Holiday 2021 Issue

SC Off the Grid Holiday Issue 2021

Connecting at Christmas Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.

Hamilton Wright Mabie

On a frosty December morning, I talked with my girls, Lynsey and Laura, about God’s gift to us in Jesus. I reminded them how God gave us an undeserved gift, the hope offered to us through the birth of Christ. The pure love of our Heavenly Father who gave, without condition, continued to amaze me.

Then, I challenged, “How could we not respond to Him who loves us so?”. I suggested doing a special family project to underscore the message of Christmas. Even though they were children, I urged them to think about selfless giving with no expectation to receive. “God uses servants of all ages,” I said.

Lyndsey, then fifteen, popped up with, “We can make a gift basket for one of the old people at church!” Living with a teen had taught me to seize and rally around any act outward thoughtfulness, so I encouraged her idea.

Nine-year-old Laura chimed in, “Yes, we can put stuff together and give it to ‘em for Christmas.” We all agreed that a surprise gift basket would be our family project.

“Now, who’ll be the recipient?”, I asked. Laura suggested several names of senior citizens at church.

After much discussion, we settled on “Mr. Paul.”

Paul, known in our home as “Mr. Paul,” was a cheerful, kind, rotund gent. He and his wife had a long, loving marriage, but no children. In fact, except for his wife, Mr. Paul had no living family. Each Sunday, Mr. Paul and his wife faithfully worked in the church’s sound booth recording services for the homebound. They felt it was their ministry. They also felt it was their ministry to “hush” the children chattering in the hall. Often, they were the eyes and ears of absent parents.

But early that year, Mr. Paul’s wife had received a diagnosis of terminal cancer. Within months, his world changed as he buried his wife and partner of fifty years. We knew it’d be a particularly lonely Christmas for Mr. Paul.

Parties, shopping, rehearsals, baking, and festive dinners filled our weeks following that family project discussion. We were busy, yet through the demanding schedule, we each thought of Mr. Paul.

Lyndsey found an attractive basket large enough to hold a multitude of treasures, including lip balm, aftershave, and a package of chocolate truffles. While baking, we set aside some homemade cookies and candy for Mr. Paul. On shopping trips Laura always found an unusual keepsake and, eyes twinkling, would say, “Mr. Paul will like this!” Then we’d tuck her chosen gift in our shopping cart. Lynsey made a Christmas card, and Dad jumped in with gift suggestions from a man’s point of view: a tie, devotional book, and wallet. Together, we came up with a variety of presents to pack in our gift basket. We imagined Mr. Paul’s reaction. Lynsey thought he’d cry. Laura thought he’d laugh.

The time spent focusing on another person gave me multiple opportunities to remind my girls of God’s gift to us - how satisfied God was giving of His treasure. As our basket and anticipation swelled, my girls began arguing over which one would offer it. We hurriedly put in our final treats, and Laura cheerfully decorated the basket. Her homemade bow and carefully placed tissue paper made it a beautiful gift.

The Sunday before Christmas arrived, and our family eagerly but gently carried the bulging basket into Church . Lynsey and Laura both held onto the handle, each afraid the other would get all of the credit. My husband and I followed close behind.

Mr. Paul sat in his small, glass-enclosed cubicle turning knobs on the complex control panel. The girls stumbled over each other in their eagerness to get up the two steps to his level. Hearing the commotion, he turned toward them. When his eyes fell on the basket, my girls shouted, “Merry Christmas!” and shoved it in his direction. With a look of genuine surprise, he reached out to accept our gift. His aged arms cradled it as tears welled up in his blue eyes. For a moment, there was silence, but he spoke volumes through his grateful expression.

My girls still muse over that year of our first family project when the Christmas message lived in their hearts - a gift given, a gift received.

By: Brenda Nixon

SC Off the Grid Holiday Recipes Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies Ingredients You’ll Need for This Recipe •

Sugar

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Butter

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Milk

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Unsweetened cocoa powder

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Vanilla

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Quick oats

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Peanut Butter

How to Make No Bake Cookies First line two baking sheets with parchment paper (or just spread a long sheet of the parchment onto the counter), or have 29 cupcake liners set out.

Then in a 2.5 – 3 quart saucepan combine sugar, butter, cocoa powder and milk.

