Sarah Price's Blog, page 21

If you ever wanted an argument for God, just spend some time in nature.

Today, I took my children cave tubing in Belize. My children…total techno geeks who live for gaming (and horses — Cat). I’m sure they had no idea what to do and I think one of them sighed when I told them to get in the car.

But they went along with me, no matter how reluctantly.

We hiked about thirty minutes into the jungle and then floated on inner tubes down a river and through a very long and dark cave. We wore helmets on our heads with little lights to provide some break from the darkness.

But the shadows that reflected from the water and the water that dripped from the stalactites made any already eerie experience even more creepy and scary.

At one point, a hole in the side of the cave wall hinted at the beautiful green jungle beyond the underground water where we floated. And when we emerged out of the cave, the brilliant canopy of trees and vines that greeted us were trumped only by turquoise blue river water.

I wondered if this was like the Garden of Eden. If so, why couldn’t Eve leave the fruit from the tree of good and evil? Why did we get banished? Because let me tell you…I could sit on a rock with my feet in the cool river and watch the birds in the trees forever.

Instead, I will return to NJ and the stress of everyday life. Like Eve, I’ll see what life should be–simple, calm, easy–and leave it for the “real” world which is really nothing more than people racing toward the finish line instead of living life.

I find this compelling “proof” (if anyone really needs it) of the power of God and the truth of Scripture. The more cultured and sophisticated we think we become, the further removed we are from what goodness God originally offered us. Taste the fruit and see what God tried to shield us from or leave the fruit and enjoy all that is good.

This trip has showed my children what a life is without the forbidden fruit. Now, what they do with this new knowledge is up to them. I hope it changes them for the better. I hope that God’s creation seen here in the jungle of Belize moves them the way it has moved me.

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The children are driving me CRAZY over the Internet. I finally got on my bicycle and rode to the local “resort” to find out how we could hang out there (Answer: buy something).

When I came back to get the kids, Dawson showed up and filleted the fish and chopped open the coconuts so we could have fresh coconut juice. He said he’d be back around 4 for supper.

Apparently he stopped by later, but I was out getting our car (THANK GOD! WHEELS!). He said he’d be back in 20 minutes and we never saw him again. Ha ha.

Cat and Alex rode bicycles to the resort while I walked behind. Cat hasn’t ridden a bicycle in so long that she fell off and landed in a ditch. A car of young men were passing, pausing just long enough to laugh at her.

The resort is nice for this area. Clean and respectful. However, to stay there more than two nights? I doubt it. Of course, I’m sure most people couldn’t stay HERE in the jungle house for more than one or two nights.

Cat announced that she is feeling relaxed and peaceful. Alex is adapting well with the exception of the Internet. Baby-steps.

It makes me laugh how much they worry about me. They fear for me…which I get. If anything happens to ME, what happens to THEM? Plus, I’m just a genuinely cool mom so…

But seriously, they act as though I’m feeble and meek. I try to tell them that they have me all wrong. When I was younger than Cat, my parents sent to me to Puerto Rico for 2-3 weeks during the summer…alone…to live with a family I didn’t know. When I was fifteen, they sent me with my cousin Teddy for 2-3 weeks to Switzerland, again during the summer. When other kids were sent to camps, I was sent abroad. At eighteen, I went to Alaska for six weeks, living in a tent on an archeological dig. At twenty, I traveled down to Argentina for 3+ months to work.

You cannot do that travel and be meek and feeble. You cannot do that travel and return without a better understanding of the world. When you travel, you remove your myopic glasses and start to see the world with compassion and appreciation…for what you left behind and for what you have discovered.

Think about it. These people can live on $5-10 US a day. They spend time with their families, live from the land, do not linger on the computer or watch television. They go to church, they work, and socialize. There are a few larger social gatherings each year but, for the most part, they simply live in that moment. No stress. No traffic. No squabbles over silly, ridiculous, sin-driven wants. They are giving to each other, welcoming to strangers, and genuinely kind.

