I started a new blog at Shevarim.com. We’ll still talk about holidays, as they come up, but the new blog focuses more on current events that impact Christians, Jews, and Messianics, and getting along with one another. I invite you to read and comment often. I hope to get some real discussions going.

You can always look up holiday information and ideas at the Precious Holidays website: PreciousHolidays.net.

And don’t forget to “like” my writer’s page on Facebook to get updates on the new blog.

Get the word out about Shevarim.com by sharing this cool video!

Rick’s Cafe, the hub of activity in the film, still stands in Casablanca, a waterfront town in Morocco. In the film, Humphrey Bogart, who plays Rick, makes mention of the threat of being sent to a concentration camp. That was no vague reference to Germany. The pro-fascist French Vichy government established concentration camps throughout Africa, and one in particular in Morocco.

The Italian government also established concentration camps. In fact, even though Tunisia was the only Arab land actually occupied by Nazis, more than 100 concentration camps stood in Arab lands.

As time goes by, we’ve accepted the idea that Arabs and Jews have always hated one another and always will. But that is not the whole truth.

In the spring of 1943, near the mountain of Tunisia, a group of about 60 Jewish men working in forced labor escaped their captors in the heat of a battle. Not knowing where they were or who they could trust, they took a chance at the nearest shelter. It was a farm belonging to a Muslim nobleman, Si Ali Sakkat. Si Ali Sakkat was suddenly confronted with a moral dilemma. He chose to be part of a greater good. He gave refuge to all 60 Jews, and cared for them in his home.

Joseph Naccache, a Jewish Holocaust survivor now living in Paris, tells the story of his Tunisian neighbor, Abdul Jalil, who extended his home to Jews.

Abdul Jalil’s son explains what his father taught him. “He hid Mr. Naccache, because Muslims and Israelites– ‘the Jews’ as you call them–they were almost like brothers. Like brothers. Each had their own religion, but we used to live like brothers. For us, it’s an honor. Above all, a Jew or a Christian, or a Muslim, is a human being, part of humanity.”

When we look for good, we will find it, even through fallible people in dark times. Look for goodness in the coming year, and choose to be part of the greater good.

Copyright 2010, Kathryn A. Frazier.  http://PreciousHolidays.wordpress.com

I believe that the key to Jewish and Christian harmony can be found in these simple acts of sharing our faith, sharing our culture, sharing our heritage. Holidays are a non-threatening way to share. At least, they should be.

You’d be surprised at the amount of hate mail I get. Most of the hate mail comes from Gentile Christians-turned-Messianic who try to convert both Christians and Jews to their brand of faith. They don’t like the holidays they grew up with, and they don’t want anyone else to like them, either. They take it upon themselves to go out of their way to stop the fun. One letter even decried the evils of “merry making”. I believe the expression is “LOL”.

I find spiritual meaning in both the celebrations of Hanukkah and Christmas. Both observances strengthen my faith in God and hope in mankind. But I’m OK with secular celebrations. I don’t feel compelled to make you believe my way.

If people from all faiths and no faith can come together for a season, give to the poor, love their families, dote on their children, and be a part of something bigger than themselves, does it really matter why? My faith is not dependent on whether or not a manger scene is erected on public property.

I wish that those people who choose to focus on division would look up and around and see the great unity of the holiday season. I wish they would use the opportunity to share what is good and loving about their faiths. Maybe try it just once. But even if they don’t, I plan to make merry.

Enjoy this great holiday video by Matisyahu!

See also: Dos and Don’ts for Interfaith December Dilemma

Please take a moment to experience this encouraging music video,  A Pittance of Time, by Terry Kelly, in honor of our veterans.

http://www.icej.org/articles/feast_of_tabernacles_live_feed

I always considered Psalm 51 a prayer of contrition, but lately I’ve been noticing its hopefulness.

David wrote it after he impregnated Uriah’s wife, and killed the man to cover his sin. Though David recognized the inexcusable state he was in, he also proclaimed his belief that he would again rejoice. When his sins were forgiven, he declared, he would know joy and gladness, and others would turn to the Lord for salvation.

