Peace on Earth Challenge

How 2010 Went for Me!!

This is the final week for the Peace on Earth Challenge that Courtney from Women Living Well started. I did a pretty good job of keeping up the the challenges and keeping peace in our home for December, if I say so myself anyways! We did have a very busy month with get togethers, birthday parties, Christmas, church programs, and getting kids. It seemed liked the month of December flew by, but very quietly at the same time.

I have thought a lot about the birth of Jesus and also His death. He only lived on this earth for a very short time, but accomplished so much. If it wasn't for His miraculous birth, then we couldn't of been saved by the shedding of His blood. God did send His son to save the World, so that we should not perish, but so many people don't get the fact that you have to really BELIEVE! Believe that He can save you, change you, heal you,and even  help you. The same God that created the stars and makes them stay in the sky, is the same God that saves you. He doesn't just forget about us, and we should forget about Him (ever).

Courtney made a list of topics for us to evaluate from 2010 and here is how I feel:

1. Evaluate you walk with God in 2010:

• I did read God Word a lot more than in previous years, but not daily. And I have been slacking on my 6:00 am commitment to God, so that is something that I will be working on doing. I do pray on a daily basis, but I know that I don't ''Pray without ceasing" like it says in 1 Thessalonians 5:17. So, I will definitely be making a better effort of spending time in prayer.

2. Your Marriage:

• I do feel like our marriage has grown stronger over this past year. We have been married for almost 9 years, with no kids, but hardly ever living alone. With all the different people that has lived with us, we have had to change different habits and ways of doing things. Since we have been alone for most of this year, we have been able to spend a lot of time together, and being ourselves. Honestly, I felt like a newly wed this year, with all the attention  I have got from my husband. In 2011 I think I will work on making sure that I have a gentle answer for my husband, even when I don't feel like it. I know most of the arguments that we have are because I let things get to me, and am quick to raise my voice in response. "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger." Proverbs 15:1

3. Your Children:

• I am so excited and blessed to finally be able to answer this! I just want to cry tears of happiness!! We now have 3 foster children living in our home, I will be posting more on them later. One question that Courtney asked is: "What is one thing that each of your kids need from you in 2011?" I am not going to list the kids names yet on here, because of privacy, but I will use the first letter of their names. (I) - is the oldest, and I think just needs to have encouragement to help build up his self esteem a bit. So I will be encouraging him in all of the good things that he does. (S) is the middle kid, and to me it seems that she needs some one on one attention. (M) is the youngest and the most independent. I think that he needs to see that we are always here to help him, if he needs it. All of the kids will be working on daily Bible reading and learning how to pray from your heart and not just the same prayer everyday.

4. Health:

• I really don't want to go here! LOL I didn't stick with any healthy habits this year, but that is something that is going to have to change! I know that my body is a living temple to God, and I should treat it as such. I don't drink, or smoke, or any of that bad stuff, but, I could eat a lot healthier and exercise more. So in 2011 I will be working on cooking, fixing, and eating healthier and smaller portions of food. Also I will be working on getting regular exercise by my self and with the husband and kids!

5. Ministry:

• We have finally found a church that we can use the gifts that God has given us, and still be encouraged and be mentored by the older couples. (It's really nice to have older women to look up too!) So we are getting a Puppet team going finally! So in 2011 I will be working on being more serious about using the Puppet Ministry to reach the youth in our church.

The last part of Courtney's challenge is to choose a theme word for 2011. I have thought about this since last night, and prayed about what God would have me to choose. My word is COMMIT! Proverb 16:3 says, "Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established." I want to commit my day, my marriage, my kids, my health, and my ministry to the Lord in 2011!

Peace on Earth Challenge

This past weekend was great. We had three kids for 3 days, and we had a great time. It was a very busy weekend for me, what with cooking, and cleaning and laundry. Plus we were trying to get to know the kids, and allow them to get to know us, all with trying to have fun! We went to the movies, the zoo, we ate out a couple of times, and most importantly went to church with them.

From what we learned from the kids, they are not use to going to church consistently on Wednesday or Sunday nights. We however are at church every time the doors are open and love the fellowship and learning that we get during this time. We love to learn about God and we love to teach about God! Below is a couple of verses that pertain to this topic.

