"Christmas at Grey Sage"

Phyllis Clark Nichols

This Christmas, there’s plenty of room at the inn.

Nestled in the snow-covered Sangre de Cristo Mountains near Santa Fe, the Grey Sage Inn looks like the perfect place for weary travelers to escape the craziness of the Christmas season. There’s plenty to see in historic Santa Fe during the day, and the inn’s owners, Maude and Silas Thornhill, are happy to spend their evenings hosting this year’s guests from across the country.

But an unusual snowstorm throws a wrench in the festive mood. The sprawling inn becomes close quarters as stranded guests discover this Christmas won’t be the relaxing vacation they expected. Tension and fear mount as the storm worsens, and Silas, a retired doctor, is called away in the middle of the night to care for a neighbor. The snow and stress unlocks tongues–and in the unexpected conversation that follows, secrets and pasts are revealed, and hearts are healed.

In the midst of snowdrifts and fireside conversations, of tales of days gone by, the warmth of Christmas brings a renewed hope as these trapped strangers become friends–proof again that the joy, hope, peace, and love of Christmas can be experienced no matter where you are.

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This is a sweet story that helps remind us what the true meaning of Christmas is all about. While I really wanted to love this book, I just couldn't get into it. It was slow going for me, but it does make you think about what's important. 

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARy BOOK FROM LITFUSE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

Hey y'all,

It's been a while huh?  At least a while since I've posted something other than a book review.  Sorry about that.  Life just gets busy, you know?  

Well even though it's a bit late, here is the bulletin board that I put up at Church for Christmas this year.  I believe this is one of my favorite ones, if not my absolute favorite.  It may look complicated and difficult, but it's actually pretty easy.  The hardest part was finding a picture of the King James Bible, opened and at the right angle.  It's a play on words, get it?  "Spend time in God's presence (presents)"?  You're smart, I know I didn't have to point that out to you! ;)

Here's what you need:

1.  material (for background)

2.  Christmas garland (for border - $ store) 

3.  small gift bags ($ store) and ribbon

4.  Tissue paper

5.  wrapped box (with bow and ribbon)

6.  appropriate sized letters

7.  card stock (for gift tags)

Want to know how to do it?  

1.  Make sure you have the right letters (something that always hinders me is not having the right amount or size of letters)

2.  print a picture of the Bible.  Yep, it's just a piece of paper.

3.  wrap a box (for the Bible) place bow and ribbon the box (my sister actually made the bow, but you can buy a bow and it will work just as good)

4. make gift tags that say "Church", "God's Word", and "Prayer" (make sure they're facing the right way according to which direction you put them) and attach to the gift bags with ribbon

5.  Add a red ribbon to the Bible for a bookmark.  I actually did this after I took the picture. 

Attaching to the bulletin board:

1. attach background

2.  attach border

3.  attach the box onto the board with thumbtacks (this is the most difficult of the whole board)

4.  take the Bible picture onto the top of the opened box

5.  place the box lid at an angle and to the side of the Bible, as if it you had just opened the package

3.  attach gift bags with thumbtacks through the back of the bag only (not front, so to make sure you get the 3-D effect)

4.  add the tissue paper into the gift bags

5.  add your letters (the reason why I did this last instead of first is because I didn't know how much room I was going to have to work with)

While this is a Christmas bulletin board, you can adjust it and use any time of the year, since we should time in God's presence year 'round and not just at Christmas.

Hope you all enjoy and have a happy weekend! 

SMILE, GOD LOVES YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

"An Endless Christmas"

Cynthia Ruchti

Too many people, too much snow, and too little room should be a recipe for disaster.
Christmas takes a very different turn when the guests of honor break up instead of announcing their engagement. Trapped with his family, they learn that love looks different than either imagined. Both in their eighties, Dodie and Wilson Binder celebrate every Christmas as if it were their last. This year, their grandson Micah is planning to ask his girlfriend, Katie, to marry him so they can celebrate with the whole family. But things go very wrong when she says, “no.” Now they are stuck. Too many people, too much snow, and too little room should be a recipe for disaster. But sometimes too much is just enough. Especially when it’s Christmas.

