Picture Post

New Grandbaby News

The Lord has seen fit to bless me once again with another grandson!

Jaxson Lane Koerner
Born: January 21, 2014
Weight: 8 lbs. 13 oz.
Length: 21 inches



Jaxson Lane Koerner



January 21, 2014

Feeling Mighty Pleased

Feeling Quite Pleased

Genesis 1 NKJV

1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
2 The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.
3 Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
4 And God saw that the light was good. Then he separated the light from the darkness.
5 God called the light “day” and the darkness “night.” And evening passed and morning came, marking the first day.
6 Then God said, “Let there be a space between the waters, to separate the waters of the heavens from the waters of the earth.”
7 And that is what happened. God made this space to separate the waters of the earth from the waters of the heavens.
8 God called the space “sky.” And evening passed and morning came, marking the second day.
9 Then God said, “Let the waters beneath the sky flow together into one place, so dry ground may appear.” And that is what happened.
10 God called the dry ground “land” and the waters “seas.” And God saw that it was good.
11 Then God said, “Let the land sprout with vegetation—every sort of seed-bearing plant, and trees that grow seed-bearing fruit. These seeds will then produce the kinds of plants and trees from which they came.” And that is what happened.
12 The land produced vegetation—all sorts of seed-bearing plants, and trees with seed-bearing fruit. Their seeds produced plants and trees of the same kind. And God saw that it was good.
13 And evening passed and morning came, marking the third day.
14 Then God said, “Let lights appear in the sky to separate the day from the night. Let them be signs to mark the seasons, days, and years.
15 Let these lights in the sky shine down on the earth.” And that is what happened.
16 God made two great lights—the larger one to govern the day, and the smaller one to govern the night. He also made the stars.
17 God set these lights in the sky to light the earth,
18 to govern the day and night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good.
19 And evening passed and morning came, marking the fourth day.
20 Then God said, “Let the waters swarm with fish and other life. Let the skies be filled with birds of every kind.”
21 So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that scurries and swarms in the water, and every sort of bird—each producing offspring of the same kind. And God saw that it was good.
22 Then God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply. Let the fish fill the seas, and let the birds multiply on the earth.”
23 And evening passed and morning came, marking the fifth day.
24 Then God said, “Let the earth produce every sort of animal, each producing offspring of the same kind—livestock, small animals that scurry along the ground, and wild animals.” And that is what happened.
25 God made all sorts of wild animals, livestock, and small animals, each able to produce offspring of the same kind. And God saw that it was good.
26 Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.”
27 So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
28 Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.”
29 Then God said, “Look! I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food.
30 And I have given every green plant as food for all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, and the small animals that scurry along the ground—everything that has life.” And that is what happened.
31 Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good! And evening passed and morning came, marking the sixth day.



                                           ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~



God  saw that his work was good. In fact; He was feeling mighty pleased with Himself. And well He should be. Just take a look around you. This planet is absolutely stunning in it's creation. All manner of lovely living creatures. Flowers of every color and hue. Trees that change colors with the season. Green grass in the summer, snow (or at least a brisk frost) in the winter. Sky colors that change from blue to gold to red. Even lightening has a lovely quality to it as it splits across the sky.

People  sometimes feel guilty for feeling good about an accomplishment. This need not be so. Just as God felt good about His work, we can be pleased with ours too. He created us to be unique. To walk down a road in this life that no one else could walk. A road that has it's own unique challenges and accomplishments. No two roads are ever exactly the same.

However,  we should not feel good about our life's' accomplishments if God would not be pleased with them. If what we have accomplished; the work we have done, has resulted in the harming of others, work that is substandard and so on then we have the opportunity to go back and start over fresh. Each day brings us the opportunity to begin anew. To put yesterday behind us and begin all over again.

God  gave us His very best work. Should we do any less?



Thought for the Day:

What are you doing that pleases both you and God?

Bath Soak - Tea Type Bags

Tea Bag Bath Soaks

Ingredients:

Empty Tea type bags (or muslin linen bags)- found at any craft or health food store
Epsom Salt
Dried Lavender
Lavender Oil
Oatmeal (NOT the quick cook kind)
Dry Powder Milk (I like to use dry powder goat's milk for this)


Directions:

To make your tea, you will also need a large mixing bowl.

First, measure out two cups of Epsom salt and add it into the bowl.

Next, add 4 tablespoons of lavender.

Then, add 25 drops of pure lavender oil into the bowl.

After that, add one cup of oatmeal. You can leave the oatmeal whole, or give it a few spins in the food processor. I chose to keep mine whole.

Last, add  1  1/2 cups of dry milk.

Stir your ingredients up until they are well combined.

Gather your tea bags, and fill 3/4 of the way full.

Sew the open tops of your tea bags closed. You can either do this by hand or by machine. I choose to do mine by hand to keep with the handcrafted feel. When you stitch to the end, string an identification tag onto the remaining thread and tie into place. I also left a loop of thread at the end so that the tea bag could be hung from a faucet head.


* To give as a gift of your tub tea, an oblong or rectangle box works best. I found a paper recipe holder at my local craft shop for $2 and it worked perfectly! I was able to fit in 8 tea bags.


Tie up your display box with a pretty piece of ribbon, or you can do as I did and use the same embroidery floss that I used to close the bag.


* I included the directions for using the tub tea on the back of a tag. (see below) 


"Drop two tea bags into a hot bath. Let steep. Ease yourself into your tub and relax. For a stronger scent, use three bags".


The best thing about making tub tea is it’s customizable! You can make any mix that you would like. Or even better, mix two scents and create something new! Simply change up the dried flower buds and the oil- everything else remains the same. For example: use dried rose buds and rose oil.


Tip!


As an alternative to using tea type bags- try using small muslin/linen type bags that have a cotton draw string. Simply add the above ingredient and tie closed. After use; empty contents and discard, rinse bags that were used and allow to dry completely. You can then refill each bag- and use again and again - using this same method.

Pretty Rubber Gove Tutorial

Step 1.
Cut two fabric pieces that are four inches by 20 inches.  Narrow hem one of the long edges as shown.

Step 2.
Measure two inches from edge and mark with a pencil (see the dot jus above the 18). Now measure one inch from that point and mark again (ring finger is pointed at this dot).  Again mark two inches from your last mark and then an inch from that point.  Repeat this all the way across.  (2 inches then dot- 1 inch then dot- 2 inches then dot- 1 inch then dot- Continue in this pattern until you come to the end)

Step 3.
To make pleats take the first mark you made and place it on top of next mark which should be one inch from your first mark.  Repeat this all the way across pinning each pleat as you make it.

