Category: Uncategorized (Page 22 of 81)

For A Hurting World on Christmas Eve

December 24, 2015 /

This morning I sit in Starbucks with Faith Hill singing Silent Night in my ear. This Christmas Eve morning while it’s still dark, before the family wakes and the hustle starts, I think of my sister-in-law without David for the first Christmas.

I think of my friend whose due date was two days ago, still waiting for her new baby to arrive.

I think of the dying woman who I visited in the hospital yesterday afternoon, just a couple of hours before she fell into the arms of Jesus.

I think of friends, barren, longing for new life, and those with prodigals, waiting for them to come home.

I think of Syria and refugees and Isis and friends serving in hard places like Palestine and Iraq.

I think of family and friends gathered around our table this week – the loud laughter and joy and thanksgiving, but also the brokenness that lurks beneath the surface.

We all have our stuff, right? We’re all so desperately in need of restoration and redemption and relationships being set right.

stars_1

And so, tonight, the rescue mission begins, for all of us longing and lost, hurting and hopeful. Love arrives like the allies landing in Normandy. Not really, but only in the sense that we know how the story ends. The battle against pain and evil, loss and brokenness will be won.

Help is here.

God enters in.

Love wins.

The world will be set right.

This Christmas we rejoice in the now, but long for the not yet. And Jesus takes our hand and says, “In me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (Jn. 16:33)

And I hear a father whispering to his fretful baby, “It’s ok. It’s gonna be ok. I’m right here. I’ve got this. It’s gonna be ok.”

Merry Christmas, friends.

Love Invites

December 21, 2015 /

I’m kind of bummed at the decline of real paper-feel-in-your-hands-discover-in-your-mailbox invitations. They just seem special – like someone thought, “Oh I can’t wait to see this person!” as they hand-wrote your name on the envelope.

christmas-invitation-templates-free-printable-2015-q8of8xuj

I love getting invitations. I love being included. I love the feeling that someone wants me around.

You do too. Don’t deny it, even if you’re shy or an introvert.

But it’s one thing to receive an invitation; it’s another thing to reach out with one.

Our new church mission statement is, “To boldly extend the invitation Jesus makes to us, to everyone.” 

These Jesus invitations rarely fit in embossed envelopes though.

They are personal, face-to-face invitations  extended to neighbors, family, and friends, which can be scary because, well, what if they reject me? (That’s what it feels like, right? Rejecting ME, not Jesus, not the church, not just my invitation) What if they slam a door, literal or figurative, in my face?

Love invites, because Jesus invites:

  • “Come, follow me,” Mt. 4:19 (and a bazillionty other times)
  • “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Mt. 11:28
  • “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.” John 1:39
  • “…go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.” Mt. 22:9

“Eighty-two percent of the unchurched are at least somewhat likely to attend church if invited.” –Dr. Thom Rainer, The Unchurched Next Door.

But Jesus invites us into relationship, not religion. Continue reading

Soul Food for When You Need a Craft, a Recipe, some Hope, and a Laugh

December 18, 2015 /

With these Soul Food posts I try to share things that have delighted, inspired, or filled me. Hope you enjoy! (If you’re not a crafty baker just skip the first part of this post 🙂 )

I am so over-the-moon blessed to have many amazing, talented, creative friends in my life. And, one of the perks of being in ministry is that everyone brings their best recipes to events and I GET THE RECIPES!

Wednesday night the community of young couples I shepherd, had a girls only Christmas party. So many of these women have the gift of hospitality, leadership, creativity, and FUN (yes, I think that’s an official spiritual gift 🙂 ) My friend Annalise brought this dessert/snack mix (from twosisterscrafting) which we all loved! (warning – it’s a little gooey).

santa-crunch-christmas-popcorn

And years ago a friend introduced me to Christmas Crack (yes, that is an appropriate name for this addictive delight). I’ve had several people ask for the recipe this year so here you go!

Mix in roaster (I like to get the big tin throw-away kind and re-use cuz I don’t have a “real” roaster.:

1 17 oz box Crispix

1 bag Fritos

1 can salted cocktail peanuts

In medium saucepan melt: 1 1/2 cup butter, 1 1/2 cup brown sugar, 3/4 cup corn syrup (Karo), 1/4 ts. salt.

Boil 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add 1 ts. baking soda. Pour over cereal mixture and stir. Bake at 250 for 45 minutes stirring about every 15 minutes.

Spread out on wax paper to cool. Store in tupperware. And not a calorie in it! 🙂

IMG_2604

Last weekend we had our staff Christmas party. I’m so thankful for all the people who show up and contribute delectable salads, meats, and desserts for this celebration! My friend Laurie came with this peppermint plate she made to put her dessert on. Yes, a tiny bit broke off (or someone took a nibble 🙂 ), but isn’t it amazing? And SO easy!

