People are in a fury to prepare their taxes for tomorrow. They are scurrying around making sure each line is filled in appropriately and the proper documentation is available if needed. There are exemptions that can be taken if you qualify for them on your taxes.

Even though I am a Christ follower, I will still experience sorrow, pain, sadness, and hurt, I am not exempt. The difference between myself and a non-Christ follower, I have the power of Jesus Christ to overcome the situations and circumstances that come into my life. Many times the overcoming is a process and a path Jesus takes me on.

Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting a gracious woman who had prayed for her husband for many years. She had loved him, honored him and watched him almost destroy his life. He told me how God took him to the edge of death and gave him the opportunity to see how he was living. He gave his life to Christ and has followed him for a year now.

His wife had a copy of “The Power of a Praying Woman” with her. The cover was worn and tattered and the pages were coming loose from the book. She shared with me how she had prayed this book over her husband and how it had changed her life.

For the next 31 days, including Saturday and Sunday, I will be blogging from The Power of a Praying Woman by Stormie Omartian. Join me as I examine different areas of my life.

Christmas is one of my favorite holidays. I love the glow of the Christmas tree and the prelit garland. The true spirit of Christmas makes me happy. I love to give more than get.

Several years ago, the boys and I started making gingerbread boys and girls for our neighbors. I wanted a way for them to participate in giving a simple gift to our neighbors. Sometimes we make enough for the each member of the family and other times we make them for just the children.

We decorate the gingerbread people, let them dry and place them in treat bags. Then we tie a homemade gift card with the recipients name to the bag. The boys take them to the homes and wish each one a Merry Christmas.

I have found the easiest way to do this project is to make the gingerbread people one day and decorate another. This year since the boys are older I have allowed them to invite a friend to decorate them too. If you choose to do this make sure you have enough supplies for the friends to take some home and give away.

My favorite gingerbread cookie recipe-makes 8 dozen 3 inch cookies

6 cups of sifted all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 lb butter (2 sticks)
1 c dark brown sugar
4 tsp. ground ginger
4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. finely ground pepper
1 1/2 tsp. salt
2 large eggs
1 1/2 c. unsulfured molasses

1. In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and baking powder; set aside

2. In the bowl of an electric mixer use the paddle attachement, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Mix in spices and salt. Beat in eggs and molasses.

3. Add flour mixture; mix on low speed until thoroughly combined. Divide dough into thirds; wrap in plastic wrap and chill at least 1 hr. Don’t chill too long or dough gets hard.

4. Heat oven to 350 degrees. On a well floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8 inch. Cut into desired shaps. Place on ungreased baking sheet and chill until firm. About 15 minutes. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until crisp but not darkened. Cool on wire racks.

This recipe is from a cookie booklet I received with Martha Stewart Living Magazine. I have tried easier recipes, but none come out as good as these. Don’t miss a step for great cookies.