Laura V. Hilton's Blog, page 191

12 days of Christmas

Welcome to the 3rd Annual Pearl Girls™ 12 Pearls of
Christmas blogging series!


We've gathered several of today's most beloved authors to share their
Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom"! Please follow along beginning tomorrow
(Wednesday the 14th) through Christmas day as Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods

Fisher, Rachel Hauck, Sandy Ralya, Sibella Giorello, Susan May Warren and
more, share their heartfelt stories of how God has touched their life during this
most wonderful time of the year.

If you'd like to share the 12 Pearls of Christmas with your blog readers
too, just email Christen and she'll send you the series.

AND of course there is a giveaway! Beginning tomorrow you and all your
friends can enter to win a PEARL NECKLACE and EARRINGS valued at
$450! The winner will be announced on New Year's Day! Pearls - a tangible
reminder of God's grace to us all.

***
Just a quick note before the series begins on the 14th ...

As I write this, I imagine that we are sitting at my kitchen table and chatting
over a cup of coffee while familiar Christmas carols celebrate the Season. My
twelve year old Chihuahua, Pongo, barks for a pinch of pound cake while my
Shih Tzu, Lilly, patiently sits by the chair and waits for a crumb to fall.

My name is not Martha Stewart, and I will never receive a neighborhood
beautification award. Just look at my front stoop. Yes, my never-had-time-to-
carve-the-pumpkin-that-now-suffers-from-frostbite slouches next to the front
door which is decorated with a Christmas wreath. I plan to roll this large orange
ornament to the garbage pile tomorrow. For now, however, I will pretend that
my front stoop is a contemplative modern art exhibit capturing the essence of
contrast.

Actually, I love the concept of juxtaposition – placing things together that don't
seem to belong together, yet somehow ultimately make sense being paired. A
personal example for me this season is the phrase: "comfort and joy." Having
just completed my manuscript for New Hope Publishers about the aftermath
of grief, I fully understand the contrast of those two words. How can comfort
bring joy? How can one find joy in loss?

Perhaps, dear reader, you have experienced loss this year – loss of a loved one,
loss of friendship, loss of health, loss of financial security, loss of trust, loss of
love, or loss of direction. Even with the best intent, words of encouragement
shared by others can somehow seem insufficient to address an inconsolable
loss. A spoken word cannot fully restore joy to a broken heart; however the
Word can. And that's the bottom line message of Christmas! God gave us the

most amazing gift: His Son - the Word of God, the Holy Comforter.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that
whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but shall have everlasting life."
(John 3:16).

You are not alone this Christmas, dear friend. Juxtaposed to the unexpected
grit in life is the gift of God's grace wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying
in a manger. This year I purposely placed a pearl in the Nativity scene as a
metaphoric reminder. When we place our grit into the hands of the Lord, His
grace transforms our pain into a pearl.

"Joy to the world!"

Thank you so very much for sharing the JOY of the Season with us this year.

God Bless,
Margaret
@mcsweeny

***
Margaret McSweeney lives with her husband, David and two teenage
daughters in the Chicago suburbs. She is the founder and director of Pearl
Girls. For more information please visit www.pearlgirls.info. Margaret is fast
at work on several fiction manuscripts. Her book Pearl Girls: Encountering
Grit, Experiencing Grace was written to help fund the Pearl Girl Charities. She
is also the host of weekly radio show, Kitchen Chat. Connect with Margaret
on Facebook or Twitter.


Welcome to the 3rd Annual
Pearl Girls™ 12 Pearls of
Christmas blogging series!




[image error]
We've gathered several of today's most beloved authors to share their Christmas "Pearls
of Wisdom"! Please follow along beginning tomorrow (Wednesday the 14th) through
Christmas day as Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Rachel Hauck, Sandy Ralya,

Sibella Giorello, Susan May Warren and more, share their heartfelt stories of how God
has touched their life during this most wonderful time of the year.



If you'd like to share the 12 Pearls of Christmas with your blog readers too, just email
Christen and she'll
send you the series.



AND of course there is a giveaway! Beginning tomorrow you and all your friends can
enter to win a PEARL NECKLACE and EARRINGS valued at $450! The winner will be
announced on New Year's Day! Pearls - a tangible reminder of God's grace to us all.</
i>




***
Just a quick note before the series begins on the 14th ...



As I write this, I imagine that we are sitting at my kitchen table and chatting over a
cup of coffee while familiar Christmas carols celebrate the Season. My twelve year old
Chihuahua, Pongo, barks for a pinch of pound cake while my Shih Tzu, Lilly, patiently
sits by the chair and waits for a crumb to fall.



