Christmas

A Christmas Without Decorations

green pine tree with red fruit
Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

My in-laws garage was packed floor to ceiling with our stuff. We moved into their house a few weeks before Christmas that year. They had generously offered for us to stay with them while Tom finished school. I stood there with my two young boys looking at the big pile of boxes that represented our life. Buried in that pile were all of our Christmas decorations. 

There would be no normal Christmas that year. I was sad. I love Christmas. I love the decorations. I love the lights. I love it all. I was looking for something that was familiar in all of the change. Anything that was secure was gone, except for my husband and kids. Christmas and all of the decorations had always brought me so much happiness. That year it was missing.

As much as I wanted to be surrounded with all of my favorite Christmas things, I couldn’t. It wasn’t even possible. I had to come to terms with where my life was at that moment in time. A choice had to be made. I could feel sorry for myself, or I could make the best of the situation. I chose my faith over my feelings.

We bought an inexpensive artificial tree. Dylan, my oldest son, and I made a red and green paper chain for garland. We made ornaments cut from construction paper and covered in glitter. Our very simple tree was beautifully decorated. The boys were happy, and a new memory was made. No, it wasn’t a fancy, perfect, from a magazine kind of tree. It was made with love and a little creativity.

Christmas came and went that year just like it does every year. Though it was not the holiday I had dreamed of, we were all together and that was what mattered the most. I held on to the fact that we would have a normal Christmas again one day. It took a couple of years, but it did happen.

Your Christmas may not look ideal this year. You may be grieving the loss of a loved one, or dealing with illness. Our entire world was turned upside down because of a virus, and nothing has been normal. We can still celebrate the birth of the Savior. He is worthy to celebrate.

Maybe you’ve just got a simple paper chain like I did for your tree. It’s still beautiful. You may have the best of every kind of Christmas decor. Your tree is Instagram worthy, yet you are hurting, or sad, or lonely. Jesus came to save us. He can comfort you in your pain. No matter where you are at in your life. If you call on Jesus He will answer.

The year I had no Christmas decorations God met me in my sadness. God lovingly showed me that He is still there no matter what. It’s not about the decorations. It’s all about Jesus Christ. 

Jesus came into this harsh world as a vulnerable baby. He was born in a feeding trough. Not ideal. Jesus was not born in a palace, or a hospital birthing suite. Jesus was born where animals eat. The King of Kings came to us in the most lowly, humble circumstances. No fancy decorations. Precious Jesus was a tiny baby among animals and dirt. 

The angels rejoiced over Jesus’ birth. 

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,

    and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”   

Luke 2:13-14, NIV 

We can rejoice over Jesus’ birth too. No matter our circumstances. We can choose to focus on Jesus. It’s not always easy, but it is always worth it. Jesus is worth it.

Love you all,

Meghan 

Joey Flynn's Extraordinary Tale

Get My E-Book for Free!

Image Copyright DomNick Carrubba front c

Get the Kindle version of my book, Joey Flynn’s Extraordinary Tale, for free! 

Joey is an ordinary eleven year old boy. His ordinary life changes when his family moves from California to Oregon. He meets an extraordinary friend unlike any other, who teaches Joey what it means to trust God. Come along with Joey on his faith-filled adventures.

Perfect for ages 8 and up.

Both adults and kids have loved this story.

Here are two recent reviews.

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Get your FREE Kindle version today! Give the kids in your life a wholesome, faith-filled, adventurous story.

The free promo runs 11/27/20 through 12/1/20

Friday, November 27, 2020, 12:00 AM PST Tuesday, December 1, 2020, 11:59 PM PST

Click here for your FREE Kindle book:

https://www.amazon.com/Joey-Flynns-Extraordinary-Meghan-White-ebook/dp/B07BTMZG7N/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1606482492&sr=8-2

Thank you for your support. God bless you!

