Channels Holiday Edition
Our Biggest Issue Of The Year! Our Channel Hosts Share their recipes, traditions, stories, tips, and more!
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Merry Christmas Everyone! I'm pleased to present the Second WebTV4Women Christmas Edition. We've gathered together a ton of stuff for this issue and I hope it blesses you. This is my absolute favorite time of the year! OK, so we can all agree that 2009 has had its fair share of hardships and troubles; but looking back, I can honestly say I still feel blessed. I feel blessed to be able to share our eShows with you, I feel blessed for the new friends we've made along the way, and I feel blessed that God has chosen me to work on this magnificent project for Him. WebTV4Women had a good year and 2010 promises to be even better and brighter; but before we talk about the future, let me tell you about the wonderful things we've packed into this issue of CHANNELS. Each of our broadcasters and channel hosts have shared a piece of themselves with you in this issue, from stories, traditions, and articles to some of the greatest recipes. I hope you'll take a second to email your favorite broadcaster and tell them what you think. I know a lot of you are focusing on survival these days and Christmas festivities may not be a priority as it has been in years past. In trying to make good of a difficult situation, our family decided to take the focus of the commercial aspect even more so than we do each year and focus on the real gifts we have in our lives each day. This year, I put an emphasis on family and events instead of shopping and material things. Oh, we still went and did our shopping and we decorated and baked... actually, I am still baking! It seems I never have enough time to get it all done! This year I wanted to help my family focus on the good things that we've had happen over the past 12-months. Let me share some of my blessings with you... This year I was blessed with a Heaven sent new partner, Linda Evens Shepherd. I was blessed with new friends. I was given the opportunity to begin new projects and let go of old stressful ones. I was able to actually take a vacation week and enjoy it! I was given the opportunity to spend time on our country property surrounded by God's beautiful creation and breathe in the fresh country air while my husband and I walked hand-in-hand around the land talking about how grateful we are for all we've been blessed with. I by far don't have it all - but I certainly have enough. I have my family, my friends, both old and new and I have faith and peace and joy. I feel rich! If you're struggling to find joy this season take a moment to inventory what you do have. Put an emphasis on the blessings you have that are far more valuable than any material gift. Let the love and appreciation for those things fill your heart and then focus on appreciating them and nurturing them. In doing so, you'll certainly see through the clouds of despair that may be hanging over you and realize that you still have your greatest treasure. Treat it as such and you'll see the blessing so much clearer. From my heart and home and from my family to yours, may the spirit of Christmas envelop you and bring you peace and joy as it was meant to and may God bless you BIG in the new year! I love you all!
Shell
A message from our...
Co-Founder
Merry Christmas Everyone, It's been such a joy to help bring you our annual Holiday Survival Guide. I hope you're enjoying the messages as much as me.. On my recent segment, I talked about overcoming the holiday blues, and I got to exercise my message when both of my kids caught the bugs going around and almost ended up in the ER. But like I told them, "You have a choice, you can choose to focus on your current symptoms, or you can choose to enjoy the fact that your illness won't last forever. For soon you will be well." I'm happy to report both kids are doing a lot better. Mary the mother of Jesus had such a choice. Mary had a hard life and even her name meant bitterness. Her parents probably gave her such a name because they were bitter that she wasn't a boy, and would therefore have no hope in ushering in the Messiah (little did they know!) Being a poor girl, her only wealth was her virtue. In fact, in her day, getting pregnant out of wedlock often carried the death penalty. So when Gabriel the angel appeared unto her, he had news that would totally ruin her reputation. Gabriel started out his visit with her by saying, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." Mary must have looked startled, so Gabriel told her, "Do not be afraid." Then he told her the most astounding news, "Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end." As Mary had never been with a man, she required an explanation and the angel said, "for nothing is impossible with God." Isn't that good to know! Despite the fact that she faced embarrassment at being pregnant before her wedding to Joseph, Mary wasn't afraid. She believe that as her mission came from God that He would take care of the details and He did!
We hear in Mary's own words to her Aunt Elizabeth, "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed." Did you know that the word 'blessed' in the original Greek means 'happy?' Despite Mary's fearful call on her life, Mary chose happiness. And so can you. We can't always control our circumstances or even control the call we have on our lives. But we can know that as God delights in us, he has called us and he will take care of the details. Therefore, we can choose to be happy that he has blessed us with an adventure with him. Don't be afraid. He is even now working out the details. For nothing is impossible with God. Merry Christmas!
Linda Evans Shepherd
Linda's Mom's Fruit Cake Cookies To me, my mom's fruitcake cookies is what made Christmas taste so great. Try my recipe and you'll find out why.
Ingredients 1 ½ cups sugar 3 well beaten eggs 1 tsp. soda dissolved in 1/3 cup hot water 1sp. Cinnamon ½ tsp. nutmeg 1 large box raisins 1 lb pecans, chopped 1 cup coconut
1 cup butter, softened 3 cups flour 1 tsp. ground cloves ½ tsp. sale 1 box diced dates 1 -2 slices candied pineapple ½ cup candied cherries, chopped.
Cream sugar and margarine, then add the beaten eggs and dissolved soda. In separate, large bowl, add dry ingredients, a few at a time, and mix well. Batter will be stiff. Drop dough by spoonfuls onto a nonstick cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 – 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool on wire rack. ~ Linda Evans Shepherd
How Do You Divide a Treasured Tree Skirt? By WebTV4Women Special Guest - Annetta Dellinger, Author/Speaker Joyologist “Who’s going to inherit the Christmas tree skirt?” questioned nineteen year old D.J. while his younger cousins, aged fifteen and twelve, expressed their desire to get a piece of what had become an annual tradition during their early December sleepovers. By now I was a joy burst learning for the first time that the Christmas tree skirt project at Nana and Grandpa’s house was not only a treasure to me but to them also. The three creative minds came up with different options which included trying to photocopy their yearly drawing of just one thing about the Christmas story to cutting it into pieces so each one could have a section. However, they all quickly agreed they didn’t want it cut apart because each drawing triggered a special memory. “A camel in a snow storm” by Megan at age 3, “An angel” with Kirstin’s name written in cursive for the first time. “A very detailed sketch of Jesus’ face” when D.J. was a junior in high school. What began as a silly question had now drawn them into a serious discussion. If only they knew how I cherished, not only being with them, but getting to hear this conversation which lead into more reflecting. In fact, the day we set aside to open presents, they admitted, had almost become a minor part of so many of the December traditions such as: . …Eating macaroni and cheese with green sprinkles. After all if the sprinkles are good on cookies why not eat them on other foods too? …Wiggling in their sleeping bags as far under the tree as they could, Nana was asked to sleep close by on the sofa. As we all grew older they insisted that I sleep in my bed while they giggled and talked through the night’s slumber party. What a blessing to see cousins grow into a very close friendships through the years. ...Going to a toy store, which now has become the electronics store, and watching me write down in the old notebook everything they wanted even though they must whittle the list down to just five things. Grandpa and I would then select one item from that final list for the gift exchange! Amazing how their priorities changed. …Icing little gingerbread houses allowed them to use up left over Halloween candy although they often ate more than was used for decorations. Even the twenty-five year old grandson, who wasn’t part of this discussion, still asks to do this with us!
