Gather! Come Home For Christmas

-Encouragement for Every Reason & Season-

Photo Credit: Beaver Creek Lodge, WA

“Just hear those sleigh bells jingling and ring-ting-tingling too,

C’mon it’s lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you…” 

IT’S THAT FROSTY time of the year again when we open our homes with hearts full of welcome and hope.   Memories dance from the kitchen and the living room tree lights up with past stories as we visit the rebirth of childlike faith and the best gift of all, Jesus’ gift of salvation.

“Move beyond the baby in the manger to the Savior of the world."

Matthew West shares in his new book, Come Home For Christmas, "Christmas in Bethlehem began with a heavenly celebration that invited us all with "good news that will cause great joy for all the people" announced by angels (Luke 2:10). Christmas means coming home to the good news that God stopped at nothing to find us and bring us back to Him. And that is something worth hanging lights, decorating trees, and baking cookies for - laughing, singing, giving, loving and celebrating." Click here to continue this beautiful invitation to come home and a link to Matthew West's book which would make a great gift or stocking stuffer.

"Welcome back into the arms of Jesus."

A Home to Keep: DIY! Christmas Inspiration

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Table Centerpiece.  Here is an easy table centerpiece for the holidays. Line your table with mason jars filled with pine branches and cranberries. Just fill the jars with water, add cranberries, and insert a pine branch. What could be simpler? Plus, they can double as beautiful take-home gifts for guests!

TIP: For more color orange slices could be added amongst the cranberries.

Consider it Done: Christmas! Creating Heartwarming Memories

Feeling distant from loved ones this year? Here are some simple and fun ways to engage and connect.

Christmas Letters. Write a short paragraph of a Christmas Memory then mail with a self-addressed envelope to a relative. They add a paragraph and send it back. This can be continued for years to come. Here are some writing prompts for you - Biggest Christmas Surprise Ever, Dashing Through the Snow, Mistletoe Mischief, Baking Memories, What Jesus' Birth Means to Me, Favorite Children's Performance, Getting the Christmas Tree, Holiday Recipes, click here for other ideas like "You've Been Socked", "Special Delivery", "Christmas Hugs" and more.

Mixing Bowl: Recipes! Linda's Festive Magic Cookie Bar Snacks

There it is! I was searching my recipe box for an old tattered recipe for Magic Cookie Bars. Do you remember those? The exact origin of the bars and how they got their name remains lost to history, but there are some clues. Borden, the makers of Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk, shared a recipe for magic cookie bars on their can labels and in women's magazines in the 1960s.

If you liked those, you will absolutely love this new and simplified version!! Perfect for a cozy evening dedicated to addressing Christmas cards or wrapping gifts, moreover, it will make a wonderful gift at the office, school or around the neighborhood!

Click here for the recipe and a bonus recipe for Easy Christmas Muddy Buddies!

A song to bless you by Matthew West, Come Home for Christmas.

Let every heart prepare Him room, Linda