Tracy Ruckman

I lost an elderly friend yesterday. She was born six weeks after my dad, so I always felt a special connection to her. She was intelligent, kind, and creative. When I learned of her death yesterday morning, of course I was sad, but I also experienced immense relief and gratitude. My friend gifted me with one of her paintings, Summer Sun, a couple of years ago. She painted this one in her 80s, after much of her sight had diminished.  My friend had been in pain for many years – physically and emotionally. We’d talked a lot last year about Jesus, and she knew Him well, so my relief and gratitude came from knowing that now she is safe, she is well, and she is now living her very best life. She’s no longer in pain, has no more sorrow or heartache, no more tears. I imagine she’s already painting some masterpieces in Heaven, and that makes me extremely happy. I’ll see her again one day. I’m grateful for the Hope and Blessed Assurance we have as followers of Jesus. My friend’s emotional pa...

We're wrapping up the Holiday Recipes Blog Hop today. We hope you've had fun and found a few new recipes to try. If you're just joining us, here's a handy list so you can find them all. Holiday Appetizers – Tracy Ruckman Holiday Beverages – Rachel Hartsfield International Holiday Foods – Peggy Cunningham Holiday Breakfasts & Brunches – Betty Thomason Owens Holiday Main Courses – Sheryl Holmes Holiday Sides / Potluck / Buffets – Tracy Ruckman Holiday Sweets – Rachel Hartsfield Holiday Recipes Master List – Tracy Ruckman I want to thank all my precious friends for participating during this busy time of  year. I loved reading your stories and I'm looking forward to trying all your food! A huge thank you to all our readers, clients, and customers - we do what we do for YOU. We appreciate your support, your encouragement, your purchases of our books, products, and services. All of us are "small business" a...