Moments of Peace

God's Good Gifts

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 15:27:00 +0000

Every good action and every perfect gift is from God. —
Jas_1:17

Ever feel like you have nothing? Just look at the gifts [God] has given you:

He has sent his angels to care for you, his Holy Spirit to dwell in you, his church to encourage you, and his word to guide you…
Anytime you speak, he listens; make a request and he responds.
He will never let you be tempted too much or stumble too far.
Let a tear appear on your cheek, and he is there to wipe it.
Let a love sonnet appear on your lips, and he is there to hear it.
As much as you want to see him, he wants to see you more…
You have been chosen by Christ… He has claimed you as his beloved.
When Christ Comes - Max Lucado

Holy Spirit

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 13:25:00 +0000

Holy Spirit, all divine,
Dwell within this heart of mine;
Cast down every idol throne,
Reign supreme and reign alone. —Reed

The Christian’s heart is the Spirit’s home.

Reaping What We Sow

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 16:30:00 +0000

Sowing seeds of greed and hatred
Reaps corruption, loss, and pain;
But if we sow love and kindness,
We will reap eternal gain. —Sper

The seeds we sow today determine the kind of fruit we’ll reap tomorrow.

Death Destroyed

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 13:06:00 +0000

O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory? —1 Corinthians 15:55

Medical researchers are working tirelessly to find a cure for cancer, a clue to the mystery of Alzheimer’s, and ways to conquer a host of other debilitating diseases. But what if you awoke to headlines saying DEATH DESTROYED! Would you believe it? Could you believe it?

The New Testament proclaims that for the believer in Christ, death has been destroyed—reduced to inactivity—rendered incapable of doing what it once did. “So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory’” (1 Cor. 15:54).

This good news is for everyone who will receive it—just as the angel told the shepherds when Jesus was born, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).

The birth of Jesus was the beginning of the end for death. “The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 15:56-57).

That is why we celebrate Christmas! —David McCasland

Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that man no more may die.
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth. —Wesley

The birth of Christ brought God to man; the cross of Christ brings man to God.

Christmas Journey

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 13:23:00 +0000

When the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son. —Galatians 4:4

How far is it from Nazareth to Bethlehem? If you’re in Pennsylvania, it’s about 9 miles and takes about 10 minutes by car. But if you’re in Nazareth of Galilee, and you’re traveling along with your pregnant wife, as Joseph was, it’s about 80 miles to Bethlehem. That journey probably took Joseph and Mary about a week, and they didn’t stay in a nice hotel when they got there. All Joseph could find was a stall in a stable, and that’s where Mary delivered “her firstborn Son” (Luke 2:7).

But the journey for the infant Jesus was much farther than 80 miles. He left His place in heaven at God’s right hand, came to earth, and accepted our humanity. Eventually, He was stretched out on a cross to die, and He was buried in a borrowed tomb. But the journey was not over. He conquered death, left the tomb, walked again among men, and ascended to heaven. Even that is not the journey’s end. Someday He will return as King of kings and Lord of lords.

As you take a Christmas journey this month, reflect on the journey Jesus made for us. He came from heaven to earth to die for us, making salvation available through His death on the cross and His glorious resurrection.

Praise God for that first Christmas journey! —Dave Egner

When God stepped out of heaven above
And came down to this earth,
He clothed Himself in human flesh—
A Child of lowly birth. —D. De Haan

Jesus came to earth for us so we could go to heaven with Him.

Our Hope

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 14:48:00 +0000

The virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. —Isaiah 7:14

As we drove home from a Christmas party one evening, my family and I approached a small country church nestled between glittering snowbanks. From a distance, I could see its holiday display. Strings of white lights formed the capital letters: H-O-P-E. The sight of that word shining in the darkness reminded me that Jesus is, and always has been, the hope of humankind.

Before Jesus was born, people hoped for the Messiah—the One who would shoulder their sin and intercede with God on their behalf (Isa. 53:12). They expected the Messiah to arrive through a virgin who would bear a son in Bethlehem and would name Him Immanuel, “God with us” (7:14). The night Jesus was born, their hope was fulfilled (Luke 2:1-14).

