Scraps of Life

4+ hours of Bliss

2012-02-18T08:39:00.001-06:00

Well my Friday night Sew-in was just that. I closed up the house and turned on the lights, (room lights, lava light, and candle (apple cinnamon oh, yummy smell filled the house) put on the music added some food and away I stitched all night. Was seated on my comfy couch seat from 4-9 pm. Well, I took a short break to make me some supper....

it was a quick one, had some serious sewing to do. Chicken sandwich but it was yummy

and of course I had to top it off with a little sssshhhh don't tell item....

my own homemade Chocolate Mint mocha topped with cool whip and kisses too.

had to take a quick break to pull laundry out of the dryer and use the little girls room, but other than that I had my little ol' self planted right on the couch all night long.....

while I listened to my favorite music

what else than Threads of Love by Lorie Line
oh she's good!

I'd love to go to her concert some day.
Yes! I'm a fan!!!!!

oh, before I started in the living room I made my contribution to my mom's quilt that I'm making for her....

Ultimately my whole night was working on the quilt in a round-about-way.
You see mom asked me to make this cross-stitch for her

Saying: Grandpa and Grandma's House
where cousins become best friends.

and so I thought it would be fun to make it into a quilt and have grand-kids and great-grand kids make quilt square to add to it. I haven't figured it all out yet and I don't know what the outcome will look like, but non-the-less in my mind I think it will work. ;-P

here are two of the 40 some squares....

I sure hope it turns out. I have more squares to get in the mail so I can get them back. However, the cross-stitching part isn't done yet so we aren't ready for assembly quite yet. So without further ado here is what the cross-stitch is looking like.....

before FNSI

After FNSI

It's taking shape quite well. I just hope the final product turns out just as good.

Sew is what I did last night.
How about you? What did you get accomplished last night?

cute as a button idea

2012-02-16T00:00:00.002-06:00

My Valentine Surprise

2012-02-15T17:48:00.001-06:00

My daughter surprised me with this

LOVE-ly ring

on Valentine's Day.

I just had to show it off.

It's coming....

2012-02-14T22:31:00.003-06:00

It's coming right to your house this Friday night. Well, that is if you participate in February's Sew-In with Heidi and Bobbi. Come early stay late. Just be prepared to get some serious sewing accomplished. Don't know what FNSI is check it out here. And then be sure to sign up here.

I plan on pulling the cross-stitch out again. Hubby and daughter both have to work so I have the night to myself. Well, part of the night that is.

Love Affair with Chocolate

2012-02-14T07:50:00.000-06:00

Today being Valentine's day I have a guest article with author of I Love you more than Chocolate, Melanie Milburn, at my 4 the LOVE of BOOKS blog. I'll give you a little teaser so you'll want to go to 4 the LOVE of BOOKS for the rest of the article. And with that I must be off to work. Happy Valentine's Day every one.

My name is Melanie and I am a chocoholic! Please do not judge me. I know I am not alone. I could give up chocolate but that would make me a quitter and my mamma did not raise a quitter. I tried to start a support group for chocoholics…..but I just could not get anyone to join. Do you know why? Because… (read the rest of the story here).

Greatest Valentine EVER!

2012-02-14T07:09:00.001-06:00

"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."
~ John 3:16 ~

Sixty Acres and a Bride by Regina Jennings

2012-02-13T07:58:00.001-06:00

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Sixty Acres and a Bride Bethany House (February 1, 2012) by Regina Jennings
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word from Regina:

See me laughing. That’s what I do when someone calls me an author. Yes, it’s always been my dream, but I still can’t keep from giggling over it.

Other things I am – a Christ-follower, a wife, a homeschooling mother of four, a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University, and a voracious reader.

Getting reading time isn’t easy. Seems like my family does more than our share of traveling. My husband is an insurance adjuster (I know, save the hate mail) and travels with the catastrophe team often. That’s allowed us to see a lot of the United States. True many times it’s in the middle of a hurricane or blizzard, but after spending three weeks in a hotel room with six people, you’ll brave anything to get out and see the sights – no matter how damaged they might be.

We also serve on the Missions Team at an amazing church, so we break out the passports frequently. Highlights include singing at a leper colony in India, holding church inside a Mexican prison and showing the Jesus film to a tribe in Senegal who’d never heard the gospel.

But I don’t have to go far away for unusual. My family provides plenty of colorful material with their love for practical jokes, pithy observations and strong agricultural roots. Because of the family business, a significant chunk of my life has been spent at sale barns and auctions – often behind the scales where I weigh pigs. I like to think of myself as a “redneck bluestocking” but I brought an entire marketing team’s discussion to a screeching halt when I said those words, so you didn’t hear it from me.

When I have spare time I love to talk books and quirky characters (real and fictional).

ABOUT THE BOOK

With nothing to their names, young widow Rosa Garner and her mother-in-law return to Texas and the family ranch. Only now the county is demanding back taxes and the women have only three months to pay.

Though facing eviction, Rosa can't keep herself from falling in love with the countryside and the wonderful extended family who want only her best. Learning the American customs is not easy, however, and this beautiful young widow can't help but catch wandering eyes. Where some offer help with dangerous strings attached, only one man seems honorable. But when Weston Garner, still grieving his own lost love, is unprepared to give his heart, to what lengths will Rosa go to save her future?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Sixty Acres and a Bride, go HERE.

offer you don't want to miss. 1 Day ONLY

2012-02-09T08:40:00.001-06:00

KINDLE NOOK

ONE DAY ONLY!

On Thursday, February 9th, Revell Books is giving away FREE copies of my new release, The Keeper for Kindle and Nook! This one day offer starts at 12 am and ends at 11:59 pm. Pass it on!

And grab a copy for yourself!

Blue Moon Bay by Lisa Wingate

2012-02-09T00:00:00.002-06:00

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Blue Moon Bay Bethany House (February 1, 2012) by Lisa Wingate
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lisa Wingate is an award-winning journalist, magazine columnist, popular inspirational speaker and a national bestselling author of sixteen books. Her first mainstream novel, Tending Roses, is in its eighteenth printing from Penguin Putnam. Tending Roses is a staple on the shelves of national bookstore chains as well as in many independent bookstores.

Recently, Lisa’s Blue Sky Hill Series, set in Dallas, received national attention with back-to-back nominations for American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year Award for A Month of Summer (2009) and The Summer Kitchen (2010). Pithy, emotional, and inspirational, her stories bring to life characters so real that readers often write to ask what is happening to them after the book ends.

Lisa is one of a select group of authors to find success in both the Christian and mainstream markets, writing for both Bethany House, a Christian publisher, and NAL Penguin Putnam, a general market publisher. Her bestselling books have become a hallmark of inspirational fiction. Her works have been featured by the National Reader's Club of America, AOL Book Picks, Doubleday Book Club, the Literary Guild, Crossings Book Club, American Profiles and have been chosen for numerous awards.

When not busy dreaming up stories, Lisa spends time on the road as a motivational speaker. Via internet, she shares with readers as far away as India, where her book, Tending Roses, has been used to promote women's literacy, and as close to home as Tulsa, Oklahoma, where the county library system has used Tending Roses to help volunteer mentors teach adults to read. Recently, the group Americans for More Civility, a kindness watchdog organization, selected Lisa along with Bill Ford, Camille Cosby, and six others as recipients of the National Civies Award, which celebrates public figures who work to promote greater kindness and civility in American life.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Heather Hampton returns to Moses Lake, Texas, to help facilitate the sale of a family farm as part of a planned industrial plant that will provide the area with much-needed jobs. Heather's future fiance has brokered the deal, and Heather is in line to do her first large-scale architectural design--if the deal goes through.

But the currents of Moses Lake have a way of taking visitors on unexpected journeys. What was intended to be a quick trip suddenly morphs into Valentine's week--with Blaine Underhill, the handsome banker who just happens to be opposing Heather's project. Spending the holiday in an ex-funeral parlor seems like a nightmare, but Heather slowly finds herself being drawn into the area's history, hope, and heart.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Blue Moon Bay, go HERE.

Song of My Heart by Kim Vogel Sawyer

2012-02-07T00:01:00.004-06:00

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Song of My Heart Bethany House (February 1, 2012) by Kim Vogel Sawyer
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kim Vogel Sawyer is the author of fifteen novels, including several CBA and ECPA bestsellers. Her books have won the ACFW Book of the Year Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Kim is active in her church, where she leads women's fellowship and participates in both voice and bell choirs. In her spare time, she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy. Kim and her husband, Don, reside in central Kansas, and have three daughters and numerous grandchildren.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Sadie Wagner has always been devoted to her family. So when her stepfather is injured and can't work, she decides to leave home and accept a position as a clerk at the mercantile in Goldtree, Kansas. Goldtree also offers the opportunity to use her God-given singing talent--though the promised opera house is far different from what she imagined. With her family needing every cent she can provide, Sadie will do anything to keep her job.

Thad McKane comes to Goldtree at the request of the town council. The town has been plagued by bootlegging operations, and Thad believes he can find the culprit. After he earns enough money doing sheriff work, he wants to use it to pay for his training to become a minister.

Thad is immediately attracted to the beautiful singer who performs in Asa Baxter's unusual opera house, but when he hears her practicing bawdy tunes, he begins to wonder if she's far less innocent than she seems. And when Sadie appears to be part of the very crimes he's come to investigate, is there any hope the love blossoming between them will survive?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Song of My Heart, go HERE.

Follower Love blog giveaway hop

2012-02-07T00:00:00.028-06:00

Today through Valentine's Day I'm joining in with I Am A Reader, Not a Writer giveaway hop.
There are over 300 bloggers in this hop so you have a lot of hopping to do in the next week. You are presently at # 234 on the hop list. Because this hop is all about followers, love, books this is what I'm offering.....
1 winner will be able to choose two books from my stash and here is my stash......

Adult fiction & nonfiction
books

Life is Not a Candy Store by Tal Yanai

Miss. Hildreth Wore Brown by Olivia deBelle Byrd

A Word to the Wise by Brandon Cooper

Class Struggle by Steven Verrier

Close to His Heart by Leonora Pruner

Stars in the Night by Cara C. Putman

Surrender the Heart by Mary Lu Tyndall

Hatteras Girl by Alice J. Wisler

the Call of Zulina by Kay Marshall Strom

a Heart Revealed by Julie Lessman

Guardian of the Flame by T. L. Higley

children's books

Kusikiy: A Chile from Taquile, Peru by Mercedes Cecilia

Lucky by Craig Inglis

Oscar's Adventures in the Woods by Pam Stone

Babysitting Sugarpaw by VS Grenier

Night Knight: Therapeutic Bedtime Stories by Emma Piers

Tiny Angel by Nancy Carty Lepri

The adventures of Johnny Saturday: The Helper by W. F. Lovelady

The Adventures of Joe-Joe Nut & Biscuit Bill: Case #2 Mineral Mischief by Renee Hand

The Weaver by Kai Strand

Buddy's Tail by K. Anne Russell

you may choose two from adult or two from children's or one from each. If you wish to know more about the book click on the book title it will take you to the book tour page or my review page.
Be sure to visit my other blog ~ 4 the LOVE of BOOKS as I'm going the same giveaway there too. So you'll have two chances to win.

Open to US mailing address only please
must leave email address in comment
must be a follower of this blog
leave a comment with 3 or 4 of your choice books from the list given away

be sure to visit around the hop for other wonderful giveaways:

Cooper and Me and the Military by Moniqe & Alexa Peters

2012-02-06T10:40:00.001-06:00

Be sure to read to the end as I'm giving away a copy of this book.

Looking for a good book to read to your child about military then this would be one of them. This would be a wonderful book to add to the collection for military awareness books. It is written in rhyme as to keep even the youngest ones interested. I liked the sample letter given that your child can copy and send off to someone serving our country. Nice way to teach children to honor those that serve. There are a few additional pages of activities to do with your child at the end of this book. Cooper and me books teach many life lessons and feature interactive materials. They are nice teaching resource tools to have.

Overview:

Meet Trooper, Cooper’s best friend, and learn how he was adopted by Gracie and Joe and their parents, who both serve in the military. Find out how this family stays close despite being separated.

Be sure to visit Cooper and Me web site here to find all kinds of fun activities and additional resources.

find out more information about this book here.

Now for the giveaway. Thanks to flypropeller for providing a copy of Cooper and Me and the Military to be given away on my site. Be sure to do the mandatory entry for bonus entries to count. Please US residents only. The winner will be drawn on Feb. 25th. Make sure you also fill out the rafflecopter as that is how the winner will be drawn.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

In exchange for my honest review a copy of this book was provided for this review and giveaway by flypropeller

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Love is in the Air

2012-02-03T11:15:00.002-06:00

Welcome to the

edition of

the homesteading carnival

DIY: make up magnetic board @ Real Moms

Check out this tutorial on making this cute tote bag

Scarves are in fashion check out some new ways to wear them:

6 fashionable ways to wear a scarf

Elegant scarf Knots

4 fresh ways to wear a scarf

how to tie a scarf/Coldwatercreek

How to tie wrap scarves/37 ways

Try this No Bake Valentine Sundae @ Susie QT pies Scarps of Life

these Fairy Bite Marshmallow Pops

Cherry coke float cupcakes

Make this Heart Garland picture @ Mom's Best Bet

free ebook download

Make this adorable mailbox decoration @ Real Moms Real Views

Cinnamon Heart ornaments @ Meet the Dubiens

Try you hand at a necklace from eighteen 25

Check out these fun & simple bookmarks 4 kids @ Simple Kids

Cherries in a cloud cupcakes @ a nut in a nutshell

Jessica Chipps presents Black Pean Pasta - Homemade posted at Mosquito Creek Farm.

