Fellowship, Peace and Hot Cocoa

The other night my friend Christie invited me to attend a women's event with her at a local church. It was billed as A Quiet Evening, and from what I gathered, this is an annual event. This is an opportunity for women to come together during the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season for a little fellowship and a much-needed reminder that Advent is about peace. We had some food and mingling, followed by praise songs and a message about how we can achieve peace through obedience to Christ. The church was beautifully decorated with Christmas trees, candles, and dim lighting, which set the mood perfectly for some quiet meditation and relaxation. Lastly, we shared in communion, which was one of the most poignant and memorable communions I've ever taken. It was special to share this with my girlfriends.

During this season it's easy to overlook the true meaning of the holiday. There are gifts to buy, houses to decorate, presents to wrap, stockings to sew, cooking and parties and packing and travel, oh my! Every year I search out Christ and try to remember to put Him first. I have to admit, it's harder to do that here in Florida. It's harder to feel Him because there are no cold, quiet, snowy evenings where you can sit inside your warm house in the dim light of your Christmas tree and reflect. Here there's sunshine and warmth and activity -- because this is the best weather for us of the year and everyone is out enjoying it. I miss the stillness. I miss the quiet. That Quiet Evening was much welcomed and much needed.

In just over a week we will be traveling to Illinois where a winter wonderland awaits us! Eight inches of snow so far. (Let's hope travel is not disrupted.) I actually love that we are arriving there a full week before Christmas. By the time we depart I will be all set for the holiday and can spend that next week in the still coziness of my sister's Victorian house. I am eager to rediscover the Christmas Spirit. No hustle, no shopping. Just quiet reflection and anticipation of the birth of Christ. I wish the same for all of you.

Oh, and a little hot cocoa, of course. Hot Chocolate is one of my favorite side effects of cold weather, especially since I'm not much of a coffee drinker. It's a wonderful way to warm up. At the Quiet Evening event, they were serving up White Hot Chocolate. I've never been a huge fan of white chocolate (I'm a milk chocolate girl) but man, this was gooood. And the best part is they cooked it up in a crock pot! Try it! You just may discover a new family tradition:

• 2 cups whipping cream
• 6 cups milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 12 oz pkg white chocolate chips (Ghiradelli is best!)

Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker. Heat on low for 2-2.5 hours or until chocolate is melted and mixture is hot. Stir well to blend.