Legacy…Hymns of Our Heritage

David Klinkenberg

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More About David Klinkenberg from the Press Release:

(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) September 25, 2007 – Accomplished violinist David Klinkenberg, best known for his touring and performing with highly regarded artist, Jim Brickman, Mark Schultz and as an artist in his own right, delivers his unique style of worship with the release of his latest project, Legacy…Hymns of Our Heritage…Hymns of Our Heritage, exclusive to Family Christian Stores. On this record, which was made available on September 18, Klinkenberg delivers an array of classic hymns tinged with gospel, bluegrass, jazz, pop and old world; played in unique worship only Klinkenberg’s "fiddle" can convey.

From the ethereal strains of "Holy, Holy, Holy," to the Celtic-influenced cadence of "Be Thou My Vision," Klinkenberg takes the familiar melodies on a journey not heard before. On the project, Klinkenberg even offers up a bluegrassy version of "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" and easily transitions to a moving rendition of the world’s most famous hymn, "Amazing Grace." David Klinkenberg’s artistry continuously points you past the performer and toward the Creator.

Klinkenberg has been developing his artistry as a violin player since the age of four. As his talent developed, he began playing churches and local concert halls leading to his current relationship with Brickman and achieving success with his tours of solo performances. But for Klinkenberg, the feeling he gets playing his "fiddle" is nothing short of a powerful worship experience, rather than a mere performance.

"My first memories are of playing the violin," Klinkenberg notes. "And I started playing the violin in church at a very early age, so the concept of worshipping with the violin was ingrained in me as a child. Now it is hard for me to worship without the violin. It was just such an integral part of my spiritual development."

Legacy…Hymns of Our Heritage…Hymns of Our Heritage follows Klinkenberg’s well received Christmas CD, The Carol of Emmanuel, which released last year as his debut Family Christian Stores exclusive. The project has sold in excess of 150,000 units to date and will be re-released this season as well. For more information, visit www.davidklinkenberg.com.

For more information on David Klinkenberg , visit his website.

(provided by L.A.B. Media)

Review by:

Jill Hart, CWAHM.com

Q:I just started a Bible study group (women only) at my home. I read that you are in a weekly Bible study group, so I wondered if you could give me some suggestions on what materials would be good to use with our Bible study?

How does your bible study group work? This is new for me and I kind of lead it, so I didn’t know if I should get a Bible study book to go with what book of the Bible we would study, or if there is a better option.

Also, could you recommend any books of the Bible that would be good to read for our study group? I appreciate any information.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

______________________________________

A:You have amazing options, and a ton of choices in how you’d like to lead your study. Our group has done it several different ways over the years and I don’t know that one stands out for me over another. I’ve learned so much from each one, and every style had a uniqueness that made it special–it’s probably because it’s the Bible–the most interesting, exciting, and active book you’ll ever read!

I don’t know how well you know your Bible–and this may determine how you lead your study. If you’re a beginner I suggest your group studies off of a "Bible study" book. There are several choices at local Christian book stores, or online at www.lifeway.com.

You may want to start with a study on the book of John. John–not to be confused with John the Baptist–is commonly considered Jesus’ closest friend. You’ll be familiar with the new testament stories, but you’ll have a more intimate look at who Jesus is as only a best friend could share.

Each girl should purchase the Bible study book, and complete one chapter per week at home. At the start of each study, begin with prayer then go through the questions you answered from the week and discuss them. A lot of great conversation will stem from this.

If you want to jump into the BEST bible study (in my opinion), your group will have to shell out a few dollars to chip in for Beth Moore’s Daniel study. This is a DVD set along with a Bible study guide book. I love Beth Moore’s style and enthusiasm. I’ve never retained as much information as I did from this study because she’s that good! It also comes with a teacher’s guide (that’d be for you!) to help in instructing and moving the group along in a timely format.

If you don’t want any money involved to purchase books or DVD’s, you can choose a book of the Bible and go through line by line or chapter by chapter. Here are a few questions to ask yourself and look for when reading the scriptures to help dig in.

