Category Archives: Christmas

One Christmas Eve (and Recipes)

On this Christmas Eve, I hope you will enjoy this video of O Come, O Come Emmanuel.

While I was raising my children, we always had a little spiritual program Christmas Eve night followed by fun, songs or games when we were at our own home. We had a traditional dinner of enchilada pie (a tradition that began with Grandma Mary Jane Kilgore), tossed green salad with Ranch dressing, tortilla chips, and Uncle Chuck Murphy’s Salsa most years. Grandma Kilgore’s Lemon Cake drizzled with a lemon glaze usually followed.

I remember the year my mom was passing away from kidney failure caused by congestive heart failure and who also had cancer. My Marissa was praying that she would be with us until Christmas. I said something like, “Oh no, Sweetheart, we need to let her pass when she’s ready. It’s not good for her to stay with us all that time until Christmas.” I quickly went to the copy shop and made paper copies of songs we could sing around my mom’s bedside.

Shortly thereafter, we sang Christmas Carols to her and got to pre-celebrate our last Christmas together with song and with love in our hearts for that gentle, kind, loving, other’s-focused soul whom I was privileged to call my mother. I know that that was a very sacred time for all of us. Earth and heaven seemed very intertwined.

I’m grateful that Jesus Christ was born, filled His mission on earth, and was resurrected—overcoming both physical and spiritual death and bridging the gap for us between earth and heaven again. Making it possible for us to also return, as He did, to live with our Heavenly Father once more. Because of Him, death will have no sting, and I will be able to see my mom, dad and other friends and family again someday. For me, in Christ, there is both hope and peace. I am very grateful.

Here’s our recipes in case you’d like to try them.

ENCHILADA PIE

Grandma Mary Jane Kilgore’s recipe from Lawry’s.
We use this on Christmas Eve.

Lawry’s Enchilada Sauce Mix packet Ripe olives

1 pound ground beef or ground turkey 1 can tomato sauce – 8 oz.

1 medium onion, chopped 6 corn tortillas

1 clove garlic, minced 2 cups shredded cheese

2 T. margarine or butter 2/3 cup water

1 tsp. Salt ¼ tsp. pepper

In a saucepan combine Enchilada sauce mix, 1 can (8 oz.), 2 ½ cups water. Blend well. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside.

Sauté ground meat, onion and garlic in the margarine or butter. Stir in Enchilada sauce, olives, salt and pepper.

Butter corn tortillas. Layer in buttered, round Pyrex casserole dish in this order:

Tortilla
Sauce
Grated cheese

Repeat until the 6 tortillas are used, and pour the remaining sauce over all.

Pour 2/3 cup water at the edge of the casserole into the bottom.

Cover the top with the rest of the cheese. (We use Cheddar cheese)

Bake in a 400 degree oven for 40 minutes. Serves at least 6.

UNCLE CHUCK MURPHY’S SALSA
We use this on Christmas Eve, too.

1 packet Italian dressing mix 1 medium can chopped or sliced olives

1 small can diced green chili 3-4 green onions

2 fresh tomatoes, diced cilantro to taste

1 large can diced tomatoes 1-2 cups grated Jack cheese

Empty diced tomatoes into a bowl. Add dry Italian dressing mix, diced green chili (to taste), fresh diced tomatoes, olives, and green onions. This mixture can sit in the refrigerator at least ½ hour or more to blend flavors. Add cilantro and grated cheese just before serving.

I also found myself busy make Ham and Egg Souffle (that sets overnight)
to pop in the oven first thing in the morning.

HAM AND EGG SOUFFLE

1 dozen eggs 2 tsp. Salt

12 slices white bread 3 c. cubed ham

4 c. milk 3 c. Cheddar cheese

1 ½ tsp. Dry mustard

Beat eggs until fluffy. Cut crusts from bread: cube. Place bread in a 9 x 14 inch Pyrex (buttered) dish. Add 4 cups milk to eggs. Dissolve l ½ teaspoons dry mustard in a little water and add to egg mixture. Add salt and chopped ham: mix. Pour over bread. Let set overnight. In the morning, add 3 cups Cheddar cheese as a topping and bake at 350 degrees for 55 minutes.

