Poetry & Prose ~~ 'Tis The Reason For The Season

In the hustle and bustle of the season,

             have you stopped to consider the reason?

Why do we toil so everything will be first rate,

             waiting until December 25^th just to celebrate?

Is your heart stirred by the good food,

             tree or gifts,

The music, cards, and parties,

             or the opening of ski-lifts?

Do you long to meet with family and friends

            that you all love so dearly,

To reminisce of times long ago

            that you still remember clearly?

Perhaps the passing of loved ones

             makes you feel lonely and sad,

It’s hard to get through this time

            because you’re just not very glad.

Millenniums ago, the prophet Isaiah foretold,

            that the virgin would bear a son,

Born in Bethlehem, and called Immanuel,

            His advent was a most humble one.

This baby boy, better known as Jesus,

            came to die on the cross for our sin.

Until we repent and accept Him as Savior,

            there’s no way we will ever win.

Is Jesus knocking on the door of your heart,

            or have you already let Him in?

Are you wearing your robe of righteousness,

            or are you still living in your sin?

So take a moment, amidst your frantic pace

            to commune with the King of Kings.

For no one else can deliver joy and peace;

            none other gives the life He brings!

This poem is featured along with twenty-nine others in Volume One of Poetry Time which is available on Amazon or in my Etsy shop, BooksbySheilaEismann.

Happy Reading in Poetry's Presence, & Merry Christmas to you and yours!

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Sweet & Savory ~~ Kids Love to Bake!

Do you have kiddos or grandkiddos who like to bake?  If so, this is a real easy recipe for them to try. Grab those aprons, and bake on!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/3 cup water
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• Dash of salt, optional
• 1 cup chunk style or plain peanut butter
• 1 pkg. any brand of yellow cake mix (I used Pillsbury)

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Place water, eggs, vanilla, salt, peanut butter, and 1/2 pkg. of cake mix inside a large bowl.
• Mix with mixer or spoon until well blended.
• Fold in remaining half of cake mix until thoroughly blended.
• Roll dough into shapes the size of walnuts and place on ungreased baking sheet.
• Dip fork in flour and flatten the dough by making a criss-cross pattern on the top of each cookie.
• Bake in 375 degree oven for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
• The cookies will set up a little bit after you remove them from the oven, so don't overbake them.
• Cool cookies on a cooling rack.
• Yields approximately 3-4 dozen cookies.

FUN SUGGESTIONS:

• If the kiddos or grandkiddos would enjoy making peanut butter and jelly cookies, do not make criss-cross pattern in the dough.  Dip a teaspoon in flour and make a depression in the ball of dough. Fill with approximately 1/2 tsp. of your favorite jam or jelly.
• Serve with milk, juice, or hot chocolate.
• If you have a relative or neighbor who can no longer bake, share a few with them!

Happy Baking & Enjoy!

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Poetry & Prose ~~ "Inspirational Twelve Days of Christmas"

On the first day of Christmas                                        

My true Lord gave to me:                                               

Faith for any situation.                               

On the second day of Christmas,                                

My true Lord gave to me:                                               

Grace to stand in Him,                                                   

and faith for any situation.                                                

On the third day of Christmas,                                     

My true Lord gave to me:                                               

Ability to rejoice in sufferings,                                    

Grace to stand in Him,                                                   

and faith for any situation.   
                                         

On the fourth day of Christmas,                                 

My true Lord gave to me:                                                               

Plenty of perseverance,                                                  

Ability to rejoice in sufferings,

Grace to stand in Him,                                                    

and faith for any situation.                                           

                                                                                                 

On the fifth day of Christmas,                                      

My true Lord gave to me:                                               

Character built in the crucible!                                                        

Plenty of perseverance,                                                  

Ability to rejoice in sufferings,                                            

Grace to stand in Him,                                                    

and faith for any situation.   

On the sixth day of Christmas,
My true Lord gave to me:
Hope as my soul's anchor,
Character built in the crucible!
Plenty of perseverance,
Ability to rejoice in sufferings,
Grace to stand in Him,
and faith for any situation.

On the seventh day of Christmas,
My true Lord gave to me.
Abundant love when needed,
Hope as my soul's anchor,
Character built in the crucible!
Plenty of perseverance,
Ability to rejoice in sufferings,
Grace to stand in Him,
and faith for any situation.

