Laura V. Hilton's Blog, page 189

Corned Beef and Cabbage

Corned Beef and Cabbage

Ingredients

3 pounds corned beef brisket with spice packet
10 small red potatoes
5 carrots, peeled and cut into 3-inch pieces
1 large head cabbage, cut into small wedges
Directions

Place corned beef in large pot or Dutch oven and cover with water. Add the spice packet that came with the corned beef. Cover pot and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Simmer approximately 50 minutes per pound or until tender.
Add whole potatoes and carrots, and cook until the vegetables are almost tender. Add cabbage and cook for 15 more minutes. Remove meat and let rest 15 minutes.
Place vegetables in a bowl and cover. Add as much broth (cooking liquid reserved in the Dutch oven or large pot) as you want. Slice meat across the grain.

March new releases

ACFW New Releases – March 2012

Posted on March 1, 2012 by ACFW
More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website.

Love's Sacred Song by Mesu Andrews — Young King Solomon marries a Shulamite shepherdess to quell the unrest of Israel's northern tribes, but will this marriage become a love that sings for the ages? (Historical from Revell).

Dawn Comes Early (The Brides of Last Chance Ranch Series) by Margaret Brownley — It's 1895 and 29-year-old dime novelist Kate Tenney finds herself without a publisher or other means of support when her novel is banned. When she agrees to try her hand at ranching, trouble begins. The West is nothing like she wrote about in her books. (Historical Romance from Thomas Nelson).

A Perfect Square by Vannetta Chapman — Amish-English sleuthing duo Deborah Yoder and Callie Harper set out to solve a murder. But more than an innocent man's future is at stake. In book two of the Shipshewana Amish Mystery series, God's grace touches the long-lost past as well as lives shaken by current tragedy. (Cozy Mystery from Zondervan).

Saving Hope by Margaret Daley — A 16-year-old girl is kidnapped from Beacon of Hope School. With the help of Texas Ranger Wyatt Sheridan, Kate Winslow is determined to find her student, but someone doesn't want her to succeed. (Contemporary Romance from Abingdon Press).

I Am Ocilla by Diane M. Graham — I know only my name. Beyond that is confusion, a void where fantasy and reality swirl together. A dark soul threatens the Five Kingdoms, but I am powerless to stand against him, overwhelmed by phantom memories, broken and lost. Somehow I must live.(Speculative Fiction/Fantasy from Splashdown Books).

Highland Hearts by Eva Maria Hamilton — In Scotland 1748, the Battle of Culloden is over, but one Highlander's fight has just begun. (Historical Romance from Love Inspired).

Journey's Edge by Dora Hiers — When your daughter is kidnapped, can you trust her safety to the one man you swore to never trust again? (Contemporary Romance from White Rose Publishing).

Promised to Another by Laura V. Hilton — She's promised to one, but in love with another. He has secrets that could destroy the relationship before it begins. (Contemporary Romance from Whitaker House).

And You Call Yourself a Christian by E.N. Joy — What's a single Christian woman to do when she finds herself being charged for the death of three people? Her own sons? (Women's Fiction from Urban Christian).

Gypsy's Game byDelia Latham — She wants a temporary husband. He wants a forever love. Can these two hearts find a common path? (Romance from White Rose Publishing).

Hearts that Survive: A Novel of the Titanic by Yvonne Lehmann — Lydia Beaumont and her new friend Caroline Chadwick plan Lydia's wedding aboard the "grandest ship ever built." Yet their lives take a tragic turn when the "unsinkable" Titanic goes down. This epic tale of faith and perseverance follows their lives and the lives of their descendants as they struggle with all that was lost on that fateful night and what the future holds for those brave enough to face it. (Historical from AbingdonPress).

Ellie's Haven by Sharlene Maclaren — Young woman on the run from her brutal stepfather jumps a train and heads several hundred miles north, winding up in Wabash, Indiana, where she meets and marries a widower with four children in hopes of finding refuge in her new identity. (Historical Romance from Whitaker House).

When Rain Falls by Tyora Moody — Widow Candace Johnson's best friend is brutally murdered. Ensnared by a deep-rooted bitterness, seeping her faith day by day, Candace is determined to seek justice. Detective Darnell Jackson is in need of clues fast. As the investigation heats up, his growing attraction for Candace plays havoc on Darnell's judgment. (Romantic Suspense from Urban Christian).

