IN THIS ISSUE:
REMEMBER MY BIRTHDAY?MERRY CHRISTMAS ONE AND ALL
DON'T WISH ME "MERRY X-MAS" nor "HAPPY HOLIDAY!"
THE RESUME' OF JESUS CHRIST
THE ABC's OF CHRISTMAS
GOOD NEWS NEIGHBORHOOD CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR JESUS
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR A BIRTHDAY CAKE FOR JESUS
BUILDING UP YOUR HUSBAND
ONE SPECIAL CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT EACH YEAR
NATIVITY SCENES
ACTING OUT THE CHRISTMAS STORY
FRAMED CHRISTMAS CARDS AS PART OF DECORATING YOUR HOME
ADVENT CALENDARS
ADVENT WREATH - CELEBRATING JESUS' COMING
TREE ORNAMENTS CENTERED ON JESUS
THE CANDYMAKER'S REASON FOR THE CANDY CANE
CHARMING ANIMAL CRACKER ORNAMENTS
TEN GUIDELINES FROM GOD
KIDS' QUOTES
- REMEMBER MY BIRTHDAY?
Author unknown - Contributed by Annamarie Kresge in Virginia
As you well know, we are getting closer to my birthday. Every year there is a celebration in my honor and I think that this year the celebration will be repeated. During this time there are many people shopping for gifts, there are many radio announcements, TV commercials, and in every part of the world everyone is talking that my birthday is getting closer and closer.
It is really very nice to know, that at least once a year, some people think of me. As you know, the celebration of my birthday began many years ago. At first people seemed to understand and be thankful of all that I did for them, but in these times, no one seems to know the reason for the celebration. Family and friends get together and have a lot of fun, but they don't know the meaning of the celebration.
I remember that last year there was a great feast in my honor. The dinner table was full of delicious foods, pastries, fruits, assorted nuts and chocolates. The decorations were exquisite and there were many, many beautifully wrapped gifts. But, do you want to know something? I wasn't invited.
I was the guest of honor and they didn't remember to send me an invitation. The party was for me, but when that great day came, I was left outside, they closed the door in my face .... and I wanted to be with them and share their table. In truth, that didn't surprise me because in the last few years all seem to close their doors to me.
Since I was not invited, I decided to enter the party without making any noise. I went in and stood in a corner. They were all drinking; there were some who were drunk and telling jokes and laughing at everything. They were having a great time. To top it all, this big fat man all dressed in red wearing a long white beard entered the room yelling Ho-Ho-Ho! He seemed drunk. He sat on the sofa and all the children ran to him, saying: "Santa Claus, Santa Claus"... as if the party were in his honor!
At 12 midnight all the people began to hug each other; I extended my arms waiting for someone to hug me and .... do you know .... no one hugged me. Suddenly they all began to share gifts. They opened them one by one with great expectation. When all had been opened, I looked to see if, maybe, there was one for me. What would you feel if on your birthday everybody shared gifts and you did not get one? I then understood that I was unwanted at that party and quietly left.
Every year it gets worse. People only remember to eat and drink, the gifts, the parties and nobody remembers me. I would like this Christmas that you allow me to enter into your life. I would like that you recognize the fact that almost two thousand years ago I came to this world to give my life for you, on the cross, to save you. Today, I only want that you believe this with all your heart.
I want to share something with you. As many didn't invite me to their party, I will have my own celebration, a grandiose party that no one has ever imagined, a spectacular party. I'm still making the final arrangements. Today I am sending out many invitations and there is an invitation for you. I want to know if you wish to attend, I will make a reservation for you and write your name with golden letters in my great guest book. Only those on the guest list will be invited to the party. Those who don't answer the invitation will be left outside.
Do you know how you can answer this invitation? It is by extending it to others whom you care for ... I'll be waiting for all of you to attend my party this year.
See you soon! I love you! ~ Jesus
MERRY CHRISTMAS ONE AND ALL
On the way home from the shopping mall,
they passed a church on their way,
Joseph and Mary were in a stall
with Jesus asleep on the hay.