1. Is there an example to follow?
2. A command to obey?
3. A sin to avoid?
4. A promise to keep?

Currently, we are doing this style of study on 1 Peter. We chose 1 Peter, not only because it’s a great book, but also because it’s short. This type of study involves a lot of time to really dig in, look up definitions, and use a concordance to reference other scriptures. This is a wonderful way to study, but I must say it helps to have someone who’s knowledgeable and familiar with the Bible. I don’t think my group could study this way if it weren’t for our leader Debbie. She’s awesome!

Since this is your first small group and you’re heading it up, I suggest you choose a Bible study book or DVD set and pick a topic of interest for your whole group. You can study a book of the Bible or a topic of interest like being a godly wife, parenting, overcoming strongholds etc. As the leader, go to your bookstore or online, and choose 3 study guides to suggest. Vote on which study the group would like to do, then have each person purchase their own book.

You’ll be blessed in your efforts to study the Bible! And don’t be surprised at your rapid growth in your walk with Christ.

______________________________________

Q:I had an opportunity to see you give your testimony on this year’s Girl’s Get-A-Way Cruise. I remember that there were several questions that you asked yourself prior to accepting or rejecting a job offer. I am in a similar situation with my current position and would like to know what those questions were. Thank you for your testimony. You were such a blessing on the cruise.

______________________________________

A: The most important question I ask myself when faced with a life-changing decision is: Will this be pleasing to God?

Then ask yourself more detailed questions like:

* Will the new job be pleasing to God?
* Will it glorify Him?
* Can I see His hand in it?
* Can I see purpose in it? Or is it something to take my mind off Him?
* Will it take up more hours only to distract me from Him and my family?

Weigh the benefits and the disadvantages from God’s perspective, not your own desires. Most importantly, pray about it and seek advice from the Word.

Hope this helps.

About The Author:

Candace is best known for her role as DJ Tanner on ABC’s hit sitcom Full House. Over the years, Candace has been on a self-imposed hiatus in support of her husband, NHL hockey star Valeri Bure and their three beautiful children, ages 4, 6 & 8.

Candace currently speaks at various churches, colleges, and outreach events throughout the year sharing her testimony and Christian faith. She has a heart for evangelism and recently traveled on a missionary trip to Ghana, Africa. Her long history of charitable work includes the Starlight Foundation, Make-A-Wish, Compassion International, Children’s Hunger Fund and Sheridan House Family Ministries.

Learn more about Candace at her website, CandaceCameronBure.net.

Work at home moms struggle with failure, just like Kathy Ireland, a mom of three young children and a former supermodel. "After trying and failing at several businesses, my partners and I began Kathy Ireland Worldwide in 1993 with a pair of socks," she says. Today, her company grosses over $1,000,000,000 in retail sales annually.

It took a lot of failure and rejection for Kathy to build her company to that level. "My previous work as a model included a lot of rejection. That prepared me for the continuous rejection that I still face in business today. That early rejection gave me the opportunity to ask powerful questions and get powerful answers."

The first powerful question begins with rejection. "When someone says no, ask why," says Kathy. Their explanation will show you an area to improve, a new way to expand what you’re doing, or assure you that you’re not failing in this situation.

The second powerful question begins with acceptance. "When someone says yes, ask how," Kathy says. When someone wants to hire you or buy your product, find out exactly what they want and how they want it delivered. What size do they want? Do they need the item the next day or by the cheapest shipping? What is it that you, a work at home mom, can provide to make the customer happy? Asking this powerful question gives you powerful answers.

"Too often we fear rejection, so we don’t ask for the information we need," says Kathy. "Often when we do ask, we don’t get answers. We get noise! Please learn to turn down the noise and keep asking until someone engages, listens, and truly answers your questions." Don’t give up after asking just one or two people. There are wonderful, successful, generous people who have the answers you’re looking for.

