For those of you who have lost someone or are dealing a sense of grief, or sorrow, today’s blog involves coping with loss, sorrow and death during the holidays.  I wanted to let you know in case some of you are not comfortable reading about this subject.  My comments are italicized.

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A Christmas candle is a lovely thing;

It makes no noise at all,

But softly gives itself away.

~Eva Logue

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Luke 2:10
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

Nat King Cole - A Cradle in Bethlehem
audio
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5EBVHnLUlE

Sing sweet and low your lullaby till angels say amen
 A mother tonight is rocking a cradle in Bethlehem

While wise men follow through the dark a star that beckons them, 
a mother tonight is rocking a cradle in Bethlehem

A little child shall lead them, the prophet said of old
In storm and tempest lead them until the bell is tolled

Sing sweet and low your lullaby till angels say amen
 A mother tonight is rocking a cradle in Bethlehem

Sing sweet and low your lullaby till angels say amen
 A mother tonight is rocking a cradle in Bethlehem

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RAOK: Call your grandparents, or another family member if your grandparents are no longer with you. 


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Snowman Luminary
https://www.countryliving.com/diy-crafts/tips/g2132/mason-jar-christmas-crafts/?slide=14


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 Apple FRITTERS from Darlene

Peel and core 2 apples,slice into 1/4 inch thick rings.  Toss with 1 c. buttermilk and 2 T sugar.  Whisk 1 1/2 c. flour with a pinch each of cinnamon and salt.  Dredge the apples in flour, then return to to the buttermilk, then dredge in flour again.  Deep fry in 350 degree oil until crisp drain on paper towels, sprinkle with sugar

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Happy Thanksgiving!  Merry Christmas!  Happy New Year!  Holidays are supposed to be happy, right?  Peaceful? Calm? Loving?  I think that for many of us, they are.  But there are many who are dealing with sorrow and grief.  For them, Christmas is something to be survived rather than enjoyed.  While those of us who love and care for them can’t take the pain away, we can give comfort.  We have been commanded to:   
Isaiah 40:1 Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. 
1 Thessalonians 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
I’m not a psychologist, or a sociologist or anyone trained in those kind of fields, but I have worked with Hospice for almost 20 years.  I have also lost many who are close to me.  My mother's funeral was 2 days before Thanksgiving.  My sister died on New Year’s Day.  I’ve lost 2 other sisters, my father, and all of my aunts and uncles.  I can tell you from experience, that they I miss them.  I'm lucky because they live on in my memories and are still in my heart.  I often think about them during the holidays and and wish they were here to share the good times. Social  situations can be very hard for those who are grieving.  If you know someone who is going to be at a gathering, offer to take them, to stand with them, to be near so that they are not alone.  Take them home when they want to go.  Please don’t tell them not to grieve, that right is theirs. And if they cry, tears are not the enemy.  They are not a reflection of a lack of faith.  Tears are a reflection of the worth of the person who is gone.  It’s important to listen.  Let them tell their stories, listen to them.  Did I mention to listen to them, you don't have to talk -- just listen!  If you have pictures, take them, share them.  Every time I hear the words to A Cradle in Bethlehem, I think of my mom.  It's a good memory.  She loved that song.  It’s hard sometimes to remember why we should be happy at Christmas.  The answer is because a baby was born in Bethlehem, over 2,000 years ago, a baby whose birth brought hope to the world.  That hope still lives.  Whether your sorrow comes from job problems, unemployment, marital problems, divorce, struggles with rebellious children, or just wishing that things were different, you’re not alone.  The answer is always the same.  Hope comes through Our Savior, Jesus christ.   John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. ~~ Marilee

