Category Archives: Holidays

Apr23

The Toughest Job In The World!!

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Mother’s Day is May 11th

Go!

Love on a Mother!!

Amen!

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Proverbs 31:28

“Her children arise and call her blessed…”

Proverbs 1:8-9

“…and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.

 They are a garland to grace your head  

and a chain to adorn your neck.”

Jan3

Guess Who’s Turning Seven?!?!

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Yup, Our Precious Little Girl!!

(a.k.a. Our Crazy Siberian!)

This Is What They Look Like!!

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(Photo received through e-mail-photographer unknown)

When they’re puppies!!

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(Photo received through e-mail-photographer unknown)

When they have blue eyes!!

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When they’re caged!!

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When they’re giving love!!

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When they’re trying to sneak some Thanksgiving dinner!!

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When they’re definitely spoiled!!

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When they want, “More, Please!”

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When they’re part of the family now!!

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Just like another child!!

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When we can’t remember what life was like without her!!

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Even though she knows she runs the show around here!

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Hey, wait a minute…what’s that?!?!

That wasn’t here before!

Is it Christmas, already???

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And when they turn seven…

And they’ve had a big day!!

Happy Birthday, Crazy Girl!!

We love you soooo much!

Thank you for all the joy and love you give us!

We pray for your health!

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And thank you for taking such good care of us!!

Amen!

Jan1

Happy New Year!!! So, Were You At Jesus’ B-Day Party?!?!

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The Story Of Christmas…

As told by the children of St Paul’s Church, Auckland, New Zealand.

(Anyone is welcome to show this film publicly,

but not change it in any way, publish/broadcast it, nor make money out of it.)

Except for Joe. You can connect with his music here: https://www.facebook.com/EzraVine

Check out our prequel: Good News of Great Joy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttInl1…

Our new kids’ film: Star News Bethlehem: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBaTUw…

And our Christmas doco: O Little Town of Bethlehem: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjQDl9…

You can download this film here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/3ju8ogav90r…

Unless there are too many downloads, then you’ll need to wait a few days.

And you can download the transcript here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/rf9q12k92ek…

We all celebrated here!

It was a blast!

And we all agree…

This is the cutest version of the Christmas Story we’ve ever seen!!

Dec14

The Night Before Christmas…The World Didn’t Know!

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“Redemption so sweet and so strong…

Salvation was writing a song…”

Empty manger, perfect stranger, about to be born.
Into darkness, sadness, desperate madness, creation so torn.
We were so lost on earth, no peace, no worth, no way to escape.
In fear, no faith, no hope, no grace, and no light
But that was the night before Christmas.
Warm hay, cold sweat, a mother, not yet.
Praying godspeed the dawn.
She looks to her man, holding her hand. They wonder how long.
And the shepherds, wise men come to find them, and bow to a king.
One star above shining on love, so bright, it lit up the night before Christmas.

And the world didn’t know mercy was meek and so mild.
And the world didn’t know that truth was as pure as a child.
The night before Christmas.
The night before Christmas.
And the world didn’t know, redemption was sweet and so strong.
And the world didn’t know salvation was writing a song.
The night before Christmas.
The night before Christmas.
The night before Christmas.
Empty manger, perfect stranger, about to be born.

I wonder if you’ve heard the story
Of little fame and lesser glory
The night the keeper of the inn
In the little town of Bethlehem
Encountered Joseph and his Mary
About to birth the Savior of the world.
His wife said, “Go and see who’s knocking.”
He ran down to the gate, unlocked it
The moment he heard Mary’s cry
He couldn’t look them in the eye
Denied them in, went back to bed
When his wife asked who was there, he said…
“I don’t know… Just a girl
Just a couple of gypsies begging at the door
Told them we don’t have room for anymore
And closed the door
It was just a girl” He tried to sleep, but wasn’t able
He snuck out to the dirty stable
Where two had found the covering
And later in her suffering
The keeper knelt outside the barn
And in the light of that great star, he prayed
“What have I done? He’s just a babe
Just minutes old there trembling in the hay
I could’ve found a room for them to stay
I’m so ashamed
He’s just a babe.”

There was no robe
There was no crown
The shepherds stood on Royal ground
The keeper wept, for what he’d done
He turned away, God’s own Son

Just a King
Just a million angels crowding in to see
Jesus there among humanity

Just a babe
Just minutes old there trembling in the hay
Staring at His mother in the face
She’s just a girl

Just a girl
Does she even know that she just changed the world?
Does she even know that He will save the world?
Does Mary know that He will save the world?
She’s just a girl
Just a girl
Just a girl

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If you told me all about your sorrows

I’d tell you about a cure

If you told me you can’t fight the battle

There’s a Baby Boy who won the war

The war was won by a Baby Boy

Alleluia, we can sing it

Alleluia, Heaven’s ringing

Alleluia!

Endless hope and relentless joy started with a Baby Boy

Oh, before that silent night

No Savior and no Jesus Christ

The world cried out so desperately

And the Baby Boy was the reply,

Yes, Heaven’s reply was a baby boy

Alleluia, we can sing it

Alleluia, Heaven’s ringing

Alleluia!

