Rejoicing This Christmas

I am blessed.  There are so many things in my life to be thankful for right now.  I am loving the anticipation for Christmas.

Though I hadn't planned on doing much decorating this year, somehow we keep doing more and more.  A light fixture here, the card tree there, tonight the Nativity.  Though I love all the colors, ribbons and being creative - I think I would be just as content with simply the Nativity up.  That's what my eye keeps going to, even in a room full of lights and twinkles and ribbons and...

The Nativity.

The Reason for the Season.

This has become one of my best Christmas Season's ever.  Yes, I have known great loss, but maybe it's from that loss that I can realize the great love that I have in so many areas of my life.  It has been a goal for Jeff and me this Christmas season to keep things simple... to keep the Main Thing the Main Thing.  In a time when there is stress and chaos all around us, and technology that can easily consume us, it isn't always an easy feat. 

Yet when I focus on Jesus - His birth, His teachings, His love, His sacrifice - then all those things that bombard me lose their draw.  My focus changes.

I don't have the desire to fight traffic and crowds for those perfect gifts... but what I love more than anything is sweet time with my family and friends.  This season, this is my priority - for my time to be well spent on the those whom I hold dear.  Even with the miles that separate, I hope my family and friends know just how much they mean to me.

Relationships.  Encouragement.  Love.
Remembering our Savior, and celebrating His birth.
Humming my favorite carols...

"O come, O come, Emmanuel

And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel."


... and rejoicing this Christmas.

 A couple of Chelsea's ornaments

 He's a professional you know...

 Last year's 'after Christmas' super cheap poinsettas.

 They don't like to have their picture taken.

My cozy evening. I am thankful.

Joyful Surrender

It’s one of those times again…. I have been sensing change on the horizon. The Lord has been doing a work in me. Thankfully, it’s been a gentle work, rather than my whole world crashing in around me as it did a few years ago during Chelsea’s battle with cancer.

This change is different. I am different. I am changed – because of what He showed us those last several years. The things we had to endure were horrible, devastating in many ways. Yet at the same time, we got to see the Lord move in a magnificent way.

So now, I trust Him.

I don’t know what the future holds, but I am at peace. There is a contentment even, in knowing that I don’t have to worry. God knows what I need better than I do. My focus simply needs to be on focussing on what is right and true, remembering the promises in His word. (Jer 29:11, Prov. 3:5,6 and so many more…) This time of year, when it’s so easy to get caught up in the chaos.... keeping the main thing the main thing is more important than ever.

Today is a new day.

I will face it surrendered, and with much JOY.

CHRISTMAS JOY.

Banana Crepes (Grain Free, Protein Rich)

Banana Crepes (Grain Free, Protein Rich)

So I saw a great new recipe this morning, and decided to try it out right away. I love the idea of grain free simply because I know so many who are avoiding grains. I was surprised and delighted with the simplicity of this recipe. If it’s catching your eye, let me just say that you probably already have the ingredients on hand.

These Banana Crepes were impressive, and if you’re a foodie, than you’ll love the idea of getting your fruit and protein in such an easy, fast, delicious, REAL food way.

Here’s what you need:

1 Ripened Banana

2 eggs

butter, palm kernel oil, coconut oil or ghee for frying.

Simple Directions:
Heat 1 tablespoon oil or butter in a cast iron or stainless steel skillet over medium-low heat. Mash banana with a fork and then add the eggs and whip with a fork. Spoon the batter into the oil.  Once they firm up, flip them once... just as you would a pancake.

At first, I was hesitant to mix the egg and banana flavors, but it really turned out well. It tasted more like crepes than it did egg. I didn’t top with anything this time, but it would be delicious with nutmeg and cinnamon or whatever else you normally would top pancakes with. 

It's a great way to use those ripe bananas that you may have in the freezer - just thaw them first.

With a healthy easy breakfast out of the way, I can spend my time on more important things....