Sign Up to Receive the Joy News!
Tis the Season for Joy!
December 2022
Wishing you all a Merry and Bright Holiday Season
Nativity
Some people decorate their homes and Christmas trees on Thanksgiving Day. We like to decorate the weekend after Thanksgiving. Opening ornaments that have been tucked away all year is like opening a gift of memories.
The history behind Christmas ornaments was thought to have started in Germany in the 1600’s. In the 1800’s the tradition came to America. The ornaments that adorned the trees were made of things that could be found around the house, such as popcorn, cranberries, paper streamers, and even metal foil. Bits of foil reflected the light in the room Do you have a favorite display at Christmas time in your home? I enjoy looking at people's nativities. I enjoy sitting and looking at the detail of nativity sets and imagine what it must have been like the moment Jesus was born.
Luke 2:8-14 says, "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
We can have great joy in this season no matter what our circumstances.
I wish each of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year of 2023.
Journaling Workshops
Do you need to do some decluttering of the mind in 2023? I offer several workshops on freeing your mind by journaling and the adventures of journaling.
If you know of a company, organization, or church that would like a fun keynote or workshop on embracing joy please pass my information along to them.
Living 25 miles from Washington, DC offers some beautiful sights at Christmas.
If you ever get a chance to visit DC at Christmas it will get you ready for the
season of joy!
Martha Washington Candy
This is a classic candy made with chocolate, coconut, and pecans. It's perfect for your family holiday gathering!
| Ingredients | Quantity | Directions |
|---|---|---|
| Powdered Sugar | 2 boxes | Mix all ingredients in one bowl with a lid. |
| Margarine | 2 sticks | Put it in refrigerator to chill over night. |
| Coconut | 2 cups | The next day take the container with the heavenly candy out of refrigerator and begin rolling into bite size balls. |
| Eagle Brand Milk | 1 can | Put back in fridge to set up and get firm. |
| Vanilla | 1 tsp | Melt dipping chocolate (whatever kind you prefer). I prefer semisweet chocolate. I like those small containers of bakers chocolate you can put in the microwave. |
| Chopped Pecans | 2 cups (optional) | Use spoon or toothpick to dip balls in chocolate and put on a cookie sheet with parchment paper. They will begin to set up. I like to keep mine in fridge to last longer. Enjoy! |
Podcasts
Look out for Joy!
