I hope that you and your family experienced Christ's birth in a fresh new way that energizes your faith and catapults you into a new year filled with one God adventure after another!

Here is a cool video clip from a non-believer about Christ’s birth who begins to believe. Be blessed. Be changed. Be passionate about why He came and how He desires to use you this coming new year!

http://media.creativepastors.com/mediapreviews/index.php?stream=Upside_Down_MPEG1

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

I’ve begun this day cooking. My house is already filled with the familiar smells of Christmas. Excitement is in the air as my children are asking, “When will we go to grandma’s house today?”

We start our celebration by attending the Christmas Eve service at church. From there we go to my parent’s house, have dinner, and open presents. The children go first because they can hardly wait. As for the adults, we each buy a man’s gift and a women’s gift, and depending on the game we play, determines which gift each ends up with. Then, we have desert.

Once we arrive home and the kids are settled into bed, my husband and I stuff stockings. Then it’s off to bed. In the morning, I make a small breakfast because we have a larger feast mid-morning at my in laws. We gather around the tree, read the story of Christ’s birth from Luke, and then dive into the presents. We take turns opening our gifts starting with the youngest to the oldest (me) in the house. Each person opens one gift then the next person opens a gift and so on and on. This way we all get to enjoy what has been given and received.

From 11:00-2:00 we celebrate with my husband’s side of the family. He has 2 brothers and two sisters’ although his sister Michele celebrates Christmas each year in the presence of Christ! Needless to say, it’s a large family. We always have a great time together.

Then it’s back home where I prepare Christmas dinner. My eldest son’s grandmother joins us along with any family or friends who want to join in the celebration. We usually have a house full. One year, Cody, a friend of my son’s accepted Christ as his Savoir and Lord in our home! It was a Christmas miracle none of us will ever forget!

Like Mary, who pondered the things of Christ in her heart, I pray that you and I will do the same as we celebrate with our family and friends. I pray that we will consider and mediate on God’s goodness, the truth in why He came, and the benefits we receive. Christmas time is and should be a time of reflection and thankfulness—because no matter what this world hands us if you have Christ, you have all you need.

As you spend time with family and friends celebrating the birth of our Savoir, may He fill you with supernatural joy and peace.
God bless!

I’m finally ready for Christmas. The packages have been wrapped, the fudge is made, the grocery’s for Christmas dinner are in the frig, and the house decorated! Whoo-Hoo!! Last year, many bloggers took their friends on a tour of their home so I thought I’d do the same this year.

Welcome to my home...



This is where it all began. I knew my husband was serious about our relationship when I spotted this beautiful hand-painted nativity scene. As a single mom raising a child, I couldn't afford this $200.00 set.







To my surprise, Pat purchased it and gave it to me for Christmas that year! I wish you could see the detail. Every year when I put it out, I'm reminded of not only God's love for me, but my husband's. (That and his wooing ways!)







This is a close up view of my attempt to add some old fashion country style to Christmas. These pine branches and berries came from my back yard. Very Martha Stewart--wouldn't you say?

Well, I tried.







This is my kitchen with more pine and berries displayed.








Welcome to my dinning room. It's a bit more formal.

On Christmas Day night, family and friends (whoever stops by--it's an open invitation) come for dinner! It's my favorite part of the Holiday. Some dine in the kitchen, some at the counter, and some in the dinning room. We have a wonderful time!





Here we are in the living room. About three years ago, I changed our tree from the traditional colors of red and green to blue and sliver.

I've enjoyed our blue tree. However, my children protested this year and stated that next year they wanted to go back to red and green. I'm amazed at how traditional they are!

I thought the snow had followed me home!

Friday morning, we woke to find the schools were closed due to snow! The kids and I rushed to the window anticipating a white covering glistening in the sun.

Well...there was something glistening on the ground, but it wasn't snow. It was frost! Apparently, there was the threat of snow so keeping true to the Tenn snow procedure, schools were closed...just in case!

The kids were disappointed that it didn't snow, but I found it rather funny after being in several inches of snow that didn't slow down one person in Michigan.

