What Christmas Is As We Grow Older --By Charles Dickens

Time was, with most of us, when Christmas Day, encircling all our limited world like a magic ring, left nothing out for us to miss or seek; bound together all our home enjoyments, affections, and hopes; grouped everything and every one around the Christmas fire; and made the little picture shining in our bright young eyes complete.

And is our life here, at the best, so constituted that, pausing as we advance at such a noticeable milestone in the track as this great birthday, we look back on the things that never were, as naturally and full as gravely as on the things that have been and are gone, or have been and still are? If it be so, and so it seems to be, must we come to the conclusion that life is little better than a dream, and little worth the loves and strivings that we crowd into it?

No! Far be such miscalled philosophy from us, dear reader, on Christmas Day! Nearer and closer in our hearts be the Christmas spirit, which is the spirit of active usefulness, perseverance, cheerful discharge of duty, kindness, and forbearance! It is in the last virtues especially that we are, or should be, strengthened by the unaccomplished visions of our youth; for, who shall say that they are not our teachers, to deal gently even with the impalpable nothings of the earth!

Welcome, old aspirations, glittering creatures of an ardent fancy, to your shelter underneath the holly! We know you, and have not outlived you yet. Welcome, old projects and old loves, however fleeting, to your nooks among the steadier lights that burn around us. Welcome, all that was ever real to our hearts; and for the earnestness that made you real, thanks to heaven!

Welcome everything! Welcome alike what has been, and what never was, and what we hope may be, in your shelter underneath the holly, to your places round the Christmas fire, where what is, sits openhearted!

Of all days in the year, we will turn our faces toward that City upon Christmas Day, and from its silent hosts bring those we loved among us. In the Blessed Name wherein we are gathered together at this time, and in the Presence that is here among us according to the promise, we will receive, and not dismiss, the people who were dear to us!

The winter sun goes down over town and village; on the sea it makes a rosy path, as if the Sacred Tread were fresh upon the water. A few more moments, and it sinks, and night comes on, and lights begin to sparkle in the prospect. In town and village, there are doors and windows closed against the weather; there are flaming logs heaped high; there are joyful faces; there is healthy music of voices. Be all ungentleness and harm excluded from the temples of the household gods, but be those memories admitted with tender encouragement! They are of Time and all the comforting and peaceful reassurances; and of the broad beneficence and goodness that too many men have tried to tear to narrow shreds.

I hope you enjoy some of these "writings," like the above article, that I've found and enjoyed. I'll share a few with you now and then through December.



Stressed out? Here's a hint to help that situation even at Christmas:

• Simply laugh out really loud - as loud as you can! This releases chemicals into the blood stream that make you feel better and relaxed.

Don't forget to let me know if you want entered in the contest to win one of Molly Noble Bull's books! Now on to some beginning information about Sharlene Maclaren, Friday's interviewee . . .
Born and raised in west Michigan, Sharlene MacLaren attended Spring Arbor University. Upon graduating with an education degree way back in 1971, she traveled internationally for a year with a small singing ensemble, then came home and married one of her childhood friends. Together they raised two lovely daughters, both of which are happily married. Recently retired after teaching elementary school for 31 years, ‘Shar’ enjoys reading, writing, singing in the church choir and worship teams, traveling, and spending time with her family, which now includes her very wonderful, adorable, precious grandson.



Quote:
. . . for it is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty Founder was a child himself. --A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens


Blessings!

Molly Noble Bull's Interview


Caroline: How long have you known that you were a writer?

Molly: I have known since childhood that I could imagine interesting things and tell stories. Once when I was very young, I told a scary story to a friend. Not only did she get scared, so did I. I begin to think my made-up story was actually true. As a result, I told “listener friendly” stories after that instead of the scary kind.


Caroline: Did you receive a clear “call?” Or have you just loved writing all your life?

