Black Friday....

(image from MSN opening page)

Do you go shopping on this most dreaded of shopping days? Do wake up in the middle of night to get out by 4AM (or, like this year as many place begin at 12 midnight the night before)? Do you scour the adds looking for the best deal? Do you feel exhilarated as you brave the crowds hunting down the items from your list? Does your list resemble more of a notebook, filled with times and items listed for each store, along with needed items for every person on your Christmas list?

If so, I am right there with ya! The above describes me to a T! I LOVE "Black Friday"! I LOVE this shopping day more than any other! I have no problem waking up, getting ready (no, I am NOT one who basically rolls out of bed and comes in her PJs). I do it all- hair, make-up, traditional Christmas sweater....

But, as we look for all of the best deals, let us remember what is THE best "deal"- trading our life of sin for His robes of righteousness. As we hunt for the "perfect" present, let us remember the Father's gift to each of us.....His precious and beautiful Son, our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

And.....what a PERFECT day to shine the Light of Jesus and share the Gospel! Not only do I wear my cross and my friendliest SMILE, not only do I clothe myself with patience and grace.... but I make a point to shine of the Light of Christ to every person I come into contact with...

Which may mean you give up your spot in line to someone else. You may have to offer the last sale item to another. And, I make a point to share the Gospel with check-out clerks with a GREAT tradition we do every year- Gift with Purchase (from the book, Redeeming the Season).

day before Thanksgiving the kids and I sit down and make craft items to give away as gifts to the salesclerks. We usually make ornaments of some kind... I make sure to thank the clerks for being there for us (shoppers). And, I make sure to say, "MERRY CHRISTMAS"! The ornament always has a message of God's love for us. We have also done bracelets in the past as well. It is an awesome way to bring some joy on a very CRAZY day!

For another Black Friday post click here.

Happy shopping!

The most wonderful time of the year!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I pray you will be richly blessed as you focus on His bountiful goodness in your life.

As we approach the Advent season and begin thinking about the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I want to encourage you to take a look at Him again through the Gospels. I am trying to read the four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, in this Christmas season. I began today in Mark and again am so blessed as I see the compassion and love of Jesus as He heals all who come to Him. I hope you, too, will take time everyday this Advent season to prepare your heart for Jesus, pondering His life, love, Words, and sacrifice.

Be blessed!

At the Well....

I am at the Well today talking about fostering an "Attitude of Gratitude" in our children. I hope you can join us!

Pictures from Las Vegas

The view of the pools from our room.

Me snoozing at the pool....

I thought I would post some lovely pictures of the beautiful hotel we stayed at in Las Vegas. Caeser's Palace really is majestic! Please take a few minutes to read "The Lost in Las Vegas" from our first trip there.

And...check back tomorrow for Word-Filled Wednesday and a devotion At the Well!

Do you have your oxygen mask on?

Listening to the flight attendant tell us all about oxygen masks, I couldn't help but make the "spiritual connection"- especially when she began talking about children. She said that it was very important to put on our own masks BEFORE we put them on any children seated next to us.

I thought about me, as a mother, Sunday School teacher, mentor to teenage girls.... I need to get my oxygen on BEFORE I attempt to help them put on theirs! I need to make sure I am seeking MY oxygen- Jesus Christ- before I help them to seek Him as well. Like the oxygen, I may start to help them before I am secured, but I pass out! And, my deepest desire is for them to be SAVED and SECURE as well....but I can't make a difference if I am lying unconscious next to them! I must first secure my own mask, then reach over and put on theirs... What may be really cool, though, is that they have WATCHED ME and learned how to do it themselves. I am there to check on it and make sure it is secure.

Hmmm......

Lord, may I always seek You as my life-giving, life-sustaining oxygen! May I also help others to secure their "oxygen" masks as well! Lord, I love You! In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.