THIS CHRISTMAS – 2016

December 13, 2016March 16, 2017Kim Sweeting 6 Comments

THIS CHRISTMAS – 2016

“MERRY CHRISTMAS”

When considering what to post as my Christmas message this year, I decided to re-post what I said in 2013 because my sentiments are truly the same, and even more-so considering the enemy’s increased warfare against Christ during this season.

Be inspired, be encouraged, be determined, and be blessed!

Kim

THIS CHRISTMAS

This Christmas,

each time you see a light, remember that Jesus is the light of the world.

This Christmas,

each time you see a gift, remember that God gave the greatest gift in sending His only begotten Son to earth so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.

This Christmas,

each time you see a Christmas tree, remember the price Jesus paid for your salvation by suffering and dying on the cross.

This Christmas

each time you see preparations made in commemoration and celebration of the first arrival of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, remember the importance of preparing yourself for His next arrival because He is coming again, not as a baby in a manger, but as a mighty, conquering King.

This Christmas

may you and your loved ones have a blessed, peaceful, safe, and Christ-filled, holiday.

Merry Christmas!

“For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.”

(Isaiah 9:6-7 – NKJV)

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”

(John 3:16, 17 – NKJV)

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

(John 10:10 – NKJV)

Be encouraged,

Kim

Image “MERRY CHRISTMAS CARD” by digitalart, courtesy of digitalart/FreeDigitalPhotos.Net

CHRISTMAS MORNING GRATITUDE

December 25, 2015March 19, 2016Kim Sweeting 2 Comments

CHRISTMAS MORNING GRATITUDE

GRATEFUL FOR SALVATION – THE GREATEST GIFT OF ALL!

TO THE FATHER

Thank you for loving us so much to formulate a redemption plan…..I’m so grateful!

TO THE SON

Thank you for humbly agreeing to lay aside your deity to take on the form of man……I’m so grateful!

TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

Thank you for looking at it all and not saying “can’t” but “can”…..I’m so grateful!

TO THE THREE IN ONE

Thank you for working together for now we can be a part of the clan….I’m so grateful!

I also want to take this opportunity to say, “MERRY CHRISTMAS” to each of you and to thank you for allowing me the privilege of being a channel of encouragement, edification and inspiration in your lives – ENJOY YOUR DAY!

Peace & blessings,

Kim

Image “GIFT BOX” by rakratchada torsap courtesy of http://www.FreeDigitalPhotos.net

NO MONEY THIS CHRISTMAS……….

December 21, 2015Kim Sweeting

NO MONEY THIS CHRISTMAS……….

“JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON – CELEBRATE!”

THIS CHRISTMAS

NO MONEY

NOT FUNNY

CELEBRATE ANYHOW!

A lack of money is no reason not to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Simply meditating on the fact that He came and why He came is reason enough to joyfully celebrate.

If money is low and things are tight and you still want to bless others by giving, here’s 7 needed gifts that are becoming increasingly rare in our world that will cost you no money to give.

A SINCERE COMPLIMENT

A LISTENING EAR

A WARM HUG

A HELPING HAND

AN ENCOURAGING WORD

A SMILE

THE GOSPEL MESSAGE

JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON…….CELEBRATE!

ANCIENT PROPHECY ABOUT JESUS’ BIRTH

“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

(Isaiah 7:14 – KJV)

“For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father [of Eternity], Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of His government and of peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from the [latter] time forth, even forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.”

(Isaiah 9:6-7 – Amplified Bible)

PROPHECY ABOUT JESUS’ BIRTH FULFILLED

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.

20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.

22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:

25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.”

(Matthew 1:18-25, KJV)

THE CHRISTMAS STORY 21ST CENTURY STYLE

THE KEY REASON WHY HE CAME

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”

(John 3:16-17, KJV)

NOW BEHOLD THE LAMB

NO MONEY THIS CHRISTMAS?

JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON SO CELEBRATE!

Be encouraged!