Remove the mixture from heat then immediately add in vanilla, peanut butter and oatmeal. And stir to blend well.

Drop mixture onto prepared parchment dropping 2 Tbsp at a time (a medium cookie scoop works well here or just use two large spoons).

Let cookies set then enjoy! If you want to speed up setting transfer to refrigerator. Store the cookies at room temp in an airtight container.

Gingerbread Cookies INGREDIENTS 3/4 c.

(1 1/2 sticks) butter, softened 3/4 c. packed brown sugar 2/3 c. molasses 1 large egg 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract 3 1/4 c. all-purpose flour 1 tbsp. ground ginger 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp. ground cloves 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg 1/2 tsp. kosher salt 2" piece fresh ginger, grated (optional) Zest of 1 orange (optional) 1/2 tsp. finely ground black pepper (optional) Sugar Cookie Icing, for decorating Sprinkles, for decorating.

DIRECTIONS 1. In a large bowl using a hand mixer, beat butter, brown sugar, and molasses until fluffy, about 2 minutes.

Add egg and vanilla and beat until combined.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, spices, baking soda, and salt until combined. With the mixer on low, gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, as well as fresh ginger, orange zest, and black pepper (if using), until dough just comes together. (Do not overmix!)

3. Divide dough in half and create two discs. Wrap each in plastic wrap and chill until firm, about 2 to 3 hours. (Alternatively, divide dough in half and roll each piece of dough between two pieces of parchment to 1/4" thick. Chill until firm.)

4. Preheat oven to 350° and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Place one disc of dough on a lightly floured surface and roll until 1/4" thick. (Alternatively, peel off both sheets of parchment from dough, then replace one sheet of parchment back underneath dough.) Cut out gingerbread men with a 3" wide cutter and transfer to baking sheets.

5. Bake until slightly puffed and set, 9 to 10 minutes, depending on the size of your cookie cutters. Let cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Repeat with remaining disc of dough. Decorate with icing and sprinkles as desired.

Santa Riding Through Surfside Parade December , 2019 Before the Pandemic

The Southern Lady’s Gift guide We all know that most men have no clue when it comes to shopping, so we have put together the top 10 list to help y’all fellers out.

Lady’s get ready, they may actually get it right this year :) 1: There’s always a New Car. This years preferences would be a 2022 Yukon Denali. Black on Tan :) Bell and Bell, 2491 Hwy 9 East, Little River, SC 29566 - 843-213-6641 2: Jewelry, does your lady prefer diamonds, pearls, or just fashion jewelry. You can stop at any Boutique in the area, or any Jewelry store to find all that you need for the woman that loves to flash a little. The best place in SC that I know of for all of the above is Genelles in Lancaster, SC. You can shop in store or online www.genelles.com. Genelles, has all of your gift wrapping and everything you need for that special lady right in house. You can personalize it too. 803-289-1100 3: What about a Spa Day? You can find a full scale spa like Beauty And The Beach in Little River, SC. Offering Hair, Nails, Massage, Facials, Spray tans, and Jewelry there too. Check them out on Face Book, or give them a call at 843-390-3700 4: Some ladies love the outdoors and all ladies love great boots and guns. There’s a few places that carry both. Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Nichols Store (Rock Hill, SC), Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Academy Sports are all great places to shop for your active outdoor girl.

5: Is she a wine lover? The Carolina’s are full of Winery’s. Treehouse Vineyards in Monroe, NC has Treehouses that you can stay in over night. You have the Wine Country of Hendersonville, NC, absolutely beautiful anytime of the year. Duplin Winery in Myrtle Beach, they have a wine club to boot. La Bellamy Vineyards in Little River, SC has great events all season. Check them out and pick one.

6: For the Crafting girl or the Grandmother that loves to sew, you can never go wrong with things from Hobby Lobby. They have all things crafting and décor. Baking, Crafting, Sewing, Farmhouse Décor, etc. Give her a budget and take her on a shopping spree. Make sure you take the truck, you will need it.

7: For the Shopaholic! Concord Mills, Tanger Outlets, Grand Strand Mall, Columbiana Mall, etc. Take her on a day trip to all of her favorite stores. Give her a budget or go broke, we don’t care, just let us shop!