* This is what it will look like when you have pinned all of your pleats

Step 4.
Stitch across top of pleats as shown.

Step 5.
Pin edges together as shown on each of the short ends and sew across.  Turn to outside and press. I like to add in a little spray starch before pressing- but then I starch everything!

* This is what your end pieces will look like after your quick stitch across.

Step 6.
Pin some wide ribbon to top of your fabric as shown below.  Sew acoss the ribbon (both at the top of your ribbon piece and at the bottom to secure tightly).

Step 7.
Pin the ribbon side to the bottom of the cuff of your rubber glove. I like to turn under (about an inch or so) the rubber glove as I am pinning- just to give the rubber a little more stability. But this is completely opinional. 

Step 8.
Stitch into place.

Tada! All finished and suitable for gift giving. You don't want to be the only one that looks smashing in a pair of rubber gloves. Right?


Ohhh! I almost completely forgot! Remember those pair of red gloves I was talking about earlier with the ghastly yellow cuff?

Not any more ... and it was just so ~sew~ easy!

Ghastly Hands and Pretty Gloves

Ohh How I Love You
My Pretty, Pretty, Rubber Gloves

Can I be honest with you? Yes of course I knew that I could. You are just so sweet that way and I love you for it.

I have the single most ghastly hands on the planet. True! They are always dry and cracked in spite of all of the lotions, potions, creams and ointments that I apply diligently before bed (and sometimes throughout the day if I can keep my mind focused). Not to mention that I almost always am in desperate need of a manicure.

My hands stay in everything. Things that would forever prevent me from becoming a ~hand model~ if I should ever aspire to such things as that- which of course I never would because I actually like using my hands.

During the course of a normal week I am scouring the tub with "Ajax" or "Mean Green" (or something equally hand harsh) for those hard to remove soap scum stains that men seem to insist on leaving behind after every shower. Not to forget the black ring around the bathtub left behind after giving the dogs a bath.

My husband ~Marvin~ was once quick to remind me that it would be one less chore I would have to do if I would simply give the dogs a bath outside instead of in the tub. I answered that clearly uneducated remark with your basic ~how can you even suggest such a thing~ glare. The next time I caught him sitting out on the patio; smoking a cigarette and thinking thoughts that only other men understand - thoughts of turtle wax, armor all, rain X, and so forth- I gave him a good spray with the garden hose and ask him "how'd that bath work for ya"? He never mentioned giving the dogs a bath outside again. Neither has he offered to give the dogs a bath for me ... but that's another story for another time.

Anywho; there are ovens to be cleaned, toilets to be cleaned, floors and baseboards, walls and windows, dishes completely out the wazoo and that's ever before I get to my crafting. Whereas then we have paints, glues, turpentine, glitters, more paint, more glue, more turpentine and the occasional nick from the needle when I am hand sewing. All which ultimately end up with my having a pair of hands that look like I work as a welder in a steel mill rather than being a happy homemaker.

My daughter Misty; who has lovely hands, ~glare inserted here~ is always buying me something precious to help restore some balance of moisture back into my hands but the problem is that I can't ever really quite commit to the process. For example: I received the most precious hand kit made by Burt's Bees from her. Have you heard of them? Simply fantastic company with the most divine products made from well ... organic bees wax and honey and so forth. Lovely! In my kit were things for the cuticles, wax's and a buffer for the nails, banana scented thick, luxurious overnight cream for the hands and a dainty pair of tight'ish fitting white cotton gloves with the cutest little bumble bees printed in the fabric. I must admit that it was a joy to use and the following day (after having slept in my bee gloves) my hands did look remarkably healthier.

I made a vow to continue to use it each night but eventually found myself pulling the gloves off in my sleep and then in the morning I had to spend a half hour trying to locate where I had tossed them during the night. Eventually our wheaten terrier "Mr. Doogles" ate one of the gloves (no doubt because it had the scent of banana- a fruit that he particularly enjoys eating) So; my ~vow~ to use the Burt's Bees nightly pretty much went out the window. If it's any consolation I do upon occasion slather up my hands and cover them with a pair of my husbands cotton socks while I am watching a late night movie. We'll let him ponder the mysteries of why his white cotton socks sometimes smell like bananas. It'll do him good to broaden his mental horizons ...

Naturally 90% of this could be avoided if I would simply don a pair of rubber gloves while cleaning but honestly... they are just so ugly. Listen; I don't have a vain bone in my body but really! who wants to be caught wearing a pair of those ghastly yellow gloves? They came out with a red pair years ago but ruined them by topping off the cuff in the same shade of horrid yellow. ~blah~

Next we come to the crucible of this note. Which is a simple tutorial on how to decorate a pair of rubber gloves that you won't be embarressed to be seen in and you'll be more apt to wear often simply because you'll look so dang cute in them. The tutorial with photos! will follow this post so stay tuned. You are just going to love them! And of course, as always, they will be ~sew~ easy.

Tata!

“Let your beauty be found in “the hidden person of the heart,
with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit,
which is very precious in the sight of God.”
1 Peter 3:4

DIY Door Wreaths

Simple Home Made Wreaths

You don't need to be a ~super~ crafter to make these decorative door wreaths. All you need is a couple of styrofoam wreaths, a hot glue gun, a few essential materials and loads of patience ~since none of these are the type that can be made quick, fast and in a hurry~ But they are double cute and will save you loads of money by creating them yourself (I priced just the pinecone wreath and they ranged from $69.00 to $110.00 ~gasp~)


Pinecone Wreath

The pictures tell the story of how to create each wreath so no tutorial is really necessary. Just know that you'll be hot gluing either balls or pinecones or fabric strips for hours.

* Before beginning your pinecone wreath: Spray paint the styrofoam brown before gluing your pinecones to help blend in with the pinecones.

* A nice variety of pinecones are essential




Rag Wreath

To make the rag wreath - cut several dozens of fabric strips (approximately 6" strips) and either hot glue to your wreath or wrap around and tie off in a knot. You can do both - tie off into knots and hot glue the fabric - to give it a fuller look and to fill in any gaps that may be noticeable.

* In the orange wreath photo shown- two different size styrofoam wreaths were used. One placed inside of the other and hot glued together to create one piece. Each piece of styrofoam was covered with fabric prior to hot gluing together.

* In the pink wreath photo shown - only one styrofoam wreath was used.



TIP!

