Will you be hosting children during the Christmas or winter season?  Take a look at some adorable snowmen ideas and freshen up your home with these snowy touches!

From BHG:

How clever is this?!

Add some snowflakes to any part of your home using this Popsicle version!

Directions here

How about making the cutest snowman on your street when you get a few inches?

Transform some clothespins into little magnets!

Happy snowy day!

Stay refreshed,

Story is adapted from Luke 2:25-34

By Denise Cunningham

Anna opened the door of the temple and with slow steady steps she walked into this familiar place. She began to walk toward the altar, her wrinkled hand gripping the smooth wood of the pew to steady herself. The smells of oil and incense filled the air; a sweet fragrance reminiscent of times of worship and prayer being lifted upward just like the incense and candles.

Anna loved this place. It had been her home for many years now. Seven years after she had married, her husband had died and she had given herself to the service of the Lord, and that was eighty-four years ago. It was here in this temple that she had served Him faithfully. She had prayed with friends and strangers. She had shared burdens and joys alike. She had heard the preaching of God’s Word and was reminded of God’s promise to send a Savior. She looked for Him here every day as she carried out her duties.

Today as she made her way toward the altar she heard her friend, Simeon. His voice was jubilant and excited. There was an air of anticipation and Anna felt a shiver seize her small frame. Though her eyes were dim, due to her ninety plus years, she thought she could see Simeon holding a baby in his arms. Yes, it was an infant and standing beside Simeon was a young couple, most likely the baby’s parents. Then Anna heard Simeon’s voice as he lifted his eyes towards heaven, the baby held tenderly in his hands,

“Lord now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word. For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people, A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.”

Anna was lost in her own joy as Simeon then turned his words toward the young parents.
“This is my Savior!” she thought to herself. Tears formed in her eyes as she took in the details of this baby. Not just any baby, God’s Son, the Promised One!

Anna clasped her hands, tears of joy finding their way down her wrinkled cheeks. She would have wonderful news to share with all that entered the temple today…to all that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. Christ was born, their salvation was here , their future secure!

We can learn much from the story of Anna. We could ask ourselves several questions in response to her life:

Thanksgiving was such a blessing!  We got to travel to Kentucky to be with my family.  The third generation hosted the meal ~ a first!  It was so nice; they did a great job making us all feel welcome and at home.  We enjoyed a delicious meal, intense, belly-aching laughter, sweet fellowship and “Puff Moments.”  Puff moments are the times we always take to give God thanks for things from the past year.  They are called that because, invariably, tears come, and the Puff box is passed around!  It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without that time!

Here is a little peek at our time together…

We got a lovely snowfall early in the morning. This was our view as we traveled. The roads were clear and the sights heavenly!

One of the tables of guests at dinner time!

He’s always in on the laughter, and usually the instigator!

Desserts!  Mom’s Buttermilk Coconut Pie was the hit of the day! It’s Laura Bush’s recipe and you can find it here.

They had a photo booth!  It was so much fun. My parents are such good sports!  I love this shot!

The fall decorations and the turkey platters are tucked away for another year, but thankfulness will live in our hearts for the past holiday we just shared with those that we love so much!

With love from my country porch,

How about getting a little creative with a comfort food favorite or two?  Taste of Home combined two great winter foods ~ Chili and Pot Pie ~ and came up with this delicious spin…

It’s hearty, but it’s a light version of both the chili and the pot pie topping.  For a dinner entree it comes in at about 350 calories, which is a good healthy choice!  I served it with a salad and it was a perfect cold night meal!  You need to try this!

Chili Pot Pie
Directions
In a large saucepan, saute onion and green pepper in oil until tender. Stir in the tomatoes, beans, tomato sauce, chili powder, brown sugar and cumin. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; heat, uncovered, while preparing crust.
In a small bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, baking powder and salt. Stir in butter and enough milk to form a ball. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a 12-in. circle. Using an inverted 10-oz. baking dish as a guide, score four circles. Cut out circles. Cut a small circle in the center of each pastry (discard or reroll cutouts and use as decoration).
Coat four 10-oz. baking dishes with cooking spray. Fill with chili; top each with a dough circle. Tuck in edges of dough to seal. Bake at 375° for 13-17 minutes or until edges of crust are lightly browned. Yield: 4 servings.

What comfort foods have you served on these cool days?

With love from my country kitchen,