“Daddy, let’s stop, for I want to see
the baby Jesus right now.”
So his father pulled in with a grin;
he could not resist somehow.
As they knelt beside the manger bed,
a small tear fell from Christ’s eye.
So the son then looked to his father and asked, “Why does baby Jesus cry?”
“Son, you noticed at the mall nearby
no mention of Jesus’ name;
No carolers singing ‘Joy to the World,’
no good news that Jesus came.
“I’m sure He’s sad because we’ve failed
to even acknowledge His birth;
No one to sing, no tidings to bring
of why Jesus came to this earth.
We have removed Christ’s name from Christmas. How sad I know He must be;
So you and I must spread the good news.
Yes, it’s up to you and me.”
Then at once the baby Jesus smiled
as he heard the small boy say,
“I will spread the news both far and wide
to all who I pass on the way.”
They returned to the mall proclaiming,
“Merry Christmas one and all.
Jesus our Savior was born for you
in a lowly manger stall.”
“Merry Christmas, back to you, my son,”
o’er the entire mall did ring;
And what started as a solo voice
then created a choir to sing.
“Just think,” the young boy said to his dad,
“if everyone would say,
‘Oh, I wish you a Merry Christmas’
as they passed along their way.
“Our malls would echo with joyful sound;
you’d hear Christ’s name everywhere,
And the reason for the season, Dad,
would then forever remain there.
We can’t leave it to the shop owners.
It is up to you and me,
For Christ to remain in Christmas,
we must share Him with all we see.
© 2005 Linda J. Stevenson - Used by permission
DON'T WISH ME "MERRY X-MAS" nor "HAPPY HOLIDAY!"
Put CHRIST back into CHRISTmas, on this blessed holy day!
Removing the word, "Christmas" during this season is just one way that our religious freedoms are being stripped from us! You may have heard that many stores refuse to even mention the word, "Christmas." They just want to cash in on Christmas, which they now refer to as the "Holiday Season!"
Note: When a store clerk or anyone wishes you a "Happy Holiday!" - you might want to ask, "Oh! And which holiday are you celebrating?"
For up-to-date news and information on "Christmas" and many issues that concern Christian families, please sign up to receive Citizenlink at www.citizenlink.org by e-mail - at no cost to you. Most of this information will not be seen or heard on the mainstream media, so we need to go where we will be informed about what concerns our Christian families. We need to get our heads out of the sand and stand up for what is right. Citizenlink will help us all to do that.
THE RESUME' OF JESUS CHRIST
Author unknown - Contributed by Linda Crosby of Virginia
Address: Ephesians 1:20
Phone: Romans 10:13
Website: The Bible. Keywords: Christ, Lord, Savior and Jesus
Hello. My name is Jesus -The Christ. Many call me Lord! I've sent you my resume because I'm seeking the top management position in your heart. Please consider my accomplishments as set forth in my resume.
Qualifications:
- I founded the earth and established the heavens, (See Proverbs 3:19)
- I formed man from the dust of the ground, (See Genesis 2:7)
- I breathed into man the breath of life, (See Genesis 2:7)
- I redeemed man from the curse of the law, (See Galatians 3:13)
- The blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant comes upon your life through me. (See Gal. 3:14)
Occupational Background:
- I've only had one employer, (See Luke 2:49).
- I've never been tardy, absent, disobedient, slothful or disrespectful.
- My employer has nothing but rave reviews for me, (See Matthew 3:15-17)
Skills, Work Experiences
- Some of my skills and work experiences include: empowering the poor to be poor no more, healing the brokenhearted, setting the captives free, healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind and setting at liberty them that are bruised, (See Luke 4:18).
- I am a Wonderful Counselor, (See Isaiah 9:6). People who listen to me shall dwell safely and shall not fear evil, (See Proverbs 1:33).
- Most importantly, I have the authority, ability and power to cleanse you of your sins, (See I John 1:7-9)
- I encompass the entire breadth and length of knowledge, wisdom and understanding, (See Proverbs 2:6).
- In me are hid all of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, (See Colossians 2:3).
