This Little Light Of Mine: Outdoor Christmas Lights

Lowes Creative Ideas: Time To Shine

Spotlight snow-covered settings with these bright outdoor lighting ideas.

BHG: Magical Outdoor Christmas Lights

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Light up the outside of your home this Christmas season with ideas that are as simple

as they are magical.

Winter Topiary

Pottery Barn Outdoor Decorations

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Christmas Decorating Using What You Have

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Check out these inventive Christmas decor ideas that won't deplete your pocketbook.

A Prophet without Honor

A Prophet without Honor

TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman

11-30-2011

"Where did this man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands? Is this not the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house" (Mark 6.3, 4).


Have you ever noticed how difficult it can be to spiritually impact your immediate circle of relationships and family? Jesus warned us of this phenomenon. We often relate to family and friends differently because they have a history with us that no one else has. They most likely have not had the privilege to witness the spiritual transformation that you have experienced and is evidenced by others in your life.


The spiritual authority that others may recognize in you is not there with your own family and friends. "After all, you're just my sister or brother, with whom I fought, played, and lived everyday life," is what is thought. Jesus was more qualified to be a carpenter than the Son of God in his own family and community's eyes. It was too difficult to change old perceptions of someone they knew so well. So too, is it for your family members.


The sad result of this mindset is that we often do not experience the same fruit of ministry in our family's lives that we do outside this circle. It is an unfortunate truth. "Jesus still healed a few sick people," meaning there is still a remnant of faith that can receive from you and I. Ultimately, God determines the fruit of our lives. Do not allow spiritual pride to prevent you from freely giving to your family and friends when they do not receive you in the way you think they should. You don't know which "few" God will choose to touch through your life.


Many did not receive Jesus. Therefore, many will not receive you. Nevertheless, allow God to touch the few in your circle He chooses to touch through you.




Today God Is First (TGIF) devotional message, Copyright by Os Hillman, Marketplace Leaders.

Every secret, every shame

Every fear, every pain

Live inside the dark, but that's not who we are

We are children of the day

So wake up sleeper, lift your head

We were meant for more than this

Fight the shadows, conquer death

Make the most of the time we have left

We are the light of the world

We are the city on a hill

We are the light of the world

We gotta, we gotta, we gotta let the light shine

We are the light of the world

We are the city on a hill

We are the light of the world

And we gotta, we gotta, we gotta let the light shine

Let the light shine, let the light shine

We are called to the spread the news

Tell the world the simple truth

That Jesus came to save, there's freedom in His Name

So let His love break through

We are the light, we are the light, we are the light

So let your light shine brighter

We are the light, we are the light

We are the light, Jesus

You are the light, You are the light, You are the light

We will lift You high

Shine, shine, shine

As the World Turns

"For our light and momentary troubles are
achieving for us an eternal glory that far
outweights them all." 
2 Corinthians 4:17


Bible Prophecy Blog

Aaron Klein, Klein Online

Eyewitnesses Claim Unusual Movement of Israeli Missiles

Multiple eyewitnesses reported seeing Israeli military trucks in recent days transport and station large missiles at the periphery of Jerusalem and in locations inside the West Bank....



Awash In Rumors of War

By Stan Goodenough

Jerusalem Watchman

For weeks Israelis have been greeted – almost every day – with headlines sounding the ticking clock that is measuring the minutes toward war. Other things – for us, relative trivia, but indicative of growing global chaos – have dominated the news in the west: Occupy Wall Street; the imminent collapse of the Euro; the quest for a Republican candidate...

The Status of the Middle East

HE IS ALWAYS WITH ME

Heavenly Father,   When things seem too big for me, remind me that you are
Jehovah Jireh, my provider.  You are a faithful God.  Thank you for your grace to accept
things that come my way.  And together may we as believers in Christ Jesus prove faithful to you and bring glory to your name during difficult times.

