Friday, December 30, 2011

How Are You Feeling? Happy 2012?!

Hi Friends~


 I do wish each of you a wonderful and safe New Year's Celebration.  When you are thinking about the coming year...2012...(YIKES!) think of how you can spend more time with the Lord, or how to understand Him better, how to serve Him, do more good deeds, or how to reach others for Him and spread the Gospel. And, make it your top priority! 


Because our "Card Sets of the Week" have brought out so many new guests to the He IS Able blog, we are going to continue giving away sets of up to 5 cards a week until further notice.  These cards are for all different occasions, and are stunning!  I know you will want to leave a comment before Tuesday, 8pm (Eastern Time USA) to be eligible for the random drawing.  After the person is randomly chosen, a number from 1-5 is chosen.  That number is how many cards and envelopes you will receive!  Just stop by on Wednesdays to see who won, and if it is you, email me your mailing address.  (My email is on the bottom of the right column.)  I will not be leaving messages for winners to come check out the site...so if you see your friend's name...let them know!  (Also, I can only afford to send these cards in the USA.  We love every one of you who visits...I just can not afford it.  I do apologize.)

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I wrote this post last year on December 27th.   I think it is such an important message to share that I would like to repeat it.  You are all so important to me.  So please take this message to heart.  I am not going to change the words...they are written to apply to Christmas time, but New Year's is the same.  I have deleted some material that no longer applied.  PLEASE contact me, if I can share any information or answer any questions. We would like for you to please leave all  prayer requests in the comment section.  Joan and I will pray sincerely and without ceasing.  YOU are important!

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I have something weighing heavily on my heart. I want to share it with you. You may know about it...perhaps it is a completely unique thought that has never crossed your mind. I feel a responsibility to share it. I hope you understand, it is not a typical Christmas time post. Here goes:

"Merry Christmas!" "Happy Holiday!" "Isn't Christmas the best time of the year?" "Happy New Year!" "Feliz Navidad!" It goes on and on...all of these merry or joyous greetings. People say them to the cashiers that they don't even usually greet. They say them to the person a few cubicles down..."Have a Merry Christmas!" "Oh, I do hope you enjoy playing with those new Grand-babies of yours! Christmas is surely for children!"

I want to remind everyone...that even though Christmas is a day of the ultimate Joy, there are many who have feelings of sadness, depression, even suicide during the holidays.


Now, I pray that you all had an incredible Christmas with family and friends, and closeness, and that you celebrated the Miraculous birth of our Savior, Jesus. If you had a day like this...you are fortunate...blessed. I am very happy for you!

However, many people are not feeling joy this time of year. The AA rooms are usually busting out of the seams this time of year. People choosing not to drink again. That is not what this is about...unless it should be for you, or someone you love. (Email me if you would like info on AA or Al-anon.) It was in the AA rooms that I learned a lot of what I want to share.

This information is something I learned long ago. Both of my grandmothers passed away in December one year after each other. It brings great sadness to me. One of them was still Jewish, which adds tremendous sadness and guilt to me. I was also assaulted in December, and re-live that every year. Many people have loved ones who may have passed away this year, and they don't know how to "do" Christmas without them. Perhaps, a loved one passed away even 25 years ago and they still grieve this time of year. Some people may have gone or be going through divorce. Another type of loss...even if it was their idea! It is difficult...it is new. There are people that really don't have the resources for the most minimal of things...let alone to buy gifts or cookies. There are Veterans who sadly, still live in "the" war in their minds. So, if you are one who is feeling like any of these people, or many other people with other trials and sadness. Or if you are just so overwhelmed with "how" Christmas is supposed to look like and feel...you are not alone.

 It is a time of Joy that Jesus came here as a little babe, to Save us and Love us. And, you can still have great sadness over other issues. So, please do not feel "alone." You can feel a combination of feelings, too.

Deuteronomy 33:27:
"The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.
He will drive out your enemies before you, saying, ‘Destroy them!"

If you fall into this category, instead of the over flowing with bubbly talk and song! You are where you should be...especially if you are in the arms of Jesus. Please know, He will help you...just ask Him.

You need not stay in this category forever. Even if it is a mental illness, there is hope. There is always HOPE. Always a way out! Especially with our Loving Lord, Jesus the Christ. But, please, be yourself. Happy or not. Just be honest with your emotions...share if you want...or just be honest with yourself about being sad, but promise to keep others and yourself safe...not matter what! If it becomes dangerous...call 911 and tell them...do not wait. They will help you. Think of all of the people who care for you, though you may be incapable of feeling it right now. Suicide is NEVER the answer. NEVER! And, for those of you who may be grieving over someone who did take their own life. Jesus can help you with your suffering, also. He is a BIG and MIGHTY Lord, and capable of ALL things. I am so sorry for your loss.

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Psalm 147:3

I hope I have had clarity to write. There is no "Correct" way to feel right now is my point. Every step you take...to step out of it...is wonderful. And, if you have Jesus Christ in your life as Lord and Savior...He can change anything! Even if you feel that your sadness is too big for anyone to change it.

If you do not know Jesus in your heart as your Lord, your Messiah, then simply type that in the comment box or email me. I will be honored to help lead you to a life full of HOPE and love and joy...as well as some sadness, and grief...but you will have Jesus on your side. Jesus is Victorious in His Battles. He will fight for you! He loves you already!