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Hebrews 10:25

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Matthew 18:20

We have to stick together and lift each other up, encourage each other and pray for one another! If we don't gather together Satan can easily get into each of lives, and eventually into our churches! But each of these starts with us guarding our own personal lives. To do this we need to put God first!

As of right now the plans are that we will get the kids again on the 26th and it will be a more permanent arrangement, instead of just a visit. We look forward to teaching these kids about the love of Jesus and the peace that He brings to our lives!

This weeks challenge is: Christmas is just 5 days away and so much of our time is often spent helping the children to remember the "Reason for the Season". Now it's our turn. Once the kids are in bed get yourself a HOT drink (again we are warming the body as we warm the soul.) Get ALONE and turn out the lights by your Christmas tree, a lit fire, or a candle and just be alone with God. Pray, talk to him, I encourage you to sing Christmas carols or songs praising him, and just rest with Jesus.

I have not done this yet, but I look forward to doing it! I would like to wish everyone of you a very Merry Christmas, and remember that Jesus is the reason for the season and He should be placed first in our lives!

News...

So we got some news today.

We aren't certified Foster/Adoptive Parents...yet. But we should know something, hopefully tomorrow! However we did get some other, rather exciting news today!

They have already called us to schedule a weekend visit with a set of 3 kids! I am beyond excited. I don't think there is a word for it! There is 2 boys and 1 girl in this group of kids, ages 11, 10 & 7.

Surely they wouldn't want to place kids with us, just to deny us certification right? That would be just plain mean.

So hopefully, this weekend we will have kids at our house! Know I know that anything is possible, and that the kids could absolutely hate us, but what if they love us! I have been praying for God to prepare the our hearts for "our" kids and their hearts to want to learn about His amazing love for them. No matter how much we love them, or they love us, they have to learn about God's love, or no amount of human love will fill that void in their heart.

I do have another prayer request...
I know that there are some out there that have been waiting for a very long time, and aren't making any progress at all on their certification (not because of them, but because of the workers!) So I would like for us all to pray for them in particular, that progress starts to be made, and that they will become parents sooner, than later! I don't "know" them personally, but from what I have read on her blog, I know she will be a wonderful Biblical mother to any kid that is to come into their home!

Peace on Earth December Challenge: Week 3

REST

Oh how I love my rest! I really and truly do. I use to be a really good morning person. I could go to bed really late and still be able to get up at any time, and go with a smile on my face.

Not any more. It just doesnt' happen. My body needs some rest. I will say that in the past I would lay awake and worry about EVERYTHING! I would wake up with headaches, just because I was so stressed out about things. This is something that Derreck has helped me with over the years. He has lead me to learn to put my trust in the Lord on many topics. Some are still a work in progress, but most are fully in God's hands!

The scriptures Derreck would always remind me of are found in Matthew 6:25-34.

25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?


27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:


29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.


30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?


32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.


33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.


34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

God WILL provide for us IF we see the kingdom of God and His righteousness first! I know this now! Sometimes the devil does sneak back in and tries to get me to worry, and it is hard to push him away, but I know all I have to do is seek God, and He will take care of me!

These days I have another reason why I am not getting enough rest. First, let me say, that I promised God that I would spend time with Him at 6:00 each morning and Derreck is helping me hold true to me word. Second, I do like to go to bed with Derreck, since he is gone for half a month, when he is home, I like to spend as much time with him as possible. So sometimes we do end up staying up really late. And after awhile of not getting much sleep I am crabby. Forth, I am a very LIGHT sleeper. If Derreck moves, I am usually awake. But the main reason I get awakened many times during the night are...

Yep...Those two boogers. This picture was taken almost a year ago, so Nimrod has grown (a lot).They take turns at night keeping guard. Once you get use to one growling and barking the other takes over. Thor is a Great Dane and Nimrod is a Chocolate Lab. If you haven't been around these two types of dogs when they are barking, well they are LOUD. Especially when they are by the bedroom window. It's horrible especially at night.

However for the past 3 or 4 nights, I have put them in the shop. It is completely dark in there, and they have no choice but to lay down and go to sleep! So that means that for the past 3-4 nights I have got 6+ continuous hours of sleep! And let me tell you it is SO nice. I wake up relaxed, and energized. I don't fell like I am dragging by the middle of the day. I haven't taken any naps! Plus I have done all kinds of things during the day.

