Erica Vetsch's Blog, page 99
December 18, 2019
Those less-than-perfect Christmases with Seeker Myra Johnson
by Myra Johnson
Greetings, Seekerville! I’m so grateful to Missy for inviting me to join you again this Advent season to share Christmas memories.
I couldn’t decide on a single memory, partly because the Christmases that most readily come to mind aren’t necessarily the happiest. But perhaps those are the times that eventually mean the most because of the lessons they teach us about ourselves, our faith, and our God.
Like the first Christmas when neither of our daughters could be with us. One was married and spending the holiday with her husband’s family. The other, in college a few hundred miles away, chose to stay on campus and have Christmas with her best friend’s family. I was deeply immersed in self-pity that year, which I’m sure made the holiday a little less pleasant for everyone around me.
Since then, we’ve had more than a few occasions when distance combined with other circumstances prevented us from spending the holidays with our children and grandchildren—and it’ll be that way again this Christmas. Lonely holidays are one very big reason we made the decision this past year to move back to Texas, where we now have siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews nearby. Reconnecting with our extended family has been an ongoing blessing of support, companionship, and just plain fun!
God sets the lonely in families… (Psalm 68:6, NIV)
Another Christmas still strong in my memory happened two years ago, when we came home from the Christmas Eve candlelight service to discover our sweet elderly Shadow-dog in heart failure. We hurried him to the emergency veterinary hospital, then waited and prayed until early into Christmas morning. The doctor finally told us to go home and check back in several hours. Later on Christmas Day, we brought Shadow home, and though he was very weak, with medication and lots of TLC, he slowly improved over the next two weeks—until a sudden devastating setback sent us rushing to the vet clinic. We knew it was time to let him go, but I cherish our memories of this special rescue dog and thank God for the blessing of having him (and all the pets we’ve loved) in our lives.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4, NIV)
Though the Christmas of 2017 brought heartbreak, it also came with a symbol of hope. For several years I had been asking my husband if we could plant a redbud tree in the backyard. That Christmas, he surprised me with one. The blooms were sparse the following spring as the tree took root, and before I could see this year’s blossoms, we made our cross-country move from North Carolina to Texas. I missed my little tree, so earlier this month, we brought home another little redbud and planted it in our new backyard. As I anticipate those lovely magenta blooms, I’m reminded of the hope that only faith in Christ can offer: Reconciliation. Renewal. Rebirth. (I like those “3 Rs”!)
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior… (Titus 3:4–7, NIV)
Have you faced a difficult Christmas season that brought unexpected blessings and helped you grow in faith? Tell me about it in the comments. And no matter what your holidays bring this year, may you dwell in Christ’s eternal promise:
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18–19, NIV)
Today I’m giving away this beautiful Tree of Life cross (U.S. shipping address only), as well as a copy of my latest Love Inspired release, Their Christmas Prayer (ebook or print edition as available). To be entered in either or both drawings, mention your interest in the comments.
Have a blessed Christmas, my Seekerville friends!
* * *
Native Texan Myra Johnson writes emotionally gripping stories about love, life, and faith. Myra is a three-time Maggie Awards finalist, two-time finalist for the prestigious ACFW Carol Awards, winner of Christian Retailing’s Best for historical fiction, and winner in the Inspirational category of the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Awards. After living five years in Oklahoma, then eight years in the beautiful Carolinas, Myra and her husband are thrilled to be back in the Lone Star State enjoying wildflowers, Tex-Mex, and real Texas barbecue! The Johnsons share their home with two very pampered rescue dogs who don’t always understand the meaning of “Mom’s trying to write.” They’ve also inherited the cute little cat (complete with attitude) their daughter and family had to leave behind when they moved overseas.
Website Facebook Twitter: @MyraJohnson and @TheGrammarQueen Goodreads Instagram Pinterest
Sign up to receive Myra’s e-news updates here !Don't forget the overall Advent giveaway!
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December 17, 2019
Advent Day 18–Christmas Stories
By Debby Giusti
Advent encompasses the four weeks leading up to Christmas and is a time of preparation for the coming of the Christ Child. Each year, we invite him anew into our hearts and our homes, welcoming the tiny babe with gifts we present to the Christ we see in others as we celebrate his birth.
As Christians, we are filled with anticipation and expectation because we know that, just as long ago, a tiny child born in a stable and lying in a manger can and does transform our world today. That’s Good News.
Mystical Nativity, Sandro Botticelli, 1500-1501. [PD-US]Like you, I love stories. From the annunciation and visitation to the nativity and epiphany, I often imagine myself as one of the characters. Angels and shepherds, innkeepers and kings, the rich lineup allows me to enter fully into the story and invariably what occurred over two thousand years ago gives insight to my life today. God reveals himself through his stories, and I come to know him more fully as I break open the Word and study his sacred scripture.Each Christmas Eve, my family gathers around the tree and manger as my husband reads the Nativity Story from Luke’s gospel. Then we process through the house, carrying the baby Jesus, and knock on our closed bedroom doors that symbolize the times we have closed our hearts to the Lord. As we process, we sing Silent Night until, at last, we end up in front of the crèche and place the tiny baby in the manger. There we join hands, offer thanks for the past year and pray for God’s blessings in the year ahead.
Adoration of the Shepherds, Mattias Stom, 1635-1640. [PD-US]That tradition is part of our family story, part of who we are and how we embrace Christ’s birth each year. I know all of you have traditions that are part of your family story as well.Just as with scripture, our own stories are important. Our successes and failures, our struggles and joys reveal God’s mercy and love. In sharing our stories we better understand how the past shapes the present and gives meaning to the future, and that understanding draws us closer together as brothers and sisters in Christ.
One of my special Christmas stories involves the birth of my second child. Wanting to be in control of the situation, I had decided the baby would be born on or before my December 19 due date so we could be home from the hospital by December 25 to celebrate with my husband and toddler daughter.
Adoration of the Magi, Bartolome Esteban Murrillo, 1655-1660. [PD-US]Of course, I wasn’t in charge – God was! The first contraction hit at 8 A.M. on Christmas morn. Throughout my labor and delivery, I focused on the Christ Child’s birth and have always felt humbled that my son, who we named Joseph, would share a birthday with the Lord. God blessed me that Christmas with the gift of my baby. He also allowed me to live out the story of the Christ Child’s birth in a very special way.
If you have time to spare from your holiday preparation, grab a cup of coffee, fill your plate with pumpkin bread, fruit cake and quiche and share your special Christmas story. Leave a comment and your email to be entered in a drawing for a copy of HER FORGOTTEN AMISH PAST. Remember you’ll also be entered in the Big Seekerville Gift that one lucky person will win.
