
______________________________________________________________________We are an unaverage American family living on 2.5 acres in Texas with our 5+ homeschooled children and a handful of farm animals. We are taking one day at a time and living under the Lord's grace. May you be blessed as you read and learn more about "our road."
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Another Great Idea!

Sunday, December 14, 2008
Advent Activities for Families


There is also another way to celebrate the Advent season by creating a Jesse Tree. "It is a small, leafless tree decorated with symbols portraying Jesus' spiritual heritage." It's kind of like a study of Jesus' Family Tree which you make as you go. We made our tree out of long sticks and hung it from a light fixture above our table. Each day you read a passage and hang the symbol for it. We have sort of made a game out of figuring out which symbol goes with the day's reading and then guessing what it represents. Here is a similar picture of how our's looks.
Here is another website with Jesse Tree directions and a little different pictures. Let me know if any of you decide to try these out!
CHRISTmas!

Jesus is Better than Santa!
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 our future.
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!
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Although I did not write the above words (this is an email floating around), they represent what our family believes. We do not celebrate Santa at Christmas at our house, we celebrate Jesus! We teach our children that Christ was a gift to us from God and then he gave his life for us on a cross, so during the holidays we can give to others as a way to give back to God. It's not about what we want but about how we can bless others!
May you truely know the real reason for CHRISTmas!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Winter Wonderland!