Most Important Message Shared All Year: He Lives!

Guest Post  
by Monica Cole

Resurrection Sunday is a time to Rejoice! Jesus paid a debt for us that no one else could ever pay so that we could be in heaven with Him for eternity. God gave the perfect sacrifice, His only Son, and if we believe in Him, then we will be forgiven and saved from our sins.

To be saved, you must believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for EVERYONE'S sins, including your own, so that one day we could be with our Heavenly Father. If you believe Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sins, you will also need to admit you are a sinner - as we all are. Romans 3:23 KJV says, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." If you have never confessed your sin and belief in Christ, take time to do it right now. Jesus is the only way to be saved from your sins and receive eternal life.

On the third day, he rose again from the dead. This is the Good News that Christians celebrate: His Resurrection! He is ALIVE! And one day our Savior will return. He, and only He, sets us free from our sins! "Jesus saith unto him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me'." John 14:6 KJV

The birth of Jesus is wonderful, but the resurrection is even more exciting. It is the finale to the Christmas story. Jesus accomplished what he came for. Jesus' last words before dying on the cross were documented in John 19:30 as, "It is finished." He knew that all was now completed and that Scripture would be fulfilled. To suggest that more needs to be done to earn your way to heaven is the same as saying Jesus died for nothing. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV

Nails were not what held Jesus to the cross. Jesus had the power to come down from that cross, but He knew this is what had to be done for His believers to be saved. He died on the cross for you and me because of His love for us. He loved us that much! "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16 KJV

If you know of someone who is not saved, please pass this on to them. Share the greatest gift of all with them: a relationship with Jesus Christ and eternal life. Also, share this with your brothers and sisters in Christ so they may use this to share with others. God commands that we share the gospel with others. We need to help one another become passionate followers of Jesus Christ.

For a powerful resource to use while witnessing and for more answers as you seek to know Him, go to http://knowhim.afr.net.

Have a meaningful Holy Week and blessed Resurrection celebration!

Sincerely,

Monica Cole, Director
OneMillionMoms.com

P.S. Please forward this to your family and friends! Become a fan of OneMillionMoms on Facebook! If you use Twitter, keep up with the latest information by following us. 

Great Thanksgiving freebie at Comfy in the Kitchen

I have to tell you about this great Thanksgiving ebook that Comfy in the Kitchen and The Better Mom are offering... for FREE!

I downloaded it yesterday and it is amazing!!! So many great recipes and perfect for the holidays. If you're like me... you'll want to print them all. They have included pictures of each recipe as well as photos of 'how-to' along the way. I made the Thanksgiving Ham last year for Christmas and my family loved it!

Click on this link to download "Comfy in the Kitchen on Thanksgiving"
Then... click on the link at the end of their post.

Please... take a minute to look around at these great blogs.


Comfy in the Kitchen is my favorite blog for recipes. Janelle has many great recipes to choose from. She has photos of every recipe and includes all the steps along the way. Beautifully done. I'm sure it will become a favorite of yours as well.

The Better Mom is a great place to learn how to be.... well, a better mom. Who couldn't use more tips like that? Everything from meal planning to organization is offered here. Check it out. I'm sure you'll find something useful.

Both of these blogs are written by women who have a heart for the Lord and are willing to share what they know with others. They are both favorites of mine.


When you find something good.... you just have to share it.


Thanks for reading and God bless! :)

Baby, It's Cold Outside by Susan May Warren

About the Book

Hope finds the hopeless when a storm hits.

 

It's Christmas weekend 1949, and despite the threat of a storm, the townspeople of Frost are determined to continue their holiday traditions, if only as a means to forget the war that they had all just suffered through. But the suffering hasn't ended for Dottie Morgan who lost her only son in the war. She's preparing to wallow in her isolation for the weekend, when Violet, nearly a spinster at age 29, dares to make a request that will force Dottie to publicly revive the memory of her dead son.

 

When a storm traps the two women at home with a strange young man who has an unbelievable confession and a neighbor with more to do with Violet's past than she would like, no one can predict how this Christmas will give them all a second chance.