…Shopping on the way home from the toy store for mid-night snacks. After all, just because they aren’t allowed to eat these things at home doesn’t mean they can’t at Nana’s house, although I secretly got approval from their Mom’s! …“Yeah, peppermint ice cream but don’t spill it on the tree skirt!” they’d remind each other. I have no idea where I picked up the phrase “It’s not what you have but what you do with what you have that makes the difference.” Every December is busy but if you don’t stop to make memories there won’t be any! I don’t know what will happen to the tree skirt after I’ve joined the heavenly realm but my guess is there will be some family members saying, “Remember when…” Christmas Tree Skirt ·A plain tree skirt. Any of the following will work: Commercially or home made, a piece of fabric, bed sheet, or table cloth laid around the tree. If you want to wash it use a fabric made of 50% cotton/50% polyester. ·Fabric markers. Purchase various colors at a craft store (Michael’s, Hobby Lobby…) Fabric markets are permanent and made especially for that use. ·A time for making memories!
Image s: Grandchildren of Annetta and John Dellinger: D.J. Dellinger, Megan and Kirstin Marshall,
Annetta Dellinger, a Joyologist and known as The Joy Lady to her audiences speaks internationally and is the author of 30 books. The second edition of Adopted and Loved Forever a children’s book was released in 2009. JOY-spirations for Caregivers, Dialogues with God of Hope and Encouragement and Blessings and Prayers for Caregivers will be released in 2010. Annetta leads many Christmas classes and offers boundless ideas of how to keep Christ in Christmas and still survive the Holly Daze Stress! She resides near Plain City, OH with her husband John. Her four grandchildren visit often and call her the “silly fun grandma!”
The Gift We So Often Neglect By WebTV4Women Broadcaster - N.J. Lindquist At the heart of Christmas is the celebration of God’s most precious gift to us—His Son. But God has given us many other gifts, including one we often neglect. Maybe more than neglect. it sometimes seems as if we rewrap it and hide it in the back of a dark closet. What am I talking about? The gift of creativity. God is, above all else, Creator. Everything that exists—from a drab piece of dust to the most glorious rose—came straight from His imagination. When God created Adam and Eve, he made them in His own image, capable of both imagining and creating new things. To underline this reality, God gave Adam the honor of naming the animals He’d just brought into being. Yet, when I talk to most people, I don’t see excited, active creators, bubbling with ideas and plans. Instead, I see questioners who seem to be waiting for others to lead, who doubt their own abilities, and who seem to need permission to dream. Sometimes I want to scream. It’s as if we’re afraid of any kind of change. We laugh at the old, “But we’ve always done it this way!” complaint one tends to hear in meetings whenever someone suggests doing things a different way, but the truth is we do resist change—and therefore creativity—all the time. And of course, the problem is that by resisting creativity, we’re actually resisting God, refusing to open one of the precious gifts he gave us when He made us in His image. I’ve seen this happen so often, in many organizations, including churches. Creative people, who simply want to use their talents and gifts, have ideas that don’t fit in. So they wind up either getting into arguments with the leadership, wandering around the fringes, moving on, or just giving up. Leaders can also feel constrained to keep things the same rather to make changes that would make others uncomfortable. Why is it like this? I believe it’s because, in our humanity, both as individuals and as groups, we prefer things to be done in ways we understand and can control. Madeline L’Engle, in her book, Walking on Water, says, “We are afraid of that which we cannot control; so we continue to draw in the boundaries around us, to limit ourselves to what we know and understand. Thus we lose our human calling because we do not dare to be creators, co-creators with God.” The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, tells us that the body of Christ will only become mature “as each part does its work.” That “work” involves seeing every one of us functioning as God intended, making full use of our creativity and bringing life to the unique dreams God has placed in each of our hearts. There are no unnecessary people or fringe people in God’s eyes. My hope is that every person might be encouraged and empowered to use their gifts to the very best of their ability, and for the good of all, without fear or embarrassment. I have a suggestion for this Christmas. After we’ve opened the gifts our friends and family give us, and thanked God for His Son, how about we each spend some time thinking about the creativity we have buried somewhere inside us, and asking God what He wants us to do with it? And then maybe we can share our dream with some of our friends and look for ways we can help each other become everything God created us to be. For more ideas on creativity from author and speaker N. J. Lindquist, go to www.releasethecreativeyou.com or www.njlindquist.com
What Are You Doing In December? By WebTV4Women Faith & Encouragement Host - Thelma Wells Every year, the month of December causes me to reflect and evaluate the past 11 months and project and pray about the coming year. My ministry is in transition moving from familiar places in the Word to new venues, conferences, churches and media. This December is no different in context, but much different in content. As I move to the places God sends me, I must see His perfect will for my life. You see, for the month of December I will be reflecting, evaluating, projecting and praying from a different vantage point than in the past 31 years. New changes bring new challenges. New challenges cause new commitments. New commitments add new responsibilities. New responsibilities call for fresh preparation. Fresh preparation creates richer knowledge and wisdom. Richer knowledge and wisdom demand a greater accountability to the Lord. Therefore, I’ve resigned myself to prayer and consecration for much of December 2008. This means that while I care about you a lot . . . o You may not get an e-mail message from me during this time. o My website will be refreshed with new information during this time. o My telephone conversations will be extremely limited during this time. o My entertainment calendar will be ministry-focused during this time. o My usual activities will be drastically revaluated during this time. o My prayer and study time will be greatly increased on the Truth of the Word of God, and our dedication to Him will be the order of the day for those of us who have been called to teach and preach in His Name. (Can you believe this is coming from my always overloaded, running-away-with-itself brain and mouth?) There is one exception to my “inactivity” in December: I will be spending time with my family (children and grandchildren) for Christmas. I must be around to see their eyes light up on Christmas, to break bread with the family, to laugh and talk, play and enjoy the glories of the holiday season. The most important time is the celebrations at churches when the Christmas speeches, Christmas pageants, and Christian celebrations are observed. So, what am I going to do in my “spare” time? I’m going to be laying or sitting by a warm fireplace, sipping tea or hot chocolate, reading, watching television, sleeping, or listening to wonderful Christian music. I may be writing to meet my deadlines that have been assigned to me. By God’s grace, He has given me the gift of time to accomplish everything I need to do.
