Although it’s late January, I’m already thinking about planting cabbage. The seeds can be planted now and ready for the ground by St. Patrick’s day. Our usual cold hearty planting time. I’m picturing how nice this cabbage will be paired with other vegetables. I like the idea of artichoke stuffed cabbage rolls. So, in preparation for the planting season, I’ll get to work on that recipe.

In addition to this recipe’s tastiness will be it’s nutritional value. Artichokes are rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamins, minerals, enzymes and phytosterols. All amazing wonders in building cells, fighting cancer and sustaining the human body. Paired with cabbage, carrots, mushrooms and onions, this meal is sufficient to make the cells happy!

Since it just would be a shame to only feed my cells, I want to feed my soul too. In a broader sense, we can know the sufficiency of Christ for fulfilling all of our spiritual needs. Paul says to the Philippians, everything he’d gained in life-education, status, good religious family, and zeal for God are all considered a loss because of Christ:

More than that, I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of him I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them filth, so that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own from the law, but one that is through faith in Christ—the righteousness from God based on faith. “
Philippians 3:8-9

Philippians 3 HCSB – Knowing Christ – Finally, my brothers, – Bible Gateway

There you have it! Sufficient food from the garden and surpassing value of Christ as Lord over our souls. What a sweet combination to traverse the rigorous journey of life. I hope you enjoy a little of both today, my friend!

Look for more ways to cabbage Here. I hope you and your family enjoy these sufficiently sound artichoke stuffed cabbage rolls as much as my family does!

God Bless You! What’s in the garden is good!

Do you ever watch a little boy swagger and say something grown up like his dad? They can’t help it, it’s all they see! Since, I watch six little boys do that frequently, I get a big kick out of their attempts to follow their dads’ characteristics. Intermixed in their own personalities, is a splash of an adult. Although, we too have taken on some characteristics of our parents, when we willingly choose to follow Christ, we are called to leave our parent’s example and follow his.

And boy, did he leave an example to follow!

When he was a boy of twelve and drawn to his Father’s house, he sat among the teachers, listening and asking questions. All those who heard him were astounded at his understanding. When his parents came looking for him, he went with them and was obedient to them (Luke 2:41-51). Something many of us, myself included, have to learn the hard way.

In addition to respecting his parents, Jesus took on the traits of His Father in heaven by showing compassion for people. Traveling to Capernaum, all those who had anyone sick with various diseases brought them to him. As He laid his hands on each one of them, he would heal them.

Also, demons were coming out of many, his example brought crowds to press in on him as he proclaimed the good news about the kingdom of God (Luke 4:20-44). Although, we may not be able to command demons or heal the sick, we sure can pray in Jesus’ name for the person tormented by them. More importantly, as we show compassion, we can also share the news of eternal salvation through Jesus, just as he did.

Leaving a Willing Example to Follow

Jesus’ example of compassion continued throughout his ministry. The poor man with a serious skin disease falls facedown before him and begs him: “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” Reaching out his hand, Jesus touched him, saying, “I am willing; be made clean.” and immediately the disease left him. Large crowds then followed him to be healed of their sicknesses. The text then says, “he often withdrew to deserted places and prayed” (Luke 5:12-15).

While reading these examples, we can picture the large crowds of people desperate for healing, poor and oppressed, and looking for a savior. The good news of Christ’s message here is: He is willing for all who come to him, to be healed of pain and brokenness.

In essence, redeemed of despair. When we read that he often withdrew to deserted places and prayed, we are reminded of Isaiah’s words, “He bore our sickness and carried our pain”. Can you just picture for a moment, this great crowd of people coming to him every day to restore them? How draining that would be! We can’t handle one person doing it, let alone a whole crowd…every day. Yet, he willingly takes it all upon himself. Drawing on the power of our Father in heaven to renew his own strength. Leaving quite an example to follow!

Healing the sick, while comforting the oppressed and afflicted is such a large part of Jesus’ ministry. We continue to see it throughout the gospels. The people travel from far places, to hear him, be healed of their diseases, and made well of unclean spirits (Luke 6: 17-23). But we must pay close attention to what Jesus suddenly says as the people sense his authority over illness and crowd around him to touch the power coming from him….(yes emanating power, read it, that’s what the scripture says!)

Then, looking up at His disciples, He said:

You who are poor are blessed because the kingdom of God is yours.