Prize of My Heart by Lisa Norato — A privateer captain from the War of 1812 is forced to make a heartrending choice between his child and what he knows to be right. Only his unselfish sacrifice can win him the greatest prize of all…love. (Historical Romance from Bethany House).

Shades of Truth by Sandra Orchard — Book 2 in the series Undercover Cops: Fighting for Justice puts their lives, and hearts, on the line. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired).

Seattle Cinderella by Gail Sattler — The story of a modern day Cinderella, followed by her two reformed step-sisters, and Farrah her godmother. (Romance Novella from Barbour Publishing).

Sarai by Jill Eileen Smith — He promised her his heart. She promised him a son. But how long must they wait?(Biblical Fiction from Revell).

Like Sweet Potato Pie (Southern Fried Sushi) by Jennifer Rogers Spinola — Former big city journalist Shiloh Jacobs is stuck in rural Virginia – and about to discover if Mr. Wrong could actually be Mr. Right. (Contemporary Fiction from Barbour Publishing).

Rodeo Hero by Shannon Taylor Vannatter — Kendra Maddox is a new Christian trying to live her new beliefs. Stetson Wright is a youth director/rodeo clown who believes true love waits. Can they overcome her promiscuous past and claim a future together? (Contemporary Romance from Heartsong Presents).

Stuffed Pepper Soup

Stuffed Pepper Soup


Serves: 6
Prep Time: 20 Min
Cook Time: 35 Min





Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 md bell pepper, chopped
1 c finely diced onion
1 can(s) 29 oz diced tomatoes
1 can(s) 15 oz can tomato sauce
1 can(s) 14 oz chicken broth
1/4 tsp thyme, dried
1/4 tsp dried sage
2 c cooked rice




1 In large pot brown ground beef, drain off fat and add onions and peppers, cook until the onions are translucent but not letting them brown
2 Add, tomatoes (undrained) tomato sauce, broth, Thyme and sage stir.
Cover and let simmer for 30-40 minutes until peppers are tender. Add tw0 cups cooked rice stir to heat. serve
3 I like grated Cheddar or Munster cheese on top of mine.

The 3 Must Haves for Successful Relationships

Friendships, dating, romance, and marriage—it's all confusing to college grad-student Annie until the day a white-haired stranger appears in her life. Glaen is an unusual professor and unconventional mentor who guides Annie on a path of discovery that unlocks the secrets of real relationships. Annie discovers the mystifying affect of how learning to tell the truth changes everything in friendship, family, and love.

The solutions Dr. Fred Lybrand offers in Glaen book will astound and free you to quit doing the very things that take away your ability to find the love and friendship you want. More importantly, you'll discover a fresh path to the possibility of greater connections with those you care most about.

Glaen
by
Fred R. Lybrand

The Barnabas Agency
February 2010
ISBN: 978-0-578-04652-5
Softcover/171 pages/$14.99
Website: www.glaen.com
Blog: www.glaen.wordpress.com
Become a fan of Glaen on Facebook!



Relationship Quiz: Is this the Right Person?
By Fred Lybrand, author of Glaen
www.glaen.com

Mark your answers from 1 to 10, with 1 being "No Way" and 10 being "I Think So"

I can easily picture being with this person 10 years from now.
We agree on everything that is really important to me.
We finally solve our conflicts, even if it takes a while.
If this person stays just the same forever, I'll be pretty happy.
I feel good chemistry with this person at least once a week.
Our closest friends have good relationships.
I believe growing a soul mate is as right as finding a soul mate.
We always give each other the freedom to say "No" without getting in trouble.
I've read a book or listened to a talk to help my relating to others within the past year.
I am sure I would not be the one to call it quits in this relationship.
Add up you points and consider this common sense scale:

90-100 Fantasy Land (please re-take the Quiz with a little less pretending)
75-90 You are as close to a sure bet as it gets in a world without guarantees
55-75 You have a good relationship that would likely blossom with a little work
40-55 You probably need to find some outside help from some wise friends or mentors
25-40 The relationship needs professional help (pastor, counselor, etc.)

