And the angel

Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

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Heavenly Father’s gift to us, the gift of Christ, is the most important gift we will ever receive. We must take time to truly appreciate that gift, not just on Christmas but every day of our lives. 

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This is a really nice story/video

Christmas Is All In The Heart - Steven Curtis Chapman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDvxOaX2dS4

…

No, it's not in the snow

That may or may not fall

And it's not in the gifts

Around the tree

It's in the love heaven gave

The night our Savior came

And that same love

Can still be found wherever you are

'Cause Christmas is all in the heart

…

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Nutty Apple Streusel

6 cups sliced peeled tart apples

1-1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3/4 cup 2% milk
2 tablespoons butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup biscuit/baking mix
 

TOPPING:
1 cup biscuit/baking mix
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons cold butter
1/2 cup sliced almonds
Ice cream or whipped cream, optional

In a large bowl, toss apples with cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg. Place in a greased 3-qt. slow cooker. In a small bowl, combine the milk, butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla and biscuit mix. Spoon over apples.

For topping, combine biscuit mix and brown sugar in a large bowl; cut in butter until crumbly. Add almonds; sprinkle over apples.

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the apples are tender. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream if desired.

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I went looking through the internet and found a great site with game and activity suggestions

Extracted from https://www.focusonthefamily.ca/content/biblically-themed-christmas-games-for-children

Mystery gift of the Magi

To prepare, wrap a small gift (or a token that can be exchanged for a gift after the game) in layer after layer of gift wrap. For older children, make the game more challenging by binding every few layers with duct tape, and/or packing the gift in successively larger boxes. You’ll also need a pair of oven mitts, a scarf, a hat and a pair of dice.

To play, take turns throwing both dice. The first person to throw a combined total of seven or eleven (adding up the dots on both dice) quickly dons the hat, scarf and oven mitts and proceeds to unwrap as many layers of gift wrap as possible before another person throws seven or eleven. (Don’t let anyone tear multiple layers at once – the rule is only one layer at a time! And no using your teeth either!) The person who unwraps the final layer gets to keep the gift.

Here are some joyful adult ideas :

1)  visit your neighbors.  If you want to take a plate of cookies, that’s great, but shoveling the walk, helping decorate their house or taking them a christmas card delivered with a smile are ALL  great ideas.  It doesn't need to be anything fancy, just something that says, “I see you.”  Some of us don’t have or don’t know our neighbors.   Open the door for someone at the store, let someone go ahead of you in the checkout line.  Say thank you to a clerk. 

2.  Volunteer.  We’ve talked about it before, but before you say no, you can’t do that, it doesn’t have to take a lot of time.  Dean went and helped unload boxes at the bishop's food warehouse today.  If you don't have an hour, send someone a text or make a phone call.  Ask  how they are, or just say “hi.”  I tried to let a Spanish couple go ahead of me in the line at the store today, but I couldn’t communicate with them.  I need to learn Spanish!  We need to earn to share the love of Christ with everyone  ~ Marilee

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The Postman Lifted Us From Depression

My parents, at the height of the Depression, were forced to go on home relief, which is known as welfare today. It was 1935, when I was 10 years old, and we lived on the first floor of a walk-up apartment on 43rd Street, in Brooklyn, New York.

A few days before Christmas, I looked out a kitchen window to see my father sitting on the stoop, dejected and depressed, with tears in his eyes. The mailman was approaching our building and asked my father what was wrong.

I heard my father say that he had used up his food vouchers and that the rent was past due. He had tried to work as a laborer through the Works Progress Administration, but he wasn’t a very strong man, and the work had been too hard for him. I was scared, having seen newspaper pictures of people being put out on the street with all their belongings.

“Ike, how much do you need?” the mailman asked. My dad said he needed $33 for the rent, and without hesitation, the mailman took $50 from his wallet and handed it to my father.

My dad said, “I don’t know when I’ll be able to pay you back.” The mailman put an arm around my father and said it would be okay if he paid him back or he didn’t pay him back.