And THESE are third-world people? Maybe not.

Anyway, I made the fish and breadfruit and a pumpkin squash. Served it with coconut rice. The kids DEVOURED IT. I’m in shock. If I made that at home, they’d refuse to eat and would certainly graze the pantry for hours! This trip has taught me how to cut back my food bill, that’s for certain!

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My family is preparing for our vacation. My youngest son is a senior (just a minute while I sob) and he chose the Southwest for his trip. So, we will soon take off for our 3000 plus mile journey. This is kind of a dream trip for my family. Our first stop will be Taos, NM, then the Painted Desert/Petrified Forest, and on to Flagstaff, AZ. Our final stop before heading home will be the desert in Oro Valley, AZ for Christmas. Ten days in all. Exciting, right?

So, why do I feel anxious? I’m struggling with leaving my dog—don’t laugh—He’s staying with my mother-in-law and I’m afraid when I come back he’ll love her more. (Look, that’s a valid concern, okay?!) But, last night, I also began feeling a bit homesick.

Whaaaaaat?

We haven’t even left yet and I’m looking forward to being home? I’ve anticipated this trip for months! Now that the time is drawing near, I’m feeling anxious and nervous. What If’s are filling my head. What if the weather is bad? What if we have an accident? What if one of us gets sick?

Why can’t I just look forward to this wonderful opportunity? Why do I want to stay home with chores, work, drama…the daily ho-hums? Why wouldn’t I want to explore new (to me) and exciting places?

As I was writing this, I realized it’s not just this trip causes me some anxiety. There is another trip I’ve been planning my entire life. A place much more breathtaking than the Grand Canyon. This trip will take me to paradise…a place beyond my comprehension.

Of course, I’m speaking of Heaven. My future destination. The perfect place. There will be no fear. No anxiety. No sickness. No loneliness. No pain. A place of unimaginable joy. So, why do I fear it? Why do I fear…and if I am being honest… dread going to Heaven? (Remember, I’m saying I’m being honest…don’t let your jaw drop to the ground.)

As a girl I wanted to get married and have children before Jesus came for me. As a mom, I’ve feared dying before my children were grown, leaving them motherless. And, throughout my life I’ve feared being too sinful, not good enough, less than perfect…I could go on. Quite frankly, I have clung to this world, not wanting to leave it…afraid of the unknown. Even now, writing these words causes my stomach to churn. Do you want to know my actual thoughts right now? “What if just writing these words I am writing my destiny, causing me to die on this trip to the Southwest?”

(Again, just being honest).

It’s in times like these I have to reach out to God’s Word. What does He say?

Regarding worry and fear:

Matthew 6:25a “Therefore I tell you, stop being worried or anxious (perpetually uneasy, distracted) about your life”

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]

2 Timothy 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].

Psalm 91:4 Like a bird protecting its young, God will cover you with His feathers, will protect you under His great wings; His faithfulness will form a shield around you, a rock-solid wall to protect you.

Regarding Heaven:

John 14:16 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” If I have Jesus, I am going to the Father in Heaven one day!

Philippians 1:21-23 For to me, to live is Christ [He is my source of joy, my reason to live] and to die is gain [for I will be with Him in eternity]. If, however, it is to be life here and I am to go on living, this will mean useful and productive service for me; so I do not know which to choose [if I am given that choice]. But I am hard-pressed between the two. I have the desire to leave [this world] and be with Christ, for that is far, far better;

John 14:2 In My Father’s house are many dwelling places. If it were not so, I would have told you, because I am going there to prepare a place for you. Jesus is in Heaving preparing a place for ME!

Hebrews 11:10 For he was [waiting expectantly and confidently] looking forward to the city which has foundations, [an eternal, heavenly city] whose architect and builder is God.

What is the most beautiful city you have ever seen? Paris? Lisbon? Rome? Venice? Prague? Amsterdam?