My name is not Martha Stewart, and I will never receive a neighborhood beautification
award. Just look at my front stoop. Yes, my never-had-time-to-carve-the-pumpkin-that-
now-suffers-from-frostbite slouches next to the front door which is decorated with a
Christmas wreath. I plan to roll this large orange ornament to the garbage pile tomorrow.
For now, however, I will pretend that my front stoop is a contemplative modern art
exhibit capturing the essence of contrast.



Actually, I love the concept of juxtaposition – placing things together that don't seem
to belong together, yet somehow ultimately make sense being paired. A personal
example for me this season is the phrase: "comfort and joy." Having just completed my
manuscript for New Hope Publishers about the aftermath of grief, I fully understand the
contrast of those two words. How can comfort bring joy? How can one find joy in loss?




Perhaps, dear reader, you have experienced loss this year – loss of a loved one, loss of
friendship, loss of health,  loss of financial security, loss of trust, loss of love, or
loss of direction. Even with the best intent, words of encouragement shared by others can
somehow seem insufficient to address an inconsolable loss.  A spoken word cannot
fully restore joy to a broken heart; however the Word can. And that's the bottom line
message of Christmas! God gave us the most amazing gift: His Son -  the Word of
God, the Holy Comforter.



"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes
in Him shall not perish but shall have everlasting life." (John 3:16).





[image error]
src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cp-FgGCMV1A/TuZXgt8WYII/AAAAAAAAAV4/
RMrWVXZ_PN8/s200/jesuspearl.jpg" width="150" />
You are not alone this Christmas, dear friend. Juxtaposed to the unexpected grit
in life is the gift of God's grace wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. This
year I purposely placed a pearl in the Nativity scene as a metaphoric reminder. When we
place our grit into the hands of the Lord, His grace transforms our pain into a pearl.



 "Joy to the world!"  



Thank you so very much for sharing the JOY of the Season with us this year.



God Bless,

Margaret

@mcsweeny


 ***
Margaret McSweeney lives with her husband, David and two teenage daughters in
the Chicago suburbs. She is the founder and director of Pearl Girls. For more information
please visit www.pearlgirls.info. Margaret
is fast at work on several fiction manuscripts. Her book Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit,
Experiencing Grace was written to help fund the Pearl Girl Charities. She is also the
host of weekly radio show, Kitchen Chat. Connect with Margaret on Facebook or
href="http://twitter.com/mcsweeney" target="_blank">Twitter.

Surrendered Sleep

He Sees You When You're Sleepin'...
By Dr. Charles W. Page

Do you recall trying to sleep on Christmas Eve while waiting for Santa to come to town? The anticipation of Saint Nicolas and all his goodies was just too much—who could sleep? The lyrics of Santa Claus is Coming to Town taunted me. "He sees you when you're sleeping—he knows when you're awake…" I tossed and turned trying to fall asleep, fearful I'd miss out on Santa's visit if he caught me awake. I never doubted Santa's ability to be aware of my wakefulness.

Unfortunately, as adults, the issues that keep us awake during the Christmas season are more complicated than those we experienced as kids. Financial burdens, strained relationships, difficult decisions, brooding regrets and fretful thoughts race through our minds and hinder our rest.

There is someone who "sees you when you're sleeping and knows when you're awake." It's not Santa Claus. The Bible reminds us, God's eyes never close. Perhaps this truth can tuck us in for the night.

"He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep." (Psalm 121:3-4)

We erroneously think that as we "turn in" that God somehow "turns off" or moves on to do more important things. But God doesn't wait for us to wake up before He returns to work. God is just as active during our sleep—or sleeplessness. Believers can rest assured knowing God is awake guarding our lives.

What does God do as we slumber? Psalm 127:1-2 reminds us that God gives to those that He loves as they sleep. What does God give? Understanding God's generous nature, one rendering would be that God gives to the believer whatever is needed at the time. God can give you wisdom and direction with decisions as you "sleep on it" overnight (Psalm 16:7, James 1:5). Maybe there is a financial need. The scriptures are filled with examples of how God provided for the physical needs of those He loved as they rested (I Kings 19:1-8; Exodus 16:1-8).

