Trying To Update 5:16 AM Club List

I have gotten several e-mail requests to be a part of the 5:16 AM club - YAY! However, some of the e-mails were sent to my junk mail folder and I have lost them. Please check the 5:16 AM Gals list and see if you are on it (please also check to see if I have your blog correct). If you are not and you would like to be, please e-mail me again or leave me a comment and let me know (so sorry!).

Also, at some point I will add the name of your blog next to your personal name - hopefully I will have time over the weekend!

Thank you for your patience!!! :)

I Can Create! (Who Knew?)

Thanks Kristen (Pajama Mama) for an inspiring week of creativity!

Lookey lookey lookey what I made:

What do you think, am I ready for Etsy? ;)

Inspiration from homemade by jill bird scherenschnitte and joom pillows.

Sounds Like Our House Right Now...

Wife: "Here are your eggs and bacon."

Husband: "Where are the eggs?"

Wife: "Give me a break, will ya?!"

(From The Bob Newhart show)

Motivate Me Monday! Wait A Minute...

I'm not ready to start blogging yet! It's still Christmas vacation...at least until January 1st!

Here's the deal, I have been so MOTIVATED to clean and organize my house (clearly nesting at seven months along) that I can't possible blog right now! But, hang in there with me, I will be back in the new year!

Oh, and in the event that you happen to have something motivating to share, I have included a mr. linky!

"See" you in a couple of days!

Time For Christmas!

I'll be back after Christmas! Have a WONDERFUL, BEAUTIFUL, FUN-FILLED, MERRY Christmas!

(There won't be any MMM post this week, so save all your goodies for next week!)

Advent Poem

Will it begin while I'm alive?

Will I be slain for your name?

Or will I survive?

I can not imagine what a sight it will be,

when you come on a cloud wild and loud

and all will bend a knee

How will your angels gather the few?

Will we follow and fly straight up to the sky?

Or will they take us to you?

How wonderful to finally see your face!

I'm anticipatory to see your glory

and finally feel your embrace

"Be alert" and "ready", this I will strive

preparing to meet the Lamb,

the great I Am

Will it begin while I'm alive?

Disgusting

Congressional lawmakers "will get a $4,700 pay increase, amounting to an additional $2.5 million that taxpayers will spend on congressional salaries..."

http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/with-economy-in-shambles-congress-gets-a-raise-2008-12-17.html

A little history for you:

In 1789 Congress was paid only $6 a day.

In 1965 members were receiving $30,000 a year.

Currently the average lawmaker makes $169,300 a year, with leadership making slightly more.

Anyone else want to barf over the hypocrisy in all of this?

Oreo Truffles aka Beluga Babies

Before I share the recipe to this delicious delight, know that I did not come up with it (in fact, I'd never even heard of it until yesterday!). The wonderful Robin had this recipe on her blog and I feel that I must pass it on.

So, in the spirit of Would You Like Chocolate With That, here is the Beluga Babies recipe:

1 pkg. Oreos, crushed

1 8 oz. pkg. light cream cheese, softened

1 pkg. white Almond Bark

You will need a cookie sheet that will fit in your freezer.

Mix the crushed Oreos and softened cream cheese. Shape into walnut sized balls, place on wax paper that is on a cookie sheet. Place the balls on the cookie sheet in the freezer for 15 minutes. Melt almond bark according to directions on package. Dip the Oreo balls in melted almond bark and let set till hard. You can take some extra melted almond bark and put into a plastic baggie, cut a tiny bit of the corner off and drizzle a little decorative line on top of the truffles. These can be frozen. Store in refrigerator.

Yummo!

My Husband Rocks! Friday

My husband rocks because:

• He made most of our Christmas presents this year thanks to his new found wood-working hobby.
• He has been giving the kiddos baths so I don't have to bend over the tub with my growing belly (huge thanks babe!)
• He is a GREAT daddy! In the evenings you won't find T.V. on in our house - you'll find my husband on the floor playing with the kiddos for nearly two hours while I rest on the couch and watch them laugh and play.

For more MHR Friday, head on over to The Great Adventure!

Advent Elf

So, I have an idea.

It's kind of too late to implement this year, but hey, there is always next year.

Wanna know what my idea is?

The Advent Elf.

Before I share, I must admit that I can't take credit for the whole idea. My inspiration came from Scout who is currently working for the family over at Bring the Rain.

