How Did You Become an Adult?

We were in the car, driving up to my grandparents, maybe two hours after I'd walked across the stage of Hillside (Adventure) Christian Church in Roseville and received an empty folder (for my come-September diploma). Just that morning, one of my best friends and I lay in bed wishing it weren't 6:30 am. We reminisced over how this was the last sleepover. The last time doing our hair and makeup. The last everything. Then, around 10 am, we filed into the giant auditorium and became adults - I think. So of course, sitting in that car, alone with my dad, I was essentially posed the question of, "how did you become an adult?"

What he really said was, "What did you learn in college?"

I thought about it for a moment. You see, I really hadn't taken it in yet that college was truly over (It feels a little more final now that I've seen my grades). But in actuality, I've been coming up with the answers to that question for a long time. I've been thinking it over for four years.

Freshman year, I put in an application to become a Student Ambassador with Admissions - essentially, a tour guide and overnight host. Every tour I give, I tell the students my two cents on picking a college: you're not just picking a school, you're picking a place to call home for four years, and you better want to live here or else you're missing on on something important. 

And honestly - now that I'm done - I stand behind that advice all the more firmly.

You can go to any college and get a halfway decent education, but most of what I really learned in college had more to do with life than anything else.

In the fall of 2012, just three months out of high school, I moved into an empty dorm room, took lots of pictures with my parents and grandparents, said goodbye and spent the next two weeks crying my eyes out. Honestly, I couldn't decide whether or not I wanted to leave home. I debated it for months and after getting acceptance letters from both the four-year private schools I applied to, I went with William Jessup, not only because I liked it, but really, because the financial aid was better.

Those first few months were torture. Though I did love my classes. Half the time I was lonely and confused while surrounded by a crowd of friends. It was bizarre and stretching all at once.

I bought my own shampoo and toothpaste for the first time. I went to the bank alone. I saw movies where I paid for my own ticket. I bought groceries. And I suffered through the flu without my mom to go and buy medicine for me.

That was lesson #1 - You can do it yourself - even when you're under-qualified and scared. You'll learn on the fly, and it will be okay.

The second semester came a little more naturally - but that was after I found my college best friend (I think I have one for for all of life's stages). But I needed her so badly. Finding Emily taught me about the power of prayer and trusting God.

I look back through my prayer journal and I can't even count the number of times I prayed for someone like her. And during my sophomore year, the first year we roomed together, when she called me out for some really poor, passive-aggressive behavior, I knew she was the real-deal as far as friendships go.

That was lesson #2 - Look for friends who will build you up, not just puff you up or keep you company when you're bored. 

Lesson #2.5 - Trust God to answer prayer.

Still, I can't say that my sophomore year was by any means easy. I had a job sophomore year. I'd never done that before. I learned how to use a cash register and keep track of my paycheck - you see, we'd been apart of a surprise move from the dorms into the on-campus apartments. Suddenly, I was also cleaning house and learning how to cook. My new meal plan didn't cover every meal, so together, we muddled through the art of cooking and grocery shopping (only one of us had a car).

But all that wasn't so bad. It was kind of fun - I love cooking now and by Junior year I had a car. Nevertheless - while living in the dorms, none of us had to work together. Not really. Maybe a complaint or two about a messy roommate. We had a cleaning service that came through and took care of the kitchenette, floors, trash and bathrooms. All that changed when I moved into the apartments.

You see, there are two different philosophies of house-keeping. Learn them now and you won't be so disappointed.

1. I take care of my mess, you take care of yours. 

2. We share this space, therefore, we share the chores.

When these two philosophies collide, it turns into a standoff.

You see, the one you thinks, "You'll take care of your mess," sees a pile of dirty dishes in the sink and assumes that the roommate who used the dishes will wash them. While the one who made the mess looks at their busy schedule, looks at the chore chart and thinks, "Oh, I'm on vacuum duty. It's their turn to do the dishes. I have a paper to finish."

You can see where this one goes.

For me, I was the bleeding heart who thought, "oh, they're busy, I can do it. When I have a busy day, they'll return the favor."

Let me warn you - people are not mind readers, and they most certainly won't know you were the one who pitched in since you, in your humility, decided not to make a big deal out of it. Still, you went in with expectations. I did. I assumed. That was my heartbreak.

Junior year, I had 18 units and was falling asleep on the couch every night trying to pull all nighters. I barely finished my work that semester and dealt some heavy blows to my friendships. My bleeding heart had me cleaning up after my roommates all semester at the expense of my studies. But of course, how were they to know? It wasn't as if they were watching my every move. So I went to classes, cleaned all day and studied all night until my roommates were frustrated with my books splayed all over the living room (I didn't want to keep my roommate up).

I just kept praying that they would see how hard I was working and give me a little grace.

Instead, I kept up my frenzied habits, watched my life explode and fell asleep crying - all the time.

That was lesson #3 - when you do an act of service, do it out of the goodness of your heart, not because you have expectations or assumptions. 

My bleeding heart got me into all kinds of trouble. My friend Emily once told me, "Decide who to say yes to." Because really, I say yes to everyone. I hate letting people down and I'm desperate to be in their good graces. So whenever a favor came my way, I would say yes. No questions. Just yes. 

I guess I'm one of those creative types - I make things all the time. My down time looks something like pinterest throw-up (in a good way?). If someone sees something I make, I often hear, "will you make me one?" It's the highest of compliments; I normally say yes.

That's my downfall, admittedly. 

I had an identity crisis of sorts while in college. Because, for so long, I was the kid with good grades. I was the teacher's pet. I was a tutor. I was a TA. I was good at school and never received anything lower than a high B (except high school Chemistry, I tried everything and still couldn't balance reactions). 

Then, I found out - I like being crafty, doing favors and housecleaning more than I like writing papers. I would rather mop the floor and do a load of laundry. I would rather make someone a wreath out of book pages than write a Christian Theology or American History paper.

As a result - I flunked a course for the first time in my life.

Oh, and boy did I cry over that one. I had all kinds of anxiety, waiting to see if I could just pass that class. Even by the barest of points.

Nope. I failed.

I'd never done that before. I had one of the highest academic scholarships. How does someone with an academic scholarship flunk a class?

Because I said yes to the "good" things when I should have said yes to the "best" things.