Food, mustard seed sentinel

Turkey Pot Pie

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You may have some leftover turkey in the near future, and you may want something new to do with all that meat. Turkey pot pie is a great way to use up leftovers from your Thanksgiving meal. It comes together easily and is so satisfying. A flaky, buttery crust wraps the savory turkey filling like a delicious present. 

Meat pie is a very old food with roots as far back as ancient Greece and Rome. I think they were on to something pretty fantastic all those years ago. Many cultures around the globe have their own version of meat pie. We love meat in a pastry shell in America too. Pot pies have stood the test of time. Turkey pie is a classic.

This turkey pot pie recipe is absolutely scrumptious. There’s plenty of meat, and the sauce in the filing is creamy and flavorful. The delectable crust brings all the flavors and textures together beautifully. My family gave this recipe their stamp of approval. I think your family will love this savory pie too. Turkey pot pie is good old fashioned comfort food.

Happy Eating!

In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 

1 Thessalonians 5:18

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Turkey Pot Pie 

Ingredients

1 double pie crust – homemade or store bought

1 medium onion – diced

2 carrots – diced

2 ribs of celery – diced 

4 cloves crushed garlic

6 tablespoons butter

⅓ cup flour

2 cups chicken stock

½ cup heavy cream

2 teaspoons salt

½ teaspoon pepper

1 ½ teaspoons poultry seasoning

1 teaspoon fresh thyme 

3 cups cooked shredded turkey 

1 cup frozen peas

1 egg – beaten for egg wash

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°
  2. In a large pot melt the butter over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook the veggies until they are soft, about 5 minutes. 
  3. Add the flour, and stir continually for 2 minutes.
  4. Add the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for a few minutes until it’s thickened. Stir constantly. Add salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, and thyme. Taste, and adjust spices as needed.
  5. Stir in cooked turkey and frozen peas. Remove from the heat. Let that sit while you prepare the pastry.
  6. Roll out one pie crust disk into a 12 inch circle. Roll up the pie dough onto your rolling pin and transfer to a 9 inch pie pan. Carefully let the dough fall into place. Gently press the dough into the pie pan. 
  7. Add the turkey pie filling to the prepared pastry filled pie pan.
  8. Roll out your second pastry disk into a 10 inch circle. Use the rolling pin to transfer the dough on to the top of the filled pie. 
  9. Cut the top and bottom dough ½ an inch beyond the pie plate. Pinch the top and bottom crusts together to seal the pie. Crimp the crust. Place a finger against the inside edge of the pie dough, then use the thumb and index finger of the other hand to press the pastry into flutes.
  10. Cut 4 to 6 two-inch slits in the top of the pie to vent. Brush the prepared pie with egg wash.
  11. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the crust on top is golden brown.
  12. Cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • You can use both white and dark turkey meat. You can also use chicken.
  • Use green beans or other vegetables if you prefer.
  • If the crust is getting too dark while cooking, cut a 4 inch circle in the center of a square piece of aluminum foil. Loosely place on the pie while it finishes cooking. 
  • You don’t have to crimp the edge of the pie. It just looks prettier crimped.

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Homemade Pie Crust 

Ingredients

2 ½ cups all purpose flour

¼ teaspoon salt

1 cup cold butter, diced

1 cup cold water

1 egg

 

Instructions 

  1. In a large mixing bowl add flour and salt. Stir to combine.
  2. Add the cold butter. Using your hands mix the butter and flour. Grab the mixture and rub it to break it into smaller pieces until it’s a coarse crumb.
  3. Combine the egg and water in a measuring cup. 
  4. Pour about half the egg mixture into the flour and butter. Using your hands combine until a soft dough forms. Add more of the egg and water as needed. It will come together quickly. Do not over mix. Do not knead the dough. Just bring all of the ingredients together. It should not be crumbly, and it should not be wet. 
  5. Once it’s combined divide the dough into two portions. Flatten each portion into a disk shape and cover in plastic wrap. 
  6. Refrigerate for an hour. Leave the dough on the counter for 20 minutes to soften up a bit before rolling it out.

