What I Love About Sundays

It's pretty love to any day of the week but Sunday brings so many emotions and feelings that's it's a shame to not post about them.

• Waking up the smell of coffee and the crisp paper smells of the newspaper.
• Sitting down to take out the pin curls that I placed last night, I feel like my great grandmother.
• Feeling his fingers on my bare skin as he zips my dress up.
• Looking up in his eyes as I fix his tie. 
• Realizing that the adorable outfit I bought Jackjack already has jelly on it. 
• Going up the stairs slowly in heels.
• Getting hugged by almost complete strangers.
• Singing and getting a warm feeling.
• Writing Bible verses that I want to go back and have highlighted with notes.
• Holding Jackjack up so he can see the words to the song even though he only recognises a few words. 
• Feeling Chris's hand on my lower back while we sing.
• Feeling him rub my shoulder during the sermon.
• Watching people cry because they are getting saved or rededicating their lives
• Ditching the heels when we leave because it's raining and I am not busting it on the stairs. 
• Getting picked up spontaneously and him handing me Jackjack and the handle to the umbrella.
• Laughing so hard when he almost drops me and Jackjack because he can't open the door. 
• Freezing on the way home because we all wet and Chris forgets to turn the AC off.
• Getting out of the "monkey clothes"
• Putting Jackjack down for a nap
• Realizing it's raining on a Sunday and putting Keith Urban's song to truth.
• Cutting out coupons
• Ice cream trips
• Wishing Sunday Football was coming on
• Planning out the week with my planner
• Blogging about it.

Is this typical? Mostly. Is this about today? You bet!

Fresh Start Challenge Day 24: Holy Lands

A little over a year ago I had the privilege to go to Israel.

Chris and I traveled through the Holy Lands with our eyes wide and heart open.

There are two things that stand out to me as the most spiritual moments in my life.

First one:

We were baptized in the River Jordan. I cried as I lifted back up out of the water. I was baptized in almost the same place as Jesus himself was and my body was trembling even though it was very hot outside. I watched Chris get baptized as well. We both stood praying to the side of our group we were with for the trip. I felt so cleansed and renewed.

Second time:

We went to see The Church of Holy Sepulchre. When we went it was not very busy at all which we learned was very rare. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre contains the Tomb of Christ and also Golgotha, the place of the crucifixion. Chris and I walked around and finally got in line. The line let to a table and we could see people crawling under the table. I know I gasped when I realized what they were doing and what we were about to do. This was where the cross once stood. The cross was erected between two rocks where the blood of Jesus fell on. We were about to have an opportunity to touch the rock where Jesus was crucified. Underneath the altar, there is a hole through which we put our arm through to touch the rock. By doing this, we touched the rock where Jesus died.

I was crying and I felt Chris's body shaking with tears. We prayed together as well there. It was an experience I never will forget.

Always

When I first started blogging I wrote a post about my future engagement. It's interesting to know that almost two years ago I didn't want Chris to propose to me. I was content with him just loving and I believe that's how it should be.

Finding love at a Jimmy John's will and always be crazy to me. Yes I had met Chris before but alone and speaking to him not out of being polite was life changing. What if I had decided to eat at Subway or Quiznos? What if he hadn't been upset about his just ended relationship ended with his ex being pregnant by his brother? What if I had went to a different Jimmy John's location? What if I had been determined to return to Jeremy? What if I had turned Chris down from shyness? But the fact remains God put us there and it wasn't by some crazy meet up website or dating website. This was God's plan all along.

We were strangers, starting out on a journey

Never dreaming, what we'd have to go through

Now here we are, I'm suddenly standing

At the beginning with you

We started out on a courting relationship. It was beautiful we had the best times. Even on May 24, 2012 when he gave me my first kiss of my life from a guy I knew Chris was special. We let God lead the way but you all know our story if you have been reading my blog for the past two years. We were completely crazy about each other but we kept the Lord at the center. We prayed together all the time, and nothing has changed at all. I mean how many times does a guy take a girl clear across the world to see a group that she loves last concert before they disband? How many guys find the grandparents she hasn't seen since she was 4 years old?

No one told me I was going to find you

Unexpected, what you did to my heart

When I lost hope, you were there to remind me

This is the start

Then Chris moved to Huntsville himself to live closer to me. Then Jackjack came into the picture and we settled into a relationship of quick kisses, diapers, playing, and taking Jackjack to one house one night and the other house the next night. Jackjack is my half baby brother in reality. My stepmom died and my dad was in no condition to take care of him. So we became parents and took those ropes easily. A small little family.