I care. I pray for each of you...the joyous, the sad, the happy, the homeless, the grief stricken, those with problems in their lives that seem so big. I pray for those of you who know Jesus Christ, and for those of you who don't. I pray that you will seek help if you need it. I pray that you will be honest with yourself, especially, about how you are truly feeling. I will be happy to help carry some of your burden. He-- Jesus the Christ, can carry your burden for you. He already has. I pray that any of you who find yourself in one of the above situations will seek help, or at least let me know, so I can pray. I have some friends who I pray with daily, with your permission--ONLY, I would have them join in praying for you. Otherwise, it is between you, me and Lord Jesus.

If you are feeling like you want to help somehow. Pray. Read the Bible. Watch for signs. Don't "make someone feel "jolly," try to accept their feelings however they may be. Volunteer...go read the Christmas Story to someone in a Nursing Home, or in the hospital. That is such a wonderful thing to do. Just go to the nurses station and ask if there is anyone who hasn't had a visitor, and ask if you can spend a bit of time with you. Introduce yourself, and ask if they would like to listen to the Christmas Story, or a different section of the Bible, or just talk. And, then just listen...don't offer any advice unless you are a professional...and then be careful!! And, you will not only be blessing them. You will be amazed...by the time you are back in your car...you will feel blessed yourself.


I pray that everyone have a Happy New Year with Jesus being the focus of the year! Thank you for letting me share that.


He IS Able,
Traci Starkweather

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

"Get Your Faith Lifted" and Winner Announced...

Hi Friends~


I found this beautiful piece this morning that I think you will enjoy...and then we will see who won this week's "Card Set of the Week!"  and how many cards will be given!


First, this wonderful Devotion from "Quiet Moments in the Presence of God."  Their Devotions are published by Bethany House.


Get Your Faith Lifted


"When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, "I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such faith."  (Matthew 8:10)


When Jesus commended the soldier for his great trust, he was making a faith comparison.  By applauding the military commander for believing his servant could be healed, Jesus was saying some people have more faith than others.  To increase your faith, spend time with God and draw close to Him.


The important thing in faith development is not to compare where you are to others but to compare it where you are to others but to compare it with yourself.  Where are you now in comparison to where you were before?  Is your faith being lifted to a higher level?  In your faith, be superior to your previous self.  In your Christian life, have a faith that regularly increases and steadily rises.


Your faith increases as you focus more and more on who God is to you.


"You have accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord.  Now keep on following Him.  Plant your roots in Christ and let him be the foundation for your life.  Be strong in your faith, just as you were taught.  And be grateful." (Colossians 2:6-7)

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OK, let's see who will win 9 Cards from the He IS Able Blog!


Why 9?  Because we randomly chose the comment from the past week through Tuesday evening at 8pm like every week.  And, we have randomly chosen the number of cards to be given away...and the number was to be chosen between 1-10 cards!  This week's cards will be for all different occasions...


This Week's Winner is Becky Dunham when she left her comment on December 26th!  Congratulations, Becky!  We are so glad you are here, and we hope you will continue to visit us on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays...you could receive the post of the blog via email in the top rectangle on the right hand side of the blog!  Becky, please email me by next Tuesday at 8pm with your snail mail address, and I will be happy to send you the 9 cards/envelopes.  tracistarkweather@gmail.com


We love and appreciate all of our guests, but sadly, we can only send items to people living in the USA, due to the costs of postage.  We hope you will all continue to visit the He IS Able blog, as we encourage each other to grow closer to Him, and to share the Gospel with people we may or may not know.  After all, that is how our Card Give-Away started!  We hope that you will use your cards to share about "His Love, His Word, and His Gift of Salvation through Card Give-Aways!"

See you on Friday!  God Bless!

He IS Able!
Traci Starkweather

Monday, December 26, 2011

Who Would You Be?

Dear Friends~

I pray that everyone has had a wonderful, God-filled Christmas!  What an exciting time of year.  I keep thinking of what it would have been like to be a shepherd in the field...and to receive the message from God's angel. The message of our Savior's birth!  It must have been the most terrifying and exciting and wonderful thing to ever happen int heir life!  I wonder if the shepherds just left their sheep where they were, the sheep that they cared for so carefully day after day, or if they took off to find this babe in swaddling clothes in a manger?  Or did they take the sheep with them on this long trek?  I don't know, it just makes me think about them and their lives so much. 

If you could be anyone in the Christmas Story who would it be...and it you would, how about telling us why?  This could be so much fun to share about in the comment section!

I wish I had the faith and righteous nature of Joseph.  It must have been so horrible for him to be faced by the other men in the Village, when his wife to be was pregnant by someone else.  Well, that's what they thought, I think.  They all must have thought that his wife-to-be was cheating on him, and that Joseph must not have been much of a husband-to-be.  Joseph did everything he was told...no questions asked, no argueing his side of things.  He did what he was told...and he was rewarded by being the father of the Savior of the World.