This orange wreath will take you from Autumn all the way through Thanksgiving-  which will give you plenty of time to locate some festive Winter or Christmas fabric to make another. Then of course you will want to make a pretty Spring one with pastel fabric... ~wink~


Ball Wreath

Simply begin to hot glue your ornaments in no special pattern. I think using both large and small ball ornaments makes it a little more interesting.

Also; use non-tradional Christmas colored balls for a Christmas wreath twist or to use in the spring of the year.



Have fun creating your homemade wreath and when someone asks where you got it you can proudly say "I did it myself"!

Glass Bottles and Bath Soaks

Glass Bottles and Bath Soaks

I confess! I am a glass bottle junkie.

I absolutely abhor plastic bottles and consider them to be a blight on humanity. I am equally not fond of drinking out of a plastic cup or bottle. In this day and age when it is becoming increasingly harder and harder to find anything packaged in actual glass I find myself actively seeking out glass bottles that are visually interesting and hoarding them like a squirrel preserving nuts for winter.

The problem then becomes what to do with all of those visually interesting glass containers that I just had to have.


Solution: Homemade Bath Soaks

I came by the idea when my daughter gave me a recipe for a Mimosa Cocktail- which turned out to be a beverage that I love! and have to have upon occasion {all things in moderation; as you know} for Sunday brunch. However; champagne doesn't have a very long shelf life once you've opened the bottle and really! who likes a flat cocktail?

The same holds true for Wine Spritzers. Unless you are drinking them on a daily basis then you end up with a collection of half full bottles of flat wine looking pretty sad sitting the the back of your refrigerator. Sure, sure. You say that you are saving them with the intention of adding them to some exotic recipe that you downloaded off of the Internet but really? If you are honest you'll admit that you are also saving your money for all of the exotic spices you have to have to go with the exotic recipe that you downloaded off of the Internet and in the meanwhile all of those half full bottles of wine are staring at you every time you open the refrigerator door.

So; here is what you are going to do. Scrap the exotic recipe that probably won't taste near as good as it looks and use the money you have been saving to buy more visually interesting glass bottles. To which you will add the following recipe.


Red Wine and Champagne Bath Soak

Simply add your red wine or your champagne or a combination of both to your glass bottle.

Pour a glass (or more) of red wine or champagne (or both) into your running bath. Soak for 20 minutes. Feel decadent.

Don't worry. Unless you filled the tub up with red wine it isn't going to stain your skin.

Info!

The polyphenols in red wine are incredible antioxidants and the tartaric acid in champagne lightens skin and helps reduce discoloration and fine lines. Both red wine and champagne are also great for cleansing pores and then reducing their appearance.

So never again will you have to throw out that flat champagne or wine that’s sat alone in the back of the fridge. Now, you can bathe in it. Genius!


Simple Mimosa (for those interested)

Ingredients

1/2 oz triple sec (or) grenadine

1 1/2 oz cold pineapple (or) orange juice

3 1/2 oz chilled Champagne

pineapple (or) orange slice for garnish


Preparation

1.Build the ingredients in the order given in a Champagne flute.

2.Garnish with the pineapple or orange slice.

3. Enjoy!



Beauty for Ashes

Isaiah 61:1-3 (NIV)

The Year of the Lord’s Favor

1 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,

2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,

3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion — to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.

Sugar Scrub Recipe

Peach Sugar Scrub Recipe
Peach sugar scrubs are easy to make, packagse just beautifully for gift giving and are great for your skin! 

Mix Together {this recipe makes about 3 cups prepared}

2 cup white sugar
1 cup canola oil, plus 2 TBS
4-5 drops of peach aromatherapy oil
{approximately} 20 drops of peach soap colorant (I purchased a pack of 4 colors at Michaels for $4.00)
Decorative jar (I am partial to mason jars myself)

There it is. So, so easy to make. Just store at the tub side and use while you shower; on your feet, elbows or any place that could stand a little softening.

To give as a gift just embellish with some pretty grosgrain ribbon tied in a cute little bow.

TIP!

You can modify this recipe with your choice of scents and soap colorants. Try watermelon, cherry, lemon, lavender. Anything goes with this recipe!

Take time to pamper yourself and remind your friends to do the same by giving them this inexpensive gift!

7 Steps to De-Stress

~ De-Stress To A Better You ~


1. LEARN ABOUT STRESS
Gain an understanding, and grasp the seriousness of the physiology of stress. This is important because most people do not "get" the stress/heart health connection. Bottom line: You CAN control how stress affects you.


2. EAT A REPLENISHING DIET
Eat fresh organic foods to help replenish and rebalance your body. Fresh foods contain life-giving enzymes which actually get depleted as we age. (Depleted enzymes are linked to digestive problems, obesity, and chronic illness!) Eat fresh fruits and veggies, and a fresh green salad every day. You'll notice a difference within a week in how you feel and look.

Tip: Instead of orange juice (which may be pasteurized thereby losing some nutrients and enzymes), squeeze fresh oranges for enzymes and nutrients, especially vitamin C, folic acid and potassium. Get a juicer and sip on fresh fruit and vegetable juices.

Eat mineral-rich foods like seaweeds, leafy greens, beans, nuts and seeds to help replenish depleted minerals like magnesium.

Drink plenty of pure water. Stress causes dehydration and dehydration can promote stress—an endless cycle. Staying hydrated is important for healthy brain function.

Sip green tea and peppermint tea throughout the day to ward off stress. To relax and encourage sleep, drink a cup of chamomile tea in the evening.

Healthy snacks only—fresh fruits and veggies, nuts, and whole grain crackers.

Tip: Start your day with a nibble of fresh parsley and boost serotonin—a "feel good" hormone.

Create a pleasant relaxing atmosphere for meals. Try to eat outside at work. Use mealtime for pleasant conversation and socialize with friends and family. Socialization works wonders for stress, especially for women.


3. MANAGE AND CONTROL YOUR STRESS
Incorporate proven stress-reducing meditative therapies. Note: You don't have to wait until you think you are having a stress event. These techniques not only help repair damage done over the years, they also help set you up so you are better able to handle stress.

Practice meditation: Recent studies confirm the fact that Prayer and Meditation not only relieves stress, it also promotes a healthy heart and cardiovascular system, and reduces high blood pressure. Just 20 minutes a day can change your life, for the better.

Practice deep breathing exercises: Deep breathing reduces stress, relaxes and even helps you sleep better at night. Bonus: Healthier lungs.