You're the answer when I prayed

I would find someone

And baby I found you

Then December came for us... We were at Chris's brother's wedding at Disney and Chris says he would like to make an announcement in the middle of our solo dance. I was figuring it was a speech to the couple like normal people do at weddings. Key word: normal, and Chris just isn't that. He told everyone he wanted to tell me something specifically. He proposed right then and there in front of all of Erica's wedding guests (so much for a small quiet engagement right?) The moment he slide my great grandmother's ring on my finger I just cried and cried. We danced and danced that night. I think I could have danced forever that night.

All I want is to hold you forever

All I need is you more every day

You saved my heart

From being broken apart

You gave your love away

I can't find the words to say

That I'm thankful everyday

For the gift

Dancing... This word means the world to Chris and myself. We love to dance. I have come to the conclusion I will never have thin thighs because I have muscle things between regular dancing and pole dancing. But Chris says they are amazing. Dancing to us is the movement of love. We have the sexy wild dancing for releasing energy and anxiety. Our slow dancing can either help us when we are sad or when we are in a romantic mood.

Our lives continued as an engaged couple into the year 2013. We discovered Jackjack's cancer had returned. Being back at St. Jude's was difficult because I wasn't going through those doors as his sister but his mommy. But like his Daddy Chrissy he showed cancer who was boss and my little man is strong as his daddy.

Chris and I did have the wonderful amazing opportunity to travel to Israel together. If there is anything that makes you feel like you are a couple meant to be it's when you touch the bottom of where the cross was together. I felt like this strong force was holding me there and the urge to grab Chris's hand took over me and what's amazing? He was already holding his hand out. We prayed there together.

There's a laugh in my eyes 

There's a waltz in my walk 

And it's been such a long time 

Since there was hope in my talk 

If you never knew 

What it is that's new.. it's you

And now,

We are married. Our big wedding hasn't happened and Lord no I am not pregnant. Chris decided that after someone told him that girls were still thinking they could move in on him that he wanted to show the world who had his heart. He scared the daylights out of me before he told me he was getting us married at midnight. Our wedding date is May 14, 2014. It's a beautiful day. We got married on the same ground and same spot as our first date two years ago.

'Cause when your hands are in mine 

You set a fire that everyone can see 

And it's burning away 

Every bad memory 

To tell you the truth 

If it's something new.. baby it's you

My grandmother from Paris laced up my dress. Lisa (Chris's stepmom ) placed my diamond necklace on me. Mary Ann did my make-up and Hunter did my hair. My daddy being the weirdo that he is insisted  that he was going to put on my garter. And my grandpaw helped me slide on my shoes. My veil was fastened on by Mrs. Greene who helped Chris's mom raise him because she was his neighbor. My daddy drove me and my grandparents.

The world's a different place 

Where nothing's too hard to say 

And nothing's to hard to do 

Never too much to go through 

To tell you the truth 

Everything that's new.. baby it's you

My bouquet was the most gorgeous bunch of white and red lilies. And I felt so gorgeous when I stepped out of that car and my daddy slide my arm through his and told me that he was so proud of me and that my mom would have been proud of me too. He had not spoke of my mother without me bringing it up since I was eight years old so I instantly was ready to cry anyhow and then we walked further and everything came alive at once. Candles where hanging in the sky and in the trees.

So if I get to grow old (oh if I get to grow old) 

With many years behind me (many years behind me) 

There's only one thing I want (aahh) 

One thing I need beside me 

For all that you are 

For everything you do 

For all that you've done 

Just for showing me the truth 

It's you 

It's you 

Baby it's you

Dani was my bridesmaid, Chris's littlest sister. All four of my older brothers where beside Chris and each one of them their lapels were sporting a different Hogwarts house color. I started crying when Jackjack walked in front of me and went running to Chris, who scooped him up and handed him over to my brother Jared.

When it was my turn to walk towards Chris the music that bellowed from the speakers was that of Patrick Doyle's Magic Works. I started crying thinking about the date two years ago dancing in my living room (before we started taking lessons). I felt my daddy start to tremble as he walked me to Chris and when Daddy lifted my veil I kissed him and thanked him for raising me and my poor daddy lost it. He started crying so hard. "My only baby girl." And when Wayne, our minister, asked who was giving me away. My daddy barely whispered, "Her mother and I do." I was bawling. 

We both slid off our True Love Waits rings and placed them a long white candle as Christina Perri's A Thousand Years started playing which was the first song we danced to in the same spot two years ago. This is to burn the night we make love for the first time. Even though Chris isn't a true virgin he is a secondary virgin. We both had soil from our childhood yards and we planted a small bush together. We tied a knot in a rope.

We both had wrote our own vows ages ago and sadly being the perfectionists we are we both had our memorized or well enough to not look at the notes we were able to look if we wanted to do so. We both said poems and Bible verses. Wayne added many Bible verses that we didn't say. Wayne said the traditional "Do you Odette Belle Diana Molyneux take this man Christopher Allen Ryan Raposo to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and health, to love, honor and obey, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself solely unto him for as long as you both shall live?" I didn't hesitate at all.

