Holiday Warmth Giveaway!

Since it's beginning to look -- and feel -- a lot like Christmas, how about a fun little Holiday Warmth giveaway to kick off the season?! Most of us, except those in the southern reaches of our country, have already felt Jack Frost nipping at our noses, and some have even been treated to their first snowfall of the winter. Along with needing a little Christmas, I'd say we need a little warmth, too!

In Ecclesiastes 4:11, King Solomon asked, "...how can one keep warm alone?" His teaching of "two are better than one" (verse 9) is certainly true, but if you don't have a friend handy, how about a $10 Starbucks gift card?! :) And since I'd like to help warm your soul as well as your body, the lucky winner will also receive a devotional book -- your choice of Grace for the Moment by Max Lucado or Daily Devotions for Writers, both offering a devotion for each day of the year.

To enter for a chance to win the Starbucks card and devotional book simply leave a comment on this post by noon CST Dec. 14th and tell me what your favorite hot drink is. Make it fun and give us details -- for example, not just "coffee", but exactly what flavor or kind of coffee, etc. If I don't know you personally, be sure to include your email address in your comment. I've set the deadline early enough in the month so the winner can give the gift card as a Christmas gift if he or she doesn't happen to like coffee. And yes, there are such creatures. I am one in fact :)

So what's my favorite hot drink? Hot chocolate made with milk and lots of chocolate and covered in mini-marshmallows. Mmmm good :) Reality is, though, because I try to watch my sugar intake, I use the no-sugar added Nesquick and limit myself to 7 or 8 mini-marshmallows. If that sounds like a lot, believe me -- it's not. They look pretty lonely floating around in my cup :) It's just enough, though, to make the no-sugar added Nesquick a little more tasty.

Your turn now. What's your favorite hot drink? Can't wait to make at least one of you a little warmer! :)

"for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things." Psalm 107:9

*Flickr photo by Chris_J

Journal Your Gratitude

Happy Thanksgiving week! In honor of giving thanks, I'd like to pass along a simple but powerful idea. Something that's changed my life over the past two or three years -- and can change yours, too. Something that can alter your perspective at the end of any given day. Something anyone can do.

The life-changing practice I'm alluding to? Keeping a gratitude journal. Now before you think there's no way you can add one more "chore" to your life, let me assure you I'm not talking about writing lengthy entries of polished prose. I'm talking super simple and super short (unless you just get on a roll and want to keep going!).

At the end of your day, simply think about something that's happened that you're thankful for and jot it down in a journal. The journal doesn't have to be fancy. When I began journaling my gratitude, I used a tiny spiral notebook. After I realized what a treasure it could be, I started using a beautiful journal given to me by a friend (thanks, Teri!). I discovered that having a pretty journal to write in helped make the practice more of a treat to carry out.

I try to jot down my notes of thanksgiving every day. If possible, I even take my journal with me when I travel. You'd be surprised how quickly the days blur together and how fast you can forget the things you're thankful for if you let it go for awhile. I record anything from major blessings like a long-awaited answer to prayer to smaller things like a short wait in the doctor's office or an encouraging comment left here on the blog.

If you have a hard time imagining how journaling your gratitude can change your life, just give it a try for a week. I've found that on particularly stressful or unhappy days, my spirits are always lightened and lifted when I stop at the end of the day and think back to something good that happened.

Maybe you'll thank God for the moment you enjoyed watching the leaves drift their way to the ground. Or you might remember the parking spot that opened up at just the right time. You might even thank God for the warmth and protection of your home.

I'm sure you can see how the possibilities are endless -- just like our God and His desire to touch our lives with good things. Sometimes we simply forget to notice His blessings. Keeping a gratitude journal will help you be alert to the ways your heavenly Father is watching over you and blessing you, even on the difficult days. It will foster a more positive attitude about the day's events and give you a more positive outlook for the future.

So go ahead. I challenge you to start celebrating Thanksgiving every day. Treat yourself to a pretty journal and start recording some of your blessings. You will be blessed, God will be blessed by your gratitude, and one day in the future, a loved one may treasure your journal even more than you did! Happy Thanksgiving to all!

"Let us come before him with thanksgiving..." Psalm 95:2a

*I'll be skipping my mid-week post this holiday week. I'll be up to my elbows in flour :) See you next week -- I'll be kicking off the Christmas season with a fun little giveaway! :)

*Flickr photo by susancorpuz90

The Giver

He did it again. God provided for me again. The past couple of days He gave me the words for my annual Christmas poem.

You might call it an accidental tradition. For some reason, in 1982 I decided to write a poem to stick in my Christmas cards. My parents, like any good parents, loved it, and when the holidays approached the next year, they began dropping hints about wanting another poem for Christmas. Thus, in an effort not to disappoint my parents, I penned another Yuletide ditty, and the tradition was officially born.

For 27 years now, writing a Christmas poem has been on my November to-do list. It didn't take me long to graduate from that early ditty-stage to truly desiring to write something good -- something that would minister to people and point them to the Savior whose birth we celebrate.

