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I pulled the knit hat over my head, slipped on boots, and ran outside without zipping my jacket. A cold, snowy day, I crossed the road to the get the mail and rushed back. Next to my garage door sat a package. The return address label identified the sender as my writing friend, Deb, who lives across the state. I hurried to open the box. Inside, displayed in a beautiful gold frame, was my first published magazine piece. I jumped with excitement!

I grabbed my cell and texted her a thank you. This is one of the most thoughtful gifts I’ve ever received. You see, being a writer isn’t easy. And it’s even tougher now because authors need a major platform to get a publisher interested in their work. And rejection, well, it seems to be my middle name.

I had planned to start 2022 with a resolution, like losing weight or writing every day before the neighbor’s rooster crows. But my resolution has changed. Thoughtfulness is it! Webster’s Dictionary describes thoughtful as considerate of others. That’s who she is, and I want to be like her. So, Deb, thank you for being thoughtful and encouraging.

By the way, Deb will soon have a terrific Christian Romance novel out in the market. Maybe I can be thoughtful and share her news.

Happy New Year!

 

 

It seems like a long time ago, but at Christmastime our families had a tradition–a trip to Frankenmuth, Michigan, to visit the Silent Night Chapel. Most often, after the Christmas Eve Service at our church.

We would pack our cars with the children, all bundled in warm outerwear, and travel the side roads. Hot chocolate, songs, and a stop along the way to switch cars was a must. Once, my youngest daughter slipped and rolled into the ditch. Snow covered and cold, we pulled her out, laughing. The drive was especially nice when snow fell from above or the heavens showcased the Master’s handiwork.

When we arrived at the chapel, a somberness fell over our group, and all silliness stopped.

Whatever your tradition, or if you want to start one, let’s celebrate the real reason for Christmas–the birth of Jesus.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

If you want an easy Christmas craft to do with children, this doily tree is perfect for little hands. We recently made trees with our Sunday school class. The children came up with their own sparkly designs. Below are samples of trees, the supplies needed, and a yummy Grandma’s Molasses Cookie recipe from my neighbor, Dianne. They’ll be gone before you know it.

         

Supplies

If you plan to make the tree ornaments, you will need popsicle sticks. The doilies we used were six inches in size. You’ll need colored cardstock, gems, confetti, glue, and markers. Have fun!

Grandma’s Molasses Cookies

   My neighbor, Dianne, graciously shared her grandmother’s recipe.

Grandma’s Molasses Cookies

3/4 cup shortening

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon each:  cloves, ginger, cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 egg

4 tablespoons molasses

2 cups flour

2 teaspoons soda

Cream shortening, sugar, eggs and molasses. Mix and add remaining ingredients. Shape into balls, and roll in sugar. Bake at 350 degrees approximately 10 minutes.

Dianne’s note:  I always double this recipe. You can roll the dough into a log, wrap in wax paper and freeze for later use. You may want to sprinkle with sugar once you have cut and placed on cookie sheet.

Enjoy!

Many thanks, Dianne, for this delicious recipe.

Merry Christmas!

While the children are off for Thanksgiving break, upcycled coffee and Coffee mate containers make a great Christmas craft. And they’re easy to do. You can fill them with candy, snacks, popcorn, or any idea you come up with. Filled with cookies, they would make a wonderful gift for a shut-in or nursing home resident.

 

Supplies needed:

• containers
• cards
• cardstock
• glue
• paper cutter (optional)
• bows or any other additions you want to include.

Cut cardstock to fit around the container. Place your card in the front. You will need to tweak the size for each container.

Have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!