"Always."

Chris's eyes grew big and then the humor shown in them. Wayne himself had humorous tone to him as he continued to Chris. 

"Do you Christopher Allen Ryan Raposo take this woman Odette Belle Diana Molyneux to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in heath, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself solely unto her for as long as you both shall live?"

"Always."

"If there be anyone present who may show just and lawful cause why this couple may not be legally wed, let him speak now or forever hold his peace."

We exchanged rings saying, " With this ring, I give you my heart, I promise from this day forward, you shall not walk alone, may my heart be your shelter, and my arms be your home."

Then Wayne and Chris exchanged a look.

The next thing that happened shocked me to the very inside of me.

Wayne took out a wand and told Chris to take my right hand. We held hands while looking into each other's eyes. He tapped the wand on our joined hands.

"To Odette, these are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and vibrant

with love, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as he promises

to love you all the days of his life.

These are the hands that will work along side yours, as together you

build your future, as you laugh and cry, as you share your innermost

secrets and dreams.

These are the hands you will place with expectant joy against your

stomach, until he too, feels his child stir within you.

These are the hands that look so large and strong, yet will be so

gentle as he holds your baby for the first time.

These are the hands that will work long hours for you and your new family 

These are that hands that will passionately love you and cherish you

through the years, for a lifetime of happiness.

These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your

eyes: tears of sorrow and tears of joy

These are the hands that will comfort you in illness, and hold you

when fear or grief wrack your mind.

These are the hands that will tenderly lift your chin and brush your

cheek as they raise your face to look into his eyes: eyes that are

filled completely with his overwhelming love and desire for you."

"And to Chris these are the hands of your

best friend, smooth, young and carefree, that are holding yours on

your wedding day, as she pledges her love and commitment to you all

the days of her life.

These are the hands that will hold each child in tender love, soothing

them through illness and hurt, supporting and encouraging them along

the way, and knowing when it is time to let go

These are the hands that will massage tension from you neck and back

in the evenings after you've both had a long hard day.

These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through

difficult times

These are the hands that will comfort you when you are sick, or

console you when you are grieving.

They are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you

through the years, for a lifetime of happiness.

These are the hands that will hold you in joy and excitement and hope,

each time she tells you that you are to have another child, that

together you have created a new life.

These are the hands that will give you support as she encourages you

to chase down your dreams. Together as a team, everything you wish for

can be realized."

"Will you both hold cherish the hands that are holding during the storms of stress and the dark of disillusionment and be sure that God blesses these hands Keep them tender and gentle as they nurture each other in their wondrous love. Saying Always is making the unbreakable vow."

We both said in an unison, "Always." And gold sparks went up behind Wayne. 

"You may kiss your bride and update your Facebook."

Chris dipped me backwards as Westlife's version of "Ain't that Kick in the Head" started playing. 

So Snape married his Lily with an Unbreakable Vow. Now maybe some of you will understand why Chris was so upset the other night. 

Now we are still having our big wedding celebration in October. So there will be another wedding day post! 

Fresh Start Challenge Day 20: Just Let Me Talk to You

“A woman's heart should be so hidden in God that a man has to seek Him just to find her.”

― Max Lucado

He can run faster than Severus Snape confronted with shampoo.

The mind is not a book, to be opened at will and examined at leisure. Thoughts are not etched on the inside of skulls, to be perused by an invader. The mind is a complex and many-layered thing.

“If you cannot win at the game, if you cannot solve the puzzle, you are just a loser”-Near

The consequences of our actions are so complicated, so diverse, that predicting the future is a very difficult business indeed.

In dreams, we enter a world that's entirely our own.

Dark and difficult times lie ahead. Soon we must all face the choice between what is right and what is easy.

"There were times of hardship when people forget the courage they need to keep fighting; and survive. But I think as long as we have something to believe in; to keep close in our hearts, courage will never truly leave us. We only have to reach deep in our heart to find it."

— Sakura

"A bird that has lost it's feathers can no longer sail through the sky's. And a person who has lost her memories can no longer find her way through the world she once called home. But still, I keep my faith. But as long as I have my life, new memories will be carved into the sand of time. "

— Sakura

"If you could have one wish, what would it be? We all have hopes and dreams that we do almost anything to make real. And if we get lucky, and our wish is granted, maybe that's what we call happiness."

— Sakura

For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace...-Romans 8:2-8

“Love yourself first and everything falls into line”

- Lucille Ball

"God has a most wicked sense of humor."

- Maureen O'Hara

I just wanna be right here with you
I don't want to see, see us apart
- Westlife

Boss women are classy, strong, independent, loyal and lovable. They know what they deserve and they go for it.