 

Read an excerpt here and find out the story behind the novel.

My Review

Baby, It's Cold Outside is a wonderful story set in the town of Frost, Minnesota during the post-WWII era. At a time when the country is healing from the hardships and heartache of war, five people, some strangers... some old acquaintances, are forced to take shelter together in a 'storm house'. This is where the real healing begins.

There are some great lessons in this story. Dottie and Gordy have lost many years to unforgiveness toward each other... and themselves. Stubborness that keeps them from turning to God after the loss of Dottie's son keeps them both in pain, unable to receive healing. Violet and Jake have been damaged by the views of others... allowing them to determine their worth. Only now, after being forced together by a huge blizzard, are they each learning to receive healing... though not looking for healing themselves, yet receiving it still... in the healing they offer to one another.

Even though I didn't live during this time period, Susan May Warren painted a picture so vivid that it felt like I had. A heartwarming read with characters so real in their description that you would think they actually lived. I found myself longing for the comforts of Dottie's home and the simplicity of the day, and I felt the hopes and heartaches of the characters.

A wonderful book, great for the holidays or any day. It will quickly become a favorite.

You can buy the book here.

*Litfuse Publicity Group has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review. ~ Thanks!

About Susan

 

Susan May Warren is an award-winning, best-selling author of over twenty-five novels, many of which have won the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, the ACFW Book of the Year award, the Rita Award, and have been Christy finalists. After serving as a missionary for eight years in Russia , Susan returned home to a small town on Minnesota ’s beautiful Lake Superior shore where she, her four children, and her husband are active in their local church.

 

Susan's larger than life characters and layered plots have won her acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. A seasoned women’s events and retreats speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!. She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice.

 

Susan makes her home in northern Minnesota , where she is busy cheering on her two sons in football, and her daughter in local theater productions (and desperately missing her college-age son!)

 

A full listing of her titles, reviews and awards can be found at: www.susanmaywarren.com. 

About the Giveaway

Warm up to Chrismtas early this year with Susan May Warren's Baby, It's Cold Outside! To celebrate the release of her new Christmas book with Summerside Press, she and the publisher are giving away a Kindle Fire and hosting an early Christmas Party on Facebook!

Read what the reviewers are saying here.

One festive winner will receive:

• A brand new Kindle Fire
• Baby, It's Cold Outside by Susan May Warren

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. Giveaway ends on 10/26!

But, wait there’s more! Join Susan May Warren on 10/27 for merriment and a few early Christmas presents at her Baby, It's Cold Outside Christmas party! Grab your Christmas sweaters, socks and pj’s and join Susan and a few friends for a fireside chat about her recent books (Heiress & Baby, It’s Cold Outside), holiday traditions, favorite Christmas recipes, a trivia contest and more! Invite your friends and don’t miss the fun!

RSVP here and we'll see you on October 27th at 5 PM PST / 8 PM EST!

God Bless America

Happy 4th of July!

Have a safe and happy 4th! Enjoy time with family and friends... and remember the freedoms we all enjoy! We are so very blessed! Below is a video a friend shared on Facebook... a great version of God Bless America! Love it!

God Bless America!

 

Celebrate Independence: Start a Micro Business!

Featured Guest Post
by Carol Topp, CPA

The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate our country's independence and appreciate our freedoms as Americans to follow our dreams. This is a great time to encourage our children, especially teenagers, to cherish their freedoms. Not every country in the world allows a teenager to have as many freedoms and opportunities as the United States. One important area of freedom that our children probably take for granted is the freedom to become whatever they want to be, which includes starting a business.

My 16 year old daughter, Sarah, was introduced to a man who grew up in East Germany. He described his youth where he had no choice in what he would study in high school or what career he would have. He was assigned to a technical high school where he learned science and math. There was no consideration of his abilities or talents. Sarah began to appreciate her country in a new way. She has an artistic bent and would have hated being forced into a math and science-oriented high school. Instead, she has been allowed to purse her love of art and photography.