You who are hungry are blessed because you will be filled.

You who now weep are blessed because you will laugh.

You are blessed when people hate you, when they exclude you, insult you, and slander your name as evil because of the Son of Man.

Luke 6;20-22

Luke 6 HCSB - Lord of the Sabbath - On a Sabbath, He - Bible Gateway

The more he healed and helped people the more the religious leaders despised and rejected him. Jealous of his power and authority over sickness, death, and disease, they hated him. Not only did they hate him, they rejected his message of salvation, reviled his ministry, accused him of evil, and plotted to kill him. Lingering among the crowds who longed for him, were the haters.

Seeing this in their hearts and reading their thoughts, Jesus suddenly looks straight at his disciples and quotes Isaiah. Reminding the disciples that following his example will lead to slander, insults, and hatred. Blessed friends, it will look the same for us too.

However, Jesus says “rejoice in that day and leap for joy! Love your enemies, do what is good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you” (Luke 6:23-27). Jesus then leaves the examples to follow for his disciples, us and our even our own little ones. In verses 27-36 we are called to love our enemies, do good to those who hate us, and pray for those who mistreat us.

Even more, his example shows us he did not condemn or judge them in their hatred. No wonder he went off to pray by himself. Loving people is hard. The pain of their insults and hatred is hard to bear for his huge, loving heart. We can be comforted that he too, called upon the Father for continuing to love despite all the hate.

Lastly, my prayer for us today is to display a bold faith like Christ. Emulating his behavior will show our little ones the shadow of our dad in heaven. Leaving them a higher example to follow.

Sometimes, I think I should just call this, “My Simple Life” Blog. I don’t think I ever make anything difficult. This red quinoa & garam masala cod fish takes 30 minutes, max. And if you prepare your Quinoa ahead of time like I do, it’s even less time than that, maybe 15 min.

Aren’t you glad there are so many delicious and easy to prepare meals available that only take a few minutes?

I love that!

I also love, that cod fish provides a good source of vitamins C, E, and B 12. As well as minerals magnesium and potassium. But best of all, cod fish has the heart healthy, joint lubricating, anti-inflammatory benefit of Omega 3. You can check out more facts about Cod all over the web, but I’m a little partial to Organic Facts.

The creamy sauce that goes well with this healthy fish is pretty tasty too!

A combination of 2 tablespoons Full Fat Greek Yogurt and 1 Teaspoon Sabal Oelek chili sauce… it’s delicious!

I hope you like this Quinoa & Garam Masala Cod fish as much as we do!

Remember, What God put in the garden…and the ocean… is good!

While you’re here, check out these Tortilla Recipes!

When I see this quinoa & chia breakfast bowl in the morning and think about how many times I settled for cereal in the past, I just cringe. Really? Where was this energy packed breakfast when I was chasing my little girls around the yard? I did a class for my church a few years ago on Eating from God’s Garden and showed them this recipe alongside a glazed doughnut…

Needless to say, they were impressed with amount of goodness in this bowl compared to the doughnut.

There is no comparison with breakfast as far as macronutrients, or taste for that matter. Not only that, this doughnut does not fill us up! God’s wisdom in the garden in unparalleled.

“Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning and even among fools she lets herself be known.

” Proverbs 14:33

Although man’s pride continues to steer him away from God’s wisdom towards man made pleasures, God continues to let himself be known. The good news is we can start our day building wisdom in God’s word and from His garden. This simple quinoa & chia breakfast bowl is loaded with protein, fiber, whole grains, natural sweetness, omega 3 fat. As well as vitamins and minerals. All necessary for brain health and building wisdom!

On top of being nutrient packed, do you see all the seeds in this fruit? They are ready and waiting to propagate into the next generation. With just a little backyard space we can save the seeds from our next Kiwi and strawberries and grow them. All we have to do is rinse them well, place on a paper towel and dry them out at room temperature for about two weeks. Then plant them in some fertile soil and see if they grow. (The non-GMO seeds anyway ).

More importantly, as we age and face chronic disease, feeding our cells becomes necessary to function. The choices containing macronutrients to increase function begin to outweigh desire for sugar saturated “non-food” items. Also with just a little preparation we can enjoy new habits and convenience that provide cell building energy, without losing flavor.