That reminds me. I promised to show you some of the deck out table decorations! Over one hundred tables were decorated each night!

I would have never thought of putting green and purple together until now. What a favbulous table!!

Hello everyone from Grand Rapids! We have over a foot of snow here! I’m praying I get home before spring! In Tennessee, it’s rare if we get 2 inches! If so, the entire county shuts down expect for the grocery stores. That’s where you go to buy the essential survival kit consisting of a loaf of bread and a gallon of milk. Two inches of snow could trap a person for a lonnnnggg time you know.

While Tennessee may look like a ghost town during a two inch snow storm, Michigan keeps right on moving along. I was surprised that the event last night was packed! Brave souls, I say.

There’s something peaceful about snow. Yesterday, I sat in my hotel room and watch it float to the ground. What a beautiful sight! It was a real treat for me to see this much snow all at once. I’ve taken pictures and will share them once I return home—whenever that may be. Snow does create a beautiful, peaceful scene. It’s a perfect backdrop for the Christmas event. Wasn’t it good of God to decorate for us?!

In my message, “Tidings of Great Joy,” I talk about the Names of God found in Is 9:6. “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.”

I love this verse because it not only tells us that we have a wise Counselor who guides us; a Mighty God whose power surpasses all and prevails over our enemies; an Everlasting Father who will never grow old, die, and orphan us, and a Prince of Peace whose peace reigns within us even the midst of chaos. But…

What I like most about this verse is it tells the real reason for the season. You are! You and I are the reason for the season. Look back at the verse and see that it was unto “us” a child was born; it was unto “us” a son was given. If it weren’t for our need of a Savoir, there would have been no reason for the Christ child and no holiday season to celebrate His birth. So, my dear friend, YOU are the reason for the season. You are highly favored of God, therefore rejoice!

Joyfully yours,

I'll be gone this week speaking in snowy Grand Rapids. I want to leave you with this reminder...

Santa lives at the North Pole.
JESUS is everywhere.
Santa rides in a sleigh
JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.
Santa comes but once a year
JESUS is an ever present help.
Santa fills your stockings with goodies
JESUS supplies all your needs.
Santa comes down your chimney uninvited
JESUS stands at your door and knocks.. and then enters your heart.
You have to stand in line to see Santa
JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.
Santa lets you sit on his lap
JESUS lets you rest in His arms.
Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, What's your name?"
JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.
Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly
JESUS has a heart full of love.
All Santa can offer is HO HO HO
JESUS offers health, help and hope.
Santa says "You better not cry"
JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you.
Santa's little helpers make toys
JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.
Santa may make you chuckle but
JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.
While Santa puts gifts under your tree
JESUS became our gift and died on the tree.

It's obvious there is really no comparison.
We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.
We need to put Christ back in Christmas.
Jesus is still the reason for the season.

May the Lord Bless and Watch over you and
your loved ones this Christmas 2008.
And may He prosper and bless the work of your hands in the New Year.

love,

If you've stopped by from Karen's 12 Days of Christmas Giveway, Welcome!!

Today I'm sharing about my family's favorite holiday foods.

Throughout the years, our family Christmas menu has consisted of a variety of foods. One reason may be because we love to eat! But the main reason is because there are special memories that surround certain foods.

My Granny, who is celebrating her first Christmas with her Lord and Savior this year, always made dumplings on Christmas Eve. We had traditional foods too such as Turkey and Ham, but dumplings were Granny’s best dish and no meal was complete without them. So, even though it was Christmas, dumplings soon made their way onto the menu.

Before Granny went home to be the Lord, she spent several years in assisted living. Christmas Eve with family was moved from her house to my parent’s house. At first, we feasted on an assortment of festive foods such as seafood, dips, and casseroles—once again leaving the traditional foods for Christmas day dinner.

It didn’t take long before heritage changed the menu. My father is Italian. I grew up with homemade sauce and meatballs, lasagna, pizza and other Italian dishes all made from scratch. In fact, if my dad knew I had a jar of spaghetti sauce in my pantry, he’d cut me out of the will. There’s three things Italian people remain true to—God, family, and Italian food. You may have read before that my passion for Italian food is only surpassed by my love for Jesus. It’s in the genes.

