Christmas is forever, not for just one day,

for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away

like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf.

The good you do for others is good you do yourself...

~Norman Wesley Brooks (1923–2002), “Let Every Day Be Christmas,” 1976 — 

~*~*~*~

RAOK: When you go somewhere to get or do something, ask the people around you if you can pick up anything they need.

~*~*~*~

Afterglow - "The Holy Child"
music + slideshow
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGQvI7QmSH4

Holy child, this Christmas, is yours
May we give our hearts
Holy child, forever, we’ll celebrate your birth

Help me remember that there’s a reason
Why I give on Christmas morning
Because of you, you gave my life to me
You gave it all for free
I’ll give your love for Christmas, and feel my heart receive
Give to those around me, like you gave to me
(Chorus 3X)

Holy child, Holy child, Holy child

~*~*~*~

Family Activity
There’s nothing like music at Christmas time. For a fun evening, make yourself a game kit. Place the following items in a box. Have someone reach into the box and pull one out and guess what song they represent. Give them three points if they get it right. If they don’t, then hum the first few stanzas of the song. Give them 1 point if they get it right then. These are a few we’ve put together. Have fun making up your own.

band-aid ~~~ O Holy Night (Fall on your knees..)
hershey’s kiss ~~~~~ I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
paper and pen ~~~~~ Santa Claus is coming to town
map ~~~~~ Where Are you, Christmas?
Chestnuts ~~~~~ The Christmas Song (chestnuts roasting on an open fire)
drumstick ~~~~~ The Little Drummer Boy
popcorn ~~~~~ Let It Snow
Jingle bell ~~~~~ Jingle Bells
whistle ~~~~~ All I want for Christmas is my two Front Teeth
birthday candles ~~~~~ The Birthday of a King
flashlight ~~~~~ Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella
toy boat ~~~~~ I Saw Three ships
candy canes ~~~~~ The Christmas Waltz
sprig of holly ~~~~~ Deck the Halls
silk rose ~~~~~ Gesu Bambino
ear plugs ~~~~~ Silent Night
small stone ~~~~~ Rockin Around the Christmas Tree
Christmas stocking ~~~~~ Here Comes Santa Claus
mistletoe ~~~~~ A Holly Jolly Christmas
Canned pears ~~~~~ 12 Days of Christmas

~*~*~*~

Bacon Dip

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 cups sour cream
1/2 c bacon bits
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 c. chopped green onion
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees..  I n a bowl, combine all ingredients.  Place in 1 quart baking dish.  Cover.  Heat for 25-30 minutes or until hot.  Serve with fresh veggies, chips or crackers

~*~*~*~

John 13: 34-35
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.

I read a story once about a little 4 year old girl named Julie who overheard her parents talking about an upcoming blood drive.  She didn’t understand what that referred to and so she asked her parents about it and they explained that sometimes people need more blood to live – after an accident, or an operation for example.  Several days later Julie came to her mom and said, “If you ever need blood, Mom, you can have mine.  You can count on me.”  Touched, her mother said, “Thanks Julie.”  About a month or so later, she discovered that Julie thought she would have to give her Mom all of her blood, and that she would die because of it.  She was a very relieved little girl to find out that was not the case.  They would only take one pint if they ever needed her blood.   Julie told her mother that she would have given her everything she needed.  As a mother, this story brought a tear to my eye as I thought of such a loving, caring little girl.  At this time of year it strikes a special chord in my heart.  I have a brother, a very special brother who willingly spilt every drop of His blood for me and for you – for all of us.  In our homes this Christmas, let us remember to teach our little ones of the Savior’s love and of our responsibility to share that love with the world.  I found instructions for origami hearts which can be made easily.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnV262Egucw 
Have a heart party.  It sounds fun to me and as we make these hearts with our children or grandchildren, have them write on the unseen side (so that’s it is folded inside) a gift of love or a service they would be willing to perform for someone.  They can make as many as they want, and have them share these hearts with each other, with friends, neighbors or anyone who needs the Savior’s love in their lives. ~~ Marilee

~*~*~*~

ONE LITTLE LIGHT

There once was a shining Christmas tree
Standing out where all could see.
Its brilliance captured every eye
And seemed to cheer each passer-by.
"The lights are beautiful," they'd say,
and hesitate to walk away.
The tree stood proud, ablaze with light,
For each small bulb kept burning bright.

Then one globe was heard to say,"I'm tired of burning night and day.
I think I'll just go out and rest,
For I'm too tired to do my best.
Besides, I know I am so small,
I doubt I would be missed at all."

Then one child lovingly touched the light.
"Look, mother! This one shines so bright.
Of all the lights upon the tree,
This one looks the best to me."

"Oh, my goodness!" said the little light.
I almost dimmed right out of sight.
I thought perhaps no one would care
If I failed to shine my share."
With that, a glowing brilliance came,
For all the lights had felt the same.

We are like this Christmas tree,
The shining lights are you and me.
Each of us has a space to fill
With love and lessons and good will.
Let's keep our tree ablaze with lights,
With testimonies burning bright.
For we are a living tree
That lights the way to eternity.

Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas. ~Peg Bracken

~*~*~*~*~

RAOK:   Ask  your spouse about their day and listen to their reply.  Don’t look at a phone, TV, or computer.

~*~*~*~*~

1 John 4:7 - Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

~*~*~*~*~

Today is my husband’s birthday.  As always, today’s blog reflects my love for him.  One of Dean’s great loves is his children.  He really gets a kick out of this video.  He watches it and says “Some people’s kids.”  We read that the little boy keeping rhythm with him in this song, is Tennessee’s son.

Tennessee Ernie Ford Christmas
Clip from his TV show
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drYeE1VGR6I

Children, Go Where I Send Thee"

Children, go where I send thee
Where you gonna send me?
I'm gonna send you four by four
Because four is the four that stood at the door
Three for the Hebrew children
Two for Paul and Silas
One was a little bitty - baby
Born in Bethlehem.

Children, go where I send thee
How you gonna send me?
I’m going send you six by six
Because Six for the six that couldn’t get  fixed
And five for the five that came back alive
Four is the four that stood at the door
Three for the Hebrew children
Two for Paul and  Silas
One was a little bitty - baby
Born in Bethlehem

Children, go where I send thee
How you gonna send me?
I’m gonna send you
Eight for eight because eight for the eight that stood at the gate...
Seven for the seven that couldn’t get to heaven...
Six for the six that couldn’t get  fixed
Five for the five that came back alive
Four is the four that stood at the door
Three for the Hebrew children
Two for Paul and  Silas
One was a little bitty - baby
Born in Bethlehem

Children, go where I send thee
How you gonna send me?
I’m gonna send you ten by ten
ten by ten that couldn’t get in
nine by nine that come in behind
Eight for eight because eight for the eight that stood at the gate...
Seven for the seven that couldn’t get to heaven...
Six for the six that couldn’t get  fixed
Five for the five that came back alive
Four is the four that stood at the door
Three for the Hebrew children
Two for Paul and  Silas
One was a little bitty - baby
Born in Bethlehem

~*~*~*~*~

Reeces Peanut Butter Torte

1 box (1 lb 5 oz) Betty Crocker™ Supreme triple chunk brownie mix
Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on brownie mix box for cakelike brownies
1 cup Betty Crocker™ Rich & Creamy chocolate frosting (from 16 oz container)
9 Reese's™ peanut butter cups miniatures, unwrapped, coarsely chopped1.

1.  Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Line 9-inch square pan with foil so foil extends about 2 inches over sides of pan. Spray foil with cooking spray. Make brownies as directed on box for cakelike brownies, for 9-inch pan. Cool completely, about 1 1/2 hours.
2. Remove from pan by lifting foil; peel foil away. Cut brownie in half; place 1 half on serving plate.
3.  Spoon frosting into microwavable bowl. Microwave uncovered on High 15 seconds. Stir frosting until smooth. Spread half of frosting over brownie half on plate. Place other half of brownie on top; pour remaining frosting over top. Sprinkle with candies. Refrigerate 30 minutes to set. Store loosely covered.

~*~*~*~*~

DECORATING HINT:
Gather pine cones at your nearby park. Boil them in a big pot to kill anything living in them.. They will close up tight while wet. Let them sit on newspaper in a warm area for several days to dry. The pine cones will open up beautifully. If desired, brush a little cinnamon oil on them. Buy ribbon in your favorite Christmas colors. Tie ribbon into bows, and using florist wire, tie the bows to the pine cones. Use the same wire to tie the pine cones onto your tree. Beautiful, Fragrant and Natural!

~*~*~*~*~

Christmas Version Of The Love Chapter: I Corinthians 13
author unknown

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows,
Strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls,
But do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator.
If I slave away in the kitchen,
Baking dozens of Christmas cookies,
Preparing gourmet meals
And arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime,
But do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.
If I work at the soup kitchen, Carol in the nursing home
And give all that I have to charity,
But do not show love to my family,
It profits me nothing.
If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels,
And crocheted snowflakes,
Attend a myriad of holiday parties,
And sing in the choir's cantata,
But do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.
Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.
Love is kind, though harried and tired.
Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.
Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.
Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return,
but rejoices in giving to those who can't.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails.
Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust...
But giving the gift of love will endure.

~*~*~*~*~

Today’s story is about a message of love delivered to a woman from her husband’s former partner.  It means so much to me to be able to tell Dean “I love you” and to know what a great gift God has given us, the ability to love.

In the Line of Duty
extracted from https://www.guideposts.org/inspiration/angels/in-the-line-of-duty
I shared my hopes and dreams with my partner, while we patrolled the streets of New York City.
by Jeannette Torres

From Guideposts- Posted on Oct 12, 2009

Florida was a long way from New York City, where I’d lived most of my life.

This was a big change. Getting out of my car I had to remind myself that despite the heat and the palm trees, Christmas was almost here.

With the stress of moving it was easy to forget. How could I feel that old reliable Christmas spirit when everything around me was 100 percent new?

I went inside the bank to set up a safe deposit box. Shaking hands with a bank employee, I glanced at her name tag: Ms. Soto. “My old partner in the NYPD was named Joseph Soto,” I said.

“What a coincidence!” the woman said. “Joe was my uncle.”