The Magnificent Plan Of The Father

Justice and Mercy

Dr. Charles Stanley

Romans 3:21-26


The sinful condition of mankind presents us with a dilemma: How can a holy, righteous God forgive our sins? If He deals with us only on the basis of His justice, every human being would suffer the eternal punishment of His wrath, which their sins deserve. But if He extends mercy instead of justice, no one would pay the penalty for sin, and God would then cease to be just.


There was only one way the Lord could stay true to His nature and at the same time forgive our sins. The solution was to satisfy His justice by pouring out His wrath on a substitute. Then the penalty for sin would be paid, and He would be free to extend mercy to sinners. This is the only plan that accommodates both aspects of His divine nature. So Christ came as our substitute; He took the punishment for our sin, enabling us to experience the Father’s mercy. Now, by placing faith in Jesus, anyone can be justified—that is, declared legally righteous.


God’s plan of salvation is simple enough for a child to understand. Yet at the same time, the complexities of the transaction that occurred at Calvary are far beyond human comprehension. Although we may not fully grasp what transpired there, we can know that the cross is the greatest possible display of the Lord’s love for us.


Can you even imagine the cost of your salvation? The magnificent plan of the Father and the willing cooperation of the Son prove your tremendous value in God’s eyes. From His perspective, you are worth all the pain and suffering that was necessary to secure your eternal presence with Him in heaven.


For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit http://www.intouch.org/.

Digging Deeper

Observations On Ephesians 1:1-14

By Dr. Paul Henebury

The apostle Paul, now a prisoner in Rome, addresses the assembly of Christians at Ephesus, whom he had last seen about six years previously...

A Collection Of Free Christmas Printables

Sassy Sites!: Free Christmas Printables

Are you ready for this?!

Sassy Sites! has collected 35 FREE Christmas printables 

from all over the blog world to share with you!

Skip To My Lou: Free Holiday Printables

Here are some great printables from around the web.

 

Adventures of a Betty Crocker Wannabe:
CHRISTMAS SCRIPTURE PRINTABLE
I've seen a lot of these in blogland, but I was really looking for one that spoke to the true meaning of Christmas. I couldn't find it, so I decided to create my own.

 

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Magic Moonlight Free Images: Vintage Postcards

 

 

 

Decorate with Tiny Christmas Trees

Midwest Living: Decorate with Tiny Christmas Trees

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Why stop at just one Christmas tree? We show you clever ideas for using miniature versions to create beautiful displays throughout your house

DigsDigs: 41 Beautiful Tabletop Christmas Trees

Tabletop trees are perfect for those who don’t have the room for a full-size tree. They also are cool to add Christmas touches around the house. They could be made homemade or be bought in stores. Many of them aren’t real trees but cool alternative ones


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BHG: Holiday Ideas for Small Spaces

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There's no need to downsize your holiday expectations with a small space to decorate.

Our space-saving ideas bring the merriment of the season into even the tiniest corners.

Candy Trees with Sandra Lee

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

Understanding Kingdom Authority

Pastor Adrian Rogers

“Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke 10:19


A police officer weighing 160 pounds may effectively stand before a tanker truck and with an uplifted hand say, “Stop, in the name of the law.” The police officer certainly couldn’t stop the truck with his physical force. He is appealing to an authority greater than himself — the law — to back him up. Your authority over Satan is the same way. Your authority does not rest in your strength. You cannot overcome Satan with your power but rather with Kingdom Authority from God. And you have that as a child of the King. You have His authority to overcome every attack of Satan.


Sing of the power of the Lord. Find a hymnal and sing or meditate on the verses of “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.”


For more from Love Worth Finding and Pastor Adrian Rogers, please visit http://www.lwf.org/.

A mighty fortress is our God,

a bulwark never failing;

our helper he amid the flood

of mortal ills prevaling.

For still our ancient foe

doth seek to work us woe;

his craft and power are great,

and armed with cruel hate,

on earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide,

our striving would be losing,

were not the right man on our side,

the man of God's own choosing.

