Dear friends, let us continue to love one
another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows
God. But anyone who does not love does not know
God, for God is love. 1 John 4:7-8
Years ago my daughter sang this scripture
in a kids’ drama “Psalty” at the Sheppard Air Force Base Chapel in Wichita
Falls, Texas. Memorizing scripture to music is such a good idea and the kids
didn’t even realize that was what they were doing as they sang the songs for
the musical. It was a fun story—encouraging love and acceptance while it was teaching
children how to worship Jesus from their hearts. Such a good faith building
experience…and my daughter sings those same songs with her children now.
Beloved, let us love one another....
 |
| The Heart of Love |
What is more important than love? Nothing.
Love is the most important thing in life—and God is love. I remember my Mom
telling me that…God is love. She was
a loving person—showing God’s love by caring about others. Listening and
loving. How do you show your love to others? If you’ve read or heard of the
book The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell you know
that we each feel and show love in five basic ways, thus the five languages.
Physical Touch. Words of Affirmation. Quality Time. Gifts. Acts of Service.
These can be applied to adults, children and teens.
We learn love from our family and friends…and
this is a time of the year that we are thankful for them and for God…for
everything.
Dear brothers and sisters, we can't help but
thank God for you, because your faith is flourishing and your love for one
another is growing. 2 Thessalonians 1:3
Prayer
~ Dear Jesus, You are my Lord and Savior. Open the doors of opportunities for
me to share Your Good News with others in my community and my neighborhood. I
know I can do all things through You—as You give me strength. Philippians 4:13.
In addition…let me think of ways to motivate myself and others to acts of love
and good works. Hebrews 10:24.
Daily
Bible Reading: Acts 1-3
Friday’s
Feast at the King’s Table
Only 39 Days Until Christmas. Time to start
thinking about Fruit Cake! Years ago I made a fruitcake that had to be soaked
in brandy for 60 days. It was very strong! I don’t think I ever tried that
again…ever.
My Mom always
made fruitcake cookies at Christmas time—mostly I think for her friends and
bridge club, but for my Dad, too. He really enjoyed them. A few years ago I was
going through her recipe cards and found her recipe…a bit yellowed and stained with
age. Here it is for you to try out…and enjoy if you like fruitcake.
Fruitcake Cookies
4 cups flour, sifted
1 tsp soda
1 tsp salt
1 cup vegetable shortening
2 cups brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
2/3 cup buttermilk or sour milk
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup candied cherries, cut in quarters
2 cups dates, cut up
2 4-oz cans (1 cup) candied
fruits and peels
Red or green candied cherries as garnish (optional)
Mix flour,
soda and salt. (Mom sifted again—but just stir together well.) In another bowl
cream shortening, add sugar and eggs. Beat until light and fluffy. Add
buttermilk and flour. Add nuts, cherries, dated and candied fruit. Mix well.
Chill dough for several hours.
Drop by
teaspoonfuls about 2 inches apart on lightly greased (or parchment covered)
cookie sheet. Top each cookie with a half of candied cherry. Bake at 375
degrees for 8 – 10 minutes. Make 8 dozen cookies.
© 2018 Text and
Photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All
scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.
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Only
39 Days Until Christmas
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