The Story of Christmas

 Hello and happy new year! 

     I think this every year, but I cannot believe a whole year has gone by. It feels like the beginning of 2021 was not that long ago, and here we are starting the new year of 2022. I hope each of you had a wonderful Christmas holiday. You might be a little confused by the title of this post. Maybe you’re wondering why I’m still writing about Christmas. Well, I didn’t get a chance to post this last month, and the song below has stayed in my mind for a long while. One of my favorite hymns is “Tell Me the Story of Jesus” and I realized last year just just how beautifully it highlights the life of Christ and the story of Christmas. It starts with Jesus’ birth, mentions his life on earth, talks about his death, and ends with his resurrection. The celebration of Christmas focuses on the coming of Jesus to earth as a baby, and the reason he did so was to become sin for man so man could become sons of God. Perhaps as you read the words, your heart will be filled with thankfulness to God for his extreme love in sending his Son to pay for sins. 

Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart every word;
Tell me the story most precious, sweetest that ever was heard. 
Tell how the angels in chorus, sang as they welcomed his birth,
"Glory to God in the highest! Peace and good tidings to earth."

Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart ev’ry word; tell me the story most precious, sweetest that ever was heard. 

Fasting alone in the desert, tell of the days that are past,
How for our sins he was tempted, yet was triumphant at last. 
Tell of the years of his labor, tell of the sorrow he bore,
He was despised and afflicted, homeless, rejected, and poor.

Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart ev’ry word; tell me the story most precious, sweetest that ever was heard. 

Tell of the cross where they nailed him, writhing in anguish and pain;
Tell of the grave where they laid him, tell how he liveth again. 
Love in that story so tender, clearer than ever I see:
Stay, let me weep while you whisper, love paid the ransom for me.

Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart ev’ry word; tell me the story most precious, sweetest that ever was heard. 

Hebrews 5:8-9 says "Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;"

Ring the bells, ring the bells, let the whole world know,
Christ was born in Bethlehem many years ago.
Born to die that man might live, came to earth new life to give,
Born of Mary, born so low, many years ago.
God the Father gave His Son, gave His own beloved One,
To the wicked sinful earth, to bring mankind His love, new birth.

Ring the bells, ring the bells, what a glorious morn!
Men and angels worship Him, singing, Christ is born!
Born to die on Calvary, born to set His people free,
God Himself in human form, tell it! Christ is born.
He has left His royal throne, He has come to claim His own,
Christ the Lord has come to earth, go spread the news of Jesus' birth.

Ring the bells, ring the bells,
Let the whole world know.
Christ the Savior lives today
As He did so long ago!

Just because the season of Christmas is over doesn’t mean we have to stop talking about Christ’s birth, so find someone to share it with!   :)    It is the sweetest story ever told. 

May your day be Christ-centered and filled with joy. ❤️

Love,

Ashley

1 Peter 1:18-19  “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:”             

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas friends! 

Wishing you all the happiest and merriest Christmas, with Christ at the center of your celebration. 

Hail, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free:

From our sins and fears release us; let us find our rest in Thee. 

Israel's strength and consolation, hope of all the saints thou art; 