Sarah celebrated her independence by starting a micro business. She used her interest in photography to take senior pictures of a few friends. More friends saw her work and hired her for their senior pictures. She was kept quite busy for several weeks and grew in her skills and business knowledge. It is quite easy for a teenager to start a very small business—a micro business—and learn a lot while making some money.

A teenage micro business owner will learn business skills such as marketing, customer service and salesmanship, but they will learn also life skills such as time management, planning and careful use of money. As a parent you will see them develop confidence, responsibility and the ability to overcome fear as they face new challenges in running a business.

We should encourage any spark of entrepreneurial spirit we see in our children because it helps them grow in many ways, but it is also good for our country. Small business ownership is the backbone of our economy, paying 44% of the total US private payroll.1 But not only are small businesses responsible for America's wealth, they encourage free enterprise, responsibility and leadership.

The GrasshopperGroup has produced a short video, “Entrepreneurs Can Change The World,” that inspires us to remember the entrepreneurial spirit on which our country was built. You can view the video at YouTube and it says, in part:

“In case you haven't noticed, we live in a place where one individual can make a difference. Want proof? Just look at the people who built our country: our parents, grandparents, our aunts, our uncles. They were immigrants, newcomers ready to make their mark. Maybe they came with very little; or perhaps they didn't own anything except a single brilliant idea. These people were thinkers, doers and innovators until they came up with the name entrepreneurs.”2

Remember the freedoms we have in America this Fourth of July, and especially the precious freedom to work for ourselves, start a business and follow a dream. Encourage your teenager to exercise their freedom by starting a micro business.
___________________________________________________
1 Consortium for Entrepreneurship Education http://entre-ed.org/
2 http://www.youtube.com/user/GetGrasshopper

Author Bio

Carol Topp, CPA advises teenage business owners though her Micro Business for Teens book series. Carol’s day job is accountant to business owners, and she enjoys teaching teenagers to succeed beyond their dreams. Students appreciate how she shares what they need to know in clear and helpful lessons. Her website is MicroBusinessForTeens.com.

This article content is provided free of charge by the author through Kathy Carlton Willis Communications. You are welcome to place this article on your site or in your publication as long as 1) it’s used in its entirety, 2) the full bio is also used, and 3) you previously request permission through KCWC at russ@kathycarltonwillis.com. All other standard copyrights apply.

Chex Puppy Chow... AKA Muddy Buddies

This is a recipe that we use often. Set a bowl of these on the counter... and they won't last long in my house. Especially if they're near me! They are a quick treat to satisfy that 'sweet tooth', and the kids... as well as the adults, love them!

We often make them for holiday gifts as well. They fit nicely in those cute holiday containers, and you know they never go to waste. What makes them even better... we usually have most of the ingredients on hand. Quick... easy... and budget friendly.

Puppy Chow (aka Muddy Buddies)

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1/2 cup Skippy peanut butter

1 package (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup)

1/4 cup margarine or butter

9 cups Chex cereal (any variety)

Measure cereal into large bowl; set aside. Microwave chocolate chips, peanut butter and margarine in 1-quart microwavable bowl, uncovered on High 1 minute; stir. Microwave 30 seconds longer or until mixture can be stirred smooth. Stir in vanilla. Pour chocolate mixture over cereal in bowl, stirring until evenly coated. Pour into large plastic food-storage bag; add powdered sugar. Seal bag; shake until well coated. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Store in airtight container in refrigerator. 9 cups snack.

*Do not use spread or tub products.

Important: Because microwaves cook differently, time is approximate.

2005 © and ®/™ General Mills

I found this recipe on the Chex website at http://www.chex.com/. They have many fun recipes using Chex cereal. Find party mixes for parties, holidays, movie night... whatever you need them for, I'm sure you'll find something good. Hop on over and check it out! :)

Memorial Day... A Time To Remember

When we think about Memorial Day, it's usually associated with a 3-day weekend, family time, picnics, barbeques, and great sales. You must know if you're looking to buy furniture... this is the time to buy!

