Christmas Giving

There are several items in my home that I use quite a bit that either I enjoy or make my life easier. I thought it would be fun to put a list of these items out there and maybe have others comment with items they enjoy and use often.


There are so many purchases that I've either given or received that were not useful or enjoyable. I think this list will be very helpful in Christmas shopping.


Kitchen:

1. Knife - last year my DH bought me a kitchen knife to rival Rachael Ray's. He assures me that you do not have to pay over $200. However, it's probably wise to invest in a knife sharpening kit. Since I use mine everyday, several times a day, it requires sharpening once every other month.
2. Chopper - I've bought these from Pampered Chef and Tupperware. I've been through three of them. The one I have now is from Pampered Chef and has lasted quite some time. I use it for onions and pickles almost daily.
3. Cutting board - It would be nice to have two. One nice butcher's block and one plastic for raw chicken.


I know it's been said that wives do not like receiving kitchen stuff for gifts. I disagree. If I can get a gift that makes my life easier then that is a truly treasured gift.



Bedroom:
1. Blanket: Know what size bed your gift recipient has and buy a nice velour blanket. The one we have has lasted over 10 years, but I'll be getting a new one this year.
2. Pillows: No one ever thinks of getting pillows for people. We go through pillows so fast around here and protectors don't seem to help much. A down pillow would be extra special.

Kids:

1. No toys: Every year the kids get a ton of toys. They play with them for awhile, but get bored of them quickly. I heard a mom once said she would take the toys they got bored with, clean them, store them, then bring them out as gifts a few months later. I may try this someday. I love stuff from Mardels. A handwriting book for them to practice. Science kits. Art supplies. My kids love this stuff and it helps them grow and doesn't require batteries.

Miscellaneous:
1. Candles: I know there are some people out there that don't like candles, but I love them! I sometimes have 10 candles going at once. I love the fragrance (vanilla, pumpkin, cinnamon) and the heat they put off. They can be very expensive (my favorites are the Yankee Candle jars) so it's nice to get them as gifts.
2. I've always love those little recipes in a jar where are the ingredients are there and all you have to do is throw it together. I've received hot chocolate with marshmallows and cookies, etc. That just made me think of something. I've always loved getting meals every time I have a child; that would be a terrific Christmas gift. Maybe I'm the only one who would enjoy that.

Well, that's about all I can think of, I look forward to seeing other suggestions.

Christmas Treasures of the Heart

Here are two special entries:

1. A friend sent Clement Moore's "A Visit From St. Nicholas" to a local newpaper. It was extremely well received, but Dr. Moore waited 16 years to admit to being the author of what became the beloved poem "The Night Before Christmas." As a professor of theology and literature, he was afraid the poem would damage his academic standing.

2. Santa is a dramatic emblem of a world crying out for a larger-than-life daddy who will love his kids even when they are not perfect and give them gifts to fulfill their longings. - Jack Hayford

Stepping Heavenward

I've just finished a book called "Stepping Heavenward" by E. Prentiss. It was written in the 19th century and tells the story of a woman who, through many trials, grows closer to her Savior and more like Him in the process. It seems to be that stories or writings of those who lived over 100 and even 200 years ago fascinate me. But, this book has effected me greatly. It makes me want to serve God in all I do even the menial tasks, especially those. It has me asking myself how can serve others before myself? How do I teach myself (or let Him teach me) to want less instead of more?

It reminds me how I used to view those who home schooled their children. I remember thinking that I would never home school my children because they would turn out weird. Now I say, "Praise God for that!" I want to be the complete opposite of this world and therefore want as much for my children. After all, we are only pilgrims and really do not belong here.

As the Advent season approaches I want to remind myself and my family why we celebrate. It is to be ever watchful for His returning. To live for Him so that He finds us prepared; our candles lit. I am determined to make this season one of reflection on the One who created all things. To live out the charity that speaks of hoping in everything and everyone; that endures trials and temptations. If we truly love our neighbor we will always believe in him, always expect the best of him, and always stand your ground in defending him. This is what the Bible describes as true love. How far I am from it.

Christmas Treasures of the Heart

Every night before be in December, read a Christmas story to your child.