Long desired of ev'ry nation, joy of ev'ry waiting heart. 

~~~~~~

His life had also its sorrows sore, for aloes had a part; and when I think of the cross he bore, my eyes with teardrops start. 

Out of the ivory palaces, into a world of woe, only his great eternal love made my Savior go.

His garments, too, were in cassia dipped, with healing in a touch; in paths of sin had my feet e'er slipped - he's saved me from its clutch. 

Out of the ivory palaces, into a world of woe, only his great eternal love made my Savior go.

Joyfully, 

Ashley

Luke 2:10-14

"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

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Three Crosses Wood Craft and Christmas Present Ideas

Happy December!! 

I wanted to let you know about my sister's business, Three Crosses Wood Craft. She makes wood cutting boards of different sizes and with different features.  They are beautiful and practical, and would make a great present for a family member or friend who loves to cook. 

Wood snowmen are also available, handcrafted by my dad. These are so adorable; they would look cute sitting out all year long. 

These are just a few of the decorated snowmen. Snowmen without decorations are available so you can personalize it yourself! 

These undecorated snowmen are made with rustic white oak wood, which is beautiful!

Comment if you'd like one for Christmas, or visit the instagram page to see more pictures. :)    Merry Christmas! 

Thanks to God

 Thanks to God for my Redeemer, thanks for all Thou dost provide!
Thanks for times now but a mem'ry, thanks for Jesus by my side!
Thanks for pleasant, balmy springtime, thanks for dark and stormy fall!
Thanks for tears by now forgotten, thanks for peace within my soul! 

Thanks for prayers that Thou hast answered, thanks for what Thou dost deny!

Thanks for storms that I have weathered, thanks for all Thou dost supply! 

Thanks for pain, and thanks for pleasure, thanks for comfort in despair! 

Thanks for grace that none can measure, thanks for love beyond compare!

Thanks for roses by the wayside, thanks for thorns their stems contain!

Thanks for home and thanks for fireside, thanks for hope, that sweet refrain!

Thanks for joy and thanks for sorrow, thanks for heav'nly peace with Thee!

Thanks for hope in the tomorrow, thanks through all eternity! 

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2. "Gratitude produces deep, abiding joy because we know that God is working in us, even through difficulties." ~ Charles Stanley 

What are you thankful for on this last day in November? 

Psalm 92:1-5

It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night, Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound. For thou, Lord, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands. O Lord, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep. 

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!!  

Psalm 107: 1-2, 8-9, 43

“O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy. Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness. Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the Lord.”

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite, (if not my favorite) holidays. I love that we as Americans have a day set aside to reflect and remember that all the blessings we enjoy come from our loving Father. Some things I am grateful for today: 

~ getting to spend Thanksgiving with Lauren at our campus parent's house

~ trials and pain God has used in my life to help me become like him

~opportunities to grow in self-control and patience

~three days off of school

~the blessing of being a child of God

~the comfort of the Holy Spirit

~the privilege to enter boldly into the throne of grace

~the blessed assurance that Jesus is mine 

~beautiful hymns of thanksgiving and praise

~lovely friends

~a good night's rest

~cool, sunny fall weather

~warmth of a fire

~laughter

Psalm 33:1-5

Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright. Praise the Lord with harp: sing unto him with the psaltry and an instrument of ten strings. Sing unto him a new song; play skillfully with a loud noise. For the word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done in truth. He loveth righteousness and judgement: the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

“Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; 

Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.” 

I would love to hear: what are some things you are grateful for today? 

How are you celebrating Thanksgiving? 

Hope you all have a wonderful day! 

love,

Ashley

Psalm 145:1-3

“I will extol thee, my God, O King; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever. Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.” 

The Wonder of Creation ~ Book Review

 

About the book:

Well-known for his powerful and highly visual messages about science and the Bible, Louie Giglio has a passion for inspiring kids to notice, enjoy, and marvel at God's creation. In The Wonder of Creation, children will find new delight in God's creativity with 100 devotions that explore:

• animals—from honeyguide birds to flying snakes to white rhinos
• space—from black holes to volcanic moons to gamma-ray bursts
• people—from optical illusions to brain freezes to our immune systems 
• Earth—from rainbow rivers to blue lava to flowing glaciers                                                    
• and much, much more!

With engaging illustrations and striking photography, this fun and informative book is ideal for children ages 6–10. Each of the 100 devotions features a scientific fact or an easy activity for exploring faith, a short Bible verse, and a closing prayer.

With a beautifully bright and colorful cover and a ribbon bookmark, The Wonder of Creation

• is ideal for science-loving kids, Bible-loving kids, and any child ready to go deeper in faith
• continues a well-loved devotional series that has impacted over a million children, parents, and teachers
• includes informative content call-outs inviting kids to "Explore the Wonder"
• makes a great addition to a homeschool STEM curriculum or a bedtime reading routine
  
  

As kids explore this awe-inspiring devotional, they'll be amazed at the many wonders God has made! 

#WonderOfCreationMIN #thewonderofcreation
#MomentumInfluencerNetwork

My thoughts: 

This is a colorful, easy-to-read kids book full of cute illustrations. Each devotional is two pages long with a Bible verse, an application to go along with it, and a prayer. Each one also has an "Explore the Wonder" box which contains an interesting fact about an aspect of creation, whether it be space, animals, plants, or humans. One downside to this book is that all the verses shared are from various versions. However, it is easy to cross out the verses and write the correct ones so children can memorize them. I would recommend that parents read the book with their kids so they can answer questions kids might have. Also, though it mentions God in each devotional, I didn't notice the gospel clearly laid out (it was mentioned, but somewhat muddled), so adults might want to incorporate it as they read to children. 

Giveaway:

 To enter to win one copy of the The Wonder of Creation, leave a comment below! The giveaway is limited to the U.S. only, and will end on December 4th. 

