Joy Making!

 This is another design we made for 

the front yard.

 The "J", the "O" and the Star

were cut from the scraps of the

4x8 sheet of plywood I used to make 

the Nativity.

 I had to buy another half

sheet to make the "Y"

and I have wood left over.

 This pattern also came from the

Woodworker's Woodshop.

 I found both patterns very easy to 

trace and follow.

And I hope my finished project

looks great in the yard!

I would have been willing to purchase

yard decor, had I been able to find it.

It would have been much easier.

But - I didn't want a Santa or a

Cartoon Character.

I wanted JESUS!

I still want JESUS!

CHRISTmas is a time to focus on CHRIST!

 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:14

Perpare Yard Decorations

Last year, after quite

a search, I was unable

to find a Nativity Set for

my yard.

This year, we made one!

If you get started now you have

plenty of time to prepare 

yard decorations.

This piece was made in two days.

I ordered the pattern from

Woodworkers Workshop

We primed the wood and then

my son cut it with a jig saw.

And I painted it.

It's not perfect, as I am no artist.

But, I don't think any little flaws will

show from the street once it's 

placed in the yard. 

AND - it conveys the true meaning

of CHRISTmas!

Unwrapping The Greatest Gift

I ordered this book and 

it came nicely packaged and shrink

wrapped.

I unwrapped it, carefully,

and admired it's beautiful cover.

I opened it, carefully again,

and looked at it's beautiful 

illustrations.

I immediately loved it,

but once I dove in and actually

READ it, I loved it even more.

 This is a beautifully written

and beautifully illustrated advent book.

There are daily readings from

December 1st - December 25th.

As you read the book each day, 

you put an ornament on your Jesse Tree.

The Jesse Tree, 

is kind of half Christmas Tree

and half Family Tree.

The book and tree explain to 

children their lineage in their 

forever family of God. 

(you may just have to read it for that to make sense)

For your Jesse Tree, you can use 

just about anything from a 

construction paper cut out to a small,

live tree in a clay pot.

 Inside of Book

There are Ornaments that correspond

with each day's reading.

You can purchase ornaments,

or go to the Ann Voskamp's website

and print them for FREE,

using the PROMO code in the book.

Inside of Book

This book makes the Gospel

of Jesus Christ and the Reason

for Christmas so clear.

I would love for every family 

in the world to have it

and to participate in these 

daily devotions!

 Printable Ornaments

A child who celebrates advent 

in this way, will know

the TRUE meaning of Christmas.

And - the gift of the Christ

child, is an everlasting gift. 

I love this book so much,

I want to give one away!

So - share this page,

and let me know you shared it

and you will be entered into a

give away!

We will draw for this prize on

NOVEMBER 16TH.

That leaves everyone who doesn't 

win enough time to go out

and purchase their own 

copy before December 1st. 

To purchase the book,

Go HERE!

Disclaimer: My comments on this book are my opinions. I am not 
being paid or compensated in any way. I'm just sharing my
own feelings. This is truly a book every family should own.

Are you "Ready for Christmas?"

As we get closer and closer

to December 25th

we're going to hear

the question again and again.

Are you "Ready for Christmas?"

But - what does,

"Ready for Christmas"

really mean?

To many it means,

Have you got your shopping done?

Gifts wrapped? Stockings hung?

But - to the author of this poem

I think it meant something 

else entirely.

Ready for Christmas

"Ready for Christmas," she said with a sigh

As she gave the last touch to the gifts piled high...

Then wearily sat for a moment and read

Till soon, very soon, she was nodding her head.
 

Then quietly spoke a voice in her dream,

"Ready for Christmas, what do you mean?"
 

She woke with a start and a cry of despair.

There's so little time, and I've still to prepare.
 

Oh, Father, forgive me, I see what you mean!

Yes, more than giving of gifts and a tree,

It's the heart swept clean that He wanted to see,
 

A heart that is free from bitterness and sin.

So ready for Christmas.... and ready for Him.

Author Unknown 

Look For a Live Nativity in Your Area

The CHRISTmas Story 

really comes alive when you

see it! There is just something

really special about a 

LIVE NATIVITY!

Look for one in your area

and take your children or

grandchildren to see it,

if you have the opportunity.

 

 We attended this one in McKinney, Texas

last CHRISTmas. 

It was a drive through, but there was

a hayride option for those who

wanted to brave the cold.

Church members also passed out

free hot cocoa and blankets.

It was a very touching way to experience

CHRISTmas as it might have

been the night Jesus was born.

To find a live nativity 

in your area use any search 

engine and search

Live Nativity near City, State.

And The Winner Is

Lindsay Tucker Toves

 

Congratulations, Lindsay!

You are going to receive this

lovely little CHRISTmas

gift pack!

Please e-mail me with your 

mailing address

and I will get it right 

out to you!

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.

And I will be updating with the winner of the 

give away later this evening.