Lighting the world . . .

Winter is a hard time of year for me because it just feels so gray and cold.  But, this morning when I woke up, there was a beautiful golden glow outside, it was the sunrise!  It was a little foggy and the sun was peeking through the clouds, trying to warm up this dreary day.  I hurried and stepped outside into the cold damp morning, and this is what I saw!  I just love that even in the dreary cold and gray, there is color!

Tonight as I was getting dinner ready, I again noticed a beautiful golden glow outside . . . 

These trees that are normally dark, looked like they were glowing!  It was so lovely.   

And as the sun was setting, I was able to witness this beautiful sunset!  I hurried out the door and snapped this photo.  When I came back in the house, the lights on my hutch were on  . . . 

And when I  looked up at it, I noticed the lights and the color that was reflecting on the brass on my oil lamps.  It was so pretty!  

Christmastime is hard for me, it always has been.  I have been praying that I would be able to feel the light of Christ this Christmas season.  I truly feel like these beautiful things were the answer to my prayers.  There is beauty and light all around us, and all we need to do is look. 

In my church we do something amazing each year called, Light the World.  We encourage everyone to do something nice each day of December and everyday of the year.  This year, this was the, Light the World display in Times Square.  It is so beautiful, and a gentle reminder to all of us to light the world by letting your light shine, by loving the people around you, by sharing joy and following the example of Jesus Christ, as we celebrate His birth.   Enjoy this amazing video!

Be safe, much love to you, 

Hugs,

Barb

December Daybook . . .

 

Outside my window . . . It snowed last night!  We had a little skiff of snow from a week ago, but last night it snowed about an inch or so.  It was really pretty when I woke up this morning - and it's still snowing!  

On my playlist . . . I like to listen to vintage Christmas music, it just reminds me of when I was a young girl...or not so young ;0)  It's just what I prefer.  Enjoy this one!

One of my favorite things . . .  I put my tree up early this year.  Most years I wait until about 2 weeks before Christmas to put the tree up, but this year,  I felt like I needed a little more "Christmas" in my life.  I didn't put up all of my decorations, I felt like less is more this year, but I did put up some of my favorite things.

Pinecones from my trees and crocheted stars that I made years ago.

 

One of my daughters gave me this cute tree last year for my birthday, and it fits perfectly on this little dresser in my dinning room.

My dad made me this candle centerpiece more than 40 years ago... I treasure it. 

Something I'm thankful for . . . I love soup, and I'm so thankful that we had leftover turkey, so I could make delicious turkey soup with homemade noodles for dinner!

 I'm creating . . .  I've been making slippers for my daughters and granddaughters.  My feet are always cold, so I wear them all day on most days.  These slippers are super easy to make and a good way to use up yarn.  Crocheting also keeps me busy in the evening.

In the Kitchen . . . This coming Monday I have a DUP (Daughters of Utah Pioneers) luncheon that I am bringing soup and cookies to.  We are having a cookie exchange, so I think I will make Maple Snickerdoodles... yum!  These cookies are super easy to make and delicious!

Maple Snickerdoodles

• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 egg
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp cream of tartar
• 1/2 tsp salt

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon

1. Cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together, until light and fluffy.
2. Add in maple syrup, vanilla extract, and egg; beat until well combined.
3. Sift dry ingredients together in a separate bowl, and slowly incorporate into the wet ingredients.
4. Chill dough for at least 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 375 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Mix cinnamon and sugar together in a small bowl.
7. Roll dough into about 1 1/2" balls, and the roll in cinnamon sugar. Place 2" apart on the baking sheet, and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until tops have cracked and the cookies are set.

Just sayin' . . . 

Don't forget this . . . 

Stay safe.  See you soon!

Hugs and Love,

Barb

At this time of the year, I always reflect on how blessed I am and how grateful I am to all of those who have, and will bless me along the way.  In church we sing a beautiful song called, "Because I Have Been Given Much".  As you read these lyrics, think of all the blessings you have been given, and maybe some ways you can bless others in their lives.

Because I Have Been Given Much

 Because I have been given much, I too must give.

Because of thy great bounty, Lord each day I live.

I shall divide my gifts from thee with every brother that I see,

who has the need of help from me.

Because I have been sheltered, fed by thy good care…

I cannot see another’s lack and I not share-

my glowing fire, my loaf of bread-my roof’s safe shelter over head,

that he too may be comforted.

Because I have been blessed by thy great love dear Lord,

I’ll share thy love again according to thy word.

I shall give love to those in need. I’ll show that love by word and deed,

thus shall my thanks be thanks indeed.

~Written by Grace Noll Crowell~

When I am counting my blessings,  for which I am so very thankful, let me remember those who have helped me and blessed my life in so many unspeakable ways - I am so thankful for all of you who are so dear to me.  Today, let me also remember to give thanks for you, to the God we worship together.

Be safe, and know that you are loved.

Hugs and Love,

Barb