I have a bit of news to share.  Michele will be unable to continue writing the "Precious Women of God--This Includes You!" in the future.  At least for a few months. She is fine...just extremely busy, and has been working with us for a long while now.  I would love it if one of you would like to join our team and pick up with Michele's posts. Even temporarily. I have material that would be informative to help, and I could point you in the direction of some very helpful websites.  You would type it up...I will help as much as you want...and you would email it to me a week before the 3rd Friday (when it is posted), and I will post it on the blog for you!  The purpose of the post is to share about the woman of your choice from the Bible, and to get us to think about whether: We would have done what that woman did or not? Would we want to be like her?  What qualities did she have that were admirable?  Was there anything you would change about her if you were her?  These are a few of the questions that you could pose to your readers.  Please take a look at some of Michele's posts...you can find them on the right side in red...look for "Precious Women of God--This Includes You!" and click to read her post of the month.  Go ahead and read a couple and see if this is something you would like to do---once a month, as a way to serve the Lord.  If you find yourself interested, email me at:
tracistarkweather@gmail.com and I will answer any questions you may have, and offer any help! This would really be a great way to serve the Lord, and help me out, too.



He IS Able!
Traci Starkweather

Sunday, December 25, 2011

The Winner of the "Very Merry Christmas Blog Candy" Announced!

Dear He IS Able Blog Friends~(Who I am grateful for and appreciate and hold dear to my heart.)


“And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.” Luke 2:16-20 KJV

MERRY CHRISTMAS! Last night Dave and I went to Christmas Eve Services at Northland Church. It is listed on the right side of the blog under favorite blogs...you can watch the hour long service by clicking on it. I tell you it was an amazing service! First of all, Dave went with me...just to be my escort, but it made me so happy...and I prayed even more fervently for his and Josh's Salvation. I was so glad he went, and of course hearing God's Word does not go void...it impacts everyone's hearts. Anyway...the music was phenomenal!


I must tell you that I wrote tomorrow's (Monday's) post on Friday. Well, when you read what I am about to share...and then read tomorrow's post...you will be as shocked as I was! The sermon was the first time I have ever heard one like this...it was the Christmas Story from Luke Chapter 2, from the Shepherds in the field point of view.  It was inspiring.  It was beautiful.  The church I have attended is huge...it seats about 10,000 people I think, but you still get that close-knit feeling. It's the people.  When they shared about the Heavenly Host, they used the church lights to make little circles of very bright white circles all over the dark room...they shut off all other lights. They represented the Heavenly Host. It was beautiful.  It kept me speechless and excited at the same time.  I was so glad that I went. And, now that they don't use pews, I may be able to attend on a weekly basis, because with my disabilities, it is so hard to sit in a pew. These are much more comfortable and all pivoted toward the center slightly...so we can all see everything happening on the...I don't know the proper word for this...the stage or the pulpit?  Is a pulpit the item that a Pastor may stand behind when lecturing that holds his notes?  Or is it the area that the whole team stands on, like a stage? In Hebrew and in synagogues the Bimah (Bee-ma) is the whole stage area...and the pulpit is the item that holds the microphone and the Torah (The first 5 books of the Bible). I would love to know, if you know, please let me know. Thank you!


Oh, there was a candle light portion of the service. But, they used battery operated candles for everyone. Apparently, there was a  mis-hap a few years ago…someone injured herself with her candle!  It just wasn't the same. I loved seeing all of the white lights shining every where you looked in the past. It reminded me of white for purity, and the Light that shines within myself and others. Now, they use orange colored candle flames...it just wasn’t the same to me.


I'd love to know what you did on Christmas Eve! How about sharing if you have some time?
 

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I know, you are here to see who won the:
 

"Very Merry Christmas Blog Candy!"


The prizes include:


**An awesome Ash2Ash CD (Click on the words "Rise Up" and turn up your volume on your computer! Get ready to Praise the Lord! I love this song and the whole CD!)


**Rubber stamps:    1. "Jesus is the reason for the Season"


                                 2. Stampington Company-"Large Donner"


                                 3. and 4. A set of Acrylic Studio G stamps on
                                               friendship and thanks


                                 5. A Hampton Art-Studio G"Thinking of you in Prayer."


                                 6. A stamp of a noise maker...one you may find at a birthday party


**A beautiful murano glass cross


**Silver Craft Cord

**A Christmas music CD


**One glazed Nativity Scene Ornament with Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus


**Spool of Town and Country Ribbon- red with green hearts for all year use


**A Sizzix Impressions Embossing Folder.


**I will include some extra goodies also!


We will be continuing the "Weekly He IS Able Card Set Give-Away" until further notice! So, please get a new comment in by Tuesday evening at 8pm (Eastern time-USA) to be eligible! The person's comment  and the number of cards/envelopes given (1-10) will be announced on Wednesday! The winner has until the next Tuesday evening at 8 O'clock to email me with your mailing address.


The Winner of the "Very Merry Christmas Blog Candy" is...
 

Shelly Schmidt!


Congratulations, Shelly! I hope you will really enjoy this arrangement of goodies! Please email me your snail-mailing address, (Even though I may have it) to show that you would like to receive these exciting items! I need to receive that email by Saturday, December 31st at Midnight, or you may forfeit it! My email is tracistarkweather@gmail.com


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Praying you all experience the love of Jesus Christ today and always, and that you will share that with others who may not yet know Him. Please be safe travelling.  I am so glad you have all been here. I pray you will continue to visit us on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays!


Merry Christmas!
 

He IS Able!
Traci Starkweather

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Merry Christmas!