____________________________

The 3 Must Haves for Successful Relationships

Friends who won't speak. A husband and wife who are 'done' with the whole thing. Co-workers who no longer look each other in the eye. These three have far more in common than you might think.
Every year around Valentine's Day, we all elevate our thinking about love and friendship to the sublime idea of Romantic Love. More than affection, this kind of love makes are hearts skip and keep our minds distracted. Surely all of us experience this kind of fantastic imaginary ideal at least once in our lives, if not again and again from time to time.

While romance has been romanticized, it is still the fondness and commitment that makes relationships really feel like what they are—a deep connection between two persons. All of these relationships can run aground in the sea of life. The reason for a shipwreck, however, is that what really works in a relationship is neglected.
It isn't about love languages, or fresh ideas, or even listening (though all of these are fine). Instead, it is at the heart of Glaen's message and it can be describe by three simple ideas.

At its core, every successful relationship has three essential elements.
The Point
The People
The Price
The Point simply refers to what a relationship is about at its core. It is not about what you can get, what you can give, or how well two people can change one another. The point of a relationship is relating...which means connecting. We use words like bonding and being on the same wave length. In a romantic context it has as its aim a more intense version of connection called oneness. Honestly, the names don't matter, but the point does. Relationships that work stay on point and they keep connecting together. Fights are division, coolness is distance, and silence is death. The point of connecting together can only happen in real time (that means, right now). Connecting again and again in real time is what builds strength in the bond; be it friendship, romantic love, or to team members pitching in together at work.

The People are the second essential and refers to the influence those around us wield on our lives. Glaen says, "You'll never be like the people you don't hang around." The truth is that you will drift toward the character and interests (on some level) of the people you are in the greatest connection with. This explains why getting new friends distances you from old ones. It also explains why there is a repetition of connecting with one failure after another (sorry for the bluntness). A failure to recognize this plain fact is a step toward the destruction of the relationships you have or want. Sometimes it is uncomfortable because we really need to change, but in fact, starting with a vision for the kind of person you want to be can lead you to find, keep, and grow the relationships you long to have.

The Price for successful relationships is Truth. Yes, it is telling and living the truth. "But the truth about what?" you might ask. The question itself already says you are in trouble! It is the truth as anything (and everything) comes to the forefront. It is the truth about beliefs, and goals, and faith, and politics. Why does Truth matter? Well, the simple fact is that a successful relationship is an authentic connection with another person you'd like to be like (more or less). For that connection to happen, it is absolutely necessary that you are the 'real you' and the other person is the 'real them' in the relationship. This truth-based being real means that you and they are connecting and relating and growing together as the real thing. As soon as a mask goes up, the game's afoot. The best you can hope for without truth is a good relationship with someone you don't really know...which, of course, isn't a success by any measure.

For more information about Glaen:
A Novel Message on Romance, Love & Relating, visit www.glaen.com.

February New Book Releases

Love Finds You in New Orleans by Christa Allan — (Historical Romance from Summerside Press – Guideposts).

Picture Perfect Family by Renee Andrews — Missionary Daniel Brantley has returned to Claremont, Alabama to raise his orphaned nephew; however, Mandy Carter, the woman whose proposal he refused years before, isn't about to let him take Kaden away. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired).

Into the Free by Julie Cantrell — A simple girl with anything but a simple story. (Contemporary Fiction from David Cook).

In Too Deep by Mary Connealy– In 1866 Colorado, Ethan Kincaid agrees to a marriage of convenience with the same casual disregard he gives every decision. Audra Gilliland, young mother of two, accepts his proposal because she wants to stop being a burden to her newly married stepdaughter. And suddenly both of them are in far deeper than they'd planned. (Historical Romance from Bethany House).

A Wedding to Remember in Charleston, South Carolina by Annalisa Daughety — Wedding planner Summer Nelson is throwing herself into her work to avoid the pain of her recent marriage separation. Husband Luke knows he made a mistake – but doesn't know how to fix it. When a hurricane traps them together, the crisis might tear them apart forever. (Contemporary Romance from Barbour Publishing).

Heart's Safe Passage by Laurie Alice Eakes, — When midwife Phoebe Lee is pressed by her pregnant sister-in-law to help save her husband from an English prison during the War of 1812, they end up aboard a British privateer crossing the Atlantic under the command of a man with a deadly mission. (Historical Romance from Revell).