These cities were created by mere men. Heaven was built by God Himself! Can you imagine the beauty?

Ah!!! It’s time for me to stop worrying and enjoy my vacation, yes? AND, why would I want to stay here on this earth when Heaven is my REAL home and absolutely beyond fabulous?

Do you find your life is bound by fear and worry? Are you concerned you aren’t ready to go to Heaven? Send me a message through Sarah’s email at [email protected] and I’ll be happy to talk with you.

Lisa Bull sees her life as a journey along God’s divine plan. While considering herself an expert on nothing, she enjoys laughing and has made “choosing joy” her motto. Lisa has experienced God’s unfailing love and grace in her life and wants nothing more than for others to enjoy that same gift in their lives.

Lisa is the daughter and granddaughter of ministers. She has multiple relatives in ministry on both sides of her father’s family including several pastors, pastor’s wives, and missionaries. In fact, ministry in her maternal grandmother’s family can be traced back several generations. She loves being a wife and mother of two terrific young men.

Visit Lisa at Walking Bare Souled in the SONshine and JoyGurls.com

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The post My Future Destination by Lisa Bull appeared first on Sarah Price.

Waking up to tropical birds squawking outside of the “window” (read: screened opening) and seeing black howler monkeys jumping in the trees. That’s not exactly what I would have imagined in my life…not twelve months ago.

We were a little overwhelmed last night…with the velociraptor noises from the jungle, the big bugs (BIG), and the very, very dark outside. VERY dark. But out of darkness comes light and we woke up to a new day with a better handle on our culture shock (and a new appreciation for high speed Internet!).

It’s the beginning of a new year for our family so it’s good that we are taking this adventures as we begin fresh starts.

Isn’t that what the birth of Jesus is about? A new beginning for the people of Israel and Jacob? For anyone who believes?

On the plane, I was reading my Bible…mostly Matthew and Luke. I had never made the connection before that the wise men who traveled so far to see the baby Jesus were Gentiles, *not Jewish*—the very people who were waiting for the Messiah. There’s a deep irony in that fact. As we have often commented on my Facebook discussions, some of the people who profess to be the most “Christian” and attend church services but leave the door, forgetting the message, (I call front pew people).

Apparently that hasn’t changed in 2000 years.

The very people who studied the Torah and taught Scripture to the people who should have been flocking to see Jesus…what did they do? They ignore the signs and were “disturbed” with Herod.

They had a chance for a new beginning. They didn’t take it.

I suppose I found the connection between our journey to the jungle in Belize (without Marc who…did not renew his passport!) and those wise men who sought out the baby Jesus. They took a journey to discover the new way. Likewise my family is here to reconnect…not just with each other but with ourselves as individuals…not just emotionally but also spiritually.

It’s been a long year and it’s the season of rebirth. Maybe some of you will join us…

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When I still had children at home, the kitchen table was always the one place where the whole family gathered at the end of each day. Dinnertime was the most important part of the day as we reconnected as a family and shared our lives with each other. Enjoying a meal together helped us forget the outside world and remember our most important relationships. Some of my fondest Christmas memories have happened around the kitchen table.

Every December I pull out twelve special Christmas candles and use them as a centerpiece on our table. After a traditional Christmas Eve dinner of ham, Gala Jell-O Salad, and cheese potatoes, we take turns lighting the candles one-by-one. The person who lights the candle gets to pick a Christmas song that we sing together. After we sing the song, the next person lights a candle and picks another song. Once all the candles are lit, we enjoy their flickering light and share our feelings for our Savior and express appreciation for each other. It is one of my favorite Christmas traditions.

On Christmas morning after the presents are opened, we gather around the table for Christmas breakfast. This is extra special because I seldom make breakfast of any kind the other 364 days of the year. In various years, we’ve had yogurt parfaits, pancakes, sausage, bacon, hash browns, scrambled eggs, breakfast casserole, and orange juice. (In that one day, I make up for a lot of breakfast neglect.) We use the snowman cups and the festive plates. There is nothing my children look forward to more.