4. EXERCISE EVERY DAY
Walk briskly for a half-hour outside every day.

Start your day with a quick stretch and warm-up. A 10-20 minute rejuvenation routine wakes up your lungs, glands, brain and heart, plus boosts the hormone production of serotonin (feel good) and dopamine (focus).

Tip: Be sure to stretch in the morning. Stretch your toes, which helps break up and release toxins as well as boost circulation.

Go outside during short breaks. Raining? Wear your raincoat and take an umbrella. Cold or snowing? Bundle up and get invigorated. Hot? Stay in the shade.

Dance. Put on your favorite music and go for it. Ten minutes will get you to a higher state!

Tip: Take some time off and get yourself into natural surroundings—into the woods, by the water, fields, mountains, etc., for the benefit of fresh air and sunshine! Even just an afternoon can refresh you for days.


5. GET BETTER QUALITY SLEEP
Go to bed earlier and wake up earlier. It is believed that the sleep you get before midnight is better quality, so get to bed by 9 or 10.

Drink a cup of chamomile tea with dinner.

Create a peaceful sleep space that is completely dark. This induces the production of the lovely sleep hormone, melatonin.

Listen to relaxing music before bed.

Take a calming bath. Turn on relaxing music. Light candles. Drop in 5 drops of organic lavender essential oil.


6. USE AROMATHERAPY
One of the fastest ways to affect mood is through the sense of smell. Organic essential oils are potent therapies for reducing stress, encouraging focus, lessening depression, and building energy.

Relaxation: Lavender, chamomile, rosewood and clary sage.

Focus and concentration: Rosemary, thyme, peppermint and sage.

Alertness: Peppermint, juniper, and bergamot.

Creativity: Frankincense, rose germanium, rosemary and sandalwood.

Note: Pregnant women or those with health concerns should discuss using essential oils with a doctor before using. Do not use essential oils directly on your skin without diluting in a carrier oil such as olive or almond, and only use a few drops.


7. ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE
Did you know that what we focus on expands? What do you want to expand in your life? Try to look at obstacles as only bumps in the road. Focus on the positive aspects of your life. Stay away from people or situations that bring you down. Make conscious choices to put yourself in environments that are stimulating and nurturing. Make the best of situations. For example: Stuck in traffic? Look at it as a gift of free time. Listen to music you've been missing, or learn from books or courses on tape.

Tip: Sing often!

Greater is HE

~ Our Great Savior ~

"The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here." Matthew 12:42

The Pharisees were criticizing, castigating, and judging Jesus. And Jesus responded by saying, "Look, a greater than Solomon is here."

Now, what on earth prompted Jesus to say such a thing as this?

No doubt that those Pharisees must have wondered at Jesus' bold statement. After all, Jesus was a carpenter's son. Let us look at other differences between Jesus and Solomon ...

Solomon was born in a palace; Jesus was born in a stable.

Solomon was born in Jerusalem, and Jesus was born in little Bethlehem.

Solomon had many servants to wait upon him hand and foot. Jesus had none.

Solomon wore his kingly robes, but Jesus wore His peasant's garb.

Solomon drank from vessels of gold. Jesus had to get a drink from a Samaritan harlot.

Solomon was rich beyond compare while Jesus was a pauper.

Solomon had great armies, but Jesus only had a few stragglers following Him.

Solomon lived in mansions; Jesus was homeless and sometimes didn't have a place to lay His head.

Solomon had thousands of horses and chariots and rode in splendor. Jesus walked.

So; how is it then that Jesus could be greater than Solomon?


I. Greater in the Wisdom He Proclaims

Now, if you want to talk about a wise man - Solomon wrote the book of Proverbs. He knew 3,000 proverbs and had memorized 1,500 songs. What a mind he had! Solomon knew all about the created universe. But Jesus had greater wisdom. You see, Jesus made all of the things that Solomon knew about.

We read in the Bible where Solomon studied ichthyology. He knew all about fish, but Jesus knew more. Jesus put enough fish in two empty nets to sink
two boats. Solomon knew all about the cycles of the wind, but Jesus knew how to rebuke the wind and cause the Sea of Galilee to be still at His command.

Solomon knew all about navigation. He sent ships out all over the earth to bring back riches. But Jesus could walk on water.


II. Greater in the Works He Performs

Not only did Solomon have great wisdom, but he also did mighty things. Solomon built a palace for himself. It took thirteen years to complete, and it defied description. But Jesus is building a greater house. He said in John 14:2, "In My Father's house are many mansions ... I go to prepare a place for you."

Solomon invited people in for great feasts. But Jesus could take five loaves of bread and two fishes and feed 5,000. He could turn plain water into sparkling wine.

Solomon built a temple beyond compare. It was the most glorious, magnificent building that has ever been built. But Jesus has built a greater temple. You and I are His temple. First Corinthians 6:19 says, "...know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you ...?"


III. Greater in the Workers He Pleases

Solomon built many things and employed many workers. And he was a great man to work for. Can you imagine serving in his court in all the lavish wealth? Solomon's workers were happy, but Jesus gives me joy unspeakable and full of glory.


IV. Greater in the Wealth He Possesses

King Solomon was incredibly wealthy. King Tut, Bill Gates, and Donald Trump will have to stand aside when it comes to wealth. Tons of gold, along with ivory and spices, were poured into Solomon's coffers. But Jesus'
wealth is greater. The cattle on a thousand hills belong to Jesus, and all of the diamonds and the rubies in those hills. Every star in the sky belongs to Him.


V. Greater in the Worship He Provides

Finally, Jesus is greater in worship. Solomon was there to lead the people in worship. That's why he built the temple, and God gave him a throne. But there's another throne, and Jesus sits upon it. Solomon no longer sits upon his throne, but Jesus sits on His! And He will never, ever be dispossessed.

Like other great kings, Solomon has come and gone. All that he had is gone. But Jesus is still here!

A) He will supply you with His wisdom.

B) He will give you water so you will never thirst again.

C) He's preparing a place for you in heaven.

D) And Jesus will give you joy day by day.


And that is exactly why we worship the One, the Lord Jesus, Who is greater than Solomon. He is! and will always be! the everlasting King and our great Savior.

Home Made Beauty - Made Easy

~ Home Made Beauty Treats ~

Let's Face It Gals! We live in a world today where spending money for our own personal beauty products are just plain hard to justify. Someone needs braces, someone needs a new pair of cleats for soccer practice, the washing machine is clanking out it's last breath, the electric bill is twice as much as you expected because your pubescent son has definitely decided that a minimum of three baths a day is a "must do" in order to capture the attention of the equally pubescent girls in his class, your daughter can not possibly carry the same handbag three weeks in a row because my gosh! what would her girlfriends think, and so on and so on it goes ... the drain on our already over stretched budget just boggles the mind.