God's gifts are good, perfect (James 1:17), eternal (Ephesians 1:3) and purposeful (Galatians 5:22-25). They do not require batteries, warranties and cannot be purchased in stores. But they are available 24/7/365—not limited to one night each year. God's greatest gift did not arrive under a tree but on a tree (John 3:16). "He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him freely give us all things?" (Romans 8:32)

It's plain to see, God has our back as we sleep. Try this Christmas recipe for rest.
Repent—in areas where we are aware of our transgressions. "A clean conscience
makes a soft pillow."
Release—control of problems you're facing and give them over to God.
Relate—connect with God through prayer and meditation while in bed.
Rest—allow God to do what you cannot do for yourself as you sleep.
Receive—God's unmerited forgiveness, grace and blessings while you sleep.
An English proverb reminds us, "As you make your bed so you must lie in it." The truth of God's Word helps us face our situations. Although we cannot change the failures of our past, we can rest with a clean conscience based on God's gift of forgiveness. Our current circumstances may appear overwhelming, but God gives His presence and His guidance in our hour of need. Our future is secure and hopeful when God's greatest gift—His Son—is kept in view. A life supported by a vibrant, healthy relationship with the Shepherd of Sleep makes the most comfortable mattress. In childlike faith learn to trust Him as you lie down to sleep and remember: "He sees you when you're sleeping."


Author Bio

Charles W. Page, M.D.
Dr. Charles W. Page is a sleep-deprived surgeon who completed medical school and residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. Dr. Page is currently a rural surgeon and has taken numerous medical mission trips to South America and the Middle East. He and his wife Joanna live in Texas with their five children. He is the author of Surrendered Sleep: A Biblical Perspective. You can find more information at surrenderedsleep.com.






Surrendered Sleep
A Biblical Perspective
by Dr. Charles W. Page

PUBLISHER: Camino Real Publishers
ISBN-10: 0983138109
ISBN-13: 978-0983138105
PRICE: Paperback: $14.95; Ebook: $10.95

Available at:
Amazon
Surrendered Sleep

Dutch Apple Pie Jam Recipe

What You Need

4 cups prepared fruit (about 1 lb. Granny Smith or other tart green apples)
1-1/4 cups water
1/2 cup raisins
2 Tbsp. Fresh lemon juice
1 tsp. Ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. Ground allspice
1 box SURE.JELL Fruit Pectin
1/2 tsp. Butter or margarine (optional)
4 cups granulated sugar, measured into separate bowl (See tip below.)
1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
Make It


BRING boiling-water canner, half-full with water, to simmer. Wash jars and screw bands in hot, soapy water; rinse with warm water. Pour boiling water over flat lids in saucepan off the heat. Let stand in hot water until ready to use. Drain well before filling.

PEEL and core apples; finely chop or grind. Add water and raisins. Measure exactly 4 cups into 6- or 8-quart saucepot. Stir in lemon juice, cinnamon and allspice.

STIR pectin into fruit in saucepot. Add butter to reduce foaming, if desired. Bring mixture to full rolling boil (a boil that doesn't stop bubbling when stirred) on high heat, stirring constantly.

STIR in all sugars quickly. Return to full rolling boil and boil exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Skim off any foam with metal spoon

LADLE quickly into prepared jars, filling to within 1/8 inch of tops. Wipe jar rims and threads. Cover with two-piece lids. Screw bands tightly. Place jars on elevated rack in canner. Lower rack into canner. Water must cover jars by 1 to 2 inches; add boiling water if needed. Cover; bring water to gentle boil. Process 10 minutes. Remove jars and place upright on a towel to cool completely. After jars cool, check seals by pressing middle of lid with finger. (If lid springs back, lid is not sealed and refrigeration is necessary.)

What You Need4 cups prepared fruit (about 1 lb. Granny Smith or other tart green apples) 1-1/4 cups water 1/2 cup raisins 2 Tbsp. Fresh lemon juice 1 tsp. Ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp. Ground allspice 1 box SURE.JELL Fruit Pectin 1/2 tsp. Butter or margarine (optional) 4 cups granulated sugar, measured into separate bowl (See tip below.) 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar Make It
BRING boiling-water canner, half-full with water, to simmer. Wash jars and screw bands in hot, soapy water; rinse with warm water. Pour boiling water over flat lids in saucepan off the heat. Let stand in hot water until ready to use. Drain well before filling.

PEEL and core apples; finely chop or grind. Add water and raisins. Measure exactly 4 cups into 6- or 8-quart saucepot. Stir in lemon juice, cinnamon and allspice.

STIR pectin into fruit in saucepot. Add butter to reduce foaming, if desired. Bring mixture to full rolling boil (a boil that doesn't stop bubbling when stirred) on high heat, stirring constantly.

