Obrigado, Brazil

South America was our most exotic geography study to date. I didn’t realize Grilled Alligator was so chewy! But wait, I’m getting ahead of myself.

We covered basic Latin America geography and culture, but it was Brazil that held the most fascination for us with its Amazon River, Carnival and tropical Rainforest. Our kiddos have always been interested in living science, and there were many creatures to learn about: giant anteaters, sloths, anaconda snakes, capybaras, kinkajous, howler monkeys, piranhas, tarantulas and more. We read numerous books including the delightful titles My Amazon River Day, Capyboppy and Count Your Way Through Brazil.

Impromptu science class: "Jon-ten, is that a tarantula?" "No, Daniel, a tarantula is furry, remember?" "Oh, is that a black widow?" "No, it doesn't have the red mark." "Should we kill it?" "No, Daddy said that spiders are good guys." "Well, what kind of spider is it?" "Let's go get the insects book!"

Of course, we had to try some South American food. Inspired by the heavy Portuguese influence in Brazil, I decided to make Alan’s favorite Portuguese Bean Soup for dinner one night. As we supped, we listened to beautiful Brazilian music in the background.

A few days later, Jonathan spotted a sign at the market that read “Brazil Nuts.” We brought some home and proceeded to make a HUGE mess opening them with our nutcracker. Now I know where the phrase "tough nut to crack" came from. Lots of fun, but remind me to buy the shelled variety the next time. ;-)

By far our most memorable Brazilian meal was a dinner at the local Churrasco restaurant, where skewers of a variety of meats are grilled over an open fire. The waiters kept bringing different cuts of beef, lamb and poultry (chicken, duck and quail) to our table, and our platters were soon overflowing. We felt game enough that night to even try grilled rabbit and alligator! For those who are wondering, both were delicious. Rabbit tasted a little like chicken, and Jonathan said that alligator was like “a chewy rabbit.” So there you have it, right from the mouth of a babe!

I’ve often wondered how much three-year-old Daniel gets out of our Galloping the Globe studies. He listens to all the stories we read, but usually doesn’t say a whole lot afterward. That thought was put to rest the other night. As Alan tucked the kids into bed and prayed a blessing over them, Daniel looked up at his profile and said, “Hey, Dad. You look like South America!”

Our next stop is Israel as we prepare to celebrate Hanukkah for the first time ever. Does anyone want to see the wild menorah we made today?

"And God made the beast of the earth according to its kind, cattle according to its kind, and everything that creeps on the earth according to its kind. And God saw that it was good." Genesis 1:25

Unto Us a Child is Born

Advent devotionals

"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

Note to Self: Skip the Toys

Here's what kids really want: BOXES!





It's a house. A pirate ship. A camper. A bus. A whatever-you-can-think-of-thing.

Follow the refrigerator delivery guys around. Gather boxes. Let the kids loose. ;-)

A fun book to read: Christina Katerina and the Box

"A merry heart does good, like medicine." Proverbs 17:22

Happy Thanksgiving!

Here's our Thanksgiving card for you!

"We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you." Colossians 1:3

Proclaiming the Good News

Yesterday, Jonathan and I joined a few friends and thousands others at the Billy Graham Crusade at the Rose Bowl. It's an event I have looked forward to attending ever since the announcement was made that Billy Graham was coming back to Los Angeles. I have watched Billy preach on television many times, but being able to hear him preach in person would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

We got to the Rose Bowl two hours before the 3:30pm start of the Crusade. Already, there were crowds of people gathered to get into the gates. We made our way to the third level where a friend had graciously arranged for us to sit in a suite. The huge choir started practicing during this time, and their voices were absolutely heavenly. The time flew as we ate and chatted, and before we knew it the Tommy Coomes band began warming up the crowd with a Spirit-filled rendition of the Newboys' song, "He Reigns."