The mailman noticed me looking through the window and said, “Isaac, things will not be this way forever. If you or your son will remember this day, there will be times in the future when someone needs your help. Help them within your means and tell them what happened this day. This will be my payback. Merry Christmas and Happy Chanukah.”

As long as he lived, my father helped others when he could, and I’ve done my best to do my part in paying his generosity back. —Martin Klapper, Longmont, Colorado

11 Very Short Christmas Stories with Morals (Under 5 Minutes) | International Storyteller

He Shall be

Luke 1:32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

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Every time a hand reaches out

To help another, that is Christmas

Every time someone puts anger aside

And strives for understanding,

That is Christmas.

Every time people forget their differences

And realize their love for each other

That is Christmas.

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John Wesley Work Jr. was a musicologist. Born in 1871, he published his first book of African spirituals in 1901. He taught Latin and Greek on the University level.  He attended Harvard University, then taught at Fisk University.  Eventually, he became President of Roger Williams University in Nashville.  His great love was music.  His second book which included ‘Go Tell it on the Mountains” was published in 1907. 

I've always loved the song.  I recently heard this version, and decided to pass it on.  Warning: This video includes lyrics to Joy to the World. Yes, the three dog Night Version. It’s fun

Go Tell It On the Mountain (Official Music Video) | GENTRI (feat. Brad Wheeler)

Also includes lyrics to Joy To The World. Yes, the three dog Night Version. It’s great!

Go, tell it on the mountain

Over the hills and everywhere

Go, tell it on the mountain

That Jesus Christ is born!

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Roasted Turkey Leg

3 medium potatoes, quartered

2 cups fresh baby carrots

2 celery ribs, cut into 2-1/2-inch pieces

1 medium onion, peeled and quartered

3 garlic cloves, peeled and quartered

1/2 cup chicken broth

3 turkey drumsticks (12 ounces each), skin removed

2 teaspoons seasoned salt

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried parsley flake

1/4 teaspoon pepper

Chopped fresh parsley, optional

In a greased 5-qt. slow cooker, combine the first 6 ingredients. Place drumsticks over vegetables. Sprinkle with the seasoned salt, thyme, parsley and pepper. Cook, covered, on low for 5 to 5-1/2 hours or until turkey is tender. If desired, top with chopped fresh parsley just before serving.

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Yesterday we talked about how to find Joy. First, we find Jesus, then we focus on Others. What happened to the "y"? The "y" stands for you, for me, for all of us. I thought a lot about it. If we want to put Jesus first and Others second, to get the maximum joy, then we have to take care of ourselves so that we can. Christmas can be very stressful. To help get us in shape for "joy" duty, we need to:

1) sleep

2) eat healthy meals

3) find a few minutes for ourselves to relax

4) Reevaluate our expectations for ourselves and for others. For example, I recently had surgery and am not able to do everything on my "MUST GET THESE THINGS DONE OR ELSE CHRISTMAS WILL BE RUINED" list. It won't.  My blog is not as extensive as I thought it would be this year.   I hope you understand. My decorations are not as elaborate as past years.  Setting reasonable goals while keeping Jesus and others in mind and remembering what it's all about brings peace. This also applies to our expectations of others. People sometimes disappoint us. Love them anyway.  Accept and show gratitude for what is done!

5) Choose to be grateful. Gratitude is not based on circumstances, it's based on perspective. Keep your eyes on the prize--increasing our faith in and love of Our Savior, Jesus Christ. ~~ Marilee

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A Christmas Alphabet Poem

Author Unknown

A is for Angels, appearing so bright, telling of Jesus that first Christmas night.
“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host.”
Luke 2:13.

B is for Bethlehem, crowded and old, birthplace of Jesus by prophet foretold.
“But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel.”
Micah 5:2.

C is for Cattle, their manger His bed, there in the trough where He laid His head.
“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes,
and laid him in a manger.”
Luke 2:7.

D is for David and his ancient throne promised forever to Jesus alone.
“He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God
shall give unto him the throne of his father David.”
Luke 1:32.

