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Peter Cottontail pint

-Sized Cakes
2/3 c. shortening
2 2/3 c. sugar
4 eggs
2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1/8 tsp. ground ginger
2/3 c. water
3 1/2 c. flour
2/3 c. nuts (pecans or walnuts)
1 1/2 cups grated carrots
1/2 cup raisins or currants
Cream shortening and sugar. Add eggs, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. Add water alternately with flour. Stir in nuts, raisins and grated carrots.
Pour mixture into 8 greased wide mouth, tapered canning/freezing jars filling each 1/2 full. Bake at 325 degrees for 35 to 45 minutes. Meanwhile, bring pot of water just to the boil. Label each canning jar lid with the name of the bread, date, and expiration date (use a Sharpie permanent marker). Place lids in hot water and let soak at least 10 minutes.
When cakes are done remove 1 jar at a time and wipe sealing edge with paper towel or cloth and screw cap on tightly. Let sit very still on a towel on the counter until completely cooled. You should be able to hear a little “ping” each time a jar seals. The heat will vacuum seal the jar and the bread will keep for 6 months. Keep in a cool, dry place.
Makes 8 pints

Create a Family Time Capsule

Soon our calendars will turn to the year 2004-another year in the new millennium. This once-in-a-lifetime event is a great way to teach your children about preserving the future and reflecting on the past by interpreting and collecting everyday items as “data,” and asking questions relating to issues of the day. Best yet, time capsules awaken the joys of anticipation, mystery and surprise for learners of all ages!

Creating Your Time Capsule
Start by getting a sturdy, airtight container with a well-fitting lid: a coffee can or plastic box, for example, or even a roolbox or small trunk. Anything that can hold memorabilia can be a time capsule. Mark the outside with the current date and the date your capsule is to be opened. Put a “Do Not Open Until 2050″ sign (or whatever you decide on) on the outside.

Use zippered plastic food storage bags to seal keepsakes, then place them in the container and hide it away, either in an attic, a friend’s house, a treasure chest, or you might even dig a hole and place it in your backyard.

Items to Include
When compiling the capsule, use everyday items, and explain to your child that these objects may or may not exist 50 years down the road. Some ideas: stamps, coins, ticket stubs, postcards, menus from favorite restaurants, family photos, popular music, special toys, shoes, clothing, a favorite book or two, newspaper clippings, inteviews with grandparents, and magazines

A New year’s Resolution…That will achieve results!

At this time of year, many people make New Year’s resolutions. Just what exactly is a resolution? Webster gives two definitions: 1) an act of converting, process of being transformed; conversion into something different; transformation, substitution; and 2) act of resolving, determining, deciding. Therefore, a resolution involves decision-making. It revolves around a conscious choice.

Some possible New Year’s resolutions might include: making more money; getting more sleep; getting out of debt; spending more time with the family; or spending more time reading the Bible and praying. I have always been challenged by the New Year’s resolution of the great preacher Jonathan Edwards. He said, “Resolved, to live with all my might while I do live; Resolved, never to lose one moment of time, but improve it in the most profitable way I possibly can; Resolved, never to do anything which I should despise or think meanly of in another; Resolved, never to do anything out of revenge; Resolved, never to do anything which I should be afraid to do if it were the last hour of my life.” Now, that is a resolution!

Why are resolutions good to make? First, they cause self-examination. They can point out our weaknesses. It seems that most resolutions focus on those areas in our lives where we need some help, some encouragement, some challenge. Second, they cause upward reflection as we realize that only God can help us. Finally, they can change our outward behavior.

What are the ingredient of an unfailing resolution?

Dissatisfaction with our Christian life: Philippians 3:12-13a

In a recent survey taken among Christians, nearly 1/2 indicated that their Christian life was leveling off. That is very dangerous. Many of the evangelistic tools begin with a question similar to the following: “Are you really satisfied with your Christian experience? Do you feel that there might be something more that you are missing?”

Paul was never satisfied with his spiritual achievements. But many Christians are self-satisfied because they compare their running with that of other Christians. “I may not have done much for the Lord this past year, but I pride myself there was someone who did less than I did.” You know something, if Paul had done that he could have boasted with pride. But Paul did not compare himself with others. He compared himself with Jesus Christ.

Beware of having a false estimate of your spiritual condition. Listen to this description of the church at Sardis in Revelation 3:1, “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: He who has the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars, says this: I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, and you are dead.” Here was a church with a reputation without any reality.