The Jars of Clay led everyone in a few worship songs, then Marcos Witt took over the stage. He was anointed; the stadium rocked! Everyone's favorite songleader, Cliff Barrows, was next. He led the choir as well as the entire community of believers in attendance in singing timeless hymns.

Michael Reagan was the special guest speaker. The adopted son of Ronald Reagan spoke about his late father and the common faith they shared in Jesus Christ. He shared about the tragedies he experienced as a child, and how God eventually turned them into good in his life. When he was done, there were very few dry eyes left in the place.

One of the highlights of the evening was hearing 95-year-old (!!) George Beverly Shea belting out "To God Be the Glory." What a precious saint of God! It was especially poignant to hear Mr. Shea sing as he was recovering from a recent heart attack. He has been a faithful friend and ministry partner with Dr. Graham for over 60 years. May we be so blessed with such longtime friends.

A respectful hush fell over the stadium as Franklin Graham assisted his father, who was inching forward with a walker, onto the stage. When Billy made it to the podium everyone jumped to their feet for a standing ovation. He said, "People have wondered if this will be the last time I will be able to preach. I don't know; that's in God's hands. But George Beverly Shea is ten years older than me, and he's still singing!" The crowd went wild.



Then it was time to get down to business. Soul business.

Billy spoke about golfing with JFK once and about another time he had lunch with Ronald Reagan. Surprisingly, both men had asked him about the return of Jesus Christ. He spoke quietly and with measured words, and I sensed that nearly everyone else there must have been sitting on the edge of their seats as I was so that not a word would be missed.

About ten minutes or so into the message, he announced that he had to sit down. He sheepishly admitted that they had to build a special podium for him for this very reason. Someone came to help him, and then he said, "Now I need to drink some water." At this point, the crowd burst into applause once again for our dear 86-year-old Billy, to let him know that we loved him and admired his dedication to preach the gospel to the world.

Billy then spoke about the signs of the times and our similarities to Sodom and Gomorrah. He reminded us about the warning Jesus gave his disciples: Remember Lot's wife. Jonathan, remembering the story, whispered to me with a little giggle, "I don't know how anyone could turn into a pillar of salt!"

Billy laid out the Good News plainly--that Jesus died on the cross for our sins so that we might be forgiven and inherit eternal life instead of judgment. He then invited people who wanted to follow Jesus to come down to the field. "When Jesus calls someone He calls them openly and publicly." He had not even finished extending the invitation when people started streaming onto the field. As the choir sang "Just As I Am" and people were going forward, Billy was obviously in deep prayer. It was a moment I will never forget. Here was a remarkable servant of God, who has dined with Presidents and powerful world leaders, and has preached to more people in our generation than any other person, humbly admitting his dependance on the Lord to do His work.



I have been to other evangelistic events before, but seeing others take the step of faith forward never gets old. Who knew when the moment of conversion had happened for each person? It might have been days or weeks before the event; it might have been during the worship music; or it might have been at the moment the invitation was given. Only God knew the exact moment when He had given each person the gift of faith to believe. But being able to witness someone's public declaration of faith is an incredible privilege, and it brought tears to my eyes.

It reminded me of the first time Jonathan saw an altar call at church. He watched as over fifty people went forward after our pastor had given an invitation. I leaned over and explained that these people wanted to ask Jesus to be the Lord and Savior of their lives. He watched again, this time more intently. When he looked up at me again, I noticed he had tears in his eyes. I asked him why he was crying. He replied, "Mommy, I'm just so happy."

Last night, Jonathan had that same happy face again as he witnessed not dozens but thousands of people enter into a new life with Christ. I knew exactly how he felt.

"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise." Proverbs 11:30

Our Christmas Traditions

A few years ago, we decided to simplify Christmas in a major way. The holidays had become a source of stress for us, and it was time to make changes. Though the Christmas season is still a busy time, it is now also a treasured time for our family as we focus on the real Reason for the Season.