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Perfect book to read around the holidays.  This read is full of holiday spirit and the true meaning of Christmas - Jesus Christ!  I have never read Cynthia Ruchti's work before, but I sure hope to read more of her books!  I was captivated by this story on page one.  Cynthia Ruchti wrote in such a way that I felt like I was scrunched up in that cabin with the other twenty Binders.  

I love how the Binders were so close.  It reminded me of my family and then some parts, I wished my family was more like the Binders.  The contrast between the Binders family and Katie's family was such a vast difference, it reminded me how blessed I am to have a close family.

Katie was too hard on herself, but then aren't we all? Micah was seemingly perfect and wonderful.  The kind of guy girls can only dream of, it seems.  I loved the grandparents relationship.  Very similar to my own grandparents.

A beautiful story to match the beautiful scenery of the cover!  Definitely going on my "to keep" shelf!  

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM LITFUSE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.  

 

"Falling Like Snowflakes"

Denise Hunter

When the Christmas season finds Eden in Summer Harbor, Maine, she's on the run from trouble. Romance is the last thing on her mind.

Riding in a bus in the thickly falling snow, Eden Davis wonders how it ever came to this-fleeing under cover of night with young Micah sleeping fitfully in the seat beside her. When a winter storm strands them in Summer Harbor, Maine, Eden wonders if what might have been the end could be a new beginning.

Beau Callahan is a habitual problem-solver. He's recently left his job with the sheriff's department to take over the family Christmas tree farm to save it from insolvency. But he's flummoxed. During the busiest season of the year, he's shorthanded. Then Eden shows up looking for work, and Beau believes he's been rescued. Competent, smart, and beautiful, Eden's also guarded and quiet. He soon figures out she comes with a boatload of secrets. But Beau can't seem to help himself from falling for her.

As Christmas Eve approaches, Beau discovers he'll do anything to keep Eden safe. But who's going to protect his heart from a woman who can't seem to trust again?

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This book tells a beautiful story about faith, love, family, trust and letting go of fear.  I was swept away from page one with this lovely novel.  The characters were all likable and jelled very well together.  Since this book takes place during winter and they celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's, I loved this book even more!  

While you may think this book would be predictable, it isn't.  The end result was expected, but the way it came together wasn't.  

Eden had a hard life, but in this book, everything turns out perfect for her.  I LOVE books that have a happy ending.  

There was also some unexpected suspense throughout the whole book.  Looking at the cover you wouldn't think that this was a suspense book, but it was!  It was written very well! 

"Falling Like Snowflakes" would be a new favorite of mine, however, I did NOT appreciate all of the language in a Christian fiction book.  Really?  Is it necessary?  NO!  The language really disappointed me, even if it was "slang".  I especially when God's name was taken in vain.  Unacceptable.  

Hopefully the next book will be just a good of a story but without the language!  

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM BOOK LOOK BLOGGERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES. 

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE polka dots!  You woulda' never guessed huh?  Well, for Christmas, my Mother made these beautiful curtains for my closet.  I just LOVE them!  I haven't had any curtains or doors for my closet.  Ya, I know.  But didn't they turn out perfect?   She didn't even measure!

My family is real big on making gifts for each other.  Yes.  We still buy gifts, but we also like to make gifts.  After all, homemade gifts are the best gifts.  Right?  My older sister made this for me.  I love snowman!  She enjoys working with canvas and made this snowman tissue box for me.  Isn't it adorable?  I LOVE IT!!!!
The side of it is a snowball stand that says "Holiday Special".  I didn't get a good picture of it.

 

Have a great day!

SMILE, GOD LOVES YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I  know this is a little late, but I'm posting it anyway.  Dixie is an artist and for the past two years she has entered a local Christmas drawing contest.  She has also won both years! Last year she drew the Nativity scene.  It was wonderful!  This is the picture she drew this year.  This was free-handed.  Not traced.  Isn't it beautiful? 

Have a great day!

SMILE, GOD LOVES YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

"An Amish Second Christmas"

Beth Wiseman, Ruth Reid, Kathleen Fuller, Tricia Goyer

In the Amish community, Second Christmas is a time of family, fun and tradition.  These four short stories illustrate this.