But anywho, here is my little twist:

I am going to scrap the advent calendar and start the tradition of an advent elf. Every day our little elf (who has yet to be named) will show up in a new place and the kiddos have to search him out and find him. He will have their assignments for serving Jesus for that day.

The fun is finding the elf in a new spot each day.

The glory is in honoring Jesus with service.

Now I just have to find a cute little elf to fill the role...

Have YOU Considered Adopting? Why Not?

"Without Christmas there would be no Easter."

I read a sign with the above catchy little phrase on it as I was on my way to church. True, I thought. No birth of Jesus Christ, no savior to die on a cross, defeat death, and allow a way for the enemies of God to "have the right" (John 1:12) to become His children through adoption.

"In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves." Ephesians 1:5,6

(Contrary to popular sentiment, we are not children of God until we have believed and received in Jesus Christ. Yes, we are all created in His image, but after the fall, we became His enemies. See here and here .)

We are adopted. Adoption is God's idea.

"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." Jesus (John 14:18)

You know what else is His idea? Taking care of the orphans.

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress..." James 1:27

I don't know how many widows there are out there, but I do know that there are a little more than a half-million children in foster care in the United States - 129,000 are waiting to be adopted.

Do you know how many places of worship are in the U.S.?

400,000.

Devon Williams of CitizenLink sums it up best:

"Can't we find one family out of every three churches to adopt one child?"

Please consider rescuing a child for God. He did it for us. (Oh, and state adoption is actually free most of the time...some of the time the government actually pays you!)

www.adoptuskids.org

Adopting by state

(Rescuing a child works for me!)

Score One For Santa!

I never thought I'd actually be thanking God for Santa Claus:

Child Writes to Santa, Asks For Molestation to End

Kimba's Holiday Open House!

Welcome! I don't have too many decorations to share...

But I do have a special one. This year we bought our first Nativity set:

Isn't it sweet? It's extra special to me because my husband made the "stable." I love it!

If you would like to know some of the special ways we are also celebrating the birth of our savior, check out my post on creating a free Jesse tree and a service oriented advent calendar.

Thanks for stopping by!

Motivate Me Monday! Marriage Is Hard, Part 4 (A Refuge)

This week's featured 5:16 am gal is Helen from...

A Work of Heart

I really love Helen's perspective on things:

"Their [Angels] job description is very much like a child of God’s.

I am Gabriel…

I stand in the presence of God…

I have been sent to you and to tell you this good news…

I am Helen…

I stand in the presence of God…

I have been sent…to tell the good news…"

She also writes beautifully. Her post this week is, The Gift of Wood, focuses on God with us. Here is a small excerpt:

"An ordinary material…wood…not sought by many…nor precious by any means…yet God used the ordinary to exhibit the extraordinary…to show us…to remind us that in every aspect of life, each and every ordinary day…He brings light, peace and deliverance… He is God With Us...Immanuel…"

Stop by her blog and be inspired.

"Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion." Ecclesiastes 4:9,10

Marriage is hard. You know what else it is? A refuge. A place where you can be yourself, fully and completely, bare and vulnerable, free and forgiven...imperfect. However, it can only become a refuge if we push through the hard parts, the messy parts, the almost-giving-up parts.

This week I have been inspired by three things that have encouraged me and motivated me to press on when marriage is hard. Here they are:

Marie Barlow Martin and Gordy Martin, a couple who minister by their gifts of music. I saw them in concert this week and was moved by their story. The main highlight for me that was inspiring was how Marie left a very successful musical theatre career in NYC to become the wife of Gordy and move to Lancaster, PA (Amish land). She didn't hold on to her rights or her Independence. She was counter-cultural. Now God uses them all over the world to share the love of God and the "oneness" of marriage.

The second thing that inspired me was a commencement speech given by Laura from 10 Million Miles. Read this excerpt for yourself:

"Despite these trends, I bring you a message of hope: God intends for us to love, He intends for us to be in the mess of relationships, He intends for us to stay and to make peace when things get tough. He intends for us to build homes and to love our families. It is possible to sacrifice some achievements and some experiences in order to build a home. It is possible to look back on your losses without regret. It is possible...

