Decorated for CHRISTmas

Welcome to Fiction Friday! This week our host is Yvonne over at My Back Door. (LoL--actually it's her back door, but...well, you know what I mean.) Join us over there for links to more fun fiction.
*****

Chad draped himself over Sarah's shoulder. What'cha makin', Mom? Another pillow for the couch?”

“No.” Sarah smiled wondering how long his guessing would last before he gave up.

“So what it is it?” His little hand picked up a package off the table so he could carefully study it. “These look like baby Christmas ornaments, Mom. Is this part of what you're making?”

“Now you're getting closer.” She picked up another green fabric square, matched the edges and fed it through her sewing machine while watching Chad as he discovered the other packages.

After studying and giggling over the other packages of miniature ornaments he looked over the strips of green squares she had sewn together and had laid out on the table. He grinned in recognition. “You're making a Christmas tree and these are the little decorations for it.” He leaned close and peered at her, hope shining in his eyes. “Is it for us, Mom?”

“Yes, it is. It's an Advent Calendar.”

“What's an Advent Calendar?”

“It's something you use to countdown the days until Christmas.” Sarah smiled as Chad's happiness translated into little bounces.

“How much longer 'til Christmas, Mom?”

“Well, let's see, now. I'll have to think about that...”

“Mom! How long?”

Sarah laughed. Chad knew she was teasing him. “Five weeks. But we'll start counting down on December first, which is next week.”

Chad was fiddling with the small packages of ornaments. “So how's this count til Christmas for us?”

“I'm making a Christmas tree wall-hanging, and each day in December we add a little ornament. When all the ornaments are on the tree, it means the next day is Christmas.”

“We get to decorate two trees! Yea!” Chad's eyes were sparkling like glittered ornaments.

Sarah matched two green strips together and fed them through her machine.

“I wish I were a Christmas tree.” The wistfulness is Chad's voice pulled at her heart.

“Why's that, punkin?”

“So I could get all decorated for Jesus, too.”

The sewing machine stopped and Sarah looked at her son, amazed. She blinked fast. “You can, son.”

“I can?” Hope filled his voice again.

“Yes. Do you know how?”

Chad thought while looking at the ornaments. “By doing things that would make Jesus happy?”

Sarah reached over and drew him into a hug. “That's right, honey. By doing things that make Jesus happy.”

Chad pulled back far enough he could see her. “I'm gonna get decorated real pretty then, Mom, cuz I want to me Him happy and I want to be a pretty Christmas tree.” He gave her a quick squeeze and trotted off. Soon she heard him picking up the toys he had left scattered around the living room.

Sarah's eyes slid closed. Lord, thank You. Help me to decorate myself for You, too.

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Holiday Giveaway

I couldn't resist. So I gave in to temptation and I'm joining the Internet Cafe's Holiday Expo and doing another giveaway. This time I have a cute little knit purse and a CD of classical music—Handel to be exact. The CD includes 'The Hallelujah Chorus', 'Glory to God and 'And the Glory of the Lord' –all from The Messiah, as well as other pieces.


Leave me a comment with your favorite verse(s), or the ones that you keep returning to at this point in your life. And yes, I'll ship overseas! You have until next Friday morning, December 12th, to enter, when I'll randomly draw and post the winner. (The Cafe will also be posting a list of the winners over there! Neat, huh?!)

On a different note:

Something that I DID say 'No' to was to giving away my copy of Andrea Boeshaar's novel Love Finds You in Miracle, Kentucky. Sorry, but I just could not be parted with my copy of that. Here's why: IT'S A GREAT BOOK and I collect good books. This is one that's definitely good enough to keep and read again, and my two girls will greatly enjoy it, not to mention my mother and my sister(s). My copy will see a lot of miles before it's retired to the book shelf—that's just how it goes for the good ones.

In Love Finds You in Miracle, Kentucky, Meg Jorgenson breaks free from a bad relationship and steps into a life she's only dreamed of. A life of family, belonging, and love. She didn't intend to fall in love, in fact, that was one of the last things she wanted, but God had other plans for her. A wheelchair bound student captures Meg's heart with her sweet spirit and vivacious personality, and her widowed father is interested in Meg, but they must work through their pasts before they can move into a future together.

The characters are real and wonderful to get to know and I really wish that I had a grandmother just like Meg's. I'll be looking for more of Andrea Boeshaar's books! So, if you need a gift idea, Andrea's Book, Love Finds You in Miracle, Kentucky is a great idea!

Dont forget to enter the drawing for the purse and CD giveaway by leaving me a comment!

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If an Elephant Can Fly...

For the past month I've been looking for a theme picture for my year—one that would challenge and encourage me. I was scrolling through pictures for another reason when I saw this print entitled "Un Petit Voyage I" by Ségo and I fell in love with it.

