Monday, December 10, 2012

Date Nights & An Amazing Aunt


For helpful tips and encouragement to stay peaceful this Christmas season and to enter the Woman to Woman Christmas Blessing Giveaway to win $320 Paypal cash, click HERE.  Today is the last day to sign up!

When we marry we enter into a covenant instead of a contract.  Though they sound much alike, they are different.  A contract is like saying to your spouse, "I take you for me and we'll see how this works out."  But realizing it as a covenant changes it to say, "I give myself to you and commit to this marriage for life." 

A contract is a written agreement based on distrust, outlining conditions and consequences.  Where as a covenant is a commitment based on trust, assuring someone that your promise is unconditional and good for life.  To read more, please join me at Woman to Woman Ministries where today we complete the Love Dare with dare 40!


~~~
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you,
live in peace with everyone.
Romans 12:18

It is hard to live at peace with some people.  You know what I am talking about.  The cranky neighbor, the bitter lady at church, the moody sister, you get the point.  How can we live with these people, how can we have a smile on our face and kind words coming from our lips when they are driving us crazy!  Share the love of Jesus with them.  I am not necessarily talking about preaching to them. I am talking about letting the light and love of Jesus flow through you.  Think about all that Jesus did.  He dealt with more than these moody people, He dealt with demon possessed people.  But He still showed love to them.

Then, ahem, sometimes, we are that person.  Yep, it is true.  Sometimes we are the moody person that people are wondering how they can live with us.  Again, the love of Christ needs to shine through.  Despite what we are going through, despite our circumstances, we need to have joy through it all.

Live in peace, the peace of Jesus.
~~~


Continuing to count my blessings in 2012:

807. Beginning an Advent study with my kids.


808. Their excitement at the study.

809. Their eagerness to light our Advent candle.

810. Hearing my children read the Bible during our study.

811. My nine year old son's new found love of reading.

812. Watching my children read instead of planting in front of the tv.

813. Watching my five year old nephew at his first school play.

814. Watching my niece in her school Christmas play.

815. My nephew sitting on my lap telling me that he loves me and kissing my cheek.

816. Christmas movies.

817. My sister taking all eight nieces and nephews for a sleepover and Christmas fun.  She is an AMAZING aunt and the children are so very, very  blessed!

818. A date night with my husband.

819. Two weekend date nights in a row!  I feel so spoiled! {smiles}

820. Camping out in the living room next to the roaring fire.

821. Our silly dogs who did not want to campout with us because they are so used to their own routine. {smiles}

822. Sunday lunch with family.

823. An incredible night of "walking through Bethlehem" at a local church.  Their walk through was amazing!

824. Blankets and shelter to keep us warm.

825. A working furnace to keep us warm in these freezing temperatures.

826. Stocking hats, wool socks, long johns, and coveralls that warm my husband as he works outside in single digit weather.

827. Another week of work for my husband.  This time last year he was off for several months.

828. Chicken thawing out because we have food.

829. Completing the Love Dare at Woman to Woman.

830. Excitement over our next marriage series at Woman to Woman.

What are you thanking God for today?  Comment below with five things.


Sweet Blessings~
 

Linking with:
A Holy Experience



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5 comments:

  1. Oh, I love this!! For far to often we are the one who needs patience from others. I have found that only as I abide in the Prince of Peace can He fill me with His exquisite peace, joy and love for others. He is truly the source of every good gift.
    Nice to meet you at Jane's. Thank you for showing us that we need to treat others the way we want to be treated .... For as you have commented, we are often on the receiving end of His grace!
    Hugs XX
    Mia

    ReplyDelete
  2. Visiting from Monday Meditation. I enjoyed your thoughts on this weeks verse!

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  3. What a great reminder that sometimes *WE* are the ones who are difficult to live with! Yikes! Thanks for linking up today!

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  4. Visiting from Ann's blog today :) I really enjoyed your post.

    Today I am thanking God for:
    - awesome 40% off sale + an extra 30% off that!
    - flavoured teas to share for Christmas
    - finding a skirt and sweater that fit
    - apple slices and cheese
    - being able to sell a load of grain tomorrow

    Thanks for asking! Merry Decembering!

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