While all these are great ways to celebrate, lets not forget the reason why we celebrate Memorial Day.

This is the day when we remember all the brave men and women who died in service to our country. I am so thankful for those who gave their lives to protect my family and protect the freedom we enjoy today. I will not take that for granted. Let's take the time to honor them and say a prayer of thanks for the great sacrifices they made.

And please remember... let's say a prayer for those they left behind. They made great sacrifices while their loved ones served and ultimately gave their lives... and I appreciate them as well. Take a moment to reach out and encourage someone who is missing their loved one today.  

God bless! :)

Children Will Know The Truth... and It Ain't About The Bunny

Yesterday, the day before Good Friday, I sat down to watch a documentary with my youngest son and daughter. It was called "The True Easter Story". It's part of a video DVD series from Focus On The Family called That The World May Know. The series is filmed in Israel and it's narrated by a great historian and Bible teacher, Ray Vander Laan. An excellent series if you want to know more about Bible times, traditions, culture, etc.

Anyway, almost from the beginning, my 7-year-old Baby Girl was asking a lot of questions. I told her to watch first and then we'd talk about it at the end. Well, I guess she got tired of waiting and began to write her questions down so she wouldn't forget. Here is one of her questions below...

In my Baby Girl's own words... "Why do we celebrate Easter like when we celebrate when Jesus has risen when we just hide Easter eggs and find them and also have Easter dinner cause we never talk or do anything about how Jesus has risen?"



This came as a surprise to me. I thought I was going to be the adult in the conversation. Instead it was my Baby Girl asking "Why do we have baskets?", "Why do we color eggs?", "Why is there a bunny?". And mostly she kept asking "Why don't we do anything to celebrate Jesus if that's what Easter is about?"

Imagine my surprise (again) when I couldn't think of anything to say! I told her we go to church to celebrate Jesus and that's why we have Easter dinner to celebrate with family. But as I began to think even more, I realized we do those things anyway. What DO we do to celebrate Jesus being risen from the dead?

She suggested that we read the real Easter story from the Bible each night until Sunday. I think that's a good idea. We will be sure to do that. We were following the Holy Week a little more closely this year, which kept the kids interested. And I will be sure to make a point of talking about Jesus and how He laid His life down for us... and took it up again.

My Baby Girl is ready to learn. She wants to know and she's paying close attention. Just tonight, shortly after dinner, she asked "Is is 3:00 yet mom?" I told her it was past... and she said... "Jesus died. He's on His way to the tomb." She has a sadness... knowing that Jesus died on the cross for our sins. And now she knows the sacrifice He made because He loves us. She knows! And now she will celebrate on Easter morning as she remembers that Jesus ROSE AGAIN! She won't be sad for long, because....

Sunday's on the way!!!

Thanks for reading and God bless!

Mary Ann :)

Even Santa Needs a Savior...

Those are the words I remember each time I see this picture. It's from a card that I received over 20 years ago.

 I have no idea who gave it to me or who wrote it as there is no reference, but I have saved it all this time because it spoke to my heart in such a powerful way. I clearly remember the words "Even Santa Needs A Savior." Although they are not written on the card itself... maybe they were spoken to me by whoever gave it to me. I don't remember.

But one thing I do know... it will always remind me to teach my children the real meaning of Christmas.

I'll never know how Santa became the center of Christmas. Probably by the world's need for a Savior, but it's refusal to receive the One that's been given. How else could you explain it?

Oh, yes. I could say that the devil has used Santa to be a distraction from Jesus. And that would be true. But... we can't be distracted if we aren't willing.

I have been right there with everyone else... waiting in long lines, spending money I don't have on things we don't need. I'm no different. 

I've made it all about getting the best gift. The right gift. It's been about the decorations. And it's been about the entertaining.

Now, if I want to make myself sound a little better... I can say that it's all about family time and giving. Putting others first. And that wouldn't be a lie. It happens. More often now that I'm older. Or should I say... 'grown up'.

