Grace's Candy

Grace's Candy 

this morning had a 

great message for us!

 Continue to worship Him!

And may His CHRISTmas Spirit

live on inside of each of us

ALL YEAR LONG!

Merry CHRISTmas!!!!

Have A Birthday Party for Jesus

A Birthday Party is something

every child understands!

So - have one for Jesus!

If you are a grand parent and 

don't have the kids 

and can't seem to arrange this,

make a Birthday Cake

for Jesus and sing Happy Birthday

during your CHRISTmas Celebration!

 It can be as simple or as elaborate

as you want to make it.

 But. give the kids and opportunity

to say, "Happy Birthday, Jesus!"

And let them know that 

HIS Birthday is why we celebrate

this wonderful, wonderful

Season!

 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. John 3:16

Shop At CHRISTian Store for Bible Based Toys and Activities

When you're doing your

CHRISTmas Shopping,

Be sure to include CHRISTian 

Store such as Mardel's.

They almost always have

CHRISTian toys and games

and activites that help keep

your child focused on CHRIST!

Just look at this adorable

puzzle set!

It includes 6 puzzles and it was

only $5.00.

It's actually 3 two-sided puzzles

that are sturdy and well made.

And they tell the CHRISTmas 

story in pictures,

giving you a way of 

opening conversation with your 

child as you assemble the puzzles

together.

 The first puzzle is very easy

and it get progressively harder.

But look - there is the angel

coming to Mary to tell her

she has found favor with God

and will soon bear His son!

 And on the other side - with a different

color of border - there is Mary and Joseph

making their journey to Bethlehem.

 And here they are being turned away 

at the inn. Children often don't know

what an in is - but are familiar with

a hotel. What would you do if you were 

on a trip and there were no

hotel rooms available?

 Here the angels give the shepherds

a heads up - so they can 

make their way to the stable.

 Brilyn is really good at puzzles.

Or at least, the easy puzzles.

She had to have a little more

help with the harder ones.

 And here is the king telling his

men to go find the baby.

 And finally - we have the manger scene!

This story is THE STORY

children should most associate

with CHRISTmas!

Tell it..... look for different ways

to tell it... but make it real

to your little ones!

Listen to Christian Radio Stations

This time of year most

Christian Radio Stations

play Christmas Carols that 

constantly remind us of what

Christmas is all about!

I see little pictures like this

from KLOVE on my facebook

wall almost daily!

Isn't it cute?

I'm so thankful that radio stations

can be exclusively CHRISTian.

And I hope that freedom 

is here to stay!

The Week Before Christmas

The Week Before Christmas

'Twas the week before Christmas and throughout the town,

All the smiles of good cheer were turned upside down.

The stockings weren't hung yet, the tree partially trimmed,

The shopping, the wrapping, a dress to be hemmed.

The children still added new things to their lists,

Not wanting a single desire to be missed.

And Mom with a head cold, and Dad with a cough,

Still went off to work, for finances were rough.

Parties to go to, their own to be planned.

Daughter's recital, and Son's got jazz band.

No joy to their world, no peace to their earth,

They knew not, nor cared about Jesus' birth.

They knew they weren't happy, they knew things weren't right,

They felt trapped and caught with no way out in sight.

Let's give church a try, they finally agreed,

Who knows, they might have something we may really need.

'Twas the eve of Christmas, all the candles aglow,

The music was playing as they found the last row.

The others are smiling, their eyes shine with love,

The pastor is telling of a child from above.

"I remember this story, I heard it as a child,

As I's sit on Grandma's knee, and she'd rock and she's smile.

But I never knew, it was for ME that HE came,

I know I'm not worthy, but He cares just the same"

Dad left church that night with a lot less despair,

And Mom really felt there was One who cared.

They had hope, for the moment, and peace was in sight,

On one thing they agreed, it had been a good night!

Written by Marti Mumma

Submitted by Debbie Thompson

Note: If you are stressed out this CHRISTmas and can't seem to

find peace, call out to Jesus! 

Pray.... Read your Bible.... Seek His presence!

You can do it right where you are.

 

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13

Maybe We Should Measure Success A Little Differently

How do you measure success?

A good job, a nice house, a car?

Or.... is it just being happy?

Sometimes.... success just can't be measured.

But - those who walk with the Lord

will always be successful.