Dear Friends,


Tonight is Christmas Eve.  The most wonderous evening of the year.  I am only going to share a short reminder that you have until 12:00pm (Midnight) on Saturday (Eastern Time-US) to leave a comment to be eligible for the "Very Merry Christmas Blog Candy!"  The winner will be announced on Christmas Day!  You need to contact me by email before Saturday the 31st. (My email is on the right side--far down on the list.)


I pray you all have a God-filled evening and day tomorrow.  That you have friends or family to celebrate our Savior's birth with, and that you all are kept safe.  This is my first holiday season without Josh being here.  He will be graduating from the Air Force's Basic Military Training soon after the New Year.  I am praying that he will go to the service they have on base, and that he will make the most important decision in his life...to give his life to Jesus, and ask Him to be his Lord and Savior.  Have a wonderful holiday.

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This is my favorite Christmas Story Scriptures:


Luke 2:1-21 (KJV)
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.


And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.


And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.


And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."


And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into Heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.


And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

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Merry Christmas and May God bless each of you!

He IS Able!
Traci Starkweather

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

This Week's Winner Is...

Hi Friends~


Well, are you ready for Christmas?  I don't mean the tree and the lights outside.  I mean inside, in your heart.  Have you been spending some time with the Lord?  Have you been reading the Christmas sections of the Bible?  Do know Jesus in your heart?  That is what I mean when I ask if you are ready for Christmas. 

I haven't sent out one card, we don't have a tree up or Christmas lights outside, I never even put my Nativity Scene up which is really the only decoration I do put up.  I have not been well.  But, hopefully, I will be better for the Christmas Eve Candle Light Services.  Dave said he would go with me!  I am excited.  And, I know they are offering a nice Christmas Service for Military Members, that Josh will probably go to.  I can not wait to see him!

But, I know that I know Jesus, and I try to learn more about Him every opportunity that I have.  I am so grateful that He let me come to know Him.  That He has changed me through the Holy Spirit.  Thank You, Jesus!

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Special Holiday Weekly Blog Candy Winner!

 
We are giving away a set of cards to a person who leaves a comment...about anything before Tuesday at 8pm. The comment will be randomly chosen and announced on Wednesday! The number of cards you receive will range between 1 and 10...that number will be randomly chosen! This Give-Away will run through the month of December!

 
This Week's Winner...
Congratulations, Abby of Little Birdie Blessings!!

Thanks for the comment and for stopping by Abby!  I know your own blog, Little Birdie Blessings is a huge blessing to all of us that visit it!  Abby,  shares beautiful Vintage Art with us, (And we can use it on some cards when given permission!)  But, she shares so much more than that!  She shares so much about the Lord, and about Hymns which she loves and plays at church.  You will be blessed for visiting her blog.  Look on the right side of this blog, and you will see "Little Birdie Blessings."  Just click on that and you will be at her blog in a moment.  By the way, Abby please email me your address, even if I have it, so I know that you do want your gift from the He IS Able blog. I must be notified by Tuesday night at 8pm or you forfeit the cards, and we don't want that.  It is our hope and desire that you will use these cards to share about "His Love, His Word, His Gift of Salvation. "  And, since this is  one of our Special Holiday Weekly Blog Candy Winner!  You didn't win one card!  You won the randomly chosen  5 cards and envelopes!  We will continue to have this special give-away for the rest of December!  So, we hope everyone will leave a post before Tuesday evening.  And, don't forget you could win our "Very Merry Christmas Blog Candy!"  You will receive one entry for every comment you have left between December 10th and Christmas Eve at Midnight (Eastern Time.)  Look below for what you may win!

 
I almost forgot, this was Abby's randomly chosen comment:
Hi Traci, Thanks for your comments on my blog. I hope you're enjoying this Christmas season. Thinking of your son who is in the military now. Merry Christmas. ~ Abby By Little Birdie Blessings on New Info on Blog Candy and Christmas Poetry to Enj... on 12/15/11

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 Do you see that rectangle under our title on the right side?  It asks if you would like to receive the He IS Able blog via email automatically?  If you would, just put your email in there and hit your enter key.  I am the only one who can see your address, and I don't know how to do that yet!  This may be more convenient for you to do this.

How are you spending Christmas?  How about sharing a Family Tradition in the comment section? 

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I have shared about our Special Holiday Weekly Blog Candy Winner!  Now I would like to share about 2 other Give Aways!

Share About The He IS Able Blog!
And, if you share about our give-aways or post our He IS Able blog badge on your blog...and let us know--(please send a link)--we will send you a couple cards/envelopes for your use...as a thank you. (Please click and paste the badge...it is not a button...they will only see the URL if it is copied.) It is a simple way to serve the Lord. The more people learn about this blog, and come to visit and learn about The Prince of Peace aka The King of Kings aka The Mighty One, the more they learn about the grace and love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ and His amazing gift of Salvation. The more apt your readers are to pray and give their life to Him. Isn't that what we are really here for?    AND...

We are having a Very Large Blog Candy Give-Away on Christmas Day!
We have many wonderful items that will be given to one randomly chosen person. Here are the details...every time you leave a comment from December 10-24th, you will be entered in our drawing for our "Very Merry Christmas Day Blog Candy!"

We have some fabulous prizes this year:
**An awesome Ash2Ash CD (Click on the words "Rise Up" and turn up your volume on your computer! Get ready to Praise the Lord! I love this song and the whole CD!)
 
