2012 Recap

The year is coming to a close.  Right now Frank is somewhere over the Atlantic winging his way to Zurich for his last layover before Tel-Aviv.  He will be in Israel until the 9th.  We had soup supper at church tonight and took down all the Christmas/Chrismon ornaments.  Frank has established his shop for his scroll saw art and did a killing business from October to December.  He gave me a corner to make my chimes....so I lovingly have named it....Karen's Korner....real original huh?  I learned to do some minimal crocheting and am making this lacy little scarves as fast as I can ....I get two to a skein.  Loving it!  I also learned how to make cake plates, breads, and mesh wreaths.  Man do I love Pinterest!  Brain and Kat, Frank and I did a Pinterest Christmas.  It was so much fun.  I made sugar scrubs for Kat and cooking rubs for Brian, a family frame, coasters, and scarves.  It was so much fun.  I hope we do it again next year.  Christmas day brought all of my children together under one roof for the first time in over 15 years.  It was a beautiful day inside even if the outside was nasty.  We are still at Rock Mills for another year.  We spent a week at Panama City with the Porch People and I am looking forward to repeating the fun this year.  My KLAMS trip this year was to Canada and we got to see Nick Wallenda walk across Niagra Falls.  It was something else.  I was able to attend my 40 year class reunion with Susan in August.  It was so much fun seeing folks I have not seGreenvillen in years.  I am so glad we decided to go.  I participated in Project 365 on my blog.  I blogged and loved the web journal idea.  I joined the Rock Mills Volunteer Fire Dept. Spent time with wonderful people in Nashville, Knoxville, Greenville, Panama City, Birmingham....shared time with family and friends, sang some, loved a lot, cried a bit, read, blogged, and enjoyed life.  I was diagnosed with ulcerative collitis in May and to be honest thought I was going to die.  Frank's sister was diagnosed with breast cancer this year, as was one of our bowling teammates, MaeLynn.  I have learned to HATE the words Cancer and Alzheimers.  I was busy, fed, employed, and loved.  I missed some who have left us here, grieved over some others, but....all in all 2012 was not a bad year.  As I sit here and think of resolutions I might need to make I find there aren't any.  I won't keep them....so why make them.  I, instead, will be making plans.  I plan to live 2013 to the fullest, fulfill some of my bucket list, enjoy my precious husband, children, and family, travel some, read more, be grateful for what I have and thankful that I have it.  As midnight approaches and the ball is about to drop....Happy New Year to you and yours.  See you next year!  God loves each of you and so do I!

Project 365 - Week 52

Well here it is the last week of 2012.  Frank and I will be heading to Birmingham after church today so that we don't have to get up so early for him to be at the airport to catch his flight to Israel.  He will be back on the 9th and will spend his New Years Eve somewhere over the Atlantic.  Where we don't know because there will be an eight hour time change between here and there and three layovers.  I am guessing somewhere around Iceland.  Sara has been an amazing hostess this year and I am keeping my fingers crossed that she will continue in 2013.  I have really enjoyed doing this.  I wish you would think about joining in.  To see everyone else's pictures then click here.  Here is my week in photos, I hope you enjoy them.:

Sunday, December 23rd

 

Sunday evening we had potato soup at the Kramer house.  Beth makes a most excellent potato soup and the fellowship was wonderful.  I love to get shots of the ornaments on people's trees when I visit them.  I love ornaments and I guess if I had to say I have a favorite collection it would be that....ornaments.

 

Monday, December 24th

It was a pretty quiet day until evening.  We had Come and Go Communion at the church and then dinner at Keaton and Magen's for the Towler family Christmas.

This was Jett's first little cap and Magen made it into a Christmas ornament.  What a great idea and how sweet is that?  Do you get the feeling that this is an Auburn family?

 

 

Tuesday, December 25th

Busy day.  Breakfast at 7 at Aunt Doris's house with the Burgess/Towler families.    It is a tradition we have not missed since we moved here.  Sherry and Marcie really put on the spread.  It is so much fun. 

 

We had three new babies this year.  Jasmine is the oldest by a month, Jett is the only new baby boy and he is three months old.  Miss Lillie was born at Thanksgiving.    Valerie and Chris (middle shot) favorite the Burgess mom and dad.  After looking at a picture of the two....I agree.  After breakfast we headed to the house for Christmas lunch with my kids and others.

