Something Old, Something New + 2011 A Year In Review

Something Old...

The Sum Of All Crafts: Bottlecap Downloads

Here's a little something different for this Sunday's Digital Download. These are images that are designed to fit inside of bottlecaps. All you need is a 1" circle punch and you are on your way to making oodles of charms for yourself.

Something New....

 

Today's Creative Blog: Ten Printable 2012 Calendars!

Just like clockwork, we go into organizing mode right after Christmas. We suddenly need that 2012 calendar. There are so many free printable calendars online now, there’s no excuse not to have one...





+ 2011 Year In Review

Avoiding Conflict

Avoiding Conflict

TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman

12-30-2011

Then Joab went to Geshur and brought Absalom back to Jerusalem. But the king said, "He must go to his own house; he must not see my face." So Absalom went to his own house and did not see the face of the king (2 Sam 14:23-24).


Many people hate conflict to the point they will never confront a wrong. Taking this path will only lead to later hardship. Such was the case for Absalom and his father King David.


Amnon, also a son of David, raped his sister Tamar. When this happened, David was furious but he did not punish Amnon for his actions. Absalom saw this as a terrible injustice for his sister. So, Absalom plotted to kill Amnon at the right time. He patiently waited for two years before he set up a situation to have him killed.


David was heartbroken over the death of Amnon and held Absalom responsible. At the same time, David still desired to have a relationship with Absalom, but because he failed to address the situation with Amnon when it happened, it led to more serious consequences in the family. Absalom was banished for three years because of David's anger towards him which allowed seeds of resentment to grown in his heart. Absalom then conspired to overthrow David's kingdom.


It is imperative to confront problems when they arise no matter how uncomfortable it might be. We are called to speak the truth in love. "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ" (Eph 4:15-16). Failure to confront in love allows the enemy to sow greater seeds of conflict.


Is there someone in your life that you need to confront in love? Make plans now to get with this person and work through the issues that divide you.




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

No Fight Left

The God of Time

The God of Time

TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman

12-28-2011

For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter, though a man's misery weighs heavily upon him (Eccl 8:6).


How we use our time is a good indicator of the god we choose to serve. There is a god whose name is "the urgent" that can rule our lives if we are not diligent. The wrong use of time can lead to misery. The right use of time can result in fulfillment.


"You need to take time to turn to God. Do not pray only when you have set aside time to do. The busier you are, the more you must practice turning to God. If you wait until the time is convenient, there is little doubt that you will end up spending little time with God. Try to come before God both in the morning and the evening. Pray during and between all your other jobs as much as you can. You cannot retire too much from the mindless chatter of the world. Learn to steal this time in little snatches, and you will find these moments the most precious part of your day" said Francois de Fenelon, a sixteenth century Christian leader.*


The amount of time we spend with anyone or any activity is a good indicator of the value we place on that person or activity. Time equates to money for some. For others it can be a cruel dictator. It is the physical evidence of what is at the center of our lives.


People can generally make time for what they choose to do; it is not really the lack of available time, but the will to set a priority for the time they have. Time can be the evidence that convicts our soul that our devotion has waned.


What does the evidence of time tell you about yourself? Today, give God the time needed to develop a relationship that is meaningful for both of you.


*Francois de Fenelon 100 Days in the Secret Place, Destiny Image Publishers, Shippensburg, PA p. 117 2001


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

Beth Moore: We Need To Be Loved

Today's Prayer

Dear Father in Heaven,

You know how hard it is to see your children and families hurting when they do not communicate with you and one another, when they are self-centered, out of your will, and following the wrong paths. Maybe they get too busy to nourish the really important relationships in their lives. I pray right now for my own family, for all of the families around the world, for husbands and wives who have grown apart or are on the verge of divorce, for children who are rebellious and angry, for parents who are too busy and irritated, for those who are bitter or hurt. God please reach down and tug on their hearts, speak to their minds, and show them the way. I pray that the root of their problems will be exposed and that through the Holy Spirit, through Your Word, through a caring friend or a concerned Christian, or whatever way you know is best, that you will turn around those lives that are headed the wrong direction and put them back together. I pray that these families will become healthy, happy, God-honoring, communicating and loving families. And God, for the families that are doing well, I pray that you would protect them from the evil one; surround them with guardian angels; and keep that family under your wings of love and guidance.

