HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS....

There once was a shining Christmas tree standing out where all could see.
It's brilliance captured every eye and seemed to cheer each passerby.

"The lights are so bright", they would say and hesitate to walk away.
The tree stood proud ablaze with light, for every light was burning bright.

Then one bulb was heard to say; "I'm tired of burning night and day, I
think I'll just go out and rest, for I'm too tired to do my best, besides, I
am so very small, I doubt if I'd be missed at all."

Then a child lovingly touched the light, "Look mother, this one shines so
very bright. I think of all the lights upon the tree, this one looks the best to me."

"Oh my goodness," said the light, "I almost dimmed right out of sight.
I thought perhaps no one would care if I failed to shine my share."
With that, a glorious brilliance came, for every light had felt the same.

The Gospel, like this Christmas tree, with little lights which are you and me,
We each have a space that we must fill with love, and lessons and good will.

Let's keep our tree ablaze with light, with testimonies burning bright.
For the Gospel is a living tree, that lights the way to Eternity.

*****

This little story also makes me think of each of you...
Each of you hold out a very special light to each one of
us here in blog-land. Each has something "special" to offer,
keep shining YOUR light, it may be just what someone else is
needing and looking for. We each carry gifts... to bless others!

HOLIDAY DRESSING

About 2-3 days before,
break into pieces, 1 loaf of
Italian bread. Lay it out to
dry on a big cookie sheet,
stirring it all now and then.

Morning of, brown together:
1 lb. Italian sausage
1 onion, diced
2 cups celery, diced
add:
a little parsley
1 tsp. Poultry seasoning
1 1/2 tsp. sage
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
Cook all til done and tender

Fold in: 1 package fresh mushrooms
1 package of Craisins

Mix together:
1 cup melted butter
2 eggs, beaten
1 can Cream of Mushroom soup
1 can of water (or) Chicken broth
Mix all together

Pour the above mixture, along with the
sausage and veggie mix, over your dried
Italian bread crumbs, in a big bowl, mix together.

Place all in a foil lined 9x13 pan, pour a bit of water
under the foil. Cover dressing with foil and bake at
325' -350' for 1 hour, taking foil off so top can brown
the last 15 minutes. Serve in a big bowl or dish.

I have stopped cooking a turkey, I now cook a big turkey breast.
These come from Utah's Norbest turkey farms. They are called
Sweetheart Turkey Breasts, and they are SO moist and So filled
with flavor. I like not having to carve a turkey, and I like having
lots of good meat and not so much bone. They are 10 lbs. and I
usually do 2 of them at a time for a big dinner.

Sending all of you... my sweet friends and family, ALL MY LOVE for
Christmas! I simplified everything this year, and am enjoying it all
so much more. I hope you are also...let the love of our Savior FILL
your heart...the spirit of Christmas after all is...Christ.
***

It has been said that Christmas is for children; but as the years of childhood fancy pass away and an understanding maturity takes their place, the simple teachings of the Savior that; "it is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35) becomes a reality. The evolution from a pagan holiday transformed into a Christian festival, to the birth of Christ in men's lives, is another form of maturity that comes to one who has been touched by the gospel of Jesus Christ.
(Howard W. Hunter)


MERRY CHRISTMAS
from little me to all of you!