Cherry Dream Slice

Christmas is coming and with it comes the pressure that it HAS to be perfect. 

Before your head explodes from the realization you're never going to get everything done in time consider this...

Just because it's tradition doesn't mean you HAVE to do it! 

Remember the Grinch?

In his attempt to put an end to Christmas, he takes away everything that, in his mind, "makes" Christmas for the Who's.  We all know what happens.

"...It came without ribbons!  It came without tags!  It came without packages, boxes or bags!" (From "How The Grinch Stole Christmas" by Dr. Seuss)

And then we glean great wisdom from our beloved Dr. Seuss...

"Maybe Christmas...doesn't come from a store.  Maybe Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!". (From "How The Grinch Stole Christmas" by Dr. Seuss)

Wise words to keep in mind as we move into the Advent season.

So, in an effort to simply your life, and NOT have your head explode, but still satisfy everyone's desire for home made treats I give to you...a sweet, cherry Christmas-y treat that takes very little time or effort...Cherry Dream Slice.

CHERRY DREAM SLICE

Shortbread Base
1/2 cup butter
1 1/4 cups flour
3 tbsp. sugar
Mix together and pat into an 8 x 8 inch pan.  Bake at 325 degrees for 25 minutes.  Let cool.

Filling
24 marshmallows
1 small mashed banana
15 drained maraschino cherries, chopped

Butter the inside of a double boiler.  Put in marshmallows and melt, stirring regularly.  (If you don't have a double boiler use a standard pot on very low heat.  Stir regularly so marshmallows don't burn.). When marshmallows are melted stir in banana and cherries.  Spread on shortbread base.  Let cool.

Icing
1/4 cup butter
1/4 tsp. vanilla
1 cup icing sugar
A drizzle of milk

Beat butter until smooth, add icing sugar, vanilla, and a small drizzle of milk.  Beat until smooth.  Add small amounts of milk as necessary until you have a soft icing of spreading consistency.  Spread over top of slice.  Refrigerate.

Freedom

This is Remembrance Day weekend. 

It’s true we all look forward to a long weekend, but let’s not forget to pause to remember the reason behind Remembrance Day.

On Monday, November 11, pause to think about the men and women who have lost their lives, and those still fighting to protect freedom and justice.

I live in Canada, a country where the people and landscape is diverse as the temperature. 

We are free.  Free to choose our government.  Free to choose our religion.  Free to work.  Free to pursue education.  Free to enjoy leisure time.  Free to participate in sports.  Free to drive a vehicle.  Free to choose our lifestyle. 

Our list of freedoms is extensive.

Other countries don’t have this luxury.

Recently Pastor Charles Mathole, a Pastor in the Redeemed Gospel Church in Mombasa, Kenya, was murdered while he prayed in the sanctuary of his church.

Southwood United Church, a church in Calgary, partners with the Mombasa church and Pastor Charles to sponsor the Bridge Africa Trade School.  This is a school for at risk girls to  learn to sew and operate a business so they don't become victims of the sex trade.

A number of people from Southwood traveled to Mombasa a year ago to meet with Pastor Charles and celebrate the graduation of the first group of girls from the school.

I know many people’s hearts ache for the loss of this Godly man.  Prior to the murder, Pastor Charles received death threats, but continued to do God's work.  One of Pastor Charles' close friends writes on her Facebook page, “THEY WILL SILENCE MY VOICE BUT NOT MY SOUL”.

This is what our Canadian forces fight against every day.  They fight fear mongers and those who have no respect for life.  They fight against injustice and oppression.  They fight those who would silence voices of equality and compassion.

Our troops do a job few of us have the courage or stomach to face.  This weekend we honour them.  Let us never forget or cease to appreciation the freedoms we enjoy in Canada.

LEST WE FORGET

Too Busy To Rest

When was the last time you set aside a day to do nothing?  No, being home sick in bed doesn’t count.  I mean an honest to goodness day to do whatever your heart desires, NOT what’s on your To Do List.

