Get Lost Santa

Why do people believe in a jolly old man, decked out in red velvet, but the birth of Jesus Christ is hard to grasp.

Why do people accept dancing green elves who devote their lives to toy making, but adorned angels delivering God’s message is considered strange.

Why do people accept a reindeer powered sled, but wise men on camels, following a star, is outlandish.

Why do people accept a midnight visit from Santa, yet shepherds viewing the savior, one glorious night, considered odd.

Get lost Santa — Jesus is the reason for the season!

Christ Birth8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Luke 2

A Christmas Engine!

Recently, our aircraft engine sputtered to an end. So I prayed and handed the Lord the battle. Early the next morning, God said, “Lay hands on the 172 and pray.” I prayed and gave thanks to Jesus for the new engine that would be forthcoming not knowing how, when, or where, but trusting Him to have the perfect answer.

A week later Scott contacted us — he had located an overhauled engine for a Cessna 172 for $10,000. (A super extraordinary buy.) And even offered to drive Steve down to retrieve the engine with his truck, as we had no automobile that could move it.

Cash for the purchase became the next human obstacle, but God with His infinite ways and wisdom soon had the money rolling in to the exact dollar needed to buy the engine.

A couple of weeks later the engine arrived and two wonderful men offered to instal it — and did! The 172 cranked up and flew the skies 7 days prior to Christmas. What a fabulous gift from God! Not only do we have the honor of celebrating the birth of Christ, but we can marvel at His Grace, Power, and Glory! Glory to God!

Thanks by Lady DeidreThat my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever! Psalm 30:12

Christmas Decor and Grandchildren

ornament Each year I gather the grandchildren together to decorate the Christmas tree — that’s the easy part.

The hard part is teaching the grandchildren the true meaning of Christmas, especially when the details can be summoned up with one quick phrase.

ornament So after reading the bible story, I ask the grandchildren a few short questions. It went something like this:

“Why do we celebrate Christmas?” I asked.

“It’s Jesus’ birthday,” the children chorused.

“Why did the wise men seek Jesus?”

ornament - 10“It’s Jesus’ birthday,” the children replied.

“Did the angels tell the shepherds about the baby Jesus?”

“Yes!” they joyfully cried.

“Why?” I prodded.

“It’s Jesus’ birthday!” they chimed.

DecoratingFor to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

The Bling Bling Sisters

The New Lifers decided to go Christmas shopping in the big city. I’m a squeamish shopper, so when God insisted that I go, I grimaced and cried, “Are you serious!”

“Jehovah Know-It-All” reminded me that I could take photos and write about the outing! I brightened instantly and dashed out the door with camera in tow. Not only did I have a great time, but I learned some valuable lessons about my Godly comrade in arms. Don’t miss the beautiful baubles listed below:

Darrla, the gaudy pastor gone wild, made sure her flock were in tears of laughter over her shotgun shell comments!

Pam wins the highest honors for bling bling extravaganza with an unforgettable Baptist wit to boot!

This church going blinger should host a show called “Frank Table Talk with Jean Ann!” Never leave her spoon-less or at taste testing table alone.

If there is such a thing as a Redneck Princess with road rage potential, I give you Laura!

“Close your eyes Loice” survived the day with her eyes squeezed tightly shut! Needless to say, few purchases were made by this nervous passenger.

Warning: big city tea appears to be spiked with silly Christmas Juice!

Katheryn late for shopping, but not for dessert; wisely stayed clear of the peach tea!

I’m not much of a gaudy blinger, but if you consider my camera necklace slung proudly around my neck during a shopping trip — It just means I’m getting old!

I must admit we did discuss God over a cup of coffee, but this trip was clearly not a theological outing. You know the old saying, “What happens in the ornament isle, stays in the tinsel lane.”

Decorating with the Grandchildren

Every year, I gather my grandchildren together to decorate the Christmas tree. It provides that all important time when I can teach the little darlings the real meaning of Christmas. So while James, Lane, and Lili decorate the tree (play with the ornaments) I share the biblical story. I then proceed to ask questions to see what they might have retained from this all important story.

I asked, “Where was Jesus born?”

“In the belly, ” James cried.

“Jesus was born in a stable,” I remind them. “With the cows.”

Lili perked up, “Can I see the cow!”

Not to be daunted, I asked, “What was the name of the angel?”

Lane, who busy testing the angel ornament for flight abilities, cried, “Gabriel!”

I thought this would be a good time to pass on some suggestions to other grandparents who may want to attempt this feat.

1. Keep the story simple as in one word — Jesus!

2. Never use the word virgin — some things should be left to the parents.

3. Buy toys or plastic ornaments for the bottom boughs of the Christmas tree.

4. Better yet, place the tree on the ceiling or in the playpen and forgo the decorating altogether.

5. Avoid food & drink during all tree trimming activities. Snack before or after the big event.

6. Store ALL balls, during the holiday season, in a safe location or throw them away.

7. Sing Christmas carols from the top of your lungs so you can’t hear the little darlings fussing over that ONE prize ornament.

8. Most important — Praise God — This event is only once a year!

“Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the Kingdom of God.” Lk 18:16

Yip! I’m the Winner of another Crazy Award!

I was recently nominated for the Liebster award by the fabulous    Drusilla Mott. 

Now there are requirements to gain this prestigious award, but if you’re like me you’re wondering what the blink does Liebster mean? Does it stand for Lie your Blog-ster off! Maybe it’s a lobster blog with a twisted sense of love. Or how about Lie under the staircase and blog — like a secret society. Most of my blogging buddies love Jesus, so what Liebster should mean is – The Lord Is Established, Born in a Stable, To give Everlasting Redemption. (My Christmas theme in keeping with the holidays.)

The tinsel tossing requirements are as follows: Thank the person who nominated me and provide a link — see Dru above. Post a copy of the rewarding stamp. Nominate 5 people who have less than 200 followers and deserve Recognition and Praise — see list below. Oh, and let my five awesome choices in on the big holiday secret.

1. Jen @jennthezookeeper.wordpress.com because she makes me laugh with my grandsons’ antics. (I’m also proud of my daughter’s blog being picked up by the local newspaper for a weekly article!) :)

2. WATW @thewomanatthewell.wordpress.com because she has a pure heart and writes prayerfully to Jesus.

3. Bill @iwasthinkingdotme.wordpress.com because he has a warm & country goodness about his blog.

4. Naphtali @craigmotor.wordpress.com because she takes God out of the box with style & flare.

5. Isaiah @myhmmmcollection.wordpress.com because she has beautiful hmmm lessons about life with Christ.

There are many more whom I enjoy blogging with, but alas, I can only choose five. Besides, most have already acquired the impressive Liebster ornament.

My rendition of the Liebster Award in Christmas Style!
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Is 7:14