Merry Christmas!

Enjoy the season

Still still still

Have a happy Christmas

Love, family, and faith make Christmas meaningful. Store-bought stuff may fill stockings and surround trees, but it doesn't fill our hearts with joy and contentment for long. During the holiday season, the more we chase after merchandise, the further we get from the true spirit of the holiday. And yet how many end up buying things that they either do not need or cannot afford because they want their loved ones to have a "happy" Christmas? We all know that gifts don't buy enduring happiness. In fact, social scientists have confirmed that "chasing possessions tends to make people less happy."
So if we want our loved ones to have a happy Christmas, we would do well to remember the experience of Dr. Seuss's Grinch, who tried to steal Christmas from Who-ville by taking away all of its material things—the presents, the feasts, the decorations. But to the Grinch's great surprise, the people of Who-ville still gathered on Christmas morning to sing and to celebrate. Only then did the Grinch realize that Christmas, in its purest form, is much more than he thought it was. It cannot be purchased at any store, and it thrives in our hearts no matter our material possessions.
When we think back on Christmases we remember best, we realize that what made them memorable was not a gift we received but an experience we had. We recall a happy moment of sharing. We think of a beloved tradition, cherish the gladness of gathering with loved ones, and reread the beloved Christmas story. We remember a warm fire, a snowy night, a favorite song. But we almost never remember the pile of gifts under the tree.
So this year, be deliberate about the holiday activities and traditions that you share with loved ones. Create memories, build loving bonds, and have experiences that outlast throwaway things. Don't waste the season running from store to store in pursuit of fleeting treasures. Rather, in the words of Him whose birth inspired Christmas, "Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. . . . For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also".

Lloyd D. Newell

 

Merry Christmas

The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night

Oh Holy Night

Unto us a child is born

Oh little town of Bethlehem

Oh Christmas Tree Oh Christmas Tree

Once there was a snowman snowman

The children gathered near.......in that moment was joy

“…Satan has declared war on motherhood. He knows that those who rock the cradle can rock his earthly empire. And he knows that without righteous mothers loving and leading the next generation, the kingdom of God will fail.”

Sheri L. Dew

Twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38 when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate. their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air. they could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there. they were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say. they remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day. "where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse. "this is heaven." declared a small boy. "we're spending Christmas at God's house." when what to their wondering eyes did appear, but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near. He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same. then He opened His arms and He called them by name. and in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring those children all flew into the arms of their King and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace, one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face. and as if He could read all the questions she had He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad." then He looked down on earth, the world far below He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand, "Let My power and presence re-enter this land!" "may this country be delivered from the hands of fools" "I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!" then He and the children stood up without a sound. "come now my children, let me show you around." excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran. all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can. and I heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight, "in the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."

Twas' 11 Days Before Christmas" by Cameo Smith ~ A Poem about the Sandy Hook Kids

Wonder and Joy

What is it that makes this such a magical time of year? Undoubtedly, part of the reason is the eager smiles and happy anticipation of the children around us. The air seems to tingle with their joy and excitement. Yet, as we age, we sometimes lose that innocent, joyous outlook. 

The poet William Edgar Stafford was once asked when he decided to become a poet. His response was that "everyone is born a poet." He said: "I just kept on doing … what everyone starts out doing. The real question is why did the other people stop?"

It's a good question for all of us: When did we set aside that childlike wonder, the exuberance and creativity of our youth? And how can we recapture it? Christmas is the perfect time to "become as a little child" once more, and learn to trust and delight in the world around us. 

Imagine how Christmas might be different this year if you saw it through a child's eyes again. Sing a holiday song with the gusto you once did, not worrying about how your voice sounds. Catch a snowflake on your tongue. Write a letter to someone you love. Enjoy sparkling lights, sleigh bells, the fragrant smells of pine and cinnamon, and the mystery of a package tied with a beautiful bow. 

Reach out to the children around you. Just spending time with a child can revive our spirits. Their thrill of anticipation and discovery is contagious, and we cannot help sharing in their laughter and joy.

Christmas is, after all, the celebration of the birth of a child, full of promise. So much of the season's imagery turns our hearts to a hopeful future. The evergreen Christmas tree itself reminds us that if we're not green, we're not growing. Trying new things, expanding our circles of friendship, looking for opportunities to give, seeking for wonder and joy these efforts keep us young and our outlook fresh. It's almost a matter of giving ourselves permission to enjoy life again, to reawaken the child inside each one of us, find room in our hearts for amazement, and stay, forever, green.

Joni Hilton

Hope of this Season

It's been said that God rewrites the book of Genesis every spring. "In the beginning" takes on special meaning each year as we witness the renewed life, the rebirth, and the new beginnings that seem to be built in to earth's cycle of seasons. It's as if nature itself is trying to tell us that whatever we are going through, things can change—things can get better. No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow. The days will become a little brighter, the weather a little warmer, and life will be restored. Ultimately, it's a reminder of the hope expressed by Robert Browning: "God's in his heaven—all's right with the world!"