 

My entire family was all here for Christmas this year.  It is the first time in about 15 years that we have all been together at one time for the holidays.  I was delighted to say the least.  We also had two of Kathryn and Brian's Moldovan friends, Sergio and Mia, and one long time family friend/adopted son, Joey.  What a grand day.  The weather was horrendous outside but inside the walls of my house it was a bright, sunshiney day.   Momma was definitely smiling!

 

Wednesday, December 26th

Up early because we are taking one of our youth, Tyler to the Bass Pro Shop in Prattville today.  We are eating lunch at the Islamorada Fish Company at the BASS place.

 

Thursday, December 27th

Lunch at J.R.'s today with Jo and Deborah to discuss Jo's upcoming wedding. 

 

Friday, December 28th

Red sky in the morning....sailor take warning.  What sunrise looked like in Rock Mills this morning.  My yarn finally got here from Herschnerr's Yarn.  I am so excited.  I can see many scarf projects forthcoming.

 

Saturday, December 29th

We went to see Mr. Larry and Mrs.Betty Jean before they took down their tree.  Since flowers are not in bloom right now I had to get this shot.  Her tree was lovely.  She is so meticulous about the placement of the balls that it looks professionally done.  After we left they began the dismanteling process and there is now not a single reminder of Christams.  This part of the holiday always makes me a bit sad.  Happy New Year to you all and see you again in 2013.

 

 

An Amish Christmas

About The Book:  A collection of four Christmas Amish novellas by four awesome Amish romance writers.
"Christmas Cradles" by Kelly Long -- When Anna Stolis takes over for her aunt, the local Amish midwife in Paradise, Christmas night heats up with multiple deliveries, three strangers' quilts, and the help from resourceful and strong Asa Lapp, whose job it is to get Anna through a dangerous blizzard to complete her midwifery rounds.
“A Miracle for Miriam” by Kathleen Fuller: This Christmas, Miriam must decide whether to guard herself or accept the love of a man who once broke her heart.
“A Choice to Forgive” by Beth Wiseman: Lydia, a widow who has given up on love, is shocked when Daniel-- a past love-- returns to the Order, and her life.
“One Child” by Barbara Cameron: This snowy Lancaster Christmas Eve will see two couples’ lives changed by the birth of one child.

About The Authors: 
Kelly Long: Kelly Long is the author of Sarah's Garden, the first novel in the Patch of Heaven series. She was born and raised in the mountains of Northern Pennsylvania. She’s been married for nearly 25 years and has five children.
Beth Wiseman:  When a personal crisis tested and strengthened her faith, award-winning journalist Beth Wiseman was advised by her agent to consider writing a Christian novel, particularly an Amish one. Encouraged by her agent’s urging, she began exploring the Amish lifestyle and soon developed a great appreciation for the more peaceful way of life. In 2008 Wiseman wrote her debut novel, Plain Perfect, featuring the Amish lifestyle within the context of a fictional love story. It was a bestseller, as have been all of the full-length novels and novellas she has written since.
Kathleen Fuller:  Kathleen Fuller was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas, and now makes her home in beautiful Geneva, Ohio. She has been married to husband James for 19 years. They have three terrific children, three dogs, and an overwhelmed cat. They also have raised cattle, pigs, and chickens at various times over the years. The Fuller family would have gone into the goat business, but Kathllen had to draw the line somewhere. She started writing in 2000, and published her first short story a year later. Since then she has authored several short stories, novellas, novels, and has done a lot of freelance non-fiction work. I\She has also worked as an editor. She has a Masters degree in Special Education, emphasis on teaching the blind and visually impaired, and a Bachelors in Early Childhood/Elementary Education. She has taught all age groups ranging from age 4 to age 21. A few of her favorite things are: her relationship with Christ, chocolate (of course!), autumn, a satisfying book, good friends, a sense of humor, people who don’t take themselves seriously, haunting melodies, NFL football, and did she mention chocolate?
Barbara Cameron:  Barbara Cameron is the author of fifteen novels and three nationally televised movies (HBO), as well as a recipient of the first Romance Writers of America Golden Heart.