 

Notes

  • Pie dough can be kept in the refrigerator for 48 hours and freezer for up to 6 weeks.
  • Do not stretch pie dough when placing it in a pie pan. Stretching the dough causes shrinkage while baking. 
  • I always use salted butter. Use unsalted if you prefer. 
  • Keep butter and water cold.     

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For this recipe and all of my recipes go to Mustard Seed Sentinel, Meghan’s Corner.

https://www.mustardseedsentinel.com

Guest Post

Make Me Available

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Make Me Available is a U.K. based faith brand and faith blog. They graciously invited me to contribute to their blog. It was an honor to be included among so many talented writers with a shared passion for Jesus. You can read my post here:

https://www.makemeavailable.com/blogs/welcome-to-the-mma-blog-spot/i-never-dreamt-of-being-a-writer

Make Me Available is all about drawing people to the love of God. It began with a lovely poem. When I read the poem it made me cry. It’s beautiful. I love what Make Me Available is doing globally to reach people for Christ through a fun, vibrant faith brand.

The T-shirt I’m wearing is a Make Me Available original. It says: We Walk By Faith Not By Sight.

Make Me Available has T-shirts and sweatshirts for men, women, and children. A percentage of each sale goes to the global Christian charity Feed The Hungry. Please go to their site. Read the poem. Order some T-shirts for your family, and know you are supporting a ministry that is impacting the globe for the Lord.

https://www.makemeavailable.com

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Love you all,

Meghan

God, Gratitude

Thank You God

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Thank You!

Two simple words that are quite powerful. Each morning when I wake up I say Thank you Lord before I do anything. I started doing this several years ago. I have to be intentional to say this to my Heavenly Father each day. Sometimes I forget to do this first thing, and I say it later. The goal is always to start my day thanking God.

Why do I do this? When I start my day with thanking God before anything else it puts things in perspective. No matter how I’m feeling, no matter what trial I am experiencing, God is bigger. It’s all about Him, not me. 

Let’s thank God together. 

Thank you Father God for today. It is a precious gift from you. No matter what I have to face, you are with me. I praise you and thank you. 

Thank you for Jesus.

Thank you for your word, the Bible.

Thank you for my sweet husband.

Thank you for my beautiful sons.

Thank you for grace.

Thank you for mercy.

Thank you for your amazing love.

Thank you for the Holy Spirit.

Thank you for the gift of prayer.

Thank you that I can walk.

Thank you for ears that hear.

Thank you for plenty of food to eat.

Thank you for a beautiful home to live in.

Thank you for flowers.

Thank you for beautiful sunrises.

Thank you for stunning sunsets.

Thank you that I live in safety.

Thank you for providing my every need.

Thank you for never giving up on me.

Thank you for true friends.

Thank you for the gift of family.

Thank you for white sandy beaches.

Thank you for fresh air to breathe.

Thank you for the kindness of strangers.

Thank you for summertime gardens.

Thank you for cool breezes.

Thank you for chubby baby feet.

Thank you for sweet baby smiles.

Thank you for the gift of life.

Thank you for every star.

Thank you for the moon.

Thank you for the miracle of Christmas.

Thank you for snow covered mountains.

Thank you for your comfort.

Thank you for listening to me.

Thank you for answering my prayers.

Thank you for sending Jesus to save the world.

Thank you for the hard times.

Thank you for the peace that only you can give.

Thank you for the gift of laughter.

Thank you for tears.

Thank you for hands.

Thank you for beautiful music.

Thank you for big fluffy clouds.

Thank you for blue skies.

Thank you that my home is in heaven.

Thank you that Jesus is preparing my heavenly home.

Thank you for your mighty hands that hold me.

Thank you that I’ve always got hope.

Thank you for so many lovely colors in the world.

Thank you for gray skies.

Thank you for your protection in the storm.

Thank you for second chances.

Thank you for forgiveness from all my sins because of Jesus.

Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.   Ephesians 5:20, ESV 

What do you thank God for?