This was started by H. Aileen Calton (my mom) as a traditional Christmas morning breakfast. Many family members now serve this with a cinnamon roll, orange slice, and orange juice, apple juice and/or hot chocolate with marshmallows. Place it in the oven while the gifts are being opened and breakfast is ready at just the right time.

Note: Aileen obtained the recipe when Carolyn was young in a Church Relief Society Visiting Teaching handout which was prepared for delivery to each ward (congregation) member by their Visiting Teachers.

About Carolyn Calton Carolyn Calton

Carolyn Calton is an online educator and ReNEW YOU Life Strategist. As founder of FamilyTreeQuest.com, CarolynCalton.com and as CEO of Ron Newsom's LiahonaLightAcademy.com, Carolyn helps sincere, determined men and women embrace with certainty a safe, secure framework for creating their own brighter and happier future TODAY—no matter their past. Turning heartache to happiness, those who Join her ReNEW YOU Classes and Joyful Breakthrough Membership Circles at FamilyTreeQuest.com, learn how to turn stress, anxiety, anger and dysfunction to hope, direction, happiness and peace in order to renew and regenerate themselves, their families and family lines.

Charity seeketh not her own

This series of posts is about the pure love of Christ is called Charity. We read about this love in the Bible, 1 Corinthians, Chapter 13. In the next few days, watch for posts about this vital attribute of Christ. When we seek to emulate Him by loving as he loved, our heart changes, we are happier, and each of us can be a more positive INfluence on others. This is one way we can create positive generational change.

Charity, the pure love of Christ, seeketh not her own. —1 Corinthians 13:5

“It can be a great challenge to love others, especially if they have hurt us. But the commandment is clear: As the scriptures teach, charity, the pure love of Christ, ‘seeketh not her own.’ (Moro. 7:45.) If we are to come unto Christ and become like him, we must learn to truly love others.

“In the parable of the sheep and the goats, in Matthew 25:31–46 [Matt. 25:31–46], the Savior taught the importance of loving all those around us.

“One of the distinctions between the two groups will be their treatment of those whom we may think of as different from us or difficult to love—the unkind, the unrighteous, the different, and the antagonistic. To those who love and serve these people, the Lord has said, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matt. 25:40.) (Ensign, June 1988)

TODAY’s Affirmation: I am TODAY’s ChangeMaker*. I learn to love others, even when I disagree with them.

Join me on my Family Tree Gal Facebook page. Leave your comments under this post on that page.

Join the Quest to create positive change in your family and family line.
Leave your name and email at FamilyTreeQuest.com

Let’s stay connected!

*****
*NOTE: TODAY’s ChangeMakers are sincere, determined men and women who do not give up on creating positive change in spite of obstacles. Join the Quest at FamilyTreeQuest.com

Remember what Charity is NOT. Click here.

About Carolyn Calton Carolyn Calton

Charity doth not behave itself unseemly

“Etiquette and good manners are based on respect for people’s feelings, opinions, property, and time.”¹

“It is often easier to show respect and tolerance to acquaintances—or even strangers—than to those who are closest to us. When we are tired, ill, or under stress, do we still speak kindly to a disobedient child, a thoughtless spouse, or an angry roommate? The Apostle Peter counseled, ‘Be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another … be courteous.’” (1 Pet. 3:8.) (Ensign, April 1988)

TODAY’s Affirmation: I am TODAY’s ChangeMaker*. I choose self-control and make courteous and wise decisions concerning my behavior.

Join me on my Family Tree Gal Facebook page. Leave your comments under this post on that page.

Join the Quest to create positive change in your family and family line.
Leave your name and email at FamilyTreeQuest.com

Remember what Charity is NOT. Click here.

¹(Ye Are the Light of the World, Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1984, pp. 77–78.)

About Carolyn Calton Carolyn Calton

Charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up

This series of posts is about the pure love of Christ is called Charity. We read about this love in the Bible, 1 Corinthians, Chapter 13. For a few days, watch for posts about this vital attribute of Christ. When we seek to emulate Him by loving as he loved, our heart changes, we are happier, and each of us can be a more positive INfluence on others. This is one way we can create positive generational change.

Charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up. –1 Corinthians 13:4

”To vaunt is to proudly call attention to our possessions, our accomplishments, our associations, or our righteousness. To illustrate this fault, the Savior told the parable of the Pharisee and the publican:

“The Pharisee stood [in the temple] and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

“I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

“And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.” (Luke 18:10–13.)

