The Twelve Days Of Christmas - the christian meaning

The Meaning Behind The Song

The twelve days of Christmas are the twelve days between Christmas Day, Dec. 25th, the birth of Jesus, and the Epiphany, Jan. 6th, the day Christians celebrate the arrival of the Magi (Wise Men) and the revelation of Christ as the light of the world.
The Christmas song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas" may sound silly and contrived to many of us. But it actually had its origins in religious symbolism - and with a serious purpose.
It dates from a time of religious persecution. The song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas," was written as a kind of secret catechism that could sing in public without fear of arrest - a learning or memory aid to Christians in fact.
The song can be taken at two levels of interpretation - the surface meaning, or the hidden meaning known only to the Christians involved. Each element is a code word for a religious truth.


1. The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus.
2. The two turtledoves are the Old and New Testaments.
3. Three French hens stand for faith, hope and love.
4. The four calling birds are the four Gospels.
5. The five gold rings recall the Hebrew Torah (Law), or the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament.
6. The six geese a-laying stand for the six days of creation.
7. The seven swans a-swimming represent the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.
8. The eight maids a-milking are the eight Beatitudes.
9. Nine ladies dancing are the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.
10. The ten lords a-leaping are the Ten Commandments.
11. Eleven pipers piping represent the eleven faithful Apostles.
12. Twelve drummers drumming symbolize the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles Creed.


If you think Jesus being symbolized as a partridge in a pear tree sounds blasphemous, remember:
"Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered thee under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but thou wouldst not have it so." (Luke 13:34 and Matthew 23:34)
The "true love" in the song refers to God Himself.
The "me" receiving the gifts is every Christian.
So that "silly" song we sing at Christmas time has more meaning than we thought.

The Tablecloth

The brand new pastor and his wife, newly assigned
to their first ministry, to reopen a church
in suburban Brooklyn , arrived in early October
excited about their opportunities. When they saw
their church, it was very run down and needed
much work They set a goal to have everything
done in time to have their first service
on Christmas Eve.


They worked hard, repairing pews, plastering walls,
painting, etc, and on December 18
were ahead of schedule and just about finished.


On December 19 a terrible tempest - a driving
rainstorm hit the area and lasted for two days.


On the 21st, the pastor went over to the church.
His heart sank when he saw that the roof had
leaked, causing a large area of plaster about
20 feet by 8 feet to fall off the front wall
of the sanctuary just behind the pulpit,
beginning about head high.


The pastor cleaned up the mess on the floor,
and not knowing what else to do but postpone
the Christmas Eve service, headed home.
On the way he noticed that a local business was
having a flea market type sale for charity, so he
stopped in. One of the items was a beautiful,
handmade, ivory colored, crocheted tablecloth
with exquisite work, fine colors and a Cross
embroidered right in the center. It was just
the right size to cover the hole in the front
wall. He bought it and headed back to the church.

B y this time it had started to snow. An older
woman running from the opposite direction was
trying to catch the bus. She missed it. The pastor
invited her to wait in the warm church for
the next bus 45 minutes later.



She sat in a pew and paid no attention to the pastor
while he got a ladder, hangers, etc., to put
up the tablecloth as a wall tapestry. The pastor
could hardly believe how beautiful it looked and
it covered up the entire problem area.

Then he noticed the woman walking down the center
aisle. Her face was like a sheet. "Pastor,"
she asked, "where did you get that tablecloth?"
The pastor explained. The woman asked him to check
the lower right corner to see if the initials, EBG were crocheted into
it there. They were. These were the initials of the woman, and she had
made this tablecloth 35 years before, in Austria .

The woman could hardly believe it as the pastor
told how he had just gotten "The Tablecloth". The
woman explained that before the war she and
her husband were well-to-do people in Austria ..

When the Nazis came, she was forced to leave.
Her husband was going to follow her the next week.
He was captured, sent to prison and never saw her
husband or her home again.

The pastor wanted to give her the tablecloth;
but she made the pastor keep it for the church.
The pastor insisted on driving her home. That
was the least he could do. She lived on the other
side of Staten Island and was only in Brooklyn
for the day for a housecleaning job.

What a wonderful service they had on Christmas
Eve. The church was almost full. The music and the
spirit were great. At the end of the service, the
pastor and his wife greeted everyone at the door
and many said that they would return.

One older man, whom the pastor recognized
from the neighborhood continued to sit in one of the
pews and stare, and the pastor wondered why he
wasn't leaving.

The man asked him where he got the tablecloth on
the front wall because it was identical to one
that his wife had made years ago when
they lived in Austria before the war and how
could there be two tablecloths so much alike?

He told the pastor how the Nazis came, how he
forced his wife to flee for her safety and he was
supposed to follow her, but he was arrested and
put in a prison. He never saw his wife or his home
again all the 35 years between.

The pastor asked him if he would allow him to
take him for a little ride. They drove to Staten
Island and to the same house where the pastor
had taken the woman three days earlier.

He helped the man climb the three flights of
stairs to the woman's apartment, knocked on
the door and he saw the greatest Christmas
reunion he could ever imagine.

True Story - submitted by Pastor Rob Reid
who says God does work in mysterious ways.
I asked the Lord to bless you as I prayed for
you today, to guide you and protect you as you go
along your way. His love is always with you. His
promises are true, and when we give Him all our
cares we know He will see us through.

So when the road you're traveling seems
difficult at best, just remember I'm here
praying and God will do the rest. Pass this on
to those you want God to bless and remember
to send it back to the one who asked God to bless
you first.