My Thoughts On The Book:  This is the perfect book to snuggle up on the couch with on a nasty day.  Once you begin the first novella it is impossible to put the book down until you have read the last word of the last novella.  These are some of my favorite Amish authors and these stories are filled with Christmas tales, love, faith, romance, and the Amish way of life.  If you are a fan of Amish stories then this book is a must for your library.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishing Booksneeze Program for bloggers. I was not required to write a positive review. All they asked for was an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Blessed Church

Robert Morris in his new book, "The Blessed Church" published by Waterbrook Press gives us The Simple Secret to Growing the Church You Love.
About The Book:  (From the Back cover): How can I help my church stay focused on its purpose?  What would a culture of generosity look like for my church?  What part does rest play in a healthy church?  Whether you are a pastor, a volunteer, or a church member, you want your church to grow well. After all, there's no better place to experience God than in the loving, healthy community of a church. But what does an effective church look like? Is it possible to grow and be healthy at the same time?

About The Author:  Robert Morris is the Founding Senior Pastor of Gateway Church, a multi-campus, evangelistic, Spirit-empowered church in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Since it began in 2000, the church has grown to more than 24,000 active members. He is featured on the weekly television program, The Blessed Life, broadcast to approximately 90 million homes in the United States and more than 200 countries around the world. Robert holds a Doctorate of Literature and serves as Chairman of the Board of The King’s University. He is the bestselling author of ten books including The Blessed Life, From Dream to Destiny, The Power of Your Words and The God I Never Knew. Robert and his wife, Debbie, have been married 32 years and are blessed with one married daughter, two married sons and three grandchildren.
 
My Thoughts On The Book:  As a pastor's wife and helpmate of a small rural church this book was a must read for me.  In the book Reverend Robert Morris shares his own firsthand experiences of the spiritual and relational excitement of a growing, dynamic church. In The Blessed Church, Morris brings you practical wisdom for cultivating real growth by nurturing true and Biblical health in your spiritual community.  When Morris speaks of "church" he is not referring to the building but to the people that make up the congregation. Wherever it is you attend "The Blessed Church" will help bring about a new healthy and vital church. In the six sections of the book we are shown the areas where we can ignite health: The Gateway Story, Blessed Vision, Blessed Shepherds, Blessed Leaders, Blessed Government, Blessed Church Culture. In the book we are walked through what we need to know so that health can begin within the body and spread throughout the church and into our neighborhoods. This book is a blessing and I cannot wait to begin the new year with a new outlook on what makes a church and how we can reach out to the people in our community.  Click here to see a trailor on the book.  You won't regret it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah Blogging for Books Program. I was not required to write a positive review. All they asked for was an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

An Amish Kitchen

About The Book:  The Amish Kitchen is the Heart of the Home – and the Ideal Setting for Stories of Love and Hope.

Fall in Paradise, Pennsylvania, always brings a brisk change in the weather. This season also ushers in unexpected visitors, new love, and renewed hope for three women.

Fern has a green thumb for growing healing herbs, but longs for love to bloom in her life. Then the next-door neighbor’s oldest son, Abram, comes running into Fern’s kitchen seeking help for his little sister. The crisis soon leads to a promise of romance—until mistrust threatens to end the growing attraction.

Nearby, Hannah runs her parents’ bed and breakfast, Paradise Inn—but her life feels nothing like Paradise. She longs for a man of integrity to enter her life, but never expected him to knock on the front door looking for a room. Will she be able trust Stephen with her future once she discovers his mysterious past?

When a storm blows a tree onto Eve’s farmhouse, she has little choice but to temporarily move her family into her parents’ home. Outside of cooking together in the kitchen, Eve and her mother can’t agree on anything. But this may be just the recipe for hope in healing old wounds.

Three Amish stories—each celebrating love, family, and faith—all taking place in a tight-knit community where the kitchen truly is the heart of the home.

The book also includes a Reading Group Guide and 45 Old Order Amish Recipes.

About The Authors: 
Amy Clipston:  Amy is a native of New Jersey who began her writing career unofficially when she was a child.  She loves writing about the Amish, and has an Amish friend in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, who reads her  manuscripts for accuracy. She has always been fascinated with the Amish. Clipston remembers visiting Lancaster County, and her father, who was a German immigrant, told her that the Amish speak the same dialect of German as her relatives. She was drawn to their simplicity and faith. Due to her German heritage, she felt a loose connection to the Amish and their culture.  Her plots come straight from the  heart and all involve family issues intertwined with faith.

