Ring in the New Year With Hoppin' John Soup

Although I'm not the least bit superstitious*, it has become a family tradition to eat Hoppin' John Soup on New Years Day. Far from thinking that the black-eyed peas will grant us prosperity, it is instead just another great excuse to eat one of our favorite crock pot concoctions.

 I first ate this mix of rice, beans, and sausage at a local restaurant but much tweaking throughout the years has made it my own - and oh so much better!

It's not too late to join in this tasty tradition...grab your crock pot and have it ready tomorrow!

Hoppin' John Soup Ingredients

1 bag dried black-eyed peas (yes, you can use the canned version but the taste and texture suffer)

3 cans of chicken broth or enough homemade broth to fill  2/3 of a large crock pot

1 packet of chicken flavoring from Chicken Ramen

1 bunch of celery, chopped - make sure you include the leaves for extra flavor

1 large onion, chopped

4 T olive oil

1 lb. ham sausage (mild)

1 lb. Italian sausage (sweet)

1 cup whole grain rice

1-
2 T poultry seasoning

1 T Worcestershire sauce

1/2 t minced garlic

Coarse ground pepper and Lawry's Seasoned Salt to taste

Hoppin' John Soup - Putting it All Together:

• Pour broth into crock pot, set on high. 

• Add black-eyed peas, Chicken Ramen seasoning packet and other spices/herbs. 

• Using a couple tablespoons of olive oil, sweat celery and set aside. 

• Add another 2 tablespoons of olive oil and saute onions and continue until they are caramelized. Introduce to mixture in crock pot. 

• Brown both types of sausage until thoroughly crumbly and brown. Drain and add to crock pot. 

• With temperature on high, cook for several hours - until black-eyed peas are at the desired softness. Some people prefer to cook them until they are rather mushy, we like for them to retain a bit of body.

• Pour in the rice, cover, and set timer to 25 minutes. If there isn't enough liquid in the crock pot, add some water and taste mixture to adjust seasoning. When the rice is tender, lower the heat setting to 'warm' or turn off. Serve with corn bread muffins and enjoy!

*Check out New Years Luck - Let Jesus be Your Dumbo Feather from a couple years ago.

13 for 13: Favorite Snapshots from 2013

Thanks to Pam over at Everyday Snapshots for conceiving and setting up this linking opportunity. The gist is to choose 12 favorite photos - one for each month - plus a bonus photo, spotlighting a look back at 2013.

January: 'While women may not become priests, Archbishop Cordileone clarifies that women do not in any way occupy second place. Instead, he pinpoints why women should be shown the highest respect and says that chivalrous practices such as holding a door open for a woman ought to be the norm. “A woman should walk out, ahead of the man, because she is the life-giver and, in holding a door for a woman, the man is recognizing her special place as the one who gives life.” He says that mantillas, or chapel veils, are a way for a woman to veil their sacredness: “In Christian worship what is sacred is veiled, women are sacred because they are the life-givers.” ~Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone

February: Christ, be our Light!
The new pope knows that his task is to make the light of Christ shine before men and women of the world - not his own light, but that of Christ. ~Pope Benedict XVI

March: Too many children? That's like saying there are too many flowers!

April: Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.

May: “Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures. You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air and animals on the land. You inspired St. Francis to call all of them his brothers and sisters. We ask you to bless this pet. By the power of your love, enable it to live according to your plan. May we always praise you for all your beauty in creation. Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures! Amen.”

June: Nature in the garden, a constant source of fascination.

July: Each life is a unique creation of God. Picture the possibility of each one - they are endless!

August: The 'back 40' of our daylily garden in full summer splendor.

September: Mr. Oliver is kind enough to share his pony friends with us.

October: Keeping the Faith for All Hallows Eve - St. Michael the Archangel costume from things around the house. Make it for your child:

November: King, the Belgian, is being retrained to be a carriage horse. He has a bit of practice before the kids can come along for a ride.

December: Advent, an integral spiritual preparation—especially in prayer and fasting—for Christmas.

Bonus shot #13 - Fall fun in the leaves.

Blog Blink - 13 Top Posts from 2013

Happy New Year!!!

As we bid farewell to the calendar year of 2013, I thought it might be fun to have a countdown of my 13 favorite/most popular posts. I'd like to extend a special thank you to Monica, over at Equipping Catholic Families, for the idea and for setting up this linking opportunity!

Graphics for Designs by Birgit's 13 best blog  posts of 2013

So, without further ado, here's the countdown of favorites for 2013:

#13 - St. Michael the Archangel Costume for Catholic Boys - Our boys are surrounded by floofy, pink princesses and their dress-up attire all year long. All Saints Day offered the opportunity to transform them into gallant, saintly heroes.

