Cookies for Santa are a necessity at our house on Christmas Eve. We usually have lots of different kinds from our own baking and from gifts we have been given during the holiday.Santa has a good assortment to choose from. Here are a few cookie ideas that you may want to try to make for your family, friends and Santa. He is sure to need a new red suit after this year's trip!
Rudolph’s Red-Nosed Cookies
•1 c. butter, softened
•1/4 c. powdered sugar
•1 t. almond extract (or 2 t. vanilla)
•2 c. flour
•1 c. coarsely crushed pecans
•1 small jar maraschino cherry halves
1. Beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, extract and flour. Mix until combined and dough comes together.
2. Roll teaspoons of dough into balls then roll in crushed pecans to coat. Place balls on a baking sheet and make a finger-sized indentation in each ball. Place one cherry half in each cookie.
3. Bake at 325 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Cool on wire racks.
Santa’s Whiskers Cookies
•1 c. butter
•1 c. sugar
•1 t. vanilla
•1 1/2 T. milk
•2 1/2 c. flour
•3/4 c. maraschino cherries, diced, plus 1 t. juice from the jar
•1 c. coconut
1. Beat the butter and sugar together until fluffy. Add vanilla and milk and beat until combined.
2. Add flour, mixing just until incorporated. By hand or with the mixer, work the cherries and the teaspoon of juice into the dough.
3. Separate dough in half and form each half into a 8 or 9 inch log. Roll each half in coconut to cover. Wrap in freezer paper or plastic wrap and freeze for about 30 minutes, until firm.
4. Slice the logs of dough into cookies, about 1/4 inch wide. Place on baking sheets and bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Cool on wire racks.
Candy Cane Snowballs
•3 c. powdered sugar, divided
•1 1/4 c butter, softened
•2 t. vanilla (or if you’d prefer a stronger peppermint flavor, you can replace 1 t. of vanilla with a teaspoon of peppermint extract)
•1 egg
•3 c. flour
•1 T. baking powder
•1/2 t. salt
•3/4 c. finely crushed candy canes, divided
•1/2 c. granulated sugar
•2-3 T. milk
1. In a mixing bowl, beat 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar and butter until fluffy. Add vanilla and egg and beat until combined.
2. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Stir to combine. Slowly add to mixing bowl, beating until combined, about 1 minute. Stir 1/2 cup finely crushed candy canes in by hand.
3. Roll dough into small balls using just under a teaspoon of dough. Rolls balls through granulated sugar to coat and place on baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Cool.
4. While cookies bake, stir together remaining 1 1/2 c. powdered sugar with 2-3 T. of milk. Add just enough milk to form a thick glaze. Drizzle over cooled cookies and top with remaining crushed candy canes immediately.
Brown Sugar Oatmeal Jumbles
•1 c. butter
•1 1/2 c. brown sugar
•2 t. vanilla
•1/4 c. milk
•2 eggs
•2 c. flour
•1 t. baking soda
•1 t. baking powder
•1/2 t. salt
•1/2 t. cinnamon
•3 c. oats
•1 c. chocolate chips
•1 1/2 c. peanut or plain M & M’s
1. Beat butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add vanilla, milk and eggs and beat until combined.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Slowly add to mixing bowl and beat just until incorporated. By hand, stir in oats, chocolate chips and M & M’s.
3. Drop dough by heaping tablespoons onto baking sheets. Bake at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes, until lightly golden brown.
4. Cool on wire racks and store in airtight containers. Cookies can also be frozen.
Set out a plate of these cookies and watch them disappear before your eyes. Little hands can’t stay away!
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Magic Reindeer Food
Every year, my kids love preparing cookies,milk or cocoa for Santa. But they especially love preparing a snack for the reindeer! We put out carrots because that is what Mommy always did as a little girl and she can't totally change the menu. The littles have added one more special treat to the menu, Magic Reindeer Food. Before we go to bed, we go outside to look at the stars and sprinkle the magic treat in the yard. Then we go in and quickly put out Santa's plate and mug along with the carrots.
Here's what you do:
Add 2 to 3 scoops of dry oats to a small bag and sprinkle in some festive sugar sprinkles.
Attach the following poem:
Take this magic reindeer food and sprinkle it on the lawn,
On Christmas, Santa's reindeer travel miles before the dawn.
The smell of oats and sugar path will guide them on their way
And you'll wake up to Santa's gifts next morn on Christmas Day!
Here's what you do:
Add 2 to 3 scoops of dry oats to a small bag and sprinkle in some festive sugar sprinkles.
Attach the following poem:
Take this magic reindeer food and sprinkle it on the lawn,
On Christmas, Santa's reindeer travel miles before the dawn.
The smell of oats and sugar path will guide them on their way
And you'll wake up to Santa's gifts next morn on Christmas Day!
Christmas Family Devotional Time
"The Shoe Maker"
Wrap an empty box (with a removable lid).
Ask: Who was born on Christmas? (Jesus)
What do you receive on your birthday? (Gifts)
How could we give Jesus a gift for His birthday?
Read the story of "The Shoemaker" (based on a story by Leo Tolstoy)
There once lived in the city of Marseilles an old shoemaker, loved and honored by his neighbors, who affectionately called him “Father Martin.”
One Christmas Eve, as he sat alone in his little shop reading of the visit of the Wise Men to the infant Jesus, and of the gifts they brought, he said to himself. “If tomorrow were the first Christmas, and if Jesus were to be born in Marseilles this night, I know what I would give Him!” He rose from his stool and took from a shelf overhead two tiny shoes of softest snow-white leather, with bright silver buckles. “I would give Him these, my finest work.”
Replacing the shoes, he blew out the candle and retired to rest. Hardly had he closed his eyes, it seemed, when he heard a voice call his name . . . ”Martin! Martin!”
Intuitively he felt a presence. Then the voice spoke again . . . ”Martin, you have wished to see Me. Tomorrow I shall pass by your window. If you see Me, and bid Me enter, I shall be your guest at your table.”