Needless to say, Christmas Eve dinner is served Italian style. This year it’s going to be lasagna.

It’s custom to have Christmas day dinner at my house with all the traditional foods. I love this honor—a blessing that became mine because both my sister and brother lived out of town.

Both family and friends are invited so the house is usually full. One dish that the guests anticipate is my sweet potato casserole.

As I shared on Karen’s blog today in her 12 Days of Christmas Give Away, I got this recipe from an old high school boyfriend’s grandmother. I’ve been making this dish since I was eighteen—first in my mother’s kitchen and now in mine. It’s to die for! I’d love to share it with you!

What you’ll Need:4-5 cooked sweet potatoes
1 c sugar
1 t vanilla
½ c milk
2 eggs beaten
½ stick of butter

Mash cooked potatoes and mix together with mixer the rest of the ingredients. Pour into casserole dish.

Topping
1 c brown sugar
1/3 flour
1/3 butter
1/3 milk
1 c nuts (optional)

Heat butter and milk over medium heat. Add flour (more milk if needed) Then blend in brown sugar with mixer. Beat until smooth. Pour mixture over sweet potatoes. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. ENJOY!!

I’d love for you to share your favorite holiday recipes with me too! It would be great fun to serve your dish to my family this year! Who knows? It might just become our next favorite holiday cuisine.

Happy Eating!
Micca

Labels: According to Micca

Christmas has always been a time for celebration and joy at our house. However, about four years ago, our family was consumed in grief. Our nephew was a troubled kid, who refused our help, and was headed for disaster. Our broken hearts seem to rob the sacred holiday of its awe and wonder that we had experienced in years past. So, I began to pray. “Please, God, don’t let us miss Christmas.”

Tradition in our home is to have family and friends join us for Christmas dinner. Everyone was invited. This year was no different. The house was full of those who had come to feast, fellowship, and celebrate the birth of God’s son.

The house glittered with lights and tinsel both inside and out. By now, the kids had sorted the presents into piles according to the nametags that were located a top each gift and tucked slightly under the bow. The aroma of holiday foods cooking in the kitchen made our mouths water with anticipation. Outwardly, all seemed right, yet for my family, the joy of Christmas was replaced by sadden hearts that no celebration or sweet treat could comfort. We were at the party minus the honored Guest. Again, I prayed. “Lord, please don’t let us miss Christmas.”

The evening was drawing to a close and some of our guest began saying good night. Cody put on his coat. “Merry Christmas,” he said, waving bye with his hand high in the air.

Cody had joined the Marines and was due to report after graduation.

He fiddled with his jacket as if he was hesitating. “Are you excited about joining the Army?” I asked.

“No, I wish I had never joined. The only way to get out of it is not to graduate. I think that’s what I’m going to do; not finish school,” said Cody as he shuffled his feet back and forth.

“There has to be another way.” I insisted.

I sighed and began sharing with Cody what I needed to hear myself. ”Peace comes in impossible situations when we rely on God and trust Him with our future, whatever that may be.”

Stunned, Cody asked. “In order to trust and rely on God, don’t I first have to …what’s the word, ah…get saved?”

“You’ve never trusted Christ as you personal Lord and Savior?” I asked?

“No, I haven’t.” Cody said, shaking his head back and forth.

“Well, we can fix that right now if you like.”

My niece and I escorted Cody into a quite room where we explained about the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. Finally, I asked, “Cody, would you like to receive Jesus into your heart as your Lord and Savior?” Unable to speak, he nodded his head yes and we prayed. Cody’s countenance changed right in front of our face.

Walking back into the living room, Cody announced with great excitement, “Guess what everybody? I just gave my heart and life to Jesus!” Cheers filled the house and the true celebration of Christmas had finally begun! It was a Christmas miracle I’ll never forget.

God had heard my prayer. He hadn’t let us miss Christmas at all. In fact, as we looked to Christ for Cody’s sake, He was birthed anew in all our hearts.