My dad told me that one.

I look back now and see all the people I let down because I said yes to everything - I just couldn't get around to it all. And to think, I said yes because I wanted to please them and the exact opposite happened.

That was lesson #4 - choose who you say, "yes" to, so you'll never have to worry about having time to to the important things. 

And it was lesson #4 what led me to lesson #5. Because, while in the throes of my identity crisis, I was afraid to admit that I was struggling. I didn't want people to know. So I struggled alone, until finally I called up Emily and admitted I had three late papers to finish and a matter of days to write them. 

So... we went to Starbucks and I wrote one of them. Then I went home and wrote another. She sent me texts or would ask me every time we saw one another how I was getting along. I did my best not to lie. 

That was lesson #5 - Never go it alone. We were created for community, forget about your pride, it'll only get in the way. 

I don't know what your college years looked like. Mine were memorable, if anything. Maybe I grew up? I'm almost twenty-two. I have a degree. That has to count for something, at least, that's what I told my dad, sitting in the car that day. 

But then again, I totally and completely lost my phone during that trip home. So who am I to say I've finally made it? But perhaps, just maybe, becoming an adult is a bit more complicated that just a degree and knowing it all. 

In one of my classes this past semester, we discussed the difference between soft skills and hard skills - soft skills being the intangible life lessons we've acquired (character). Hard skills are the things that can be taught - the technical know-how required to accomplish a task. 

What did I learn in college? Well, I learned a whole lot about Bible and Theology (my minor) and plenty about Western history - America, European, Medieval, Californian, Environmental, etc. (my major). 

I can tell you that in Romans 12:19-20 where it says, "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance in mine, I will repay, says the Lord.' To the contrary, 'if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by doing so you will heap burning coals in his head," has nothing to with making your enemies feel guilty. 

That passage is actually a kind of pay-it-forward scenario. It refers to a coal-bearer, who in Hebrew culture, would be given a heap of coals, which he would deliver to the homes of the area so that they could start their fires. So by giving your enemy a heap of coals, you are equipping him to care for others. 

I can also tell you that when Spanish Conquistadors discovered California, they thought it to be the home of the Queen Calafia from The Adventures of Esplandian. Because of the gulf of Mexico, they presumed the land to actually be an island. They named it California because it resembled the island of women Calafia ruled over in the story. And honestly, they weren't so lucky - instead of an island of women, they faced inhospitable harbors and scurvy. 

I suppose those are the hard skills. I learned something. 

But that girl who cried for two weeks is not the person I have become. 

Sometimes, when I interact with the underclassmen, I wish I could simply pound the soft skills I've learned into their frustrated lives. They complain about the same things that bothered me two or three years ago. But I hated listening to reason then - I figured those "reasoned people" simply didn't understand my situation. 

But I'm confident that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion (Phil. 1:6).  

That's what I learned in college. 

Defining "Goodness"

There are few books that truly rock me and shake my foundation - standing out as profound amidst the countless others I read. But "Saving Amelie" did just that, and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it.

Have you ever truly considered the essence of humanity? What it means to be human? Or even deserving of such a title? It breaks my heart to think back on Hilter's Nazi Germany and realize that the real tragedy of what happened was the devaluing of one life over another.

Hitler decided that one variety of humanity took precedence over every other. He trained a generation of young people to believe that anyone who was outwardly "broken" was undeserving of life. "Life unworthy of life." It wasn't just Jews - though such discrimination against race and religion isn't any easier to swallow.

But where then, do we derive this concept of inherent worth? Is there even such a thing... I'll dare to challenge you that every time we abort a pregnancy because of down syndrome, deafness or blindness, we are practicing the very same principle of eugenics Hitler valued.

When we discuss inherent worth, Christians fall back on the fact that we're all created by God, regardless of flaws - which are a side effect of "the fall." But somehow, we've come to see flaws as outward. Flaws are something that's obvious, like your appearance or abilities. We even throw in so-called "BIG" sins - like murder - everything else can be explained away and justified.

Still... the reality remains that we've all lied, envied, hated, blamed, cheated and hurt. And once those faults come to light - or at least we're made aware of them - it becomes painfully clear that each one of us is broken. No one is righteous, not one - all have fallen short Rom. 3.

If that's true... that we're all broken, whether physically or spiritually... then by Hitler's estimation, there is no one who is deserving of life. Whether earthly or eternal. So where on earth did this concept of "good person" come from? Have we all duped ourselves into believing we know goodness? Is there even such a thing?

For many, all they know is this life, so they hope to leave a legacy, praying that those left behind will forget their inadequacies.

For others, who hope for the hereafter, they trust that their "goodness" will earn them a place in heaven. Like a scale, they pray their good will outweigh the bad.

And for many Christians - who self proclaim their eternity is secure - God is too holy to approach. Once they become aware of their own shortcomings, they back away from the throne of God, hoping to fix themselves (make themselves good enough) before they come before Him, ready for heaven.

Yet, if the standard for deserving peace upon death is "goodness" and not one of us are truly good - then all of humanity is doomed and there is no hope. We're all broken.

If you're counting on a good reputation, rest assured - your flaws will come to light when your children open their mouths.

And if you hope you life was lived more "good" than bad, then how are you to ever know? The mind is unreliable, and all the lies, unkind words and thoughts blend together into a fuzzy haze. Your friends are likely to be gracious - but inside, well, who's to know if you were MOSTLY good?

And for the Christian... God's standard is perfection. You stand no chance of getting yourself right before approaching the throne. You could never be righteous enough.

Don't you GET IT? We're all broken.

It's all written down in the gospel. Jesus didn't count the self-righteous priests as worthy. For all their outward "goodness" they were broken inside. They broke their own rules either in secret or in their hearts. Yet, in the years he walked among us, Jesus embraced the broken - the tax collector who robbed citizens by overcharging them; the prostitute; the fishermen who likely flunked out of entering religious profession. They were broken and they knew it.

When Jesus entered the house of the tax collector, Zacchaeus, he told the astonished crowd (who considered themselves to be more "good" than this cheat), "Today, salvation has come to this house, because this man too, is a son of Abraham. For the son of man came to seek and to save the lost." Luke 19.

It's humbling... It's so easy to place ourselves on a scale next to someone "more broken" and consider ourselves more worthy. More good.

