"There are many of us willing to do great things for the Lord, but few of us are willing to do the little things." 

D.L. Moody

Making Christmas Cookies

Mix it up...

Cheesy grin...

Decorating...

More decorating...

Yum!

The end result!

CHRISTmas...

Is All About CHRIST!

    C – Counselor

    H – Holy One

    R – Redeemer

    I – Immanuel

    S – Shepherd

    T – Truth

    M – Mediator

    A – Anointed

    S – Saviour 

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

Isaiah 9:6

When God Considers You Faithful

Did you ever consider when God sends trials and tribulations your way, that He considers you faithful enough to go through them? Job was chosen by God to go through what he did because he was faithful. In Luke 1:26-38, we see where the Angel came to Mary to tell her "Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women." Mary had "found favour with God." He considered her faithful and chose her to bare His Son.

Think about what Mary went through in those days. She was engaged to Joseph, then she turned up pregnant. Imagine how everyone talked about her and shunned her. And what about Joseph?! Here he is engaged to this woman and now she's pregnant. (Unfortunately these days, this is not uncommon. But, in those days it could have been fatal.) We later see that an angel came to Joseph in a dream, Matthew 1:20-25, and told him what was really going on. Then he married her, but didn't "know" her until after the baby was born.

God considered Mary faithful enough to endure the hardships of having and raising His Son, AND enduring His crucifixion. Sit and ponder ALL that entailed. For me, it makes me feel very humble at what He considers me faithful enough to endure - and ashamed at all the times I've complained. 

Had to share...

Lindsey was so excited to start putting up the tree!

She found the jingle bells in the box!

Daddy was helping too!

Decorating

She found a Christmas hat in the box too!

Lindsey picking out decorations

Some pictures of our tree and decorating! Yes, we have actually put up a tree EARLY! Thanks to Curious George, we put it up on November 30th! It is a pretty tree, and I've enjoyed having it up because Lindsey enjoys it. So, the new traditions will start!!

Jesus Is The Reason For The Season!

Santa rides in a sleigh...

JESUS rides on the wind & walks on water

Santa lets you sit on his lap...

JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa says, "You'd better not pout, you'd better not cry,

"...JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me"

Santa puts gifts under your tree...

JESUS became our gift on a tree

Santa sneaks and plays...

JESUS seeks and saves!

Romans 13:7 - Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour

May we this Christmas Season give the Glory to the Lord for His great love towards us!

CHRISTMAS

CHRISTMAS: 

C- is for the CHRIST child born upon this day: 

H- is for HAROLD of Angels in the night: 

R- is for REDEEMER: 

I- means ISRAEL: 

S- is for the STAR that shone so bright: 

T- is for THREE Wise men, they who traveled far: 

M- is for the MANGER where He lay: 

A- is for ALL He stands for: 

S- means SHEPHERDS came, 

and thats why there's a CHRISTMAS Day!

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:7

Christmas is in the air!

Merry Christmas!

For the first time in many YEARS we have put up a Christmas tree before mid December! (Thanks to Curious George's Christmas movie - about 7 times so far, just since last week!) This was actually taken yesterday, so we even had it up before December!!! Lindsey enjoyed putting on decorations - for about 10 minutes, then it was all for Mom to finish. That's ok though, she has enjoyed seeing it decorated and lit. Can't wait to see how she reacts to presents being put underneath! I'm definitely looking more forward to Christmas this year!

To every thing there is a season

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

We should remember that all things are in God's timing, and there is a time for all things. This is a passage special to my heart because it was read at my mother's funeral after her passing seven years ago today. It was her time to go, even though I wasn't finished with her.  But, it has more meaning than that because it's so true in all ways and can be applied in many areas of our lives.

Today as we take our little girl to another doctor to hopefully get some answers about why she's not walking, it will probably a time of more weeping, but also a time of building up - of our strength, knowledge, and love.

God's timing is perfect. And, in all things HE should get the glory.

"When the wicked beareth rule"

When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. Proverbs 29:2

I am NOT one to talk politics, but this verse really struck me this morning. Our country is in such a sad state of affairs these days. The rulers our our great nation are gradually taking away our rights. As Christians we need to stand together and, at the very least, be in prayer for our country and it's leaders.

Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD. Proverbs 29:26

Many times, all some want to do is to be in favor of the ruler, and try to pacify him by agreeing with everything he does. Be weary of those who always agree with, or vote for, everything our "leader" wants. He's not the one we need to seek approval from!  

As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people. Proverbs 28:15

Also interesting was this verse from yesterday's Proverbs chapter.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving! Remember to take the time to thank the Lord for all He's done in your life!

 Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Psalm 103:1

John 14:18 - I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

"The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe." Proverbs 18:10

"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7

When we have a need, the LORD is the only place to go. Only HE can give us the true peace we need.