Let's Keep Christmas~

Hello dear friends!  Here it is just a few days before Christmas once again.  I had hoped to share our Christmas Home Tour with you today, but I still need to take a few more pictures and edit them.  The weather here has been rather dark and gloomy, making the process a bit challenging.  Especially for this amateur photog!

Instead I thought I would share a bit from my heart. And if I am being honest, something I feel is more important than yet another blogger holiday home tour.

I wanted to share a snippet from a book that was handed down to me that belonged to my precious Granny, who loved Christmas as much as I do.  She always made the season magical for us, but never lost sight of the true meaning.  And for that I am forever grateful.  She instilled in us a love for Christ like no other.

The book was gifted to my Granny and Pop in 1954, by my Great Granny, in loving memory of my Great Grandfather who passed away that year.

The book is entitled Let's Keep Christmas. A sermon by Peter Marshall.

I have had the pleasure of reading it as a devotional to several groups of friends over the past several years.  Each time all are amazed at the insight he had into the season so many years ago. 

The idea of Christmas becoming commercialized was of concern even back then.  Imagine how much more so today!

I wanted to share the last little bit of the book with you as it speaks to my heart every time I read it, and usually strikes a chord with those I am reading it to as well.

"We want to hold on to the old customs and traditions because they strengthen our family ties, bind us to our friends, make us one with all mankind for whom the Child was born, and bring us back again to the God Who gave His only begotten Son, that "whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

So, we will not "spend" Christmas...
not "observe" Christmas.
We will "keep" Christmas-keep it as it is...
in all the loveliness of its ancient traditions.

May we keep it in our hearts,
that we may be kept in hope."

As many of you know we lost a precious gem this year. My sweet Mother-in-Law passed away back in March.  As we went through some of the things in her attic, I stumbled upon this little church with the stained glass windows and bell in the steeple.  It instantly reminded me of the church on the cover of the book.  It is beautiful illuminated at night.

I am so grateful to have these two precious gifts, handed down by two of the finest Christian women I have ever known, to remind me of what is truly important this time of year.

May God bless each of you this Christmas season.

Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookie Recipe~

Hello sweet friends. First of all, I want to say a sincere thank you to those who have reached out to me via email or insta message asking if all was well.  The answer is yes, we are just busy with life and  all that the holidays entail. 

I decided to step away from the blog for a bit to focus on what truly matters this season, first and foremost our Heavenly Father, Jesus, whom this holiday would be for nought without.  He is the REASON for the SEASON after all.  Along with family, missing some who are no longer with us this year, spending time with friends and going back to a true passion of mine, singing.  Lots of choir rehearsals this time of year in preparation for two services this coming Sunday.

However, I posted a pic tonight on Insta of the cookies I made for my Life Group cookie swap I am hosting Thursday, and several asked for the recipe.  The link wasn't working for some reason.  So, as promised...here it is. So easy and they smell amazing!

Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookie (vegan)

Ingredients:

1 cup dutch-process cocoa powder
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup applesauce
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp peppermint extract
2 cups all purpose flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 TBS peppermint candies crushed

Sugar Coating:

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl combine flour, salt, and baking powder. Set aside.
2. In a medium bowl or stand up mixer stir together cocoa powder, sugar, applesauce, oil and extracts until well blended. Fold in crushed peppermints. Add flour mixture and mix until just combined.
3. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for 4 hours.
4. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Place the granulate sugar and powdered sugar in two separate bowls.
5. Remove chilled dough and roll into balls about one tablespoon each.   Toss first in the granulated and then second in the powdered sugar, coating fully.
6. Bake for 12-13 minutes (cookies should be slightly underbaked). Remove from oven and allow to cool for 2-3 minutes before transferring onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy!

Being Thankful~Happy Thanksgiving!

May God bless each one of you today as you spend time with family and friends.  May we take time to reflect on all His goodness, grace and mercy.  And remember to be thankful not just on Thanksgiving Day, but each day we are blessed to wake up and enjoy everything He has given to and provided for us.

Happy Thanksgiving!  I am thankful for each and every one of you.