“If you desire to find the true spirit of Christmas and partake of the sweetness of it, let me make this suggestion to you. During the hurry of the festive occasion of this Christmas season, find time to turn your heart to God. Perhaps in the quiet hours, and in a quiet place, and on your knees—alone or with loved ones—give thanks for the good things that have come to you, and ask that His Spirit might dwell in you as you earnestly strive to serve Him and keep His commandments. He will take you by the hand and His promises will be kept.” Howard W. Hunter 

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RAOK: Write a nice comment on your friend's blog or fb wall

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Celtic Woman - ''The First Noel''
Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_PeUWgc1KU
The first Noel, the angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds
In fields as they lay
In fields where they
Lay keeping their sheep
On a cold winter's night
That was so deep

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel

They looked up
And saw a star
Shining in the the East
Beyond them far
And to the earth it
It gave great light
And so it continued
Both day and night

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.

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No matter how busy you are or how much you need to get done this holiday season, give your wallet a break and enjoy some of these fun ideas: Share some of your ideas with us in the comment section.

1. Have a pot luck supper.  We did pot luck soups, and had a group of friends over and talked and laughed and had a great, no stress evening
2.  Drive around and see the lights.  If you see some lights you really enjoy, stop, run to the door in your best elfish style, put a thank you card on it or a candy cane, just a little something to let them know all of their work was appreciated :)
3.  Go to a church service. Acknowledging the true reason we celebrate Christmas can be a joyful experience.
4.  Smile :) sometimes we get so busy that we forget to stop and enjoy the moment.  Smile.  It will relax you and brighten the day of the person you smiled at.

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A Snowy Christmas Eve in Hershey During the Depression (True Story About Milton Hershey)
extracted from https://www.democraticunderground.com/107461
J. P. Zenger

Milton Hershey was 79 years old. He had built from scratch a model town, a chocolate company that employed thousands, and an orphanage that housed and provided education for 1,500 children (which included my orphaned dad at this time). Mr. Hershey had just suffered a severe stroke after the divisive labor strike. It was Christmas Eve during one of the worst years in the Great Depression.

Because of the stroke, Mr. Hershey's doctor had ordered him to stay in his home. A nurse was often posted by the doctor to make sure he didn't sneak out. This was a big change for a man who had been constantly on the move everyday - visiting his farms, the orphanage, his many businesses and his sugar operations and a second orphanage in Cuba.

His wife had suffered serious illnesses and had never been able to have children. Soon after his beloved wife died decades earlier, Mr. Hershey had quietly donated almost his entire fortune to the orphanage. (The gift was not publicly revealed until several years later, by an investigative reporter in a front page article in the New York Times.)

His home was actually only two rooms in an upstairs corner of the Mansion. He allowed a club to use the rest of the building.

On a snowy Christmas Eve, Mr. Hershey had sent his nurse, driver and housekeeper home to be with their families, leaving him alone and in poor health in the large building.

Before Mr. Hershey's driver went home for the night, he convinced Mr. Hershey to go for a short drive around town. Mr. Hershey had not been out for some time and was very disappointed to see so little activity around the town. No one was out on the street and most of the homes seemed empty. Even the churches were dark and quiet on Christmas Eve. He was driven back to his home, feeling depressed. There seemed to be so little Christmas spirit in the town he had built.

His driver suggested he get some fresh air on the balcony. Mr. Hershey walked out and saw some candles below.

Hundreds of people from the choirs of every church in Hershey were below - singing "Silent Night." They had hidden their cars on a side road so they would not be noticed.

"Merry Christmas, Mr. Hershey" yelled the son of one of the chocolate workers. Mr. Hershey waved, but was speechless. He finally yelled out "And Merry Christmas to you, son!"

Mr. Hershey recovered, was rejuvenated and went on to lead the company and the orphanage MHS for another 8 years, including the years of World War II, when the company's products included a vitamin- enriched melt-resistant chocolate for the troops.


