Eclectic Montage

Thursday, December 23, 2010

12 Pearls of Christmas - Day 11: Just give me Christmas this year!

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas! Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom"! Please follow along through Christmas day as each post shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year. AND BEST OF ALL ... there's also a giveaway!!!! Fill out the quick form at the link located at the bottom of this post to be entered to win a PEARL NECKLACE, BRACELET AND EARRINGS! Pearls - a tangible reminder of God's grace to us all.

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All I Want for Christmas…
Is to be able to have Christmas this Year
by Melissa Mashburn

This is a simple request, isn’t it? In the previous years, we had great big bountiful Christmases with our family. Gifts, goodies and general Christmas cheer but this year it was different. The year before has been chock full of disappointments, failing businesses and severe cutbacks for our family.

Sitting with my husband one night we hammered out the bare minimum that we could spend that year for Christmas and even still the total was four hundred dollars. It does not sound like a whole lot compared to what we’ve spent on Christmas before, but this year it could have been four thousand dollars because we just did not have it.

We prayed, I cried, we prayed some more and decided that we would cut back anything else that we could that year so we could have Christmas for our kids. We did not know how we would make this happen, but we knew that we needed to step forward in faith that it would happen.

Answer this question: Does the God who lavishly provides you with his own presence, his Holy Spirit, working things in your lives you could never do for yourselves, does he do these things because of your strenuous moral striving or because you trust him to do them in you? Don't these things happen among you just as they happened with Abraham? He believed God, and that act of belief was turned into a life that was right with God. Galatians 3:5 the Message

Not even two days later, we hear a knock on our front door. We open the door to see some friends of ours from church. With tears in their eyes, they handed us an envelope and said that the felt they needed to give us this. We opened the envelope and inside there was four hundred dollars cash.

Shocked, stunned and with tears flowing down our face we just sat there in a state of crying and laughing at what God had done. We never shared with anyone that year what we needed, how bad it was, what was going on or what that number was for us to have Christmas for the kids, but God knew.

“And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” 2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT

He took a willing servant, led them to our front door and changed Christmas for us that year. After many years of being in full time ministry we knew that God would provide, but when He shows up just at the right moment, you know that it was all a part of His plan to show how much He loves, provides and cares for His people.

Father God, thank you that after all the years of serving and loving you in ministry that you continue to teach, guide, love, shepherd and care for us. You, Father, are abundantly gracious and kind, thank you for showing up for us at just the right moment every time, forgive us when we forget that. In Jesus name, Amen.

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About Melissa: Melissa is the founder of the blog Mel’s World Ministry, co-founder of the Praise and Coffee Nights Ministry with Sue Cramer, Kids Ministry Director at her church. Just last year she launched a new weekly series called Godly Gals ~ Real Women, Real Life, Real Faith where we meet new women each week who are “Taking their everyday, ordinary lives and placing it as their offering to God.” Romans 12:1 the Message. You can find her on twitter and at her blog. She loves encouraging women to live with an authentic faith by being transparent, renewed and transformed. ~ Romans 12:2.

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A three strand pearl necklace will be given away on New Year's Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is {FILL OUT THIS QUICK ENTRY FORM}. One entry per person, per day. The winner will be announced on the Pearl Girls Blog (http://margaretmcsweeney.blogspot.com/) on New Years Day!

12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls®. For more information, please visit http://www.pearlgirls.info/

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

12 Pearls of Christmas - Day 10: What’s the best thing about Christmas?

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What’s the best thing about Christmas?
by Maureen Lang

The answer to that question will undoubtedly be different depending on the age and the faith of the person being asked. Most children will say it’s all about the gifts. Adults, even if they secretly still enjoy the gifts, will probably strive to sound more mature and say the holiday is all about friends and family. Still others might say it’s about tradition, or memories or the music or even the special food we connect to this time of year. The scrooges among us might say this season is just another marketing gimmick, or materialism gone awry. The faithful will say it’s all about Jesus, a reminder of why He shed the glory of Heaven to step into human skin and frailty.

I’m not here to defend or attack any answer to this question, but rather to ponder those possible answers.

Gifts: They touch us in personal ways, as tangible evidence of someone else’s thought and affection. Even if we don’t get exactly what we hoped, there’s something to be said about the thought behind a gift being the important part. Why wouldn’t gifts be an important and valid part of this holiday in which we celebrate God’s gift of salvation?