Linda@NHE presents Cheddar Potato Soup Recipe posted at Natural Health Ezine, saying, "Learn the secrets of making the best pot of soup and try out this delicious cheddar potato soup recipe!"

Tyler presents Serious about Celery posted at Weight Loss Tips, saying, "I hope you find this article fitting for your readers! Celery is a great vegetable for every home garden - many people overlook it!

Laura Grace Weldon presents Creative Tactics For Eating Frugally & Well posted at Bit of Earth Farm, saying, "Eat well and save in ways you might not have considered."

jacky presents 8 ways to make a small garden look big posted at small garden love.

Tony presents 6 great reasons to grow your own food posted at Beat Unemployment, saying, "Whether you live on many acres or in an apartment, anyone can grow at some some of their own food. Here are six great reasons why you should."

Dina-Marie Oswald presents Redecorating - Paint It! posted at Dimes2Vines, saying, "Redecorating does not have to be expensive. Moving into the first phase of our house at the vineyard, I wanted to add some pizzazz to certain pieces of furniture. It was actually easy and turned out great!"

Fred Lee presents A 7-Day Plan to Prepare Your Home for Guests posted at Parenting Squad.

Gas heaters presents Gas Heater Efficiency posted at gas heater, saying, "Gas heaters are a wonderful source of heat and can be used both indoors and outside. They may be permanent or portable and sometimes use natural gas, while others use liquefied petroleum gas."

Tyler presents The Best Workout: When You Have No Weights posted at Weight Training, saying, "I hope you find this article fitting for your readers! It's got great workout ideas for staying at home!

That concludes this February edition. Submit your blog article to the March edition of the homesteading carnival
using our carnival submission form.

In Too Deep by Mary Connealy

2012-02-02T00:00:00.010-06:00

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing In Too Deep Bethany House (February 1, 2012) by Mary Connealy
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Christy Award Finalist, a Carol Award Finalist and an IRCC Award finalist.

The Lassoed in Texas Series, Petticoat Ranch, Calico Canyon and Gingham Mountain. Petticoat Ranch was a Carol Award Finalist. Calico Canyon was a Christy Award Finalist and a Carol Award Finalist. These three books are now contained in one large volume called Lassoed in Texas Trilogy.

The Montana Marriages Series, Montana Rose, The Husband Tree and Wildflower Bride. Montana Rose was a Carol Award Finalist.

Cowboy Christmas—the 2010 Carol Award for Best Long Historical Romance, and an Inspirational Readers Choice Contest Finalist.

The Sophie's Daughters series. Doctor in Petticoats, Wrangler in Petticoats, Sharpshooter in Petticoats.

She is also the author of; Black Hills Blessing a 3-in-1 collection of sweet contemporary romances, Nosy in Nebraska, a 3-in-1 collection of cozy romantic mysteries and she's one of the three authors contributing to Alaska Brides with her Carol Award Winning historical romance Golden Days.

ABOUT THE BOOK

In 1866 Colorado, Ethan Kincaid agrees to a marriage of convenience with the same casual disregard he gives every decision. Audra Gilliland, young mother of two, accepts his proposal because she wants to stop being a burden to her newly married stepdaughter. And suddenly both of them are in far deeper than they'd planned.

Ethan doesn't expect Audra to affect him so profoundly, and when she begins to, he's terrified of the pain he's felt before when someone he loved was seriously injured on his watch. He's determined that his new wife will do as he says so he can keep her safe from the dangers that lurk on their ranch. Audra has been cared for all her life by one man or another--and they've done a poor job of it. Now she's planning to stand up for herself. And her new husband had better agree or get out of her way!

What will it take to transform two wayward hearts fearful of getting in too deep into two trusting hearts ready to risk falling deeply in love?

If you would like to read the first chapter of In Too Deep, go HERE.

Watch the book trailer:

Ruth's Redemption by Marlene Banks

2012-02-01T07:25:00.001-06:00

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Ruth's Redemption Moody Publishers/Lift Every Voice (February 1, 2012) by Marlene Banks
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Marlene Banks has worked 30+ years combined in nursing and the business arena. Her goal as a writer is to create inspiring, gripping and realistic stories with an emphasis on African American literature. She believes her gift and desire to write is from God and desires to use it to fulfill His purposes. Marlene lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where she is a member of Bethel Deliverance International Church.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Set in the 1800s, Ruth's Redemption, is an unusual depiction of the lives of slaves and free blacks in pre-Civil War America. Bo, a main character, was educated while a slave. He was given his freedom and now owns a farm buying slaves for the sole purpose of giving them their freedom.

Bo is also a man of God and widower whose life is destined to change when he meets the proud and hard-hearted slave girl, Ruth. Ruth has known nothing but servitude and brutality since being separated from her mother at age thirteen. Purchased and sold primarily for breeding, Ruth struggles to adjust to life outside of bondage. She wants no part of Bo's Godly devotion. Yet Bo is unlike any man she's known and her experiences with him will leave her forever changed.

A gripping slave era novel, Ruth's Redemption is a story of love, forgiveness, and redemption. Set against the backdrop of the Nat Turner Rebellion in Tidewater, Virginia, this novel shines the light of God's unconditional love in the darkness of a culture's cruel socially accepted inhumanity.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Ruth's Redemption, go HERE.

I WON!!!!

2012-02-01T00:00:00.036-06:00

Here are a few things that I've won from different blogs.....

I pound of Enstrom milk chocolate almond toffee @ Kelly's Lucky You.

And it was delicious. YUMMY even. SsssOooooo GOOD!

Won this DVD and cute ice cube tray @ Girl Gone Mom

the penguin ice cube tray makes the cutest ice cubes

rounding up skillet dinners....

2012-01-27T00:00:00.005-06:00

What's better than a meal that cooks all in ONE skillet? Less dishes to wash, plus delicious flavor to boot! We love these simplified recipes that come together in a flash and we know you have some good ones to share. So, tell us...

What are YOUR favorite recipe for SKILLET MEALS?
Share 'em all in today's Recipe Round-Up!

Here's a recipe to inspire you from our cookbook,
Slow Cookers, Casseroles & Skillets...enjoy!

Quick Skillet Spaghetti
This recipe was shared by Lisa Parrish of Trinity, North Carolina. She writes, "My husband requests this recipe for dinner weekly! It’s so easy because you don’t even have to boil water for the spaghetti. Try it
with half sausage and half ground turkey too."
1 lb. sweet Italian ground
pork sausage
1 clove garlic, pressed
7-oz. pkg. spaghetti, uncooked
and broken into 1-inch lengths
2 14-oz. cans diced Italian tomatoes
15-oz. can tomato sauce
1 T. fresh parsley, chopped
2 t. dried basil
3 T. shredded Italian-blend cheese
In a skillet over medium heat, brown sausage for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often. Drain; stir in garlic and broken spaghetti. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring often. Add remaining ingredients except cheese and stir until well blended. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer about 20 minutes, until spaghetti is tender. Sprinkle with cheese. Cover and cook for 2 to 3 minutes longer to melt cheese. Serves 4 to 6.

Link up your favorite recipe for a SKILLET MEAL below
and, if you're joining this hop, link back
here by using the handy button below.

Love Blooms in Winter by Lori Copeland

2012-01-26T00:00:00.001-06:00

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Love Blooms in Winter Harvest House Publishers (January 1, 2012) by Lori Copeland

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lori lives in the beautiful Ozarks with her husband Lance. Lance and Lori have three sons, three daughter-in-laws, and six wonderful grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters. Lance and Lori are very involved in their church, and active in supporting mission work in Mali, West Africa.

Lori began her writing career in 1982, writing for the secular book market. In 1995, after many years of writing, Lori sensed that God was calling her to use her gift of writing to honor Him. It was at that time that Lori began writing for the Christian book market. To date, she has had over 100 books published.

ABOUT THE BOOK

A romantic new book from bestselling author Lori Copeland that portrays God’s miraculous provision even when none seems possible.

1892—Mae Wilkey’s sweet next-door neighbor, Pauline, is suffering from old age and dementia and desperately needs family to come help her. But Pauline can’t recall having kin remaining. Mae searches through her desk and finds a name—Tom Curtis, who may just be the answer to their prayers.

Tom can’t remember an old aunt named Pauline, but if she thinks he’s a long-lost nephew, he very well may be. After two desperate letters from Mae, he decides to pay a visit. An engagement, a runaway train, and a town of quirky, loveable people make for more of an adventure than Tom is expecting. But it is amazing what can bloom in winter when God is in charge of things.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Love Blooms in Winter, go HERE.

Just keeps piling up

2012-01-25T00:00:00.003-06:00

A stitch here and a stitch there.

2012-01-21T15:49:00.001-06:00

I feel like I'm only getting A stitch in here and a stitch in there; one stitch at a time the picture gets done. Well, I did get to put in a few stitches on the cross-stitch last night. Hubby was off work so I didn't get in as many stitches as I would like to have gotten in. I was able to work on it about an hour after supper was cleaned up, then hubby wanted to watch a movie. Here is a before and after shot of my cross-stitch.

before FNSI

after FNSI

breakfast anyone????

2012-01-19T09:54:00.001-06:00

Getting out of bed can be pretty tough on these chilly winter mornings, but when you entice your family to the table with piping hot cinnamon rolls, fresh-baked blueberry muffins or a savory egg bake, you can make it that much easier!
This week, we're rounding up all of YOUR best breakfast & brunch recipes for winter mornings and we'd love to have you join in the fun! So, tell us...

What are YOUR favorite WINTER BREAKFAST recipes?
Share 'em all in today's Recipe Round-Up!

Here's a recipe from our cookbook, Comfort Foods, that will definitely bring 'em all to the table...we love the shredded hashbrown crust!

Savory Breakfast Pie
Shared by Sharon Tillman of Hampton, Virginia, who assures us "Nothing says 'Rise and shine!' on a lazy weekend morning like the heavenly aroma of this pie in the oven." Thanks, Sharon!
3 eggs, beaten
1/2 c. milk
1/2 t. salt
pepper to taste
5 T. butter, melted
3 c. frozen shredded
    hashbrowns, thawed
1 c. cooked ham,
    finely chopped
1/2 c. onion,
    finely chopped
1/2 c. green pepper,
    chopped
1/4 c. diced pimento,
    drained
1 c. shredded sharp
    Cheddar cheese

Whisk together eggs, milk, salt and pepper; set aside. Drizzle butter over a 9" pie plate; pat hashbrowns into bottom and up sides to form a crust. Bake at 425 degrees for 25 minutes, or until golden; cool. Sprinkle crust with ham, onion, green pepper, pimento and cheese; top with egg mixture. Reduce heat to 375 degrees; bake for an additional 35 to 40 minutes, until eggs are set. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Makes 4 to 6 servings.

The Mulligans of Mt. Jefferson by Don Reid

2012-01-19T00:00:00.003-06:00

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Mulligans of Mt Jefferson David C. Cook (January 1, 2012) by Don Reid

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Don is one of the original members of the STATLER BROTHERS, the most award-winning act in the history of country music. He and his brother and two friends began singing in their hometown of Staunton, Virginia when Don was only fourteen years old. Working all over their home and neighboring states as a part time group, they were discovered in 1964 by Johnny Cash and given their first record contract. By the time Don was 20 years old, the STATLERS had their first major, world-wide hit record with FLOWERS ON THE WALL, which started a string of hits that generated a career in the music industry that lasted for four decades. The STATLERS have been recipients of multiple industry awards:

It wasn’t until the STATLER BROTHERS decided to retire from traveling in 2002 that Don pursued his writing career to another level. Having songwriting and scriptwriting under his belt, the next obvious step was to write a book. And that book was the scripture based HEROES AND OUTLAWS OF THE BIBLE published in June of 2002 by New Leaf Press. He has since wrote two other non-fiction books and in 2008 saw another dream come true for Don when he released his first novel, O LITTLE TOWN. Novel number two came in the form of ONE LANE BRIDGE, and THE MULLIGANS OF MT. JEFFERSON, is a sequel to O LITTLE TOWN.

Don is the father of two sons. Debo and his wife, Julie, and daughters Sela Mae and Adra, live within a stone’s throw. You may have seen Debo’s name on many songs written with Don on albums over the years.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Cal, Harlan, and Buddy grow up together in a small Virginia town in the years before the second World War. United by age, proximity, and temperament, they get into—and out of—all the trouble that boys manage to find. They even earn a nickname from a local restaurateur who gives the boys their first jobs and plenty of friendly advice. “Uncle” Vic calls them the Mulligans, because they always seem to find a way through a thicket of trouble—family problems, girls, college, war—to success. Cal and Harlan and Buddy have been blessed with second chances.

