Happy first day of August! This is an exciting month in the Liturgical Year; we are still moving through the season of Ordinary Time, the longest season of the Church Year. We start with The Transfiguration where we marvel at the meeting of heaven and earth in the body of Jesus and we end by celebrating St. Bartholomew's Day, honoring a faithful disciple of Jesus. Follow along as I share everything you’ll need to celebrate every special day this month, including the history, recipes, and traditions. Helpful Links: The Feast of St. Mary, Mother of Our Lord The Feast of St. Bartholomew

Today is the feast of St. Mary! It’s the day that we remember and celebrate Mary, the mother of our Lord. We honor her today and are thankful for her humble obedience and her “yes” to the call that God had on her life. Mary has been celebrated by the Church from the earliest days of the Church. We are thankful for the upbringing that she provided to Jesus. We are also thankful that she continued to support Jesus in his ministry and that she was one of the few who remained with him all of the way to the end even to his death on the cross. We are thankful that even after Jesus’ death, Mary was in the upper room with the disciples, waiting and praying for the gift of the Holy Spirit. I love what the book “Lesser Feasts and Fasts” says - What we can believe is that one who stood in so intimate a relationship with the incarnate Son of God on earth must, of all the human race, have the place of highest honor in the eternal life of God. A paraphrase of an ancient Greek hymn expresses this belief in very familiar words: “O higher than the cherubim, more glorious than the seraphim, lead their praises, alleluia.” Ways to Celebrate: Make something with rosemary. Rosemary is the herb associated with St. Mary. Legend has it that the blossoms of the rosemary plant were white until Mary stopped to do laundry during the holy family’s flight to Egypt. Mary threw her blue cloak over a rosemary bush to dry and the flowers have been blue ever since. One of my favorite ways to use rosemary is this easy roast chicken recipe from The Pioneer Woman. You use lemons, rosemary and a lot of butter. It’s tender and so flavorful! Lemon and Rosemary Roast Chicken 1 whole Chicken, Rinsed And Patted Dry 3/4 c. Butter, Softened 3 whole Lemons 4 sprigs Rosemary Salt And Pepper, to taste Preheat oven to 400 degrees (convection bake. If you're using a standard oven, you can do 425.) Zest two of the lemons. Strip the leaves off of one of the rosemary sprigs and chop it up finely. In a bowl, combine softened butter, lemon zest, rosemary, and salt and pepper to taste. Line a baking sheet with heavy duty aluminum foil and lay the patted-dry chicken on the foil, breast side up. Use your fingers to smear the butter mixture all over the chicken, under the skin, and inside the cavity. Cut the lemons in half and squeeze the juice of one lemon all over the chicken. Place the six lemon halves (if they'll fit!) and the three remaining rosemary leaves into the cavity of the bird. Place the chicken into the oven and roast it for 1 hour, 15 minutes or until done. Skin should be deep golden brown and juices should be sizzling.

Celebrate the season of Ordinary Time with fruit! The season of Ordinary Time is all about growth and flourishing and fresh fruit is a perfect symbol to use! Where I live figs are in season. My sweet neighbors live down the street and let me pick as many figs as I want. It's my favorite time of the year! I am picking and harvesting figs as fast as I can! I love how the seasons of the Church often coincide with our agricultural calendar. I think the ripening of figs is such a beautiful symbol for Ordinary Time. It reminds me of the story in Mark where Jesus curses a barren fig tree that should have been flourishing and full of ripe fruit. During this season of Ordinary Time, let us grow and flourish in our faith like the fig trees that are bursting with abundance. Fig Ice Cream (But any fruit will do!) 2 cups fruit 1/4 + 1/8 cup of sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla whole milk or a non-dairy alternative xanthan gum (if you use a non-dairy alternative) Use a blender for this easy recipe! Fill the blender up to the 2-cup mark with fruit, and add your liquid to the 3-cup mark. Add 1/4 cup + 1/8 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, and if you're using a non-dairy liquid, 1/4 teaspoon of xanthan gum. Blend until smooth. Pour into an ice cream maker and freeze. Enjoy!