Thank you, in Jesus' name, amen.

How To Experience Christ's Peace

December 28

How to Experience Christ's Peace

In Touch With Dr. Charles Stanley

John 14:27-31


"My peace I give to you” (John 14:27). Jesus spoke these amazing words just hours before His crucifixion. His peace isn’t dependent upon external circumstances, but rather, it transcends them. Although He gives His peace to every believer as a gift, our experience of it is related to our faith in the following truths:


God is in control of everything. Without this assurance, the world is a scary place.

He loves me and will see me through every circumstance, no matter how difficult or painful it may be.

To have Christ’s peace, I must surrender my life to Him. When I hold onto my ways and plans, I’ll experience turmoil.

I have a limited perspective and understanding of my circumstances and God’s purposes for allowing them. His goals for me are greater than my immediate comfort.

The Lord promises to work all things out for my good. He is continually working to transform my character into Christ’s image.

I must live in sync with God, walking in the Spirit and promptly confessing and repenting of sin.

Scripture is my foundation for peace. It increases my trust in the Lord’s goodness, assures me that He keeps His promises, and reminds me of His sovereignty over every situation.

Sadly, many Christians live their whole lives without consistently experiencing this incomprehensible peace. Perhaps faith and submission are the most challenging issues. But only as we surrender control of our lives to Christ and trust in His plans for us will we discover tranquil rest for our souls.


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

Let Go and Let God

Cheers To A New Year!

Food and Wine: Our Best New Year's Eve's Recipes

Featured Recipes: New Year’s Eve Champagne Pairings, Party Recipes for a Crowd

Party Dips, Party Punches and New Year’s Day Brunch!

BHG: Easy Slow Cooker Appetizers

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Hosting a casual get together? Turn to one of these simple appetizers for a fuss-free starter your guests will love, from dips to chicken wings.

Love the Smore's

Flights of Fancy: Inspired Intern! Happy New Year

Clean white and shimmering gold feel that often comes to mind when you think of New Year’s celebrations. The white may signify a fresh start, while the gold shares a striking resemblance with the bubbly!

You Might Like:

Katie Brown's Luxe-for-Less New Year's Eve Party

Money Crashers: 11 Fun New Year's Eve Party Ideas

She Knows: Ring In The New Year With Kids

 

Whatever way you choose to ring in the New Year,

may it be happy and safe!

My Virtual Black Monday

Houzz.com: Traditional Kitchen

Plushpalate.blogspot.com

Love this outfit!

Nordstrom.com

Martha Stewart: Chocolate Meringue Pie

Mmmm good

Black Olive and Cream Cheese Dip

1 can black pitted olives drained and chopped

1 bar of  soften cream cheese

1 teaspoon of mayo

1/2 cup of chopped pecans

Blend well, and serve with your choice of crackers.

You might also like these recipes

Marinated Black Olives with Feta and Sundried Tomatoes

The Neely's Black Bean Soup

Paula Deen's Spicy Black Eye Peas Recipe

Chicken and Black Bean Tostadas

Simply Recipes: Blackberry Pie

Chocolate Black-out Cake with Ganache Drizzle

The Greatness Of Our God

Clean Feet, Clean Heart

Dr. Charles Stanley

John 13:3-15

Israel can be a dusty place, and sandaled feet get filthy walking to and fro. In ancient times, a person entering a home removed his sandals and cleaned his feet. Or if the homeowners were wealthy, servants would do the washing. This distasteful but necessary task fell to the worker of lowest position in the household.


Imagine the disciples' surprise when the Son of God put Himself in the role of a lowly servant and knelt to wash their feet. The need for such a service was great, as they had been traveling for some time. But not one of them offered to do it.


Jesus did more than fill a need; He offered an object lesson. As He explained, "I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you" (John 13:15 nlt). Some churches have incorrectly interpreted this as a command to make foot washing an ordinance. But it's possible to clean someone else's skin without contemplating the significance of Christ's actions.


In fact, the act itself is not the main point; attitude is what counts. Jesus desires that we be willing to humble ourselves to serve others. He is looking for men and women who will ignore pride, position, and power in order to do whatever must be done, wherever it needs doing, and for whoever requires assistance.


