Counting My Blessings

The Advent Conspiracy

I heard Glenn Beck say that Christmas is about "family and tradition" the other day. I do believe that is sadly true for many people. I'm not against traditions or family; however, it is NOT what Christmas is about. Mr. Beck was promoting these values as being better than the commercialism of the holiday. I agree with him there; it's just that there is sooooo much more.

It is difficult even for Christians to not get caught up in the business of the holiday. Our to do lists lengthen, shopping intensifies (to the point of being competitive), cards need to be sent, cookies baked, homes decorated, and parties planned. It's no wonder we find ourselves exhausted and maybe even a little cranky! :-)

Several weeks ago I saw an interview with Albert Pujols on the news. He was promoting something called the, Advent Conspiracy. Their home page begins like this: The story of Christ's birth is one of promise, hope, and a revolutionary love. Those of us who are preparing to celebrate the birthday of Jesus, our Savior, understand the difference His presence makes in our lives. 

Five Favorites - Places to Christmas Shop

Have you finished your Christmas shopping? I am almost finished. It seems there is always something I think of at the last minute, but other than that I consider the task accomplished. If you are like me, you are always looking for tips about the best places to shop. I enjoy shopping, not as much as I used to, but I still can get lost for a while in one of my favorite stores.

How about you? Do you love going to the mall? Are you a person who loves big department stores? Do you love or dread going to WalMart? Have you found an adorable little boutique that you're willing to tell us about? Start thinking . . .

Five Favorites - Places to Christmas Shop

5. Wholesale Clubs - I'll admit it! I like the Wholesale Clubs. We used to shop both Cost-co and Sam's, now it's mostly Sam's due to location. I like the fact that they do the thinking of me. I'm not good with tons of choices! ;-)

Luke 2 - God is With Us

I have been rereading the Book of Luke this month, by reading one chapter each day in December I will read the last verses on Christmas Eve Day. On December 2, I read those familiar words we hear every Christmas: In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world . . . So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth, in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:1,4-7

You know, I have heard, read, and recited those words so often that sometimes I don't really pay attention to what they are saying. This time I not only read the familiar verses, but I spent some time reading the commentary in the Life Application Bible. I would like to share with you the apllication found in verses 4 and 5.

Wednesday Word - Glory

Luke 2:8-14

The word glory is defined: exaltation, awesome splendor, astounding beauty, an act of worship.

Wikipedia begins its article about glory this way: "Glory is used to denote the manifestation of God's presence in the Judeo-Christian religious tradition."

David Wilkerson writes - No man can rightly define glory, any more than he can define God. Glory is the fullness of God, and that is a subject too high for our finite minds.

Christmas Cookies

How is your cookie baking coming? I don't bake very often because when I bake I consume. It is a problem. Because I have issues with tempting treats, I have learned to keep them out of the house.

However, it just doesn't seem like Christmas without a few batches of cookies adding to the festivities. There is something about the smell of freshly baked cookies . . . mmm!

Last year, I shared my recipe for Cranberry Squares, the one cookie that is a must at our house. I am also going to try Melting Moments this year. They sound wonderful! I found the recipe on the Joy of Baking website. I loved the fact that every recipe includes a picture. 

Wake Up

Rev. recently shared a story with us about a friend's two year old granddaughter. It seems this precious precocious little one loves nothing better than to wake up a little earlier than her parents each morning. She then tiptoes out of her own room and creeps into their's. As quietly as a two year old is capable of creeping! LOL Once in with her mom and dad she crawls up on the bed, gets right next to their faces, and shouts, "It's time to wake up!"

It is a fun game that is mostly enjoyed by them all! That is until a Sunday morning earlier this year. The family was settled into the pew at church attentively listening to the Pastor share his message. Unnoticed by her mom and dad this little one wandered down the pew to the people sitting near them. Being an inquisitive child, she took a good look at the man and noticed that his eyes were closed and his chin was resting on his chest.

Five Favorites - Christmas Decorations

Are you an individual who lives to decorate for Christmas, or one who says a little, "bah-humbug" when it's time to pull the boxes out of the attic and put up the tree. I probably fall somewhere in between. No "humbugs" here, but I do try to keep it simple.

I started thinking about my must have Christmas decorations. Those things go on display each to enhance our celebration. You know what's coming next . . . start thinking, I want your list at the end.

5. Mistletoe - Not that I need an excuse for a hug and a little kiss from my dh . . . it just always makes me smile!!

The Answer is __________?

We finished the book of Joshua last week, so I am going to spend the next few weeks doing some general Bible Study. We will pick up another book to study chapter by chapter in January. Please leave a comment if you have a particular book you would like to look at more closely.

If you have followed CMB for any length of time, you know that I am a "lover of the Word." I believe the Bible is a miracle, gifted to us by our omniscient (all-knowing), omnipotent (all-powerful), omnipresent (always present) God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I believe this not because I am needy, weak, or naive. I believe because I have seen the difference the study of God's Word makes in a person's life. I know the difference His Word has made in my life, and I've seen the difference it has made in the lives of those around me.

Knowing the promises of God has given me courage and strength in the most difficult times; times when I wanted to pull the covers over my head and never get out of bed again. God's Word lifted me back to my feet. 

Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Psalm 73:23-24

Wednesday Word - Christmas

Last night Rev and I had a date to see a stage production of A Christmas Story. You remember the one with Ralphie, the boy who was determined to get a "A Red Ryder BB gun with a compass in the stock, and this thing which tells time". :-)

A Christmas Story is a movie we try to watch every holiday season. It brings back lots of memories from our childhood, since our grade school days began in the fifties. Shhhhh, don't tell anyone. LOL We also laugh because Rev's brothers tell us they love the movie because Ralphie reminds them of him as a boy. I think it's because he's worn glasses since he was a toddler, but....

I must say this production did not disappoint. It was a fabulously fun evening!!!! Kudos to Jeff Talbott, who played the adult Ralph and gave an energized and engaging performance.

Faith and the Contagious Christian

Our Sunday morning Bible Study group has been working through a video series called, The Contagious Christian. It was produced by the Pastor's at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, IL. We have had great exchanges of what it means to share our faith, the variety of ways people have shared their faith, disaster stories, and blessings. It has been fun, engaging, and beneficial.

There are people who share their faith through rules, judgments, accusations, and arguments. Although, I have met individuals who rather enjoy a good debate, those Christians who go around "looking like they have been baptized in lemon juice" rarely make us want to join the flock of the faithful.

On the other hand, I have met many believers who have inspired me toward a closer walk of faith with Jesus. Those who have ignited a desire in me to want the kind of faith I have seen in them . . . a relationship with the Lord that demonstrates love, joy, peace, patience, trust, and faithful obedience.

What is faith?