tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60023767457799205772024-03-12T22:33:34.777-05:00Echoes of the NativityMartinGibbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209473718191944980noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002376745779920577.post-364346347367617342014-09-24T09:04:00.000-05:002014-11-12T09:28:07.080-06:00The Three Kings Are Under Way!!!<div style="background-color: none;">
Winter has come to Minnesota. With it the comforting sense that Christmas is not far away; because of this I have released this book early.<br />
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... here is an excerpt from the upcoming book, <i>We Three Kings</i>.<br />
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Chapter 1: Strangers on the Wind...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">The wind was the cry of a newborn.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">It wailed through the collection of dilapidated, empty huts; dust-devils, kicked up by its tendrils, bounced through the empty square that had been a town, and skipped off the dry waves that lapped at the dock. Balthazar, king of Saba, shuddered at the hauntingly real sound. A trick of the wind, surely, but still it sent a sh</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">iver through his body, though the sun seared the caked hardpan.<br /><br />This place was empty, dead.<br /><br />Balthazar shrugged, nodded to his servant Nador, who waited patiently by the camels. “Nothing. Nothing at all.”<br /><br />The servant turned to ready for departure when he paused. He gazed out at the harbor.<br /><br />“What is it?”<br /><br />“People are coming, majesty.”<br /><br />Well. Perhaps this day would not be wasted after all. Balthazar turned back and watched as two small boats approached the crooked dock.<br />Again the wind keened and the cry of a newborn filled his ears.<br /><br />Balthazar walked swiftly to the dock—</span>
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MartinGibbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209473718191944980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002376745779920577.post-68795884908736714792014-09-10T07:48:00.003-05:002014-09-10T07:48:33.013-05:00Beware the Wolf in Sheep's Clothing<h2>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jeremiah 6:13<o:p></o:p></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>For from the least to the greatest of them, everyone is
greedy for unjust gain; and from prophet to priest, everyone deals falsely.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's a sad truth, but whenever a plate is passed around at church, my inner "doubting Thomas" comes out in force. Is the money for a good cause? Surely, for it's going to the church!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Or is it?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've often been a little mistrustful of organizations and people that claim to help the needy, but who drive fancy cars and pull in extravagant salaries. Now, I'm not saying we should redistribute wealth, rather look at motive and drive. Is it a result of success? Or is it a result of greed?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So here's the question, to tie it back to Jeremiah: Is <i>everyone</i> greedy as he claims? Or is this hyperbole; meant to encourage reflection upon our own intentions?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let's take it at the latter. We are all guilty of greed at some point: we tell white lies, we shift the goalposts when it suits us, and we sometimes deal a false card. That alone shouldn't send us directly to the boiling fires of hell, but we need to be aware. Be aware, admit, and ask for forgiveness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Because what can happen is laid out in James... get too greedy and rich and fat on the backs of those we've pummeled:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">James 5:1-6<o:p></o:p></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are
coming upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your
gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you
and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days.
Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by
fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached
the ears of the Lord of hosts. You have lived on the earth in luxury and in
self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So what about that collection? Am I fueling someone's greed or am I actually helping? It's a tough call, but would it be better to spend my money on a bowl full of ice cream or donate it to the charity in question? Even if the money never gets there, I've put that intention first; put myself second.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Remember, I'm pulling for you. We're all in this together." -- Red Green</span></div>
MartinGibbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209473718191944980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002376745779920577.post-16010331946958170612014-09-04T15:08:00.000-05:002014-09-04T15:08:12.480-05:00Prologue to We Three Kings<div class="BibleVerse">
<span style="font-size: large;">The kings of Tarshish and the islands will pay him tribute.
The kings of Sheba and Saba will offer gifts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Psalm 72:10</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Here they come....!<br />
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The final version of We Three Kings will not include a prologue or epilogue. While these little snippets were interesting, they did not necessarily move the story forward.<br />
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I am posting them here in the intent of generating interest. It's only September, I know!<br />
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As mentioned in the text, there was a Hill of Vaws. In ancient times the keepers of this Hill used it as a strategic base, atop which they would make a big fire to warn others of impending invasions.<br />
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Balaam had prophesied a Star that would herald the coming of the Christ, and so for many years people kept watch on the Hill of Vaws, hoping for <i>the</i> star. Well, on one night, the Star burst into life, and the rest is history.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">e felt as old as the hill he climbed. The vaunted, once-strategic, and impossibly high Hill of Vaws challenged him daily to climb its height and worship at the temple atop its craggy summit. The mound in the desert had once been relevant; now it looked out over a wide, empty and sere desert. Atop the hill’s scrub-covered crust, an equally ancient temple clung barely to live, kept going only by the priest and his four apprentices. A joint popped and he reflected again on retiring. But a glance at the gilded star atop the shrine, its glittering outline, and the shadow it cast upon the hill reminded him of his purpose here. Chapped lips creaked open in a half smile.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The golden star was a beacon of sorts, a thing by which to herald the Liberator, Savior, Redeemer, or Protector as He was wont to be named. Though the star reflected light, it was said that it would glow like the sun should the Liberator come. The priest, the star, the pillar, the chapel, and even the hill itself waited patiently for the son of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">Man.</st1:state></st1:place> “Glow like the sun,” the priest panted.