Door-Warmer

Posted on Monday, December 1, 2008 at 07:32 by Miss Jocelyn Dixon - Link

Well, it’s here. December 2008. Wow, can you believe it? Only another 31 days and then it will be 2009, a new year, a new chapter. Growing In Grace Magazine just published their 11th issue for the month of December, and you will want to check out some of the great articles…. interview, reviews, giveaways, tutorials, education, and spiritual encouragement in December 2008.

I had a lot of fun making the sewing tutorial for one of my columns in GGM, and it took very little money, time, or skill. There were a total of three supplies, three snips, and three seams. I think it turned out so cute and is a lovely winter accent to our home for the winter months. It’s not just for “looks” either… it has a purpose and can help with heating-expenses. Read about the Door-Warmer AND how to make your own in my article at GGM: Portfolio de Couturier: Door Warmer

I imagine perhaps next year I will do one for autumn as well. There are so many fabrics to choose from for seasonal purposes. Making one that matches your bedroom would be so cute.

Blessings!

Hi

Posted on Monday, December 1, 2008 at 11:56 by Josaih - 0 Comments - Post Comment - Link

Start of the Christmas Season

Posted on Monday, December 1, 2008 at 11:18 by shycountrygal - 0 Comments - Post Comment - Link

Good Day friends and family. I trust that you are all having a wonderful day in the Lord. It's a beautiful day in my part of the world. The sun is shining brightly and the temperature is about 55 degrees. A little chilly, but I don't mind that.

This past weekend was so busy! I kept going non-stop. So today is kinda a "chill-out" day. But even though the weekend was jam packed, I had a wonderful time.

Everything started out with Thanksgiving. That was a great day. I started out with a trip to the store to fetch the newspaper all filled with sales papers for black Friday. I also had to do a bit of running around to look for a baster for mama. I could not find one, but she said that was fine.

After I returned home, I looked through the sales papers and mapped out my black friday shopping. After I wrapped up Fridays planning, I went to help my mom in the kitchen. Our family arrived about noon and we sat down to eat about one-thirty. Overall, it was a wonderful day.

Friday started out bright and early about 2:15. (a bit crazy I know) I was singing around and dancing to Christmas songs in order to wake up. Me, my mom, my sis, and cuz left the house about 3 and got to the mall at 3:45. There was a line around Penney's even at that time. But we did not get out of the vehicle until they opened the doors. It was too cold to wait outside!

My shopping spree went very well. The lines were not all that bad. Most people were friendly, except wal-mart, and we left there as soon as we walked in. The only place I waited in line at was Kohls. And that line was to the back of the store. But it was a considerably fast moving line.

I ended up with a nice coat, two skirts, 4 shirts, a pair of pants, and a pair of boots for about $250. If they had not been on sale, all of that would have been about $400 or more. So I think I hit some pretty good deals. It was a succesful shopping day!

Saturday I went to work from 7 to 12. Thankfully it was not that busy, because I was draggin! After I got out of work, I had to go straight to my church to help decorate for Christmas.

The lady in charge of decorating the church, aproached me about 3 weeks ago and asked me to assist her in the decorating. I am so thankful for this opportunity. I have been racking my brain and praying the Lord would show me a way to serve Him at church. And a bit later, she asks me to be her assistant! I am so thankful that the Lord has provided a way for me to serve Him! He always answers prayers when he wants to. So always wait on Him!

Back to the decorating. The color scheme for the tree is burgundy and gold. It is so beautiful. Ms. J outdid herself in choosing the decorations. We also put up real pine swags in the windows with gold bows. In a week or so, the entire front will be decorated in poinsettas, place in honor or memory of loved ones in the church. It will be so beautiful when it is completly finshed.

Sunday was church day. The sermon was wonderful. I do appreciate the time our pastor takes to ensure the word of God is preached ever Sunday.

Well, I better go now, its time to enjoy lunch! I pray you have a wnderful day in the Lord!

Shycountrygal

God's Will, Really?