E is for East, where shone the bright star which Magi on camels followed afar.
“Behold, there came wise men from the east asking ‘Where is the king of the Jews?’”
Matthew 2:1,2.

F is for Frankincense, with myrrh and gold, brought by the Wise Men as Matthew has told.
“And when they had opened their treasurers, they presented unto him gifts gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”
Matthew 2:11.

G is for God, who from heaven above sent down to mankind the Son of His love.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish
but have everlasting life.”
John 3:16.

H is for Herod, whose murderous scheme was told to Joseph in a nocturnal dream.
“The angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise and take the young child and his mother and flee into Egypt… for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.”
Matthew 2:13.

I is for Immanuel, “God with us,” for Christ brought man back to the Father’s house.
“Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
Isaiah 7:14.

J is for Joseph so noble and just, obeying God’s word with absolute trust.
“Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife.”
Matthew 1:24.

K is for King. A true king He would be, coming in power and authority.
“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem; behold, the King cometh unto thee;
he is just, and having salvation.”
Zechariah 9:9.

L is for Love that He brought down to earth God enfleshed in lowly birth.
“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because God sent his only begotten Son into the world,
that we might live through him.” 1 John 4:9.

M is for Mary, His mother so brave, counting God faithful and mighty to save.
“And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.”
Luke 1:38.

N is for Night, when the Savior was born for nations of earth and people forlorn.
“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.”
Luke 2:8.

O is for Omega, meaning “the last;” He’s eternal present, future and past.
“I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.”
Revelation 22:13.

P is for Prophets, when living on earth foretold His redemption and blessed birth.
“I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near.
A star will come out of Jacob; a sceptre will rise out of Israel.”
Numbers 24:17.

Q is for Quickly, as shepherds who heard hastened to act on that heavenly word.
“And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.”
Luke 2:16.

R is for Rejoice.  The sorrow of sin is banished forever when Jesus comes in.
“And you will have joy and gladness; and many will rejoice at his birth.”
Luke 1:14.

S is for Savior.  To be this He came; the angel of God assigned Him His name.
“She will bring forth a son, and you will call his name JESUS,
for he will save his people from their sins.”
Matthew 1:21.

T is for Tidings of joy, not of danger, telling of Him who was laid in a manger.
“And the angel said unto them, Fear not for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy,
which shall be to all people.”
Luke 2:10.

U is for Us, to whom Jesus was given to show us the way and take us to heaven.
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”
Luke 2:11.

V is for Virgin, foretold by the sage, God’s revelation on prophecy’s page.
“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel,
which being interpreted is, God with us.”
Matthew 1:23.

W is for Wonderful, His works and His words, the King of all Kings, the Lord of all Lords.
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given… and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor,
The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6.

X is for Christ. It’s X in the Greek, Anointed, Messiah, mighty, yet meek.
“God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power.”
Acts 10:38.

Y is for Yes, called God’s Yes in His Word; God’s answer to all is Jesus the Lord.
“For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.”
2 Corinthians 1:20.

Z is for Zeal as it burned in Christ’s heart. Lord, by thy Spirit to us zeal impart.
“And his disciples remembered that it was written, the zeal of your house has eaten me up.”

And the angel

Luke 1:30,31

30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.

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When you find yourself in the position to help someone, be happy and feel blessed because God is answering that person's prayer through you. Remember: Our purpose on earth is not to get lost in the dark, but to be a light to others so that they may find God's way through us.

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Today's song is an interesting. Here is an excerpt about the song from crosswalk.com

"Christmas is a terrific and joyous time of year, which is intended to be spent with friends and family. However, all those gifts, food and annual gatherings would be rendered meaningless if not for the birth of the Savior. That baby boy born to a virgin in a stable surrounded by animals changed the entire world. The child’s birth and His eventual excruciating death on the cross provided hope to all mankind.

Anne Wilson, joined by Josh Turner, highlights the surprising and humble way Jesus Christ entered the world with her song “The Manger.” Anne sets the stage, describing the nativity scene in the opening verse, complete with Mary, Joseph, and the wise men.

