Christmas greetings dear ones! Y’all have been in my prayers and I know that sometimes we go through seasons where it’s hard to find joy even in the midst of all the sparkle and festivities of Christmas. So, I want to bring hope and light to those of you who may be facing difficult times right now. Perhaps you are feeling the loss of a loved one more deeply at this time of year, or maybe a relationship is broken, health issues have overwhelmed you, or financial hardships are weighing heavily on your shoulders.  Whatever the reason for your struggle I want to tell you that you are not alone and there is hope!

We all face storms and they are never easy. But God promises us that He is with us and will help us. Do you know why? Because HE LOVES YOU SO MUCH! You are His child. His precious one. His beloved.

“Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

That is such good news! The thing is we are a forgetful people. We get distracted by the fierce waves of the storm and so we focus on them instead of remembering the One who can calm the storm. He is your bright beacon of hope, He will show you the way. Keep your eyes on Him.

Begin with these three things to renew your joy:

1.) Renew your mind daily, and sometimes several times a day in the Word of God. 

“My son, give attention to my words;
Incline your ear to my sayings.
 Do not let them depart from your eyes;
Keep them in the midst of your heart;
 For they are life to those who find them,
And health to all their flesh.” -Proverbs 4:20-27

There is life and health in the Word of God. It’s filled with powerful hope. Believe Him at His Word, even if on the outside things don’t look good, know that He is working things out behind the scenes. He instructs us to not let His words depart from our eyes…so read them over and over throughout the day. Underline the scripture verses that speak to you, write them on index cards, thank God for His promises and then trust Him. And everytime you have a negative thought or worry, read scripture out loud so your ears will hear it. Replace negative thoughts with the truth of God’s Word.

“Those who listen to instruction will prosper;
    those who trust the Lord will be joyful.” Proverbs 16:20

2.)  Praise God for the indescribable gift of His only son, given to us BECAUSE HE LOVES US SO! 

Spend time praising and thanking Him for what He’s done and for who He is. Spend time in the presence of God. He is the joy-treasure that is before you…reach out to Him and receive it. If all you can do is speak the name of JESUS, then do that! There is mighty power in the name of Jesus!

“LORD, there is no one like you! For you are great, and your name is full of power.” Jeremiah 10:6

“Honor and majesty surround him; strength and joy fill his dwelling.” 1 Chronicles 16:27

The Lord is my strength and shield.
    I trust him with all my heart.
He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.
    I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. Psalm 28:7

I pray this song will lift your heart! There are two lines in this song that speak of the heart of Jesus to you…”You didn’t want heaven without us, So Jesus, You brought heaven down”. How precious is that? He loves you so much that He left the splendor of heaven to come  rescue you! What a beautiful name it is, the name of Jesus.

3.)  Know that  God has a brighter future for you.

This is just a season. Seasons come and go. Don’t give up. With Jesus at your side it’s going to be okay.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  Jeremiah 29:11

Rejoice in the promises of God even if you don’t feel like it yet. Joy will come.

Light a candle, sit by the fire, take good care of yourself this Christmas. Nourish your body,mind and soul. Think on good things…God’s gift to you…God’s Word…your blessings. Put your worries in God’s hands, leave them there. I hope these words have encouraged you dear one.

Jesus is where joy is.

I’m sending you big, warm hugs.

Bless you Sugar!

Aunt Ruthie

 

 

 

 

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Howdy Sugar Pies! You know, even though I start getting ready for Christmas super early it seems like the closer we get to Christmas day I feel like I need just one more week! Lol! I have a big family and extended relatives so come Christmas day my house will be bursting at the seams. So, because we’ll have a full house everyone brings a dish & dessert and I always serve buffet style.  I found some wonderful and creative ideas for making everything look and taste festive and yummy! Ideas that are easy and quick! I found all of this inspiration on Pinterest and I share the link to the post, to give credit where credit is due, just below each photo. I hope you enjoy these easy, last minute nuggets of inspiration!

For fun, turn on the farmhouse radio to hear some dear old Christmas sounds from the good old days for your browsing pleasure! This link will take you to Youtube and the music will automatically start to play…then come right back! Click here!

Source: Stone Gable

Is this not so beautiful? It such a simple idea but what a way to make cheese and fruit look festive! Take note of the fresh thyme and rosemary that really add the perfect Christmas-tree touch! I’m so happy I found this photo because it led me to the Stone Gable blog which is breathtaking! If you aren’t following Yvonne from Stone Gable yet I know you will love her gorgeous ideas and photos! Click here to see her beautiful blog!

Source: Pinterest

Here’s another version of a veggie Christmas tree! Just add some ranch dressing or my favorite recipe for Dilly Dip here!

Source: Stone Gable

Here’s another idea from Yvonne at Stone Gable blog…just fill a bowl with greens, ornaments and a fat candle. That would take you 5 minutes! So simple, but so beautiful!

Source: French Country Cottage

Need a quick table decoration? How about a platter (a vintage one if you’ve got it) and fill it with pomegranates, whole nuts and some tree trimmings or greens! Easy and so charming!

Source: Pinterest

Here’s a cute idea for your silverware on the buffet table…stand them up in glass goblets. I also like how they look on the tarnished silver tray with ornaments nestled around.

Source: Pinterest

I love the simplicity of this serving tray or plank (you can use a wood cutting board too!) with the array of deli meats, pickles, olives, fruit and dip. It’s always nice to have something to nibble on before dinner is served. This makes me hungry! Lol!

Source: Pinterest

Here’s another way to serve forks, maybe for dessert! I love the cute little “EAT” note tucked in!

Source: Pinterest

Here’s a super easy buffet table centerpiece…tree trimmings, or greens from the yard, in a large bottle, mason jar or vase with ornaments hung on the branches! Simply beautiful!

Source: Pinterest

For a little more fancy buffet or dessert table centerpiece,  these three stacked cake stands adorned with random ornaments. The silver wreath is beautiful but you can just use greens from the yard. I love that the ornaments are in similar soft color tones.

Source: No. 2 Pencil

And lastly, I love this idea of Slow Cooker Hot Cocoa! What a great no-fuss idea to have something hot to drink when the kids come in from playing outside in the cold or when you’re ready to sit and relax by the fire. You can click the link above to get the recipe. I think I’m going to try this!

Well, Sugar I hope these ideas inspire you

or at the very least bring a smile

to your beautiful face!

Which idea did you like the best?

As always…

Bless your family…keep home sweet!

Aunt Ruthie

 Click here for my easy, delicious, made from scratch Veggie dip!

Click here for my Aunt Gen’s Italian Date Nut Bars…perfect for Christmas!

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