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!

In a way we can understand

Emily Freeman

On Saturday night Greg tried to fix the bathroom sink. The one that won't drain.

Oh, he tried everything.  When nothing worked he opened the cupboards and took the whole thing apart.  When that didn't work he shut the cupboard and went to bed. Grace and I were having a girl's night out when all this took place.

Needless to say, we had no idea about the sink project left undone. Until Sunday morning.

It was after we had gotten ready for the day.  After the washing faces, brushing teeth, cleaning out the sink.  It was when the cupboard door magically opened by itself and water came spilling out all over the bathroom floor.  That's when we realized there had been a sink project.

I thought to myself, sometimes you have to call in the professionals.

This is probably one of those times.

This week I will rely on the help of professionals.  I'm flying to Texas on Friday.  On Thursday I will have a full skin check like I do every six months.  Today I'm going to work with someone who is brilliant with social media.  And there is the issue with the bathroom sink…

Each of them are experts in their field. I don't know what I would do without them.

But this morning I was reminded of a professional that we sometimes overlook.

It was shortly after seminary started.  In the dark hours of the morning, before the sun had  a chance to rise.

A boy named Adam stood up at the front of our class and 30 kids all waited to see what he had to share.  He read a scripture and then said one simple sentence…

"The Holy Ghost is a professional at what he does."

The thought sunk deep.

A professional. At touching the heart. At giving warnings. At sending promptings.
At speaking to each of us, in our own language, in a way we can understand.

I thought about my day, and about my week, and about my life…sometimes you have to call in the professional.

And sometimes I forget.

"We like to be appreciated but if we do not get all the appreciation which we think is our due, what matters? We know the Lord has laid high responsibilities upon us, and there is not a wish or desire that the Lord has implanted in our hearts in righteousness but will be realized, and the greatest good we can do to ourselves and each other is to refine and cultivate ourselves in everything that is good and ennobling to qualify us for those responsibilities."

Eliza R. Snow

"Compared to the perfection of God, we mortals are scarcely more than awkward, faltering toddlers. But our loving Heavenly Father wants us to become more like Him, and that should be our eternal goal too. God understands that we get there not in an instant but by taking one step at a time."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"We make our own happiness no matter what trials, tribulations, or sorrows we face in this life. We choose based on our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ to be of good cheer."

Mary G. Cook

"Our knowledge of the Savior, Jesus Christ, and His Atonement helps us to endure our trials and to see purpose in suffering and to trust God for what we cannot comprehend."

Neal A. Maxwell

Always remember that there is really a time and a season for all things. The Lord doesn't expect us to run faster than we have strength, but He wants us to be diligent, and to always be engaged in a good cause. I know that agency and the right to choose are divine gifts that we have to learn to use correctly in order to gain eternal life and exaltation. Some of those choices are hard to make, but if we put them in the proper perspective, always seeking first the kingdom of God, the things that matter most for us will never be at the mercy of things which matter least. Strive to

have your small daily choices show clearly what you truly value. I have a testimony that these things are true, and I pray that each of you will pray for the Lord's guidance in discerning which of life's choices will bring you the most lasting happiness. I know the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and our Redeemer. I know that God lives, that He loves each one of us because we are His children, and that He has given us the gift of the Holy Ghost to guide us, lead us and direct us in the choices we make that will have eternal

consequences. And of this I testify to you in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Silvia H. Allred

Happy Thanksgiving

A little step

"…To be happy and to avoid misery, we must have a grateful heart."  
Henry B. Eyring

 Gratitude can change not only your day, but your life. 

As you keep the faith, you will find yourself invited by the Lord often to serve someone in need when it will not seem convenient."
Henry B. Eyring

Rendering service is one of the hallmarks of a true disciple of Jesus Christ.

I invite you to not only love each other more, but to love each other better."  