Highland Crossings by Laurie Alice Eakes, Pamela Griffin, Jennifer Hudson Taylor, Gina Welborn, — Historic North Carolina takes center stage in a new collection of novellas that follows the lives and loves of four women…and the heirloom brooch that connects them through generations. Will Seona, Fiona, Seren, and Brynna find God's path in a new world far from their Scottish home? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing).

When the Smoke Clears by Lynette Eason — When Alexia arrives home to find her ex-boyfriend dead in her mother's basement, she realizes she needs help. Thanks goodness Hunter Graham is more than willing to offer it. (Romantic Suspense from Revell).

Sweeter than Birdsong by Rosslyn Elliott — A shy young woman must find her courage when she is thrown together on a dangerous errand with a musical genius. (Historical Romance from Thomas Nelson).

Words Spoken True by Ann H. Gabhart — Adriane Darcy stands ready to do whatever she must to keep her father's newspaper number one in the city including agreeing to marry a man she doesn't love, the son of a powerful local political figure, but when she meets Blake Garrett, the editor of a competing newspaper, sparks fly that will change both their lives forever. (Historical Romance from Revell).

Before the Scarlet Dawn by Rita Gerlach– In 1775, A young woman longs for acceptance and leaves behind all she has in order to follow her heart and the man she loves into the Maryland wilderness. But will her love and faith protect her from the trial she must face? Will she find the true meaning of companionship? And how will she face the world when she is rejected by those closest to her? (Historical Romance from Abingdon Press).

Sheltering Love by Elizabeth Goddard — Alexa's last chance to produce an award-winning documentary draws attention to a canopy biologist hiding in the trees. When their greatest fears collide in the heart of the wilderness, can they each bury the past long enough to nurture love? (Romance from Heartsong Presents (Barbour)).

Promise Me This by Cathy Gohlke– Michael Dunnagan is given a life, a hope and a future through his friend's sacrifice aboard Titanic. Now he must keep his promise to help Owen's family in NJ, and bring his sister from England to America. He never expected to fall in love with her, or that she would disappear into the horrors of WWI. Michael risks everything to find the woman he's grown to love. (Historical from Tyndale House Publishers).

To Love and To Cherish by Kelly S. Irvin– The sudden, tragic death of Emma Shirack's parents in a buggy accident and the return of a suitor who abandoned her years earlier test Emma's Amish faith and her ability to forgive. Will a man she thought of as a friend be the one to help her to heal? (Romance from Harvest House).

Sixty Acres and a Bride by Regina Jennings– She's Finally Found a Place to Call Home… How Far Will She Go to Save It? (Historical Romance from Bethany House).

Hometown Cinderella by Ruth Axtell Morren — (Historical Romance from Love Inspired).

Falling for the Fireman by Allie Pleiter– When fire marshall Chad Owens suspects that fire victim Jeannie Nelworth's son may be channeling his emotions in a dangerous manner, will the pretty and but protective widowed mom be strong enough to help him? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired).

Second Chance by Eileen Hinkle Rife– Dareece Jackson, a teen from the projects, wants something in Mave Robertson's purse…and he'll stop at nothing to get it. (Contemporary Fiction from OakTara Publishers).

Song of My Heart by Kim Vogel Sawyer– Sadie Wagner has always been devoted to her family. So when her stepfather is injured and can't work, she decides to leave home and accept a position as a clerk at the mercantile in Goldtree, Kansas. Goldtree also offers the opportunity to use her God-given singing talent – though the promised opera house is far different from what she imagined. With her family needing every cent she can provide, Sadie will do anything to keep her job. Thad McKane comes to Goldtree at the request of the town council. The town has been plagued by bootlegging operations, and Thad believes he can find the culprit. (Historical Romance from Bethany House).

A House Full of Hope by Missy Tippens– A widowed mom of four who's put her life on hold until her kids are grown finds hope of love in the most unlikely of places when the former bad boy who ruined her sister returns to town seeking redemption. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired).

A Sweethaven Summer by Courtney Walsh– Campbell Carter has come to Sweethaven in search of answers about her mother's history. Just before losing a battle with cancer, Suzanne Carter wrote letters to childhood friends from her hometown of Sweethaven, Michigan. Suzanne's three friends-Lila, Jane, and Meghan-haven't spoken in years, yet each has pieces of a scrapbook they made together as girls. Suzanne's letters have lured them all back to the idyllic lakeside town, where they meet Campbell and begin to remember what was so special about their long Sweethaven summers. (Contemporary Fiction from Guideposts Books).

