From AOP's Dail Focus: Peace on Earth

As I thought more about peace on Earth, I wondered what Christ meant in John 14:27 when He said, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." Then, the truth of this verse dawned on me. True peace is not the absence of arguments, violence, or wars. True peace is experiencing God's love instead of His wrath because we receive the forgiveness of sins through the blood of Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. That means fighting children, threats of war, and even interruptions to homeschooling days need not change to experience the presence of Christ's peace in my life.

Would you like to find peace this Christmas? Don't look for the absence of problems. Look instead to the peacemaker whose birth made the angels of heaven proclaim, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men" (Luke 2:14). Let the power of the Holy Spirit fill you this Christmas and give you the peace of Christ. Shalom! "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).

Jesus, I praise You for the love, forgiveness, and peace You give to all who trust in You. Please, walk with me this Christmas and give me the peace of Your presence in my life. In Your holy name, Amen.

Homeschool Home Economics: Christmas Cookies

Not that cookie baking wasn't a holiday tradition in our home before, but this year we have really dived in and took on A LOT of baking.  The above is about half we have made so far and there is much more to be done...
Maddy helped me make the min- Peanut Butter Blossoms.  All three girls helped to bake the Peppermint Dipped cookies.  We have also made Double Chocolate Mint and Chocolate Chip cookies.  We have yet to make Butterscotch and some of my famous Mint Chocolate Cheesecake.
Lots of yumminess going on in our home this season!

More Christmas Crafting

Gabby made this ornament for her Gymnastics coach.  It will attach to a gift she got for her.  It's very cute.

Maddy made this ornament for her Gymnastics coach as well.  They have the same coach, so she will have a well- decked out tree.  I think I like this one best because I am forever needing peace.  However, both are very sweet and the coach should surely love them.