Things November: Nov. 16, 2010

November 16th is International Day for Tolerance

The International Day for Tolerance is set aside to teach about respecting and recognizing the rights and beliefs of others. It is a time of reflection and sometimes even debate on the negative effects of intolerance. Live discussions and debates take place throughout our planet on this day, focusing on the negative impact that different forms of injustice, oppression, racism and unfair discrimination have on society.

This day is also an opportunity taken by many human rights activists to speak out on human rights laws, and in some workplaces, special programs, talks, or messages from leaders about the importance of tolerance are presented.  More information can be found at the United Nations web page.

In the past, the word “tolerance” has had a negative connotation to me. As illustrated in the definitions below, it seems to indicate more of an attitude of just “putting up” with something or someone, rather than “acceptance”.

Tolerance -

1. to endure (or in my own terms: to put up with)

2. sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting with one's own

Accept (root of acceptance) -

1. to receive willingly

2. to give approval to

I have come to the conclusion, however, that tolerance is not a negative word, but rather the context in which we use it is either negative or positive. Tolerance is not the same as accepting all practices or views as equal. More accurately, it is developing a higher awareness of and respect for many different universal human rights and basic freedoms.

Tolerance is intended to show respect. Respect for people, not necessarily for their actions. I do not have to accept another person’s actions as right, but I do need to respect that person’s right to their viewpoint. I do not have the right to degrade or look down upon anyone because of their views. But that does not mean I have accepted those views.

Does that mean I am not going to stand up for what I believe in? That I am just going to roll over and play dead when someone does or says something that I believe is morally or ethically wrong? No, not at all. It means that I will respectfully, openly approach that person in an attitude of humility. I will make the environment such that they do not feel threatened. I will welcome rebuttal and feedback, and expect to receive the same – all in love and the need to understand. Ignorance is NOT bliss. Ignorance leads to prejudice and hate.

That’s not the kind of world I want to live in, nor to hand over to my children when the time comes.

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."

Ephesians 4:2

Things November: Nov. 12, 2010

On November 12, 1980, the NASA space probe Voyager I made its closest approach to Saturn and took the first images of its rings.

Simply stunning.

I gaze at this in awe and wonderment...

...ponder the beauty.

How could this possibly be anything other than an amazing creation?  My mind cannot even imagine how anyone could think that this is just an "accident".



No, this is MADE. 

Lovingly...

thoughtfully...

by God's hands. 

I imagine it.

He cups his hands, as if forming a snowball.  Slowly he brings his hands up to his mouth...he softly breathes into them, opens his hands and in utter delight lets float this breathtaking sphere of G0d-breath.

He sprinkles all around it layer upon layer of texture and color and places it among his beautiful collection of other God-breathed creations.

Shhhhh...can you hear it?  The soft whisper of him, as he moves throughout the universe, placing one treasure after another just where he wants them to be? 

Shhhhh...listen.  He's there.

"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."

Genesis 1:1

November Things: Nov. 11, 2010

Because this is an important day...

A solemn and celebratory day all in one...

Because freedom isn't FREE...

Today I simply say

THANK YOU

to all those veterans of our military who have served us well, and have served bravely.

Things November: Nov. 10, 2010

Life is full of surprises, and today I received a very nice one.  I am the iFellowship "featured friend" over on Seeds of Faith Women today!  I don't remember exactly how I stumbled across it, but I'm telling you...I could spend all day over there getting dose after dose of encouragement from my Christian sisters!  Please do go check it out (just click the button below)!

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And now for today's fun facts for November 10th:

The Few, The Proud…

The US Marine Corps celebrates its birthday on November 10th each year. This year in particular the Corps is celebrating its 235th! Hoo-Rah!

MS Windows released

Although it wouldn’t actually ship until 1985, Microsoft Corporation unveiled MS Windows on Nov. 10, 1983. Our lives haven't been the same, don't you agree?

Sunny Day, Everything’s A-OK!