This weeks challenge is to: Pull out your calendar and SCHEDULE a night where you will go to bed very very early. Take your Bible with you to bed and read in bed for at least 5 minutes. Read in Isaiah 7:14, Micah 5:2, Jeremiah 23:5, and Isaiah 53. These are prophecies that were fulfilled by the birth and life of Jesus. Get extra blankets for a warm nights rest, pray God gives you deep rest and that no one wakes you. Then turn out the lights and sleep.

I plan to do this tonight and get my week started of right! Also something that I am going to work on is not staying up every night with Derreck. It defeats the purpose of me spending time with him if I am a grouch during the day because I am so tired. So I will be going to sleep at around 10ish to get the rest I need to be a joyful wife and woman of God!

'Twas The Night Before Jesus Came'

'Twas The Night Before Jesus Came'

written by Unknown Author

'Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house

Not a creature was praying, not one in the house.

Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care

In hopes that Jesus would not come there.

The children were dressing to crawl into bed.

Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.

And Mom in her rocker with baby on her lap

Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.

When out of the East there arose such a clatter.

I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!

When what to my wondering eyes should appear

But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.

With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray

I knew in a moment this must be THE DAY!

The light of His face made me cover my head

It was Jesus! returning just like He had said.

And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth,

I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.

In the Book of Life which He held in His hand

Was written the name of every saved man.

He spoke not a word as He searched for my name;

When He said "it's not here" my head hung in shame.

The people whose names had been written with love

He gathered to take to His Father above.

With those who were ready He rose without a sound.

While all the rest were left standing around.

I fell to my knees, but it was too late;

I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate.

I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight;

Oh, if only I had been ready tonight.

In the words of this poem the meaning is clear;

The coming of Jesus is drawing near.

There's only one life and when comes the last call

We'll find that the Bible was true after all!

Peace On Earth Challenge

This weeks challenge is to slow down, and take some time for ourselves. Courtney wants us to take a Bubble bath and read about the birth of Jesus in Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2. The main focus of the bubble bath was not only to relax, but to focus on God. To take some away from everyone and everything else and spend some time with the Lord.

I had got a Bath Set the night before from our Sisters of the Lord the night before, so what better time to do take a nice, long bubble bath for my birthday! It was so relaxing! I did not read my Bible, because anyone that knows me, knows that I am clumsy! But I did spend that time thinking about the birth of Jesus and thanking God for sending me a Savior! This was the first bubble bath that I took in almost 2 years, and let me tell you it was long over due. I plan on taking more a lot more often!

As I think about the many things that are on my to do list, I have no worries. I am going to do my best, to complete everything that needs to be done, but I am NOT going to stress and get angry because something does not get done. I am also working on better time management in my life, and I know that if God is first in my everyday life, the important things are going to get done!

And Courtney had the photo on her post for this challenge, and I absolutely love it!

Why Santa is Not a Part of Our Christmas

"Thou Shalt Have No Other God"

Exodus 20:3

Santa Claus...

Hmmm...

This is a hard post to write. I know that someone out there is not going to like this post. I don't know who they are or why, but I know it's going to happen. Honestly, I only have 12 followers, so I don't know who will even read it, but I do know that this is a hot topic, just like Holloween. So I will say this...

I don't know any of you. I don't know your hearts. I don't know your relationship with the Lord. But, this is something that has been on my heart since before Thanksgiving and I think it's something that others might need to think about. God doesn't want us to put ANYTHING before Him. How do I know this? Because He wouldn't of made the first commandment "Thou salt have no other gods before me," if He did. With that said, who is Santa Claus?

Santa Claus is also known as Kris Kringle, which also translates to Chriskindl. This word Chriskindl means: Christ-Child. There are different versions of this "Christ-Child" depending on the region you live in. One is an angelic child that is sprite-like and brings gifts to kids who have been good. Another is Santa who also brings gifts to only the good kids.

By calling someone "Christ-Child" you are saying that they are like Christ, and can do the same things that He can. God judges who is good and who is bad, not a man or child like figure. By promoting Santa we are putting something before God, making an idol out of a man or child like figure.

There are many similarities between Jesus and Santa. SO many that I think that Satan has allowed the two to blend together, and is now pushing Jesus further and further into the shadows. Below I am listing the similarities but I am going to back Jesus up with scripture. I ask you to read the scriptures and listen to God's Word and the Holy Spirit.

