Operation Christmas Child

This is National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child. Only two days left to make it to a drop off location. See below for a location near you.
http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/index//

My daughters host a bible study in our home, and their group put together a trunk full of boxes! They had a blast filling the boxes and donating items. It's so easy to do, and it only took the group about 20 minutes to lay out all the items and fill each box with a label. They added little notes in each box with prayers for the receivers. It was a great way to start the season in giving.

Pie Making

My grandmother and great grandmother were some of the BEST pie makers and they LOVED to cook together. I had the privilege of being under their tutelage each Thanksgiving and Christmas. They would assign me the jobs of stirring the pudding mixtures and washing the dishes. They would hand me a bit of crust and I would try my best to make it look just like theirs. I think those women were secretly teaching me lessons in self control and patience because I can remember the excitement I felt waiting for what seemed an eternity to get the dough just right, the fillings to be the right consistency, and the meringues to puff up. Then, to learn the gift of service in hand washing endless amounts of dishes. The best was watching the faces of all our loved ones as we gathered around the table. Even the prayer seemed like it took forever! I am so very honored to have those memories with such precious godly women. Now I pray my girls can share in some of their heritage.

Today was the day to get that turkey out of the freezer and prepare the brine. I also went to the store today for a few last minute items and found some great deals on most everything needed for the big day. I'll make a Thanksgiving timeline available to help with planning. It will work for planning Christmas dinner as well.

Have a blessed day!

Welcome Baby Jordan

Are we in an Emotional Age?

As I was sorting through the mail today, I noticed the cover of Answers in Genesis magazine, Answers Update, titled "The Emotional Age Issue". The article describes how leading atheists including reporters, speakers and instructors are tolerant of religion topics as long as they accept evolution. Emotions begin to rise if there is a debate or rebuttal of any kind.

It reminded me of my book club discussion last night. The particular issue I am referring to was over spanking. We all had similar experiences in past discussions when spanking was the topic. No matter what the religious views may have been a person's opinions on spanking were expressed with great emotion.

This high emotion in debates can sometimes lead to blasts of demeaning or other hurtful comments. In my daughters speech and debate class they are taught to state as many facts as possible. In the book The Thinking Toolbox one of the first chapters explains the differences between a discussion, a disagreement, an argument, and a fight. In a discussion both parties agree. The opposite is true in a disagreement, but both parties are calm and civil in conversation. In an argument evidence is used to convince an opposing view. The debate, conversation or other becomes a fight when insults are hurled or mocking is used.

Over the course of history topics on evolution, abortion, and other wanted freedoms have been heated topics of discussion and even led to war. Marriages, friendships and family ties are broken when insults and mocking are used. I don't mean there isn't a time to stand up for your beliefs and with passion, but when did cutting remarks ever win any one over? Wouldn't a dose of humility and common courtesy go much further? I don't think the great debater Paul ever won any arguments by insulting the Gentiles or the Pharisees. Even most parents will ask their children "to start over when they can use an appropriate tone and kinder words."

"to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men."
Titus 3:2 (NIV)

"For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action."
2 Corinthians 9:2 (NIV)

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves."
Philippians 2:3 (NIV)

Latte made with Love

Job 7:13
When I think my bed will comfort me and my couch will ease my complaint,
Psalm 119:76
May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant.

There are a number of things that may help kick start a person's day with joy; catching a glimpse of a glorious sunrise, snuggle time with a loved one, a quiet moment alone, a vigorous time of exercise, or maybe the treasured moments of breakfast in bed. One for me, and not everyday, is a delicious cup of coffee. I delight in a flavorsome latte especially the seasonal flavors! The aroma alone gets me every time.

There is a challenge that comes with this comfort food and that is the cost. Let's face it, we need to be wise stewards with our money, and buying a $4 latte can add up when bought in concession. I don't think any of us want to swallow a $120 bill each month. So how can we afford this comfort food?

I recently read an add for a french press and a frother that is easy to use and affordable! Sure enough, Real Simple Magazine agrees. The Bodum Chambord Coffee Press and the BonJour Manual Caffe Froth Maximus takes first in my house to satisfy a craving for a warm cup of joe. Simply pour hot water over the freshly ground coffee beans into the press. While you wait for the coffee to brew, prep your mug with the flavors you like, and then, pour the milk into the frother. After a few short pumps you'll have a smooth and creamy latte!

Gifts Made with Love - Link

Okay. So I'm new at the whole blogging thing. For the blog mentioned earlier try the link below:

www.simplyvintagegirl.com/blog/index.php/category/a-homemade-christmas/">

Gifts Made with Love

Thanksgiving week brings about all kinds of sales for Christmas and the possible onset of stress over the holidays. When we moved two years ago, my husband made the executive decision that we would only be purchasing gift cards to simplify things. Moving day was four days before Christmas, so I was grateful for one less thing to pack or wrap or ship! Although most people enjoy the extra $$ to go pick out a gift of their choice, it is also a treat to receive a gift from the heart. Today, I ran across a lovely blog that offered some inspiration in making homemade gifts. I'm so glad too! I remember the first year of marriage when Christmas came and we had very little money. Along with re-gifted items, I tried homemade soaps, breads, and candles. Most were a total bomb! Thankfully, I've since improved at giving the food items, but there are so many other ideas with easy to follow instructions. Bring back the joy in gift giving!!! And have a LOVEly holiday season!