But we're all broken - imperfect. Which entirely levels the playing field, leaving everyone in dire need of saving from death. After all, Hitler considered the broken to be, "life unworthy of life."

I'm sorry if bringing up Hitler's standard is shocking to you. It shocked me when I read Saving Amelie. But it proves a point.

In the book of Mark, chapter 2, Jesus encountered a man who is paralyzed. And before a crowd, he tells the man that his faults are forgotten (it says "your sins are forgiven," but sin means "to miss the mark" and forgiven means to give up claim... to let go... it doesn't matter anymore) When questioned, he tells the crowd, "Why do you questions these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, take up your bed and walk'? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins."

When you think of Jesus, who is he? He claimed to be God. So was he just a good man who said a lot of good things? But I have to tell you, either he was who he claimed to be, or he was lying. And if Jesus was lying, then we can't label him a good man, because he based his life off of that claim to be the son of God. In John 10:30 he says, "I and the Father are one."

Do you know what else he says in John 10?

He compares his people to sheep and himself to their shepherd. There's only one way into the sheepfold, and that's through the gate. Anyone else is a thief and a robber.

There's only one way into heaven. And you don't have to be perfect to get in, you just have to be his. For this reason, he laid down his life for the sheep. He placed himself between his sheep and the wolves, sacrificing himself to protect them.

Therefore, his own blood was shed to cover our imperfections, so that they might be forgotten when we stand before the Father. Instead, God sees the blood of his own Son, and counts us as His own. That is how you enter by the gate into the sheepfold.

There is not other way to be certain of your eternity.

Because we're all broken, and what is broken cannot enter unless it has been made whole by His blood. Made perfect by the sacrifice of the one who lived a perfect life and died for those underserving. But He didn't stay dead, he arose, conquering an eternal death. And it is only through him that we can have eternity.

Because on my own, I'm just not good enough, and no matter how hard I try, I can't be. I say all the wrong things and I make more mistakes than could be recalled. My goodness looks pale in comparison to perfection.

And so, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is LORD, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the Dead, you will be saved, for everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved Rom 10:9-13.

Some Christians sum it up as the ABC's. And trust me, it's not all that complicated in concept to trust yourself into God's care.

We call it the ABC's, because it conveniently stands for Admit, Believe, Confess.

A - Admit to God that You're a sinner and ask for His forgiveness 

B - Believe that Jesus is God's son and that He came into the world as Savior 

C - Confess your faith in Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord, because there is no other. 

It's really that simple. And you don't have to be perfect, you just have to be His. There are no other prerequisites, and nothing else with count in place.

Swedish Bröllop: Celebrate Heirtage

I love History... I really do. 

And it's not because I like dates and facts. In and of themselves, dates and facts don't have anything of value to offer. But when paired with events, people, memories, traditions... history has quite a bit to offer. 

Something that has meaning and relevance. 

When was the last time you really gave any thought to your heritage? Where your family came from?

I'm often amazed at how much influence heritage exerts. Not just in time honored tradition, but something in the DNA. I can't say exactly what. Or maybe it's patterns... the things we share with children that are passed on from generation to generation. 

But that's a conversation for another day. 

This train of thought began while I was watching an episode of TLC's "Four Weddings. 

Just for quick reference, the basic gist of the show is a competition between four brides who attend one another's weddings and vote to decide best dress, best ceremony, best reception and overall score. The winner gets a luxury honeymoon. 

But anyways...

On the particular episode I was watching, a young lady marrying a Swede happened to be apart of the competition and she made a comment about wanting to include bits of her husband's heritage. This intrigued me, so I got comfortable on the couch and waited for her turn at the alter.

Let's just say, he wore funny clothes, they misused a Dala Horse and the "frog dance" is just another version of the chicken dance.

I was incredibly disappointed.

Let me begin by saying that my family left Sweden 100 years ago and I know more about Swedish wedding traditions than this poor couple... and the groom was born there.

So, to encourage you to pursue learning about your own heritage, I wold like to... no, love to... share some of what is so special about Swedish weddings, or "bröllop."

So here goes.

4 Swedish Wedding Traditions

1. The Coins in the Shoes

 Before a Swedish bride takes a walk down the isle, she receives a gift from her parents. And it's not old, nor new, not borrowed or blue. Actually, she gets money. Sort of. While not worth anything significant, like a dowry, the bride is given a gold coin for her right shoe from her father, and a silver coin for the left from her mother so that she will, "never go without." 

 2. A Crown of Myrtle Leaves

Recently, flower crowns have become all the rage in American weddings, but Swedish brides have been wearing them for years. Most traditions would have it that the bride wears white to show her virginity, but in Sweden, it's the flower crown (sometimes replaced with a real traditional crown). 

3. Three Wedding Rings

 Well men, fork over the cash, because Swedish brides get not two, but THREE rings. The first is her engagement ring, but on her wedding day, she receives two more: one for marriage and the other for motherhood.  

 4. Shouting Vows

Normally someone in any pair has the louder, more dominant personality. But in a Swedish wedding, the couple competes to wear the pants in the relationship. There are typically two ways this one goes: One... whoever says, "I do!" the loudest, or two... whoever crosses the threshold of the church first during the recessional. I'll let you decide which you prefer. 

Diamond of the Rockies Series (Kristen Heitzmann)

 I really do love Historical Fiction.

So its on this note, that I'm sharing one of my favorite series (though I do have a few).

If I have to narrow down what makes a book meaningful, enjoyable, and worth reading two dozen times (my record is about 15 times) I would say two things:

Historical accuracy and prose.

Kristen Heitzmann is well known for her Italian characters and suspense novels, but she has put out a few historicals, and her Diamond of the Rockies series is on my top ten list.

That's a hard list to make.

 To be on my top ten, a book has to be a really, REALLY good read. I have standards, you know!

But as I mentioned before, I have a short list of qualities, and my goodness, this series is beautiful - and words can be beautiful.

Just to start, in my own writing, I use this series as a standard. No exaggeration.  Someone once told me that the trick to writing a good historical fiction novel, is recognizing the fact that you're telling a story, not writing a history book. That said, if a historical anecdote is not relevant to the story, it's not necessary.