Now in the Season of Teshuvah, the days of turning, before the High Holidays, we recognize our own inexcusable state, and turn our faces toward our Savior. We pray he will create in us clean hearts and right spirits.

This past year has been the hardest I’ve ever faced. As the song says, my heart lies panting on the floor. Now I’m ready to remember the joy of God’s salvation. As we approach Rosh HaShanah, the Jewish New Year, I’m ready for a fresh start.

Renew a right spirit within me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation. I hope in my Savior.

Copyright 2010, Kathryn A. Frazier  http://PreciousHolidays.wordpress.com

See also: Restoration in the Season of Teshuvah

Grieving for My Prodigal Child

Happy New Year ~ 5770!

Music Downloads

Borrow Dad’s MP3 player, and surprise him with a mix of his favorite songs. If you buy music online from Walmart at 94 cents per song, a mix of eight songs costs $7.52. And check out their list of $7 albums.

Download free Christian worship music, or an audio Bible from Firefighters for Christ.

If Dad is interested in the Jewish roots of Christianity, he’ll enjoy music by Liberated Wailing Wall .  Scroll to the bottom of the page for free downloads.

Make a mix CD from Dad’s own CD collection. Instructions at ThriftyFun.com.

If you don’t have time for those, do this: Purchase an MP3 music e-gift card online from Walmart . It will be delivered to Dad’s e-mail within hours, and he can choose his own music. Available from $10.00.

Stationary Creations

Make Dad a homemade calendar. Scan a different family photo for each month, and add family birthdays and anniversaries. Print, and staple together. The free photo calendar template at homemadegiftsmadeeasy.com includes a video tutorial.

Print free military or golfing stationary at hp Creative Studio.

Make return address labels in a theme that reflects Dad’s interest, using free templates at www.avery.com . Avery address labels cost $4.99 at Best Buy.

If you don’t have time for those, do this: Swing by your local 24 hour post office, and pick up pre-stamped post cards. A booklet of 10 stamped cards costs $8.95. Slip booklet into an envelope, and write a greeting on the front.

Eats

Purchase a bag of fat stick pretzels, and some white chocolate chips. Melt the chips in the microwave, and dip half of each pretzel. Let harden, cover with plastic wrap and present in a gift box.

Mix together equal parts raisins, peanuts, and—if Dad has a sweet tooth—plain M&Ms. If Dad doesn’t like chocolate, use sweet dried banana chips. Present in a resealable container, or in individual serving size plastic bags.

If you don’t have time for those, do this: Pick up two or three assorted hot sauces, barbecue sauces, single-pot coffee packets, or specialty seasoned salts, and present in a gift bag.

Do you have last minute gift ideas that cost $10 or less? Please share! 

See also: 5 Fun Dates Under $10

Romantic Gifts to Make for $5 or Less

$3 Fudge Recipe for Mother’s Day

Called The Feast of Weeks in the Torah and Pentecost in the New Testament, Shavuot is also sometimes called The Marriage Day. During Shavuot, God gave the Ten Commandments to Israel, made up of both the descendants of Jacob, and a mixed multitude who joined them (Exodus 12:38). The people responded with a vow to follow and obey God. Tradition says that Mt. Sinai was spread out like a wedding canopy over the Israeli camp.

The Biblical book of Ruth is read in synagogues for Shavuot. Ruth tells the account of a Gentile (non-Jewish) widow who married a Jew and became the great-grandmother of King David, in the lineage of Jesus. Though Ruth came from the land of Moab, and Moabites were not allowed to enter the assembly of God (Deuteronomy 23:3), she came to live in Israel, and gleaned from the field of the righteous man Boaz. Boaz knew that Ruth was an alien, and chose to treat her with kindness, respect, and favor, eventually taking her as his bride.

The New Testament gives the account of the Holy Spirit enabling believers to speak the native language of both Jewish and non-Jewish foreigners “from every nation under heaven”, when they came to Jerusalem for the feast of Pentecost (Shavuot) in Acts, chapter 2. Notice that God did not give the foreigners the ability to speak Hebrew, but rather honored each person’s ethnic identity.