As you build your home you, too, must surrender pride, whimsy, and selfishness.
Perhaps the most significant thing you will sacrifice is the spirit of independence which is destroying women. There is no room for the independent spirit in a woman’s life: we simply cannot love a man, children, or others well if we are entangled in this popular mentality that we are the center of the universe and we should have everything our way and we should be able to accomplish everything we desire and we shouldn’t have to answer to anyone but ourselves.
If you want to be great in God’s kingdom, learn to be the servant of all.
In the world’s eyes, you will be sacrificing so much, but in God’s eyes, you will be the lifeblood of His next generation, a generation who will praise His name."

You can read the whole amazing commencement speech here.

The third thing, my marriage. My husband and I have only been married for five and a half years, but we've weathered some storms. I love him, and because we have committed ourselves to one another for life, taking very seriously our vows (in good times and bad), we have been able to push through some hard stuff and find a refuge in each other. We have fun together! We are vulnerable and real with each other. He knows me better than anyone, and I know him better than anyone. He accepts me with all my annoyances (I seriously have a nose-picking problem!) and I accept him.

Marriage is hard, but it one of the most rewarding and worthwhile pursuits God has blessed us with.

Your Turn!

1. What have you learned and/or how God has spoken to you lately?
2. Share some advice, wisdom, practical applications, tips you've learned, etc. that you think would benefit others.

*Make sure to link directly to your MMM post and then link back here!

Tomorrow...

It will be Motivate Me Monday already! I finally have an official button - you can check it out over on my sidebar...

Isn't it cute? The fabulous Miss Emily Rose of Vintage Girl designed it. She will also be sprucing up my blog in the coming weeks - I can't wait! She is so talented (as is her sister, Breezy). Oh, and if you have been reading my Lady of Wisdom Interviews, you will have noticed a Titus 2 woman by the name of Robin. Emily Rose and Breezy are her daughters! Seriously amazing family! Check 'em out!

Don't forget to link up all your little motivating tips, encouragment, devotions, etc. to motivate us gals for the week! Can't wait to read them! :)

Oh yea, and I will be finishing up my little "Marriage is Hard" Series tomorrow as well!

Marriage Is Hard, Part 3 (A Challenge)

Marriage Is Hard, Part 1 - Pursuing Godliness
Marriage Is Hard, Part 2 - Advice From Wise Women
Marriage Is Hard, Part 3 - A Challenge
Marriage Is Hard, Part 4 - A Refuge


This Christmas, give your spouse something eternal - a gift of affirmation. Here is my Homemade Christmas challenge for you:

Write your husband a letter that details (very specifically and genuinely) why you respect him. Perhaps you can think of ten reasons you admire him, look up to him, or trust him. If you are single, consider writing a letter to your future husband sharing with him how you long to love him well by respecting him, and how you hold it a dear privilege to one day have him to honor.

“Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband..." Ephesians 5:33

If you struggle respecting your husband, ask the Lord to show you areas that in his life that are respectable Think upon those things and then write with a heart of love. Remember, God doesn't ask us to respect our husbands, He requires us to, whether we think they are worthy or not.

Respect - To regard highly; think much of; to consider worthy of esteem; to regard with honor.

Sometimes the affirmation and encouragement from a wife is just what a husband needs to step up and be a man worthy of respect.

Here are some very practical tips to help you respect your husband from the article Living Ephesians 5: Wives, Respect Your Husband: (I recommend taking the time to click on the link and read the whole article. Below is just an excerpt.)

Respect him Verbally, Intellectually, and Physically.

Verbally

Cut out (ok…cut back) complaining and add in compliments.If you want to have a peaceful, happy marriage, learn the art of the compliment. Compliments are like magnets and the more you compliment your husband the more he will be attracted to you. Begin to notice when he does it right and verbally encourage him by complimenting him at least once a day. If you are having a hard time thinking of anything to admire, consider these categories: physical traits, mental skills, financial strengths, spiritual growth, or healthy relationships with others (children, parents, or friends). You may be asking “Hey, why should I compliment him when he NEVER compliments me?” Because, if you want your marriage to grow and bloom, you’ll have to water it with kindness and encouragement. Then, as he sees your sincere efforts, he will begin to change too. Don’t give up.If you do need to bring up a difficult issue, place it between two compliments, also known as a “Compliment Sandwich.” Here’s an example, “Honey, I know how hard you work for our money and that Sally’s braces will be expensive, but I need your decision before her appointment tomorrow. I hope we can do this for her, but if you want to wait, I trust your judgment. What should I tell the orthodontist? ”