It’s easiest to ask the wrong people for advice. "Be certain you’re asking someone who can truly give you the response you need. Too often we waste time, complaining or grumbling to someone who can’t give us the real information. We ask the person we feel comfortable with. We’re sharing our fears instead of learning and growing. Please don’t let that happen to you."

When you get those powerful answers, they teach you what you need to know to grow as a person and businesswoman. "I look at failure as education, and in that respect I am very well educated. I’ve been fired, and those firing helped build my strength. If you don’t fall, you’re not trying hard enough."

We often think we’re trying hard enough, because our lives feel so busy. We rush from soccer practice to the post office to mail off our eBay sales and collapse exhausted at the end of the day. Kathy warns, "We don’t get brownie points for effort. Don’t confuse complexity with accomplishment. Complexity is a destroyer. Simple is beautiful. Simple doesn’t mean small. Simple means making it as big as you want it to be without chaos." When we live in chaos, we’ll get burnt out.

"When our first child, Erik, was born, I realized how many little things I took for granted. Suddenly a shower was a luxury. This powerful change in my life made me appreciate and realize how much work moms face every day." She made it her company’s mission to "find solutions for families, especially busy moms."

We work at home moms face so many pressures. When we work together and support each other and maybe even make it our business’s mission to bless other women, like Kathy Ireland did, all of us will be blessed and successful.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Terri Pilcher writes articles and interviews millionaires from home for an upcoming book about the Parable of the Talents. Visit her website www.ChristianMillionaireSecrets.com and sign up for her monthly ezine containing an article, an audioclip from a millionaire interview, a book review, and a quote about success.

For years the question, "What’s for supper?" filled me with dread because I rarely knew the answer. I was married eight years before I stumbled upon the practice of menu planning. Once discovered, it made my life a whole lot easier. I spent less time cooking, reduced food waste, saved money and my family ate better. These ten tips can make your life easier, too, so give them a try.

Tip One: Be a Fabulous Cook Once a Day

Reserve your best cooking for your main family meal. Put all other meals on autopilot by creating a weekly menu of simple meals like those shown on this table.

Breakfast

Lunch
Sun
Orange juice, cold cereal, toast Sunday dinner, then popcorn at supper
Mon
Grape juice, instant oatmeal Soup, PBJs, baby carrots
Tues
Orange slices, toaster waffles Grilled cheese, chips, canned fruit
Wed
Orange juice, cold cereal, toast Leftovers
Thurs
Grapes and muffins Hot dogs, veggies and chips
Fri
Grape juice, PB toast or English muffins Mac & cheese, fresh veggies with dip
Sat
Apple slices, Pop Tarts Lunch meat sandwiches, fresh fruit

*This menu assumes milk is served with meals

Tip Two: Plan Menus Weekly

Think of main dishes for the main meal of each day. Write them on your monthly wall calendar or in your planner. Check church, school and work calendars as you go so you don’t plan something for the night of the PTA pancake supper. Do your planning on the day you get your favorite grocery store ads. Make your grocery list as you go, letting good deals on produce and other items guide your side dish choices.

Tip Three: Utilize the Crock Pot and Grill

Plan at least two crock pot meals per week during the winter months and two grilled meals in the summer. Crock pot and grilling recipes are everywhere. Inexpensive cookbooks are available in the check out lanes at grocery stores. Google "crockpot" or "grilling" and see what you get. You can also check at the library or in women’s magazines and newpapers.

Tip Four: Use Leftovers

When planning menus, include at least one meal per week that yields leftovers to be used for the main dish of another meal. Grill a turkey and boil off the carcass for soup. Use leftover meat in hash or a casserole. Put a beef or pork roast in the crock pot and use the leftovers for hot sandwiches, stew or stir fry. Or reheat leftovers for an easy lunch.

Tip Five: Shop Once a Week

Menu planning will help you develop a once-a-week shopping mindset. As you plan meals, make your grocery list. Post it on your refrigerator. As you run out of items during the week, add them to the list. Always take your list with you to the store.