We need that reassurance from time to time, especially in moments when life gets hard and all doesn't seem right with the world. When the fire of truth and faith has been extinguished, we need to know that it can be rekindled and burn again in our souls. When hearts have been broken and dreams shattered, we need to be reminded that they can be mended and rebuilt over time. Just as surely as brown grass, battered shrubs, and leafless trees can become green and blooming once again, we can believe in the promise of new life and renewed beginnings.

In that spirit, a poet once observed:
"I wonder if the Daffodil
Shrinks from the touch of frost,
And when her veins grow stiff and still
She dreams that life is lost?
Ah, if she does, how sweet a thing
Her resurrection day in spring!"

That is the hope of this season. It is the assurance that nothing is ever permanently lost, that no one is forever gone. Indeed, heartbreak, discouragement even death itself is not final, as long as we have hope in that "resurrection day in spring." This is why we sing, "Hail the day that sees us rise" from doubt to devotion, from fear to faith, from death to life!

Jack Frost nipping at your nose

Every where you go

The Blessing of peace, the Beauty of hope, the Spirit of love, the Comfort of faith. 

May this be your gifts this Christmas Season.

True Love was born in a Stable

Have your self a Merry Little Christmas May your Heart be light

Be bright

Soon it will be Christmas Day

TwiNkLe

let it snow let it snow let it snow

Hot Cocoa Cookies

In a medium saucepan, melt together:

1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter

12 oz. chopped semisweet chocolate (bars)

Stir frequently over medium heat until smooth. Let cool for 15 minutes.

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

1 1/2 cups flour

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

Using an electric mixer, beat together:

1 1/4 cups light brown sugar

3 eggs, at room temperature

1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Beat on low speed until smooth, 2 minutes. Mix in the cooled chocolate mixture just until blended. Add the flour mixture in 2 batches, mixing on low speed until just combined. Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour.

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a tablespoon, scoop the dough and roll between your palms to form 1-inch balls. Arrange about 16 balls 2 inches apart on each cookie sheet, flattening slightly. Bake until the tops of the cookies crack, about 12 minutes.

Meanwhile, cut 7.5 ounces of semisweet chocolate (bars) into 1-inch squares. Snip 8 marshmallows in half crosswise and stick 1 square of chocolate onto each of the cut sides.

Remove the cookie sheets from the oven and gently press a marshmallow half, chocolate side down, into each cookie. Bake until the marshmallows are just softened, about 4 minutes. Transfer the pans to racks to cool for 5 minutes.

Grate 5 ounces of semisweet chocolate over the hot cookies. Using a spatula, transfer the cookies to the racks and let cool. Repeat the process with the remaining dough, marshmallows and chocolate. Bake each batch on a clean sheet of parchment paper.

Fear Not

During this joyful season, we reflect upon the greatest story ever told. It is not a long story, comprising only a chapter or two of scriptures, but it is so rich with meaning that with each reading we can find a new pearl of truth, a new insight that endears the story to us even more. 

One of these precious but less obvious themes of the Christmas story is found in the words the angel spoke to young Mary: "Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God" (Luke 1:30). Later, we are told that Joseph the carpenter received similar direction when an angel appeared to him in a dream and said, "Fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife" (Matthew 1:20). And then shortly thereafter, on that holy night of the first Christmas, the angel proclaimed to the shepherds, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people" (Luke 2:10). 

Time and again, as the story unfolds, the words fear not come as manna from heaven to humble souls hungering for comfort, confidence, guidance, and peace. What sweet and profound reassurance that must have been! What meaningful and empowering counsel it still is! 

Those words, fear not, are needed today as much as ever. When faced with what seems arduous or impossible, fear not. When confronted with discouragement or difficulty, fear not. When challenged by doubt or disbelief, anger or antagonism, fear not. 

That may be easier said than done. No question, we live in a fearful world, but the wonderful, true story of Christmas gives ample cause to "fear not." It stands as a gentle reminder that the heavens are still open, that the Light of the World still shines, and that God's greatest gift of love sent to earth so long ago still prevails. This season, with its bright lights and joyful hearts, is an annual affirmation of that love. The message and meaning of Christmas is joy and hope to the world, good tidings and goodwill toward all people all of which can come into our lives if we choose faith 

and fear not. 

Illuminate

The same God that placed that star in a precise orbit millennia before it appeared over Bethlehem in celebration of the birth of the Babe has given at least equal attention to placement of each of us in precise human orbits so that we may, if we will, illuminate the landscape of our individual lives, so that our light may not only lead others but warm them as well. 

Neal A. Maxwell

No crib for His bed

Caramel Dipped Pears for Christmas

Microwave Caramel Recipe

1 C. Butter

2 1/4 C. Packed Light Brown Sugar

1 14 oz. can Sweetened Condensed Milk

1 C. Light Corn Syrup

1 t. Vanilla

Instructions

Melt the butter in a large, microwave safe bowl. Make sure that the bowl is large enough that the caramel mixture won't boil over when it cooks.

Add the brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and corn syrup. Stir well.

Microwave on high for 14-20 minutes(total time will depend on your microwave), removing to stir every 3 minutes, then quickly get it cooking again.

When it has reached the right consistency, add the vanilla to the caramel and stir thoroughly.

