Monday, December 22, 2014

Christmas Memories ~ From One Generation to Another ~


"One generation shall praise thy works to another,
and shall declare thy mighty acts."
(Psalm 145:4)
Christmas Blessings ~ From our home to yours!

~ Our family ~
Why look at that! Our photo hog (Frosty) has made his appearance here on my blog too!

This past month I have had the joy
and pleasure of sharing
with you some of the sweet memories I have
that were made through the love of other women.
Titus 2 instructs the "older women
to teach the younger."
 I was blessed to have had women in my life
who showered their love and grace on me
in all areas of being a women.
These women, from my dear great granny
to my grandmothers, to my mother, 
as well as my mother-in-law,
 beautifully taught me how to be a women
who brings honor to her God.
~~~***~~~
The desire of my heart as a mother was 
to grace my daughters lives with all that
was poured into my own life.
As a very young child my granny
left an impression on my life,
such an impression,
that I grew up never forgetting her beautiful ways
and yet, I was only 10 when she passed away.
Granny's beauty was passed down
to her daughter ~ my mother ~ myself ~ my daughters,
and now my four precious grandsons.
My grandsons will not grow up to be
a "Proverbs 31 women"
but they can be taught how to look for one.
There are areas in the "home"
where even boys can be taught.
One of those areas is in the kitchen,
and both of my daughters are teaching
their young men to enjoy
the joys of cooking
without forgetting the clean up that goes along with it. :)
~~~***~~~
 God has richly blessed my husband and I
with two very beautiful daughters
to love on ~ to teach ~ and to train ~
into women of godly character. 
God's perfect will is that every girl
would give her heart and life completely
and unreservedly to Him
with the first gentle knocking 
at her hearts door.
As she chooses to walk close by His side
He will prepare her for the great tasks
that will lie ahead in the realm of womanhood.
My prayer has been that God would
mold and shape for Himself
vessels whose beauty would 
grow more lovely with each passing day of their lives
giving God the glory.
Now they are grown  women
with homes and family's of their own.
and so I have the joy of learning from them.
Though I am the "older" women,
I can still glean much from them, and I do.
It doesn't get any sweeter than that!
~~~***~~~
Speaking of "sweeter" 
Both of our girls are as true a Harris as one gets!
As I mentioned in my post of my mother-in-law
she had sweets tucked away in her kitchen
to die for!
There was never a shortage of delightful treats
in the Harris' home.
Both Dawn & Stephanie, have grown up to enjoy the kitchen
and have put it to good use. 

~ Our daughter Dawn ~

When my girls were young
we made candy cane cookies during the Christmas holidays.
Now my oldest daughter, Dawn, has continued
making these delightful cookies every Christmas
since she married.
They have become her "signature" cookies.
~~~***~~~
Candy Cane Cookies
These are like a short bread cookie
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup margarine or butter, softened
1/2 cup shortening
1 egg
1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour (sifted 3 times)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon red food color
1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy (candy canes)
1/2 cup granulated sugar


Mix powdered sugar, butter, shortening
egg, almond extract & vanilla.
Stir in sifted flour & salt.
*You may have noticed that when using flour
in these recipes I have mentioned to sift
the flour 3 times, it is because my granny
taught the importance of sifting.*
Divide dough into halves.
Tint 1 half with the red food color.
For each candy cane, shape 1 teaspoon dough
from each part into 4-inch rope.
Roll back & forth on a lightly floured board.
*I use my pastry cloth*
Place the strips side by side, press together tightly & twist.
Place cookie on cookie sheet
*I like to use parchment paper*
curve the top of the cookie down to form handle of candy cane.
Bake at 375 Degrees about 9 min.
Mix crushed candy & sugar & immediately sprinkle over cookies.
Remove from cookie sheet & cool. 
*Dawn says the first batch is always eaten by her alone!*
Enjoy!
~~~***~~~ 

~ Our Daughter Stephanie ~

Stephanie doesn't necessarily  have a "signature" treat
that she makes over the Christmas holidays.
She loves to make desserts
and has some delightful, 
most delicious recipes that she has shared with us
over at her beautiful blog
The Enchanting Rose 
But over the last few years she has been
taking after her grandmother Deeann
and has enjoyed the sweeter side by
making fudge for her dear hubby.
Fudge was another candy that was
enjoyed by all and made with love by mom.
This fudge with it's creamy texture
 will simply melt in your mouth!
~~~***~~~
Simple Fudge
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 5-ounce can (2/3 cup) evaporated milk
1/2 cup butter
2 cups tiny marshmallows
1 cup semisweet chocolate pieces or chopped bittersweet chocolate
*Stephanie uses semisweet chocolate chips*
1/2 cup chopped nuts
*Stephanie does not use nuts*
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
*Stephanie believes vanilla from Mexico is the best* 