Tip Six: Stockpile Basic Ingredients

Once your breakfast and lunch menus are in place, stockpile kid foods such as canned soup, Spaghettios and macaroni and cheese when they’re on sale. Do the same with ingredients you use regularly such as flour, sugar, spaghetti sauce, pasta, spices, oil, canned tuna and salad dressings. Check the stockpile as you plan menus and add needed ingredients to your grocery list.

Tip Seven: Make Your Freezer Your Best Friend

If you have a deep freeze, take advantage of it. Buy sale-price meat and large quantities of staples to freeze. Date and label everything. Store food in freezer bags or disposable aluminum pans if you run out of casserole dishes.

Tip Eight: Fix More Than One

You can maximize your time by making double, triple or quadruple batches of anything you prepare – casseroles, baked good, snack mix, cheese balls. Serve one batch immediately and put the rest, labeled and dated, in the freezer. By doing this consistently, you will have meals on hand for busy days.

Tip Nine: Develop a Plan for Picky Eaters

Inform the picky eaters at your house that a one choice optional menu plan is available. It should be nutritious but not very glamorous. At our house it was peanut butter sandwiches. As soon as the picksters are old enough, they should fix the optional meal by themselves. This method feeds picksters without catering to them, and they often begin trying new foods.

Tip Ten: Create a Recipe Arsenal

Menu planning is easier if you have a large number of recipes you like. Look for recipes that are uncomplicated, nutritious, freeze well and use inexpensive ingredients. One book that meets all these criteria is Once a Month Cooking by Mimi Wilson & Mary Beth Lagerborg (published by Focus on the Family). Other sources of good recipes include: good cooks, church cookbooks, newspapers and magazines, the library, the Internet and food packaging. Set a goal of trying a new recipe once or twice a month. If your family gives it a thumbs up, add it to your arsenal.

Once I implemented menu planning, I didn’t hate the "What’s for supper?" question because I always had an answer. You will too, with a little practice. So as winter sets in, try these ten tips. And send an email to tell me how you’re progressing. If you do, I’ll send you some of my favorite recipes. So go on, it’s time to get cooking!

About the Author:
Jolene Philo is a freelance writer and speaker who lives in Boone, Iowa. She shares her house and her home office with her husband Hiram, daughter Anne, and dachshund Abby. You can learn more about her at her website, www.jolenephilo.com.

"I can’t believe it," lamented my friend Tammi. "I gave her a discount on the product, I didn’t charge her for shipping, and she’s still complaining that it costs too much!" Tammi had just opened a direct sales business and wanted to make a good impression on her first customer. "Now she’ll never refer me to her friends," she concluded.

Like Tammi, I believe that giving is an important part of building a business. One of the things my first mentor taught me was to give away as much as I could, whenever I could. As a Christian, giving is also a way for me to share God’s love: "Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased" (Hebrews 13:16).

At the same time, giving away products and services can feel fraught with danger. For example, a business colleague gave her services to a friend for free – just to help her get started in her own business. Problems began when the friend kept asking for more, but didn’t want to give anything in return. My colleague felt stuck. She didn’t want to continue giving away her service, but she didn’t know how to say no without damaging the relationship.

Another friend of mine likes to say, "No good deed goes unpunished." To be honest, there are times when I’m tempted to agree with her. It’s difficult to know exactly how much to give, what I should give, to whom I should give, and when I’ve given enough. How do I say no when I don’t what to give anymore? Should I worry about being taken advantage of? How do I know the person I’m giving to will appreciate my gift? Does it matter if she doesn’t?

Here are some of the questions that help me decide if I’m giving for the right reasons, and if my gift is appropriate for the situation.

Is there a need?

First of all, does this person really need what I have to give? If not, that’s probably a clue this isn’t the right person for me to give to, or the right thing for me to share. If the person does have a genuine need, and I’m able to fill that need, that leads me to believe this is situation where I should be giving.

Do I have an abundance?