In the second verse, Anne recalls the basic and primitive nature of the piece of wood that holds the infant sent to Earth to save man from his sins. It was more than likely full of hay and held together by nothing more than a few nails, certainly not something fit for a king.

However, in the tune’s chorus, Anne and Josh use the manger and the stable in a unique way. The stable, according to the two musicians, is symbolic of just how far God was willing to go to save sinners. He was willing to humble himself for our sake."

Anne Wilson, Josh Turner - The Manger (Official Music Video)

…

For the lonely and the lost

That manger tells the story of the Distance you will go

For the lonely and the Lost

There’s no sinner too far gone to find the Savior

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Pineapple Upside down Cake

3/4 cup butter, divided

2/3 cup packed brown sugar

1 jar (6 ounces) maraschino cherries, drained

1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted

1 can (20 ounces) unsweetened pineapple tidbits or crushed pineapple, undrained

1 package yellow cake mix (regular size)

in a microwave, melt 1/2 cup butter; stir in brown sugar. Spread evenly onto bottom of a greased 5-qt. slow cooker. Sprinkle with cherries and pecans; top with pineapple. Sprinkle evenly with dry cake mix. Melt remaining butter; drizzle over top. Cover slow cooker with 3 paper towels, then place lid on.

Cook, covered, on high 2 hours, or until fruit mixture is bubbly. (To avoid scorching, rotate slow-cooker insert a half turn midway through cooking, lifting carefully with oven mitts.) Turn off slow cooker; let stand, uncovered, 30 minutes before serving. If desired, serve with ice cream.

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If there is any word in the English language that captures the Spirit of Christmas, it is joy. The "J" stands for Jesus, looking towards Him, trusting in Him, believing in Him. The "O" stands for seeing and reaching out to others, feeding the hungry, giving water to the thristy, providing shelter to the homeless, clothing the naked, caring for the sick. (see Matthew 25:35-40)

Be careful as you look for opportunities to serve. There are so many scams around. I got a phone call not long after the Hurricanes on the east coast wanting me to donate to the children who were now homeless. I must they said! Those children didn't have food or clothes or even STUFFED animals! I was NOT the kind of person who would deny comfort to a child in need, was I? The call became more forceful, demanding my credit card info, accusingme of being cold and heartless. No reputable organization will ever do anything like that. Ask them if they have a website that you can check out. If they say yes, you can check them out. Reputable organizations will always give you that info. So make sure that you check out the organization BEFORE you donate. charitynavigator.org is an excellent source of information. charitywatch.org is also an excellent site to check charities out with. You are very safe with donations to organizations such as Catholic Relief Fund, Diabetes Action Research and Education Foundation, Friends of Animals, and Light the world Giving Machines, and Marine corps Toys For Tots to name just a few. ~~ Marilee

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The Following story is from 8 Christmas Stories That Show the True Meaning of Christmas . These are great stories which talk about the actions of others at Christmas time who gave/found joy.

The Christmas Tree Angel From Michigan

When Michigan resident Chad Rose just happened to have an extra Christmas tree that was used on his business’s parade float, he did what any decent person would do: he posted on Craigslist to give it away for free. For some, a tree is an annual necessity and integral part of the holidays, but for many it’s an expense that needs to be saved for daily essentials. After posting the ad, his inbox was immediately flooded with touching stories of why various families deserved to have the tree.

With each e-mail he read, it became clear how significant a simple treecan be in contributing to the holiday aura. One email, which he shared with MLive.com, read, “Having a real Christmas tree would be such a great blessing this year [because] usually we draw a Christmas tree on a large poster and hang it in the corner.” Realizing that $25 towards a tree was too much for some families to spare, Chad went out and bought 40 more to give away for free. He spent most of the next day going over his list of emails, checking it twice, and not paying much attention to who’s been naughty or nice – just deserving.

But the good holiday spirit in this story doesn’t stop there — Ann Posont of East Grand Rapids read Rose’s Ad and contacted him, not to get, but to give. She offered to donate ornaments and other trimming for the 40 trees he had picked up.