Bonnie L. Oscarson

"Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, but it also unlocks the doors of heaven."  
Thomas S. Monson

A little step may be the beginning of a great journey.

thanks giving

For so many blessings

Pure Love of Christ

"The "pure love of Christ" refers not only to our love for the Savior 

but to His love for each of us."
Bonnie D. Parkin

"The Savior… endured the agony of Gethsemane, of inquisition, cruel beatings, and death by crucifixion on the cross at Calvary. Recently, there has been a great deal of commentary about this, none of which has made clear the singular point that no one had the power to take the Savior's life from Him. He gave it as a ransom for us all. As the Son of God, He had the power to alter the situation. Yet the scriptures clearly state that He yielded Himself to scourging, humiliation, suffering, and finally crucifixion because of His great love towards the children of men."

M. Russell Ballard

"The Savior's entire ministry exemplified love of neighbor…A blind man healed, the daughter of Jairus raised, and the lepers cleansed—all were neighbors of Jesus. Neighbor also was the woman at the well. He, the perfect man, standing before a confessed sinner, extended a hand. She was the traveler; He was the good Samaritan. And so the caravan of His kindness continued. What about our time and place? Do neighbors await our love, our kindness, our help?"

Thomas S. Monson

"Enduring, or carrying on, is not just a matter of tolerating circumstances and hanging in there, but of pressing forward. I know that's what most of us find difficult – to endure joyfully."
Marvin J. Ashton 

"Those who are filled with the love of Christ do not seek to force others to do better; they inspire others to do better, indeed inspire them to the pursuit of God. We need to extend the hand of fellowship. We need to be kinder, more gentle, more forgiving, and slower to anger. We need to love one another with the pure love of Christ. 

May this be our course and our desire."

Howard W. Hunter

"We are loved by the pure love of Jesus Christ, 

and He wants us to fulfill our potential."

"Each of us is an innkeeper, and we decide if there is room for Jesus."  

Neal A. Maxwell

"If you really want to be like the Lord, . . . you will remember that your adoration of Jesus is best shown by your emulation of Him. "
Russell M. Nelson

Height of the waves

Future that only He can see

"Those who have felt the touch of the Master's hand somehow cannot explain the change which comes into their lives. There is a desire to live better, to serve faithfully, to walk humbly, and to be more like the Savior . . . Having received their spiritual eyesight and glimpsed the promises of eternity, they echo the words of the blind man to whom Jesus restored sight: 'One thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see' John 9:25."    

Thomas S. Monson

"Every experience God gives us is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see."

Our fallen soldiers--gone but not forgotten 11.11

Veterans Day

Forget me not

When life is hard, remember - We are not the first to ask why. 

"It is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ's atonement shines." 

"See the good in yourself."

"We are infinitely more than our limitations or our afflictions!"

"Christ knows better than all others that the trials of life can be very deep, and we are not shallow people if we struggle with them." 

Tears are alright. They are the price we pay for love, care, and compassion in the world. One day God will, in great victory, "wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away." One day our calamities will be over and past.  
Jeffrey R. Holland

Forget Me Not 

Think of Zion

Its a coming

As David, the Lord is my rock

Five Stones and One Mighty God

"The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation... Psalms 18:2

"In a moment of weakness we may cry out, 'No one knows what it is like. No one understands.' But the Son of God perfectly knows and understands, for He has felt and borne our individual burdens." David A. Bednar

...The stone of COURAGE will melt the Goliath of fear. The stone of EFFORT will bring down the Goliath of indecision and procrastination. And the Goliaths of pride, of envy, of lack of self-respect will not stand before the power of the stones of HUMILITY, PRAYER, and DUTY."
Thomas S. Monson