IMG_2523

Here’s the one I made (read: opened peppermints and popped in the oven) last night.

IMG_2601

You could totally make it with your kiddos if you want! It would make a darling base for a gingerbread house too! Here are the directions.

My favorite You Tube video this week – just  try not to laugh!

And this uplifting Instagram post. “The power of love is bigger than the love of power.” Yes!

Image-1-2

For those who are waiting in this season with a cloud of darkness hovering…

“Stay And Wait” (lyrics)

Who spoke the Earth and sky to form
Who sets the sun and calls the dawn
Who breathed me out of dust to life
With the will to trust or run and hide

I will stay should the world by me fold
Lift up Your name as the darkness falls
I will wait and hold fast to Your word
Heart on Your heart and my eyes on Yours

Who loved me through my rebel way
Who chose to carry all my shame
Who breaths in me with endless life
The king of glory Jesus Christ

I will stay should the world by me fold
Lift up Your name as the darkness falls
I will wait and hold fast to Your word
Heart on Your heart and my eyes on Yours

God of wonder and God of grace
Let my soul stand always to praise You
Fix my eyes on Your perfect way
And I’ll never look back

I will stay should the world by me fold
Lift up Your name as the darkness falls
I will wait and hold fast to Your word
Heart on Your heart and my eyes on Yours

Who lifts the poor and heals the blind
Who trampled death for all mankind
Who stands for all with arms stretched wide
My King forever Jesus Christ

Have a joy-filled weekend before Christmas!

The Lyrics to a Plan B Christmas

December 16, 2015 /

It was a Plan B Christmas moment. And an emotional one. Our church staff and spouses gathered around the piano singing Christmas carols.

design-22

I was transported back to my childhood when every year we had the tradition of gathering at my aunt and uncle’s house with relatives young and old. After dinner at the looooong table stretched with many leaves and augmented with card tables attached, we’d move to the piano.

FullSizeRender-57

Today, at least four people are missing from this picture including my brother. Maybe your pictures are missing some people this year too. It’s a Plan B Christmas.

Now here’s the thing. I come from a musical family. We had cousins and uncles playing french horn, trumpet, trombone. My grandfather played the violin. Aunts and cousins played the piano. I think for a few years there was a flute thrown in. Maybe an oboe.

I had nothing to add but my barely adequate voice added to those who were able to actually, you know… harmonize. (That’s me in the middle back in holiday pigtails 🙂 )

But I didn’t need a song sheet. I know virtually every word of every carol in the book. (Yes, even Angels From the Realms of Glory). The Christmas lyrics are part of my faith vocabulary, because my family sang them over me, and into me, and with me.

design-20

When we’re tempted to get caught up in our Plan B story, Christmas lyrics remind us of THE Story – the bigger one we’re a part of. Continue reading

How do we Live a Plan B Christmas?

December 14, 2015 /

Last week I had the privilege of speaking at a women’s event in the Chicago area. As I prepared, I felt prompted to speak on kind of a strange topic for Christmas: Fear.

AKA worry, anxiety, angst, hot messiness…

The shepherds, Mary, Joseph, Zechariah… To each of them an angel says, “Don’t be afraid. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be afraid. Don’t. be. afraid.”

IMG_2395

It’s the most often repeated command in the Bible so I’m thinking there must be a lot of people dealing with it, right?

Fear is a weird emotion to associate with Christmas, but as I reflect on the shepherds, Mary, Zechariah and Joseph, it isn’t “CHRISTMAS” they are experiencing; it’s just LIFE – their ordinary, everyday walking around life.

And they lose any illusion of control, any illusion of “life as we know it” the moment an angel shows up, right?!!

LIFE isn’t going according to their plans.

They are living a life interrupted.

They are forced to adapt to a Plan B life.

The Plan B life may not be as safe, or predictable, or comfortable, or boring as they’d like, because there are new circumstances. But more than that, there’s a new character in their story. The main character has arrived; the messiah cleverly disguised as a baby in the muck and mess of a manger.

How many of us are living our Plan A life? Really.

  • You thought you’d have your dream job by now and you don’t.
  • You thought you’d be pregnant and you’re not.
  • You thought you’d he’d live and but he died.
  • You thought you’d be married by now and you’re not.

Plan B. Life is not going as we thought. Or hoped. Or dreamed.

But the main character, a baby has entered our Plan B life to be with us; to redeem and restore and make the story come out right in the end. 

Aaaannnd…spoiler alert: Love wins.

