John 13:34-35

John 13:34-35 KJV

34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

He gives us Hope when Hope is gone, 

He gives us strength when we can’t go on.

He gives us shelter in the storms of life

When there is no peace on earth…

There is peace in Christ.

Joseph's Song - How could it be.wmv

Such a beautiful video and song !

Father, show me where I fit

Into this plan of yours

How can a man be father

To the Son of God?

Lord, for all my life

I've been a simple carpenter

How can I raise a King?

How can I raise a King?

Macadamia Nut Mini Loaves

1 jar (3-1/2 ounces) macadamia nuts, divided

1/3 cup sweetened shredded coconut

1-1/2 cups sugar, divided

3/4 cup butter, softened

2 large eggs

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 cup 2% milk

3 tablespoons lemon juice

2 teaspoons grated lemon zest

1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Finely chop enough of the macadamia nuts to measure 1/3 cup; set aside. Coarsely chop remaining nuts; toss with coconut and 1 tablespoon sugar. Set aside.

In a large bowl, cream butter and remaining sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs. Combine flour and baking powder; gradually add to creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla and reserved finely chopped nuts.

Spoon into five greased 5-3/4x3x2-in. loaf pans. Sprinkle with reserved coconut mixture. Bake at 325° for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (cover loosely with foil if top browns too quickly). Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

Here is a link to a youtube video showing how to make a fun angel craft.  How to make a Paper Angel - Christmas Decoration - Paper Craft

My brother Lee has been on my mind a lot lately.  Struggling with health problems, it has been a difficult year for him.  Several days ago, Lee mentioned to me that he had spent the day talking with angels.  Angels play an important part in the grand scheme of things.  When Jesus concluded his 40-day fast, angels ministered to Him. When Jesus suffered in agony at Gethsemane, an angel appeared from Heaven strengthening Him.  When the Apostle Paul was on a ship in the middle of a raging storm, the crew fought on for days, fearing for their lives.  After many days, Paul stepped forward and told them that an angel had appeared to him during the night and told him there was no reason to fear.  The ship would be lost, but every life would be spared.   Angels comfort us.  They provide protection and guidance.  Angels make divine proclamations from God. On the hills outside of Bethlehem a group of shepherds, outcasts from society, took turns watching the sheep.  An angel appeared before them saying “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord”.  The sky filled with a glorious angel choir singing for joy at Christ’s birth.  Angels are still with us today.  They comfort us, guide us and sustain us ALL in our times of need.  ~~Marilee

I wrote the first of these poems after talking with Lee.

Angels at Christmastime

In the hush of winter,

When candles light the air and music touches the soul

Angels walk.

They carry gifts from Christ our Lord.

They find a child alone, afraid

Praying for someone to listen, to understand

to hear the laughter that hides deep within—

They touch a heart and place a friend in this child’s life

Angels drift to homes where shadows stay,

Strengthening lost souls.

They weave a thread of gentle peace throughout the fabric of people's lives,

And leave behind a quiet warmth.

For one who stumbles in the night,

They kindle hope-

Hope which cuts through doubt, and fear, and cold,

With whispers of love untold.

At Christmastime, their blessings fall like snow,

Gently covering all—

Heaven hears, angels come

And we are not alone.

The second is written about the “angels” in my life.

Angels in Disguise

Wearing scarves of red and mittens bright,

Their laughter fills the frosty night,

They have not with halos, wings, or light,

But cocoa mugs held snug and tight,

They hum a tune, they share a pie,

And paint the stars across the sky.

They fill each year with gentle cheer,

And whisper hope for all to hear,

For friends are angels, warm and true,

Who bless our hearts the whole year through.

They share our sorrows, joys and fears

They really are such precious dears.

When the bells of Christmas chime,

I thank the angels—friends of mine,

For every giggle, hug, and song,

Which makes me feel like I belong.

And of course, the song says:

Angels we have heard on high,

Sweetly singing through the sky.

Gloria in excelsis Deo.