December 7th - Longing for a Christmas Miracle!

Philippians 3:13-14: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

I hope this post finds everyone doing well and getting into the holiday season! It sure did come up on us quickly. I thought I would Philippians 3:13-14 with everyone for today. This verse was what our sermon was centered on today. I know it is one I have shared previously, but so applicable during this time of year whether you are experiencing a particular life journey such as we are or just reflecting on the past year. It is easy to focus on the "behind" or what we should or could have done, but this verse reminds me/us that we can forget the past and focus forward. Good things are to come!

We continue to pray and stay focused on a baby to come to us - our child. We are hoping for a Christmas miracle, but trusting too that it will all happen in his time. Thank you for your continued support, encouragement and prayers! We hope you all are having a wonderful holiday so far!

In closing, I thought I would share a delicious cookie recipe with you all! I love to bake during this time of year. It is fairly easy, great presentation and yummy!! I am going to a cookie exchange this coming weekend and planning on bringing these cookies.

Raspberry Shortbread Cookies

1 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup granulated white sugar
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1/3 to 1/2 cup seedless red raspberry jam

For Glaze:
1 cup powdered confectioner's sugar
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 to 3 teaspoons water
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large bowl, cream butter with sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the almond extract. Gradually mix in the flour until the dough just comes together.
Refrigerate dough for 1 hour.
Roll dough into 1 inch balls, placing them 1 inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet.
Using your thumb or the back of a wooden spoon, gently make an indentation in the center of each dough ball. Fill with raspberry jam. Note: be careful not to over-fill, as the jam may bubble over as the cookies bake.
Bake for 14-18 minutes, until the edges of the cookies are golden. If desired, top off the filling with a bit more raspberry jam. Allow cookies to cool completely on the sheets.
Mix the powdered sugar, almond extract, and water to make the glaze. Spoon glaze over cookies, creating a zig-zag pattern. Allow glaze to set.

Enjoy!

Lots of love to you all!
Christy and Malcolm
lovingparents@live.com