"When Christmas Comes Again" by Beth Wiseman
Katherine and her children are facing their first Christmas without Elias, husband and father.  She knows it is going to be hard.  A mysterious "Englischer" appears with photographs of her late husband and even though the Amish frown on pictures of themselves she comes to treasure them.  But who is this "Englischer" and how does he know all about them?  

Read this story to find how a potentially sad Christmas contains many blessings.

"Her Christmas Pen Pal" by Ruth Reid

Joy had been expecting a wedding proposal from Henry, but she catches him with another young woman.  Heartbroken, she writes her cousin in another community and pours out her heart to her.  But her letters are mistakenly delivered to a young cabinetmaker.  Or are they?  Joy and he correspond and things become interesting fast. 

Will she recover from her broken heart?  Will she ever forgive the cabinet maker for reading her confessions?

"A Gift for Anne Marie" by Kathleen Fuller

Anne Marie and Nathaniel have been best friends since they were kids.  But everyone else sees them as boyfriend and girlfriend.  Then Anne Marie's best girl friend, Ruth, confides that the likes Nathaniel and wants her to put a "bug" in her ear.  Anne Marie does, but doesn't understand why she is bothered by this.  Her mom surprises her by deciding to remarry in another state.  

How will this seemingly mixed up situation end?

"The Christmas Aprons" by Tricia Goyer

Esther's "mem" has always been known for her vanilla crumb pie.  Her recipe has always been a secret, until Esther is finally given the recipe by accident or on purpose?  Because she discovers that the pie is more than just a dessert...it's a bachelor bait.  

Read this story to see if Esther is able to hook her fish or does she let him get away in spite of her bait.

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I enjoyed all of these stories very much.  Sometimes it is nice to be able to read a short story at one sitting.  Especially when you are too busy to become involved in a book.  This book contains reading group ideas and the Old Order Amish Recipes for the dishes mentioned.

Read more about the book here. 

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM BOOK LOOK BLOGGERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

Where Treetops Glisten

 

"Where Treetops Glisten"

Tricia Goyer, Cara Putman, Sarah Sundin

"Where Treetops Glisten" tells the story of the Turner family, who live in Lafayette, Indiana.  It is a complication of three stories written by three different authors.  The time is the Second World War.  But each story is set in a different year and focuses on a different Turner child.  it also focuses on a different Christmas Song written in that year.

Cara Putman tells us the story of Abigail in "White Christmas".  She is going to college and working at a one-of-a-kind candy shop.  But due to the loss of her boyfriend, to the war, she is done with romance.  Until a hard-working young man with a serious problem needs her help.

"I'll Be Home For Christmas" is by Sarah Sundin and about Abigail's brother, Pete.  Pete is a fighter pilot hero returned fro mteh European Theater.  Even though the war has changed him for the better, he has to convince the hometown folks of that fad.  Especially a widowed mother of a precocious little girl in need of Pete's friendship.  Can he convince her he is no longer a bully?

And last we hear the story of Meredith in Tricia Goyer's "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas".  She is a combat nurse on the front lines in the Netherlands.  Halfway around the world she has to face her deepest betrayal head on, which is what God had planned to heal her broken heart. 

The Turner family relies on God's strength during a tumultuous time.  Will each of the Turner children find their way home for  Christmas?

****************************************************

I don't know when I have enjoyed a book as much as I have this one.  Even though it is written by three different authors, all of the stories flow together as one.  I enjoyed the book being set in a real town and based on real stories.

I also didn't realize that the three Christmas songs were written during WWII.  An added bonus were the Christmas recipes an all-around enjoyable book.  Would definitely make a great Christmas gift!

Read more about the book here. 

 I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM LITFUSE & BLOGGING FOR BOOKS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES

 

"Quilted by Christmas"

Jodie Bailey

High school sweethearts Taryn and Justin, at one time were inseparable.  They had this big argument in which Justin claims Taryn was a manipulator, only wanting what pleased her.  Justin leaves to join the army and Taryn vows to never love again.

Taryn decides to become completely independent and pours herself into teaching high school and helping her Grandma Jemma.  Then Justin returns home to help his father and Grandma Jemma's health takes a turn for the worse.  Taryn needs help.  Justin is there to help shoulder the burden.  But Taryn can't forget their last words that they had with each other.  What would Justin do if he knew Taryn's closely guarded secret?  

