A couple of us decided to write  about the love of God check it out.

Todd’s view on God’s love

In this article, I will look at what love means in a biblical sense and in the worldly sense.  I will discuss the definition of love. The verses I will look at in the biblical sense are (1 John 4:8), (John 3:16), (1 John 4:19-20), and (1 Corinthians 13:4).
In addition, I would like to define how the world uses love. It is a strong positive emotion of regard and affection for someone or something. Furthermore, I would like to say that the world sees love being a lustful desire instead of selfless love of God. The world does not understand the true meaning of love.
In contrast, I would like to see what the Bible has to say about love.  1 John 4:8 says, “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” What the verse is saying is that we miss the things that God does for us because we do not have the faith and trust that would keep us in a relationship with him. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This means that God so loved us that he died ultimately for his glory and to bring us into a right relationship with him. As a result, we can believe in him and have a life that will be full of joy and goodness. We will begin to lose feels like we have regrets, hatred, and sadness. This does not mean that you are not without those negative emotions, but we can still put our hope in the unconditional love of Jesus. In addition to the love that God shows us in this life, we hold on to the promise of eternal life; which far out weights the joy and goodness of this life. 1 John 4: 19-20 says, “We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, I love God, yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.” This is saying, we need to love everyone just as God does. Moreover, we can only love God because he loved us first. God’s love is everlasting, never failing, and he loves us even when we sin. This does not mean we can continue in our sins, but we can still repent to God allowing God to work in us.  1 Corinthians 13:4 says, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” The word envy in this verse means discontent and resentment aroused by the desire for possessions or qualities of another. The word boasts means to talk in a self-admiring way. This says that our love should not boast or envy. 1 Corinthians 13:8 says, “Love never fails.” We know that God’s love will never fail.
In conclusion, we have looked at the biblical sense of love compared to the worldly sense. What does love look like to you?  Do you feel like you need to envy or boast? Where is your love compared to God’s love? These are things we all need to ask ourselves.

Eric’s view on God’s love

In 1 John 4, Scripture tells us “God is love.”  Most people would agree with that statement, but what does that really mean?  So, let us look at what God’s love does not mean, what it does mean, and what should be a believer’s response to the love of God.
God’s love does NOT mean tolerance.  The first part of John 15 talks about if one does not remain in Jesus, that person will lead a fruitless life.  That person will be cut off and sent to hell.  Jeremiah 16:5 states, “ For this is what the LORD says: ‘Do not enter a house where there is a funeral meal; do not go to mourn or show sympathy, because I have withdrawn My blessing, My love and My pity from this people,’ declares the LORD.” God Hates sin.  He must hate sin or else He would cease to be God.  Because God is Holy, He must love righteousness and hate evil.
How would one describe God’s love?  Ephesians 2:4 describe it as “Great.”  Jeremiah 31:3 talks about God’s love being everlasting.  Romans 8:35 says, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?”  Once God has saved a person NOTHING can separate that person from Jesus’ love.  John 14:21 says, “Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves Me. He who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I too will love him and show Myself to him.”  Ephesians 3 talks about Christ’s love as being so huge that no one can fully comprehend it.
Now, what does this mean for the believer?  First off, one must understand that one can only love God because He first loved that person (1 John 4:19).  How can dirty, stinky, raggy, unclean, and deserving-hell sinner love a perfect and just God?  They can’t.  While a person is still an enemy of God, He laid down His life for them.  Jesus’ love is sacrificial, and if one wants to be more like Jesus that person must laid down his life for Jesus.  1 John 3:1 states, “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him.”  How awesome is it to be called a child of God?  Jesus said that if we love Him then we must obey Him.  We must respond to the love of Christ with obedience.  Also, the God of love should always make one go wwwwoooohhhhoooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Have a great day!

Tell someone about Jesus today!

Day three of becoming an encourager and the characteristics of an encourager. I will continue looking at 1 Thessalonians 5 starting with the 16th verse

  16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; 20 do not treat prophecies with contempt. 21 Test everything. Hold on to the good. 22 Avoid every kind of evil. 23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thess 5:16-23 (NIV)

Characteristics of an Encourager

#6. Encouragers are not a drag.  Have you ever been around people who are a drag.  You know the kind of people I am talking about.  The complain and are grumpy all the time.  Well, it is hard to be an encourager when people are brought down by your presence.  Verse 16 tells us to be joyful aways.  This means that the joy of the Lord dwells in you.  It is more than just happy.  It is more than just being fun to be around.  Because some fun/happy people are that way because they enjoy being difficult or making fun of godly people.  Being joyful is a deep Spiritual sense of fulfillment.  It is more than happy… it is more than joking and being goofy.  It is a real sense of feeling the love of God and sharing it through your actions.  You can be joking and goofy and be a drag or have negative impact on those around you.  Coarse joking and slander are wrongly interpreted as joy or the sign of being a “happy” person.  When in fact it is totally unrighteous and the opposite of real joy.  If people see real godly joy in your life and you share that joy, they will be encouraged.