#12 - A Baker's Dozen: Reflections From a 17-Year-Old Bride - As my husband and I celebrated our 39th wedding anniversary, I shared my perspective as a teen bride.  

#11 - Pope Francis Wants a Mess? Let's Stir Up Some Pro-life Passion - Pope Francis famously gave the young people at World Youth Day the instruction to create a mess in proclaiming the Gospel. In this post I give his words a pro-life perspective.

#10 - Are Aborted Babies Saints in Heaven? - So many of us are affected by abortion or pregnancy loss. The age old question has been where do those babies go, since they were unable to obtain the sacrament of Baptism?

#9 - A Fool's Paradise or Sin Makes Us Stupid - Spring-boarding off a popular cleaning commercial, I share an inspirational sermon from a holy priest.

#8 - Hey Scarlet, Don’t Play Games With Your Soul - Putting off for tomorrow, what needs to be addressed today, is no way to prepare for His coming!

#7 - Don't be a Cafeteria Prolifer - Just as we can't pick and choose which Church teachings to which we adhere, we need to treat our unborn brethren without prejudice.

#6 - Angelina Jolie and Me: A Preemptive Strike at Breast Cancer - As an 8 year breast cancer survivor, carrying the often fatal BRCA-1 gene, I share moral and scientific reasons to take preventive measures.

#5 - Interior Disposition: Why Fix Your Hair, If You're Wearing a Veil? - All kidding aside, veiling is only an exterior devotion that should reflect an interior communion with Christ and His Church.

#4 - Meatless Friday: Hearty Crock Pot Potato Soup - This Meatless Friday recipe became wildly popular when it was picked up as a favorite with a crock pot cooking site. Yum!

#3 - News Flash! The Pope is Catholic - With the changing of the guard in the pontificate, speculation arose as to the faithfulness of the new pope and his more earthy 'style'. An in-depth look, however, confirms he is continuing to guide the Church faithfully.

#2 - Veiling Revisited - Is It Mandatory? - With my decision to begin the devotion of veiling a year and a half old, I reviewed some of the questions surrounding the revival of veiling.

And FINALLY, the most popular post of 2013...

#1 - Elf on the Shelf and Santa Claus - What are They Really Teaching Children? - Call me a Scrooge or call me a purist, but the Elf and I don't see eye to eye. While I don't condemn those who love the prank-filled interloper, I share my reasoning - based on family anecdotes. 

SHEESH, after compiling my list and creating a collage of graphics from the above posts, I realized that I'd omitted a popular and vital post from the collection.

Just call this your New Years BONUS post:

The Salvation Army: 5 Ethical Questions to Ask Before You Feed the Red Kettle - A part of charity is determining that our gift is going to an ethical organization, with ethical beliefs. The facts presented in this post might just surprise you.

*This post is also participating in a link-up over at Amongst Lovely Things



Now it's your turn...link up your favorites post here:

Sanctity of Life Sunday - Emulate the Holy Family, Not Herod

Yesterday we remembered the Holy Innocents - children slaughtered because an adult felt threatened by a Child, the new born King. Children aren't always welcome to the world. Sometimes they seem to threaten our comfort, our established way of life, or our vision for the future. Mary and Joseph could have looked at the impending birth of Jesus in the same way. Instead they (first Mary, then Joseph) looked outside self and found a prominent place for Him in their lives.

As we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family, let's resolve to welcome all children, no matter the circumstances, as Mary and Joseph did. If it's in our power, let's offer a helping hand to any mother (and father) facing difficult circumstances. It's the right thing to do - it mirrors His love and His command to love each other, as we love ourselves.

Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.

May the Wonder of Christmas Last All Year Long!

By the time you read this the Christmas Season will have begun. For my family that means a gathering of 25 -30 extended family members at our house. As put in place by my dearly departed mother, it will be filled with prayer, readings, and Christmas carols - a 'little liturgy' as one priest friend described it. The final song, in honor of Marie-Luise Atherton, will be Silent Night sung in German.

We will then continue on to a generous meal of various dishes, some recipes brought over from Germany and others added as the years progressed. Everyone who attends contributes in some way. We don't focus on gifts much, so the children will exchange gifts from a drawing we did on Thanksgiving and the adults will play a hearty round of Silly Santa - a much kinder version of Dirty Santa in that every gift is something you wouldn't mind taking home with you - no pranks. This way, each person - adult or child - takes home one nice gift.

This melding of cultures, practices, and generations will continue to grow and evolve even after we are long gone. May God bless this family of ours with abundant graces - enough to last throughout the coming year. My prayer is for a continuation of life in the Faith we all hold so dear - until He comes again to take us Home.

