Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Love, I Corinthians Style
Love, I Corinthians 13 Style
By Sharon Jaynes
“Celebrating a Christ-Centered Christmas”
If I decorate my house perfectly with lovely plaid bows, strands of
twinkling lights, and shiny glass balls, but do not show love to my
family---I’m just another decorator.
If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies,
preparing gourmet meals, and arranging a beautifully adorned table at
mealtime, but do not show love to my family—it profits me nothing.
If I work at a soup kitchen, carol in a nursing home, and give all I have to
charity, but do not show love to my family —it profits me nothing.
If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes,
attend a myriad of holiday parties, and sing in the choir’s cantata, but do
not focus on Christ---I have missed the point.
Love stops cooking to hug the child.
Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the spouse.
Love is kind, though harried and tired.
Love doesn’t envy another home that has coordinated Christmas china
and table linens.
Love doesn’t yell at the kids to get out of the way.
Love doesn’t give only to those who are able to give in return, but rejoices
in giving to those who can’t.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures
all things.
Love never fails.
Videogames will break; pearl necklaces will be lost;
Golf clubs will rust.
But giving the gift of love will endure.
By Sharon Jaynes
“Celebrating a Christ-Centered Christmas”
If I decorate my house perfectly with lovely plaid bows, strands of
twinkling lights, and shiny glass balls, but do not show love to my
family---I’m just another decorator.
If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies,
preparing gourmet meals, and arranging a beautifully adorned table at
mealtime, but do not show love to my family—it profits me nothing.
If I work at a soup kitchen, carol in a nursing home, and give all I have to
charity, but do not show love to my family —it profits me nothing.
If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes,
attend a myriad of holiday parties, and sing in the choir’s cantata, but do
not focus on Christ---I have missed the point.
Love stops cooking to hug the child.
Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the spouse.
Love is kind, though harried and tired.
Love doesn’t envy another home that has coordinated Christmas china
and table linens.
Love doesn’t yell at the kids to get out of the way.
Love doesn’t give only to those who are able to give in return, but rejoices
in giving to those who can’t.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures
all things.
Love never fails.
Videogames will break; pearl necklaces will be lost;
Golf clubs will rust.
But giving the gift of love will endure.
Have a great holiday and still be able to eat in January!
Have a great holiday and still be able to afford to eat in January
Some people call it being "frugal" others "cheap", I call it, "Being Smart". No matter how you look at it, Christmas should be a time of Good Cheer, not a depressing budget buster.
The first thing to remember is "Your attitude"! Focus on the true meaning of Christmas, attitudes are contagious, if you are positive so will others. If you are a competitive type of person look at the season as a competition, just how much can you save? Then use your winnings (savings) for something important like something special you wouldn't normally buy, or pay off an old bill.
Do an inventory - Sit down with a notepad and write down what you need to accomplish and what have to work with, what skills do you have, what do you have around the house to work with? How much can you really afford to spend? Homemade gifts are NOT considered being cheap, it's a way of letting a person know they are worth one of your most valuable comities, "Your Time". A homemade gift is a gift from the heart.
Here are a couple of ideas to get you started:
Skills - basic sewing, crafts, baking, write poems,
Home stuff - old clothing or fabric scraps that can be made in to decorations, stuffed toys... Odd cups make neat candles, broken or chipped dishes for mosaics.
Outside - Fall leaves, pine cones...
Friends - a great source for learning new crafts, or to barter with
Establish traditions that don't cost a lot - Family night making decorations, is much cheaper than shopping for them. Have "Pot-luck" dinner party for friends, in place of a formal sit down dinner.
Agree on price limits.
Make a list of everyone, and how much you want to spend.
Buy or make one nice gift for a family, that every one will enjoy.
Bake something for co-workers, or have a pot luck with an ornament exchange.
Don't forget about size & weight for gifts that must be shipped
Have gifts dropped shipped. Most online, catalog, TV shopping (QVC & HomeShopping) companies offer this, also some larger department stores. This saves you the cost of shipping the item twice, as well as time.
Shop alone. If taking someone take only what cash you will need. No checks, AMT card, or credit cards.
Eat before you shop. Cuts down on that chance of buying all those great looking snacks.
If the store doesn't offer free wrapping, ask for a box (if needed) and wrap it yourself.