*If you don't cook it long enough, it will be too soft and sticky. If you cook it too long it will be hard and chewy.

My microwave only takes 14 minutes, but other microwaves I've used take much longer.

When the caramel nears 14 minutes of cooking, place a drop of it in a cup of ice water. Wait a minute and then remove it and check the consistency. If it falls apart, it needs to cook longer. If it is too hard, it is over cooked.

TO MAKE THE CARAMEL DIPPED PEARS:

*select pears with long stems still attached.

Make the caramel according to directions. Allow to cool for a minute or two. Holding the pear by the stem, dip into the caramel and turn to coat on all sides. Hold the pear above the caramel and allow the excess caramel to drip off.

Place the pear on a sheet of parchment paper and allow the caramel to firm up.

Dip the pear in melted chocolate and then dip the bottom of the pear in chopped nuts, toffee, chocolate shavings, or any other toppings you desire.

Place on parchment paper and allow the chocolate to set.

fa la la la la la la la la

Oh Christmas Tree Oh Christmas Tree

String cranberries and popcorn for an old fashion garland

On your forehead and cheek

Quiet reflection

"We all need some time for private reflection and introspection; without it, we lose perspective and focus in our lives. Without some occasional deep thinking about our values and our place in the universe, we lack direction and a sense of purpose. Pondering gives us an opportunity to sort things out, to set aside the unimportant and seek a connection with something eternal even with God Himself." 

 Lloyd D. Newell 

"For each of you may this be a merry Christmas. But more importantly, I wish for each of you a time, perhaps only an hour, spent in silent meditation and quiet reflection on the wonder and the majesty of this, the Son of God. Our joy at this season is because He came into the world. The peace that comes from Him, His infinite love which each of us may feel, and an overwhelming sense of gratitude for that which He freely gave us at so great a cost to Himself-these are of the true essence of Christmas."

 Gordon B. Hinckley

Peppermint Popcorn Bark

2 bags microwave popcorn, popped (18-­20 cups)

1 6oz box candy canes, crushed

1 package Almond Bark

1 tsp peppermint extract

Place popcorn in a very large bowl ­the biggest one you have. Pour crushed candy canes on top of the popcorn. (I crush my candy canes in the food processor ­ it is quick and it pulverizes the candy canes!) Melt almond bark according to instructions on the package. Add the peppermint extract to the almond bark and pour over popcorn. Stir until all the popcorn is coated. Pour popcorn on wax paper and allow to harden. Once the popcorn has hardened, break into pieces and enjoy!

Wisdom sown like gold and silver

"Let wisdom be sown in your hearts, and let it bring forth a bountiful harvest. It is more profitable to you than all the gold and silver and other riches of earth."

May we always acknowledge and give thanks for what may be the most one-sided gift exchange in the history of the universe! "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given... and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace". "Let us not forget that God gave His Son, and His Son gave His life, that each of us might have the gift of eternal life."   

Gordon B. Hinckley

"In moments of pain, loneliness, or confusion, we do not need to see Jesus Christ to know that He is aware of our circumstances and that His mission is to bless."
Henry B. Erying

Great beyond comprehension is the love of God. He is our loving Eternal Father. Out of His love for us, He has given an eternal plan which, when followed, leads to exaltation in His kingdom. Out of His love for us, He sent His Firstborn into the world, who, out of His own divine love, gave Himself as a sacrifice for each of us. His was an incomparable gift of love to a world that largely spurned Him. He is our great exemplar.  
Gordon B. Hinckley

Bake & Slice Chocolate Swirls

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 Tablespoon shortening
3/4 cup butter, at room temperature
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 cups all-purpose flour, measured then sifted
milk
3/4 cup walnuts or almonds, chopped (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. In top of double boiler, melt chocolate, sweetened milk and shortening. Stir until combined, and set aside to cool slightly.

3. In large bowl, cream together butter, salt, vanilla and sugar with an electric mixer. Blend in flour and mix well. Add a few drops of milk to help the batter hold together. It should come together as a blob of dough (not sticky though).

4. Divide dough into thirds. Roll out each on floured surface to a 10x6-inch rectangle. Spread each with chocolate filling; sprinkle with nuts if desired.

5. Roll up, starting with the 10-inch side. Carefully transfer the roll to an ungreased cookie sheet.

6. Bake 20-25 minutes, or until light golden brown. Cool slightly before removing from cookie sheet. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Cool and wrap in saran wrap.

7. To serve, cut into slices about 1/4-inch thick. These can be frozen in the whole rolls, then defrosted and sliced later.

Cinnamon-Nut Spice Cookies

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 cup sugar

1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

1 egg

1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts, toasted

2 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350ºF. In a large bowl, beat butter for 30 seconds. Add the 1 cup sugar, the baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, salt, and allspice; beat until fluffy. Add egg; beat until combined. Gradually add flour, beating until well mixed. Stir in walnuts.

Drop dough by rounded teaspoons 2 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet. In a small bowl, stir together the remaining cinnamon and sugar. Sprinkle dough mounds with sugar mixture. Bake in preheated oven for 11 to 13 minutes or until edges are firm. 

So sweet

and it's here

So welcome!