JESUS CHRIST: OUR LORD AND SAVIOR ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE SANTA CLAUS: THE COUNTERFEIT ACCORDING TO MYTH OF MEN

                                                            
1. JESUS -Has white hair like wool (Rev 1:14)    
    SANTA - Has white hair like wool

2. JESUS - Has a beard (Isaiah 50:6)                    
    SANTA - Has a beard

3. JESUS - Comes in red apparel Isaiah (63:1-2)    
    SANTA -  Comes in red apparel

4. JESUS - Hour of His coming is a mystery (Luke 12:40; Mark 13:33)
    SANTA - Hour of his coming is a mystery
5. JESUS - Comes from the North where He lives (Ezekiel 1:4; Psalm 48:2)                         
    SANTA -  Comes from the North where he lives: North Pole

6. JESUS - Is a carpenter (Mark 6:3)                     
    SANTA - Is a toy carpenter

7. JESUS - Comes as a thief in the night. (Matthew 24:43-44)                  
     SANTA - Comes as a thief in the night. Even gains entrance to homes as a thief.

8.  JESUS - Omnipotent -- all powerful (Rev 19:6) 
      SANTA - Omnipotent -- can deliver all the toys of the world in one night

9. JESUS - Omniscient -- knows all (Hebrews 4:13; 1 John 3:20)                          
    SANTA -  Omniscient -- knows if you have been good or bad, for the entire year

10. JESUS - Omnipresent (Psalm 139:7-10; Ephesians 4:6; John 3:13)          
      SANTA -  Omnipresent -- sees when you wake or sleep. Has to be everywhere at once to be able to     deliver all the toys in one short night.

11. JESUS - Ageless, eternal (Rev 1:8; 21:6)          
      SANTA -  Lives forever

12. JESUS - Lives in men (1 Cor 3:16;  2 Cor 6:16-17)                     
      SANTA - Lives in the hearts of children
    
13. JESUS - Giver of Gifts (Ephesians 4:8)               
      SANTA - Giver of Gifts

14. JESUS - Absolute Truth (John 14:6)                  
      SANTA - Absolute Fable - (1 Tim 1:4; 4:7; 2 Tim 4:4)

15. JESUS - Sits on a throne (Rev 5:1; Heb 1:8)       
      SANTA - Sits on a throne

16. JESUS -We are told to boldly go to the throne of Grace for our needs (Heb 4:16)   
      SANTA - Children are bidden to approach his throne to ask for  anything they want

17. JESUS - Commands children to obey parents       
      SANTA - Tells children to obey parents

18. JESUS -Wants little children to come to Him (Mark 10:14)       
      SANTA - Bids children to come unto him
19. JESUS - Judges (Rom 14:10; Rev 20:2)           
     SANTA - Judges whether you were good or bad

20. JESUS -Everlasting Father (Isa 9:6; Heb 12:2)    
      SANTA - Father Christmas

21. JESUS - Christ Child (Matt 1:23; Luke 2:11-12)   
      SANTA - Kris Kringle (means christ child)

22. JESUS -Worthy of Prayers and Worship (Rev 5:14 Hebrews 1:6)              
      SANTA - Prayers and worship to "St. Nick" by children

23. JESUS -Lord of Hosts (Mal 3:5; Isa 8:13; Psalms 24:10)                          
      SANTA - Lord over a host of elves - (In Druidic religion, elves are demons or tree spirits

24. JESUS -God says, "Ho, ho ... (Zechariah 2:6)       
       SANTA -Santa says, "Ho, ho, ho ..."

25. JESUS - Prince of Peace, the Image of God (Isa 9:6; Hebrews 1:3)             
      SANTA -Symbol of World Peace, the image of the Christmas Season


In the world that we live in today, we have to constantly govern the things that we allow into our lives. Any thing can become an idol, without us realizing it. I would also like to bring up the fact that if you tell your kids that Santa is going to bring gifts, then you go and place gifts out instead, you are telling you kids a lie. No matter how big or little a lie is still a lie. We should live our lives by example and if we lie to our kids then, they think that it is okay to lie.
 
I also know that Santa is out there and no matter what you tell your kids, you are going to have to constantly remind them of it. So don't just brush your kids off, explain to them about the truth of Christmas and the non truths.
 