Keep emergency gifts on hand. For those folks who decided to surprise you with a gift, you didn't expect, and for hostess gifts. These can be from a wide ranged of items, from bottle of domestic wine, to handmade Christmas decorations. A nice one is to keep some sugar cookie or gingerbread dough in the freezer and a decorated box. With only a few hours notice you can have fresh holiday cookies.
Credit Cards
Choose which credit card you want to use.
Place all others in a zip-lock freezer bag.
Place the bag in a bowl of water.
Place bowl in freezer.
Thaw in February.
Department store offering a free gift and discount for applying for a credit card.
Go for it, take the gift, charge one gift.
Immediately write a check for the amount.
When the bill comes in rip out the check and mail it.
Either cut or freeze card.
Stocking stuffers can be handled two ways.
1. Set aside how much you want to spend and buy in one trip.
2. Start in the summer, buy an item here and there and put in the stash box.
Buy the right size! It may be on close out, and a great deal, but only if the person can wear it.
If the person lives in the house, (your spouse) look at the tags in their clothing. Check jackets, sweaters, skirt, and pants. WRITE this information down.
Christmas Portraits are very traditional and nice gifts. However can be very stressful, here are a few tips to ensure you get a portrait fit for giving.
Use a real studio, especially if you have children. Portable ones may save a couple of dollars, but there is a BIG trade off. Long lines, make for cranky kids. Also many use poor quality supplies, there is nothing worse than a couple of years down the road seeing you portrait fade. Also many of these companies don't hire trained photographers.
If your family includes a young child, set the appointment during your child's best time of day. Hungry and/or tired kids spell disaster.
If you don't feel conformable with the photographer, request a different one. After all they are humans, and not every photographer will "click" with every customer.
If the portrait is only of your child, bring a favorite toy from home. This adds a personal touch, and much more personal than the studio's toys. Also if they are wearing clothing with a print choose a solid background, or vice versa.
For family portraits, try to make sure everyone is dressed in the same color family, also avoid loud prints.
If you family has more than 4 people, let the studio know when you make the appointment. Most are set up for 4 and under, and may have to arrange things for a larger group.
If your studio has a digital monitor reject the photos that are not perfect. The camera picks up more than the monitor actually shows.
Spread the cost over the year
Buy Christmas wrapping paper, and craft supplies the weeks after Christmas.
For people you know you will need to buy for next year, keep an eye out for out of season sales. January is a great time for buying sweaters, coats, mittens, and other winter gifts.
Keep an eye out for stores going out of business or moving. Warning watch out for electronics or other items that the warranty is important. Since many of these start the day of purchase.
Hit spring and summer rummage and garage sales. Many times you will find great bargains for arts and crafts ideas, as well as Christmas decorations. To put you in the mood place a Christmas CD in the car, after all what could be more cooling than "White Christmas" on a 100o day?
Some people call it being "frugal" others "cheap", I call it, "Being Smart". No matter how you look at it, Christmas should be a time of Good Cheer, not a depressing budget buster.
The first thing to remember is "Your attitude"! Focus on the true meaning of Christmas, attitudes are contagious, if you are positive so will others. If you are a competitive type of person look at the season as a competition, just how much can you save? Then use your winnings (savings) for something important like something special you wouldn't normally buy, or pay off an old bill.
Do an inventory - Sit down with a notepad and write down what you need to accomplish and what have to work with, what skills do you have, what do you have around the house to work with? How much can you really afford to spend? Homemade gifts are NOT considered being cheap, it's a way of letting a person know they are worth one of your most valuable comities, "Your Time". A homemade gift is a gift from the heart.
Here are a couple of ideas to get you started:
Skills - basic sewing, crafts, baking, write poems,
Home stuff - old clothing or fabric scraps that can be made in to decorations, stuffed toys... Odd cups make neat candles, broken or chipped dishes for mosaics.
Outside - Fall leaves, pine cones...
Friends - a great source for learning new crafts, or to barter with
Establish traditions that don't cost a lot - Family night making decorations, is much cheaper than shopping for them. Have "Pot-luck" dinner party for friends, in place of a formal sit down dinner.
Agree on price limits.
Make a list of everyone, and how much you want to spend.
Buy or make one nice gift for a family, that every one will enjoy.
Bake something for co-workers, or have a pot luck with an ornament exchange.
Don't forget about size & weight for gifts that must be shipped
Have gifts dropped shipped. Most online, catalog, TV shopping (QVC & HomeShopping) companies offer this, also some larger department stores. This saves you the cost of shipping the item twice, as well as time.