 
**Rubber stamps: Stampington Company-"Large Donner," 3. & $. A Set of 4 acrylic Studio G stamps of friendship and thanks, 5. A Hampton Art-Studio G-"Thinking of you in Prayer." and a 6. stamp of a noise maker...one you may find at a birthday party, for instance!)
**A beautiful murano glass cross
**Silver Craft Cord

**A Christmas music CD

**One glazed Nativity Scene Ornament with Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus

 
**Spool of Town & Country Ribbon- red with green hearts for all year use

**A Sizzix Impressions Embossing Folder
 Be sure to leave your comments to be eligible for the drawing to be announced on Christmas Day!


This is in addition to our Weekly Card Give-Aways! We are so blessed to have you stop by...it is our way of saying thank you for joining us, encouraging each other---including us, and "Sharing His love, His Word, and His Gift of Salvation through Cards!*" (* This is the blog's Mission Statement.)

 
   Please leave as many comments as you can before Midnight on Christmas Eve to be eligible for our "Very Merry Christmas Blog Candy!"...East Coast Time here in the US. You can enter as many times as you like. To be eligible for the Weekly Give-Away, please be sure to leave a post before Tuesday evening at 8pm! Please be sure to leave your prayer requests in the comment section. Joan and I will pray for each one. May God bless each of you as you bless others!


He IS Able!
Traci Starkweather

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

"--Twas the Night Before Jesus Came--"

Hi Friends~

The following poem was written by Bethany Farms, and WOW!  It is powerful.  I found it in with our miscellaneous boxed cards from who knows when.  I hope that it will cause great thought, perhaps you will share it with another.

I would appreciate any healing prayers.  I am extremely fatigued, and every muscle and joint in my body is in severe pain.  I don't usually ask, but I would appreciate it.  Thank you in advance for helping.  While you are praying...will you please join me in praying for all of the Missionaries around the world. Some of them serve the Lord at the highest price or under terrible circumstances, some are jailed, and most do not make any money for themselves...they do it to serve the Lord.  They do it to share the Good News of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

_______________________________

It Was the Night Before Jesus Came

'Twas the night before Jesus came
and all through the house
Not a creature was praying
not one in the house.

Their Bibles were lain
on the shelf without care
...in hopes that Jesus would not come there.

The children were dressing to crawl into bed,
Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
And Mom in her rocker with baby on lap
Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.

When out of the East there arose such a clatter,
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!

When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.
With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray,
I knew in a moment this must be The Day!

The light of His face made me cover my head
It was Jesus!  Returning just like He had said.
And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth,
I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself!

In the Book of Life which He held in His hand,
Was written the name of every Saved man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name;
When He said "It's not here" my head hung in shame.

The people whose names had been written with love
He gathered to take to His Father above.
With those who were ready He rose without a sound
While all the rest were left standing around.

I fell to my knees, but it was too late;
I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight,
Oh, if only I had been ready tonight!

In the words of this poem the meaning is clear;
The coming of Jesus is drawing near.
There's only one life and when comes the last call,
We'll find that the Bible was true after all!

May the joy and peace
of His presence
be with you until
He comes again!

~Bethany Farms
_________________________

 
For those of you that know the Lord as your Savior, your Friend, your confidant, as the One who loves you more than anyone,  I wish you a very Blessed Christmas, we will be posting on Wednesday with this week's Card Set Winner, and on Friday with a very special post, and on Christmas Day we will announce the recipient of the "Merry Christmas Blog Candy!" 

For those of you who do not yet have that relationship with Jesus, I hope that the words of this poem will resonate with you, and give you a thirst to know Him.  And will soon decide to pray this poem with all of your heart:

"Lord Jesus, thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. Please forgive me for all my sins.  I open the door of my heart to you and receive you now as My Savior and Lord. Thank You.  Please give me eternal life.  I recognize that the blood shed on the cross was the full payment for my sins.  I acknowledge You as the Risen Savior and Son of God.  Please take control of the throne of my life.  Help me to follow You and obey Your Word.  Amen."

We are so grateful that all of you are here!  If you know the Lord, we hope you will find things in this blog to encourage you in your walk with the Lord and that you will encourage others...even strangers!  We love receiving encouragement and learning from you. 

 If you do not know the Lord, we are so thankful you are here.  Thank you for taking a look and considering what you read here.  It is our hope that you will celebrate a true Christmas this year, and pray that prayer above, or one of your own words, and celebrate the birth of our Savior who came to us as a vulnerable little baby for the first time in your life.  If you decide that you would like to ask Jesus the Christ, and you prayed a prayer to tell Him, let me know if you need a Bible and I will do my best to get one for you!  It is so important that every person has one.

_______________________________

 
Information on the 3 Ways to Win here at the He IS Able Blog!
(This is from the last post.)

 
Reminder of our Special Holiday Weekly Blog Candy!
We are giving away a set of cards to a person who leaves a comment...about anything before Tuesday at 8pm. The comment will be randomly chosen and announced on Wednesday! The number of cards you receive will range between 1 and 10...that number will be randomly chosen! This Give-Away will run through the month of December!  AND...