On Shavuot, two loaves of bread are sacrificed: one for the Jews, and one for the Gentiles. Shavuot reminds each generation that God is no respecter of persons. He is the God of both Jews and non-Jews of all races. 

To learn more about Shavuot, visit http://www.hebrew4christians.com/Holidays/Spring_Holidays/Shavuot/shavuot.html

Copyright 2010, Kathryn A. Frazier, http://PreciousHolidays.wordpress.com

See also Happy Shavuot! Happy Pentecost!

TO MY UNMET CHILD

My dearest child,

On this Mother’s Day, I thank God for the sacred honor He gave me, when He allowed my body to be used as a vessel to create a soul expressly for Himself.

An innocent I never met, who entered eternity before leaving my body, you are loved by me just the same. I remember you.

I will never kiss your boo-boos, never bandage your scraped knees. I will never explain to you that people can be cruel, or wipe away your tears when you see it for yourself. I will never lay my hand upon your fevered forehead in the watches of the night, or fear for your safety by day.

You will never know the pain of losing a pet, losing a loved one, or losing hope. You will never be ashamed of your words, your actions, or your appearance. You will always know that you are beautiful.

You will never wonder if God really hears. You will always have perfect faith. 

You will always be safe, always be satisfied, always be loved. You will always know unswerving fellowship with Jesus, for you see Him face to face.

Even though I miss you, and sometimes pity myself for not being your hero, I rejoice with you and for you forever.

Until we meet, never to be separated,
Mommy

* * * * *

Chili and Chocolate Cake is a free e-book for hurting women, especially those who have lost a child to abortion, miscarriage, or stillborn birth. Get it here.

Resources for women grieving the loss of a baby from miscarriage or stillborn birth can be found at www.mend.org.

Find abortion healing information at Abortion Recovery CARE Directory.

Caleb Ministries is a Christian group that ministers to all family members who have lost a baby to miscarriage, stillborn birth, early infant death, or abortion, or who are dealing with infertility.

Copyright 2000, 2010, Kathryn A. Frazier http://PreciousHolidays.wordpress.com

Did remembering slavery in Egypt prevent the horrific reign of Antiochus Epiphanes? Did remembering Tisha B’Av prevent the Crusades? Did it prevent the Holocaust?

Even as we observe Holocaust Martyrs and Heroes Remembrance Day, Holocaust deniers protest in Iran, and genocide continues in Darfur.  

Remembrance is vital. So is education. But we must also allow our minds to consider the possibility that another murderous regime could rise to power. Not to be fearful or fatalistic, but rather—like the prophet Daniel when he was captured by the Babylonians—to purpose in our hearts that we will not defile ourselves by our actions.

One man who did not defile himself during WWII was Bronius Paukstys.

Bronius Paukstys was a Catholic priest, living the life of a peaceful monk, when the Germans invaded his home of Lithuania. Pope Pius II  refused to speak against the Nazis, claiming “neutrality”. The head of the Catholic Church of Lithuania refused Jewish petitions for help, on the grounds that helping Jews might jeopardize the church’s neutrality, even as Mass was held for Lithuanian auxiliary police who were deeply involved in the murder of Jews.

Despite reprimands from church leaders, and accusations that his actions would harm the church, Bronius Paukstys did everything he could to rescue Jews, and provide them with comfort. He delivered letters from hiding places to the ghetto. He helped Jews escape, and found shelter for them, even hiding some in his own room. He provided false papers to the ghetto underground. At one point, Paukstys had to go into hiding himself, to keep from being captured by the Nazis.

Pnina Tory, who, along with her daughter, survived the occupation in hiding, told Yad Vashem, “The very appearance of a man like Bronius Paukstys instilled in our hearts the hope that not all was lost, that not all men had turned to predator animals or cowards. That there are still people with morals and conscience, goodhearted and compassionate, and on top of that, gifted with a unique courage and urge to combat evil.’