(Thelma Wells...Continued.) Christmas is the busiest time of the year for many people. The hustle and bustle of purchasing presents, preparing the food, the stress of decorating, even the guilt of not having everything you want, or the time to do all you want to do. Why do we stress ourselves out during this time of year? What can we do to remain sane and stable during the Christmas holidays? I have some ideas. · Begin to think rationally about gift-giving versus what you think other people think you need to do. · Concentrate on the needs, not the wants. The needs are important but wants can be put on the “to do when it becomes important” list. · Set your budget by calculating what you can afford versus what you would have to charge or borrow. Charging big debts or borrowing only leads to guilt, a back-lash of bills, and frustration. · Work within your budget and do not succumb to impulse buying. · Within the family, you can exchange names and give only one gift, or give a family gift that everyone can use. Give something they need or a keepsake that can become a conversation piece for years. · Explain to your children and family the real reason for the season: Jesus’ birthday celebration. Sure gifts are given, but the greatest gift was God sending His Son to earth for the purpose of saving everyone from their sins when they accept Jesus. · In the workplace, ask yourself if it is really necessary to give individual gifts. Coworkers may appreciate an appropriate card and a kind word rather than a gift that they think they have to reciprocate. A telephone call or e-card may serve the same purpose and accomplish the same mission as a gift you cannot afford. If you love to bake, give cookies, candy, slices of cake, or some other goodies. If you love to read, inexpensive books can be inspiring and encouraging to many. · Shopping the “sales” during the year can take some of the pressure off. Discount shopping is intelligent shopping! · Choose a family from a charitable organization and give them a basket of Christmas dinner items and forego some of the gifts that people don’t need. My family gives to The Bethlehem Foundation in Dallas, Texas. I’m expecting this Christmas season to be powerful; not for physical gifts, but from the power of God working within me to take me to a higher level in Him. I’m expecting God to give me more wisdom, revelation, and discernment. Therefore, a great deal of my time will be devoted to prayer. Ministries are grown and sustained by much prayer. I’ll be spending more and more time with God, learning how to really pray. I must be still to learn of Him from Him. When we are silent and are listening for His voice, we can hear Him in the noise of the day as well as the stillness of the night. So, I won’t be shopping much for emotional gift items, I’ll be shopping much for the gifts that will last a lifetime.
(Thelma Wells...Continued.) Why am I doing this? I’m obeying a divine mandate to know God better and impart what I learn to people everywhere! How drastic will this process be? It will be so drastic that I will need everyone’s fervent, effectual prayers to maintain my determination to do this. And I pray that you steal away time doing this busiest month of the year to also know Him better. For it is our Savior who is the only real reason for this season. It is He who will prepare you and provide for you in the year to come. It is He who will be your comfort and stability during these unsettling times. My wish for you is that you will choose to have a faith-filled, God-centered, Jesus-celebrated, Holy Spirit-inspired, non-stressful holiday season. Prayer: Jesus, this season belongs to You. I submit to You. Thank You for being patient with us this year. Help us to have peace during this season. Show us how we can be servants to those in need. Help us reflect, evaluate, pray and position ourselves for your work during the coming year. All our hope is in You, Holy Dove. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen! Dr. Thelma Wells, president – A Woman of God Ministries, Dallas, Texas Watch Thelma on television on Channel 34 each Sunday morning from 8 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. CST and on GospelOnDemand.com Tuesday at 11 a.m. CST, or everyday via tv4woman.com Join Thelma on the READY TO WIN CRUISE WITH THELMA & FRIENDS, June 13-18, 2009. See details on her website at www.thelmawells.com
Soul food is a part of Mama T’s soul. For great, healthy greens (collards, turnips, mustard greens). · Buy them already cut in the grocery store in the fresh food section and wash them in you sink even if they are already clean. · Place into boiled water covering the greens. · Place cut onion or dried onion pieces in the pot with the greens as well as a can of chicken broth. · Add seasoning to taste: seasoning salt, Accent, Mrs. Dash, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, real butter. · Let cook on high heat for about 30 minutes then turn down to simmer for about three hours or until tender. · About an hour into cooking add a pinch of sugar to bring out the taste. Serve with any meat. Add another vegetable, salad and corn bread and you’ve got a healthy dish to enjoy. Some people even drink some of the juice.
Recycling Christmas By Talk it Up Host - Pam Christian Each Christmas celebrated has its own unique memories. How young we are, where we lived, the family dynamics, the sights, sounds and smells, the holiday food, and more. As a wife and mother, I’ve tried to bring the best memories of Christmas’ past to the present. And through the years what I’ve learned is to release my vision of what Christmas should be and instead embrace what Christmas becomes. When the children were little, it was easy to craft the perfect Christmas – everything from the decorations to the food and the manners used at the table. As they got older it became much more difficult. As one Christmas gave way to another, I season from being overwhelming. Where decorated, gracing our living room, we Christmas tree equally adorned. My son over this change each year since, though available.
made adjustments to help keep the busy we once had fresh a cut pine tree fully came to position an impressive silk however, has expressed his displeasure I’ve found the best pine scented candles
In the years when economics were tight (which were most years) I encouraged my husband and children to carefully remove the fabric ribbons and preserve the boxes for use again, just as my mother had done. This has saved a lot of money and time and has provided yet another tradition. There’s one terribly worn box that’s been in the family since I was a young girl. It’s been lovingly glued and taped to preserve it. The fun is in getting the box, adding a few lines to the “story of the box” taped inside and then deciding who will get it next year! Our extended family with children now grown, most married and many living out of the area we all once called home, means we must now settle for a few hours when most of us are available at the same time. Our gift-giving budget has been reduced, but I miss the togetherness of family. My favorite time was when the children, wearing make-shift costumes, acted out The Christmas Story in front of the Christmas tree. I’ve noticed that Grandma’s three-foot, table-top silk tree hasn’t even made it out of the box the past couple years. I’m not what I’d call old, rather I’m middle aged. (And for the record, it’s common for my family to live past 100.) My daughter is graduated from college and my son in his third year of college. While I don’t know how much time we’ll all get to spend together in celebration of Christmas this year, I look ahead when the family dynamics will be yet changed again – when my children are married with children of their own. I think that will be when I keep my silk Christmas tree in its box and opt again for a fresh cut pine tree. Still some traditions are enjoyed year after year without alteration, like our Prime Rib Dinner! But most important is The Christmas Story. It may not be acted out by excited, wiggling children any more, but it remains the most important element of the Holy Day. Foretold thousands of years earlier, recorded in the Bible’s Old Testament, we read in Isaiah 7:14 “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” The name Immanuel literally translates “God with us.”
