Operation Military Christmas
Friends,
The silent tears. The empty chairs. The brave but broken hearts. They're everywhere this time of year. But no pain exceeds God's ability to comfort. Nothing stops His love.
Let's cut out clutter and get busy sharing His love this season. Think about it: There will be an empty chair at family gatherings in many households because so many brave men and women have chosen to protect our freedom. Let’s be full of gratitude and love for families with empty chairs. (This applies whether they’re temporarily empty because of current service or permanently empty because of the ultimate sacrifices).
Christmas and New Year’s are almost here. It's busy. It's hectic. But we each need to remember the meaning of Christmas and share God's love. Shifting priorities to reflect the Lord’s will never result in regrets. We must remember to share God's love with our nation's heroes and their heroic families who have sacrificed much to keep our freedoms alive.
We are here to remind you that it's not too late to brighten Christmas for those who defend our country. We can help you help them. They deserve all the gratitude and kindness we can give.
Show them their sacrifices remain seen and remembered. Let us make it easy for you to do it: Join our national effort called Operation Military Christmas. (In this edition, learn easy and immediate ways you can reach out and remember our heroes and their families this Christmas.)
Thank you in advance for your willingness to love those who have heroically served and families who feel the sacrifices made by their heroes. Let’s make this time of year full of gratitude, love, and comfort for those with empty chairs.
Will you join us?
With word and action, let's love everyone with His love. Let’s share the truth: “the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned” (Matthew 4:16).
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5).
Merry Christmas,Carrie and Stacie
The silent tears. The empty chairs. The brave but broken hearts. They're everywhere this time of year. But no pain exceeds God's ability to comfort. Nothing stops His love.
Let's cut out clutter and get busy sharing His love this season. Think about it: There will be an empty chair at family gatherings in many households because so many brave men and women have chosen to protect our freedom. Let’s be full of gratitude and love for families with empty chairs. (This applies whether they’re temporarily empty because of current service or permanently empty because of the ultimate sacrifices).
Christmas and New Year’s are almost here. It's busy. It's hectic. But we each need to remember the meaning of Christmas and share God's love. Shifting priorities to reflect the Lord’s will never result in regrets. We must remember to share God's love with our nation's heroes and their heroic families who have sacrificed much to keep our freedoms alive.
We are here to remind you that it's not too late to brighten Christmas for those who defend our country. We can help you help them. They deserve all the gratitude and kindness we can give.
Show them their sacrifices remain seen and remembered. Let us make it easy for you to do it: Join our national effort called Operation Military Christmas. (In this edition, learn easy and immediate ways you can reach out and remember our heroes and their families this Christmas.)
Thank you in advance for your willingness to love those who have heroically served and families who feel the sacrifices made by their heroes. Let’s make this time of year full of gratitude, love, and comfort for those with empty chairs.
Will you join us?
With word and action, let's love everyone with His love. Let’s share the truth: “the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned” (Matthew 4:16).
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5).
Merry Christmas,Carrie and Stacie
How to Bring Christmas to Our Military
At Christmas, we must help bring back the true meaning to our troops, veterans, and their families. Many families will not have loved ones -either because of serving abroad or the ultimate sacrifice of a loved one dying for our country.
So, let's all do our part for veterans, troops, and military families to feel loved this Christmas.
1. Contact nursing homes and ask for a way to send a bouquet, a box of gifts, or have Christmas bedside table arrangements delivered in honor of all veterans or military widows/widowers in the home. Ask if there would be a way to send cards to all or even just one of them. Or just send an e-mail. If you have kids, include pictures of drawings by your kids to veterans or their widows/widowers. 2. Order a meal for a military family. Military families sacrifice so much, too. If you know a family whose husband, wife, son, daughter, mom, or dad can't come home for Christmas, reach out to them. Do something to acknowledge them and offer your thanks and prayers. 3. Order pillows for servicemen and women. Our servicemen and women do without many comforts so that we can live in freedom and peace. For example, did you that when troops are deployed they don't have a pillow to rest on? You can change that through Project Pillows. Click here to learn how you can help. It's easy and so helpful. 4. Send something to someone currently serving. Send old-fashioned Christmas cards that could add a splash of Christmas color to military quarters. Or, send acceptable Christmas decorations. Write e-mails and attach files that include photos to print off and use for décor. If anything, it will be a day brightener for the recipient. Remember military families back home, too. 5. Offer to help schedule a video call to bring a friendly face from back home into his/her life at Christmas. Not all military families have the technology to video call with their loved ones in the military. Loan your smartphone or laptop for a specified time so they can video call with their loved one over Christmas. Now that would be an incredible gift! 6. Keep a gift card in your purse or wallet. That way you are ready to encourage a veteran on a moment's notice. 7. Keep your eyes open. If you see a need, put some thought into what you can do to help. It's amazing how a small gesture of thoughtfulness can mean so much. Together we can make a difference. We urge you to do something this Christmas season to support and pray for our heroes and their families. America, now is the time to unite and stand with our military. We need them...but they also need us.