In 1969, Sesame Street premiered on public broadcasting stations. If you think about it, this was pre-school teaching before pre-school was cool! My favorite character is, of course, Big Bird. He is big and lovable and always kind. Who's your favorite character? (Below is a picture of the original cast!)

Famous Birthdays: Martin Luther, Miranda Lambert (my personal favorite female Country singer!)

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I love traditional Thanksgiving foods, but sometimes it's fun to just mix it up a little bit.  Here is a recipe for a Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake that I made a couple years back for a party at work.  I like this one because you don't need a springform pan. Yum-O! (Photo borrowed from Kraft Kitchens, since we have long ago eaten ours!)

Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake

1-1/2 cups crushed ginger snaps 

1/2 cup finely chopped pecans

1/4 cup butter, melted

4 pkg. (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened

1 cup sugar, divided

1 tsp. vanilla

4 eggs

1 cup canned pumpkin

1-1/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

HEAT oven to 325°F

MIX crumbs, nuts and butter; press onto bottom only of 13x9-inch pan.

BEAT cream cheese, 3/4 cup sugar and vanilla with mixer until well blended. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating after each just until blended. Remove 1-1/2 cups batter. Stir remaining sugar, pumpkin and spices into remaining batter.

SPOON half the pumpkin batter into crust; top with spoonfuls of half the plain batter. Repeat layers; swirl with knife.

BAKE 45 min. or until center is almost set. Cool completely. Refrigerate 4 hours.

I cut this into approximately 1" squares and put them in mini cupcake liners to make it more festive looking.

Things November: Nov. 9, 2010

Here are a few little nuggets I gathered for today. Enjoy!

Felix the Cat!
The Wonderful, Wonderful Cat!

In 1919, this amazing little kitty first appeared in a series of film shorts called “Feline Follies”. I can’t tell you how many afternoons I spent after school having a snack and watching this cartoon! Ahhh, good memories! He must be why I love black cats so much!

The Wall Came Tumblin', Tumblin

On this day in 1989, the Berlin Wall was opened. Built in 1961, it stood as a stark symbol of the Cold War. Subsequently, the tearing down of the wall has come to represent the collapse of Communism in East Europe.

Talk about ironic…
In 1998, Florida was hit by ten tornadoes while celebrating Hazardous Weather Awareness Week.

Beautiful and frightening all at once!

Things November: Nov. 8, 2010

On November 8, 1889, Montana became the 41st state of the United States.

 

Random?  Yep!

But it brings back a childhood memory that makes me smile a little.  I was in 4th grade and our teacher assigned us each a state to research.  We had to draw the state on a large piece of poster board, color it in, label it's capital, and...well, I don't remember what else.  Then on parent open house night, we all paraded through the cafeteria/auditorium proudly displaying our respective states.  I remember that I colored mine a light orange and that I totally loved the name of the capital - Helena.  It sounds so romantic!

I think I would like to visit someday...isn't it pretty?

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Another little known fact about November 8th is that it is World Urbanism Day, also known as World Town Planning Day.

I know - who'da thought, right?  A whole day - a whole organization even - dedicated to the study of urban space and design!  The day was founded in 1949 and is celebrated in 30 countries.  For more information, click here.

I knew somewhere in the back of my head that there are city planning departments (I work in the construction industry, so yeah).  But I never put any thought into the fact that there are people who actually study and come up with ideas on how to create attractive, livable spaces in our urban areas. 

I actually just found out that I live in what is known as a "planned city".  A planned city is defined as one that follows a particular design from inception to use.  According to this article in Wikipedia, there are a minimum of approximately 86 so-called planned cities in the United States, including Austin, TX; Indianapolis, IN; Mystic Island, NJ; Salt Lake City, UT; and Washington, DC.

It's rather intriguing, don't you think?

Things November: Nov. 6, 2010

Here in Texas, the November days are becoming quite beautiful. Warm sunshine and soft breezes were our delight today. The downtown Austin area was bustling and alive with people everywhere! It is good to be alive in the world at this time in history, in this place we call America.