If she has a job, her own car, pays her bills, and manages to live comfortably before she meets you, Understand that she wants loyalty not you're money. She can finance herself.

A Strong independent woman wouldn't ask a man to do anything for that she couldn't do for herself.

If you want me it takes more than a wink more than a drink and more than you think.

When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me'. 

Erma Bombeck

A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word, 'darkness' on the walls of his cell. 

C. S. Lewis

Day 4: Religion

"If you prayed for a sunny day and it still rains God is watering the food that someone, maybe you, will eat some day." - I'm not sure of the original author I found it in my mom's journal.

I have to remind myself of this often. And why does it seem like God is letting the suffering come to those that are doing His will. Simple: He gives us the strength to endure. Not to become hopeless and lethargic. 

I am a strong willed Christian. 

However, I'm not a straight lace Christian. I drink wine, I listen to secular music, and I let the occasional curse word slip here and there. 

I'm human, I'm not Jesus. 

What sets me aside from the lost?

I seek forgiveness three times a day, I try to do better and do right, and I know God is real. 

I have a whole section dedicated to my life as a Christian; Here. 

Day 3: Drugs and Drinking

This was a difficult blog for me.

One, I've been drinking since I was 6 years old. I wasn't raised in the states. I was raised in France. Wine has always been a part of my life. The only time I can remember not drinking wine was when my dad became Baptist. After that there was never wine in the house again. I hated Baptists (sorry not all of you are bad) and I changed. I am happy with Methodist. We offer both wine and grape juice at our communion.
I do not like beer. I can drink champagne. Vodka is alright. Whiskey is really good as well. Rum and I don't get a long unless I'm cooking with it or if Erica makes me a Flaming Blue Lamborghini. I've been wasted twice in my lifetime and that's completely good enough for me. I drink a glass of wine every day and that's about it.

I hate, hate, hate, hate smoking! It's actually banned in our neighborhood. If you get caught smoking in our neighborhood you are fined $150 automatically, even if you are visiting because we have signs posted on the entry way. Is that legal? Yes, as a neighborhood we agreed on it. We had too many fires and too many people allergic to it. So don't like it? Don't come to our neighborhood probably wouldn't want you there anyhow.

I have dipped. It's better than smoking it doesn't stink at all, or at least the mint that I had didn't. It doesn't bother me. Most people I know don't dip a whole lot any how and I do it when hunting.

Drugs? My fiance has pretty much turned me against drugs. Unless you are severely ill, cancer, pneumonia, etc. I no longer worry about being a diabetic thanks to techniques that my fiance has shown me. I am not a bad diabetic so I don't have to worry too bad about my blood sugar. As far as marijuana no I haven't been around it but once and I swear to God I never want to be around it again.  I have never touched pills that weren't mine. My stepmom would tell me to take my brothers medicine and I would usually just flush whatever it was she gave me.

Ash Wednesday

Happy Ash Wednesday Everyone!

Today begins a 40 day event for many Christians. We give up something that is to help us center our lives more on God. I am giving up movies and television. I realized in the past two months that those have zapped my time away from people. My time spent with the ones I hold dear should be spent engaging in them not interested in some fake couple's life.

I think after Lent I am going to evaluate just how much I watch in a given week and fix it where I can do more things without being entertained by media couples. A quote I found on Pinterest the other day read, "Don't compare your love story to those you watch in movies. They're written by scriptwriters. Yours is written by God." People just jump into relationships and it gets hard on them. Past issues return and the things get hard and suddenly people are praying and asking Him to bless the relationship. I hear so many people ask why God didn't answer their prayers or why did God not give them what they wanted. Well sometimes it's hard not to tell them, "Well how did you bless and glorify God before asking Him of that?" "How many times has something good happened and you didn't thank Him for that blessing?"

Our preacher even admitted that in social relationships he forgets to center it around God. He said he would be in a relationship and then ask God to bless it and God pretty much tells him, "No I didn't lead you to this. I don't want this for you." That spoke amazing things to me. God wants our attention. You can't derive off the path of His and expect great things to happen to you. My mother wrote in her journals a quote she loved. "If you prayed for a sunny day and it still rains God is watering the food that someone, maybe you, will eat some day." God knows who will bless Him when the good things happen and who will ignore the fact God gave them a blessing.

How easy would it have been for Jesus to give into Satan? Knowing that you were sent to Earth to die for people's sins that you haven't even met face to face. You have to die even though you have never sinned. I think today's people would have turned the stones into bread, jumped from the building and what's worse there is people worshiping the devil in this day and age. Jesus fought for us, why don't we fight for him?

To me God is really leading me to this. A lot is going on at the moment. I would love to know what you are giving up for Lent. Whether it be sugar, chocolate, porn, television, secular music, etc. I'd love to know about my readers. 

Dear...

