Timely Encouragement {Dust Treasure Hunt Results}

Hey, friends. So I went on a virtual treasure hunt last month in support of Kara Swanson's sophomore book, Dust, which is a Peter Pan retelling of sorts. The cover is absolutely gorgeous, and there were lots of interviews and fun blog articles along the way. The neat thing about this treasure hunt was that everyone who participated would win something. That's completely rare in anything other than peewee sports.

There was also a grand prize pack for the person who was first to put in the quote from Dust that was pieced together along the way with each blog article's clue.

Here's the announcement as delivered by Kara Swanson on her Instagram page:

Finding Me by Kathryn Cushman

by Andrea Renee Cox

"Wounded people tend to create more wounded people."

~Finding Me by Kathryn Cushman

After Kelli discovered her father had lied about her past, she travels across the country to see the family she never knew she had. But will the trials of the past cast a shadow over the present and tear apart the future?

The journey Kelli took in Finding Me got me thinking about healing. What if we didn't continue the damaging trends that have plagued our genealogy? One of my goals, even prior to reading this book, is to identify negative trends in my past and eradicate them. This will take persistent prayer and dedication, not to mention acute focus. But the joys and blessings that are certain to pour out upon future generations are more than enough motivation to drive me forward on this journey.

Christmas Recipe Swap 2014

By Andrea Renee Cox

One of my favorite things about Christmas is baking things my family and friends will enjoy devouring. There’s something really unique and special about creating delicious food that the people I love dearly can gather around. It’s those moments, when my family and friends are conversing and laughing over a great meal that I helped put together, that I realize just how incredibly blessed I’ve been. To have people around you who love you … well, that’s one of my favorite blessings ever. And when I stop to count my blessings, that's always the first one that comes to mind.

This year, I thought we (yes, dear Readers, I mean you and me) could swap our favorite recipes. I’m about to share one that gets requested practically every get-together I attend. And I would love to hear about some of your favorites.

Andrea’s Sweet Potato Casserole

2 large cans sweet potatoes, drained and mashed

¼ cup melted butter

½ cup sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

Topping:

2 cups light brown sugar

2/3 cup flour

2/3 cup butter, softened

2 cups chopped nuts, optional

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Blend sweet potatoes, butter, sugar, and vanilla together with mixer. Spoon into 9 x 13 inch greased casserole dish. Mix together topping ingredients and layer on top of sweet potatoes. Bake 30 minutes.

Note: This casserole may be prepared a day in advance and baked on the day of serving.

So tell me, Readers, what is your favorite part about Christmas? Which recipes do you look forward to making every year? Please share one of your favorites with us in the comment section below. Let's see what different parts of the meal we can put together.

Thanks for stopping by today! I look forward to hearing your thoughts in the comment section below. And don’t forget to drop by next Monday for my latest article.

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