If—God forbid—it happens again, that is the hope that I would like to instill, and to be instilled in me.

This Holocaust Remembrance Day, April 11, 2010, I light a candle to remember the victims, to remember the martyrs, to remember the heroes. And I purpose in my heart to be a light in the darkness, no matter what. If enough light shines, the darkness will be overcome. But if only one light shines, may it be mine.

For more about Bronius Paukstys, click here. 

For more stories of the Righteous Among the Nations, Gentiles who resisted, see http://www1.yadvashem.org/righteous_new/featured_stories.html

Copyright 2010, Kathryn A. Frazier http://preciousholidays.wordpress.com

See also: Yom HaShoah: Never Again

 God Hates Jews! Christian Antisemitism and Our Response

Pope Apologises for Rehabilitating Holocaust-Denying Bishop

    Not only were the women’s hopes of liberation shattered, but their beloved Jesus was dead. They did not wait until sunrise, but approached the tomb in the early pre-dawn hours. Imagine their joy and hope springing to life with the rising sun, as they found the tomb empty, the stone rolled away, and the burial clothes left behind!

   It is with this same joy and hope that millions of Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus from the dead with a worship service at sunrise each Easter.

   Every year, however, we hear the murmurings of a vocal few who get their noses out of joint at the very idea of enjoying any little bit of creation. Because ancient Pagans worshiped a sun god, they say, Christians should have nothing to do with sunrise services. How about we shed a little light on this subject?

   The Jewish Bible called the coming Messiah, The Sun of Righteousness (yes, s-u-n) in Malachi 4:2. 

“But to you who fear My name, The Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings. . .”

   The day that Jesus was crucified, there was a vernal equinox, indicating the first day of Spring. On that day, in twenty-eight year cycles, Jews honored the Creator with a worship service at sunrise. This is still the practice among some Jews today.

   According to some historians, including Dr. Joseph F. Kelly of John Carroll University, early Christians believed that Jesus was both conceived and died on the vernal equinox, and therefore conceived during Hanukkah- the Jewish Festival of Light. That is how they came up with the date of December 25th as the date of His incarnation.

   In addition, Dr. Kelly says that the ancient Pagan festival Saturnalia—which promoted worship of the sun god Mithra—began as a direct counter to early Christian celebrations of Jesus as the Sun of Righteousness.

   Jesus came as a light into the world, but he was not understood (John 1:5). During the crucifixion, the sun went dark, for a period of three hours, as mankind chose darkness, rather than light (Mark 15:33, John 3:19).

   Jesus said, “I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness.” (John 12:46).

   This Easter, may you choose to walk in light, with The Sun of Righteousness, and rejoice at the empty tomb, rather than dwell in the darkness with those who do not understand.

Copyright 2010, Kathryn A. Frazier http://preciousholidays.wordpress.com

• Spruce up together. Rid your home of yeast before Passover, brighten up a corner with a spring theme, and enjoy the fresh feeling of a clean home.
• Explain to relatives in advance that it’s time for you to begin your own traditions. Take turns visiting before or after the holidays.
• Plan a day to enjoy a non-religious spring activity together, like planting flowers, picnicking, or hiking.
• Purchase a new piece of clothing, hair accessory, or tie. Be sure to give away something when you do.
• Make holiday foods together. [Recipes here] Don’t forget the colored eggs and gefilte fish.
• Pray together before and after meals.
• Many Christians are open to some traditions of Judaism, because they include elements of their own faith. During the Spring holidays, some interfaith couples light Sabbath candles and say prayers for their children and for one another on Friday night.
• Consider an interfaith Seder. The ultra-streamlined Seder at http://www.littlethingscount.com/lentseder.htm is written especially for interfaith gatherings, and blends the celebration of the exodus of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt, with the celebration of the Last Supper of Jesus (which was a Passover Seder), without compromising either faith.
• Share what your holiday means to you, and your favorite childhood holiday memories. Listen, understand, and get to know each other better.
• If you cannot in good conscience accompany your spouse to church on Easter, send him with your blessings. Make plans to share a special lunch afterwards.
• It is reasonable for the Jewish partner to expect yeast to stay out of the home during Passover. The non-Jewish spouse should respect this, and not bring foods with yeast into the home. Even if your spouse doesn’t usually keep kosher, this is also not the time to bring yeast or other non-kosher foods, like ham, into the home. Try something else for lunch when Easter falls during Passover observances.
• It is not reasonable to expect a non-Jewish spouse to remain yeast-free throughout the holiday, when eating away from home. The Jewish spouse should respect this, and not try to control the eating habits of a non-Jewish spouse. Agree ahead of time on what you both feel comfortable allowing your children to eat when they are away from home during Passover. Be united, and do what you say you will. No sneaking your child a cupcake, if you’ve agreed not to. And no trying to make your child feel guilty, if you agreed to allow it. Let teens decide for themselves.