ONE SOLITARY LIFE

He was born in an obscure village. He worked in a carpenter shop until He was thirty. He then became an itinerant preacher. He never held an office. He never had a family or owned a house. He didn't go to college. He has no credentials but Himself. He was only thirty-three when the public turned against him. His friends ran away. He was turned over to his enemies and went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed to a cross between two thieves. While he was dying, his executioners gambled for his clothing, the only property he had on earth. He was laid in a borrowed grave. Nineteen centuries have come and gone, and today he is the central figure of the human race. All the armies that have ever marched, all the navies that have ever sailed, all the parliaments that have ever sat, and all the kings that ever reigned have not affected the life of man on this earth as much as that ONE SOLITARY LIFE.

Author Unknown

Submitted by Debbie Thompson

Remember the Nativity

Remember WHY we celebrate!

The Nativity!

That special day over 2,000 years ago

when Jesus was born.

He came to Save the World!

Without of HIM there is no hope!

Don't let those you love be without hope.

 

Read Luke 2

Study it.... memorize it... or a portion of it.

Teach it to your children and grand children

and read it at family gatherings.

Make the REAL CHRISTmas Story

common knowledge in your family.

Luke 2 (KJV)

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.
And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
(As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)
And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.
And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.
And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.
And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?
And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

Fill Your Home With Music

The Original Purpose

of music was to draw

our hearts towards God.

People now use it to entertain

and educate - and it works

Music is a very powerful thing!

  

So - tap in to that power!

Play some music.

But choose your music carefully.

Choose something, that draws

your heart towards God

and fills your home with a

Spirit of CHRISTmas! 

So - What If You're Not Crafty?

Would you like a treat to

pass out - that shares the REAL

meaning of CHRISTmas?

Something SPECIAL!

But - you either aren't very crafty,

or you just have limited time!

LOOK AT THESE!!!!

 THEY'RE ADORABLE!

My sweet neighbor saw them somewhere

and she bought me some!

(thank you, thank you, thank you, Brittany)

I was thrilled to get them!

It's the Candy Cane story that's

been mentioned so much,

in a little stocking with a bookmark.

And it's SUPER CUTE!

But - if you'd rather get something

else, the company that makes this,

makes so many other things, too!

Just go to their website and look around!

www.scripturecandy.com 

I placed an order yesterday and I can't

wait to get it. 

 

Nativity Nugget for Kids Stocking Stuffers

These are adorable!

And what toddler wouldn't want

to find them in 

their stocking on Christmas Morning?

 Here is a closer look:

They're so cute and easy to make, too.

  

All you do is print them

and then cut and tape the wrappers

around Hershey's Nuggets.

Assemble the tray.

I taped my little nuggets to the

trays so they would stay put.

And then slide the tray into a little

Pretzel Rod baggie

and attach the top.

I purchased the printable

HERE.  

And I printed it on regular

cheap white cardstock!

The Decline of CHRISTmas!

Are you old enough to remember

what CHRISTmas used to be?

Do you remember schools, towns

and businesses all focused on CHRIST?

 Do you remember seeing

a CHRISTmas Pageant

with a Manger Scene and a Mary

and Joseph and Shepherds

and Angels and all the works.

Years ago - that CHRISTmas Pageant

took place in almost every

Elementary School. 

 There were no computers, smart boards

or copy machines.....

But there was JESUS!

Now - there are computers, smart boards,

copy machines an even

central heat and air. But there are also

locks on the door..... and fear in the

hearts of the innocent children inside.

This is not progress.

This is a major decline. 

A teacher messaged me the following 

items from an old CHRISTmas folder.

Can you imagine the progress 

we could make if we could

just turn our schools back over to God?

These items came from

TEACHER'S Publications!

I think it's interesting to see what

was once not only allowed,

but WELCOME in the

public schools.

As CHRISTians, we need to fight

for our right to free speech and

speak out for Jesus!

The right to do so is in danger,

and remaining quiet is only

going to make matters worse.

This year - if you have kids in school,

consider passing out classroom treats

the represent CHRIST.

Do this again when it's time to

pass out Valentine's!

It's your right!

And it's worth fighting for!

REJOICE, IT'S CHRISTMAS

from Teacher's Tips!

