Aftermath

Well, today I am doing the dreaded after-Christmas cleaning.  Not only are there gifts to put away, but there is grime from parties thrown, and I am trying to disinfect while hubby recuperates from his yearly New Years bug.  Oh - fun, fun!  It was a warm, breezy day (at least this morning), so I opened up the bedroom to air it out.  I also hung out all of the bedding in hopes of blowing away the germs.  In between the cleaning, I started the tax return with any information that I already had.  The year is fast waning ... I hung the 2012 calendar today.  Hard to believe that another year is past!

Time

Today I am thankful for time off.  I am enjoying time with my hubby (even though he is fighting sickness).  I don't think that we have had a whole week off together since we arrived in NC in October 2008.  It is nice to regroup and to relax before starting another round of adventures.  We have done a little window shopping and a little house hunting, but are mostly enjoying a relaxing week of peace and quiet.

An Unexplainable Savings Plan

One of my favorite jobs in the home is accountant.  With hubby's direction and approval, I create a budget and then help us stick with it.  Every year at about this time, I wrap up the budget sheets and present an "annual report" to hubby.  We evaluate what needs to be changed, if funds should be moved, if we need to tighten up in some areas, etc.  Every year at about this time, we both scratch our heads and marvel at God's goodness to us.  We feebly try to do our part by shopping wisely, saving for the future, and giving to God's work and His people,  we try to live a life of faith ... but God does far more in stretching the budget and in providing for our needs and wants.  Truly ... little is much when God is in it. 

Luke 6:38

Give, and it shall be given unto you;

good measure, pressed down, and shaken together,

and running over, shall men give into your bosom.

For with the same measure that ye mete

withal it shall be measured to you again.

Where is my Joy?

Psalm 119:14

I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies,

as much as in all riches.

David had a proper view of God's Word and material blessings.

I often have to do a priority check after Christmas and Birthdays.

We show our love and gratitude to others with gifts.

Oh, our delight to give and to receive special items.

I received many riches this Christmas ...

...a watch, a ring, a necklace ...

It is easy to joy in these riches.

Do I joy in God's Word just as much and just as easily?

Enjoyed the Celebration

I do hope that you had a wonderful Christmas day.

This may have been one of my best yet.

I just love when Christmas day is on Sunday.

We started the day with a little extra sleep
(after hosting a party the night before).

Church service at 11.

Church fellowship meal at noon.

Another service at 1 with the celebration of the Lord's Supper.

Tried to find a solid church with an evening service.  No success.

Invited friends over for fellowship and help with leftovers!

Joined some other friends to look at lights in a neighboring town.

So thankful for our church family who shared time with us this holiday season 

in the absence of our own families.

Merry Christmas

I wish you and your family

a very

Merry Christmas!

* * * * * * * * * *

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given:

and the government shall be upon his shoulder:

and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God,

The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Philippians 2:5-11

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant,

and was made in the likeness of men:

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself,

and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him,

and given him a name which is above every name:

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

* * * * * * * * * *

Christmas is more than a baby in a manger.

Jesus came to earth to die for you.

If you have never accepted Christ as your Savior,

won't you repent of your sins and believe on the work of Christ to save you?

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve Service.

Here.

Tonight.

The house is all cleaned.

Made room for 12 big people and 2 itty bitties

in a single wide living room.

Now ... must prepare refreshments.

The nativity above will help to keep our two little guests

involved in the reading of the Christmas Story.

Gifts of Love

It is an unseasonably warm day today. 

Beautiful sunny skies after a few days of drippy, drizzly, pouring ... mess.

Surely not looking a lot like Christmas here.

Despite the weather, I am preparing for a Christmas Eve service

here at the Bickish mansion tomorrow night.

I survived the girlie party yesterday.  It usually takes them awhile to warm up ... but they sure did!  Poor hubby was home and had to listen to all of the giggling and friendly competition during the games.  He was also a great help ... while I was finishing up the games, he was washing all of my baking and dinner dishes :)  What a sweetheart.

My girlies brought some sweet, well-thought out gifts which showed that they had thought about me.  One student had asked me weeks ago about my favorite animal and made me a poster with pictures of otters all over it and included some fun facts as well.  Some students had noticed my love of apples (as seen in my kitchen decor) on a previous visit and brought gifts according to that love.  Each student was quick to tell me that the gifts were not expensive, but the value to me was great because it showed their love and interest in ME!

Sunday School Party

I am working on the final details of another Sunday School Party.  5 girls will spend some time at the Bickish Mansion this evening.  Of course there will be pizza and chips.  They will once again make their own dessert - Stained Glass Cookies!  That also is their craft :)  We have some games to play with Christmas themes.  Our devotion comes from

Proverbs 22:1

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches,

and loving favour rather than silver and gold. 

and

Luke 1:28 and 30 

And the angel came in unto her, and said,

Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee:

blessed art thou among women.

And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary:

for thou hast found favour with God.

It is easy to get caught up in materialism at Christmas ...

...the silver, the gold, the toys, the gadgets, the games, the clothes ...

... you name it. 

What matters and what will last is God's favour on our lives!

Mary was poor as seen by her offering in the temple following Christ's birth.

That is, poor in the world's eyes

She was not chosen for her riches ...

...but for her character and relationship to God. 

Crowded Out

Is Christ crowded out of your busy life

With the toiling that each day brings?

with the strain and stress of the cards that press

You've no time for the King of kings.

"No room in the inn" for the Christ-Child blest,

"In a manger so low He lay;"

In the hearts of men o'er and o'er again,

There's no room for Him still today.

"The foxes have holes and the birds have nests

But nowhere for His head divine."

Had the Son of man, should He come again

Find a place in you heart and mine.

The hearts of the ones whom He died to save

Is the home which He seeks today;

By His life bought yet He is crowded out,

And "Away with Him," still they say.

There's coming a day in the great sometime

If for Christ you have never room,

You will knock and wait at the pearly gate,

Crowded out there will be you doom.

Refrain:

Crowded out!  Crowded out!

You've no time for His service, you say;

While for pleasure and business you always have time,

Is Christ crowded out today?

- Mrs. C. H. Morris

Another not so well known Christmas carol. 

Quite the convicting message. 

What is taking my time that should be given to Christ?