“Jesus pointed out that it was not the Pharisee who was justified, but the publican, adding that “Every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” (Luke 18:14.)

“The Pharisee made two serious mistakes: he boasted about himself, and he put himself in God’s place as the judge of his righteousness. Only God can pronounce us righteous.

“One of the most serious forms of “vaunting” is the sin of pride. “Pride is a ‘my will’ rather than ‘thy will’ approach to life,” says President Ezra Taft Benson. “The opposite of pride is humbleness, meekness, submissiveness (see Alma 13:28), or teachableness. … With pride, there are many curses. With humility, there come many blessings.” (Ensign, May 1986, pp. 6–7.)

“…We also vaunt ourselves if we take credit for what we haven’t earned. Some people blame God when things go badly in their lives and take the credit when things go well, overlooking the fact that their talents, skills, and possessions are gifts from the Lord.

“The scriptures say that “in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things.” (D&C 59:21.) True humility comes when we acknowledge our dependence on him in every act—indeed, in every breath.

“Such humility encourages us to follow the Savior’s example of love and service to others. (Ensign, March 1988)

TODAY’s Affirmations: I am TODAY’s ChangeMaker*.
I do not consider myself too important to serve others.
I seek righteousness without being self-righteous.
I do not boast but recognize, instead, that the air I breathe and the elements of creation as well as my gifts, blessings and strength originates from God, in whom I put my trust.

Join me on my Family Tree Gal Facebook page. Leave your comments under this post on that page.

Join the Quest to create positive change in yourself, your family and family line.
Leave your name and email at FamilyTreeQuest.com

Let’s stay connected!

*****
*NOTE: TODAY’s ChangeMakers are sincere, determined men and women who do not give up on creating positive change in spite of obstacles. Join the Quest at www.FamilyTreeQuest.com

Remember what Charity is NOT. Click here.

About Carolyn Calton Carolyn Calton

Envy Not

This series of posts is about the pure love of Christ is called Charity. We read about this love in the Bible, 1 Corinthians, Chapter 13. In the next few days, watch for posts about this vital attribute of Christ. When we seek to emulate Him by loving as he loved, our own heart changes, we are happier, and each of us can be a more positive INfluence on others. This is one way we can create positive generational change.

Charity, the pure love of Christ, envieth not. –1 Corinthians 13:4

“…the Lord God hath commanded … that [we] should not envy.” (2 Ne. 26:32.) Every day we face situations in which we may feel envy or covet something another person possesses. We may envy another person’s home and comfortable financial situation, someone elses talents and abilities, … or the happy family life of another. Such envy can canker our souls. …

“If we find ourselves envying someone elses talents, possessions, life-style, or accomplishments, we should first turn for help to our Father in Heaven. In his mercy, he will bless us with the ability to rise above the destructive pettiness of envy and to rejoice in his goodness to our brothers and sisters.

“Gordon B. Hinckley points out another way we can learn to overcome feelings of envy. ‘The happiest people I know are those who lose themselves in the service of others,’ he says. (Ensign, Aug. 1982, p. 5.)

“By serving others, we can learn to focus not on what we feel is lacking in our lives, but on the many blessings the Lord has given us.

“By seeking the Spirit of the Lord, serving others, and recognizing the blessings the Lord has given us, we can overcome feelings of envy and rejoice in the Lord’s goodness to all of his children.” (Ensign, February 1988)

TODAY’s Affirmation: I am TODAY’s ChangeMaker*. I do not envy, but seek, instead, to feel happy for others. I work to meet my own needs.

Join me on my Family Tree Gal Facebook page. Leave your comments under this post on that page.

Join the Quest to create positive change in your family and family line.
Leave your name and email at FamilyTreeQuest.com

Remember what Charity is NOT. Click here.

About Carolyn Calton Carolyn Calton

Strengthen Healthy Traditions

How will you strengthen healthy traditions this year?

Have fun this holiday season, no regrets, no pain, no dysfunction.
Make conscious choices to create positive change.

Affirmation: I am TODAY’s ChangeMaker*. I strengthen healthy traditions.

Join me on my Family Tree Gal Facebook page. Leave your comments under this post on that page.