Shop alone. If taking someone take only what cash you will need. No checks, AMT card, or credit cards.
Eat before you shop. Cuts down on that chance of buying all those great looking snacks.
If the store doesn't offer free wrapping, ask for a box (if needed) and wrap it yourself.
Keep emergency gifts on hand. For those folks who decided to surprise you with a gift, you didn't expect, and for hostess gifts. These can be from a wide ranged of items, from bottle of domestic wine, to handmade Christmas decorations. A nice one is to keep some sugar cookie or gingerbread dough in the freezer and a decorated box. With only a few hours notice you can have fresh holiday cookies.
Credit Cards
Choose which credit card you want to use.
Place all others in a zip-lock freezer bag.
Place the bag in a bowl of water.
Place bowl in freezer.
Thaw in February.
Department store offering a free gift and discount for applying for a credit card.
Go for it, take the gift, charge one gift.
Immediately write a check for the amount.
When the bill comes in rip out the check and mail it.
Either cut or freeze card.
Stocking stuffers can be handled two ways.
1. Set aside how much you want to spend and buy in one trip.
2. Start in the summer, buy an item here and there and put in the stash box.
Buy the right size! It may be on close out, and a great deal, but only if the person can wear it.
If the person lives in the house, (your spouse) look at the tags in their clothing. Check jackets, sweaters, skirt, and pants. WRITE this information down.
Christmas Portraits are very traditional and nice gifts. However can be very stressful, here are a few tips to ensure you get a portrait fit for giving.
Use a real studio, especially if you have children. Portable ones may save a couple of dollars, but there is a BIG trade off. Long lines, make for cranky kids. Also many use poor quality supplies, there is nothing worse than a couple of years down the road seeing you portrait fade. Also many of these companies don't hire trained photographers.
If your family includes a young child, set the appointment during your child's best time of day. Hungry and/or tired kids spell disaster.
If you don't feel conformable with the photographer, request a different one. After all they are humans, and not every photographer will "click" with every customer.
If the portrait is only of your child, bring a favorite toy from home. This adds a personal touch, and much more personal than the studio's toys. Also if they are wearing clothing with a print choose a solid background, or vice versa.
For family portraits, try to make sure everyone is dressed in the same color family, also avoid loud prints.
If you family has more than 4 people, let the studio know when you make the appointment. Most are set up for 4 and under, and may have to arrange things for a larger group.
If your studio has a digital monitor reject the photos that are not perfect. The camera picks up more than the monitor actually shows.
Spread the cost over the year
Buy Christmas wrapping paper, and craft supplies the weeks after Christmas.
For people you know you will need to buy for next year, keep an eye out for out of season sales. January is a great time for buying sweaters, coats, mittens, and other winter gifts.
Keep an eye out for stores going out of business or moving. Warning watch out for electronics or other items that the warranty is important. Since many of these start the day of purchase.
Hit spring and summer rummage and garage sales. Many times you will find great bargains for arts and crafts ideas, as well as Christmas decorations. To put you in the mood place a Christmas CD in the car, after all what could be more cooling than "White Christmas" on a 100o day?
A Box Of Blessings: A Family Advent Project
A Box of Blessings: A Family Advent Projectby Kathy Collard Miller
Our 7-year-old daughter exclaims, "Mommy, it's time to open another present." No, it's not Christmas morning, but it is time to help keep our family's thoughts focused on the true meaning of Christmas by joining together for a holiday project which has become a family favorite. The children can hardly wait to dive into our "Box of Blessings," a special box which holds 24 gifts for the Advent season.
The first present introduces the idea. On December 1, I open the large gift-wrapped box containing 24 more attractive gifts, and read the enclosed tag to the family: "Today we are beginning a Christmas project. We will open a different present for the next 24 days to help remind us of God's most precious gift--His Son Jesus."
In preparation for the Advent season, gifts are selected that are practical and useful as visual aids, and then a specific object lesson is planned around each gift. Scripture references plus discussion questions are chosen which will both reinforce biblical principles and stimulate good conversation within the family.
The children grow more excited with each day. We find that the discussion time allows for them to share their ideas and feelings rather than to shout back "pat answers" to our questions. Sometimes we ask additional follow-up questions to help clarify an area of misunderstanding. My husband and I also add our own ideas and the children learn from our discussions.