Furthermore, our desire to use our hands without pain, open jars, and do crafts with our children and grandchildren doesn’t wan. It is something we need to thrive. We can continue to do these things with a little help from God’s garden.

Because we know… What God puts in the garden is good!

Have a blessed week!

Check out this yummy vegetable soup too!

When winter arrives I need some simply wholesome potato soup to ward off the chill. You know, the kind that is creamy and melts in your mouth while keeping you full for hours. As the winter solstice passes and I catch a few glimpses of the Bethlehem star, the wind cuts through my clothes to chill me to the bone, it’s time to layer up.

So, I’m bundling up in my clothes, contemplating the season of that star, and thinking about what God has planned in the coming year. Although I won’t know what’s ahead, all I need to know is those lights in the sky are a testament to his power and glory. The Psalmists says,

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
    the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
⁴ what is man that you are mindful of him,
    and the son of man that you care for him?

⁵ Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
    and crowned him with glory and honor.
⁶ You have given him dominion over the works of your hands;
    you have put all things under his feet,
Psalm 8:3-6

Regardless of what the coming year brings, I can be assured he cares for me. Sweet friend, he cares for you too. We can look forward to taking more time to absorb his word, layer up our hearts for the next phase of life, and prepare something wholesome and simple for supper. You ready?

I know potatoes get a bad rap because of their carb content, but really they are loaded with vitamin C, folate and fiber. Instead of raising blood sugar, they contain resistant starch, which can actually decrease it, according to a Healthline article with PubMed backed research. In addition they feed the good bacteria in our gut. Therefore helping with digestion, improving insulin resistance, and helpin us feel full longer (1).

More importantly, according to studies, the resistant starch in potatoes breaks down into short chain fatty acids called butyrate. An important fatty acid that helps reduce inflammation in the gut. While possibly aiding people with Chron’s Disease, diverticulitis, and ulcerative colitis. (2)

So, wrap up this winter, enjoy some simply wholesome potato soup, and enjoy those scriptures!

Thank you and God Bless.

See Recipe for No Salt Spice Blends Here

References:

7 Health and Nutrition Benefits of Potatoes (healthline.com)

Our final look at the way of peace in this Christmas series is departing in peace. A picture of this departure is found in Luke chapter 2. Simeon, the priest, arrives to the temple as the baby Jesus is presented to the Lord. I picture in my mind, an old man who has served the Lord faithfully his entire life. A man who encourages and counsels young couples as they present their firstborn to the Lord.

More importantly, he’s a man living under and ministering to people who fear ruthless Roman rule. Unfortunately the tactic Satan uses to steal their peace, and ours, is not a new one. However, it may be the most effective. Simeon knew their history of oppression and fear under Egypt’s control in the days of the Patriarchs. Then through various enemies of the land of Canaan in the period of the Judges. Not to mention, the control over them through Babylonian and Assyrian nations in later centuries.

Fear steals our peace more than any other tactic the enemy has. Whether it’s a virus and our restrictions of liberty, insecurity in our looks, doubt of love from our family, or fear of never living or knowing our purpose, it has a tight grip on our peace. Or lack thereof in our day to day thinking! The peace that comes through Jesus, says we don’t have to stay there. We too, can have peace in the hope of Jesus, just like this old man in the first century of our Lord’s birth.

In spite of Simeon’s dreadful circumstances of fear and Roman rule around him, God gives him hope in this innocent holy child. Accordingly, he is awestruck as the Holy Spirit reveals to him who this baby is. For Simeon, departing in peace meant not seeing death before seeing the Lord’s Christ. The fifth definition of peace comes into play as “the blessed state of devout and upright men after death”.

As the priests takes the baby Jesus in his arms, he blesses God, saying

“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your Word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” Luke 2:29-32

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version 2016

We see the ultimate purpose of Jesus birth and life portrayed throughout scripture. Especially here as a culmination of eternal peace. Only Christ can offer a spirit of contentment in the place where God decides our short period of time and existence. Choosing to live in harmony with others in spite of differences in values and morals displays our desire to live in Christ. However, we cannot do it in our own strength. We must rely on Christ, through prayer, as each fearful, insecure thought sneaks in to create doubt and steal our peace.

Abraham in Genesis 15:15 is told by God he shall go to his his fathers in peace; and be buried at a good old age. He understood, as Simeon did, walking blameless before God. He further quotes Isaiah.

