Now Offering Vinyl Creations!

Santa gave me a Silhouette Cameo!  And my, I've been a busy girl!
Here's a preview of things to come to the Etsy shop!

It's Mine!

I have FINALLY gotten my hands on a Silhouette Cameo!!!  That Santa is a wonderful man!
I have been wanting one for a couple of years now.  Since my Pinterest addiction first began, I have been keeping a board of Silhouette projects.  I am well on my way to completing each of those pins and I'm on a search for more!

I've already personalized every iPhone in my family and I've even listed something on Etsy.

There is so much more to come!  Stay tuned for tutorials and posts about all of the amazing things my Cameo can do!

She's already been personalized!

P.S. Believe it or not, it was not this letter to Santa that convinced him!

Christmas Countdown, Day 21

Day 21: Luke 1:47-48

“My soul glorifies the Lord  and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant."

This is how Mary announced to her cousin Elizabeth that she was expecting.  We sing a beautiful song at church with this sentiment in it.  It is called Magnificat

Christmas Countdown, Day 20

Day 20: Luke 2:40

And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.

Jesus grew.
Jesus was a child.
He became strong.
This verse reminds me of the humility and vulnerability that God took on in the form of a human being.  He could have just shown up, performed a few miracles, given a few speeches, and left.  But, he didn't.
He had the whole human experience.
That leads me to the thought that Jesus really understands me. He experienced the human world physically and emotionally.  He knows what it is like to grow and BECOME.

Christmas Countdown, Day 25

Merry Christmas!!!

May your family be immersed in the Peace and Joy that comes from the Son of God!

Christmas Countdown, Day 19

Day 19: John 1:14

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Simple thoughts today: Where have you seen his glory?  Find his glory!  Seek it today!

Christmas Countdown, Day 18

Day 18: Luke 2:15

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 

Have you ever met an angel?  This time of year there are angels on top of trees, lighted angels in front yards and angels being heard on high.
What if one of those angels spoke to you?

I can't imagine living at the time of Jesus' birth.  And then I can't imagine actually witnessing his as a child.
Just think on that one for a minute.  Looking at the face of Jesus as a sweet little vulnerable baby.  It makes me think of the song Mary Did You Know.

Mary did you know that your baby boy would some day walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you.

Mary did you know that your baby boy would give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when your kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God.

Oh Mary did you know 

The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will walk again.
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb 

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding is the great I am

Christmas Countdown, Day 17

Day 17: Luke 2:12-14

This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 

Jesus is our perfect peace.  We are no longer in the turmoil of legalism.  Am I good enough today?  how about now?
The answer is always no.
Not one of us is good enough.
That's where Jesus steps in - we aren't good enough BUT HE IS!
There's some peace for you.  I believe.  I love Him, so I try to be as much like Him as I can.  But He's got me covered because His favor rests on me.
Amen!

Christmas Countdown, Day 16

Day 16: Jeremiah 31:31-34

“The days are coming,” declares the Lord,    “when I will make a new covenant
with the people of Israel    and with the people of Judah.It will not be like the covenant    I made with their ancestors
when I took them by the hand    to lead them out of Egypt,
because they broke my covenant,    though I was a husband to them,”declares the Lord.“This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel    after that time,” declares the Lord.“I will put my law in their minds    and write it on their hearts.
I will be their God,    and they will be my people.
No longer will they teach their neighbor,    or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’because they will all know me,    from the least of them to the greatest,”declares the Lord.“For I will forgive their wickedness    and will remember their sins no more.”

I truly love this scripture.  These words are directly from the Lord. He is promising a covenant of forgiveness and eternal life.
Because of that sweet Baby born in a manger, God forgives our wickedness.  Because He loves us enough to send his one and only Son to us, He remembers our sins no more.

One of my very favorite Christmas songs is O Holy Night.  It is a rare occasion when I can hear it and not cry.  I don't believe I've ever been able to sing it all the way through without my voice cracking.  You are probably familiar with the first verse, but take a moment to read through all three verses.
As you read, imagine that you've been hanging onto these words from Jeremiah 31.  You know that God has promised this new covenant and you've heard that the Messiah has come.