(Recycling Christmas...Continued) And preciously preserved for all eternity through the writings in The New Testament1, we learn of proven historical events, miraculous on many levels – statically, naturally, spiritually and more. Just as predicted, a young virgin named Mary was visited by an angel who said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” Understandably Mary was troubled and considered the manner of greeting. “Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. For with God nothing is impossible.” Mary responded, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. Indeed, just as the prophet Isaiah predicted and the angel Gabriel announced, by the mystery of the Holy Spirit of God, the human seed of a woman was fused with the holy seed of God and Jesus, Son of the Highest, Immanuel was conceived - both fully human and yet fully God. An on the day of His birth, on that first Christmas, Jesus, the Redeemer, promised by God even thousands of years earlier than the prophet Isaiah,2 had finally come! And in His birth, life, death and ultimate bodily resurrection, the world is indeed being redeemed, one person at a time as each places his or her faith in Him. The Jews know Him as Messiah. The Gentiles know Him as the Christ. We can all know Him as our Savior. Though some things change from Christmas to Christmas, the most important thing never does. God and His promises never change. Recycling Christmas to always be sure we embrace the best part and release our expectations and traditions, is certain to make every Christmas perfect. 1 2
Luke Chapter 1 Recorded in Genesis chapter 3 About the Author: Pam Christian is a radio and television broadcaster, national speaker and author. She’s the Channel Host for Talk It Up! on WebRV4Women and the Producer and Host of various other programs. Learn more about Pam at www.pamelachristianministries.com and at www.plchristian.wordpress.com and www.squidoo.com/PamChristian
Turn the page for great recipes from Pam
A Taste oF Christmas Delicious Christmas Recipes by Pam Christian Prime Rib Dinner with Yorkshire Pudding and Horseradish Sauce Day before, make stock: 3-4 pounds raw meaty beef bones, sawed into 3” pieces (shank, neck, knuckle, leg) Any raw scraps saved in the freezer (ribs, steak bones etc.) 2 carrots, roughly chopped 2 onions, roughly chopped 2 celery ribs, roughly chopped 6 or more quarts water 1 t dried thyme or 4 sprigs fresh 1 T dried parsley or 4-6 sprigs fresh 1 Turkish bay leaf 8 peppercorns 8 all spice berries 2 large cloves garlic, unpeeled and smashed 1 large tomato roughly cut or ½ C canned tomatoes cut up 1 ½ t salt or more as needed later Preheat oven to 450º Arrange the bones and ½ cup each of chopped vegetables in a roasting pan and brown in the upper third of the oven, turning and basting with accumulated fat several times until they are good and walnut brown. Scoop the bones and vegetables into a kettle, pour out and discard accumulate fat. Deglaze the roasting pan with 2 cups of the water and bring to a boil over moderately high heat; using a wooden spoon, scrape browned bits up from the pan then pour this over the browned bones in the kettle. Tie the thyme, parsley, bay leaf, peppercorns, all spice berries and garlic into a square of cheese cloth to make a Bouquet Garni. Add this to the kettle. Cover ingredients with water to cover by 2 inches. Bring to a simmer on top of the stove, skimming off any grey foam and discard. Add 1 ½ t salt. Cover loosely and maintain a slow simmer, skimming of fat and foam occasionally and adding a little more water if liquid has evaporated below the surface of the ingredients. Simmer until you feel the bones have given their all (4-5 hours). Strain the stock through a fine mesh colander into a bowl, pressing juices out of the vegetables. Toss out the vegetables and bones. Degrease the stock by placing it in the refrigerator. After several hours the fat will have risen to the top and hardened making it easy to remove. Once the fat is removed the stock is ready for use.
A Taste oF Christmas...Continued
Au Jus Pour pan drippings through a fine strainer into a fat separater. This may need to be done in batches. To quicken separation of fat to juices, refrigerate. Mash the vegetables to squeeze juice from them into the roasting pan. Pour the pan juices from the separator into the roasting pan, adding a cup or so of homemade beef stock. Place roasting pan over heat and bring to a simmer, scraping up all bits from the bottom of the roaster. This is where more flavor comes from (and the roasting pan will be much easier to clean up). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Pour hot Au Jus through a fine mesh strainer into warmed serving container. Yorkshire Pudding – 6 servings Preheat oven to 425º 1 C flour 1 C milk 2 eggs ½ t salt fat from roasted beef Shortening if needed Wisk all ingredients except fat into a bowl until well blended. Heat a 9x9x2 inch pan. Measure roasted beef fat, add melted shortening to measure ½ cup, if needed. Place hot drippings into heated pan; carefully pour in pudding batter. Bake 25-30 minutes or until pudding has a nice golden brown top. Cut into squares and serve with beef and Au Jus. Horseradish Sauce Purchase prepared horseradish sauce and raw horseradish. (No need to buy fresh horseradish. Product in jars is fine for this) Add enough raw horseradish to horseradish sauce to achieve desired “heat.” Note: Serve the above with Creamed Spinach and Potatoes Anna for the perfect accompaniments. Want these recipes? Email Pam at plchristian@integrity.com.
Members Area is Now Open! The WebTV4Women Members Community is open and we’re loading it with all kinds of features to make your life easier and even a bit more fun! Starting in January, we;ll be offering LIVE online workshops, support groups, prayer groups and more. The members area is FREE! You can join in discussions on our blogs and forums, share stories, post prayer requests, watch videos and even create a personalized web page! It;s the perfect place to meet new friends, and socialize with the broadcasters and channel hosts of WebTV4Women. Stay tuned for new features and online events! Go to www.WebTV4Women.com and JOIN FREE!!
A Christmas Story by Jolene Philo Mamma was such a good mamma. I can still taste her homemade bread. And Papa, he told the best stories.” Great-aunt Gladys’ voice cracked and quavered but her eyes, wreathed in wrinkles, glowed like a child’s as she described her parents. At age one hundred, she welcomed me excitedly when I visited her. Sitting on the couch in her apartment, she told the stories of her life, over and over again, and I marveled at her mysterious ability to be young and old and perfectly sane at the same time. My admiration for her grows as year after year, I pile new memories upon the old ones in my aging brain. As the space inside me grows crowded, events seem to meld together and the constraints of time disappear. When I make Christmas cookies with my daughter, one little taste takes me to my parents’ kitchen. My father and brother snatched the treats off the hot pan before I can set them on a potholder. Then my daughter says, “Mom,” and I’m back in my own kitchen, my father and brother hovering nearby. On Christmas Eve, I worship with my church family. We’re crowded together in the small room, making do until our new church building is completed. The bodies close together, the smell of wool, the quivering children eager to open presents, and the familiar carols blend together, and I’m transported to childhood Christmases, crowded with relatives and the same spirit of belonging my church family provides. This mysterious unity of present and past unfolds in my heart, too. I gaze at the child in the manger, and the Holy Spirit reveals new facets of the Christmas miracle. The ancient eyes of the Word become flesh peek out of the smooth, unwrinkled face of a baby. The love that created the world at the beginning of time lies cradled in the loving arms of His mother. The glory of the Word who was God and was with God in the beginning became a brighter glory at Bethlehem and shines brighter within me, too. Somehow I comprehend, a little more clearly this Christmas than I last year, how God is both the Ancient of Days and a newborn babe. “Our God is such a good God,” I marvel. “And He created the best, the most timeless story.” I hear Great-aunt Gladys in my words and my voice. I laugh, and feel very, very young again. My daughter Anne and I love to make cookies together. Here are a couple of our favorites. While they’re not strictly Christmas cookies, we often give them as gifts during the holidays. Almond-Butter Oatmeal Cookies 10 tablespoons butter ½ cup almond butter 2/3 cup brown sugar 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 ¾ cups flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder ¾ teaspoon salt 2 ½ cups quick-cooking oatmeal ¾ cup coarsely chopped almonds Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream butter and almond butter until light in color. Add sugars and beat until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
Mix in flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Stir in oats and almonds. Drop batter by spoonfuls onto cookie sheets. Bake 10 – 15 minutes. Baking Tips: · The more you cream the butter and almond butter together, the better your cookies will taste. · For chewy cookies, underbake by a minute or two. For crispier ones, bake a minute longer than suggested. · For more fiber, used old-fashioned rolled oats instead of quick-cooking oatmeal. · The original recipe called for cashews instead of almonds. Experiment with different kinds of nuts until you find your favorite flavor combination.