I've been feeling like I'm facing an impossible task, and it's all I can do to keep from hiding under my rock to escape. This picture, and verse, encourages and challenges me, and the bonus is that it makes me smile.

When God calls you to a task, He provides the means to accomplish it.


For more Word Filled Wednesday run to the 160 Acre Woods!

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The Giver

This week Tracy at Thirsty For Him is hosting At the Well and she asked some great questions that I've been chewing over.

Having a "Mary" Christmas:
Keeping "Christ" in Christmas with Practical Ideas

Do you find yourself stressed each Christmas, trying to "DO" all of the activities of the holiday, only finding yourself depleted and wondering if your family celebrated the true meaning of Christmas?

What are practical tips and ideas you can share that celebrate Christ and simplifies Christmas?

While I was thinking about this, I shared some prayer requests with some friends and their responses are precious. Not only do I know they're praying for me, they helped steer me back onto the right path. It made me remember this article I read many months ago and I knew it was what I needed to post for The Well today, even though it's late in the day.

The Gift or the Giver? By Teresa Altman

"You shall have no other gods before me." Exodus 20:3 (NKJV)

My friend loves his children so much you can almost see it bubble from his pores. For many years, that same love was reciprocated. I remember him proudly boasting that when he arrived home from work each day his children nearly tackled him at the door, covering him with hugs and kisses. What a wonderful feeling to receive someone's love that is so openly exuberant.

One day, he wanted to surprise his children with a gift to express his heartfelt devotion to their love. Not just any gift, it had to be a special one. They were so surprised the day he brought home a big screen television and he thoroughly enjoyed their excitement.

Soon afterwards, he recognized a change in their behavior. They no longer greeted him at the door but instead, were perched in front of the television. When he called out to let them know he was home, the only response he ever received was a muffled "Hi Dad". He also began noticing that chores and homework were being neglected. He quickly grew angry and regretted his decision.

The object of his children's love had become the gift rather than the giver. When he could tolerate it no more he marched into the room, stood in front of the television and demanded his children's attention. Rules were then set and their relationship changed.

Sadly, the same is often true in a Christian's personal relationship with God. We become so distracted and involved with gifts that we fail to recognize and honor the giver. Do you hurry to greet your heavenly Father with gratitude and love? Or like many Christians today, do you fail to pause each morning to thank Him for life and rush through your day without even a thought to honor Him?

Like my friend, God is angered when we revere His gifts above Him. Wherever we spend our time and devotion will ultimately become our god. It's easy to be distracted by the bustle of life and overlook everything He has done for us. But we must remember that He is the giver of life and worthy of our praise and devotion. Please join me in making the conscious decision to turn our eyes back on the Father and give Him the first fruits of thanksgiving each morning and praise for every gift. Then, we will once again experience the bubbling love of a Father that adores His children.

Teresa Altman, an engineer for 25 years, answered God's call to write in 2007. A mother of two and grandmother of six, she lives in Northwest Tennessee.

@2007 by Teresa Altman

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com CHRISTIAN WRITERS

Too often we get so caught up in all that God has given us that we forget WHO gave it all to us. In all of our enjoyment of the season, and yes, we need to truly enjoy it, let's remember to focus on the Giver--our great God and Redeemer.

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The Small Things

This week has been inside out and backwards for me, so I'm pulling out a rerun--one of my favorites, and one of my earliest posts. It's also one that is right where I am...again--so it's one that I needed to hear.
*****

2 a.m. and my eyes popped open. I knew immediately I was sunk. Being wide awake at that hour always makes me think.

“Ok, Lord, here I am. You have my attention, what is it I’m missing? Is it someone I need to pray for, or something in my life I’ve missed? Open the eyes of my heart so I can see what it is, so I can follow after You.”

I slipped from bed and wandered the house, praying for my family and my friends, then moving on to examine my life. I knew there was something, I could feel the quiet calling to me as I prowled from window to window. The yard light illumined the yard, but nothing was moving out there. It was as if the quiet had permeated everything, even the wind. I switched to examining my home, touching things as I passed by them. The sigh came from deep within, I’d found what I was missing and I wanted to take care of it right away, but I couldn’t.

There were things my husband had mentioned as needing care, and I had passed over them. I was too busy. I was tired. I forgot. But those things were still there, and still needing to be taken care of, and I was the one to see to it.

I had been ignoring the things my husband requested of me. Those small things were eroding away my relationship with the man God gave me, and in turn, eroding away my relationship with God.

I had been searching for a person in great need of prayer, or a great revelation to my life, but had found something so simple that I almost passed over it, again. Sometimes the simplest and smallest things in life are the most important.

I slipped back in beside my husband, thanking God for him and resolved to do those small things. Sleep came quickly--I had found what I was searching.