Below is a recipe for the Gala Jell-O Salad I make on Christmas Eve. It is probably my favorite Jell-O salad ever. I have also included an authentic Amish recipe for breakfast casserole from my friend Priscilla in Lancaster County, PA.

I hope you have a blessed Christmas season filled with food, family, and the Spirit of Christmas.

Gala Jell-O Salad

1 3-oz. package orange Jell-O

1 3-oz. package strawberry Jell-O

2 cups hot water

½ of a 10 oz. package of miniature marshmallows

2 cups cold water

1 20 oz. can crushed pineapple, drained

4 bananas, sliced

Dissolve both packages of Jell-O into 2 cups of boiling water. While the mixture is still hot, add the miniature marshmallows and let them partially dissolve. Add 2 cups cold water and pineapple. Refrigerate. When the mixture is syrupy, add bananas and refrigerate until the Jell-O is set. Top with Creamy Topping and serve. (This is a great salad to make the night before.)

Creamy Topping

½ cup sugar

2 T. flour

1 cup pineapple juice (from the drained can of pineapple above)

1 egg, slightly beaten

1 8-oz. package Cool Whip

Mix the sugar and flour together. Add pineapple juice and beaten egg. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil. Remove from heat and cool. Stir in Cool Whip and spread over Jell-O mixture.

Priscilla’s Breakfast Casserole

8 slices of bread

½ lb. cheddar cheese

1 lb. sausage (cooked) or ham

4 large eggs

2 cups milk

1 t. salt

1 t. paprika

1 t. mustard

½ t. oregano

4 T. butter, melted

Grease a 9×13 casserole dish. Cube the bread and place in the casserole dish. Sprinkle cooked sausage or ham over the bread. Mix together the rest of the ingredients except the cheese. Pour mixture over the bread. Top with cheese. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. (Priscilla tells me she sometimes substitutes Tater Tots for the bread.)

Jennifer Beckstrand is the award-winning author of The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill Amish romance series. After growing up with a steady diet of William Shakespeare and Jane Austen, she went slightly crazy and got a degree in mathematics, which came in handy when one of her six children needed help with homework. After her fourth daughter was born, she started writing. By juggling diaper changes, soccer games, music lessons, laundry, and two more children, she finished her first manuscript in just under fourteen years. Jennifer has always been drawn to the strong faith and the enduring family ties of the Plain people and loves writing about the antics of Anna and Felty Helmuth. Jennifer and her husband have been married for thirty years, and she has four daughters, two sons, and three adorable grandsons, whom she spoils rotten.

 

 

 

 

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As a writer, I’m often living in one season while writing about another. Sort of a Christmas-in-July syndrome, or even the reverse. I can be writing about summer drought while looking out my window at drifts of white. I can be writing about Christmas snow on a day so hot I can hardly stand to wear clothes.

This December, the seasons are coming together for me in a rare moment!

A little background. Earlier this year I wrote a book called Hope in the Land, which will be a new addition to my Amish Turns of Time historicals. A full-length novel, it will release April 1, 2016.

It’s a Depression era story set in Lancaster County. In this story, Gloria and Marlin have been married twenty-five years and have eight children.

When the same publisher (Barbour) asked if I was interested to write a Christmas novella for 2017, I immediately thought it would be fun to go back in time and visit Gloria and Marlin on their first Christmas just a few weeks after their wedding.

And now it’s time to write that story!

I think this may be the first time in my writing career that I am writing about the Christmas season when it is actually the Christmas season! My goal is to finish the novella by the end of December, so all through the month as I prepare for my own family’s Christmas, I will also be thinking about Gloria and Marlin’s first Christmas and learning a lot about Amish Christmas traditions.