Kim

Image “MERRY CHRISTMAS CARD” by digitalart, courtesy of digitalart/FreeDigitalPhotos.Net

Video “RAP RETELLING OF THE TRUE STORY OF CHRISTMAS – WITH LYRICS” courtesy of CalfordMath – http://www.youtube.com

Video “NO BEHOLD THE LAMB” – Kirk Franklin & The Family, courtesy of TheDreamers2000 – http://www.youtube.com

CHRISTMAS IS OUR BIG EVENT – LET’S CELEBRATE ANYWAY!

December 18, 2014Kim Sweeting 1 Comment

CHRISTMAS IS OUR BIG EVENT – LET’S CELEBRATE ANYWAY!

CHRISTMAS IS OUR BIG EVENT – LET’S CELEBRATE!

CELEBRATE – “to do something special or enjoyable for an important event, occasion, holiday, etc., to praise (someone or something) to say that (someone or something) is great or important.”

(http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/celebrate)

I don’t know if it’s only me, but I sense a different spirit in the atmosphere in the Bahamas this Christmas; it’s not the usual light-hearted, happy, celebratory feeling in the air.

It’s almost like there is a sinister blend of fear, anxiety and uncertainty hovering over our nation threatening to snuff out or at best minimize our usual joyous Christmas celebrations.

Maybe it’s a kind of “national post traumatic syndrome” as we as a people are left in the traumatic wake of so much crime, violence, rape, murder, and tragedy in 2014………or maybe it’s the residual effects of the lawlessness, political snafus, new immigration policy, labor unrest and unemployment.

Perhaps it’s the lingering frustration of heavy traffic, dropped phone calls, power outages, low water pressure and rising food prices……..or perhaps it’s the general uneasiness about the impending implementation of 7.5% VAT on January 1st, the proposed constitutional changes and the diminishing trust in the efficacy of our leaders at large.

More that likely it’s a combination of all the above………and more.

No matter where you are, if you are sensing a difference in the atmosphere today and not the usual Christmas cheer, don’t bow to it and let it get you down or dampen your spirit.

Instead, I urge you to decide that as a Believer, you will not focus on what is happening around you but will set and keep your mind on Jesus, the reason for the season.

He is our Lord, our Savior, our Master, and our King and it is His birth that we are commemorating at this time of year so let’s purpose to joyously and gratefully celebrate it as best we can no matter what is going on around us or in our personal lives.

Whatever we focus on becomes magnified so more than ever before, this Christmas season, let’s focus on Jesus’ birth and what it really means to us as Believers and celebrate.

(Isaiah 9:6-7 – NKJV)

(John 3:16, 17 – NKJV)

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

(John 10:10 – NKJV)

“He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.”

(I John 3:8 – NKJV)

“……just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

(Matthew 20:28 – NKJV)

Christmas is our BIG EVENT….in spite of what’s going on, LET’S CELEBRATE ANYWAY!!

Be encouraged!

Kim

Image “BIG EVENT SHOWS CELEBRATIONS AND PARTIES” by digitalart, courtesy of Stuart Miles, http://www.FreeDigitalPhotos.net

THIS YEAR MAY YOUR CHRISTMAS BE……….

December 16, 2014Kim Sweeting 11 Comments

THIS YEAR MAY YOUR CHRISTMAS BE…….

“MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR CHRISTMAS”

This year may your Christmas be:

Christ-filled not Christ-less

Heavenly not Hellish

Relaxing not Rushed

Inspiring not Infuriating

Smooth not Strained

Tranquil not Tense

Merry not Morose

Awesome not Awful

Sanctified not Sinful

A lot will depend on your attitude, perspective and choices.

SELAH!

“For a child is born to us,  a son is given to us.  The government will rest on his shoulders.  And he will be called:  Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,  Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

His government and its peace  will never end.  He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity.  The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies  will make this happen!”

(Isaiah 9:6, 7 – NLT)

JESUS IS STILL THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!

