Category Archives: Holidays

The expression of our gratitude and the way we celebrate life.

Holidays, Writing

My Mom’s Famous Eggnog & More!

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We’ve been having so much fun at the Launch Party for Renewed Christmas Blessings and I wanted to share Mom’s Eggnog Recipe with you. Our publisher, Michelle Rayburn did a great job with the printout!

We’re halfway through the 12 Days of Christmas and celebrating the stories and uniqueness of each tradition. You can order it online or get a signed copy from me. I’m happy to ship for your Christmas gift-giving.

Join the party through December 12, 2023.

Download the Recipes.

Order the book online or let me know in the comments if you want a signed copy.

Wishing you the best Christmas ever!

Holidays, Reviews

Book Review & a Giveaway: The Scandal of Christmas

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The Scandal of Christmas

The Scandal of Christmas asks how we handle our difficulty to understand God’s ways when He doesn’t answer prayer. It’s one thing to praise God when things go as we desire, but what happens when God is silent?

Dr. William B. Coker, Sr. chose four unlikely personalities to highlight the weeks of Advent—the approach to Christmas. Teacher and then pastor for 19 years, Bill’s “command of the dictionary often stretches our understanding and challenges us to the depth of word meanings.”

Take a look at Zechariah. He remained faithful through years of service, but seemingly had no answers to his plea for an heir. Or, Joseph, an unlikely candidate whose story remains hidden in the shadows. What did he sacrifice for the young bride’s reputation? Obedience was the hallmark of his life.

Bill says Mary is not an object of our faith to be worshipped, but a pattern of faith to follow. “From confusion to amazement to surrender, she offered her willingness for whatever God wanted.”

And then, there’s Jesus—The One of mystery and revelation who defies all protocol.

Take a step back from Christmas this year to consider what it means to prepare for Christmas. Bill says God used ordinary people in the Christmas story to remind us we can do the exceptional to bring His message to a needy world. When we grant God access to our lives, He reminds us He has not forgotten about us, but remembers us and His word.

The Scandal of Christmas has great applications for our culture today, stunning illustrations from artist Dave O’Connell, and personal takeaways to implement. It will encourage you to use prayer as “a personal approach to an approachable God!”

I am giving away a copy of The Scandal of Christmas to one reader in the continental United States. Leave a comment on my blog (at the top of this post, under the title). You will be entered into the drawing to be held on Friday, December 10. Tell me a tradition that draws you into Christmas. Get an extra chance to win, when you share this post on social media (let me know where).

Sally

Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of The Scandal of Christmas from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Faith, Holidays

Life at a Standstill

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The Cross

Life has come to a standstill across the globe. The corona virus altered our lifestyles. The disciples experienced it, too. Their days had been full of activity as they traveled with Jesus. But life came to a standstill when all of their hopes and expectations were hammered onto the cross with the body of Jesus. Then, to make matters worse, His body was gone. Stolen, they assumed. Life certainly didn’t turn out like they anticipated.

Has your hope come to a standstill, along with your schedule?

Good news! Jesus hasn’t disappeared; He is here in the midst of upheaval. He walks the road of life with us because He rose from the dead and is now interceding at His Father’s side, on our behalf!

Jesus suffered torture and crucifixion, so that we could have forgiveness of sins and a relationship with God. He wants our “new normal”

And that’s the power of Easter, to reboot life as we know it, and turn it into a victory over death. Jesus brings life! Ask Him to open your mind to understand it.

Read Luke 24 and see for yourself. Jesus is alive!

Sally

Photo & Design Credit: David & Marilyn Reynolds

Faith, Holidays

Endings & Beginnings

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The end of summer signals the last minute scurry to pack in all the extra things we wanted to do with our sunshiny days. Trips to the waterpark get squeezed in with back to school shopping. Vacations and kayaking add to the hoopla.
The beginning of Fall is just around the corner for us in the north. The temperatures are dropping at night and orange colors are starting to show up here and there in the trees.

What change does Fall signify for you?

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This morning’s time in God’s Word raised the question of fruit in my life. I look out the back door at Fall’s fruit on my apple trees, the orbs changing shape and color, and I wish the fruit in my life were so tangible.
• I look at the fruit of God’s Spirit and ask, is love growing in me? Faithfulness? Self-control? Am I treating others with kindness? As I enter a different season of life, am I becoming more selfish, or selfless?
• I think about the fruit of good works the Lord intends for me to hang in my tree and I wonder, “Am I more in tune with His nudges, or am I drowning out His voice?”
• I ponder the fruit of a closer relationship with God and ask, am I leaning into His grace more or relying on my self-sufficiency?
What would you do, to ensure fruit is growing in your life?
Small groups at church help me grow closer to the Lord, as we study His Word. We dig for truths found there, and flesh them out together. It also gives us opportunity to develop relationships, as we seek what it means to serve God and others. Why not give it a try? If your church doesn’t have small groups, invite others to join you. Isn’t it time to start something new?
What will you be ending and beginning in the next few weeks?
Sally

Holidays, Reviews

SenseSational Christmas!

