If Ye Love Me - More Christ in Christmas

My Christmas ABC's

 

K is for keep - Jesus said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." (John 14:15 KJV)

In explaining the Parable of the Sower, Jesus said, "But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience." (Luke 8:15 KJV)

Jesus doesn't ask us just to believe in Him; He asks us to follow His example of obedience, to treat others as He did, to serve others as He did, to do the Father's will as He did. And knowing we can't be perfect as He is perfect, He took upon Himself our sins and weaknesses, our pains and sorrows, and gave His life for us, then was resurrected so that we too can live again. He asks us to have faith in Him, repent of our sins as often as we need to (that's daily for me), and follow His example. 

His gifts to us are forgiveness, comfort in times of pain or sorrow, strength to endure trials,  encouragement in our efforts to keep the commandments, and hope to continue through all things. Sometimes it's good to remember all the good gifts He gives us!

Making a Home and Housekeeping

From Home Comforts, The Art & Science of Keeping House by Cheryl Mendelson:

What really does work to increase the feeling of having a home and its comforts is housekeeping. Housekeeping creates cleanliness, order, regularity, beauty, the conditions for health and safety, and a good place to do and feel all the things you wish and need to do and feel in your home. Whether you live alone or with a spouse, parents, and ten children, it is your housekeeping that makes your home alive, that turns it into a small society in its own right, a vital place with its own ways and rhythms, the place where you can be more yourself than you can be anywhere else.

It is not in goods that the contemporary household is poor, but in comfort and care.

 

Continuing in Japan

Tokyo is the largest city I've ever been in (until I went to Seoul, which has a million more people!) so I looked out from the observation deck in total amazement and bewilderment. The past five years of living in a town of 2,100 people has shrunk my perspective. Tokyo is just mind-bogglingly huge, largely flat and goes on for miles!

While we visited, the weather was chilly, including a day of rain. I was glad I had my Pashmina and a flannel lined coat with a hood. Noble braved the cold the first day then borrowed warmer wraps the next days.

This gate marks a traditional shopping area in the downtown area (although how can you tell what is downtown when it is all urban?). We enjoyed looking at all the trinkets and souvenirs for sale. I bought some postcards to send to loved ones, and some magnets to add to the collection on my fridge.

At the other end of the market street is a huge Buddhist Temple. The woman in the bright green coat is our hostess, and the girl in jeans next to her is our former exchange student.

Before entering the Temple we purified ourselves, first with smoke, then with water.

If I remember correctly, this dragon is outside the temple. Unfortunately, we arrived just as the temple was closing for the day, so Noble didn't snap any pictures of the interior. We tossed our coins in the collection and took a quick look around the room before exiting.

The Johnny-Jump-Ups were so pretty! Here we're waiting for a water taxi for a ride up the river.

Moored to the opposite bank of the river was this old style boat. It was sure relaxing to sit in the warm cabin of the water taxi after so much walking in the cold.

Cold Weather, Hot Food

The frigid winter is still very much with us here in Iowa. We got teased with a few warms days, but then the arctic blast returned along with another dusting of snow.


How about a chili recipe that warms the whole body?

Slow-cooker Black Bean Chili:

1/2 - 1 lb. pork or chicken, cut into bitesize cubes (I use whatever pork is on sale, buttefly chops, or country style ribs; I use chicken breasts.)

16 oz. jar of thick chunky salsa

3 15 oz. cans black beans (or equivalent from dry) drained and rinsed

bell peppers - the original recipe calls for 1 medium red; I use whatever I have on hand and make it more colorful with red, orange, yellow and green peppers.

1 medium onion, chopped

1 teaspoon ground cumin

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano

Combine all ingredients in slow cooker, cover and cook on low for 4 - 6 hours, until meat is done (shorter for chicken, longer for pork).

Serve with cornbread muffins. You can also garnish with a dollop of sour cream, and or grated cheese. I like it sprinkled with Parmesan. It is also delicious served over brown rice.

This is a delicious alternative to the ground beef, red bean chili, in fact, I prefer it!!