Shine: My word for 2011

# 010 3-14-08
Originally uploaded by phill55188  

For 2011 I am choosing a word as the word to inspire me all year. Do any of you do that? This is the first year I will be doing this.
The word I choose is "shine". I think it has a lovely ring to it, and there are some great Scripture quotes for "shine."
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16 NKJV
"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness comprehends it not." John 1:5
"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)." Ephesians 5:8 This one mentions light and not shine, but the idea is here too.
Many of the blogs I follow are written by bloggers who really do shine and inspire me, and I aim to do the same here.

Parsnips and my easy recipe

Parsnips
Originally uploaded by pin add
Ah, the humble parsnip. Parsnips remained a mystery to me until about 5 years ago, when a relative showed me how to prepare them.
Let me tell you, parsnips are delicious.
Her directions are: peel them and slice thin, about five slices per inch.
Boil water, put in parsnips and cook them on low boil for 5 to 10 minutes.
Drain and add butter, salt and pepper.
Now isn't that easy peasy? Well some of you probably are amused with me, since you have cooked parsnips for many years.
Some people mash them; I like parsnips just as described here, and don't mash them.
Now who will share with me here the mysteries of cooking turnips and rutabagas?

Merry Christmas Dear Friends

Merry Christmas to All of You, Dear Blogging Friends. The Day is Near To Celebrate the Birth of the Holy Babe.

Christmas tree with lights on and Voyage of the Dawn Treader

Here is a photo my husband took Friday, December 17, of our Christmas tree, with decorating in progress. On Friday we have lights and the angel tree topper added, and on December 19 the ornaments. We saw "Voyage of the Dawn Treader, Chronicles of Narnia" yesterday and enjoyed it, and love the books. We decided to see it in 2D, not 3D. Have you seen this movie, or any, in 3D? Did you like it?

Surfer Statue with Santa Hat

I took these photos on a recent winter day, when someone had put a Santa hat and leis on this sculpture of a surfer. Our surfer is ready for Christmas now as he looks out over the ocean toward Hawaii.

The Darkness and the Light of Christmas

All Saints Church, Mattishal + Tree
Originally uploaded by rocketjohn
In the church I attend, these Advent Sundays include a rather dark church and 3 tall Christmas trees at the front, shining with white lights as the main illumination and decoration.
At the front of the church is a simple table with an empty wine glass and an empty bread plate, instead of the communion table of wine and bread.
Two ministers stand behind this stark table, to anoint us with oil, if we wish, and yes, I do.
This solemnity is precious to me and seems so right. The trees with white lights are very pure and full of promise.
Soon He will be born.
What parts of Christmas make your soul sing?

Pretty photo by Amrita

My friend Amrita took this photo of my book and gladioli and tuberoses from her garden, and is letting me post it here.
Her blog is YesuGarden  yesugarden.blogspot.com and she posted about my book, and also photos of a children's church service at her church in India on November 21, 2010. I think you would enjoy a visit to her blog, as I do.

Blue Christmas tree

Blue christmas tree
Originally uploaded by micamica

I think all Christmas trees are pretty, do you agree?
This blue and silver one in Japan is unique and shines in its own way.

"Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children they are all thirty feet tall." by Larry Wilde.