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">At one time there were twelve wise men who had kept constant vigil inside the chapel; they had long since passed on, leaving the old priest and his apprentices. Finding young men to devote their lives to a run-down building atop a barren hillside in the middle of nowhere was almost impossible—and he wasn’t sure how long these men would remain. The perils of youth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The ancient priest put his head down and trudged up the remaining feet to the top of the hill. He was bent over with exhaustion and sore, tired muscles... it took an effort to straighten his frame, and with it a chorus of pops and snaps. The priest grimaced and gazed out at the brown and dusty desert that stretched on in seemingly endless directions all around the hill.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">A few scrubby trees near the chapel provided shade and aromatic herb bushes imparted the area with a sweet and heady fragrance. Being the highest point in the area, the vantage provided a vast overview of... nothing. Far beyond his vision, behind a cloud of dust, the large city of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Jerusalem </st1:city></st1:place>hulked in its teeming of humanity. <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Jerusalem</st1:city></st1:place>... the old priest sniffed at that word—he called it by another name entirely, Urušalimum, an ancient name for an ancient settlement.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The scholars from <st1:place w:st="on">Chaldea</st1:place> and Inde had talked of a real star that would come and replace the gilt one that rotated slowly before him, though he himself was convinced that the prophecies and texts they relied upon were only meant to be allegorical. Deep in his soul, however, he hoped that the true Liberator would come, and that the star upon this hill would glow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">an savior were long abandoned. Yet the priest remained vigilant. Sighing, he made his way into the small chapel and sat upon a bench.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">“Where are you now, oh <st1:place w:st="on">Chaldea</st1:place> and Inde?” he wondered with a grating whisper. “Perhaps you will come when you see...”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Inside, the chapel was a mirror of its outside: Stone walls inlaid with thick timbers, three small windowless opening carved from the stone, a lightly peaked roof, and a small statue with a star atop it. The star inside the chapel did not spin and was dull with age. The old priest sat on a bench, his old knees long since retired from kneeling on the hard surface. Heaving another tired sigh, he gazed at the star on the altar, his lids soon became heavy, fluttered briefly, and finally closed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">He dreamed of one of the failed prophecies: Of Greeks and Chaldeans, convinced that the star prophesied the coming of the Messiah, of the true King of the world. Ezekias was the king’s name—he had made some outrageous claims about making the sun spin and move backward across the sky. Whether out of heat exhaustion or blind devotion, the Chaldeans and Greeks in his entourage saw something in the so-called miracle, lay before him numerous gifts, and prostrated themselves most obscenely before him. God was surely not happy at this turn of events, and in his dream of reminiscence, the priest saw the king racing with all haste to <st1:place w:st="on">Babylonia</st1:place>, as if Hell itself was on his heels. Furthermore, the Chaldean and Greek astronomers had stated clearly that—<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">He awoke with a start and stared around the room. Night had fallen and the chapel was cloaked in darkness, the only light coming from a bare crescent of a moon. Every few seconds a tiny glimmer of light would reflect through the small openings in the chapel—moonbeams bouncing off the gilded star outside. But night could not have awoken him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">There had been a bright burst of light in his dream, and as he opened his eyes, he felt warmth on his lids. He closed them again, when an even brighter radiance lit up the backs of his eyelids and he snapped them open.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">His head whipped around, aged and worn tendons creaking in agony. He stared at the once-dull statuette as it lit up with a bright white glow. The star! The star on the altar!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">For only the barest of seconds, the room filled with the light of a hundred suns, and the warmth of a midnight bonfire. Eyes lined with the wear of many years sparkled with vibrancy, knees that had long been ground down with age and decay suddenly fell painlessly to the floor in reverence, sagging ears perked, and wrinkled lips curved upward in a gap-toothed grin of ecstasy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">In the time it took his ancient eyelids to open and close in the heavenly glow, the light sniffed out and he was once again alone in the dark. But his smile did not waver, and his tired knees held out for a few more moments as he relished a sense of peace and fulfillment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Chaldeans were right, a star was coming... but more than a star, deep in his soul he could feel a presence, a great, overpowering, and peaceful presence. Warmth filled his cheeks and his eyes watered. A man, a man was coming with the star. The Redeemer! At last, the Savior of Man! He could almost hear the tiny heartbeat, far off near Urušalimum. A baby was going to be born, a new king, the King, the King of Man, the Redeemer...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A fallow and hoarse voice cried out: “He comes. He comes!”</span></span></div>
MartinGibbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209473718191944980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002376745779920577.post-83564148838377027382014-07-28T08:02:00.000-05:002014-07-28T08:02:05.711-05:00We Three Kings<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>We Three Kings</i></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A few people have read Following Yonder Star. Well now that I'm working with Ellechor Publishing, we are changing the title to We Three Kings. I think it is a much better descriptive title, and it is quickly recognizable.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This could be considered historical fiction, although there is precious little that is known about the kings/wise men. I've kept true to the bible passage, and have relied on the earliest historical texts as best as possible. However, since we don't have a solid description of their history, we really don't know much about these mysterious men who visited the Son of Man.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My friends, the key message is one of sacrifice and dedication. A giving up of one's possessions to the true King; casting off that which glitters for that which truly matters; giving Christ your gifts versus hoarding them for yourself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will post updates as we go through the editing process. I think you will find this an exciting adventure that has a deep, moving message within.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*** <b>We work so hard to find our own treasure, our own little trinkets and baubles. What if we we just as hard to give those treasures to others?</b> ***</span><br />