- My Word is so powerful; it has been described as being a lamp unto your feet and a lamp unto your path, (See Psalms 119:105).
- I can even tell you all of the secrets of your heart, (See Psalms 44:21).
Major Accomplishments:
- I laid down my life so that you may live, (See II Corinthians 5:15).
- I defeated the archenemy of God and mankind and made a show of them openly, (See Colossians 2:15).
- I've miraculously fed the poor, healed the sick and raised the dead!
There are many more major accomplishments, too many to mention here. You can read them on my website, which is located at: www dot - the BIBLE. You don't need an Internet connection or computer to access my website.
References:
Believers and followers worldwide will testify to my divine healings, salvation, deliverance, miracles, restoration and supernatural guidance
In Summation:
Now that you've read my resume, I'm confident that I'm the only candidate uniquely qualified to fill this vital position in your heart. In summation, I will properly direct your paths, (See Proverbs 3:5-6), and lead you into everlasting life, (See John 6:47). When can I start? Time is of the essence, (See Hebrews 3:15).
THE ABC's OF CHRISTMAS
by Lois Breneman, © 2001, Heart to Heart
A is for Animals who adored Jesus in the stable.
B is for Baby Jesus -- a true story -- not a fable.
C is for the Christ Child about whom we love to sing.
D is for December when we hear the joyful bells ring.
E is for the Evening when the proclamation came.
F is for the Flocks and shepherds to whom the angels sang.
G is for the Glory to God, deserved for this blessed birthday.
H is for the stolen Hoop-a-la of "Happy Holiday."
I is for the Inn where there was found no room.
J is for Jesus, born beneath the stars and moon.
K is for the newborn King, the greatest among the least.
L is for the bright Light shining on Him in the East.
M is for the Manger where the Baby lies wrapped in white.
N is for the Noels that we sing on December nights.
O is for the Open heart, I pray you have for Him.
P is for the Presents that we give in honor of Him.
Q is for the Quiet peace around this Babe, so wee.
R is for the Redeemer who came for you and me.
S is for Salvation at no cost to us. It's free.
T is for where He gave His life -- upon that cruel Tree.
U is for Us, the chosen recipients of His love.
V is for His Virgin birth, conceived by God above.
W is for "God so loved the World that He gave His only Son.
X is for the X-tra special, wonderful gift that Jesus has become.
Y is for You to whom He was especially given.
Z is for the Zeal I have to see you headed for Heaven.
GOOD NEWS NEIGHBORHOOD CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR JESUS
Invite neighborhood children and other children into your home for a Christmas party! Have a Christ-centered theme, telling the true Christmas story. Ahead of time ask two children to dress as Mary and Joseph and have a manger with a doll wrapped in a white blanket. Have these "visual aids" in front of the children as the story is told. You may want to ask your local Child Evangelism Fellowship Director if a teacher could do a party for you. CEF is usually looking for homes to be open for this purpose and they have stories, songs and games all ready to use. All they need are open homes and children! So many children in our communities have no idea that Santa Claus is NOT the real reason for Christmas! After all, Jesus isn't allowed in the public classroom, and Santa is! Then the shopping malls and television programs ditto the Santa theme! Let the children know that "Jesus Is the Reason for the Season!" Serve a birthday cake for Jesus!
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR A BIRTHDAY CAKE FOR JESUS
From Get Ready, Celebrate, Rejoice by Sue Kirk and Sally Wilke ~ Contributed by Barb Campbell, Mississippi
Create "A Birthday Cake for Jesus" as a special Christmas memory which emphasizes the reason for Christmas and reminds us that we can celebrate the love of Christmas all year long.
* Bake a round cake, any flavor, and ice with creamy white frosting to symbolize Christ's purity.
* Decorate the top of the cake with a yellow star, which symbolizes Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus.
* Next place an angel (wax or plastic) in the center of the star to remind us that the angels brought tidings of great joy.
* A circle of 12 red candles around the top of the cake symbolizes the light of Christ throughout the year.
* Finally, surround the cake with a wreath of evergreens to symbolize everlasting life.