 Share About The He IS Able Blog!
And, if you share about our give-aways or post our He IS Able blog badge on your blog...and let us know--(please send a link)--we will send you a card/envelope for your use...as a thank you. (Please click and paste the badge...it is not a button...they will only see the URL if it is copied.) It is a simple way to serve the Lord. The more people learn about this blog, and come to visit and learn about The Prince of Peace aka The King of Kings aka The Mighty One, the more they learn about the grace and love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ and His amazing gift of Salvation. The more apt your readers are to pray and give their life to Him. Isn't that what we are really here for?  AND...

We are having a Very Large Blog Candy Give-Away on Christmas Day!
We have many wonderful items that will be given to one randomly chosen person. Here are the details...every time you leave a comment from December 10-24th, you will be entered in our drawing for our "Very Merry Christmas Day Blog Candy!"

We have some fabulous prizes this year: 
**An awesome Ash2Ash CD (Click on the words "Rise Up" and turn up your volume on your computer! Get ready to Praise the Lord! I love this song and the whole CD!)

**Rubber stamps: (1. "Jesus is the reason for the Season," 2.  Stampington Company-"Large Donner," 3. & $.  A Set of 4 acrylic Studio G stamps of friendship and thanks, 5.  A Hampton Art-Studio G-"Thinking of you in Prayer." and a 6.  stamp of a noise maker...one you may find at a birthday party, for instance!)
 
 
**A beautiful murano glass cross

**Silver Craft Cord

**A Christmas music CD

**One glazed Nativity Scene Ornament with Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus

**Spool of Town & Country Ribbon- red with green hearts for all year use

**A Sizzix Impressions Embossing Folder.
 
 
**This list includes several new items!  Be sure to leave your comments to be eligible for the drawing to be announced on Christmas Day!
This is in addition to our Weekly Card Give-Aways! We are so blessed to have you stop by...it is our way of saying thank you for joining us, encouraging each other---including us, and "Sharing His love, His Word, and His Gift of Salvation through Cards!*" (* This is the blog's Mission Statement.)

Thank you so much for reading this long post!  I hope that poem really hits home...and that you will have the courage to share it with someone you love who may be waiting to hear it. Please pray that He will show you anyone that needs to hear about Him from you!  Please leave as many comments as you can before Midnight on Christmas Eve to be eligible for our "Merry Christmas Blog Candy Give-Away!"...East Coast Time here in the US.  You can enter as many times as you like. To be eligible for the Weekly Give-Away, please be sure to leave a post before Tuesday evening at 8pm!   Please be sure to leave your prayer requests in the comment section.  Joan and I will pray for each one.  May God bless each of you as you bless others!

He IS Able!
Traci Starkweather

Friday, December 16, 2011

Have a Birthday Party for Jesus! Here's How...

Hi Friends~


Happy Friday! I hope that this week's posts have been interesting, educational, and fun!  On Monday we shared about the Prince of Peace ...how wonderful that peace is!  Especially during hectic times, or through the storms that we must sometimes face it is an amazing way that He can take care of us.  On Wednesday, we read some fun little poems about Christmas, and found out that Shelly Schmidt was once again out Card Set Winner! (Please email me your address if you want these cards!)   I did forget to mention that Michele's usual post shared on the 3rd Friday of the month, "Precious Women of God--This Includes You!" is being shared next week, just in time for Christmas!  This will be something to look forward to...so be sure to stop by on Monday, Wednesday and Friday!  Lots of surprises!  I will share the info for our Give-Aways on the bottom of the post...including some additional items to give-away!


Today, I want to share about a birthday party I threw with some friends of mine.  When I was the Church's Children's Sunday School Director we had a really fun, large, educational Birthday Party for Jesus!  I am going to share the information that I still have from my notes.  I hope you can share them with your church for next year, or celebrate with your own children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren or neighbors!


A Birthday Party For Jesus


 You will want to have several cameras available...the photos will be precious!  You will also want to share a list of any food allergies to anyone who will be serving food, and you will want another option for those children. You will want the juice to be clear colored so they do not ruin their Christmas clothes. You will want name tags on everyone since you will have parents and new friends in the room.  We marked the name tags of children with allergies by writing their name in a different color.


Here was the plan:

    **2 weeks before Christmas, we gave every child five invitations.  They could invite friends or relatives to come to the party for Jesus.  We also talked about how it is our responsibility to ask others to invite Jesus into their hearts.  We gave extra invitations to the rest of the congregation for nieces, nephews, grandchildren and neighbors.  The invitations were simply xeroxed on the copy machine...not hand made and rubber stamped...like I know about now!


    **We had a cake donated, tablecloth and paper supplies donated, a Christmas video with the real story was donated, as well as some art supplies.  I did this by writing a letter on church letterhead asking for donations, and listing them.  I also had the Pastor sign it with me.  I asked 2 parents to please be in charge of securing these items.  I didn't want to spend budgeted money, that I could use for curriculum materials, on this party even though it was very educational, from the moment they walked in the door!

    **The invitation also suggested that children who wanted, could bring a gift for a newborn baby. (Like Jesus was when He came to this world.)We suggested clothing, diapers, formula, anything that was new, and was non-perishable.  (All of these gifts were going to be given to a local abuse center for Women and their children. I had checked with the Director of the center, and they had all they needed, but were short on supplies for babies under 1 year.)
     **We decorated a big box, big enough that the children couldn't see      who gave a large gift and who gave a small gift, and who gave none.They celebrated the birth of Jesus…just like the Wise Men did! 
        The following Verse was written on the front of the box:
 "The Wise Men saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh."  (Matthew 2:11) 


        And, then the children put their gifts in the box.
     