Jesus performed His greatest and most humble acts of service within 24 hours of each other. He washed dirty feet using two hands that would be pierced by nails in less than a day. The message here is that every task God gives us is important to His kingdom.


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

Hillsong - The Greatness of Our God

Putting Your Faith in Action
Dr. R. C. Sproul

The organized church is torn with strife and distrust. Ultimately, the battle is not so much between conservatives and liberals, evangelicals and activists, or fundamentalists and modernists. The issue now is between belief and unbelief: Is Christianity true or false, real or unreal?


What is deadly to the church is when the external forms of religion are maintained while their substance is discarded. This we call practical atheism. Practical atheism appears when we live as if there were no God. The externals continue, but man becomes the central thrust of devotion as the attention of religious concern shifts away from man's devotion to God to man's devotion to man, bypassing God. The "ethic" of Christ continues in a superficial way, having been ripped from its supernatural, transcendent, and divine foundation.


Biblical Christianity knows nothing of a false dichotomy between devotion to God and concern for man. The Great Commandment incorporates both. It is because God is that human life matters so much. It is because of the reality of Christ that ethics are vital. It is because the cross was a real event that the sacraments can minister to us. It is because Christ really defeated death that the church offers hope. It is because of Jesus' real act of atonement that our forgiveness is more than a feeling.


The church's life and her creed may be distinguished but never separated. It is possible for the church to believe all the right things and do the wrong things. It is possible also to believe the wrong things and do the right things (but not for very long). We need right faith initiating right action. Honest faith—joined with honest action—bears witness to a real God and a real Christ.


Coram Deo: Living in the Presence of God


Examine your heart today: Are you believing the right things, yet doing the wrong things? Are you believing the wrong things while still trying to do the right things?


For Further Study


James 2:17-18: "Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, ‘You have faith, and I have works.' Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."


James 2:26: "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."


The mission, passion and purpose of Ligonier Ministries and Dr. R.C. Sproul is to help people grow in their knowledge of God and His holiness. For more information, please visit www.ligonier.org

Seven Sacred Ways To Live Your Best Life

Seven Sacred Ways to Live Your Best Life

by Valorie Burton

Words of LIFE Weekly Devotional

In the midst of the shopping, parties, and cultural focus on gift giving, it can be tempting to miss the purpose of this holiday, which is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. I'd like to share seven messages that Jesus taught during his three years of public ministry. As you celebrate Christmas and reflect on the holiday's true meaning, consider these words of wisdom that Jesus offered for living your best life.


1. Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. (Matthew 6:34) Too often in life (and especially around Christmas), we worry about issues that work themselves out over time. Worrying does not change anything. It is a waste of time, energy, and life itself. Plan your steps, but refuse to allow the fear of what might go wrong to consume you. Instead, focus on what you can do in the present moment to create the kind of future you want.


2. Do not judge and you will not be judged. (Luke 6:37) There may be people in your life who are doing things you don't agree with, perhaps even engaging in behavior that is destructive to them. Choose to love them and pray for them, without judgment. Choose compassion and empathy, perhaps even tough love, but reserve judgment.


3. Be careful not to do your acts of righteousness before men, to be seen by them. (Matthew 6:1) Christmas is a great time to help others, whether serving a meal, donating to worthy causes, or giving gifts. Be careful to do good and treat people well because it is the right thing to do, not because of the accolades or rewards you might receive from others. Allow the Holy Spirit to be in full control, so that your motives are pure.


4. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. (Matthew 23:12) Humility is freedom - freedom from the pressure to be perfect, keep up appearances, or be better than everyone else. Success is a combination of working hard and being blessed with opportunities, abilities, and people who support you. None of us achieves or succeeds solely by our own power. Don't worry about taking credit or making yourself look good. Focus on serving, learning, and loving, and then the rewards will come.


5. Everything is possible for him who believes. (Mark 9:23) Consider your biggest dream for your life. It is not enough to say you will achieve it. You must believe it. You may not know exactly how it will become true for you. Your first step is to simply believe it's possible. Say it out loud and often, “It's possible!” With God, all things are possible.


6. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) Most know this scripture as a foundational statement for the Christian faith, which it is. But there is something I find intriguing in its wording. It is the connection between loving and giving. God loved us; therefore, he gave us this miraculous Savior on Christmas Day. When you love others, you give of yourself, sometimes in very unselfish and sacrificial ways. Saying you love someone is not enough. Give of yourself - your time, energy, affection, and resources and they will truly know you love them.


7. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:32) The truth sets you free in many ways. Be truthful with yourself about the issues of your life. Speak your truth in your relationships. Countless relationships fail because people refuse to speak from their hearts. Be truthful about what you want and what you are afraid of, and you will gain the strength to step fully into the rich, abundant life you were created to live.


This Christmas season, seek divine wisdom to guide your interactions with others and the decisions you need to make. Choose to live and love fully and freely. God gave His sacred Son to us. Let’s live our best life for Him.




Valorie Burton is the founder of The Coaching and Positive Psychology (CAPP) Institute – a training and leadership development company. Her latest book, Where Will You Go from Here?: Moving Forward When Life Doesn't Go as Planned is available now.

Give You Peace - Echoing Angels

When Love Was Born

May you have the gladness of Christmas which is hope;

The spirit of Christmas which is peace;

The heart of Christmas which is love.

Ada V. Hendricks

 

 

Boldly Proclaiming Good Tidings of Great Joy

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold,

I bring you good tidings of great joy,

which shall be to all people.”

Luke 2:10

 

When Love Was Born

He Made A Way In A Manager

May It Be That We Adore Him...

May It Be

TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman

12-24-2011

"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her (Luke 1:38).


Have you ever had a boss come to you and give you an assignment which had rules never before used? Not only were the rules different, he was asking you to agree to them not knowing the outcome or impact it would have on your life. That must have been the way Mary, the mother of Jesus felt.


God was about to do something so extraordinary that it required a face to face meeting with the subject, Mary, and his key angel, Gabriel. What God was about to do was so foreign that it needed detailed explanation.


Mary had been handpicked to give birth to the Christ-child. Can you imagine!? However, in order to do so she was going to be pregnant while yet unmarried, something totally taboo in her culture. In fact, women were stoned to death if found to be fornicators. So, when Mary heard the assignment and responded by saying, "May it be," this tells us what a courageous woman of faith she must have been.


She did not understand the implications of what she was about to do. However, she placed her total trust in God and knew that if God chose her for such an assignment, she could trust the outcome to Him. She would even have to trust the explanation to Joseph, who was not going to understand. In fact, when he discovered Mary was pregnant, he immediately considered divorce proceedings.


However, when God saw Joseph's response, He sent an angel to explain the situation through a dream. I am sure the time between her telling him and his dream must have been difficult to explain. She did not know God was going to solve the problem. This is another example of her faith and courage. I would imagine most women might have responded to the angel like this, "I won't do it unless you tell my husband!"


Do you have an assignment from God that seems impossible on the front end? Is God calling you to trust Him for the outcome? Take a lesson from Mary and release the outcome to God.




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

 

Our Prince of Peace

Dr. Charles Stanley 

Isaiah 9:6


The Christmas rush is here. There are plans to make, gifts to buy, and parties to attend. Sometimes these activities leave us exhausted and cranky—instead of peace and joy, we may feel inner churning because there’s too much to do. Or perhaps this time of the year brings nothing but sad memories and loneliness. Unrealistic expectations and conflicts with loved ones often leave us depressed and discouraged.


How can Jesus be our Prince of Peace when our expectations and traditions fight against the tranquility we desire? To understand why Jesus was given this title, we must first understand what it means. First of all, God’s Son did not come to do away with all conflicts—not yet, anyway. One day He will return to earth and rule as King in an environment of external harmony, but that was not the purpose of His first coming. So while we’re on earth, we’ll have trouble (John 16:33).


When Christ left heaven to become a human baby, His goal was to bring us peace with God by reconciling us to the Father. His death on the cross paid our sin debt in full, and our relationship with God is restored. Now He offers us divine peace—an inner serenity that fills our hearts and minds no matter what is going on in our circumstances.


Is your life characterized by a quiet assurance that guards your heart and mind all day long (Phil. 4:6-7), or have stressful circumstances left you feeling depressed or agitated? Try setting aside time each day to fix your eyes upon Jesus. Then let Him heal your heart and calm your spirit.


