I have been wanting to make this recipe since before Christmas. I had it on my list to make around Christmas time, but we were so busy that I just didn’t get to it. Oh, well. That’s life. However, now that things have returned to …
Angel Food Bars
Help! I’m Covered in Wax
I was trying to light a candle the other day, and it would not light. It wasn’t at the end either–you know where the wick meets the metal. This candle was fairly new. The wax had built up and would not allow the fire to …
Countdown to Valentine’s Day Wreath
Before we know it February will arrive with all its red, pink, and purple sparkles. In our corner of the world Valentine’s Day is a family affair. The best husband on the planet gets up in the wee hours of the morning to decorate the …
Fresh Start
Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” [Isaiah 43:1b NIV] This is the secret of every fresh start. Out of the old—from the beginning of time itself something new is being established. A new season, a …
A Lullaby Just for Me
I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8 In 1985, the Christmas season found me in search of a treasure—a peaceful night’s sleep. A good night’s rest had evaded me ever since I …
Caring for a Live Christmas Tree
My family always had a real Christmas tree when I was growing up. My dad, a retired fire chief, taught us the proper way to care for a live tree. When looking for a tree, check for freshness by grabbing a branch and pulling along …
Caramel Apple Salad
I am on the Women’s Ministry team at my church. Every year we have an annual potluck that is just for women. It is a time for women to come, eat, fellowship and learn. There are always several different cooking demonstrations. Occasionally, they have ladies …
My Ebenezer
I was sifting through mountains of photo files, looking for a few photographs that I needed. With every file I opened, I kept repeating the same thing. “Oh, I remember that!” or “Oh, I had forgotten that!” In the middle of the reminiscing, this is …
Blessing in the Mundane
“Come near to the Lord, and He will come near to you.” (James 4:8). Some days no matter how hard I try, I can’t escape the cloud of dissatisfaction that wants to keep me down; thinking only of what I don’t have. While this is …
Lost: Diamond Ring
Early in our marriage we didn’t have much, but I did have my diamond ring, a symbol of my husband’s love. I had placed my rings on the kitchen counter before I began washing dishes. When finished, I went to retrieve them. My heart skipped …