The Difference between Jesus and Santa

REMEMBER:

Jesus is Better than Santa

Santa lives at the North Pole.

JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh

JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year

JESUS is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies

JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited

JESUS stands at your door and knocks.. and then enters your heart.

You have to stand in line to see Santa

JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap

JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, What's your name?"

JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly

JESUS has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is HO HO HO

JESUS offers health, help and hope.

Santa says "You better not cry"

JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you.

Santa's little helpers make toys

JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle but

JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree

JESUS became our gift and died on the tree.

It's obvious there is really no comparison.

We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.

We need to put Christ back into Christmas.

Jesus is still the reason for the season.

--Unknown Author

Unfortunately, I can't take credit for this wonderful message. It is so important that we don't forget to celebrate the real reason of the season. My Grandma sent me this message through an email and I had to share it with all of you. What are your thoughts on this subject? :)

Many Christmas Blessings,

SC Trip- Aunt Cathy and Uncle Allen's House

On the way to SC on Wednesday...

My Daddy

Crossing the Border

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We got to my Aunt Cathy and Uncle Allen's house about 3:00 on Wednesday, but I didn't take any pictures while we were there that night. Here are the pictures of our wonderful Thanksgiving Day.

Outside of the window in the bedroom that Katie and I used.

The back porch. We didn't sit out there this time because it was so cold, but we love to sit there when we go in the spring or summer. It's a perfect place to read a good book.

Mom cooking in the kitchen.

Andrew and Uncle Allen frying the turkey. It was so good!

Cooking the potatoes, corn, beets, and field peas.

Deviled eggs (Thanks to Katie) and cranberry sauce.

Checking on everything.

Around the house

Andrew relaxing while waiting for the food. :)

Daddy and Andrew

Still waiting...

After we ate our Thanksgiving meal, we went down to the stables.

Buddy and Taffy

Katie

Andrew had so much fun on the go-kart! :)

Around the stable...

Left to right-Katie, Mom, Daddy, and Aunt Cathy

While we were there, we took pictures for our Christmas card.

Thank you Mom and Daddy for taking them!

Here is the final one that we used. I'm glad that's over. :)

Sisters

That's what we did forThanksgiving! I'm sorry it took me so long to post them. It's been really busy at my house. Stay tuned for part 2 of our trip...Charleston South Carolina! I'll post them as soon as I can.

Christmas Blessings,

P.S. Thank you Mom, Daddy, Katie, and Andrew for taking some of the pictures above. Love you guys! :)

Availability?

Do you ever feel like you don't have time to spend time in the Word or you aren't good enough because you don't do something that someone else does? I have my quiet time every morning, but sometimes I just don't feel like I've had enough time with the Lord. I try to have more time with Him later in the day, but that doesn't always happen. I just read this on Christ Notes.org and it helped me wrap my mind around this better. I want to have more availability for Him and I'm going to try harder now that I've read this...

God is not necessarily looking for ability, He is looking for availability.


Some Christians doubt that God can use them, because they don't have any great talents or skills. However, God doesn't necessarily look to use people with great talent; He examines the heart (see 1 Samuel 16:7).

Paul wrote, in 1 Corinthians 1:26-27, Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.

God often chooses to use lowly or seemingly foolish people so that He can show His greatness through them.
When you think you have it all together and have everything going in your favor, then you won't lean on God--you'll rely on your own strength. But if you know that you can't do something on your own, then you'll rely on God for strength--and that's when God can show His greatness.

Every single person has amazing potential to do great things for God. Regardless of your talents, you can do outstanding things for God. All God is looking for is people like David, who have a right heart that is open and available for God to work through.

If you find yourself broken and in obvious need of God's help, don't despair. God can use you anyway, because God is not necessarily looking for ability; He's looking for availability.

Don't feel bad just because you don't have the talents that someone else you know has or you don't have the same relationship with God that they do. Be yourself and God will love you the way that you are. He wants you to spend time with Him, in the His Word, and grow in your walk with Him. He is not going to throw away the key because you don't spend time with Him 24/7 or you don't have 7 different talents.

In Christ,

Prayers for the Duggar Family

Mrs. Duggar delivered her 19th child (Josie Brooklyn) on Thursday and she was only 25 weeks along. Please be praying for the Duggars and their new baby. Josie was born 3 months early by an emergency c-section. An article about it can be read here.

Many Blessings,

T'was The Month Before Christmas

I saw this on Emily Shae's blog and I thought I would post it on here as well.