Everyone can benefit from this family holiday project. Simply wrap a large box with Christmas paper, wrapping the lid separate. Gather 24 visual aids, wrap them, write out tags for each (object lesson, Scripture and discussion questions), and place the gifts in the box.
With little effort and a bit of creative imagination, every family can make Christmas more Christ-centered. The Lord used object lessons consistently. He took things that were familiar to the disciples and made sermons out of them to teach eternal truths. Our "Box of Blessings" has helped each of us to know God better and to absorb simple principles from His word. When our 5-year-old son received Christ as his personal Savior less than three weeks after our Advent observance, we knew this was one Christmas tradition we would continue.
Present #1 A large, wrapped box containing 24 gift-wrapped presents. READ: Today we are starting a family Christmas project. We are going to be opening little presents for 24 more days. God gave us the most precious gift of all, His Son Jesus. (John 3:16) Have each of us received this gift of Jesus into our lives?
Present #2 Several pieces of any kind of food. READ: Does food always stay the same even after a long time? No, it changes when it gets old, doesn't it? But Jesus never changes; He is always the same. (Hebrews 13:8) Why do you think it is important that Jesus never changes?
Present #3 A heart-shaped object. READ: Hearts remind us of love. We love others, but did you know that God loves us even more? (I Corinthians 13:4-7) How many things about love can we find in these verses?
Present #4 A piece of soap. READ: Jesus washed His disciples’ feet to show them that they should be servants to each other. (John 13:5) How can we be a servant to each other?
Present #5 A piece of flat bread for each person. READ: Jesus was tempted just like we are. (Matthew 4:1-11) When we are tempted, how can we resist the Tempter like Jesus did?
Present #6 A small candle or flashlight. READ: Both a candle and a flashlight give light. (Matthew 5:16) How can we be a light so that other people can see Jesus in us?
Present #7 A little Bible or tiny Scripture booklet. READ: God gives us His words in the Bible. (2 Timothy 3:16) How does the Bible help us to live the Christian life?
Present #8 A piece of modeling clay. READ: We can mold this piece of clay into whatever we want it to be. Sometimes we want to be like the people of the world but Jesus wants to mold us into His image. (Romans 12:1,2) Are there some things we do that are like the world and not like Jesus?
Present #9 Scissors. READ: With scissors, we can cut out crowns for us to wear. (Have construction paper available for crowns.) Jesus promises to give heavenly crowns to those who still love Him even when sad things happen to them. (James 1:12) What sad thing has happened in each of our lives? Do we still love Jesus?
Present #10 A toy boat. READ: The disciples were afraid they would die in a storm. (Mark 4:35-40) Are we afraid of something? What does God say about fear?
Present #11 A small battery. READ: A battery gives a flashlight the power to produce light. Similarly, the Holy Spirit gives us the power to live a Christian life and have the fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22,23) What are the fruits of the Spirit? How can we have the fruits of the Spirit?
Present #12 A penny for each person. READ: God gives us everything we have and wants us to give a part of it back to Him. (2 Corinthians 9:7) What can each of us give to God? Does God want us to be happy or sad when we give to Him?
Present #13 A plastic lid. READ: We use a lid or seal to keep something inside a jar or other container. (Ephesians 1:13) Who does God use to seal our salvation within us?
Present #14 Plastic toy sheep. READ: Sheep follow their shepherd's voice. Just like sheep, we should listen to our Shepherd's voice. (John 10:4,5) What are some things our Shepherd, Jesus, tells us to do?
Present #15 A rubber band. READ: See this rubber band? When we pull and stretch it, it becomes tight. That's a good example of how we feel inside when we worry. If we don't stretch it, the rubber band is soft and relaxed. (Philippians 4:6-7) God wants us to relax in Him. If we are uptight, what do we need to do so that we can relax inside?
Present #16 A blank piece of paper with "sin" erased off. READ: When you make a mistake in writing, you can erase it and start over again. When you do something wrong, called sin, you can ask Jesus to forgive you and He will forget all about it. You can start over again. (Ephesians 4:32) What is something each of us did wrong lately that Jesus has forgiven us for?
Present #17 Empty. READ: Were you surprised to find this present empty? So was Peter when he found the tomb of Jesus empty. (John 20:1-9) Jesus was born so that He could grow into manhood, die for our sins and then be resurrected from the dead. What does resurrected mean? Jesus is alive. How does that affect our lives as Christians?
Present #18 A cotton ball with perfume on it. READ: This smells good, doesn't it? What Jesus did for us, by dying for our sins, smelled good to God. (Ephesians 5:2) What nice thing have each of us done lately that smells good to God?
