Katlynn's Baptism

My oldest daugther, Katlynn, got baptised on November 1. I actually had the event scrapped by the following Wednesday, a record for me.


Journaling reads:
It all started with a convesaton at McDonalds. Daddy told her that to follow Christ meant she had to love Him more than mommy and daddy.

A recent visit to "Judgement Day" led Katlynn to the realization that she needed to make a decision-the decision to follow Christ in everything!

Materials used:
Be Blessed Scrapbooking papers-Life's Adventures, Tapestry
Karen Foster Baptism stickers
eyelets

I will upload to the gallery next, for larger views.

A Faith-filled Family Christmas

I ran across this and thought I would share with you...enjoy!

A Faith-filled Family Christmas

Preparations for the Christmas season begin right after Thanksgiving. Christmas decorations in all shapes, sizes, and colors adorn store shelves just in time for the after-Thanksgiving Day sales rush. Moms and Dads line up for miles outside toy stores, rain or shine, to be the first to buy the hottest new item. By Christmas morning grown ups don’t even want to get out of bed to celebrate the day. This year instead of preparing our wallets and pocketbooks, let’s prepare our hearts to usher in the Christmas season with our families in a faith-affirming way.

Family Worship
The season of Advent (which means arrival) begins the first Sunday after Thanksgiving and extends through four Sundays. Advent celebrates the coming of the Christ child into the world and the significance of this event in the lives of every Christian.

The Advent wreath, the centerpiece of worship, consists of a small wreath (real or artificial), evergreen sprigs, five candleholders, and five candles. Three of the candles can be purple or deep blue, one is traditionally pink or rose-colored, and the fifth candle is white. The candles are arranged in a circular fashion inside the wreath with the white candle, usually called the Christ candle, in the center of the other four.

Worship time can be set aside each Sunday before church or later in the evening before bedtime. Family members can take turns each week lighting the candles and reading a devotional and prayer. A few moments can be set aside for any questions that younger family members may want to ask about the celebration.

Family Fun
Holidays are a time for people to get out and celebrate with family and friends. As a family, host a “Christmas for Christ” party. Involve the whole family in the planning. The central theme, of course, is the celebration of the birth of Christ. Have the children create their own special invitations. Invite Christian and non-Christian friends alike. Do the shopping for game prizes at this time too. If a lot of activities are planned, start early enough to fit everything into the evening.

To defray some costs, have guests each bring a dish and serve a buffet-style meal. Since decorations will already be hung for Christmas, no extra fanfare is needed. If a costume party sounds fun, have guests dress as a person from the nativity scene. Prizes can be given for the best costumes. The games that are chosen should revolve around the theme. People love trivia games, charades, and puzzles at parties. Let the kids take charge of the games while parents organize the buffet.

Don’t forget to end the night as well as you started. No Christmas gathering is complete without dessert, singing of carols, and the telling of the Christmas story. Sharing your faith with your family should be special and fun. You will create Christmas traditions that will be enjoyed for years to come.

Faith-Filled Gift Giving Ideas for Christmas

As we approach the busy shopping day of the year, here are a few faith filled gift giving ideas.

Homemade gift baskets can show just how much love we’ve poured into our gift giving this year. A basket can be put together at home cheaper than the same basket could be purchased from the store. My church youth group made homemade gifts one year and the project was a big success. The kids worked hard to create the best gifts they could for the person whose name they had chosen.

A special talent or skill that you possess can be a big help in creating a homemade gift. I like to crochet and sew. One year, I made winter scarves in Christmas colors for a few of my family baskets. I also made a few twin-sized comforters for the children. If crafts are your thing, try your hand at creating handmade jewelry. Whatever your talent, put it to good use.

Many of us are not the creative sort, but there are ideas for you too. Instead of hitting the toy and/or department stores, head to your local Christian store, such as: Lifeway Christian, Family Christian, and Cokesbury Christian stores. You can find interesting gifts from music and jewelry to videos and games. Children will love the videos and games. My kids loved the VeggieTales™ movies and toys when they were younger. The characters were funny and they taught good lessons without being preachy.

If you still haven’t found that special gift, I have yet another idea—gift cards. All of us know at least one individual or family that could use household or personal items more than other types of gifts. If someone on your list needs clothing, then a gift card will allow them to select the very thing they need.