In short, be considerate of one another, and you will find shalom and ahavah–peace and love–in your home during this holy season.

Copyright 2010 Kathryn A. Frazier http://preciousholidays.wordpress.com

See also: Dos and Don’ts for Interfaith December Dilemma

Tips for Interfaith Couples on Valentine’s Day

Jewish Sabbath: A Guide for Goyim

   It was not until I became an adult that I learned the true significance of the man Maewyn Succot, who renamed himself Patrick, and drove out the Pagan darkness of Ireland with the Light of Truth. Not until I understood the concept of one God who exists eternally as three Persons could I appreciate Patrick’s teaching of the Trinity using the abundant clover of the Emerald Island.

   No, Patrick never really drove snakes out of Ireland. But he did woo the Irish people with the love of the Savior, and stayed true throughout his lifetime.

   Unlike so many of our stories, the account of St. Patrick’s life and work was written down by the man himself. We don’t need to make up stories, or imagine what he believed. We can read it for ourselves.

   This St. Patrick’s Day, why not find out about the man behind the myth?

   To read an English translation of St. Patrick’s Confession (testimony), go to http://preciousholidays.net/StPatrickConfession.html

   To learn more about St. Patrick, go to http://preciousholidays.net/StPatrickHistory.html

Copyright 2010, Kathryn A. Frazier http://preciousholidays.wordpress.com

See also St. Patrick: Not a Leprechaun, Not even Irish

   Do you have an old sleeping bag collecting dust in your closet? Donate it to your local homeless ministry. The homeless also need shoes, jackets, and backpacks.

   How about that pair of glasses that you haven’t worn in years? New Eyes for the Needy pairs your out-of-date prescription or reading glasses with someone in a developing country who otherwise may not be able to work. Old sunglasses are given to protect someone living near the equator from cataracts due to sun damage. Even broken glasses, frames, and empty cases are repaired or used for parts. Collection sites for glasses include Lion’s Clubs, Lenscrafters, and Goodwill Industries. Or you can mail your old glasses and cases, in a padded envelope, to: New Eyes for the Needy, 549 Millburn Avenue, P.O. Box 332, Short Hills, NJ 07078.

   You’ll never wear that prom dress or bridesmaid’s dress again. DonateMyDress.org can put you in touch with a group near you that collects used dresses. The dresses are given to less fortunate girls, so they can feel beautiful for their big nights, too.

   To a child who is hard of hearing, a hearing aid can mean the difference between doing well in school or falling behind. To an adult, it can mean getting or holding a job. Hear Now repairs and resells old hearing aids—even broken ones. The revenue collected is used to buy newer hearing aids for people who cannot afford them. Mail your old hearing aids to: Hear Now, 6700 Washington Avenue South, Eden Prairie, MN 55344. Or visit http://deafness.about.com/cs/hoth/a/recycleaids.htm for other groups that recycle hearing aids.

   Declutter your home of used clothing and household items that are still in good shape. Donate to Goodwill Industries, The Salvation Army, or another thrift store in your area that supports a charity you believe in. Allow your children the opportunity to bless others by giving their unloved toys, too.