Today is the feast of St. Peter and St. Paul. It is a feast to honor the martyrdom of both men since they were martyred around the same time (67AD). St. Peter was a fisherman and became one of the first followers of Jesus. He was the first to recognize that Jesus was the Messiah. He was bold but also impulsive. After his baptism in the Holy Spirit, Peter became one of the main leaders in the early church. He was chosen to be an apostle of the Church and spent his last years in Rome where he led the Church through persecution. He was martyred and was crucified upside-down at his own request, because he said that he was not worthy to die as his Lord did. He was buried on Vatican hill and St. Peter's Basilica was built over his tomb. St. Paul was originally known as Saul. He was a Jewish pharisee who persecuted Christians in Jerusalem. As Saul was walking one day, he was surrounded by a great light from heaven. He became blind and heard a voice from heaven saying, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” Saul answered,“Who are you, Lord?” and the voice said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” Jesus instructed Saul to continue on to Damascus where Saul was baptized and his sight restored. He took the name Paul and spent the remainder of his life preaching the Gospel tirelessly to the Gentiles. Paul was imprisoned and beaten over and over. In the end, he was taken to Rome, where he was beheaded. He is buried in Rome in the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. Ways to Celebrate: Since St. Peter was a fisherman, eat fish, go fishing or play a game of “Go Fish”! Since St. Paul was a tentmaker, have your kids make a tent using sheets and blankets.

Yesterday, I shared all about the use of incense. I know that incense can be a controversial topic. Either we are completely opposed to it but we don't know why or we love it but we don't know why! In my post on incense (read here), I shared the biblical history of incense, why the ancient Israelites used it, what it means, and why Christians still use it to this day. The use of incense is such a beautiful liturgical tradition that has profound symbolism and makes the spiritual tangible. Incense transforms a space from secular to sacred in a way that we can see and smell. As you see the smoke of incense rising in the church or in your home, as you smell the smell of frankincense or myrrh, we are made physically aware that we are in a sacred space, that God is with us, and that our prayers are rising to him. I love using incense in the home for these very reasons. How cool is it that when we sit down to pray, we can also light incense as a way to set apart the time as sacred? As the smoke wafts up and around us, we are keenly aware that God's Holy Spirit is with us, and as we pray, we are reminded that our prayers, like the incense, are rising to the Lord and that it is a sweet smell to Him. Supplies An incense burner $18.95 Incense tongs $4.95 Charcoal (I purchased a 3-pack for $5.95 but you could get a single roll for $1.95) Incense (I purchased the "Staff Favorites Sampler Pack" for $24.95 because I thought it would be fun to experience the different kinds but you can also get frankincense or myrrh for as low as $1.95 a bag) Matches or some sort of candle lighter Note: If you have allergies or are afraid that the smoke might be too much, they also sell a "smokeless incense starter kit." Instructions Place your incense burner where you want it. Hold a charcoal tablet with your tongs and light it with a match. Move the flame all around the outside of the charcoal. Little red glowing sparks will form on the outside of the charcoal. Place the charcoal tab in the incense burner. Pick up one piece of incense and lay it on top of the charcoal. Cover with the brass grill. The incense will start to smoke and fill the room. Note: The outside of the ceramic burner will get very hot so make sure your children can't touch it.

Incense. Just the mention of it can evoke strong reactions within Christian circles. Some see it as controversial, while others cherish its rich symbolism and spiritual significance. Today, I'd love for us to put aside any prejudices we might have or a lack of understanding and delve into the history of incense, drawing upon its roots with the ancient Israelites and exploring its relevance and importance in the Christian home. In the Old Testament, incense held a central role in the worship practices of the ancient Israelites. In the very beginning, as God established the Israelites as His people, he gave them rules to live by and specific instructions for how they were to worship. God commanded Moses to construct a golden altar for burning incense in the Tabernacle (Exodus 30:1-10). This fragrant offering was to be made with specific ingredients, carefully blended according to God's instructions. The rising smoke of incense created a sacred space and it also symbolized the prayers of the people ascending to heaven, creating a tangible connection with God. From then on, the Israelites worshipped God with incense. We encounter numerous incense references throughout Scripture, further underscoring its significance. In the Psalms, King David writes, "Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice" (Psalm 141:2). In the book of Revelation, the Apostle John describes heavenly scenes where incense is offered before the throne of God, signifying the prayers of the saints (Revelation 5:8 and 8:3-4). As Christians, we have inherited a rich liturgical tradition that incorporates incense into our worship as well. Just as the ancient Israelites used incense, so too have Christians around the world for centuries. The use of incense is a powerful tool that has profound symbolism and makes the spiritual tangible. Incense transforms a space from secular to sacred in a way that we can see and smell. As you see the smoke of incense rising in the church or in your home, as you smell the smell of frankincense or myrrh, we are made physically aware that we are in a sacred space, that God is with us, and that our prayers are rising up to him. Introducing incense into your home is by no means mandatory for your Christian faith but by embracing the use of incense, we can open ourselves to a deeper, more meaningful worship experience, connecting with the ancient roots of our faith and fostering a sense of sacredness in our homes. Let the rising smoke of incense be a tangible reminder of our prayers ascending to heaven, as we seek to encounter God in our everyday lives!

