We Built a Town!

Putting together "town":

The finished product, after much frosting, decorating, and the like:
Hayley's house, Mothers Mercantile, and the tree is done by Nahla, who was spending the afternoon at our house:

My house, Caitlin's log cabin, and yes, those rocks are edible, chocolate, in fact:


And this deserved a picture all to itself, Laurels church, you can tell she is the artist in the family:
It is always so much fun to do this. I hope it inspires you! (Translated: Go make a gingerbread house, and post about it!)
Merry CHRISTmas,

Jillian

Horizons

Broaden your horizon and look to the distance.

Even when storms are coming, the path will go through them.

It is straight even when going uphill, so don't look down.

God has a glorious kingdom, and it is waiting on the horizon.

As you walk through your day don't forget the big picture that God sees.

Thy people shall be willing in the day of Thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning; Thou has the dew of Thy youth.

Psalm 110:3

The dumbest thing I've done

Yep, thought the title would attract your attention. If I had entitled it "Winter is here" or "The return of Snow", you probably would not have bothered reading it. I just wanted to say That winter is here to stay for us, and right now I am quite happy with it. I also just wanted to let you know that we are alive. ;)
In Christ,
Jillian

A Word

"Before Action"

By all the glories of the day

And the cool evening's benison,

By that last sunset touch that lay

Upon the hills where day was done,

By beauty lavishly outpoured

And blessings carelessly received,

By all the days that I have lived

Make me a solider, Lord.

By all of man's hopes and fears,

And all the wonders poets sing,

The laughter of unclouded years,

And every sad and lovely thing;

By the romantic ages stored

With high endeavor that was his,

By all his mad catastrophes

Make me a man, O Lord.

I, that on my familiar hill

Saw with uncomprehending eyes

A hundred of Thy sunsets spill

Their fresh and sanguine sacrifice,

Ere the sun swings his noonday sword

Must say goodbye to all of this;

--By all delights that I shall miss,

Help me to die, O Lord.

~W. N. Hodgson~

This poem was written by a soldier in World War 1. As Christians who daily are in a spiritual battle it is a faithful saying and encouraging reminder not to shrink from the tasks which we know are ahead. God will give us the strength for the battle.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might...Stand firm."

Ephesians 6

Caitlin

Our New Header!

We took some pictures today and decided this one would make a neat header. Comment and tell us how you like it, or if we should do something else. thanks! I will try to post something more tomorrow. Also:

Hayley is extending her story contest indefinitely until she gets more entries. Try to enter if you can!

In Christ,
Jillian

Awards Galore!

There are so many awards, so I decided to post them all .I do have some rules about awarding . Scroll down near bottom of this post to see them.

From Nahla. For this one, I award just Eldarwen, since she does not have this one yet:
From Eldarwen:

From Eldarwen Again. I give this one to Megan and Laurel:


This is from Eldarwen as well:

The rest of these are from Eldarwen, but she did not award me specifically with them:

This one is for people who hate the Twilight series:


I love this one.

if I have not awarded you already, you may take one award and only one for yourself, and comment to tell me that you are taking it. Thanks!
I would like to take the time to tell you about Eldarwens giveaway that she is having:


Click on the picture to get there.
In Christ Alone,
Jillian

Holiday Spirit

The season before us is... the holidays. The time of hectic shopping, frantic baking, and desperate wrapping of gifts and checking lists. But only if your focus is on the here and now. In Scripture the holy days were times of feasts and remembering the blessings of God in peoples lives. Christians ought to keep the same perspective before them for their holidays. So here are some of the things I am trying to cultivate for a true holiday spirit.

The first big holiday before us is Thanksgiving. This celebrates a harvest stored to see us through winter, the fact that God has protected us from famine and disease in the work of the summer months and that He has prepared the days ahead for us.

So the first seeds I must cultivate in my garden of holiday spirit is thankfulness.
This means to be grateful for all I have been given, a humble attitude that recognizes I can do nothing for myself. The next holy day ahead is the celebration of Christmas. Christ Jesus, God becomes human flesh that we may understand that He knows all parts of human nature. This God we touch, feel, and know sympathizes yet does His work entirely for us.

The true holiday spirit is one of joy. A cheerful demeanor, a pleasant smile, a ready and kind word, all given with overflowing generosity. Such joy, so ready to make others joyful and share in others happiness. The great gift which I have been given reminds me to share its' bounteous treasure with all others.

Following hard on the heels of one joy is another festive day, New Years. Leaving behind the days that mark one circle around the sun, we begin the cycle again. Many contemplate the past year and make plans and goals for the one ahead.

As I look over the past year I can see God's faithfulness to me, and this gives me a spirit of praise. I desire to give credit where credit is due, honor to whom honor is due, and readily give praise to God the Spirit for His intervention on my behalf. Who knows what would happen to any of us were it not for the new mercies of every morning.

So my holiday spirit is in place, and by the grace of God I shall apply it everyday, content with His lovingkindness to sustain me.