John 15:11

 

John 15:11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

Hope is the candle that never burns out when it’s lit by the love of Christ."

Casting Crowns - Make Room (Official Music Video) ft. Matt Maher

This video shows the band gathered round a piano, singing this song.

Another question asked:

Is there room in your heart?

Is there room in your heart?

Is there room in your heart?

For God to write His story?

Bisquick cheese biscuits

2 c. bisquick mix

⅔ c. milk

½ c cheddar cheese, shredded

¼ t. Garlic powder

¼ c salted butter, melted

¼ t parsley for garnish 

*¼ t. Kosher salt for garnish

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.  In large bowl, stir together the Bisquick, milk and cheese until a soft lumpy dough forms.  Do not overmix!

Drop by large spoonfuls onto a baking stone or ungreased cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

In a small mixing bowl, stir garlic powder into the melted butter.  Brush the butter over warm biscuits before removing from the cookie sheet. Sprinkle with kosher salt if desired.

This morning, I asked my husband Dean how to find peace at Christmas.  He said, “Don’t hold a grudge and forgive.” I asked a friend at Physical Therapy what she does to find peace at Christmas.  She said, “I don’t watch the news”.  A third person said that he gives his wife backrubs (which is a “heavenly” way for a wife to experience peace and relaxation) I have been collecting tips all day.  Some have been silly (I go hunting all month long); some have been serious. This grocery store tip must be the truest tip of them all. “The only way to truly experience God’s peace is to make time for Him.”  

Peace Ideas:

Have a family Christmas devotional 

Read for a few minutes from the gospels each day.

Peace is like the Holy Ghost; it speaks in quiet whispers.  Make time to listen.

Ponder, as did Mary.  Luke 2:19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 

Stop comparing yourself to others.  God isn’t asking for perfect decorations or elaborate meals. He wants us to open our hearts to Him and spend time thinking of him.

Christmas is about celebrating the love and grace of God.

I read Dean my list and asked him if there was anything else he would like to add. He said, “Turn to Christ.”

How do you find peace?  ~~ Marilee

FROM THE HEART

author Unknown

When I was 14 years old (same age as my daughter is today), my Mom and I didn't have money for a Christmas dinner, much less gifts.

I knew she was sad about it and I was determined we wouldn't let it get us down. Homemade gifts are nice, but I wasn't very imaginative and too broke for supplies. I decided to give my Mom something I treasured myself -- the one nice piece of jewelry I owned, a gold cross necklace.

I cleaned it, made sure there were no knots in the chain and wrapped it in the prettiest paper I could find. I was so excited, I couldn't wait for her to open it.

Single moms have it hard (as I know first-hand now) and I really wanted to see her smile. We always opened our gifts on Christmas Eve night and that afternoon, I could wait no longer. I asked if we could "have Christmas" early. I anticipated that Christmas more than when I knew I was getting a lot of nice gifts. I didn't expect to get anything that year. It was about giving.

I handed her the little box, hugged and kissed her and wished her a Merry Christmas. I waited anxiously for her to open it, but she just sat there with the box in her hands and looked at it.

I remember the look on Mom's face was a mixture of sadness and serenity. She knew her greatest gift to me was her love. After what seemed a long time, she looked at me and said, "I have something for you too."

She reached into her pocket, pulled out another small box, placed it in my hands, and told me although it was not much, it was filled with love.

I was quite curious and a little scared. I knew money was tight and hoped Mom hadn't spent money on something we couldn't afford. There was a little velvet box inside and when I lifted the lid, there was a tiny ring with a diamond chip in the center. In a note, she told me the ring was 23 years old, she hoped it brought me good luck... and "I love you."

I got a huge lump in my throat and looked at her. She smiled and told me it had been her wedding band from my dad. It was now mine. I slipped it on my finger and hugged my Mom.

She opened my gift and when she saw the necklace, big tears filled her eyes. She asked me to put it on her. She held the necklace and told me she thought it was our best Christmas ever. I could only nod my head in agreement.

This Christmas, I give thanks for Mom and treasure every memory we shared. You see, my Mom has advanced Alzheimer's disease and no longer knows me. But I look at "our" ring and remember her gentle, wise spirit and give thanks God blessed me with her.

But that's not the end of the story.