Present #19 A plastic or toy angel. READ: An angel will announce when Jesus comes back to earth to take His children to heaven. (I Thessalonians 4:16) Do each of us know that we are going to heaven? How can we know for sure?
Present #20 A match. READ: The deeds we do are either valuable or worthless. (I Corinthians 3:12,13) What deeds are each of us doing that will be considered good in heaven? What deeds will be judged worthless and burned up?
Present #21 A picture of a neighbor or friend. READ: God uses the word "neighbor" to mean everyone. (Galatians 5:14) He wants us to love everyone. Do we have a hard time loving everyone? What can we do about it?
Present #22 A happy face sticker. READ: Is there something you can do to make God happy? (Colossians 3:20) What are some ways each of us can be obedient today?
Present #23 A tiny piece of concrete. READ: The foundation of a house is usually made from concrete. It is put in first before the house is built. (Luke 6:47-49) Is Jesus our foundation? Is He first in each of our lives?
Present #24 A tiny globe or picture of the earth. READ: God made the earth and everything in it. That includes each of us. (Genesis 1:1; Psalm 139:13-16) Do you know that you are special and important to God?
Present #25 A photograph of each child when each was a baby. READ: You used to be a baby, didn't you? So was Jesus. Just as you are growing up, Jesus grew up so that He could one day become our Savior. (Luke 2:1-20) What do you want to be when you grow up? In what way can each of us continue to have the Christmas spirit every day of the year?
http://www.kathycollardmiller.com/articles_&_tips.htm
Our 7-year-old daughter exclaims, "Mommy, it's time to open another present." No, it's not Christmas morning, but it is time to help keep our family's thoughts focused on the true meaning of Christmas by joining together for a holiday project which has become a family favorite. The children can hardly wait to dive into our "Box of Blessings," a special box which holds 24 gifts for the Advent season.
The first present introduces the idea. On December 1, I open the large gift-wrapped box containing 24 more attractive gifts, and read the enclosed tag to the family: "Today we are beginning a Christmas project. We will open a different present for the next 24 days to help remind us of God's most precious gift--His Son Jesus."
In preparation for the Advent season, gifts are selected that are practical and useful as visual aids, and then a specific object lesson is planned around each gift. Scripture references plus discussion questions are chosen which will both reinforce biblical principles and stimulate good conversation within the family.
The children grow more excited with each day. We find that the discussion time allows for them to share their ideas and feelings rather than to shout back "pat answers" to our questions. Sometimes we ask additional follow-up questions to help clarify an area of misunderstanding. My husband and I also add our own ideas and the children learn from our discussions.
Everyone can benefit from this family holiday project. Simply wrap a large box with Christmas paper, wrapping the lid separate. Gather 24 visual aids, wrap them, write out tags for each (object lesson, Scripture and discussion questions), and place the gifts in the box.
With little effort and a bit of creative imagination, every family can make Christmas more Christ-centered. The Lord used object lessons consistently. He took things that were familiar to the disciples and made sermons out of them to teach eternal truths. Our "Box of Blessings" has helped each of us to know God better and to absorb simple principles from His word. When our 5-year-old son received Christ as his personal Savior less than three weeks after our Advent observance, we knew this was one Christmas tradition we would continue.
Present #1 A large, wrapped box containing 24 gift-wrapped presents. READ: Today we are starting a family Christmas project. We are going to be opening little presents for 24 more days. God gave us the most precious gift of all, His Son Jesus. (John 3:16) Have each of us received this gift of Jesus into our lives?
Present #2 Several pieces of any kind of food. READ: Does food always stay the same even after a long time? No, it changes when it gets old, doesn't it? But Jesus never changes; He is always the same. (Hebrews 13:8) Why do you think it is important that Jesus never changes?
Present #3 A heart-shaped object. READ: Hearts remind us of love. We love others, but did you know that God loves us even more? (I Corinthians 13:4-7) How many things about love can we find in these verses?
Present #4 A piece of soap. READ: Jesus washed His disciples’ feet to show them that they should be servants to each other. (John 13:5) How can we be a servant to each other?
Present #5 A piece of flat bread for each person. READ: Jesus was tempted just like we are. (Matthew 4:1-11) When we are tempted, how can we resist the Tempter like Jesus did?