Thankgiving

Just wanted to wish you all a happy Thanksgiving I will be busy with school Monday and Tuesday and trying to get my boys packed and ready for their trip with their dad to NC., then Wed, Dylan and I are head to Operation Christmas child to work with our local 4-H! I love doing this its great fun and a great way to start the holidays.
Speaking of holidays do you know what holiday means? It means holy day, a day to show reverence. So this Thanksgiving lets remember the real reason this holiday exist, its not for the feast, family, football and friends. But its a day to show thanks to our heavenly father for ALL that he has given us not just on Thanksgiving but everyday throughout the year. This world has taken Christ out of this holiday, most call it turkey day and most just think about the feast. Many years ago our founding fathers set this day aside to pray, read the Bible and give thanks to God for his blessings he had given them each year, so this year don't just say a prayer over the food to eat, truly give thanks to God for all your blessings! Happy Thanksgiving!

Please send one more Christmas Card!

Want to have some fun this CHRISTMAS? Send the ACLU a
> > CHRISTMAS CARD this year.
> >
> > As they are working so very hard to get rid of the
> > CHRISTMAS part of this holiday, we should all send them a
> > nice,
> >
> > CHRISTIAN card to brighten up their dark, sad, little
> > world..
> >
> > Make sure it says "Merry Christmas" on it.
> >
> > Here's the address, just don't be rude or crude.
> > (It's not the
> > Christian way, you know.)
> >
> > ACLU
> > 125 Broad Street
> > 18th Floor
> > New York , NY 10004

> > Two tons of
> > Christmas cards would freeze their operations because they
> > wouldn't know if any were regular mail containing
> > contributions.
> > So spend 44
> > cents and tell the ACLU to leave Christmas alone. Also tell
> > them that there is no such thing as a " Holiday
> > Tree". . .
> > It's always been called a CHRISTMAS TREE!
> >
> > And pass this on to your email lists. We really want to
> > communicate with the ACLU! They really DESERVE us!!
> >
> > For those of you who aren't aware of them, the ACLU,
> > (the American Civil Liberties
> > Union) is the one suing the U.S.
> > Government to take God, Christmas or anything Christian away
> > from us. They represent the atheists and others in this war.
> > Help put Christ back in Christmas!
Please feel free to copy and paste and send to as many others as possible!
Blessings

center>
Hello all! Just wanted to let you know about a sweet giveaway over at a friends blog, she and her dd are giving away a tea bag cozy. Run over and visit them at
http://prairieflowerfarm.blogspot.com/ if you go check out some of her other post she is a sweet lady and I just love visiting her!
Blessings

Day 6 Thankfulness

I am thankful today for the beautiful sunshine after the rain. It is truly amazing to think about what all God has to handle, when we need rain , when we need sun, wind, clouds, ect. In Luke 12:22-34 it talks about God feeding the ravens and the lilies growing. God takes care of them and he loves us more than the birds and flowers so we should know he will take care of us! He knows what we need and when we need it, although our timing may not be the same as his or our wants and desires may not be what he desires for us. When it comes down to it he knows what is best for us, all the time! Thank you father for taking care of me! Blessings,Karen

Thankfulness Day 4 & 5

I was afraid I was going to get behind and so today I'm doing two days in one here. I am so thankful for a wonderful mom and Grandmother. I lost my grandmama about two weeks ago and I am just so thankful for all the years the Lord allowed me to have with her. My mom was so faithful in taking care of her for many years and I know what a void she has in her life as well. But we are so thankful that she is whole again and in no more pain. She has her vision and hearing back and she is in heaven with our heavenly father! My mom is always helping me here and there , picking up kids, running to the store or just coming over to lend a hand. I am thankful for a mom who is giving and loves us so much! So today I am thankful for to faith loving women who have impacted my life in so many ways!
Hope all of you are having a great week so far! Blessings!

Day 3 thankfulness

Today and everyday I am thankful for such sweet and caring pastors! They are filled with the Holy Spirit and not afraid to follow his lead, even though we may not follow the norm for worship each week. We follow a living God who knows what we need and when we need it. For all of you pastors and pastor wives I thank you for all you do for your church family and for the body of Christ! I love you all!! Blessings for a great week and remember to let your light shine!

Thankfulness Day 2

Today I am so thankful for cousins, mine and hubbys. We both have a great family. Tonight his cousin and wife fixed us supper. Its always so nice when you dont have to cook! It was a nice break! Yummy food too, she fixed taco salad simple but delish!
Anyhow family is a big part of my life and I am so thankful God has blessed me with such a loving family I just pray each and everyone of them will come to know him as I have.
Well Im going to close for now! Hope you each have a great Sunday!

Thankfulness

With us getting closer to Thanksgiving I wanted to challenge each of you to stop each day and think of one thing you are thankful for, Today I am thankful for so much. Its hard to know where to begin,but first and foremost I am thankful for my heavenly father for holding my hand each and everyday! He continues to bless me daily and I cannot put into words how much he does for me and shows his love for me daily. He never gave up on this country girl and he wont give up on you. If your not saved and don't know Christ I urge you to read Gods word, Pray, confess your sins, because no matter what you've done God allows U turns and he will forgive you. He loves you, and he can bring you back from a life of sin and put you in the place where he wants you to be, no road is easy but when you have a daddy that is there for you and will never let you down( because every man will at some point or time let you down, God won't) you can be assured you will come up and out a better person.
So that's all for now, tomorrow I will be back and share with you another thing I'm thankful for, hope each of you has a blessed Friday!

Heaven's Grocery Store

Heaven's Grocery Store

As I was walking down life's
highway many years ago
I came upon a sign that read
Heavens Grocery Store.