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Keeping Company ~Fiction Friday

Today IS Friday, and I'm late. My week is so turned around! This week Rick is hosting for us over at Pod Tales--but sure to visit him for more links to some fun fiction--and I know some of them are fun this week!
***

“Mom! They're here!” The door slammed closed just before Lacey got to it, making the windows rattle.

When will they learn to close the door without slamming it? Lacey pulled the door open and smiled at the sight of kids tumbling out of Amanda's van. Within moments there were six kids running around the yard and the normal volume had quadrupled. Good thing we live in the country; this noise would drive neighbors nuts.

“What a wonderful yard, Lacey; no wonder you love it out here.” Amanda smiled as the kids ran past, pouncing on the scooters for a spin around the deck. “Wow, I love this deck, and your flowers are beautiful.” Walking over she gently fingered a blossom. “Look at your pots; how charming.”

Lacey laughed. “Drew hates them. Mom thought the kids might be able to play with them in the sand box, but I nabbed them so I wouldn't have to buy pots.”

Lacey scanned the yard, counting kids. “C'mon in. These guys will be fine for awhile and we can enjoy some iced tea before they miss us.”

Amanda stood inside the door, her mouth hanging slightly open as she looked around. “Isn't this a pole-barn house?”

“Uh-huh.”

“You'd never know it from in here; it's beautiful. You are so lucky...” Amanda's voice trailed off as she followed Lacey through the living room and into the kitchen. “Ok, now I'm positively green.”

Lacey turned away from the cabinet and looked at her friend. “Green?” she asked.

“Definitely green with envy,” Amanda responded. She walked to a cabinet and smoothed a hand over the oak door. “This kitchen is gorgeous, and it's so big and airy.”

“Oh, don't be green.” Lacey quickly said. “You have to remember Drew's a contractor, but his first love is building furniture. He made my cabinets,” she chuckled. “He built this place from the ground up, while we lived in it. Trust me, that's the only way we could afford vaulted ceilings and skylights.” Lord, please don't let her be jealous. It'll ruin our friendship and her life.

“You lived here while it was being built?”

“Yeah. You should've seen us: two preschoolers and a toddler. It was constant chaos.”

“Wouldn't it have been easier to just buy a house?”

“We were working with limited resources and wanted to borrow as little as possible. We saved a ton of money by taking our time and doing it ourselves. So tell me, are you glad you've moved back home?” Lacey asked.

“Well,” Amanda began, stirring sugar into her iced tea, “sometimes.”

Lacey cocked her head, listening as she squeezed a wedge of lemon and gave her tea a swirl.

“We had a real nice house but when we moved back here we had to choose between smaller and nice or larger. We went larger because of the kids.”

“I take it your new house isn't as nice?”

Amanda groaned. “It doesn't even come close to being nice; it needs so much work. Mark says we can do it ourselves and have it completely redone in five years, but it's awful right now and five years is a long time with little kids constantly underfoot.” She took a sip of tea and looked around Lacey's kitchen. “It's driving me crazy. I wish it looked like this,” she waved her hand indicating the kitchen.

“You'll make yourself miserable doing that, you know.”

“I think I'm already miserable.”

“Well, are you gonna stay that way?”

“You gonna keep me company?” Amanda asked with a smile.

“No way.”

“I didn't think you would; you've got it made.”

“What? Did you ever see what we lived in before we built this house? It was an ancient, tiny trailer. Our bed was side-by-side with our table, which was right next to the counter. The tile flooring was peeling and the bathroom was tiny--I couldn't turn around in it when I was pregnant.” Lacey shook her head. “Believe me, I know about being discontent with what you have, and I don't ever want to go back there. And I'm not talking about the trailer; I'm talking about being miserable and discontent. It wasn't until after I learned to be content where I was that we were able to build this house. No, I won't keep you company if you're going to make yourself miserable.”

“Thank you,” Amanda said quietly, with a small smile. “You're right. Why don't I keep you company instead?”

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A Joyful Cow!

I know this picture is rather UNconventional and very UNdignified, but I really needed it the other day!  It was the crummiest day I've had in months—sure, a lot of it was hormone related, but even knowing that didn't help much--except to remind me to clamp my mouth shut.  My tongue had skid marks by the time the day was done, but it sure beat the damage I would've done with it otherwise. 

I was relaxing while scrolling through pictures, looking for a certain picture I thought I'd seen earlier, but I never found it because of this one.  When it popped up I just sat there and laughed--for the first time all day. I knew it was the one I needed. 

By the time I'd searched through all the joyful Scriptures, and found the right one, my attitude was back to where it should be.  Thank goodness.  So, for this time, here's my Unconventional and Undignified Word Filled Wednesday—I hope it helps someone as much as it's helped me!


For more Word Filled Wednesday run to the 160 Acre Woods!

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