Birgit J

Sanctity of Life Sunday - Mary Said 'Yes'

It may seem to be over-simplification but we owe so much gratitude to Our Blessed Mother for her 'yes' to God - bearing His son Who would sacrifice His life for our sins. As we approach the final days of Advent, may we be mindful of the sacrifice made for us - both by Jesus on the cross and His mother who made His birth possible under less than ideal circumstances.

Mary said 'yes' and the ultimate gift become ours...

As we read the Gospel at Mass on this fourth Sunday of Advent, we should express our gratitude to both Mary and Joseph for heeding the message of the angel Gabriel. Mary's 'yes' gave us the gift of the season!

18	Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit;
19	and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.
20	But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit;
21	she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."
22	All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
23	"Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel" (which means, God with us).
24	When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took his wife,

Matthew 1: 18 - 24

Redemptive Suffering and the Christmas Novena

Guest post by Erika Vandiver

Today is the first day of the Christmas Novena! 

Even if you're not Catholic, this nine day prayer can change someone's life. Every intention does not have to be for a miracle. Sometimes if a miracle isn't in God's plan, it is important to find peace and blessings amid difficult circumstances. In addition, prayers can be for a person to have what we call 'a happy death' when they are called home. A 'happy death' is one attended by angels and saints who ease the passage from this life to Heaven. While angels and saints attend the dying, they also bring some of God's peace to family and friends. 

As Catholics we're also big on redemptive suffering. We don't think our suffering makes us deserve Heaven, but that we join with Christ in His Redemptive suffering in obedience to His command to 'take up our cross' and follow Him. By following His command at the close of life, we believe we are like the 'good thief' asking Jesus to take us to His Kingdom at the hour of our death. Additionally, it is beneficial to join your discomfort and pain these nine days to God to donate any redemptive suffering for your intention. We are all family in Christ, so it is fitting for us to share what we can for one another. 

Day 1 - Christmas Novena Prayers 

Opening Prayer:

V. O God, come to my assistance.
R. O Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 

Day 1 Prayers

The Incarnation.

O most sweet infant Jesus, who descended from the bosom of the eternal Father into the womb of the Virgin Mary, where, conceived by the Holy Ghost, you took upon yourself, O Incarnate Word, the form of a servant for our salvation. Have mercy on us.

Have mercy on us, O Lord. Have mercy on us.

Hail Mary, full of Grace, The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the Fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God, Pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our deaths. Amen.

Amen.

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Thank you for joining me and thousands of others in praying this Christmas Novena!

Can you think of anyone who would benefit from or enjoy praying this novena with you? Ask them to join here: http://www.praymorenovenas.com

God bless you!

Sanctity of Life Sunday - All I Want for Christmas

The attack on the innocent

"The attack on the innocent and defenseless life of the unborn has its origin in an erroneous view of human sexuality, which attempts to eliminate, by mechanical or chemical means, the essentially procreative nature of the conjugal act. The error maintains that the artificially altered conjugal act retains its integrity. The claim is that the act remains unitive or loving, even though the procreative nature of the act has been radically violated. In fact, it is not unitive, for one or both of the partners withholds an essential part of the gift of self, which is the essence of the conjugal union. The so-called "contraceptive mentality" is essentially anti-life. Many forms of so-called contraception are, in fact, abortifacient, that is, they destroy, at its beginning, a life which has already been conceived."

~ Cardinal Raymond Burke

The Salvation Army: 5 Ethical Questions to Ask Before You Feed the Red Kettle

Ring-a-ling-a-ling - the bell beckons passers by to drop their change into the red kettle of the Salvation Army (SA).Yet even charity isn't as simple as it seems. What ethical problems surface when the SA is scrutinized? Shouldn't we be concerned about the destination of our good deeds? When it comes to large organizations, it isn't enough to blindly give. As Catholics (or any Christians, for that matter), we have a moral obligation to hold charities accountable. Since there are many options, we are capable of making a difference by giving to good, morally sound organizations. Last year, I wrote an in-depth piece outlining and providing sources to some very disturbing facts about the Salvation Army. Here, I have condensed the information in an easily read list of five:

What's the Salvation Army's Stance on Abortion?

On the surface the beginning of the SA Positional Statement is morally sound. There is acknowledgment that all people are created in the image of God and therefore have unique and intrinsic value.  They further state that human life is sacred and everyone should be treated with dignity and respect. The Salvation Army also accepts that life beings at the moment of fertilization. So far so good.

Later, in same section, there are shocking contradictions. The Salvation Army notes that termination can occur  when 'carrying the pregnancy further seriously threatens the life of the mother' or diagnostic procedures identify a fetal abnormality causing only a 'very brief post natal period'. Further, rape and incest also represent a 'special case for the consideration of termination'. These exceptions portray a troubling contradiction to the professed 'sanctity, unique dignity and respect' due to the 'image of God' found in our unborn brethren.