STIR in all sugars quickly. Return to full rolling boil and boil exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Skim off any foam with metal spoon

LADLE quickly into prepared jars, filling to within 1/8 inch of tops. Wipe jar rims and threads. Cover with two-piece lids. Screw bands tightly. Place jars on elevated rack in canner. Lower rack into canner. Water must cover jars by 1 to 2 inches; add boiling water if needed. Cover; bring water to gentle boil. Process 10 minutes. Remove jars and place upright on a towel to cool completely. After jars cool, check seals by pressing middle of lid with finger. (If lid springs back, lid is not sealed and refrigeration is necessary.)

recipe from Carrie

Decorating for Christmas

A Classic Christmas Tabletop -
The Inspired Way...
By Roxanne Hughes Packham



Have you ever just been at a standstill when trying to do aunique Christmas tabletop for your family and friends at Christmas time? Here are some tips from Roxanne Hughes Packham, co-author of Inspired Design that should make it much easier! Check out her blog if you'd like to see coordinating pictures to go with the ideas. www.InspiredDesignPublications.blogsp...



Before you get started remember: Do not underestimate the power of your home, nor its ability to change lives. Do not underestimate the power of one tiny, seemingly insignificant, act of kindness. A welcoming smile, a cup of hot tea and an hour in a cozy nook spent listening to a friend can be life-altering. Your home is a significant part of the way people will be touched, by God, through you this Christmas season. God uses us as his hands! Your table is the means through which you can touch others by setting the stage for memories to be made.


A classic Christmas tabletop has to have red and green, plaidand sparkle, inspiration and encouragement. The red and green is an obvious choice, however sometimes it is easier than we make it. Collect red and/or green fruits and keep a glass bowl of them in a prominent place in the kitchen. You can add a few springs of ivy or pine to get really festive. Candies, such as M&Ms, come in red and green packages and in silver bowls makes any setting looks seasonal. Add red plates and greenery from your yard to complete the look.


Since Christmas is the one time we're all into plaid, use it on your tabletop! You can tie it onto a pretty cross (see pictures on blog) onto the top of a candlestick and make a beautiful statement about the meaning of Christmas while pleasing the eye with the sparkle of the candles! Tall candles in the center looks perfect, adding shorter candles towards the two ends allow guests to be able to see over the candles for conversation. Small votives add sparkle and a feeling of warmth and coziness. You can use a plaid scarf, runner or piece of fabric draped diagonally across the table for an overall Christmas look, while allowing the beauty of the wood tabletop (or glass) to show through.

Lastly, and most importantly, the "Inspired" part of the table top design. Warming the souls of those within your home is perhaps the most important part of hospitality and the reason in Romans 12:13 we are told to Practice Hospitality. The easiest way to do this is keep a couple of framed quotes on the central part of the table, one towards either end. Not only can you do place cards with just names but think of an encouraging scripture or quote that reminds you of your guest or something that might encourage or inspire them. Praying over whatever is going on in a person's life, not only releases the power of prayer, but lets them know you have been thinking of them and remembering their needs. In this time in our culture, what could be more inspiring!

God bless and be encouraged! Hospitality can change our world one life at a time!

Gift guide for men

Ladies, with the holidays coming, this is going to be a big help in selecting that special gift for the man in your life!

Rule #1:
When in doubt - buy him a cordless drill. It does not matter if he already has one. I have a friend who owns 17 and he has yet to complain. As a man, you can never have too many cordless drills. No one knows why.

Rule #2:
If you cannot afford a cordless drill, buy him anything with the word ratchet or socket in it. Men love saying those two words. "Hey George, can I borrow your ratchet?" "OK. By-the-way, are you through with my 3/8-inch
socket yet?" Again, no one knows why.

Rule #3:
If you are really, really broke, buy him anything for his car. A 99-cent ice scraper, a small bottle of deicer or something to hang from his rear view mirror. Men love gifts for their cars. No one knows why.

Rule #4:
Do not buy men socks. Do not buy men ties. And never buy men bathrobes. I was told that if God had wanted men to wear bathrobes, He wouldn't have invented Jockey shorts.

Rule #5:
You can buy men new remote controls to replace the ones they have worn out. If you have a lot of money buy your man a big-screen TV with the little picture in the corner. Watch him go wild as he flips, and flips, and flips.

Rule #6:
Rope. Men love rope. It takes us back to our cowboy origins, or at least The Boy Scouts. Nothing says love like a hundred feet of 3/8" manila rope. No one knows why.

Rule #7:
Do not buy any man industrial-sized canisters of after-shave or deodorant. I'm told they do not stink - they are earthy.