Molly: I’ve always enjoyed telling stories. My problem came in writing them down. You see, I am a dyslexic. Therefore, I was a poor speller, and I had a problem with punctuation. My call to write novels was clear, but I had to wait until my ability to put my thoughts on paper caught up with my imagination.


Caroline: What is the genre you write in? Would you explain what it is?

Molly: I have loved fairy tales for as long as I can remember. Still do. I write romantic fiction. And what better romance novels than fairy tales? Like fairy tales, all my books contain a love story, and they often contain a mystery of some kind as well.


Caroline: How do you spend your writing days? Do you set goals to reach a certain number of words per day? Can you give us a general idea of how long it takes you to write a novel?

Molly: No, I do not write a certain number of pages a day because I never know what might happen on a given day, and I would beat-up on myself if I didn’t reach my daily goal. Instead, I write as much as I can as often as I can. It takes me about a year to write a novel. Wish I wrote faster, but I don’t. Sometimes, instead of writing, I plan what I am going to write. Planning what you will write is almost as important as actually writing. I say almost because some people plan forever and never write a word, and that is never good.


Caroline: What is the spiritual message in your latest book? What can readers expect to get from reading it?

Molly: Tsaba House published Sanctuary in trade paperback on September 15, 2007, and it is set in France in 1740. Sanctuary is a romantic adventure story about the Huguenots and forgiving the unforgivable. Those interested in learning what the story is about before buying it can read an excerpt at my website. www.mollynoblebull.com Just scroll down the main page and click Molly’s Books. From Molly’s Books, you can see all my covers, click to read book reviews and click to read excerpts from Sanctuary and The Winter Pearl. By the way, I write under the name of Molly Noble Bull.

Caroline: You recently had another book published. Would you take this time to describe it to us?

Molly: You must be talking about The Winter Pearl. The Winter Pearl, also a historical, was set in Colorado in 1888 and published by Steeple Hill in trade paperback in 2004. It came out again in mass-market paperback from Love Inspired in 2007. But I am also contracted to write three more novels and two non-fiction books for Tsaba House.

Caroline: How and where can readers buy your books?

Molly: The easiest way to find my books is to visit my website because there are buttons at the site you can click on that will take you to several online bookstores. But for those searching for my books on their own at online stores like www.christianbook.com, Amazon, Barnes and Noble or anywhere, write Molly Noble Bull in the search slot. That should take you to a list of all my books. My novels are also available at walk-in bookstores, but they must be ordered. It is unlikely my books will be found on the shelves, but it is always possible, of course.



Caroline: Where do you get ideas? Character names?

Molly: Ideas for novels can come from a flash of thought, a memory, a hurt, a blessing, a frightening experience, my family history or from events I merely read about in magazines or newspapers. First and last names often come from people I have known. But if I am writing a historical, I research names that fit the time and settings of the book.


Caroline: Do you find your characters similar to you in any way?

Molly: All my characters contain a little of my DNA. At the same time, they are different from me. They visit times long past where I can never go, and they have exciting adventures I can never have. My hope is that those who read my books will share these adventures with me.



Caroline: Do you ever feel like giving up?

Molly: Daily. But it only lasts for a few minutes. Then I’m back writing again.



Caroline: Most people don’t understand the stress, the work, and the joy of being a writer. How tenuous becoming a writer is. Do you care to share how it feels, what discouraging/encouraging times you’ve gone through?

Molly: For me, writing fiction of any kind is loads of fun. I enjoy every second of it. But writing to sell is hard work that involved deadlines and rewrites and editorial guidelines. After you sell, then you have to learn how to promote your book or books. Book promotions can be fun, too. However, it takes you away from your computer and those deadlines I just mentioned. How do you spell writing to sell? STRESS.



Caroline: Who’s inspired you the most?

Molly: I would have to say God. The Lord is the only one who knew I would become a writer someday. In fact, He is the one who gave me the talent and drive to keep going.



Caroline: Would you roughly explain how you “chose” (or was chosen) a publisher? Do you just go “inny, minny, miny, moe?” Grin.