Going out to gather up more trees after realizing the impact it would have on those in need is just so generous," she said.  "It tells a lot about his character, and makes you want to help."

And Thou Shalt

Luke 1:14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.

*~*~*~*~*~*

“Our hope for a bright future, our peace in times of need, our joy for all eternity. Jesus.”

*~*~*~*~*~*

Good Sabbath, everyone. Today’s blog is simple, just scripture, quote and story ~~ Marilee

*~*~*~*~*~*

A PRECIOUS GIFT

~Author Unknown

Jesus Christ, the Savior and the Son of God, appeared this Christmas season for a moment among the people of the world. Oh, of course, this was not the coming in which He will appear according to his promise at the end of time in all His heavenly glory, and which will be sudden "as lightning flashing from east to west." No, He visited the modern world briefly as if to catch the real spirit of man in his enlightened age. He came softly and unobserved, and appropriately, He came during the Christmas season. The multicolored lights and trappings, the green boughs of the Yule tree, the hasty greeting of the season, and the nervous movements of crowds flowing from store to store, all signified the approach of Christmas-tide.

Perhaps the trace of a wry smile lightened His features as He thought of all this feverish activity. Truly, what was man celebrating and to what purpose? Supposedly they reveled in and paid homage to His birth. It mattered not so much that the time of celebration was altered from the actual event. What did matter was the spirit and intent engendered by the occasion. To determine the depth and direction of this spirit and intent was the purpose of His visit.

He moved silently in our midst with a gentle countenance and a smile of infinite compassion. The sun of love burning in His heart; light and power shining from His eyes. Yet, to nearly all, He is unrecognized – but not totally so. An old man, blind from childhood, passing in the throng, touched His garments and perceived His being.

"O, Lord, heal me and I shall see," the old man cried.

And as it were, scales fell from his eyes and the blind man saw.

A child of the street, not too long from His heavenly presence, felt His influence and placed her tiny hand in His. This brief encounter with its silent exchange of knowing confidence and guileless love was reminiscent of similar occasions so long ago.

The blind man and the child shared for a brief moment that which the entire world sought but was too busy to recognize.

He passed on through the maddening throng, absorbing the moods of the occasion. A young couple stood in front of the music store. They were arguing rather heatedly over their financial status. These two, who were tenderly endeared to one another less than an hour ago, were now in real danger of losing that sweet feeling. "Oh, my children," thought the Savior. "As if the true spirit of love was measured by the cost or size of a trinket."

He recalled the story told of another couple -- the cutting of her hair to provide a watch chain -- and the sale of his watch to provide matching combs for her hair. Would that all lovers could feel this same spirit toward each other.

He passed by the unhappy opponents, fleetingly touching each in turn. Her lowered eyes, jeweled with tears, raised to meet those of her mate.

"I do love you. "

"And I, you," he replied.

The young voices of a quartet elevated from the music store. The words: "All I want for Christmas is to keep the things I have."

The Savior, seeking sanctuary from the milling shoppers, made His way into a building and became a spectator, with others, of the traditional first grade portrayal of His birth. Emerson School had enacted the nativity story each year since its founding. This year the presentation had proved like all the rest, a test for teachers to get the correct reactions from six-year-old shepherds and wise men. One problem had been particularly persistent. The little boy with the round face and the very tender heart had been asked to play the part of the innkeeper. Each practice, when the time came for him to deny the saintly Mary and the quiet Joseph a place to sleep, he would develop a quivering lip and finally break into tears. He was just not able to turn them away. Finally, the teacher in charge felt that an understanding had been reached. She had carefully explained to the weeping innkeeper that it wasn't really his fault that the inn was full. It was just completely sold out and there was nothing he could do about it. This explanation seemed to restore the necessary emotional balance and the nativity was presented. The crucial moment arrived when the innkeeper had to do this imperative duty.

"There is no ..,"

A quivering lip.

"... room."

A sob, a pause, and then a half smile.

"But won't you come in for a drink of water?" There was little wonder in the Savior's heart as to why little children made up the bulk of His kingdom.

