Thursday, December 24, 2009

The Reason for the Season

Those of you who know me well know that I cannot stand preaching or condescension especially when it comes to religion.  Often, because the people trying to spread a message are so narrow minded, the message itself is rejected and lost.  I got this reminder from my "sister" Michelle after Thanksgiving and kept it for the past month to remind myself about the wisdom of this message and try to separate the wheat from the chaff. 


Letter from Jesus about Christmas -- 
  
It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. 

How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own.  I don't care what you call the day.  If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER. 

Now, having said that let Me go on.  If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town. 

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree.  It was I who made all trees.  You can remember Me anytime you see any tree.  Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were.  If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8. 

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list.  Choose something from it: 

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love, and hope to soldiers away from home.  They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year.  I know, they tell Me all the time. 


2. Visit someone in a nursing home.  You don't have to know them personally.  They just need to know that someone cares about them. 

3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year.  Then follow up...  It will be nice hearing from you again. 

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them.  Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here.  Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them. 

5 Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her. 

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless?  Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference. 

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there.  Give them a warm smile and a kind word.  Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one.  

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary-- especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name. 

9. Here's a good one.  There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive.  If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you. 

10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian.  Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence.  Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine. 

Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself.  Just love Me and do what I have told you to do.  I'll take care of all the rest.  Check out the list above and get to work; time is short.  I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court.  And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember:

I LOVE YOU,

JESUS


Today's BE newsletter from GOOP was also very enlightening.  These newsletters have made me like Gwyneth Paltrow more that any of her movies ever could.


Happy Holidays to you all! Whatever your beliefs may be, you'll always have a place to share them with me.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Keep Calm...






I know that I am way behind posting but I just had to post these printable calendar's from this etsy store.
They make me smile!

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

December Daily - 9


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Guess where I was tonight!  The kids came too since Josh had his first Basketball game.  They had fun, made crafts and got to eat ice cream too.  No raffle baskets for me this year, which I guess is fair since I still owe Stacy money for them :).  Had to change up the color so it shows better on the white background.  I like it!

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

December Daily - 8


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I didn't adopt a cute bunch of girls!  Boone and I had a date tonight.  We went to the Mall to watch the winter music concert for his school.  He absolutely loves the "Dragon Jam" marimba band and can't wait to be in 4th grade so he can join.  It was pretty fun and these kids are fantastic.  We also watched the orchestra and chorus but...that wasn't the highlight for us!

Monday, December 7, 2009

December Daily - 4, 5, 6, & 7








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A busy weekend puts me a little behind but I actually remembered photos every day!
Day 4 - A trip to Hood River for a ride on the Polar Express
Day 5 - A great concert with great seats and great friends at a great venue in The Dalles
Day 6 - Little buddies burning some energy after a weekend together
Day 7 - The real subject of the day, Josh's Grandma Prock celebrates 80 years

Thursday, December 3, 2009

December Daily - 3


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We went to "Family Night" at Boone's school tonight and listed to Christmas Stories and had cookies and cocoa.  The stories were read by the fantastic librarian, Miss Tri-Cities, and the wonderful retired Principal Sauer.  Mr. Sauer read "The Polar Express" complete with sound effects and a jingle bell for everyone in the audience.  It was great!

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

December Daily - 2


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Time for the tree unveiling.  Now it might take a week or more to add lights and ornaments but it is standing!  We are going fake this year to save a little money.  Not enough time to head to the mountains to find our own, maybe next year.  The moon was absolutely amazing tonight!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

December Daily - 1





I love Kindergarten!  I was looking forward to an evening of digging out red and green construction paper, slicing strips and sharing stapler duty between both boys to create the "count down" chain that we make every year.  When Boone got home from school, he excitedly whipped this beauty out of his backpack!  Already done and the top is in the shape of a cute little bell with a poem and glitter.  Let the count down begin...

Thanksgiving 2009


Thanksgiving Dinner at Gram and Papa's!
Crab Wontons, Hot Artichoke Dip, Turkey and Roastbeef and Grandma O'Neals Famous Rum Cake!