A Christmas Miracle By Carole Whang Schutter - Host of the Beauty & Fashion Channel
I used to love Christmas. It was a time when everything seemed right in the world. But for the last fifteen years, my holidays have been filled with regret and sorrow. I wondered when the Lord was going to release me from my tragic circumstances. I begged for specific miracles to mend my broken heart. Along the way, God gave me medical miracles, professional miracles, and everyday miracles. I was absolutely blind to it all because my focus was on my broken heart that I thought would never be whole again. I was chained to a perpetual state of sadness during the holidays. As I approach Christmas 2009 I’m suddenly, radiantly filled with hope. I have the peace that passes all understanding. I no longer dread the holidays. What has changed? Absolutely nothing but my attitude. The devil continues to throw every weapon in his arsenal at me but the attacks have made me stronger. I realized that I didn’t have to dwell in the land of “poor me” any longer. The time I spent in the valley of darkness was unnecessary. Why should I be sadder during the holidays? So my life wasn’t going in the direction I hoped for and all my hopes and dreams were shattered. I couldn’t fix that but I could fix my attitude. I could determine that life would not defeat me. After all, wasn’t I God’s miracle? Make up your mind right now whether or not you believe you are a child of God. Decide if you will stand on the side of joy or give in to the darkness. Are you a person of faith? Because if you are, then you should be at peace knowing that should our country fall apart, or the earth be destroyed, should our government drive us into bankruptcy and bring famine, fear, and terrorism-none of it matters because God has assured your protection. You aren’t subject to the wrath of God. Decide today to keep your eye on the cross, not on what’s going on in the world. The Lord’s miracles will be far greater during the days of latter rain. You have His blessed assurance in His Word that He will not leave you or forsake you. Think of how awesome the miracle of faith and trust in an omnipotent, omniscient, compassionate God who has our best interests in my mind is. While pitying myself, I lost sight of all the incredible things He did for me and continues to do. No more hiding and licking my wounds every Christmas. I should have focused on the miracles everyday life that we often take advantage of, like the ability to enjoy the sparkling snow, the joy of basking in the love of my amazing dog. I didn’t even want a dog. In fact, she wasn’t meant to be mine. But God knows what you need when you need it even if you don’t know it. I scolded my son for buying a dog on the Internet he wasn’t prepared to take care of. He said to me, “Have you ever thought that if I waited until the right moment to buy a dog we wouldn’t have gotten this particular dog?” God knows what you need. He knows what you want before you know it yourself. He is meeting your needs according to His riches and glory. Don’t hold back the miracle because you’re feeling sorry for
(Christmas Miracle...Continued) yourself. Praise the Lord, do His work, and go out and be a miracle for someone and He will bless you with what you need. If you need a miracle, be a miracle for someone. If your heart is full of sorrow, make someone happy. If you’re lonely, share the gift of yourself with someone. There are so many ways to get out of your pain. Buy a gift basket of food for a hungry family. Offer to take a shut-in to the doctor. Give the gift of love, for love is the greatest miracle of all. God will bless you exceedingly and abundantly more than you can think of or ask.
Need Answers to Your Prayers? Get a copy of Carole’s new book The Answer to Miracles.
Carole Whang Schutter shares her secrets for getting the answer to prayers. Carole’s incredible journey included a medical miracle, took her from poverty from riches, and devestating family tragedies. While in her fifties, with no experience or training, Carole became part of 1.1%of all screenwriters who ever get a movie made. Her movie, September Dawn is known everywhere. If you feel like your prayers are bouncing off the ceiling, get a copy of Carole’s book today and be prepared to start seeing and receiving answers to miracles! Go to www.theanswertomiracles.com to get your copy! EBook and paperback now available! The Answer to Miracles Prayer Guide is coming in early 2010 and stay tuned for details about The Answer to Miracles LIVE online workshop!
GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEA!
The Tyranny of the To‐do List: How to Make Life Simpler and More Purposeful By Laurie Winslow Sargent Are you getting a bit stressed as you head into the holiday season? Is your to‐do list a mile long? Here are four tips to help you thoughtfully pare down that list of tasks to only those that really matter: 1) List your current activities: in pencil! Create a three‐column list with these headings: MUST DO, SHOULD DO (Why?) and CAN DO. Quickly jot down your tasks within those categories. Add a brief note about why you are doing them. To maintain meaningful family traditions? Bring in necessary income? Bond with your kids? Or is it possible those tasks are on your list because you simply couldn’t say “no”? If any activities listed are motivated by guilt, social pressure, fear of embarrassment, competitiveness, pride, or fear of not measuring up as wife or mother, it’s time to re‐think them. To live life more joyfully and deliberately: 2) Identify your personal goals. Make another list: this time of your personal and family goals. Think about life goals. Categories might include Faith, Family, Household, Community, Work and Health. (See SAMPLE GOALS sidebar.) Now prioritize your goals according to those most important to you and your family at this time in your life. 3) Compare your goals with your list. Are they in alignment? Do you see any conflicts? Include volunteerism or work‐related projects in your assessment You may have been persuaded that you are indispensable due to knowledge or experience you’ve acquired. But are those activities in conflict with some of your current major goals, for instance building your relationships with your kids while they are still at home?
4) Pray about what to release. While your life goals may remain, priorities do change during various times of life. If you have a new baby, you should not expect to carry over all volunteer activities you did before she was born, no matter how meaningful those are. Give yourself permission to take a hiatus while your children are small. You can plan to help out again in later years. I made this choice after volunteering for a crisis organization for many years, to allow time to bond with my own kids. Even if your children are older, remember that they will be grown and gone before you know it! It can be difficult to release responsibilities if you have been persuaded that you are indispensable. But if that role needs filling, it will be filled. Perhaps God has in mind someone who needs that experience themselves to grow, or who can offer expertise or talent that you could not. You can still volunteer meaningfully, with your kids: for example, filling and delivering food baskets to the hungry at Christmas or putting together shoebox gifts for Operation Christmas Child.
