CHILLED LAYERED DESSERT

This is a recipe Darlene shared on air recently.

Ingredients:

1 cup Vanilla Wafers
Vanilla or Banana Pudding
Strawberry Jello
Strawberries fresh or frozen
Banana
Cool Whip

This is so simple. Slice banana and prepare strawberries (you can add a bit of sugar to the berries if you like). Butter an 8" dish. Crush the Vanilla Wafers and sprinkle some in the bottom of the dish to make a crust. Prepare Pudding and once partially set, smooth it over the top of the Vanilla Wafers. Prepare the Jello and refrigerate a bit. Sprinkle more Vanilla Wafers on top of the Pudding. Gently pour Jello on top of second layer of Vanilla Wafers. Add banana slices and strawberry mixture on top of the Jello. Cover with Cool Whip and serve. Taste Of Homes Delectable Desserts Book.

Personal Note: If you do not wish to use Jello...no problem...just leave that step off. You may even wish to use only bananas, etc. I've tried it several ways and it is delicious no matter how you do it.

The Fight Before Christmas

'Twas the fight before Christmas when all through the house
Not a good deed was stirring, and Dad was a louse!
Their mother was angry and loaded with care,
'Cause the gift list was longer than ever this year!

The children were nagging for gifts worth a ton,
And Dad was convinced, "Christmas just isn't fun!"
With Mom's loud complaining, and Dad mad at all,
They loaded the car for the trip to the mall.

They stopped at the ATM for some more cash,
And saw their new neighbours with their Christmas stash!
Hearts sank as they saw what their neighbors could spend,
"We've got to buy more!" Everybody chimed in!
When, what to their shopping red eyes should appear,
But a sign with the answer to their Christmas fear.

"Use credit, use VISA, use MasterCard,
Just run up their limits, it's not very hard!"
More rapid than eagles, the charges, they came
And they whistled and shouted and called them by name.
Now Macy’s, now Kohls, now Best Buy and Kinneys,
To Sam’s Club, to Target, we'll finish at Penney's!
To the top of the porch, to the top of the wall,
Their packages piled up; they'd out-bought them all!

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle mount to the sky,
So flew away hope of a Christmas of joys,
Not a problem was changed by the gifts and the toys.
And then, in a twinkling, Dad knew without doubt,
They needed to know, "What is Christmas about?"

That night in a dream he saw Bethlehem town,
And a babe in a manger with thorns for a crown!
And then what Dad saw brought the tears like a flood,
Christ's back was all tarnished where lashes brought blood.

A rugged old cross was his tortuous rack,
As he shifted it's weight to his now bleeding back.
His eyes, filled with burdens, 'twas nothing there merry,
The thorns had no roses, the night became eerie.
His dry thirsty mouth was drawn thin like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was plucked out cruelly, and slow.

The cross from his back held him high in his shame,
And the soldiers encircled his death with a game.
He had a kind face, in his eyes none saw hate,
And he shook when they laughed at his horrible fate.
He was dying for me, took my sins on himself,
And I wept when I saw him, in spite of myself.

A look in his eye, and the twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know, I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work;
And he took all my sin, and then turned with a jerk.
"It is finished," he said. Death he willingly chose,
Then glory to God, from the grave He arose!!

Dad sprang from his bed, shouting what Christmas gives.
"It's not all the gifts, but that Jesus now lives!"
So you'll hear them exclaim, on their next Christmas night,

Happy Christmas to all,
who will keep Christmas right!

LifeSpeak for Kids!

We are so excited to profile Wilma Hollis and "Life Speak for Kids"!

Wilma, a former Chicago Television Producer, had a lengthy commute that left little quality time for her then 4-year old daughter. She wanted a way to teach her child Biblical values and learn scripture, while making it fun in the car! So she created a CD of catchy songs, jingles, and easy-to-remember rhymes for kids that help learn Scripture! Wilma now lives in Ohio and we are proud to profile her as a mom who is making the difference in the lives of little ones. You can find out more and order your CD today at: www.Lifespeakforkids.com. It's a a great gift idea too!

Click here to listen to our interview with Wilma about Life Speak for Kids:

GIFTS FOR TEENS THAT HELP BUILD FAITH

Looking for the perfect holiday gift for your teen? Then, check out the fast-paced, action-packed Drive Thru History DVD series by Alpha & Omega. These turbocharged, on-location videos speed both you and your child to the ancient worlds of Rome, Greece, Turkey, and Asia Minor! Bible history comes alive, as host Dave Stotts speaks the language of today's youth with humorous and expert commentary on the people, places, and events that have shaped our world and the Christian faith.

To get your 12% holiday discount and receive these must-have, educational movies in time for Christmas*, simply reference coupon code NTMOTOR when you call 800-622-3070 by 12/17/08.

Drive Thru History: Rome
If You Want To Enjoy biblical history fast and fun, as your homeschool family travels back to emperors who lived during the time of Christ. Explore the Arch of Titus and experience the excitement of Circus Maximus chariot races and Colosseum gladiator fights. Plus, investigate reasons for Jerusalem's destruction, Nero's persecution of Christians, Hannibal's invasion of Rome, and more!


Drive Thru History: Greece and the Word
Let the Bible come alive all over again, as this exciting, high-speed tour takes you and your teenager through the ancient cities of Athens, Delphi, and Corinth. Explore the impact of men like Apostle Paul, Alexander the Great, and the Greek philosophers. Also, uncover the secrets of Greek architecture, the origins of the Olympic games, and the mystery of the Oracle at Delphi!