What were the odds that here in sunny Florida I’d run into the family of my old partner from New York City? Partners got to be family, almost. The longer you worked together, the closer you got.

Joe and I had patrolled the streets of Glendale, Queens, for 11 years. When you spend hours together in a patrol car you do a lot of talking. Joe and I shared our hopes and dreams, and protected one another.

“We lost touch after he retired to Kentucky with his wife,” I said. “How is he?”

Young Ms. Soto looked away. “Uncle Joe died,” she said. “Alzheimer’s. My aunt is having a hard time.”

“She was the apple of his eye,” I said.

I should write her a letter, I thought. Tell her what a great man her husband was.

I finished up my banking business and promised to see Ms. Soto soon.

As soon as I had a quiet moment to myself, I sat down to write. I was back in my patrol car, listening to Joseph talk about his unending love and devotion to his wife and family.

“My wife is a strong person,” he’d always say, “and that’s what makes me love her deeply.” I wrote down everything I could remember.

On my next visit to the bank, I sought out Joseph’s niece, a white envelope in my hand. “Would you see that this gets to Joseph’s wife?”

“Of course,” Ms. Soto said. “Have a merry Christmas.”

I walked out of the bank feeling like it was Christmas after all—no matter how hot it was.

Somehow that old reliable spirit found me and made me a bit more settled in my new surroundings. That weekend, the telephone rang. “Hello?”

A woman was crying. “It’s Mrs. Soto,” she managed. “All his life, my husband was an expressive man. Always kind and generous with his feelings to everyone. But toward the end of his life Alzheimer’s stole that from him. From us. For so long I’ve missed him telling me he loves me. Your letter was the best Christmas gift I could have ever received.”

I hung up the phone feeling like something special had happened. Miles from home, in a new town, I’d gotten the chance to play Santa for an old friend. That old reliable Christmas spirit had found me.

Palm trees or not.

December 4, 2018

May Peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through! 

~*~*~*~

RAOK: Write someone a letter

~*~*~*~

The Forgotten Carols Homeless
Composer Michael McLean
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mq-n9imiZc

Homeless, Homeless
Like the Christ child was
Homeless, Homeless
But there is hope because
He came down to earth to lead us
He vowed He'd never leave us
Homeless, Homeless
For in His love there is a home

Oh so Homeless, Homeless
Was His humble birth
He was Homeless, Homeless
And still He changed the earth
Nothing kept His heart from giving
Most of His life was living
Homeless, Homeless
He showed it's how we live,
Not where

When His homeless days on earth were done
(When His homeless days were done)
He went home to where we all came from

And He went to prepare
(He went to prepare)
A mansion for us there
(A mansion for us there)

He gave His whole life to lead us
And I know He'll never leave us
Homeless, Homeless
For in His love there is a home

(We are not Homeless, Homeless)
For in His love there is a home
(Like the Christ child was)
[repeat to end]

There is a home.

~*~*~*~

Tomato Basil Soup from Kari Mitchell

Melt 1 to 2 T of butter
Add about 1 c. chopped onions
Caramelize onions in butter-almost burned.  Exact amounts are not important-- its to taste and number of servings
Sauté tomatoes, diced
1 can tomato soup
1 can milk or half and half for more calories
Bunch of basil
Combine all ingredients. Bring to almost a boil--simmer until all flavors blend --30-40 minutes. Serve with cheese, croutons. Salt and Pepper to taste.

This recipe was created by my brother David.  I have used dried basil, but I think it tastes better with fresh basil.

~*~*~*~

Luke 9:58  And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

Statistics show that there were over 550,000 people living homeless each day in the US last year.  

Food banks, homeless shelters, and soup kitchens are NOT profitable businesses, most of them depend on donations.  This Christmas consider donating your time or your surplus,  helping those in need.  Every year many tons of clothing are donated to shelters.  About 3/4 of those clothing items are too old, torn, stained or even too moldy to give to anyone.  As we teach our children and ourselves to give, make sure that we are giving new or truly usable items.  If your children or grandchildren are giving toys, don’t give away the broken toys, the ones that are beaten up or abused.  Give them toys which can be treasured.  They might be the only ones those children will ever have.  Used toys, that are in good condition are a great thing.  Remember, they CAN be used, but they need to be USABLE.  Donating food is a good thing, just make sure the food is not past the expiration date.  If you choose to serve at a shelter, realize that many of the people there -- God’s children -- are mentally ill, or suffering from alcohol or drug addiction.  Others are there because their debts became too large to handle, or their marriages were unsafe, or because they were alone and had no reason to go on.  You won’t change the lives of those in the shelter in one visit, or even two, but they will change yours.   Look at the homeless through the Savior’s eyes this year, see the good in His children and do what you can. I live in a small community which has no shelters or soup kitchens, so what can I do?  We have a food bank here.  We have a Sub For Santa Program.  They accept food donations and donation of other items such as toothpaste, shampoo and SOCKS!  The homeless need new SOCKS! ~~ Marilee

~*~*~*~

Deuteronomy 15:11  For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.