So, let's all do our part for veterans, troops, and military families to feel loved this Christmas.
1. Contact nursing homes and ask for a way to send a bouquet, a box of gifts, or have Christmas bedside table arrangements delivered in honor of all veterans or military widows/widowers in the home. Ask if there would be a way to send cards to all or even just one of them. Or just send an e-mail. If you have kids, include pictures of drawings by your kids to veterans or their widows/widowers. 2. Order a meal for a military family. Military families sacrifice so much, too. If you know a family whose husband, wife, son, daughter, mom, or dad can't come home for Christmas, reach out to them. Do something to acknowledge them and offer your thanks and prayers. 3. Order pillows for servicemen and women. Our servicemen and women do without many comforts so that we can live in freedom and peace. For example, did you that when troops are deployed they don't have a pillow to rest on? You can change that through Project Pillows. Click here to learn how you can help. It's easy and so helpful. 4. Send something to someone currently serving. Send old-fashioned Christmas cards that could add a splash of Christmas color to military quarters. Or, send acceptable Christmas decorations. Write e-mails and attach files that include photos to print off and use for décor. If anything, it will be a day brightener for the recipient. Remember military families back home, too. 5. Offer to help schedule a video call to bring a friendly face from back home into his/her life at Christmas. Not all military families have the technology to video call with their loved ones in the military. Loan your smartphone or laptop for a specified time so they can video call with their loved one over Christmas. Now that would be an incredible gift! 6. Keep a gift card in your purse or wallet. That way you are ready to encourage a veteran on a moment's notice. 7. Keep your eyes open. If you see a need, put some thought into what you can do to help. It's amazing how a small gesture of thoughtfulness can mean so much. Together we can make a difference. We urge you to do something this Christmas season to support and pray for our heroes and their families. America, now is the time to unite and stand with our military. We need them...but they also need us.
Operation Military Christmas: Gold Star
This Christmas we are especially focused on honoring Gold Star families. We would like to send a special star ornament made from olive wood from Bethlehem to each Gold Star family brought to our attention. Please e-mail us Gold Star family names and mailing addresses to info@unitetheusa.org. If you know of a Gold Star family and want to do something, let us help make it easy for you to do it. Or, if you have lost a son, daughter, mom, dad, brother or sister, please contact us.
Will you join us in reaching out to these most deserving, precious families? Send us an email, pray for the project, and share about it on social media.
We hope and literally pray that the ornaments will remind each Gold Star family member that many people love them, pray for them, and remember their profound, incalculable sacrifice. May we all remember the words of the Lord: "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13).
Will you join us in reaching out to these most deserving, precious families? Send us an email, pray for the project, and share about it on social media.
We hope and literally pray that the ornaments will remind each Gold Star family member that many people love them, pray for them, and remember their profound, incalculable sacrifice. May we all remember the words of the Lord: "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13).
Sending Pillows to Our Nation's Heroes
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We are partnering with Project Pillows of One Touch Awakening. We feel strongly about reaching out in a way that reminds veterans and current servicemen and women of our prayers when they sleep:
Project Pillows of One Touch Awakening will send a pillow to a hero. It is a beautiful way to remind our heroes that we're praying for them and that America has not forgotten them. Consider the touching words of Becky, a volunteer at Project Pillows:
“Every pillow I put into a box to mail, I sent a hug with it. The whole time I was working on these, I kept thinking we are packing these boxes and the next person who opens them will be a soldier who is fighting for our freedom.”
Send your loved one's name and address to us at info@unitetheusa.org and we will connect with Project Pillows who will send them a FREE pillow. Please spread the word.