Rule #8:
Buy men label makers. Almost as good as cordless drills. Within a couple of weeks there will be labels absolutely everywhere. Socks. Shorts. Cups. Saucers. Door. Lock. Sink. You get the idea. No one knows why.

Rule #9:
Never buy a man anything that says "some assembly required" on the box. It will ruin his Special Day and he will always have parts left over.

Rule #10:
Good places to shop for men include Northwest Iron Works, A Lumber Company, Home Depot, John Deere, Valley RV Center, and Les Schwab Tire. (NAPA Auto Parts and Sears' Clearance Centers are also excellent men's stores. It doesn't matter if he doesn't know what it is. "From NAPA Auto, eh? Must be something I need. Hey! Isn't this a starter for a '68 Ford Fairlane? Wow! Thanks.")

Rule #11:
Men enjoy danger. That's why they never cook - but they will barbecue. Get him a monster barbecue with a 100-pound propane tank. Tell him the gas line leaks. "Oh the thrill! The challenge! Who wants a hamburger?"

Rule #12:
Tickets to a Hocky/Football/Basketball/Baseball game are a smart gift. However, he will not appreciate tickets to "A Retrospective of 19th Century Quilts." Everyone knows why.

Rule #13:
Men love chainsaws. Never, ever, buy a man you love a chainsaw. If you don't know why - please refer to Rule #8 and what happens when he gets a label maker.

Rule #14:
It's hard to beat a really good wheelbarrow or an aluminum extension ladder. Never buy a real man a step ladder. It must be an extension ladder. No one knows why.

Close Encounters of the Moose Kind

Close Encounters of the Moose Kind
By Linda Rondeau

I gasped as the gigantic mound stepped from the woods into our path, heads taller than our compact car. My husband swerved and we missed the animal by inches. "Was that a moose?" my husband asked.

I laughed.

"What's so funny?"

"My heroine's life is changed when she runs into a moose."

We both giggled over God's sense of humor.

That we found ourselves on the back roads of Franklin County at four in the morning was in and of itself God's doing. I hadn't planned on attending the ACFW Writers Conference in Minneapolis. "If I final in the contest then I'll go," I told my husband.

I did final, and my words haunted me. And so once again God changed my plans to fit into His. In rural upstate New York, flight connections often require a pre-dawn departure, and we had taken the country road to save time.

I shared my moose tale with a writer friend who laughed her prophecy. "That moose was a smile from God. He has plans for this manuscript."

As time went on, God continued to smile affirmation after affirmation even through a dramatic relocation to Florida. Then, eleven years from the day that I felt God's call to write professionally, my agent called with the news—a publisher had offered a contract. "It's for Dawn's Hope, but the editor wants to change the title to The Other Side of Darkness," she said.

I did agree the alternate title sounded better and trusted the editor's choice.

Yet, it wasn't until later that God revealed His hand had been in the making of the book long before the first words were typed, long before I imagined my character's accident, long before He sent a moose to confirm He would soon fulfill a promise made to me over a decade ago.

During a speaking engagement at a local women's meeting, I shared my journey from call to call, reading a poem I wrote that very day God pulled me from one life to set me on another, one undefined and uncertain. I had obeyed His leading and He immediately gave me a poem, "The Song of Peace." As I shared the poem with the women's group, my eyes misted when I read the line, "Praise the Lord when Hope seems foolish…There is light on the other side of darkness."

Could it be that even then, God was smiling on a book not yet imagined? I believe He did.


Author Bio

Linda Rondeau
Award-winning author, LINDA RONDEAU, writes for the reader who enjoys a little bit of everything. Her stories of redemption and God's mercies include romance, suspense, the ethereal, and a little bit of history into the mix, always served with a slice of humor. Walk with her unforgettable characters as they journey paths not unlike our own. After a long career in human services, mother of three and wife of one very patient man, Linda now resides in Florida where she is active in her church and community. Readers may visit her web site at www.lindarondeau.com.






The Other Side of Darkness
by Linda Rondeau

PUBLISHER: Harbourlight Books
ISBN-10: 161116138X
ISBN-13: 978-1611161380
PRICE: Paperback: $16.99, Kindle: $5.99

Available at:
Pelican Book Group
Amazon
"Close Encounters of the Moose Kind" is loaded at docstoc.com.

New books releasing in December

Below is a list of the new releases for ACFW authors. Much good reading to add to your Christmas shopping list!

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW FictionFinder website.