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<br />MartinGibbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209473718191944980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002376745779920577.post-82842785004899976682014-06-04T08:25:00.002-05:002014-10-01T08:48:14.553-05:00Wise Men, Magi, Kings... or something else?<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Just who were the three kings? Were they really kings, or wise men, magi, or just some dudes in fancy clothes.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I use king and wise men interchangeably, because history has done so. If we look at Matthew, the term “magi” is used specifically; but our collective understanding of these men is that they were also regal. Thus, they are portrayed as rulers/kings of whatever lands they had left. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another reason to portray them as kings is because it is a wonderful symbol: Three earthly rulers handing over their riches to the true King of the world. Ancient texts portray them thus, but also highlight them as wise men or magi.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The term magi derives from the Old Persian word maguŝ and is related to the religious caste of Zoroaster. Magi refers to the priestly sect of Zoroastrianism, and these priests were particularly well-versed in astrology. Some scholars argue that the men were astronomers, not astrologers, a notion which I hold dearer; they were definitely not sorcerers. Ancient man was quick to judge the new and unusual in a darker light, and three men arriving from a thousand miles away might give one the impression that some sort of magic was involved. It is sad that the early church writers had to paint such a picture of the Three Kings; in my opinion, it cheapens the experience and makes them seem less than they were.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the upcoming book <i>We Three Kings</i>—appearing November 28, 2014—these mysterious men come alive in an epic tale. They are real human beings, with foibles and faults. Though they are kings, they are humble rulers; men who are deeply spiritual and seek truth and knowledge in all that they do. Deeply spiritual men, they seek a greater truth, they wait for the Son of Man with patience: they are not agents of evil (as much as the early Church writer Origen wanted us to believe.) When they are gathered together on an evening, a fateful star bursts into being in the western sky.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The three kings follow the star: <b>And that is all that matters</b>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These rulers unburden themselves of their possessions, their wealth, and power. They simply follow where the star leads.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you saw such a star in the sky, would you follow? Our own “stars” do not necessarily require us to fight the devil, negotiate with evil emperors, or forsake our homes forever, but they do require a sacrifice. In order to follow what is good and right, in order to do the most good for humankind, we have to suffer a little.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Could you give up your iPhone? Your iPad? X-Box? Television? Could you send that latte money to a charity? How about giving up that reality TV show and work in a soup kitchen on Mondays?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Your star is out there—and though it was very obvious to the three kings, sometimes God isn't so obvious with us. But if we pause all of the devices, still the wild running of our minds, and listen: We can hear what we are being called to do.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No matter the time of year, I encourage everyone to find their star and follow it. It will require some effort to follow, but the rewards will be great (though they will not be monetary.)</span><br />
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MartinGibbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209473718191944980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002376745779920577.post-4785471632322162312014-05-27T07:58:00.002-05:002014-05-27T07:58:59.922-05:00Memorial DaySince I wasn't online yesterday, I will share this today. For all who serve, or who have served, God Bless. Especially those near and dear to us.<br />
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<br />MartinGibbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209473718191944980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002376745779920577.post-78624829096506682982014-05-09T09:56:00.001-05:002014-05-09T09:56:31.321-05:00The First Thunderstorm<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 14.5600004196167px;">I have been through many Midwestern winters, living in this so-called tropical paradise of MN. This year was a doozy, however. We had a record number of below-zero days, the frost line went down to almost six feet, and we had a crap-ton of snow that never melted.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 14.5600004196167px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 14.5600004196167px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 14.5600004196167px;">There were some silver linings, however. The cold supposedly killed the ash borer, my igloo never melted, and I got in three years' worth of XC skiing in one winter.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 14.5600004196167px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 14.5600004196167px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 14.5600004196167px;">But yesterday morning, my ears thrummed with the most wonderful sound of spring: Thunder. Sparks of lightning lit up the early sky; they bolted down from behind a gorgeous half-formed shelf cloud. The smell of ozone was thick in the air, and I suddenly felt myself again.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 14.5600004196167px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 14.5600004196167px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 14.5600004196167px;">It reminded me of why I put up with -29F just a few weeks ago. And people call us crazy, but sometimes I feel like the man in the following anecdote:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 14.5600004196167px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 14.5600004196167px;" /><em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 14.5600004196167px;">A man is continually beating himself with a hammer. When asked why he keeps doing it, he responds:<br /><br />Because it feels so good when I stop!</em>MartinGibbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209473718191944980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002376745779920577.post-2207552463049710462013-11-20T09:48:00.003-06:002013-11-20T09:48:22.066-06:00I've Signed on with Ellechor!<br />
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I've Signed on With Ellechor!</h3>
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I've landed a deal with Ellechor, a Christian Publishing House, for the three kings' books, and two more books as yet to be titled... I'm thinking of "Echoes of the Nativity" or something like that for the theme. One does not have to read all books in order, but they do relate to one another.<br /><br />It is a very exciting time!</div>
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"Following Yonder Star" will likely be renamed to "We Three Kings," since the next book is "The Legacy of the Fourth King." From there we'll have a story of Zaccheaus, and the fourth book is still being conceptualized.</div>