Salvation Army and Planned Parenthood - What's the Connection?

In order to determine collusion between the Salvation Army and Planned Parenthood, we must look at material cooperation as well as monetary support. While SA may not directly contribute to PP, there is evidence that they do partner with one another. Research by Life Decisions International has found this to be the case and has landed the Salvation Army on their Dishonorable Mention list. Further, American Life League has also found a troubling connection between the two. Simply considering 'all the good they do' is not enough to excuse or waylay this compromise of pro-life principles.

How About Contraception?

As we further peruse the SA website we can also find stated support of contraception in their international positional statement:

“A serious commitment to the protection and care of the unborn calls us to a commitment to the prevention of unwanted pregnancy through means such as access to reliable birth control…”

Yikes, yet another position not in sync with Holy Mother Church! Don't they know that oral and many other contraceptives (such as the IUD) are also abortifacients? 

What Does the Salvation Army Teach About the Sacraments?

Here we find even more, compelling incompatibility. The SA is a heretical organization/church. Founder, William Booth, completely rejected the Sacraments. Although for some years he continued to follow the Protestant tradition of two Sacraments – Baptism and the “Lord’s Supper”, he held they were purely symbolic - until finally he dispensed with them altogether. In practice, many adult recruits had never been baptized – nor was it required. In the end Booth had come to the conclusion that, not only were the Sacraments not vital – they were a mistake. Therefore, in his “Foundation Deed” he abolished the Sacraments completely. This is definitely not a good match for Catholic charity.

Aren't There Better, Moral Alternatives?

And now for an answer to our moral Advent/Christmas alms-giving conundrum. Might I suggest a great, ethical alternative to the Salvation Army? Cross Catholic Outreach feeds the poorest of the poor in Honduras – 94.8% of your donation goes directly to these efforts. Their support of the missionary efforts of the Catholic Church in the developing world is endorsed by more than 70 U.S. Bishops. Cross Catholic Outreach is also an affiliate of Catholic Charities. Please prayerfully consider them when you make your Advent alms-giving decisions.

In closing, we should ask ourselves, "Do the good works performed by the Salvation Army outweigh their acceptance of abortion exceptions and support of contraception"? Will we look the other way instead of considering their cooperation with Planned Parenthood, support of abortifacient birth control, or their heretical beliefs? In a word, ‘no’. After all, there are many options for charitable service to the needy. We can easily find more worthy and life-affirming recipients for our alms. Rather than giving to a sect (SA) that has little moral common ground with Holy Mother Church, our focus should go to more suitable recipients.

EVERY child is a GIFT of GOD!

*Supporting sources can be found in my post from last year Salvation Army - Bells for Abortion.

Abortion Takes a Human Life - What More Needs to Be Said?

Sometimes the big picture is lost because we're too focused on details. An example of this becomes apparent when taking a long, hard look at the issue of abortion. The first step in clearly traversing our pro-life journey is a basic biological fact. The unborn are human. Even the pro-abortion side rarely argues against this biological fact these days. Furthermore, we know it’s correct to call such an unborn human a baby. It’s not a puppy or kitten or fledgling — she’s a baby because she’s not an adult — yet. She does, however, contain everything needed to become a fully developed adult someday. Mincing our words at how we describe these little ones (fetuses) only serves to offer yet another micro-debatable topic.

Lately, we've heard a lot of discussion about the unborn’s ability to feel pain. But is abortion only repugnant because the baby feels pain during the abortion procedure? Or is there a much simpler reason to feel revulsion at the act of killing what was, just moments ago alive? Any delving into minutia creates yet another point of contention, and thus a distraction from the big picture. A child was present in the womb. She had the God-given right to live but it was taken from her without any consideration of her opinion in the matter.

There has also been much talk about exceptions, when it comes to the pro-life issue. Some say that it’s okay to compromise, that babies born with defects, conceived by rape, or who endanger their mother’s health are somehow less worthy of being saved. They are expendable. Yet science proves she’s a baby - every time, . With that point being validly provable, no other circumstances can be validly argued to the contrary. Once there’s a life there, that life has God-given rights. It follows, then, that her humanity should be the prominent consideration. Anything else is weighing the worth of one life against another.

