Eighth Candle

Latkes

Mmmm.... we were looking forward to the night of Hanukkah that we would make latkes. They were worth the wait!

3 large potatoes

1 small onion

2 beaten eggs

2 tablespoons matza flour

1 teaspoon salt

pinch of pepper

1/2 cup of olive oil

Wash the potatoes very well, but you don't have to peel them - they're healthier and easier to prepare unpeeled. Grate them coarsely into a bowl. Grate in the onion. Add the beaten eggs, flour, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture sit for ten minutes to thicken. Pour off the excess liquid. Heat the oil for one minute in a frying pan. Gently drop the potato mixture into the pan, making each circle two inches across. When the latkes are brown around the edges, turn and fry them until the other sides are crispy. Drain them on paper towels and eat them with sour cream and/or applesauce. Makes about 24 pancakes.

John 10: 22-30

Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon's porch. Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, "How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Messiah, tell us plainly."

Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father's name, they bear witness of Me. But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand.I and the Father are one.

The Maccabees

For years, we have been collecting Nest videos. One of our favorites is about Abraham and Isaac... Eddie and I still cry everytime we watch it.

During Hanukkah, we pull out the video of the Maccabees... and yes, I usually cry during it too. Here's the section that encourages me so.

Robin Sampson (in "A Family Guide to the Biblical Holidays") writes, "The same powers promoted by Antiochus are in the world today. Worldwide immorality, and idolatry are the norm. We must come out and be separate."

Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, "I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE. Therefore, COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE," says the Lord. 2 Corinthians 6:16-17

The Eight Nights of Hanukkah

So, why has our family chosen to celebrate Hanukkah anyway? It's simple... Jesus celebrated The Feast of Dedication. It reminds us that God is still the God of miracles. Jesus declared Himself the "light of the world" all three times during Hanukkah or the Festival of Lights. In Hebrew, Hanukkah means "rededication." For our family, it is a time of rededicating our lives, our home, and our family to The Messiah and His kingdom.

It is the eight-day Jewish holiday that celebrates the rededicating of the Temple in Jerusalem by the Maccabees. In 175 BC, King Antiochus IV of Syria ruled over Judea and the Jewish people. Among his many decrees, the king insisted that the Jews worship the Greek gods. The Jewish people refused to worship any other gods but the one true God, Jehovah. A man named Mattathias and his five sons formed a group whom today we call the Maccabees. They were a small but determined group that fought King Antiochus and his army for several years. God was faithful and the city of Jerusalem was regained.

However when the Maccabees reached the temple, they discovered it had been nearly destroyed by the Syrians. The great seven-branched lampstand, meant to burn day and night in the holy of holies, stood dark and neglected. The temple was cleaned and repaired. In the process, it was discovered that there was very little oil for the lampstand. Yet when the lampstand was lit, a miracle occurred: the oil which should have only burned one day continued to burn eight days until more oil was available.

A great resource to learn more about Hanukkah can be found HERE.

Hanukkah 2009

Finally! We lit the first candle of the menorrah and started our celebration of Dedication. Isaac started Hanukkah with giving Eddie and me a box of our favorite candy... Twix and Kit Kats for me and Peppermint Patties for Eddie. The best part was that he used white out to cover the nutrition labels. Way to go, Son!

Accessories

Eddie and Isaac took a trip to Knoxville Monday afternoon for Isaac to see our family physician (yep, it's bronchitis and his wrist is not broken- just a really bad sprain).

They were later getting home than I expected.

But I assumed they had been out seeing customers.

Instead, Isaac came to the front door with this....

Huh? Okay... how thoughtful.

Then he informed me that they had also gotten me a few accessories to go with it....

even an extra battery and case too!

Wow! Was I ever surprised! Thanks guys.

I promise to learn how to use it in time for Hanukkah.

8 Month Photos

All-Knowing

O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.
Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.
Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.
For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.
Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.

(Psalm 139:1-6, King James Version)

Academy of Science

While at a curriculum fair this summer, The Acadey of Science For Kids caught Isaac's attention. We made plans to finish Botany and then he could choose a kit that he would like to study (they have lots of subjects to choose from).

When it arrived last week we couldn't wait to get started... and since we had completed our study of Botany... we decided to go ahead and dive in instead of waiting until after our break. It's great! And fun too!

You can check out one of his lessons at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eueOTtHuosg

Sunday Afternoon Hike

What kind of animal was in that tree?!

I'm glad I did not know there had been bear activity in this area when we chose this hike, or I would not have gone. I've always had a fear of coming upon a bear while on a hike.


Isaac behind Grotto Falls.

How he would have liked to hiked on up to Mt LeConte!

We could not have ask for a better day!

