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As we enter the CHRISTmas season, gift giving is at the top of most everyone’s list. We spend hours selecting items for our loved ones, sometimes running from one bargain to the next. But do we consider those less fortunate? Maybe your neighbor lost his job or the parents of your children’s friends have recently separated.

I came up with an idea a few years back. I toss my loose change into an old can or empty jar. At CHRISTmastime, I give the jar to a family in need. I also include the coin wrappers. I imagine how much fun the children have counting and wrapping the change. Those quarters, dimes, nickels and pennies add up. Sometimes I hide a few loose bills inside. And when all is said and counted, the children can select a gift of choice. To sweeten the jar, I include wrapped bags of candy.

One year, I discovered that a certain aged penny was valuable. So I added that information in the jar of coins. What fun for children to search for a coin of value!

Here’s where I find most of my change:

automobile cup holder

floor mats

sidewalks

bottom of my purse

jean pockets

under sofa cushions

washing machine

You may have your own coin area.

This is a great mission for children as they learn about sharing and giving.

Merry Christmas!

Proverbs 22:9 (NKJ)

He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor.

Guest post by my friend, Terri Ginther, The Gourmet Apple Cart.

Harvest to Holidays

Treat yourself and your family to a new family holiday tradition. Many of my customers will tell me when they buy one, two, or more apples that they set time around the table to taste-test each of the flavors. They talk, laugh, and enjoy their time together. The ‘apple’ is just the vehicle that gets them there. Sharing time with your family this holiday season is what memories are made of, and the gourmet apples can certainly help.

Please join us at the Flint Farmers Market to get your Gourmet Caramel Apples for all your little extra givings.

Happy Thanksgiving

 and all the best for the holidays!

Terri and Gary along with the Gourmet Apple Cart

The Gourmet Apple Cart

Flint Farmers Market

Apple Hours:  Tuesday – Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.  Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

thegourmetapplecart@gmail.com   –   989-777-3934

(The gourmet apples are delicious!  Patsy)

 

I WONDER

I wonder if you’ll ponder throughout the war-torn day

if someone is thinking of you in a loving way.

I wonder if you’ll doubt that people really care

that you are fighting for their breath of glorious freedom air.

I wonder if you’ll hope when awakened with a start

that someone can relate to the trembling in your heart.

I wonder, will you regard decisions others might choose

should they be walking enemy lines in your battle shoes?

I wonder if you’ll believe when danger blocks your goal

that someone has prayed for the safety of your soul.

I wonder if you’ll question when your service is done

will we all be satisfied that the war was won?

*

I wonder if you know we see the sacrifice,

your courage and decision to pay the freedom price.

To protect the young and old, the weak and the strong,

loved ones, neighbors, and strangers–all the day long.

I wonder if you know that we, too, can’t sleep at night,

fretful over battles that only you can fight.

I wonder if you know that we’re very proud of you,

making this commitment–something we didn’t do.

I wonder if you know you’re the good of everything,

defending, serving, your loyalty unwavering.

May God protect our troops and the red, white, and blue.

You are America’s best, the brave and the true.

Patsy Reiter

 

 

 

 

 

Guest post by my friend, Amy Harke-Moore.

A Rural Girl Writes

http://www.amyharkemoore.com

 

 

Spicy Pumpkin Seeds

Looking for something quick and easy to make with the kids? Something fall inspired? And maybe healthy, too? (Shhh. . . We don’t have to tell them that part.)

How does a batch of spicy pumpkin seeds sound? The recipe is simple to make, and, in fact, you might want to double it. Here is what you need:

Ingredients:

1 cup of hulled, raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

1 teaspoon of chili powder

1 teaspoon of cinnamon

¼ teaspoon of cayenne

1 teaspoon of sea salt

4 teaspoons of sweetener (or sugar if no dietary restrictions)

4 teaspoons of coconut oil (liquid, not solid) or other oil

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a bowl mix seeds, oil, and spices well and spread evenly on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
3. Bake for 10 minutes and let seeds cool before serving.
4. Enjoy!

Know what the second best part of making Spicy Pumpkin Seeds is? Sharing them with friends and family. Once they’re cool, you can fill a mason jar with the seeds, add a bow, and surprise someone with a little autumn goodness.

Know what the best part of making these seeds is? Eating them, of course! Make a batch today and celebrate the season!

Want more ideas on how to savor fall? Check out “My Top Ten Must-do Fall Activities.”

A Rural Girl Writes

http://www.amyharkemoore.com/top-ten-must-do-fall-activities/