Life holds no sweeter thing that this:

To teach a little child the tale most loved on earth

And watch the wonder deepen in his eyes

There while you tell him of the Christ Child's birth;

Of gentle drowsy beast and fragrant hay

On which that starlit night in Bethlehem

God's tiny Son and His young mother lay...

- Adelaide Love

It's a Wonderful Life

You know that scene in "It's a Wonderful Life" where Jimmy Stewart's kids are going crazy, running around, asking him questions, and his daughter is playing a Christmas tune on the piano? Then he asks his wife, "Why did we have so many kids?" Our house was a bit like that this evening. Except that we have almost twice the kids. Will, Rachie and the twins were running around, as usual. Ryan was playing "Jingle Bells" on the piano and Glen was playing "Silent Night" on the harmonica. Tristan was grumpy and fussing quite a bit. It was so loud - all of it was so loud. The twins alone have no volume control whatsoever.


Today I took my car in to get serviced. On the drive there I saw a helicopter land at the hospital and some motor cross guys almost jumped into the road from their track. Well, not quite, but they scared me. I need brakes; pads and rotors, alignment, a new brake light (which I got pulled over for Saturday night) and an oil change. Not exactly the Christmas present I wanted to give myself, but there ya go...


Here are some pictures from Vance's buck. He cooked the liver with onions this evening. The only one who ate it besides him was Will - what a good boy.


























Christmas Treasures of the Heart


How to say "Merry Christmas" in 10 different languages.


French: Joyeau Noel
Spanish: Felix Navidad
Danish: Glaedelig Jul
Finish: Houska Joulua
Welsh: Nadolig Llawen
Swedish: God Jul
Italian: Buon Natale
Russian: S Rozhdestvom Kristovym
German: Froehliche Weihnachten
Japanese: Meri Kurisumasu

Success!!!

Vance got up around 4am this morning to go down to the farm and hunt for deer. He was hunting with a bow. At 9:30am this morning he called and said he had shot a deer. A mule deer. I'm so excited. It's been hard living without meat. Vance's parents gave us a few pounds about a month or so ago. Our neighbors gave us several pounds after Vance's big hunting trip where he didn't harvest anything but our neighbor did and it was his first hunt.

So, we have meat! Here comes venison chili, spaghetti, meat loaf, tacos, shredded BBQ, crockpot roast, etc. Not to mention a delicious Thanksgiving venison roast. We give thanks to God for this blessing!

I'll send pictures soon.

Weekend Update

Wow! What a weekend. I was on worship again this weekend. I believe our church is really growing again. Saturday night's service was overflowing and we had people sitting out in the lobby. The first service Sunday morning was packed as well. I think it was possibly 2700 to 3000 people this weekend. It was definitely more than that if you count all the children and closed classes.

I believe people are realizing that there is only one place to be in these tumultuous times; in the presence of the One who has overcome it all.

I enjoy being a part of this ministry, but I was exhausted yesterday. I felt like I could barely stand. I really need to start working out more and build up my stamina.

CHRISTMAS TREASURES OF THE HEART

Give the gift of kind words today!

Encouraging words can change someones whole perspective and work a miracle:

Loving words will cost but little,

Journeying up the hill of life;

But they make the weak and weary

Stronger, braver, for the strife.

do you count them only trifles?

What to earth are sun and rain?

Never was a kind word wasted;

Never was one said in vain.

- Anonymous

This reminds me of a time when I was complaining to someone how tired I was because I was waking up at least every two hours with the twins to nurse. They seemed to play tag team. One would wake up and I would nurse and get him/her back to sleep then the other would wake. The person I was complaining to said that she would love to wake in the middle of the night because she missed her child and longed to hold him. Just that simple statement changed my whole perspective.

This weekend that same woman was watching Tristan in the nursery at church. She mentioned this thought again and I told her I remembered when she shared that with me before and how much it had effected me. She was surprised and thanked me for sharing that with her. She was so glad that God had used her in such a simple, but powerful way.

You never know how people are effected when you say something in love and kindness.

