Stumbling blindly through snowdrifts, slipping on icy patches. But I never let go. I just kept going.
The second my breathe hit the air, it condensed to form an icy moustache above my lip. My leg muscles ached as we plowed through stiff drifts of snow, my hand gripping my hood began to throb and I could feel ice crystals forming my eyelashes and face.
Richard often stopped to ask if I was ok. I would always reply, "Keep going."
Whether I was ok, wasn't the point. Keep moving. Don't stop. We're not at our destination yet. Just go.
Then I ran across this enlightening interview with Peter Furler (lead singer with the Newsboys) and Christianity Today in October of '06. He talks about (among other things) how he left the church for almost 15 years and has only come back to it about five years ago.
Go on. Do the math.
I'll wait.
You got it?
That means that the stalwarts of Christian rock music who's been inviting us to live and share the gospel of Jesus Christ for over twenty years were not attending church for the majority of their careers and only came back in about 2001.
Like wow!
It's a stunning revelation. I'll let you read all of the whys and wherefors in the article.
I think in a way it highlighted for me, how much I appreciate open honesty from Christians. I don't need a bunch of people around me who have it all together.
No where in the bible does it say, "Blessed are those who have it all together and never struggle to make Jesus the Lord of their life."
I appreciate so much people who are broken. I don't wish difficult times in the lives of my loved ones, but if they haven't had those painful tribulations I don't know what they could say to me or for that matter anyone about their faith in Jesus Christ. It isn't a faith then. It's just a cerebral set of ideas. An intellectual matter. Nothing personal and certainly nothing life changing.
But in the midst of pain, disappointment and tragedy, then faith becomes faith. It becomes something precious. Something I want in my life.
I think of friends who nearly lost their dad to an often fatal illness and their steadfast prayers, but also their painful acceptance that whatever happened God had it all in hand.
I think of another couple who lost their unborn baby on the day she was to be induced. I'm in awe of the peace they exude even through the tears.
I think of another friend who took the brave step of leaving home for a far off land - where she knew neither the language or customs - knowing it would be difficult, knowing it would be a growing experience that would be (at times) uncomfortable.
Faith only becomes faith when you have nothing left to hang on to. It only becomes something of value when everything else you thought had value suddenly becomes meaningless.
Only then does it become real. Only then does it become truly alive - meaning it grows and changes.
To hear someone I respect for their energetic and profound Christian music speak so openly about their own faith journey - skipping past all the cliches... instead offering a true and real account of what they've gone through and wrestled with - it inspires me to be more vigilant about not wearing that Christian mask I so often slip on.
You know the one. The one that says to the world: I'm fine. Everything's fine. I have no problems and if I did have problems me and Jesus worked it out just fine without you. I don't need prayer and I sure don't need grace. I'm just fine and I fit perfectly in the cookie-cutter image we all have of what a Christian should be and do.
I guess in a nutshell: I want to see people in my life who's faith is not perfect. Who offer me more than mere platitudes when my life falls apart. Who know that this journey in Christ is often a messy sticky gooey chaotic trek. Furthermore I want to be someone like that.
Like me hanging on to my husband's back pack strap in this week's blizzard, we all stumble along through our journey - making mistakes and riding through bumps, often looking less than graceful.
Sometimes we don't walk in a straight line and we often can't see where we're going. And our progress is at times difficult and uncomfortable.
The goal (just like walking in a blizzard) is to keep moving. Don't stop. We haven't reached our destination yet. Just go!
Listening to: Newsboys: Go (limited edition)
Assignments pending: 1
On the way home, facing in the 90 km/h winds I was completely blinded. The wind gusts kept stripping off my hood taking my breathe with it and bringing that freezing cold air down my neck and back and into my ear.
I grabbed my hood and scrunched it around my face to block the gale. In doing so I rendered myself blind. I gave myself a small lookout hole and put my head down.
In order to keep myself from wandering into traffic or a light pole, I grabbed onto a strap on Richard's back pack. I clung to the strap to guide my way. I trusted him to lead me.
I must have been a comical sight. Stumbling blindly through snowdrifts, slipping on icy patches. But I never let go. I just kept going.
The second my breathe hit the air, it condensed to form an icy moustache above my lip. My leg muscles ached as we plowed through stiff drifts of snow, my hand gripping my hood began to throb and I could feel ice crystals forming my eyelashes and face.
Richard often stopped to ask if I was ok. I would always reply, "Keep going."
Whether I was ok, wasn't the point. Keep moving. Don't stop. We're not at our destination yet. Just go.
Then I ran across this enlightening interview with Peter Furler (lead singer with the Newsboys) and Christianity Today in October of '06. He talks about (among other things) how he left the church for almost 15 years and has only come back to it about five years ago.
Go on. Do the math.
I'll wait.
You got it?
That means that the stalwarts of Christian rock music who's been inviting us to live and share the gospel of Jesus Christ for over twenty years were not attending church for the majority of their careers and only came back in about 2001.
Like wow!
It's a stunning revelation. I'll let you read all of the whys and wherefors in the article.
I think in a way it highlighted for me, how much I appreciate open honesty from Christians. I don't need a bunch of people around me who have it all together.