Having an abundance of something is often a hint that I should be generous in sharing it. A girlfriend called me a few days ago, wondering if I could give her some advice on starting her own online business. Of course I said yes. This is something I have in abundance because of the generosity of other WAHMs who have shared their insights with me.

Am I saying yes because I just can’t say no?

"Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7). One of my first Virtual Assistant clients was a referral from a prestigious colleague. I was determined to impress her and the person who referred her to me. So when the client began requesting services that I didn’t offer (and for a very good reason – I didn’t like doing them and I knew I wasn’t good at them!) I unwisely said yes just because I couldn’t bring myself to tell her no.

This wasn’t a gift at all. I provided the services reluctantly, under a great deal of stress, and I definitely was not cheerful. It would have been much better to be honest about my limitations and refer her to someone more qualified.

Will this person appreciate my gift?

Knowing that someone won’t appreciate my gift doesn’t necessarily mean that I shouldn’t give it. After all, Jesus healed 10 lepers even though He knew only one of them would thank Him. But if I know this particular person may not be grateful, and I still want to give, I need to readjust my expectations of their response.

What’s my motivation for giving?

"Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven" (Matthew 6:1). Am I giving to impress someone, because I want a good referral, to look good in front of my peers? If so, I might still choose to give, but I like to have a solid understanding of why I’m giving and what I hope to gain. If I am giving simply to share God’s love and my own abundance, I won’t expect a referral or praise – and I won’t be disappointed if I don’t receive them.

How to know for sure.

There’s really not a clear-cut way to know for sure every time if you should give away your product or service. Although these questions help me think more clearly about my gift and help me understand why I’m giving, they still don’t provide me with a definitive answer to all my giving questions.

The only way I’ve found to know for sure is to spend time talking about my business with Jesus every day, to get His insight and knowledge. "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best" (Philippians 1:9-10).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Denise Willms is co-owner of WAHM-Articles.com, publisher of WAHM-Articles Ezine, and a ghostwriter for WAHMs who don’t like to write. She is author of the free eBook, Uncovering the Secrets of WAHM Article Marketing and A 30-Day Prayer Guide for Work-at-Home-Moms, scheduled for release in 2007. For more information, please visit http://www.wahm-articles.com or email info@denisewillms.com .

Making Christmas a Time of Remembrance

If you are like me the holidays can be a blessing but they also can be stressful, anxiety filled and very busy.

As a CWAHM and Pastor’s Wife, I literally have to sit and try to remember all the things I need to do in preparing for family to come over, cleaning the house, take care of church business and our plans for Christmas Eve service, writing the menu for Christmas dinner, try to finish all my home business work, in between shopping, shopping and more shopping.

Sometimes I wish we had eight arms and hands like an Octopus that could do multi-tasking simultaneously. Hey wait a minute….we already do?

We’re wives, moms, worker bees, nurses, secretaries, accountants, chefs, house keepers, counselors, disciplinarians, taxi cab drivers, sometimes bus driver’s and professional shoppers. Whew! What a list.

So how do we deal with the holiday hoopla added on top of that oh so crazy list? I came up with some helpful tips to make Christmas a time of remembrance:

1. Remember What Matters Most: In all our busyness we can be taken away from what really matters. Take a moment to reflect on your priorities which are Christ first, family, career etc… Try not to focus on things that just are not important and focus on the things that are.

2. Remember That it’s Not About the Presents: A great way to honor Christ this Christmas and at the same time teach your children the true meaning of Christmas is to share the birth of Jesus story with them, and then take them to the store and let them pick out brand new toys to donate to needy children or families. Make it a memorable and enjoyable experience and they will want to do it more often!

3. Remember Those That Are Lonely & Hurting: Christmas is also one of the most depressing holidays, for people who have lost a loved one, are lonely, hurting or ill. Please look around in your own sphere of influence and say a prayer, make a call or take over a meal or small gift to a friend or family member who needs your love or comfort and more importantly need God’s love through you. If you are one that is hurting this season, please call someone to pray for you, you are not alone and people care about you and would love to encourage and comfort you during this difficult time.