Present #6 A small candle or flashlight. READ: Both a candle and a flashlight give light. (Matthew 5:16) How can we be a light so that other people can see Jesus in us?
Present #7 A little Bible or tiny Scripture booklet. READ: God gives us His words in the Bible. (2 Timothy 3:16) How does the Bible help us to live the Christian life?
Present #8 A piece of modeling clay. READ: We can mold this piece of clay into whatever we want it to be. Sometimes we want to be like the people of the world but Jesus wants to mold us into His image. (Romans 12:1,2) Are there some things we do that are like the world and not like Jesus?
Present #9 Scissors. READ: With scissors, we can cut out crowns for us to wear. (Have construction paper available for crowns.) Jesus promises to give heavenly crowns to those who still love Him even when sad things happen to them. (James 1:12) What sad thing has happened in each of our lives? Do we still love Jesus?
Present #10 A toy boat. READ: The disciples were afraid they would die in a storm. (Mark 4:35-40) Are we afraid of something? What does God say about fear?
Present #11 A small battery. READ: A battery gives a flashlight the power to produce light. Similarly, the Holy Spirit gives us the power to live a Christian life and have the fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22,23) What are the fruits of the Spirit? How can we have the fruits of the Spirit?
Present #12 A penny for each person. READ: God gives us everything we have and wants us to give a part of it back to Him. (2 Corinthians 9:7) What can each of us give to God? Does God want us to be happy or sad when we give to Him?
Present #13 A plastic lid. READ: We use a lid or seal to keep something inside a jar or other container. (Ephesians 1:13) Who does God use to seal our salvation within us?
Present #14 Plastic toy sheep. READ: Sheep follow their shepherd's voice. Just like sheep, we should listen to our Shepherd's voice. (John 10:4,5) What are some things our Shepherd, Jesus, tells us to do?
Present #15 A rubber band. READ: See this rubber band? When we pull and stretch it, it becomes tight. That's a good example of how we feel inside when we worry. If we don't stretch it, the rubber band is soft and relaxed. (Philippians 4:6-7) God wants us to relax in Him. If we are uptight, what do we need to do so that we can relax inside?
Present #16 A blank piece of paper with "sin" erased off. READ: When you make a mistake in writing, you can erase it and start over again. When you do something wrong, called sin, you can ask Jesus to forgive you and He will forget all about it. You can start over again. (Ephesians 4:32) What is something each of us did wrong lately that Jesus has forgiven us for?
Present #17 Empty. READ: Were you surprised to find this present empty? So was Peter when he found the tomb of Jesus empty. (John 20:1-9) Jesus was born so that He could grow into manhood, die for our sins and then be resurrected from the dead. What does resurrected mean? Jesus is alive. How does that affect our lives as Christians?
Present #18 A cotton ball with perfume on it. READ: This smells good, doesn't it? What Jesus did for us, by dying for our sins, smelled good to God. (Ephesians 5:2) What nice thing have each of us done lately that smells good to God?
Present #19 A plastic or toy angel. READ: An angel will announce when Jesus comes back to earth to take His children to heaven. (I Thessalonians 4:16) Do each of us know that we are going to heaven? How can we know for sure?
Present #20 A match. READ: The deeds we do are either valuable or worthless. (I Corinthians 3:12,13) What deeds are each of us doing that will be considered good in heaven? What deeds will be judged worthless and burned up?
Present #21 A picture of a neighbor or friend. READ: God uses the word "neighbor" to mean everyone. (Galatians 5:14) He wants us to love everyone. Do we have a hard time loving everyone? What can we do about it?
Present #22 A happy face sticker. READ: Is there something you can do to make God happy? (Colossians 3:20) What are some ways each of us can be obedient today?
Present #23 A tiny piece of concrete. READ: The foundation of a house is usually made from concrete. It is put in first before the house is built. (Luke 6:47-49) Is Jesus our foundation? Is He first in each of our lives?
Present #24 A tiny globe or picture of the earth. READ: God made the earth and everything in it. That includes each of us. (Genesis 1:1; Psalm 139:13-16) Do you know that you are special and important to God?
Present #25 A photograph of each child when each was a baby. READ: You used to be a baby, didn't you? So was Jesus. Just as you are growing up, Jesus grew up so that He could one day become our Savior. (Luke 2:1-20) What do you want to be when you grow up? In what way can each of us continue to have the Christmas spirit every day of the year?
http://www.kathycollardmiller.com/articles_&_tips.htm
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