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The orphanage was renamed the Milton Hershey School and today continues to provide completely free education, housing and medical care (and college funds) for 1,800 needy kids. That school continues to be largely funded by the annual profits from Mr. Hershey's candy company.

“And when we give each other Christmas gifts in His name, let us remember that He has given us the sun and the moon and the stars, and the earth with its forests and mountains and oceans--and all that lives and move upon them. He has given us all green things and everything that blossoms and bears fruit and all that we quarrel about and all that we have misused--and to save us from our foolishness, from all our sins, He came down to earth and gave us Himself.”  Sigrid Undset 

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RAOK: If you see a vehicle trying to change lanes or exit a parking lot with difficulty (i.e., no one will let them in), stop, give them a friendly wave and let them enter your lane safely.

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What Child Is This? (Christmas) Reese Oliveira w/Masa Fukuda & Brynnley S. LIGHTtheWORLD
video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRC6YSgdtGE

What child is this, who, laid to rest,
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The babe, the son of Mary.

So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Come, peasant, king, to own him.
The King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone him.
Raise, raise a song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
The babe, the Son of Mary.

The babe, the son of Mary.

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 Jello Poke Cake from Shelley
1 loaf frozen pound cake, thawed at room temp
2 cups whipped topping
3/4 c. boiling water
1 - 3 oz  package of cherry jello
1/4 c. cold water
 1 ounce semi-sweet chocolate 1 1/2 c. cherry pie filling, divided
Pierce cake with skewer at 1/2 inch interval, poking skewr through cake to bottom of pan.

Add boiling water to jello, stir until completely dissolved.  Stir in cold water; spoon over cake.  Refrigerate 1 hour.  Make curls from chocolate.

Invert cake onto platter.  Cut cake horizontally in half.  Spread bottom of cake with 1/3 c. cool whip, cover with 1 c. pie filling and top layer of cake .  Frost with remaining cool whip.  Garnish with remaining pie filling and chocolate curls.

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Matthew 2:11 ¶ And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh


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When I was growing up, our family did a lot of traveling by car. Mom and Dad rode in the front seat, with Dennis between them while Lee, Suzy and I sat in the backseat.  I was the youngest of the 3 of us backseaters, so I would start out in the middle.  I did a lot of grumbling.  I moaned. I groaned. When that did no good, I demanded a window seat because I felt sick.  I almost always got moved to the window when I pulled out the car sickness card because the truth of the matter was that I DID get car sick.  No one wanted to be between me and the window when that happened.   Suzy got her revenge at night by kicking me in bed.  One morning, Dad woke us up in what I thought was the middle of the night insisting we get an early start because it was going to be 120 degrees in Barstow that day and he wanted to get through there before we cooked to death. This was back in the days before air conditioning was standard in cars.  I grumbled.  I moaned.  I groaned.  None of it did any good.  I stuck out my lower lip and I pouted!  Then I looked out the hotel window and saw the most glorious sight I’d ever seen.  I saw the sun rise in the sky.  The colors were so beautiful that I asked my parents if that was where God lived, if we had found Heaven.  They laughed at me, but in my heart I believed that I had seen Heaven and that it was beautiful.   I was so good all that day!  All of my life I have longed to see Heaven again.  In 1 Corinthians 2:9 we read “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”  What a glorious place it must be, even more beautiful than my sunrise.  And just think, it’s all made possible through the love of Our Savior, Jesus Christ who entered this world as a tiny innocent child and grew to be the trail blazer, the path setter, the guide for all of us who wish to find our way to Heaven. Let us follow Him and love Him this Christmas season and always~~ Marilee

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‘Twas The Night Jesus Came

'Twas the night Jesus came and all through the house, 

not a person was praying, not one in the house.

The Bible was left on the shelf without care, 

for no one thought Jesus would come there.

The children were dressing to crawl into bed, 

not once ever kneeling or bowing their head.

