Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Thanking ONE in all...


WHY do we spend two days cooking for ONE meal - every year? This I do not fully understand, but I do fully participate. This year I am trying some new vegan recipes, as well as the old holiday standbys. I'm also trying to make some of the old standbys just a "touch" healthier....not healthy really; but a touch better with less cholesterol, less fat, less processed ingredients. 


Today I baked pies for tomorrow and for tonight's Chapel Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service and Pie Social. Two vegan types (Triple Berry and Chocolate); two not vegan (peanut butter and white chocolate "cheesecake"). The berry does taste better than it looks; but really NEEDS to be smothered in cool whip - really no sub here for that. ::snort::

I also made Hummus (whilst thanking God for amazingly rich friendships past and present) and Spinach Artichoke dip (whilst thanking God for recent leaps towards health).

In the midst of cooking...grieving for a young family...the loss of a 4 month old baby to leukemia and a memorial service...just minutes before the Thanksgiving service...life...giving thanks in the midst of suffering...choosing to trust in a good and loving God when life is just not fair...choosing to stay centered in a whirlwind of grace when the storms rise...  Please do pray for this young family as they fly home tomorrow for a burial. 

A day capped with believers from the full spectrum of Christianity joining together to affirm God is good, thank Him for His blessings, and remember those of our loved ones who are deployed. A reason to give thanks in the midst of the rush...a moment to pause with friends who are often in other worship services...and give thanks as one to the One whom we can fully trust. 

Note: I think these types of ecumenical services may be rare these days. The closest I've seen in the civilian world is the community Thanksgiving service we used to have in Hardin, MT...where all the protestant churches would get together to celebrate...but even there I'm not sure the Catholics joined us....but close. 

Choosing Joy!
©2012 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

4 comments:

Renee said...

I think many times (at least for myself)Catholics might not join the services because a) they are going to Mass or b) concerned about their children being confused by the differences in worship.

I know that I am also hesitant of ecumenical VBS programs because I've seen them with altar calls which is not Catholic nor part of many Protestant traditions

Lisa in Jax said...

De'Etta!

Coconut milk!!! Get a can of coconut milk. Refridgerate it. Skim the cream off the top. Whip it! Whip it good!lol Then add some honey or sucanat or coconut sugar. Voila! Whipped cream for your pie. :)

DeEtta @ Courageous Joy said...

We have good Catholic turnout at the base chapel Thanksgiving service. LOL

Thanks for the tip, Lisa. I will try it.

Anonymous said...

love this kind of service. Love any kind of Thanksgiving Service and early Christmas Eve service..... use to have them as a kid in Hardin....... certainly not here. Dad and Grandma t. use to go to either the Christmas Eve or New Years Eve service at the Catholic Church when he was a kid.

love/prayers - mom t.