When I got a little closer
the doors swung open wide
And when I came to myself
I was standing inside.

I saw a host of angels.
They were standing everywhere
One handed me a basket and said
"My child, shop with care."

Everything a human needed
was in that grocery store
And what you could not carry
you could come back for more.

First I got some Patience.
Love was in that same row.
Further down was Understanding,
you need that everywhere you go.

I got a box or two of Wisdom
and Faith a bag or two.
And Charity, of course,
I would need some of that, too.

I couldn't miss the Holy Ghost
It was all over the place.
And then some Strength and Courage
to help me run this race.

My basket was getting full but I remembered I needed Grace,
And then I chose Salvation for
Salvation was for free
I tried to get enough of that to do for you and me.

Then I started to the counter
to pay my grocery bill,
For I thought I had everything
to do the Masters will.

As I went up the aisle I saw
Prayer and put that in,
For I knew when I stepped outside
I would run into sin.

Peace and Joy were plentiful,
the last things on the shelf.
Song and Praise were hanging near
so I just helped myself.

Then I said to the angel
"How much do I owe?"
He smiled and said
"Just take them everywhere you go."

Again I asked "Really now,
how much do I owe?"
"My child" he said,
"God paid your bill a long, long time ago."


[ Author Unknown -- from 'E-Mail Ministry' ]

Fall Festival

Hello Everyone!
As many of you know I am the youth director at my church and we are having a fall festival and I need some games for teens. I have looked online and found a few but most are for younger children or either they are for halloween which we don't celebrate. So if any of you have any ideas please send them my way! I would be so grateful! Blessings,Karen

More goodies in my mailbox!

Saturday was a great mail day! I got two sweet packages from two wonderful ladies. So of course I have to show you my goodies. First I won a sweet little surprise goodie bag, which had a wonderful surprise in it, it was a beautiful apron that Bev over on
http://sewonandsewfourth.blogspot.com/ made it is a reversible halloween and thanksgiving apron. Just gorgeous! Bev makes and sells the prettiest aprons, if you don't know her go over and check her out. Thanks again Bev!
The next box I received was some wonderful smell goods for my home from a wonderful gal Dena, she makes the most divine scents for your home and many other goodies. You can check her website out at
http://www.pineywoodsprimitives.com/ The scents I received was Blueberry Jam and Orange Clove and some Hot Baked Apple Pie tarts. Thanks so much Dena! My house smells divine and I look divine in my new apron. So now I have dishes to so and clothes to fold so I better go get busy. Ya ll have a great week! Blessings, Karen

Fun Secret Sister Packages!

I have recieved my first package from my secret sister ( over at MJs forum) we have all kinds of fun swaps! If youve never been I recommend you go its so much fun and there are some awesome farmgirls who you can learn so much from.
http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/farmgirl-connection
So I wanted to share some pics with you so you can see what wonderful goodies I got! Its so much fun getting stuff besides bills out of the mailbox!
I recieved fun little fall scarcrows and the best ever apricot jam! Lots of vintage runners and a cute little hand made card! Thanks so much secret sister!
Hope everyone has a great weekend! Blessings, Karen

Why did Jesus fold his napkin?

Something
I didn't know about the
napkin





This
is really beautiful, with such significance..
I truly hope you enjoy it as much as I
did. John 20:7 reads (in "The Woman's
Study Bible, The New King James
Version) "v. 6: Then Simon Peter
came, following him, and went into the tomb; and
he saw the linen cloths lying there, v.7 and the
handkerchief that had been around His head, not
lying with the linen cloths, but folded together
in a place by itself."



Now,
please read the rest of this and see the reason
I think this is beautiful.



Why
Did Jesus Fold the
Napkin?

This is one I can
honestly say I have never seen circulating in
the
emails so; I'll start it, if it touches
you and you want to forward it.

Why did
Jesus fold the linen burial cloth after His
resurrection? I never
noticed
this....

The Gospel
of John (20:7) tells us that the
napkin, which was placed over
the face of
Jesus, was not just thrown aside
like the grave
clothes.

The Bible
takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin
was neatly
folded, and was placed at the
head of that stony coffin.

Early Sunday
morning, while it was still dark, Mary
Magdalene came to the
tomb and
found that the stone had been rolled away from
the
entrance.

She ran and found Simon
Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus

loved. She said, 'They have taken the Lord's
body out of the
tomb, and I don't know where
they have put him!'

Peter and the other
disciple ran to the tomb to see. The other
disciple
outran Peter and got there first.
He stooped and looked in
and saw the linen
cloth lying there, but he didn't go
in.

Then Simon Peter arrived and went
inside. He also noticed the linen
wrappings
lying there, while the cloth that had covered
Jesus' head
was folded up and lying to the
side.

Was that important?
Absolutely!

Is it really significant?
Yes!

In order to understand the
significance of the folded napkin, you have to

understand a little bit about Hebrew
tradition of that day.. The folded
napkin
had
to do with the Master and
Servant, and every Jewish boy knew
this
tradition.

When the servant set
the dinner table for the master, he made sure
that
it was exactly the way the master
wanted it.

The table was furnished
perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just

out of sight, until the master had finished
eating, and the
servant would not dare touch
that table, until the master was
finished.

Now if the master were done
eating, he would rise from the table, wipe

his fingers, his mouth, and clean his beard,
and would wad up that
napkin and toss it onto
the table.

The servant would then know to
clear the table. For in those days, the

wadded napkin meant, 'I'm done'.

But
if the master got up from the table, and folded
his napkin, and laid
it beside his plate,
the servant would not dare touch the
table,
because...........