On the eighth day of Christmas,
My true Lord gave to me:
Joy to spread to others,
Abundant love when needed,
Hope as my soul's anchor,
Character built in the crucible!
Plenty of perseverance,
Ability to rejoice in sufferings,
Grace to stand in Him,
and faith for any situation.                                

On the ninth day of Christmas,  
My true Lord gave to me:                                                                          

Truth to speak in love,                                                    

Joy to spread to others,                                                   

Abundant love when needed,                                     

Hope as my soul’s anchor,                                            

Character built in the crucible!                                   

Plenty of perseverance,                                                  

Ability to rejoice in sufferings,                                    

Grace to stand in Him,                                                    

and faith for any situation.                                            

                                                                                                 

On the tenth day of Christmas,                                    

My true Lord gave to me:

Understanding of His word,                                        

Truth to speak in love,                                                   

Joy to spread to others,                                                   

Abundant love when needed,                                     

Hope as my soul’s anchor,                                            

Character built in the crucible!                                    

Plenty of perseverance,                                                  

Ability to rejoice in sufferings,                                    

Grace to stand in Him,                                                    

and faith for any situation.   

On the eleventh day of Christmas,
My true Lord gave to me:
The gift of discernment,
Understanding of His word,
Truth to speak in love,
Joy to spread to others,
Abundant love when needed,
Hope as my soul's anchor,
Character built in the crucible!
Plenty of perseverance,
Ability to rejoice in sufferings,
Grace to stand in Him,
and faith for any situation.

On the twelfth day of Christmas,
My true Lord gave to me:
Peace that passes understanding,
The gift of discernment,
Understanding of His word,
Truth to speak in love,
Joy to spread to others,
Abundant love when needed,
Hope as my soul's anchor,
Character built in the crucible!
Plenty of perseverance,
Ability to rejoice in sufferings,
Grace to stand in Him,
and faith for any situation.                                     

Isaiah 9:6 ~~ “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And his name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” 

Jesus is the King of Kings, and there is nothing like the life He brings!   By Him, In Him, and Through Him we have our faith, grace, abilities, perseverance, character, hope, love, joy, truth, understanding, discernment and peace. 

Happy Reading in Poetry's Presence.

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Sweet & Savory - Terrific Turkey Pot Pie

Are you looking for some great ideas of what to do with that leftover turkey from holiday meals?  Well, here is one answer for you!  This turkey pot pie is sure to please your dinner guests.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 Tbsp. Olive oil
• 1 can cut green beans, drained
• 3 cups cooked turkey, diced
• 2 cups cooked rice (I used long grain brown rice)
• 1 cup mayo (or yogurt if you desire less calories)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 small can sliced water chestnuts, drained
• 1 1/2 tsp. poultry seasoning
• 1 tsp. freshly ground salt, optional
• 1 tsp. freshly ground pepper
• 1 cup sour cream
• a few drops hot sauce (I prefer to use Cajun Sunshine)
• two pie crusts for a 9-10 inch pie plate (you can make your own or purchase those pre-fab jobs in the refrigerator section of your local grocery store)

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Saute onions and peppers in olive oil.
• In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except 1 cup of the cheddar cheese and mix thoroughly.
• Place bottom pie crust in pie plate.
• Spoon turkey mixture into pie plate.
• Sprinkle remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
• Place top pie crust over cheese and make 4-5 slits in crust.
• Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 1 hour or until top crust is golden brown.

HELPFUL HINTS & SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

• This pie is delicious served with turkey gravy.
• Serve with rolls or garlic bread and salad.
• This pie freezes well if you desire to make it ahead, place in freezer, and bake at a later date.

Happy Holiday Dining!

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Poetry & Prose ~~ "Always The More"

As I reflect upon the countless blessings

            That You have showered down on me,

I am thankful for each and every one of them,

            Even for those blessings I cannot see.           

For unconditional love that flows from Your heart,

            For the breath of life You breathe into me,

For the gift of salvation and words of eternal life,

            For the gift of grace and mercy in a time of need.

For the gift of forgiveness that is freely given,

            For the unspeakable joy that floods my soul,

For the peace that calms the raging storm,

            For the gift of healing that makes me whole.

For Your light that shines in the darkest of nights,

            For the gift of faith and hope when all else fails.

For the song of deliverance when I am afraid,

            For the freedom I have to worship You above all                             else.