So, instead of getting lost in the details - gestational age, circumstances of conception, or physical characteristics - shouldn't we simply recognize the big picture? The humanity of the unborn, now irrefutably proven by science, is all the consideration we need to apply. The pro-life debate becomes simplified, in that the little details don’t serve as distracting detours or points of contention. If we stick to the fact that the baby is indeed a human being, there is no need to argue and nitpick; doing so only distracts and sidelines the point. Maybe we just need to stick to the biology of life. A baby — even in her mother’s womb — is a human being. The fact that she feels pain, was conceived in less than ideal circumstances, or may not be the perfect specimen has absolutely nothing to do with her right to life. Her right to life began when she began, at fertilization. And that right to life was given to her from God Himself. Period!

The Poor Need Your HELP: Kids Feeding Kids + a Link-Up!

This Advent and Christmas season my friend, Jennifer from Catholic Inspired, wanted to create a way for kids to help the poor. She contacted Cross Catholic Outreach and together they created an on-line art show, called The ART of Giving, to help empower kids to raise money for the poor while using their artistic talents!

Participation is as easy as 1 - 2 -3!

1.) Check out the BEAUTIFUL works of art the kids have created by going to Cross Catholic's web page or see their creations on Flickr.

2.) Choose a particular piece of art to sponsor or make a general donation on behalf of all the young artists by typing "all the young artists" in the comment box.

3.) Share this post or the link to Cross Catholic Outreach with your friends and family.

All donations go directly to Cross Catholic Outreach and 83% goes to help feed the poor in Honduras.

This is such a wonderful cause for Advent and Christmas alms giving - please

+ Donate Now +

to Cross Catholic Outreach on behalf of the young artists who cared enough to participate!?

Don't wait, you might forget!

+ Donate Now +

to Cross Catholic Outreach on behalf of the young artists who cared enough to participate!

This link-up is an opportunity to show your child's artwork for Cross Catholic's Art Show. It's open to everyone,   bloggers AND non-bloggers can link-up. You only need a URL address to a photo of your child's art. For example, you can upload the image onto Pinterest, Flikr, or DropBox and the URL can be added to the link-up. 

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Our 4 Steps From Advent to Christmas

Here we are - the second Sunday of Advent - and I can honestly say that I've never read more, considered more, or firmed up our family Advent practices more concisely, than I have this year. What a wonderful time! I've been challenged, informed and have shared via the Keep Christ in CHRISTMAS blog roll and more. All of this has culminated in an enhanced plan for this Advent and those to come.

O Come O Come Emanuel!

Week #1 - Since Advent is a season in it's own right, it's only fitting to begin the season with creating or purchasing an Advent Wreath and lighting one purple candle on the first Sunday. In addition, our family employs an Advent 'Waiting Tree' and an 'Advent Time of Waiting' craft idea, created by yours truly last year. We also begin to read the Advent, St. Nicholas, and Christmas storybooks we continue to collect. This year we added two new videos to the one we already had, 'Nicholas, the Boy Who Became Santa'. 

Week #2 - We're gaining a bit of ground in our anticipatory season now. The Immaculate Conception Novena has come to a close and the second purple candle has been lit. This weekend we deck the halls with garlands and put out a few more winter type decorations - snowflakes, holly pillows and burgundy poinsettia bows. We received an added, act-of-God gift as well this year - our first snowfall of the season - a definite rarity in W Kentucky!

Week #3 - Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday finds us lighting the pink candle on our Advent Wreath. This day lightens up the somewhat penitential season of Advent with the promise of the quickly approaching Birth. Our practice for this 3rd Sunday of Advent is to add lighting to the decorative scheme. The tree is brought in and lights are added - no decorations yet, the time hasn't yet come.

Week #4 - Ah, the fourth candle is lit today - reminding us that Christmas is nigh. There won't be much waiting (or preparation) now! This weekend finds us decorating the tree, putting up the Nativity scene, and putting the final touches on all of our decorating. Baby Jesus waits to placed on Christmas Eve, when our house will be filled with extended family and friends. One lucky child will have the honor of placing Him in the manger after the prayers, readings, and songs have ended. After the evening's celebration and festivities, we'll attend Midnight Mass, as a grand culmination of the long wait and flurry of preparation. Stay tuned to learn about our Christmas Eve 'liturgy' with family and friends...

Our Advent 'Waiting Tree' and calendar of little books.

Some things we do throughout Advent:

• Find ways to give to those less fortunate by participating in charitable endeavors, such as Cross Catholic Outreach's the ART of Giving.

• Prepare for His coming by attending a Penance Service and going to confession regularly.

• Talk about the true meaning of Advent and Christmas within our family and with others. Read books and watch movies that exemplify the reality of Christ's saving gift to us.

• Share our faith with others through social media.

• Condition our hearts toward true love, not just of those we already love, but those who might be deemed 'unlovable' by society.

• Light the appropriate number of candles on the Advent Wreath whenever we pray or eat.

• Continue to read the booklets in our Story of Christmas Advent Calendar as a journey to gradually reach the birth of Jesus.