The folded
napkin meant, 'I'm coming
back!'

He
is Coming Back!! Be
Blessed

Friends

Good morning! Boy it feels so nice and cool this morning. Unlike last night when I couldn't get my eyes to close, so as I was laying in bed and was thinking about all the friends I have been blessed with, and was thinking about something good each one does for me. So i wanted to share a little bit of that list with you.
My friends encourage me, make me smile, are honest, pick me up when I fall down, love to laugh, don't care if I have on makeup, listens when I need to talk, gives me advice when needed, cares about how I feel. I could go on and on but I will stop. But that gives you an idea, I love all my friends dearly and yet none of them are perfect and I know sometimes I have been let down by them, maybe they didn't invite me to go shopping or maybe got mad and said something hurtful to me.(Ive probably done the same to them) My point is,is none is perfect, but I do have one friend who has never let me down and that is Jesus Christ. He is forever watching out for me! Its sad that as much as he has done for me and has never hurt me or let me down he has at times been at the bottom of my friend list. Where is Christ on your list? If he's not first he needs to be! As I was lying there last night I thought gee, do I spend time with Christ like I do my friends? To answer that honestly, I have to say no. So starting today I am making it a point to spent time with my best friend and let him know how much I love him and appreciate all he has done for me not just today but each and everyday. My friends I'm sure will be the first to agree that this a good choice and they are not offended at all, if not are they truly a friend? Well just a thought I wanted to share with you all, I hope you week is blessed and full of friends! Blessings

Lovein this fall feelin weather!

Yep the weather has turned fallish here in Ga. I don't know how long it will last but I am sure enjoying it, my windows are up and the ac is off! I have even been noticing some leaves turning on some trees here too. Is this a good sign? I don't know but I sure hope so! Gods handiwork is so great he makes such wonderful things for us his children. Let us thank him for each day we have to walk in his presence.
I have been doing a few crafts here and there. I just finished up some really pretty embroidered pillowcases. They are in my etsy shop if you want to check them out. Are you in the mood for doing more crafts since the weather is cooler? I just seems like a good time to curl up and enjoy some fun relaxing craft time. Well I'd love to hear about what you have been up to..
Yall have a great hump day and Blessings to you all!

Too Busy!

Once again time has gotten by and I am late writing. We have started on a new school year and since my last post I have taken over the youth at my church. So I stay busy between the two of them but I am loving every minute of it and God is so good he has blessed me so much. I never thought i would stand up in front of someone and speak, but his mercies are forever flowing. My oldest son and his girlfriend have gotten them a house and have even started coming to church with us! Hope everyone out in blooger land is doing good! I am looking forward to trying to get around to some blogs soon! May God bless each of you!
Blessings,Karen

Snowball!!!!

No its not snowing again here in Georgia. But just wanted you to see my new puppy named Snowball! Isn't he cute! My Aunt Karen gave him to me since my last puppy got killed. I still cry over my little Lulu, but she knows how much I love animals of any kind so she gave me this one. Hope ya'll all have a great Monday! Be a blessing to others and it will come back to you! Even if its just a simple smile or holding the door for someone, one simple thing can make someones day! Be a blessing and be blessed! Love ya, Karen

B-asic
I-nstructions
B-efore
L-eaving
E-arth

Its been so Long!

It has been such a long time since I have been on here. Boy the Lord has done so much in my life since I was here last. I think of each of you many times and wonder how you are. I have been on facebook and just have not made the time to visit frinds here in blog land.
First let me say that I have found an awesome church and church family and my love for Christ has grown so much! I am thankful he has never given up on me. I am still praying for salvation in each of my childrens lives and hubbys. He is working on my hubby because I have found him reading my bible more than once. Praise The Lord!
We have finished our schooling for the year and I have already gotten all our books for next yr except for math which I am changing up next yr. So if you know anyone who has used teaching textbooks I am in need of some for 7th grade and pre algebra.
We have had alot of rain here in Ga for the last couple of weeks for which I am thankful. We needed it to help the drought. The sunnys dys are also a blessing too.
Hope each of you are doing well I will try and get by to see each of you soon. Blessings to you all, Karen

Prayers Please

Dont want to say names but those of you who have been around have heard me talk about my oldest son and his girlfriend. Well her mother hung herself Thursday at their home that they share with their 3 other kids and her husband. Please pray for this family. None are saved and such a tradgedy for all. The funeral is Wed. at 11am. Please keep them in prayers and also please pray that the Lord would give the the words to say to comfort this family as we have never seen eye to eye. Thanks so much! Blessings,Karen

Happy Birthday Devin!

Today is my middle son's 15th birthday. Wow its hard to believe that time has flown by so fast. It seems just yesterday that he was crawling around getting into everything! Now here he is fixing to get his learners license. He is such a joy to me and I thank you father for giving me such a precious child! Lord I give him back to you today and ask that you would lead him and guide him in your ways, father. I also ask that you would put a hedge of protection around him, keep him from all harm whether that be verbal, mental or physical. I ask these things in your precious name. Amen
Happy Birthday Devin! I love you mom.

Beautiful Visitor

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is life not more important than food and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life.
Matthew 6:25-27 New International Version


Hope everyone had a great weekend and enjoyed some family time. We really had a great weekend. Looking forward to more outside time this week and weekend! Planning a birthday party for my son who will be 15 Monday the 20th. Going to the Mossy Creek Barnyard Festival this Sat. Fun fun!!! Hope you all have a blessed week! I Love you all! Karen

Happy Easter !