BUILDING UP YOUR HUSBAND
Copyright © 2001-2005 Lori J. Byerly - All Rights Reserved - www.the-generous-wife.com - Permission given
Give some thought to the kinds of gifts and activities that will build up and encourage your husband. What does he want? What does he like? What does he talk about? Here's a lovely example of this kind of thinking and planning.
Tina's holiday tip/idea: One tradition that I started a few years back is trying to give a gift that brings him back to his childhood. My husband was/is quite a reader and often talks about his favorite books as a child. One year we stayed at a bed and breakfast that had an old library, and we found one of those books there. When we returned home I contacted the innkeeper and inquired about buying it for my husband. It was a hard to find book, and it cost me a few dollars, but on Christmas morning when he unwrapped it, he looked just like a little kid getting a new bicycle or puppy! It's a small thing, but picking up on things he loves during the year, and then remembering them at Christmas can be really encouraging!
ONE SPECIAL CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT EACH YEAR
Through the years we have given our children a special ornament each Christmas, and continue that tradition, even since they are all married. The child's name and the year was always written on each ornament. As the children have left home, I've given them each their box of special ornaments to take with them. If you are really organized, you may want to keep a large index card for each child to record the year and who gave each ornament to them. What wonderful memories will flood their hearts as they hang these on their own tree some day!
NATIVITY SCENES
Over the years I have collected more and more Nativity Scenes, and I enjoy spreading them throughout the house. The best time to purchase them though is right after Christmas. I found a cute one at the Salvation Army store for a dollar, with each figure wrapped carefully. The box was labeled, "Katie's Nativity." I gave this to our two year old grandson, after telling him the story. It will be his very own to tell and act out the story. Our daughter told me today that it is set up on a table and he enjoys standing there and looking at it. Today he took the sheep to bed with him during naptime. It would be really special for each child or grandchild to have his or her own Nativity Scene.
Joanne Reed, a friend in Virginia, shared another Nativity idea for young children, which would be a wonderful idea to incorporate each part of the Christmas story into family devotions. All you need is a nativity scene! Their family would wrap each piece of a child's Nativity Scene and let the children take turns opening just one gift each night, leading up to Christmas. They would number or date each gift. They focused on that one gift each evening, by talking about that object and reading scriptures pertaining to it. The Nativity Scene would be built up until the very last gift was opened - Baby Jesus! This method of using the Nativity Scene is another very special way of helping your children to focus on the real meaning of Christmas.
ACTING OUT THE CHRISTMAS STORY
Early in December, read your children the Christmas story, as found in Luke 2:1-20. Let your children act out the story. Help them make costumes out of bath robes and bath towels. Allow them to be creative. Encourage them to memorize the story straight from the Bible. Even the little ones can learn a part of it. On Christmas morning, have them act out the story and video tape their production. We have a treasured picture from our children acting out the Christmas story. A picture like this can be framed as part of your Christmas decoration each year.
FRAMED CHRISTMAS CARDS AS PART OF DECORATING YOUR HOME
Years ago I framed a beautiful Christmas card of Baby Jesus with this scripture written below: "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son...." I John 4:10 A beautiful gold frame accents the gold in the card, which is simply gold on white. But the most important thing about this idea, is that the emphasis for the Christmas season is the Lord Jesus Himself! Not only do I still use this each Christmas, but it hangs on the wall all year long as a reminder.
ADVENT CALENDAR
A dear friend, Gladys Weddle, designed a wonderful Advent Calendar! If you are interested in receiving it, she said she'd be happy to have it distributed to as many ladies to make them for their families. She agreed that $5 would be very reasonable for me to print copies and send them to you in the mail. In addition, I have several e-mail pictures of the finished calendar and ornaments, as well as detailed instructions that will be sent to you.
If you are interested in ordering a pattern, please e-mail (see Contact information) for further instructions.
I made the calendar design by Gladys in 1980, after she shared it with our Bible study. Although our children are no longer in our home, I still enjoy hanging it with all the meaningful and colorful ornaments each year. Eventually I'd love to make one for each of our three grown children to use with their own children. That can be my next project! It would be fun to make three all at one time. There's nothing like planning ahead!