But how do we get from the fear or anxiety that comes with Plan B to the joy promised to all of us? Continue reading

Soul Food for a Busy Holiday Week

December 12, 2015 /

With these Soul Food posts I try to share things that have delighted, inspired, or filled me. So, quite a festival of fun stuff this weekend!

First of all, ornaments.  Our tree is up and as I was decorating, I thought of a couple of things…

  • If you are a parent of littles, make sure you put names and dates on all those precious handmade ornaments your kiddos bring home. They will be the ones you cherish most, but when they are grown, you will say, “Who the heck made this and when?”

IMG_3221

  • This year, I’ve shared that one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had was a candlelight memorial service at our church. As we walked in, we were handed an ornament to honor the person we lost this year. I chose this one because of the faith my brother, David exhibited. When I hung it on our tree I wrote his name and date on the back. Maybe this is a way you’d like to honor someone you’ve lost too.

Image-1

What if you take some time as a family this year to have each person choose a favorite ornament on the tree and share why, or what story or memory is behind it?

Second, an old post, but too good not to share again.

IMG_2515

 

Third, an idea… Last year I discovered that Michaels carries mini ceramic loaf pans around the holidays for SUPER cheap – like $2. They are cute and actually work! I got to thinking about the neighborhood around our church. I thought, they are so close, and what do we do to serve them, or show kindness and care to them? So I bought up all the loaf pans I could (about 100) and we’ve mobilized bakers to come pick up a couple of pans each and bake some quick bread. We’ll deliver it to the homes around the church this morning.  Where can you do random acts of kindness today? Who might you dump joy on? Hint: it’s more fun together!

IMG_2526

 

Next, a video that is sure to make you smile (especially if you’ve experienced travel delays over the holidays)

 

And my favorite text this week from daughter Maggie:

IMG_2452

 

And my favorite Instagram post. Way to go, Canada!

IMG_2522

 

Lastly, I know eggnog isn’t for everyone, but here’s a new recipe I tried this year that I like…

IMG_2425

Layered Eggnog Blondies

1 1/2 cup crushed vanilla wafers

2 TB. granulated sugar

1/4 t salt

5 TB butter, melted

1 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup + 2 TB powdered sugar, divided

1/2 cup refrigerated eggnog

1/4 ts. nutmeg

1/4 ts. cinnamon

1 large egg

3/4 cup heavy cream

1 ts. vanilla

2 TB powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350. Lightly grease (with cooking spray), an aluminum foil-lined 8 inch square pan (next time I’d double and make in a 9×13 pan). Pulse vanilla wafers and next 2 ingredients with food processor til blended. Add butter; pulse til blended. Press mixture into bottom of pan.

Bake at 350 for 8 minutes or til lightly browned. Reduce oven temp to 325. Beat cream cheese and 1/2 cup powdered sugar at med speed. Gradually add eggnog. Stir in nutmeg, cinnamon, and egg. Pour over vanilla wafer mixture.

Bake at 325 for 30-35 minutes or til outer 2 inches are set (Watch this. I think I baked mine a little too long and they were a tiny bit drier than I’d like).

Cool completely for about an hour.

Whip the cream and add 2 TB powdered sugar and vanilla til soft peaks form.

Remove bars from pan. Discard foil and cut into squares. Add a dollop of whipped cream on each.

Have a joy-filled weekend!!

 

How Three Questions and an Olive Harvest Can Lead to Peace

December 9, 2015 /

Olive branch: something that is said or done to make peace or to show that you want peace : a symbol of peace.

IMG_0458

It was three years ago this fall that I had the incredible experience of participating in an olive harvest in Palestine, alongside women who have been doing this for years.

We are clumsy; they are sure-footed as we climb high up into the branches of hundred year old trees.

We watch these strong, brave women show us how to strip the branches, causing the olives to fall onto tarps below where their children clean off stray leaves and twigs, collecting them into baskets.

IMG_2798

We use sign language and simple words to ask questions.

They share their lunch with us – chicken cooked long and slow in a hole dug in the earth while the sound of olives plopping on tarps on the ground fills the morning air.

We dance with them and sing around the leftover scraps and chicken bones, resting under the shade of the olive trees.

IMG_0440

They take us on a walk to show us land that has been taken from them over the years, shrinking their livelihood.

They are Muslims. We are Christians. They are Palestinians. We, Americans. They live oppressed. We enjoy freedom and abundance.

But we are all mothers, daughters, sisters, wives. All with hopes and dreams and fears for our families.

I’ve been thinking again lately about olives, olive trees, and olive branches of peace that are so desperately needed in a season of violence and mistrust. Continue reading

You’re One Breath Away From a Peace-filled Advent

December 7, 2015 /

This is a post I edit and reprint every year because I need it. Hope it’s helpful to you too.

I really wish I liked Yoga more. It’s healthy.  And it’s so in.  But I’m not crazy about it.