Ask your family what Christmas tasks of yours are most important to them. My kids can easily live with store‐bought Christmas cookies, but would rebel if I didn’t get up early on Christmas day to bake my Danish Puff Pastry with sliced almonds, almond icing and maraschino cherries (see recipe, below). “It’s our family tradition!” they cry out. I can still recall my now‐23‐year‐old son calling them cheeramino cherries when he was little—perhaps because they brought such good cheer? 5) Make some new choices. Now get out your eraser and move some items in your to‐do list, based on consideration of your goals and priorities. Is a Must Do actually a Can Do item? Or vise versa? If it’s a Should Do item—who says so and why? Finally, take a piece of paper and cover up the entire Can Do column. Can you breath a little more easily? If not, cover up the Should Do column as well. Feel better? It is amazing how much we can fill our time with unnecessary tasks. Now dive into whatever is left on your list with enthusiasm and new purpose and enjoy the Christmas season! There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV) For fun tips on integrating playfulness and learning into everyday tasks with children, visit Laurie: Blog: www.youcantoomom.wordpress.com Web show, You Can Too, Mom!: http://www.webtv4women.tv/channels/family-parenting/shows/ YouCanTooMom/index.htm Author Website: www.ParentChildPlay.com Personalized, gift‐wrapped books can be ordered directly from Laurie to encourage parents and teachers this holiday season. (Author website, STORE link.) Include “WTV4W Christmas gift” in your autographing instructions and your recipient will receive a small additional free gift.
Home Faith Draw closer to God Impact the faith of others, including the faith of place my family Work Family Bond with my children Help them become responsible, productive, caring people Health Teach my children new things Nurture my marriage Nurture relationships with extended family
SAMPLE GOALS
Nurture relationships with friends
Community Support my church Help my community including children’s schools
Keep my household running smoothly Make my home a welcoming, nurturing
Earn or save to buy necessities Further my career Earn money for luxuries or family fun Reduce stress Keep physically fit
A Yummy Recipe From Laurie RECIPE: DANISH PUFF PASTRY 1st set of ingredients: 1 cup sifted flour ½ cup butter 2 T water Cut the ½ cup butter into the 1 cup flour. Sprinkle with the 2 T. water and mix with a fork. Divide in half, pat into 2 strips, 12” X 3”, 3” apart on an ungreased baking pan. 2nd set of ingredients: ½ cup butter 1 cup water 1 cup sifted flour 3 eggs 1 tsp almond flavoring Bring to a boil the water and butter. Add almond flavoring and remove from the heat. Immediately add all the flour at once (to prevent lumping) and beat until smooth and thick. Add eggs one at a time, beating until smooth after each. (Can use a hand mixer or beat hard by hand.) Divide in half and spread over strips of pastry. Bake for 350 degrees for 1 hour. Frost with confectioner’s sugar icing flavored with almond extract. Decorate with slivered almonds and maraschino cherries sliced in half. Serves about about six people. Yum!
Get Rid of That Grinch By Deborah Dunn - Host of the Relationship Channel
The holidays seem to bring out the best and the worst in us, don’t they? One day we are caught up in the planning and rush; then for no particular reason we just crash—tired, anxious, cranky, and wishing we could just sleep through it all. In other words, we turn into the Grinch—that snide, snarky, short‐tempered woman none of us likes to admit we can be, especially when we are under too much pressure. It is not because we are bad or selfish people that don’t care about other people’s feelings. In fact, most of the time is the opposite. We are probably working too hard to please others, and not taking very good care of ourselves. The mood swings could be physiological in nature too, a result of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), or food allergies, a poor diet, or hormonal imbalances, often worse during this time of year. Childhood memories can sabotage us, and of course, stress is usually the culprit behind it all. Regardless of the reason, I’d like to share seven tips for taming your inner Grinch. After all, you deserve to have an enjoyable holiday just as much as everyone else! 1. Many women are glucose intolerant, and do not realize that the rich foods and cookies we make (and eat) during the holidays can elevate glucose levels in the blood stream. Too much glucose can make us feel tired, bloated, and can trigger severe mood swings. Instead, keep seasonal fruits (tangerines, grapes, or‐ anges, pomegranates, dates, etc.) and nuts on hand. By the way, watch the apple cider and hot chocolate, as they are loaded with sugar. Choose herbal holiday teas instead. 2. Instead of expensive cuts of meats on Thanksgiving or Christmas Eve, serve a big pot of good soup and cornbread, and have a hobo campout under the dining room table, even putting up tents and sleeping there with the kids. Or serve foods that allow your children to experience the holidays from the eyes of other children around the world who are less fortunate. 3. Take additional B Stress vitamins, Vitamin D, fish oils, and calcium/magnesium (at night). The shorter days and lack of exposure to light can interrupt the body’s natural sleep pattern. Melatonin might help as well, but make sure you discuss this with your doctor first. 4. Get out in the sunshine more every day, prepare your yard or patio for the winter, and bring fresh flowers into the house, just for you. Treat yourself to a massage, a present you buy that others wouldn’t think to buy (that new bottle of nail polish or shade of lipstick), and go to a tearoom with girlfriends just to laugh and commiserate. Put on loud holiday music and dance around the kitchen with your children. 5. Live evergreens can trigger allergies and rhinitis, which can drain our immune system and make us more vulnerable to flu or colds. The oils in live greens are potent, especially if cut fresh, and you are inhaling fumes in a closed room for long periods of time.
6. Make double portions of soups, stews, and chili to put in the freezer so you don’t resort to ordering pizza or picking up fast food during the peak holiday weeks. Italian Sausage Mix is a lifesaver for great last min‐ ute meals! 7. Our Grinch feeds off insecurity, bad memories, perfectionism, and unrealistic expectations of ourselves and others. Your house, clothing, meals, children, weight, hair or nails do not have to be perfect! You don’t have to impress anyone. Focus on being grateful, and “living in the moment.” Life is happening, and you don’t want the Grinch to steal it. Starve the Grinch, and I promise you will have a happier and healthier hol‐ iday!
Quick Italian Sausage Mix One package of Italian Sausage links 1 TB of powdered Greek seasoning or Italian seasoning 1 tsp. of chopped garlic Sea salt to taste One package of sliced fresh mushrooms ½ cup of diced onion ½ cup of green pepper ½ cup of sliced black olives ½ cup of sliced green olives 1 cup of sliced grape, cherry, or diced Roma tomatoes Brown the sausage in a small amount of good olive oil until done. Drain off extra fat and add mushrooms, garlic, onion, and green pepper. Cook just a few more minutes until vegetables are tender. When cool cut the sausage into thin slices, add tomatoes, olives and seasonings and toss. Store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator as a convenient mix for homemade pizza, omelets, black bean soup, or to jazz up meatloaf or a marinara sauce for pasta.