ADVENT WREATH - CELEBRATING JESUS' COMING
-- from The 25 Days of Christmas by Rebecca Hayford Bauer
Contributed by Barb Campbell - (Note from Barb - This came from the book we usually use for Advent. I love the readings because they compare the Old Testament Prophecy with the New Testament fulfillment.)
Advent Wreath: Advent means "coming," and an advent wreath is a great way to keep our focus where it belongs: on Jesus' coming. The advent wreath consists of a wreath or greenery twinned candelabra fitted with four candles. One is lit each Sunday leading to Christmas. Then on Christmas Day, a fifth candle -- usually larger than the other four -- is placed in the center of the wreath celebrating the birth of the Light of the world.
Each candle represents a different aspect of the events leading to Jesus' birth. Traditionally, they are:
the Prophecy Candle, representing hope;
the Bethlehem Candle, representing faith;
the Angel's Candle, representing peace;
and the Shepherd's candle, representing joy.
The center candle is Christ's Candle and represents love.
The celebration of the Advent wreath also includes reading Scriptures showing both the Old Testament prophecies regarding the coming of the Messiah and the New Testament fulfillment of those prophecies.
Listed below are the devotional along with Scripture reading to go with each candle:
The Prophecy Candle -- Isaiah 7:14, 9:6-7; Luke 1:30 - 35
The Bethlehem Candle -- Micah 5:2; Luke 2:1-7
The Angel's Candle -- Isaiah 52:7; Luke 2:8-14, 4:18-19
The Shepherd's Candle -- Ezekiel 34:23; Luke 2:15-20; John 10:11
Christ' Candle -- Isaiah 9:2; Luke 2:30-32
TREE ORNAMENTS CENTERED ON JESUSThink of all the names of Jesus in the scriptures, and find a way of turning that symbol into a Christmas tree ornament. You may want to have a separate tree with only these ornaments. This list is just a start!
- Light of the World (lantern) Vine (bunch of grapes)
- Good Shepherd (staff) Bright and Morning Star (star)
- Rose of Sharon (rose) Lamb of God (lamb)
- Good shepherd (shepherd) Salt of the earth (salt in cellophane)
- My Provider (small leather money bag) The God who Sees (magnifying glass)
THE CANDYMAKER'S REASON FOR THE CANDY CANE
(Note from Lois: Type out this story and tie it to a candy cane and you have a nice little gift with the gospel message to give away in nursing homes, to neighbors and to total strangers during the Christmas season. Our son's church did this in the town where he lives.)
According to legend there was a candymaker who wanted to invent a candy that was a witness to Christ. First of all, he used a hard candy because Christ is the rock of ages. This hard candy was shaped so that it would resemble a "J" for Jesus or, turned upside down, a shepherd's staff. He made it white to represent the purity of Christ. Finally a red stripe was added to represent the blood Christ shed for the sins of the world, and three thinner red stripes for the stripes He received on our behalf when the Roman soldiers whipped Him. Sometimes a green stripe is added as a reminder that Jesus is a gift from God. The flavor of the cane is peppermint, which is similar to hyssop. Hyssop is in the mint family and was used in the Old Testament for purification and sacrifice. Jesus is the pure Lamb of God, come to be a sacrifice for the sins of the world. So, every time you see a candy cane, remember the message of the candy maker: Jesus is the Christ!
Go to http://www.angelrays.com/fla/legend.html with your children. Read the beautiful animated story of the candy cane! This link also make a very meaningful e-mail Christmas card to send.
CHARMING ANIMAL CRACKER ORNAMENTS
by Brenda Hyde - Used by permission
These whimsical little ornaments are easy to make as a project with the kids or on your own for holiday decorating. Because they are so inexpensive you can create rustic trees for your entry ways and porches, use them as package toppers for your gifts, give them to teachers, or package up a small artificial tree and a couple of dozen ornaments as a special pre-holiday gift for someone that is homebound! Use inexpensive animal crackers and paint that you have on hand for an extra frugal project.