Holiday Gatherings: Parties might be a lot of work, forcing some out of their comfort zone, but at the core they’re all about human connection. Isn’t that what most people want?

Traditions and memories: They remind us of the past, of who we are, with the hope that even as we look forward to an unknown future we still hold some things worthy enough to repeat every year. We might find ourselves letting go of some traditions, or we might want to start some new ones.

The music: This is the only time of the year when even secular radio stations welcome songs about a baby born in Bethlehem. As a nation we may be getting stringent about separation of church as state, but the lines blur just a bit with old favorites that reflect this season.

Scrooges: The holiday season is probably a time to endure rather than enjoy, but even the scroogiest-scrooge might admit the lights of the season are pretty to behold. They’re free to look at, after all.

As for the food, the busyness, the expense and all the other things that make up this season: keep in mind that it’s all temporary. This, too, shall pass. Until next year, of course.

I’ll leave you with this thought: we are all made in God’s image, whether we believe that or not. Part of that image is the ability to give—and to receive. So here’s my thought for the day: stop a moment and dwell on all the gifts of the season. From the little mementos that say we haven’t forgotten someone or been forgotten by others, to the costliest gift of all: what God did for us in the form of Christ. As you enjoy the sounds, the sights, the scents and the tastes of this season, may your only trouble be in choosing just one thing among so many best things about Christmas.

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About Maureen: Maureen Lang is the author of ten books, her most recent from Tyndale House is The Great War Series which are full of romance, adventure and spiritual journeys. She lives in the Midwest with her husband, two sons and their lovable Labrador Retriever.

For more information please visit Maureen at her website, http://www.maureenlang.com/.

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Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Sun Stand Still - Review

Sun Stand Still:
What Happens when You Dare to Ask God for the Impossible

Author – Steven Furtick

Elevation Church, where Steven Furtick is pastor, is located not too far from where I live. My son and his girlfriend, along with a dear friend and her family attend Elevation. I have actually attended once myself. When I went, I thought the service was the typical cookie cutter “modern” church venue with loud music, casual attire, video screens and a hip pastor leading the charge. However, I was very impressed with the message that day. It hit home.

Since then, I’ve been intrigued by Sun Stand Still. I was hoping to gain insight into the pastor that has sparked a huge congregation in the Charlotte area. I must say, I was a little skeptical. I’m not sure why – I just was. After reading the book, it is more apparent what the draw is for people to Pastor Furtick. He has a genuine love for God and a charismatic way of showing it.

Sun Stand Still is about praying bold prayers that open you up to living your life for God’s glory much like Joshua prayed when he asked God to stop the sun from setting to complete the victory against the Amorites. A bold, “audacious” prayer indeed. Finding ways to take God’s guidance mold it into willing supplication and take action to follow. This is all done by “reconciling your dreams with God’s desires.”

Pastor Furtick focuses on the scriptural basis for prayer – praying within scripture and for God’s glory, not our own. Additionally, he acknowledges that even the best prayer sometimes comes back with an answer of “no.” Finally, his approach to prayer is refreshing. He encourages us to pray like “Juggernauts” claiming God’s promises without falling back on weak and uncommitted vocabulary. He finishes up with five truths and five steps for praying a Sun Stand Still Prayer.

I read this book in one day – it’s a very easy and engaging read. However, I’m going to go back and read it again. This time taking the time to let the concept of “audacious” prayer sink in. If you’re ready to listen to God’s direction and open yourself up to Him, then I can sincerely suggest reading Sun Stand Still.

*** I received this book free of charge from Multnomah books in exchange for my honest review.

Hartz Dog Toys Review

Hartz - Dura Play Ball and Nose Divers Review
http://www.hartz.com/

Availability - Grocery stores, Pet Stores and Convenience Stores

Hartz is one of my favorite pet brands. They have a wide variety of products that I can count on to be good quality and enjoyed by our pets. We have had a variety of pets over the years - dogs, cats, reptiles, amphibians, rodents and fish. Hartz has always proven to be a good brand for taking care of our managerie.

I was very excited to be selected to review two pet toys for Hartz. These toys are the Hartz Dura Play Ball and the Hartz Nose Divers. We have a Boston Terrier named Daisy. Her mouth reminds me of a piranha – wide, lots of teeth, and loves to chew. She, too, was very excited to test drive the new toys.