This Christmas novella, called Love’s Pure Light, will come out in time for Christmas next year in a collection with other Amish and Plain Christmas stories. By then some of you may have read Hope in the Land and gotten to know Gloria and Marlin. I hope that will make it extra sweet to read their young love story later. I know it’s extra sweet for me to be able to write it—and not have to say goodbye to these characters quite yet!

Merry Christmas, and may love’s pure light shine on you.

 

Olivia Newport is the author of the Valley of Choice series of Amish stories and the ongoing collection of Amish Turns of Time, which includes Wonderful Lonesome, Meek and Mild, and Brightest and Best. Hope in the Land releases April 2016 and the novella Loves Pure Light in the fall.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The post When the Seasons Come Together by Olivia Newport appeared first on Sarah Price.

I’ve learned quite a bit about the Amish culture since my first novel released in 2009. I’m thankful to have a dear Amish friend who answers my questions and shares story about her family. The Amish Christmas traditions are different from our Englisher (non-Amish) traditions.

Our decorations from Christmas 2014

In the Amish tradition, they don’t decorate a tree or hang stockings, and they don’t tell their children that Santa Claus brings gifts. When decorating their homes, the Amish may display a poinsettia or candles, but you won’t find any Christmas lights or wreaths.

The Amish celebrate First Christmas and Second Christmas. For the Amish, the holiday is about family and retelling the Christmas story, which they share on Christmas Eve. They received their gifts on Christmas morning, which is First Christmas. My friend arranges a Christmas table for her children with their names by each place setting and gifts on the plate. Children may receive a piece of fruit or homemade cookies and candies. They may also find small toys, such as a new doll, a toy truck, farm animals, or ice skates. Sometimes they receive clothes or a new robe. Older girls may get a piece of crystal or a dish, adding to their collection every year. The gifts are wrapped in newspaper or placed Christmas bag.

My cat Lily posing with the tree in 2014.

Adult gifts may include a homemade scarf, inspirational books, homemade blanket or towel, or a woven rug. My Amish friend visits extended family on Second Christmas, which is celebrated on Dec. 26, and the family members share a huge meal. The children have fun playing with their cousins. Grandparents give each child a small gift, such candy.

Each Amish family has its own traditions. Since the families are so large, they have to plan when to get together and some have their Christmas dinners as early as Thanksgiving.

My family and I also have traditions. We decorate the outside of our house, and my husband, Joe, enjoys buying new lights and decorations each year. We also decorate the inside of our home with an artificial tree, wreathes, and other small knick-knacks. We have three cats who always enjoy climbing the tree, so we have to be careful to not hang breakable ornaments on our tree. We normally wait until mid-December to decorate the inside and outside of the house.

Santa Mrs Claus Mickey: A few of our outdoor decorations

We attend the afternoon service at church on Christmas Eve, and we open gifts Christmas morning. Normally my mother and I make something special to eat for breakfast Christmas morning. My sons enjoy a breakfast casserole that we prepare the night before and put in the oven the following morning. The house smells delicious while we open gifts.

Amy’s New Book Preview:

The Forgotten Recipe

After losing her fiancé in a tragic accident, Veronica Fisher finds solace in the old recipes stored in her mother’s hope chest—and in a special visitor who comes to her bake stand to purchase her old-fashioned raspberry pies.

In the first book in Amy Clipston’s new Amish Heirloom series, Veronica Fisher knows how lucky she is to be marrying her best friend. Seth Lapp is kind, hardworking, and handsome—but most importantly, he loves Veronica.

When an accident on the job steals Seth away from her, a heartbroken Veronica is certain she will never love—or be loved—again. Yet when she discovers a batch of forgotten recipes and opens a bake stand to sell her Mammi’s raspberry pies, Veronica picks up a regular customer who gives her heart pause.