#7. Encouragers pray.  Verse 17 tells us to “pray continually”.  A major characteristic of an encourager is someone who prays.  Your prayer life will give you an opportunity to ask God where you can be an encourager and to whom you should be investing time in.  Encouragers also pray for those they are trying to encourage.  They ask the question “how can I pray for you?”  Then they actually pray about it!  When we pray God does amazing things and you and those you are encouraging will see God working!  Now that is encouraging!

#8.  Encouragers are thankful.  We have so much to be thankful for…. Thank God for all He has done and will do in your life.  When we focus on being thankful we focus on the victories God has granted.  That makes sharing our faith and encouraging others a whole lot easier.  Make a list of the things you are thankful for…. you will be encouraged! 

Boxers & More!!

Greenville, SC; Hickory, NC; and Atlanta, GA
to
Plainsfield, IL and Minneapolis, MN
December 12 – 13, 2009

I had to take a few weeks off and the boxers have been backing up down south! Lots of dogs needing to move on this one folks – please help us out! This will also be the last transport I do for quite some time as I’ve had personal issues come up, so we can’t delay this one – this kiddos need to move!!

Summary of Legs:
“A” LEGS: Atlanta, GA to Nashville, TN and Louisville, KY
“B” LEGS:  Greenville, SC to Asheville, NC
“C” LEGS:  Hickory, NC to Louisville, KY
“D” LEGS:  Louisville, KY to Minneapolis, MN

NOTE: Letters assigned to LEGS do not correspond to those assigned to senders/receivers/passengers.

Please, please, please – I need crossposting help from EVERYONE!!

Transport Coordinator:
PLEASE CONTACT DIRECTLY IF YOU CAN HELP
Kelly Gibson
mdgrrrl@msn.com

Please provide the following:
Leg offered:
First & Last Name:
Location (city/state):
Please provide full address if volunteering for an overnight.
Email:
Is email available from home or only work?
Home phone:
Cell phone:
Vehicle make/model/color/etc:
Name of coordinators or groups for whom you’ve driven before. If none, please give vet name and contact number.
Recommended meeting place, if any:
How many of these dogs are you comfortable carrying?

Passenger details are at the bottom of the post.

SATURDAY, DEC 12

**********************
“A” LEGS: Atlanta, GA to Louisville, KY
Mama heeler w/ pups; Josh & Buoy (2 lg, 1 med, 5 sm)
**********************

LEG A-1: Cartersville, GA to Chattanooga, TN
Mama heeler w/ pups; Josh & Buoy
77.6 miles; 1 hr 20 min
8:55 AM – 10:15 AM EST
DRIVER 1: ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 2: ***NEEDED?***

LEG A-2: Chattanooga, TN to Manchester, TN (I-24)
Mama heeler w/ pups; Josh & Buoy
Time zone change, -1 hr
75.1 miles; 1 hr 23 min
10:30 AM – 11:55 AM EST
9:30 AM – 10:55 AM CST
DRIVER 1: ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 2: ***NEEDED?***

LEG A-3: Manchester, TN to Nashville, TN (I-24)
Mama heeler w/ pups; Josh & Buoy
65.9 miles; 1 hr 5 min
11:10 AM CST – 12:15 PM CST
DRIVER 1: ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 2: ***NEEDED?***

LEG A-4: Nashville, TN to Bowling Green, KY (I-65)
Mama heeler w/ pups; Josh & Buoy
65.6 miles; 1 hr 9 min
12:30 PM – 1:40 PM CST
DRIVER 1: ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 2: ***NEEDED?***

LEG A-5: Bowling Green, KY to Elizabethtown, KY (I-65)
Mama heeler w/ pups; Josh & Buoy
Time zone change, +1 hr
73.5 miles; 1 hr 15 min
1:55 PM – 3:10 PM CST
2:55 PM – 4:10 PM EST
DRIVER 1: ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 2: ***NEEDED?***

LEG A-6: Elizabethtown, KY to Louisville, KY (I-65)
Mama heeler w/ pups; Josh & Buoy
45.6 miles; 50 min – MAY EXPERIENCE CONSTRUCTION DELAYS
4:25 PM – 5:15 PM EST
DRIVER 1: ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 2: ***NEEDED?***

**********************
“B” LEGS: Greenville, SC to Asheville, NC
2 adult boxers (2 lg)
**********************

LEG B-1: Greenville, SC to Asheville, NC
2 adult boxers
89 miles; 1 hr 25 min
7:30 AM – 8:55 AM EST
***NEEDED***

**********************
“C” LEGS: Hickory, NC to Louisville, KY
4-6 adult boxers, 2 puppies (4 lg, 2 sm)
**********************

LEG C-1: Hickory, NC to Asheville, NC
4 adult boxers, 2 puppies
78.6 miles; 1 hr 20 min
7:35 AM – 8:55 AM EST
DRIVER 1:  ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 2: ***NEEDED***

2 dogs from “B” LEGS join in Asheville.