Merry Christmas, Everyone

Do You Know God's Loving Son

published in Teacher's Tips 

 

 Various Christmas Poems

and Songs

published in Good Apple

(a magazine style book for Teacher's)

 God's Special Gifts of Love

published in Good Apple - for Teachers

AND - God's name was even mentioned 

in the head line.  

 And look at this cute little craft.

I can remember making things like this,

and paper chains, and snow flakes

and things for a classroom tree.

THIS is what CHRISTmas used to

be in the public schools.

THIS is what CHRISTmas should

still be in public schools.

Look for opportunities to

BRING BACK JESUS.

To schools, to government, to EVERYTHING!

 

Without HIM... WE HAVE NO HOPE!

 

A Candy Maker's Witness

 This is another version of the Candy Cane story.

It was sent to me by Debbie Thompson.

Thank you, Debbie!

 A Candy Maker's Witness

A candy maker wanted to make a candy that would be a witness, so he made the Christmas Candy Cane. He incorporated several symbols for the birth,
ministry, and death of Jesus Christ.

He began with a stick of pure white hard candy. White to symbolize the
Virgin birth and the sinless nature of Jesus, and hard to symbolize the
Solid Rock, the foundation of the Church, and the firmness of the promises
of God.

The candymaker made the candy in the form of a "J" to represent the precious name of Jesus, who came to earth as our Savior. It could also represent the staff of the "Good Shepherd"
with which He reaches down into the ditches of
the world to lift out the fallen lambs who,
like all sheep, have gone
astray.

Thinking that the candy was somewhat plain, the candymaker stained it with
red stripes. He used three small stripes to show the stripes of the
scourging Jesus received by which we are healed. The large red stripe was
for the blood shed by Christ on the cross so that we could have the promise
of eternal life.

Unfortunately, the candy became known as Candy Cane, a meaningless decoration seen at Christmas time.
But the meaning is still there for those who "have
eyes to see and ears to hear." I pray that this symbol will again be used to
witness To The Wonder of Jesus and His Great Love that came down at
Christmas and remains the ultimate and dominant force in the universe today.

Author Unknown

Assemble a Nativity Puzzle

Many families set out a puzzle

to be worked on during 

various family gatherings.

If this is a tradition in your 

family - think JESUS

when selecting your puzzle.

  

I found this one at 

Hobby Lobby.

It's beautiful.... and it keeps

CHRIST as it's focal point.

 

And The Winner Is.......

Kathy Pardue

Kathy - if you will respond to this 

or message me on facebook I will

get you your prize in the mail!

The Truth is in the Tinsel

One thing I love about blogging

is the comments. 

I created a facebook page for 

my blog and someone commented

sharing this:

 

 The Truth is in the Tinsel

It's an Advent Experience for Little Hands

and it has a suggested Bible Reading

and devotional and a craft for

each day during the advent season.

I personally love this one!

 Templates are included - and if you

don't have time for a craft

EVERY SINGLE DAY

there is a printable ornament book

you can get to go with this

that has simple ornaments your child

can color and cut. (super easy)

The book is an inexpensive e-book

My husband printed and bound

mine because I like to read to the

kiddos with a book in my lap,

but Mom's with tablets or iPads could

probably just read it off of that.

The book is available at

The Truth is in the Tinsel

And if you're the visual type and want

a little more hands on ideas for kids

you can follow on facebook

The Truth is in the Tinsel

Try The Missionary Diet!

One way to keep Christ

in focus is to share the love

He has placed within your

heart with others.

And one way we can do that

is by being conscientious

about our own spending.

In the U.S. the majority of

people are over weight.

We eat too much, simply because

we have been abundantly blessed

and we have food.

In other counties there are people 

going hungry.

AND - while I know we cannot

save the world - or rid the world

of hunger, we can make 

a difference. It may not be a

big difference, but if one child

goes to bed fed, rather than

hungry.... it's a big difference

to that one child.

So - try this:

THE MISSIONARY DIET

To go on a missionary diet - get a jar.

Then - find a mission that you would

like to support. Pray about this. 

God will lead you to the right one.

 Then - when making food choices think 

of ways to cut back.

One example is when ordering lunch,

instead of ordering a

Hamburger, fries and a drink,

cut out the fries and put the money 

you would have spent in your

missionary jar.

 When stopping for tacos,

get one taco instead of two and

put $1.00 in your jar.

Fix a cup of coffee at home

instead of stopping at Starbuck's

and put a few dollars in the jar.