Posted on Monday, December 1, 2008 at 02:25 by Miss Jocelyn Dixon - Link

Sadly over the past year I have heard of many deaths, from both friends and strangers. It truly saddens my heart. It always confuses me when others who are trying to comfort those grieving say that it was God’s will for their loved one to die, especially a child. You can read just about any book in the Bible and you will find either a verse or a reference to the fact that God wants His people to prosper and live long and happy lives. One of the well-known verses to back this up is in Jeremiah. I know it by heart as it’s one of Mother Dear’s favourite verses.

Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

God knows exactly what kind of life he wants us to have. He wants us to have thoughts of peace and not of evil, and to have an expected end or in other words a long life full of hope. When people say that it was God’s will for a child or a father to die I fear they are completely wrong. Whenever I hear someone say this I think of Job. I have been reading through the entire Bible for over a year now, just letting God speak to me as I read, and the Book of Job really comforted me in more ways than one. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. So many terrible things happened to Job that definitely weren’t God’s perfect will for his life, but God was in control the entire time.

I believe it is a falsehood, however comforting it may be, that it is God’s will for any of His people to die without having lived a full life, but because sin has entered our world when Adam and Eve stepped out from God’s perfect world our lives will be not be perfect.

However we know that all things work together for good (Romans 8:28). We know that He is always in control. We know that He will never forsake us. We know we have His promise of His return and will be reunited with those who are His children.

The Bible says in this world we will have tribulation, but be of good cheer because He has overcome the world (John 16:33)!

Be still. Know He is God.

originally posted in the October issue of GGM: Thorns & Roses: God’s Will

Here piggy ,piggy, Kristi and Ee

Posted on 2008-Nov-30 at 05:36 by m j - 1 Comments - Post Comment - Link

I am sharing pictures of Kristi and her pet sow Ee.  Ee is from our old sow Tuna.  Kristi picked Ee out as soon as she was born.  She told us with her cute little smile and batting her eyelashes " this is my baby".   With that cute look how could we say no.   Her brother begged Kristi so much to let him have her, but Kristi held firm on it, NO!!

This is Kristi and Ee when Ee was about 3 weeks old:

Don't they look cute!!

Here is Ee on her 1st birthday.  Kristi made her a birthday cake :

Here is Kristi playing with Ee at night:

Here is a head shot of Ee next to Kristi:

Kristi hurt her knee one day and the Dr told her no horse back riding for 2 weeks.  So what does she do??? See for your self :

A real piggy back ride!!  We took a picture to show her Dr. her "New ride".   Our Dr. knowing our family ( a bunch of smart butts, Dr. is also one)  just laughed and went around showing the nurses and other Dr.'s her new ride!!!

Here is Ee's mom Tuna:

Last we have some of Ee's puppies (babies I every baby a puppy)

One more. This is Ee with her children Tommie and Heffa:

We still have Ee and Tommi , but we sold Heffa to a neighbor.  We did not have enough room in our freezer for her.

God Bless, mj

Be Bold, Be Strong

Posted on Saturday, November 29, 2008 at 12:46 by Miss Jocelyn Dixon - Link

Sometimes it’s hard to be bold and be strong in the faith. Sometimes we don’t see the end of the tunnel. Sometimes we have a hard time walking in faith and victory. I have struggled with these issues of fear, doubt, and  dismay, and they can be hard to overcome…. on my own.

Some who read my blog might think I’m a very bold person, but honestly I’m not really. Anyone who’s met in real life knows that I’m not at all a bold or arrogant person. However, I will tell you that I am bold and strong in my faith. I want people to see that being a Christian doesn’t make you weak, it doesn’t constrain you, and it doesn’t hold you back. I want people to see that in Christ I am bold and strong, and I can tackle any obstacle satan puts in my path because my Jesus defeated death. I want to be bold and strong in every area of my life so that I can be the best possible light for Jesus that I can.

Be Bold, Be Strong

Be bold, be strong
For the Lord your God is with you
Be bold, be strong
For the Lord your God is with you
I am not afraid
I am not dismayed
Because I’m walking in faith and victory
Come on and walk in faith and victory
For the Lord your God is with you

The main reason I picked this song this week is because I will be having a phone-interview today (or this week) and I’m really kind of nervous. I don’t do good on the phone and I’ve never spoken with the journalist, and this song reminded and encouraged me that I don’t need to be afraid or dismayed because I’m walking in faith and victory! My name does mean Joyous Victory of the People!