LEG C-2: Asheville, NC to Johnson City, TN (I-26)
6 adult boxers, 2 puppies
69.3 miles; 1 hr 16 min
9:10 AM – 10:25 AM EST
DRIVER 1:  ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 2: ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 3: ***NEEDED***

LEG C-3: Johnson City, TN to Morristown, TN (I-26 to I-81)
6 adult boxers, 2 puppies
60.2 miles; 1 hr
10:40 AM – 11:40 AM EST
DRIVER 1:  ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 2: ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 3: ***NEEDED***

LEG C-4: Morristown, TN to Knoxville, TN
6 adult boxers, 2 puppies
46.6 miles; 42 min
11:55 AM – 12:40 PM EST
DRIVER 1: Filled – thank you Kim!! (2 adults, 2 puppies)
DRIVER 2: ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 3: ***NEEDED***

LEG C-5: Knoxville, TN to Corbin, KY (I-75)
6 adult boxers, 2 puppies
83.8 miles; 1 hr 20 min
12:55 PM – 2:15 PM EST
DRIVER 1: Filled – thank you Caryn!! (2 adults)
DRIVER 2: ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 3: ***NEEDED***

LEG C-6: Corbin, KY to Lexington, KY (I-75)
6 adult boxers, 2 puppies
89.6 miles; 1 hr 20 min
2:30 PM – 3:50 PM EST
DRIVER 1:  ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 2: ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 3: ***NEEDED***

LEG C-7: Lexington, KY to Louisville, KY (I-64)
6 adult boxers, 2 puppies
76.4 miles; 1 hr 10 min
4:05 PM – 5:15 PM EST
DRIVER 1:  ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 2: ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 3: ***NEEDED***

**********************
“D” LEGS: Louisville, KY to Minneapolis, MN
6 adult boxers, 2 puppies, Mama heeler w/ pups, Josh & Buoy (8 lg, 1 med, 7 sm)
**********************

LEG D-1: Louisville, KY to Columbus, IN (I-65)
6 adult boxers, 2 puppies, Mama heeler w/ pups, Josh & Buoy
73.1 miles; 1 hr 17 min
5:45 PM – 7:00 PM EST
DRIVER 1:  ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 2: ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 3: ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 4: ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 5: ***NEEDED***

LEG D-2: Columbus, IN to Indianapolis, IN (I-65)
6 adult boxers, 2 puppies, Mama heeler w/ pups, Josh & Buoy
43.2 miles; 48 min
7:20 PM – 8:10 PM EST
DRIVER 1:  ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 2: ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 3: ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 4: ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 5: ***NEEDED***

**********************
OVERNIGHT IN / AROUND INDIANAPOLIS, IN
6 adult boxers, 2 puppies, Mama heeler w/ pups, Josh & Buoy
2 adult boxers: ***NEEDED***
2 adult boxers: ***NEEDED***
2 adult boxers: ***NEEDED***
Mama heeler w/ pups: ***NEEDED***
Josh & Buoy: ***NEEDED***
2 boxer puppies: Filled – thank you Krysha!!

**********************

1 adult boxer joins transport in Indy.

SUNDAY, DEC 13

LEG D-3: Indianapolis, IN to Lafayette, IN (I-65)
7 adult boxers, 2 puppies, Mama heeler w/ pups, Josh & Buoy
62 miles; 1 hr 9 min
8:00 AM – 9:10 AM EST
DRIVER 1: Filled – thank you Tara!! (4 adult boxers)
DRIVER 2: Filled – thank you Krysha!! (boxer pups; Jersey & pups)
DRIVER 3: ***NEEDED*** (5 lg dogs)
DRIVER 4: ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 5: ***NEEDED?***

LEG D-4: Lafayette, IN to Crown Point, IN (I-65)
7 adult boxers, 2 puppies, Mama heeler w/ pups, Josh & Buoy
Time zone change, -1 hr
81.1 miles; 1 hr 20 min
9:30 AM – 10:50 AM EST
8:30 AM – 9:50 AM CST
DRIVER 1:  ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 2: ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 3: ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 4: ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 5: ***NEEDED***

LEG D-5: Crown Point, IN to Hinsdale, IL
7 adult boxers, 2 puppies, Mama heeler w/ pups, Josh & Buoy
46.1 miles; 1 hr 5 min
10:10 AM – 11:15 AM CST
DRIVER 1: Filled – thank you Angie & Oren!! (Jersey & pups; boxer pups)
DRIVER 2: ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 3: ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 4: ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 5: ***NEEDED***

Mama heeler w/ pups & Josh meet rescue in Hinsdale.