1. Line an 8x8x2-inch baking pan with foil
extending the foil over the edges of the pan.
Butter the foil: set pan aside.
2. Butter the side of a 2-quart heave saucepan.
In saucepan combine sugar, evaporated milk, & butter.
Cook and stir over medium-high heat until mixture boils
(about 10 Minutes).
Reduce heat to medium; continue cooking, stirring constantly,
for 6 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat.
Add marshmallows, chocolate pieces, nut (if using) & vanilla;
stir until marshmallows and chocolate melt
and the mixture is combined.
Beat by hand for 1 minute.
Spread fudge evenly in the prepared pan.
Score into squares while warm.
Cover & chill for 2 to 3 hours or until firm.
When fudge is firm, use foil to lift out of pan.
Cut fudge into squares. Store tightly in a covered container.
Keep in the refrigerator.
Enjoy!
~~~***~~~ 

"And this is the record, that God hath given us eternal life,
and this life is in his Son."
(1 John 5:11)
***
God's greatest gift to us is Himself
in the person of Jesus Christ
who is God the Son.
That's what the Christmas gift is.
The expression of God's love
dwells in the Christ Child
And yet for many
His Gift remains unopened and unaccepted.
During the Christmas season
people love to celebrate Christ's birth.
They get all excited over the trinkets they receive.
There is joy, laughter the singing of carols 
and many expressions of love shown to others 
through the giving of gifts.
And yet ~ one gift remains unopened ~
the most important gift ~
the one that expresses an unspeakable love.
***
May we not be so caught up in the 
frivolities that the world has to offer.
But ~ may we like the shepherds and wise men
find ourselves on that quiet hillside 
in Bethlehem,
 looking down at the Christ Child
in wonder of it all ~ 
and open our hearts to receive the Gift
lying in the manger.
~~~***~~~
Thank you Father,
for what took place in Bethlehem,
the birth of Your Son.
Thank you for Christmas
when we can celebrate that Gift.
Make us, Lord, conscious of the purpose of that Gift,
and teach us to treasure Him.
Amen.

Come & worship Christ, the new born King!
~ Debbie ~


 


 

27 comments:

Sandi said...

"My grandsons will not grow up to be
a "Proverbs 31 women"
but they can be taught how to look for one."



YEAH! Very encouraging!

Making candy cane cookies this week...I am even going to let my boys shape them however they want. :)

That fudge photo is TO DIE FOR! So.much.YUM.

Merry Christmas, Debbie! Thank you for this delightful post. It was a wonderful read on this chilly rainy morning.

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

What a lovely post to honor your wonderful daughters, my friend. They are both so beautiful, just like their mother. I know they learned love and warmth in your very own kitchen, along with your special love and wisdom. Merry Christmas blessings to you and your family.

Cranberry Morning said...

What a beautiful Christmas post, Debbie! You have a lovely family and I love the snowy backdrop for your family photo. You are truly blessed.

Have a wonderful Christmas, friend.

Esther Asbury said...

Beautiful Christmas picture and yummy recipes! Hope you have a very Merry Christmas with your lovely family!

Stephanie said...

Well, what a surprise! Although I was wondering why you wanted the fudge recipe... *smiles*

The candy canes look so good! I can almost taste them :) I think I need to call my sister up and ask why I haven't gotten any yet :) And speaking of fudge, that is on my "to do" list today.

Lovely post and precious words about Jesus Christ. I am so thankful we are able to celebrate the birth of our dear Savior! Hugs!

Debby Ray said...

What a lovely post from a lovely blog friend! Your beautiful daughters are the blessed ones, sweet Debbie! Thank you for sharing these recipes and I pray that you and your sweet family have a most BLESSED Christmas!

living from glory to glory said...

Hello, It was so nice to see your other daughter! Loved the family photo! Also, it was so encouraging to see the long line that being a Proverbs woman will impact future generations! You have been mightily blessed!
Merry Christmas!
Happy New Year!
Love, Roxy

Julie's Lifestyle said...

Hi Debbie, I love the family photo of you all together! Thank you for sharing all of these wondeful recipes with us. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Julie at Julie's Lifestyle

Deborah Montgomery said...