No where in the bible does it say, "Blessed are those who have it all together and never struggle to make Jesus the Lord of their life."
I appreciate so much people who are broken. I don't wish difficult times in the lives of my loved ones, but if they haven't had those painful tribulations I don't know what they could say to me or for that matter anyone about their faith in Jesus Christ. It isn't a faith then. It's just a cerebral set of ideas. An intellectual matter. Nothing personal and certainly nothing life changing.
But in the midst of pain, disappointment and tragedy, then faith becomes faith. It becomes something precious. Something I want in my life.
I think of friends who nearly lost their dad to an often fatal illness and their steadfast prayers, but also their painful acceptance that whatever happened God had it all in hand.
I think of another couple who lost their unborn baby on the day she was to be induced. I'm in awe of the peace they exude even through the tears.
I think of another friend who took the brave step of leaving home for a far off land - where she knew neither the language or customs - knowing it would be difficult, knowing it would be a growing experience that would be (at times) uncomfortable.
Faith only becomes faith when you have nothing left to hang on to. It only becomes something of value when everything else you thought had value suddenly becomes meaningless.
Only then does it become real. Only then does it become truly alive - meaning it grows and changes.
To hear someone I respect for their energetic and profound Christian music speak so openly about their own faith journey - skipping past all the cliches... instead offering a true and real account of what they've gone through and wrestled with - it inspires me to be more vigilant about not wearing that Christian mask I so often slip on.
You know the one. The one that says to the world: I'm fine. Everything's fine. I have no problems and if I did have problems me and Jesus worked it out just fine without you. I don't need prayer and I sure don't need grace. I'm just fine and I fit perfectly in the cookie-cutter image we all have of what a Christian should be and do.
I guess in a nutshell: I want to see people in my life who's faith is not perfect. Who offer me more than mere platitudes when my life falls apart. Who know that this journey in Christ is often a messy sticky gooey chaotic trek. Furthermore I want to be someone like that.
Like me hanging on to my husband's back pack strap in this week's blizzard, we all stumble along through our journey - making mistakes and riding through bumps, often looking less than graceful.
Sometimes we don't walk in a straight line and we often can't see where we're going. And our progress is at times difficult and uncomfortable.
The goal (just like walking in a blizzard) is to keep moving. Don't stop. We haven't reached our destination yet. Just go!
Listening to: Newsboys: Go (limited edition)
Assignments pending: 1
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Blizzard
I can now officially say that I have walked to school in knee-deep snow with windchills in the minus 30s into the wind both ways.
As some may be aware Toon Town is experience the clenched fist of old man winter. He wound up and walloped up us but good!
The city has become paralyzed with snow and white-out conditions. On my trek home from work (thanks be to heaven I left work before 11!), I noticed several abandoned cars on eighth street as I crawled home. I was so grateful to reach my driveway!
DH was sent home from work early, too. I told him he was on his own to get home, so a co-worker drove him around 2:00.
We then bundled up to walk and get the kids. We weren't able to get through on the phone to the school (the phone systems have been flaky all day), but we knew they were asking parents to pick up their kids. Because the bus hadn't arrived to pick them up this a.m. I figured they wouldn't be running this afternoon either.
So away we trudged through knee-deep and sometimes thigh- or waist-deep snow drifts. The second my breath hit the cold air it condensed - eventually I had mustache of ice above my lip.
We arrived at school only to discover our kids were riding their bus and the bus had just left minutes before. So we bundled up again and then made the ugly trek back home.
We phone our neighbour to tell her to watch for our kids and take them in when the bus dropped them off in case they arrived home before we did. This turned out to be the case. I was just glad my precious kiddos were spared the frost-bite-and-hypothermia-risking walk from school.
We were all glad to be safe and sound (and warm!) at home.
Our neighbour from across the street got called into work, so we had to watch their two kids. Their dad arrived about a half hour later. He told us of his harrowing journey coming home. It took him almost two hours to get from downtown to here. He said it took him about 30-45 minutes to get off Circle onto eighth street because of the uphill slope. Then he made the mistake of trying to get onto 14th - which the police had closed earlier.
But all that I know are safe and sound. God is good. He is our Shield and Protector.
As some may be aware Toon Town is experience the clenched fist of old man winter. He wound up and walloped up us but good!
The city has become paralyzed with snow and white-out conditions. On my trek home from work (thanks be to heaven I left work before 11!), I noticed several abandoned cars on eighth street as I crawled home. I was so grateful to reach my driveway!
DH was sent home from work early, too. I told him he was on his own to get home, so a co-worker drove him around 2:00.
We then bundled up to walk and get the kids. We weren't able to get through on the phone to the school (the phone systems have been flaky all day), but we knew they were asking parents to pick up their kids. Because the bus hadn't arrived to pick them up this a.m. I figured they wouldn't be running this afternoon either.
So away we trudged through knee-deep and sometimes thigh- or waist-deep snow drifts. The second my breath hit the cold air it condensed - eventually I had mustache of ice above my lip.
We arrived at school only to discover our kids were riding their bus and the bus had just left minutes before. So we bundled up again and then made the ugly trek back home.
