Category Archives: Holidays

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

Holidays, Reviews

Book Review: Becoming Women of Worth: Stories & Recipes for the Holidays

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The delightful stories in Becoming Women of Worth: Stories of Sugar & Spice and Recipes for the Holidays remind us to come into the kitchen and set a spell. We’ll swap stories of cooking and child-rearing and catch up awhile. Enchanting tales of recipe fails and culinary successes inspire the baker in all of us to craft some tastes to treat our tribe. And woven in-between are memories of loved ones, long since gone, but not before leaving their mark on our lives.

Kristen Clark has compiled a treasure trove of recipes and stories that sweeten a walk down memory lane. I am elated to be included in Becoming Women of Worth: Stories of Sugar & Spice and Recipes for the Holidays, with my contribution of “Lessons From My Bread Basket.” Working with Kristen as an editor was gratifying, and I am proud to be part of the finished product from 18 authors, including Dorothy Hill, Dorothy Johnson, Laurie Smith, Shawn Kay Sidwell, Beth Lynn Clegg, Karey Christensen, Cindy Hansberry, Jere Pfister, Linda Burklin, Janis Bell, Brenda Fiola, Leslie Fink, Terri Lacher, Hannah Williams, Peggy Redelfs, and Tasha Wilks. Recipes include bread, pie, cakes, puddings, and more.

The perfect gift for the cooks on your list!

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Becoming Women of Worth: Stories of Sugar & Spice and Recipes for the Holidays would make a lovely gift for a seasoned cook or a budding baker; a great way to show your appreciation at any occasion!

Sally

Disclaimer: I have not been compensated to write this review, nor do I receive proceeds from the sale of this book.

Family, Holidays

What Drew me to my Spouse?

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Heart at the human hands
Heart at the human hands

In the early days, I was attracted to Roy’s curls at the base of his neck, and the way he kept his mustache and beard so well trimmed. He was ambitious, maintaining four part-time jobs in order to put himself through school. And he had a thirst to follow God, in every arena of life.

Through the years I’ve watched him hurdle obstacles that seemed insurmountable. And circumstances that felt unredeemable. Yet he did it hanging onto God’s promises, and trusting the Lord to see us through.

Now we are grandparents. In this season of life, I am so grateful for the memories that have become building blocks. They are a foundation of trust, faithfulness and perseverance. I am grateful for his loyal companionship in spite of the times I’ve acted in a manner that was less than attractive.

I’ve learned to give instead of always expecting more.

I’ve learned to respect, even when I didn’t understand.

And I’ve learned to appreciate the days we have together, for there is no guarantee of tomorrow.

How will you affirm your spouse today?

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On this Valentine’s Day, celebrate your spouse with words of affirmation. Remind him that he is still your hero. He needs to know you are still in his corner, because the world has a way of tearing you apart.

Sally

How have you learned to appreciate your spouse more over the years?

Faith, Family, Holidays, In the News, Writing

New Release! My article was published in Sugar & Spice!

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It never gets old opening a box of books with your story in it! Granddaughter, Sophea wants to what all the fuss is about! http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1943470030/sallferg-20
It never gets old opening a box of books with your story in it!
Granddaughter, Sophea wants to see what all the fuss is about!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1943470030/sallferg-20

Baby Sophea wants to see my story, too!
My article “Lessons from my Bread Basket” is featured in Sugar & Spice with Kristen Clark!

See “Lessons from my Bread Basket” in Becoming Women of Worth: Sugar & Spice!

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Encouragement, Family, Holidays, Reviews

Book Review: Your Family in Pictures

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Your Family in Pictures

Me Ra Koh has successfully documented a way to equip moms to capture timeless moments. Photography was a catalyst for healing in her own life, and she advocates it as a way to empower women as they carry camera in hand. Me Ra says, “To impact a mom’s life is to impact the whole family.” (p. ix)

When a mom is inspired to create, she believes she has a voice worthy of being heard. ~ MRK

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Not only does Me Ra Koh bring in tips for setting up photo ops with active kids, she cultivates family connections. She says to avoid a photo pose, (“Refuse to say cheese.”) and instead, look for a moment to capture. Her examples are so personal and practical, the reader takeaway is immediate. The author answers the question of “What’s in it for me?” with tips for individual shots, lighting recipes and aperture settings. Me Ra Koh gives hands-on advice for setting up a photo and locking in the emotion of the moment.