Upon arrival, I presented her with each of them. She didn’t want anything to do with the ball – it was too big for her mouth. However, she was very excited by the nose diving duck. We called in the aid of our friend’s dog, Toby, to take on the challenge of putting the ball through its paces.

First, the Nose Divers duck. The web site says that, “Hartz Nose Divers soft chew toy and nylon tug toy has been designed to provide exceptional durability. Heavy duty cotton rope runs through the entire product to evenly distribute stress from pulling. Ballistic nylon exterior provides enhanced durability for tough chewers.” Daisy IS a tough chewer.

The duck lasted a week. As one would expect – the sewing joints are where she was able to take this toy apart. She still loves it, but the stuffing is beginning to come out. I love that she loves this toy. Younger puppies or older dogs would probably enjoy this toy and have more luck with the durability.

As for the Dura Play Ball – Toby took to it right away. In fact, he sleeps with it. It is a little big, even for his mouth. I believe the larger size is for very large dogs. However, to date, it has been durable and Toby does enjoy playing with it. Personally, I liked the design and feel right away. It’s soft rubber with knobs for the dogs to grab on to.

I can’t say I was surprised that the duck didn’t make it. Daisy has been through many toys in her time. Had we gotten the smaller ball, I feel she would have really enjoyed it. If you have a voracious chewer, I wouldn’t recommend the Nose Divers, but if your dog likes to tug or gnaw, then the Diver is a good product. The Dura Ball is a well-designed toy. Dogs of all ages would enjoy playing with it.

*** I received these toys free of charge from Hartz for my honest review.

12 Pearls of Christmas - Day 9: Good News

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Good News!
by Deb Kalmbach

The first Christmas card of the season arrived in my mailbox way back in August. How could anyone be that organized? Then I noticed my friend, Nita, had sent me a card I had written to her more than 20 years ago!

Memories rushed back as I read the words penned in my familiar handwriting. It was Christmas, 1991, and my world had unraveled. I could almost pretend everything was all right at this most wonderful time of the year—but not that year.

My husband Randy’s drinking problem had escalated to the point where his job and career were on the line. He had already been through two alcohol treatment programs and managed to stay sober for short periods of time. Then he slipped back into old, familiar patterns. His ongoing relapses were a crushing disappointment for our family.

I had looked forward to Christmas Eve and our family traditions; making homemade lasagna, singing carols around the piano, attending the candlelight service at church, and then coming home to open one token Christmas Eve present.

“Randy, are you ready to crank out the pasta?” I called to him over the Christmas music I was playing to lift my spirits.

I peered into the living room to see what was keeping him. My heart froze. Randy sat on the couch, trance-like, watching a basketball game while sipping a drink.

No, not on Christmas Eve, I screamed inwardly. I felt like I was suffocating. Usually Randy pulled himself together but it didn’t happen that night. He drank vodka all evening while I finished holiday preparations on autopilot. None of us felt like eating lasagna or celebrating.

Only a few days earlier, I had written these words on the Christmas card to my friend, Nita. I don’t know God’s plans, his timing or his ways in accomplishing his purposes, but I am learning to trust him. He is faithful!

I suspect Nita kept my card all those years because she saw a small seed of faith and it encouraged her heart. I didn’t know it at the time, but it would be eight more Christmas seasons before Randy experienced the miraculous breakthrough of finding freedom from alcoholism.

As I read the card I had written so long ago, I felt awed by God’s faithfulness to us—even when our situation looked completely hopeless.

You may be facing great difficulty as the holidays approach. The last thing you feel like is celebrating. And that’s O.K. The Good News of Christmas isn’t about picture perfect holidays where our homes are decorated a la Martha Stewart and tables are laden with holiday delicacies. Your days may not be merry and bright. You may be grieving the loss of a loved one or the loss of a relationship through divorce or estrangement. Your world has unraveled.

That’s exactly why the message of Christmas is Good News. The Savior is born! The One who came to set you free, to give you peace and hope and help beyond anything you could ever imagine is as near as your next breath. Today you might not be able to see how God’s purposes are unfolding for your future, but you can be assured that He is working all things for good in your life. A twenty year-old Christmas card came on a summer day as an unexpected gift and gentle reminder of God’s presence—especially in the worst of times.

