End of the Year is Near

The end of the year is almost here. The new year will be coming in all its mystery. What will it bring? What will you do?

Do you want to be different in this new year? Are you hoping for changes in your health, your relationships or finances? I know I am. But I probably won't get anywhere different by doing the same things this year that I have been doing for the past few years.

It is hard to make changes and stick to those changes. But it starts one step at a time. So make some plans. Write down what you can do personally to make things better. Read over your list and revise and add to it until you have it down the way you want it.

Then go for it!

What has this Past Year Been Like?

What has this past year been like for you? Sit down and sip a cup of hot tea and think for a few minutes. What has this past year felt like to you? Has there been some things that were very difficult? Did you get through them. Were there some things that brought you to your knees? Did you get back up? Did you have some good times? Did you rejoice? Did you and your family become closer?

Make a list of the good things and the bad things and see which list is longer. I think the good things would probably be the longest. Even in the bad times there are still things to be grateful for. Try to remember all those good things.

If you haven't done it, try keeping a journal. That is what I have been doing the last few years. I don't write in it every day. But I like to read over it and just see the different things that went on that I have forgotten about.

What are some things you are hoping for this coming year?

My Favorite Christmas Memory Blog Hop

My favorite Christmas memory was when our children were in their teens. We had just moved into our new house. It was nice. We were so excited. The kids each had a nice room of their own.

That Christmas we were able for probably the first time to buy them some nice gifts. My daughter got here first pair of reboks. That was a big deal back then. I can't remember what my son got but he got some nice things too. It was such a thrill to be able to get them things they wanted.

That Christmas was really cold which is unusual in Florida. There was ice everywhere. It was so pretty. We got and walked on the icy ground and just thought it was the coolest thing to do.

That was probably the best Christmas for our little family.

No Room in the Inn

"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn." Luke 2:1-7

He shall be great

"He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, the Holy Gost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." Luke 1: 32-35

The Angel Comes to Mary

"And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazereth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.



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 when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus." Luke 1:26-31

Give your Day to the Lord

Today I had made plans to meet a couple of ladies at the church to wrap up some baskets for the widowed men and women of our church. I was going to help put decorations up and things like that. I had to go to the Doctor first and then I headed out to the church. No one was there yet. So I left some things there for them to use.

They called and asked if I was coming so I went out there and I knew they were there because there vehicle was there and I could see the keys to the church hanging on the inside of the door. I knocked and knocked and could not get there attention. I called the church phone but it did not ring loud enough for them to hear. So I left again.

I had all these big plans for today and they did not work out. It reminds me that I don't really have control of my life. I might think I do but I don't. My life is in God's hands. He has a plan for my day. I just need to ask Him what it is and let Him be in charge. Just give your day to God and then if your plans don't go your way it's ok. It is a good day.

Christmas Photo Blog Hop

Hello
This is a fun post for me. The picture above is me in the foreground. My sister and Dad are in the back. Can you see the big smile on my Dad's face? He loved giving things to us kids. I have two brothers but they are not in this picture. This was a long time ago. But they were such good times. My Mom and Dad were the best. They did not have much money but we did not know it.

I hope your Christmas is as good as this one was. The Lord Bless.

I teach the little ones in our church. Today we learned how the angel came to Mary and told her she would be a Mother. We talked to the children about how exciting it must have been. We talked about the angels appearing to the shepherds. I told them the angels were very busy at that time because Jesus was being born and that he was God's Son. The story of Christmas becomes so familiar and we lose our since of wonder. All you have to do is talk to children about it and watch them. You will get that since of wonder back. I did.

I looked out the window from my home and saw the cows with their babies early this morning. They were all laying down. It reminded me of the stable where the baby Jesus was born. It was not fancy but something beautiful happened there. I tried to explain to the children that it didn't matter if you had lots of money or a big beautiful house or a brand new car. What matters is what is in your heart.

Blog Hop GiveAway--Nice ID Card for Child's Car Seat-Reminder

Hi This ends next Tuesday!