When I was younger I would strive to be more selfless. And I was to a point. But when the last two shopping days before Christmas get here... forget it. The all demanding 'to-do' list is now at 'priority' status. 

Last minute gifts to wrap (even though it will all be un-done in a matter of hours), last minute plans for dinner, and a whole lot of feeling like I forgot something. BUT... at least I helped someone else. Right?

All the giving, loving, and putting others first is great. It's not a bad thing. But if you're only doing it at Christmas... you're missing the point. God doesn't want us to obey Him for a season. He wants our obedience all year long. Or are you even doing it for Him?

I hope that we love because He loved us...and He commands us to love one another. Not for some self-serving satisfaction.

I can be as selfless as ever at Christmas. I can give until I have nothing left to give. And people would say that's the spirit of Christmas.

But it's not the MEANING of Christmas.

Jesus Christ was born... to die. To be the Savior of the World! There would be no holiday without Jesus. HE is the reason we celebrate. Santa may be fun. But he can't save anyone. Christmas belongs to Jesus. It's the day we celebrate His birth. The birth of our Savior.

Please don't think I'm bashing Santa. I just want to keep our perspective of who the holiday is really for and not elevate Santa to a position that belongs only to Jesus.

One final note from the inside of the card...

"God wants you to have a life worth living, not just at the holidays and so-called "good times." The life He gives has a peace that passes all understanding. Jesus says, "In the world you will have tribulation [trouble], but in Me you have peace."

"Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. This Christmas do as the Wise Men did, seek Him! And then you can join the rest of the family of God in "looking for the Blessed Hope and the appearing of our Great God and Savior, Christ Jesus." The real reason for the season!"

John 16:33, John 14:27, Titus 2:13

Merry Christmas!

...and God bless!

Mary Ann :)

A Social Network Christmas

I thought this was a powerful video and wanted to share it with you. I guess this is what it might look like if Mary and Joseph had Facebook...




Hope you enjoyed it!

Thanks for visiting and God bless!
Mary Ann :)

Delicious Cran-apple Pie

Cranberries and apples... what could make a better pie? This is by far my favorite. And while it makes a great summer treat, it also goes well with my Christmas menu. It just seems like a holiday dessert to me... hot from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top... amazing. I hope you enjoy it!

Delicious Cran-apple Pie

1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
3/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons apple cider or water
1 (15-oz.) package Pillsbury All Ready Pie Crusts (or homemade)
5 cups (4 large) sliced peeled apples
2/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon milk
2 teaspoons sugar

In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, 3/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch and apple cider. Bring to full boil over medium heat, stirring frequently; boil gently 5 minutes. Cool 15 to 20 minutes.

Prepare pie crust according to package directions for two-crust pie using 9-inch pie pan.

Heat oven to 425 F. In large bowl, combine apples, 2/3 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons cornstarch; toss to coat apples. Stir in cooled cranberry mixture; toss lightly. Spoon into pie crust-lined pan. Top with second crust; seal and flute edges. Cut slits in top crust; brush with milk and sprinkle with 2 teaspoons sugar.

Bake at 425 F. for 45 to 55 minutes or until golden brown and apples are tender. Cover edge of pie crust with strips of foil after 15 to 20 minutes of baking to prevent excessive browning. 8 servings.

*This recipe is from and old cookbook that I've had for years...
"Pillsbury Harvest Time Baking & Cooking", Classic Cookbooks #129, November 1991.


Enjoy!
Mary Ann :)

O Christmas Tree!

Setting up our Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving has been a long time tradition in our family. Some may say it's too early... but I say that Christmas is a season... and Thanksgiving helps to bring it in. I mean, what more can we be thankful for? We've be given a Savior! 

This is our tree from last year. I would post a picture from this year... but it will look pretty much the same. That's what makes it special. 

Our tree has ornaments from 20 years ago and even older than that. I have every ornament that my children have made me over the years, and my oldest is 25. Beginning in Kindergarten, each of my kids would bring home a special ornament they made in school.