Beautiful picture of your family Debbie! So nice to see all of you together. Have a blessed Christmas, and thank you for being such a sweet and encouraging blog friend! xo Deborah.

Sola Scriptura said...

You have such a beautiful family! Sending you wishes for a very happy Christmas as you celebrate the birth of our Saviour.

Vicky Hunt said...

Such a sweet and precious post Debbie. Your daughter, Dawn is just as lovely as you and Stephanie. Your entire family is beautiful. What a sweet way to honor each of your daughters. I enjoyed this so much. I will save these recipes and try them some day. And yes, may we all remember the most important gift ever given. Have a blessed and beautiful Christmas dear friend.

Hugs, Vicky

Bethany Carson said...

Beautiful family photo! The fudge and cookies look delicious!

Anne Payne said...

Yeah!!! Christmas cooking and baking with your daughters sounds like y'all had some great times. I know I miss my daughter being here to cook with. But she is making some delicious Cinnamon Rolls for Christmas Day, those are her specialty :) Me, I make fudge, and Pecan Balls...yum!!!

{{hugs}}

Jazzmin said...

I enjoyed reading this so much!! As well as the recipes of course! ;) But this was truly so beautifully written and your heart for the Lord and glorifying Him in all things, like in the way you raised your beautiful, godly daughters, is continually inspiring to me as I seek Him and seek the hopes I have for the future. The character and qualities you have described of your daughters and their joy in delighting in the Lord and in things of the home is a testament to what an amazing mother you are. They are surely blessed to have had you guiding them as young ladies growing up and now as women.

These recipes look absolutely delicious! Dawn's cookies look so sweet and festive. And I have been wanting to try fudge, my mouth is definitely watering at Stephanie's fudge! I will remember this recipe when I make some.

It has been a blessing to be encouraged by you in visiting your blog and reading your so very kind comments that I love, and to be so blessed by your friendship this year. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and start to the new year!!

Love and hugs,
Jazzmin

Marilyn Mathis said...

Lovely post of your beautiful family. You have been such a gracious mother and taught your daughters well. God bless your family. Hugs.

CherylQuilts said...

Oh, Debbie, what a beautiful family and what a wonderful blog post! Yes, God has truly blessed you, as you continue to strive to be a Proverbs 31 woman. And what a blessing to see that passed on from generation to generation! Praise God indeed! Wishing your precious family a blessed Christmas, and thank you for sharing your heart with us on this beautiful blog! Warm hugs, dear friend!

sweetbriardreams said...

Such a lovely post Debbie, your family are gorgeous! Have a wonderful Christmas xx

Celestina Marie said...

Dearest Debbie,
What a beautiful post. Your family is gorgeous and your girls are wonderful women. God has blessed you all and shown favor upon you.
Thank you for a wonderful year of blogging. I am so thankful for your friendship. Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and many blessings in the new year.
Love and joy
XO

LindaCrochets said...

A special blessing to you and your family this very special day!
Hugs
Linda/LindaCrochets

Jeanna said...

Beautiful post and even more beautiful family! Thank you for sharing your family photo with us and for the delicious recipes.

Rosemary-Thyme said...

What a gorgeous family Deborah. You are indeed very blessed. Your heart felt post filled my heart with joy. Thank for sharing those wonderful family recipes.

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas.

Janet

White Lace and Promises said...

Oh my goodness, I have learned something new today. I had no idea that Stephanie was your daughter. Yes, you have graced your daughters with the beauty of the Lord. Thanks for sharing this lovely post. What a beautiful family portrait-not only in photograph but in the heart.

sarah said...

God has provided us with enough. He is always there waiting for us, we just have to let Him in. It's good to see you are such a faithful person! May God bless you and have a great year of 2015!

Camille said...

How precious it is that you featured your girls in your post for Christmas, Debbie. What a lovely idea. Your girls are both beautiful, and their boys are cutie pies. (I have a weakness for little boys...love 'em). Hugs to you! Camille

Celestina Marie said...

Happy New Year sweet friend. May 2015 be filled with many blessings for you and your sweet family.
Thank you for your friendship.
Hugs XOXO

Nina said...

Such a beautifully written post, Debbie!
You have a lovely and blessed family - and your faith in Christ shines from your words, like a cup that is overflowing His goodness and grace.
Wishing you a Happy New Year, with His blessings upon each day and moment,
Nina

Linda said...

This is such a beautiful post and I absolutely love your photos...and the music is so soothing! I also love the Bible verses you share.

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