A few months ago, I bought some basil plants from our local nursery. Even though it has only been a short amount of time, the small basil plants have grown and grown. As I stepped into my garden this morning, I was greeted by the sight of plants, once small, now lush, and towering. Watching those basil plants grow, reminds me of the simple pleasures that life offers us. It's in these moments, in the midst of the ordinary, that I find extraordinary peace. You see, we're currently in the season of Ordinary Time, a period in the liturgical calendar that often gets overlooked amidst the more prominent seasons like Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter. But, just like the basil in my garden, there's something incredibly special about this 'ordinary' time. Ordinary Time, despite its name, is anything but ordinary. It's a time for growth and maturation, a time for deepening our faith and understanding of God's word. It's a time to appreciate the everyday miracles that happen around us, just like the growth of basil in my garden. Harvesting my basil is a simple task, yet it's filled with profound lessons. As I pluck each leaf, I'm reminded to be present, to savor the moment. The spicy smell of the leaves, the cool morning air, the chirping of the birds - these are the simple joys that make life extraordinary. And then, there's the act of using the harvested basil. Whether it's in a delicious pesto, a refreshing salad, or a comforting soup, it brings a sense of fulfillment. It's a reminder that our efforts, no matter how small, can bring joy and nourishment to ourselves and others. So, as we journey through this season of Ordinary Time, let's take a moment to appreciate the 'ordinary' in our lives. Let's celebrate the everyday miracles, the simple joys, and the beauty of growth. Let's find the extraordinary in the ordinary, just like the basil in my garden. Ways to Celebrate Go to your local nursery and buy a basil plant. Basil is extremely easy to grow. Basil likes lots of sun so plant in a pot and place in a sunny window or in your yard. Harvest some basil and make some pesto. Pesto is so easy to make and has very simple ingredients: basil, olive oil, parmesan cheese, and walnuts or pecans (I use pecans). I had never made basil before but one of my sweet friends from church gave me her special recipe AND agreed to let me share it with you! Thank you, Jane! It is absolutely incredible! The kids and I eat it straight from the bowl! This is my favorite pesto I have had so far. It is so fresh tasting. We use it on homemade pizzas, fresh bread, or tossed with angel hair pasta. I hope you love it as much as we do! Jane's Homemade Pesto 2 cups firm packed clean basil leaves ¼ cup chopped nuts (pine nuts, walnuts, pecans) ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated or shredded ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil ¼ tsp salt Pulse basil, parmesan, and nuts in a food processor or in a blender until thoroughly mixed. Stir with a knife or spoon as needed. Continue adding olive oil until desired consistency. Salt to taste. Serve at room temperature, store in the fridge, or freeze in baggies or containers.

Happy first day of May! This is an exciting month in the Liturgical Year; we are wrapping up the season of Easter and beginning the season of Pentecost. We start with the Feast of St. Philip and St. James where we remember two faithful followers of Jesus and we end by celebrating Pentecost, the day that the Holy Spirit fell and the church of Christ was born, and the Feast of the Visitation where Mary visited her cousin Elisabeth. Continue to follow along as I’ll be sharing everything you’ll need to celebrate every special day this month, including the history, recipes, and traditions. Helpful Links: Ascension Day An Ascension Day Dessert Pentecost Red Velvet Cake for Pentecost Gifts of the Holy Spirit Mobile The Visitation Strawberry Tea for the Feast of the Visitation