Father Martin did not sleep that night for joy. And before it was yet dawn he rose and swept and tidied up his little shop. He spread fresh sand upon the floor, and wreathed green boughs of fir along the rafters. On the spotless linen-covered table he placed a loaf of white bread, a jar of honey, and a pitcher of milk, and over the fire he hung a pot of tea. Then, he took up his patient vigil at the window.
Presently he saw an old street-sweeper pass by, blowing upon his thin, gnarled hands to warm them. “Poor fellow, he must be half frozen,” thought Martin. Opening the door he called out to him, “Come in, my friend, and warm, and drink a cup of hot tea.” And the man gratefully accepted the invitation.
An hour passed, and Martin saw a young, miserably clothed woman carrying a baby. She paused wearily to rest in the shelter of his doorway. The heart of the old cobbler was touched. Quickly he flung open the door.
“Come in and warm while you rest,” he said to her. “You do not look well,” he remarked.
“I am going to the hospital. I hope they will take me in, and my baby boy,” she explained. “My husband is at sea, and I am ill, without a soul.”
“Poor child!” cried Father Martin. “You must eat something while you are getting warm. No? Then let me give a cup of milk to the little one. Ah! What a bright, pretty fellow he is! Why, you have put no shoes on him!”
“I have no shoes for him,” sighed the mother sadly. “Then he shall have this lovely pair I finished yesterday.” And Father Martin took down from the shelf the soft little snow-white shoes he had admired the evening before. He slipped them on the child’s feet . . . they fit perfectly. Shortly the poor young mother left, two shoes in her hand and tearful with gratitude.
Father Martin resumed his post at the window. Hour after hour went by, and although many people passed his window, and many needy souls shared his hospitality, the expected Guest did not appear.
“It was only a dream,” he sighed, with a heavy heart. “I did believe; but he has not come.”
Suddenly, so it seemed to his weary eyes, the room was flooded with a strange light. And to the cobbler’s astonished vision there appeared before him, one by one, the poor street-sweeper, the sick mother and her child, and all the people he had helped during the day. And each smiled at him and said. “Have you not seen me? Did I not sit at your table?” Then they vanished.
At last, out of the silence, Father Martin heard again the gentle voice repeating the old familiar words. “Whosoever shall receive one such in My name, receiveth Me . . . for I was an hungered, and you gave Me meat; I was athirst, and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger, and you took Me in . . . verily I say unto you, inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these, you have done it unto Me” (Matthew 25:35-40).
Ask your kids to think of something they could give Jesus. Maybe your family could do something together for a needy family. Write what you're going to do on a piece of paper, put it in the box and set it under the tree as a gift for Jesus.
Wrap an empty box (with a removable lid).
Ask: Who was born on Christmas? (Jesus)
What do you receive on your birthday? (Gifts)
How could we give Jesus a gift for His birthday?
Read the story of "The Shoemaker" (based on a story by Leo Tolstoy)
There once lived in the city of Marseilles an old shoemaker, loved and honored by his neighbors, who affectionately called him “Father Martin.”
One Christmas Eve, as he sat alone in his little shop reading of the visit of the Wise Men to the infant Jesus, and of the gifts they brought, he said to himself. “If tomorrow were the first Christmas, and if Jesus were to be born in Marseilles this night, I know what I would give Him!” He rose from his stool and took from a shelf overhead two tiny shoes of softest snow-white leather, with bright silver buckles. “I would give Him these, my finest work.”
Replacing the shoes, he blew out the candle and retired to rest. Hardly had he closed his eyes, it seemed, when he heard a voice call his name . . . ”Martin! Martin!”
Intuitively he felt a presence. Then the voice spoke again . . . ”Martin, you have wished to see Me. Tomorrow I shall pass by your window. If you see Me, and bid Me enter, I shall be your guest at your table.”
Father Martin did not sleep that night for joy. And before it was yet dawn he rose and swept and tidied up his little shop. He spread fresh sand upon the floor, and wreathed green boughs of fir along the rafters. On the spotless linen-covered table he placed a loaf of white bread, a jar of honey, and a pitcher of milk, and over the fire he hung a pot of tea. Then, he took up his patient vigil at the window.
Presently he saw an old street-sweeper pass by, blowing upon his thin, gnarled hands to warm them. “Poor fellow, he must be half frozen,” thought Martin. Opening the door he called out to him, “Come in, my friend, and warm, and drink a cup of hot tea.” And the man gratefully accepted the invitation.
An hour passed, and Martin saw a young, miserably clothed woman carrying a baby. She paused wearily to rest in the shelter of his doorway. The heart of the old cobbler was touched. Quickly he flung open the door.
“Come in and warm while you rest,” he said to her. “You do not look well,” he remarked.
“I am going to the hospital. I hope they will take me in, and my baby boy,” she explained. “My husband is at sea, and I am ill, without a soul.”
“Poor child!” cried Father Martin. “You must eat something while you are getting warm. No? Then let me give a cup of milk to the little one. Ah! What a bright, pretty fellow he is! Why, you have put no shoes on him!”
“I have no shoes for him,” sighed the mother sadly. “Then he shall have this lovely pair I finished yesterday.” And Father Martin took down from the shelf the soft little snow-white shoes he had admired the evening before. He slipped them on the child’s feet . . . they fit perfectly. Shortly the poor young mother left, two shoes in her hand and tearful with gratitude.
Father Martin resumed his post at the window. Hour after hour went by, and although many people passed his window, and many needy souls shared his hospitality, the expected Guest did not appear.
“It was only a dream,” he sighed, with a heavy heart. “I did believe; but he has not come.”
Suddenly, so it seemed to his weary eyes, the room was flooded with a strange light. And to the cobbler’s astonished vision there appeared before him, one by one, the poor street-sweeper, the sick mother and her child, and all the people he had helped during the day. And each smiled at him and said. “Have you not seen me? Did I not sit at your table?” Then they vanished.
At last, out of the silence, Father Martin heard again the gentle voice repeating the old familiar words. “Whosoever shall receive one such in My name, receiveth Me . . . for I was an hungered, and you gave Me meat; I was athirst, and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger, and you took Me in . . . verily I say unto you, inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these, you have done it unto Me” (Matthew 25:35-40).