LEG D-6: Hinsdale, IL to Kenosha, WI
7 adult boxers, 2 puppies, Buoy
60.5 miles; 1 hr 10 min
11:45 AM – 12:55 PM CST
DRIVER 1:  ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 2: ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 3: ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 4: ***NEEDED***

LEG D-7: Kenosha, WI to Milwaukee, WI
7 adult boxers, 2 puppies, Buoy
41.2 miles; 49 min
1:25 PM – 2:15 PM CST
DRIVER 1:  ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 2: ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 3: ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 4: ***NEEDED***

LEG D-8: Milwaukee, WI to Madison, WI
7 adult boxers, 2 puppies, Buoy
70.9 miles; 1 hr 11 min
2:45 PM – 3:55 PM CST
DRIVER 1:  ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 2: ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 3: ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 4: ***NEEDED***

LEG D-9: Madison, WI to Tomah, WI (I-90 / 94)
7 adult boxers, 2 puppies, Buoy
94.6 miles; 1 hr 30 min
4:15 PM – 5:45 PM CST
DRIVER 1:  ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 2: ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 3: ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 4: ***NEEDED***

LEG D-10: Tomah, WI to Eau Claire, WI (I-94)
7 adult boxers, 2 puppies, Buoy
76.6 miles; 1 hr 16 min
6:00 PM – 7:15 PM CST
DRIVER 1:  ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 2: ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 3: ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 4: ***NEEDED***

LEG D-11: Eau Claire, WI to Woodbury, MN (I-94)
7 adult boxers, 2 puppies, Buoy
82 miles; 1 hr 18 min
7:30 PM – 8:50 PM CST
DRIVER 1:  ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 2: ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 3: ***NEEDED***
DRIVER 4: ***NEEDED***

*************************************
PASSENGER DETAILS
NOTE: All dogs on the transport are UTD on shots and will be accompanied by a health certificate.
Any intact dogs will be altered by receiving rescues prior to adoption.
*************************************

RECEIVER A:
Minnesota Boxer Rescue
Woodbury MN
www.mnboxerrescue.org

SENDER A-1:
Blue Ridge Boxer Rescue
Ute Davidson
Hickory, NC

PASSENGERS (4 lg, 2 sm):

LACEY
Adult female boxer – MUST BE CRATED AS SHE IS IN HEAT – CRATE IS NOT PROVIDED
Approx 5 yrs old & 60 lbs; very underweight

SAMMY
Adult male boxer
Intact, will be altered by receiving rescue
Approx 5 yrs old & 60 lbs

BAMBAM
Adult male boxer

OZZIE
Adult male boxer
Approx 2 – 3 yrs old
Altered

2 PUPPIES
11 weeks old, 1 M & 1 F

*************************************

SENDER A-2:
Temporary foster home
Tara Harris
Indianapolis, IN

Pulled from Brown County, OH shelter on 12/6

PASSENGER (1 lg):

HARRISON
Adult male boxer

*************************************

SENDER A-3:
Greenville County Animal Control
Greenville, SC

PASSENGERS (2 lg):

BOXIE
Adult male boxer

CLYDE
Adult male boxer
Approx 4 yrs old & 60 lbs

*************************************
*************************************

RECEIVER B:
HART of IL
Plainfield, IL

http://www.homelessanimalrescueteam.com/

Jill Kerzisnik

SENDER B:
Temporary foster home
Elise Cohen
Rockmart, GA

PASSENGERS (1 lg, 1 med, 5 sm):

JOSH
Male hound mix
Not yet altered; has been under treatment for mange

JERSEY & puppies
Heeler mix
Mama w/ 5 puppies
Not yet altered

*************************************
*************************************

RECEIVER C:

MARS
Brooklyn Park, MN
www.midwestanimalrescue.org
Contact name: Cheryl Anderson

SENDER C:
Temporary foster home
Elise Cohen
Rockmart, GA

PASSENGER (1 lg):

BUOY
Adult male boxer
Altered
BEST buds with Josh, the hound mix above

Election 2010 – Illinois 10th District – Republican Incumbent

Congressman Mark Kirk decided a few months ago to run for US Senate and this has opened a deluge of candidates in this district consisting of some of the wealthiest suburbs north of Chicago. Perennially a target for Democrats, Republicans will be working hard to hold onto this district. First, both parties will have to pick nominees.

Democrats have 4 candidates while Republicans are choosing between 6. Follow below the jump to learn about the options.

Click here to find out candidates in your area of Illinois. Click here to find out more about voting in Illinois.

And visit Election 2010 and Voting, State by State to read other posts about elections in Illinois and elsewhere.