Help Me Understand

Maybe it is due to all that I am learning as Isaac and I study early American History and the founding fathers of our country (that gave everything including their lives!) ... but I do not understand President Obama. Could someone explain to me why he does not salute our military... even on Veteran's Day?

(Taken on 11/11/09 at Arlington National Cemetery)

And why he bows to foreigners when he does not even show proper respect to our own heroes? I just don't get it... and it irritates me too!

(11/16/09 Washington AFP photo- bowing to Japan's Emperor...
BTW he's the first US President to ever do this... Why?)

Center of My Joy

Jesus, You're the center of my joy,
All that's good and perfect comes from You;
You're the heart of my contentment, hope for all I do,
Jesus, You're the center of my joy.

When I've lost my direction,
You're the compass for my way.
You're the fire and light when nights are long and cold;
Thro' the sadness, You are the laughter
That shadows all my fears,
When I'm down and out Your hand is there to hold.

You are why I find pleasure in the simple things in life,
You're the music in the meadows and the streams;
You're in the voices of my children,
In my family and my home,
You're the source and finisher of my highest dreams.

Jesus, You're all that I need,
You are my joy, You are Jesus,
You're the center of my joy.

Gloria Gather and Richard Smallwood

Oh Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy!

Have you heard the news?

The newest movie by Sherwood ....

Courageous

Check it out at: http://www.courageousthemovie.com/

You Have Got To Be Kidding

When a friend sent this to me via email, I thought it was a joke. Unfortunately, it's not!

Is not the first Thursday in May "The National Day of Prayer?" No one is forced to participate. What next...Thanksgiving?

Shirley Dobson will be giving a deposition tomorrow (11-10-09) from 8:30-4:30 PM.
She is being sued by a group “Freedom From Religion” because she asked the President and other political leaders to pray for our nation…as leader of National Day of Prayer. http://ffrf.org/news/2008/NationalDayOfPrayer.php

Wow!

Check out what I saw from the patio!

I could not even get the entire bow in a photo...

even when I drove to the bottom of the hill!

Growing World

Funny how entertaining babies can be, isn't it? While watching Jonathan roll around the floor this morning, Eddie commented on how Jonathan's world has grown beyond the Baby Einstein play mat. He's right. It seems that just a few days ago "Jon Jon" was has a great time turning on the music, watching the animals dangle above him and drooling on the bright colored pictures. No longer is he content with the borders of the mat- his world has grown larger.

Seven Months

How time flies! Our little guy is already 7 months? Wow!

LIfe Is Such A Fagile Thing

Laiel's mom- April- sent this out today. Not only as she touched my heart this past month- I have seen such great faith and love in action. How much I have learned and "grown up..." I don't think I will ever fully comprehend. My life too has been changed. Amen April.... may I never forever be and may I never forget.

You know, life is such a fragile thing!!! (by: April Upton)

As I sit here this morning with my Bible and my coffee, reading, praying, communing with my Heavenly Father . . . I have been thinking about the last month. Here I am at home with my daughter. She IS healing!!! She IS getting stronger!!! Yes, she struggles some with where she is and why . . .

Jonathan (about 10 wks old) and Ms. Lai last summer

But my heart is heavy this morning with thoughts of others. With Shannon Bird, as she still lay in the hospital bed - comatose!!! Her loved ones and family have been faithful with their prayers. Twelve weeks now and they continue to endure . . . looking for the work of the Father. And I BELIEVE the Almighty will be faithful!! Why the Bird's test seems so much longer than ours, I cannot say. Only HE knows!!!! But my life was forever impacted by meeting and sharing a corner of the SCC waiting area with Theresa and Duane Bird.

Then there was Rita!! Dear, sweet Rita! Her and her husband were vacationing in Gatlinburg. Mr. Prindell took a spill and hit his head. Long story short . . . he didn't make it. Rita spent several days in the SCC, all alone! She was a dear soul. Encouraging, faithful!! When her husband died I felt as if I had lost a dear friend . . . and I had never met the man. Jim and I had prayed, as well as many others. Rita had believed! And yet the Father's answer this time was not what we anticipated.

One thing is certain!!! THERE IS A REASON FOR EVERYTHING!!!!!! Whether we ever uncover the reasons, perhaps not so certain. But it gives a body much to think on!!!!

My life has been changed by the events of the last month! I pray forever so!!!!!!

"The wind blows where is wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; . . . " John 3:8
BUT HE KNOWS!!!!!!!!!!!

Please continue to pray for the Bird and the Prindell families!! Thanks, April

Remind Me Again

Ah... The end of "Daylight Savings Time." Remind me again why "someone" says we have to spring forward only to fall back again. http://kimiskorner.blogspot.com/2008/11/so-why-are-we-changing-clocks-this.html

Boys and Football

Wish I could have caught our evening in a photo.