You'll need: Animal Crackers; Acrylic paint in shades of gray, tan and brown; Acrylic paint in red or blue; small flat paintbrush; small stencil brush; small round paintbrush; toothbrush; small piece of screen; hot glue gun; glossy clear acrylic spray/sealer; jute string
Using the gray color and the flat paintbrush, paint each animal cracker and allow it to dry. Take your lighter tan/beige color and using the stencil brush make an up and down stamping motion on the cracker to make it look mottled or sponge painted. Cover most of the gray. Dip the tip of the toothbrush lightly in the darker brown paint and brush downward ON the screen held over the crackers. (You will be able to do more than one at a time if you position them correctly.) Wait for all the crackers to dry and then using the small round paint brush, paint hearts or other folk art type symbols on each cracker and allow them to dry again. Spray each ornament with the acrylic sealer. When dry, cut a 4 inch piece of jute for each ornament, looping it and gluing it to the back of the cracker.
NOTES: You can vary the colors, but try to keep it in shades that compliment each other - the darkest one to splatter, and a dark color to paint the hearts. You can use raffia or thin ribbon as hangers if you wish. A neat idea is to use the same technique on plastic ball or heart ornaments. The steps are the same, and you can decorate an entire tree with them! Use torn country themed cotton as garland and for bows as accents on the tree. With the same technique you can completely change the look by using bold primary colors!
Brenda is a wife, mom to three and a freelance writer living in Michigan. For more old fashioned crafts, recipes and gardening visit her at http://oldfashionedliving.com.
TEN GUIDELINES FROM GOD
Source unknown ~ Contributed by Rosanne Ayers, Virginia
Effective immediately, please be aware that there are changes YOU need to make in YOUR life. These changes need to be completed in order that I may fulfill My promises to you to grant you peace, joy and happiness in this life. I apologize for any inconvenience, but after all that I am doing, this seems very little to ask of you. Please, follow these 10 guidelines.
1. QUIT WORRYING: Life has dealt you a blow and all you do is sit and worry. Have you forgotten that I am here to take all your burdens and carry them for you? Or do you just enjoy fretting over every little thing that comes your way?
2. PUT IT ON THE LIST: Something needs done or taken care of. Put it on the list. No, not YOUR list. Put it on MY to-do-list. Let ME be the one to take care of the problem. I can't help you until you turn it over to Me. And although My to-do-list is long, I am after all... God. I can take care of anything you put into My hands. In fact, if the truth were ever really known, I take care of a lot of things for you that you never even realize.
3. TRUST ME: Once you've given your burdens to Me, quit trying to take them back. Trust in Me. Have the faith that I will take care of all your needs, your problems and your trials. Problems with the kids? Put them on My list. Problem with finances? Put it on My list. Problems with your emotional roller coaster? For My sake, put it on My list. I want to help you. All you have to do is ask.
4. LEAVE IT ALONE: Don't wake up one morning and say, "Well, I'm feeling much stronger now, I think I can handle it from here." Why do you think you are feeling stronger now? It's simple. You gave Me your burdens and I'm taking care of them. I also renew your strength and cover you in my peace. Don't you know that if I give you these problems back, you will be right back where you started? Leave them with Me and forget about them. Just let Me do my job.
5. TALK TO ME: I want you to forget a lot of things. Forget what was making you crazy. Forget the worry and the fretting because you know I'm in control. But there's one thing I pray you never forget. Please, don't forget to talk to Me - OFTEN! I love YOU! I want to hear your voice. I want you to include Me in on the things going on in your life. I want to hear you talk about your friends and family. Prayer is simply you having a conversation with Me. I want to be your dearest friend.
6. HAVE FAITH: I see a lot of things from up here that you can't see from where you are. Have faith in Me that I know what I'm doing. Trust Me; you wouldn't want the view from My eyes. I will continue to care for you, watch over you, and meet your needs. You only have to trust Me. Although I have a much bigger task than you, it seems as if you have so much trouble just doing your simple part. How hard can trust be?