The department store was large and stocked to overflowing with nearly every conceivable device and need of man. The Christ made his way through the mountains of merchandise that paled  remembrances of the Phoenician bazaars and trading ships of long ago. A knot of people in one corner of the store attracted His attention. A flaxen bearded man with a red suit and black boots sat on a chair at the head of a long line of children and parents. Santa Claus looked tired and Jesus felt a distinct kinship to him, for He understood how tiring a day of requests could be.

Two little girls -- one six and the other about three -- made their way forward and essenced themselves on each knee of the bewhiskered union man. The usual pattern of question and answer followed.

"And what do you want Santa to bring you this Christmas?"

Instead of really listening to the replies, Santa was noticing the poor material and roughly patched clothing of the two. Stringy hair and pinched faces surrounded bright and expectant eyes.

"And have you been good little girls?"

Again, he failed to hear. Their stockings had long ago lost their elasticity and their shoes had disintegrated under the relentless wear given them.

Santa gave each eager pair of hands the plastic bank the store had provided for each child as a memento of the occasion. But he couldn't seem to let the experience end here. He reached into his pocket and drew forth nine coins and proceeded to place them alternately in each bank. The intense childish eyes grew wide with excitement, and Santa saw what joy even his small offering was bringing. Each coin had been received with such ecstacy that he wished each one could have been a hundred in number.

Each child had four coins in her possession and a moment of decision had arrived -- what to do with the ninth?

Santa asked, "And who should I give this last one to?" The older and more precocious spoke with little hesitation.

"Give it to my little sister."

The Savior saw the mist of emotion cloud the eyes of Santa Claus as he placed a kiss on two cheeks.

The Redeemer left as He had come, quietly and unobserved. He had seen and felt some of the good and the bad of the world. But He left with a confidence that right would prevail. The jarring and contending of governments seemed to be offset by the inherent good will emanating from man to man. It is true that the excessive commercial drive and intent of the Christmas season reminded Him somewhat of the money changers in a past time, but the spirit of "giving" was everywhere prevalent and dominated the commercialism found in some quarters. He noticed, too, that often the true meaning of Christmas was submerged under fable and folly. And yet, the underlying strength of the real story permeated all the other and influenced it for good.

But when Herod

Matthew 2:19-21

19 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,

20 Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.

21 And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.

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“The brightest Christmas ever was lit by a single star and swaddled in the most drab colors, but offered mankind the greatest gift of all… true and lasting love.” – Ton Sorenson

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Carol of the Bells (for 12 cellos) - The Piano Guys - fun video to watch 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9GtPX6c_kg

🎄🎄🎄

Homemade Chicken Stew

• 1 cup evaporated milk

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ pounds chicken thigh meat

• ¾ pound small fresh button mushrooms

• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 2 cups pearl onions

• 2 large carrots, coarsely chopped

• 2 ¼ cups frozen green peas, thawed

• 1 cup chicken broth

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

• ½ teaspoon dried marjoram

• ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary

• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

In a small bowl stir together evaporated milk and flour until smooth. Place chicken, mushrooms, potatoes, onions, and carrots in slow cooker. Pour in milk mixture and broth. Season with salt, pepper, marjoram and rosemary. Cook on low 6 hours. I hate mushy peas, so add them for the last 15 minutes. Stir in parsley just before serving.

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Finding joy in our lives is a matter of choice. Life isn't easy. Its not meant to be. Choosing to be joyful means leaving behind negative attitudes, breaking molds and changing our perspective on life. If you’re struggling to find joy this Christmas, look to Jesus Christ. He's our guide, our example, our leader. He came that we could have joy in this life and in the life to come. There is no guarantee of happiness. There is no guarantee of a trouble-free existence, but through the love and sacrifice of Our Savior, there will be joy.  ~~ Marilee

“Joy is a choice, but it isn’t an easy one.” Julie B. Beck

“Joy is the holy fire that keeps our purpose warm and our intelligence aglow." Helen Keller

“A joyful heart is the normal result of a heart burning with love. She gives most who gives with joy.” Mother Theresa

“We are shaped by out thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.” Buddha

                                                                           🎄🎄🎄

Another Christmas Carol - The Story of Joel

I was first touched by the kindness of a stranger many years ago as a boy of fifteen. My story is dramatized in The Story of Joel.
Provided by Joel of spiritofstnicholas.org

extracted from http://www.christmasmagazine.com/en/spirit/story24.asp

The kids on the bus asked, "You coming to the game tonight?"