Now it’s 1959, and police lieutenant Buddy receives an early-morning phone call: his friend Harlan, a store owner, has been shot in a break-in. Cal, now a preacher, meets Buddy at the hospital, and together, as professionals and as friends, they begin to unravel what might have happened to Harlan.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Mulligans of Mt Jefferson, go HERE.

A Mile in His Shoes DVD Review/Giveaway

2012-01-18T00:01:00.005-06:00

I was so excited when I was contacted by Angie from Propeller about doing product reviews/giveaways. I want to thank them for the opportunity to help support and get the word out on good family products. You'll want to be sure and not miss any of the up coming giveaways. So become a subscriber to my blog and you'll get a message whenever a new post is posted. You'll find it in the right side bar: follow by email. Now let me introduce the first product for 2012 that have have for review/giveaway.

main Cast:
a boy with autism, a loving coach who believes, a team member that shows outstanding friendship, a mother that is willing to let her son find his own path, and an over protective father.

special themes:
working together as a team, friendship with those that are labeled special needs. you gain a respect and learn a little bit about autism. Definately a movie of hope and strength. a movie where everyone learns and grows from it.

I don't have enough thumbs to put up for this newest Thomas Kinkade movie. It is the best. The story line and characters are just superb. based on the book "The Legend of Mickey Tussler" Luke Schroder (debut) and Dean Cain both were perfect in their roles. My teen daughters love movies with Dean Cain (superman) and they loved this one too. I'm looking forward to seeing more of Luke Schroder in coming movies. It is a very powerful movie; full of heart-warming moments, up-lifting, inspiring, and full of life lessons. The ratings are 4.5/5 stars for this movie. If you need a good family night movie then I would highly recommend A Mile in His Shoes. Learn more about this amazing new star in links below.

visit Luke Schroder's home page here
visit Luke's blog here
visit an interview with Luke here

Synopsis: Only a miracle can help baseball coach Arthur “Murph” Murphy (Dean Cain) and his losing minor league baseball team. As Murph sets out to recruit new talent, he stumbles upon Mickey (Luke Schroder), a young farmer with an incredible pitcher’s arm. However, Mickey’s parents are reluctant in allowing him to join the team because he has Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism. Murph convinces Mickey’s parents that life in the minor league will benefit their unique son, but he doesn’t realize just how much his new recruit will help the team’s game and, more importantly, their spirit. Based on a true story, A Mile in His Shoes is an inspirational film that celebrates faith, determination and the power of friendship.

buy on-line
CBD
Amazon

Be sure you do the mandatory entry by leaving a comment PLUS fill out the rafflecopter form. In the end the rafflecopter will chose the winner so if you don't fill out the form you won't be entered. Thanks

a Rafflecopter giveaway

check out other blogs giving this dvd away
Trinity Rose's Garden
deadline Jan.24th
Day by Day in Our World
deadline Jan. 25th
The Johns Family
deadline Jan 22nd
a cooking bookworm
deadline Jan 31st
The Knowlton Nest
deadline Jan. 25th

A copy of this DVD was provided for this review and giveaway by flypropeller

WWW ~ Jan. 18, 2012

2012-01-18T00:00:00.196-06:00

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…
* What are you currently reading?
* What did you recently finish reading?
* What do you think you’ll read next?

Currently Reading:

Recently Finished:

Read my Review here

Next Read:

BIG NEWS BREAK!!!

2012-01-17T15:52:00.001-06:00

it's here this friday....

2012-01-16T20:45:00.002-06:00

OK I'm going to do my dead-level best to participate in January's FNS-i. It is this friday. Don't know what it is all about will check it out here.

What am I going to work on??? well hopefully between daughter's work schedule and hubby's work schedule I'll get some more of my cross-stitching done.

Now head over to Crafty Vegas mom and learn more about these sew-ins and sign up

Then head over to Sew Bittersweet designs and check out the giveaway there.....
a sneak peek.....

yep you guessed it has is sewing related.... cool click here for details of how to enter.

Don't forget to join the sew in on Friday night here.

DayBook ~ Jan. 16, 2012

2012-01-16T15:25:00.002-06:00

Outside my window...the sky is cloudy and gloom is hanging around. wintery day.

I am thinking…I need to post on this blog again

I am thankful for...my warm house

From the kitchen…I comes the ticking of the clock

I am wearing…green jean skirt and sweatshirt with knee socks

I am creating…a cross-sticth

I am going…take my daughter to work shortly

I am reading…Sound of Red Returning by Sue Duffy

I am hoping…to get some reading and cross-stitching done today

I am hearing...the clock here in the living room tick and the furnace blowing

Around the house…it is mostly quiet as daughter is getting ready for work now

One of my favorite things…Hot chocolate

A few plans for the rest of the week…??????????? undecided

Photo for thought…

one of my Christmas surprises

His Steadfast Love by Golden Keyes Parsons

2012-01-12T00:00:00.003-06:00

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing His Steadfast Love Thomas Nelson (November 1, 2011) by Golden Keyes Parsons

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Golden Keyes Parsons writes historical fiction for Thomas Nelson Publishing, and is also a popular retreat/conference speaker. Her highly acclaimed Darkness to Light Series chronicled the journey of her French Huguenot ancestors in 17th century France. Her newest novel, His Steadfast Love, a Civil War novel set in Texas, just released November 2011. Golden lives in Waco, TX, with her husband, Blaine, where they enjoy their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and are avid sports fan of their alma mater, Baylor University.

ABOUT THE BOOK

It isn't until the Civil War comes to her doorstep that Amanda Bell must choose between love and family.

It's the spring of 1861 on the Gulf Coast of Texas. Amanda never thought she would marry because of a promise she made to her dying mother, but her attraction to Captain Kent Littlefield is undeniable.

When Texas secedes from the Union, her brother Daniel aligns with the Confederate States, while Kent remains with the Union troops.

Her heart is torn between the two men she is closest to and the two sides of the conflict. Amanda prays to God for direction and support, but hears only silence. Where is God in the atrocities of war-and whose side is He on?

Amanda senses her life is at a turning point. She must trust God to deliver her family through the chaos of war with her heart and her faith intact.

If you would like to read the first chapter of His Steadfast Love, go HERE.

wordless Wednesday ~ the Year of BOOTS

2012-01-11T14:31:00.002-06:00

My daughters and I all three received boots for Christmas. I got my slouchy boots that I've been wanting for the last three years. Finally, someone got tired of me asking for them so they appeared under the Christmas tree this year. ;P

The Captive Heart by Dale Cramer

2012-01-09T18:00:00.011-06:00

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Captive Heart Bethany House (January 1, 2012) by Dale Cramer

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dale Cramer spent his formative years traveling the world as an Army brat, then settled in Georgia at the age of fifteen when his father retired.

After high school he became an electrician, a job that took him to places as diverse as power plants, stadia, airports, high-rise office buildings and a hard-rock mining operation.

Twenty-five years of experiences in the trades provided him with the wealth of characters, stories and insights that populate his novels.

When he married his childhood friend, Pam, in 1975 he had no way of knowing they would not have children until fifteen years later.

In his early forties, when Dale left his job to become a stay-at-home dad, he suddenly found himself with time on his hands, so he pursued a lifelong dream and taught himself to write.

Using an online writer’s forum as a training ground, he wrote his first short stories in 1996. As his writing skills improved he turned to novels, publishing his first book, Sutter’s Cross, in 2003.

Since then, Dale has published four more novels and garnered a measure of critical acclaim with two Christy Awards, a listing among Publisher’s Weekly’s Best Books of 2004 and numerous other Best lists. Dale and his wife Pam live in Georgia with their two sons.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Bandit troubles intensify as Caleb Bender's family tries to settle into their new life in 1920s Paradise Valley. When El Pantera kidnaps Rachel and leaves her brother, Aaron, for dead, Jake Weaver and the Mexican native Domingo pursue the bandit leader to his mountain stronghold in a hopeless rescue attempt. Jake and Domingo manage to escape with Rachel, with the bandits hot on their trail. In a desperate attempt to avoid recapture, Domingo puts himself squarely in harm's way, giving Jake and Rachel time to get away. This is not the quiet life Caleb Bender envisioned when he led his family out of Ohio. What is a father to make of his daughter's obvious affection for a man outside the fold? And how will a pacifist Amishman like Caleb respond to the events that threaten his family and their way of life?

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Captive Heart, go HERE

The year When Jesus Comes

2012-01-07T13:44:00.000-06:00

For the beginning the New Year I thought I'd share this song lyrics. It is one of my favorite songs. You may listen to it here. However, ever I don't believe it is the Year that Jesus will come. Why??? Because the Bible tells us he'll come when we least expect it as a thief in the night I Thessolonians 5:2 ~ "For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night."
and everyone is expecting the end of the world in 2012. Besides the world won't end as we know it when he comes back. There will be great tribulation before the world ultimately ends. Revelation in the Bible is a good book to study for the last days' account. Anyway, I still love this song it gives the listeners something to think about.

This Could be the Year when Jesus Comes
You may listen to it here.

CHORUS
What if this could be the year when Jesus comes
The year that we've been waiting for so long
We'd have so little time to7get our lost world won
If this could be the year when Jesus comes

VERSE 1
Years have come and years have gone
Since Jesus went away
Leaving us the promise that He'd come again someday
And…

CHORUS
What if this could be the day when Jesus comes
The day that we've been waiting for so long
We'd have so little time to get our lost world won
If this could be the day when Jesus comes

VERSE 2
He will comes so quickly in the twinkling of an eye
In a moment we think not
He'll split the eastern sky
And…

CHORUS
What if this could be the moment when Jesus comes
The moment that we've been waiting for so long
We'd have no time, no time to get our lost world won
If this could be the moment when Jesus comes

You may listen to it here.

The Rose of Winslow Street by Elizabeth Camden

2012-01-05T00:00:00.005-06:00

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Rose of Winslow Street Bethany House (January 1, 2012)
by Elizabeth Camden

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A research librarian and associate professor, Elizabeth Camden has a master’s in history from the University of Virginia and a master’s in library science from Indiana University. She has published several articles for academic publications and is the author of four nonfiction history books. Her ongoing fascination with history and love of literature have led her to write inspirational fiction. Elizabeth lives with her husband in central Florida.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The last thing Libby Sawyer and her father expected upon their return from their summer home was to find strangers inhabiting a house that had been in their family for decades. Widower Michael Dobrescu brought his family from Romania to the town of Colden, Massachusetts with a singular purpose: to claim the house willed to him long ago. Since neither party has any intention of giving up their claim, a fierce legal battle ensues between the two families.

When important documents go missing from the house, Libby suspects Michael is the culprit. Determined to discover the truth behind the stolen papers, Libby investigates, only to find more layers of mystery surrounding Michael and his family. Despite their rivalry, Libby finds herself developing feelings for this man with the mysterious past.

As a decision about the house looms in the courts, Libby must weigh the risks of choosing to remain loyal to her family or give her heart to a man whose intentions and affections are less than certain.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Rose of Winslow Street, go HERE.

Celebrating 26 years today...

2012-01-04T13:51:00.005-06:00

Meteor show tonight

2012-01-03T19:53:00.001-06:00

for those that are into sky watching suppose to be a cool meteor shower late tonight early morning hours tomorrow. check out the details here..

The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen

2012-01-02T09:59:00.002-06:00

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Maid of Fairbourne Hall Bethany House (January 1, 2012) by Julie Klassen

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years (first in advertising, then as a fiction editor) and now writes full time. Two of her books, The Girl in the Gatehouse and The Silent Governess won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Girl in the Gatehouse also won a Midwest Book Award and The Silent Governess was a finalist in Romance Writers of America's RITA awards.

She graduated from the University of Illinois and enjoys travel, research, BBC period dramas, long hikes, short naps, and coffee with friends. Julie and her husband have two sons and live near St. Paul, Minnesota.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Pampered Margaret Macy flees London in disguise to escape pressure to marry a dishonorable man. With no money and nowhere else to go, she takes a position as a housemaid in the home of Nathaniel Upchurch, a suitor she once rejected in hopes of winning his dashing brother. Praying no one will recognize her, Margaret fumbles through the first real work of her life. If she can last until her next birthday, she will gain an inheritance from a spinster aunt--and sweet independence. But can she remain hidden as a servant even when prying eyes visit Fairbourne Hall?

Observing both brothers as an "invisible" servant, Margaret learns she may have misjudged Nathaniel. Is it too late to rekindle his admiration? And when one of the family is nearly killed, Margaret alone discovers who was responsible. Should she come forward, even at the risk of her reputation and perhaps her life? And can she avoid an obvious trap meant to force her from hiding?

On her journey from wellborn lady to servant to uncertain future, Margaret must learn to look past appearances and find the true meaning of "serve one another in love."

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, go HERE

wishing U a....