Molly: Unless you are Lori Wick, book publishers choose you. You do not choose them. You send in a book proposal. Maybe you send in several to different publishers, and they buy your book or they don’t.



Caroline: Now, that you’re published, can you sit back and relax from the success you’ve experienced?

Molly: Sit back? Are you kidding? Just because I’ve had five books published and five more under contract doesn’t mean I will ever sell number eleven. I have to hunch over that computer every day I can and work, work, work.



Caroline: Do you mind telling us some of your likes and dislikes? Hobbies, interests? Where would you like to travel if you could? Etc.

Molly: I love to spend time with the Lord and with my family. I love to visit new places or look closely at my current surroundings. Today, my hobby is just being alive. I love life and cherish every day that I am allowed to live here on God’s good earth.



Caroline: Would you give us your blog or webpage so everyone can check it out?

Molly: The only blog I have is at Shoutlife, and a person must join Shoutlife to read my blog there. www.shoutlife.com/mollynoblebull. I’ve already given my web address, but I’ll give it again. www.mollynoblebull.com

Caroline: Anything else you’d like to share? Promotional information?

Molly: Sanctuary is the first of three long historical novels in the Faith of Our Fathers series and has been reviewed by Christian Book Previews, Christian Review of Books, In the Library, and several other places. At the moment, I am working on book two of the Faith of Our Fathers series and finishing up a non-fiction book I am writing with four other published authors on dyslexia and learning disabilities. My next novel to be published will not be a historical and is very different from Sanctuary. It will be titled Runaway Romance and is actually two short novels under one cover. My romance, Alyson, takes place on a Texas cattle ranch in modern times, and I hope some will find it lighthearted and even funny. The other short novel will be written by Teresa Slack.

I enjoyed doing this interview, Carole, and I hope you will invite me to come back soon.


Wow! Molly is an amazing writer. Don't forget to get in touch with me (you know how!) if you want a chance to get one of her books!

Coming up next Friday? An interview with Sharlene Mcclaren. Another great writer, and a sweet person to boot. Another opportunity to get one of her books!



Christmas Cookies Anyone?

Chewy Molasses Ginger Cookies

Nonstick cooking spray

1/3 cup margarine, softened
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 egg
1/4 cup dark molasses
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Spray cookie sheet with nonstick spray; set aside.
   
2. In a large mixing bowl beat the margarine with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add the brown sugar, baking soda, ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; beat until combined. Beat in egg and molasses. Beat in as much of the all-purpose and whole wheat flour as you can with the mixer. Stir in any remaining flour with a wooden spoon. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
3. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Combine the granulated sugar and 1teaspoon cinnamon. Roll balls in sugar-cinnamon mixture. Place 2 inches apart on prepared cookie sheet. Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 10 to 11 minutes or until set and tops are cracked. Remove from cookie sheet. Cool on a wire rack. Makes about 4 dozen.

Quote:
Christmas is the gentlest, loveliest festival of the revolving year - and yet, for all that, when it speaks, its voice has strong authority. --W. J. Cameron

Blessings!

Why Do You Do What You Do?


Why do put decorations up in your house?
Why do you choose which ones you really like to use?
Have you thought about why you decorate as you do? (IF you do . . . smile)

I like angels on my tree (I know, I know, they're not the soft, cuddly figures we all adore)
I like berries, and pine ropes, and real trees. I like certain toy soldiers, and snowmen, and animals.

I thought you'd enjoy reading some "customs."

From the Old English 'Cristes Mæsse' ~ meaning the 'mass of Christ' ~ the story of Christmas begins with the birth of a babe in Bethlehem.

It is believed that Christ was born on the 25th, although the exact month is unknown. December was likely chosen so the Catholic Church could compete with rival pagan rituals held at that time of year and because of its closeness with the winter solstice in the Northern hemisphere, a traditional time of celebration among many ancient cultures.