     
    There was a large poster that hung above the box that shared the Scripture about feeding the hungry, clothing the naked...  (I'm sorry, I can't remember where it is found, and I couldn't look it up!)  When the children came in the room, I greeted them and their friends and parents, and read (older childred read with me) the Scripture of the Wise Men to them as they put their gift in the box. 
  

     **We then all gathered in a reading area in chairs, since we were all      dressed nicely for Jesus' party.  And, we read one of the Bible's Chistmas stories to the children and parents.  Then we did it again, and left
 out words, having the children fill them in.  They did very well. 

 
       **We made Christmas cards about the "real" Christmas for people in the hospital.  I went the next day to distribute them.  As they colored they were led in a discussion about thinking of others…and not just ourselves.  The leader of this activity wrote exactly what they said in the card...we asked the children to share their favorite part of the Biblical Christmas story.

       **We also celebrated in some fun, although not Biblically based activities.  (Such as eating cake, ice cream, goody bags, and playing pin the star on the tree.)


    **We ended the day by coloring Christmas books that I had put together based on the story of Christmas in Luke: 2.  Then we watched a flannel board story…and the children gave the words. (Showing they had the story down really well!) And the last thing we did was end in joined prayer, and songs of Worship.
     
     
    It was a wonderful day, and the children concentrated on just what we wanted.  Only one child mentioned Santa all morning!  I also prepared every adult for the possibility of someone mentioning Santa, reindeer or presents...so they would not be caught like a reindeer in the headlights. I asked that they simply say with excitement, "This is a birthday party for Baby Jesus! Let's go _____!" (It worked the one time someone asked me!)
     
     
    I felt that it was worth every effort!  It was nice for the parents to see what type of activities we did in Sunday School, since they hardly ever tore themselves from the Service in the Sanctuary.  And, we really enjoyed them being there.  We enrolled a few children the next week.  They were guests at our party, and enjoyed it very much.  The teachers really enjoyed all of the ages being together (except the infants) for this special day.  Because of that, we decided that once a month we would have a Service for the children...with all of the teachers taking part, and the children participating as much as possible!
     
 _____________________________________

 Reminder of our Special Holiday Weekly Blog Candy!
We are giving away a set of cards to a person who leaves a comment...about anything before Tuesday at 8pm. The comment will be randomly chosen and announced on Wednesday! The number of cards you receive will range between 1 and 10...that number will be randomly chosen! This Give-Away will run through the month of December!

AND...

Share About The He IS Able Blog!
And, if you share about our give-aways or post our He IS Able blog badge on your blog...and let us know--(please send a link)--we will send you a card/envelope for your use...as a thank you. (Please click and paste the badge...itis not a button...they will only see the URL if it is copied.) 

It is a simple way to serve the Lord. The more people learn about this blog, and come to visit and learn about The Prince of Peace aka The King of Kings aka The Mighty One, the more they learn about the grace and love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ and His amazing gift of Salvation. The more apt your readers are to pray and give their life to Him. Isn't that what we are really here for?
AND...

We are having a Very Large Blog Candy Give-Away on Christmas Day!
We have many wonderful items that will be given to one randomly chosen person. Here are the details...every time you leave a comment from December 10-24th, you will be entered in our drawing for our "Very Merry Christmas Day Blog Candy!"

We have some fabulous prizes this year:  (Red means newly listed items.)


**An awesome Ash2Ash CD (Click on the words "Rise Up" and turn up your volume on your computer! Get ready to Praise the Lord! I love this song!)

**Rubber stamps  ("Jesus is the reason for the Season," Stampington Company-"Large Donner," A Set of 4 acrylic Studio G stamps of friendship and thanks, A Hampton Art-Studio G-"Thinking of you in Prayer." and a stamp of a noise maker...one you may find at a birthday party, for instance!


**A beautiful murano glass cross


**Silver Craft Cord


**A Christmas music CD

**One glazed Nativity Scene Ornament with Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus


**Spool of Town & Country Ribbon- red with green hearts for all year use


**A Sizzix Impressions Embossing Folder.

**This list includes several new items...there are more to be announced!  Be sure to leave your comments to be eligible for the drawing on Christmas Day! 

 This is in addition to our Weekly Card Give-Aways! We are so blessed to have you stop by...it is our way of saying thank you for joining us, encouraging each other---including us, and  "Sharing His love, His Word, and His gift of Salvation through Cards!*"   (* This is the blog's Mission Statement.)


 Thank you so much for sharing part of your day with us today!  If you have any ideas that worked well at a Birthday Party for Jesus, that is one thing we would love to hear about in the comment section!   We'd also love to hear which of the Gospels has your favorite version of the Christmas story to read.  You are welcome to write about whatever you would like...these are just a couple of ideas!


He IS Able!
Traci Starkweather

Thursday, December 15, 2011

New Info on Blog Candy and Christmas Poetry to Enjoy!

Hi Friends~


Thank you for leaving so many comments this past week! It is exciting to see some new names, and we are so gratefully for those of you who have stayed with us! You were all entered into our drawing for BOTH of our Give-Aways!  Please take a look:

Reminder of our Special Holiday Weekly Blog Candy!


