Winner Announced! Encouraging our Soldiers!

Hi Everyone~

Wow! It is almost Christmas!  On Monday, I told you about a study I am doing to prepare my heart for Christmas.  I am learning about the different names that Jesus had during this wonderful time.  Today, I found out an answer to a question I have had since before I was Saved.  Perhaps you have had the same question for all of these years?  I hope to answer it for you.

Today you will find: 

• Were Mary and Joseph told to call Him Immanuel or Jesus? Friday!
• My gratitude for your prayers, and the result of the PDCC DT search.
• Card of the Week Winner Announced!
• Matthew  1:21-23,  Isaiah 8:10, John 14:15-21, Isaiah 9:6
• A Unique Way to Bless Our Soldiers!            

 "For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."  Isaiah 9:6

I saw some beautiful prayers in the comment section. I thank you all for praying for me about the PDC Design Team Search. Please know that my heart is at peace about this. I know that if I am "supposed" to get it...if it is   His Will for me...then, I will get the spot. If not, He has other things in store for me. PLEASE know I appreciate your sweetness in praying for me. I will always be thankful for your prayers.

He has let me have my dream of having this ministry. I thought when I became disabled that I wouldn't be able to be a part of a ministry. I have been so blessed learning more about Him, getting to know all of you. He has provided for me in such amazing ways. I will share about this one day soon--another post.

I did hear from Julie from the Play Date Cafe Challenge last night.  I was not chosen to be a part of this Design Team.  It is OK.  I am disappointed- a human reaction.  But, I am at peace with the decision.  In fact, I feel that the Lord has wanted me to add several new concepts to this blog! I am very excited about this! In fact, there will be opportunities for you to help pray, share, or help this blog in other ways, if you are willing. More details in January.  If you may be interested in helping this blog grow, please email me, or share it in the comment section.  I will NOT take it as a commitment as I haven't shared the details yet--don't worry! This would be the perfect time to share ideas you may have or what you would like to see here on the blog!  And, please pray for me to have clear guidance from Our Lord Jesus.

"She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1-21

"All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet; The virgin will be will child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel--which means, 'God with us.'" Matthew 1:22-23

There is so much exciting information I want to share about the name Immanuel, and the insight I learned from one of Northland's Pastors today!  You see it seems to me that Mary and Joseph were given two different names to name their special child. How did they choose?  Well, since I have not had a moment to make any cards this week I will share this information...on Friday!  Please join us! I am so excited to share this!  Even if you know already-- please stop by!

A Unique Way to Share with Our Soldiers

One of our regular readers, Cathy, shared a great opportunity with me to tell all of you!  It is a unique way to bless our soldiers! It doesn't matter what your opinion about this war is...it is about sharing Good Will.   I went to this Xerox site and chose one of their many designs for a postcard.  (The great art is by children.)  I then entered just my first name and the state I live in...you can put your last name, I chose not to do so.  Then you choose one of several messages they will print out for you.  I chose one that offered my prayers.  Off it goes to soldiers!  He or She will be blessed by this quick reminder that Xerox is sending on your behalf.  And, according to Cathy...and myself...neither of us has had our email boxes full of Xerox advertisements! I have not received one! Please at least check it out:

http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home1280.html

Isaiah 8:10 reads, "Be encouraged because no one can prevail against you if God is with you."

Announcing the Winner of the He IS Able Card of the Week!

All of the comments from the past week were entered into the drawing.  One comment was randomly chosen...the Winner of the He IS Able Card of the Week is...   SeaMom!  Congratulations!  Please email me your address at my new email:  TraciStarkweather@gmail.com  that way I will know that you would like to receive this incredibly beautiful Vintage-style card made and donated by Janaria.  If for some reason, you do not want to receive this card, just don't email your address to me. (Please do NOT put your address in the comment section!)  I hope you will use the card to bless others by sharing about Jesus the Christ.  Our Mission Statement is:  Sharing His Love, His Word, His Gift of Salvation through Card Give-Aways!  It would be wonderful if you used the card to fulfill our Mission Statement!

I need to confess this to each of you.  I have fallen behind in sending out cards and the CD's that people have won on this blog.  I am extremely sorry.  I take this blog seriously.  I appreciate each of you, and yet, I did not get your things out to you in a timely manner. I will do better.  This is part of the ministry...and getting those cards out is as important as what I write about our Lord, Jesus the Christ.  I am guilty of procrastinating. I kept saying, "I will do that tomorrow."  Tomorrow would come...and I would say the same thing.  And, time is flying by.  I do apologize.  I will change.  I ask that you please forgive me.  I can get the cards out to everyone tomorrow...the postal woman already came today.  The CD's will need to wait until Saturday, when my husband can drive me to the post office.  He is at work before they open and after the close, and there is no bus service where we live.  I really am sorry for doing this.  I do appreciate each of you.  I am so grateful that you spend time here each week...Monday, Wednesday and Friday...I pray for the right things to share, and that you are all well, and have hearts to receive what the Lord wants you to receive.  I apologize, and hope you will forgive me.  Please, do not let me off the hook.  I did wrong, and there are consequences.  Please get ready to write those cards out...sharing about His Amazing Love.  You will have them soon.

"Remember that Jesus will not leave us orphans. He will show himself to those who love Him." John 14:15-21

Many of you asked about the fundraiser we (those of you who have helped by donating your beautiful cards, envelopes, announcing it on your blog and for your prayers) had this past Sunday.  This event was similar to a craft fair.  It is very different from the 24 hour American Cancer Society's Relay for Life Fundraiser in April.

Sadly, the festival on Sunday was canceled due to winds exceeding 30 miles per hour, rain and temperatures that went into the 30's and 40's.  This may be normal where you live, but we are in Florida!  The tent could not even go up because the wind would have ripped it and torn it down.  Don't Worry!  The cards were all safe, wrapped in plastic, in baskets by theme...safe from the elements.  It's OK.  This will put us ahead for the April Fundraiser, plus my Mom is going to sell cards at all of the meetings between now and then.  They will be sold! It will just be later.  I am praying to receive an additional 100 sets of 10 cards plus envelopes, or individual cards plus envelopes to raise $5,000 by the end of April for this worthwhile charity.  So, please, keep those cards and envelopes coming.  I promise they are all safe, dry and still gorgeous.  In fact, my Mom sold some when a couple neighbors dropped by their home for a minute!  They couldn't resist seeing those incredible cards of yours! Congratulations on all of your efforts!   I thank you all for your part. The holidays soon will be over...the lull may be the perfect time to make some cards.  You are all appreciated! 

I hope you will ALL be here on Friday.  I am so excited about what He has revealed to me.  I will share that on Friday!  Thank you for being here.  I apologize for the length of this post.  I had a lot to share with you.  God bless!

I always love to read your comments!  hint! hint!  God bless you all!

He IS Able,
Traci S.