May the blessing of the Christ Child fill you anew as you celebrate his birth!
Merry Christmas!Debby Giustiwww.DebbyGiusti.com
HER FORGOTTEN AMISH PAST
By Debby Giusti
She can’t remember who she’s running from.
Is she safe with the Amish?
Someone wants Becca Troyer dead, but who or why is a mystery to her. Seeking refuge at the home of Amish farmer Zeke Hochstetler is her only hope to stay one step ahead of the killer. With every clue she finds about her past leading to more confusion, Becca and Zeke must untangle the truth before her pursuer discovers where she’s been hiding.
The perfect stocking stuffer...Order now at Amazon.
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December 16, 2019
Advent Day 17 - A Christmas Eve to Remember with Guest Laurel Blount
by Laurel Blount
Oh, what fun to be visiting Seekerville at Christmastime! Happy sigh. The very best part of the Christmas season is the time I get to spend with my favorite people!
I just love this time of year. I have to say, though, the day I love best is actually Christmas Eve. There’s something special about the last day before Christmas. All the work and preparations are done, the family has gathered close, and yet there’s still the hushed sense of sweet anticipation hanging in the air. For many years now, we’ve finished this beautiful day by attending a candlight service.
The Blount Family Christmas tree 2019When I was growing up, my family attended a very small, very sweet church in rural Georgia. Our minister traveled from a long distance to preach each Sunday, and it just wasn’t feasible for him to do a Christmas Eve service. I had never attended one.
A few years after I married, though, I experienced my very first Christmas Eve service. The gray stone church my husband and I went to that night reminded me of an Old-World cathedral. It was draped with green garlands for Christmas, and it was breathtakingly lovely. I thought the solemn candlight service held inside its echoing walls was the most beautiful and meaningful thing I had ever experienced, and attending the annual event became a Christmas Eve tradition.
I invited my parents the following year, and they loved it, too. As our children were born, they attended along with us. Every year, the service was moving and special—but I’ll always remember one year that had a little extra dash of magic.
We were savoring the final moments of the service. The sanctuary went completely dark, symbolizing the bleakness of the world before Christ’s arrival. The minister lit his candle from the Christ candle on the advent wreath and, with only his face illuminated by the flickering light, began reciting the famous passages from Luke. We were sitting in the pews, our own stubby white candles waiting to be lit, gearing up to sing Silent Night, as we’d done every year. I was anticipating the magical moment when each of us would be holding a little pinprick of light—but I admit, I was also privately wondering how I’d keep my eager children from setting each other or the sanctuary itself on fire.
Then my little son whispered, “Look, Mama!”
I glanced up—slowly, the giant, incredibly lovely stained-glass window at the front of the church began to glow with light. It started dim, then increased in brightness with every word the pastor read. By the time he’d finished the passage, the round, jewel-toned window was shining brilliantly against the darkness of the sanctuary. The whole congregation stared, slack-jawed until the minister, unaware of what had happened behind him, finally caught on and turned around. I’ll never forget the look on his face!
It turned out that the spotlight out on the front lawn had simply powered on as it did every night at a particular time, illuminating the front of the building. It wasn’t intentional, but the timing that night was absolutely impeccable. It was as if God had reached down and switched on the light Himself, just at the perfect moment.
We can no longer attend that stately old church, but I’ll always treasure the many beautiful Christmas memories we made there. So, for today’s “Georgia Christmas Memory” giveaway I’m offering a Georgia necklace, a “Merry Christmas” candle, an ornament featuring a sweet church, and a copy of my brand-new Love Inspired romance A Rancher to Trust—perfect to read beside a twinkling Christmas tree!
May all your Christmases be blessed, sweet friends—and sprinkled with moments of unexpected, amazing beauty!
Inspirational romance author Laurel Blount has been awarded the Georgia Romance Writers’ Maggie award and has been a finalist for the Carol award, the Holt Medallion and the New England Reader’s Choice Award. Stay in touch by subscribing to her monthly newsletter, full of news, down-home recipes and fun giveaways!
Oh, what fun to be visiting Seekerville at Christmastime! Happy sigh. The very best part of the Christmas season is the time I get to spend with my favorite people!I just love this time of year. I have to say, though, the day I love best is actually Christmas Eve. There’s something special about the last day before Christmas. All the work and preparations are done, the family has gathered close, and yet there’s still the hushed sense of sweet anticipation hanging in the air. For many years now, we’ve finished this beautiful day by attending a candlight service.
The Blount Family Christmas tree 2019When I was growing up, my family attended a very small, very sweet church in rural Georgia. Our minister traveled from a long distance to preach each Sunday, and it just wasn’t feasible for him to do a Christmas Eve service. I had never attended one.A few years after I married, though, I experienced my very first Christmas Eve service. The gray stone church my husband and I went to that night reminded me of an Old-World cathedral. It was draped with green garlands for Christmas, and it was breathtakingly lovely. I thought the solemn candlight service held inside its echoing walls was the most beautiful and meaningful thing I had ever experienced, and attending the annual event became a Christmas Eve tradition.
I invited my parents the following year, and they loved it, too. As our children were born, they attended along with us. Every year, the service was moving and special—but I’ll always remember one year that had a little extra dash of magic.
We were savoring the final moments of the service. The sanctuary went completely dark, symbolizing the bleakness of the world before Christ’s arrival. The minister lit his candle from the Christ candle on the advent wreath and, with only his face illuminated by the flickering light, began reciting the famous passages from Luke. We were sitting in the pews, our own stubby white candles waiting to be lit, gearing up to sing Silent Night, as we’d done every year. I was anticipating the magical moment when each of us would be holding a little pinprick of light—but I admit, I was also privately wondering how I’d keep my eager children from setting each other or the sanctuary itself on fire.
Then my little son whispered, “Look, Mama!”
I glanced up—slowly, the giant, incredibly lovely stained-glass window at the front of the church began to glow with light. It started dim, then increased in brightness with every word the pastor read. By the time he’d finished the passage, the round, jewel-toned window was shining brilliantly against the darkness of the sanctuary. The whole congregation stared, slack-jawed until the minister, unaware of what had happened behind him, finally caught on and turned around. I’ll never forget the look on his face!
It turned out that the spotlight out on the front lawn had simply powered on as it did every night at a particular time, illuminating the front of the building. It wasn’t intentional, but the timing that night was absolutely impeccable. It was as if God had reached down and switched on the light Himself, just at the perfect moment.
We can no longer attend that stately old church, but I’ll always treasure the many beautiful Christmas memories we made there. So, for today’s “Georgia Christmas Memory” giveaway I’m offering a Georgia necklace, a “Merry Christmas” candle, an ornament featuring a sweet church, and a copy of my brand-new Love Inspired romance A Rancher to Trust—perfect to read beside a twinkling Christmas tree!