Endless hope and endless joy started with a Baby Boy

See, the King is coming down

And He’s here without a crown

The Baby Boy without a bed

Giving life back to the dead

And hear the angels shout it out

As the people are coming down

Unexpected majesty

Alleluia, what a King

Alleluia, we can sing it

Alleluia, Heaven’s ringing

Alleluia!

Endless hope and relentless joy started with a Baby Boy

Alleluia, we can sing it!

Alleluia, yeah, Heaven’s ringing!

Alleluia!

Endless hope and relentless joy started with a Baby Boy!

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He’s knocking…

Make room for Him, now…

In your heart…

Don’t turn away God’s own Son…

This Christmas!

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Dec12

“Tis The Season!!! Oh, I Need A Silent Night! Badly!!

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Luke 2:4-7

“And Joseph also went up from Galilee,

out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David,

which is called Bethlehem;

(because he was of the house and lineage of David.)

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there,

the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son,

and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger;

because there was no room for them in the inn.”

I’ve made the same mistake before
Too many malls, too many stores
December traffic, Christmas rush
It breaks me ’til I push and shove

Children are crying while mothers are trying
To photograph Santa and sleigh
The shopping and buying and standing forever in line
What can I say?

I need a Silent Night, a Holy Night
To hear an angel voice through the chaos and the noise
I need a midnight clear, a little peace right here
To end this crazy day with a Silent Night

December comes then disappears
Faster and faster every year
Did my own mother keep this pace
Or was the world a different place?

Where people stayed home wishing for snow
Watching three channels on their TV
Look at us now rushing around
Trying to buy Christmas peace

I need a Silent night, a Holy Night
To hear an angel voice through the chaos and the noise
I need a midnight clear, a little peace right here
To end this crazy day with a Silent Night

What was it like back there in Bethlehem
With Peace on earth, good will toward men?

“There were shepherds out in the field
Keeping watch over their flock by night
And the glory of the Lord shone around them
And they were so afraid

And the angels said, ‘Fear not, for behold
I bring you Good News of a great joy that shall be for all people
For unto you is born this day, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’

…And His Name shall be called, Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace.” 

(Luke 2:8-11, Isaiah 9:6)

I need a Silent Night, a Holy Night
To hear an angel voice through the chaos and the noise
I need a midnight clear, a little peace right here
To end this crazy day with a Silent Night
To end this crazy day with a Silent Night

“Silent Night”

Silent night, holy night,
All is calm, all is bright

Round yon virgin mother and Child.
Holy Infant so tender and mild,

Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.

“Silent Night” was written by a Catholic priest, Joseph Mohr, pastor in the Austrian Alps in a little town of Oberndorf.

It was Christmas Eve, 1815, when he meditated on the wonderful story of the birth of Christ and wrote the sweet, simple verses of this song.

The next day he took them to the village schoolmaster, an organist, Franz Gruber, who prayerfully put them to music that fits them so quietly and so well.

And that night they had the choir sing it for the first time with only guitar accompaniment, since the organ had broken down .

Through the years this sweet song drifted out to the world and now millions of people rejoice as they sing.

Read the entire post at:

http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Books,%20Tracts%20&%20Preaching/Printed%20Sermons/Dr%20John%20Rice/silent_night.htm

Call on Jesus…

To find your Silent Night…

This Christmas!!

Amen!

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Dec6

Have You Finally Figured Out…What Christmas Is Really All About?!?!

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It’s Christmas time again…

Spread some good cheer…

Volunteer…

Sing!

Grin from ear to ear… 

Christmas time is here!!

Ha!  Ha!  Ha!  Ho!  Ho!  Ho!

Christmas has nothing to do…

With livin’ for yourself…

Let the Light of Christmas shine through…

Your eyes, your smile…

You know you can…

Shine on…

Through the good you do for the people that don’t have it so good!

Light up…

Show the way…

Don’t wait for Christmas Day!

Light up…

And finally figure out…

What Christmas is all about!!

Oh!  Oh!  Oh!  Oh!  Oh!

Hear the sound?

A thousand angels singing out!

To God Almighty.. .

We’re bowing down…

And that’s what Christmas is all about!!

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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.”

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Isaiah 9:6-7

“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.
Of the greatness of His government and peace
    there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
    and over His kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
    with justice and righteousness
    from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
    will accomplish this.”

Amen!

Dec6

You’re Here…Joseph’s Lullaby…This Is Christmas!!

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Luke 2:1-20

“And it came to pass in those days,

that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee,

out of the city of Nazareth,

into Judaea,

unto the city of David,

which is called Bethlehem;

(because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there,

the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

 And she brought forth her firstborn son,

and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger;

because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country

shepherds abiding in the field,

keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them,

and the glory of the Lord shone round about them:

and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them,

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 the heavenly host praising God,

and saying,

 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

 And it came to pass,

as the angels were gone away from them into heaven,

the shepherds said one to another,

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 they came with haste,

and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

And when they had seen it,

they made known abroad the saying which was told them

concerning this child.