We phone our neighbour to tell her to watch for our kids and take them in when the bus dropped them off in case they arrived home before we did. This turned out to be the case. I was just glad my precious kiddos were spared the frost-bite-and-hypothermia-risking walk from school.
We were all glad to be safe and sound (and warm!) at home.
Our neighbour from across the street got called into work, so we had to watch their two kids. Their dad arrived about a half hour later. He told us of his harrowing journey coming home. It took him almost two hours to get from downtown to here. He said it took him about 30-45 minutes to get off Circle onto eighth street because of the uphill slope. Then he made the mistake of trying to get onto 14th - which the police had closed earlier.
But all that I know are safe and sound. God is good. He is our Shield and Protector.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
A new year - no more worry
To revisit Christmas:
We were off to Dauphin for five days and I dare say I feel the tiniest bit guilty for doing absolutely nothing for those five days. It was fabulous, though! The massive amounts of stress I felt before the holidays seemed to be slowly peeled away.
Next we visited my mom and her family for two days in Wilkie. I got to see aunts and uncles and have lunch with my Grandma - a spry lady at the age of 93 with a will of iron. It brought back so many memories to sit at that table and eat sausage with potatoes and noodles. Yum!
We came back to Saskatoon and spent two days shopping. We were looking for shelves for Logan's room. I also bought several bins so we can sort out all his toys into these bins. Hopefully, it will be easier for him to keep his room clean and neat... she says with a rueful laugh...
I got spoiled by my family this year. Richard bought me a new crockpot with matching mini crockpot - both in stainless steel. Mikaela gave me a "spin spa" - a battery powered brush with various attachments to use in the shower to exfoliate and massage. You can even put your favourite shower gel inside the sponge. Logan bought me a foot spa and massager. I shall be very well massaged and relaxed it would seem!
One of my favourite gifts was wrapped in green paper and topped with a huge green bow. Inside were two shirts - a Roughrider sweatshirt and a Roughrider tank top. Woohoo! I'm set for football season.
Another favourite was my hubby's other gift of Alias season one. We spent the week enjoying every suspenseful, action-packed minute.
With the money my mom gave me I bought myself new work out clothes and a strength training book for women. The book is awesome. I started my new workout routine yesterday and my abs and arms feel it today! Oh boy!
Looking forward:
The gift I bought for myself were two books: The Power of a Praying Wife (actually part of a three-in-one book - so it includes the Power of a Praying Parent and the Power of a Praying Woman as well) and the journal to accompany Praying the Names of God. This gift may turn out to be the most important.
I've decided to make prayer and Bible reading more of a priority in 2007. So far I have learned so much. I feel like a new person already.
For starters I've learned I don't need to worry. While that may not seem like much of lesson, for this all-star fretter it's absolutely huge.
I've always felt - specifically in the last two years, especially since I left the SP - that I was supposed to be doing something else. I watched in envy as everyone else's life around me seemed to have such focus and purpose. I watched as those I knew pursued educational goals, family goals, career goals, etc and had them all come true. I was both envious and frustrated. And it fueled this deep-seated restlessness that I should be doing something else somewhere else.
But what?
I didn't know.
My prayers brought little relief, as well. I was so angry and disillusioned with God, I felt He had abandoned me completely. And the loneliness was unlike anything I had felt before.
In the meantime we tried to by a house - but that didn't work out. More pain. More disappointment. Where was God anyway?
Over the holidays I felt like God was saying in that still and quiet voice:
"JJ don't have to do anything else. You don't have to make more money or work at a different job. I have called you to do these two things - write and work at the CPC for now. It's only for a season. All you need to focus on is doing those to the best of your ability and focus on being the best wife and mom you can be. That's your job. I'll take care of the rest."
I feel like a hundred pound weight was lifted off my chest. It's such a relief it's almost hard to explain. It took a long time but I think God finally got through this thick skull of mine!
I've chosen some theme verses for this year:
Don't be afraid. I am with you. Don't tremble with fear. I am your God. I will make you strong, as I protect you with my arm and give you victories. Isaiah 41:10
Where you go, I will watch over you, then later I will bring you back to this land. I won't leave you - I will do all I have promised. Genesis 28:15
God bless you as you prepare for the new adventures of 2007. May God guide you, bless you and make His face to shine upon you and give you His precious peace.
Listening to: blessed silence
Assignments pending: 1
We were off to Dauphin for five days and I dare say I feel the tiniest bit guilty for doing absolutely nothing for those five days. It was fabulous, though! The massive amounts of stress I felt before the holidays seemed to be slowly peeled away.
Next we visited my mom and her family for two days in Wilkie. I got to see aunts and uncles and have lunch with my Grandma - a spry lady at the age of 93 with a will of iron. It brought back so many memories to sit at that table and eat sausage with potatoes and noodles. Yum!
We came back to Saskatoon and spent two days shopping. We were looking for shelves for Logan's room. I also bought several bins so we can sort out all his toys into these bins. Hopefully, it will be easier for him to keep his room clean and neat... she says with a rueful laugh...
I got spoiled by my family this year. Richard bought me a new crockpot with matching mini crockpot - both in stainless steel. Mikaela gave me a "spin spa" - a battery powered brush with various attachments to use in the shower to exfoliate and massage. You can even put your favourite shower gel inside the sponge. Logan bought me a foot spa and massager. I shall be very well massaged and relaxed it would seem!