I've rec'd three Pampered Chef invitations this week. I'm sorry ladies, but the budget for items for the kitchen is empty. As many of you know, I've been selling Mary Kay for 6 years. Business has been slow these last couple of months. I know quite a few ladies who have started similar home businesses because times are tight. This is a difficult time to start such a business and I hope these women will be wise about how much they invest and are realistic about their goals. In times like these it will take some time to build a customer base and turn a profit. There's my two cents.

I'm learning a lot these days about patience and grace. I've been emotionally distraught these last two weeks. I'm having to squeeze out every inkling of trust in God that I can. I have to say my verses over and over...He is for me, he is for me. And I'm really not saying it for myself. I think I've taken up an offense for a brother. I guess when you see a brother mistreated it's easy to think that that same mistreatment could happen to you.

I have some dear friends with whom I'm writing and recording songs. One we're working on is called "Vindicate Me". I love just saying those words. When there's anger over unfairness or being overlooked I want to cry out "Vindicate me, my God!" I'm working through issues of frustration - frustrated that men in leadership in the church do not value women in leadership as they should. I believe they use the Word to use women. Work your butts off but, we'll give you no real value or responsibility or say.

I'm ranting a bit, butt where is there a better place to do it? That's what blogs are for, right?

Here's a lighter side...

CHRISTMAS TREASURES OF THE HEART

One Starry Night

Five hundred years ago Martin Luther, German leader of the Protestant Reformation, began the custom of decorating Christmas trees.

While walking through the woods one beautiful starry night near Christmas Eve, Luther gazed at a large evergreen tree illuminated by the starlight. He was struck by the incredible sight, which reminded him of the night the angels appeared to the shepherds in Bethlehem, announcing the birth of the Christ Child.

He cut down a small pine tree and brought it home. There Luther decorated the tree with lighted candles, which he told his wife and children represented Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. From that small beginning, the popular custom of decorating trees spread through out Europe and later into America. Early trees were also decorated with small candies and cookies, paper and glass ornaments.

Carefully picked and trimmed with tiny lights - festooned with homemade ornaments and those from friends and travels - our family Christmas tree is more than just decoration it's full of memories and shines forth as a symbol of God's love for us.

Christmas Treasures of the Heart

There are two ways to live your life.

One is as though nothing is a miracle.

the other is as though everything is a miracle.

-Albert Einstein

Grand Prix

Last weekend was a big event for the boys. Grandpa helped make pine derby cars for the boys. Really, he did most of the work. The boys get into the AWANA Grand Prix event. They even made their own Grand Prix here at home. I'll have to get pictures of that. Our church AWANA group really does this right. They have a digital track that records all the race times and then your name and speed are recorded and immediately put up on the screen as soon as the race is over.

They have an announcer and trophies and tons of excitement. There are three categories for trophies: one is for speed (of course), another for car style and another for costume (or, dressing like your car). This year Glen wanted to go for style and speed. Ryan went for costume and design. Will just wanted to win something. However, none of the boys won trophies. Not even second or third. A few times Ryan's car came in second, but his time didn't win overall.

Glen took this disappointment well, but Ryan and Will ended up crying for most of the morning and afternoon. I told them that when they do eventually win - and it may be few years - that the victory will be so much sweeter. Every year there's a family (who has 8 children) that always wins. There dad is also a cub scout leader and he's done so many of these races that he really has it down to a science. I guess to win for speed your car needs to look like a little thin cheese wedge.

We're new at this so I know eventually we'll get the hang of it. By the time Tristan is ready to race we'll be pros.

Christmas Treasures of the Heart

Christmas Straw

Encourage kindness and unselfishness in the family by starting the tradition of "Christmas Straw": First collect some straw and place it in a basket by the side of an empty little cradle or basket representing a manger. On the day you begin, draw names. Then during the days ahead, each person does a thoughtful deed each day without their recipient knowing it (like making his bed for him while he's in the shower or polishing her shoes while she's at work).

These little acts of kindness have nothing to do with money or "store-bought" gifts. Instead, they are ways of meeting the needs of others. They may include leaving a note of encouragement or making a treat.

Each time someone does a thoughtful deed, he gets to place a bit of straw in the manger. By Christmas Eve, Baby Jesus (a doll wrapped in a "swaddling blanket" or nativity character) has a cradle full of straw on which to lie.