O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!

The slave is our brother - do not forget this.  The Lord says in Jeremiah 31 that "they will all know me."  He came for each and every one of us whether we accept it or not.  The man still in bondage is longed for by our Savior.  The woman who refuses to believe is desired by the King.  

Christmas Countdown, Day 15

Day 15: Matthew 2:1,16

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem. When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.

Herod knew how powerful Jesus was - and still is!  If there was no threat, then there would be no cause for his reaction.
I really love that the Magi found Jesus with the help of King Herod - further proof that God uses that which is meant for evil for good!  God could have provided another way, but he used King Herod to let Jesus be found by the men who brought him gifts.  This reminds me not to fear evil - God always has a plan.
The Magi realized that the King was evil and they went on to another place.  They didn't let Herod know where He was!  This, of course, sent Herod into a rage and he ordered every baby boy in Bethlehem killed.  He was so afraid of the power of Jesus that he was determined to kill as many people as he had to if it got rid of this baby Jesus.

Christmas Countdown, Day 14

Day 14: Isaiah 9:6

For to us a child is born,    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

The names of Jesus.  Who can describe the perfect one who humbled himself to give us eternity with him?  One word alone cannot cover it all.

Christmas Countdown, Day 13

Day 13: Micah 5:2

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,    though you are small among the clans of Judah,out of you will come for me    one who will be ruler over Israel,whose origins are from of old,    from ancient times.”

This passage reminds me that Jesus, the WORD was with God in the beginning.  God did not just create a Son and put Him on earth on a whim.  Jesus has always been.  He was born to us - new to earth - but he was not new to God.

His origins are from of old.
He is from ancient times.
He has been part of the plan of our salvation all along.
Sometimes I even wonder if Adam and Eve got to know Jesus before the fall.  Is that how we were created to live?  Always face-to-face with Him?

Christmas Countdown, Day 12

Day 12: Luke 2:9-11

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

This passage always makes me think of the Charlie Brown Christmas special.  I LOVE the part when Linus is on stage and says this part.  Charles Schultz knew what he was doing!  It isn't just about the tree or the gifts.  It all comes down to what this angel said.
A SAVIOR has been born!  He is the Messiah!  He is Lord!

Christmas Countdown - Day 11

Day 11: Genesis 21:1-2

Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised. Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him.

There are two ways I see a Christmas message in this passage.  First, as we await the birth of the Savior, we can look at Sarah's patience as she waited on the Lord for the birth of a child of her own.  Sarah was an old woman when she finally had a child of her own.  She waited and waited on the Lord and he rewarded her patience and faith a son.  As we wait on the Son, let's remember her patience.  It is so easy to get caught up in the Holiday hustle and bustle of shopping, baking, parties, post office visits, and last minute errands.  Let's not forget that this is a season of waiting and patience.  I tend to forget that and by the traffic I sat in yesterday, I would say many people have forgotten.

The second way I see Christmas is the parrallel of God's promise of a Son.  He promised a son to Abraham and Sarah in their old age and he came through.  He did the impossible by giving some old folks a baby.  There was not fertility clinic that they visited to help this miracle along - it was just a gift from God - a return on his promise.
God promised a way to save us through a baby - Isaiah told us that.  He sent his Son, just as promised, in an impossible way.  A virgin.  He came through on a promise he made that seemed impossible at the time.
God keeps his promises!  Let's celebrate that this Christmas!

Christmas Countdown - Day 10

Day 10: Matthew 1:19-20

Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.

I gave Joseph a lot of credit on Day 1 for his willingness to be part of this seemingly scandalous birth.
Seriously, what a brave guy.  What an example of faith and loyalty.  Before he knew that this was anything more than his betrothed having an affair, he was willing to protect her from shame.
Joseph was protective of Mary.
Once the angel appeared to him, he showed his loyalty.