Republicans

State Representative Elizabeth Coulson is well known in the district and will certainly jump feet first into issues on health-care if she is elected to Congress. Currently representing important areas such as Northbrook and her hometown of Glenview in the Legislature, Coulson has also kept up work as an Associate Professor at the Chicago Medical School during her 6 terms in Springfield. To learn more, click here.

Bill Cadigan is an attorney who also knows a great deal about health care and has walked the halls of Congress for many years. Starting out as a Congressional aide to John Porter, who represented this district until 2001. He served as Commissioner of the Illinois Medical District in North Chicago until 2005 and today, works in private practice. To learn more, click here.

Entering politics for the first time, Bob Dold had to know that his name would be misread for the Presidential candidate from 1996. However, this small-business owner is serious about his entry into the world of politics and is looking to make a name for himself. Dold worked for Dan Quayle before starting his successful pest-control business that serves much of the district. To learn more, click here.

Arie Friedman grew up in the district and after a decade away serving as a Navy officer and then attending medical school at UIUC, has a successful practice back in his home as a pediatrician. He is hoping to use these experiences in Washington as the new congressman from the 10th district. To learn more, click here.

As the first Republican on the TV airwaves in this race, Dick Green is hoping to spread his name recognition and stake out an early lead in this wide open primary. A successful entrepreneur who has worked extensively in the business sector in northern Illinois, Green has also been active in local Republican organizations. To learn more, click here.

Paul Hamann has the steepest climb to make in this primary. An electrical engineer without political experience or the self-funding capacity that many of his competitors have, Hamann, a lifetime resident of Lake Forest, is nonetheless committed to running on a strong Republican platform. To learn more, click here.

Democrats

Two of the leading candidates in this race are extremely well known to voters. One because they have met him in this race in the past two elections. The other because she has much of the district in the state legislature.

The former is Dan Seals, a marketing executive and the Democratic nominee in 2006 and 2008. In both elections, he ultimately lost to Kirk by a 53% to 47% margin. This year, Seals hopes it will be different. Currently working for GE Capital, he also worked in the Senate on economic development and budget issues. To learn more, click here.

His primary rival is Julie Harmos who currently serves as a State Representative. Her district covers the southern section of the congressional district and she hopes to build from this base. It would not be Hamos’ first time in Congress either, having served as a staff attorney for a House subcommittee. To learn more about her campaign, which is already on TV with ads, click here.

Two other Democrats are looking to gain traction and win the nomination. One is Elliot Richardson, a civil-rights attorney from Highland Park. A father of three, Richardson is heavily involved in organizations helping children and low-income families and is on the board of directors Child Serv, an organization that supports children and families in need. To learn more, click here.

Milton Sumpton comes from a business background and has applied this to his public service over the years. An business consultant in capital markets in Illinois and elsewhere, Sumpton worked for Tom Daschle shortly after college. He also highlights strongly his Peace Corps experience in the Central African Republic. To read more, click here.

Today I am continuing my look at the importance of being an encourager.   First of all I want to look at the definition of “Encourage”.  Dictionary.com defines encourage as ”to inspire with courage, spirit, or confidence”.  After reading that definition, think about all the people who are around you who lack in courage, spirit or confidence.  There are plenty of people in your life that are lacking in those areas and need to be encouraged or inspired.  They don’t need to be lied to, they need real Biblical encouragement.  1 Thessalonians 5:11-23 has many powerful teachings on being an encourager.  Today I am going to look at verses 11-14 and pull out some very important characteristics of an encourager.

 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

12 Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
1 Thess 5:11-14 (NIV)

So… go  out today and encourage someone….. Not me!  Someone else who God puts on your heart… Give them a call… Send them an email… Facebook them… Build someone up!  It will change their life and yours….

Check back tomorrow for Part 3



Dala Horse and Julbock (Yule Goat), photo by Mark Palmer

I am fascinated with Swedish holiday traditions. My obsession began with eBay (as many often do) and goes something like this. Sat down at the computer to search for vintage holiday ornaments. Came across a seller in Sweden peddling straw ornaments and Christmas goats. A Christmas goat? I had to know more.

In doing a bit of research I learned that the goat (known as the julbock, or yule goat) is an ancient Scandinavian symbol of Christmas along with Tomten, Sweden’s elfish version of Santa. I had to have a straw goat. In fact, I decided that I needed a whole tabletop in my living room devoted to Swedish holiday traditions. Straw goats, straw Christmas ornaments, a Tomten or two…the search was on.

Fortunately, Illinois is a hotbed of Swedish culture and communities. If you’re looking to learn about Swedish holiday traditions, or start some of your own, here are some good places to start.