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Fluffy pillows and cozy blankets make our homes warm and welcoming. ~ Terry Willits

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It’s been fun highlighting the five senses this week. Today, we’ll look at the fifth: the sense of touch. In what way can you add your personal touch to Christmas? Make an extra effort to send cards? Add a distinct flourish to packages? Even attention to details on a gift card can make someone feel special because their name has been emphasized.
What makes you feel cherished? Chances are, sharing that gift with someone else will bless them too. I grew up in a home where we held hands around the table as we prayed for God’s blessing on the food. We passed that gift of touch on to my family, even though it was a stretch for teenagers. Now, I’m reaping that contact with my grandchildren and I’m soaking it up!
Be generous with your hugs. We all need connection.
Terry Willits pulls it all together by saying, “The God of all Comforts came to this earth as a child and experienced for himself loving human touch. Christmas is about giving. Touch is about giving, too. And touch is a precious gift to give in our homes at Christmas. Just as Mary gave Jesus her tender touch, we can share loving touches to make our homes a place of comfort this holiday.”
Let the touches you add to your home say, “You are welcome here!”
Sally
Originally published at Sally’s Words
Leave a comment: In what ways do you add the sense of touch to your day?

Related Posts:
Do You Hear What I Hear?
The Tastes of Christmas 
How’s your Sense of Smell? 
The Five Senses of Christmas 
Looking for Christmas

Holidays, Reviews

Do You Hear What I Hear?

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What are the sounds that sing of Christmas for you? The choir practicing? The bell-ringer standing at The Salvation Army bucket? A favorite carol?

A lovely bell is a quick Christmas decoration and holiday greeting to family. ~ Terry Willits

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One of my favorite albums is Amy Grant’s: A Christmas Album. And I love the day after Thanksgiving, when our radio station plays non-stop Christmas music! However, in Simply SenseSational Christmas, Terry Willits says “At least one night this Christmas season, when the kids are in bed, turn off the television and enjoy the precious sound of silence. Take in the beautiful silence of a snowfall or a quiet, starry night. Sit on the sofa and talk with a loved one, or read a book in front of a crackling fire with no more sound than the turning of a page.”
I have to admit that the silence of Christmas is just as precious as the music. I love that time of the evening when everyone else is asleep and I can sit in front of the tree with all the rest of the lights off. The popping of the firelight casts images across the ornaments and settles me into a reflective mood. Yes, there are wonderful resolutions made in those quiet moments. Maybe that’s why God chose a silent night so long ago to announce the birth of His Son!
Lord, fine-tune my hearing, that I might be receptive when you speak. Amen
Sally
Originally published at Sally’s Words
Leave a comment: What are your favorite sounds at Christmas?


Related Posts:
The Tastes of Christmas
How’s your Sense of Smell?
The Five Senses of Christmas 
Looking for Christmas

Holidays, Reviews

The Tastes of Christmas

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When you look at Christmas treasures and smell the beautiful aromas, your mouth begins to water!  Aren’t you ready for some of those family recipes that are especially pulled out at Christmas?  Two of our must-haves for the holidays are my Mom’s homemade Eggnog, and Monster Cookies with red and green peanut M&M’s. Our taste buds add to the fun of the season!

Terry Willits reminds us that we need to be sure to serve up healthy but simple meals during this season of sweet temptations.  Our immunities need an extra boost when we’re sampling all of that extra sugar.  

For an easy, hearty dinner, serve soup and sandwiches. ~ Terry Willits

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Aren’t you glad the Lord gave us taste buds?  We have the ability to experience flavors because we have 10,000 taste receptors in our mouths!

The Bible also tells us to taste and see that the Lord is good.   Make time to read His Word. Get to know the Author. Sit down at His Banquet Table prepared for you. The Bible is filled with good morsels to chew and ingest.

Did you know that people get a taste of what’s inside of you when you speak?  What rolls off of your tongue?  Do your words build up or tear others down?  Look for ways to soften stress in someone else’s life by encouraging them today!

Here’s another Christmas decorating tip from Terry Willits:  “A wooden bowl filled with a variety of nuts invites anyone to sit down and crack open a healthy holiday snack.  For function as well as a festive look, have a nutcracker soldier stand guard beside the bowl.”

Here’s my favorite recipe for Hot Cocoa:

 

Hot Cocoa Mix

Instructions for a hot mug of deliciousness: Stir 4 tablespoons mix into one cup hot water to make one serving. Add a dash of mini marshmallows.

1 c powdered sugar

½ c unsweetened cocoa powder

1 c non-dairy cream powder (French Vanilla is incredible!)

¼ tsp salt

2 ¾ c instant nonfat milk powder

Whisk all together in 4 c container with a tight-fitting lid. Label with instructions for individual servings.

 

Happy Sampling!

Sally

Originally published at Sally’s Words 

Leave a comment: How do you taste God’s goodness?

Related Posts:

How’s your Sense of Smell? 