Dost ask who that may be?

Christ Jesus, it is he;

Lord Sabaoth, his name,

from age to age the same,

and he must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled,

should threaten to undo us,

we will not fear, for God hath willed

his truth to triumph through us.

The Prince of Darkness grim,

we tremble not for him;

his rage we can endure,

for lo, his doom is sure;

one little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers,

no thanks to them, abideth;

the Spirit and the gifts are ours,

thru him who with us sideth.

Let goods and kindred go,

this mortal life also;

the body they may kill;

God's truth abideth still;

his kingdom is forever.

 

WATCH

MANNA FEST WITH PERRY STONE

SPIRITUAL WARFARE:

It's Time To Discern The Burn

Thankful Times Three

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! I cannot believe the holidays are already here! Where has this year gone? I can honestly say this has been the hardest year of my life. I know that sounds horrible, but there were several huge events/circumstances that occurred this year that literally changed my life. Things that I never could have guessed or imagined would ever happen in my life or the lives of the people that I love. And yet through the trials and the storms, the faithfulness of the Lord is even more evident, and His loving hand and blessings in our lives even more precious and poignant. 

Jesus said, "In this life you will have many sorrows, but take heart I have overcome the world."

Though we may not understand the sorrows or the circumstances that come into our lives, we can always trust that the Lord will be our Wonderful Counselor, our Mighty Sovereign God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace; a peace that surpasses all understanding. This is who God is, and through the sorrows that we face, if we will draw ever closer to the One who Redeems, Restores, Rebuilds and Renews, we can still have a deep and inexplicable joy and gratitude that only the Lord can give.   We can still rejoice and thank Him through the suffering for we know that in all things God is working for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purposes (Rom. 8:28). 

The Lord is so gracious and loving, that even through the suffering He sprinkles incredible blessings and surprises along the way. One of the most amazing blessings this year was the birth of our precious Claire Marie!

She is my sweet little Claire Bear and the past 9 months have been priceless, precious moments of firsts with her. She is growing and changing everyday, and I have truly treasured these special times with her. 

There is no greater blessing in the world than these precious little children. I am thankful everyday that the Lord chose me to have the awesome privilege of being their mommy. Jack is so funny and so incredibly smart, he never ceases to amaze me. He literally is this bundle of joyful energy that is constantly laughing and bouncing off the sofa, the ottoman, and the walls! You just cannot help but feel joyful when these little miracles are around!

I love my sweet husband and my precious babies so much! They are such gifts from the Lord! And now....He has chosen to surprise us and bless us yet again...


with another baby!!!

We could not be more excited or more grateful this Thanksgiving for these precious children He has given  to us!! 


I am 16 weeks pregnant now and feeling pretty good! We cheated and already found out the gender of this sweet little one! hehe...

It's a GIRL!!!
Little baby girl #2 is due on May 12th, 2012.


Thank you Lord, for continuing to bless this little family, and for being so faithful to us!


Happy Thanksgiving!!

A Fairy and a Tail (Dinosaur Tail that is)

It may almost be Christmastime, but here are my two little loves on Halloween :-) 

Jack was so cute and he loved his dinosaur costume, especially his tail. He still doesn't really understand/like the idea of costumes though.  He thought people really thought he was a DINOSAUR, a real dinosaur.

He would ROAR as loud as he could, then say, 

"Its just me, Jacky."

Claire was a "Princess Fairy" according to Jack.  She is just so darling, and now that she is  standing up and cruising all over the place, she is a busy little bee. 

She is such a precious little girl. I feel like she is getting so big, so fast! I love her little feathers that stand straight up! Thats just like my hair was when I was a baby!

We had such a fun Halloween bouncing from one house to the next! We went to Sean's cousins' party first, but I was so bummed because all of my pics were blurry. Darn lense. (certainly it was not due to user error). haha 

And Jack was exhausted, and fell asleep on the way to the party...so I thought it was going to be a disaster of a night.