Chicago’s Andersonville is a long-standing Swedish community. The neighborhood’s Swedish American Museum is a great place to visit any time of year, but it’s especially fun during the holidays. The annual Julmarknad, held Dec. 5-6, is a Christmas bazaar that offers many Swedish treasures, including handmade ornaments and Scandinavian antiques, along with a kaffestuga (cafe) selling traditional open-faced Swedish sandwiches and marzipan desserts. Admission is $2, and includes free entertainment such as folk dancing and crafts for the kids in the Children’s Museum. If you can’t make it to Julmarknad, stop by the Museum Store any day of the week to pick up unique holiday gifts, including the must-have straw goat.

A festive Lucia Celebration, photo by Mark Palmer

Celebrate another Swedish tradition during the Lucia Celebration on Dec. 13 at 4:45 p.m., when a procession of cherubic girls in white robes with crimson sashes and crowns of candles march down Clark Street, returning to the museum for a holiday program at 5 p.m. Tickets are $1 or a canned good donation.

Need sweets for your holiday dessert table? Pick up gooey cinnamon rolls at Ann Sather or Tomten-shaped pepparkakor (gingersnap) cookies at the Swedish Bakery, both Andersonville favorites.

If you’re up for a road trip, head to the historic village of Bishop Hill, settled in the mid-1800s by Swedish immigrants. The town has held tight to its Swedish roots, with many descendants of the original founders still living there today. Visit during Julmarknad Dec. 5-6, when Swedish folk characters roam the streets, music fills the air, and gifts ranging from handmade straw Christmas ornaments to homemade chocolates are sold by the locals. During Lucia Nights, held Dec. 11-12, girls dressed as St. Lucia serve sweets and coffee to visitors in Bishop Hill’s candlelit shops and museums, while live music is performed around the village.

The town’s Colony Store is the perfect place to pick up Swedish gifts, including colorful hand-carved Dala horses and traditional foods such as pickled herring and Swedish potato sausage (only available in November and December). The Bishop Hill Colony Bakery across the street sells made-from-scratch Swedish specialties, including yummy orange-lingonberry muffins. Stop in for lunch at The Red Oak, a charming restaurant known for its Swedish meatballs served over noodles and fresh-baked pies (the signature Swedish Cream is a must-try).

Crunched for time? On Dec. 11 from 6-8:30 p.m. the Schaumburg IKEA store will host a Swedish Christmas Julbord, complete with Nordic folk dancers. The traditional holiday smorgasbord will offer plenty of Swedish delicacies, including poached salmon, Christmas ham, assorted herrings, caviar and glogg (mulled wine). The cost for the all-you-can-eat buffet is $15.99 per person; $2.49 for kids age 12 and under.

God Jul (Merry Christmas)!

- Margaret Doyle

Margaret Doyle is a Chicago-based freelance travel writer and editor at large for the Illinois Travel Guide, produced by the Illinois Bureau of Tourism.

Crowds jam Fort Sheridan and fill the parking lot. But they don't carry golf clubs so Mayor Charlie Pecaro isn't interested in them.

Mayor Charlie Pecaro of Highwood apparently doesn’t get out much.  Or if he does get out, he doesn’t get over to the Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve. To hear Charlie tell it, only golfers will patronize the bars and restaurants that drive the Highwood economy. The rest of the riff raff that might drop a farthing into Highwood’s service-oriented collection cup are not worth the bother. So let’s help Charlie deconstruct his perception and maybe even enlighten him.

First, one of the biggest problems at Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve today is parking. On almost any given weekend day RAIN or SHINE, the parking lot is packed with people who are clamoring for access to visit the model Hawk’s nest, the prairie paths and, of course, the marvelous lakefront.  And in the spring, when the Forest Preserve opens the paths in the emerging meadow, well, we just might need a parking garage. In fact, hundreds of people are visiting Fort Sheridan. But Charlie doesn’t see them because they’re not carrying golf clubs.

Second, golf is pretty much a summer sport. And apparently, in Charlie’s estimation, the only time he wants to get business from this crowd is in the summer.  Clearly, those who might X-country ski, bike or hike year round at Fort Sheridan are not welcome or just not expected in Highwood because golfers, well, you know, their wallets bulge. I mean really Charlie, doesn’t it make sense to have an attraction that will draw the crowds year round?

In spring, a bird watching club attracted over 80 people to an introductory bird watching adventure at Fort Sheridan. At the end of the event, many went to breakfast – in Highwood. Recently a photography group chose Fort Sheridan as their subject matter. After their shoot, they convened for lunch – in Highwood. And those are just the anecdotes we know.  How many more people make the Fort Sheridan – Highwood connection?

The County golf consultants believe that a golf course at Fort Sheridan might generate around 13,000+ rounds of golf in a year. Charlie must believe that is huge. We think it is chump change. Develop this property as the forest preserve we believe it can be and we’ll see your 13,000 and raise you by 50%+. Fix your attitude Charlie and we’ll help shovel more than guano into Highwood’s economy. Keep your attitude and your bad will might spread.