One of my favourite gifts was wrapped in green paper and topped with a huge green bow. Inside were two shirts - a Roughrider sweatshirt and a Roughrider tank top. Woohoo! I'm set for football season.
Another favourite was my hubby's other gift of Alias season one. We spent the week enjoying every suspenseful, action-packed minute.
With the money my mom gave me I bought myself new work out clothes and a strength training book for women. The book is awesome. I started my new workout routine yesterday and my abs and arms feel it today! Oh boy!
Looking forward:
The gift I bought for myself were two books: The Power of a Praying Wife (actually part of a three-in-one book - so it includes the Power of a Praying Parent and the Power of a Praying Woman as well) and the journal to accompany Praying the Names of God. This gift may turn out to be the most important.
I've decided to make prayer and Bible reading more of a priority in 2007. So far I have learned so much. I feel like a new person already.
For starters I've learned I don't need to worry. While that may not seem like much of lesson, for this all-star fretter it's absolutely huge.
I've always felt - specifically in the last two years, especially since I left the SP - that I was supposed to be doing something else. I watched in envy as everyone else's life around me seemed to have such focus and purpose. I watched as those I knew pursued educational goals, family goals, career goals, etc and had them all come true. I was both envious and frustrated. And it fueled this deep-seated restlessness that I should be doing something else somewhere else.
But what?
I didn't know.
My prayers brought little relief, as well. I was so angry and disillusioned with God, I felt He had abandoned me completely. And the loneliness was unlike anything I had felt before.
In the meantime we tried to by a house - but that didn't work out. More pain. More disappointment. Where was God anyway?
Over the holidays I felt like God was saying in that still and quiet voice:
"JJ don't have to do anything else. You don't have to make more money or work at a different job. I have called you to do these two things - write and work at the CPC for now. It's only for a season. All you need to focus on is doing those to the best of your ability and focus on being the best wife and mom you can be. That's your job. I'll take care of the rest."
I feel like a hundred pound weight was lifted off my chest. It's such a relief it's almost hard to explain. It took a long time but I think God finally got through this thick skull of mine!
I've chosen some theme verses for this year:
Don't be afraid. I am with you. Don't tremble with fear. I am your God. I will make you strong, as I protect you with my arm and give you victories. Isaiah 41:10
Where you go, I will watch over you, then later I will bring you back to this land. I won't leave you - I will do all I have promised. Genesis 28:15
God bless you as you prepare for the new adventures of 2007. May God guide you, bless you and make His face to shine upon you and give you His precious peace.
Listening to: blessed silence
Assignments pending: 1
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Apologies
With the Christmas rush I got a little behind on the 12 Days of Christmas recipes. Thankfully, I had planned out ahead some of them or probably none of them would have gotten posted!
Anyway, I apologize to everyone who was anxiously awaiting recipes. I'll post them all in a couple of days for those that want to save them for next year.
We just got back into the city from Dauphin. We're decompressing and regrouping for Christmas: Round Two. This time at my mom's house in Wilkie.
We have a few errands to run tomorrow and then we'll be off.
The kids will be staying with Grandma for about a week. The hubby and I will be back in Toon Town sometime Friday.
Merry Christmas and love to you all!
Anyway, I apologize to everyone who was anxiously awaiting recipes. I'll post them all in a couple of days for those that want to save them for next year.
We just got back into the city from Dauphin. We're decompressing and regrouping for Christmas: Round Two. This time at my mom's house in Wilkie.
We have a few errands to run tomorrow and then we'll be off.
The kids will be staying with Grandma for about a week. The hubby and I will be back in Toon Town sometime Friday.
Merry Christmas and love to you all!
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Scam artists
Police in Montreal busted a major international telemarketing fraud ring yesterday. They arrested around 30 people. Click here to read the story.
I mention this because at work we've been the target of this type of scam. They billed for services never rendered. And then phoned last week to threaten me if we didn't pay. We had no intention of paying which absolutely infuriated the caller. Because of the threatening nature of the language being used, I had to report it to Sasktel and the police.
As well, we filed a complaint with the RCMP's phone fraud hotline.
I hope they throw the book at these creeps. The fact that they bilked thousands of dollars out of senior citizens is despicable. The fact that I as a young person, internet savvy, and not afraid to ask questions felt threatened and uncertain at times (these people are really good at what they do!), I can't imagine what an older person might feel. They msut have felt like they had no choice but to pay. Perhaps they felt ashamed and didn't want anyone to know.
In addition, (I didn't know this) but telemarketing fraud has been taken over by organized crime - Hells Angels and the like. Yikes! These people don't deserve to ever touch a phone again.
I do hope the Canadian government comes up with stricter prison sentences (or any jail time at all would be a start!) for these bums. Right now I'm hoping the people busted yesterday will be extradicted to the states (most of their targets were seniors in the U.S.) where they will face 5 to 10 years in prison. Lock them up and throw away the key, I say!
Meanwhile, I hope they got the guys who were threatening us...