You can see he was not into taking these pictures. 

Then we went to my see my mom, where most of the pics were blurry again.

From there we met up with my sister and her kids at our Nana's house.  Our cousins were there with their kids too! We actually got a picture with all of the kids looking cute and smiling! Not my camera of course because I had on the wrong lense. Dope.

Jon Jon, Jack, and Jakey

Claire Bear amongst all the big(ger) kids.

Jack & Nicky

We ended up having a really fun Halloween!

xo

Prepare Your Taste Buds

Coastal Living: Terrific Seafood Soups and Stews

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Prepare your taste buds: These soothing soups pack a flavorful.

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William Sonoma: Celebrate Thanksgiving With Our Signature Recipes

Soundtrack for Thanksgiving Morning

Saveur: Thanksgiving In A Meatball

My Recipes: Dress Up Your Stuffing

My Recipes: Our Top Sweet Potato Casseroles

Thanksgiving Song - Mary Chapin Carpenter

The Sword of the Spirit

The Sword of the Spirit

"We can say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.  What can man do to me?" Hebrews 13:6 (NIV)


Today's post are two video teachings by Perry Stone on  spiritual warfare.  Near the end of the first video titled "The Spear of Satan" Perry mentions the story of Moses, Aaron, and Hur who went up to the top of the hill.  Whenever Moses held the rod up over his head, the battle was victorious for the Israelites. But when Moses' arms grew tired and he dropped them, then the Amalekites would prevail. Aaron and Hur became a support to Moses. They gave him a stone to sit on, and lifted up his hands. Thus, God's people were VICTORIOUS.


Moses was the servant that God chose to lead His people through the wilderness. But Moses wasn't able to do it alone. There were too many people, too much work to do on his own.  Moses needed other leaders to support him in what he had been called to do.  Whenever you become discourage or distress, don't be afraid.  Pray.  Ask for help.  Find prayer partners.   Because the only way to stop these things is to stop sharing the gospel, and that's not an option.

Prayer   Heavenly Father may you use us as a constant testimony of your goodness, and may many come to Christ as a result. What can mere men do to us when you have our life in your hands?  As the days grow darker may we find people who will stand in the gap with us like Arron and Hur.    Help us Father to encourage other believers who are being persecuted for their faith. Give boldness to Christian leaders so that they will continue to share the gospel. Amen.

THE SPEAR OF SATAN

THERE IS A CRACK IN YOUR SPIRITUAL ARMOR

Cherishing the Presence of God

Cherishing the Presence of God

Bayless Conley

Psalm 84:10 gives us an important perspective of God's presence,


For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.


When the psalmist talks about "a day in Your courts," he is not talking about being in some building or admiring some bit of religious architecture. He is talking about enjoying the presence of God. As verse 2 of this psalm says,


My soul longs, yes, even faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.


God is so good that just one day with Him is better than a thousand anywhere else. Just to be on the threshold, just to be on the doorstep, just to feel the slightest fringes, if you would, of the presence of God, is better than spending a thousand days anywhere else.


I think The Message Bible conveys the idea of verse 10,


One day spent in your house, this beautiful place of worship, beats thousands spent on Greek island beaches. I'd rather scrub floors in the house of my God than be honored as a guest in the palace of sin.


Not long ago, I was walking through the neighborhood (I do this from time to time) just having a prayer walk. I walked for maybe 45 minutes and just prayed and worshiped God.


As I started thinking about all of the good things He has done for me, I began to sense His presence, and I started to cry. Now, I don't know what the neighbors thought if they happened to look out their window, but I didn't care, because I so appreciate His presence in my life.


I encourage you today to learn to cherish the presence of God!


Visit the Answers with Bayless Conley website for more ways to Connect with God.

Watchman on the Wall

The Hal Lindsey Report: 11/18/11

Heartfelt Soul Winning Brings a Bountiful Harvest

"Most people want to serve God,

 but only in an advisory capacity."