Kelly Long:  Kelly Long is the author of Sarah's Garden, the first novel in the Patch of Heaven series. She was born and raised in the mountains of Northern Pennsylvania. She’s been married for nearly 25 years and has five children.

Beth Wiseman: When a personal crisis tested and strengthened her faith, award-winning journalist Beth Wiseman was advised by her agent to consider writing a Christian novel, particularly an Amish one. Encouraged by her agent’s urging, she began exploring the Amish lifestyle and soon developed a great appreciation for the more peaceful way of life. In 2008 Wiseman wrote her debut novel, Plain Perfect, featuring the Amish lifestyle within the context of a fictional love story. It was a bestseller, as have been all of the full-length novels and novellas she has written since.

My Thoughts On The Book:  All three of the authors are some of my favorites.  Their take on the life of the Amish is amazing.  All three novelas are filled with faith, love, and the culture of the Amish.  Having grown up in a family where the kitchen is the heart of the home and women bonded within its walls I was delighted to see that there are some amazing recipes at the end of the book and a reading guide if you would like to do a book study on the book.  It is the kind of read that makes you want to shut the world out and just submerge yourself into a world of simplicity.  A great read and would be a wonderful gift.  I plan to add it to my Amish library of keepers.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishing Booksneeze Program for bloggers. I was not required to write a positive review. All they asked for was an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

Christmas Day Revisited

It has been a whirlwind of activities since I left school on Friday, December 21st.  Friday night we had dinner and Christmas celebration with Amanda, Linda, David and family, and us at Amandas.  We had a ham and the fellowship was wonderful.  It was great getting to spend time with Linda and her husband, Victor, Amanda, and David, Susanna and the boys.  There is nothing like little ones and the holidays.  Saturday morning we ate breakfast with Beth, Ron and Colin at the Farm House and headed for Auburn to have lunch with the Blairs at Cracker Barrel.  Their daughter Jill and her son, Brady came too and we did our present swap in the back corner of the restaurant.  Saturday evening we celebrated with the Burgess family and played Dirty Santa.  The meal was wonderful...soups and stews and the fellowship was such fun.  There are three little ones this year and they were passed around to anyone who was willing to hold a baby for a bit.  Sunday was church and our adult choir program, "A Lesson in Carols."  After lunch we ran to LaGrange and then to Beth and Rons for potato soup.  Such a fun day.  Monday we had Come and Go communion and thn went to the Towlers for a traditional Christmas celebration.  There was an element of sadness at this party since they have lost two family members this year.  Fun, food and fellowship along with gift exchanges took place and we all left with full belly's and wonderful memories.  Being part of the Rock Mills United Methodist family is such a blessing.  Frank and I have such wonderful friends from our church.  They make us feel so loved and wanted.  Tuesday morning we had breakfast with the Towlers/Burgesses at Aunt Doris's house.  It was yummy and then we came home to get ready for our family dinner. Kat and Brian were the first to arrive with Sergio and Mia in tow.  Their friends were visiting from Moldova (via Syracuse, NY and Tuscaloosa).  Jeni and Sam came next with Joey Long (my adopted son), and Eric, Roulain, Hannah and Hayden arrived shortly there after.  It was amazing having all three of my kids together.  It has been a long long time.  I have to be honest and say that this was better than any gift I could ever have unwrapped.  Pinterest Christmas with Kat and Brian was so much fun.  Frank and I got some really cool gifts.  The weather was supposed to get bad and the kids all headed home around 4:30.  I was sad to see them go.  I hope it is not a year before we all get together again.  Their was one dark spot in the day....Frank's daughter, Amy and her husband, Stephen and their daughter, Amelia were not here with us.  THAT would have been a perfect day.  Sigh...maybe next year. I hope you all had as wonderful a time as I did.  Now to rest.  Holidaying takes a lot out of a body.  Today we took one of our youth, Tyler to Bass Pro Shop in Prattville and had lunch at the Islamorada Fish Company.  It was a great day! 