As a writer, it's SO easy to get sucked down endless holes and lost down rabbit trails of research. One little detail will lead to another so fascinating, it's difficult to resist putting on the page, whether relevant or not. But that's not even half the struggle. The real struggle is finding the perfect way to set the scene - blending foreign concepts into the story without confusing the reader.

 For this reason, I truly admire Heitzmann's style. The way she sets the scene - describing the Sonoma, California of the 1880s as well as the mining town of Crystal Colorado. The cities come alive without sounding unreal. They have a certain grit to them, like you're standing in the world of antiques - but come alive.

I can't exactly put words to it, but something that bothers me about Hollywood and novels, is the unrealistic nature of their settings. the places and scenes feel more fictional and corny than a place and time in history.

Heitzmann brings a bygone era to life, putting texture and taste to history - and I do mean taste. My mouth waters when I read about Carina's cooking. There is nothing quite like a word picture of Italian food.

Even the characters fit into this old world - their language, their clothing, mannerisms, values - it all feels so real. You can't impress modern values on a historical character. Heitzmann however, takes historical values and makes them relevant to the reader. And isn't that the point of history?

But I said I had two things on my short list - here's the second.

Prose...

Now, let me begin by saying that not all of my favorite books are poetic, metaphoric, and full of symbolism - I don't think that's always the best approach. Instead, Heitzmann enters into her characters and brings their unique perspective onto the page.

Carina Maria Degratia is Italian - a passionate spitfire - small, yet full of emotion. She speaks with her hands, pulls, her heart makes deep, poetic connections to those around her.  

Quillan Shepard is a loner. He's the strong, silent type with a rogue's smile. While extremely protective of every emotion he experiences, he has the heart of a poet, and can memorize entire books upon reading them. 

These two characters come through very strongly whenever they are featured as the POV character. Carina's passion and compassion are almost heartbreaking - moving - as a reader. You heart will bleed. While I LOVE reading Quillan's poignant wording. Like an artist, his thoughts paint word pictures. It's not flowery prose for the sake of it - it's the characters' unique perspectives. And it's beautiful.

On another note, if you are thinking about looking into the series, I would say that even for a Christian novel, consider the fact that the books follow a married couple and the more intimate side of their relationship is discussed (though not shown). Show discretion. I read them for the first time in High School. Make your own judgement.

Still, the moral values in this story are incredibly strong. Interestingly... Carina is Catholic, while her husband's journey is much more protestant. Still, the differences between Catholic theology and Protestant are not strongly emphasized. Carina crosses herself on multiple occasions and seeks advice from the local Father Antoine. Her favorite expression is "Madonna mia!" But much of the salvation content comes from Quillan's conversations with protestant preachers and a close friend. But as a whole, marital fidelity, even in the face of extreme hardship is a core and central theme. Other themes include forgiveness, trust and justice.

This series really is one one my favorites. I hope you'll give it a chance.

"Driven by hope and vengeance, Carina Maria DiGratia leaves her idyllic home in Sonoma, California, for a new life in the mining town of Crystal, Colorado. Though the town has a rough element, Carina is determined that it is the place her dreams will come true. Early on, two men vie for her trust, but neither is what he seems. Will Carina discern the truth in time to prevent tragedy?"

Click here to find in on Amazon (the first book is free on kindle!)
Click here to find in on Christian Book
Click here to find it on Good Reads

I Don't Think Courting Means What You Think It Means

At our house, Saturday is chore day.

But I'm one of those people who conducts dialogues with myself while I'm cleaning - history, writing, movies... I ponder it all. And today's topic is Historical Courting.

Not courting.

Historical Courting.

Because, as I'd like to point out, there's a difference between what a lot of folks would like to call courting and the idea from which it originated.

Something I've begun to notice from many Christians who are discouraged with the world we live in today, is a desire to return to bygone days - the "It was better back then" mentality. But the past is subjective to its own circumstances. Humanity doesn't change, just it's circumstances. They had murderers back then too.

Likewise, the idea of courtship is vastly dependent on the participating culture aa well as the era.

But to keep things simple, I'd like to point something out (I'm using a mid-late 1800s example).

Did you know that the word, "Chaperone," DID NOT refer to someone who followed you on your date? Chaperone was actually more commonly used in place of the words escort, date, or companion for the evening.

Yes, I did say date. As is the male love-interest.

Think of it in this context. No matter what, as a girl, it's good to take precaution when you go out. If you're by yourself, don't walk into dark alleys, and best case scenario, take a friend with you.

Same concept.

If you're going to a party, you go with a date right? Your date is responsible for taking care of your for the duration of the evening and returning you home. This could be a brother, a male friend or another male family member.

In the movie, "Meet Me In St. Louis," Esther Smith (Judy Garland) is escorted to the Christmas Eve Dance by her grandfather. Her sister Rose (Lucille Bremer) is escorted by their brother. However, both girls meet up with their beaus at the dance, who bring them home at the end of the evening.

But here's what I really want to get at.

You've all read L.I. Wilder's Little House books, right? And I don't mean, "seen the TV show." That TV show is horribly inaccurate. So don't use it as a source of knowledge for the books.

The second to last book, These Happy Golden Years was written about the time during which Laura and her husband were dating (the mid 1880s - they married in 1885). This is the Victorian Era, if you were curious - the days of bustle dresses (my personal favorite).

So anyways... I've heard a lot about some more modern concepts of courtship, but it doesn't exactly match these idealized days of dating. In fact, it was more reminiscent of something my dad once said to me when I was in junior high.

He told me that if a guy wanted to date me, there was a written test and an interview.

I laughed.

But really... If you HAVEN'T read Laura's books, I would like to share some details.

• Laura met Almanzo officially when he offered her a ride home from school (though she did run into him shortly after moving to their homestead in De Smet)
• Almanzo was 10 years older than Laura and her father's friend.
• Almanzo would drive Laura home each week from the school she taught at because he was better able to than her father. 
• Most of their "dates" were what Laura called their, "Sunday Drives." She and Almanzo would go on long buggy rides after church. 
• Some of their dates were in groups, such as buggy rides with Ida, Mary and Cap, or the period of time during which they attended "singing school." 
• Almanzo did ask Pa's permission to marry Laura before proposing. 
• Laura's and Almanzo's first kiss was upon their engagement. 
• Laura was 18 and Almanzo was 28 when they married.

