Thanksgiving!

Hi everyone!  I've been quite absent from the blogging world lately, haven't I?  I guess my excuse is Thanksgiving and the fact that my stomach was bothering me for almost a week--including while we were gone to Alabama for our family's Thanksgiving get-together!  Not fun, although it did start getting better on Friday.

Thanksgiving was great!  We had our usual family dinner and then on Black Friday, Mama, Grandmama, Aunt Missy, and my cousin's wife, Shauna braved the madness and went shopping.  They were gone a total of fifteen hours!

The night before, my little cousin, Laci, said something that my mama and I laugh.  I said something to mama about Black Friday, and Laci says (insert astounded tone), "Your mom goes to Black Friday?"

I said, "Yes, and so does yours!"  We then explained to her what Black Friday is and she understood.  But it gave us a laugh!  :D

Our Christmas decorations are up...

And the crafts are now making their appearance around the house!  I've been making paper chains for the residents at our local nursing home...

And a friend of ours gave us the template for these cute little goodie holders.  We plan to fill them with candy and leave them by the door for guests to take when they leave!

We're going to try to make some ornaments for the Christmas tree in the Cedar Loft this evening.  Material chain garlands, candy canes tied with fabric, and popsickle stick icicles are on our list right now!

And of course, all this hubbub filled with Christmas spirit just wouldn't be complete without some of our favorite Christmas movies, old and new!



One of the best Christmas movies out there!  It's refreshingly Christian and has a great story.  It's also very funny!  :D



It's a Wonderful Life--made in 1946!  We LOVE this movie!  It is a Christmas season must-watch!  We actually have a Christmas ornament that has a picture of ZuZu, George Bailey's daughter in the movie.  A while back, my mama and my older brother, Colt, met the lady that played ZuZu in the movie.  She signed the ornament and our copy of the movie!

We watched this one last night!



Hearwarming story + Cozy log cabin + Snow + Christmas = Perfect Christmas movie!


And to top off our Thanksgiving, we got our first snow of the year last night!

 
Snow in November!  In the SOUTH!  Can you believe it??  If you read THIS post on my mama's blog about the persimmon seed weather forecast, you remember that for our area the persimmon seed showed a It melted pretty quickly, but still, it was pretty while it lasted.  We all curled up on the couch with blankets and popcorn and watched a Christmas movie! 

As Christmas draws near, let's take time to just stop and thank God for the gift of His son.

So there you have it!  That's what we've been up to lately. 

And to finish off the post, I would like to remind you of a quote that you may have heard before.  I actually never had until I saw it on THIS blog the other day.  Thank you, Lucia, for posting this quote!

"What if you woke up tomorrow with only the things you thanked God for today?"

So here is a list of the things that I would not want to be without, both big and small.

-Jesus and His love, sacrifice, protection, provision, and comfort
-The Bible
-My family
-My extended family
-My family's and my health
-My mama's and my close relationship
-My parents' and my close relationship
-My family's and my close relationship
-Our friends
-Our house
-Our protection
-Our food
-Our car
-Freedom in America
-Freedom of religion in America
-Our right to homeschool
-Love
-Hope
-Coziness
-Christmas Trees
-Electricity
-Air conditioning and heating
-A warm bed
-Warm clothes
-Good, Christian, wholesome movies
-Christian music
-Tracts
-Music
-Pianos
-Guitars
-My voice and others' voices
-Pens and pencils
-Paper
-Books
-The God-given ability to read, write, and learn
-Snow
-Ladybugs
-Adoption
-Christmas decor :D
-Cars
-Trains
-Airplanes
-Trucks
-Stoves
-Refrigerators
-Microwaves
-Toasters
-Cameras
-Computers
-Phones
-Internet

What about you?  What are you thankful for?  What did you do over Thanksgiving?  Have you had any snow?

God bless you!
Joy :D

Simple Christmas Pleasures!