May all your Christmases be blessed, sweet friends—and sprinkled with moments of unexpected, amazing beauty!
Inspirational romance author Laurel Blount has been awarded the Georgia Romance Writers’ Maggie award and has been a finalist for the Carol award, the Holt Medallion and the New England Reader’s Choice Award. Stay in touch by subscribing to her monthly newsletter, full of news, down-home recipes and fun giveaways!
December 15, 2019
Advent Day 16: Christmas Traditions That Tie Your Past to Your Present
by Jan Drexler
I've thought a lot about this post...exactly what does "Coming Home for Christmas" mean?
Jonas Weaver, the hero in my book "Sound of Distant Thunder," comes home in the third book in the series that is scheduled to be released by Revell in the fall of 2020. He has been in the army during the Civil War, and he longed for his home during the three long years he was gone. This is what he tells his friend, Aaron Zook:
“Family is important.” Jonas leaned back in the wagon seat. “Even when I was out East with the army, I knew my parents and the rest of my family were keeping me in their prayers. And home...”
His voice faded. He swallowed and then continued.
“Coming home wasn't to see the buildings and the farm, but to see the people. Katie, of course, but also my parents, my brother and sisters, the church family. That's what makes a home.”
Jonas' words remind me that even though I've lived in a lot of houses, the people and memories they contain are what makes them "home."
Traditions carried through the years become memories that speak of home.
The Christmas Tree is one of those traditions that we never neglect. From my first home in Ohio,
around 1960 in Ohio
to Michigan and beyond. Every year's tree is different (I've always had a real tree!), but the tradition is the same.
around 1963 in Michigan
Even though the family grows and changes...
1997 in Indiana...the tradition of the tree ties the years and memories together. We have ornaments from both sides of the family. This one has been part of my husband's Christmas tree since before he was born...
And this one came from my family, always having a place of honor in every year's tree.
Every ornament tells a story and connects us to Christmases past.
The hunt for the Christmas tree is an annual event that has also changed over the years. I remember hunting for the 1963 tree in my great-uncle's farm field in Vicksburg, Michigan. I also remember going to Christmas tree lots like the one in Charlie Brown's Christmas - searchlights scanning the sky overhead made the familiar parking lots into Winter Wonderlands.
For the past several years, our Christmas tree hunting expeditions have taken us deep into the Black Hills National Forest, where we never fail to find the best Christmas tree ever.
Is there a tradition in your family that ties your Christmases past and present together? Tell us about it in the comments!
And as a special Christmas surprise, one commenter will win a copy of The Sound of Distant Thunder, the first book in The Amish of Weaver's Creek series. This is the book where we meet Jonas as he leaves his home - not knowing if he will ever see it again. (Paperback US only. Kindle versions everywhere else.)
Jan Drexler lives in the Black Hills of South Dakota with her husband and growing family. When she isn't writing, she loves hiking in the Hills or satisfying her cross stitch addiction.
You can find Jan on Facebook, Jan Drexler, author, or her website, Jan Drexler.com
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I've thought a lot about this post...exactly what does "Coming Home for Christmas" mean?
Jonas Weaver, the hero in my book "Sound of Distant Thunder," comes home in the third book in the series that is scheduled to be released by Revell in the fall of 2020. He has been in the army during the Civil War, and he longed for his home during the three long years he was gone. This is what he tells his friend, Aaron Zook:
“Family is important.” Jonas leaned back in the wagon seat. “Even when I was out East with the army, I knew my parents and the rest of my family were keeping me in their prayers. And home...”
His voice faded. He swallowed and then continued.
“Coming home wasn't to see the buildings and the farm, but to see the people. Katie, of course, but also my parents, my brother and sisters, the church family. That's what makes a home.”
Jonas' words remind me that even though I've lived in a lot of houses, the people and memories they contain are what makes them "home."
Traditions carried through the years become memories that speak of home.
The Christmas Tree is one of those traditions that we never neglect. From my first home in Ohio,
around 1960 in Ohioto Michigan and beyond. Every year's tree is different (I've always had a real tree!), but the tradition is the same.
around 1963 in MichiganEven though the family grows and changes...
1997 in Indiana...the tradition of the tree ties the years and memories together. We have ornaments from both sides of the family. This one has been part of my husband's Christmas tree since before he was born...
And this one came from my family, always having a place of honor in every year's tree.
Every ornament tells a story and connects us to Christmases past.
The hunt for the Christmas tree is an annual event that has also changed over the years. I remember hunting for the 1963 tree in my great-uncle's farm field in Vicksburg, Michigan. I also remember going to Christmas tree lots like the one in Charlie Brown's Christmas - searchlights scanning the sky overhead made the familiar parking lots into Winter Wonderlands.
For the past several years, our Christmas tree hunting expeditions have taken us deep into the Black Hills National Forest, where we never fail to find the best Christmas tree ever.
Is there a tradition in your family that ties your Christmases past and present together? Tell us about it in the comments!
And as a special Christmas surprise, one commenter will win a copy of The Sound of Distant Thunder, the first book in The Amish of Weaver's Creek series. This is the book where we meet Jonas as he leaves his home - not knowing if he will ever see it again. (Paperback US only. Kindle versions everywhere else.)
Jan Drexler lives in the Black Hills of South Dakota with her husband and growing family. When she isn't writing, she loves hiking in the Hills or satisfying her cross stitch addiction.You can find Jan on Facebook, Jan Drexler, author, or her website, Jan Drexler.com
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December 14, 2019
Weekend Edition
If you are not familiar with our giveaway rules, take a minute to read them here. It keeps us all happy! All winners should send their name, address, and phone number to claim prizes. Note our new email address and please send your emails to Seekerville2@gmail.com
Saturday 12/7/19: Gabrielle Meyer's winner is Angeline! She wins a copy of A Mother's Secret
Monday: Missy Tippens shared about the Chrismon Tree as well as about dealing with grief at Christmas. The winner of her hand-painted angel is Kathy Bailey!
Tuesday: Sandra Leesmith returned to Seekerville with a post about her Christmas traditions. Winners of the copies of Ephesus: A Tale of Two Kingdoms by Mark Abel are: SKTimmer, Vince and Sandy Smith. Winner of the box of Sees Chocolate Mint Truffles is: Joy!Wednesday: Ruthy reminded us joy to the world from upstate New York! The winner of her 3-book bundle of books - A Hopeful Harvest, 2-in-1 A Soldier For Christmas and Her Holiday Family, Christmas At Star Inn - is Glynis
Thursday: Candee Fick stopped by Seekerville and talked about what to do if you can't be home for Christmas. The winner of an ecopy of Home For Christmas is Sherida Stewart!