Anyways... while I was throwing around these ideas, you can see where a lot of modern courtship ideas come from, such as the waiting to kiss and asking her father's permission to marry her. However, I would also wager that their "courtship" also looks an awful lot like modern dating, as well.

Actually, I would say that this Historical Courtship looks more like common sense.

Remember what I said about the written test and the interview? Honestly, I think that more stems from the idea that your parents ought to have met your date. Think about it... Almanzo was a trusted friend of Laura's family. When he began asking Laura to go on rides with him, Ma and Pa trusted him to take care of their daughter. But it's more similar to that age old idea of your date coming inside to sit with your father while he's waiting for your to come downstairs. Dad asks a few questions, says something about the shotgun he owns and what time to have you home.

You know, the more I think about it, even when girls aren't living at home anymore, they tend to talk a lot about the men they're seeing with friends. Advice and insight from friends can be incredibly valuable. The same can be said for dear old dad's impressions.

So, if your escort/date presents himself as a nice guy, then I think, as long as you avoid alleyways, closets and dark rooms, he can to trusted to chaperone you when you go somewhere. To keep you safe from miscreants who might try to steal your purse.

But even Laura went on group dates. Friends make good company. They can help judge character and encourage everyone to keep their hands to themselves (aka PDA).

Something interesting about the way Laura and Almanzo starting dating, though... It's hard to tell at first. There are no declared intentions, just a gradual increase in awareness of one another. Almanzo begins changing their outings to specifically reflect Laura's preferences.

This is most certainly not to suggest that These Happy Golden Years ought to be the model for every relationship. I certainly would like to marry someone a LITTLE closer in age than 10 years. But I think the book certainly offers a good perspective on what dating used to look like.

And what it DOESN'T look like, is our modern courtship.

It's a new day. A new era. A different time. And our definitions are affected by our own culture, just as their was affected by the conditions of the 1880s in South Dakota.

So please, don't use the, "it was better back then," line unless you really know what it was like then. Because modern courtship is NOT a revival of historical values. It's a response to our own time and culture.

#petpeeves #historymajor

June 26 was Different

Let me begin by restating the title of this article - June twenty-sixth was different.

As a Christian and a History student, I want to offer a perspective on yesterday and I suppose, the future. This is my fourth year studying history, next year, I will have finished my bachelor's in History. I've taken classes on American, Californian, Western Civilization, Medieval and Renaissance History, as well as History of Religion in America, Christian Perspective, Theology, Old Testament and New Testament. Just to state my credentials. I also maintain above a 3.0 GPA.

I'm not just pulling this out of nowhere. This is my education at work.

If you didn't already know, yesterday, gay marriage, or more fondly termed, "marriage equality" was legalized across the United States. Many are cheering and other are thoroughly distressed over this decision. I would like to simply offer perspective.

Historically speaking, this movement is being compared to the Civil War, Women's and Civil Rights movements. But after having read many articles, I am noticing that the authors of these articles are not historians, on either side of the argument - I want to rectify that.

If you don't mind, I want to go back to the Civil War for a moment, and plan to reference the Biblical Text as it applies. We'll move through history from there.

African Slavery

Click Here for a Timeline of Slave History

African Slaves first arrived in the States in 1619, but take note that this was not a first. Slavery's beginning dates back centuries. And it was not limited to African slaves. Throughout world history, humans have warred and taken their neighbors as slaves, and on occasion, even sold each other (themselves and their children) into slavery. Sometimes for their own wellbeing, other times to repay debt and more sadly, as war prizes. With African slavery, it was a mixture of everything. Neighboring, waring tribes would sell one another to the white men and those traders would bring the slaves to Europe and the states. This dates back almost four hundred years.

The common consensus among the white people, was that those of different color, ethnicity and language were not as human as they were, and in some cases, not created in God's image and therefore, not entitled to the same rights. In fact, in 1787, while discussing population and statehood, it was decided that a slave counted as three-fifths of a person.

I cannot deny that churches throughout the United States were not uniformly appalled at this. Though there were cases in which the Christian church took a stance. Many Christians leading up to the Civil War took great issue with the lessening of their personhood. Many also feared for their financial situation and let that take sway over their faith.

So here is the real issue, Christians were divided about the issue of an African American's personhood. But what does the Bible have to say about this? Does someone of a different race have the same rights to personhood under God?

Let me start by stating that the Jews certainly aren't Aryan and yet they are God's chosen people.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16

The book of Romans was written to both the Jews and Gentiles of Rome when there was a time of great division between them. The Jews were exercising a sort of authority over the Romans, believing that the Roman Gentiles had to, in a way, become Jewish, in order to be counted as true followers. But Paul wrote, explaining that they were under a new covenant, not the old covenant. The previous signs of "rightness with God," was not longer required because Jesus made a new BETTER way.

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28

And to speak frankly, we are all descendants, first of Adam, then of Noah's sons. Therefore, we are all God's creation, made in his image and have equal access to God through Christ. The Bible even touches on a specific case regarding the freedom of slaves. There's an entire book. Read it. It's called, Philemon. Paul sends a Runaway slave back to his master with a letter - asking for Onesimus' freedom.

What really amazes me about African slaves, is that upon their arrival in the States, and through their years of captivity, a good majority of them started to abandon tribal religion (though clinging to some traditions) and began practicing Christianity, though separate from the whites.

I very much loved Harriet Beecher Stowe's book, Uncle Tom's Cabin. A story written by a preacher's daughter in order to bright to light the plight of slavery. She placed great emphasis on Tom's piety, childlike love (Eva), the difficulty slaves face (even with a good master), and the cruelty of a heartless master. The character, Tom, shows great faith that God will be with him, even in his trails, even when many during that time doubted God's love for slaves.

Just remember this note about the faith of the African American community - still one of the most thriving in America.

Women's Rights Movement

Click Here for a Timeline of Women's Rights

Now, beginning in 1848, a movement began, calling for the equal treatment of men and women under the law. This included inheritance, land ownership, and suffrage (the right to vote). Prior to this, the man of the house, be it the father, brother or husband, had ultimate say. This was a difficult thing to swallow for many women, others simply called it "God's will." But let's not deny the fact that under the law, this privilege was greatly abused in many circumstances. It would be silly to deny that ALL men treated their wives courteously. Though it should also be noted that not all men were abusive, or else this might have become a larger issue earlier on.