Image “MERRY CHRISTMAS CARD” by digitalart, courtesy of digitalart/FreeDigitalPhotos.Net

THIS CHRISTMAS – 2013

December 23, 2013March 16, 2017Kim Sweeting 6 Comments

THIS CHRISTMAS – 2013

“Merry Christmas”

When considering what to post as my Christmas message this year, I decided to re-post what I said last year because my sentiments are truly the same, and even more-so considering the enemy’s increased warfare against Christ during this season.

Be inspired, be encouraged, be determined, and be blessed!

Kim

THIS CHRISTMAS

This Christmas,

each time you see a light, remember that Jesus is the light of the world.

This Christmas,

each time you see a gift, remember that God gave the greatest gift in sending His only begotten Son to earth so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.

This Christmas,

each time you see a Christmas tree, remember the price Jesus paid for your salvation by suffering and dying on the cross.

This Christmas

may you and your loved ones have a blessed, peaceful, safe, and Christ-filled, holiday.

Merry Christmas!

Kim

Image “MERRY CHRISTMAS CARD” by digitalart, courtesy of digitalart/FreeDigitalPhotos.Net

As for Me and My House – We Wish You A Merry Christmas! (morselsofbread.net)
Celebrate Jesus, the reason for the season! (mismatchedcoloredsocks.wordpress.com)

FIVE CHRISTMAS GIFTS THAT COST NO MONEY

December 21, 2013Kim Sweeting 11 Comments

FIVE CHRISTMAS GIFTS THAT COST NO MONEY

“Give A Gift Today”

I originally published this post in December of 2011, re-posted it in 2012 and yes, here it is again for 2103…🙂

Be inspired, be encouraged, be blessed!

Kim

FIVE CHRISTMAS GIFTS THAT COST NO MONEY

No money to buy gifts this Christmas?

No problem!

Here’s five gifts you can give that will cost you nothing but a little time, energy and love.

1) A Listening Ear

When is the last time that someone listened to you, I mean really listened to you with their undivided attention? No interruptions, no distractions, no butting in, no giving unsolicited opinions, just fully engaged listening.

How did you feel?

Was it a blessing to know that someone cared enough to really listen to you?

Was your heart filled with gratitude and your spirit lighter?

I am pretty certain your responses were positive to all the above.

Having received the gift of a listening ear, is there a person you know of who needs and would appreciate a similar experience?

Give someone the gift of a listening ear this Christmas.

2) An Encouraging Word

Have you ever been in position where you were dealing with a troubling situation and someone gave you an encouraging word that immediately lifted your spirits and gave you hope?

Did you almost feel as if God Himself was speaking to you through that person?

What a gift!

Proverbs 15:23 – “A man has joy in making an apt answer, and a word spoken at the right moment–oh how good it is!” (Amplified Bible)

Proverbs 25:11 – “A word fitly spoken and in due season is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” (Amplified Bible)

Proverbs 12:25 – “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but an encouraging word makes it glad.” (Amplified Bible)

Give someone the gift of an encouraging word this Christmas.

3) A Hug

When is the last time you received a loving, old-fashioned, non-sexual genuine hug?

Think about it for a moment?

Did it warm your heart and make your day?

Also think about the times when you thought to yourself or said to someone, “I need a hug”.

An affectionate hug does wonders for a person. If you Google the health benefits of hugging, you will find that hugs lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and improve overall mood…….wow, what benefits for a gift that costs no money!

Because we live in an age of heightened sexuality, if you plan to give the gift of a hug, depending on the situation and the person that you plan to hug, perhaps a side hug done by putting one arm around their waist or shoulders, and not both arms around them face-to-face may be more appropriate; allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in this regard.

I once saw an anonymous quote that read, “A hug is a universal medicine, it is how we handshake from the heart.” – Anonymous

Give someone the gift of a hug this Christmas.

4) A Smile

If you research the benefits of smiling, you will find that smiling is a free “wonder drug”.