Friday: Annie shared about changed plans & tried-and-true traditions. Winner of a box of re-readable books is Winnie Thomas!
Saturday: Rachel McMillan shared with us the magic of Christmas in Vienna and the story that inspired her love of the city. The winner of a copy of Love in Three Quarter Time is: Sandy Smith
Monday: Jan Drexler takes you into the past, following a Christmas tradition that never fails to take her Home for Christmas.
Tuesday: Laurel Blount will be joining us today!
Wednesday: Debby Giusti will provide a Christmas reflection you won't want to miss. Stop by and leave a comment to be entered in a drawing for Debby's latest release, HER FORGOTTEN AMISH PAST.
Thursday: Seeker Myra Johnson will be returning to Seekerville! She'll be sharing about Christmases that are less than perfect. Don't miss spending time with Myra again! She'll also be giving away her new book as well as a beautiful Tree of Life Cross. Friday: Winnie Griggs will be here sharing about one very different (for her) Christmas
Saturday: Carrie Schmidt will be sharing about a long-ago Christmas gone awry for her family (she's also sensing a theme to this week's posts! lol!!)
Missy Tippens has more devotionals being released in the 2020 edition of All God's Creatures: Daily Devotions for Animal Lovers! Don't miss a year of inspiration from Guideposts Books! Available now in print or e-book. Click here for more info.
Carrie Schmidt was a guest of the Writer's Chat - where she talked about blog tour dos and don'ts for authors - and one thing that EVERY author needs on their website! You can catch it HERE
And Ruthy's 26th LOVE INSPIRED book releases this Tuesday in the paperback edition! Book One of her "Golden Grove" series hits the shelves nationwide and she's so excited!!!! Look for
"A Hopeful Harvest" at Walmart, Krogers, Harris Teeter, Winn-Dixie and wherever mass market paperbacks are sold!
Why Writers Must Dig Deep To Mine Their Feelings by CS Lakin at Live Write Thrive
How Do You Measure Success? by Steve Laube
Imitating The Greats ... Helpful or Harmful? by Sarah Callender at Writer Unboxed
7 Ways Writers Can Overcome Holiday Anxiety by Colleen M Story at Writers In The Storm
December 13, 2019
Come Home for Christmas ~ With Rachel McMillan
Erica here. I'm thrilled to host my friend and fellow author Rachel McMillan here on the blog today. You're going to love her, (and if you haven't read her stories, you're going to love those, too!)
Christmas in my Creative Home ~ Rachel McMillan
Christmas is by far my favourite time of year. My dad always told us that the season truly starts for most around the time Americans celebrate their Thanksgiving, but I always started playing Christmas music (my favourite part of the holiday) the day after Remembrance Day. I come from a small town in Ontario where snow is in abundance and the gorgeous redbrick Victorian houses near the lake frost their shutters and rooftops with glorious Christmas lights. Where the homey, old-fashioned coffee shop with its paisley table cloths is shadowed by a ginormous Christmas tree and the smell of constantly baking goodies seeps through from the kitchen to meet my nose as I sit with my notebook. The nostalgic Christmas lover in me still loves to listen to the same Christmas CDs and still loves to visit my hometown to escape the bustle of Toronto’s also magical urban Christmas lights. But as I have grown older, Christmas has started to look a little bit different.
As a single woman, I have married my love of Christmas with my love for travel. While I still ensure I spend time with my family in my hometown, the past few years have found me carving out some Christmas-time research travel time in Prague, London, and the city of my heart: Vienna.
My love for Vienna is borne of a Christmas tradition I have kept since I was a girl. While some cuddle up with their families to read The Night before Christmas and others try British enunciation through the staves of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and others choose the holidays as a time to crack the spine on Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy, I have read Vienna Prelude by Bodie Thoene every Christmas since I was 10 years old. I won’t give you the exact math but that is over 25 times. It’s a tradition I keep for myself. Yes, while curled up on my parents’ couch on a visit home to my small hometown. Sometimes even in Vienna as I research my own Vienna-set contemporary romances and an upcoming historical novel. While not technically a Christmas book, two of the major sequences of the novel—especially of the hero and heroine’s romance ---are set at Christmastime in Vienna. While most kids dreamed of Prince Edward Island, a step through a wardrobe or a trip to the Shire, from that first reading and through subsequent Christmases afterward, I knew that there was only one dream city for me. While my first time there wasn’t at Christmas, there is something amazing about returning to it while the dozen Christkindl Markets including those at Stephansplatz, Schloss Belevedere and Maria Theresien Platz fill the whipped cream city with constant music, the smell of roasting maroni (chestnuts) and the colour of tiny porcelain mugs filled with punsch and glühwein. It is nothing short of magical to see the Graben and Kärtnerstrasse as well as the city’s iconic Ringstrasse alive with Christmas lights that drape in the shapes of icicles, chandeliers, and because it is the city of music, tiny notes.
The magic of a Christmas read that fostered my imagination as a child and had me wishing on our Christmas tree helps cultivate what I write as an adult. I just returned from a trip to Vienna last week--- a glorious Baroque city that is so far from the Christmases of my Ontario childhood that it makes me blink in surprise. Yet, while there, I always feel like it, too, is my home. Maybe my home in that I spend so much time there fictionally ---in my Three Quarter Time series and in an upcoming historical romance releasing with Harper Collins in 2021. Maybe because it has long been my imaginative home as I sink into the resplendently described pages of Vienna Prelude every year.
The fabric of our lives is so carefully sewn by the experiences that spark our imaginations and creativity and as authors it is so wonderful to think we have the potential of fashioning a new home for someone. A new tradition. I bet when Bodie Thoene began the first draft of her impeccably researched pre-war series she didn’t know some Pastor’s kid in small town Ontario would spin it into a life-long love letter to a city opulent and ornamented and dripping with Christmas lights. I bet she couldn’t have foreseen that the same Christmas read would spark my lifelong passion for Classical music, my years of training in classical voice and my desire to write books of my own someday.
Because we, writer, wield a powerful ability to ignite passion, to inspire travel, to prompt a reader to try a recipe or sign out a historical tome from the public library.
Christmas can mean home in the literary sense, yes, but it can also mean home in the creative sense. The city I so fell in love with in the words penned by another is a huge muse of mine: as deep an integral a character to my writing life as the human counterparts I set against its backdrop.