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

Adore Him / Christmas Eve / Kari Jobe

PRAYER


Heavenly Father,     This is such a busy time of year. People are traveling, finishing up year-end business records and reports, visiting friends and family, celebrating Christmas and the New Year. I pray that during this time of preparation and cheer, You will cover us with a blanket of protection. I pray that you will grant safe travels to those who are driving, riding, flying around their neighborhoods, across the country, and throughout the world. I pray that you will give peace, comfort, and joy to all who are your children and fill our hearts with praise and rejoicing in the spirit over the reason for this season of celebration. I pray that we, your children, would be the shining examples of your love and Christian living before the world, especially now. I pray that personal and business affairs would be conducted with integrity...and that as we are blessed, we would be a blessing to others. I pray that the lost will see Jesus and be drawn unto you.

Thank you, Father, for watching over us, being with us, and loving us in spite of ourselves. You are merciful and worthy of our praise. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Twas Two Nights Before Christmas

Food and Wine: Reindeer Tracks

Rudolph’s nose won’t the only one shining bright after one of these...

What's for dinner Christmas Eve?

A very warm and tasty soup recipe that's Mmmm good.

Katrina Runs: Lights Are Twinkling, Soup Is Simmering

Am I the only one who goes to Olive Garden just for the soup? And when they ask me if I want more Zuppa Toscana, I have to bite my tongue in tiny pieces so I won’t say “yes, and just bring the pot”?

Last minute baking ideas...

Bonnie Sterns Rugelach Pastry Cookie Recipe

Raspberry jam, pecan and brown sugar-filled pastries ? perfect for holiday entertaining.

You might also like

Donna Hay's Jam Drop Cookie Recipe
(Delicious Cookies that are easy to make)

House and Home: Holiday Cookies and Squares

Martha Stewart's Eggnog Recipe!

Twas The Night Before Christmas

Do You Hear What I Hear?

DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR?

Do You Really Believe It?

Bayless Conley 

Ephesians 2:4-7 says,


But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.


There was a time in my wife's life when nothing was going right. It was before we were married while she was attending Bible school. Things were so bad that she was ready to drop out, and she wondered where God was in her life.


It was then that she attended a seminar where a woman was teaching on this passage. As my wife read this, and heard it taught, she saw that God loved her in an amazing way. That He loves everybody so much He sent Jesus Christ, so that He could make us a showpiece of His great love.


She realized He wanted to make her life beautiful and full. He wanted to make it good. He wanted to do things in her life so that she would be a showpiece for Him, and other people would look and say, "What is it about you?" and she could tell them that God made the difference in her life. Since that truth dawned on Janet's heart, she has never been the same.


1 John 4:16 says,


And we have known and believed the love that God has for us.


Do you really believe that God loves you and has good things in store for you? You have heard about God's love, but do you really know it? Are you really believing the love that God has for you?


Well He does love you, and when you believe it, you will never be the same!

Visit the Answers with Bayless Conley website

for more ways to Connect with God

Elegant Recipes

My Recipes: Hanukkah Celebrations

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Observe the Festival of Lights with special menus and recipes that reflect the spirit of the season.


 

Southern Living: Elegant Holiday Entrees

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Center your meal around one of these festive and hearty main dishes.

Our Best Christmas Cake Recipes

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Impress your holiday guests with a show-stopping cake that tastes as great as it looks on the dessert table. Here are 37 of our favorite festive cake recipes.







Do You Hear What I Hear?

 

The Christmas Shoes

Etsy: Handpainted Santa Claus Sneakers

Ho Ho Ho! Santa is definitely on his way!  Santa will visit your little one with a hand painted fun sparkley red hat, curly no-tie laces and with the joy of the season in his heart!  Infant/Toddler whole sizes 1 - 10 $23.00

Etsy: Charlie Brown Christmas Shoes

A Charlie Brown Christmas: Snoopy on one side and Charlie on the other. Inside is lined with natural colored fleece to keep toes toasty. Perfect for Christmas. This soft sole shoe has an elastic band that keeps shoes on your little ones feet. $11.00





The Christmas Shoes!

You might also like

Etsy: Handmade Baby Christmas Hat

Winter Hats At REI

Free Vintage Crochet Hat Patterns