What about the church at Laodicea in Revelation 3:17? There we read these words: “Because you say, ‘I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,’ and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.” Here was another church with form but no substance.

How about Samson, as recorded for us following his little escapade with Delilah, “And she said, ‘The Philistines are upon you, Samson.’ And he awoke from his sleep and said, ‘I will go out as at other times and shake myself free.’ But he did not know that the Lord had departed from him.” (Judges 16:20). Here was a man from whom the power of God was withdrawn from his life and he did not even know it.

Let me share one more example with you. This is also from Revelation 2 and concerns the church at Smyrna: “I know your tribulation and your poverty but you are rich…” Here was a church that thought itself poor, but it really was rich in God. This kind of negative thinking is just as wrong. “We are too small.” “We don’t have the resources.” “We just can’t trust God.”

A Christian should never be satisfied with his or her life. The Christian life is a growing life. There is always something more to learn and to discover. That is one of the great blessings of the Village School ministry. There is always something more to learn from a study in God’s Word.

The Forgetting of Your Past: Philippians 3:13

What does the word “forget” mean? It does not mean to blot from our memory. This is what you do with a computer. Press the delete key and the materials instantly vaporize into that great space where all those little bleeps go. The word “forget” does mean to no longer be influenced by or intimidated by the past.

Paul longed to forget the achievements of the past. Paul did not want to rest on his laurels, and they were many. Just read verses 3-6 of this chapter and you will be amazed at what Paul had been in the past. Few men had these laurels. Also, look at the string of churches which Paul had established.

It is so easy for us to retire and let others do the running. Paul never retired from the Christian life. Paul stayed in the race until Jesus brought him to Himself. Friends, there is always something more for us: another book to read, another task to do, another person with whom to talk.

Paul longed to forget the mistakes of the past. Paul did not want to quit because of the failures. There was the persecution of the church which he personally led for many months. There was the martyrdom of Stephen in which he personally participated. There was the conflict with his good friend Barnabas over John Mark. Many Christians quit because of past failures.

The Koreans have a curious New Year’s custom. Desiring to forget unpleasant things and to make a fresh start, each person determines what bad habits he would like to eliminate and what past deeds he wants forgiven. Then he writes the names of these evils on a kite and flies it high into the air, when it is almost out of sight, he cuts the string. As the “paper bird” takes a nose-dive and disappears from sight, he thinks that all his faults and previous transgressions are forever removed.

Paul learned from his past, but did not let his past affect his present or future living for Jesus.

Pressing Toward Your Goal: Philippians 3:13

Paul’s focus was on what Christ would do with the future. His goal was Christ. Paul stretched forward and ran “flat out” toward that goal.

The problem today is that too many Christians have the wrong goal. If a man sets up an external standard for his conduct, then he measures himself by those he associated with. He is easily satisfied and feels he has attained what God wanted. It is kind of “when in Rome do as the Romans do.”

People in Philippi were all doing the same things. They were all going to the same places. They were all conducting themselves by the same standards. As a result, there was complacency and self-satisfaction.

Paul’s standard is the standard God set for him. Let’s read again verse 12: Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Paul says he wanted to overextend himself so he might accomplish the purpose that Christ had for him when He called him.

Paul had written to the Galatians these words, But when He who had set me apart, even from my mother’s womb, and called me through His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood… (Galatians 1:15-16) God’s purpose was to use Paul as a channel through which God might reveal Himself to others. And Paul’s goal was to please the Lord Jesus Christ.

We have not attained the goal until Christ Jesus is perfectly formed in us. There is no room for carelessness. There is no room for laziness. There is no room for indifference. I want to share a little poem which really packs a punch. It is entitled, “All I Meant to Do.”

Said yesterday to tomorrow: “When I was young like you,

I, too, was fond of boasting of all I meant to do.

But while I fell a-dreaming along the pleasant way,

Before I scarcely knew it, I found I was today.

“And as today, so quickly my little course was run,

I had not time to finish one-half the things begun.

Would I could try it over, but I can ne’re go back;

A yesterday forever, I now must be, alack!

“And so, good tomorrow, if you would make a name

That history shall cherish upon its roll of fame,

Be all prepared and ready your noblest part to play

In those new fleeting hours when you shall be today.”

Conclusion

I like those words to the chorus: To be like Jesus, to be like Jesus, all I ask to be like Him…All through life’s journey from earth to glory, all I ask to be like Him.