Ask your kids to think of something they could give Jesus. Maybe your family could do something together for a needy family. Write what you're going to do on a piece of paper, put it in the box and set it under the tree as a gift for Jesus.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Parenting Tips
Don't Forget to Say Thank You
Gratefulness is an important life quality because it helps us to be thankful for what we have instead of complaining about what we don't have. Gratefulness is a lifestyle but it starts by saying "Thank you" to others who bless us.
Begin now to prepare your children for receiving gifts. Talk about the importance of the giver, not just the gift. Teach children to look at the nametag first so they can be thinking of the person who gave the gift while they open it. Encourage children to express thanks to the giver, even if that person is not in the room at the time. A phone call to extended family or a thank you note to a distant friend can mean a lot.
Gift receiving sometimes provides that awkward moment when we want to ask, "What is this?" or discover that we already have one of these. Play a "What if" game with children to help them anticipate how they might say thank you in those times.
Opening gifts can happen fast and then children are off playing with new toys and games. Helping them to take time to express gratefulness can extend the true meaning of Christmas past the few hours of Christmas Day. And don't forget to take time to thank the Lord for his special gift in Jesus Christ for us.
Gratefulness is an important life quality because it helps us to be thankful for what we have instead of complaining about what we don't have. Gratefulness is a lifestyle but it starts by saying "Thank you" to others who bless us.
Begin now to prepare your children for receiving gifts. Talk about the importance of the giver, not just the gift. Teach children to look at the nametag first so they can be thinking of the person who gave the gift while they open it. Encourage children to express thanks to the giver, even if that person is not in the room at the time. A phone call to extended family or a thank you note to a distant friend can mean a lot.
Gift receiving sometimes provides that awkward moment when we want to ask, "What is this?" or discover that we already have one of these. Play a "What if" game with children to help them anticipate how they might say thank you in those times.
Opening gifts can happen fast and then children are off playing with new toys and games. Helping them to take time to express gratefulness can extend the true meaning of Christmas past the few hours of Christmas Day. And don't forget to take time to thank the Lord for his special gift in Jesus Christ for us.
My Gift
My Gift
-Christina Rossetti.
What can I give Him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would give Him a lamb.
If I were a wise man,
I would do my part.
But what can I give Him?
I will give Him my heart.
-Christina Rossetti.
What can I give Him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would give Him a lamb.
If I were a wise man,
I would do my part.
But what can I give Him?
I will give Him my heart.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Let's Play!
This is a great time to help kids understand the importance of giving gifts rather than receiving the gifts. Neighbors, teachers, family members or friends will love to get this sweet and fun gift you and the kids can make and take.
The Mix
1 1/3 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup M&Ms
1 cup regular oats
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp.Kosher salt (or 1/4 tsp table salt)
Add directions to a card and attach to the jar: To make cookies, mix jar contents with 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Drop by 2 tablespoons on cookie sheet. Bake for 10 minutes at 350°.
(makes about 2 dozen cookies)
Instructions
Layer in a 1 quart jar
1. Mix flour, salt & baking soda, place in bottom of jar
2. Oats
3. M&Ms
4. Brown Sugar (press down firmly)
5. Sugar
Screw lid on tightly, add ribbon and the card and you have a sweet gift!
The Mix
1 1/3 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup M&Ms
1 cup regular oats
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp.Kosher salt (or 1/4 tsp table salt)
Add directions to a card and attach to the jar: To make cookies, mix jar contents with 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Drop by 2 tablespoons on cookie sheet. Bake for 10 minutes at 350°.
(makes about 2 dozen cookies)
Instructions
Layer in a 1 quart jar
1. Mix flour, salt & baking soda, place in bottom of jar
2. Oats
3. M&Ms
4. Brown Sugar (press down firmly)
5. Sugar
Screw lid on tightly, add ribbon and the card and you have a sweet gift!
What's For Dinner, Mommy?
Sour Cream Enchiladas
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
8 (8 inch) flour tortillas, softened
1 1/2 cups grated monterey jack cheese or Mexican blend cheese, divided
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
1 (15 ounce) can chicken broth
1 cup sour cream
1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chilies
Directions
1. In frypan, cook chicken and onion together in oil over medium-high heat until chicken is just done.
2. Divide cooked chicken evenly between 8 tortillas; add 1 1/2 tablespoons cheese to each tortilla.
3. Roll enchiladas and place seam-side down in 9x13" baking dish that has been lightly sprayed with no-stick cooking spray.
4. Melt butter in a medium saucepan; stir in flour to make a roux; stir and cook until bubbly; gradually whisk in chicken broth then bring to boiling, stirring frequently.
5. Remove from heat; stir in sour cream and green chiles; pour sauce evenly over enchiladas.
6. Top with remaining 3/4 cup cheese (baking dish may be double-wrapped and frozen at this point) and bake at 400° for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and sauce near edges of baking dish is bubbly.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
8 (8 inch) flour tortillas, softened
1 1/2 cups grated monterey jack cheese or Mexican blend cheese, divided
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
1 (15 ounce) can chicken broth
1 cup sour cream
1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chilies
Directions
1. In frypan, cook chicken and onion together in oil over medium-high heat until chicken is just done.
2. Divide cooked chicken evenly between 8 tortillas; add 1 1/2 tablespoons cheese to each tortilla.
3. Roll enchiladas and place seam-side down in 9x13" baking dish that has been lightly sprayed with no-stick cooking spray.
4. Melt butter in a medium saucepan; stir in flour to make a roux; stir and cook until bubbly; gradually whisk in chicken broth then bring to boiling, stirring frequently.
5. Remove from heat; stir in sour cream and green chiles; pour sauce evenly over enchiladas.
6. Top with remaining 3/4 cup cheese (baking dish may be double-wrapped and frozen at this point) and bake at 400° for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and sauce near edges of baking dish is bubbly.
