I can’t believe this year is almost over. It’s not many days until the new year, and I guess people will be making New Year’s resolutions. I imagine a lot of people will have on their list of resolutions to lose the weight they may have gained during the holidays. I know that will be on my list. Some will be taking bodybuilding supplements, and some will be exercising more, and some will be dieting. I plan to try to eat healthy and exercise more!

I see a lot of Christmas cards that have the word “Peace” on them. Peace is something that people wish we had in this world and something that people want in their own personal life. There is a peace that is so special to me, a peace that no matter what is happening in the world….it’s always there. The Bible tells me about that peace and says not to be anxious or worry about anything, but pray about everything, and thank God as requests are being made to Him. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, keeps my heart and my mind in Christ.

That tiny little baby named Jesus Christ, who was born over two thousand years ago, brought a peace to this world that is beyond human understanding. I am so thankful for that gift of peace.

Family traditions mean so much, especially during the holidays. I can think back to my childhood and visualize our Christmas tree with our family around it. I can remember being with relatives at my grandparents small, two bedroom home, all of us crowded in there having the best time telling stories of long ago and laughing and eating the most delicious food. One of our food traditions that we have now during holidays is a simplified version of a strawberries & jello dessert. When our daughter was little, she didn’t like the sour cream in it, so my mother made a special version with just strawberries, strawberry jello, & Cool Whip. We still make it 20 years later, and I think of my mother nearly every time we make it. She passed away several years ago, so that simple recipe is a special family tradition. When Baby J is older, I wouldn’t be surprised if he likes “Mema’s Strawberry Dessert.”

Jude has some good thoughts about family traditions. Click here to read more.

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This pie crust dough can be kept in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Here are the ingredients:

• 3 cups flour
• 1 1/4 cup shortening
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg well beaten
• 5 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
  

Cut shortening into flour and salt. Combine egg, water and vinegar. Pour liquid into flour mixture. Blend with a spoon just until flour is all moistened. Roll out pie crust as needed.

Here’s what you need:

• 1 1/2 cups sifted flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup oil
• 2 tablespoons cold milk

Put flour, sugar, and salt in a 9-inch pie plate and mix together. With fork, whip salad oil and cold milk and pour over dry ingredients in pie plate. Stir and press with you fingers to form pie crust. Prick with fork and bake at 425 degrees for 12 minutes.

This is an unbaked pie crust:

• 1 cup finely rolled graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 14 cup melted butter