Here are the only things I like about Yoga:

  • the comfy pants that are like legal pajamas,
  • the fact that you do it in a group with great people, and not, for example on a stationary bike in your basement (like a crazy introvert),
  • the corpse pose (where you lay still with soft music playing)…

And one more thing…

They remind you to breathe.  In fact, I think that’s the only part I consistently get right when I go.  I mess up all the poses.  And I can’t make myself pretzely like my friend Brooke.

But then they say, “Don’t forget to breathe.” and I think “Yes!  I’ve got that down!  Score!” (Can you tell I’m better at competitive sports than contemplative ones?)

Sometimes the best I can do at Yoga is to just keep breathing.  Sometimes in the Christmas season it seems that way also.  You too?

Our to-to lists are too long.  We drop balls and forget to follow through with details.  And our regular spiritual practices and rhythm of time with Jesus may suffer.

But no matter what happens in the next few weeks, most (hopefully all) of us will still be breathing when we get to the New Year.

So what if breathing became a spiritual practice?  It’s one many of you are probably familiar with.  Breath prayer. Continue reading

Soul Food When you Need to Be Present to Jesus, Remember ISIS, and Delight in the Season

December 4, 2015 /

Ok, so I really thought I was on top of things since we stayed home for Thanksgiving. All that extra time to get a running start on getting ready to get ready for Christmas I thought! Well, not so much. The blog seems to be coming especially slow, but I’m present, and being present IS a present so I’m counting it a win.

With these Soul food Fridays I try to share things that have delighted, inspired, or filled me. Where have you been present to Jesus? This week I found Jesus…

  • At a candlelight memorial service at our church in the hugs, and prayers and Word to me.  “I have called you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters I will be with you.”

IMG_2405

  • Over dinner with a friend, sharing heart and soul stuff, paying attention to Glory together…
  • In the immediate prayer support through texts and phone calls when I put out the word that I was wrestling and felt like the Evil one was taking me down…
  • In the rapt attention of 8 and 9 year old Hispanic students I tutor, listening to the story of Mary and Joseph making their way to Bethlehem, relating better than I can, to the hardships they faced.
  • In the surprise gift what showed up in the mail from a daughter who models Jesus’ kindness and thoughtfulness in ways that inspire me.

And I found this cool blog with printables 🙂

IMG_2447

And in a very different vein…this amazing organization is sending 30 days of prayer for ISIS – reflection, prayer, and often a music video – to anyone who signs up. They use insights from the life of Saul/Paul who was transformed from an enemy of Christianity to a passionate evangelist. We ask what in the world WE can do, and Jesus says “Pray for your enemies.” So let’s DO IT!! It is an awesome resource!!

Screen Shot 2015-12-02 at 8.48.25 AM

I was inspired by this video. We belong to each other!

And, I know this is late, but for anyone who has turkey leftovers throughout the holidays, here is the BEST Turkey Tetrazzini recipe from John’s mom.

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup flour

1 ts. garlic salt

1/4 ts. white pepper (I omit)

2 Cups milk

1 cup half and half

1 TB of “Better than Chicken Boullion” or granular bouillon to taste

1/3 cup Sherry

2/3 cup parmesan

1/2 package spaghetti

2 cups cooked turkey or chicken

1 package of sliced mushrooms sautéed in butter (if you want, you can use regular salt above, and sauté some minced garlic in with the mushrooms.

You know the drill from there – make the white sauce, add the stuff, cook the spaghetti, and mix it up! SO good!

Lastly, a word from God that was reassuring to me during this busy season!

IMG_2417We’re going to get our tree now. Have a great weekend!

One Practice to Make Today More Meaningful

December 2, 2015 /

Advent. Just the word rolling off your tongue, and the feels it conjures up, are such a contrast to “holiday hurry”, “cyber Monday”, and kids insisting “I NEED this for school TODAY!”

I pause at a stoplight, in morning traffic and think about that tension between the pace of life today and the measured minutes in Nazareth and Bethlehem long ago.

500 years of silence. The plodding slowness of Mary and Joseph walking 90 miles over dusty roads towards a stable where Glory would be delivered after hours of labor. The time to reflect. The lack of iPhones or speed or 24/7 news cycles.

No it wasn’t quiet. Or easy. But there was a slower rhythm built into life.

A life where conversations happened in person. Experiences were chatted about and evaluated while walking rocky roads or while doing unending chores of water-hauling, bread-baking, seed-planting.

Slowly.

For us slow is counter-cultural. It takes a commitment to go against the flow. But what might we notice of God and ourselves if we entered into a different rhythm? Continue reading

« Older posts Newer posts »

© 2026 Laura Crosby

Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