An Amish Wedding by Beth Wiseman -- Romance from Thomas Nelson; Pricilla's upcoming wedding is stirring up trouble - and romance - in Paradise.

Christmas Pearl by Robin L. Bayne -- Romance from White Rose Publishing (Pelican). Joe Gardner never expected to see Elizabeth again, not after the part she'd played in ruining his life. Refusing to believe she now shares his faith, Joe tosses aside her efforts to apologize. But when they are forced to work together in the midst of the Christmas season, Joe has to face the truth about Elizabeth, and himself.

Daddy's Little Matchmakers by Kathleen Y'Barbo -- Romance from Love Inspired -- Wanted: Wife And Mother. Veterinarian Eric Wilson is confounded by the classified ad his three young daughters have placed. The handsome widower is not in the market for a bride!

Death in Dahlonega by Deborah Malone -- A Mystery from Lamp Post Inc.. A vacation with a friend should never include murder and mayhem.

Gold, Frankincense, and Murder by Barbara Early -- Romance/Mystery from White Rose Publishing (Pelican); A missing coworker. A brawny sidekick. Sometimes the holidays can be murder.

His Holiday Family by Margaret Daley, -- Romance from Love Inspired. In the aftermath of a hurricane, will Kathleen Hart and Gideon O'Brien, two scarred people, find hope and love?

Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland by Roseanna M. White -- Romance from Summerside Press. In 1784 peace has been declared, but war still rages in the heart of Lark Benton.

Polar Bear Plunge by Linda Glaz -- Romance from White Rose Publishing (Pelican). Aleni Callan can't accept that God allowed her husband to die in Afghanistan while war hero, Brice Taylor, returns from Iraq to cheers and fame and feelings that he somehow failed. Neither can accept that one man lived and one man died.

Replication by Jill Williamson -- Young Adult from Zondervan; A girl discovers her biologist father is covering up multiple secrets—all of which are named Jason.

Savanna's Gift by Camille Eide -- Romance from White Rose Publishing (Pelican); When Savanna gets a second chance at the love of her life, will her dream that once divided them get in the way?

Small-Town Sweethearts by Jean C. Gordon-- Romance from Love Inspired; With the help of God and the love of Drew Stacey, a down-sized Wall Street analyst turned church camp manager, NYC assistant art director and former town misfit Emily, ne Jinx, Hazard finds the thing she wants most in the place she least wants to be — Paradox Lake.

Smitten by Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Denise Hunter, and Diann Hunt -- Romance from Thomas Nelson; When a failed logging company threatens their town's survival, four friends devise a plan to turn Smitten, Vermont, into the country's premier romantic getaway.

The Christmas Witness by Susan Sleeman-- Thriller Suspense from Love Inspired; Can a former FBI agent let go of the devastating loss of his wife to cancer in order to save a critically ill child and her mother from a ruthless criminal?

Tracks in the Snow by Sandra Hesch-- General Fiction from Lamp Post Inc.; Jo Bremley feared losing her husband to World War II, but when a snowstorm rips apart her storybook world, how can she heal her broken heart, and move on?

Three Things Every Traditional Christmas Tree Must Have

Three Things Every Traditional Christmas Tree Must Have

By Roxanne Hughes Packham, Co-Author of the Hospitality Book: Inspired Design

For Photographs of these ideas and
more for Holiday design, visit www.InspiredDesignPublications.blogsp....

I can remember back thirty years ago, as a little girl, getting dressed up with my sister in our matching Christmas plaid dresses, getting ready for Christmas Eve dinner, and posing for pictures in front of our brick fireplace in our first house. I can still remember how excited we were for Santa Claus to come and leave presents, how much fun it was to have our crazy, loud family all together for Christmas. There are so many memories of Christmases past, but mostly the beautifully set tables and decorated trees and presents are the forefront of my memories. Our family is so much fun, and there was always so much laughter, loud and often hysterical storytelling, great food, and mostly an appreciation for our blessings, not material, but the blessing of our family.

Sometimes the decorating during the holidays gets so overwhelming, it becomes more daunting than it does desirable. You must keep in mind that for most people the memories made by Christmas past is the sweet memories that it conjures up time with family, friends, surrounded with textural delights all in celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. So keep that in mind when you are breaking out the decorations that you are simply setting the backdrop for memories for family and friends, not trying to get an award for the best tabletop design in the country nor the most amazing tree in the land. Most of our deepest desires for the Christmas Season are to make a lovely, festive memorable day for our nearest and dearest.

Keep the following in mind for your tree: There is no award for the most amazing tree (that I know of), but you will touch the hearts of all who enter your home and enjoy the beauty of your tree because your tree represents your family.