Departing in Peace is For Us Too!

Simeon also sees God’s promise to bless all nations through Abraham revealed in this Christ child! Yes, us, Gentiles, are given the light of the world. Whoever walks in him will not walk in darkness (John 8:12). The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it (John 1:5) No matter how many times the enemy brings his dark intentions to our weary souls, our Spirit whispers within our hearts, “Hang on, I’m hear.” He sees us, he hears us, he wants us to depart in peace too.

But there is more! We don’t have to be afraid,

The Lord is my light and my salvation: whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version

Yes, indeed, Jesus grew to be the fulfillment of all God’s promises. His word assures us the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned (Mathew 4:16). Simeon, having lived a full life, is overcome with the glory of God’s plan for his people and a peace that surpasses understanding offered to the entire world. The history of oppression, fear, as well as the darkness of the culture living outside God’s way is put aside. Perhaps her hears the words of an adult Jesus saying,

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
John 14:27

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version

Not only can he depart in peace with the full knowledge and comfort of a Savior in his time, we are privileged to see it too.

Father in heaven, I pray the peace of your Son fill us this day and every day. May we awake with hope and fullness of you in our thoughts instead of our fear and anxiety. More importantly, help us see your goodness in those around us. May we also live for you and be a light in our own dark places. Give us the boldness to smile instead of cry, return criticism with soft words, and open our eyes to our own faults. In you only, Lord will we depart in peace now and forever. In, Jesus name I pray, Amen.

For more bold faith read The Way of Peace Through Christ –

Dye-free red velvet cake roll may sound a little difficult, but it’s doable with beets. Avoiding harmful red dyes is always a plus when looking for optimal ways to enhance our health. Plus beets are from the garden, and we know what’s in the garden is good! Although, many people are reluctant to give beets a try, they will find they add a wonderful moistness to this cake roll.

Yes! Chopped cooked beets pureed into dark red deliciousness is a wonderful substitute for a dye free red velvet cake roll. Since it’s paired with allspice and cocoa, the spices mask any taste of beets. In fact, it’s so good, I hope we never use red dye again.

Benefits of a Dye-free Red Velvet Cake Roll

Beets are low in calories, a good source of fiber, and rich in heart healthy betaine and folate. Both of which decrease homocysteine levels in the blood and reduce inflammation. They are also a good source of potassium and magnesium, minerals necessary for vital blood pumping functions. You can read more about the benefits of beets here.

Not only will the health benefits be present, but this cake roll is also adds beautiful variation to Christmas dessert offerings. Not only do we need appealing options to choose from for our celebrations, we need ones that help us stay on track with healthier eating.

But, there’s more good news, the dye-free red velvet cake roll can also be prepared gluten free. I hope you enjoy this recipe as you prepare your home and hearts for the spirit of the season. I am comforted daily in the hopeful story of redemption and salvation offered from Christ the Messiah in the Christmas story.

Have a blessed Christmas!

If you’re looking for fun Christmas things to do you can follow the link to Fun Christmas Ornaments on this site. As well as inspiration for holiday peace through the story of Christ in The Way of Peace on this site.

I hope you enjoy the site, I look forward to serving you and reading your comments.

The way of peace through the arrival, and life of our Lord Jesus Christ continues through the announcement of his birth to the lowly shepherds in Luke 2. The shepherds are keeping watch over their flock by night as the glory of the Lord shines around them (vs8). Do you ever wonder why the presence of the Lord’s glory fills them with great fear?

It seems like a repeated occurrence throughout the bible and in opposition to the way of peace. After all, fear is not peaceful. Yet, in the presence of just the shadow of God’s glory, it demands a posture of submission. An indication to us of where we stand, in our own sinful flesh, in opposition to God.

However, the beauty of the message speaks into the fear of the Shepherds and announces…

 “Fear not, behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11).

A Savior Who is Christ The Lord

Yes! A Savior to deliver, make alive, and preserve them, and us, from all evil and danger. Our Christ, the anointed Messiah. He rules in the hearts of his followers and directs them in the way of peace. He is announced as the great high priest who atones for our sins. Mary, herself rejoices in her need for this Savior, in Luke 1:47.