I mention this because at work we've been the target of this type of scam. They billed for services never rendered. And then phoned last week to threaten me if we didn't pay. We had no intention of paying which absolutely infuriated the caller. Because of the threatening nature of the language being used, I had to report it to Sasktel and the police.
As well, we filed a complaint with the RCMP's phone fraud hotline.
Our con artists were calling from St. Laurent (Montreal) so it's conceivable our lovely thugs were rounded up in this latest bust.
I hope they throw the book at these creeps. The fact that they bilked thousands of dollars out of senior citizens is despicable. The fact that I as a young person, internet savvy, and not afraid to ask questions felt threatened and uncertain at times (these people are really good at what they do!), I can't imagine what an older person might feel. They msut have felt like they had no choice but to pay. Perhaps they felt ashamed and didn't want anyone to know.
In addition, (I didn't know this) but telemarketing fraud has been taken over by organized crime - Hells Angels and the like. Yikes! These people don't deserve to ever touch a phone again.
I do hope the Canadian government comes up with stricter prison sentences (or any jail time at all would be a start!) for these bums. Right now I'm hoping the people busted yesterday will be extradicted to the states (most of their targets were seniors in the U.S.) where they will face 5 to 10 years in prison. Lock them up and throw away the key, I say!
Meanwhile, I hope they got the guys who were threatening us...
Monday, December 18, 2006
On the sixth day of Christmas
My true love gave to me yuletide slices!
Memories will come back when you see these little gems. I think the recipe was made popular in the late seventies and early 80’s. You’ll recognize them. I got this one from my mom. You still see them at the occasional church social.
Yuletide Slices
Pretty and oh so simple
4 squares semi-sweet baking chocolate
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp milk
1/2 icing sugar
1 pkg mini marshmallows (the colourful kind)
1 pkg flaked coconut
In a microwaveable bowl melt chocolate, butter and milk on medium. When everything is smooth add sugar and blend well. Gently fold in marshmallows.
Place about 1/3 of coconut on wax paper and spoon about 1/3 of chocolate mixture and roll into 8-inch log. Make sure to completely coat with coconut. Repeat with rest of chocolate.
Wrap logs tightly and place in fridge for at least 3 hours or until firm. These can be frozen as well.
To serve cut each log into slices (about 3/4-inch to 1-inch).
Get creative: add walnuts or pecans for extra crunch!
Memories will come back when you see these little gems. I think the recipe was made popular in the late seventies and early 80’s. You’ll recognize them. I got this one from my mom. You still see them at the occasional church social.
Yuletide Slices
Pretty and oh so simple
4 squares semi-sweet baking chocolate
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp milk
1/2 icing sugar
1 pkg mini marshmallows (the colourful kind)
1 pkg flaked coconut
In a microwaveable bowl melt chocolate, butter and milk on medium. When everything is smooth add sugar and blend well. Gently fold in marshmallows.
Place about 1/3 of coconut on wax paper and spoon about 1/3 of chocolate mixture and roll into 8-inch log. Make sure to completely coat with coconut. Repeat with rest of chocolate.
Wrap logs tightly and place in fridge for at least 3 hours or until firm. These can be frozen as well.
To serve cut each log into slices (about 3/4-inch to 1-inch).
Get creative: add walnuts or pecans for extra crunch!
Sunday, December 17, 2006
On the fifth day of Christmas
... my true love gave to me two kinds of fudge!
CAUTION: both recipes I'm posting today contain nuts. Though they can be made without!
The first one is absolutely delicious. It was a new recipe I tried this year and comes courtesy Kraft Canada (with some modifications). It's simple and if you like creamsicles you better make a double batch!
White Chocolate Fudge
Hard to resist!
2 pkg (6 squares each) Bakers white chocolate
3/4 cup sweetened condesnsed milk (this is less than a full can)
1 cup chopped toasted almonds (or cashews)
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1 tbsp grated orange peel
Line 8-inch square pan with foil. In microwaveable bowl microwave chocolate and milk one medium until melted. Stir until smooth. Add almonds, cranberries and orange peel. Blend well. Spread into prepared pan and refrigerate until firm. Lift fudge out of pan using foil and cut into 24 pieces.
Store tightly covered in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. Do not freeze.
Get creative: Instead of almonds, use pecans and substitute red and green candied cherries for the dried cranberries for an extra festive touch!
A note about the second recipe I'm posting. While I've made this recipe numerous times I have apparently developed some sort of disability with it comes to making it. Both this year and last year I was unable to get the squares out of the pan without the fudge and shortbread coming apart. If I let the recipe come to room temperature before cutting it was easier, but I don't know how to solve this problem.
One tip: make sure to melt the chocolate well. You don't want to be trying to spread chocolate onto the shortbread while it's cooling. It makes a crumbly mess - believe me!
Fugde-topped shortbread
Combining two favourites for double the pleasure
1 cup butter (no substitutes)
½ cup icing sugar
¼ tsp salt
1-1/4 cup flour
1 can sweetened condensed milk
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ tsp almond extract
1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
Beat butter, sugar and salt until light and fluffy. Slowly beat in flour. Spread into greased 13-in X 9-in baking pan. Bake at 350 F for 16-20 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool.
