Monday, November 26, 2007

Preparing for Advent (including a giveaway!)

Two upcoming events here on the Ark are sure to start you thinking about Advent's quick approach.

First, don't forget to share your favorite Christmas cookie recipe with us. I have a handful so far, but would love to hear from the rest of my readers. You all must be Christmas cookie people--we'd never get along so well if you weren't! ;-) The original post is here. You can leave a message in the comments on either section with a link to your post containing your recipe or you can email your recipe to me at patjrsmom at yahoo dot com.

And, second, the giveaway I promised is now underway! I will be giving away a copy of the book The Shepherds' Prayer: A Christmas Novel, written by Richard M. Barry. While the book works well with the accompanying study guide to serve as an Advent scripture study, it is great as a stand alone read as well.

The story is told from the point of view of a young man whose past is a mystery but for a single lambskin blanket containing a cryptic message. One night, he eventually works up the courage to ask his adoptive father for "his story" and what he hears leads him on a journey to discover his past and much more. Written in easy to read language and woven together with familiar people, places and events from Sacred Scripture, this story offers a chance to ponder the mystery of our own connections to salvation history. As the book is a mere eight chapters and one hundred and twenty-three pages, it would also make for a great Advent family read aloud.

If you're interested in adding this book to your collection, leave a note in the comments before midnight CST on Wednesday, November 28th. The winner will be announced on Thursday, November 29th. Good luck!

14 comments:

Jamie Carin and Claudio Romano said...

I have no Christmas cookie recipes :( I am a convert from Judaism...so I can make a mean latke, but the cookies baffle me LOL.

But your post made me wonder if you have a book or some great source you use with your kids for craft/recipe/study ideas for the major feasts etc??

We LOVE advent in our house. The first Sunday of Advent we put up a HUGE nativity scene. I can't wait for next Sunday to get it up!! I will surely post pics on my blog if you are interested in seeing it. It literally takes up an entire wall of our dining room.

God Bless
Jamie

Jane (a.k.a. patjrsmom) said...

Hi Jamie,

I actually taught in Catholic school for a while, so I have some things that I used there that I just continue to use at home. I'll put a post together about some of the other books I use and see if anyone can recommend any others.

And...I'd love to add your latke recipe to our collection. I always did a latkes and applesauce meal with my students when I was teaching to help them understand some of the traditions in the Jewish faith. This year, I was just thinking about trying it with my kids at home.

Also-shall I add you to the drawing for the book giveaway?

God Bless,
Jane

Anonymous said...

Hi Jane,
I would love to be included in the drawing for the book.
Please give the boy a big hug from me today. I hope that his gift arrived.
Love,
CC

Jamie Carin and Claudio Romano said...

Dear Jane,

I will get that latke recipe for you!

And thank you any book suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated!

And yes please include me in the drawing.

God Bless
Jamie

Life in Fitzville said...

Hey... I taught in a Catholic school too! My last "real" job before having all these kids!

Jane (a.k.a. patjrsmom) said...

Hi Denise,

I didn't know that-but I'm not surprised-we keep good company, eh?

Jane

Michelle said...

Jane, please include me for the book drawing. I have a couple of cookie recipes but will share them later (no bake cookies is a family fav and it's on my blog and a cream cheese sugar cookie recipe is a big hit too)

Barbara said...

Jane, I'll post a cookie recipe on my food blog Friday.

Jane (a.k.a. patjrsmom) said...

You are all great! Thank you for sharing your cookie recipes. I'll be sure to check your blogs for them--and I've got you all entered for the book drawing!

Jane

Anonymous said...

How wonderful this book would be for our homeschooling family! Plese enter me!!!

Barb Szyszkiewicz said...

Here's my Christmas cookie recipe:
http://sfomom.blogspot.com/2005/12/for-your-holiday-baking-pleasure.html

This is the only kind we make. You get 10 to 12 dozen from the batch, depending on the size of the cutters.

And the book sounds fascinating!

Anonymous said...

HI! Please include me in your drawing. It sounds great. I look forward to Advent every year with my 5 little ones.
Thank you.
God bless you all,
Mary

Anonymous said...

HI! Please include me in your drawing. It sounds great. I look forward to Advent every year with my 5 little ones.
Thank you.
God bless you all,
Mary

Renee said...

not sure what time it is back in the States... as I'm not sure what time zone you're in...but I'll throw my hat in the ring anyway