The House of the Lord

We were blessed today to attend the marriage and temple sealing of our dear friends, Maricela, Carlos, Karin and Rosita.   They have been truly blessed and guided by the hand of the Lord.  It has been our honor and privilege to be a small part of the incredible journey that has brought them to the temple today. Certainly, the sealing of this sweet family together forever  is the high point of our service in the Cannon 6th Spanish Branch.    

"Mine Angels Round About"

1991

"I will go before your face,

I will be on your right hand and on your left, 

and my Spirit shall be in your hearts,

and mine angels round about you,

to bear you up."

            --DC: 84:88

"We shall find Peace, We shall hear Angels..."

Last night we attended a Live Nativity in the Glen. 

 It was so wonderful in the woods, by the stream, right in the heart of our city.  The beautiful creche, star, market, luminaries, fires, camels, sheep and donkey added to the experience, along with shepherds and other Bethlehem townspeople.   

I loved the "Holy Family", so peaceful and serene on the cold, clear night.

Magical.  I could almost hear angels.

"We shall find peace,

We shall hear angels,

We shall see the sky

Sparkling with diamonds."

                --Anton Chekhov

  

Merry Christmas Charlie Brown

Charlie Brown: [Charlie Brown and Linus stop at a wall on their trip to the pond for ice skating] I think there must be something wrong with me, Linus. Christmas is coming, but I'm not happy. I don't feel the way I'm supposed to feel.
[begins to walk with Linus again]
Charlie Brown: I just don't understand Christmas, I guess. I like getting presents and sending Christmas cards and decorating trees and all that, but I'm still not happy. I always end up feeling depressed.
Linus Van Pelt: Charlie Brown, you're the only person I know who can take a wonderful season like Christmas and turn it into a problem. Maybe Lucy's right. Of all the Charlie Browns in the world, you're the Charlie Browniest. 

Tonight we enjoyed a delicious dinner at The Lindsleys.  We watched the classic,

"A Charlie Brown Christmas"- so poignant and humorous. 

I love Charlie Brown: "Is there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?"

 Linus helps him overcome his despair by quoting the Christmas Story found in Luke.   

Amid the bustle and busyness, I sometimes feel like Charlie Brown.  It is good to remember the real reason we celebrate Christmas. 

Anne tried a new cookie recipe - we all agreed - it's a winner!

CHAPMAN'S CHRISTMAS MARIZIPAN

1 tablespoon butter

1 cup less 2 teaspoons sugar

2 eggs

dash salt

2 tablespoons almond extract

1 cup less 2 tablespoons flour

slivered almonds to top

Cream butter, sugar, eggs, salt and almond extract.  Add flour and stir until combined.  Spread into greased 8" square glass baking dish and sprinkle slivered almonds on top.  

Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.

Cut in squares.

         --Favorites

A Place at Our Table

As I prepared Sunday dinner, I thought of loved ones unable to join us -
Empty places at our table.

A decade ago, my friend, Marcia, gave me a hand calligraphed message which has become a treasured Christmas inspiration.  It reminds me of who should be the most honored guest.  I pray to have His spirit with me and truly make room for Him in my heart and home.

Christmas Salad

1 head red leaf lettuce

1 head green leaf lettuce

2 large grapefruits

1 large pomegranate

1 large avocado

1 large pear

Dressing:

1 cup sugar

2 teaspoons dry mustard

1 teaspoon salt

2/3 cup apple cider vinegar

2/3 cup vegetable oil

1 tablespoon poppy seeds

Mix dressing in a blender; refrigerate until ready to use. Tear lettuce into small pieces, set aside.  Peel grapefruits and cut into sections, set aside.  Seed pomgranate, set aside. Slice avocado and pear.  Toss all together with dressing.  

O Christmas Tree

O Christmas Tree O Christmas Tree

How Lovely are your Branches!

I love the beauty of a "real" Christmas tree.  The smell of fresh pine fills the house with the authentic aroma of Christmas.  I love to simply sit on the couch with only the tree lighting the room.
 I feel such peace.
 For now,

"All is calm, All is Bright".  

A Christmas Memory

Even though the Christmas Celebrations have begun,  I am feeling somewhat sad and melancholy.  Today would have been my brother Billy's 55th Birthday.  Oh how I wish I could visit him, sit and chit-chat, laugh and remember.  I miss him and try to feel peace knowing that he is in a better place. Often, I wake up  and can't believe he is really gone.  It is just so hard to let him go; to truly know that we have said good-bye for now.  I find comfort in this scripture:

It has been made known unto me by an angel,

that the spirits of all men,

as soon as they are departed from this mortal body,

yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil,

are taken home to that God who gave them life.

And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness,

which is called paradise,

a state of rest, a state of peace,

where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care and sorrow.

Alma 40:11-12

One of my favorite Christmas books is Truman Capote's memoir, "A Christmas Memory".  I love the story, especially the last few pages and today I've found comfort rereading this little treasure:

"My, how foolish I am!" my friend cries, suddenly alert, like a woman remembering too late she has biscuits in the oven.  "You know what I've always thought?" she asks in a tone of discovery, and not smiling at me but a point beyond.  "I've always thought a body would have to be sick and dying before they saw the Lord.  And I imagined that when He came it would be like looking at the Baptist window:  pretty as colored glass with the sun pouring through, such a shine you don't know it's getting dark.  And it's been a comfort:  to think of that shine taking away all the spooky feeling.  But I'll wager it never happens.  I'll wager at the very end a body realizes the Lord has already shown Himself.  That things as they are" --her hand circles in a gesture that gathers clouds and kites and grass and Queenie pawing earth over her bone-"just what they've always seen, was seeing Him.  As for me, I could leave the world with today in my eyes." 

Happy Birthday Billy!