The suffragist movement was also accompanied by 1920's Prohibition, a movement largely promoted by the wives of alcoholics, who advocated that drunkenness was the root of societal problems.

In the year 1920, on August 26th, women were granted the right to vote. While the issue began as a conflict within the church, as the a woman's place, be it in the home, or out in the world (responsible for herself) the conclusion became something rather Biblical.

Take note that when Jesus first rose from the dead, he appeared to women, who testified to his resurrection. Within Jewish culture, women were not the testimony of choice when trying to gain validity. But Jesus was a world shaker. He kept company with criminals (tax collectors), lepers (who had a contagious disease), and women. Jesus wasn't looking for perfect friends. Rather, he kept company with those who were drawn to him - the rejected, who needed him. Perfect people don't tend to need anyone.

I've already written an article about women's rights, for more information, you can read it: I Am Feminine.

But here's a quick summary - God made men and women in his likeness, different, but equal. God loves men and women.

To be really revolutionary on this whole concept of God loves women, there's this fairly controversial book that I happen to like, The Shack, that dares to portray God as a Black Woman. But there's more to the book than just defying stereotypes. The point Wm. Paul Young makes in the book, is that God knows his children and their needs. And God is able to be everything we need. Since were are created in God's likeness, men and women, then doesn't that suggest that God is both masculine and feminine? He is our strong father, a defender, as well as a caring, nurturing mother? Don't take this too far, I'm just trying to say that God is our all-powerful sufficiency. (And I still refer to God as a Him/He/Father).

Civil Rights Movement

Click Here for a Timeline of the Civil Rights Movement

Now on to more recent History. I'm sure you've seen movies/plays/books such as Hairspray and the Help. Many stories, such as these, venture into the lives of African Americans even following the Emancipation Proclamation in January 1, 1863, and more officially in 1865. A simple law stating their freedom didn't immediately mean true freedom. It takes years to change a mindset. In this case, though slavery ended in the 1860's, the Jim Crow, Segregated South, lasted for almost one hundred years, into the 1960's.

While the church, in some cases remained neutral on the position, many simply avoided the situation, while others became vocal, either in favor of or against integration. Even today, I know admitted Christians who can't bring themselves to cast aside derogatory language. They live, feeding off of stereotypes and failing to assume the best - seeing others through God's eyes.

But as History has proved, We can now say, that in my generation, across the United States, in most places, not all, but most, Women have been accepted as equals, and laws that divide the races have been repealed. Men, Women and those of all ethnicities can hold the same rights under the law. We've even seen our first colored president. We'll just have to wait and see about a female president, but the law permits it. Though, let it be said that there are several first ladies who've left their mark, and even taken the lead in their husband's stead.

Today

In light of all this, America has see a precedent for equality, which is why these movements have been compared to yesterday. Many have been critical of the LBGT community and considered them subhuman. From their perspective, they have been denied basic rights. Understandably, there are some connections. Take note, that there are radicals and passive participants in any movement. 

I took my position on the issue of marriage several posts ago, and I don't think personal stance has anything to do with what the law states. As a Bible believing Christian, I hold that we are called to honor our governing authorities, just as I am called to honor God, my elders, parents and peers. Every human I lay eyes on is a creation of God, made in his image. 

Now this takes us to another historical issue that I have seen arising on facebook - and this has to do with government. 

Many Christians are crying out - horrified at the direction of our country. Their battle cry is that we are losing our identity as a Christian Nation. 

Now, I want to stop right there and draw attention to this claim that America is a Christian Nation. The root of this claim goes back to the founding fathers, and to a certain extent, the statement, "One Nation, Under God." And that little tagline on our money, "In God We Trust." 

I won't deny that there are many Biblical references throughout American History in government. But most Americans are sadly misinformed about the history of religion in America. 

To begin, many America began immigrating to the New World to escape the pressures of a very Catholic and Anglican Europe. The problem was the mixing of religion in Government. Rulers wanted a say in how the people practiced their faith and at times, what to believe. Consider the term, "State Sponsored Religion." This means that state money is given to one particular religion to encourage its growth, while other religions are neglected and even persecuted. In some cases the followers of other belief systems were even treated as criminals. This is what the early American colonists were fleeing. 

It's a freedom of speech and religion issue. 

As far as our founding fathers, when they began to assemble the government after the winning of war for Independence, they placed great emphasis on the concept of separation of powers and separation of church and state - so that the government wouldn't have supreme authority and wouldn't be able to dictate religion. The people would have say in how they were ruled, and the people could practice their beliefs without fear. 

But realize, to be completely honest, many of our founding fathers were not Christians - They were Deists. This is largely the reason we see mention of God and not Jesus, in historical documents. We derive much of our governmental influence, yes from the ten commandments, but also from the Magna Carta (England) and from early Philosophers and Greek and Roman government. 

America was founded on Freedom, though there is certainly Christian influence. Those early colonists were, for the most part, Christians trying to practice protestantism. And when you have a cluster of believers as the foundation of something, there is certain to be influence. But the founding fathers were not necessarily the most convicted Jesus trusting, transformed, Christians the world had to offer, they were deists. They believed in God. 

Actually, it was a very common belief in early America that the world was much like a spinning top, that God set it into motion, and then sat back to watch. Not many were overly convicted about his active intervention in their lives. Most were very self-sufficient - they pulled themselves up by their own bootstraps. 

So no, I don't think we have ventured that far from our "Christian Heritage." However, I would say that I am concerned that our freedom of speech has very much been compromised by the press. Though, the whale that rises to the surface gets harpooned. So, if you voice your opinion, be prepared to get attacked by those who disagree. 

Now, back to the current issue. 

The church has always had a response to governmental issues. They've had an opinion. They did back in the early 1800s about slavery, but I would like to be very clear, that the Bible's stance on slavery is very easy to discern. The real issue, is taking the Bible out of context and interpreting it through personal bias. Through history, many Christians have done just that. But as before mentioned, the gospel is for all, and we've all been created in God's image. 