The conversation with the angel could have gone something like this:
"Joseph, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife."
"Um, I didn't get her pregnant.  I'm a good guy and I don't want people to think I did this!"
"What is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit."
"Mr. Angel, I'm not sure if you know this, but the Holy Spirit does not go around impregnating young unmarried women.  I'll just quietly go away and her family can handle this."

But that isn't how it went.  After some prayerful turmoil, I'd assume, Joseph took his commitment to Mary seriously and took care of this women and her growing baby.  He became the earthly father of God's son.  The ultimate Step-Dad!
Joseph was loyal to Mary.

Christmas Countdown - Day 9

Day 9: Isaiah 7:14

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

Isaiah prophesied the coming of Christ.  During the times of our Old Testament friends, the Savior was promised.

Immanuel - God with us

What is the significance of this name for Christ?  Not only is he the Son of God.  Not only is he the Christ Child.  Not only is he the Savior.  He is God.

This is when they knew that God would be among them.

Only a few had known the physical presence of God - and none of their accounts were something as familiar as the human form.  Isaiah told us that the virgin would have a son.  And that son would be God.

Christmas Countdown - Day 8

Day 8: Acts 13:23

“From this man’s descendants God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as he promised."

Is it humbling to you that God chose to send His Son to the earth through man?  He came to save us and He used us to save.
Have you ever taken a look at that gene pool?  There are some "unsavory" folks in that family.  We all have those family members that we don't talk about very much.  His family put the "fun" in dysfunctional!

Jesus had: David the adulterer and murderer, Rahab the harlot, and Jacob the liar - just to name a few.
For a king mightier than any earthly king, why wouldn't he be born into a super-holy sinless family?  Why a carpenter and fiancee?
Because Christianity isn't for the perfect.
Salvation isn't for the clean.
He came for all of us. He was born in a barn to and unmarried virgin.  He slept in the hay where the cows fed.  He lived humbly on earth and died on a tree.  He didn't come to claim the clean.  He came to clean the dirty.

Christmas Coutndown - Day 7

Day 7: John 3:16

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

What's the best Christmas gift EVER given?  JESUS!

I'm sorry, but anything else you've ever given or received cannot compare to God giving His own Son up for us.  And with that incredible gifts comes eternal life.
Death is not the end - it is the beginning of Heavenly life that God has intended for us.
Do you believe?

Countdown to Christmas - Day 6

Day 6: Deuteronomy 11:19

Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

Part of my trek through the REAL Christmas story has brought this verse to mind.  Do our children understand the true meaning of Christmas?
I'm not one of those people who thinks you're evil if you celebrate with Santa and gifts, but I think we need to do it from the heart - for the right reasons.

So, what is the meaning of Christmas?  In my own words, Christmas is about Joy, Peace, and Hope.  Jesus, the Prince of Peace came to bring us all hope.  And that is something to be joyful about!
So, why have parties?  Parties are a time to get together and leave the hustle and bustle behind.  We get together with family and friends for a time of peace and of joy.
Why give gifts?  We share with the ones we love because that is the expression of Jesus living in us - love for one another.
Why decorate?  There's anticipation in putting up the tree and hanging the lights.  We are showing that the time is coming and we are excited about it!  Joy to the World, the Lord has come!
There's nothing wrong with celebrating as long as we don't lose the true meaning.
It isn't about partying like a rock star, going into debt, or having the prettiest yard display...it's about sharing the peace, joy, and hope that Jesus brought to our world.
Let's make sure our children know this.

Countdown to Christmas - Day 5

Day 5: Luke 2:3-5

And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

This was the day of Jesus' birth. This is how Bethlehem became the birthplace of Jesus.

This silver star marks the place that is believed to be the spot where Jesus was born.

Why Bethlehem?
This little dusty town was also the birthplace of King David.
Bethlehem was also home to many shepherds and their flocks.  Jesus was the Lamb of God - the sacrificial Lamb that saved us all.
The significance of the place may not be known to me, but I do know that he could have been born in a palace fit for a King, but the Father chose this little town of Bethlehem instead.