Now; you know I am there with you experiencing like minded types of budget draining situations in my own household and because of that I have discovered more than a few little tricks along the way to help maintain our ~youthful appearance~ without blowing the bank or taking a second mortgage out on the house.

Earlier I had given you some wonderful ~and simple~ beauty products that you can make at home for a fraction of the price and dare I say? probably much better for your skin. If you didn't catch that post then back up a few pages and look for it. You'll be glad you did.

Well dolls; here's a few more that you can add to your collection. All, of course, done with the intent to Be thrifty, Be wise and Be beautiful!

~ Lavender and Chamomile Eye Pillow ~

Making Eye Pillows

* Shopping List:

Soft fabric, such as silk or satin
White rice
Lavender essential oil
Chamomile essential oil
Eyedropper
Funnel
Needle (if no sewing machine)
Thread
Pins

The pillow's soft fabric soothes your skin, the lavender helps you relax and the chamomile can ease you into a peaceful slumber.

Step 1: Shop for Supplies:
For a luxurious pillow, opt for soft, cool fabric like silk or satin. You won't need much; about a half a yard can make six or seven pillows.

Lavender and chamomile essential oils are used to help reduce stress, aid relaxation and relieve insomnia.

You can find them at most health food stores. You'll only need a couple drops, so a small bottle of each scent should be enough for several pillows.

Step 2: Start Mixing:
In a small bowl, combine 4 drops lavender and 4 drops chamomile essential oil with 2/3 cup rice, which will give your pillow a little weight. Set the mixture aside and let the oils soak into the rice while you start your next step.

Step 3: Simple Sewing:
Place two 4x7 inch fabric rectangles on top of one another, so that the right sides are facing each other and the fabric looks inside out. Secure with pins placed about 1/4 inch from the edge. With a needle and thread, sew around the edges, removing the pins as you go and leaving a two-inch opening on one side. This project is easy to do by hand, but you can use a sewing machine if you have one.

Step 4: Fill and Finish:
Turn the fabric right side out. Using a funnel, carefully pour your rice and oil mixture into the two-inch hole. Fold the edges of the opening inward and sew them shut. You can use your pillow to help you get a relaxing spa feeling without leaving your home.

                                                                  

~ Luscious Lip Balm ~

Making Lip Balms

* Shopping List:

Almond oil
Beeswax
Honey
Eyedropper
Essential oils of your choice
Small containers with lids
Glass measuring cup
Medium-sized pot

This moisturizing lip balm is fun to use and easy to make. The beeswax helps protect your lips while the essential oils let you customize your scent.


Step 1: Shop for Materials:
Gather your lip balm supplies. Essential oils give your balm its fragrance. Try lavender for a soothing aroma or peppermint for an uplifting one. Any scent will work, so you can choose your favorite!

You'll want to pick up almond oil, to dilute the concentrated essential oil and honey, which has antibacterial properties that can help soothe chapped lips. You'll also need beeswax, to give your balm its consistency and help seal in moisture. You can easily find it at your local craft store, which is also a good place to look for small, lidded containers to hold your finished product.

Step 2: Melt and Mix:
Combine 1-ounce beeswax with 1/2 cup almond oil in a glass-measuring cup. You may want to use an old or inexpensive cup, as the wax and oil can be hard to clean out. Place the cup in a pan half-filled with water and heat on your stovetop until the wax is melted. You can also melt the mixture in a slow cooker, but be sure to use a liner to protect the inside.

Step 3: Stir and Pour:
When the wax is liquid, remove it from the heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon honey and 3-5 drops essential oils. Pour the balm into your containers and it will harden as it cools. If it appears to be getting too hard, add a bit more almond or essential oil to loosen the mixture.

This same recipe can also be used to make solid perfume. Just add ten to fifteen more drops of essential oil to strengthen the scent. To use your new fragrance, simply dab a little on your finger and apply to pulse points, such as your neck or the inside of your wrists.

                                                                    

~ Bath Oils ~

Making Bath Oils

The basic principle in making bath oils is to select essential oils for their properties and fragrance, then add them to 4 tablespoons of base carrier oil.

The easiest base oils to use in your homemade bath oils are the light base oils such as Castor Oil, Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil or even simple Sunflower Oil.

Pour your base oil into a dark or clear glass bottle or jar. If using a clear glass jar you will need to protect the oils from waning by storing the finished oils in a dark place, a bathroom cupboard is perfect for this.

Add about 20 drops of your chosen essential oils then cover and shake well.

Leave the homemade bath oil to blend and mature for about 2 weeks before using.



How To Use Your Bath Oils

Simply add 1 tablespoon of scented oil to the bath and swish around to disburse. Once in the bath use a sponge to massage the oil into the skin.

Adding oils to a bath really doesn't need to be completed, you can start by adding a single essential oil to your bath water.

Essential oils normally last about 2 years if kept in a cool dark place and you literally only need a few drops so they are very cost effective.

I've listed below those that I would recommend to use as the best singular all rounders that can be used and enjoyed at any time of the year.



Calming Bath Oil

Almond oil
Lavender essential oil
Chamomile essential oil
Vanilla essential oil
Eyedropper
Small bottles with lids

For a soothing soak, add 1-2 teaspoons of this scented oil to your bath water. The hot water helps release the relaxing aromas while the almond oil nourishes dry skin.

Step 1: Gather your Materials:
This project uses many of the same supplies as the Luscious Lip Balm, so it's easy to make them both together.

Step 2: Quick Mix:
For a relaxing blend, combine 1/2 cup almond oil with 12 drops lavender, 10 drops chamomile and 6 drops vanilla essential oils. Pour the mix into bottles and shake well.

These scent mixes are just the starting point. Try experimenting with different essential oils to create your own unique fragrance. Have fun with your friends and create bath oils, lip balms and eye pillows with your favorite aromas. You can use them to pamper yourself or give as gifts!




Happiness Oil
This homemade bath oil leaves you feeling warm and happy inside!

4 tablespoons of base carrier oil combined with:
10 drops Sandalwood
5 drops Jasmine
5 drops Rose
5 drops Bergamot


Sensuous Oil
This bath oil has a wonderfully rich and floral fragrance. A simple combination that will leave you feeling very calm and relaxed.

4 tablespoons of base carrier oil combined with:
20 drops Jasmine
8 drops Orange


Revitalizing Oil
All of the essential oils in this recipe have been chosen to help relieve stress and depression. This uplifting oil will defiantly to put a spring back in your step.