• Pray for the people whose names we draw out of the basket for the A Time of Waiting devotion.

• Of course, we also bake, cook, write notes and mail Christmas cards, and attend Christmas plays - just like all of you do!

I hope you've enjoyed this visit with our family and our Advent traditions. What are some of your?

Sanctity of LIFE Sunday - LIFE as Gift

James 1:17 tells us,

"Every best gift, and every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no change, nor shadow of alteration."

Who, then, is mere mortal man to reject what the Creator has given?  As the Author of Life, only He has the power to give life and the right to call one of His creatures Home. In our confused, secular world we see the cheapening of the miracle of Life. A child is viewed as optional, an inconvenience to some and a 'right' to others. During the season of Advent, let us refocus on our dependence on God, our profound gratitude for our very lives, and unconditional love of others!

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As always, feel free to share any of my pro-life posters. Many of them can be found on the Designs by Birgit fan page on Facebook.

In His Name for Life,   Birgit J

Advent 'Waiting Tree' - When Advent Calendar and Tree Meet

Some families create a Jesse Tree with biblical references for Advent. Our family has taken a different tack. We have an Advent Tree (little Simon dubbed it the 'Waiting Tree') that is placed on a pedestal table in the living room. It stands no more than two feet high and has fiber optic lighting. Several years ago, our daughter, Erika, purchased an Advent Calendar that holds tiny books for each day of Advent. 

Entitled 'The Story of Christmas', each book is numbered and shares one fact or scriptural reference to the coming of Christmas. Since these tiny books hang from golden threads, we hang each one on the Advent Tree after it has been read. As Christmas draws nearer, the children gain a bit of knowledge leading up to the final, largest book which represents Christmas Eve and the birth of Jesus.

The Christmas tree in our house waits for a time closer to Christmas although we do have some winter type of display to fulfill the desire for a bit of special decorating. This is certainly not a drab time for us but a time of metered joy, preparation, and anticipation. We call this decorative endeavor ‘pre-tree’ and it’s just that. The decor is in the style of winter, with boughs of greenery and pine cone candles holders. There is certainly an air of anticipation and we follow the stories leading up to Christmas, but we reserve the arrival of Jesus for the actual day of His birth.

The Counter-cultural Message of St. Nicholas

"I want people to thank God, not me! Remember, the greatest gift is God's love. I am just happy to give His love to others".

The above quote was my favorite part of a post I recently published. It's attributed to St. Nicholas and although he may not have said it, verbatim, it nicely condenses the actions of his that we find so desirable. My previous post, Santa and the Elf on the Shelf - What are They Teaching Our Children? was well received and one of my most popular to date. For the most part, people agreed with the sentiments I tried to convey: putting focus on the spiritual rather than on the imaginative secular. With this in mind, I'm sharing a few ideas to get us there:

Imagination is such a great tool - why not steer it toward something (or someone) who really exists? St. Nicholas fills the bill well and has many of the characteristics that should portray the 'spirit of Christmas'. One of my Facebook friends, who steers away from Santa, shared something said by her son that I thought was so sweet. He was very curious about how St. Nicholas would come to their house. When Mom asked what he thought, he replied, "Jesus will probably fly him down from Heaven". She didn't scatter pixie dust or tell him tales, instead her son was able to imagine something mysterious about someone who is real.

Accentuate the positive. This is so easy to do, if we just live out our beliefs. Instead of only having Rudolph and Santa books and movies, why not have many more with an Advent, Christmas, or Epiphany theme in your collection? Put more emphasis on the real stories, vs. the pretend ones, and you'll be doing much to enforce the beautiful reality of this season.

Practice the 'little ways'. So many wonderful saints have given us examples of how to do great things - one small step at a time. One example might be to light your Advent Wreath when you pray, eat, or read a book with your children. These little touches tell them this is an important season, without you having to say a word!

Artist: Elisabeth Ivanovsky

Copyright © 2002-2013 St. Nicholas Center

Think of others. As the quote above references, doing good works is about loving God; it's not about being seen. Why not encourage little acts of kindness - in secret. Talk about how pleasing it is to God, that we love others, without putting emphasis on how it makes us feel. If we empty ourselves of the need for earthly praise, we leave room for God to fill and overflow us with His love.

On this, the feast day of St. Nicholas, let's steer our hearts (and those of our loved ones) back to thanking God, and working for His glory - not ours. Let's remember, the greatest gift is God's love, let's be happy to "give His love to others".

Find an amazing array of information, products, and ideas at the St. Nicholas Center.