Our home was burglarized four years ago. One of the items stolen was that little ring. I had left all my jewelry at home for safekeeping because it was Memorial Day weekend and I was going to the lake. I was totally heart broken when I found out the ring was gone. Of course, so were my rings, my wedding band, engagement ring, etc., but it was THAT ring I grieved for the most.

I wrote a letter to our local paper and begged whoever stole it to "PLEASE return it by mail anonymously."

A few weeks went by with no response and then one day a police detective showed up at my door. He held out a Kleenex and asked me to identify the item inside.

It was my ring! I have never found out where or how he got it but it remains on my finger to this day.

So, as we all go through the holidays, let us remember it's what we give from the heart that holds the most value.

Hebrews 10:23

 Hebrews 10:23  “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” NIV

“When you wish someone joy, you wish them peace, love, prosperity, happiness ... all the good things.” — Maya Angelou

Prince of Peace Song #LighttheWorld

Peace is here, angels near

Shepherds meek, wise men seek

Peace, peace, Price of peaces (Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah)

Healer of men, peace again

Peace

Pull-Apart Bacon Bread

Whisk together:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

Cut in:

3 tablespoons shortening

1/2 to 3/4 cup ice water

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/4 teaspoon coarse salt

1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat for 5 minutes or until partially cooked; drain on paper towels. Roll out dough to 1/2-in. thickness; brush with 1 tablespoon oil. Cut into 1-in. pieces; place in a large bowl. Add the bacon, cheese, dressing mix and remaining oil; toss to coat.

Arrange pieces in a 9x5-in. oval on a parchment-lined baking sheet, layering as needed. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes or until doubled.

Bake at 350° for 40 minutes. Cover with foil; bake 15 minutes longer or until golden brown.

Years ago, I took a class on restoring photos. I learned a lot about light – how it works, what it is. We, as humans, don’t actually see “light” coming from the sun. We see the reflection of light as it hits objects. The light waves bounce off the object and our eyes see the waves that are in the visual spectrum. Christ is often called the “Light of the World.” Do we actually see the light of the Son? No. We don’t see the light of Christ with our physical eyes. We see the reflection of that light as it is shown in the faces and actions of those around us.  There are times when spiritual darkness, sorrow, grief or anger surround us and we feel so very much alone.  At one time Taylor Cladwell  was  a depressed, and frightened young mother.  She was the sole support of her 5 year old daughter.  Her rent of $30.00  was due right after Christmas and all she had was $15.00 and no job.  She faced the bleakest Christmas of her life.  She felt as old as death.  God and man had both forgotten her.  Christmas Eve that year brought  miracles – gifts from a grateful friend, a $30.00 Christmas bonus check from a job she had earlier in the year.  Her rent money!  She had her rent money.  She had Christmas presents for her daughter!  After her daughter went to bed, she opened her mail expecting to see more bills and found a job offer from the government to start 2 days after Christmas!  “I am not alone at all, I thought. I was never alone at all. 

"And that, of course, is the message of Christmas. We are never alone. Not when the night is darkest, the wind coldest, the world seemingly most indifferent. For this is still the time God chooses.”  Taylor Caldwell.   

Finding hope at Christmas is as simple as knowing Christ is with us all of the time.  We are never alone.  Matthew calls Him “Immanuel” which literally means “God with us”  ~~ Marilee

From Guidepost Magazine

Nine- year-old Wallace Purling was in the second grade. He should have been in fourth grade; but, he’d been held back twice. He was large for his age and a little slow and clumsy. He simply had trouble keeping up. He was very good natured, and everyone enjoyed it when Wallace was around.

He wanted to be a shepherd in the Christmas pageant but the director decided to make him the Innkeeper. His large size would make his refusal of lodging to Joseph more forceful.

A large audience gathered the night of the pageant. No one more excited than Wallace Purling. He was enraptured as he watched and waited in the wings for his part.

Finally Joseph arrived, gently guiding Mary. Joseph knocked on the wooden door. Wally was there, waiting.

With a loud brash voice Wally demanded, “What do you want?”

“We seek lodging.”

“Seek it elsewhere. The inn is filled.”

“Sir, we have asked everywhere in vain. We have traveled far and are very weary.”

“There is no room in this inn for you!” Wally looked properly stern.

“Please, good innkeeper. This is my wife. She is heavy with child and needs a place to rest. Surely you must have some small corner for her. She is so tired.”