~*~*~*~

The Homeless Person
Author unknown
extracted from  http://www.heavensinspirations.com/homeless-person.html

The parking lot filled rapidly on Sunday morning as members of the large church congregation filed into church. As usually happens in a church that size, each member had developed a certain comfort zone - a block of space within those four church walls that became theirs after the second or third sitting.

It was as much a part of their church experience as the recliner was to the television at home. Some of the older members had been sitting in the same row on the same side for several decades. A team of oxen could not have moved them to the opposite side of the church.

One morning a stranger stood at the edge of the parking lot near a dumpster. As families parked cars and piled out, they noticed him rummaging through the trash. "Oh no! I don't believe it," whispered a lady to her husband. "That's all we need -- a bunch of homeless people milling around here."

One worried little girl tugged on her dad's sleeve. "But Daddy..."

Daddy was busy sizing up the bearded stranger, whose baggy, outdated trousers and faded flannel shirt had dusted too many park benches.

"Don't stare at him, honey," he whispered, and hurried her inside.

Soft music filled the high-ceiling sanctuary as churchgoers settled into their usual spots. The choir sang an opening chorus, "In His presence there is comfort ... in His presence there is peace...".

Sunlight suddenly flooded the center aisle. The double doors swung open and the homeless man, sloppy and stooped, headed toward the front.

"Oh no, it's him!" somebody muttered.

"What does he think he's doing, anyway?" snapped an incredulous usher.

The stranger set his bagful of dumpster treasures on the very first pew which had been upholstered in an expensive soft teal fabric just three months ago. The music stopped. And before anyone had a chance to react, he ambled up the stairs and stood behind the fine, handcrafted oak podium, where he faced a wide-eyed congregation.

The disheveled stranger spoke haltingly at first, in a low, clear voice. Unbuttoning and removing his top layer of clothing, he described Jesus, and the love He has for all people.

"Jesus possesses a sensitivity and love that far surpasses what any of us deserves."

Stepping out of the baggy old trousers, the stranger went on to describe a forgiveness that is available to each and every one of us...without strings attached.

"Unconditionally He loves us. Unconditionally He gave His very life for us. Unconditionally and forever, we can have the peace and assurance that no matter who we are, where we've come from, or how badly we may have mistreated others or ourselves, there is hope."

"In Jesus, there is always hope."

"You see, my friends, it is never too late to change," the man continued.

"He is the Author of change, and the Provider of forgiveness. He came to bring new meaning to 'life'."

Men and women squirmed as reality hit them like an electrical current. The stranger tugged at his knotted gray beard, and removed it.

"I'm here to tell you that we are loved with a love far beyond human understanding, a love that enables us to accept and love others in return." Then tenderly he added, "Let's pray together."

That wise pastor - under the guise of a homeless "nobody" - did not preach a sermon that day, but every person left with plenty to think about.

~*~*~*~

Somehow, not only for Christmas,

But all the long year through, 

The joy that you give to others, 

Is the joy that comes back to you.

And the more you spend in blessing, 

The poor and lonely and sad, 

The more of your heart's possessing, 

Returns to you glad. 

John Greenleaf Whittier

December 3, 2018

I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. ~Charles Dickens

~*~*~*~

RAOK: Let the person behind you at the checkout go ahead of you.

~*~*~*~

Sidewalk Prophets - Hope Is Born This Night
video slide show
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4-WB8xZkJU


"Hope Was Born This Night"

Tonight I can see a star shine
And its splendor fills up the sky
It's the same that appeared and the wise men revered
When hope was born this night

Out upon the snowy fields
There's a silent peace that heals
And it echoes the grace of our Savior's embrace
Because hope was born this night

Glory to God in the highest
Peace on Earth, good will to all men
Let all of the world sing the chorus of joy
Because hope was born this night

I can hear the Christmas bells ring
As softly as a church choir sings
It's the song used to praise the ancient of days
When hope was born this night

There are angels in this place
And my heart resounds with the praise
Like a shepherd so scared, I'll rejoice and declare
That hope was born this night

Glory to God in the highest
Peace on Earth, good will to all men
Let all of the world sing the chorus of joy
Because hope was born this night

Gloria, Gloria
Gloria, Gloria
Oh Gloria

Gloria, Gloria
Oh Gloria
Gloria, Gloria

Glory to God in the highest
Peace on Earth, good will to all men
Let all the world sing the chorus of joy
Because hope was born this night

Glory to God in the highest
Peace on Earth, good will to all men
Let all the world sing the chorus of joy
Because hope was born this night

I know hope was born this night
Because Christ was born this night

~*~*~*~

Decorating idea:
Keep a Camera handy and snap family and friends as they enter, or pose near the tree. Post pictures on a bulletin board that is covered with pretty gift-wrap. 

~*~*~*~

Peach  Cobbler Dump Cake

2 - 16 oz cans peaches
1 - 18 oz. box yellow cake mix
2/3 c. cold butter
½ t. cinnamon

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Empty 1 can of peach into each of two 8" square cake pans.  Divide cake mix in half and sprinkle into each pan. Press firmly. Shred 1/3 c. butter evenly over each pan.  Sprinkle 1/4 r. cinnamon over top of each cake.  Bake for 40 minutes or until done.  Serve while still warm with ice cream.