Project Pillows of One Touch Awakening will send a pillow to a hero. It is a beautiful way to remind our heroes that we're praying for them and that America has not forgotten them. Consider the touching words of Becky, a volunteer at Project Pillows:
“Every pillow I put into a box to mail, I sent a hug with it. The whole time I was working on these, I kept thinking we are packing these boxes and the next person who opens them will be a soldier who is fighting for our freedom.”
Send your loved one's name and address to us at info@unitetheusa.org and we will connect with Project Pillows who will send them a FREE pillow. Please spread the word.
Featured Bible Verse
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." -John 3:16
Featured Quote
"In spite of everything, we Americans are still uniquely blessed, not only with the rich bounty of our land but by a bounty of the spirit -- a kind of year-round Christmas spirit that still makes our country a beacon of hope in a troubled world..." -President Ronald Reagan (Christmas 1982)
Unite the USA's
Featured Veteran of the Month: Jay R. Vargas
Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipient Jay R. Vargas
Presidential Recipes for Christmas
George Washington's Elegant BrowniesBrownie Ingredients:1 cup butter2 cups sugar4 eggs, add 1 at a time, beating after each1 cup all-purpose flour5 ounces bitter chocolate, melted1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts1 teaspoon vanilla
Topping Ingredients:1 cup powdered sugar4 tablespoons soft butterCream
Directions:Mix butter, sugar, eggs, 4oz melted chocolate, nuts, and vanilla in a bowl. Pour in a greased oblong pan 9x14 inches. Bake at 325 degrees. Check at 35 minutes. Cool in pan and add the following topping.
Topping: Stir and work together sugar and butter until the proper consistency to spread. Use a little cream if necessary. Spread on top of cake. Let dry. Then dribble in a crisscross pattern of the remaining ounce of melted chocolate across the whole top. When set, slice the cake into small rectangular pieces.
Topping Ingredients:1 cup powdered sugar4 tablespoons soft butterCream
Directions:Mix butter, sugar, eggs, 4oz melted chocolate, nuts, and vanilla in a bowl. Pour in a greased oblong pan 9x14 inches. Bake at 325 degrees. Check at 35 minutes. Cool in pan and add the following topping.
Topping: Stir and work together sugar and butter until the proper consistency to spread. Use a little cream if necessary. Spread on top of cake. Let dry. Then dribble in a crisscross pattern of the remaining ounce of melted chocolate across the whole top. When set, slice the cake into small rectangular pieces.
Harry and Bess Truman's Coconut BallsIngredients:1 7 ounce package flaked coconut (2-2/3 cups)2 tablespoons cornstarch½ cup sweetened condensed milk1 teaspoon vanilla½ cup dried cranberries, snipped dried cherries or chopped dried apricots (optional)
Directions:Line cookie sheets with parchment paper; set aside.
In a medium mixing bowl combine coconut and cornstarch. Stir in sweetened condensed milk and vanilla. Stir in dried fruit, if you like. Drop by small rounded teaspoonfuls about 1-inch apart on the prepared cookie sheets. Bake in a 325 degrees F. oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned on bottoms. Cool on cookie sheets for 1 minute. Transfer cookies to a wire rack; cool.
Directions:Line cookie sheets with parchment paper; set aside.
In a medium mixing bowl combine coconut and cornstarch. Stir in sweetened condensed milk and vanilla. Stir in dried fruit, if you like. Drop by small rounded teaspoonfuls about 1-inch apart on the prepared cookie sheets. Bake in a 325 degrees F. oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned on bottoms. Cool on cookie sheets for 1 minute. Transfer cookies to a wire rack; cool.
Dwight D. Eisenhower's Vegetable Soup
President Eisenhower was known for his "two-day" vegetable soup, a robust dish often made after a fried chicken meal using the leftover bones for stock.
Ingredients (Vegetable portion):1 qt. canned tomatoes½ teacup fresh peas2 medium potatoes, diced2-3 celery branches, chopped1 large onion, sliced3 medium carrots, diced1 turnip, diced½ cup canned cornHandful of raw cabbage, cut up in small pieces Instructions (Simplified):
Prepare a meat stock the day before by slow-boiling beef soup bones, chicken parts, and seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic/onion) in water until the meat falls off the bone.