Dear Mother,

I want you to know that I am so proud to be your daughter. The life you gave me has been incredible. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of you. If only for a brief moment I think of you.

I have been thinking of you a lot. The thoughts of you are consistent now because Jackjack is in my life permanently. I understand now your journals, how you talked of loving my dad and loving me even though you never laid eyes on me. Even in the end, you died giving me life. I would do the same for Jackjack. It is not a question to me.

I used to wonder what you thought of me. If I made you proud but then my grandparents, your parents, gave me your journals. I spent hours reading them. I finally got to enjoy your scent because your perfume lingered inside the pages. Pages of memories, regrets, anxieties, hopes, dreams, and goals are what I read daily for a few weeks after my return from Paris to finally meet your family.

I did what you wanted me to do in my life. I am still striving to be even more what is expected of me. I am a Christian lady. No many young girls of my generation can say that they feel lady like. So many think that they have to prove themselves and go against their parents. Sadly, many of my generation end up in failed marriages, babies that they can't afford, and dashed dreams. I feel bad for them. Life isn't about happiness and I can't stress that enough to everyone. Life is to glorify God.

I want to be more ladylike. You wrote in your journals how you would have tea and crepes. Your best friend was wild and rambunction. I know how you felt. My best friend is like that too. I haven't shared a lot about you to her. I keep certain parts hidden from everyone. You being one of them because it feels like I'm just getting to know the person that you were. Your journals, home videos, and drawings have helped me establish in my mind what you would have been like had I gotten the chance to live my life with you guiding me.

However, I know you are guiding me. Who else would give me a man that thinks over everything and can push my buttons and push my boundaries without overstepping them? A man that is in the military, shows respect for people, and has utmost respect for me, and he has proposed mother. It finally happen. I have found someone to walk with me in love.

I realize you have watched me grow but it's so nice getting this out where I can express my feelings to you. I want you to know that I'm sorry for the things I have done in my past that I have made you ashamed and I'm sorry for not always staying on the path of God. I try so hard but I fall short. That doesn't mean I give up. I know that at the end of the day God is all that matters. Not love, gun controls, job, or even friendship, just my relationship with God. If any parts of my love, beliefs, job, or friendships are not Godly I know to turn my back on them. Plant a seed of hope and faith then let God take the control.

Even when things are hard right now. Between Jackjack being so sick, Grandpa dying, people lying to me and my friends, to getting yelled at for caring too much, and to trying to juggle seventeen things at once, I know God is using all of this. I signed my cards, I'm all in for God. All of my chips are in the pile. I am going to work harder on reaching all of my goals for this year.

I love you so much. I really miss you even if I never got to meet you. I will strive to be the best woman for you and for God. You only wanted what God wants of me. I am fixing to open up even more to my friends because I know that they are family. They deserve to know what goes on in my life as well.

Love forever,
Odette

Advent: Peace: Friday

Peace

“Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.” – 1 Thessalonians 5: 19-24

The baby in the manger teaches us one very important thing: that God cares about us and wants us to change our lives. And when He works in the lives of His people, we see love, faithfulness, righteousness, and peace. As you worship this Advent, open your heart, your mind, your body, and your soul, and find calm within. Then, in that quiet moment, the Spirit’s fire will fill you. That warm glow of His passion and presence is how you know God is making you into a brand-new person.

Our transformation into godly people depends on who God is and how He works in us. Second Corinthians 3:18 says “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” Let the peace of God’s presence transform you today and every day.

Dear Christ Jesus,

Begin Your transforming work in our lives, sanctify us, and carry out Your plans for us until Your return and the arrival of eternal peace. We make this prayer in Your holy name.

Amen 

Advent: Peace: Thursday

Peace

“Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile towards God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. You, however, are not controlled by sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dad will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.” – Romans 8: 5-11

We now know we are to move beyond our emotions and seek peace through prayer and meditation; the challenge now is to keep our minds steadfast on what the Spirit desires. Our sinful nature is constantly at war with the Spirit. But Christ living in us gives us victory over that war, enabling us to live in righteousness. Day by day, moment by moment we can choose to live by the Spirit, resulting in the presence of His peace. And just as Christ’s body was raised from the dead, our bodies will also be rise because of the indwelling presence of the Spirit.

Oatmeal Christmas Cookies

What you’ll need:

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
½ teaspoon salt
3 cups rolled oats
1 cup M&Ms
Hungry bellies
Helping Hands

It’s time to have a family bake night!

Preheat the oven to 350⁰. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt, stir, into the sugar mixture. Stir in the rolled oats and M&Ms with a wooden spoon.

Drop dough by rounded teaspoons, two inches apart onto an ungreased cookies sheet.
Bake 10-12 minutes until light and golden. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the cookie sheet for two minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely. Store in an airtight container or enjoy with milk or hot cocoa while watching an old Christmas movie.