Other types of stores sell gift cards, too. My family and I have given grocery gift cards to friends on fixed incomes or those who were having a hard time making ends meet. My father has even given gas cards as gifts. With the rising cost of petroleum, this is a great idea.

Gift giving doesn’t have to be hard, but it should be thoughtful. As a Christian, even our Christmas gifts reflect our ministry—meeting others at their level of need.

***This wasn't written by me, but I thought you might enjoy the ideas. I am partial to homemade gifts, but not everyone appreciates or needs them. Try to remember the person you want to give to, what are their needs. (not what you think they need) I am usually ahead of the game, but this year I haven't even started! Have fun shopping and remember the reason for the season!

Decorating for a Christian Christmas

Nothing gets me in the holiday spirit like putting up Christmas decorations. The biggest part of the decorating is the Christmas tree. We never had a real tree growing up and I still have an artificial tree even as an adult. From our first Charlie Brown tree to the beautiful tree we are now blessed with. My mom spends countless hours on the lights alone-making sure every square inch is glistening. I suppose my patience has worn out over the years and I just love my prelit one.(got on clearance one year) My family and I typically decorate the Friday or Saturday following Thanksgiving to do our Christmas decorating.

There are a variety of Christmas tree ornaments available today. Having 4 girls ours are predominantly homemade ornaments as well as some ornaments that have been given to us. I wouldn't have it any other way! We place a beautiful angel at the top of the tree and our tree skirt was lovingly made by my mother in law.

The decoration you choose for the door lets visitors know what type of home they are entering. A wreath or a sign displaying a holiday greeting implies a welcoming spirit within. I have two wreaths that were made for us by my sister in law and mother in law. So now we can enjoy a wreath both as we enter our home and once inside.

I like decorating my home with candles. I scour the stores for holiday scented candles to display. The mingling of sweet holiday smells adds to the warmth of the season. Anyone coming in will think you’ve been baking all day! Although this is my time of year to do just that.

Evergreen swags are a popular decoration that doesn’t cost a lot. Twist them around banisters or hang them across the mantelpiece. Adding a string of white lights will soften the look.

Poinsettias will add a splash of color to any room in your home. The beautiful leaves were once thought to be poisonous to children, but resent research has shown that this is not the case. If this is the reason you haven’t bought them in the past, now you can show them off safely.

A special decoration in my home is our Nativity scene that sits by the fireplace. We also have a plastic Precious Moments one for the girls to play and rearrange. I want my children and my friends to see the reason why I am joyful at Christmastime. Since our homes are an extension of ourselves, I want mine to be a testament to my faith especially at Christmas.

This Christmas season as you decorate, keep in mind the reason for the season. See if you have any reminders in your decorating to celebrate the birth of our Saviour!Perhaps you can start a tradition. This isn't related to decorating but our family always sings "Happy Birthday" to Jesus as part of our Christmas celebration. What are your traditions? Be sure to photograph and scrapbook them!

Serving the Community this Christmas

Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men. Ephesians 6:7

The best part of Christmas is sharing peace and love with others. The true meaning of Christmas should bring hope to every man, woman, and child. Doing something selfless for others helps us spread that hope. What can you do?

Neighbor helping Neighbor. Around here, snow will arrive this holiday season. If you live in an area that receives snowfall, then you know that shoveling snow is hard work. Is there someone in your neighborhood that could use a shoveled driveway and porch? A widow, single-mom, ederly couple all would appreciate the Christian charity.

Shopping break. Malls and shopping centers become hubs of activity at Christmastime. Everyone is so busy shopping, that no one takes the time to eat. Here’s another great opportunity to help out in the community. Your church youth group, women’s group, or member's of your congregation can organize and provide a much needed snack, free of charge, for busy shoppers. Keep your snack items simple and would provide a boost of energy for tired shoppers. Shoppers will thank you for the hospitality. If they ask why you are doing it, let them know that you are sharing a bit of Christ’s love during the holidays.

Visit a nursing home. This is one area of definate neglect. You can either visit on your own and just spend time talking with the residents, letting them know someone cares. Or have your church youth group/choir sing carols to help put them in the holiday cheer.

Helping out in the community can be fun and rewarding while sharing Christ this holiday season. These are just a couple ideas to get you thinking. What can you in your community?

since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:24