Scary, but if you want to know...
Tryptophan ~ It's Thanksgiving time. That means that I have returned to pondering the effects of tryptophan found in turkey. One camp says that consuming turkey in large amounts is the cause for that desire to collapse into a post-supper nap, while others suggest that it's not the turkey but rather the entire meal that makes one want a siesta. Science is one thing. Experience is another. I'm buying the tryptophan theory--and I'm planning to induce a tryptophan coma for myself come Thursday! In years past, you remember, I've done two turkeys--one traditional roasted turkey and one cajun-deep fried. This year I've decided to do one very large turkey the traditional way, and to add a baked ham as well. A little swine to go with my poultry--a well rounded meal aimed at making me... well... more well round. Have I mentioned that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year? {That's a scientific rendering of tryptophan on the left. Impressive, eh? How many blogs can you go to for such in-depth stuff?}
Traditions ~ One of our family traditions over the years has been to decorate a Christmas tree and the house the weekend after Thanksgiving. Special plans this year include some special friends in the festivities. I cannot wait! Part of that tradition is a weekend filled with the Christmas music of my childhood--the oldies my mom and dad played in the house when we were kids. I'm dusting off the Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, Andy Williams and Frank Sinatra CDs. My kids are cringing.
Advent ~ I've outlined the messages for this Advent season, and I'm pretty excited about it. We'll be considering the Theology of the Incarnation this year--and before you go to sleep on that title, know that what we'll really be considering is how the incarnation impacts each of us. Good stuff, to be sure. And music--the World Famous Christ's Church Worship Band is hard at work pulling music--traditional and new arrangements--together to carry us through a great Advent experience as a church family.
Land of Hope and Dreams ~ 3 Chords recently added the Springsteen tune to our setlist. A few of the lyrics have buoyed my heart the last few days:
From a verse: Leave behind your sorrow, let this day be the last; for tomorrow there will be sunshine, and all this darkness past...
From the various choruses: This train carries the broken hearted; this train, sweet souls departed; this train, dreams will not be thwarted; this train, faith will be rewarded; this train, all aboard!
2 Corinthians 5:1-10 ~ A text that speaks truth to the grieving. Glorious hope! I heard a twelve year old read it at her mother's funeral--I'll never be the same.
So, what's on your mind? Or, what's on your Thanksgiving menu? Any family traditions?
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