MyPreciousKid.com graciously provided these ID cards to attach to a Child's Car Seat. They attach with velcro which is included. There is a spot for the child's photo and information. It is also self- laminating. I have three left to go to three different winners. The giveaway goes to December 15, 2009.

This gives you a little more safety precaution for your precious child. There are several ways to enter.

If you would like a chance to win, please go to the MyPreciousKids.com website. Look at the different products and pick one that you would like. Then come back here and leave a comment telling me the product you like and include your email address so I can contact you if you are the winner!

For more ways to enter:

• Follow MyPreciousKid.com on Twitter. Come back and leave a comment and include your email address.
• Become a Fan of MyPreciousKid.com on FaceBook. Come back here and leave a comment that you did and put your email in it.
• Follow their blog: MyPreciousKid.com . Leave me a comment that you have done so. Please be sure to put your email in it.
• Blog about MyPreciousKid.com and put a link to their site. Come back and let me know you did and leave contact information.
• Tweet this on Twitter. Then leave me a comment saying that you did. Include your email address so I can contact you if you are the winner
• Blog about this giveaway. Then leave a comment with the link to your post. Please include your email.

***The GiveAway goes to December 15, 2009. The winner will be notified by email.

My Favorite Christmas Ornament Blog Hop

I love Christmas. My favorite Christmas ornament is a little ice skate. It reminds me of snow and icicles on the trees. I love the cooler weather. I live in Florida so I don't see much of the snow and ice.

My parents used to buy us a special ornament each Christmas. We had them for years. I still have a little bell my Mom used to put on our tree. It is not so pretty now but I still keep it and put it out each year. It just makes me happy.

I hope you have happy Christmas memories too. May the Lord bless you.

It's not too late to buy ornaments:

Tribute to Pearl Harbor

A Good Attitude

by Scottfedstein


"Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." 1 Corinthians 13:7

It's all about a good attitude. If you have a good attitude you will be able to react in the right way. At least, most of the time. With God it is not our ability that is important. It is our availability. Are we willing to do what He is telling us to do? Are we willing to forgive someone that has hurt us? Are we willing to help? It is the willing part that will enable God to work through us and show others His love.

Love is...Not Proud

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails..." 1Corrinthians 13:4-8

In the "Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words" it says that boasting is any kind of haughty speech which stirs up strife or provokes others. Or it calls it an arrogant display. It can also refer to someone that is an imposter and cannot do what he says. Being proud means to put yourself above others. It is to be high-minded or conceited.

The Lord hates pride. I think mainly because it is like saying you don't need God. We can't do anything without His power. Prideful behavior would be the opposite of love for others.
God bless you today!






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De-railed by Tim Irwin, Ph.D Book Review

Corporate executives that seem to be destined for greatness leave their positions with a black mark against them. In the book "De-railed" the author Tim Irwin explains that it wasn't for lack of education or experience. It was a lack of character that derailed these highly paid business men and women.

In his book Dr. Irwin sends out a warning to those who are leaders in the business world. It sends out a warning to watch for character traits in yourself that will cause a wreck of your life and career. There are six examples in the book of leaders who failed publicly. They failed for lack of self examination and self management. They each became arrogant and would not listen to others. Their downfall could have been prevented if they had seen the warning signs and heeded them.
This book would be a good read for anyone in a leadership role or anyone wanting to improve their lives. I would not have normally picked out this book to read but I enjoyed reading it and I would recommend it.
I am a Thomas Nelson Book Review Blogger. I give honest reviews of books and other products. For more information go t0 brb.thomasnelson.com.

I also reviewed this book on amazon. To read it click here.

Envy, the Green eyed Monster

Envy is called the green-eyed monster for a reason. Envy is something that can eat away at a relationship or your own peace of mind. It is the feeling of displeasure when we see someone else get an advantage that we don't have or a promotion or some new item. We would be glad if they did not get it. We for some reason think we are more worthy to have it than them. This is not love. Love does not envy. It does not want to hurt someone else or to wish them ill.
Love rejoices when someone else receives recognition. Love is happy when someone else is successful.