Jason Huyard was with Seth when he lost his life—a memory that haunts him still. So when he seeks out the grieving fiancée to convey his condolences, the last thing he expects—or wants—is to fall in love. Nonetheless, Jason soon finds himself visiting Veronica’s bake stand every week . . . and it’s for more than the raspberry pies.

Now, as Veronica’s heart thaws, Jason can’t bring himself to tell her he was there when Seth died. Can he ever reveal where he was on the day her life derailed? Or will his secret rob them of the second chance at love they both want?

One person who leaves a comment will be picked to win a copy of The Forgotten Recipe! For an EXTRA chance share this post and leave a comment if you do.

Giveaway starts today Monday, December 21st, and ends Monday, December 28th, and  is only open to US residents. 

Amy Clipston is the award-winning and bestselling author of more than a dozen novels, including the Kauffman Amish Bakery series and the Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel series. Her novels have hit multiple bestseller lists including CBD, CBA, and ECPA. Amy holds a degree in communication from Virginia Wesleyan College and works full-time for the City of Charlotte, NC. Amy lives in North Carolina with her mother, husband, two sons, and three spoiled rotten cats. Visit AmyClipston.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Have you ever been given absolutely amazing news? News so incredible that you are excited beyond belief? News so thrilling that you literally jump up and down? News so exciting you squeal with joy?

News that is so amazing you—you—you think you might be sick! You’re scared to death! When the excitement wears off you realize that you are completely unworthy, undeserving, unprepared—and you panic.

I don’t know about you, but its times like that when I call my bestie and I’m like, “Help! You’ll never believe this.”

Case in point: Mary.

Many experts believe she was 12 or 13 years old when the angel came to her. I realize that was a different time and things worked differently. But, 12 or 13 is—young! She’s told in Luke chapter one that she has found favor with God and will have a son. Not only will she have a son, but she will be a virgin at the time and the baby will be the Son of God.

Now, I don’t know about you, but if an angel told me something like that, I’m not sure what my response would be. I think we kind of gloss this story over and make it all neat and pretty during Christmastime. It wasn’t. She was young. Joseph was likely much older. She was not yet married, and was told she was going to be pregnant. Ladies, pregnancy out of wedlock in those days was NOT acceptable. What would Joseph think? What would her parents think? What about her siblings and her community? And, the Son of God??? Would you easily accept that news? Be honest.

So, what did she do? According to Luke 1:39 she “went with haste” to her cousin, Elizabeth’s, house. THIS I understand! I could see myself running to my cousin’s house and saying, “You will never EVER believe this!” As they talked and Elizabeth learned of Mary’s news, the Holy Spirit came over her and she blessed Mary.

I think it’s so interesting the how this story ties in friendship. God is relational and He knows we need friends for support and comfort. How many times has a friend walked with you through a difficult or taxing time in your life? Elizabeth was experiencing her own (unbelievable) miracle at the same time (see Luke 1:5-25) and was still able to be an encourager for Mary.

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV) And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Let’s be encouragers! And, let’s be there for one another.

Merry Christmas!

Lisa Bull sees her life as a journey along God’s divine plan. While considering herself an expert on nothing, she enjoys laughing and has made “choosing joy” her motto. Lisa has experienced God’s unfailing love and grace in her life and wants nothing more than for others to enjoy that same gift in their lives.

Lisa is the daughter and granddaughter of ministers. She has multiple relatives in ministry on both sides of her father’s family including several pastors, pastor’s wives, and missionaries. In fact, ministry in her maternal grandmother’s family can be traced back several generations. She loves being a wife and mother of two terrific young men.

Visit Lisa at Walking Bare Souled in the SONshine and JoyGurls.com

First time visiting me? Subscribe for email updates or find me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

The post Panic By Lisa Bull appeared first on Sarah Price.

Some have dubbed me the “queen of Christmas,” which is totally ridiculous. But it’s only because I’ve published more than a dozen Christmas novellas in as many years. And although that clearly does not make me an expert on Christmas, I’m often asked about my family’s Christmas traditions—as if I should have some wonderful holiday secrets to share. But the truth is that our traditions have grown simpler with each passing year. Attribute this to getting older and less energetic or, as I like to think, wiser.