7. SHARE: You were taught to share when you were only two years old. When did you forget? That rule still applies. Share with those who are less fortunate than you. Share your joy with those who need encouragement. Share your laughter with those who haven't heard any in such a long time. Share your tears with those who have forgotten how to cry. Share your faith
with those who have none.
8. BE PATIENT: I managed to fix it so in just one lifetime you could have so many diverse experiences. You grow from a child to an adult, have children, change jobs many times, learn many trades, travel to so many places, meet thousands of people, and experience so much. How can you be so impatient then when it takes Me a little longer than you expect to handle something on My to-do-list? Trust in My timing, for My timing is perfect. Just because I created the entire universe in only six days, everyone thinks I should always rush, rush, rush.
9. BE KIND: Be kind to others, for I love them just as much as I love you. They may not dress like you, or talk like you, or live the same way you do, but I still love you all. Please try to get along, for My sake. I created each of you different in some way. It would be too boring if you were all identical. Please, know I love each of your differences.
10. LOVE YOURSELF: As much as I love you, how can you not love yourself? You were created by me for one reason only -- to be loved, and to love in return. I am a God of Love. Love Me. Love your neighbors. But also love yourself. It makes My heart ache when I see you so angry with yourself when things go wrong. You are very precious to me. Don't ever forget.
The best thing to give to your enemy is forgiveness; to an opponent, tolerance; to a friend, your heart; to your child, a good example; to a father, deference; to your mother, conduct that will make her proud of you; to yourself, respect; to all men, charity. - Benjamin Franklin
KIDS' QUOTES
(Ladies, keep your pen and scrap paper handy to catch those cute kids' quotes today and every day!)
Two anonymous quotes:
I took some pictures today of my little 3 year old granddaughter, ("Little One," as I refer to her), as she "knelt" before the TV. She was watching a "Precious Moments" video, "Timmy's Gift," and watched it 5 times in a row! Every time at the end, when Timmy and the little animals all line up and kneel before the manger, she would copy what they were doing. She would always say, "Baby Jesus." It was cute.
But not as cute as the last thing she did! Just before the ending, she wrapped her little bunny up in a fingertip towel she plays with (there is Snowflake, the bunny, in the video); then she wrapped her Veggie Tales Madame Blueberry up in her own blanket (like the Baby Jesus); then she asked me to wrap her up. I did. She asked me to cover her head with the blanket. I did. I asked her if she was Mary (I thought that would probably be the case; there was Mary on the video with wrap over her head and body). Little One didn't reply for awhile; she just sat very still under the blanket. Then she said softly ... "I'm a Precious Moment." AHHHHHH !!!!!!! This Grandma nearly died! I had called her that about 2 hours prior when she started watching the video. She remembered! I guess she probably doesn't even know who Mary is yet; at least not at 3 years old. But she knows she's a Precious Moment!
My 2 year old granddaughter, Abby, and her mom were in the floor playing one morning and Abby had gas which she innocently expelled rather loudly. She looked at mom and said, "Did you hear that? I burped in my diaper!" ~ Jo Ann in Arkansas
While our family was enjoying a meal together, out of the blue our 3 year old grandson Andrew asked, "Why did Jesus take PaPaw's hair off the top?" I asked his Papaw to lower his head to show Andrew the top of his head. Then I told Andrew, "See how nice the top of Papaw's head is? That's why. So everyone can see it!" ~ Elaine in PA
I was giving our 3 1/2 year old daughter, Alyssa, kisses and telling her how much I loved her. She smiled and said, "Mom, you keep giving me kisses and I'm goin' to smell like kisses!" ~ Jarnette in Florida
A six year old boy, living on a farm, saw some hungry baby piglets soon after they were born, trying desperately to nurse. He came running into the house, telling his mom, "Hurry! The mama pig doesn't have enough spigots, so we'll have to feed some with bottles!"Please remember to pray for each Heart to Heart lady as you receive your newsletter. God bless you and your family in a special way!
Thanks be unto God for His indescribable gift!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!Your Heart to Heart friend,Lois
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