Can Justin forgive Taryn for what she has done?  More importantly can Taryn accept the fact that God has forgiven her and accept this unconditional love?

*********************************************

The thing I enjoyed the most about this book was being reminded of God's forgiveness.  No matter what we do we can always seek His love and forgiveness, and know He is ready and waiting to give it.

Read more about the book here. 

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM LITFUSE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

 "Evergreen"

Susan May Warren

John and Ingrid Christiansen have found themselves at a new stage in life.  Empty nesters.   John couldn't be more excited and looking forward to rekindling the fire with Ingrid.  On the other hand, Ingrid couldn't be more depressed and disappointed.  She misses all of her children and misses being a mother.  Not only that, but she and John don't seem to know each other anymore.  

John has this great idea of going to Europe for Christmas and renewing their vows in Paris.  He has all the money saved up, he just has to figure out a way to tell Ingrid about his surprise.  He thinks everything will work out, until Ingrid volunteers them to be in charge of the live Nativity.  

Then enters Romeo.  Their 16-year-old nephew.  Daughter of Ingrid's estranged sister, who is in treatment. Ingrid agrees to help her sister out, even though they haven't talked in sixteen years.  John hates the idea, but Ingrid has already made up her mind and is getting attached to the teen quickly.  John on the other hand doesn't seem to want anything to do with him.  

John and Ingrid couldn't be more at odds with each other.  Then Butterscotch, their 16-year-old dog gets sick and needs emergency surgery, which of course is paid for out of their savings.  

With Christmas quickly approaching and no holiday spirit between them, John and Ingrid have to learn to let go of hard and bitter feelings in order to have a Merry Christmas.

***************************************************

This novella of the Christiansen family series, focuses on John and Ingrid, the parents.  They are both trying to cope with their new empty nest and trying to figure out how to relate to each other.  Their relationship had been growing apart, but they didn't seem to realize till now.  

Evergreen was a very delightful and enjoyable book.  At times it seemed to remind me a little of "The Great Christmas Bowl", also by Susan May Warren, but that's not a bad thing.  Since this book is focused on John and Ingrid, we get to know them more.  They have struggles and heartaches too.  They must learn to get past them and forgive each other, as well as open their hearts to others.  

I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to any Susan May Warren fan.  Evergreen is perfect for reading anytime, but it does make you want to snuggle up under the covers with some hot chocolate.  

I RECEIVED THIS FREE, COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM TYNDALE PUBLISHERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.  IN RETURN, I GIVE MY HONEST REVIEW. 

 

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas blog series!

Merry Christmas from Pearl Girls™! We hope you enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom” from the authors who were so kind to donate their time and talents! If you miss a few posts, you’ll be able go back through and read them on this blog throughout the next few days.

We’re giving away a pearl necklace in celebration of the holidays, as well as some items from the contributors! Enter now below. The winner will be announced on January 2, 2014, at the Pearl Girls blog.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we’re all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Mother of Pearl, Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace, or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

New Beginnings by Sharron Cosby

Christmas. The mere mention of the word sends thoughts and memories skittering like a box of spilled ornaments. Some roll toward sweet remembrances of times shared with family. Others bounce to the let’s-not-go-there corner of our minds.

I recall Christmas 2009. The one I wanted to cancel. My only son is an addict, and this was his worst year ever. I had convinced myself it would be his last, assuming he would be in prison or dead by the next Christmas. I told my daughters we would exchange gifts and have our usual holiday dinner, but no tree or decorations. I couldn’t dredge up the emotional energy to plaster contrived cheer around the house.

I’m usually the decorator, gift purchaser, food preparer, and mess cleaner-upper. Executing the necessary holiday tasks takes time and effort. Worrying about my son had left me drained of the required get-up-and-go. I couldn’t do it. Thank goodness for online shopping; at least there would be presents to hand out.

My pastor’s message four days before Christmas cut straight through my Scrooge-like attitude. His sermon points were: The holidays are too much trouble, count your blessings, and forgive someone.

Considering Christmas too much trouble reflects a selfish attitude, according to my pastor. What if Jesus had thought that way? My icy heart began to thaw.