The best Christmas gift of all is the presence of a happy family all wrapped up with one another...in love.

We're definitely going to do this one. I think I'll go to Michael's today and get a bit of straw and a little wooden cradle. This reminded me of our Terry Family Mission Statement. The last thing (and most important) on the list says "Charity begins at home and is the key to household peace." I want our home to be filled with love and good deeds this Christmas. (Hebrews 10:24)

The Russian President's Bathtub

This morning, while in the bathroom, Rachie came in and started up a conversation. I guess it was just the first thing that popped into her creative mind. She said, "Mom, I love this bathtub. Is this our bathtub?" Now, I've had a long weekend. No matter how hard I try I seem to pile events on the same day or the same weekend. So, I'm tired. My answer to her question..."No, it belongs to the president of Russia."

I'm not usually a sarcastic person. In fact, I get on Vance quite a bit because he's so sarcastic. But, this weekend was physically and emotionally taxing. Poor Rachie - she tried to answer back, but she couldn't say the word Russia or president.

Here's a good one from Christmas Treasures of the Heart:

A Joyful Single Christmas

I have discovered that being alone on Christmas Day does not have to be lonely. There are so many good people who are willing to share the day with others who are alone, and I usually always have an invitation to go somewhere. As a guest, though, I also realize that families enjoy being alone for at least part of the morning to open their presents, so I usually decline going until noon; hence, I have the morning to myself and they have their "family time" together.

So, I have devised a great diversion that has never failed to give me much joy and beauty on Christmas morning even though I am alone. After a special breakfast, devotions, and reading my Bible, I spend the rest of the time reading my Christmas cards, which I have saved for the entire month just for Christmas morning. I savor every note and the meaning on the cards themselves. Sometimes it takes me two hours or more to read all the cards, and I certainly can't be lonely with so many well wishes. There just is no sense worrying about what I don't have, when I really have so much! By that time, I am hurrying to get ready to go out for the day, in a cheerful mood and ready to entertain and be entertained on this blessed holiday.

- Beverly Rhoades

What is great about this entry is that recently I've had several conversations with older single women. They struggle with their singleness, though. The conversations usually end in me saying that there are so many things you can do with your singleness. Having seven children I sometimes wish I could do more for the body of Christ or for my community, etc. For instance, I would love to serve meals at the mission at Thanksgiving or Christmas. I would love to travel to Africa and help at New Hope Uganda. Or, to Haiti where there are orphanages who need help. There's so much someone who is single can devote to the Kingdom.

Another thought this entry brought up was the fact that I get so many Christmas cards that are never written in. Some of them are just signed by the family and then others don't even offer that much. There's just a printed family name. I dislike these kinds of Christmas cards very much! When I send cards I think of the person(s) I'm sending them to and there's always something that comes to mind that I would like to share. After all, Christmas is a time where we remember the Christ child. He left the most beautiful place - as a KING - to come down to a toilet and be a servant - for a people so very undeserving. The least we can do is offer a few words of love or encouragement in a Christmas card we spend at least $2 to send (including cost of card, postage, etc.)

Why not make a list today of those you would really like to bless this year and write two or three cards a day until the last day of this month. Those special people will be delighted to get such a thoughtful gift the very first week of December.

As I'm typing now with one hand (nursing) it has begun to snow and the twins are watching Pinocchio and Jiminy Cricket is singing "When You Wish Upon A Star". There's a roaring fire in the black stove downstairs and my teapot is whistling ready for honey and peppermint herbal tea. To say that I might be getting in the Christmas Spirit may be an understatement.

Jehovah Jireh

Remember yesterday I was down and worrying? I had mentioned in my blog that I was repeated verses over and over. Well, that spirit of fear broke around lunchtime yesterday and was replaced with a spirit of joy! I rarely receive such a quick and such a powerful answer to prayer! God is our Jehovah Jireh - our provider and his strength is sufficient. I'm on worship this weekend; a task I was unsure I could do. God has provided exactly what I needed so that I will be able to minister to the body of Christ. Praise Him!!!

Now for Christmas Treasures of the Heart.