Does It Even Matter by Tracey Eyster

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas blog series!

 

Merry Christmas from Pearl Girls™! We hope you enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom” from the authors who were so kind to donate their time and talents! If you miss a few posts, you’ll be able go back through and read them on this blog throughout the next few days.

We’re giving away a pearl necklace in celebration of the holidays, as well as some items (books, a gift pack, music CDs) from the contributors! Enter now on Facebook or at the Pearl Girls blog. The winner will announced on January 2, 2013 at the Pearl Girls blog.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we’re all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Mother of Pearl,  Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

Does It Even Matter?

By Tracey Eyster

Every day, day after day, for twenty years I have been immersed in the task of mothering. No one told me before I was handed that swaddled bundle how all-consuming the role of motherhood was going to be, or how my heart would be forever altered.

My heart is swollen from the love that has grown there. A deep love that’s swelling has come at a cost.

The cost of daily dying to self as I choose to serve the needs of my children and my husband—to grow a family with the end in mind.

Thankfully I was taught by those older and wiser than me that the building of image bearing children requires intentionality and purpose by two loving, connected parents who are willing to work together for God’s purposes.

Even when we don’t know the outcome or exact purpose God has in mind for our children—our willingness to put in the hours and to be yielded to His direction is our gift to the Father.

This Christmas I have had a new and odd wondering that I have been contemplating, a question that has never before occurred to me.

Who built the manger?

Did he think the task was too menial?

Was he weary and tired from the task?

Did he want to build something more grand?

Did he dream of working in a way that would bring him glory and attention?

Did he wrestle with the assumption that what he was putting his time and effort into was not for a grand purpose?

How could he know the plans God had for that little manger?

The Savior of the world was going to rest there and do great things.

 

Psst . . . Mom, do you see it?

The Savior of the world has the potential to rest within that which you are building . . . to do great things.

Take care to put your time, talents, and energy into building well.

***

Tracey Eyster is the happily-in-love wife of Bill and the fun-filled mom of two teens, and she is devoted to her family and is happiest when making memories with them. In 2008 she took her passion for speaking into the lives of moms and created the ministry of MomLife Today. She is passionate about momlife and is amazed at God’s blessing of allowing her first book Be The Mom to come to fruition. She enjoys connecting with moms through her personal blog at www.bethemom.com, and on Facebook or Twitter @MomBlog

Just Like Mary by Carla Anne Coroy

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas blog series!

 

Merry Christmas from Pearl Girls™! We hope you enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom” from the authors who were so kind to donate their time and talents! If you miss a few posts, you’ll be able go back through and read them on this blog throughout the next few days.

We’re giving away a pearl necklace in celebration of the holidays, as well as some items (books, a gift pack, music CDs) from the contributors! Enter now on Facebook or at the Pearl Girls blog. The winner will announced on January 2, 2013 at the Pearl Girls blog.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we’re all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Mother of Pearl,  Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

Just Like Mary

By Carla Anne Coroy

Mary. Amazing Mary. Mother of Jesus. We marvel at her simple, faith-filled acceptance of God’s will for her life. There’s so little written about Mary in the Bible. We know almost nothing, really, about this woman that God chose to parent His Son.

Many have speculated about the exact age of Jesus’ mother. How old was she, really? What would it have been like to be greeted by an angel—and told you would become pregnant by the Spirit of God?

I wonder about other things sometimes, though. Like if she had morning sickness, or gained a lot of weight during her pregnancy. Was she overdue, or was baby Jesus born right on time? Did she mistake Braxton Hicks contractions for the real thing before labor really started? Was it a fast labor or did Joseph have eighteen hours to get that place into birthing readiness?

Most women who have ever given birth to a child have shared pregnancy stories. Everyone’s story is unique and interesting. Surely Mary’s was, too!

Then there are the stories of potty-training and conversations on how to get the baby to sleep through the night. Did Mary bounce Jesus on her knee while sharing recipes with other young moms?

We cannot find answers for these questions in Scripture. And as interesting as it might be to share pregnancy stories with Mary over a cup of coffee (maybe in heaven?) and get her tips on potty-training, we really don’t need to know any of that to love the Son she bore.

But Mary’s example raises questions about me and my own life that get under my skin.