The second point, count your blessings, stopped me dead in my tracks. Count blessings with a broken heart? I considered my husband’s love and my two daughters who have stood by their brother. I smiled as I pictured the faces of my four grandsons and the joy they brought our family. Yes, I had many blessings to number.

The third was the hardest: forgiveness. Forgive my son for the pain and suffering he had caused? “God, you can’t be serious,” I protested. “We’ve spent thousands of dollars on him, he’s broken our hearts, and he’s in worse shape than ever before.”

“Forgive him,” the Spirit whispered.

Tears slid down my face as I chose to forgive my son. No strings attached.

After church I headed home with a changed attitude. When my husband left for work, I retrieved the ornaments, dragged the Christmas tree from the garage, and set it up, my gift to the family. Decorating our tree with the children’s handmade ornaments is always a joint project, but that day I worked alone. I held the clothespin reindeers, popsicle stick picture frames, and monogramed angels and remembered the good times.

With tear-filled eyes, I watched as amazement etched the faces of my daughters when they came to our home Christmas morning and saw the decorated tree. “Mom! You put up the tree after all,” they said.

The biggest surprise of the day came when our daughter’s boyfriend knelt in front of her and asked, “Will you marry me?”

The discouragement of addiction was replaced with the joy of new beginnings, which is, after all, the message of the Christ Child.

***

Sharron Cosby has been married to Dan for thirty-nine years, is Mom to three adult children and “Mimi” to five grandchildren. Her family was rocked by her son’s drug addiction for fifteen years until he laid it down on February 18, 2010. She uses her life experiences to offer hope and encouragement to families caught in the chaos of addiction. Sharron is available to speak to groups on addiction related topics. Sharron recently published her first book, Praying for Your Addicted Loved One: 90 in 90, a ninety day devotional for families in recovery or those wanting to be. Receive weekly encouragement at her blog, www.efamilyrecovery.com, and Twitter @sharroncosby or contact her at moc.liamg@ybsocnorrahs. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas blog series!

Merry Christmas from Pearl Girls™! We hope you enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom” from the authors who were so kind to donate their time and talents! If you miss a few posts, you’ll be able go back through and read them on this blog throughout the next few days.

We’re giving away a pearl necklace in celebration of the holidays, as well as some items from the contributors! Enter now below. The winner will be announced on January 2, 2014, at the Pearl Girls blog.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we’re all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Mother of Pearl, Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace, or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

My Gift to Him by: Cara Putman

As Christmas nears, I’m staggering under a year that’s been too full. A fall that’s been too busy. A season of good, but overwhelming days.

Does anyone else feel the same?

There’s nothing bad—life is just full. Too full.

And I feel emptied. So empty.

It would be easy to enter this season with a sense of exhaustion, feeling like I just want to get through and on to January.

Instead, I want to offer my life again. May my gift be my life. My dreams. My talents. My all. May I be available to Him to transform from the inside out. I want my life to be lived for His glory.

Yet I fail. And on the days that I am most tired and overwhelmed I seem to fail more. It is then that I take comfort in the reality that He is the King born in a manager. A King who gave up heaven in order to save me. You. All of us. He has good plans for my life. Plans that exceed my wildest dreams. Plans fit for the daughter of the Most High.

He has plans like that for you, too. Plans that may be different from your plans, but plans that are wonderful and good.

So in this season of busyness, a season when it is easy to focus on things, duties, parties, family and friends, will you join me? I’m offering myself as a gift to Him. Will you?

***

Cara Putman is the award-winning author of sixteen novels. You can learn more about her and her books at www.caraputman.com. You can read the first chapters of all her books there including her new novel, Shadowed by Grace, which releases on January 1st just in time for Christmas gift cards. You can connect with Cara on: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Goodreads
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Hey y'all,
Here is this year's Christmas bulletin board.  Sorry it's not a very good pictures.

Have a great day!

SMILE, GOD LOVES YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas blog series!

Merry Christmas from Pearl Girls™! We hope you enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom” from the authors who were so kind to donate their time and talents! If you miss a few posts, you’ll be able go back through and read them on this blog throughout the next few days.