   Don’t have a local thrift store that supports your charity? E-bay Giving Works enables you to sell your stuff online, giving all or a portion of the purchase price directly to the non-profit charity of your choice.

   And don’t forget about those click to give websites. When you click, the site sponsors give.  Save the World One Click at a Time  lists click to give charities by categories.

Copyright 2010, Kathryn A. Frazier http://preciousholidays.wordpress.com

   If you don’t have everything you need, borrow from a friend, or improvise.

   Silence phones, close curtains, and tuck the kids in bed. Put on dinner (or make in advance). Nothing’s more romantic than spaghetti (Remember Lady and the Tramp?), but make what you like. Dim the lights. Turn on romantic music selected from your CD collection or free playlist at grooveshark.com. Light candles. If you don’t have candles, pick up scented votives, and put them on saucers or small mirrors.

   Set the table with your most beautiful dishes, and drink from wine glasses, even if you’re sipping Kool-aid. If you don’t have a table cloth, a pretty sheet works. Sprinkle confetti on the table (Cut from glossy ads that come in the newspaper.) Keep the conversation pleasant. Resist the urge to talk about the kids or that aggravating thing that your boss did yesterday. Remind your sweetheart of happy times that you’ve shared. Tell corny jokes.

   After dinner, settle your honey into an armchair that has been draped with a sheet and plumped with a pillow.

   You also need to have handy: dishpan or large roasting pan to soak feet, two towels- one to catch splashes and one for drying, face towel or large washcloth, hand or foot lotion (or oil), your spouse’s favorite slippers, toenail clippers (optional), and, for ladies: nail polish remover, cotton balls and fresh polish.

   Remember to have everything set out ahead of time, so all you have to add is hot water. Give this spa treatment as a gift, or plan to take turns.

   Put a towel down and bring in a pan of very warm water to soak feet. Dissolve something soothing into the water. Try one of the following: Epsom salts, kosher salt, baking soda, baby oil, olive oil, lemon juice, bubble bath, liquid soap, green tea.

   With music soft, and lights low, encourage your sweetheart to lean back, close his eyes, and relax, with his feet in the water. Don’t talk. Cover his face with the face towel, which you dipped into hot water, and rang out. Massage his hands with lotion while his feet soak. After about five minutes, remove his feet from the water, and gently pat dry. If you’re both confident, trim his toenails. If not, skip that. Leave cuticles alone. Warm lotion between your hands, and massage his feet and ankles. Take your time. Cover his feet with slippers.

   Dump the water, wash your hands, and bring out dessert: chocolate covered strawberries. To make ahead of time: wash and dry whole strawberries, hold by the stems, and dip halfway into chocolate chips that you melted in the microwave. Place on a nonstick cooking sheet (or one lined with wax paper), and chill. Transfer to a beautiful dish, and keep cold.

   While indulging in the strawberries, snuggle up and enjoy a romantic movie that you borrowed from your local public library or a friend. Or, for free movie-viewing online, check out hulu.com.

Copyright 2010, Kathryn A. Frazier http://preciousholidays.wordpress.com

See also: No Cost Romantic Valentine’s Day at Home

5 Fun Dates Under $10

Romantic Gifts to Make for $5 or Less

Valentine’s Day Activities for Children

BOOK STORE RENDEZVOUS  Slip a notebook and pen into your purse, and meet your honey at a bookstore that has a coffee shop. Browse at your leisure, discussing books you’ve enjoyed, and making wish lists. Discreetly eavesdrop on the folks in the next aisle. When you see a book you’d like to read, jot it down. Then head to the coffee shop for something warm and wonderful. Sip and linger and gaze into each other’s eyes. For a bit of playful fun, pretend that you’ve just met. Speak in accents. Ask about one another’s lives, and invent outrageous new identities. (“Me? I discovered a wormhole into an alternate reality.”) At home, go online to your local public library. Using the list you made, reserve the books you’d like to read, and borrow them for free.  1 lg. coffee of the day with flavor shot: $2.25; 1 lg. espresso with cocoa, steamed milk & whipped cream: $3.55. Total cost: around $6.00