Suddenly, Wally relaxed his stiff stance and looked down at Mary. (Long pause). The Audience tensed with embarrassment as they thought that Wally had forgotten his lines.

The prompter whispered Wally’s line. “No, begone!”.

Wally spoke automatically, “No! Begone,”

Joseph sadly placed his arm around Mary and began to move slowly away. Wally stood in the doorway watching the forlorn couple. His mouth was open and his brow creased with concern, eyes filling with tears.

Suddenly the pageant became different from all others.

“Don’t go, Joseph. Bring Mary Back!” Wallace Purling’s face grew into a bright smile. “You can have my room

 *This entry deals with grief and sorrow at Christmas time and how to find peace at this time.

                                        *~*~*~*~*~*

 Jeremiah 31:3

“The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.”

                                        *~*~*~*~*~*

“To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.” — Calvin Coolidge

                                        *~*~*~*~*~*

"Somewhere in your Silent Night" Live Performance (Eccles Theater 11/26/21) | GENTRI

This is a live performance.  It’s so good to watch and listen to.

Somewhere in your silent night

Heaven hears the song your broken heart has cried

Hope is here, just lift your head

For Love has come to find you

…

When your pain runs deep

His love runs deeper still

He has always loved you, child

And He always will.

                                        *~*~*~*~*~*

Sugar Plum Bread

1 cup pitted dried plums (prunes), coarsely chopped

3/4 cup water

2 tablespoons plus 3/4 cup sugar, divided

2 tablespoons shortening

1 large egg, room temperature

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons coarse sugar

Preheat oven to 350°. In a small saucepan, combine dried plums, water and 2 tablespoons sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat for 1 minute. Remove from heat; let stand until plumped, about 10 minutes. Drain plums, reserving fruit and liquid. Measure liquid, adding enough water to yield 1/2 cup.

Cream shortening and remaining sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in egg. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add to creamed mixture alternately with reserved cooking liquid; fold in cooled dried plums (batter will be thick).

Transfer batter to a greased 8x4-in. loaf pan. Sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out with moist crumbs, 40-45 minutes. Cool in pan 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

                                    *~*~*~*~*~*

The holidays can be a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness, but for many, they can be a time of loss, sadness, or longing. Divorce, unemployment, poverty, abuse, intolerance and negative memories all take their toll. As a young girl I memorized the story of the Savior’s birth from Luke.  At church they gave us a paper nativity and encouraged us to share it with our families.  I was SO excited and made my plans accordingly.  I planned to tell the story on Christmas Eve after our family got home from looking at the Christmas lights.  I waited anxiously that night for my dad to come home from work.  The hours passed and no Dad.  My plan was ruined! I cried until I literally made myself sick that night.  Mom finally went out and found him at his favorite bar.  He stopped for a drink with friends and one drink led to another.  To this day my most hated Christmas song is John Denver’s “Please Daddy, don’t get drunk this Christmas.”  I choose not to remember the pain but rather to remember the fact that I never saw him drunk again.  Easy choice.

The truth is that Christmas is not always easy. The Christmas story is not just one of the joyous birth of a son and our Savior. It’s also the story of a young, pregnant girl, betrothed to a man who was not the father of her baby. It’s a story of a birth in a stable surrounded by dirt, animals, noises and smells.  There was no supportive family, no midwife to help with the delivery.  It’s the story of a mother, father and their baby who become refugees, fleeing from a murderous King. They gave up so much!  There is room in that stable for sorrow as well as joy. Jesus said: ‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.’  As Christians, we believe in the hope and comfort which comes from Christ.  Even with hearts and minds filled with faith, grief is a profound human experience that affects our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. I am not a grief counselor, nor am I a therapist but working with the Hospice program for almost 20 years gave me insight.  Here are some thoughts on how to care for yourself or those around you who are grieving. 

Be honest with yourself.  Let your family and friends know what you are feeling and what you need to do to be at peace.

Honor the person you loved.  Take a quiet moment to remember.  You might cook their favorite food, donate to a cause they loved or write them a message.

Plan to take breaks.  Allow yourself to take ‘get away’ moments.  Step outside. Breathe deeply.  Go for a walk. Turn off your phone for a few minutes.  