4 tablespoons of base carrier oil combined with:
12 drops Geranium
6 drops Sandalwood
6 drops Lemon
2 drops Clary Sage


Alcohol Based Bath Oil
Adding a small amount of spirits will help to distribute the oil in the bath more evenly. You will need to combine;

3 fl oz (100ml) Castor Oil
4 tablespoons vodka or brandy
10 drops essential oil(s) of your choice.
As with the other bath oil recipes, pour into a dark or clear glass jar or bottle (protecting the oils from day light if using clear glass) shake well and leave to mature for 2 weeks. Add 2 tablespoons to each bath and swish it about.



Shampoo Based Bath Oil
Baby shampoo is another very efficient carrier of oils, again helping the oils to disburse quickly and evenly in water.

4 fl oz (125ml) base oil (Almond Oil or Sunflower Oil)
4 tablespoons mild baby shampoo (I personally like Johnson's & Johnson's but a store brand like Equate works just as well)
10 drops essential oil(s) of your choice
Pour the base oil into a glass bottle or jar, add the shampoo and give it a good shake.

Add the essential oil, shake again then leave to mature for 2 weeks, not forgetting to protect the oils from daylight. Add 2 tablespoons to each bath and swish it about.


Tips!

Before adding any oils to the bath make sure you close the bathroom door so that you can keep as much of the scent in the room as possible.

Add the oils drop by drop and don't be tempted to add more, working on the theory that adding twice as much will get rid of dry skin or a bout of melancholy/anxiety quicker doesn't work and may just end up irritating the skin.

On average you will need about 10 drops per bath, but with some of the stronger smelling oils you will only need 5 drops. Stronger smelling oils include; eucalyptus, peppermint, bay, basil, lime, lemon, thyme, rosemary.



~ 10 Best Bath Oils ~
      in my humble opinion



Bergamot for depression - 5 drops

Chamomile for insomnia or itchy skin - 7 drops

Frankincense for sedative, calming and mood sweetening - 8 drops

Geranium for relaxing yet uplifting and energizing - 10 drops

Jasmine or Honeysuckle for apathy, stress or fatigue - 8 drops

Lavender positive, soothing and relaxing - 10 drops

Neroli for hypnotic with antidepressant properties - 8 drops

Patchouli for energizing and invigorating - 5 drops

Rose for happiness and pleasure very romantic - 10 drops

Sandalwood for sensual and mellowing a good aphrodisiac - 8 drops

Beautiful Woman

~ BEAUTIFUL CHRISTIAN SISTER ~
By Maya Angelou

'A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ
That a man should have to seek Him first to find her.'


When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not shouting 'I'm clean livin''
I'm whispering 'I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven.'

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say.. 'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am worth it.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain..
I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner Who received God's good grace, somehow!'

Manners and Customs of Bible Part II.

~ Manners & Customs Part II.  ~



Food
A look at the food of Bible times (mainly bread!)

Without an understanding of Middle-Eastern cuisine it is almost impossible to understand the significance of the Lord calling Himself the 'Bread of Life'. It is estimated that three quarters of the Middle Eastern population live entirely upon bread or other grain derivatives. This is clearly different from the highly omnivorous American diet; particularly with our inclination to eat carbohydrate as a main food source. I will attempt to give an overview of the food of Palestine and its' preparation; particularly noting how this should alter our thinking when reading Biblical passages mentioning food.

The preeminence of Bread in the East is so strong that the term 'bread' is often used to include all food stuff. As early as Genesis 3:19 the production of 'bread' is seen as one of the principle activities of man. Part of the reason for the centrality of bread within Eastern thought is that even when other articles are combined with the bread they are usually placed within the bread; either to eat or to carry. Thus when the Lord told us to pray for our daily bread; or called Himself the 'Bread of Life' he was describing all food not just a single item.

As one might expect Biblical 'Bread' came in a number of different forms:

The 'loaves' that Jesus fed to the 5,000 are similar to an American biscuit. Described as similar to a flat stone a hand's span across and a fingers breadth in depth. Or to better give you a visual they are about seven inches in diameter and half an inch thick. The 'wafers' of Exodus 16:31, 29:23 are also this form of bread. Luke 11:5 shows that three loaves was considered a good meal. The thinness of this bread tended to make it crisp and prone to dryness and not very edible after a 24 hour period; thus leading to the requirement for 'daily bread'.

The thinner form of this bread is and often used for scooping sauces and stews (not unlike a taco today). Often the was glazed with oil and perhaps sprinkled with spices to provide a treat for festive occasions.

Also a larger form of bread was made. Similar to a Western loaf but rounded. Describes an eight inch disc that is about one inch in thickness.

The method of preparation of the bread: first the flour, water and milk are mixed, then it is kneaded with the hands (or feet in Egypt!) in a kneading trough until it became dough. Then, if there was time, leaven was added and the dough left for a period prior to baking - if no time was available then the dough was baked without adding leaven. Exodus 12:34 shows in one verse how important the kneading trough was, that leaven was added late in the process, and also that the kneading trough was highly portable:

Exo 12:34 "So the people took their dough before the yeast was added, with their kneading troughs bound up in their clothing on their shoulders."

The final step in bread preparation was the baking and again we see a great variety of methods reflecting the 'needs driven' nature of the situation. Here are some examples of what is described:

Simply laying the dough upon hot stones - the method used by Elijah in 1 Kings 19:6. In addition to being laid upon the fire-stones ashes were laid on top of the dough to 'cook both sides'; or the bread was flipped halfway through the cooking process.

1. Creating a fire-pit five foot deep and three foot in diameter. One the pit is very hot bread will bake almost instantly when attached to the sides of the pit.

2. A great stone pitcher had flint placed within it and a fire kindled within it. Once the fire had abated cakes of fine flour could be baked inside the pitcher and loaves baked on the outside. The outside baking method was sometimes achieved using an earthenware jar rather than a stone pitcher.

3. Some towns had a public oven; an earthenware tube some three feet in diameter and five feet in length sunk into the ground. Often this is situated inside a hut. The tube is then filled with fuel to create a fire and once hot enough the women can bake their bread on the sides of the tube. Malachi was thinking of this scene when he described: 'the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven'

4. An alternate public oven was a half-cylinder of stone laid horizontally with a fire kindled within the cylinder. This had the advantage of making the cleaning (or taking!) of the embers much easier.