Am I the kind of woman God will choose to be part of His plan? Do I trust and love my God enough to give faith-filled answers like she did? If there were just a few paragraphs written of my life for future generations to read, would those words reveal a heart of willing submission to God?

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” (Luke 1:38, NIV)

God has not asked me to carry the burden of His Son in my womb. There are other burdens He is asking me, and you, to carry instead. Are we being the women He needs for the part of the plan we’re living in now? Am I saying to Jesus today, “May it be to me as you have said”?

During this Advent season, let’s prepare ourselves to be used by God, filled with faith and anticipating His grace—just like Mary.

****

Carla Anne Coroy is a Christian speaker and blogger, and the award-winning author of Married Mom, Solo Parent. She ministers to a wide audience through her website and blog at www.carlaanne.com. Carla Anne has served full-time with organizations such as Youth for Christ and Crown Financial Ministries, and is currently developing mentoring resources for women and an international mentoring organization for youth. She also serves as a staff writer for the online magazine Mentoring Moments for Christian Women and is a spokesperson for Faithbuddy.com. Carla Anne lives in Canada with her husband and four homeschooled children.

 

Projct 365 - Week 51

Our hostess Sara has been amazing this year.  I hope she hosts us again next year.  This has been fun and I hope you will consider joining in next year.  See you in 2013.  Merry Christmas to all!

 

Sunday, December 16th

The day was spent pretty much dedicated to preparing for the Youth Christmas program at 6:00 pm.  It was a Charlie Brown kind of program.  Top picture is Frank playing the Rev Wisehart.  The bottom photo is Libby - one of the lead characters singing "What Child is This" as Anna.  The kids did an amazing job and I am very proud of them.

 

Monday, December 17th

I finished up the wreaths I have been making for Christmas gifts.  This one goes to one of my dear Auburn friends.  My den looks like Hobby Lobby.  I love Pinterest.!

 

Tuesday, December 18th

Tree is up and done...or should I say as done as it is going to be.... and the present wrapping is almost complete.

 

Wednesday, December 19th

I got up at 4 this morning so I could make this for a gift.  This was sweet potato bread I made for my custodian, Gene.  I also made the cake plate for him too.  I have always given whoever my custodian is something homemade for the holidays....one year I didn't....I bought a red velvet cake from the Pig and one year I gave them socks and gloves....not a good idea believe me. I learned early on in life that you need to know the secretaries and custodians at the school.....oh and the head of the lunchroom.  It makes life much easier.  I love Pinterest!

 

Thursday, December 20th

After getting home from bowling tonight I made bread for tomorrow evening and finished up two more gifts.  This cake plate I did with a Lenox vase and gorgeous plate.   I can't wait to see its recipients face.    I also made this one with party lite candle sticks I found on ebay.  Have  mentioned how much I love Pinterest?

 

Friday, December 21st

My tree this year is filled with ornaments that I have gotten as gifts.  The snowflakes are some of my favorites.  Mrs. Shirley made them for me.  My aunt Shirley used to make me a new one every year.  I love them...and they are all so unique.  The peace sign is from one of my oldest friends.  It is a past reminder of the no worries life of a teenager.

 

Saturday, December 22nd

What a busy day.  Breakfast at the Farm House with the Kramers and their grandson Colin, we headed to Auburn to take care of some business and met the Blairs and Jill and her son Brady for lunch at Cracker Barrel and exchanged gifts, then it was home to whip up "the stuff" for the Burgess family Christmas gathering and dirty Santa at Aunt Doris's house.  We got home a little after 8, ran to Wal-mart, and then home to crash.  I was beat.  Tomorrow is our Christmas service, "A Lesson from the Carols" presented by the adult choir.  I had planned on having an Open House this year but have no clue as to where I would have put it in my schedule.  Have a Merry Christmas.  This time next week Frank will be winging his way to Israel.

Christmas Mourning by Tricia Goyer

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas blog series!

 

Merry Christmas from Pearl Girls™! We hope you enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom” from the authors who were so kind to donate their time and talents! If you miss a few posts, you’ll be able go back through and read them on this blog throughout the next few days.