Blue Moon Bay by Lisa Wingate– A sweet deal for the sale of lakeside family property in Texas could make Heather's career, but suddenly the family backs off, Heather rushes back to the site of a previous family tragedy and finds an old high school flame and her brother scheming to — what? (Cozy Mystery from Bethany House).

The Scent of Cherry Blossoms by Cindy Woodsmall– Love between a Mennonite woman and an Amish man threatens the lifelong relationship between two brothers. And two families. Annie is a young Old Order Mennonite woman whose grandfather co-owns a restaurant with the Zooks, an Old Order Amish family. Romance between the Mennonites and Amish is unacceptable. Inappropriate. Forbidden. But it seems that Annie and Aden have denied their feelings for each other for as long as they can tolerate. (Contemporary Romance from Waterbrook Multnomah).

Showing Love and Hospitality to Others

Showing Love and Hospitality to Others
By Roxanne Packham, author of Inspired Design


Before we are inspired about how to show love to others, we must first ask why?

Quite simply it is because in Romans 12:10 & 13 we are told to be devoted to one another in brotherly love, to honor one another above ourselves. We are also told to share with God's people who are in need and to Practice Hospitality. Notice the vocabulary: practice, not perfect.

In America, as a culture and as individuals, we are suffering in part because popular media gears everything to perfection. We are bombarded with messages that if we aren't the very best at something, we just shouldn't bother. We compare ourselves to others, rather than knowing our worth in God's eyes.

I suffer from insecurity and wonder if I can be creative enough to inspire. Are my tips original? Are the photographs beautiful enough? Are my suggestions too simple for some, but too fancy for another? The problem: my thoughts revolve completely around me. My creativity, my skills, my ability. This is not about me but about God's purpose for me. I suddenly realize the bigger picture; I can't do it, but I can through Christ who strengthens me.

This dance in my mind between my preciousness in His sight and the enemy's interjections has slowed me down at times, but God showed me this dance is the very reason for us to love others; to encourage each other. Because we are human we suffer from doubt, insecurity, and rejection of one sort or another. We are God's tool to encourage others. God uses us as His hands to love others, but make no mistake it is His power, His grace and the Holy Spirit that do the real work, not ours.

God's path of creativity in me began with a family history of silversmithing eight generations back, a degree from USC, design school in Paris, then design school in Los Angeles. Call them spiritual or otherwise, but they were the gifts God saw fit to give to me. Who am I to argue with my Creator? They are unique and I celebrate them. What are your magnificent and unique gifts that you can use to inspire others?

I do not want the gifts received as a blessing from God to "turn into spiritual dry rot," as Ann Voscamp suggests in her book One Thousand Gifts, as the manna did when it was hoarded in Exodus 16:20. I want to use my blessings.




Inadequacies and all, imperfections and all: I want to inspire others to practice Hospitality and to LOVE others.

Creative Ways to Encourage Others on Valentine's Day

KIND WORDS

A handwritten note with quotes, scriptures and words of encouragement is a wonderful thing to find in the mailbox.

Leave a sticky note on your child/husband's pillow or be bold and write your note on the bathroom mirror or car window in red lipstick saying "I love you".

Even an email just to say "thank you for your hard work, you bless me" can make a person's day. A cute poem, scripture or old photograph will remind them they are remembered.

If someone has lost a loved one, kind words of some way that loved one inspired you to do something better will let them know that their loved one's legacy is living on.



AN INVITATION, TIME

Take some time out of your days to meet someone for coffee, lunch, a long walk, or even just leave a phone message with a sweet sentiment. If you have more time, take a picnic basket to their home. Set up a lunch, tea or coffee, with all your tea cups and a candle. It is a lovely surprise! Just rinse when you finish and pack back up so they don't even have to do dishes. They will have a lovely memory of a special time.

THOUGHTFUL GESTURE

Hang flowers on the front door handle, leave a pretty tiny package in the mailbox with a beautiful red bow, or cookies delivered to the front door. Create a breakfast plate for your child that says you are special . This is especially significant if your child has struggled with something recently.

A BEAUTIFUL DINNER

Of course this takes more time, but try for a beautiful table setting complete with candles, fresh greens or flowers and a lovely menu either handwritten or printed out on your computer. (Visit Roxanne's Pinterest account, via the Inspired Design blog, for darling printouts, including gift tags, and much more.) Don't concentrate on the gourmet or complicated quality of the meal: remember it is about relationship and encouragement!