* The Bible mentions that there were public bakers (Hos 7:4) and that Jerusalem had an entire street devoted to the profession (Jer 37:21). Even post-exile the 'Tower of the Ovens' was a notable landmark (Neh 3:11,12:38)

5. The 'bowl-oven' - a set of stones are placed upon the ground and the dough placed upon the stones. A large bowl is then placed over the stones and dried dung is placed upon the bowl which is then ignited to provide heat.

6. Layers of dung were built one upon another and between the layers the dough was placed. The dung was then ignited and when it had finished burning the bread was cooked.

Once cooked the bread remained to be eaten. A guest arriving at a house would not be greeted if bread was being broken at the time. The habit of breaking bread arose because it was viewed that taking a knife to bread would be 'absolutely wicked'. And of course 'breaking' suited the texture and shape of the food.

While bread is the commonest and probably preferred method of consuming grain in the East it is certainly not the only method. By far the simplest was simply to consume the grain raw. There was specific provision in the Law for someone walking through a field of grain to eat as they went and we read of the disciples doing the same thing. Grain which was still unripe could be rendered palatable by parching; the process involved roasting the grain in a skillet. It was food of this type that David took to his brothers and that Abigail later gave to David.

The type of grain used would again be needs driven. Those with the resources would use wheat and the poorer, (which were the majority) would use barley. When time permitted this would be ground into meal; for special occasions 'fine flour' could be rendered. At the other end of the scale  'beaten corn' was the result of having ground the grain using pestle and mortar.

Having devoted much space to the Palestinian view of Bread it is perhaps useful to remember that whilst Bread was the most important and prevalent form of food it was not necessarily the most palatable or the most popular. We know that during the wilderness years the Jews ate bread made from manna; but this did not stop them fondly remembering leeks, onions and garlic. It is also noteworthy that the 'Promised Land' was described as a land flowing with milk and honey; not one that was particularly good for growing grain!

Naturally, as one would expect, the Israelites would supplement their diet as they were able. Lentils are used to form a wholesome stew; it was such a dish that Esau sold his birthright for. Isaiah mentions a garden of cucumbers (Isa 1:8) and we know of at least two occasions when Gourds are mentioned (Jonah 4:6-10 & 2 Kings 4:39). Palestine is also famous for certain fruit including Olives and Olive oil, figs, grapes and pomegranates.

It is probably in the use of animal products that the Israelites differed most markedly from American practice. For instance the domestic fowl was not introduced until after the time of Elijah; so egg based products and white-meat would not have been common.

Milk from sheep, goats and cows is drunk; but rather than our pre-occupation with freshness they rather prefer to warm the milk with yeast to create 'curds' which are then referred to as 'leben'. Left even longer suspended in a sack and regularly beaten it forms a thicker, oil substance similar to our butter. The diary product we are most likely to recognized and appreciate is cheese which is very similar to our own.

Beyond the preceding it is almost certainly the absence of meat which would strike the westerner as odd. Between poverty, the severe problems of keeping meat fresh and the strict code of the Law of Moses it is entirely impractical to eat meat on anything other than special festive occasions. Even then slaughtering an entire ox would be deemed highly wasteful. Rather it was the 'kid of the goats' that was generally turned to; the sheep being reserved to display the highest possible levels of hospitality.

To a Westerner, the forgoing presented as an overview of Palestinian food may be viewed as unbalanced. As someone used to entering a supermarket with over two dozen isles every one of which presents at least a hundred items from a different food-group it seems strange to me too. This is, however, the effect I was aiming to achieve. Middle Eastern food means bread and 'bread' in the Bible very often means 'food'. Other additions were welcome and sought after but essentially the Jews were the 'bread they ate'.

Thus when Jesus declared Himself the Bread of Life he was not asking to be treated as a 'wrapping' to layer over the 'meat' of everyday life. Rather He was asking to be the root and basis of our existence; may we not be like the Jews hankering after the leeks and onions of Egypt.







Meal Customs
Middle Eastern behavior at meal times

Many of the meals we see narrated in Scripture took place at religious events or in the presence of royalty; as such they are probably not representative of the eating practices of the general populace on a normal working day. Let's attempt to glean some information regarding the general meal-time habits of Biblical times.

The reality was, then as now, that the luxury available at a given meal varied as much with the era and means of the eater as it did with the nature of the occasion. This is seen most clearly in the setting in which the meal took place.

The common eating position in the Middle East prevalent to modern times was sitting or crouching on the floor surrounding a table that was at most slightly raised from the ground. There is some disagreement as to the exact nature of the table but that probably reflects that fact the means and fashions change. In some maunscripts mentions a round low table. Others state that the 'Shool-khawn' generally translated 'table' really means a mat spread upon the ground. This would explain king David's wish that 'their table should become a snare for them'; envisaging someone with the foot caught in the cloth.

A step up from sitting upon the ground would be having a chair; this innovation would be seen with the more settled lifestyle possible once the Jews were living in Canaan citing 1 Sa 20:25. It should be noted though that it was a king seated at that point and even by the time of Solomon having servants seated at a table was considered unsurpassable luxury (1 Ki 10:5). It is interesting to note however that shortly thereafter (1 Ki 13:20) an elderly prophet had chairs and was eating from a table.

By the time of Amos the fashion had become that one should lay on a couch to eat; and the more sumptuous the couch the better!

Amo 6:4  "Who lie on beds of ivory, Stretch out on your couches, Eat lambs from the flock And calves from the midst of the stall"

The tenor of Amos' message suggests however that the innovation was still fairly recent and the words of Amos scarcely hide the contempt he had for those indulging in such luxury. It is perhaps all the more poignant therefore that by the time our Lord walked upon the earth reclining had become the almost universal custom. The shape of the couches and the arrangement of the occupants thereof is also of interest and we'll get to that in a little bit.

While the setting of the Jewish meal varied greatly over time the daily timing of it remained fairly consistent. Around nine or ten in the morning a morsel would be eaten alongside some dainty such as olives. This was considered enough the 'break the fast' but was not considered a meal; eating a full meal that early was considered reprehensible. The first of two full meals would occur around noon; examples are Joseph's feast with his brothers in Egypt (Gen 43:16), Ruth's rest from her labors in the field (Ruth 2:14) and Peter's interrupted meal in Joppa (Acts 10:9). The main meal of the day occurred around sunset. This pattern was possibly created during the wilderness wanderings my God's provision of bread in the morning and meat in the evening (Ex 16:8).