Although we’re no longer waiting for Jesus in the form of an infant, He is still the source of our hope. We watch for His second coming (Matt. 24:30); we anticipate the heavenly home He is preparing for us (John 14:2); and we dream of living with Him in His celestial city (1 Thess. 4:16). As Christians, we can look forward to the future because the baby in the manger was, and still is, “the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope” (1 Tim. 1:1). —Jennifer Benson Schuldt

That night so many years ago
Which brought the Savior’s birth,
Gave promise of a brighter hope:
Good will—and peace on earth. —Anon.

The key word of Christmas is “Immanuel”— God with us!

Silent Night

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 13:52:00 +0000

Silent night, holy night!
All is calm, all is bright.
Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child.
Holy infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight.
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia,
Christ the Savior is born! Christ the Savior is born.
Silent night, holy night!
Son of God love's pure light.
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus Lord, at Thy birth.
Jesus Lord, at Thy birth

One More Week!

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 13:46:00 +0000

Luke 2:11

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 16:49:00 +0000

For there is born to you this day in the city of David, a Savior who is Christ the Lord. Pretty light pink poinsettias

Trust and Obey

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 14:51:00 +0000

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word, What a glory He sheds on our way! While we do His good will, He abides with us still, And with all who will trust and obey. —Sammis

It’s no small thing to trust and obey.

Christmas Decorations

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 13:38:00 +0000

Christmas decor is always so beautiful this time of year. It's one of my favorite things to photograph.

Visit North Carolina: Traditional Holiday Recipes to Share

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 13:37:00 +0000

Visit North Carolina: Traditional Holiday Recipes to Share: Since it’s the holiday season, we thought we would share a few recipes. These recipes are for two North Carolina traditions: mulled wine and...

Visit North Carolina: Christmas on the Coast

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:11:00 +0000

Visit North Carolina: Christmas on the Coast: Although photos of snowy mountains are often what we associate with Christmastime, there is no better place to spend the holiday season than...

Christmastime

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 14:06:00 +0000

At Christmastime we celebrate
The coming of the Prince of Peace;
Though now our world is locked in strife,
One day He’ll make all conflict cease. —Sper

Jesus took our place to give us His peace.

Reason for the Season

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 15:53:00 +0000

His birth was a miracle, His love was a Gift

Advent Themes

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 20:11:00 +0000

The hope we have in Jesus Christ
Brings joy into our heart;
And when we know the love of God,
His peace He will impart. —Sper

If you’re looking for hope, peace, joy, and love this Christmas season, look to God.

Honor Your Parents

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 18:37:00 +0000

Don’t miss the opportunity
To honor and obey
The parents God has given you—
For they’ll be gone someday. —Sper

Honoring our parents has no age limit.

Teaching Us

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 13:28:00 +0000

Sure it takes a lot of courage to put things in God’s hands,
To give ourselves completely, our lives, our hopes, our plans;
To follow where He leads us and make His will our own;
But all it takes is foolishness to go the way alone! —Kline

Life is a beautiful song that God is teaching us to play.

Happy Thanksgiving!

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:54:00 +0000

Wishing everyone a great Thanksgiving weekend! And safe travels

Peace

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 13:56:00 +0000

Lord, thank You for the peace we have down in our
hearts. And that we can be peacemakers with others
through our attitude, words, and deeds.
Help me to show Your mercy and peace. Amen.

Because of the peace of God and peace with God, we can be peacemakers for God.

Christmas Cards

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 15:24:00 +0000

Scripture Christmas Cards

These are blank on the inside, 12/$15.00

Christ’s Cleansing Power

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 15:21:00 +0000

Lord, give me a listening heart and help me
to cooperate with You when You
point out changes that need to be made in my life.
I want to honor You and please You. Amen.

Christ’s cleansing power can remove the most stubborn stain of sin

The Bible

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:58:00 +0000

To earn your neighbor’s ear
And prove you really care,
Use terms he understands
To show you are aware. —Branon

The content of the Bible must be brought into contact with the world.

Word of Truth

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 13:17:00 +0000

To handle the Word of truth Takes diligence and care, So make the time to study it And then that truth declare. —Hess

Apply yourself to the Scriptures and the Scriptures to yourself.

Christmas Scripture Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 16:45:00 +0000

Download Christmas Scripture pictures and use for your graphic designs, Christmas cards, bulletins, etc.

Luke 2:11 A Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.

You can also purchase these as Christmas cards.

3.5x5, blank on the inside 12/$15.00