And Mom in the rocking chair with babe on her lap, 

was watching the Late Show as I took a nap.

When out of the east there rose such a clatter, 

I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash, 

tore open the shutters and lifted the sash.

When what to my wondering eyes should appear, 

but Angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.

The light of His face made me cover my head, 

it was Jesus returning just like He'd said.

And though I possess worldly wisdom and wealth, 

I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.

In the Book of Life which he held in his hand, 

was written the name of every saved man.

He spoke not a word as he searched for my name, 

when He said "it's not here," my head hung in shame.

The people whose names had been written with love, 

He gathered to take to his Father above.

With those who were ready He rose without sound, 

while all of the others were left standing around.

I fell to my knees but it was too late, 

I'd waited too long and thus sealed my fate.

I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight, 

Oh, if only I'd known that this was the night.

In the words of this poem the meaning is clear 

the coming of Jesus is now drawing near.

There's only one life and when comes the last call, 

We'll find out that the Bible was true after all.

"I truly believe that if we keep telling the Christmas story, singing the Christmas songs, and living the Christmas spirit, we can bring joy and happiness and peace to this world." -Norman Vincent Peale

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RAOK: Put down your cell phone or turn away from the screen when someone is talking to you

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To say that I am “directionally challenged” is an understatement.  Give me a map, and I will be very hard pressed to find north.  Maps and I have little in common.  We don’t speak the same language.  I plan to finish my Christmas shopping this week.  I texted my daughter and got the name of this little boutique which my granddaughter loves.  A gift card from there would be perfect!  I tried to find the store on maps (a phone app).  It gave me the name of the shopping mall it is in, but no instructions on how to find it once I get to the mall.  I had to call my daughter and get directions.  I trust her ability to get me there.  Rachel understood me and gave me visual clues of what I will see when I need to turn (turn left at Target, but instead of going into their parking lot, turn right and go around the corner.  It’s the the third store on the right).  Her instructions are simple and concise. There’s someone else I trust very much to give me instructions.  Jeremiah 17:7 - Blessed [is] the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. I trust in Him.  As I think about this earth life, I think about how much I want to return to live with my Father in Heaven.  Fortunately, the Savior gave me a map I could follow.  You can follow it too.  John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him (substitute your name for “him”), I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.  Learn of Him, follow in His footsteps and he will lead us home. ~ Marilee

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CARAMELS
1 c. butter or margarine
2 1/4 c packed brown sugar
dash salt
1 c. light corn syrup
1 15-oz. can sweetened condensed milk
1 t. vanilla
Melt butter in heavy 3-quart saucepan. Add sugar and salt. Stir thoroughly. Stir in corn syrup. Mix well. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly. Cook and stir over MEDIUM heat to firm ball stage (245 EF), approx. 15 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla. Pour into buttered 9 x 9 x 2-inch pan. Cool and cut into squares. (I use parchment paper rather than buttering the pan. It makes it a little easier to remove from the pan.)

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Dr. Ralph F. Wilson has written many fabulous, beautiful Christmas stories.  He does not allow people to post his articles on their blogs or walls.  I would like very much to share with you The Cradle, a Christmas Story by Dr. Wilson.  Please follow this link and read this story.  http://www.joyfulheart.com/christmas/cradle.htm  Written in 1986, this story is “a touching story about Joseph building a cradle for the baby-to-be and then understanding God's cradle, the manger.”  It will be well worth your time.

Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts. ~J.L.W. Brooks

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RAOK: Try to make sure every person in a group conversation feels wanted and included

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Joseph's Song - How could it be
beautiful song, beautiful video
composed by Michael Card
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvxo_hvlwZs&index=21&list=PL7651AA3E6A45A537

How could it be this baby in my arms
Sleeping now, so peacefully
The Son of God, the angel said
How could it be?