We’re giving away a pearl necklace in celebration of the holidays, as well as some items from the contributors! Enter now below. The winner will be announced on January 2, 2014, at the Pearl Girls blog.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we’re all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Mother of Pearl, Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace, or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

The Nativity by Lynn Austin

The first time I visited Bethlehem more than twenty-five years ago, I expected to feel a sense of the beauty and simplicity of the much-loved Christmas story: a crude stable, the holy family, shepherds, wise men, and the Son of God in the manger. I was sadly disappointed. The traditional site of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem is inside the Church of the Nativity—a truly ancient church built in 565 AD. It has survived enemy invasions, the Crusaders, restorations, renovations, a fire, and an earthquake, but it looks like . . . well, a church. A beautifully decorated and ornamented church, with all the sacred clutter that has accumulated throughout the centuries, but it bore no resemblance to my image of what Jesus’ birthplace was like.

But wait—the real site was down a set of stairs and inside a natural cave that has been venerated as the place of His birth since 160 AD. But even this simple cave was so gilded and bedecked with artwork and tapestries and lamps and incense burners that I still couldn’t get a sense of what it might have looked like on that first holy night. In the center of the floor was a silver-encrusted star with a hole in the middle. By putting my hand inside, I could touch the place where Jesus was born more than 2,000 years ago. I tried it, butI left Bethlehem feeling empty, unable to make the sacred connection I had so longed for.

And isn’t that how so many of our Christmases end up feeling? In spite of all the tinsel and glitter and sparkle, all the money we spend and the stress we endure as we try to create the perfect Hallmark Christmas, we’re often left with the same let-down feeling I had inside that church in Bethlehem. We’ve lost the simple beauty of the story, that precious connection with God that is the true miracle of Bethlehem.

The year after visiting Bethlehem, I began looking for ways to recapture the simplicity of Christ’s incarnation. Santa Claus has never been invited to our family Christmases, and we’ve always celebrated it as Jesus’ birthday, exchanging presents because God gave us the gift of His Son. But year after year, the clutter and glitz had draped themselves over our celebrations, just like the religious trappings that have collected inside the Church of the Nativity over the centuries. That year, I purchased a nice but inexpensive manger set. I wanted something that wasn’t a toy but that my children could handle and touch. We placed it at their level and at the center of our holiday and began the simple tradition of gathering together as a family to fill the empty stable while my husband read the story from the Bible. Our children divided all the people and sheep and camels among themselves, and when we got to their part in the Bible story, they added their figures to the stable.

This simple tradition has become so beloved by all of us that we still do it the same way every year, even though our children are now adults. Our two married children couldn’t wait to share the tradition with their spouses, generously dividing their sheep and wise men among the newest members of our family. One year, our daughter was living overseas and couldn’t make it home for the holiday, but we still held our family tradition while she participated via Skype and a web camera.

And it’s always in those moments, with the simple stable and inexpensive plaster figures and my precious loved ones gathered around me, that I feel the holy wonder of Christmas once again—Emmanuel, God with us!

***

Bestselling author Lynn Austin has sold more than one million copies of her books worldwide. Her latest novel, Return To Me, is the first book in her new series.  She is an eight-time Christy Award winner for her historical novels, as well as a popular speaker at retreats and conventions. Lynn and her husband have raised three children and live near Chicago. Visit Lynn at her website.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas blog series!

Merry Christmas from Pearl Girls™! We hope you enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom” from the authors who were so kind to donate their time and talents! If you miss a few posts, you’ll be able go back through and read them on this blog throughout the next few days.

We’re giving away a pearl necklace in celebration of the holidays, as well as some items from the contributors! Enter now below. The winner will be announced on January 2, 2014, at the Pearl Girls blog.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we’re all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Mother of Pearl, Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace, or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

The Magic of a Christmas Moment by: Sarah E. Ladd

Ah, it’s Christmas! Just the mention of the word makes me think of twinkling trees, glistening snowflakes, and happy childhood memories.

One Christmas Eve, when my sister and I were quite small, my parents were trying to get us to go to sleep. Of course, we were far too excited to think about sleep! We double checked our stockings and strained our ears to see if we could hear reindeer hooves prancing on the roof. I can still remember my mom saying, “Santa can’t come until you are asleep!”

And then—it happened!

We looked out of our kitchen window, and what should we see? Through our neighbor’s window, we saw HIM . . . Santa Claus . . . doing the dishes! Santa was only one house away! My sister and I could not believe our eyes. Within a flash, we were in our beds, blankets pulled up to our chins, eyes pressed tight in hopes we would fall asleep so Santa could stop by our house!

