Sunday Reflections
Happy December 1, all! Thank you for joining me today for Sunday Reflections…and there are many Sunday Reflections for me personally on this particular day!
Today is our 40th Wedding Anniversary!
I always wanted a Christmastime wedding, and 40 years ago, I got it!
It seems that once we have hit 40 years, more people ask now…How did you do it?
And, honestly, without our faith in God, we might not have been together this long.
But, our faith and Biblical instruction and commitment and a unified purpose to raise a healthy family are the components that have seen us through.
Of course, it is important to forgive constantly, and be thankful for everything, and pray moment to moment, and laugh and sing.
Yes, Mr. B sings as well…and plays the guitar.
Also, the Bible teaches us that love keeps no record of wrongs…very important to get to 40 years!
It took all of that for us to go through this move and completely re-locate our lives when family still remained behind.
But, I do believe in many ways this has brought us even closer.
But, all I have to do is to look at this picture of my granddaughter in our old home, and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that we made the right call.
Spending Thanksgiving with some of my daughter’s extended family was a blessing as well.
Forty years have gone so quickly and included ups and downs, but I would not have it any other way. The blessings overflow the challenges.
And the results are in the faces of our amazing family.
I also love beginning December with a celebration with Mr. B.
SUNDAY REFLECTIONS: ANOTHER GREAT COOKIE
My Sunday reflections often include recipes that work and don’t work.
Well this one worked big time.
I made these cookies for Thanksgiving along with pie… and the kids flipped over them.
The recipe is from Sally’s Baking Recipes, DOUBLE CHOCOLATE CRINKLE COOKIES.
And, yes…I used the European Butter…so good for cookies.
I will have the pie and turkey recipe for you next week.
This weekend has been so busy with….
SUNDAY REFLECTIONS: DECORATING
I am not ready to for a big reveal just yet. But, the past three days have been long and hard work getting our new home ready for Christmas.
I have been adjusting my old decorations to the new house, and we worked together to get the front decorated more than we have in the past.
Decorating this year is much harder work than I remember in the past, but I like how it is going.
Sometimes decorating is like putting together a wardrobe…you put it on and then tweak for awhile until it feels just right.
Remember, send me your holiday decorating ideas and recipes for me to share on Sundays. Just send them to over50feeling40@gmail.com.
Thank you for joining me today for my anniversary….I hope to have some holiday fun for you this week…once decorating is done, I can breathe a little easier.
Blessings to you all…..
STAY STRONG & KEEP SMILING!
By Pamela Lutrell
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Pam, what is the wall behind the tree? I have never seen anything like it.
Happy Anniverssry!
Happy anniversary! So true with out God it would be way harder to make a marriage last. Praise the name of God, Jehovah!!
Neither have I, Jill. It is very artistic and we think it is a heavy plastic bought in panels maybe.
Thanks Cheryl!
Amen, Debra!
Happy Anniversary! Laughter, patience, forgiveness, His Presence. Yes! That wall!
Congrats, Pam! Eccles:4:12 Jesus Christ is that 3rd cord (my 40th is next month).
Happy Anniversary, Anne!
Thanks Deborah! It takes it all!
The wall treatment is vinyl or plastic. There are several designs, most mid-century inspired, at big box stores. My son used it in his condo. My husband and I have been married 46 wonderful years. I’ve always said one of the secrets is that when you’re in one of those patches where you don’t know where you’re going, at least get in the canoe and paddle in the same direction.
Great advice, Linda! Thanks for sharing about the wall!
Wishing you and Mr B many blessings on your anniversary!
Thank you, Michele!
Happy, Happy Anniversary to you and Mr. B! My Mr. B and I have been together for 55 years now, and he says that his goal every day is to make me really laugh out loud which he seems to do daily. We are fortunate that our two sons and their families live close to us so we can see them often though four of our five grandchildren are now in college. Your young grands are so cute and I know you are enjoying being close to those whom you now live closer to while missing those who now live in your old home. Our ability to adapt to ever changing circumstances is a big reason,I think, for those of us who are married for many years. We’ve learned to not concentrate on those little things we do not like, but rather to look at the big picture of our relationships.
This was such a beautiful post! Your faith principals truly show in your marriage and family! Happy Anniversary! This time last year I was enjoying the sites and sounds of San Antonio and thanks to some great recommendations by you, we had a wonderful time! I love that you posted this cookie recipe…it is my husbands favorite! I’ve always wanted to make them! I purchase them every holiday season from a local bakery, but they no longer do them so I’m excited to try making these. A question though, I’m so intrigued by your use of European butter. Could you share the brand you use? I’ve never seen that kind of butter in my local stores so may have to order online. Thank you and again, happy anniversary and have enjoyed your posts over the years!