Just Desserts
Honey Nut Crunchies
Joy's Christmas Cookie
1 box honey graham crackers
1 stick margarine and butter, each
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
Preheat oven to 350. Break graham crackers apart and line with sides touching in a jelly roll pan. Melt butter and margarine in sauce pan. Once mixture starts boiling, stir for two minutes. Remove from stove and pour over the graham crackers. Sprinkle the pecans ontop and bake for 10 minutes.
Spritz Cookies
1 cup stick butter, softened
1/2 c. sugar
2 1/4 c. flour (again, a 50/50 blend of Hard White and Soft White freshly milled flour)
1 tsp. almond extract or vanilla (I used vanilla)
1/2 tsp. salt (I did not use this)
1 large egg
food coloring
Cream butter and sugar together. Add in remaining ingredients. Press through cookie press onto cookie sheet. Bake at 400 for 6-9 minutes.
M&M Cookies
1 c. butter, softened
1 c. shortening
2 c. brown sugar
1 1/2 c. sugar
4 eggs
4 tsp. vanilla
2 tsp. baking soda
4 1/2 c. flour
2 tsp. salt
Cream together butter, shortening and sugars. Beat in vanilla and eggs. Stir in remaining dry ingredients. If you are mixing in the M&M's, go ahead and pour in a whole bag now.
Drop on ungreased cookie sheet, if you are doing M&M's on top - do it now! Bake at 375 for 9 minutes. Makes 7-8 dozen. Enjoy!
Pumpkin Bread
2 cups Pumpkin (1 15oz can will do)
1 cup oil
3 cups of sugar
4 eggs
3 1/4 c flour (can substituted freshly ground wheat for white and it works wonderfully)
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp clove powder
1 tsp nutmeg
2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
Stir dry ingredients together. Then, mix pumpkin, oil, sugar, and beaten eggs in another bowl. Add wet to dry and stir. This will make about 2 dozen muffins or 2 loaves. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes for muffins and 45 minutes for loaves.
(I think that it really takes more time than this but this is what I set my timer for before I start sticking the bread with a toothpick checking for doneness. One of these days I'll figure out exactly how long this takes in my oven.)
Joy's Christmas Cookie
1 box honey graham crackers
1 stick margarine and butter, each
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
Preheat oven to 350. Break graham crackers apart and line with sides touching in a jelly roll pan. Melt butter and margarine in sauce pan. Once mixture starts boiling, stir for two minutes. Remove from stove and pour over the graham crackers. Sprinkle the pecans ontop and bake for 10 minutes.
Spritz Cookies
1 cup stick butter, softened
1/2 c. sugar
2 1/4 c. flour (again, a 50/50 blend of Hard White and Soft White freshly milled flour)
1 tsp. almond extract or vanilla (I used vanilla)
1/2 tsp. salt (I did not use this)
1 large egg
food coloring
Cream butter and sugar together. Add in remaining ingredients. Press through cookie press onto cookie sheet. Bake at 400 for 6-9 minutes.
M&M Cookies
1 c. butter, softened
1 c. shortening
2 c. brown sugar
1 1/2 c. sugar
4 eggs
4 tsp. vanilla
2 tsp. baking soda
4 1/2 c. flour
2 tsp. salt
Cream together butter, shortening and sugars. Beat in vanilla and eggs. Stir in remaining dry ingredients. If you are mixing in the M&M's, go ahead and pour in a whole bag now.
Drop on ungreased cookie sheet, if you are doing M&M's on top - do it now! Bake at 375 for 9 minutes. Makes 7-8 dozen. Enjoy!
Pumpkin Bread
2 cups Pumpkin (1 15oz can will do)
1 cup oil
3 cups of sugar
4 eggs
3 1/4 c flour (can substituted freshly ground wheat for white and it works wonderfully)
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp clove powder
1 tsp nutmeg
2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
Stir dry ingredients together. Then, mix pumpkin, oil, sugar, and beaten eggs in another bowl. Add wet to dry and stir. This will make about 2 dozen muffins or 2 loaves. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes for muffins and 45 minutes for loaves.
(I think that it really takes more time than this but this is what I set my timer for before I start sticking the bread with a toothpick checking for doneness. One of these days I'll figure out exactly how long this takes in my oven.)
Parenting Tips
Caring for Others
One of the great ways to help children think of giving instead of just getting at Christmas is to reach out to others you don't even know. This one activity can do a tremendous amount to help kids focus on others, not just themselves. Here are some ideas:
Pray for missionaries in other parts of the world. Create a care package for a family and mail it off in time to arrive by Christmas Day.
Get involved in your church's gift-giving program. Most churches provide ways to give tangible gifts to those in need. Ask around your community for organizations that are providing gifts for others.
Take some homemade food and crafts to a local rest home or senior citizen center. Sing songs and greet people. Tell them Merry Christmas. Before you go and when you're finished, talk to your kids about the people you are visiting. Sometimes caring for people can be a challenge and a blessing. Discussions help children understand it all in practical terms.
Make sure that children understand that Christmas is a time when we can share the love of Jesus with others. After all, that's what God did for us.
For more practical ideas on honoring others consider the book Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining, and Bad Attitudes, in You and Your Kids by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.
One of the great ways to help children think of giving instead of just getting at Christmas is to reach out to others you don't even know. This one activity can do a tremendous amount to help kids focus on others, not just themselves. Here are some ideas:
Pray for missionaries in other parts of the world. Create a care package for a family and mail it off in time to arrive by Christmas Day.
Get involved in your church's gift-giving program. Most churches provide ways to give tangible gifts to those in need. Ask around your community for organizations that are providing gifts for others.
Take some homemade food and crafts to a local rest home or senior citizen center. Sing songs and greet people. Tell them Merry Christmas. Before you go and when you're finished, talk to your kids about the people you are visiting. Sometimes caring for people can be a challenge and a blessing. Discussions help children understand it all in practical terms.
Make sure that children understand that Christmas is a time when we can share the love of Jesus with others. After all, that's what God did for us.
For more practical ideas on honoring others consider the book Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining, and Bad Attitudes, in You and Your Kids by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Cranberry Slush Drink
This season provides us with some yummy cranberries. This is a wonderful, refreshing drink to enjoy this time of year.