One of my favorite American preachers of the past is John Henry Jowett. God also used him mightily in England. The following is what Jowett proclaimed about his desires and confidence for the New Year: It is not mine to worry about the coming day, but to fill the immediate moment with radiant duty. My Lord is the Pioneer, the great Maker of roads, and He will see to the appointments and provisions of the way. He has His scouts, His advance guard, opening the highways across the waste. “I will send My angel before thee,” He says. Yes, the Lord will look after the road.

We certainly do not know what lies before us as we enter into a new century and a new millennium. But, of this I am confident, Christ is still the Lord of the roadway. He is still the One who will guide and direct our lives if we allow Him.

As we enter a new year, may the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi become ours:

“Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light;

Where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

To be consoled, as to console;

Not so much to be understood as

To understand;

Not so much to be loved

As to love;

For it is in giving that we receive;

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

It is in dying that we awaken to eternal life.”

Happy New Year In Several Languages

Afrikaans Gelukkige nuwe jaar
Albanian Gezuar Vitin e Ri
Arabic Antum salimoun
Bengali Shuvo Nabo Barsho
Chinese Chu Shen Tan
Czechoslovakia Scastny Novy Rok
Danish Godt Nytår
Dutch GELUKKIG NIEUWJAAR!
Eskimo Kiortame pivdluaritlo
Finnish Onnellista Uutta Vuotta
French Bonne Annee
Gaelic Bliadhna mhath ur
German Prosit Neujahr
Greek Kenourios Chronos
Hawaiian Hauoli Makahiki Hou
Hebrew L’Shannah Tovah
Hindi Nahi varsh ka shub kamna Hungarian Boldog £j vet k¡v nok!
Indonesian Selamat Tahun Baru
Iraqi Sanah Jadidah
Irish Bliain nua fe mhaise dhuit
Italian: Felice anno nuovo
Laotian: Sabai dee pee mai
Nepal Nawa Barsha ko Shuvakamana
Norwegian Godt Nyttår Philippines Manigong Bagong Taon
Polish: Szczesliwego Nowego Roku
Portuguese Feliz Ano Novo
Romanian AN NOU FERICIT
Russian S Novim Godom
Somali Iyo Sanad Cusub Oo Fiican!
Spanish Feliz Ano ~Nuevo
Swahili Heri Za Mwaka Mpyaº
Swedish GOTT NYTT ÅR! /Gott nytt år!
Sudanese Warsa Enggal
Thai Sawadee Pee Mai
Turkish Yiliniz Kutlu Olsun
Ukrainian Shchastlyvoho Novoho Roku
Vietnamese Chuc Mung Tan Nien

Death of the Old Year

Full knee-deep lies the winter snow,
And the winter winds are wearily sighing:
Toll ye the church bell sad and slow,
And tread softly and speak low,
For the old year lies a-dying.
Old year you must not die;
You came to us so readily,
You lived with us so steadily,
Old year you shall not die.

He lieth still: he doth not move:
He will not see the dawn of day.
He hath no other life above.
He gave me a friend and a true truelove
And the New-year will take ‘em away.
Old year you must not go;
So long you have been with us,
Such joy as you have seen with us,
Old year, you shall not go.

He froth’d his bumpers to the brim;
A jollier year we shall not see.
But tho’ his eyes are waxing dim,
And tho’ his foes speak ill of him,
He was a friend to me.
Old year, you shall not die;
We did so laugh and cry with you,
I’ve half a mind to die with you,
Old year, if you must die.

He was full of joke and jest,
But all his merry quips are o’er.
To see him die across the waste
His son and heir doth ride post-haste,
But he’ll be dead before.
Every one for his own.
The night is starry and cold, my friend,
And the New-year blithe and bold, my friend,
Comes up to take his own.

How hard he breathes! over the snow
I heard just now the crowing cock.
The shadows flicker to and fro:
The cricket chirps: the light burns low:
‘Tis nearly twelve o’clock.
Shake hands, before you die.
Old year, we’ll dearly rue for you:
What is it we can do for you?
Speak out before you die.

His face is growing sharp and thin.
Alack! our friend is gone,
Close up his eyes: tie up his chin:
Step from the corpse, and let him in
That standeth there alone,
And waiteth at the door.
There’s a new foot on the floor, my friend,
And a new face at the door, my friend,
A new face at the door.

Ring Out, Wild Bells

Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,
The flying cloud, the frosty light;
The year is dying in the night;
Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.

Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.