Wow here we are mid week again. Time sure does fly. I am working on a few things for the shop this week and getting ready for Easter Sunday. What about you?
I recieved this sweet Easter story and wanted to pass it along. It is kinda long but worth it.
THE STORY OF EDITH BURNS...

Happy Easter!

Edith Burns was a wonderful Christian who lived in San Antonio, Texas . She was the patient of a doctor by the name of Will Phillips.. Dr. Phillips was a gentle doctor who saw patients as people. His favorite patient was Edith Burns.

One morning he went to his office with a heavy heart and it was because of Edith Burns. When he walked into that waiting room, there sat Edith with her big black Bible in her lap earnestly talking to a young mother sitting beside her.

Edith Burns had a habit of introducing herself in this way: "Hello, my name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?" Then she would explain the meaning of Easter, and many times people would be saved.

Dr. Phillips walked into that office and there he saw the head nurse, Beverly. Beverly had first met Edith when she was taking her blood pressure. Edith began by saying,"My name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?"

Beverly said, "Why yes I do."

Edith said, "Well, what do you believe about Easter?"

Beverly said, "Well, it's all about egg hunts, going to church, and dressing up." Edith kept pressing her about the real meaning of Easter, and finally led her to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Dr. Phillips said, " Beverly , don't call Edith into the office quite yet. I believe there is another delivery taking place in the waiting room.

After being called back in the doctor's office, Edith sat down and when she took a look at the doctor she said, "Dr. Will, why are you so sad? Are you reading your Bible? Are you praying?"

Dr. Phillips said gently, "Edith, I'm the doctor and you're the patient" With a heavy heart he said, "Your lab report came back and it says you have cancer, and Edith, you're not going to live very long."

Edith said, "Why Will Phillips, shame on you. Why are you so sad? Do you think God makes mistakes? You have just told me I'm going to see my precious Lord Jesus, my husband, and my friends. You have just told me that I am going to celebrate Easter forever, and here you are having difficulty giving me my ticket!"

Dr. Phillips thought to himself, "What a magnificent woman this Edith Burns is!"

Edith continued coming to Dr. Phillips. Christmas came and the office was closed through January 3rd. On the day the office opened, Edith did not show up. Later that afternoon, Edith called Dr. Phillips and said she would have to be moving her story to the hospital and said, "Will, I'm very near home, so would you make sure that they put women in here next to me in my room who need to know about Easter."

Well, they did just that and women began to come in and share that room with Edith. Many women were saved. Everybody on that floor from staff to patients were so excited about Edith, that they started calling her Edith Easter; that is everyone except Phyllis Cross, the head nurse.

Phyllis made it plain that she wanted nothing to do with Edith because she was a "religious nut".. She had been a nurse in an army hospital. She had seen it all and heard it all. She was the original G.I. Jane. She had been married three times, she was hard, cold, and did everything by the book.

One morning the two nurses who were to attend to Edith were sick.

Edith had the flu and Phyllis Cross had to go in and give her a shot.. When she walked in, Edith had a big smile on her face and said, "Phyllis, God loves you and I love you, and I have been praying for you."

Phyllis Cross said, "Well, you can quit praying for me, it won't work.. I'm not interested."

Edith said, "Well, I will pray and I have asked God not to let me go home until you come into the family."

Phyllis Cross said, "Then you will never die because that will never happen," and curtly walked out of the room.

Every day Phyllis Cross would walk into the room and Edith would say, "God loves you Phyllis and I love you, and I'm praying for you."

One day Phyllis Cross said she was literally drawn to Edith's room like a magnet would draw iron.. She sat down on the bed and Edith said, "I'm so glad you have come, because God told me that today is your special day"

Phyllis Cross said, "Edith, you have asked everybody here the question, "Do you believe in Easter but you have never asked me."

Edith said, "Phyllis, I wanted to many times, but God told me to wait until you asked, and now that you have asked." Edith Burns took her Bible and shared with Phyllis Cross the Easter Story of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Edith said, "Phyllis, do you believe in Easter? Do you believe that Jesus Christ is alive and that He wants to live in your heart?"

Phyllis Cross said, "Oh I want to believe that with all of my heart, and I do want Jesus in my life "Right there, Phyllis Cross prayed and invited Jesus Christ into her heart. For the first time Phyllis Cross did not walk out of a hospital room, she was carried out on the wings of angels.

Two days later, Phyllis Cross came in and Edith said, "Do you know what day it is?" Phyllis Cross said, "Why Edith, it's Good Friday."

Edith said, "Oh, no, for you every day is Easter. Happy Easter Phyllis!"

Two days later, on Easter Sunday, Phyllis Cross came into work, did some of her duties and then went down to the flower shop and got some Easter lilies because she wanted to go up to see Edith and give her some Easter lilies and wish her a Happy Easter.

When she walked into Edith's room, Edith was in bed. That big black Bible was on her lap. Her hands were in that Bible. There was a sweet smile on her face. When Phyllis Cross went to pick up Edith's hand, she realized Edith was dead. Her left hand was on John 14: "In my Father's house are many mansions. I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also." Her right hand was on Revelation 21:4, "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, there shall be no more death nor sorrow, nor crying; and there shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."

Phyllis Cross took one look at that dead body, and then lifted her face toward heaven, and with tears streaming down here cheeks, said, "Happy Easter, Edith - Happy Easter!"

Phyllis Cross left Edith's body, walked out of the room, and over to a table where two student nurses were sitting. She said, "My name is Phyllis Cross. Do you believe in Easter?"