Over a period of time,

it will add up - and if you're cutting

some things out of your diet,

you should lose a few pounds.

If not - the diet is still 

successful because some little 

child, somewhere gets something 

to eat.

Some of the missions

I like are:

True Life Mission

 Compassion International

Nehemiah Vision Ministries

(NVM is the group Lawton Missionaries Cathi & Gami Ortiz work with) 

 

The Elf On The Shelf On A Mission

Some people like to use the 

Elf on the Shelf

as a countdown to CHRISTmas!

If your family enjoys it,

then by all means do it.

But - consider this.

Make your Elf on the Shelf

a MISSIONARY!

 Instead of that naughty elf that the

kids saw last year -

What if your elf had a change of heart?

He could be used to encourage 

your kids to be more kind,

obedient or giving!

 Your family is unique. Your needs will be

different than our needs.

But - the basic idea is to incorporate the

elf to help you reinforce to your 

children the things you are

wanting to teach them in their

day to day lives.

 Let's share!

 Let's be considerate of others!

 Let's empathize with people and animals

that might be cold and hungry.

 Let's show appreciation and give thanks!

Let's learn to be living vessels of 

God's love and lets

let that love flow over to

those around us!

These are just a few 

"starter" ideas.

But, I'm sure you can think of

tons of ideas on your own.

Let's offer to read to an elderly 

person who can no longer

see very well.

Let's offer to help and elderly

person change light bulbs,

smoke detector batteries,

or take out their trash.

Let's donate old magazines

to a Veteran's Home.

Let's donate toys to a

Children's Shelter.

Let's collect diapers and wipes

for a Crisis Pregnancy Center.

Let's go CHRISTmas Caroling.

 Let's shop for CHRISTmas presents

for a needy family.

Let's donate last years coat

to a child who needs it.

Let's make care packages for

single soldiers and tell them

thank you!

The ideas are endless!

And you can completely 

customize them for your

family's specific needs. 

Christmas Book Advent

Try a CHRISTmas Book Advent

using books that teach your children

about the birth of Jesus!

 

Shared with permission

by Rindy Mae

 Christmas Book Advent

This a post from last year.  I figured there's probably more than one of you out there who, like me, remembers all about wanting to do this, after the first of December.  When it's too late.  So here's your reminder to hit up the thrift stores for some Christmas books - you still have nearly two weeks to get it all dialed in.  :)  I dug ours out of the Christmas bins in the attic, and will be wrapping them up over the weekend to get them ready.  Now to find those dang numbers.....


I am sooo excited to do this with the kids this year.  I've seen the Christmas book advents in blogland over the last few years and every year, I say I'm gonna do it.  Then the first of December comes and goes and I've blown it.  Not this year!

The kids already had quite a few Christmas books.  They've received them over the years from neighbors and friends.  But I still needed more, and there was no way we could afford to get them at a bookstore. Those suckers are at least $15 bucks a pop right now.

So I hit up Goodwill.  You guys, they had three entire shelves full of Christmas books.  It was like winning the lottery.  I got all giddy when I saw them.  Then I proceeded to plop down on the floor, yes in Goodwill, and scan through every single one of them.  I bought one that was $2.99 and one that was $1.99, but the rest were .99 cents!!!  Deal of the day.  And they're nice books.  A couple of them are paperback, but most of the ones I brought home are hardcover books.  So awesome.

So I wrapped them all up, (yeah, that part took a minute), numbered them from 24 to 1 on a brown paper bag cut into circles with a Sharpie, ('Twas The Night Before Christmas will be read on Christmas Eve, of course),  put them in a basket I already had, and voila. Christmas Book Advent.

Did I mention I'm excited?  I was thinking about the kids being older, and having favorites, and looking forward to opening them, and trying to guess which one is the one they love them most. Eeeeeee.  So fun.

As I was wrapping them, I was thinking, there's no reason you'd have to do Christmas books.  If your house is like ours, you have books coming out your ears. Between the three kids, we have a ton of books, and there are some we haven't read in a long time.  You could just pick 24 and wrap them up.  Make old books new again!  No frenzied trip to every thrift shop in town, looking for ONE MORE CHRISTMAS BOOK.  You don't even have to leave the house.  And you can read books every night under the tree with the kids.  I can't wait.

I brought the basket down from the attic and we'll read our first one tonight.

So fun.