2012-01-01T00:00:00.004-06:00

Christian's 12 Days of Christmas

2011-12-31T11:16:00.001-06:00

I heard the words to this song this week so did a google search and found the following. Trust you enjoy them. Still in a wee bit of a Christmas mode, but none-the-less good words.

So, for Christmas... these are what Jesus gave to me...
and to you upon accepting His gift and acknowledging Him as Lord of and Saviour.
O, what a Saviour.

The Twelve Days of Christmas
by - Carroll Roberson

On the first day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: salvation full and free.

On the second day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: everlasting life, and salvation full and free.

On the third day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: Peace in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free.

On the fourth day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: love for all men, Peace in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free.

On the fifth day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: joy for my soul, love for all men, peace in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free.

On the sixth day of Christmas Jesus gave to me; power from on high, joy for my soul, love for all men, peace in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free.

On the seventh day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: a body glorified, power from on high, joy for my soul, love for all men, peace in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free.

On the eighth day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: a robe and a crown, a body glorified, power from on high, joy for my soul, love for all men, peace in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free.

On the ninth day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: mansions above, a robe and a crown, a body glorified, power from on high, joy for my soul, love for all men, peace in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free.

On the tenth day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: streets of pure gold, mansions above, a robe and a crown, a body glorified, power from on high, joy for my soul, love for all men, peace in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free.

On the eleventh day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: a thousand tongues to sing, streets of pure gold, mansions above, a robe and a crown, a body glorified, power from on high, joy for my soul, love for all men, peace in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free.

On the twelfth day of Christmas Jesus gave to me: eternity to praise, a thousand tongues to sing, streets of pure gold, mansions above, a robe and a crown, a body glorified, power from on high, joy for my soul, love for all men, peace in my heart, everlasting life, and salvation full and free.

~taken from a Christian Home web site

You may find some different Christian lyrics at the following sites
faithwriters.com
higherpraise.com

winning Wednesday

2011-12-28T00:00:00.058-06:00

I have many things I've won over the past few months that I thought today being the last Wednesday of the year I'd ketchup with a winning Wednesday post. Some of the sites I remember where I won it but many I just can't remember and since Sept. I've had two computer issues that we've had to wipe computer so wasn't able to save where I won them. However, it was one of the sites on my side bar so it pays to check out the side bar sites. There are all kinds of goodies given away. Here are some things I've won......

I won two copies of this movie so my mom was able to accept one copy as a gift from me.
one copy was won @ Our Homeschool Ohana the other @ We love to Homeschool

won @ Alarm Clock Wars

won @ Outnumbered 3 to 1

won @ Tatum's Family Reviews

won @ Sew bitter Sweet designs

won @ 3 kids and lots of pigs

it came so beautifully wrapped

Wishes 4 U

2011-12-25T00:01:00.001-06:00

12 Pearls of Christmas ~ Day 12

2011-12-25T00:00:00.006-06:00

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas!

Merry Christmas from all of us at Pearl Girls™! We hope you enjoyed these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from the authors who were so kind to donate their time and talents! If you missed a few posts, I hope you'll be able go back through and read them on this blog over the next few days. If you'd like to keep up with Pearl Girls and our new book project, Mother of Pearl, coming this spring, just click this link and sign up for our newsletter (lower left sidebar).

Also, just a reminder that today is the last day for the pearl necklace and earrings giveaway! Enter now by filling out this {form}. The winner will on 1/1 at the Pearl Girls blog.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

Jesus -- The Reason For the Season

By: Rachel Hauck

Through the narrow scope of 2000 years, Mary, the mother of Jesus, appears to be one lucky woman. Chosen by God to give birth to His son, the Savior of the world? All right, Mary, way to go.

“Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you,” Gabriel said.

How many of us would like a declaration like that? Highly favored. The Lord is with you. But Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.

The angel told her, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Mary’s seems confident and resolved when she responds, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.”

She’d just been told the Holy Spirit will come upon her, that God’s power will overshadow her, that she’d become with child even though she wasn’t married, and she said, “I’m the Lord’s servant. Let your words be true.”

I find this amazing! A young woman. Ancient Bethlehem. Unwed mother. They stoned women for such things in her day. But Mary believed in God. And submitted to His will. He gave her the Holy Spirit – the same Holy Spirit given to us. If He gave her confidence, He will give us confidence. Even though, like Mary, our situation seems impossible.

Listen to Mary’s song later on in the first chapter of Luke.

“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me Holy is his name…”

Conceiving a child out of wedlock, by Divine intervention. Not a girl’s every day existence. Yet she had a Yes in her heart to God. She rejoiced. She boldly said, “Generations will remember me!”

How we struggle to trust God with our children. Our finances. Our emotional well-being. We worry. We fret. And wonder why we have no peace.

Christmas is the season where words like joy, peace and love are bantered around like Christmas candy. Let’s not take them as just words, but as truth. Let’s be like Mary and embrace God’s favor on our lives. Boldly declare "He’s done great things for me!”

Out of the grit of our own souls, we can reach His heart, and feel Him reaching for ours. No matter the pain of our past, present or future, God is there for us. He is able. Best of all, He is willing. “My soul glorifies the Lord this Christmas!”

***

Rachel Hauck is an award winning, best selling author who believes God has done great things for her. She lives in Central Florida with her husband and ornery pets. Her next release is Love Lifted Me with multi-platinum country artist Sara Evans, January 2012. Then in April, look for The Wedding Dress. www.rachelhauck.com.

Something to think about

2011-12-24T10:11:00.006-06:00

12 Pearls of Christmas ~ Day 11

2011-12-24T00:00:00.004-06:00

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas!

Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved writer's (Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year.

AND just for fun ... there's also a giveaway! Fill out this simple {form} and enter for a chance to win a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set ($450 value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will on 1/1. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents. You may enter once per day.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

The Panhandler's Breath
By Robin Dance

He slipped in sideways between the closing elevator doors, as if he were late to a meeting; he pressed the "5" without looking. Instead of suit and tie, though, baggy pants and faded navy hung on his tall, slim frame...and his stealth entry stiffened the hairs on the back of my neck.

I had noticed him a few seconds earlier, just after we had parted a sea of clamorous teens. He was smiling, grandfatherly, standing maybe 30 feet away where the electric shuttle picks up.

I had no idea he had been watching us, studying us, predator patiently awaiting his next prey.

The four of us were sealed in a four- by six-foot metal tomb. Tomb--that thought really scampered across my mind. I wondered if he had a knife in his pocket. I wanted to protect my son. Fight or flight pumped adrenaline but there was no where to run.

Extreme and ridiculous, these thoughts - and more - flashed through my mind. The Stranger began speaking.

"Yessir, I see you're a family man with your wife and your son here..." and he nodded in my and my son’s direction.

"...you see I'm homeless and all I've got..." and on queue, he reached into his left pocket and pulled out two old pennies blackened with age. Two cents to his name?! It was all too contrived, too practiced, and I didn't believe a word he was saying.

It was then I smelled it ~ the small space lent itself to that ~ and I doubted my doubt.

His breath.

It wasn't the scent of alcohol. His eyes weren't red, his voice didn't waver; his wizened face matched his graying hair.

His breath was morning's, zoo breath, the pet name I'd given to the scent inhaled when kissing my children awake when they were little.

He needed to brush his teeth. I wondered how long it had been since he brushed his teeth.

The elevator door opened and I handed him my leftover pizza as my son and I brushed past him. My husband handed him a bill and the Stranger thanked and God blessed him.

The elevator door closed behind us. Conflicted, I was relieved.

We got in the car and blurted first reaction--

"I didn't believe a word he said."

"That made me nervous."

"I wonder if he'll really eat the pizza."

In the quiet, we were left to our own thoughts, contemplating the right thing to do. At the end of the day, this is what I decided: It doesn't matter whether or not his story is true; for an old man to resort to begging, he has to be desperate. The money my husband gave him will never be missed. It was a reminder we've been entrusted with much and given much. Materially, yes, but more so spiritually. Loved, chosen, forgiven, redeemed, graced, lavished--every spiritual blessing. E v e r y.

There's a part of me that wishes I would have been brave enough to ask the man his story, made sure he knew he was loved...and bought him a tooth brush.

Later, it occurred to me he could have been an angel. Doesn’t that mean generosity, kindness and hospitality is always the right response? Then it's not about you or the stranger or the circumstance, it's about a simple, God-glorifying response.

Had we entertained an angel unaware? We'll never know.

But it wouldn't be the first time the Breath of Heaven smelled like a zoo.

***

In a decades-old, scandalous affair with her husband, Robin also confesses mad crushes on her three teens. As Southern as sugar-shocked tea, she’s a recovering people pleaser who advocates talking to strangers. A memoirist, Compassion International Blogger, and Maker-upper of words, Robin writes for her own site, PENSIEVE, and also for (in)courage by DaySpring (a subsidiary of Hallmark) and Simple Mom. She loves to get to know readers through their blog comments and on Twitter and Pinterest. www.pensieve.me

12 Pearls of Christmas ~ Day 10

2011-12-23T00:00:00.004-06:00

***

Inside Out Christmas
by Debora M. Coty

My veterinarian friend, Dr. Katie, tells the story about the December when a woman brought a very sick black lab into her clinic. The dog was only ten months old, so she was really just a big puppy, but she’d been vomiting incessantly and her worried owner didn’t know what was wrong.

“Why don’t you go on home?” Dr. Katie told the owner. “I’ll need to run tests for about four hours. We’ll give you a call when we’re finished.”

Dr. Katie’s assistant took x-rays and hung them on the light panel for Dr. Katie to examine. Hmm. Something looked a little peculiar. Dr. Katie called her assistant over.

“Is it just me, or does that look like a … a camel to you?” she asked incredulously.

“Matter of fact, it does,” replied the astute assistant. “And look, there’s an angel here, a shepherd there, and down there in the colon, it’s Baby Jesus!”

At that moment the phone rang. It was the dog’s distraught owner. “I can’t believe this! I just got home and glanced at the coffee table where I put my manger scene yesterday. There’s nothing there but an empty stable!”

As I thought about this quite literal technique for internalizing the true meaning of Christmas, it occurred to me that sometimes I have the opposite problem. With all the bustling busyness, my inner joy in celebration of my savior’s birth never really makes it to the outside.

Oh, I have plenty of glittery, festive evidences of the holiday in decorations, baking galore, and gifts under my tree. But those things are for show. They’re merely the pretty wrappings, not the gift itself.

Can people really see the core-deep joy that radiates within me when I think of the true gift that Papa God sent the world in his son, Jesus? Is my immeasurable gratitude for eternal life evident as I dash through this hectic season?

I’m afraid all too often, the answer is no.

I’m just too preoccupied to allow my outside to reflect my inside so that nonbelievers recognize that I rejoice because of the hope that is within me. My joy is obscured by the mounds of clutter. Gratefulness is sucked out of my soul by the vacuum called urgency.

“But let the godly rejoice. Let them be glad in God’s presence. Let them be filled with joy” (Psalm 68:3, NLT).

This verse has become my prayer this Christmas season – that I would make the time to give priority to rejoicing, being glad in God’s presence, and letting my inner joy show for those who may be silently desperate to know the giver of true joy.

Yep, there’s a better way to internalize the gift of Christmas than the black lab technique. We can lodge the Little Lord Jesus in our hearts rather than our colons.

***

Debora M. Coty is a humorist, inspirational speaker, and award-winning author of twelve books, including Too Blessed to be Stressed, and coming in March, More Beauty, Less Beast: Transforming Your Inner Ogre. Debora would love to swap Christmas hugs with you at www.DeboraCoty.com.

Rounding up Simmering snacks Recipes

2011-12-22T15:03:00.000-06:00

With all the festivities coming up this weekend, we like to have
a few goodies simmering away in the slow cooker for
family & friends to enjoy whenever the mood strikes.

Whether it's appetizers, dips, beverages or snacks in
YOUR slow cooker, we're rounding up all those
recipes to celebrate today! So tell us...

What's YOUR favorite
SLOW-COOKER ENTERTAINING recipe?
Share 'em all in today's Recipe Round-Up!

Check out the Slow-Cooker English Cider recipe here

8 Ways to beat the Blues at Christmas by Poppy Smith

2011-12-22T00:01:00.002-06:00

Eight Ways to Beat the Blues at Christmas

By Poppy Smith

Instead of a houseful of kids and their little ones running around laughing, crying, playing with toys and sneaking treats, this year my husband, Jim, and I will be home alone for Christmas. My automatic reaction is to feel sad—but I am glad that all of them will be celebrating the coming of Jesus with their in-laws. After all, we are usually the ones who get that privilege!

But—it’s easy to be sucked down into a “poor me” mindset and play the blues, unless we decide to change our perspective. So here are eight simple ways to help you enjoy the holidays whether you’re physically or emotionally alone. Why not join me and let’s beat those blues which aren’t where God wants us at this special time of the year—or at any time!