Happy Easter Weekend! Blessings,Karen

The Winner is

Irma!!!!!! From over @ http://irmasrosecottage.blogspot.com/. Congrats Irma! Please send me your snail mail address and I will sent the rings to you asap. Thanks to everyone who played! Hope you all have a great Sunday, now I'm off to church!
Blessings,Karen

Easter Giveaway

Here it is Easter already! Can you believe we are in the fourth month already? Time sure does fly. The birds are chirping and we are getting plenty of April's showers so I expect to have plenty of May flowers. What are you waiting for something? Oh it cant be a giveaway can it??? Okay okay!!! Here it is nothing complicated just leave me a message about your favorite thing about spring and I will put your name in my hat and my son will draw this Sunday! There's not much time but I want to be able to get these in the mail soon. So whats the giveaway, well my friend Jess over at http://kadyhope.blogspot.com/ gave me this idea. Thanks Jess! If you haven't been by her place go by, you will find a new friend there! So here it is a set of 4 Easter egg napkin rings. They are white with green felt eggs sewn to them. Just add your own napkins. I am also adding 2 more sets to my etsy if you would like to buy a set. Good luck everyone and thanks for coming by. Happy early Easter! Blessings,Karen

Look what I made !

I have been wanting to make some clip on earrings because several of my moms friends said they are so hard to find. So I have gotten some done and hope to have more in the days to come. These will be on my etsy here in the next few dys. I also have a necklace and earring(pierced) set that I will be putting on for mothers day or mom's b-day. So when you get a chance come by and see all the new things I will be adding this week. Blessings,Karen

Earth Hour 2009

Who of you participated in Earth Hour 2009? My family here in Georgia did. We cut out all our lights ,tv, computer and anything else electric, lit those oil lanterns and candles for one hour from 8:30pm to 9:30 pm along with alot of other individuals all over the world to help support the reduction of climate change. It sure makes you feel good to be able to put your two cents worth in. We pulled out a deck a cards and played Rummy! What fun to be able to enjoy each other in the peace and quite. What did you do play games ,put a puzzle together? Let me here from you I'd love to know who all participated.
Hope you all have a wonderful Sunday. The sun is back out and shinning brightly here in our neck of the woods today. We are getting ready to head to church! Enjoy your day. Blessings,Karen

Its a rainy Thursday in Georgia!

Well its not raining yet but its headed our way and suppose to rain until Sat. as of last weather report. At least I might get more cleaning done and wont be tempted to head out doors. Those sweet little birdies are always calling me out to play. It is so hard to stay inside when the weather is so beautiful. Ain't God good? All the time!
I am so ready to dig out those tents and head to the campgrounds. I love to hike through the woods and see all the beautiful flowers that God has surround us with. I went out yesterday and went for a little walk behind my MIL's and guess what I found? Beautiful honeysuckle trees! So I had to get me a piece and bring it home, its in a vase beside my sink. So at least I'll have me a little bit of spring inside with me!lol What kind of spring fever do you have? Hope you all have a great Thursday and a great weekend coming up too! Blessings, Karen

Sweet Birdie Chirps

I know Ive said it before but I must say it again, I love to hear the sweet chirps of the spring. I have so many red birds and finch I cant seem to keep the feeders full. I still don't have my camera working so I found some really pretty pics I thought Id share. Just add 10 to 15 more birds at the time and you have my birdies! They have the sweetest chirps I sure wish I knew what they were saying. Anybody know bird talk?
I have been very busy this week trying to get some spring cleaning done. Washing walls, curtains, taking everything off walls and cabinets cleaning and washing each piece. Boy at the dust! I am working on one room at the time and it seems to take forever but I know I will be pleased with the job once its done. Does anyone need some bunnies? Dust bunnies that is I have plenty and sure don't mind sharing! LOL
My cousin that just got engaged is coming down Friday for a visit! I cant wait to see her and Aj. Kristy and I used to be really close, well we still are but jobs, kids , school and life has put a hinder in seeing each other or talking that much. But I know if I ever really need her shes just a phone call away and I sure hope the same goes here!
How has your week been? Got any plans for the weekend? Hope everything is going well for each of you! Have a blessed week whats left of it and a wonderful fun filled weekend! Blessings,Karen

Many Thanks

Good Friday Morning! Just wanted to say thank you to all of you who have been praying for our family. We are making it thru by the grace and goodness of our Lord Jesus Christ. Things are far from perfect in one aspect but the other is much better. Each prayer you have said has been felt and so much appreciated. Wish I could give you each a hug and say thanks in person, so give yourself a big hug for me! Hope everyone will have a wonderful weekend. We are suppose to be getting some showers here on and off for the weekend but who knows this Ga. weather never knows what its going to do until its here. The sweet little bird chirps are coming in my window and there are several feeding at my feeders right outside the window. Spring has sprung and I love hearing the sounds of spring and also seeing the beautiful flowers and birds that have come to visit. I will try to get some pics of my lovely little visitors. I have to borrow my sons camera mine has died so it may be a few days I will try to get some of my pretty flowers that have started putting out also! I'd love to see what spring looks like in your neck of the woods. Well better run and get busy! Again have a great weekend! Blessing to all, Karen

Prayers Please!

Hello everyone, Sorry I have not been making my usual rounds. I have had an overload of stress the last week, pretty much something everyday. So I really could use some prayers. Don't really wont to go into details for everyone in the world to see but just know it is really rough on our whole family right now and I am really fighting hard to stay afloat. Thanks so much ahead of time. Blessings to you all, Karen

A Snowy Engagement

My cousins boyfriend purposed today during one of Georgia's rare snows. How romantic huh? He even went down and ask her dad last week for her hand in marriage. What a super guy! I am so glad he will be joining our family. Congrats to the lucky couple.
His name is AJ and hers is Kristy! I will keep you up to date on the wedding plans to follow. I just had to share the good news with you. I has been a very pretty day with the snow falling since lunch time. I will try to get the pics posted soon of our snow in Ga. Hope you all have a cozy evening. Blessings,Karen

Give Thanks!