Just for fun, here's a photo of the Saint Nicholas cookies I baked:

If You Have Veiling on Your Mind - Advent Veil Giveaway

Has there been a little nudge, maybe a whisper on your heart, about veiling during Holy Mass? That’s how it was for me. After years of pushing these thoughts out of my consciousness, I finally found my resolve when I re-encountered on old friend at a 50th anniversary Mass for a priest friend. She was wearing a veil and so I asked her about it at the following reception. Not only did she lend one of her veils to me, she gave me the insight to make my decision. If you've had veiling on your mind, maybe this post - or one of the others in this linkup - will give you that final little push.

Win this beautiful black and silver veil!

So why veil? What makes veiling a desirable practice and why is it that the urge seems to be hitting more and more women these days? Let's look at our current state of affairs for a plausible (in my opinion) answer. We're seeing an across the board tone of disrespect, selfishness, and casual attitudes unlike any in my lifetime. From the barrage of  shocking 'celebrity' antics to the commercialization of even the sacred, we are being inundated with negative human characteristics. Abortion is backup birth control, children play violent games, and clothing is far from modest. It's enough to make me feel downright negative sometimes - but then I stop and raise my thoughts to God, and all that He is and all He has given us. This world is ours - to make of what we will. The gift of Free Will is ours and all we need to do, to make the world a better place, is within our own grasp. 

I've been on a quest of sorts, to improve my own little corner of the world. As one of my friends likes to say, 'bloom where you grow'. Instead of focusing on the negative, that can be found all around us, I deliberately choose to create an atmosphere of the positive. I am a Gift of God. He made me and gave me the means to share my gifts with family, friends, and the world. If I obsess about the negative, I will leave a negative imprint on those with whom I interact. But if I choose a cheerful heart, it might just prove to be contagious - thus improving life for myself and others.

So, what does all of this have to do with veiling? For me, veiling is an outward sign that I have respect - respect for myself as a godly woman and respect for Jesus, present in the Eucharist. While I don't veil to please others, it is a sign that others can see. Veiling, for me, says that I acknowledge that I am in the Presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am not of the earthly world, I belong to the Eternal Life to come. As I lift the veil to my head, I become acutely aware that I am entering the Divine Presence. The weight of the fabric, the curtain it creates, gives me feeling of inspiration - a calm comes over me and I feel much more able to focus. In turn, the worldly concerns fall away - my soul lifts up to the divine. In veiling, I join a long line of women - like the Blessed Mother Mary - who practiced veiling. While it is no longer mandatory, veiling is still an optional, devotional act that is pleasing to God.

With Advent just beginning, why not consider veiling as a devotion to try - as a preparation for the coming of the King of Kings? As a 'little Lent', this time of anticipation and preparation would be a great time to humbly step out of our comfort zone. Like me, you might just find that it's not as difficult as you suspected. My daughter and I are still the only ones who veil at our parish, yet we find it to be a blessing. After a year and a half now, I doubt that our fellow parishioners even notice anymore - and even if they do, we are comfortable in performing this act of reverence for Jesus.

If you're considering veiling (or already do), be sure to check out the VEIL GIVEAWAY going on From Thursday, December 5 through Monday, December 9 below. If you're the winner, it might just be that extra nudge you need!

SURPRISE second item to be given away! Josiekat's Trunk has donated a beautiful Mantilla Pouch from
their Etsy shop. Since my chapel veil comes with its own organza bag, I'll draw a second name for this new item.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow this link to Veil Designs by Birgit to see some of the veils available for sale.

Do You Have Veiling on Your Mind?

Has there been a little nudge, maybe a whisper on your heart, about veiling during Holy Mass? That’s how it was for me. After years of pushing these thoughts out of my consciousness, I finally found my resolve when I re-encountered on old friend at a 50th anniversary Mass for a priest friend. She was wearing a veil and so I asked her about it at the following reception. Not only did she lend one of her veils to me, she gave me the insight to make my decision. If you've had veiling on your mind, maybe this post - or one of the others in this linkup - will give you that final little push.

So why veil? What makes veiling a desirable practice and why is it that the urge seems to be hitting more and more women these days? Let's look at our current state of affairs for a plausible (in my opinion) answer. We're seeing an across the board tone of disrespect, selfishness, and casual attitudes unlike any in my lifetime. From the barrage of  shocking 'celebrity' antics to the commercialization of even the sacred, we are being inundated with negative human characteristics. Abortion is backup birth control, children play violent games, and clothing is far from modest. It's enough to make me feel downright negative sometimes - but then I stop and raise my thoughts to God, and all that He is and all He has given us. This world is ours - to make of what we will. The gift of Free Will is ours and all we need to do, to make the world a better place, is within our own grasp. 