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MartinGibbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209473718191944980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002376745779920577.post-55734165623577897172013-04-24T11:10:00.000-05:002013-04-24T11:10:58.391-05:00Would Following Yonder Star be more popular if the wise men were zombies or vampires?<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Gasp!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m sorry that I even went there, but as I took a walk this morning, I started thinking about what really appeals to the general public. We have:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Romance: twisted, sick, degenerate stuff like 50 Shades. Not the heart-warming tales of Nicholas Sparks; that stuff is fine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Vampires: I never understood how one could romanticize creatures that never die, live off of human blood, and are basically the spawn of Satan. Read Brian Lumley some time if you want a clear line between Good vs. Evil when it comes to vampires. Lumley’s creations are most definitely evil and there is not a shred of anything redeemable in them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Zombies: Again, why do slow-moving, crumbling, decaying entities grab us so? Is it because of Night of the Living Dead? That un-escapable nightmare where the monster catches you, no matter how fast your run, or how slow it moves?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And these types of books and movies top the charts!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Hey, writer-man, I thought you just wrote for fun. You said this story wrote itself, so why do you care what sells!?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That voice--a blend of family, friends, and my own conscience--has a valid point. And it’s true. After Epiphany Mass in 2012, I began drafting the journey of the wise men, and started my research. Their snippet in Matthew always left me hungry for more; so when I discovered that there wasn’t a whole lot of other information about these men, I crafted my own adventure. Of course I was careful to stick to the research that had been done, and to Matthew, but the rest was my own extended prayer for mankind. So, in a sense, this was just a story in my head that I wanted to tell.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But... the reaction I have received when I do signings (at stores, churches, etc.) is a humbling one. People actually enjoyed the story. They found it unique that these men were described as real human beings, that the reader could join in on the journey. I realize that I only touched a hundredth of a percent of potential readers, but it gives me hope that others will like this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What if I made these guys into zombies or vampires? Hey, now there’s shock value, there’s appeal. I smell talk shows and lawsuits and a slew of negative press, followed by massive sales. There ya go, that’s the ticket! If only I sell my soul, I can make <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">millions!</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I believe the question is thus answered. It is a sad time in our society when we put more value into football, entertainment, and the Kardashians, than we do in working for the greater good. Instead of digesting books and media that uplift people, call us to reflection and prayer, or inspire us to help those less fortunate, we read about zombies, vampires, and deviant behavior. The media moguls have appealed to our animal instincts: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And it works</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So this stuff sells, and people buy it. I’m not really here to pass moral judgment, just observe the phenomenon. Heck, I’m a guy who likes to watch a shoot-‘em-up movie over a tear-jerker any day. But I’m also one of those strange men who has the entire Golden Girls collection on DVD, I’d rather read old literature than anything modern, and I don’t like zombies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“What are you talking about?!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I don't know... I'm sorry, but this is turning into very long, late-April rant. We still have snow on the ground in MN. I shouldn’t be terribly upset that Following Yonder Star hasn’t overtaken 50 shades; besides, I don’t want that kind of publicity anyway. I just feel a little bit sad that society has gone the way it has. Zombies, vampires, and gross sex are the top-sellers. And, if I wanted to appeal to my own animal nature, I can be pretty sure that, were the three kings vampires, it would be at #1 by Christmas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Instead, however, readers will have to take comfort in the story that it is: A spiritual journey, a story of friendship, dedication, faith, and love. It’s a reminder of what Christmas truly means, and that the Christmas spirit is not limited to the Macy’s/Target/Wal-Mart-designated holiday time frame.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
MartinGibbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209473718191944980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002376745779920577.post-67699827172787461892013-02-26T08:55:00.000-06:002013-02-26T08:55:14.136-06:00Cover Reveal!<em>The Legacy of the Fourth King</em> will come out later this year. It is a short book, more like a novella, that supplements the story <em>Following Yonder Star. </em>Most everyone is aware of the Three Kings, so reading <em>Legacy</em> has no prerequisites... it's just a fun story about a possible fourth wise man.<br />
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I am loving the new cover, developed by Karri Klawiter (artbykarri.com).<br />
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MartinGibbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209473718191944980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002376745779920577.post-53825341733165101482013-02-19T13:54:00.000-06:002013-02-19T13:54:04.862-06:00Madsgos - The Fourth Wise ManThe name will be Madsgos. So far about 20,000 words into the story. It won't be much longer than that--just a nice supplement to the whole story.<br />
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Cover art coming soon by Kari Klawitter. <br />
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And he and the three kings don't get back to Jerusalem until 33 AD....<br />
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Back to reading Proust and some writing here and there. MartinGibbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209473718191944980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002376745779920577.post-38404534981184078732013-01-09T20:12:00.000-06:002013-01-14T08:56:06.126-06:00The Fourth Wise Man...Yes, there are legends about a fourth Wise Man/King. Whatever the legend, the guy was always a day late and a dollar short; having three jewels he gives them away to help those less fortunate and doesn't arrive in Jerusalem until about 0 AD.<br />
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My next project will be called "The Legacy of the Fourth King." However, I need a name. I want to stick with one of the legends that claims he came from Gaul, so the name should end in -os.<br />
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Please take a moment to complete the poll. I really would like this to be a community effort!<br />
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<noscript><a href="http://polldaddy.com/poll/6820221/">The Fourth Wise man... what name should he be given?</a></noscript>MartinGibbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209473718191944980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002376745779920577.post-27605348822055130302013-01-03T12:28:00.001-06:002013-01-03T12:28:12.147-06:00Book signing this weekend!<span class="userContent">
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*** Book signing this weekend! ***<br /><br />This weekend we will celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, and as such close the book on Christmas 2012. It's been a fun season, but like most of you I'm tired, and ready to start 2013.<br /><br />One last hurrah be<span class="text_exposed_show">fore Following Yonder Star takes a little nap: There will be a signing this Saturday, January 5, 2012 at Gifts of Faith bookstore in Rochester, MN<br /><br /><a href="http://www.giftsoffaithshop.com/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.giftsoffaithshop.com/</a><br /><br />Many thanks to the store for allowing me to be there. While your there, pick up a nice espresso from the St. James coffee house next door. <br /><br />Even if you don't want/care about a book, please check out the store. It is a wonderful place run by really great folks.</span></div>