Today is the feast of the Visitation! It is the day that the church celebrates the visit of Mary with her cousin Elizabeth. In the gospel of Luke, we are told that Mary, early in her pregnancy, hurried to the home of her cousin, Elizabeth. When Elizabeth, who was also pregnant, heard the voice of Mary, her baby leaped in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth exclaimed to Mary, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” And then Mary also filled with the Holy Spirit, exclaimed, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.” It is such a beautiful passage! Ways to Celebrate Read Luke 1:39-56. Why do you think Mary went to Elizabeth? What happened to the baby in Elizabeth's womb when it heard Mary's voice? Why do you think the baby did that? What happened to Elizabeth and Mary after they were filled with the Holy Spirit? Would you like to be filled with the Holy Spirit, too? Pray: God, you are a good father and you love to give your children gifts. Thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit. We pray that your Holy Spirit would fill us now. Amen. Celebrate the day by making something fun to drink. We made delicious and refreshing strawberry tea! Invite someone over for a visit. Strawberry Tea Ingredients 2 cups strawberries, sliced 1/3 + 1/2 cup sugar, divided 10 cups of water, divided 5 black tea bags Slice the strawberries. Sprinkle with 1/3 cup of sugar. Stir. Allow to sit while making the tea. Boil the water. Add the black tea bags and allow to steep for ten minutes. Press and remove the tea bags. Combine tea and 6 cups of water in a pitcher. Add 1/2 cup of sugar. Stir. Fill glasses with ice, pour in tea, and add 2 to 3 tablespoons of strawberries to each glass. Stir.

Celebrating Pentecost doesn’t have to be hard! We bought sweetheart roses (cheaper and prettier than single stems) with fiery red, orange, and yellow colors. We placed them on a pretty white tablecloth on our dining table so that we can all enjoy it. Now, every time we pass by or eat, we are reminded of the gift of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church!

Today is Pentecost! Pentecost is the day that the church celebrates the gift of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the church. It is a major feast day, coming right after Christmas and Easter. Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he instructed his disciples to wait and pray in Jerusalem until they received the gift that they had been promised. A Comforter would come that would bring a baptism of fire and power. The disciples waited and prayed in the upper room for nine days. On the ninth day, the day of Pentecost, a loud noise like a driving wind filled the house. Then tongues of fire appeared which parted and came to rest on each of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues. A really cool thing about Pentecost is that it occurred during a Jewish holy day when devout Jews from every nation were staying in Jerusalem. When the people heard the sound of the roaring winds, a large crowd gathered and were confused because they heard the disciples speaking in their own particular language. The people were astounded because they knew that the disciples were Galileans and could not figure out how the Galileans were speaking their language. In the crowd’s own languages, the disciples were speaking of the mighty acts of God. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, many were saved on that day, and the followers of Jesus were given an understanding of what had happened and what was going to happen. They were also given boldness and direction. In this awesome moment The Church, the Body of Christ was born! Ways to Celebrate Read Acts 1-2 and 1 Corinthians 12:7-11. Look up and go over what each gift means. Make a Gifts of the Holy Spirit Mobile and as you are making it, pray that the Holy Spirit would give those gifts to you! Make something red to eat like Red Velvet Cake or something that reminds you of flames like these adorable and easy to make Pentecost Fruit Flames Decorate your home with fiery flowers in yellows, oranges and reds. Read children's books about Pentecost. I hope that you have a blessed Pentecost!

Pentecost is almost here! It’s the day we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church! Here’s a fun and simple way to celebrate - make Pentecost Fruit Flames! All you need are bananas, cutie oranges, and strawberries. You can make it with your kids or have the fruit flames out and at the table when your kids wake up on Pentecost morning. How fun is that? Pentecost Fruit Flame Makes 4 servings 2 Bananas 2 Strawberries 2 Cutie oranges Cut the strawberries into fourths and then slice the fourths. Cut the banana in half lengthwise and then slice. Divide the Cuties into individual sections. Place 1/4 of the strawberry slices on a plate. Surround the strawberries with a single line of Cutie sections. Line the strawberries and Cuties with banana slices, with the rounded side facing out. Top the fruit flame with two banana slices putting the rounded sides back to back. Serve for a fun Pentecost snack! Have a blessed Pentecost day!