As a writing mom, I appreciate the journaling prompts provided. They jumpstart memories that later translate into scrapbooking slogans, adding to the legacy of that family moment captured in time. Koh also spins a tale, as in capturing the magic of bedtime: “…day’s adventures finally come to an end and dreaming begins.” (p. 46)

Wonderful book. Visually appealing. And great life applications found within!

Sally

 Disclaimer: “I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.”
Get your own copy!

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Encouragement, Faith, Family, Holidays

The Best Gift. Ever.

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Christmas week provided an opportunity for my family to reconnect. As we played a game in front of the fireplace, my adult kids began to reminisce about their antics with babysitters in years gone by. It was amusing to hear their side of the “story,” and to see their reaction to our version. What a soothing balm it was for this mom’s heart to hear the laughter that has been so absent between them in recent years. I glanced at the lights on the Christmas tree and relished our Christmas miracle.
There was another Christmas week that changed our story. It was the Christmas when God’s Son was born in a manger. Jesus came to our world to remind us that we were made for relationship with Him. He is the true ambassador of God’s love, and our Christmas miracle.

Jesus is the true ambassador of God’s love, and our Christmas miracle.

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Yesterday, our daughter-in-law slid off the snowy road and down an embankment. As a precaution in her seventh month of pregnancy, the ambulance took her to the ER to check on the baby. Our lives came to a standstill as we anxiously awaited news. We are all inexplicably linked, as we were made for relationship with each other. We received a Christmas miracle in knowing the affirmation of that love.

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It is God’s desire for us to be in relationship with Him and with each other. How else could He show us, than to come, Himself? It reminds me of a Christmas carol that says, “He taught us to love one another.” Jesus modeled that sacrificial love.
What gift are you thankful for? Have you experienced a Christmas miracle in the call to love one another?
Sally


Encouragement, Faith, Family, Holidays, Missions

Christmas Eve

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presents

The 24th is my favorite date in December. We’ve arrived home from the 11 pm Christmas Eve Service. The frenzy of the month is over. The kids have received their first present (new pajamas) and everyone has gone to bed. I have the moment to hold in my hands as I put the last of the bows on the packages and place them under the tree. There’s a serenity that fills the night. Another author captured it by saying, “Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.”

Funny, how the two stories have become so intertwined in American folklore; Santa and The Christ seem to get equal billing in our media. Only, Santa is portrayed as a living, breathing, jolly old soul.

And Jesus? He’s a lawn ornament, a plastic figurine with peeling paint.

Santa and The Savior have reversed roles!

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When did Santa and The Savior reverse roles? Now, we’re saving the North Pole, and Christmas magic, and telling kids, if we only believe, Santa will rescue our Christmas dreams. How do we help the world discover the One who really came to rescue us at Christmas?

A few weeks ago, Hubby and I attended a Steven Curtis Chapman Concert in Elmira, NY. As Steven Curtis Chapman shared a video about their program, Show Hope, he told us, “Some children do not want presents this Christmas. They want someone who will become their own forever family.”

These children have unfulfilled Christmas dreams. And here I am, with an abundance of presents under my Christmas tree. It’s difficult to reconcile the two worlds. We clash by what we do and don’t have. And it’s a stark reminder of our need for a Savior.

So, here I am, beneath my tree, remembering the carols sung less than an hour ago, of a baby in a manger. And angels bringing news of peace on earth. And wise men who recognize the Hope of the world.

Will you kneel before Him?

Will I?

Sally

Luke 2:1-20