Learn to say “no”.  Emotions are magnified at this time.  If you are uncomfortable with a discussion, change it.  If you are at a party or with friends and you feel overwhelmed, leave.  If you cannot accept an invitation, Say “no” 

Seek support.  Dealing with death is a very personal journey but you don’t have to take it alone. It’s okay to ask for help.

May this be a Christmas of hope that good will happen ~~ Marilee

                                        *~*~*~*~*~*

I wrote this in 2004 after the death of my mother:

Every December

Every December I remember

    the love, the joy,

the gift our Father gave this world

    His perfect baby boy.

Jesus waxed strong 

    a young boy about his father’s business

He grew in wisdom and stature 

    and taught us how to live

He fed the hungry

    calmed the waters

    healed the sick

    gave sight to the blind

He willingly paid the price

    Atoned for our sins

    sacrificed His life

In so doing,  

    He saved ours.

*~*~*~*~*~*

Christmas Thoughts

Henry Van Dyke

I am thinking of you today,

Because it is christmas,

And I wish you happiness.

And tomorrow, because it will be

The day after Christmas 

I will still wish you happiness.

I may not be able to tell you about it every day,

Because I may be far away or we may be very busy.

But that makes no difference–

My thoughts and my wishes

Will be with you just the same.

Whatever joy or success comes to you

Will make me glad

Clear through the year…

I wish you the spirit of Christmas

Psalms 136:26

 

*I don't know why the background on this is so messed up today -- sorry!

Psalm 136:26“Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.” O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for His mercy endureth forever.

~*~*~*~

Christmas is God’s gentle whisper that even in the darkest night, the Light of the world still shines for you."

~*~*~*~

He is the Gift - New Christmas song by Shawna Belt Edwards

And He is the peace

That wise men still seek

A Savior born that we might live

He is the gift

…

He is the shepherd watching over us all

A Savior born that we might live

He is the gift.

Another song by Shawna Edwards which touches my Christian heart.

~*~*~*~

Brent (a dear friend, a rough and tough cowboy with the tenderest heart you’ll ever know) shared this with me – a message of  hope and love

The Christmas after our daughter was born stands out in my memory as my best Christmas ever. My business closed and I found work in southern Arizona. We moved our trailer there, set it up and then immediately drove for 3 hours to Mesa to spend Christmas with my family. We had no money for gifts of any kind–none at all. Our gift to each other and to our family was to tell each member how we felt about them. The words we exchanged that night and the love we felt for each other will always be in my heart. ~~  Brent Blake

~*~*~*~

Savory breadsticks

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 teaspoons dried minced garlic

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1 tube (12 ounces) refrigerated buttermilk biscuits

2 tablespoons olive oil

Preheat oven to 400°. In a shallow bowl, mix cheese, garlic and pepper flakes. Roll each biscuit into a 6-in. rope. Brush lightly with oil; roll in cheese mixture. Place on a greased baking sheet. Bake until golden brown, 8-10 minutes.

~*~*~*~

Another memory from the way back machine which I wanted to share along with with my message for today

“Today didn’t go quite the way I planned. I had a doctor’s appointment in a city 2 hours away and spent much of the day traveling. My friend Darlene and I went to several stores and while we were walking towards JoAnn’s, a man approached us and asked us for $1.37 so he could buy a hamburger at Artic Circle. He was hungry (or so he said). I handed him a dollar bill and Darlene gave him the change. He thanked us repeatedly, as if we’d done something special, then ran towards the nearby Artic Circle waving the dollar in the air. Did he really need it? I don’t know...Does $1.00 mean anything to me? No. Was it hard to give to him? No. Was it showing love to one of God’s children? I hope so, at least it meant that I saw him. Too many homeless people are invisible. This man wasn’t invisible to us today. I’ve thought about him all day. I went and bought several bags of food for the food bank at a local grocery store, knowing it would never reach him, but hoping it will help someone else. Tomorrow I will start again on my walk, hoping to do better at showing others that I care and that I am following the Good Shepherd. 

Christmas is one of the hardest times of the year for people experiencing homelessness.  While some are able to celebrate with family or friends, many others face isolation and hardships.  Help them find hope.  Marilee

Christmas Without a Hearth

Beneath the glow of streetlights, they walk.

Alone they trudge

Frost paints patterns on their worn shoes.