This Christmas take extra time to look at how a favourite song is crafted: the simple lyrics of the Alpen Carol Silent Night, the majesty of Charles Wesley’s ability to construct the entire trajectory of the Gospel message in Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. Pay attention to the resonant themes in It’s a Wonderful Life and how the story paints a deep picture of a small community unified by hope and goodwill. Think about the structure that continues to make A Christmas Carol a classic: even if your preferred version finds Gonzo in the role of Charles Dickens. Christmas for writers is a goldmine of themes, symbol and lush locales. Gatherings and parties and laughter and light. It’s a constant exercise in sensory description.
This Christmas make the holiday your creative home: who knows what small kid in some small town will have integrated your words as their longest held Christmas tradition.
Rachel McMillan is the author of The Herringford and Watts mysteries, The Van Buren and DeLuca mysteries and The Three Quarter Time series of contemporary Viennese romances. Her next work of historical fiction, The London Restoration, releases in Summer 2020 with Harper Collins and takes readers deep into the heart of London's most beautiful churches. Dream, Plan, Go (Harvest House) is her first work of non-fiction. Rachel lives in Toronto, Canada and is always planning her next adventure. 
Erica here again: Rachel is giving away a kindle copy of Love in Three Quarter Time!
Leave a comment here telling us of the city where you'd most like to experience Christmas!
A winner will be drawn and announced in this week's Weekend Edition!
Here's a bit about Love in Three Quarter Time:
Evelyn Watt fell in love with Austrian marketing director Rudy Moser the moment he stepped into their Boston firm. With his ice blue eyes and chocolate-melting accent, he is as refined as she imagines his home country to be. When Evelyn finds herself unexpectedly unemployed right before Christmas, she is left with an unknown future until Rudy steps in with a job appraising, assessing and cataloging heirlooms, lending her American vernacular to the translated descriptions to give each item international appeal. Evelyn will live in Vienna for the months leading up to a grand auction at a party held in conjunction with the Opera Ball—on Valentine’s Day.
Vienna is a magical blend of waltzing, antiques, and bottomless cups of Einspanner coffee at the Café Mozart. When a secret from Rudy's family's past blows in with the winter chill, Evelyn is forced to confront how well she knows the object of her affection. Her café tablemate, the gruff and enigmatic Klaus Bauner might be the only person who holds the key to Rudy’s past. But could that key also unlock her future? In the days leading up to the Opera Ball, Evelyn finds herself in the middle of the greatest romance of her life…as long as she doesn’t trip over her two left feet.
Don't have a kindle? Don't worry! You can enter the drawing below for a chance to Win One! (If you don't win, don't worry there either. You can download the free kindle app for your phone, tablet, or laptop/desktop computer, too!)
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December 12, 2019
Advent Day 13: It's a Wonderful Life
What are your plans this Christmas season?
Every Christmas, we would typically travel to visit and spend time with family. Due to unexpected reasons, this year, we have to stay put at home. Yet, it has turned into more of a blessing because it gives us time to rest.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. - Matthew 11:28-30
It's been quite a year for us, both personally and professionally. So this time of rest is welcome, despite not being able to spend the holidays with family. However, our traditions will still continue, which includes watching It's a Wonderful Life together every Christmas season. Spending time together with our two miniature schnauzers and watching a Christmas classic sounds just about perfect.
Another seasonal tradition for me includes rereading classics and beloved stories. I've mentioned it in a past Seekerville post. My vision has been troublesome of late, so I'm not sure how much rereading I'll be able to do, but I'm adding audio book versions of a few favorites to my "to be listen" pile for this season.
With that said, I would love to give away a box of some great books that are worth a reread to one US winner. Just leave a comment below letting us know you'd like to enter. Be sure to enter our year-end giveaway to win an Amazon Kindle Fire via the Rafflecopter below!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Annie is proud to be one of the founding stewards of the Christian Fiction Readers Retreat (CFRR), the first readers' retreat of its kind, and the cofounder of JustRead Publicity Tours. She loves all things book and bookish, and most of all, Jesus. Next to reading, her other interests include spending time with family and friends, eating, playing with her miniature schnauzer pups, Gabby and Reagan, and somehow challenge her non-existent athletic abilities to improve (tremendously) her tennis and golf game. You can find her at @justcommonly on Instagram.
December 11, 2019
Advent Day 12 – When You Can’t Be “Home” for Christmas
Please welcome guest, Candee Fick
I’m thrilled to be back on Seekerville in time for a Christmas countdown. And like the others so far, I’ve got a Christmas memory and a giveaway…
First, the memory.
A few weeks ago, here in Colorado, we got a dumping of snow. And while we had to dig out from almost 20 inches of the white stuff right before Thanksgiving, it wasn’t the biggest storm I’ve experienced. That one was dubbed the Blizzard of ’82. (Yes, 1982. And if you’re into math as well as reading, I was eleven at the time with two younger brothers.)
It was Christmas Eve and we began our annual trek from the foothills of Colorado four hours south into New Mexico to celebrate with my grandparents. I say began, because even though my parents roused us long before dawn due to the falling snow, it was after noon before we’d made it to the south side of Denver.
At which point the Interstate was closed and we were forced off the highway into the small town of Castle Rock. The highway patrol made it sound like the unhindered plows were going to sweep down the road and then traffic would be allowed access again.
But the snow kept falling and their plans changed and suddenly we were stranded away from home for the night while every available hotel room in town was already taken. I can’t imagine what my parents were feeling to be out of options, but I do remember Dad pulling into a gas station to fill up the tank thinking we’d be staying in our car overnight with the engine and heater running.
Merry Christmas, right?
But once inside to pay (we used to do that back in the day), he learned that a local church had opened their doors as a shelter for stranded travelers and our family headed there instead.
What happened next was the most meaningful Christmas I’ve ever celebrated. Away from home and extended family. Surrounded by strangers. Eating a haphazard potluck donated by local women and grocery stores. Attending a very traditional Christmas Eve service in jeans and snow boots (a far cry from my Pentecostal, dressed-to-the-nines childhood) while my mother played the piano and my brothers and I were asked to light the Advent candles (something I’d never heard of before). Sleeping with my mom on a couch in the ladies’ restroom while my brothers and dad slept on the floor in a nursery. Awakening on Christmas morning with no presents in sight…except the gift of more donated food and the laughter of new friends as a white-bearded fellow traveler in a long-sleeved red shirt handed out donated net stockings filled with candy and small toys to the smaller children.
It was the heart of Christmas amid two feet of snow. And even though later that day we were able to continue our journey to my grandparents’ house, I’ve never forgotten the reminder that the home of Christmas is rooted in the celebration of Christ’s birth not our traditions or decorations.