Isaac has been so ill this week. But you would hardly have known it when it came time for kick off this evening. It didn't take long before his excitement (especially over those black jerseys!) got the best of him and he was once again quietly on the couch.

But Jonathan was another story. Could it have been the name "Jonathan" as in Jonathan Crompton that kept getting his attention? He sat in my lap staring at the TV as if he were really watching the game and understanding what was happening.

Not sure which I have enjoyed most- staying home watching the Vols or watching my "Itsy Bitsy Volunteer."

Catching Up

Guess what! Laiel is headed home this afternoon. I am so excited I could just shout... except I have 2 boys asleep. Yep, Isaac too. He hasn't taken a nap in I don't know how many years. And he hasn't been sick in several, but something is attempting to make him ill. So, for the first time ever, I find myself with both boys asleep. I have 101 things I need to be doing- but instead, I think I'll do a little bloggin :-)We have been promising Isaac a trip to Dollywood all year. What perfect weather for a day of fun. Cool weather means no lines on the water rides too!Isaac invited a friend to spend the day with us. We sure did enjoy having Jacob along- maybe because he is just such a sweetheart... and maybe because he rode those crazy rides with Isaac that Eddie and I weren't brave (stupid!) enough to ride.I tell you what... these guys had me rolling in laughter. They are both such riots- get them together and well, let the fun begin!Yep, Ben. They really did ride it- without Baby Jonathan!I just knew this kid would wear down and take a nap at some point in the day. He has to be a more light sleeper than even his mom!
Eddie had as much fun spraying the boys as they did riding River Rampage! Thanks for taking the day off from work to take us, Dad!

I Saw Jesus Today! by: Jim Upton

Jim sure did give me a different perspective on the events of the past two weeks! Thanks, Jim. I will always treasure this... and the lessons learned too.

It was a typical Tuesday! We were going about business as usual and making preparations to leave town on Thursday for a five day trip. When my wife, April, got that fateful call informing her that our 21 year old daughter, Laiel, had been involved in an automobile accident, it was not the callous voice of a law enforcement officer she heard, nor was it the indifferent official notification given by a medical professional. No, when April received that call, it was the caring and loving voice of a dear sister in Christ who shares our love for Laiel, and who has children of her own. Her words were tempered with wisdom and prudence, giving April the information we needed, but leaving out details which could have only added to April's anxiety. In this simple way, our Lord was so kind and merciful and it was truly the voice of Jesus April heard.

Shortly after the accident occurred, two men arrived on the scene. They had responded from the Clearwater Fire Dept. They did all they could to protect and sustain our daughter until the ambulance arrived. These men were not simply doing their jobs - they are volunteers. They did this because they care, and in this way they are in Christ-like fashion, laying down their lives for their brother.

One of the paramedics from the ambulance, recognizing the possible severity of Laiel's injuries felt compelled to offer up a prayer on her behalf. Yet another expression of our Lord's love and compassion for His people.

There was a young lady who happened upon the accident scene as the paramedics were extricating Laiel from the wreckage. She did all she could to assist and comfort our little girl. It just so happened that this lady, a complete stranger, is a qualified first responder and the ambulance crew allowed her to ride with Laiel as they transported her to a location where the helicopter could land to meet them. The ambulance crew had apparently recognized that this lady was truly ministering to Laiel's needs, and they wanted her along. Again our Lord, in His abundant love and kindness had sent this angel - a true minister of Jesus!

I was overwhelmed as friends, brothers, and sisters in Christ dropped all they were doing to gather around us in the hospital that first night. We were absolutely surrounded by love and concern ("As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so Yahweh surrounds His people"-Ps. 125:2). These angels sent by our loving Father prayed with us, encouraged us, and did all they could to bear our burden with us - and again - they were the hands, the feet, the voice of Jesus.

My dear mother arrived at our house at hardly more than a moments notice to care for our children while April and I were at the hospital. My big sister (yes, she still is!) showed up a little while later from out of state to help my mother help us! Yes - again - the hands and feet of Jesus!
Words cannot express the thankfulness which fills my heart for all that I've witnessed as days have rolled by. One brother retrieved our wrecked van and completely handled that part of the ordeal so that I didn't need to lift a finger in that regard.

Friends have rallied around us from around the country and abroad to keep Laiel in constant prayer. Our Lord's precious servants have shown up at the hospital in a never ending stream to encourage and pray with us. Many have brought food to the hospital ministering to our physical needs as well. Some of our brothers and sisters have been so committed to "being there" for us that they have spent nights in the hospital with us. I have joked about their determination to share our pain, because sleeping in the waiting room recliners usually leaves me craving chiropractic therapy.

