Scripture of the Month:

“And [Mary] brought forth her first born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger.” -Luke 2:7

Quote of the Month:

“I’m dreaming tonight of a place I love, even more than I usually do. And although I know it’s a long road back, I promise you…I’ll be home for Christmas…” – I’ll be Home for Christmas, Kim Gannon, Walter, Kent & Buck Ram, 1943

Greg and I were going Christmas shopping, and had only been away from the house for 29 minutes when the cell phone rang with a call from our girls. It’s an on-going joke as to whether or not we’ll get all the way to our destination before the phone rings and it’s one the kids. This time, there was no “emergency,” not even any sibling squabbles to referee. Emily just wanted to share a funny story. The day was overcast, so the outside dusk to dawn lights were still on. Joy Puppy had trotted over to one of the porch doors and spotted the angel, graciously waving a candle in her arms. After some frantic barking, she remained posted at the door, emitting a constant low rumble, grrrrrrrrrr, fiercely protesting the presence of a stationery, plugged-in angel. I’m sure the orange glow from the candle’s “flame” and the sheen of the angel’s cream satin skirts were terribly threatening! And yet, sometimes, that’s how we are, stressed and grumbling about a perceived stressor, allowing it to rob our energy and focus from both real problems and the enjoyment of life. We spend our time growling at a “fake angel,” missing out on the beautiful garland and lights and the reason for this season. I have no idea what your “fake angel” distraction might be this season. We’ve had several thrown our way these past few weeks and the temptation to let them overshadow the joy of Christmas has been strong. But then I think of another time, another set of impossible circumstances involving taxes, mean occupying soldiers, a long trip and an unwed mother, and I remember. That baby grew up to be our Savior, Redeemer, Friend. Wonderful Counselor, the Prince of Peace, Almighty. He was Holiness. His grace and His position at the right hand of the LORD of Heaven’s armies means that He can take on any distraction, any hurt, any problem that I might encounter and turn it into victory! No growling required.

Fast Facts The quietest shopping days at the mall are Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday, according to GGP, a mall management firm. On those days, foot traffic is only 12% of weekly traffic. Have fun finishing up Christmas! [Woman’s Day, 12/11,48]

5,822 – the average number of accidents that involve holiday decorating, landing Americans in the emergency room. Most occur from falls off ladders, roofs and furniture! Be careful! – CDC

 96 – the number of times you sing “la” while caroling “Deck the Halls!” Fa la la la la, la la la la! [Real Simple, 14, 12/11]

 $3.49 is the price of a live mistletoe spring at mistletoe.com PUCKER UP!

From Our House to Yours:

The girls talked me into decorating for Christmas a day earlier than usual this year. To be honest, it wasn’t that hard. There are not enough days for me to listen to carols, bask in the twinkling lights, treasure secrets, wrap stockpiles of presents, enjoy the hustle and bustle of going to town, the ritual Christmas movies, the traditions of our Nativity set and our Adornaments. I love nothing better than snuggling under a fleecy blanket and reading a book in front of the fireplace, reading stories or playing Clue with Elexa or watching an episode of Monk with our two middles after she has gone to bed. In the midst of all this came a wonderful event – the long-awaited completion of my first novel, Barefoot in December! I had been working on it off and on for six years. Last year at our December meeting, when we choose our book club books for the entire next year, my precious book club/accountability girls chose my novel as their November book. “But it isn’t finished!” I protested. “Better get writing,” came the unsympathetic response. They bought me a little writer mouse named Huxley, who pens tales with his tail and some ink for inspiration. My deadline? Halloween, so they would have a month to read it. Yikes! But having lived most of my life with deadlines, I met it. My friend Vickie hosted that month and my friend Sharris wrote questions of both beauty and depth to accompany the novel. I was equal parts teary and excited to listen to these intelligent, awesome women discuss with lively passion, the characters, the themes, the outcomes. They even gave me a completion gift with hot cocoas, Starbucks paraphernalia and a full circle “Bearista” in December to celebrate! Barefoot has been sent to my agent, and man, would I ever appreciate your prayers for it to find a publishing home! Our oldest is slowly finding her way back to her Heavenly Father; our second born is ecstatic over her driver’s permit and is involved in every activity under the sun; three is getting ready to march in the Christmas parade and help me with the one-too-many programs I’ve promised to direct; the “baby” has lost 4 teeth in 3 weeks and reports that 2 more are ready to come out. My beloved is still doing amazingly, wondrously well 16 months after transplant. Life is bittersweet. It is hard. It is good. But our great God is unchangeable. The Redeemer of every situation. Merry Christmas to you and yours, Cindy

On Our Table Christmas Brunch Ring Press 2 packages of ground Italian sausage and 1 package of ground maple sausage [we use Jimmy Dean] into a Bundt pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes to an hour until done. Drain grease. Invert sausage and set on platter. Meanwhile, beat 12 eggs and add ¾ c. half & half; lightly pepper to taste. Pour eggs in center of sausage ring. Garnish with orange slices, twisted to form a curve.