Intellectually

Men like to solve problems and fix things. So appeal to his intelligence by asking him to help you solve a problem. Instead of saying “This garage is a mess, clean up your camping stuff!” Try, “I’d like your help with something. Could you figure out a storage system for all the camping supplies?”Don’t imply that he isn’t smart. Instead of saying “I think you are wrong about…” Say, “I’m confused about…please explain it again” (Remember to keep your tone of voice sarcasm-free.)Request his help on Spiritual matters too. Ask him to explain a passage of Scripture or ask him to pray for you when you are going through a difficult time. If your husband is not the spiritual leader in your home, continue to pray for him and ask him if there is anything you are doing that is hindering his relationship with God.Men don’t give a lot of weight to feelings -- show them facts and they’ll be more likely to listen. For example: if he wants to buy a car that you think is too expensive, don’t launch into a hissy-fit, write out your monthly expenses and ask him what other things should be cut out in order to buy his car. Let the facts speak for you. When you cannot reach an agreement, instead of trying to wear him down by nagging or crying say, “Is that your final decision or can I still try to convince you?" If it’s his final decision, then honor it. It’s freeing — let him carry the responsibility of your family.

Physically

Physically -- ask what he would like you to do and then, do it. Find out what his top three needs are. Ron likes the laundry done, physical intimacy a least twice a week (guaranteed) and he likes me to keep my “girly-make-up stuff” off of the bathroom counter. If these top needs are met, he’s content and easy to get along with. I know it sounds simple, but each of us have different things that make us feel loved and appreciated. You won’t know what he wants unless you ask him.Be aware of your body language. You can communicate disrespect by rolling your eyes, crossing your arms, or slamming doors. Reflect your new decision to respect your husband in your heart, mind, and body.

*If you like what you read here at Like A Warm Cup Of Coffee, you can subscibe here!

Marriage Is Hard, Part 2 (Wisdom From Titus 2 Women)

"...a man leaves father and mother and cherishes his wife. No longer two, they become "one flesh."

I am encouraged when older, wiser women of God are willing to "teach what is good" to the younger generations. We need these Titus 2 women, who are sadly coming up in short supply it seems. Thankfully, I have been blessed to interview some of these ladies of wisdom, and I want to pass on some of their advice on how to love your husband well.

"They [older women]are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled." Titus 2:3-5

Here are the "marriage" excerpts from my Lady of Wisdom interviews:

Sarah: Our "ministry" of being homemakers can get pretty exhausting, especially with little ones! How did you make time and have energy for your husband?

Robin: Coming home out of the work place made such a difference in this area. While I was working I felt torn in too many different directions and I don't think I handled this area very well. I always knew that after the girls were in bed that we could have some quiet time for the two of us. That didn't work out every night, but that was the goal. There will be days when you will be exhausted from caring for your little ones, but it won't always be like that. If it seems like you aren't getting any relief than perhaps some changes need to take place in what is going on through the day.When the girls were younger, I always made the girls have a rest after lunch. Whether it was a nap or looking at books, they had to stay on their bed and be quiet for an hour. We gradually worked up to that starting at 10-15 minutes. It gave me a chance to rest, read or just be still for awhile through the day.

Sarah: What is the greatest thing you've learned in how to be a good wife?

Robin: I think reading The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace was very helpful for me in becoming a good wife. She explains how our thought life really effects our actions and words. We can change our ungodly thoughts to biblical thoughts and become a blessing to our husband instead of a curse. Reading this book and trying to apply these principles made a huge impact on our marriage.

Sarah: What is the greatest thing youʼ've learned in how to be a good wife?

June: Just try to be his best helpmeet---find out what he would like from you instead of what the world wants you to be. Find out what he likes to eat, how he likes the house, what he likes you to wear. Some husbands don't care if the house is immaculate but they do care if there is not a hot meal waiting for them when they get home. Also ask him in the morning- "Is there anything you need me to do today?" and then put that first on your list--after your Bible devotionals, of course. Even if that means pushing aside your ever- urgent 'to do' list. And lastly, I should have probably put this first---RESPECT. Be sure to love him by respecting him. I also highly recommend the book "The Excellent Wife" by Martha Peace.