~ Family ornaments!

This may be funny to some who have more than 25 years of ornaments saved and carefully packed each year. Good for you! Even if you just buy one new ornament per year on a vacation, or special event someone in your family participated in it makes such a story once the tree is fully decorated. I like to take a permanent marker and write the specific event and year on each ornament, after purchasing, in case I forget all the little details. It makes decorating the tree quite a tradition as each person takes the ornaments out of the boxes and begins to reminisce about the event or trip. Even with shiny new ornaments the old ones really give a history for the family and meaning to the tree.

~ Sparkle!

This might go without saying, but little white lights and colorful red Christmas balls really go a long way in making a Christmas tree look Christmassy! The lights reflect off the balls and the more the better, in my opinion. It is traditional for the tree to be mainly red and green. Since the tree itself is green, invest mostly in red ball ornaments. The more little white lights the better, especially important towards the back. Hang the simple round ornaments way back towards the trunk so that it sparkles all the way through. Don't just hang the ornaments right on the front of the trees. Remember also to do a topper on the top! If yours broke, or you haven't had one, use ribbon and make a large loopy bow and stick it almost on the very top. This one you will have to tie to the tree with the bow facing towards the front.

~ Candy Canes and Bows!

Although I often do themed trees throughout the house, it is always our big main tree that I like to be very traditional, red and green, with all the family ornaments. And, of course, no Traditional tree would be complete without candy canes and bows! Hanging the candy canes on last after the tree is decorated is the easiest, filling in every spot where there isn't an ornament. They don't even need a hanger, but can just be set hanging on a branch! Tying bows can be fun while watching a favorite Christmas movie or listening to your favorite Christmas music. While I know sometimes the teenagers have other things to do, they are always glad we took some time to make some more Christmas memories together. Lastly, tie the bows. I recommend something very "red & green" like polka dot ribbon with those colors, or something very Christmas-plaid! Those say Christmas-time more than any other types of bows. You can either tie the bows right onto the candy cane before you hang it, or tie the bows, and use an ornament hanger on it to hang the bow. I find it way too hard to tie the bows onto the tree.

Enjoy your time together this Christmas. Time is the most precious thing there is with loved ones! Bless someone by asking them over for simple coffee and tea, and to enjoy your beautiful Tree. Practice Hospitality, Romans 12:13! Merry Christmas!

____________________

National Bible Week and giveaway

The role the Bible plays in the development of a Christian's life.

Leave a comment to be entered for a giveaway - instructions at the end.

I was supposed to pick a topic to write about from a list of topics, for this week. I'm not a Bible scholar, I don't know a lot about the different translations, but I am a pastor's wife. Our church is pretty conservative compared to most others and only uses the 1611 KJV Bible. That doesn't mean we don't use other versions for study though. My husband has a massive collection of Bibles.

I memorized scripture as a child from the KJV. That was pretty much the version used when I was a child. I do remember a 4 parallel New Testament I had as a child, but I don't remember what other translations it had included, other than the KJV.

I was involved in the AWANA clubs as a child and memorized a lot of scripture. Now, as an adult I find that I still remember most of the verses I learned. Sometimes when I'm praying a verse will come to mind that's encouraging. Sometimes one just comes to me when I'm stressed or trying to talk to someone else about Christ--His goodness, His Mercy, His grace, His promises...

My children didn't have the luxury of being in AWANAs. There aren't any in the area of the country we live in. Some churches tried them, but failed for one reason or another. But the church that we are in now, encourages its youth to memorize the Bible. Every Sunday the young people from itty bitty all the way up to High School students, come up and quote a verse or a passage out loud, from memory in front of the whole church. I really think this is wonderful, as it encourages memorization and someday these same children are going to be adults, and able to recall the verses they memorized.

To recap...in the words of my husband...

The Holy Spirit will call those verses to mind in times of crisis when you don't have a Bible handy; when you need to hear from the Lord about a situation, and you don't have time to get your concordance out, or your Topical Bible, and see what God has to say about this or that, the Holy Spirit will bring to mind those things God has said, the pertain to the subject, and God's word becomes REALLY REAL to you.