Ahhh...it's that time of year again!  I absolutely LOVE it! 

It's that time when you pull out the Christmas tree...and the decorations...and the brownies!
It's that time when we take on the Christmas songs (I'm waiting for Luke to get his Christmas singing on full-fledge) and it's that time when we celebrate our dear Savior's birth.  I read a book to Luke today about when Jesus was born and when I told him about the manger and why Jesus slept there, he said (in a concerned voice), "Why?  There might be spiders!"  Talk about cute!  :)

Yes, it's just November, but it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here (and it's definately looking like Christmas at my cousin Trey's house...he and his wife put up their tree the day after Halloween).  The Christmas tree is up, the fall decorations are going into storage and the Christmas decorations are coming out (and so is the mess that comes with them!), Christmas lists are being formed, and Christmas sweets are being cooked up!

Speaking of which, I found a simple "recipe" for cinnamon toast the other day and I had never made it before, so I tried my hand at it.  I made it another time since then and had help from Daddy and Luke.  It's so pretty and really gets you in the Christmas mood with that cold wind blowing outside and the cozy Christmas tree lights glowing.



I took this with my daddy's camera--we call it "rinky dink".  I was suprised at how well it turned out!



Again, I was suprised at how well the pictures turned out!  Isn't it pretty?  Mama and I have always thought cinnamon smelled so yummy!

The traditional advent calendar is up...what a joy!

I always had so much fun with this.  You leave all the little dolls in the pockets until the first day of December.

I always start with the trees and end with Baby Jesus, so I guess you could say I add them to the scene on the calendar in order of importance.  The funny thing is, when I added the Wisemen....

I always added this one first, because for some reason to my child mind, he looked meaner than the other Wisemen...therefore, he was less important!  I think it's his eyes, don't you?

This one came in the middle, because he wasn't the nicest looking fella, but he wasn't mean looking, either.

And this one came last, because I thought he looked very kind.

Don't you love memories like that?  I always liked the Little Drummer Boy for some reason, too.  Maybe it was because he was so small and I liked his clothes.

On Friday night, we watched A Smoky Mountain Christmas (starring D*lly Parton) and The Saunta Clause (starring Tim A*len).  We didn't like The Saunta Clause much...it doesn't quite give you that Christmas-y feel--the parents are divorced and Tim/Scott seems to always be yelling at his kid. 

But, A Smoky Mountain Christmas is such a cozy and Christmas-y movie!  It also stars Lee M*jors.

Fun fact: My older brother, Colt, was sort of named after the character that Lee M*jors played in The Fall Guy, Colt Seavers.  That's where my Mama first heard the name, anyway. 

More favorites of ours are It's a Wonderful Life, A Holiday for Love (starring Me*issa Gilbert), A Holiday Romance, and of course, Prancer.  But a post of Christmas movies is coming soon! 

And of course, if you've seen the movie Prancer, you probably have come across this article that Jessica Riggs reads in the movie.  Well, Mama found it in a magazine one year and tore out the page.  We just recently framed and hung it, but before that, it had a place of honor at the piano.

Sorry for the glare!

So what are your Christmas traditions and memories?  Favorite Christmas movies?

God bless you!
Joy :D

                                              ~*~

Please keep Luke in your prayers.  His stomach is bothering him and he's already thrown up once.  He needs prayers for feeling better quickly and we also need prayers that the rest of the family won't get whatever he has!  We realized last night that Luke has actually never thrown up in the year and five months we've had him. 

Thank you for your prayers!

Faithful Fridays ~ Who Will Love Me For Me

Hi everyone!  It's Friday again, so it's time for a Faithful Fridays post! This post will be a little shorter today, because I have a lot of school to catch up on. :)

I started Faithful Fridays so that Christians could have one designated day a week (although I don't think they should keep it to just one day) to share something about their Faith--a prayer request, answered prayer, Bible verse, something God's laid on your heart, etc.  To participate in Faithful Fridays, just grab the button above for your post along with a link to my blog somewhere in your post, too.  After you've published your post, please come let me know in your comment that you participated and leave me a link to your blog.  I'd love to come read your post!

