Saturday, December 19, 2009

Christmas memories...mom and dad...2009


I'm re-posting some old Christmas favorites... 

My dad was the minister, but my mom was the twinkle in his eye!
Together, they lived out their lives with their motto...'each for the other, and both for God'...

This little poem was written by my mother during one of their dinners for ministers and their wives, which they gave every Christmas. They went around their circle of friends one year, and each had to write a quick poem within 3 minutes. This was her poem.

We were 3 kids growing up in a home that honored the Lord in everything my parents did. During these Christmas dinners, my sister and I 'served' the food. It was from my mother that we learned how beautiful a dinner party could be. She had all of the little extra touches that make things so special. The food was always DEE-LICIOUS! But the presentation was every bit as special. Her very best dishes, glassware and silver from her family in Norway were all polished and shined. (usually by us! ... when she served her platter of meat and roasted potatoes, there was always a big round platter full of fresh steamed and flavored vegetables, piled by color around a huge head of cauliflower in the middle. It was drizzled with sauteed cracker crumbs in butter over the top. The colors are still stuck in my mind...

Each guest had a Christmas china mug filled with either hot cider or steaming hot V-8 mixed with pineapple juice. The appetizers always included rolled up crustless bread slices filled with pimento cheese and stuck with a toothpick, then broiled quickly. There were also soft steamed prunes filled with cream cheese and a pecan on top.

And her pies...and cakes...and cookies... well, you get the idea!

The guests each received a beautifully wrapped small gift before the evening ended. Usually it was a cup and saucer from 'Flintridge China', where my Aunt Ada worked for many years, and boxed candy for the men. The fellowship of those ministers and their wives has left me with a deep and wonderful memory. They included some of the great 'saints' of the day, many of whom are now in heaven... names and faces I will never forget!

My dad wrote this tract many years ago, one Christmas... I can't think of a better note to end this lengthy blog on... and to wish every one of you a wonderful Christmas. Each of you are such a blessing to me, and I will look forward to getting to know you better in 2010...










16 comments:

Just Be Real said...

Awww, what a beautiful tribute to your mum and dad. What a lovely picture of them both Sonja! A sweet story and thank you for sharing your dad's works. Blessings and hugs.

Tammy said...

What a sweet picture of your parents! Beautiful memories, thank you for sharing.

love and hugs~Tammy

Kathleen said...

What a blessing to have such rich memories! I'm musing on many of my own this year, so grateful for parents who sound a lot like yours!

Thank you for sharing them with us.

Kathleen

TRUTH SHARER said...

Sonja:

What a heritage you have in Christ passed down from your parents. A beautiful tribute to their legacy!

Thanks again for stopping by my blog - I'm pleased to know you!

Choosing JOY, Stephanie

Rose said...

Sonja,

Wow you look like your mom, but have your dad's smile. What wonderful memories and I love the poem and the photos of the tract. What a legacy your parents left you.
Thank you so much for sharing it.

Hugs,
Rose

Alene said...

What a precious post! Thanks for sharing and stopping by today to encourage me. Can't wait to hear more in 2010.

Blessings new friend,
Alene

GwendolynKay said...

Sonja,
Returned from our cabin today and hopped on the computer to seek out my blogging buddies and you are at the top of the list.... this will be short and sweet as hubby is waiting for me to come in and sit by the fire with him. I will catch up with you more later. Love,
Gwen

Edie said...

I love the picture of your parents! What a beautiful tribute!

Have a most blessed Christmas!

Cathy said...

I enjoyed your post about growing up. You were truly blessed. And I love what your dad wrote about Jesus.

Deborah Ann said...

You were certainly blessed being raised in a Christian home. I have a feeling you're every bit as good a cook as your mom. What's for dinner?

GwendolynKay said...

When I read this post my heart got all mushy inside. You write so beautifuly about your family, our Lord and such things. What a blessing your parents were to you growing up. One of these days I will write to you and tell you about my childhood. Love and Blessings to you!!
Gwen

kanishk said...

What a heritage you have in Christ passed down from your parents. A beautiful tribute to their legacy!

Work from home India

Debbie said...

Thanks for sharing your parents and your memories with us :-)

Merry Christmas my friend,
Debbie

Andrea said...

Sonja, thank you for sharing more memories of your dear, precious, godly parents!!! How blessed you are!

Thank you for your friendship! I appreciate you!

It has been a challenging Christmas season for us, being out of our home and dealing with my husband's surgery, but the Lord reigns!!! Praise His name!

Merry Christms to you, dear friend!

Love,

Andrea

Just Be Real said...

Merry Christmas dear one!

Sifted said...

Sonja, just want you to know that I copied your mom's poem and what you said and emailed it to my family. I gave you credit so I guess I didn't plagiarize! My prayer is that one day that poem could be said by Jim about me. Right after Christ and my grandmother I may be looking to meet your parents in heaven...I know the line will be long though!!! Merry Christmas!~Karen