Sing. Play music. Listen to the words and join in praising God. Singing is a guaranteed mood lifter and perspective changer. “Sing for joy to God our strength” Ps.81:1.
Smile. Smile at little children. Their harried moms. The older shoppers who are trying to find just the right present. Make smiling your chosen expression (not through gritted teeth, however!). It will make you feel so much better and maybe lift up another lonely soul.
Invite. Is there someone you haven’t had time for this past year? Could you suggest meeting for coffee, lunch, or even over to your home? Perfection isn’t needed—only a loving heart that looks beyond it’s own world.
Rest. Remember all those too early mornings when you longed to just stay in bed? Now’s your chance. Take time to read a book of the Bible or several psalms. Choose a special book, magazine, or television program. Make or buy some once in a year yummy treats and ENJOY this gift of time!
Give gifts to others. Go online and look for simple Christmas recipes. Make peppermint candy or a cranberry loaf and go drop it off at a homeless shelter or place that serves those without a home. Change your perspective from looking inward to looking outward—as God our Savior did when He gave us the most amazing gift of love any one can receive.
Write a list of your blessings. Think back over this past year. Even if it has been one of the most difficult you’ve experienced, ask God’s Spirit to show you where He was present, loving and supporting and guiding you through. He will show you something and lift your heart.
Go to a Christmas Eve Service. Even if you’re by yourself, don’t miss the presence of God amidst the beauty of this celebration. Let your senses feast on the beauty, your ears delight in the music, your heart be moved to new heights of gratitude and love.
Pray about your dreams for 2012. What do you want to see happen in the coming year? Have you thought about changes you want to make? New paths to walk? Write out what comes to mind when you think of taking better care of yourself physically, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually. (See my video: Take Care of Yourself, …….. or check my website on the media clips page).

May your “Home Alone” Christmas fill you with joy and a fresh awareness that Christ is with you, whether you’re surrounded by people or peacefully alone.

Author Bio

With her fun personality and passion for communicating life-changing truths, Poppy Smith inspires believers to thrive spiritually and personally. Poppy’s practical how-to messages (in print or in person) uses colorful examples from her own struggles to be more like Jesus. She encourages women (and men, at times) to grow in every kind of situation—whether joyful or painful! Poppy is British, married to an American, and has lived in many countries. She brings an international flair seasoned with humorous honesty as she illustrates Bible truths. A former Bible Study Fellowship Lecturer, Poppy’s teaching challenges women to look at their choices, attitudes and self-talk. As a result, God’s speaks, changing hearts, changing minds, and changing lives.

http://www.poppysmith.com/newsletters.htm

This article content is provided free of charge by the author through Kathy Carlton Willis Communications.

12 Pearls of Christmas ~ Day 9

2011-12-22T00:00:00.004-06:00

***

Simple or Sparkle?
by Tracey Eyster

It’s a simple ornament made of thin cheap metal and it looks quite out of place on our CHRISTmas tree. But each year I lovingly and safely nestle it amongst its expensive and sparkly peers, without a care as to how unglamorous it appears.

Many of our CHRISTmas ornaments have a story and an uncanny way of welling up emotion in me, but this certain one causes an intense stir.

You see the ornament is engraved with the name of my grandmother, Sara, and was given to me by my mother, who ordered it from Hospice, after Grandmama’s death. Yes, the months leading up to her death carry memories of a frail and failing grandmama, but that ornament carries my thoughts to sweet CHRISTmas memories of the past.

CHRISTmas Eve dinners in her home, laughing, singing, gathering and celebrating a year filled with blessings as we remembered the birth of our Savior. CHRISTmas mornings, she was always there participating with glee, in our raucous CHRISTmas happiness. Her gifts were always bank envelopes gently tucked into the pine needles of our CHRISTmas tree, fresh cut from the property she grew up on.

All memories of my Grandmama make my heart swell. You see she was my Jesus with skin on. She lived her life full of joy, serving others and approached life selflessly with an attitude of, “What can I do for you?”

Just months before she left us, even as the Alzheimer’s was robbing her mind she shared her love of Jesus with a sweet little old lady friend, who came to know the Lord – a divine appointment. The very next day that little old lady silently slipped away to meet in person the One Sara introduced her to just the day before.

At the time I wept, realizing that regardless of our own frailties and failings, God can still use those of us who are willing to do His work and are well practiced at hearing His voice...no matter our lack of sparkle in comparison to others.

A simple life lived for Him, a simple ornament in memory of Sara...a simple truth for you to ponder.

***

Tracey Eyster wife, mom, relationship gatherer and Creator/Editor of FamilyLife’s MomLife Today is a media savvy mom making a difference where moms are, on-line. Through speaking, writing and video interviews Tracey is passionate about encouraging, equipping and advising moms on every facet of momlife. Her first book, Be The Mom will be released August 2012. You can connect with Tracey at www.momlifetoday.com, her personal site www.traceyster.com or www.twitter/momblog.com.

Looking like Christmas OR NOT!

2011-12-21T08:18:00.000-06:00

It's beginning to Look a LOT LIKE CHRISTmas

OR NOT!

Well on the inside, but not the outside. I've lived in ND for about 23 years and this is just unreal to have brown this close to Christmas. There is absolutely NO snow anywhere and NONE in the forecast between now and Sunday. Even growing up in MI I can't say there was a brown Christmas. My teen daughter made comment a few weeks back that she'd just like to once experience a brown Christmas and I think she is going to get that wish. However, inside the house it Looks Like CHRISTmas!

12 Pearls of Christmas ~ Day 8

2011-12-21T00:00:00.004-06:00

***

Enjoy the Ride!
Susan May Warren

We sit poised on the top of a cliff, a near drop off before us, that falls to a rushing river. In the middle, a bridge of snow and ice hints at our destination. My husband guns the snowmobile engine. “Ready?”

Ready? For a face plant into a tree, maybe reconstructive surgery? To feel my stomach ripped from my body as we plummet down the mountain? Let’s do it!

We live on five acres of woods in northern Minnesota that butts up to a national forest. Hence, our backyard is about a hundred thousand acres. Aside from harboring deer, lynx, fox, cougar and bear, it also makes excellent snowmobile terrain. And not long ago, Mrs. Claus gave her Santa a snowmobile for two.

I love snowmobiling. Flying over the snow, catching air over drifts. I love to drive, to be at the helm of the beast as I weave around trees and over hill and dale, my husband sitting behind me. I also love riding behind my husband as he drives, feeling those powerful arms as he’s muscling the snowmobile into the wilds. We follow unknown trails, driven by a Magellan spirit, hoping that we have enough gas to get us back to civilization. I love hanging on, simply trusting him, knowing that wherever he’s taking me, he’s going first.

But there are times, when I see where he’s taking me, and I just have to bury my head in his back. Like straight down a cliff.

However, my heart cheers, despite the terror as we gun it down the hill, over the river, up the opposite side. And, if we hadn’t let ourselves go, we would have never discovered the beauty of a winter river, a hidden jewel buried deep in the forest. Nor the exhilaration of facing the challenge together.

Further on, we find an enchanted forest of towering white pine. Catch a view of Lake Superior, discover an old cabin in the woods.

It occurs to me that snowmobiling is much like my spiritual life. Occasionally, I drive, and it’s me setting our course, weaving through the trees, getting us hopelessly lost. But when God takes the “wheel” and I hang on, trusting Him for the speed and destination, I see the scenery. I trust him to keep me safe. I trust him to bring me home, where there is an eternal supply of hot chocolate.

As Christmas season becomes more hectic, what if I let God drive? Maybe everything doesn’t have to be perfect, and maybe I don’t have to control every tradition, every holiday nuance. What if I just held on for the ride?

I’ll bet I’ll still get there, and I might even enjoy the scenery along the way.

How have you let go, and “enjoyed” the scenery of this hectic, exhilarating Christmas season?

Merry Christmas!

***

Susan May Warren is the RITA award-winning author of thirty novels with Tyndale, Barbour, Steeple Hill and Summerside Press. A four-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award. A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!. She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice.

13 Days of Homeschooling...

2011-12-20T15:51:00.000-06:00

12 Pearls of Christmas ~ Day 7

2011-12-20T00:00:00.006-06:00

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas!

Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved writer's (Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year.

AND just for fun ... there's also a giveaway! Fill out this simple {form} and enter for a chance to win a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set ($450 value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will on 1/1. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents. You may enter once per day.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

Family Traditions: A Glimpse into Christmas Future
by Tricia Goyer

Have you ever thought about family traditions? As I helped my 1-year-old place ornaments on the Christmas tree this year I imagined her doing the same thing with her children—and maybe even grandchildren—one day. Traditions are beliefs and customs handed down through generations. By sharing meaningful moments with your kids you're sending yourself into the future. How amazing is that?

Sharing family traditions cause us to slow down from the busy, adult world for a while. We ignore the laundry to set out the nativity set with our kids. We set aside time in our schedules to drive around and look at Christmas lights.

Holiday traditions aren't only fun, they also help strength family bonds. Through traditions kids trust in the security of family unit. They think, “This is our family and this is what I do.” Of course, the most important thing to share isn't just what we do ... but why. Why do we put out a nativity? To remind us the real meaning of the season—Jesus coming to earth. What do the Christmas lights represent displayed on homes and on trees? They represent the Light of the World, Jesus.

Using traditions to bond our families and share our faith isn't new. I love these two Scriptures that talk about that very thing.

Exodus 12:25 says, “When you enter the land that the LORD will give you as he promised, observe this ceremony.”

Psalm 78:4 says, “We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done.”

What are you're traditions? Here are a few of ours:

Baking a Birthday cake for Jesus

Buying a new ornament every year for each child

Acting out the Christmas story (with props!)

Praying together before opening presents

What are your traditions? Write a list and appreciate them in a new way this year. Then ask, “If I could add one new tradition this holiday season, what would it be?” I'd love to hear what you choose! It also makes me smile to think of your children's grandchildren doing the same.

***

Tricia Goyer is a CBA best-selling author and the winner of two American Christian Fiction Writers’ Book of the Year Awards (Night Song and Dawn of a Thousand Nights). She co-wrote 3:16 Teen Edition with Max Lucado and contributed to the Women of Faith Study Bible. Also a noted marriage and parenting writer, she lives with her husband and children in Arkansas. www.triciagoyer.com

12 Pearls of Christmas ~ Day 6

2011-12-19T00:00:00.005-06:00

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas!

Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved writer's (Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year.

AND just for fun ... there's also a giveaway! Fill out this simple {form} and enter for a chance to win a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set ($450 value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will on 1/1. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents. You may enter once per day.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

Let The Baby Grow Up This Christmas
By Shellie Tomlinson

When I was a little girl, Christmas seemed to take forever to make its way back to our little house on the end of a dirt road called Bull Run in northeast Louisiana. We kids started counting down the days before the leaves ever began turning. Sure, the adults said it came once a year but I wasn't so sure. Once Santa Claus left our humble abode it seemed like light years before he found his way back to the Delta.

That was a child's perspective. I imagine it hasn't changed all that much for today's kids. On the other hand, I'm operating under a completely different time frame these days. It seems like it was just yesterday when I pulled the boxes down from the attic and began pulling out the nativity scene, the miniature lights, and the keepsake ornaments. And now, just that fast-- Christmas Day is right around the corner. Soon the tree will be striped naked and the piled up presents will all be distributed. After a few more day it'll be hard to remember who got what from whom, and once again, I'll start packing all the decorations away for another year.

I was thinking about how bare and cold the house always looks after the holidays when I realized that, sadly, this scene would play itself out in many hearts as well. A lot of people will have had expectations that weren't filled and many of those same souls will be left with hurts that don't seem to heal. Unless this year is remarkably different from past seasons, my bet is, the New Year will bring magazines full of articles on combating depression and the talk shows will have experts on offering ways to fill the long days ahead and cure the winter blues.

I'm no expert, dear readers, but I'd like to offer you a suggestion that will go far beyond the creature comforts of a nice warm bath or a delicious bowl of hot soup. Your heart doesn't have to be bare and naked after the holidays. Do you want to know the real secret? It's simple, really. Don't pack up Christ with Christmas! As beautiful and special as the Christmas story is, it's only a part of heaven's miracle. The Christ child grew into a man and the man became a Savior.

This year, may we be determined to let the babe from Bethlehem live on in our hearts. If we'll allow Him to become the Messiah He was born to be, the joy of Christmas can be ours all year long.

***

Shellie Rushing Tomlinson is an author, speaker, and radio host from Louisiana. Her latest release Sue Ellen's Girl Ain't Fat, She Just Weighs Heavy was endorsed by Jeff Foxworthy as "laugh out loud funny!" You can find Shellie's weekly southern features, podcasts, video chats and more at http://www.allthingssouthern.com/ Make sure to get by the blog and read about the Super Christmas Giveaway Shellie is hosting for her readers and secure your chance to win a Mort Kunstler print valued between $700 and $1400. www.allthingssouthern.com

12 Pearls of Christmas ~ Day 5

2011-12-18T00:00:00.005-06:00

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas!

Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved writer's (Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year.

AND just for fun ... there's also a giveaway! Fill out this simple {form} and enter for a chance to win a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set ($450 value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will on 1/1. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents. You may enter once per day.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

The Snowflake Party
By Deborah Raney

The first snow of winter hasn’t fallen yet, but in our kitchen tonight we’re doing a pretty good imitation. The whole family is circled around the huge old oak table. The snip, snip, snip of scissors is background music as tiny scraps of white paper float down, making our floor look like a giant brownie sprinkled with powdered sugar.