We also see in this title, he is “the Lord”. The supreme eternal being who rules heaven and earth. All spiritual authority is placed upon him to be a prophet that reveals the will of God. A the way of peace for the soul only Christ can fill. In addition, he is the priest who offers up atonement for sin. For he alone has the power to remove the guilt and pollution of sin. While he enlarges the influence of his Spirit to preserve and seal those who follow his way. (Adam Clarke Commentary, studlylight.org).

This bold revelation and proclamation of this all-powerful Savior is wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger (vs. 12) The shepherds will witness all this power in the humble state of our Savior’s birth and appearance. He came in this lowly state to destroy the root of all evil in the souls of men, pride. A sure sign for us to also live in humility, as the bold way to declare our fellowship with the Prince of Peace.

More importantly, this declaration is followed by a multitude of heavenly host praising God, and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest; and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

This humble babe is given all worship, praise and honor among the heavenly beings. Perhaps a prelude to the promise of scripture later written by Paul in Romans. A promise that before him every knee will bow and every tongue confess to God (Rom 14:11).

Also, the way of peace through Christ is revealed in those who reconcile their state of sinfulness to the authority of the Savior. They experience peace in their soul and towards their neighbors. As well as boldly displaying this peace through their humble words and actions.

In closing, I pray you have the peace of Christ in you this season and throughout the coming year! Although it is not a state of being for those outside the will of God, it is for us who trust in Christ. Nor is it for the scoffers and professors in this fallen culture chasing after the alluring things the prince of this world dangles before them. It is for the light of peace in us that shines in the presence of a hostile world. Its purpose is to reveal the true longing of every heart is something only Christ can fill.

The Way of Peace Series Begins Here

The Way of Peace through Jesus’ Birth and Life
The way of peace begins by exploring the foretelling and recording of Jesus’ birth this week. We are told from the lips of Zachariah,” The Lord will redeem his people through a horn of salvation” (Luke 1:69) To give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet in the way of peace” (Luke 1:79). 

But what does the way of peace mean for us today?

Peace is so fleeting!

We have it one moment and it’s gone the next. So, maybe it’s time to explore the various definitions of biblical ways of peace to determine where to start… and STAY in our peace:
Peace Definitions
1. A state of national tranquility, exemption from the rage and havoc of war. 
2. Peace between individuals, harmony.
3. Security, Safety, Prosperity
4. Of the Messiah’s peace–the way that leads to peace (salvation)
5. Of Christianity, the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from and content with its earthly lot.
6. The blessed state of the devout and upright men after death.

Since tranquility between nations is something we have not seen throughout the centuries, we can place world peace before the Father in prayer. Simply because it is out of our control. 

However, the remaining five definitions of peace are promises from our loving Father. We can hold tightly to them because they are available to us through His Son and His Word. 

The Angel, Zechariah, as well as his son John, speak of salvation in our chapters of Luke this week. We’ll explore the Angel’s announcement and Simeon’s joy in coming posts.

Today though, we’ll think about our definitions above to get a clearer picture of the Lord’s tranquility. We will also take a look at parts of Zechariah’s Prophecy below. Filled with the Holy Spirit, he exhorts the coming of our Lord, and the plans for his own son, with awe.

⁶⁷And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying,

⁶⁸ “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
    for he has visited and redeemed his people
⁶⁹ and has raised up a horn of salvation for us
    in the house of his servant David,
⁷⁰ as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,
⁷¹ that we should be saved from our enemies
    and from the hand of all who hate us;
⁷² to show the mercy promised to our fathers
    and to remember his holy covenant,
⁷³ the oath that he swore to our father Abraham, to grant us
⁷⁴     that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies,
might serve him without fear,
⁷⁵     in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.
⁷⁶ And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
    for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
⁷⁷ to give knowledge of salvation to his people
    in the forgiveness of their sins,
⁷⁸ because of the tender mercy of our God,
    whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high
⁷⁹ to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
    to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Luke 1:67-79

The glorious prophecy of Zechariah foretells of redemption!

 In addition, we know the way of peace comes through the “horn of salvation”. The phrase illustrates the strength of God to save his people. In fact, salvation is announced from the previously mentioned individuals, indicating a repeated theme throughout the book of Luke.

Our definition of peace reminds us of the Messiah’s peace of salvation. This means we have an assurance for our souls from the hand of our fiercest enemy (vs71). Even though he is doing everything he can to remove our peace. He will not win.