Our forefathers weren't quite so fortunate when they landed here and it always amazes me that, according to stories I've read, many still considered themselves blessed, despite the harsh conditions in which they lived.

The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving.

- H. U. Westermayer

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Can you imagine boarding a ship with hundreds of other people, traveling in all manner of weather conditions for months, enduring sickness, death and overcrowded conditions - then landing in a foreign, wild land without even a place to lay your head? In my opinion, what the early settlers did is epically heroic.

What must their lives have been like in their home country for them to completely uproot themselves from everything that was familiar to them and endure the hardships they did?

I’m not an historian. I can’t quote you facts or dates. I can’t tell you who the leaders of the time were. I can only imagine from the point of view of humanity.

I close my eyes and try to picture how they might have felt. Maybe there was a sense of adventure, heading off to a new place - a place that held unimaginable potential for freedom. On the other hand, there had to be some trepidation in their hearts as well. Leaving behind family, friends and familiarity must have struck a certain amount of fear in their very soul.

How did they find thankfulness and gratitude among the illness; among the native attacks; amidst the harsh, cold winter; in the knowing that they are burying more than building? How?

Makes me feel pretty petty and selfish.

I look around me at everything I have – every material possession, every freedom – and often I still find myself  with something to complain about.

Is this what our forefathers envisioned for us? In some ways I suppose yes. We have freedoms that likely go far beyond anything they wished for. And yet, that seems to be our downfall as well. Freedom taken to extremes.

Even so, I am eternally grateful for those who braved the unknown so that many generations to come would develop and have those freedoms.  Their choices and actions set into motion the building of this country.  Even with it's many imperfections, it is still a wondrous place to be.

And like those in times before us, every action we take - every INaction - has consequences.  I urge you to be thoughtful about the choices you make.  Those choices are NOT yours alone.  Those choices will have an impact on many people, for many generations to come.

What unfamiliar territory are YOU willing to venture into so that future generations will benefit from it?  What legacy will you leave for them to carry on? 

Things November: Nov. 5, 2010

I find it interesting all the things that have happened in Novembers past that I've taken for granted because they've always just "been there". I've never bothered to inquire of their origin.  Not that they are earth-shattering, but they are interesting all the same.

 For instance, in 1492 Christopher Columbus learned of maize (corn) from the Indians of Cuba. 

And in 1935, the ever classic board game Monopoly was introduced by Parker Brothers.

Are you ready for some football?

Yes folks, that’s right…on this day in 1959, the National Football League was formed with the following 8 teams: Houston Oilers, New York Titans, Buffalo Bills, Boston Patriots, Los Angeles Chargers, Dallas Texans, Oakland Raiders, and Denver Broncos!

Famous birthdays for Nov. 5th:  Roy Rogers, Vivien Leigh and Art Garfunkel

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For some reason – today in particular – I am so very grateful that I am no longer the person I used to be. I am not claiming perfection, and my life is still messy…

A Beautiful Mess

This past summer, my off-to-college daughter decided she wanted to redecorate her bedroom here at home. I gave her my blessing, and off she went to purchase supplies and paint at the local do-it-yourself big box store. She was so excited to have all she needed to get started including a couple cans of beautiful, bright pink paint (think fuschia).

As she painted, it didn't go as well as we had hoped. The dark paint was splotchy and streaky, and wasn’t covering the stenciled border I had painted when the house was brand new. We tried to cover the stencil with a medium gray primer that the genius gentleman at the local do-it-yourself big box store told us we needed. Let’s just say at this point, the room is a disaster and we are both disappointed and frustrated.

So, off to the store I went again, this time in pursuit of plain white primer. Just beautiful, pristine white to cover up the awful mess we had made.

Lo and behold, as I put on layers of white primer, the mess is beginning to disappear.

Tonight as I was painting, I reflected on how parts of my past are ugly and splotchy and streaky. How there are layers of colors-on-top-of-colors that I tried to use to cover up the mess - or maybe make the mess look better on the outside - yet the harder I tried, it just became messier.