1 Thess. 5:18 in the Amp. Bible says Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you ...
It is so hard to give thanks with so many bad things going on around us. Loosing a loved one, lost jobs, finance problems, health problems and the list goes on. But God says to we are to give thanks in everything. I look around me and see all the difficulties and wonder how we are going to make it another week but the Lord always provides and in this I give thanks but I know I sure don't give enough. So I am going to post this passage on my mirror and my fridge and challenge myself to give thanks more than once a day.
Are you up for the challenge?
Have a great end of the week! Blessings to all, Karen

More Goodies in the Mail!

I just love getting goodies in the mail. It is so nice to go to the mailbox and get something besides BILLS! Well I just had to share with you what I received today! I won this also in the OWOH giveaway. Its Applejack and Peel tarts and Prairie Prim Soap Balls Oh! what a heavenly scent. Thanks so much Deb! You can go to her shop at
http://www.brandyannescandlesandprims.com/ and look or buy yourself some of these lovelies. Also if you haven't been to visit her blog run by there also its
http://pilgrimsandpioneers.blogspot.com/
she always has great interesting post.
I went to visit my grandmother today for all of you who have been here a while know shes in the nursing home since she had a stroke. Well she seems to have good days and bad days but her mind is ok although she gets very confused. She really misses being at home with her family. Its always so good to see her sweet face, she has always been so loving.
Don't really have to much going on this weekend, hope each of you are having a great Saturday. Blessings, Karen

Look what I won!

I won this beautiful print of "The Queen of Hearts" from the http://rustedwingsstudio.blogspot.com/ during the OWOH giveaway.
It was done by Abigail Folk it is such a beautiful print if you would like one of her prints or some artwork by Kage Harp go over to their blog or you can also visit their etsy @
rustedwingsgallery.etsy.com
Thanks you so much for the wonderful print, I will find a special place for her.
We had some rough weather last night here in Georgia and their was some damage through out south Ga. Thank the good Lord we did not have any damage. Today the sun is out and the birds are chirping. The wind is blowing and its a good bit cooler today than it was yesterday. I love hearing the little birds right outside my window, it reminds me how much God does for me each and every day.
Hope each of you have a great Thursday! Blessings, Karen

Company

I had some sweet company this weekend. My three nephews and their mom came for a visit. They live in Tenn. and have not been to GA in about a yr. Boy have the kids grown! The two oldest knew where they were when they walked in the door the headed straight to the youngest sons room to play. The little one was shy for a few min. but then he saw toys and was ready to go! It was so great to get to see them and what a good weekend their short visit made it.
Hope all of you are having a great start to you week. It is raining here today, which we need the rain so I wont complain just hope we don't have any bad weather. Well I better go get school started. Before I go let me thank each of you for the birthday wishes you sent my way. Blessings to each of you! Karen

Yesterday was my B-day

and look what a beautiful cake and gifts I received. The cake was red velvet with a whipped topping! Yum ! My favorite. I got so many goodies! Pj's, house shoes, beads, flowers, shirts, pocketbook and money! Yea! What a fun day it was, its hard to believe I'm 38 and my oldest son will be 18 in April. Boy does time fly.
I remember having one of my early birthdays maybe 4yrs old at a place called dipper dans ice cream and I was so excited I could hardly sleep the night before. Well that was until I woke up with the chicken pox! What a horrible present. They had to cancel my party until my chicken pox where gone. Then what a fun party we had ice cream, pin the tail on the donkey and sit on the balloon to pop it! What fun! It seems like just yesterday. Well needless to say the time has flown by and now my youngest son will be a teen this yr. I have lost many family members over the years and each are still missed even today. But I know one day I will see them all again and boy what a party we will have then. Thanks for going down memory lane with me.
On another note I finally made it around to all 911 OWOH giveaways and what wonderful creativity so many fellow bloggers have, I will be going back to visit some of the wonderful blogs I found on my way around the world. If you didn't get a chance to visit the site will still be up for awhile feel free to go by and meet new friends. The link is shown below on another post. I better run and get ready for bed, have a wonderful end of the week! Blessings, Karen

Feels Like Spring!

The weather here in Georgia has been so beautiful the last few days! It has been so pretty the boys and I got outside and straightened up the yards and cleaned up trash and limbs that had fallen. Now we have a nice size burn pile I hope to get burned one afternoon when hunny gets home. This kind of weather makes me want to go campin!
We have 5 more dys to Valentines day. Have you gotten all your goodies bought or made? Why is it that they don't have alot of ideas for men and boys? Its always the same thing tie, boxers or fish cups that say "hooked on you". Well been there and need some new ideas! I hate to get alot of candy because that makes such bad habits. So if you have any ideas to share please do so.
Just to let you all know I am trying some new ideas on my etsy as well. Vintage items! So if you love old things check it out or if you know someone who loves oldies please send them my way. I'm just trying to add new items that I don't have to get more business and get more people to visit that don't normally come by. I am going to try to keep my prices reasonable even on these items. Let me know what you think!
Well I better run and get these boys in gear! Hope you all have a great week! Blessings, Karen

10 days to Valentines and

who has your heart? I couldn't resist with this sweet pic. This is KK as we call her, I babysit her and you can bet with having all boys she has my heart!
Hope you all are having a great week. I have been really busy this week trying to get household chores caught up. Schooling and just general everyday things that have to be done. What have you been doing this week? I have alot of craft things that I want to do but just cant find the time when the little one goes home. Sure couldn't do it before, it would be everywhere!
Do you have anything your working on? I'd love to see it.
Well I better run and try to get caught up on getting around to everyone. Don't forget you have until the 11th to join in the fun for One World One Heart giveaways.
http://oneworldoneheart.typepad.com/

Well until next time, stay warm and have a great end of the week! Blessings, Karen

And the winner is .....