If you’re like me it was probably a long time ago.  Sure, there are good intentions, but somehow obligations or things that HAVE to get done get in the way.  Sound familiar?

I’m a disciplined person.  I make schedules and set goals for things I want to accomplish on the weekend.  My plan is always to work hard and get everything on the list done right away and then relax and enjoy the weekend.

But either the list is too long…or the weekend is too short.  Either way Sunday evening finds me frustrated, dashing around trying to finish the last few things on the list, instead of relaxing in a hot tub doing my nails.

You’d think I’d learn, but…I don’t!  Lately I’ve been getting a lot of messages about the busyness of life.

Recently a friend and I toured a Japanese garden.  At the entrance to the

garden lies a “tripping stone”.  It’s a roughly finished stone purposefully set into the walkway.  All who enter the garden are forced to walk over this stone.  We asked why.

The rough, pitted finish on the stone forces the visitor to walk slowly over it, in order to avoid tripping as they enter the garden.  When you slow down you become more aware of your surroundings, allowing you to appreciate the serenity of the garden.

Wouldn’t it be good if tripping stones were laid across our paths throughout the day, forcing us to slow down and notice life?

Our women’s study group is reading Mark Buchanan’s book, “The Rest of God – Restoring Your Soul by Restoring Sabbath”. 

Here’s an interesting story…

I leave the office half an hour late, rush home, cook and inhale dinner, rush out the door crunching a Gaviscon and clutching a tea to arrive at a study on the REST of God…half an hour late.  How ironic is that!

I’m afraid I identify with one of Buchanan’s comments just a little too much,

“When we get too busy, everything becomes either a trudge or a scramble, the doldrums or sheer mayhem…We just want to be left alone…When we lose concern for friendship, for truth and beauty and goodness…when we hear news of trouble among our neighbours and our first thought is that we hope it isn’t going to involve us…when we must meet the situation with genuine, heartfelt compassion, wisdom, courage – and nothing’s there, only grim resignation and a dull resentment that we got dragged into this…we’re too busy.”  Page 48

Here’s the sad part, I know what he’s talking about.  And I know I’ve come to this point by my own doing, through self-imposed expectations and obligations.  What about you?

Why don’t we allow ourselves a Sabbath rest?  Instead of pushing to the point of exhaustion let’s slow down and take a day to rest, to relax, to pamper, to renew, to do whatever brings joy. 

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT:

My goal over the next few months is to give myself a day off from busyness.  What about you?  Do you need a day of rest?  Set aside that time now and don’t compromise.  Make it happen.

Life Lessons From Running

Last weekend I accomplished my running goal for 2013. 

I ran a timed 10 km race.  I wasn’t first, but

I wasn’t last, and I passed a few people along the way, so all in all I was pleased with my accomplishment.
 

When I started running two years ago I couldn’t even run four minutes in a stretch. 

 

It’s been a lengthy training and strengthening process and I’ve learned a few useful tidbits on the journey. 

 

Here are some lessons gleaned from the last two years.

1.      Endurance is key, not speed - keep a slow steady pace

2.      When you think you can’t go any further…you can

3.      There are things to be thankful for even in the midst of pain

4.      To get your mind off your struggles, talk to God

5.      Set incremental goals

6.      Celebrate small achievements

7.      Psychological discouragement will come – plan in advance how to defeat it

8.      Positive thoughts energize, negative thoughts sap strength 

9.      Perseverance in the midst of trials will get you to the finish line

10.  Have a strategy for long term success – if you don’t have a plan you’ll never reach the goal

11.  Make time for what’s important.  Don’t compromise that time.

12.  Achieving a goal takes discipline.  Keep showing up, even when you don’t want to

13.  When you have a problem, don’t blame outside influences, do a self-assessment and see if the problem starts with you.

14.  Cheer people on, it keeps them going

15.  When you’re 3 km from home, in desperate need of a bathroom, and your muscles don’t want to work anymore, don’t quit.  The fastest way to the bathroom is to keeping running.