So I’d like to share my “secret” with anyone who, like me, has begun to feel overwhelmed by Christmas activities. Honestly, I reached the place where I felt buried by tasks like sending Christmas cards; getting everyone the ‘perfect’ gift and wrapping it with creative flare; decorating my home from floor to ceiling, not to mention the exterior lights and trimmings . . . and then there was the food thing. I felt compelled to make cookies and fudge (with far more calories than this family needed) as well as to plan for ‘entertaining.’ And what about finding something great to wear while attending holiday festivities? On went my to-do list. And it was all too much!

That’s when I remembered the Bible verse about being a “cheerful giver.” Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV)

That’s when I decided, if I couldn’t perform a certain Christmas activity with good cheer, I should remove it from my list. And that’s just what I did. I can hardly describe how liberating this felt. For the first time in my married life (and we’re now on year 38) I felt as if a load had been lifted. And the good thing about my “secret” is that each year is different. Some years I feel energetic and can’t wait to pull out the stops for the season. Other years . . . not so much. And everything always turns out just fine. No one in my family has ever complained.

In my quest for a ‘simpler’ Christmas I’ve discovered some time-saving tips. For instance decorating can be as easy as throwing down some evergreens with white lights strung through them—add a few pine cones, a bowl of red apples, or votive candles in mason jars and voila, you feel festive! And gift bags (purchased from the dollar store) are uber-easy (and I even recycle the ones my family casts aside). And everything I cook does not have to be homemade. My granddaughter is just as happy decorating cookies made from store-bought dough as ones we made from scratch. And so it goes—in my home simpler really is better.

So I challenge you to listen to what your heart is telling you—if you are doing Christmas “reluctantly or under compulsion”—you need to rethink your plans. Because God loves it most when we can give to others cheerfully. And in this season of sharing, isn’t that what matters most?

~Melody Carlson, author of THE CHRISTMAS JOY RIDE and HOME, HEARTH and the HOLIDAYS.

 

Over the years, Melody Carlson has worn many hats, from pre-school teacher to toying with interior design to a senior editor. But most of all, she loves to write! In the past few years, she has published more than 200 books for adults and teens—with total sales of over 6.5 million copies. Several of her books have been finalists for, and winners of, various writing awards, including the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. She and her husband have two grown sons and a granddaughter. They live in Oregon with their dog Audrey. They enjoy camping and traveling and rehabbing houses.

 

 

 

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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 an easier way to offer redemption.

But He didn’t.

Jesus came in one of the humblest 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, He deserves a standing ovation. And His birth and resurrection holds the true secret we’ve all been searching for—meaning to our lives on earth, victory over death, and life eternal. The true meaning of 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.

This Christmas I pray I’ll take as much time preparing a special place in my heart for this merry season as I do in preparing my home.

 A Merry Little Christmas (Songs of the season Book 1)

Franny Martin is an Oklahoma farm girl who’s preparing to spend the holidays alone… again. Then Charlie Landau shows up one day, all wealth and polish, and offers to buy Franny’s farm. Franny has no money to speak of, but she is clever and spirited, and she’s more than happy to sell the farm and move to the city. As Sinatra croons from the radio and Christmas descends upon her charming farm, Franny teaches Charlie the curious and sometimes comical ways of country life. In the process, they unearth some discoveries of the heart—that sometimes love comes when you’re least ready for it. Will the holidays bring their most impossible dreams within reach?

Best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has forty books published. She’s been a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston and has a BA in the combined fields of speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, traveling to exotic places, and brunch with her friends.

Please check out Anita’s latest novel on Amazon, A Question of Destiny. Feel free to drop by her website at www.anitahigman.com or connect with her on her Facebook Reader Page. She would love to hear from you!

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