I wrote this story and used it in an email in 2001.

~~~
"Love you, Mom"
"Hi, Mom. I’m sorry I’m late, but I just couldn’t get away any earlier. You know how it is. The kids are so busy–it seems like I spend more time in the car running them places than I do anywhere else. Yesterday I had to take Greg to piano lessons–he’s getting ready for a recital, Pam to gymnastics and Pete to cub scouts. We got stuck in a traffic jam on the freeway, and were almost two hours late getting home. I just “knew” that Brent would be mad, but he wasn’t. I walked in the house and there was Christmas music playing and Brent had the table set and dinner was ready–hot dogs and canned chili! Boy, do I love that man.... Yes, I know mom, he was your Christmas present for me. You’ll never let me forget that you saw him first, will you? I still don’t understand how you did it. One look at him standing there in the hallway by my dorm room with that box of Christmas decorations you sent and I was lost. He stayed and helped me put them up, and then we popped popcorn and made hot chocolate and talked about skiing and blue skies and college and life and dating and marriage. You name it, we talked about it. We always could talk together, Mom. I’m glad. I’ve needed someone to talk to lately. It’s okay, mom, but it hasn’t been easy... I don’t want to talk about that, though...not now. Remember how you always said that you hoped I’d have a daughter just like me? Boy, do I! Pam proved it again, Mom. She was snooping and opened the basement closet I hid all of the things from Santa in. That closet hasn’t been used in years! I was so sure it was safe. Oh well, none of the presents were wrapped, so I’m going to have to take the presents "we" got for the kids and trade them for the ones from "Santa." I’m just lucky she didn’t find ALL of them. Remember the year I found the presents that Aunt Shirley hid at our house? I thought they were from you and Dad so I opened them. I played with them every day and even broke a couple. Aunt Shirley was so mad! She said I’d come to no good that was for sure. But you believed in me, mom, didn’t you? Christmas makes me smile all over, mama. I still remember the year we slept under the Christmas tree. What was I? ... 5? ... maybe 6? When I woke up the next morning, I knew that Santa and the elves had been there because I was covered in angel dust –silver glitter. That was magic, Mom, and I loved it. Santa Claus and angels! We were the only ones who knew the secret–that Santa’s elves were really angels. Every year after that, when I woke up on Christmas morning, I’d find sprinkles of glitter all over me. I always felt so good because every year I knew the angels loved me. That was the best present ever, Mom... uh-oh, I can’t believe it’s so late. I’ve got to leave now to get Daddy. He’s doing pretty good. We’ll be back in an hour or so. We’re going to set up a tree for you, mama--right here. See, I’ve made the perfect spot for it, and next spring we'll plant some roses. Tonight I'm going to tell the kids about sleeping under the tree. In the morning, after we’ve opened our presents, we’ll bring the kids here--it's such a peaceful place. They’ll see angel dust on the ground and a little bag of glitter under the tree. When they find it, they’ll remember waking up with glitter all over their hair and face and pillows and realize that they have their very own Christmas Angel, mom... The best one of all! Love you mom. "Merry Christmas."

When it’s Christmas, man is bigger and is better in his part; he is keener for the service that is prompted by the heart. All the petty thoughts seem to vanish for a while, and the true reward he’s seeking is the glory of a smile. Then for others he is toiling and somehow it seems to me that at Christmas he is almost what God wanted him to be. Edgar A. Guest

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RAOK:  If you spill something on the counter , wipe it up.

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Angels We Have Heard on High (Christmas w/ 32 fingers and 8 thumbs) - The Piano Guys
Instrumental with really fun video
www.youtube.com/watch?v=n543eKIdbUI

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Luke 2:10-11
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

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BERRY Smoothies
1 c. orange juice
1 c. fresh strawberries
1 c. fresh raspberries
1 c. blueberries
1 handful spinach
3 c. ice cubes

Combine all ingredients in a blender and process at high speed until smooth.

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We have a special needs grandson.  Over the past 5 years, I have had the opportunity to spend a great deal of time with him in his home.  He has also spent a lot of time here.  It has not always been easy.  He can be very aggressive at times and we don’t know how to help him. He’s our grandson, and he is a precious child of God.  We love him very much, I love him very much.   One day I was sitting in the recliner at my daughter’s home, crocheting, and he walked into the room.  I asked him what he wanted and he said, “Hold Luc.”  He climbed onto my lap and laid his head on my shoulder.  He was content just to sit there, to feel loved.  What a joyous memory.  At times he asks me, “Pomma (that’s his name for me) love me?”  “Papa (grandpa) love me?”  The answer is always yes.   This morning I thought to myself that I am a lot like Lucas.  I make mistakes.  Sometimes I break the rules.  Sometimes I’m unsure about myself and where I fit into God’s plan.  Does he still love me as imperfect as I am ?  The answer is “yes.”  Our Savior, Jesus Christ loves each of us.  There are times when I simply want to be with Him, to climb onto His lap and to feel safe and secure, just like Lucas.  Obviously, I can’t do that, but I know that He is always there.  I can go to Him in prayer and feel His comforting support.  I can read the scriptures and draw strength and guidance from them.  He came to earth as a tiny baby in Bethlehem to bring us hope.  He sacrificed his own life to give us life everlasting. This Christmas, let us share His stories, and help others around us to understand His love.  Let us go about doing good. ~~ Marilee

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This internet site has 25 fun projects which can be made with children of all ages.  As you teach your children of Christ, tie in these ornaments.  Help them make them.  Give them for gifts with plates of goodies for neighbors and friends.  Let the children explain what they represent 

http://www.southernmadesimple.com/25-days-of-christ-centered-christmas-crafts-for-kids/

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Shine for me Again: Star of Bethlehem
by Sherri O. Bird

The night was long, we traveled far,
at times I looked but could not see the star.
Yet still it shone
unveiling then the way to Bethlehem.
My heart held fear mid puzzled joy,
for I was only a small shepherd boy.
And on a hillside soft and green,
I heard an angel sing.

I saw the midnight sky aflame
with radiant angels bathed in light, holy light.
Bringing word that Christ was born and beckoning to find him,
go and find him.
A sweeter face I ne’er will see
Than of those loving eyes smiling up at me.
I found a King;
I found a friend that night in Bethlehem.

But life goes on, years beyond one brief night of my youth.
Time clouds my vision of truth, of truth
And tho I stumble and fall I can hear someone call,
"Do not despair, your star is still there."
That Christmas night so long ago has filled my life with light because I know
that he lives now as he did then, a King in Bethlehem,
Whose love never ends. Shine for me again,
Star of Bethlehem.

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 — 

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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! 

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RAOK: Write someone a letter

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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

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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

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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. 

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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.

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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

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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.

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"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!
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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

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

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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

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

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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.

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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!