I’m not sure if that last one is particularly helpful, but it’s certainly true!

I’ve expanded on some of these lessons over the last two years in earlier posts.  You can find them under "Running" in the archive or by following these links:

 

http://carolhenders.blogspot.ca/2013/07/slow-down.html

http://carolhenders.blogspot.ca/2013/04/thirty-second-god-hits.html

http://carolhenders.blogspot.ca/2012/07/not-gold-medal-sprint.html

http://carolhenders.blogspot.ca/2012/05/philippians-313-14-perseverance.html

http://carolhenders.blogspot.ca/2011/07/life-one-sidewalk-block-at-time.html

 

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT:

Are there lessons on this list you can apply in your life?  Please share your thoughts by clicking on comments below.

Blessed To Serve

It’s Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada.  This is one of my favourite holidays.  The air is crisp, but the sun shines warm. 

Leaves glint golds and browns and flutter to the ground where they make a satisfying crunching noise as I walk; bringing a smile to my face.

I pause this weekend to read some of Ann Voeskamp’s, “One Thousand Gifts”.  And I record things for which I’m thankful in my own list of one thousand gifts.

My thoughts go back to this past Wednesday evening when my husband and I, along with other staff from Shine FM, the radio station where I work, helped serve a meal at the Mustard Seed.

The Mustard Seed is an organization in downtown Edmonton helping people in poverty by providing a hot meal, clothing, and personal items.

It’s something I’d never done before and I was unsure of what to expect.  But God challenges us to step out of our comfort zone to serve others.  This is how we learn and grow.

We chopped and scrubbed and cooked together as a team, and when it came time to

serve the meal, the Mustard Seed staff opened the doors to their building.  People filtered through the food line, friendly, grateful for the food and our service.

Some faces stand out in my memory…

• A gentle looking man who spent his time after the meal sitting alone at a table, engrossed in a book.  Was this his chance to relax after a long day?  A few minutes of captured peace in a stress filled life of survival?

 

• The fellow with a twinkle in his eye who, when I asked how he was doing today responded, “As fine as a hair on a frog”…I laughed, “that’s pretty fine”.  He laughed back and agreed.

 

• The man who warned us not to get to close because he had pneumonia and didn’t want to make anyone sick.  My heart goes out to him.  I’m sure all he wants to do is curl up in a warm bed, but there’s no hot meal at home, so hunger drives him out.  I offer up a prayer of healing for the man.

• The elderly lady who quietly comes through the line.  I see her walking alone down the dark street when we leave and I wonder what sort of life she’s had.  Why is she at The Mustard Seed instead of home with her children and grandchildren?  I offer a prayer for her safety on the dark streets of Edmonton.

• The middle-aged man who comes through the line and tells me just seeing my smile has brightened his day.  I’m humbled that something so little seems like so much.

• The children who come with their parents because there’s no food at home.  The staff brings out toys so they can play after the meal. 

People eat together, and talk about their day.  They share their lives with one another.  This is their community.  Most of these people have homes but have to choose between paying rent and buying food.  There’s not enough money on the wages they earn to do both.

The staff tell us some come from across the city for the meal.  Sometimes it’s not just about the food, sometimes it’s about the companionship.  People are lonely and The Mustard Seed provides social nourishment as well as physical.

After the meal we clean up and head back to our lives.  But a little part of us has been touched by the community at The Mustard Seed.  In serving, we have been blessed.  And this Thanksgiving I'm thankful for that.

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT:

Have you served the poor?  How did it make you feel?  If you haven’t would you consider it?  Please share your thoughts by clicking the link below.

If you’d like to support the Mustard Seed go to www.theseed.ca .

Schmoo Torte

In celebration of the release of lactose free whipping cream, I give to you....

Schmoo Torte

If you're from the province of Manitoba you've probably heard about this delightfully, delectable dessert.  If you're from any where else you're probably wondering what I'm talking about.