8: Horse Drawn Carriage Ride and a Fancy Dinner for two - There’s a few places that are best suited for this one. Downtown Ashville, you can do it all at The Biltmore, or just go Downtown. There is always Charleston and Charlotte. What better date than a Carriage ride all snuggled up, then going to eat at your favorite restaurant. MMM MMM GOOD! 9: A day off. If you have a new mom, or even a mom with teenagers, this is your chance to take the kids for a day. Make mom breakfast in bed, give her complete access to nothing and no one but herself for the day or make it the entire weekend. Moms work hard to keep things in order, give her the break that she deserves.

10: Tight Budget - Cook her favorite meal or have someone cook it for you, candle light and some cute flowers is all she will need to feel special. Maybe just a new sweater and some leggings. Be “Fancy Like” Applebee’s on a date night. We aren’t that complicated or hard to please. I promise!

Why is it always so hard to shop for those special men in your life?

Why don’t they give us hints like we give them all year long? I mean who can go wrong with more shoes, jewelry, fuzzy pajamas, or just that Victoria’s Secret Gift Card and a Romantic Date.

Ladies, this is a list of things that you can buy for those special guys from any budget!

1: Salt Water Charter Fishing Trip - You can look up most of these online - I recommend Cherry Grove Marina. Give them a call for dates and pricing. https://cherrygrovemarina.com - 843-487-7008 2: Guided Hunting Trip - You can never go wrong with this one, if he is an Outdoorsman. Blake Hodge and The Wrecking Crew are the perfect team to take your guy out with his friends, or to even make new friends - https://www.facebook.com/Team-Wrecking-Crew - 803-320-3417 3: Create your own Bar Crawl for him and his buddies. Get them a limo, or rent a van for them to have a DD for the day. Prepay tabs at all of his favorite spots - Start at Archie’s or Boardwalk Billy’s, then to the OD Arcade, Bouy’s on the Boulevard, Murphy’s, Nick’s NY Pub, then home to sleep it off.

4: What about a Full year of Carwashes for the guy that loves to keep his ride clean. Plus this is for you too. I know I don’t like riding in a dirty truck or car. https://detrickscarwashinc.com - 5 locations.

5: Does your guy love a massage or a pedicure - Choose any spa of choice. A guys spa day would include a nice cut and shave too.

6: Does your guy have a “side by side”, 4– wheeler, or Jeep? He would love Carolina Adventure World for a weekend. They have events - year round, and aren’t too far for the drive. http://www.carolinaadventureworld.net - 803-482-3534 7: What about a Race Fan? We live in the perfect state for Racing fun! For NASCAR you have Darlington and Charlotte. What about the 4 wide Z-MAX, next to the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Then a day in Down Town Charlotte at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. You can even buy a ride experience for him. https://www.charlottemotorspeedway.com 8: Do you have a golfer? NO golfer could turn down a day of golfing. What better place to be on a warm spring day than golfing at Tide Water. https://tidewatergolf.com - 843-466-8754 9: Does your guy collect guns and love to shoot them? Or just love to shoot? Palmetto State Armory is your go to guide for all things gun. https://palmettostatearmory.com - 803-724-6950

10: Last but not least. If you are on a tight budget this year, and still want to make sure that the guys in your life feel extra special this Christmas, here’s a few ideas that may help you.

- Movie Night - A Movie he wants to see, some popcorn, and soda - Dinner - What is his favorite food, or his favorite restaurant (Homemade Biscuits) - Fishing - What about a day at a local pond. He can go alone, or go together - BBQ Kit. If he likes to cook on the grill, you can usually find one for under $50 I hope these help, and if you have any ideas for Valentine’s or Next Christmas, please email them to owner@mindydenae.com or mail them to: 5400 Little River Neck Road, Lot 11 North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

From the Publisher:

The Braves won the World Series this week!

“I was paralyzed by Fear”. Dansby Swanson

Hey Y’all!

“Dream BIG and Survive”, has always been my catch phrase or Motto. My entire life I have been chasing one particular dream. That dream has done nothing but break my heart over and over again. What is that dream you say? That dream is to be loved! To be loved intimately. Why, is this my biggest dream? Because, I truly believe that God has that ONE special person that He created just for me. That one person that no matter where I am on earth, that he will make me smile, make me feel loved. Let me just say, that sex is intimate, but I swear to you the kind of love that I am talking about has nothing to do with sex! It is the deepest sense of longing that anyone’s heart can desire. That Faith and Tim McGraw kind of intimacy that you see in the way that they sing to each other. The way that Johnny Cash talked about June. This is my dream. This is so many of ours dream.