We’re giving away a pearl necklace in celebration of the holidays, as well as some items (books, a gift pack, music CDs) from the contributors! Enter now on Facebook or at the Pearl Girls blog. The winner will announced on January 2, 2013 at the Pearl Girls blog.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we’re all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Mother of Pearl,  Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

Christmas Mourning

By Tricia Goyer

As I sat in our living room last Christmas morning, there was a pile of presents under the tree. A smile filled my face, just thinking about the joy and laughter that would fill the house in a few hours when we gathered around to hear the Christmas story, worship Jesus, and open presents.

That morning as I thought about the celebration of our Lord's birth, my mind was already busy unwrapping. No, I wasn't thinking ahead to presents. Instead, I was unwrapping the many memories of Christmas that I carry on my heart.

I remember sitting at the kids' table in Grandma's mobile home, laughing and goofing around with my brother and cousins. I remember the doll house my Grandpa made when I was seven and the loving care my grandma took to decorate it.

I remember the boom box and banana clips from high school and my first Christmas with my son Cory not long after I turned eighteen. Cory was only six months old, but the greatest gift God gave to both of us that year was John—my soon-to-be husband and Cory's soon-to-be daddy.

There are memories of the kids acting out the Christmas story and Goyer family gatherings in which forty of us would eat in our cleaned-out and heated garage because it was the only place big enough to set up tables and chairs for everyone.

I also will never forget the first time I celebrated Christmas in California with my biological dad and the four sisters I didn't know growing up. I had a happy heart that day, being with people I didn't know well but who amazingly looked and acted just like me. How cool is that?!

As I write this, there are faces going to be missing around the tree, to be sure. There's always a sense of missing when the people you love are far away. And that's when Christmas Morning becomes Christmas Mourning. I'm thinking of my mom, dad, siblings, in-laws, and friends, wishing I could fill me house with their faces, their smiles, their laughter. I'm sure you understand.

It's so easy to center Christmas around the baby who God sent, but we cannot forget the purpose for His coming. Jesus' mission wasn't just about the manager, the angels, and the swaddling clothes. His purpose was to offer himself so that we can spend eternity with Him and those we love.

The greatest gift is one we've yet to open. Salvation comes to our hearts when we whisper a prayer of faith and relinquishment—when we give up the right to ourselves.

Like a beautifully wrapped presents under the tree, the best part of the gift is still to come. My mind is anticipating the unwrapping. I can only guess of the joy and laughter to come!

***

Tricia Goyer is a busy mom of four, grandmother of one, and wife to John. Somewhere around the hustle and bustle of family life, she manages to find the time to write fictional tales delighting and entertaining readers and non-fiction titles offering encouragement and hope. Tricia is also on the blogging team at MomLifeToday.com, TheBetterMom.com and other homeschooling and Christian sites. In addition to her roles as mom, wife and author, Tricia volunteers around her community and mentors teen moms. She is the founder of Hope Pregnancy Ministries in Northwestern Montana, and she currently leads a Teen MOPS Group in Little Rock, AR. Tricia, along with a group of friends, recently launched www.NotQuiteAmishLiving.com, sharing ideas about simplifying life. She also hosts the weekly radio podcast, Living Inspired. Learn more about Tricia at www.triciagoyer.com.

The ADVENTure Awaits You! by Charissa Steyn

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas blog series!

 

Merry Christmas from Pearl Girls™! We hope you enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom” from the authors who were so kind to donate their time and talents! If you miss a few posts, you’ll be able go back through and read them on this blog throughout the next few days.

We’re giving away a pearl necklace in celebration of the holidays, as well as some items (books, a gift pack, music CDs) from the contributors! Enter now on Facebook or at the Pearl Girls blog. The winner will announced on January 2, 2013 at the Pearl Girls blog.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we’re all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Mother of Pearl,  Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

The ADVENTure Awaits You!

By Charissa Steyn 

God loves keeping us in a place of joyful expectation for what is next. He has mastered the art of surprise. Much to my dismay, God rarely ever lays out steps 1-2-3 for me to see. Maybe you’re like me and you’re a planner. You need time to prepare yourself for what is coming, the unknown grips you with fear, and it’s hard for you to simply enjoy a surprise.

It’s difficult to understand why God doesn’t like to reveal more of His mysterious ways, but I have a feeling it has something to do with faith. I am quite sure that if I knew everything that God had planned ahead of time my response would be, “No way God!”