4. Remember the Soldiers: Let us also remember the soldiers that have lived and died honorably for the sake of peace. Please lift them up and their families for strength, comfort and peace.

5. Remember What Jesus Did For You: Christmas is a time of reflection on the real reason Christ was born and how His life as well as His death was a sacrifice for us. Remember back what your life was like before you received Him and reflect on how He has blessed you abundantly since that life changing day.

By remembering all the blessings Jesus has done for us and at the same time reaching out to others, we are commemorating His birth and honoring His life and allowing Christ’s Life to live in us and through us. It is a heritage to be carried on from generation to generation. May your Christmas be blessed and stressed free! From our family to yours!

Special Quote:

Yesterday was History, Tomorrow is a Mystery

but Today is a Gift and that is why they call it the Present!

Author Unknown.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Filoiann M. Wiedenhoff is a Pastor’s Wife; Work from Home Mom, Woman’s Biblical Counselor, Bible Teacher and Christian Author. Shc writes Christian literature to help ignite, inspire and empower believers into living godly lives that glorify God. You can also visit her website www.filoiannwiedenhoff.com.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14

MERRY CHRISTMAS
Enjoy these easy to make, healthful recipes to share with your family and friends.

Herb Cheese Tortilla Slices
1 Whole-wheat tortilla
Favorite flavored, soft herbed goat cheese or savory flavored cream cheese
Sliced green onions, optional
Salsa

Spread a layer of flavored cheese over tortilla. Sprinkle with green onions if desire. Roll tortilla and slice. Serve with salsa for dipping.

White Bean Dip with Toasted Pita Chips
2-15oz cans white beans
3 lemons, zested and juiced
½ t salt
½ t pepper
1/3 c parsley
1/3 c olive oil

Puree all ingredients in a food processor or blender. Add a little bit of water if too thick until desired consistency is reached. Serve with toasted pita chips.

Toasted Pita Chips
1 package Whole Wheat or Oat Bran Pita Bread
½ c Olive oil
1 ½ t Salt
1 t Pepper
1 ½ t Oregano

Cut pita bread in half. Cut each half into three. Separate sliced into two and place onto a foil lined baking sheet. Two baking sheets may be required. Drizzle olive oil over slices followed by salt, pepper and oregano. Mix well to be sure all slices are coated. Bake at 350 for 10-20 minutes or until just beginning to brown. The pita bread will toast and become pita chips.

About the Author:
Diana Sadtler is a University of Tampa graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise and Sport Science. She is a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).

Diana’s passion for fitness and nutrition has sprung her into a lifelong journey in helping others. She currently speaks to women’s groups on how to integrate exercise, nutrition, and healthy habits as part of day-to-day life. In addition to Diana helping her clients achieve optimal health, she also achieves her own personal goals and competes in fitness competitions annually. She enjoys working with individuals of any age and fitness level and believes that exercise and good health is a lifestyle choice.

Diana is also a freelance writer on health and fitness topics. Her articles have appeared in Focus on the Family publications and various fitness websites. To contact Diana with questions or comments, please email her at dsadtlergetfit@tampabay.rr.com.

Webster’s Dictionary defines “hurt” as: “to inflict with physical pain, to do substantial harm to, to cause anguish to, to be detrimental to, to suffer pain or grief.” Hurt, however, is sometimes much more that what Webster has described. Hurt is tears, it’s heartache, it’s depression, insomnia, headaches, over eating, or not eating at all. Hurt takes on many different forms. Hurt can break you beyond any mending that is humanly possible. The weight of hurt is heavy, it’s load will cause you to weep bitterly, because you can’t muster the words to pray. Hurt’s embrace is draining; it’ll strip you of your sanity.