Now, the giveaway. Actually, there are two. First, since Audra loved it so much, I’m letting you all download the recipe for Pumpkin Pecan Tea Bread https://candeefick.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Pumpkin-Pecan-Tea-Bread-Recipe-1.pdf that I gave to all my newsletter subscribers. There are those who think pumpkin is a Thanksgiving flavor, but I find the mixture of pumpkin and cinnamon equally festive for Christmas.
And for one lucky random commenter, I’ve got an ebook copy of my next book that’s releasing on the 15th. (It’s on a pre-order special of just $.99 so grabbing it now would be a good idea.) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081BB5RNF Home For Christmasis the final book in the Wardrobe Series and continues the plotline of a secondary character from Sing a New Song, so you might want to pick that one up too. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QHYNTJC/
The blurb:Grace Mitchell's dream of creating music derailed when she saw firsthand how fame could change a person. After choosing a more stable career, she's content to build her future in backwoods Missouri until the reminder of her broken heart walks in the door of her father's bait shop.
Tyler Sherwood left it all behind for a chance at the national spotlight, but a backstage revelation changed everything. Embarrassed to face his family after his failure, he retreats to a rustic cabin to regroup...and comes face to face with an intriguing young woman and an old guitar.
When sparks fly, will they leave her singing or singed? Can the message and the music reignite dormant dreams and bring him home for Christmas?
So, here’s the question for you. How would you celebrate if you were far from home at Christmas? And have you ever been stranded in a storm with strangers?
-----
BIO: Candee Fick is a romance editor for a small Christian press and a multipublished, award-winning author. She is the wife of a high school football coach and the mother of three children, including a daughter with a rare genetic syndrome. When not busy editing or writing, she can be found cheering on the home team at sporting events, exploring the great Colorado outdoors, indulging in dark chocolate, and savoring happily-ever-after endings through a good book.
You can find out more about her and sign up for her newsletter on her website https://candeefick.com or head straight to Amazon to find all her books. https://www.amazon.com/Candee-Fick/e/B0056B94VE/
I’m thrilled to be back on Seekerville in time for a Christmas countdown. And like the others so far, I’ve got a Christmas memory and a giveaway…
First, the memory.
A few weeks ago, here in Colorado, we got a dumping of snow. And while we had to dig out from almost 20 inches of the white stuff right before Thanksgiving, it wasn’t the biggest storm I’ve experienced. That one was dubbed the Blizzard of ’82. (Yes, 1982. And if you’re into math as well as reading, I was eleven at the time with two younger brothers.)
It was Christmas Eve and we began our annual trek from the foothills of Colorado four hours south into New Mexico to celebrate with my grandparents. I say began, because even though my parents roused us long before dawn due to the falling snow, it was after noon before we’d made it to the south side of Denver.
At which point the Interstate was closed and we were forced off the highway into the small town of Castle Rock. The highway patrol made it sound like the unhindered plows were going to sweep down the road and then traffic would be allowed access again.
But the snow kept falling and their plans changed and suddenly we were stranded away from home for the night while every available hotel room in town was already taken. I can’t imagine what my parents were feeling to be out of options, but I do remember Dad pulling into a gas station to fill up the tank thinking we’d be staying in our car overnight with the engine and heater running.Merry Christmas, right?
But once inside to pay (we used to do that back in the day), he learned that a local church had opened their doors as a shelter for stranded travelers and our family headed there instead.
What happened next was the most meaningful Christmas I’ve ever celebrated. Away from home and extended family. Surrounded by strangers. Eating a haphazard potluck donated by local women and grocery stores. Attending a very traditional Christmas Eve service in jeans and snow boots (a far cry from my Pentecostal, dressed-to-the-nines childhood) while my mother played the piano and my brothers and I were asked to light the Advent candles (something I’d never heard of before). Sleeping with my mom on a couch in the ladies’ restroom while my brothers and dad slept on the floor in a nursery. Awakening on Christmas morning with no presents in sight…except the gift of more donated food and the laughter of new friends as a white-bearded fellow traveler in a long-sleeved red shirt handed out donated net stockings filled with candy and small toys to the smaller children.
It was the heart of Christmas amid two feet of snow. And even though later that day we were able to continue our journey to my grandparents’ house, I’ve never forgotten the reminder that the home of Christmas is rooted in the celebration of Christ’s birth not our traditions or decorations.
Now, the giveaway. Actually, there are two. First, since Audra loved it so much, I’m letting you all download the recipe for Pumpkin Pecan Tea Bread https://candeefick.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Pumpkin-Pecan-Tea-Bread-Recipe-1.pdf that I gave to all my newsletter subscribers. There are those who think pumpkin is a Thanksgiving flavor, but I find the mixture of pumpkin and cinnamon equally festive for Christmas.
And for one lucky random commenter, I’ve got an ebook copy of my next book that’s releasing on the 15th. (It’s on a pre-order special of just $.99 so grabbing it now would be a good idea.) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081BB5RNF Home For Christmasis the final book in the Wardrobe Series and continues the plotline of a secondary character from Sing a New Song, so you might want to pick that one up too. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QHYNTJC/
The blurb:Grace Mitchell's dream of creating music derailed when she saw firsthand how fame could change a person. After choosing a more stable career, she's content to build her future in backwoods Missouri until the reminder of her broken heart walks in the door of her father's bait shop.
Tyler Sherwood left it all behind for a chance at the national spotlight, but a backstage revelation changed everything. Embarrassed to face his family after his failure, he retreats to a rustic cabin to regroup...and comes face to face with an intriguing young woman and an old guitar.
When sparks fly, will they leave her singing or singed? Can the message and the music reignite dormant dreams and bring him home for Christmas?
So, here’s the question for you. How would you celebrate if you were far from home at Christmas? And have you ever been stranded in a storm with strangers?
-----
BIO: Candee Fick is a romance editor for a small Christian press and a multipublished, award-winning author. She is the wife of a high school football coach and the mother of three children, including a daughter with a rare genetic syndrome. When not busy editing or writing, she can be found cheering on the home team at sporting events, exploring the great Colorado outdoors, indulging in dark chocolate, and savoring happily-ever-after endings through a good book.You can find out more about her and sign up for her newsletter on her website https://candeefick.com or head straight to Amazon to find all her books. https://www.amazon.com/Candee-Fick/e/B0056B94VE/
December 10, 2019
Advent Day 11: Wishing You a Very Merry!
Oh come, all ye faithful...
And come, too, even if you're not faithful.
Come and drink our coffee. Sip our eggnog or hot apple cider. Grab a cup of grog, whatever that is.
For unto us a child is born!
Unto us a son is given.
I mean, who does that? Who offers up their child for the good of mankind?
God. The man himself. The big guy upstairs.
Alleluia.