Sarah: How did you make time for your husband when you were exhausted with little ones?

Cathy: By keeping priorities. God first, Dave next, then the kids. The best thing I can do for the kids is to love their dad and let them feel the security of our bond. We did lunch dates if the schedule allowed. I am still too tired most of the time to enjoy night dates as much as lunch ones. Have a regular date time.... a time when you know you have the full attention of each other and can really talk.

Sarah: What is the greatest thing you've learned in how to be a good wife?

Cathy: To choose to let him be and to let Dave know that "he is enough for me". Men struggle with feeling that they are not enough. I want to be a refuge and place where he can experience freedom and grace. I am to be his biggest fan.

These women have been a blessing to me and I pray their wisdom would bless you and your marriage as well.

(Wisdom from Titus 2 Women works for me!)

Marriage Is Hard, Part 1

Let me paint a familiar picture for you of a typical married couple:

Husband (trying to initiate a physical encounter by "groping" his wife): No words needed.

Wife (busy with something -dishes, computer, etc.): "Quit it! I'm right in the middle of something. Honey, I love you, but come on, can you just give me some space? All you do is want something physical from me! Can you just wait?!"

Husband: Goes and does something else.

Some feelings of disrespect, a little rejection, a missed opportunity for godliness.

Godliness?

Let's face it, marriage is hard. While it is also a refuge, the fact is that God intentionally made man and woman different - complementary, but also at odds. We have to make the effort to love the other in ways that may not, and probably are not, like our own (especially when you throw kiddos in the mix). God could have made our desires the same, why didn't He?

I truly believe that marriage is the ultimate character building design (with having raising children in a close second). We grow in godliness if we allow marriage to do its job, so to speak. We can either just be married and live with one another, settling for mediocrity, or we can get out of our comfort zones, let down walls, be stretched until it hurts, and serve...even if we are not served in return. The reward might (and probably will) be a stronger and more intimate marriage, but it will definitely have a reward of godliness.

Perseverance, humility, selflessness, and a pure conscience before God are some of those rewards. We should never settle for the status quo in marriage. God didn't settle when it came to His bride, those He dearly loved but who had turned away from Him. He pursued us, He gave His life for us, and He purifies us. This is how we should view marriage - something to pursue, give our lives up for, and purify...till death do us part.

"Love endures long and is patient and kind;

love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy,

is not boastful or vainglorious,

does not display itself haughtily.

It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride);

it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly.

Love (God's love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way,

for it is not self-seeking;

it is not touchy or fretful or resentful;

it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong].

It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness,

but rejoices when right and truth prevail.

Love bears up under anything and everything that comes,

is ever ready to believe the best of every person,

its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances,

and it endures everything [without weakening].

Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end]."

Marriage Is Hard, Part 2 - Advice From Wise Women

Marriage Is Hard, Part 3 - A Challenge

Marriage Is Hard, Part 4 - A Refuge

Motivate Me Monday! (And Journal Giveaway Winners)

The "Test" Button

Goodmorning! Allow me to introduce you to a very funny 5:16 AM Gal:

Unsinkable Kristin!

If you are tired this Monday morning, please please please head on over to this gal's blog - she is sure to have you laughing! However, she is not only funny, but insightful and introspective. One of my favorite features she has for Motivate Me Monday is her "What God Has Taught My Stubborn Self" and "Tips, Tricks and Doozer Sticks." Head on over and give her some love!

One more piece of business - the winners of my little journal giveaway! Picked randomly, I now give my congrats to:

Sarah from Nesting from Pleasant View

Christin from Journey to a Gracious Woman with Fly-by-the-pants-of-my-seat Blogging! (What a name, eh?!)

Katy Lin from The Great Adventure

E-mail me your addresses and I will get your journals to you A.S.A.P!

Now onto my MMM post...

One of things that the Lord has really been laying on my heart is the big picture of marriage. Not just how it reflects Jesus and His bride, the church (Christians), but how it is also a major character builder. There is so much I want to say about this that a MMM post just will not due, so I am going to be writing about it throughout this week. I hope you will join me.

Your Turn!

1. What have you learned and/or how God has spoken to you lately?
2. Share some advice, wisdom, practical applications, tips you've learned, etc. that you think would benefit others.