</span>MartinGibbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209473718191944980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002376745779920577.post-47949960466371252102012-12-17T11:43:00.001-06:002012-12-17T11:43:24.469-06:00Post-Bulletin Article<a href="http://postbulletin.com/news/stories/display.php?id=1517995">http://postbulletin.com/news/stories/display.php?id=1517995</a><br />
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Thanks so much to Jeff Pieters for the great interview and the opportunity to share my work! I really apprecaite it :)MartinGibbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209473718191944980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002376745779920577.post-80518256634506990622012-12-12T15:43:00.000-06:002012-12-12T15:43:14.826-06:00A Few More Christmas ThingsAll right, now that there is snow (not much, but some white aroud here), the mood is starting to set in. So here are a few of my favorite things to make, do, or listen to:<br />
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1) Make an igloo: <br />
<a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Build-an-Igloo">http://www.wikihow.com/Build-an-Igloo</a><br />
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2) Listen to A Christmas Carol (Lionel Barrymore and Orson Welles): FREE here: <a href="http://archive.org/details/CampbellPlayhouseAChristmasCarol12241939">http://archive.org/details/CampbellPlayhouseAChristmasCarol12241939</a><br />
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3) Cookies, bars, and fattening treats, oh my!<br />
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These are all from a little book I put together for the fam:<br />
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<h1 style="margin: 12pt 0in 3pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The CAKE ~ Triple-Chocolate Cake with Chocolate-Peppermint Filling<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">This is referred to simply as “THE CAKE!” by my family. It is overly rich, delicious, fattening, and phenomenal. It’s a hell of a lot of work, but it’s worth it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"><strong>FILLING<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">8 oz Lindt chocolate, finely chopped<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">½ cup whipping cream<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1 T light corn syrup<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">½ tsp peppermint extract</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>CAKE</strong></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1 cup sifted all purpose flour<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">⅓</span></span><span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> cup unsweetened cocoa powder<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">½ <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>teaspoon salt<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">¼ teaspoon baking powder<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">¼ teaspoon baking soda<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">¾ cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1 cup sugar<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">⅓</span></span><span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> cup (packed) dark brown sugar<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">2 teaspoons vanilla extract<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">3 large eggs<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">½ cup buttermilk<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1 ½ cups miniature semisweet chocolate chips<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Chopped up candy canes for garnish</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><strong>GLAZE</strong></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">8 ounces bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, finely chopped<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1 tablespoon light corn syrup<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">¾ teaspoon peppermint extract<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">For filling:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Place chocolate in medium bowl. Bring cream and corn syrup to simmer in small saucepan. Pour hot mixture over chocolate; add extract and let stand 1 minute. Whisk until mixture is smooth. Let filling stand at room temperature while cake is baking and cooling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">For cake:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Position rack in lowest third of oven and preheat to 350°F. Butter 9-inch-diameter cake pan with 2-inch-high sides. Line bottom with parchment paper. Butter parchment. Dust pan with flour. Whisk first 5 ingredients in medium bowl to blend. Using electric mixer, beat butter in large bowl until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in both sugars, then vanilla. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk in 2 additions each. Mix in chocolate chips.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Transfer batter to prepared pan. Bake cake until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 1 hour 5 minutes. Cool cake in pan on rack 5 minutes. Turn out cake onto rack. Peel off parchment. Cool completely.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Using electric mixer, beat filling until fluffy and lightened in color, about 30 seconds. Using serrated knife, cut cake horizontally in half. Place 1 layer, cut side up, on rack set over baking sheet. Spread filling over. Top with second layer, cut side down. Chill filled cake 20 minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Meanwhile, prepare glaze:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Stir chocolate, butter, and corn syrup in heavy small saucepan over low heat until melted and smooth. Mix in extract. Cool glaze until just lukewarm but still pour able, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Pour 1/2 cup glaze over center of cake. Spread over top and sides of cake. Chill until glaze sets, about 15 minutes. Pour remaining glaze over center of cake, then spread quickly over top and sides. Chill until glaze sets, about 1 hour. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover with cake dome; chill. Before continuing, let stand at room temperature until softened, about 4 hours.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Sprinkle candies around top edge of cake. Garnish with fresh mint leaves.</span><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" /></span><br />
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<h1 style="margin: 12pt 0in 3pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Pfeffern<span lang="DE" style="mso-ansi-language: DE;">ü</span>sse<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">“Pepper nuts” or “spiced nut”. These little cookies are a favorite during the holidays. Not too sweet, not too spicy, and rolled in copious amounts of powdered sugar, they go well with strong black coffee.