Tonight has turned out to be the night for our annual Snowflake Party, a tradition that began when our children were toddlers. There has never been a date blocked out in red on our calendar, but one day we wake up and the brisk autumn air has turned bitter cold. Naked tree branches trace their stark calligraphy on a dull grey sky and we need a taste of the joyful promises of Christmas and snow. It’s the perfect time for a party.

On such a day, one of the kids will fly in the back door, fresh home from school, and declare “Hey, Mom! Tonight would be a good night for the Snowflake Party!” First we round up every pair of scissors in the house. This is one time when sharing is not a virtue. While the kids search for scissors, I cut white paper into squares and fold them caddy-corner multiple times. The resulting triangles are artfully arranged in a basket, awaiting the beginning of the party.

Later, while the supper dishes dry on the counter, I recruit a volunteer to help me stir up a big pot of hot cocoa. For the next hour it will warm on the back burner, tantalizing us with its aroma.

Now the fun begins with careful cutting and snipping, shaping plain white paper into intricate works of art. Each snowflake we create seems as unique and spectacular as the genuine variety created by God himself. As each masterpiece is unfolded, collective oohs and aahs go up.

When the last dregs of our creative juices are drained, Dad oversees the vacuum patrol while I pour cocoa into generous mugs. We spread our handiwork on the floor around us and sit, quietly admiring our work while we dunk marshmallows and sip rich chocolate.

With empty mugs piled up in the sink, it’s time for the judging to begin. There will be awards for ‘prettiest’, ‘most unusual’, and as many other categories as we need for everyone to be a winner. Dad is the judge because he studied art in college. He also usually wins one of the top prizes––because he studied art in college.

Snowflakes deemed runners-up might be pasted in scrapbooks or hung on the refrigerator. A few even “melt” into the trash that very night. But the winners are taped proudly to the picture windows in the living room for passersby to enjoy while they long for the day when genuine snowflakes will color the world clean and white.

Our oldest daughter went away to college last September. She called just after Thanksgiving to tell me that her dorm window was covered with snowflakes. No, not the real thing, but the ones she remembers from her childhood––paper ones that she spent an entire evening cutting and snipping while sipping hot cocoa.

That’s the neat thing about traditions: They go with us no matter how far from home we travel.

***

DEBORAH RANEY's first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title. Her books have since won the RITA Award, ACFW Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, National Readers' Choice Award, Silver Angel, and have twice been Christy Award finalists. After All, third in her Hanover Falls Novels series will release next spring from Howard/Simon & Schuster. Deb and her husband, Ken Raney, enjoy small-town life in Kansas. Their four children are grown now and having snowflake parties with their own children––and they all live much too far away. Visit Deb on the web at www.deborahraney.com.

The 5 changelings...

2011-12-17T15:58:00.003-06:00

From this......

to this......

in a matter of months.

Back in September I posted (see post here) about the request given to me.
and posted two posts on the progress
(see post 1 here) and (see post 2 here)

Well this Friday night I finished the bears.... Since it was the easiest thing to take and whip-stitch in the car that is what I did on our trip to Fargo to pick up our daughter at the airport. So I did my FNSI on the road you might say. But I was sewing. The bears are now finished. I call them the changelings because they went from a jacket to bears in the matter of four months.

12 Pearls of Christmas ~ Day 4

2011-12-17T00:00:00.006-06:00

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas

Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved writer's (Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year.

AND just for fun ... there's also a giveaway! Fill out this simple {form} and enter for a chance to win a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set ($450 value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will on 1/1. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents. You may enter once per day.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

Why I Decorate for Christmas
By Elizabeth Goldsmith Musser

An old cassette tape of Christmas carols—received in a package twenty years ago when we had first arrived in France as missionaries—fills our den with delightful piano music as I place one more ornament on the already over-laden Christmas tree. This one is a little white wooden rabbit with pink ears that move back and forth. It actually doesn’t look much like a Christmas ornament, but I bought it for our baby Andrew when my husband Paul was in seminary, and I was working for less than minimum wage in the library. This ornament was literally all I could afford.

As I hang it on the tree today, I get goose bumps and then a rush of warmth. And that’s why I decorate for Christmas. Not to impress but to remember. I remember those lean, lean years, and God’s faithful provision for us.

There are the cross-stitched ornaments I made our first year in Montpellier—for the boys (for by now we had two sons) and Paul and me. How I ever had time to do that, I don’t know. I remember our puny little tree—the kind they sold in France back then—in a pot so that it could be replanted later. We perched that tiny tree on a small table out of baby Christopher’s reach. I guess I watered it too much, because about halfway through December, it started smelling and then stinking, and it rotted there on Christmas Day!

I smile with these memories.

I look at the other ornaments on the tree. Many were purchased—one for each boy—when we attended conferences around Europe, and that makes me smile too. Getting to travel on a missionary’s budget to exotic places! There are the waxed red bear and red baby carriage from Wales, the brightly painted clay sun and moon from Portugal, the blue and white porcelain windmill and wooden shoes from Holland, the hand-blown glass Snoopys sitting on gondolas from Venice, and the delicately decorated eggs from Prague.

Other ornaments include the little pinkish shiny ball ornament with Paul’s name written in glitter—I think he made it when he was about six , and the little red velvet bows, bought at Michael’s after Christmas one year for a dollar. They bring a unifying theme to the tree. I say this, smiling, because our tree is, and has always been throughout the years, a hodge-podge of our life. And I like it that way. I don’t think I could ever have a ‘theme’ tree. Mine is a ‘memory’ tree.

The music plays softly in the background and I smile through tears, remembering God’s incredible faithfulness to call and keep us here in France for so many years. Heart-breakingly hard years, overwhelmingly joyful years—the same years, the same amazing God, our keeper.

Before we left for the mission field, I memorized Psalm 121 in English and in French, and over the years I have held on tight to those last beautiful words of the psalm: The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever. (NASB)

Of course He will. He is God with us.

We decorate to remember Christmases past, our lives, our legacy, and mostly, for those of us who have embraced Christ, we decorate to honor and praise Him for coming to us—Emmanuel! We make our homes ready to receive the Christ Child, with soft music and candles burning and the sweet flickering of angel wings on an over-laden evergreen.

***

ELIZABETH GOLDSMITH MUSSER, an Atlanta native and the bestselling author of The Swan House, is a novelist who writes what she calls ‘entertainment with a soul.’ For over twenty years, Elizabeth and her husband, Paul, have been involved in missions work with International Teams. They presently live near Lyon, France. The Mussers have two sons and a daughter-in-law. The Sweetest Thing (Bethany House, 2011) is Elizabeth’s eighth novel. To learn more about Elizabeth and her books, and to find discussion questions as well as photos of sites mentioned in the stories, please visit www.elizabethmusser.com and her Facebook Fan Page. www.elizabethmusser.com

12 Pearls of Christmas ~ Day 3

2011-12-16T00:00:00.010-06:00

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas!

Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved writer's (Tricia Goyer, Babbie Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year.

AND just for fun ... there's also a giveaway! Fill out this simple {form} and enter for a chance to win a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set ($450 value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will on 1/1. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents. You may enter once per day.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

Where is Comfort and Joy Found?
By Sandy Ralya

The year 2006 ushered unwelcome emotions into my life. My husband was unhappy in his job, two of my grown children were making poor choices, my mother-in-law was showing signs of Alzheimer’s, extended-family issues were surfacing, and I was writing a book. Things only got worse. Much worse.

Early in 2007, I was asked to represent the mentoring ministry for wives I founded, Beautiful Womanhood, and lead a women’s conference in Uganda, Africa. My husband wasn’t sure if traveling to Africa was a good idea, so we committed it to prayer. While we were listening for an answer, I sensed God asking me to fast from spending, except for groceries, for thirty days. Sometimes you know that you’ve heard God’s voice because you’d never have come up with those words on your own. This was one of those times. I’d never heard of a fast from spending. Tom needed no convincing that a fast from spending came directly from the mouth of God. He still gets excited just thinking about it!

During the fast, it became clear I had used spending as a way to gain a comfort fix. When I was spending money, I felt carefree and lighthearted. Instead of dwelling on the unpleasantness in my life, I was thinking of my purchases and how they would bring me pleasure. Not until I stopped spending did I realize how short-lived the fix really was. During the fast, when I felt the urge to spend—to anesthetize my pain—I pictured myself running into the arms of Jesus, the Great Comforter. Oh, what comfort I received!

One night, I told good friends my experience of gaining comfort through the power of the Holy Spirit rather than money. I exclaimed that I had never felt so comforted. One friend then told us about a dream he’d had shortly after hearing about the invitation from Uganda. After the dream, he had awoken and recorded the following thoughts:

“. . . this is for Sandy. Christ’s redemption of women is beautiful. Beautiful Womanhood is a result of redemptive wholeness. The visuals the ministry uses on the books, etc., are like a piece of beautifully veneered furniture. There is something going on with the ministry to the brokenness of abused women. In Uganda, there are hurting, abused women, and something is connecting their need and Beautiful Womanhood. Though there is nothing wrong with veneer, it is only the topping—the covering, and without good structure it is shallow and will not hold up. It is time to add a new depth to the ministry.”

Then these verses came to my friend’s mind:

All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. You can be sure that the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 NL

When my friend was finished sharing, everyone in the room broke down in tears, praising God for His work in my life. I’d learned to listen and God had spoken. I’d obeyed, and He’d acted. When He acted, I was changed.

Needless to say, I packed my bags and experienced some of the best days of my life in Uganda—offering God’s comfort to His troubled women.

***

Sandy and her husband Tom have been married since 1980 and live near Grand Rapids, Michigan. They have three adult children and a growing number of grandchildren. When not writing and speaking, Sandy enjoys shopping at yard sales for vintage clothing, cooking, travelling, and drinking really good coffee (black is best) with her husband. For more information, contact Sandy at sandy@beautifulwomanhood.com. Subscribe to Sandy’s blog at www.beautifulwomanhood.com/blog. Find Sandy on Facebook at Beautiful Womanhood. Follow Sandy on Twitter @MentoringWives.

Tuesday Post-It note on Thursday....I'm LATE

2011-12-15T09:04:00.002-06:00

Check out the details and sign up at Handmade by Heidi

Christmas favorites

2011-12-15T09:00:00.003-06:00

Rounding Up Christmas Favorites!

We've gathered up cookies and treats but what about
all the other dishes that make the holidays so special?

Whether you gather with friends & family for an early gift exchange, host a Christmas brunch or stay home with your own family, what are the recipes that are must-haves for this time of year?

We're rounding 'em all up today, so tell us...

What's YOUR favorite CHRISTMAS recipe?
Could be an appetizer, main dish, bread, soup or dessert!
Share 'em all in today's Recipe Round-Up!

Here's a recipe to inspire you from Christmas with Family & Friends,
our Cookbook of the Week!

Vickie likes to make this casserole ahead of time for those busy present-wrapping nights...just pop it in the oven and enjoy it in an hour!

Savory Chicken & Stuffing
Lori Hurley of McCordsville, Indiana shared this yummy recipe with us. She writes, "If you’d like, this makes a terrific make-ahead meal. Simply cover after topping with cheese, and then refrigerate. When ready to bake, just follow the remainder of the recipe instructions."

7 slices white bread,
    crusts trimmed
4 c. cooked chicken,
    chopped
8-oz. can sliced mushrooms,
    drained
8-oz. can sliced water
    chestnuts, drained
10-3/4 oz. can cream of
    mushroom soup
10-3/4 oz. can cream of
    celery soup
1/2 c. mayonnaise
4 eggs, beaten
2 c. milk
1 t. salt
1 c. shredded Cheddar cheese
2 c. herb-flavored stuffing mix
1 c. butter, melted

Cut each bread slice into 4 triangles. Arrange in a lightly greased 13"x9" baking pan. Layer chicken, mushrooms and water chestnuts over bread. Combine soups and mayonnaise in a medium bowl; spread over top. In a medium bowl, mix together eggs, milk and salt; pour over casserole. Sprinkle top with cheese. In a medium saucepan, sauté stuffing in melted butter. Spread over top of casserole. Bake, covered, at 350 degrees for one hour. Uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Don't forget! You can download Christmas with
Family & Friends - the whole book! - for FREE
as an eBook for a limited time only.

Click here to go get yours!

12 Pearls of Christmas ~ Day 2

2011-12-15T00:00:00.011-06:00

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas!

Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved writer's (Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year.

AND just for fun ... there's also a giveaway! Fill out this simple {form} and enter for a chance to win a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set ($450 value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will on 1/1. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents. You may enter once per day.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

Advent
By Sibella Giorello

Consider the bride's walk down the aisle. We all know where that woman in the white is going but somehow waiting for her to arrive at the altar is an essential part of the ceremony. In fact, the waiting is so essential that even cheapskate Vegas chapels include wedding marches.

Why?

Because the wait adds meaning to the moment.