VALENTINE'S DINNER

A beautiful table for Valentine's simply consists of reds, pinks and perhaps some purple. (Although it could be beautiful in all white too.) Of course, it has to have some hearts and some colorful candles. Leave kind words of some sort on each place setting. Every Valentine's table should have its share of sparkle, of course!

Visit Roxanne Packham's blog at www.InspiredDesignPublications.blogsp...
for more pictures and Inspired Design ideas for Valentine's Day.

Common English Bible

Backgrounder
 Some Bible translations today are revisions of previous revisions. For example, from its preface, the New Revised
Standard Version of the Bible (NRSV) explains it's "an authorized revision of the Revised Standard Version,
published in 1952, which was a revision of the American Standard Version, published in 1901, which, in turn,
embodied earlier revisions of the King James Version, published in 1611." And the preface of the English
Standard Version (ESV) says it "stands in the classic mainstream of English Bible translations over the past halfmillennium. The fountainhead of that stream was William Tyndale's New Testament of 1526; marking its course
were the King James Version of 1611 (KJV), the English Revised Version of 1885 (RV), the American Standard
Version of 1901 (ASV), and the Revised Standard Version of 1952 and 1971 (RSV)."
 The Common English Bible is not a revision of any version. It's a bold, new translation (not a paraphrase) for the
21
st
century, balancing academic rigor with modern understandability; ecumenical biblical scholarly thoroughness
with a natural reading experience.
 The Common English Bible is a denomination-neutral Bible, with translator scholars responsible to each other in
peer review. It's translated by 120 biblical scholars from faith traditions in American, African, Asian, European,
and Latino communities representing such academic institutions as Asbury Theological Seminary, Azusa Pacific
University, Bethel Seminary, Denver Seminary, Fuller Theological Seminary, Princeton Theological Seminary,
Seattle Pacific University, Wheaton College, Yale University, and many others. (See website for entire list.)
 To avoid sectarian bias, 700 persons from 24 faith traditions participated in the development of the CEB
translation, which includes translators, editors, 77 reading group leaders, and hundreds of reading group
participants. All communicated together efficiently through a secure project website. The translation work began in
2008 and completed in 2011.
 A lead translator prepared the first draft of the translation. A co-translator made revisions and raised issues for
further research. A reading group commented on the second draft. A readability editor then applied rigorous
comments about style and grammar. An Old Testament, New Testament, or Apocrypha editor reviewed all
changes for each book and made final revisions. The editorial board met in person and through conferencing
technology to address issues of consistency or to resolve controversial matters. Then a stylist and copyeditors
checked the text for English consistency.
 Reading groups, consisting of 5 to 10 persons, were located in churches, youth groups, colleges, seminaries, and
a retirement community. The participants in the reading groups worship among 13 distinct denominations. Each
group was assigned a book of the Bible. They read the text aloud to each other and commented on unclear or
awkward phrasing, which translators considered in making the Common English Bible as comprehensively clear
as possible.
 The entire process for the complete Bible, the largest Bible translation undertaking ever with the most number of
participants, took only 40 months from the date of the first meeting of the CEB translation board.

12 days of Christmas final day

Merry Christmas from all of us at Pearl Girls™! We hope you enjoyed these
Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from the authors who were so kind to donate
their time and talents! If you missed a few posts, I hope you'll be able go back
through and read them on this blog over the next few days. If you'd like to keep
up with Pearl Girls and our new book project, Mother of Pearl, coming this
spring, just click this link and sign up for our newsletter (lower left sidebar).

Also, just a reminder that today is the last day for the pearl necklace and
earrings giveaway! Enter now by filling out this {form}. The winner will on
1/1 at the Pearl Girls blog.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and
see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that

help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing
a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of
the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.
***
Jesus -- The Reason For the Season
By: Rachel Hauck

Through the narrow scope of 2000 years, Mary, the mother of Jesus, appears to
be one lucky woman. Chosen by God to give birth to His son, the Savior of the
world? All right, Mary, way to go.

"Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you," Gabriel said.

How many of us would like a declaration like that? Highly favored. The Lord is
with you. But Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind
of greeting this might be.