I will hide thine word in mine heart that I might not sin against thee... (KJV)


v 2 Timothy 3:15-17 (CEB): "15 Since childhood you have known the holy scriptures that help you to be wise in a way that leads to salvation through faith that is in Christ Jesus. 16 Every scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for showing mistakes, for correcting, and for training character, 17 so that the person who belongs to God can be equipped to do everything that is good."

v Romans 15:4 (CEB): "Whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction so that we could have hope through endurance and through the encouragement of the scriptures."

v 2 Peter 1:19-21 (CEB): 19 "In addition, we have a most reliable prophetic word, and you would do well to pay attention to it, just as you would to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 Most important, you must know that no prophecy of scripture represents the prophet's own understanding of things, 21 because no prophecy ever came by human will. Instead, men and women led by the Holy Spirit spoke from God."


Okay - to win a CEB of your own -

1. Leave a comment, including your contact information
2. Like CEB's Facebook page http://facebook.com/LiveTheBible for an additional entry. When you do, you'll immediately be able to print beautiful calligraphy Bible verses. Leave another comment saying that you have.
Bonus entries:
3. Follow my blog - either this one or my book review blog - and leave another comment tell me that you're a follower.
4. Twitter about this contest - and leave another comment saying you've done it.

10 Tips for Setting a Beautiful Holiday Table By Roxanne...

10 Tips for Setting a Beautiful Holiday Table

By Roxanne Hughes Packham,
Co-Author of the Hospitality Book: Inspired Design

In today's rough economic climate, keep in mind that although I hope to inspire you to set a beautiful Thanksgiving or Christmas table the real beauty comes from the thought and love you show your friends and family. Beautiful tables comprise equal parts from the "Inspired" & the "Design" categories. See examples: http://www.inspireddesignpublications....

Inspired

~Place cards
I love to use the ceramic place cards that can be written on with a wipe-off marker. You can quickly write people's names, a favorite quote or sentiment. Friends love that you thought about them before the dinner and even something as simple as writing their names on the place cards really makes them feel remembered.

~Welcome Sign
It is so welcoming, to have a sign somewhere near the front door to greet your family and friends. From a very personal "Welcome Smith Family" or a seasonal "Merry Christmas" to "We are so glad you are here" on a casual chalkboard or an elegant mirror or glass framed, and write with a wipe-off marker, that welcome sets the tone for the rest of the event. I used an antique French cupboard door and painted it with chalkboard paint on the raised panel part.

~Quote or Scripture
The most inspirational part of the Holiday table is the beautiful quotes and scriptures. It depends on the occasion, but a quote that is either inspiring or focused on gratitude is the favorite. There is nothing like feasting your eyes, and then your thoughts, on what we can be thankful for, especially as an example for our children. Scattering them around the home (powder room, end tables, above door jam's) is a great way to elevate your family and friends thoughts.

Design
~Fresh Greenery
Sometimes we mistakenly think a tabletop has to have flowers as a centerpiece to be really elegant and festive. Greenery is a wonderful, fresh and festive way to make a beautiful Christmas table. Simply cut a few small twigs of trees/bushes like pine or ivy, or my favorite boxwood branches, bay tree and magnolia leaves and put them in three smaller glass or crystal vases.

~Candles
No table is complete, in my opinion, with 5 to 7 little glass votives with white candles in them. The light sparkles and makes everything else on the table more beautiful and sets a soft, relaxing, often more romantic tone.

~Seasonal Piece
By seasonal I suggest a "Santa" figurine or such, a gingerbread house, or a standing cross to have in the center of the table. A clear jar of candy canes, M&M's or such would do just fine, as well. Think: Something available only at this time of year. I usually have plenty of items in the Holiday Decor that I switch out to put on the table for each dinner.

~Napkin Rings
These can be such a pretty way to pull a linen napkin through to set on a place and make a really beautiful table setting. You can use french ribbons, or plain silver rings and they help to really make a bigger impact for an inspiring table.

~Sparkling Glasses
Whether crystal or glass, tall freshly washed glass sparkle so much with the votive candles that it is hard to wrong with this combo. A tall glass and short glass of whatever kind you like is very dramatic and beautiful, set together. Whether colored or clear the sparkle is crucial for the holiday table.

~White Plates
Although I love to use seasonal chargers and salad plates a crisp white plate is the most beautiful element to my favorite tables. They can be dressed up or down, and makes each setting look fresh and not heavy and overdone.

~Seasonal Linens
Of course, linen napkins add the most wonderful touch of elegance to any table, and Christmas plaid or red and green are no exception. My grandfather, who was a "Silversmith to the Stars", loved a bare table with only plates (or placemats) but wasn't a fan of covering a beautiful wood table. I have followed suit. Try leaving the wood table bare! The natural elements together is beautiful and simple.

"I tell you, the more I think, the more I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people." ~ Vincent Van Gogh