Earlier this month, I began reviewing my Christmas Checklist from my Holiday Notebook. This was a delightful time as I remembered Christmases past and reflected on our special family traditions. Here are some of my notes:

Read Jotham's Journey aloud during Advent--the four weeks prior to Christmas. (This will be our first year through this book.) Contemplate John Piper's The Innkeeper and his other Advent Narrative Poems

Have a special devotional time with the kids using Adorenaments, which consists of twelve ornaments each focusing on one of the names of Jesus: Savior, The Good Shepherd, The Light of the World, etc. For the twelve days prior to Christmas, we read an excerpt from a story, then the kids hang the corresponding ornament on the tree.

Bring out our favorite Christmas books: One Wintry Night by Ruth Bell Graham; The Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski; Legend of the Candy Cane by Lori Walburg; Mary's First Christmas by Walter Wanegrin Jr.; Why Christmas Trees Aren't Perfect by Richard Schneider; The Tale of Three Trees by Angela Hunt; The Crippled Lamb by Max Lucado; and Annika's Secret Wish by Beverly Lewis.

Watch Christmas videos: A Charlie Brown Christmas, Little House on the Prairie: Christmas at Plum Creek, It's a Wonderful Life, and White Christmas.


A scene from last year: Daniel falls asleep on
the staircase. Christmas takes so long to arrive!

Read Linda's favorite holiday books: A Quiet Knowing Christmas by Ruth Bell Graham and Treasuring God in Our Traditions by Noel Piper.

Pass out candy canes attached with The Legend of the Candy Cane tags. Make Apple Butter, World's Best Cookies and Gingerbread Cookies and enjoy some of them with hot cocoa.

Sing Christmas hymns and listen to Handel's Messiah as well as our favorite Christmas CDs (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)

Visit our friends at the Nursing Home, pack shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child and participate in Angel Tree.

Most importantly, remember to keep Christ in Christmas.

What are your favorite Christmas traditions?

"Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10-11

A Conversation on Marriage

During our Bible time this morning we read the wonderful story in Genesis 24 about Abraham's servant and his trip to a far away land to find a bride for Isaac. It's a wonderful portrayal of God's faithfulness in bringing two people together for marriage if they seek His guidance. Of the many prayers I pray for our children, at the top of the list are for godly spouses and that they would wait on the Lord for His perfect timing.

Someone posted these questions on the Sonlight boards a while back. I thought it would be interesting to hear Jonathan's thoughts on marriage.

Q: How do you decide who to marry?
A: By who Jesus tells you.

Q: What is the right age to get married?
A: I don't know.

Q: How can a stranger tell if two people are married?
A: They stay together.

Q: What do you think your Mom and Dad have in common?
A: Being my parents.

Q: What do most people do on a date?
A: Go to a Bible study.

Q: What would you do on a first date that was turning sour?
A: Ask Jesus to help it not turn sour.

Q: When is it okay to kiss someone?
A: When you're married. On the lips.

Q: How would the world be different if people didn't get married?
A: You would only have a mother or only just a father.

His answers warmed my heart. I sure hope they remain the same in, oh, about 14 years or so! ;-)

"And the Lord God said, 'It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.'" Genesis 2:18

Considering Our Desires

"If we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased."
~C. S. Lewis in The Weight of Glory.

Spam Musubi, part two

Here's further evidence that Hawaii is nuts about Spam:


The Hawaii Collector's Edition can


Spam Musubi recipe on back of the can

Full story about the unveiling of the special cans here.
Fellow aficionados can join the Spam Fan Club.

Culinary Confessions

Generally speaking, we're a "Whole Foods-Organic if Possible-Naturopathic Leaning-Vitamin & Supplement Taking-Trans Fat Avoiding-Juice Drinking-Feingold Program" family. We haven't always been this way, but the more we've learned about nutrition the more we've tried to eat with health benefits in mind.

However, there is a thorn in the flesh and it goes by the name of
Spam Musubi.