Of course, it took several years for us to realize that “Santa” was our neighbor hosting a Christmas party, but even after all these years I can still remember the excited thrill of that moment. Even to this day the memory brings a smile to my face, and every Christmas, someone always says, “Hey, remember the year we saw Santa doing dishes?”

As Christmas approaches, it is easy to get caught up on the busyness of the season. Shopping, cooking, traveling—it can be a hectic time of year, with crazy schedules and hurried timelines. But in the bustle of the season, do not forget to keep your eyes open for the magic in the simplest moments, especially if you have young children or grandchildren. Those special memories are gifts that last a lifetime, and just like that Christmas many years ago, it would have been very easy not to take a moment to look out the window. Keep your heart and your eyes open . . . you never know what magic you will find in Christmas moments.

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Sarah E. Ladd has more than ten years of marketing experience. She is a graduate of Ball State University and holds degrees in public relations and marketing. The Heiress of Winterwood was the recipient of the 2011 Genesis Award for historical romance. Her second novel, The Headmistress of Rosemere, releases December 2013. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing husband, sweet daughter, and spunky Golden Retriever. Learn more at her website or follow her on Facebook. Also, be sure to stop by for your chance to win 8 Christian Fiction novels by some of your favorite authors! Follow this link to enter the Christian Fiction Christmas Giveaway.
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Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas blog series!

Merry Christmas from Pearl Girls™! We hope you enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom” from the authors who were so kind to donate their time and talents! If you miss a few posts, you’ll be able go back through and read them on this blog throughout the next few days.

We’re giving away a pearl necklace in celebration of the holidays, as well as some items from the contributors! Enter now below. The winner will be announced on January 2, 2014, at the Pearl Girls blog.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we’re all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Mother of Pearl, Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace, or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

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Christmas Musings by: Anita Higman

I feel great joy in preparing my home for the holiday season. I love to drape boughs of greenery along the staircase, swirl spices into a pot of apple cider that’s simmering on the stove, make crafty floral arrangements, and sing along with all my favorite carols. Then when friends and family come over for brunches and dinners, I put out my finest decoration, my best china, and my sincerest smile. I go all out. These are my guests, and I want the event to be welcoming, satisfying, and festive. I want them to feel like royalty.

When Christ arrived in Bethlehem, I wish He could have had a more splendid welcoming, a more regal place to sleep than a wooden trough where animals were fed. Even though His birth was without majestic lodgings or kingly adornments, I’m so glad He overlooked our foolish blunders, our lack of hospitality, and chose to live amongst us anyway. Jesus certainly could have chosen a different route and easier way to offer redemption.

But He didn’t.

Jesus came in one of the humblest possibly ways. He had a divine approach that left humans surprised and puzzled. And it turned into a road of pain beyond anything we can imagine. When it comes to God’s extravagant sacrifice and love that Christmas represents, He deserves a standing ovation. After all, Christmas holds the true secrets we’ve all been searching for: meaning to our lives on earth, victory over death, and life eternal.Christmas gives us a reason to work, to laugh, to dream, to love. Christmas is a holiday of the heart and earth’s finest celebration.

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Best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has over thirty books published (several coauthored) for adults and children. Her latest release, Marriage in Middlebury, is a tale of love, hope, and forgiveness. Anita's been a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston and has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends. Visit Anita at her website.

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Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas blog series!

Merry Christmas from Pearl Girls™! We hope you enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom” from the authors who were so kind to donate their time and talents! If you miss a few posts, you’ll be able go back through and read them on this blog throughout the next few days.

We’re giving away a pearl necklace in celebration of the holidays, as well as some items from the contributors! Enter now below. The winner will be announced on January 2, 2014, at the Pearl Girls blog.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we’re all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Mother of Pearl, Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace, or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

A Hibiscus "Hug from Heaven" by: Margaret McSweeney

The flurry of festivities during Thanksgiving weekend came to an abrupt halt as I began the first week of December 2013 with an empty nest. My husband was back at work. My daughters were back at college. And my brother, Claude, and niece, Mary, were back in Alabama and Tennessee. Bare branches accentuated the overcast gloom in the Chicago suburbs on what marked the third anniversary of my brother Randy’s passing. Randy had been feeding a stray cat on his deck when the fatal heart attack struck.