In a microwaveable bowl melt chocolate chips with milk. Stop frequently to stir (chocolate will keep its shape even when melted in the microwave). Stir until smooth. Stir in extract. Spread over shortbread. Sprinkle with almonds and press down. Refrigerate until firm and cut into squares. And of course, share with loved ones!
CAUTION: both recipes I'm posting today contain nuts. Though they can be made without!
The first one is absolutely delicious. It was a new recipe I tried this year and comes courtesy Kraft Canada (with some modifications). It's simple and if you like creamsicles you better make a double batch!
White Chocolate Fudge
Hard to resist!
2 pkg (6 squares each) Bakers white chocolate
3/4 cup sweetened condesnsed milk (this is less than a full can)
1 cup chopped toasted almonds (or cashews)
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1 tbsp grated orange peel
Line 8-inch square pan with foil. In microwaveable bowl microwave chocolate and milk one medium until melted. Stir until smooth. Add almonds, cranberries and orange peel. Blend well. Spread into prepared pan and refrigerate until firm. Lift fudge out of pan using foil and cut into 24 pieces.
Store tightly covered in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. Do not freeze.
Get creative: Instead of almonds, use pecans and substitute red and green candied cherries for the dried cranberries for an extra festive touch!
A note about the second recipe I'm posting. While I've made this recipe numerous times I have apparently developed some sort of disability with it comes to making it. Both this year and last year I was unable to get the squares out of the pan without the fudge and shortbread coming apart. If I let the recipe come to room temperature before cutting it was easier, but I don't know how to solve this problem.
One tip: make sure to melt the chocolate well. You don't want to be trying to spread chocolate onto the shortbread while it's cooling. It makes a crumbly mess - believe me!
Fugde-topped shortbread
Combining two favourites for double the pleasure
1 cup butter (no substitutes)
½ cup icing sugar
¼ tsp salt
1-1/4 cup flour
1 can sweetened condensed milk
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ tsp almond extract
1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
Beat butter, sugar and salt until light and fluffy. Slowly beat in flour. Spread into greased 13-in X 9-in baking pan. Bake at 350 F for 16-20 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool.
In a microwaveable bowl melt chocolate chips with milk. Stop frequently to stir (chocolate will keep its shape even when melted in the microwave). Stir until smooth. Stir in extract. Spread over shortbread. Sprinkle with almonds and press down. Refrigerate until firm and cut into squares. And of course, share with loved ones!
Saturday, December 16, 2006
On the fourth day of Christmas... (catching up!)
My true love gave to me a handful bundle of ginger cookies!
When I was in college, one of my dorm-mates got regular carepackages from her mother. One of them was a ice cream bucket full of ginger cookies. They had crackly tops rolled in sugar and were soft and chewy. Whenever a carepackage arrived everyone crammed into her little room to get a taste of those spicy little cookies.
I looked for years for a recipe like this. Once I found it in my Pillsbury goldmine, it definitely sealed the deal on the cookbook. There was no way my mom was getting it back.
As I said, I’ve been known to make a batch of these in anticipation of company the next day – only to have none to share with company. Watch out they go fast!
Ginger Snaps
Soft and chewy or for a crunchier cookie bake for a few minutes longer
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup margarine or butter, softened
1/4 cup molasses
1 egg
2-1/4 cup flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp cloves
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 cup sugar
Beat 1 cup of sugar, margarine, molasses and egg until light and fluffy. Stir in remaining ingredients except 1/4 cup sugar. Cover with saran wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour.
Shape into 1-inch balls and roll in 1/4 cup sugar. Bake on ungreased cookie sheets at 350 for 8 to 12 minutes. (The coolest part of these cookies is they puff up and then flatten while in the oven. It's fun to watch.) Cool for 1 minute before putting them on cooling racks.
Yield: roughly 5 dozen
When I was in college, one of my dorm-mates got regular carepackages from her mother. One of them was a ice cream bucket full of ginger cookies. They had crackly tops rolled in sugar and were soft and chewy. Whenever a carepackage arrived everyone crammed into her little room to get a taste of those spicy little cookies.
I looked for years for a recipe like this. Once I found it in my Pillsbury goldmine, it definitely sealed the deal on the cookbook. There was no way my mom was getting it back.
As I said, I’ve been known to make a batch of these in anticipation of company the next day – only to have none to share with company. Watch out they go fast!
Ginger Snaps
Soft and chewy or for a crunchier cookie bake for a few minutes longer
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup margarine or butter, softened
1/4 cup molasses
1 egg
2-1/4 cup flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp cloves
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 cup sugar
Beat 1 cup of sugar, margarine, molasses and egg until light and fluffy. Stir in remaining ingredients except 1/4 cup sugar. Cover with saran wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour.
Shape into 1-inch balls and roll in 1/4 cup sugar. Bake on ungreased cookie sheets at 350 for 8 to 12 minutes. (The coolest part of these cookies is they puff up and then flatten while in the oven. It's fun to watch.) Cool for 1 minute before putting them on cooling racks.
Yield: roughly 5 dozen
On the third day of Christmas...
My true love gave to me... a new favourite recipe!
