Merry Christmas Baby Jesus!

From: Bubbling with Elegance and Grace

To: My lovely Readers

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Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Jesus is born!

I love reading the story of the birth of Jesus!

In those days Cesar Augustus  issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.

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.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
(KJV) Luke 2:1-14

 

As you read the verses above ,you realize Jesus was not born in a luxury hotel; but an inn with animals around.

The time of Jesus birth was a treacherous time, a census was going on so Joseph and Mary were seeking shelter away from Augustus.

I raise my hands in adoration, and I bow before the new born King. Baby Jesus is the Son of God who died on the cross for my and our sins.

I worship you Lord, I give you praise and I honor you.  Today, December 25th may not of been Jesus birthday; but this is a day that Christians recognize the magnificence and thankfulness that God gave his Son for us.

I bow before you Lord!  Merry Christmas!

This is a wonderful day, however we should celebrate Jesus everyday!

Celebrate Jesus!

This is a favorite song of mine by Amy Grant. Enjoy!

“O Come All Ye Faithful”

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Unity: Live Second

What can we accomplish alone?
Nothing.

Live SecondWritten by Doug Bender

Live Second
Written by Doug Bender

I am blogging about Unity from the Live Second Devotional book written by Doug Bender.
(Day 7: Unity on page 51)

My husband and I have been heavily involved in our church’s Christmas program. We have a production team and a host of actors, lighting crew, computer crew, directors, lighting crew, stage hands, parents, seamstresses, make up artists, and a host of others making up an intricate team.

Being behind the scenes made me look at how each person in this Christmas program has an important part to play to make it successful. I work as part of the computer ministry in my church. We make sure that the narration slides are up and incorporate videos on the big screens to make sure that there no black holes shown during transitions of actors going on and off stage. The program was a great success because everyone worked together like a hand fitting in a glove.

When you are a part of a team it’s not about me it’s about us.  Sometimes we don’t agree on everything but we always try to work it out so that everyone agrees.  It’s not easy but that what unity represents, it represents working together, caring and having concern.

For example, I  would not say I want the transitions to be this way, if the director would like to have it another way. The director has a vision and it is my job to make that vision work. If I think advice can be made to enhance the vision, then I will say so.

God’s love engulfs us and never leaves us or forsakes us.

In the Live Second devotional, this scripture is so revealing of how we have to be unified to truly be effective in the body of Christ.

My prayers is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one-I in them and you in me-so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
(John 17:20-34)

I have to be loving to everyone I meet, with love because my actions speak louder than words. If I do not treat my husband and family with love how can I be kind to a stranger?

How are you unifying relationships?

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Winner: Lettuce Stitch Designs Skirt Giveaway!

And the winner of the Lettuce Stitch Elegant Lace Design Skirt Giveaway is

Tracey M

Congratulations!

I will be in contact with you soon.

Thank you to Mary Jo Hanson and Donna Kmetz from Lettuce Stitch Designs for giving me the opportunity to style one of their great designs.

JT wearing Elegant Lace Skirt

There were a total of four official entries on this giveaway.
According to the true random number generator from Random.org, the winning entry was Number 3.

Love:Live Second

I am late with the Live Second post. I had a Christmas program at church that I was a part of that I had to devote my time to.  It turned out awesome and really done well. The invitation for people to give their lives to Christ was so wonderful.

The Christmas Program made me think about what I wanted to discuss from the Live Second book.

Session Two, Issues 

Day 3 Love

It’s easy to love someone who loves you back. However it’s more difficult to love when a person doesn’t show love in return.

I remember if someone hurt me or treated me wrong or said the wrong thing to me, I would never have to speak to them again.

Isn’t it my right to treat them the way they treated me?

No, it’s not right.

In the book, the scripture in the book  says

“The most important commandment,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12: 29-31

Love Thy neighbor as thyself

If some one says something unkind to me, for me to say something back unkind would make me just like them. I want to continue to see blessings flow in my life. In order to be blessed, I have to be a blessing. With God’s help I have turned situations around because I reacted in a kind loving matter than retaliate.

Is this easy to do? No!  I have to pray everyday to act in kindness and repent if I miss the mark.  I am a work in progress. The beautiful thing about God is that if I happen to miss it, I can ask God for forgiveness and repent in Jesus name and it’s a fresh start.

In what ways are you showing love?

To purchase the book click on  Live Second.

Planning For a Holiday Getaway!

JT and hubby in the Everglades

Christmas is soon upon us. My hubby and I pretty much have the decorations up and only have a few minor touches left to do. Wouldn’t it be great to go on a holiday getaway? I often search online to find great discounts on vacation packages.

When my husband and I search for trips, the first major factor is the budget. One of my favorite sites for destination inspiration is Travel and Leisure magazine. There are five key factors to think about when planning perfect holiday getaway.

1. Climate
Check out the forecasted weather for your destination to make sure that you have packed the appropriate attire.  If the climate is going to be warm, you still my want to carry a jacket, just in case it gets cool at night or at a different elevation. I remember we traveled to Colorado a couple years back. We were at the base of Pike’s Peak and it was in the 60s and sunny. However, when we got to the top of the mountain, it was only 32 degrees and snowy. A much different temperature and coat was needed.

2. What are favorite sites to see
My hubby and I thoroughly research all the sites and points of interest in the places that we are planning to visit.  It is so important to find out the hours that museums or parks are open and if you have to pay fees to get in. Estimate how much time you think you spend at each place and then add in a little extra time just in case you you want to spend an extra few minutes enjoying one of your stops. Being prepared makes the trip much more fun and enjoyable. And you do not have to feel stressed and rushed seeing what you want to see.

3. What mode of transportation do you need or can you get around town on foot
Road trips are so much fun because we are in your own truck. You can get out and stop where you want if the mood suits you. If you fly to your destination, you will have to factor in possibly getting around with public transportation or renting a car. Determine how close your sites are to each other and where you staying. Some cities have cheap trolleys and buses; and often stop at the many of the sites you are planning to visit.

4. Can we stay at a Bed and Breakfast or what hotels are an option
There are so many different places that you can stay while on your vacation. I simply love staying in a Bed and Breakfast because they remind so much of home. It is so cool to see the differences in designs of the homes. Where ever you plan to stay, look for a place that meets your needs. Do you want to be in a quite neighborhood? Or do you want to be in the middle of all the action in a heart of the town? Most larger cities have so many options available, you just have to take some time to find the right place.

Jet set chic

5. How much luggage do I plan to  take?
My first trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico I packed entirely too much luggage and believe me, I did not like it one bit.  I promised myself that I would learn how to pack light; but have more than enough changes of clothes. When my hubby and I went to the Caribbean last year, I was able to have more than enough clothes while using smaller and fewer suitcases. Think about how far and how much you will be carrying your luggage while you are on your trip. If you have transport it through an airport and onto plane, you don’t want it to be heavy. And these days, the airline want to charge you extra fees if you have more than two suitcases or if they are over a certain weight. These restrictions really make you think about how much you want, or need, to take with you.

Please let me know if you are planning a Holiday getaway!