The Many Stages of Sleep By Linda Goldfarb - Host of the Health and Wellness Channel To live powerfully it’s important to rest powerfully… to gain a deeper understanding of why we need our sleep, I wanted to give you information on the types and stages of sleep. There are two types of sleep necessary to keep our body and brain in optimum condition: NREM (non rapid eye movement or “quiet” sleep) and REM (rapid eye movement or “dream” sleep) let’s look at what both do to help in the renewing process of the brain and body. NREM · *Restores the physical body · *Occurs in first 90 minutes of sleep · *Releases growth hormone encouraging tissue growth/repair · *Blood focuses on muscles not brain · *Stimulates immune system to defend against infections REM · *Restores the brain · *Occurs after NREM sleep · *Clears out brain “junk-mail” · *Captures memories which allow learning to take place According to the Cooper Institute in Dallas, Texas, healthy sleep occurs when NREM and REM cycle through stages of sleep throughout the night. There are 4 stages to NREM sleep that need to occur before REM sleep begins. (The following stages are found in the Quick Series Guide to Healthy Sleep) STAGE 1: Light sleep, lasts about 10 minutes. During this time, you feel calm and experience sudden arm and leg movement. Your heart rate lowers and the eyes open without awareness. If you are awakened you feel in a state of “half-sleep”. STAGE 2: Begins a sleep that lasts about 30 – 45 minutes. During this time there is lack of movement, you become oblivious to your surroundings. If you wake up during this time, you do not remember your dreams. STAGE 3: Brief time before stage 4. While you are in this stage, your heart rate and breathing slows down and you display active brain waves every few minutes. STAGE 4: Deepest sleep takes place. It is in this sleep stage that complete relaxation occurs. Blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration lowers; this is sometimes referred to as “human hibernation.” If you’ve heard, “you only grow when you’re sleeping”, this is the time, 80% of all human growth hormone is released in this stage to grow and repair tissue. You will feel groggy for up to an hour is awakened in this stage. REM occurs 90 minutes into sleep. This is when the eyes dart back and forth and the body temperature and blood pressure rise. The pulse and respiration rates go up as the brain begins racing. You need to sleep 8 to 10 hours continuously to cycle through these stages 3 – 4 times. Every time you cycle the length of the REM sleep increases while the deep NREM decreases until you have a good 30 minutes in dream sleep without any deep sleep occurring, that is considered healthy sleep.
(The Many Stages of Sleep ...Continued) WHAT CAN YOU DO NATURALLY … to get a good night sleep? Here are some tips from my friend, Jean Dukes, a Certified Natural Health Professional and a Certified Aromatherapist. She has practiced nursing for 20 years and now does natural health counseling through her Ten Days Health Ministry. Here are her thoughts on fighting sleep deprivation using aromatherapy.
“ Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.” Ezekiel 47:12 NIV “ Before I knew anything about essential oils, I thought they were just pleasant odors. But I have since learned that essential oils are God’s original medicines and have powerful therapeutic effects, meaning they have healing properties. A good definition of Aromatherapy is skilled and controlled use of essential oils. If you have difficulty sleeping, you must first determine the cause of your sleeplessness. Is it due to hormonal changes, pain, worry, internal chatter or stress, for example? Then you must specifically address that issue. After age 40, sleep quality & quantity often deteriorate as melatonin production decreases. Sun helps stimulates melatonin production in the brain. So be sure to expose yourself to the sun, don’t wear sunglasses, and “sun” your eyes by looking at the sun through closed eyelids. This will help increase your melatonin levels, promoting a deeper and more restful sleep, as well as having positive effects on your mood. Scents of many essential oils exert a powerful calming effect on the mind through their stimulation of the limbic region of the brain. The limbic system is a group of brain structures involved in emotion, motivation and emotional association with memory. Historically, Lavender is probably the aroma that comes to mind to calm and aid sleep. In one study, Lavender Oil was applied to the pillows of 9 elderly patients. After 1 week, 8 of the 9 patients reported improved sleep duration and quality. You can put a few drops of Lavender Oil on your hands, rub them together and then rub your pillow before retiring (and be sure to cup your hands over your nose and inhale deeply and slowly, too). Or, you can dilute some lavender oil in a small spray bottle of water & mist your pillow and sheets. Be sure to shake well before spraying, as oil and water do not mix easily. Essential oils can also be dispersed by means of a diffuser, which encourages tiny droplets to go out into the air. Just inhaling them can cause positive effects—physically, emotionally and even spiritually. Roman Chamomile oil has calming and relaxing properties. It is often used for restlessness, anxiety, ADHD and insomnia—and combats depression, sleeplessness and stress. Apply 2-4 drops to the wrists and ankles, diffuse and / or inhale directly.” Jean can be reached at 10days@earthlink.net or visit her website www.tendayshealth.com. Thank you Jean for that great bit of aromatic information! She has wonderful suggestions; I hope you will visit her website to check out her many thoughts on healthy living.
(The Many Stages of Sleep ...Continued) With 70 million people suffering with sleep problems, I felt the urge to bring this information to you. I pray it brought you to the great place of “Aha!” Many of us need to visit there often to keep the cobwebs from making a home in our grey matter… myself included. Send your comments and questions via email; I love to hear what you think and enjoy the fact that you are reading my articles. Until next time…Linda Linda Goldfarb Founder and CEO (Chief Encouragement Officer) of Live Powerfully Now Ministries (link to livepowerfullynow.org) Host of WebTV4Women’ s Radio show Encouragement For Women By Women blogtalkradio.com/webtv4women)
(link to
Health & Wellness Channel Host for WebTV4Women.TV
Gingerbread Cookies in a Jar 3 1 1 2 1
1/2 cups all-purpose flour teaspoon baking powder teaspoon baking soda teaspoons ground ginger teaspoon ground cloves
1 1 1 1
teaspoon ground cinnamon teaspoon ground allspice cup packed brown sugar gingerbread boy-shaped cookie cutter
Use a clean 1 quart jar and press each layer down firmly. Put in half of the flour along with the baking powder and baking soda. Add the spices and the remaining flour. Add the brown sugar last. Tie a ribbon around the top of the jar and attach the cookie cutter and the directions below Write the following directions on a festive card and attach them to the jar: Gingerbread Cookies Empty jar of cookie mix into large mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly. Mix in 1/2 cup softened butter, 3/4 cup molasses and 1 egg. Mix until completely blended. Cover and refrigerate 45 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll dough to 1/4 inch thick on a lightly floured surface. Cut into shapes. Place cookies on lightly greased cookie sheet about 2" apart. Bake 10 to 15 minutes. Decorate with icing.
Coming In January 2010 WebTV4Women Interactive! WebTV4Women Interactive has a steady lineup of LIVE, interactive workshops. The workshops are held in our virtual auditorium on the WebTV4Women community. You must be a member of WebTV4Women in order to participate. Membership to the WTV4W community is FREE! GO to www.webtv4women.com and join today!