~*~*~*~

There was a woman at the pool this morning.  She looked like she got dressed in the dark, forgot how to use a brush and didn't even have shoes on -- only socks!  Well, from what I understand, 6:30 came really early this morning.  She got out of bed, stumbled over to her dresser and grabbed a pair of pants without looking at them.  Then she went to the closet and grabbed a shirt (in the dark), put on her swimming suit, pants and coat and headed to the pool.  After water walking for about an hour and a half, she got out, went to the dressing room and opened her bag only to find that the shirt she grabbed was bright florescent orange and the pants were pink.  Her socks didn't match, and her shoes had holes in them. She had an appointment with the Physical Therapist and had to go.  There was no time to go home and change.    She  had to go to the store after that, and got some pretty strange stares.  She could have been laughed at, or mocked, but instead she had doors opened for her and people smiled and said hello. It is very easy to judge others, to look down on them because of what they do or what they wear or the color of their skin.  The people this morning didn't do that.  They treated her with kindness.  The Savior loves all of His children.  We need to make a special effort not to judge others at any time, but especially not at Christmas.  I'm sure that you've figured out by now that I was that lady.  This Christmas, let us love one another. ~~ Marilee

~*~*~*~

Samuel 16:7  But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.

~*~*~*~

"The Invitation" by Bob Perks
"Excuse me sir," the man said softly as he tried to stop a passerby.
But no one would stop to talk with him.
"I'm a stranger here in town. Could you help me find this place?," he said to one kind looking woman.
She passed him by, but stopped and turned around.
"What is it you are looking for?" she asked while keeping her distance.
"I received this invitation for a Christmas day feast. I'm new in town, you see. I don't know where this is."
She took the paper from his hand and then began to laugh.
"Oh, this!" she said and shook her head. "I wouldn't waste my time. It's in a part of town..." she paused for moment and giving the man a quick glance, continued.
"Sir, a man of your quality should not go there."
This man was a well dressed man. Although not wealthy, he gave the appearance of success.
She quickly pointed down the street and told him where to turn. "You'll know you're there when the houses look like run down shacks. Just past that mess, at the farthest end of the road you'll find him."
Just then a friend of hers came walking by. "Is everything okay?" he asked.
"Yes. He got one of old man Hanson's Christmas invitations and he wanted to know how to get there," she said.
"Oh, no! That's a joke." he said.
"Why, sir would you say that? I found it to be a wonderful, kind thing to do. I'm new here in town and I have no one to spend Christmas with this year."
"Well, I'd rather spend it alone then in that house. He passes them out every year and no one ever goes. You'd have to be desperate!" he said laughing and then dropped the invitation on the ground as they walked away.
"I am, I am alone in a town full of strangers for Christmas" replied the man as he reached down to retrieve the paper.
Reading it again out loud:
"Dear friend,
You are cordially invited to a feast. It begins at noon on Christmas Day.
Dress is casual and you are to bring nothing but your kind heart and gentle spirit.
There are no strangers. Just friends I haven't met."
222 Shady Brook Road
Your friend,
Jed Hanson"
The man set out, invitation in hand, to take part in a grand and glorious feast.
He walked past the old shacks the woman spoke about. Within each window were handmade decorations and the warmth and spirit of the day spilled out into the streets with the laughter of the neighborhood children.
There, at the end of the road, was a house not much better than the ones he passed.
He carefully stepped onto the porch and knocked gently on the door. Waiting another minute he tapped on window pane hoping to get someone's attention.
"I must be early. Where is everyone?" he said as he peeked through the window curtains.
Suddenly the door opened wide.
"Yes, my friend you are here for the feast?" the old man asked.
There standing in the doorway was Mr. Jed Hanson. He was dressed in an old carefully patched sweater, faded blue dress pants, white shirt and old neck tie. He motioned for him to enter.
"I'm sorry, I must be early."
"Not at all, my friend. Please come in it is about to begin."
Turning toward the adjacent room he saw a magnificent table laid out before him filled with all kinds of food and festive goodies for the holiday.
"There is so much. How many people attend this feast?"
"You are the first and only one, my friend."
"I can't believe that. With all of this, it is more than I even imagined. Why wouldn't you have hundreds of people here?"
"It is a sad fact. It is all based on their perception of me. I am a simple man, dressed in simple clothes. By today's standards I look poor and unworthy of anyone's attention. My home is old and worn, too. So no one chooses to enter," he said. Then pulling out the chair at the head of the table, he motioned to the man to sit.
"Once you learn the true value of this experience your life changes forever."
"What is the lesson here?"
"Every human being is like this house. Although on the outside we may look tattered and torn, it is what is on the inside that makes the difference. You accepted my invitation even after seeing me. You saw something inside of me that no one else did. Then upon seeing the home in which I reside, you did not turn away."
"I saw you as no different than I. Although your clothing gave the impression of a troubled soul, the spirit of your invitation told me you were sincere. When I saw your house, I thought nothing of it because I was focused on the feast within."
"There, my good friend, is the lesson. Every human being has value. Every situation in life, good or bad, has within it a valuable lesson."
My friend, life is a banquet and God has already given you, "The Invitation."
Won't you join us? "I believe in you!" Bob Perks
Bob@BobPerks.com
Please don't remove my name and contact info!
If you are about to copy this story to share with your friends, please leave my name, email address. It is a copyrighted story and cannot be edited in any manner. Thanks!
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Thank you, Bob for giving permission to use your story ~~ Marilee
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December 2, 2018

Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time. ~Laura Ingalls Wilder

~*~*~*~

RAOK: Hold the door open for people at church, smile and tell them “welcome”.