Hope is fragile, such an easy thing to lose.

Carols and laughter drift through the air

“Silver bells” chime.

Few see the paper cup or hear the gentle plea

For kindness, for empathy

They have no stockings hung, no tree to trim,

Just whispered prayers.

Still, they dream — of hands that care,

Of tables set, with room to share.

Christmas isn’t just the cheer,

It’s seeing those the world won’t hear,

And offering more than a coin or bread —
It’s love, unwrapped –  freely spread.

1 John 4:9-10

1 John 4:9-10 

9 In this was manifested the love of God towards us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.

10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

*💖*

An important way to increase your faith in the Savior is to share that faith with others. Every time I put together my daily blog, it increases my faith in Him. This video is so very beautiful and the message is so important that I wanted to include it. It shows the shepherds on the hill seeing and hearing the angels, traveling to Bethlehem to see the Christ child then returning to their camp.  They wake a sleeping shepherd to tell him of the angels.  He did not see the angels, but came to believe. We also can have faith and believe.

*💖*

Why would a God from Heaven

Come to the world this way?

Why in a lowly stable

Would the Messiah lay?

The Shepherd - You Were Not There in Bethlehem

*💖*

The Dime

Bobby was getting cold sitting out in his back yard in the snow.  Bobby didn’t wear boots; he didn’t like them and anyway he didn’t own any. The thin sneakers he wore had few holes in them and they did a poor job of keeping out the cold. Bobby had been in his backyard for about an hour already.  And, try as he might, he could not come up with an idea for his mother’s Christmas gift.

He shook his head as he thought, “This is useless, even if I do come up with an idea, I don’t have any money to spend.”

Ever since his father had passed away three years ago, the family of five had struggled. It wasn’t because his mother didn’t care, or try, there just never seemed to be enough. She worked nights at the hospital, but the small wage that she was earning could only be stretched so far. What the family lacked in money and material things, they more than made up for in love and family unity.

Bobby had two older and one younger sister, who ran the household in their mother’s absence. All three of his sisters had already made beautiful gifts for their mother. Somehow it just wasn’t fair.  Here it was Christmas Eve already, and he had nothing.

Wiping a tear from his eye, Bobby kicked the snow and started to walk down to the street where the shops and stores were. It wasn’t easy being six without a father, especially when he needed a man to talk to. Bobby walked from shop to shop, looking into each decorated window. Everything seemed so beautiful and so out of reach.

It was starting to get dark and Bobby reluctantly turned to walk home when suddenly his eyes caught the glimmer of the setting sun’s rays reflecting off of something along the curb. He reached down and discovered a shiny dime. Never before has anyone felt so wealthy as Bobby felt at that moment.

As he held his new-found treasure, a warmth spread throughout his entire body and he walked into the first store he saw.  His excitement quickly turned cold when the salesperson told him that he couldn’t buy anything with only a dime. He saw a flower shop and went inside to wait in line.

When the shop owner asked if he could help him, Bobby presented the dime and asked if he could buy one flower for his mother’s Christmas gift. The shop owner looked at Bobby and his ten-cent offering.  Then he put his hand on Bobby’s shoulder and said to him, “You just wait here and I’ll see what I can do for you.”

As Bobby waited he looked at the beautiful flowers and even though he was a boy, he could see why mothers and girls liked flowers. The sound of the door closing as the last customer left jolted Bobby back to reality.

All alone in the shop, Bobby began to feel alone and afraid. Suddenly the shop owner came out and moved to the counter. There, before Bobby’s eyes, lay twelve long stem, red roses, with leaves of green and tiny white flowers all tied together with a big silver bow.

Bobby’s heart sank as the owner picked them up and placed them gently into a long white box. “That will be ten cents young man.” the shop owner said reaching out his hand for the dime. Slowly, Bobby moved his hand to give the man his dime.

Could this be true? No one else would give him a thing for his dime!

Sensing the boy’s reluctance, the shop owner added, “I just happened to have some roses on sale for ten cents a dozen. Would you like them?”

This time Bobby did not hesitate, and when the man placed the long box into his hands, he knew it was true. Walking out the door that the owner was holding for Bobby, he heard the shop keeper say, “Merry Christmas, son.”

As he returned inside, the shopkeeper’s wife walked out. “Who were you talking to back there and where are the roses you were fixing?”

