6th Day of Christmas

Hey Guys, here is a super cute and easy Christmas DIY that can be a gift or as personal decoration!

First you will need a mini red candle. 

This apple pumpkin candle smells amazing and was only $0.99 on Black Friday at Walmart. First, take of the sticker. I placed it on the bottom of the candle so the person receiving it would know the scent and brand. 

Next, cut a strip of black construction paper out. Make sure it fits around the candle. Secure it by glue or tape. 

Then you are going to cut out a rectangle of yellow felt or construction paper. (I used felt) cut out a rectangle in the center of the previous rectangle to creat the belt buckle look. Finally, glue the belt buckle on top of the black piece of paper. Ta-da! Finished! 

Christmas Devotion: 

Luke 2:15-20 "And it came to pass, when the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing that is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger. And when they saw it, they made known concerning the saying which was spoken to them about this child. And all that heard it wondered at the things which were spoken unto them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, even as it was spoken unto them." 

Angels appeared to the shepherds and told them the good news of Jesus Christ. They went to the stable where Jesus was. IMMEDIATELY after the shepherds saw Jesus they went proclaiming and praising God. The told everyone who would listen about the Messiah. I often think about my life and what I've accomplished. I believe that if I would be more like the simple shepherds that I would accomplish so much more in the name of the Lord. Merry Christmas!

Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent!

Hebrews 13:16 -And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

This week I took the PSAT. As I'm sure many of you did. However, if you didn't, let me inform you of what happened.       Before the test actually began, you had to fill out about 9,000 pages of information about yourself (totally not exaggerating). One of the boxes asked for your religious preference. There was this super long list of religions, denominations, a space marked "none", and "other". There was also a space marked, "Don't wish to give info" or something like that. That space really made me think. Have we become so ashamed of God and the Bible that even on a test we are afraid to proclaim Jesus? There is a scripture that I turn to whenever I feel like stepping back and hiding. 

.     Acts 18:9 -"One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent!" This is such a powerful verse that convicts me often. When I feel myself shirking back instead of standing up, I remember that even if people judge you, which they will, even if people hate you, mock you, and turn away the truth, they are not turning away us, they are turning away, judging, hating, or mocking God.       Matthew 10:22 -You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.  This verse clearly tells us that we will not be accepted by everyone. Just the other week people were shot and killed at a college in Oregon from standing up for Christ and saying "Yes, I'm a Christian." You can see in America alone that being a follower of Christ is not a popular choice. However, being Jesus wasn't popular either. In fact, HE WAS KILLED! FOR YOU! Let that sink in. If Jesus Christ would die for you, shouldn't it be a joy to proclaim Him to the world?  Psalms 96:2 -Sing to the LORD; praise his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves.  

       Here's another verse that convicts me personally to live a life free of fear and shame. It's a very popular verse that many followers of Jesus have taken as their personal testimony. However, when things happen it's sometimes hard to stand by our convictions. Remember, if you don't stick to your values and beliefs while tested, they are not values or beliefs, they're hobbies. 

Romans 1:16 -For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.

Are we an ashamed people? Are we afraid to stand up for Christ? Think about what you just a read over the next week and look for ways in which you can stand up and not be ashamed. Again, never forget the words of Luke in Acts, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent!" Thanks for reading! -Maddie 

Respect

***Hey Guys! I am posting today because I missed Monday. Sorry about that. I was traveling home from a conference and was crazy busy. Hope you are blessed by this post***

"Show respect to people who don't deserve it, not as a reflection of their character, but of yours." -Dave Willis

If we want to be respected, we must show respect to others. Respecting others, especially to those who don't deserve it, is very difficult and frustrating. However, when we give respect to others, whether or not they deserve it, is shows that we are of good character and have a good heart.  

      Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor. (1 Peter 2:17 NIV)

       Also, by showing respect to people, tells others that we are not rude, or judgemental. Now, I'm not saying that you have to like what someone is doing or like their life choices to respect them. Respecting someone shows that that person has value, worth, and a purpose. There are many people I don't agree with or honestly like, however, we must remember that all people are children of God; and we must see others through the eyes of the Lord. 

     For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. (Luke 22:27 NIV)

    In that verse, Jesus served others. Let that sink in, the creator of the universe, Lord of Lords, Lamb of God, washed His disciples feet. He respected them, even though He was higher than them. Jesus respected others. To truly be children of God, we must follow Christ's example by respecting and serving others. ~ⓜⓐⓓⓓⓘⓔ {Proverbs 31:30}

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