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We bought a crucifix as a ‘love’ gift to each other. (early Valentine’s) Steve’s been wanting one for a long time. Did I mention we’re not Catholic? We are Lutheran however, and Lutherans tend to embrace and appreciate the historicity of christian symbols. We just hung ours up and I’m just a tad bit, I don’t know, squeamish or something, about it. And maybe that’s the wrong word. ‘ Not totally comfortable yet’, might be better. I grew up in various Protestant churches, mostly Baptist, and although we embraced the ‘bare’ cross, most rejected having the crucifix. I think Protestants in general are way too ‘against’ everything that resembles Catholicism. The common phrase was “We serve a risen Lord”……yes, one who was first a baby (and we have no trouble displaying a manger scene) and then lived the perfect life (it’s okay to enjoy art that depicts the various parts of Christ’s ministry) and died a sinless death on the cross (the crucifix ‘issue’). I read a great article about the history of the cross and crucifix which you can download here. So, do you display the cross or crucifix in your home and why or why not?
ours is made of alabaster in Italy
ours is made of alabaster in Italy
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I learned this fun project from my mother, who’s birthday is tomorrow, and who will enjoy her birthday in Key West. She’s been there for a month now and we’re beginning to wonder if she’s ever coming back. She’s always starts her tomato plants, green peppers, and herbs indoors about this time of year. Last year was my first try at it and it was so much fun. The girls and I bought different kinds of tomato seeds and a few different herbs and planted them yesterday in the premade window box planters. Steve was home and helped us with our ‘seed’ discussion. They usually sprout in about a week and then in a month or so will need to be replanted into bigger pots. The whole process is fun and educational. You should try it.
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Where is this year going? My son Taylor graduates from high school and I’m starting to panic. I wish you could meet him. He is so kind and funny and caring and smart and talented. He’s just easy to be around. I know that he’s sinful and depraved just like the rest of us. I know he will fall and fail, but I can’t help well up with mommypride just a little. I was listening to his CD on my iPod and marveling at how talented a songwriter he is. You can listen to his music here. When the actual CD comes out (not until end of Feb) I’ll let you know.
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I have recently taken the Facebook plunge. Which has resulted in many phone calls to my sister to say, “Do you remember suchandsuch? Should I remember suchandsuch?” Apparently my long term memory is failing me. My short term memory is not all that stellar either. My daughter gave me a tutorial on FB last night and rolled her eyes and snickered 76 times. Then she sent me a piece of flair that said something about laundry. It’s not a bad way to communicate with your teenagers who happen to be upstairs. Turns out, I can type faster than I can walk. And ‘Bring your laundry downstairs’ doesn’t necessarily work better face to face.
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I’m planning my Superbowl eating extravaganza. I’m gonna make several yummy appetizers including chicken wing meatballs and queso dip. I’ve decided to try my hand at homeade philly cheese steak sandwiches. (although I’m definitely cheering for Arizona) I’ve done my research and now need to head to the store. I can’t decide on dessert. Any suggestions?
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This is the inside of our santuary at Our Savior Lutheran Church. Many of you have asked questions about Lutheranism which I am slowly trying to answer. One thing I love about the ‘design’ of the sanctuary is that the cross is central as is the altar (the Lord’s Table). The ‘pulpits’ or lecterns are off to the side. The message in that—-Christ-centered, cross-focused.
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Baby dog Hank is not so little anymore. He’s taller than Scooter (the maltese). Weighs 25 pounds and is 12 weeks old. And I can’t imagine our lives without him. He’s so smart and loveable and floppy. He still falls down a fair amount—which is hysterical–and has learned the ‘sit’ command. Steve just said “It’s a good thing they can’t smell him through that blog”. Yeah, he’s gets VERY stinky after dinner, if ya know what I mean.