Lemon butter cookies. Yum! They are definitely my new favourite recipe from my Pillsbury book. As I noted in an earlier post I tried a lemon cookie recipe years ago. I hated it. And I really was upset having to explain to everyone what the lemon zest was. Ick.
Anyway, this version is wonderful. It won hubby’s seal of approval.
Lemon Butter cookies
Lemony and melt in your mouth – heavenly
½ cup sugar
½ cup powdered sugar
¾ cup butter or margarine, softened
¼ cup oil
1 tbsp grated lemon peel
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 egg
2 ½ cups flour
½ cup tsp cream of tartar
½ cup baking soda
¼ tsp salt
Yellow decorator sugar (I used regular sugar)
Beat sugar, powdered sugar, butter and oil unitl light and fluffy. Stir in lemon peel, lemon juice and egg. Then add flour, cream of tartar, soda and salt. Mix well.
Refrigerate for 1 hour. (Makes it easier to handle).
Heat over to 350 F. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then roll in sugar. Bake at 350 for 7 to 12 minutes.
Makes about 3-1/2 dozen.
Enjoy!
Lemon butter cookies. Yum! They are definitely my new favourite recipe from my Pillsbury book. As I noted in an earlier post I tried a lemon cookie recipe years ago. I hated it. And I really was upset having to explain to everyone what the lemon zest was. Ick.
Anyway, this version is wonderful. It won hubby’s seal of approval.
Lemon Butter cookies
Lemony and melt in your mouth – heavenly
½ cup sugar
½ cup powdered sugar
¾ cup butter or margarine, softened
¼ cup oil
1 tbsp grated lemon peel
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 egg
2 ½ cups flour
½ cup tsp cream of tartar
½ cup baking soda
¼ tsp salt
Yellow decorator sugar (I used regular sugar)
Beat sugar, powdered sugar, butter and oil unitl light and fluffy. Stir in lemon peel, lemon juice and egg. Then add flour, cream of tartar, soda and salt. Mix well.
Refrigerate for 1 hour. (Makes it easier to handle).
Heat over to 350 F. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then roll in sugar. Bake at 350 for 7 to 12 minutes.
Makes about 3-1/2 dozen.
Enjoy!
Friday, December 15, 2006
On the second day of Christmas...
My true love gave to me... butter tarts!
At our house they became a tradition when I decided to surprise my hubby with a batch of butter tarts as his Christmas present - one of his favourite treats and something I had never made before. I even hid them in the basement after I made them.
Unfortunately, one of my coworkers inadvertently ruined the surprise , but he did enjoy his butter tarts. Since then I try to make a batch for Christmas and sometimes just because!
Recipes for butter tarts are a dime a dozen, but I’m including my mom’s here. They are way easier than most people think. Especially when you buy the tart shells!
Butter Tarts
What is Christmas without butter tarts?
1/3 cup butter
1/2 cup corn syrup
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 to 2/3 cup raisins
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp salt
1 egg
Melt all ingredients except raisins and egg. Stir in raisins. Beat egg in and add to melted mixture. Spoon into frozen tart shells. Bake on lowest rack for 15 - 20 minutes in a hot oven.
Get creative: instead of using raisins make butter tarts the way God intended – with coconut, almonds or pecans. I honestly didn’t know butter tarts typically had raisins in them until I left home, because our family always made three versions: coconut, almonds, and raisins. I just thought everyone did. Raisins = icky.
I will be posting several days worth of recipes tomorrow to catch. I realized today I am two days behind. (I wanted to end on Christmas eve, because who wants to bake on Christmas day?)
Have fun!
At our house they became a tradition when I decided to surprise my hubby with a batch of butter tarts as his Christmas present - one of his favourite treats and something I had never made before. I even hid them in the basement after I made them.
Unfortunately, one of my coworkers inadvertently ruined the surprise , but he did enjoy his butter tarts. Since then I try to make a batch for Christmas and sometimes just because!
Recipes for butter tarts are a dime a dozen, but I’m including my mom’s here. They are way easier than most people think. Especially when you buy the tart shells!
Butter Tarts
What is Christmas without butter tarts?
1/3 cup butter
1/2 cup corn syrup
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 to 2/3 cup raisins
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp salt
1 egg
Melt all ingredients except raisins and egg. Stir in raisins. Beat egg in and add to melted mixture. Spoon into frozen tart shells. Bake on lowest rack for 15 - 20 minutes in a hot oven.
Get creative: instead of using raisins make butter tarts the way God intended – with coconut, almonds or pecans. I honestly didn’t know butter tarts typically had raisins in them until I left home, because our family always made three versions: coconut, almonds, and raisins. I just thought everyone did. Raisins = icky.
I will be posting several days worth of recipes tomorrow to catch. I realized today I am two days behind. (I wanted to end on Christmas eve, because who wants to bake on Christmas day?)
Have fun!
Thursday, December 14, 2006
It's baaack...
Environment Canada just issued a snowfall warning.
http://www.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/warnings/report_e.html?sk18
Again, I say... didn't we do this day already?
http://www.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/warnings/report_e.html?sk18
Again, I say... didn't we do this day already?
On the first day of Christmas...
My true love gave to me a chocolate chip cookie.