We are giving away a set of cards to a person who leaves a comment...about anything before Tuesday at 8pm. The comment will be randomly chosen and announced on Wednesday! The number of cards you receive will range between 1 and 10...that number will be randomly chosen! This Give-Away will run through the month of December!

AND...

We are having a Very Large Blog Candy Give-Away on Christmas Day!


We have many wonderful items that will be given to one randomly chosen person. Here are the details...every time you leave a comment from December 10-24th, you will be entered in our drawing for our "Very Merry Christmas Day Blog Candy!"


We have some fabulous prizes this year:

**An awesome Ash2Ash CD   (Click on the words "Rise Up" and turn up your volume on your computer!  Get ready to Praise the Lord! I love this song!)


**Rubber stamps
 
     
**A beautiful murano glass cross


**A Christmas music CD


**One glazed Nativity Scene Ornament with Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus


**A Sizzix Impressions Embossing Folder.
 
 
Newly added items will be announced this Friday, the 16th!!!
 
 
That's all we are going to tell you now...but it is quite an exciting collection of goodies. We will tell you about more items as time goes by...the recipient will be announced on Christmas Day! This is in addition to our weekly card give-aways! We are so blessed to have you stop by...it is our way of saying thank you for joining us, encouraging each other---including us, and sharing His love, His Word, and His gift of Salvation with others!

________________________________


This Week's Winner of 4 Cards and Envelopes is...
Shelly Schmidt, Again!!!


The numbers 1 through 10 were gathered and the number 4 was chosen.  So Shelly, this week you have won 4 beautifully made cards and their envelopes!  This goes to show that it is good to leave a comment every week!  Shelly was our randomly chosen person to have left a comment last week, also!  You can win as many times as your name or user name is chosen!  All you need to do when you win, is email me your mailing address.  My email is located on the very bottom of the right hand side of the blog.  If I do not hear from you before Tuesday evening at 8 o'clock, I will think that you do not want to receive the cards (for some reason unknown to me!) that were to be sent to you...so please email your address right away!


Here is Shelly's comment:
Thanks so much for choosing me to win two cards! How awesome!


And, every commenter was put into the drawing for our "Very Merry Christmas Day Blog Candy Drawing!"  You can leave as many comments as you would like for this drawing...and each one will be entered.  So, don't hesitate.  And, if you share about our give-aways or post our He IS Able blog badge on your blog...and let us know--(please send a link)--we will send you a card/envelope...as a thank you.  (Please click and paste the badge...itis not a button...they will only see the URL if it is copied.)  


 It is a simple way to serve the Lord.  The more people that learn about this blog, and come to visit and learn about The Prince of Peace aka The King of Kings aka The Mighty One, the more they learn about the grace and love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ and His amazing gift of Salvation.  The more apt your readers are to pray and give their life to Him.  Isn't that what we are really here for?

_________________________________


You may not know this about me.  I love to collect quotes.  I do it with the intention of using them on cards.  I rarely do, however.  I do quote Scriptures on many cards, however.  And, I hope that if any of you decide to donate cards for our give-aways and other He IS Able usage, that you will consider including a Scripture on the front or back of your card.  Even on the left inside of the card would be fine...I just want to make sure we leave room inside for people to share what they would like to share about Jesus and His Gift of Salvation and Love.  We have a nice stash of cards right now...for all different occasions!  But, the more we have, the more we can give.  Anyway, I didn't mean to ask for cards...but I guess I did.  What I did intend was to share some great little quotes that may come in handy. These may not be from the great scholars...but they brought me a bit of enjoyment.  I hope you will enjoy them also. If you want the best Christmas quotes that really make a difference...I suggest going to the Bible and quoting Scripture!


I hope you enjoy these:
"He who has no Christmas in his heart
will never find Christmas under a tree." 
~Anonymous

(This reminds me of my first Christmas...I was 29, and I slept under the tree with only little white lights on it...and I fell asleep reading the Bible right there under the tree. I slept under it for a long time! Still, my favorite Christmas!)


"Happiness is a homespun Christmas!"   ~Anonymous


"At Christmas,
Play and make good cheer,
For Christmas comes but once a year."
~Thomas Tusser


"Love's the thing.  The rest is tinsel."  ~Pam Brown


"Christmas is the day that holds all time together."
~Alexander Smith


"The real secret of happiness is not what you give or receive; 
it's what you share."  ~Unknown


"I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year."
~Charles Dickens


"May you have the gladness of Christmas, which is hope;
The spirit of Christmas which is peace;
The heart of Christmas, which is love."
~Ada V. Hendricks


And, one of my most favorite:
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given."  (Isaiah 9:6)  
THAT is a great quote!

_____________________________


On Friday, I would like to share about a great Christmas Party we gave when I was a Children's Church Director.  It was wonderful.  I have shared about our hands-on educational and fun "Easter Extravaganza" in detail, so you could share it with your church if you wanted.  Now, I will share about "Our Birthday Party for Jesus!"  It was great fun...and so meaningful!  Even if you don't have a Sunday School, or don't want to be involved in one...it is full of great ideas to do with Grand-children, or neighbors and their children...or your children!  LOL  I almost forgot them!  So sorry. 


We are always glad to know you have been here. Thank you for spending part of your day with us.   I look forward to sharing about the "Birthday Party for Jesus" tomorrow.  I hope you will stop by!  God bless!


He IS Able!
Traci Starkweather