Picture angel cake meets chiffon cake, filled and wrapped in whipped cream, and topped off with a decadent home made caramel sauce.

Can you say YUM...and GIVE ME MORE!!!!!


Lactancia brand has released a lactose free whipping cream, so all those off limit desserts for people with lactose intolerance are now back on the menu.

Now if only I could say fat free...NOT!


Looking for a relatively easy dessert for Canadian Thanksgiving next weekend?  Look no further...Schmoo Torte is here!

CAKE
8 egg yolks

8 egg whites
1 cup white sugar (divided in half)
1/2 cup flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. cream of tartar
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 cup finely chopped pecans

Spray the bottom of an angel cake tube pan with Pam.  Heat oven to 350 degrees F.  Beat eggs whites until almost stiff.  Gradually add cream of tartar and 1/2 cup of the sugar.

In another bowl beat egg yolks until light and add remaining sugar and vanilla.  Fold into egg whites.  Now fold in flour and baking powder.

Fold in chopped nuts.  Pour batter into pan and bake 1 hour and 15 minutes.  Remove from oven and turn upside to cool. 

When cool remove from pan and cut into three equal layers.

FILLING
500 mL whipping cream
3 tbsp. icing sugar
1 tsp. vanilla

Whip the whipping cream and sweeten with sugar and vanilla.  Spread between layers, restack the layers, then cover top and sides with whipped cream.

CARAMEL SAUCE
250 mL whipping cream
3 tbsp. butter
1 1/2 cups brown sugar

Put whipping cream, butter, and brown sugar in a small pot.  Bring to a boil.  Remove from heat and cool.

Just before serving drizzle some of the sauce over the torte.  Serve remaining caramel sauce on the side for extra yum factor!

 

How Great We Are

When you have a huge win or achieve something great do you take all the credit?  Do you share it with co-workers and friends involved in the project?

What about God?  Do you share the credit with Him?  Do you thank Him for making the achievement happen?

It’s great to celebrate accomplishments.  But let’s keep things in perspective.

There’s a story in the book of Daniel about King Nebuchadnezzar.  He’s a great king but he lets the power and glory of running the kingdom of Babylon go to his head.

God, seeing this happen, sends a warning to the king in the form of a dream.  Daniel, a man of God, interprets the dream for the king.  The message to the king is to humble himself, or have it done for him.

In Daniel 4:28-30 we see that King Nebuchadnezzar chooses to ignore this warning. 

“…Just twelve months later, he was walking on the balcony of the royal palace in Babylon and boasted, “Look at this, Babylon the great!  And I built it all by myself, a royal palace adequate to display my honor and glory!”  Daniel 4:28-30 (The Message)

Wrong thing to say!

King Nebuchadnezzar loses his grip on reality, is driven out of human company, and forced to eat grass in the wilderness like a wild animal.  Quite a come down for a great and mighty king!

God doesn’t forget Nebuchadnezzar, though.  Seven years later the king’s mind is restored.  Now Nebuchadnezzar has a choice…will he be angry with God and curse Him for ripping his kingdom away…or…will he learn from this experience and humble himself?

Nebuchadnezzar may be proud, but he’s not stupid!  He chooses to use this as a lesson to grow as a person and grow in faith.

“…I was given my mind back and I blessed the High God, thanking and glorifying God, who lives forever.  His sovereign rule lasts and lasts, his kingdom never declines and falls.  Life on this earth doesn’t add up to much, but God’s heavenly army keeps everything going.  No one can interrupt his work, no one can call his rule into question.” 

Daniel 4:34-35  (The Message)

 

At the end of the chapter Nebuchadnezzar is restored as king over Babylon.  He becomes more powerful than ever before, but instead of being filled with pride and conceit he assumes a spirit of humility, praising God, rather than himself.

Have you had to overcome pride in your life?  Share your thoughts by clicking on “comments” below.

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT:

Are you riding a wave of success?  Maybe it’s time for an attitude check to ensure pride doesn’t sneak up on you.