Ring out the grief that saps the mind,
For those that here we see no more,
Ring out the feud of rich and poor,
Ring in redress to all mankind.

Ring out a slowly dying cause,
And ancient forms of party strife;
Ring in the nobler modes of life,
With sweeter manners, purer laws.

Ring out the want, the care the sin,
The faithless coldness of the times;
Ring out, ring out my mournful rhymes,
But ring the fuller minstrel in.

Ring out false pride in place and blood,
The civic slander and the spite;
Ring in the love of truth and right,
Ring in the common love of good.

Ring out old shapes of foul disease,
Ring out the narrowing lust of gold;
Ring out the thousand wars of old,
Ring in the thousand years of peace.

Ring in the valiant man and free,
The larger heart, the kindlier hand;
Ring out the darkness of the land,
Ring in the Christ that is to be.

Death of An Innocent

I went to a party Mom,
I remembered what you said.
You told me not to drink, Mom,
So I drank soda instead.
I really felt proud inside, Mom,
The way you said I would.
I didn’t drink and drive, Mom,
Even though the others said I should.
I know I did the right thing, Mom,
I know you are always right.
Now the party is finally ending, Mom,
As everyone is driving out of sight.
As I got into my car, Mom,
I knew I’d get home in one piece.
Because of the way you raised me,
So responsible and sweet.
I started to drive away, Mom,
But as I pulled out into the road,
The other car didn’t see me, Mom,
And hit me like a load.
As I lay there on the pavement, Mom,
I hear the policeman say,
“The other guy is drunk,” Mom,
And now I’m the one who will pay.
I’m lying here dying, Mom….
I wish you’d get here soon.
How could this happen to me, Mom?
My life just burst like a balloon.
There is blood all around me, Mom,
And most of it is mine.
I hear the medic say, Mom,
I’ll die in a short time.
I just wanted to tell you, Mom,
I swear I didn’t drink.
It was the others, Mom.
The others didn’t think.
He was probably at the same party as I.
The only difference is, he drank
And I will die.
Why do people drink, Mom?
It can ruin your whole life.
I’m feeling sharp pains now.
Pains just like a knife.
The guy who hit me is walking, Mom,
And I don’t think it’s fair.
I’m lying here dying
And all he can do is stare.
Tell my brother not to cry, Mom.
Tell Daddy to be brave.
And when I go to heaven, Mom,
Put “Daddy’s Girl” on my grave.
Someone should have told him, Mom,
Not to drink and drive.
If only they had told him, Mom,
I would still be alive.
My breath is getting shorter, Mom.
I’m becoming very scared.
Please don’t cry for me, Mom.
When I needed you,
you were always there.
I have one last question, Mom.
Before I say good bye.
I didn’t drink and drive,
So why am I the one to die?

Welcome to the New Year

Hey, my lad, ho, my lad!
Here’s a New Broom.
Heaven’s your housetop
And Earth is your room.

Tuck up your shirtsleeves,
There’s plenty to do-
Look at the muddle
That’s waiting for you!

Dust in the corners
And dirt on the floor,
Cobwebs still clinging
To window and door.

Hey, my lad! o, my lad!
Nimble and keen-
Here’s your New Broom, my lad!
See you sweep clean.

New Year’s Morning

ONLY a night from old to new!
Only a night, and so much wrought!
The Old Year’s heart all weary grew,
But said: The New Year rest has brought.”
The Old Year’s hopes its heart laid down,
As in a grave; but trusting, said:
“The blossoms of the New Year’s crown
Bloom from the ashes of the dead.”
The Old Year’s heart was full of greed;
With selfishness it longed and ached,
And cried: “I have not half I need.
My thirst is bitter and unslaked.
But to the New Year’s generous hand
All gifts in plenty shall return;
True love it shall understand;
By all y failures it shall learn.
I have been reckless; it shall be
Quiet and calm and pure of life.
I was a slave; it shall go free,
And find sweet pace where I leave strife.”

Only a night from old to new!
Never a night such changes brought.
The Old Year had its work to do;
No New Year miracles are wrought.

Always a night from old to new!
Night and the healing balm of sleep!
Each morn is New Year’s morn come true,
Morn of a festival to keep.
All nights are sacred nights to make
Confession and resolve and prayer;
All days are sacred days to wake
New gladness in the sunny air.
Only a night from old to new;
Only a sleep from night to morn.
The new is but the old coem true;
Each sunrise sees a new year born.

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