Daily Scripture Verse 2/7/2023

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We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. ‭‭

Romans‬ ‭5‬‬:‭3‬-‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I LOVE Calvin & Hobbs. It tickles me the way his dad justifies having Calvin do any type of chore, “It builds character!”

This verse seems to be telling us the exact same thing. When we go through trials, it strengthens us, gives us endurance.

We often wish we never had to experience difficult times however, each of them enables us to cope better with the next struggle that comes along.

Whenever I go through a tough time, I ask myself, “Is this the worst thing that has ever happened to me?” The answer so far is NO! Then I remind myself that I survived that terrible ordeal & I can get through the current situation too, with the help of God!

Daily Prayer 2/7/2023

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Father:

Somedays, the struggle seems impossible. I wonder if I have the strength to continue. Then I remember two things:

First, all the struggles that have gone before have strengthened me for whatever happens today;

Second, no matter how much I struggle, I never go through the ordeal alone. You are always with me.

Thank you for holding me up when I can’t go on. Thank you for caring about me & my problems, whether they are big or small.

Thank you for loving me & holding me, day after day. I love you, Lord.

In Jesus’ name Amen

Showstopping Christmas Cake Recipes

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Showstopping Christmas Cake Recipes

My Tuesday evening Bible study had their Christmas party last night. We had a wonderful time! It was a potluck. Now, when I host a potluck, I never assign dishes to anyone, nor do I have anyone sign up to bring something, carefully listing the items they intend to share. I know how life often gets in the way. You sign up to bring one thing & then something comes up suddenly & you don’t have time to make your favorite dish, the one you SWORE you were going to bring! Nope. None of that for MY potlucks. Instead, I just tell everyone to bring whatever they want & if we end up with all desserts, YAY! I have never had an event where we end up with only salads, nor have I had an event where we end up with only desserts (BOO!)

Last night worked out great. We had an excellent mixture of food from casseroles to appetizers to veggies & salads. And we had CAKE! (You knew there was a reason I was telling you this, didn’t you?) Jan brought 2 cakes and they were FABULOUS! One was angel food topped with a frosting made with Cool Whip & pineapple. The second was the one I had. It was yellow cake frosted with a delicious topping made from Cool Whip, pudding & egg nog. Yum! And guess who was lucky enough to bring the rest of the cake home with her! 🙂

Jan shared her easy recipes for both cakes with us last night. Today, I am share cake recipes from Southern Living. Every celebration deserves a cake! Enjoy!

Christmas Cakes

12 Easy Make-Ahead Ideas for Christmas

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12 Easy Make-Ahead Ideas for Christmas

Christmas is a wonderful time of the year, as the song says. Christmas also goes by in a blur. Time seems to speed up, leaving us gasping & wondering how we are going to get it ALL done! Betty Crocker to the rescue with a selection of recipes you can make ahead. Being able to prepare dishes ahead of time calms me. I feel a bit more in control of the situation, whether or not I really am. So take a breath & take moment to decide which of these delicious recipes might give you more time to celebrate Christmas! Enjoy!

Make Ahead

11 Unique (and Totally Fun!) Holiday Traditions

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11 Unique (and Totally Fun!) Holiday Traditions

Christmas is a time for traditions. The things you do with your family through the years make an impression we may not see until our children are grown. Growing up, I made cookies with my mother each year. After she passed, I continued to share our favorite cookies with family & friends each year. When The Child came along, WE began making cookies together. Oh, we made some changes as life got busier. Some years, we only baked the cookies that come in rolls from the store but we baked! Then, one year, I came home late from work to find a huge stack of chocolate chip cookies on the counter. The note on the stack said “DO NOT EAT!” The next day, Katy wrapped dozens of stacks of cookies & handed them out to her friends! A tradition that continues.

Good Housekeeping offers you & your family some new traditions to add to your Christmas season. Whatever you do, the things you do together stay with you & your children all your lives. And THAT’S a Simple Joy money can’t buy! Enjoy!

Holiday Traditions

16 Winter Drinks To Sip Around the Fireplace This Christmas

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16 Winter Drinks To Sip Around the Fireplace This Christmas

Here in SoCal today, it is very rainy & cooler than normal. The thought of sitting by a cozy fire with a Holiday beverage appeals to me! With the weekend just a few hours away, it might be the perfect time for YOU to enjoy one of the tasty treats from Country Living. They may be just the thing to chase away the winter chill!

Winter Drinks