Ingredients
•1 pound fresh or frozen cranberries
•2-1/2 cups cold water, divided
•3-1/2 cups fresh or frozen unsweetened raspberries
•1 envelope unflavored gelatin
•2 cups sugar
•2 cups ginger ale
•1-3/4 cups raspberry ginger ale or additional ginger ale
Directions
•In a large saucepan, cook the cranberries and 1-1/2 cups water over medium heat until the berries pop, about 15 minutes. Stir in raspberries.
•Transfer to a blender; cover and process until smooth. Strain and discard seeds, reserving juice. Pour the juice into a 2-qt. freezer-proof container; set aside.
•In a small saucepan, sprinkle gelatin over remaining water. let stand for 1 minute. Stir in sugar. Cook and stir over medium heat until gelatin and sugar are dissolved. Add to berry juice. Stir in ginger ale; cover and freeze.
•To use frozen slush: Remove from the freezer 1 hour before serving. For each serving, combine 1 cup cranberry slush with 1/4 cup raspberry ginger ale in a glass; stir well. Yield: 7 servings.
Ingredients
•1 pound fresh or frozen cranberries
•2-1/2 cups cold water, divided
•3-1/2 cups fresh or frozen unsweetened raspberries
•1 envelope unflavored gelatin
•2 cups sugar
•2 cups ginger ale
•1-3/4 cups raspberry ginger ale or additional ginger ale
Directions
•In a large saucepan, cook the cranberries and 1-1/2 cups water over medium heat until the berries pop, about 15 minutes. Stir in raspberries.
•Transfer to a blender; cover and process until smooth. Strain and discard seeds, reserving juice. Pour the juice into a 2-qt. freezer-proof container; set aside.
•In a small saucepan, sprinkle gelatin over remaining water. let stand for 1 minute. Stir in sugar. Cook and stir over medium heat until gelatin and sugar are dissolved. Add to berry juice. Stir in ginger ale; cover and freeze.
•To use frozen slush: Remove from the freezer 1 hour before serving. For each serving, combine 1 cup cranberry slush with 1/4 cup raspberry ginger ale in a glass; stir well. Yield: 7 servings.
Let's Play!
Cinnamon Ornaments
1 1/2 c. powdered cinnamon
1 c. applesauce
1/4 c. school glue
bowl
plastic wrap or plate
wax paper
cookie cutters
ribbon
drinking straw
rolling pin
Mix cinnamon, applesauce and glue in a bowl. (You can add water if it is too stiff - I did not need to do this though.) Knead dough until smooth, cover bowl with a plate or plastic wrap and let sit for 30 minutes.
Knead dough again and flatten with rolling pin to about 1/4"-1/8" thickness. Cut out shapes and make hole with drinking straw.
Bake ornaments for an hour in a 150 degree oven (mine doesn't go any lower than 170 and this worked fine) on a cookie sheet. Turn over half way through. Allow to cool and harden before adding ribbon or twine.
1 1/2 c. powdered cinnamon
1 c. applesauce
1/4 c. school glue
bowl
plastic wrap or plate
wax paper
cookie cutters
ribbon
drinking straw
rolling pin
Mix cinnamon, applesauce and glue in a bowl. (You can add water if it is too stiff - I did not need to do this though.) Knead dough until smooth, cover bowl with a plate or plastic wrap and let sit for 30 minutes.
Knead dough again and flatten with rolling pin to about 1/4"-1/8" thickness. Cut out shapes and make hole with drinking straw.
Bake ornaments for an hour in a 150 degree oven (mine doesn't go any lower than 170 and this worked fine) on a cookie sheet. Turn over half way through. Allow to cool and harden before adding ribbon or twine.
Cocoa
One of my favorite things about the fall and winter months is the unlimited excuses to sip hot cocoa. It is one of my ultimate comfort foods. While the cocoa in my favorite cup warms my hands and my body; my heart and spirit can be warmed,too. Here’s one way the word ‘COCOA’ can help us remember some important aspects of Christmas.
●C is for CHRIST. He’s the reason for Christmas!
●O is for ORNAMENTS. As we decorate our tree, let’s remember to decorate our hearts and homes with God’s love.
●C reminds us to CELEBRATE. It’s easy to get focused on giving, but let’s not forget to celebrate all that God has given us!
●O is for OVERJOYED! Instead of getting overwhelmed with our schedules, let’s get overjoyed by remembering why Jesus was born.
●And A is for ABUNDANCE! In the abundance of presents and people, let’s remember that what we really need is the abundant life Jesus promised through a relationship with Him.
Mint Cocoa Drink Mix
Ingredients
•1 package (30 ounces) instant chocolate drink mix
•1 package (25.6 ounces) nonfat dry milk powder
•2-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
•1 cup powdered nondairy creamer
•25 peppermint candies, crushed
ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS (for each servings):
•1 cup milk
Directions
In a large bowl, combine the first five ingredients. Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place for up to 6 months. Yield: 53 servings (17-2/3 cups total).
To prepare hot drink: Warm milk; stir in 1/3 cup mix until dissolved.
Yield: 1 serving.
●C is for CHRIST. He’s the reason for Christmas!
●O is for ORNAMENTS. As we decorate our tree, let’s remember to decorate our hearts and homes with God’s love.
●C reminds us to CELEBRATE. It’s easy to get focused on giving, but let’s not forget to celebrate all that God has given us!
●O is for OVERJOYED! Instead of getting overwhelmed with our schedules, let’s get overjoyed by remembering why Jesus was born.
●And A is for ABUNDANCE! In the abundance of presents and people, let’s remember that what we really need is the abundant life Jesus promised through a relationship with Him.
Mint Cocoa Drink Mix
Ingredients
•1 package (30 ounces) instant chocolate drink mix
•1 package (25.6 ounces) nonfat dry milk powder
•2-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
•1 cup powdered nondairy creamer
•25 peppermint candies, crushed
ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS (for each servings):
•1 cup milk
Directions
In a large bowl, combine the first five ingredients. Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place for up to 6 months. Yield: 53 servings (17-2/3 cups total).