My mama participates in Faithful Fridays on her blog, Country Girl at Home.
Ms. Retha also participates on her blog, Retha's Rambles.
Ms. Patty also participates on her blog, Blessings Beyond.
Ethan participates on his blog, Ethanseverydayblog.
You could be next!

                                                     ~*~

I shared with you earlier this week about a girl named Blossom, who is (still) waiting for her family.  :(

I want to share with you another little boy God has laid on my heart--he is so precious.  I also want to share a song I love about those who have been hurt and need love--we Christians are just the ones to give it!

This is 12 year old Levi.  Levi is on the Shared List.  He was born in August 1999.  He is my age.  All alone.  No mama.  No daddy.  No hugs.  No love.  Just a cold, dreary orphanage.  No Jesus.

Doesn't he look sad? 

You see, Levi** was abandoned when he was six years old.  Six years old.  Think about that.  Think about your six year old.  Think about the six year olds you know.

He was found outside by himself, crying, saying his parents didn't want him anymore.

Despite this hardship, Levi has grown into a more outgoing and active boy.  He loves playing soccer and he loves to be outside.  He gets along well with other children.  He likes to read picture books.

Levi is healthy.

He sits on a list.

And waits.

And waits.

And waits.

In less than two years, he will age out.  He will forever lose his chance of finding a family.  He will probably never know Jesus.  He will live a tough and lonely life, with the brand of an orphan forever on his name.

He will never know the love of a family.

Of a mommy.

Of a daddy.

Of Jesus.

When thinking about Levi's situation, this song comes to mind. Please listen and feel inspired...



It is What Love Really Means by JJ Hell*r.

When we look around, though it is unspoken, can't we see the hurt that people are carrying around? Look closely. Think. Pray. Then act!

As Christians, we are God's hands and feet. We need to show love, and stop hiding in a shell and pretending that the world is okay.



(I Refuse by J*sh Wilson.)

We need to step up and do what God has called us to do.

I recently found this video and I'm so glad I did. I clicked on this vido that was on the sidebar of an adoption blog because I thought it looked like some sort of gymnastics video. It was a Christian speaker named F*ancis Chan, and I love his message!



(Haha, did you catch that about homeschooling? I could write a book on that subject, but I'll leave it alone. :))

We could do SO much through small things.

Like..

A smile.

A hug.

A few sweet and uplifting words.

A letter or note.

An e-card.

An email.

A tract.

It is so simple.

And it's not just that we show love to those who are hurt, it is also that we are letting God's life illuminate through us and shine like a lantern to those around us.

I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.

-John 12:46

Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.

-Matthew 5:15

So go be a lantern for God today--don't hide in your shell and pretend the world is okay. Refuse to let your part go undone.

**If you are interested in Levi, please contact us at countrygirlathome@att.net

Two Wonderful Giveaways!

Blogworld has a lot of great things in it, right?

Giveaways are one of them! 

And speaking of which, there are two giveaways going on right now.  The first is over at Lucia's blog, Umbrella Girl.






This is a 21-prize giveaway.  Yes, 21!  You can view the giveaway HERE.

And the second giveaway is over at Raquel's blog, God's Daughter.

This giveaway has a lot of different prizes--from hair clips to jewelry to soap to personalized gift cards!  To visit the giveaway, click HERE.

Check them out!  :D



Have a wonderful day and God bless you!

Joy :D

Please Pray for Blossom!

I have a special prayer request today--a girl that God's laid heavily on my heart.

This is Blossom.

She's frequently referred to as "Bubbly, Beautiful Blossom", and I think you can see how she got that name!  Look at her smile--it just radiates out from her face!

