DAY 1: THE NATIVITY STORY

December 1st marks the first day of our ADVENT ACTIVITIES.

Last year, I made an Advent Poster board using "doors" & "windows" that I cut out from magazines (got the idea from FamilyFun Magazine, but tweaked it by adding doors to make it look more "homey").



This year, while browsing all of the craft web-sites (eighteen25), I came across a site that had snowflakes on the banister rails. Again, I tweaked it & came up with this:



Individual snowflakes with a number on it. I tried to write ONE WORD across the number, but as I'm a lover of English & words, couldn't think of just one word to best describe each day. So instead, LATE LAST NIGHT, I stayed up making cards for the kids. Each day, below the snowflakes on the fireplace, I put a card down. On the outside I drew a picture & on the inside wrote the days activities. I can save these for next year, but not adding a number. Last year, Papaw Tollett died just days before CHRISTmas & in my haste to see him one last time, I didn't grab my calender. I had the ideas on my website, but not all the things that went with the activities (i.e. Jingle Bowling). So this year, I can place whatever card I want down for the day & I'm not tied down to anything ... except the FIRST DAY (which is always read the story of Christ) and Christmas Eve/Day.

I'm very excited about this & the first day was a hit. Grace does the ODD days & Sean the even (turning over the snowflakes & reading the card).

DAY 1: THE NATIVITY STORY

Read the account in Matthew & Luke of the birth of Jesus Christ
Watch THE NATIVITY
Make HAYSTACKS & enjoy!

We've made the HAYSTACKS ... just need to watch the movie next. Usually, the day should start with the reading of the Bible, but J is at work & I wanted him to be the one to read it ... so before bed tonight while we do our prayer book, J will read!

It really is "the most wonderful time of the year!"

I SERVE A RISEN SAVIOR

I was supposed to go to an impromptu dinner last nite with the girls from work, but as I've not been feeling well this week, we cancelled.

John got a call from Bro. Cameron around 5pm. He had 2 tickets to the baseball game & wondered if John & Sean would like to go. Both were THRILLED, to say the least!

I told Grace that since she wasn't getting to do anything special, that instead of dropping her off at FNO Friday, we would drop off Sean & take her to dinner with us.

Grace & I didn't do a whole lot while the boys were away. Played a little SWEET STREETS, watched Super Nanny on TV, & bed. I tucked her in, read her "GOD GAVE US TWO" from Nana & Papa, prayed, & sang to her. I kissed her goodnight & she ASSURED me that she wouldn't call for me like she normally does every night. I turned off the lights & headed back to the living room.

As I was answering my e-mails & checking FACEBOOK, I saw her tiny figure standing in the doorway of her room. She had tears in her eyes. I pulled her close & asked what was wrong.

"I want to hear God's voice. How do I do that?"

"You ask Jesus into your heart," I began. We talked for a few minutes about how Jesus died on the cross for our sins & what all that means. As we were talking, the boys returned home. I continued to talk, while I ushered Sean to his room. John pulled up a chair & listened.

We talked for several minutes & asked her questions. Questions I know that she knows the answers to, but wanted confirmed in her actions. Peace swept across her face as she told John, "I'm ready".

We grabbed Sean & made our way to the couch. "I don't know what to say," she told John. "Do you want me to help you?" She nodded. "Grace, I can't pray for you, but I can give you the words to say if you mean them." It was beautiful to watch. John spoke, as Grace repeated his words. He choked up several times. And she powered on!

I was thrilled to be apart of this, but even more happy that her Daddy (seeing as she is very much a Daddy's girl) was able to lead her. I prayed with Sean just 2 weeks after his 6th birthday (again, very fitting as he is a Momma's boy). I was glad that I was a part of this spectacular event ... but even more thrilled that John was able to pray with her.

Papaw Tollett died just 4 months ago. CHRISTMAS. Oh, how I have missed him. But I am actually glad that he was in Heaven during this time ... so he could witness this for himself! John & Mom both told Grace that the Angels are rejoicing for her decision. I can't help but think that Papaw is rejoicing, also. I believe that this was a dream of his: to leave such a powerful legacy to his children! Because of that man's faithfulness & ministry for the Lord, not only his children, but his grandchildren & great-grandchildren will spend Eternity with their Heavenly Father ... their creator & redeemer.

I SERVE A RISEN SAVIOR HE'S IN THIS WORLD TODAY ... I SEE HIS HAND OF MERCY, I HEAR HIS VOICE OF CHEER ... HE LIVES! HE LIVES! CHRIST JESUS LIVES TODAY. HE WALKS WITH ME & TALKS WITH ME, ALONG LIFE'S NARROW WAY. HE LIVES! HE LIVES! SALVATION TO IMPART. YOU ASK ME HOW I KNOW HE LIVES, HE LIVES WITH IN [GRACE'S] HEART

I know this, b/c I see the peace that came across Grace's face last nite. I asked mom, "is it possible that she looks different to me?" And mom said, "does she?" "Yes," I said. "She looks so peaceful & free." WHAT A JOY! WHAT A BLESSING! What an answer to prayer.