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Sift together: <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">2 cups plus 2 T sifted all-purpose flour<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">¾ tsp double-acting baking powder<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">⅛ tsp baking soda<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">¼ tsp salt<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Add:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">¼ tsp nutmeg (use ½ tsp if using freshly grated nutmeg)<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">¼ tsp ground cloves<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">2 tsp cinnamon<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">¼ tsp anise seeds<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1 tsp cardamom<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Cream together:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">½ cup butter<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">⅓ cup sugar<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Add and bet well until light:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1 egg<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Add:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">¼ cup finely chopped almonds<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1 T finely chopped citron<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">¼ cup finely chopped candied orange peel<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Add the flour mixture to the above ingredients in thirds, alternately with:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">⅓ cup molasses<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1 T corn syrup<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">¼ tsp brandy extract<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1 tsp grated lemon rind<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1 T lemon juice<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Beat well, then set aside overnight. Preheat oven to 350. Shape into 1-inch balls and bake on a greased cookie sheet 10 to 15 minutes. Roll while warm in a vat of powdered sugar.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<b><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 16.0pt;"><br clear="all" style="page-break-before: always;" /></span></b><br />
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<h1 style="margin: 12pt 0in 3pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Non’s Sugar Cookies<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Nellie (“Non”) Finnane was my great-aunt and I didn’t know her long as she died when I was a child. But we still have her recipe for sugar cookies. She would not use a butter cream frosting, but instead sprinkle sugar over the still-warm cookies out of the oven. I’ve added the frosting recipe because it’s pretty damn good, too.</span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Oven to 375°<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">3 cups flour<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1 cup butter<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1 tsp salt<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">⅛ tsp cream of tartar<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">2 eggs<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1 cup sugar<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">½ tsp vanilla<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1 tsp nutmeg (double if using freshly grated)<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">4 T. milk<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">½ tsp baking soda</span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Cream together butter, flour, salt, and tartar. The mixture should like the beginnings of a pie crust. Add nutmeg, milk, and baking soda and mix well. Then add eggs, sugar, and vanilla.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This mixture keeps one week to one month.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Bake on greased cookie sheets 10 to 15 minutes. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Optional: Butter Frosting<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Cream together 2 cups powdered sugar, ⅓ cup butter, 2 T milk, and ½ tsp vanilla. Add more milk if mixture is too thick.</span></span></span></div>
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<o:p></o:p><div style="border-bottom: #333399 4.5pt solid; border-left: #333399 4.5pt solid; border-right: #333399 4.5pt solid; border-top: #333399 4.5pt solid; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-element: para-border-div; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 1pt;">
<h1 style="margin: 12pt 0in 3pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Peanut Blossoms<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">A holiday favorite!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">½ cup butter<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1 cup sugar<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1 cup peanut butter<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1 tsp vanilla<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">2 tsp baking soda<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">4 T. milk<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1 cup brown sugar<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">2 eggs<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">2 cups plus ⅔ cup flour<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1 tsp salt<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1 bag chocolate kisses</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="IngMethod"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mix peanut butter and butter and add in the sugars. Beat eggs, milk, and vanilla into mixture. Add dry ingredients. Form spoonfuls of dough into a ball and roll in sugar. Bake 8 minutes at 375° and press chocolate candy into each one. Cook another 2 to 5 minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<h1 style="margin: 12pt 0in 3pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Nut Bars<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Now <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">this</i> is a holiday bar! It beats any other bar, hands down. Something special happens with the butterscotch and corn syrup that transforms them into one of my favorite naughty treats. Of course, they are loaded with nuts and butter, but these marvelous nuggets are a special occasion dessert, anyway.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">1 ½ cups flour<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">¾ cup brown sugar<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">¼ tsp salt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">½ plus 2 T. cold butter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">1 can (11 ½ oz) mixed nuts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">1 cup butterscotch chips<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">½ cup light corn syrup</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"></span><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Cut in ½ cup butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press into 9 x 13 pan. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with nuts. Melt chips in a small saucepan and add remaining butter. Mix well. Pour over nuts. Bake another 10 minutes. Cool and cut.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
MartinGibbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209473718191944980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002376745779920577.post-83523101757383808212012-12-11T12:35:00.000-06:002012-12-11T12:35:16.423-06:00Truce - The Day the Soldiers Stopped FightingAll right, enough about my tiny little corner of the world.<br />
<br />
I was browsing through Amazon and came across this gem of a book:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Truce-The-Soldiers-Stopped-Fighting/dp/0545130492/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1355250619&sr=8-1&keywords=truce+the+day+the+soldiers+stopped+fighting">http://www.amazon.com/Truce-The-Soldiers-Stopped-Fighting/dp/0545130492/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1355250619&sr=8-1&keywords=truce+the+day+the+soldiers+stopped+fighting</a><br />
<br />
It is the story of a little Christmas miracle during WWI. I have heard similar stories in WWII, and am always touched when the two sides can put down their arms and recollect on the true meaning of Christmas. Even when Americans sing Silent Night (originally a German carol), it reminds us that we're all in this together, regardless of which nation has decided to fight which nation.<br />
<br />
This book is highly recommended.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61uck86aePL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61uck86aePL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
MartinGibbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209473718191944980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002376745779920577.post-57830996619372045552012-12-10T08:37:00.000-06:002012-12-10T08:37:14.363-06:00Holy Spirit Church - Thank You!I would like to extend a huge thank you to Holy Spirit church here in Rochester, MN. The book signing was a huge success, especially in terms of networking and discussion. A lot of people got to see the book, hear the story, and whether they bought the book or not, I think I was able to get the message out.<br />
<br />
It was a fun, busy day, ending with setting up risers for the kids' Christmas concert. At least it was snowing, which helped us all get into the Christmas spirit.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.holyspiritrochester.org/">http://www.holyspiritrochester.org/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
The three kings gave up everything to follow a star, to follow Christ. What would we be willing to give up if we were called? Our cell phones? Tablets?MartinGibbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209473718191944980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002376745779920577.post-50984167047240094412012-12-04T11:20:00.001-06:002012-12-04T11:20:37.284-06:00Prologue and EpilogueThe final version of Following Yonder Star does not include a prologue or epilogue. While these little snippets were interesting, they did not necessarily move the story forward.<br />
<br />
I am posting them here. The epilogue is pretty much unedited, since we agreed to chop them before the editor worked through it.<br />
<br />
As mentioned in the text, there was a Hill of Vaws. In ancient times the keepers of this Hill (also called Hill of Victory). Here, the sentinels of Ind watched day and night against the Children of Israel, and eventually against the Romans. It was a strategic point, atop which they would make a big fire to warn the land.<br />
<br />
Balaam had prophesied a Star that would herald the coming of the Christ, and so for many years people kept watch on the Hill of Vaws, watching for the star. Well, on one night, the Star burst into life, and the rest is history.<br />
<br />
The prologue and epilogue are my take on what could have happened at the hill.<br />
<br />
** NOTE: The following contains spoilers for the book Following Yonder Star **<br />
<br />
<a href="http://hisholylight.blogspot.com/p/prologue-and-epilogue.html" target="_blank">Click here to view the Prolgoue and Epilogue</a>MartinGibbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209473718191944980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002376745779920577.post-3545278178216640242012-12-03T07:51:00.000-06:002012-12-03T07:51:27.917-06:00Great Weekend, Happy MondayThank you, thank you, thank you to a million folks for a great weekend.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.christbk.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Christian Book & Gift in Rochester</strong></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>, MN, for hosting a great signing for myself and other great Christian authors.</strong></span><br />
<br />
Please support these great Christian authors:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_athr_dp_sr_1?_encoding=UTF8&field-author=D.%20Curtis%20Martin&ie=UTF8&search-alias=books&sort=relevancerank" target="_blank">Curtis Martin</a> (author of Proverbs for Practical Living and Effective Spiritual Growth). I would highly reccomend the Provers for Practical Living, because it takes out 300 words from Proverbs and adds relevant and meaningful advice for how to live our lives in the crazy, mixed-up world.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_athr_dp_sr_1?_encoding=UTF8&field-author=D.%20Curtis%20Martin&ie=UTF8&search-alias=books&sort=relevancerank#/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=john+schreiber&rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3Ajohn+schreiber" target="_blank">John Schreiber</a> (bestelling Christian author)<br />
<br />
From these two guys, I learned a lot about how to do a good signing. Plus, met a lot of great folks I would not have otherwise.<br />
<br />
I didn't get to talk much to the following, but we did chat a little. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_athr_dp_sr_1?_encoding=UTF8&field-author=D.%20Curtis%20Martin&ie=UTF8&search-alias=books&sort=relevancerank#/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Dennis+Aaberg&rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3ADennis+Aaberg" target="_blank">Dennis Aaberg</a><br />
<br />
Bobbie & Mandy Horning<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.wptf.com/show850AMdj.asp?DJID=60973" target="_blank">AM 850 WPTF - Raleigh/Durham</a></span></strong><br />
<br />
Thanks Doug for the opportunity to chat up Following Yonder Star. It was my first interview, and I hope I didn't sound like I was atop a washing machine on spin. I made sure to carry the message of faith, perseverance, and sacrifice.<br />
<br />
I have a few more interviews this week, and am very pumped to tell the tale!<br />
<br />
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MartinGibbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209473718191944980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002376745779920577.post-67308028422076098762012-11-30T07:53:00.001-06:002012-11-30T07:53:48.116-06:00Book Signing Part II + Radio InterviewsOK, now that I've cooled off from my little rant against Barnes and Noble, I'll once again remind folks of the upcoming signing.<br />
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I will be at Christian Book & Gift this Saturday from 10-Noon, signing copies of the book! The store is located in Rochester, MN.<br /><br />Website: <a href="http://www.christbk.com/home.asp"><span style="color: #993322;">http://www.christbk.com/home.asp</span></a><br />
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<strong>Radio Interviews</strong><br />
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I have booked a call in for station WKNY in Kingston, NY on December 6, 9:15 Eastern.<br />
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On December 21, I will be interviewing with FoxNews Online. 2PM Eastern. <a href="http://live.foxnews.com/">http://live.foxnews.com</a><br />
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<br /><br />MartinGibbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209473718191944980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002376745779920577.post-39543104876285547172012-11-29T11:07:00.001-06:002012-11-29T11:07:57.358-06:00Re: Barnes and Noble and other “Noble?” booksellers:<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have generated quite a bit of interest in this book, Following Yonder Star. So far I have about six radio interviews booked, including FoxNews online. However, when I went to our Barnes and Noble, I was told the book is in a “pre-order” status, meaning they cannot stock it, but will “gladly” order the book on request. “We support local authors, but...” There is no support in the word “but.” I talked to corporate and got the same reply. No amount of begging, pleading on behalf of the author will do any good.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But all is not lost. If enough people walk into their local store and request that the book be carried, they will have to order enough copies for the demand. I can understand why they don’t carry all titles, especially from the independent and small-press authors, but now it’s getting silly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, if you have a local bookstore, please ask them to carry the book. When people listen to the radio interviews, they will wonder where they can buy the book... if all they have is Amazon, it’s not going to go over too well. And so, if people are out there asking for it, perhaps the giant will change its ways. Until then it will only be available locally, and a few scattered independent stores.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Following Yonder Star<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">By: Martin Gibbs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">ISBN: <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">978-1475080605<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thanks everyone!</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-KynlDiMWiqTJKmfKWYaYGrLVGpjv5zDIOO8fjh0oGJxzefBLd0cbOUh-jRuoO1gCPeg67DDaXvijbPziSYiZ6pmzygpm4YrA-vimy3bkF9PojJfso7PmH07YaQXzEUngF0ocUGwMCJk/s1600/business+cover.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="73" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-KynlDiMWiqTJKmfKWYaYGrLVGpjv5zDIOO8fjh0oGJxzefBLd0cbOUh-jRuoO1gCPeg67DDaXvijbPziSYiZ6pmzygpm4YrA-vimy3bkF9PojJfso7PmH07YaQXzEUngF0ocUGwMCJk/s200/business+cover.png" tea="true" width="200" /></a></div>
MartinGibbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209473718191944980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002376745779920577.post-45174112979609339822012-11-27T08:56:00.004-06:002012-11-27T08:56:58.279-06:00Book Signing this Saturday!I will be at Christian Book & Gift this Saturday from 10-Noon, signing copies of the book! The store is located in Rochester, MN.<br />
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Website: <a href="http://www.christbk.com/home.asp">http://www.christbk.com/home.asp</a><br />
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There will be candy!MartinGibbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209473718191944980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002376745779920577.post-43828708518676820482012-11-22T08:01:00.003-06:002012-11-22T08:01:33.700-06:00Happy Thanksgiving!Happy Thanksgiving everyone!<br />
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Let's remember to pray for those who have little or nothing to eat today, and those fighting for us overseas. And be reasonable tomorrow--remember it is all just stuff, no matter the deal.<br />
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We are supposed to be happy with who we are and what we have, as little or as much. We're lucky to be here.<br />
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God Bless,<br />
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MartinMartinGibbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209473718191944980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002376745779920577.post-83331696916013115882012-11-16T14:06:00.004-06:002012-11-16T14:06:51.620-06:00Great Christmas BooksOK, so this <em>is</em> the Christmas season (or very, very, very close!) and so it's not really fair for me to spend my webspace hyping my own stuff. Lots of great stuff is out there. Here are just a few great works by other hard-working authors (kids stuff):<br />
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The Rainbow Stick Boy</h2>
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"This is the story of Huey, a stick boy who is born a little different than everyone else in the town. He doesn't let his differences keep him down. Huey finds a friend who is also a little different and together they find the magic at the end of the rainbow, and discover that their differences are really only skin deep.<br /><br />This is a great Kindle e-book about diversity and the beauty within!"<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rainbow-childrens-picture-diversity-ebook/dp/B008IXP7Q8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1352941223&sr=8-2&keywords=the+rainbow+stick++boy" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51dpwN14czL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA318_PIkin4,BottomRight,-18,-37_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Mailbox Kitten</h2>
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"A small boy named Bubba unexpectedly finds his first love. He learns what it is to truly love, care for and tend to another. He does so happily, and with his whole heart. Sadly, just as unexpectedly his loved one dies through no fault of his own. Mammy and Pappy (his parents) console Bubba as much as they can. Until, one day Pappy discovers something that, if all goes right, will fill Bubba's heart with joy again."</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mailbox-Kitten-Mammy-Oaklee/dp/1770976434/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1352945292&sr=8-1&keywords=mailbox+kitten" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51ge4h4B2sL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Reckless Rudy and the Green Vase</h2>
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<span>"He kicks toys about. He knocks lamps over. He forgets to do his homework. But it doesn't stop there. He also steals food from his little sister. He makes his little brother do his chores. He doesn't care one way or the other what anyone thinks. He'll step on your toes if you get in his way. He's just reckless, and he gets away with all of it. </span><br /><br />When Rudy's mom brings home a beautiful, old green vase to keep for their aunt, Rudy just can't keep his hands off the priceless antique. He will soon step into a weird and wacky, afternoon adventure of chases and flight. Ages 5 and up."</div>
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<a href="http://he%20kicks%20toys%20about.%20he%20knocks%20lamps%20over.%20he%20forgets%20to%20do%20his%20homework.%20but%20it%20doesn't%20stop%20there.%20he%20also%20steals%20food%20from%20his%20little%20sister.%20he%20makes%20his%20little%20brother%20do%20his%20chores.%20he%20doesn't%20care%20one%20way%20or%20the%20other%20what%20anyone%20thinks.%20he'll%20step%20on%20your%20toes%20if%20you%20get%20in%20his%20way.%20he's%20just%20reckless,%20and%20he%20gets%20away%20with%20all%20of%20it./" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" rea="true" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51UamdHBTwL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
MartinGibbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209473718191944980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002376745779920577.post-80674145122345917582012-11-14T07:35:00.003-06:002012-11-14T07:35:20.359-06:00The Meeting of the Ways<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Centaur;">The storied Meeting of the Ways is the spot where John of Hildesheim claimed the three kings met one another. In his 14th century tale, the three kings raced across thousands of miles in a single night, and met each other at this spot. Was this miraculous or simply an easy way to explain how they met each other?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Centaur; font-size: medium;">Since we all must make sacrifices in following Christ, why would the three kings be any different? Even if they didn't know exactly what the star meant (when they first saw it), it is hoped that they knew it was a portent of a very special event. Is it out of the bounds of possibility that they saw the star long before others, and that God was calling them to sacrifice their kingdoms and themselves? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Centaur; font-size: medium;">And so a Meeting of the Ways could have other connotations, too. Perhaps a spot where they chatted, or had another revelation, or perhaps even had tea. Maybe they met the legendary "Fourth King Here" (that, my friends is for another story, as it doesn't happen in mine). Who knows? But the idea of them traveling the thousands of miles in a single night is a little stretch, and since their journey to Christ is not detailed in the Bible, for me it remains an open question.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Centaur; font-size: medium;">Thoughts?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Centaur; font-size: medium;">... Next up... The Hill of Vaws.</span></div>
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MartinGibbshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00209473718191944980noreply@blogger.com0