A very happy Anniversary to you both.
Such a struggle to decorate a new place when you have all the memories of years past but new ideas can be fun too. Find that Joy in the combinations.
Blessings to you both on your anniversary!!
Love your last sentence, Celia. Congratulations on 55 years!
Hi Jackie, this recipe is different from traditional chocolate crinkles because you add chips…and it is so good!! I get the European butter at a Texas grocery called HEB. They have a Central Market brand that I love. There are other brands which may be just as good.
We have found joy in new combinations and though it has taken longer.., it has been fun!
Thank you, Marcia!
Happy Anniversary, Pam! We are big fans of those cookies too. I got the recipe for Wagon Wheel cookies 50 years ago from a co-worker. I need to look for my recipe as it’s been a few years since making them. Thanks for the reminder!
So welcome, Mary! Make sure you add the additional chocolate chips…so good!
Happy Anniversary. Such a lovely post about faith, prayer, forgiveness and thankfulness. Blessings to both of you,
Happy Anniversary!! Congratulations on the 40 years. My husband would say you are just rookies as we are 51 but were high school sweethearts so you can add 8 years to that. Have a wonderful celebration.
Hello! I made a comment earlier but I don’t see it here! Hopefully it’ll show up! Was wondering if you can share the name of the European butter you use…pretty sure I’ll have to try and order that online! Thank you! And if this comment shows up twice so sorry! Just wanted to say too that your faith principals truly show in your marriage and family! Happy Anniversary!
Happy Anniversary, Pamela and Mr. B! We’re going on 45 years and you are so right that God is an essential partner in a good marriage. The photo of your beautiful granddaughter warmed my heart and I love the way your packages under the tree are wrapped, so pretty and inviting. Thank you for a big dose of joy this morning!
It is there. I responded. I am not sure why you can’t see it.
Happy Anniversary!
I agree with you that life will have ups and downs for a husband and wife to get through together. My husband and I have been married 50 years and it’s always an adventure.
Happy Anniversary, Pam! I couldn’t agree with you more. We recently celebrated our 48th anniversary and there’s no question that we would never have made it this far without the Lord.
What a busy time of year this is… at our house, we’re busy decorating for Christmas and also planning for renos that will happen in January.
Happy Anniversary to you and Mr. B. Blessings to you both as you celebrate the Christmas Season in your new home. May Hope, Joy, Peace and Love be yours this Holiday Season and through out the New Year. 🙏🙏
Hi Pam! You and Mr B, me and Mr V, all celebrating 40 years of marriage this year! We celebrated in Bermuda, beautiful weather and between storms. Congrats to you and Mr B.
Happy Anniversary!
44 years together. My advise is always keep learning about each other. We put so much effort in getting to know each other while dating and then after the wedding so many just stop. We all change and evolve with life’s journey and if we are lucky, we have an amazing partner who enjoys the journey with us. Appreciate the little things, observe the big things. My wonderful hubby would make coffee each morning before i got up and he doesn’t drink it. Just a little thing that means the world.
Happy Anniversary to you and Mr. B!
Happy Anniversary to you & Mr. B! Being grounded in faith is the true secret to any relationship. I have been decorating the house the last few days, too. It does seem to take a bit longer these days, but I still enjoy it. Someone asked me why I decorate since I am alone. I told them I do it for me. When I walk through the door after being out & about, I see my decorations, & it brings me joy. I find so much peace & contentment sitting with tree lights on & a scented candle burning in evenings. It’s part of life’s simple pleasures.
Happyanniversary .. ours is the 23 rd of December and its our 23rd . A second marriage for us both after unhappy marriages ended . Enjoy your beautiful new home and the holidays . I look forward to your blogs
Happy 40th wedding anniversary! We will have our 32nd wedding anniversary in July. Every day is a blessing at our age. I love my Mr. B more with every passing year. Faith is the glue that binds. We will put up our few decorations next weekend. I copied that chocolate cookie recipe as I love those and have never tried to make them. I was always up to my ears in making and frosting shaped sugar cookies. I’m looking forward to seeing your decorations.
Birthday blessings to Mr. B, and congratulations to both of you on your milestone anniversary! Here’s to many more years of making memories together. You have built such a wonderful legacy for your family that will live on for generations to come. Can’t wait to see your holiday decor when you’re happy with it – your home has always been so cozy and inviting at the holidays, and I know this new location will be no different.
Lovely photo of you and Mr. B. We are living in Colorado now, really miss my HEB. Always look forward to your posts.
Thanks so much, Joyce. I miss not having HEB on every corner like San Antonio does…I am so spoiled!