Many times the task has felt a little daunting. I still get that feeling in fact. But I'm not sure why. God always graciously gives me an idea or a phrase to get things started and then helps me build the stanzas and craft the words that will convey the message for that season.

Our God is a giver. He gives and gives...and gives again. Not only has He faithfully given me words for my Christmas poems over the years, but He's granted me words to share with others time and again in other ways, too. He provides the ideas and the help needed to write the posts for this blog twice a week, and for over 11 years, He provided material (usually quoted from someone else) to use on the weekly prayer guides I prepared for our church.

You'd think by now, I'd know not to worry about being able to write something new. After all, I've got the ultimate Giver, the ultimate Author, in my corner. I just need to keep looking to Him, to keep asking for His help.

Words, of course, are not the only things that God faithfully gives me. What about you? How has God given to you time and again? Let's thank the Lord for His gracious provision!

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19 KJV

*Flickr photo by Pink Sherbet

Early Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving came to our house early a few days ago. A dreaded day came and went. Went better than we ever imagined, in fact. And I'm still thanking God.

We found out a couple of months ago that Don's mother, who has several serious health problems, needed to have nine or ten teeth pulled as well as some other procedures. Now this would be a big deal for anyone, but for someone whose health is a delicate balancing act, the potential of her world being rocked loomed before us. Add to that her general fear of going to the dentist, and we just didn't know what might happen.

D-day was Thursday. In spite of the pre-op drugs, she was still plenty nervous. (And who could blame her?) While I settled in with a writing project I brought from home, the receptionist promised to keep me posted. At one point when I heard her coughing and gagging, I had my doubts if they'd be able to get everything accomplished. She managed to hang in there, though, and over two hours later, they wheeled her out, her poor little mouth stuffed with gauze.

I didn't waste any time getting her back to her assisted living home where an RN and other staff members were on hand to take care of her. As we waited for the pain to set in, imagine our surprise when every time we called or went to check on her for the next couple of days, she was doing just fine. It has been nothing short of amazing.

So yes, we had an early Thanksgiving. I'm thankful the surgery went smoothly, thankful she has been virtually pain-free, thankful she didn't take any falls while woozy from the drugs, thankful for the staff on hand to care for her, thankful that her world has not been rocked -- and yes, I have to admit that I'm thankful that since things went so well for her, my life has been less complicated than it would have been if things had gone differently. God has been good to us. How I thank Him!

Anyone else have reason for early thanksgiving? Jeremiah 30:19 says, "From them will come songs of thanksgiving and the sound of rejoicing..." Did God bless you in a special way last week? Please share it with us. May songs of thanksgiving and the sound of rejoicing ever flow from our lips!

*Flickr photo by rachel_titiriga

Preparing for Peace

I spent the day yesterday preparing for peace. I went Christmas shopping. I'm willing to bet you don't think those two things go hand in hand, but stay with me a minute. I didn't say I spent the day in peace -- just said I was preparing for it.

The day, in fact, was anything but peaceful. Since we have very little shopping available in our community, my Tulsa days turn into regular marathons, especially when it's time to start looking for Christmas gifts, too. Talk about a challenge. Snacks, coupons, and list (or should I say game plan?!) in hand, I hit the ground running and didn't stop until I sat down at Arby's for a quick bite to eat before heading to my FCW meeting. Even then, I didn't stop. While eating, I checked things off my list and recorded amounts spent, etc. Crazy, huh?

You know what I've discovered, though? A couple of marathon shopping days like this at some point before Thanksgiving sets me up for a more peaceful and relaxed December. Yes, I'll admit December is still hectic, but my stress level definitely falls if I plan ahead and get most of my shopping done before Christmas music starts filling the airwaves.

You see, I want to enjoy the season. I want to prepare for peace. Christmas is, after all, a celebration of peace --the Prince of Peace coming to bring peace on earth to us all. I don't want to be so distracted and pressed for time that I miss what the season has to offer, that I miss the joy and peace of reflecting on the Savior... that I miss special moments with Him.

And so I make efforts to plan ahead. Early shopping. Baking things to put in the freezer. Avoiding scheduling appointments in December that aren't absolutely necessary. These are a few of the things I do to prepare for peace.

How about you? How do you prepare for Christmas peace? If you haven't started yet, don't worry. It's not too late. Why not join me? Let's do a little planning ahead. Let's not miss special moments with our Prince of Peace this year.

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given...And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

*Flickr photo by *L*u*z*A*

Fall Fun -- Yummy Pumpkin Favorites

What a difference a week can make. And not just in the political season, but in nature's seasons, as well. Just this past week, the leaves in our area finally put on a show for us. For a couple of glorious days, we enjoyed trees peaking with color and leaves dancing their way to the ground. One here, one there -- just the right amount to create a peaceful scene. But then the winds swept in, and the gentle dance became a chaotic flurry.

So now, before the Christmas season sneaks up on us and autumn slips completely away, I'm in a flurry to do something to celebrate fall here on Cheryl's R & R. For the next few days, let's have some fall fun. Let's talk about our favorite pumpkin foods and treats.