Blossom is thirteen years old.  She has spina bifida and her left leg is amputated above the knee.

Despite this, Blossom shines.

Blossom is being cared for at Shepherd's Field, a wonderful home for orphans in China.

Some of you may know that in the Chinese adoption process, once a child turns fourteen, they are not allowed to be adopted--this is commonly called "aging out".  It's a very sad thing--in some cases, a child must spend the rest of their life in the orphanage (until they are able/want to leave).  And, I've heard of cases where a child is made to move out of the orphanage on their own--to fend for themself.  Either way, a child that has aged out will never know the love of a family and will forever carry the title of "orphan".  That title is considered "unlucky" and quite scorned upon.  It could keep Blossom from getting a good job or education (to read more about this, please click HERE.  I love this article that was posted on the Love Without Boundaries blog).

So Blossom has several strikes against her.

-She has a more significant special need.

-She is an older child.

Halloween Cowgirl Blossom!

And, to top it off, Blossom's paperwork is not even ready yet--it never has been.  Therefore, that could very well be the reason she has not yet found her family.  I have confidence that Blossom has a few families waiting for her file.  I think that when she does hit the Shared List, there will be more than one family ready to begin considering and praying over her. 

But, Blossom will age out in about seven months.  If a family worked very hard and pushed to get their process expedited, they could bring her home in time before she ages out.

I have access to a wonderful, lengthy video of Blossom where she speaks in her wonderfully poised way, shows off her amazing artwork, and writes her name.  If you would like to see the video and/or get more information on Blossom, please email us at countrygirlathome@att.net.

Read about Blossom:

"She has spina bifida and her left leg is amputated below the knee, so she's in a wheelchair. She has been at Shepherd's Field since July (thanks to some wonderful sponsors!!) and a specialist there has evaluated her and thinks that she would be able to eventually walk with a prosthesis! I have pictures of her swinging on the swings and playing on playground equipment with the other kids (going up the steps and sliding down the slide) so she can certainly get around on her own and has the muscle strength!

Until she came to Shepherd's Field in July, she'd never had any schooling. She had a nanny who taught her some things and she is bright, and she is now learning at Shepherd's Field."

Blossom needs our prayers.  She needs prayer, first of all, that she will come to know Jesus as her personal Lord and Savior.  That's the most important thing.  Secondly, Blossom needs to have her file completed and sent to the Shared List--now!  And then, Blossom needs a family to sprint to her and scoop her up and love her like only a family can.

Will you join me in prayer for this sweet girl?

God bless you!

Joy :D

Photo Caption Contest by Rebekah Brielle!

I saw this on a friend's blog and thought it looked so fun!

Rebekah Brielle is having a photo caption contest on her blog, It's a Love Story.  If you would like to join the fun, click HERE.

Click HERE to visit the contest post!

So here are my entries for the contest:


                                 This is William Mosley, Gorgie Henley, and Ben Barnes.
                                 Or, Peter, Lucy, and Caspian.  :)

My caption:

William: Smile for the camera!

Ben: CHEEESE!

Gorgie: NO, WAIT!  It's a centaur, not a cameraman!  I'll take him down!

Next picture:

Taylor Swift and Random Man

My caption:

Taylor: Talking to a friend

Random Man: Comes up behind Taylor sneakily

Taylor: Talking

Random Man: Picks up a lock of Taylor's hair and begins to finger, pull, and play with it

Taylor: AHHHHH!

Random Man: Pretty hair...

(This is just too much fun...)

Next picture:

Carrie Underwood

My caption:

Carrie: Approached by a person

Person: Is that flower on your dress real?  It's awful poofy.

Carrie: No.  Look at my manicure!

Next picture:

This is Anna Poppwell, William Mosley, and Gorgie Henley.
Or, Susan, Peter, and Lucy.

My caption:

Anna: Aww, look at the talking beaver!

William: I know, isn't he cute?

Gorgie: AHHH!  He hissed!