Pumpkin seed! Congrats Bekah! Thanks to all of you who have left comments! Please come back often, I plan to have another giveaway for St. Patty's day! Blessings, Karen

More than a giveaway!

One World One Heart is a dream Lisa Swifka had of joining bloggers together to meet new friends world wide. Well, her dream is so big now that at last count there was over 700 who have joined in her band wagon. Each person is having their on giveaway and you get to meet new friends, can't get any better than that! So if you have a chance here is her link http://oneworldoneheart.typepad.com/
Go by and check it out,to the right of the page you will see the ever growing list and where each are from,click and start making new friends!
If I'm not around that's where I'll be! Hope to see you there. Blessings, Karen

Ps. You still have 3 days to get in on my Valentine giveaway! Just leave a comment. Thanks!

Great Giveaway's for Valentines Day!

Just wanted to remind you of my giveaway and also of another very cute sweet giveaway. Please go over to http://itsaboutannie.blogspot.com/ and get in on De's sweet little Annie doll! It's the cutest and great for Valentines.
My drawing ends the last day of January. So you can still enter everyday up until that night. Good luck everyone!
OK one more great giveaway to mention you can go over to http://itsagoldenslifethistimejustforme.blogspot.com/
and get in on Ellen's grand opening for her etsy she is having a great grubby candle giveaway perfect for a romantic night.

Valentine Giveaway and more!

Good morning everyone! I just wanted to remind you of my Valentine giveaway please make sure you get your name in the hat before the last day of January. You can read the rules down below on the post with the giveaway and pic. Also don't forget my friend Barbara's Valentine giveaway as well over at http://theserenityroom.blogspot.com/. Lots of fun from both!
I have been really busy trying to finish up some of the items for my etsy shop for Valentines. I haven't had the chance to even decorate my house. I better get busy time is going by so fast! Are you and your sweety doing anything special for Valentines? Do you buy gifts or is it just another day? I buy each of my kids, hubby and mom a gift each year and I'm always on the look out for new and different ideas so please feel free to send some my way. Normally each year hubby and I take a 3 or 4day getaway since my birthday is on the 10th we celebrate both together. We have always loved the mountains so we unusually go to North Georgia. Young Harris is one of our fav spots we love to hike and antique, but with the way the economy is this year I'm kinda afraid to make any plans. Yes you know I have to make the plans hubby would never make plans. He loves to go he just doesn't like to plan. So I really would like to do something special but just have no idea as to what.
Well I better run and get the boys started with their schooling. Ya'll have a great day and stay warm! Blessings, Karen

Powerful Video

you must see. One of my fellow farm girls brought this to our attention over on Mjs forum but I also wanted to pass it along here. Go here to see the video http://www.guzer.com/videos/are-you-going-to-finish-strong.php
Also don't forget to look at the next post down for my giveaway and then you can also go to a dear blogger Barbara's blog and get in on her Valentine giveaway as well. Here's her site: http://theserenityroom.blogspot.com/
Hope everyone is staying warm and having a great Tuesday! Blessings, Karen

Valentines Day Giveaway!

As promised I am doing a valentines day giveaway it will be this romantic massage kit. This kit includes strawberry,cherry,and cinnamon massage oil, a wooden rolling massager,a fancy feather tickler and a massage guide. I will include a few other goodies that I find along my way. The rules are very simple leave me a comment between now and Jan 31 and your name will be put in the hat each time a comment is left. You can also get your name in two more times just by mentioning my giveaway on your blog.(please make sure if you do mention this on your blog let me know so I can add your name again) I will have one of my boys draw the winners name on Sunday Feb.1st and will mail your prize out Mon. Feb. 2nd so it will be there for Valentines day. Please make sure I have a way to contact you either by blog or email as I will choose a different winner if I cannot contact you. Thanks for dropping in and having a little Valentines day fun with me. Stop in often as I love to meet new people and love all my familiar faces! Have a wonderful Sunday. Blessings, Karen

A giveaway!

Well Valentines day is fast approaching and a sweet blogger friend is having a wonderful giveaway just in time for this Love Day. Please go by and visit Barbara @
http://theserenityroom.blogspot.com/ and get in on her wonderful giveaway. I also hope to have a giveaway up soon. I am having camera trouble now so I cant get my pics downloaded so as soon as I figure out what to do I will get my giveaway posted also. So please check back soon for that. Hope everyone is having a great weekend. Blessings to each of you! Karen

I'm Back!!Yea!

Boy have I missed you guys! I don't know where to start. My computer got sick so I could not do anything. It would not load or anything I wanted to cry! I have thought about each of you during my time gone and wondered how you where and what each of you had been up too. So I know I have alot to catch up on. It may take me a few days to get around to everyone but I will get around slowly but surely. We had a really good Christmas until two days after Christmas, I went to work with my hubby and while I was gone my oldest son let my little princess out side and she got run over and died. I was devastated. My little puppy LuLu is gone if I stop now I still start crying I laid in bed for two days crying. But things are getting better.
We are back on our school routine so things are going pretty good. Hope all of you are doing well and hope everyone is having a great New Year! Blessings Karen