Me? I'm not a fan of pumpkin pie, but I love pumpkin bread. Made some just yesterday, in fact. I use the same recipe that my mom has used ever since I can remember, and Kristin has already adopted it as hers as well. Not sure if Kelli has tried pumpkin bread yet :) For me and my family, though, pumpkin bread speaks of comfort, of home, of good memories.

Your turn now :) What's your yummy pumpkin favorite? Tell us with a comment -- and feel free to post the recipe if you have time. I'll include mine below along with a little something to feed your soul. Come on and join the fall fun!

Pumpkin Bread

Cream: 2 & 3/4 c. sugar and 1 c. Crisco shortening
Add: 3 eggs, one at a time and then approx. 2 c. pumpkin

Mix together the following and then add to above mixture and stir by hand:
3 & 1/2 c. flour
1/2 t. baking powder
1 t. soda
3/4 t. cloves
1 t. nutmeg
3/4 t. allspice
1 t. cinnamon
2 t. salt (scant)

Grease 2 loaf pans. Divide dough into pans and bake at 325 for 1 hr. 15 min (depends on your oven -- mine takes about 1 hr. 5 min). Cool on wire rack & then add glaze: powdered sugar, boiling water (doesn't take much) & a little vanilla. Freezes well.

And now something yummy for your soul:

"Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him." Psalm 34:8

*Don't forget to tell us about your favorite pumpkin treat -- and maybe even leave a recipe! :)

*Flickr photo by PlayfulLibrarian

Duty Still Calls

Did you do your duty and vote on Tuesday? I hope so. But did you realize that duty is still calling? Yes, duty calls beyond the vote. We've got new marching orders now. Now it's our job to faithfully pray for Barack Obama.

Because of some of Mr. Obama's liberal policies and lack of experience in some areas, I'll have to admit that I wish the election had gone the other way. I'm not panicked or distraught about it, though. As I read my Bible on Tuesday morning, the following verse just happened to be in the passage for that day: "With my great power and outstretched arm I made the earth and its people and the animals that are on it, and I give it to anyone I please." (Jeremiah 27:5). God reminded me in that moment that He is in charge and would be fully able to use either candidate for His purposes.

Another verse gives me hope as well. Proverbs 21:1 says, "The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases." What comfort in knowing that God can change the heart or course of action of our president. And if we think he is wrong on some issues? We can ask God to change his mind.

In fact, we already know that God wants us to pray for our president and others in authority. Renae shared the following passage in her guest post last week: “I urge then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior.” (1 Timothy 2:1-3).

Yes, duty is still calling. Are we in? Are we ready to obey God's word? We can help our new president -- we can help our nation -- if we join together and faithfully pray.

Shortly after 9/11, The Presidential Prayer Team was launched in an effort to support our president and our nation in prayer. If you're not already a member of this important team, I urge you to follow the link to their site and become a member. You'll receive a weekly email with specific prayer requests for that week. Together, we can make a difference as we lift our leaders to God.

Have a blessed and hopeful week!

*Flickr photo by U.S. Army Alaska

Missed Opportunities

Ever been asked an important question, and in place of a sensible or eloquent answer, you found gibberish pouring out of your mouth instead? You know the times I'm talking about. The times you kicked yourself for days. I hate to admit it, but it happened to me this past week -- again.

Just before my writers meeting was about to start, the speaker for the evening, Therese Stenzel, sat down in front of me. With a few minutes to spare, she turned, introduced herself to me, and asked me what kind of writing I do. That's when I started tripping over my tongue. I'll spare you the sad details.

Since this is a common question at any writers' gathering, you'd think I could give a smooth and ready answer. But this time I was caught off guard. My excuses? First, I'm still fairly new to mingling in writers' circles; second, my brain seems to go on strike from time to time; and third (and probably mostly to blame), that same poor brain was already boggled from a long day of shopping (you know, always too much to do when I go to T-town, especially now that it's time to add Christmas shopping to the mix).

Bottom line? I blew it. I missed an opportunity to clearly share what I'm doing in my writing life. Oh, I gave a partial, disjointed answer, but I failed to mention some of the things that are most important to me. I just hadn't shifted gears. I wasn't mentally prepared for the evening.

God's word has something to say about being prepared. In speaking about preaching and being ready to give a needed word, Paul told Timothy to "be prepared in season and out of season" (2 Timothy 4:2). I think there's a lesson there for us as well. We need to be ready all the time. Ready in our work lives, ready at home, ready to lend a helping hand, ready to share our faith. Sometimes we just need to be ready with a smile or a kind word.

And if we're not ready? We're going to miss opportunities. Many of them much more important than the one I missed the other night.

If you're like me, you've missed opportunities, too. Let's quit kicking ourselves over the ones that got away and do our best to be prepared for the ones yet to come. Let's be ready.

"...Always be prepared to give an answer to every one who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have..." 1 Peter 3:15

*p.s. We have an opportunity to vote on Tuesday -- let's not miss that!

**p.p.s. The leaves are finally turning their fall colors in our neck of the woods. Love it!

**Flickr photo by Alex Bellink