~*~*~*~

When Love Was Born

One Voice Children’s Choir

Video

www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FeV9_XExSg&list=PLoOowgBMKI0adb8a1JM95fkCPt4hdogv2

Starlight shines, the night is still

Shepherds watch from a hill

I close my eyes, see the night

When love was born

Perfect child gently waits

A mother bends to kiss God's face

I close my eyes, see the night

When love was born

Angels fill the midnight sky, they sing

Hallelujah, He is Christ, our King

Emmanuel, Emmanuel --

He is the prince of peace,

Alleluia, Allelu

Emmanuel, Prince of peace

Loves come down for you and me

Heaven's gift, the holy spark

To let the way inside our hearts

Bethlehem, through your small door

Came the hope we've waited for

The world was changed forevermore

When love was born

I close my eyes, see the night

When love was born

~*~*~*~

Good Sabbath, everyone.  We keep things simple on Sundays ~~ Marilee

~*~*~*~

James 5:15 - And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

~*~*~*~

A Legend

Author unknown

There’s a beautiful legend

That’s never been told

It may have been known 

To the Wise Men of old

How three little children

Came early at dawn,

With hearts that were sad,

To where Jesus was born.

One could not see,

One was too lame to play,

While the other, a mute,

Not a word could he say.

Yet, led by His star,

They came there to peep

At the little Lord Jesus

With eyes closed in sleep.

But how could the Christ child,

So lovely and fair,

Not waken and smile

When he heard their glad prayer

Of hope at His coming,

Of faith in His birth,

Of praise at His bringing

God’s peace to the earth?

And then, as the light

Softly came through the door,

The lad that was lame

Stood upright once more.

The boy that was mute 

Started sweetly to sing,

While the child that was blind,

Looked with joy on the King!

December 1, 2018

Christmas may be a day of feasting, or of prayer, but always it will be a day of remembrance–a day in which we think of everything we have ever loved.  Augusta E. Randel

~*~*~*~

Christmas is a time when we find our way back home, whether in person or in our hearts. It's a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus, relive childhood memories, continue cherished traditions, and share hospitality and good will with others. It is a privilege for me to share my love of Jesus Christ with you.

“Our world is full of unrest... people strike out in anger and rage, hatred seems everywhere. It’s “us” whoever “us” is, versus “them.”  Each letter this year will include ideas to help us serve each other, to help move past the “usses” and “thems”.  We must not let the influence of evil overpower the influence of good. Eleanor Roosevelt said, “It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it.  Do those words sound  familiar?  I wrote them several years ago” --

It was 2001 to be exact, then I repeated them last year, and find them even more appropriate now.   This past year, we have experienced acts of violence and terrorism against innocents, as well as devastating hurricanes, floods, earthquakes and fires.  We need the peace only Our Savior can bring.  We need love this Christmas.  Mahatma Ghandi told us to be the change we want to see in this world.   Let us begin changing our world with acts of service and kindness.  The National Random Act Of Kindness Day is celebrated on Feb 17 in the US.  This year we, the readers of this blog,  are going to have a National Month of Kindness in December.  There will be Random Act of Kindness suggestions daily.  They are simple easy things, use them, or come up with your own.  Hopefully the more we do, the more positive our surroundings will be, and the more those around us will reach out and touch others. Positivity is contagious!  The gift of peace will enter our lives (and the lives of those around us) as we follow the Master.  

Throughout the month of December, I will be sending easy recipes, and decorating and craft ideas.  Many of these will be linked directly to pinterest, or other similar sites.  With very few exceptions, they are all projects which children can help make.  There will be stories, poems, scriptures and thoughts about Christmas.  This year’s music (found on youtube) represents my favorites from the past 20 years (Can you believe that I’ve been doing this that long?)  There are a few from years long past, so the style of music is a different.  There are  wonderful videos with some of them and they will be marked as video.  Others will be marked as audio recordings or lyric recordings (which have the words included with the video.)  Happy December, my friends ~~ Marilee

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The Touch of The Master's Hand 
by Myra Brooks Welch
extracted from https://allpoetry.com/The-Touch-of-the-Master's-Hand

'Twas battered and scarred, and the auctioneer
      Thought it scarcely worth his while
To waste much time on the old violin,
      But held it up with a smile.
"What am I bidden, good folks," he cried,
    "Who'll start the bidding for me?"
"A dollar, a dollar. Then two! Only two?
      Two dollars, and who'll make it three?"

"Three dollars, once; three dollars, twice;
      Going for three…" But no,
From the room, far back, a grey-haired man
      Came forward and picked up the bow;
Then wiping the dust from the old violin,
      And tightening the loosened strings,
He played a melody pure and sweet,
      As a caroling angel sings.