Having been raised in Hawaii, Alan and I were accustomed to seeing Spam (the unofficial state meat) not only on the breakfast table along with eggs but also at family picnics, potlucks and parties. All Hawaiian restaurants worth their poi serve Spam. Even the McDonalds in the islands offer Spam & Eggs as an alternative to an Egg McMuffin!

When we moved to California, our fondness for Spam traveled with us. We diligently searched grocery store ads and stocked up whenever it went on sale. One year, Alan's parents came for a visit. Mom happily opened her box of gifts from Hawaii, and neatly packed along with the Kona coffee and the macadamia nuts were a dozen of the familiar cans. Alan didn't have the heart to tell her that it was cheaper to buy them here than in Hawaii. Many happy moments in our early married years were spent frying some up for fried rice or enjoying strips in bowls of saimin. And once our kids were born, the Grandmas eagerly indoctrinated them to the pleasures of local foods, including
you-know-what.

With our recent bent toward healthy eating, however, Spam has not been appearing very often in our kitchen. Our focus has been on eating lots of fruits and veggies, and along with our multi-vitamins we've been taking extra Vitamin C, Echinacea and Zinc to ward off bugs during flu season . So far so good.

This is where late-night blog-surfing can get one in trouble. I happened to be reading Marla's blog in which she made a casual reference to eating spicy Spam. My foodie antenna went up and a discussion ensued. She and I decided to blog simultaneously about the wonder meat and faster than you could say "rice and nori" I was googling Spam Musubi. Trust me, it's very hard to go to sleep at night with that as your last thought. The next day, I made the decision to temporarily abandon our normal cashew butter and organic apricot jam on whole wheat sandwiches. There began our downward spiral into shameful gluttony. "Hey, kids! Guess what we're having for lunch today?"

Scenes from Auntie Linda's Kau Kau Kitchen

All the necessary ingredients: Spam, rice and nori.
Mustn't forget the plastic musubi mold!


Wow, Mom, this looks Onolicious!


Add some carrots and milk, and you've covered
all the major food groups! ;-)

After the last morsel of rice was gone and we were done licking our fingers, I assessed the extent of our backsliding. Spam musubi will be a difficult comfort food to give up, but we're gonna have to do something. Desperate times call for desperate measures. This may require prayer and fasting.

I think I'll start tomorrow.

"Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever." 1 Chronicles 16:34

This and That

Our good friend Mark Schneider has for years been a voice of reason to many. We're pleased that he has finally entered the blogosphere where others can also read his insightful musings. Please visit his blog at Agape Veritas.

Okay, I need your opinion on something. Look at this.
Then look at this:


Is there a resemblance?

Our friend Penny says they're spitting images. I'm not sure, but both bring back happy memories.

"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up." Ecclesiastes 4:7-12

Banishing the Gimmes

Drizzly days. Antsy kids. Christmas looms. The Toys R' Us Big Toy Book arrives in the mail, complete with stickers to mark which toys to beg for. All the ingredients needed for a huge case of the "Gimmes" and "Wannas." I sigh and think to myself, isn't covetousness one of the enemy's battlegrounds?

Looks like it's time to pack some shoeboxes.

One Sunday years ago, our Pastor announced that our church would be participating in Samaritan's Purse outreach, Operation Christmas Child. It was simple: all we had to do was take empty shoeboxes, fill them with gifts and turn them in. The ministry team would then organize the shoebox deliveries to needy children around the world, many whom had never received a gift before.

We heard touching follow-up stories. One little boy was given a shoebox filled with toys and other goodies including a bundle of pencils. He carefully removed one pencil from the bundle, then handed the box back to the ministry worker. When the worker explained that the entire shoebox was his, not just one pencil, he was surprised with joy. Hearing stories like these brought a lump to my throat and made me realize once again just how much we take for granted.