Walking downstairs, I whispered a prayer. “Lord, I am feeling really sad right now. Please help me experience your joy.” As I walked into the family room, my heart smiled. The pruned hibiscus plant balanced a solitary flower that had blossomed overnight! This was truly a hibiscus “hug from heaven.”

In her book <em>When Grief Is Your Constant Companion</em>, my late mother shared her poignant poem about a hibiscus plant. She wrote this following poem several years after losing my dad to a sudden heart attack while he was in Paris on a business trip.

TEARDROPS: EVERLASTING JOY
By Carolyn Rhea

My love, how can it be
That I no longer think of you
Almost every waking moment
And grieve for your loving presence?

There are small spaces of time
When my life is so absorbed in present living
That you are not in my thoughts at all.
How unthinkable!
How sad that I should forget you even for an hour!

But I have not forgotten you, my dear.
You are forever a part of me.
You helped God shape my life
Into my present self.
I carry your love in my heart.
I miss you so very much and always will.

But now I’m caught up in trying to reconstruct
With God’s guidance
A meaningful life for myself.
One in which I can help,
Serve, share, love, grow.

I remember the hibiscus plant
We bought at the annual show.
It was called Teardrops,
For several perfectly-shaped white teardrops
Spattered the broad expanse
Of its gorgeous pink blooms.
How we loved it!

Then later, after it had grown much taller,
We saw a different kind of bloom:
Multitudes of small, sturdy, happy pink blossoms
Swaying merrily in the Florida breeze!
Teardrops had been grafted onto a stronger plant!

We named it Everlasting Joy.

Teardrops still bloomed at the lower level,
But as the plant grew ever upward and outward,
Everlasting Joy bloomed in profusion!

Lord Jesus, when teardrops fall,
Help me remember that through faith
I have been grafted in You –
You, the vine;
I, a branch –
Eternally secure in God’s love through Thee!
Blessed with Thy fullness of joy on earth
And the promise of everlasting joy in heaven!

Thank you, dear Father for sharing your everlasting joy with me today in my solitude. We are not alone in our grief. You are with us. “Ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.” John 16:20

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Margaret McSweeney is well-published author (A Mother’s Heart Knows, Go Back and Be Happy, Pearl Girls, Mother of Pearl, Aftermath), host of Kitchen Chat, and the founder of Pearl Girls™. Through Pearl Girls™, Margaret collaborates with other writers on projects to help fund a safe house for WINGS, an organization that helps women and their children who are victims of domestic violence, and to build wells for schoolchildren in Uganda through Hands of Hope. For the past twelve years she has served on the board of directors and leadership advisory board for WINGS. Margaret lives with her husband and 2 daughters in the Chicago suburbs. Learn more at Margaret's website.

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"A Christmas Gift for Rose"

Tricia Goyer

Rose had been a devout Amish as long as she could remember.  So she didn't understand when her boyfriend, Jonathan, joined the English service during WWII.  Even though he was only in the medical corp and didn't do any fighting.  He had disgraced himself, his family, and her by going against their Amish beliefs.  

So what a shock she received when she discovered she herself was an Englisher raised by an Amish family.  

 

Will she stay Amish or decide to join the English world?  What about her biological family and the family who raised and loved her.  Rose has a lot of questions to settle before Christmas and Jonathan is out to help her, because he still loves her, even though she is not Amish.  

What does Rose choose to do?

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This was a touching story.  One which I enjoyed very much.  It was even more so when I discovered it was a true story!  I highly recommend this book.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM BOOK SNEEZE FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

Read more about the book here. 

SMILE, GOD LOVES YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey y'all,
Here are our Christmas cupcakes that we made for our Children's Christmas party at Church.  The cupcakes were just plain ole' vanilla and I swirled food coloring into them with a toothpick.  After they cooled Dixie n I took off decorating them!  We really enjoyed it.  This was our first attempt at really decorating cupcakes with something other than sprinkles.  How'd we do?  We think we did pret-ty good!  
Enjoy!
Have a great day y'all! :)
SMILE, GOD LOVES YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!