And all they that heard it wondered at those things

which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these things,

and pondered them in her heart.

And the shepherds returned,

glorifying and praising God

for all the things that they had heard and seen,

as it was told unto them.”

Amen!

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Aug3

Check With God!

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Many people say many things…

I’d like you to_____

I wish that you would_____

Why can’t you_____

You really should_____

Why don’t you_____

You need to_____

I can’t understand why you won’t_____

Don’t____

Oh, you must_____

When will you_____

Stop thinking about_____

Stay on track with_____

Take responsibility for_____

How can you_____

We need you to_____

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And expect you to do many things…

Stay calm

Get excited

Go to work

Stay Home

Have a baby

Make more money

Have another baby

Quit your job

Volunteer

Help out more

Be a great Mom/Dad

Step up

Be a team player

Care for your parents

Give some money

Give more time

Teach your kids

Be perfect

Focus on your job

Cook healthy meals

Keep in shape

Be organized

Be spontaneous

Clean the house

Go have fun

Work hard

Be studious

Mow the lawn

Be polite

Be assertive

Plant a garden

Handle a sick child

Create holiday traditions

Keep in touch with the in-laws

Understand your spouse

Be strong

Be ladylike

Be manly

Be sensitive

Be independent

Send cards

Buy gifts

Delegate

Pay the bills

Organize the carpool

Find anything in the house that’s lost

Read minds

Be confident

Have a sense of humor

Always have an alternate plan ready

Fix the toilet

Save for college

Sign up for classes

Look good

Read your Bible

Spend time with your family

Get everyone ready for back-to-school

Supervise homework

Help at church

Service the car

Throw a party

Buy groceries

Redeem coupons

Bake cookies for school

Watch the news

Run errands

Change your hairstyle

Lose some weight

Buy new clothes

Join a gym

Read more

Take care of pets

Do the laundry

Pick up the kids

Plan the vacation

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Etc.

Etc.

Etc.

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Whew!!

This is exhausting stuff…

Trying to please everyone!

STOP!

Check with God!!

Say, “I’ll pray about it!”

Be who He wants you to be!

That’s what pleases Him!!

1 John 5:14-15

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God:

that if we ask anything according to His will,

He hears us.

And if we know that He hears us—

whatever we ask—

we know that we have what we asked of Him.”

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Romans 12:2

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world,

but be transformed

by the renewing of your mind.

Then you will be able to test

and approve what God’s will is—

His good, pleasing and perfect will.”

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John 8:28-29

So Jesus said,

“When you have lifted up the Son of Man,

then you will know that I am He

and that I do nothing on My own

but speak just what the Father has taught Me.

The One who sent Me is with Me;

He has not left Me alone,

for I always do what pleases Him.”

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Proverbs 16:7

“When a man’s ways please the Lord,   

He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”

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Trying to do it all???

Relax!

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Ask in prayer and obey!!

Jesus will give you joy for the things He wants you to do!

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Let Jesus take your burdens to lighten your load!

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Don’t be pressured by the world!

Psalm 118:8

“It is better to take refuge in the Lord
    than to trust in humans.”

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You’re confidence is in Christ!!

The opinion that matters is His!

1 Timothy 2:5

“For there is one God

and one mediator between God and mankind,

the man Christ Jesus…”

Simplify your life!

Listen to One Voice!

The world doesn’t dictate…

The culture doesn’t define…

God’s voice is the loudest…

At all times!!

Before you take a new job…

Take on a new volunteer position…

Do another chore…

Let go of things God says are not yours!!

Suggested reading: 

Kingdom Man by Tony Evans

Kingdom Woman-Embracing Your Purpose, Power, and Possibilities by Tony Evans and Chrystal Evans Hurst

“…your life flows through different seasons.  Each of these seasons carries with it different time constraints, blessings, and demands.  To try to do all things without being cognizant of the season you are in is the surest way to burnout and even bitterness…Yet God never said that you would receive praise for trying to please others….Place what God says and what God requires as the highest priority in your life.”  Chrystal Evans Hurst

Jul27

Friendship Is A Beautiful Thing!!

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My dear friend, her family, and their dog traveled this summer to…

Door County, Wisconsin…

Let’s take a look at her beautiful photos!!

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Ahhhh…peace and quiet!!

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I see their dog feel’s right at home!!

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She snapped this photo for me…

The Italian!!

So I’d feel welcome, too!

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I love this beautiful 4th of July floral arrangement!!

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Vibrant colors in a background of lush green!!

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Deep purple…

The color of royalty!!

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Lilac-colored lollipop flowers???

Can we blow on these???

Or run with them in the wind???

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Cotton Candy, anyone???

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Pick me a big bouquet!!!

Genesis 1:31

“God saw all that He had made,

and it was very good…”

2 Corinthians 13:11

 “Finally, brothers and sisters,

rejoice!

Strive for full restoration,

encourage one another,

be of one mind,

live in peace.

And the God of love and peace will be with you.”

Amen!