Christmas Q and A

 Christmas Favorites Q&A

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
I love using wrapping paper, but lately I find myself reaching for gift bags more often. That said, paper is a must for the kids—what’s Christmas without a little mess?

2. Real tree or artificial?
Artificial for sure! I used to always get a real wreath, though, just so we could enjoy that wonderful holiday aroma.

3. When do you put up the tree?
The day after Thanksgiving—always. No exceptions.

4. When do you take the tree down?
If my folks aren’t coming over, the day after Christmas. One of my kid's birthday is New Year’s Eve, so I like to have it down before then. (Usually the day after Christmas)

5. Favorite Christmas gift ever received?
A beautiful diamond tennis bracelet. Gorgeous—but I’m too scared to wear it! No engagement ring yet, but I have this amazing piece sitting there sparkling at me.

6. Worst Christmas gift ever received?
I plead the Fifth on this one…

7. Favorite Christmas movie?
White Christmas with Bing Crosby. Classic.

8. When do you start shopping?
As early as I can! I actually collect gifts throughout the year and hide them in my “special spots” until Christmas.

9. Favorite Christmas treat?
Derby Pie takes first place, with Sweet Potato Soufflé coming in a close second. Wassail close in line.

10. Christmas lights: clear or colored?
Warm white!

11. Favorite Christmas song?
Hip Hop Noel from the Disney Christmas Sing-Along. It never fails to get me in the mood.

12. Angel or star on top of the tree?
Angel, absolutely. No contest.

13. Open presents Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?
Christmas morning is the tradition in my house.

Merry Christmas!!!

Funnel Cakes

 I Adore Funnel Cake

Nothing beats a homemade funnel cake—crispy, golden, and dusted with just the right amount of powdered sugar. Bonus points for cinnamon!

Ingredients:

• 

• 4 cups flour

• 1/3 cup sugar

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 2 1/2 cups milk

• 3 large eggs

• 3 cups vegetable oil

• 1/2 tsp vanilla

• Powdered sugar to finish

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350–375ºF. Test with a drop of batter—it should bubble.

2. Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add milk, eggs, and vanilla—mix until smooth.

3. Pour batter into a gallon-size Ziploc, snip a 1/4-inch corner, and drizzle into hot oil in a swirling web.

4. Fry 2 minutes until golden, flip, fry 1 more minute. Drain on paper towels.

5. Dust with powdered sugar and serve hot. 

Set Apart for His Purpose by Ginger Chapman

 

1 Corinthians 6:11

And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. (NIV)

 

Sanctified

 

        The word “sanctified” means to be set apart.  When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, God sets us apart.  He expects us to be different from those who are not sanctified.  He has a specific purpose for us.  Can people tell that we are different from the unbelievers?  Do we have to wear a cross around our neck or have some kind of Christian symbol on our car for people to know we are different?  They should be able to tell by our speech what we do, what we don’t do and even how we drive.  Think about what you did yesterday, what you said, what you didn’t do and how you drove.  Were you a reflection of Jesus?  Let us practice being true to our sanctification.  Let us demonstrate to the world how a sanctified person acts, speaks and the things we don’t do.  Let us consistently honor our calling to follow our Lord Jesus, God’s Son, by reflecting Him in all we are.

By Ginger Chapman

Walking by Faith Through the Fog by Ginger Chapman

 Psalms 113:3

From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.  (NIV)

 Sunrise

        I enjoy doing my prayer walk at sunrise.  It is such a joy to praise God while looking at His beautiful artwork.  Today it was foggy.  No sunrise was visible.  That didn’t mean there was no sunrise. Actually, the sun never rises; the earth turns making it appear the sun is rising.  Even when we can’t see the sun “rise” it still becomes daylight, evidence of the sun “rising.”  God is Spirit.  We cannot see His Spirit.  But, like the evidence of daylight showing that the sun did indeed “rise,” there is evidence all around us that God’s Spirit is here.  We cannot deny God created all.  The variety in our creation, so many different kinds of insects in their intricate and unique forms, so many different kinds of vegetation with different forms of beauty and on and on.  As we look over our lives, we can see evidence of God’s protection.  Many times, we’re in the fog and the evidence is harder to see but that doesn’t mean God isn’t here.  As I walked in the fog seeing only the step in front of me, so we are to walk through life even when we only see the step right in front of us that God reveals.  I trust there will be mornings without fog and I can once again enjoy the “sunrise,” and I trust when I only see one step in front of me, God will show me each step to take in my (and your) life.

By Ginger Chapman