Christmas Wreath

Symbolizing eternal hope,
the wreath goes 'round and 'round,
And where it starts or ends cannot be found.
Woven of things that grow - for life,
and hung for holiday delight
the wreath must be left in place
From Advent through Twelfth Night.

-Anonymous

Whom Shall I fear?

Well, we lost. I have to admit I was up most of the night last night worrying. I had to remember every verse I could in the Bible that said that "if God is for us, who can be against us?" "Do not worry about tomorrow," "whom shall I fear", "He will never leave us nor forsake us." The problem is - it's one thing to be disenchanted with your country, it's another to be disenchanted with your church and ours in on the verge of really letting many people down. Vance and I have been awake praying for the last three nights. We're not getting any sleep because we are worried and crying out to God. I know He is in control, but it's at times like these when the Body of Christ needs to pull together, not be torn apart. "In this world we will have trouble, but take heart, He has overcome the world." There's so much more in my head, but it's good to get it out.

Anyway...we have exactly 50 days until Christmas. I want to make the most of this time and make it special for me and my family. I have a book called "Christmas Treasures of the Heart" - A collection of Heartwarming Stories and Traditions and I thought I would share one of these stories and traditions each day until Christmas.

Here's the first...

HOLIDAY FIESTA

Brown ground beef and drain. Arrange in colorful bowls: chopped tomatoes, chopped black olives, onions, picante sauce, guacamole, pinto and kidney beans. In a large bowl put lots of chopped lettuce, and fill a sombrero with tortilla chips. Provide warm flour and corn tortillas, rice and refried beams. Let each person make his own fiesta salad and burritos.

Hang a pinata, play Spanish music, and read a Christmas story from Mexico to enjoy a "South of the Border" evening. Serve pralines for dessert and enjoy!


What a great way to reuse the Halloween candy we still have laying around - by putting it into a pinata. We even have a VBS fiesta CD. I think our family will have a lot of fun with this one. We'll try it this weekend.

It would be fun to hear from anyone else who does this, too.

VOTE

Duty and Privilege
Micca Monda Campbell

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord"
Psalm 33:12 (NIV)

Devotion:
Tomorrow, November 4th, millions of Americans will have the opportunity to elect new leaders of government. If you live in the United States, I encourage you to be among them and exercise your right to vote. I encourage you to vote for both your national and your local leaders.

While the Bible does not command us to vote, it does command us to be good citizens wherever we live. One way we can be a good citizen, honor God, and assist in guiding our nation is by voting.

As a woman, I'm honored to take part in determining the direction of our nation. Before the 1900's, women in America were not allowed the privilege to vote, and in some countries they still cannot. I look at voting for our leaders not only as my citizen's duty, but also as a privilege millions of people in the world do not have.

I take my right to vote so seriously that in 1992, while nine months pregnant and restricted to bed rest, I had my mother drive me forty-five minutes to vote in the presidential election. I allowed nothing to stand in my way of exercising my right to vote. Eight days later, I gave birth to a healthy little girl - to whom I hope to pass on my political passion for voting.

There's no doubt about it, voting is both a duty and a privilege. However, I realize that some people won't take the time and trouble to vote because they don't believe their ballot will make much of a difference. That's not true. Statistics show that many elections have come down to only a handful of votes.

What would happen if most people felt that their vote didn't really matter and didn't bother to vote? It would mean that our country's future would be decided by only a few of its citizens-- who perhaps don't hold the same convictions as yours.
Deciding whom to vote for can seem a daunting task. But voting is easier once you and I pray about it, and seek out good information about the candidates and the issues they address. The fact that there is moral haziness in politics these days indicates our need to rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance when examining the issues as well as the candidates.

November 4th is a day of opportunity for America. It's a day to stand up for what we believe in. It's a day to voice those beliefs and be heard. It's a day to take the time to vote as we honor our Christian heritage, and bring glory to God. For "blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord!"

Dear Lord, in this upcoming election, I pray that You will move in the hearts of Your people in this nation to vote. I pray You will work in and through our leaders to guide and bless this nation -- may it be so in all nations, Lord! Guide us by your Spirit, in Jesus' Name, Amen.