PHOTO SCAVENGER HUNT Grab your digital camera and explore your neighborhood. Each one writes a list of items for the other person to find. Stay together. When you find an item on your list, your sweetheart takes a picture of you with it. When she finds one, you take the picture. Ask a passerby to take a picture of the two of you together. Use your computer to create a video slide show of your adventure. Total cost: Free

STARGAZING February 14, 2010 is a moonless night, and should be optimum for seeing a thousand stars and five planets, with no special equipment. All you need is a blanket or a couple of folding chairs, and a thermos of hot cocoa, for a romantic and awe-inspiring evening. For beginner’s stargazing tips, and printable constellation guide, visit stardate.org  Cocoa (make at home): $1.75, cost of paper & ink to print out constellation guide: about $1.00  Total cost: $2.75

PLAY Strap on roller blades and skate hand-in-hand. Go for a bike ride, and race each other. Visit a playground, and see who can swing the highest. Slide down a hill on a flattened cardboard box. Break out the Twister. Get moving and have fun! Total cost: Free

DINNER AND A MOVIE AT HOME  Sweeten this old standby by setting the table with your prettiest things. Don’t forget mood music. (Make a playlist to listen for free at grooveshark.com) Transfer frozen dinners to your best dishes. Sip red Kool-aid from your nicest glasses. Make chocolate-dipped strawberries for dessert (Melt chocolate chips in the microwave, dip strawberries, and chill.). Watch a romantic movie for free by borrowing a DVD from your public library, or a friend. Or check out hulu.com for free movie viewing online.  Frozen dinners: $2.50 each, pre-sweetened Kool-Aid: $0.50, fresh strawberries: $3.00, chocolate chips: $1.35 Total cost: $9.85

Copyright 2010, Kathryn A. Frazier http://preciousholidays.wordpress.com

See also: Romantic Gifts to Make for $5 or less

No Cost Romantic Valentine’s Day at Home

Unbelieveably Sensual Evening Takes Plan, Not Cash

For 4-6 servings, you’ll need: about 2 lbs. of fresh fruit (pitted and cut into bite-sized pieces), juice and zest of one lemon (or use 3 TBS bottled lemon juice), 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup raisins (optional, but if you use them, presoak in about 1/2 cup of water to plump them up) 1 TBS cornstarch, about 6 cups plain water.

Instructions: Soak raisins in water until plump. Pour the raisin water into a small bowl. If you’re not using raisins, reserve about 1/4 cup of the plain water. Put raisins, other fruit, sugar, and lemon juice and zest into a large saucepan on a cool stove. Pour plain water over fruit in pan, and turn burner on medium-high heat.

Slowly bring soup to boil, stirring constantly. As it is heating, stir cornstarch into reserved raisin water until dissolved, and add mixture to soup. Keep stirring. When it reaches a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.

Remove from heat and allow to cool. Transfer to container, and put in refrigerator to chill. Serve cold with a dollop of sour cream or whipped cream.

Copyright 2010, Kathryn A. Frazier http://preciousholidays.wordpress.com

See also: Birthday of the Trees!

Tu B’Shevat Celebration Ideas

How To Dry Fruit in Your Oven for Tu B’Shevat

   On the fifteenth day of the Jewish month of Shevat, Jews count the trees to be one year older. We celebrate by planting seedlings, eating fruit, and giving thanks for this amazing planet that God provides!

   Tu B’Shevat is not a Biblical feast day. It was created to keep track of the age of trees, in accordance with Leviticus 19:23-25, which forbids eating fruit from a tree for the first four years after planting.

   This Tu B’Shevat, think green. What can you do to help ensure that the trees live a long and healthy life?

Tu B’Shevat begins at sunset January 29, 2010

January 19, 2011

February 7, 2012

January 25, 2013

Copyright 2010, Kathryn A. Frazier http://preciousholidays.wordpress.com

See also: Tu B’Shevat Celebration Ideas

How to Dry Fruit in Your Oven for Tu B’Shevat

Plant a Tree in Israel for Tu B’Shevat