Isn’t that why we celebrate Christmas each year? To refocus on the One who offers hope in this fallen world and fills us with lasting peace. Hope for the hurting, sick, and the lost. Christmas reminds us to rejoice in the truth that no matter what we face on earth, Jesus has overcome the world! Gazing on Christ helps us to see, if we have Jesus, we have everything we need.

Wishing you a joyful Christmas!

Micca

I started the holiday season right this year by celebrating our Savior’s birth with about 800 of my friends from Asheville, NC! Settling the “reason” for the “season” in my heart as I spoke at this event has given me the right perspective on Christmas. It’s not about the rush. It’s not about getting out my cards on time or finding the perfect gift for everyone I love. No. It’s about the joy Christ brings into our lives. Even in the midst of challenging times, our Savior is enough. That’s why we celebrate Christmas. It reminds us that no matter what we face in this world, Christ has overcome!

This year I want to enjoy and celebrate the gift of Christmas, our Savior, with my family by spending more time together, eating sweet treats to remind us of His sweetness; laughing together to remember the supernatural joy Christ brings; and by playing games and giving gifts to remind us that Christ is the greatest gift of all.

Another way to enjoy the season is by stopping by my friend, Karen Ehman’s blog. She’s hosting a 12 Days of Christmas give away! What fun! Karen shares how it works….

“December 1st, I’ll be hosting a 12 Days of CHRISTmas giveaway right here on my little ole’ blog. Each day December 1-12, in addition to giving you some of my most requested yuletide ideas and easy recipes, I’ll also be featuring one of my fellow Proverbs 31 speakers in a short profile and asking them a holiday question. Then, you answer the same question by leaving a comment and you will be entered into the giveaway. Each day will have a different present for you; a helpful book, an inspirational cd, a fooffy-girly gift or giftcard for a Starbucks. The purpose is to give you ideas and a small cyber-break from the hustle and bustle at your house.”

Doesn’t it sound like fun? And…you haven’t missed a thing by getting started now. You can go back and visit the speaker’s who have already stopped by Karen’s blog and leave a comment to win!

So grab a cup of hot chocolate and join the fun!

Christmas wishes,
Micca

Labels: According to Micca

Merry Christmas Y'all!!

It truly is the most wonderful time of the year! (Well, and when the kids go back to school!)

I kicked off the Christmas season this week in Asheville, NC. I had the privilege of speaking at a two night Christmas Banquet. The tables and stage tinkled ( i had to leave this misspelled word in. I did get home at 2:00 a.m. this morning! I meant to say "twinkled") and glistened with Christmas decorations. Each hostess was responsible for adorning their table in festive holiday tradition. Boy, were these women creative! I enjoyed viewing the tables along with the guest. We couldn’t help but “ooh and ahh” over each one.

The table hostess’ husbands were our servers for the evening. They did a wonderful job of keeping our glasses full, and most importantly—offering a second round of desert! The feast was fab too!

My favorite part was when we sang the Christmas Carols. Don’t you love singing Christmas songs? I do. They seem to bring out the Spirit of Christmas in my heart. By the way, did you know that Family Life Bookstores has Third Day’s Christmas CD on sale for $5.00? What a buy! (Was that random?)

Anyway, the women at North Asheville Baptist are wonderful. Their fellowship is warm and inviting. You could sense that God was doing at work in that church. It was a joy to be with them. I was so blessed.

The women’s ministry team had a beautiful basket awaiting our arrival in the hotel room. It was full of sweet treats, a book about the Biltmore AND Biltmore tickets! Sooooo, before the banquet on Tuesday night, my husband and I enjoyed the day at the Biltmore! We had lunch at the Bistro and enjoyed each other’s company. It was a perfect day.

Well, I have pictures but I couldn't get them to download. I'm so NOT computer savvy!

If you’ve never been to the Biltmore, it’s a must.

Well, I’ve gotta run and unpack my suitcase. I think I’ll also put on my new Third Day CD and work on adoring my home for this blessed season!

Wishing you a blessed Christmas,
Micca

Labels: According to Micca