I hope it has encouraged you in someone way. Don’t ever be afraid to be bold and strong, or to do what’s right when so many are hover around you with a dissenting opinion. Don’t listen to them. Listen to Christ, and don’t be afraid to ask those who you know to be true for help.

Blessings!

Fireproof

Posted on Friday, November 28, 2008 at 01:48 by Alex - 1 Comments - Post Comment - Link

    

Praise Him First, then dance, sing, and shop!

Posted on Thursday, November 27, 2008 at 07:53 by shycountrygal - 0 Comments - Post Comment - Link

Good Morning friends and family! It's 2:30 am and a wonderful day! It's Black Friday and I am on my way to the mall! Right now I am dancing and singing around to Christmas music!( I am trying to wake up)

I am so excited about going shopping! I love to shop! Especially when there are great deals! Just thought I would let everyone know!

Before I do anymore singing or dancing. I need to share with you a Psalms. Because we are to put the LORD first in evrything that we do, no mater what!

1	Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous:          for praise is comely for the upright.
2	Praise the LORD with harp:          sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.
3	Sing unto him a new song;          play skilfully with a loud noise.
4	For the word of the LORD is right;          and all his works are done in truth.
5	He loveth righteousness and judgment:          the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.
6	By the word of the LORD were the heavens made;          and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.
7	He gathereth the waters of the sea together as a heap:          he layeth up the depth in storehouses.
8	Let all the earth fear the LORD:          let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.
9	For he spake, and it was done;          he commanded, and it stood fast.

Psalms 33

Enjoy your day, and may you remember to put the LORD in it FIRST!!!!

Shycountrygal

Turkey Day!

Posted on Thursday, November 27, 2008 at 07:43 by shycountrygal - 2 Comments - Post Comment - Link

I just wanted to stop by today and wish everyone a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving!  Stuff yourself and enjoy the weekend!

God Bless!

Shycountrygal

A Thankful Heart

Posted on Thursday, November 27, 2008 at 04:55 by Miss Jocelyn Dixon - Link

Yes, of course, we should always be thankful for everything we’re blessed with, but it’s not too often we actually sit and ponder what those things are. I picked 27 things to list that I’m thankful for because this year Thanksgiving is on the 27th of November.

1. Amanda and Rachel, the two other older sisters in the house. I’m thankful for them because not only do they put up with me but are willing to give of themselves in many areas for the family and for me.
2. A computer. I’m often complaining of what a horrible computer I have, but I must say it works far better than not having one at all.
3. My Dad’s job that allows him to come home everyday, though it’s late
4. My afghan from Auntie Christina to keep warm with at night
5. Hot water-hose so we can give the animals a warm drink in the freezing-cold.
6. Peas - we have peas every night because Dad’s really likes them. I’m thankful that we have peas instead of say, artichokes.
7. Freedom from real persecution as they have in China and overseas
8. The opportunity to witness to young ladies around the world
9. Sisterlisa and her family
10. My robe. I love my robe. I wear it everyday
11. Forgiveness when I don’t deserve it
12. Ecards on a gloomy day
13. The ability to stand and move - even if it means I can also clean the house.
14. [fake] Curly hair
15. Dinner every night
16. Being homeschooled
17. LucyLillie’s smiles and giggles
18. Caleb sleeping at 3am
19. Artistic abilities
20. The comfort of family and Jesus when I feel betrayed, over and over
21. twitter, an excellent way to keep up with bloggy-friends
22. That I can bless people, instead of just receiving
23. Two eyes to see, a nose to smell, fingers to type, toes to find furniture, ears to hear, etc
24. Promises of God
25. A heating-system, though I’d love a wood-stove!
26. Lessons God gives me
27. Thanksgiving dinner

Scripture Share

Hebrews 13: 5
“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee”

Always remember not only to be content but to be thankful. We have the promises of Christ our Saviour that He will never forsake us!

I hope you have an absolutely fantastic Thanksgiving! Be sure to take a photo of your table and then check at Growing In Grace Magazine for a fun linky!

Blessings!

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