To prepare hot drink: Warm milk; stir in 1/3 cup mix until dissolved.
Yield: 1 serving.
The Shepherd Became a Sheep
By Sharon Jaynes
The angels appeared and called to me
"Be not afraid, dear one.
For you are now a lowly sheep
For your God sent His Son."
"Go to the babe and see him there
We will lead the way.
The shepherd has chosen you - a sheep
To celebrate this day."
We ran and saw the baby there
I'll never be the same.
He raised his eyes, said not a word,
And yet he spoke my name.
Years have passed and now I know
This babe became a man.
He lived and died and rose again
And now I understand.
"Follow me," Jesus said,
"And I will lead the way."
"My sheep listen, know my voice
And with me they will stay."
I was a shepherd, to be sure.
My sheep slept at my feet.
But on that night the babe was born,
And I became a sheep.
The angels appeared and called to me
"Be not afraid, dear one.
For you are now a lowly sheep
For your God sent His Son."
"Go to the babe and see him there
We will lead the way.
The shepherd has chosen you - a sheep
To celebrate this day."
We ran and saw the baby there
I'll never be the same.
He raised his eyes, said not a word,
And yet he spoke my name.
Years have passed and now I know
This babe became a man.
He lived and died and rose again
And now I understand.
"Follow me," Jesus said,
"And I will lead the way."
"My sheep listen, know my voice
And with me they will stay."
I was a shepherd, to be sure.
My sheep slept at my feet.
But on that night the babe was born,
And I became a sheep.
Monday, December 14, 2009
A Mommy's Christmas List
Dear Santa,
I've been a good mom all year.
I've fed, cleaned, and cuddled my two children on demand, visited
the doctor's office more than my doctor, sold sixty-two cases of
candy bars to raise money to plant a shade tree on the school
playground and figured out how to attach nine patches onto my
daughter's girl scout sash with staples and a glue gun.
I was hoping you could spread my list out over several Christmases,
since I had to write this letter with my daughter's red crayon, on
the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles, and who
knows when I'll find anymore free time in the next 18 years.
Here are my Christmas wishes:
I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache after a day of chasing kids
(in any color, except purple, which I already have) and arms that
don't flap in the breeze, but are strong enough to carry a screaming
toddler out of the candy aisle in the grocery store.
I'd also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere in the seventh
month of my last pregnancy.
If you're hauling big ticket items this year, I'd like a car with a
radio that only plays adult music; a television that doesn't
broadcast any programs containing talking animals, and a refrigerator
with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can hide to talk
on the phone.
On the practical side, I could use a talking daughter doll that
says, "Yes, Mommy" to boost my parental confidence, and three pairs
of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of power tools.
Well, Santa, the buzzer on the dryer is ringing and my youngest
daughter saw my feet under the laundry room door. I think she wants
her crayon back.
Yours always.....
Mommy
I've been a good mom all year.
I've fed, cleaned, and cuddled my two children on demand, visited
the doctor's office more than my doctor, sold sixty-two cases of
candy bars to raise money to plant a shade tree on the school
playground and figured out how to attach nine patches onto my
daughter's girl scout sash with staples and a glue gun.
I was hoping you could spread my list out over several Christmases,
since I had to write this letter with my daughter's red crayon, on
the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles, and who
knows when I'll find anymore free time in the next 18 years.
Here are my Christmas wishes:
I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache after a day of chasing kids
(in any color, except purple, which I already have) and arms that
don't flap in the breeze, but are strong enough to carry a screaming
toddler out of the candy aisle in the grocery store.
I'd also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere in the seventh
month of my last pregnancy.
If you're hauling big ticket items this year, I'd like a car with a
radio that only plays adult music; a television that doesn't
broadcast any programs containing talking animals, and a refrigerator
with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can hide to talk
on the phone.
On the practical side, I could use a talking daughter doll that
says, "Yes, Mommy" to boost my parental confidence, and three pairs
of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of power tools.
Well, Santa, the buzzer on the dryer is ringing and my youngest
daughter saw my feet under the laundry room door. I think she wants
her crayon back.
Yours always.....
Mommy
In the Bleak Mid Winter
The greatest gift was delivered to all mankind one cold and silent night in the most unlikely of places- a smelly, dirty stable. It was probably more like a cave with rock walls, dirt floor strewn with hay and the waste of animals. It was not the place that the King of Kings was ever expected or should have been born. It was a most glorious event though. What a gift was given to me and to my children! It is my prayer that my children will discover the wondrous love and hope that was wrapped in those swaddling clothes laying among the hay that livestock ate and slept. What can I give Him? I can give Him nothing but my life and my heart. I am His! Thank you, God, for the most treasured gift of your Son each of every day of life!
Turn down the music at the bottom of the page to enjoy this wonderful choir. It is a amazing worship song that brings me tears.
Turn down the music at the bottom of the page to enjoy this wonderful choir. It is a amazing worship song that brings me tears.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Cinnamon Muffins
Cinnamon Muffins
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar (you can sub out 1/4 cup honey for this)
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp vanilla (or 1/2 if you like a lot of vanilla flavor)
1 egg - lightly beaten
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup melted butter (you can sub out oil for this or even applesauce)
Topping (if desired):
2 TB Sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup butter
(I usually make this in my mixer)
In large bow, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Combine the egg, milk and butter; mix well. Add to dry ingredients and mix until moistened. Spoon into greased or paper lined muffin cups. Bake at 400 degrees for 12-14 minutes or until muffins test done. For topping, combine sugar and cinnamon. Brush the tops of warm muffins with butter, sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar. Makes 1 dozen.
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar (you can sub out 1/4 cup honey for this)
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp vanilla (or 1/2 if you like a lot of vanilla flavor)
1 egg - lightly beaten
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup melted butter (you can sub out oil for this or even applesauce)
Topping (if desired):
2 TB Sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup butter
(I usually make this in my mixer)
In large bow, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Combine the egg, milk and butter; mix well. Add to dry ingredients and mix until moistened. Spoon into greased or paper lined muffin cups. Bake at 400 degrees for 12-14 minutes or until muffins test done. For topping, combine sugar and cinnamon. Brush the tops of warm muffins with butter, sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar. Makes 1 dozen.