*T'was The Month Before Christmas*

*When all through our land,*

*Not a Christian was praying*

*Nor taking a stand.*

*See the Police had taken away,*

*The reason for Christmas - no one could say.*

*The children were told by their schools not to sing,*

*About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.*

*It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say*

* December 25th is just a ' Holiday.*

*Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit*

*Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!*

*CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod*

*Something was changing, something quite odd! *

*Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa*

*In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.*

*As Target was hanging their trees upside down*

* At Lowes the word Christmas - was no where to be found.*

*At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears*

*You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.*

*Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty*

*Are words that were used to intimidate me.*

*Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen*

*On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !*

*At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter*

*To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.*

*And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith*

* Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace.*

*The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded*

*The reason for the season, stopped before it started.*

*So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'*

*Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.*

*Choose your words carefully, choose what you say*

*Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS , not Happy Holiday!*

Please, all Christians join together and wish everyone you meet during the holidays a MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Christ is 'The Reason' for the Christ-mas Season!

By His Grace,

MMS Quilt Giveaway

The Long Ladies are hosting another lovely quilt giveaway. This time they are giving away one of two of their lovely “Happy Scrappy Quilts!

The one on the far left is the lovely and elegant “Darla” quilt, and the one on the far right is the crazy, wonderful, and bright “Garden Party”quilt! I had a hard time choosing my favorite.

More pictures of the quilts...

Darla

 Garden Party

Head over to their blog HERE to enter in the giveaway and let them know which one you would like to win.  Also, please tell them that I sent you over!


Blessings,

Happy Thanksgiving!

For All that You Give Us

Dear Lord,

On this Thanksgiving Day,

we are thankful

for all that You give us,

for all that You do for us,

for all that You teach us.

Thank You for guiding us

to live our lives

in Your will,

in Your purpose,

in Your plan for us.

Thank You for Your protection

from worldly influence and danger.

Thank You for bringing us gently

to a deeper knowledge of You

and what You want from us,

with Your love, mercy,

compassion and grace.

And thank you, Lord,

for the blessings

we are experiencing right now

at this very moment--

the food,

and the precious people

who are with us

to enjoy this meal

and this day.

Thank You, Lord. Amen.

By Joanna Fuchs

Right now, we are in South Carolina at my Aunt Cathy and Uncle Allen's house. We will be back sometime on Sunday. Enjoy your Thanksgiving!

By His Grace,


Clip art from: http://www.christmas-graphics-plus.com/free/thanksgiving-animated-gifs.html
Poem from: http://www.poemsource.com/thanksgiving-poems.html

Answer Post

What you think on modesty and other issues like that? I think that's a future post in itself. :)

What books have you found most helpful and encouraging (fiction and non-fiction)? The Bible, So Much More, Before You Meet Prince Charming, The Satisfied Heart, The Millie Keith Series, Anne of Green Gables, Little Women, The Remarkable Women of the Bible by Elisabeth George. I have many more helpful and encouraging books, but I can't remember them right now.

What kind of homeschooling curriculum you use? I use Math Relief for Algebra, Beautiful Feet for History, Grammer Keys for English, Apologia for Biology, Jan's Illustrated Computer Lit, Beth Moore's Esther Bible Study and an Entrepreneur Class. Do you like it? Yes! What would you change about it? I wouldn't trade a thing. :)

Do you like sports? I have never been into sports, but if I had to pick a sport to play I think it would be tennis. I do like to watch some college football and hockey.

Do you play an instrument(s)? I used to play piano when I was little, but I stopped after about a year and a half of playing. I love music and I wish I could play more piano, but I really can't add anything else to my plate at this time in my life. One of my life goals would be to learn to play violin, guitar, or take piano lessons again, though. :)

What is your favorite historical era? The early 1700's-1800's.

What do you do in your day? I'll do this as a future post after the holidays. :)

What are your hobbies? Taking pictures, baking, scrapbooking, reading, shopping, blogging, sewing, quilting, interior decorating, and making jewelry.

What is your favorite part about blogging? Getting to meet new people and the encouraging comments from my readers.

Where do you get most of your clothing (modest clothing)? I get most of my clothes from department stores in my town, (Khols, JCPenny's, Belk's and Ross Dress For Less) or hand me downs from Katie.

Blessings,

Coupons

Mom bought something from Vision Forum recently and they sent out a coupon for $10 off her next purchase when she buys something online. The coupon expires December 24th and she is not going to use it. We thought one of you might be able to use it since she is not.