The music ceased, and the auctioneer,
      With a voice that was quiet and low,
Said: "What am I bid for the old violin?"
      And he held it up with the bow.
"A thousand dollars, and who'll make it two?
      Two thousand! And who'll make it three?
Three thousand, once; three thousand, twice,
    And going and gone," said he.

The people cheered, but some of them cried,
    "We do not quite understand.
What changed its worth?" Swift came the reply:
    "The touch of the Master's hand."
And many a man with life out of tune,
      And battered and scarred with sin,
Is auctioned cheap to the thoughtless crowd
      Much like the old violin.

A "mess of pottage," a glass of wine,
    A game — and he travels on.
He is "going" once, and "going" twice,
    He's "going" and almost "gone."
But the Master comes, and the foolish crowd
    Never can quite understand
The worth of a soul and the change that is wrought
    By the touch of the Master's hand.

Myra Welch would say that she heard a speaker address a group of students on the power of God to bring out the best in people. She said she herself became filled with light and that “Touch of the Master’s Hand” was written in 30 minutes!.
The finished poem was sent anonymously to the editor of her local church news bulletin. She felt it was a gift from God and didn’t need her name on it.

~*~*~*~

Random Act of Kindness (hereafter abbreviated as RAOK):  Smile at someone you see on the street or in store.  It’s a simple thing to do, but for someone in need, it can make their day.

~*~*~*~

Craft Idea:
Mason Jar Christmas Tree
https://www.countryliving.com/diy-crafts/tips/g2132/mason-jar-christmas-crafts/?slide=4

~*~*~*~

Matthew 6:11  Give us this day our daily bread.

This December, I want to bake more bread.  I love the smell of baking bread--the way it fills every corner of the house.  I love that moment when you take that crusty, golden loaf from the oven, cool it a little and then gently tip it out of the pan.  I slather the loaf with melted butter, then it’s  “Oh, what a feast!".  Bread is something to savor and share.  Fresh bread never lasts long in our house, even with the kids gone. We gobble it up.

I imagine that Mary made bread, and that Jesus grew up loving it, the same way that my children did.  Bread was very important to him.  He referenced it often.  John 6:51  I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.  In the Lord’s prayer, we read “Give us this day our daily bread.” John 6:35 reads, “And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” And in Matthew 26:26 we read ¶ And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.  

Bread is the symbol, not just of life, but of eternal life.

~*~*~*~

When Joseph Went To Bethlehem
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QW0nNB5Px8&list=RD7QW0nNB5Px8&start_radio=1

When Joseph went to Bethlehem
I think he took great care
To place his tools and close his shop
And leave no shavings there.
He urged the donkey forward,
Then, with Mary on its back,
And carried bread and goat cheese
In a little linen sack.

I think there at the busy inn
That he was meek and mild
And awed to be the guardian
Of Mary's sacred Child.
Perhaps all through the chilly hours
He smoothed the swaddling bands,
And Jesus felt the quiet strength of
Joseph's gentle hands.

And close beside the manger bed
He dimmed the lantern's light,
And held the little Jesus close upon
That holy night.

~*~*~*~

Easy Artesan Bread Recipe
1 T active dry yeast
1 T sugar
1 T salt (I actually cut the salt back by about half)
2 c warm water 
5 1/2 to 6 cups All-Purpose Flour
cornmeal or flour for dusting cookie sheet
boiling water
I have a Kitchen Aid mixer which I make the dough in, but am including instructions for those who make it by hand.
In a large bowl mix together the yeast, sugar, salt and water. Let this stand until the yeast is dissolved. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time to the liquid and mix thoroughly until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface to knead.
Knead the bread for 5 minutes sprinkling only enough flour to prevent sticking.  Let the dough rest for a few minutes, then knead it for 3 - 5 minutes more. Place the bread in a well greased bowl and turn it over once to grease the top.  Cover with a damp towel and keep warm until the bread doubles in bulk ( about 1 ½ to 2 hours)  
Return the dough to the bowl and turn it over once to grease the top. Cover bowl with a damp towel and keep warm until the dough doubles in bulk, about 1 to 2 hours.
Punch down the dough and briefly knead out any air bubbles. Cut the dough in half and shape 2 round or oval loaves.  Place the loaves on a cookie sheet generously sprinkled with cornmeal. Let the loaves rest for 5 minutes. Lightly slash the tops of the loaves 3 or more times diagonally and brush with cold water.  Slide loaves onto baking stone in a cold oven. Bake at 400°F for 35 to 45 minutes, until the loaves are golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.  Bake to internal temperature of 190 degrees.

I don't think Christmas is necessarily about things.  It's about being good to one another, it's about the Christian ethic, it's about kindness.  Carrie Fisher

~*~**~***~**~*~

Luke 2:6-7, 57

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

~*~**~***~**~*~

Do You Have Room?
Written by
sung by April Meservy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jR7lo9ycKBA

They journeyed far, a weary pair,
They sought for shelter from the cold night air.
Some place where she could lay her head,
Where she could give her Babe a quiet bed.
Was there no room?  No corner there?
In all the town a spot someone could share?
Was there no soul come to their aid?
A stable bare was where the family stayed.