The angel told her, "The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the
Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the
Son of God. Mary's seems confident and resolved when she responds, "I am
the Lord's servant. May your word to me be fulfilled."

She'd just been told the Holy Spirit will come upon her, that God's power will
overshadow her, that she'd become with child even though she wasn't married,
and she said, "I'm the Lord's servant. Let your words be true."

I find this amazing! A young woman. Ancient Bethlehem. Unwed mother.
They stoned women for such things in her day. But Mary believed in God. And
submitted to His will. He gave her the Holy Spirit – the same Holy Spirit given
to us. If He gave her confidence, He will give us confidence. Even though, like
Mary, our situation seems impossible.

Listen to Mary's song later on in the first chapter of Luke.

"My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has
been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations
will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me Holy is
his name…"

Conceiving a child out of wedlock, by Divine intervention. Not a girl's every
day existence. Yet she had a Yes in her heart to God. She rejoiced. She boldly

said, "Generations will remember me!"

How we struggle to trust God with our children. Our finances. Our emotional
well-being. We worry. We fret. And wonder why we have no peace.

Christmas is the season where words like joy, peace and love are bantered
around like Christmas candy. Let's not take them as just words, but as truth.
Let's be like Mary and embrace God's favor on our lives. Boldly declare "He's
done great things for me!"

Out of the grit of our own souls, we can reach His heart, and feel Him
reaching for ours. No matter the pain of our past, present or future, God is
there for us. He is able. Best of all, He is willing. "My soul glorifies the Lord
this Christmas!"

***
Rachel Hauck is an award winning, best selling author who believes God
has done great things for her. She lives in Central Florida with her husband
and ornery pets. Her next release is Love Lifted Me with multi-platinum
country artist Sara Evans, January 2012. Then in April, look for The Wedding
Dress. www.rachelhauck.com.

12 Days of Christmas day 12

Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved
writer's (Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson,
Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as
each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during
this most wonderful time of the year.

AND just for fun ... there's also a giveaway! Fill out this simple {form}
and enter for a chance to win a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set ($450
value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will on 1/1. Contest is only
open to US and Canadian residents. You may enter once per day.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and
see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that
help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing
a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of
the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

The Panhandler's Breath
By Robin Dance

He slipped in sideways between the closing elevator doors, as if he were late to
a meeting; he pressed the "5" without looking. Instead of suit and tie, though,
baggy pants and faded navy hung on his tall, slim frame...and his stealth entry
stiffened the hairs on the back of my neck.

I had noticed him a few seconds earlier, just after we had parted a sea of
clamorous teens. He was smiling, grandfatherly, standing maybe 30 feet away
where the electric shuttle picks up.

I had no idea he had been watching us, studying us, predator patiently awaiting
his next prey.

The four of us were sealed in a four- by six-foot metal tomb. Tomb--that
thought really scampered across my mind. I wondered if he had a knife in his
pocket. I wanted to protect my son. Fight or flight pumped adrenaline but there
was no where to run.

Extreme and ridiculous, these thoughts - and more - flashed through my mind.
The Stranger began speaking.

"Yessir, I see you're a family man with your wife and your son here..." and he
nodded in my and my son's direction.

"...you see I'm homeless and all I've got..." and on queue, he reached into his
left pocket and pulled out two old pennies blackened with age. Two cents to his
name?! It was all too contrived, too practiced, and I didn't believe a word he
was saying.

It was then I smelled it ~ the small space lent itself to that ~ and I doubted my
doubt.

His breath.

It wasn't the scent of alcohol. His eyes weren't red, his voice didn't waver; his
wizened face matched his graying hair.

His breath was morning's, zoo breath, the pet name I'd given to the scent
inhaled when kissing my children awake when they were little.

He needed to brush his teeth. I wondered how long it had been since he brushed
his teeth.

The elevator door opened and I handed him my leftover pizza as my son and I
brushed past him. My husband handed him a bill and the Stranger thanked and
God blessed him.

The elevator door closed behind us. Conflicted, I was relieved.

We got in the car and blurted first reaction--

"I didn't believe a word he said."

"That made me nervous."

"I wonder if he'll really eat the pizza."