Lord, I know He's not my own
Not of my flesh, not of my bone
Still Father let this baby be
The son of my love

Father show me where I fit into this plan of yours
How can a man be father to the Son of God?
Lord for all my life I've been a simple carpenter
How can I raise a king, how can I raise a king?

He looks so small, His face and hands so fair
And when He cries the sun just seems to disappear
But when He laughs it shines again
How could it be?

Father show me where I fit into this plan of yours
How can a man be father to the Son of God?
Lord for all my life I've been a simple carpenter
How can I raise a king, how can I raise a king?

How could it be this baby in my arms
Sleeping now, so peacefully
The Son of God, the angel said
How could it be?
How could it be?

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Yesterday I was sent a link to this song.  Thank you.  On the video, this song says, “ If you’re missing someone this Christmas this song’s dedicated to you.”   It is performed by The Piano Guys and Craig Aven.  Jon Schmidt and his wife lost their daughter Annie in 2016.  She disappeared October 16, 2016.  Her body was found a month later.   She died as a result of a fall while hiking.  Her family really struggled that Christmas. This video tells a little of that struggle.  Jon Schmidt includes a prelude to the song which describes the loss they felt and the comfort this song gave them.

The Sweetest Gift.
Beautiful Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yFXfAGl17M

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Christmas Games

I love playing games. I looked on the internet to see what I could find in the line of fun games, and found a lot at the shutterfly site https://www.shutterfly.com/ideas/christmas-party-games/.  I can hardly wait for next Christmas so that we can play some of these with our grandchildren, like Spoons and 20 questions.  They have a game called Stocking Guessing Game which sounds like such fun.  “First, you need a host to put random items in a stocking. Once it's stuffed, tie a ribbon or string around the top of the stocking so that no one can peek. Sit in a circle and pass it around to let everyone feel what's inside. Give them note cards so that they can write down their guesses. The person who guesses the most correct items wins.”  Check them out and ENJOY!

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I have really appreciated those of you who sent me recipes.  Thank you very much.  I was  skeptical about this one, but it’s good.  Give it a chance!
                                                                                                                       
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches from Connie

Spread dijon mustard on 4 slices bread
 top with sliced cheddar cheese, cooked bacon and sliced apples.  Butter the bread, then cook in a skillet over medium-low heat until cheese melts.

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Deuteronomy 6:5  And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

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Years ago, my son Keith ran into the house screaming that Gina had fallen in the river behind our home and was all muddy.  She was trying to rescue her cat.  We had a plank which extended from the bank to a little island a few feet into the river.  The water was only ankle deep.  Gina slipped on the icy wood and went into the water.  It was a cold, winter day and by the time she got to the house, she was shaking.  I took her wet clothes off of her and got her into a warm bath.  She cried for some time.  I asked her why she was crying and she said that she was in trouble.  She’d gotten her clothes muddy and it was almost Christmas!  I told her that I thought we could fix everything.  After her bath was done, she stuck her clothes in a basin and rinsed the worst of the mud off, then carried those wet sopping clothes to the washer.  I measured the soap for her and helped her start the washer.  She carried the basin outside (spilling a LOT of it on our floor) dumped the water out, then returned and wiped out the bathtub.  I told her that we were good.  I don’t remember if it was that day or the next, but I heard Gina talking and went to the front room and found her holding the baby Jesus from our nativity set and asking him to tell Santa that she was a good girl.  She believed that the Savior would intervene on her behalf.  That was almost 30 years ago.  She loved and trusted Jesus Christ.  He is there for all of us today.  He came to earth to be the Great Mediator, to meet the demands of both justice and mercy.  1 Timothy 2:5  “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”  That precious babe came to this would willing and able to redeem us. What an incredible gift!~~Marilee

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The Legend of the African Drummer Boy

As news of Christ spread through the land
and wise men came to bring,
Gold and myrrh and frankincense
to the little King,

A drummer boy who saw the gifts
not knowing what to do,
Wished for something special
he could give the infant too.