Drive Thru History: Turkish Delight
Blaze a new trail in your teenager's love for history, as you both discover the seven church cities of Revelation. Learn why ancient Sardis, Smyrna, and others were so important and what life was like for the early church. Enjoy more laughs and adventures with a camel ride around the hot springs of Hieropolis and explore the ruins of Colossae and Laodicea for historical clues!



Drive Thru History: East Meets West
Give your teen a memorable history lesson, as you journey together through ancient Asia Minor. Explore the vast underground cities of Cappadocia first inhabited by the Hittites and Istanbul's beautiful Hagia Sophia church. Examine the effect of Constantine's Edict of Milan on Christianity and the Nicene Creed's origin. Plus, enjoy hilarious bloopers in the "Best of Drive Thru History" episode.


*For Christmas delivery, orders placed on 12/17/08 must be shipped via 2-day or 3-day express

A Prayer & Advice For Tough Economic Times During the Christmas Season

Dear Lord, may the tough times so many of us are experiencing financially, point us back to You. Help me hear Your voice this season and truly demonstrate what this precious holiday is all about. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?
Celebrating a Christ-Centered Christmas by Sharon Jaynes

Pampering Gifts: Crafting a Ministry of Treating People Well for Less by Lara Krupicka


Application Steps:

Sit down with your spouse and make a strategy for staying within a budget this Christmas. See Dave Ramsey's website for the “Budgeting Bundle.”

Can you plan one gift for each of your children that costs very little, but says so much about how you love them?

Sit down with your kids and set the expectation for this Christmas if it is different than what your family has experienced in the past.

Reflections:

What motivates me to give at Christmas more than I can afford?

What is one thing I would like to receive this year that money can’t buy? Is this something I can give to another?

Power Verses:

1 Timothy 6:6, “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” (NIV)

Proverbs 19:23, “The fear of the LORD leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble.” (NIV)

Job 36:11, “If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment.” (NIV)

© Lynn Cowell 2008. All Rights Reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.proverbs31.org

THE PERFECT RECIPE FOR A NICE COLD DAY

Zesty Meatball Noodle Soup

Ladies Home Journal
Makes 4 servings
Start to Finish: 30 minutes



Ingredients
2 14-ounce cans chicken broth
1 10-ounce can diced tomatoes with green chilies*
1-1/2 teaspoons minced garlic, divided
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 pound lean ground beef
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
4-1/2 ounces fresh fettuccine, cut into 2-inch lengths
1 large zucchini, diced

Directions
1. Combine broth, tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of the garlic and the cumin in a pot. Cover and bring to a boil; simmer 5 minutes.
2. Combine remaining garlic, the beef, 1/2 cup of the cheese, the salt and pepper in a bowl with hands. Shape into 3/4-inch meatballs.
3. Add meatballs to broth. Cover and simmer 4 minutes. Add fettuccine and zucchini; bring to a boil. Simmer 2 minutes more, until fettuccine and zucchini are tender. Serve with remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Makes 4 servings.

Nutrition facts per serving:
calories: 400
total fat: 22.5g
saturated fat: 10.5g
cholesterol: 96mg
sodium: 1362mg
carbohydrate: 23g
fiber: 2g
protein: 23g

Give Love For The Holidays

Nothing says, I Love You, like a gift that touches someone's heart, and in order to do that, it is wonderful to think of something they need and put a bit of yourself into it. Here is a list of inexpensive gift ideas that your loved ones will never forget:

1. A gift of your time - pick a day and a specific time or a day and specific time each week for a month and declare that as "_______'s Moment". Find out what they would like to do or would like to have you do and just do it. Taking a walk with them, giving a massage, fixing a leaking faucet, driving them to various errands, tutoring them on a difficult subject...dedicated time for just the two of you will make memories that will not be forgotten.


2. A gift of your talent or hobby - write them a poem and present it in a frame, surprise them with a meal...even better if you make it, personalize an item for them using embroidery, iron on lettering or wood carving, bake something...a basket of muffins always brings a smile!

3. A gift of your concern - think of someone that may have a need i.e. a senior citizen...someone that may have lost their job, a caregiver or a parent of a disabled child and present them with a gift certificate for groceries, a gas card, a gift card to get their hair or nails done or even write them a check. If you are able, offer a caregiver the chance to have a moment alone or to get out of the house, by offering to sit with the child, spouse or parent they care for daily.

4. A gift of practical thinking - give gift items that people can REALLY use. The older one gets, the more important it can become to downsize. Items like soap, deodorant, lotion, cologne, body powder, cotton balls, shaving creme, shavers, socks, gloves, scarfs, batteries can always be used. Take note on your next visit the type of disposable items and frequently used items a person may have to get an idea of brands they may already buy. Also take note of their favorite colors.

5. A gift of your professional expertise - if you are an accountant, offer to do someone's taxes for free, if you are a travel agent, give someone a certificate for free trip lodging, if you own a spa, offer someone a day of pampering.

Christmas Cookie Paradise

This could be the best cookie-eating season ever! We all have our favorites, but leave room for some creations at Christmas-cookies.com. They have over 540 tried, tested, and true recipes for all levels and all tastes! You can find out how others liked a certain recipe by looking at the gingerbread rating system. If you find a good one, please let us know!