I've been on a quest of sorts, to improve my own little corner of the world. As one of my friends likes to say, 'bloom where you grow'. Instead of focusing on the negative, that can be found all around us, I deliberately choose to create an atmosphere of the positive. I am a Gift of God. He made me and gave me the means to share my gifts with family, friends, and the world. If I obsess about the negative, I will leave a negative imprint on those with whom I interact. But if I choose a cheerful heart, it might just prove to be contagious - thus improving life for myself and others.

So, what does all of this have to do with veiling? For me, veiling is an outward sign that I have respect - respect for myself as a godly woman and respect for Jesus, present in the Eucharist. While I don't veil to please others, it is a sign that others can see. Veiling, for me, says that I acknowledge that I am in the Presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am not of the earthly world, I belong to the Eternal Life to come. As I lift the veil to my head, I become acutely aware that I am entering the Divine Presence. The weight of the fabric, the curtain it creates, gives me feeling of inspiration - a calm comes over me and I feel much more able to focus. In turn, the worldly concerns fall away - my soul lifts up to the divine. In veiling, I join a long line of women - like the Blessed Mother Mary - who practiced veiling. While it is no longer mandatory, veiling is still an optional, devotional act that is pleasing to God.

Available at Veil Designs by Birgit

With Advent just beginning, why not consider veiling as a devotion to try - as a preparation for the coming of
the King of Kings? As a 'little Lent', this time of anticipation and preparation would be a great time to humbly step out of our comfort zone. Like me, you might just find that it's not as difficult as you suspected. My daughter and I are still the only ones who veil at our parish, yet we find it to be a blessing. After a year and a half now, I doubt that our fellow parishioners even notice anymore - and even if they do, we are comfortable in performing this act of reverence for Jesus.

Follow this link to Veil Designs by Birgit to see some of the veils available for sale.

Draw a Picture to Feed the Poor - ART of Giving

As the first teachers of our children, it's our responsibility to emphasize virtue as a part of day to day life. Giving and sharing don't just come naturally, they must be taught - both by word and example. Seeing Sarah share a cookie with Lukas didn't just happen - she was told, she saw. When teaching charity to children, however, it's important to look outside the family structure. There's a great big world out there and many, many people are not as fortunate as we. How will your children know this - unless you tell them? How will they be able to do anything about it - unless you present a way? Here, then, is a wonderful opportunity to teach charity with action during this Advent.

The ART of Giving effort is a simple project in which any child can participate. Can your little Rachel draw a simple picture? If so, she has the skills to make a difference - and help feed the poor. I've posted in more detail here. For a general idea of what to do, check out these steps - as easy as 1 - 2 - 3!

1.) Have your child (toddlers through teens) draw a picture of anything they like. The theme could be Advent, giving to the poor, or anything else that inspires them.

2.) Scan or take a photo of their artwork and submit the file (plus name and age) via email to: mpotter@crosscatholic.org

3.) Send an email or letter, make a phone call, visit a relative - and share the link to Cross Catholic Outreach *. There, visitors will be able to see a parade of children's artwork and have the opportunity to donate in honor of their own special little artist/philanthropist.

It's just that simple! This effort is the perfect project for Advent and the spirit of alms giving. Your children will have done something tangible to help others in need and will have fulfilled one of your missions as your family prepares for the Coming of the Lord during Advent. Why not share this idea with your child's school, youth group, or religious education class? This would also be the perfect Advent project for your home educated children - of all ages. Draw a picture to feed the poor and may God bless your efforts!

View a slideshow of the ART of Giving submissions, so far, at Cross Catholic's site or on Flickr. Below are two of our pieces.

Sarah - age 4

Abby - age 7

*Cross Catholic Outreach’s support of the missionary efforts of the Catholic Church is endorsed by U.S. Bishops. They encourage parishes to host Cross priests to speak on behalf of our work. These visits give parishes an opportunity to become involved.

Sample letter to send - just add your names!

Link to a PDF of the letter.

A Parade of Posts for the Poor:

These 8 blogs are hosting the ART of Giving effort. Please visit and comment in appreciation for their efforts!

Sunday, Dec. 1 - Catholic Inspired
Monday, Dec. 2 - Enter Under My Roof
Tuesday, Dec. 3 - Designs By Birgit
Wednesday, Dec.4 - Happy Little Homemaker
Thursday, Dec. 5 - Equipping Catholic Families
Friday, Dec. 6 - Campfires and Cleats
Saturday, Dec. 7 - Do Small Things with Love
Sunday, Dec. 8 - The Catholic Book Blogger

ART of Giving Link-up:

Starting Mon. Dec. 9 till Tues. Dec. 31 you will have the opportunity to add your blog post! If you are a blogger and have posted about your child's art work please join in our ART of Giving Link-up!