Did you keep track of Christmas spending?

Are you surprised at what you spent?  It's ok, but it's important to have an idea of what you will want to spend next year and plan for it.  Some begin buying Christmas presents early.  The only problem I have is I can't remember why I bought it (or where I put it).  I transfer the accumulated money back into my checking account the first of December so I know what I have.  Peace of mind - in a not so peaceful financial drain - brings the opportunity to truly enjoy the season.  Even though it is filled with "hustle-bustle", you won't have to worry about money.

Do you only have one kitchen sink?

Many people have opted to have only one kitchen (farm) sink.  Although it is beautiful, it may have significant drawbacks.  When you fill the sink with hot soapy dishwater, it is great to have that much room.  However after a few "rinses", you have messed up the balance of soap/water ratio and also have no place to pour used liquid.  Solution:  Choose the largest pan to be washed and use it as a temporary dishpan.  You can maintain the proper dishwater and allow for hot rinse water to do its job too.  When finished, the pan is also clean and your sink is back to normal.

This is my Christmas prayer...

In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray for the people:  Those who have lost a son or daughter, husband or wife, father or mother and are facing their first Christmas without that loved one.  Each is irreplaceable and in Christ are waiting for us when we arrive in Heaven.  I pray for single mothers and single fathers who through circumstances are caring for the little ones alone.  For grandparents who have stepped up to the start line to raise their grandchildren because they consider them their own children and cannot/will not allow the children to endure family separation.  I pray for families who are together this Christmas for the first time in many years and for old war wounds to be healed.  For those who do not have enough and for those who have had a windfall of provision and are thinking the best way to be financially responsible.  Most of all, I pray that everyone will be able to hear and UNDERSTAND the Gospel.  (John 3:16) I believe that anyone who truly understands that  original sin passed down through all humanity from Adam and Eve, and because sin will not be allowed in Heaven, Jesus died on the Cross (through no sin of His own) in our place so we can come to Heaven and live with Him there.  God doesn't want us to be in eternally lost and separated from Him.  Are you one of these, I'm praying for you.  Merry Christmas means we are happy that we have found Christ - He's our wonderful Gift.

Are there two kinds of oatmeal? Huh!

Ever make cookies with oatmeal and they are wonderful and the next time they spread out all over the cookie sheet?  Problem solved!  There are two kinds of oatmeal:  Quick and Old Fashioned.  When making cookies, always use Quick.  It absorbs the butter and any other liquid.  The Old Fashioned kind would take too long to absorb liquid and the cookies would already have been in the oven the required time.  Who would have thought oatmeal had so much character?

Just a thought

Don't forget to keep track of your Christmas spending so you can plan for next year.  Surprise - Christmas comes every December 25...ready or not!  It's very important to look ahead so that you are not caught off guard and rack up credit card bills to pay in January and February.  That's a terrible way to start the new year!  God bless you and Merry Christmas 2013.

Busy holiday schedule is upon us!

It is so easy to plow through the holidays and not take a breath until January.  However, you've heard it over and over - take time to smell the roses ... in this case it's the cookies.  Everyone is hurrying around buying, cooking, and giving and feeling pressured to finish all that you have in your mind to do.

Take a breath ... breathe and enjoy this wonderful season.  The whole world is celebrating Christmas even if they are not Christian.  It's such a time of joy just like the angels said to the shepherds, "I bring you good tidings of great joy".  People don't even realize what is going on but it is the season to be jolly.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas.  Shop all you want.  Cook all you want.  Give all you can.  Enjoy the journey - January comes soon enough.  God bless you as we remember that the tiny babe is our JESUS. What a wonderful gift God gave to the whole world.  We pray that all would receive Him.

Those dryer sheets ...

The "used" dryer sheets are great for scrubbing off delicate surfaces - like hair spray off the bathroom counter.  There are probably many more uses - send yours in and share with others.