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About Deb: Deb Kalmbach is the coauthor of Because I Said Forever: Embracing Hope in a Not-So- Perfect Marriage and the author of a book for children, Corey’s Dad Drinks Too Much. She has contributed to The New Women’s Devotional Bible, Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace, and other anthologies. She is a vibrant and engaging speaker who gives hope and practical solutions to those who struggle with difficult relationships. Deb and her husband, Randy, live in a tiny town in Eastern Washington. Visit Deb at: http://www.debkalmbach.com/, or on Facebook and Twitter.

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Monday, December 20, 2010

Monday Memoir - Week 13

Brick! I've been out of town! I set this to publish Monday, but then forgot to publish it, so here it sits in draft. Doh!

What a weekend! We had our TaeKwonDo testing and a family party on Saturday. Then, our church cantata was on Sunday. We're definitely full into the swing of the holidays.

Just a reminder, Monday Memoir will be taking the Week of Christmas off. I'll be ready to start back the week after.

Here are the Monday Memoir questions – pop by, check them out, and link back up …

1. What is the best gift you have ever given?

2. What is the oddest gift you have ever received? What did you do with it?

1. What is the best gift you have ever given?

I wrack my brain every year trying to find just the right gift for each person on my list. With unlimited funds, I could probably achieve my goals, but that’s not reality. I’ve had hits or misses with gifts, but I always try my best to create that WOW factor when giving gifts.

As for the best gift, my husband loves guitars. He loves to play his guitars and enjoys his time in the church praise band. I gave him his first Bass as a birthday present which lead to his playing in the band. That was a good gift, but one that I got lucky with. Guitars are very specific (or so I’m told as my musical talent is miniscule). So, I wanted to really show him how much he is appreciate and loved at Christmas one year and wanted to get him the perfect guitar. I asked his buddies what would be best and kept getting the same advice – let him pick it! Finally, I did get gift cards so he could pick his own guitar. He LOVED it! So, believe it or not, gift cards were the best gift I ever gave.

As a sidebar, one year I gave my sister four huge cans of hairspray. She’s never let me live that down. It was truly done from the heart, though. We grew up in the eighties during the big hair craze. Our hair was rock solid before we ever left the house. I thought she’d appreciate the magnacious supply – chalk that up to one of my misses.

2. What is the oddest gift you have ever received? What did you do with it?

I’ve received some pretty odd gifts over the years. It’s hard to narrow down to the oddest gift ever. But, I’ve have to say is was the PJ’s Scott’s aunt gave me for Christmas one year. These were the full body PJ’s minus the footies at the bottom. There was a dog embroidered on the front and a hatch in the back. A nice deep red – striking. What did I do with them? I wore them of course. When it got really cold at night, those PJ’s were just the ticket for staying warm. The hubby didn’t mind – he’s not much for caring what I wear to bed. I never test drove the hatch, however – just couldn’t quite bring myself to give it a shot. :-)

12 Pearls of Christmas - Day 8: Gift List

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Gift List
by Tricia Goyer

I've been thinking lately how hard it must be for Oprah to Christmas shop. I mean if you were on her "gift list" wouldn't you expect something really, really good? The woman gives away cars and trips to Australia on her television show for goodness sake! It seems by the end of Christmas Day her friends and family would look at the pile of presents and think, "Is that it?" I mean if you knew there was billions of dollars she could spend on you, would you ever feel satisfied?

Sometimes I think we approach God the same way. We look around at our home, our family, our job, our free time and we still aren't satisfied. We wish our body looked better, our clothes were more in style, our husband was more considerate and our kids were more ... well, like the perfect little people we picture in our mind. Our careers don't excel as quickly as we think they should and people don't give us the attention we feel we deserve. We're tired and anxious and the to-do list seems to be tacked to our hearts for all the pain it causes.

Often, we look around and don't speak the words out loud, but think them just the same. "Is that it?" I mean, You're the God of the universe and You have all things in Your hands and under Your control. Couldn't you provide a little more money to help those bills disappear or make me a bit more content with the man I've chosen to spend my life with? And I thought Oprah had it tough.

Is there ever a time when God doesn't hear the murmurs? Again, not with our mouths but in our heart.

I've been guilty of this--of not being satisfied with the gifts I've been given. Yes, there will always be more to want, but today--at this moment--I'm satisfied. And I look to Him with a grateful heart and whisper, "Thank you, it is enough. More than enough."

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About Tricia: Tricia Goyer is the author of twenty-six books including Songbird Under a German Moon, The Swiss Courier, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like MomSense and Thriving Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife. For more information, please visit http://www.triciagoyer.com/

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