Ephesians 5:2

Ephesians 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us as an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

The star over Bethlehem still shines for those who seek hope, peace, and the Savior’s love. Author unknown

Today is my sweetest of heart’s birthday.  Every year the blog for the 5th pays tribute to him, as well as to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. One of Dean’s greatest loves is his children.  He really gets a kick out of this video.  He watches it and says “Some people’s kids.” 

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drYeE1VGR6I 

The little boy keeping rhythm with him in this song, is Tennessee’s son.

Memory from 10 years ago.  “When we first moved into our home in 1990, I loved the space and the light. There were so many windows! I love light. There were just a few little problems – there was no lawn, no driveway, no basketball hoop, no flowers and no trees! The next spring, we gathered globe willow cuttings from the man camp. We stuck them in a bucket of water and waited for them to root. Every day I would go out and lift a branch to the top of the water to look for root signs. When the day came that I saw the first little buds, I was so excited that I wanted to plant them that day! Dean explained to me that we had to let the roots grow and develop. Later that spring, we planted 3 globe willows, as well as fruit trees, flowers, a garden and grass. My home had a yard! One day, I was outside and thought I saw something move. I looked at one of the globe willows, and there was a swallow perched in it. There was life in my trees! We still have 2 of those trees (One blew over in a wind storm) and there are still birds in them.” 

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Faith in Christ and the peace it brings into our lives is like the globe willow branches we started so many years ago.  Just like those roots, faith requires time to fully develop.  Faith is like a muscle that you must exercise.  Yesterday we talked about wanting to believe in Our Savior and starting eah day with prayer.  The next step is studying the scriptures and learning what He would have us do to walk in his footsteps. Take a moment each day to share a scripture or a quote with your family.  It can be just a single verse such as: John 3:16 ¶For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. ~~ Marilee

Biscuit Dough Doughnuts

1 can Pillsbury grand homestyle biscuits

Oil for frying

Heat oil to 350 degrees in a big pan.

Remove biscuit dough from the package.  Lay the biscuits out on a tray and use a cutter to cut a hole in the middle of each biscuit.  Carefully place doughnuts in pan (not too many at a time) when one side is golden brown, flip to the other side.  It will take about 2-3 minutes to cook. 

Transfer them to a paper towel to absorb the oil.  Sprinkle cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar on doughnuts or spread frosting on them.  Enjoy.

Gift Idea

 I have been guilty of taking Dean for granted, so I’ve decided on a service project for him.  I’m going to do the 12 days in December. I’m calling it the 12 days because if I miss a day, it will be alright because I don't specify that it is consecutive days.  The 12 days of Christmas traditionally run from Dec. 26 - Jan. 6th.  Personalize your own list, make it fun.  Don’t put off serving those you love.  Teach service by setting an example. Make those you love a priority. ~~ Marilee

Day 1–  1 can of pears, 

Day 2 - 2 bars of dove soap

Day 3 - 3 chicken enchiladas (he Loves them)

Day 4 - 4 sweet texts

Day 5 - fresh doughnuts (see recipe for today)

Day 6 - 1 humongous peanut butter egg

Day 7 - new swim trunks

Day 8 - 1 batch of homemade frozen yogurt!

Day 9 - foot massage 

Day 10 - another foot massage!

Day 11 - a cake, with “I love you” piped on it

Day 12 - a back rub with my fists pounding on his back like a drum

Every day - a sweet kiss on his forehead.

AND THE ANGELS SANG

You've heard the story told, 

a hundred times or more,

about the baby born that day, 

but have you thought about the way

that the angels sang; 

and the angels cried for joy

as the heavens rang 

bringing in the baby boy!

Listen, do not fear them. 

Can't you hear the angels sing?

Hear the angels sing! 

Hear the angels shout for joy!

As the church bells ring 

bringing in the baby boy.

Listen, do not fear them. 

Can't you hear the angels sing?

A hand upon your face, 

a touch of healing grace.

And if the angels sang that day,

can they now be far away?

Hear the angels sing;

hear the angels shout for joy

as the church bells ring

bringing in the baby boy!

Listen, do not fear them. 

Can't you hear the angels sing?

Hear the angels sing! 

Hear the angels shout for joy!

As the church bells ring 

bringing in the baby boy.

Listen, do not fear them. 

Can't you hear the angels sing?