Chapter Two Part Two of The Christmas Tree Treasure Hunt is featured on Ruth O'Neil's blog today, so drop by to pick up where you left off.
Chapter Three is written by J.A. Marx, so today, we're peeking in on her Favorite Christmas Memory and Recipe.
Never Underestimate an Elf
by J.A. Marx
I’m thankful my family loves to serve.
As our children grew older and learned the value of giving over receiving, our Christmas mornings began to change. The first year to depict this new sort of celebration came in 2005. We did the “family thing” on December 24th with turkey, ’taters, and treats, etc. Then on Christmas morning, we dressed up in costume and met Santa and Mrs. Claus at our Children’s Hospital. Under the guise of Santa’s helpers (more like undercover ambassadors of Christ) we handed out blankets and stuffed animals, bringing smiles to children who were hooked up to monitors instead of playing in the comfort of their own living rooms.
Sweating under our red felt hats, we’d pray for parents who’d been there for days. I recall one father in particular. As he watched his child glow with excitement over the fact Santa had found him in the hospital, the man tearfully shared with us. “We thought Billy would be home by now. Everything is unsure. Thanks for bringing hope.”
Kingdom living is an adventure! And God often uses sneaky ways to reach people—even sending His servants into combat, undercover as elves.
Martha Washington Candy
2 pounds sifted confectioners' sugar
1 can sweetened condensed milk
2 cups flaked coconut
1 stick butter or margarine, melted (4 ounces)
3 cups chopped pecans (optional)
Dipping Chocolate (below), melted
Preparation:
Mix all ingredients together, shape into balls, then chill until hard. Dip chilled balls in dipping chocolate and let cool.
Store in airtight container in refrigerator.
Dipping Chocolate:
(Use melted chocolate almond bark or purchased dipping chocolate, or the mixture below)
1 cake paraffin wax
12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
Melt wax and milk chocolate chips together in double boiler. Dip candy in mixture then cool.
About J.A. Marx:
Above all, J.A.’s desire is to see people set free to live and love. She feels her purpose on earth is to participate in what Jesus Christ came to do: destroy the works of darkness. (1 John 3:8b; Matthew 16:19).
She and her wild-at-heart husband presently reside in Texas near their two grown children and a newly added daughter-in-love.
J.A.'s novel, Destiny Defied, to be published in 2013, is available for pre-order in our Give One Get One Free Christmas sale.
Grace takes delivery of a package and her life is turned upside down by nine sealed mystery envelopes from her late grandmother. Grammie’s instructions require Grace to take the journey of her lifetime, not only to far off places, but also into the deepest parts of her heart. As she follows the trail laid out for her and uncovers her family’s darkest secrets, Grace is forced to confront the loss and betrayal that has scarred her past and seek the greatest Christmas Treasure of all.
And don't forget to come join all the fun at Magnificent Hope's Christmas Party!
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