Feel-Good Christmas

For a full retail listing of what Christmas-themed stories I have in my catalog, visit-> THIS PAGE . Includes, an Atlas Bellamy short story, "The Christmas Pie," FREE at all retailers. Titles: Cowboys, Billionaires, and Other Christmas Fantasies A Christmas Boyfriend Romance Collection Yuletide Tales A Little Christmas Magic: The Cowboy and the Librarian A Mail-Order Bride For Christmas A Miracle For Mari The Christmas Pie: An Atlas Bellamy Short Story A Christmas Blessing

You can’t undo the Resurrection. You can’t put Jesus back in the grave. You can’t roll the stone over the entrance. You can’t re-bind Him in the graveclothes. You can’t hang Him back on the cross. You can’t re-nail the nails into His hands and feet. You can’t replace the crown of thorns on His head. You can’t undo the crucifixion. You can’t erase the stripes on His back. You can’t silence those who mocked Him. You can’t put Barabbas in prison and let Jesus go free. You can’t change His commitment to die. You can’t undo His dedication. You can’t erase His will to obey or alter how He felt about those He died to save. You can’t make Him not love the world. You can’t return the sins He carried back onto the people who committed them. You can’t un-save the lives His death redeemed. You can’t un-walk the steps He took to get there. You can’t un-speak the words He spoke to those who heard them. You can’t make God not His Father and the Holy Spirit not fallen upon Him. You can

*This was first published November 7, 2011 If I am being truthful, Christmas is not my favorite holiday. In fact, it's probably my least favorite. For a number of years, I struggled with depression during the holidays. One year, I even took the decorations back down before Christmas Day actually arrived. The great stress of attending parties and buying gifts, the whole commercialization of it gets to me at some point, and I begin to identify with Charlie Brown. "Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?" Yet every year, God reaches down to give me one moment that reminds me of the true purpose of Christmas. I like to think of this moment as God's little surprise because I never know when it will come or from where. It could be a Christmas play, a television program, a song I hear sung. Whatever it is, it always comes. Often, it is from something inconsequential. Nevertheless, it reaches right in and touches my heart. Last evening, I watch

A Christmas Blessing: A Best Friend's Widow Romance Amazon Books2Read To ease the burden of her husband’s passing, Diane Mobley moved in with her in-laws. It’s good for everyone involved. She can take over their gourmet food shop, and they will give her daughter, Nicole, the love she needs to grow and flourish. When Nicole’s new drama teacher, Carver Whiting, turns out to be her husband’s high school best friend, their instant attraction is fraught with doubt and guilt. Her husband casts a huge shadow between them. Adding pressure is a secret from her past, which might just be more than their fragile relationship can stand. It could be that forgiveness, peace, and joy, the meanings of Christmas, aren’t meant for her. It could be that finding love the second time around is simply out of reach. A 2nd Generation Book

“And there on His robe and on His thigh was written His name: King of kings and Lord of lords.” (Rev 19:16 VOICE) The nation wanted a god, so it created one. After seeing the signs and wonders of Egypt, knowing how God had spared them from death, after crossing the Red Sea on dry land and watching the destruction of the Egyptian army in its waters, after eating manna from heaven, provided daily at God’s hand, the Israelites pleaded with Aaron for gods to worship, and he complied. (Ex 32:1) The nation wanted a king, so they begged for one. Discontented with the simple government of God, they desired a man to lead them instead. A throne. A scepter. A judge. The prophet Samuel spoke a warning against it, detailing the bondage that would follow. But uncaring, they insisted, so God anointed Saul. (1Sa 8:5) The people wanted a prophet, a deliverer, and they pictured Him riding in surrounded by an army, able to fully defeat Rome with sword and spear. Unaware that Salvation had arrived

This is one of the best cookies you will ever eat, by far. This is because, as you will notice, the main ingredient is butter. I always use real butter, never margarine. You cook them on the stove in a saucepan. It is important to cook the mixture just long enough, but not too long, as what you are actually doing will eventually make a candy-like substance if overcooked. Then the balls must be rolled quickly. This means a few burnt fingertips, but they are definitely worth it! 2 cups butter 1 8-ounce package chopped dates 1 cup white sugar 1 cup chopped pecans 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 cups Rice Krispy cereal powdered sugar Cook butter, sugar and dates until misture is thickened. This will take about 5 minutes and the mixture will totally incorporate until it looks like peanut butter. Remove from heat. Fold in pecans, vanilla, and cereal. Using a small spoon, roll the mixture into 1" balls. Caution, mixture will be HOT! As they cool, the cookies will harden somewhat. Ro