The angel above was made by my oldest son "Little Boy" when he was in the first grade. He will be 25 next week... and his angel is still on our tree. It has had to be repaired a couple of times. But it's hanging in there.

The little gingerbread man was made by my second oldest son... we'll call him "Kid". (He got that name because my youngest son could never pronounce his name. After many attempts... he began calling him "Kid"... and that is what he called him for many months.) He made this ornament in elementary school. He is now 23 and his ornament is still on the tree every year.

Not sure about Rudolf the Red-Nosed 'Milk Bone'... but he's been around for years. My kids can always remind me when I forget who made one of the ornaments.

This one is special because my Grandmother made it. She actually made 3 for me and they have been on the tree every year since. I didn't know her for very long and my kids were too young to know her... but her memory lives on each year on our tree.

When my oldest daughter "Little Lady" was in Kindergarten, there was a Carl's Jr. right down the street from us. The kids and I would walk over for lunch. It was a fun treat for us. Back then they had pretty cool toys in the kids' meal boxes. This ornament is one of them. We also have a Carl's Jr. reindeer star ornament as well.

This is one of our newest additions to our tree. I want to always remember the true meaning of Christmas. The gift of Jesus. It reminds me of a picture I once saw that said... "Even Santa needs a Savior".

These and more are the ornaments that adorn our tree. They are many. Just as we are. They have seen many years and show signs of wear... just as we do. Our tree tells the story of our family. Our history...

Handmade ornaments from my mother and my grandmother... special ornaments from my husband's mother...the first ornaments that my husband, children, and I picked out together the first year we were married... the first ornaments (at least the ones that survived) that I bought when I first set out on my own... and all the special ornaments that each of my children have made over the years hang there... and will as long as they last. To me... they are priceless.

I actually started to take photos of each ornament just in case one of them didn't make it to the next year. That way... we will always have the memories.

Yes, I could go out and buy new things and they would be beautiful. But they don't have a story to tell. They don't have the history that these do. It took us many years to get our tree to tell our own story... and I plan to keep adding to it. As long as the Lord allows.
 
Thanks for reading and God bless!
Mary Ann :) 

Holiday Mail For Heroes

Have you started addressing those Christmas cards yet? Wait right there...

I have someone to add to your list!

Here's your chance to share a little Christmas Cheer with our Heroes who are serving our country. Many of them can't be home to celebrate with their families. Wouldn't it be wonderful to let them know that we support them and are thinking about them during this Christmas Season by sending them a Christmas card?

The Red Cross has a great program called "Holiday Mail For Heroes" that allows us to do just that. Follow the links on the top or at the bottom of this post and it will take you directly to their site. There you will find all the information you need to make a difference. And believe me... it is the little things that make a difference.

And while you're there, please read the guidelines carefully. They give the address to send the cards to, as well as information on how to address your card(s), what to include, what not to include, and whatever else you may need to know.

Have the little ones help! My kids love doing things like this and it teaches them early on that we should always think of others. It only takes a few minutes of your time... but the feeling that someone cares could last a lifetime. Won't you please send that gift to a soldier?

Oh... did I mention that your cards need to be postmarked by December 10th? We better get started!  :)

Thanks for reading and God bless!

Mary Ann :)

Our Thanksgiving Tree

Last year, my kids and I started a new family tradition. It's our "Thanksgiving Tree".  My daughter brought home a project from school using a leaf pattern and I thought it would be a great decoration, so I make a pattern of my own. My first thought was to hang them randomly around the kitchen with things that we were thankful for written on each leaf. One of my kids suggested hanging them around our new family photos and then another one said "Hey, lets put a tree trunk on it and make it real tree!" So we did.

This is our tree from last year. We have already begun our tree for this year and I'll try to post a photo of it when we're finished. 

We each write something we are thankful for on a leaf and hang it on the tree. Everyone really enjoyed it. Most of us put up more than one leaf and everyone who came to our house made one as well. It was nice to see what we were all thankful for and it's a great reminder of what Thanksgiving is all about.