Photo by Renee Rendler-Kaplan

I lived in Evanston for four years in the not-so distant past. My husband and I moved there after a long stretch of Chicago city living, and the first question people always asked us when they heard we were living in the quintessential “non-suburban suburb” was, “Are you students at Northwestern?” This always gave me pause. We were way past our student years, for starters. But more importantly, I always wondered: Why would we have to be students to live here? Can’t we simply love the place?

And love the place we did.

Flash forward three years (and the birth of twin boys) later. No longer living in Evanston, I still follow what’s going on there. In the bustling college town, my old favorites remain — most obviously the pretty Northwestern campus and its hidden Shakespeare rose garden (where I would sneak away with a book and read for hours unnoticed). Unicorn Cafe still welcomes an arty crowd that doodles, works furiously on laptops, or stares at passersby. The indie bookstore Bookman’s Alley is still such a joy to behold, with its maze of aisles and leaning towers of used books throughout; you could pass a day there, easily. That’s not to mention the CineArts movie theater, attached to a swank bar; Lucky Platter restaurant, dishing out Southern and World specialties amidst kitsch; and the quaint stretch of Central Avenue boutiques and restaurants.

And then there’s the new. Chalk Boutique, just off Central, gives Winnetka a run for its chichi designer-shop money, stocking Nacisco Rodriguez, Hache, Elaine Kim, and others (not to mention throwing trunk shows left and right). Edzo’s burger joint on Sherman Avenue offers arguably the best burgers north of Howard Street. Jacky’s Bistro, after closing a few years ago, has reopened with a sleeker interior and more polished menu as Jacky’s on Prairie.

Evanstonians have a history of bemoaning change when it involves the erection of bigger buildings and glossier storefronts. They like it quaint. They like it historic. But the “new” Evanston, at least in my eyes, combines old and new in such an enticing way — and in hard economic times, to boot — that you can’t help but cheer for it.

You know, like a college student at a football game.

Hooraaay! It’s winter! And that means all kinds of fun, AND also the holiday craft fair season. Like Winter Markets in Europe, the holiday indie craft fair circuit is a growing and lovely trend here in the US. And we love it around here. Naturally!

So, this weekend is yet another fantastic fair that we’ll be attending, it’s the Renegade Craft Fair’s Holiday Sale in Chicago, IL.

Over 150 of today’s finest indie-craft and contemporary design talents will be setting up shop at the Renegade Craft Fair Holiday Sale on December 5 + 6 from 11am – 7pm at the Pulaski Park Fieldhouse! (click for directions)

Come see us and say hi! Mention that you saw this blog post and get a free gift or $5 off your purchases with us. strawberryluna will be upstairs in Room 207 at Table / Booth 145, no doubt drinking hot chocolate and talking with awesome folks like you. Click here or on the image below for a larger version of the Vendor Map.

Come see strawberryluna at booth #145 in Room 207. We'll be rockin' the hot chocolate! Click for a larger version of this map too.

Happy holidays and happy shopping with your favorite handmade artisans!

The  Important Details:

Where: Pulaski Park Fieldhouse, in Chicago, IL

When: Saturday & Sunday 12/ 5 + 12/6  from 11am – 7pm

For more information, directions, hours and dates again click here OR click the images above and below.

Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site

Nestled in a shallow valley, eight miles south of Charleston, is Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site. This 86 acre site was established to help preserve the last home of Abraham Lincoln’s father and stepmother, Thomas and Sarah Bush Lincoln. The Lincolns lived in a ‘Saddlebag’ cabin (two rooms with a central chimney) on the site in the early 1840’s with as many as eighteen people. After Thomas and Sarah’s deaths, the original cabin was disassembled in 1892 and transported to the Columbian Exposition

Thomas Lincoln's Cabin

in Chicago and was lost soon after. In 1929 the state of Illinois acquired the land and a cabin was constructed based on photographs and affidavits. The cabin stands today as the center piece in what is now a wonderful state historic site. In 1976 work began to reconstruct an authentic 1840’s farm around the cabin with some of the original buildings that were moved to the site.

Adjacent to the Log Cabin site is the Sargent Farm.

Sheep 'stand guard' over the Sargent Farm

This original 1840’s timber frame house was moved from its original location in 1985 to add a second living historical farm to the site. Having the Sargent farm close by shows the sharp contrast between the lifestyles of the Sargents, somewhat of a well to do ‘modern’ farmer of the time, and the Lincolns, who were subsistence farmers.

The site is a wonderful display of the architecture of the period, complete with ‘log cabin’ structures of the day. It’s amazing how our modern perception of ‘Log Cabins’ is of deep brown, round logs, when in reality, the timbers are weathered grey, hewn square and very carefully dovetailed together at the corners. Brick mortar like ‘chinking’ seals the gaps between the timbers to hold back the frigid winter winds of the Illinois prairie. Authentic split rail fences abound, separating livestock areas from living areas.

