Sunday, December 31, 2006

Prayer for the New Year

By Marlene Depler

(I wrote this last year, but it still applies for this coming year as well!)

Dear Heavenly Father,

A year of glorious days stretches out before me. I am filled with anticipation and a twinge of apprehension about the uncertain adventure ahead. Nevertheless, I am choosing to walk in faith.

As each day unfolds, may I become more and more the woman you have intended me to be. Live in me and through me. May I do your bidding.

Still my thoughts and my hands long enough to hear your voice and to find rest for my often weary soul. Meet me in the deep places of my heart. Hear my heart cries when words won’t form.

Let your love penetrate every fiber of my being. Bring hope, courage, and healing. What I receive freely from your hand, let me in turn give freely to others.

Teach me your ways. Give me an undivided heart. Reveal and transform my misconceptions and distorted perceptions with the light of truth.

May I always delight in the wonders of your creation and the little blessings of each day. And when the sun sets on the final day of the year, may I rejoice in your continued faithfulness.


AMEN!
(c) Marlene Depler (reprint in any form only with permission)

Thursday, December 28, 2006

Open Hands, Open Heart



By Marlene Depler



Open heart, open hands,
I receive God's lavish gifts---
love, grace, forgiveness,
provisions for body and spirit.

Open heart, open hands,
let me give a smile to the lonely,
kind words to the discouraged,
a loaf of bread to the hungry.

Oh, that my actions
will light a path to the cross
where God will again pour out blessing
into an open heart and open hands.

(c) Marlene Depler (reprint in any form only with permission)

Thursday, December 21, 2006

White Christmas a Bit Early






What a snow storm! Over two feet of snow! Most businesses were closed today. A good day to stay inside and play games. The grandchildren did venture out for some fun in the snow while the men cleared snow.

Saturday, December 09, 2006

White Chocolate Christmas Party Mix


1 package (10 oz.) mini pretzels

5 cups Cheerios

5 cups Corn Chex

2 cups salted peanuts

1 pound Christmas M & M's

2 packages (12 oz. each) vanilla (white chocolate) chips

3 Tablespoons vegetable oil

Combine first five ingredients in a very large bowl. Melt chips and oil in microwave: medium powere for two to three minutes, stirring once, then 10 seconds on high power. Stir until smooth. Pour over dry mixture and mix well with a large spoon, being careful not to crush the mix. Spread on waxed paper. Cool and store in airtight containers. For gifts, scoop into cellophone bags, use a "twistie" tie and then add a colorful ribbon.

This is yummy! Just the right blend of salty and sweet! I made two big batches yesterday. They are ready to give to neighbors and friends.