In 16th-century Germany fir trees were decorated, both indoors and out, with apples, roses, gilded candies, and colored paper. In the Middle Ages, a popular religous play depicted the story of Adam and Eve's expulsion from the Garden of Eden. A fir tree hung with apples was used to symbolize the Garden of Eden -- the Paradise Tree. The play ended with the prophecy of a saviour coming, and so was often performed during the Advent season. It is held that Protestant reformer Martin Luther first adorned trees with light. While coming home one December evening, the beauty of the stars shining through the branches of a fir inspired him to recreate the effect by placing candles on the branches of a small fir tree inside his home

The Christmas Tree was brought to England by Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert from his native Germany. The famous Illustrated News etching in 1848, featuring the Royal Family of Victoria, Albert and their children gathered around a Christmas tree in Windsor Castle, popularized the tree throughout Victorian England. Brought to America by the Pennsylvania Germans, the Christmas tree became by the late 19th century.

According to legend, a kindly nobleman grew despondent over the death of his beloved wife and foolishly squandered his fortune. This left his three young daughters without dowries and thus facing a life of spinsterhood.

The generous St. Nicholas, hearing of the girls' plight, set forth to help. Wishing to remain anonymous, he rode his white horse by the nobleman's house and threw three small pouches of gold coins down the chimney where they were fortuitously captured by the stockings the young women had hung by the fireplace to dry.



More next week . . .



Read on for a look into how Molly Noble Bull views her spiritual life . . .

Do I know I'll go to heaven when I die? You bet I do because I repented and asked the Lord to come and live in my heart forever. The process is called Grace, and it is amazing. Each of us can know for sure that we will go to Heaven when we die. But only if we ask the Lord in prayer to forgive us for all our sins and really mean it. Then asked God to come into our hearts and into our lives and live there forever. And don't forget to make these requests in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, because Jesus is the one who paid for all our sins. By the way, if you haven't already done this, now is the perfect time.

Christmas goody:

Merry Christmas Cookies Recipe

The honey in this recipe makes these cookies melt in your
mouth.

1/3 cup vegetable shortening
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
2/3 cup honey
1 teaspoon lemon extract
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt

In a large bowl, cream vegetable shortening,
sugar, egg, honey, and lemon extract until light
and fluffy. Sift in flour, baking soda, and salt;
stir until well blended. Refrigerate dough at
least 1 hour or overnight.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease
cookie sheets. On a lightly floured board, roll
dough to 1/4-inch thick; cut into desired
shapes with cookie cutters. Place 1 inch apart
onto prepared cookie sheets.
Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are light
brown. Remove from oven and cool on wire
racks and decorate as desireds.

Yields 5 dozen cookies.

MILK FROSTING
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons milk
In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar,
lemon extract, and enought milk to make
frosting easy to spread. Tint, if desired, with a
few drops of food coloring.

Quote:
Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childish days; that can recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth; that can transport the sailor and the traveller, thousands of miles away, back to his own fire-side and his quiet home!

Charles Dickens, The Pickwick Papers, 1836

Blessings!

A POEM ABOUT OUR GIRLFRIENDS

Someone will always be prettier.
Some will always be smarter.
Some of their houses will be bigger.

Some will drive a better car.
Their children will do better in school.
And their husband will fix more things around the house.

So let it go, and love you and your circumstances.

Think about it!

The prettiest woman in the woman can have hell in her heart.
And the most highly favored woman at your job site may be unable to have children.
And the richest woman you know, she's got the car, the house, the clothes, but she might be lonely.

The Word says:

"If I have not Love, I am nothing."

So, again, LOVE YOU

Love who you are. Look in the mirror in the morning and smile and say:

“I am too blessed to be stressed and too anointed, to be disappointed!”

Be 'blessed'

Hints:

I can't verify this, but I've just read that there's nothing in WD 40 that will hurt you. With that thought, here's some uses for it:

1) Protects silver from tarnishing.
2) Removes road tar and grime from cars.
3) Cleans and lubricates guitar strings.
4) Gives floors that 'just-waxed' sheen without making it slippery.
5) Keeps flies off cows.