Dear Lord,

We pray for the indwelling of the Spirit of Christ that gives life and peace and the promise resurrection. In your Son’s name we pray.

Amen

Advent: Peace: Wednesday

Peace

“Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessings, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his eats are attentive to their prayer.” – 1 Peter 3: 9-12

What is the definition of peace? Webster’s New World Dictionary defines it as freedom from war, a state of harmony, serenity, or quiet. The Bible says we are too seek the Lord with all our hearts and in return , He will give us peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7). 

The peace we receive from knowing the Lord extends far beyond our outward circumstances—even when we are not in a state of harmony—going directly into our hearts, soul, and mind. It is a peace that enables us to live in harmony with one another, to love as brothers, to be compassionate and humbles. And because of this gift, we are able to do good deeds and show sincere love to others from the overflow of this wonderful peace.

Dear Jesus,

Make our hearts desire to seek You and Your peace, that we may do good and inherit Your blessings. We make this prayer in Your name.

Amen

Advent: Peace: Tuesday

Peace

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” – Colossians 3: 15-17

On any given day, we experience many emotions. And sometimes those emotions will try to rule our hearts. This happens when we spend too much time being anxious, angry, depressed, or fearful. But the good news is, we have the power within us to choose between letting our emotions rule within us, or letting the Prince of Peace flood our soul with tranquility and thankfulness.

When people watch us apply the power we’re promised in God’s Word, we have a much better chance of reaching them in Christ’s love. Your family, friends, and co-workers see what you’re going through in your life, sometimes on a daily basis. How you handle yourself and your emotions can make a great impact for Christ.

Which Nativity Character Are You?

How are you most likely to spend your summer?
a. Traveling?
b. At Home with your family
c. Earning money with babysitting, mowing lawns, etc

What’s your favorite part of the school day?
a. English or Science
b. Gym
c. Reccess or Lunc
d. Math

Which is most like you?
a. An Owl
b. A dog
c. A butterfuly
d. A cat

What is your favorite light in dark?
a. The stars
b. A campfire
c. A room full of candles
d. A black light

One day you’re ideal job will involve:
a. Learning more than your  brain can hold
b. Helping a lot of people
c. Meeting all kinds of different people
d. Being really busy and doing well

Which of these is most important to you?
a. Books
b. Pets
c. Phone
d. Money

Which of the following is your favorite holiday?
a. Fourth of July: a little history and an amazing parade
b. Thanksgiving: a big meal around the dining room table
c. Halloween: costumes and candy galore
d. New Year’s Eve: The biggest party of the year

Your biggest weakness is that sometimes you can be:
a. A know-it-all
b. Shy
c. Loud Bossy
d. Bossy

Where would you rather live?
a. In a foreign country
b. The house you grew up in
c. A brand new neighborhood with lots of familes
d. A big city

If you saw something unbelievable, what would you do first?
a. Find out how it happened
b. Try to get closer
c. Tell someone about it.
d. Sell tickets

Whichever letter you scored the most determines which Nativity character you are! Share your results with everyone!

Mostly “A”s then you are a Magi

Mostly “B”s then you are a Shepherd

Mostly “C”s then you are an Angel

Mostly “D”s then you are the Innkeeper (That’s not a bad thing, you have a head for business and are a leader)

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for giving us emotions. Help us to control them in a way that allows Your peace to rule over them all, so that we might be a light of love to everyone around us. We make this prayer in Christ’s name.

Amen

Advent: Peace: Monday

Peace

Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and yours minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:4-7

Prayer connects us to the Father in an intimate communion of heart, soul, and spirit—it is a mysterious dialogue of love and power with a moat Holy God. And Jesus is our faithful intercessor—our heavenly ambassador who presents our prayers to God. Through prayer, God’s power is released to work in your life and the lives of others, bringing peace and comfort in knowing He has heard you and will answer you in His time.

When you present your requests to God, do so in humble submission with thanksgiving in your heart. The Lord will then guard your heart and mind with peace that transcends all understanding.

Heavenly Father,

We ask this day that Your hand be upon our nation all and all of the nations on earth. Please guide our president, the leaders of our country, and the leaders around the world , from the smallest of towns to our global communities. We lift up the wars that are raging now, and we ask for peace for all who are affected by them. We ask that You bless soldiers and their families, our missionaries, our pastors, friends, and our families. Please the bless the hungry, the sick, and the lonely. Thank You that Your love, grace, and peace are available to all the people of the world. In Jesus’ name we pray.

Amen

Advent: Peace: Sunday

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”  

-- Luke 2:14

Peace is the second topic of our spiritual journey. Light the first two purple Advent candles together.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6

Peace is one the greatest gift the Lord has brought to us. In the verse above, the prophet Isaiah helps us to recognize the peace we will have open Christ’s arrival, and goes on to proclaim the glory and majesty of who He is and His purpose for coming.