I have thought a few times that I found this dream. I didn’t because there has always been one main ingredient missing. That ingredient was God! I was putting all of my faith in a man, and not God. I also allowed fear to keep me in situations that God never intended for me. I was born to love others, so that part comes easy for me. I have learned the hard way so many times that GOD has to be there, for it to be RIGHT! No matter if it is in your dating life, your work environment, or even so called friendships, God has to be there, for it to be in His Will! If He is not and you start asking Him to guide you and direct you, He will eventually remove you from the things that are going to hurt you. Why? Because, God loves you more than any man or friend ever could. He loves you even more than your family loves you. He loves you more than you could ever even love yourself.

Once you figure that part out, you will start seeing the other dreams that you have come into place.

There’s a saying that folks say a lot around here that goes, “God brings people into your life as either a lesson or a blessing”. I don’t know about you, but I sure would rather have blessings. I also know that without the lessons, we would never see the blessings.

I have always Feared the unknown. Every time I start going down the wrong path whether it be in the wrong relationship, wrong line of work, wrong anything, God has always put the brakes on and turned me around. I have left Him over and over again, but He has not once, left me. He has held onto me at deaths door more than once. He has kept food on my table, nice clothes on my back, transportation, and a nice home for me to live in. There have been so many times that I have completely messed up, and have not had a clue where my next meal may come from, or where gas was coming from in my car, or whether or not my power or water bill was going to be paid on time, or rent was going to be paid on time. He has shown up in the least expected, craziest places, even the most unlikeliest people that I could imagine.

Are your dreams lining up with Gods for your life? If not today is the day that you need to turn to Him, and tell Him that you need His help. I have to have His help everyday to carry me through. I need that help! Every time I try to do anything on my own without His guidance I mess up!

I LOVE Y’ALL! May He Bless you and keep you today and always!

LOVE, MINDY DENAE

A Covid Time If I were to rewrite Alan Jacksons song about 9/11, it would be about the past year and a half of Covid. I have my own personal thoughts and opinions, but that is not what this is all about. This article is about nothing but reflection since the middle of March 2020, when the world actually did stop turning.

Where were you? My daughter, her Mimi, her Pawpaw and I were on the Interstate riding back from my sons Basic Training Graduation, somewhere between Missouri, and Tennessee. The news kept telling us to go pick up all of our basic needs as well as things like hand sanitizer and Lysol. We stopped at a Wal-Mart in the nearest town. Mimi and Pawpaw stocked up and bought enough of toilet paper to definitely last more than a month.

We made it back to SC, healthy and in tact. The Military base that my son was stationed at, was completely shut down to outside traffic the very next day. I remember thinking to myself that no matter what, he was the safest out of all of this, just in case this was some kind of attack that we all needed to prepare for. I was also worried a little more at that point. Wondering, just how serious could this be.

I made it back to the beach the next day. Everything on the news was worse. They kept repeating how we all had to lock ourselves in our homes. How it was mandatory that we not go to work or school. The next day was Monday and suddenly the schools were shut down all across the USA. The media was putting fear into everyone. This was the first time in my life that I had seen anything like it. It was worse than people swarming to stores before snow storms. Talks of being arrested if you were found out, other than for essential purposes. God is not of Fear! But we all stayed home!

Schools were the 1st to shut down. Businesses that were not considered essential were the next thing to shut down. People in the Big Cities were looting and beginning to riot. We in the south were preparing for the worst. Ammunition was selling out. Toilet paper, canned goods, dry goods, paper towels, water, hand sanitizer, surgical mask, anything that you would need to stay home for at least 14-days or longer. Did you know that Psychologist say it takes 14-days to break a habit? Also that 3 days without sunshine and outside contact may cause depression. Why would I want to stay home and away from people that I love for 14 day? We had to or suffer consequences. It was all fear.