This is a month for the celebration of faith, of family, of friends. To be grateful for each and every little blessing we have... which brings up one of my favorite Bing Crosby songs
Counting Your Blessings
So for this beautiful month, a month where I'm blessed to celebrate a new book release!!!!
You can preorder A Hopeful Harvest here!
I want to wish you all a beautiful holiday season, a blessed Christmas, and a peace-filled, prayer-filled Advent. But with the demands and expectations we put on ourselves, a peace-filled prayer-filled December is tricky, isn't it? So here are some ideas for simplifying things: Ring some bells for charity. This has become a family tradition and look how our group has grown! Isn't that cool? In the beginning it was just me, then me and Mandy and Beth, and now whole families join in and every year I'm reminded of how inhospitable our winter weather is here in Western New York.
Read a story to cute little kids or big kids... we all love stories and hot cocoa!
And prayer, of course. Where would we be without the simple gift of prayer?
I love this season of preparation. Now that I'm not exactly young and possibly have gained a tiny measure of wisdom, I love to get the busyness done in November... and take December for me, for prayer, for baking, for smiling and watching sappy movies. To go to kids' concerts, to take part in little lives.
We are blessed to be part of the celebration, but even more to be part of the preparation. And may the work of our hands bless our time on this earth. Merry Christmas to all of you, and because we love giving presents away during this Advent season, I've got copies of my newest Love Inspired, a delightful 2-in-1 just released for this holiday season and a Kindle copy of "Christmas at Star Inn" a wonderful anthology with Mary Connealy and Margaret Brownley. Three books... one winner. A special little package from me to you! Just leave a comment below... and tell us what you do to keep Jesus as the reason for the season?
Multi-published author Ruth Logan Herne wishes you all a very Merry Christmas from Western New York where she tucks herself into the quiet of the night to write beautiful stories of faith, hope and love... and drink coffee and diet Mountain Dew. And occasionally eat Fritos for breakfast because corn is corn, right? Fritos = Corn flakes. Just different.
Email Ruthy at loganherne@gmail.com, friend her on facebook, follow her on Twitter or visit her website ruthloganherne.com
a Rafflecopter giveaway
And come, too, even if you're not faithful.
Come and drink our coffee. Sip our eggnog or hot apple cider. Grab a cup of grog, whatever that is.
For unto us a child is born!
Unto us a son is given.
I mean, who does that? Who offers up their child for the good of mankind?
God. The man himself. The big guy upstairs.
Alleluia.
This is a month for the celebration of faith, of family, of friends. To be grateful for each and every little blessing we have... which brings up one of my favorite Bing Crosby songs
Counting Your Blessings
So for this beautiful month, a month where I'm blessed to celebrate a new book release!!!!
You can preorder A Hopeful Harvest here!
I want to wish you all a beautiful holiday season, a blessed Christmas, and a peace-filled, prayer-filled Advent. But with the demands and expectations we put on ourselves, a peace-filled prayer-filled December is tricky, isn't it? So here are some ideas for simplifying things: Ring some bells for charity. This has become a family tradition and look how our group has grown! Isn't that cool? In the beginning it was just me, then me and Mandy and Beth, and now whole families join in and every year I'm reminded of how inhospitable our winter weather is here in Western New York.
Read a story to cute little kids or big kids... we all love stories and hot cocoa!
And prayer, of course. Where would we be without the simple gift of prayer?
I love this season of preparation. Now that I'm not exactly young and possibly have gained a tiny measure of wisdom, I love to get the busyness done in November... and take December for me, for prayer, for baking, for smiling and watching sappy movies. To go to kids' concerts, to take part in little lives.
We are blessed to be part of the celebration, but even more to be part of the preparation. And may the work of our hands bless our time on this earth. Merry Christmas to all of you, and because we love giving presents away during this Advent season, I've got copies of my newest Love Inspired, a delightful 2-in-1 just released for this holiday season and a Kindle copy of "Christmas at Star Inn" a wonderful anthology with Mary Connealy and Margaret Brownley. Three books... one winner. A special little package from me to you! Just leave a comment below... and tell us what you do to keep Jesus as the reason for the season?
Multi-published author Ruth Logan Herne wishes you all a very Merry Christmas from Western New York where she tucks herself into the quiet of the night to write beautiful stories of faith, hope and love... and drink coffee and diet Mountain Dew. And occasionally eat Fritos for breakfast because corn is corn, right? Fritos = Corn flakes. Just different.Email Ruthy at loganherne@gmail.com, friend her on facebook, follow her on Twitter or visit her website ruthloganherne.com
a Rafflecopter giveaway
December 9, 2019
Advent Day 10 -- Christmas Traditions with Seeker Sandra Leesmith
Sandra Leesmith
Hello Seekerville,
What a blessing to be invited back to fellowship with you. I understand we are sharing our Christmas traditions. How fun is that? I am enjoying the traditions shared so far and look forward to the rest of the month.
For years hubby and I spent Thanksgiving with his folks and Christmas with mine. Every year, we would drive to Lake Tahoe and spend the two weeks of Christmas break with my mom. After the 16 hour drive, we would arrive to the welcoming smells of pine trees outdoors and indoors, pot roast in the crock pot that she always had ready for us. To this day, I can smell that pot roast and to this day, I still can’t make it like Mom did. sigh.
We stopped taking pictures because every year we looked the same and sometimes we were even in the same bathrobe and slippers. But Mom always had the tree up with her special ornaments and she would put up the nativity scene that I made for her in the seventies.
Since my folks have passed to be with the Lord on His birthday, we still have some of the same traditions. I inherited the nativity scene and put that up every year.
I have many of the same ornaments on the tree. When Mom was with us, I always bought an ornament from where we were traveling. So I inherited those also. Now don’t laugh at our tree. It is on a table so that it is above tail height of our Labrador Retrievers we’ve had over the years. If you know labs, their tails can wipe off all the ornaments with one wag and our pups were happy.
One of our other traditions is that with my family, we always made our gifts. This adorable mouse was made by my sister. So he goes up every year.
I inherited the snowman that my sister made for my mom. He goes up every year. I usually put him on the couch, but this year he is sitting in a bookcase because we are pet sitting a spaniel who loves sitting on the couch.
For many years we were in our motorhome, so decorations were limited. (However, must admit a lot easier LOL) I posted this years ago, but thought I’d remind you how much fun we had in RV resorts during Christmas.
But now we have made some more life changes and are not traveling in our motorhome. We are enjoying our beautiful homes so can decorate and follow old traditions from the past. One of my traditions that I’ve followed no matter what lifestyle we were enjoying is to write a poem to include in our Christmas cards. They are always pretty corny, but they tell our friends the highlights of the year. You can get the idea from this year’s poem.