Concerning the women's suffrage movement, look at this:

...wives, be subject to your own husbands. 1 Peter 3:1

It's easy to read this verse out of context and think that God devalues women. But if you see the entire passage, he's talking about wives being kind to their husbands so that their husbands will respect them, and potentially, come to Christ because of them. And he also addresses husbands. 

Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered. 1 Peter 3:7

You can't piecemeal the Bible. Keeping what you like and casting aside what you don't. (And just for the record, "weaker vessel" isn't an insult. The concept of women being just as strong as any man is a rather new concept. And honestly, women have a higher pain tolerance than men. The idea of weaker vessel suggests that men care for and protect women since testosterone lends them a natural advantage of strength). But listen, this is cool: if men don't treat their wives right, their relationship with God is out of whack. Get right with your wife, be at peace with God. 

Anyways - the Bible is VERY clear. There's no misunderstanding about how God feels about people of other ethnicities and both genders. 

If the church took a bigoted stance towards other ethnicities or genders - they wouldn't have a leg to stand on. During the Women's and Civil Rights Movements, the stool got kicked out from under them. They had to change. They had to take into consideration what the Bible says about those issues. 

However, I must challenge my world with the concept that this new movement is difficult to support Biblically, and in fact, you'll have to do some pretty fancy piecemealing to find a way for Biblical support. Rather, if you read the Bible plainly, it's easy to find support for women and ethnic equality, but impossible to find plain support for homosexuality. 

And so, as we look to the future, I see a very interesting road ahead. We've seen a change in church perspective in other issues because of Biblical evidence, but I don't see the church coming around to this without chopping up the very word we've founded our beliefs on. 

For this reason, I've noticed something distinctly different about the Equality Movement. While those of other ethnicities and women have clung to God as their hope through their search for equality, you simply don't see that in the LGBT community. Their leaders and voices are typically of another religious persuasion. For those who teeter on the edge, they find themselves at war with themselves, not able to reconcile their feelings and faith. And so, the movement and the church have diverged, rather than converged, as it has in the past. I think this creates a difficult comparison for this new movement and past movements. 

But - this does not mean that God has abandoned us. Nor, does it meal we have to move to Canada (which, actually supports marriage equality, so there goes that plan), or drop off the map. God has not called us to live in a little Christian bubble. We are to be in the world (not of it, but in it). Click Here to read more. We're not a bunch of Anabaptists (Amish, German Baptist) isolating ourselves. How on earth can we share God's love by running away from those who need it most?

However, we are called to speak truth in Love. It's God's place to judge, not ours. Have integrity and don't change what the Bible says to suit the government's decision. But don't hate the government either. Respect the ruling authorities. Live at peace with your neighbors. Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. And share the hope that we have received through Christ with everyone you meet, so that they too might believe and have eternity with Christ. 

History was made yesterday, and I would certainly say that a new precedent has been set. Up until yesterday, the church often reconciled government decisions with the Bible, but now, the two have gone in different directions. I would even venture to say that God has used the government to enlighten the church. 

But the government was never the upholder of Christian religion. 

The government isn't God's image bearer. 

We are his image bearers. 

So love one another as Christ first loved you. For as much grace has been shown to you, share with others. We're all sinners in need of a savior. We're imperfect and flawed. No one of us is in "less" need of saving. You're not on a pedestal, nor is someone else in a pit. 

God is love. When he's on the throne of our hearts, he transforms lives. So let Christ transform you. Let him speak through you. And just remember, you can't hold God's standards to people without his blood covering them. 

So keep on. Live as Christ's representatives here on earth. But let him be in control. HE IS IN CONTROL. He's never out of control. Trust God, and love his people. Have integrity. Live what you believe so that your witness won't be compromised. Becoming a hypocrite never helped anyone. Unkind people aren't respected. 

Whatever the future holds, why are you afraid? Just live for Christ. 

God Jul

I've got a mixed heritage - believe me, I'm an American melting pot. A simple explanation of my heritage is I'm half-Swedish and half a whole lot of something else (French, Welsh, Hungarian, German). However, because I'm mostly Swedish, I've grown up fairly familiar with that side and all of the traditions that go with it.

Over the years, I've spent a lot of time looking into what a "Swedish" Christmas looks like. And so, with the Christmas season upon us, I thought I might share what I've learned. Maybe you too might want to carry out a "Swedish Christmas"?

Click here: adorable vintage footage of a Swedish Christmas
Click here: (favorite of mine) Swedish Christmas video

Here's what I have. God jul och gott nytt ar! (Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!)

And don't forget to put a candle in your window to light the way for the Christ Child!

Sankta Lucia

Across Sweden, and in many American towns, a holiday known as "St. Lucia Day" is carried out on December 13th. The oldest daughter of each household with her maids and star boys bring a breakfast of coffee and "Lussekatt"(Lucia buns) to the other members of the home. As they walk through the house, they sing carols, particularly, "Sankta Lucia." It's a breakfast in bed celebration that has roots that trace back to Italy and Ancient Rome. 

Swedes adopted the tradition, possibly because of the "Lusse" folklore - a battle between light and darkness during the Winter Solstice. But with the arrival of Christianity and Lutheranism, a new tradition was born. 

When the story of a young, virgin martyr from Italy came to Scandinavia - a woman who worked to help persecuted Christians - they were immediately drawn to the image of her attaching candles to her head (to light her way and keep her hands free). This story morphed into the tradition now practiced, mostly by Swedes, but throughout Scandinavia. 

In Sweden, it is common for a pageant of sorts to take place to chose a local "St. Lucia" representative. There is also a national St. Lucia who is chosen, culminating with the "Globen Luciakonsert" in Stockholm (I've included some links). 

Swedish Lucia for Dummies (official Swedish video)
Full length video of the 2012 Luciakonsert (youtube)
10 min clip of Luciakonsert
Hear Lucia Song sung in Swedish (great music video)

Night walks with heavy steps

Round yard and hearth,

As the sun departs from earth,

Shadows are brooding.

There in our dark house,

Walking with lit candles,

Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia!

Night walks grand, yet silent,

Now hear its gentle wings,

In every room so hushed,

Whispering like wings.

Look, at our threshold stands,

White-clad with light in her hair,

Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia!

Darkness shall take flight soon,

From earth's valleys.

So she speaks

Wonderful words to us:

A new day will rise again

From the rosy sky . . . 