Hurt this deep is something that only God can heal. Yes, God can heal you, but you have to allow Him. Not in your time, but in His. Remember, God doesn’t operate in time the same way that humans do. “One day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day,” (II Peter 3:8). Healing requires patience. Physically, if you get cut, it will take some time, but the cut will heal. It’s the same when you’ve been cut emotionally. It will take some time, but you will heal. I don’t believe in the saying ‘time heals all wounds’ because time is getting credit for something only God can do. People carry their hurts with them to their grave waiting on time to heal them. Some hurts are too deep, those kinds of hurts only God can reach.

While you are in the healing process, pray. It may be hard (the Lord never said it would be easy) and you may be angry (the Lord never said you’d always be happy). Regardless of your emotions or how you may be feeling, pray. Some prayers may only come through tears, others may come through groaning, while others you may not even be able to utter (Romans 8:26). Whatever the case, know that with each passing day hurt’s grip will loosen, and eventually you will be freed from its clutches.

Last, have faith. Faith is (according to Webster) “a firm belief in something in which there is no proof,” (See Hebrews 11:1 for the Bible’s definition). Trust God. Believe He is going to heal the hurt (Mark 9:23). Find a scripture that ministers to you, look at yourself in the mirror and recite it. Don’t doubt the power of God – is anything too hard for Him? (Jeremiah 32:27) God offers healing to His people. It’s yours for the taking, but what good does it do if you don’t take it. What good is a gift that’s not received? Accept what God has offered you, by faith.

The Lord makes that which is impossible, possible (Matthew 19:26). I am a living witness that there is healing after the hurt.

About the Author:
The Lord has wrought miracles through the life of Takiela Bynum. Life’s circumstances ignited a blaze, and reduced her broken spirit to ashes. She has been restored from cremation and beautified with salvation. Takiela wrote at her leisure as a tween, and her work proved as evidence of incipient literary composer. God had a purpose for her pleasure…to minister. One must first be hurt in order to be healed, held captive in order to be freed, and cast down to be exalted, that is the basis of her prose. She has novels and poetry that are pending publication.

The Lord exchanged the ashes of her life for His beauty, indeed.

Takiela has been married for over ten years to Minister Marterrio Bynum. They have three children and reside in Nebraska. Learn more about Takiela at TakielaBynum.com.

Read: Matthew 1:21:

"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins"

Christmas is almost here! What do you think of first when you think of Christmas? The gifts you’ll receive? The party at school? The songs you’ll sing?

The real reason for the holiday is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Every year during the Christmas holiday, I feel a little bit sad because, even though we celebrate His birth, I know Jesus Christ was born to die.

But Jesus rose to live again! That day, He changed the world forever. He turned this world topsy-turvy! And the day you ask Jesus into your heart is the day you are changed forever.

"God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die" (John 3:16 CEV).

One day, if we have faith in Jesus, we can live with Him. For how long? Forever and ever!

Topsy Turvy Tip: As you give and get gifts this Christmas, remember – Jesus is the greatest gift!

Life without Christ is Topsy Turvy!™

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Donna J. Shepherd looks at everyday life and finds God’s fingerprints everywhere. A columnist for The Dabbling Mum and NABBW, her articles and poetry have been published in Reminisce Extra, Just Between Us, Guideposts for Kids, Wee Ones, and more. Her devotionals appear in Daily Grace for Women (Honor Books, April 2005), and Anytime Prayers for Everyday Moms (Warner Books, November 2006).

The Nativity Story

Product Description

"It was the cruelest of times. Under Herod’s torturous reign, families struggled to survive and yet, in the midst of utter turmoil, a young woman’s faith is put to the test. Join Mary (Keisha Castle-Hughes) and Joseph (Oscar Isaac) on an incredible journey of hope and discovery. Epic in its scope, yet intimate in it’s portrayal of this historical family, this "wonderful film" (Bill Zwecker, Chicago Sun Times) is "a family feature that will be cherished for years to come!" (Greg Russell, WMYD-TV, Detroit)." – Amazon.com

Website: nativityresources.com

"This is a well done film telling the most important story of history. You won’t be disappointed." – Jill, CWAHM.com