At Christmas time, we tend to forget this essential truth about anticipation. We're lost to shopping malls and checklists, rushing toward December 25th so quickly that we forget the quiet joy of the month's other 24 days -- and then we wonder why we feel so empty on the 26th, amid ribbons and wrapping paper and our best intentions.

Because the wait adds meaning to the moment.

And that is why Advent is so important to Christmas.

I'm as guilty as the next harried person. This Advent was particularly tricky because just six hours before it started, I was still trying to finish a 110,000-word novel that was written over the course of the year -- written while homeschooling my kids, keeping my hubby happy, and generally making sure the house didn't fall down around us.

It's an understatement to say my free time is limited. But waiting adds meaning, and Advent is crucial to Christmas, so I've devised several Advent traditions that are simple, powerful and easy to keep even amid the seasonal rush.

When my kids outgrew the simple Advent calendars around age 7, I stole an idea from my writer friend Shelly Ngo (as T.S. Eliot said, "Mediocre writers borrow. Great writers steal." Indulge me.)

Here's how it goes: Find 24 great Christmas books, wrap them individually and place then under the tree. On the first day of Advent, take turns picking which book to open. When we did this, we would cuddle under a blanket and read aloud -- oh, the wonder, the magic! We savored "The Polar Express," howled with "How Murray Saved Christmas," and fell silent at the end of "The Tale of The Three Trees" (note: some of the picture books I chose were not explicitly about Christmas but they always echoed the message that Jesus came to earth to save us from ourselves and to love us beyond our wildest imagination. In that category, Angela Hunt's retelling of The Three Trees definitely hits the Yuletide bull's eye).

This Advent tradition lasted for about five years. It gave us rich daily discussions about the season's real meaning, without being religious or legalistic, and it increased family couch time. But like the lift-the-flap calendars, my kids outgrew the picture books.

Because the wait adds meaning, and Advent is crucial, I prayed for another way to celebrate anticipation of Christmas. By the grace of God, last year I found an enormous Advent calendar on clearance at Pottery Barn. Made of burlap, it has large pockets big enough to hold some serious bounty.

But my husband and I didn't want the kids focusing only on the materialist stuff for Advent -- we already fight that on Christmas day. We decided to fill the daily pockets with simple necessities and small gift cards. We also printed out the nativity story from Luke 2:1-21 in a large-sized font and cut each verse out. From Day 1 to Day 21, there is one verse to read aloud. The kids memorize it, then get to open their present (again, on alternating days for each person). Then we tape the verse to the wall in order. By Day 22, all the verses are on the wall, in order, and the kids now try to recite the entire nativity story from memory. That's not as difficult as it sounds because they've been memorizing one verse each day. Still, the entire recitation -- verbatim -- usually requires Day 23 and Day 24. Whoever does memorize the entire thing -- without mistakes -- earns a bonus gift of $25.

Does that sounds extravagant?

It is.

Because we want our kids to understand that God came down and humbled himself and taught us about love right before He suffered and died on behalf of the undeserving -- which is every one of us.

"That's" extravagant.

And in the waiting, we find even more meaning.

***

Sibella Giorello writes the Raleigh Harmon mystery series which won the Christy Award with its first book "The Stones Cry Out." She lives in Washington state with her husband and children, and often wishes there were 36 hours in a day.

Ornament Fun

2011-12-14T09:31:00.001-06:00

Today for fun I'm going to show you some items that are hanging on our tree....

We have a lovely topper that graces the tree...

and many others that help her...keep watch

daughter born in May

daughter born in July

i have a daughter that plays the flute

and one that plays the violin

not sure if this one is an angel or not but non the less I have a dog lover in the family

we have a tinker bell fan amongst us

hubby is a pirate fan so he is included too

12 Pearls of Christmas ~ Day 1

2011-12-14T00:00:00.016-06:00

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas!

Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved writer's (Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year.

AND just for fun ... there's also a giveaway! Fill out this simple {form} and enter for a chance to win a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set ($450 value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will on 1/1. Contest is only open to US and Canadian residents. You may enter once per day.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

A Christmas of Kindness

By Suzanne Woods Fisher

"You can give without loving, but you can¹t love without giving." Amish proverb

I do it every year.

I plan for a simpler, less stressful Christmas season and, every year, by Christmas Eve I'm exhausted! After our delicious and very-time-consuming-to-make traditional Swedish meal to honor my husband¹s relatives (think: Vikings), it's time to head to church. I'm embarrassed to admit it, but the last few Christmas Eve's, I have sent my husband and kids head off without me. The pull to spend an hour of quiet in the house feels as strong as a magnet.

It's odd. My children are young adults now. Wouldn't you think that Christmas would be simpler? Instead, it's just the opposite. Jugging schedules to share the grandbaby with the in-laws, trying to include our elderly parents at the best time of day for them, dancing carefully around recently divorced family members whose children are impacted by the shards of broken relationships.

The thing is: you can simplify your to-do list, but you can't really simplify people. We are just a complicated bunch.

Here's where I borrow a lesson about simplicity from the Amish. It's easy to get distracted with the buggies and the bonnets and the beards, but there's so much more to learn from these gentle people if you're willing to look a little deeper.

Yes, they live with less "stuff" and that does make for a simpler, less cluttered life. But it's the reason behind it that is so compelling to me: they seek to create margin in their life. Not just empty space but space that is available to nourish family, community, and faith. Their Christmas is far less elaborate than yours or mine, but what they do fill it with is oh so right.

Christmas comes quietly on an Amish farmhouse. There is no outward sign of the holiday as we know it: no bright decorations, no big tree in the living room corner. A few modest gifts are waiting for children at their breakfast place settings, covered by a dishtowel. Waiting first for Dad to read the story of Christ's birth from the book of Luke. Waiting until after a special breakfast has been enjoyed. Waiting until Mom and Dad give the signal that the time has come for gifts.

Later, if Christmas doesn't fall on a Sunday, extended family and friends will gather for another big meal. If time and weather permits, the late afternoon will be filled with ice skating or sledding. And more food! Always, always an abundance of good food. Faith, family, and community. That is the focus of an Amish Christmas.

And it's also how the story begins for A Lancaster County Christmas, as a young family prepares for Christmas. A winter storm blows a non-Amish couple, Jaime and C.J. Fitzpatrick, off-course and into the Riehl farmhouse. An unlikely and tentative friendship develops, until the one thing Mattie and Sol hold most dear disappears and then. Ah, but you¹ll just have to read the story to find out what happens next. Without giving anything away, I will say that I want to create a Mattie-inspired margin this Christmas season. Mattie knew inconveniences and interruptions that come in the form of people (big ones and little ones!) are ordained by God. And blessed by God.

Creating margin probably means that I won't get Christmas cards out until the end of January, and my house won't be uber-decorated. After all, something has to give. But it will mean I make time for a leisurely visit with my dad at his Alzheimer's facility. And time to volunteer in the church nursery for a holiday-crowded event. And time to invite a new neighbor over for coffee. Hopefully, it will mean that my energy won't get diverted by a frantic, self-imposed agenda. Only by God's agenda the essence of true simplicity.

And that includes taking time to worship Christ's coming at the Christmas Eve service. You can hold me accountable! This year, I will be there.

***

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of The Choice, The Waiting, The Search, and The Keeper, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, W. D. Benedict, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Suzanne is a Christy Award nominee and is the host of an internet radio show called Amish Wisdom and her work has appeared in many magazines. She lives in California. www.suzannewoodsfisher.com.

12 Pearls of Christmas ~ Bonus

2011-12-13T00:00:00.002-06:00

Welcome to the 3rd Annual Pearl Girls™

12 Pearls of Christmas blogging series!

We've gathered several of today's most beloved authors to share their Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom"! Please follow along beginning tomorrow (Wednesday the 14th) through Christmas day as Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Rachel Hauck, Sandy Ralya, Sibella Giorello, Susan May Warren and more, share their heartfelt stories of how God has touched their life during this most wonderful time of the year.

If you'd like to share the 12 Pearls of Christmas with your blog readers too, just email Christen and she'll send you the series.

AND of course there is a giveaway! Beginning tomorrow you and all your friends can enter to win a PEARL NECKLACE and EARRINGS valued at $450! The winner will be announced on New Year's Day! Pearls - a tangible reminder of God's grace to us all.

***

Just a quick note before the series begins on the 14th ...

As I write this, I imagine that we are sitting at my kitchen table and chatting over a cup of coffee while familiar Christmas carols celebrate the Season. My twelve year old Chihuahua, Pongo, barks for a pinch of pound cake while my Shih Tzu, Lilly, patiently sits by the chair and waits for a crumb to fall.

My name is not Martha Stewart, and I will never receive a neighborhood beautification award. Just look at my front stoop. Yes, my never-had-time-to-carve-the-pumpkin-that-now-suffers-from-frostbite slouches next to the front door which is decorated with a Christmas wreath. I plan to roll this large orange ornament to the garbage pile tomorrow. For now, however, I will pretend that my front stoop is a contemplative modern art exhibit capturing the essence of contrast.

Actually, I love the concept of juxtaposition – placing things together that don’t seem to belong together, yet somehow ultimately make sense being paired. A personal example for me this season is the phrase: “comfort and joy.” Having just completed my manuscript for New Hope Publishers about the aftermath of grief, I fully understand the contrast of those two words. How can comfort bring joy? How can one find joy in loss?

Perhaps, dear reader, you have experienced loss this year – loss of a loved one, loss of friendship, loss of health, loss of financial security, loss of trust, loss of love, or loss of direction. Even with the best intent, words of encouragement shared by others can somehow seem insufficient to address an inconsolable loss. A spoken word cannot fully restore joy to a broken heart; however the Word can. And that’s the bottom line message of Christmas! God gave us the most amazing gift: His Son - the Word of God, the Holy Comforter.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but shall have everlasting life.” (John 3:16).

You are not alone this Christmas, dear friend. Juxtaposed to the unexpected grit in life is the gift of God’s grace wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. This year I purposely placed a pearl in the Nativity scene as a metaphoric reminder. When we place our grit into the hands of the Lord, His grace transforms our pain into a pearl.

“Joy to the world!”

Thank you so very much for sharing the JOY of the Season with us this year.

God Bless,

Margaret

@mcsweeny

***

Margaret McSweeney lives with her husband, David and two teenage daughters in the Chicago suburbs. She is the founder and director of Pearl Girls. For more information please visit www.pearlgirls.info. Margaret is fast at work on several fiction manuscripts. Her book Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace was written to help fund the Pearl Girl Charities. She is also the host of weekly radio show, Kitchen Chat. Connect with Margaret on Facebook or Twitter.

DayBook ~ Dec. 12, 2011

2011-12-12T21:16:00.002-06:00

Outside my window...the night sky is drawing nigh

I am thinking…I got a lot accomplished today

I am thankful for...good health

From the kitchen…I smell Skor cookies baking and I see Christmas lights twinkling

I am wearing…comfy sweats

I am creating…a list of a few last minute Christmas things that need attention

I am going…take it easy the rest of the night

I am reading…A Christmas Journey Home by Kathi Macias

I am hoping…to finish my Christmas baking this week

I am hearing...Christmas music playing

Around the house…the Christmas lights are twinkling at me.

One of my favorite things…Hot spiced cider

A few plans for the rest of the week…Picking up my daughter from the airport. WOOHOO! getting some Christmas project done.

Photo for thought…

6th Day of Christmas Baking....

2011-12-12T07:23:00.004-06:00

On the Sixth Day of Christmas Baking I made for my true love....

Chocolate Covered Pretzels

These are pretty easy to make. Just melt Chocolate or white almond bark in microwave safe dish. Dip pretzels in chocolate, lay on wax paper and sprinkle colored sprinkles on top before chocolate dries. Presto - doneO. store in air tight container. We have also melted red and green candy discs and drizzled that on top of pretzels. Best way to do that is to melt the discs and then put into a baggie and clip tip of baggie to squeeze out melted candy on top or you could also use a cake decorating bag which we didn't have.

I Corinthians 13: The Christmas Version

2011-12-11T00:00:00.003-06:00

First Corinthians 13:

The Christmas Version
(author unknown)

"If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family , I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child; Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the spouse; Love is kind, even when harried and tired.

Love doesn't envy anther's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.

Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can't.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.

Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust. But giving the gift of LOVE will endure."

May the joy of Advent bring God’s love into your life in a special way this Christmas!

Some accomplishment...

2011-12-10T17:44:00.001-06:00

Last night was the first of two sew-in nights for Dec. next Friday is the second. Don't know what a sew-in is? well then you need to head over to Heidi's site here to get the details. Last night was kind of crazy, but I did manage to get some stitches in in-between times.

I took my daughter to work at 6 pm and hubby was home so I knew I wouldn't have a real lot of time to do much sewing, sew I didn't bother setting up the sewing machine instead I opted to work on the cross-stitch. After taking daughter to work I hopped into my sweats and got comfy and started stitching I stitched about two hours then hubby and I watched a movie and after the movie I stitched another hour. here is what I accomplished...

cross-stitch before FNSI

cross-stitch after FNSI

I plan to do FNSI next week too. I'll probably continue on with cross-stitch as we are going out-of-town to pick up daughter from airport WOOHOO!!! can't very well take the sewing machine in the car sew the cross-stitch will do while I pass the time away setting in the car.