Authentic split rail fences contain the critters.

The ‘nailess’ construction of these fences provides insight into the cleverness and ingenuity of these settlers. Several of the pens house sheep and chickens.

During the summer months( May-October), interpreters recreate the farming and household activities of an 1840’s farm. To see these volunteers dressed in period dress and going through the motions of farmers of the day is to take a jump back in time and is not to be missed!

The Interpreters wardrobe room, stocked with period clothing

Over 130 volunteers help with the site, as interpreters, cooks, maintenance, greeters or creators and maintainers of the huge store of period clothes, shoes and hats.

Visitors Center

The visitors center is a wonderful, modern building constructed in 1998 with an auditorium (decorated with very nice hand-made quilts), looms and weaving equipment of the day and a self guided tour area explaining life at the time of the Lincolns in Illinois.  There are also several large pavilions and picnic areas, making this a perfect place for a family get together. The site hosts regular events, with the Day of Public Thanksgiving taking place this month on November 27th from 10am to 4pm, in honor of Abraham Lincolns signing of the proclamation establishing Thanksgiving as a national holiday in 1863.

Enjoy self guided tours through the visitors center.

Take some time to enjoy downstate Illinois and visit this wonderful site for a look at life as it was……….

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More Images of this site

- Ed Baumgarten

Fifty miles east of the Mississippi River lies the small city of Galesburg, IL.  The founding fathers originally planned their new community to foster religious education.  Today the beautiful historic district is on the National Register of Historic Places, known for its unique and valuable architectural styles. Galesburg is home to the 1854 Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, Knox College, and Sandburg University, named for author Carl Sandburg, whose ashes lie beneath Remembrance Rock.

Temperatures with an average high of 80 degrees and low of 22 degrees make this a great place for all sports.  Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the Lake Story Recreational Area with year-round activities including boating, swimming and picnicing on the 600-acre lake.  Hiking trails in the summer and snowmobiling in winter are popular with visitors and locals.

With Chicago only a three-hour drive, you can spend the weekend shopping on the Miracle Mile (said to be the Rodeo Drive of the East), taking in a theatre performance, and enjoying fine dining.  It’s been said that you can eat out every night of the year in Chicago and never go to the same restaurant twice!  Not to be outdone by neighboring Chicago, Galesburg offers a range of restaurants from classical elegant to casual cuisine closer to home.

Visit the vibrant Seminary Street Historic Commercial District where once-abandoned buildings now house thriving restaurants, specialty shops, antiques and collectibles, spas, coffee houses, and bakeries.  Sure to become a favorite shopping and dining spot during your assignment!

Your stay in the area wouldn’t be complete without a photo stop at the famous “Big Blue Chair”.  Don’t forget to send pictures of the many faces of Galesburg to friends and family at home.

Executive Director:

The Housing Authority of Aurora, IL is seeking a highly motivated, imaginative, energetic individual to implement a newly adopted aggressive strategic plan as its new Executive Director. The new Executive Director will facilitate the new direction of AHA toward revitalization that will require working with various community organizations and the city government of the second largest city in Illinois. The AHA has 652 Public Housing units, 800 Housing Choice Vouchers with a staff of 40 knowledgeable and experienced employees. Requirements include a Bachelor’s Degree, 5 years experience in public administration, housing management or a closely related field and knowledge of HUD rules, regulations and guidelines. Current or previous employment by a Public Housing Authority would be a plus. The Executive Director reports to a 7 member Board of Commissioners. Salary is based upon experience and includes excellent health and retirement benefits. Send resume, including salary expectations, to: Gerald A. Jones, Chairman of the Board, 1630 W. Plum St., Aurora, IL 60506 or email to aurorahousing@earthlink.net. Deadline for applications is January 29, 2010.

So, NaNoWriMo is finally over.

Unfortunately, OYMAS is not.

But, fortunately, I was still able to hit 50,000 words before midnight last night.

Unfortunately, I was pasting in my final word count, but I goofed and only pasted the last chapter. So instead of going from 49,381 words to 51,189 words, I got flushed down to 1,981 instead.

Fortunately, the lovely people at NaNo understand what it’s like to function on a fried brain at midnight on November 30th after a month of feverish writing. They manually updated my word count to 51,189.

Which means that I am a:

Winnawinnawinna!!

Thanks to everyone who’s been reading these. Thanks to everyone who’s been commenting on them — which really only pertains to my friend Rosie, who is special and gets them e-mailed directly to her.

Anyway, if you have been reading and like what you’ve seen so far, rest assured that Chapter 21 is not the end. I figure I’ve got four or five chapters left to go before this is over — six, if I decide to do the epilogue.

So, for those who care, here are the results of my marathon writing session this weekend:

Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21