For Your gift of redemption, my soul is redeemed.

            For your Presence in my life that You are here.

For Your promise that You have overcome the world,

            And Your words to us to be of good cheer.

For the gift of my family, loved ones and friends,

            There are not enough words to adequately express,

For the many ways You have shown me Your love,

            And that through them my life is truly blessed.

           

For You alone are the One I worship and praise,

            You are the One I am living for.

For You, oh Lord, are a God Who is never-the-less,

            For You are a God Who is always-the-more.

Contributed by Lesta of Heartsong Treasures.

Happy Reading in Poetry's Presence.

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Poetry & Prose ~~ "Heaven's Delight"

                                            

Sounds and sights of Christmas are everywhere,

          While an array of joyous songs fill the air.

There are decorated cookies and delicious candy canes,

          As Christmas lights twinkle in frosted window panes.

Artfully wrapped presents under the Christmas tree,

          Await Christmas morning for children filled with glee.

The aroma of Christmas dinner fills the air with the fixings to enjoy,

          Our grateful hearts overflow with many reasons to rejoice.

Family, friends and loved ones all gather around,

          Sharing smiles and laughter as love abounds.

Christmas carols and holy Nativity scenes,

          Cause us to remember a Baby born, a Humble King.

Angels gave Glory to God, announcing the Savior’s birth,

          And shepherds heard their joyful praises filling the earth.

Wise men searched for the King following Bethlehem’s Star,

          Bearing gifts, bowing down in worship with all their hearts.

We may not know the exact day that our Savior was born,

          But that does not diminish the truth that He is our Lord.

God's love for all of us was placed on display,

          The Glory of God revealed to us on the first Christmas Day.

Heaven's Gift of Love came to dwell in our midst,

          We open wide our hearts and receive His precious gift.

He fills our hearts with His presence, glory and light,

          Emmanuel, God with us, Heaven’s delight.

Contributed by Lesta of Heartsong Treasures.    

Happy Reading in Poetry's Presence.

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Sweet & Savory ~~ Spearmint Tea

There's nothing quite like a cup of hot tea on a snowy winter day!  It warms your body, soul, mind and spirit.

I grew the spearmint plant during the summer and fall months in one of my wooden backyard planters, trimming it before the first frost.

Secondly, I tied the bundle of leaves with a piece of string and suspended it from an old shower curtain until the leaves were completely dried.

I was in for a real surprise when I prepared my first cup of tea by placing a few of the dried leaves inside a tea strainer and poured hot water over the top. This yielded a far more intense flavor than making tea from the dried leaves inside a tea bag which I had purchased several months prior thereto. 

This whole exercise has given me some great planting ideas for the spring of 2017.  What variety of tea should I try next?

Stay warm, and enjoy!

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Sweet & Savory Thursday - Holiday Baked Spaghetti

This is a great entree to serve to your holiday guests.  You can prepare it ahead of time, freeze it, and heat and serve, if necessary.  

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 Tbsp. garlic, diced
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 bottle - 28 oz. to 30 oz. diced tomatoes, liquid included
• 1  - 4 oz. can sliced black olives
• 2 tsp. dried oregano leaves
• 1 tsp. freshly ground salt, optional
• 1 tsp. freshly ground pepper
• 1 lb. ground beef, browned and drained
• 12 ounces spaghetti noodles, cooked in 1/2 tsp. olive oil, and drained
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 - 10.75 oz. can Cream of Mushroom soup, undiluted
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup grated or shredded Parmesan Cheese

DIRECTIONS:

• In a large skillet or saucepan, lightly saute onion and garlic in olive oil.
• Add ground beef and brown until meat is cooked thoroughly, drain, and return to skillet or saucepan.
• Add tomatoes, olives, oregano flakes, salt (optional) and pepper.
• Simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes.
• Place 1/2 of the cooked noodles in a greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
• Top with half of the ground beef and tomato mixture.
• Sprinkle with 1 cup of the cheddar cheese.
• Repeat the above three layers.
• Mix the soup and water until thoroughly blended and pour over the top of the casserole mixture.
• Sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese.
• Garnish with sliced olives.
• Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until heated thoroughly.
• Serves 12.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

• Serve with green salad & garlic french bread.
• Follow up with your favorite dessert or browse my Sweet & Savory Blog Page for some great suggestions!

Happy Holiday Dining!

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