Jesus has something that Santa can never offer! Jesus offers an eternal life! But YOU have to choose to follow Him DAILY! It's not just a prayer you say. You have to live your life for Him, and have complete faith in HIM! You have to do everything pleasing to God and not the world. Just because standards are lowered doesn't mean that Biblical standards have. We should strive to be men and women after God's own heart!

What Christmas Means to Me

What does Christmas mean to you?

Christmas is almost here and when you go any where you see people rushing about looking for that perfect gift for each person on their list. The more time you spend in town the worse the peoples attitudes get. By the time you get home you have a headache and are yelling at the ones that you love the most. Is this what does Christmas mean to you?

Is it Christmas only if there is presents under your perfectly decorated tree? Is it rushing around to buy that perfect gift? Is it working all day long to cook that perfect meal for your family? A lot of people today don't understand the real meaning of Christmas. They aren't teaching their kids the real meaning of Christmas. Today's Christmas to a child is, "What is Santa going to bring me and it better be good." and "What else am I getting from everyone else?" This is so far from what and how Christmas should be taught!

I don't know what Christmas means to you but this is a little what it means to me:

Luke Chapter 2 tells the story of Jesus' birth.

There was a decree sent out by Caesar Augustus that all of the world should be taxed. Everyone had to go to the city of his lineage in order to be taxed. Joseph being of the house and lineage of David had to travel to a city in Judea which was called Bethlehem in order to be taxed. With him traveled his espoused wife who was great with child. While they were there the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. So she brought forth her first born son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger because there wasn't room for them in the inn.

In the same country there was shepherds in a field keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared and said to the shepherds "


Fear not for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.


For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger"

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly host praising God and saying "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and good will toward men." And so after the angels left the shepherds said to each other, "Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us."  And so they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the babe lying in a manger. When they saw what was told to them was true they went away praising God and spreading the good news that Jesus Christ our Savior was born on this day.


If Our Lord and Savior can come into this world and be laid in a dirty manger, why do we need all of the fancy decorations that we have? I'm not saying that they are wrong but remember that Jesus is the reason we celebrate Christmas. Jesus has been replaced by the story of Santa Clause and that is all kids are being taught today. Please teach your kids about the birth of Jesus!

I did find some where on line (a couple of years ago) an article about what "Christmas" decorations are suppose to symbolize. It's so hard to get things that we have been taught all of our lives out of our heads and our hearts. Teach your kids the meaning of these decorations and put your families complete focus on Jesus this Christmas!
When you look at your Christmas tree remember: That an evergreen tree's pure green color remains all year long, and depicts the everlasting hope of mankind. All the needles point heavenward, making it a symbol of man's thoughts turning toward heaven.
When you look at the star topping your tree remember: That the star was the heavenly sign of promises long ago. God promised a Savior for the world, and the star was a sign of fulfillment of His promise.
When you look at all the candles you have lit around your house remember: That the candle symbolizes that Christ is the light of the world, and He is the only one who can displace the darkness we so often feel in our lives.
When you look at the wreath on your door remember: That the wreath symbolizes the nature of love. Real love never ceases. Love is one continuous round of affection.

When you look at the gifts under your tree remember: That the gift represents generosity and good will. But most of all the gift represents the best gift of all: For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish but have EVERLASTING life.

When you look at the Holly Leaf remember: That the leaf represents the crown of thorns worn by our Savior. The red berries represents the blood shed by Jesus on Calvary.
When you look at the candy cane remember: The candy cane represents the shepherds' crook. The crook of the staff is used to bring back strayed sheep to the flock. The candy cane is a symbol that we are our brother's keeper and should be worried about one another's salvation.

When you look at all the angels remember: That the angels were sent by God to herald the glorious news of our Savior's birth.

When you hear the twinkling sound of a bell remember: That lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell. The bell symbolizes guidance and return to our Lord and Savior.

So before you teach your kids about Santa Claus coming and the wonderful presents he will bring, teach them about the real reason for Christmas. Jesus was born in to a world of sin in order to die on a cross for our sins so that we may have everlasting life. If kids aren't taught this when they are young about Jesus, chances are they won't want to learn when they get older. Don't let all the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season make you forget the real reason we have to celebrate:

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord"

Luke 2:11.

And just because I love this picture of Derreck and our niece Cheyann I'm going to share it on this post.

I love that man! He is going to be a great father one day.