And so that night, the story goes,
the boy went to the stable,
And softly beat upon his drum
as best as he was able.

The Baby touched the drummer's hand
and smiled at him in peace,
Then snuggled in the new, fresh hay
and gently fell asleep.

And so the legend tells us
if we pause a while and pray,
Remembering it's Jesus that
we celebrate today.

When we close our eyes on Christmas night
the drummer boy will come,
To put God's children sound asleep,
with a soft rum-pa-tum-tum.

Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen. ~Author unknown, attributed to a 7-year-old named Bobby

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O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Vocal Point
video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdR79P-2ewo

oh come oh come emmanuel and ransom captive Israel
that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appears

Rejoice, Rejoice, Emmanuel shall come to thee oh Israel (oh come oh come emmanuel oh come)

Oh come thou King of David come
and open wide our heavenly home
make safe a way that leads to thee
and close the paths to misery

Rejoice, Rejoice, Emmanuel shall come to thee Oh Israel

Oh come oh come thou rod of Jesse free
From every foe deliver them
that trust thy mighty power to save
and give them victory over the grave

emmanuel
(rejoice, rejoice)
shall come to thee oh israel (take higher)

Isaiah 7  14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
RAOK: Do a favor without asking for or expecting anything in return

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Good Sabbath, everyone ~~  Marilee

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CHRISTMAS IS FOR LOVE
extracted from   www.inspirationalstories.com

Christmas is for love. It is for joy, for giving and sharing, for laughter, for reuniting with family and friends, for tinsel and brightly decorated packages. But mostly, Christmas is for love.
I had not believed this until a small elf-like student with wide-eyed innocence and soft rosy cheeks gave me a wondrous gift one Christmas.
Mark was an 11 year-old orphan who lived with his aunt, a bitter middle-aged woman greatly annoyed with the burden of caring for her dead sister's son. She never failed to remind young Mark, if it hadn't been for her generosity, he would be a vagrant homeless waif. Still, with all this scolding and chilliness at home, he was a sweet and gentle child.
I had not noticed Mark particularly until he began staying after class each day (at the risk of arousing his aunt's anger, I later found) to help me straighten up the classroom. We did this quietly and comfortably, not speaking much, but enjoying the solitude of that hour of the day. When we did talk, Mark spoke mostly of his mother. Though he was quite small when she died, he remembered a kind, gentle, loving woman, who always spent much time with him.
As Christmas drew nearer, however, Mark failed to stay after school each day. I looked forward to his coming and when, as the days passed, and he continued to scamper hurriedly from the room after class, I stopped him one afternoon and asked why he no longer helped me in the room. I told him how I had missed him, and his large gray eyes lit up eagerly as he replied, "Did you really miss me?" I explained how he had been my best helper. "I was making you a surprise," he whispered confidentially. "It's for Christmas." With that, he became embarrassed and dashed from the room. He didn't stay after school anymore after that.
Finally came the last school day before Christmas. Mark crept slowly into the room late that afternoon with his hands concealing something behind his back. "l have your present," he said timidly when I looked up. "I hope you like it." He held out his hands, and there lying in his small palms was a tiny wooden box.
"It's beautiful, Mark. Is there something in it?" I asked, opening the top to look inside.
"Oh you can't see what's in it," he replied, "and you can't touch it or taste it, or feel it. But Mother always said it makes you feel good all the time, warm on cold nights, and safe when you're all alone."
I gazed into the empty box. "What is it, Mark," I asked gently, "that will make me feel so good?"
"It's love," he whispered softly, "and Mother always said it's best when you give it away." And he turned quietly and left the room.
So now I keep a small box made of wood on the piano in my living room and only smile as inquiring friends raise quizzical eyebrows when I explain to them that there is love in it.
Yes, Christmas is for gaiety, mirth and song, for good and wonderous gifts.
But mostly, Christmas is for love.

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.

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"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.