Who I Want To Be

Recently I had the opportunity to join with a number of other writers in doing a devotional of the book of Matthew.

Author Camy Tang wanted to put this book together to reach out to Japanese women, and the book is coming out in English and Japanese.

I asked Camy if there was anything she’d like to say.

“I just wanted a devotional aimed at Japanese women who may not know Jesus. I'm grateful to you and all the authors who contributed, and happy that the Japanese language version of this book will soon be published. I am praying that God will use the book to help many women come to know Jesus.”

Camy

--

Christian Romantic Suspense as Camy Tang

Sweet Regency Romance as USA Today bestseller Camille Elliot

This has been a fun book to help put together, as well as to read. Some of the other writers who contributed are good friends, critique partners of mine. All share their own struggles and blessings, clear expressions of Jesus’ love, and interesting knowledge of the book of Matthew.

From the book:

“To you, our reader:

I and my fellow authors pray that from this devotional book, you will realize that Jesus loves you deeply. You are not alone. There is no place you have gone that is too far away from God, and He can help you to be the person who you want to be.

—Camy Tang”

Below are links where the book can be purchased.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L9HYMD5

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w?ean=2940161250068

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/who-i-want-to-be-1

https://www.books2read.com/u/m2vwN1

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/who-i-want-to-be/id1446504175?ls=1&mt=11

Let's Have A Party!

I’ve heard people say that all the busyness and commercialism surrounding Christmas takes away from the true reason for the season. I understand what they mean. Since the kids were little, we’ve made instead of bought almost all of our Christmas gifts.

But seriously, let’s have a party!

A line from a worship song that pinches my heart every time I hear it says, “He didn’t want Heaven without us, so Jesus brought Heaven down.”

John 3:16-17 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

And Galatians 4:4-5: “But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.”

I can’t think of a better reason for a party, (and I love parties.)

The God of the universe loves us. He wants to share Heaven with us for eternity. So, he sent his son down to Earth to rescue us, and that is what I want to celebrate this Christmas.

I love giving gifts to my children. I thank my Heavenly Father for all the gifts he’s given to help us celebrate this wonderful time.

Delicious, favorite foods. Joyful songs, ringing bells, bright, colorful decorations. Sweet, spicy smells.

I thank God that we use this time of year to get together with family, and to send and receive happy greetings from people we often don’t hear from otherwise.

I thank him for the excuse to share fun gifts with the people I love.

Like a child, I enjoy the heart-warming, mysterious story that surrounds the birth of Jesus, the old familiar bible verses and hymns that make me smile again this year.

I love all of the excitement and laughter and good times that go with this time of year.

Let’s have a party!

Heth, Psalm 119:57-63

ח Heth

You are my portion, Lord; I have promised to obey your words.

I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.

I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes.

I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.

Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law.

At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws.

I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts.

The earth is filled with your love, Lord; teach me your decrees.

Father, thank you for your love, your promise of grace, your support through trouble. Help me obey you and draw closer to you.

Homemade White Bread

Welcome back to Kathy’s Kitchen, where you find delicious recipes and helpful hints from others who love to cook. Please send me your favorite recipe and a cooking tip to share from Kathy’s Kitchen

This helpful hint comes from Kathy Cretsinger of Mantle Rock Publishing.

“Remember do not put whole candy bars in an ice cream maker, or you’ll end up with whole frozen bars in your ice cream.”

The following recipe is from my mother. My husband Murray calls it farm bread. As a child I remember eating the bread while it was still warm. I don’t think it ever got cold. I love this recipe for the holidays.

HOME MADE WHITE BREAD,

Ingredients:

1 cup cold milk

1 cup boiling water

3 tablespoons sugar

2-1/2 teaspoon salt

6 tablespoons oil

1 package dry yeast

6 cups flour

Directions:

Add sugar, salt, and oil to milk and stir until sugar dissolves.  Add boiling water; mixture should be lukewarm.  Stir in yeast and let stand for five minutes.  Stir in 3 cups flour and beat until smooth.  Stir in remaining flour.  Knead dough, turning it and pressing it until dough is smooth and elastic.  Grease the entire outside of dough.  Cover with damp cloth and let rise until doubled in bulk.  Punch down, knead, and divide into two loaves.  Place in greased pans, cover, and let rise until center of loaves are just above edge of pans.  Bake at 350 degrees for about 50 minutes.