*Make sure to link directly to your MMM post and then link back here!

For You, Sarah (Christmas Tag)

I never do tags. However, the sweet spirited Sarah has asked me to, so I shall. Here is my Christmas tag:

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot Chocolate

2.Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Wrap (who the heck doesn't wrap presents?!) Oh, and we have no chimney, so no Santa. We don't like him much anyway - he's kind of creepy. :)

3. Colored lights on house/tree or white? I would like colored lights - kiddos love it! However my husband (who won't hang lights, but I'm working on him) I'm sure will only want white. Boring!

4. Do you hang mistletoe? No...but perhaps I should...

5.When do you put your decorations up? Usually the day after Thanksgiving.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Excluding dessert?! Who came up with these questions?! Um...sheesh, I don't know, I love it all!

7. Favorite holiday memory as a child? Being sure that I heard reindeer on our roof (I know, I'm so weird. I am depriving my children of one of my favorite memories by not celebrating Santa...maybe we could just celebrate the reindeer...)

8.When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? Well, first of all, I believed until I was around 10 or 11 (seriously) and then my step-mom just came in my room one day and said, "you know Santa isn't real, don't you?" I know! So mean!

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Still deciding on whether or not to do that as a tradition.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? With ornaments and white lights.

11. Snow. Love it or dread it? Love it.

12. Can you ice skate? Yepper.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? No

14. What is the most important thing about the holidays to you? Spending time with family - I love family!

15. What is your favorite holiday dessert? Cookies - any and all!

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Waking up at our house on Christmas morning.

17. What tops your Christmas tree? A sock. (Just kidding, just wanted to see if you were paying attention...are you? Oh, and a star.)

18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving? Well, giving is the right answer, but I can't lie, it is fun to receive...

19. What is your favorite Christmas song? Joy to World

20. Candy Canes. Yum or Yuck? Yum

21. What do you want for Christmas? My two front teeth

22. Do you attend an annual Christmas party? Yes, with my church small group.

23. Do you dress up for Christmas Eve or wear PJ's? We dress up for church, but then get comfy cozy in our PJ's.

24. Do you own a Santa hat? Hmmm...nope.

25. Who do you normally spend Christmas with? My husband and two sweet babes - then we go to my family's house and at some point we also always spend time with my husband's side of the family.

I'm now supposed to tag people, but I'm really tired and I'm going to go to bed instead. Sorry!

Wow, An Award For Something I Love!

The Bookworm Award

Thanks Lisa! I seriously LOVE to read!

This award has a fun twist... find the book closest to you, turn to page 56, and type in the fifth sentence plus a couple more after that.

The closest book to me was The Big Picture Story Bible (which I love), the bible I read to my kiddos! Page 56 is actually just pictures (go figure) so we'll have to go with page 57, and there actually isn't a fifth sentence (there are only two), so I'll just give you the whole thing:

"Now Adam and Eve ruled the world in evil ways. And they had children who did just the same. Their children, and grandchildren, and great-grandchildren all turned away from God."

How's that for depressing! Good thing we know of the hope! :)

I now pass this award along to:

Anyone who loves to read!

A Homemade Christmas - Pillows From Placemats!

Have you ever made pillows from placemats? Well, if you haven't, you're missing out! I first came across the idea of using placemats for pillows here (check out some very cute "placemat" pillows). Cute and inexpensive - count me in! I decided to look at the Dollar Tree for some cloth placemats I could use. Check these out (only a buck each baby!):

With a little work...

Face the right sides together (the cute sides) and pin

Sew all around leaving about a four inch space to put the stuffing in.

Cut off the corners (I wish I had a picture but my camera battery died - go figure!)

Turn the pillow right side out and then stuff it nice and full! Whip stitch the opening closed and...

Voila! Super cute pillows:

For more homemade Christmas ideas, check out the Simply Vintage Girl blog!

Giveaway Time! Just A Little Something...

Super Cute Journals!

I don't know about you, but I love a brand new, crisp journal just waiting to come alive with the stories of life!

"The pages are still blank, but there is a miraculous feeling of the words being there, written in invisible ink and clamoring to become visible."

-Vladimir Nabakov

Now that I have begun a journey in the early morning hours to seek the Lord, with so many of you in my heart and by my side, It is time to start a new journal - a fresh gateway to the mysteries that come in the still, the dark, the quiet.