Wonderful Counselor points to the Messiah as King—a king who will direct and guide, and carry out a plan of action—but also One the world will know as loving and compassionate. One who cares about each and every one of us and the smallest details of our lives.

Mighty God refers to His divine power. He spoke, and the earth, sun, moon, and stars come into being. He parted the seas, stopped the waves, and performed miracles that we talk about to this very day.

Everlasting Father indicates that His grace and mercy are never ending, and that He will never leave us or forsake us. Ever.

Prince of Peace reminds us that only through Jesus Christ we will have true peace of mind and soul. Faith in Christ brings peace with the Father, and it is on believers that God’s favor of peace will rest.

Take a moment now to discuss and think about these elements of God’s nature, and why we have peace in His completeness.

Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, we praise You for Your glory and majesty this day and always. We thank You for Your comfort, guidance, and provision. May we be ever mindful of who You are. We make this prayer in Jesus’ name. 

Amen.

Advent: Hope: Friday

"'All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father  will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.'" - John 14:25-27

As Christians we are not immune to trials and hard times (even though many think we are or seem to think that we act like we are), but when we are burdened and afraid we have hope in the Lord and comfort from the Holy Spirit. When our external lives are full of turmoil, we tend to spend more time on our knees in prayer, this leads to greater dependency on God. And though God does not cause bad things to happen to us. He sometimes allow them so we will have the opportunity to grow closure to Him and to trust Him more. Release your troubled heart to the Lord. He will give you peace. He will teach you to abide in Him and share in a peaceful communion that is true and lasting. He has promised and has said " Never will I leave you never will I forsake you" Hebrew 14:5. Hope and know that internally within our very souls, we can always find peace with the Lord.

Dear Jesus,
We turn over our troubled hearts and burdens to You this day and receive Your hope and peace. In the precious name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

Advent: Hope: Thursday

For today's devotion for Advent there is a special activity. I'm sure you have grown over the year and changed. People change without even really realizing it. There are people all over the world who don't have many nice things, so why not spread the joy of Christmas to them? Sort through your belongings such as clothes and toys. Giving away slightly used items is a way of being selfless and that's a way to celebrate the gifts God gives us daily. Donate food items as well. Toys for Tots and Good Will are just a couple of organizations that are there to help people in need. Also check out your church or local churches in your surrounding area.

"Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him. Then Judas ( not Judas Iscariot) said, "But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the rest of the world?" Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me." - John 14: 21-24

What an awesome hope in our time, study, prayer, and obedience to the Word, Jesus will reveal himself to us and lead us into a deeper relationship with Him. We are simply to obey. Parents teach children to obey because they want them to be safe and secure. In the same way, our heavenly Father asks us to His will for the same reasons. Obedience is a positive thing. When God prompts us to do or not do something, remember that blessing will surely follow if we're obedient. The quicker we act out His will, the sooner we will be blessed. Obey the Lord's commands and you'll abide in the love of the Father and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Dear Heavenly Father,
Help us to know You more and to be obedient to You in all things that we may bring glory to Your nam. We make this request in Christ's name. Amen

Advent: Hope: Wendesday

The season of Advent has always been connected to the promise of hope, but it hasn't always been a celebration. If used to be that every year at the Feast of the Epiphany, the day now know as Three Kings Day on the 6th of January, all of the people who converted to Christianity within the previous year were then baptized. The weeks leading up to this day were spent as a time of fasting and penitence, each person asking God to forgive them their sins. The church realized that the Old Testament emphasized a different sentiment. It does not anticipate the coming of the Messiah with remembering personal sins, but it celebrates His arrival as a relief from the darkness, delivering us into the light. The Bible tells us to be joyful as we wait for Christ to arrive and so today that is just what we do. To make it even more of a celebration, the Church decided in the ninth century that the first Sunday of Advent would mark the beginning of the entire Church calendar. This means that every first Sunday of Advent begins our spiritual journey for the whole year to come.

"'If you love me, you will obey what I command, And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever-- the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him or knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will seem . Because I lives, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you." - John 14: 15-29

Take to really think about these words: Jesus is in the Father and we are in Jesus and He is in us. How incredible is it that we have the Lord God in us and we are in Him! Acts 17: 28 describes this mystery in this way: "For in Him we live and move and have our being."

How often do we really live moment-by-moment in Christ? Imagine how much better our busy days would be if we practiced the presence of Jesus. Each year at Christmastime we say that we are going to slow down, cut back on activities, and enjoy the season, but somehow it never seems to happen. Instead, we need to make a commitment to live daily in Christ. Then, whatever the task, the event, or the circumstances, He will enrich our lives in a ways that are beyond imagination. This ultimate relationship with Christ is above all others; it will guide us on our spiritual journey and last through all eternity.

