Love in Action Journey

What great comfort the Word of God brings. I was just thinking today how many millions / billions of people have found comfort and healing from the very same scriptures that I draw wisdom & comfort from. What spoke so powerfully then ... speaks as powerfully to me today. In this adventure of parenting, I found such encouragement in this promise ... "He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young." Isaiah 40:11 Not only does He hold our little ones close to His heart ... but He is available to lead us as parents in wisdom, strength, compassion etc ... etc ... What joy and peace to be sons and daughters of the Almighty!

We have had so much fun decorating the lounge this year. Our chocolate advent calenders fell off the wall and all the chocolates fell out of their molds, so we found this cute countdown calender ... Some of my other favourites are my "3 wise men" that my precious mommy bought me from America. They are so precious to me, and because we have a house full of little ones (from my 2 girls to my precious little niece and nephews) I didn't want them getting ruined, but still wanted to hang them out ... so I got creative and hung them on our chandelier!!! I also loved putting out my "just starting out" collection of snow globes ... And last of all ... some home made decorating from the girls, coupled with some choccie for all their hard work. What a fun day. Christmas is my favourite time of the year!!!!

I had such fun this weekend combining different ideas from some of my new bloggy friends to make these Christmas candles as gifts for some friends. I bought some plain white candles, painted them in "podge" and then rolled them in Epsom salts. I just love how sparkly they come out. Once they dried, I brushed off the excess salt and then decorated them with some of my scrap booking decorations. They are simple, but fun and make for such sweet pressies. I found these cute candle stands for R10 each! They look so sweet on my baby grand piano. This candle stand reminds me what "the reason for the season" is all about ... the wonderful love that Jesus loves us with. I found these cute jars, filled them with Epsom salts and made a wreath around the candle with cranberries from the Christmas shop.  They are my center piece on my dining room table. I had so much fun & best of all, it's something fun for the kids to get stuck into too. They are great ideas for home-

How amazing is God's love for us ... the ways that He speaks so loudly even when we aren't necessarily on our knees seeking. Yesterday I posted my thoughts about God's heart to forgive and offer a fresh start for each new day. Today I opened my inbox to my everday "word for the day". Below is the message: ~ xoxoxox ~ Dear Friend Here is your word for today: Verse:              Psalm 86:5 You, O Lord, are good, and ready to forgive [our trespasses, sending them away, letting them go completely and forever]; and You are abundant in mercy and loving-kindness to ALL those who call upon You. - The Lord is good. - He is so ready to forgive. - He is full of unfailing love. - He is ready to answer all those who ask for His aid. PRAYER:   Lord, thank You for Your kindness and goodness to me. I receive Your mercy and forgiveness now. Amen. ~ xoxoxox ~ How beautiful is that! His forgiveness is open-armed and ready to be channeled to us each day! That brings