Do you have room for the Savior?
And do you seek Him anew?
Have you a place for the one who lived and died for you?
Are you as humble as a shepherd boy,
Or as wise as men of old?
Would you have come that night?
Would you have sought the light?
Do you have room?

A star arose, a wondrous light
A sign from God this was the Holy Night
And yet so few would go to see
The babe who came to rescue you and me.
This child divine is now a King
The gift of life to all the world He brings
And all mankind, He saves from doom
but on that night for Him there was no room

Do you have room for the Savior?
And do you seek Him anew?
Have you a place for the one who lived and died for you?
Are you as humble as a shepherd bo,
Or as wise as men of old?
Would you have come that night?
Would you have sought the light?
Do you have room?

Will you come tonight?
Will you seek the light?
Do you have room?

~*~**~***~**~*~

“Another year is over, thank you for allowing me to share with you my love of and faith in Jesus Christ.”  For 21 years I have had the privilege of sharing these messages.  I apologize for the computer problems which prevented me from completing the series.  Today’s message will inclue both a poem (from yesterday) and a story of service.  Additional items will be posted to my blog. 
One final thought, “When I consider thy heavens, the work of the fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou has ordained; “what is man that though art mindful of him?” (Psalms 8:3-4 ) who am I that thou art mindful of me?  As Christmas approaches, each of us should open our hearts to receive once again a witness that Christ was born as the Savior of the world, that He lives, and that because of Him, we will live again.  We should determine in our hearts and minds to listen to the message of the angels, to walk with the shepherds and to join the wise men and seek our Lord.  Remember, “feed my sheep, feed my sheep, feed my sheep ~~ Marilee

~*~**~***~**~*~

SANTA'S PRAYER
Author Unknown

He knelt beside the manger bed,
A tear was in his eye.
His jolly laugh and manner gone,
As he heard the baby sigh.

Sweet sleeping child, I never meant
To push aside your birth,
To lose you in the tinsel,
Or trade gifts for things of worth.

It seems that long forgotten
Is the star o'er Bethlehem,
Angels voices, shepherds watching,
Cattle lowing, and a lamb.

Unremembered is the rag-wrapped baby,
Born to be a King,
Amid the gifts and stockings
That Santa Claus will bring.

I only meant to spread some hope
To all the sons of earth.
And share the joy in giving
Like the wise men at your birth.

I wanted just to see some peace
In a world so torn with strife.
I only brought presents and candy,
You gave them eternal life.

Still kneeling there with a tear stained face,
He saw the eyelid lift.
'Twas almost as if he heard these words,
'Dear Santa, I accept your gift.

It was with love and selflessness,
You acted on your plan.
And with every gift, a part of me
Was delivered to the hearts of man.

I may be right now overlooked
By those who are lost or weak
But I'm still here for each of them,
They only have to seek.

~*~**~***~**~*~

Just Detours
A. Brian Fielder
https://www.inspirationalstories.com/3/340.html

I have a little story I thought I would share with all of you. I recently relocated, bought a house and moved in the first weekend of July.
Since I have been in my new neighborhood, I have had the pleasure of meeting a few of my neighbors who seem to be extremely nice people. For Christmas, I thought I would do something nice for each of the neighbors that I know. I sat down and counted. There were nine neighbors whom I knew by name or spoke with often when I was out in my yard. I also knew which houses they lived in.
I decided to add one more person to my list for a total of ten. This lady that I decided to add lives down the street from me. I meet her every morning walking to work as I drive down the street. She always manages a contagious smile and a hearty wave. I had no idea what her name was and not even sure which house she lived in.
My gift idea was to make small fruit baskets and leave them on each of my neighbor's front porches or door steps the night of Christmas Eve for them to find, either that night or the next morning. I signed the cards: "Happy Holidays from 5104 Northumberland Road."
I saved the friendly lady for last, since I was still not exactly sure where she lived. I finally decided upon a house down about where I met her each morning and felt relatively sure that it was hers.
My neighbors really appreciated the baskets and would tell me as they saw me in the yard or they would call, and a couple even came by to thank me.
This morning on my way to work, I placed my mail in the mailbox and noticed a small note inside. It was addressed simply -- Resident, 5104 Northumberland Road.
I opened the envelope and took out a Thank You card. I opened the card and read the message which really caught me by surprise.
The card said. "Thank you for the lovely fruit basket you left on the porch of Richard Kelly. It was very thoughtful. Richard Kelly passed away on January 19, 1999. He never stopped talking about how nice it was that someone remembered him in his time of illness. He really appreciated it."
I was sincerely stunned. I had no idea who Richard Kelly was or that he had been gravely ill. I had left that nice lady's basket on Mr. Kelly's porch by accident. I wanted to say by mistake, but that would be wrong. I believe that Richard Kelly was meant to have that basket and the Lord knew that he only had less than a month to live. I hate that the nice lady did not get to receive a fruit basket from me this Christmas, but I believe that if she knew what happened, she would have had outcome no other way.
I feel blessed to have helped Richard Kelly's last days be more cheerful. This just further reinforces my belief that there are never any mistakes in life -- just detours, shortcuts, and small excursions along the way.