1 Samuel 17

Emily Freeman
When you don't know what to do with what you've been entrusted with, give it your best effort(and by that, I mean your most authentic effort). Then trust God to perform His glory.  It's what I've been thinking about since I left church today.  Actually, I've been thinking about David.His story.  His Goliath.
For some reason all the little pieces of that story came together in a big way for me today. You remember the story.  How a giant of a man wielding a javelin, a spear, and a sword called out to an entire army challenging one man to a single combat.  How David, a humble shepherd boy answered the call ––in defense of His God, in an effort to show the whole world that there was a God in Israel.
God gave David a great responsibility.  It required David to do something.  To be faithful to the call. In preparation Saul fitted him for the task with armor, a helmet of brass, and a coat of mail.  Then David girded his sword upon his armor and made ready to go. In that moment something important happened.  Something I haven't ever paid attention to before.  Something that has caused me to think all day today.
David stopped in his tracks.
Then he turned back to Saul and said, "I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them.   And David put them off him."  (1 Samuel 17:39) He picked up his staff and his shepherd's bag, and took 5 smooth stones and the name of the Lord and his faith… And then David ran to meet the Philistine. He entered the challenge as his most authentic self, bringing the skill and experience and gifts and abilities God had blessed him with.
He brought what he had to offer and he left the results to God.
We live in a world that rages with the battle between good and evil.  On a daily basis we are called out in single combat to fight for the cause of the Lord . . . It's tempting to try on their armor.
But the invitation to receive inspiration and guidance came with counsel.  Be authentic and consistent.Like David.

You have His power within you to sustain you. You have the right to ministering angels about you to protect you. Do not let Goliath frighten you. Stand your ground . . .Gordon B. Hinckley
"Should there be a Goliath in our lives, or a giant called by any other name, we need not 'flee' or be 'sore afraid' as we go up to battle against him. Rather we can find assurance and receive divine help from Him of whom David wrote in his inspired psalm: 'The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. … Yea, though I walk through the valley of shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me.' (Ps. 23:1, 4.)" Thomas S. Monson
"Hang on the walls of your mind the memory of your successes. Take counsel of your strength, not your weakness. Think of the good… you have done. Think of the times when you . . . carried out . . . a dream or a desire for which you had deeply longed. Hang these pictures on the walls of your mind and look at them as you travel the roadway of life."Whister
"No one can make us angry. It is our choice. If we desire to have a proper spirit with us at all times, we must choose to refrain from becoming angry . . . May we make a conscious decision, each time such a decision must be made, to refrain from anger and to leave unsaid the harsh and hurtful things we may be tempted to say." Thomas S. Monson

He noticed

by David Butler

When I imagine the widow walking through the temple, I see her with her head slightly bowed.

 It is not heavy with shame, but rather meekly fixed on her destination.  Her hand reverently drops the coins into the treasury–the muted sound barely bouncing off the stone walls. "And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:"

Not even the faithful disciples noticed the offering.

But He did; and perhaps He had a lesson to teach.  A reminder, really, of a truth that would carry them in future days.

The day was far passed.  The twelve, the Master, and throng of thousands had gathered to a desert place.  They had not noticed the sun inching its way to the distant horizon.  Souls were filled to overflowing, but hunger came anyway.

"Give ye them to eat," He suggested. "And they say unto him, 'Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworthof bread, and give them to eat?'" There was not enough.   There would never be enough.  These were common folk without much to offer.

"How many loaves have ye? go and see." A meager meal awaited the closest disciples, but even that would leave them wanting through the night.  The counting didn't take long.

Five loaves.

I wonder if embarrassment lead to wonder.  Perhaps in weaker men it would have even bordered on cancerous pride.  Companions to the Creator left without substance?  They would have to turn the people away.

The miracle that followed would provide an anchoring memory for these men of Galilee. Go ye into all the world the angels said.

How can fishermen, tent makers, and tax collectors build the kingdom of God? How could they be ambassadors for Jesus.  They had so little to offer.  They would never be enough.

But maybe on a particularly difficult evening, when the weight of the world rested on their shoulders, and questions piled up more than answers, and they sensed desperately how much they lacked–they would remember baskets filled with remnants.

They would remember the curious tug on their hearts when they placed small barley loaves into His hands.  All five.

Perhaps they will recall what they felt as He blessed them so graciously.

The Savior simply wants our heart.  Whatever we have to offer will result in abundance.  5 loaves. 2 mites. 3 hours. An extra to spare.  It is enough.  You are enough.