Do Y'all Do This?

Man, I'll be honest. This holiday season, I've just really found myself down in the dumps a lot! Why? This is such a cheery time of year. I know I know. I should be ashamed of myself.

I, like most of you, get so stinkin' wrapped up in buying gifts for people. Then, I end up all sad that I can't do everything for them that I want. The money just won't stretch for everything you know? Man, it's the pits!

I can honestly say that I'm not all about receiving gifts. I don't even consider what I would like to have and when asked what I want, I have to rack my brain to come up with a couple things I'd like. I LOVE...L.O.V.E. to make people happy. I love to see their faces light up when they open a gift that I've purchased or made with love; one that I've really put a lot of thought or time into. It is so awesome! It pains me that I can't buy one of everything I want to buy for all of my family and friends.

But, over the past several days, I've really been hearing that simple saying in my head, "Jesus is the REASON for the SEASON!" Christmas is not and never has been about gifts. It's certainly not about receiving gifts...and it really isn't about giving - when it comes to the presents.

CHRISTmas is about thanking God for sending us His ONLY Son. It's about celebrating His birth. It's about the GIVER...of the Ultimate Gift! Without Him, this life just simply would.not.be!

Giving gifts is great...serving the community is great...giving and reaching out to others is great and I do believe it is our duty as Christians. But, as we do this, don't forget the true meaning of this special time of year. CHRISTmas - NOT "Xmas" - NOT "Happy Holidays" - But, C.H.R.I.S.T.mas.

It is all about Christ our Lord!

As you read this, my prayer for you is that you will take a moment to focus on the receiving part of Christmas. Receive the gift of God's love...a love so great for you - so immeasurable - that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for you.

There is NO love greater than that!

Jesus & Santa...NO comparison!

Why Jesus is Better Than Santa Claus

*Santa lives at the North Pole... JESUS is everywhere.

*Santa rides in a sleigh... JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

*Santa comes but once a year... JESUS is an ever present help.

*Santa fills your stockings with goodies... JESUS supplies all your needs.

*You have to wait in line to see Santa... JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

*Santa lets you sit on his lap... JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

*Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, what's your name?"... JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our head.

*Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly... JESUS has a heart full of love.

*All Santa can offer is HO HO HO... JESUS offers health, help and hope.

*Santa says "You better not cry"... JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you."

*Santa's little helpers make toys... JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

*Santa may make you chuckle but...JESUS gives you a joy that is your strength.

*While Santa puts gifts under your tree... JESUS became our gift and died on the tree.

added by me: *Santa is coming to town - for one night...JESUS is coming to rule and reign for all eternity!

Wouldn't you rather have JESUS?

It's obvious there is really no comparison! Jesus is still the reason for the season!!

Talking Two's

I always said I would never claim the "terrible two's" and label my child with that.

I have to admit that I have slipped up a couple of times with "t t" and I immediately fuss at myself in my mind for doing it. Someone will ask me how old she is and I will answer, "She's two - and every bit of it!"

But, excuse me...that isn't even what this post is about. I just wanted to discuss the "Talking Two's" instead. This is such a neat age in so many ways because of how much their vocabulary is growing.

I have to make note of several things she says that are just precious so that I don't forget. So, I thought I would try and list them 10 at a time, in no particular order.

1. "I want to wide the alligator." (elevator)

2. "Atchooally (actually) I think I need to."

3. "Let's hit da woad Jack." (when we are about to leave)

4. "My house is booootiful. Mommy, what you do to it?" (after we decorated for Christmas)

5. "I not a girl! I a LADY!"

6. Where does Jesus live E? "In my heart." Where do you live E? "In my Georgia."

7. E, are you ready to go? "I got eat my bwekfass first." (breakfast)

8. "Give so&so a hug." "No mommy, I alweddy gib dem hugs. I did!"

9. She is beginning to have a say-so in what she wears and wants to pick out her shoes and outfits. The other day, her shoes didn't match her outfit so she put them on, went to the mirror and looked and said, "Oh mommy - dey fine! I wear dem tonight k?"

10. Lastnight, she was spinning around in circles saying, "I makin' myself dizzy." She stopped and looked up and said, "Whoa! Daddy, what's da house doin'?"

"Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven." Matt. 19:14