Staring out the window, and blinking the tears from his own eyes, he replied, “A strange thing happened to me this morning. While I was setting up things to open the shop, I thought I heard a voice telling me to set side a dozen of my best roses for a special gift. I wasn’t sure at the time whether I had lost my mind or what, but I set them aside anyway.  Then just a few minutes ago, a little boy came into the shop and wanted to buy a flower for his mother with one small dime.

“When I looked at him, I saw myself, many years ago. I too, was a poor boy with nothing to buy my mother a Christmas gift. A bearded man, whom I never knew, stopped me on the street and told me that he wanted to give me ten dollars.

“When I saw that little boy tonight, I knew who that voice was, and I put together a dozen of my very best roses.” The shop owner and his wife hugged each other tightly, and as they stepped out into the bitter cold air, they somehow didn’t feel cold at all.

Isaiah 41:10

 

Isaiah 41:10 

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea I will uphold the with the right hand of my righteousness.

                         

“Let us have music for Christmas.. Sound the trumpet of Joy and rebirth; Let each of us try, with a song in our hearts, To bring peace to all on earth.”

                         

Do You Have Room? (Christmas Song by Shawna Edwards)

Do you have room for the Savior?

And do you seek him anew?  

Have you a place for the one who lived and died for you?

Are you as humble as a shepherd boy

Or as wise men of old?

Would you have come that night?

Would you have sought the light?

Do you have room?

                         

Navajo Fry Bread

4 c. flour

1 T baking powder

1 t. Salt

1 c. warm water

Mix flour, baking powder and salt in a large bowl.  Gradually stir the water a little bit at a time.  Knead by hand until soft but not sticky.  Form the dough into a round ball, cover and let stand 30 minutes.  Shape into 2” balls.  Heat shortening or cooking oil in a deep frying pan until hot.  Flatten each dough ball by patting and stretching into a pizza shape.  Carefully place dough into pan.  Fry until the edges are golden and turn to cook other side. 

                         

Making fun crafts with your children can be such fun at Christmas.  This site is filled with fun, easy craft ideas.  Check it out :)

 130 Easy Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas on a Budget 2025

                         

Christmas can be a hectic, stressful time.  Another way to increase or strengthen our faith muscles at Christmas is to recognize His blessings.  For example, it was raining this morning!   Not a downfall, but every drop is precious.  Looking out the window and seeing the wet sidewalk drew a “thank you, God” from my lips.  I started a gratitude jar and take just a moment each day to write down something I’m grateful to God for.  I plan on reading through my jar on Christmas Eve.  This keeps me looking for positive, uplifting thoughts each day and helps me to recognize exactly how much my life is impacted by His goodness and love.  ~~ Marilee

                         

Are You Willing?

Henry Van dyke

Are you willing…

To forget what you have done for other people, and to remember what other people have done for you;

To ignore what the world owes you, and to think what you owe the world;

To put your rights in the background, and your duties in the middle distance, and your chances to do a little more than your duty in the foreground;

To see that men and women are just as real as you are, and try to look behind their faces to their hearts, hungry for joy;

To own up to the fact that probably the only good reason for your existence is not what you are going to get out of life, but what you are going to give to life;

To close your book of complaints against the management of the universe, and look around you for a place where you can sow a few seeds of happiness

Are you willing to do these things even for a day?  Then you can keep Christmas.

Are you willing…

To stoop down and consider the needs and desires of little children;

To remember the weakness and loneliness of people growing old;

To stop asking how much your friends love you, and ask yourself whether you love them enough;

To bear in mind the things that other people have in their hearts;

To try to understand what those who live in the same house with you really want. Without waiting for them to tell you;

To trim your lamp so that it will give more light and less smoke, and to carry it in front of you so that your shadow will fall behind you;

To make a grave for your ugly thoughts, and a garden for your kindly feelings, with the gate open-

Are you willing to do these things, even for a day?  Then you can keep Christmas

Are you willing

To believe that love is the strongest thing in the world -

Stronger than hate, stronger than evil, stronger than death -

And that the blessed life which began in Bethlehem nineteen hundred years ago is the image and brightness of the Eternal Love?

Then you can keep Christmas.

And if you can keep it for a day, why not always?

But you can never keep it alone.