More Molly Noble Bull info:

Actress Suzann Condry took on a tough role when she traded lives with her twin sister, Holly. Suzann needed to get away from Hollywood...and Holly believed Suzann might find both peace and faith in charming Oak Valley.

Anything can happen when twin sisters trade lives!

Could Suzann convince everyone she was the sweet church librarian? Especially Josh Gallagher, the handsome assistant pastor who looked like a rugged rancher. Suzann feared he suspected her...until he asked for a date. She soon dreamed of an "ordinary" life as Josh's wife. But would Josh still love her once he learned her true identity?

A word about "Brides and Blessings" from Molly:

Twins have always fascinated me. My paternal grandmother was a twin, and the thought of writing about twins intrigued me. The possibility that my novel might point others to the Lord, blessed my heart. Some describe true Christians as judgmental and mean-spirited. But I've found them to be just the opposite. I hope my readers will think the characters in "Brides And Blessings" are kind, happy Christians--that they enjoy life to the fullest--and have a sense of humor. Love and Blessings to all!

Quote:
Instead of being a time of unusual behavior, Christmas is perhaps the only time in the year when people can obey their natural impulses and express their true sentiments without feeling self-conscious and, perhaps, foolish. Christmas, in short, is about the only chance a man has to be himself. --Francis C. Farley

Blessings!

You Can't Go Forward Looking Backwards


The words caught my attention this past weekend when I heard Bill Bartmann say them. I've got them on my computer screen to remind me.

Cause, folks, that is so-o-o true. I can hardly walk front-ways without tripping over my own feet. But to walk frontwards while looking back? I don't think so.

And how much does it apply to our life? Where do we want to go? What do we want to do . . . tomorrow? Are we going to get there by looking at the past? By meditating on our past failures? By rehashing what's already happened?

Nope. Just ain't so. It's not going to happen.

Bill said (and if I happen to sound star-struck, it's because I am!)

• We will fail.
• Most failures are avoidable (but unfortunately, we don't avoid them! LOL)
• Both success and failure are temporary. (Thank God!)
• Success and failure are different sides of something.
  
• Any failure can be overcome.
• Failure isn't a deadend; it's a detour.
  

How can we overcome failure?

• Use all the help in your resources: family, friends, faith.
• Admit your failure
• See it for what it is. Don't exaggerate the failure. It's not the end of the world.
• Compare it to your previous history. Make a list of all your successes, including the little stuff.
• Forgive those involved--those you thought should have been there to stop your failure.
• Learn from it.
• Get a personal motivator.
• Get a role model.
• Get UP and get going.
• Keep going.

Looking at failure from Bill's point of view diminishes the harshness of it. How should this guy know so much about failure? He's been there and done that! He knows what he's talking about.





Here's a great hint for making your kitchen Christmasy:
All you need is a store bought pot holder, a hot glue gun, a seam ripper or scissors, and a teaspoon or so of your favorite spice to re-create Grandma’s magic.

Look for the place where the pot holder was closed up after it was stuffed. This spot is often hand stiched shut instead of being machine stitched. Unstitch approximately one inch with a seam ripper or scissors. Drop the spice into the hole you have created in the pot holder and then hot glue it shut. (If you use other types of glue, it will be too hard for you to re-open the pot holder to add more spice.) If you are really handy, sew on a snap to re-close the hole, instead.

Don't forget to email me, comment, phone, talk to me in person, send a pigeon, or whatever to get your comment in this week. Read last Friday's post to find out how to get in two chances to win one of Molly's books!
Tidbits about Molly Noble Bull:

Molly's father and maternal grandfather were real Texas cowboys who rode, roped, and branded horses and cattle. Now she has three grown sons who are involved in ranching today! She lived for a time, when growing up, on a sixty thousand acre Texas cattle ranch!




Quote:
I would rather try something great and fail . . . than to try nothing great and succeed. --Bill Bartmann


Blessings!