The Five Senses of Christmas

Looking for Christmas

Holidays, Reviews

How’s Your Sense of Smell?

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Terry Willits says “Smell is the most influential sense we possess.  God wired up our noses to our brains so that the slightest smell can affect us.  Fragrances stir our emotions and affect our behavior.  The smell of peppermint perks us up and enhances concentration; the scent of pine or cedar soothes and calms.  The more pleasant our environment smells the more pleasant we are – reason enough to make our homes smell heavenly this holiday season!”

I’ve been thinking about the smells I love to have coming from the kitchen…warm cookies, fresh rolls baking, a turkey roasting.  I guess anything from the oven can create an enticing smell in the house!  What about when you’re not baking?  Flavored teas, coffees and hot chocolates can do the trick.  And French Vanilla creamer adds a touch of the sublime. Candles also come in many aromas, and pinecones thrown in the fireplace give off a woodsy bouquet.

A bundle of cinnamon sticks tied with raffia makes an easy, scent-filled decoration. ~ Terry Willits

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Yesterday I hunted all over the office for the source of someone’s snack left behind.  I finally realized it was the vanilla-scented candle that I had gotten out with the Christmas decorations!  It wasn’t lit, but still crated an incredible smell that filled the whole room.

Today, when the kids got home from school, they popped some popcorn.  Wow – does that ever smell good!  It’s amazing how little it takes to alert the nose.  But it gives great benefits to the brain as those fragrances register!  Go ahead and look around the house for items you can use to tickle the nose.  You probably have some on hand right now!

Join us tomorrow when we taste (hint! hint!) Day 3 of The Five Senses of Christmas!

Sally

Originally published at Sally’s Words 

Leave a comment: What smells remind you of Christmas?

Related Posts:

The Five Senses of Christmas

Looking for Christmas

Holidays, Reviews

The Five Senses of Christmas

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Boxes of Christmas decorations come down from the attic and create havoc in my home. But the treasures that emerge overrule my dismay. Joy of joys, the kids are eager to help, and I am letting go of dictating where things must go. Their excitement at being involved is a greater gem!
One of my favorite jewels to unpack is a book by Terry Willits: Simply SenseSational Christmas. It provides candy for the eyes as you saunter through the pages.  Today, for Day One of Five, I want to highlight what she says about the Sights of Christmas.
Terry says “Beauty attracts. Making our homes visually appealing for Christmas will hopefully draw others in so relationships can grow.”
The idea that your home is a place for relationships is a motivator to make it charming! As people feel cherished, they will relax and connect. But Terry warns against making it complicated. Keep it simple! Here are four areas she suggests to highlight: the front door, the mantel, the Christmas tree, and the table and chandelier where you will serve your holiday meals.

Any room can be enhanced by flickering candles, twinkling lights, an advent wreath, or spotlights. ~ Terry Willits

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It perks me up to dress up the house! Setting up various nativities, greenery and candles builds anticipation and entices me to make more time for hospitality. Did you know that people enjoy being invited into your home? It gives them a chance to see you in your natural element. At the holidays, it lets them observe your favorite traditions and feel included in your life.
So bring out the twinkling lights, the colors of Christmas and the treasures in your attic. It’s time to prepare our hearts and homes to celebrate the birth of our King!
Sally
Originally published at Sally’s Words

Leave a comment: What are your favorite Christmas decorations?

Faith, Holidays

Looking for Christmas

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Do you ever wonder what the wise men were thinking, as they sought the Christ child? Maybe it went something like this…

As I kneel before the babe, I wonder at the new life before me. What kind of world changer would be introduced in such humble beginnings? What manner of life would unfold to one, who of necessity, is hidden away from the rulers of the land? Why would any power be worried about an infant from a poor family?

We’ve traveled so far. My companions first told me about the phenomenon in the sky many months ago. We couldn’t help ourselves; we had to make hasty preparations for our departure. It was a pilgrimage, really, a time of soul-searching for all of us. We could be considered religious by most. Yet, we knew something was missing in our lives; some void that begged to be answered. Now, here we are, face to face with the tiniest of humans, innocence that draws us to our knees in worship of our most holy Creator. And we know, deep in our hearts, we know. This is the One  for whom we have studied our whole lives in earnest, to seek the fulfillment of our yearning. And it is the greatest honor of our days to bow in humble adoration of what God will do through one so human, yet so divine.

There’s a quote that says, “Wise men still seek Him.”

Wise men still seek Him.

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So often, I find my attention span spread thin during the holidays, and I realize I haven’t been wise. I get caught up in the season’s movies, shopping, wrapping, menu planning and lights.

It requires intentional effort to remember the real reason we celebrate Christmas. I want things to be different. I want to share the quest of the wise men, to be completely in awe of Jesus’ birth. I want to have a thirst for God that is so consuming it drives me to my knees.

May this Christmas be the time we seek the Lord’s coming; when Emmanuel, indeed comes to live with us. My wish for all of us is that the wonder of the Christ child would be born again in our hearts, every day!

Sally

Leave a comment: How do you seek the Christ child at Christmas?