Then one day, the vessel that held all that ugliness fell to the ground and everything in it spilled out. There was nothing left in there…it was empty…

Nothing left in me…I was empty...

And that was the perfect place for transformation to begin. That was when God sat the vessel back upright and filled it with Himself…

when He gave me the gift of His Son Jesus as my Savior…

when He began to slowly, gently “prime” that ugly surface

with His loving Word.

Every day He lovingly brushes on another beautiful, fresh layer of Himself over my mess…over me. But rather than just covering over the mess, God is making me new. Bit by bit, the canvas that is me becomes less me and more Him.

Pure

       Clean

                Bright

                          White

                                    Lovely…

Things November: Nov. 4, 2010

I simply couldn’t find any interesting facts regarding this day in November, so I leave you with a poem and a recipe today. I hope you enjoy both!

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November

by Elizabeth Coatsworth

November comes
And November goes,

With the last red berries

And the first white snows.

With night coming early,

And dawn coming late,

And ice in the bucket

And frost by the gate.

The fires burn

And the kettles sing,

And earth sinks to rest

Until next spring.

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If you are looking for healthier alternatives to traditional Thanksgiving foods, there are plenty of recipes out there. Thanksgiving does not have to be heavy-laden with fatty foods to be enjoyable.

Here is a really simple recipe for green beans that my family loves (my kids actually taught me how to make these). These are a wonderful, tasty replacement for the beloved green bean casserole many of us grew up with.

Sauteed Green Beans
1 ½ pounds fresh green beans
1 large red bell pepper
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 pat of butter (about 1/4" thick slice)
1 large lemon
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt & course ground pepper to taste

Snap ends only of the green beans off and wash (you want to leave the beans long). Slice the red bell pepper into long slices about ¼ inch wide.

In a large skillet heat the olive oil and butter, and then add the green beans and red bell pepper. Sprinkle in the seasonings and saute until the vegetables are tender-crisp (usually no more than about 5 minutes).

When vegetables are finished cooking, turn off the heat and squeeze the juice of one lemon over them. Lightly toss, and place in a serving dish.


Enjoy!

Things November: Nov. 3, 2010

Ok, y’all…I’m an Austin, Texas girl and I am very happy to say that November 3rd is the birthday of none other than...