It is probable that the serving and consumption of the food also remained fairly consistent over time. As discussed; bread is the major food stuff of Biblical times and a meal consisted principally of that; anything extra provided was usually set in a shared pot in the center of the table. If a meat was provided with sauce (or grease) then the sauce would be in a pot separate from the meat. The bread was dipped into this sauce to soften it; this is the derivation of the 'sop' of Scripture. Indeed the bread was the only utensil provided at a table other than the human hand. An Arab proverb: 'why does man want a spoon when God has given him so many fingers'.

Given the shared pot and the use of the hand as a utensil it is good to note that hand hygiene is an essential part of the Biblical dining practice. The need for hygiene extends to the point where they will not wash their hands in static water; rather they expect someone to pour water whilst they wash their hands in the running stream. This task was often delegated to a servant; thus Elisha is noted as 'one who poured water on the hands of Elijah' (2 Kings 3:11). The washing process is usually repeated at the end of the meal to remove any foodstuffs which may have accrued. By the time of the Lord this reasonable physical cleansing had become an elaborate religious ritual which the Lord's disciples where attacked by the Pharisee's for not following (Mark 7:1-5). Still it should be clearly understood that it was the elaborate ritual that the Lord rejected - not the need for hygiene.

Much as in a Christian household today a grace is said before meals. In the absence of anyone of particular religious status the host says a grace at the start of the meal; this would often be simple and formulaic such as 'In the name of God'. This would either be fully or partially repeated by each individual in turn. At the time of Christ the blessing said was: 'Blessed art Thou, Jehovah our God, King of the world, who causes to come forth bread from the earth.' If a prophet or teacher was present it would be normal to defer the blessing of the food to them. 1 Sa 9:13 gives an early example of this; the blessing that Christ pronounced upon the bread before the feeding of the five thousand is a more famous instance.

In distinction to modern practice it was also customary to give thanks at the end of a meal. Interestingly this behavior has at least as much Biblical mandate as praying before the meal. Deu 8:10 specifically instructs that when you have eaten and are full you should give thanks for the food that has been provided for you. Once again a participant in the meal would give thanks out loud and then the remainder would either say an 'Amen' or recite some fragment of the prayer.

As we have seen the setting of the Biblical meal changed over time from a simple seated circle around a mat to sumptuous couches that people could lounge upon. The timing of the meal was more consistent; essentially corresponding to a noon lunch and an early evening main meal. The food itself was served without utensils in a shared bowl or bowls; individuals would eat by dipping their bread or hand into the food. Such communal eating required hand hygiene before and after meals although not the elaboration that sometimes occurred. Thankfulness to God for provision was expected before and after eating.







Banquets
The grand feast of the Middle East

While a simple meal of bread was the centerpiece for the average person's day it was the special supper or banquet which is the centerpiece in many Biblical narratives. This is perhaps because, almost by definition, an occasion worthy of being recorded in scripture is a special occasion. Certainly one can easily justify that any meal at which the Lord was a guest should be deemed a banquet. Therefore the purpose of this is to discuss some of the custom and behavior that surrounded a Biblical Banquet.

We will start, as would the banquet, with the invitation. The custom in the East was to double the invitation. The first invitation would announce the future event and the second would be sent when the food was ready. Examples of this in scripture include Esther's invitation to Ahasuerus and Haman (Est 5:8, 6:14) and perhaps more importantly the parable of the Wedding of the King's Son (Mat 22:2,3) and the parable of the Great Supper (Luke 14:16,17). ISBE suggests that the double invitation was of practical necessity given the scarcity of time pieces.

The banquet was a sufficiently important part of Eastern life that an invitation to it, or exclusion from it, was an important hallmark of someone's status. This is manifested in a number of ways.

First the invitation is given, it is then rejected and then the invitation is given again to compel the subject to attend. Examples are Luke 14:23 and Lydia's invitation to Paul in Acts 16:15

It was the host of the feast that himself shut the door on the gathering; to define those that could attend and those that couldn't. Luke 13:25 is an example where it is the Lord Jesus closing the door

The Parable of the Guests in Luke 14:12-15; the parable suggests both a tendency towards cliques and attempts at social climbing; the invitation of the 'in' crowd and those you wish to influence. Christ councils rather the invitation of the weaker in society.

Part of the pain of exclusion from a feast rest upon the fact that feasts were brilliantly lit and that to be un-invited thus corresponded to being 'cast into outer darkness'.

The status derived from attending a feast did not, however, stop when the door was shut; if anything it became more visible and focused. The coveted status symbol became the seating position. Gen 43:33 shows that initially this would have been a fairly simple line with the most senior closest to the head of the table. The seating arrangements become more elaborate over time: some guests might be seated in a lower part of the house and those with greater status in a higher part. The ultimate seating position was at the right hand of the host with the left as a close second. Greater honor could be implied by serving the guest an extra portion (Gen 43:34) or filling their cup until in overflow (Psa 23:5). Closeness to the host and extra portions were combined into the honor of the sop. The sop was a particularly choice morsel of food which was fed by the hand of the host to some particularly honored guest. It is thus particularly poignant that the Lord should have given such a sop to Judas.

The 'extra elaboration' was set around the triclinium. The triclinium consisted of three couches set into the shape of a U; the fourth side was left open allowing those serving to get to each of the guests. The triclinium was not a Hebrew invention and we see the prophet Amos railing contemptuously against those that lay on couches to eat (Amos 6:4); nonetheless this had clearly become standard practice by New Testament times. The three couches would hold three people able to lie down comfortably as they desired; the host being the one at the base of the U shape. This latter arrangement would explain the expression of John having his head upon Jesus' bosom (John 13:23).

Naturally the banquet would be set with better or more plentiful food than a normal meal; it was also common for a banquet to have lavish amounts of wine. It is for this reason that starting a banquet early in the day, when there was still work to be done, was considered a sign of excess (Isa 5:11). Meat, often scarce in normal life, would usually be provided at a banquet and if it were possible to find the most tender and juicy stall-fed calf then so much the better. The revelry could include garlands upon the head (Isa 28:1), music (Isa 5:12) and dancing (Luke 15:25).

It is perhaps fair to conclude that while everyday meals reflected the necessities of a harsh reality the banquet was an attempt to escape, at least for a moment, from that reality. Food and entertainment was plentiful and a dose of alcohol often further distanced the real world from experience. Viewed more positively it was an occasion where people could be together in extremely close quarters to socialize and where relationships could be forged and cemented. For better or worse this was all wrapped in an elaborate and well understood ritualistic ranking system which allowed the host to express in very clear terms the favor or otherwise he felt towards everyone that he knew.