I'm sure our tree will be much bigger this year as we will have about 35 people over for dinner. All of whom I am tremendously thankful for. Family and friends, old and new. There are some who can't spend the day with us, but who are just as much a blessing to me... and I am thankful for them as well. I will be sure to put a leaf on the tree for them.

I love traditions. The old ones I can share from my childhood... and the new ones we will make together as a family. What traditions do have?

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

...and thanks for reading!

Mary Ann :)

Chelsea Clinton's Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Casserole

Thanksgiving is on the way! I was going to post this later in the month... but if you're like me, you'll need time to plan ahead. So, I'll start posting holiday recipes now in case you find one you'd like to try. I'm so excited for the holidays!

This is a recipe I found in the "Winter 2004 PEOPLE Magazine". I tried it once and have made it every Thanksgiving since. Now, I'm still a big fan of the old-fashioned sweet potatoes that I had growing up... cut up in big chunks and served with marshmallows and a brown sugar - Karo syrup sauce on top. Ok... I love them any way they come. But these are like a special treat... just try them. You'll see. :)

Chelsea Clinton's Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Casserole

5 cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes
8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter -- melted
1/2 cup milk
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs -- well beaten

Topping
1 cup brown sugar
2 cups mini marshmallows
5 tablespoons butter -- melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease one or more baking dishes (recipe fills to top a deep 9"x13" dish) and reserve.

In a large bowl, mix together mashed sweet potatoes, melted butter, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract and eggs. Spread sweet potatoes in baking dish.

To make the topping: In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and marshmallows. Sprinkle mixture on top of sweet potatoes. Drizzle melted butter over marshmallow topping.

Bake until sweet potatoes are heated through and topping is puffy and browned.

*My Note: I've always made these with fresh, mashed sweet potatoes - not canned. Probably good with canned as well. I just wanted to remind you to allow time for peeling, dicing, boiling and mashing the fresh sweet potatoes if that's what you use. Holidays are hectic enough without starting a dish too late.


I hope these make your holiday just a little more special!

                                                                    Happy Thanksgiving!

God bless!
Mary Ann :)

Hope For A Child

A couple of weeks ago we had a 'Ladies Tea' at our church. It was a great time of fellowship with lots of great food. The picture below is just a portion of what was available and it was all delicious.

See the little mini tart in the upper right-hand corner? That was my absolute favorite! Everyones favorite! It was a pastry shell filled with the best chicken salad EVER. I am going to hunt down the recipe and hopefully share it here. You will love it!

The 'Tea' was actually a kick-off for the annual Operation Christmas Child event through Samaritans Purse. Those who wish to participate fill a shoebox with items for a young boy or girl. Choose an age group, follow a list of recommend and restricted items, write a note or enclose a picture if you'd like, label it and send it off. After we finished with our meal, it was time for the guest speaker. A beautiful young lady named Oksana Nelson.

Oksana was an orphan in Russia until the age of ten. She spoke of her life there... She told how all of the kids in the orphanage had to share the same toothbrush. They didn't have one of their own. She told how they could only take a bath every other week and when they did... they had to boil and carry water from next door that would most often be frozen on top before they got it into the tub. A place so dark and void of love that none of them had any hope for their future.

That is until some missionaries came and delivered shoeboxes filled with gifts for each of them. For the first time, Oksana had something that was her own. She had her own toothbrush. Doesn't seem like a big thing to us... but to a child who has nothing, it means the world to them. For once in her life, Oksana felt that she was loved and that she had a future.

And God gave her a future. She was soon adopted by a couple in Texas, has been living with them for almost 10 years, and now she is involved in blessing other children with Christmas shoeboxes the same way she had been blessed herself. Below is a short video of her story. Please watch...

If you would like to get involved and send a Christmas shoebox of your own, please visit Operation Christmas Child for more information. This is a great way to give hope to a child. I encourage you to get involved today.
 
If you'd like to learn more... please watch this promotional video from Operation Christmas Child from Samaritan's Purse. It's just a few minutes... but it can make a lifetime of a difference.

Thanks for reading and God bless!
Mary Ann :)