Dear Christ Jesus,
Help us to daily abide in You. We want to experience this mystery-- living in You and You in us. Help us to pause and practice the presence of the Lord this Christmas. We make this prayer in Your holy name. Amen

Advent: Hope: Tuesday

"Philip said, 'Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.' Jesus answered: 'Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you for such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, "Show us the Father"? Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of thee miracles themselves. I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything my name, and I will do it." - John 14: 8-14

The New Testament has many examples of Christ's wondrous miracles. He healed the sick, raised the dead, and fed thousands, yet He tells us that we can go on to even greater deeds through His Spirit. Ask God how He wants to use you this Christmas. Maybe you will feed the homeless in your community, clothe the poor, or bring comfort to sick and lonely. If you ask for His guidance, He will work through you and direct your path. Even the smallest act of grace can change a life, a community, and even the world.

The hope we have as Christians is not only that we have Christ living in us, but also that we have Him working through us. Hope teaches us to have faith in Christ and to do things He leads us to do. Acting under the power of Christ will produce amazing results.

Dear Lord, Please show us how you would have us serve others this Christmas season, and empower us as Your vessels that, by serving others, we may bring You glory. We thank You and praise You ask these things in Your Son's name. Amen

Advent: Hope: Activity

The Night Sky

One of the most beautiful creations God left for us here on earth is the night sky. So for today's family activity, take a very close look at stargazing.

What You'll Need:

• a star map (you can buy on or print one off the web, skyandtelescope.com is a good place to start)
• a clear night sky

For centuries, stars have been used as a compass to guide people in their travels. In the United Stats, African American slaves used to look for the Big Dipper to point them north toward freedom. Can you think of a group of people we talk about during Advent who used the stars too? If you said the Magi or Wise Men you are right on the mark, and we'll learn some more about them in the coming weeks.

You can look at stars by just going out into your backyard or a safe park. Wherever you go, it's best to be away from lights, so if you live in the city, it's a good idea to find a more rural location in order to have the best view. It takes a half an hour for your eyes to fully adjust to the dark and see the most stars, so make sure you have plenty of blankets and clothing for bundling up. But before you set out on your stargazing adventure, be sure to study your star map so you can be prepared to find constellations.

Some constellations never rise or set and the only reason we can't see them during the day is because of the sun, but they are there all of the time. Others are seasonal constellations that change throughout the year meaning you can see some during the fall, but not in the spring. All stars fall into either of these categories except for one very special star that the Magi saw. The Gospel of Matthew tells us the Wise Men observed a new star rising for the very first time in the East, which marked the birth of the Messiah and led themm to Bethlehem (2:2). While you're out stargazing imagine you are one of the Wise Men and see if you can find a star bright enough to guide you hundreds of miles to seek out a king!

Advent: Week of Hope: Monday

"'You know the way to the place where I am going.' Thomas said to the him. 'Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?' Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.'" - John 14:4-7

Our hope for salvation is in Christ Jesus. He and He alone is the way, the truth and the life. Draw into a closer relationship with Him by reflecting on who He is, His perfect love, His wonderful grace, His tender mercy, His almighty power and majesty. Take a moment to talk about all the blessings in your life for which you are thankful, and praise Jesus for what He has done for you. With Christ living in you, you can celebrate this Christmas and Advent like you never have before!

You may have noticed that during the Advent season, some churches display the color purple in their sanctuaries, and some display the color blue. And you may have even heard that the color purple is the color of royalty, but do you know why? Well, it all has to do with expensive snails!

Thousands of years ago, when Christ was living on the earth, the color of purple was the most expensive dye to produce- only kings could afford such fashionable extravagance. In fact, one ounce of dye the weight of just five nickels and one penny) cost much more than an entire pound of gold. Why was it so expensive? Believe it or not, the royal dye called tekhelet in Hebrew, was squeezed from snails-- a type of mollusk! the extracts were boiled down and mixed with other chemicals to make just the right color. It would take over 10,000 mollusks to make enough dye for just one toga or robe. The process was lost somewhere in the eighth century AD and people throughout history have spent years trying to recreate the dye because of the mystery over where it was purple or blue.

In ancient documents, the color tekhelet is often described as violet, but other sources refer to it as the same color of the sky or sea, which would mean it was blue. Even today, scientists are analyzing biological, chemical and archaeological data to try and figure it out, but no one has been able to find an answer. Regardless of whether your church chooses to use purple or royal blue in the weeks leading up to Christmas, the meaning is the same. During Advent we prepare the way and honor Christ the Lord, the one true King, with the most royal color we can find.

Dear Jesus, thank You for Your great sacrifice on the cross and the gift of salvation and eternal life. Create in me a pure heart and a desire to really know You . I make this prayer in Jesus' name. Amen