Merry Christmas

 

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 

John 3:16-17

Christmas Prayer

 

CHRISTMAS PRAYER

Loving Father, help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the Song of the Angels, the Gladness of the Shepherds, and the Worship of the Wise Men.

Close the door of hate and open the door of Love all over the world.  Let Kindness come with every gift and Good Desires with every greeting.

Deliver us from evil by the Blessing which Christ brings, and Teach us to be merry with Clear Hearts.  

May the Christmas morning make us happy to be Thy Children and the Christmas evening bring us to our beds with Grateful Thoughts, Forgiving and Forgiven.

For Jesus' Sake........ Amen.

(Robert Louis Stevenson)

Hope, Joy and Peace

 

 Grace at Home

Tablescape Thursday

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God's Amazing Snow Crystals

 

Much of the country is blanketed with a snow right now. So when I came across this information, I thought how wonderful to learn more about the perfection and beauty of God's creation -

SNOW

You can watch an amazing Youtube video about Wilson Bentley.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAnb4oMXJtU

The heavens declare the glory of God;

the skies proclaim the work of His hands
~ Psalm 19:1

Grace at Home

Peppermint Trees

Many years ago, my friend and I made Peppermint Trees for table decorations for a Christmas luncheon.  Over the years I've made the Trees to give as gifts.  They are great for co-workers, friends, teachers or for someone who is hard to buy for.

Start with these basics -

I've always used hairpins, but you can use straight pins too.  I like the hairpins best because you can just pull a candy off the tree and the pin stays in place, and you don't have to worry about discarding a straight pin.

Start with the bottom layer

 You can make the candies as tight or lose as you prefer.  I like to leave a little space between rows.

The closer you get to the top, you will need to angle the pins into the styrofoam.  

Cut pieces of thin green ribbon and pull them into a knot (not too tight) 

 then insert another hairpin

 which goes right into the tree.

You can put as many or as few ribbons into the tree as you like.  I loop some ribbon and take another hairpin and stick it into the top of the tree.

Tuesdays with a Twist

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Sunday Morning

 

Delicious snack to share

Today I want to share these goodies. They are delicious for a snack, but they make very nice little gifts as well.

My niece made these Sweet Roasted Nuts for us last year and of course we all loved them and wanted the recipe.

The cast of characters

1 bag of pecan halves (or 1 1/2 cups)
1 bag of walnuts (or 1 1/2 cups)

Melt 1/2 stick of butter, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, a pinch of salt and a little vanilla in a sauce pan.

Coat the nuts in the mixture and then spread on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes. You will know when they are done when you smell them!

Cool on wax paper before storing

I found these little canning jars at Target, and they are the perfect size for gift giving.

I hope you enjoy making these little morsels. They are so delicious to eat and you could make someone very very happy :-)

 Grace at Home

Saturday Sparks

Approaching sunset

 

Skywatch Friday 

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Memories

As I look back on this past year I am amazed at the talent, creativity and beauty that is shared via blogging. The internet has surely made it a very small world.

And of course as we enter yet another year, there is time for reflection. Remembering the years that have past. I'd like to share with you about a very special lady. One who filled a hole in our lives.

She was my teacher, friend, and soul mate in treasure hunting for over 30 years. I used to tag along with her to yard sales, antique shops and all kinds of second hand stores. She loved paper weights, and she also loved vases. She had quite a collection of both. I have several of her paper weights displayed in my home.

But more importantly, she loved my children and was a huge part of their growing up years.

My own mom passed away many years ago, before my children were born. She stepped in as an auntie, but more like a grandmother. Her generous and loving spirit filled us with her unconditional love.

Every Christmas my children and I would descend on her house and decorate for the season. It was a tradition we held until she no longer was able to live by herself. Our memories of her prick my heart, missing her laughter and gracious hospitality.

Very rarely does someone come into your life that has left such a deep imprint on your heart. I am most thankful to have known and loved her.

 

Before the year is out, take time to tell someone you love them. For some people, it can be a very lonely time of year.

                                        Grace at Home

Christmas in Florida

 Living in Florida affords the luxury of wonderful weather. Enjoying the warm and sunny days, I opened the doors to the porch and set a Christmas table.

 The tool box arrangement was inspired by a post from the amazing Rosemary and Thyme when she shared a Christmas Home Tour.

I hope this Christmas season is a joyous one for each and every one of you.

Tuesdays with a Twist

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Tablescape Thursday

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Relaxing view

Can't help but enjoy more 80 degree weather in the height of winter.

Skywatch Friday 

Tuesdays with a Twist

Winter in the tropics

 Enjoying our 80 degree weather :-)

Skywatch Friday 

 Grace at Home

Saturday Sparks

The London House

 

The London House by Katherine Reay is a split-time novel starting first with letters then with diaries. 

Caroline Payne is seeking the truth about her grandmother and her twin sister. After being approached by Mat Hammond, she travels to the London House looking for the truth about her great aunt before Mat can publish his article. As she pours over the letters and diaries she realizes how similar her life is to her great aunt. 

This book is about a life based on secrets and a lie, and the heartache and darkness it can produce. About the bond between twin sisters and how life and the war changed them. Although there was a great deal of detail, the story is about the complexity of family and the bond of love. I did love how the mystery climaxed in the end.

This historical novel would not be considered Christian fiction, but one that reflected family, forgiveness and hope.

 I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Festive

 If you had a friend visiting, how would you set your table?

I love my red china.  It makes for such a festive table any time of the year.

Come, sit a spell, and enjoy a cup of tea with me.

There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.  ~Henry James

Tuesdays with a Twist

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