If I had to name one reason to keep my Pillsbury baking book, this recipe would be it. Soft gooey and chock full of chocolate chips, it’s a perfect after school snack and certainly satisfies the chocolate lover.
The best part (and also the worst part) about this recipe is it makes six dozen according to the recipe (the last time I made them I had eight dozen because I make them smaller). It’s great if you need to whip up a lot of cookies for a potluck or family function or something. But by the time you put the last batch in the oven it’ll get tedious. ; )
Chocolate Chip Cookies
A great cookie jar staple
1- ¼ cup sugar
1- ¼ cup brown sugar
1- ½ cup butter or margarine, softened
3 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
4-1/4 flour
2 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 – 2 packages chocolate chips
Cream together sugar and margarine until light and fluffy. Blend in eggs and vanilla. Add flour, baking soda, and salt. Blend well. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto cooking sheet. Bake at 375 for 8-10 minutes.
Get creative: Because this makes such a large batch you can split the dough and use different types of chocolate chips for each part of the dough, such as mint chocolate chips, white chocolate, or whatever.
Make ahead: Once you’re done stirring the dough together you can freeze it for up to one month. After the cookies are baked, I’ve been known to freeze a Ziploc bag or two when no is looking. It’s a great stash for when company arrives, or the kids need a treat, or PMS hits!
If I had to name one reason to keep my Pillsbury baking book, this recipe would be it. Soft gooey and chock full of chocolate chips, it’s a perfect after school snack and certainly satisfies the chocolate lover.
The best part (and also the worst part) about this recipe is it makes six dozen according to the recipe (the last time I made them I had eight dozen because I make them smaller). It’s great if you need to whip up a lot of cookies for a potluck or family function or something. But by the time you put the last batch in the oven it’ll get tedious. ; )
Chocolate Chip Cookies
A great cookie jar staple
1- ¼ cup sugar
1- ¼ cup brown sugar
1- ½ cup butter or margarine, softened
3 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
4-1/4 flour
2 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 – 2 packages chocolate chips
Cream together sugar and margarine until light and fluffy. Blend in eggs and vanilla. Add flour, baking soda, and salt. Blend well. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto cooking sheet. Bake at 375 for 8-10 minutes.
Get creative: Because this makes such a large batch you can split the dough and use different types of chocolate chips for each part of the dough, such as mint chocolate chips, white chocolate, or whatever.
Make ahead: Once you’re done stirring the dough together you can freeze it for up to one month. After the cookies are baked, I’ve been known to freeze a Ziploc bag or two when no is looking. It’s a great stash for when company arrives, or the kids need a treat, or PMS hits!
12 Days of Christmas!
Most of the recipes I’m including in the 12 Days of Christmas come from my infamous Pillsbury cook book, but not all. For instance, the Cream Cheese Candies recipe I posted a few days ago came from a magazine I subscribed to years ago. I will include a source wherever possible.
Jennifer’s tips:
I never, ever, ever bake anything at the temperature the recipe calls for. I drop the temperature by at least 25 degrees. In the recipes I’ll post here I am including the temperature the recipe calls for. But again I DO NOT bake them at that temperature.
A word about cookie sheets: I use a Pampered Chef baking stone and get amazing results. The baking stone cost an arm and a leg, but was worth every single penny when you see the wonderful golden brown results. I’ve used other imitation baking stones and didn’t like them quite as much. I will tend not to specify regarding whether it should be greased or ungreased cookie sheets, because it will depend on what type of cookie sheet you prefer. And I will assume you know best how to bake with them. ; )
I use only real vanilla. Right now the vanilla I have comes straight from Mexico (courtesy of my snowbird auntie Freda).
I hate overbaked baking, so I rarely use all the time required by a recipe to bake something.
I often make cookie dough and store it in the refrigerator until I’m ready to bake. This breaks up the time needed to bake something and in my hectic schedule it is often the only way I can do any baking at all.
I also feel compelled to mention that while I do love to bake, sweet treats are not all I make. I also have this huge fetish for appetizers. ; ) Maybe next year I'll do appetizers!
Bake on!
Jennifer’s tips:
I never, ever, ever bake anything at the temperature the recipe calls for. I drop the temperature by at least 25 degrees. In the recipes I’ll post here I am including the temperature the recipe calls for. But again I DO NOT bake them at that temperature.
A word about cookie sheets: I use a Pampered Chef baking stone and get amazing results. The baking stone cost an arm and a leg, but was worth every single penny when you see the wonderful golden brown results. I’ve used other imitation baking stones and didn’t like them quite as much. I will tend not to specify regarding whether it should be greased or ungreased cookie sheets, because it will depend on what type of cookie sheet you prefer. And I will assume you know best how to bake with them. ; )
I use only real vanilla. Right now the vanilla I have comes straight from Mexico (courtesy of my snowbird auntie Freda).
I hate overbaked baking, so I rarely use all the time required by a recipe to bake something.
I often make cookie dough and store it in the refrigerator until I’m ready to bake. This breaks up the time needed to bake something and in my hectic schedule it is often the only way I can do any baking at all.
I also feel compelled to mention that while I do love to bake, sweet treats are not all I make. I also have this huge fetish for appetizers. ; ) Maybe next year I'll do appetizers!
Bake on!
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