Valentine's Day

Today is Valentine's Day. That being said, it can be lonely and hard for those who don’t have that “special someone” to cherish and spend time with. I’m not married nor am I in a relationship with a guy. Quite frankly, I’ve never been on a romantic date. Most people my age have been and are now living together with kids. But there are people in the same or similar situation like mine. To those people, I firmly believe that if God wants you to be in a relationship or marry, He’ll let you know according to His wisdom and timing. I believe that your emotional and mental maturity also plays a factor in that, and how willing you are to selflessly and sacrificially commit in the relationship.

Now I know it’s easy to say, “Yeah, yeah, I’ve heard that so many times” or “You don’t know how difficult it is for me.” You’re right, I don’t. And I’m not here to diminish your desires. I’ve wondered if God wants me to remain single or marry someday. I still do. But regardless of whatever situation you’re in right now, I can tell you that God is good and He is enough. He knows you better than you know yourself and what is best for you. I’m not going to share a myriad of reasons as to why you might still be single. You may already know them, or are in a season of discovering them. I will say the best way to embrace your season of singleness, however long it lasts, is to focus on ways you can serve those around you while you have the freedom to do so. Not just that, but if you really reflect on the love God has given you, that the second person of the triune God stepped into time from eternity, took on the form of a human through the incarnate birth, to humble Himself and sacrifice His life so you could enter having a triune relationship with God Himself, it really blows your mind away. John 3:16, Philippians 2:6-11, and Titus 2:11-14 will take on a whole new meaning not just on Valentines Day, but in all your life.

In the meantime, pray about and look for opportunities to volunteer in the children’s ministry or teen and college ministries at your church. Find ways you can pray for and help married couples, parents, nursing homes, communities in your area, etc. Who knows? You may get to travel and go on mission trips. It may not ease the loneliness on some nights sitting by the fire and sipping on hot cocoa, but it will be more rewarding and give you a new sense of meaning and perspective. Just a thought.  Share the love this Valentines.

Cinnamon Bread

Photo location: Pakistan

If you ever invite neighbors or friends into your home for holidays or any occasion, this delicious cinnamon bread will be a crowd pleaser and make your kitchen and home smell inviting with the lovely scent of cinnamon all around. Nikole Hahn, a missionary, shared this recipe which has become a tradition in Pakistan. The recipe video is 1 minute long. 

If you live at high altitude, you can click here to make adjustments. Baking time, temperatures, and ingredients might need to be adjusted if you live above 3,000-foot elevation.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 3 teaspoons cinnamon (I like to dump my cinnamon in the bowl)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup oil
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 eggs

Instructions: 

1. Grease the bottom of a loaf pan. You can sprinkle the bottom with a little flour to keep it from sticking, but I like to use cinnamon instead. After baking, the cinnamon on the bottom of the pan prevents sticking and gives a crispy cinnamon crunch to your bread.
2. Preheat the oven to 350* (or 375* if you are between 3,000 and 4,000 elevation level).
3. Mix dry ingredients together first. Then, add all the wet ingredients. Don’t overmix. Mix until smooth.
4. Pour batter into the loaf pan and bake for almost an hour. It will be done when the bread feels firm to the touch, and you can insert a knife in the middle and the knife comes out clean.
5. Use a knife to gently separate the bread from the sides. Wait a minute, then turn upside down on a cooling rack or plate.

Eat with your favorite topping hot out of the oven. The smell of cinnamon will fill your home with warmth and memories.

Misconceptions About My Thanksgiving Post

I received complaints about my previous post on Thanksgiving, so I just wanted to set the record straight. To make things clear, my intention was not to cause any division whatsoever. Those resource videos I shared were simply opinions or explanations as to why some people either partake or don’t partake in the holiday…. I thought there were interesting points in each video.. Some of them said the same or similar thing as the other but were more detailed or had some different and additional commentary. One video just stated reasons as to why they don’t celebrate, that had no religious affiliation to it. Another video was a rebuttal to the other videos insisting it’s pagan idolatry saying it isn’t and it’s fine to celebrate Thanksgiving. That’s why it’s important to look at all sources provided to get a better understanding…Not just one….

It’s always good to consider different perspectives from different angles, and not react to just one.. Some aren’t as clear cut as others. But, at the end of the day, what matters more is showing love and consideration despite differences in views. Which was the entire point of my post… Because some have experienced bullying or teasing and harassment on both ends. Which is not acceptable. Nobody should be bullied, shamed, or teased for choosing not to participate in a holiday, and the same applies for the ones who do. If you call yourself a Christian, then act like it. It isn’t right to be rude or spiteful to someone who doesn’t share your view.

I wasn’t bashing on or hating the holiday which evidently was perceived that way somehow. Anywho, I just wanted to clear the air. If anyone writes negative or nasty comments, it will be removed and you will be blocked. That is all.

Thanksgiving Holiday

If you’re living in Canada or the United States, then you’re familiar with the Thanksgiving holiday that’s celebrated once a year. While the Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving in October and Americans celebrate that in November, the similarities still exist with family visits, parades, massive feasts, and football. It’s a tradition that has passed down from history with origins of the pilgrims and European harvest festivals. It’s also a time of remembrance to be thankful for all your blessings, big and small.

Thanksgiving has been one of my favorite holidays growing up and a time for many to enjoy fellowship, fun, and making great memories while busy with preparation and cooking for the guests. Some prefer it more low-key like ordering a pizza or takeout, which helps reduce cost and dishes to clean up which I’m all in favor of but to each their own! Lol.

However, some people don’t partake in this holiday for different reasons. Some think it’s a nuisance, some aren’t close to or on good terms with family, some want to be different lol, and some believe it’s partaking in worshipping demons because of pagan roots and want to avoid dining at the table of demons and idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:21) at all costs. Here are some videos that explain more in depth for inquiring minds wanting to explore the history or origins and reasons for Thanksgiving. 

Why I Don’t Celebrate Thanksgiving

Origins of Thanksgiving? Part 1

Origins of Thanksgiving? Part 2

Should We Celebrate Thanksgiving?

Is It Okay To Celebrate Thanksgiving?

This is for educational purposes and further look into this holiday. Whether you choose to celebrate Thanksgiving or not, let’s all agree that it’s okay to disagree. Just because someone chooses not to partake in it, doesn’t give anyone a right to berate, mock, or shame them. Likewise, it doesn’t make it okay to give people a hard time because they’re celebrating a holiday you want no association with.

If you’re a Christian, give thanks to God like you would on any day regardless of what you believe and choose regarding holiday participation. Spend more time loving people and serving them more than finding fault and criticizing people’s choices. Especially if they don’t share your beliefs all the way or have a different lifestyle than you. Let’s not get caught up in arguing for the sake of “being right” and focus more on what you’re grateful for.

I’m thankful to have Thanksgiving off from work with paid-time off. =) If you’re having to work on Thanksgiving, consider it a blessing to get paid for work. Especially if it’s a bonus! Find a neighbor, friend, or family member and share some joy, light, and positivity with them. Or stay home and do whatever you want all day.

If you watch the videos above, let me know in the comments below what your thoughts are on Thanksgiving. Do you think the history or traditions whether old or new matters? Do you think this is black and white or are there any gray areas? Are the opinions shared in the videos factual or misinterpreted?