Just Desserts
Mocha Cinnamon Bars
Stir together 2 t. instant coffee crystals, 1/2 t. each of water, vanilla extract in small bowl. Set aside.
Stir together 2 c. flour and 1 t. cinnamon in another bowl. Set aside.
Using an electric mixer, beat together 1 cup butter or margarine (I use one stick of each), 1/2 c. each of brown sugar and granulated sugar on high until fluffy. Add one egg yolk, beat well. Then beat in coffee mixture, then flour mixture. Beat until combined.
Press the dough into a 9 by 13 pan. Bake at 350 for 15 to 18 minutes. When it’s brown and not gooey in the middle, take it out, and sprinkle with 1 cup chocolate chips. I use dark chocolate but you can use whichever kind you like. Optional: sprinkle with chopped walnuts or pecans. I skip those and sprinkle it with Christmas sprinkles. Cut while warm. They are very rich so I cut them in small squares.
Stir together 2 t. instant coffee crystals, 1/2 t. each of water, vanilla extract in small bowl. Set aside.
Stir together 2 c. flour and 1 t. cinnamon in another bowl. Set aside.
Using an electric mixer, beat together 1 cup butter or margarine (I use one stick of each), 1/2 c. each of brown sugar and granulated sugar on high until fluffy. Add one egg yolk, beat well. Then beat in coffee mixture, then flour mixture. Beat until combined.
Press the dough into a 9 by 13 pan. Bake at 350 for 15 to 18 minutes. When it’s brown and not gooey in the middle, take it out, and sprinkle with 1 cup chocolate chips. I use dark chocolate but you can use whichever kind you like. Optional: sprinkle with chopped walnuts or pecans. I skip those and sprinkle it with Christmas sprinkles. Cut while warm. They are very rich so I cut them in small squares.
What's For Dinner, Mommy?
Fajita Seasoning Mix
Ingredients:
•3 Tbsp. cornstarch
•2 Tbsp. chili powder
•1 Tbsp. salt
•1 Tbsp. paprika
•1 Tbsp. sugar
•2-1/2 tsp. crushed chicken bouillon cube
•1-1/2 tsp. onion powder
•1/2 tsp. garlic powder
•1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
•1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
•1/2 tsp. cumin
Preparation:
Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl. Pour into small glass or plastic container, seal tightly and store in a cool, dry place. Makes the equivalent of 3 packets of commercial or purchased Fajita Seasoning Mix.
Chicken Fajitas
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 green bell pepper
2 Tbsp. oil
3 Tbsp. Fajita Seasoning Mix
1/3 cup water
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup salsa
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup grated Cheddar cheese
6 flour tortillas
Prepare the fajitas using the same directions found on the package of purchased seasoning mix:
Cut chicken into thin strips. Cut green pepper into strips. Heat oil in large skillet and add chicken. Cook and stir over medium high heat for 5 minutes. Then add three tablespoons of the Fajita Seasoning Mix, water, green pepper and onion. Reduce heat to medium. Cook and stir over medium heat until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender. Serve with salsa, sour cream, and grated cheese in warmed tortillas.
TO-DIE-FOR MEXICAN CORNBREAD:
2 pkgs Jiffy cornbread mix
1 med onion, chopped
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 can cream-style corn
1 1/2 cups sour cream
4 eggs, beaten
1/2 can of Rotel, drained (include the whole can, drained, if you like it extra spicy)
1/3 cup vegetable oil
Mix that together until it's a big gloppy mess. Pour into a greased 13x9 casserole dish, bake at 350 for 50-55 minutes. Serves 12 or more.
Mexican Lasagna
•1 lb. ground beef
•1 medium onion, chopped
•2 cloves garlic, minced
•1 can refried beans
•1 pkg. taco seasoning
•1 1/2 cups salsa
•1 large (24 oz) carton cottage cheese
•Shredded Cheddar cheese (lots of it!)
•6 corn tortillas
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brown ground beef with onion and garlic. Drain. Add beans, taco seasoning and 1 cup salsa to meat mixture and heat through. Add a little (1/4 cup?) water at this point if necessary.
Line 13 x 9 baking dish with 3 corn tortillas. Spread half of meat/bean mixture over tortillas. Evenly distribute half of cottage cheese over meat. Then add cheddar cheese. Repeat, but before adding last layer of cheese, sprinkle 1/2 cup of remaining salsa on cottage cheese. Then top with cheddar cheese.
Bake for 30-45 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is melted.
Serve with taco toppings, a lettuce salad or roasted vegetables. Enjoy!
For those not in the mood for Mexican food:
Creamy Italian Chicken
Makes 4-6 servings
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
1 envelope dry Italian salad dressing mix
¼ cup water
8-oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
10-3/4-oz. can cream of chicken soup
4-oz. can mushroom stems and pieces, drained
Lightly grease slow cooker. Place chicken in the bottom. Combine salad dressing with water and pour over chicken. Cover and cook on low 3-4 hours. Combine cream cheese and soup until blended. Stir in mushrooms. Pour over chicken and cook until heated through. Serve over noodles or rice. Add a fresh green salad to complete the meal.
Note: I always add more chicken to the same amount of sauce and find I can stretch it to feed 8.
Ingredients:
•3 Tbsp. cornstarch
•2 Tbsp. chili powder
•1 Tbsp. salt
•1 Tbsp. paprika
•1 Tbsp. sugar
•2-1/2 tsp. crushed chicken bouillon cube
•1-1/2 tsp. onion powder
•1/2 tsp. garlic powder
•1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
•1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
•1/2 tsp. cumin
Preparation:
Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl. Pour into small glass or plastic container, seal tightly and store in a cool, dry place. Makes the equivalent of 3 packets of commercial or purchased Fajita Seasoning Mix.