Purchase the book here: https://www.indescribablekids.com/

Many thanks to HarperCollins Christian Publishing for providing this product/product

information for review. Opinions are 100% my own. I did receive the product in

exchange for this review and post.

"Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens. Let them praise the name of the Lord: for he commanded, and they were created." ~ Psalm 148:4-5

 

Happy Veterans Day!

Happy Veteran's Day! 
I just wanted to take a minute today to thank all the veterans who have served our country. I am very thankful for them and their sacrifice. What a blessing to be able to remember and honor them today. Praise  to the Lord for allowing us the privilege of living in the land of the free truly because of the brave. 

O beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife, 

Who more than self their country loved, and mercy more than life! 
America! America! May God thy gold refine, 

Till all success be nobleness, and every gain divine. 

Drop a note in the comments! Are you celebrating in a fun, special way today? 

Lamentations 3:22-25 

"It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassion fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him." 

Homespun Devotions: Volume 1 ~ Book Review

 A cheery hello to you! Happy November! 

It's been quite a while since I've shared a book review, so today I am thrilled to introduce you to Cheryl Smith's brand new book, Homespun Devotions.

About the book: 

Christian living is like a quilt—multi-colored scraps of wisdom gleaned and assembled one stitch at a time. We learn as we go, as the common thread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is woven throughout the everyday moments, events, and situations we encounter. Only He can tie the pieces together and create something of beauty that will serve to warm the hearts of others and surround them with His grace.

"Homespun Devotions: Volume One" begins a series of books that record the piecing together of many of the stories of my life and the rich spiritual truths God has imparted along the way. As you read these homespun narratives of family, love, marriage, motherhood, friendship, and the music that is such a part of my heritage, you will discover glimpses into moments of the soul-searching and intense struggles I have experienced while journeying to a place of complete surrender to the One who bled and died for me.

I point you to no denomination, religious group, or sect—only to the foot of the cross of Jesus Christ, where redemption, restoration, healing, and peace still freely and lavishly flow. He loves you with a never-ending, unconditional love—I pray you embrace this truth afresh and with a deeper persuasion as you read.

My thoughts: 

I loved this book! I had planned on reading through it slowly, one devotion a day, but instead I read three or four a day! Each devotion is around a verse and Mrs. Smith inserts a personal story that shows how God has used it in her life to help her grow closer to him. I came away feeling very encouraged in my faith and was reminded of simple, yet essential truths from God's word. The devotionals are encouraging and very timely, and I will definitely be reading this book again in the near future. I'd highly recommend this book to every Christian, young and old, who desires to have a deeper walk with God and who wants to be encouraged in the Lord. 

*I received this book from Mrs. Smith in exchange for a review. All thoughts are my own.*

Click here to purchase Homespun Devotions. You will be so blessed. 

Visit Cheryl Smith's blog here.

To purchase her other book, Biblical Minimalism, click here.

Malachi 3:16 ~ "Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name." 

 

Positive Reinforcements

Positive Reinforcements.  Have you noticed all the negative reinforcements there are in the world? Negativity is easily passed along from one person to the next. Sadly, it is even prevalent among many Christians and found in families. But we all need someone who believes in us. You know how many people have gone on to accomplish spectacular things just because someone believed in them? A simple sentence such as “I think you would be good at that!” can literally change the direction of someone’s life. It can cause them to continue in their endeavor. The opposite is also true. A lack of positive words can harm and/or discourage someone. 

This month, I’ve been spending a great amount of time reading in Proverbs and noticing what it says about the mouth and the words we speak. Pertaining to encouraging and speaking positively, here are a few that stuck out: 

• Proverbs 18:21 “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” 
• Proverbs 18:24 “Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.” 
• Proverbs 25:11 “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” 
• Proverbs 27:9 “Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.” 

May each of us learn to speak positive, gracious words of life to one another in order to edify and build up. It makes a world of difference to the hearer, and who knows? God may even use you and me and our  influence to change someone’s life. 

love, 
Ashley

Ephesians 4:29 “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” 

Jude: 22 "And of some have compassion, making a difference:"

May 2021 - August 2021

 Hello! 
This post is just a tad bit late, but it is chronicling the summer months, which were full of work and fun. It was definitely a unique and special experience, one which I am very thankful to the Lord for orchestrating. 

After school ended in May, Lauren and I came back to college to work here during the summer. At the end of May, my aunt stopped by to see us and to show us her new Camaro. 😁

During lunch one afternoon, this adventurous squirrel climbed up on my table and enjoyed part of my lunch. :) 

Lauren, our friend Zara and I did some baking on the weekend when the kitchens were open. 

Lauren worked at a snack shop called the Hut and learned how to make yummy desserts, such as this ice cream sundae. 😋 

Throughout the summer, Lauren, Zara and I played countless games of Sushi Go. If you haven’t played this game, you definitely need to. It’s competitive and so much fun. 😁

Zara made Indian curry for lunch one Sunday...it was oh so good! 

There were so many beautifully unique cloud patterns painted in the sky on various occasions. 

Book club!

Black light bowling and a party characterized our celebration of the Fourth of July! 

Wednesday evening puppet crew

Sunday morning puppet crew. 

I was able to be a part of two different puppet groups during the summer. Wednesday night was vacation Bible school, and we followed a 10 week puppet story script with one performance each Wednesday. The theme was time travel, and the characters were a professor, professor’s helper Avery, a robot, and a queen (who got transported through time to the present accidentally). They were a lot of fun to act out, and the children definitely enjoyed it as well. :) The script was from Answers in Genesis, and I appreciate how it clearly presented the gospel throughout the story.

Until next time, keep looking up. 

As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 

~Colossians 2:6-9