Santa Lucia! Santa Lucia!

Jultomte & Julbock

Like most Swedish Christmas traditions, the roots are tied up in folklore. But to be sure, they do have a sort of "Santa Claus." This Santa grew out of the Swedish lore of Tomten - little elves/trolls that inhabit the farms of the countryside and help with the chores. They were especially fond of children. 

the Jultomte is their Christmas Tomte. He brings gifts to the children. 

Drawing his sleigh is a "Julbock" or Christmas goat. This goat began with a history as a prankster, but he now accompanies the Jultomte. 

Swedes keep their Julbocks near their trees on Christmas - but why? Well, they make these wonderful little animals out of straw and red ribbon to watch over their Christmas festivities - he's the Christmas police of sorts (making sure everything is done correctly). But in his early days, Swedes didn't want him in their homes! 

One Swedish tradition is to sneak a Julbock into a neighbor's home and place him beneath the tree without being caught. The only way to get rid of the goat is to pass him off in the same manor to another unsuspecting family. 

Risgrynsgröt (Julgröt)

After Christmas dinner comes dessert! I don't think Swedes have ever been known for their food - Lutefisk? no thank you! - but I find this tradition rather sweet. (not all rice puddings taste very good, but if it's done right, it can be very good).

The day before Christmas, mothers make a rice pudding, or Julgrot. A single almond is dropped into the pudding and stirred in.

When the pudding is served after Christmas dinner, every person at the table secretly hopes to find the almond in their pudding. Why? Because the person who finds the almond in their pudding is rewarded!

There are two traditions about the almond.

1. If you find the almond, you will be the next to marry (much like catching the bouquet at a wedding)
2. You will be granted a wish.

One of my favorite storybooks as a child was "Annika's Secret Wish," which follows a young girl hoping to get a wish by finding the almond. A very sweet story about siblings.

Julotta

Jul is the Swedish word for Christmas or Yule. Lotta is a term that refers to the time slightly before dawn. In many Swedish Free Churches, Swedish Baptist Churches, Swedish Covenant Churches and Lutheran churches who hold to their roots, Julotta is a service that is held early Christmas morning around 4am (some services are done at 6 or 7am).

I suppose waking up so early to greet the day seems strange to us, but the concept of Julotta is much like a Christmas Eve Service or a Catholic Midnight Mass. Some churches even put on Julotta, late on Christmas Eve, ending the service at midnight.

With Sweden being situated so far north, most of the churches were very cold and poorly heated. No church member arrived early on purpose, nor did they stay longer than necessary. Folklore tells that the dead have a Christmas service at midnight and would attack you if you arrived early. But the primary reason was heat.

After the service, Swedes would rush back to their homes to open gifts.

JUL RECIPES

Lussekatter (Lucia Buns)

Temp: 375 degrees
Cook time: 15 mins
Yield: 20 buns

1 cup melted butter
1/2 tsp. saffron threads, finely crumbled (or 1 tsp. powdered saffron) 
1 cup milk
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp. salt
6 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 eggs, well-beaten, plus one egg white
raisins or currants to decorate
1 package dry yeast

Crumble saffron threads into melted butter. Let sit 30 mins to an hours (this intensifies the saffron flavor)

Heat milk to a light boil, turning off heat when it reaches the scalding point (with small bubbles across the top). Stir in melted butter, sugar, and salt. Pour mixture into mixing bowl and allow to cool until "finger-warm" (still quite warm, but just cool enough to touch). Stir in yeast and let sit for 10 mins.

Mix 3 1/2 cups flour into liquid. Stir in 2 well beaten eggs. add enough of the remaining flour to form a soft dough (just until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. You don't want to add too much flour).

Transfer dough to a large greased bowl and turn to coast all sides. Cover with a clean town and allow to rise until doubled, about 1 hour.

Punch down risen dough. Lightly knead two or three times on a floured surface. Pinch off small handfuls of dough (about the size of a racquetball) and roll into "snakes." Shape snakes into "S"-shaped buns or other desired shapes. Place on a lightly greased baking sheet, cover with the town again, and allow to rise until doubles (about an hour).

Decorate buns with raisins, brush with egg white, and bake in preheated 375 degree oven about 15 mins, just until brown.

Pepparkakor (ginger cookies)

Temp: 375 degrees
Cook time: 6-8 mins (beware, they burn easily)
Yeild: 75-100 cookies

1/4 cup heavy cream
2/3 cup light syrup* or molasses
Almost one cup sugar
3 ½ oz butter
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon ground cardamom
1 teaspoon baking soda
3 cups (as well as some for the rolling out)

Melt the butter and the syrup on low heat. Let cool before adding the other ingredients. Work the dough well. It’s important that the spices are freshly milled. Let the dough rest overnight in a cool place so the spices have time to fully develop their aromas. The resting will also make it easier to roll out the dough.

Roll out the dough and cut out shapes with gingerbread cutters. Bake in the oven at 375ºF for about 6-8 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they burn easily.

This dough can also be used for a gingerbread house. Just roll it out slightly thicker. 

*You can buy light Syrup (ljus sirap) at Ikea. You can also use ”Lyle’s Golden Syrup” that you can find in British food stores.

Risgrynsgrot (Julgrot) or "Rice Pudding"

1 cup regular long grain rice

1 Tbsp butter

1 cup water

1 Tbsp sugar

4 cups half-and-half

1 tsp. salt

1 Tbsp butter

Cinnamon stick

1 whole almond

For garnish:

warm cream

cinnamon

sugar

In a heavy saucepan combine rice, butter, water and salt. Bring to boil and cook covered for 10 minutes. Or until water is just absorbed. Add half-and-half and cinnamon stick to above. Bring to boil, stirring continuously. Let simmer, covered, for about 45 minutes. The half-and-half should be almost absorbed. The results should be creamy and tender, not mushy. Add the extra butter, and some cream for extra richness. 

Before serving, hide the almond in the porridge. Serve hot with warm cream, cinnamon and sugar. Whoever gets the almond will get married within the year (or a wish).

Now, these two are some family breakfast favorites that came out of the Hilmar (Swedish) Covenant Church where my dad's family attends...

Try you hand at:

 Swedish Pancakes with Lingonberry jam and powdered sugar

Swedish Cardamom Rolls