If you leave me a comment with your email address then, I'll send you the code. (I moderate all comments so your email address will not be seen by the public)

Also, I bought this blue jean skirt yesterday at Chadwick's. This is a $34.00 skirt and I got it for only $13.98! I was so excited that I had to share the coupon with you as well. Shop online at Chadwick’s and use coupon code CH15OFF to save $15 on any purchase of $15 or more. The offer expires 11/23, and you will need to pay shipping for your purchase.

God Bless,

And...I'm Back!

I missed you all while I was away, but I was able to get a lot of sewing accomplished during those 11 days. :)
 
I even took some pictures for you all to see.

Cutting patterns out.

My 1770 Stays...

 The next step is to sew bias tape around the edges like this...

After that, I have to make holes on both sides...

I hope my stays will look like Katie's (pictured above) when I'm finished with them. :)

Ramdom shots from the the sewing room/sunroom.

Katie found these items a few months ago for her little shelf. I just love the Paris theme!

Have a good evening!

Blessings,

Blogging Break

Hello Lovely Blogging Friends!

I have decided to take a blogging break. I have some projects to get finished. I'll see you all soon! :)

Happy Blogging!

Love In Christ,

FF Challenge Day 6 and 7

Day 6 and 7 of the "7 Days in a Dress" challenge put on by Feelin' Feminine. This month's challenge is hosted by Jessica.

Sorry I'm so late in getting these up...

Day 6:

Pictures by Andrew. 

Sweater-From Katie.

Skirt- From Katie

Boots-Rack Room Shoes

Day 7:

Skirt-From Katie

Boots-Rack Room Shoes

Shirt-Macy's

Jacket-Ross Dress For Less

I'm so glad I did the challenge. I recommend doing it if you haven't already. It's so much fun to mix and match outfits and do different hairstyles for each day. :)

Have a lovely evening!

Saturday/FF Challenge Day 5

Saturday started out bright and early for my family. We had to leave the house at 7:45 so we could be at Andrew's soccer game at 8:00. It was his last soccer game. His team played really well this season, but they didn't win the game on Saturday. I think part of the reason was because it was so cold out there. lol It was in the low 30's! We were bundled up in lots of layers and we brought some warm blankets with us to the field. :)

After the soccer game we came home, got some lunch, did a few little things around the house, and then we headed at the door again for a fall party at 2:00.

Here are a few pictures from our day...

Here is the outfit that I wore for the day...

Pictures of me by Sarah-Anne. Thanks again SA! :)

In Christ,

FF Challenge Day 3 and 4

Whew! This week has gone by so fast! I didn't have time to post pictures last night because I got home late from helping a friend at her house. Katie and I help her clean and pick up her house almost every week. She is a single mom of three children and has to work. I am so glad that we can bless her with what she needs done around the house. :)

This is the outfit that I wore yesterday...

I am having a lot of fun with the challenge this week, although it's difficult to find 7 different outfits to wear that are warm enough and look nice. :)

Today, we cleaned house, Katie and I helped babysit some children at a ladies Bible Study, we had our Bible Study, and after I click the publish button for this post…it's off to bed. :)

Here is the outfit that I wore today...

We have Andrew's soccer game at 8:00 in the morning and a fall party later in the afternoon. It should be alot of fun! I'll try to take some pictures...that is if my camera gets charged before then. ;)

Have a wonderful weekend!

Much Love,

Emily

FF Challenge Day 2

Here is my outfit from today...

Dark Blue Jean Skirt-Fashion Bug
Jacket/Sweater- Consignment Shop
Brown Ballet Flats-JCPenny
Jewelry- Silver Earrings
Hair- I pulled it up in the back, twisted it, and used a clip to fasten it.

God Bless,

FF Challenge Day 1

This week I'm taking part in the "7 Days in a Dress" challenge put on by Feelin' Feminine. This month's challenge is hosted by Jessica.

This is what you have to do while doing the challenge:

1. Wear skirts/dresses for a week.

2. Try a different hair style each day.

3. Post a picture of your outfit each day or if you don't have a blog send your outfits by email to your friends and challenge them to do it with you. The more ladies that do it the more fun it will be. :)

Here was my outfit from today...

Jean Skirt-Fashion Bug

Pink T-Shirt-Kohl's

Brown Ballet Flats-JCPenny

Now, I challenge YOU to join me on this challenge. Please comment and link back to me so that I know where to check out your posts!

Have a blessed week!