But maybe we need to be a little more like Mary when it comes to faith. The angel reassured her, "Mary, you have nothing to fear. God has a surprise for you…” (Luke 1:30)

Did you get that? You have nothing to fear _________ (fill in the blank with your name) God has a surprise for you!

God invited Mary into the ultimate season of joyful expectation. He took her on the most miraculous adventure of birthing His son!

Instead of hesitation, Mary stepped forward, “Yes . . . let it be with me just as you say.” (Luke 1:38)

Instead of cowering in fear, Mary celebrated in faith, “I'm bursting with God-news; I'm dancing the song of my Savior God. God took one good look at me, and look what happened—I'm the most fortunate woman on earth! What God has done for me will never be forgotten. . . .” {Luke 1:46-48)

As the Christmas season is upon us, I can’t help but wonder what surprises God has wrapped up for us under His tree of life? What gifts does He want to reveal to us this year?

Like Mary, let’s face the unknown, the mystery, the surprises of God with a quiet, yet confident YES! 

God wants to show you the impossible can become possible, the supernatural can become natural. We don’t need special qualifications, just joyful expectation. 

May you accept the invitation of Jesus in this truly ADVENTurous season and embrace all the marvelous, mysterious surprises He has for you along the way!

***

Charissa Steyn is a God-adventurer. She believes everyday holds exciting undertakings that usually involve risk, but always draw us closer to the Father’s heart. Originally from Seattle, she now lives in Cape Town with her South African hubby, Michal and their son David. Together they are doing their best to lead a simple, yet dangerous life of love. Learn more about Charissa at her blog.

 

 

Quieted by His Presence by Cara Putman

 

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas blog series!

 

Merry Christmas from Pearl Girls™! We hope you enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom” from the authors who were so kind to donate their time and talents! If you miss a few posts, you’ll be able go back through and read them on this blog throughout the next few days.

We’re giving away a pearl necklace in celebration of the holidays, as well as some items (books, a gift pack, music CDs) from the contributors! Enter now on Facebook or at the Pearl Girls blog. The winner will announced on January 2, 2013 at the Pearl Girls blog.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we’re all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Mother of Pearl,  Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***

Quieted in His Presence

By Cara Putman

It's the week after Thanksgiving. We're racing toward Christmas. Even with Thanksgiving occurring a week early, it feels like a race. When did we decide this organized (or not so organized) chaos was restful, relaxing, conducive to a joyful season?

When did the joy of gifting something to one we love become replaced by the pressure to find the perfect gift? When did the amount of the gift matter more than spirit it is gifted in? At times like these I need a reason to remember that God can calm my heart when I feel like I'm spilling in a bazillion different directions.

Grab a mug of tea or cup of coffee. I'll share my peppermint mocha creamer. It's low-sugar. And let's sit together and soak in this truth.

The Lord is with us. With us. Emmanual. The God with us. Savor that. He's with us. Not watching us. With us.

He is mighty to save. He doesn't barely save. He is mightily prepared to save.

He will take great delight in you. Think about a child. Yours or someone else's. Think about the joy that child brings to his parents. That is a pale shadow of the depth of delight God takes in you. Humbled? Thrilled? I am!

He quiets us with His love. He will, if we'll let Him. It is His will to quiet us with love. Like a child who is content and secure in the knowledge of her parents' love. That's how He wants us to rest. To be quiet. In His presence. At His feet.

He will rejoice over us with singing. Think of your favorite artist, group, chorus. Think of how their voices resonate and harmonize. Remember how you are swept away by the beauty of a voice raised in song. Then imagine God singing a special song over you. Then consider that it's a song of rejoicing. Just because you are. A song to you.

Now that you've quieted in His presence, are you ready to go back to preparations. Ready to focus on Him? To find Him in the midst of the Christmas chaos? Because He is the baby in the manager. He is the reason we celebrate. And He's celebrating you!

***

Cara Putman is an author of fourteen novels and one nonfiction work—plus all the characters and stories still begging to be told. Look for more in the future. She is also a licensed attorney, contract lecturer at a Big Ten University, adjunct faculty at a community college, and active in her church and community. She lives with her family in Indiana.