We set aside part of Sunday afternoon to pack our shoeboxes. First, we gathered all the boxes and goodies on the dining room table and went over the plan. Jonathan knew the drill from previous years, but for the first time Elizabeth grasped what it was all about. Her eyes opened wide as we explained that we were putting together these boxes for children who didn't have many toys or much of anything else.



The kids then packed the shoeboxes. The boys were quick to decide what to put into their boxes: hot wheels, balls, puzzles, etc. Elizabeth, however, took things a little more slowly. She went over each item carefully as she pondered what a little girl might like to receive.



After the boxes were filled with toys, they were topped off with candy and gum. Family photos and letters will also be added before they are sent off with our love and prayers.


After surveying the stack, Jonathan said, "Oh, it makes me so happy to think about how happy the kids will be when they get these boxes!"

I smiled. Mission accomplished.

For more information about this wonderful ministry, please visit the Operation Christmas Child website.

"It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35

A Portrait to Ponder

Elizabeth is the artist in our family. She is happiest with a crayon or pen in her hand. Paper is a valuable commodity to her, more precious than silver or gold and yes, even chocolate.



She tends toward drawing people and animals, but anything goes depending on the whim of the artist. When she's feeling a bit tomboyish--no doubt due to the influence of her brothers-- she will surprise us with a rendition of a race car or truck. Other times, she will draw scenes from our daily life: Shadow chewing a bone, Jonathan taking his vitamins or the kids gathered around a birthday cake. Sometimes Alan finds little mysterious slips of paper in his briefcase with a big "E" and random scribbles in crayon--a secret message to Daddy.

The other day, she brought her latest drawing to me.



Me: Hi Sweetie, what do we have here?
E: A picture.
Me: A picture of?
E: Mama and Daddy.
Me: Hmmm...now why does Mama look happy and Daddy looks.... ?
E: (giggles and runs off)

I never got a proper interpretation out of her. She had already gone on to the next drawing, while I stood there pondering the portrait. Dig that hair! Where are the noses? Why is my mouth open? Oh, dear.

Could it mean: Mama announces her latest brilliant idea!
Or: We're having tuna casserole for dinner tonight!
Or: She talks and talks and never stops!
I sure hope it's not: Mama drives Daddy crazy!

I'll probably never find out what she was thinking. It got me thinking, though: What kind of portrait am I to my daughter? When she is grown, will she remember a portrait of a loud and complaining woman or a portrait of a gentle and godly woman?

Conviction from a crayon. Who would've thunk?

"She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness." Proverbs 31:26.

Our Thanksgiving Traditions

I took down my Holiday Notebook off the shelf and looked over my notes for Thanksgiving:

Thanksgiving Menu & Schedule
Turkey Roasting Times

Time to dust off our favorite Thanksgiving read alouds:
Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving by Eric Metaxes
Cranberry Thanksgiving by Harry Devlin
On the Mayflower and other titles by Kate Waters
Thanksgiving: A Time to Remember by Barbara Rainey

Ponder "You Can Truly Be Thankful " while eating Thankful Pumpkin Bread.

Meditate upon Psalms 100 & 136.

Sing traditional hymns:
We Gather Together
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow
Come, Ye Thankful People Come
Give Thanks

Make time for our Thanksgiving Family Tradition:
Give each person paper, a pen and five kernels of dried corn, which represents the meager ration that the pilgrims often had for an entire day. Have them list on the paper five things for which they are thankful. Small children can dictate to Mom and Dad. Go around the table and have each person place one kernel of corn into a basket or bowl, naming something they are thankful for. Go around the table five times. Save the slips of paper for our scrapbook.


Jonathan's list at five years old.

"We've got it all backward. Instead of having one day a year to give thanks, we should have one day a year to complain. Then the other 364 days of the year can be spent on giving thanks to the Lord." ~quote by Skip Heitzig (my paraphrase from fuzzy memory.)

"Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever." Psalm 106:1

Who's the Imposter?

Will the real Shadow stand up!!

Apples of Gold

Some of you are old friends who are familiar with Apples of Gold, an e-mail newsletter I've been sending out periodically for the last four years. AOG is devoted to encouraging Christian women in their walks with God, and to supporting their high calling as daughters of the King.

I have begun the process of transferring the archives from our old yahoo group to a new site for easier access. I hope to add new articles and favorite quotes as time goes on, so please visit often. For those who are not familiar with AOG, we hope to count you as a new friend.
Link: Apples of Gold

"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." Proverbs 25:11

Into the Wardrobe

I don't read a lot of fiction. Not because I don't enjoy it, but because with my limited reading time I find myself spread thinly among books that will provide much needed information--meat and potatoes like theology, homeschooling, naturopathy, pruning roses and so forth. Reading literature is like dessert for me; I'd like to eat the chocolate pudding but I'm usually too full from dinner.

So when Valerie began waxing eloquent about her twelfth or so journey through The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, it was as though an unspoken dare was issued: skip dinner and go straight to dessert.

I've longed to go through the series myself but have procrastinated because: 1) I wasn't sure the kids were ready for it yet; 2) reading seven fiction books seemed like a luxury I couldn't afford; 3) where would I find the time?; 4) I attempted the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe as a child and never got far; and 5) I couldn't decide which book to start off with first. (There are two schools of thought and both presented good cases.)

After some thought, I decided: 1) I'd read it first without the kids; 2) I'd take it slowly; 3) I'd make the time; 4) I'd try again; and 5) I'd start with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe because someone once said that it was only right to enter Narnia for the first time with Lucy and I liked that line of reasoning.

Just one bite, I told myself.

Famous last words.

By the time we reached the lamppost, I was already hooked. While we were having tea with Mr. Tumnus, I decided I definitely wanted to read the book again. As He-Beaver led the troops to the Stone Table, I reminded myself to take notes the next time around. And when I met the majestic Aslan for the first time, I knew there was no turning back. I was going back into that wardrobe again.

I was mistaken; Narnia is more than just dessert. It's also pan-fried trout, boiled potatoes, a great and gloriously sticky marmalade roll with tea, and Turkish Delight, too.

I will leave the book reviews to those more articulate than I, but I will share a couple of thoughts at this early stage of my Narnian adventure. First, I found myself empathizing with Lucy when no one would believe her story. There are many Edmunds in my life, and I have often been in her shoes.

Look, look," I'd say as I point. "There's glorious life on the other side, but you have to go through the door. Just take the first step and keep walking beyond the lamppost. There will be battles with evil and sometimes the fear of the unknown, but there's also beauty and wonder and delight beyond description. And you must meet Aslan. There is no one like him, and until you know him you don't know what you're missing.

Second, through C.S. Lewis' masterful portrayal, I've been gently reminded of the need to infuse more childlike wonder and curiosity into my ordinary days. To steer away from the many do's and don'ts and to make room instead for treasure seeking and discovery.

Perhaps dessert instead of dinner is not such a bad idea after all, especially when a feast is thrown in as a side course.

Narnia Links:
Into the Wardrobe
John Piper on why he loves C.S. Lewis
Lessons from Narnia by Douglas Wilson
Which order should I read the books?
Turkish Delight

"And with many such parables He spoke the word to them as they were able to hear it." Mark 4:33

Bleary-Eyed Thoughts

...on the day after the election:

It's all over but the shouting. :-)

It's so frustrating to vote one way and have your entire state's 55 electoral votes go the other way. :-(

There are enough pundits in the blogosphere using up bandwidth today, so that's all I'm going to say for now.

One more thing: Thank You, Lord, for your mercy.

"This is the day the Lord has made; we will be glad and rejoice in it." Psalm 118:24

Got My Sticker

Have you?

Marvelous Monday

Join in to discuss: God of Wonders