On Christmas morning, we always read the Christmas story from the Bible and enjoy a cup of coffee and orange bread made from Grandma’s recipe. I shared that with you in one of my earlier posts, but will be happy to share it again. I used to make the orange bread to give my family for Christmas, but my darling nieces have taken up that tradition. (I’m so thankful) To make up for my slack, I do give everyone a box of Sees candy.
Recipe GRANDMA’S ORANGE BREAD
From Sandra Leesmith Serves 12
Cooking time 1 hour Preheat oven to 350 degreesIngredients:2 rinds of medium orange (chopped) 3 cups flour2 cups water 3 tsp baking powder½ cup sugar 1 tsp salt1 tbsp Crisco or coconut oil 1 cup milk1 cup sugar 1 egg beaten Cook rind in water until tender (@ 10 min). Drain water, add ½ cup sugar until it melts. Cool mixture.Add 1 cup sugar to melted Crisco. Mix well. Add beaten egg. Then add cooled orange rind mix.Sift dry ingredients and add alternately with milk to range mixture beating well after each addition. Begin and end with flour mixture.Pour in greased loaf pan. Sprinkle sugar on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 60 minutes. Cool on rack ten minutes. Remove from pan and cool.
One of the things I do faithfully every day is list all the things I am thankful for. This pleases the Lord and it gets me in the right Christmas attitude because we do have so much to be thankful for.
One thing I’m always thankful for is a good romance novel. Thank you all for writing such wonderful books for us to share.
For a gift, I’m celebrating with a long time follower of Seekerville, Mark Abel. His first novel just came out and I’m giving away 2 ebook copies of Ephesus A Tale of Two Cities.
And in honor of my Christmas tradition, I’m giving away a box of Sees Chocolate Mint Truffles (My favorite Christmas sweet)
Please indicate in your comment if you’re interested in your name going in the drawing for these gifts.
Have a wonderful holiday season, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Sandra Leesmith wrote many sweet romances designed to warm the heart and make you smile. Sandra loves to play pickleball, hike, read, and bicycle. A retired teacher and author, she lives in Arizona with her husband.
Find books by Sandra Leesmith in both Kindle and Print versions.
Several of Sandra’s books are also available in audio version.
You can contact Sandra at:
Website: sandraleesmith.com
Facebook: Sandra Wardman Smith
Don't forget the Advent Giveaway!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Hello Seekerville,
What a blessing to be invited back to fellowship with you. I understand we are sharing our Christmas traditions. How fun is that? I am enjoying the traditions shared so far and look forward to the rest of the month.
For years hubby and I spent Thanksgiving with his folks and Christmas with mine. Every year, we would drive to Lake Tahoe and spend the two weeks of Christmas break with my mom. After the 16 hour drive, we would arrive to the welcoming smells of pine trees outdoors and indoors, pot roast in the crock pot that she always had ready for us. To this day, I can smell that pot roast and to this day, I still can’t make it like Mom did. sigh.
We stopped taking pictures because every year we looked the same and sometimes we were even in the same bathrobe and slippers. But Mom always had the tree up with her special ornaments and she would put up the nativity scene that I made for her in the seventies.
Since my folks have passed to be with the Lord on His birthday, we still have some of the same traditions. I inherited the nativity scene and put that up every year.
I have many of the same ornaments on the tree. When Mom was with us, I always bought an ornament from where we were traveling. So I inherited those also. Now don’t laugh at our tree. It is on a table so that it is above tail height of our Labrador Retrievers we’ve had over the years. If you know labs, their tails can wipe off all the ornaments with one wag and our pups were happy.
One of our other traditions is that with my family, we always made our gifts. This adorable mouse was made by my sister. So he goes up every year.
I inherited the snowman that my sister made for my mom. He goes up every year. I usually put him on the couch, but this year he is sitting in a bookcase because we are pet sitting a spaniel who loves sitting on the couch.
For many years we were in our motorhome, so decorations were limited. (However, must admit a lot easier LOL) I posted this years ago, but thought I’d remind you how much fun we had in RV resorts during Christmas.
But now we have made some more life changes and are not traveling in our motorhome. We are enjoying our beautiful homes so can decorate and follow old traditions from the past. One of my traditions that I’ve followed no matter what lifestyle we were enjoying is to write a poem to include in our Christmas cards. They are always pretty corny, but they tell our friends the highlights of the year. You can get the idea from this year’s poem.
On Christmas morning, we always read the Christmas story from the Bible and enjoy a cup of coffee and orange bread made from Grandma’s recipe. I shared that with you in one of my earlier posts, but will be happy to share it again. I used to make the orange bread to give my family for Christmas, but my darling nieces have taken up that tradition. (I’m so thankful) To make up for my slack, I do give everyone a box of Sees candy.
Recipe GRANDMA’S ORANGE BREAD
From Sandra Leesmith Serves 12
Cooking time 1 hour Preheat oven to 350 degreesIngredients:2 rinds of medium orange (chopped) 3 cups flour2 cups water 3 tsp baking powder½ cup sugar 1 tsp salt1 tbsp Crisco or coconut oil 1 cup milk1 cup sugar 1 egg beaten Cook rind in water until tender (@ 10 min). Drain water, add ½ cup sugar until it melts. Cool mixture.Add 1 cup sugar to melted Crisco. Mix well. Add beaten egg. Then add cooled orange rind mix.Sift dry ingredients and add alternately with milk to range mixture beating well after each addition. Begin and end with flour mixture.Pour in greased loaf pan. Sprinkle sugar on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 60 minutes. Cool on rack ten minutes. Remove from pan and cool.
One of the things I do faithfully every day is list all the things I am thankful for. This pleases the Lord and it gets me in the right Christmas attitude because we do have so much to be thankful for.
One thing I’m always thankful for is a good romance novel. Thank you all for writing such wonderful books for us to share.
For a gift, I’m celebrating with a long time follower of Seekerville, Mark Abel. His first novel just came out and I’m giving away 2 ebook copies of Ephesus A Tale of Two Cities.
And in honor of my Christmas tradition, I’m giving away a box of Sees Chocolate Mint Truffles (My favorite Christmas sweet)
Please indicate in your comment if you’re interested in your name going in the drawing for these gifts.
Have a wonderful holiday season, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Sandra Leesmith wrote many sweet romances designed to warm the heart and make you smile. Sandra loves to play pickleball, hike, read, and bicycle. A retired teacher and author, she lives in Arizona with her husband.
Find books by Sandra Leesmith in both Kindle and Print versions.
Several of Sandra’s books are also available in audio version.
You can contact Sandra at:
Website: sandraleesmith.com
Facebook: Sandra Wardman Smith
Don't forget the Advent Giveaway!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