Join the Quest to create positive change in your family and family line.
Leave your name and email at FamilyTreeQuest.com

Let’s stay connected!

*****
*NOTE: TODAY’s ChangeMakers are sincere, determined men and women who do not give up on creating positive change in spite of obstacles.

About Carolyn Calton Carolyn Calton

Dreading the Holidays?

Are you DREADING the holidays?

There are lots of reasons that we sometimes don’t experience the joy that the lights and sounds and gatherings with friends and/or family that the holiday season can bring. Especially for those who have experienced childhood or adult relationship trauma and distress (including divorce), memories of Christmas past can be painful.

So to all of you who are TODAY’s ChangeMakers, who are facing obstacles head-on and creating positive change anyway, please know you are not alone.

If you need a little encouragement, I like this reminder that there is present-moment help and support. No one has gone too far or done to much that a TURN-around is not possible. Christ’s mercy can be extended to all who will turn to Him with full purpose of heart and a sincere desire to let go of misery and embrace the LIGHT.

“[Christ’s] mercy is the mighty healer, even to the wounded innocent.” ~Boyd K Packer, 2014

HE is the mighty healer.

Join me on my Family Tree Gal Facebook page. Let’s uplift our lives and hearts together!

About Carolyn Calton Carolyn Calton

Modern Day Wise Men

About Carolyn Calton Carolyn Calton

Hope for those with addictions and serious troubles

Here is a message of hope for those with addictions. Other serious problems are addressed in video #2. Both videos are full of hope and encouragement.

Video 1: You Will Be Freed

Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, all can be transformed, cleansed, and freed from addiction. (It’s a short 2 minutes and 55 seconds. Well worth the time. )

Video 2: Look to the Light

The warmth these people speak of in the video below is “the pure love of Christ” spoken of in the video above.

“Wherever He has taken me is always for a better result.” “There is an eternal plan here.” “The world has a chance to accept His love and follow Him.”

May God continue to keep you in his watchcare on your journey to Him.
Carolyn

About Carolyn Calton Carolyn Calton

Judgment?

Families and relationships are in desparate need of added health, healing and happiness this holiday season.

Some of TODAY’s ChangeMakers look toward holiday get-togethers with happiness and joyful anticipation.

Many of TODAY’s ChangeMakers are dreading the holidays and get-togethers with family and/or friends because of negaitive family patterns (put-downs, sarcasm, bickering, abuse, etc.) and destructive traditions that bring pain to the heart and mind of those who cross the threshold of interacting in social settings.

Whatever your situation, here’s some Food for Thought as we gather together in our holiday celebrations and meet people in stores or on the highways. In fact, it’s good advice the whole year round.

Here’s some of the rest of what Thomas S. Monson said:

I consider charity—or “the pure love of Christ”—to be the opposite of criticism and judging. In speaking of charity, I do not at this moment have in mind the relief of the suffering through the giving of our substance. That, of course, is necessary and proper. Tonight, however, I have in mind the charity that manifests itself when we are tolerant of others and lenient toward their actions, the kind of charity that forgives, the kind of charity that is patient.

I have in mind the charity that impels us to be sympathetic, compassionate, and merciful, not only in times of sickness and affliction and distress but also in times of weakness or error on the part of others.

There is a serious need for the charity that gives attention to those who are unnoticed, hope to those who are discouraged, aid to those who are afflicted. True charity is love in action. The need for charity is everywhere.
Needed is the charity which refuses to find satisfaction in hearing or in repeating the reports of misfortunes that come to others, unless by so doing, the unfortunate one may be benefited. The American educator and politician Horace Mann once said, “To pity distress is but human; to relieve it is godlike.”

Charity is having patience with someone who has let us down. It is resisting the impulse to become offended easily. It is accepting weaknesses and shortcomings. It is accepting people as they truly are. It is looking beyond physical appearances to attributes that will not dim through time. It is resisting the impulse to categorize others. …

In a hundred small ways, all of you wear the mantle of charity. Life is perfect for none of us. Rather than being judgmental and critical of each other, may we have the pure love of Christ for our fellow travelers in this journey through life. May we recognize that each one is doing her best to deal with the challenges which come her way, and may we strive to do our best to help out. ~Thomas S. Monson

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/charity-never-faileth?lang=eng