For the Under & Un-Employed Format: Live, online, interactive webcast Date: Monday January 4, 2010 Time: 8:00 PM EST - 60 minutes w/ Q&A Presented by: Pamela Christian - Host of Talk it Up! Cost: FREE Registration deadline: Sunday January 3, 2010 - Midnight With far more applicants for a single job opening, it's more critical than ever that you know what you can do to make yourself stand out! Pam Christian, Channel Host for "Talk It Up!" and creator of the seminar and workbook, "What You Don't Know About Under and Unemployment: An Emotional, Practical and Spiritual Guide," reveals specific things you must do to get recognized and get the personal interview. Tune in [details here] Learn more about Pam and her seminars available in your community by visiting www.wydk.org Be sure to visit her blog on WebTV4Women. Register at www.webtv4women.tv/Interactive
1 0 1 g n i Market Part 2 b e the W ll on e S o t w Ho Series
Dates: Weds & Thurs - Feb 3rd and 4th Time: 9:00 PM EST - 60 minutes w/ Q&A By: Shell Washam & Linda Evans Shepherd Cost: $20 Materials Included Registration Begins Monday Dec. 21st
You’ve written your book, ordered a dozen cartons, and now you’re trying to figure out how to get it in front of people around the world. It isn’t until after the book is published that authors realize there is much more to a successful book than just writing it. Join Internet Marketing Expert, Michele Washam and Best Selling Author, Linda Evans Shepherd for this 2 part series. Learn the secrets of effective marketing online and offline. For more info go to www.webtv4women.tv/Interactive
Chocolate Christmas
By Special Guest - Shawn Meyers, Publicist Bridge-Logos Publishers
Twas the night before Christmas and all round my hips Were Fannie May candies that sneaked past my lips. Fudge brownies were stored in the freezer with care, In hopes that my thighs would forget they were there. While Mama in her girdle and I in chin straps Had just settled down to sugar-borne naps. When out in the pantry there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter. Away to the kitchen I flew like a flash, Tore open the icebox then threw up the sash. The marshmallow look of the new-fallen snow Sent thoughts of a binge to my body below. When what to my wandering eyes should appear: A marzipan Santa with eight chocolate reindeer! That huge chunk of candy so luscious and slick I knew in a second that I'd wind up sick. The sweet-coated Santa, those sugared reindeer, I closed my eyes tightly but still I could hear; On Pritzker, on Stillman, on weak one, on TOPS A Weight Watcher dropout from sugar detox. From the top of the scales to the top of the hall Now dash away pounds; now dash away all. Dressed up in Lane Bryant from my head to nightdress My clothes were all bulging from too much excess. My droll little mouth and my round little belly They shook when I laughed like a bowl full of jelly. I spoke not a word but went straight to my work Ate all of the candy then turned with a jerk. And laying a finger beside my heartburn Gave a quick nod toward the bedroom I turned. I eased into bed, to the heavens I cry If temptation's removed I'll get thin by and by. And I mumbled again as I turned for the night "In the morning I'll starve... 'til I take that first bite!"
shawnmyers@bridgelogos.com
Making Time 4 Tea at Christmas
By Special Penny Carlevato Host of the Lifestyles Channel
With so much to do and places to go, the first thing that often goes out the window is remembering why we are celebrating this event called Christmas. Yes, we have Christmas parties to attend, church programs, decorating, cooking, baking and our children’s school events, but what about taking one afternoon or evening and invite those around us for a cup of Christmas Tea? Christmas is the perfect time to remind ourselves, our neighbors and friends to celebrate a little differently this year. Why not have a Christmas Tea? It is fun and festive and the perfect time for others to be a little more receptive of the Christmas message. Let me share a few ideas with you that I have done for many years.
I plan on opening my home to my neighbors and friends as close to the beginning of December as possible. This way I hope to remind myself and others that this time of the year is not just about Santa Clause, snowmen and mistletoe, but the birthday of Jesus. I pray first about the guest list, then the date, and finally the details. If I can I hand deliver the invitations about 2 weeks before the event. Because I want this tea party to be one that has a purpose, I will say in the invitation that an inspirational message will be shared. This way there isn’t a huge surprise when a friend shares the real meaning of Christmas.
Here is a sample invitation: Please join with the ladies of the neighborhood to celebrate the Christmas Season with a Candlelight Christmas Tea. When: Date Where: Your name Address Phone number and email address RSVP by: ? Date We will have a fun time sharing old and new traditions and hearing a friend share an inspirational message. Please bring a wrapped “White Elephant” for a gift exchange (Your “white elephant” should be something you can no longer use, but someone else might delight in!)
Recipes for teatime: Cucumber Tea Sandwich Wash and slice one English hothouse cucumber as thin as possible. Place in a colander and sprinkle with a little vinegar and salt. Put a plate on top of cucumbers to weight it down. Leave to drain for at least 30 minutes. Place cucumber on paper towels and press out any remaining liquid. Spread white bread with softened cream cheese and cover with cucumber slices, sprinkle lightly with dill. Top with second slice of buttered bread, trim crusts and cut into four fingers shaped sandwiches. Cots Cheddar Tea Sandwiches 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/3 cup chopped pecans 1 Tab. finely chopped onion 3 strips well-cooked and drained crumbled bacon Combine all ingredients and refrigerate an hour before making into sandwiches. Makes 16quarter sandwiches Earl Grey Tea Loaf I like to use tea in place of liquid in a variety of recipes, sometimes the results are very good, such as this moist and "good for you" tea loaf. The tea adds moistness and a rich, subtle flavor. Makes 12 slices. 8 oz of dried fruit, chopped (the packaged variety is good) 2 cups of bran cereal (like All Bran) 8 oz. of STRONG Earl Grey tea (brewed and strained) I make it double strength 1/3 cup butter, melted 2 large eggs, slightly beaten 1 cup self-rising flour, sifted. Preheat oven to 350. Mix fruit and bran cereal together. Pour tea over the mixture and let stand for 10 minutes. Stir in all other ingredients and bake in a well-greased loaf pan for 35 to 40 minutes. I have also baked it in small decorator pans. Allow to cool before removing from pan. Slice and serve with butter, cream cheese, or for a real treat...Devonshire Cream. Shortbread Cookies 1 cup butter 1/2 cup sugar 2 cups flour, sifted Cream together butter and sugar, gradually work in flour with your hands until you have a smooth, binding consistency. On a lightly floured surface, knead well to a smooth dough and roll out to 1/2 inch thick. Cut the dough into fingers or use a cookie cutter. Place on cookie sheet and prick the top of the cookies with a fork. Bake at 350 for about 15 o 20
Tea Time...Continued minutes, until very pale golden. Leave for 1 minute to cool, then transfer to a wire rack and sprinkle well with sugar while still warm. Store in an airtight container, when cool. Don’t over bake; cookies are done when pale golden, tops will feel dry. Mock Devonshire Cream or Clotted Cream 1/4 cup sour cream (not fat-free) 2 cups heavy whipping cream 1 drop of yellow food coloring Add food coloring to whipping cream. Beat cream until very stiff. Gradually blend in sour cream. Store in refrigerator in glass container until ready to use. Serve with warm scones.
About Penny: Born in England, with a love of hospitality, Penny will keep you interested in all things TEA...whether it is taking time for tea during your quiet time, or planning a TEA-riffic birthday party for your best friend, you will be challenged to "do all things as unto the Lord." Col 3:17. She is a writer and speaker, consultant, bible teacher, travel organizer and co-stars with Linda Evans Shepherd in their delightful cooking show, "Cooking up Wonders."on WebTV4Women. She resides in Northern Colorado with her husband and a house full of teacups and teapots. They are the parents of 3 married children who have given them the biggest thrill of their lives,9 grandchildren! Check back often and you will meet all of them, having tea of course! Web sites: PenelopesTeaTime.com Time4Tea.net ThePerfectCup.net Blog: www.penelopesteatime.com/blog
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