Ephesians 5:2

Ephesians 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us as an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

The star over Bethlehem still shines for those who seek hope, peace, and the Savior’s love. Author unknown

Today is my sweetest of heart’s birthday.  Every year the blog for the 5th pays tribute to him, as well as to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. One of Dean’s greatest loves is his children.  He really gets a kick out of this video.  He watches it and says “Some people’s kids.” 

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drYeE1VGR6I 

The little boy keeping rhythm with him in this song, is Tennessee’s son.

Memory from 10 years ago.  “When we first moved into our home in 1990, I loved the space and the light. There were so many windows! I love light. There were just a few little problems – there was no lawn, no driveway, no basketball hoop, no flowers and no trees! The next spring, we gathered globe willow cuttings from the man camp. We stuck them in a bucket of water and waited for them to root. Every day I would go out and lift a branch to the top of the water to look for root signs. When the day came that I saw the first little buds, I was so excited that I wanted to plant them that day! Dean explained to me that we had to let the roots grow and develop. Later that spring, we planted 3 globe willows, as well as fruit trees, flowers, a garden and grass. My home had a yard! One day, I was outside and thought I saw something move. I looked at one of the globe willows, and there was a swallow perched in it. There was life in my trees! We still have 2 of those trees (One blew over in a wind storm) and there are still birds in them.” 

*

Faith in Christ and the peace it brings into our lives is like the globe willow branches we started so many years ago.  Just like those roots, faith requires time to fully develop.  Faith is like a muscle that you must exercise.  Yesterday we talked about wanting to believe in Our Savior and starting eah day with prayer.  The next step is studying the scriptures and learning what He would have us do to walk in his footsteps. Take a moment each day to share a scripture or a quote with your family.  It can be just a single verse such as: John 3:16 ¶For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. ~~ Marilee

Biscuit Dough Doughnuts

1 can Pillsbury grand homestyle biscuits

Oil for frying

Heat oil to 350 degrees in a big pan.

Remove biscuit dough from the package.  Lay the biscuits out on a tray and use a cutter to cut a hole in the middle of each biscuit.  Carefully place doughnuts in pan (not too many at a time) when one side is golden brown, flip to the other side.  It will take about 2-3 minutes to cook. 

Transfer them to a paper towel to absorb the oil.  Sprinkle cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar on doughnuts or spread frosting on them.  Enjoy.

Gift Idea

 I have been guilty of taking Dean for granted, so I’ve decided on a service project for him.  I’m going to do the 12 days in December. I’m calling it the 12 days because if I miss a day, it will be alright because I don't specify that it is consecutive days.  The 12 days of Christmas traditionally run from Dec. 26 - Jan. 6th.  Personalize your own list, make it fun.  Don’t put off serving those you love.  Teach service by setting an example. Make those you love a priority. ~~ Marilee

Day 1–  1 can of pears, 

Day 2 - 2 bars of dove soap

Day 3 - 3 chicken enchiladas (he Loves them)

Day 4 - 4 sweet texts

Day 5 - fresh doughnuts (see recipe for today)

Day 6 - 1 humongous peanut butter egg

Day 7 - new swim trunks

Day 8 - 1 batch of homemade frozen yogurt!

Day 9 - foot massage 

Day 10 - another foot massage!

Day 11 - a cake, with “I love you” piped on it

Day 12 - a back rub with my fists pounding on his back like a drum

Every day - a sweet kiss on his forehead.

AND THE ANGELS SANG

You've heard the story told, 

a hundred times or more,

about the baby born that day, 

but have you thought about the way

that the angels sang; 

and the angels cried for joy

as the heavens rang 

bringing in the baby boy!

Listen, do not fear them. 

Can't you hear the angels sing?

Hear the angels sing! 

Hear the angels shout for joy!

As the church bells ring 

bringing in the baby boy.

Listen, do not fear them. 

Can't you hear the angels sing?

A hand upon your face, 

a touch of healing grace.

And if the angels sang that day,

can they now be far away?

Hear the angels sing;

hear the angels shout for joy

as the church bells ring

bringing in the baby boy!

Listen, do not fear them. 

Can't you hear the angels sing?

Hear the angels sing! 

Hear the angels shout for joy!

As the church bells ring 

bringing in the baby boy.

Listen, do not fear them. 

Can't you hear the angels sing?