We have been in the midst of this pandemic now for 20 months. 20 months! Why? Because the world wants us to FEAR. Again, God is not a God of fear! He is a God of Love! You cannot love properly by sitting at home away from the others that you love! This is not God’s Will! God’s will would be for us to be around those that we love and care for them as much as possible. I myself have not sat back and stood in fear. I have not had Covid-19 or the virus of it. I have not stressed over it and I will not stress over it. I have several friends and family members that have gotten sick over this past year and a half, even a few to unfortunately pass away. We don’t know what they actually passed away from. I know of 3 people that actually did pass away from true Covid-19 related issues, but also know of a few more that have passed away from the Flu. No, I am not trying to make light of what is going on in the world or with folks getting sick and some even dying from this possible deadly virus! I am not telling you to not wash your hands or disinfect your cars and homes of germs. These are things that in all honesty should come naturally. What I am saying is STOP living in FEAR! Matthew 6:27 ESV “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his life?”

To those that have been sick with Covid-19, those that are still struggling to get their lives back to whatever normal there is left, and especially those of you that have lost a loved one, due to complications from this disease, know that my prayers are with you! I am sorry for your loss, if you have lost a loved one. The past year has been a rollercoaster ride for our Nation and many others. We all need a revival of healing. We can have make a revival happen if we take this Christmas season and actually show love and spend time with those that we care the most for. We can turn all of this around if we throw Fear out the door, and live each day to the fullest.

The Bible speaks of not being in Fear 365 times. That is not a coincidence. Our Calendar of days are 365. We are coming up to a New Year. Why not take that New Year to a whole new level of NO FEAR! Stand up for what is right no matter how hard it may seem! May God be with you all during this Holiday Season, and may He stay with you through the New Year to come and after!

Covid-19 Death Toll Facts from the CDC: Table 1. Deaths involving coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), pneumonia and influenza reported to NCHS by time-period, jurisdiction or occurrence, sex and age-groups. All States, All Ages, All Races 2020 2021.

1: Deaths from all causes - 6,153,908 2: Deaths involving pneumonia - 679,284 3: Deaths involving Covid-19 and pneumonia - 389,170 4: All Deaths involving influenza - 9,418 5: Deaths involving pneumonia, influenza, or Covid-19 - 1,055,133

Isaiah 40:13 ESV “But they who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like Eagles; they shall not run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint”

Photo Courtesy of Dennis Donahue Covid 19 Facts : https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/vsrr/covid19/index.htm Year to date 11/10/21

Domestic Violence and PTSD By: Mindy Denae Everyone has battled something! Myself included. God allows the strongest to survive, so that we can help others! Domestic Violence is real folks! It is a very very sad world that we are living in. The Depression from Violence is excruciating at times! The constant wondering if you will ever be enough will get the best of anyone! Don't let PTSD and Depression control your life. It is crippling.

When you feel Depressed CALL ME! I will do all that I can to get you the help that you need. I have my person to call and she has me!

Lifetime PTSD affects about 10% of women and 5% of men in the general population. The sex difference may be due to genetics and/or to the fact that women experience the civilian traumas of childhood sexual abuse, rape and domestic violence more often than men.

1 in 4 Women are abused by a partner. 1 in 6 men are. 1 in 3 women will suffer some form of Domestic Abuse in their lifetime. Rather it is Child Molestation, Date Rape, Rape, or Physical, Sexual, Mental, or Emotional abuse from their partner.

Many women or men, never leave the situation. Many leave and go back. More leave and go to someone else with the same violent nature.

The Holidays are the worst time for Victims of Domestic Violence. Please help those that need a way out.

I AM LUCKY! WELL BLESSED! My family has helped me get through, but PTSD is real! I know several women and men with PTSD. These people need to feel loved and appreciated constantly!

When they don't, they think way too much and their health is affected.

Please again, I urge you to help if it is just to pray for someone just like me! You never know what someone hides behind their smile!

Domestic Violence Hotline - https://www.thehotline.org - 1-800-799-7233(SAFE) To learn more about surviving Domestic Violence or other

Violent acts, connect with us. offthegridmindy.wixsite.com\dreambigandsurvive

Or call us at

843-591-6863 We are here to help!

704-810-1000 Serving Charlotte and Raleigh

(803) 216-1875 Will have Holiday gift collections available Exclusively through

Imperial Gifts Find both on FACEBOOK almaandevestreeofsense@gmail.com imperialgifts803@gmail.com

SC Off the Grid Communications Would like to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving And a very Merry Christmas!

843-591-6863 www.mindydenae.com