Other friends and brethren are taking turns preparing and delivering meals to our house for our family there. Such thoughtfulness and kindness comes from the heart of our Lord, Jesus.

Even the youngest of our Lord's servants have participated by sending cards, letters, pictures and various sorts of notes of encouragement for Laiel.

One brother delivered hay to our home for Laiel's horse. He knew that it was needed and I had not had the chance to take care of that - so he did! A man delivering hay? No - the hands and feet of Jesus - Hallelujah!!!

A sister established a website so that anyone who desired could keep a constant vigil on Lai's condition. This has enabled everyone to know exactly how to pray at any given time. It also has greatly reduced the amount of time April and I must spend on the telephone giving updates. Yes, we know who inspired that!

We have truly been ministered to in every way - spiritually, physically, and even financially. Every need has been met and we have only been praying for Laiel's healing! Yes, I have seen Jesus in this.
Jesus has shown up to minister to us in the hospital regularly. I have seen Him in the faces of strangers who have heard of Laiel's need through emails and prayer chains. They have taken time out from their busy lives and make the trek to the hospital to pray for our daughter, and to encourage, exhort, and edify us. His mercies are new every morning!!!

Believe it or not, it gets better. After the initial emergency surgery, the marathon began. The team of surgeons had dealt with Laiel's internal bleeding by removing her spleen and packing the liver in place. She had multiple punctures in her lungs from her nine broken ribs. Other injuries were relatively minor for the most part. However, a substantial contusion to the left side of her head caused concern. A CT scan revealed no brain damage and the spinal cord was intact. The doctors counseled us to be prepared for what may be ahead. There could be blood clots, infections, pneumonia, or other potential hazards.

It has been one long day to me, so I'm not sure of time, but the blood and fluids were drained from the injured lungs, and other procedures were constantly performed.
As sedation was withdrawn, doctors and/or other specialists gave Laiel stimulation tests. She would move her legs and feet, even her head, but not her arms or hands. Eventually, when she should have been awake, she didn't seem able to snap out of her drug induced slumber. Another CT scan was administered and revealed several blood clots had made their way to Laiel's brain. These blood clots had prevented oxygen from reaching areas of the brain. These areas atrophy, or die. The neurologists explained that these areas were in the front, rear, left and right regions of the brain. These "dead spots" in the brain were strokes and would result in neurological deficiencies. Just what functions and/or how many bodily functions would be impacted would be determined as Laiel regained consciousness. We should be prepared for long term disabilities, possibly rehabilitation, etc., etc.. Laiel would probably need to re-learn some things, and could have some disabilities for life.

But Yahweh GOD - the One who created Laiel - the One who designed her body had different plans for her. The Almighty One, who spoke the cosmos into being touched Laiel's body, mind and spirit. Those circuits in the brain have been either re-routed and/or repaired by His hand. He has done what no surgeon made of flesh can do!

As Laiel regained conscientiousness, she was mentally alert and responded to us. In short order she was moving her arms and most of the rest of her body. By the following day, not only could she move her hands, she could squeeze my fingers in hers. By the next day her strength was greatly improved and when she squeezed my fingers then I could only speak one word - HALLELUYAH!!! Jesus, my Lord - Yahshua (Yahweh's Salvation) had shown up again!

Laiel has continued to become more alert and communicates better as time goes by. Because of tubes in her throat and so forth she can't speak and we are forced to attempt to read lips. She is sometimes frustrated when we can't figure out what she is saying. Regardless she has regained her smile and is mentally sharp!

My little girl has been returned to us whole, intact, restored in mind, body and spirit - HALLELUYAH (Praise Yahweh) - for His servants who have been so faithful to do His work. And Halleluyah, Praise Jesus for His Healing Touch!

Yes, from the very beginning of this ordeal until now, my Lord has been faithful. He has provided every need from the most basic and simple to the most profound. Through His loving body and ultimately by His divine touch He has abundantly supplied my family's needs. He healed my daughter and He calmed the storm in me!

If I had not believed in Jesus before, I would believe now. If someone asks why I believe, I can smile and say - I saw Jesus today!!!

** Thanks to Taylor H. for sharing her photos**

Life Goes On...

Every day that goes by since Laiel's accident, I have struggled with the fact that life goes on. The days on the calendar continue to pass while time stands still for Laiel.
Isaac and James playing a game of Frisbee golf.... the day before.
The completion of our new fence just doesn't seem very important anymore.
Jonathan turned six months old the day after the accident.
I just love these autumn days. It hurts my heart that April and Laiel are not able to enjoy them.

But God is good... all the time. I know I will once again see His faithfulness.