I awoke with anticipation. After years of illness, I finally had the energy to host the Christmas gathering for our kids and grandkids. Our home sparkled with festive touches, and the dining room table looked beautiful with our best china and silver. Soon the smell …
Christmas
The Real Meaning
My grandparents did not have fancy Christmas decorations. In fact, their Christmas tree was so small it sat on top of their TV. After Christmas each year, Grandma wrapped the tree in Saran Wrap ( lights, decorations, and all) and put it on a shelf …
Christmas Sugar Cookies
Good old-fashioned Christmas cookies are simple to make and can be the perfect gift. I used to make these for the children in our church on Christmas Eve. The icing recipe is included below too. Christmas Sugar Cookies 3 eggs 2 softened sticks of margarine …
A Christmas Surprise
Our historic Virginia church on Main Street was packed with parents and visitors ready to watch the annual Christmas Pageant. After weeks of rehearsals, my preschool and elementary cast of shepherds, wisemen, angels, and stable animals were ready to perform. I hoped. The pageant began …
French Quarter Cheese
My sweet friend, Terry Hensley, has the most amazing cheese ball recipe. It is right up there in cheese ball hall of fame with the chocolate chip cheese ball. Forgive my phone photography skills–I forgot to take my camera to our Sunday School class ornament …
Christmas in New Orleans
I am a pastor’s child and now a pastor’s wife. I laughingly say we have never had money. There have been times that were leaner than others. The year I turned 8 years old was definitely a lean time. Dad had moved our family to …
Christmas Punch
I found this yummy recipe online and adapted it to fit our taste and color preference. It is pretty, simple, and refreshing, and everyone requests the recipe. Variations on the theme allow you to change the color and flavor, too! Ingredients for Red Holiday Punch: …
Leaping for Joy
Many years ago when my husband and I were in his last year with the Air Force and were living in North Carolina, his parents drove from Nashville to spend Christmas with us. They always enjoyed coming to the church we belonged to in Fayetteville, …
A Simple Christmas: Muffin Tin Advent Calendar
While speaking at a recent fall retreat, I participated in a craft session. I’m not particularly crafty. I would like to be. Everything I make looks homemade and nothing like the beautiful creations on Etsy–or at friends’ homes. I am glad I joined in this …
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 …