More importantly, because of his continual attacks, we need the mercy of God to proclaim the gospel boldly. Like many of our brothers and sisters throughout the world today, we too can serve him without fear (vs. 74). A fearless faith looking like the disciples and the early church martyrs. In addition, we see the recounting of Jesus’ birth throughout history. This too, is given as evidence of the oath sworn to Abraham in Zechariah’s prophesy. God has covered his descendants through the ages as they served Jesus with courage.

Descendants and disciples who unquestionably brought the light of the Messiah to the dying, pulling them out of the darkness. In effect, blessing them with the knowledge of salvation and forgiveness of sin. A joyous hope the people then and now cannot live without during troubling times. His way of guiding our feet into the way peace is so much better than we ever hoped!

In addition, the way of Jesus is bold in its gentleness. A way leading us to defy the constant barrage of criticism and attacks from the enemy. Placing our trust in him, allows a supernatural harmony to flow among us and our fiercest critics. We know we can’t do that on our own. Gently, he reminds us to take every thought captive to Jesus (2 Cor. 10:5) and use soft words turn away wrath (Proverbs 15:1).

Lastly, attempts to displace our peace fall on his precious covering in the shadows of death. A place we’ve all been too familiar with this year. May we cast aside the shadow for Jesus’ promising light and set our hearts on God. For in him, we find our eternal peace.

Making red plaid log ornaments are fun for a cold winter day activity. I especially like the relaxing part of creating ornaments. Although the holiday season can bring a multitude of to do lists, and along with that some stress, I like to keep it simple.

Therefore, creating these log ornaments is not just another to do list activity, it is a peaceful time to teach little ones the joy of creating. I think the reason I enjoy it so much is, like our Creator, we derive joy creating things. A sense of accomplishment and worth are inherent in our desire to build.

Furthermore, just as the Lord took pleasure in the work of His Voice, we too, take pleasure in the work of our hands. The Psalmist puts it so succinctly in Psalms 104 26-31:

O Lord, how manifold are your works!
    In wisdom have you made them all;
    the earth is full of your creatures.
²⁵ Here is the sea, great and wide,
    which teems with creatures innumerable,
    living things both small and great.
²⁶ There go the ships,
    and Leviathan, which you formed to play in it.

²⁷ These all look to you,
    to give them their food in due season.
²⁸ When you give it to them, they gather it up;
    when you open your hand, they are filled with good things.
²⁹ When you hide your face, they are dismayed;
    when you take away their breath, they die and return to their dust.
³⁰ When you send forth your Spirit, they are created,
    and you renew the face of the ground.

³¹ May the glory of the Lord endure forever;
    may the Lord rejoice in his works,

It reminds us so much of all the good things we want to give our own children! Especially at the holidays. What better gift to give them than sweet memories of preparing for the advent of our Savior’s birth?

These red plaid log ornaments may be just the thing to kickstart our creative juices this season. Since we’re always looking for ways to share the story of Christ with our little ones, a building project is a good idea. Creating things reminds them of the great Creator and opens the door for talking to them about where we come from. Not only where we come from but how God takes such care to make us whole. Mind, body, and soul. Just as we put parts together in our project to make it whole.

Check out the Bold Faith Blog for more encouragement.

A trip to Hobby Lobby may or may not be needed depending on your crafting supplies. But, while your out look for the following:

• A spool of Red Plaid Ribbon
• A bundle of mini Burch logs
• A bundle of Snow covered Sticks
• 1 Package of Red Bells
• 1 Package of Garland Ties
• 1 Bag Pine Cones
• 1 Sprig Berries
• Hot Glue Gun with Glue Sticks

Instructions for Assembling Red Plaid Log Ornaments

• Assemble 2-3 Birch Logs and glue together with hot glue into a bundle.
• Place the ribbon over the logs, it’s ok to overlap.
• Twist the garland to look like a wreath and glue to ribbon on the log..
• Apply the pine cones, then the bell.

Instructions for Assembling Red Plaid Stick Ornaments

• Assemble the sticks in a bundle of 6 or seven
• Place the red plaid ribbon over the sticks and glue with a hot glue gun.
• Twist the garland tie to look like a wreath and glue onto the sticks.
• Glue the red bell and pine cones in place.
• Insert the a small berry sprig on each side of the ribbon

You’re all done! Enjoy your peaceful advent time with your little ones and share the joy of creating!