"I can't. My grandmother's coming over."

There was no visit from grandmother, of course, just another of Joel's well-devised covers for the truth. Joel never went anywhere but straight to the house.

Blake House had been Joel's and his mother's home for the last four months. The place wasn't bad; there simply wasn't any privacy. Sharing a room with his mother was easier since she started going to night school. Many nights, Joel was already in pajamas and ready for sleep by the time she returned.

For Joel's mom, the Blake House was nothing short of a miracle. She knew it was hard on a boy of Joel's age but it was a comfort to know that he realized it was necessary. One more day with her husband may have been the end of her or her son, and Joel knew it too. In a way, it was his growing intervention in the assaults that convinced her they had to leave.

For Joel, things had a calm predictability but the days went by slowly. His mom was tormented by uncertainty. With the help of the Blake House staff she had found a part-time job and a grant for vocational training. In spite of this support, it was hard to imagine a time when she might stand on her own.

As Christmas approached, she started preparing Joel for the reality of the upcoming holiday. She'd say they would have a nice dinner with their Blake House friends and later walk a few blocks to take in the downtown view. She would explain that, with luck, they could be in their own home by March and they would have a private Christmas and presents then.

"I don't need Christmas and I don't need presents," Joel grumbled.

"Scrooge!" she quipped back.

She was proud of his effort to deal with his envy of other children's holiday excitement. He was so serious, though. She wished there was something she could do to give him a lighter heart and a happier Christmas.

On the Saturday before Christmas the families and staff were enjoying their holiday supper when Joan, the House counselor, called Joel's mom into her office.

"Do you have any plans tonight?" Joan asked.

"Joel and I are going to walk to the overpass to look at the downtown lights and decorations."

Joan pointed out the front window, "Maybe you'd prefer to ride instead of walk." Curbside sat a polished Town Car.

"I don't understand," was all Joel's mom could get out before Joan continued.

"An anonymous friend has made arrangements for you and Joel to have use of this car for the next five hours … which will come in handy since the performance is across town. If you leave now, you'll have time to get in some shopping before the show. What d'ya say? I thought so!" Joan smiled and led her out of the office to get Joel.

"Ma'am," said the driver opening the door as the two approached the car.

"What's up with this, mom?" blurted Joel as the door shut.

"We're going to the show," she said bewildered, holding up her hands. As the driver settled back into the Lincoln, he turned and smiled, saying, "I'll be taking you to the mall before the show. And I was asked to give you this." The driver handed her an envelope before he turned to set off.

"Please forgive this intrusion into your privacy," the note began. "I hope you accept this invitation to a Christmas celebration. Enclosed you will find two tickets to tonight's performance of 'A Christmas Carol' and a small token of appreciation for your loving care of Joel." The tickets and a $100 gift certificate slipped into her hand.

The note continued, "Christmas is a time of hope and gratitude. In hopes of a prosperous New Year for you, and in gratitude to loving mothers like you, I wish you a Merry Christmas. Remember, you are never alone in this world because where love lives, friends always follow, seen or unseen. Sincerely, The Spirit of St. Nicholas."

"What's wrong, mom?"

"Nothing, honey," she whispered through tears, hugging her son. "Let’s go Christmas shopping, my little Scrooge!"

The mother and son felt special that magical night and for many days and nights that followed. The excitement of the performance and the touching story of the play stayed with Joel and his mother for a long time.

It took longer than planned for them to get their own home, but by the following summer they began what was to be many years of stable and prosperous living. Forevermore, Christmas became their favorite time of year.