Heartfelt Soul Winning Brings a Bountiful Harvest

Pastor Adrian Rogers

“He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Psalm 126:6


Do you know what you’re doing in the morning when you have a quiet time? Weeding your garden. You’re weeding the garden of your mind, so that the good seed of the Word of God can multiply. Now, the next step is to plant the seed and cultivate His harvest. And when you go out to win souls, water the crop with your tears. Read how the Lord’s heart broke over the people He longed to embrace and love unto Himself (see John 17). Learn this same sort of compassion in the garden God has given you to harvest for His kingdom.


Ask God to put you into His fields of service today. Ask Him to make you bold, yet compassionate and wise to share His Good News.


For more from Love Worth Finding and Pastor Adrian Rogers, please visit http://www.lwf.org/.

God Will Make A Way

"Being confident in this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it out on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6 (NIV)

PRAYER

Father, in the midst of instability, war and constant change, make a way for new beleivers to grow even when their teachers have had to leave the country.  Give them access to your Word and the fellowship of other believers.  Give me an opportunity to be involved in the growth process of new believers with whom I meet. Amen -- Donna, Missionary Central and Eastern Europe

Prepared for a place

"However, as it is written: No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived with God has prepared for those who love him. " 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NIV)

All that is required of any of us is to follow Him.

Father, Thank you that you use past experiences to prepare us for present and future circumstances.  Help Missionaries in difficult areas to face extreme conditions with hope and dependency upon You.  Help me to allow you to mold and shape my life according to the specifications of Your plans and purposes. Amen -- Robin, Central and Eastern Europe

I'm With You

Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Delish: 10 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes

To survive the cooking marathon that invariably accompanies Thanksgiving Day,   make your side-dish selections based on ease as well as flavor. You can still include the classics, like sweet potatoes and stuffing,  plus a few new additions that'll impress and please. With these easy side dish recipes from Martha Stewart, cooking Thanksgiving dinner will seem a lot less intimidating.

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Roasted Asparagus with Garlic Sauce

 

Aunt Peggy's Sweet Potato Souffle

New Orleans Corn Pudding 

 

Picky Palate: Gooey Pumpkin Butterscotch Brownies


Cooking With Kids: Maple Pecan Baked Apple

Ina's Special Occassion: Spinach Gratin!

This classic spinach dish is so delicious, even the kids will love it.

This video is part of Barefoot Contessa show hosted by Ina Garten

Ina's Classic Homemade Gravy

Gravy woes? Let Ina Garten help.

This video is part of Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics show hosted by Ina Garten

Grace To Keep Going

Grace to Keep Going

Dr. Charles Stanley

Acts 15:7-11


As believers, we readily attribute our salvation to God’s grace, but what does “this grace in which we stand” mean to us now (Rom. 5:2)? How does it work out in everyday life, especially when we’re going through periods of trial or suffering?


The Lord’s grace releases His supernatural power within us so we can endure life’s hardships with a godly attitude. In fact, we’ll even be able to rejoice in what He is doing in us through the adversity.

Grace builds our confidence in the sovereign Lord. Nothing looks hopeless when we focus on Him instead of on our problems.

We discover the assurance of God’s sustaining presence as He walks with us every step of the way.

Because we’ve experienced His care for us, we are able to show empathy and love to others facing hard times.

During fiery trials, grace works to transform our character so that others can see Jesus reflected in us.

Difficulties in life are unavoidable. So we need a daily dose of God’s grace if we are to walk through trials with confidence that there is great reward on the other side. If we rely on our own strength, however, obstacles will appear insurmountable, leaving us discouraged and ready to give up.


Too often believers rely on Christ for their salvation but then try to go solo. If God’s grace was needed to save us, then logic says we would also need it for the rest of our days. Only through a continuous infusion of His sustaining power can we live a victorious Christian life.


For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit http://www.intouch.org/.

Where is Mount Sinai?