In the quiet, we were left to our own thoughts, contemplating the right thing to
do. At the end of the day, this is what I decided: It doesn't matter whether or
not his story is true; for an old man to resort to begging, he has to be desperate.
The money my husband gave him will never be missed. It was a reminder
we've been entrusted with much and given much. Materially, yes, but more
so spiritually. Loved, chosen, forgiven, redeemed, graced, lavished--every
spiritual blessing. E v e r y.

There's a part of me that wishes I would have been brave enough to ask the
man his story, made sure he knew he was loved...and bought him a tooth
brush.

Later, it occurred to me he could have been an angel. Doesn't that mean
generosity, kindness and hospitality is always the right response? Then it's
not about you or the stranger or the circumstance, it's about a simple, God-
glorifying response.

Had we entertained an angel unaware? We'll never know.

But it wouldn't be the first time the Breath of Heaven smelled like a zoo.

***
In a decades-old, scandalous affair with her husband, Robin also confesses
mad crushes on her three teens. As Southern as sugar-shocked tea, she's a
recovering people pleaser who advocates talking to strangers. A memoirist,
Compassion International Blogger, and Maker-upper of words, Robin writes
for her own site, PENSIEVE, and also for (in)courage by DaySpring (a
subsidiary of Hallmark) and Simple Mom. She loves to get to know readers
through their blog comments and on Twitter and Pinterest. www.pensieve.me

12 Days of Christmas day 11

Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved
writer's (Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson,

Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as
each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during
this most wonderful time of the year.

AND just for fun ... there's also a giveaway! Fill out this simple {form}
and enter for a chance to win a beautiful pearl necklace and earring set ($450
value). Contest runs 12/14 - 12/25 and the winner will on 1/1. Contest is only
open to US and Canadian residents. You may enter once per day.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and
see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that
help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing
a copy of Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of
the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

Inside Out Christmas
by Debora M. Coty

My veterinarian friend, Dr. Katie, tells the story about the December when
a woman brought a very sick black lab into her clinic. The dog was only
ten months old, so she was really just a big puppy, but she'd been vomiting
incessantly and her worried owner didn't know what was wrong.

"Why don't you go on home?" Dr. Katie told the owner. "I'll need to run tests
for about four hours. We'll give you a call when we're finished."

Dr. Katie's assistant took x-rays and hung them on the light panel for Dr. Katie
to examine. Hmm. Something looked a little peculiar. Dr. Katie called her
assistant over.

"Is it just me, or does that look like a … a camel to you?" she asked
incredulously.

"Matter of fact, it does," replied the astute assistant. "And look, there's an
angel here, a shepherd there, and down there in the colon, it's Baby Jesus!"

At that moment the phone rang. It was the dog's distraught owner. "I can't
believe this! I just got home and glanced at the coffee table where I put my
manger scene yesterday. There's nothing there but an empty stable!"

As I thought about this quite literal technique for internalizing the true meaning
of Christmas, it occurred to me that sometimes I have the opposite problem.
With all the bustling busyness, my inner joy in celebration of my savior's birth
never really makes it to the outside.

Oh, I have plenty of glittery, festive evidences of the holiday in decorations,
baking galore, and gifts under my tree. But those things are for show. They're
merely the pretty wrappings, not the gift itself.

Can people really see the core-deep joy that radiates within me when I think of
the true gift that Papa God sent the world in his son, Jesus? Is my immeasurable
gratitude for eternal life evident as I dash through this hectic season?

I'm afraid all too often, the answer is no.

I'm just too preoccupied to allow my outside to reflect my inside so that
nonbelievers recognize that I rejoice because of the hope that is within me. My
joy is obscured by the mounds of clutter. Gratefulness is sucked out of my soul
by the vacuum called urgency.

"But let the godly rejoice. Let them be glad in God's presence. Let them be
filled with joy" (Psalm 68:3, NLT).

This verse has become my prayer this Christmas season – that I would make
the time to give priority to rejoicing, being glad in God's presence, and letting
my inner joy show for those who may be silently desperate to know the giver of
true joy.

Yep, there's a better way to internalize the gift of Christmas than the black
lab technique. We can lodge the Little Lord Jesus in our hearts rather than
our colons.

***
Debora M. Coty is a humorist, inspirational speaker, and award-winning
author of twelve books, including Too Blessed to be Stressed, and coming in
March, More Beauty, Less Beast: Transforming Your Inner Ogre. Debora
would love to swap Christmas hugs with you at www.DeboraCoty.com.