Among other things, smiling boosts the immune system, increases positive mood, reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, releases endorphins, natural pain killers and serotonin, enhances people’s perception of you, lifts the face and makes you look younger and the list goes on.

Because smiling is contagious, when you give the gift of a smile and experience these benefits, the person that you smile at is likely to return a smile and experience them too…….how cool is that?

Give someone the gift of a smile this Christmas.

5) A Helping Hand

There is nothing like receiving unexpected help when needed.

This season, keep your eyes open for situations where you can pitch in and give a helping hand. Perhaps you can offer to help someone paint, bake, decorate their yard, babysit their kids, complete some errands, clean their car, lift a heavy item, understand a scripture, pray about an issue, the possibilities are endless.

Give someone the gift of a helping hand this Christmas.

Who says that you need money to give a gift?

No matter your financial situation, be encouraged to give a gift to someone this Christmas.

For God so loved the world that He gave.

Let’s follow our Father’s example and be givers too.

Blessings!

Kim

Image “Merry Christmas” Courtesy of digitalart/FreeDigitalPhotos.Net

Gifts that money can’t buy (utesmile.wordpress.com)
The Gift of Presence (alifefullysurrendered.wordpress.com)

THE CHRISTMAS STORY 21ST CENTURY STYLE

December 16, 2013Kim Sweeting 2 Comments

THE CHRISTMAS STORY 21ST CENTURY STYLE

I came across this video on YouTube and I thought it was definitely worth posting.

It is a retelling of the true story of Christmas Rap style.

Hats off to Timothy Calford, a High School Teacher in Ontario Canada and Christian Rap Artist for the lyrics and to 123InDaPlaceToBe for the music.

Enjoy and be blessed!

Kim

(Isaiah 9:6-7 – Amplified Bible)

Video “RAP RETELLING OF THE TRUE STORY OF CHRISTMAS – WITH LYRICS” courtesy of CalfordMath – http://www.youtube.com

3 UNCONVENTIONAL CHRISTMAS SONGS

December 13, 2013Kim Sweeting

3 UNCONVENTIONAL CHRISTMAS SONGS

Today I thought I’d share these unconventional Christmas songs because although culturally laced and non-traditional in nature, their lyrics contain important truths that are all too often cast aside during this time of year and remind us why we celebrate this season.

Enjoy and be blessed!

Kim

A CHRISTMAS SONG FROM THE BAHAMAS

“Ring Cowbells” – Kevan McKenzie

A CHRISTMAS SONG WITH A POWERFUL QUESTION

“Where’s the Line to see Jesus” – Becky Kelley

A FUNKY CHRISTMAS SONG FOR THE YOUNG AND YOUNG AT HEART

“Jingle Bells Hip Hip Rap Remix – Jesus is the Way” – Beacon Light

REMEMBER – IN THE MIDST OF THE CELEBRATION – JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!

SELAH!

Kim

Video “RING COWBELLS” courtesy of Duel Newton – http://www.youtube.com

Video “WHERE’S THE LINE TO SEE JESUS” courtesy of Becky Kelley – http://www.youtube.com

Video “JINGLE BELLS HIP HOP RAP REMIX – JESUS IS THE WAY” courtesy of beaconlightmusic – http://www.youtube.com

THIS CHRISTMAS

December 25, 2012December 25, 2012Kim Sweeting 2 Comments

This Christmas

“Merry Christmas”

This Christmas,

each time you see a light, remember that Jesus is the light of the world.

This Christmas,

each time you see a gift, remember that God gave the greatest gift in sending His only begotten Son to earth so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.

This Christmas,

each time you see a Christmas tree, remember the price Jesus paid for your salvation by suffering and dying on the cross.

This Christmas

may you and your loved ones have a blessed, peaceful, safe, and Christ-filled, holiday.

Merry Christmas!

Kim

Image “MERRY CHRISTMAS CARD” by digitalart, courtesy of digitalart/FreeDigitalPhotos.Net