Next picture:

This is AnnaSophia Robb and a dog on the set of Because of Winn Dixie.

Or, Opal and Winn Dixie.  I just loved this movie!

My caption:

Opal: Ooohh, Danny got in trouble again.

Winn Dixie: Woof!

Opal: I know...he's going to the dog house tonight.

Winn Dixie: Woof!

~*~

And that is it!  Hope you enjoyed!  Have a great day!  My family is putting up the Christmas tree today.  Oh yes, at the beginning of November!  We are Christmas people!  :D

God bless you!

Joy :D

Faithful Fridays - Your Choice

Hi everyone!  I'm a bit late doing my Faithful Fridays post today, but here I am!  Today's post will be a little shorter than usual as we are hurrying to get school done and everyone ready--we're having school pictures taken this afternoon so we have to look extra nice.  :D

I started Faithful Fridays so that Christians could have one designated day a week (although I don't think they should keep it to just one day) to share something about their Faith--a prayer request, answered prayer, Bible verse, something God's laid on your heart, etc.  To participate in Faithful Fridays, just grab the button above for your post along with a link to my blog somewhere in your post, too.  After you've published your post, please come let me know in your comment that you participated and leave me a link to your blog.  I'd love to come read your post!
My mama participates in Faithful Fridays on her blog, Country Girl at Home.
Ms. Retha also participates on her blog, Retha's Rambles.
Ms. Patty also participates on her blog, Blessings Beyond.
Ethan participates on his blog, Ethanseverydayblog.
You could be next!

                                                                                ~*~

I think that a lot of people seem to forget that God has promised us something (okay, He's promised us a lot more than the promise you'll find below):

Blessed is the man
   who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
   or sit in the seat of mockers.
  But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
   and on his law he meditates day and night.
  He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
   which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
   Whatever he does prospers.
   Not so the wicked!
   They are like chaff
   that the wind blows away.
  Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
   nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
   For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,
   but the way of the wicked will perish.

-Psalm 1:1-6

Wow--let that sink in!  God's promising us that if we follow His ways, His rules, His Word, then he will bless us, lead us, guide us, and watch over us.  So many people think that following God is boring and not fun.  They think that God's rules are just made to, ahem, cramp their style. 

But God's Word says differently.  And so do plenty of people who have had experience with following Jesus.  If you choose to honor Christ and be a light for Him, He enhances your life.  He makes it special.  He makes it a LOT better.  God says in His Word that a man (or woman) whose delight is in the law of the LORD is like a tree planted by streams of water.

That's a pretty smart tree, isn't it?  And it's probably going to yield its fruit in season like the Bible says, isn't it? 

I mean, naturally, everyone knows that a tree planted by water is going to do much better than a tree planted in a desert or near rocks or among thorns, right? 

Well think about this--God's Laws are streams of water.

The further away we get from

HIS Word,

                                  HIS Laws,

and HIS counsel,


the more our tree--our life--will wither.

And people wonder why their life is going so wrong?
So today, I encourage you to get closer to God.

Okay, so that could take up a whole other post, but let's take a quick look at what it means to get closer to God.

So bear with me as we get extremely simple here.

This is not a trick question.  Answer this (as you're reading) with a plain answer.

How do you get accquainted with someone?

My answer would be, "by talking to them".

So there you have it--you want to get accquainted with God?

Talk to Him.

Read about Him.

Learn about Him.

And then, the best part, showing off our Friend--talk about Him!

I myself tend to struggle with reading my Bible everyday.  I love to read, though, so that's not my problem.  I guess it's taking time out of my (often busy) day to sit down and read a chapter or so of the Bible. 

-But-

when I do, I feel so good.

So please, please try--read a chapter, or even just a few verses in your Bible.  After all, a little is better than none at all!

Be a tree planted by streams of water.

                                                                          ~*~

Have a great weekend!

God bless you!
Joy :D