Friday, December 24, 2010

Letter From Jesus about Christmas

Letter from Jesus about Christmas --




It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season.



How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.



Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.



Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.



If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:



1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.



2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.



3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up... It will be nice hearing from you again.



4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.



5 Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.



6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.



7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families



8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary-- especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.



9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.



10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.



Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember



I LOVE YOU,

JESUS

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Ray Stevens - We The People - RayStevens.com

A Budget Guide to Surviving Christmas

Here, I have put together a guide to help you have a fantastic Christmas, without having to face the New Year with some serious debt to consider.

First, avoid taking out store cards. As tempting as '10% off' sounds, these cards are often disguised as a money saving option but can get very expensive, as well as making it easy to accrue a large amount of debt in a very short space of time.

Secondly, chop up the credit cards. If there is plastic cash available to you then there is a greater temptation to buy.

Wait until your bonus is in your bank account before you spend it. Businesses have had a tough year and therefore bonuses may not be as high as they have been previously.

Christmas shouldn't be all about lavish gifts. Explain to people that you are trying to control your spending this year, so look out for small token gifts which will mean something to that person rather than forking out on something expensive.

Try to spread the cost of Christmas by starting your shopping as early as possible. This will prevent panic buying situations on Christmas Eve.

A personal budget listing how much you have to pay out on essentials like bills and the mortgage will give you an idea of your Christmas budget. By reviewing and analysing your income vs. outgoings, you will highlight areas where spending can be cut down.

If it is possible, try and spread the payment for presents over a period of time. This will mean that you don't have to pay lump sums all at once. Give yourself time so your finances are not hit in one go.

Get crafty! Instead of forking out on decorations, entertainment and cards, have a go at making your own. Get your kids busy making bunting and paper snowflakes, send e-cards and plan games to play on Christmas morning. Not only will you save cash, you'll have lots of fun too!



Victoria Poolman is a freelance writer who writes for many UK businesses. For debt management plans, she recommends Debt Advice for Women who provide a specialist service just for women.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Victoria_Poolman

milkandhoneydesigns: Super Big Book Giveaway

Check out this great giveaway!!

milkandhoneydesigns: Super Big Book Giveaway

I would love to win the book that has quilts from the 30's....I love scrap quilting and the use of flower sack quilts!!

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Thrifty Decor Chick: Giveaway Weekend!

Check This Out...you won't be disappointed...I rarely share giveaway information but this looks like a good one!


Thrifty Decor Chick: Giveaway Weekend!

Use Up Leftover Mashed Potatoes and Other Useful Ideas

Use up leftover mashed potatoes


Make potato patties from leftover mashed potatoes. Simply add an egg to 2 cups mashed potatoes, form into patties and fry in a pan with a little oil. You can add meat, seasoned breadcrumbs, cheese or onion for extra flavor. The first reader tip shares another way to use up leftover mashed potatoes.



USE FOR LEFTOVER MASHED POTATOES:

We use leftover mashed potatoes to make potato soup. Simply thin it down with milk or water until it is the consistency you want, bring to a gentle boil and then top with bacon, cheese, chives and sour cream. An absolute favorite in our house. If you don’t have quite enough, add a can of creamed corn to stretch the recipe. — Daisy, Canada



REUSE PAPER TOWEL TUBES:

I store my shoes on a shoe rack on the closet wall. I noticed that the U-shaped wire made indentations on the leather of the shoes. I now stuff TP cardboard rolls into my shoes first, THEN slide the tube onto the U-shaped wire support. It keeps the shoe from resting against the wire of the rack. I adjust the length of the tube to suit the shoe; sandals get a paper-towel tube. — Sandra N., e-mail

I use the tubes from paper towels, the few I get, to roll linens in so they don’t crease and wrinkle. Works well for me. — Liz, e-mail



RE-CREATE:

It can be hard to see the potential in thrift-store or recycled items, so I like to approach the problem from the other direction. I browse the high-end stores to find ideas that I like, then search for ways to re-create them. A $200 feather trimmed chenille throw was re-created with a $20 Target chenille throw and $40 of feather trim from my local upholstery shop. Granted, it’s still a major splurge. But when company is over, it makes my beat-up, cracked leather love seat look lux. — W. Herdman, e-mail



REUSE A CEREAL BOX:

You can cut apart cereal boxes and make templates for measuring quilting pieces or make stars, bells, etc., and cover them with foil for Christmas decorations. The lightweight pasteboard is useful for many crafts. — Pat, e-mail



ANOTHER MAN’S TRASH:

I remember my neighbors looking at me oddly when I picked two sets of draperies out of their garbage can. (I had their permission, of course). I didn’t see old draperies. I saw new bags for groceries. It took me an enjoyable afternoon to make the totes and have been using them for two years now. They are sturdy and wash beautifully. My neighbors’ trash is my treasure, funny though they still think it’s trash. What will it take for people to understand that we can be better stewards of our money, our environment and our time? — Julie, e-mail



SHAKE TO MAKE:

With using mason jars as drinking glasses, you can also create iced tea (from a mix) right in them. Put the powder in and then add the water, put the lid on and shake. I love how convenient this is. I use jars from spaghetti sauce this way, too. — Cricket, e-mail


See more ideas at http://frugalvillage.net/

Thursday, December 2, 2010

How to Become More Self-Sufficient

How to Become More Self-Sufficient



Take a look at this great information that would help all of us save our valuable funds, today, and every day!!