Stephen F. Austin

(aka, the Father of Texas)!

 ~~~Yee-haw! No…for real…yeee-hawww!~~~

Ok, whew...now that I've got that out of my system, here are some more November facts for you:

 November’s birthstone is the Topaz.Topaz is often associated with the sun, and the most well-known color Topaz stone is golden yellow.

Topaz occurs naturally in other colors as well including pink, orange and blue. It is believed that wearing topaz allows you to have clearer thought and foresight (vision).

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Did you know that November is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month? Somewhere in the range of 5-7 percent of the teenage population under the age of 18 are homeless each year. That's about 1-1.5 million young people who are forced to live on the streets, are likely to drop out of school, and face an increased risk of experiencing sexual abuse and the very real danger of human trafficking.

Click { here } to visit one of many websites where you can find more information and

how you can help.

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And that, my friends, leads me to what I am thankful for today.

A roof over my head, warm clothes on my body, plentiful food for my tummy.

Many of us take these things for granted, but there are also many who would trade places with us in a heartbeat, even just for one night.

It hurts my heart to know that there are children out there in the world – the same age as my own – who have none of these things. Some of them don’t even have a family. They are lost and vulnerable.

This is somebody's baby, y'all.  Somebody's baby....

But you and I - we have the ability to change that.

What will you do?

How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.

 ~Anne Frank

Things November: Nov. 2, 2010

This year, Election Day falls on November 2nd. I’m not a great follower of politics, but I did once hear someone say that if you don’t exercise your right to vote, then you forfeit your right to complain about the results! Get out there today…your vote DOES count.

November 2nd is also when Mexicans and Mexican-Americans living in the US and Canada celebrate Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Although the name of the day can cause one unfamiliar with the holiday to conjure up images quite macabre, it is actually a time of celebration usually accompanied by much partying. Family and friends gather together to remember loved ones who have died, and will often visit their graves bearing gifts that the deceased enjoyed in their earthly life.

Famous Birthdays on this day:

Marie Antoinette

Daniel Boone

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Have you ever noticed how November seems to get looked over in our society? The end of October brings us Halloween, which many of us spend weeks planning parties and costumes for. Then, the next morning retail stores almost immediately move all items that are autumn-related to storage and out comes everything Christmas!

It’s no wonder we seemingly find it easy to forget to slow down and remember to be thankful.

The one holiday in the calendar year that is touted as being set aside for just this purpose is all but pushed out of the picture - and in its place is a holiday season that has become increasingly more known for “getting” than “giving”.

I have challenged myself to make time this month and see each day for the blessing it is. To savor the good, to learn from the not-so-good, and to be thankful for all of it. Because I believe that both the good and the not-so-good are necessary in order for us to fully realize the beauty that life really holds.

“Difficult times have helped me to understand better than before,

how infinitely rich and beautiful life is in every way,

and that so many things that one goes worrying about

are of no importance whatsoever...”

-- Isak Dinesen --

 (pseudonym of Baroness Karen Blixen.

Danish Writer (Out of Africa, 7 Gothic Tales), 1885-1962)

Things November: Nov. 1, 2010

Happy November!

Did you know...


November 1st is the 305th day of the year, leaving only 60 days until 2010 is over!

November’s flower is the Chrysanthemum, from which Chrysanthemum tea can be made. In traditional Chinese medicine, the tea is said to aid in preventing a sore throat and treating eye pain.

On November 1, 1927: Ford rolled out the Model A, which was to replace the “Tin Lizzie” – with prices starting at $460.00.

The Feast of All Saints is celebrated on November 1st by some religions. The holiday is celebrated by paying respects to those who have passed on from this world before us, and praying for their eternal peace in heaven.

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For me, November signifies gathering. Gathering of friends and family. Gathering together thoughts of the year that has almost passed. Gathering together hopes for the year to come.

There is a heightened awareness of blessings bestowed upon us.

There is a hunger that awakens in us to bless others because we are blessed.

In the early days of our country, farmers gathered and harvested their crops. The fruits of their labor would get them through the harsh winter until they could again plant fresh crops in the spring.

Today we are less dependent solely on this type of harvesting for our survival. But we still gather and harvest.

We gather together and harvest “crops” of warm clothing for those in need…

“crops” of food prepared with loving hands for the hungry…

                   

“crops” of gifts for children who might not otherwise receive.

We gather,

we laugh,

we cry,

we hold hands,

we pray...

...and we harvest plentiful “crops” of people

loving each other,

face-to-face

and across hundreds of thousands of miles.

We gather and harvest, in full hope that we will weather through the harsh winters of our lives.

That we may help others do the same.

In the hope and knowledge that when the sun comes back out and thaws the deep-frozen parts of our hurting hearts, that we will continue the cycle of planting seeds in the world around us.

Also be sure to follow along with me on my 30-Day Giving Challenge page (click here).  I hope you'll be inspired to join in!

Things November

In reading poetry about November, one would think that the world is in an apocalyptic state during this time of year! All the talk about it being somber and dreary – how depressing! I don’t believe that November is either of those things.

"Even if something is left undone,

everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn."

- Elizabeth Lawrence

Early November is often beautiful and golden, and then the days slowly give way to the crisp coolness that ushers in winter.

There is excitement in the air at the thought of gathering with friends and family. There is food – oh, MY…there is definitely food!

November is a month in which many of us turn our focus onto thankfulness. We become more aware of our blessings, and very often feel led to reach out and bless others. In this spirit, I am going to embark on my first “series” of sorts. Throughout the month, I will post about “Things November”. You may find a variety of things including interesting tidbits of history and trivia, thoughts on thankfulness and blessings, and maybe even a recipe or two.

I hope you will join me on this journey and share with me your own thoughts. So, until we meet here again tomorrow, dear friends, I wish you love and happiness.