Last week I challenged myself to Project Smile where I try to smile at my kids each time I see them. Um… Friends, smiling is hard!! Usually because when I hear my name called – before I even turn around – someone is tattling on someone else. There is nothing that makes me want to smile about that.

Nevertheless, I am trying. I have smiled at my kids more this week than the last and you know what? As difficult and fake as it feels sometimes, I noticed my kids responding to me better. They are quicker to obey and more willing to confide. Also, I noticed myself laughing more. Enjoying small moments more. Definitely worth the effort.

This whole Project Smile thing is not nearly as easy as I thought it would be, but I do believe it is totally worth it. It is changing the atmosphere in my home as well as in my own heart.

pray for them

Let us all pray for wisdom as the holidays approach. Wisdom in decisions, family matters and friendships.

Lord, let (Name) be blessed when (he/she) “finds wisdom, and [becomes] the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold.” In your name I pray, amen. –Proverbs 3:13-14

Prayers taken from the daily prayer on the BiblicalPrayers mobile app. Download today on the App Store or Google Play store.

Classic Cranberry Sauce

What is Thanksgiving without Cranberry sauce? But this year, let’s not slice it.  Here is such a simple, basic recipe I make every year. So good.

• 12 oz Whole Cranberries
• 1 cup Sugar
• 1 cup Orange Juice
• Orange Peel Curls

In a sauce pan heat sugar and juice until sugar dissolves. Add cranberries and stir until they begin to pop. I wouldn’t let it boil, you may scorch it. Once they begin popping stir and smash berries then pour into your serving bowl. Garnish with the orange peels. The sauce will thicken as it cools but you can serve it warm or cold, both are delicious.

Serve it for Christmas too! Throw a dash of Cloves in there and its Christmas in a bowl.

Recipe taken from http://allrecipes.com/recipe/9111/cranberry-sauce/?internalSource=hub%20recipe&referringContentType=search%20results&clickId=cardslot%202