Strain the stock and let it cool overnight, then skim off the hardened fat.
Heat the stock to a boil and gradually add the vegetables in stages according to cooking time, starting with the harder vegetables (carrots, potatoes, turnip) and finishing with the softer ones (peas, corn, cabbage).
Simmer until all vegetables are tender, adding barley and gravy seasoning near the end if desired.
President Eisenhower was known for his "two-day" vegetable soup, a robust dish often made after a fried chicken meal using the leftover bones for stock.
Ingredients (Vegetable portion):1 qt. canned tomatoes½ teacup fresh peas2 medium potatoes, diced2-3 celery branches, chopped1 large onion, sliced3 medium carrots, diced1 turnip, diced½ cup canned cornHandful of raw cabbage, cut up in small pieces Instructions (Simplified):
Prepare a meat stock the day before by slow-boiling beef soup bones, chicken parts, and seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic/onion) in water until the meat falls off the bone.
Strain the stock and let it cool overnight, then skim off the hardened fat.
Heat the stock to a boil and gradually add the vegetables in stages according to cooking time, starting with the harder vegetables (carrots, potatoes, turnip) and finishing with the softer ones (peas, corn, cabbage).
Simmer until all vegetables are tender, adding barley and gravy seasoning near the end if desired.
Ronald Reagan’s Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients:1⁄2 lb macaroni1 teaspoon butter1 egg, beaten1 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon dry mustard3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated1 cup milk
Directions:Boil macaroni in water until tender and drain thoroughly. Stir in butter and egg. Mix mustard and salt with 1tablespoon hot water, and add to milk. Add cheese, leaving enough to sprinkle on top. Pour into buttered casserole; add milk, sprinkle with cheese.
Bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes or until custard is set and top is crusty.
Ingredients:1⁄2 lb macaroni1 teaspoon butter1 egg, beaten1 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon dry mustard3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated1 cup milk
Directions:Boil macaroni in water until tender and drain thoroughly. Stir in butter and egg. Mix mustard and salt with 1tablespoon hot water, and add to milk. Add cheese, leaving enough to sprinkle on top. Pour into buttered casserole; add milk, sprinkle with cheese.
Bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes or until custard is set and top is crusty.
Mary Trump’s Meatloaf(Donald Trump’s Mother)
Ingredients: 2 lbs fresh ground beef 1 Spanish onion (fine dice) 1 Red bell pepper (fine dice) 1 Green bell pepper (fine dice) 2 cloves garlic (minced) 1 large beefsteak tomato diced fine (remove seeds) 2 extra large fresh eggs 2/3 cup of seasoned breadcrumbs ¼ cup chopped parsley 2/3 cup of tomato puree 1/2 tablespoon of salt and pepper
Directions:1). In a large sauce pan slowly cook peppers, onion, garlic and tomato until the onions turn translucent and let cool.
2). In a large mixing bowl add ground beef, cooked cool vegetables, eggs, breadcrumbs, parsley, salt and pepper and mix well.
3). Remove the mixture from bowl and place in a 14”x 9” x 2” ceramic baking dish and form into a loaf. 4). Top loaf with tomato puree and bake in a 350 degree oven for 45-55 minutes or until brown and firm.
5). Let the loaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with mushroom gravy and mashed potatoes.
Ingredients: 2 lbs fresh ground beef 1 Spanish onion (fine dice) 1 Red bell pepper (fine dice) 1 Green bell pepper (fine dice) 2 cloves garlic (minced) 1 large beefsteak tomato diced fine (remove seeds) 2 extra large fresh eggs 2/3 cup of seasoned breadcrumbs ¼ cup chopped parsley 2/3 cup of tomato puree 1/2 tablespoon of salt and pepper
Directions:1). In a large sauce pan slowly cook peppers, onion, garlic and tomato until the onions turn translucent and let cool.
2). In a large mixing bowl add ground beef, cooked cool vegetables, eggs, breadcrumbs, parsley, salt and pepper and mix well.
3). Remove the mixture from bowl and place in a 14”x 9” x 2” ceramic baking dish and form into a loaf. 4). Top loaf with tomato puree and bake in a 350 degree oven for 45-55 minutes or until brown and firm.
5). Let the loaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with mushroom gravy and mashed potatoes.