"Journal writing is a voyage to the interior."

-Christina Baldwin

I invite you to write of your own early morning journey by starting with a brand new journal that is just waiting to be filled with the breathings of your heart.

"Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart."

-William Wordsworth

I will be giving away three super cute journals to facilitate and partner with you in your time with the Lord.

To enter, simply leave a comment with one of your most favorite inspirational quotes. If you would like to be entered twice, link to me from a blog post telling others about this giveaway.

The giveaway ends Sunday at noon, and I will announce the winners on Monday in my Motivate Me Monday post.

(Giveaways totally work for me!)

Telling His Story And Offering Him Gifts - An Advent Calendar And Jesse Tree

The Christmas season is a hurried one.


This year, I want to slow down.

I want to take in the Savior.

This year (and every year) I want to celebrate Him - His birth and the anticipation of His return.

Do you anticipate His return? Some days do you watch for Him in the sky? Do you ever wonder what that day will be like when you (if you know Him) are taken up with Him? How amazing that day will be for those who call Him Lord!



What are we passing onto our children? Are we passing on the hustle and bustle of the season - gifts, shopping, Santa Claus? Or are we passing on something greater...something lasting...something worth celebrating?



This year I intend on teaching my children about God's promise and His faithfulness by using a service oriented advent calendar and a Jesse tree.

Our Advent Calendar

Most advent calendar's that I am aware of do nothing more than count down the days to Christmas while enjoying a treat of some sort. I want something more then that. Then I read Ann's post, What Jesus Wants For Christmas, where her son asks her "what does Jesus get for His birthday?" Do we offer Him more than a cake on Christmas day? What are we giving Him?



Our advent calendar is a countdown to the birth of Christ by giving to Him what He desires.

"When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:39-41

Here is what we will be doing for Jesus this year:

Day 1: Say a sincere, kind word to everyone you come across today. Read the Christmas story in Luke 1:26-38, 2:1-21.

Day 2: Call a local food bank and ask what is needed.

Day 3: Gather and give requested needs to food bank.

Day 4: Make and decorate a thanksgiving box to offer thanks and praise throughout the year.

Day 5: Practice how you will respond to Santa Claus comments directed at your children (a great way to be a light illuminating the true meaning of Christmas).

Day 6: Meditate on and pray about Matthew 25:39-41.

Day 7: Make something or send a letter to brighten someone’s day.

Day 8: Offer to make and bring a meal to a family (perhaps an exhausted mother of little ones!)

Day 9: Dance to a praise song!

Day 10: Call your church and ask if there is anything you could help them with.

Day 11: Ponder Mary’s song of praise. Luke 1:45-55

Day 12: Offer to watch someone’s kids so the couple can have a date night.

Day 13: Write to your husband/daddy a letter describing the 10 things you respect and love most about him.

Day 14: Look up Samaritan’s Purse and make a donation.

Day 15: Write a letter/poem to God expressing your thoughts on His returning.

Day 16: Sort through your coats/hats/etc. and give them to an organization that distributes them to the needy.

Day 17: Surprise your husband/daddy with breakfast in bed.

Day 18: Be a light by making something for your neighbors.

Day 19: Make something to bless your mail carrier.

Day 20: Give some money or send a word of encouragement to a missionary.

Day 21: List three ways you and your family can be the hands and feet of Jesus this coming year - make a plan!

Day 22: Ponder the significance and battle of Revelation 12:1-17.

Day 23: Sit with your family in the dark with only a candle and talk about your anticipation of the return of Jesus.

Day 24: Read about the birth of Christ in Luke 1:26-38, 2:1-21 and take it in with fresh eyes.

Day 25: Celebrate Jesus!

We will also be giving our children a gold coin candy and teaching them this verse:

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21

Our Jesse Tree

It's simple, isn't it? I kind of like it like that. A few sticks gathered by little hands put in a simple vase, yet holding a powerful message. A message of hope, of promise, of faithfulness.

You can downloaded free ornaments to be used with this free advent devotional if you don't already have something. Don't worry if you're a little behind, just have a big bang day and catch up!

(If you want to read more ideas about teaching the word of God to your children, check out Tuesdays Teacher over at 10 Million Miles.)

I hope these ideas are a blessing to you and your family this year.