5th Day of Christmas baking...

2011-12-10T17:28:00.001-06:00

On the 5th Day of Christmas baking I made for my true love...

Triple-Chocolate Truffles

These are easy to make just take time to do it. You can't just make them and be done. You have to let each layer set up about an hour before doing the next layer and then you have to let the whole thing set up before dipping. But they are melt in your mouth chocolate inside. OH, so heavenly. My daughter saw the recipe in the Chocolate cookbook put out by The Pampered Chef, which by the way I won.
Here's a peek at what I won....

don't ask me whose site because I don't remember and since I've been having computer issues the last few months that information is wiped out of my computer, however, it is one the the button links in my side bar. She has wonderful gift giveaways. The Truffles are picture on the book; however, mine didn't look as Picture perfect as what the book shows....

I don't have permission to give you their recipe, but you can find it in the book: Chocolate

However, I did tweek the recipe from the book so I'll tell you what I did.....

1.) melted a 12 oz. bag of chocolate chips, dark, semi, milk I don't care...could even use mint if you want mint truffles along with 1/4 teaspoon vanilla, and 7 &1/2 Tablespoons of heavy whipping cream. (I did this in microwave cooker that I won pictured above. it was so nice to use.) did about three - 30 second intervals.

2.) pour into a saran wrap lined pan, dish, etc. Refrigerate at least 1 hour.

3.) melt a 12 oz. bag of white chips (actually for this I used the bark squares), 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla, and 7 & 1/2 Tablespoons of heavy whipping cream.

4.) pour over the chocolate layer, cover and return to refrigeration for at least 4 hours. I did mine over night.

5.) remove from baking pan to cookie sheet to cut into 1 inch squares. I found that the white layer was softer so it worked better to have this layer on top when cutting. also found they are easier to dip cold.

6.) melt chocolate bark for dipping. Dip each square in chocolate and place on wax paper to harden.

7.) You may add garnishes if you wish before chocolate hardens we didn't. Drizzle chocolate or sprinkle nuts or sprinkles etc. be creative.

want to see....

2011-12-10T08:15:00.002-06:00

This coming week I will be posting some of my Christmas decorations. However, if you want a sneak peek I'm featured with a few of them over at author Cheryl St. John's site From the Heart...Cheryl St. John check it out and look around at other beautiful Christmas decorations. There are some really cleaver ideas out there. My Sneak Peek link is here

4th Day of Christmas baking....

2011-12-09T07:46:00.000-06:00

On the 4th Day of Christmas baking I made for my true love....

Peanut Butter Balls

1.) Mix well 1 & 1/2 sticks of melted margarine, 24 oz. peanut butter and 1 lb. powdered sugar (I have found best way to mix this well is with your hands. Have learned the hard way by breaking wooden spoons trying to mix these.)

2.) pinch off small marble size pieces roll into a ball.

3.) Melt chocolate bark and dip balls into the bark. placing on wax paper to dry.
Note: you may also use the white bark we have done this in the past calling them "Snowballs", but our favorite is in chocolate.

tomorrow night....

2011-12-09T00:00:00.001-06:00

Just so you are in the know.

Saturday night will be a lunar Eclipse.

Check out the details here

3rd Day of Christmas Baking....

2011-12-08T11:43:00.004-06:00

On the Third Day of Christmas baking I made for my true love......

Cherry Mash Bars

2 cups sugar
2/3 cup milk
1/2 cup butter or margarine
12 regular size marshmallows
1/4 teaspoon salt

1.) Boil 5 minutes stirring constantly Remove from heat.
2.) Add
1 cup of cherry chips
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup chopped peanuts or spanish nuts
3.) Mix well. Spread in ungreased 9/13 pan

4.)Melt:
2 cups (12 oz.) milk chocolate chips
3/4 cup peanut butter
5.) stir in 3/4 cup chopped peanuts or spanish nuts
6.) pour over cherry mixture. Cool. cut into 1 & 1/2 inch squares. Makes 3 dozen.

(Note: some recipes have you just put nuts in chocolate mixture, but my recipe calls for it in both Chocolate and cherry mixture.)

Baking up Memories....

2011-12-08T10:41:00.001-06:00

For us, it's the part of the Christmas celebrations that starts almost as soon as the songs on the radio...cookie baking! Whether we're actually making treats or just browsing new recipes to try, it's always one of our favorite things to do at this time of year.

We love to nibble on the goodies (who doesn't) but what we love MORE are the memories made at the kitchen counter. Even when we don't have a little helper on a stool, the very act of getting out the cutters and mixing up the dough makes us remember baking cookies with our kids when they were little and with our moms when WE were little.

We know you have your favorite cookies that you make every Christmas...help us round 'em all up this week!

What's YOUR favorite COOKIE OR BAR recipe?
Share 'em all in today's Recipe Round-Up!

Check out the Mint Patty recipe here.

Link up your favorite COOKIE OR BAR recipe below
and, if you're joining this hop, link back
here by using the handy button below.

Second Day of Christmas baking....

2011-12-06T17:27:00.005-06:00

On the second day of Christmas baking I made for my true love....

No Bake Cookies

Caramel No Bake Cookies

Ingredients:

2 cups sugar

3/4 cup margarine

6 oz. can evaporated milk

4 oz. package instant butterscotoch pudding mix

3 & 1/2 cups oats

1 cup coconut or chopped nuts (optional)

In a large sauce pan combine sugar, margarine, and milk.

Bring to mixture to a rolling boil, stirring frequently.

Remove from heat and add pudding and oats mixing thoroughly.
Adding coconut/nuts if desired
Cool 15 minutes.

Drop dough by rounded teaspoon onto wax paper. Let harden before serving. I generally put in cool place to let harder quicker.
Make about 4 dozen

Chocolate No Bake Cookies

Ingredients:

2 cups sugar

6 oz. evaporated milk

1 stick margarine

1/4 cup cocoa

3 cups oats

1/4 cup peanut butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

1cup coconut or nuts (optional)

1.) Boil sugar, margarine, milk and cocoa. Bring to a rolling boil.

2.) Mix in oats, peanut butter and vanilla. stirring well

3.) Add coconut or nuts if desired

4.) Drop on wax paper by teaspoons. Let harden before serving. I generally put in a cool place to harden quicker. Makes about 4 dozen

(Sorry I forgot to take picture of each step while making the chocolate cookies.)

1 month; 2 nights

2011-12-05T17:26:00.003-06:00

December is the month that Heidi and Bobbi do two sew-in nights. That way you can get your Christmas gifts all squared away. This Friday is the first one for December and then the following week the 16th. I'm hoping to get to sew both nights. That is my plan to do something. However, all plans are subject to change. Be watching for my follow up post on Sat. if I get to sew I'll post what was accomplished. Never heard of Friday Night Sew-In well check out the details over at Heidi's Handmade by Heidi blog.

Is blogger having issues???? or WHAT????

2011-11-29T22:30:00.004-06:00

At first I thought it was my computer, but I'm thinking now it is blogger. ARGH! I need to get some things posted but I'm having problems.... why is it when you need to do something there is a problem? I guess I'll just go read a book and be done with it for the night.

1st Day of Christmas Baking....

2011-11-29T20:34:00.005-06:00

On the first day of Christmas baking I made for my true love......

Chocolate Covered Cherries

ingredients:

2 pounds powdered sugar (or 7 & 1/2 cups)

1can of sweetened condensed milk

1 stick butter, melted

1 teaspoon vanilla

3-4 jars of maraschino cherries

1-2 packages almond bark chocolate

Drain the cherries, saving some of the juice for any left-over cherries. Line cookie sheets or baking pans with wax paper.

Mix the powdered sugar, condensed milk, melted butter and vanilla in a large mixing bowl. When the mixture begins to form a dough, then mix by hand (this helps get the lumps out of the powdered sugar.)

Pinch off a small amount of dough. Press the dough into a circle in the palm of your hand. I have found that sprinkling powdered sugar on surface and pressing it in the powdered sugar is best; otherwise it does get gooey on your hands and the gooeier it is, the harder to form the circle this is a time consuming step. make the circle of dough slightly larger than your cherry. (tip: more powdered sugar on your hands/surface the better keep applying all the while making these.)

Take one cherry and roll the dough around it

Place on cookie sheet or baking pan. After all the dough is gone, place the cherries in the freezer for about an hour.

After cherries have been in freezer at least an hour melt chocolate according to directions on package. Remove the cherries from the freezer as you need them (I have found they are easier to chocolate coat frozen than room temperature.)

Dip the cherries in chocolate and replace them on wax covered cookie sheets. I have found the easiest way to cover the cherry is stabbing the frozen cherry with a toothpick and using a spoon to kind-of pour chocolate on top of cherry.

Make sure the whole cherry is covered with chocolate. If you desire you may return back to freezer for about 10 minutes to harden the chocolate. These are better with age. Make about three weeks before you want them. the centers will get gooey like your store bought cherries. You'll see seepage here and there but that is ok too, it'll harden up

Doll Giveaway

2011-11-29T00:00:00.003-06:00

What Ever you can Imagine, You can Create. Wow, My Salon Doll’s Really Great!

Brynn, Malaree, Kendrey

A young girl and her doll quickly develop a fast and lasting friendship. This new relationship will provide hours of creativity, imaginary play, dress up and YES hair styles.

My Salon Doll delivers a real treat! Uniquely designed, each doll is manufactured with real human hair. Their hair can be curled with a curling iron, straightened, crimped and blown dry. What ever you can imagine you can create.

My Salon Doll’s are vinyl; this design makes it possible to join her best friend everywhere… places like the pool, sprinklers, or tub are no longer off limits. Every moment with My Salon Doll is memorable and enjoyable. Another fun feature from My Salon Doll are her pierced ears, making it easy to add glam with real earings and other accessories.

Watch the video to see how amazing they truly are.

Currently My Salon Doll has three dolls available Brynn, Malaree, Kendrey with a rapidly expanding product line. Each girl has her on personality, hobbies, and talents. The adventures are just waiting to begin! While exploring the website, visit the Styles and Smiles link. This is a fun place where you are taught different things like styling your My Salon Doll’s hair, special techniques, and safety tips. Styles you can recreate on your own hair!

My Salon Doll is hosting a Christmas giveaway.
Enter to win a your very own, MY SALON DOLL.
The First and Original Doll with Real Hair.

TO PARTICIPATE: For a chance to win you must complete the following three (3) steps below between November 7, 2011 and December 15, 2011 to qualify;

Step 1: Visit www.mysalondoll.com and get to know the three different dolls: Brynn, Malaree, and Kendrey. Then decide if chosen, which doll you’d like to win.

Step 2: Send an email to contest@mysalondoll.com with your first name, last name, email address, doll of your choice, and share where you heard about the contest.

Step 3: “Like” the My Salon Doll Facebook page

CONTEST DATES: The contest will be active from November 1, 2011 through December 15, 2011.

GIVEAWAY RULES: Open to USA and Canadian residents, age 18+ to enter, one entry per household. Winner announced on Facebook on December 16, 2011. No purchase necessary. Thanks for entering and good luck! Winner selected through random.org and notified by email.

Blog, Tweet or Share on Facebook about the giveaway and be entered twice in the contest. Make sure you leave a message on the My Salon Doll facebook page letting us know that you’ve done this.

Lost Melody by Lori Copeland & Virginia Smith

2011-11-28T08:36:00.001-06:00

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Lost Melody Zondervan (October 25, 2011) by Lori Copeland and Virginia Smith

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Virginia Smith is the author of more than a dozen Christian novels and over fifty articles and short stories. Her books have been named finalists in the Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence in Mystery/Suspense, the American Christian Fiction Writer's Book of the Year Award, and ACFW's Carol Award.

A Certified Lay Speaker for the United Methodist Church, Ginny's messages are always well-received by a variety of audiences in conferences, retreats and churches across the country. When she isn't writing or speaking, Ginny and her husband, Ted, enjoy exploring the extremes of nature – snow skiing in the Wasatch Mountains near Salt Lake City, motorcycle riding on the curvy roads in central Kentucky, and scuba diving in the warm waters of Mexico and the Caribbean.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The beautiful piano sitting in the corner of Jill King's apartment begs to be played. For over a year, it has sat untouched, ever since a terrible accident shattered Jill's ambition of becoming a concert pianist. The ragged scar on her left hand is a cruel and constant reminder of the death of her dream. But another dream is about to come to life---an unexpected, horrifying dream that will present Jill with a responsibility she never wanted. And choices she never wanted to make. Hundreds of lives depend on Jill's willingness to warn her small, oceanside town in Nova Scotia of a nameless, looming disaster. But doing so could cost Jill her reputation, jeopardize the political career of the man she loves, and ruin their plans for a future together. The fate of an entire community hangs in the balance as Jill wrestles with the cost of heeding one still, small voice.

If you would like to read a chapter excerpt of Lost Melody, go HERE.

Greetings to you and yours...

2011-11-24T00:00:00.001-06:00