Chicken Fajitas
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 green bell pepper
2 Tbsp. oil
3 Tbsp. Fajita Seasoning Mix
1/3 cup water
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup salsa
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup grated Cheddar cheese
6 flour tortillas
Prepare the fajitas using the same directions found on the package of purchased seasoning mix:
Cut chicken into thin strips. Cut green pepper into strips. Heat oil in large skillet and add chicken. Cook and stir over medium high heat for 5 minutes. Then add three tablespoons of the Fajita Seasoning Mix, water, green pepper and onion. Reduce heat to medium. Cook and stir over medium heat until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender. Serve with salsa, sour cream, and grated cheese in warmed tortillas.
TO-DIE-FOR MEXICAN CORNBREAD:
2 pkgs Jiffy cornbread mix
1 med onion, chopped
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 can cream-style corn
1 1/2 cups sour cream
4 eggs, beaten
1/2 can of Rotel, drained (include the whole can, drained, if you like it extra spicy)
1/3 cup vegetable oil
Mix that together until it's a big gloppy mess. Pour into a greased 13x9 casserole dish, bake at 350 for 50-55 minutes. Serves 12 or more.
Mexican Lasagna
•1 lb. ground beef
•1 medium onion, chopped
•2 cloves garlic, minced
•1 can refried beans
•1 pkg. taco seasoning
•1 1/2 cups salsa
•1 large (24 oz) carton cottage cheese
•Shredded Cheddar cheese (lots of it!)
•6 corn tortillas
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brown ground beef with onion and garlic. Drain. Add beans, taco seasoning and 1 cup salsa to meat mixture and heat through. Add a little (1/4 cup?) water at this point if necessary.
Line 13 x 9 baking dish with 3 corn tortillas. Spread half of meat/bean mixture over tortillas. Evenly distribute half of cottage cheese over meat. Then add cheddar cheese. Repeat, but before adding last layer of cheese, sprinkle 1/2 cup of remaining salsa on cottage cheese. Then top with cheddar cheese.
Bake for 30-45 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is melted.
Serve with taco toppings, a lettuce salad or roasted vegetables. Enjoy!
For those not in the mood for Mexican food:
Creamy Italian Chicken
Makes 4-6 servings
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
1 envelope dry Italian salad dressing mix
¼ cup water
8-oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
10-3/4-oz. can cream of chicken soup
4-oz. can mushroom stems and pieces, drained
Lightly grease slow cooker. Place chicken in the bottom. Combine salad dressing with water and pour over chicken. Cover and cook on low 3-4 hours. Combine cream cheese and soup until blended. Stir in mushrooms. Pour over chicken and cook until heated through. Serve over noodles or rice. Add a fresh green salad to complete the meal.
Note: I always add more chicken to the same amount of sauce and find I can stretch it to feed 8.
Parenting Tips
Christmas, A Time to Teach Generosity
Christmas is a highlight in the life of most children, but much of the benefit is focused on what they get. Of course one of the blessings of Christmas is giving, so look for ways to teach children generosity this year. Here are some ideas:
Involves kids in your gift giving strategy or help them develop their own. Planning, shopping, and wrapping can each provide ways for children to think about blessing others.
Anticipate with your children the delight others will experience when the gifts are opened. Help your child enjoy the fun others will have when receiving gifts.
Ask children the question: "What are you doing this year to make Christmas special for others?" This question alone can help teens think of others instead of just themselves. A short discussion can help move kids from selfish tendencies to generosity.
And most importantly, remind children of the generosity of God by sending us a special gift in his Son.
For more ideas on addressing heart issues in your kids, consider the book, Parenting is Heart Work by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.
Christmas is a highlight in the life of most children, but much of the benefit is focused on what they get. Of course one of the blessings of Christmas is giving, so look for ways to teach children generosity this year. Here are some ideas:
Involves kids in your gift giving strategy or help them develop their own. Planning, shopping, and wrapping can each provide ways for children to think about blessing others.
Anticipate with your children the delight others will experience when the gifts are opened. Help your child enjoy the fun others will have when receiving gifts.
Ask children the question: "What are you doing this year to make Christmas special for others?" This question alone can help teens think of others instead of just themselves. A short discussion can help move kids from selfish tendencies to generosity.
And most importantly, remind children of the generosity of God by sending us a special gift in his Son.
For more ideas on addressing heart issues in your kids, consider the book, Parenting is Heart Work by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.
Gratitude
As the season progresses, we spend a lot of time shopping, wrapping, baking and making plans for Christmas. However, the economy has left most of us trying to be creative and frugal gift givers to the point of we are cutting way back on the gifts. It can be frustrating, stressful and overwhelming when we focus on the physical gifts that bring delight for a brief time on one day out of the year. Take a few minutes and watch the video, Gratitude, and refocus on the wealth of blessings we have compared to so many. Focus on the Giver of these blessings and then spend some time in a gratitude conversation with Him. The reason for this season is, afterall, to celebrate the most wonderful gift ever given to mankind- Christ, the Savior's birth! Don't forget to turn down our music at the bottom of the page.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
A Mom's Prayer
I posted this earlier, but it is so powerful and bears repeating.
Choose joy, pray continously, give thanks!
Despite spilt chocolate milk on the carpet, endless squabbles between kids, magic markers on the walls, car repair bills, and sleepless nights, our script needs to be, "If this is the worst thing that happens to me today, it is still a pretty great day!"
Turn down the volume on the playlist and enjoy Lysa's message.
Choose joy, pray continously, give thanks!
Despite spilt chocolate milk on the carpet, endless squabbles between kids, magic markers on the walls, car repair bills, and sleepless nights, our script needs to be, "If this is the worst thing that happens to me today, it is still a pretty great day!"
Turn down the volume on the playlist and enjoy Lysa's message.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
About Me
- ml4estsmommy
- I am a very blessed SAHM. I am blessed with an abundant amount of grace from my Creator and Savior. He has blessed me with an amazing man as my life long best friend, husband and father of our two precious gifts of energy and life. My days are full with the activities of homekeeping, and the joys and adventures of two healthy and energetic kiddos. I am basking in His grace daily.
Posts
